Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Feeding the Older Horse

There are several factors to consider when feeding an older horse, such as his activity level, the environmental conditions, and any health concerns. Whilst he remains in good health, his diet may not need to change. However, as certain problems develop, alterations to his regime are more likely to be necessary. These health problems can include:

(1) Reduced dental function:

Over time the grinding surface of the teeth wear down and horses may suffer from fractured or missing teeth, diastema (gaps between the teeth) and periodontal disease. A six-monthly visit from a qualified Equine Dental Technician or vet is essential. However, hay replacers will inevitably become necessary.

A decline in dental function is often highlighted during winter, as horses are relying on conserved forage, which is more difficult to chew. When they are no longer able to chew long fibre effectively, it often leads to weight loss and loose droppings.

(2) Musculoskeletal problems:

A culmination of wear and tear can result in problems such as arthritis. As a result, reduced activity, muscle wastage and stiffness can be seen. Regular, gentle exercise and plenty of turnout can help. Supplementation with the scientifically recommended level of glucosamine (10g/500kg horse/day), as well as MSM, can also be beneficial.

(3) Hormonal disease:

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) or Cushing’s is a common hormonal disorder in older horses. Insulin dysregulation is often associated with PPID and increases the risk of laminitis. Therefore, total diets should be low (<10 – 12%) in Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) i.e. sugar and starch. Muscle breakdown can also develop as PPID progresses, so high quality protein is essential.

(4) Immune system compromise:

Age, as well as PPID, can affect immune function. To provide nutritional support for the immune system, diets should contain optimum levels of certain micronutrients particularly antioxidants such as vitamin A, E and selenium. Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) have also been found to be beneficial, whilst vitamin C has a role to play in lung health.

Dietary recommendations:

Forage
Forage is the foundation of any horse’s diet and older horses are no exception.
A constant supply of fibre is essential to maintain a healthy digestive system, with optimal gut motility and balanced hindgut microflora. As dental function declines, it becomes increasingly important to provide suitable fibre sources.
Haylage can be easier for an older horse to manage, when compared to a mature, coarse hay. Straw-based chops should be avoided but soft, short chopped grass can be used as a hay/haylage replacer for a short period.
However, fibre in a pre-ground form rapidly becomes essential, and can be supplied by using a mash that is high in fibre or soaked fibre cubes.

Hard Feeds
• Healthy older horse in good condition:
Horses that can maintain their level of work, without any significant health concerns, may be able to continue on their previous diet providing it is fully-balanced. The addition of a supplement including glucosamine and MSM may be sensible at this stage. Alternatively, there are top specification feed balancers available that include the recommended level of glucosamine and provide a very economical solution.

• Overweight older horse:
With age, workload will usually reduce and eventually lead to retirement. This means that if they remain healthy, certain older horses can be prone to weight gain.

Feeding a top specification ‘lite’ feed balancer or multi-supplement is ideal. The best contain both general purpose and specialised supplements, including those for hooves, bone, muscle, blood, joints, the immune system and the digestive tract.

• Underweight older horse:
As health issues develop, many older horses are likely to experience weight loss.
Hard feeds should be nutrient-dense and not exceed the horse’s maximum meal size e.g. 2kg for a 500kg horse. A top specification, conditioning feed balancer will supply amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and yeast products, and will improve the utilisation of the rest of the diet.
Most top specification, conditioning feed balancers contain high quality protein sources. Protein promotes muscle development and topline, which frequently wastes away in older horses.
As older horses are gradually able to eat less fibre, and therefore may suffer from disturbances in the hindgut microbial balance, feeds that are high in starch and sugar should be avoided.
Adding a low sugar/starch, conditioning blend to a top specification feed balancer will provide a very successful solution for older horses.

Article supplied by nutritionists from the TopSpec Multiple Award-Winning-Helpline. They can be contacted, free of charge, on 01845-565030.

For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visitwww.topspec.com

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Caroline Mckain

Psychic horse helped me find love – Full story

Why bother with swiping for hours on Tinder when a psychic horse could find you love?

Caroline Mckain, 56, says that her horse, called Fred, is responsible for her meeting her soulmate – because he told her exactly where to look, with the help of a psychic animal whisperer.

