Innehållsförteckning för Issue 445 från Your Horse

THERE’S A GOLDEN nugget hidden in these pages, in the form of some show-stopping dressage training from one of the all-time greats, Stephen Clarke (p54). We strive to bring you brilliant training advice from the best names in the business every month, but this struck me on a personal level. I’m referring to Stephen’s tip to hold the reins in one hand while schooling, because it forces you to keep your hands still and gives your horse a consistent contact to work into. I’ve had a lot of lessons in my time, but I haven’t heard this before. I’ve since started doing it every time I school my horse, Bilbo. My trainer tells me I have a habit of niggling with my thumbs (odd, I know) and I hope this…

EVENTER SARAH BULLIMORE is fourth in the FEI World Rankings and, along with her magnificent horse Reve Du Rouet (aka Blou), came fourth at Burghley Horse Trials in September — it seems four is currently her lucky number. Although Sarah, along with many of the top riders, makes tackling the big tracks look (mostly) like a walk in the park, behind the scenes, all is not always as it seems. Sarah takes up the story: “I’ve had 14-year-old Blou since he was three, and he’s never been straightforward. He was bred in Germany and I bought him from Holland. On the continent young horses are often kept in barns, which means they become bonded with each other, but don’t always get the chance to develop relationships with humans. I put…

❋ The Grevy’s is the largest of all the wild equids, with an adult male weighing around 450kg and standing 5ft 3in at the shoulder. ❋ Grevy’s feed mainly on grasses but they will also eat bark, fruit and leaves. They spend between 60% and 80% of their day foraging. ❋ The stallions have the largest territories of any living herbivore, at up to 10 square kilometres. ❋ Grevy’s are also known as ‘The Imperial Zebra’. ❋ A newborn zebra will follow anything that moves, which causes new mums to be highly aggressive towards other mares who may try to lead their youngsters astray. ❋ In the wild, Grevy’s live for about 20 years. In captivity, this can extend to as long as 40 years. ❋ Foals feed heavily for…

VITAL ROLES ■ Many horses were initially used as traditional cavalry horses, but their vulnerability to modern machine gun and artillery fire meant their role changed to transporting troops and ammunition. ■ Because motor vehicles were relatively new inventions and prone to problems, horses and mules were a more reliable (and cheaper) form of transport. ■ Thousands of horses pulled field guns — six to 12 horses were required to pull each gun. NUMBERS At the start of the war, the British Army had 25,000 horses Another 115,000 were purchased compulsorily under the Horse Mobilisation Scheme Over the course of the war, between 500 and 1,000 horses were shipped to Europe every day It could take up to 12 hours to clean the horses and their harnesses in muddy conditions…

Proud mumma @mountstjohn_emma proud proud proud ❤ charlotte_dujardincbe, Instagram Seeing double! Thank you to @wychwoodequine for this cute pic of Wilfred and I in today’s open day demo. Olivia Towers, @towers432, Instagram Perfect travel companion Found Your Horse magazine at the airport, so that made the flight almost enjoyable. I‘m afraid of flying so it was a good way to distract myself. Lisa Lidehall, Facebook Smile! They say never work with animals or kids. Now I know why... @nobuckingway blog, Instagram #Throwback thursday TBT to when Ed and I were featured in @yourhorsemagazine! @the_amazing_mr_ed, Instagram Happy anniversary! I’ve had a dream of being a riding instructor since forever — a year ago I finally qualified! @girlabouttheyard, Instagram…

❋ Without suppleness, even the most basic movements can prove difficult. Simple exercises such as riding different-sized circles are a stress-free way to work on this. If you ride them in every session, you’ll see the benefits quickly. ❋ Polework is useful for horses that need to focus. The more you can include in a single session (without over-working your horse) the more settled he’ll become. ❋ If your horse is finding something difficult, think what you can put in place to make things easier for him. Just carrying on doing the same things will only make him more uptight. A simple change in the exercise may be all it takes for him to crack it.…

