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Enjoy every second in the saddle

Your Horse2 min read
Welcome
THE OLYMPIC GAMES brought triumph for Team GB's equestrian squad, with a glittering haul of medals that included team gold for the eventers as well as the showjumpers (page 6). If ever a fillip was needed it was this one, coming as it did just days a
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Captured On Camera
AS THE FIRST week of the Olympic Games in Paris drew to a close, the equestrian members of Team GB were celebrating a sparkling and significant medal haul that included two sensational team golds (eventing and showjumping), a team bronze (dressage) a
Your Horse1 min read
Often Deadly Colitis Comes Under Researchers' Microscope
Veterinary experts are investigating the causes of the life-threatening condition colitis in the UK horse population. Colitis is an inflammation of the large colon and sufferers have diarrhoea and rapidly become dehydrated. The condition can lead to
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We Love…
Your Horse readers are taking the ‘be safe, be seen’ slogan to heart and like to mix and match their hi vis to ensure that they stand out on the roads. A poll of Your Horse #Hack1000Miles challengers showed that yellow (left) is still the most popula
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HORSE talk
For all the latest news from the horse world, visit yourhorse.co.uk DRESSAGE The future of equestrian sport in the Olympics is being questioned after a video of dressage star Charlotte Dujardin striking a horse with a lunge whip was made public in Ju
Your Horse7 min read
Choosing Tack For A Hack
WITH SO MANY styles of saddle now available there is plenty of choice when it comes to picking one that will fit a horse, be comfortable for the rider, and will prove to be a passport to enjoyable riding. With hacking there are no particular rules to
Your Horse11 min read
The Headstrong Youngster Who Became A Superstar
THE STORY REALLY started in Aberdeenshire when Kate Jackson, Vanir Kamira’s breeder, bred her dam. Fair Caledonian (Georgia) was a Thoroughbred out of Kate’s Fair Words, by Dixi, born in 1995, and Kate admits: “I was a little disappointed. She was ti
Your Horse2 min read
SEND A Selfie
Send inyour pics! Inmy quartet of pictures ismy new filly foal, Rori, with my husband, Trevor (below left). Rori is such a character and her mum, River, is so in love with her, as are we. River (below right), my Irish Sport Horsemare, absolutely love
Your Horse7 min read
HARNESSING A heavyweight
PART ONE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN a rider is bitten by the dressage bug, but they have already fallen in love with a horse or pony who isn’t a typical dressage breed? What if they haven’t purchased a big striding warmblood, or perhaps a ‘look-at-me’ Iberian
Your Horse4 min read
Fix it… COME INTO LINE
If an equestrian takes one principle into a lungeing session it should be this: they should position themselves behind the horse’s eye so that he can see them and they are behind him sending him forwards. Anyone who allows their body to be positioned
Your Horse5 min read
Tackle corners IN STYLE
PART TWO WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ● How to jump corners with confidence ● Easy ways to banish refusals and run outs ● Experttips to boost your control across country HEADING OUT ONTO a cross-country course for a training session means different things to d
Your Horse6 min read
NO ONE CAN Ride Through Fear
PART TWO EVERY PERSON IS familiar with the fight or flight response when they are scared, but who really understands the nitty-gritty details of what is happening on a physiological level? Comprehending this can be key to helping a rider unlock their
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Lessons Learned
With thanks to the team at Winters Equestrian Cross Country, near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, which is available for individual and group hire on an hourly basis. For more information, visit wexc.co.uk ❋ Safe, effective cross-country riding starts
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STARTING WITH Simple Basics
BEFORE AN EQUESTRIAN can begin dressage in hand, they must start with some simple basics, or at least establish if these basics are in order. When starting a young horse we might assume that the basics aren’t yet developed, but even when dealing with
Your Horse1 min read
How Hard Can The Halt Be?
The halt seems simple enough, but a surprising number of horses aren’t able to do this simple exercise correctly, whether in hand or under saddle. With many the problem starts in the yard, stable, or paddock. People groom their horse, for example, an
Your Horse7 min read
Broken DREAMS?
FRACTURES ARE AMONG the most serious injuries that vets see in horses, and due to their flight or fight nature and the variety of activities many horses participate in equines have the ability to potentially damage any of the 205 bones in their body.
