Category Archives: General

General content that covers a wide range of topics.

William Funnell, The Billy Stud and Horse Scout

December 19, 2016

Horse Scout are thrilled to announce ‘Billy Congo’ as the most connected Stallion of 2016!

“Horse Scout do a good job of promoting The Billy Stud, and allow people all over the world to know about us”. – William Funnell

Billy Congo is by the AES & Irish Horse Board Approved stallion Vechta, who is by the famous world class sire Voltaire. Vechta’s extended pedigree carries 3 crosses to influential TB stallions Lucky Boy, Cottage Son and Furioso and top level performance sports horses. These performers and progeny include the great For Pleasure, Heisman, Faust Z and Maximillian Voltucky, Champion young stallion at the SHB (GB) stallion grading.

Horse Scout Team are thrilled to see organic connections building on his profile, showing how well he stamps his stock as a fabulous jumping sire. Fellow jump riders endorse Billy Congo, including Steven Franks, with multiple successes with Billy Ginger, one of many Billy Congo offspring !

Horse Scout are currently advertising three horses for sale by the illustrious Billy Congo- a BE 100 eventer (Billy Opaque) and a BE Novice eventer (Billy Chicago), both ready to progress to the next level, and a 6 year old showjumper in Ireland.

General

The Billy Stud & William Funnell

December 19, 2016

Great to see Horse Scout PR Ellie Kelly at Olympia this week! Take a look at William Funnell in interview to understand more about show jumping and breeding in the UK.

William Funnell, Horse Scout promotion

General

NEW: INDUSTRY SERVICES FEATURE

December 14, 2016

BREAKING NEWS

Horse Scout has just launched its new Industry Services feature!

If you’re a vet, farrier, dentist, chiropractor, osteopath, saddle fitter, physical therapist, horse transporter, sports psychologist or any other equestrian related service provider, then this is for YOU!

“Horse Scout have provided me a professional and courteous service in advertising and propelling my business to all audiences within equestrianism.

I am already seeing the benefits!”

Aidan Paterson, Paterson Equine Dental

Generate NEW Business

Your profile on Horse Scout will allow you to…

Attract new clients
Showcase your service(s) or profession
Network with other equestrian professionals
Follow and connect with top names in the industry

We have thousands of members searching Horse Scout daily…
Create your profile and get yourself known

We are supported and endorsed by industry leaders- Oliver Townend, Ibby Macpherson, Giovanni Ugolotti, John Whittaker, William Funnell and the Billy Stud and many more top names. We are proud of our content, customers and their horses.

The Horse Scout community:

Professional riders
Coaches/trainers
Yard/stud profiles
Grooms
NEW industry services (physiotherapists, dentists, vets, farriers, saddle fitters etc)

What does it cost?

Your monthly listing is just £35 per month (it will pay for itself in just one booking!)

SPECIAL OFFER to New Customers…
For a limited period of time only we are offering discount of £10 per month for the first three months*. That means for just £25 per month (80p per day) you can get your services seen by 1000’s of equestrian professionals.

*Minimum term is three months

Get going in three easy steps...

1. Choose your sign in details by clicking here

2. Complete your profile

3. Pay to go live and get new customers

General

The Rising Popularity of Greys

November 29, 2016

Horse Scout are seeing more grey horses getting bought than ever- why is this?

If we go back a few years and look at stallions that have been particularly in vogue for the last decade, names like Cevin Z, Cicero Z, Lucky Sky and Corland come up. Go back even further and we all remember the illustrious Milton, ridden by Horse Scout Ambassador John Whitaker. These striking grey stallions have produced progeny that rival their own good looks and are proving to be world beaters in their own right.

There is an increasing trend of competition riders who are opting to buy a well bred and beautiful grey horse to compete. Even Charlotte Dujardin is part of the movement, riding her lovely dapple grey six year old Florentina, by Vivaldi. Perhaps in equestrian sports where there is a level of subjectivity like showing, pure dressage, and the dressage element of eventing, a head-turning grey will earn us a few extra marks? Or maybe we just want an attractive horse to look at?

Horse Scout are showcasing a number of extremely well bred grey horses that are bred for dressage, eventing, showjumping and showing.

Super Event Prospect by Myspires Revolution (Stanhope’s Diddicoy)

Sport Horse Grey Filly 3 years 16.2 hands. Prim is out of Twinkle Toes, graded with SHB GB, who is by Crown Graphite (Selle Francais). Awarded Higher First Premium at 2016 BEF Futurity in 3yo Eventing section. Qualified for the Futurity Equine Bridge selection day under saddle as four year old. Special opportunity for someone to own a stunning and kind horse with amazing potential.