MEET THE EXPERT All-action rider BEN ATKINSON trains all kinds of horses to work in film, TV and as stunt horses. He also has a team of classical dressage beauties. He’s worked on Poldark, Victoria, Peaky Blinders and the film War Horse. Visit actionhorses.co.uk. HORSES CAN DEVELOP the frustrating habit of barging past you when the stable door or paddock gate is opened, or spinning around while you’re handling them, knocking you flying. This sort of behaviour shows a lack of discipline and respect for you and, if you don’t take control now, you could get hurt. There can be a number of underlying reasons for this behaviour, including fear of moving through narrow gaps because of a past knock to the hips, or physical pain, which can make the…

• Treat each horse as an individual — some horses pick up new things more quickly than others. • Adjust the stride lengths between poles and fences so that they suit your horse. You want him to have a good experience and poles that make things too short or too long will unnerve him. • Let your horse jump new fences and combinations a few times until he feels happy and relaxed. Only then progress to the next step. • Be soft and giving with your hands over the fences, especially when there’s a pole on landing — this will allow your horse to drop his head to look at the pole.…

WHETHER YOU’RE WALKING the dog, spectating at your favourite horsey event or just going into town shopping, a pair of smart country boots will keep your feet warm, comfortable and dry. The stylish range of boots from Dublin is sure to have a model that catches your eye and we have eight pairs to give away in this great competition. Each boot in the range is breathable and all feature Dublin’s RCS footbed system with heel, arch support and double cushioning layer for superior comfort — your feet will be blissfully happy in these boots all day long. Our eight lucky winners will be able to pick a pair of boots of their choice from the Dublin Country Boot range. ■ Dublin River Grain Boot is a classic style, full…

“Outbreaks can occur when large numbers of sycamore seeds have fallen into the pasture grazed by horses” PEPPERCORN WAS A HAPPY, healthy gelding. He was fit, in regular work and he loved to gallop — so much so that after a fast, exciting ride in the New Forest, his owner Jenny Crouch entered him for a local Boxing Day point-to-point. But Peppercorn didn’t live to see that day. That exciting gallop was his last. “The following morning, I went to the field to give the ponies their morning feed and he didn’t come over. I found him standing in the bottom of the field and it was clear he wasn’t right,” recalls Jenny. “He wouldn’t move. His head was low and he had a laminitic stance, leaning back slightly.” Jenny…

MEET THE EXPERT HANJA DICKINSON MRCVS from Wright and Morten, an XLVets Equine practice in Cheshire, is a passionate horsewoman. She was a keen polo and polocrosse player before turning to dressage and is now searching for her future dressage star. “Maximal oxygen uptake during exercise is 40 times as great as when the horse is at rest” HORSES PERFORMING INTENSIVE exercise can breathe more than twice each second and maximal oxygen uptake during exercise is 40 times as great as when the horse is at rest. The respiratory system is important and complex, which means it’s susceptible to developing issues. But fear not, a tweak in how you manage your horse, alongside being vigilant to the most common conditions your horse is susceptible to, can help keep his breathing…

It can be tricky warming up your horse for work when it’s blowing a hoolie, but it’s important to ensure his muscles are ready before asking anything of him. “While grooming, I use hot water bottles (for safety, filled with warm, not scalding-hot water) underneath a stable rug or fleece to gently warm the muscles in the quarters,” says Tara. “Tape two bottles together and balance them on the loins while you get your horse ready. Magnetic rugs and heat lamps are also useful.” A thermal or waterproof quarter sheet while you ride will keep him comfy too.…

10 BAGS OF TOPSPEC TopSpec Cool Balancer is designed for horses in light to medium work who need extra topline, without fizz. It’s a non-heating, cereal-grain-free formula, with low levels of sugar and starch, plus good quality protein. Cool Balancer contains generous levels of B vitamins, some of which are considered helpful for their relaxing effects. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to neutralise the effects of stress and aid relaxation. Find out more at topspec.com 7 TUBS OF FORAGE GUARD Forage Guard is a broad spectrum supplement designed to help lessen the damaging effects of mycotoxins, which are produced by certain moulds commonly found in grains, mixed feed, forages and bedding. Forage Guard works to bind any mycotoxins in the gut, preventing their absorption, without removing…

