Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 519 i Your Horse

SEVERAL PAGES THIS month are dedicated to ex-racehorses and their careers after the track, and they all make fascinating reading. Some riders shy away from taking on a former speed machine, thinking that they will be difficult to control, hot headed and hard to retrain, but this is rarely the case, although of course there are exceptions. Because they are exposed to so many different stimuli in their daily lives, from busy roads to racecourses, former racers tend to be fairly unflappable when faced with the likes of traffic and show atmospheres once inaleisure home. Some of Your Horse’s #Hack1000Miles challengers confirm that this is true (page 8), with Tracey Jones saying: “My ex-racer, Percy, is brilliant in traffic, which I hadn’t anticipated — tractors and lorries, he takes them…

According to PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, the national charity dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide, in the UK the main cause of death in young people below the age of 35 is suicide. This equates to over five young people taking their own lives each day. And every year, 200 of these are teenagers. In 2021, 1,905 people under the age of 35 took their own lives, over three quarters of whom were boys or young men. As PAPYRUS states on its website: “Research shows that with appropriate early intervention and support, suicide by young people can be prevented.”…

Snack attack This is me and my 12-year-old ex-racer, Chilli, who insists on being bought a packet of salt and vinegar crisps on our pub rides. He loves them. Sian Ellis, Cardiff Let's drink to Mocha This is me and my boy, Mocha, a seven-year-old Connemara who I have owned for three years. Mocha is the apple of my eye, but my husband doesn’t feel quite the same about him! Dee Fifield, Gloucestershire Star photo Learning together I’m always getting sent crazy photos from my 21-year-old daughter, Aeryn Gower, who is autistic. Here she is pictured with Jack, who is her therapy pony. Jack came to us on loan when he was seven, predominantly as a driving pony, so he has had to learn from scratch what riding is all…

YOUR HORSE’S TRAINING EVENTING | CROSS-COUNTRYPREP THE WARM-UP at any competition is first and foremost a tick-box exercise to prepare the horse for the class—it isn’t a training session. By the time the competition comes around it is too late to put in any more training, and falling into that mindset can lead to things unravelling. Therefore, what are the criteria to meet when warming up for the cross-country? The first question to ask is what is the competition? Is it a hunter trials or a phase at a one-day event? If it’s the former, the rider should be looking at 20 min or so of focusing the horse, warming up his muscles and working through the gears before he’s given a breather and pops a few fences. Think flatwork with…

Jockeys are usually legged up on the go, so learning to stand still to be mounted is quite a foreign process for the majority of ex-racehorses. It is key that their new owner recognises the big lifestyle change they are going through, so plenty of patience is required. “When working with an ex-racehorse wemight focusmore heavily on the relaxation element of training. Racehorsesmay experience higher levels of stress and agitation as they have been trained to go, go, go,” says Corinne. “If they’re fresh off the track and struggling with standing still, itmight be beneficial to spend some quality time with them, build a trusting relationship on the ground, let themsettle into their new life and enjoymore free time grazing and interacting with other horses first. Once they have adjusted…

HORSES, LIKE HUMANS, are susceptible to a variety of skin allergies that can cause discomfort and distress. Skin allergies in horses can appear in various forms, ranging from mild irritation to severe inflammation. These allergies can be triggered by a multitude of factors and can cause significant welfare issues, making it essential for horse owners and caretakers to be knowledgeable about their causes, symptoms and management strategies. Recognising the signs of skin allergies in horses is crucial for timely intervention andmanagement. A key signal of a skin allergy in a horse is excessive itching and scratching. The affected horsemay rub against fences, posts, or other objects to relieve the itch. Sometimes they will bite their own legs and flanks, leading to hair loss and skin abrasions. Allergic reactions often result…