Caroline had been single for four years and thought she would never find love again. Then one day, an animal whisperer said Caroline’s horse, Fred, had revealed that he knew exactly who would be Caroline’s soulmate.

Caroline had called in horse whisperer Beth after she thought Fred had a sore back. Beth claims that Fred ‘spoke’ to her and revealed not only the cause of his back problems, but also told her a bunch of things about Caroline’s life – and revealed that he knew what Caroline should look for when dating to find her perfect partner: a scar on his leg.

Beth said: ‘He didn’t just tell me about Caroline’s new love interest, he could also tell the difference between which of Caroline’s two daughters rode him by stating an injury that one of her daughters had.

‘He also spoke about seeing a ghost of a black pony that sometimes visited the field and Caroline had a black pony that passed away years earlier.

‘Before Caroline told me she was selling her business Fred told me to tell her not to worry and that the buyer Caroline had would go ahead with the sale.

‘Fred told Caroline to give the buyer an ultimatum, which she did, and it worked.’ After going on to advise Caroline to sell her business and follow her passion – which she did, now running her dream furniture restoration company – Fred ‘told’ Beth his psychic predictions for where Caroline would meet her future partner.

Fred ‘said’ Caroline would meet a man from Devon with a scar on his leg, and that this man would be her soulmate. Fred also advised Caroline to sell her business and follow her passion

Caroline forgot all about the prediction until a man got in touch with her on a dating site – and after meeting him near his home in Devon, she later discovered he had a scar on his leg – just like Fred had said.

Now, Caroline and Fred are planning to leave their home in Towick, to move in with that man, named Charley, – after true love blossomed.

Caroline said: ‘I can’t thank Fred enough, I thought I might never find love again but Fred knew better than I did. I’m finally happy after four years of searching.’ Fred had also predicted that the man would be tall and have dark hair, both of which were true, but said he would be ‘young’, and Charley is actually older than Caroline. So Fred’s psychic abilities aren’t 100% reliable, but they’re pretty close.

Caroline realised Charley was the one when she met up with him in Devon and he started to tell her about an operation he’d had when he was young – then lifted up his trouser leg to show Caroline the scar.

‘That’s when I knew he was my soulmate,’ said Caroline. Caroline is now moving in with Charley, who closely matches the description Fred gave

‘We met up in Devon again and he came and picked me and my friends up on a boat, which was another thing that made sense because Fred said that the soul mate would spend a lot of time on the water.

‘We officially got together last year and now we’re buying a house together in Devon and living together. ‘I know it sounds odd that my horse helped me find love but that is quite literally what happened, and I couldn’t be happier.

‘Fred seemingly knew that after four years of being single I was about to have my happily ever after and without him I probably would never have bothered meeting Charley.

‘Charley and I instantly clocked, I thought he looked extremely hot on his boat and we kept dating.

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

How to Find a Qualified Saddle Fitter

Please do not confuse a Master Saddle Fitter or Qualified Saddle Fitter with a Master Saddler or Qualified Saddler.

Master Saddler and Society of Master Saddlers’ Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, Kay Hastilow answers:

What is the best way to find a Qualified Saddle Fitter? Are there any qualifications I can look for?

Answer

There are many people out there claiming to be saddle fitters but in my opinion there is only one qualifying association that you should turn to for a properly qualified saddle fitter and that’s The Society of Master Saddlers.

The qualification was started in 1995, so they have 25 years’ experience in training, bringing on and assessing fitters under the auspices of the City of Guilds qualification board.

Having attended the Introductory course run by the Society, trainees (known as trainee saddle fitters) will continue fitting under the watchful eye of their Mentor for a total of three years, at which time they can attend the Qualified Saddle Fitter’s course. This is followed by a stiff assessment that includes a written paper, completely re-flocking a saddle, adjusting the flock in a saddle, assessing conformation and movement, back assessment, templating, identifying materials used in the manufacture of saddles, checking saddles for safety and soundness and then fitting two saddles, including ridden assessment of suitability for both the horse and rider – one a dressage saddle and the second (on a different horse) a GP or jumping saddle. Most certainly not everyone passes, many achieving their qualification on the second attempt.

Once qualified, SMS RQSFs have to achieve CPD points through the year to keep their registration (that’s the R in the title) so that standards are kept high and new information can be shared.

