Innehållsförteckning för Issue 528 från Your Horse

IT HAS LONG been the mission of Your Horse to find new ways to engender confidence in equestrians because, judging by the correspondence we receive in the office regularly, it is evident that more than a handful of our readers suffer from a crisis when it comes to climbing into the saddle. It is probably rare for anyone — even the bravest professionals who fly fences that are often bigger than their horses — not to have a wobble at some point in their life. Therefore, with spring on the horizon and consequently longer days for those all-important riding outings or competitions, we reached out to the brilliant Zana Cousins, a horse trainer and stunt rider who is well known for her unique confidence camps at the Centre of Horseback…

The UK public still has concerns about the welfare of horses in sports, the latest study into public attitudes shows. However, they understand that welfare is complex and involves more than just preventing harm to equines. The independent research was part of a major study into public attitudes on equine welfare initiated by World Horse Welfare and funded with a grant from the Racing Foundation. The research, based on more than 5,000 responses, showed that the UK public recognises the social importance of horses to life in the UK and values regulation and transparency on equine welfare standards in horse sport. However, they still feel that competitions should be made safer for horses — even if that removes the challenge of the sport. Equine injuries or fatalities during competition or…

Proof has emerged that the cruel practice of transporting horses and ponies to the Continent for fattening continues, despite a ban on live equine exports for meat coming into force in May 2024. Twenty-six equines were rescued by World Horse Welfare (WHW) in February 2024 while being smuggled through the Port of Dover. Now, a year later, another 20 have been found and are being termed the Trafficked20. Like the first group — known as the Dover 26 — this mixed group included horses of all ages and types, from unhandled foals to leisure ponies and Thoroughbreds. WHW field officer Rebecca Carter said: “A number of the horses were underweight and had strangles. Two also had pneumonia and some were suffering from skin conditions and other health issues.” Rebecca added…

How I make it work: Knowing that I'm adding to horses' comfort drives me The company owner and lifelong horse lover on working seven days a week, running a smallholding and then selling up recently for a 'quieter' life. My job… I'm the owner and director of Total Contact Saddles (TCS). I took over TCS in September 2021 and the business never closes as I advise and sell online across the world. I run it on my own and do everything from social media to answering enquiries, processing orders, ordering stock and doing the accounts. I used to store, pack and send the saddles from home, but now the saddlers do this for me. I took on the business after meeting Stuart, who ran TCS, when he brought his horse…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/win/horslyx528 Your Horse has teamed up with Horslyx to offer one lucky winner the chance to sort all of their horse's nutritional needs for the next year. Horslyx is a balancer that contains an optimum level of vitamins, minerals and trace elements all in one palatable lick. A balancer supplies a balance of nutrients that may be deficient in a forage-based diet. All Horslyx balancers are very low in starch, making them suitable for horses who can react unfavourably to traditional cereal-based diets. The range of Horslyx Balancers doesn't contain any genetically modified feed ingredients or any chemical hardeners, artificial colours, or preservatives. Each of the six balancers available in the range is based on the Original Horslyx formula, which supports all-round health and vitality, while added…

MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR PART FOUR WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • The overall impression required to catch the judge's eye • How to improve strength, elasticity, balance and expression which will lead to a better canter • The exercises that will help to transform a substandard canter MEET THE TRAINER Dressage rider LARA BUTLER (née Griffith), a former British National Champion, was based with Emilie Faurie for seven years, after which she moved to the Bechtolsheimer yard, where she trained both with the legendary Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer ('Dr B') and his medal-winning daughter, Laura (now Mrs Tomlinson), but she has recently relocated to Holland, where she is riding horses belonging to Van Olst. Lara has been in contention for British teams many times, having…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk Simple solutions for horse owners RIDER CONFIDENCE Tracey Cole is a trainer and master coach of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy, specialising in equestrianism. Visit traceycolenlp.com PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES Claire Williams works for the British Equestrian Trade Association with a focus on rider safety. She has also worked with BETA's Feed Committee, which is comprised of representatives from across the feed and supplement sector, to provide advice. EVENTING Anthony Clark is an event rider who also trains riders of all levels. He has produced numerous horses from novice to advanced/four-star level and was a member of the silver medal-winning 2015 British three-star European eventing team. He is sponsored by Aloeride (aloeride.com). REBACKING Mary Frances BHSII, BHS SM is the chief executive of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre.…

