May Issue 347

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

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2011

WINNERHow to be a this weekend✓Warm up to win ✓Focus his mind ✓Feed for success✓Think positive✓Get him fit

Don’t panic! How the UK is ready to fight exotic diseases

It’s time to quit the excuses and learn from your mistakes

The judge doesn’t like me!

UK’S

No.1 EQUINE

MONTHLYMAG

Spookproof your

horseWhaT you can

learn From The

dare-devil sTunT riders

may 2011 £3.80

improve your ridingskills today with our47-page expert section

is it catching?

Learn for free with our training courseexclusive access To olympic Trainer richard davison

learn-aT-home video lessons WiTh The experTs

6 modules To compleTe — all For Free!

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PLUS Buyers’ Guide to browbands • summer gloves on test

29-page competition special

Riding

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Welcome to our exciting new Your Horse Training Academy. Over the next six months we’ll give you all the

essential advice and expert help you need to become a better, more effective rider, whether you’re in it for the rosettes or

simply to improve your technique. And the best bit? It’s all free. That’s free advice from

some of the world’s top riders, free access to exclusive training videos online, free

celebrity web chats, free homework suggestions to help you improve between modules, and free access to our Training

Academy chief instructors – Olympic dressage star Richard Davison and his

show jumper and trainer son, Tom. It’s so easy to get involved and you’ll learn everything you need to know to ride with confidence and get the most out of every

second in the saddle. Good luck – and welcome to the Academy!

Your Horse Training

AcademyTrain with the experts

for free

www.yourhorse.co.uk 27

Module 1Develop the ideal position for flatwork, show jumping and cross-countryTurn to page 29

Module 2How to ride with a contact, achieve forwardness, and develop engagement,plus perfect your jumping canterIssue on sale May 19

Module 3Ride the perfect circle, square, serpentine, diamond, shallow loop and centre lineIssue on sale June 16

Module 4Pole work exercises to improve your horse’s way of going, plus achieve the perfect approach and landing, both for cross-country and show jumpingIssue on sale July 14

Module 5How to tackle lateral work, from the essential basics to more advanced movesIssue on sale August 11

Module 6Improve your dressage score and jump clearIssue on sale Sept 8

Sign up now – it’s free! Turn to page 38 for full details ➤

Meet your expert trainersRichard Davisonhas competed at the Olympics,

World Equestrian Games, European Championships and World Cup Finals – and the world-class rider and trainer is proud to be the Your Horse Training Academy’s chief instructor. “I’m pleased to be involved in this exciting new training concept and helping readers develop,” he says.

Tom DavisonRichard’s talented son, Tom, is fast

becoming a leading name as a rider and trainer. He trains all levels of rider in every discipline. “Developing the correct position over fences is key to a clear round,” he says.

I think this is a fantastic way to help Your Horse readers develop their riding skills. I’m delighted to take part

The correct position is key to a clear round

➤Turn the page to discover more about Module 1, as Richard and Tom explain how you can develop the ideal position for flatwork, show jumping and cross-country

Riding

Dressage rider Matthew Cox talks us through four simple steps to help keep your horse focused

improve your horse’s focus

66 your horse

4exercises to

Improving your horse’s focus is incredibly important, particularly during a dressage test. You need him to be focused on the task in hand and listening attentively to your aids. A focused horse is also less likely to spook at things outside the arena as he’ll be more concentrated on what you’re asking of him in the arena.

Whatever your discipline, having your horse switched on to your aids and focused on what he’s doing, be it dressage, jumping or hacking out, is paramount. Here Matt shares four different exercises with us which will help gain and maintain your horse’s focus, and ensure that he’s listening to what you’re asking of him.

Meet MatthewTop dressage rider Matthew Cox has been riding since he was eight years old and has trained his horses from Novice to Grand Prix level. He has trained with Spencer Wilton and ridden in lecture demonstrations for Carl Hester. Matt has trained all types of horses from riding club cobs to dressage Warmbloods. He has trained in a variety of disciplines from dressage to show jumping and eventing. He tells us: “I train all of my horses with the same goal in mind – success!” Matt had a very successful season with his horse Aston last year and is expecting more to come this season.

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1How to be a

WINNER

Riding

successThe warm-up area can be an

intimidating, bustling place, but if you can learn to stay focused despite

the chaos you’ll significantly boost your chances of winning before

you’ve even left the collecting ring

Set yourself up for

40 your horse

Meet our expertDanielle JacksonDanielle is an event rider who has ridden her own horse Rookie to Advanced level.

She’s also a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport Team and recently represented Great Britain in the World Universities Championships in South Korea. With the highest British score, Danielle was crucial in securing team silver.

