NHT Magazine Spring 2018

NorthantsHorseTrader
April - June 2018
BREEDING FROM
YOUR MARE
What you need to know…
FREE
Win Tickets
Posture and
Musculoskeletal
Health by Gillian
Higgins
Events Diary
Events in and around
Northamptonshire
Danesmoor Eventing
New Eventing Club Launched
The Scales
Of Training
with Tom Fray
Plus
Win A Lesson

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1

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Danesmoor Eventing
Introducing Danesmoor Eventing Club
Competition
Win A Lesson With Tom Fray
The Scales Of Training
An Introduction To Ryhthem &
Suppleness With Tom Fray
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East Lodge Riding School, Ecton, eastlodgeridingschool.co.uk
Acorn Equestrian Centre, Walgrave, acorncentre.com
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Glebe Farm Equestrian Centre, Bozeat, glebefarmec.co.uk
Northants Riders Club Shows, northantsridersclub.weebly.com
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Dodson and Horrell Country Store, Ringstead, dodsonandhorrellcountrystore.com
Jim Barrett Equine and Canine, equestrianandcanine.co.uk
Kevin Griggs Farrier, 07876 190483
RFRC Shows, rfrc.org.uk
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NHT - Northants Horse Trader Magazine
Events Diary
Local Event Listings In One Handy Guide!
Breeding From Your Mare
By Swanspool Equine Clinic
Readers Photos
A selection of our readers photos
Posture & Musculoskeletal Health
By Gillian Higgins
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6

New for the 2018
season Danesmoor
Eventing launches their very own
‘Danesmoor Eventing Club’ aimed at
introducing more people to the
wonderful world of eventing. With costs of
ownership high when it comes to event
horses, this adrenalin fuelled sport isn’t
always the easiest of disciplines to
become immersed in. Sarah Gairdner, of
Danesmoor Eventing, has therefore
thought outside the box to bring
more people into the
‘eventing family’.
Photo Credit: Lorraine Porter Photography
The club aims to offer people the chance to
be part of an eventing team for a fraction of
the cost. £45 per year buys club members
a bite sized chunk of the action with all the
excitement associated with being an owner.
From watching the horses develop, both in their
training at home and at competitions, plus giving
members an insight into what goes on behind the
scenes on a professional yard.
Sarah Gairdner (nee Millard) is an
advanced International event rider
who, along with a dedicated team,
runs Danesmoor Eventing based
North-East of Banbury. Set in the
stunning Edgcote Estate, Danesmoor
provides all of the key elements for a
successful eventing base. Indoor
arena, to watch horses train in the
warm and dry, all-weather gallops and
on-site facilities for fabulous social
events and dismounted talks.
Sarah, herself, has produced many young horses
up through the grades, from young horse classes
to CIC3*. As a British Eventing Accredited Coach
Sarah mixes her time between producing a select
team of horses and coaching others. She is
joined on the team but Sam Cutts, a vet who
rides her homebred mare at Advanced level, and
Katy Clarke and Harriet Collins who both
compete their own horses, whilst being an
integral part of the grooms team at Danesmoor.
With a strong and exciting string of horses for
2018, there is no better time to launch a club
such as this. From young horses to those
competing at Advanced level. Each horse has
their own plan and goals for the season ahead,
combining Eventing with British Show Jumping
and British Dressage, giving plenty of opportunity
to see the team in action.
Photo Credit: Jodie Cooling Photography
Club membership is set to include two yard open
days where members can meet all the horses
and the team. They can take some time to watch
the horses training at home, to embroil
themselves into team life and get to know their
supported horse’s more deeply. Members will be
able to enjoy a guided tour of the yard and will
see what goes on behind the scenes to keep top
horses in great shape. All this while enjoying
refreshments and meeting like-minded people.
Sarah and the team will be looking forward to
welcoming members at competitions to join them
both at the lorry and by the collecting ring. Join
them socially but also the opportunity to observe
what it takes to immaculately turn out horses for
all three phases and how horses are managed at
competitions.
tricks the team feels they must share, along with
offers and discounts from their supporting
brands.
Danesmoor organise regular talks and clinics
both mounted and unmounted covering a range
of topics. All club members will be offered a 10%
discount and this also includes a 10% discount
on lessons with Sarah Gairdner.
For as little as £45 your annual membership will
include:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Welcome Pack to include a pair of Eventing
Club ear warmers.
Monthly newsletter.
Summer and Winter yard open days to
socialise and watch demonstrations.
Opportunities to watch training (by
arrangement).
Discounted branded clothing.
Join the team at events (cost of entry not
included).
10% discount on Club arranged talks ad
clinics.
10% discount on lessons with Sarah at
Danesmoor Eventing.
Discount codes from ReadySupp, Equine
Storage Solutions and more.
7
Photo Credit: Lorraine Porter Photography
Monthly newsletters will keep members updated
with not only results but with up and coming
competition schedules, reviews of the products
the team can’t live without and a behind the
scenes from the girls who run the yard, looking at
life from a groom’s perspective. Full of tips and
For more information visit
www.danesmooreventing.co.uk or visit us on
Facebook @ Danesmoor Sport Horses or contact
Sarah via Email: sarahgairdner@icloud.com