An in-hand walk may take the fizz out of a stressy horse Q My horse is always super fizzy during the first events of the season. What tactics can you recommend when I get to the event site to keep her calm? Siobhan Sutton, West Midlands Anthony says: You're not alone in having a fizzy horse and my advice would be to keep her out overnight before the event. This benefits the horse by allowing her to graze, move and rest as she pleases, and with sharper horses it can really take the edge off them naturally. However, if this isn't an option, I suggest feeding a calming supplement and playing a radio in the lorry at the event to defuse the noise of the tannoy, which can excite some…

MEET THE TESTERS Vanessa Lowther has three horses — two ex-racehorses and a home-bred warmblood cross — who she keeps on DIY livery. She competes in all disciplines and is out and about most weekends riding at clinics or in competitions. Allison Lowther is the freelance gear editor for Your Horse magazine. She owns two horses — a retired 29-year-old Irish Sport Horse called Jester and Wish, a 20-year-old Hanoverian mare. TRADITIONAL METHODS OF shortening and thinning manes and tails — notably pulling — have long been a common practice in the equestrian world and, for decades, with few detractors. However, many horses find — and have always found — the process painful and distressing and change is now occurring because attitudes are altering. Repeatedly plucking hair from the root…

A gauge to measure the tightness of a noseband will be rolled out at British Dressage (BD) competitions later this year. The device, which must fit between the noseband and the nasal bone, is due to be introduced at international dressage competitions in May. BD has not given a date for its implementation, but said that it would contact riders “in advance of any competition or championship to confirm when this universal measuring tool will be used”. Trimming ear hair “within the rims of the auricles” is also banned in BD competitions from July, and no whips longer than 1.2m may be carried. This is reduced to 1m for ponies. • Meanwhile, British Eventing (BE) has launched XC+. The new concept, which will run at certain BE80 and BE90 events,…

CLASSIC PONY BOOKS TO FEATURE AT NEW EXHIBITION The Museum of the Horse in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, is hosting a new exhibition, Step Back Into Childhood, which will feature early pony books that will delight fans of the Pullein-Thompson sisters, Joanna Cannon, Ruby Ferguson and many more. The exhibition, held from 7-21 April, will also display examples of children's horse magazines over the decades, plus reminders of well-loved TV series like Black Beauty, Follyfoot and Flambards. With the books curated by Jane Badger, a pony bookseller and publisher (Your Horse, January, Take Five), the exhibition will feature models, too, such as Julip, while visitors can also enjoy access to the museum's more permanent displays. Visit museumofthehorse.co.uk NEF BECOMES ACCESSIBLE TO ALL ONLINE This year's National Equine Forum (NEF), an annual conference…

Thinking outside the Box(er) My Fell pony, Drybarrows Boxer, is 24 years young and he's my world. Rachael Barratt, Leicestershire A true Trooper Trooper, my 18-year-old ex-riding school horse, is no dope on a rope and he can be stubborn, opinionated and bolshy, and when he says no, he means no! However, he's also extremely clever, kind, patient, gentle and protective. We mainly hack, although of late he's been a field ornament, but I know that when we're both ready to go out again, he'll be the same reliable, dependable cob that he always is. Mandy Jones, West Midlands Star photo Red letter day This is me, my husband, Keith, and our 10-year-old Red, who is a mini Shetland gelding. After a challenging few years that drastically affected my mental…