Attaching the lunge line Q What does lungeing from the bit mean? Charlotte Gooby, Sheffield Diane says... Lungeing is a way to build a horse’s suppleness and balance. It also gives you an opportunity to observe their movement. Lungeing from the bit is a technique where the lunge line is attached directly onto the bit, rather than a cavesson. It is usually done in one of three ways: (1) clipping the line directly onto the inside bit ring; (2) clipping it onto the outside bit ring and looping it though the inside bit ring; or (3) attaching it to the outside bit ring, taking the line over the horse’s poll (following the line of the headpiece), and then looping it through the inside bit ring. Although you often see…

Instruct and inspire Q I’m interested in taking my instructor exams. What makes a good riding coach? Leah Montague, Fishguard Alex says... A great coach will inspire, instil confidence, motivate and encourage others to achieve their goals and ambitions. A successful coach also embeds the philosophy of putting the welfare of the horse at the heart of everything they do — a consideration every coach should put at the forefront of their coaching practice. You will have a compassion and dedication for horses that enables you to get the best out of the partnerships you build between riders and horses. Coaching is ultimately an outdoors career so you must be ready and willing to work in all weathers and spend a long time on your feet. As you’ll no doubt…

Rugs come in a variety of styles and cuts across the different weights, so you can have a number of rugs to suit different conditions: 1. STANDARD NECK The rug stops at your horse’s withers, leaving his neck uncovered. 2. HIGH NECK The rug extends just beyond the withers, but doesn’t cover the entire length of the neck. 3. DETACHABLE NECK This rug comes with a neck cover (or one can be bought separately), which can be added or removed depending on the weather. This gives you the versatility of having two rugs in one. 4. COMBO STYLE This has an integral neck cover that can’t be removed.…

YOUR HORSE’S RUGS have a tough time, and despite your best efforts to keep his stable spotless and turn him out with quiet fieldmates, it won’t be long before he finds the muddiest spot to roll, or playtime gets a little out of hand and your turnout rug bears the brunt. However, with good care your horse’s rugs will continue to protect him from the elements for years. It’s not just about cleaning them at the end of the season, it’s also about how you store them and what to do on a daily basis to ensure they continue to keep your horse warm and dry, whatever this winter has in store. Day-to-day care Get into the habit of removing any mud and dirt stuck to the outside of the…

Under 15.2hh Bombproof pony 14hh, 12yo, black, mare Forward-going pony, good in traffic, hacks alone or in company in open space/woods/on roads. Just a very happy, loving pony who is looking for a fun and varied life. Loves to be kept busy and deserves to be loved for who she is. Very easy to handle both in and out of the stable. Good to catch in the field, loads and travels on a trailer or lorry. Can be left on her own all day on the lorry. £3,250 Contact: 07879 437387, Surrey Ad ref: DIY1126118 Striking Welsh section D 14.1hh, 9yo, bay, mare Roxy is an easy, straightforward mare who’s a delight to have around. Polite in the stable and could easily be handled by a child. True all-rounder to…

Deputy editor Allison Lowther:  l’ve put together over 30 pages of rug loveliness for you. There’s everything from advice on fitting, a test on therapy rugs through to the different weights explained. Hopefully it will help you put your rug shopping list together. Page 131. Acting online editor Julie Brown: I like autumn’s cold, bright mornings, with winter still far enough away not to spoil it for me. My feature about how best to transition our horses includes expert advice for making it easier on both of you. Page 80. Top British showjumper Jessica Mendoza: It’s so important to give your horse a solid start to his jump training so that he is confident for the years ahead. I’ve shared the exercises I use to achieve this on page 44.…

