horsescene september

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Your free NATIONAL magazine September 2013 FREE What to look for in a bag of compound horse feed Maintaining control in open spaces Tips to keep your stable and yard clean and tidy Arena Geometry Tips on how to ride a perfect test Banish mud fever Products to help treat this condition Verticals and how to jump them W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N W I N Over £4,000 worth of prizes up for grabs!

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Your free NATIONAL magazine September 2013

FREE

What to look forin a bag of compoundhorse feed

Maintainingcontrolin open spaces

Tips to keep your stable and yard clean and tidy

Arena Geometry

Tips on how to ride a perfect test

Banish mud fever

Products to help treat this

condition

Verticalsand how to jump them

• WIN •

WIN

• W

IN •

W

IN• WIN • WIN • W

IN • W

IN • W

IN • WIN

Over£4,000 worth of prizes up for grabs!

Contact Horse ScenePost: 9 Maple Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1NQTelephone: 01707 880170

Horse Scene [email protected]@[email protected]

Subscriptions & Back IssuesT: 01707 880170E: [email protected]

Contributing writersZoe DaviesB&W Equine GroupKK EquestrianLaura SandersJoanna BaxterWarren LamperdDWF Equine

Cover imageJohn Tyrrell of BigTimeMedia

Published ByHorse Scene Magazine is publishedby KCD Publishing. All contents arecopyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may becopied, stored or transmitted in anyform without prior writtenpermission from the publisher.Whilst every effort is made toensure accuracy, no responsibilitycan be accepted however caused.Contributed material does notnecessarily reflect the opinion of thepublishers. The Editorial policy andgeneral layout of this publication areat the discretion of the publisher. Noresponsibility can be accepted forarticles, photographs or illustrationswhilst in transmission with thepublishers.

Inside this issue...

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Horse talk news, gossip and updates

Legal scene the pitfalls of purchasing a horse

Verticals and how to jump them

Letter Scene your views & experiences in the equine world

How clean should your stable and yard be? Find out with our helpful article

WIN brilliant Absorbine products

Maintaining control in open spaces

WIN a tub of LifeForce Focus and Alltech brandedsaddlecloth

New on the scene new products to the equinemarket

What to look for in a bag of compound feed

Tack talk using an older saddle

Token frenzy collect your 2nd token

Arena geometry tips on how to ride a correct test

Banish mud fever products to help treat thiscondition

WIN lots of giveaways up for grabs!

Vet on the scene stifle issues

Strike a pose! A day modelling for Mountain Horse

On trial read our product testing reviews

Tackroom break relax with our puzzles

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HorsetalkSMS ‘Fit for Purpose’Awareness Day

Are you fit, is yourhorse fit, doesyour saddle fit?How often doyou hear riderssay – “I must lose

weight and getfitter,” “My horse is

just not fit enough,” or“My saddle seems to move.” Aninformative and forward thinkingawareness day has been developed bythe Society of Master Saddlers toeducate riders, owners, student vets andtrainers about the importance of saddlefit and fitness of the horse and rider.The ‘Fit for the Purpose’ day takes placeon Saturday, October 19 at The UnicornEquestrian Centre, Netherswell, Stow-on-the-Wold.

Looking at your horse’s fitness, the SMSwill help you understand the differencebetween conformation and condition.Meanwhile focussing on the saddle,experts will look at how to assess yourhorse’s back in preparation for saddlefitting. Well known saddler expert IanHastilow will be chairing this excitingday which has just 100 places available –book your ticket today!

Speakers include Dodson & HorrellNutritionist, Louise Jones BSc, MSc, R.Nutrition; ‘Ride with Your Mind’Instructor/Coach, Dorothy Marks; Vet,Jane Nixon MA VetMB BSc MRCVS; SMSVeterinary Consultant, Stewart HastieBVMS MRCVS; Winston Williams, BSc(Hons) MMCA IVCA MRCC and EmmaPhillips, BSc (Hons) MMCA IVCA MRCCwho will look at chiropractics for thehorse and human. There will also be arange of Saddle Work Stations toprovide advice, practical knowledge andexperience. These include help onsaddle panels and construction;recognising the difference betweenquality and inferior saddles; types oftree and broken trees; and saddle safety.

Tickets are £60 and includerefreshments, lunch and a goody bag.

To book your place contact HazelMorley on 01449 711642 or [email protected]

Abandoned foal Teddy celebrateshis 1st Birthday after making amiraculous recovery

A foal who was left to die on theside of the road at only 8-weeksold, recently celebrated his 1stbirthday after making a miraculousrecovery. Teddy was found starvingand abandoned, alone, without hismother, on a busy roadside inBuckinghamshire in September2012. He was rescued by ThamesValley Police and brought to TheHorse Trust. Teddy was nearlyanother tragic victim of thenational horse crisis.

Like many other young colt foalshe had little monetary value andwas cruelly taken from his motherand abandoned. Tiny Teddy was soill after his ordeal that he wasrushed to the Royal VeterinaryCollege where he spent weeks inintensive care. His chances ofsurvival were slim but Teddy nevergave up his fight for life. Life islonely for an orphaned foal, but 36

year old Shetland Pony George took on the important role of being Teddy’sbest friend and role model. Gorgeous George taught him how to be a pony.

Thanks to months of specialist care by his vets and the dedication of staff atThe Horse Trust Teddy gradually began to recover. Teddy’s struggle for life wonthe hearts of everyone who met him as well as a legion of dedicated fans, whofollowed his fight for survival on Facebook. Teddy even has dedicated sponsorswho help pay for his care. Teddy is now a happy, healthy and cheeky youngpony and this week was joined by some of his friends, sponsors and supportersto celebrate his 1st Birthday at The Horse Trust. Jeanette Allen, Chief Executiveof The Horse Trust said, "Teddy’s story is inspirational to us all. No-one thoughtthis tiny foal would survive, there was even a moment when he lay with hishead on my lap and I thought he had breathed his last. But, thanks to thespecialist treatment, round-the-clock care and Teddy’s incredible spirit he nowhas a bright future. Teddy’s recovery was only possible thanks to the generosityof members of the public who make donations to The Horse Trust to help payfor his treatment and care. We are so grateful to everyone who helped giveTeddy a second chance at life".

If you would like to give Teddythe perfect birthday presentsign up and sponsor him fromjust £2 per month. Sponsorsreceive a personalisedcertificate, fact sheet, Teddyphoto, regular updates andother benefits.

Visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464 to find out more.

4 HorseScene

ChatWould you like to join the Harry Hall team?Harry Hall the tried and trusted name in equestrian clothing andleisure wear is offering riders the opportunity to be part of theirsponsored team. If you love Harry Hall and feel you have what ittakes to represent the brand, this great opportunity could seeyou kitted out head to toe in the latest gear. The luckyrecipients will receive Harry Hall products to the value of £250.

The competition is open to all ages and levels of rider, all they ask is that you arepassionate about your horse and have the enthusiasm to keep Harry Hall regularlyupdated on your activities via a monthly blog, Facebook posts and fun video clips,whether at home or competing. To enter simply visit the Harry Hall Facebook page,post a photo of you and your horse, and tell them why you deserve sponsorship,videos will also be accepted. The closing date for applicants is 30th September.For more information and Terms and Conditions please visit www.harryhall.co.uk orHarry Hall Facebook page.

RDA Gala Awards Dinner,Wednesday 2 October 2013

The Riding for the Disabled Association(RDA) Gala Awards Dinner will take place atPlaisterers’ Hall, London on 2 October 2013with special guest Clare Balding.

“We are thrilled that Clare is joining us forour evening of celebration”, said SallyAtkinson, RDA Fundraising and EventsManager “The outstanding achievements ofRDA participants, volunteers and businesspartners will be acknowledged during thepresentation of new awards - giving us the chance to thank those who make what we do possible.”

RDA President’s Club Member,Event Organiser and formerinternational show-jumper, Dame Emma

Jane Brown, is working with the team at RDA to promote the eventwhich will also include a fundraising auction.

“RDA is a charity very close to my heart”, said Emma Jane “Theorganisation provides magnificent, life-changing opportunities. I amso proud to be involved with them and to be working with the RDATeam on this prestigious event.”

Tickets can be reserved from RDA National Office at £130 each andsponsorship opportunities are available for the Awards, Tables, theDrinks Reception and other items. Find out more at www.rda.org.uk

WE ASKED Now that the days aregetting shorter and the nights longerwhat are your best time saving tips so wecan enjoy our horses for longer?

Fetch in and take out both horsestogether so as not to do a double trip.Lora ST Hall

Every Sunday I make up 14 feeds andhaynets for the week ahead! I'm donequicker before work and have more timeto play ponies after work! Zoë Daley

I agree with the making haynets up atweekends. Also means you don't smell ofhaylage during the week. I use minimalbedding on rubber mats which makesmucking out much quicker and don'tchange rugs during the week just turnnecks down. Carla Goadby

Muck out & have stables ready in themorning before work, means when youcome home you only have to ride & putthem to bed! Susan Anne McLafferty

Get the housework done in the evenings..Fix things as you notice them to cut downon the "fix it" list and let the rooster do hisjob! Janice MacIntosh

Get on with your jobs instead of gassingto others! Lol Trina Fuller

Research on the seller is a must! You need to decipherwhether they are a private seller or a horse dealer. Whenpurchasing from a horse dealer who is selling in the course ofbusiness, they are bound by additional provisions set out inthe Sale of Goods Act 1979 (the “SGA”), which will providepotential owners with more legal protection in the event of adispute. The same provisions do not apply to purchases fromindividual sellers.

