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The UK’s best-selling equestrian monthly
Issue number 632 May 2022 ■ Piggy March fitness ■ Feeding good-doers ■ Plaiting ■ Pippa Funnell: improve your horse’s focus ■ Gear guide ■ A-Z of flies ■ Happy travelling ■ Get back on after a fall ■ Allergies

PIGGY MARCH’S GET

TOP TIPS BACK ON
FOR A AFTER A
FITTER FALL
HORSE
Allergies
Feeding the EXPLAINED
good-doer
STEPS TO
HAPPY
PLAIT TRAVELS
LIKE A PRO
A-Z
CALM & FLIES
OF

CONCENTRATING
DJMurphy

with Pippa Funnell Issue 632 £4.40 21 April – 18 May 2022

SPRING/
COLLARED
Full-seat TECHNICAL
SUMMER breeches, Competition
DJMurphy

GEAR! RUGS tested OUTFITS MUST-HAVES

Issue 622 £4.25 22 July – 18 August 2021
 ...it
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than the rest!
HOOF LAB

Solutions...
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Introducing the new 5 Star Range of products which is a must for every grooming kit. Within
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Find us on @leovetUKIreland @leovet_uk_ireland

 HOW TO
CONTACT

HORSE&RIDER May 2022

Horse&Rider,
DJ Murphy (Publishers)
Ltd, Olive Studio, The
Timber Yard, Grange Road,
Rebecca Philpot, Editor
Farnham, GU10 2DQ

Rebecca began riding at the

age of eight and owns phone 01428 601020
Tango, a 12-year-old ex-polo
pony. Now enjoying a more
leisurely pace of life, he email djm@djmurphy.co.uk
loves nothing more than a
web horseandrideruk.com
good hack around the
countryside.

It was a mere matter of months ago that
I declared to the Horse&Rider readership
that my new year’s resolution was to free
up some budget so me and Tango could
start exploring beyond our yard. Well, it’s
the first resolution I’ve stuck to so well
Follow us on
Horse&Rider Magazine
on wheels. With the majority of his travels @horseandrideruk
to date involving yard moves or vet visits,
@horseandridermag
Tango certainly doesn’t know where he’s
going to end up, yet he never questions it @HorseandRiderUK
(and, as a former owner of a tricky loader,
I appreciate not everybody is so lucky). WIN! AN EQUI-TREK TRAILER £6,999
WORTH
The UK’s best-selling equestrian monthly

Issue number 632 May 2022 n Piggy March fitness n Feeding good-doers n Plaiting n Pippa Funnell: improve your horse’s focus n Gear guide n A-Z of flies n Happy travelling n Get back on after a fall n Allergies
and we’ve ended up hiring transport more So, to ensure he doesn’t start questioning
often than I’d ever thought I could afford. his better nature any time soon, I owe PIGGY MARCH’S
TOP TIPS
FOR A
GET
BACK ON
AFTER A
But, be careful what you wish for, because it to him to follow some simple steps FITTER
HORSE
FALL

Allergies
where have we been so far? Mostly horse to smoother travels (p96) – will you be Feeding the
good-doer
EXPLAINED

STEPS TO

hospital appointments – but that’s not the joining me? PLAIT

HAPPY
TRAVELS
LIKE A PRO
point I’m trying to make this month. Until next month... A-Z
Every time Tango duly loads up into CALM & FLIES
OF

CONCENTRATING

DJMurphy
the horsebox ready for the next outing, with Pippa Funnell
SPRING/
SUMMER COLLARED
Full-seat
breeches, TECHNICAL
Issue 632 £4.40

Competition
21 April – 18 May 2022

DJMurphy
RUGS tested OUTFITS
I’m amazed by the amount of trust these GEAR! MUST-HAVES
Issue 622 £4.25 22 July – 18 August 2021

horses put into us when they walk into NEVER MISS

what must look like a very strange stable Rebecca Philpot, Editor
AN ISSUE!
Subscribe to H&R at
horseandridersubs.com

What we’ve been up to this month...

We had a feeling of déjà vu as we
approached our Gear Guide shoot
– Covid struck, taking out two
models in the lead-up. Luckily, we
quickly tracked down two willing
replacements to save the day.
Speaking of models, I can vividly
remember the moment I met one
of our handsome equine models,
too, as I walked into the arena for
our competition out. He stood at a
massive 18hh and I’m pretty sure he
grew by a hand or two when he got
spooked by the yard’s dog jumping
around in the bushes. Safe to say I
find my 15.1hh horse, Prince, easier
to handle. Anyway, head to p116 to
see our picks for the season ahead!
Sarah Burgess, Junior Staff Writer

Articles, photos and drawings are welcomed, but cannot be returned. Every effort is made to ensure that the information and advice contained in all articles is correct and
appropriate, but no responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of anything included in or omitted
from such articles can be or is accepted by the authors, the publishers, their employees or any other person connected with DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd. Save as expressly
permitted by law, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written authority of DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd.
Copyright DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd.

HORSE&RIDER 3
 Contents
HORSE&RIDER MAY 2022

WIN! AN EQUI-TREK TRAILER £6,999

20
WORTH 18
The UK’s best-selling equestrian monthly
n

PIGGY MARCH’S GET

TOP TIPS BACK ON 56
20 AFTER A
n

FOR A

FITTER FALL
HORSE
n

Allergies 62
n

110 Feeding the EXPLAINED

good-doer
STEPS TO
HAPPY 96
PLAIT TRAVELS
n

LIKE A PRO
106
A-Z
CALM &
n

OF
100
n

FLIES
26
CONCENTRATING
n

124,
DJMurphy

with Pippa Funnell Issue 632 £4.40 21 April – 18 May 2022

134, 121 SPRING/ Full-seat 130, 136

SUMMER COLLARED breeches, TECHNICAL Competition
n

DJMurphy

GEAR! RUGS tested OUTFITS MUST-HAVES

Issue 622 £4.25 22 July – 18 August 2021

Cover stories
Photo by Jon Stroud

In the saddle
20 Get ready to rumble Ultimate fitness tips
from international eventer, Piggy March
26 Hold up Pippa Funnell’s complete guide
to strengthen and stabilise your contact
34 Off the grid Baffled by gridwork? Take a
look at the parts you may come across
40 Ready for lift off Learn to lighten your
horse’s forehand with this useful guide
42 Perfect your position Improve your seat
with Hannah Esberger-Hancock “Raised poles are a full-body
48 The beaten track Make sure you’re aware workout for your horse” Mind matters
of where you and your horse can hack Jo Pasetti 50 An eye-opening experience What does
Equine physiotherapist
your horse see when you’re riding?

50 56 Getting back on the horse How to boost

your confidence after a fall

Ask a vet
62 Bad reactions All you need to know
about the most common equine allergies
68 Off colour A step-by-step guide to poor
performance with vet, Sam Cutts

Ask the experts

78 Management know-how
80 Mind matters
82 Ask a vet
84 Horsey shopping

86 86
88
In the saddle
In brief
4 HORSE&RIDER
 106
62 Management know-how
90 Jump-a-round Fizz Marshall’s five-step
plan to successful jumping on the lunge
96 On the move Seven top tips for
smoother travels this summer
100 Buzz off We talk all things flies with
Horse&Rider’s complete A–Z guide
106 Perfect plaits Our advice for getting the
best plaits on the show circuit
110 Tip the scale Struggling to feed your
good-doer? Find a routine to suit him

Horsey shopping
116 Spring/summer gear guide The latest
new outfits for the season ahead
121 On test: full-seat breeches We test a
selection of these wardrobe essentials
142 Buyer’s guide: mounting blocks Spring
in the saddle with our essential selection
144 This month we love... Hat silks,
lightweight turnouts and much more
Competitions

126 18
WIN!
An Equi-Trek
Apollo trailer

110 Regulars
99
Win!
8 Horseworld How to get involved with the Schockemöhle
Horses For Health Event 2022 kit for you and
153 Next month A sneaky peek at what’s your horse
coming up in the June issue

Directory
148 Dream horsey homes Browse for your
perfect home or idyllic equine retreat 146
149 Horse&Rider directory Find everything
you need in our classifieds section Perfect prizes! Some

128 154 My life with horses A week in the life of

Libby Snell, who manages 100 racehorses
great gear up for grabs

HORSE&RIDER 5
 THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
Editor Rebecca Philpot
Content Editor Louise Kittle
Production Editor Franchesca Slack
Staff Writer Kiera Boyle
Junior Staff Writer Sarah Burgess
Editorial Assistant Keeley Mitson

DESIGN
Head of Art and Design
Sarah Garland
Senior Designer Adam Witt Pippa Funnell Sam Cutts Fizz Marshall
Designer Jake Booth

ADVERTISING & MARKETING A beautifully arched Is your horse having more ‘off’ Lungeing is a staple in many of
Commercial Director Abi Cannon
Account Manager Evie Edgar neck and an elegant days than ‘on’ days? If our horses’ fitness regimes,
Marketing Co-ordinator Alison Hill outline is the image you’re struggling to but how often do you
Digital Marketing Manager
Lianne Tadd every rider’s trying to pinpoint the exact incorporate jumps into
produce through their cause, it might these workouts? If
For advertising queries, please call
Main office 01428 601020 training – but while be time you called you’ve always wanted
Abi Cannon 01428 601028 it’s easy to fixate on your on your vet for a poor to but wondered how to
Evie Edgar 01428 601031
contact to achieve this, there’s performance investigation. Vet, introduce them, Fizz’s guide
PUBLISHING more to it than that. Pippa talks us Sam, shares the steps involved in on p90 will fill you with all the
Managing Director Zoe Cannon through the process on p26. the examination on p68. confidence you need to get started.
Accounts Manager
Caroline Leishman
Accounts Executive Sarah Smith
Office Manager Vicki Owen

DJMurphy
DJ Murphy is an Associate Member of
the British Equestrian Trade Association

All product prices quoted are

recommended retail price and may vary
between stockists. Prices correct at the Emma Short Deidre Carson Piggy March
time of going to press. Horse&Rider
cannot guarantee items will be in stock
or that prices will not change. If you
have enquiries regarding products The spring grass is finally Allergies are reasonably common Is your goal to get your horse ultra-fit
or sizing, please contact the relevant
company.
here and if you’re the in horses, but finding out the this season? Well, who better to
owner of a good-doer, exact cause isn’t always so share their wisdom with us than
SUBSCRIPTIONS you don’t need us to straightforward. On p62, international eventer Piggy?
01442 820580
horseandrider@webscribe.co.uk tell you that it’s coming Deidre talks us through Whether you’re just
horseandrideruk.com through at pace. That’s the usual suspects, as bringing your horse back
Annual subscriptions UK £57.20,
Europe £85, Rest of World £90 why nutritionist, Emma, is well as the best ways into work or want to push
Back issues Single copy £4.20 plus on hand to talk us through her six to manage and treat them, him on a touch further to
postage
simple steps to a slimmer equine – and reduce your horse’s risk of get him feeling his best,
just turn to p110 to find out more. succumbing to one. she shares her secrets on p20.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

Order a single issue
bit.ly/HR_BUYACOPY
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horseandridersubs.com
Download a digital issue
Visit the App Store or Google
Play and get your hands on the
Horse&Rider app
Winner
OUR AWARDS
Consumer Magazine of the
Year, PPA Independent Publisher
Awards 2016; Publishing Company
of the Year, PPA Independent
Publisher Awards 2016; Editor
of the Year, PPA Independent
Publisher Awards 2015
Summer plans
What we’re aiming for
now that sunlight’s on
our side
Get Tango fitter! He’s becoming
stronger every week, so now it’s
time for some longer hacks.
Rebecca, Editor
Working on Sekonda’s flatwork
– improving his impulsion and
keeping his attention when we’re
riding in the arena.
Franchesca, Production Editor

The paper used within this publication

is sourced from Chain-of-Custody
I can’t wait to start Raven, my
baby ex-racehorse, jumping!
30,000 5,000
certified manufacturers, operating within Number of years since the first Number of years since
international environmental standards. This Kiera, Staff Writer record of the Fjord, believed to be the first horse was
ensures sustainable sourcing of the raw
materials and sustainable production. the first recorded modern horse domesticated

6 HORSE&RIDER
 Stay Healthy

‰
‰
‰
immuforte ‰
‰
‰

For compromised immune systems due to

Stress | Travel | New environment | Old age

Box rest | Exposure to unwell horses

Providing nutritional support for

NAF Immuforte supports overall health and recovery Blood cell numbers and activity | Normal immune
response and function | Support against immune dysfunction
The ageing process and related compromised immunity
when the system faces a challenge that has placed
stressors on the body. Immuforte promotes a strong VETERINARY
SUPPORT 5L 166 DAyS’ Supply
STANDARD MAINTENANCE RATE

immune system capable of helping enhance the SAFE TO USE ALONGSIDE VETERINARY PRESCRIBED TREATMENTS.

individuals performance.

For compromised immune systems due to

Stress | Travel | New Environment | Old Age

Box rest | Exposure to unwell horses

Providing nutritional support for

White Blood Cell numbers and activity | Normal immune

response and function | Support against immune dysfunction
The ageing process that may diminish performance.

Contact NAF using our FREE Nutritional Advice Line

Call 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

naf-equine.eu/uk
 8 Part of the team
Learn all about the equestrian

HORSE endeavour aiming to unify the UK’s

riders one event at a time. Founder
Sophie Gifford’s 10-week challenge

WORLD
promises something for every horse
owner – and by getting involved, you’ll
help raise money for charity, too!

May 2022

Part of the
team
Find out all about the unique national
equestrian event bringing together the horse
community – and how you can get involved

W
e all love our equine partners
no end, and they certainly hold
a special place in our hearts,
so why not celebrate them by
coming together to raise money
for equine charities? Created in response to the
pandemic, The Great Horses for Health Event is the
brainchild of Sophie Gifford – a keen horsewoman
looking to celebrate the positive impact horses have
on our mental health. After its launch in 2021, the Save the
event proved to be a fabulous success and is running date
for a second time this year. The 10,000-strong The Great Horses
Facebook community shares the same goal of for
Health Event is ru
honouring their horses, fundraising and, of course,
nn ing
from 19 June –
spending quality time with their equine best friends. 28 August 2022.
Want to know what it’s all about? We bring you all the
facts so you can join the crew and get involved, too.

Keep in mind
For founder, Sophie, horses are a huge part of her
Photos: Jon Stroud, Richard Weller-Poley Photography

daily happiness. “Even on off days, my horse is a

reason to get up and get going because he needs
my time and love. When we go out on a hack
or to an event, there’s a real sense of pride. Of
course, at times he can be difficult but the reward
is in working as a unit and having fun together,”
she says.
Her goal is to bring the equestrian community
together because of its positive impact on mental
health. She adds: “Horses are a great talking
point. A casual comment from a fellow horse lover
can easily turn into a deep conversation. Lasting
friendships are formed, and that’s what I’m trying
to encourage.”

8 HORSE&RIDER
12 H&R Hub
Mucking out or poo picking
– find out which H&R readers
would ditch. Get up to date quickly
with our run-down of this month’s
news at a glance. Plus, we share
your heartwarming photos of you
and your horse sharing a hug.
DID YOU KNOW?
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the
royal patron for The Great Horses
for Health Event.
14 Diary dates
It’s set to be a jam-packed
summer with some events running
for the first time in two years. Get
the low-down on all the best days
out happening across the country
with our helpful guide – there’s
something for everyone.
In numbers
This year’s Great Horses for
Health Event is running over
70 days – to tie in with the
HorseWorld charity’s 70th
anniversary and HM The
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
HORSE&RIDER 9
 DID YOU KNOW?
Even if you don’t ride or own a
horse, you could participate by
volunteering to help at the events.

How it works
The aim is to bring together the
equestrian community through a
series of focused events and activities
throughout the UK, which will all take
place within a 70-day window. They
can be completed by anyone with Get involved DID YOU KNOW?
an interest in horses – and there’ll It really couldn’t be easier to get started – You can join The Great Horses For
be something for everyone whether it’s as simple as one, two, three... Health Event Facebook group for
they’re in the saddle, on foot, on a bike 1. Register for £20. In return you’ll regular updates.
or carriage driving. receive a welcome pack,
Registered participants can take part including a high-vis hat band, Get your
in a number of free events, including... feed supplement voucher, hands on The
• guided rides – for groups of up to wristband, rosette and access Great Horses for
six horses and riders to organised events. Health merchandise,
• self-guided rides – during which 2. Find some sponsors. All available at
a route’s marked out for those who sponsors should be directed horseandrideruk.
wish to take part to the event’s JustGiving page, com/shop
• walk and talk ride – conducted at where donations will ultimately be
a slower pace and allows riders to split between the nominated charities.
chat on the route 3. Ride! When the time comes, you can
• park and ride – where vehicle take part in as many activities as you
parking is provided with direct like, in whatever style you’d prefer –
access to a circular hacking route whether that’s on your own, in a group,
• picnic ride – for which there’ll be a or through an organised event.
tie-up area for horses, and riders are
encouraged to bring along a picnic
• activity – where you can try your
skills at a versatile TREC event
• ride and stays – where riders and
their horses can camp under the
stars or stay at a B&B
• non-ridden wellbeing – look out
for wellness walks
Participants aren’t limited to taking
part in organised events, either. You
can also take your own routes – the
most important part is that you’re out
enjoying your horse and raising funds
for charity.

10 HORSE&RIDER

Dates to remember
An organised ride’s a fun way to link
up with friends, meet like-minded
people and have a lovely day out with
your horse. Just a few of the events
kicking off proceedings for registered
members are..
• 19 June Self-guided park and ride
– Hertfordshire
• 19 June Activity Play Day - TREC
taster in-hand or ridden – Cumbria
• 24 June Jubilee Prosecco &
Canape Ride – West Sussex
• 5 July Guided ride with glorious
Gatcombe views – Gloucestershire
• 6 July Evening guided ride –
Hertfordshire
• 9 July Guided ride - Hertfordshire
• 17 July Red, White and Blue
Jubilee pub guided ride – Cumbria
• 17 July Self-guided park and ride –
Hertfordshire
• 26 July Guided ride with glorious
Gatcombe views – Gloucestershire
• 31 July Hurst Green Shires parade,
ride and picnic – Surrey
DID YOU KNOW?
Organised activities are being
added all the time, so for the full
listings, and to find out more about
the event, visit horses4health.co.uk
Kathryn and Stanley
One rider who took park in last year’s
events was Kathryn Jayne Watson,
whose difficult circumstances 10
years ago were eased by a chance
encounter with the travelling horse
community. Her life hasn’t been the
same since.
Kathryn’s
life changed
forever
when she
encountered
a group of
travellers by
chance. She fell
in love with one
of the horses
who was
being raced
up and down
the roads and
couldn’t leave him. After negotiating
with the owner, she took Stanley home.
For the years that followed, Kathryn and
Stanley worked together like a dream,
with her mental health becoming better
TOP TIP
To donate £5 to The
Great Horses for Health
Event, text HEALTH to
70460.
For a good cause
The idea of the event is to raise money,
which is donated to the charities
supported by the event. This year, these
include HorseWorld and Riding for
the Disabled Association (RDA). Some
of the proceeds will also be allocated
to the National Equine Welfare
and better. However, one fateful day in
2017, the pair were involved in a terrible
road accident where they were hit by a
reckless driver, causing Stanley to come
away with severe injuries. However,
Kathryn refused to give up on him and,
after 12 long months of box rest, she was
able to get back on board.
Kathryn joined The Great Horses for
Health Facebook group because raising
money for mental health and equine
charities really resonated with her. So,
she and Stanley took up last year’s baton
challenge, riding 20 kilometres and
handing over to Liz Morgan in Marple.
Val and Mr Warpaint
Another participant in last year’s
event was Val. Her love of horses
brought her through a tough time
following a life changing accident,
and her story showcases mental
toughness and resilience at its best.
Val was a busy mother of four when Mr
Warpaint entered her life. She and the
gelding formed a strong bond, but due to
his previous hard life, he later retired. This
led Val to a project Thoroughbred, who
quickly proved to need more time than
she could offer and, while on a hack one
day, he reared and landed on top of her.
Feature HORSE
WORLD
Council (NEWC), through which
member charities can benefit. The
charities chosen for this year not only
help horses, but people, too, through
initiatives such as HorseWorld’s
Discovery programme, where
rehabilitated horses help disadvantaged
children and their families.
As a result, she suffered a high level
spinal cord injury and became paralysed
from the chest down. During this time,
her mental health took a downward turn
and she struggled to face the outside
world. However, she was later able to
visit Mr Warpaint in his new home at
Walford College, where she’d spend
hours grooming and pampering him.
As her confidence grew, she was
offered a ride on a large ex-showjumper
called Vinnie, which was where her para
dressage journey began. After competing
for her country at Bishop Burton and
Hickstead, Val decided it was time to call
it a day on her riding career.
Taking part in last year’s Great Horses
for Health Event – in her wheelchair and
also riding friend Jane Barker’s horse,
Dylan – was her chance to share her story
and give back to the horses who aided
her recovery, particularly Mr Warpaint.
➤
HORSE&RIDER 11
 HORSE
WORLD
If you want to comment on an article in H&R or share your
thoughts, then drop a line to Letters Editor Keeley Mitson
EMERGENCY EXIT
I love my livery yard. It’s small but
le are frien dly and the facil
peop
. The
great for somewhere of its size
just one problem – the gate to the
field. Every evening, the horses crow
nd it mak ing it imp ossi ble
arou
my horse out safely and easily. We’
tried to co-ordinate so that cert
horses come in first, but with ever
train ed by wor k com mitm
cons
We
did little to solve the issue.
to go to the yard own er and prop
a second gate. We all made a small
financial contribution and ended up
with an ‘emergency exit’. It’s further
from the yard, but a real life saver
are wait ing arou nd
the horses
gate way to com e in for thei r dinn
Bethany Graham, via email
Horse&Rider may edit letters submitted due to space constraints and style. Photos: Jon Stroud, Kit Houghton
Time for a hug
You all made us smile with cute
snaps of your horsey best friend
The smile on Julie Thompson’s
face says it all as she hugs her
horse, Ruby
Paula Williams’s horse,
May, enjoying a cuddle
12 HORSE&RIDER
Achievement
of the
hub
month
After waiting for so
long, Shelley found
her forever horse
the
ities are
re’s
d
to get
ve
My greatest horsey
ain achievement has got to be
yone
actually owning one. Ever
ents , it since I was a very little girl
deci ded
I loved everything about
ose horses, but as is the way for
so many people, there was
always a reason not to get one
of my own. It wasn’t until I
when
was 39 that my best friend
the main
and I finally decided to take
er. the plunge and buy a Welsh
section C. We’ve had Tomas
for 12 years now and I’ve
never looked back! I hope
my story inspires anyone
out there who’s still
wondering
‘what if’.
Tell us why your achievement
deserves this award and you could
win a pair of Ariat Ascent Paddock
boots, worth £120.
Is it double trouble or
cuddles for
Jemima Croft’s horse, Joy, Emmer Umfreville? Send a clear photo with your
contact details and achievement to
used to be afraid of people
but has learned to love hugs Ariat Achievement of the month at
the address on p3. Winners’ details
will be passed on to Ariat to fulfil
You can share the competition prize only and
your data will not be sold, passed
your photos on or added to any database.
via Facebook, Twitter For full terms and conditions,
and Instagram, too. and our privacy policy, visit
horseandrideruk.com/privacy
For information on Ariat products,
call 0845 6003209 or visit
Chelsea Ellen Amos’s horse
has stolen her boyfriend! ariat-europe.com
 The hub HORSE
Feature WORLD

Would you rather

never have to muck
Our favourite
out again or never
have to poo pick follow
again?
@theweeequestrian’s
75% 25% charming grid documents
Poo pick Muck out Emma’s life juggling dressage
with vet school
@kiwi_mitts Poo picking on a sunny day with
some music playing can be enjoyable

@_eliza_peake_equestrian_ I actually enjoy

Savvy selling
The market for buying and selling horses is fast
moving and can be tricky to navigate. To help
you find the perfect new home for your equine
companion, we’re created a comprehensive guide
to making an eye-catching advert. Including
advice on taking the perfect photo, what details
to include and how to prepare your horse for a
viewing. Visit bit.ly/HORSE_AD_TIPS
mucking out, it’s satisfying giving my horse a
luxurious bed!
@xav_boha Poo picking is definitely the less
smelly job!
@katemitson There’s nothing more pleasing
than a nicely mucked out stable
She’s one in a million
@jessicarosedavis Not having to muck out my
horse before work would save me so much time

News at a glance
British Equestrians for Ukraine
Leading equestrian organisations have come together to form the
initiative British Equestrians for Ukraine. They aim to provide support
to those caught up in the crisis. For more information or to find out
how you can help, visit bit.ly/EQUESTRIANS_UKRAINE Dressage diva or jumping jack?