RIDER OF THE YEAR Charlotte Seth, Haworth RDA Charlotte has Joberts Syndrome, with balance and coordination problems and issues with motor skills. When she started riding with the RDA she was wheelchair bound, needed to be lifted onto the pony and couldn’t talk. Initially she needed a team of three to help her, as poor core strength meant she was unable to sit upright and needed side walker support and a leader. Charlotte is a very determined young person and has made some amazing improvements. She can now mount with support, hold herself on the pony, sit upright and walk with just the aid of a walker. She makes glass jewellery and every year has a stand at the RDA Christmas fair with her own label ‘Charlotte’s lovely things’. VOLUNTEER…

Another of our fantastic challengers has romped through the finishing post super-quick. Well done Melanie Van Kampen de Jong and Stunner. “I began the challenge at the start of the summer,” says Melanie. “I do lots of hacking, enjoying the peace it gives me and the chance to focus 100% on Stunner too. “I live in Holland and often hack out with my husband, who comes along on his quad bike. This year we hacked for a few days in Germany — it’s a great bonding experience. “I also do a spot of dressage but hacking is my thing. I like the challenges we come across, like crossing a river that had no bridge. “I’ve had Stunner for eight years. I was told she was unrideable and unreliable, but just…

Jenny Rudall is a freelance TV presenter, producer and broadcaster who lives near Cirencester. She has a 15-month-old son, James, and owns an event horse, Finn, who she competes up to novice level. She hopes to move up to one star level next year. My job… I work as an executive producer for Horse&Country TV, where I do most of the in-house production for a lot of the shows. I produce, direct and present all the shows that I make such as Rudall Rides With, Rudall’s Round-up and the Masterclass Xtra series to name a few. I also edit a lot of the channel’s other programmes. It’s a very busy role and I spend a lot of time on the road. I also work for the Longines Global Champions Tour…

To remember war horses in all their glory, Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has launched its Every Horse Remembered campaign. “Every Horse Remembered marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, when surviving war horses began the next and, for most, the last painful chapter in their lives,” says Brooke’s media and content manager Jamie Whear. “When our founder Dorothy Brooke went searching for these forgotten heroes, she found walking skeletons working as beasts of burden, their hard labour keeping people in Cairo out of poverty. Supported by the generosity of the public, she established the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital, where Brooke’s story began (see box, p24).” Working horses are sadly not a thing of the past. Nowadays over 100 million equines are working…

When a hectic, full life involves juggling work, relationships, children and more, is sharing a horse the way to make it work? You share your thoughts… SOLO I have four children, a fiancé, one horse and two jobs. It’s hard work but it’s all worth it in the end — my children enjoy being outdoors and we make it a family affair by taking a picnic and going for walks after all the jobs are finished. Laura Laing SHARING I had a long break and shared a loan horse. I wanted to get back into horses without the pressure of owning one, as I had two young children. Ten years on I still have that horse but I now own her.... and a mini farm. Things do work out. Hayley…

■ Stands around 16.3hh ■ Can carry between 12st 7lb and 14st ■ Has around 9in of bone ■ Is shown with the mane plaited — chunky plaits and sewn in ■ Has a pulled (never shaved) tail, which hangs six inches below the hock. It can be plaited for showing, but many prefer it left natural ■ Has courage ■ Is full of power and covers the ground easily ■ Is light in the hand and easy to bring back to walk after a good gallop ■ Is fit enough for the job of hunting, even if they never actually do it ■ Has a straight movement with little knee action ■ Is shown on the flat. If they do working hunter classes too, they must be able to…

MEET THE EXPERT JESSICA MENDOZA hails from Wiltshire and began riding aged three. She’s one of the youngest riders ever to represent Britain at senior level in Nations Cup and European Championship teams. Jessica was travelling reserve at the Rio Olympics and is aiming for Tokyo 2020. WHEN TEACHING A young or inexperienced horse about jumping, it’s important to build their confidence slowly. Taking your time in the early stages will pay dividends when you ask the horse to tackle more challenging fences and combinations in the future. Leading British Showjumping star Jessica Mendoza’s advice is to keep things simple. Not pushing your horse too much too soon is the key to building a strong foundation for future training. It also helps to cement your relationship and trust in each…

