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This month we bring you our talent issue that’s jam-packed full with everything from real life success stories to training from riders at the top of their game and pages full of top gear news and reviews. You can also read our celebrity interview with event rider Sarah Cohen and find out how to nominate your horsey heroes in our brand new Your Horse Awards!
Citation preview
B e a B e t t e r r i d e r , g e t t h e B e s t f ro m yo u r h o r s e yourhorse .co.uk
UK’S
No.1 EQUINE
MONTHLY
INJURY FREE ZONEExpert advice to keep his back and tendons healthy
TAKE CONTROLRichard Maxwell on hacking excitable horses
WIN A HORSEBOX
WORTH £28,700
TALENT spOTTINg
How to find the X factor in your horse
CARE gEARRIdINgFive-minute guide to worming plus using magnets to aid healing
Time saving grooming products tested O
ctob
er 2
011
£3.8
0
The best guide to competition success ever with Richard & Tom Davison
260 pAgES
●FEEDINg gUIDEExpert nutritional advice
●YOUR DISCIpLINEInspiration to try a new sport
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BIggESTISSUEEvERincluding
The yard
your horse
W ith an eventing career spanning three decades, including selection for
the 2004 Olympic Games as well as being placed at Burghley and Badminton, it’s fair to say that Sarah Cohen has had an incredible eventing career with the best hopefully still to come.
On the day of our interview, we arrive to find Sarah standing in the middle of the yard wearing a pair of sopping wet jodhpurs and a huge grin on her face. She’s just finished schooling one of her horses in a torrential downpour, but the rain doesn’t dampen her spirits.
Sarah juggles her busy equine life with family commitments to her husband and two-year-old son Alfie. So, after checking on her toddler and a quick costume change, she’s back on the yard all smiles and laughter, ready to take another horse out for a leg stretch in the changeable summer weather.
Sarah and her team dash around tacking up the mare she’s about to ride, Trebetherick – and it quickly becomes apparent that she’s particular about her horses’ appearance. She insists that their beards and whiskers are trimmed regularly and asks one of her team to quickly trim Trebetherick’s muzzle before she heads out on a ride. We can’t help but chuckle as the conversation goes like this…
Sarah: “Take her whiskers off, she looks all scruffy and dishevelled.” Groom: “She likes them, they look fine.” Sarah: “No they don’t, take them off.” Groom: “William Fox-Pitt doesn’t trim any of his horse’s whiskers.” Sarah: “We’re not William Fox-Pitt!” End of conversation; the whiskers come off.
With the whisker drama over, Sarah heads out to ride, and on her
return we head inside for a cuppa and a chat to find out
everything from her biggest fears to her favourite cheese.
SARAH COHEN
Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts
Could Treason be my horse of a lifetime?
WANt tO SEE mORE?See more behind-the-scenes pictures of Sarah
at www.yourhorse.co.uk/sarahcohen
www.yourhorse.Co.uk
Turn over for xxxx’s answers to
your questions
Sarah hopes nine-year-old Treason will become
her horse of a lifetime – and plans to take him
to Badminton next May
Turn over for Sarah’s answers to
your questions
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HORSEYOuR
Terms and conditions Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 6 Oct 2011. Please allow up to 28 working days for delivery of your gift. We reserve the right to provide an alternative gift or a 3 issue extension if stocks are exhausted. We reserve the right to reclaim the gift/value of the gift if you cancel your subscription before the end of the agreed term as set out above. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and the gift is only available to subscribers paying by direct debit only. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Phone +44 1858 438820. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.
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TR
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academy chief instructors Richard and Tom Davison
Top riders tell us why getting out and about is vital to their dressage,jumping and eventing success
Whyhackingmatters
STOP THE STOPPING Eventer William Fox-Pitt helps you tackle refusals
Yo
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TRANSITIONSCONQUEREDHow they can strengthen your horse and refine your schooling
RIDING CaREGEaR46 pages of top advice including improving his brakes and balance
Why old saddles pose a risk PLUS dealing with overreach injuries, nosebleeds and hair loss
Cross-country kit for all budgets PLUS fly repellants on test
PLUSSolo hacking
made easy with Richard
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Could microchipping be damaging your horse?
