Category Archives: 2019 HorseyInterview

Harriet Morris-Baumber – Setting Achievable Goals

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

New Year Riding Resolutions – Setting Achievable Goals

www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Harriet Morris-Baumber

Event rider and trainer Harriet Morris-Baumber offers advice on setting goals that are achievable.

Whatever your resolution or goal seeing it through is all about making sure they are achievable in the first place. This is not to say that you shouldn’t push yourself out of your comfort zone but in equestrianism, ambition can sometimes outweigh ability like in no other sport.

Your goals should also be defined by your horse’s ability as well as your own. Pushing a horse too far out of his comfort zone will only damage his confidence and set you back in your progress.

Effective goal setting must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. This means no vague fantasies like ‘I’d love to win an event’ it needs to be more refined, such as ‘by the end of the 2020 season, my goal is to finish on a sub 30 score’.

This goal might then create a series of smaller goals (minor goals) that are needed in order for you to achieve the bigger goal. For example, improve the dressage by five marks, eliminate the four faults or be able to go 10 seconds faster cross-country in order to make the time.

If you’re really being super analytical then it can be taken a step further and broken down into micro goals, such as improve the free walk by one to two marks, or set off from the start box more effectively.

Often to make an improvement to achieve a goal it is about improving 10 things by 1% rather than improving 1 thing by 10%.

Once you have your goal – write it down! This is the single most valuable thing to do as the process of writing it down makes it feel real. You can keep it in your purse, on your bedside table or pin it up on your desk.

Tell your circle about your goal, your friends, your family, your trainer, anyone who supports you and has an interest in you. They will be able to help and encourage you and keep you on track.

Because you are now a savvy goal setter, you have set a time scale on your goal, so you have the present date and an end goal. You now need to add in some key dates in your timeline to assess, review and repeat.

If things don’t go to plan, for example we have heavy snow for two weeks in February; you may have to adjust your plans.

Sometimes it can be good to write down why you want to achieve this goal. When you feel demotivated or you lose confidence you can look back on your ‘Misson Statement’ and this should help to inspire you to keep going.

Goal setting is much more than simply stating you wish something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want, why you want it and how you can accomplish it, your odds of success are greatly reduced.

By setting smart goals with a timeline you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.

Remember a dream without a goal is just a wish!

Harriet is available for dressage, show-jumping and cross-country lessons at her base near York.

To find out more call Harriet on (07795) 562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Whatever your resolution or goal seeing it through is all about making sure they are achievable in the first place. This is not to say that you shouldn’t push yourself out of your comfort zone but in equestrianism, ambition can sometimes outweigh ability like in no other sport.

Your goals should also be defined by your horse’s ability as well as your own. Pushing a horse too far out of his comfort zone will only damage his confidence and set you back in your progress.

Effective goal setting must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. This means no vague fantasies like ‘I’d love to win an event’ it needs to be more refined, such as ‘by the end of the 2020 season, my goal is to finish on a sub 30 score’.

This goal might then create a series of smaller goals (minor goals) that are needed in order for you to achieve the bigger goal. For example, improve the dressage by five marks, eliminate the four faults or be able to go 10 seconds faster cross-country in order to make the time.

If you’re really being super analytical then it can be taken a step further and broken down into micro goals, such as improve the free walk by one to two marks, or set off from the start box more effectively.

Often to make an improvement to achieve a goal it is about improving 10 things by 1% rather than improving 1 thing by 10%.

Once you have your goal – write it down! This is the single most valuable thing to do as the process of writing it down makes it feel real. You can keep it in your purse, on your bedside table or pin it up on your desk.

Tell your circle about your goal, your friends, your family, your trainer, anyone who supports you and has an interest in you. They will be able to help and encourage you and keep you on track.

Because you are now a savvy goal setter, you have set a time scale on your goal, so you have the present date and an end goal. You now need to add in some key dates in your timeline to assess, review and repeat.

If things don’t go to plan, for example we have heavy snow for two weeks in February; you may have to adjust your plans.

Sometimes it can be good to write down why you want to achieve this goal. When you feel demotivated or you lose confidence you can look back on your ‘Misson Statement’ and this should help to inspire you to keep going.

Goal setting is much more than simply stating you wish something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want, why you want it and how you can accomplish it, your odds of success are greatly reduced.

By setting smart goals with a timeline you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.

Remember a dream without a goal is just a wish!

Harriet Morris-Baumber

Harriet is available for dressage, show-jumping and cross-country lessons at her base near York.

To find out more call Harriet on (07795) 562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Pieces about Bits

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Pieces about Bits

Pelham Waterford hrc

Designed and produced by highly skilled craftsmen, every bit is individually handmade and can be customised to suit your requirements.

The possibilities are endless, even for traditional bits, as they can be lightweight, normal weight or made with a variety of mouth and cheek pieces.

Bitting experts, Abbey England, make thousands of bits in their UK foundry every year. Designed and produced by highly skilled craftsmen, every bit is individually handmade and can be customised to suit your requirements.

The possibilities are endless, even for traditional bits, as they can be lightweight, normal weight or made with a variety of mouth and cheek pieces.

Bits in the Spotlight: The Pelham

The Pelham is a bit with two points of rein attachment; an upper (Snaffle action) and lower (curb action) rein. A curb chain should be fitted and a lipstrap attached. Pelham bits are useful for horses with smaller “full” mouths e.g. Cobs, that could not accommodate the two bits of a Double Bridle.

How does it work?

Pelhams encourage the head down and inwards. The action on the lower/bottom rein encourages the head down and inwards by placing pressure downwards on the poll and mouth as the lower rein is used. The curb chain will place pressure on the chin groove and to a degree the mouth via the bits mouthpiece through the leverage action as the lower rein is applied.

The action on the top rein of the Pelham acts with a simple Snaffle action on the lips, tongue and bars. A single jointed mouthpiece with have a squeezing upwards action.

Pelham Copper Ball

Using two reins on a Pelham is vastly preferable to the “fudged” action of Pelham rounding’s. It is also worth noting, a single jointed Pelham needs to be used with extra care, placing the curb chain through the top ring to ensure that it sits and acts in the correct position on the horse’s chin. Try a straight mouthed Pelham first if possible and ride with two reins, particularly when using a jointed Pelham.

When is it used?

To give greater control of a horse that requires his head and neck to be brought downwards so that he can then be ridden predominantly on the Snaffle rein. The lower curb rein just being used when he becomes too strong or lifts his head up adversely. Also used to provide an inwards tilting action of the head, popular in showing when the horse’s mouth can’t accommodate two bits for a Double Bridle.

Pelham Cherry Roller hrc

Fitting a Pelham: The bit should fit comfortably into the corner of the lips with just a curve upwards. If you buckle the bit too high it will continuously stretch the corners of the lips. If you put your fingers onto each cheek and pull gently down the bit should not leave a gap at the corners. The top purchase (the part of the cheek just above the mouthpiece) on a well-made Pelham should bend outwards to stop the top of the cheek sticking into the horse’s face. There should be approximately ¼” of bit sticking out of each side of the horse’s mouth.

The Curb Chain

It is very important to get the set of the curb chain just right. Too loose, and the bit creates too much downward mouth pressure and too much poll pressure. Too tight and the horse gets no release or reward from the pressure. Twist your chain so that it is flat on the jaw and then hook your chain up on the near side of the bit, you should gently get hold of your bottom reins and pull backwards towards the horse’s chest. The cheek of your Pelham should only go to 45 degrees and then the chain should touch the back of the jaw and stop the cheek rotating any more. If your horse or pony is sensitive then you could use a leather or elastic curb instead of a chain.

Curb Chains are supplied with all Abbey Pelham Bits. Chains supplied are normally stainless steel with nickel, brass or nickel plated available on request. Single chains are available in pony, cob and full size, whilst doubles are also available in extra-long. Flat Polo chains and Brass chains are available at extra cost.

Pelham Copper Cherry Roller hrc

There are many mouthpieces that can be used in a Pelham including:

  • Cherry Roller ( 12mm thick ) s/s copper sweet metal
  • Copper Roller (15mm thick ) s/s copper sweet metal
  • Copper Waterford
  • Copper Ball
  • Egerton Link
  • Copper Nut
  • Hartford Link
  • Copper Roller Port
  • Rollers either side of one of the above central links

These mouths then fit on a wide range of cheeks all available from Abbey England.

Abbey England hosts one of the largest collections in the UK and as a bitting expert understands the importance of both performance and comfort. All their bits have been designed and manufactured to the highest standards using only the best quality materials.

www.abbeyengland.com

Winter’s coming

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Winters Coming

Stabled or Living Out – What’s Best for Digestive Health?

Stabled or Living Out – What’s Best for Digestive Health?

Stabled or living out during winter is a continuous issue that divides opinion but what is best for your horses’ digestive health?

First and foremost, it is important to recognise that not all horses are the same and what is right for one is not always right for another.

Management is also a major factor for many horse owners who don’t have enough acreage to allow their horse the luxury of 24-hour turnout during winter, and with the flooding caused by the heavy rainfall experienced at the start of autumn, sometimes stabling is the only option. Practical restrictions, such as work, personal life and available facilities all contribute to the management of the horse over winter. In some cases, that management is dictated by others for many reasons.

The number one priority regardless of whether your horse lives in or out is to ensure they are getting enough fibre to keep their digestive system working efficiently, with access to ad lib forage being the ideal solution.

Grazing is obviously the most natural situation but most owners don’t have an abundance of grass at this time of year so additional forage in the form of hay or haylage must be provided in the field. If this is not an option because your yard doesn’t allow it then being stabled may well be better than being out.

Living in doesn’t necessarily lead to poorer digestive health – it really depends on the access to forage and the ability to trickle feed. If, in some cases, living in means restricted forage and increased (sometimes excess) hard feed in fewer meals then without a doubt turn out would be better.

Stabled or Living Out – What’s Best for Digestive Health?

If, however, living in still means they get ad lib forage and can trickle feed with any hard feed being offered in small amounts across a greater number of meals then digestive health per se should be just as good as being turned out.