Your Horse8 min read
THE POWER OF THE mind
PART FIVE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS of perimenopause include mental health, emotional wellbeing and the building of resilience — and riders are characteristically very resilient. Exploring the mind plays a crucial role in navigating this period of ch
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Too hot TO HANDLE?
A HOT DAY combined with a frenetic exercise schedule will leave most horses in a lather. But why and how do horses sweat? Sweating plays a vital role in thermoregulation and the maintenance of homeostasis. Sweat production is intricately controlled b
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'Seeing Earnie Grazing In The Paddock Is Incredible'
Earnie, a 23-year-old, 16.3hh Thoroughbred was referred to Rainbow Equine Hospital with a serious fracture to his left hind. He had been kicked when turned out for the first time with other horses after being on box rest for a month with a tendon iss
Your Horse6 min read
Less Whoa, More Go!
NO RIDER LIKES to feel as though they are on board a horse who isn’t up for the job in hand. A lack of energy —sometimes termed ‘sparkle’ or ‘oomph’ by equestrians—is a common reason why owners turn to a nutritionist for advice, especially if their h
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Have You Joined Yet?
Spillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join its Spillers Slimmers’ Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony ata healthy weight. This motivating and friendly club provides practical support an
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Eight Take Home Energy Tips
Doing the following will help owners to manage their horse’s energy levels whilemaintaining a healthy weight… 1 Feed according to the horse’s current body condition. If he’s in good (below) or overweight condition, don’t be tempted to increase the am
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ASK THE experts
Email your questions to [email protected] In partnership with Simple solutions for horse owners Mary Frances BHSII, BHS SM is the chief executive of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre. She has spent most of her life training horses and has also
Your Horse2 min read
A Walker Is The Perfect Place For Controlled Exercise
HORSE-WALKERS - MARY FRANCES says… Q I keep my horse on a yard where there is a horse-walker. I haven’t been tempted to use it until now as I ride him a lot, but I have to go into hospital for an operation and will be out of the saddle a while, so it
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Newbies Should Have A Calm Stablemate Leading The Way
Q My horse has never been on a walker before. What should I expect the first time he uses one and is there anything thatIcan do to prepare him so that he doesn’t get too scared? Rebecca Lewis, Bedfordshire Mary says: In order to give your horse a goo
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Monitoring A Horse Following A Session Is Essential
Q A friend at the yard has told me that my horse walking in circles on the walker regularly may cause problems for him. Is she right? Diane Armstrong, Cheshire Mary says: You are right to raise this query as ona walker a horse is performing a continu
Your Horse2 min read
Short Walker Sessions Are More Valuable Than Long Ones
In partnership with Q I’m moving yards and have the opportunity to take my horse on the walker that’s there.I have used one once before, but basically I don’t have a clue what tack he should wear, if any, and how long I leave him on for? Jenni Taylor
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Overall Experience Should Be Positive If Handled In The Right Way
Q Do horse-walkers cause horses to become stressed? Jayne Brown, Lancashire Mary says: Stress should only be caused if the walker environment is stressful in some way. I have found that most horses have a positive experience in both mind and body whe
Your Horse2 min read
Technique Is Key To Ensuring K Tape Remains In Place
EQUINE KINESIOLOGY - DENISE CHEESE says… Q I’m really interested in the benefits of kinesiology (K) tape and have tried to use it several times in different areas on my horse, but it never stays on longer thana day, and sometimes less than that. What
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K Tape Can Boost Back Comfort Levels
Q I’ve had my mare for three weeks. She passed a five-star vetting, but she does have a sore back from a previous ill-fitting saddle. I’m now waiting for her new custom-fitted saddle to arrive and would like to know if there’s anything I can do in th
Your Horse1 min read
Kinesiology Can Assist Hind End Communication With The Brain
In partnership with Q I’m trying to get my youngster to engage her hindquarters more and a friend suggested that K tape could help. Is this true? Petra Campbell, Ayrshire Denise says: Yes, K tape can definitely help in your situation. Firstly, applyi
