Your Horse August Issue

Be a Better rider, get the Best from your horse uK’s No.1 equiNe moNthly

WiN a horseBox!

worth£28,900

gearstirrups

oN testguide to

fly masKsstylish

Boots

training academyExclusive lessons & online videos with Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim✔ Flying changes✔ Dog-leg turns✔ Grid work✔ Counter- canter

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‘the advice that made me a winner’reveals mary KiNg

Care-freehacking

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horsebox spy-camwhat he really gets up to when on the move

What you can

learn from Western

riding

WINa horse

box!

6 In the spotlIghtThe Olympic golden oldie

8 hot topIcsWhat’s new in the equine world

10 our horsesWhat the YH team have been up to

15 get InvolvedYour views on the horse world

57 WIn!A dressage VIP day plus Stretch & Flex training wraps

103 WIn!Tottie goodies for you and your horse

127 up for grabsWe’ve got loads of freebies to give away including a Thermatex rug

146 In the hot seat...with Team GBR sports nutritionist Julia Scott-Douglas

32 prIvate lessonsEvent rider Gaby Cooke helps two readers solve their problems

42 off hIs forehand Anna Ross-Davies’ simple exercises to get your horse to lighten up

48 learn from the coWboysWhat we can all learn from the Western riders

51 schoolIng successFive exercises to help you crack some common problems

Every issue

Features

Training Academy

Better Riding

58 celebrIty IntervIeW Olympic eventer Mary King on her drive to win and her top horses

64 go hackIng someWhere neWFinding new places to ride

70 hoW to enjoy the olympIcs Even if you haven’t got tickets!

72 all the fun of team eventIng The diary of a fantastic four days

InsideAugust 2012

pAge 58 Mary King answers your questions

pAge 12 Win a horsebox worth £28,900 – our fantastic competition starts this month

10 pages of our exclusive lessons and online training with Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim starting pAgE 18

SerieS

pAge 32 expert help for readers

pAge 8 is this the solution to crib biting?

Subscribe today and be the envy of your yard with this FREE Charles Bentley grooming kit worth over £33 go to pagE 30

80 carIng for hIs hooves How these vital parts of your horse work – and how to care for them

86 make catchIng easy What to do if your horse doesn’t want to be caught

88 When I groW up...What your foal’s personality tells you about his future career potential

95 happy travellIngExpert advice to make sure your horse has a positive experience travelling

fInd out (or remInd yourself) hoW to...get his noseband right...look after his teeth...fit a numnah correctly...jump up and downhill successfully...check your trailer for safe travel...perfect your bandaging skills ...place trotting and canter poles...banish those nasty bot eggs...go barefoot...It all starts on page 128

104 bIg testWe test six pairs of technical stirrups to see which performed the best

110 fIrst lookInnovative tendon and fetlock boots

112 What’s neWOur pick of the latest horsey gear

114 buyers’ guIdeFind the best fly mask to keep your horse happy this summer

122 our kItThree great products the YH team and our readers can’t live without

124 bargaIn to bloWoutAdd a bit of bling to you and your horse – whatever your budget

Horse Care Essential Know-howgear guide

pAge 114 Find the best fly mask

pAge 80 Looking after his hooves

pAge 135 How to place trotting poles

WIN A HORSEBOX

WORTH£28,900

www.yourhorse.co.uk12 your horse August 2012

Ride in style

Win an equi-trek sonic horsebox

This is your chance to win this Equi-Trek horsebox plus a fantastic Kent & Masters GP saddle worth £795

How to enterFor your chance to win…Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and follow the instructions. special terms and conditions apply. closing date is midday on 2 January 2013. alternatively visit Your horse Live at stoneleigh Park on 10-11 november – the horsebox will be on show for you to have a look at and you can enter while you’re there (turn to page 78 for more info about this fantastic event)• For more information on the Equi-Trek range of

horseboxes, go to www.equi-trek.com or call 01484 852121

• Competition open to UK entrants only, who must be 18 or over and own a horse.

This Sonic Horsebox is worth a cool £28,900 – and it could be yours if you enter our fantastic competition today!

The Sonic is compact and easy to drive and carries two horses in total luxury. It has the added benefit of a tack/changing/sitting area, with two saddle racks, two bridle racks and two coat hooks so you can carry all your equipment with ease, totally separate from the horses’ area.

There’s also additional storage over the cab. Equi-Trek has generously added a package of incredible extras including:

• Alloy wheels• Mud flaps• Head divider• Corner seat with storage• CCTV camera• Digital reversing camera• Padded partition• Padded walls• Extra height partition• Road tax until June 2013

As well as the fantastic Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox, we’re giving you the chance to win prizes every month from our Win a Horsebox sponsors Petplan Equine, Musto, Animalife and Kent & Masters.

WORTH£28,900

Win a horsebox

http://www.yourhorse.co.uk/win

www.yourhorse.co.uk August 2012 your horse 13

when performance mattersPerformance Nutraceuticals

Changing the gullet

the flocking slots

the S-Series GP saddle from Kent & Masters

Behind the Kent & Masters Saddlers’ name is 25 years of saddle-making experience, saddle-fitting knowledge to the highest standard and equestrian expertise proven at international level.