For exercise and weight management obviously turnout is much better. In the wild horses would put on weight during the summer months and then lose this over winter. However, this natural form of weight management is something that has been lost in the management of many domestic horses. Over-rugging, excess feed and protected from the elements can have a significant metabolic impact, as well as an indirect effect on the digestive health of the horse.

Stress is another factor that can compromise the health of the digestive system and limited access to turnout during winter can be a significant cause for some horses during winter.

Whether your horse lives in or out good digestive health very much depends on the ability to ensure sufficient fibre intake to minimise gut disturbances.

When making the decision about what is best for your horse, it is not just ensuring the health of the digestive system that determines if they should live in or out. There are other contributing factors to making the decision that a horse should live out 24/7, such as respiratory disease and mobility issues.

The Lifeforce Range of all-natural, daily digestive aid supplements from Alltech is designed to benefit horses of every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.

Stabled or Living Out – What’s Best for Digestive Health?

For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512.

 

How to Cope with Winter Hazards

How to Cope with Winter Hazards

It would be nice to think winter is all about clear blue skies and riding on a crisp frosty morning, when in reality for many horse owners it is an endurance test to make it through to spring in one piece.

The difficulties of owning a horse during the winter months can make life a challenge, negotiating the hazards that a British winter can throw at us.

Horse owners have already been tested this winter with an unprecedented wet autumn, causing muddy conditions and as temperatures drop, being prepared will help ease your way to spring, stress free.

During muddy conditions it is best, where possible to allow your horse’s legs to dry naturally and then brush the mud off. If you must wash your horse’s legs it is essential that you dry them properly. Bandaging the legs with Veterinary Gamgee® helps to absorb excess moisture and provide warmth and insulation.

Equiwrap® is Robinson Animal Healthcare’s range of flexible and lightweight cohesive bandages and they come in a variety of colours to brighten up your first aid kit and are ideal for securing Veterinary Gamgee®.

How to Cope with Winter Hazards

Hard frozen ground or even deep muddy conditions can lead to strains, tendon injuries and knocks. Cold therapy is ideal for the treatment of inflammation and soft tissue injuries but traditional cold hosing with water in the winter months may lead to cracked heels or other skin problems.

Koolpak® provides instant, dry cold therapy, without the need for refrigeration, reducing heat and swelling.

As we head into the depth of winter ensure that you store your first aid kit in an appropriate place to prevent liquid items from becoming frozen.

Always break the ice on water buckets and drinking troughs and add warm water to the bucket as some horses are reluctant to drink extremely cold water, increasing the risk of colic.

How to Cope with Winter Hazards

Based in Scotland, sponsored rider, Louisa Milne-Home is used to braving bad weather during winter. Here are her two top tips.

· Keep a plentiful supply of salt to hand and always salt pathways and ramps to muck heaps. Stock up early as once the freezing conditions hit, supplies will quickly sell out.

· If you are lucky enough to have your own arena, keep it harrowed regularly to help prevent it from freezing.

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements including the market leading Animalintex®, which is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK and the legendary Veterinary Gamgee®.

How to Cope with Winter Hazards

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com

SMS – Give your tack a Christmas treat.

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Give your tack a Christmas treat.
Take care of it

The Society of Master Saddlers advice on tack care and maintenance to help ensure your tack lasts and stands the test of time.

Cleaning a bridle

Good quality, handcrafted saddlery can last for years but only if carefully maintained and looked after.

When using saddles and bridles on a daily basis, the rigours of riding puts them to the test so regular cleaning, care and attention is vital to ensure you are still using them in many years to come.

As we all know, investing in good quality tack is likely to be one of the most expensive and important purchases you make for you and your horse. Once you have the right saddle, bridle and other tack accessories it is then over to you to ensure they remain in good condition and last for years.

Your saddle and bridle should be checked each time you tack up and a more in depth look taken when cleaning. In general leather should be supple and free from cracks. If allowed to dry out, leather becomes brittle and weak, making it prone to splitting. Pay particular attention to straps which are subjected to a lot of stress e.g. girth straps and stirrup leathers. Make sure stitching is secure, metalwork e.g. buckles are not damaged and that holes have not become enlarged. If the tack is in poor condition it can injure you and your horse or cause a serious accident.

Checks to tack should be thorough; this will involve turning your saddle upside down to check underneath it and lifting up all flaps. To check a bridle properly it will need to be taken apart as buckles often hide cracks in the leather.

Cleaning a girth

Steps to maintain leather must be taken to ensure it stays supple and safe. Ideally tack should be cleaned every time it has been used, but this is not always possible. At the very least bits should be washed in clean water and dried with a clean cloth after they have been used. Also if tack gets wet and muddy it should not be left or it is likely to become brittle or may stretch. Remove mud and dirt with a warm damp cloth and allow it to dry at room temperature, and then apply a leather conditioner.

It is advisable therefore to thoroughly clean your saddle and bridle at least once a week. The aim of thorough cleaning is to remove all dirt and grease and then to feed and condition the leather. There are numerous products available on the market for conditioning leather such as sprays, wipes, soap bars, creams, oils and balms. Always read manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure the product is suitable for your particular type of leather. Whether you use a sponge, brush or cloth to clean and apply product make sure it is not too abrasive so that the leather isn’t scratched.

To clean metalwork you can use a metal polish, this will leave buckles and stirrups etc looking brighter and clean. Never use polishes on bits though as they may be harmful to your horse. Even if you think you have washed a polish off it is likely a residue is left behind which you cannot see.

If a saddle is good quality and well cared for it should last for years, and if it still fits your horse there is no need to replace it. You might like to replace certain parts though such as the girth straps and stirrup leathers. Stitching may also need re-doing on certain parts of your saddle or bridle after a few years.

Society of Master Saddlers

To find your local saddler, who can carry out any necessary repairs or your local saddle fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.

What Riding For The Disabled Association Means To Me

Horseytalk.net Special Interview 

What Riding For The Disabled Association Means To Me

2019 has been a very special year for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and throughout this anniversary year the 50 Faces campaign has been highlighting the amazing people that make the organisation so diverse and inspiring.

As the year draws to a close we decided to catch up with a few of the 50 Faces to find out what RDA means to them.

Yolanda Hansford

Yolanda Hansford

Yolanda Hansford began riding with Yeovil and Sherborne RDA in 1974 on the recommendation of her orthopaedic consultant as a form of therapy for scoliosis.

Having been born with a narrowing of the aorta, throughout childhood Yolanda was in and out of hospital, and discovering RDA was the first time in her life that she felt in charge of something.

Following open heart surgery for the third time, Yolanda was diagnosed with lung disease and was devastated to have to give up riding. She then discovered RDA Carriage Driving that enabled her to carry on life with her beloved horses, regularly competing, going on carriage driving holidays and even representing her RDA Group at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Said Yolanda: “I became Regional Chair for RDA in the South West last year, which has enabled me to not only champion the work RDA does, but at the same time be able to give something back. After all, the RDA has given me so many wonderful experiences and memories that will last forever.”

Lesley Morrill

Lesley Morrill

Lesley Morrill has been a volunteer at Hope In The Valley RDA since 1985. She has taken on a number of tough challenges to raise much needed funds for RDA, even becoming a member of the 100 Marathon Club.

Completing 100 marathons in two years and six months, Lesley became the oldest woman to start doing marathons and reach the one hundred mark.

The challenges helped remind Lesley of the difficulties faced by RDA riders on a daily basis.

Said Lesley: “We all have different reasons for volunteering with RDA but for me it is the joy of seeing the riders succeed and helping someone to be a part of something. It’s not about rosettes; it is about what you can do for someone to give them a better quality of life.”

Mike Butcher

Mike Butcher

For Mike Butcher, horses have always been a release. Growing up in a complicated family environment meant he has always appreciated the benefits of spending time with horses.

After leaving school at 16 he had one ambition and that was to work with horses and he was introduced to RDA when he volunteered as part of a college course. This inspired Mike to become an RDA Coach as with his experience he could see how he could help the riders progress.

One of Mike’s proudest achievements is the pivotal role that he played in introducing show jumping as an RDA discipline, adding an exciting challenge to RDA sessions.

Said Mike: “I am always proud to see riders improving year on year at the National Championships. I see all the benefits of RDA – it’s proven, it’s a fact, with the help of the excellent structures they have in place, RDA works.”

Sam Cyrus

Sam Cyrus

Sam Cyrus is a participant and volunteer at Wormwood Scrubs RDA. She began riding about 30 years ago and would cry every time the volunteers tried to take her off the pony.

After leaving school she began volunteering and has just completed her British Horse Society Certificate in Horse Knowledge.

Said Sam: “RDA has encouraged me to push me out of my comfort zone, to do things that I have never done before. RDA has helped me to believe that I can do anything.”

About Riding for the Disabled Association

RDA - Riding for Disabled

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through horse riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. Through a network of around 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.

  • RDA brings together 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK
  • More than 25,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving
  • Each year more than 19,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time

RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at www.rda.org.uk

RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473).

EquiBiome – Hidden Health Issue

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Hidden Health Issue Compromising Your Horse This Winter

The Hidden Health Issue Compromising Your Horse This Winter

Do you notice a decline in your horse’s health over winter? A drop in weight or performance, colic, loose droppings and behavioural issues could all be signs of a gut imbalance.

It is easy to dismiss these health concerns and blame the colder weather or change in routine but a horse with a healthy balanced hind gut should be able to cope with the challenges winter brings.

Making changes without the facts can be costly at best but also further compromise health if there is an underlying issue which is not addressed correctly.

To find out exactly what is going on in your horse’s hind gut, the EquiBiome Test Kit is available to all horse owners to enable microbial analysis of the hind gut, simply by collecting a faecal sample.

Knowing what type and how many of the good and the bad bacteria, gives valuable insight into the type of diet that can help, and the type of pro and prebiotic that will suit the biome.

Many of the bacteria within the list of pathogens are linked to gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhoea, inflammation and discomfort. The Equibiome Test identifies them all and gives insight into management.