Shock investigation
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Essential pole work and show jumping advice from Richard and Tom Davison
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Veterinary advances, feeding advice andpoisonous plants
46 pages of top advice on eventing
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Richard MaxwellHow to improve his engagement
Instruction for all
WIN A HORSEBOXWORTH £28,700
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Riding
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Your Horse Training
AcademyTrain with the experts
for free
Welcome to the final instalment of our exciting Your Horse Training Academy – the free riding course designed to help you
become a better rider. Over the past six months, our Academy chief instructors
Richard Davison and his show jumper son Tom have been your expert trainers, on hand to
give advice in the magazine and online, with video lessons to download, homework
suggestions, web chats and email support. And now they bring their advice to its finale as they help you clinch a rosette in the show
jumping and dressage arenas.
DOn’T miss All THe experT ADvice We HAve in
everY issue Of YOur HOrse – subscribe
nOW AnD YOu’ll AlsO geT A fAnTAsTic gifT. Turn TO pAge 20 TO finD OuT mOre
Sign up now!You can still sign up to the Your Horse Training Academy – and it’s all free! Signing up means you’ll get access to online training videos – plus you’ll get the chance to chat to other ‘trainees’ on the Your Horse forum, and get free email support, too. See www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta
www.yourhorse.co.uk
Sign up now - it’s free! See below for details
well done!
Module 6 Improve your dressage score and jump clearIn Module 6 of the Your Horse Training Academy our experts draw together all we’ve learned through Modules 1 to 5 to ensure you enjoy competition success. Discover how to warm up like a pro, prepare for a competition, deal with any last minute mishaps, impress the judges, walk a course and go clear. So let your masterclass begin…
Pay attention at the back of the class! Every time you spot this logo it’s homework time. Our experts will give you simple, easy-to-follow exercises and ideas to help you improve between modules.
Spot this logo and it’s time to go online. Your Horse Training Academy members will have exclusive access to free training videos at www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta
Get more from every training session
Module 1Develop the ideal position for flatwork and jumping Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue
Module 2Improve your horse’s way of going on the flat and over fences Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue
Module 3Ride the perfect circle, serpentine, shallow loop and more Missed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue
Module 4Polework & jumpingMissed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue
Module 5Tackle lateral workMissed it? Call 0845 601 1356 for a back issue
Module 6How to succeed in dressage and show jumping competitionsTurn to page 28
meet your expert trainersRichard Davison is a world-class rider and trainer who’s proud to be the Your Horse Training Academy’s Chief Instructor.
“I’m please to be involved in this exciting new training concept,” he says.
Tom Davison is fast becoming a leading name as a show jumping rider and trainer – and as our Academy’s jumping expert he’ll be helping you go clear every time, with advice on how to cope at a competition.
Turn the page for module 6 and get ready to learn from the best!
➤Learn from the pros! This is your final chance to sign up to the Your Horse Training Academy – and watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Academy chief coach Richard Davison as he helps wife Gill warm up at a competition. It’s all free! Just visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta
Riding
your horse
Has my horse got
We give a celebrity rider an ordinary horse to ride and ask ‘how far can this horse go?’
potential?
Meet the eXPeRt Jay HalimInternational event rider Jay began his career in show jumping and worked for Tina and Graham Fletcher for four years. Next he began producing event horses before setting up
his own yard. In 2007 he won the Burghley Young Event Horse class on Eye Candy. He continues to compete in international events and train from his yard in Gloucestershire.
Words Imogen Johnson Photography Mark Manning
WWW.yourhorse.co.uk
Meet the hORSe & RIDeR Steph Briggs and ToshSteph got in touch with us about her six-year-old, 16.3hh Irish Sports Horse Tosh. She’s owned him since November 2010 and while she’s sure he’s got bags of potential she doesn’t know how to unleash it.