If the seller is a dealer selling in the course of business, abuyer is entitled to a horse of ‘satisfactory quality’ and ‘fit fortheir purpose’ in accordance with the SGA. If one of theseterms is breached by the dealer, a buyer is usually entitled toreject the animal and request a refund provided he does sowithin a reasonable time.

However, a buyer who purchases a horse from a privateindividual does not have this type of recourse. In this case,the SGA only implies into the agreement that the horsecorresponds with the description given in the saleadvertisement or given verbally by the seller. However, if abuyer can show that the horse does not correspond with thedescription given by the seller, they may have amisrepresentation claim if a seller has withheld or concealedinformation.

In order todemonstrate theapplication of theSGA, an exampleof a typical scenariois set out below.

An individual purchases ahorse for £3,000 without avetting. However, it turns out tohave a severe case of navicular syndrome. The vendorsays they are a private seller and not a horse dealer.However, the vendor has advertised more than tenhorses over the past year. The individual wants to takeout a claim against the vendor, but their court casehinges on proving that the vendor is a horse dealer, asthe individual has more rights in this situation.

It is important to have a pre-purchase vetting when buyinghorses to try and prevent this situation.

When deciphering whether a seller is a dealer, the onlydefinition that is important is the seller selling in the courseof business. If someone is acting in the course of a businesswith a view to making a profit, or a history of a course ofdealings can be shown, then the SGA will apply. This seller’sadverts are good evidence of a course of dealings. Providingproof of a brief period of ownership by the dealer may alsosupport the intention to sell for a profit.

If the seller is a horse dealer, the main provisions of the SGAcan be relied on ie that goods should be of satisfactoryquality and fit for their purpose. A dealer is bound by theseterms otherwise they may be liable for breach of contract.Sellers, therefore, try to avoid being deemed a horse dealerbelieving that this means they will escape liability for breachof contract. However, if a horse was sold as suitable forhunting, for example and does not match up to thisdescription, this can form the basis of a claim whether it wasa business sale or not.

6 HorseScene

If you are looking to purchase a horse, it is recommended that you seek appropriate legal

advice from a solicitor specialising in equine law to assist in addressing these requirements.

For potential owners wishing to buy a horse, there are a number ofrequirements that should be taken into consideration. Elizabeth Rhodes, alawyer and equine specialist at national law firm DWF comments on thepotential issues faced when buying horses.

Our expertDWF is a leading national law firm with

an equine team committed to horses,with some owning and showing their own

horses in their spare time. The team hasdeveloped a breadth of expertise in

contentious and non-contentious equinematters spanning the full services that DWFprovide from varied property transactions,business acquisitions and employment mattersto complex contractual disputes, rights of wayissues and insurance related claims. We havethe capability to assist a wide range ofclientele consisting of, for example, owners/

breeders, racing managers, racecourses,corporate entities, charities and

competitive bodies/organisations. DWFare the appointed solicitors to The

Pony Club and can be contactedon 0845 404 2293

legalsceneThe pitfalls of purchasing a horse and the Implications of the Sale of Goods Act 1979

In jumping a vertical the principles are the same as forjumping any fence. The quality of approach dictates thequality of the fence. If a horse drops a shoulder on approach itshortens the distance to the fence. If it drifts through theoutside shoulder it lengthens the distance. In either case thefront feet are out of line with the hinds so the horse is not aspowerful or balanced. If the rider isn’t balanced in her positionthis will influence the way the horse is travelling too. The riderneeds to maintain balance over the lower leg in order to beable independently to control the seat and application of theaids, allowing the horse to be balanced underneath.

The line of approach is important so that the horse canunderstand what is required of it. A good quality approach tothe fence will allow the horse to concentrate on the jump andjudge its stride pattern in order to create a good powerfuljump. As a rider you are looking for the horse to be straight tothe fence, over it, and away from the jump. As the horsebecomes more educated the time that it is on that line maybe reduced, in speed classes or where you are required to ridea short turn, but the principle is still the same.

To practice approach you can just use a pole on the groundand pretend that it is a fence. Ride as if you are approachingthat fence and experiment. If you get it wrong it doesn’tmatter as it is just a pole. With a pole on the ground youshould also start to find your horse judging its stride patternto the pole as you repeat the exercise, especially if you useseveral poles around the school. All you are doing is gettingthe horse to think about his feet, something you want him todo when he jumps a course.

The rider's balance remains pivotal in the horse's ability tojump well and with confidence. If the rider is in front of themovement then the horse can’t lift its front as easily, nor can itengage the hindquarter and push itself and the rider up in theair so the jump flattens. If the rider is left behind this toostifles the jump as the horse can’t work through the back andmake a good shape over the fence. If the horse starts toflatten its jump then it will work out it needs more speed tocover the distance over the fence. This will often make a ridermore anxious, potentially then putting in a stronger bit,ultimately making the horse more anxious. If a horse rushes afence there is a reason. The challenge is to understand whatthat reason is. In my experience it is more often than not to dowith rider technique.

If you can control the stride pattern to the take-off spot youcan start to work on your technique. Use a small fence orcross on a related distance to the vertical. The small fenceshould put you where you want to take off from and you canstart to analyse your own technique and the effect that has.

Each horse has an ideal spot to jump from that suits its ownstyle. If the horse is too close to the fence then it will struggle

Verticals

Correct approach

8 HorseScene

and how to jump them

In this month's instalment we are focusing onjumping verticals. To begin with we willconsider a vertical on its own and the rider'sand the horse's role in jumping the fence. Thenwe will look at verticals in courses and thedifferent ways they might be ridden, dependingon how a course builder uses them.Throughout will be some ideas on exercises tohelp with riding verticals.

Our expertWarren Lamperd is Aussie through-and-through, buthas been in UK for about fifteen years – arriving as arider for World and Olympic champion, Sir Mark Todd.Warren has competed in high level dressage, show jumping and eventing on a worldwide scale includingAustralia, New Zealand and Malaysia, jumping at theAustralian Showjumping Championships and various World Cup Shows. He also competed at the AustralianDressage Championships, winning his classes. Warren runs White Hart Stables along with his wife, togethercombining almost forty years coaching experience.

Visit www.warrenlamperd.com for information on clinics and coaching.

Rider balance

Technique

to get its front up in time and can then touch the fence withits front legs. If the horse is too far off it can get its front overbut will struggle to get its hind end up high enough and willtouch the rail behind. Each of these scenarios creates anexaggerated movement when the horse jumps which can inturn unbalance the rider. This is where rider fitness can havean effect. An advanced rider can help the horse if it is off thefence, by encouraging more power without speed, or toodeep, by giving the horse more room and time with the frontend. Equally a well educated fit horse will understand thesesituations and be able to compensate too. As an amateurrider help the horse find its balance in the approach and thendo the best to keep yours over the fence and you will have areasonable chance.

The next thing we have to consider is where the vertical is.Jumping a single fence is one thing but it can be made all themore difficult by its relation to other fences in a course. Theseare the problems that course builders will consider when theyare building a course. As riders our first obligation to ourhorse is to try and understand what the course builder isasking us to do and then relate it to our own particular horse.

Here are some examples of how a vertical might be used in acourse and the things we need to think about.

A course builder will ask a power or moving question like abig oxer, a triple bar, or even a water fence, on a relateddistance to a tall vertical. He is asking you to open the horseup and then to test your ability to get the horse back so itcan jump up over the vertical.

A vertical fence into a related distance will often create asituation where a rider, especially a less experienced one, willsteady the horse to make sure of the jump over the verticalbut close the canter in the process. If the vertical is into arelated distance then the horse's canter is too short resultingin a missed distance at the next fence.

A variation on this would be a vertical into a double or triple,again inviting a weaker jump over the first vertical fence butleaving us off the next fence and having to chase for thedistance or finding that the horse adds a stride. All thingsthat undermine the quality of the jump and take away thehorse's and/or the rider's confidence.

To add to these scenarios consider things like the approachand straightness that we discussed earlier. A curved line or ahorse drifting over a fence will increase the distance betweenfences as well as reduce the horse's power and balance forjumping.

To practice, create channels with poles on the ground toguide you and your horse between fences to help you bothdevelop straightness. Make sure there is enough room so thatyou cannot land on a pole, and give the horse a chance tounderstand what you are asking too, they are not telepathicand they can’t talk back.

If you can, think about videoing yourself training andcompeting and start to look for the sort of things that havebeen discussed here. What is actually happening is oftendifferent from what we think is happening.

It can sound very complicated but keep it simple.A good canter in the arena, which is often morethan you would expect, with good lines ofapproach and away from a fence, combined withgood rider balance over the lower leg, and thefence should start to take care of itself.

Jumping a course

Practice

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Letter Scene, Horse Scene Magazine, 9 Maple Grove,Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. AL7 1NQor email: [email protected]

Worth £144.99!