The test is so accurate that it can identify water contamination (arsenic/nitrate/nitrite), dietary deficiencies, mineral and vitamin imbalances, acidosis, antibiotic resistant bacteria and emerging pathogens.

The EquiBiome Test Kit is ordered online at equibiome.org and once it arrives follow the instructions and return your horse’s faecal sample for testing. You will then receive a detailed report with recommendations to improve your horse’s gut health.

With the right management, based on facts not guess work, your horse’s gut health can be improved.

For further information or to order an EquiBiome Test Kit please visit equibiome.org and follow the ‘EquiBiome’ page on Facebook.

RDA – Lizzie Bennett

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Vault a Coach !
Meet Lizzie Bennett

RDA High Performance Coach of the Year

Lizzie Bennett has been awarded the RDA Performance Coach of the Year 2019.

Lizzie Bennett leads by example, which is one of the many reasons that she has been awarded the RDA High Performance Coach of the Year award for 2019.

The RDA National Coaching Awards are designed to recognise the significant impact that coaches make to RDA Groups and their participants through their dedication as volunteers.

Lizzie’s involvement with RDA began when she joined Cambridgeshire College RDA as a participant. At the age of 22, Lizzie was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is a genetic condition that affects your collagen and is in about 98% of the body’s cells. Although she was only officially diagnosed with the condition in her early twenties, she had suffered with symptoms all her life.

Holder of 12 national para-vaulting championship titles, Lizzie turned her sights on coaching and qualified as a vaulting and riding RDA coach and is now the vaulting coach for Cambridgeshire College RDA.

Lizzie Bennett has been awarded the RDA Performance Coach of the Year 2019.

The judges were impressed by Lizzie’s commitment to the cause, single-handedly reviving vaulting at the group, travelling across the country to gain experience and even buying a vaulting barrel to share with the group.

She spends weeks choreographing routines, making videos to help vaulters learn their moves and planning costumes, as well as raising funds to secure the future of the group.

Perhaps most important is the impact that Lizzie’s contribution has made to the lives of some of her participants, including one who no longer requires painkillers for her bad back, and another who came second at the RDA National Championships, despite her doctor laughing at the thought of her taking up vaulting.

With inclusivity being at the heart of everything RDA does, friendship and camaraderie are central to the success of Lizzie’s vaulting team.

Said Lizzie: “I am so grateful to the RDA for all the opportunities it has given to me. I started as a participant five years ago, was volunteering within a year and moved to coaching over the last two years.”

“There is something special about coaching, especially coaching vaulters, because we really have to work as a team and so we are especially close. RDA vaulting has been genuinely life-changing for several of us and although there does need to be someone like me as a coach making it happen ‘on the ground’, we wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of RDA higher up!”

Lizzie Bennett has been awarded the RDA Performance Coach of the Year 2019.

Lizzie was presented with her award by Russell Mackechnie-Guire from Centaur Biomechanics at the annual RDA Coaching Conference.

2019 has been an incredible year for Lizzie as she also features in the RDA 50 Faces campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the charity. The campaign tells the stories of some of the amazing people who make RDA the extraordinary organisation it is today.

You can read Lizzie’s story, and meet the other 49 Faces of RDA at www.rda.org.uk

50 Faces has been supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

About Riding for the Disabled Association

Lizzie Bennett has been awarded the RDA Performance Coach of the Year 2019.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through horse riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. Through a network of around 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.

  • RDA brings together 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK
  • More than 25,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving
  • Each year more than 19,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time

RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at www.rda.org.uk

RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473).

Is your horse normal?

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Is your horse normal?

Now you can check.

The University of Sydney are launching a global database of horse behaviour. Both vets and owners can log a horse’s physical, mental and social development, creating an evidence base on what constitutes normal and abnormal equine behaviour, and what defines good, effective and humane training.

Since ancient times, horse behaviour, and the bond between horses and humans, has been a source of intrigue and fascination.

The horse-lore that has accumulated over the centuries is a rich mix of both useful practice (approaching horses from their left side, making them slightly less reactive) and unsubstantiated myth, such as the one that chestnut horses are especially difficult to deal with.

That’s why the University of Sydney are launching a global database of horse behaviour. Both vets and owners can log a horse’s physical, mental and social development, creating an evidence base on what constitutes normal and abnormal equine behaviour, and what defines good, effective and humane training.


Read more: Touch forms the foundation of the powerful human-horse relationship


This project builds on a similar project for dogs, which has collected information on over 85,000 dogs and been used in more than 70 research studies that have revealed behavioural differences that relate to head and body shape and the astonishing effect of desexing on behaviour.

Now it is the horses’ turn

They have created an online behavioural assessment package for horses and ponies, called the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) that collects anonymous data for horse behaviour researchers, veterinarians and coaches. It’s a not-for-profit project that allows the global horse-folk community to donate their observational data to the University of Sydney and gain useful benefits in return.


Photos of horses paired with life data can be very useful; for example, head shape is thought to predict behaviour. David Dirga/Shutterstock

Horse owners can upload photographs and videos to a custom-built app, recording their horse’s progress in training and competition over time. For the first time, they’ll also be able to compare their horse’s behaviour with that of other horses. The “share-&-compare” graphs will reveal attributes such as trainability, rideability, handling, compliance, boldness, and human social confidence.

There are two benefits. Firstly, owners can compare their horses’ behaviour to others around the world, giving them a useful benchmark.

Secondly, it will reveal the true impact of ancient traditions and modern trends. This can use used by everyone from the general riding public to veterinarians.

 

As E-BARQ can monitor the longitudinal consequences of different training methods, it can be a powerful tool for advancing horse welfare. It will also inform evidence-based judgements on the ethics and sustainability of horse sports.

Human safely, horse welfare

Horse vets know the importance of horse behaviour, as it often affects their safety. Indeed, a recent UK study has shown equine vet practice to be the civilian occupation with the highest risk of injury, surpassing firefighters. But vets also rely on owners to observe horse behaviour because it indicates health and recovery from surgery or disease. With the permission of owners, vets and riding coaches can monitor their clients’ horses over time in the app.


Being able to compare the behaviour of horses around the world will provide a hugely useful database. Grigorita Ko/Shutterstock

The questionnaire and app will expose how training and management influences horse behaviour, and vice versa. They will reveal how breeds differ in responses and illuminate breed-typical personality types, how male and female horses differ, how horses used in different disciplines (such as showjumping versus dressage) differ in their behaviour and how horse behaviour changes with maturation and training.

A horse’s behaviour has a direct impact on its usefulness and that, in turn, affects its value and – sadly – the care it receives. There is evidence from Europe that over 65% of horses outside the racing industry are slaughtered before the age of seven, very often for behavioural reasons.


Read more: Getting the facts about work in horse stables


Understandably, given riding is the most dangerous sport for children, parents crave authentic assessment of ponies’ behaviour. Information in E-BARQ could potentially help buyers identify warning signs of dangerous behaviours and make more informed choices.

By providing researchers with an unprecedented wealth of information, E-BARQ has the potential to revolutionise the way we train and manage our horses and, as a result, make real and lasting positive changes in horse welfare and the sustainability of horse sports.

The Society of Master Saddlers – Helen Reader

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Society of Master Saddlers – Helen Reader

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Helen Reader

Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter, Helen Reader, answers some frequently asked questions on saddlery

1) I have just purchased a horse which is rather short in the back. My 17.5 inch event saddle looks very long on him but is a good fit for myself. I am long in the leg. How can I resolve this so that we are both comfortable and safe?

I would recommend a visit by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter in the first instance to assess your current saddle and fit. A shorter saddle would be required, so that it doesn’t sit on the lumber region of the horse. To accommodate the your leg the saddle would need to be either more forward cut or have a high knee block which your leg can sit under. This would allow you to remain balanced and secure in the saddle which is obviously important especially when going cross-country. Another area to look at is a saddle with a flatter seat as this can also give the ypu more ‘room’ in the saddle than a deep seat would.

2. How far back is ‘too far back’ on a horse’s back for the saddle to sit?

The horse’s back needs to be carefully looked after whether a leisure horse or one competing at the highest level. It is important that the tree of the saddle must not go beyond the last rib. The panel of the tree can go past this but not the tree.

3. Could you tell me how to tell if my saddle is the correct size for me?

Again a visit by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter is always the best starting point. When sitting in the saddle there should be four fingers behind the rider – for example between the rider and the back of the cantle, as a general rule of thumb. At the front of the saddle the rider’s knee should not come over the front of the knee roll or flap, this is a sure sign the saddle is too small and not a correct size.

For more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642

EquiBiome – Dietary Changes Led By Science

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Dietary Changes Led By Science

equibiome.org

EquiBiome - Dietary Changes Led By Science

The test is so accurate that it can identify water contamination (arsenic/nitrate/nitrite), dietary deficiencies, mineral and vitamin imbalances, acidosis, antibiotic resistant bacteria and emerging pathogens.

We all want the best for our horses so that they can be as healthy as possible but with a drastic loss of biodiversity over the last 50 years, grazing and hay is often lacking in what our horses need.

Combine this with a huge feed and supplements market in which the quality of products varies drastically and the choice can be confusing, and it is no wonder many horses have gastrointestinal health issues which can be linked to disease and poor performance.

Until now, there hasn’t been a detailed way of analysing the microbiome in the hind gut which is made up of both good and bad bacteria. So any changes made to the diet in response to poor health or loss of performance have been guess work, unless invasive methods such as passing an endoscopy in to the stomach to diagnose gastric ulceration have been utilised.

Now thanks to EquiBiome leading the way in gut health, there is test kit available to all horse owners to enable microbial analysis of the hind gut, simply by collecting a faecal sample.

Knowing what type and how many of the good and the bad bacteria, gives valuable insight into the type of diet that can help, and the type of pro and prebiotic that will suit the biome.

Many of the bacteria within the list of pathogens are linked to gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhoea, inflammation and discomfort. The Equibiome Test identifies them all and gives insight into management.