She says: “Tosh can be great but he’s also challenging. He has lovely paces and so far we’ve done a few Prelim dressage tests getting placed every time. He adores jumping and has a bold jump – he was cross-country
schooled before I bought him, but after a few falls I’ve lost my nerve and haven’t taken him myself yet. I’d love to event with him and know he has the potential to win but I feel like I’m holding him back.”
Ever wondered what a celebrity
rider would think of your horse? We’d be lying if we said no! So we decided to give one
Your horse reader the opportunity to take their horse to top eventer Jay halim to ride
and then ask the burning question – ‘does my horse have
potential or not?’
Win this horsebox worth £28,700!
your horse
Fuel stopWhatever you do with your horse, the correct diet will ensure he’s up to the challenge. here, the feed experts at Dodson & horrell explain all you need to know
Extra supportFrom respiratory and hoof
supplements to calmers and joint and muscle-boosting products, there are a
huge range of supplements on the market. Available in powder, granule, liquid, pellet and paste form, they’re there to support a balanced diet if your horse has a specific
weakness, health problem or need for extra salts and minerals in the form of
electrolytes. It’s important to be label-savvy. Look at how much you need to feed per day and what percentage of
the more expensive ingredients the supplement contains.
Dodson & Horrell is a family-run business that has manufactured horse feeds for over 70 years. It produces a comprehensive range of feeds, herbs and supplements to suit horses of all breeds and disciplines. The high quality of the products is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why so many people choose to feed Dodson & Horrell. A significant amount of
time and resource is invested into suppliers and raw materials to maintain the highest quality possible. Dodson & Horrell uses its scientific research and manufacturing prowess to produce a comprehensive range of products for its most important customer – your horse. For free expert feeding advice, call the D&H helpline on 0845 345 2627.
a namE you can trust
Weight watchersWith obesity problems reaching
alarming levels in UK horses, it pays to keep an eye on your horse’s weight and
condition. “Weightape your horse regularly and check his condition score,” say the experts at D&H (find out more at
www.dodsonandhorrell.com). “As a general rule, your horse should be fed 2-2.5% of his bodyweight each day to
maintain his condition – so the average 500kg horse will need
around 10kg per day.”
Fibre providers
Hay, grass and haylage are high in fibre, but other fibre-filled
goodies include chaff (chopped hay and straw), alfalfa and sugar beet. If your horse is a fussy eater, research
shows that offering two or more different types of fibre, such as a pile of hay and a bucket of chaff,
can encourage him to eat more in the stable.
WWW.yourhorse.co.uk 2
Win even more!
For your chancE to Win…
>> Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and follow the instructions. Special terms and conditions
apply. Closing date is midday on 2 January 2012. Alternatively visit Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park – the horsebox will be on show for you to have a look at and you can enter while you’re there
>>For more information on the Equi-Trek range of horseboxes, go to www.equi-trek.com or
call 01484 852121
This Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox is worth a cool £28,700 – and it could be yours if you enter our fantastic competition today!
The Sonic is compact and easy to drive and carries two horses in total luxury. It has the added benefit of a tack/changing/sitting area, with two saddle racks, two bridle racks and two coat hooks so you can carry all your equipment with ease, totally separate from the horses’ area. There’s also additional storage over the cab. Equi-Trek has generously added a package of incredible extras to our Sonic, including: • Alloy wheels• Mud flaps• Head divider• Corner seat with storage• CCTV camera• Digital reversing camera• Padded partition• Padded walls• Extra height partition• Road tax until June 2012
How to enter
It could be yours!