RDA named as Badminton charity of the year

The prestigious five-star event will be helping to raise awareness and
funds for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) at their 2022
event. As well as an opportunity to promote what they do, the RDA
will be putting on displays by some of their local riders for spectators
to enjoy. For the full story, head to bit.ly/BADMINTON_CHARITY22

Strangles Awareness Week 2022

Running from the 2–8 May 2022, Strangles Awareness week is a
global occasion consisting of webinars and events organised on yards.
Whether you’re a lesuire rider or yard owner, you can sign up and help
spread the best practises for preventing and managing strangles. Read
more at redwings.org.uk/strangles The most boop-able nose!

HOW TO CONTACT US
letters@horseandrideruk.com Send your letters to Keeley Mitson, Letters Editor – address on p3

Horse&Rider Magazine @horseandrideruk @horseandridermag @HorseandRiderUK Horse&Rider Magazine

➤
HORSE&RIDER 13
 HORSE Dates for your
WORLD

diary
Make it a summer to remember
with this action-packed line-up

Royal Windsor Horse Show

12–15 May
Windsor, Berkshire
Celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and
70 years on the throne, this year’s Royal Windsor
promises a jam-packed schedule with something
for everyone. Star of the show this time will be
equestrian extravaganza, A Gallop Through History
– an expertly choreographed performance that’ll
feature more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers in
a jawdropping tribute to our monarchy. Competitive
events include international showjumping, puissance,
driving grand prix, endurance, and a huge range of
showing classes. If that wasn’t enough there’ll be
displays from the Household Cavalry, Pony Club
mounted games, RDA dressing up competition and
the Shetland Pony Grand National – it’s certainly not
one to be missed.
Tickets from £25
rwhs.co.uk
Photos: Nigel Goddard, Emily Gailey

14 HORSE&RIDER
 Diary HORSE
Feature WORLD

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead

Derby Meeting
23–26 June
Hickstead, West Sussex
Is there a sight in British showjumping that’s
more iconic than Hickstead’s derby bank? We
certainly can’t think of one! The Hickstead
Derby is celebrating its 60th anniversary this
year and the annual event will undoubtedly
be one of the most highly anticipated
equine events in many fans’ calendars. So,
prepare to be entertained as some of the
best showjumpers in the world climb the
eponymous bank. Take a step back from
the action and there’s of course the chance
to shop, eat and drink, with the inclusion
of an artisan food hall and various bars to
choose from. Keep an eye on the Hickstead
website for information on the other events
throughout the summer.
Tickets from £20
hickstead.co.uk

Bolesworth International Horsefest The Great Horses for

Dressage
24–26 June
Bolesworth Castle, Chester
Take a seat at the all-new Bolesworth
CDI3* International and enjoy the
dressage world at its finest. Setting
the stage for the already established
Bolesworth International Horse Show
that follows it – the Cheshire estate is
playing host to a three-day dressage
bonanza. With competition running
from Prelim to Grand Prix, this is a
chance to compete at the same venue
as some of the very best – and watch
them strut their stuff, too. There’s even
a celebrity dressage challenge!
Tickets from £22
bolesworthdressage.com
8–10 July
Kelsall, Cheshire
A unique event that combines a
festival atmosphere with an incredible
opportunity to watch and learn from
some of the very best riders and
industry professionals. With sessions
hosted by experts including Mary
King, Jay Halim, Sue Dyson and
Gillian Higgins, as well as Q&As and
workshops, it’s the perfect setting for
equestrians whatever their interests.
There’ll also be live music, food stands,
bars and incredible shopping. Either
visit for a day or camp for the weekend
for the full festival experience.
Tickets from £52.50
horsefest.org
Health Event
19 June – 28 August
Various locations across the UK
The aim of The Great Horses for
Health Event is to unite the UK’s
equestrian community through a
series of focused events and activities,
which will take place within a 70-day
window, while raising money for
charity. Simply sign up, start your
sponsorship search and get going.
From guided rides to picnics or
wellness activities, there’s something
for everyone. Whether you team up
with old friends or make new ones –
whatever you do, just get started!
Registration fee £20 + sponsorship
horses4health.co.uk

HORSE&RIDER 15
 FEI World Championships
If you’re missing the adrenaline rush of last year’s
Olympic Games, you won’t want to miss out on the World
Championships. Watch as the best of our sport go head to
head in a bid to come out on top. In a change to previous
years, the championships will be spilt across two countries
and three sittings, spreading the drama across two action
packed months of sport.
So, whether you’re planning to make a trip of it and travel
to one of the gorgeous European destinations or stay at
home glued to a livestream, these are the dates you’ll need in
your diary.
Tickets from £6.17
britishequestrian.org.uk

Dressage, showjumping, para-dressage

and vaulting
6–14 August
Herning, Denmark
Kicking off proceedings with the largest portion of
events, there’s nowhere that’ll be better served to offer
equestrian fanatics their sporting fix this summer than
Herning, Denmark. Aiming to host an unforgettable event
for everyone involved, the whopping 10-days programme
promises multi-discipline action every step of the way.
With Denmark just out of the team medals at Tokyo
2020 and Cathrine Dufour’s individual hopes dashed as
she finished in fourth, the home side’s sure to put in a
competitive effort to score a much-anticipated victory
in the dressage arena. Well, that’s just one aspect of the
competition – and will the home advantage work in favour of
the para-dressage squad, too? Only time will tell.
herning2022.com

Eventing
15–18 September
Rome, Italy
Taking place 35km from Rome, the venue last played host to
the cross-country phase of eventing in 1998. The competition
is serving as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris,
so you can expect to see all the top eventers battling it out
for a spot on the team. Who will you be cheering on against
the spectacular Italian backdrop?
pratoni2022.it

Driving
22–25 September
Rome, Italy
If you’ve never had the thrill of watching a driving
competition before, then this is the perfect opportunity to
experience this high-adrenaline sport at the very top level.
Photos: FEI, The Jockey Club

The venue played host to the driving championships in 2006

and 2010 so you can be sure that the event will be tuned to
perfection.
pratoni2022.it

16 HORSE&RIDER

HR_MAY_8-15 Horseworld V15.indd 16 05/04/2022 09:54

 Diary HORSE
Feature WORLD

Global Champions Tour

19–21 August
Chelsea, London
In the twelfth instalment of this incredible
around-the-world showjumping tour,
you can expect to experience nail-biting
drama and edge-of-your-seat suspense as
each pole and every second could spell
the difference between winning or losing.
After last year’s high adrenaline event
welcomed returning Olympians and riders
very much at the top of their game, we’re
anticipating much of the same once more.
Tickets from £15
gcglobalchampions.com

Burghley Horse Trials

1–4 September
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Eventing doesn’t get much more exciting than Burghley
Horse Trials. With a choice of day tickets if time’s limited or
a weekend pass for those wanting to make a long weekend
of it, this is the horsey highlight on many equestrians’
calendars. Offering entertainment for all the family, after
you’ve soaked up the sport, you can even face some of the
cross-country fences yourself on the riding simulator. Or,
for those dragging along non-horsey friends or family,
Burghley’s got you covered with an off-road driving
experience. What could be better?
Tickets from £22
burghley-horse.co.uk

Blenheim Horse
Trials
15–18 September
Blenheim House,
Oxfordshire
Sign off the British eventing
season as proceedings start to wind to a close with a trip
to Blenheim Horse Trials. While we’re spoiled for choice
for three-day backdrops here in the UK, this one’s got to be
one of the favourites. Offering four days jam-packed with
action, enjoy dressage, showjumping and cross-country set
against Blenheim palace’s impressive silhouette. As well as
the eventing there’s shopping, falconry displays, working
dog demonstrations and the fan-favourite Shetland Pony
Grand National.
Ticket prices to be confirmed.
bpiht.co.uk

HORSE&RIDER 17
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HORSE&RIDER 19
 In this feature. . . ➤ Learn how Piggy gets her event horses fit

Get
ready
rumble
to

Is your goal to get your horse in peak condition this spring?

Get the ultimate fitness tips from eventing legend, Piggy March

I
s this summer the one that’ll
see you reach all the fitness
aspirations you have for
your horse? Whether you’re
planning on getting him in
shape for one-day events or you
want him to be in the best condition
possible for general riding, I’ve got
plenty of advice to share.
By strengthening and
conditioning your horse using roads,
As told to Kiera Boyle. Photos: Jon Stroud
a break after all their hard work.
Then, I’ll bring them back in around
Christmas time and work them
through January and February so
they’re ready to go out and compete
again come March. They’ll come in
muddy and fluff y, so we get them
cleaned up and put their shoes back
on. Then they’ll go on the horse
walker for a few days before we
head out onto the roads.
back into work than one who’s not
yet achieved this level of fitness.
Plus, if your horse has had a longer
period of time off, you’ll need to take
things much more slowly, especially
if he’s been out of work due to injury
– in which case you should consult
your vet before embarking on a new
fitness regime.

hills and a regular riding schedule, On this basis, I tend to allow

you’ll be able to get him fit enough
for whatever activity you wish to do
with him.
Time it right
Once the eventing season’s over, my
horses tend to have 6–8 weeks off so
they can relax in the field and have
10–12 weeks to get a horse from the
TOP TIP
If your horse is building strength
field to full fitness. However, this
after an injury, booking him some
can vary a lot depending on the type
sessions to go swimming or on the
of horse you have. For example, my
water treadmill can be an excellent
horses stay well-conditioned and
way to build fitness. This is because
are returning to a level of fitness
it can provide a vigorous workout
they’ve reached before, so it’s a lot
without added concussion.
quicker to bring a horse like this

TOP TIP
Even though I’m lucky enough
to have access to beautiful gallops
at home, I’m a strong believer that
they aren’t a fitness necessity until
you reach three-day event level.

20 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

➤ Plan your horse’s fitness routine ➤ Improve his strength

Our expert

Piggy March is an
International eventer who’s
represented Team GB at
several World and European
Championships, winning
European team gold and
individual silver in 2021, as
well as winning Badminton
Horse Trials in 2019.

Our model

Cooley Kan-do (Gin)

is an eight-year-old
mare by Kannan. She’s
currently competing at BE
Intermediate level.

Starting point
By this point in the season, your horse is
likely to already be in some level of work.
So, identify where in this routine you believe
your horse to be at and work from there. It’s
worth erring on the side of caution, though –
there’s no such thing as foundations that
are too strong!

HORSE&RIDER 21
In the saddle
Keep your sessions under
half an hour, working in
a long and low outline to
help encourage relaxation
Weeks 1–4:
The benefits of hacking
In the first few weeks, I spend plenty of
time just hacking. I start by focusing on
core fitness and conditioning my horses’
legs by walking on the roads for a few
miles with just a few snippets of trot, and
build up the duration gradually. Hills
are also a vital tool for boosting a horse’s
aerobic fitness, so if you’re able to walk
and trot up them regularly, they’ll really
increase your horse’s heart rate and get
him puffing.
Make sure when you’re walking your
horse out, you ask him to march forward
with purpose. You’re looking for him to
be overtracking in a forward rhythm with
a good amount of push from behind. Ask
him to stretch his neck forward and down
to help build topline at the same time, too.
DID YOU KNOW?
I stick to slow work, which mostly involves
hacking and hillwork in walk and trot – with a few
schooling sessions, too – for 6–8 weeks before I
reintroduce jumping to a horse’s routine.
22 HORSE&RIDER
and stretching
TOP TIP
If you find a really great hill
nearby, why not go back down, turn
around and ride up it a second time?
If you do this consistently, you’ll soon
start to see how fit your horse can
become without setting foot on
the gallops.
Weeks 4–6: Back to basics
Once you’ve completed your first month
or so of slow work, you can then combine
hacking with more discipline-specific
training. I’d start my first few schooling
sessions around this point and, depending
on the horse, focus on basic schooling
for a few weeks before I step things up
to proper dressage training. My sessions
would consist of transitions, simple
schooling shapes and changes of rein –
focusing on trot for a couple of weeks
before starting on canter work. It’s also
a good opportunity to check that your
horse’s responses are how you’d like them
and that he’s working evenly between the
reins. Keep your sessions under half an
hour, working in a long and low outline to
help encourage relaxation and stretching.
Towards the end of this period, I would
also start to work over poles, cavaletti
and bounces for strength training in
preparation for jumping later on. ➤
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In the saddle
Week eight and beyond
Once you’ve laid the foundations in the
arena and upped the pace out hacking,
you can start to introduce jumping
and progress your canter fitness work.
Now’s the time to address any schooling
issues that have cropped up, too – book
in some lessons, practise over spooky
fillers and tackle more technical
combinations, if you’re preparing for a
competition. Gridwork’s an excellent
way to re-introduce jumping because it’ll
encourage your horse to travel forward
and build confidence. You may also head
out for some cross-country schooling
from around week 10. After a few fun,
confidence-building sessions, your horse
should be competition ready.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most horses in consistent
and varied work five days a
week should be fit enough to
compete in a low-level one day
event without any targeted
interval training.
Next issue: Part 2
How to enhance your halt
24 HORSE&RIDER
Interval training
My gallops at home are
on quite a steep hill, so
I’m careful not to overuse
them. I often trot up them
once or twice in a session
or have a short blast after
a hack, but I also do a lot of
my interval training off the
gallops in a flat field. This
allows for a good amount From strength to strength
of variety in my horses’ While there are certain facilities and
workouts and ensures they hacking options that might make fitness
aren’t overstrained. There’s work easier, there’s no reason why
no need to overcomplicate you can’t get your horse fighting fit by
it – in these sessions, I’ll making the most of what’s available
focus on trotting and to you. Tailoring your training plan to
cantering up hills before your individual horse is key to keeping
giving my horse a breather, him happy and healthy throughout the
and increasing the duration process. With time and dedication, you’re
gradually each session. sure to achieve your fitness goals and
have your best season of riding yet.
Never miss an issue! Subscribe at With thanks to Train With Piggy for their help
horseandridersubs.com with this feature, piggymarch.tv
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 In this feature. . . ➤ Encourage your horse to seek the contact

Hold up
Struggling to strengthen a fragile
contact? Pippa Funnell shares her
secrets for solving the puzzle

T
he shape your horse travels in – also
As told to Tilly Berendt. Photos: Lucy Merrell

described as his outline or frame –

is one of the most misunderstood
concepts for many riders. If you
look at any top-level competition
horse working on the flat, you’ll see a beautifully
arched neck and an elegant outline – and while
it’s easy to assume that setting your horse’s head
and neck in the right place is a job for your reins, a
correct outline actually originates from an active
hindend, balanced body, and engaged back. This
creates a cycle of energy between your leg and
hand, and naturally brings up your horse’s poll.

Scaling up
The scales of training are an invaluable tool that
every rider should make use of when they get in
the saddle. Every time you get on, you should
be thinking about laying the foundation – the
bottom of the pyramid – and building upwards
from there. Contact doesn’t even come into play
until halfway up the pyramid, and collection – the
ability to adjust your horse’s stride length without
losing engagement, which many riders falsely
create through an overeager contact – is the tip.
In practice, the more segments from the
pyramid in place, the better able you’ll be to
influence your horse’s way of going through your
seat and leg. A true testament of this is a horse
who’s light and responsive and remains this way
through any number of transitions, movements
and changes of bend.

Collection

Straightness

Impulsion

Contact

Suppleness

Rhythm

26 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

➤ Improve his rideability ➤ Create a more supple connection

Our expert

Pippa Funnell is arguably

one of eventing’s greatest
competitors. As the first
winner of the Grand Slam,
which she claimed in 2003,
she put herself firmly in the
history books – and since
then, she’s been a stalwart
fixture on the British team.
She’s the reigning Burghley
champion, too, taking the
win there in 2019 with the
quirky MGH Grafton Street.

Our models

Kristina Hall-Jackson
has represented Great
Britain at Junior level and
competed prolifically at
CCI4* since she was 19. She
rides eight-year-old KWPN
mare Juela, with whom
she competed at the
six- and seven-year-old
national championships at
Osberton.
➤

HORSE&RIDER 27
 The mission
Kristina has a habit of taking a bit too
much responsibility for her horses’
outlines, so she ends up carrying
them – and that can lead to a false Often if a horse has
frame, heaviness in the hand, and a
tendency to tuck behind the vertical. a weakness or finds
Juela is quite a sensitive mare, but can
become overconfident. By focusing
something difficult, it’ll link
on lightening the hand and creating to a rider issue
relaxed, supple self-carriage, we can
make her a much more rideable horse.

Reversing the habit

Accountability’s key when it comes to
improving your horse’s way of going – and
often if a horse has a weakness or finds
something difficult, it’ll link to a rider
issue. In this case, breaking Kristina’s
habit of holding tension in her upper body
will be the key to helping Juela settle and
become lighter in the hand.
After warming up in all three gaits,
start by picking up working trot and focus
your attention on your arms. The idea of
soft hands is often a bit of a misleading
one, because it’s not about loosening your
fingers on the reins or making your wrists
floppy – instead, soft hands come from
following, supple elbows and relaxed
shoulders, and those relaxed shoulders, in
turn, come from a soft, shock-absorbing
back. If you hold tension in any of those
areas, you won’t be able to have truly soft
and independent hands, which are hands
that follow your horse’s movement and
maintain a consistent contact without
pulling or fiddling.
Struggling with stiffness? To help
soften and supple your elbows, play
around with the contact while you go
large. As you trot around, subtly offer
one hand for a stride, and then regain
the contact and offer the other hand. You
don’t need to dramatically alter your arm
position – even just an inch or two of give
will encourage movement through your
arms and tell your horse that you won’t be
holding his head up for him anymore.

TOP TIP
Use your warm-up to check your
own position and balance. Before you
can make any positive changes to the
way you ride, you need to make sure
you’re sitting tall and centrally in the
saddle with your hands level and
eyes up.

28 HORSE&RIDER

TOP TIP
Once you’ve mastered on and back in
trot, you can try it in walk and canter, too,
using the same principles of stopping your
pelvis, engaging your core and then releasing.
Add extra engagement by riding 5m in from
the track and gently zig-zagging from
your line to the track and back again,
particularly in canter.
Exercise: on and back
One of the most useful elements you
can add to your schooling sessions is
transitions – better still if you can ride
them through your seat and legs. When
you’re used to relying on your hands,
this might sound farfetched, but it’s
To give it a go...
1. Take your horse onto a 20m circle.
This acts as a useful helper for
keeping him balanced, allowing you
to focus on the transitions.
2. Start in working trot, and then use
your seat to ask for a walk transition
by stopping the motion of your hips
and sitting deep in the saddle with
your core engaged.
3. Then, relax and release your hips,
legs and core muscles to encourage
your horse forward into trot.
4. Repeat this, adding transitions
liberally around the circle until you
feel his reaction times quicken.
Once you’ve mastered the first part
of this exercise, you’re ready to move on
to the next bit, refining the transition
so you’re slowing the trot rather than
shifting into walk...
1. First, engage your core and use it
to slow the motion of your rising.
In the saddle
perfectly possible with a little practice.
The ultimate goal of this exercise is to
encourage your horse to lift his head and
poke his nose out in front of the vertical,
which is the first step towards actively
seeking the contact rather than just
leaning on it.
This should encourage your horse to
slow down his steps to match your
movement, but you can combine
it with a verbal cue to ensure he
understands to start with.
2. When you want to speed up
again, release these muscles. You
shouldn’t need to use your leg – and
the purpose of the exercise is to
discourage an overuse of the leg –
but, again, you could use your voice
to encourage your horse forward
while he’s building the association.
To avoid anticipation, mix and match
your transitions – switch up your gear
changes so you’re working between and
within gaits, but don’t let him anticipate
what’s coming next. You’ll then find that
two things begin to happen – firstly,
he’ll stop arguing with your hands
because they’ll be largely inactive.
Secondly, he should start to feel much
more responsive to your aids. ➤
HORSE&RIDER 29
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When you’re working in this
way, you need to make sure
the rest of your aids are
spot on and as clear to your
horse as they can be
TOP TIP
Your seat and core influence your
horse’s movement in lots of different
ways. Not only can you slow your hips
to ride transitions, you can also use these
aids to prepare your horse for them – for
example, before you halt, sit extra tall
and engage your core muscles to lift
your horse’s tummy and bring his
hindquarters underneath him.
Now try this
With your new influencing aids
established on the security of the circle,
it’s time to go large. Start conservatively
to begin with and ride some more
transitions through your seat and legs.
It’s easy for your horse to get carried
away when trotting large, especially
when you’ve got the long side of the
arena to contend with, so keep your leg
aids quiet and make sure you sit tall
and deep in the saddle. Work hard to
engage every part of your core to stop the
motion of your seat and ask your horse
to halt without using your hand. When
you’re working in this way, and trying to
alleviate reliance on the hand, you need
to make sure the rest of your aids are spot
on and as clear to your horse as they can
be, so bear this in mind.
Ride straight out of the halt into a
forward-thinking trot, again assessing
yourself from head to toe for any traces of
tension left over from the halt transition
and work to ease it. Check your horse’s
reactions by engaging your core and
deepening your seat again – in a bid
to condense the pace – before riding
forward in working trot.
Then, try moving your halts to A and C
– away from the safety of the corner – or
B and E.
In the saddle
Pippa’s pearls of wisdom
Juela can be quite a hot
mare, which makes it
harder for Kristina to feel
comfortable putting her leg on and
has exacerbated her tendency to
restrict with the hand. This makes it a
big step to take these transitions onto
the long side, because she feels as
though Juela might run on.
That’s where arena fences come
in handy, particularly when you’re
working in trot and there’s less risk
of a creative exit. Riding your horse
into the corner fenceline gives him
nowhere else to go. However, to keep
the lesson educational, your horse
needs to be aware of your other aids
– your seat, core and leg – so that he
associates these with the need to stop,
rather than simply because he has no
other option. This makes your non-rein
aids all the more important. ➤
HORSE&RIDER 31
In the saddle

A full stop
If you have a hot-headed horse, you’ll need to ride the
halt with extra care, because it’s so easy to fall into a
cycle of nitpicking and causing further frustration.
Although the halt is, by nature, the absence of
movement, you should always think of riding it as a
forward motion, staying soft, relaxed and positive
about what’s next. In a test, you’ll need to aim for
tidy square halts, and although these are the product
of a straight, positive gait and a balanced, engaged
transition, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in
need of some minor adjustments while you’re
training them. The key? Always ask your horse to
step forwards to fix the halt – never, ever pull him
back. If a couple of little steps forward don’t do the
job, ride out of the halt positively, put the pieces back
together, and try again. There’s never a training issue
that’s best fixed by starting a fight over the details.

The debrief
Pippa’s pearls of wisdom “Juela gets quite hot and fiery, and
Sometimes, fixing an area so Pip has been helping us to get her
of habitual tension in your just a little bit more respectful and
riding is best done by light,” says Kristina. “I can get quite
pushing yourself out of your comfort sucked into holding her, because I feel
zone. Once Kristina has Juela going like she tanks off with me, and then
well and listening, I ask her to remove we end up pulling each other around.
one hand from the reins and put it We’ve been working on getting her
behind her back. Almost immediately, lighter and almost riding her above
she softens her body, and with her the bit, so she’s not as round at the
hip and shoulder now further back, minute but she’s using her body much
Juela has so much more freedom of more correctly. Putting my hand
movement. The difference is huge, behind my back was a real lightbulb
and carries through as Kristina swaps moment – she went completely
hands, and then moves from touching differently and I got a real feel for how
her opposite shoulder to touching her balance should be.”
the cantle of the saddle. This is such
a useful way to curb tension and
resistance and give the horses a With thanks to the Wesko Equestrian
chance to breathe and move forward. Foundation for their help with this feature,
weskoequestrianfoundation.org.uk

Last month: Part one Never miss an issue! Subscribe at Next issue: Part three
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32 HORSE&RIDER
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 In this feature. . . ➤ Help your horse become quicker on his feet

Off the
grid
Wondering what to include in your
next gridwork session? We’ve got
five different elements for you to try
1. Pole position
Poles have boundless benefits when it
comes to jumping, and there are several
ways you can position them to help tailor
your training. Riding over a line of poles
is not only a great warm-up and stride
tester before you build them up into
fences, but also key for setting a good
rhythm. You’ll need to set up a canter that
you’re happy with before your approach,
then test that your horse can maintain
this rhythm down the line before adding
in fences. Start with them placed one
stride apart (2.7–3.4m), then you can

A
increase the distance to two, three or
re you tired of the same post-work even five strides to test how long your
Photos: Jon Stroud

training regime? Well, with the horse can maintain his rhythm for.
evenings growing lighter by the day,
there’s no reason you can’t sneak some
jumps into your sessions – so why not
add gridwork into the mix? Your horse doesn’t have
to be an established showjumper in order to benefit –
grids can mean anything from poles on the ground to
a more complex combination of cross-poles, uprights
and oxers, which will help with a whole range of skills,
including balance, impulsion and agility. Not sure
where to begin? We’ve got five different grids you can
set up over five sessions to help add a plethora of skills
to your riding repertoire. Let’s get to it.