Made in Walsall, Kent & Masters saddles offer well-designed competition models and fitting solutions for even the trickiest conformation. Every saddle has a quick change gullet bar system, so the saddle width can be adjusted to best fit the profile of your horse’s withers.

The new S-Series GP combines superior craftsmanship and higher specification design for a truly luxurious feel and appearance. It’s built on an adjustable tree and has changeable girthing options, so a saddle fitter can tailor the saddle to your horse’s requirements.

The flaps are cut far enough forward to allow for jumping and hunting, as well as schooling and hacking. The ghosted stitching allows the kneepad to contour over the knee-roll and the hide-covered calf pad makes this a high comfort GP. Colours: Black, brownSeat sizes: 17in, 17½in, 18inChangeable Gullet Bar: SimaTree R-bar in 7 widths

win This FanTasTiC GP saddLe

This month we’ve teamed up with Kent & Masters to offer one winner an

S-Series GP saddle worth £795

to enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win – closing date is August 27 2012. For more on Kent & Masters saddles visit www.kentandmasters.co.uk


www.yourhorse.co.uk18x your horse AuGusT 2012

Training AcademyTrain with our experts for free

Meet your expert trainers

jumping

Jay HalimRiding for: 24 yearsCurrent rides: VIP II, Who Boy, Master EliCareer highlights: Winning the 2007 Burghley Young Event Horse class on Eye Candy, top 5 placings at 1, 2 and 3 star, Foxhunter winner at the 2011 Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships, 3rd in the 2011 Grand prix at Hickstead

Jay says: “We’re half way though the Training Academy now and I hope you’re enjoying it so far and making good progress but while we’ve covered a lot there’s still much more to go – let’s hope we can get everything covered!”

AuGusT 2012 your horse x19 www.yourhorse.co.uk

Dressage and jumping key skills this month

Ride counter-canter Shoulder control Change gears Master dog-legs Perfect landings Test your balanceTRAI

IN

NG AC

ADM

EY

NGNGN ACACA

A dressage Spencer WiltonRiding for: 35 yearsCurrent rides: Zamboucca, Doogie, Super NovaCareer highlights: Winning the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in 2006 in Saumur with Dolendo, winning the National Champions in 2007 with Dolendo, winning the Winter Medium Open Championships in 2011 with Zamboucca

Spencer says: “So far we’ve worked on everything from straightness to tempo and we’re now at a point where we can really refine and develop what we’ve learnt – I hope you’re finding the Training Academy useful and if we can answer any questions we will – just head to page 29 to find out how to get in touch.”

dressage jumping

Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 9 August 2012 and is only available to UK subscriptions received across all offer codes starting with GY. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery of your gift. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to send you an alternative gift of similar type/value. We also reserve the right to reclaim the gift/value of the gift if you cancel your subscription before the end of the agreed term as stated above. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Phone +44 1858 438824. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

When it comes to grooming, it really pays to have the best tools for the job, and you can’t get

much better than this gorgeous Bentley Deluxe kit. The striking black and gold colour scheme is practical for the yard and so stylish you can be proud to use it at shows, too.

Julie Brown Editor of Your Horse

The Editor says

13 issues of Your Horse

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Train with

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Betterriding

Easy-to-follow expert advice for beginners to advanced riders

page 42 Get your

horse off his forehand

This monthêê


page 48 Learn from Western riding

page 51 Crack common schooling problems

Inside Better Riding32 private lessons International eventer

Gaby Cooke helps two riders at different levels solve their problems

42 off the forehand Top dressage rider Anna Ross-Davies’ exercises to help your horse lighten up

48 learning from the cowBoys Find out what Western riding can teach you

51 schooling success Dressage rider Darryl Thickett has five great exercises to help you crack common problems

Lesson 1: novice – aLison and saatchi

First impressions

Gaby Cookeis an international event rider from Rutland. At just 21, she has already progressed from Novice to representing and competing for Great Britain at the Junior European Championships, and then on to CCI**** level thanks to the support from her trainer, Chris White. Find out more on www.gabycooke.com

aLison Cookeand her 10-year-old KWPN gelding, Saatchi, have been training and competing in JumpCross up to 3ft 3in and are now introducing cross-country training. They’re starting to build up confidence in show jumping, jumping up to 3ft 6in introducing doubles, trebles and bounces. Alison wants help with confidence and finding a stride.

Louise LeWendon and her nine-year-old TBxID mare, Summer, are currently competing in show jumping at 85cm and 95cm, working up to 1m at home. They’re confident at these heights but things go wrong when Summer decides to take the lead and either charges at a fence or takes off too early. She runs away from Louise after each fence.

PrivateLessonsThe Your Horse Private Lessons follow two pupils – one novice, one advanced – having lessons with one trainer. Each has different issues to tackle.

MEET THE TRAINER LEssoN 1: NovIcE LEssoN 2: AdvANcEd

“Warm up by weaving him in and out of the fences to get him supple and listening,” says Gaby. “Now send him forwards down the long side to help with his impulsion and when you reach the end, bring him around to ride a 10-12m circle. Make sure he’s bending his body around your leg – that’s really good, now change the rein and do the same on the other rein.

