Innehållsförteckning för Issue 438 från Your Horse

Hello I’m always fascinated to hear how fellow horse riders manage to fit in time with their charges around a demanding day job and family life. Personally, I find the juggle a constant battle — and I don’t even have children to factor in. It’s one of the reasons I wound down my point-to-pointing and eventing, because I just couldn’t put in the hours of training needed to remain brave or competitive enough. So I set myself a more achievable challenge instead: simply to have fun with my horse. I haven’t fully escaped the 4am starts in all weather, though, as I remain lorry driver and groom to my sister. I’m finding that’s as close to the action as I need to be. This issue kicks off our new Work…

It’s now possible to predict whether a racehorse with a tendon injury will make a successful return to racing, say researchers. The team — a collaboration between the University of Nottingham, Oakham Equine Hospital and the Hong Kong Jockey Club — have developed a scoring system for superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries. Researchers studied ultrasound changes in 469 racehorses when tendon injuries first occurred. This allowed the team to develop a scoring system to grade the severity of the injury and predict whether a horse will return to racing. “SDFT injuries have a significant impact — both economically and to the welfare of the horse,” says Dr Rafael Alzola, who authored the paper. “The scoring system means quicker decisions can be made about whether or not a horse should…

Out in the sunshine The rain has stopped and the ground has dried up. Still bitterly cold with the chilly winds coming down from the north but lovely to have some sunshine. Buster and I got out for a three-mile, gentle stroll in the New Forest. Jodie Clare Smith, Hack 1000 miles Facebook Group Rider of the future “If you could point me in the direction of the ‘Ponies for sale’ pages please...” Evie Hayzen (nine months), Facebook Try again tomorrow What do you mean you want to ride today? It’s freezing out there! thefinerhorse, Instagram #vitD Enjoying his tea after five miles round the housing estates in the winter sun. Samantha Rye, Hack 1000 miles Group Holidaying together Fab ride out this morning. Blue skies and sunshine. #bringyourhorse #holiday…

SCROLLING THROUGH INSTAGRAM, Twitter and Facebook, it doesn’t take long to find snaps of well-known riders wandering around in their envy-inducing Fairfax & Favour boots or hacking out in a new Albion saddle. It might seem that they’re the owner of a bottomless wallet, but often the products you see equestrians wearing are part of a deal with their sponsors. There are so many social media platforms, like Pinterest, Snapchat and so on, and companies are increasingly reliant on real-life riders to market their brands. As a brand ambassador, riders receive products from sponsors and, in return, promote them by posting images and videos online, or wearing and using products when they’re out competing. It’s not just top riders that are getting in on the action, either. More and more…

FINDING THE RIGHT feed is no mean feat. Locating the ideal bag is often the first challenge as feed merchants are stacked wall-to-wall with everything from conditioning mixes, balancers and pony nuts through to high-fibre chaff, cooling mixes and alfalfa blends. Once you’ve finally found a feed that seems to tick all the boxes, it can be tempting to chuck it in your horse’s bowl and think no more about it. But, as our experts explain, truly understanding what’s in your horse’s feed is necessary for improving his health, performance and vitality. Bag basics The product name on the bag gives you an idea of which equine types it’s most suitable for, but this isn’t always the case. “Don’t be too quick to dismiss a product based on the name,”…

Mouth matters Q What can I do to help maintain the condition of my horse’s teeth between his dental appointments? Kieran Cliff, Manchester A My best advice to you would be to engage the services of a qualified professional who will visit your horse a couple of times a year from approximately 12 months of age. Note, though, that a preliminary oral examination should take place in foals to rule out conformational difficulties. From about the age of two to two-and-a-half years, the deciduous teeth start to shed and are replaced by permanent dentition. It’s difficult for owners without a full mouth speculum to assess the cheek teeth, but efforts should be made to keep an eye on the incisor teeth while getting your horse used to having his mouth…

