Trot ON Hot Topics

TROT ON'S WHINNIES, NICKERS AND NEIGHS COMPETITION!

2012-02-09T17:00:00.000Z

Are you talking to me?!

There's nothing lifts the spirits quite like hearing your horse greet you with a whinny, nicker or neigh is there, even if you do know it's because you've got a feed bucket in your hand!! Why is it that we love it when our horses speak out-some sounds make us go ahhh, some make us giggle and others make us cover our ears and go agghhh and then we can't help but laugh! And were you a horse loving kid who did a good line in horse impressions? Come on confess, you probably still do them now!

So to banish those winter blues we're inviting you all to take part in our great big global Trot ON Whinnies, Nickers and Neighs Video Competition for your chance to win some fantastic prizes from our generous competition sponsors Horeseware Ireland.

1st Prize-Rambo Optimo Turnout Rug

2nd Prize-Pessoa by Horseware Sophia jacket.

3rd Prize the Ice-Vibe Circulation Therapy kit.

Horsetalk is the name of the game so whether your horse has the wickedest whinny or the nicest nicker we want to hear from them. All you have to do is capture their horsey chat on video using a camcorder, camera or mobile phone-simples!!

Each video should be a maximum of one minute in length and your horse will be judged on his or her vocal and visual star appeal. There's no need for fancy editing, let your horses speak for themselves!

Then put your video on youtube and title it Trot ON Whinnies, Nickers and Neighs Competition.
Now all you have to do it upload it into the Whinnies, Nickers and Neighs topic in our Horse Fun Group on www.troton.com.

Be sure to read the full terms and conditions of the competition here

And by the way, you don't have to own (or loan) a horse or pony to take part, it can be a horse that you ride regularly or help look after, just make sure that you get the owners permission first.

Entries close on May 1st 2012.

So what are you waiting for, make some noise for the Great Big Trot ON Neigh-IN!!

Join us at www.troton.com- the place to share your passion for horses.

DIVING HORSES SET TO RETURN TO ATLANTIC CITY.

2012-02-04T09:28:00.002Z

The diving horses of Atlantic City are set to make a comeback this summer and the announcement is not surprisingly making waves. The owners of the famous steel pier say the new show will feature a horse and rider, diving off a 30 to 40 foot platform into a 12-foot pool as they did before the act was closed down in 1978.

Diving horses started to make a splash back in the early 1900's and a horse could expect to entertain the crowds four times a day, seven days a week.

Diving horses proved to be more dangerous for the girls who clung to their backs. Lorena Carver made the terrifying leap on horseback for 25 years and averaged one broken bone a year. Although that didn't seem to put her off and she said of her career choice, "All the girl has to do is look pretty and not fear height or water....The horse knows what to do. He'll take care of you."

In 1931 another diving diva Sonora Webster Carver and her horse 'Red Lips' lost their balance on the platform and Sonora was blinded in the fall when the retinas detached in both her eyes. She still continued to dive on horseback even when blind! Her story can be read in her memoir A Girl and Five Brave Horses and seen in the 1991 Disney film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.

Riders like Lenora claimed that their horses loved to jump but there were allegations that electrical prods and trap doors were used to get unwilling horses to dive. Gradually because of the weight of criticism of animal rights abuse this spectacle became less popular and eventually the act was closed in 1978.

Back in 2010 a pony called Lightening made the headlines because of his diving antics (see video) at the magic forest amusement park. Lightening jumps from a less risky height of 10ft into a much larger pool of water and has become a bit of a sensation.

So what do you think? Should the plan to re-introduce diving horses to Atlantic City sink without trace?

Share your passion for horses at www.troton.com.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED FOR LONG HORSE RIDE.

2012-02-01T09:07:00.002Z

The Carpathians-Bolly one of Megan's horses enjoying the view.

Do you like to drive and have a taste for adventure? Then why not join long time Trot ON member Megan Lewis on the last leg of her epic horseback journey The Long Horse Ride from Beijing to London. Megan is looking for volunteers to drive the horse lorry. The next stage starts at the Ukranian border. Here's what she's looking for...

1. I would need someone who has a driving licence covering Category C1 - lorry up to 7.5 tonnes. Anyone who has had a licence for over 10 years will be eligible, otherwise they will need to have taken a test.

2. There is no absolute obligation to have experience with horses, although of course this is a distinct advantage.

3. A volunteer will need to drive ahead to identify overnight stops, rendevous en route when required, keep the lorry filled up with diesel, and water containers with water.

4. I would also expect them to be willing to help in any other way they can - eg helping with the horses, cooking, keeping the lorry clean and tidy etc - as I am riding all day.

5. They should be prepared for very basic accomodation - camp bed in the lorry - though I try and stay in a hotel/guest house every so often to shower etc. Own sleeping bag(s) to be brought.

6. I am prepared to cover all day to day living expenses, but would appreciate volunteers being responsible for their own paying accomodation.

7. Volunteers can join for almost any length of time from one week or preferably a fortnight upwards. The next stage from the border to Budapest should take a couple of weeks.

If all goes according to plan, I expect to drive out to Ukraine on or around Feb 11th, and a driver for the first stage could have a lift out. If they stayed with me for just over a couple of weeks, then I hope to be able to reach Budapest from where it would be easy to fly back to the UK.

Later on (after the first couple of weeks) there may also be the chance to join me riding. But I would expect a co-rider to contribute to living expenses/diesel and raise money for my husband's charity.

Megan Lewis.

So have you got the drive to be part of this epic journey? If you think you've got what it takes then please email support@troton.com.

                For more on Megan check out the links above and also in her group on www.troton.com

                                                                The Long Horse Ride.

BRIDLELESS RIDING BANNED FROM TEAM CHASING.

2012-01-30T16:23:00.000Z

Mark Smith (right) competing with Bridleless not Brainless who raise money for Breast Cancer Research.

There's been a new change to the Team Chasing rulebook which means that Mark Smith's Bridleless not Brainless team won't be able to compete anymore in their distinctive pink headcollars. Horse and Hound wrongly reported that the new changes meant that bitless bridles weren't allowed either but when we checked we found out that Rule 7 now says that horses...must be ridden in a bridle with reins directly attached to a bit or leather ‘D’ rings or attached as per the manufacturer’s specification to a purpose designed bitless bridle (such as a mechanical or jumping hackamore, Dr Cook, Sidepull or Scawbrig).

A safety review was called for after tragedy hit the sport last year when one of it's competitors Mrs Jo Rugman died in a rotational fall. However the horse she was riding at the time was wearing a bit.

So, does this make sense? Well if you ask Mark Smith he'll tell you that it's 'ridiculous' that riding in headcollars has been singled out. Not only have his team attracted good publicity for a sport that needs it, but their safety record speaks for itself- 'on average one in four teams has a horse fall team chasing but out of 27 competitions we haven't had one!'

Also, Mark finds this particularly galling as safe cross country riding through better horse and rider training is central to his teaching ethos. He believes that more riders need to learn to use their bodyweight effectively and rely less on their hands to turn and stop a horse. Often he says 'the rider's body and hand contradict each other which is why you get resistance, and that's when accidents occur. Horses are phenomenal athletes and it's the flatwork which is key to improving this athleticism. Dressage is the gymnasium of eventing. I hate the word submission though at the bottom of dressage test sheets. I want to work with the horse, it's an incredible creature. All it's saying is 'give us a clue what you want and I'll do it' but often our aids keep contradicting each other."

Mark's methods are in great demand, not only do they feature in a leading equestrian publication but he's kept very busy teaching at pony clubs around the country. But if you're imagining green fields filled with young riders galloping their ponies around in pink head collars you'd be wrong. No, Mark teaches his methods with horses in the usual kit, bridles with bits. " Myself and my team mates compete in headcollars as we're prepared to show that these methods work even in a headcollar."

However, Mark agrees that team chasing has genuine safety issues, it's just that his team riding in pink headcollars isn't one of them. "Whichever class you enter, even the big open class, there is no system to check if either horse or rider have ever even run over fences before. Surely the MFHA have a duty of care to prove they've had the relevant experience to compete at this level? But they leave the responsibility to the rider (Rule 9 says that "....all riders competing in such classes should ensure that they have had appropriate experience of cross country riding.)' I've also pushed for a proper training programme like British Eventing have, even offering to set one up free of charge, but they've refused to do one. I mean you wouldn't throw your kid in a pool without teaching him to swim first would you?"

Marks calls himself a maverick and mavericks as we know often have a hard time from stick in the mud traditionalists. But as he says, "Thinking outside the box is what drives mankind forward. I want a horse friendly debate. One day there won't be any stick or spurs because the public don't want to see a horse being hauled around any longer. They want to see them doing what they're doing because they are confident, willing and well trained. I've dedicated my life to safer cross country riding and being horse friendly is the basis of everything I do."

Do you agree with the new changes to the Team Chasing rules. Or should Mark and his team be allowed to keep competing in headcollars?

Join us in Tack Room Tea Room to debate this and lots of other hot topics at
www.troton .com-the place to share your passion for horses.

Why horses? My "first time"

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000Z

My 'first time' was unintentional - By that time I had had only four riding lessons but being in my early twenties I thought I had got it "sorted". Barfoe was his name - an old cobb who had been there and got the T- Shirt. He was a friend's horse who said he was bomb-proof. Have a go he said so I did ....

Not Barfoe but similar in appearance - kind "bomb proof" looking

The ride started off alright, however I think it was very fair to say that it didn't take long for Barfoe to work out that his partner that afternoon wasn't as experienced as he thought he was. I wanted to canter he wanted to trot and vice versa. Soon I had fallen into the fatal mistake of thinking it's simple ...a horse works just like a motorbike...just press the right buttons and everything would work alright...well may be. After fifteen minutes Barfoe had had enough....This guy wants speed I'll give him speed, he thought, and he did, with bells on!

And so that was my first time-the first time I galloped on a horse and it was very fast and yes it was totally uncontrolled - 9 parts terrifying and 1 part thrilling. Thankfully I stayed on, nothing was coming in the other direction and Barfoe ran out of puff after what seemed like 5 minutes, but was probably only 2 . I returned to the yard and decided more riding lessons were called for and quickly. I was hooked.

That day taught me alot about horses and what I love about them...they are the lessons in life you tend to remember after such an experience

Horses live in the NOW.....They are tightly focussed in the now ( not yesterday or tomorrow) and they are OK or they are not OK.

Horses are intuitive...They tune into their environment and the personalities that are around and are guided intuitively by what they find...inexperienced rider telling me what to do - I don't think so.

Horses are a partnership....Big and strong they are..Mechanical motorbikes they are not. Trust and respect have to be earned. Can anything beat achieving harmony with such a beautiful and powerful animal?

Some ask "Why Horses?" when we explain our plans for Trot ON and why we are so totally serious about sharing a passion for horses. Well, one of our core beliefs is that horses are good for humans.

We can learn from them some profound truths. Horses know alot about partnership and yet they don't seem to care what other horses think about them. They are intensely intuitive and in touch with nature in a way much of the modern world seems to have entirely forgotten about. You cannot be in anything but the NOW when you are a horse that unintentionally gallops off and that is a good thing for many of us who can get preoccupied with what has been and what is to come...NOW is where life happens most!

We created Trot ON so that horse lovers across the globe can get together to share ideas and experiences across the broad spectrum of equestrianism- united we can make lives better for horses and their humans.

It's also a heck of alot of fun too! lol

Barfoe - thank you for giving me that ride so many years ago....it was you that won me over.

2012-THE YEAR OF THE HORSE.

2012-01-09T15:08:00.000Z

For all of us on Trot ON every day is a day in the year of the horse. They are our passion, and for many an obsession but this year seems set to be a special one where other people will get to appreciate why we're so addicted to horses.

There is a special bond between man and horse which lives at the heart of Steven Spielberg's film of War Horse. The London Olympic Games will give us another chance to see how heroic that partnership can still be. And although equestrian sports like dressage, eventing and showjumping have for a few decades struggled to get any decent coverage in the mainstream British press or on TV, our flourishing home grown talent looks set to change all that. British showjumping bagging Ab Fab's Jennifer Saunders as their ambassador is definitely the most recent piece of good news!!

And we're very excited about the fact that the British Museum is putting on the UK's first major exhibition dedicated to the history of the horse, their diamond jubilee gift to that celebrated horse lover the Queen.

Horses have taken us into battle, worked for us, taken us hunting and carried us across the world but since the mechanical and industrial revolutions the horse has been sidelined and become for the most part our sporting and leisure partner. Which is why in Britain riding is seen by many as the preserve of toffs. Hopefully projects like Hoof Ride London will help to change that.

Where is the horses place in our society now? There are some who want to ban them from pulling carriages around cities like New York, and others who would have horse racing stopped. There are even those who think that it's cruel to ride horses at all. But did the people and politicians who called for a ban on foxhunting think about the consequences it would have for all the horses that were ridden to hounds? Yet at the same time man is claiming the land they live on and then arguing over how to slaughter them.

But surely the horse has survived so long, because of his capacity to work and play alongside us. How much of that do we take away from him. So in all debates there has to be reason rather than knee jerk reactions if we want to do what's best for the horse. Maybe they are the clever ones in all this-their relationship with us continues to evolve. Horses have now become our therapists and we hear more and more stories of horses helping humans cope with anything from stress or behavioural problems to more serious mental and physical disabilities. From children to soldiers they can connect to us. Horses may not accompany us into battle any longer but they still pick up the pieces of war.

On Trot ON we all know that horses feed our minds, bodies and souls-now it's time for the rest of the world to catch up!

Come and share your passion for horses at www.troton.com
If you don't Trot ON you'll get left behind!

TROT ON MEMBER IN THE HOT SEAT!

2011-12-23T08:26:00.001Z

Jess chillin' out with Grenville

Taking her place in the Trot ON Hot Seat is UK member JessAndGrenville123. Jess is possibly Trot ON's biggest groupie and if there were a competition for most number of posts she'd win it-keep 'em coming Jess! The love of her life is her ex-racehorse, Grenville.

Q. How would you describe yourself in a tweet?
A. I am honest and reliable, will let people know what I think and I am a very happy person most of the time.

Q. Who would you choose to play you in a film of your life?
A. Probably Alison Lohman, she seems nice and stars in my fave film.

Q. Happy Hacker or Competition Queen?
A. I am definitely a happy hacker. I enjoy local competitions but would rather go for a fun hack out!

Q. What makes you laugh?
A. Pretty much anything! Grenville makes me laugh a lot.

Q. What makes you angry?
A. Animal cruelty and exploitation. It makes me so mad! Also people saying nasty things about my pets or family.

Q. What are you reading at the moment?
A. Breaking Dawn from the Twilight series before I go and see it at the cinema.

Q. Who would you have as guests at your dream dinner party?
A. It wouldn't be a dinner party, more a romantic dinner for two with Johnny Depp!

Q. What's your guilty pleasure?
A. Cheese! I am meant to be on a diet but I eat cheese in some form every single day.

Q. Schoolmaster or challenging ride?
A. Preferably a bit of both. I like a challenging ride but it is nice to ride a well behaved horse for a change-hint, hint Grenville!

Q. Mary King or Zara Phillips?
A. I love both but Zara just takes it because I loved Toytown. I thought they were a fab team.

Q. Are you a Fashionable Filly or a Scruffy Mare?
A. Definitely a scruffy mare....and proud of it!

Q. Which rider inspires you?
A. Monty Roberts inspires me as a rider and horseman. I think he is amazing.

Q. Horse or boyfriend?
A. Always a horse!

Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
A. Don't give up.

Q. What's your worst vice?
A. I am very upfront about how I feel and it sometimes gets me into trouble.

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
A. Hopefully living in Africa and working in conservation but I won't go when I still have Grenville so hopefully that will be more than ten years ahead.

Q. 'Fess up to your most embarrassing equestrian moment.
A. When I rode Holly on the beach and my instructor trusted me to take her in the sea and I went in too deep and literally floated off!

Thanks JessAndGrenville123. Who will be next to reveal all? Look out for your invitation to sit in the Trot ON HOT SEAT. Come on now, don't be shy!

If you want to share your passion for horses then join us at www.troton.com

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-12T14:27:00.001Z

There are so many good reasons to enter the Trot ON free prize draw The 12 Days Of Christmas and here are just a few of them...

A fantastic opportunity to win a two day Balanced Partnership Course for you and your horse with Australian Horse Training's Jason Webb. Some of us at Trot ON HQ would love to do this, but we're not allowed to enter-boo hoo-we'll just have to save up!!

Reward your horse with two large bags of Pure Treats from The Pure Feed Company. Our horses can't get enough of them and the good thing is they're made from the purest ingredients, are molasses free, low in energy and starch and contain no added sugar. Leading natural horse management expert Lucinda McAlpine, and two of our favourite eventers Laura Collett and Alex Hua Tian-seen below testing out the Olympic Cross Country course at Greenwich-are just a few leading equestrians who are Pure Feed fans.