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8

Dressage Trainer, Rider and BD Listed Judge
Now available for lessons,
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groundwork
Fully insured and first
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Enthusiastic and patient,
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Nervous/novice riders very
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Contact Kate on 07955 567116
WIN
A LESSON WITH
TOM FRAY
Tom is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable
UKCC L3, BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach in
Complete Horsemanship, Pony Club
Recommended Coach and Event Rider
available to help all levels of Horse and Rider.
To learn more about Tom please visit
www.tomfraycoaching.com
One lucky entrant will win either a Flatwork or
Show Jumping lesson with Tom at Boughton
Mill EC, who are supplying the use of their
arena for free as part of this prize package.
Location of lesson: Boughton Mill Farm, Welford
Rd, Chapel Brampton, Northampton, NN6 8AB
Terms and Conditions apply
TO ENTER
Simply email your full name and contact telephone
number to: win@northantshorsetrader.co.uk
SCAN THIS QR CODE
WITH YOUR SMART
PHONE TO ENTER
The Fine Print: The lesson is for one hour and must be taken within 12 months of the closing date (by
30 th June 2019). The winner will be selected at random on the 1 st July 2018. Open to UK Mainland only.
No other cash alternative will be offered. Entrants must be over the age of 18: by submitting this
information you are agreeing for your email address to be subscribed to both Northants Horse Trader &
Tom Fray mailing lists, which you can unsubscribe to at any time. For a full list of T&C’s please visit
northantshorsetrader.co.uk/index.php/terms-and-conditions
9

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10

The
Scales
Of
Training
An Introduction
To Rhythm
& Suppleness
With Tom Fray
One of the biggest challenges
facing most riders is working
out what to do when you ride
in the school. Whatever your
chosen discipline there are
some fundamentals of training
horses that will help you to
improve your horse’s way of
going and give you a
framework to base your
schooling on.
The scales of training are a
process you should follow to
train your horse in the short
and long term. You should
consider the progressive
scales every time you ride
and develop the elements
over the life of the horses
training. You need to ensure
you achieve each one before
moving on to the next.
The Scales are:
1. Rhythm
2. Suppleness
3. Contact
4. Impulsion
5. Straightness
6. Collection
Consider a newly backed 4 year old being ridden
away; in the beginning there is little chance of
suppleness let alone impulsion or straightness.
Your key focus should be on establishing rhythm,
which can be described as the ‘regularity of the
beat’.
Unridden, a youngster will happily trot around the
field in perfect rhythm; rhythm is efficient and
therefore saves energy which is essential for
survival in the wild. Introduce a rider and all of a
sudden he has to balance himself in a completely
different way, he will lose his balance and also
rhythm. He must be given time to re-balance
himself, build strength and find his natural
rhythm. Your job as a rider is to stay in balance
to allow the horse to find his balance. It is so
important that youngsters are taught to move
freely forward to help develop independence,
confidence, balance and strength. Think how it
may be best to achieve this, hacking out and
showing him the world will have a greater effect
on this than constant circles in an arena.
As his confidence and balance improves, he will
find his rhythm and start to build his strength, you
can then start to think about suppleness.
What is suppleness?
There is a difference between suppleness and
flexibility. Flexibility is the range of movement,
suppleness is the ease of the movement.
Imagine we have two identical hinges, but one is
rusty. They both have the same range of
movement but the rusty one is less easy to open
and close. Both hinges have the same amount of
flexibility; the non-rusty hinge is more supple than
the rusty one. Suppleness in horses can be
thought of in two directions, lateral (sideways)
and longitudinal (lengthways), both can be
11
developed together. As you embark on teaching
your horse rhythm and suppleness under saddle
it is essential that he understand your aids. He
needs to know that when you nudge him with
your heel you are asking for increased activity
from the hind-leg, either in a forwards or
sideways direction. He needs to know that when
you close your fingers around the rein and apply
pressure to his mouth through the bit he should
yield to that pressure.
Let’s think for a moment about the relationship
between the aids and the response. If a fly lands
on your horse while he is out grazing in the warm
sunshine what does he do? He will twitch his skin
or swish his tail. He felt the fly and reacted; what
does he do when you apply a leg aid? He can
certainly feel your leg, but does he react to your
leg? How will you improve his reaction to your
leg? This is where training horses actually
becomes simple, providing you keep it simple!
Horses are creatures of habit and become a
direct reflection of their environment and
experiences. So, if every time you nudge him
with your leg and he does not respond how you
want him to and you do nothing to change it then
it will never change. You are effectively training
him to be unresponsive to the leg.
You are training your horse all the time you are
with him, training is not reserved for your
schooling sessions or lessons, your horse does
not know the difference, he is simply becoming
the product of his experiences. If you want him to
become sharper to the leg aid then you need to
be very consistent and clear in your expectations.
You must ask in the same way every time you
ask, you must back the aid up with an artificial
aid if required in order to sharpen the reaction to
the aid. This is the key message here, you need
to sharpen his REACTION to the aid, not
sharpen the aid. Simply put, you must ensure
when you put your leg on the horse moves
quickly from that aid; if he doesn’t you back it up
with a sharper leg aid, voice or the crop. You
then repeat the transition with the original aid you
are aiming to achieve and reward the horse if he
does it well; or back it up again if he does not.
Keep repeating this until you have achieved a
sharper reaction to the original aid. It is important
that whilst working through this exercise you
focus on the simple lesson you are teaching him,
which is to improve his reaction to your leg. So
you might forgive him if goes a bit hollow at the
beginning providing he is improving his reaction
to the leg. Keeping him round at the same time
may become confusing for him. Once you have
taught him to move forward from the leg you will
be able to develop a more supple horse and
improved contact and therefore stay rounder
through the transition.
Here you will see that I have alluded to the third
‘scale’ on the scales of training and can hopefully
appreciate the value of developing each scale
progressively. Work firstly on rhythm, develop
suppleness and the contact will follow.
Likewise, if you have a horse that is over-reactive
to the leg then you must ensure your leg is
consistently around the horse; you must give him
confidence that your leg will always be in the
same place and will always be there, he will learn
to accept the leg and eventually soften to it. From
there you will be able to train him to be
reasonable in his reaction to your leg. Horses like
routine and dislike surprises, so if your leg is a
constant in his life he will accept it; if it is
inconsistent and makes him jump then he will
struggle to understand and accept it.