As well as the fantastic Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox, we’re giving you the chance to win prizes every month from our Win a Horsebox sponsors Dodson & Horrell, Petplan Equine, Musto, Dog It and Equisafety. This month, we’ve teamed up with Dodson & Horrell to offer one reader a year’s supply of feed for one horse, along with a consultation from a member of the D&H Nutritional Team. In addition, they’ll receive a D&H goody bag containing items for them and their horse. Five runners-up will receive a £25 feed voucher and a goody bag. For more information visit www.dodsonandhorrell.com or join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dodsonandhorrell
To enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win – closing date is 26 October, 2011. For more on Dodson & Horrell’s range of horse and dog food call 01832 737300 or visit www.dodsonandhorrell.com
a balanced diet“To fulfil your horse’s energy needs
he must have a balance of the essential nutrients,” say the experts at D&H. “This
means carbohydrates in the form of cereal grains and fibre; protein to provide the essential ‘building blocks’ for muscle
and tissue; fats and oils, as well as vitamins and minerals. Water is another
essential (though technically not a nutrient). It aids the digestive process
and makes up 65-75% of your horse’s body.”
healthy digestion
“Horses are ‘trickle feeders’, designed to eat little and often,
which is why limiting their ability to graze can have serious health
implications,” says the D&H team. “It’s our job to replicate this
natural eating pattern by allowing grass, hay and other high-fibre
food sources to form the bulk of their diet.”
WORTH£28,700!
Riding
your horse
with Olympic trainer Conrad Schumacher
privaTelesson
Conrad Schumacher is a world-renowned trainer. He hails from Germany and his principles are firmly rooted in the classical scales of training. During a brief but intensive training visit to the UK, Conrad gave YH reader James Burtwell a lesson at Grand Prix dressage
rider Emile Faurie’s Cotswold yard.
Conrad is famed for his working patterns – a
combination of carefully selected
exercises that when ridden together improve the horse’s way of going and help the
rider develop a feeling seat. Despite having taught
more than 4,000 pupils, each of Conrad’s
working patterns is very carefully tailored to the
individual horse and rider
combination in front of him.
Conrad’s booming voice and straight talking ways can appear intimidating at first but it’s the subtle compromises that make him such an exceptional trainer. He has been a hugely influential force in the successes of the German, Dutch, USA and British
dressage teams. One of the most successful
trainers of all time, there’s no one better placed to help James realise his dream of taking his eight-year-old Oldenburg stallion Smash Hit all the way to Grand Prix.
As the lesson starts, Conrad watches with a critical eye as James walks and trots Smash Hit on each rein.
When things are going well he is silent, but as soon as he spots any imperfection, he orders James to ride a series of movements to correct it.
each working pattern is very carefully tailored to the individual horse and rider
Name Conrad SchumacherExperience Trained with German Olympic
dressage legend Dr Josef Neckerman, former rider on the German dressage
team, former Dutch dressage team trainer,
Team GB dressage team trainer from
1998 to 2002 and has earned over 40
international medals for his riders including
Olympic Team and Individual Silver for
the Netherlands
Fact file
See the celebs
Come to Your Horse Live and meet the top names in riding and trainingFor more details
see page 95
Making it to Grand Prix requires patience and careful training all the way
For more riding advice go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
www.yourhorse.co.uk
Meet the pupilFind out how Conrad helps James shorten Smash Hit’s trot, over the page
Pic:
Bob
Lan
gris
h
Born a star?Some horses simply stand out from the crowd – but what is it that really makes a horse exceptional? Is it nature, nurture or a combination of both?
When we asked four big names in the equestrian world which horses they considered
to be exceptional beyond compare, one name was always top of the list – Moorlands Totilas.
Edward Gal and Totilas (pictured here) hit the equestrian world with an almighty bang in 2008, and it wasn’t just dressage fans who couldn’t take their eyes off ‘Toto’. Celebrities like Ringo Starr rolled out for front row seats to see the incredible horse in action. He’s been described as a ‘freak’ on more than one occasion and his performances have rarely failed to leave onlookers in awe, but are horses like Totilas the products of excellent training and superb riding or are they born stars?