You've also got the chance to get your hands on the latest, most talked about lungeing aid from EquiAmi which encourages a horse to carry himself in a soft, round outline without leaning. Rosie Thomas used the EquiAmi lungeing aid on her top event horse Barry's Best as part of his prep for Badminton.

So ENTER the 12 Days Of Christmas free prize draw now-and then keep everything crossed that you get an extra Xmas treat!!

SNOW WISH from MEGAN LEWIS

2011-12-08T20:01:00.001Z

The following is a copy of Megan's latest posting to her superb "The long horse ride blog" which is a fascinating record of her journey on horseback from Beijing to London and adventures along the way. As you can see our initial enthusiasm about her escape from no man's land may have been misplaced and there is still a way to go. if anybody has some good ideas on how she can best resolve this situation or has contacts in this part of the world who can help ... please do email us at support@troton.com

Megan Lewis in happier days by the Great Wall with members of the Chinese Equestrian Federation at the end of the first stage of her journey.

"We are back in Ukraine, but not without setbacks, and it is not the end of our problems by a long shot, as I have only been given 10 days (effectively now 8 days) to get the horses out of the country.

Dr Halalzs came to me on Monday to say that Hungarian customs had managed to communicate with one of the chiefs on the Ukrainian side, and I would be allowed into Ukraine so long as I paid a refundable transit deposit for the horses. We packed up rapidly and set off hopefully for the fifth time, but on reaching the other side, were once again refused entry. This time the veterinary certificate was apparently no longer valid again. And they had no knowledge of any communication between the Hungarian customs at Zahony and the Ukrainian customs at Chop.

I had reception on my laptop, and quickly went to email Dr Halazs for the name of the chief who had given permission. In doing so I found an email from someone who has been pulling strings behind the scenes and who had contact details for the chief at Chop. He had apparently been instructed to help. This had a magical effect, and although we had to wait a further 18 hours until the next day, we were driving out of the border post late Tuesday evening.

Waiting at the border

however, the downside was that I was only given 10 days to get the horses out of Ukraine. As this included the day waiting at the border post, and yesterday driving them out to the stables where they are temporarily staying, this effectively leaves a week. We are trying to get an extension, as this is not enough time to sort out arrangements. I cannot drive them to Russia myself as I do not currently have a visa, and sorting out the logistics of using a transport company, checking the documents are valid, and finding somewhere in Russia to take them will no doubt take longer than a week.

The FEI are also looking at another possible option, but I do not yet know the outcome. I think they are annoyed that I jumped the gun in crossing the border, but I had to make a quick decision in a stressful situation.

In the meantime we are holed up at a holiday resort in the Carpathians, courtesy of our Uzhgorod contacts. The horses are in loose boxes and I have room with hot shower, TV (no English!) and this lovely view below over the restaurant to the hills.....
This was the same view this morning!....

Natalia tells me it is an Ukrainian tradition to make a wish when the first snow of winter arrives. I doubt if there is any need to guess what my wish will be!

If you want to stay at a little resort in the Carpathians, Raina-Polyana has large comfortable rooms with en suite facilities, restaurant, billiard room, outdoor swimming pool (summer) sauna, banya, and the attached stables where horses are for hire, and where Bolashak and little Zorbee are staying at present.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - Free prize draw

2011-12-04T11:26:00.001Z

Welcome to our second 12 days of Christmas free prize draw - we held the first one back in 2008 when we launched Trot ON at The London International Horse Show, Olympia. To celebrate our 3rd Birthday we thought we'd bring you a big fat second helping of festive goodies!

Long standing Trot ON members will remember the format - 12 equestrian brands sponsor one day each...The 1st day has one prize - the 2nd two and so on until Day 12 when there are twelve prizes.

in total 78 prizes are up for grabs with a value of £2,000

Entering the competition is FREE

All you have to do is click here

On the twelfth day of Christmas....my true love sent to me ......
Twelve drummers drumming ........

...12 Colourful Saddle Pads from PINK EQUINE...
Eleven pipers piping................
...11 Rampant Goodies from RAMPANT SPORTING.........
Ten lords a-leaping..
..10 Earwarmers from TIMOTHY FOXX
Nine ladies dancing.....
...9 Huge bags of Horse treats from PURE FEEDS
Eight maids a-milking............
.... 8 Two faced Hoodies from HORSES WITH ATTITUDE ....
Seven swans a-swimming...
...7 Half Chaps from JUST CHAPS....
Six geese a-laying......
......6 POLITE Safety Waistcoats from EQUISAFETY...

Five golden rings.
. ..5 Sporting Bras from LESSBOUNCE ......

pause for breath...lol........

Four calling birds..........
......4 Horse Adoption Subscriptions from WORLD HORSE WELFARE...
Three French hens..
......3 Lunguing Kits from EQUAMI...
Two turtle doves....
.. 2 Amigo Horse Rugs from HORSEWARE IRELAND

And a partridge in a pear tree!
...1 Horse and Rider Partnership course with AUSTRALIAN HORSEMANSHIP GURU JASON WEBB

Okay so you have to enter soon ...The closing date for entries is 24th December... the draw for the 1st day's prize will be on Christmas day and the name of the winner will announced on Trot ON by midday.....the draw for the 2nd day will be December 26th and so on ... until January 5th when the final 12 lucky winners will be announced....

so be sure to log on to Trot ON over the festive period.. IT COULD BE YOU!!!

GOOD LUCK everybody!

Thanks to moonwhisper101 for her lovely video

FREE MEGAN LEWIS AND HER HORSES

2011-12-02T08:40:00.001Z

It is simply the stuff of nightmares...you cross the border of one country get refused entry from the second and then get refused entry back to the first...you are in no man's land and there is no way out either way...what's more the temperatures are plummeting and the very unforgiving Continental Winter is closing in on you fast!!!

Two weeks ago when Megan thought this was just a hiccup... she ain't smiling anymore

Unfortunately this isn't a nightmare this is actually the exact situation that Epic horse rider and Trot ON member Megan finds herself in - so far she has spent 3 weeks in this situation on the Ukraine / Hungarian Border two thirds of her way through her momentous journey from Beijing to London on a horse - what's more there is no end in sight and the fierce winter is closing in... there is every probability that the only way out will be to kill the horses that have carried her on this stage of her journey....Destorying- at a stoke- all the friendship and positivity that Megan's journey represents

The two stallions that face death

So how has this situation arisen how can this have happened to somebody so savvy and travel canny? A person who let us not forget has riden well over 7,000 miles - all the way along the Great Wall of China - across the Gobi desert along the fabled Silk Route - across Kazakhstan( famous for Russian space flights and nuclear bomb testing ) into Russia and into the Ukraine.

A ride named by the Chinese Equestrian Association as The Sino - British International Friendship Ride . Megan brings with her a symbolic message from the Equestrians of China to the Equestrians of Britian.

Why is it that after such a journey that crossing the border into Europe is proving so problematic for Megan?

The answer seems to be combination of factors though the overwhelming sense you get is of red tape sticking to itself....I will try to make this as straight forward as I can ( it isn't easy)

The EU has lots of regulations ( don't we know it) some of which are more curious than others - this hasn't helped...Megan bought her horses in Kazakhstan..Kazakhstan is not an approved EU "horse importing" country. By contrast the Ukraine is an approved horse importing country and so is Kyrgystan ( which neighbours Kazakhstan) Technically though Hungary does seem to be right in refusing entry for the horses to the EU and Megan admits that she had received some bad advice earlier on in her trip - the letter of the law wasn't as clear to everybody as it might have been.

However the real villians in the story seem to be on the Ukrainian Side because having previously granted Megan a visa to cross the Ukraine from Russia to Hungary with her horses they then refused to grant her a visa to cross the other way on the grounds that only companies are allowed to import horses into the Ukraine - It is they that are the ones that have effectively slammed the door in Megans' face and may have sealed the fate of two horses that have done nothing apart from transporting their owner over hundreds of miles.

Seasoned travellers may be able to relate (and recall to others) similar stories of bureaucracy and ineptitude while travelling in far flung countries however I think this is different for several reasons
1- The situation has not been resolved in over 3 weeks...Megan has almost been made a captive in no man's land between the Ukraine and Hungary
2- Winter is closing in and temperatures are plummeting.. Megan has to break the ice on her wash bowl to wash her face in the morning
3 Nobody seems to be in a position of power to help her...The British embassy in Kiev seem powerless to do anything ...The Ukrainians continue to refuse her entry and the Hungarians while empathetic ( in being supportive in helping Megan look after the horses while she is in no mans land ) continue to stick to the line that the horses cannot be admitted to Hungary and the EU.

The "piece de resistance" in this sad story occured over the last couple of days ....Frustrated cold and very fed up Megan explained to both the Ukrainians and the Hungarians that unless this situation is resolved she will be left with no alternative but to put down the horses.....The surprising response of a Ukrainian official was a shrug of the shoulders.

When Megan came to see us over 2 years ago after she finished the first stage of her journey we knew she would face many challenges along the way - We could not have anticipated that - of all the things that could have happened to her - that crossing the border into Europe had the potential to be her undoing

Megan being interviewed by Trot ON in 2009

In the name of common sense - the interests of The Sino - British International Friendship Ride - Trot ON asks please FREE MEGAN from this living nightmare and PLEASE lets do it without killing the horses...of all the characters in this particular play they really are the innocent ones.

For more contemporary equestrianism go to www.troton.com

EQUESTRIAN CALENDAR GIRLS STRIP OFF FOR CHARITY!!

2011-11-28T12:44:00.001Z

Photo by Josh Crocker

Ever since those middle aged ladies of the WI caused a media sensation by stripping off and posing behind the odd strategically placed teapot or tower of iced buns it's become fashionable for females to get their kit off for a charity calendar.

Now eight girls from the Leeds University Equestrian Society have stripped down to some lacy knickers and those riding essentials, a hard hat and boots, to raise money for the Otley and District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA.)

Revealing all has got them not only media exposure but also some fans in Company A 5th Battalion, The Rifles serving out in Afghanistan. The soldiers liked the photos so much they have made the girls their 'official mascots.' In return the girls have sent them signed calendars, letters and other mail to help boost morale and show their support. "We have each been assigned a rifleman to write to and have started correspondence with them whilst they are away," said equestrian calender girl Emily du Luart.

Photo by Josh Crocker

Emily also revealed to Trot ON what it was like when they did the shoot.
"We were so cold that we went a bit purple! When sitting on the gate for the front cover image, we kept slipping off as it had been raining." Most of the horses were obliging but "one of the horses (Obi) decided to go into reverse and continue backwards at a rapid pace whilst Miss June tried to get a "hands free" shot!"

On the drive home from the shoot one of the girls remarked, "There will never be an awkward moment between any of us again!". And after all the newspaper articles another quipped, "I don't have time for university now that I'm a celebrity!", whilst another calendar girl was asked "Have you thought about who will play you in the film when this goes to Hollywood?!"

Photo by Josh Crocker

Of course theirs always a downside to publicity and one Sky journo called the girls calendar 'porn.' The girls responded "Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions. We stand 100% behind what we did and are so pleased of the success of the calendars and the general response has been fantastic. We did it for charity and if people want to cast a shadow over a great cause that is quite sad."

Judy Olby, president of Otley & District RDA told the Yorkshire Evening Post, 'They have been fantastic and did it in such good will and not for personal gain. I'm very sorry he has muddled the water by making that comment, it is really uncalled for."

So far they've raised over £1000 and increased awareness of the the important work of the RDA. Over 450 calendars have been sold and three more print-runs have had to be ordered.
"All the reactions from people we know have been positive" Emily told us. "Our parents are so proud of what we've achieved with the calendars. All our friends at Uni and from home have congratulated us on the international success of the calendars and have shown their support by spreading the word to their friends. We have had lots of students (predominantly male!) saying that they are now going to join the Equestrian Society and our socials are becoming more popular!"

If you want to support the girls and RDA by ordering a calendar then go to their website.

Do you think it's OK to bare all, as long as it's for a good cause? Discuss in Why Women Love Horses.

If you don't troton.com you'll get left behind!

IT'S 'TASHTASTIC MOVEMBER!!!

2011-11-24T13:39:00.001Z

more George Michael stubble than full on 'tache!

If you've noticed the men around you getting a little fuzzy in the upper lip department then it's because they're taking part in Movember, a campaign to raise funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostrate cancers and other cancers that affect men, by growing a moustache.

So we thought as most of us ladies even if we could grow a 'tache, wouldn't want to boast about it, should instead celebrate horses with 'taches!

So come on, let your horses facial hair grow free!! Are you a horse 'tache lover? Do you love a nuzzle from a hairy muzzle a or won't you even have a whisker in site? Which of you has the horse with the best moustache-we're sure you can beat the ones in our photos!! Go to Tack Room Tea Room for some 'tashe talk now.

just call me Poirot

TROT ON MEMBER IN THE HOT SEAT!

2011-11-14T16:49:00.001Z


kibby and her mare phil

Taking her place in the HOT SEAT this week is Aussie member kibby famous for entertaining us all by show jumping bareback in a bunny girl costume!

Q. How would you describe yourself in a tweet?
A. Highly strung, highly competitive but also very empathetic and very loyal.

Q. Who would you choose to play you in a film of your life?
A. I would like to think Emma Stone because I think she is hilarious but Ellen Page out of Juno would be better suited.

Q. Happy Hacker or Competition Queen?
A. I'm a Competition Queen. I still love a quiet hack out and about but nothing gets the adrenalin pumping like riding out into a show jumping course or sitting in the XC start box listening to the count down.

Q. What makes you laugh?
A. Crude jokes and people falling down. Nothing can compare to the modest banana skin or a good ol' fart joke...lol

Q. What makes you angry?
A. Just about everything can get on my nerves but mainly rudeness. There is never a good reason for it.

Q. What are you reading?
A. Well, I just finished reading an amazing series called The Hunger Games. It's what Twilight should have been like.

Q. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
A. Jan Tops, Edwina Alexander, Charlotte Casiraghi, Ludger and Meridith Beerbaum, Beezie Madden, Rodrigo Pessoa and the Whitakers too (get some connections haha)

Q. What's your guilty pleasure?
A. Lying in bed eating chocolate and watching movies when I should be cleaning stables or paddocks...or worse still, my saddles!

Q. What's your best feature?
A. I need to know everything. I never like to stop learning about things that are important to me.

Q. What's your worst vice?
A. I need to know everything about anything and everyone!

Q. Schoolmaster or challenging ride?
A. It would be lovely to have a schoolmaster but you would never learn how to produce one of these horses. Challenging ride, I'll create my own schoolmaster.

Q. When did you last jump?
A. Two days ago. I was using a little vertical I had left set up to get flying changes.

Q. What couldn't you live without?
A. Cowboy Magic (the greatest tail detangler), Leather Therapy (my favourite leather cleaning products) and Tuff Rock (a poultice I am sure is made of magic!)

Q. Which rider inspires you?
A. Edwina Alexander. She was a show jumper in Australia until she decided to test her luck in Europe. She is now the highest ranked female rider and is leading the Global Champions Tour.

Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
A. "Find a happy medium.". With horses, in relationships, in life, nothing works without balance.

Q. Mares or geldings?
A. A good horse. Although if I was looking to buy, probably a very well bred mare so I had that to fall back on in case of injury.

Q. Fess up to your most embarrassing moment.
A. When I was jumping Phil and half fell off over the second last jump of the course. I managed to grab hold of her neck and cling on monkey style, only to have Phil continue onto the next jump and jump it! Even the photographer was stunned and missed getting some great shots. That competition has now invented the "Oh My God" trophy. I was the first to win it lol

Q. Favourite item of clothing?
A. My new Animo jacket, it's beautiful. If I'm not in riding clothes you will see me wearing a black singlet, denim shorts and a pair of pluggers (thongs) or strappy sandals.

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
A. I'm still trying to figure out where that will be work-wise, I will be going into the agricultural field somehow. But hopefully with a small string of show jumpers and a few babies from Phil.

Q. Brow band-plain or bling?
A. Mine are half way in-between. They are all brown with gold chains on them.

Q. Are you a fashionable filly or a scruffy mare?
A. Most definitely a scruffy one. Day to day I look like a disgrace. Even at a competition I will turn my horses out nicely and dress nicely, but there is always that one thing I overlook. Usually that's brushing my hair.

Q. In another life who would you want to be?
A. Charlotte Casiraghi.

Q. Herbal tea or stiff drink?
A. Stiff drink.

Thanks kibby. Who will be next to reveal all? Watch out for your invitation to be in the Trot ON HOT SEAT. Come on now, don't be shy!

For more contemporary equestrianism catch up with Trot ON.

ARE YOU RIDING OUT THE RECESSION?

2011-11-11T12:18:00.001Z

Words like financial melt-down, double dip, Euro zone and recession are almost guaranteed to make my eyes glaze over as I stare into the middle distance, thinking 'I'll not worry 'till it comes my way.'
Well, that knocking you can hear is the recession banging on my door!