Once you have your horse listening and reacting to the aids in
the way you wish him to then you can start to develop his
suppleness. Use exercises that are simple and again,
consistent, one exercise I like to use is:
1. Establish a rhythmical trot round the arena
2. Introduce a transition to walk before the corner
and return to trot as you leave the corner (you
can lay poles in the corner to work round to help
with the bend through the corner)
3. This will teach the horse to ‘wait’ for you in each
corner.
4. After several ‘walk’ corners you stay in trot and
ride a 10 meter circle in each corner
5. Repeat on both reins and introduce shallow
loops on the long sides
Exercise Visuals
Exercise 2
Using the poles in the
corners to help bend
In trot, walk before
each corner and trot
after the corner
6. The shallow loops can extend to 10m loops
7. As you reach X on your 10m loop you can ride a
reversed 10m circle which finishes at X before
continuing to the next corner and another 10m
circle.
This exercise progressively teaches your horse to wait in the
corners and then develops the suppleness through the
exercise by constantly moving him around the arena and
changing the bend. Make sure you keep him working forward
from the leg to the hand.
It is essential you maintain rhythm and ride the horse from
inside leg to outside hand developing bend and suppleness
through change of bend. This only works if you have a horse
who is reactive the aids. There are no shortcuts, but you can
be efficient by being consistent and disciplined as a rider – the
discipline needs to be in your way of asking, not a domineering
manner. This is where training horses is simple – as I have
mentioned before, they become the product of their
experiences. If you can ensure the experiences are consistent
he will consistently give the right answer. You must endeavour
to ride forward, from the leg to the hand creating connection
from inside leg to outside hand, which is only possible if your
horse is reactive to the aids.
I hope these thoughts will help you to be clearer in your mind
about what you should be aiming for in your schooling
sessions. This is only scratching the surface of the training
process and we have not discussed contact, impulsion,
straightness or collection, but you should find that if you reflect
on your training and can progressively work on rhythm and
suppleness you will improve your horse’s way of going.
Exercise 4
10m Circles in each
corner
Exercise 5
10m circles into
shallow loops
Main Photo
Credit: Tom Fray
riding the lovely
‘Wolfie’ who is
trained to Grand
Prix and owned by
Jenny Ward at
Brampton Stables
To be continued...
Exercise 6
Reversed 10m
circles at x on each
long side
Pick up the next issue of
Northants Horse Trader Magazine
Available from 1st July 2018 for
part 2 of ‘The Scales of Training’

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13

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NEW
April 21 st Show Jumping
April 29 th Dressage
May 13 th Dressage
May 20 th Show Jumping
June 2 nd Dressage
June 3 rd Show Jumping
July 22 nd Dressage
July 29 th Show Jumping
August 18 th Dressage
August 26 th Show Jumping
September 22 nd Dressage
September 23 rd Show Jumping
October 7 th Show Jumping Champs
October 14 th Dressage Champs
Unaffiliated Show Jumping
& Dressage Events
Summer Holiday Livery
www.manor-farm-livery.com
XC SCHOOLING PADDOCK
Manor Farm
Bidwell Lane Keep up to date with all
Caldecott
the latest news & events on
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our Facebook page
Northamptonshire ‘Manor Farm Livery’
NN9 6AR
07800 501615
14

