Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 502 i Your Horse

OUR APRIL ISSUE is invariably the one in which we take an even closer than usual look at the issues surrounding confidence. Therefore this time, as well as the concluding part of our informative short series on hypnotherapy, in which we look at ‘turning down’ emotions (page 32), we also run some fascinating real life stories from readers who have ditched their fears (page 36). They reveal the various methods they used to do so — from being allowed to ride a friend's quiet horse, to visualising successful hacks, as well as riding Western style (and having tried the latter myself a few times several years ago, I can vouch for the fact that the saddle's huge horn and high cantle do instil bravery in a pilot). While articles on…

THELWELL'S BIG ANNIVERSARY Readers of a certain age will no doubt remember enjoying Norman Thelwell's iconic plump pony cartoons when they were growing up. To mark the centenary of the cartoonist and illustrator's birth, an exhibition that features more than 150 of his works is being hosted at the National Trust's Mottisfont in Hampshire. It runs until 7 May. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont DROP IN ROTATIONAL FALLS Last year saw the lowest number of rotational falls at international FEI horse trials since data recording commenced in 2004. The news was revealed at the FEI Eventing Forum & National Safety Officers'Seminar 2023 during January, although no specific statistics were released. I COULD EAT A HORSE! With Easter just around the corner we thought that this hand-crafted chocolate horse slab from Yummy Yum Chocolate would…

IN THE FRAME These gorgeous, playful foals are Dartmoors, and hopefully in the future there will be far more of them. The Dartmoor pony is in decline, but a recent initiative by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) aims to substantially increase numbers on the moor through supporting breeders and keepers. With the cost of living crisis hitting those who keep Dartmoors hard, the charity is incentivising pony breeders and keepers to retain their herds. It is hoped that by doing so key bloodlines and irreplaceable gene pools will be retained, allowing the native Dartmoor pony — those who are born and bred on Dartmoor are true to type and single in colour — to continue to thrive. DPHT chairman Malcolm Snelgrove said: “Unless we step in to encourage breeders…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING LIZ MOORE WAS once fearless. She may not have learned to ride until she was in her 20s, but she was soon making up for lost time, tearing around the countryside on nippy and sometimes naughty equines. The rot, however, set in when she purchased a cob who specialised in decanting people. Liz would find herself on the floor most days as he bucked, spun and dropped a shoulder. “In just a few months my confidence went from sky high to rock bottom and feeling sick whenever I thought of riding him,” says Liz, 50. “I would think of any excuse not to, and I would pray that it would rain so I wouldn't have to go out.” Eventually Liz was advised to give up on her…

Reiki can be received from a distance so the practitioner and the horse don't need to be in the same location for it to occur. “Energy is instantaneous so you don't have to go out and visit the horse,” says Holly Davis. “I like to do distant Reiki in the evening so I'm not disturbed. I ask for a photo of the horse and then I project myself to be with the horse. This allows me to carry out the session as if I'm there in person. I can feel them under my hands even though I may be hundreds of miles away.” Reiki practitioner and spiritual healer Sara Hope Brown treated Cassie from a distance when the 16-year-old Appaloosa pony was suffering from laminitis. Owner Louise Stewart says: “Cassie…

■ Ideally monitor weight weekly and body condition fortnightly. A body condition score (BCS) of 5/9 is generally considered ideal, but allowing good doers to enter the spring at a leaner score of 4.5 can help to prevent excess weight gain. ■ Restrict or remove grazing. In horses and ponies at very high risk, complete removal of grazing may be necessary. ■ Avoid turning out on sunny frosty mornings. Grass exposed to cold temperatures in conjunction with bright sunlight may contain high levels of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or ‘sugar’. ■ Ideally feed a low NSC hay (<10-12% on a dry matter basis). Alternatively, consider feeding a hay replacer that is low in starch and sugar. ■ Soaking hay helps to reduce the WSC content, but the results are highly variable,…