From the dizzying heights of Dazzle Towers, I have suddenly realised how expensive our equestrian lives have become and how we're all feeling the pinch-ouch! A friend who thought nothing of driving her lorry from one end of the country to the other, if she believed she was in with a chance, has laid it up for the Winter. Why? She simply cannot afford it's running costs, never mind the diesel. Another friend, with several horses, who liked to compete just about every weekend has now decided to have a break because of the rise in entry fees. I also know of a couple of horses who are now barefoot, not as a nod to natural horsemanship, but to help cover the rise in the price of hay. Even a multipack of mints has virtually doubled in price! As for my feed bill, I am in total denial!

When Towerlands in Essex closed this Summer we all thought it was a one off but then we lost Manor Farm in Cambridgeshire too. Now we have the threat of further closures because of the low number of entries to British Showjumping classes. Near me the number of affiliated dressage competitions have dropped by 50 per cent but another of my friends reports that in her area it's a whopping 100 per cent! At least unaffiliated competition doesn't seem to be faring quite as badly, because entry fees are cheaper and riders often compete closer to home.

Also a quick glance at any of the horses for sale sites shows that horses that may have been worth £20,000 a year or two ago can now be bought for a third of that price. So many nice horses for sale and all have the tag 'due to financial circumstances' in their adverts-not good.

With money being so tight and spending being restricted to a 'need' not 'want' basis, competition has definitely been one of the first areas to feel the squeeze. Many riders are also reducing the amount of lessons they have. It's at times like this we all need to stick together and help each other out. That's why Trot On is such a bonus-you can get advice on riding, horse care and even have experts on hand in the Vet Talk and Equine Nutrition groups.

So together, let's stop this from being double dip depressing! Get yourself off to Tack Room Tea Room and let us know how you are riding out the recession and what your top tips are- Smiley Face!

By Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd.

XX

DITCH THE DRAW REINS-JUST LEARN TO RIDE!

2011-11-05T17:24:00.002Z

Fireworks came a couple of days early to Dazzle Acres. And what lit my fuse? An article in a leading equestrian magazine on the use of draw reins-a subject guaranteed to send my blood pressure sky rocketing!

The article rightly explains that in highly skilled hands, in limited circumstances, draw reins can be helpful. It also makes clear that in the majority of cases with average riders, average trainers and average problems draw reins are at best no help at all and are more likely to cause physical damage to the horse.

My concern with the use of draw reins is that we are still seeking a shortcut. When are we ever going to learn to ride? After shoving rollkur back in the cupboard, as we closed the door, draw reins seem to have popped out and the same benefits are being claimed for them.

Riding is a skill, skills take time to develop and in the case of the old masters, a lifetime. We should be encouraged to master leg and seat aids and contact without relying on a gadget to mask the problem. Too often equestrianism seems to be about making life easier for the rider at the expense of the well being of the horse. Surely, the rider has the responsibility to develop core strength and be fit enough to ride their horse, not just see riding as a way to get fit. Coming to riding later in life does not mean the rider should balance on their hands as implied in the article, lunge lessons would sort that out. Neither can gadgets be the answer to loss of confidence.

I worry that many average riders, reading an article like this, will believe that they have the ability to correct problems using draw reins without fully realising the risk to their horse. With the recession in full swing and riders cutting back on lessons, unfortunately people may be looking for easy solutions to complex problems. If you are told draw reins help control unruly horses, that's a big incentive to use them.

You may be thinking, in the words of Michael Winner, 'Calm down dear'. But I firmly believe we don't need yet another distraction from learning to ride correctly.

by Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd.

xx

      Got an opinion on draw reins then share them HERE in the Dressage Wannabes group
                                              at www.troton.com

TROT ON MEMBER IN THE HOT SEAT

2011-10-27T12:53:00.000+01:00

All grown up-Rahara with Tara and Troy her first foals.

On Trot ON we think our members are the stars of the show so here's the first in a series of posts where we put a member in the HOT SEAT and get them to reveal all!

First to take their place in the HOT SEAT is longstanding Irish member Rahara who does a lot of breeding!

Q. How would you describe yourself in a tweet (140 characters)
A. Assertive and creative, fairly easy going and understanding towards the needs of others to a point (don't take the piss!)

Q. Who would you choose to play you in a film of your life?
A. Meryl Streep.

Q. Happy hacker or competition queen?
A. Happy hacker

Q. What makes you laugh?
A. My workmates make me laugh. At work they send me on all these courses to do everything by the book and then make it impossible to do them with all the cutbacks (have to laugh otherwise I'd cry!)

Q. What makes you angry?
A. Bad drivers-say no more!

Q. What are you reading?
A. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Q. Who would you have as guests at your dream dinner party?
A. The Jacksons-imagine all those singers!

Q. What's your guilty pleasure?
A. Wine-drink too much!

Q. What's your best feature?
A. My nose but I also love my freckles.

Q. What's your worst vice?
A. Smoking-the worst vice ever.

Q. Schoolmaster or challenging ride?
A. Challenging ride...but it would be nice to hack out once in a while and not worry about what's going to happen.

Q. What's your secret weapon?
A. Not cooking dinner-I'll say no more!

Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
A. Live for today.

Q. Mares or geldings?
A. Geldings, has to be-I'm sick of moody mares!

Q. Fess up to your most embarrassing moment.
A. Helping a stallion cover a mare and he got on her head whilst four mouthy males were watching!

Q. What's your favourite item of clothing?
A. Boots, any kind, I love them.

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
A. Older, doing the same thing, but wiser.

Q. Browband-plain or bling?
A. Plain.

Q. Are you a fashionable filly or scruffy mare?
A. Scruffy mare but I scrub up well.

Q. In another life who would you want to be?
A. I wouldn't like another life.

Q. Herbal tea or stiff drink? (although we probably already know the answer to this one now!)
A. Stiff drink.

Q. Which rider inspires you?
A. Simon my riding instructor-he's a star.

Thanks Rahara. Who will be next to reveal all? Watch out for your invitation to be in the Trot ON HOT SEAT. Come on now, don't be shy!

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

WARHORSES OF LETTERS

2011-10-24T09:06:00.001+01:00

It seems we can't get enough of our heroic four legged friend the War Horse at the moment. War Horse the play is fast becoming the National Theatre's most successful production ever, the film of the play has been directed by the King of Hollywood Steven Spielberg, a War Horse Exhibition has just opened in London and a non fiction book The Warhorses has just been released.

Now snorting and prancing hard on their heels comes Warhorses of Letters a four part Radio 4 play starring Stephen Fry and Daniel Rigby. This inventive idea is based on the fictional discovery of some letters which have lain hidden in the British Library, tucked inside a book on the history of Blenheim Palace. These are the love letters between Emperor Napolean's horse Marengo (Fry), the seasoned and famous campaigner and the young recruit, ex-racehorse Copenhagen (Rigby) the mount of the Duke of Wellington who idolises him.

Billed as the tragic love story of two horses on opposing sides of the Napoleonic wars we're promised an imaginative mix of glorious language, historical fact with a twist, and humour including a bucketful of equine related double entendres. According to the Radio Times it's 'Camp Comic Fantasy with capital letters'.

'I'm technically a pony' says Marengo in his letter to Copenhagen 'but Napolean and I are perfectly to scale.' Morengo an Arabian stood only 14.1hh whilst the chestnut Copenhagen, the grandson of the famous racehorse Eclipse was himself only 15.1. The good news is that even though their love may have been doomed both horses survived to quite an age, with Copenhagen dying at 29 and Morengo living to an even more impressive 38.

A gay love story between two of the world's most famous war horses, starring the wonderful Stephen Fry-bring it on!! Episode 1 goes out Tuesday night (Oct 25) at 11pm but if you're already tucked up and dreaming of horses by then you can always listen again via iPlayer. One thing's for sure-don't miss it!

For more contemporary equestrianism... Catch up with Trot ON

TIM STOCKDALE FRACTURES NECK IN FALL.

2011-10-20T09:53:00.000+01:00

Tim Stockdale giving advice at Arena UK Sept 2011

Tim Stockdale, one of Britain's favourite show jumpers, fell from a new horse he was trying out on Monday Oct 17, fracturing his neck in two places.

Tim's last Tweet said "I am ok apart from the two fractures in my neck. I will know more after todays move to Oswestry spinal unit. I have movement and feeling."

Whenever you go to a big show like Olympia there is always a huge cheer when Tim Stockdale comes into the arena. Not only is he a talented rider and trainer-last year he was awarded the British Equestrian Federations Medal of Honour, but his personality has helped broaden the appeal of show jumping into the general media. He took a starring role in Channel 4's reality TV programe 'Faking It' as well as the BBC's Only Fools On Horses, training celebs to ride and jump in only a month to help raise money for Comic Relief.

We wish Tim a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him out competing again soon.

Making it look easy-Tim Stockdale on Fresh Direct K2 in the Six Bar Competition at Spruce Meadows 2011.

Have you ever met Tim Stockdale or any other equestrian celebrity? Join our conversation in Tack Room Tea Room.

Have you ever had a bad fall? What's the best way to cope with it?

For more contemporary equestrianism go to Trot ON

HAY-HANDS OFF!!

2011-10-14T12:32:00.002+01:00

When the Archers, that classic Radio 4 tale of everyday country folk brings into its storyline the theft of hundreds of hay bales from Brookefield you know that there's a real truth lurking behind this fictional event.

The theft of hay and straw has steadily increased over the last year; only last month £4000 worth of straw was stolen from the vicinity of Oswestry. While the idea of theft from farms and stables usually brings to mind chainsaws, tractors, quads, trailers and diesel, thanks to the less than ideal weather conditions we've had in the UK in the last couple of years the yield of hay and straw has dropped and as a consequence sent prices soaring.

Last winter small hay bales were on sale for £10 and in some parts of the country owners were limited to 2 bales per week per horse. This year still in a fairly mild autumn, the price of this years crop is already nudging £6 in some areas.

Straw too has risen dramatically in price. Only two years ago you could buy it at 50p a bale but now you're more likely to pay £2 and by the end of the year this price could double. Not only a victim of the weather, straw is also now being used as fuel for carbon neutral power stations and for insulation.
So it's not surprising that thieves are targeting these often unprotected supplies. Having a full barn is now a very precious and expensive asset.

Which is why it's important we seriously start to think about how best to secure our winter feed and bedding if we don't want to see it disappearing overnight. Taking the strings off makes both hay and straw very difficult to steal. Be suspicious of strangers turning up out of the blue asking to buy a bale or two, they may not be as innocent as they appear. Also beware of anyone asking if you would like to buy hay or straw for cash. The horse community can be very trusting and you may think you've got yourself a bargain but at what cost to someone else's horse? Also don't assume that your insurance company will cover the cost of stolen hay or straw; it's worth checking up on your policy.

Fibre should be the basis of every horse's diet as their digestive system is not made for high levels of concentrated feed or low amounts of grass and hay. So it's also worth considering how we can make our hay go further especially if we are in for another rough winter. The idea of padding out a haynet with barley straw is one idea worth thinking about. The advantage of barley straw is that is is low in calories but high in fibre but on the downside it's not good for a horse susceptible to colic.

Have you got any suggestions you would like to share on keeping hay and straw safe? Do you have some bright ideas for making them go further? Then discuss them in the Horse Care group. We appreciate any tips whichever country you live in. As the cost of keeping horses rises we all need to pull together.

By Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd.

For more contemporary equestrianism...Catch up with Trot ON

HORSES AT NUMBER 10.

2011-10-07T14:59:00.001+01:00

Vladamir Putin

One surprising aspect of the phone hacking scandal was the revelation that Prime Minister David Cameron went riding with Rebekah Brooks. It's not who he went with, but the fact he was on a horse at all! So with my equine interest piqued Troton's roving reporter decided to look further into past Prime Ministers and their dealings with horses.

Prime Minister Tony Blair looked a gift horse in the mouth when he refused the gift of a Merens foal whilst on holiday in the Pyrenees in France. His reason? Apparently he had nowhere to keep it, but as No 10 backs on to St. James' Park combined with the Queen's great love of horses surely permission to fence off a small area could have been sought?

John Major went one better back in 1993 when he caused a diplomatic incident after being gifted a beautiful Akhal-Teke stallion worth an estimated £30,000 by The President of Turkmenistan. The horse wasn't collected for months which caused great offence to the Turkmenistan government. It did however, eventually make the long journey to England where it was given to the Life Guards who rejected it as being too highly strung.

Margaret Thatcher famously refused to give permission for a racehorse to be named after her. A love of horses was obviously something Maggie and her political soulmate Ronald Reagan didn't have in common. President Reagan (see video below) kept horses on his ranch and was a particular fan of Arabians.

Tragically, Brian Faulkner, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland fell from his horse and died whilst out hunting with the County Down Staghounds in 1977.

Although there isn't any photographic evidence of David Cameron astride a horse he would have to go a long way to beat Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin; not only no hat but no shirt either!

Guest blog by Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd.

For more contemporary equestrianism....Catch up with Trot ON

DE-STRESSAGE.

2011-09-27T17:24:00.000+01:00

Lucinda McAlpine is a big believer in the words of Winston Churchill "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." But it also began to dawn on her that there was something particularly special about her own horses and the powerful effect they had on anyone who met them, whether they were involved with horses or not. After inviting a few people who had hit a low point in their lives to spend time with her and her horses at Bowhayes Farm in Devon, and witnessing how revitilised they were afterwards, she came up with the idea of De-Stressage; horses helping humans to help themselves.

Just over fifteen years ago Lucinda McAlpine was at the top of her game, competing internationally as a dressage rider, when she decided that she wanted to give it all up to provide her horses with a more natural lifestyle. So she removed their shoes, stopped clipping their coats and turned them out to live in small herds, never to see the inside of a stable again. She also also likes to free-school her horses but when she rides it's in the classical style.

It's this lifestyle which Lucinda thinks makes her horses so therapeutic.

" They are tame horses who act as they would in nature. They are stress free and still in tune with themselves which is why they are so effective. Unlike a lot of horses used in therapy who are rescues and left damaged in some way, I have bred my horses to be 'clear'.

So what is it that horses can do for humans?

"Being around horses get's you back in touch with nature," says Lucinda, "and they bring you into the now. They act like a mirror and show you who you are in the moment. When you've lost your perspective they can give you clarity and help you discover a new direction. With my horses I want to offer that mirror and provide a calm place where you can assess yourself and start again."

This is why Lucinda believes that her horses can help anyone who has got a bit 'stuck' in their lives, whose habitual behaviour has caused unhappiness and ill health. She also think her horses could help artists, such as musicians who've spent too long in the studio, to get their creative mojo back.

Lucinda is quick to stress that there are no therapists around trying to get you to address your problems. "You're not being examined or judged. What we do here isn't human driven, it's horse driven. I just provide people with the opportunity to learn from my horses by interacting with them in a safe, nurturing environment."

"Neither horses or humans are forced to do anything. My horses aren't enclosed in a small space such as a round pen where they have to deal with a person and their problems. They are free to make choices. We often start at the field gate to begin with and then progress from there. We just go with the flow. The client may even end up riding if they want to but how far they go is up to them and the horses of course."

"If horses don't like a person's energy then they won't come near them. Everyone likes to be liked don't they so this can often be a wake-up call. What I've found particularly interesting is that most people get drawn to one particular horse and that horse in some way will be just like them. My job is to act as translator for the horse and their story usually resonates deeply with the person who has chosen them. From this they start to gain greater clarity about who they really are. Also the act of achieving harmony with an animal can be phenomenally powerful."

From personal experience just witnessing the amazing bond that Lucinda has with her horses is quite wonderful to see and becoming part of that energy can be very moving and change your perspective on life.

So if you want time to reflect, become re-energised and move on in your life, let the horses do the talking with a dose of De-Stressage.

If you want to discuss the subject of horses helping humans or share your story then join our group Horse Therapy For Humans.

For more contemporary equestrianism...Catch up with Trot ON

THE SADDLE CLUB

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000+01:00

Meet Lisa, Carole and Stevie-The Saddle Club.

Move over Black Beauty and White Horses, because The Saddle Club has ridden into TV town. This popular series has all the elements of good children's drama, with our protaganists facing the usual moral dilemmas such as responsibility, jealousy, peer pressure, and loyalty whilst caught up in various horsey adventures at Pine Hollow Stables.

Based on the already much loved books of Bonnie Bryant, these Australian based adventures have proved so successful that they've been translated into seven languages and generated two spin off series. Proof that you can't keep a good horsey series down!

So what's the recipe for success? One-take three girls, Stevie, Carole and Lisa, all distinct personalities from different backgrounds who become friends through their love of horses and form the Saddle Club. Two-add into the mix, the snobby and spoiled daughter of the yard owner who you just love to hate. Three-chuck in a healthy dose of riding stable shenanigans and growing up dramas. Four-finish off with a sprinkling of good looking boys and you're onto a winner.

So if you're on the hunt for a fantastic pressie for a pony mad tween then grab a copy of the Series 2 Part 1 DVD,£6.99 from Amazon. Five hours of this hit show should keep them quiet for a while and might give you a good excuse to sit down too!