Sun 1 st
Sun 1 st
Mon 2 nd
Wed 4 th
Events Diary
Glebe Farm EC Unaffiliated Dressage 2nd Round Trailblazers
National Team Chase Championship and Fernie Team Chase at Tur
Langton, LE8 OPD, www.teamchasing.co.uk
UA Show Jumping Easter Special incl. ALW Winter League Series - Final
Leg, Aston-Le-Walls
British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
April
2018
Woodview Farm
Stud and Livery
Sudborough, Northants
Book
Your Place On Our
Friendly Clinics
Today!
Wed 4 th
Thu 5 th
Sat 7 th
Senior British Show Jumping, Aston-Le-Walls
Evening Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
Jo Burchell XC Clinic, Keysoe EC
Sat 7 th UA Horse Trials incl. Grafton Hunt Pony Club ODE Aston-Le-Walls
(7 th - 8 th )
Sun 8 th
Sun 8 th
Sun 8 th
Sun 8 th
Sun 8 th
Sun 8 th
Wed 11 th
Thu 12 th
Sat 14 th
RFRC Dressage Test Riding Clinic with Jonathon Canty
Bozeat RC Open Dressage
Polework Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
WPHPC Junior and Novice Hunter Trial, Hillside Farm, Brigstock
Le Trec Workshop, Abbey Farm Dressage
Affiliated British Dressage, Moulton EC
British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Evening Clear Round Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Quest Dressage, Moulton EC
Sat 14 th British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC (14 th - 15 th )
Sat 14 th
Sat 14 th
Sun 15 th
Sun 15 th
Sun 15 th
RFRC Pole Tastic Training with Matt Cox
Jumpcross Training, Grange Farm, Wittering
Rushden & District RC Open Show
The Pytchley Point-to-point, Guilsborough, www.midlandspointing.com
Combined Training incl. Mitsubishi Motors Cup Warm Up, Aston-Le-Walls
Mon 16 th Beth Curtis NLP & Hypnotherapy @ Edgcote, (16 th - 17 th )
More Info @ www.danesmooreventing.co.uk
Mon 16 th
Tue 17 th
Combined Training incl. Badminton Test and Other FEI Tests, Aston-Le-
Walls
British Dressage incl. Freestyle, Keysoe EC
● 12x12 Stables With Auto Water Drinkers
● Large Lunge/Liberty Pen
● Horse Hot Wash Area
● Individual Turnout
● Large 40 x 60 Arena
● Fully Alarmed
Polework
Sunday 8 th April
Sunday 13 th May
Sunday 10 th June
XC
Sunday 24 th June
Clinic Dates
Call Ruth
on 07799806491
For More Info
Show Jumping
Sunday 22 nd April
Sunday 27 th May
Sunday 22 nd July*
(*Incl. Optional Jumps)
Trec
Sunday 8 th July
For More Information visit Our Facebook Page
‘Woodview Farm Stud’
Wed 18 th
Unaffiliated & British Dressage, Keysoe EC
Wed 18 th
Fri 20 th
Sat 21 st
Sat 21 st
Sat 21 st
Sun 22 nd
Sun 22 nd
Sun 22 nd
Sun 22 nd
Sun 22 nd
Tue 24 th
Wed 25 th
Senior British Show Jumping, Aston-Le-Walls
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Dan Greenwood Clinic, Abbey Farm Dressage
Jumpcross Competition, Grange Farm, Wittering
Show Jumping, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Show Jumping Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
Emberton & District RC Open Show
WPHSA Dingley Park Hunter Trial
Test Riding & Lessons with Kim Darlow, Abbey Farm Dressage
Dressage UK Members Show, Moulton EC
Independent Nutritionist Clare MacLeod Talk on Supplements @ The
Coach House, Edgcote, www.danesmooreventing.co.uk
RFRC Evening Grassroots Show Jumping & Clear Round
Fri 27 th Live Music and Dressage Demo, Abbey Farm Dressage, Tickets £20
Fri 27 th BD Premier, Keysoe EC (27 th - 29 th )
Sat 28 th
Sat 28 th
Sun 29 th
Sun 29 th
Sun 29 th
Sun 29 th
Mon 30 th
Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
Bozeat RC Jonathan Canty Ride a Dressage Test Clinic
Unaffiliated Show Jumping, Moulton EC
Bozeat RC Open Show Jumping
RFRC Gridwork Clinic with Tom Fray
Dressage, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Evening Clear Round SJ (half the arena) Moulton EC
Open Show
Open Show
Open Show
Open Show
Open Show
Championship Show
incl. Cash Prizes!
(Membership required)
Charity Open Show
Open Show & Early
2019 Qualifiers
Venue: Glebe Farm Equestrian Centre, Harrold Rd,
Bozeat, Wellingborough, Northants, NN29 7LB
For all of the latest show dates, club news etc. please
visit the website or you can find us on Facebook,
search for ‘Rushden and District Riding club’
www.rushdenanddistrictrc.wix.com/forestivory
Mon 30 th
15
Showing, Keysoe

Events Diary
May
2018
2018 SHOWS
Wed 2 nd
Wed 2 nd
Wed 2 nd
Thu 3 rd
Senior British Show Jumping, Aston-Le-Walls
British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Dan Greenwood Clinic, Abbey Farm Dressage
Evening Clear Round Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Thu 3 rd
Fri 4 th
Sat 5 th
Evening Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Glebe Farm EC Jo Burchell Show Jumping Clinic over a Course
Sat 5 th British Eventing, Keysoe EC (5 th - 7 th )
Sat 5 th
Sun 6 th
Wed 9 th
Jumpcross Training, Grange Farm, Wittering
The Fernie Point-to-point, Dingley, www.midlandspointing.com
Unaffiliated & British Dressage, Keysoe EC
Wed 9 th British Eventing Horse Trials, Aston-Le-Walls (9 th - 12 th )
Sat 12 th
Sat 12 th
Dressage UK, Moulton EC
Jumpcross Competition, Grange Farm, Wittering
Sat 12 th British Dressage Senior Inter Regional's, Keysoe EC (12 th - 13 th )
♦ Sunday 13 May
♦ Sunday 10 June
♦ Sunday 29 July
♦ Sunday 2 Sept
The Monument Field, Stanford Hall,
Lutterworth, LE17 6DH
Friendly, fun, supportive shows, with classes for all
the family.
Entries on the day. Trophies and prizes in all
classes. Open to everyone.
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Sun 13 th
Wed 16 th
Affiliated British Dressage, Moulton EC
Dressage, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Jo Burchell XC Clinic, Keysoe EC
Northampton PC Open Show
RFRC XC Clinic with Tom Fray
Rushden & District RC Open Show
South Kilworth RC Open Show
Polework Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
WPHPC Junior and Novice ODE, Hillside Farm, Brigstock
UA Horse Trials, Aston-Le-Walls
Senior British Show Jumping, Aston-Le-Walls
♦ Showing ♦ Show Jumping
♦ Working Hunter ♦ Gymkhana
♦ Fun Classes ♦ Clear Round ♦ Qualifiers
Download a schedule
from www.skrc.co.uk
Thu 17 th
Fri 18 th
Keysoe Evening Equestrian Car Boot Sale
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Fri 18 th Rockingham International Horse Trials (18 th - 20 th )
Sat 19 th
Sun 20 th
Sun 20 th
Sun 20 th
Mon 21 st
Tue 22 nd
Wed 23 rd
Thu 24 th
Sat 26 th
Sat 26 th
Unaffiliated Dressage, Abbey Farm Dressage
Emberton & District RC Open Show
Show Jumping, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Unaffiliated Show Jumping, Moulton EC
Northampton PC Evening Dressage Series
Getting The Balance Right - symmetry and rehab training with Jin
Langstone, www.danesmooreventing.co.uk
British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Evening Clear Round Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
The Fitzwilliam Point-to-Point, Dingley, www.midlandspointing.com
Sat 26 th Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing, Keysoe EC (26 th - 28 th )
All held at Delapre Park, London Road,
Northampton, NN4 8AW
Open Shows ~ SUNDAY 13th MAY & 30th SEPTEMBER
To include In-Hand and Ridden Showing , Mini and
Open Show Jumping, Working Hunter, Gymkhana
and Fun Classes
JUMPING DERBY ~ SUNDAY 15 TH JULY
Back by popular demand A mixed course of show
jumps and XC style jumps set in the lovely Delapre Park
Classes for all - Heights raised throughout the day
MONDAY EVENING DRESSAGE SERIES
21 ST MAY, 4 TH & 18 TH JUNE, 9 TH AND 30 TH JULY
To include Walk and Trot, Intro, Prelim and Novice tests
Sun 27 th
Sun 27 th
Sun 27 th
Sun 27 th
Mon 28 th
Wed 30 th
Show Jumping Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
RFRC Hunter Trial at Boughton 60-90cm
Bozeat RC Open Show Jumping
Quest Dressage, Moulton EC
BE Clinic with Sarah Gairdner at Firs Farm, Caxton, Cambridgeshire,
www.danesmooreventing.co.uk
RFRC Evening Grassroots Show Jumping & Clear Round
SCHEDULES:
www.branches.pcuk.org/northamptonbranch/schedules
or SAE to Show Organiser
Mrs K Amos,
52 High Street, Harpole,
Northants, NN7 4BS
07704 511352/01604 832075
kathyamos@hotmail.co.uk
16