Ask The Experts Fear of the unknown Q I feel fine riding my own steady cob, but the thought of getting on a horse I've never ridden before fills me with dread. I'd love to have the confidence to sign up for a riding holiday this year, but nerves are holding me back. Any tips to help me feel positive and excited at the thought of riding a new horse rather than terrified? Joy Mann, via email Julie says: It is completely understandable to feel a bit nervous about riding a new horse, but you can change this. Here are three easy ways to turn your anxiety into excitement… 1. Visualisation This is an extremely effective confidence-boosting technique. Visualising exactly how you want things to be creates a happy story…

Ask The Experts Easy steps to core success Q What should I be doing in the school to improve my horse's core strength? Gill Hampton, Norfolk Gillian says: There are a number of exercises you can do from the ground and by performing these the core muscles that make for good posture, a strong back and that assist in carrying a rider can be strengthened. These include the deep internal muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, thoracic sling (which suspends the horse's rib cage between his forelegs) and back, together with the muscles of the horse's trunk. Here are two simple exercises to try… 1. BACK UP YOUR HORSE This exercise encourages a horse to lift and flex his back. It also strengthens the muscles and structures involved in engagement and…

EQUETECH E-TECH PERFORMANCE SOCKS RRP £16.95 (two pack) COLOURS Grey, navy SIZE One size (UK4-8) EQUETECH.COM These slimline signature equestrian socks are especially tailored to provide support to the heels and arches of your foot. They are made from anti-microbial yarns with moisture wicking properties, and they also feature protection panels to the heel and foot. They are perfect for year-round riding and yard activities. CAVALLO SIMO SOCKS RRP £19 COLOURS Black, marine, coffee, twilight SIZES UK 5-6,6-7 ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK These unisex functional long socks feature a padded foot for superior comfort and an extra thin shaft that eliminates any bulk inside your riding boots. The socks have right and left identification on them and a hand-linked toe. LEMIEUX COMPETITION SOCKS RRP £14.95 (twin pack) COLOURS Grey, black, navy, burgundy, hunter green, ice blue…

Rhea Freeman, social media expert: As much as it is fabulous to find pictures of ourselves looking good with horses, we have no right to use them without the photographer's permission, page 26 Anthony Clark, event rider and trainer: Introducing new elements at home is an excellent way to futureproof your outings away from home when you can't control the environment, page 28 Julia McHugh, master hypnotherapist: The control room has nothing to do in essence with horses, but it gives you the chance to imagine your feelings and take control over them, page 32 Event rider and trainer Ros Canter: I find counting useful. It is something I do a lot in the showjumping, particularly if I'm getting nervous. It helps me to realise when the rhythm is changing, and…

The team at Your Horse was sad to learn of the death of our cover star last month, Gemma Owen's Sirius Black III. The gelding, affectionately known as Siz, died shortly after Your Horse appeared on the shelves following “a sudden and severe illness” at the age of 18. Gemma, runner-up on ITV's Love Island last year, rode Siz internationally for Britain at junior and young rider level, including at the Junior European Dressage Championships in 2021. • Meanwhile, the showjumping world bid a sad farewell to Shutterfly, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum's legendary partner, who died at the end of January, aged 30. The superstar jumper, who won an unprecedented three World Cup finals, plus individual European gold, was heralded as one of the best in the world and his rider described him…

PICTURE THIS: YOU have left the roads, ridden along a lovely bridleway and now you are faced with a sprawling expanse of field ahead of you. You think about how lovely it will be to canter along the track and your horse's ears prick up. But there's a niggle at the back of your mind full of the ‘what ifs’ and the many things that could go wrong in such an open space. “Some people worry about losing control, or their horse bolting, while others are concerned that he may nap, buck, or spook. Then there are external factors that can play on riders’ minds — people walking, dogs, cyclists, vehicles,” says Rebecca Mills, a BHS Stage 4 senior eventing coach and Ride Safe trainer and assessor. “A lot of…