Vodka Luge 6yo Grey Mare By Shutterfly

Out of a proven advanced event mare by Accondy. Now jumping around 1.10/1.15 BS. Placed, finishing on her dressage score at her first 90. Now competing 100’s unaffiliated finishing on her dressage score. She will be the whole package for someone, flashy type that’s easy enough for a amateur but plenty of talent for a professional to take on. Only broken last winter hence not at Novice level now.

Freestyle R Grey Gelding by Corland

Fantastic 16.2hh 6 yr old Dutch Bred by Corland out of an Inductro dam. A lovely horse who is fantastic on the flat and is already a winner in pure Dressage competitions at Novice level with scores up to 80% !!! He also really jumps, with scope to burn and all the credentials to be produced into a top class event horse. At present being competed on our behalf by Willa Newton.

Perfect Junior / YR Team Horse By Jumbo

Grey gelding 16.1hh 10yo with a near immaculate record at Novice, Intermediate and 1*, with the ability to continue this form at 2*. He has 67 BE points. He is incredibly reliable, consistently jumping double clears and always rises to the occasion. He has 3 correct paces, is very careful show jumping and bold cross country. Results include 1st Hambleden CIC1*, 3rd Rockingham Intermediate 2016, 6th Nunney Intermediate 2016, 7th Aston Intermediate 2016

Buying A Horse First Horse General Horse Advice Horses For Sale Interesting Horse Facts Novice Rider Professional Rider winter

Horses for sale this winter

November 14, 2016

Horse Scout’s advice for buying horses this winter.

Winter proves a perfect time for the acquisition of new horses for sale for Horse Scout riding professionals. This contrasts first time and novice buyers ideal time of year to purchase a new horse unless they have a professional support system in place.

Professional yards overcome the difficulties of riding through the winter months with greater ease than the amateur home. There is a tendency for better facilities: walkers, staff, lunge pens, structured daily routines, which undoubtably enable professionals to slot any new horses into their set up with greater ease than smaller private homes.

The Horse Scout Team have found that all too often, first time and novice buyers encounter a negative experience with a new horse through the winter months. Contributing factors range from common and understandable mistakes such as: over feeding, unnecessary clipping out for aesthetics versus logic, poor warm-up options / lack of training support and poor turn out routines.

The inability to maintain necessary work levels, (or that which the previous home and rider was able to facilitate) tends to be paramount. If you or your friends are having any concerns, we would recommend a winter livery option with a proven professional yard that works within the same discipline you have purchased your horse for.

International Event Rider and Hampshire based trainer Lucienne Elms confirms the relevance for a patient approach, especially with the youngsters or novice rider. “I always give the young horses the chance to relax and warm up on the lunge long and low, with a loose set of side reins for 10-15mins over the winter. Especially if they have had a day off, it keeps their brains ‘on side’ as they are able to then relax and concentrate when my clients or I get back in the saddle. In my experience horses are two things: memory and instinct. It takes months, even years to train them; but seconds to form an unnecessary habit or bad experience. Clients being bucked off onto frozen ground is never something I want to hear, and when selling its always best to be honest about the ‘quirks’ or needs of the animals, that way these problems can be avoided. Prevention is better than cure!

Horse Scout Team would recommend when buying a horse for sale, it is always best to take a professional with you, ideally one that knows you, and your riding ability, to support your selection process and reduce the chance of being victimised by a sharp or underworked horse over the winter months.

General

GORESBRIDGE NOVEMBER SALES: GO FOR GOLD EVENT HORSES AND SUPREME SALE OF SHOWJUMPERS

November 1, 2016

Are you looking for your next Eventer or Show Jumper? If so, get yourself to Gorey, Co. Wexford in Ireland for their two prestigious November sales!

The Goresbridge Go For Gold eventers sale takes place 14th – 16th November 2016 and the Supreme Sale of Showjumpers takes place on 15th November 2016. Both horse sales showcase the very best bloodlines in each of the equestrian sports.

For further information on the event please visit www.irishhorse.com/showjumping/

Family run for over forty years, Goresbridge Horse Sales is Europe’s major source of top international sports horses. The leader in its field, Goresbridge graduates have represented their countries at every major show jumping and eventing championships, accounting for 44% of the Irish bred horses at the London Olympic Games and 28% of the equestrian medallists in the Olympic Games in Beijing.

