EVERYTHINGHORSE
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WELCOME TO DECEMBER’S THE FREE EQUESTRIAN NEWS AND ARTICLE MAGAZINEMAGAZINE
The Pony Club’s
Road-Ready Rider
DECEMBER 2014, ISSUE 15
News from
HOYS 2014
Sophie Wells Dressage Tips From The Top
MUSCLE INJURIES, RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS AND BEHAVIOUR
December 2014 • Issue 15 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Racing to Eventing
A change in DIRECTION ‘Last Three Minutes’ (Leo) was aptly named in memory of Manchester United and the 1999 champions league final triumph over Bayern Munich. He was bought in 2006 as a yearling at Tattersalls auctions by ‘Sir Alex Ferguson and Associates’ with an aim to excel in racing. He then made the journey to Ed Dunlop’s racing yard in Newmarket and then later moved to Sir Michael Stoute’s yard. He won and was placed a few times in the 13 runs of his racing career. Unfortunately due to injury and a suspected fracture in the foot Leo’s racing days came to an end and he found himself in a moment of uncertainty as due to the number of horses leaving the racing industry the charities are inundated. Leo was fortunate enough to find a home at a newly formed charity to which he was taken in and given two years of caring along with a relaxed atmosphere allowing rehabilitation. Although they aimed to rehome him, Leo came with some challenges that would not be suited to the everyday rider. Originally I went to assist with the training of Leo but immediately fell in love with him and felt that he had a lot to offer and that Eventing may suit him. I myself work with horses of a difficult nature as I find it so rewarding. I have been around horses all my life but only started to seriously compete at Eventing 10 years ago. I have been working professionally with horses now for a number of years and compete regularly at British Eventing. Leo is my give back to charity as I felt I had the knowledge and expertise to re-train him. I believe in using ‘natural techniques’ and working at one with the horse’s nature in order to influence their thought processes and ultimately resolve the issues causing the distress. My job with Leo is to see what his potential is and if he can be taught enough to provide a safe and secure future for him by giving him a new lease of life as a sports horse and a promising career in eventing. In order for Leo to be completely 30
re-trained from an unsocialable racehorse to a sociable eventer is no easy task and requires a lot of time and patience. Retraining a horse from flat racing tends to be more difficult as they have been broken in as yearlings so they have to mature very quickly, which can have tremendous mental impact later in life. As Leo was extremely unsociable and difficult to handle I started by gaining his trust by using ‘join-up’ and teaching him basic manners on the ground both in and out of the stable. The key here is not to do too much in one go and to use firm but fair clear aids. We then moved on to lunging him and teaching him voice commands – needless to say this was not the easiest thing to do however with a little time and patience we got the desired result, a relaxed horse working obediently. As with most ex-racehorses teaching them to stand whilst being mounted can be a complex task, with Leo this was done using a reward system with treats. The ridden work began with teaching him basic education of walk, trot, canter whilst staying relaxed and forward into the contact, as Leo had mainly raced to the left he didn’t understand right lead canter this again was done using small circles asking for the correct lead strike off. Once his flatwork was consistent we then took Leo for an outing to a quiet local dressage show and entered a very simple test as to not exert too much pressure on to him, this paid off as he won with 72%!. We then started to add in pole work to his training sessions and built up slowly to some basic grid work. After he mastered some jumping we set up a small course and slowly added in different fillers introducing him to as many things as possible i.e. water trays, planks and gates with this we gave him lots of encouragement and rewards as he was originally quite fearful of poles and the ‘scary fillers’ so again we kept the fences as basic as we could so as not to frighten him but to build his trust in me as a rider. We then hired venues to teach
him about going away from home and jumping and to see more types of fences. At this point Leo’s trust in me had grown immensely and he jumped everything we asked with no questions. We then entered him into his first unaffiliated jumping show into the small classes and he again jumped his way to 4th place. We then started to introduce cross country fences both simulated at home and by using a farm ride. We did not use another horses for him to follow as with eventing the trust has to come from the rider to the horse but again we used a reward scheme. We are lucky to have Somerford Park in travelling distance which have amazing facilities and the farm ride I find is perfect for the young or ‘green’ horses as there is plenty of fences and is a pleasant hack so again making it ‘fun’ learning for Leo and by the end of the ride Leo had certainly got the idea!! When Leo started to make the farm ride feel easy we knew it was time to enter his first event. We made sure he went to his first event alone so as to have my full attention. Leo successfully completed his first Event a BE80T and stayed reasonably calm although the tannoy on the cross country worried him when standing on the lorry. We got Leo off the box and just gave him some time to take in the surroundings again staying very quiet but confident with him and this settled him. After givin Leo a well deserved rest, he is now coming back into work ready to start a full season in 2015 so keep your eyes peeled. I would like to thank my sponsors Ashfield Fencing in Lancashire and Galloping Geldings as they make it possible for me to continue my work with Leo also I would like to thank my family and friends who have made all this possible for me and my Student Ana who helps keep the horses looking immaculate and the yard running smoothly in my absence. With special thanks to Lisa Smith (Stable Equestrian) for sharing her story with us.
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 15 • December 2014
WELCOME TO DECEMBER’S MAGAZINE
December 2014 • Issue 15 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Estate Country Boot These Caldene Estate Country Boots are a necessity for the winter. The sturdy 3/4 length country boots are made from high quality hand finished leather and suede. Designed for all conditions the boot is fully waterproofed with taped seams with a warm synthetic fur lining. A must, the Estate Long Country Boot is available in Brown and in sizes 3 to 8. RRP around £157.99. Visit www.caldene.co.uk
New Nevis Winter Warmers Range from Tottie The new Nevis Range from Tottie is a lovely winter warming set, perfect for the cold months ahead. The range features a Hat, Snood and Gloves. All feature a pretty winter pattern knitted in silver and cute pom-pom detail. The Nevis Hat priced at around £15.49, the Snood is priced at £17.49 and the Gloves are priced at around £11.99.