34 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

➤ Create a better quality jump ➤ Improve his canter

The power of poles

Poles can be a useful tool while you’re jumping,
too. For example, if your horse tends to rush
towards a fence or loses momentum in the middle
of a grid, placing a pole per stride in between will
help encourage him to move evenly to the next.
If you struggle to see a stride, using a placing
pole one stride away from the first fence will help
your horse meet it correctly. Plus, putting a pole
one stride after the final fence is a great way to
help prevent your horse from rushing away
on landing and maintain a rhythm. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 35
In the saddle
2. Let’s bounce
If you want to give your horse a full
body workout, while also improving his
jumping technique, bounces are for you.
You can do any number of these in a
row, depending on how many fences you
have access to and your horse’s level of
experience and fitness. Set up a line of
three bounce distances with the final
element a cross-pole and the first two
poles on the floor. As your horse gains
confidence you can raise the second part.
Bounces require your horse to power
up his hindquarters and lift through his
shoulders, which in turn encourages him
to round through his back. This is why
bounces aren’t only a great strengthening
tool, but also useful for improving his
jumping technique. Because your horse
needs to enlist some fast footwork
through the line, keep the height low
and welcoming until you’re both really
confident. You’ll reap just as many
benefits as if the fences were bigger.
H M
E B
3–3.7m
K F
36 HORSE&RIDER
TOP TIP
For an extra challenge, why not
try setting your poles up on a curve,
before raising them to bounces?
It’ll help improve your horse’s
strength and also do wonders for
his balance and suppleness.
3. Cross the line C
You may shrug your shoulders when it
comes to cross-poles, but they’re essential
straightening tools. Setting up three in a H M
row one stride apart is an excellent test
of straightness because you need to be
accurate in your initial turn so you meet
the centre of all three fences. You can then
lengthen the distance to 3–4 strides to test E B
your straightness even further.
6.4–7.5m
This exercise puts the spotlight on
whether your horse stays straight in his
body over a fence. Does he twist in the
air and land to one side? Learning where K F
he needs to build strength will help you
focus your flatwork sessions in between
jumping.
➤ A
TOP TIP
If your horse is capable, you can
also raise the cross-poles to really
encourage him to lift up through
his shoulders and bascule over the
fence, which will help improve his
technique.
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In the saddle

TOP TIP C
To help encourage you to stay
4. Seeing double as straight as possible through
A double – that is, two jumps set the grid, why not add in some H M
apart by one or two canter strides tramlines between fences? You can
– is something that crops up in also add a pair before or after,
almost every showjumping round depending on where your
you’ll ever do, so practising them horse struggles most. 2 strides
= 10–11m
is key competition prep. E B
You can place them one or two
strides apart and as high or low
as you like. A one-stride double
requires your horse to meet the
first fence perfectly so he can K F
land on the correct stride for the
second, and there’s little room
for error. But with a two-strider, A
even if you take off too close or
far away from the first, you have
a bit more flexibility to get back
on track for the second – the
key is to ride forward positively
so you can make the distance.
Training your eye and your horse
to keep a consistent rhythm
will help you tackle this type
of combination effortlessly and
build both your and your horse’s
confidence, too.

H M
TOP TIP
If your horse is consistently
knocking a rail, try adding a line
of poles in between the fences
E 3 strides = B to help him maintain a clear
13.7–14.6m
rhythm before trying again.

K F

5. Up and over
Setting up an oxer to an upright is a real
test of your horse’s adjustability. It can
work well for a horse who has a tendency
to fly over a fence and become too long
and flat because he’s likely to boldly jump
the oxer, then become too strung out
in his canter to clear the top rail of the
upright. To do it, you’ll need to set him up
in forward but contained canter so he can
tackle the oxer, then collect on landing for
the upright that’s 2–3 strides away.
However, if you have the opposite Jump to it
problem and your horse tends to hang Once you’ve mastered
in the air over the fence and lose these layouts individually,
momentum, switching the grid round there’s no stopping you
so you jump the upright first and then combining some of them to
the oxer can help you train him out of it. create increasingly complex
You’ll need to approach the upright in a grids. It’s a fun way to spice
bouncy, energetic canter so he has plenty up your sessions while
of spring, then push on for the oxer on improving your and your
landing, which will encourage him to horse’s skills – and the
maintain that forward energy. possibilities are endless.

38 HORSE&RIDER
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 Ready for
lift off
Lightening your horse’s forehand
needn’t be complicated – all you need
is a series of simple exercises

A
horse’s natural inclination is to move
in a slightly downhill fashion – after
all, naturally, that’s where he carries
around 60% of his weight. However,
with his front legs doing the brunt
of the work, his hindlegs then take a backseat.
As a rider, you need your horse to be working
properly through his back so that he can carry
you effectively, but this can only happen when
he’s working into a soft and light contact that is
Photos: Jon Stroud

powered by his hindquarters. In order to generate

this energy, you’ll need to strengthen your horse
and encourage him to become more supple and
balanced. Here are a few targeted schooling
exercises to get you started.

Warm-up wisely
For a horse who’s on the forehand,
it can be tempting to try and get him
sitting on his hindquarters from the
second you set foot in the arena. However,
it’s most important to prioritise getting
him going forwards first, allowing him to
stretch on a loose rein in walk and trot,
before you try and refine his way of
going too much.

40 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

1. Transitions
A fundamental weapon that every rider
should have in their arsenal is transitions.
Why? Because they'll improve your
horse’s balance and encourage him
engage his hindquarter-based engine
as he moves between gaits, rather than
pulling himself along with his front end.
Begin with walk-halt-walk transitions,
engaging your core – that is, your
stomach, back and seat – to help him
maintain his balance and use his
hindquarters rather than pulling against
your hand. From here, you can slowly
build up to trot-walk-trot transitions, and
walk-trot-walk transitions.

2. Leg-yield 2. Move your weight onto your inside seat bone

There’s barely a schooling snag a leg-yield can’t
help to fix – so there’s no surprise that those
sideways steps are making an appearance here,
too. They’ll supple your horse and encourage
him to take more weight behind due to the
engagement required to get his hindlegs crossing
over, so by making this a regular part of your
sessions, you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time.
Introduce leg-yield on the three-quarter line,
where your horse will be most inclined to move
out towards the track. Rather than allowing him to
drift, ask him to step with purpose, then...
1. Apply a little pressure with your inside rein for a
small degree of inside flexion, but maintain the
contact with your outside rein to keep hold of
his shoulder.
and apply your inside leg on the girth to engage
his hindleg and ask him to step him out towards
the track.
3. Support your horse with your outside leg behind
the girth to keep driving him forward and also
prevent him from falling out or leading with his
quarters.
When you’re confident with lateral steps from
the three-quarter line, there’s no limit to where
your leg-yield could go. You could add a few extra
steps by attempting it from the centre line back
towards the track, or zig-zag to and from the three-
quarter line, changing the bend as you go. It’s
easy enough to do out on a hack, too, and has the
added benefit of helping you to stride out some
tension if your horse is on the keener side.

C
3. Square turns
H M
A great way to encourage
your horse to shift his weight
backwards is through 90°
turns. This technique sounds
simple but don’t mistake that
E B
for it being easy – it takes
a great deal of balance to
master. To do it...
1. Ride large around the
arena in walk, applying a
K F half-halt as you approach
the corner.
2. Apply pressure with your
TOP TIP A inside hand to encourage
Switch between these three your horse to flex slightly
exercises during your sessions Route 1 to the inside, and keep
so your horse doesn’t start to Route 2 your outside hand close to
anticipate the next move. Route 3 his neck.
Square turn 3. Squeeze with your
inside leg on the girth to
encourage him to keep
working up into your
outside hand, and place
your outside leg a fraction
behind the girth.
4. Straighten up out of the
corner, before repeating
in the next one.
Once you’re confident
asking for square turns
while going large, why not
take your horse on a square
at either end of the arena?
You can then upgrade the
difficulty by riding a 20m
square in the centre of the
arena – where you won’t
have the support of the
corners to help you.

HORSE&RIDER 41
 Perfect your
position In this two-part series
Team H&R looks into ho
you can improve your
from the ground up wit
to try on and off your
this second instalment,
,
w
position
h exercises
horse. In
we spoke
Part two: on the horse to international dressa
Hannah Esberger-Hanco
ge rider
ck for
her favourite exercises
.

Feel your way to an improved position with

easy exercises to try at home – straight
from the mind of top dressage rider Hannah
Esberger-Hancock

M
ost of us would give
a body part to have Our expert
a coach on hand to
oversee every one of
Words: Bethany Searby. Photos: Bob Atkins, Adam Fanthorpe

our schooling sessions.

Imagine having a pair of beady eyes to
help you make minor corrections to the
angle of your elbow each time it sneaks
out of alignment with the bit, or shift
a pesky lower leg back to its optimum
position whenever it creeps towards your
horse’s shoulder? Based near Sheffield,
Without your instructor, someone to Grand Prix dressage
video or mirrors to guide you, it can be rider and trainer Hannah
difficult to keep tabs on your position – Esberger-Hancock has
and it’s still tough even if you can snatch earned seven national and
glimpses of your posture as you ride. The 23 regional titles.
solution? Exercises that will help you
improve your instincts or, in other words,
teach you how to feel the moments
when you’re getting it right. ➤

42 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

Without your instructor,

someone to video or
mirrors to guide you, it
can be difficult to keep
tabs on your position

HORSE&RIDER 43
In the saddle
The issue: Jelly legs
The pursuit of a strong, secure lower leg is well
worth the hours of hard work it takes to achieve.
A stable leg position allows you to give your horse
precise aids and stay balanced in the saddle – and
using it effectively is connected to how well you can
activate your core, too. One of my favourite exercises
targets both these key areas and it’s so simple that
you could even give it a go out hacking.
Effect on your riding
Lack of stability, strength and balance in your
position means losing the picture-perfect
shoulder, hip, ankle alignment as you contort your
posture to compensate. This can cause riders to
look elsewhere for security, perhaps relying on a
death-grip with the knees or leaning on the reins.
The solution
It’s not a quick fix, but training yourself to become
stronger and learn how to spot where your
weaknesses lie will really pay off in the long-run –
and I’ve got just the exercise you need.
The pursuit of a strong
and secure lower leg
is well worth the hours
of hard work it takes to
achieve
44 HORSE&RIDER
Exercise one:
Stand for two, sit for two
It’s ridiculously simple, but you’d be surprised
how many riders struggle to stand in their
stirrups on a trotting horse. Many riders I train
lose balance, falling back into the saddle with
their lower leg swinging forward. The key is to
keep your hip and ankle aligned, focusing on
maintaining your lower leg position throughout.
To give it a try...
1. Establish working trot and keep your shapes
simple, riding on a 20m circle or large around
the arena.
2. Rise in your stirrups for two strides, allowing
your shoulder to come forward and line up
with your knee for ease but keeping your lower
leg where it is.
3. Control your descent by tightening your core
and glutes then sit for two strides, bringing
your shoulders back in line with your hips.
4. Repeat for a circuit of the arena or for as long
as you can, whichever comes first, and don’t
be surprised if you tire quickly. ➤
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In the saddle

TOP TIP
I like to ride in a loose neckstrap
and encourage all riders to do
the same for the added security it
gives. It also makes you much less
likely to ride defensively and be
inadvertently harsh on the reins.

The issue: Exercise two:

Getting handsy
Above all, I’m a big believer in the
importance of good hands. The best
riders’ hands are totally independent and
forward thinking or, in other words, they
allow for their horse’s forward movement
and never need to be relied upon for
balance.
Effect on your riding
Often, when riders feel insecure,
they reach for the rein as a lifeline.
However, the effect on their horse is
likely to be a detrimental one and can
develop contact issues in an otherwise
willing animal.
The solution
The most revealing training methods
often remove a crutch, and in this
exercise I’m taking away your reins.
You’ll soon discover how much you rely
on them!
Hands-free lungeing
Enlisting the assistance of your
instructor, you’ll require a lunge line
and a knot in your reins for this one...
1. Settle your horse on the lunge and
knot your reins to keep them out of
the way.
2. Holding your hands where they’d
usually be above your horse’s neck,
get used to the feel in walk first.
3. Working on both reins, ride through
upward and downward transitions
between and within gaits, thinking of
your body as a tool for speed control.
Experiment with how you can use
your seat to achieve the results you
want – changing the speed or height
of your rise, for example.
4. Next, try engaging your thigh
muscles to achieve collected steps.
Bear in mind, though, that there’s a
fine line between gently squeezing
your horse to encourage shorter steps
and clamping the muscles tightly.
5. If you’re tense, he’ll be tense, too, and
it’ll block his ability to be fluent and
elastic, so see how little pressure you
can get away with.
The beauty of being on the lunge for
this exercise is that your handler will
be able to help influence your horse as
much or as little as needed. For example,
if your horse is struggling to pick up on
your aids – or doesn’t understand what
they mean – some vocal and visual cues
from the handler can help to build up
the association between your aids and
the desired outcome. On the other hand,
if he sees this time without a contact
as an opportunity to seize control of
the session, there’ll be a helper on the
ground to help you maintain his speed
and rhythm.

Think for yourself

Above all, these exercises encourage you to see
for yourself where your weaknesses lie and get
creative with your riding when a quick fix, such as
a rein-heavy half-halt, is taken away from you. For
me, this not only helps you to better understand
yourself as a rider, but also gives you the tools
and the confidence to work on those weaknesses
between coaching sessions, too.

Last month: Never miss an issue! Subscribe at

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46 HORSE&RIDER
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 The beaten
track
Don’t get caught out while hacking – find out
where equestrians are legally allowed to ride

T
he UK has some stunning off-road
hacking routes to offer. But however
tempting it might feel to stray from the
well-trodden paths, nobody wants to be
on the receiving end of an unwelcoming
land owner or user. That’s why it’s important to stay
familiar with your rights of way so you can keep your
rides as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Public bridleways
The paths most commonly associated with horse
riders, these are open to access for pedestrians,
cyclists and horse riders only, and are usually
depicted by a sign with a horseshoe on it, or it may
be explicitly stated in words.
Photos: Jon Stroud

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find your local bridleways on
definitive maps and ordinance surveys.

48 HORSE&RIDER
 In the saddle

Restricted byways
These can be accessed by any mode of transport
without an engine, which incudes all of those
allowed on bridleways, plus horse-drawn
vehicles.

Byways open to all traffic (BOATs)

Byways often resemble green lanes, and they allow
all traffic because they’re technically a highway.
This means cars and dirt bikes are allowed access,
however they may be physically unable to get
through as they’re not maintained to the same
standards as roads. Vehicles are still expected to give
way to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

DID YOU KNOW?
Defra is currently in consultation
about whether ‘off-roading’ should
still be permitted on unsurfaced
countryside tracks, which are
popular with equestrians. For more
information, visit defra.gov.uk
Commons
These are areas of land that often have a
multitude of paths on common ground, and will
have been accessible to the public for centuries.
Lots of these types of land give riders permission
to ride there, however it’s always best to check
first with your local authority.
Forestry Commission land
Horse riders may be permitted access to tracks
that run through some Forestry Commission land,
but it’s worth checking whether your local site
requires riders to have bought a permit before
riding through.

Paid-permit toll rides

You may be able to access certain paths by
gaining a permit or paying a toll. This is a
great way for riders to get permission to
ride across private farmland or estates if
the landowner’s prepared to comply.
TOP TIP
Booking onto a fun ride can
be a great way to explore trails
that are usually out of bounds
to the public.
You might’ve heard...
The Government recently announced
that it intends to abolish the 1 January
2026 deadline that would see any historic
but formally unrecorded routes in England and
Wales lost after this date – including many that
DID YOU KNOW? are commonly used by horse riders. However,
Charitable organisations such
until this repeal happens officially, there’s still a
as Toll Rides Off-road Trust
chance it could be overturned. That’s why it’s
(TROT) help riders gain access
important to continue working towards the
to an extensive network of
British Horse Society’s Project 2026. For
hacking routes.
more information, visit bhs.org.uk.

HORSE&RIDER 49
 Photos: Jon Stroud, Anastasija Popova/Osetrik/Shutterstock.com

50 HORSE&RIDER
 Mind matters

An
eye-opening
experience
Ever wondered how your horse sees
while you’re riding? H&R takes a look

H
ave you ever felt frustrated with your
horse for stopping or running out
at a fence, even though you thought
you were on a perfectly decent
stride? Well, you might not be so
quick to judge if you could see – or more accurately
not see – the fence like he does. You horse views the
world very differently to you, and understanding his
point of view is key to developing a successful
partnership. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 51
Mind matters

Wonder vision DID YOU KNOW?

Horses have two types of vision... Binocular
vision A horse’s vision is
• monocular A very wide field of vision
sharpest at around seven
that enables them to see separately out
years old. Before this
of each eye. For example, your horse
Blind spot time, his vision isn’t yet
uses this type of vision to keep an
fully developed, and
eye on his surroundings and identify
after it begins to decline.
potential threats
• binocular A relatively narrow field of
vision directly in front of the horse’s
head that allows him to see using both Monocular Monocular
eyes. For example, your horse uses this vision vision
type of vision to assess distance to, and
(left eye) (right eye) DID YOU
height and depth of a fence KNOW?
In comparison, humans have Horses have nearly
exclusively binocular vision, and a much panoramic vision. So,
greater ability to distinguish finer details. even if you don’t see a
A horse needs to be 50% closer to an spooky object that’s
object in order to pick up the same level of behind you, your
detail as the human eye. Imagine a fence horse might.
that’s 20 metres away and how different it Blind spot
looks to your horse compared to you – no
wonder his reactions can be different!

Seeing eye to eye distance, it could appear very different to

So, why do horses stop, run out and spook
so regularly? Well due to having near
on 360° vision, a jump makes up a much
smaller part of his visual field than it does
yours – simply put, it’s less ‘significant’
for him. You may also wonder why
he’s spooking at something he’s quite
clearly seen before. But if he’s seeing it
with monocular vision, or at a different
him although you know it’s identical to
last time you saw it.
Not only this, but around two metres
from an upcoming fence, it enters his
blind spot and completely disappears
from view. This is why it’s so important
that you build trust and ride confidently,
because at the point of take-off your
horse is taking a huge leap of faith.

Good vision

DID YOU KNOW?

on
on

si
ot

A horse needs time to adjust his

si

vi
vi

sp

d
re
ry

eyes from light to dark, which

d

ur
ur

in

Bl
Bl

Bl

is why jumping into and out of

woods, for example, is challenging.

Blurred vision Good vision Blurred vision

Colour blind
According to a study by Exeter
University, horses have dichromatic
Bl

vision, which means they only see two

on
ur

si
ry

vi

hues – blues and yellows – so they

vi

ry
si

ur

won’t view the colours of a showjump

on

Bl

the same way we do. They’re said to

Blind be ‘blind’ to red tones, greens and
spot oranges, and likely view them as
various shades of blue or grey.
For this reason, racecourses across
the country are beginning to transform
their fences from traditional orange to
white to make them more visible
to racehorses. ➤
52 HORSE&RIDER
Mind matters

DID YOU KNOW?

Take a long, hard look
So, you may ask, what can I do to help my
horse out? The answer is, plenty. Firstly,
try to remember that horses need to
change the angle of their head to bring
objects into focus. For example, you may
see him with his head raised, looking
into the distance – because his distance
vision is in the lower part of his eye. In
comparison, imagine what your horse
sees while he’s being ridden on the bit.
Mostly, the arena surface ahead of him.
When losing such a substantial amount of
his longer-distance vision, a horse has to
Natural head carriage
have a reasonable amount of trust in his If your horse is wary of a fence
surroundings and his rider, so bear this in right at the last minute, he’ll likely
mind when riding in new places. lower his head. This is because his
When you’re jumping, your horse near-sight vision is located in the
will want to raise his head a little so he top of his eye.
can see the fence in his binocular field
of vision. Therefore, when you make a
turn into a fence, be mindful to allow
him time to assess it with his head up so
he can see far enough ahead to assess it
thoroughly. It’s important to give him
maximum looking time, so he can assess
The best thing to
what he needs to do before it disappears do is pick a fixed
from sight.
point of vision,
On the bit
such as a fence
post or tree, so
your eye line
doesn’t waver

TOP TIP
Imagine a tennis ball or golden
snitch floating about two metres
ahead of you while you’re riding your
horse, and follow it with your eyes.
That will encourage you to look
ahead to where you’re going next,
so your horse can prepare.

All eyes on you

While being conscious of your horse’s
eyesight will help you become a more
sympathetic rider, it’s important to
consider the impact your own gaze
can have on your horse’s way of going,
too. Looking down, especially on the
approach to a fence, can cause you to tip
forward, which encourages your horse
to fall onto his forehand. Instead, pick a
fixed point of vision, such as a fence post
or tree, so your eye line doesn’t waver.
When you’re riding a combination of
fences, focusing on the next fence rather
than the one you’re riding will help
prepare your horse for where he’s going
next, ahead of time.

DID YOU KNOW?

A horse may see a skinny fence out
of only one eye, and open space in
the other.

54 HORSE&RIDER
 ITCH

CLEANSE SOOTHE

S.. .S
.
RU B EST. 1981

CH
S AV E O U R S K I N ACT

AT
NOW

CR
S

PROTECT
BREAK
THE
CYCLE

SPECIALISED PRODUCTS YOU C AN RELY ON

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LincolnHorseCare.com #poweredbylincoln
 Getting
back on
the horse
Returning to the saddle following a fall doesn’t always
come easy. Rethinking your routine, adjusting the
goalposts and considering the steps you can take to be
safer will get you happily back on board
Words: Bethany Searby. Photos: Jon Stroud

56 HORSE&RIDER
 Mind matters

W
e wish it weren’t so, but taking Before you begin Explore its settings and you’ll
a tumble is part of being a rider The most important thing you find a range of emergency
– unless you’re extremely lucky can be in the saddle is safe, features, such as sending
and have a second-to-none so always check your tack. automated alerts and your
stickability factor. However, As you saddle up, assess its location to nominated
even the best riders get unseated and feeling condition – particularly your contacts. Another invaluable
nervous, upset or sore following a fall is nothing to stirrup leathers, girth, reins tool is the What3words app,
be ashamed of. What’s more, how you react in the and cheekpieces. Replacing which gives a three-word
minutes, hours and days that follow can not only help them at the first sign of wear code that’ll reveal your precise
shape your confidence but could keep you safer, too. and tear will help you avoid whereabouts wherever you
Our steps show you how – and even if you’re lucky mid-ride tack failures – which are in the world – essential in
enough to come away emotionally and physically rarely end well, we assure you. the event of an emergency.
unscathed, our tips will change your future rides for Your smartphone is also There’s a range of specific
the better, too. an important safety device. riding apps out there, too.

TOP TIP
Remember you can use the NHS 111
phone line and online resource for
advice if you don’t feel quite right
following a fall.

HORSE&RIDER 57
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 Mind matters

1 The aftermath not be feasible and this is one

To help keep yourself safe,
questions you should be asking
yourself immediately following a
fall include...
• am I hurt? Take a moment
to check in with your whole
body to try to discern whether
there are any injuries that need
attention. Then, all being well,
and provided that you’re in
no immediate danger of being
stepped on, take a moment –
this could be counting to five,
or a long breath in and out –
before gently rolling onto your
hands and knees and slowly
standing up
• should I get back on? This is
your choice, and will largely
depend on your surroundings
and whether you suspect
you have any injuries. You
should also factor in that your
hat could be compromised.
Remounting on a hack may
reason that a charged phone
is always a must. If you feel
well enough to get back on –
whether to continue with your
ride or simply walk a few steps
and get back off again – this can
be a fantastic way ease your
nerves before getting on board
again next time
• should I drive home? If in
doubt, arrange a lift. It might
be that you feel emotionally
shaky or too sore to drive, but
you should also be vigilant
for signs of concussion. These
include confusion, dizziness,
disorientation and blurred
vision
For more information about
identifying and reacting to
concussion, visit nhs.uk/
conditions/head-injury-and-
concussion
Keeping hold of the
reins: a good idea?
Maintaining a grip on the
rein after a fall poses a
risk to you and could
scare your horse
into behaving more
explosively than he may
have done otherwise,
no matter how tempting
it seems to try to stop
him getting loose. For many
riders, meeting the ground
only to find they’re still gripping the reins is a
total surprise, but always be ready to release
them quickly if your horse is spooked by the
fall – you won’t play much of a role in settling
him down if you’ve been stood on, or he’s left
at speed in fear at having his rider dragging
along the floor behind him. When it comes
to hacking, the best practice is to go with a
companion, because a loose horse is more
likely to want to stay with his buddy than run
home alone.