In addition to the RQSF Qualification there are Registered Master Saddle Fitters – those that have practiced in this field for many years to a very high standard and undertaken further confirmation as to their abilities.

Please do not confuse a Master Saddle Fitter or Qualified Saddle Fitter) with a Master Saddler or Qualified Saddler. These qualification holders are highly skilled at making saddles, bridles and leatherwork but are not necessarily saddle fitters. Each is a separate skill set and, whilst some QSFs or MSFs are also Qualified or Master Saddlers this is not a given. Please choose the skill that you need.

To find your nearest qualified saddle fitter visit The Society of Master Saddlers’ web site, www.mastersaddlers.co.uk where you will be able to see those in your area and their qualifications. I am sure that you will find someone good near to you who can help you with all of your saddle fitting needs.

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Is your saddle safe?
How to check your saddle for safety

Twice president of The Society Master Saddlers, Lecturer / Assessor on Saddle fitting courses and Master Saddler Laurence Pearman provides advice on checking your saddle for safety.

Question

What areas of my saddle should I check for wear or damage? Are there any areas that are more susceptible to wear?

Answer

When checking for areas of wear and damage on a saddle, first to be considered are the girth straps as this is a safety issue.

Look for cracking in the leather where it is held by the buckle as this can lead to the girth straps breaking.

On occasions girth straps can stretch and the holes will then become un-level so this is another key area to keep checking.

If the holes stretch there is the possibility that one can split down to the next hole and the straps should be repaired before this happens.

As part of your regular checks also look for the webbing that holds the straps weakening and breaking.

Another issue that can arise are stirrup leathers becoming unstitched and then breaking or like the girth straps, the holes stretching and becoming dangerous.

On the saddle it is also important to ensure that the stirrup bars do not become loose with exceptional wear and tear over years.

Other areas for damage are the cantle and I would suggest always keeping a leather cantle guard on to protect it if you have one, or keep its cover on as much as possible to protect it, and never lean the saddle against a wall or similar on to the cantle.

The saddle seat is another area that can gradually become damaged over time, especially the stitching along the seams so remember to check around there.

The stitching at the bottom of the kneepads on the flaps is a similar area that may need maintenance.

If you have an adjustable saddle with screws it is important to put in place a system for checking screw tightness on a regular basis as it is possible for them to loosen over time.

Last but not least the saddle flaps can wear and mark especially if the zips on boots or half chaps come into contact with them.

The best routine is to have a quick check of your saddle when cleaning and get into the habit of having any damage repaired as soon as you notice any significant wear.

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

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

A Career with Horses. See if this fits

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your career.

If you like meeting new people, enjoy variety and being outdoors whatever the weather, saddle fitting could provide the answer.

The first point of call would be to visit the Society of Master Saddlers website to look at the different options and opportunities available to you, especially if you are currently working outside the industry.

The Society organises a two-day Introductory Course in Saddle Fitting which is run in conjunction with BETA. The course is open to all those with an interest in entering the field of saddle fitting. It is also open to other equestrian professionals who want to enhance their equestrian knowledge in this area such as BHS Instructors, chartered physiotherapists, veterinarians etc.

An ideal route into saddle fitting is to find employment with a Society member who is willing to train you through an apprenticeship. Another route could be to train as a saddler and join the society in your own right, then progressing into saddle fitting. There is a helpful page on the SMS website to help you find apprenticeships and courses currently available.

After initially attending the two-day introductory course, which will not only inspire you but give you plenty of knowledge to start your first steps to becoming a Qualified Saddle Fitter recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers, you will need to complete three years’ experience working with and alongside a QSF. This can be done on a part-time or full-time basis depending upon your circumstances and the availability of a tutor. You would be able to join the Society’s Mentor Scheme as a trainee saddle fitter which is open to those who have attended the Introductory Course. This is an ideal way to develop your training and skills whilst working towards the five-day qualification course.

All of those training to become a saddle fitter and working towards the Society’s City & Guilds Saddle Fitting course and assessment will need to undertake training in saddle flocking and attain the Society’s Saddle Flocking Qualification before attending the QSF course. Full details of the requirements for the exam can be found on the SMS web site under ‘Training’ then ‘Courses’. You can train for this where you wish or at one of the establishments listed.