■ When barging is an issue, ask yourself, who’s moving who? If your horse is moving your feet, then he’s the one in charge. ■ Make sure your horse is never made to face something he’s frightened of too closely until he’s completely reassured that all is OK. ■ Your horse could be feeling insecure and his barging might be an attempt to get close to you so he feels safer. Take little steps to help him get over whatever it is that’s bothering him. ■ Don’t forget that by barging and being pushy, your horse is letting down his side of the bargain when it comes to your relationship. He should know not to walk over you in return for you not walking over him. ■ Put boundaries in…

MEET THE EXPERT STEPHEN CLARKE is a world-renowned dressage judge. He’s judged at all the major dressage competitions including the World Equestrian Games (WEG), Europeans and the Olympics. He’s competed internationally and holds regular training clinics around the world. IF YOU BUILD A house on weak foundations, eventually it will crumble. The same goes for training a horse to do dressage. Dressage judge and trainer Stephen Clarke, whose down to earth and common sense approach to training means he’s always in high demand, states that it’s important to truly understand what dressage is and have the correct foundations in place in order to help your training progress. “For me, dressage is about starting a horse as a three-year-old with the clear aim that one day this horse will compete at…

■ Any sycamore trees in or around your horse’s fields or in the near vicinity should be identified. Seeds can travel a significant distance, especially in certain weather conditions, so it’s important to be vigilant. Ideally, don’t use any pastures with sycamore trees around the outside or close to them. ■ Areas where sycamore seeds and leaves are likely to fall should be fenced off and any that have fallen should be cleared from the grazing and disposed of. ■ If grazing is poor, or a number of horses graze a small area, you should consider supplementary forage (for example, providing hay or haylage in the field) to try to reduce the risk of them ingesting the seeds/seedlings. ■ If a case of atypical myopathy occurs, then all horses should…

1 Oil blades at least every 10 minutes and keep a check on how warm the blades are getting. 2 Keep a spare set of blades handy to change over to when doing the head and sensitive areas, so you can be certain they’re totally cool. 3 Use proper clipper oil, not WD40, cooking oil or linseed oil etc. It needs to be a light oil to enable the blades to continue to cut correctly. 4 Use a blade coolant and lubricant if blades are starting to get very warm. Do not immerse clipper blades in any type of liquid to cool while still running. The safest solution is to change to another set of blades which are cold. 5 Keep the clipper cable over your shoulder while clipping —…

Releasing tension Q My friend has something called the Masterson Method used on her horse. What is it? Sarah Warner, Chandlers Ford Mary says... The Masterson Method is a unique type of bodywork where the horse is part of the team we create. We work on the four main junctions in the horse’s body — the poll, withers, lumbar and sacral areas — and create more movement in the joints when the horse is in a relaxed state. As we work around the body, the horse will give subtle signs when we reach an area of tension — a blink or lip quiver — and we’ll focus on that place. Most importantly, we soften our touch so the horse cannot brace or block it out. We wait until the eye…

Grooming prospects Q I’m interesting in becoming a professional groom — where can my career progress to? Sally Fish, Poole Alex says... Grooming is a valued profession in its own right. Career opportunities are diverse as there are such a wide variety of yards — you could be working for a professional competition rider, as part of a racing yard, or as a commercial groom in a riding school or equine college. If turnout is your passion, then a competition yard would suit you. If you’re interested in youngstock and the science of breeding, working in a stud yard might be for you. There are also opportunities for grooms as part of rehabilitation and veterinary yards, mounted forces or equine welfare charities. The BHS Groom Pathway combines the specific knowledge…