■ If concerned about excess weight gain, consider reducing calorie intake from forage for mares by feeding soaked hay, strip grazing, or using a grazing muzzle (pre-foaling). ■ Foals should generally be provided with as much soft hay/haylage as they will eat. ■ Balancers are ideal for good doers. Opt for a stud balancer for mares from month eight of gestation, throughout lactation and for foals and yearlings. Youngstock can generally be transitioned to a feed/balancer for adult horses from two years of age. ■ Mares are at increased risk of colic post foaling, so owners should be extra vigilant and avoid sudden changes in diet wherever possible. ■ Speak to a nutrition advisor if the mare is prone to laminitis. ■ Anyone with concerns about DODs or that their…

Ask The Experts BOX REST - MARY FRANCES says… Q My horse recently injured a leg and I’m having to keep him on box rest. What can I expect? Cheryl Shepherd, Northumberland Mary says: Box rest is unnatural for horses and so making it a positive experience is key. Horses are herd animals and so the first element to consider is that your horse won’t ever be on his or her own. It certainly isn’t realistic to expect this confined horse to see other equines from the yard going out together to the field and not react. He will obviously be unsettled. Your horse is on box rest to heal and therefore everything must be done to promote this, and mental and physical calmness is a must. Additionally, ask an equine…

Q My mare has been confined to her stable for several weeks due to injury and now she’s on the road to recovery I will soon need to think about taking her out. Will she be hard to handle? Tina Jones, Denbighshire Mary says: If all good advice is followed there is no reason why your mare should be tricky. Obviously, the longer the period of box rest, the bigger the challenge, but make the transition carefully and with help from an experienced person, and always ensure that your mare wears boots to protect her, that you use a bridle rather than a headcollar and that you lead her with a lunge line rather than a lead rope. Also protect yourself by wearing all the correct safety gear, including a…

In partnership with Q I have an expensive new saddle, but I’ve no idea of the best conditions for its everyday storage. Can you help? Rose Dundas, Norfolk Poppy says: If you are storing the saddle for long periods it needs to be in a temperature-controlled, dry environment, as well as covered. Pop on some good quality conditioner or balm every now and again to prevent it from drying out. If you are going to store tack for a long period without using it, I would put on an extra layer of balm or conditioner beforehand, and then wrap it up extra well. Leather is skin, and skin needs to be kept moisturised or it will crack. Also consider your saddle rack. Does yours have bars under the soft panel…

Ask The Experts EX-RACEHORSES - GILLIAN HIGGINS says… Q I have just taken on an exracehorse and my friend has told me that because he was backed young there may be implications for his life as the general riding horse I want him to be. I’m now quite worried. Can you tell me what common problems ex-racehorses suffer from after a career on the track? Saffie McDonald, West Sussex Gillian says: As racehorses have frequently been worked fast at a young age, musculoskeletal injuries and issues are quite common. They seem fine while they are young, but often these issues catch up with them in later life. Ex-racehorses suffer from issues such as puffy joints, kissing spines and sacroiliac ligament dysfunction. Some of these, however, are more to do with…

Ask The Experts FEEDING - EMMA SHORT says… Q I’ve been advised to give my Thoroughbred a prebiotic or a probiotic. Can you explain the difference and suggest which oneIshould feed? Sophie Millard, Moray Emma says: Prebiotics and probiotics come under a group heading of digestive enhancers as they are designed to support gut health and digestive efficiency. Prebiotics are indigestible sugars (oligosaccharides) that can have a beneficial effect on the bacteria and microorganisms in the gut. ■ Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) act by binding to pathogenic bacteria so that they are then removed from the digestive system via droppings, giving the beneficial species a better chance to flourish. ■ Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) act as a food source for the beneficial bacteria, allowing their populations to grow at the expense of pathogenic ones.…