The test is so accurate that it can identify water contamination (arsenic/nitrate/nitrite), dietary deficiencies, mineral and vitamin imbalances, acidosis, antibiotic resistant bacteria and emerging pathogens.

The EquiBiome Test Kit is ordered online at equibiome.org and once it arrives follow the instructions and return your horse’s faecal sample for testing. You will then receive a detailed report with recommendations to improve your horse’s gut health.

With the right management, based on facts not guess work, your horse’s gut health can be improved.

EquiBiome - Dietary Changes Led By Science

For further information or to order an EquiBiome Test Kit please visit equibiome.org and follow the ‘EquiBiome’ page on Facebook.

SMS – The Importance of Saddle Checks

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Importance of Saddle Checks

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

The Society of Master Saddlers discuss the importance of regular saddle checks and reflocking.

The Importance of Saddle Checks

Horses change considerably over time. A horse’s ‘shape’ is very dependent on the horse owner’s management.

A horse can change shape for many reasons. Maybe he is enjoying a break from work turned out in a field with lots of grass. Possibly, the competition season is well under way, and he is leaner and more muscled than he was at the beginning of the season. Maybe he is a young horse and he is going through a period of rapid growth and development. Maybe his owner, school over for the summer, has vastly increased his exercise and schooling programme. Or perhaps he has lost condition over winter.

It’s surprising how many owners notice a rug getting tighter but the fact that the saddle no longer fits well completely escapes them. This is why it is very important to get saddles checked regularly.

Saddle fitting checks are an important part of horse care. Yes, they cost money. And yes, occasionally the saddle fitter may need to return quite quickly because the horse has changed shape so rapidly. This isn’t an unnecessary expense it is vital to make sure your horse is comfortable.

The Importance of Saddle Checks

A saddle that is too narrow and is pinching and exerting other unwanted pressure – or too wide and pressing down and restricting the horse’s ability to use himself correctly – can result in welfare, veterinary, behavioural and performance problems. Overcoming the resulting problems could be expensive in terms of veterinary, schooling and other professional services. Meanwhile the horse has suffered totally unnecessarily.

Recognise that changes in exercise and feed regimes have the potential to alter the horse’s shape. Try to stick to the principle one saddle should fit one horse and remember a saddle adopts the contours of the horse, if placed on a different horse, it could be very uncomfortable. When a saddle suffers an accident or when the horse suffers a fall whilst being ridden the saddle should be examined by a Master or Qualified Saddler. Internal damage such as a broken tree can be difficult to spot and, not rectified, it may result in complicated veterinary problems.

Use the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter to undertake fitting checks regularly. Always have a new saddle fitted and recognise that it is at least equally importance to have a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS saddle fitters have a comprehensive knowledge of saddle brands and designs. They are aware of the rules and regulations applicable to tack and equipment used in all the equestrian disciplines and sports, and offer advice and professional services.

Top tip: Whether buying a new or second hand saddle it is important to have it fitted by a qualified saddle fitter and have it checked regularly. Also remember old saddles can be improved with a complete re-flock.

To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

RDA – Cameron Branchett

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Cameron Branchett

www.rda.org.uk

Cameron Branchett

The Calming Effect of Horses

There are many benefits of horse riding for children with autism, autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people and this can cause considerable anxiety.

The rhythmic movement experienced during horse riding has been found to calm this distress and the actual physical contact with the horse may also help to build other relationships and reduce negative reactions.

Communication and empathy may also be increased by the interaction with the horse as their excitement of riding encourages them to speak to their horse and they begin to understand that their reactions can have an impact on how the horse behaves.

Riding different horses, introducing new activities and the rotation of volunteers that help out during riding sessions can assist with the resistance to change that is often associated with autism.

Cameron Branchett has riding been since 2011. When he began to get frustrated with his progress, Malvern Riding School, an Accessibility Mark accredited centre, stepped in to help. Here his Dad, Jonathan, tells his story.

Cameron’s Story

Cameron was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in December 2006. In 2011, after discovering that the rocking motion on the pelvis when riding a horse released oxytocin that can help calm people, Cameron tried his first riding lesson.

The effect on him was immediate. Trying to cope in a main stream school, Cameron was showing symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome alongside his ASD. All of this stopped every time he sat on the horse.

He was hooked and we were amazed that a half hour lesson could have such a profound effect on him. They say certain animals have an affinity with humans and this is certainly the case with every horse Cameron has ridden. He forms a genuine bond with them all and they seem to instinctively understand his needs.

With ASD comes difficulties, listening to and understanding complex sets of instructions can be challenging at times. Cameron never expressed any desire to be a champion rider, or show jumper, he just enjoyed riding and trotting.

However, he began to get frustrated with his own limited progress and was starting to find the lessons troubling. In 2016, he was on the verge of giving up. That’s when we turned to Malvern Riding School. Julie and the staff there are simply wonderful.

Within a few months he had mastered his rising trot, something he had never managed in five years! He now canters and jumps with ease and he is so much more confident and enthusiastic about his riding now and determined to become as good as he can be to help him with his dream of becoming an actor.

Julie and the staff, have a way of sensing when Cameron is getting a little disengaged with his riding and quickly change the lessons to keep him interested.

The way they communicate with him really resonates and he responds well to them. The little things like stopping the horse and talking towards him rather than shouting to his back as he rides past make all the difference. They also know the best way to challenge and support him even when he doubts himself.

Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability.

There are currently 53 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country.

To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk

About Accessibility Mark

In partnership with the British Equestrian Federation, the RDA launched the revolutionary Accessibility Mark scheme with the aim of getting more disabled people to participate in riding.

This project has been kindly funded by Sport England through the British Equestrian Federation.

SMS – Different Types of Martingale

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Different Types of Martingale

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

The Society of Master Saddlers look at the different styles of martingale available today.

Jamie -Lee Day and Hanleen DidjeridooJamie -Lee Day and Hanleen Didjeridoo

A martingale is a piece of tack which is usually used to control head carriage and act as an additional form of control. There are several different types of martingale which are used for varying reasons and are seen across several disciplines. In this feature we look at the different martingales and explain their design and uses.

The two most common types of martingale are standing and running. A standing martingale consists of a strap that attaches to the girth and runs between the horse’s front legs up to the back of the noseband. This runs through a neck strap which fastens around the neck and keeps the martingale close to the horse. This type of martingale should only be fitted to a cavesson noseband or similar and if correctly fitted, the main strap should be able to touch the throat lash when raised. It is not recommended that a standing martingale should be used for jumping as it may restrict the horse.

The running martingale attaches to the girth and then passes through the horse’s front legs before splitting into two straps with a ring on the end which the reins pass through. Martingale stops, which can be either rubber or leather, should be used on the reins between the bit rings and the rings of the martingale to prevent the martingale straps from slipping forward and interfering with the bit. The running martingale prevents the horse from raising its head above a certain point as it applies additional pressure to the reins and consequently the bars of the mouth.

If correctly fitted the ‘fork’ of the running martingale should slacken about an inch when the horse lowers it head and there should be a straight line running from the rider’s hands to the bit rings when the horse has his head in the correct position and the martingale is not acting on him. A running martingale is very popular for jumping disciplines as it gives the rider extra control without interfering unnecessarily with the horse.

The Irish martingale is not like others, but rather a semi martingale. It is simply a short leather strap with a ring at either end which the reins pass through, quite close to the bit. It is not designed as a form of control but rather to prevent the reins coming over the horse’s head in a fall. They are most commonly used in European racing.

Bolesworth Show 18.06.17  G.P. Anthony Condon on Balzac

A full list of Society of Master Saddlers members who will be able to give you help and advice and can supply ‘off the peg’ or bespoke bridlework can be found at www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.

How the Golden Rules of Feeding Aid Digestion

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

How the Golden Rules of Feeding Aid Digestion

www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

How the Golden Rules of Feeding Aid Digestion

As children we are all taught about the ‘golden rules of feeding’ but do you know why these age old guidelines that are drummed into us during Pony Club, are so important to digestive health?

Provide clean, fresh water – Water plays an essential role in digestion and is involved in most of the reactions that break down food; without adequate water, food breakdown and nutrient digestion can be compromised. It also aids the smooth passage of food and digesta through the gastrointestinal tract, such that horses with limited or restricted water intake for extended periods of time have an increased risk of developing colic.

Feed little and often – As the stomach is relatively small, horses can digest very little starch at any one time. Any excess starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine will overflow into the hindgut, particularly the caecum which can affect the microbial balance.

Feed according to work – Regardless of the workload of the horse, the diet must always start with fibre, even for competition horses that have a higher demand on their energy requirements.

How the Golden Rules of Feeding Aid Digestion

Maintain a routine – Horses are creatures of habit and any change of routine can increase stress levels that can have a negative impact on the digestive system, causing it to become disrupted.

Feed sufficient fibre – Fibre should make up at least 60% of the horses total rations and if there is insufficient fibre reaching the hindgut, this delicate microbial ecosystem can easily become upset. Providing adlib hay also relieves boredom during the winter when horses are stabled for longer and satisfies their natural desire to chew. Fibre in the form of grass or hay is vital to a healthy, efficient digestive system.

Introduce new feed gradually – the digestive system needs time to adjust to a new feed, adding a little each day to the existing feed. This rule also applies to a new batch of hay and fresh grazing. Gradual feed changes lessen the risk of digestive upset or even colic.

Feed good quality forage – the quality of the forage you buy is vital to eliminate exposure to mycotoxins. Whilst we are all aware of the risks of feeding dusty hay on the respiratory system, certain mould growth in hay and haylage can also have a negative effect on the horse’s overall wellbeing. Mycotoxins are produced by certain moulds commonly found in forage and bedding.

How the Golden Rules of Feeding Aid Digestion

Practice good hygiene – keep feed, water buckets and feed bins clean. As with feed and forage, mycotoxins can grow in contaminated, dirty bowls and feed bins that haven’t been emptied properly before being refilled.

New Forage Guard® from Alltech is a broad spectrum mycotoxin binder designed to help lessen the damaging effects of mycotoxins on performance and health.