The Championships see riders compete on borrowed horses, so being able to get the best out of any horse is crucial.

As any top rider will tell you, great performances aren’t down to luck, they’re down to preparation – and, in particular,

the moments before you compete are crucial.The foundations for a successful performance

are laid in the warm-up area. It’s here that you set the scene for what’s to come. A well thought out routine will speak to your individual horse and his quirks, make him supple, attentive to your aids and focused, and will settle his nerves and leave him brimming with confidence.

To help you develop a routine that will leave your horse willing and able to compete at his best we followed Your Horse writer Rebecca Gibson and her Arab Egis (pictured below) as they put the theories to the test – and we promise the results weren’t rigged!


14 your horse

Conrad sChumaCher

Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts

Intimidating at first, his strict principles and straight talking ways belie the subtle compromises that make him such an exceptional trainer.

German born and bred, his principles are deeply rooted in the classical scales of training coined by the German Calvary in the 1900s. Conrad makes no apologies for the fact that he believes this way is best, but he also firmly believes that every horse and rider combination have to be trained as individuals and this is where his famed working patterns come into play.

Undoubtedly one of the most successful trainers of all time, Conrad has been a hugely influential force in securing the successes of the German dressage team, and played a huge part in transforming the fortunes of the Dutch, USA and British dressage teams.

The son of a German cavalry captain,

Conrad grew up on a farm in Frankfurt, Germany. He had a go at jumping, hunting and driving as well as dressage before being drafted into the army to fight in the Cold War.

After the war Conrad went to work for a friend of his father’s, who just happened to be Germany’s most successful dressage rider, Josef Neckermann. Conrad went on to compete internationally, but riding wasn’t paying the bills so, aged just 32, he gave up his career as a rider and set about establishing himself as a trainer.

Now, aged 70, Conrad is still enthralled by training and has no intention of slowing down. “I’m an addict and training is my fix,” he jokes. “My wife says I must love horses more than my family.”

We caught up with Conrad in the middle of a four-day training clinic at his close friend and long-term pupil Emile Faurie’s Cotswold yard.

I’m an addict and training is my fix

C onrad Schumacher could be anywhere in the world but as long as he’s in the middle of an arena surrounded by horses, he’ll be at home. As pupil after pupil file in and out, the intensity on his face

never falters. He watches every horse and rider combination like it might be his final chance to make a mark on the world of dressage.


Turn over for Conrad’s answers to your questions

Think like a WINNER

We put four psychological strategies used by Team GBR to the test to discover just how easy it is to

boost performance simply by changing your mindset

Your palms are clammy, your heart is starting to pound and you can’t remember your test. It’s only a local

show but you may as well be waiting for your number to be called at the Olympics. Pre-show nerves don’t care whether you’re a professional, international rider who’s representing your country, or just out for the experience – they take just as paralysing a grip on both. The difference, however, is the pros have practised coping strategies to help them push through

this moment of dread when competing. So we asked four Rutland Riding Club

members competing at one of the club’s first pure dressage and combined training events of the season to each try a different psychological strategy used by the professionals competing at the very top of the sport. We then quizzed them and analysed their results to see what effect the strategies had on their performance. Read on to find out how you could improve your results through simple brain training.

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ChaRlie unWinCharlie is a sports psychology coach specialising in equestrianism. A former elite athlete and officer in the Royal Horse Artillery,

Charlie combines his passions for psychology and sport to help riders manage the mental demands of competition. Charlie worked closely with British Olympic event team rider Sharon Hunt last year, helping her return to winning form. After a disappointing 2009, Sharon secured her first four star victory at Luhmühlen 2010 with Charlie’s help.

DeBBie PeRCyDebbie Percy is trained in neuro-linguistic programming, Psych-K, metaphysics and Mindfulness for Coaches. She works with riders at all

levels to provide them with practical tips that will help them get better results straight away. Her clients include three times Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy. She’s constantly using her diverse training to develop new tools and techniques to improve her own competition results and share them with others.

Meet our experts

Words Rebecca Gibson Photography Matthew Roberts

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WINNER

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Oliver Townend celebrates winning

Burghley Horse Trials in 2009

Riding

54 your horse

Practise riding in company so your horse isn’t fazed

by a busy show environment

Do your homework and choose your

class with care

Allow plenty of time to warm up and work

through any freshness

show time!

have the confidence of

a pro in every showing

class with our experts’

top 10 trade secrets

It’s

1 Remember the five Ps – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

You wouldn’t let your child play in the garden in the paddling pool by himself and then suddenly throw him in the deep end of a swimming pool, and it’s the same with your horse. If you keep him in a nice safe environment at home, riding round an isolated arena, you can’t then suddenly pitch up in a busy show environment and wonder why he feels unsettled and insecure.