LIGHTWEIGHT OR MEDIUM? Neck cover or no neck cover? The art of rugging is confusing, but with a clearer understanding of how your horse stays warm, you’ll be better equipped to choose the most appropriate rugs for him. “Just because you’re wearing a jacket to the yard on a chilly autumn morning, this doesn’t necessarily mean your horse is feeling the drop in temperature too,” explains scientific and equine consultant Dr David Marlin. “Your horse doesn’t lose heat as rapidly as you do because of his coat and size. When the air temperature is between 0°C and 25°C your horse can control his body temperature by simply opening and closing blood vessels in the skin to lose or retain heat. Outside these temperatures he must use other means to keep…

THERE’S AN INCREASING number of therapy rugs available, which claim to help keep your horse in tip-top condition. These rugs are made from technical materials that aim to boost circulation, reduce inflammation and aid relaxation. They also help to warm up your horse’s muscles before work, and claim to help your horse get rid of toxins too, which relieves muscle spasms and muscle soreness and may improve flexibility. These modern products don’t come cheap, so we’ve put four therapy rugs to the test to find out how effective they are and whether they could be of benefit to your horse. How we score Each product is marked out of five for fit, effectiveness and value for money. This gives an overall rating out of 15. BACK ON TRACK MESH RUG…

EQUIHANDEE HARNESS A revolutionary new riding aid designed to help instructors and parents keep smaller, wobbly riders safely in the saddle, improving their confidence and increasingly their enjoyment of riding. The harness enables the rider to stay safe and stable in the saddle while feeling as though their instructor has ‘let go’, allowing them to find their own balance and seat. RRP £49.99; equihandee.co.uk VITALITY RING This beautiful ring features a combination of the powerful magnet neodymium and the chemical element germanium, which together are said to help with easing aches and pains, boosting energy levels, aiding sleep and reducing headaches and menopause symptoms. There are four styles to choose from, with the Wave (pictured) priced at £35. RRP from £30; pegasusjewellery.net TRI BRIGHT LED SPOTLIGHTS As we hurtle towards…

Joint support helps maintain flexibility for life and there is now scientific proof that supports the use of joint supplements in horses. NAF is proud to be able to continue to undertake research and development to bring you NAF Five Star Superflex. The synergistic blend of ingredients in this supplement promotes flexibility by supporting the oil in the joint, strong joint tissue, tough tendons, and secure ligaments and connective tissue. Formulated by international veterinary scientists, together with NAF’s in-house chemists and registered nutritionist, and supported by trials on real horses and ponies, you can trust NAF Five Star Superflex to maintain flexibility for life. Whether hacking on roads, on soft or hard ground, jumping, or just walking on bridleways, wear and tear occurs daily. NAF’s experienced professionals can give advice…

How Darren is staying one step ahead of Friedreich’s ataxia… ■ Riding with the RDA once a week has slowed down the effects of the condition by strengthening Darren’s core and improving his posture. ■ Mentally it has made him stronger by getting him out of the house and mixing with other people. ■ Making himself go to the cinema on his own helped to combat nerves and anxiety. ■ He rides his mechanical horse daily, spurred on by wanting to be even better in the saddle. ■ Staying positive and focusing on what he CAN do, not what he can’t, is key. Darren’s next target is para dressage trials.…

IF YOU’RE EVER LUCKY enough to spot an adult male Grevy’s prowling around his territory, you’ll get some understanding of just how majestic these zebras are. So much so that in 1882, Menelik II, Emperor of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) thought they were so regal, he presented one as a gift to the President of France, Jules Grévy — hence the name. The treeless grasslands of Ethiopia and northern Kenya are home to the Grevy’s, with a small population introduced in southern Kenya too. Sadly, the numbers of these zebras declined dramatically in the 1970s when their coats became a most-wanted fashion item. In the 1980s there were 15,000 left, with this crashing to around 2,500 today. Thankfully, there are now laws in place to protect them, and a longer-term conservation…