Your final step to becoming a QSF on completing the five-day course is to complete a final assessment leading to your SMS Registered Qualified Saddler Fitter status. It really is that straight forward!

The Society’s aims are to safeguard the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade from manufacturers and retailers through individual craftspeople and saddle fitters.

With this in mind the SMS formulated the Qualified Saddle Fitters course, a more advanced course aimed at saddle fitters who have been fitting saddles for a number of years and who want to refine their saddle fitting to the standards promoted by the Society and approved by City & Guilds.

You will be required to pass an assessment, which will include a written paper and practical units in conformation and action in hand, saddle assessment and fault identification, taking template measurements and a practical saddle fitting assessment.

Once a Saddle Fitter achieves their qualified status they will need to attend a refresher day every two years to maintain their qualification. Qualified saddle fitters should also gain CPD points and attend additional training seminars when they can to maintain their knowledge to current standards. These days are also a great chance to meet and socialise with other likeminded SMS members within the same industry and learn from each other.

Don’t forget to take a look at the SMS website. You will find it is full of very informative advice on what each step to becoming a Qualified Saddle Fitter consists of. Take your time to research the website and feel filled with confidence to take the leap from your everyday office job to your dream saddle fitting career.

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

Robinson Animal Healthcare – Break Free. Go for a Hack

Sophie Wells tips for a Safe and Happy Hack

Hacking out on a lovely sunny day is one of the great joys of owning a horse, providing both you and your horse are confident that you can tackle any situation that might arise.

For some riders, the idea of hacking out is terrifying and equally it can prove too much for some horses, not knowing what might be lurking around the next corner.

Dressage rider and Robinson Animal Healthcare sponsored rider, Sophie Wells, includes hacking in the weekly routine of all her horses at least once or twice a week and firmly believes that breaking free from the arena is good for their brains and their bodies.

Said Sophie: “Hacking gives them time outside of the arena and exposes them to wide open spaces and the natural environment where things are unpredictable and you can’t control what goes on around you, such as when a bird flies out.”

All the horses on Sophie’s yard hack alone and in company. Sophie likes them to develop their confidence to go it alone and from a practical point; there isn’t always someone available to hack out with. They are all just as comfortable hacking in company as let’s face it, hacking with friends is much more fun!

Pinocchio, Sophie’s gold medal winning campaigner from London 2012, is now retired but is the perfect babysitter for accompanying a young horse or nervous rider out hacking.

For those that have lost their confidence out hacking, Sophie recommends going out with another sensible horse and capable rider, beginning with just a short hack around an enclosed field and gradually increasing the length of the ride and the distance from the security of the yard.

“Try moving from the arena to a more controlled environment first, such as a large paddock before hacking further afield which could involve riding on a road where you can’t guarantee people driving sensibly.”

For a competition horse there are many benefits to riding outside the safety of the arena. Getting them to relax in different environments helps them to adapt to different things that can happen on show day, as well as being ridden in changeable weather conditions. There is always much more to spook at on a windy day, than on a warm, summer day.

Sophie’s top tips for solving common hacking problems are:

• Build a strong relationship with your horse to help him trust you in a tricky situation.
• If he sees something scary, give him time to process his thoughts and don’t try to force him past.
• Ride out with a sensible horse and knowledgeable rider.
• When trying to build the confidence of a young horse, have someone walk with you on the ground.
• Build up slowly, going a little bit further on every ride.
• If your horse doesn’t like traffic, introduce vehicles in a controlled environment. Try moving farm equipment around them on the yard.
• Don’t forget to breath! Slow deep breaths help to bring the heart rate down and relax the muscles of an anxious rider. Chatting to a riding companion also helps to relax your horse and take your mind of your own nerves.

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®.

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

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Bridle Fitting Advice

I have just bought a new horse and need to buy a new bridle, what should I look for in a new bridle and how do I ensure it is fitted correctly and will be comfortable for the horse?

Says The Society of Master Saddlers:

First of all you need to think about the purpose of the bridle and what you are going to be doing with your horse. A well selected, correctly fitting bridle can enhance the best points of a horse’s head and help disguise the less fortunate. In showing this can be used to great advantage. A horse that is comfortable in his bridle will also be able to move more freely.

Remember horses come in many different shapes and sizes and every breed has individual attributes that make them suited to a specific discipline, interest or showing class.