When we are training dogs to sit they will sit more swiftly for a piece of chicken than kibble. This is because, to most dogs, chicken is much more desirable than a piece of dry food, and so they become more highly motivated to perform the action that will earn them the tasty reward. The principle for horses is the same. If there's a particular behaviour that the owner really wants to train their horse to do, they should offer him something that he loves as the reward for doing it. A handful of chaff might not be enough to hold a horse's attention for long, while a piece of carrot, apple, or a minty treat, for example, is something that he will probably consider to be much more worthy…

Caring for senior horses is a journey filled with love, dedication and unique challenges. Spillers understands the special place older horses hold in equestrians' hearts, which is why the company has created the Spillers' Super Seniors' Club — a supportive community for horse owners who share the same passion for keeping their senior horses happy and healthy. Whether that horse is thriving in retirement, remains active, or is showing signs of ageing, the team is available to provide expert guidance, practical advice and a platform on which to celebrate a horse's golden years. Join today and connect with other horse owners. Visit the Facebook group Spillers' Super Seniors' Club to get started.…

Building trust in a horse begins with self-trust Q I recently bought a quiet horse after having a tough time with a highly strung warmblood mare who shattered my confidence. How can I convince myself that my new gelding isn't my warmblood mare? Dani Carpenter, Essex Tracey says: You may have heard of the phrase 'ride the horse that you're on', which is great advice, although easier said than done. Building trust in a horse comes from building self-trust, which bolsters resilience. There are three things to do straight away to rebuild the trust in yourself as a rider… 1 Tame your inner critic. Begin to notice what you tell yourself about riding and your ability. This may differ when you're away from the yard and when in the saddle.…

Health checks should follow a long layoff Q My horse has had a long time off for a tendon injury and I've been told that he will now need to be rebacked. I thought my friend was winding me up when she said this. What are your thoughts? Caroline McDougal, Northumberland Mary says: The reason a horse should be rebacked after time off or injury is that muscles and joints may have seized up a little and/or become weaker due to inactivity and the horse's body may have become unaccustomed to carrying weight and being ridden. Many aspects, therefore, should be looked at to ensure a safe and comfortable return to work. The following points should be considered to ensure that the welfare of the horse is paramount and the…

SHIRES EZI-GROOM MANE & TAIL DETANGLING SPRAY RRP £9.99 for 400ml SHIRESEQUESTRIAN.COM A conditioning blend of ingredients to help detangle the mane and tail with ease, Ezi-Groom Mane & Tail Detangling Spray reduces static. It contains silicone to help the brush slip through the hair, removing tangles with less pulling. It can be used on wet or dry hair and is also suitable for use on feathers. LEOVET 5-STAR DETANGLER RRP £12.95 for 500ml LEOVET.DE The main ingredient in 5-Star Detangler is Pentavitin, which is extracted from wheat and is a natural moisturiser for the skin and hair. Once applied, it binds to the skin's own keratin and supports long-lasting moisture retention. Also included is pro-vitamin B5 panthenol that encourages shine, softness and increased volume. Arginine, another ingredient, is an…

SPRING IS IN the air and the long, muddy winter months are behind us. Premier Equine's durable, high-performance products will ensure that riders and their horses are ready for the season ahead. Whether they will be hitting the dressage arena or going for a leisurely hack, it is important to ensure that everyone is dressed to impress. GET LIVELY IN A VIVACE RRP £120 The ultimate solution for riders seeking a combination of performance, comfort and style, the Vivace Training Jacket stands out from the crowd. Exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge design come together in this premium jacket to make it the go-to choice for riders across all disciplines. Made from lightweight materials, this training jacket provides unhindered freedom of movement. The internal lightweight fill provides the right amount of warmth,…