Unfair competition

This is my new horse Cassie! A 6 year old, Irish sports horse, mare. I

think it's safe to say she can jump! I keep getting told I need to invest in

a parachute..! Haha! Sent in by Georgia Hayes

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Star letter

Want to be next months HOT SHOT?Send your picture to [email protected]

Write to:

I am writing in response to what I perceive to be a growing trendtowards horse and rider combinations that are already very wellestablished, having quite often already won more than a few classesat the level they are competing at, staying at the lower levels indressage (i.e. unaffiliated level). Perhaps I am wrong but I alwaysregarded unaffiliated as a stepping stone towards British Dressage,and BRC and Trailblazers creating the chance for amateurs andordinary riders/horses to "have a go". However it now seems manypeople's ambition is not to affiliate nor progress systematically upthe levels, but just to secure more and more wins under their beltwithout ever "moving on". This is evidenced by several incidents Ihave come across the last six months. In particular, at the recentTrailblazers Championships, one competitor who competed in theprelim, was actually also competing in the elementary section! I alsooverheard a judge at one of the British Riding Club dressagequalifiers earlier on in the year commenting afterwards that "therewere a fair few horses in the novice class that looked too good to bein there". I know of many horses that have BD points competing atunaffiliated prelim and novice level .... I understand that sometimes itis good to step down a level to build confidence, particularly if a newcombination of horse/rider, but after a few wins surely there comesa point when the pair should compete hor concour? It seems to meto be unfair for the ordinary riders and horses out there, who maybearen't worth thousands and thousands, and may not have the hugestor most extravagant paces, but who maybe work extremely hard atwhat they do, and are very correct in their basic training, inparticular what is expected at prelim and perhaps even novice level,but are prevented from shining due to others hogging the lime light?There seems to be a bit of a blockage at the bottom levels, thatprevent the ordinary horses/riders filtering through. I am sure I amnot the only one who has noticed this disappointing trend and I feelwithout the attention of show organisers and BRC, more and moreordinary people will be put off. My friend, who is currently bringingon her youngster to compete in dressage, actually commented thatshe is put off doing Trailblazers and BRC and it seems an unfairplaying ground... at least with BD there are restrictions in place toallow everybody the chance to filter through. Name withheld

Letterscene

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Don’t rule out an ex-racerI'm in my mid 50s, with sciatica and generallygetting a bit creaky, as you do. When my loan horsehad to retire in May, I had to think long and hardabout whether to retire from the saddle with him.My daughter convinced me to try a narrower horseand sure enough, when I tried TBs I didn't have anyback or hip pain despite having not ridden formonths. I have recently bought (term "bought" isused very loosely!) Kirbybroguelantern, a 12yr oldTB who only retired from racing in Apr/May thisyear! Not at all what I, or anyone who knows me,anticipated! Despite having had horses for manyyears, we have never had an ex-racer and I wasunconvinced that I would have the experience orability to own one, particularly one with such a longracing career but Kirby has proven me wrong. He isa gentleman in every way and just so very "lifeproof". He seems more than happy to just behacking and being able to find out so much abouthim and his life is actually more reassuring than if Ihad bought a "normal" horse. His whole life isdocumented in his passport and on the internet. I'msure our journey won't be without some bumpsalong the way but to anyone in the same boat, I'ddefinitely say to not rule out an ex-racer! Claire Foxall.

Danger on the roadsI am concerned at the number of horseboxes I haveseen this summer that are being driven with the topdoor above the ramp open. I've seen it onmotorways and country roads. I can imagine it canbe frightening for the horse and with passing lorriesthrowing up dust and debris can not be pleasant.One owner from my yard did this and the horse gota nasty injury to his head, yet she still continues todrive with the door open. I don't understand whypeople think that this is a good idea. Fiona Morris

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Mucking out is one of the major chores linked with horseownership. How often you do it and to what extent willdepend on what type of bedding system you use and howmuch time your horse spends in its stable. As a general ruleof thumb a full muck out should be done at a minimum ofonce per day for a horse stabled overnight. This will consistof removing all of the droppings from the stable and inmost cases the wet bedding where the horse has urinated.Keeping the stable clean and regularly mucked out isessential to your horse’s health and well-being. Bacteria andspores grow quickly in a warm, damp environment andalong with ammonia generated from urine these can lead tobreathing and respiratory problems, skin and foot infectionsand overall poor performance in the competition horse.Parasites, flies and vermin can also become a problem as aresult of dirty stables.

Clean fresh water should be available to horses and poniesat all times. Automatic water feeders in the stable and fieldare an efficient way to provide this as the supply isconstantly refreshed with clean water as the horse drinks.These should be checked daily to ensure they are in goodworking order and no debris such as leaves or stablebedding has fallen into them. If you don’t have the luxury ofautomatic feeders then buckets will suffice. A healthy horsewill drink on average 10- 12 gallons of water per day so it isessential not only to provide enough, but ensure that it isclean. Standing water will stagnate quickly so the insides ofbuckets and feeders should be scrubbed every couple ofdays to prevent algae forming.

This will depend entirely on the amount of grazing you haveavailable, how many horses use the area and for how long.Many smaller enterprises with limited grazing will need poo-picking probably on a daily basis to ensure the number ofdroppings don’t overtake the grass and prevent the horses

eating it. This practice will also help control the wormburden that groups of horses face when grazing togetherand in my experience regular poo-picking not only keepsthe field looking nicer but they are healthier too, evenseeming to drain better in the winter. If you have largergrazing areas of at least 2 acres per horse and are able torotate and rest your fields then chain harrowing is anequally good option. This method involves not poo-pickingfor a period of time, then dragging a set of chain harrowsacross the fields to break up and spread the droppings,exposing worms and parasites to the elements, effectivelykilling them off. Chain harrowing also loosens the very topof the soil and pulls out dead grass from the root ballencouraging new grass to grow. This method really onlyworks best if the field can then be rested for at least acouple of months. If you are considering this method speakto a local farmer who will advise you.

How clean shouldyour stable andyard be?

At this time of year it is so much easier to keep your stable yard clean. With many horses living

out or at least spending longer days grazing in the field, our yards stay much tidier, muck heaps

are smaller and tack rooms aren’t full of wet rugs and muddy boots. But how clean should your

stable yard be all the time? Here, our expert groom, Laura Sanders (BHSAI INT SM Reg’d) gives

us advice.

How often should I muck out?

How often should I clean water troughs?

How often should I poo-pick the fields?

Anyone with limited grazingwill probably need to poo-pick on a daily basis

12 HorseScene

How clean shouldyour stable andyard be?

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This competition can only be entered on the ‘’Horse Scene Magazine Facebook Page’’. Come and join us and be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize. Closes: 30th September 2013

Following the successful launch of the KensingtonEuropean Cut and SureFit Textilene Protective Sheetsto the UK market by exclusive retailer Shadow Horse,Kensington Rugs have introduced a brand newcollection called the ‘Platinum Series’, whichembraces technical fabric and contemporary design.

Available in a medium weight and a heavyweight with optionaldetachable fully lined hood. This new generation of rug means thatthe weight is not representative of how toasty it can keep yourhorse - the intelligent fabric and filling used in the rug’s designmeans that they can be worn in hot or cold temperatures from -6oC to 22oC dependent on weight of rug and thickness of coat.

The rug is styled in a clever, 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon outer shellfabric. 100% waterproof, this outer shell is threaded through with aTeflon and Lami-Cell coating which helps keep the rug clean andbreathable whilst protecting and extending the life of the rug.

The rug’s filling is ‘Hollow-Fibre Fill’ which gives the impression of amuch denser insulation without the associated weight. This andthe rug’s ‘CoolPlus’ lining draws excess heat away from the horse’sskin, helping to acclimatise your horse and wick away anymoisture. The removable insulated belly-band significantly helps tokeep the horse warm without having to use a neck cover.

The rug’s SureFit cut is the best bits of their Traditional andEuropean Cuts, open at the front to enable free movement of theshoulders it is contoured to the shape of the horse to allow for allshapes and sizes with minimal risk of rubbing.

Add to the rugs many features a detachable tail flap, semi-elasticated and removable cross surcingles and leg straps featuringa 2” snap and D’s and front buckle and double click fastenings forsecurity and you can see why Platinum is precious!

Available in sizes from 5’9” - 7’3”. Medium weight rug - £155. Colour: Teal with Black & Silver trimHeavyweight rug - £170 (neck cover available at £75). Colour: BlueViolet with Blue Violet & Silver trim.

Shadow Horse pride themselves on offering the very bestproducts sourced from all over the world and personally testeach product to ensure its does what it says on the label andstands the test of time!

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What to look forin a bag of compoundhorse feed

Maintainingcontrolin open spaces

Tips to keep your stable and yard clean and tidy

Arena Geometry

Tips on how to ride a perfect test

Banish mud fever

Products to help treat this

condition

Verticalsand how to jump them

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Our expertJoanna Baxter is Headof the EquineDepartment at CravenCollege. Joanna herselfcame up through thePony Club, and hascompeted nationally asa Junior and Senior inmany disciplines,including British

Dressage, British Show Jumping,British Eventing, and Showing. Shehas her BSc (Hons) in Equine Scienceand BHSII, BHS SM.

16 HorseScene

The main thing to remember when riding in open spaces is safety. So whenever you goout it is best not to go alone. Either take a friend on foot or on horseback, and a phone,preferably on silent, so that it can be used for emergencies only and will not disrupt youwhilst you are riding. Plan your route to avoid times when areas may be busy, such asschool times, rush hours or if any road works are planned. If you are going on publicroads then high visibility wear is essential so the traffic can see you.

