Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 532 i Your Horse

IT’S A FEW years since I went through the somewhat stressful experience of buying a horse. Well, more than a decade, in fact. It involved the lovely Panda here (above), a former hunter who only knew fast and who had no slow or stop switch. I discovered this after buying her unseen. First mistake. Always view a prospective purchase if you possibly can. I sent a friend who was a former event rider. She wasn’t looking for the dope on a rope that was in my mind. During my first outing on Panda, only a day or two after her arrival at my yard, she tried to cart me across the fast-flowing A359, ignoring my protestations to stop. I was lucky that I had years of experience of bolting horses…

African Horse Sickness (AHS) will become a threat to UK horses if warming temperatures allow its midge vectors into the country, Defra warned at a recent session of Government experts and the equine sector. There is currently no threat of AHS in the UK, but Defra is reviewing its plan in the event that there is a confirmed outbreak in Europe, meaning that parts of the UK have to be shut down (or the whole of the UK if there is an outbreak in the UK). AHS is spread by midges and causes a 55% to 95% death rate in horses. Signs include swelling and redness around the eyes and face, frothing and discharge from the nostrils, fever, slow and heavy breathing and coughing. It is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa,…

Equestrian social media star This Esme has pledged to ride 100 miles in 100 days in aid of The Brooke. The charity is aiming to raise £25,000 this summer to improve water provision for 10,000 donkeys in Kenya with its My Hackathon Hack100 campaign. Esme said: “I’m delighted to raise money for [The Brooke] again with my hackathon – why don’t you join in too?” All riders are welcome to participate in the challenge, which runs until the end of August, but it is requested that they raise a minimum of £100. Visit thebrooke.org/get-involved/fundraise/myhackathon-hack-100…

■ Competitive carriage driving is overseen by the British Driving Society and is an inclusive sport that is also suitable for less able-bodied competitors. ■ Drivers control a two- or four-wheeled carriage that’s hitched to one, two, or four horses or ponies. ■ Grooms or backsteppers are required because the driver must stay on the carriage at all times, holding the reins and controlling the horses. ■ If there’s a collision with an object or a horse falls, the grooms are needed to hold the horses and to help untangle the harness. ■ A groom may also have the job of navigator, giving directions to the driver and keeping time with a stopwatch during timed events. They also help with ballast and balance during fast manoeuvres. ■ There are a…

How I make it work: At times it’s an exhausting juggle, but my partner, Adam, is a great help. The animal lover who combines a role as a vet nurse with running her own keepsake business, discusses removing ticks and bandaging paws, as well as the challenge of taking on two young horses. My job… I work at Bush House Vets in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, as a registered veterinary nurse. It’s an independent practice that’s run by a small but wonderful team that specialises in small animals. My main roles are to provide care for our patients and assist the vets, and tasks include working as a theatre nurse, where I care for and monitor patients under anaesthetic and during recovery; looking after poorly inpatients; and running the likes of blood,…

MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR MEET THE EXPERT ZANA COUSINS is a horse trainer and stunt rider who is well known for her unique confidence camps at The Centre of Horseback Combat in Hertfordshire. She has won medals in horseback archery and was the first female knight to perform in jousting tournaments at Warwick Castle. PART FIVE A RIDER’S CONFIDENCE to canter can dip for any number of reasons — but the good news is that this is totally normal. As a coach, I’m passionate about helping riders to achieve their horsey dreams without fear. One way that I put this into action is through my Confident to Canter courses at my Hertfordshire base. On these courses something amazing happens: riders who arrived consumed…

The pre-purchase examination (PPE) or vetting is a comprehensive health assessment of the horse carried out by a vet. The vet acts for the purchaser and the results of the vetting aren’t made known to the seller. ■ There are two levels of PPE, two-stage and five-stage, with the five-stage vetting covering strenuous exercise, recovery and a blood test. ■ The vet will also check the horse’s microchip and physical identity against his passport. ■ It’s important to get a horse vetted by a professional who is unconnected to the yard, vendor, or owner of the horse who is being purchased. ■ If the horse is beyond the buyer’s local area, they should ask their vet if they can recommend a colleague in the appropriate area. Alternatively, do they have…

■ Unless the owner has solid proof of their new horse’s worming history — for example, the results of a recent faecal egg count (FEC) — it is best to conduct an FEC as soon as he arrives at the yard, advises RAMA Connect, the industry body for Registered Animal Medicine Advisors/Suitably Qualified Persons. ■ The FEC will give an indication of adult redworm and roundworm parasites by measuring the number of worm eggs in a dung sample. However, this doesn’t show the encysted larval stages of small redworm, migrating stages of large redworm, tapeworm, bots, or pinworm, and therefore new horses still require saliva or blood tests to detect these, or a worming treatment to target them. A dose of moxidectin and praziquantel is recommended. ■ Horses continue to…

