Lifelong care

Symphony is a beautiful Hanoverian gelding currently training at advanced medium level in dressage. He is 16 years old and has recently gone on permanent loan to qualified SMS saddle fitter Steph Bradley of Freedom Saddlery who has hopes of competing him once they’ve come to know each other better.

Despite his fantastic paces and talent between the white boards, Symphony suffers from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and has to be carefully managed. He also objects to being girthed up, which is something Steph is taking very seriously.

“The welfare of our horses is our number one priority, so keeping Symphony as happy and healthy as we can, while helping him to overcome his girthiness, is our main focus,” says Steph. “I’ve had the vet-chiropractor out to check him over, and she has helped to resolve a few issues in the TMJ and hyoid area. I’ve also thoroughly checked his saddle fit and changed his girth and bridle to make him more comfortable.”

Steph also has to keep Symphony on a very strict diet and limit his grazing time to manage his EMS.

“Although we haven’t yet had him scoped for ulcers, I am feeding him as though he has them as this could also be a reason for his girthiness,” she explains. “He is weighed weekly and we keep an eye on his EMS through blood tests to ensure we are managing it the best we can.”

Symphony has to be exercised every day to keep him a healthy weight, and Steph works hard to ensure that his daily routine meets the three F’s; friends, freedom and forage.

“He can’t go on grass because there is too much sugar, so he gets turned out on an all-weather paddock near the other horses with a hay ball,” Steph tells. “His stable has a back window and internal window so he can see out and next door to his neighbour, and he can watch everyone’s comings and goings. He also goes on the horse walker while he’s mucked out so that he gets out of his stable as much as possible.”

He also has routine chiropractic treatments, and Steph is following a rehab programme which includes in-hand poles and stretches.

“He also hacks regularly,” adds Steph. “Despite his problems, he is the most perfectly behaved horse and a delight to have on the yard.”

Steph’s care and management of Symphony demonstrates the importance of being mindful of the impact careful management can have on a horse’s physical and mental wellbeing, and how to manage them for the best outcomes for the horse.

At Agria, welfare is the foundation of our ethos and a fundamental part of our reason for being. We are passionate about ensuring our horses live their best possible lives – welfare is not just about meeting our horses’ basic needs but ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing too. It is for this reason that Agria has assembled a team of equine experts to share their knowledge and experience. From vets to farriers, nutritionists to behaviourists and saddle fitters, such as Steph Bradley, this team of equine health experts has one goal in mind – to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of our equine partners.

Agria Lifetime Equine Insurance allows horse owners the reassurance that vets bills can be covered year after year for recurring injuries or repetitive or chronic conditions, ensuring their horses’ lifelong welfare. A Lifetime policy, with up to £10,000 of vet fees cover every year, means that owners will no longer face the difficult decision of whether to “call the vet or wait and see”. This policy is particularly important for horses such as Symphony who require ongoing treatment due to lifelong conditions and can be transferred from owner to owner or a new loan home.