Instead you need to practise the different elements of a showing class, so start by getting your horse used to riding in a confined area with lots of other horses. Join a group lesson at a local riding school, go on a sponsored ride or do a small key dressage competition. Riding club training days are an excellent confidence builder as you have to travel your horse there and ride in a busy atmosphere – plus you get excellent instruction.

2 Do your homework and learn from the pros Whatever class you’re aiming for,

do your homework and find out what you’ll be asked to do in the ring. Search the internet, ask people in the know, and go to shows on foot. A day at a county show watching top showing riders will give you an insight into what’s involved, even if you don’t aspire to ride at that level. Get to know the quirks of your class – eg, hacks don’t gallop but have to do a show – and choose the most appropriate one. You’d be amazed how many riders don’t put their horses in the right class.

3 Make sure your horse enters the ring fully prepared to give his best

The biggest problem I come across is that people don’t give their horses enough work both the day before a show, so they’re too fresh, and during the warm up at a competition. When you think about it, your horse is only being asked to work for 10-15 minutes in the show ring – he’ll walk, trot, canter, change the rein and perhaps gallop – that’s all. If you school your horse at home you’d expect the best quality work to come in the last 15 minutes or so. With this in mind, make sure you do enough work before you enter the class so he’s at his best during those vital few minutes in front of the judges.

Above all, allow plenty of time on show day to judge how much work your horse needs before his class. Better to have time to grab a coffee than waste your money entering the ring on a horse who’s not ready.

MEET ThE ExpErTLucy Killingbeck is a showing rider, show

horse producer and judge, who competes and judges at international level


If your class calls for the judge to ride, make

things easy for them

95% of showing classes are held on grass – so train on grass at home

5 Make it as easy as possible for the judge to ride

If you’re in a class where the judge is going to be riding your horse, make sure your stirrup leathers have enough holes to accommodate their leg length and that your stirrup irons are big enough for their boots.

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Sting in

the tale!Once, while Camilla

performing the stunt

pictured here, picking up a

hat off the floor at a show,

there was a bee hiding

in it, which stung

her!

114 your horse

Stunt riding

What we can learn from the dare-devil stunt ridersWords Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts

While the vast majority of us won’t harbour an ambition to jump through fire or pick something up off the floor while hanging upside down at a full-pelt gallop, we could all learn from

some of the training techniques used by the bold and gutsy riders of the Devil’s Horsemen stunt team.

We spent the day with Camilla Naprous (pictured) and her fellow Devil’s Horsemen teammates to learn how they train their horses to perform extreme stunts – and how these training techniques can translate to the everyday rider. So discover how to spook-proof your horse the alternative way, and build both your and your horse’s confidence.

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We can all learn from the bold and gutsy riders of the Devil’s

horsemen stunt team

See the videoGo to www.yourhorse.

co.uk/stuntriding to

watch Camilla and

the gang in action

Care

Keeping your horse out at grass is as close to providing a natural environment and diet for him as possible. It will give him the opportunity

to graze all day and satisfy his need for a steady trickle of forage. However, grass alone won’t provide all of the essential nutrients he needs, particularly if he’s going to be working hard as the competition season begins. It may be necessary to top up his diet with hard feed, a supplement, mineral lick or extra forage. Here to help you identify what your horse needs are feed experts Isla Boxall-Loomes, nutritional co-ordinator at Dodson & Horrell and Liz Bulbrook, Baileys Horse Feeds’ nutritionist.

Field If you’re planning an al fresco lifestyle for your horse this summer, here’s how to tailor his feeding regime so he’s fit and raring to go

Words Larissa Chapman

tactics

Weight gain warning It’s important to keep an eye on your grass-kept good doer, particularly when the grass is at its richest. Consider using grazing muzzles to stop him over indulging or perhaps try strip grazing so that he can’t gorge on too much grass. With the laminitis season upon us it’s crucial that we keep an eye on those prone to weight gain. Unmolassed chaff such as Badminton Horse Feeds Alfalfa Light and using water or the more palatable unmolassed sugar beet water to dampen feeds all helps to keep sugar levels down. Exercise is also crucial to keep pweight in check.

See issue 346 for our feature on weight control – contact 0845 601

102 your horse

If he’s a good doer“Grass is a good source of calories, especially during the summer months, and research has shown that some horses are capable of eating 5% of their bodyweight in grass every day – twice the amount they need to stay healthy,” says Isla Boxall-Loomes.