Nervous horsesNervous horses should be ridden outoff-road with a companion to give themconfidence. Use open spaces and quietroutes until the horse has started toestablish its confidence. As this buildsthen a short road route could beattempted at very quiet times such asearly morning. Keep building up thework until the horse becomes moreconfident and it can be ridden alonewith someone walking on foot.

TackThe choice of tack is important.Ensure that the horse has awell-fitting saddle that canaccommodate the rider’sshorter leg length if cantering.A bridle with a runningmartingale will not allow thehorse’s head to be raised toohigh and will give the rider aneck strap if required. If you areworried, the choice of bit shouldbe something slightly strongerthan normal for control, butensure you have ridden in theschool in the bit.

Maintaining controlin open spaces

Control in open spacesYou must make sure that youhave control in open spaces.Have a canter in the schoolbefore venturing into openfields. If you are reallyconcerned that your horse maynot behave then you can lungein a field to begin with. Thiswould be better if it was anenclosed field. The first timeyou ride in an open space anenclosed area is recommended.

Nervous horses should be ridden outoff-road with a companion to givethem confidence

A bridle with arunningmartingale willnot allow thehorse’s head tobe raised toohigh and will givethe rider a neckstrap if required

Maintaining controlin open spaces

To find out more about how to behave in the countryside, please make reference to the CountrysideCode for England and Wales.

Public Rights of Way Whilst we all love to be out in the open - we mustremember public footpaths are for pedestrians andoften access cannot be gained by horses.

BridlewaysBridleways aremeant forwalkers, horseriders andbicyclists.Cyclists areexpected to giveway to walkersand horse riders.

Byways Open To All Traffic (BOAT)These byways are normally marked "byways" andare open to motorists, bicyclists, horse riders,motorcyclists and pedestrians. As with publictarmac road networks, motorists must ensure thatthey are legally authorised to use BOATs (i.e.registered, taxed, insured and MoT’d).

Restricted BywaysRestricted Byways are created under the NaturalEnvironment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Theyare open to the traffic mentioned above in BOATs,but exclude motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Things to remember not to do when usingof public rights of way:

You are not allowed to disturb or harm any wildlife found on a public right of way.

You should not drop or leave litter on a public right of way.

You should not trespass on lands adjoining publicrights of way. At all times keep to the legal limits!

Weather conditionsAnother consideration is the weather. Is it suddenly going tothunder or get windy or is it slippery? These factors canunnerve both horse and rider so it is prudent to check beforeventuring out.

Accompanied ridingWhen you first go out take a friend and just walk with shortperiods of trot. That way the horses will not want to race eachother and you will feel you have control. Once the ground rulesfor stopping are established then you can introduce periods ofcanter and eventually some faster work. Always remember touse lots of transitions to ensure you maintain control.

These points are the legalities attached to riding in theopen, but remember as they are also used by others,courtesy and control are essential. To summarise these arethe main points to maintain control in the open

4 Use suitable well-fitting tack with a bit that offers control for your horse without causing discomfort

4 Ensure you can maintain control whilst riding in enclosed areas

4 Use smaller areas of contained space to begin work in open spaces

4 Transitions are essential to test control

4 Build up your own and your horse’s confidence

4 Make use of a friend to accompany you

4 Always let someone know where you are going and take a mobile phone

4 Show courtesy to others using the open spacesWhen you first go out take a friend and just walk with shortperiods of trot.

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.ukCloses: 30th September 2013. See full T&C’s on our website.

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In this issue we have teamed up with Alltech toprovide two lucky winners with the chance to win a tub ofLifeforce Focus worth £60 and an Alltech branded saddlecloth.

5runners up

will each receive a tub of Lifeforce Focus.

New Lifeforce Focus from Alltech is a supplementspecially designed for leisure horses with low levels ofactivity or those that spend a lot of time grazing.

Increasing numbers of horse owners are recognising thebenefits of allowing their horses to live more naturallyand while undoubtedly natures own diet is the best,pasture quality can vary significantly.

Lifeforce Focus is the supplement of choice for leisurehorses on minimal hard feed diets providing all roundgood health.

Containing all natural ingredients Lifeforce Focuscreates an ideal digestive environment which allowsgood bacteria to work most effectively throughout thegut helping to prevent digestive upsets.

It also addresses challenges related to weight loss andbody condition and provides organic trace minerals thatare more easily absorbed and maintained.

Alltech are title sponsor of the Alltech FEI WorldEquestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, France. TheLifeforce range is the cornerstone of the Alltech EquineAdvantage series, developed to benefit horses at everystage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure andperformance animals.

Lifeforce Focus should be fed at the rate of 56g per daysplit between two feeds and is available in a 1.7kgsample pouch and a 5kg tub which supplies a 30 or 90day supply respectively.

A 5kg Tub of Lifeforce Focus retails at £60.

For further information please visitwww.lifeforcehorse.com or telephone 01780 764512

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.ukCloses: 30th September 2013. See full T&C’s on our website.

Totally Tweed – theEnglish Equestriennes…Gersemi have introduced a stylish slant for theirwinter 2013 equestrian wardrobe. Taking a playon traditional tweeds, mixing this countryheritage with Scandinavian design, to give aunique high fashion equestrienne feel. Usingtweeds from some of the most sought after millsin Scotland they have mixed them with modernsports styling to give a perfect fit for today’srider. The Pyri vest is a padded, close fitting, twoway zip style that features a high fur trimmedcollar. It has leather trims on the pockets,shoulder epaulettes and a half belt, together witha leather back waist panel complete withembroidered logo. This can be worn when ridingor as a fashion look for a more relaxed countryoccasion. With its light padding it can be used asan alternative to a jacket for the cool autumndays. It comes in a choice of tweed fabrics insizes XS – XL. Colours: Blue Stone, Moss, Graphite– Plaid (check) tweed. Mocha – Plain tweed. RRP £126

For more information visit www.zebraproducts.com

Be bolder with burgundyHorse Health has added a new colour to itssaddle pad range due to customer demand."Our customers tell us that as modern ridersthey want more colour choices and we are allabout giving the customer what they want".Offering great value for money from £34.95

For more information visit www.horsehealth.co.uk

Latest additions to “the completestable and yard system” Following the success of the 2 litre versions, the new 1 litre jug scoopand pouring jug are the latest additions to “the complete stable andyard system”. The pouring jug has a 1 litre capacity, achieved withroom to spare preventing unnecessary spillage. Centrally positionedincrement ladder for accurate measuring and is designed for ease ofstorage and transport. The jug scoop is aninnovatively designed stackable, jug styleflat bottomed scoop,which is ideal formeasuring/transferring feed orsupplements, as well asbeing ideal forsoaking or bailing.Both products areavailable in lime green,baby blue, purple andof course pink.

For more informationvisitwww.haroldmoore.co.uk

20

New British Showjumpingcompetition shirts

Keeping cool in the saddle is key tosuccess and with the new British

Showjumping Competition Shirts help ison hand, even on the hottest days! Thenew Ladies Kenilworth Competition Shirtis a smart, comfortable, fitted shirt madefrom a moisture management fabric witha soft feel, cotton front panel and collar.Featuring a silver coloured zip fastening,diamante detail on the collar with a

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For more information visit www.equestrianclearance.com

Newon thescene

Smartphone riding glovesWoof Wear hasadded aconductiveSmartphoneriding glove to itsalready popularGrand Prix Gloverange. In the fastpaced world welive in, riding witha phone is acommonoccurrence so itmade sense tocreate a glovewhich makes lifeeasier for riders.The Smartphone glove incorporates conductive fibres in theindex finger and thumb of each hand allowing the use of atouch-screen phone without the need to remove gloves.Available in sizes 6 - 9.5 in black. Priced at £25.00.

For more information visit www.woofwear.com

Simple and robust, thisentertaining toy dispensestreats or feed to keep horses

amused for hours. There areno plugs, stoppers or removable

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Jewellery,clothing, accessoriesand gifts.

Himalayan salt lickLincoln Himalayan Crystal salt lick -providing 100% pure naturalrock salt and comescomplete with rope. Anatural source of iron,potassium andmagnesium all vitalingredients forkeeping your horsehealthy. Available in750g, 2kg, 4.25kg.Prices from £4.83.

For more informationvisitwww.battles.co.uk/lincoln

Luckily, feed manufacturers are legally obliged to put certaininformation on the bag. There may also be additional detailsthat are not legal requirements that are simply aimed athelping horse owners make an informed choice. The lawsand information required varies between countries and inthis article these refer to those used in the UK.

The statutory statement must be printed on the bag by law.It includes;

Name of the feed – product name and brand - whattype of horse the feed is intended for. This can bealmost anything as long as it does not make anymedicinal claims!

Description of the feed or purpose statement – is it a“complete feed” i.e. no other feed required or“complementary compound feed” to be fed in additionto forage (pasture and/or hay/haylage). The latter is farmore common. Also what type of animal is the feedintended for, horses, pigs, sheep etc? Is it for weanlings,veterans or is it a balancer?

Nutrient analysis – Manufacturers currently have tolegally declare the following;

Minimum %Crude Fibre (CF) Minimum % Crude Protein (CP)

Ash % Minimum % Oil

Vitamins A, D & E Copper

IIngredients are listed in general order of the amountincluded in the feed from highest first to lowest last. Thesemay be listed in generic terms such as grain products or byproducts, plant protein products, animal protein products,forage products etc., or as specific listings such as oats,barley, soybean meal etc.