You can go to your local Saddlery shop and select the finest, well designed bridle using the finest materials and crafting. It could be just what you need and show off your horse but only if it fits correctly… and quite simply it can be a useless tool if it does not fit!

If you are taking part in any specialist disciplines or classes make sure you know the rules and know what is and is not allowed to be worn. This could be a costly mistake if you are planning to compete.

The simplest and most common bridle is the snaffle but fitting a bridle has the same principles whatever the style.

When fitting a bridle on a horse for the first time hold the bridle at the side of the horse’s head to get a rough idea of how big the head is. Adjust the fastenings as necessary, if you don’t do this you may struggle to get the headpiece over the horse’s head if it is too small. Straps can be left out of their keepers and runners to make adjusting quick and easy.

Once the bridle is in place, do up the buckles, starting from the top and working down.

The browband must not be so tight that it pinches the back of the ears or pulls the bridle forward. If fitted too high it will rub around the base of the ears causing discomfort, which may cause head shaking. The bridle should be loose enough to not cause the horse discomfort but secure enough not to slip off.

A correctly fitted bit should hang so that it sits in the inter orbital space, and is not in contact with any of the teeth, the height and fit of the bit depends very much on the horse’s mouth conformation – it may have a short mouth, low palate, thick tongue etc. We used to say that there should be one or two wrinkles at the corners of the mouth, but a much better test is that it should look comfortable, and be high enough in the mouth that the cheek pieces do not sag away from the face when the contact is taken up, but not so high that it appears to make the horse smile. The width of the bit is important too. It should not be pinching at the sides or be loose enough that it moves from side to side across the mouth. The cheek pieces can easily be adjusted if necessary to gain the correct position.

The cheek pieces of the bridle must not be fastened on the top hole as this can interfere with the sensitive jaw joint and cause great discomfort, if they do then you need to have them adjusted by a craft saddler.

The throat lash must not restrict the horse’s breathing. When fastening it remember that some horses become very thick through the jaw in collected paces. To measure for a good fit place three fingers sideways between the throat lash and underneath the horse’s chin.

The cavesson noseband should lie about two fingers’ breadth below the prominent cheekbones and just above the rings of the bit to avoid pinching or chafing.

Check that the noseband is level before fastening. All nosebands should be loose enough to fit two fingers side by side under the front of the noseband when fastened.

The leather of a bridle should be firm but pliable with no sharp or rough edges. If a bridle is very cheap it has either been made from poor quality materials or by using modern day slave labour, however, a high price does not guarantee a great product. If in doubt ask a craft saddler for advice on the quality of a bridle.

Bespoke bridles are a good option. Made by craft bridle-maker these bridles are perfectly made to measure your horse and fitted. It certainly takes the hassle out of buying and fitting one and can be extremely good value for money and a worthwhile investment. The bridle-maker will come out to measure up your horse, and if this is not possible due to distances involved they may give clear measuring instructions for you to do it yourself and feedback the measurements. Bridle fitters can help with choosing the correct size of bit and many are also bitting specialists who will carry a selection of bits for you to try. Nowadays many bridle fitters carry a selection of different makes or styles of bridle that you can try before buying, similar to the way saddle fitters do.

If you are interested in this option the Society of Master Saddlers can help as many of their members are craft bridle-makers who are amongst the best in the world.

Qualification

Last year the Society of Master Saddlers launched a new and forward thinking Bridle Fitting Qualification.

This new initiative aims to raise standards in the industry and enhance equine welfare.

The qualification, approved by City & Guilds, was developed over 18 months. At the centre of all the Society’s suite of qualifications, which are all approved by City & Guilds, is equine welfare which drives members forward to deliver the best saddlery services and goods in the world.

For further information about the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.

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

Robinson Animal Healthcare – On the move after Lockdown

Are you Prepared for an Emergency Away from Home?

Following the latest easing of lockdown measures horse owners are once again back out on the road attending training events and with preparations tentatively underway for the resumption of competitions, are you prepared for a first aid emergency away from home?

Being prepared is vital, so it is important to check both your human and equine first aid kit is fully stocked before you leave and is stored in an easily accessible place.