As always Martin Donohoe, his family and staff will assure you of a warm welcome, a professional service and will be happy to assist you in any way.

“I have bought three horses at the Go For Gold sale for owners and have been delighted with all of them. It saved me searching the country, as I knew that the expert panel would identify top quality stock. The sale has superb trial facilities and is professionally run – I would highly recommend it.” – Joseph Murphy, Irish Olympic rider

William Funnell from the Billy Stud has supported the Goresbridge Sales for a number of years. He has said “I continue to support Goresbridge as it consistently pulls together horses with top bloodlines and generates fantastic sales prices for breeders.”

“Last year we purchased Dougie Douglas from the Goresbridge auction, and he has been everything we hoped for and more this year. I think the auction this year has a great range of promising youngsters and already seasoned competitors. I would highly recommend the auction to those looking to buy a great new horse.” Katie Dinan- American Show Jumper and owner of Dougie Douglas

Previous Goresbridge graduates include Dougie Douglas, Ard Ginger Pop, Talks Cheap, Prince Mayo, Cooley SRS, Cooley Rorkes Drift, Copper Beach, Sacramento and many more.

For further information on the event please visit www.irishhorse.com/showjumping/

EXAMPLE HORSES AVAILABLE IN THE NOVEMBER 2016 SALES

EVENTERS:

Lot 1A Europrince: 16.2hh 13yo chesnut gelding by Lougheries Quiet Man, grandson of Touchdown. This homebred gelding represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 (DR 47 and SJ 0), the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and the European Championships in 2013. Offered for sale for the first time, he is the winner of 605 EI points up to CIC4* level. Notable results include Fontainebleau CICO3* 2016 – Double clear round, Tattersalls CIC3* 2016 – Double clear round (6th place), Belton CIC3* 2016 – Double clear round (11th place), Pau CCI4* 2015 – Double clear round (9th place).

Lot 3 RCA Patron Saint: 16.2hh 5yo brown gelding by Grafenstolz. A high class event horse, RCA Patron Saint has an astonishing eventing record. 2016 results include Millstreet EI 90 – 1st place, Lisgarvan EI 90 – 1st place, Kilmanahan EI 100 – 4th place, Crecora EI 100 – 1st place, Clyda EI 100 – 1st place, Grove EI 100 – 2nd place, Ballinamona EI 100 – 1st place, National Championships EI 100 – 2nd place.

SHOW JUMPERS:

Lot 101 Peiter VI: 17.1hh 13yo bay gelding by Acorado I. Peiter VI, is a scopey horse suited to big classes and is exceptionally fast against the clock. He is a very versatile and rideable performer for the big occasions. 2016 results include 1st HOYS Birmingham CSI3* 1.55 and 5th Hickstead Derby Tankard CSI4* to name just a few.

Lot 112 Killossery Kaiden: 16.1hh 6yo bay gelding by Lux Z. He is the current 6yo World Champion. He wowed the audience at Lanaken with his scope and jumping technique in the final. Killossery Kaiden is from one of the best breeding lines in Ireland and his mother Killossery Kruissette competed at Nations Cup level for Ireland.

power-blade-progeny-for-sale-on-horse-scout

General Horses For Sale Sports Horses Stallions At Stud

Harthill Stud’s Power Blade Has Progeny For Sale

October 26, 2016

Thoroughbred Stallion Power Blade, by Fine Blade, stands for The Harthill Stud.

Harthill Stud focus their breeding on top Sports Horse using the Thoroughbred and traditional Irish breeding lines. Their thoroughbred stallion Power Blade is an Approved Irish Sport Horse Stallion and is Approved with Sport Horse Breeding GB. He is the sire to progeny currently advertised on Horse Scout.

Profiled on Horse Scout’s Stallions At Stud: About Power Blade

His Sire is Fine Blade, also sire of 4 star ‘The Wexford Lady’ who was a top show jumper. Fine Blade also sired ‘The Demon Barber’, winner of 10 National Hunt races. Speed, endurance and power are exemplified through his successful progeny. Power Blade’s dam’s sire, Forties Field, is also an influential competition stallion. Power Blade’s full sister, Fine Fields, evented internationally in the USA. Power Blade show jumped up to 1.30m before he retired to stud. In 2005 he was crowned Croker Cup Champion at the Royal Dublin Horse Show- a prestigious class for stallions.