■ The horse should wear a well-fitting and maintained headcollar when travelling. Leather is an ideal material as it will break under extreme pressure and can be cut in the event of an accident. ■ He should be tied up, using a quick-release knot, to a quick-release pin or thinned piece of baler twine. Check that the lead rope is in good condition. ■ Always use travel boots or bandages with gamgee, and a tail bandage or guard. ■ A tall horse may need a poll guard to protect the top of his head from injury. ■ Rugs offer extra protection to a horse’s sides from chaffing against the wall, divider, or breast bar of the vehicle. However, beware over-rugging on a hot day. ■ The inside of a trailer…

THE UK’S POPULATION of senior equines is increasing thanks to improved veterinary care and nutrition that are helping horses to live healthier and more active lives for longer. The horse’s hindgut is home to trillions of tiny microbes, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, which are essential for fibre digestion and helping to regulate the immune system. Research (Dougal et al, 2014; Morrison et al, 2018) in healthy horses found that ageing was associated with a reduction in the diversity of hind gut microbes, which may make some older horses more sensitive to changes in diet. Interestingly, no reduction in diversity was seen when this research was repeated in similarly aged ponies. Although the reasons for this are not yet clear, these findings may suggest that ponies ‘age later’ than horses.…

Insurance cover must be chatted over with staff at new yard Q Due to a lack of facilities at home I have decided to move my two geldings to a local livery yard. What sort of insurance will I be expected to have to cover both of my horses, as well as my tack, equipment and horsebox that I will be storing there? Anna Hill, Cornwall Charlotte says: This is a question to ask your new yard because the answer can differ based on their own insurance cover that’s in place. As a general rule I would suggest that the following would be fairly typical… ■ Third party liability insurance in case of damage to facilities, or injury to people or other horses. In the case of my own yards, this…

Jousting offers a real adrenaline rush Q I came across jousting on the internet the other day and, while I’m thinking of giving it a go, first I’d like to know what it’s like to ride in armour and how does it feel when you’re hit? Poppy Browne, Wiltshire Emma says: Jousting gives me such an adrenaline buzz. It’s an assault on the senses even though your vision and hearing are significantly compromised by the helmet. This means that you can become quite disconnected with what’s happening around you. You therefore need to work closely with your squire on the ground, and they ultimately become your eyes and ears in the arena. Given the fast-paced nature of jousting, the horses can become excitable. Therefore, the rider needs to remain relaxed and…

SUMMER IS HERE. The season of long hacks, warm weather (hopefully), gleaming coats and, unfortunately, pesky flies. Anyone who has ever watched their horse stomp, swish and generally lose the plot in the field will know just how irritating those tiny winged nuisances can be. Sometimes a horse needs some protection in addition to his own skin and coat, and that’s where a good fly rug comes in. Fly rugs are game changers for summer turnout. Light, breathable and often UV-reflective, these clever sheets act as a physical barrier between a horse and the midges, horseflies and mozzies out to make his life miserable. The right rug can help to reduce stress, prevent bites and even protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays, plus many come with added features, such…

For all the latest news from the horse world, visit yourhorse.co.uk Animal charity Blue Cross has expanded its road safety guide for pet owners — the Blue Cross Code — to include advice for horse riders. The new code offers essential safety tips for riders and drivers to help them share the road safely, and it was launched in response to the number of accidents occurring between riders and drivers in the UK. In 2024, the British Horse Society (BHS) reported 3,118 road incidents involving horses, resulting in 58 horse deaths and 97 injuries. “Horses and their riders are considered vulnerable road users,” said Ruth Court of Blue Cross. “As prey animals horses are alert to danger and can react unpredictably to common sights and sounds, such as revving engines,…

British Dressage star Becky Moody is the newest signing for Your Horse Live, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 7-9 November. The Olympic Team GB bronze medal-winning equestrian will be in the SEIB arena on Saturday and Sunday where she will give fascinating morning and afternoon performances on both days. Watch this space, though, to find out if she will be bringing along her beloved home-bred superstar Jagerbomb. Becky first hit the headlines when she was called up at the eleventh hour for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to replace Charlotte Dujardin. Currently fourth in the FEI World Dressage Rankings, Becky is a household name in the equestrian community. Your Horse Live 2025 promises to be the UK’s biggest equestrian shopping experience and, as well as demonstrations and talks from…