“Remember that when you bring him back from the medium canter down the long side you need to bring him back straight – he’s just falling out of his inside shoulder at the moment.

“Generally it’s good, but I’ve a few ideas we can work on in this lesson to help you.”

l Getting Saatchi more reactive off Alison’s leg

l Improving suppleness and gaining impulsion

l Encouraging Saatchi to think for himself and not rely on Alison

Lesson focus

alison and saatchi need help with confidence tackling fences

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www.yourhorse.co.uk42 your horse AuGusT 2012

Better Riding Off his forehand

www.yourhorse.co.uk AuGusT 2012 your horse 43

OFF THE FOREHAND EXPLAINED

ANNA ROSS-DAVIES is an International Grand Prix rider and trainer. She trained for five years with German rider Ulla Saltzgeber and has since had great success both here and abroad. She trains riders at all levels and is based at Altogether Equestrian in Wiltshire. For more information visit www.altogetherequest-rian.com

ThE bAby Southern Cross Cloudy Bay is four and newly backed. He’s very green and is with Anna to further his education. At 18hh he’s a big lad and, because of this, he won’t find taking weight on his quarters easy to start with. It’s important that nothing is rushed with a horse of this age – you’ve got to find ways to help him along without over stressing him, physically or mentally.

ThE wISE Owl15-year-old Pegasus MK is a Grand Prix horse (and cheeky with it). Bought as a three-year old from Brightwells auction, MK has had huge success on the national and international circuit. Anna describes the Dutch gelding as a bit of a hot head, but she loves him to bits. He has no problems taking weight on his quarters, but Anna still uses exercises to ensure it stays that way.

lighten up

Without his rider, a horse carries 75% of his weight over his forelegs – that’s just his default setting. Add the weight of a saddle, bridle and a rider and he’s immediately out of balance and will dive onto his forehand more than ever. However if you watch a horse at liberty, he’ll carry himself gracefully and with a sure foot, taking weight on his quarters if needed – changing direction cantering in the field for instance – and they can show incredible movement when moving on their own. So they’re able to do it, we just have to train them to do it when we’re on board – to work correctly they have to take more weight behind.

The aim of all good training therefore is to ensure our horse can carry us with ease. We need to make sure he’s balanced throughout all of his training and not hinder him along the way. A balanced horse is capable of good movement, even if his paces are not the best in the world.

It’s not just about your horse being off his forehand because

that’s what’s required of him in competition although a horse who can take weight behind will find dressage movements and jumping much easier – therefore you should be more successful in the long run. But it’s also very much to do with his welfare. A horse who’s ridden constantly on his forehand is at risk of developing soundness issues, particularly as his workload increases and he starts to attempt the higher-level movements or collection.

what does it feel and look like?A correctly working horse who’s off his forehand and taking his weight behind will be a joy to ride. He’ll feel light, easier to manoeuvre – particularly noticeable during tight turns or lateral work – and more responsive to your aids. Viewed from the side, his withers will be higher than his hindquarters – almost like he’s sitting down a little. It will feel a bit like you’re on a plane that’s taking off – as if you’re going slightly uphill.

Dressage star Anna Ross-Davies shows us simple exercises to get your horse off his forehand

MEET THE EXPERT

OUR MODELS

BUYING HORSESwithout a doubt, buying a horse who’s built naturally uphill (withers higher than croup) will tee you up for an easier time when it comes to training him to take his weight on his quarters. So, when viewing potential purchases bear this in mind. however, don’t dismiss a horse if his conformation is not quite spot on if you like him in every other way. Instead, seek advice, think about what you’re aims are for him and then make a decision.

Celebrity interview


MaryKingT

hey say you should never meet your heroes, but within five minutes of arriving at the home of eventing star Mary King, she’s shown herself to

be everything I imagined and more – friendly, driven and possessed of an innate passion for horses.

Stepping into the five-time Olympian’s impressive living room, I’m thrilled to be told I’m now standing in what was, before a fairly massive conversion project, the stable of King William, who carried Mary to her first Badminton victory in 1992.

While Mary makes us all a cup of tea, she explains how the building was transformed into a dream home for her, husband David and their children Emily, 16, and Freddie, 13, with her horses now stabled just the other side of her driveway – the famous faces waiting to greet us include Imperial Cavalier, Kings Temptress and Apache Sauce, whose retirement from four-star competition is announced the day after our visit.

In pursuit of her sixth Olympic team place – now confirmed – and a gold medal to complement the silver and bronze she already has, Mary’s been busy getting out to events whenever the ground has allowed. But despite having only returned from

Houghton Horse Trials at 1am on the day of our interview, she’s bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and happy to chat about everything from her impressive career to her favourite meal and seeing Emily follow in her footsteps.

Tell us about your early riding memoriesI started at Axe Vale Pony Club, and was always very competitive. As a child I rode the vicar’s pony and I got my own at 12. It was a Pony Club coach trip to Badminton Horse Trials that got me set on being an eventer, and from then on Badminton was my aim in life. It seemed impossible I’d be able to do something like that because everyone seemed to be so rich and so brave, galloping over such huge fences, but it was my dream and goal.