It works to bind the mycotoxins in the gut, therefore preventing their absorption from the gut into the horse, without removing key nutrients from the diet, as can be the case with alternative clay binders.

A 5kg tub of Forage Guard® retails at £45 and contains a 100 day supply.

For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512.

Caroline Powell

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Caroline Powell

www.suregrowuk.com

Meet New Zealand legend Caroline Powell

Meet New Zealand legend Caroline Powell

Leading event rider, Caroline Powell, is no stranger to competing at the major Three-Day-Events around the world.

She has dedicated many years to training and competing and has had the honour of representing her country at the Olympics.

Here courtesy of her sponsor Suregrow we learn more about this well-respected rider and what her plans are for the future.

“I get as much satisfaction from bringing on young event horses as I do riding at 4 star.”

Caroline has a large team of young and up-coming horses, but probably one of her most famous horses was the gutsy grey known as Lenamore.

This special horse was a favourite among the crowds when he was out on the eventing scene with Caroline. Also known as Ed at the stables he was a real personality – quirky, tricky and had a mind of his own.

Something clicked between them and Ed had met his match as the partnership went on to do great things including a team bronze in the London 2012 Olympics.

Meet New Zealand legend Caroline Powell

Between them, the pairing also enjoyed success at seven Badminton Horse Trials and five Burghley Horse Trials including winning in 2010.

Lenamore, clearly loved his job as even at the age of 20 he was still his feisty self when he competed in the 2013 Hickstead Eventers Derby.

Overseas Caroline has accomplished a New Zealand team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky on a horse that was quite green at that level, Mac Macdonald.

A big, long striding horse that had his own style in the cross-country, this shows how talented Caroline was to get a good clear round in the course which counted to the team score.

Caroline remains as determined as ever and has a great string of horses to compete this season including On The Brash and Sergeant Crisp.

On The Brash – stable name Rufus – recently competed at Bramham International Horse Trials in the CCI4*S, with just 5.2 time faults on a day when the weather proved challenging.

Another striking grey, Sergeant Crisp also competed at Bramham, in the CCI-L4* gaining experience as he climbs the eventing ladder.

Collectively, with more than 25 Badminton, Burghley, Lumuhlen and Pau competitions under her belt, along with two World Equestrian Games and two Olympics for team New Zealand, Caroline still gets a buzz from competing at major international events while also bringing on her team of younger horses.

Said Caroline: “I get as much satisfaction from bringing on young event horses as I do riding at 4 star.

Meet New Zealand legend Caroline Powell

“Without doubt eventing brings many highs and lows but it is a great sport and when everything goes right there is nothing better than galloping across and jumping the toughest cross-country tracks in the world.”

Caroline’s Favourite Suregrow Product

Specifically formulated for use on horse and pony paddocks, Suregrow Fertiliser helps owners get the most from their grazing.

The fertiliser contains major nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sulphur which are key elements required for grass growth.

Thanks to in depth research and development Suregrow Fertiliser has also been designed to slowly release these nutrients avoiding lush grass and allowing a more sustained growth.

Meet New Zealand legend Caroline Powell

Suregrow produces thicker and denser grass sward so chokes the weeds.

Unlike other fertilisers, horses and ponies do not need to be removed from the paddock during application, which eliminates the inconvenience of moving horses around into alternative grazing.

Suregrow Fertiliser is available in 20kg bags.

To find out more about the Suregrow range please contact Suregrow on 01423 223045 or visit www.suregrowuk.com.

Pippa Allen

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Pippa Allen

www.britishhorsefeeds.com

How to keep your horse straight

Pippa Allen

British Horse Feeds-sponsored show-jumper, Pippa Allen, provides advice on how to keep your horse straight.

Based in West Yorkshire, Pippa, 25, is a very talented rider who has spent two and half years in Germany riding for international showjumpers, Helena and Tim Stormanns in Eschweiler.

Says Pippa

In the show-jumping ring there may be a few obstacles where riders will approach from an angle but most require the horse to be straight to keep balance and have more success in keeping the poles in their cups.

Not only for balance, straightness is extremely important to ensure your horse maintains power on take-off to clear the fence and prepare for the next.

A common reason for horses to drift on an approach to a fence could be down to the rider’s balance. They could have more strength in one leg or even be stronger or weaker on one rein; similarly the horse could also have a weaker rein.

To combat this issue, schooling at home is a great way to perfect your straightness. Even certain flat work exercises can aid in improving balance like leg yielding. This move is good in highlighting which side is weaker.

Also riding straight lines up the three-quarter line and not sticking to the track along the fence is good practice.

When wanting to incorporate a jump into your schooling, the most common exercise used for straight lines is where the poles are placed to form a ‘V’ which guides the horse to the centre and makes the horse use his shoulders.

Pippa Allen

It is best to start with the poles forming the ‘V’ to be quite wide as you don’t want to worry your horse first time around, especially with training a young horse. Once they become familiar with the exercise, make the poles narrower.

Another tip which is heard in lessons with most instructors because we are all guilty of it sometimes is ‘Look up at where you are going’. If you are focused on what is straight ahead of you, you are more likely to stay balanced.

There are also exercises riders can do out of the saddle to help. Core stability is important because it allows you to be in control of your balance and help with communication to your horse.

Basic core exercises are extremely effective like the plank and more and more people are doing yoga and pilates which is great for strength.

For further information on British Horse Feeds visit the website at www.britishhorsefeeds.com

Interview sourced from www.britishhorsefeeds.com

Coralie Chung

Coralie Chung

Side Saddles – all you need to know

Master Saddler and Side Saddle Specialist, Coralie Chung, answers some frequently asked questions when it comes to the world of side saddle.

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What are the differences between the three main stirrup safety fittings?

The most important thing to consider before riding side saddle is safety. One of the foremost considerations is if the worst happens, and you fall from your horse, that you will become immediately detached and not ‘hung-up’ with a foot stuck in the iron and the stirrup fixed to the saddle. The late Victorian period began producing innovative safety designs for riders and their saddles to reduce the risk of accident and injury.

Previously to this time most side saddles had a closed roller bar fitted for the stirrup leather to pass through, so a slipper stirrup – that prevents the foot going through as closed at the front – or a collapsible stirrup iron were used.

The three most well known makers of side saddles had their own patented safety system for the stirrup attachment.

Mr Wilton (senior) of Champion and Wilton patented theirs in 1880. It is a hinged mechanism onto which the metal loop of the stirrup leather hooks. {A} It is held firmly in place by the weight of the rider’s leg on top of the leather safe. Should the rider fall, the weight is lifted and the hinge lets go, releasing the rider from the saddle.

The other two main side saddle makers were Owen and Co, who had a ‘hook on and click down ‘{B} design of safety attachment and Mayhew, where the hinged stirrup bar is straight with a wide hinged hook -over stirrup fitting {C}.

All three makers’ designs are widely used by other side saddle makers and indeed by each other as a customer could request their preference when ordering a saddle.

Because of the quick release nature of the side saddle safety features it is inadvisable to mount using the stirrup. A tall mounting block or a leg-up is always preferred.

How does fitting a side saddle differ from fitting astride?

The majority of side saddles still in use today are antiquated. They were designed and made in a time when horses were still in use as working animals. Horses then were generally leaner and travelled in straight lines.

A typical ladies mount would have been a lean thoroughbred type shape. The rider would likely have been smaller and more petite than today’s average rider. Therefore the bespoke saddles for that type of horse and rider do not always correspond with our modern warm blood, cob or native breeds which are often more heavily muscled around the shoulders, wither and back due to the rounder outlines we like to work them in.

When buying an astride saddle, the SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter would have a range of new and possibly second hand saddles from various companies (and to suit various budgets) to try on the horse in order to get the best fit for both him and his rider.

There is a huge choice of readily available modern astride saddles in all sizes for all different disciplines. They come in different colours, types of leather, knee and thigh rolls etc.

Fitting a side saddle can require a great deal of patience. Side saddles are not available in abundance. Most often they are bought and sold privately. Side saddles were made to the individual’s specifications so a prospective buyer now would need to find one that fits their body shape and is comfortable.

The next task is to see if it will fit the horse. As mentioned previously many side saddles are on the narrow side (there are of course exceptions) so some wither is essential. Side saddles are longer than astride saddles, so the horse will need good length of back.

There is limited supply of side saddles which makes finding the perfect one a complicated task and the result is often a compromise. Fitting a side saddle can therefore be a long drawn out affair.

As with fitting an astride saddle it is very important to have the side saddle checked and fitted by an expert.

Can any saddle fitter fit a side saddle?

No. Only an experienced side saddle fitter understands the dynamics involved to fit a side saddle correctly.

Fitting a side saddle is very specific and precise and completely different to fitting an astride saddle. To begin with they are usually very old and therefore a thorough safety check is needed.

This will include testing the tree for cracks or breaks. Inspection of all straps and examination of the panel. The side saddle specialist will be able to advise on the suitability of the side saddle and carry out any repairs and reflocking as necessary.

Once the side saddle has been confirmed as fit for purpose it can be fitted to the horse. Unlike the panel of the astride saddle, a side saddle is not symmetrical. The weight and balance of the rider is still spread evenly as with an astride saddle, but just over a larger bearing surface and with different balance points.

The rider has a lot of influence over the fit of the side saddle. Experienced side saddle riders are well balanced and know how to distribute their weight through the saddle.

Less experienced novice riders can inadvertently put too much pressure on the stirrup therefore unbalancing themselves and the saddle will tip to one side.

A list of side saddle specialists is available on both the Society of Master Saddlers website and the Side Saddle Association website.

For more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.

Robinson Animal Healthcare – Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

Robinson Animal Healthcare – Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

While many horse owners still believe that a wound should be allowed to dry out, the opposite is now understood to be more beneficial.

Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

When the skin is damaged as a result of a wound your horse loses its first line of defence against infection. Even a small cut can quickly become infected if not cleaned and treated properly.

Robinson Animal Healthcare - Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

While many horse owners still believe that a wound should be allowed to dry out, the opposite is now understood to be more beneficial.