JANE MACKENZIE’S TB X WELSH mare, Breeze, is on box rest following stifle surgery. She’s a good doer and has had laminitis in the past. Jane has been having a tough time trying to work out how to keep Breeze occupied and her digestive system healthy without allowing her to get fat. Breeze finishes her haynet within half an hour of receiving it, so Jane has to give her larger quantities to keep her busy. Jane says the hay is late cut but I recommend she has it analysed to check its nutritional value and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content to make sure it’s suitable for her laminitissusceptible mare. Jane could also use two small-holed haynets inside each other to slow Breeze’s eating down. Another good option would be to use…

Mane growth booster For the horse who scratches his mane away on the stable door, or maybe his winter rug has removed some of his mane, finding something to help the hairs to grow back is key. With coconut oil and lavender, oil-based Well Gel Mane Event is a natural product to aid hair regrowth and help prevent its loss. Spray a little of it on the affected area and gently massage it in to encourage new, stronger hair growth. RRP £14.95 BUY AT well-gel.com Breathable breeches An important factor to consider when spending time in the saddle is legwear, and the Tri Factor Grip Breeches from Ariat tick all the boxes. Using grippy material and compressive fabric, not only will you benefit from stability, but the breeches will also…

1. Outer material To decide which material your next pair of boots are made from, you need to ask yourself how much use they’re going to get. Are they going to be your daily footwear and subjected to endless punishment, or will you just dust them off occasionally when needs must? There are two main choices of outer material a Plastic polymer, polyurethane is perfectly suited to the injection moulding manufacturing process. Boots made from this material are usually cheaper but can be stiff and less reliable when the going gets tough. b Natural rubber is primarily used in the production of handcrafted boots. It’s supple and moulds to your feet, while being extremely durable. It’s resistant to both UV light and chemicals. 2. Sole design A good wellington boot…

Stierna Aurora vest RRP £120 WINDPROOF AND WATER RESISTANT A lightweight, down-free insulation vest that’s perfect for layering or wearing on its own. This stylish vest will protect you from cold, wind and even light drizzle. Its stretch side panels follow your movement so that you don’t feel restricted. The fabric and cut of the vest are designed to trap warm air to help keep you warm, but also allow excess heat to be quickly evaporated, so you feel comfortable at all times. COLOURS: Dark navy, black SIZES: XS - XL FOR STOCKISTS: stierna.com Equithème padded waistcoat RRP £42.50 CLASSIC WAISTCOAT This classic padded waistcoat is stylish, fashionable and lightweight, making it an ideal garment for taking with you on any occasion or wearing day to day. This warm…

Our case study about rescue pony Duchess highlights the importance of knowing your horse and having the right insurance cover, so she has access to top veterinary care. “Duchess is my companion pony,” explains Jane Cordell. “She’s nine years old and I rehomed her about two years ago from World Horse Welfare. “When she first arrived she was quite anxious, which we believed was down to her past life. She also dropped weight easily. She seemed to settle when we moved from a busy yard to a quieter one, but soon after went down with mild colic. “Once we ensured Duchess was more comfortable and the colic was managed, my vet suggested having her scoped for gastric ulcers.” Peter Sclater BVSc Cert EP MRCVS explains, “We carried out a gastroscopic…

MANAGEMENT AND DIET can play a big part in helping to control the occurrence of equine gastric ulcers. Feeding an appropriate high fibre and low starch diet is the key to helping your horse stay comfortable as starch, from cereals, can make the stomach and digestive environment more acidic. With Baileys’ help you’ll have a much better understanding of which feeds and forage will suit your individual horse’s needs the best. Forage first Providing ad-lib forage reduces stress by allowing your horse to do what comes naturally – that is, chew. Chewing also produces saliva, which has a buffering (neutralising) effect on stomach acid. Fibre in the stomach can act as a physical barrier, too, helping to prevent acid splashing onto the vulnerable stomach lining – it’s also essential for…

THE NEW DUBLIN Legwear collection takes riding comfort to a new level with performance fabrics, clever features and elegant styling. Choose from the Momentum range for everyday wear, the extra performance of Ascent or the ultimate style and comfort of Distinction. Each level is designed with specific features that allow you to move and ride freely so you can perform at your best. The Distinction, Ascent and Momentum ranges of legwear provide versatility for riders and a perfect match for your needs. Choosing legwear Many riders, when looking for jodhpurs or breeches, will go for products that are stylish but also provide comfort. Whether you’re a showjumper, dressage rider, eventer or enjoy hacking out, it’s important that your clothing allows you to feel comfortable all day long. Traditional styles are…

