Innehållsförteckning för Issue 422 från Your Horse

Hello As we head into the new year, I can’t believe what an incredible end to 2016 we’ve had. In fact, I think it’s fair to say equestrian sport has never been so much in the spotlight, an achievement we should all be very proud of. There are so many things to mention but a few really stick out in my mind. One being (of course!) that on 14 December the nation bid an emotional farewell to Valegro as he officially retired from competition (read more on page 6). The hype surrounding this special moment was huge and it’s not surprising. We all love Valegro and everything he’s done for the sport of dressage. He and Charlotte put dancing horses on the map and, thanks to them, we no longer…

First aid for horses DATE 20 and 27 February WHERE Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre, Nottingham COST £30 MORE DETAILS sarah.tomlinson01@btinternet.com Equine dentistry talk DATE 13 March WHERE Hillsborough Community Centre, County Down COST £10 MORE DETAILS www.equinedentalclinicni.com Introduction to massage and herbal medicine DATE 9 February WHERE Hadlow College, Kent COST £5 (advance booking only) MORE DETAILS sarah.mollett@hadlow.ac.uk ‘Having a problem with your horse?’ evening lecture DATE 14 February WHERE Coolmine Equestrian Centre, Dublin COST £10 MORE DETAILS susan.spratt@bhs.org.uk…

1 You’ll drop your gloves in the mud – lots and lots of times. 2 Sleeping in your riding gear saves time in the morning (a top tip from associate editor Allison Lowther)! 3 It’ll take you an hour to get your horse togged up for turnout and he’ll want to come back in after half that time. It’ll take another hour to de-frock him and wash all the muddy bits, of which there’ll be lots even though there was only a couple of inches of skin showing. 4 Filling haynets in the wind is as hard as capturing fog in a sieve. 5 Your horse will be scared of ‘the other horse’ in the mirrors of the indoor school and refuse to go anywhere near it, whinnying throughout your…

A new Champion hat For reliable protection, our winner can choose a hat from Champion’s PAS 015 hat and helmet range, which includes: • The Champion Ventair Deluxe skull cap, as worn by many of the world’s best riders • The new Evolution Pro • The Evolution Couture with Swarovski crystals and a mock-croc finish • The X-Air Plus See the full Champion range at www.championhats.co.uk A range of Rambo goodies The team at Horseware will supply our winner’s lucky new horse with a range of awesome goodies including; a Rambo Duo turnout rug (pictured), a Rambo Air Max Cooler, a Rambo Fly Buster with Vamoose, Rambo travel boots and a Rambo head collar. Visit www.horseware.com  to see the full Horseware range. Horse food and expert…

MEET THE EXPERT YAZMIN PINCHEN is an international show jumper and a brand ambassador for Dodson & Horrell, the horse feed specialists. Yazmin has represented GB worldwide and is aiming for the next Olympics.www.yazminpinchen.co.uk WHEN JUMPING YOUR horse, it can be easy to fall into the habit of repeating the same exercises over and over, with both of you switching off in the process. If you’re looking for something new and you want to see strides, adapt to changing situations in the show ring and get your horse thinking, try these 10-minute exercises from Dodson & Horrell’s sponsored rider Yazmin Pinchen. They’re great to practise on their own as part of your schooling, or they can be combined to make a fun 30-minute workout. The warm up and cool down…

MEET THE EXPERT LARA DYSON is an International dressage rider who owns Cyden Dressage and breeds horses for dressage and eventing using KWPN approved stallions and award-winning mares. To find out more visit www.cydendressage.com IMAGINE IF THERE was a Savile Row for horses? Somewhere you could go to build your perfect bespoke equine buddy like Nick Skelton’s Big Star or top ranking event mare Classic Moet (below). Unfortunately, such a place is yet to exist, but there are some simple guidelines you can follow that can help anyone find a horse that genuinely suits your needs and which gives you the best chance of success, too. And the great news is that, following our advice, means you don’t need to win the lottery to strike it lucky. Breeding a winner…

MEET THE EXPERT JULIETTE EDMONDS BVSc MRCVS is an equine vet at Tyrrells Equine Clinic with a special interest in equine lameness. In 2004 she graduated from the University of Liverpool. She has two horses of her own and is a Petplan Equine sponsored ride. LAMENESS IS ONE of the most common medical problems in horses1, so when a survey2 earlier this year revealed that a third of all clinical problems in horses in the UK are lameness issues, we decided it was high time to investigate further. While an obviously nodding horse during a trot up could be a sign of lameness, science is now revealing the other hidden signals that can indicate something isn’t right. Even something as simple as a slipping saddle has been linked to hind…