Sensational snaps December's best picture Festive fun Nicole Tizard and Zorro took part in their final tinsel ride of the Christmas season on 29 December, bringing their hacking total to an amazing 2,000 miles last year. They celebrated with a ride to the pub with pals Jo Ward and Skia, who have managed 1,000 miles, and challenge newbies Samantha Boden and Nik Nak. Nicole and Zorro have been putting notching up those miles to good use by challenging themselves to fancy dress sponsored rides and pub crawls in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising more than £500. “We weren't fast, and we weren't furious, but we did it,” says Nicole. “We had such a laugh as the ponies caused havoc in all those pub gardens.” January's best picture Ellie's timely…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/win/lemieux528 The rider and horse who win this fantastic bundle from LeMieux will be the envy of all their horsey friends. The company is giving away this fabulous selection of prizes to celebrate the launch of its new spring 2025 collection. As a result, both the winning rider and horse will be kitted out in the latest on trend colours for the months ahead, taking matchy matchy to new heights. For anyone who has horses, the launch of LeMieux's new season collection is always hugely anticipated, and spring 2025 is no exception. From the neutral tones of stone, pecan and dusk to the subtle pastel hues of blossom, aqua and mimosa, there is something to suit everyone's tastes. Our winner will be kitted out from top to…

VET notes WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • What causes meningitis • The common symptoms • Treatments • Why it's essential to act quickly if a case is suspected MISSED A PREVIOUS PART? Buy Your Horse back issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/YHR MEET THE EXPERT LUCINDA TICEHURST BSc BVMED Sci Hons BVM BVS MRCVS founded LT Equine Veterinary Services in 2020 having graduated from Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2014. Based in Northamptonshire, LT Equine is a first-opinion, ambulatory equine veterinary practice. Lucinda is passionate about all things equestrian and currently owns five horses who she trains and competes in a variety of disciplines, including point-to-point racing and side saddle. For more information, visit LTequinevet.co.uk SPARKS WAS ONE of those once-in-a-lifetime horses who truly did it all, never said “no” and…

Snackers may be unaware that human treats can lead to horse feed contamination Q I keep my horse at a really busy yard where people walk around eating lots of snacks and drinking coffee, including in the feed room. I recently read that such things could lead to contamination and as I event my horse it's something that really worries me. In terms of snacks and coffee what substances in them could cause my horse to fail a drugs test? Judith Best, West Sussex Claire says: You are right to be concerned about human food and drink being consumed near your horse's feed. The definition of a prohibited substance is 'any substance that can exert an effect on a horse', which is a broad, all-encompassing definition. It includes medications of…

CARTOON COUTURE Calling all Thelwell lovers! There's a new Balancing Act print out that's been inspired by the iconic illustrations of Norman Thelwell. This fun, playful design is featured across a range of Hy Equestrian products, including horse rugs, dog beds, dog coats, headcollars, grooming bags, hat bags, boot bags and even takeaway cups. The Thelwell Balancing Act print captures the charming, humorous spirit of Thelwell's equestrian cartoons, depicting lively scenes of riders and ponies in classic Thelwell style. RRP From £65.99 (turnout rug), £24.99 (hat bag), £29.99 (boot bag and grooming bag), £16.50 (headcollar and lead rope), £19.99 (dog coat) HY-EQUESTRIAN.COM STYLE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE The new softshell Children's Combination Riding Gilet Sarah II combines functionality and style. The gilet is water-repellent and windproof, making it ideal for changeable…

How did you become a sculptor? My working career began when I spent eight years at Beauhurst, a London-based market data firm. I've always been creative, though, and after the Covid pandemic I took a holiday and decided to try a two-week sculpting course with Raffaello Romanelli at Studio Galleria Romanelli in Florence. As soon as I started sculpting I knew that something special was happening. I went home, quit my job as head of account management at Beauhurst, and returned to Florence in 2022 for a year to sculpt at Raffaello's family studio, which has been running for six generations. I immersed myself in Florentine life and attended art history talks at Charles Cecil Studios. One evening we spent an hour-and-a-half comparing the compositional differences between Titian and Rubens,…