Keep on top of your horsey schedule!
The whole Nevis Range comes in two colours, dark purple and black, colours that will match anything. Visit www. tottie.co.uk
It can be difficult to stay organised and keep on top of a busy equestrian schedule, jam packed with exciting events, competitions and lessons. Remembering important dates has never been easier and with the Equestrian Pocket Size Riders Diary, new to Carrots, you’ll stay one step ahead of the game! The Pocket Size Riders Diary is available exclusively through Carrots, priced at £8.99. Visit: www.carrotsequestrian.co.uk 42
Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 15 • December 2014
THE EQUESTRIAN’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Quiltmasta 350 Stable Rug
Treat your horse to a new rug this Christmas from Masta. Keep your horse wrapped up this winter with the Quiltmasta 350 stable rug. Priced around £57.99 Visit www.masta.co.uk.
Eskadron Platinum Edition Fleece Bandages These stunning, Eskadron Platinum Edition Fleece Exercise Bandages are made from a sumptuous fleece and trimmed with satin on the end. RRP: £25.00 (Also available in Pony size RRP: £24.00) Visit www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
Carnival Pony 300 Fixed Neck Turnout Rug A lovely Christmas present for your pony is the Carnival Pony 300 Fixed Neck Turnout Rug. Priced at around £80.99. Visit www.cottagecraft.co.uk
Equine Gaiters from Golly Galoshes The award winning waterproof, breathable and versatile leg gaiters help to keep bandages and boots clean and dry so that your protective horse legwear stays in great condition. Prices start from £25.99 per pair Miniature Pony www.gollygaloshes.com
Equiport Bespoke Saddle Cloths Create an individual look with an Equiport saddle cloth, which can be personalised with your choice of colours and embroidery to co-ordinate perfectly with your outfit. Available in jumping, dressage, forward cut and high wither designs, with optional diamante piping for those who love a touch of sparkle.RRP from £40. Visit www.equiport.co.uk December 2014 • Issue 15 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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Frankie Shooting Style Jacket The stylish country jacket is fully lined with velvet trims and antique style zip and poppers. Ideal to wear with jeans and boots, the Frankie jacket is definite everyday staple item for winter. Available in sizes 8 - 16. In the colour Brown and priced around £197.49. Visit www.tottie.co.uk
Timothy Foxx Bow Tie RRP: £37. Visit www.timothyfoxx.co.uk
Estate Country Boot These Caldene Estate Country Boots are a necessity for the winter. Designed for all conditions the boot is fully waterproof with taped seams with a warm synthetic fur lining. RRP around £157.99. Visit www.caldene.co.uk
HORSE AND COUNTRY GIFTS
Equinalia for all your Christmas gifts for horse and country lovers
KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGED AT ALL TIMES WITH THESE IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS
www.equinalia.co.uk
Foxx Isla Jacket in Gooseberry Ticking this winter’s trend for equestrianism, this gorgeous single-breasted jacket breathes new life into a classic, featuring oversized turn-back cuffs and matching elegant high collar in soft Coral Pink corduroy set on backdrop of Raspberry, Candy Pink & Cream plaid tweed. Sizes: 8 -16 RRP: £335.00
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Contact us Visit: www.equinalia.co.uk Email: corinna@equinalia.co.uk Facebook: Equinalia1 Phone: 01536513702 Twitter: Equinalia1 Mobile: 07867783966 Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 15 • December 2014
THE EQUESTRIAN’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Majyk Equipe Jump Tendon Boots and the Bespoke Silver Crown Bridle For savvy show-jumpers use the Majyk Tendon and Hind Jump Boots with their anatomical shape & technical materials including a shatterproof flexible TPU shell strike guard and memory foam which moulds to the leg, ticks all the boxes. Tendon Boots: £45.00, hind Boots: £35.00. Visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk For a bespoke bridle, which focuses on comfort and presentation in beautiful English leather, this Silver Crown Bridle with its Comporta comfort headpiece and flash US noseband in Nut with White Stitching does the trick! And because you can ‘pick & mix’ your choice of headpiece and noseband building the perfect bridle is easy! RRP: £ 164.00 (Without Reins) Sizes: Pony/Cob & Cob/Full Visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk
Roeckl London Gloves
Montar Firework Breeches 2089 Breeches with eye-catching sparkle design on the back pockets, made from temperature-regulating bamboo fabric. Available in full seat or with high-grip silicone knee dots. Finished with stretch fabric hems for extra comfort and a close fit. RRP: Full Seat £99.95 Knee £109.95 Visit www.equiport.co.uk
These Roeckl London Gloves tick this season’s growing trend for Metallic and Patent with their futuristic design incorporating fashion and performance with technical fabric and stunning good looks. Make someone smile and sparkle this Christmas! Available in, sizes 6 to 8 1/2 in Black with Gold trim, Black with Black trim and Navy with White and Silver trim (NEW!) RRP: £34.00 Visit www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
HorseHair Resin Pendant with Star A heart shaped resin pendant capturing your horse's hair and a sterling silver star. Complementary chains and bracelets also available. Cost: £50 Website: www.horsehairs.co.uk
December 2014 • Issue 15 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
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