Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 539 i Your Horse

WHEN YOU THINK of a donkey, what first comes to mind? For some it is their remarkable memory and intelligence, for others it is their cautious nature and insistent bray. For most, we imagine them in abundance. Donkeys feel omnipresent, a species you might drive past in the English countryside or see pulling a cart abroad. They are humble, patient and steadfast — quiet workers that have stood beside humans for thousands of years, around the world. ABOUT DR SCOTT Dr Scott Miller is best known for his role as resident vet on ITV's This Morning, with more than 20 years of experience as a practising vet and broadcasting figure. He began his veterinary career at the RSPCA clinic in Australia, home to the TV series Animal Hospital, before moving…

He was a champion hay-dunker and sometimes I'd have four water buckets in his stable, because he'd fill them with hay and I'd worry there was no water left to drink. He loved his food and I had to watch both his and my waistline closely. Most horses come home from shows a bit lighter — Blueberry and I came home having eaten our way around the world. He would eat anything put in front of him, even aeroplane food. Turn out and rolling was important to Valegro, but eating always came first — eat then roll.…

VALEGRO Team gold, Europeans 2011 Individual gold, London 2012 Team gold, London 2012 Dual individual gold, Europeans 2013 Team bronze, Europeans 2013 Dual individual gold, World Equestrian Games 2014 Team silver, World Equestrian Games 2014 Dual individual gold, Europeans 2015 Team silver, Europeans 2015 Team silver, Rio Olympics 2016 Individual gold, Rio Olympics 2016 UTHOPIA Dual individual silver, Europeans 2011 Team gold, Europeans 2011 Team gold, London 2012 Team bronze, Europeans 2013…

Simon believes that dedicating time to training mental fortitude is key for the amateur rider. “I teach many amateurs who work nine-to-five, sometimes longer. Then they go out and compete on a Saturday when they're already exhausted. It's amazing how dedicated they are and there's never any shame in seeking some help,” he says. For Evie, a mind supported is one that can help us live our best lives. “Mindset comes into everything we do; we always carry our brain with us,” she says. “If we can have it functioning in a way to be helpful rather than a hindrance, it means living life to the fullest.”…

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. Scan me…

DID YOU KNOW? Generally, for every 10°C drop in temperature, an ex-racehorse's digestible energy needs increase by roughly 2%. In partnership with NEW SERIES ARACEHORSE IS, in many ways, the equine equivalent of a world-class athlete. Everything in their daily routine — training, mental stimulation and especially nutrition — is carefully managed to allow the horse to perform at peak speed and power. Yet despite the extraordinary demands placed on these animals during their careers, it is important to remember that a racehorse is still fundamentally a horse. They share the same basic physiology and digestive limitations as any other equine. Those limits must be respected if we want to support the horse's long-term wellbeing, both during their racing years and after they retire and go on to another career.…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk In partnership with Simple solutions for horse owners Meet this month's panel of experts SOLE-USE YARDS Christine Shubrook is the owner of Thundry Farm, a small livery and training yard in Surrey with stabling for 12 horses, where she has been based since 1987. She is a UKCC level three coach, an NLP practitioner for sport and is Centre10 accredited. To learn more, visit thundry.co.uk YOGA FOR RIDERS Elizabeth Broomhall is a yoga teacher and adventurer. She started practising yoga in 2014 while working as a journalist in Hong Kong and later completed a 200-hour yoga teacher-training course in Goa. She specialises in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Visit facebook.com/matandsaddleyoga SHOWJUMPING Poppy Stronge is a professional grand prix showjumper based in Newbury, Berkshire. She produces horses from…

In partnership with Q I'm about to move my horses to a sole-use yard. I'll have three cobs on three acres, so I know managing the grazing will be a priority, but I've never had to do this on my own before. Have you any tips? Caitlin Dickinson, Norfolk Christine says: It totally depends on the type of soil, how flat the land is and if there is a water course nearby. Clay, for example, can be hard in summer and deep mud in winter. It can also be better at growing grass, which you don't always want. Three acres isn't that much land, which means sectioning it off so that you can rotate and rest will be key. Having areas of hardstanding or a ‘sacrifice’ paddock in winter will…

Q Why do top riders often perform a reinback before they start their round? Keith Jennings, Ayrshire Poppy says: Well spotted! A lot of riders will do a reinback in the ring and might also perform a walk-tocanter transition. The aim is to check that the horse is fully focused on the rider's aids. There are lots of distractions going into the ring at any event, especially at a high level with crowds. Having your horse aware of your aids when entering the ring can help not only switch them on, but also keep their focus on you throughout the round, just as it does during training.…