Horses pick up on human behaviour and emotions, so if the owner's chakras aren't functioning correctly then that can impact the horse. “Horses often mirror their owners, so I will sometimes treat both the owner and the horse,” says Kate Chandler. “I was once asked to treat a horse who had witnessed the death of a stablemate during a road accident while out hacking. She and her owner were both deeply traumatised and shocked. After three treatments the horse wasn't significantly improved so I asked whether the owner would consider having a joint treatment. After their session, during which the owner released a lot of her own trauma, there was a hugely positive shift for the horse too.” EXERCISE 1 RELATIONSHIP IMPROVER Sarah Berrisford suggests a simple exercise for an…

In partnership with Email your questions to yh.ed@yourhorse.co.uk Meet this month's panel of experts Wetcare Dulcie Smith is a vet at Agnew Equine, an independent ambulatory equine vet practice serving much of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Confidence Julie Brown is an accredited confidence coach for women over 50, as well as a journalist and a horse rider. Find out more at stillsassy.co.uk Insurance Becky Grant is a liability and equine policy administrator at KBIS (kbis.co.uk). She owns an ex-racehorse called Harley who is now a happy hacker. Equine biomechanics Gillian Higgins is an equine anatomy and biomechanics specialist, a BHS senior coach, equine therapist and author. Visit horsesinsideout.com GOT A PROBLEM? Need an answer? We'll know someone who can help… Welcome to our Ask The Experts section. Over the next…

Ask The Experts Is he too old to insure? Q At 21 my 14hh cob is really young for his age, but as I haven't had him properly insured before I'm worried that he'll be too old for a policy that covers vets’ fees, etc. I've just had public liability insurance before as a British Horse Society Gold member, but as he gets older I'd like a bit more. Help! Suzanne Reid, South Yorkshire Becky says: When it comes to veteran horses, the cover available from each insurer will differ. First and foremost, it is important to find out what is available and decide what policy suits you best, so do some research online. At KBIS we offer full veterinary cover up to and including the age of 25, even…

A CLEVER CAVESSON The Claridge House Leather Cavesson is lightweight, multifunctional and can be used for lungeing, long-reining and groundwork. It features removable bit straps which allows it to be used with or without a bit. RRP £64.90 KRAMER.CO.UK FLATTERING AND FUNCTIONAL For the active equestrian, the Mountain Horse Quinn Hybrid Jacket ticks every box. It is water and wind-repellent and yet its stretchy sleeve and side panels allow for maximum movement in the saddle. The jacket is warm and lightweight, with a soft polyester padding, plus it is cut in a flattering style. RRP £169 MOUNTAINHORSE.CO.UK AS GOOD AS GOLD The 18 carat gold plated Flexcite Grip Stirrups from Sprenger feature a bow form to provide perfect balance and help to set the rider's leg in the correct position…

Once corralled with his mother, Becky and her team were able to take a closer look. “It was decided to move him and his mum to a nearby vets as we didn't know what we would find underneath once we removed the metal,” said Becky. Under light sedation vets discovered and removed a complete tin can, which had fitted over the leg of the foal — who the staff named Tintin — like a glove. But there was disbelief when they realised that underneath was a second complete tin can. Vets estimated that the cans had been on the foot for a couple of weeks. “We don't believe the tins were put on deliberately,” continued Becky. “Tintin is unhandled and doesn't let anyone near him. Perhaps he stepped on two…

Perfect partner Spice is a 28-year-old Welsh section D who my mum and I have owned for 17 years. We got Spice when she was 11 and I was 12, and I'm now 29! Spice is still a happy hacker, but when she was younger we did TREC, hacking holidays, pole clinics, pub rides and, last year, two local fun rides. Before we bought Spice, I had lost my confidence after a nasty fall and wasn't sure if I wanted to ride any more, but after a try on her, when she walked as slowly as she could, I thought she was what I needed to keep me safe. On getting her home and spoiling her, she turned into a cheeky, feisty and speedy pony, but by then we had…

