Innehållsförteckning för Issue 536 från Your Horse

It's easy to get completely swept up in what the horse is doing, but the rider's performance counts towards the marks too. In fact, one of the collective marks is specifically for the rider, with the judge considering things like how they sit and apply the aids. Gareth shares the following three tips to help earn an eight or a nine, rather than a five or a six… 1 Don't look down “When they focus really hard on the horse's way of going, riders have a natural tendency to look down, and when they look down, they tend to tip forward.” 2 Sit up straight “When I'm riding, in every corner I think about trying to sit up, and I use the short side to present myself to the judge, so it…

Without exception, the riders finish the session having achieved and jumped more than they believed they would at the start, and they all end the session by tackling a larger brush fence. “You can trust in your horses as they're all very genuine,” says Liz. “As long as you put them in the right position where they have everything they need to jump, you can stay out of their way. Having a solid seat where you can balance independently allows you to stay with the horse and not only support him without interfering, but secure yourself in any situation.”…

Many owners worry about their horse copying another one's weaving or chewing behaviours, but is there any truth in this concern? “There have been lots of studies undertaken, and mimicry really doesn't feature in equine behaviour,” says Sally. “There is currently no evidence for the transfer of stereotypical behaviours in equines. If multiple horses on one yard are showing the same behaviours it's because they're in the same environment and are all stressed; it's not that they are ‘copying’ a friend. There are plenty of studies across a number of different species that show that if the animals are put under the same conditions they produce the same behaviours. However, that is different to copying. “In horses, it is the management or environment that is driving them to show these…

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.…

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to improve lateral bend and straightness How to boost core strength How to improve proprioception PART FOUR RHYTHM AND SUPPLENESS form the basis of the Scales of Training and they are where any owner/trainer will no doubt want to begin when working their horse. After rhythm and suppleness come contact, impulsion, straightness and collection, one following naturally on after the other and building on the one that came before. Being able to maintain rhythm requires the horse to have good proprioception, which means an awareness of where his body and limbs are in relation to the world around him. This ensures that he can maintain the pace at which he's working. Working on balance and core strength on the ground first, before the rider climbs into…

Q I'm about to head to my first endurance event, but I'm hopeless at reading a map. Will this be a disadvantage? Rosie Smith, North Yorkshire Adam says: While basic map reading skills are useful, ride organisers work really hard to make routes as easy to follow as possible. As a result, they are usually marked with highly visible arrows that are temporarily spray painted on the ground, along with colour-coded marker boards and high vis ribbons, or a combination of all three. Various elements will be marked on the map, such as check points and crew points, so having a rough idea where you are on the route can help you to plan your ride. Some rides now even produce a ‘talk round’ that you can print off, or…

Q Over the last year or so I've been suffering from lower back pain. It's made mucking out quite difficult, I don't really enjoy riding any more as I don't feel that I'm the rider I once was, and most nights I lie in bed with a hot water bottle on my back to ease the pain. Is there anything else I can do in terms of exercise to free up my back? Susan Duke, Norfolk Cheryl says: A lot of riders suffer from lower back pain. Firstly, you should see your GP or physiotherapist to check that there isn't anything going on in your lower back that requires specialist intervention. If your back pain is deemed non-specific — ie, no structural or sinister cause — then these two exercises…

In partnership with Q A right of way runs through my horse's paddock and the other day a walker fed my horse some food from their picnic. I saw it happen, and asked the woman not to do so, and not long afterwards my horse went down with a terrible case of colic which has left me facing a huge vet's bill. Do I have any recourse in the law to sue the hiker and recoup my costs? Rachel Starr, Somerset Chloe says: It is possible that you would have a claim in negligence, but in order to prove such a claim you would need to show that (i) the walker owed a duty of care; (ii) they breached the duty and (iii) their breach caused you to suffer loss.…

Q Can I use any essential oils on my horse? I've seen some for sale online and they're much cheaper than those from my therapist. Tina White, Oxfordshire Clare says: There are many brands, and usually the cheaper ones that claim to be 100% pure won't necessarily be what they claim to be. Some are topped up with synthetic chemicals for an aroma. Some brands, on the other hand, are extremely expensive, and this can be due to marketing and, although it may be a good quality oil, a considerable amount of what you pay for is in commission. Not all oils possess the quality that is necessary for use on animals. They must also be blended appropriately. Therefore you should look for oils that prioritise the highest standards of…