2 Before your next ride
There’s no need to rush and nothing to prove in the
days that follow a fall. Ask yourself…
• do I need to replace my hat? Unless you landed
on your feet, the answer is a definitive yes – it’s
important to get a new hat professionally fitted
after a fall because damage is often invisible. You
might also consider reviewing your safety gear
generally. Check over your body protector for age,
wear and tear, or consider whether other tweaks
to kit might have prevented the fall. Where budget
allows, you might even mull over investing in an
air jacket – plenty of amateur riders wear them for
everyday use
• how can I best support myself and my horse?
Now is not the time to push yourself, but rather
create a positive experience for you both. Press
pause on your goals to focus on something fun and
pressure-free. It might mean a steady session in
the arena with a friend watching, an amble along
a familiar route with a companion or even a good
groom and some fun in-hand polework – riding
can always wait until you feel up it
• should I lunge fi rst? There’s certainly no harm
if you feel this will relax you and your horse, but
aim to make it productive. Move up and down the
arena to familiarise him with the space, ask him
for transitions to improve his focus, use both reins
and plan a shorter ridden session to balance his
workload ➤

HORSE&RIDER 59
Mind matters

3 Looking forward
Whatever the cause of your fall, the only mistake
you can make now is missing a learning opportunity.
Positive steps to make going forward include…
• forming safer habits Have you ever foregone
wearing high-vis on the roads, or let your phone’s
battery drain? These missteps could lead to
frightening consequences, so prioritise your
safety. Keep an extra back-up tabard in the car so
you’re never without, for example, or invest in a
portable power bank so you’re not caught without
a working phone. Mantras could help – “Going out
the gate? Better text a mate”, for example
• commit to safer riding This could come in the
form of lessons or enrolling on a rider road safety
course, such as the BHS Ride Safe scheme
• keep a journal Not only is chronicling your
rides great for logging progress and building
confidence, but you can also map your horse’s
behaviour onto his routine. It might be that a
change in weather, tack or turnout coincides with
exuberance or extra spookiness, and your entries
might reveal the key to keeping him more relaxed
Don’t overcomplicate the situation and
and level-headed don’t overface yourself

Back up again
Getting back on after a fall – whether
straightaway, the next day or several
weeks or months down the line – can
sometimes be an overwhelming prospect.
While many well-meaning friends or
fellow liveries will tell you the key is to get
it over and done with as soon as possible,
the real secret is to make sure you do
so in a timeframe that suits you. Keep it
cool, calm and confidence-giving – don’t
overcomplicate the situation or overface
yourself. Remember, there are plenty
of people you can rely on for additional
support, but it’s all about working within
your own parameters.

60 HORSE&RIDER
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 Bad
reactions
Allergies are fairly common in horses, but they can be tricky to
accurately diagnose. Rossdales vet Deidre Carson shares all
Photos: Jon Stroud. With thanks to Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons for their help with this feature, rossdales.com

62 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask a vet

Our expert

Deidre Carson BVSc(Syd)

MRCVS is Associate
Director at Rossdales
Veterinary Surgeons. Her
main areas of interest are
stud farm medicine and
youngstock care, but she
also has an interest in
general equine practice.

T
he horse’s immune system
is normally very effective at
responding to threats, such as
infections, viruses or bacteria.
However, an allergy occurs
when the immune system overreacts
or exaggerates its response to normally
harmless substances. These substances are
known as allergens and they’re everywhere
in the horse’s environment. The most
common include…
• pollen
• fungal spores (often found in mouldy
bedding or straw)
• dust
• insect repellents
• bacteria
• some feed components
• washing liquids and detergents
• medications
• insect bites
There are different forms of allergy,
though the most common tend to occur
either on the skin’s surface or within your
horse’s airways.

Jargon busting!
Occasionally, the word hypersensitivity is used to
describe an allergy, however being hypersensitive
to something doesn’t necessarily mean the horse
has an allergy. Similarly, this isn’t the same as an
intolerance, as the latter doesn’t involve the immune
system. Intolerances typically cause an upset
stomach when sufferers eat certain foods. This isn’t
the same as a food allergy and we don’t often talk
about food intolerance in horses. In many respects,
the closest we might come to diagnosing a food
intolerance is when a horse develops diarrhoea
with any attempt to change him from hay onto
haylage or vice versa. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 63
Chain reaction Sweet itch treatment is difficult
Exposure to an allergen is usually through contact, unless you can prevent the horse
ingestion, inhalation or injection. When an allergic
horse is first exposed to an allergen, the body from being bitten by midges
becomes sensitised to it, meaning it becomes
prepared to over-respond when it next meets the
allergen. In these animals, the next and subsequent
exposures to the allergen cause the mobilisation of
a specific antibody – immunoglobulin E (IgE) – and
the release of histamine and other inflammatory
substances from a specific type of white blood cell
called mast cells. It’s these substances that make the
blood vessels dilate, causing redness
and irritation, while the mast cells
attract other inflammatory cells DID YOU
into the area, causing more
inflammation and fluid build-up.
KNOW?
Allergic reactions
In the skin, this causes
tend to become more
bumps or localised swelling and,
severe as horses
possibly, pruritis (itchiness). In
get older.
the lungs and respiratory tract, the
reaction causes mucus production as
well as constriction and inflammation of
the airways.

On the surface
Allergic skin conditions are relatively common in
horses. They can normally be split into two types...

Sweet itch One of the most severe and often

In his bucket
While many ingested
allergens cause skin
reactions, true dietary
allergies that cause
gastrointestinal problems
are rarely diagnosed. This
is partially due to the
difficulty in confirming such
a diagnosis. There are some
horses who don’t tolerate
certain feed components,
developing low-grade
abdominal discomfort or
loose droppings with the
condition resolving when the
diet is altered. It’s usually
not easy to determine
whether these are allergies,
intolerances or an inability
of the gut microbiome to
adapt to the feedstuff. Blood
tests might provide some
information, but changes
detected can often be non-
specific.
distressing skin allergies is sweet itch, which is
an overreaction to the saliva of biting Culicoides
midges. Signs include itching of the mane and tail,
hair loss, skin thickening and crusting. This allergic
response triggers intense pruritis causing the horse
to rub madly, usually along the mane, neck and dock
regions, breaking the hair and damaging the skin.
Over time, the skin may become broken and scabby,
and eventually thickens.
Treatment’s difficult unless you can prevent
the horse from being bitten by midges. A specific
sweet itch or fly rug and hood during the warmer
months when the midges are most active can help,
as can frequent application of insect repellent and
occasionally washing the horse with a medicated
or soothing shampoo to minimise irritation and
skin damage. Stabling overnight – covering dawn
and dusk, when midges are most active – is also
an option. In severe cases, corticosteroids may
be given while other management procedures

64 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask a vet

Repeat offenders
Recurrent or persistent
allergic skin disease can
be very difficult to manage
in some horses who seem
to be allergic to just about
everything. In these cases,
allergen testing might be
of use. This involves very
tiny amounts of a variety
of known allergens being
injected into the skin. After
a short time, the skin at the
site of injection is checked
for lumps, which confirm
if the horse is allergic to
that allergen. If possible,
the substance in question
can then be removed
from the horse’s diet or
environment.
If this isn’t feasible, it
may be a possibility to
desensitise the horse.
This involves repeatedly
injecting tiny amounts
of the allergen over a
period of time to reduce
the allergic response. This
treatment isn’t always
100% effective but can
reduce symptoms in a
number of cases.

are implemented, or intermittent corticosteroid

treatment may be required to minimise skin trauma.
Some owners choose to fence off possible sites
for rubbing to reduce the chances of self-harm, but
it’s worth remembering that getting rid of a horse’s
favourite scratching spots will only reduce his
opportunities to itch and not the itchiness itself, so
this isn’t a kind long-term solution.

Urticaria Allergic skin reactions commonly present A horse with urticaria,

as bumps or localised swellings (urticaria) over the
body. These may be triggered by direct contact with
or ingestion of an allergen but it can be difficult,
if not impossible, to determine the
exact cause. This can be frustrating
because it makes prevention
incredibly difficult.
This type of allergic response
may be itchy, and the bumps are
usually short-lived. However,
if the allergen remains in the
environment, further bumps
will continue to appear until it’s
removed. In some cases, the eyelids
and muzzle might swell alarmingly.
caused by an allergy to
phenylbutazone
In severe cases, the skin might ooze serum
or possibly crack.
Corticosteroids can be used to
alleviate the lumps and any itchiness.
Often only a single injection is
required, but in longer standing
or recurrent cases, a course of
corticosteroids may be prescribed. In
cases of suspected food allergy, feed
exclusion trials might be undertaken
to identify the cause. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 65
 Ask a vet

Take a breath Symptoms In very mild cases of • forage If supplementary

While respiratory allergies are often
thought to be linked to increased stabling,
this is only half of the equation...
• recurrent airway obstruction
(RAO) is a common allergic
respiratory condition in horses and is
also known by several other names,
such as COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease) or equine asthma
and, in its most severe form, heaves. It
rarely affects very young horses but,
as with all allergies, tends to get worse
with age. Many cases are triggered by
fungal spores or other organic material
in straw and hay, but other triggers
may be involved
• summer pasture-associated
obstructive pulmonary disease
(SPAOPD) is a similar condition
but triggered by pollens or moulds
on pasture grasses. Exposure of the
sensitised airway to the allergen
causes inflammation, mucus
production and constriction of the
airway, making breathing more
difficult. In long-standing cases, the
thickening of the airways causes them
to become stiff and inflexible so that
exercise can become more difficult
either condition you may observe
watery nasal discharge, barely
increased respiratory rate, and
a dry cough. There may be a
productive cough – meaning the
horse coughs up mucus, and he may
be reluctant to move. In very severe
cases, the horse will struggle to
breathe, with rapid and laboured
respiration. The increased effort
required by the abdominal muscles
to facilitate breathing creates the
classic heave line along the lower
abdomen.
Accurate diagnosis is based
on clinical signs, but it may be
necessary to perform an endoscopic
examination to collect fluid from
the trachea or bronchi to rule out
infection.
Treatment starts with
eliminating the cause, if possible.
When it comes to RAO, appropriate
management measures include
addressing…
• routine Ideally, the horse with
RAO shouldn’t be stabled unless
essential.
roughage is needed, it should
be fed in the form of soaked or
steamed hay or haylage
• bedding The horse should be
kept on paper or shavings (or
other dust-extracted bedding)
and it must be kept scrupulously
clean
• location If stabled, the horse
should be kept as far away from
the muck heap as possible, and
with adequate ventilation. He
shouldn’t share air space with
other horses not on similar
management practices, nor with
or near the hay storage area
Horses with SPAOPD may be
harder to manage as they’re often
also sensitive to hay and straw.
These horses should be brought
into a confined environment to
minimise exposure to pasture
allergens – you’ll need to come up
with an appropriate management
routine with your vet to ensure
your horse is getting enough
forage to keep him healthy without
aggravating his immune system.

Manage or
medicate?
Allergy symptoms can
be alleviated in the short
term using corticosteroids,
either orally, by
injection, or inhaled
with bronchodilator
medication. Longer-term
therapy may require a combination of oral and
inhalational medication with corticosteroids and
bronchodilators. However, steroids carry their
own risks that must be weighed up.

A long-term commitment
Frustratingly, making all the changes that are
logistically possible may still not result in a
resolution of all symptoms. In some cases, the
allergic response will dissipate over time. In others,
corticosteroids and other drugs may be useful to help
alleviate the symptoms. However, allergic conditions
can’t be cured, only managed, so good environmental
hygiene and husbandry practices can go a long way
to improving long-term health. However, the bottom
line is that there’s normally always something that
can be done to improve symptoms and if you suspect
your horse is suffering with an allergy, your vet is the
best person to advise you.

66 HORSE&RIDER

HR_MAY_62-66 Rossdales Alllergies V5.indd 66 31/03/2022 10:12

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Photos: Jon Stroud. With thanks to XL Vets equine partner Hook Norton Veterinary Group for their help with this feature, hooknortonvets.co.uk xlvets.co.uk

colour
Is your horse having more ‘off’ than
‘on’ days? If you can’t quite put
your finger on the cause, it might
be time to call your vet for a poor
performance investigation

P
oor performance is one of the most
common reasons vets are presented
with their equine patients. The horse
isn’t necessarily lame, but he’s not
right, either. Maybe he’s finding it
harder to bend one way than the other, or jump
through a grid. Perhaps he’s struggling to reach
the next level in competition, or he simply feels a
bit lacklustre, but there’s no immediately obvious
cause. As you might expect from diverse signs
such as these, there are an enormous number of
potential causes. Getting to the bottom of mystery
schooling problems and lamenesses can be
frustrating, which is where the poor performance
examination comes in. Let’s take a closer look at
the process.
➤

68 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask a vet

Our expert

Sam Cutts MA VetMB

MRCVS is an equine
partner at Hook Norton
Veterinary Group and
has twin passions for
breeding and performance
horses. She’s also an
FEI Permitted Treating
Veterinarian, a member
of the Association of
Racecourse Veterinarians
and has competed up to
5* eventing and Inter I
dressage.

HORSE&RIDER 69
Ask a vet
What does it mean?
Poor performance is an umbrella term for myriad
issues that present with a horse. In general, it falls
into two categories…
1. The horse’s performance has deteriorated from a
previous level, particularly with the same rider.
2. The horse isn’t improving his performance or
competition results, or progressing up the levels,
as the rider would like – or, the horse is unable to
return to the levels of work he was doing with a
previous owner.
The distinction between the two types is very
important – we know that horses in the first category
have previously been able to perform at the level
required, so there’s a good chance that if the current
limiting factor is identified, it should be a simple
enough fix to return them to their previous level.
The horse has the physical capacity to do the job
– assuming we can find and eliminate the current
Step by step
If your horse is showing signs of poor
performance and your vet recommends an
investigation or work-up, it’ll likely follow
these steps...
1 Clinical history
Your vet will begin by taking a full
history of you and your horse’s
performance individually and together,
and any problems or weaknesses you’ve
identified together.
70 HORSE&RIDER
source of pain or discomfort. Obviously, there are
times when wear and tear has become too significant
– since we can’t turn the clock back completely – but
these cases are generally very responsive.
Horses in category two can be much more
complex. This is because…
1. It hasn’t previously been proven whether the
horse and rider combination is physically capable
of performing as required, even if all possible
sources of pain were eliminated. Equally, a change
of rider, particularly to one with less experience
or with significant asymmetries or weaknesses,
would naturally result in a drop in performance.
2. Even if the limiting factor is identified, the horse
will still need to learn to do the skill he’s being
asked for. For example, if he has hock or sacroiliac
pain, he’ll typically struggle to learn flying
changes – medication doesn’t automatically mean
he’ll be able to do tempi changes the next day.
2 Static examination
Next, your horse’s
conformation,
muscling, weaknesses
and static foot balance
will be examined. He’ll
normally be palpated all
over, checking for muscular
pain and any sites of
subtle tendon or ligament
thickening or joint effusion
(swelling).
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 3 Dynamic examination in hand
Your horse will then be examined at walk
and trot in a straight line, assessing not only
whether he’s sound, but also for any asymmetry
between the way his left and right limbs move, any
abnormal limb movement or foot placement, how
level his feet land and how equally he loads his limbs.
It’s not unusual for your vet to perform flexion tests
of the front and hind limbs at this point, either – it’s
a basic way of checking for any subclinical joint
pain that can help paint a more vivid picture of the
situation. Imagine if you had low-grade knee pain –
you may be able to walk and run without this being
obvious, but if your knee was then bent and held for
30 seconds before you were asked to run off, you’d
almost certainly limp for a few strides.
Following this, your horse will be lunged on the
hard and soft. This allows your vet to assess how he
moves on different surfaces and can make it easier
to pick up a very low-grade lameness that wasn’t
previously apparent.

The horse will be lunged on the hard and soft. This allows your
vet to assess how the horse moves on different surfaces

72 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask a vet

4 Dynamic examination under

saddle
After the in-hand assessment,
your vet will see your horse under
saddle, performing all the movements
he needs to for his level of training – for
example, for a horse at Elementary level
dressage, that would include leg-yield,
simple changes and extended work. Your
vet won’t be scrutinising in the same
way a dressage judge might, but rather
looking for any asymmetries between the
way your horse works on each rein and
also at the way his hindlegs move and
flex, as well as his ability to take weight
behind – again with particular reference
to any differences between the left and
right rein. At this point, eventers and
showjumpers will also be asked to jump
from both reins while your vet assesses
the shape of his jump, straightness and
willingness to land on either lead.

5 Discussion and treatment

This final part of the
examination will vary hugely
depending on clinical findings and
your horse’s short- and long-term
ridden plan. If there’s a lameness
or area of concern, a nerve or joint
block is often carried out to see
how his performance changes.
For example, if your horse shows
signs of very low-grade foot pain
but appears otherwise sound, he
may show a dramatic improvement
in his extended trot and quality
of circles after blocking his front
feet. In this instance your vet will
most likely proceed to X-rays and
a discussion with the farrier as to
how your horse’s foot balance or
shoeing could be altered to make him
more comfortable or improve his
performance. Medication might also
be injected if low-grade coffin joint
arthritis is also suspected.
For horses who don’t need nerve
blocking, a treatment plan will be
devised based on the findings. Your
vet may then refer this plan back to
the physiotherapist who’s currently
working with the horse.

DID YOU KNOW?

Regular foot balance X-rays will help optimise your
farrier’s shoeing. By being able to see the position of the
pedal bone within the hoof capsule, they’ll be able to
adjust their strategy accordingly, rather than needing to
make a best guess.

It takes a village the first to spot a problem and their

I find it extremely helpful to work
closely with the team of professionals
behind a horse – in most cases, this
is a physiotherapist and farrier. It’s
often said that teamwork makes the
dream work and never is it more true
than when looking after the equine
athlete. Physiotherapists are often
long-term relationship with the horse
can help to flag up recurring issues.
Similarly, the benefit of building up
a continual rapport with one farrier
means they’ll notice subtle changes
in wear pattern on the hooves or
shoes, or the level of comfort
when shoeing. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 73
Ask a vet

Diet and management

Most people are aware of the link
between equine gastric ulceration
syndrome and poor performance.
Therefore, gastroscopy is often part
of a poor performance work-up.
If ulcers are identified, follow-up
treatment and dietary management
changes will be recommended.
However, just because a horse has a
clear gastroscope doesn’t mean that performance is limited by repeated
he won’t also benefit from similar episodes of tying up who’ll actually
changes. perform much better if kept
Keeping a horse’s life as natural permanently off grass.
as possible, for the most part, Equally, horses who suffer from
brings great rewards – but the key’s low-grade diarrhoea or excessive
remembering that every equine faecal water are likely to have a
is an individual. For example, degree of abdominal discomfort.
it has become increasingly well Dietary change can result in
recognised that horses benefit a significant improvement in
from a significant amount of grass performance – but it’s all about
turnout every day. However, making the changes that best suit
there are some horses whose your horse’s condition.

How can you keep your horse

feeling his best?
In short, the answer is to be observant of any
small changes. Take time to reflect on your
horse’s behaviour and ask yourself…
• has your horse started resting one hindleg
more often than the other?
• is he now choosing to stand with his hindfeet
on the banks or is he banking bedding under
his front feet?
• does he prefer to land on one lead more than
the other after a fence?
• has your farrier noticed he’s started to wear
his hooves or shoes unevenly?
• has he started to add strides in related
distances or chip in before fences?
• has he started to move away when you
approach the stable or does he show signs of
discomfort when you tack up?
• have his canter transitions become rushed or Common causes of
does he hollow through his back? poor performance in
• has your physiotherapist noticed any changes, sports horses
or are they finding the same problems • Hindlimb proximal
repeatedly? suspensory pain
This is far from an exhaustive list but gives • Sacroiliac pain
you a small idea of the changes that can point • Foot pain
to low grade pain that can limit your horse’s (particularly poor
comfort and performance. Remember – subtle foot balance or
problems picked up at an early stage can often be coffin joint pain)
treated much more quickly (and in a more cost • Osteoarthritis
effective manner) than those left to deteriorate. • Gastric ulceration

Common causes of
poor performance in
racehorses
• Forelimb proximal
suspensory pain
• Subchondral
bone pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Gastric ulceration
• Exercise induced
pulmonary
haemorrhage
• Cardiac arrythmia
• Respiratory
obstruction
• Impinging or
overriding dorsal
spinous processes
– kissing spines

74 HORSE&RIDER
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ASK EXPERTS
THE
Jack Ashby BVSc Cert
AVP (equine lameness)
MRCVS is an ambulatory
vet for Equivet and FEI
permitted treating vet.
Line Hanson is saddlery
tutor at Capel Manor
College used to be a
professional rider.
Shaun Mandy is a Grand
Prix dressage rider and
coach. He came to
dressage from eventing.
In association with
Sally Burton is Head of Lidija Drakulic is Claims Felicity George BSc
Sanctuary Care at The Team Leader at The MPhil SEBC PTC is an
Mare and Foal Insurance Emporium and equine behaviourist with
Sanctuary. competes as internationally more than 20 years’
as a showjumper. experience.
Kay Hastilow is a Caroline Heard won Sara Malpass is a
Master Saddler and The Haddon Training dressage rider and
Fitter. She also lectures British Grooms Award coach who’s competed
on both topics. in 2014. up to Intermediate level.
Jo Pasetti Dip A Phys Rachel Schneiders Freya Wood BVSc
is an equine BVSc MRCVS is a MRCVS works as an
physiotherapist and veterinary surgeon at equine ambulatory vet
showjumper. Gilliver Vets. at Paragon Veterinary
Group.
GET IN TOUCH BY MAIL OR ONLINE
Our experts are on hand to help you and your horse
Send your horsey problems to experts@horseandrideruk.com or
log on to horseandrideruk.com for more advice. ➤
HORSE&RIDER 77
 Management know-how
Our experts
Caroline Heard won Sally Burton is Head of
The Haddon Training Sanctuary Care at The
British Grooms Award Mare and Foal
in 2014. Sanctuary.

DID YOU KNOW?

Horses use their tails for warmth,
defence from flies and as a method
of communication.

Heads or tails
My horse’s tail is very thick and can look a bit mainly on the sides of his tail, where they’re shortest.
Photos: Jon Stroud, Olha Rohulya/Shutterstock.com

scruffy. How can I make it look smarter?
Daisy Spencer
Caroline Heard answers:
Traditionally the best way to neaten a tail has
been through pulling, where you use quick
motions to remove small amounts of hair. While many
owners still use this method, there are alternative
ways to achieve the same finish, too, such as through
the use of a thinning blade, rake or clippers, which is
often quicker and much more tolerable for the horse.
To pull your horse’s tail, lift the top hairs and pull
strands from the under layers. You’ll want to focus
Wrap the hairs around a metal mane comb and pull
quickly and evenly. Be sure to only take very small
amounts and stop at regular intervals to see which
areas need more attention. Be mindful that pulling
can make horses sensitive so don’t try to achieve
perfection in one session, instead spread it across
several days.
To achieve a neat look, the tail can also be trimmed
to the correct length at the bottom. Watch how your
horse carries his tail when he’s moving and when
you cut his tail, gently lift it to its normal carrying
position, to avoid it looking too short. Then, using
either clippers or very sharp scissors, cut the tail
straight across at the required length.

78 HORSE&RIDER

All-nighter
My yard is switching to overnight
turnout until autumn. Is this
beneficial to my horse?
Amelia Copeman
Horse&Rider
answers:
Lots of horses are
turned out overnight but stabled
during the day. There are a
number of reasons why owners
choose this routine...
• horses often get more hours
in the field than those turned
out during the day
• they avoid the worst of the
flies and heat during the
summer months
• with your horse spending
less time in his stable,
mucking out time – and
bedding costs – are reduced
However, there are a few
factors that you should consider
before switching up your horse’s
routine...
• grass If he’s out for longer
periods, ensure that he’ll
Quick and Efficient Claims Handling
By our knowledgeable and dedicated team
TOP TIP
Just because you sleep
overnight doesn’t mean your
horse will. If you’re watching his
waistline, it’s important that you
continue to limit his grass intake
through strip grazing or the
use of a muzzle.
have enough to graze on
through the night
• water If your field doesn’t
have automatic drinkers
consider that he may need
additional water buckets for
longer turnout
• midges They’re busiest at
dawn and dusk, so if he’s in
his field at those times he
may need extra protection
from biting insects
• security If he’s in a field
away from a well lit yard, he
could be more vulnerable
to theft during the night so
ensure your field’s secure
• sunlight Horses love to feel
the sun on their backs so, if
you’re turning out overnight,
make sure he still has some
time outside during the day
to soak up some vitamin D
Ask the experts
Staying safe
I’m on a big livery yard with lots of horses
coming and going. What biosecurity
measures should we have in place to
prevent a strangles outbreak?
Stevie Hazel
Sally Burton answers:
Strangles is an ongoing concern in the
equine community so it’s a good idea to
have precautions in place.
The first thing to think about is your yard’s new
arrivals protocol. Ideally, a quarantine area would
be set up that’s completely separate to the rest of
the yard and its residents to reduce the number of
opportunities for contact. The gold standard is to
get a vet to test horses on arrival at a new yard by
giving a guttural pouch wash to identify carriers.
It’s also worth considering the strangles vaccine if
the whole yard is prepared to use it.
If certain horses on your yard frequently go off
site, it might be possible to create separate areas
for those horses, away from the others who mainly
stay on site. This will help to limit the spread if
there was an outbreak.
It’s also good practice to avoid sharing
equipment between horses – strangles can be
spread directly or via indirect contact, such as on
equipment and clothing.
Finally, ensure owners
are aware of the signs
of strangles – high
temperature, dullness TOP TIP
and lack of appetite Take your horse’s temperature
are often seen before each day for a week to find out
more obvious signs what’s normal for him. It’s then a
such as coughing, good idea to take his temperature
nasal discharge or before and after an event or if he
abscesses. ever appears unwell.
Find out more at
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HORSE&RIDER 79
 Mind matters
Our expert
Felicity George BSc
MPhil SEBC PTC is an
equine behaviourist with
more than 20 years’
experience.