Events Diary
June
2018
Sat 2 nd British Riding Club's Festival of the Horse, Aston-Le-Walls (2 nd - 3 rd )
Sat 2 nd Dressage, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Equestrian Centres
Castlethorpe Rd, Hanslope,
Milton Keynes, MK19 7HQ
Church Road, Keysoe,
Bedford, MK44 2JP
Sun 3 rd
Show Jumping, Manor Farm EC, Caldecott
Sun 3 rd
Mon 4 th
Wed 6 th
Bozeat RC Open Dressage
Northampton PC Evening Dressage Series
British Show Jumping FOXHUNTER 2nd Round, Keysoe EC
Washbrook Farm,
Aston le Walls, Daventry,
Northants, NN11 6RT
Harrold Road, Bozeat,
Wellingborough,
Northants, NN29 7LB
Thu 7 th
Evening Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
Thu 7 th
Evening Clear Round Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Fri 8 th
Sat 9 th
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Jumpcross Training, Grange Farm, Wittering.
Gate 4, Pitsford Centre,
Moulton, NN3 7RR
Manor Farm, Caldecott,
Northants, NN9 6AR
Sat 9 th
British Show Jumping Pony Premier, Keysoe EC
Sat 9 th
Sun 10 th
Sun 10 th
Sun 10 th
Sun 10 th
Sun 10 th
Tue 12 th
Dressage UK, Moulton EC
Affiliated British Dressage, Moulton EC
WPHPC Junior and Novice Eventer Trial plus Dressage, Hillside Farm,
Brigstock
Rushden & District RC Open Show
South Kilworth RC Open Show
Polework Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
British Dressage incl. Freestyle, Keysoe EC
Grange Farm,
Wittering Grange, Wansford,
Peterborough, PE8 6NR
Riding Clubs
Jacks Lane, Turvey,
Bedfordshire, MK43 8DH
Wed 13 th
Wed 13 th
Unaffiliated & British Dressage, Keysoe EC
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Fri 15 th Aston-Le-Walls Beer and Gin Festival (15 th - 17 th )
Sat 16 th
Dan Greenwood Clinic, Abbey Farm Dressage
Sat 16 th British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC (16 th - 27 th )
Sat 16 th
Sun 17 th
Jumpcross Competition, Grange Farm, Wittering.
Bozeat RC Open Show Jumping
Low Farm Livery, Bozeat,
Wellingborough, NN29 7NP
All held at Delapre Park, London
Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
Harrold Road, Bozeat,
Wellingborough,
Northants, NN29 7LB
Sun 17 th
Sun 17 th
Mon 18 th
Wed 20 th
RFRC SJ clinic with Tom Fray & Summer Team training
Unaffiliated Show Jumping, Moulton EC
Northampton PC Evening Dressage Series
British Show Jumping, Keysoe EC
Sat 23 rd Unaffiliated Dressage, Moulton EC
Sat 23 rd British Eventing, Keysoe EC (23 rd - 24 th )
Sun 24 th XC Clinic, Woodview Livery & Stud, Sudborough
The Monument Field, Stanford Hall,
Lutterworth, LE17 6DH
Sun 24 th
Emberton & District RC Open Show
Sun 24 th
Wed 27 th
Thu 28 th
Quest Dressage, Moulton EC
UA Evening Show Jumping incl. ALW Summer League Series, Aston-Le-
Walls
Evening Clear Round SJ (half the arena) Moulton EC
In the next issue… events for July, August & September 2018
FREE
Did you know its free
to list events in the
diary?
Email your event dates to
sarah@northantshorsetrader.co.uk
17

18th-20th May 2018
Top Class Equestrian Sport
Cross Country,
Show Jumping
& Dressage
Including the Robert Loomes Championship
Over 75 Trade Stands,
Childrens Activities &
Have-A-Go Dog Agility
www.rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com
@RockinghamLive 01536 770240
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Affiliated Riding Club
Show Dates
April
1 st Winter
Championship Show
18 th Dressage & SJ
29 th Dressage & SJ
May
29 th Dressage & SJ
June
17 th Showing
23 rd Dressage & SJ
We are a small riding club based out of
Low Farm, Bozeat, Northants, NN29 7NP.
Open to everyone from first time
competitors to experienced show
enthusiasts. Classes for all abilities.
Online entries via the website
www.bozeatrc.wixsite.com/bozeatrc
Email: Bozeatrc@gmail.com
Training Clinics
listed on the
website are also
open to non
members
Indoor events on a fantastic surface
Warm up ring also on surface
Ample hard standing parking
Delicious on-site cafe
Beautiful Rosettes
Photographer on-site to capture
those special moments
A Very Warm Welcome Awaits!
www.northantsridersclub.weebly.com
Northants Riders Club
18