Associate editor Allison Lowther: Visiting Laura Tomlinson’s beautiful Cotswolds yard was a real treat. I had no idea she’s recovered from a painful sports injury and I was also lucky to meet her two gorgeous children. See page 22 Writer and online editor Amy Moore: This month, I found out what it takes to become a brand ambassador. To discover how to become the face of your favourite brand, see page 32 Writer Stacey Carter: I’ll never forget standing in one of the busiest parts of London and watching a cement lorry pull up beside two horses, with a double-decker bus sounding its horn — yet neither horse moved. For London City Police’s road riding tips see page 36 SUBSCRIBE  to Your Horse today and receive a free gift worth…

An alert system designed for riders that can detect the severity of a fall is set to hit the shelves soon. The Equisure alert system — first featured in issue 433 of Your Horse — was showcased at international technology show CES 2018 earlier this year. Now it has secured enough funding to make it available for pre-order. The system, which uses beacons fitted to a rider’s hat and saddle, sends an alert to a rider’s emergency contacts in the event that they and their horse part company.…

Now all the applications for university places have been sent off for this year, we started thinking about what happens to students’ horses. Do you go through fresher’s week together, or is it time to find a good, new home for your four-legged friend? It’s a toughie. A lot can depend on the course you’re doing and how much spare time you’ll have, plus whether you’ll need to juggle a part-time job. Your Horse reader, Lisa Quan, says: “Having a horse at uni is much easier than managing one with full-time work or a young family. University was probably one time in my life where I rode the most. It was a great escape from uni work, and a great cure for a hangover.” Do you think horses have a…

A Ghost changed my life My best friend was a 14.2hh gypsy cob called Ben and we spent every day together until he had an accident and passed away. After that I lost my nerve and didn’t touch a horse for four years. Then, in January 2016, I went into work as normal, only to be told the company was closing and I was being made redundant. I spent a month looking for a new job, but I live in a small town where there’s not much available job-wise, and not a lot going on. I began to think back to when I was so happy with Ben, so I started looking for a horse. I called the stables near where I used to live and they remembered me. They…

“ Like many working mothers, Laura’s days are filled to the final second, managing her diary with military precision” YOU COULD BE forgiven for saying you’ve forgotten about Laura Tomlinson. But cast your mind back to London 2012 and the mighty Mistral Hojris (‘Alf’), when Laura was unmarried and riding as Bechtolsheimer, and you’ll recall the original girl on a dancing horse. For a time, it was Alf whom small children wanted a poster of for their bedroom wall; Alf who was credited for putting the British dressage team back on the map — he won nine championship medals in all (see p25); and Laura was the only rider with a Union Jack on her jacket stepping on to a podium. Those were the days of Edward Gal and Totilas’…

MEET OUR EXPERTS IAN JEFFERIES has spent 14 years with the London City’s Mounted Branch and five years with the Essex Mounted Branch. Prior to that, he competed in unaffiliated eventing. The horse he rides out on patrol is Trug KIM ASHTON has been with the Mounted Branch for 11 years, but has ridden horses since the age of five, doing horse trials and showjumping. Her horse goes by the name of Beau. PICTURE THE FOLLOWING: you’re out hacking and you stop your horse at a set of traffic lights. A double-decker bus pulls up behind you, then a cyclist whizzes past, clipping your stirrup. Just when you think your situation can’t get any worse, a cement lorry pulls up in the lane next to you. A busy area is…