A RIDE FULL OF FRILLS The Next Generation Roslin Ruffled Show Shirt from Coldstream Equestrian is tailored for a flattering silhouette and it features a ruffled front design with subtle diamanté embellishments. The shirt is made in a lightweight, stretch fabric that is breathable, moisture wicking and cool to the touch. RRP £92.99 COLDSTREAMEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK GIDDY UP GHOULS The Salem Cat Hat Silk is a must-have Halloween riding helmet accessory from Equetech. This fun 3D witch's hat and cat's tail fits on top of a rider's helmet and will give everyone a fright — or will make them smile — on 31 October and at other times too. RRP £16.95 EQUETECH.COM IT'S CRUNCH TIME FOR STABLE PLAY Crunchie the Carrot is a new addition to the Stable Toy Collection from Hy…

■ THE AGRIA FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim Palace was a tumultuous occasion for the British, who arrived as the overwhelming favourites to take a third consecutive European team gold. So there was shock all round when four of the host nation's riders fell off on cross-country day, ruling the team out of contention for a medal of any colour. Hopes turned to Olympic heroes Laura Collett (London 52) and Tom McEwen (JL Dublin), who showed all their class to be crowned individual European Champion and bronze medallist respectively. “I can't tell you how much I've wanted this,” said an emotional Laura. “[London 52] has deserved an individual title for so many years, so to finally pull it off — this is all for him.” They were in the…

Eight-year-old Thoroughbred Darcy had been labelled as dangerous and was destined to be put down when her owners got help from Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Darcy's owners, who had no previous experience of ex-racers, had mistakenly bought the mare to be ridden by a 12-year-old. The 17hh former National Hunt horse quickly proved to be too much of a handful and they tried to sell her but had no takers, and they thought that she would have to be put to sleep. As a last resort they contacted racehorse re-trainer Sophie Spiteri, who knew that the RoR Vulnerable Horse Scheme would help her to rehabilitate and rehome Darcy. The Vulnerable Horse Scheme provides charitable support for Thoroughbreds who are at risk due to health problems or changes in their owner's…

The most important thing an equestrian should ask themselves over the winter is why they ride horses, according to Liz Horner of Inspirider. “If you know what your why is then that helps you to align your values, and from that you get motivation, and motivation is the thing we all need the most when it's dark and cold and we can't be bothered,” Liz says. “Everybody's ‘why’ is different, but my personal ‘why’ is the health of my horse. The most important thing for me is to keep him healthy. “Professional riders know their ‘why’. It's to succeed and win in their chosen field. If they don't have the drive to do it every day, they can't win, and it's the same for leisure riders. “I love to see…

Indy's hacks are short and sweet This picture was taken just after a morning hack aboard Indy. He's got arthritis these days, so we only hack out now and we don't go far, but we still enjoy ourselves. Kate Duffield, Guernsey Wearing poppies with pride I used to be in the Army, and my horse, Chester, and I have spent this summer displaying our poppy rug to raise awareness of Remembrance Sunday on 9 November, as well as the sterling work undertaken by the armed forces. Sammi Wenn, Berkshire Star photo Sunny days, stylish shades Here is my 11-year-old warmblood showjumper Freddie, who has been successfully trialing some goggles for his issues with UV. He came to me at six months old so I know his idiosyncrasies inside out. He…

❋ Accuracy, and doing exactly what the test requires where it requires it, has been an overriding theme in this series with Gareth. ❋ Start a movement at the first letter exactly and not just after it. So, if free walk is requested across the diagonal at HXF, show it from H. ❋ Direct changes of pace are better than slow, drawn-out ones. In the case of showing some extended strides, ask for it immediately when you turn on to the line. ❋ Remember to practise the free walk on a long rein at home. It is easily forgotten, but it's worth double marks in a test. The lovely long stretched-out neck a horse has at the end of a schooling session is the goal. ❋ Understand the collective marks,…

WEATHERBEETA'S 2025 WINTER collection has all the hallmarks of quality and dependability that equestrians have come to expect from this 45-year-old brand. Whether the equestrian's horse is caught out in snow, icy winds, or bitter, relentless rain, they will stay warm and toasty with WeatherBeeta's reimagined rugs. Equally, riders will feel the same in the company's stylish and sought-after equestrian wear that is both eye-catching and functional when worn for riding and for tasks beyond the saddle — and as all equestrians know, there are many of these — such as for mucking out, sweeping the yard and walking the dog. Therefore, whether the wearer is a horse or a human, WeatherBeeta's product range offers rugged durability, unmatched comfort and exceptional weather resistance, all with look-at-me appeal. FOUR AMAZING PRIZE…