TOP TIP
Try putting up mirrors in your

On my own again horse’s stable so he thinks he

I’m on a small yard and my horse gets
anxious when he’s left on his own in his
stable. How can I teach him to be more
comfortable alone?
Diana Trott
Horse&Rider answers:
It’s really common for horses to experience
separation anxiety. As herd animals, they’re
used to being surrounded by their companions and
they’ll look to them for safety and security. A horse
on his own in the wild is extremely vulnerable to
predators and will always look to rejoin his herd.
Photos: Jon Stroud
has company, or play him
some quiet, relaxing music.
Start by putting your horse in a stable
with an equine friend next door, then go
into his neighbour’s stable and lead him away
for a couple of steps and straight back in again.
Repeat this until your horse is completely relaxed
– for example, he continues eating hay rather than
poking his head out to keep an eye on his companion.
Next, walk his neighbour out and, still in sight of your
horse, keep him there for a few minutes – perhaps
giving him a quick groom – before putting him away.
The key is to increase this in tiny increments, so the
next stage would be walking his neighbour further
away but keeping him in your horse’s line of sight,
then gradually increase the distance or length of

There are some things you can do to help him
feel more comfortable on his own, but it’s a gradual
process – there are no overnight fixes. Remember to
always work within your horse’s comfort zone. If he’s
exhibiting signs of stress, he won’t be able to learn.
time his neighbour’s out until he can be out of sight
without your horse becoming stressed.
This process will probably need to be done over
several months. If your horse shows signs of stress,
then go back a step and proceed more slowly.

80 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask the experts

In a rush
My horse bolts away from me when
I turn him out, and I have to chase
him to get his headcollar off. How
can I tackle this?
Beth McEwen

Felicity George TOP TIP

answers: If you need more help with
Lots of horses get your horse’s behaviour then an
excited when being turned Equine Behaviour Affiliation (EBA)
out, sometimes to the point registered equine psychology
where they can’t control specialist can offer remote or
themselves, let alone listen to in-person guidance.
you. Reducing his emotion is key
to resolving the problem. It’s good
to first have your horse checked by a
vet or physiotherapist for any physical
reasons for his behaviour. Then, once
they’re ruled out, you can start trying to Start by analysing his routine – does exercise is best done in a safe location,
understand why he’s running off. Some he have access to forage and other horses such as an arena. Practise leading him,
potential reasons are... when he’s stabled? If so, look at your asking him to halt, taking his headcollar
• wanting to rejoin his herd, or be partnership. Building a strong, trusting off, and then giving a treat. Once he
reunited with a particular horse relationship may help him to feel more understands that he gets a treat after the
• being stabled for a long time comfortable when being led. headcollar’s off, he’ll learn to wait until
• his forage ration’s small and he’s Very often, changes to management or this is done before rushing away. Once
rushing to good grazing your relationship will resolve the issue, but he’s got the hang of it, try it when you’re
• he’s anxious when being led if not then you can try some training. This turning him out in the field.

Odd one out

A new livery at my yard doesn’t seem to
want to interact with other people, to the
point that she keeps her tack in the car to
avoid the tack room. How can I make her feel
more welcome?
Jemima Coode

Horse&Rider answers:
It can be unsettling when someone isolates
themselves, but it’s really important to
remember that it’s the livery’s choice how much
she engages with others. For example, her trips
to the yard might be the only opportunity she has
for some ‘me time’, or she might just be keen to
spend quality time with her horse without other
distractions. Joining in with the rest of the yard may
not necessarily be what she wants.
That being said, she may be shy and struggling to
fit in. Joining a new yard can be very intimidating,
and she may have bad a experience on a yard that has
put her off trying to make new friends. Try gently to
engage with her – offering a cup of tea or asking about
her horse is always a good place to start. You may find
TOP TIP
Some people feel anxious in
this is just the interaction she was looking for big groups. If you’re struggling
and she’ll quickly come out of her shell. to reach out to someone, try
With other people, it may take more time, talking to them when they’re
but friendly greetings and little conversations on their own – they may feel
as you tend to your horses will always be more comfortable.
appreciated and will go a long way to making
someone feel welcome and included. Once you’ve
made some progress, you could offer to help her clear
some space for her things in the tack room – you
never know what the response might be!

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HORSE&RIDER 81
 Veterinary matters
Our experts
Rachel Schneiders Jack Ashby BVSc Cert Freya Wood BVSc
BVSc MRCVS is a AVP (equine lameness) MRCVS works as an
veterinary surgeon at MRCVS is an ambulatory equine ambulatory vet
Gilliver Vets. vet for Equivet and FEI at Paragon Veterinary
permitted treating vet. Group.

TOP TIP
To test whether the ground
is suitable for faster work, try
digging the heel of your boot into
it. If you can’t easily do this, the
ground is too hard for a lot of
trot work or any canter work.
Photos: Jon Stroud, Algirdas Gelazius/Shutterstock.com

Force of nature when his hoof lands means a shock of

There’s not much off-road hacking
near my yard. Is riding on the road
a lot bad for my horse’s legs?
Maria Bates
Rachel Schneiders answers:
When you ride on hard ground,
such as roads, it increases
concussion in the joints of your horse’s
legs. The lack of cushioning in the ground
force travels up his leg and compresses the
cartilage padding the joints. The cartilage
is only 1–2mm thick – that’s not very
much to support repeated loading from a
500kg+ horse. It’s important to be aware
that cartilage isn’t capable of healing
itself if it gets damaged, so we should
be cautious doing activities with our
horses that'll be harsh on the joints. Hard
ground is also very unforgiving on his feet,
causing increased wear of unshod hooves
and a higher chance of sole bruising or
wall chipping. If your horse is doing
lots of road work, make sure he’s shod
appropriately and checked regularly by
your farrier. If he's unshod then consider
hoof boots for work on the roads.
Most horses are fine with plenty of
walking on concrete, tarmac or hard
ground, but trotting is very concussive
and may aggravate existing joint disease
or foot pain. For this reason, you should
try to save the bulk of your trot work and
all of your canter work for the arena or
suitable softer surfaces.

82 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask the experts

Worth the risk?

I’ve heard that one of the biggest risks of
surgery is the general anaesthetic. Should
I let that influence my decision to put my
horse through an operation?
Imogen Hargreaves

Jack Ashby answers: of anaesthetic risk is normally outweighed by the

Making a decision about surgery for your
horse can be harrowing, so having a plan
of action in place beforehand just in case can
take some of the worry out of the decision. The
following information should help you to think
about some of the factors, including anaesthetic,
that may influence your decision in this situation.
For any procedure or surgery, you should
compare its pros and cons to assess whether the
potential benefit is worth any associated risks.
In healthy horses, surgeries requiring general
anaesthetic are considered to have an associated
fatality risk of just under 1%. This means that
the risk of the anaesthesia is usually offset by the
potential benefits of the surgery.
For horses undergoing colic surgery, the risk
from general anaesthesia is greater than normal.
However, for horses with colic severe enough
to warrant surgical intervention, the negative
potential positive outcome it could provide.
Some other aspects you should discuss with your
surgeon are...
• success rate
• potential post-operative complications
• recovery time
• periods of restriction
You can then decide if surgery followed by
rehabilitation is right for you and your horse.
DID YOU KNOW?
For surgical colic cases, you can consider
going ahead with the initial stage of surgery
to allow the surgeon to assess the full extent
of damage and how this may affect recovery
and prognosis. You can then make an
informed decision about the next steps.

The signs differ depending on the affected

Ragwort area. If it were to affect the...

run-down
I’ve noticed that lots of ragwort
grows in my local area. What
should I do if my horse eats some?
Is it a veterinary emergency?
Eidith Horner
Freya Wood answers:
Ragwort is a common poisonous
plant in the UK. It’s toxic at all
stages of growth – this includes dried,
when the likelihood of it being hidden in
hay or haylage combined with its sweet
taste makes it more likely to be eaten
It’s also commonly ingested in spring
when the plant’s small rather than in the
summer when it’s tall with distinctive
yellow flowers.
The reason ragwort’s so dangerous is
because it causes secondary poisoning,
which can affect the liver, brain and skin.
• liver, you’d notice signs of weight loss,
TOP TIP
jaundice or colic
• brain and nervous system, you’d
notice signs of dullness and depression,
It’s recommended that you
remove ragwort with a specialist
fork to reduce your risk of coming
muscle tremors, weakness, frequent
into direct contact with the plant.
yawning, compulsive walking, difficulty
Alternatively, you could wear
swallowing, noise when he breathes or
thick gardening gloves and a
head pressing
• skin, you’d notice signs of
long-sleeved top.
photosensitisation, which presents
similarly to sunburn
If you think your horse has eaten
ragwort, it’s vital that you prevent
further ingestion. Examine his forage for
ragwort leaves and dispose of affected
bales immediately, and check his pasture
and ensure you remove any remaining
plants. Toxin effects are cumulative and
it can take months for signs to develop,
so monitor him carefully, and if you’re
concerned call your vet. If clinical signs
appear, they can perform a blood test
for liver damage and, if needed, a biopsy.
Treatment aims to support the liver,
maintain weight and control symptoms.

Find out more at

Include Public Liability on your horse kbis.insure/yourhorse
insurance from less than £20 per year Terms and Conditions apply. KBIS Ltd is authorised and

➤
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (300861)

HORSE&RIDER 83
 Horsey shopping
Our experts
Line Hanson is saddlery
tutor at Capel Manor
College used to be a
professional rider.
Lidija Drakulic is Claims Kay Hastilow is
Team Leader at The a Master Saddler
Insurance Emporium and and Fitter. She also
competed internationally as lectures on both
a showjumper. topics.

Career change
I’m interested in a career as a provider such as the Worshipful Company training and become a qualified saddle
saddle maker. What are the of Cordwainers. Courses can vary in fitter. This will allow you to assess horses
Photos: Jon Stroud, MintImages/Shutterstock.com

different pathways into a career?
Nala Leith
Line Hanson answers:
Saddle making is a highly
specialist craft and training
requires lots of hands-on experience. As a
saddler, you’ll be trained to make saddles,
bridles and harnesses from scratch, carry
out repairs on tack and reflock saddles.
A popular route into saddlery is
through a diploma with a reputable
length but typically take anywhere from a dynamically and statically for a saddle and
year upwards, and they’re taught through advise owners on the fit, as well as doing
practical demonstrations and workshops. the leatherwork.
However, all pathways into saddlery
are underpinned by the City & Guilds
assessments, which are the recognised
qualifications for the saddlery trade. They
DID YOU KNOW?
The leatherwork skills you gain
also form the criteria for individuals to
when training to be a saddler are
join the Society of Master Saddlers.
transferable – some students go
Once you’ve completed a diploma, you
on to have careers in fashion or
can go on to work for saddlery businesses
become luxury goods makers.
or for master saddlers to gain experience.
You can also choose to continue your

84 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask the experts

Out to pasture
Does my horse need to be insured if he lives out all the
time and doesn’t do any ridden work?
Mel Redpath

Lidija Drakulic answers: responsibility to others if your horse

Legally speaking, nobody’s injures someone or damages their
required to insure their property. Often people believe that
horse, but that doesn’t these things won’t happen to them,
necessarily mean it’s a but insurance companies deal
wise idea for your with these situations on a
horse – or bank
account – to TOP TIP
daily basis.
Factoring in
Take it slow
go without Some insurance companies allow the unexpected When I get a new saddle do I need to
insurance. you to customise exactly what your is a crucial part break it in slowly, or is it suitable for my
Regardless of of providing the
where you keep
horse is covered for. This means
best care for your usual level of work straight away?
you can tailor it perfectly to your
your horse, or four-legged friend. Peggy Simmons
and your horse’s lifestyle.
whether he’s in Insurance takes away
work, he could get the unnecessary stress Kay Hastilow answers:
injured or become of already worrisome Traditionally, the leather used in top
unwell and you may find it situations. Knowing you’ve got quality saddles was quite thick and
difficult to meet these unexpected an insurance safety net, means you very stiff. The seat was made of hardwearing
veterinary costs. Another thing you can focus on your horse’s recovery leather and wasn’t designed for softness or
may wish to consider is your legal as well as protecting your finances. comfort, and the whole saddle was made with
longevity in mind. Because specially dressed
leathers weren’t an option, your saddle could
take two to three months of regular use to get
it broken in to your and your horse’s shape.
Luckily things are very different with modern
saddles. The leather used is either pre-softened
or tanned in a particular way so as to make
them malleable. Often a soft hide is fixed to
a light leather to give immediate grip and
comfort. This makes the saddle ready to go
almost as soon as it’s fitted.
All of this means that you should really be
able to ride as normal after a fitting – unless
your saddle fitter recommends otherwise. I’d
advise using it as regularly as you can to allow
the girth to stretch a bit and, if the saddle’s
flocked, it can settle to the shape of your horse.
Essentially, if you have your saddle fitted on a
Monday and ride lightly each day of that week,
the saddle should be ready for you to enjoy in
your normal level of work by the weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first saddles with recognisable trees
were used in Asia more than 2,000
years ago.

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HORSE&RIDER 85
 In the saddle
Our experts
Shaun Mandy is a Grand Jo Pasetti Dip A Phys
Prix dressage rider and is an equine
coach. He came to physiotherapist and
dressage from eventing. showjumper.

TOP TIP
Before you get on your horse at a
competition, take a moment to notice
any areas of muscle tension in your
body. Try breathing in for a count of
four and out for four to relax your
body and calm any nerves.

Stage fright
My horse works beautifully at home, but as soon as we get to a show he same time making small half-halts with
becomes tense and against my hand. How can I work him through this to your outside rein. This will encourage
a good feel in the outside rein and a
produce the test I know he’s capable of? better connection will develop.
Leslie Richardson 3. When you reach a 10m circle, start to
leg-yield him back out onto a bigger
Shaun Mandy answers: to relax and focus him. Here’s one of my circle, metre by metre, keeping the
It can be very frustrating when favourites... contact you’ve developed in your
you know how well your horse 1. Ride a 20m circle in trot, focusing your outside rein.
can work at home but he feels completely energy on asking him to soften around Make sure that throughout the
different when you’re out competing. your inside leg. By working from inside exercise, your inside rein stays soft and
However, there are a couple of tactics you leg to outside rein, he’ll naturally flexible, and doesn’t block his movement.
Photos: Jon Stroud

can recruit to help.
Generally speaking, less is more – and
trying to achieve a lot at once will end up
working against you. Instead, why not
aim to ride through one simple exercise
soften to the contact.
2. Once he’s working in balance and in a
consistent rhythm, start to spiral in on
the circle. Do this by leg-yielding him
away from your outside leg and at the
It’s important to recognise how you
feel in these moments, too. If you react by
adding more tension down the rein, then
this won’t help. If you find yourself feeling
tense, try to focus on breathing deeply.

86 HORSE&RIDER
 Ask the experts

Correct diagonals
Someone on my yard told me that my
horse doesn’t mind which diagonal
I’m riding on. If this is the case, why
is it important for me to ride on the
correct one?
Peter Wells

Horse&Rider answers:
Diagonals are based on the
mechanics of trot. Your horse’s left
foreleg and right hindleg step forwards in a
diagonal pair, followed by his right foreleg
and left hindleg, creating that two-beat
rhythm we’re all familiar with.
Being on the correct diagonal means
you’re sitting when your horse’s outside
shoulder and inside hindleg touch the
ground. From the saddle, when you glance
down at your horse’s front end, his outside
shoulder should be backwards when you sit.
Riding on the correct diagonal is
important to help your horse balance as he
goes round a corner or a circle. As he bends,
he contracts the muscles on the inside of
his back and ribcage. This means his inside
hindleg takes more weight to allow the
longer stride of his outside leg as he bends.
If you’re on the correct diagonal, you’ll rise
as his inside leg moves forward, relieving
pressure on the weight-bearing limb.
TOP TIP
Even if you’re riding in a
straight line or out hacking, it’s
good to change diagonals regularly
to ensure both hindlegs are taking
an equal load and your horse’s
muscles develop evenly.

Lifting me higher
What are the benefits of raised
polework? Is it better for my horse than
ground poles?
Tara Fernandez

Jo Pasetti answers:
There are some surefire benefits to
incorporating raised poles into your
horse’s regular exercise routine, and you can
tailor their layout to suit your individual goals.
The main role of poles is to increase your
horse’s range of motion and joint flexion – he’ll
flex the joints in his legs more than normal in
order to clear the poles, which in turn amplifies
his back mobility. When he goes over a pole,
he’ll have a moment of suspension, which
involves greater muscle engagement and DID YOU KNOW?
requires a high level of spatial awareness and Poles have the additional
balance. You can also increase the challenge raised poles can be strenuous, so it’s important benefit of stimulating
by raising the poles, which has been shown to to up the work gradually to match your horse’s your horse’s thoracic
lengthen and improve the quality of a horse’s current level of fitness and reduce the risk of sling, encouraging his
strides in all paces, especially in walk. injury or strain. head and neck to drop
When you’re working on your horse’s fitness, When you’re beginning polework, start with and strengthening his
his muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones will ground poles, then add raised poles as an extra core muscles.
only strengthen if they’re worked. However, challenge once his muscles have developed.

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HORSE&RIDER 87
 Ask the experts

In brief
Our expert
Sara Malpass is a dressage
rider and coach who’s
Fact or fiction?
competed up to Is it true that a horse’s whorls
Intermediate level. determine his personality?
Mary Devon

Horse&Rider answers:

Let’s dance A whorl is a patch of hair

that grows in the opposite
direction to the rest of the hair
I’d love to try dressage to music. around it. They can occur almost
anywhere on the body but are most
How do I put together a test that’ll commonly found on the face, neck,
impress the judges? chest and flank.
Natalie John The idea that whorls can have an
effect on a horse’s characteristics
Sara Malpass answers: is believed to have originated from
Dressage to music’s an Arabic tribes hundreds of years
opportunity to get creative. It’s ago, but has been passed down to
also a chance to tailor the test to your equestrians worldwide.
strengths and show off As you’d expect, the science
your best moves – so behind the idea that whorls influence
it’s no wonder these a horse’s temperament is lacking.
classes are growing TOP TIP However, a study completed in
in popularity. If Ask someone you trust Ireland found that horses with whorls
you’re planning your to watch you ride the that went clockwise displayed right
first floorplan, I’d whole test. It’s good to get sidedness, for example they were
Photos: Jon Stroud, Fotema/Shutterstock.com

recommend... an outside perspective more likely to strike off with their

• making a list of of how it looks. right leg leading and those with
your strongest counterclockwise whorls, showed a
movements and preference for the left side.
choreographing your test so
they’re performed at the end closest to
the judges • aiming to use the whole arena in your
DID YOU KNOW?
• ensuring the movements you struggle test, including plenty of changes of
Whorls are used as identifying
most with are completed at the furthest rein, circles and serpentines
features on a horse’s passport
point from the judges Remember to have fun! Be creative
because their location and
• trying to avoid movements that disrupt and don’t get stuck doing the same things
direction is unique.
the flow of your test, such as rein back you’d do in a regular dressage test.

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88 HORSE&RIDER
 promotion

Stay safe
this summer
There’s more than one thing causing
a spot of bother over the sunnier
months. Fortunately, we just might
have a solution

S
ure, the clocks have gone forward and
we’re finally back to post-work rides
without the looming threat of darkness.
However, we’d be lying if we said there
weren’t new challenges to contend with
as we head towards incrementally warmer climes.
Sunburn and insect invasion are two of the most
common suspects – but we’re relieved to tell you,
with the help of some first aid kit essentials, these
worries will be a thing of the past.

Under attack
The issues causing the most
discomfort and distress to horses and
their owners are heat, sunburn and
attack by insects.
Shade, shelter and access to ample
clean drinking water are all essential
for horses, especially when outdoors.
Protection from UVA and UVB rays
will help prevent sunburn to sparsely
haired and non-pigmented areas, such
as the nose, muzzle, eyelids, ear tips
and fetlocks. This is easy enough to
do when your horse is turned out in
the field as you can kit him out with
a suitable fly mask that also extends
to include a nose net. However, when
it’s not practical for him to don this
face-wear – for example, when you’re
out riding – it’s important to apply
a reflective sunblock to these areas.
Aniwell’s Filtabac, which offers skin
and wound protection, or Filtaclear,
which is developed specifically for
those with sensitive skin, will provide
not just extensive sun protection but
also a physical barrier against insects.
Buzz off
Speaking of irritating insects, in the
heat of the day, there’s nothing more
bothersome to a horse than flies. Not just
annoying, when flies sink their teeth into
their more sensitive equine victims, they
can induce dangerous situations for those
on the ground or in the saddle at the time
– often with little to no notice.
For this reason, it’s important to cultivate
an effective prevention set-up that
includes applying insect repellents and clean is paramount. Cleanse with clean
keeping your yard and paddock areas water or a mild antiseptic solution as soon
clean and clear of manure. This will as you notice any damage, then put on a
help to keep the insect numbers down. thick layer of antibacterial cream, such as
Providing your horse with shade as well Filtabac, to support an effective healing
as appropriate fly masks, rugs and veils is environment while also acting as a sticky
a must. deterrent to insects. The antibacterial
However, if the flies break through cream allows the skin to breathe and
your defences and have broken the skin, heal while providing protection from the
causing weeping wounds, keeping them environment.

Nothing sweet about itch

Sweet itch is one of the best-known
seasonal skin problems, but with no
known cure for the allergic reaction
to the saliva of the Culicoides midge,
prevention is the key. Moving horses
from sheltered, boggy marshlands to
an exposed, dry area will reduce the
incidence of midge infestation. To help
alleviate insect irritation, it’s worth
donning close-fitting blankets, head
covers and an application of a thick
antibacterial cream to exposed areas, too.
When the horse has reacted to the
bites, AMHVet works well to soothe
support the body’s responses against
irritation. Applying this under a thick
layer of Filtabac will give added
protection. For more information, visit aniwell-uk.com
 Jump-a-round
Follow Fizz Marshall’s five-step plan to
successful jumping on the lunge
O
nce you’ve established
the basics of lungeing, the
sky’s the limit. With some
careful planning and prep,
Photos: Jon Stroud
you can even introduce
jumping. The benefits are wide-ranging,
so why not give it a go?
As with any exercise, it’s important
to ensure your horse is fit enough for
90 HORSE&RIDER
the task, and thoroughly warmed up
before you begin. By introducing more
variables you inevitably up the chance
of something going wrong, so as part
of your warm-up, don’t forget to check
that your horse is tuned in to your aids
and totally focused on what you’re
asking. Then – start small and build up.
Oh, and enjoy!
 Management know-how

Our expert

PREP TIME Fizz Marshall has

When lungeing your horse worked with all types
over jumps, you’ll generally of horses in her
need to use blocks rather than six years as Centre
wings. This will prevent your lunge Manager at the Equine
line from catching on the wing as your Therapy Centre at
horse jumps. However, don’t worry Hartpury College in
if you don’t have enough blocks for Gloucestershire. More
both sides of the jump – you can recently she’s managed
use a wing on the outside and racehorses for Jonjo
save the blocks for the side O’Neill and been Yard
closest to you. Manager for Carl Hester.

KIT LIST
• Bridle with the reins
removed
• Lunge line
• Brushing boots

HORSE&RIDER 91
Step 1: Get your eye in
Just as you would when you do other types
of polework, it’s important to allow your
horse to get his eye in over a pole on the
ground before you raise it.
If your horse is green or spooky, allow
him time to walk over the pole first. You can
then progress to trot and canter, working
him on both reins as part of your warm-up.
Focus on the consistency of your horse’s
rhythm in all paces and work him through a
mix of transitions to ensure he’s listening.

STAY IN LINE
One of the biggest
Step 2: temptations for your horse will
Turn, turn, turn be to cut the corner after the fence,
Just as when you jump a which in turn may lead to a lack of
fence under saddle, the line straightness and a skew in his jumping
you take on the approach and technique. This is particularly common in
getaway will dictate how well horses who rush or are tense. A substantial
your horse jumps the obstacle block, barrier or cone will help keep your
itself. This becomes even more horse on the desired getaway line. It
important because a riderless might take him a couple of rounds to
horse working over fences on get the message, but you can use
the lunge doesn’t have a jockey your voice to encourage him to
to support him with their legs, relax and take his time.
seat and hands.
Use the pole on the ground
as a marker to practise your
turn into the fence, planning
your line for the approach well
ahead to ensure your horse
meets the pole straight and on
a forward stride.
Equally, when moving away
from the fence your focus
should be on keeping your
horse straight before rejoining
your lunge circle, without
cutting the corner after the
obstacle.