Power Blade has a profile on Horse Scout’s Stallions at Stud page which can be visited using this click through.

His progeny showcase Power Blade’s quality and versatility. They are proven in eventing, show jumping internationally and winning in the show ring. One example is Powerline, campaigned by Antoinette McKeowen on the international 2* event circuit and now ridden by Martyn Johnson at Advanced. Oliver Townsend rides Power Drive, also out of Power Blade, who has several top 10 placing at International 2 Star level. These are just two of his successful progeny.

Power Blade has progeny for sale on Horse Scout in North Yorkshire, produced by Steve Pauline in Knaresborough

well-made-power-blade-2012-gelding-by-power-blade-advertised-for-sale-on-horse-scout — Lovely top 3 BEF Futurity Award winner gelding by Power Blade for sale on HorseScout

Top class sports horse potential for sale on Horse Scout

Aredis Power Beam is a striking bright bay gelding, who will make either a showing or eventing superstar. He has been successfully shown in hand, taking ribbons countless times at Hunter Breeding Championships and young event horse classes in the UK. This gelding took the British Equestrian Federation Futurity Awards as the Top Scoring Three Year Old!

This gelding has been started under saddle and has qualified for the BEF Equine Bridge training scheme for 2016. He has a quiet and mature approach to his work and a confident attitude to fences.

To find out more about this exciting gelding use this link.

If you are looking for a classic thoroughbred sports horse stallion for your mare next year, then visit The Harthill Stud profile page on Horse Scout by using our link here.

Dressage General Horses For Sale Stallions At Stud

Dreammaker Stud has Master Merlin Youngstock For Sale

October 24, 2016

Master Merlin, a Skewbald Graded Stallion Licensed with The Breeders Elite Studbook

Master Merlin is a modern coloured stallion with progeny for sale on Horse Scout, including a stunning bay 2 year old colt bred by Dreammaker Stud.

Dreammaker Stud profiled on Horse Scout

Yards advertised on the Horse Scout pages offers perspective Clients an insight to facilities and stud or training options available.

Dreammaker Stud has been developed by Mary and Robert Middlehurst who between them have a wealth of experience in the equine world, most recently focusing on Dressage at Advanced level. Mary competed in many disciplines over the years- Show Jumping, Eventing and Dressage at an Advanced Level. Mary is now focusing on the breeding of top class dressage horses at Dreammaker Stud. None of this would be possible without the full support of Robert her husband who was a BSJA coursebuilder and now an active member of the Dreammaker Stud.

Dreammaker stud has a profile on Horse Scout. Follow the connection on Horse Scout.

Dreammaker Stud advertise their home-bred stock on the Horse Scout horses for sale page.

Their well handled colt has ground covering conformation and an excellent temperament. This colt also has a striking trot with a natural elevation and a powerful athletic hind leg.

With an eye on quality and pedigree, Master Merlin covered the studs well bred mare, a Fürst Heinrich Westphalien (Florestan I – Donnerhall – Weinberg ) line. Master Merlin is by the elite dressage stallion Shufro (Oldenburg) so this lovely bay colt has the right pedigree to be a serious competitive contender. He is expected to make 16.2hh, an ideal height on the market.

Visit his profile Horse Scout by using this link:

2 year old colt by Master Merlin

Dreammaker Stud also have a jumping colt listed for sale on Horse Scout

Dream Maker Stud also have also listed a confident bay 2 year old gelding, to make 17-17.2 hands. He is well handled and looks built to be suitable for dressage or showjumping. He is a modern type with scope to go to the top. He is by the Graded Premier Holsteiner (Elite) Cassilano, out of a Lorentin mare.

Dressmaker Stud have profiled him for sale on Horse Scout and you can click through to his profile page here.

Dreammaker Stud advertises its Stud, its Stallions and its Youngstock for sale on Horse Scout.

cassilano-jumping-colt-advertised-for-sale-on-horse-scout — Jumping Colt by Cassilano being sold by Dreammaker Stud advertised on Horse Scout

master-merlin-colt-from-dreammaker-stud-advertised-on-horse-scout-for-sale — Master Merlin, Stallion At Stud, Profiled on Horse Scout has a colt for sale.

