Innehållsförteckning för Issue 505 från Your Horse

IT WASUPLIFTING to see horses play such a pivotal role in the Coronation of King Charles III, pulling the Diamond Jubilee State Coach (below) and the Gold State Coach, and taking part in the procession. Everyone who reads this magazine realises howmajestic their own equines are, but to see these beautiful beasts involved in the largest parade of its kind for 70 yearswas extraordinary and will no doubt long linger in the memory. Your Horse is all about helping horse and rider to improve, rather like the way those forces’ horses are regularly trained and honed, as well as desensitised to objects that would make many a leisure horse turn on its heels and bolt. Multi-medalled ParalympianNatasha Baker had a similarly frightening experience in the ring at the 2018 World…

A new dual-purpose microchip which allows horse owners to read their horse's temperature, as well as storing their identification number, has been launched by MSD Animal Health UK. The HomeAgain Thermochip utilises new technology that gives owners and care professionals an easier, less intrusive and swifter way to gain vital information about their animals. According to its manufacturer, the technology has myriad benefits, including reducing the risk to owners, handlers and professionals, enabling stress-free daily monitoring and routine checks on yards, and checking horse health during disease outbreaks. Blaise Scott-Morris of MSD Animal Health said: “This new technology is going to change howwe monitor horse health, making it easier to spot early signs of illness and potentially improve treatment outcomes. The chip not only benefits horse owners, but helps to…

Through thick and thin My boy Slim is also known as Slim Shady. He went from being my loan horse to the first horse I had ever purchased and called my own. Quite simply, he's one in a million. We have had plenty of downs as well as ups; he's a sensitive boy at heart, but I wouldn't change a thing about him. Harriet Milnes, Derbyshire Magazine superfan While sunbathing in Crete recently I caught up with reading my favourite magazine while also making plans for the year ahead with my beautiful Pippa, who is always up for a selfie. Angela Bartley, Lancashire Pub regular I'd like to introduce you to Ronnie, my heart horse who I had to sadly say goodbye to in January to colic. In his earlier…

Getting the horse to use his body effectively Some horses don't naturally bascule over a fence, which can be due to various reasons, including rushing, tightness in the back and even conformation. However, you can improve your horses’ jumping technique with time and the correct training and exercises. Run outs This can be a rider error, maybe due to them not riding straight and allowing the horse to go crooked, which makes it easier for the horse to duck out. It could, though, be a confidence issue. Go back to basics and ensure that the distance is correct through the combinations. Overjumping by the rider If the rider isn't used to jumping parallel fences, sometimes they can develop a habit of over-jumping the fences, which includes pushing the horse out…

Studies conducted at Hartpury University in 2016, in collaboration with the Animal Health Trust (which has since been disbanded), tried to establish the optimum water depth for working horses and how water depth affected equine kinematics (locomotion). The researchers tracked markers on the backs of 14 sport horses working in four different depths of water — hoof, fetlock, hock and stifle — to determine the maximum extension and flexion of different regions of the back. They then used the difference between the two values to find out the total extension/flexion range of movement. They noted that as the water depth increased there was a tendency for the thoracic spine region to extend and the lumbar spine to flex. They found that the deeper the water, the more pronounced the S…

In partnership with Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Meet this month's panel of experts Bridlefitting Frances Roche is a Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Master Saddler and Qualified Bridle Fitter, and a former Master Saddler at the Royal Mews. Visit windsorand henleybridles.co.uk Legaladvice James Pheasant is a dispute resolution partner at the law firmGunnercooke. He boasts a background in equestrian and horseracing law. Visit gunnercooke.com Ridingadvice Cathy Lammie is a British Horse Society (BHS) accredited senior coach and equine lecturer based on the Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire borders. Feedingtips Jo Palmer has a BSc (Hons) in agriculture with animal science and isamember of the Allen & Page nutrition team, helping to guide owners on feeds and feeding. Visit allenandpage.com GOT A PROBLEM? Need an answer? We'll know someone who can…

Ask The Experts Ground force Q I would like to introduce some groundwork tomymare to help us bond. Any ideas for simple exercises to get us started? Claire Samms, Glasgow Cathy says: Groundwork is an excellent way to build trust and a good bond with your horse, provided you don't rush it. Here are some easy steps to help you get started… STEP 1 Firstly, bear inmind that groundwork requires patience and clarity from the handler. You and your horsemay struggle to communicate at first, so be realistic and don't expect everything to go smoothly at the start. Getting some professional help can assist with speeding up the process. STEP 2 Consider whether your mare is in or out of season and how she reacts when you touch her. Somemares…