The contents of the Horse & Rider First Aid Kit from Robinson Animal Healthcare provides all the essentials you might need to treat a minor wound or protect a more serious wound until veterinary help arrives.

Coming in a handy, wipe clean bag with carry straps, the bag functions as a ruck sack, perfect for at an event as it can also be used to carry other items you might need.

The kit contains all the necessary products to deal with minor cuts and grazes, including market leading products Animalintex®, which is the ONLY medicinal licensed veterinary poultice and dressing on the market and Veterinary Gamgee®.

Also included are Equiwrap® bandages, a 15g tube of Vetalintex®, Skintact® wound dressing 10cm x 10cm, Fast Aid® Cleansing Wipes and tough cut scissors.

For the rider, the kit contains a Robinson Animal Healthcare Fast Aid® Travel First Aid Kit, the perfect solution for minor first aid treatment during outdoor activities.

Showjumper and Robinson Animal Healthcare sponsored rider, Laura Renwick Renwick never leaves home without Animalintex®, Veterinary Gamgee® and Equiwrap® bandages.

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

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

The Coronavirus Crisis
Give your new horse a treat. Buy them some new tack

Without doubt and thankfully times have changed! Not that many years ago many riders and owners would buy a new horse and expect the tack they already had to fit, while others requested to buy the existing tack – it might fit the horse but would it help with rider position and balance? In this issue the team at the Society of Master Saddlers discuss the options.

Whether buying the existing tack with your new horse or purchasing brand new the most important aspect is that it is fits correctly and is checked by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter.

If you decide to buy the current saddle and bridle don’t simply accept that it ‘must’ fit well, give yourself peace of mind by having a visit from a QSF.

Similarly it may fit the horse but as the new rider are the flaps long enough or too long, is the seat a good size and will the saddle help both horse and rider to perform at their best?

If budget allows, a bespoke saddle made specifically for the horse and to also suit the rider is ideal.

Without doubt the most important aspect is that whether you have the budget for a new saddle or only for a second hand one – the fit for the horse is key and must always be the first consideration.

A new saddle versus a second hand one depends on the finance available and a correctly fitted second-hand saddle is far better than an ill-fitting new one!

It is important to plan ahead and provide the ‘right’ facilities for your saddlers visit as this helps the saddle fitter to give the best possible service. Ideally you should fulfil the following criteria:

A flat, hard surface where the horse can be stood up and run up in hand.

An area where the horse can be ridden. Saddle fitting can take a considerable time and the saddle fitter is likely to want the horse owner to ride in a number of short-listed saddles, an essentially important part of the fitting procedure.

Showjumping and Cross-Country. If you are opting for a saddle designed specifically for dressage, polo or showing it is very unlikely you will be wanting to use the saddle for jumping! If you are considering purchasing a saddle that will involve jumping, it is essential to ride over a few fences.

Rider Presence.

Although this will appear remarkably obvious to the vast majority of riders, it is a fact that some believe their presence isn’t a necessary factor. Occasionally horses are ‘shared’ or ridden regularly by more than one person and, in this case, both riders should be present.

Wear something suitable.

Sometimes clients are unsuitably dressed. Jeans and trainers are always inadequate and they certainly aren’t the most comfortable clothes in which to try out short-listed saddles.

The Society of Master Saddlers generally cautions that the well-fitting saddle does not require the addition of anything under it with the possible exception of a thin saddle cloth. There are, however, exceptions to every rule. When there is a valid reason for using a numnah or gel pad the saddle fitter will need to allow for the addition.

Have your own stirrup leathers and girth available.

The saddle fitter will be carrying girths of various types and sizes but it is a good idea to have your own available. Using your own stirrup leathers is generally more comfortable and avoids the possibility of the saddle fitter’s new leathers becoming marked and therefore difficult to sell.

The saddle fitter would obviously prefer to preserve the condition of his new saddles but, in addition, the marks left on the well-groomed horse’s back after removal of the saddle are significant because they indicate bearing surfaces and further identify unwanted movement. When the horse is ill-groomed, the marks left by the saddle may be blurred or indistinguishable.

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

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Foot Perfect

How Kirsty solved her ex-Racehorses foot problems

Their feet were very fragile, often splitting and breaking and they were always losing shoes.Two ex-racehorses, owned by Kirsty Holder, were both having problems with poor feet.

