Tag Archives: Training advice

Horse Riding Tips

Hungry as a horse? 5 Quick recipes for success

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After a hectic competition day, the last thing you want to do is spend ages cooking, but you do have to eat something. You’ve tucked your horse up in a clean fresh bed, watered and fed him and kissed his nose and now you need to think about you.

Takeaways are an option but you could cook these in the time it takes to call a company.

Here are five quick recipes for Horse’men that take less than ten minutes.

Luckily these recipes are super simple and all take less than 10 minutes to put together.

1. Prawn stir fry

A simple classic perfect for families:

Fry garlic, chilli, ginger and some onions in a pan, then add in some prawns. You can use raw or cooked, but if you use the cooked ones add them at the end so they don’t end up overdone.

Add in some beansprouts, peppers, green beans, or any vegetables you like.

Toss in some rice or egg noodles, and splash with some soy or sweet chilli sauce.

2. Chorizo and pepper frittata

Perfect hot, but also great cold for a packed lunch:

Whisk 4 eggs and season with salt & pepper.

Pour in to a pan and top with cubed chorizo and finely sliced peppers

wait until cooked through and set, then finish with a topping of grated parmesan cheese.

3. Creamed mushroom bruschetta

An easy light meal:

Chop some mushrooms and cook them in a pan, being sure to drain off any excess liquid.

Add in spinach, and once wilted, stir in a couple of dollops of garlic and herb cream cheese.

Serve on 2 slices of good quality toasted bread.

4. Oriental duck breast

Because fancy food doesn’t have to be time consuming:

Score the duck breast and pan fry on a high heat.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, boil balsamic vinegar, a nob of butter and a dash of red wine until it thickens to form a jus, then add in some chopped spring onions and chilli.

Serve the duck on a bed of red cabbage or crushed peas, and drizzle over the jus.

5. Banana pancakes

For a little treat:

Mash 4 bananas, and add in a couple of tablespoons of flour, 2 eggs and a dash of milk.

Whisk to form a thick batter, then ladle in to a hot frying pan, and flip after 2 minutes.

Serve with yoghurt, berries, honey or golden syrup.

Thank you running bug for your top tips for tea.

 

Novice Rider

In Praise of the Talented Amateur Rider

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If Professional riders are the backbone of the sports horse industry then Talented Amateur Riders are the muscle.

In every sector of the British Equine Industry there are talented amateur riders producing and competing against the professional riders who make their living in their industry. Horse and Hound have recently featured an array of well known and very talented amateur riders who hold down a job and still find time to work their horses.  You have to admire this army of dedicated riders.  Early morning and late nights (not that professional trainers don’t of course) Weekends are dedicated to lessons or competing and evenings reserved for clinics and schooling sessions, and midnight is that special hour for cleaning tack!…possibly after an evening out with friends, who knows.

Some Amateurs concentrate on producing talented horses for the professional market, like Becky Marsden who trained OBOS Columbus “Obie” who she sold as an eight year old to Mark Tod who is delighted with him. Becky says, of her choice in horses to buy to bring on that “They have to be sensible in their heads” because she will often be riding alone. Caroline Brdge also produces horses for the profesional market like Don George, but also sells to other amateurs who want to compete seriously and don’t necessarily have time to bring a horse up to the level at which they want to be competing.

Vicky Brake, who produced horses such as mary Kings horse Imperial cavalier says “I’ve learned over the years that’s cautious everytime it moves up a level is likely to be found out, so you shouldn’t waste time trying to make it into something it isn’t”

For Darren mattia who produces dressage horses; Dimaggio and Woodland Wesuvio were started by him, hacking is key to starting his youngsters off.  He says that being out on the lanes and tracks keeps their minds occupied and so he is able to take advantage of their energy to “ride them forward”

For the grassroots rider looking for Horses for Sale; David Brooms tips on buying a horse really stand out for me.  Reading Forums where the topics are being discussed by the grassroots community in any riding discipline the one thing that comes up again and again is temperament.  When looing for a horse which is going to meet your needs as an amateur rider then aside from the obvious good leg at each corner, soundness, and ability come temperament.

Make those few precious hours you have with your horse the best they can be and buy a horse with the nicest temperament.

For me temperament and talent over looks any day.

Most well made horses with the right temperament and training will, given time reach to say, medium advanced in Dressage, Novice or even intermediate in Eventing, 110/120m in showjumping. Other disciplines like showing or endurance will need the confirmation of an angel to compete successfully, but for other disciplines the adage handsome is as handsome does is just so true.