We spoke to top breeder Lynne Crowden, dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, trainer, dressage judge and former Badminton winner Judy Bradwell and top eventer Mary King to find out.
Thetalent
Competition winA HG-Go portAble HAy steAmer – keep your HAy CleAn on tHe Go
To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk and answer this question
Terms & conditions The winner is responsible for their own travel for themselves and their horse to Hannah’s yard, and accommodation if necessary. For full terms and conditions, visit www.yourhorse.co.uk. Closing date 6 October 2011
What is the name of Hannah’s ex-racehorse? a) Seabiscuit b) Red Rum c) Fort Knox
win A HAyGAin steAmer And A lesson witH
HAnnAH biGGs your Horse has teamed up with
Haygain to offer this fantastic prize. One lucky reader will win a
lesson with top dressage rider Hannah Biggs, a Haygain HG-GO hay steamer, a saddlecloth, polo-shirt and baseball cap. One runner-up with also receive a HG-GO hay steamer and promotional clothing.
Hannah has achieved incredible success in dressage, travelling worldwide to compete at the highest level. At 13, she got her first international dressage success on her ex-racehorse, Fort Knox.
Hannah has been running Brook Farm Dressage in Dorset and coaching as a British Dressage national trainer since 2001.
She gained valuable experience at the Olympic test event held at Greenwich Park, ready for London 2012. She was placed third and fifth in the Grand Prix at Hartpury and is part of the Young Riders BEF World Class
programme.The lucky winner will get
the chance to take their horse and a friend to Hannah’s yard, where they’ll receive expert tuition from Hannah.
A scientifically proven hay steamer, the HG-GO
ensures that hay is clean by killing all dust spores.
Hannah uses hers while away at shows. “The HG-GO fits perfectly in the lorry and takes half a bale, hay nets or hay wedges. It’s lightweight, easy to move about, extremely durable, and easy to use. I have peace of mind that my horses are getting the full nutritional value of their hay with no detrimental respiratory problems,” she says.
For further information please contact Haygain on 0333 200 5233 or visit www.haygain.com
– all the expert advice you need to ensure
your horse’s diet keeps him fit, healthy and
raring to go all year round
28
pages
FeeD guiDe
2011IncludIng * Must-read guide to forage
* Why and When to feed suppleMents * your feeding probleMs solved * hoW to prevent health and
behavioural probleMs * feeding dos and don’ts
HORSEYOuR
your horse
CareCare
Injury-free zoneWhen it comes to muscular back problems and tendon injuries,
prevention is better, less painful and far cheaper than cure. Here, physiotherapist Rachel Greetham explains how
to keep your horse happy and healthy
PHYSIOADVICE
pic:
Bob
Lan
gris
h
your horse
www.yourhorse.co.uk
B ack problems and tendon injuries strike fear into every horse owner, but the key to preventing, treating
and managing these conditions lies in understanding what’s ‘normal’ for your horse, dealing with any small problems before they can become acute, and working with the horse health professionals to keep your horse fit and well. Your vet and chartered physiotherapist, together with your farrier and saddler, are the ‘army’ who’ll help fight these conditions – and here expert Rachel Greetham explains the physio’s role in the battle…
www.yourhorse.co.uk
your horse
CareCare Stess-free hacking
TRAINER PROFILERichard Maxwell (Max) Having worked with the Household Cavalry and Monty Roberts, Max has experienced both conventional and natural methods of training. Although he’s never consciously tried to merge the two, over the years he’s found himself taking the best of both methods to develop his own style of horsemanship, which he says is best described as ‘practical horsemanship’. For more information visit www.richard-maxwell.com, email [email protected] or call 07764 404723
your horse
www.yourhorse.co.ukwww.yourhorse.co.uk
It’s all about getting the tools in place in a stress-free situation
so you’re not worrying
When your horse feels like he’s ready to explode, hacking out can be a nerve-wracking experience – but as practical horseman
Richard Maxwell explains, diffusing the situation is all about having the right negotiating skills at your disposal
time bomb?A ticking
Words Rebecca Gibson
Not all horses have read the script and know that hacking is supposed to be a time to relax;
for some there’s just too much to look at. If your horse is one of those who finds the whole experience a little too stimulating, and leaves you feeling like you’re sitting on a ticking time bomb when you venture out, you’re not alone.