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

BLACK BEAUTY SELLS OUT TO JOHN LEWIS!

2011-09-19T10:12:00.002+01:00

Who needs the Tardis when music can be such a powerful way to instantly transport us back in time. Music evokes memories and the store John Lewis has made full use of our love of nostalgia with this latest advert, part of their 'Never Knowingly Undersold Campaign.'

They've chosen music from the past decades that will suck you straight back into that era to show how they've always been there to provide the 'latest thing' in electrical products. And centre stage, galloping straight towards us out of the TV set is the glorious Black Beauty. The sight of him, that music, still has such a powerful effect on me. Even in those brief seconds, I'm grabbed mentally and physically with a rush of emotions which encapsulates all my feelings about the iconography of the horse and his place in this world. Black Beauty was a majesty of his form who reflected the best and worst in humanity. Along with Dr Who, the series was a 'must see' for me as a kid (loved him, jealous of her!) but I still can't watch the film. In fact, I found myself unknowingly watching it the other day but as soon as the name 'Ginger' was uttered and I realised it was BB I made a grab for the remotes and switched over. Forget the films 'Love Story' or 'Beaches' when it comes to the blubometer this one zooms through the roof with me!

So does Black Beauty still have a strong effect on you, or are you more of a White Horses kind of gal? Discuss the BB effect in WHY WOMEN LOVE HORSES.

DAZZLE 'EM WITH CONFIDENCE-PERFECTION IS A MYTH.

2011-09-04T16:28:00.000+01:00

For me the worst word in the English language is 'perfection'. My dictionary defines it as 'faultless' which is why I loathe this word with a passion. A few years ago I inherited two Persian carpets which I love, but I was disappointed to see mistakes in the pattern because, I expected them to be perfect. Later I found out that the flaws were put there deliberately, as in Islam only God is perfect. It's such a sense of relief that my horses do not have to be perfect and I do not have to be the perfect trainer, rider or blogger either!

There are two people who I teach, one on a Monday, hence Mrs. Monday and one on a Friday, Miss Friday. These two riders could not be more different. Mrs. Monday has a 17hh, incredibly well bred horse whose pedigree has world champions littered in it's papers. Miss Friday, is the complete opposite. Her horse is homebred and this came about when someone couldn't pay a hay bill and offered the service of his stallion to her old mare in lieu. The result, a small, 15hh on a good day, compact horse.

For Mrs. Monday the world has to be perfection. She has to be the perfect rider and her horse trained to peak perfection, and until that time comes, she stays at home perfecting herself and her horse. They never go out and do anything because the time is not quite right. She almost made it to a local competition once but cancelled at the last minute because the horse rubbed it's tail overnight and therefore it was not perfect. The word 'failure' lays very heavy with Mrs. Monday and the thought that they might not win would be something she could not tolerate; it would be a total humiliation for her. As a result she has never ventured beyond Prelim level.

Miss Friday on the other hand is not afraid of failure. She does not care that her horse is a good two hands shorter than the average horse in the warm up arena, as she says he has no idea how big he is. When the results come back and the judge says, "needs to cover more ground", it makes her laugh as he's covered as much as he could for his height. Consequently, by plugging away, learning from her mistakes and never being afraid to take chances, she has upped her game and now competes in a top hat and tailcoat, something that Mrs. Monday constantly dreams of.

Success is like a game of snakes and ladders; some days you climb up the ladder, other days you slide down the snake. If you want to succeed, never give up but see what others regard as failure as a great learning opportunity.

So, you can sit at home waiting, with your blinkers on or you can go out there and make a start. The perfect day never arrives. The perfect competition does not exist. The perfect time to start something new is now; not tomorrow, or the day after, or when it's the first day of the month. It really is NOW. It's your choice; you can be like Mrs. Monday and wait and wait and never venture out, suffering the slow death of boredom as you both circle round and round, or you can try, try and try again like Miss Friday who believes that you only fail when you either never start or give up completely.

If you've always wanted to hack your horse, today is the day. Does it matter that you don't get further than 100 yards from the gate? No, because there is always tomorrow to try for 150 yards. If you've been thinking about booking a lesson, today is the day. Don't delay, trainers are there to train not to be impressed by your current riding standard. If you need advice then go and find it. Let's go for progress and forget about perfection.

Now for the cheesy ending, 'success comes in cans, failure in cannots.'

Guest blog by Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd.

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS-THE BIG 50!

2011-08-29T14:47:00.003+01:00

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Sept 1-4, not only boasts a stunning backdrop but some spectacular cross country fences. And to celebrate it's 50th year the course get's a 'retro' feel which should suit a galloping horse that's not afraid to take on some really scary fences. Take a look at a preview of some of the jumps (video below), including the massive Cottesmore Leap which has been re-instated after an absence of four or five years and is 5cm higher. Course builder Captain Mark Phillips thinks it's the biggest fence he's ever seen at a horse trials. Just looking at it will have you reaching for the rescue remedy!

If you're lucky enough to be going then it's worth downloading the free Burghley Horse Trials iphone app which will give you lots of useful info such as the provisional timetable (including the Celebrity Talk Area), course guide, rider profiles, start times, results and more.

But if you can't get there, sign up for BurghleyTV the online free to view service which I can't recommend highly enough. Available from Sept 1st to anyone in the world with internet broadband, it allows you to watch every single dressage performance (including commentary), cross country and show jumping round as soon as they've happened. Just select the horse and rider combinations you want to watch and replay as much as you like so you can analyze to your heart's content. Otherwise catch edited highlights of the cross country and final days show jumping on BBC2 Sept 4th 2pm-3.45 if you're in the UK or for International TV times click here.

They've received a record number of entries this year so the competition between the best eventers in the world is going to be fierce. Don't miss it!

PS. Want to see more of your favourite eventers? Then get your mitts on the Riders Revealed 2012 Calendar which will be launched on the first day of Burghley. It features top eventers, jockeys and show jumpers getting their kit off to raise money to buy a robotic suite for Claire Lomax who was severely injured in an eventing accident in 2007. All in the best possible taste of course!

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

ON HORSES FOR HORSES-UPDATE.

2011-08-22T08:45:00.000+01:00

Loes Knopper and her horse Chazbo.

Back in June we announced that Trot ON member Loes and co had set herself the huge task of galvanising horse riders all around the world to ride out on the same day, September 25th, to help raise money for World Horse Welfare. Her dream is, that on this day enough miles will be ridden to reach around the entire world-quite a thought. And we loved that idea, because Trot ON is about uniting people from all around the globe who share one passion-HORSES.

We caught up with Loes to find out how her challenge is progressing.....

"The ball is gently rolling along and from behind my laptop in the kitchen, I feel very positive (between sessions where I breath into a paper bag or pull my hair out!).

So far the events list on my website shows 35 rides in 11 countries with several unconfirmed ones (Ireland, Crete, Germany, Canada and South Africa). I'm keeping everything crossed that they all come off. If you haven't confirmed yet, please get in touch and put me out of my misery! On top of that there is an online competition and many solo riders are contributing too.

Organising this has introduced me to some great people who love a challenge as much as they love horses and have taken to this with gusto. They are helping me to spread the news, organising rides and bothering me with 'hunners' of questions. I have to say, I truly love them for it.

Despite all the effort, we are still a few thousand miles short of reaching our goal for this challenge. and I have no idea of how much money we will raise. I'll be keeping a close watch on the JUSTGIVING page-hoping that together we can all make a real difference.

So, here I am asking you kindly (if not to say, begging on my knees) please, help spread the word and try to get more people on board. Download the poster and put it in tack shops, on the pinboard in your local livery yard-anywhere! If you are still wondering why you should join in, think about this...

Why on earth not? You obviously love horses, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this, so why NOT do something fun and help make life better for horses worldwide at the same time. It is a win, win situation if you ask me, and feel free to ask. So far I've had questions as varied as "what about insurance?" and "can I do it in fancy dress?" Well on the insurance front, my insurance company said you should be covered under your normal insurance policy unless you are doing something you wouldn't normally do, but do check with your own insurance company if you want to be sure. As for fancy dress, sounds good to me!

You know where to find me...want to take part, have a question, I will be here." Loes x

Have a question or want to get involved then get chatting in the ON HORSES FOR HORSES group.
Download posters and sponsor sheets http://www.onhorsesforhorses.org/

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

CATCH UP WITH PHOEBE BUCKLEY-LITTLE TIGER RETIRES.

2011-08-09T09:23:00.001+01:00

The press may have been preoccupied with the retirement of Zara Phillip's horse Toytown recently but I actually felt far sadder when I heard that Phoebe Buckley's diminuitive grey mare, Little Tiger aka Frostie, was no longer going to be seen trying her heart out over the big fences of four star eventing. So I caught up with Phoebe to chat about Frostie, and her other horses.

"Frostie got a bit 'feely' on one of her legs, and although it was just off and on, I spoke to her owner, Dr Polly Taylor, and we decided that she was trying to tell us something. Basically, she's been such a fantastic little mare, she owes us nothing, and even though it's a real shame she won't get to do her fifth Burghley, the worst thing I could imagine would be for her to go lame, or not get round. Frostie is so well in herself and full of self importance, she doesn't think she's old at all. But, I've seen too many people do too many runs on an old horse and I didn't want that for her. Frostie is so brave and brilliant, I'd hate to think that she was really hurting."

The good news is that Dr Taylor has handed the full ownership of Frostie over to Phoebe."Yes, I'm now the owner of a wild sixteen year old" she laughs. But, unlike Toytown the life of a happy hacker isn't for her. Frostie isn't the sort of horse who is happy lounging around in a field but loves to work so she'll be kept fit and doing what she loves best, jumping. In fact Phoebe has set them both quite a big challenge by aiming to win the biggest three hunt rides, the Melton Cup, The Golden Button and the Harborough all in one year. A prospect which Phoebe says is "quite scary but Frostie's idea of heaven!'

Frostie's shoes may be hard to fill but I asked Phoebe if she had any future stars waiting in the wings.

"Flash Gordon is really coming on-he has a fantastic brain. He won his first two star recently and did two double clears but we still need to work on his canter, which is really big, for the dressage. His brain is all there but his body just needs to catch up so I want to take it steady with him and not push for too much too soon."

Flash Gordon is just a tadge bigger than Frosite at 15.2 but he is another complicated horse that other people had given up on until he found his way to Phoebe.

"I've also got a new horse called Identity Crisis aka Colin. He's very smart if you can get inside his head. I bought him for a pittance as he'd been eventing but was very inconsistent, really cold backed and naughty to get on. However I could see that he could jump so I bought him to take hunting and had an awesome season on him."

Whilst he was enjoying his hunting season, Colin showed no signs of being cold backed or difficult to mount but when Phoebe decided to have another go at eventing him and took him to Gt Witchingham Horse Trials that's when the trouble started. He became really naughty so it became really obvious that it was eventing that he had the problem with.

"I discovered that if he made just one mistake when jumping, he threw the towel in. Basically he had no confidence, had experienced a lot of years doing it the wrong way, and had come to believe that he was a bloody useless thing. I also discovered that he hates tight nosebands. So he now has on a really loose noseband and I ride him on the buckle end as if I were hunting, let him find his way through the jump and really praise him. I give him lots of really big pats and say 'you're a brilliant jumper, you can do it' and he says 'Oh yes I can, can't !'"

If you haven't seen it already then check out our videocast with Phoebe and Frostie.

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

THE SUFFOLK PUNCH-A REDHEAD WITH PULLING POWER!

2011-08-02T15:42:00.000+01:00

As an out and out fan of the panther like grace of the Thoroughbred I've been surprised how at many country shows recently I've been magnetically pulled to the edge of the ring to ogle at the Rubenesque form of a mesmerizing redhead-the Suffolk Punch.

Wanting to know more about the object of my new horsey love affair I spoke to Matt Bundock the Head Horseman at Banham Zoo.

The Suffolk Punch is the oldest heavy horse breed in Great Britain. Bred for agricultural work it's numbers dwindled after the invention of the combustion engine to the point that it is now classed as a category one, rare breed. Today there are only 480 Suffolks registered in the UK, of which 102 are mares and only 80 of which are of breeding age.

Which is a good reason to celebrate the birth of Banham Zoo's second foal this year. Take some time out to watch this moving slideshow of Nell giving birth to the gorgeous Bazoo Xiu.

Luckily for us, there are a few places like Banham Zoo dedicated to keeping this glorious breed alive. But don't think just because they're at a Zoo these horses just stand around being admired and patted all day, although there is a fair bit of that going on. Matt points out "it's not just about the breeding, it's important that we keep the skills alive too and train young people to be able to use them. We have an extensive collection of vehicles and equipment here-there's pretty much any job we can do"

The horses regularly give rides in drays at the Zoo, they're used for weddings and funerals, in ploughing contests and demos, for clearing timber in areas where they want a low environmental impact and they've even pulled a water bowser around Bury St Edmunds to water the town's plants.

Here are some interesting bits of info about the Suffolk Punch that Matt gave me:

Unlike other heavy breeds they were bred with clean legs which is better for the heavy clay land of the East Anglian region.
There's an old farmers saying that a good Suffolk Punch 'has the face of an angel, the body of a beer barrel and a backside like a farmer's daughter!'
They only come in Chesnut-it's traditionally spelt without the middle T. There are seven different shades from light mealy up to chocolate brown.
In the 1930's they were exported to Afghanistan where they were crossed with donkeys to produce a heavyweight mule that could work for the military.

Many thanks to Banham Zoo in Suffolk-keep up the good work!

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

ZARA-ONE WEDDING AND A RETIREMENT.

2011-07-29T16:30:00.003+01:00

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall-does one's bum look big in this?

This Saturday eventing Royal, Zara Phillips may be getting hitched to Rugby star Mike Tindall but horses won't be far from her mind. Like any good horsey girl, no man is going to come between her and her four legged friends and luckily Mike fully appreciates what it's like to be passionately committed to your sport.

On the run up to her wedding not only is Zara jogging, swimming and indulging in beauty treatments so that she looks good for her big day, but she's also managed to keep up with those all important hours in the saddle. And the wedding guest list made up of family and friends will be mainly rugby players on his side and event riders and show jumpers on hers. In fact some of the guests will be competing at the nearby Hopetoun International Horse Trials but organisers have kindly given them early dressage times so that they can make it to the church on time.

And forget about a honeymoon; Mike has to be back in training on Monday morning and Zara will be preparing for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park (Aug 5-7th)

Toytown-'horse of a lifetime'

As she prepares to wed one perfect partner, Zara has announced the official retirement of another. Toytown, the wonderful chestnut with whom she has enjoyed such a successful relationship is she says 'my horse of a lifetime and he has given me more than I could have ever dreamed of." On the final day of Gatcombe "Noddy" will be paraded in the main arena as a fitting tribute to an eventing legend. He will then spend the rest of his years grazing in his home paddocks at Gatcombe, and hacking out in the glorious Gloucestershire Countryside.

We wish them, all the best.

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

DAZZLE 'EM WITH CONFIDENCE-PART DEUX!

2011-07-18T15:36:00.001+01:00

SELF PROPHECY AND TOXIC FRIENDS.

What I'm about to say may sound like something from Harry Potter and by the time you've finished reading this you may think of me as Loony Lovegrove; but my message is beware toxic friends!

Toxic friends can come in lots of different disguises. They can manifest as a bullying trainer who makes you feel useless by shouting and constantly criticizing, but manages to also make you think it's only by going back on a regular basis that you will succeed. Then there are the 'friends' hanging around the school watching you ride, like yard Dementors, draining energy out of you with their critical eye. Worse still, there are the 'helpful' friends, always there with a piece of unasked for 'advice'. Even though they never compete they are always the quickest to critique your latest results. Any of this sound familiar?

Well even if it doesn't, take care as sometimes toxic friends can be difficult to spot until it's too late.

We all need praise and if we live on a diet of negative thinking we become starved and really do start to believe we are not good enough. That's when self prophecy kicks in : I cannot compete, I'm not a good rider, I always knock the fences down, my results are always poor. Once you start thinking like this then "Whoosh" like one of Dumbledore's spells, all becomes true.

But remember, when toxic friends make unhelpful comments it's not so much a reflection on you but on themselves. They are nearly always unhappy with the way they ride or feel, have niggling self doubt or have lost the excitement for riding. It's far easier to make nasty comments about others than face their own failures.

Don't let these people make decisions for you and your horse. If you believe these Dementors you become the person THEY want you to be. Instead, let's turn this on its head and make a great self-prophecy for ourselves. Be that rider YOU want to be. Enter that competition. Try jumping that fence. Find the trainer YOU deserve. Ignore the unhelpful 'friendly' advice. Trust me, you will never know how far you can go until you set yourself free from others peoples' ideals.

Many years ago when I took BHS exams I was told I was too tall and gangly to ride-a bit Hagrid-like! It would have been easy for me to have given up and walked away, after all, they were the experts. But then I thought why should I fit into another person's opinion of what a rider looks like?