Copper Sound, a 15-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred gelding, had been raced in point-to-points and National Hunt until he was eight years old and then retired due to injury.

Kirsty introduced him to eventing, showing and dressage and the pair were very successful, winning and being placed many times. Four years ago he suffered a break in his pedal bone which took quite some time to repair but he is now recovered and enjoys hacking and flatwork with occasional jumping.

Kirsty’s other horse, Raven’s Nest (Bertie), is a nine-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding who had raced on the flat and over hurdles but retired as a six-year-old as he had no interest in racing.

Since being owned by Kirsty, the pair have enjoyed many different disciplines and activities including hacking and flatwork as well as competing at show-jumping, dressage, showing, fun rides and eventing, often returning home with rosettes.

They competed at the ROR National Championships at Aintree in 2017 taking home the Reserve Champion title in the Intro Dressage, 9th place in the 75cm Open Show Jumping and 7th in the In-Hand Flat Horse showing class.

However, with both horses having poor feet, it was a constant battle for Kirsty to maintain them. Their feet were very fragile, often splitting and breaking and they were always losing shoes.

Earlier this year, when Kirsty was visiting the Badminton Horse Trials, she spoke to the team on the HorseHage & Mollichaff trade stand to ask about a calming feed for Copper Sound. When she mentioned the problems she had with both horses’ hooves, she was told about Mollichaff HoofKind Complete.

Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is a complete, fibre-based feed specially formulated for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. It is made from a balanced blend of high quality oat straw, dried alfalfa, fibre pellets, soya oil with added vitamins and minerals, trace elements, including magnesium and natural plant-based antioxidants. It also contains added biotin for strong, healthy hooves.

It’s low in starch and sugar, high in fibre and does not contain any cereals. It provides a low level but high quality protein and restricted calories to give limited, controlled energy from high quality digestible fibre and oil-based ingredients. When fed at the recommended levels, it can be used as the sole bucket feed.

Said Kirsty: “I have been using Mollichaff HoofKind Complete since May 2019 and I have to say that I have seen an incredible improvement in both horses’ feet. No lost shoes, no brittle feet and they are now both barefoot. Bertie originally had to go barefoot after pulling a shoe off and damaging his hoof which meant the farrier was unable to attach a shoe. The farrier said it would take 12 weeks before he could be shod but after six weeks he was amazed and could not believe the difference in their feet. The only thing we had changed was their feed to Mollichaff HoofKind Complete.”

For further advice on feeding horse, ponies or donkeys, please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527274 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

Saddle Fitting for the Wider Horse or Pony

The Society of Master Saddlers offers advice when it comes to finding a suitable saddle for a wider fitting horse or pony.

Without doubt certain types of horses and ponies are by nature harder to fit and those with less wither and wider, flatter backs can prove thought-provoking when it comes to finding a suitable saddle.

This type of conformation can lead to a host of issues which need to be discussed with a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter.

Whether choosing a new or second hand saddle you will need to consider the activities you are undertaking with your horse or pony, his shape, development and age.

Issues you may need to look at include preventing the saddle sliding up the neck due to the lack of whither which will lead to the back of the saddle bouncing and them being unhappy.

With the wider fitting horse or pony if riders are quite tall sometimes getting a saddle that is large enough with big enough flaps without swamping them can be challenging.

The saddle must be comfortable and in the case of the younger rider make them feel secure to help build confidence, but it is equally important that the horse or pony is also comfortable.

It is essential that the tree of the saddle is suitable and correct, too narrow a seat on a broad backed horse or pony may not sit securely into the back, so allowing the saddle to tip and rock, whilst the rider may feel perched above.

It is imperative that the front width fitting, as well as the shape of the tree in general is correct. Too wide and the saddle will tip forward, causing considerable pressure and discomfort in the area behind their shoulders. The back of the saddle will lift and bounce, also causing discomfort. Too narrow a tree can tip the saddle back, causing pressure under the back of the saddle. Also, the saddle may well ‘run forward’ on to the neck. Part of the tree called the side rails (the bit that narrows under your leg before broadening out into the seat) must also be of a suitable angle and have a suitable width between them. Too close together and angled and the saddle will rock, too far apart and the saddle might come onto the spine.