What were you like at school?At primary school I was always horses, horses, horses. I was mad keen and they

were all I thought about. I talked a lot, all my reports said ‘Mary would do better if she didn’t talk so much’! But at senior school I wasn’t as chatty – I got seven O-levels and was quite lucky I could cope with the work fairly easily, especially as I was riding

like mad. However I had no inclination to stay on and I knew I

was leaving as soon as I was allowed!

Selected for her sixth Olympics, eventing legend Mary King talks about her drive to win, her top horses and hidden talentsWords Katy Islip Photography Simon Hipperson

Mary with Olympic ride Imperial Cavalier, known at home as Archie

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Turn over for more of Mary’s answers to your questions

www.yourhorse.co.uk70 your horse july 2012

Brilliant bridleways

Ride Britannia Venture further afield with your horse by exploring the UK’s bridleways – we show you how to find new places to ride, and help preserve ridden routes

Hacking is great fun, but it’s easy to end up using the same routes time and time again, despite

the UK being criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of bridleways. There are also many other types of routes horse riders can use, from

byways to unsurfaced, unclassified roads, which can really help you get away from it all with your horse.

To help you unlock the hidden gems of our countryside, we’ve enlisted the help of Catriona Cook, the British Horse Society’s (BHS) regional access officer for the Yorkshire region. Catriona’s also

chairman of the Byways and Bridleways Trust, which seeks to protect public rights over the UK’s ancient lanes, whether they use them on foot, horseback or bicycle. She enjoys setting out for the day with her New Forest mare Tally.

Read on for her tips to find new places to explore with your horse.

Words Katy Islip

www.yourhorse.co.uk july 2012 your horse 71

www.yourhorse.co.uk70 your horse august 2012

Enjoy the Olympics

No tickets? No problem!

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Just because you didn’t bag olympics tickets doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the excitement entirely – here’s how to get involved if you won’t be at the games

Hold a yard partyThe organised among us might have put in their applications to hold street parties in celebration of the Olympics – a great idea if you fancy letting your hair down with friends, family and neighbours. But for the rest of us the next best thing could be a yard party! Hang up the bunting, pack some sarnies (and maybe some Pimms!) and get behind Team GBR with your horsey friends at your yard.

Raise money for charityThe Olympics are also a great excuse to organise charity fundraisers. “There are lots of simple ways to fundraise for charities like World Horse Welfare

(WHW) and the Olympics provide a great opportunity for people to get together and do just that,” says Louise Chapman of WHW. “People could bake Olympic-themed cakes and sell them at yard parties, they could hold a photo competition, a raffle or even an Olympic-themed quiz.”

Dressage rider Anna Ross-Davies decided to run a special Olympics style sports day at her yard for a charity called The Horse Boy Foundation, but assumed she’d probably struggle to get people to come. “200 people later and we were competing in everything from welly wanging, and whip javelin to a saddle deadlift, a Dodson & Horrell sack race

and a Jackson’s Shavings hurdle relay,” Anna said. “It was absolutely hilarious and a great way to raise money for such a great foundation. We don’t yet know how much we raised but think it’s a least a couple of thousand pounds!”

Watch the Games live!All over the country live Olympic and Paralympic coverage from the BBC and Channel 4 will be aired on big screens at Live Sites – why not go along to one near you, join in with the cheering crowds and watch the action for free, go to www.london2012.com/join-in/live-sites to find out more!

www.yourhorse.co.uk august 2012 your horse 71

Your medal predictionsWe asked you which medals you think Team GBR will be bringing home from the Olympics and Paralympics:

■ gold 28%■ Silver 11%■ Bronze 4%

jumPing


dressage


eventing


Para dressage

No tickets? No problem!

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What’s on when? Individual Dressage 2-3, 7 and 9 AugustIndividual Jumping 4-6 and 8 AugustIndividual Eventing 28-31 JulyTeam Dressage 2-3 and 7 AugustTeam Jumping 4-6 AugustTeam eventing 28-31 July Paradressage starts 30 August and runs until 2 September

How to watchGet in on all the Olympic action without the trauma of having to get to the Games by simply watching them online or on TV – keep an eye on www.yourhorse.co.uk as we’ll bring you up to date TV listings when we get them!

William Fox-Pitt competing at the

Olympic test event at Greenwich in 2011

www.yourhorse.co.uk70 your horse july 2012

From left to right: Boysie, Tilly, Laura, Natalie, Helen and Mouse

There’s no ‘I’ in team

For some people, going out competing can be a lonely affair, but there is another way to enjoy your events – with the support of a team

around you! Read on to discover the benefits of team competing and follow four riders as they embark on their first event, helping each other with everything from cleaning tack, going clear cross-country and of course, having a good natter.