LEGENDARY FEMALE JOCKEY RETIRES The first female rider to win the Grand National, Rachael Blackmore (above aboard her victorious mount Minella Times), has retired from racing aged 35. As well as winning the Grand National in 2021, the jockey, who hails from Co Tipperary in Ireland, has won all four of the major championship races at Cheltenham. She bowed out after a win at Cork on 12 May. DERBY FEVER BUILDS AHEAD OF HICKSTEAD FIXTURE Nearly 100,000 spectators will flock to Hickstead on 19-22 June for the Derby Meeting and the UK’s most famous showjumping class. The Al Shira’aa Derby takes place on Sunday at 3pm, but other highlights of the meeting include the Brilliance Horse Auction Speed Derby and Friday’s Agria Derby Trial, as well as numerous showing and…

Loan leads to a debt of gratitude I started loaning Beau during the first week of February and he’s changed my life. I also like to think that I’ve had a positive impact on his. Beau is 18 and he suffers from chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) and arthritis. His amazing owner, Vikki, was looking for a loaner to give him some affection and ride him as movement is the best thing for his CPL. Since that first day we teamed up we’ve spent lots of time hacking out together and building up his fitness, and he can now go for 60-minute hacks with gallops, which he loves. He’s the safest pony going, but he does throw in a cheeky buck when he’s excited on a gallop track. In terms of…

HORSES FOR SALE adverts are addictive. Scrolling through page after page of seemingly perfect ponies it is easy to imagine amassing a yard of inquisitive heads over doors. However, it is not for nothing that horse trading is a metaphor for underhand tricks and basement bargaining. For centuries — possibly millennia — unscrupulous traders have sold unsuitable horses to unwitting buyers. But there are also great horses and sellers out there, so how can they be tracked down? Where to look Thousands of horses are advertised for sale each day, on websites, social media groups and in adverts in equestrian publications. The options are endless, as are the opportunities to get it wrong. According to the British Horse Society, choosing the right horse boils down to firstly asking yourself a…

■ A new horse’s vaccination record can be found in his passport. ■ Some livery yards demand proof of equine flu jabs before the horse is allowed onto their premises, so it is best to check with the vendor and the new yard before arranging the sale. ■ A new owner having to start flu vaccinations from scratch will find that it involves two injections four to six weeks apart. ■ The first booster is then required six months later. ■ Subsequent boosters are then needed at intervals of no more than 12 months. ■ Many competition bodies, including riding clubs and the Pony Club, require a horse to be up to date with flu injections before they will accept him at gatherings. Some ask for six-monthly boosters. ■ The Royal…

The BHS has put together this list of questions to ask a vendor… ■ Why is the horse for sale? ■ Would you class him as a novice/ experienced ride? ■ What is the horse’s temperament? ■ What work is he currently doing? ■ Has the horse ever had any injuries or illnesses? ■ What is his normal routine during summer and winter? ■ How does the horse behave with other horses, both when ridden and turned out? ■ Is the horse good to hack out alone and in company? ■ Is the horse registered with a breed society or eligible for registration? ■ Which Equine Passport Issuing Organisation has issued the passport? ■ What tack and rugs are included in the price? ■ What’s the horse like to groom, load,…

A NEW HORSE invariably merits a new wardrobe. For the horse, that is, not the rider, although any excuse…! While some equines are accompanied by their saddle from their previous home (usually at a cost) and maybe even their bridle — after all, the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ applies here and properly fitted, familiar items are likely to make the horse happy at his new base - others arrive minus any paraphernalia. So, where to begin on this great tack shopping spree if your new best friend arrives sans gear? Well, Your Horse Live is the perfect place to start, but we would say that wouldn’t we! For some, admittedly, the UK’s most popular horsey shopping show may be too far away in terms of time…

Caring for senior horses is a journey filled with love, dedication and unique challenges. Spillers understands the special place older horses hold in equestrians’ hearts, which is why the company has created the Spillers’ Super Seniors’ Club — a supportive community for horse owners who share the same passion for keeping their senior horses happy and healthy. Whether that horse is thriving in retirement, remains active, or is showing signs of ageing, the team is available to provide expert guidance, practical advice and a platform on which to celebrate a horse’s golden years. Join today and connect with other horse owners. Visit the Facebook group Spillers’ Super Seniors’ Club to get started.…