■ Try not to chop and change feeds. Instead offer buffet style meals with different feeds in different buckets. Many horses will come back to the feed they went off, while some simply don't like different feeds and textures mixed together. ■ Aim to feed little and often rather than overfacing the horse or pony with large meals. Remember that cubes are denser than mixes and so help to reduce the volume of meals. ■ Try adding warm water in the winter. This can be a game changer for those with more sensitive teeth. ■ Consider adding small amounts of apple juice, grated apples/carrots, garlic, mint, or fenugreek to feeds. For those reluctant to eat soaked hay, try adding flavoured tea bags to make the water taste better. Always consider…

For a horse who is overweight, or who holds weight with ease, there is little rationale behind using a bucket feed, other than to balance his diet. UK pasture and conserved forage commonly lack the trace minerals copper, selenium and zinc. Vitamin E is also particularly lacking in conserved forage and so, if the horse has limited access to fresh pasture in the winter, he could be deficient. This can, however, be easily addressed by using a broadspectrum vitamin and mineral supplement or pelleted feed balancer fed at the manufacturer's recommended daily quantity alongside a low-calorie chopped fibre feed for chew time.…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk In partnership with Simple solutions for horse owners Meet this month's panel of experts ENDURANCE Adam Pilgrim is the current groups director for Endurance GB. He has been riding and competing in endurance on his Suffolk Punch x Welsh horse for several seasons and is passionate about spreading the word that this is a discipline that suits everyone. Visit endurancegb.co.uk RIDER FITNESS Cheryl Hammerson is a BHS accredited coach who has also competed in dressage up to Prix St George. She is qualified in equine osteopathy, equine massage therapy, sports massage, seated acupressure massage therapy and she is a Level 4 personal trainer. Visit cheryl-hammerson-equestrian.co.uk RIGHTS OF WAY Chloe Goodwin is an associate in the litigation and dispute resolution team at Birketts LLP. She acts…

In partnership with Q I own a cob who I've got really fit this summer. My friend says that he won't be suitable for endurance as it's for Arabs and Thoroughbreds. Is she right? Maggie Phillips, Cumbria Adam says: Your friend is wrong. Virtually any horse can do endurance, and with the right training and fittening will do well within his own abilities. There is a huge diversity of breeds that can be seen at rides, from the perhaps stereotypical Arabs and Thoroughbreds to cobs and Highlands, Suffolk Punch crosses and Shires, and practically everything else in between. Many native breeds, although perhaps not the fastest on paper, will trot along steadily up hill and down dale over considerable distances and return to the venue looking as though they are…

In partnership with Q I have a family, a job and a horse and there never seems to be any time for me, least of all exercise for me, and while I know this would be beneficial, I just can't fit anything in. Do you have any suggestions for some exercises that I could do during the odd spare half an hour after work finishes and before I head out to ride my horse? Janet Williams, Buckinghamshire Cheryl says: Yes! Exercise doesn't have to take up a huge amount of time to be effective. Try these… 1. SQUATS For how to do them, see far left. 2. LUNGES Stand upright. Step forward with one foot, and lower yourself down until both knees are at 90 degrees. Keep your body upright.…

AROMATHERAPY - CLARE DAVISON says… Q I have a friend on the yard who uses essential oils on her horse. I don't like to ask her in case I appear stupid, but what do they actually do for horses? Becky Moore, Cornwall Clare says: Plants, like humans and animals, have their own built in defence mechanisms, which are chemicals designed to protect them from predators and disease. Over time, and through constant scientific studies, we have learnt that certain chemicals within these plants and plant resins may help to alleviate certain symptoms and causes of a variety of conditions. With the right knowledge therefore, essential oils may be used for their unique and combined constituents to target certain conditions, dealing with the symptoms and the causes. Before modern conditions made…

In partnership with Q My mare has separation anxiety and I can't take her to shows any more as she's constantly on edge. Is there anything that could help her with this issue? I've read that aromatherapy may be able to assist. Christine Mills, Ayrshire Clare says: Essential oils can definitely be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of separation anxiety. Certain oils, such as bergamot, lavender and chamomile, are designed to help suppress chemicals released during stressful situations. Applying such a blend 20 minutes prior to leaving friends can help to keep your horse calm and relaxed without the need for inducing sedation or diminishing your connection in an arena. In offering oils, it is crucial to create a solution that allows the horse to feel at ease during anxious situations…