Your Horse writer Larissa Chapman finds out how competing with your best mates compares to going solo

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Meet the teamYour Horse magazine ran a competition for two teams to win free entry to the Milton Keynes unaffiliated three-day team event – Tilly Latimer and her crew won one of these places. These four friends have known each other for

years and ‘jumped’ at the chance (if you’ll pardon the pun) to compete as a team at this exciting event. YH writer Larissa went along to find out the pros and cons of team competing. Meet Team Somerset:l Competition winner Tilly

Latimer and her horse

Boysie – competition name Burr Oak

l Laura Paschka with Charlie

l Natalie Hall with Victor – competition name Uphill Birch Barnaby

l And Helen Marsh with Mouse – competition name Maximum Magic


9:30am Pulling up at Milton Keynes Eventing Centre, the typical changeable British weather has let us down once again – dirty grey clouds are rolling in and the wind is starting to ripple the roofs of the temporary stable block. But the dismal deluges aren’t about to dampen the spirits of Team Somerset.

As is often the case on Your Horse photoshoots, I grab my cagoule and head through the lorry park maze to meet the team. When I find them, spirits are high as they gather their tack, ready for a hack around the grounds. 10:30am As I meet the team’s steeds, I’m already beginning to see the benefits of team competing vs competing as an individual. Hearing cries from the different stables and seeing exchanges of brushes, sprays and bits of tack, it’s clear that whatever one person is missing another is likely to have! 11:30am After the ride we head back down to the lorry park, passing Union Jack flags and bunting strewn over stable doors to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. By now the place is starting to come alive with people and stalls and the smell of bacon sandwiches wafting from the catering vans. 12:00pm I go with the team to the organiser’s office as they collect their numbers and goody bags. Once again they work together to find out the different arenas they’re competing in. 12:30pm By this time team members are starving and congregate in Tilly’s lorry for lunch. They have a good gossip before reading over their dressage tests – another bonus of being in a team is having people to have a good natter with to calm the nerves.

1:30pm Nat and Laura are the first to ride so they start plaiting up their horses. Victor doesn’t look too enthused about proceedings but his laid-back approach makes Nat’s life much easier when it comes to the plaiting (see below). 2:00pm Laura and Charlie head down to the warm-up, with Tilly. Unlike the others Laura and Charlie don’t normally event.

For them, this is a particularly nerve-racking occasion, so to have the team’s support is a real help.

The warm-up area is buzzing with riders, stewards and nervous onlookers – there’s an undercurrent of excitement as the numbers are called for people to enter the arenas. 3:00pm Crunch time – Laura’s number’s called and she makes her way to the far

end arena. Mark (the team’s photographer come groom for the weekend), Helen, Tilly and I all go over to watch. As someone who hasn’t competed since the days of the local show many years ago, I feel rather nervous for Laura and Charlie. 3:15pm 15 minutes later and the test is over – they do very well, so while Laura tries to figure out how to get out of the arena, the rest of the team give her a big thumbs up and dash off to get their horses plaited up and ready to go, closely followed by me and my camera.

3:30pm The hustle and bustle of the stable block is intensifying and the area’s awash with hoof oils, coat shines and plaiting bands – despite having their hands full, when Laura returns, the team are all there to congratulate her on her test. 4:00pm Nat and Victor set off for the arena to do their dressage test and Mark goes along to offer support and take pictures.

5:00pm Tilly and Helen are the last dressage tests of the day and they emerge victorious, with scores of 34.5 and 31.5 respectively.

Dressage day

Clockwise from left: Laura and

Charlie head to the warm-up with Tilly.

Boysie gets his studs put in.

Tilly and Helen watch nervously as

Laura and Charlie ride their test

Team eventing

Left: At the trot upAbove: Victor takes it easy as Nat starts the plaiting

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horse care

Keep your horse healthy and happy page 86

Make catching problem-free

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External, skeletal and soft tissue structure of the foot

common digital extensor tendon

long pastern bone

short pastern bone

pedal (coffin) boneencased by laminar corium

coronary bandcoronary corium

sensitive laminaeinsensitive laminae

collateral ligament of coffin joint

hoof wallperioplesolearcorium

white line sole Frog Bars


page 88 What his personality shows

page 95 Make travelling

a positive event

Inside Horse Care80 InsIde hIs hoof Find out how

this amazing structure works, and how to protect it

86 catchIng made easy Expert advice on avoiding traumas catching your horse

88 When he groWs up can you tell what a foal’s ridden future will be from his young personality?

95 happy travellIng make sure your horse’s journeys are safe, comfortable and leave him fit to perform when he arrives

A horse’s foot is a fantastic piece of natural engineering, that supports his

entire weight over just a few square inches.

Every horse is different, but the ideal foot should be well-rounded and expanded to support his weight, and preferably be a match with the opposite number.

As a horse’s front limbs take around 60% of his weight, the front feet are wider, and the hind feet longer and more pointed to allow the hind limbs to propel him forward effectively.

At a gallop, each foot might have to withstand forces equating to a weight of 1000kg, which they do by changing shape, flattening and expanding to spread the pressure of each footfall and absorb concussion – the shock of the foot hitting the ground.

Our expert vet Gil Riley explains: “The hoof capsule is the armour plating of the horse, protecting and supporting the part of him that strikes the ground.”

Read on to find out more and to get Gil’s advice on preventing some common problems.