Q I get nervous at shows and it's not uncommon for me to make an error of course. The prospect of going wrong makes me even more apprehensive. Do you have any tips for cementing the course in my mind? Madeleine Vaughan, Herefordshire Poppy says: Firstly, it can help to view your nerves as a positive thing. It shows you care and want to do well. I try to give myself plenty of time when course-walking, so that I can walk the whole course twice. This isn't always possible at grassroots competitions, because there is often a tight turnaround between classes. At the very least, I always make sure to walk the course alone once, as it's easy to be distracted when walking it in company. I make sure I…

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Brooke recommends avoiding the purchase of ejiao products online via platforms such as Amazon and Etsy, and in stores. While the trade originates abroad, UK consumers are contributing to global demand. From Skin To Skincare is a new investigative film which follows ITV vet Dr Scott and Brooke exposing cruelty to donkeys through the skin trade and the subsequent human suffering. You can share the findings of this documentary and information about the trade to raise awareness and support Brooke and other animal welfare organisations campaigning against the trade. Help end donkey slaughter by standing with Brooke. Find out more at thebrooke.org/get-involved/end-donkey-slaughter…

Keep your photos coming in to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Across the channel Forty is a 14-year-old ex-racer and he's showing me some love after our hack round the French countryside. Jacq Walden, France Terrific trio Here I am with my dog Merlin and my Spanish boy Quintero. Sue Morris, Lincolnshire Best seat in the field My horse Monty is as quirky and unique as they come. I've owned him for 11 years and he is loyal, loves a fuss and has the heart of a lion. He's also gone viral on social media on many occasions for his little party trick of sitting down like a dog and taking in all of the sights around him. Jemma Govier, Cornwall Open wide! Bubbles is showing off his best selfie! Sallyanne Trilloe Out and…

❋ You can achieve plenty with only two poles on the ground a few strides apart. Don't stress about the distance — they're only there as a reference point. ❋ Walking and trotting over the two poles, counting the number of strides between each, will do wonders for your focus and for understanding the size of your horse's length of stride, plus their abiity to shorten and lengthen. It may be that they find one way easier than the other. ❋ Make yourself heard and count out loud with every stride. ❋ Up the pace and try this exercise in canter, again shortening and lengthening the stride. ❋ Have fun and enjoy the versatility of this exercise. It works in any size arena or field and you don't need someone…

Rachel suggests the following: ■ Watch out for the subtle signs of an equine needing more care. When we see them daily, those signs aren't always obvious, so keep a visual diary through photos on your phone. ■ Be aware of age-related conditions, such as Cushing's or cataracts, and their implications. ■ Maintain a routine for regular visits from equine professionals, such as vets, farriers, dental technicians and physios, to ensure good health and maximum comfort. ■ Some rehomed ponies at Redwings are taken on gentle walks in-hand to help keep them mobile and as a form of enrichment.…

HORSES ARE SENTIENT, emotional and deeply social animals — yet the lives we create for them often reflect human priorities more than equine needs. That was the key message at World Horse Welfare's annual conference, Through the horse's eyes. Riders, vets and specialists from around the world presented compelling research showing how understanding horses’ perception, behaviour and environment can dramatically improve their welfare, from the competition arena to the fields and brick kilns of low-income nations, and this in turn directly influences their performance. “Putting the horses’ experience at the centre of our thinking quite simply is the most powerful way to improve horses’ lives,” confirms the charity's chief executive Roly Owers. “Before we try to understand horses, we first need to understand ourselves. “We have evolved to live in…

High-fibre forage supports healthy gut movement, encourages saliva production and — through microbial fermentation — provides a steady supply of energy. While fibre is often referred to as a slow-release energy source, it's not the fibre itself that fuels the horse. Instead, gut microbes ferment the fibre and produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including propionate and butyrate, which the horse then uses for energy. Not all fibre is the same, though. Fibre is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of plant carbohydrates. Grass, for example, contains cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin — all of which are broken down at different rates by the microbes in the gut. Good-quality grass typically has a digestible energy value of about 8 MJ/kg, which is sufficient for many horses under normal conditions. But…