Matt Cox
British Dressage Accredited UKCC3
Coach eastlodge.ridingcentre
and Grand Prix Rider
Events Coming Up:
Sunday 8th April
Saturday 14th April
Wednesday 25th April
Sunday 29th April
Sunday 13th May
Sunday 20th May
Sunday 27th May
Wednesday 30th May
Sunday 17th June
Dressage Test Riding Clinic with
Jonathon Canty
Pole Tastic Training with Matt Cox
Evening Grassroots Show Jumping &
Clear Round
Gridwork Clinic with Tom Fray
XC Clinic with Tom Fray
Rockingham International Team SJ
Hunter Trial at Boughton 60-90cm
Evening Grassroots SJ & Clear
Round
SJ clinic with Tom Fray & Summer
Team Training
Available For
Coaching!
Rockingham Forest is an upbeat and energetic riding
club located right on your doorstep!
We offer fantastic training opportunities for all ages
and levels as well as numerous competitions and team
events so there really is something for everyone!
www.rfrc.org.uk
For all the latest news, client testimonials
and to view the website visit:
www.mcdressage.co.uk
twitter.com/mattcoxdressagefacebook.com/MCdressage
19
East Lodge Farm
Ecton
Northampton
NN6 0QU
Tel: 01604 810 244
Mob: 07807 067 747
eastlodgefarmequestriancentre@outlook.com
Children aged two years and upwards can ride
Thursdays 11am
Fridays 11am
During Term Time Only
Look out for special Tot events in the holidays
Each Session Includes:
20 minute ride
Juice and biscuits for the children
Tea and coffee for adults
Other activities are grooming, mucking out,
guinea pig pamper and we also have two pet
Kune Kune pigs!
Parents will need to be involved and lead their child
www.eastlodgefarmec.co.uk

We Stock Everything
For Both Horse & Rider
Specialist, Natural & Traditional Equine & Animal Feed
Anne Skivington BSc, AdvCertVPhys, MIRVAP
Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy (Level 7)
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Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and Fully Insured
Equine Physiotherapy can help
manage the following factors;
■
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Age-related changes
Changes in performance and character
Ridden changes
Reluctance to be tacked up
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Facilitating freedom of
movement and well-being of your
animal with tailored treatment &
Compassionate care
07552 760008
www.northamptonvetphysio.co.uk
We Stock…
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Keyflow etc
Country Haylage -
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Good quality Hay available
We stock a range of Bedding
Great selection of Supplements
If it is not in stock, we can usually
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Dog, Cat, Wild Bird, Chicken, Sheep,
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www.equiworld.co.uk
20

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www.katiebfrisby.co.uk
KATIE B. FRISBY
Point to Point Racing & Rehabilitation
Call: 07729 569460
Email: info@katiefrisby.co.uk
We offer a custom made service covering equestrian items,
dog collars, leads and belts and other accessories for you,
click here to find out more about our custom made services
We use only the best quality English leather sourced locally
to us in Northamptonshire, we generally hold Black, Havana,
Red and Tan leather in stock but may be able to obtain
specific colours upon request
Fully assembled equestrian wheelbarrows
with a choice of 200L, 160L and 120L
with single or dual wheels
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21
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01276 31788/07736 804459
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105 Branksome Hill Road, College Town, Sandhurst, Berks, GU47 0QG
www.wheel-barrows-direct.co.uk

Veterinary Advice…
BREEDING FROM YOUR MARE
What you need to know…
Breeding a foal of your
own is becoming more
fashionable due to the
convenience of “AI at
home”, but have you
considered all the facts?
The foal pictured above is the gorgeous ‘Saffy’ - a homebred foal in Northamptonshire
by Sue Griggs & Kim Taylor. Photo credit to Claire Hirst Photography
Is the mare a suitable mother?
Many aspects are inherited, for example temperament and conformation, i.e.
flat feet, navicular, bad teeth, joint problems and much more. There is still
debate whether headshaking, sarcoids and some stable vices are also inherited.
Is she reproductively sound?
Often it is the older mare recruited to have a foal. However with age the ovaries
may become less active, the uterus a less receptive environment and her
‘reproductive conformation’ may cause her to be more susceptible to
developing complications after insemination.
Is the stallion really what you are looking for?
Obviously looks are very important but remember he will provide half of the
DNA for the foal. Have you chosen him for his athletic potential? Do you want
a competition or a show horse, do you want ‘more bone’ or ‘more speed’? But
also remember he will influence all of the same inherited considerations
mentioned before, including temperament and conformation.
Have you considered the timescale?
A mare successfully bred today should be rested for 40 days then can be
returned to a reasonable level of exercise up to around 6 months of pregnancy.
After foaling, at 11 months & 10 days, the mare needs to nurse the foal until
about 6 months of age. Only at this time should the foal be weaned and the
mare returned to work. If necessary she can be re-covered from as early as
9 days after foaling. The foal realistically now needs to be turned away to
mature until breaking at around 3 years old, dependent upon breed.
How much will it cost?
Assuming there are no complications then you should budget for 3
cycles/attempts of the mare conceiving and the vets fees associated with this.
Remember the livery fees if away at stud will include at least a 28 day scan
post conceiving, and possibly a 42 day scan. A stallion ‘nomination’ fee,
whether natural, fresh, chilled or frozen (including transport and storage).
On foaling, winter feed, rugs and bedding. Stabling and veterinary fees at
foaling. Registration, passport and microchipping. Worming, vaccinations,
insurance, weaning, castration, farriery, dentistry, also possibly wolf tooth
removal. Then sending away for breaking and schooling. Only then might you
have a saleable commodity but do not imagine it will cover the above costs,
this is a labour of love!
23
How do I proceed from here?
Assuming the mare is healthy and has to go away to stud she will need swabs
and blood samples taking to make sure she is clear of venereal diseases.
These take at least 10 days to be processed. Once at stud she may be “short
cycled” to encourage her to return into season ‘in the next few days’, to help
speed the process up.
What happens at stud?
When in season she will be examined repeatedly over the following few days
to ascertain the optimum time for covering or insemination. Once impregnated
she will be checked to ensure she is clean inside, then checked at 16-18 days
and if pregnant scanned again at 28 days for a foetal heart beat and a further
scan at 42 days. Did you know that while a natural mating may produce viable
semen living for up to 5 days, frozen semen, once thawed and inseminated,
may only live for 6 hours, just like the unfertilised egg! Thus timing is critical.
This explains the necessity for so many visits.
Should I use AI or Natural?
Usually you will not have a choice! Internet stallions may only supply frozen
semen, stored at -176C, but some will offer chilled semen due to having a
better fertility rate. However, whichever method you chose it is imperative that
the semen comes with a fully comprehensive health certificate, ensuring it is
free from all contagious diseases.
Advantages of AI include:
Less need to travel mares or put them at risk from being exposed to infections
or injury. Greater choice of stallions from all over the world.
Advantages of Natural covering:
Cheaper and the only recognised method of mating registered Thoroughbred
mares.
Too Posh To Push?
Embryo Transfer may be the answer for competing mares but this is very
expensive and should ideally be undertaken at a specialist facility. It entails
washing out a 7 day old fertilised embryo from the mare then implanting it into
a recipient surrogate mare for the next 11 months.
Still interested?
Start soon as the breeding season starts in the spring. Feel free to ring the
practice on 01933 222145 to discuss with us your mare’s needs for the 2018
breeding season and set the ball rolling soon.
Note: The photo is for illustration purposes only and has no connection to the magazine or Swanspool Equine Clinic