Best foot forwardYour horse’s foot is a complex structure. we delve into its anatomy, explain what each part does and show you how to avoid common problemsWords katy islip

GIL RILEYis a vet specialising in equine care. he works at the pool house veterinary group and Equine clinic and is a regular Your horse expert.

our eXpert

External structure1 BARS OF THE FOOT

At the heel, the hoof wall bends forward and in to meet the frog, forming an upright partition of horn which along with the upright wall of the heel creates the bars of the foot. As the frog takes the weight of a footfall it forces the bars open, supporting the weight and stopping the heels caving in.

2 FROG The frog is a wedge of

keratinised tissue, which is around 50% water. It helps bear weight, provides grip and serves as a shock absorber.

Keep the sole and the clefts of the frog clear of debris

3 WHITE LINE The horn of the hoof wall

and sole meet here, and this line shows where the insensitive and sensitive laminae interlock. It should be visible in a freshly trimmed foot and, despite its name, tends to be yellowy-coloured.

4 HOOF WALL This bears the majority of

the horse’s weight. The horn is made from a type of collagen called keratin and consists of millions of tiny tubes running longitudinally down the hoof wall, with a water content of around 25%. Keratin can be dark or light coloured, but there is no difference in strength. The inside surface of the hoof wall is covered with the leaves of the insensitive laminae, which interlock with the sensitive laminae and absorb the pressure of your horse’s weight and spread it across the foot.

5 PERIOPLE This thin layer covers the

outside of the hoof wall and balances the moisture of the hoof.

6 SOLE Also made of horn, the sole

is slightly concave to give it strength and lift it off the ground to help prevent bruising. Similar in structure to the hoof wall it’s made up of vertical tubules of keratin secreted by papillae in the corium of the sole. Around 2cm thick, it’s softer than the hoof wall as it’s around 30% water.

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Deep digital flexor tendon

Extensor branch of the suspensory ligament

lateral cartilage

plantar or digital cushion

impar ligament

navicular bonenavicular bursa


Horse care Your foal’s future

Whether naturally inquisitive or shy and reserved, every horse is born with his own personality – but what can a foal’s natural character tell you about his future ridden career? We ask the experts

W hile a young horse’s future career path may well be

mapped out before he’s even born – especially if he’s destined for a life as a top dressage horse or eventer – no amount of genetic guesswork can guarantee for sure what he’ll really be like personality-wise. Sure, a foal’s sire may be hot stuff in the dressage arena, but will he inherit the talents needed to follow in dad’s footsteps? Only time and training will tell.

However, from the moment they’re born, every foal is very much an individual, and to the expert eye there’s lots to be gleaned about what the future may hold for them.

“Even as tiny foals they’re so different, and it’s fascinating to watch their body language,” says Bernadette O’Sullivan, who runs Woodcroft Stud in

Cambridgeshire with her partner Tim Harris. “Some will come straight up to you as newborns as bold as brass, while others will hide behind mum.”

So does an inherent boldness stand youngsters in good stead for whatever life throws at them as they get older? “As well as the foals we’ve bred here, we get horses in for training – usually as yearlings or two-year-olds in preparation for the BEF Futurity gradings, or as three- and four-year-olds to back – and the ones with a natural-born confident streak tend to be far more relaxed about the whole thing and easier to work with,” says Bernadette. “It’s all a lot more stressful for the naturally highly-strung types, especially if they haven’t been handled a great deal.”

And while a horse’s in-built character may be influenced

Words: Helen Milbank Photography: Matthew Roberts

our experts Tim Harris & BernadeTTe O’sullivanrun Woodcroft Stud in Cambridgeshire. They breed and produce warmbloods for a career in dressage, eventing or show jumping. Visit www.woodcroftstud.co.uk

‘When i grow up...’

Or perhaps show jumping will be

my forte

if i carry on eating like this, i’m going to

be big and strong


now this is the life, chilling in

the field

What’s that? a camera – can i eat it?

i’m learning new things every day

maybe dressage might be more me –

i’m a bit of a show off

did someone say Burghley Horse

Trials? sounds good to me


Horse care Travelling your horse

On the road againTravelling can be a big part of your horse’s life so we’ve taken expert advice to help you make his journeys as safe and comfortable as possible

We all know how draining a long journey can be and it’s just the same

for our horses. Your Horse has enlisted the help of MD of Science Supplements Ltd Dr David Marlin, equine vet Gil Riley and award

winning travelling groom Jenny Ellis to help us understand the stresses and strains that travelling puts on our horses. Read on to find out how we can make his experience as good and stress-free as possible so he’s raring to go when he arrives at his destination.

Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts

WIN


Tottie goodies Your Horse has teamed up with Tottie to offer five lucky readers the chance to win fantastic gear for you and your horse

WORTH £304.47

To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and answer this question...