If you are thinking of buying a horse which has been produced by an amateur look at its competition record, this will give an indication of breaks in its training (and you can ask why) and how consistent it has been in its placings and progress through the levels.

Horse Scout has some lovely horses for sale which have been produced by both professionals and some very talented amateur riders.  Horse Scout has made it easy to see, at a glance, the horses competition level, and if applicable, how many points it has accrued.  Five star listings will have information and photos and videos too. You can also check out the producers profile page. In fact Horse Scout offers a really good overview helping you make an informed choice before even picking up the telephone.  Good Luck in you search.

Horse Advice

6 wise words – The science behind the need to warm up your horse before asking him to work

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The science behind the need to warm up your horse (and yourself) properly.

Understanding how a horses performance can be adversely affected by a build up of lactic acid will help a rider adjust his schooling techniques to minimize the effect this has on performance.

The Horse and Hound ran a very interesting article this week on the research which has shown how if a horse was worked more on one rein than the other there was shown to be a definite increase in lactic acid the muscles on the side which had not been as well warmed up which led to increased incidences of injury among the 70 horses taking part in the trial. Correct and even warm up techniques helped to control the acid build up. The study also showed that lactic buildup was also adverse horses who were less able to perform at an anaerobic level, i.e. where less fit and/or strong.

Lactic acid is released into the muscles when they have used up their normal energy stores but still have intense energy needs. Small amounts of lactic acid operate as a temporary energy source, thus helping you avoid fatigue during a workout. However, a build up of lactic acid during a workout can create burning sensations in the muscles that can slow down or halt athletic activity. For this reason, it may be desirable to reduce lactic acid build up in the muscles when training and as far as possible out in the competitive arena.

Understand that lactic acid does not cause muscle soreness after a workout. Lactic acid is often wrongly accused of being responsible for the post-workout muscle soreness which can affect performance up to 1 to 3 days after a hard workout. However, new research shows that lactic acid (which operates as a temporary fuel source during intense physical activity) washes out of the system within an hour of the end of a workout, so it cannot be responsible for the pain felt days later.

The latest theory suggests that this muscle pain — also known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS — is the result of damage to the muscle cells during intense exercise. This causes inflammation, swelling and tenderness as the muscles repair themselves.

In order to reduce muscle soreness after a workout, it is necessary to do a proper warm up before exercising. This wakes up the muscles and prepares them for physical activity. It is also important to avoid pushing your horse past its physical limits and to build up your training goals gradually.

In a nutshell

To help prevent lactic build up and improve performance

  1. Make sure your horse is well hydrated
  2. Warm up thoroughly
  3. Build on strength and stamina but do it incrementally
  4. If your horse starts to fidget or show signs of tiredness allow some down time and let him stretch down and forwards
  5. Warm down well after exercise
  6. If possible allow your horse downtime either in a field or wandering around the school

Professional riders and teachers will help you understand the need to effective controls and help you devise strategies to improve you horses way of going by using a good warm up and warm down routine.

Horse, whatever their discipline, be it hacking, hunting, eventing, showjumping dressage or showing will all be affected by a build up of lactic acid so make sure you are aware of this and take it into account when exercising or schooling your horse by warming up and warming down well.

If you are looking for a livery yard where you can warm down by hacking out be sure to check out our Yard Listing on Horse Scout.  You can sort yards that have particular facilities by using the search box, top right of your screen.

 

 

Horse Advice

Looking at loosening up muscles, joints and your horses mind.

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Looking at loosening up muscles, joints and your horses mind.

When you have mounted your horse allow him to walk off on a soft low rein with a loose contact and encourage him to stretch forward and long in his neck. This stretches the ‘nuchal ligament’ which runs from his pole to his withers and in turn pulls on the ligaments which run along the top of the vertebrae and gives him time to get used to your weight.  When you feel he has developed a loose and flexible walk and is listening to you then move into trot keeping the contact soft and low and start in rising trot on large figures of eight in a slow steady trot. This will help him relax and adjust his stance to easily take your weight. Also by riding your horse in this way also it allows for more swing through his back, which is a positive movement to promote.

It’s important to start and finish your ridden session with your horse in a long and low contact to let him use his nuchal and supraspinous ligaments to support his back, particularly as he’s warming up or when he’s tired.