Riding clubs invariably put quality training first Q A livery on my yard is a member of our local riding club and is trying to persuade me to sign up. I’ve ridden for around 20 years and used to be in the Pony Club. What will I get out of it? Olivia Carter, North Yorkshire Angela says: The primary objective of a BRC affiliated riding club, and this is certainly the case with our club, Wittering Academy, is to help riders of all ages and abilities achieve their equestrian ambitions. Our club places great emphasis on access to quality training and we know that many horse/rider combinations fall short of their full potential. However, with access to good knowledgeable instructors riding clubs can remedy that. Wittering Academy has a unique ‘mentoring’…

AHEAD OF THE GAME The new Functional Competition Bodysuit Olivia is a tight-fitting, one-piece garment that stays perfectly in place for a neat appearance even when the wearer is riding. The elasticated material wraps comfortably around the body, while mesh inserts ensure good ventilation. RRP £29.90 KRAMER.CO.UK WHERE SAFETY MEETS FLEXIBILITY The HX3 Body Protector from Racesafe delivers comfort and freedom thanks to its innovative hexagonal structure that ensures multi-directional flexibility and ergonomic comfort. It features shoulder adjustment and an extensive size range to provide a personalised fit for riders of all levels. This is the thinnest body protector from Racesafe and it is certified to BETA level 3 (2018) and EN 13158:2018 safety standards. RRP £255 (adult sizes) RACESAFE.CO COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED The 3D Mesh Self-Cool Pad from…

WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC DOUBLE DART DELUXE FLY MASK WITH EARS RRP £24.99 COLOUR Black SIZES Pony – warmblood WEATHERBEETA.CO.UK WeatherBeeta’s ComFiTec Double Dart Deluxe Fly Mask With Ears provides maximum protection for a horse from biting insects and flies. Made from a durable fine nylon mesh that offers 60%+ UV block, this fly mask has been designed with vision, comfort and durability in mind. The double darts over both eyes keep the fly mask raised in all the right places to ensure comfort, while the touch tape closure tabs guarantee a secure fit. Additionally there is added ear protection, an adjustable headpiece around the ears, a soft fleece binding and a forelock hole. FELIX BÜHLER FLY MASK CORK II MVT RRP £29.90 COLOURS Mint, milkshake, black, mahogany SIZES S – XL KRAMER.CO.UK A beekeeper-inspired fly mask,…

What prompted you to get into leatherwork? I was 12 when I knew that I wanted to be a saddler, but life had other plans, and it wasn’t until I was 30 that I finally got my hands on some leather. I treated myself to a two-day leatherworking course in Devon, and that was it — I was hooked. The tools, the textures, the sheer satisfaction of making something with my hands; it was pure magic. From there I taught myself through old books, videos and tutorials, mostly making bags and belts. Then I fell into film and TV work as a prop maker and set dresser, which eventually led me to start Warriner Leather in 2019. What are the most challenging things about the profession? Oh, it’s tough, especially…

A professional dog walker whose charges spooked an international dressage rider’s horse, causing life-changing injuries, has been found negligent and liable for the rider’s injuries. Trainer and coach Melissa Smith was riding her mare, Lorentina, on a bridleway in Surrey in December 2018 when the dogs caused Lorentina to rear and land on Melissa. The rider broke her pelvis and back in the accident and sustained a head injury. After many months of operations and rehabilitation she has returned to the saddle, but is now classed as a Grade V para rider. In his judgement, Judge Simpkiss said: “With the benefit of hindsight one can easily see that if all four dogs had been on leads this accident would probably not have happened.” He found that the accident occurred when…

A new towing safety campaign, entitled TLC – Tyres, Load, Connectivity, has been launched by the UK Towing Safety Alliance, a group dedicated to improving towing safety in collaboration with organisations like The British Horse Society (BHS) and The Pony Club. The TLC – Tyres, Load, Connectivity campaign is designed to help drivers focus on three critical aspects of towing safety: tyres that are fully inflated and have sufficient tread; secure, evenly distributed loads that are within legal weight limits; and ensuring that breakaway cables, lights, and electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly. Jamie Hassall of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) said: “Statistics from the DVSA and National Highways demonstrate an urgent need to improve towing safety across the UK.” For more information, visit towing-safety.uk or…

ANYONE LOOKING FOR new ways to boost their #Hack1000miles tally without climbing into the saddle may want to consider learning to drive their horse. Driving, after all, offers freedom to explore the great outdoors, plus a connection with a horse, all from the relative comfort of a trap or carriage. Helen Chester, who lives on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border, is a #Hack1000miles stalwart who regularly reaches a 1000-mile annual target, and many of those miles are achieved in harness. “I’ve been driving since I was five,” says Helen. “My grandfather had a horse and cart and when I was six I broke my first pony to harness with his help.” Helen competed in British Driving Society private driving classes and dressage classes as groom to Mr Swaites, a friend of her…