YOUR HORSE’S GEAR ON TREND | PLAITING KIT NAF PLAIT IT UP RRP £12.99 for 500ml NAF-EQUINE.EU/UK This easy-to-apply product will help riders and grooms create neat and tidy plaits. It should be applied as the mane or tail is plaited to give greater grip. Once finished, spray on more product to help hold the plaits in place and keep wisps and stray hairs at bay. HY EQUESTRIAN PERFECT PLAITS RRP £5.99 COLOURS Black, blue, burgundy HY-EQUESTRIAN.COM This clever plaiting tool helps riders and grooms achieve neat plaits. The mane comb ensures that the plaits are measured evenly, while the clip holds the stray hairs out of the way. This tool even has a rubber band holder built onto the end to keep the ser’s hands ree to plait. HES TEC…

For a chance to get your hands on these goodies*, enter at yourhorse.co.uk/win/519 10 POULTICE KITS FROM ROBINSON ANIMAL HEALTHCARE Your Horse has teamed up with Robinson Animal Healthcare to give away poultice kits to 10 lucky readers. The kit contains everything an owner will need to treat an infected wound or unexpected hoof abscess, including an Animalintex Poultice pack, an Animalintex Hoof Treatment Poultice and two Equiwrap cohesive bandages. Animalintex is a multi-layered poultice and wound dressing that can be applied either as a wet, hot, or cold poultice, or as a dry dressing. Animalintex contains boric acid, an active ingredient that acts as an antiseptic, minimising infection and reinfection and promoting faster healing. Tragacanth, a natural poulticing agent, is activated by water. It draws out dirt and infection, reduces…

Tracey Jones & Percy Tracey says: “My ex-racer, Percy, is brilliant in traffic, which I hadn’t anticipated — tractors and lorries, he takes them all in his stride. A crisp packet on the side of the road, or a new patch of tarmac, are whole different matters, though!” Patricia Haskins & ROR Gaelic Surprise Patricia says: “ROR Gaelic Surprise isn’t particularly great in traffic or open fields, but we don’t let this stop us going on 10-20 mile hacks three times a week. It helps her to stay chilled far more than any calmer, which in turn helps her to stay focused in the white boards.” Brenda Young & Harvey Brenda says: “My boy ran his last race on 2 November and came to live with me on 30 November.…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/win/Hickstead519 YOUR HORSE HAS teamed up with Agria, sponsor of the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, to offer two lucky readers the following prizes. The lucky winners will each receive… ■ A pair of members’ tickets to the Agria Royal International Horse Show on Friday 26 July. ■ A space for them and their guest on the Nations Cup course-walk. ■ An Agria first aid kit for horses. ■ An Agria ‘Anton’ pony signed by Joe Stockdale. ■ A caricature drawing of their pet (dog or horse). And 10 runners-up will each receive… A pair of members’ tickets to the Agria RIHS on Friday 26 July. The Royal International Horse Show first took place in 1907, making it one of the oldest events of its kind, but…

❋ Keep the pressure off when you warm up and spend plenty of time in walk. “Get your horse moving, but do very little else,” is Sarah’s mantra. ❋ Test the horse’s suppleness and balance with circle work, keeping it large to start with and then spiralling in. ❋ Practise counter canter for a few strides after leg yielding to the track from the centre line. ❋ Again, concentrate on your horse’s balance and ability to listen to your aids. ❋ If you feel confident, try a few steps of half pass and walk pirouette. ❋ Make it easy to get the result you want by finding a good trainer, working within your horse’s capabilities and making learning and progressing together fun. ❋ Remember the six Scales of Training whenever…

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Racing’s official charity partner that is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of racehorses when they retire from the track. "Retraining these horses is a crucial phase, and although the majority of former racehorses are well suited to a second career, a successful transition depends on their physical wellbeing and temperament," says Philippa Gilmore, RoR's head of welfare operations. "There are myths that racehorses are difficult to retrain, when in fact they are exposed to such a variety of environments during their racing careers that they are very adaptable and usually relatively easy to train. Thoroughbreds are, however, incredibly intelligent, and therefore can pick up bad habits as easily as good ones, and the majority of them need to be kept occupied. Former racehorses are…

Spillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join its Spillers Slimmers’ Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony at a healthy weight. This motivating and friendly club provides practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies to aid them on their weight loss journey. It provides information and advice, including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and how to use a weigh tape. OR SEARCH SPILLERS SLIMMERS ON FACEBOOK…

In partnership with Q My mare is on box rest and a friend has said that prolonged time in the stable can cause stomach ulcers. Is this true? Chloe Fielding, Somerset Mary says: No access to grazing can cause gastric ulcers, which all horses are prone to, but giving your horse 24/7 access to forage will ensure that her gut is kept active and healthy. I have found that having a short break in hay availability encourages a horse to lie down, and making that a part of the routine can be helpful, too. Additionally, feeding from the floor will help with your horse’s posture as that is where nature intended her to feed. If forced to raise her head and neck for over 18 hours to eat from a…

Ask The Experts SADDLE FITTING - POPPY WEBBER says… Q I have just purchased a new horse and am about to start searching for a second-hand saddle online. What should I look for? Eloise Whittaker, Staffordshire Poppy says: The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) always recommends that you consult an SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter before searching online for a saddle as they will have a clear idea of what saddle will potentially suit your horse. You would never simply look for a 17in, medium wide, GP, for example, because there are so many variations in fit and shape between brands and models. Therefore, I am going to assume that you’re going armed with a list of saddles to look for on the advice of a qualified fitter. Firstly, you…

Q What are the ‘pressure points’ on a saddle that I should look for when it’s on my horse? Anna Robertson, Fife Poppy says: There should be no pressure points as such on a well-fitting saddle. Pressure points usually arise from a saddle pinching from being too wide, too narrow, by tipping the rider, or because it’s the incorrect size and shape for the horse and/or rider. The most common places where you may find pressure points tend to be where the ‘points’ of the tree sit at the front of the saddle (at the back of the wither/scapula). This is where the saddle will pinch if it’s too narrow, as well as if it’s too wide. A saddle that is too narrow can cause the tree points to pinch…

Q What are the main biomechanical differences between a racehorse and a ridden horse, and how can I work to strengthen my ex-racer? Jill Nuttall, North Yorkshire Gillian says: For the majority of racehorses, their work has involved going fast in a straight line. They will be very strong in the muscles that help to extend the hip and propel them forward. One of the biggest differences between the biomechanical demands for racing versus dressage and showjumping is the requirement for lateral stability and flexibility. Lateral flexibility is the horse’s ability to bend through his spine, particularly in the neck, middle of the back, tail and rib cage (left). Because there is little lateral flexibility naturally within the back, the horse’s ability to bend comes from limb movement. In other…

In partnership with Q Now that the weather is warmer my gelding is sweating a lot during schooling sessions and at shows. I’m guessing that I should think about adding salt to his diet, or even an electrolyte supplement, but I’m not really sure which will be the best. Can you help? Amy White, Lancashire Emma says: Horses lose a range of body salts in sweat and, although these will be replenished over time from the daily diet, the quicker the body is able to replace them, the quicker it will recover from the exertion which caused the sweating in the first place. Water and body salts must be kept in balance in the body, but when they are lost through sweating an imbalance occurs which leads to fatigue, a…

YOUR HORSE’S GEAR BIG TEST | BRIDLES ABRIDLE IS a critical piece of equipment that acts as a means of communication between horse and rider. Bridle design has evolved over time, with the core focus now firmly on ensuring comfort for the horse and a correct fit. Optional bridle features include anatomical headpieces and nosebands that are designed to complement the anatomy of a horse’s head, avoiding delicate facial nerves and structures. Your Horse’s panel of testers has put a selection of off-the-peg bridles to the test over a period of three months. Keep reading to discover which ones came out on top. How we score: Each bridle is given a score out five for fit/comfort, quality/performance and value for money. This gives an overall score out of 15. WATCH THE…