If ingredients are given on the bag as opposed to anattached feed label, then this would suggest that themanufacturer uses the same ingredients each time. This isbecause manufacturers would not be able to afford to keepchanging their bags depending upon the latest change tothe formulation. Other companies may keep changing theingredients to keep costs down a process known as LeastCost Formulation. This means that the cost of ingredients iskept down, but these changes are certainly not alwaysgood for horse’s digestive systems.

Horse owners can sometimes see this in practice whenopening a new bag of feed and observing that it looksdifferent when compared to the old!

Feeding Instructions – should be given on the bag

Weight of the bag – some are 20kg some 25kg andsome only15kg!

Best before date and batch number or date ofmanufacture – make sure this is in date! Make sure youkeep hold of this in case there is a problem to report tothe feed manufacturer.

Name and address of manufacturer.

22 HorseScene

Our expertZoe Davies Msc.,R.Nutr.A qualified and highly experienced EquineNutritionist, Zoe is one of only a handful ofRegistered Equine Nutritionists in the UK today.

Zoe is able to offer independent advice acrossthe full range of feeds and feed supplementsavailable commercially. She has over 25 years

of experience in equine nutrition and offersadvice to feed companies, supplement

manufacturers and their customers,she also undertakes veterinary

referrals and diet and forageanalysis.

What to look for

in a bag ofcompound horse feedThe number of feeds and supplements available in the market place today is simply mindnumbing! How do horse owners decide which type of feed to choose and once they havechosen a type of feed which manufacturer to use?

Statutory Statement

1

2

3

Ingredients

45

6

7

Remember, NONE of the values listed in the Statutory Statement give any information about the digestibility or quality of the feed. Always look at the ingredients!! If unsure ask the manufacturer for moreinformation particularly with regard to feeding instructions as all horses and ponies are individuals!

Crude ProteinThis is a chemical test that calculates the amount of Nitrogenin the feed and all sources of nitrogen are included. This isthen multiplied to give a crude calculation of the protein level,i.e. crude protein %. However, this nitrogen may or may not befrom good quality protein!

Good quality protein contains higher levels of “essential aminoacids” these are building blocks that the horse cannot makehimself therefore must take in via food. Lysine, methionine andthreonine are all essential amino acids. You may see theseamino acids included on labelling or literature, particularlylysine. Soybean meal and alfalfa are good sources of lysine andhave a good balance of essential amino acids.

When looking at protein levels of feed, it is important ifpossible to assess this in relation to the approximate proteincontent of the forage. For example if feeding a high proteincompound feed, don’t feed a high protein haylage or hay withit and vice versa. Horses and ponies eat lbs or kgs, notpercentages!

e.g. 3lbs of a 32% Crude Protein ration provides 0.96lbs crude protein (3 x 0.32)

6lbs of a 16% Crude Protein ration provides 0.96lbs crude protein (6 x 0.16)

BUT 15lbs of a 10% protein hay provides 15 x 0.1 = 1.5lbs crude protein! So the main source of protein is actually forage!

The total amount of protein gives no information about theactual quality of the protein.

Crude FibreAgain this is a crude chemical assessment of fibre in the feed.In general the higher the crude fibre, the lower the energy orcalories; Digestible Energy (DE MJ/kg)

The DE value is not required legally on the bag at the moment,but many manufacturers still put an “Estimated DE” value asfed and it does supply useful information to the consumer.

For overweight horses and ponies a lower DE is preferred butfor horses in hard work or lactating, a higher DE value isrequired. A complete feed for horses that can no longer eatpasture for whatever reason, will need to be high in fibre i.e. atleast 15% Crude Fibre or higher! Hay may be 33-40% CF! Somefibre sources are more digestible than others so check theingredients!

Sugar beet dehydrated forage, grass and alfalfa all providevery digestible fibre, oat hulls less so.

Using feed high in digestible fibre may help nutritionallysupport horses and ponies prone to laminitis, tying up, colic,metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance etc.

OilHorse feeds range from 3-15% oil or fat (supplements may beeven higher). Vegetable oils such as soya oil are oftenincluded. Fats of animal origin are often less palatable but maybe mixed with vegetable sources to improve palatability.Typically higher oil levels means lower starch and sugar! Fat isa relatively new energy source for horses containing overtwice as much energy than starch from cereals.

Higher oil feeds that are lower in starch may be preferred forconditioning, lactating mares, growing youngstock, olderhorses, cushings and laminitics that are losing weight andhorses prone to tying up.

Oil is a useful ingredient as it;• Provides the required energy using less concentrates and so lower amounts of cereal grain (starch) as an energy source are fed.• This lowers the metabolic stress by reducing the glycaemic response and decreasing lactate accumulation in the hard- working horse.• Horses can perform longer at a lower body temperature.• Horses recover faster from exercise.• Higher fat feeds tend to be digested more efficiently than traditional high cereal grain diets.• May improve behaviour (by reducing hormonal response to a meal).

Vitamins & MineralsVitamin E is expensive and this is often a good way tocompare comparable feeds such as horse & pony cubes orperformance feeds. It generally gives a clue as to the qualityof the ingredients and formulation of a feed. Some mineralsmay be chelated and are more available to the horse’s body.For example selenium may be listed as Sel-Plex instead or inaddition to the inorganic form sodium selenite.

Yea SaacThis may be added by some manufacturers as a nutritional aidto the digestion of fibre.

IngredientsMore extensive and specific ingredient listings usually meanthe feed has been made to a “fixed formula” i.e. the same eachtime you buy a new bag and not varying in ingredients frommonth to month. Ingredients are generally listed in order ofthe amount included in the feed from highest first to lowestlast.

It is important to note that if the feeding instructions statethat the feed should be fed at the rate of say 8lbs per day, ifyou only feed 4lbs of the feed to maintain condition, thenother nutrients in addition to the energy will also be reducedaccordingly including important vitamins & minerals, in thiscase cut by half! These should be replaced with an appropriatesupplement or a low calorie balancer.

Comparing Feeds by using Tags or labels:More is not always better - know the horse's requirements andrisks of exceeding them. Remember a large proportion of thehorse's nutrient requirements especially for energy and proteinare met with good quality hay.

Try to fill nutritional gaps left by forage – for example thechoice of concentrate feed to be fed to a horse consumingalfalfa hay should be very different than that being fed to ahorse eating grass or mixed hay.

Nutrients

HorseScene 23

The Test

Two old saddles, a monoflap and a split flap saddle from the1980’s, were tested against a brand new saddle. A Pliancesystem was used to measure the pressures that wereexerted on the horse’s back during riding.

Recordings were taken down the same long side of thearena each time, recording ten strides of trot and canter foreach saddle. The testing was repeated on both reins andcompleted three times with an average result calculated foreach.

After the initial testing the old saddles were assessed andchanges were made to their flocking.

The monoflap had very hard flocking and was morecompressed on the right side. This saddle was completelyreflocked using Jacob wool, which moves with the horseand has very good recovery properties.

The split flap saddle had been reflocked recently so onlysmall adjustments were made to the flocking as both panelswere rounded giving a narrower bearing on the horse’sback. The asymmetry of the saddle was also adjusted andboth panels were ‘bashed’ to soften the stuffing.

Is your saddle a comfy classic or a hidden health hazard? Is it really worth splashing out on abrand new fitted saddle or is your old faithful fit for its job?

The experts at the Society of Master Saddlers have conducted research into the effects of usingolder saddles and how reflocking could improve them.

Using an Older Saddle

24

Tacktalk

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

In this issue we look at research carried out by the Society of

Master Saddlers into the use of older saddles in an era when

horse owners are surrounded by the latest innovation and

technology.

The Results

As predicted, the pressure readings from both old saddleswere very high before any alterations were made. Themonoflap was the worst with its hard flocking.

After alterations were made, both old saddles still recordedvery high pressures but did show a significantimprovement. The reflocking of the monoflap saddlereduced peak pressure by a massive 43%.

The final test with the new saddle recorded peak pressuresthat were 57% lower than the monoflap before it wasreflocked and 24% lower after it was reflocked.

Compared with the split flap saddle, the new saddlerecorded peak pressures 27% lower before adjustments andthen 16% lower after.

The pressures recorded when riding in the old saddles werefar higher than expected, even after reflocking andadjustments.

As a result of these findings the Society of Master Saddlerssuggest that in the future, saddlers and saddle fittersshould recommend that riders who are unable to buy abrand new saddle should make an attempt not to ride invery old saddles for extended periods.

Top TipWhether buying a new or second handsaddle it is important to have it fitted by aqualified saddle fitter and have it checkedregularly. Also remember old saddles can beimproved with a complete re-flock.

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www.nativeponysaddles.com

The 2013 Equine Tourism Good Horsemanship AwardsThe Equine Tourism GoodHorsemanship Awards arehanded out sparingly and weare thrilled to make an awardto Andrea Hicks and NativePony & Cob Saddles.CONGRATULATIONS toAndrea and her team!!