Wounds are able to heal quicker in a moisture controlled environment as the new epithelial cells can move around more easily, allowing the damaged tissue to repair, leading to faster healing.

The likelihood of scarring is reduced because there is no scab formation and the nerve endings are cushioned and protected by the moisture which gives relief from pain.

Wound hydrogels can both donate moisture and absorb excess exudate providing a more controlled wound environment. They also act by gently debriding wounds and rehydrating necrotic tissue which will then be removed from the wound surface.

Robinson Animal Healthcare - Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

Vetalintex® Wound Hydrogel is a must for any first aid kit. It promotes wound healing by maintaining excellent hydration for moist wound healing.

The clear, viscose starch based hydrogel has an excellent, gentle cleansing action and is easy to apply and use.

Vetalintex® is presented sterile in 15g tubes for optimum infection control and should be applied liberally before applying an appropriate secondary dressing such as Skintact®, also from Robinson Animal Healthcare.

RRP is around £4.00

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com

Robinson Animal Healthcare - Why Should You Use A Wound Hydrogel?

Laura Renwick

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Laura Renwick

www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Jet Setting with Laura Renwick

Robinson Animal Healthcare - Laura Renwick

As one of the leading lady showjumpers in the UK Laura Renwick is used to travelling the world and competing in some glamorous locations.

During the Springtime Laura takes her young horses as well as her seasoned campaigners over to Portugal to compete in the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour.

This provides a great warm up for her top horses ahead of the outdoor competitions in the UK and gives the future stars of her stable some valuable experience of international travel.

Laura is also a regular on the Longines Global Champions Tour that sees the world’s best showjumpers compete against the stunning backdrop of cities such as Paris, Monaco and Miami.

Here we catch up with Laura who is sponsored by Robinson Animal Healthcare to find out what it is like to compete on the international circuit.

Why do you like competing abroad?

I love competing on the international circuit because most of the show venues are of the highest standard as is the ground, course design and facilities for riders and owners. There is also more money to be won internationally.

What are the logistics of competing internationally?

All horses have to have an FEI passport then the vet has to issue health papers for travelling to foreign shows. Then you have to arrange stabling on route if it’s a long journey as well as ferry bookings!! Shelley Ashman International is the company we use to arrange all these things.

How do the horses cope with the travelling?

Most horses are used to travelling long distances and cope well but the younger ones can find it hard and get very tired. We make sure we travel with hay and also make regular stops to give water.

How long are you usually away for at any one time?

It depends – in the spring and autumn there are tours which are four to six weeks of shows in one place, other than that it is usually week by week.

What is the best and worst thing about competing abroad?

The best thing is getting to compete at some wonderful venues; the worst thing is the travelling and being away from home a lot.

Do you have a favourite international show or venue?

Dinard in France is one of my favourite venues, as is Madrid. I love to compete on grass – but Miami Beach is something else!

Tell us about the team that travel with you.

We usually just travel with one groom who looks after up to four horses, that’s the maximum you would take to a show really and he is there to care for the horses every need.

How do you think competing abroad benefits the horses?

Any experience benefits horses careers but it’s all about getting them out and seeing different things and places.

Do you get any time to enjoy the countries that you visit?

Sometimes we are lucky enough to get time to see the fabulous venues we get to go to but often it is all work!

What advice would you give to others wanting to compete internationally for the first time?

Make sure you take advice from people who have been abroad already so that you know everything you need to before you set off.

Whenever Laura and her team are travelling they make sure they have a fully stocked first aid kit. The Horse & Rider First Aid Kit from Robinson Animal Healthcare is ideal for keeping in the lorry for any unexpected injuries.

The kit contains all the necessary products to deal with minor cuts and grazes, including market leading products Animalintex®, the ONLY medicinally licensed veterinary multi-layered poultice and dressing in the UK and Veterinary Gamgee®.

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Interview sourced from www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Harriet Morris-Baumber

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Harriet Morris-Baumber

www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Tackling Skinny Fences.

Harriet Morris-Baumber
Photo Credit: Iain B Photography

A skinny fence can strike fear into the hearts of some riders, and course builders love to throw in this technical challenge to test how accurate your riding is, along with your ability to keep the horse straight.

Event rider and trainer, Harriet Morris-Baumber is used to negotiating these types of fences when she is competing herself and instructs her clients on the best way to tackle skinny fences, which can be one of the most common causes of a run-out.

Skinny fences come in a variety of forms including a skinny brush, an arrowhead, a narrow fence with a ditch, a skinny after a big parallel, a skinny after a drop fence or an angled skinny and all are designed to catch you out.

Here Harriet offers her top tips to make sure you are on the right side of the flag to successfully clear the narrow obstacle and gallop away, on to the next fence.

Give your horse time to read the question.

Give your horse the maximum amount of time possible to see the fence in front by keeping in a straight line for as long as possible and approach at the appropriate speed.

By riding at a slower speed your horse will have more time to see the fence and you will have more time to react if he strays off course.

Use your legs to keep the horse straight.

As you get closer to the fence, kick with alternate legs to communicate to your horse that you need him to keep going in a straight line. Gripping or squeezing is not as effective as short sharp kicks.

Sometimes a tap on the shoulder with a whip is useful for keeping a horse straight.

“In training I often ride with a whip in each hand, so I have one on either side, helping to keep them straight and thinking forward.” added Harriet.

Harriet Morris-Baumber
Photo Credit: Iain B Photography

Keep your hands still and quiet.

A lot of riders make the mistake of desperately trying to keep their horse straight by pulling on one rein more than the other. This just decreases impulsion and confuses the horse.

The reins are ultimately the brakes, so instead of thinking backwards and straight, we need to think forwards and straight, which can only be achieved by using the legs.

“The reins should be doing very little when jumping a skinny fence, only coming into play if your horse becomes tense in the mouth, then you should use the reins to soften the contact whilst maintaining direction with your legs and or whip.” explained Harriet.

No matter what sort of skinny fence you are facing or where the skinny fence is situated on the course, the key is to stick to your system and don’t do anything radical just because it looks like more of a challenge

Harriet is available for dressage, show-jumping and cross-country lessons at her base near York.  

To find out more call Harriet on 07795 562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Interview sourced from www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk

Laurence Pearman

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Laurence Pearman

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Twice president of Society Master Saddlers, Lecturer / Assessor on Saddle fitting courses and Master Saddler Laurence Pearman

Twice president of Society Master Saddlers, Lecturer / Assessor on Saddle fitting courses and Master Saddler Laurence Pearman answers some frequently asked questions on saddlery.

Question Could you explain the purpose of a point and balance straps?

Answer The main purpose of Point Straps is to stop forward movement of the saddle towards the shoulders.  This will happen with some horses and ponies and not others depending on their shape and conformation. 

Balance Straps are used to stop sideways movement at the back of the saddle from either to the right or left, with the aim of providing more stability.

Question  I’m going try a Cheltenham Gag on my horse; do you advise leather or rope version, and why?

Answer The Gag cheeks in leather are more traditional and look more in keeping with the leather bridle.  If these are well made and carefully maintained then the rolled cheeks will last a long time. 

The rope versions are quite often used in the Polo world and although they do not look as nice they are strong.  A word of caution – it is important to keep an eye on the ends where the rope is stitched to the leather parts as stitching can wear through.

From the leather or rope version I would personally recommend leather.

Question My saddle makes a funny noise when trotting. Is there anything I could do to eliminate or reduce this noise?

Answer If your saddle makes any noises that are not leather on leather related it is worth getting a qualified saddler to have a look.

Any more unusual noise requires the tack to be checked out by a Master Saddler as a matter of urgency to check for any potential cracking or breakage or damaged rivets in the traditional wood / metal tree .

A synthetic tree can also be cracked or broken and needs to be checked in the same way.

Question I need to purchase some new stirrup leathers and like the look of the less bulky webbers. I plan to do low key riding club events.  Would  these be suitable?

Answer The softer stitched stirrup leathers are gaining popularity as they are less bulky under the riders leg making them more comfortable.  Before purchase always check they have nylon web in the centre for strength, also keep an eye on the stitching as it can wear.

For more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.  

Interview sourced from www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Maria Eilberg

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Maria Eilberg

www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Training for Leg Yield

Maria Eilberg

Team Zebra Products dressage rider and trainer Maria Eilberg provides advice on leg yielding courtesy of her sponsors Amerigo and Sprenger.

Suppleness is a key element

When training on the flat, suppleness is a key element which should be carefully attended to and developed.  A useful exercise which can significantly help to improve suppleness is leg yield. It is the first lateral exercise that is introduced to a horse and involves working on two tracks.

Leg yield is the most basic of lateral movements and encourages looseness and flexibility across the whole of the horse’s body whilst ensuring that the rider uses the correct aids and leg positioning to influence the horse.

During leg yield, the horse steps sideways and forwards at the same time. This means that the inside hind leg steps into the tracks of the opposite front leg. The inside legs step in front of and across the outside feet and the steps should be equal and in positive forward momentum.

When training for leg yield it is important that the horse moves off the leg and learns the aid to step sideways. It is crucial that the rider positions the horse correctly to set up the leg yield. To start with turn the horse down the centre or quarter line and be sure to ride a few straight steps before turning your horses shoulders onto a diagonal line in the direction that you wish to travel.  The half halt should then be used to make the horse’s shoulders wait and the outside leg can be applied for support. Simultaneously, the inside leg should be applied slightly further back, just behind the girth and should be used to ask the horse to step sideways. The rider should sit straight and central. To clarify, the inside leg drives the sideways motion and encourages forwardness whilst the outside leg ‘guards’ When leg-yielding, the horse should be straight through the body and give a slight flexion to the inside at the poll, which is encouraged by a gentle inside rein, supported by the inside leg to outside rein connection. To finish the leg yield, the horse should be straightened, so that his hind legs and forelegs use the same track. It is important that the movement is started and finished properly so that the horse learns to be obedient and not fall sideways until he reaches the track for support.