Connemara Lewey finds hacking far too exciting for his owner
Nicky Jackson’s liking. Because of his over-
exuberant behaviour, Nicky says she hasn’t once hacked
Lewey out alone without there being some sort of incident. “I’ve fallen off so many times when I’ve attempted to venture out alone that I’ve completely given up,” Nicky explains. “Once Lewey gets full of himself there’s no reasoning with him and he’s a difficult horse to sit on when he gets silly.
“He can be really good when I take him out with another horse,” Nicky continues. But as she keeps Lewey at home, it’s rare that Nicky gets the opportunity to hack out in company. “Last time we went for a hack, I had my husband walking alongside to try and keep Lewey calm,” Nicky says. “Lewey
was fine until we got half way round, but then he burst into a fit of bucking. In the end I had to dismount and walk him back home.
“I’d just like to be able to go around the perimeter of the field behind my house without Lewey throwing me off at the bottom of the hill,” she says.
For practical horseman Richard Maxwell, aka Max, overcoming a problem like this means rehearsing certain coping strategies in the safety of the school. “It’s all about getting the tools in place in a stress-free situation so you’re not worrying about what might, or might not happen,” Max tells Nicky.
your horse
www.yourhorse.co.uk
“I bought an ordinary
Larissa Chapman meets three riders whose horses have beaten the odds – and the sceptics – to become
dressage and eventing superstars
horse...”
Sam Turner and Billy have been doing dressage together for the past five years and Sam dreams of making it to top hat and tails. After five years of hard work, Billy has gone from being unrideable to competing at Medium level dressage. This little cob might not be the most conventional dressage horse, but his success has been fantastic.
Max Gorden and his horse, Will, have been achieving great things on the local eventing circuit.
Originally bred as a dressage horse, Will was nearly sold on after he became too much to handle, but fortunately for everyone, Max discovered his hidden talent and passion for eventing before he went up for sale. Now the pair are working their way up the eventing ladder and Max has high hopes for the future.
Phoebe Buckley and her pony (yes, pony) Little Tiger have made it all the way to the dizzy heights of four-star eventing. Barely 15hh, Little Tiger has beaten the best around the likes of Badminton and Burghley, over fences that are far taller than she is. Phoebe and Little Tiger have had some fantastic results, including coming 16th at Burghley in 2008. Little Tiger has now retired and is enjoying a life of leisure.
Meet the horses...Sam Turner
and BillyPhoebe
Buckley and Little Tiger
Max Gorden and Will
Thetalent
pic: Nico M
organ
Rescue horse of the yearA horse who has overcome the odds since being rescued
Horse hero of the yearA horse who has helped an owner through a difficult time or overcome a serious problem
Unsung hero of the yearA person who has helped someone else with their horse without asking for anything in return
Equine charity of the year A charity that has really helped to make the equine world a better place
Riding school of the year A riding school that’s really helped its riders and gone above and beyond to keep clients happy
Farrier of the yearA farrier who has gone the extra to help a horse and/or its owner
Volunteer of the year *to be nominated by a charityA volunteer who stands out from the crowd
Riding instructor of the year An instructor who has helped clients overcome difficult times with their horses or who always goes above and beyond to help their students
Livery yard of the year A yard that does all it can for its clients and works hard to provide excellent facilities and a friendly atmosphere
To nominate and give someone the chance to win a Your Horse Award here’s how to enter:✔ Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/yhawards and download the Your Horse Awards entry form✔ Email your completed form to [email protected] putting YOUR HORSE AWARDS: followed by the name of the
category you would like to enter in the subject box (for example: YOUR HORSE AWARDS: VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR)✔ Please also send a relevant picture of the group, horse or person you’d like to nominate (please send the highest quality image you have)Nominees who make the shortlist will then be contacted and their story
will be told online at www.yourhorse.co.uk Closing date is 7 October
THE WINNERS!The winners, who will be announced online in November, will receive their Your Horse Award and a pair of tickets to Your Horse Live 2011.