The condition Hoof wall separation disease (HWSD), previously referred to as hoof wall separation syndrome, is a genetic condition affecting Connemara ponies that causes cracks, deformities and separation of the dorsal hoof wall. Ponies that are affected can show clinical signs from as early as two weeks old. Some of these ponies can have on-going lameness issues while others can be maintained in normal work. However, a number of ponies will only be able to achieve ‘field soundness’ with some severe cases warranting euthanasia on the grounds of the well-being of the pony. HWSD is a relatively new condition with limited information and research currently available. Due to the inheritable nature of the disease, it poses a substantial risk to the Connemara pony population and increased awareness about disease prevention…

MEET THE EXPERT STUART THORNE is an experienced vet and director at Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic in Cambridgeshire, visit www.fellowesfarm.com for more information. “Planning a horse’s euthanasia really can reduce some of the stress when the time comes” WE SPEND OUR lives making decisions on behalf of our horses and we have their best interests at heart. From choosing where they’re kept and what they eat to who their companions are and what exercise they get, we take care of it all. However, there’s one thing most horse owners can’t bring themselves to think about, let alone decide upfront, and that’s how and when to end their beloved companion’s life when the time comes. Few horses die naturally without suffering and so we have to make the decision on their…

EMMA DYER is the founder of Equine Careers, which specialises in alternative equestrian careers, such as marketing, sales and administration. www.equine-careers.co.uk Working in sales Q I’ve worked in sales all my life, but want to combine my career with my passion. What options are there for sales people in the equestrian field? Beth Barber, Kidderminster A There are many opportunities to work in sales, whether it be as a trade stand assistant at shows around the country, an area sales manager visiting retail shops, or working from the office as a telesales person. Equine sales can be relatively easy to get into if you already have a sales background. First and foremost, employers want to see a proven track record in sales, either from working out on the road in…

AOIFE BYRNE is an XL Vet who works at Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership, in Norfolk. Alongside her work, Aoife is a regular blogger on the Your Horse website. Eliminating worms Q How can I get rid of pinworms? Rebecca Thompson, Leamington Spa A Adult pinworms live inside the horse and come out to lay eggs around the anus and the tail. This makes the horse itchy and they scratch on whatever is available, such as fencing or a stable wall. In this way, the eggs can be passed onto another horse if they rub themselves in the same place. Pinworms are showing resistance to the old Ivermectin-based wormers. To help get rid of them, try switching to a newer class of wormer, like those containing Moxidectin. It’s often more effective to…

The latest additions to Ariat’s collection of rubber boots aim to keep feet warm and dry all year round. The two new models include one for the boys, so if you’re on the hunt for a pair of new wellies, take a closer look at these. The Ariat Burford combines the traditional look of a welly but with some little extras to make them that little bit special, including an adjustable leather strap closure and leather trimmed top. The easy-off ‘heel kick’ makes them practical for slipping on and off at the yard, and they’re available in a classic version or an insulated version, which has a 3mm neoprene lining to keep your feet warm. Made from a waterproof, vulcanised rubber to keep your feet dry at all times –…

Shires Equestrian Products Ball Feeder PRICE £14.99 A useful aid for relieving boredom in the stable or out in the field, this ball feeder encourages a more natural, slower eating pattern than feeding from a bucket. Fill it with pony nuts and let your horse explore how to release them. www.shiresequestrian.com Likit Snak-a-Ball PRICE £25 COLOURS: Purple or red This robust feeding ball promotes natural foraging behaviour, thanks to the unique internal baffle plate, which limits the amount of food deposited on the ground at any one time. It can be used in the stable or paddock and is ideal for overweight horses and good-doers who are on limited rations. www.likit.co.uk ProStable Oddball PRICE £17 to £23 A multi-sided toy that dispenses treats and nut type feeds through…