Your Horse1 min read
Taping Can Be A Godsend For Travellers
Q My gelding has just recovered from a sacroiliac injury, and although he’s been signed off by the vet I’m really worried about travelling him anywhere. Someone at my yard said that she had read an article about the Canadian Olympic team putting K ta
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Tape Can Relieve Kissing Spines Strain
Q My gelding has just been diagnosed with mild kissing spines and I’m now rehabbing him. I’ve heard that K tape could help, but I’m wondering if it’s a safe option? Brenda Beattie, Rutland Denise says: Kissing spines is sadly a common condition where
Your Horse2 min read
Competition Will Be Fierce For A Dream Equestrian Base
Q I have put in an offer on a small equestrian property, but now I’m panicking and am wondering what the common problems are with such an investment. This has been my dream for years, butI can’t help but worry that it won’t all be plain sailing. Kirs
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Close Access To Bridleway Network Is A Key Consideration When Purchasing An Equestrian Facility
PROPERTY - SARAH JORDAN says… Q I’m now in a position to purchase an equestrian property, but I’ve no idea what to look for and I’m really worried about making the wrong decision. Can you help? Sasha Hamblin, Herefordshire Sarah says: There are many
Your Horse2 min read
The Correct Diet And Training Will Boost Topline After A Lay Off
In partnership with Q My ex-racehorse has had a year off to fully recover from an injury and I’m just bringing him back into work. He seems to have got quite fat, with a big belly, although I can just see his ribs. What should I feed him to build top
Your Horse2 min read
Land With Horsey Potential May Come With Pitfalls
In partnership with Q I’m looking to purchase some land and turn it into an equestrian property. Can I do this? Emily Pritchard, Dorset Sarah says: This is certainly possible in theory, but you will have to undertake a series of checks before you can
Your Horse2 min read
Gradually Alter A Horse's Feeding Regime In Advance Of Him Staying Away
FEEDING - EMMA SHORT says… Q My pony usually lives out 24/7, but I’m planning to take him to a camp for a few days where he will have to be stabled. We will be training twice a day and he is usually fed one small feed of chaff and a balancer. How can
Your Horse2 min read
Linseed Can Suit A Horse Whose Grazing Is Limited
Q Linseed seems to be very popular as a feed for horses and I notice that it’s often included in mixes and cubes, so what are its nutritional benefits and do I need to feed it to my horse? Janet Spicer, Leicestershire Emma says: Linseed is an oil-ric
Your Horse8 min read
THE BIG TEST PLAYING IT cool
A QUALITY COOLER rug is a versatile addition to any tack room as it can turn its hand to a wide variety of jobs. Firstly, it can help to dry off a horse after he has been washed down following exercise. It can also double up as a lightweight travel r
Your Horse1 min read
Meet The Testers
Leanne Jackson owns and runs Eastwell Equestrian in Cambridgeshire. She competes to Prix St Georges and intermediate I level. Sallie Hinks began riding in her 40s and she has owned Dolly, a 16.2hh Irish Draught mare, for just overa year. Vanessa Lowt
Your Horse2 min read
ON TREND Support layer
RRP £64.99 COLOURS Black, white SIZES Pony, full WEATHERBEETA.CO.UK A suede topped, soft and breathable anti-slip saddle pad that offers extra protection to the horse’s withers and back, this shock-absorbing half pad has a memory foam inner and is de
Your Horse3 min read
What's New?
The Revolve X-Air NovaMips Jockey Helmet from Champion offers top rated safety, cutting-edge injury protection and a head-turning glitter finish. This mediumprofile jockey skull features the integrated Mips safety system, a four-point perforated leat
Your Horse6 min read
BUYER'S GUIDE Buckle up
THE EQUESTRIAN WORLD has come a long way since the days of string girths in various colours that became tangled if they weren’t hung correctly in the tack room. In fact, there has been an explosion in the choice of girths available in recent years, m
Your Horse1 min read
Your Horse
EDITORIAL Seventeen Hands Media Ltd Editor: Julie Harding Email: [email protected] Freelance Gear Editor: Allison Lowther Freelance Content Producer: Mel Beale Design: Marisa Bailey ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS Stacey Boyce Tel: 01732 44
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Alison Young
What sparked your interest in health and beauty? I suffered from eczema as a baby and acne as a teenager, and in later life I was diagnosed with psoriasis and urticaria. These experiences sparked my interest in health and beauty and I went to college

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