92 HORSE&RIDER

BREAK IT UP
Add in plenty of walk breaks to give
your horse the chance to relax and
recharge. These also provide the
opportunity for you to alter the fences
or poles as needed.
Step 3: Initial upright
Once you’re happy that you’ve
established your approach
and rhythm over a pole on the
ground, raise it into a small
upright. Approach the fence
in trot to start with, moving
up to canter if your horse
comfortably pops the jump
from trot a few times.
Step 4: Building blocks
Having some additional blocks or fillers to
hand can be useful for a horse who doesn’t
respect a single pole upright. These make the
fence appear more robust and will encourage
your horse to respect the obstacle. It can also
help a rushing horse to back off a little and take
Management know-how
TOP TIP
Guide poles on the approach
and getaway are a good way of
helping your horse to remain straight
through take-off, mid-air and landing.
These are particularly helpful for
young or green horses to make
the obstacle more inviting.
TOP TIP
Keep moving with
your horse on the approach,
jump and landing phases so
you don’t lag behind and
potentially pull him off
the desired line.
his time. This is particularly important as and
when you wish to make the fence bigger.
Whenever you change the fence, be
prepared for your horse to hesitate and be
ready to encourage him forwards with your
voice or a little flick with the lunge whip as
needed. ➤
HORSE&RIDER 93
Management know-how

Step 5: Stretch it out TOP TIP

When your horse is confident jumping an upright, Don’t be tempted to increase
add in a back pole to make the fence into an oxer. the height of your fences too soon.
Place it slightly higher than the front to start with, to Being constantly on the turn is hard
ensure your horse sees the change to the fence. work for your horse, so go for quality
Concentrate on keeping a rhythm and over quantity, and always end on
maintaining a good line to allow your horse to see a good note.
the fence in good time. He shouldn’t need any extra
speed, but maintaining the impulsion and forward
movement is key to his technique and the shape he
makes over the oxer.

Making the most of it

The beauty of jumping your horse on the lunge is
that you can completely tailor your approach to his
level of training and needs. For instance, should he
rush consistently, ask him to jump every fence from
trot. This way, he’ll need to think and work things
out for himself. Similarly, for a horse who needs to go
forwards more, encourage him with your vocal aids
and lunge whip as needed.
Jumping on the lunge also affords you the
opportunity to look at your horse’s frame and style
over a fence when he’s left to his own devices. This
in turn will inform your ridden work, helping you to
identify the strengths and weaknesses you need to
address through the rest of your training.

94 HORSE&RIDER
 For more information contact
Richard Edwards on
t: 0333 3580333
m: 07944 899345
e: richard@be-seen-screen.co.uk
w: www.be-seen-screen.co.uk

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 On the
move
Help your horse’s travel time run smoothly with our
seven essentials for a stress-free journey

B
eing able to take your
horse to different locations
can open up a whole new
world of possibilities.
The ability to box him
up for a lesson, hack or schooling
session is a total game-changer, not to
mention it gives you the opportunity to
compete, too. But whether you own a
horsebox or trailer yourself, hire from
a company or hitch a lift in a friend’s
vehicle, there are several things you
can do to make your horse’s time on
the move a positive experience. Check
out our seven steps to helping him –
and you – feel cool, calm and confident
when you hit the road.

TOP TIP
1 Plan your route
Not only will mapping out
your journey in advance limit
Carrying a warning
triangle and high-vis vests
can help you show up to
the possibility of getting lost passing drivers in the
and having to make a U-turn, event of a breakdown.
but it also means you can
plan the most appropriate route
for your vehicle. Narrow country
lanes with myriad twists and turns may not be
suitable for horseboxes over a certain size, and
Photos: Jon Stroud

can be a lot bumpier and more unsettling for your

precious cargo. Main roads tend to be straighter
and better maintained, so it can be helpful to take
these instead where possible. Even if it adds a few
minutes to your journey, your horse will feel a lot
happier if he’s not wobbling around in the back
too much.

96 HORSE&RIDER
 Management know-how

2 Allow plenty of time

There’s nothing worse than rushing
around because you’re running late.
This will only increase your anxiety
levels in what can already be a stressful
situation, which will in turn affect your
horse. Giving yourself plenty of time to
load up and get to your destination will
help you keep your head if you need to
deal with a problem. Why not pack up
the lorry the night before so you have
one less job to do on the day? This has
the added benefit of limiting the chances
that you might forget something.

TOP TIP
There's no ideal place to break
down, but due to increased traffic,
breakdowns on the motorway can
become very dangerous very quickly.
Make sure you have adequate cover in
place that includes recovery for your
horse, as well as your vehicle, so
you can get help as quickly as
possible.

3 Kit him out

correctly
Ensuring your horse has the
right travel wardrobe will
help him stay comfortable
and safe while in transit. Each
garment should be clean and
well-fitting, with a rug of the
correct weight to suit the
temperature – many horses
sweat up on their travels, so
a cooler’s a popular choice.
Other essential items include
a pair of travel boots or
bandages, a tail guard and a
field-safe or leather headcollar
that will break away under
pressure. ➤

HORSE&RIDER 97
Management know-how

4 Check the size

Your horse needs to feel comfortable
inside your chosen vehicle, so it’s imperative
that you pick one that’s the right size for him.
He’ll need plenty of headroom and shouldn’t
be squeezed in. Also consider how he prefers
to travel – frontwards, backwards or sideways?
If you’re looking to buy, or have a choice of
styles when hiring, try to find out which type
he prefers by travelling him in a few different
vehicles so you can make an informed decision
about what’ll keep him happiest.

TOP TIP
If you’re hiring a horsebox or trailer,
see if you can collect it the night
before. This gives you time to check your
horse is happy to load, fits well and is
comfortable inside – with less time
pressure than you’ll have on the
day of travel.

5 Perform vehicle checks

The best way to stay calm in the lead
up is by knowing that your chosen mode
of travel’s safe for your horse. So, don’t
be tempted to scrimp on vehicle checks
before you load up, as this can prevent
you from getting caught out in transit.
Pre-travel checks include...
• lights and indicators Ask a friend to
check each one’s working from outside
as you turn them on
• tyre pressure and depth The
recommended tyre pressure can be
found in your vehicle manual and tyres
should have at least 1.6mm tread
• fittings Check none of these are loose DID YOU KNOW?
or damaged By law, your horsebox or towing vehicle must pass an
• floor Look under your mats for any annual MOT to make sure it’s in good working order.
signs of rot, wear or tear

6 Choose his travel

buddy carefully
Who you choose to travel your horse with
7 Drive
is an important decision. Having a friend
to go with him can bring some comfort,
but if it’s someone your horse isn't so
fond of, it can make the situation more
stressful. Whether he prefers to travel
alone or in company, try to accommodate
this as best you can. Some vehicles only
have the payload for one horse, but if you
can, why not buddy up with a friend and
go somewhere together so he has a mate
on arrival?
steady
slow and
The way you, or someone else,
drives the horsebox or trailer can
be a huge factor into whether your
horse has a positive or negative
experience inside. Driving a
horsebox with a 500kg animal on
board’s very different from driving
a car, so take extra care when
turning, breaking and accelerating
so your horse can keep his balance.
Even though you aren’t required
to take a test to tow a trailer or
drive a horsebox that’s under 3.5T,
it’s always a good idea to get some
training to help make sure you’re
well-equipped for the job.
TOP TIP
Installing a camera so you can
see what your horse is doing
while you’re on the move can help
you keep an eye on him so you
know to pull over if there’s a
problem.

98 HORSE&RIDER
 Competition

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HORSE&RIDER 99
 Buzz f
of
Short for ideas on how to protect your horse
from overbearing bugs? We bring you an
A–Z of fly prevention tactics

T
he time has come when you need to think long and
hard about how you’re going to keep your horse
protected from the impending threat that is flies.
To help you out, we’ve collated an A–Z guide on
keeping the blighters at bay, along with some top
tips on how you can implement them effectively.

A llergies
Some horses suffer from allergic reactions to
fly bites, which typically happen in response
to a fly’s saliva passing the skin’s protective barrier.
Signs include hair loss, hard lumps, hives and severe
itching. This can also be the cause of sweet itch in
horses who are prone.

B enzyl benzoate
This can be a useful
ingredient to look out
for when choosing a fly spray.
A solution that combines
sodium benzoate and benzyl
alcohol can be particularly
effective for sweet-itch
sufferers if applied before
itching begins.

C itronella
Contrary to popular
belief, citronella’s
effectiveness or safety as a fly
repellent has never actually
been proven. That said, this
ingredient can often be found
in summer care products,
such as body sprays, creams
and gels, as well as tags, leg
bands and wipes.

D EET
Providing long-lasting
protection from
Photos: Jon Stroud

mosquitoes and other flying

insects, it’s believed DEET is
an effective ingredient in fly
repellent.

100 HORSE&RIDER

E yes
Fly irritation can contribute to
eye infections, so it’s vital to keep
them protected. A fly mask or fringe is
one of the best ways to do this, alongside
roll-on, gel or cream fly repellents.
Signs your horse may have an infection
include weeping, swelling or a closed – or
partially closed – eye.
F eed supplements
There are plenty of feed additives
that are reported to help deter flies.
Made up largely of herbal blends, such as
peppermint, rosemary and chamomile,
the main ingredient they have in common
is garlic, which is said to emit an odour
that flies, ticks and midges avoid.
When managing flies, it’s up
to you to decide what’s best
for your horse
G razing
The environment your horse is
turned out in has a lot to do with
the number of flies he has to contend
with. Flies are drawn to manure, so
ensuring you poo-pick regularly and
avoid having a field-stored much heap
will pay dividends.
H orse flies
There are several types of fly to
watch out for in the UK, but the
ubiquitous horse fly is one of the most
vicious. It’s most prevalent in damp
environments, and active during the
daytime – although there are plenty of
regional-specific, unwelcome biting flies
to contend with, too.
Management know-how
I tching
Skin irritation is one of the most
common symptoms of fly bites. Some
horses react more severely than others, so
careful management’s required to pick up
on early signs. Look for scaly skin or signs
he’s been rubbing affected areas.
J udgement call
When managing flies, it’s up to
you to decide what’s best for your
horse. It’s important to get to know his
individual requirements and sensitivities,
and it can help to try out a few different
methods to decide what works best for
him. Equally, if a problem occurs, it’s
always a good call to contact your vet for
further advice.
➤
HORSE&RIDER 101
 Management know-how

It’s important get a perfect

mix of quality and quantity
when enacting your fly
protection protocol

TOP TIP
If the weather’s
changeable, choose a fly rug
with a water-resistant top
panel, or clip-in lining, to
help keep your horse both
protected and dry.

K nife
Aside from irritating horses by
buzzing around and landing on
N osenets
Flies don’t quit when you get in
the saddle to ride, and some horses
to something in particular, check the
ingredients before purchase.

them, bot flies also like to glue their eggs

to their coats, which can cause all sorts of
internal upset should they be ingested. To
remove them, you’ll require a bot knife,
which is specially designed to scrape
away and destroy the eggs – so it’s worth
keeping one in your grooming kit.
can struggle to cope when their rides are
interrupted by an insect invasion. Some
people use ride-on fly rugs to keep their
horses happier, while others opt for fly
veils and nosenets. It’s believed these can
Q uality and quantity
It’s important get a perfect mix
of quality and quantity when
enacting your fly protection protocol.
It’s all about consistency and choosing
relieve headshaking, too. high-quality products that suit your
horse. Why not see if you can team up

L ife cycle
Did you know you can use products
that interrupt flies’ life cycles?
They include ingredients that mix into
O rganic
The more chemicals you use on
your horse, the more end up back
in his environment – at least, that’s the
theory. That’s why many owners opt for
with fellow liveries to keep your horses
covered as often as possible? Spraying
once in the morning and hoping it’ll last
24 hours is rarely enough.

his manure and kill the larvae laid in it.

Targeting flies at the beginning of spring
before they hatch can also help limit the
population around your yard.
products made from organic or natural
ingredients, such as eucalyptus, tea tree
and peppermint. R ugs
Fly rugs can come in all different
styles – fine mesh for cool summer
wear, those with thicker UV protective

M anagement
Flies are attracted to manure and
bad odours, so regularly disinfect
your stables to help prevent larvae build
up and ensure your muck heap’s regularly
removed, too. It’s equally important to
keep his rugs and his coat as clean as
possible.
P atch test
Ever heard of a horse who’s had
a reaction to fly repellent? It’s
probably more common than you’d think.
The reaction can show in the form of
hives or skin lesions, which is why a patch
test should be performed on a small area
of coat before using it over the rest of his
body. If you know your horse is allergic
materials to prevent dark coats from
fading in the sun, as well as more
specialist sweet itch rugs that promise
maximum poll to tail coverage, large
belly flaps and built-in ear protection.
Whichever one you decide to purchase,
be sure to assess its features to make
sure it’ll give your horse the best possible
protection.
➤
HORSE&RIDER 103
Management know-how

Most flies prefer to attack in

direct sunlight rather than
shaded areas

TOP TIP
Flies don’t like the wind so, where
possible, turn your horse out on a
breezy slope. Or, opt for a part of the
yard that’s most likely to catch a
breeze so they struggle to fly near
to your horse.

S hade
Most flies prefer to attack in direct
sunlight rather than shaded areas.
This is why turning your horse out
reuse them by purchasing refill options,
or paint fly attracting gels onto the empty
containers to act as traps?
most attracted to and ensure that they’re
well-covered and protected with spray.
Key areas include fleshy spots like the
neck and chest, but also more exposed
overnight and bringing him in during the
day can be a helpful prevention tactic. It’s
also said that flies are more attracted to
darker horses for this reason – because
they absorb more heat in direct sunlight.
V et
If you have any worries about your
horse’s reaction to flies – whether
it be a possible eye infection, symptoms of
sweet itch or that you just require further
areas like his legs and sheath.

Y ellow
Researchers have discovered that
flies are more drawn to cool tones,
advice – contacting your vet’s always the such as blue, and are repelled by warm

T raps
If you have lots of bugs buzzing
around your yard, there are traps
you can set to catch them out. These
include sticky fly traps, UV attracters and
best port of call.

W ater
Standing water’s a hotbed for
insects – rain barrels, water
hues, such as yellow. This is a good thing
to bear in mind when selecting your
horse’s wardrobe and when setting traps,
too – plus it’ll brighten your yard!

bug zappers, all of which can be hung

around your yard.
troughs and ponds are prime areas where
bugs like to breed. If possible, turn your
horse out in a field that isn’t near any Z ebra print
Did you know that there’s much to
be learnt from the way wild zebras

U pcycle
You’ll likely get through a lot
of lotions and sprays during fly
stagnant water, and clean and refill troughs
regularly to prevent the build up of larvae.
have evolved to deter flies? It’s a fact that
their stripes confuse flies and cause them
to abort landing. So, purchasing a zebra
season, and throwing away bottles is not
only detrimental to the environment, but
often the more expensive option. Why not

104 HORSE&RIDER
X marks the spot
It’s helpful to note specific areas
on your horse’s body that flies are
print fly rug doesn’t just look snazzy – it’s
been scientifically proven to help keep
away the flies.
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 Perfect
plaits
Polishing up on your plaiting is the
ultimate way to take your horse’s
turnout to the next level. Find out
how with our handy step-by-step

BEFORE

B
eing able to create neat and tidy plaits
is a skill that needs a little practice to
perfect. The stunning braids so often
splashed across social media don’t
come about overnight – but don’t let
professional-looking plaits feel totally out of reach.
With our simple and easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be
perfecting them in no time.

Kitted out AFTER

Before you start, ensure you’ve got your TOP TIP
equipment ready. You’ll need a... If you plan to wash your
small metal mane comb horse’s mane before plaiting,
sponge make sure you do it at least a few
bucket of water or plaiting spray Step one days beforehand. This gives it the
needle and thread or plaiting bands Having made sure your horse’s mane chance to regain some natural
pair of scissors is suitably trimmed and thinned, you’ll oils, making it easier to grip.
sturdy grooming kit, block or step to help you need to wet the hairs first. This will help
reach the top of your horse’s neck you grip the strands and create tighter
Photos: Jon Stroud

plaits, which will give you a smart finish and

ensure they stay in for the duration of your competition.
Need some help taming your horse’s mane? Check out H&R’s Simply sponge water onto your horse’s mane until it’s
top tips for trimming and thinning in the April 2022 issue, wet through – use warm water if it’s a cool day to make
available to buy at horseandrideruk.com/shop sure he doesn’t get cold and start fidgeting.

106 HORSE&RIDER
 Management know-how

TOP TIP
If plaiting’s going to become
a regular occurrence, it’s worth
spending some time teaching your
horse to stand quietly while tied
up. This will make plaiting much
quicker and easier.

Step two
Next, comb the mane through until it’s
tangle-free, but don’t be tempted to speed
up the process by using a mane and tail
detangler because this will make the hair
slippery and difficult to grip. You can also
pull stray hairs as you go to make sure
the mane’s level and a similar thickness
throughout.

OPTICAL
ILLUSION
Larger plaits in the centre of
your horse’s neck will give the
illusion of a stronger topline. Fewer
plaits can make a long neck look
shorter, whereas more can help
lengthen a short neck – you’ll need
to play around with the pattern
so you can find what looks
best on your horse.
Step three
Next, use your comb to section the mane
into evenly sized bunches. It’s helpful to
measure each section against your comb
TOP TIP to help you keep them the same size all
Keep your bucket of water the way down your horse’s neck. Use
and sponge to hand so you plaiting bands to bunch each section of
can regularly wet the mane hair to keep it out of the way as you plait
if it dries while you’re – you could also use a clip to section the
plaiting. hair away, too. Bunching the hair before
plaiting will help you make sure you have
an odd number of plaits down the neck
before you start, too.

Nothing odd about it

Why do riders tend to plait in odd numbers? Well, it’s all down
to tradition. In days gone by, horses were typically shown
with either seven or nine plaits along their neck, plus one for
the forelock. However, the idea that a horse should have a set
number of plaits is nothing more than folklore. Nowadays, riders
do tend to stick to around 7–11 (plus the forelock), but it’s more
important that you tailor the size and number of plaits to suit
your horse’s conformation and comfort. Even when it comes
to showing, the judge is unlikely to mark you down for having
the wrong number – not least because it’s doubtful that they’d
have the time to stand and count! The overall picture is far more
important, so go with whatever works for your horse.
➤
HORSE&RIDER 107
 Step four
With your mane sectioned out, start with the first
bunch closest to his poll. Split the bunch into three
equal sections and plait the hair down as close to the
bottom as you can. Then, fold the unplaited bottom
section in half and tightly wrap a plaiting band
around the hair to secure it. The nearer the bottom
of the bunch you can plait, the neater and more
secure your plaits will be once rolled up.

Step five
With your first plait done, continue to work down the mane
towards your horse’s ears. Ensure you start with the same
one of your three sections within each bunch every time you
plait down for a more refined finish. Take care to pull each
section to the same tightness and look out for any that are
larger or smaller than the others. This attention to detail will
pay off when it comes to rolling up the plaits afterwards.

TOP TIP
You can roll your plaits
with bands if you’d prefer,
simply fold the plaits into your
horse’s neck then secure
them by wrapping a band
Step six around the plait.
Now, it’s time to roll up your plaits.
Set up your needle and thread, tying a
large knot in the end to make sure it can’t
be easily pulled through the hair. Starting where you left off
with the plaiting – by your horse’s wither – poke the needle
through the end of the plait towards his neck, before pushing
the needle up through the top, folding it in half. Fold the plait
again using the same process until it’s a round ball on your
horse’s crest. Wrap the thread around the side of the plait a
couple of times to secure it, then cut the string off.

108 HORSE&RIDER
 Management know-how

Step seven
Continue rolling the plaits up your
horse’s mane. Try to make sure they look
as similar as possible, which will give
you a better finish. Look for any very
big or small ones, which can be redone
to produce the same look as the others.
Whether you roll the plaits to sit on top
of the neck or into the crest is up to you –
play around with your rolling technique
until you find the look you like best.

TOP TIP
If you choose to use
bands rather than thread,
it can be a good idea to use
two bands on each plait for
added security in case
one band breaks.

Step eight
Finally, it’s time to tackle the forelock. You can plait the
forelock down as you would the mane, or you can do a
French plait instead. To do this, separate three sections
of the forelock from the top, adding a small selection of
strands from the sides as you plait down – like you would
his tail. As before, secure the braid by folding up the end
and wrapping a band around it. Check it’s straight and flat
against his head – if it’s sticking up, it’ll be trickier to roll.

Step nine
Rolling the forelock is the same as the mane – poke the needle
down through the end of the plait and pull it up through the top
to fold it in half. Continue folding with the same method until
you have a tidy rolled plait. Wrap the thread around the ball just
like you did before and cut the string off. Aim to keep it straight
and tight against your horse’s forehead so it looks tidy.

Finishing touches
A well-plaited mane will elevate your competition look and
give your horse a better shape overall. By spending some
time getting to grips with plaiting and practising creating the
ultimate look, you’ll soon have perfect plaits every time.

HORSE&RIDER 109
 ip
Tthe
scale
Keeping your horse fit and trim will help you get the best from
him – but if you’re the owner of a good-doer, it’s not always
that simple. So, what can you do to get a handle on his weight?

I
f your horse is a keen grass guzzler
who seems to put weight on at the
Photos: Jon Stroud. With thanks to Baileys Horse Feeds for their help with this feature, baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

snap of a finger, the likelihood

is he’s a good-doer. Many native
ponies and cobs fall into this
category because they’re genetically
wired to survive on the poorest grazing.
So, when exposed to rich grass, their
weight can quickly sky rocket.
Equine obesity’s becoming an
increasing problem among the population
at present because it’s widely become
considered the norm. Does your horse
need to shift a few pounds as we head
towards summer? He’s certainly not
alone! So, if you’re not sure where to
begin, my six slimming steps are a good Step 1: Get the facts
place to start. It can be hard to objectively assess your
horse when you see him every day, but
Ready, set, go it’s important to start by taking a photo
For your horse to lose weight, you of his current condition, weightaping
need to increase his energy output and body condition scoring (BCS) so you
or reduce his energy input. This can get an accurate idea of what you’re
can be through exercising more or working with. As a guide, when using the
eating less – but a combination of 1–9 condition scoring scale, horses with a
the two is the most sustainable. I’ll score of seven are considered overweight,
guide you through the process step while those scoring 8–9 are obese.
by step, but bear in mind that if you A weighbridge is the most accurate
require more in-depth advice about way to determine your horse’s weight.
building up your horse’s exercise, These can most commonly be found at
you should talk to your vet or veterinary practices, and nutritionists
instructor. often have transportable ones that they
bring to consultations.
➤
110 HORSE&RIDER
 Management know-how

TOP TIP Our expert

It’s a good idea to use your
weightape at the same time as
the weighbridge so you can test its
accuracy. It’s also important to use
the same weightape each time
to help eliminate the risk of
inconsistency.
Emma Short Bsc (Hons)
is an equine nutritionist at
Baileys Horse Feeds.

HORSE&RIDER 111
 DID YOU KNOW?
Equine obesity has been
associated with conditions such
as insulin dysfunction, laminitis,
orthopaedic disease, infertility
and poor performance.

Step 2: Evaluate his TOP TIP

current diet A good starting point is to set
Next, you need to assess what your a target for 0.5% reduction in
horse is consuming at present. Work out bodyweight per week – so
whether he’s getting a suitable amount 2.5kg for a 500kg horse.
of both hard feed and forage based on
its weight rather than the volume. For
example, it’s very easy to overfeed when
you’re estimating the amount by scoop,
because not all feed weighs the same. So,
you’ll need to weigh out each type and
adjust the quantity accordingly.

Step 3: Limit grass

Access to grass is always desirable but
will most likely need to be limited,
particularly during key growing periods,
such as spring and autumn. Strip grazing,
track systems and grazing muzzles can
be effective ways to do this, however
restricting your horse’s grazing time
alone may not always be an effective
strategy. Horses have been observed
to consume 40% of their daily dry
matter intake during just three hours of
turnout and can ingest up to 1% of their
bodyweight within this time – which
means a 500kg horse could eat up to 5kg
of grass within a matter of hours.
To put this into perspective, the
recommended daily intake for a horse of
this size is 7.5–10kg per day (1.5–2% of
his bodyweight). At this rate, only a small
amount of additional feed or forage would
be needed over the remaining 19 hours
– but our horses’ won’t know this and
adjust their eating rate accordingly. This
is why grass restriction methods aren’t
always enough, and why sometimes being
taken off the grass for a portion of the day
– and supplemented with reduced calorie
forage – is necessary.

TOP TIP
During the summer months, grass
is often thought to be less sugary at
night. This why some owners prefer
to turn their horses out overnight
and bring them in to rest in the
daytime.