Icebreaker Comet Impulse top (half zip) PRICE £90 USES NATURAL FABRIC A stretchy, technical top with strategically placed panels to help regulate your temperature. This top is made from merino wool fibers wrapped around a nylon core, for added strength and durability, while remaining soft against your skin. In the underarm panels, there’s merino mesh fabric to aid ventilation. COLOURS Jet heather/black, jet heather/cactus, Pop pink/admiral SIZES XS to XL CONTACT www.icebreaker.com Felix Bühler Performance T-Shirt PRICE £19.90 TRADITIONAL STYLING A classic-looking, long-sleeved T-shirt made from super soft material that’s smooth on the outside and brushed on the inside for amazing comfort. Plus, it’s ultra stretchy for a great fit – this top is sure to become you’re go to base layer for winter. It’s also breathable and quick-drying. COLOURS…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: My work with Neue Schule has encouraged me to make some changes to my horse’s tack. Find out why on page 112 Writer Amy Moore: Having read our ‘Hard core horses’ feature I won’t ever complain about winter again! Find out why on page 18 Writer/Online editor Katherine Peden: There’s not long until Win a Horse entry closes. Not entered yet? You really should! Find out why on page 24…

The crème de le crème of equestrian stars who’ve made it into the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Hall of Fame has been published. William Fox-Pitt’s event stallion, Chilli Morning, who retired after the Rio Olympics, Avebury, who Andrew Nicholson sadly lost this year, Nicola Wilson’s Opposition Buzz and the late Philco, ridden by David Broome, were all selected by a panel of top riders, trainers and the BHS Chairman. A plaque has now been displayed on the wall of the Household Cavalry’s barracks in Knightsbridge.…

THE LITTLE RED BOOK OF HORSE WISDOM by Yvette Grant Read by: Your Horse reader Carol Black This book is full of horsey quotes from a variety of people covering different themes, from training to horses in history. It’s quite simply a good book just to pick up every other day. It might make you chuckle or contemplate their meaning. UNDERSTANDING HORSE PERFORMANCE PAIN, BRAIN OR TRAINING? by Sue Palmer Read by: Your Horse associate editor Allison Lowther A must for all horse owners, this book gives you the tools to identify whether issues you’re having with your horse’s training or handling is down to pain, his training, or his brain. The chapter on whether your horse is comfortable is very thought provoking, with exercises to work through to help…

15k goes a long way We’ll be giving the winner of our Your Horse competition £5,000 to pay for, or put towards, their dream horse. Now this isn’t like bunging someone a fiver… it’s 5k people, and that amount of money goes a long way. Not convinced? Here’s proof. Our 2016 winner Lauren Butchart found her awesome pony Grouse (right) earlier this year. This Highland dude hasn’t put a foot wrong since the day she brought him home and their partnership is going from strength to strength all the time. In 2015, Liz Jones found her Western wonder pony in Flint (below) and, having entered the competition with dreams of moving up the levels in show jumping, she made the brave decision to branch out into a brand new discipline…

MEET THE TRAINER SPENCER WILTON is a dressage rider and made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016 on his superstar horse, Super Nova II (known to his friends as Neville). Spencer initially started his career as an eventer, but switched to pure dressage as this was his true passion. MEET THE RIDER DARREN HICKS is a full-time rider and specialises in dressage. He wants to practise exercises with his horse, Free Spirit, to improve her reactions and wake her up when schooling. WHILE THEY SAY slow and steady wins the race, it can be hard to believe if you have a lazy horse. A horse that falls behind your leg makes a schooling session exhausting and can take the fun out of your riding. For this month’s instalment of Schooling…

MEET THE EXPERT LEAH BECKETT is an international dressage rider who, in this feature, rides Diluvio, a six-year-old grey mare by Dimaggio, owned by Shaun Measures. Leah describes Diluvio as talented but hot and sensitive. Here she shares tips for handling similar horses. ANYONE WITH A hot horse will know that on some days there’s a fine line between an impressive, winning performance and a stress-fuelled battle of wills. But, as dressage rider Leah Beckett explains, relaxation is the key to transforming your horse from a coiled spring to a cool cucumber. “One of the most basic principles when training a horse has to be relaxation,” says Leah. “Without this key ingredient, you’ll always have tension and tension will interfere with the quality of your work and ruin the overall…

BUILD FOUNDATIONS Working your horse on the flat will go a long way to developing impulsion for jumping so don’t feel that you have to whack up the fences to put some spring into his take off. A simple way to lighten his forehand and encourage push from the hind legs is to use some good old-fashioned transitions. DO IT Go large and get your horse working in a forward-going trot. Next ride a transition to walk and stay in walk for a few steps. Then ride an upward transition back to trot and repeat a few times. Be sure to focus on the quality of each movement and ensure that your horse works quickly off your aids. PUSH OVER POLES Basic pole work has bags of benefits and it’s…