FOR ANNA ROBINSON and her bay gelding, Jolly Good Fellow (aka Roo), dressage has been a journey of partnership and progression. From their first unaffiliated competitions to now, competing at affiliated elementary level with British Dressage (BD), their success has relied not only on training but also on Roo's ongoing health and wellbeing to enable him to perform at his best. Anna has come to realise that good results in the arena depend on much more than training. “Alongside regular saddle checks, physio and nutrition, one of the biggest pieces of our puzzle that I'm so passionate about sharing has been parasite control, guided by Westgate Labs,” she explains. Why blanket worming doesn't work Like many owners, Anna once relied on yard routines when it came to worming. However, parasite…

Complaints about ragwort will no longer be dealt with by Natural England, prompting concerns from welfare charities and horse owners. Ragwort can cause deadly liver damage in horses if it is eaten, and until recently reports about the plant on grazing land and requests for its removal were handled by Natural England. However, the government body will no longer deal with these requests. When contacted by Your Horse, Natural England declined to comment in detail about the policy change, but states on its website: “Natural England is not currently dealing with any new injurious weeds complaints at this time.”…

Demand for Your Horse Live tickets is higher than ever as we edge closer to the UK's biggest equestrian shopping and entertainment event (7-9 November). VIP tickets are now sold out for Saturday and Sunday, but Standard Plus tickets are still available to secure a reserved morning or afternoon seat in the SEIB Main Arena. Buy tickets at yourhorse.co.uk/yourhorselive or turn to page 92 for your chance to win some. PRINCESS JOINS 200 RIDERS FOR HISTORIC MARCHES The Princess Royal (above) joined more than 200 riders for the traditional Edinburgh Riding of the Marches as part of celebrations to mark the city's 900th birthday. The annual ride — which historically inspected the boundaries of the city — took place on 14 September. The Princess rode a cavalry grey and blended…

Invest in winter layers so there is no excuse not to ride. Join fun rides or a riding club and make new friends. Set some goals. Joining #Hack1000Miles is a great start. Explore new routes and enjoy the winter scenery. Find a riding buddy to provide motivation and accountability. Bribe yourself — ie, treat yourself after a challenging winter ride. Be flexible and focus on achievable goals. Go online for ideas of new training exercises to keep it fresh. Come to Your Horse Live to recharge those riding batteries.…

Q When should I use draw reins? A Draw reins can be used to aid the horse to develop a correct neck carriage and a balanced way of going while also accepting the contact. Q How long should I use draw reins for? A Draw reins should be used for a maximum of 2-3 short sessions per week after the horse has been warmed up to avoid soreness. Q In what circumstances should draw reins be used? A Draw reins should only be used by experienced riders who are able to use rein aids independently of the draw rein. When a rider uses them for the first time, they must ensure that this is under the supervision of an experienced professional who is familiar with the use of draw reins.…

Being proactive is undoubtedly the best strategy for managing the poor doer, and the aim should be to prevent weight loss before it starts. Introduce a higher calorie diet in the autumn before the senior begins to lose weight, and increase this as necessary as the weather and grazing deteriorates. If the poor doer isn't a laminitic he should be allowed to enter the winter months at a body condition score of 6 out of 9, as this may help to buffer excess weight loss. The owner can always subsequently reduce rations if the winter is mild or the golden oldie is doing too well.…

Claire Daniels, a registered nurse and mother of four, only took up riding at the age of 39. Growing up in suburban Essex, horses didn't feature either in her life or in those of her immediate family. She was introduced to equines on a visit to an equestrian centre in Braintree. “My life didn't revolve around horses, and to be honest, I never thought it would,” she says. A move to the Highlands of Scotland brought a career change, with the family running a glamping business, Delny Glamping, the extra space also allowing for the acquisition of two goats, four pigs, three sheep and two Shetland ponies, Del Boy and Rodney. “Maybe the Shetlands lit a small fire in me for the equestrian life, but one Christmas morning I was…

■ Divide the forage ration into as many smaller presentations as practical through the day so that the horse doesn't spend significant periods of time with nothing to eat. ■ Small holed haynets can make it more challenging to take big mouthfuls of forage, thereby extending eating time. ■ Divide the hay ration between multiple loosely filled nets in the stable to encourage foraging behaviour and to slow the rate of intake. ■ Mixing straw through the net of hay or haylage not only helps to reduce the energy intake but increases eating time as the horse spends more time sorting his forage and choosing the tastiest first.…

