THE EQUESTRIAN EVENT OF THE YEAR! - Countrywide Farmers

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COUNTRYSIDE DAYpICTurE rOuND upA good day was had by all at our recent Countryside Day.8 TOwN & COUNTRY M ATTERS Autumn 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk

BEDDING£7.15per bale£5.95per baleBlue Wrap ShavingsBliss Bedding – Eucalyptus & Citronella£7.00per bale£6.90per baleARE YOU IN THIS AREA?we can deliver to you, please call the salesoffice today, discount available on bulk orders.Bedmax Shavings£7.10per balePaper bedding£4.25per bale£7.00per bale£3.55per baleMegazorb 12.5Kg£5.50per baleWood Pellet Bedding 13.6Kg£5.70per baleSafemixLittlemax Shavings£7.25per baleWood Fibre Bedding£6.75per baleBig Flake ShavingsCardboard beddingTown & Country Supreme shavingsPrices are inclusive of VAT. Collected price only, correctat the time of printing.CONVENTIONAL AND LARGE BALESOF STRAW AVAILABLET O w N & COUNTRY M ATTERS Autumn 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk 9

Royal Bath & West Show President HRH The Countess of Wessex presenting the Dartmoor champion and HOYS Cuddy qualifier winner Moortown Countryman,owned and bred by John and Dianne Jordan of Gidleigh and led by their son David. Picture by www.kathrynpearnmedia.co.ukHeading for HOYSKATHRYN PEARNCelebrations have reached fever pitch this season with a record number ofWestcountry-based riders, owners and breeders fulfilling their dreamsof qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Kathryn Pearnputs the spotlight on a small contingent of hopefuls heading for the big stage atBirmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in October (4-9).A fantastic four tickets have fallen to Cornwall’s leading show jumper Sammie JoCoffin who started her phenomenal run with the Roseway Stud’s stallion Zig Zag inthe HOYS grade C qualifier at the Devon County Show. James Luker’s seven-yearoldson of Concorde went onto confirm his exceptional potential by securing hissecond ticket and a victory in the Horse & Hound foxhunter qualifier at the HandEC before adding a third to his tally in the newcomer semi-final at Crofton Manor.“Ziggy’s fan club will be in full voice at the NEC,” said James who acquired the16.2hh stallion as a two-year-old from breeders James and Alison McIllwraith ofthe Solland Stud in Devon. Sammie Jo’s fourth chance of a HOYS title comesin the eight-year-old championships with her own Willem de Lux. Fourteen-yearoldOlivia Sanford-Wood from Darracott, North Devon, was “floating on cloudnine” following her memorable weekend at the Royal Bath & West and the HandEquestrian’s junior premier shows. The elated West Buckland schoolgirl enjoyed afabulous two-days on her mother Caroline’s mare Shaft’s Montego Bay. The pairwarmed up with a win in the Royal Bath & West junior open championship anda day later landed their HOYS ticket in the junior foxhunter qualifier at the Hand.“We qualified last year and I feel just as excited,” said Olivia. “With more experienceI’m confident we’ll be there for the competition rather than just for fun.”The Royal Bath & West Show also proved successful for John and Diane Jordanwhose Dartmoor stallion Moortown Countryman received a pat from ShowPresident, HRH, The Countess of Wessex after clinching victory and a covetedHOYS ticket in the prestigious in-hand Cuddy qualifier. Bred by the farmingfamily from Gidleigh, the ten-year-old was superbly handled by their son Davidin the final judging. “We’re over the moon,” said John Jordan. “Having a homebredqualify for Birmingham is fantastic and wonderful for the Dartmoor breed.”Darren Commins secured his passage with a win in the ridden Arab mare of theyear qualifier on Summer Place Blossom. Owned and bred by Mr and Mrs StaffordCharles of Exeter, this lovely grey mare looked the perfect picture and will be a hotcontender for Birmingham. The momentum continued at the Royal CornwallShow where Lizzie Luxton from Lifton lifted her ticket to the open workinghunter finals on her ex-event horse Lotus Elan. The combination recorded theonly flawless performance over a testing course. “I’m elated,” said Lizzie. “He gaveme a fantastic ride and deserved to win.”HOYS tickets fell to local combinations in the ridden hunters with AnnetteBuckingham from Helston gaining her passage with a win in the smalls on herconsistent gelding Miner’s Lamp. Jethro Bloodstock, who have a tremendous recordat this show secured the lightweight ticket with Magnifire ridden by Sam Kitsonwhile Emma Gibson from Bridgwater emerged with the heavyweight qualificationon the Candleman. Alison Melhuish from Liskeard landed the ladies’ hunterqualifier on Margo Harwich’s striking grey Master Fiddler Look at Me. Cornishsisters, Abigail and Victoria Dymond have shined all season and look forward tofour championships on their string of show ponies Annandale Darcy, Barkway Tiaraand Cosford Charelle. Also making the journey up from Cornwall are Mel Hennahwith Carolyn Stevens’ exciting six-year-old Anchorman in open working hunterfinal; Lucinda Waters in the small intermediate show riding type championship onher mother Kathy’s nine-year-old gelding Roseberry Highland Fling and NatashaYates with her father Chris’ small riding horse Jackson Fair and Square.Jo-Ann Sharp joins Mel in the working hunter final with her own Regal Spark who10 Town & Country Matters Spring 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk

Exeter’s Jessica Please could be a hot tip for victory with the Exmoor Tawbitts Mystic Major. Picture by www.kathrynpearnmedia.co.ukwon a passage to Birmingham at the Wales & West qualifier. This son of RegalEmblas is described by Jo-Ann as her ‘walking miracle.’ “He’s been with me forten years and is extremely special,” said the Bampton-based rider. “He nearly diedsix-years-ago. A vet gave him an overdose of cortisone and he spent a year in thestable recovering. He’s one in a million.”Exeter’s Jessica Please could be a hot tip for victory with the super Exmoor TawbittsMystic Major. Bred on Exmoor by his owner’s Jackie Ablett and Gill Langdon, thisten-year-old gelding has enjoyed a prolific season with his talented jockey. EmmaEdwards-Brady from Hatherleigh made her dream come true at Kent County withher home-bred hack Runnon Daisy May who picked up a coveted ticket in theHOYS Cuddy supreme in-hand qualifier. “It’s amazing,” said Emma who wasjoined in the final judging by her mother Sue who was leading their prolific hackbroodmare Little Miss Tittle Tattle. “I’ve been in this final with seven differenthorses but never been given the nod. She’s one of our home-breds and extra special- mum and I were in tears.”horses apart from my old pony Chiddock Crossbow who helped my return backto the saddle.” As her confidence grew, Abbi made the decision to start competingagain and in 2008 she spotted Khlassic Design as a two-year-old colt. “He’d beenshown in hand very successfully,” she said. “We sent him to a producer to bebroken and bring him out under saddle. He ended the season by winning theBritish National novice ridden stallion championship. He returned home for thewinter and I started hacking him out. My confidence grew enough to show himmyself and I aimed to do a handful of shows. I never dreamt we’d enjoy thissuccess and qualify for HOYS. It’s a dream come true.”Breeder, Charles Upham of the Langaller Stud, Newton Abbot increased theregion’s chances by claiming his HOYS ticket to the Cuddy final at the NPSchampionships with Tawstock Fedora. Another emotional ticket fell to AbbiHolmes and her Arab stallion Khlassic Design at the Arab Horse Society NationalChampionship Show, Malvern. “It’s our first year competing together and myfirst year back in the ring after a 10-year break,” said Abbi who lives at Redruth.“I started the season as a complete nervous wreck and he (Khlassic Design) justcarried me around – I think this says a lot for a five-year-old stallion. I couldn’tbe more proud of him and what he has achieved both in the ring and in regainingmy confidence.”Abbi broke her back in a riding accident at the age of 15 and spent three monthsin a body cast. “I was told not to ride for a year,” she explained. “We sold all ourDarren Cummings secured his passage with a win in the ridden Arab mare ofthe year qualifier at the Royal Bath & West Show on Summer Place Blossom.Picture by www.kathrynpearnmedia.co.ukTown & Country Matters Autumn 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk 11