Outstanding ProductDesign benefitting Nativeponies particuarly

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Outstanding marketing andpromotion of good saddlefitting which helps toeducate the marketplace

The Native Pony SaddleCompany has beenestablished for over 10 yearswith Andrea Hicks

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Our experts

KK Equestrian is run by Kate Rowland and Karen Bennett. Both are national level dressageriders and have many wins and a wealth of experience between them. Kate has also show-jumped for many years and is known for bringing on young and difficult horses. One of herpassions includes being an international dressage groom. Karen is very good with nervousriders, she loves judging and is a stickler for a riders position. KK Equestrian is based atEast Herts Equestrian Centre and offers competition, selling and training livery.

Arenageometry

28 HorseScene

Tips tohelp you ride acorrect test

There are various tricks of the trade to riding a correct dressage test. There have been a great number of people who have written on this subject and I dare saythere will be a great number more. However, here follows our interpretation

HorseScene 29

Firstly let's start with the difficulty of the dressage tests andwhat the judges are looking for...

There are several different types of dressage tests you canenter. The higher up you go, the harder they are and the moreis expected of you and your horse's way of going. This is whenthe scales of training come into play.

These are the levels you can compete at, starting with theeasiest.

Intro

Prelim

Novice

Elementary

Medium

Advanced medium

Advanced

Inter 1

Inter 11

FEI

Dressage is now very much geared up to the correct way ofgoing. British dressage has adopted the German scales oftraining and it is no longer sufficient just to carry out themovements - the horse should be willing and gymnastic.

The scales of training are • Rhythm• Suppleness• Contact• Impulsion• Straightness• And eventually collection

Usually the scales of training are approached in this order,because until the horse works in rhythm it will be difficult tomake him supple, contact will be difficult to achieve andimpulsion will be elusive. The higher up the levels you go themore is expected.

Dressage tests are marked from 1 to 10 for each section and itis important that you understand what the marks mean sothat you can train to achieve higher marks

10 Excellent 4 Insufficient

9 Very good 3 fairly bad

8 Good 2 Bad

7 Fairly good 1 Very bad

6 Satisfactory 0 not executed

5 Sufficient

Once the bell or car horn has sounded you have 45 secondsto start your test. If you start after this time you will incur a 2point penalty to your final score.

You always need to set your horse up for every movement.Give yourself at least two horse lengths until you feel you havea quicker response, then one horse length should be sufficient

A Enter in working trot:- make sure you are right in the centreof the arena opposite C. Look at the judge and ridepurposefully towards her, smiling, not forgetting to giveyourself one horse length to make the smooth turn at C. Theschool has corners so if you’re going large make sure you ridethem.

C 20 metre circle:- think a diamond shape. Ride two stridespast C, then think, "straight line to the edge of the arena, twostrides on the track then look to E B and ride over X back tothe track, then finally, off it back to C"

E 20 metre circle;- this is harder to perform, but following thesame principle the widest point of your circle should be onyour centre line.

H X F change of rein:- start setting up for the movement fromC. Look for F but aim to be back to the track half horse’slength before F so you’re set up for the corner.

B 10 meter circle. Again ride a diamond shape, one horsestride on the track, then look down your centre line but keepturning back to B.

Transitions: - again set the horse up, slow your pace downwith loads of little half halts (you should to do at least 50 in atest)

Up and down a gear, again set your horse up one horse lengthbefore required

Halt: Prepare, make sure you have stopped. Immobility andsalute: Count to three, then take your reins in your left handand put your right hand down to your side. I have seen variousvariations in the salute from cub scout salute to little circleslike Benny Hill! But putting your hand to your side will do justfine. Big no no - do not salute with your stick in your hand.

Levels

Scales of training

Marking of the test

All in all, dressage is meant to be an enjoyable

way of making sure your scales of training are

correct - and now you have insider information

we look forward to seeing you all out at local

venues.

Always set your horse up for every movement

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process. Easy to apply, Nettex Muddy Marvel BarrierCream only needs to be used once or twice a week,making it a cost-effective purchase for horse owners.Priced at £8.99 for 300ml, £16.99 for 600ml.

For more information visit www.nettexequine.comi

Equi-MedAg WoundBootRangeUniquely designed,reusable antibacterialequine wound careboots and wounddressings for thetreatment and prevention of mud fever and infected wounds.These products contain a layer of activated carbon and silver,proven to have antibacterial properties effective when treatingand preventing wound and skin infections. These work toeliminate bacteria from the infected lesions and skin on thehorse’s leg, allowing the wounds to heal, by attracting thebacteria into the structure of the cloth, where it is heldimmobile - the bacteria then engulf the nano silverimpregnated into the cloth thinking it is food and die. As all ofthis takes place inside the cloth you are not putting anythinginto the skin, thus allowing the skin to heal faster. Case studieshave shown that the wound dressing and stable boot range areeffective not only in the treatment of this condition but theycan also be used when there is no condition present and willstop any chance of the condition returning. The boot range canbe machine washed at 40o using soda crystals making theboots a very cost effective way to keep this annoying conditionat bay.

For more information visit www.EquiMedAg.co.uki

Banish

Mud FeverThink Mud -

Nutritional support for wet, muddy skin…..

One way to avoid this painful condition, which can result in stablerest and veterinary treatment, is by supporting your horse nutritionally

by feeding Think Mud. This unique supplement cuts out having to applybarrier creams daily and can even provide support in cases where mud

fever has already taken hold. Think Mud is a daily supplement designed tohelp maintain skin integrity during wet and muddy conditions. It helps to

support condition from within and maintain thehorse’s natural defences giving the bestchance of effectively fighting off thebacteria present in mud. Thecomplex natural ingredientsmaintain a healthy immune system,support blood circulation and skinintegrity. Priced at £30.95 for 1.5kgand £65.95 for 4kg tubs.

For more information visit www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk

Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud KureCream and PowderLincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Cream and Powder arefast, effective therapies for mud fever. Scientifically proven tokill the bacteria responsible for mud fever. Both containMetalosan 47, a breakthrough in wound management.Use Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Powderduring the initial painful stages- no need to touch thewound! The Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud KureCream and Powder can be used in conjunction witheach other. The cream is priced at £19.99 for 200g,and the powder is priced at £25.99.

For more information visit www.battles.co.uk/lincoln

Mud fever is one of those conditionswhich is guaranteed to make anyequines life a misery. Here, we look atsome of the products on the marketthat can help treat the condition andprevent it for the future.

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Banish

In this fantastic giveaway, six winners will each win themselves a tub of MaxaBioticsupplement. Containing natural prebiotic andprobiotic ingredients, plus Green Lipped Mussel,this helps to maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system.Live yeast is added to encourage the growth of friendlybacteria, with dietary fibre and Alfalfa to help maintainregular gut function. The addition of Green Lipped Mussel isdesigned to help ease irritation and promote intestinalhealth. Green Lipped Mussel is known for its high levels of

Omega-3 ETA fattyacids which havenatural soothingproperties.MaxaBiotic issuitable for feedingin times of stress andas a dailysupplement forhorses with digestiveproblems.

MaxaBiotic supplementworth £24.95

Snuggy Hoods Turn Out Hood worth £80.00

2up forgrabs!

A Super Fibre conditioningfeed, Fibre-Beet is a formulatedblend containing all the benefitsof the original Speedi-Beetproduct with added highquality Alfalfa for optimumcondition, and to providequality protein for muscle toneand function. Ideal for horsesprone to digestive upsets andvery palatable for fussy eaters,Fibre-Beet has added biotin forhoof quality and is approved byThe Laminitis Trust. Fibre-Beetcan also be used as a foragereplacer (up to 40% of the dailyforage allowance). Soaked andready to feed in only 45 minutes in cold water, or 15minutes in hot water.

The SnuggyHoods Turn OutHood is designedto be used allyear round. Inthe winter itprotects horsesand ponies fromthe elements; itnot only keepsyour horse mudfree, but toastywarm too. TheSnuggy Hoods Turn Out Hood has an adjustable nose for abetter fit, a no seam mane line and water repellancy as well.Along with the shoulder lining and self-fixing surcingle, it isalso fully breathable and machine washable. The SnuggyHoods Turn Out Hood can also be used the night before ashow to keep your horse clean and their plaits in place. It isan incredibly versatile hood!

12up forgrabs!

Enter online at: www.horsescenemagazine.co.uk

Closes: 30th September 2013. See full T&C’s on our website.

32 HorseScene

6tubs up for

grabs!

Giveaways

Keep fingers cosy and smart this autumnwith the Grey Tartan Snaffle Bit Glovesfrom Carrots. The ‘snaffle bit’ design is oneof the hottest trends on the catwalk, and isbeing spotted in many top designers’collections – and of course for the equestrianmarket it brings a horsey connection to daily wear. Offering alightweight, warm glove with a comfortablestretch fit, these offer maximumflexibility and dexterity to make thempractical whether you are riding,spectating, at the yard,driving or out shopping!Featuring leatherreinforcement onthe fingers andthumb, the GreyTartan SnaffleBit Glovesprovide extrasupport, gripand durability.Available in one size only.

Carrots Snaffle Bit Glovesworth £20.00

8pairs up for

grabs!

Fibre-Beet conditioning feedworth £12.00

Snuggy Hoods Turn Out Hood worth £80.00

Anatomy

The equine stifle is the equivalent jointto the human knee, however, unlike inpeople, stifle injuries are relatively rare inhorses. The anatomy of the equine stifleis complex, with three compartmentsand variable communications betweenthem. The femoropatellar joint lubricatesthe movement of the patella (knee cap)past the femur and the medial (inside)and lateral (outside) femorotibial jointslubricate the movement of the femur

past the tibia. Each femorotibial jointhas a meniscus interposed between thefemur and the tibia, which is a wedge ofstiff rubbery tissue that aids in shockabsorption and joint stability. Themenisci are held in position by ligamentsat the front and back of the joint andthe tibia is held in position relative to thefemur by the cruciate ligamentscentrally and the collateral ligaments atthe inside and outside of the joint.