This year Your Horse is giving you the opportunity to nominate friends, colleagues, organisations, horses, or charities that you believe deserve some special recognition. Perhaps you’ve got an
instructor who’s really helped you to reach your
goals, or a horse who’s helped you through some difficult times. Take a look at the list below to see if your
horsey hero fits into one of our nine special categories,
then get nominating!
HOW TO ENTER
AWARDS★ ★★
AwardsIntroducing the
It’s time to give something back to the people and horses who’ve changed your life
For Your Horse Awards updatesvisit www.yourhorse.co.uk/yhawards www.twitter.com/yourhorse
or www.facebook. com/yourhorse
www.yourhorse.co.uk
GearShopaholicsheaven
Come to Your Horse Live and you’ll find everything you want for you and your horse For more details see page 95
your horse
For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
www.yourhorse.co.uk
BigTesT
keep your horse looking clean and smart this winter with a little help from some great grooming products
Grooming
Keeping our horses’ coats looking clean and shiny can take a lot of time and effort. But help is at hand from the many
grooming products available. YH gear editor Ally Lowther tested a selection of grooming products on her two horses, Jester and Wish, last winter and this summer. Each grooming product was tested under the following criteria Ease of use She assessed how easy each product was to apply and how much was needed. She also
considered if any instructions given were easy to understand and followEffectiveness Ally evaluated how effective each grooming product was – did it meet the manufacturer’s claims? She assessed how long the effects lasted and how economical it wasValue for money Finally, taking ease of use and effectiveness into account, she decided whether each product was good value for money and if she would recommend you buy it
A reasonable product which left Jester and Wish’s coats soft and their tails tangle free, but I wouldn’t say it lasted for the 15 days the manufacturer claims. The spray gave a good even coverage and it improved the overall shine and appearance of their coats. But it’s one of the more expensive products and didn’t perform any better than some of the
cheaper ones. I got through it quite quickly. Probably not one I would use again.
Liked the improved shine and appearance but rather expensive for what it did
Veredus Super Sheen £13.50 for 500ml
Contact www.zebraproducts.co.uk
This dry shampoo is easy to apply and did a fairly good job of removing stains, but it took a bit more work than some of the other products. Some of the sprays seemed to lift the stain away from the coat and all you needed to do was wipe it off, but I needed to work this one well into the coat to remove most of the stain. It left the coat looking quite wet but feeling
smooth. It does have a nice smell but it’s not one of my favourites in this test.
A nice smell, but you have to work on the stains to remove them
IV Horse Foaming Dry Shampoo £6.75 for 200ml
Contact 01888 544261 or www.4horse.co.uk
Total 23/30300 6 12 18 24
Ease of use100 2 4 6 8
Effectiveness100 2 4 6 8
Value for money100 2 4 6 8
Total 23/30300 6 12 18 24
Ease of use100 2 4 6 8
Effectiveness100 2 4 6 8
Value for money100 2 4 6 8
made easy
Price per 1ml
2.7pPrice per 1ml
3.4p
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OnSale6 OCTNEXT MONTH In YOur HOrsE
FrEE Winter Gear and Winter Rug Guide – all the latest products to satisfy your urge to shop
GET sET FOr
WINTEr Experts’ tips to keep
you feeling inspired How to plan ahead and
embrace the ice, snow and mud
Coping with a fresh horse Why and when it’s right
to give him the winter off Your winter hoof care planMud fever survival guide
PLus...• How to get a winning
relationship with your horse• The latest vet research on
Cushing’s• Celebrity riding advice• Your riding and horse care
problems solved