BRUSHING UP Help your horse shine with the Coldstream Birkhill Bend range of grooming brushes. The unique C-flex structure is designed to contour to your horse's body while the anatomical profile fits the user's hand perfectly. The range includes a body brush, a goat hair body brush and a curry comb. RRP £9.99 (body brush), £12.99 (goat hair body brush), £9.99 (curry comb) COLDSTREAMEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK MUSCLE MAGIC Cavalor Muscle Motion provides supportive muscle care to help ensure healthy muscle function. The supplement contains vitamin E and selenium, together with a strong mix of antioxidants and buffers for magnesium and MSM. RRP £37.50 for 1kg ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK AND BREATHE A good quality sweater is a wardrobe staple even in the warmer months. The Toggi Breathe Sweatshirt is made from a soft, silicone-washed cotton blend and it…

Instructor Kim Ratcliffe: You have to be able to work straight without relying on the fence because how else can you ride a good centre line? Too many riders hug the outside track, so come away and see what happens, page 24 Centre10 advanced coach Lynsey Richardson: While we don't want to completely eradicate those pre-competition butterflies given that adrenaline can help with focus, it is important that everyone finds a way to channel their nerves, page 30 Emma Stamenkovic, Equipilates coach: It can help to break down the problembetween horse and rider. Doing work off the horse, whether that's with exercises on the ground or using amechanical horse, can be really beneficial, page 32 Showing supremo Katie Jerram-Hunnable: Turning out a horse to be a head-turner in the show…

The pair, though, is now through the worst of the recovery process. Matata lost a lot of his coat, but is regrowing hair over most parts of his body and he has been jumping over anything he can find — not bad for a horse who just a couple of months ago no one was sure would even survive. Hakuna, meanwhile, is full of mischief and likes to keep his handlers on their toes. Rescued at the same time was a mare called Mathilde, plus her foal, Zazu. Sadly, Mathilde contracted tetanus during her treatment and had to be euthanised. However, Matata immediately took Zazu under his wing and the pair has been stabled together—an incredible good news story for horses who have been through the most horrific of experiences.…

How I make it work: I'm ultra organised, plus I have great support from my mum, stepdad and husband The mother of one manages to juggle keeping a horse and holding down a demanding full-time job she loves while also studying for accountancy exams My job… I work as a management accountant for Millers Retail Design, a Salford-based shop fit company. I've been with the firm for 14 years. I started in the purchasing department and worked my way up to heading the accounts team, reporting directly to the financial director. It's a challenging role, but that's why I love it so much. There's also a real family feel to the company and I have a great boss, Chris Jolly, who is really supportive. My role involves everything from the…

YOUR HORSE'S TRAINING POLEWORK | SIX POLES MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR POLEWORK IS FABULOUS and fun, and the myriad patterns of today have brought the equestrian world a raft of interesting configurations that never fail to give the horse a whole body workout. Polework will really move the horse's limbs. If you watch footage of a horse trotting on the flat versus him trotting over poles, you will instantly see that he has more lift, cadence and articulation. This strengthens his body, lessening the risk of injury as he goes about his daily work. The stronger his core becomes, too, the more it will support his back and spine. Not everyone loves schooling, and not everyone rides into an arena with a well thought…

HEADING OUT TO the field, headcollar in hand, you might be wondering how long it will take to catch your reluctant equine today. Sometimes you get close enough to almost touch him, but then he turns on his heels and darts off. It is easy to become disheartened and frustrated if your horse does this to you in the field, especially if other horses at the yard are so obliging to their owners. “Horses can be difficult to catch when they move away, run away, or turn their backside to you,” says behaviour trainer Bridget Colston. “It could even be that he comes over, but won't allow the headcollar to be put on.” As difficult as it is to deal with, our horses can only share how they feel through…