If the saddle has a flocked panel, a good saddler can ‘fine tune’ the fit so that the saddle is in perfect balance. The flocking should be of a good quality wool and be quite soft, not hard or lumpy.

The best way of avoiding a saddle that rolls to one side, rides up the neck or bridges is to use, whenever possible, the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter. They will know, by assessing the horse and rider, the style, shape and size that will do the trick. Some saddles now come with several positions of girth straps and this can help the saddle fitter to overcome any conformation difficulties that may cause these actions. However it is the ability to look at a horse or pony and see what these difficulties are and to know what is available saddle wise that is the key to successful fitting.

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

Horseytalk.net Special Interview

On Solid Ground

To soft? Too hard?

How do you know when the ground conditions are good enough to compete and when you should save your horse for another day?

Here event rider and trainer, Harriet Morris-Baumber, helps us understand the effects of riding on ground that could be considered detrimental to your horse.

The 2020 eventing season follows one of the wettest winters for many years and event organisers will be working hard to ensure ground conditions are as favourable as possible.

As the eventing season spans spring, summer and early autumn and the changing weather that these seasons can bring, ground conditions can vary tremendously.

So, how do we know when wet is too wet and hard ground is too hard, forcing a rider to make the difficult decision not to compete?

Whatever the ground conditions, the fitter a horse is and the better the condition of the muscles, the less likely an injury is to occur. As the muscles fatigue with work they lose the ability to contract and release as quickly, making it more difficult to instantly compensate for any loss of balance caused when they lose their footing.

It is also worth considering that horses can easily lose their confidence if the going doesn’t suit them.

On very wet, sloppy ground a horse can propel themselves through the mud, which can have an effect on their traction control system, but not necessarily cause an injury directly.

Wet, holding ground however has a sucking action with every stride and the horse has to work harder to pull their legs out of the ground with each stride. This repetitive action can cause strains to the soft tissues of the lower limbs and will fatigue the muscles quicker resulting in a reduced ability to balance, turn, and change pace.

Wet or deep ground, while being much kinder to the joints than hard ground can cause stress to the soft tissues.

One competition in muddy conditions in unlikely to result in an injury but if your horse has previously had tendon or ligament issues and or excessive speed is used the likelihood of an injury greatly increases. Continuing to push a tired horse to go faster, particularly in deep holding ground also massively increases the chances of an injury.

Another factor to take into account when considering the ground conditions is that the horse’s hoof is designed to slide very slightly as it hits the ground. In wetter conditions this slide can become too much and so the use of studs can really help to aid the horse’s ‘traction control’.

Hard, rutty and uneven ground causes the hoof to over-pivot on the end of the leg, putting extra stress on the joints and soft tissue of the lower limbs as they attempt to keep themselves and the upper limbs stable.

Hard ground has the added negative of causing a concussive effect on the joints. This is where the shock absorption system is struggling to counteract the repetitive pounding of working on hard ground.

Some work on hard ground can be a good thing. Working at slower speeds, such as hacking in walk and gently trotting on the road can strengthen bones and build condition in soft tissues. Bone is constantly being broken down and remodelled, hence why a break can heal very efficiently in a relatively short timescale and can adapt to the forces it’s subjected to, so working on a harder surface can have a positive effect by increasing the bone density.

Soft tissue doesn’t have this same ability hence why soft tissue injuries take longer to heal and have a less successful prognosis. Also, if a bone has healed well, there is little or no weakness in the structure of it, whereas soft tissue will always carry a degree of weakness as the fibres do not always heal in the correct fibre pattern. As a result the reoccurrence of an injury in the same area is more likely.

Good grass cover is important as the grass roots hold the soil together and the grass on the surface has a cushioning effect as well as giving the hooves something to ‘bite’ into.

Consistency of the going is fundamental for reducing the risk of injury. Travelling at speed and a sudden change from hard to very sort ground gives the horse no time to compensate and will unbalance the horse. In that split second when the horse compensates for the imbalance, he can easily over strain the soft tissues within the limbs.

However, having said all of this, only ever riding your horse on a perfect, level artificial surface will not prepare your horse’s body for coping with the varying terrain that is likely to arise out eventing.

Knowing your horse, doing the correct conditioning work and riding at the appropriate speed will all enable you to compete on various types of ground without a problem.

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