Stifle issues fall into 3 categories:developmental conditions, non-penetrating traumatic injuries andpenetrating traumatic injuries. A largenumber of the resulting conditionsrequire surgical intervention to give thebest (or in some cases only) chance ofrecovery and most risk the horse’sathletic career and some endanger thehorse’s life.

Developmental conditions

When the embryonic skeleton developsin the uterus it is initially made up ofcartilage. That cartilage is graduallyreplaced by bone in a process known asendochondral ossification. That processis also used during bone growth, wherethe cartilage at the end of the bonegrows outwards and is graduallyconverted to mineral tissue resulting inthe bone lengthening. Osteochondrosis(OCD) is a condition that results fromfailure of the progress of endochondralossification which leads to sites ofweakness in repeatable locations, thestifle being one of the most commonlyaffected sites.

There are 2 sites within the stifle that aremost often affected, but in differentways. The lateral trochlear ridge of thefemur is the most common site of OCDin the stifle and manifests as bonyfragmentation (see figure 1). Thefragmentation disrupts the smoothgliding surface of the femur whichcauses damage to the patella as it slidespast and the loose fragments within thejoint cause persistent inflammation.That results in extra fluid within the jointbut often little or no lameness in the

early stages. The condition usuallybecomes apparent at a young age andis most often detected before the horseis 5 years old. Occasionally older horsesdevelop sudden onset lameness andswelling when a weak area of cartilageand bone is dislodged during normalexercise. That can cause additionaldistress when it happens soon after ahorse has been bought but often has nosigns to predict its occurrence.

OCD is normally diagnosed withradiographs (see figure 1) butultrasonography of the joint surfacescan be useful in cases of joint swellingwithout radiographic changes.Treatment of OCD in the stifle almostalways requires surgery to remove theloose fragments of bone and cartilage.In some foals the disease is treated withrest and reduced feeding initially toallow healing of non-displaced fractures.Surgery involves removal of loose boneand cartilage using arthroscopy(keyhole surgery) (see figure 2) andgenerally carries an excellent prognosisfor an athletic future. The outlook ismore guarded if there is extensivedamage to the patella or morewidespread secondary damage to thearticular surfaces of the joint.

Stifle issues

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vetscene

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01453 811867

Cardiff

02920 899200

Failand

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www.bwequinevets.co.uk

Figure 1 Radiograph of a stifle showingbone fragments emanating from thelateral trochlear ridge of the femur

HorseScene 35

Bone cysts can also develop in the stifle and some of thoseappear to be developmental in origin. It has been suggestedthat some result from trauma to the cartilage and bone in olderanimals and the clinical appearance of these in older horsessupports that theory. Bone cysts are defects in the bonesupporting the joint which are filled with inflammatory fibrousmaterial which causes inflammation within the joint (see figure3). The lameness that they cause can be very variable andintermittent but is occasionally severe. Treatment iscontroversial and has traditionally involved arthroscopicdebridement and removal of the fibrous contents of the cyst.Increasingly a less invasive approach is taken with removal ofloose cartilage and bone from the joint surface adjacent to thecyst and injection of steroids into the base of the lesion.

Traumatic injuries

Non-penetrating traumatic damage to the stifle appears toresult from accidents such as leaving a leg over a solid jump orunknown injuries when turned out. The soft tissues of the stifle,in particular the menisci and cruciate ligaments, are the mostcommonly affected. Those structures can be damaged tovarying degrees which leaves torn fibres of tissue herniatinginto the joint. The ligaments and menisci are made up of fibresof collagen and when that is exposed to the environment of thejoint it stimulates inflammation. The torn fibres may also getrepeatedly pulled during movement of the joint whichcontributes to the lameness. Injuries of this type often causesignificant lameness but diagnosing the site of pain can requirein-depth investigation, including injections of local anaestheticinto the joints to abolish lameness, radiography andultrasonography. Because the soft tissues are most oftenaffected there are usually limited changes on radiographs in theearly stages of the disease. Less commonly, intra-articularfractures occur following kicks or hitting jumps. All of theseconditions require arthroscopic debridement and the prognosisdepends on the extent of the damage encountered. They are allpotentially career ending injuries and require a prolongedrecovery period.

Horses’ joints do not tolerate infection and penetration of thejoint capsule is always a life threatening condition. The stifleis relatively well protected by soft tissues but kick woundsand lacerations can result in an infected joint. Stifles can alsobecome infected by blood borne bacteria in foals as withother joints. As with all infected joints, these are veterinaryemergencies and require immediate referral to a surgicalcentre. They should always be treated by early vigorouslavage with arthroscopy which also allows removal of foreignmaterial and fibrin (a proteinaceous slime produced byinfected joints that can harbour bacteria). They also requireintensive antimicrobial therapy, often including injection ofantimicrobials directly into the joints. With early aggressivetreatment and not too severe traumatic damage to thestructures of the joint, the prognosis for survival and anathletic future can be excellent but infected joints remain aserious risk to the survival of the animal.

One condition that is very specific to the stifle is upwardfixation of the patella. The patella has 3 ligaments that attachit to the tibia, the inside (medial) patella ligament hooks overthe medial trochlear ridge, fixing the stifle in extension whilethe horse is resting. To unhook the patella, muscular effort isrequired to elevate the patella. Muscle weakness due toimmaturity, lack of exercise or primary lameness/coordination issues elsewhere can result in the horsestruggling to unhook the patella when required. That resultsin the limb being fixed in extension which can be distressingfor horse and owner. This condition can usually be treated bytreating any underlying conditions and working to strengthenthe quadriceps muscles. Sometimes raised heel shoes arefitted and very occasionally surgery is required to thicken themedial patella ligament to facilitate its release from themedial trochlear ridge.

Figure 2 Fragments being lifted out of a defect in the lateraltrochlear ridge of the femur during an arthroscopy

Figure 3 A radiograph of a stifle with a bone cyst (the dark“thumbprint” visible within the body of the bone) of the medialcondyle of the femur

Strike a pose!

A day modelling for Mountain Horse has got to rank as one of the most unusual that grass roots event

rider Chloe Ammonds-Nutt has experienced.

Despite having watched countless episodes of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ I am finding it more thana little tricky to channel my inner poser. And as for being able to ‘smise’ (that’s ‘smiling with youreyes’ according to Tyra Banks) well, all I have managed to pull off so far is a sort of grimace withhalf my face, and a startled rabbit-in-the-headlights expression with the other half. Years of buyingmy competition photos because ‘the horse looks nice’ has taught me that I am not naturally atease in front of a camera. It has even become a bit of a standing joke in my family. I regularly enterthe dressage arena with my mother’s advice ringing in my ears as I get within reach of theprofessional photographer’s lens: ‘Try not to pull your Ken Dodd face Chlo,’ she calls encouragingly.So it is with those pearls of wisdom in my mind that I stare down the lens of the Mountain Horsecamera and give it my best shot!

36 HorseScene

Chloe Ammonds-Nutt is anamateur competition rider witha passion for re-schooling ex-racehorses and Dustry is herseven-year-old ex-flat racer.Chloe plans to compete at BDand BS with her main aim toproduce Dustry as an eventer forthe 2014 season. Read more onher blog gifthorseeventing.co.uk Rosie Williamson is based inBaughurst, Hampshire.

Diva doubts

Only now that I’ve agreed to take partin a photo shoot for Mountain Horse’swinter clothing range have all my oldhang ups come flooding back: Am Iphotogenic enough? Will my horsebehave? Should I start practising mysmile in the mirror (too little, too late)?What if the images look awful - will mysponsor drop me? Oh God, the drama!It seems that even if I can’t manage to

pull off a good photo, at least my‘model attitude’ is well on the way tofull blown diva!

As an amateur grass-roots rider I knowhow fortunate I am to be sponsored byMountain Horse and my job in onlinemarketing means I also understandhow important it is to ask if there’s anyway I can help them out, givesomething back and make sure they’regetting value out of our partnership.

HorseScene 37

So when Mountain Horse replied to say they needed me todo some dressage shots, another rider for some showjumping pictures, an impossibly scenic location, a willingmale model plus a few dogs thrown in for good measure,naturally I enlisted the power of social media! Through online‘word of mouth’ I found Rosie Williamson. As luck wouldhave it, Rosie has a lovely yard with lots of scenic backdrops.She also has a willing boyfriend and two adorable little dogs.Perfect.

Pre-shoot nerves

The anxiety is tangible as Rosie, her boyfriend James, ourmums and I all stand about making small talk and admiringour elegant surroundings. All the while we’re actuallythinking Eeeeeek! What on earth have we got ourselves into?

The Mountain Horse team soon arrives and we set aboutdoing a recce of the yard and fields looking for appropriatesettings. It must look to a bystander like an indecisiveramblers’ meeting, as we all trundle one way and then theother.

The first shot is to be Rosie and James walking the dogsdown a wooded path. It’s nice to see someone else go first,so I can take in how it’s all done and work out what isrequired. I would be lying if I said I’m not getting nervous asmy turn rapidly approaches.