WE’RE GETTING EVER closer to announcing the two winners of our exciting Goal Getter competition. Part of their fantastic prize is to win half a day’s training from a Dodson & Horrell ambassador. We have Harry Meade, Anna Ross or Ellen Whitaker on hand to help our lucky winners achieve their goal for 2018. From the hundreds of entries we received it was a tricky task to select who would make it on to our shortlist. It was tough, but eventually we managed it, so let’s meet our 12 finalists – four for each of the three disciplines of dressage, showjumping and eventing. Dressage PAUL SQUIRES only started riding 18 months ago and is the proud owner of Lady, a 14-year-old, 16.1hh mare. Goal for 2018: To become a better…

The condition The equine influenza (flu) virus is specific to horses. Like human flu, the virus attacks the upper respiratory tract and causes a multitude of symptoms. Flu is endemic in the UK, which means it is regularly found within the country and it is not unusual for new cases to be reported every few months. Flu occurs in unvaccinated horses or those with a lapsed vaccination status. Flu belongs to the H7N7 and H3N8 subtypes, of which those currently circulating are H3N8. We have data from 1963 that shows how the flu virus has developed. However, equine flu split into two distinctive branches (types) in the 1980s: American and European sublineages. The American branch has since split into two more clades and it’s these strains that are currently circulating.…

“Pushing yourself too far, too quickly, can cause more issues in the future” 1 After some time out… If you’re getting back in the saddle after a long break and perhaps feeling anxious about it, you should: Choose a steady, calm horse whom you can trust, perhaps from a riding school. Even many high-level riders have an old faithful schoolmaster in their yard for those times when they need a confidence boost. Consider having a session on a mechanical horse first. It’s a great way to get a feel for riding again without the potentially unpredictable nature of a real horse. Set yourself small, achievable goals to begin with, even if that starts with getting on a horse and sitting there at halt. Pushing yourself too far, too quickly, can…

Spotting disease Q What are the main diseases that affect horses? And can they catch anything from vermin and humans? Daniel Rocton, Bristol A Some diseases are spread by vermin, such as leptospirosis which is carried by rats, while wild bird droppings can rarely be a source of salmonella. Both affect horses and humans, but are less common compared to those that move between horses themselves. So, thinking about infections in horses, it’s more useful to focus on the most common diseases. The major problems are the diseases that are spread by coughs, such as equine influenza and strangles, and contagious skin ailments like ringworm. Equine influenza Equine influenza (flu) is a highly contagious disease that spreads like wildfire through a yard of unvaccinated horses (read more on p74). Symptoms…

Got a horse who sweats by the bucketload after an event? Trying to keep a horse cool on a hot day before and after a round of cross-country or showjumping can be difficult, but the Aerochill Rug can help with your horse’s recovery after an intensive round of exercise. With its clever cooling system (inset below), the rug is designed for your horse’s comfort by cooling him down fast and helping his muscles recover to aid his performance and stamina for the next phase. To help maximise your horse’s performance, the Aerochill Rug has a super-absorbent polymer fibre fabric that works as a cooling system to draw heat off a hot horse and improve his overall blood circulation. To get the cooling process started, you need to pour water over…

Joules Printed Wellies RRP: £49.95 COLOURS: Black botanical, black love bees, black raindrop, dark saddle Fox Terrier, cool grey poppy, laurel botanical, navy dragonfly, navy Whitstable floral, navy pop spot, navy poppy stripe SIZES: 3 - 8 BUY AT: joules.com Inject fun and colour with these wellies from popular clothing brand Joules. There’s a selection of 10 eye-catching, hand-drawn prints to choose from. Designed to withstand any wet weather, these wellies are handcrafted in hardwearing natural rubber with removable insoles for comfort. Complete with back gusset popper fastening for an enhanced fit. Covered by a one-year guarantee. Rydale Ripon High Gloss Wellingtons RRP: £25 COLOURS: Black, damson, olive, navy, ruby SIZES: 3 - 9 BUY AT: rydale.com For those who like to add a touch of glamour on the yard,…

SPRING IS A brilliant time of year for horse owners: the weather is warming up, ground is drying out, diaries are filling with exciting events to go to — plus we still have the whole summer ahead to look forward to. Of course there’s always plenty to think about in order to keep your horse happy and healthy, regardless of whether your goal is to #hack1000miles this year or take your competing up to a higher level. That’s why we at Your Horse magazine are bringing you this unmissable Spring Products Guide once again. It’s your go-to for everything you might be interested in this season — from the latest competition and riding equipment available to buy, through to feeding advice suitable for horses whose workload is increasing, those who…