Introducing a horse to a water treadmill or cold water spa for the first time may seem daunting, but done with care it is usually a straightforward process. “We take as much time as needed to get the horse thoroughly used to being on the treadmill before adding water,” says Raeane Turner. This starts with walking the horse on and off the belt, through each set of gates. “We stay ahead and they get on and off until they're confident. “They will walk on the treadmill dry to start with, then if all is going well we introduce water to just above their hooves. Most of the time we can introduce water on the first visit, but with horses who are a little bit nervous they might use the treadmill…

Ask The Experts Why the right fit is a no-brainer QWhat checks shouldImake to ensure that my bridle fits correctly? Rachel Landsdown, Somerset Frances says: The correct bridle fit is very important and riders are now much more aware as to how fit can impact on their horse's comfort, welfare and performance. You can seek advice from a Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Qualified Bridle Fitter who has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your bridle is the best possible fit. There are also some simple checks you can make yourself… Headpiece This should sit comfortably behind the bulbs of the ears and over the poll. Slide your hand under the crown of the headpiece to check that it isn't tight. Many headpieces are anatomically shaped around the ears…

Ask The Experts Feeling the heat Q When the grass gets really scorched over the summer does it still contain lots of calories? It looks yellow anddry, but my cob is unfortunately still managing to maintain his weight. Charlotte Wilson, Suffolk Jo says: The fact that your cob is maintaining his weight well just goes to show that there are still plenty of calories available from what may look like very poor grazing. Although the nutritional content of this scorched grass will be significantly less than that of lush green spring grazing, it is likely to be similar to that of baled hay and sufficient to meet the energy needs of lots of horses, particularly good doers and those in light work. When temperatures are hot, horses will use less…

WHETHER YOU ARE trotting down the centre line or waiting for the bell to ring at the beginning of your jumping round, ensuring that you and your horse look and feel at your best can give your confidence a surprising boost. The competition jacket you choose to wear not only needs to look smart but it should also be comfortable, leaving you to focus on the job in hand. Our team of testers, who are out competing regularly, have put five competition jackets to the test. Read on to discover which ones came out on top for fit and style. How we score: Each competition jacket has been marked out of five for fit, style and value for money. This gives an overall rating out of 15. MEET THE TESTERS…

DUBLIN EVOLUTION TALL FIELD BOOTS RRP £242.99 COLOUR Black SIZES 4-8 Regular, regular short, wide short WEATHERBEETA.CO.UK These boots aremade from full grain European leather with a full grain leather lining. They have a full-length elasticated panel and rear zip to ensure a perfect fit. The fact that they are contoured through the ankle area makes them comfy to wear both in and out of the saddle. The RCSmemory foam and PU footbed add to the comfort factor, whileamoulded sidewall provides extra ankle support and protection. PREMIER EQUINE BILANCIO LADIES LEATHER FIELD TALL RIDING BOOT RRP £155 COLOURS Black, brown SIZES 4-8 in regular or wide calf PREMIEREQUINE.CO.UK Crafted from European leather, these boots have a supple feel from first use. The elastic lace panel increases flexibility and comfort around the ankle…

For all the latest news from the horse world, visit yourhorse.co.uk RESEARCH Scientists seek a way forward to solve equine grass sickness mystery Equine grass sickness (EGS) remains one of veterinary science's most frustrating mysteries: what causes this debilitating and often fatal disease? Why does one horse develop it and not another? Why do some survive while others don't? Although scientists are still a long way from gleaning concrete answers, progress is being made in piecing together the puzzle, with the country's leading experts recently coming together for the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) Conference to discuss the path forward for EGS. Prof Chris Proudman of the Surrey Vet School gave a presentation on the ‘power of partnerships’. He said that working with different specialists could be the future. “There…

FIONA LETTS FOUND Horses For Good totally by chance during an internet search. With a background in equestrianism that began with a Shetland pony at the age of seven, the foster parent and adoptive mum who works in her family's architectural business was now on the lookout for a horse again, but not for herself. This time Fiona felt that an equine connection would benefit her adopted daughter, Kimberley, 17, who has learning disabilities, speech and language problems (making her hard to understand), myoclonic epilepsy and a limited stature — she is 4ft 9in tall and unlikely to grow any more, meaning that she is towered over by all her friends. Kimberley has also struggled to fit in anywhere, although Girl Guides was a rare haven of inclusivity and enjoyment;…