Once your horse is loosened up and moving freely in the large movements you can start to increase his temperature and circulation by asking him to move into canter this will increase his cardio and breathing rates and oxygenate the muscles ready to start working. It also exercises the core muscles which have to extend and contract more in the canter than they do in the trot.

Once you feel he is breathing well and has warmed up then allow him to have a breather and walk for a while. During this walking period you can concentrate on flexibility. Just like people horses will loose flexibility over time unless they are given routine exercises which help them use their joints to the full.

Lateral work for a horse encourages a full range of movement in upper joints, rather like us lifting our arms above our heads to stretch. Depending on what level your horse is training at you can use small circles of lateral work such as leg-yield, shoulder-in and travers. Start any lateral exercises in walk at first as it requires the greatest amount of joint movement because there’s no moment of suspension.

Walking is the horses most flexible pace for his spine.  In walk he is able to more easily rotate and flex and this helps bring his hind legs in to step up and under him. All of these exercises will help to promote and maintain your horse’s skeletal health. Flexing him to the left and right will help the muscles on either side of his spine and poll to flex, and any lateral and circle work will strengthen and stretch these muscle chains further.

Work with an experienced trainer to get the best from your horse.  Horse Scout has a list of professional trainers and coaches one of whom is bound to be in your area

Professional Rider

Professional Profile – Malcolm Aitken – Medstead, Hampshire

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Malcolm Aitken runs a small competition yard in Medstead where he trains a small group of Show Jumping horses from first shows to Foxhunter level. Malcolm is looking for owners who are keen to support a very consistent professional reach the next level. Malcolm currently has a very exciting string of horses and is looking forward to attracting new horses and owners for the 2015 season and beyond.

His owners and clients who have placed horses with him for training I was stunned to win a red rosette in the very first class that Ludo and I entered. I must thank you again for producing such a mannerly and well schooled horse, he is a joy to have on the yard and to take out and I have the added bonus of receiving a constant stream of complimentary remarks. Margaret Dufall

Malcom also teaches and his clients have nothing but positive things to say about him and his approach “How wonderful it is to have finally found a trainer who talks sense! You always explain everything in a conscientious and encouraging manner. We are also very grateful for all your support in helping us. It’s nice to know my daughter is in safe hands. J.J.Piquet and I have had a lot of trainers in the past, and within just a few weeks I have learnt more and gained more confidence than with months of training elsewhere. You have been consistently patient, friendly and fun and you treat my horses with respect and kindness. Jessica Hobbs

Having been introduced to horses by his late mother and ridden competitively as a teenager, Malcolm rekindled his love affair with horses shortly after Graduating in Sports Science 1999. Show Jumping soon progressed from being a weekend hobby into becoming the reason for going to work.  The provision of sponsorship from Vantis Plc in 2005/06 was a key assistance in his successes during his time balancing competing and office work. In late 2006, Malcolm decided that horses were the career for him and office life was phased out. After a brief period of sharing a yard in Windsor, Berkshire Malcolm decided to go it alone in late 2007 and the rest as they say is history.

MA Sport Horses offer a range of livery options. Sale, Competition Livery, Full Livery, Part Livery, Recuperation Livery, Breeding and Rearing, Holiday Livery, Breaking, Jump Training, Lessons, Show Jumping Clinics & Clipping.

Martin is a skilled professional rider Breaking & Producing youngstock, he has a range of horses for sale and Showjumping and Rehabilitation are his area of specialism.

Northfield Stables is fully insured as a Dealing, Breaking and Livery Yard. Riding/trial facilities are available on site, being an excellent 50m x 30m Charles Britton Equisand & Clopf fibre surface which provides an excellent all year round surface which is guarunteed not to flood.

MA Sports Horses also has a 4 horse Monarch Horsewalker with roof to help keep both it’s own and clients horses in top condition.

Horse Advice

Outstanding Horses- what to look for

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The horse, an athlete to be admired!

The most exciting and exacting time when involved in following racehorses, is seeing them in the paddock pre-race. It is also, I believe, essential if you are really interested in what makes a good or exceptional competitor – for that is what they are.

The two disciplines are flat racing and National Hunt. For both I am looking for presence, attitude, movement, conformation and something that occasionally is almost impossible to describe – an innate feeling that the thoroughbred generates in me, one of awe, she/he is saying I am the best, the business, so forget the rest!