What is the name of the Tottie jeans?a) Poppy b) Sammi c) JenniClosing date: 9 August 2012Terms & conditions: If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be provided. For full t&cs go to www.yourhorse.co.uk

The prize consists of:• Gardenia polo top• Heliconia rugby top• Peony hoody• Jenni jeans• Floral wellies• Vegas headcollar & leadrope• Vegas saddlecloth• Vegas fleece show rug

T he Gardenia short-sleeved polo shirt is great for summer riding and staying cool. Colours Navy,

sapphire, claret Sizes XS-XLThe new Heliconia is essential

leisurewear and is a classic look featuring three-quarter length sleeves – perfect for everyday wear or at the yard. Colours Claret, plum, light grey marl Sizes XS-XL

The Peony is a comfy oversized hoody to keep you warm and cosy. Colours Blue marl, plum marl and pink marl Sizes XS-XL

The Jenni skinny jeans are a must for this season, they’re cutting edge on the high street and you’ll also be comfortable riding in them. Colours Cerise, navy, white, lemon Sizes 8-14

The Tottie floral wellies provide a practical and funky option for the wetter months. Colour Lavender Sizes 3-8

The Vegas Headcollar & Leadrope pack is unique and will ensure your horse stands out. It has twin-coloured polyester webbing and a matching

tri-coloured leadrope. Colours Navy, pink Sizes Pony, cob and full

The Vegas saddlecloth is in quilted cotton and offers a fresh new look with bright Tottie embroidery. Now you can look and feel part of Team Tottie, with your own special saddlecloth. Colours Navy, pink, black, white Sizes Pony, cob and full

The Vegas fleece show rug is a real show stopper and ideal for keeping your horse warm and clean at a show or while travelling. Colours Navy, pink Sizes 4ft 6in-7ft 3in

For more information please contact Tottie on 01247 711101

or visit www.tottie.co.uk



BIGTEST

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Perfect● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Excellent● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Very good● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Good● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Fairly good● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Average● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Below average● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Poor● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Very poor● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Waste of money

The scores The awardsWe take our testing very seriously – look out for the Your Horse awards in the mag, and as swing tags on products in the shops. If it’s good enough for an award, it’s good enough for your hard-earned cash

Only awarded to the very best products in our comprehensive gear tests

Products that offer great value for money and perform well

A product that performs well, but just missed out on the winning position

GEARGUIDE

Expert advice on buying wisely

page 110 Innovative new boots

This monthêê


The six pairs of stirrups we tested were chosen for their technical features and we asked a number of readers and

members of the Your Horse team to use the stirrups for hacking, jumping and flatwork. Each pair of stirrups was tested under the following criteria: Design anD fit The stirrups were assessed for their design and how easy they were to fit and use Performance Our testers considered how comfortable the stirrups were to ride in and whether they delivered all that the manufacture claimed they would Value for money Finally, taking into account their comments on design, fit and performance our testers decided if the stirrups were good value for money and if they’d recommend them to you

SizeEnsure there is a ¼in gap either side of your foot for safety and to help you maintain balance

FlexibilitySome stirrups have flexible inserts that reduce pressure and impact and can help if you have stiff or sore joints

GripCheck treads for wear and tear and change them if they look worn – lack of grip may cause your feet to slip

MaterialsStainless steel and synthetic are the most popular materials – the synthetic ones tend to be lighter – it’s your choice

TreadsA number of different tread designs are available from the traditional rubber material to metal cheese grater style. If you’re looking at different types, take your riding boots along so you can assess how each feels and pick the ones that are best for you

What to look for

StirrupsWe test six pairs of technical stirrups – find out which ones will help you achieve that

perfect riding position

page 114 Beat those pesky flies

page 122 Tried and tested gear

Inside Gear Guide104 BIG TEST Find out which stirrups will do

the best job for you110 FIRST look The tendon boots that give

your horse more protection than ever 112 WhAT’S NEW Great new equine products 114 BUyER’S GUIDE Protect your horse this

summer with one of these fly masks122 oUR kIT Essential gear the YH team and

readers can’t live without124 BARGAIN To BloWoUT Get a touch of

bling this summer – whatever your budget

www.yourhorse.co.uk114 your horse august 2012

Fly masks do more than stop those pesky pests buzzing around your horse’s face – they help protect him from infections and harmful rays from the sun. Read on to find out what’s available this summer

Gear Guide

Flymasks

Y our horse’s head is a vulnerable target in summer – once the temperature warms up flies and midges

come out, and can make his life a misery. Face flies seek out mucous-membrane moisture that irritates his eyes and can trigger infections or allergies. Biting flies can attack the thin, tender skin, often out of sight under his jaw, while nasty gnats creep into his ears, leaving crusty scabs and making him uncomfortable and irritated.

A fly mask will also help give protection from the sun to horses who have pink or particularly sensitive skin. Some designs come with an extended area to cover the muzzle to give extra coverage.

A good quality, well-fitting fly mask will help make life for your horse much more bearable.

Flies can cause eye infections


Non-horsey people may think they look odd – but we know

how important fly masks are

buyers’ guide


essentialknow-how

Essential everyday skills for riders of all levels

Using the right noseband will help you control your horse

This monthêê


Get your horse’s noseband rightWhat the most popular four nosebands do and how to fit them

129 noseband know-how What different ones do, and how to fit them

130 dental care Keep his teeth in top condition between dentist visits

130 fitting a numnah The right way to put on this essential piece of kit

131 jumping on a slope Expert advice on up and downhill jumps

132 safe travel Essential trailer maintenance checklist

134 exercise bandaging Step-by-step tips to perfect your bandaging skills

135 pole work How to place trotting and canter poles correctly

135 bot eggs The best and easiest ways to remove these nasties

136 going barefoot What you need to know before deciding to dump his shoes

Inside Essential Know-how page 130

Fit his numnah correctly

Flash This also helps prevent a horse crossing his jaw and opening his mouth to evade the bit. The main section fits like a cavesson and supports a second, thinner strap which fastens around and under the bit. Unlike a cavesson, the main noseband should be tightened to fit close around his nose, with the second strap done up tight enough to keep his mouth closed but not so tight it pinches.