If you still think they are right and need a reminder try this. I frequently give out Dazzle's 'Thought Expelliarmus bracelets' which are really elastic bands dropped by the postman. Pop one on your wrist and every time you think you're not good enough, ping it. Yes it hurts, but boy does that bad thought disappear fast. And if anyone asks what you're up to tell them 'it's to remind me that I can, I really CAN!'

Also, the next time you have an audience, tell yourself no one has time to watch bad riding, however there is always time to watch good riding. Ride to the best of your ability. Forget all the fancy meanings of dressage, because really dressage is all about showing how wonderful your horse is, and who better to do that than YOU.

It took a sock to free Dobby the House Elf; we are luckier, we don't need anyone to give us anything. We can do it ourselves!

Written by Prue 'Dazzle' Boyd. Look out for more confidence tips, coming soon.

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

TROT ON AND CATCH UP!

2011-07-13T13:54:00.000+01:00

Here's another round-up of our favourite equine news stories to keep you up to date with what's been going on in the world of horses. Some will make you laugh or cry, some will inspire and others may make you want to scream and shout. And if you want to have your say then you know where to discuss it-pick a group and join the conversation!

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!
A round of applause for Laura Bechtolsheimer and Alf who have risen to the number two spot in the FEI dressage world rankings behind Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival. Read more about Laura including why she thinks her 'big and orange' partner Alf is 'far more beautiful than any black stallion' in this report from the Olympic test event. And can anyone tell me which rider was riding to Blur's Parklife? Good choice!

Oh and just to prove that Laura is a 'real rider' (you need to read the article to know what I'm referring to) here she is getting airborne on Lucinda Fredericks wonderful little mare Hedley Brittania back in 2006 for Horse and Hound.

And three cheers for Hayley Turner who became the first woman to win a British group one race on the aptly named Dream Ahead. Read more and watch the race here. Women are equal to men in most equestrian sports but in racing there are still those who think men make the best jockeys-what's your opinion?

However, whatever sex you are equestrianism is a tough sport, and even being Royal isn't a guarantee that things are going to go your way. Proving that horses are a great equaliser, event rider Zara Phillips is still finding it hard to get back to that winning form she enjoyed with Toytown. After receiving a bad dressage score, which put her in a lowly 33rd place at Barbury International Horse Trials, last weekend she was observed with a tear in her eye and her head in her hands. We've all been there. Or is it just because she's seen what her boyfriend is wearing? Been there too!

And even Steven Spielberg the director of the film version of War Horse admitted that he found working with horses frustrating as they wouldn't do what he wanted him to do. Sorry Steven, horses don't give a damn who you are! Watch the trailer if you want a taster of what's coming. We've got to wait a long time to see the full version in the UK as it doesn't open until Jan 13th 2012 but at least that gives us time to stock up on the hankies.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

There have been some sickening cases of cruelty to horses in the news this week. One pony was forced to drown and another was stabbed to death. Is it time for tougher penalties? One MP thinks so and we know you've got something to say about it.

When it comes to animal welfare you can't please them all as Sheryl Crow has discovered. The singer who is a champion for wild horses in America aimed to donate part of the proceeds from a concert she was giving at a Wyoming Rodeo to a wild horse protection group. But she has been criticized by an animal rights group for raising money at an event where they claim wild horses are abused. The Cloud foundation however, says that rodeos are prohibited from using wild mustangs removed from the range by the government. Was she right to choose a rodeo? What's your view?

Also in the USA there was an outcry when a horse broke it's leg during a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede. Temple Grandin the autistic animal welfare advocate has some interesting things to say about this incident in the video below. Has anyone seen the HBO biopic Temple Grandin starring Clare Danes? It's well worth a watch.

To finish, hopefully this story will put a smile back on your face. Of course it might not have had a happy ending but luckily this runaway horse who was caught on a speed camera in Germany returned home safe and sound. Bless him!

DAZZLE 'EM WITH CONFIDENCE

2011-06-27T21:42:00.001+01:00

Prue Boyd aka Dazzle

Prue Boyd, aka Dazzle, has certainly had a varied career. Without giving away any dates, her first pony was in fact a horse, as her mother thought she'd grow into it. He was called Gay Boy at a time when gay had quite a different meaning! She went on to run successful riding schools, worked in racing and trained the Maharaja of Udaipur's horses in India as well as successfully competing in show jumping, eventing and training to advance level dressage.

However Prue has also experienced her fair share of accidents and consequently a complete loss of confidence. Having been there and experienced the terrors but then managed to climb the hard rocky road back to confident riding, here is someone who has lived it and come through to the other side.

So, we're pleased to say that Prue has agreed to share her tried and tested methods for confident riding starting with....

A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

"Confidence is such a fragile thing. I would define it as freedom from worry, or to put it another way as it says on my coffee cup, keep calm and carry on. But what if you keep worrying? Well certainly all the fun stops.

How do you lose your confidence? The answer is, all too easily. It could happen very quickly from a nasty fall or more likely, like a dripping tap it drains away one drop at a time so you hardly notice it go. By this time that devil of bad thoughts is sitting firmly on your shoulder whispering into your ear; you are not good enough to jump that course, if you hack out then dreadful things will happen, people in your yard really are constantly criticising you, and yes, you should have bought a bigger size johds!

Believe it or not, it happens to every single rider at some stage. That little devil is all to easy to believe and before you know it you can think of a thousand excuses not to ride; It's windy, it's raining, you're too tired, you'll do it tomorrow, it's the dog's birthday.

The only way forward is to change the way you think. It was negative thoughts that got you here so it's going to be positive thoughts that get you back to the fun. Start today. Do one positive step. It might simply be that you get on your horse, pat him and get off, or you walk around half the school before dismounting. If that nagging critical voice says, 'Is that it?', you answer 'Yes, for today but I couldn't do that yesterday.'

Think about how good that little step makes you feel and hang onto that feeling. If you really are too nervous to get on just yet, beg, borrow or steal two lunge lines and long rein your horse. It's easy to do and it will certainly depress your demons because you are trying another way to work your horse.

Keep a diary and write down two positive comments every day. It may start with something like your horse having the best brushed tail on the yard. Something small, yes, but YOU were responsible for the best brushed tail. Read your diary back after several days and see how much progress you have made. OK so you are not tackling Badminton or polishing up your passage but you are starting to face up to those negative thoughts which can be just as daunting.

Take small steps everyday and when things slide don't give up and suddenly Badminton will seem like a doddle!"

More of Dazzle's confidence tips coming soon....

GET THE TRAINING YOU AND YOUR HORSE DESERVE WITH HORSE VIDEO ANALYSIS.

2011-06-22T07:29:00.003+01:00

Most of us want to improve our riding but not all of us can get the training we want. Maybe you don't have transport to get to lessons or your horse won't box, maybe you can't find a trainer in your area who has an approach that you like, or maybe, and this is probably more common than you think, you'd like a higher standard of coaching but don't think you're good enough to attend a lesson or clinic with a top trainer.

Well we think we've got the answer and are really excited to tell you that we've teamed up with Horse Video Analysis to provide you with the chance to get online training from world class coaches and at a price that you can afford.

WE'VE GOT EVERY ANGLE COVERED
Whether you want help with your flat work, your ground handling skills or your horse's behaviour, want to improve your dressage score, your jumping, or want to pass your BHS exams with flying colours, Horse Video Analysis has the trainer for you.

THE CAMERA NEVER LIES!
So think about the areas that you want to improve, choose your trainer and make a four minute video. You might be thinking that four minutes isn't very long, but it can actually provide a lot of information which can be easily and accurately assessed by a trainer with an experienced eye. Take a video of you and your horse doing a dressage test, a show jumping round or going cross country. Or video your schooling issues and concentrate on those. Or maybe you just want a general analysis of your riding and the way your horse is going, so do an edited version of a schooling session. And don't forget it might help to get yourself riding from the side, from behind or coming towards the camera. Don't be afraid to cover the good and the bad because this is your chance to show what's really happening when you ride or handle your horse. This is your opportunity to improve your skills and make life better for you and your horse.

GET SET TO ACHIEVE YOUR EQUESTRIAN GOALS
In return you will get back a confidential, friendly and positive assessment of your riding/handling skills plus three detailed exercises chosen specifically for you and your horse. The written equifeedback reports give you the chance to absorb what you have been told in easily digestible chunks, which is great if you're one of those people who come away from a normal lesson unable to remember what you've been taught! Then it's up to you to put the lesson into practice and then get back for further assessment. You and your horse can only get better!

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
A couple of riders have kindly agreed to share their experience of Horse Video Analysis. Go to the Trot ON HORSE VIDEO ANALYSIS GROUP to watch the video they sent in and read their equifeedback report. Then feel free to ask questions and discuss how to make online lessons work for you.

For more contemporary equestrianism Catch up with Trot ON

TROT ON AND CATCH UP!

2011-06-13T11:48:00.000+01:00

Here's a round-up of our favourite equine news stories to keep you up to date with what's been going on in the world of horses. Some will make you laugh or cry, some will inspire and others may make you want to scream and shout. And if you want to have your say then you know where to discuss it-pick a group and join the conversation!

When Monty first impressed the Queen

Whilst the film Buck, about the horseman who inspired the book and film The Horse Whisperer, hits the American cinemas garnering rave reviews, fellow 'whisperer' Monty Roberts is honoured by the Queen with the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his service to the Royal Family. Traditional v 'new age' horsemanship is still a hot topic of conversation!

But the Americans don't get it all their own way as that fantastic British export War Horse gets awarded Best Play at their prestigious Tony Awards. We love talking warhorse.

Express eventing's winners of 2010

This weekend Express Eventing ,which has had a bit of bad press, kicked back with a successful competition at Bolesworth Castle. We're a big fan of organizers like Paul White who think outside the box. Is it time to give other equine sports a bit of a make-over?

Talking of make-overs, no this isn't a horse with an Essex boy paint job, this is a show jumping zebra. His owner spotted Zac's talent when at only 12hh he popped over the farms 5ft perimeter fence!

What about a contest between the zebra, the cow, and all the rabbits and hamsters who've been showing off their jumping skills? Mmmm, maybe that's too outside the box!

Another big equine events venue is getting in touch with new technology and created a free app. If you're off to The British Jumping Derby Week 22-26th it's a must have but also worth getting if you want hotter than off the press results with live updates.

And horse is definitely proving an online hit. Move over Katie Price (aka Jordon) as shire horse Queenie is set to give birth live on the internet! Is there no privacy any more!


Female Jockey Hayley Moore talks the talk..

A sport that can be a bit stuck in a rut is horse racing. As the competition is on to find Britain's first female horse racing commentator there are some who still think it's no job for a woman-have you got something to say about that?

And finally we wish a speedy recovery to paralympic dressage rider Lee Pearson who has been badly injured after falling from his horse. Get well soon Lee-your country needs you!

ON HORSES FOR HORSES-TROT ON AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 EVENTS!

2011-06-06T20:23:00.000+01:00

Loes and Chazbo

I like people with big ideas, especially those who don't just talk about them! How many of us sit around putting the horse world to rights, blah, blah blah, but at the end of the day can just about muster the enthusiasm to support an online petition?

Well, one woman, who has had that big idea and the guts to trot with it, is Loes Knopper. Loes was doing the same thing many of us do, chatting with friends one evening about making a difference to the lives of horses, but rather than roll over, fall asleep and forget about it in the morning, this time her mind was racing and by 3 a.m , she'd decided that now was the time to stop the talking and start the walking. It was then she decided to organise an event, but not any event, something big, something that everyone around the world could get involved in, a symbolic ride around the world in 80 events to raise money for World Horse Welfare. I'll let Loes explain more.....

At Trot ON we're so impressed by her nerve, energy and boundless enthusiasm that we really want to get behind her and support this event.

Loes said, "I really want to make a difference. Horse people are so passionate about horses aren't they, so if we're all so passionate, we should be able to do something about it, right?'

We couldn't agree more! The date for the event is Sept 25th 2011 so lets get going, support On Horses For Horses, and Trot ON around the world in 80 Events.

Join the Trot ON On Horses For Horses group to get more info, get motivated and get involved!

THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER!

2011-05-31T15:45:00.003+01:00

If you're hooked on horses, chances are you're a little bit addicted to dogs too. Go to a major event like Badminton Horse Trials on cross country day or a local country show like Hadleigh in Suffolk and you can dog spot nearly every breed going. Most dogs are happy to be out and about with their owners and even though they're not really interested in eventing, or showing, show jumping, or the parading of hounds (well maybe that's a bit more to their taste) the odd one has been known to join in!

So I felt my hackles rise when I was told that the Suffolk Show (June 1&2) had decided to ban dogs this year and in the future. Their reasons being welfare and hygiene. Eight hours is too long, they say, for a dog to be out in warm weather and they want to protect visitors from foul doggie doo's.

Yes, 'poop' is the word as far as I'm concerned! Again the majority are getting penalised for the minority who leave their dogs in cars or don't scoop the poop, and once more we're being 'nannied' and told that we don't know how to look after our own dogs.

I actually choose not to take my dog to a lot of events, and the Suffolk Show looks like it's going to be blessed with hot weather, but as we know with the good old British weather this ain't always the case. Shouldn't the choice about what's best for our dogs be left to us?

Do you take your dog(s) to equestrian events and country shows? Do you think that the Suffolk Show are right to ban dogs or are you barking mad about it? Have a good yap and a 'mutt'er here.

And if your 'unhygienic hound' is feeling a bit down about being ordered to stay at home you could always give him a treat!

Your Three Day Event Dreams Could Come True!

2011-05-23T15:28:00.003+01:00

Have you ever dreamed of going three day eventing but thought in reality it was never going to happen? Well, the Milton Keynes unaffiliated Three Day Event (May 28-30th) could be the long weekend of challenges and fun that makes that dream come true.

Twice a year the Milton Keynes Event Centre gives riders and horses of all abilities the chance to take part in a professionally run competition following FEI and BE guidelines. But not only do you get tested on your dressage, cross country (see vid from 2009 below) and show jumping skills but you get to experience those elements which were controversially dropped from many top competitions, namely the roads and tracks, and steeplechase.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;On&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

On top of this there's lots more to make it feel like the real deal, especially if you, your horse and helpers stay on site. Not only is there an 'equine village', shopping village and mess tent but entertainment is provided every night with good food and a bar available. All in all, it should be a fantastic atmosphere.

It sounds so brilliant that we're going along to find out what it's all about. And we'll be taking particular interest in Trot ON member Hayley Tolson who is going to take part for the first time. Unfortunately Hayley's more experienced horse Mr Marks had to be withdrawn so she has entered her young homebred mare instead. Hayley says that Willow is very green but "feisty, bold as brass and intelligent too." "She was a bit of a madam until I started to work her but now she's got a job to do, she's turned into a different horse."

So this is a steep learning curve for the both of them. Although Hayley was originally entered in a bigger class, luckily MKE have introduced a class 0 (2ft 3) which is just the thing to give a novice horse a confidence boosting start.

Hayley told me that they also provide riders with lots of advice beforehand on how to prepare and what to pack, and when you're there you're given a briefing and a course walk.

She may be really looking forward to cross country but the element Hayley's most anxious about is the roads, tracks and steeplechase because of the tricky timing. "In the higher classes you have to go at quite a pace too and you'd need a horse that's super fit."

Giving vent to my shallow side, I asked her what she'd be wearing for the 'trot up' "Well we're told to wear riding clothes or smart casual but I think I'll be getting a friend to do that part as after breaking my leg last year I'm extremely lame!"

If you want to find out about Hayley's preparations, the actual event, or maybe you've got some valuable advice or you just want to wish her and Willow good luck, then look out for her posts in the Eventing group. And let us know if you've been or plan to go.

And don't worry if you miss out this time because they're holding another 3DE 16-18 September.

COULD YOUR EX-RACEHORSE BE A WINNER?

2011-05-16T15:01:00.002+01:00

could he be the ROR Heart Throb?

We're big fans of the charity RoR (Retraining of Racehorses), so we were really pleased when they told us about their Heart Awards which celebrate all the qualities that a racehorse can provide once his or her race days are over.

We've got so many members with fabulous ex-racehorses whose stories have been shared and enjoyed in our re-homing racehorses group that we're hoping at least one of you may scoop one of the prizes!

So enter into one or as many of these categories that you'd like your horse to have a crack at:

RoR Biggest Heart Award- To recognize a horse that has shown unrivalled loyalty and affection and is just great to know and love.
RoR Heart Throb- Simply, the award for the best looking horse.
RoR Heart Stopper-To recognize a horse that has shown great courage, against all the odds.
RoR Healthy Heart-for the best all rounder, who has adapted to many disciplines and challenges.