MEET THE TRAINER PHOEBE LING is managing director of Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure in Suffolk. She coaches across a range of disciplines and is a Side Saddle Association Grade II level instructor. MEET THE RIDER & HORSE REBECCA PROWSE is riding Valley Farm’s 16.2hh, 13-year-old Owen. She was introduced to side-saddle riding on a beginner’s course led by Phoebe Ling, and also hacks out — astride — on her own horse. NEW SERIES WHEN YOU EXPLORE the world of side-saddle riding, you find a discipline that has enjoyed quite a resurgence in recent years, with a growing competition scene evidence of its burgeoning popularity. As with all equine sports, the help of a good, knowledgeable instructor is key to getting started. Step forward Phoebe Ling, who runs side-saddle beginner courses…

■ It really is a case of ‘horses for courses’. The age, type and experience of a potential new horse depends on the rider’s experience, what they want to do with the horse and how much expert help they will have. ■ Buying a horse in the seven- to 15-year-old range is the simplest option for most riders. By that age they will have some experience under their girth, but hopefully many years of good health and vitality ahead. ■ However, there are sane and sensible youngsters, so don’t necessarily swerve the fiveand six-year-olds, especially for those who have help from people with experience of bringing on youngsters. ■ Also don’t discount older horses. Many horses are still fit and active well into their 20s, and some ponies are still…

■ Anyone who plans to insure their new horse needs to have a policy in place before he walks onto the lorry to travel home. ■ Generally, if the new horse costs less than £6,000, a vetting isn’t mandatory to take out a horse health insurance policy. However, for any horse purchased for more than £6,000, a minimum of a passed two-stage vetting is required. ■ Anyone who has a horse of any value successfully vetted and insures him within 14 days of that vetting will find that their new horse is fully covered immediately. ■ Anyone not planning to have the horse vetted will find that the first 45 days of cover can be limited to accidental, external injuries involving an open wound only. This could mean that injuries…

■ Horses can’t be transported without a passport. The buyer should make sure that either they or the transporter has it. ■ Buyers without their own transport have two choices: to rent a box to drive themselves or use a horse transporter. ■ Those renting or borrowing a horsebox or trailer should ensure that they are insured to drive/pull it and have the correct driving licence to do so (this will depend on when they passed their driving test). ■ Anyone employing a horse transporter to move the horse should ensure that they have the correct experience, training, credentials and safety checks. ■ There are two levels of horse transporter… TYPE 1: Will have a Certificate of Competence for Drivers or Attendants and Animal Transporter Authorisation. They require no checks…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Simple solutions for horse owners LIVERY ADVICE Charlotte Hollis oversees numerous farm diversification projects on her family’s and her husband’s farms. Her own lifelong love of horses has led to her running two livery yards at each of these farms — one of which has 90 horses and the other 30. RIDING CLUBS Angela Lumsdon is a long-serving committee member for Wittering Academy Riding Club, based at Grange Farm Equestrian Centre in Cambridgeshire (BRC Area 7). She has been involved with the club since its creation in 2007. Visit witteringacademy.com and bhs.org.uk/british-riding-clubs HOOF CARE Matt Eastwood DipWCF is a farrier based on the Northamptonshire/Cambridgeshire border who has been running his own practice for 26 years. He shoes and trims all kinds of equines, from donkeys…

Try the hinds first if transitioning to barefoot Q My ex-racehorse has had shoes on all four feet for around 10 years and, while I know that a lot of native ponies don’t have shoes, do you think it’s possible that she can transition to barefoot successfully? Fiona Rice, East Sussex Matt says: Over the years I’ve noticed quite a few horses who look like they could manage to go barefoot but don’t, and a few who I was sure wouldn’t cope but who have actually adapted well. The answer is that you will only know when you try. However, there are things you can do to stack the odds in your favour. Firstly, talk to your farrier and ask their opinion as to whether barefoot is a sensible option or…

Sallie Hinks began riding in her 40s and she has owned Dolly, a 16.2hh Irish Draught mare, for three years. Antonia Brown produces and sells horses for dressage and eventing. She is a BHSI (Equitation & Teaching Certificate), holds a UKCC Level 3 dressage qualification and is also a British Eventing accredited coach. A former five-star eventer, Antonia has completed both Badminton and Burghley, but she now focuses on dressage. Julia Crowson has produced and ridden a number of horses through the eventing levels right up to five-star. She now keeps a few home-bred youngsters and spends most of her time helping and supporting her young daughter with her ponies. Vanessa Lowther has three horses — two ex-racehorses and a home-bred warmblood cross — who she keeps on DIY livery.…