Cavesson This plain noseband is often worn to make a bridle look complete but you can attach a standing martingale to it. It should sit two fingers’ width below his facial crest (the bony spur down the side of his face), and be loose enough to fit two fingers between it and his nose.

Drop This noseband is designed to prevent a horse crossing his jaw, and is fitted one hand’s width from the upper edge of his nostril, on the bony part of his face. It should be buckled around and under the bit, and done up tight enough to keep his jaw closed but not so tight that it pinches. Don’t let it sit too low or it’ll rest on the soft skin over his nasal passages and interfere with his breathing.

Grakle This consists of two straps which fit together to make a figure of eight which crosses over your horse’s nasal bone. Because it acts over a large portion of his head it helps stop your horse crossing his jaw and can be useful on strong horses, especially going cross-country.

There are two types of grakle – the Mexican (pictured), which has rings holding the upper straps together and sits around two fingers’ width above the facial crest, and the traditional English, which doesn’t have rings and should sit in a similar position to a flash.

For it to do its job, both upper and lower straps should be fastened quite tightly.

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Worth£150

Worth£34.99

Worth£140

Up for grabsWin great equine products courtesy of Your Horse!

For a chance to get your hands on these goodies, visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/win

3lucky winners will each receive a Sue Carson Saddles

Snaffle-only Comfort Bridle – visit www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk or call 01629 540343 for more information

This bridle is a revolutionary and flexible design that can be quickly and easily converted between a snaffle and a double bridle and from a crank to a cavesson noseband. It’s a really cost-effective option for riders moving up and down dressage or eventing grades – or just for different horses.

It’s designed to offer exceptional comfort and includes a padded headpiece

and other features to reduce pinching, poll pressure, resistance, head tilting, rubbing and sliding. Available in cob or full sizes, in black or brown, with padding in black, brown, white, gold, silver or tan.

Comfort for your horse

6 lucky winners will each receive 4 x 20kg sacks of Suregrow for

one trial acre – visit www.suregrowuk.com or contact the technical support line on 05601 126627

Grass is the most natural of feeds and, like any other living organism, needs the right balance of trace elements and minerals for strong, healthy growth.

Suregrow fertiliser, which can be applied from early spring and throughout the growing season, is a unique formulation designed specifically for horse paddocks. It has a slower release form of nutrients, proven in trials to

produce sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period of time. This means your horse can use all the nutrients essential to his wellbeing.

Perfect your paddock

3lucky winners will each receive a navy Thermatex

rug with red binding – visit www.thermatex.co.uk or call 01239 614648

Thermatex SHR rugs are constructed using three layers of fabric – natural wool and acrylic are blended to provide the ‘wicking’ element while

the polypropylene middle layer provides essential warmth. The fabric draws away any excess moisture before releasing it into the atmosphere.

The rugs are made from a single section of fabric so there’s no spinal seam which helps achieve the perfect fit.

Thermatex rugs are ideal for use after exercise, while travelling or as a stable rug.

Keep him warm and drySummer style

10 lucky winners will each receive a Townend Gorsehill

ladies polo shirt – visit www.battles.co.uk/townend or call 01522 529 206 for more information

This stylish polo shirt is part of the Townend range and is ideal for summer riding and even casual wear. It has a contrast collar, No. 11 embroidery and oversized buttons, which add some funky touches to a practical top. It also features subtle Townend branding to finish off the cool polo.

The Townend range is brilliant quality and this 100% cotton shirt is great for summer as it’s breathable. It comes in sizes 8-16, in coffee liquor, honeysuckle or purple plum.


extra Sell your horse the fastest and

easiest way

We have more than 180k buyers

waiting!

First For buying and selling

Find your next perfect

partner with Horse Deals

Issue three

8 pages packed full of everything equine from horses to property

Just a taste of what’s for sale every month in Horse Deals magazine or online at

www.horsedeals.co.uk

www.yourhorse.co.uk 1

On saleAugust 9

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Your Academy instructors up the ante as Spencer Wilton gives you the building blocks for half-pass – renvers, travers and leg-yield – while Jay Halim introduces some technical elements of jumping to help you in the arena and on cross-country

Training Academy part 4

We go behind the scenes at Redwings – find out what goes on at the UK’s largest horse sanctuary

Your Horse writer Katy Islip gets her ‘L-plates’ and tries driving for the very first time

We interview top event rider and Chinese pin-up Alex Hua Tian

Perfect timing – get to grips with cross-country timing with our simple tips and tricks

Teach your spooky horse to hack with expert advice from the man who knows how – Richard Maxwell

What are your options when it’s time to retire your horse? We take a look

See how two Your Horse readers get on in our special ex-racehorse Private Lessons with trainer Kath Pinnington of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre

Your Horse August Issue

Documents

Transcript of Your Horse August Issue