Don't worry if your horse isn't already registered with RoR-it's still possible to do so, but don't hang about on the start line as there are only two weeks left to enter (closing date June 1st)

On June 8th-the Heart Awards short list will be put on the RoR facebook page and the winner will be chosen by an online poll. So, let us know if you've entered via our re-homing racehorses group and tell us why you think your horse, if he's shortlisted, should get Trot ON member's votes.

FORGET THE TACK-GO BAREBACK!

2011-05-08T11:12:00.001+01:00

Laura Collett-High Jump Competition, Blenheim 2010.

Riding bareback was something we used to do a lot when I was a kid, even at pony club, but nowadays thanks to all this health and safety nonsense, many young riders are missing out on it's seat and balance improving benefits.

Laura Collett, is definitely proof of the upside of getting your backside out of the saddle, coming eighth at her first year at Badminton Horse Trials 2011. At 21 she was the youngest rider in the competition, and was actually in the lead after the first day of dressage.

Here she is honing her skills jumping Jitterbug just before Blenheim 2010.

Many show jumpers, in the past, were also happy to show off their saddleless skills in the show ring, with bareback puissance being a popular class, inducing gasps from the crowd and the occasional male rider who got it wrong!

Sadly, these classes are few and far between now although we were pleased to see one of Trot ON's members, Kibby, winning a Hoof and Woof, show jumping competition bareback and in fancy dress too. More proof, if we needed it, that the Aussies know how to have fun! Maybe top equine events need to feature more fun classes like this to get bums on seats in the spectator area.

Let's see bareback making a comeback!

Do you ride bareback? Would you like to have a go? Do you want some tips or have you got some good ones to share? Join the conversation HERE.

MARY KING-EVENTING QUEEN

2011-05-02T14:22:00.005+01:00

There's something about Mary!!! She always makes me want to smile-maybe it's the fact she's always smiling herself or maybe it's her sheer enthusiasm mixed with guts and talent. She has her own unique but highly effective cross country style, allowing the horse to do his stuff and not getting in the way. She's a solo fighter but also a team player. Popular with her fellow riders, and a favourite with the crowd, she was greeted by some of the biggest cheers when I watched her go around the Badminton cross country course this year. And time and time again she delivers the goods. Even though Toddie won Badminton, Mary wasn't far behind.

But this weekend, without even time to recover from Badminton, at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event Mary King proved what an eventing queen she is, and did it in style, not only clinching first place on her homebred mare Kings Temptress but taking second as well on Fernhill Urco, winning her a standing ovation from the crowd.

I imagine Mary King would be wonderful to train with. I bet it would be informative with an emphasis on fun and she'd give you bucket-loads of confidence. Check out this link where she teaches a journalist and novice rider to jump in fifteen minutes!

Well until she comes to my part of the country to do a demo/clinic I think I'll satisfy myself with her Enjoying Cross Country DVD. It's a good price and free delivery within the UK-sorted!

Are you a fan of Mary King? Have you had a lesson with her? Discuss MK here.

THE FEI WORLD CUP FINALS START NOW!

2011-04-27T09:26:00.002+01:00

Phew what a fantastic couple of weeks for those of us into equestrian sports. First the brilliant Badminton Horse Trials which more than lived up to its reputation as one of the best 4* events in the world and today the FEI World Cup Finals in Leipzig gets under way. Five days (April 27-May 1) of Show Jumping, Dressage, Vaulting and Driving action from the best in the world-all held under the same roof for the first time ever.

For those of us into Show Jumping the exciting news is that Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, originally entered on Kismet and Checkmate will be contesting the final on her great horse, the 18 year old veteran, Shutterfly (see photo above). Meredith won the title on him in 2005, 2008, and 2009 and if they clinch this one then they will both go into the record books as the only rider and horse to take top honours on four occasions-Rodrigo Pessoa and Baloubet du Rouet having won it three times back to back.

If you're not going but want to watch events live then you need to subscribe to FEI TV. If you're a big fan of one of these sports or all of them then it's worth it.

Do you follow the world cup, will you be watching the finals and who will you be rooting for? Discuss the FEI World Cup in Tack Room Tea Room.

ANYONE FOR BADMINTON?!

2011-04-20T14:09:00.001+01:00

It's Easter weekend, it's Badminton Horse Trials-and it's going to be a HOT one!! Remember, the cross country is on Sunday again this year and if the weather predictions are right don't forget to take some sunscreen, a hat and lots of water!

We also recommend you get yourself the free and fabulous Badminton Horse Trials app which supplies lots of useful info such as rider profiles, timetable, news feed, live results, animated cross country course guide, and shopping village directory to make your Badminton experience even better.

If you want to get a good look at what horses and riders are up against this year then walk the course with course designer Hugh Thomas and rider Sharon Hunt.

Part 1.

Part 2.

If you can't go to Badminton then UK viewers can catch the x-country live on the BBC red button, Sun 24th, from 11.50-5.45pm and on Mon 25th can watch x-country highlights and final show jumping rounds on BBC2 from 1-3pm. Outside the UK you can get live coverage by subscribing to FEITV.

Go to the discussion in Tack Room Tea Room to share all the latest info, and tell us if you're going or TV viewing. What's your favourite day, and who are the horses and riders you most want to see? And having watched the video's where do you fancy watching from? Or will you be spending most of your time in the shopping village?!!

OUR GREAT BIG RIDING CONFIDENCE SURVEY!

2011-04-18T10:39:00.010+01:00

Today at Trot ON we're launching our 'Get Back In The Saddle' campaign. I wanted to call it the 'Get Your Leg Over' campaign but wasn't allowed-drat and double drat!!

When it comes to handling and riding horses, it all comes down to confidence, confidence, confidence. Horses need a leader they can trust and to gain that trust we need to be clear, consistent, fair, and above all confident. And they aren't fooled by someone who's all bold bluster on the outside but quaking inside-horses can see right through us!

So to kick off our campaign, with the help of Enjoy Riding coach Caroline Putus, we've come up with The GREAT BIG Riding Confidence Survey to try and find out as much as we can about this all important subject.

So whatever your level of riding confidence, please take the time to dig deep and give us your honest answers to our thought provoking questions. Then pass the survey on to your friends and join our Enjoy Riding confidence group because you've got the answers that can help us all move forward.

Together we can give each other a confidence leg up, and 'Get Back In The Saddle.'

Complete the survey NOW!

COME ON NINA!

2011-04-07T19:25:00.003+01:00

This Saturday, April 9th at 4.15 I will be on the edge of my seat, eyes glued to the TV screen, because it will be then that the most demanding and exciting horse race in the world, the Aintree Grand National, is due to start.

And in the male dominated world of racing I will be willing Nina Carberry to become the first female jockey to win this prestigious race. Yes, Velvet Brown did win, but she got disqualified AND she was a fictional character-sorry I have to keep reminding myself!

Not just a pretty face Nina has definitely got what it takes, courage, skill, and the physical toughness, to become a winner. She also has a good racing pedigree, but more of that later. Last year she came a creditable seventh on Character Building, the grey gelding on which she is to contest this years race. And she definitely impressed at Cheltenham this year.

Nina follows in the hoofprints of thirteen other female jockeys who all to varying degrees had to tough it out against a sexist attitude to get their chance to tackle the formidable fences of the Grand National. One of them was Venetia Williams who unfortunately fell at the infamous Bechers Brook but did go on to be one of only two women (the other being Jenny Pitman) to have trained a Grand National Winner which is a pretty cool achievement in itself.

Nina was due to be joined on the startline by friend and fellow jockey, Katie Walsh. The girls became firm friends as teenagers when they went on holiday to Turkey with a gang of friends. They have a lot in common. Not only do they love horses and racing but both have fathers who are successful trainers and their brothers are famous jockeys, Paul Carberry and Ruby Walsh.

Unfortunately for Katie the horse she was due to ride, Our Monty, got a leg infection so she'll be on the sidelines-shame. But who will she be cheering for-her brother or her friend?

Check out this fun interview with Nina and Katie from a few years ago.

So come on Nina, you're carrying the girlhood dreams of women like me, who longed to be National Velvet. And Katie we hope you get your chance next year.

HOLY JUMPING COW!!

2011-03-30T12:43:00.001+01:00

When I was a pony-less kid with a passion for jumping I would build a make-shift course of fences from buckets and brooms etc and try and get our long suffering dog to jump them. I did even try and sit on her back, in the hope she could carry me over them, but it quickly became apparent I would end up with a very flat pooch! Sound familiar?

Well, we've been having a giggle recently at show jumping cats, rabbits, and hamsters, but really, if your dream is to show jump and you can't afford a pony what's a gal to do?

Why you get yourself a cow of course!! And that's exactly what 15 year old Regina from Bavaria in Germany decided to do to satisfy her jumping dreams.

Her cow Luna may not be able to jump over the moon but she's definitely not making a bad job of popping that fence!

HORSE BOARDING-THE LATEST EXTREME SPORTS CRAZE!

2011-03-24T15:51:00.006Z

There's one thing for sure, the new extreme sports craze of 'horse boarding' is mentaaaaal!! So, it's no surprise then that it was invented five years ago by adrenalin junkie and professional stuntman Daniel Fowler Prime who has appeared in films such as the Da Vinci Code and Kingdom of Heaven.

He came up with the idea when visiting a friends farm in Devon where they experimented with towing mountain boards behind cars and horses, and guess what, for exhilarating pulling power, the horse won! Mix the fact that the boarder can reach 35miles an hour in just five horse strides, with the excitability and unpredictability of a horse, and it all adds up to one hell of an adrenalin rush.

There's been such a good response, attracting both boarders and riders from young teens to adults, that Daniel has organised the National Horse Boarding Championships.

He told the Daily Mail "Horses generally take to it very easily and normally it only takes a couple of hours to get them used to it."

'It's the first new equine sport for a long while and in our show we have added ramp jumps over four metre gaps. It takes horse riding to another level."

Well, as a rider I prefer to test my skills and get my adrenalin fix from the back of a horse. The boarders wear protective pressure suits as well whereas we tend to ride at this speed and have a greater distance to fall with much less protection. So who's the one with the most guts? Not that I'm volunteering to do an "Ouch" comparison!!

Check out the video-bet you'll find more girls on horses and more boys on boards but it's certainly a good way to get the guys involved. So don't be surprised if your boyfriend, brother or dad suddenly rock up at the stables, chances are they've just heard of horse boarding!

Would you give it a go?

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU!

2011-03-22T16:49:00.003Z

British dressage rider and team captain Bruce Davison will certainly be entertaining us at the 2012 Olympics with a freestyle of brilliant pop songs from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers.

Rocking to some of Robbie's best known hits, plus a special introduction of vocals, re-worked by Joost Peteers, who has created some of the finest Kurs ever including the one for the record breaking Totilas, AND recorded by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, this should be something really special.

Joost Peteers said "The music of Robbie and Guy make this the best kur dressage has ever heard-it is simply fantastic and takes the sport to another level."

Luckily we won't have to wait to the Olympics to get tuned into this exciting dressage treat as Richard Davison and Hiscox Artemis will be unveiling it at next weeks Kur in S'Hertogenbosch, Holland. One thing's for sure, the audience are going to find it hard to stay sitting in their seats, like Artemis they're going to want to dance!! We'll put a video on as soon as it's available.

So if you could have your dressage freestyle composed for you, who would you choose? Dream on here!

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

2011-03-15T17:05:00.002Z

Eventer Mary King will be switching saddles this year, well at least for a few days until she's back to the day job, by taking part in the first 25 miles of the Golden Horseshoe endurance ride over Exmoor in May.

Have you, like Mary, ever looked at another discipline and thought "mmm I wouldn't mind having a go at that"? Well maybe this should be the year when you try something different.

Sometimes we concentrate on the big three, dressage, show jumping and eventing, but what if it doesn't suit us or our horses? Why keep battling away when there are so many other exciting disciplines out there we can share with our equine partner. Or maybe, like Mary King you just want to have a bit of fun trying something new and fancy seeing what it's like to sit in someone else's saddle.
You never know you might find you or your horse have hidden talents!

Why not have a go at Mounted Games-it's not just for kids!

BHS TREC...watch out for that branch....where am I?

Trick riding or vaulting......well I used to do round the world at Pony Club....

Polocrosse......I always like a chance to practice my ball skills!

Well, they're just a few ideas to start you off. I'm worn out now, so I'm off to lie down in a darkened room! Got any more suggestions?

Maybe you'd like to challenge yourself to something new or maybe you think your horse would benefit from a change? Or have you already dared to be different? Either why join in the conversation here.

SEARCH FOR THE BEST GATE JUMPER!

2011-03-07T14:16:00.007Z

You can always rely on the hunting set for an adventurous spirit and there should certainly be thrills 'n' spills and fun to be had at the Lowesby High Gate Competition being held by the Quorn Hunt at Vale View Equestrian Centre ( March 26th) where they aim to find the best gate jumper in the hunting field throughout the country!

The event was inspired by the 5th Marquis of Waterford who, in 1938, after dinner, won a one hundred guinea wager by jumping a gate in the dining room at Lowesby Hall- obviously he's got a bigger dining room than most of us but it's still a pretty impressive feat and a lot more stylish than what a lot of people get up to after a few bevvies on a Saturday night!

The first round which jumps off at 6pm will see the Gate start off at 3ft but it could go up to a maximum of 6ft 6ins if anyone is game enough to do it and I'd put a bet on it there will be. Each horse and rider must jump the gate cleanly in both directions to go through to the next round and have the chance of winning £1000 and lifting the trophy replica of the gate jumped by the Marquis. There will also be prizes awarded for best outfit, best side saddle, best veteran, best under 25, best 15hh and under and best Quorn Hunt subscriber.

So if you're a hunt subscriber and you and your horse are bold enough, get your entry in now (horses that have been registered with the BSJA in the last 5 years will be ineligible) but remember you don't get a lead like you might in the hunting field!! And if you're a hunt supporter or your horse would rather rub his backside on a five bar gate rather than jump it, just go along for an entertaining night out.

Have you ever jumped a five bar gate?

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!!

2011-03-03T16:47:00.005Z

How many of us have experienced our show jumping instructor shouting at us 'look at the jump, look at the b***** jump!'

We know that focusing on what we want and where we want to go is essential for good horsemanship, but achieving it is definitely what sets the pros apart from the wannabe's. Sorry, what was I talking about?... Oh yes... Well, the Equine Science Dept at Nottingham Trent University have been doing some very interesting, world first research which could reveal the key to show jumping success.

Using a high-tech mobile eye tracking device the research team were able to record where a rider looks, and for how long, on the approach to a fence. They asked a show jumping rider, event rider, point to point rider and a non-competitive rider to jump five rounds of an identical three fence course.

The results revealed that the experienced show jumper fixed their gaze on the jump much sooner than any of the other riders, in fact up to 3.05 seconds earlier before take-off than the less experienced non-competitive rider. The less experienced rider is more likely to look down at the ground whilst the experienced show jumper keeps their gaze fixed on the top pole.

Interesting huh? So where are you looking when you jump?

THE MAN WHO DANCES WITH HORSES

2011-03-01T13:50:00.002Z

Sadler's Wells audiences may be used to being swept away in the arabesques and jetes of the dancers in front of them but taking centre stage from today will be an incredible trainer and his horses.

The French may be surprised we Brits haven't heard of Bartabas, one of their greatest trainers, but this week he is to put that right. So if you want to open your mind to something very different try and get a ticket. But be warned The Horse Of The Year Show it ain't!

Bartabas has been fusing art and horsemanship for over 25 years to produce a breathtaking brand of equestrian theatre. His Zingaro troupe is based in the Paris suburb of Aubervilliers but he also runs his Academy of Equestrian Arts in the glorious stables at the Palace of Versailles which were re-opened in 2003 after a hundred years of disuse.

The riders are trained in Haute Ecole, fencing, dance, singing and Japanese archery and his shows which have travelled as far afield as America, Russia and Japan, combine these elements into a spectacular interaction between man and horse.

His latest show, The Centaur and the Animal (see top photo) however, is a much starker more avant garde work of art in which Bartabas explores the connection between man and horse, which taken to it's ultimate expression, creates a superior being, the centaur.

On training horses he says,"You can have a very simple relationship with a horse, a relationship based on submission, or you can have another thing, a greater thing, a love. And then, when you have this, there is no limit to what you can do together because a horse , by nature, will never stop giving. He will give as much as you want, for as long as you ask him to give it. A horse would die for you if you asked him to."

Obviously what he achieves takes dedication and he's been working with one of the horses in this show for over 20 years. But its not just about the hours he puts in-he speaks of his relationship with them as a friendship. Appreciating what is special in a horse, listening and giving them time is obviously important to him.

'I have reached a level where I can say to my horse "I feel confident with you. I trust you completely. That is why the horses don't need bridles.'

But he believes to get the best out of a horse you need to be relaxed and free of anxiety. If you are nervous or take your problems with you when you ride then the horse becomes distracted by your emotions and is unable to concentrate.
"They can feel if you are tense, and it affects them-the contact between you is lost."

Check out this video of some of his previous work. And if you're lucky enough to get a ticket or have seen him before let us know what you think.