112 HORSE&RIDER
 Management know-how

Sometimes being
taken off the grass
for a portion of the
day is necessary

TOP TIP
Be careful to make feed
reductions and adjustments
gradually so your horse’s gut
has time to adjust.

Step 4: Choose the right forage

While you’re limiting your horse’s grass intake, it’s
especially important to supplement his diet with
hay or haylage. Ideally, no less than 1.5% of his
bodyweight per day should be provided as forage on
a dry matter basis. This means that a 500kg horse
requires 7.5kg of hay on a dry matter basis, which is
around 9kg if your hay has a dry matter content of
85%. Bear in mind that haylage will contain more
moisture and typically has a dry matter content of
around 65%, so 11.5kg daily would be required.
However, you can make your horse’s hay go
further, without unwanted calories, by...
• sourcing hay or haylage that’s been harvested
late in the season It contains a higher proportion
of stalk and stem compared to leaf, which is less
digestible and contains fewer calories
• soaking hay This is one of the most common
ways to reduce the calorie content. Soaking for up
to 12 hours may be necessary to remove as many
calories as possible
• using small-holed nets or double-netting This
will encourage trickle feeding and keep your
horse chewing his ration for as long as possible
• using fibre blocks These can replace some of
your horse’s hay ration because they’re tightly
compressed, so will take him much longer to eat
➤
HORSE&RIDER 113
Management know-how
Step 5: Balance his diet
Soaking hay can not only leach calories,
but nutrients, too, so it’s even more
important to ensure your horse is getting
the correct vitamins and minerals from his
bucket feed. This will help support overall
health and wellbeing, including a healthy
metabolism for weight loss, sufficient
energy levels, muscle tone and topline.
The best way to do this is by feeding a
balancer. These provide a concentrated
source of vitamins, minerals, and quality
protein with low levels of calories. They’re
DID YOU KNOW?
Just because a feed claims to
be low in sugar and starch, that
doesn’t necessarily mean it’s
low-calorie.
114 HORSE&RIDER
far more nutrient-dense than traditional
mixes or cubes and have lower feeding
rates – for example, a 500kg horse would
need just 500g per day.
Balancers are also low in sugar and
starch, making them ideal for those
who are prone to laminitis or insulin
dysfunction. Feeding one means you
can be sure your horse is getting all
the essential nutrients he needs, while
controlling his calorie intake, too.
Step 6: Increase energy
output
To achieve weight loss, a change in diet
should be accompanied by a suitable
exercise regime to increase calorie
expenditure. Light to moderate exercise
4–6 times a week can help to reduce
bodyweight significantly, but any exercise
programme needs to be realistic for the
individual horse, with a gradual increase
in intensity.
TOP TIP
Increase the length of time you
soak your hay for gradually in the
beginning. This will allow your horse to
get used to the different taste and his
digestive system to acclimatise to
the increased moisture intake.
Keep it up
Although good-doers are often
said to be easy to manage, it can
be hard to keep their weight under
control. Finding the right balance
is therefore key to keeping yours
healthy. Be prepared for weight
loss to take time and try not to be
disheartened if you don’t notice a
difference immediately. If you’re
struggling, speak to a nutritionist or
your vet for advice.
 Gorgeou
gear for y s

ear
ou
your hors and
e from

uide
SPRING/SUMMER
2022
Photos: Lucy Merrell

116
From dusk ‘til dawn
124
It’s show time
128
Hat trick
130
Let’s get technical
A colourful collection to make Competition looks to get Going peakless doesn’t Outfits to keep you cool
sure you stand out from the you ready for the show mean you have to and comfortable while
crowd this season season ahead sacrifice on style training

116 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

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WE TESTED...

Full-seat breeches Need some extra stickability in the saddle?

Look no further than this selection

T
here’s no denying
that breeches are an
equestrian essential. Our
overflowing wardrobes
know it, and – due to the
exponentially multiplying number
available – so does the current market.
Full-seat breeches are an increasingly
popular option, but even once you’ve
ruled out the no-grip and knee patch
alternatives, there’s still so many
options for every budget, discipline
and body type. With so much choice,
Photo: Jon Stroud

comes the difficulty of deciding which

pair’s the perfect one for you. To make
your decision easier, we’ve done the WHAT’S ‘FULL
legwork and put a selection to the test GRIP’?
so you don’t have to. Especially popular with dressage
riders, full-seat breeches give you a
grip that covers the inside of your legs
up to your seat. They provide you with
a bit of extra grip in the saddle and can
KEY make you feel more stable. Traditionally
made from leather or suede, lots of
the latest designs are made with
more modern materials, like
Sizes Zip pockets High waist silicone.
Other colours Pockets Water resistant
available

Derby House Elite high waist Premier Equine Sophia

£49.99 £62

High-quality breeches with a Classically styled with an

blend of recycled nylon. elegant, shaped waistband. 22–34

We say...
A smart pair of breeches
that were stretchy and
comfortable, although we
needed to size up. The
waistband’s designed to follow
the shape of your back, which
gave a close fit that didn’t need
pulling up. The seat’s made
of a synthetic leather, which
wasn’t restrictive and was
equally comfortable in and
out of the saddle. They didn’t
attract dirt or hair and would
24–36
make a great pair of everyday
breeches as they offer some
protection from the rain. The
zip pockets were useful.
derbyhousestore.com
We say...
Smart and lightweight but
the sizing came up a bit small.
The waistband offered great
support and the detailing was
a nice touch. Belt loops were
handy, too. The front pockets
are a good size although I’d
have preferred them to have
zips. The breeches performed
well and the stretchy fabric of stickability and hasn’t been
was comfortable for riding affected by a lot of wear and
and on the yard. The silicone washing.
grip has just the right amount premierequine.co.uk ➤
HORSE&RIDER 121
Harry Hall Woven
£69.95
Designed to sculpt while
offering great freedom of
movement.
We say...
Provided a flattering,
comfortable look and feel,
and the fit was true to size.
They were comfortable
for riding in although the
material had a tendency to
move while doing jobs on the
yard. They’ve stood up well
to regular wear. They didn’t
have any front pockets so I
would’ve preferred deeper
back pockets. The silicone seat
Toggi Flexi
£79
Lightweight four-way stretch
breeches with a silicone seat
and water-repellent finish.
We say...
A really lightweight, smart
pair of breeches. The
material was stretchy and
unrestrictive, so they could be
worn in and out of the saddle
for long periods of time with
no problems. The sizing was
spot-on and they weren’t too
grippy, making them lovely to
ride in. Held up well in light
showers, making them a great
option for competition and
everyday use. The branding is
Mountain Horse Diana
£85
Four-way nylon and spandex
mix breeches with a high,
wide waistband.
We say...
Comfortable to ride in and
on the yard, and didn’t feel
restrictive. Fit was true to
size. The high waistband was
supportive and had useful
belt loops. Found the front
pockets a bit small – they
were just right for treats,
but would’ve preferred them
bigger. Washed and worn well,
however the fabric picked up
dust easily, discolouring the
fabric until they were washed
122 HORSE&RIDER
22-36
was very grippy. Overall, they
offered a close fit that wasn’t
too restrictive.
harryhall.com
24-34
subtle, and the pockets were
a useful size. They’re now my
go-to pair of breeches.
toggi.com
EU 34-46
again. The silicone offered
a good balance of grip and
hasn’t started wearing away.
mountainhorse.co.uk
Equetech Ultimo Grip
£89.50
Designed for training and
competing, with a generous
phone pocket.
We say...
Comfortable enough to wear 24–36
for long periods of time and
the super-grippy seat has
stood up well to regular use
and washing. The sizing
was quite generous but the
high, supportive waistband
gave a flattering silhouette.
The fabric was quite thick They’ve washed well with no
and sturdy – not so much to shrinkage and have performed
make them restrictive but really well for the price.
they were warmer than some. equetech.com
Hy Equestrian Exquisite Stirrup
and Bit Collection
£89.99
Lightweight four-way stretch
24–34
breeches with a silicone seat
and water-repellent finish.
We say...
A stylish pair of everyday
breeches and the rose gold
detailing was a nice touch.
More of a mid-waist fit and
found the sizing came up a
bit small. The material was
comfortable and easy to keep
clean as it didn’t attract mud restricted by a heavier full
or hair. The silicone grip seat. The fabric and fastenings
was quite light, so a great have stood up well to use.
choice for those who can feel hy-equestrian.com
Coldstream Kilham competition
£119.99
Soft, lightweight material
that contours your figure.
Hair and water-repellent.
We say...
Stretchy and lightweight. The
fit was true to size and there
was some shaping. Lots of
stretch and very comfortable, 24–34
even when worn all day, and
easy to clean. The silicone
grip was hardwearing and
not too sticky, although the
branding down the leg has
started peeling. The stretch weren’t deep enough to hold
sock had a relaxed fit, but was a phone. Withstood riding in
still comfy under boots. Had the drizzle.
useful pockets but they coldstreamequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd Elisabeth
£129.98
Made from a technical,
supportive fabric with
elegant tape detailing.
We say...
Eye-catching design. The
waistband sat at exactly the
right height. The material was
really stretchy and the seams
didn’t dig in. A good length,
but taller riders might prefer
them longer. The back pockets
are zipped, which I worried
would mark the saddle, but
this hasn’t been a problem.
The smaller front pockets
are the perfect size for treats
Ariat Tri Factor X Bellatrix
£150
Durable, compressive
breeches with superior
stretch and comfort.
We say...
Fantastic breeches. Comfy
even after a long day on the
yard. Sizing was a bit generous
but seemed short in the leg.
The silicone grip has stayed
soft without any of the usual
signs of wear, although some
of the stitching is starting
to come away. The material
around the ankles is very
lightweight so had to take
care when putting them on.
Schockemöhle Sports Victory
£199
Breathable UV fabric with a
supportive fit and rhinestone
detailing.
We say...
Stylish, sporty breeches made
with a stretchy, supportive
material. The leg length was
perfect. Silicone seat had a
good amount of grip, and they
were used for all disciplines.
Small front pockets as well as
side pockets that would fit a
phone, which was ideal when
you weren’t wearing a jacket.
Subtle detailing. Washed
well, dried quickly and kept
their shape and colour. On the
24–34
or keys. They’ve washed
well – and have tumble dried
without any shrinkage.
marktoddcollection.co.uk
22–36
Impressed with the comfort
and performance – would
recommend these breeches.
ariat.com
EU 32–46
pricier side but seemed worth
the investment for the comfort
and overall look.
schockemoehle-sports.com
Horsey shopping
Cavallo Caja Grip
£210
Sporty all-round breeches
with a heavy-duty four-way
stretch cotton.
We say...
Smart breeches that were EU 32–46
comfy from the first use.
Had a fairly low waistband
and found the sizing a bit
big. Front pockets were only
suitable for small items.
They’ve washed and worn
well and still look like new.
The grip comes all the way quickly. Nice breeches but on
around the knee, which took the pricier side, so best for
some getting used to. The special occasions.
fabric is lightweight so dried zebraproducts.co.uk
Cavaleros Evento Dressage
£215
Breathable with added
lumbar support and no
stitching at the knee
We say...
Wide, thick rigid waistband EU 32–46
that offered great support
and a comfortable, flattering
fit – although sizing came up
small. The material was really
stretchy but bobbled between
the legs. The grip was durable
and not at all sticky in the
saddle. Belt loops were a nice fabric hasn’t faded or stained,
touch and although they only and the technical material
had front pockets, these were dried really quickly.
a good size for a phone. The thecentreline.co.uk
You can trust Horse&Rider tried
and tested features to rigorously put
products through their paces in real-life
situations to help you make an informed
decision on the right purchase for you.
Our testers used these full-seat breeches
regularly for a number of different riding
disciplines and yard jobs. They particularly
considered the fit, quality and effectiveness of
the materials, and kept longevity in mind, too.
Our best in test and best value products
were the most comfortable, practical,
versatile and hardwearing.
HORSE&RIDER 123
124 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

It’s show time

Competition looks to get you ready for the
season ahead
Ellen wears Premier Equine...
Luciana short-sleeve tie shirt £37, Ascot riding gloves £22,
Aradina full-seat gel competition breeches £94, Dellucci long
leather field riding boots £180. Model’s own helmet.
premierequine.co.uk

Sarah wears Schockemöhle Sports and Tonics...

Amelie show jacket £249, Adrianna UV show shirt £69.95,
Victory full-seat breeches £199, Tonics Space II boots £227.50,
Tonics Calypso gaiters £149.95. Model’s own helmet
and gloves.
schockemoehle-sports.com
tonics-shoes.com

Abbi wears Pikeur and Roeckl...

Pikeur Isalie jacket £249.95, Pikeur Marou competition shirt
£69.95, Roeckl Lisboa gloves £49.95, Pikeur Laure breeches
£169.95. Model’s own helmet and boots.
pikeur-eskadron.com
roeckl.de ➤

HORSE&RIDER 125
Horsey shopping

2
3

8
It’s
show time 4
GET THE LOOK

1 Fouganza 900 leather gloves £19.99 decathlon.co.uk 2 Equithème Marseille competition jacket £71.90 ekkia.com
3Derby House Elite gel seat II breeches £49.99 derbyhousestore.com 4 GS Equestrian knee length competition socks £8.95
gsequestrian.co.uk 5 Stierna Halo top £52 stierna.com 6 Cavallo Tonka belt £56 zebraproducts.co.uk 7 Ariat Palisade tall
boot £295 ariat.com 8 Shires Ready-Tied Brocade riding stock £12.99 shiresequestrian.com
➤
126 HORSE&RIDER
 the
glove
t h e g l o specialist
ve specialist
Shaws Equestrian Ltd since 1839
Shaws Farm - Atlow - Nr Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 1NS UK
T: +44 (0)1335 370737 - F: +44 (0) 843 5241578 - E: info@shawsequestrian.com
Horsey shopping

1
3

Hat trick
Going peakless doesn’t
mean you have to sacrifice
on style

4
7

6 5

1 Karben skull cap £59.99 shiresequestrian.com 2 Gatehouse HS1 From £154.98 gatehouse-equestrian.com
3 OneK Defender Air £169.99 justtogs.co.uk 4 Antares Galaxy Race From £270 pmequestrian.co.uk 5 Uvex Perfexxion II XC
From £210 zebraproducts.co.uk 6 Charles Owen 4Star From £215 charlesowen.com 7 Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey
Sport From £222 championhub.com
➤
128 HORSE&RIDER
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 Let’s get
technical
Outfits to keep you cool and
comfortable while training
Abbi wears Horseware...
Orla Tech polo £39.95, Hybrid Meryl pull-up
breeches £109.95, Sports compression socks £9.95.
Model’s own helmet and boots.
horseware.com

Ellen wears Hy Equestrian...

Sport Active baselayer £29.99, Sport Active riding
gloves £18.99, Sport Active silicone riding skins
£49.99, Sport Active riding socks £19.99 for three
pairs, Canterbury zip jodhpur boots £28.99.
hy-equestrian.com

Sarah wears Ariat...

Ascent Crew baselayer £70, Cool Grip gloves £30,
Ascent half grip tights £110, Ascent tall boots £250.
ariat.com
➤

130 HORSE&RIDER
Horsey shopping

HORSE&RIDER 131
Horsey shopping

1
3

8 Let’s get 4

technical
GET THE LOOK

7
6
5

1 Aspen Equestrian Technical baselayer £48 aspenequestrian.com 2 Harry Hall Protechmasta Power 2.0 baselayer £34.95
harryhall.com 3 Mark Todd Coolmax breeches £99.98 marktoddcollection.co.uk 4 Toggi Fusion Pro gilet £79 toggi.com
5 Resp Active Moulton top £45 respactive.com 6 SSG Technical gloves with wrist support £31.99 ssgridinggloves.com
7 Premier Equine Rexa gel knee riding tights £60 premierequine.co.uk 8 Woof Wear Competition socks £14.99 for two pairs
woofwear.com ➤
132 HORSE&RIDER
 Photo © Arie Kievit / The Netherlands Red Cross
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 Hy Equestrian DefenceX System Deluxe fleece rug Rhinegold Detroit Hexagon quilted stable rug
£49.99 £51.50
hy-equestrian.com rhinegoldequestrian.co.uk

Pop your
collar
Classic rugs with a
luxury feel

Waldhausen Comfort Line stable rug

£80.50
mackey.ie

Eskadron Softshell faux-fur sweat rug LeMieux fleece rug

£99.95 £129.95
pikeur-eskadron.com lemieuxproducts.com

134 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

Tempest Original Team Shires rug Premier Equine Buster fleece cooler – Continental Edition
£59.99 £66
shiresequestrian.com premierequine.co.uk

Schockemöhle Sports Premium Logo fleece rug Dominick Cosy Collar fleece rug
£84 £95
schockemoehle-sports.com thecentreline.co.uk

Comfort Zone Classic rug Kentucky Horsewear show rug

£139.99 £177.99
polypads.co.uk kentucky-horsewear.com ➤
HORSE&RIDER 135
Horsey shopping

2
3
4

Preened to
perfection
No competition outfit’s
complete without a horse
who looks the part, too
10
5

9 8 7 6

1 Absorbine Showsheen 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner £11.49 for 591ml absorbine.co.uk 2 Leovet Power Phaser £18.29 for
550ml leovet.de 3 Supreme Products clear hoof gloss £12.55 for 450ml supremeproducts.co.uk 4 Carr & Day & Martin Canter
Mane and Tail conditioner £11.95 for 500ml carrdaymartin.com 5 Cavalor Star Shine £18 for 500ml zebraproducts.co.uk
6 Mastacare Equestrian Lavender wash £5.57 for 500ml harryhall.com 7 Aniwell Filtaclear £8.46 for 50g aniwell-uk.com
8 NAF Brighter Than White £11.55 for 600g naf-equine.eu/uk 9 Science Supplements Aloe Vera shampoo £11.99 for 500ml
sciencesupplements.co.uk 10 Shapley’s Mane Mousse £17.99 for 397g themanehub.co.uk ➤
136 HORSE&RIDER
 More riding, More pony care, more fun!

d o n ’ t
m i s s !
diary
Dates for your
OOTS TUESDAY 3 MAY
GLORIOUS GRASSR
event that runs
at
9.00–17.00 – Grassroots
dressage
five-star
It’s not just the ips run
Grassroots championsh
Badminton– the running at

inttoon
MAY
is a two-day event WEDNESDAY 4

n 3–4 May, too. This dressage,

Badminton 9.00–17.00 – Grassroots try

min
BE100. Reaching
BE80, BE90 and

BBaaddm
for lots of showjumping &
cross-coun
dream come true
TO GOget your Grassroots is a out for PONY
Keep your eyes
C
READY
warm-up
to amateur eventers. Meg Elphick THURSDAY 5 MAY
be social media star
Use your g – he should mag model and 9.00–17.00 – CCI5*
dressage
pony listenin off your leg and qualified at BE90.
M with Jam, who’ve
IT move
quick to you ask.
BUILD setting out four
poles,
)
H
slow down
as soon as
him going
12.30 – dressage
display
I start by (2.7–3m you keep

is back
canter stride then one This’ll help grid and make sure
with one two, 6.1–7.3m
FRIDAY 6 MAY
the first n the last through the out of control. dressage
between feel ride 9.00–17.00 – CCI5*
stride betwee pair of you don’t warmed up,
jumping m). Pop a
B
Once you’ve walk, trot and
ones (6.1–7.3 spare pole either E in 12.30 – dressage
display
over the polesyour pony used to
6.1–7.3m
a
wings and and
second, third canter to
get straigh t
side of the – with an extra set on getting
SATURDAY 7 MAY
2.7–3m them. Focus your line all the way Pony Grand National
fourth poles – ready
Learn to jump biggerhick of wings
by the fourth
to build into
fences later on. F
and keeping
grid, looking
through the encourage your
up and 10.30 – Shetland
try
Elp to 11.30–17.00 –
CCI5* cross-coun
fences with Meg sitting tall
K rs.
his shoulde
pony to use
the
height of SUNDAY 8 MAY
pping the be A g
jump can 11.30 – CCI5* showjumpin

U fences you

even if you’re
you want
prospect

to do! I find
jumping
–
a really scary sure it’s what

g,
T he biggest three day event o f the
n ever!
14.00 – band display
showjumping (top
20)
up

quite dauntin 15.00 – CCI5*

bigger fencesgridwork to help me
too, so I use
confident.
Here’s my year is back and better tha 16.15 – parade
and prize giving
feel more to help
tested layout
tried and jumps.
bigger
you tackle
Horse Trials is running
his year Badminton riders
2022. Horses and JOIN THE FUN

T
day out,
from the 3–8 May in like your perfect
the world to compete If Badminton sounds This year, all tickets
travel from all over now!
of partnership between book your tickets none available
the ultimate test is you can be in advance, with
and the best bit must be bought can buy
horse and rider, in the dreamy can’t make it, you
the action. Held on the gate. If you and watch the whole
there to watch featuring some access to the live-stream
countryside and sofa! To find out
Gloucestershire find, we comfort of your
shopping you can event from the
of the best horsey as we do! more, visit badminton-
horse.co.uk
as much

step one
it
know you’ll love
raise it

–
cross-pole
into a small around
second pole with. Trot your pony shoulders
Build the
low to start the grid. Keep your
keeping it s s. The
and toward age him forwardand your
the corner legs on to encour
perfect strideit. AGE
up and your help you find the over ROYAL HERIT
10th Duke
of Beaufor
t started
will as he pops British
first pole In 1949, the as a way for
did yo?u
pick up canter Horse Trials to
pony should Badminton s. It opened
for the Olympic since then it’s
riders to train and

become one
riders in 1953
international the most popular events that
of
popular, in
fact,
on the
know
calendar. So to attend! of
equestrian been known Eventing consists
herself has try
the Queen dressage, cross-coun
g, the
and showjumpin
G person with the
lowest
STAR SPOTTIN
fave riders,
? Look out for your score at the end
of VISIT US!
GRIDS in any Badminton the event wins. SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP You can’t keep Team PONY away
from
WHYlack confidence ork’s such as reigning
March – she’s eventing, Badminton
As well as super-exciting Badminton! We’ll be there in the
World
If you gridw champion Piggy Some even have
jumping, 2019 and will has loads of horsey shops. of the Horse with loads of awesome
area of ate way to
give held the title since so you can pick up a
your it. But she’ll have special event discounts, merch, the latest issue of the
mag and
the ultim t. Grids help e by be keen to defend fave pony! There will
be
from the likes of signings with This Esme! Keep
an eye

A fresh
you a
boos ct strid tough competition bargain for you or your
the perfe m for Oliver Townend, as well as the chance on our socials for more info.
pony hit ing a rhyth Tokyo Olympic gold medallists Not to mention loads of familiar brands

T
here’s nothing Laura Collett. favourites.
establish you need
to
Tom McEwen and better than a beautiful,
William Fox-Pitt, to discover some new
freshlywinners, pony.Funnell,
focus
all
you, so is keeping
on TOP TIP TOP toTIP
video you
previous
trimmedPippa
unruly hair
But tidying
super-talen
doesn’t
loads of other
up hisWho will
ted riders.
mean making him bald!
23
straight so
Ask a friend
plus PONY magazine
your ponyoving neckstrap the grid You can neaten
cheering on?
Pop on a onto it to through you be feather and luscious
locks
jumping r without lopping them all off.

trim
and impr ion. you can hold if your see whethe Whether you love
posit balance so you can making a your pony’s look – hair
and all – or want to give
your r keep your
With fewe in a big jump your pony’s and your him a makeover, check
out our trimming guide.
to worry pony puts wobble. good shape
things or has a correct.
you can position’s
about, PONY magazine
jumps
let the without 15 22 ’Ear ’ea
happen Then ,
PONY magazine You mightr
panicking. more of hair find your
feel start in his ears, pony grows
as you , you can improving messy which can lots
and
confidentabout and looking you’d like collect dirt or look
thinking ’s canter and grease.
ear in yourto tidy them up, If
e.
your pony ct strid edges touchhand with the hold the
for the
perfe Get your pony looking his best in no ing. Caref outsid
time Big bushy beard hair that
scissors,
sticks out ully cut e
with a the
cutting
Most ponies have at least a few – make up towar pair of
sure you ds
stray hairs under their jaw, even instructor ask a parenthe sky
ine if they aren’t super-fluffy. Tidying if you needor yard mana t, your
PONY magaz up this fuzz will make fastening it. ger for
14 help
his noseband easier and quickly
smarten him up. Run a set of
trimmers down his jaw – taking
care not to bump them on the TOP TIP
bone. Alternatively, you can use a Regular trims will
make your sessions
comb and a pair of scissors to trim
the hair in line with his jaw bone. quicker and easier,
plus your pony’ll look
smarter for longer.