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Town & Country Pet OffersBakers complete 15Kg Save 25%was £28.99 now £21.69Wagg complete 15Kg£11.21 each 2 for £17Chappie complete 15Kgwas £00.00, now £13.59James Wellbeloved Senior Light 15KgSave 20% was £47.99, now £38.39Pedigree Dentastix, Save 25%Small £8.39, Medium £9.89, Large £12.39Beauticat cat litter 30LSave 25% now £9.69Felix pouches 12 x 100gSave 33% now £3.49Iams cat 3KgSave 33% now £10.49The Dog HouseLet me introduce myself - I am Jo Pinfold of Cyres Kerry BlueTerriers. We are a small kennels based near Exeter who produceShow quality Kerry Blues. You may see me from time-to-time walkingyoung pups out and about to socialise them with the outside world.We have had an enormous amount of success breeding, handlingand making up show Champions, including Best of Breed at Cruftswith a dog owned by my Mother, but prepared by myself. The DogHouse column will tackle various issues regarding your four leggedfriend - from nutrition, grooming, health and socialisation. So ifyou have any specific questions Or would like me to cover certainarticles, please email Kirsty@townandcountrysupplies.co.uk.In conjuction with ‘the dog house’ we will be holding monthly puppyparties in store where Jo will be on had to give you advice and answeryour canine questions. our first one will start on the 8th octoberfrom 12 – 2, so feel free to come along with your pouch, full detailsavailable in store.TURN UP THE HEATFueL FOR tHe WiNteR SeASONHouse Coal 25kg bags Collected £6.95 Special price £5.67Anthracite Large Nut 25kg bag Collected £8.45 Special price £7.40Red Flame 25kg bag Collected £7.85 Special price £7.36Mixed Ovoid’s 25 kg bag Collected £7.95 Special price £7.64While stocks lastLogs available in nets, dumpy bags and bulk,please call the sales office for more information.Kindling • Now stocking GASBlazer logs 20kg bag - £3.99/bagPallet price – (50) £187.50 = £3.75/bagTown & Country Supplies Crannaford Broadclyst Nr Exeter EX5 3BD Tel: 01392 461420 Fax: 01392 468161 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk

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YOUNGGUNSAbbie Hughes reports on the latestcompetition news from the south westHi all, I am fortunate to say that Ihave just returned from a fantasticweek’s holiday in Majorca – manythanks to the Carter family – had a lovelybreak and even my legs managed to get a tan!It has been a difficult summer with theground being so firm; however we have stillmanaged to keep busy with the dressage andeventing. Regency Valentine gained his firstpoint at Novice by jumping a double clear atAston le walls and then a second at Longleatgetting into a role. Ramiros Secret(Monty)came 5th in the open intermediate atPontispool and Master Midget came avery credible 3rd in the BE100 class. Inthe Stars (Spooky) completed his firstNovice at Longleat (despite the seriouslywet conditions, making a total change- where we had to be towed in and outand all of Sunday sections being cancelledapart from the international) so he copedextremely well. Ramiros Secret excelledhimself in the 2* to come a very credible4th jumping a double clear which wasvery exciting. Glanusk international wasa lovely event – both Monty and Spookywent very well, unfortunately they bothdropped a couple of poles and didn’tget placed – thoroughly enjoyed thecross county and will definitely returnnext year. Monty went very well in theadvanced at Aston le walls – he feltawesome cross country and the flyingchanges are nearly there in the dressage!Hartpury CCI 2* was a great eventbut a mixture of serious high and lowfeelings from start to finish. Montywas lying 5th after the dressage heperformed a great test, then after an amazingclear, inside the time cross country on thesecond day we moved up to third – so exciting.However with Monty’s weakest phase to followI had butterflies in my stomach, unfortunately4 poles down dropped us to 18th. I was sodisappointed but on the other hand I finishedwith a sound horse who had excelled in the firsttwo phases and he will now have a break andspend the winter showjumping. Spooky hasprogressed very well at Novice and came 5that Sapey, also winning the retrained race horseclass at Honiton Show a week previous.weronella has had a fantastic summer, she wonthe advanced dressage at Hartpury premierleague and came a credible 8th in the prix stgeorge. I will be aiming her for inter 1 nextseason. She has also been busy performing atdemos: one for the students charity eventingdemo at Bicton college and the other at BictonArena for Mr Lord Clinton. She loves to showoff and at both events peformed dressage tomusic displays, entertaining the crowds tomake dressage more exciting for all viewers!The foal has been born (Embroyo transfer fromweronella), she is very cute and healthy whichwas thankful considering we tragically lost thesurrogate mare through colic when the foal wasjust two months. A horrible experience, luckilythe foal soon adapted to bottled milk then milkfrom a bucket and has coped well. we will begetting another youngster to run alongside her.Hope all is going well with you and your horses,AbbieT O w N & COUNTRY M ATTERS Autumn 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk15