Snoozing When they fall asleep on your shoulder… my horse Indi. Sue McParlin, Wirral #firstlove Three-year-old Hollie with her best friend Basil. Steph Fay, Warwickshire Going solo Bailey and I after our first hack with just the two of us. I adore him. Lucy Seal, Oxfordshire Hit the road Me and Badger after our hack this morning. Anne-Marie Cronin, Kilmallock, Ireland Memories… Lad was my first horse and a very special boy. I love this picture of us having a cuddle. Hanner Dunnett, Gloucester He’s behind you! Sloppy kisses from Roanen while I poo pick the field. Lana Frost, via email Three Amigos Selfie with my boys Smurf and Blue. Samantha Ling, Inverness Winning smiles This is my horse Sarah. She’s 19 and this year got reserve champion at a…

“We’re at the end of the session and I’d like to see the handbrake come off and DB2 allowed to just canter around the arena for a couple of circuits,” says Katie. “The canter has improved so much, so let’s just let him bowl on.” Once he’s cantered, DB2 can walk, stretch and have a little fuss. “Stretching doesn’t come naturally to this horse, so it’s important to let him to do this at the end of every session. It helps with suppleness and he leaves the arena with a relaxed mindset.”…

Jessica Mendoza is an ambassador for British heritage brand, Renwick & Sons, makers of fine grooming tools. Since 1798, each generation of this Northumberland-based family business has passed down the knowledge, passion and craftsmanship needed to create a stunning collection of equine brushes. The Renwick & Sons grooming kit combines traditional craftsmanship, ergonomic design and advanced bristle technology to bring you and your horse a grooming experience like no other. Visit renwickandsons.co.uk .…

OUR EXPERT JOE CLAYTON is an international showjumper based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, where he produces and competes showjumpers alongside his fiancée and fellow rider Georgina Stirling. Joe has competed for Team GBR and up to 5* level across the globe. WHEN JUMPING A course of showjumps, it’s vital that your horse can collect and move forwards off your leg when asked. You should be able to make subtle adjustments and your horse should respond straightaway, especially in a jump-off when every second counts. Being able to shorten and lengthen your horse’s stride between fences is an essential ingredient in achieving a clear round. Before starting any exercises, spend time warming up and ensure your horse is loose and switched on, ready for the following exercises. EXERCISE 1 This exercise…

Riding with your reins in one hand is an exercise Stephen uses a lot, especially with younger horses. It offers a perfectly equal, stable contact point that your horse can’t avoid and the rider can’t fiddle with the reins to compensate. What you’re trying to establish is that he’s in front of you and there at the end of both reins — accepting the bridle, working forwards from behind into it. Now, just wait for him to step forwards into it and take that contact point forwards and down. You want to feel your horse is pulling a little more into the contact. Once you have that feeling, take your reins back into two hands and try to keep the same feeling and frame.…

Pool House has an on-site climate-controlled pharmacy and laboratory. This means that common things like worm egg counts, examining smears of bacteria, cultures and sensitivity tests for different antibiotics can be done in-house promptly. Haematology means blood tests can be run, and joint fluid and fluid from the abdomen (in the case of peritonitis) can be assessed. Nurses and interns do most of the lab work, but vets sometimes come in as well, especially if they’re faced with an emergency case during the night.…

“When planning your exercise regime for the colder spell, be creative,” says dressage rider and trainer Tara Osborne of Long Drove Dressage Centre. “Regular turnout is essential as it helps keep your horse sane, although I know not everyone has this luxury.” Tara says that being consistent is key. “Small amounts of exercise every day is better for keeping your horse’s mind and body active and healthy, but it doesn’t have to be riding.” Tara recommends more than just lungeing as an alternative to getting in the saddle. “Create interesting things for your horse to focus on,” says Tara. “For instance, random poles for him to walk over in-hand; safe, sturdy obstacles for him to stand on or walk across; a ball for him to put his leg on and…