As a dedicated 5 vet equine practice we offer
365 day, 24hr cover for all of your medical
emergencies and routine veterinary
treatment.
Bringing all of the latest equipment to your yard.
Below are just some of the treatments we offer:
♦ Routine Dentals/Wolf Tooth Removal
♦ Vaccinations
♦ Castrations
♦ Passports & Export For Travel
♦ Portable Digital X-Rays
♦ Tendon & Pregnancy Scanning
♦ Shockwave Therapy
♦ Diode Laser (Sarcoid Removal)
♦ Purchase Examinations
♦ Free Weight Clinics
♦ Faecal Worm Testing
♦ Endoscopy & Gastroscopy Examinations
♦ Free Client Evening Talks
♦ Free Visit Schemes
♦ Medication Of Joints & Our Own Supplements
♦ Blood Samples (using our own in-house lab)
♦ Mobile Diagnostic Unit & Technician
1 London Road,
Wellingborough,
Northants, NN8 2BT
Based in Northamptonshire
Not close enough?
No problem! We deliver to all of the UK!
Reasons to shop with FCEquestrian
Customer Loyalty Scheme in place
Huge savings on Rider Wear
Customer Service at its best
Top Brands Stocked
Regular Offers
Competitive Prices
Price Match where possible
Now also available for events!
Book us today for all your events - big or
small - we are available all year round, so
please book now to avoid disappointment!
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These photos have been selected from our recent front page
Facebook competition. For your chance to submit photos in
our next Competition & feature in the magazine ‘like’ our
Facebook page to follow us. Search for …
‘NORTHANTSHORSETRADERMAGAZINE’