Thankfully, due to the nature of the shoot, there’s not muchactual posing or pouting required. The aim is to take naturallooking shots, to represent the kind of everyday scenes you’dexpect to see around the yard. So all my duck-face andstrutting practise has been in vain!

Tricks of the trade

Photo camp is established in Rosie’s summerhouse at theend of the garden. Having been handed a bundle of clothesfor my first shot I scuttle into the loo to get togged up in theright gear. A slight issue arises as I am millimetres away frombeing able to zip up one of the long boots I’ve been given.Removing my socks sorts that! (I blame it on having ‘fat

socks’) Brand new long boots are hard enough to walk in atthe best of times, but brand new long boots, with a differentstyle and colour on each foot is even trickier, and somehow Istill have to get on the horse! With one brown boot and oneblack boot on we save time changing and the photographercan get shots of both boots in one go. A handy time-savingtrick - if a little odd looking!

True to form, Dustry is really on his toes when I start to warmup. He does settle after about 20 minutes, by which time Iam seriously starting to overheat thanks to all my thermalunderwear and winter gear. The photographer wants me totrot along the short side of the arena and then cut down thethree quarter line slowly moving back to the fence. This goeswell, until he asks us to try it in sitting trot. Dustry has otherideas. After a few failed attempts at sitting trot (or shouldthat be sitting buck?) we decide to stay rising, and get theshot.

38 HorseScene

Behind the scenes

Next is a grooming shot with one of Rosie’s greys. The littlehorse is very sweet and obliging and doesn’t seem to mindat all as I have to repeatedly brush the same spot on hishead. What you don’t see in pictures are all the goings onbehind the camera. If you could have the horse’s eye viewyou’d see the Mountain Horse team waving, rattling bottlesof stones, jumping about on the drive, and making funnynoises in an attempt to get the horse to prick his ears.

I try my best not to squint, blink, or grimace but it’ssurprising how hard it is to do a simple thing such asappearing perfectly natural while looking in a certaindirection and smiling on request.

Who knew?!

I feel a little self-conscious but the photographer is friendlyand relaxed, so that really helps. He even lets us have asneaky peak at some of the shots on his digital display thenand there. It’s reassuring to see that my face seems to bebehaving itself so far.

I breathe a sigh of relief when we are asked to providesome atmospheric out-of-focus background shapes for ashot with Rosie in the foreground posing as an instructor.All we have to do is walk around in circles while Rosie givesus a lesson. Now, this part of being a model I am confidentwe excelled at. Anyone looking for background detail - youknow who to call!

HorseScene 39

Take a break

It’s not true that models don’t eat. I just find time to fling anegg & cress sandwich, packet of crisps, bar of chocolate anda Diet Coke down my throat before it’s time to get back intothe loo for another speedy costume change before the lastshot. The final picture is Rosie and me ‘hacking home’.

We find ourselves repeatedly walking up and down a trackthat leads from the fields to the yard. By this time Dustry isgetting a little fidgety. It has been a long day and theevening gnats are starting to bite. He has decided the turn atthe bottom of the path is an ‘on your marks, get set, GO!’moment and it’s getting trickier with each repetition topersuade him otherwise. I still can’t believe how many timesthe photographer actually says, “Just once more if you don’tmind…”

Rosie and I, on the other hand, are now in full swing. Wehave perfected the ‘look natural and talk nonsense’ aspect ofour jobs and are busy trying not to crack up as we pretendto be chatting and hacking home. I don’t think a career inacting beckons for either of us!

Magic moment

Now, when I look at pictures in equestrian magazines, I havea much better idea what actually goes on in order to capturethat one magic moment. The careful stage management ofthe horses to keep them calm, the meticulous planning ofthe outfits and dressing the models, even the order of theshots has to be thought about so no-one has ‘hat hair’. Thepreparation and planning takes so much longer than theactual shooting!

The Mountain Horse catalogue is out in September 2013 andI can’t wait to see the finished article. I am hoping thatDustry’s handsome looks and natural demeanour in front ofthe camera will distract from any hint of my Ken Dodd face!

Visit www.mountainhorse.co.uk to get your copy of anautumn/winter catalogue.

40 HorseScene

We have put 3 products to the test thismonth, check out what our testing panelthink to them, their honest opinions mayhelp you to make a good choice...

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Wolseley Swift clippersThese clippers are brilliant and by far the best I have ever come across.

I found it very easy to get the correct tension and the head of theclippers is specially shaped to make clipping more comfortable. I

found this especially so whilst clipping the difficult areasbetween the horses legs. The clippers stayed cool whilst

being used and were much quieter than others I have usedbefore. The air filters were easy to remove and are

washable which makes maintenance much easier. Thereis a choice of blades - medium (A2), coarse (A6) andextra coarse (A7). These clippers come with a 2 yearwarranty and are supplied in a very strong redstorage case, complete with a set of blades, clipperbrush and a can of oil. I would highly recommendthese clippers as they perform very well, and theprice is very competitive.

For more information visitwww.wolseleygrooming.co.uk

Dublin Waterproof River BootThese boots are absolutely amazing! Not only are they waterproof, they have a breathable membrane which kept my feet cool and dry. I was on my feet all day and they were the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. They are nicely cushioned and have a special lining which stopped my feet from sweating! They are very attractive looking and I even wore them out away from the yard where I received many compliments. They come in a variety of sizes and widths, which is great as I find it hard to find boots in a small size. These bootsare highly recommended and well worth the price of £139.99.

For more information visit www.dublinclothing.co.uki

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Joules Burghley Polo Shirt

This is one of the most stylish, well-made polo tops I have ever worn.

It is exceptionally well made and the fit is lovely giving it a flattering

look. The top is 100% cotton making it very comfortable to wear. The

colour is striking and really stands out, with well contrasting girly

colours. It is a beautiful top with embroidered details, velvet material

stripes and I especially love the little fox button next to the collar. Not

only is this shirt comfortable and practical to ride in, it is stylish and

comfortable enough to wear to walk around the shops or go out in.

At £44.95 this top is a bargain for the quality and workmanship that

has gone into it and I would highly recommend it!

For more information visit

www.joules.com

B V U Z H B M V A F F I T O S S D M N A W D F D P B L Z S V

B Q H R A Q B G W K W V L L X T B E I J S H A I Y V F K R N

D C H M S Y A W D Y Y L A N T Z K R E U U W Y G S O Z Q V S

C O J R Y I R R J K Q C X K N A E W I F J R G E G M U X S E

V N P L N O R T W K I J A B M T M X Z I D L W S V Y O Z Q B

S I J O G U B Q E T A Z I Q C V I L H B K N H T Q S K X H K

H M A T Z T U F R M G I B A Q O D I T N H A U I E N W U M O

U A D N C D O E E L O C B V B R G X E V I C F O F Y Q Y C C

V R N E M Z V H L R V E Z E I H T N E M L I A N P O Z V R T

Q B H M E W E X W N G R G P V K V S M E N Q V X D M R K L X

S T I E X X S X A I N P U I U W L T H F C Z H N S U O J D J

R L W L P V R M H N K B Z F G T L D T Y T Y J D H F H C T Q

S H K P U D S G U B Y M O O P R O N K Z O I W D Q O B G Q S

I T O P Z U W T R E V E F D U M A A L B G I H I A N O N X T

R Y Q U Z V R W U X E U Q Z J K K Z V L L S A Y E F T D N Q

F Q J S I I Z V J A W V J Y K L J X I Z R F C O X U R D O B

P J U J E M Q R Y B N G O H Q R J D Q N L Y V N E Z L W P N

S M A N X Z P X E G S S B X Y P D U C X G W W G M I G F P E

E G T I X N V U X H I W Q H Z V U V R L K B A F M U L P X Z

L S C E F W O S L Y Y Q P C V A V E V H G J H Y K U Q M I R

B R I D L E W A Y S A I I A F W G R E H J J D L A H C Q I U

P R B L I Q W D E F I V K O J L Y K P E X L D Z P L D X B I

W U J A G C L C S O R O S R L D L Y B B H U U H O E B P V F

U C M C S O U G J N O N N P I U Y F Q N U B A L A N C E W N

P O S T A N M J I D O X I P H R X M P R P X I Z O N C Y X Y

S R L M X T B H L G T J G A W Y S N E Q A P E I F V K Z L S

J R X T H R F R T V G Y T W J E Q P G O U Q W R Q U O D Q S

H U S R A O A Y P Y T P H N G O Z Z P M Q B L V C I Y T G E

S A F K B L E P C O H Z I R V G J F N R Z Z N A C J O S W V

Z I S J P V F A M W Q R A M I D D P Q O B E C Z Q F V B P B

Hidden words

AILMENT

APPROACH

BACTERIA

BALANCE

BRIDLEWAY

COMPOUND FEED

CONTROL

DIGESTION

GEOMETRY

GRAZING

HIGH VIZ

IMPULSION

MUD FEVER

NUTRIENTS

RHYTHM

SKIP

SUPPLEMENT

VERTICALS

Wordsearch hunt

Fallen phraseSudoku challenge

T E T S E N

H S E H A R L E T O N Y D W O

E T O E S N D R U O N L I N O N G

S M O H T O O S A I E A P R T A E T S T H I

E T N E I R E F D H H M O A B E L I C E A E N

Tackroombreak

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Tackroombreak