BILLY TWOMEY Show jumper Billy Twomey knew exactly who he’d use and they’re all horses he’s competed himself. “I’d have Luidam’s power, ability and scope. Then I’d take the front end and carefulness of Je T’aime Flamenco and the brains of Tinka’s Serenade – she always wanted to please and would try as hard as she could.” MARY KING Olympic Eventer Mary King didn’t hesitate. “I’d want the movement of Valegro as it’d be lovely to consistently finish in the lead after dressage. Big Star would offer his jumping ability – he’s so quick but careful and always gives his all. Speed for the cross-country course would come from the racehorse Frankel and, of course, I have to choose one of my own horses, too! So King William would add…

MEET THE EXPERT JASON WEBB is one of the UK’s leading horse trainers with a special interest in starting youngsters, solving common problems and helping owners to build partnerships with their horses. He’s the founder of Australian Horse Training and YourHorsemanship.com. To find out more, head online to: http://bit.ly/2h3JZGR THERE’S NOTHING WORSE than a nip on the side from a horse who hates being girthed up. Of course, it’s important to recognise when this behaviour signals discomfort or pain, but with that ruled out, it’s just plain annoying and needs to be handled appropriately. “Lots of people react to behaviour like this by pushing their horse’s head away,” says Jason, “but this only adds fuel to the fire. Think of horses in a herd – when they stand and play,…

AFTER A F VE-STAGE vetting (not Arundel vets), Woody was bought by Sarah Birt for herself and daughter F ancesca. Sarah queried the condition of the purebreed Connemara’s hooves. “The vet advised me to shoe him behind and that he may have a bit of seedy toe, which a farrier could sort,” says Sarah. Things soon started to change as Woody’s hooves started to breakaway. Still believing it was seedy toe, the farrier worked on his feet to improve their condition, while Sarah added Formula 4 Feet to his feed. “With little change, I started researching seedy toe and Connemaras and that’s when I discovered hoof wall separation disease. The more I read, the more scared I got.” Wetherby’s Lab had started testing for HWSD at the time, so Sar…

“Whatever the circumstances of your horse’s death, grieving is part of the healing process and shouldn’t be ignored” You may have spent 30 years with your horse by your side, or only had him a short time, it really doesn’t matter when it comes to grieving. Many owners feel both grief and guilt when the time comes to say goodbye to their beloved horse. This is to be expected, says Liz Ormerod, a vet who pioneered pet loss support for her clients back in 1989. “A wide range of conflicting emotions usually occur in connection to the death of an animal,” says Liz. “The strength of emotional response can be overwhelming and sometimes frightening for owners. There may be denial, anger, guilt, and eventually acceptance. Failure to euthanase an…

JOANNA PALMER BSC (HONS) is an Equine Nutritionist at Allen & Page Quality Horse Feeds. Boost his immunity Q What can I feed my horse to help boost his immune system this winter? Maggie Thompson, Swindon A The immune system is the body’s defence against disease and is one of the most complex systems in the horse. Making sure your horse gets a high quality, fully balanced diet with all the vitamins and minerals he needs is essential for a healthy immune system. Appropriate feeding that meets (but doesn’t exceed) the horse’s nutritional needs can help prevent immunity-related problems developing. Keep in balance To ensure your horse receives a balanced diet, make sure you give a concentrate feed according to the manufacturer’s recommended amounts for his size and workload. If…

BERT SHEFFIELD is a Canadian para rider based in the UK. She competed at this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio. Visit her website at http://bit.ly/2gvmMfi Finding the perfect partner Q What do you look for in a young para horse? Jenna Dyer, Aylesbury A The horse has to have a very special movement and he has to have the right temperament to handle the environment that he’s going to be in. He needs to have three really good paces, but without being too sharp. The right para horse should be able to give the judges the feeling that he’s safe, but can move well. It’s really hard to find a horse that can do both of these and top para horses are like gold dust! For para riders, there’s also…

2 PAIRS OF STYLISH RIDING WELLIES ON OFFER The innovative Riding Rudds were launched at Your Horse Live last November and they’re designed to be an all-purpose wellington, suitable for everything from mucking out to riding. These high quality boots feature a tapered sole tread for quick removal from stirrups and a neoprene lining for lightweight warmth in all weathers. They also have a reflective rear strip, an adjustable calf width and a 12-month non-split guarantee. Find out more at www.ruddswellies.co.uk 1 WINTER SURVIVAL PACK UP FOR GRABS Comprising a range of equine goodies from Cavalor, this survival pack will see you and your horse through the colder months. You can combat mud fever with Muddoc, treat wounds with First 8 Spray, improve mobility with Free Bute and…