Anxiety is a common byproduct of the pressures of any competitive endeavour and equestrian sports are no exception. However, while competition nerves and jitters are common among riders, and are certainly nothing to be ashamed of, they can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, and these can affect a rider not just mentally but physically, too. Some people shake, feel faint or become numb, others can't keep down food, have panic attacks or are unable to sleep the night before an event. All are symptoms of stress that will have a negative impact on focus and mental wellbeing going into a competition. Also, any tension or stress that the rider is dealing with is going to be felt by the horse, which doesn't bode well for performances. The good…

I HAVE ALWAYS taken a pride in keeping my horses fit and healthy all year round and I believe that this helps to make a difference in the show ring. My experience with point-to-pointers has given me an understanding of what a fit horse should look like and I was taught by my parents to recognise the importance of diet and exercise on soundness and performance. Building up to fitness slowly and with a plan inmind for the show horse, though, is vital to avoid injury and to ensure that he enters the show ring — or any other ring in other disciplines, for that matter — in tip top shape. I increase my horses’ workload and fitness regime in February, at which point I up their feeds if needs…

Spillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join its Spillers Slimmers'Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony at a healthy weight. This motivating and friendly club provides practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies to aid them on their weight loss journey. It provides information and advice, including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and how to useaweigh tape. OR SEARCH SPILLERS SLIMMERS ON FACEBOOK…

Ask The Experts Was he doped? Q I haveahorrible feeling that the horse I bought threemonths ago fromadealerwas dopedwhen I went to tryhim. Hehasn't proven tobe the safe, steadyhack I was told he was and, although I have persevered, his behaviour out on the roads has been so bad that my daughter has now lost confidence. Is there anything I can do? Vanessa Cooke, Gloucestershire James says: Sadly, it isn't the first time that I've heard of this situation, but you do have some options. Firstly, was your horse vetted as part of the sale? If so, I would recommend speaking to your vet to understand if there were any unusual results. If there were, and you weren't aware of these when you bought him, you may be able to…

Ask The Experts Pass the salt please… Q Does my horse need extra salt inher feed when the weather iswarm? Fran Campbell, Isle of Wight Jo says: Salt compounds, often referred to as electrolytes, include the minerals sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium and magnesiumwhich are lost in a horse's droppings, urine and sweat. It is important to replenish these lost minerals in order to restore the correct balance within your horse's body. Feeding a high-quality balanced feed at the recommended daily amount for the horse's size andworkload is usually sufficient to meet the electrolyte needs of most horses in light work. A salt lick can be provided in the field or stable, too, but intakes should be monitored to avoid over-consumption. Warm weather alone won't automatically mean that you should give your…

DUBLIN TARA COMPETITION LACE SHIRT RRP £38.99 COLOUR White SIZES Ladies XS – XXL WEATHERBEETA.CO.UK An attractive, slim fit show shirt that is made from a breathable and comfortable polyamide fabric and boasts a stylish lace bib and back panel. The shirt also features rhinestone studded snaps on the placket and a stand-up collar with a stock tie loop. TOGGI RIPPLE BASE LAYER RRP £55 COLOURS Silver, nickel SIZES 8-20 TOGGI.COM A stylish long-sleeved top with a metallic print in a sleek stretch fabric, this base layer is ideal for wearing as a competition shirt, as well as around the yard. It features a subtle, tonal wave print and a practical zip neck. EQUETECH ROSALÍA COMPETITION SHIRT RRP £47.50 COLOUR White SIZES XS-3XL EQUETECH.COM This new competition shirt features rose…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/win/uvex505 FIRST PRIZE* ■ A uvex Suxxeed Blaze Riding Helmet ■ A pair of uvex Vida Planet Riding Gloves ■ A pair of uvex Ceravent Riding Gloves ONE RUNNER-UP WILL WIN ■ A uvex Suxxeed Blaze Riding Helmet ■ A pair of uvex Vida Planet Riding Gloves TWO THIRD PRIZE-WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE ■ A pair of uvex Vida Planet Riding Gloves FIRST PRIZE WORTH £485 YOUR HORSE has teamed up with Zebra Products, distributor of uvex, to offer a selection of fantastic prizes that will see riders looking and feeling great this summer. The uvex Suxxeed Blaze Riding Helmet is a real showstopper, especially on the dressage circuit. Its shiny shell lacquer finish, together with a shimmering glitter insert and chrome-plated frame, all bid to out-sparkle…