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Photograph by John Steven PhotographyQuinton (17), leading show jumper at theRoyal Highland Show, ridden byPaul Barker and owned by Lynne Barker.Outstanding Hoof Quality“We now feed TopSpec to all our horses and have been thrilled with the difference in their conditionand performance. We no longer need to add extra supplements to some horses feeds because TopSpecComprehensive Feed Balancer contains many supplements including a hoof supplement, musclesupplement, blood tonic and probiotics which makes feeding simpler and a lot more cost effective.”Paul Barker• Winner of the BETA FeedHelpline of the Year Award forfive consecutive years• Experts in the micronutrition offeeding horses for 30 years• The specialists in tailoring dietsto individual needs• TopSpec - at the heart of everygood feeding programme• All the products featuredcontain an effective hoofsupplementCREATED WITHOUT COMPROMISEby experienced equine nutritionistsAntiLamProviding nutritional supportfor those susceptible to, beingtreated for, and recoveringfrom, laminitisLiteA very low caloriebalancer designed forgood doersComprehensiveFor horses and poniesrequiringtop line, condition andcomprehensivesupplementationMultiple Award-Winning Helpline: Tel 01845 565 030Email: nutritionist@topspec.comwww.topspec.comSeniorFor elderly horsesrequiring top line,condition and thebenefits of a jointsupplementStudFor stallions, mares andyoungstock - promoteseven growth rates,fertility andmilk yieldMultiple Award Winner forexcellence in nutritionaladvice and customer service2007 - 2008 - 20092010 - 2011Bring this voucher to Town & Country Supplies, Broadclyst, ExeterThis voucher entitles you to £3.00 off any bag of TopSpec Feed Balancer or TopSpec AntiLamat Town & Country Supplies. (Only one voucher per bag), offer ends 30.11.2011TOwN & COUNTRY M ATTERS Autumn 2011 www.townandcountrysupplies.co.uk 17

AdvertorialEquine Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin ResistanceSimon Joyner from Western Counties Equine Hospitalwho holds the RCVS Certificate in Equine Orthopaedics.Equine metabolic syndrome is a very commonproblem as it is estimated that 90% of cases oflaminitis seen in this country will have someform of underlying hormonal predisposition,with an increasing number caused by equinemetabolic syndrome. The number of cases oflaminitis triggered by a true single episode ofovereating or illness is actually relatively small.While for many years we have knownthat being overweight predisposes equines tolaminitis it is only very recently been shownthat elevated levels of insulin alone can directlycause the condition, therefore if we can controlthe levels of insulin we can reduce the risk oflaminitis.When clinical signs such as abnormal fatdeposits (crest, shoulders, croup), difficultygetting the horse to lose weight and possiblylaminitis lead us to suspect the condition,blood tests can be taken in the fasted horseand measures glucose, insulin, cortisol andcirculating fats to work out at metabolism. Acombined insulin – glucose tolerance test canalso be run.Laminitis is no longer a seasonal condition.Reducing calorific intake to below maintenancerequirements is crucial. Increasing exercise levelsis also beneficial and has been shown to have adirect effect in increasing insulin sensitivity.The biggest problem are those cases that alreadyhave laminitis which makes exercise impossibleand therefore achieving any meaningful weightloss to bring the condition under control is veryhard. Luckily drugs designed for human obesitysuch as “Metformin” that, while unlicensed inhorses, do seem to be effective. These increasethe cells sensitivity to insulin, allowing glucoseto enter cells and be utilised promoting weightloss and importantly lowering insulin levels.In summary, if you have a horse or ponythat is overweight, act now before the onsetof laminitis that may then require lifelongmanagement. If weight loss seems especiallydifficult or for more information contact yourveterinary surgeon.

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QUALITY TIMBER STABLES & FIELD SHELTERSRing Andrew Burland on01823 680546Blackdown BuildingsHemyock Cullompton Devon EX15 3PFWWW.blackdownbuildings.co.uk.TIMBER STABLESTIMBER BUILDINGSSTABLE DOOR SETSFIELD SHELTERSPORTAL FRAME KITSAs part of the BROOKRIDGE GROUPof companies Blackdown Buildings havebeen manufacturing and installing a widerange of equestrian buildings in the SouthWest for over 20 years.