There are different forms of leg yield which can be utilised as training progresses. These include leg yield on a circle, off a diagonal line and from line to line. Leg yield can be performed in walk, trot and canter, but should be introduced in walk to establish the correct positioning and teach the horse to accept the aids.

Leg yield is very useful for developing lateral suppleness, which will improve the horse’s way of going as well as teaching the rider to ride lateral movements correctly. When the leg yield is established, other lateral work can be introduced such as shoulder in which should be smooth as the horse has learnt to accept the aids involved.

Maria’s Product Tip

Maria Eilberg 

My favourite product of the moment is the new Amerigo Masterclass Dressage Saddle which sets a stunning trend in saddle design and technology.  The saddle combines technical excellence with a fashionable twist to celebrate the brands launch in 1998 and features the very best design with glamour and colour.  The palette of colours offers 12 different shades that go from the exclusive silver and gold, to the soft pastels and bright nuances.

For further information contact Zebra Products on (01352) 763350 or visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Interview sourced from www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Ellie Ingram

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Ellie Ingram

www.horsehage.co.uk

A Happy Ending For Rescued Shetland Pony, Pearl

A Happy Ending For Rescued Shetland Pony, Pearl

In 2013, Essex-based horse lover, Ellie Ingram, was contacted by a friend who told her she had heard about 25 Shetland ponies on their way to slaughter as they were deemed as ‘wastage’. The friend agreed to take two of the ponies and Ellie agreed to be responsible for their day-to-day care. They named the pair Pearl and Peaches.

Ellie’s friend then moved away to Wales so they decided she would take Peaches with her as a companion for her horse and Ellie agreed to keep Pearl. Ellie had recently lost her 26-year-old son in tragic circumstances and spent a lot of time helping her friend with the horses as it was a real help to her whilst she was grieving, and so Pearl became her life-saver, giving her a reason to go on. Ellie describes her as her very own ‘My Little Pony’, standing at just nine hands high, with her passport name of Banoffee reflecting her beautiful colouring of cream and white Palomino with a flaxen mane and tail.

When they first arrived, Pearl wouldn’t even go into a stable and so had to be kept in the manège. She would compete for food and hay and always had her ears back. The little Shetland had obviously been neglected for some time and had a resistant worm load and many scabs on her skin as well as being overweight.  Her hooves were cracked and splitting and she had lice. Ellie tried many different feeds which were suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis but had to keep adding linseed meal and supplements for Pearl’s hoof condition.

A Happy Ending For Rescued Shetland Pony, Pearl

Shetland ponies are the Labradors of the horse world and love their feed, grass and forage and Pearl was no different. Ellie was soaking her hay every day to keep her satisfied and trickle-feeding. She also used a feeding muzzle when Pearl was turned out, to slow down her grass intake. Her main problem was sourcing a suitable feed that offered palatability, digestibility and longer satisfaction without high levels of sugar and starch but she didn’t want to reduce her energy levels.

In January this year, Ellie heard about Mollichaff HoofKind Complete – a complete fibre-based feed which is low in starch and sugar and does not contain any cereals. It provides a low level but high quality protein with restricted calories and is ideal for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. Because it’s high in fibre, it takes Pearl longer to chew and so she is more satisfied. Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is exactly that – ‘complete’. It contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement and when fed at the recommended levels, it provides all Pearl’s dietary requirements and so can be used as the sole concentrate feed alongside plenty of good quality forage.

Said Ellie: “I have noticed that since Pearl has been on Mollichaff HoofKind Complete she is more satisfied with her feed and seems to enjoy the chewing of it, rather than bolting it down. I no longer need to add any supplements and so it saves time and I am confident that Pearl is getting everything she needs for her energy without the complication of too much sugar and starch, which helps with preventing her becoming overweight and prone to laminitis.”

“She is now a very different pony to the one we rescued. Her hooves, mane and tail are in tip-top condition and her temperament is so calm. She has no stereotypies, comes to call and can be handled, groomed and plaited up by a child in safety. She is currently ridden by my eight-year-old grand-daughter and has been trained to harness as well as doing a little jumping, although as Pearl is now fifteen, this isn’t a regular activity. I hope she can go on to be a great first pony to another child as she’s now in great health and has excellent manners.”

“I would not hesitate to recommend Mollichaff HoofKind Complete as I believe it has made a real difference to Pearl and has been well-researched nutritionally to provide the perfect feed for ponies that are good doers and prone to laminitis.”

For more information please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527274 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Interview sourced from www.horsehage.co.uk

Phoebe Boyce

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Phoebe Boyce

www.rda.org.uk

To celebrate its 50th anniversary year in 2019, Riding for the Disabled Association is marking the milestone through its 50 Faces campaign, telling the stories of some of the amazing people who make RDA the extraordinary organisation it is today..

RDA - 50t Anniversary

Designed to challenge preconceptions about disability and volunteering, and to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness of RDA, 50 Faces features a collage of portraits, as well as the surprising and often moving stories of horse riders, carriage drivers and volunteers from all over the UK.

“A 50th anniversary could be a time for looking back, but we wanted to celebrate where we are now, as leaders in disability sport, and also look to our future – helping even more disabled people to benefit from time with horses,” says Caroline Ward, Communications Manager at RDA UK.

“50 Faces is an engaging and interactive way for people to find out more about what we do – and will hopefully inspire more people to get involved.”

Meet Phoebe Boyce

Phoebe BoycePhoebe Boyce first experienced horse riding when she was eight-years-old before she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Due to her undiagnosed condition, Phoebe found new experiences difficult and felt miss understood.

School was also challenging for Phoebe, who would often bottle up her feelings only for them to explode at home and as she is hyper-sensitive to noises and smells, her teachers found this difficult to understand.

Phoebe, from Derbyshire and her family, including mum Abi were hugely relived when she was finally diagnosed.

A few years later Phoebe began to think about horse riding once again and discovered RDA’s website when googling about horse riding for disabled people.

In April 2017, Phoebe started riding at Scropton RDA Group. Her first lesson was a group ride, where she was led by a volunteer so they could assess how capable she was.

Phoebe progressed really quickly and widened her knowledge by reading books and watching You Tube videos in her spare time away from the stables.

After a few months of riding, even though she is allergic to horses Phoebe joined the stable club and started volunteering on a Saturday morning, helping out with the other children and looking after the horses, which boosted her confidence and helped her make new friends.

She is now a member of the Scropton RDA Team and participates in showjumping and dressage, qualifying for the RDA National Championships in 2018, where she finished 7th in her showjumping category.

Phoebe said: “The thing about RDA that makes me keep coming back is the feeling of a community and being a part of something. The staff and volunteers are all so kind and I love the thrill of horse riding and learning new things. Also, I have made lots of new friends.

“Being part of RDA helps me in other aspects of my life as it gives me something to look forward to during the week and I have gained so much confidence with meeting new people and being more independent.

RDA - 50t Anniversary

“I feel I challenge misconceptions about disability because many people don’t realise I actually have a disability, as it’s invisible. RDA treat me the same as everyone else, I get the support and help I need to improve my riding and I feel included, unlike at other places where I feel like an outsider.

“Many people with autism find it hard to socialise, and although I also have these difficulties I still enjoy volunteering and meeting and helping all the riders.”

Phoebe’s mum, Abi is incredibly proud of her achievements: “It is nice for Phoebe to do something independently without me around. When she started volunteering, I could drop her off and then come back later.

“To be able to leave her somewhere she is safe and happy is wonderful. She has made new friends and even researched and found the 50 Faces campaign herself and wanted to be included.”

You can read Phoebe’s story, and meet the other 49 Faces of RDA at www.rda.org.uk 

Interview sourced from www.rda.org.uk

Willa Newton

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Willa Newton

www.zebraproducts.co.uk

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Leading event rider

Willa Newton

Leading event rider Willa Newton has had a year to remember with two top-10 finishes at four star level.  Here we find out 10 things you didn’t know about the Amerigo-sponsored rider.

1.    Willa’s father Joey was a top amateur jockey, having won the Aintree Foxhunters twice.

2.    Willa’s sister Chloe also evented up to four star level before opting for a career change.

3.    Willa graduated from University in 2012 with a degree in Business Management.

4.    Neelix was one of the few horses to have taken a rider from Pony Club to 4 star level.  He took Willa to Team Gold at the Junior Europeans in 2008 and together they represented Great Britain at three consecutive Young Rider European Championships, winning Team Gold and Individual Silver at Blair Castle in 2011.

5.    At 28-years-old, Willa is one of the most talented young riders to emerge in the sport of eventing. As at the start of the 2018 season, she was the youngest British female rider in the World’s Top 35 Event Riders. 

6.    Willa broke her collar bone at the beginning of July last year, but was able to get back riding within 6 weeks, in time to finish 8th at Burghley, thanks to the specialist rehab support at the Injured Jockey Fund’s Jack Berry House in Malton, Yorks.

7.    She has notched up two top-10 finishes at CCI4* level this year, finishing fifth at Luhmuhlen and eighth at Burghley with Chance Remark.

8.    Janet Willis is Willa’s Head Groom and ‘secret weapon’.  Janet has been working with the Newton family before Willa was even born. In 2018 her hard work and dedication was deservedly rewarded when she took home the Burghley Groom’s award and the Haddon Training Groom of the Year 2016. 

9.    Willa is looking to expand her string for the 2019 season and would love to talk to new owners interested to join her ambitious, experienced and friendly team based in Stonesby Leicestershire.  

10. Willa is now supported by Amerigo Saddles and rides in a DJ Jump and Classic Siena Dressage.

Willa Newton

For more information on Zebra Products please visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Willa Newton

Interview sourced from www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Robinson’s Summer Healthcare

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Robinson’s Summer Healthcare

www.robinsonhealthcare.com

First Aid Advice for Summer

Robinson Animal Healthcare - First Aid Advice for Summer
F is for flies

Most horse owners can’t wait for summer, the long leisurely rides, light nights and weekends competing are the reason why we have a horse. To ensure you make the most of the best months of the year, follow a few simple rules to help prevent injuries and ailments and stop them from ruining your summer.