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has hit out at road planners, saying that equestrians should be considered as part of the road planning process. Speaking at the National Equine Forum in March, Her Royal Highness said that, while the planning process often considers pedestrians and cyclists, the same thought is usually not extended to horses, ridden or driven. The Princess Royal made the comment in relation to a talk given by the British Horse Society (BHS) at the same event. Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the BHS, gave a talk on influencing driver behaviour when passing horses and ponies on the road. “Road planners in other parts of the world remember cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians,” said The Princess Royal. “Here [in the UK], there seems to be a…

Reality star Chris Hughes is currently in training to ride in his first race. Chris, who found fame on ITV2’s Love Island in 2017, has teamed up with Coral Racing to prepare for the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives charity race at York Racecourse in June. Chris is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. He says: “I always wanted to become a jockey as a kid. I don’t just want to take part — I want to really go for it and try to win.”…

THE GIRL ON THE DANCING HORSE: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN AND VALEGRO Her long-awaited autobiography is here! Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin tells of the magical journey she and Valegro went on to become a world-famous equestrian duo. Go behind the scenes at pivotal times in their career, including the emotional moment she decided to retire Valegro. PODCAST: BALANCE IS THE ART OF DRESSAGE Whether you’re aiming for the Olympics like Charlotte, or about to attempt your first dressage test at a local show, don’t miss international dressage rider and judge, Sandy Phillips, chatting to HorseHour about finding balance with your horse. bit.ly/ 2CpRzK4 WATCH: “VALEGRO WON EVERYTHING THERE WAS TO WIN” Your Horse can’t get enough of Valegro and Charlotte, so head online for our exclusive interview, where she chats about what…

Eleven months ago, my horse Savannah had the most horrific accident in the field. My mum was bringing the horses in when she noticed that Savannah’s rug was ripped and bloody. Underneath it, a huge portion of skin had been ripped away. It transpired she’d caught herself on a metal bolt sticking into the field Mum immediately called the vet and tried to settle Savannah, who was shaking from head to hoof. I arrived at the yard at the same time as our vet from Field Equine Vets and the decision was made to transport her to the practice for further examination. Once there, Savannah’s rugs were removed and her coat was clipped away around the wound, which took hours to clean, stitch and staple. They also scanned her chest…

IT’S THE PERFECT PICTURE: rolling countryside ahead of you, glorious sunshine, clear skies and only two of you there to indulge in it — you and your horse. Or perhaps you prefer to ride out with your friends and family. Either way, what better way to explore the British countryside than on a horse? OK, we’re biased, but we think we have a point. That is the inspiration behind Your Horse’s challenge to #hack1000miles. The real beauty is that everyone and anyone can do it — and, yes, that includes you. From improving your bond with your horse and boosting both your and his confidence, through to discovering new areas of the countryside — many rarely seen by other members of the public — there are too many reasons to…

1 Laura married polo player Mark Tomlinson in 2013. Their wedding took place in Switzerland and guests included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. 2 She is trained by her father, Wilfried Bechtolsheimer, and Klaus Balkenhol, who won team gold for Germany at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. 3 Following a back injury, Laura now has to do a brief warm-up before riding any horses. She does believe, though, that all the rehab has had a long-lasting and positive effect on her as a rider. 4 She admits to being extremely picky about things being symmetrical. For example, the spine of the saddlecloth has to be exactly central and her girth has to be fastened on the same hole on both sides. 5 She says her two…

Ben Way is a full-time chartered surveyor for the regional property firm Butler Sherborn. He lives on his family’s farm in Warwickshire and events a team of horses up to four-star level. Fitting everything in… My alarm goes off at 5.30am and I get up at 5.45am — everyone needs a snooze! At 6am I tack up the first horse and am usually riding by 6.15am. At 7.15am I’m in the shower and on the road by 7.45am. My commute is about an hour so I make the most it by making calls to clients and owners. At 8.45am I get to the office and have breakfast about 9.30am. It usually consists of porridge with peanut butter, honey, dried fruit and chia seeds. At lunchtime, I try and squeeze in…