Several hundred equines were seized by the RSPCA in 2021 as part of a welfare case and Lottie, an unhandled five-yearold, was sent to Thornberry, which is located near Sheffield in South Yorkshire. When she arrived she was “timid, but not too much of a problem”, said Alyson Bailey of Thornberry, and she was happy to be handled by the all-female staff. Problems started, however, when a male vet arrived to vaccinate Lottie. “She was terrified and very defensive, rearing up, striking out, kicking and biting,” said Alyson. “We think that whatever behaviour had traumatised her had probably come from a man and she was really upset. Our vet is a very patient and calm man, but he felt that Lottie would never be more than a field ornament.” However,…

WORK HORSE balance The policewoman who has won awards for her road safety work reveals how she jugglesa taxing job with a family and two horses. My job… I’mapolice sergeant working on neighbourhoods for West Yorkshire Police. I’m referred to as the real life Happy Valley sergeant because of my no-nonsense, straight-talking style, much like Sgt Catherine Cawood, played in the famous drama by Sarah Lancashire. I police rural Bradford and as a community sergeant I prioritise what my community wants. I was honoured to receive a BHS Sefton Award for my work on equestrian safety, and while I still have so many plans for tackling this, some initiatives that are already underway include the West Yorkshire Horsewatch, which I relaunched alongside a colleague who had been running it solo…

PROBLEM: My horse doesn’t stay straight over the poles SOLUTION: I would advise you to widen your hands slightly and use the reins as a channel to keep the horse straight. Ride the horse leg to hand so that energy goes through the channel. Also slow down, take your time and don’t rush the horse over the poles. Start in walk and gradually go up through the gaits. Remember to be confident in yourself and look up and ride your line. If you’re looking down, the weight of your head will impact your horse’s balance. You can also try using poles that have colours in sections so that you can aim at a certain pole colour. ■ NEXT TIME: Polework patterns that will improve a horse’s accuracy.…

1 Keep your hacks short. Start with five minutes and build up. 2 Plan your route and walk it on foot. 3 Have support in place. This can be someone on foot, or riding with a friend on a steady horse. Alternatively, if you plan to hack out alone, let someone at the yard know so that you can call them if you need them. 4 Set a clear goal for each ride. This could be focusing on your breathing or maintaining an even rhythm. 5 Practise relaxation techniques before you ride. 6 Ask yourself why hacking is important to you, and why you want to do it. Keep a note of these reasons to reflect back on when you feel nervous. 7 Set an achievable, future-focused goal that you…

THE AIM OF RETRAINING… “We want our horses to stand still throughout the mounting process, and ultimately be calm and relaxed about it,” says Corinne McCafferty. EVERY EQUESTRIAN HAS been there — trying to strategically line up their horse to the mounting block while at the same time quickly launching themselves into the saddle before he has a chance to either swing his hindquarters out or charge off. No good ride starts off with an argument at the mounting block and so instead of getting off and repositioning the horse multiple times it is better to try to find a solution by assessing his behaviour, advises equine behaviour consultant Corinne McCafferty. Mounting problems? A horse might walk backwards, forwards, or step sideways from the mounting block as his rider leads…

■ Look at your current fitness levels and take it steady. ■ Plan ahead. Map out a plan for the week. If you mark in an online planner or diary when you are exercising and what you are doing, you will follow through. Don’t leave getting started to chance. ■ Find a friend to accompany you at exercise sessions or tell them that you are training so there is a sense of accountability and achievement when done. ■ Be realistic about work/life pressures. It is better to commit to do less and follow through than overwhelm yourself and back out. ■ Every walk, movement, jig, workout and activity is a win.…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk In partnership with Simple solutions for horse owners Meet this month's panel of experts BOX REST Mary Frances BHSII, BHS SM is the chief executive of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre. She has spent most of her working life training young and wayward horses and has also specialised in physical discomfort in the horse dictating its behaviour, especially when ridden. moorcroftracehorse.org.uk SADDLE FITTING Poppy Webber is a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter with over 15 years’ experience. She has her own YouTube channel and a large following on social media, where she helps to spread the word on the importance of correct saddle fit. EX-RACEHORSES Gillian Higgins is one of the world’s leading equine anatomy and biomechanics educators. The founder and principal lecturer of…