HAS YOUR HORSE GOT A DRINK PROBLEM?!

2011-02-18T07:48:00.014Z

Have you ever had a hangover? OK, not you goodie two shoes, but most of us have suffered with one at one time or another and it isn't nice!

Well, that's exactly how your horse feels after he's done some sweat inducing exercise, or for any other reason has lost and not replaced his daily quota of H20. Because the main reason we feel rotten after a night of inebriation is dehydration. Aha, so now you get the picture.

And did you realise that just travelling to an event can make horses lose precious fluids? In fact for every hour that your horse is travelling, even in cool weather, they can sweat 2-5 llbs of water. And just a 2 per cent level of dehydration will increase the onset of fatigue by 20 per cent, and fluid loss of over 3 per cent will impair reaction time and concentration. Which means that your horse may be suffering from a hangover before he even starts performing as the negative effects will kick in after just 15mins of exercise!

But it's not all about performance because the other major threat to a dehydrated horse is impaction colic. And don't think just because your horse hasn't been working up a sweat, he's not at risk. In fact it's during the cold winter months, especially when it's been snowing, that vets see a huge rise in the number of cases and the main cause is low fluid levels brought on by a change of diet from grass to hay, lack of movement, and a reluctance to drink cold water. The other high risk group of horses are those that were in work and then through injury have to go on box rest. And in fact any horse who may be staying somewhere new, may be stressed, or have a slight change in diet can be susceptible.

And nature does some wonderful things but she also makes a few gaffs too. One of these being that you probably think if your horse doesn't drink then he's not thirsty? Wrong! When humans do some strenuous exercise we sweat mainly water leaving a build up of salt which makes us feel thirsty. But a horse sweats equal amounts of salt and water, so when it's actually dehydrated the thirst mechanism switches off instead of switching on!

We've all experienced that old saying "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". How many of us thinking our horse must be gasping have grabbed a bucket of water, shoved it under his nose only to have our offering snubbed? Or maybe when your horse is staying away from home he turns his nose up at "foreign" water?

Well, actually you can make him drink thanks to a fantastic natural product called Horse Quencher. It contains oats, barley, beet, corn, salt and molasses (but is very low in sugar) and comes in four flavours, apple, mint, butterscotch and root beer-the latter being the favourite of the Household Cavalry horses-Funny that!

It's also FEI-safe which is just as well at the British Eventing Team vet for WEG took it to Kentucky in case the horses weren't drinking properly and performing at their best. I've since read other rapturous testimonials and found out lots of really interesting "well, I didn't know that!" facts about horses and water.

It's not often I get this excited about something but yes it's official, I've become a great big fan and an even bigger water bore!!

I"ll leave it to Coco and her lovely assistants to show you how well it works-schlurp!

Discuss the H20 Factor in the Horse Care group.

A ONE-SIDED AFFAIR.

2011-02-11T13:28:00.006Z

Most of us realise that being right or left-handed affects the way we ride, and research seems to prove that horses also have a dominant side.

Like us, horses can be right or left-handed, preferring to move one leg first when they start walking or trotting when free in the paddock and they have a side that they prefer to roll on too. Something I found particularly interesting is that the researchers noted a difference between the sexes, with mares favouring their right side and geldings the left! Take some time to observe your horse and let us know if you think this is true.

But have you ever considered whether your farrier being right or left-handed has an effect on the balance of your horses feet? Well, just recently British vets carried out some interesting research that shows it most definitely does.

Horses that had been trimmed and shod by apprentice farriers were sourced from The Royal College of Military Engineering and Household Cavalry. They studied 91 horses in all and measured the medial and lateral hoof wall angles of both forelimbs and then compared the results against whether the apprentice farrier who worked on them was right or left-handed.

It turns out there was a significant difference, with right-handed farriers creating an imbalance of 47 per cent in left forelimbs and 46 per cent of right forelimbs. The study revealed that the right-handed farriers tended to over-trim the medial (inner) aspect of the left forelimb and the lateral (outer) aspect of the right forelimb. Left handed farriers did the opposite.

So take a look at your horses feet and make a note of which is your farriers dominant hand to see if you agree with these finding. Mind you, whether you have the nerve to say anything to your farrier is another thing!! But you can tell us!

EQUINE INSURANCE THAT MAKES HORSE SENSE.

2011-02-02T07:41:00.031Z

When it comes to the important decision of who to insure your horse with, what are the most important questions on your mind?

The cost might be your first thought, and let's face it we all love bagging a bargain. But when it comes to shopping for horse insurance, a policy that's cheap as chips, may look good on the surface but when you get down to the small print the zip gets jammed and the buttons fall off!

Insurance is definitely a purchase where you get what you pay for.

So, what's really important? Because we think Millins a family run business with 75 years at the insurance game may have the answers - 0800 011 4755 Below we discuss what they have to offer the horse owner but they have lots of fantastic policies to suit your equestrian business as well, whether it involves premises such as a riding school, or without such as a freelance instructor or groom.

What about PERSONAL SERVICE? Wouldn't it be great to know that when you ring up you can be certain that you're talking to someone who has not only an extensive knowledge of insurance but is an experienced horse person too. And even better be virtually guaranteed that the person who set up your policy will be the same person handling your claim. That's pretty unique in our book as when you call the majority of insurance firms you'll find yourself talking to a different person every time. But with Millins a high quality, personal service is a top priority.

Have you ever yearned for more FLEXIBILITY? That's not a word you hear associated with equine insurance very often is it. But flexibility is definitely another big plus point to what Millins has to offer. They aim to provide a bespoke service tailor made for you and your horse. For example you can insure your horse for death of horse, or accident only death of horse, or insure for vets fees incurred by accident, illness, or disease with a choice of limit and excess, OR you can cover for accident only vets fees. And there are lots of other options to pick from too. To find out more CLICK HERE. The idea is that YOU get what suits YOUR needs.

And would you like a policy with EXTRA BENEFITS? Because Millins policies are pretty unique as they insure horses on an agreed value basis so death claims are settled at the Sum Insured shown on your policy schedule without any deduction for "market value" or Excess. So you won't have to justify the value of your horse in the unfortunate event that a claim occurs.

We also like the fact that you can have a number of horses on one policy from your laminitic Shetland to your classy eventer or auntie's driving pony. Each can be insured differently and you can add horses or remove them when you want because the expense is incurred in setting up the policy in the first place. This is something else that makes Millins an insurance firm with a difference.
0800 011 4755

And don't think because you've claimed on something before that Millins will automatically exclude it as other companies do. As we've said their service is much more personal and they will speak to your vets before they make a final decision.

But don't just take our word for it, read what their satisfied customers have to say.

If you like what you see then give Millins a call on this exclusive freephone number 0800 011 4755 and find out what they can do for you.

Meet the real Horse Whisperer.

2011-01-27T11:55:00.009Z

The man who inspired the novel and Hollywood film The Horse Whisperer is now the subject of a documentary that has been garnering rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival.

Buck Brannaman a charasmatic philosopher who uses understanding and respect to help horses and humans so impressed Cindy Meehl, a lifelong non-western rider who 'didn't put a lot of stock in cowboys" that she decided to make her first ever film about him.

For Buck the horse has become a metaphor for life and as he himself says rather than helping people with horse problems he helps a lot of horses with people problems. Cindy Meehl says that her relationship with Buck Brannaman has taught her that "you can't change a horse without changing the person."

This film has been described as funny and inspiring and seems to appeal to a wide audience because as Cindy Meehl says "Buck is about hope, inspiration and triumph over adversity.." According to one reviewer it had a passionate response and a standing ovation when it was screened. Cindy Meehl has been amazed by the response, with people telling her how much her film has touched them, even if they don't have anything to do with horses, because it's made them reflect on all their relationships.
So it's appeal to the mainstream and not just to the horsey set will hopefully ensure that this documentary, a genre that finds it hard to compete against the big movies, gets a wide distribution so that more people get to love and understand not only the horse but themselves and the people around them.
So keep your eyes peeled and hope that "Buck" appears in a cinema near you soon.
Anyway here's a taster of what's to come.

Share your views on Buck Brannaman.

Think yourself HAPPY!

2011-01-24T10:24:00.010Z

When the skies are a relentless grey and seem to have the sun imprisoned, everywhere you look there's mud, mud, not so glorious mud and you've gone down with yet another cold or the flu it's easy to get a bit glum, gloomy and downright Eeyorish about everything!

But I'm a big believer that happiness is a state of mind and you can 'think yourself happy". Confidence coach Caroline Putus who has contributed a lot of helpful advice to the trot on Enjoy Riding Confidence group, as well as writing for Horse and Rider mag, was the first person who suggested to me that I smile, even when I don't feel like it, if I want to feel happier about a situation. And I don't mean a half hearted smirk but a full on beamer! Apparently just the act of smiling can trick our brains into thinking that we actually are happy. For instance, just the other day I was having problems getting my mare over one particular jump, my own little dark cloud was rumbling over my head, when my trainer said something that really made me laugh-I was still smiling when we flew over it at the next attempt!

And how many of us take our emotional baggage to our horses when we go and see them? Luckily for some just the sight of our horses can make all the dark clouds drift away, but horses are very sensitive creatures and can mirror back how we're feeling and start playing up. Then the situation gets even worse and we leave the yard in an even bigger funk moaning "even my horse hates me!!"

So look on the bright side, think about all the good things in your life, steer clear of negative people, and take control of the way you feel. Smile, find things to laugh about and share those good vibrations with your horse and everyone else around you. Happiness is in your hands and it starts today!

Do you agree? Let us know what you think, start your happiness experiment and report back.

Fat is an equine issue!

2011-01-19T15:59:00.003Z

It seems that we're not just a nation of human fatties but our horses are piling on the pounds too!
A study by a student at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science looked into horses used for leisure purposes and the results suggest that they're getting a little bit too much leisure time and not enough exercise to work off the food that they're given!

Questionnaires sent out to owners wanted to find out about how they perceived their horses' body condition and asked them to fat score from zero to five with more than three indicating overweight. The answers that came back revealed that one in five horses were either overweight or obese.

However the researchers then went to assess a randomly chosen 15 of these horses to see if the owners had correctly estimated their horse's weight. It seems that, ooops, most people had underestimated the weight of their 'cuddly' equine partners and had scored it at least one grade lower than the researcher!

The study also revealed that grass was the main source of forage for half the horses with 90 per cent being fed concentrates. On top of that only half the horses in the study were exercised for just five hours a week. So the big bottom line is that horses are being fed too much for the exercise they're being given. And you can see where this is going-the horse has too much energy in its feed and gets difficult to ride and so ends up getting ridden even less but the owner wants their horse to love them so they give them a nice big feed and so it goes on.

And of course it's not surprising that because of this vets are seeing an increasing amount of fat related problems, like laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, arthritis and heart disease.

So are we killing our horses with kindness? Are the researchers findings accurate? Do we need to change our feeding habits? Let us know what you think.

The sobering case of drink riding!

2011-01-17T12:42:00.004Z

An ad urging people not to drink and drive has caused a bit of a debate in the US because it show's a man being picked up by his horse from a bar where he's been indulging in one too many! In the state of Montana, a big horse culture, where the ad was shown the police have found themselves inundated with calls wanting to know if it is legal to ride a horse whilst under the influence. And in Montana, the answer is YES because their laws definition of a vehicle excludes anything that runs under animal power!

All I want to know is, how can I train my horse to do that!!
What are your views on drinking and riding?

AUSTRALIAN FLOODS.

2011-01-12T12:57:00.014Z

The devastating floods that have hit Queensland, Australia have not only swept away homes and cars but taken away the lives of people and their animals too. So as I look out my window and am tempted to moan about the rain sputtering from a grey sky, and my muddy paddocks I quickly remind myself how much worse things are down under.
As the days progress we are going to hear stories of tragedy and loss, of miracles and heroism.

Even though horses are very good swimmers and have even survived ship wrecks many haven't been able to escape the tumultuous mass of fast moving water which carries so many hazards within its grasp.

People in high risk areas were advised to move their animals to high ground but unfortunately this was not always possible and of course some couldn't get out quickly enough. It has been reported that in one yard 32 standardbreds died in the flood.
As with the bushfires which hit them a year back Australians are very good at digging deep and pulling together. The RSPCA have set up temporary animal shelters and a foster scheme but whether this extends to larger animals I don't know-let's hope so. Unfortunately where household pets are concerned some rented accommodation has a 'no pets' policy but many feel that property managers should show some compassion and relax the rules.
Donations are something else which are desperately needed and this is where all of us in the horse community can help. Advice on dealing with the floods, useful links, and how to make donations can be found on the Australian Horse Rescue Website. There is also a SE Queensland Face book Page where people can get in touch with each other and give assistance in any way they can.

Our thoughts are with you.

DOG ATTACKS ON HORSES.

2011-01-11T07:42:00.003Z

There has been an alarming increase in the reports of dog attacks on horses either in fields or when being ridden. Just recently in North Devon a 21year old former hunt horse was viciously attacked by a 'pit bull type' dog which leapt and tore at it's throat and forelegs leaving it needing stitches and the rider Susan Wallis in hospital with a collapsed lung having been thrown from her obviously panicked horse. "We were just at this dogs mercy for about five minutes, it was terrifying, absolutely terrifying." she said.
When most of us are out hacking we encounter dogs at one time or another, some on leads, some not. If not, in most cases I have found the owner has spotted us and if they haven't I wait until they have done so, called their dog back and put it on the lead. I smile and thank them and we walk on. Of course you can't guarantee that this will happen all the time and that a dog might not come bounding out from behind trees or a hedge whilst out for it's daily exercise. To me that is just one of the hazards of hacking and as with pheasants suddenly noisily launching themselves into the air in front of our horses noses or muntjac darting across our path or rustling through the undergrowth we just need to learn to deal with it by training our horses to be more confident and ourselves to be better riders. However horses are flight animals, and it's amazing how quickly you can go from facing one way to facing another so accidents will happen!
The only time I have been worried was when out in the open in a large field a boxer type dog came galloping towards our horses with the owner nowhere in sight. So what do you do then? Since the rise in the number of attacks on humans, dog experts have told us what we should do to protect ourselves if faced by a salivating beast but I can't find any similar advice for horse riders. At the time we decided to halt our horses, keep calm (keep breathing and no tight muscles) and stay facing the still advancing canine. Luckily at the eleventh hour the owner appeared and called their obviously responsive dog back-phew, disaster averted. I didn't get to talk to the owner, we were too far apart but I would have still been friendly as the countryside is for us all to share as far as I'm concerned.
However the increase in the number of dangerous 'status' dogs being kept are a different kennel of canines and something has to be done about them! The good news is that the BHS and the RSPCA have got together in a two pronged approach to dealing with this problem and last month met with the Association of Chief Police Officers and Defra. Let's hope they get something done and target the right people, put some stronger laws in place and your average dog walker isn't penalised. Meanwhile we can all help by reporting any attacks to the BHS.
What do you think about this issue?

BALANCE IN MOVEMENT-BOOK REVIEW.

2010-12-15T09:35:00.006Z

Occasionally you read a book and sigh, at last this is something that makes sense and I can recommend to my friends. Well for me, Balance in Movement (the fully revised edition) by Susanne von Dietze is one of those books.

On Trot on the subject of trainers and training has come up a few times with one members asking 'do too many trainers pay too much attention to the horse and not the rider?.' Of course how the horse is going is very important but unless we have an understanding of our own bodies how can we hope to be in harmony with the horse and in turn effect his balance and movement?

Susanne von Dietze being not only a dressage rider and trainer but also a physiotherapist goes a long way towards providing this missing link.

'Anyone who would like to ride better has to get to know and understand their own body before they can control it. Here lies the hidden key to the secret of a rider's feel.'

How many of us have been in a lesson where the instructor shouts at us 'Chin up, shoulders back, heels down!' Sounds simple doesn't it, so how come it doesn't seem to work? Because we all interpret these instructions without a proper understanding of our bodies which is made worse by the fact that most instructors don't either! As the author points out, we bandy around words like 'hips' but do we actually know where the hip joints, actually the place of movement being spoken about, are? And do you know why when a trainer tells us to put our shoulders back it can lead to stiffness and tension? Do you know what happens if your adductors are tight or the effect of the thumb position on the wrist? Because for von Dietze everything is linked and if one place on our body is locked then it will knock on into a chain of tension and imbalance throughout the whole body.

To make sure you answer 'yes' to most of these questions and more she provides us with easy to understand anatomy lessons with insights into how our individual body shape can effect our riding and provides some useful exercises to help develop that all important sensitivity and feel-the horse's mouth game is a must. She also addresses the application of the aids, including the secret of 'bracing the back' and tells us how we can overcome problems and reveals how the horse reflects the rider.

There is a lot of detail in this book which may be too much for some but if you are serious about improving your riding then I definitely recommend it. Oh and don't forget to pass it on to your trainer afterwards!

To BUY NOW click here.