“However, despite the calories, grass alone won’t provide all of the vitamins and minerals your horse needs to stay healthy, so you need to provide him with a well-balanced diet.”

If your horse is a good doer, it’s important to balance his grazing-led diet with a low calorie product.

“High specification mineral licks that can be placed in the field, or feed balancers that are concentrated and so designed to be fed in small quantities, can be a good tool in the fight against weight gain,” says Isla. “High fibre nuts are also useful and are great for the good doer who just needs a little bit more than grass alone.”

Liz Bulbrook adds: “Even if your horse does well weight-wise on grass alone, and the grass he’s on is in good condition, we do recommend you give a low calorie ration balancer to provide him with the extra essential vitamins, minerals and proteins that he needs.”

CompetItIon rulesWhen preparing your grass-kept horse for a competition, Isla says it’s all about feeding for fitness. “It depends on your horse’s discipline but, for example, an eventer or endurance horse should be on feeds that are low in starch and release energy slowly for stamina, plus oils and fibres to complement this,” she says. For extra stamina, Liz recommends Baileys Outshine Oil, which contains soya and linseed oils. “These oils will improve your horse’s coat condition and also provide him with a bit more stamina,” she explains.

A dressage horse would also fit into the above category, however, for a show jumper or polo horse it’s essentially the other way round – they need instant bursts of energy so cereals should do the trick. “If your horse needs a burst of energy then oat-based competition mixes are the most effective,” says Liz. “Baileys No.9 All-Round Competition Mix is oat based,” she adds.

Slowly, slowly“It’s important to remember that if you’re upping your horse’s feed it needs to be done gradually in order to ensure that his digestive system has time to change and adapt,” says Isla. “As a general rule, any changes should be done over a two-week period.”

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Care

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Equator

Under threat?

With the threat of exotic equine diseases never far from our shores, should we be

worried – and what’s being done to protect our horses? Vet Charlie Briggs of the hale Veterinary Group in Wiltshire explains the latest research into disease control and the attempts being made to safeguard the uK’s equine population

Hosts Horses, donkeys and mulesSpread by Biting flies, infected blood products, and from mare to foal through the placentaOutbreaks Worldwide (including the UK in 2010)Signs Variable. In acute cases there’s fever, anaemia, skin swelling, a red rash on the inside of the lips or gums, and sudden death. In chronic cases there’s weakness and weight loss. However, it can be symptomless Treatment None specific for EIA, supportive therapy only, but horses are infected for lifeVaccination None available outside China

Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) also known as swamp fever

VETADVICE

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Equator

Worldwide, exotic equine diseases are a potential threat to UK horses - but

comprehensive safeguards are in place, as explained here

African Horse Sickness (AHS)

Hosts Horses, donkeys, mules and zebrasSpread by Biting midges, but not directly from horse to horseOutbreaks Sub-Saharan AfricaSigns High fever, marked swelling of the eyelids, face, neck and shoulders, laboured breathing, profuse frothy nasal discharge and heart failure. Death occurs in 90% of casesTreatment NoneVaccination A live-attenuated, multivalent vaccine is available in Africa only

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Amplifying host BirdsIncidental hosts Many species, including horses and manSpread by Biting mosquitoes, from bird to horse, but not horse to horseOutbreaks Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East, Asia and USASigns Fever, 10% of infected horses have neurological signs including weakness and tremors (40-60% of the neurological cases will die)Treatment None specific for WNV, supportive therapy onlyVaccination Yes – one licensed vaccine in Europe and several in the USA

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Gear

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Men’s clothingWith an extensive range of men’s riding clothing available there’s no excuse why horsey men can’t look good at the yard or at competitions – take a look at what’s on offer

buyers’guide

Mountain Horse Barnaby Fleece £44.50A lightweight fleece with full-length zip and shaped sleeves for added comfort. Colours Red or navySizes XS to XXL

Mountain Horse Justin Breeches £79.50A new addition to the men’s range, made from a heavyweight fabric, with plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable in and out of the saddle. There are two front pleats, two pockets at the front and two at the back.Colours Navy, white or beigeSizes 30in to 40in waist

Mountain Horse Anthony Polo £29.50 A classically styled unisex cotton pique polo shirt with chest embroidery and number detail on the back. Colours White or navySizes XS to XXLContact 01462 432596 or www.mountainhorse.co.uk

Ariat Team Jacket £89.99A waterproof and wind-resistant jacket with a lightweight polyfill quilted lining. Colours Black or navySizes S to XXL

Ariat Stable Polo £29.99Made from an advanced fabric – moisture movement technology keeps you cool and dry, and the stretch pique blend provides maximum comfort and mobility. Colours Black, navy or whiteSizes S to XXL