Screen Printers & Embroiderers
This year we are celebrating
28 years of bespoke personalised
Workwear
Corporate Wear
School Wear
Promotional Wear
Using
Screen Printing
Embroidery
Vinyl Transfers
Digital Printing
Direct to Garment
We have all departments in house:
highly experienced and creative art department
bustling embroidery workshop
printing production rooms
Reader Offer 10% OFF
Use the code NHTAPR18
and receive 10% off your
first order.
Elite Clothing
45 Sartoris Road - Rushden - NN10 9TL
01933 315930
www.eliteclothing.co.uk
PEGASUS EQUINE SERVICES
Anything Equine Sourced, Supplied & Delivered
Horse Rug Cleaning & Repairs
Horse & Animal Feeds
Bedding
Excellent Quality Haylage
Large and Small Bales
Italian Ryegrass & Meadow
New Tack, Accessories & Clothing
Stockist for Horze & many other brands
Stockist for Rutland Electrical Fencing
Also Available: Holiday Livery at Private Stud nr Kimbolton
Covering Cambs, Beds, Northants, Lincs & Leics.
Like the page for pictures of our range
Search for ‘Pegasus-Equine-Services’
Call: Jennifer on 07779 146552
Email: jl.lyall@btinternet.com
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Now supplying
Equine & Animal
Feed & Bedding
Suppliers of Discounted Equestrian Products for Horse and Rider
Major
Brands
Stocked
Showroom
Opening Hours
Thursday & Friday 5.30-8pm
Saturday 12-6pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Plus we are open for collection at any
pre-arranged time of the day or night or
for any items needed in an emergency
e.g. poultices etc.
Bridge House Farm, High Street North, Tiffield, Towcester, Northamptonshire
01327 351051
www.tiffieldhighlanders.com
Suppliers of
Riding Wear and
Clothing, Horse Wear,
Rugs & Travel Wear,
Horse Feed,
Supplements, Stable
Equipment, Horse
Healthcare
+ More
07836 700484
Only
£30
Per Horse
PWR SELF-DRIVE HORSEBOX HIRE
Superb 3.5T THEAULT Horsebox For Hire
Side Loading
Saddle Racks
Cross Country Course Open For Schooling
Open From Dawn Till Dusk - No Time Limit
£30 per horse. £25 for Pony Club Members
£15 per horse
Easy To Drive
Rear Passenger Doors
Rear Facing
Our BE Standard course is always being updated and have excellent
banks and ditches for training as well as two water jumps and natural
hedges. As a number of our fences are of mobile construction we are
able to vary the course throughout the year. We offer five colour coded
height ranges from 60 cm (30 jumps) to 110 cm (40 jumps). A separate
enclosed mini course is also available with inviting fences ranging from
12 inches to 60 cm for tiny tots/ nervous riders/green horses.
Robust, Reliable and Easy to drive
Fully Insured with Breakdown Cover
Very Competitive Rates
4 miles from Banbury
and J11 of M40
Contact Ku Webber on
07766 707421/01295 750226
kuwebber@gmail.com
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Posture and Musculoskeletal Health
by Gillian Higgins
1. Positioning of the Hind Legs
Posture is key to musculoskeletal health. Like humans different horses
suffer from problems as a result of poor posture. There are many different
postural variations, but the most common poor postural position of the
horse’s back is extension or hollowing. This poor postural position is
further exacerbated by carrying additional weight. As soon as we sit on our
horse we compromise his posture, balance and movement. There are many
ways we, as personal trainers, can encourage good posture and support
the weight of the rider. At the seminar in September we will be looking at
these in details. However here are 3 of the most important:-
3. Perform core strengthening exercises with your horse every day
Core muscles of the horse
The further the hind legs come under the body the better the back is supported.
Engagement from behind and impulsion therefore is vital for good posture. It is
important even when hacking to ensure the horse is walking purposefully and
engaging his hindquarters.
2. Positioning of the Head and Neck
This is a mechanical reaction influenced by the spinal ligament system.
There are many different ways to stimulate the core muscles.
This is an exercise taken from Pilates and Stretching for horses available from
www.HorsesInsideOut.com
Backing Up
You can see in these two photographs when the head is down, the back is up
and when the head is up the back is hollow and unsupported. This explains why
it is so important to feed our horses off the floor and the benefits of work in a
‘long and low’ outline.
HORSES INSIDE OUT
DAY SEMINAR
FOR RIDERS AND
COACHES
GET THE BEST
FOR YOUR
HORSE
PRACTICAL TIPS
EXERCISES AND
TECHNIQUES
This is one of my favourite exercises. I think that all ridden horses will benefit
from performing it on a daily basis. It is a superb for mobilising the back,
lumbosacral and sacroiliac areas. It helps to strengthen the core muscles and
those involved in supporting good posture, carrying the weight of the rider,
carrying more weight behind and hind limb engagement. In many ways it is like
collection in reverse!
I have found that it is best to do this exercise in-hand rather than ridden. It can
be performed just before you ride, just after you have finished your riding session
or on the way to or from the field. Find a way of fitting it into your daily routine.
For example pick a spot that you lead your horse past everyday and from now
on always go in reverse!
How much? Build up to 10 quality steps in succession and repeat 4 -5 times per
day. Be patient! Give your horse time to learn the exercise. He may find it difficult
at first or may not understand what you are asking of him, but once he has got
the idea, through daily repetition you will see improvements.
Ultimately he should be able to go backwards with long marching clean steps
in a straight line, with his head down in a good outline, back slightly raised and
rounded.
LED BY GILLIAN HIGGINS
10am – 6pm
Saturday 29 th
September 2018
Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton
WWW.HORSESINSIDEOUT.COM
After 3 weeks you may start to see a difference in his posture and core strength.
Keep going and you should see an improvement in his posture regardless of
the discipline.
This is just one of many exercises which can benefit posture and musculoskeletal
health. If you wish to learn more about how your horse works and practical tips
and exercises to improve posture and performance come along to the Horses
Inside Out Seminar for Coaches and Riders in September. We look forward to
seeing you there.
WWW.HORSESINSIDEOUT.COM
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Bletsoe Brown Country Store
Suppliers of All Animal Feeds, Bedding,
Healthcare & Accessories
ALL MAJOR
BRANDS STOCKED
If we don't stock it,
we can still get it!
We are a family run business located in Sywell,
Northampton. We stock a wide range of animal
feeds & bedding as well as all things equestrian.
We can also sharpen clipper blades on-site.
Delivery Service Available
Visit Our Country Store
Open 7 Days A Week
Home Farm, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BQ
sales@bletsoebrownltd.co.uk.
01604 492 956
Breaking & Schooling
An accomplished local rider with
many years experience, I have
produced horses from ride and
drive, competition ponies, hunters
to Eventers. Based in Ringstead,
Northamptonshire, I am able to
offer a variety of services:
Linda Green
Experienced
Experienced
Fully Qualified
Fully Qualified
& Insured
Equine Sports Massage
£35.00 Per Session
07533 845872
Discounts
for
multiple bookings
There may be a mileage charge
depending on area - please ask
www.equinesportsmassage.info
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Full and Part Services
with Genuine Parts
Full Refurbishment
Living Area Alterations
and Repairs
Welding Work Undertaken
MOT Work Undertaken
New
We buy horseboxes with or without mot’s
and even those that need some TLC!
Please give us a call if you are looking to sell!
Are you looking to buy a Horsebox?
We sell fully serviced horseboxes that have
been put through vigorous safety checks,
you can rest assured your next vehicle has
been checked and any work carried out by
an experienced professional
Now Also
Buying & Selling
Horseboxes!
Contact
David on
07517 828284
mobilehorseboxrepairs@yahoo.com