Trot on Calendar 2011

2010-12-03T15:02:00.037Z

A few weeks back we asked if members of Trot on would like to contribute
their favourite horse photos for a downloadable Trot on 2011 calendar
The response we got from you was as always fantastic, providing a collection that reflects the wide range of equestrian experiences we all share. And because we wanted to include as many of your super photos as possible we decided to design a montage of them for each month.
To get this free copy which is our Christmas gift to all our wonderful members then click here for our downloadable pdf.

A few of you however asked us whether you could buy a glossier ready made version so being an obliging lot we got some printed up and included some of our favourite horsey quotes on each page to boot!

So, if you want to treat yourself to the Trot on calendar printed on high quality paper and spiral bound then click here. We're selling it for £8.99 plus postage and packing

10% of our profits will be going to a charity we think is well worth supporting - Saddle up - it is an equine charity for research into spinal damage, developing reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck.

We hope you are as pleased with the results as we are and look forward to sharing more of your equestrian experiences in the year ahead :D

GRAND NATIONAL MADNESS!!

2010-11-29T14:52:00.008Z

The Grand National is one of the most exciting horse races in the world. And also one of the toughest which is why some neigh sayers would like to see it banned, arguing that it's cruel to risk a horses life for our entertainment and that other vice, gambling.

So you're probably wondering why I'm talking about it now- maybe you've fallen into a coma and woken up in April when this event usually occurs? No, it's because another annual epic contest The Pantomime Horse Grand National thrilled the crowds lining the streets of Birmingham yesterday. This whackiest of races seemed to have been ignored by animal rights protesters. Why? Surely the pantomime horse has feelings too? He can feel pain because let's face it he's flesh and blood inside!

Take a look at last years race and marvel at these fearless steeds and their jockeys. It's risky (broken trouser elastic being a big hazard) and gruelling(many a winner collapses at the end) and completely mad which is why I love it! It's also all for a good cause, raising not only laughs but money for local charities.

Be warned though this video contains some bad horsemanship!!

ATYPICAL MYOPATHY.

2010-11-17T11:40:00.014Z

You may or may not have heard of Atypical Myopathy, but it has been in the UK news recently having caused the death of 20 horses in Cornwall. It can effect horses of all ages and once a horse has it they apparently go down hill pretty rapidly. Unfortunately it can easily be mistaken for another illness so we thought it would be a good idea to find out a bit more about this worrying disease and asked equine vet Chris Saunders B.V.Sc.,M.R.C.V.S to give us some more information.

Atypical myopathy is a relatively rare muscular disease which affects horses out at pasture. The disease affects muscle tissue with the larger muscular groups showing the most severe clinical signs. Unfortunately the mortality rate of the disease is very high with around 90% of affected horses requiring euthanasia.

What causes atypical myopathy?

The exact cause of this disease is not clear but it is thought to be caused by a toxin ingested from the pasture. The most likely culprit is the bacterium clostridia and it seems to coincide with a sudden change in environmental conditions.

What are the signs to look out for?

Clinical signs from most common at the top to least common at the bottom are as follows:

Weakness.
Horse found laying on the grass (or dead)
Difficulty getting up
Dark coloured urine
Stiffness
Red or purple mucus membranes
Depressed
Muscle tremors
Difficulty to stay standing
Difficulty or inability to walk
Increased heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Sweating
Hypothermia
Colic
Appetite usually remains normal

So the typical presentation of a horse with an atypical myopathy would be a sudden onset general and progressive muscular weakness, which may present as a stiffness. The horses are normally out at pasture and may well be quite bright in themselves and may continue to forage and eat if allowed. The urine is usually a dark red colour. The muscular weakness may cause muscular fasciculations (tremors). Affected horses will end up lying down and the toxic elements released from the affected muscle cells will go on to cause kidney failure, circulatory collapse, and eventually death. Occassionally the musculature of the diaphragm is affected and can lead to difficulty in breathing.

How easy is it to diagnose?

Definitive diagnosis in the field is difficult as the condition presents in a similar way to the following conditions which it may be mistaken for:

Acute Grass Sickness
Rhabdomyolysis (Tying up/Azoturia)
Equine Motor neurone disease-EMND
Secondary infectious myositis
Intoxication
Colic
Neurological disease (tetanus, botulism)

However tentative diagnosis can be made based on the history and clinical presentation. Blood tests will demonstrate significant elevations in the chemical normally found inside muscle cells (due to the number of damaged muscle cells) and high blood sugar and fat are also normally a feature. Unfortunately muscle and kidney biopsies which can confirm the disease take too long to process to be of any help with the treatment of the disease.

What's the treatment?

Because the cause is unclear treatment can only be symptomatic. This includes aggressive fluid therapy (putting the horse on a drip) and pain relief as required. Because of the theory surrounding clostridial toxins as the cause antibiotics are recommended (metronidazole is the antibiotic of choice). Other trial treatments including supplementing the fluids with calcium and giving the horse glucose (either by drip or orally) with insulin may also be helpful. Horses with respiratory symptoms should be given oxygen and horses that are struggling to urinate with need to be catheterised regularly or have an indwelling catheter placed.

So, how can we prevent our horses from getting it?

As the disease is rare, realistically it is difficult to absolutely prevent against this condition but ensuring that there is adequate pasture or supplemental feeding available is recommended (ideally rich in carbohydrates). Routine vaccination and de-worming is also essential.

References

Atypical myopathy: New insights into the pathophysiology, prevention and management of the condition; G. van Galen et al.;EVE 20:5:May2008.
Increased numbers of Atypical Myopathy cases reported throughout Northern Europe; Rossdales and Partners-website; #NEWS Nov 2009
A bad year for Atypical Myopathy-learn to sport the signs; December 9, 2009 by Equine Rescue France.

SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT!

2010-11-10T12:44:00.017Z

I don't know if they've come up with a car sticker "you don't have to be mad to team chase but it helps" If not, they should because Team Chasing is one of the best F'ing sports around at the moment-Fast, Furious, and Fun!

During lunch in 1974 a sports producer from the BBC asked the Master of Hickstead, Douglas Bunn if he could think of a new and exciting event for them to televise. Well with the help of a few glasses of port he certainly came up with the goods and team chasing was born.

Today it involves teams of three to four riders and their horses racing hell for leather over some formidable cross-country fences-there are usually 25-30 in an open event-and the fastest team wins. There are no marks deducted for refusals or falls and you're allowed to remount and continue-all you lose is time. And it's the time of the third horse and rider past the finish post that counts which is why many teams have four riders in them as it's highly likely you're going to lose one along the way!

Many famous event horses and racehorses have taken part in team chases, alongside hunters and show jumpers. In fact the day I went to watch the star horse in the winning team was the double Cheltenham winner Earthmover.

But the combination I most wanted to see were Lissy Seidel and her horse Demon, members of open class team Art Hotel Chasers and as it turns out winners of this years championship. Why was I so interested? Well, not only did I keep reading about their many successes, providing thrills and spills along the way but it also turns out that Lissy rides Demon barefoot and in a Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle.

Lissy was given Demon as a gift horse because his previous owner who wanted to event him had realised that his rather lacklustre walk and trot weren't going to impress in the dressage phase. He doesn't however have any such problems with his gallop or jump and Lissy tells me he got his name because "even though he's lovely to handle, he's a demon to hunt. When he sees a fence there's no stopping him" she laughs. "Even drag hunting is too slow for him. It was actually Lucinda Greene who suggested I try team chasing when I took him to one of her cross country clinics."

"The first time I went team chasing I hadn't a clue what I was letting myself in for. I'd never even watched one! The lead rider told me just to try and keep up. However the faster they went the better the Demon jumped and I actually had trouble holding him back. It completely took my breath away. Unfortunately three fences from home he made a very uncharacteristic mistake and forgot to put his landing gear down. I fell off and got mild concussion, but I was hooked from then on!"

Check out this video from the Bicester team chase in October. Despite the fact Lissy and lead rider Sarah Myhill on Dingbat fall off at different fences they remount and become one of only two teams that manage to complete the course that day. And they win!

To some it might seem crazy that Lissy chooses to ride Demon in a Dr Cooks bitless bridle and she gets a lot of comments like "Oh my God, how can you ride him without a bit" to which she responds "you try riding him IN a bit."

And then there's the question of galloping, making tight turns and jumping, on grass and in mud on a horse without shoes on. I imagine most people think that's an equally dangerous thing to do?

"I wouldn't be crazy enough to team chase barefoot if I didn't think it was safe. I've never understood why people think a stud going into soft mud will stop them slipping anyway. In the four years I've been team chasing the Demon he has never slipped-in fact he's like a cat. I think it's actually safer as he can feel his feet"

It was 5-6 years ago that Lissy got into barefoot when her Intermediate team chasing horse Silver Cloud kept going intermittently lame, stumbled badly and would often pull his front shoes off. It was actually her farrier who suggested that she should try it and from that point SC didn't look back.

"It took a long time for my horses to get through to me-humans can be really dim sometimes!"

Lissy may use her Farrier to trim her horses feet but she emphasises that he does a proper barefoot trim. "Most farriers don't have a clue, a pasture trim is not a good trim." She also points out that giving the hooves a Jamie Jackson style roll really was the missing piece in the puzzle. "They don't chip, crack or flare, they look absolutely beautiful now." She also talks about how important good nutrition is. "I have my horses on a really good comprehensive mineral supplement. A lot of pasture is particularly low in magnesium, in fact even most magnesium calmers don't provide enough."

Lissy a qualified vet who practices McTimoney and Acupuncture finds it depressing that "most vets think shoeing is God's gift to horses. And as for remedial farriery, that's like a red rag to a bull for me."

"Some people think it's positively cruel to ride a horse without shoes but I think even the horse knows it's better for him. Why do you think a farrier will never go and get your horse in from the field? Because they can't catch them!"

Anyway when I watch Lissy and Demon fly round, lack of shoes certainly doesn't seem to be holding them back. I ask Lissy what it is about team chasing that she loves so much.

"It's the simplicity and the lack of rules. Also the fact you have to rely on your horse, you can't tell them what to do all the time. But you do need a horse that will go that extra mile for you, like Demon does for me. The speed is so exhilarating-I don't think we give horses credit for how athletic they are and how they can sort themselves out even going that fast. I've tried most equine sports and never has as much fun doing any of them. I also love the team element and on the whole everyone is very friendly and helpful."

Unfortunately this was the last team chase of the season but they'll be kicking off again in February 2011. If you fancy going to watch then check out the team chasing website. They'll even hook you up with other riders if you fancy having a go. And you can start off in the novice class which features around 20 less daunting jumps and you have a bogey time to meet. Something to think about over winter!

The Horse Nutrition Handbook.

2010-11-08T13:08:00.005Z

The subject of equine nutrition may or may not get you jumping around with excitement but it's essential that all of us horse owners get to grips with this important and actually quite fascinating subject. Which is why I'm recommending The Horse Nutrition Handbook.

In this updated version author Melyni Worth has incorporated all the latest theories based on recent research, and development in equine nutrition to produce a highly palatable read on the subject(excuse the pun!!)

Starting with an explanation of how the equine digestive system works she then goes on to explain the part played by different sources of nutrition, from the role of fat v glucose for different types of exercise, the importance of quality proteins rather than just quantity, the part played by minerals, including a good section on how essential magnesium is in the diet and how it is very often lacking. I could go on as there's so much of interest in this book. Pasture, fibre and supplements each get a chapter to themselves and she also tells us how to evaluate the weight and well being of our horses and work out their individual requirements. But even though there's a lot of science in this book it's presented in a way that's easy to read and understand.

The area of nutrition has had a bit of a shake up of late and it's becoming more and more apparent how many common ailments and unwanted behaviour is bought about by the wrong diet. Even though these links are talked about throughout the book the author also provides a whole chapter on the affect of diet on a whole host of problems such as laminitis, cribbing, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, joint disease, ulcers, tying up and lots more.

Like us our horses are what they eat and unfortunately as we've domesticated them we've messed around with their diets and many are still being fed what doesn't come naturally to them. So don't just swallow (sorry there I go again!) outdated feeding methods, get your hands on The Horse Nutrition Handbook and help your horse to a longer, healthier and happier life.

AIMING HIGH

2010-11-03T12:18:00.006Z

Long time member of troton Amy Turner aka Amy Tee (: has been enjoying some excellent results this summer which have propelled her into 36th place in the young show jumper (under 21) rankings and 159 in the top riders list-not bad seeing as there are 10,000 members in the BSJA.
No one could accuse eighteen year old Amy of having had an easy ride though in her quest to be a top show jumper and the last eighteen months have been particularly challenging as she's had to negotiate that notoriously difficult transition from ponies to horses.
"When a lot of riders come out of pony classes and move up to horses they buy a horse that goes like a pony to make it easier, but they still have to make that change at some point. So mum and I decided it was best to make the change right at the beginning and bought Poker-a 16.3 KWP gelding by Concord. I'd always had difficult ponies and had one that rode like a horse anyway so I didn't think it would be as bad as others said."
So what's the big deal?
" The speed, stride length and effort needed are really different. You have to work much harder on a horse to create canter for example. Also ponies are buzzier, more forgiving and help you out!"
Added to this Poker just wasn't playing ball and for a while Amy and her mum wondered if they'd made the right choice.
"I've only had an arena for about a month and so before that I used to do my schooling in a field. When I had ponies I used to get in from school, put on flourescents and hack up to some stubble fields. In the winter I would be schooling by moonlight. So when I got Poker I just expected him to do the same. But he just couldn't handle it. He would rear and spin-he was afraid of his own shadow. So I started to get really worried that I was going to fall off, lose him and he'd go galloping off and end up in an accident on the road. Then, because I couldn't get it together with him at home I didn't feel confident at shows either."
Before Amy got him, Poker had been ridden by professional male show jumpers and had been kept in professional yards with all the best facilities. Like a lot of competition horses he had become institutionalised.
"I suppose we hadn't realised that what we were asking him to do was such a big deal. We expected him to adapt but he'd probably never even had muddy feet before! So we decided to move him to a professional yard until we could build a school at home and our relationship got going from there."
Now he has a school to go in at home Poker is much happier and he and Amy have obviously forged a great relationship together. Check out the video and you'll see that Poker isn't phased by cars or high speed trains going past at either end of the arena. Even the odd chicken running across his path doesn't ruffle his feathers! Amy does hack him out a bit now but says he's never entirely happy about it.

Amy is upbeat about the difficulties she's had.
"Facing these problems has taught me so much. I'm always open to learning and I like to stretch myself too. I could have stayed jumping in this area and felt like the bees knees but even though when I went to my first big show it was a real eye opener as the standard was so high it only made me want to strive to be a better rider. If you put yourself against bigger riders you can see how much you need to improve and I thought well if they're doing it then I want to be that good too"
This positive attitude coupled with commitment and talent are sure to see Amy Turner fulfil her dreams. And the good news is she's willing to share her experiences and advice too. So check out Amy Tee (: and visit her group Turner & Daughter Show Jumpers and keep your eyes peeled for more videos in the future.

GET SET FOR FIREWORKS!

2010-11-01T11:22:00.006Z

Bonfire night may be officially on Nov 5th, and luckily this year it falls on a Friday so we should hopefully only have Friday and Saturday to worry about, but as most of us know that won't stop people setting off fireworks any day now!

So make sure you're prepared and check out these tips from The Horse Trust for keeping your horses safe:

Find out when local displays are being held so you can be at the yard or field when fireworks are set off to check the horse is ok. If possible speak to organisers of local events so they know horses are kept nearby; they may be able to set fireworks off away from the field or stable. If your horse gets particularly distressed, stay with him until after the fireworks have finished to check that he settles down again and hasn't injured himself.
Keep to your normal routine as this will help minimise stress. For example, if your horse is normally stabled overnight he is likely to find that less stressful. There are pros and cons to keeping your horse in a stable or in a field-some horses react better to being stabled, while other cope better if they are left in the field.
If stabling your horse, check the stable for sharp objects. Some people recommend stabling a horse to stop him bolting round the field. However, if your horse isn't used to being stabled, shutting him in a dark, confined space with loud noises going on can be frightening and the horse can injure himself within the stable.
If leaving your horse in a field, check fencing is ok and remove any objects that could cause injury. Some horses cope with fireworks better if they are left in the field, possibly because the do not feel trapped and can flee the frightening noise. The horse is likely to panic less if it has company, so try not to leave your horse in the field on its own.
If your horse gets very upset, speak to your vet about sedation. Make sure you speak to your vet in advance of the event so that you have time to make the necessary arrangements.
Check for dead fireworks after local events. Check that they haven't landed near the stable or in a field as they could cause injury to your horse.

World Horse Welfare also suggests:

Give your horse plenty of hay to keep it occupied.
Put a radio on to mask the sound of fireworks.
Put cotton wool in their ears if they will accept it to muffle the sounds.
Make sure you have sand and water around in case of fire around the stables and if your horse is in a livery yard make sure you are familiar with the fire drills.

If you want to comment on any of these points or have other suggestions then share them here.