THERE ARE MANY reasons why you may need to have time off from riding. Maybe you’ve been unwell, had work commitments or a confidence knock. Or perhaps your horse has been injured. Regardless of your individual situation, every horse will benefit from being properly reintroduced to a rider and, if you’ve suffered an injury or fright yourself, jumping straight back on board isn’t always the answer. Injury, surgery & early recovery The most common veterinary scenarios requiring a break from ridden work are your horse suffering a wound, orthopaedic injury to the legs or back, colic or soft tissue surgery. Most vets will discourage complete box rest to ensure the horse stays as supple as possible. However, sometimes box rest can’t be avoided. “An initial period of box rest might…

MEET THE EXPERT JESS SAUNDERS is an equine veterinary assistant and has worked at Oakham Veterinary Hospital for 11 years. Oakham is one of the UK’s leading equine hospitals and it provides vet services throughout the East Midlands. IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT you know your horse’s vital signs. All horses are different, but knowing what your horse’s normal temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR) is will help you recognise if he’s feeling unwell. Do it when your horse is at rest, so that you’re familiar with what’s normal for him, and can spot when something may not be quite right. Follow our step-by-step guide to taking your horse’s TPR safely and correctly. Respiration Normal respiration rate at rest: 8 – 16 breaths per minute 1 To check your horse’s respiration rate, stand…

How can I get extended trot? Q I struggle to get my horse to extend his trot without him putting his head up and running on. What should I be doing to get him going properly? Gabi Preston, Buckinghamshire A In working rising trot, work on a 20m circle with your horse in shoulder-fore position. This allows you to get his hindleg directly underneath him more, helping to keep him rounder, with his head down so you are better able to stay in control. Then: • Ask your horse to move forward into medium trot for three or four strides and then bring him back to working trot. If he tries to run off, return to working trot or walk. By doing this, your horse will develop a difference in…

Is traffic on bridleways allowed? Q What’s the law regarding off-road vehicles and bridleways? I seem to see so many 4x4s and motorbikes on a local track at the moment! Angela Bates, Lancashire A On a bridleway, you are allowed to ride or lead a horse. Walkers and cyclists are also allowed to use bridleways, but cyclists must give way to horses, riders and walkers. Restricted bridleways can be used by all non-mechanically propelled traffic, such as a horse-drawn carriage. It’s an offence to drive a mechanically powered or motorised vehicle, such as a quad or scrambler bike, on a bridleway or restricted bridleway. It doesn’t matter if the driver has a valid driving licence and insurance — driving on a bridleway is still illegal. Meeting illegal traffic Firstly, your…

“Before you begin shopping, make a wish list of essentials” FINDING THE HORSE of your dreams is a bit like looking for a life partner, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know exactly what you want before you start searching. Before you begin shopping online, in a magazine or by word of mouth, make a wish list of essentials — including sex, type, height, age, temperament, performance and, of course, your budget — and try to stick to it. If you’re not sure what would be the ideal horse for you, at the experience level you are at, ask an experienced friend or trainer for their honest opinion — their answer might surprise you. On a ‘Horses for sale’ website — such as horsedeals.co.uk — there’s often…

A TRULY VERSATILE COLLECTION With a truly flexible, practical and versatile collection of saddles, there really is something for everyone in the Tekna range, with fully synthetic, hybrid and full leather designs to choose from. At the core of each Tekna saddle is a lightweight synthetic tree that can be easily tailored to suit nearly any horse using the Quik-Change Gullet System. Fully flexible, Tekna trees are synthetic, which assures the same tree shape in each saddle, unlike traditional hand-made trees. The Quik-Change Gullet System allows the rider to easily modify the tree width from narrow to extra wide using the gullet plates. To suit your favourite discipline, there are jump, dressage and GP saddles, plus the Maximus and Club styles. Tekna is currently offering a free saddle-fitting gauge, available…