ENDURANCE - ADAM PILGRIM says… Anyone wishing to find out more about taking part in endurance rides should visit endurancegb.co.uk, where they will find rule and entry information, plus details about the three levels of membership. Q I've been doing some quite lengthy fun rides with my horse, but now I'd like to get a bit more serious and go further so I'm about to join Endurance GB. Please tell me all the things I need to know once I get to my first event. Maria White, Middlesex Adam says: Firstly, as anyone in endurance will tell you, it's a very friendly discipline, so don't panic. Pleasure rides start from 10km or 12km and go up to 30km, and novice foundation (introductory timed graded rides) start from 20km to 30km…

RIDER FITNESS - CHERYL HAMMERSON says… Consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regime. These suggestions may not be suitable for everyone. Effective exercise is based on repetition 3-4 times per week. Q I've been going through the menopause and I've put on 3 stone. It's made me feel tired and sluggish and also lacking the motivation to ride. Can you suggest an exercise programme or a couple of easy ones that won't turn me off working out but which will help me to shed these unwanted pounds? Bridget Griffiths, Herefordshire Cheryl says: The first thing to say is that you're not alone. This is a problem faced by a great number of women. Obviously, there are considerations around healthy diet and making sure that no other medical…

RIGHTS OF WAY - CHLOE GOODWIN says… Q Can I divert a public right of way from my paddock, and if I'm allowed to do so how do I go about it? Rosemary Groves, Cumbria Chloe says: In principle, yes you can. The Highways Act 1980 allows for public rights of way to be diverted. However, there are many legal criteria to be considered, and you can't assume success. Most applications for the diversion of footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways are dealt with by highway authorities or district or borough councils. National Park Authorities also have powers to make diversion orders, so check for your area. Application forms, costs and timescale information are sometimes found on websites, but otherwise contact your local public rights of way officer. Diverting a Byway…

Q My horse's behaviour is borderline dangerous and I don't know how to deal with it. A friend at the yard said that essential oils can help, but I'm sceptical. Could this be true? Trudie Maddock, Warwickshire Clare says: This is an issue I frequently encounter and the first step involves identifying the root cause of the behaviour. Horses don't exhibit dangerous behaviour without reason. Typically, there's an historic incident or a current situation that will trigger such responses. Unfortunately, due to potentially dangerous behaviour, many owners give up on such horses as this isn't a condition that can be easily managed through current pharmaceuticals other than sedation. Initially, you should book a discussion with an aromatherapist so they can ascertain any insights you may have regarding the origins of…

YOUR HORSE HAS teamed up with Ariat, a leader in innovative equestrian and outdoor apparel, to celebrate the launch of the company's Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection. As a result, Ariat is offering two winners a prize that consists of a Stable 2.0 Insulated Jacket, Woodstock Rubber Boots, Heritage Zip Waterproof Paddock Boots, a Lafayette Full Zip Fleece and an Ariat Team Tall Boot Bag, in total worth £525. Ariat International was founded in 1993 with the visionary goal of integrating athletic shoe performance technology into riding boots. The company's focus on infusing innovative technology into footwear and apparel has made Ariat a world leading equestrian performance brand that is proudly worn by top equestrian athletes and leisure riders. All about the prize ■ The Stable 2.0 Insulated Jacket (RRP £90) will…

ALTHOUGH SUMMER IS disappearing rapidly, autumn brings its own kind of magic. There is something wonderful about the shift of the seasons as winter gets ever nearer — the crispness in the morning air, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the deep rust hues that creep across the countryside. For riders, as the seasons change so too do their wardrobes. Autumn asks more of people when in the saddle and on the yard, after all — layers that keep out those chills without restricting movement are so necessary, as is outerwear that works as hard as we do while also allowing us to look and feel at our best even when the weather isn't playing fair. This season's equestrian clothing brings together practicality and style as well as some eye-catching…

What made you decide to be an actress? At school I won the poetry speaking prize and then began to appear in all the school plays. I was also invited to play Desdemona in Othello at nearby Stowe School. All of this gave me a taste for acting even though I had originally wanted to read law. When I realised that I'd only be at drama school for two years, but at law school for much longer, I plumped for the former. When I was offered a place at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, I accepted without hesitation. What parts did you play before auditioning for Follyfoot? While I was still at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama I got permission to act in the 1969 film…