Bizzy Bites PRICE £29.99 A three-in-one toy that can be used in and out of his stable. Place it on the floor and he’ll push it around to access the lick inside. You can also hang it in his stable for a fun and challenging option, or attach it to the wall and the wings’ rotating action will keep him entertained. The mint-infused refillable lick is made from natural ingredients. www.bizzybites.co.uk ProStable Buddy PRICE £30 to £35 A large inflatable ball that is practically indestructible, but still soft to touch. You can add a lick, treats or vegetables to the ProStable Buddy to occupy your horse while he’s in his stable. These are held secure with two plates that sit above the ball. www.trilanco.com Likit Boredom Buster PRICE £16.99 This…

15hh and over Super fun all-rounder 15hh, 10yo, bay, gelding A lovely straight-forward ride who’s easy to do. He stays in a rhythm and jumps off any stride. He’s good for cross-country and has hunted this year and behaved superbly. He’s forward in his movement, so not for a complete novice. He has good flatwork with elevated paces. Originally in a long-term home, then as a working livery before coming to us to be sold. £3,250 Contact: 07789968732 (Soulbury, Buckinghamshire) Ad ref: TA1055285 Black Friesian 15.1hh, 8yo, gelding This boy has well-balanced conformation, the most gorgeous looks and plenty of feathering. He loves to go places, get groomed and have a bath. He’s the sweetest Friesian I’ve ever owned and is ready to work for you. He’s affectionate in all…

Professor Derek Knottenbelt has been awarded The Prime Minister’s Points of Light award, which is given in recognition of outstanding UK volunteers. Professor Knottenbelt is senior vet at the University of Glasgow who set up ‘Vets with Horsepower’ – a group of vets who ride motorbikes raising funds for animal charities and provides vet training for charity staff. “Vets with Horsepower takes a brilliantly innovative approach to raising funds for some very worthy causes across the world,” said Prime Minister Theresa May.…

We’re so proud of Nick Skelton for getting third place in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year after his success, winning the individual gold Olympic medal with Big Star in Rio. The BBC comp was tough this year (Nick was pipped for the crown by tennis star Andy Murray and runner-up triathlon athlete, Alistair Brownlee. “I have been honoured to serve the country for 40 years in what I do and Rio was so special,” said Nick. Well done to Paralympian Sophie Christiansen, who was also nominated.…

Icelandic inspiration I had a life-changing and most memorable holiday with my husband in Iceland. After six months of anticipation, we arrived at Saltvík Riding Stables in Húsavík, northern Iceland, for a very special holiday – the fulfilment of my childhood dream of riding Icelandic horses. Over the next six days, I enjoyed the best riding experience I could’ve ever wished for – we crossed rivers and rode through a magical lava landscape with a herd of free running horses, mostly at a great tölting speed. There was no time to be nervous or anxious, I had to trust the horses with their sure footedness and just enjoy the ride. We got to ride at least two different horses each day, enjoyed sunshine, some rain and experienced the fascinating landscape…

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? To enter, visit www.winahorse.co.uk  Entries close on 8 February 2017 When they find their dream horse, our lucky winner will be able to ride with confidence in the best safety gear around as we’ll be kitting them out in a brand new HitAir vest. Designed to protect the neck, spine, collar bones, lower back, rib cage and vital organs, these vests offer optimum safety and, to ensure our winner gets the perfect size and fit, the HitAir team will help them to select the right one for their needs. Comfort as well as safety Lightweight and comfortable, HitAir vests are perfect for a wide range of disciplines, from hacking and schooling to more extreme equestrian sports. They can be easily adjusted for use over…

> Quicken your aids Remember not to keep your leg on for too long as this can make your horse go numb to your leg. When using leg aids, remember to bring your leg back off the horse’s side as quickly as you put it on to increase his sensitivity. Many riders kick on and leave their leg on the horse’s side in a thudding motion, but this switches him off. > Set your expectations Decide what level of reaction you want from him. Remember to bear in mind his age and how experienced he is. A young and inexperienced horse probably won’t react as quickly to your aids as an older schoolmaster. > Be consistent Practise exercises frequently and be consistent with what you expect of him. The goalposts…

MEET THE EXPERT MIA PALLES-CLARK is a British show jumper and coach based in Suffolk. A talented lady, Mia can speak and coach in fluent German. She regularly rides and teaches at Oakland Stud near Newmarket. Visit www.oaklandstud.com YOU MIGHT THINK that working on core muscles is just for avid gym-goers, but your horse can really benefit, too. Building his core muscles is also good for strengthening his back and will make it easier for him to transfer his weight onto his hindquarters, making him feel lighter in your hand. By riding a simple square, you can build his core strength. This exercise is very good for helping your horse collect himself and engage his core muscles. It also helps with his concentration and getting the rider to feel a…