SOLE-USE YARDS – CHRISTINE SHUBROOK says… SOS Sole-use yards are a brilliant opportunity to keep horses in the best possible way for their benefit and yours as all the decisions are down to you. But if there is an incident or you become sick, for example, who will you call on to help? It's a good idea to have an emergency care plan in place for the odd occasion you may not be able to get to the yard. Q I've always kept my horses on part livery. A small yard has come up for rent less than five minutes away. I'm so tempted and it's so much cheaper, but I won't be there 24/7 or have cover on site. Is there any way I can make it work? Briony…

In partnership with Q Is there a right time of day to do yoga for optimum benefit in the saddle? Dani Bull, Monmouthshire Elizabeth says: I personally believe that you should do whatever works for you. In the evening, you may find you are a little more flexible, but in the mornings, you may have more energy. It really depends on the individual person. You also need to consider your own schedule. Be honest with yourself. When is a good time in the day to fit in a yoga class without stressing and rushing? In my view, the more convenient the time, the more likely you are to stick to it and keep practising. And remember, yoga is your opportunity to indulge in some self-care and it should feel good. My…

WHEN WINTER SETTLES over the yard, every task feels sharper, colder and a little more demanding. Frosted fields may look picturesque, but behind the beauty lies the reality of frozen taps, mud-slick rugs and long hours spent in icy, persistent drizzle or heavy downpours. For riders, numb fingers can turn even the simplest chores — let alone the reins — into a real challenge. The right waterproof gloves aren't a luxury — they're a lifeline. Our panel of testers has put a selection of waterproof winter gloves to the test to see if they withstand the realities of a British winter weather with horses. They have used the gloves for riding and yard work, assessing them for fit, how well they keep your hands warm and dry, and whether they…

The rides that Katy has mapped vary from five to 15 miles. The route sheets include details such as where to park, distance, difficulty and the number of gates riders will encounter. “From speaking to people, I found that 8-10 miles — a typical fun-ride length — is about the ideal distance that people want to ride,” says Katy. “I also wanted to include shorter rides suitable for beginners or people with ponies on lead-reins who want to walk or cycle alongside. “Then the longer routes are for people like me who want to go out for a good few hours and do some training rides. I've tried to do a little bit for everyone.”…

Start by taking time to reflect on the year you have just had. ■ What were your standout moments? ■ What brought you joy? ■ Think about the wider experience. Although you may have had fun on your horse, what else made those memories special? ■ Think about who else may have been there to share the fun and what the best bits were. It may have been winning a competition, but was it the rosette or the celebrations that you enjoyed most? You may want to reflect further back and think about what made you get into riding in the first place. Consider key memories you have around horses and what emotions these memories evoke.…

Once you've set your goal, take time to visualise achieving it. Picture the moment you reach that milestone in vivid detail, letting yourself fully experience what success will feel like. Now focus on every component: you, the horse, the environment. Make every colour brighter, every piece of polished leather shinier. Focus on the sounds, turning up the volume on the sounds that bring joy. Finally, focus on what you feel and ground yourself in the moment. Focus on the reins in your hand, the feeling of the saddle under you, the breeze across your face. Imagine this image is a picture on a screen and put your hand over it. Use your fingers to expand it to fill your entire mind. Revisit this image as frequently as you can to…

If your practical decision-making has ever felt hijacked by an unruly corner of your mind, you might have experienced the chimp paradox. “Of course, there are extremely technical ways to explain how the brain works,” begins Evie, “but the chimp paradox is a great metaphor to describe how some parts of it function. “To simplify it, you have a chimp brain and your computer brain,” Evie continues. “The chimp is the wild child and is responsible for eating, sleeping, drinking and keeping you happy and alive. It reacts quickly and, if it's in the right place, it's the most helpful thing you could wish for. “Your computer is the logical brain and is the part of a nervous rider's mind that says ‘today I'm going to sit calmly on my…

Just because a horse or pony is old, doesn't automatically make them a suitable candidate for the role of companion. Or it could be that a yard's arrangements are not ideal for them. Times when a senior may not make a suitable companion include: ■ “If the friend or group are more active and playful, then a younger companion might be more suitable,” says Rachel. ■ Some fields might not be suitable for an elderly horse. “Hilly or steep fields wouldn't suit an older equine,” she adds. ■ Some seniors have medical problems or behavioural challenges that mean they are not suitable to accompany other horses. “We're fortunate at Redwings that we can provide lifelong care for those with greater management needs, as it wouldn't be suitable to pass that…