Equestrian Equipment General Horse Advice Interesting Horse Facts Professional Rider

Ibby Macpherson on Equine Hydro Therapy

September 23, 2016

Abby Macpherson talks about Equine Hydrotherapy

Ever thought about the benefits of equine hydrotherapy? International event rider Ibby Macpherson chats to Horse Scout about how hydro can help heal injuries and keep healthy horses sound.

What made you launch an equine hydrotherapy business?

When my grandmother died she left me some money and instead of buying a horse (which was tempting) I decided to buy an equine hydrotherapy spa. I’ve been running it for nearly 10 years now. I guess it all started when William Fox Pitt gave me the incredible eventer Igor De Cluis, who was difficult to keep sound. He went in the spa once or twice a day to keep him on the road. It seemed to work — he took me around a few CIC three star events, including Blenheim and Boekelo.

Who’s a regular at your centre?

Numerous people including riders like Jodie Amos who sends her horses to me when they’ve had a big run. When they’re here they go to the hydro spa twice a day, get turned out (we have acres of land here) and have the Activo-Med (magnet therapy) rug on twice a day. It’s like having some R&R — even if there’s nothing wrong, it’s a great preventative measure.

How often do your horses have hydro?

All of my horses have hydro after an event or after they’ve galloped, again as a preventative measure.

And how useful is it in healing injuries?

I’ve seen amazing results for a variety of ailments, although the treatment should be relentless — twice a day, seven days a week. Quite a lot of owners who have used it say they wished they’d tried it before going down the needle route. It is very good at drawing out bruising and infection, but it is also very good at helping to heal fleshy open wounds.

What other treatments do you recommend for horses?

I also take my horses to a nearby water treadmill twice a week (we are hopefully going to put one in our centre here soon) — it’s really good for their core strength and for getting their back more mobile and supple without putting strain on their legs.

Can you briefly explain what the equine hydrotherapy looks like and whether the horses get nervous?

For the horses it’s like walking into a single trailer and after the front and back ramps are raised, it begins to fill with water. The level of the water depends on the injury but typically stops at just above their hocks with underwater jets providing gentle massage. We have a very good routine which seems to work when putting horses in the spa and everything is done very slowly and calmly to ensure that every horse is reassured and doesn’t get stressed.

And what’s the theory behind it?

It’s basically similar to rugby players getting in an ice bath. The cold water (around 2-5 degrees Celsius) initially reduces swelling by making the blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), flushing out toxins and afterwards a rush of fresh blood (vasodilation) accelerates the healing process increasing circulation. The water contains salt and Epsom salts so has many of the benefits of sea water.

What do you advise if riders don’t have access to a hydro centre?

Cold hosing is very superficial especially in summer, I’m a firm believer in icing and cold therapy, and that the quicker you cool legs down after a run, the better. You don’t have to buy expensive jelly ice boots, you can’t beat simple good old fashioned ice — the sort you make in ice cube bags. Just tuck some into their boots and apply for 20 minutes, using something like a j-cloth to prevent burning their skin.

Interview by Sam Lewis for Horse Scout

Ibby Macpherson has recently joined Horse Scout Professionals and has a professional profile on our site. To find out more about Ibby Macpherson Eventing and Hydrotherapy click through on the link.

horse_scout_profiled_rider_ibby_macpherson

Buying A Horse Equestrian Equipment Eventing General Horse Riding Tips Professional Rider

Talking to Ibby Macpherson

September 20, 2016

Horse Scout are Talking to Ibby Macpherson, International Event Rider, Northamptonshire

If you haven’t heard of Ibby Macpherson, it’s only a matter of time… A talented event rider who recently finished 5th at Branham CCI***, she tells Horse Scout why William Fox Pitt gave her a top horse, why she spent her inheritance money on a hydrotherapy spa and why she’s launched a new innovative event horse syndicate opportunity.

How did you learn to ride?

I think it was on a sheep! My parents owned a pedigree black sheep farm in Scotland.

Have you worked for anyone famous?

After competing in the Junior Europeans in 1999 and 2000, a few years later I became stable jockey for William Fox Pitt and his team. William, Alice and Granny Potts (William’s long-time head girl) are fantastic to work for, and they are still great friends today. I was lucky enough to school and jump all of the horses when William wasn’t at home and competed some of his young horses.

And William Fox Pitt gave you a horse?

Yes, I am incredibly lucky to have been given Igor De Cluis who was 8^th at Le Lion D’Angers as a seven-year-old with William. I could never have afforded such a top class horse but he didn’t stand up to the pressure — soundness wise — at that level with William. I am eternally grateful to Judy and Jeremy Skinner and Margie and David Hall who owned him and gave me the opportunity. I had to be really fussy where I ran him, and made sure that he had hydrotherapy once or twice a day to keep him on the road, but he took me around a few three star events including Blenheim and Boekelo.