Keep warm this Winter with our Dublin Moonstone Long Sleeve Technical Top. A wardrobe essential that traps the heat and provides additional ventilation to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. Available in Black, Navy, Pink & Plum Ladies XSmall to XXLarge RRP £37.99 The Dublin Annabelle Waterproof Jacket is a staple piece for a winter wardrobe. Keeps you warm and dry with a fashionable contrast colour lining. Available in Navy/Mint & Plum Ladies XSmall to XXLarge. RRP £89.99 A stunning addition to your Winter wardrobe, the Dublin Paridot Vest is a great layering option. The contrast shiny front and back with rear riding vents make sure you won’t have to compromise on style while in the saddle. Available in Navy Ladies XSmall to XXLarge. RRP £79.99 The Dublin Odelia ¼…

Lungeing p116 Diane Followell is a classical dressage trainer who’s trained with Portuguese riding master Nuno Oliveira and coaches riders up to grand prix level. Find out more at dianefollowell.com. Bodywork p118 Mary Sargeant is a kinesio taping practitioner and became a Masterson Method practitioner in 2013, using a light touch with her hands to identify sore and tense areas on a horse. Grooming p120 Jenny Ellis is a highly experienced groom, having groomed for leading dressage rider Richard Davison for many years. She was hailed the unsung hero of the London 2012 Olympics. Careers p122 Alex Copeland is the British Horse Society’s director of education, meaning he’s best-placed to advise on anything related to horsey careers. For more information, visit bhs.org.uk.…

Mud fiends Q I prefer my horse to live out as much as possible in the winter and he’s not the type that needs rugging. How can I keep his coat tidy? Peter Smith, Rugby Jenny says... Trying to keep on top of the mud can be a nightmare. One easy way to prevent mud from sticking to the coat is to use a show sheen-type spray on his tail (I like Mr Sheen furniture polish, which is an affordable option), as it will deflect mud. This type of product can also be used on other parts of the body, but beware it can make your reins slippery and your saddle slip if used in those areas. To work off mud that’s already stuck to the coat, use a…

Sue James’ Welsh cob gelding Puffin lives out all year round. He’s a good doer and is on well-managed grazing. Sue wonders if he needs any extra feed during the winter. Welsh cobs are usually very efficient eaters and Sue says it can be hard work to keep Puffin slim and fit despite riding him six days a week. While he certainly won’t need any more calories than grass and hay will provide over the winter, Puffin will certainly benefit from some extra nutritional support. Grass and hay are often deficient in important nutrients, such as copper, zinc and selenium, so Sue should consider supplementing Puffin’s diet to help keep him healthy. Because Sue enjoys a two-hour ride most days and often goes for long, fast hacks at weekends, a…

1 Don’t rug your horse based on how cold you feel as his body is better able to cope with a dip in temperature. 2 Older, younger, thin and clipped horses will be more sensitive to the cold. 3 For most horses (unless clipped and living out 24/7), rugs shouldn’t be needed before the overnight temperature is between 5°C and 10°C. 4 Start with lightweight rugs and move to rugs with a heavier filling as it gets colder. 5 Avoid rugging your horse all day when he’s turned out. An hour a day without a rug will allow for the sun’s rays to boost his vitamin D levels. 6 A combination of wind, cold temperature and rain will lead to the greatest heat loss. 7 To check your horse is…

AMIGO COMPETITION SHEET RRP £49.95 COLOURS Chocolate/cream, red/white, navy/white SIZES S — XL FOR STOCKISTS horseware.com A waterproof and breathable competition sheet with a cosy fleece lining. It’s shaped to wrap around your saddle and is cut away where your legs hang, so you can still give clear aids to your horse. Light-reflective strips on either side of the sheet give added safety. BUCAS RIDING RUG RRP£60  COLOUR Navy SIZES S (5ft 6in) — XL (6ft 9in) FOR STOCKISTS zebraproducts.co.uk Perfect for the cold weather, this riding rug is lightweight and durable, and fits perfectly over your horse’s back to keep him dry and warm. The rip-stop outer is extremely robust and provides breathability and waterproofing. The sheet has a stay-dry and anti-bacterial lining for added comfort. PROTECHMASTA QUARTER RUG…