F is for flies

These pesky insects can cause your horse a great deal of distress during the summer months. Ensure your horse is protected by using a suitable fly repellent as well as a fly fringe and possibly a fly rug. Following exercise always wash off dried sweat as this will attract flies and can cause irritation. Activ Scrub from Robinson Animal Healthcare is an antibacterial scrub and cleansing wash that is ideal for removing sweat and dirt and can be used every day.

I is for infection

It is vital to quickly clean a wound, even minor ones, to avoid the risk of infection. When the skin is damaged it loses its first line of defence against infection, which can take hold in as little as six to eight hours.

R is for Robinson Animal Healthcare

The leading manufacturer of animal first aid and wound care products. Their product range caters for all your first aid requirements.

Robinson Animal Healthcare - First Aid Advice for Summer
S is for sunburn

S is for sunburn

Any horse that has non-pigmented, pink skinned areas of the body, such as the muzzle, around the eyes and on the heels is susceptible to sunburn. Sunburnt skin is prone to becoming sore and infected, so apply a sunscreen to protect these exposed areas.

T is for tetanus

Some wounds such as puncture wounds provide an ideal breeding ground for tetanus to flourish undetected, so it is vital to make sure your horse is protected by keeping up-to-date with vaccinations.

A is Animalintex®

This should be the number one product in your first aid kit as it can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments effectively. It is the only VMD-licensed, multi-layered, absorbent poultice available in the UK. Available in standard and pre-cut, hoof shaped poultices, Animalintex® is ideal for the summer months when the ground can become baked and hard, leading to bruising and soreness of the hoof.

I is for injury

Horses can be accident prone creatures, so keep your Horse & Rider First Aid Kit at hand to treat any minor cuts and grazes this summer.

D is for dehydration

Always make sure your horse has a fresh, clean supply of water when he is in the stable or field to avoid dehydration and to keep the body functioning at an optimum level.

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Interview sourced from www.robinsonhealthcare.com

The British Palomino Society

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The British Palomino Society

www.thebritishpalominosociety.co.uk

The Cream Gene 

The British Palomino Society

What makes Palomino and Cream Dilute horses and ponies so truly striking and totally unique to the average bay, black, chestnut or grey.

Ever wondered what causes the change? It’s all down to the genes and in this issue. 

The British Palomino Society exclusively breaks down the process.

A Look into the Cream Gene with the British Palomino Society

Firstly any horse or pony that isn’t black, chestnut or bay has had a genetic mutation that has acted in diluting the horse’s coat, hence where the meaning came from, dilute.

The mutations start in the MATP segment of the gene within the DNA and will affect the coat, skin and eye colours by lightening them.

There are a number of these mutations, but the cream dilute is regarded as the most popular and affects black and red pigments in the skin.

Other mutations include champagne dilution, dun dilution, pearl dilution, silver dilution and grey.

Alleles are described as different versions of the same gene and if a horse carries the Cream Dilute gene it is abbreviated CR and in its recessive non-cream form it is written ‘cr’.

The British Palomino Society

Single Dilute is where the horse or pony carries one copy of the cream gene and is also known as heterozygous. This term means that within the pair, a certain gene will carry two different alleles (CRcr) – one pair of genes contains one dominant and one recessive gene.

A buckskin horse is where a bay horse has a single copy of cream. A palomino is a chestnut or sorrel with a single cream gene and a smokey black is black with a single cream gene.

So this mutation dilutes red pigments to yellow and gold and can affect the mane and tail mostly.

Other horses may be homozygous for a type of gene where they carry two copies of the same allele (CRCR), also known as double dilutes.

Unlike the single dilute, the mutation will affect both the red and black pigments. Still turning the red to yellow and gold, but also turning the black to red.

In this instance a bay horse with the two copies of the cream gene are called perlino, a black horse with the two copies is known as smoky cream and a sorrel or chestnut horse carrying two copies is known as the cremello.

The double dilute gene can also mean that the horse’s eye colour will turn blue. Blue eyes can also be inherited from other colours, for example the splash gene on a cream coat can result in a palomino with blue eyes however this is only considered a cream dilute. Again a palomino and white tobiano or overo can have blue eyes, but is a cream dilute, not a palomino. We also see this effect when we introduce cream and champagne etc.

Double dilutes will pass down the cream gene whereas the single dilutes have a 50% chance of them not being handed down to the offspring.

It’s no wonder these beautiful horses and ponies are so admired and here at The British Palomino Society we want to celebrate these beautiful shades.

Members of the society have access to register their palominos or cream dilutes and apply for a passport if one is required. For those who already have a passport, the society can over stamp the existing passport.

With a community feel, The British Palomino Society also makes it easy for breeders and owners to come together and offer help and advice.

And it doesn’t stop there – affiliated classes for members are run nationwide plus three championship shows run by the society including the BPS National Championships, held on July 13 – 14, 2019.

For further information on The British Palomino Society visit the website www.thebritishpalominosociety.co.uk

Interview sourced from www.thebritishpalominosociety.co.uk

The Search for the Bespoke Dressage Saddle

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Society of Master Saddlers

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

The Search for the Bespoke Dressage Saddle

The Search for the Bespoke Dressage Saddle

 

Another key essential is that the saddle should be fitted by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter to ensure the fit is perfect and the horse is truly comfortable and can perform at its best whether training at home or out competing at the highest level.

The bespoke, luxury dressage saddle will be designed and made to exacting standards following consultation with your Qualified Saddle Fitter and after discussions about your individual requirements and what helps you to ride at your best.

All riders have their own needs, likes and dislikes and through the process you will be able to decide on personal choice to give you the bespoke saddle you are looking for and what is best for your horse’s requirements as well.

It is important that the dressage saddle fits horse and rider perfectly.  If the saddle rolls to one side or pinches the horse’s back, the horse will never be able to work or move well, however skilled his training.

If the saddle is uncomfortable, there are times when a horse will simply stop working altogether and in the long run a saddle that does not fit will lead to soreness and injury.

A dressage saddle is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, which mirrors the leg of the dressage rider.  They also have a deep seat and knee blocks that are usually pronounced.  This helps prevent the riders’ leg from coming too far forward.

The Search for the Bespoke Dressage Saddle

The dressage saddle has been designed with a longer stirrup as well as longer and straighter saddle flaps.  It has a higher cantle and pommel to help encourage the rider to have a deeper seat.

A dressage saddle is designed to allow the very best communication with the horse by placing the rider in the centre of gravity, providing a sufficiently deep seat to feel secure but still be able to absorb the horse’s movement and by placing their leg long and relaxed to enable the appliance of a minimum of aids.

The dressage saddle should encourage a good position without being restrictive.  On a dressage saddle the stirrup bars are set further back to encourage a longer, straighter leg position.

Most dressage saddles have long girth straps and a short girth; this allows the rider to maintain closer contact with their legs and give clear but minimal signals.

The stuffing of the panels of a dressage saddle is often kept to a minimum to allow a closer feel to the horse.

When fitting a dressage saddle they are often easier to fit than jumping or general purpose saddles due to the panel and flaps generally sitting behind the shoulder and not impeding the movement.

To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Interview sourced from www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Keeping Saddlery on the Best of Health

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Society of Master Saddlers

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Keeping Saddlery in the Best of Health

The Society of Master Saddlers look at spotting wear and tear in your saddlery and making sure your tack is in the best repair.

How many of you have been trotting along and found your leg suddenly drop due to a broken stirrup leather?

Accidents happen at the best of times with a sudden spook from your horse or a refusal at a jump but when tack fails there is often a reason!

Saddle Safety Checks

When looking at saddle safety three areas to consider are regular checks to ensure correct fit, good and thorough cleaning and checks for safety and repair.

When cleaning saddles and bridles this is the ideal time to check for any loose stitching or corrosion and it is important to get weaknesses mended, stitched and repaired immediately.

It is all too easy to be riding along and for a stirrup leather to break or become totally unstitched at the buckle but all can be prevented if checks are carried out and become part of the process for ensuring tack is safe and kept in the very best shape.

It’s surprising how many owners notice a rug getting tighter but the fact that the saddle no longer fits well completely escapes them. This is why it is very important to get saddles checked regularly.

Saddle fitting checks are an important part of horse care. Yes, they cost money. And yes, occasionally the saddle fitter may need to return quite quickly because the horse has changed shape so rapidly. This isn’t an unnecessary expense it is vital to make sure your horse is comfortable.

A saddle that is too narrow and is pinching and exerting other unwanted pressure – or too wide and pressing down and restricting the horse’s ability to use himself correctly – can result in welfare, veterinary, behavioural and performance problems. Overcoming the resulting problems could be expensive in terms of veterinary, schooling and other professional services. Meanwhile the horse has suffered totally unnecessarily.

Use the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter to undertake fitting checks regularly. Always have a new saddle fitted and recognise that it is at least equally importance to have a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS saddle fitters have a comprehensive knowledge of saddle brands and designs. They are aware of the rules and regulations applicable to tack and equipment used in all the equestrian disciplines and sports, and offer advice and professional services.

Mud, rain, wind and cold temperatures, our horses’ tack goes through a lot during the winter months battling the elements, not to mention the sweat produced by the horse during hard work or a morning’s hunting.

Quality leather tack is designed to withstand a lot, but with daily use the leather and stitching can become damaged, so time spent cleaning our tack is a good opportunity to inspect for wear and tear.

Very often in winter we are all guilty of cutting corners to get in a quick ride during daylight hours but with a bit of care and attention it is possible to keep our tack clean, after all, for many it has been a serious investment.

Ideally we should all clean our tack and wash off the bit every time we ride wiping off mud and grease with a damp sponge before using saddle soap taking care to make sure the underside is cleaned as well.

As often as possible give the bridle a thorough clean by completely dismantling it, cleaning and inspecting each individual piece of the bridle, taking the opportunity to also check for worn stitching

To prolong the life of your leather work, cleaning your tack should be a regular part of your routine, not only could it prevent an accident it could also save you money.

To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers and to find your nearest Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.

Interview sourced from www.mastersaddlers.co.uk