So tell us about your top horses now.

I don’t have many horses at the moment but the ones I do have are competitive at their relevant levels.

Ballingowan Diamond (Monty) is a 12-year-old, 16.2hh chestnut gelding (Welcome Diamond out of Phardante mare) with 329 BE points. Monte came fifth at the CCI*** Bramham this year; fourth in the CIC*** at Chatsworth 2016; and third at Hartpury CIC*** in 2015. I’m aiming him at either Burghley or Blenheim this autumn and hopefully Badminton in spring 2017.

Ballingowan Echo is another 12-year-old who is equally as talented but frustratingly we have had a few silly blips and his personality is very different… a bit more complex…. He has been quite competitive and won a few OIs. I’d like to take him around a CIC three star at the end of this year.

Evantos K is a 16.3hh seven-year-old gelding that I’ve had since he was four having bought him from Claire Robertson at Retreat Farm Stud. He has got it all… He’s a fantastic mover and a really scopey jumper. He’s Dutch with around 48% thoroughbred in him, so I think he has enough blood… I’m excited about him, but he is big and weak and is going to take time to mature and strengthen up. He has won four novices and was second in the CIC* at Rockingham. He was really good in his first intermediate at Aston but he is going to have a couple of months’ training at home aiming for hopefully Osberton seven-year-old CIC**.

Deoch an Doris. Doris is a very special to me! He is 13-year-old 16.1hh black gelding with a very big sense of humour. He’ll be with me for life — he was given to me by Jock Mcfarlane whose wife Mary trained me for a long time when I lived in Scotland. Doris was her dressage horse and after a long battle with cancer Mary sadly died. He is very naughty sometimes in the dressage arena adding some freestyle moves here and there but he is an incredibly powerful jumper with a fabulous technique. He’s 13 now but it’s taken his body time to adjust from being ridden on a surface to galloping and jumping on grass. He is a much admired ‘pocket rocket’ and I there is a lot to come!

Fread Needle is a 16.3hh five-year old gelding. He is out of Golden Needle by Bollin Terry, bred by my sister Rose and has done some BE100s this year, coming third at one. I don’t like doing lots with four and five-year-olds… I believe that quite a few horses don’t reach their full potential because they are pushed too young and their brains and/or bodies can’t cope with it. I’d rather they were slower starters and did more later on in life.

So do you compete any horses that you don’t own?

Yes, Dungeon Hill is a 16.3hh nine-year old gelding that I ride for Fee Wilson, in Dorset. I have a couple of spaces for some more horses to ride, but want to fill them with the right ones!!

What’s the aim of your new scheme, the Picnic Partnership?

I’m lucky because I own some lovely horses, but I cannot afford to keep and compete them all without some support. This new initiative not only helps me keep competing my horses, but it also enables people to get involved in the sport without committing to vast amounts of money and unexpected expenses. The initiative — which costs £400pp a month — enables members to have an interest in four horses from BE100 to four star (CCI****). They can come and watch training sessions and support us at competitions. I have a catering company which supplies a picnic for every event members go to — with wine! It’s a great opportunity because with four horses at various levels, there’s always something going on and it’s a fantastic chance to visit some fabulous venues throughout Britain.

Who do you train with?

Nigel Taylor and Fred Bergendorff (jumping); Andrew Fletcher and Hillary Westropp (flat); John Pitt helps as a performance manager; and Danielle Olding is a sports psychologist/life coach whom I find really helpful. I also do lots of Pilates with Tina Sheridon — it’s really helped to strengthen my riding over the last year making me more aware of my posture.

How do you keep your horses sound and happy?

In terms of soundness, they all go in the hydrotherapy spa regularly as I have one here on site (I run an equine hydrotherapy spa business — see next week’s blog) and they’re also taken to a nearby water treadmill once a week which I think is very beneficial for their core strength and keeping them supple without putting pressure on their limbs. I’m also a firm believer in the Activo-Med range, particularly the pulse electromagnet massage therapy rug. My horses all live out at night from mid-March until the beginning of November (weather dependent). I think this is a good way to keep them happy in their heads and the constant movement maintains the suppleness in their bodies. I think it also helps to alleviate problems like gastric ulcers.