YOUR HORSE'S CARE KEEPING HIM COMFY | HOW REIKI WORKS In partnership with When BJ, A 14-year-old Dales pony, refused to eat or drink following an operation to repair a tendon on her hind leg, owner Sharron Welford was at a loss as to what to do. “BJ was in such a state. She lost weight and was shaking and sweating,” says Sharron. “I offered her every kind of food and drink imaginable, but she wouldn't touch any of it. I was having to syringe honey into her mouth, which she hated. A friend suggested trying Reiki and although I was sceptical I was so desperate that I thought anything was worth a try.” Animal and human Reiki practitioner Stella Storey came to treat BJ and within an hour of her…

Root chakra (red) — survival Location: Hindquarters (base of the tail). Represents: Survival, instinct, safety, security. Governs: The immune system, hind legs and feet. Also home to the female sexual organs. Sacral chakra (orange) — power Location: Hip area. Represents: Sexuality, creativity, emotion. Governs: Hips, sacrum, lower vertebrae, lower intestine. Also the location of the male sexual and female reproductive organs. Solar plexus chakra (yellow) — self-esteem Location: Middle of the back. Represents: Self-esteem, control, confidence. Governs: Stomach, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, digestive system. Heart chakra (green) — unconditional love Location: Withers. Also incorporates the chest, heart and lungs. Represents: Devotion, compassion, unconditional love. Governs: Heart, respiratory system. Throat chakra (light blue) — expression Location: Upper throat area. Represents: Self-expression, creativity, communication. Governs: Throat, thyroid and other glands, teeth, vertebrae in…

Ask The Experts Lights out! Q Can horses see in the dark? Molly Rollins, Lancashire Dulcie says: In a word, yes. Horses have many adaptations that help them to see better in low light compared to humans. Of course, their eyes are much bigger than ours and their large, rectangular pupil allows a lot of light to enter. The back of the eye, called the retina, is the major determiner of vision. Light is absorbed in this area and converted to nerve impulses that travel to the brain. This is done by specialised cells called rods and cones. Rods are responsible for vision in dim light and cones enable coloured vision. Horses have a high proportion of rods to cones and so can detect motion even in very low light. However,…

Ask The Experts Reduce the risk of injury with the ideal warm up Q I need some tips please for riding an effective warm up and cool down. Laura Munt, Jersey Gillian says: First off, well done for giving this some thought as a good warm up and cool down are crucial parts of a horse's work and will help to reduce the risk of injury. The aim of every warm up is to: • Increase blood flow to your horse's muscles and vital organs. • Increase his pulse and respiration rate. • ‘Awaken’ his core. • Stretch his muscles, ligaments and tendons. • Take his joints through a full range of movement. • Increase your horse's flexibility and range of movement. • Focus his mind. Every horse is different, but…

SUPREME PRODUCTS DEFUSE RRP £9.45 for 80ml SUPREMEPRODUCTS.CO.UK DeFuse is a vitamin, magnesium and amino acid-based supplement that helps to calm nervous animals. It is designed as an on-the-day calmer, so no build up is usually needed, and it can be given as and when you feel you need to relax your anxious or excitable horse. HI FORM EQUINE HERBANERVE RRP £105 for 500g HIFORMEQUINE.CO.UK Herbanerve can be fed daily or for short periods. It contains a range of vitamins and amino acids formulated to work with the nervous system. The inclusion of the amino acid L-Tryptophan has been shown in studies to have a hypnotic effect, while other natural ingredients, such as passionflower and chamomile, can help to relieve anxiety. MASTACARE EQUESTRIAN NATURAL HERBAL HORSE CALMER RRP £30.95 for 1.6kg HARRYHALL.COM A…