Leg it
Trimmed legs will make your pony
look extra sleek, but tidied-up
feather can look just as smart. If
you want to remove all the feather,
use a pair of trimmers or a comb
and scissors to cut it right back
against his fetlock. However, if
you’d like to tidy his feather, a pair
of scissors and a comb are the
perfect way to shape his hair and
keep it neat. Make sure you wash
TOP TIP and comb it through first so the
hair lies correctly before you trim
Take care of your
trimmers by getting it back.
the
blades sharpened and
oiling
them regularly, as well
as
making sure they’re
fully
charged before use.
Trimmed legs will make your pony
26 PONY magazine
look extra sleek
PONY magazine
27

6 Jess has asked and

7 and James

RIDING
James to canter come to an end do next
to remain in The lesson has he
of private everyone else ed. What should
fter a few months he’ll soon be has dismount

A
to kick-start trot. He notices
riding lessons another pony with his pony?
James is now approaching off in hand
his new hobby, at Should he… A) Walk him the girth
group lessons from behind. up and loosen
ready to join to move to the B) Run the stirrupsshow his mates later
He’s sooo excited, A) Tell them to
his riding school. doesn’t know C) Take a selfie

RULES!
he inside track
but he’s worried you help him get to trot just
Can B) Come back
all the rules! them
group lesson? before he reaches give them
through his first away and
C) Circle
plenty of room

8 A member of
his pony tacked
staff asks James has
up because
he
to leave

He should...
z!
Find out with our qui
in 15 minutes.
another lesson to the bit
riding school rules?
them
A) Clip the leadrope his pony’s head and tie
up on over
Think you’re clued B) Lift the reins
to the fence the throatlash
reins and thread r on
C) Twist the the headcolla
put
through, then

1 r, has told everyone

Jess, the instructoup in open order. What
5 Everyone’s told
again. James
to ride in open
is trotting on
order
the right
who’s
to start warming another pony
HOW DID YOU
approaching part of the
rein and he’s
does that mean? a time left rein. What
warms up at trotting on the
A) One person
B) Everyone
another
rides one behind ently
rides independ
track should
he ride on?
A) Inside track
GET ON?
C) Each person
B) Outside track
C) Upside track

2 a problem with
riding in FEELIN’ 0-3
points
James realises into everyone
open order –
he might bump
other riders?
RUSTY
he pass the was a
else! How should Uh oh – that
Don’t be afraid
A) Left to left tricky lesson! if you
B) Right to right to ask your instructor
E need some help.
COR
C) Left or right
S

MIDDLE OF 4-6
MY

points

3 James’s pony
is warmed up
the others are
and he’s
finishing
THE FIELD
Only a

8. C
walking while Almost there!
should he walk?

8
but James
sessions. Where the slow pace couple of hiccups,first group

5. A 6. C, 7. B,
their warm-up track because
his
really enjoyed
A) On the outside
lesson!
takes priority the faster pace
track because
B) On the inside
else can

2. A, 3. B, 4. A,
takes priority so everyone
of the arena
RULE THE
7-8
C) At one end
end points
use the other
ROOST

Answers: 1. C,
fab
Woah – your
riding school
knowledge on
James breezed
4 Jess has asked
as a ride, but
everyone to
trot together
James is worried
his pony
the
rules means
through his lesson!
the great work!
Keep up

front. What’s
by the one in
will get kicked he should leave?
minimum distance 17
distance e
A) One horse’s PONY magazin
distance
B) Two horse’s
distance
C) Five horse’s

e
PONY magazin
16

Available every
4 weeks
Order now at ponymag.com
PONY magazine is available from all good newsagents and retailers, including Tesco, WHSmith,
Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Martin McColl and Waitrose, or buy the latest issue online (with free UK postage)
at ponymag.com! Can’t find PONY magazine? Call 01428 601020 for help.
138 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

Heard it through
the grapevine
Look and feel stylish with these red and
burgundy tones
Ellen wears Harry Hall...
Protechmasta Power baselayer £34.95, Woven full-seat
breeches £69.95, Polo style belt £32.95. Model’s own boots.
harryhall.com

Sarah wears Cavallo...

Damira gilet £113, Destina polo shirt £70, Calima breeches £138,
Sheena socks £21. Model’s own boots.
zebraproducts.co.uk

Abbi wears Decathlon Fouganza...

500 sleeveless gilet £39.99, 100 short-sleeve polo shirt £8.99,
500 riding gloves £12.99, 500 silicone seat riding leggings
£39.99, 500 light riding socks £9.99 for two pairs,
500 jodhpur boots £39.99.
decathlon.co.uk ➤

HORSE&RIDER 139
Horsey shopping

Heard it
8
through the
grapevine
GET THE LOOK

6
7

1 Aztec Diamond Performance breeches £120 aztecdiamondequestrian.com 2 Coldstream Leitholm quilted gilet £94.99
coldstreamequestrian.co.uk 3 Dublin Kylee II short-sleeve shirt £34.99 dublinclothing.co.uk 4 John Whitaker Legend Training
baselayer £45 johnwhitaker.com 5 Gray Equestrian leggings £40 grayequestrian.co.uk 6 Mochara Technical baselayer £40
mochara.co.uk 7 Horseware riding tights £59.95 horseware.com 8 Roeckl Lona gloves £35.95 roeckl.de
➤
140 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

1 3

Close for
9
comfort
Gorgeous monoflap saddle
options to excel whatever
your discipline

6
8

1 Fairfax World Class dressage £3,850 fairfaxsaddles.com 2 GFS Premier jump £1,595 gfsriding.co.uk 3 Harry Dabbs Mariella
dressage £3,320 harrydabbs.co.uk 4 Ideal Technical & Traditional XC jump From £1,895 idealsaddle.com 5 Premier Equine
Bordeaux synthetic cross-country £440 premierequine.co.uk 6 Stübben Zaria Optimum From £3,380 stuebben.co.uk
7 Voltaire Design Lexington £3,950 voltairedesign.com 8 Bates Innova Mono+ £2,799 batessaddles.com
9 Wow Competitor From £3,300 wowsaddles.com
➤
HORSE&RIDER 141
 Mounting KEY

made easier
#
Number of colours
available

Height

BUYER’S GUIDE MOUNTING BLOCKS Non-slip

Weight
Make getting on your
horse easier with these Maximum
load
handy blocks

U
sing one is better
for your back –
not to mention
your horse’s – and
it can reduce
unnecessary strain on your
saddle, too, but how much
thought do you put into the
mounting block you use?
Choosing one that suits
your riding lifestyle
is a simple way to TOP TIP
streamline your It’s important to position
routine. That’s your mounting block on a
why we’ve taken a secure, level surface and ensure
look at the options it’s tall enough for the size of TOP TIP
available, whether horse you’re getting on. The position of your block while
you need one for mounting is important. Too close and
Photo: Jon Stroud

the yard or lorry, or a you’ll apply a lot of downward force

combination of the two. on your saddle, possibly leading to
a slip. Too far away and you’ll have
to launch yourself, which will be
uncomfortable for your horse.

The foldaway
When you’re frequently on the go, 39cm
you need something that can keep up. 9
Whether you’re schooling in the field, DID YOU
plaiting for a competition or away from KNOW?
home, it’ll need to be light, easy to Mounting
handle and simple to stow away. from a block
shouldn’t be a
1.5kg
sign that you
Why not try... lack flexibility.
QHP Step-up stool Repeatedly
100kg
£19.95 getting on from
the ground puts
Super-lightweight and folds away for a lot of strain on
easy carrying, the slim profile makes it one side of your
easy to store when not in use. Doubles up horse’s body – so
as a height booster for perfect plaits, too. you’re saving him
qhp.nl a lot of stress.

142 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

63.5cm 30.5cm
4 15

9.5kg 5kg

90kg

The multitasker The space saver

If it’s all about aesthetics at your yard, you won’t want If storage space at your yard comes at a premium, you’ll want
anything cluttering up your backdrops. But, what if your a dual-purpose piece of kit that works a little smarter. Light
choice of mounting block could double up as a schooling aid? in weight, it’ll be easy to move and will keep your kit safe, too.

Why not try... Why not try...

Stubbs Up and Over JSW One Step tack box with handles
£35 £59.95

A combined three-step mounting and jump block,
perfect for taller horses. With shallow cups either
side of each step and a rope handle for easy
carrying.
stubbsengland.com
Made from tough polyethylene, this will keep your
grooming kit secure while giving you a safe spot to
mount from. With flexi handles for manoeuvrability,
it has a watertight 50-litre lockable capacity.
jsw4jumps.co.uk

41.5cm 60cm
15 14

10kg 15kg

260kg 260kg

The all-rounder The taskmaster

It’s small enough to be mobile, but robust enough to become Tall, sturdy, yet surprisingly mobile, this one’s likely to tick
a yard staple. In fact, if you buy one, you’ll probably end up all the boxes. Once you find one, you’ll wonder what you did
sharing it between a few of your stablemates. before it arrived.

Why not try... Why not try...

Classic Showjumps Two Step Heavy Duty PolyJumps Three Step
£77 £110

Hard-wearing and robust set of steps. The hand
holes at the side make it easy to move and it’s fitted
with abrasive anti-slip strips on each step for sure
footing.
classicshowjumps.com
It’s strong and durable but also lightweight and
easily transportable due to the built-in wheels and
handle. Each step is textured to prevent slipping.
Three step solution for mounting any horse or pony.
polyjumps.com

HORSE&RIDER 143
 This month we
Take a look at some of our favourite horsey products

IN CASE OF
Gut to the chase SHOWERS
Nettex V.I.P. Gut Thrive Take cover from downpours
is a tasty apple flavoured with the stylish and
supplement that contains lightweight Bucas Freedom
a combination of pre- and turnout rug. Featuring a
probiotic ingredients. It’s silk-feel lining to keep your
designed to support your horse’s summer coat rub free,
horse’s hindgut health, the waterproof, breathable
digestive function and and rip-stop outer will ensure
condition year-round or in he stays cool.
times of stress. From £89
From £20.99 for 1kg zebraproducts.co.uk
nettexequine.com

NEED FOR TWEED

The Elico Tweed lycra hat cover
will finish off your riding outfit
TRIED & TESTED with a nod to countryside style.
The tasteful herringbone design
Animac Allrounder combo fly rug is available in brown or navy
£40 and is complimented with a
faux-fur pom-pom.
A lightweight, breathable rug made with a sun reflecting £14.95
fabric that provides protection from insects. elico.co.uk

It offered a secure fit and didn’t seem to slip. There was

plenty of adjustment options on the fastenings, however
found the fit around the shoulders a little snug on a broad GOLDEN TOUCH
horse. There’s no belly flap, but the depth of the sides Turmeritch from The
provided lots of coverage. The horse didn’t get too hot Golden Paste Company
while wearing it, yet the material was durable enough that combines neem, red bush
it’s not really showing many signs of wear. The integrated tea and chamomile to
neck offered extra coverage. Proven to be durable and help provide your horse
effective. Impressed by the affordable price. some relief from itching this summer. Easy to feed and
animac-wear.com highly palatable, the pellets contain micronised linseed for
healthy skin and a shiny coat.
£59.99 for 2kg
goldenpastecompany.com

Stripe dream
Toggi’s Stripy long-sleeve top
is made from a soft, stretchy
material that’s breathable,
too, making it a true wardrobe
essential. Offering UV
protection in addition, it’s
perfect for keeping you cool in
the sunshine.
£40
toggi.com

144 HORSE&RIDER
 Horsey shopping

SUMMER SPRITZING
Perfect for the warmer weather,
the Absorbine Ultrashield Healthy horses
Green body spray has a mix of Formulated to support
seven aromatic oils. Its effective your horse’s health and
formula is supplied in a refillable recovery when his immune
bottle with a vertical and system’s facing challenges,
horizontal fan spray – making NAF Immuforte is
hard-to-reach areas a thing of an innovative liquid
the past! supplement designed by
£25.03 for 946ml vets and nutrition experts.
absorbine.co.uk From £33 for 1l
naf-equine.eu/uk

NO FLIES ON YOU
Crafted from a durable,
lightweight mesh fabric,
Premier Equine’s Combo
Mesh Air fly rug is great
for keeping insects at bay.
It features a longer cut
and integrated neck cover
for extra coverage, and
provides up to 70% UV
reflection.
£93
GOT TO HAVE FAITH premierequine.co.uk
Need some on-course motivation? Check out the Jump 4
Joy “Believe in Yourself” jump set from Jump 4 Joy, who
has teamed up with iconic illustrator Emily Cole. Part of a
new range, the bundle includes a pair of illustrated wings,
two poles and a plank displaying the quote.
£826
showjumps.com

TRIED & TESTED

Equestrian
Stockholm
Light Breeze
competition top
£84

Made from a
lightweight four-way
stretch material with
UV protection and an
invisible zipper.

Travel in style
The Bloomfields Eventer 5T is the ultimate two-stall
horsebox incorporating 8ft of luxury living in your choice
of colour, finish and style. The 5T has all the same luxuries
as a 7.5T lorry but with the running costs, driveability and
low ride of a 3.5T. It alaso has a payload of around 1,650kg,
depending on extras.
£68,495 + VAT
bloomfields.co
We say...
Stylish long-sleeve top that has been worn for a number
of disciplines. It performed well under a competition
jacket in the winter and on its own in warmer weather. The
top was a great length that didn’t ride up and was easily
tucked into breeches. The sleeves were a good length,
too. Made with a comfortable material that stretched
with your movement, so wasn’t restrictive. Has washed
and dried well with no fading or staining and it’s showing
minimal signs of wear.
equestrianstockholm.com

HORSE&RIDER 145
 2
TO WIN! 3
TO WIN!

Just the ticket Good gastric health

Two lucky winners will each receive four Sunday admission
tickets for the Festival of British Eventing, worth £100. Due
to be held at Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire between 5-7
August, watch all your favourite eventers compete for five
national championship titles. With plenty of tradestands and
attractions to keep you entertained, too, you’re sure to enjoy
an action-packed day out.
festivalofbritisheventing.com
Three lucky winners will each receive a 2kg tub of
V.I.P. Acid Shield from Nettex, worth £74.99. The tasty
apple flavoured formula contains proven and natural
ingredients that are specifically designed to help
maintain a healthy gastric environment with normal pH
levels. It’s the perfect supplement for helping your horse
feel comfortable when he needs it the most.
nettexequine.com

PERFECT
£1,383
WORTH BE
PRIZES T
WON!
OF
O
PRIZES!
4
TO WIN!
1
TO WIN!
Full of fibre
Four lucky winners will each
receive three 20kg bags of
Rowen Barbary Leisure Plus,
worth £51.66. This high-fibre feed
contains a unique blend of herbs,
including calcareous marine If the boot fits
algae for gut support, to aid a One lucky winner will receive a pair of Easyboot Cloud
fully balanced diet. Also contains therapy boots from The Saddlery Shop, worth £211.90.
a blend of linseed and soya oils These are designed to give comfort and support during
to support good skin and coat recovery from chronic hoof problems, such as laminitis.
condition, supporting horses in Each boot contains a unique pad to offer comfort and
light to moderate work. support, helping to keep your horse comfortable.
rowenbarbary.co.uk thesaddleryshop.co.uk

146 HORSE&RIDER
 3
TO WIN!

The Great
Stylish and sustainable
Three lucky winners will each receive a Paladin
Equestrian matching set, worth £94.99. Set includes
Horses for Health
a general purpose saddlepad, ear bonnet and four
fleece bandages – each of which is available in
one of three striking designs: peacock, flamingo or
merchandise
geometric jungle. You’ll stand out in the ring every
time with this unique range of sustainable horse wear.
paladin-equestrian.com

TO ENTER
Scan the QR code or visit
horseandridercompetitions.co.uk
Entries must be received by 26 May 2022, unless otherwise stated.
See website for privacy policy and full terms and conditions.

3
TO WIN!

New for
2022
All-round protection
Three lucky winners will each receive an Absorbine
Ultrashield fly control bundle, worth more than £85.
This includes a bottle of the all-natural soothing
Ultrashield Green summer spray, an Ultrashield
insecticide and repellent ideal for use in and around the
stable and an Ultrashield fly mask that blocks 80% of
UV rays while keeping your horse cool and comfortable
during the summer months.
absorbine.co.uk

Order from horseandrideruk.com/shop

 DREAM

HORSEY HOMES Imagine life in your ideal equestrian property with our selection

EAST SUSSEX WEST SUSSEX ESSEX

Relaxing retreat Dream horsey home Period farmhouse

Character five-bed house with a
fishing lake and 14 acres. Available
as a whole or in two lots. Has been
run as a successful B&B, glamping,
camping and pottery site.
Detached grade II listed period
four-bed property with a generous
family kitchen/breakfast room. Also
has five stables and a 20x60m arena
with mixed rubber and sand surface.
Grade I listed four-bed former manor
house with grade II listed granary.
Set in open countryside and offers
great commuter links. Has been
sensitively restored.

Stables: – Stables: 5 Stables: –

Acres: 14 Acres: 9 Acres: 2
Manège: – Manège: 1 Manège: –

OIEO £1,600,000 OIEO £1,500,000 OIRO £1,195,000

batchellermonkhouse.com churchillcountry.com fennwright.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE SURREY

Dream home potential Character and charm Idyllic location

Four-bed family home with a diverse
range of outbuildings including
five brick stables housed in a barn,
feed room and hay store. Excellent
hacking with well fenced paddocks.
A three-bed barn conversion with
around 24 acres. Has seven brick
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for a generous two-storey garage.
Period grade II listed country home
with seven bedrooms. Located in a
tranquil semi-rural location. Separate
two-bed annexe, car port, tennis
court and stables set in 12.5 acres.

Stables: 5 Stables: 7 Stables: 3

Acres: 6.3 Acres: 24 Acres: 12.5
Manège: – Manège: – Manège: –

£1,395,000 £900,000 £3,250,000

foxgrant.com reldproperty.com savills.com

148 HORSE&RIDER
 INSURANCE FIELD MAINTENANCE

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 Master
Saddlers
British Saddlery is the best in the world. Ensure that you
deal through a Member of the Society of Master Saddlers.

Central Eastern

S MILNER & SON

RUTH WYATT SADDLERY
Location: Buckinghamshire
Expertise: MS, QSF
T: 07894 945594
E: enquiries@ruthwyattsaddlery.co.uk
W: ruthwyattsaddlery.co.uk
SADDLE DOCTORS UK
Location: Oxford
Expertise: QSF with QMSF, MSF
T: 01865 244700 / 07810 722499
W: saddledoctors.co.uk
Midlands
RUTH SPENCER RS SADDLES
Location: Leicestershire
Expertise: SMS QSF, QS
T: 01455 249599
W: rssaddles.co.uk
Location: Melton Mowbray
Expertise: QSF, MSF, MS, QS
T: 01664 454839
E: enquiries@smilnerandson.com
W: smilnerandson.com
MARTIN WILKINSON SADDLERY
Location: Hertforshire
Expertise: MSF, MS, QSF
T: 01727 821020
E: sales@martinwilkinson.com
W: martinwilkinson.com
FOXASH SADDLE FIT
Location: Essex
Expertise: SMS QSF, MSFC Dip, Equine
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T: 07919897141
E: info@foxashsaddlefit.co.uk
W: foxashsaddlefit.co.uk
Northern
THINFORD SADDLERY
Location: Durham
Expertise: SMS QSF, AR
T: 01388 814391
E: info@thinfordsaddlery.com
W: thinfordsaddlery.com

AR MSF MS
APPROVED RETAILER MASTER SADDLE FITTER MASTER SADDLER

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2022 Directory
TRADE & MANUFACTURERS
ALBION GFS SHIRES EQUESTRIAN PRODUCTS
Location: Walsall Location: Walsall Location: Herefordshire
T: 01922 646 210 T: 01922 638094 T: 01568 613600
E: sales@albionengland.co.uk E: sales@fieldhouse.co.uk E: sales@shiresequestrian.com
W: albionengland.co.uk W: gfsriding.co.uk W: shiresequestrian.com

HARRY DABBS SADDLE MAKERS THOROWGOOD

Location: Walsall E: info@thorowgood.com
ARENA SADDLES T: 01922 642222 W: thorowgood.com
E: care@arenasaddles.com E: info@saddlery.co.uk
W: arenasaddles.com W: harrydabbs.co.uk

VOLTAIRE DESIGN
BATES SADDLES Location: UK
E: customerservice@batessaddles.com THE IDEAL SADDLE COMPANY T: 07384 542445
W: batessaddles.com Location: Walsall E: contactuk@voltairedesign.com
T: 01922 620233 W: voltairedesign.com
E: info@idealsaddle.com
W: idealsaddle.com

COLLEGIATE SADDLERY WINTEC SADDLES

E: sales@weatherbeeta.com E: hello@wintec-saddles.com
W: collegiatesaddlery.co.uk W: wintec-saddles.com
JEFFRIES SADDLERY
Location: Walsall
T: 01922 642222
E: info@saddlery.co.uk
W: ejeffries.co.uk
FAIRFAX SADDLES
Location: Walsall WOW SADDLES
T: 01922 711676 Location: Kent
E: emma@fairfaxsaddles.com T: 01227 831614
W: fairfaxsaddles.com E: info@wowsaddles.com
W: wowsaddles.com
KENT & MASTERS
Location: Walsall
T: 01922 711676
E: info@kentandmasters.co.uk
W: kentandmasters.co.uk
 SOCKS

NEW

T-SHIRTS

DVD
Valegro's
Farewell

BOOKS

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HOODIE

CLOTHING
CLOTHINGBOOKSDVDsBAGS
SDVD BAGS
…and much more online at horseandrideruk.com/shop
 Next month in
ON SALE
19 MAY

TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE

with Charlotte Dujardin
PIGGY MARCH'S
SECRETS TO BETTER SCORES

When should you

call the vet?
ALL ABOUT
SUMMER SOUNDNESS

ON TEST
Fly gels and lotions

BUYER'S GUIDE TO HOOFCARE

 MY LIFE

with
LIBBY SNELL
is a bloodstock and
communications manager for a
racehorse trainer in Lambourn
where she’s responsible for
keeping owners up to date on
their horses. If managing 100
horses at work wasn’t enough,
horses
For Libby Snell, every day’s like race day. She lives and
breathes Thoroughbreds in both her work and home life.
Libby runs her own business She shares what it’s like to walk a week in her boots
producing youngsters at home.

Wednesdays are work mornings

Monday morning and I’m at
work by 6:30am. Fortunately,
my dad looks after the horses
at home during the week and keeps our
bloodstock business ticking along. It’s
a chilly start to the day, but luckily for
me I’m in the car with Ed, the trainer,
watching the horses work. We have five
of our best horses racing on Friday, so I
need to get plenty of photos and videos
to send over to their owners. There are
100 horses on the yard at work, all owned
by different people, and I’ve got to have
impeccable knowledge of each one ready
for any questions.
Today I’m off to a small, local
race meeting – it’s vital that
I’m there so I can update the
owners on how their horses went. On
my way, I give my dad a call to check in
on how the horses are at home and see if
anything needs ordering – with 19 horses,
we get through a lot of feed! Between
races, I grab a few minutes for myself to
call the feed store and add a few extras to
my order – luckily, they’re used to this!
for the racehorses in training,
which means they train a bit
harder and faster. So, I’m back out in the
car with Ed. It’s great to see which horses
are doing well and who might need a
bit more work. Forwarding on videos to
owners is surprisingly time consuming
and before I know it, it’s lunchtime.
Today, I have a rare afternoon off so I’m
heading home to help Dad on the yard.
Between chores, we spend the afternoon
going through the horses’ workloads and
checking in on how they’re progressing,
before doing some admin in preparation
for the seven horses we have going to the
sales next month.
A super-early start this
morning – the alarm went off
at 4.30am – so I can drive from
Hereford back to Lambourn in time for
work. Luckily there’s not a lot of traffic
on the road at that time. I’m having an
office day with the racing secretary, who
I work very closely with. We’re struggling
to recruit stable staff and riders at the
moment because of the huge shortage, so
we’re spending the day working to rectify
this and hopefully get some keen people
on board.
It’s race day! We’ve got five
horses running, some at
different venues, which means
lots of stress for me! When I’m at the
races, I’ll meet up with the owners for a
chat before getting stuck in with tacking
up. I’ll liaise with the jockey and owners
in the paddock about the plan for the race.
end, Starman
Stallion and racing leg
Then, once the race is over and everyone’s
adrenaline levels are back down, it’s my
job to talk to the jockey to report back to
Ed on how the horse went.
For some people, Saturday
means the weekend, but horses
never have a day off, so it’s work
for me in the morning. Then, I dash home
to do the horses with Dad. I steal a few
hours in the evening to update the horses’
logbooks – having accurate records of
how they’re getting on is helpful for
tracking their progress.
Sunday’s my day off, but I’m still
up by 7am and out first thing
taking care of the horses. Once
the chores are done, I head to the shops
– there are some big race days coming up
and I need some new outfits! Finally, the
afternoon means some proper me-time.
I spend most of it relaxing by the fire
before sitting down for a family Sunday
roast, then I head back to the Cotswolds
ready to start again on Monday.

ngo!
Sunday’s my day off, but I’m still up by 7am
t win for Mr Va
First race, firs
and out first thing taking care of the horses
154 HORSE&RIDER
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