Q My gelding is used to being turned out 24/7, so I’m really concerned that box rest will make him stiff. If this happens, what can I do? Lottie Sadler, Devon Mary says: Your horse won’t necessarily become stiff, but if he has to be on box rest for an injury, then as mentioned above, a physiotherapist will help with this hugely. Carrot stretches can be performed daily, too, to ensure good human contact and these will also help with his mental health and will keep joints and muscles moving. Firstly, though, ensure that you have received the right advice on how to do the exercises. Cutting grass and feeding it immediately to the stabled horse can really help his gut, as a sudden change from this very important feedstuff can…

Q We have been having a discussion at my livery yard about the difference between a saddler and a saddle fitter and ultimately no one really knows, so can you explain? Polly Taylor, Warwickshire Poppy says: This is a common question, and a lot of people get confused as to the difference between a saddler and a saddle fitter. I think this is because the governing body for both professions is The Society of Master Saddlers, so it is presumed that Master Saddler is the thing to look for when choosing a saddle fitter. However, this isn’t entirely correct. A saddler is someone who makes saddles, bridles and sometimes harnesses, too. They are skilled leather workers who are able to make, repair and adjust saddles. A Master Saddler, meanwhile, is…

Q When and how often should I ask a saddle fitter to come and check my saddle? Penny Williams, Kent Poppy says: You should get your saddle checked by an SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter every six months as a minimum. On top of that, you should get it checked if your horse’s shape alters, his workload increases or decreases, his diet changes (this includes an influx of spring grass), his turnout differs, and so on. A young horse should be checked more often as he is growing and he will change shape a lot, and you don’t ever want to have a young horse who is unhappy under saddle. I also think that everyone should get their saddle checked when they get a new horse, even if he comes…

In partnership with Q I have heard that it takes a long time for a horse’s body to change from his racing days to him being a general riding horse. How long will it take, and any tips to help develop his muscles so that I can do low-level dressage, showjumping and hacking with him? Flo Browne, Cheshire Gillian says: It is said that for a muscle to change as a result of exercise, it takes four to six weeks. So, for example, if you start doing Pilates exercises with your horse, you can expect to start to see a difference within four weeks, but for the difference to be sustained, you need to keep going with the exercises for much longer. To change a horse’s entire muscular system, it…

Q I have noticed that some feeds and supplements contain chelated minerals. What does this mean and what are the benefits? Millie Sainsbury, Leicestershire Emma says: Minerals may commonly be added to feeds or supplements in their inorganic form, which is essentially ground up rock, while those that are chelated have been through a process to bind them to another carbon-containing organic molecule, such as a protein or an amino acid. This makes them more like those that are naturally found in plants and for age, and it protects the mineral from reacting with other substances in the horse’s digestive tract. It also makes it easier for them to be absorbed by the gut and they are considered more ‘bioavailable’, and so more of what is contained in the feed…

Allison Lowther is the freelance gear editor for Your Horse magazine. She owns two horses — a retired 29-year-old Irish Sport Horse called Jester and a 20-year-old Hanoverian mare called Wish. Julie Harding is the editor of Your Horse magazine. She keeps four veteran equines, all in their 20s — two World Horse Welfare ponies, plus a cob called Panda, and Apollo, an Irish Draught. She has hacked from a young age. Melanie Tate owns two home-bred horses, Daschy, 11, and Zoco, who is 13. Both are full brother and sister. Mel rides up to medium level in dressage and she has hunted regularly in the past. Emily Hanlon is a charted surveyor. Following an eight-year break to concentrate on her career, she and her horse, Wilma, now mainly showjump,…