Olympic event rider Pippa Funnell uses the example of riders giving conflicting aids, then describing their mount as being strong. “They're driving with their seat, they've got a lot of leg, and they're also saying stop with their hands. The horse is thinking, ‘Well, what are you wanting?’ You're saying go with one set of aids, whoa with the other, and that causes confusion.”…

Astonishingly, reports indicate that up to 93% of racehorses have or have had gastric ulcers during their racing careers. This extreme susceptibility is rooted in a combination of factors inherent to their training and management. Intense exercise increases stomach acid production and pressure, stressing the stomach lining. The stress of racing, travelling and racing further disrupts their delicate digestive system. Energy dense, high-starch diets — common in performance feeds — prolong high stomach acidity and can exacerbate gut issues. The physical presence of fibre is crucial for every equine's digestive health. Chewing fibre stimulates saliva production, which acts as a powerful buffer for stomach acid when swallowed. Fibre also contains soluble pectins, an ingredient abundant in beet pulp, that reduces stomach acidity. ■ Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds is a…

Q I have no idea what sort of things should be in a contract for a sole-use yard. What should I be expecting? Shannon Clark, N Ireland Christine says: You would be best to go through either a land agent or approach an equestrian estate agent to draw up or verify a contract. Things to consider include who pays for and organises repairs. As an example, if there is a major water leak, who will be responsible for that repair? You may feel that it is something you aren't liable for due to the age or condition of the system, whereas the landlord might see it as something that happened on your watch. You may also need insurance to cover buildings if they should be damaged by a falling tree…

Q How is yoga different from other non-riding sports or fitness classes? I'm wondering how it might it be helpful to me as a horse rider? Millie Blair, Cambridgeshire Elizabeth says: The main difference between yoga and other forms of exercise is that it is not just about the physical postures. It is about joining your body, mind and breath. It is also not a competitive sport, but rather a practice where you work with your own body to become stronger, freer and happier. I love to teach yoga for horse riders because I think it is the perfect complement to riding. For example, in yoga and riding, you want strength but not tension. In yoga, we use our breath to power movement or shift our energy, which we can…

Q I love the idea of doing yoga, but I'm self-conscious about going to a class and I don't want to commit the time and money to classes until I know it's right for me. What do I need to get started and can I try it at home first? Alyson Millbank, Cumbria Elizabeth says: I think a lot of people feel intimated about starting yoga and joining a class, and I understand. The first thing to know is that you don't need much in terms of kit. Just some stretchy clothing (riding tights are ideal), a mat (just a simple, inexpensive one to start with) and possibly a set of blocks with a strap (cheap and easy to buy on Amazon). I also teach my classes online, which means…

In partnership with Q My horse is keen and against the hand over fences. She has even more sparkle when we're competing. How can I learn to channel her enthusiasm? Cassie Fisher, Gloucestershire Poppy says: We have all had horses like this. My idea for horses that rush when jumping is to practise courses at home that are much smaller than you intend to jump at the show. Repetition is key when trying to achieve results, so I would jump little and often so that your horse feels that jumping courses is part of their routine rather than an exciting activity that only happens in the busy atmosphere of a show. If possible, invest in some good training with a professional coach to help guide you at home and at…

Q I have a laminitis-prone pony who is currently in at night and out during the day in a turnout pen. While I'm looking forward to getting him back in the field, I'm anxious about reintroducing turnout. How will I know he's not having too much sugar, especially once we head into spring? Annika Burgess, Cheshire Julie says: You're right to be cautious. Your vet will have confirmed the cause of the laminitis and advised whether your pony needs a diet suitable for equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and/or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing's disease. It's a good idea to get an equine nutritionist to help plan a safe, long-term feeding regime. Here's what you can do in the meantime: ■ Check your grazing Take a good…

In partnership with Q My horse has been on box rest with a suspensory injury, but he will be able to go out again in a couple of weeks. I'm so worried he'll be overexcited and hurt himself again, even in a small paddock. How do I make sure we don't undo all the healing? Clare Singleton, Worcestershire Julie says: It's essential you follow your vet's advice before reintroducing turnout. Their guidance will be based on scan results or other assessments showing how well the injury has healed, so whatever your plans, speak to them first. Often, they'll say you can start by walking the horse in-hand in a safe, enclosed area. If needed, use a bridle or control headcollar with a long lead rope or similar. Gradually build up…

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