“Rocket makes me feel good” For some riders, success doesn’t mean a wall full of rosettes but finding a horse that you can do anything with and have fun on, too. Although, the odd rosette is a bonus. Lynda Buckingham, from Cambridgeshire, has a horse just like that. “My horse Rocket is perfect for me. He’s an eight-year-old Welsh Section D x Gypsy Cob and I’ve had him for two and a half years. He’s lively and a real character but safe with it, too. We go hacking for hours on our own, but he’s just as pleasurable in company. He’s happy to travel with just a hay net for company and he’s foot perfect at shows. “He needed a bit of schooling when I first got him, particularly on…

FEEDING YOUR HORSE isn’t simply a case of supplying energy and nutrients to meet the demands of exercise, it’s vital for supporting their health and well-being, too. But things can go wrong if the diet isn’t right for the digestive system – this is why fibre is so important. Fibre feeds provide your horse with energy for work in a slow-release form and help to keep their digestive system healthy – after all, fibre is what horses were designed to eat. Weight for weight, fibre feeds take about three times longer to chew than cereal-based feeds. This helps to produce more saliva to counteract excess acidity in his gut. Cereals, on the other hand, contain high levels of starch, which is broken down into sugar that may cause peaks and…

JASON WEBB is a trainer, with a special interest in starting youngsters, solving common problems and improving the bond between horse and owner. www.australianhorsetraining.co.uk Competition stress Q My horse gets so hot-headed and fizzy at competitions. How can I calm him down? Milly Griffiths, Leicester A There’s a whole range of techniques out there, but I use a circling pattern. When a horse gets uptight, it stresses out a lot of owners and causes the heart rate of the owner to shoot up. If your heart rate increases, chances are his will, too. Being stressed means you’re likely to end up contracting your body as you tense up. Riders should never contract on a horse, it stifles the horse and compounds the problem, making him even more tense. If…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN is a British Dressage rider. Her famous partnership with Valegro has seen her win two golds at both the Rio and the London Olympics. Combating nerves Q I get so nervous before I’m about to go into the dressage arena at a show. How do you combat competition nerves? Layla Gray, Cheltenham A Focus on just you and your horse and get in the zone. Once you’re in the zone of the arena, nothing else matters. It’s when people can’t get into that zone and they’re worrying about everything else that’s going on around them, that’s when the nerves start to kick in. At the end of the day, what you do at home is no different to what you do in the arena. I always try and…

Freedom to move The Aztec Diamond Equestrian everyday technical breeches are made from four way stretch fabric and lined in soft touch lycra. These clever breeches feature asymmetric construction technology over the knee cap, with side panelling to enable easy movement of your knee for the ultimate comfort in the saddle. PRICE £80 CONTACT www.aztecdiamondequestrian.com Wrap up warm Be prepared for the winter chill with the Antero quilted jacket from Just Togs. It’s showerproof, windproof and breathable, with a fur hood to help you stay snug. The jacket also features pleated side panels for a flattering shape. PRICE £104 CONTACT www.justtogs.co.uk Look after your OAP Allen & Page’s Veteran Light has been specifically formulated for older horses and ponies who are good-doers. It provides all of their nutritional…

WET AND MUDDY fields may mean your horse has restricted turnout and is spending more time in his stable. Or perhaps he still has turnout, but grass is in short supply. Both of these situations can lead to your horse becoming bored and stressed, but to stop these issues becoming a problem, you could give him a toy. Over the page we’ve chosen a range of products to use in the stable or field. Each one offers your horse mental stimulation – some mimic a more natural way of feeding – but what all of them will do is keep your horse occupied for hours and help him stay happy and relaxed.…

Browbandl If it’s too tight it can pull the headpiece forward onto the back of the ears. Lever type bits often pull the cheek down, which in turn pulls the headpiece towards the back of the ears so, if the browband was already causing this to be positioned too far forward, it will be even more uncomfortable around the ears when you take up rein contact. Headpiece If you use a bit that applies a higher amount of poll pressure, it’s a good idea to use a wide shaped and padded headpiece. The padding will provide some cushioning and if it’s wider it has a greater weight-bearing surface to spread and reduce pressure. A shaped headpiece that’s cut away behind the ears will be much more comfortable for your horse.…