Ariat Rydal Boots £255Suede and leather boots with a single lace entry system up the side. These have Ariat’s exclusive ATS technology for stability and comfort, a Sympatex waterproof membrane and Primaloft insulation to keep your feet warm.Colour Chocolate Sizes 7 to 11, 12Contact 0845 600 3209 or www.ariat-europe.com

Shires Alberta Jacket £44.99A lightweight waterproof, breathable blouson jacket with fleece lining to the body.Colours Navy, black or redSizes XS to XXLContact 01568 613600 or www.shiresequestrian.com

A splash of colour looks

great and helps drivers

see you

Casual clothing Perfect for wearing at the yard

For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk


Mark Todd Canterbury Jacket £66.49A practical, lightweight jacket, made from breathable, windproof and water-resistant softshell fabric. Fleece lined and with adjustable cuffs.Colours Black, navy or chocolate Sizes Unisex XS to XL

Mark Todd Kildare Fleece £20.95A warm casual fleece top suitable for

wearing on or off the yard. Colours Navy, chocolate, khaki or blackSizes Unisex XS to XL

Mark Todd Riding Trousers £59.99Designed for day-long comfort, these trousers offer a less formal look than breeches. They have a straight cut leg, a full seat and jean-style front and back pockets.Colours Navy or buff

Sizes 30in to 38in Ladies sizes also available

Mark Todd Tall Work Boots £118.49Practical and robust casual boots with a full grain upper, Nubuck calf and canvas top with drawstring adjustment, and Sympatex technical waterproof lining.Colour Brown Sizes Unisex 39 to 45Contact 01303 872277 or www.wefi.co.uk

GearGear

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BigTesT

Summer gloves

We put 14 pairs of gloves designed for summer wear to the test. Find out which ones will keep you cool and in control as the weather warms up

For more gear reviews go to www.yourhorse.co.uk


I rarely ride without gloves – years of having the message drilled into me that I must always ride wearing them means it now feels strange not to. When I’m looking for gloves it doesn’t matter what discipline I’m aiming for, or even simply for hacking, my priority is to have a good feel on the rein.

During the summer I also prefer gloves that are breathable so they don’t stick to my skin after a good schooling session. There are now a growing number of lighter weight gloves designed specifically for summer riding. We put 14 pairs to the test over last summer to see if they lived up to the manufacturers’ claims.

Members of the Your Horse editorial team tested the gloves under the following criteriaFit/comfort Our testers commented on the overall fit of each pair of gloves and how comfortable they

were to wearPerformance Each pair of gloves was assessed on their performance. Did they provide a good

feel and grip on the reins, and did they keep our testers’ hands cool during the warmer months? They also considered how well they washed and what condition they’re in now after a summer of use

Value for money Finally, after considering their comments on fit and performance, our testers decide whether the gloves are good value for money and if they’d recommend you to buy them

Allison Lowthergear editor

What to look forPalmThere are a number of different materials that are used on the palm, all designed to give better grip and feel on the reins. Try a few pairs on so you can get an idea of how much feel they’ll provide

Finger reinforcementThese make the gloves more durable where they’re prone to more wear – between the rein fingers. They also provide a little more protection from the reins rubbing you

FasteningVelcro fastening around the wrist or on the back of the hand is a popular choice – it gives a good, secure feeling. Others simply slip on with elastic around the wrist. Which you prefer is a personal choice – try a few different styles on so you can find out which suits you best

MaterialGo for a material that’s breathable – this will help to keep you comfortable when you’re riding in warmer weather. A material that has some stretch to it will add to the overall comfort and fit

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OnSale

19 MaY

Module Two Learn how to ride with a contact, achieve forwardness, develop engagement anad

improve your jumping canter in the second of our Training Academy modules with star instructors

Richard and Tom Davison

neXT MOnTH in YOur HOrSe

• Expert advice to stop the spooks, bucks, rears and napping

• Simple steps to a polite, attentive horse

• How to cope with common temperament problems

• Plus undercover! What does your horse really get up to at night?

SubScribe now to get a cHarLeS bentLeY DeLuXe Set wortH £33See page 20

PLuS

KnOw YOur TacKHow to find the right bit for your horse – and fit it correctly

VeT adViceThe latest research on foaling

THinKing Of becOMing a dreSSage judge?We explore what it takes to make the grade

eXcluSiVe inTerViewTop eventer Lucy Wiegersma on her plans for 2011 and beyond

Your HorSe training acaDemY

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beHaViourSPeciaL

10 sets of cross-country boots are put to the test

Documents

May Issue 347