Let’s take the horse that is bred to flat race first.  It needs to have strength, this is not to be confused with bone; there are many (particularly fillies) that are light, but have all the bits in all the right places.  Reasonably compact, with a good intelligent head and a bright open interested eye.  The neck needs to be well set on and the shoulder sloping to give freedom of movement.  The back needs not to be long, the quarters powerful the hocks well placed underneath.  When young they are “leggy” that’s fine as long as all is in proportion and not ever behind the knee or too upright in the pastern.  Watch how they walk, tracking up by a good 12” gets a plus and the walk should be very active.  A horse that walks well will usually gallop well. Now look from the front; is he/she standing over “good ground”.  Let’s say the width of a small terrier dog, or do the legs come out of the same hole?  If we are looking for a short to middle distance horse we need the first, if we are looking for stamina for longer distance the second is no problem.  However for the flat racer we are talking about let’s stick with a good space between chest and legs.

The race bred thoroughbred is not renowned for good feet.  No foot, no horse?  Well, not necessarily so – as long as all four look the same, nothing odd or boxy, given the task they are bred for it is not a major consideration and these days the trainers and farriers are well able to compensate for most of the common problems.

What have we left to look at as a snapshot – the action generally.  Is the horse grass cutting, pointing the toe, or can we see more movement from the knee?  In the paddock at walk, there is not so much information for us, so we need to watch he/she canter down to the post, much is learnt about how the horse will act on the ground by their action here.  And also how naturally balanced they are.

A little anecdote:

Newbury races 1976.  I was paddock side watching the 3 year old colts coming in for the Greenham Stakes, a very important trial for the 2000 Guineas.

No horse would be anything but impressive at this level. All were being led round, in the peak of condition, a visual feast of power and beauty.  And then – Wollow came in.  He was quite extraordinary; not particularly robust, tall and still quite leggy but oh my, what presence.  His head held high, a stunning head; totally imperious and somehow looking down on, and apart from, every other colt in the ring.  He moved like a ballerina, elegant and light.  I couldn’t take my eyes off him.  The big burly colts suddenly became uninteresting, he was covered in stardust and he knew it.  Luckily so did I!

He won by 7 lengths.

Horse Jobs

Grooms – Vacancies and Advice, we have it all

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If you are thinking of becoming a groom or looking for a new placement there are several professional trainers and riding establishments who have open positions at the moment check out Justine Armstrong Small in Essex who is a professional show rider who has won at all major county shows including royal international and horse of the Year Show over the past 20 yrs. Her passion is particularly focused on showing working hunters.  So expect jumping and a high standard of turnout to be on her list of priorities.

Another high profile trainer is Event rider Lucienne Elms who is based at in the south ‘Blackwater Equestrain Centre’, which is potentially one of the most prestigious equestrian centres in the South West. Lucienne offers professional training up to CCI***, and is aiming for Bramham  again in 2015. Luciene has trained and worked with numerous world ranked riders including world number 1 2009, and UK number 1 2014 Oliver Townend.  She produces horses for sale, training & competition.  So this would be a great opportunity to be part of the Event world in a fantastic location.

Are you looking for work as a groom or are you currently working with horses? Just like joining any regulatory body like say, British Eventing or the British Show Jumping Association, if you are a professional groom, i.e. paid to work with horses, then belonging to The British Grooms Association will keep you informed of rulings and regulations that your employer should be implementing and also offers confidential help line and access to free legal advice.

British Grooms Association – Membership benefits

BGA membership means you benefit by being part of a national association that represents grooms and provides you with a wide and growing range of member benefits that can help support you in your professional and personal life as well as helping you to save money.

BGA Support you throughout your career, whether you are just starting out in the industry or an experienced professional groom; whether you are an employee or working freelance. Becoming a member means you are only a click away from accessing support, advice and guidance on all groom related matters.

The BGA membership is accessible to all who are part of the British grooming profession and even those beyond. If you’re not a member already don’t miss out, join today!

 

 

 

Horse Jobs

Job Vacancies – Apprentice Grooms or working Pupils Berkshire

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Farley Hall Equestrian Centre in near Swallowfield  in Berkshire. They are looking for dedicated apprentice grooms (through Merrist Wood College) or working pupils looking to sit BHS qualifications. There will be a small amount of riding and the chance to work with some exceptional competition horses and take part with managing training clinics with top coaches.

Apprentices and working pupils are actively encouraged to help the trainers during clinics and to assist with the running of the British Eventing Horse Trials held on the estate.

These positions are live-in.

Farley Hall Equestrian Centre is situated on the Farley Estate, located in the picturesque village of Swallowfield. The yard was first opened in February 2010. The Livery Yard is home to an array of horses and ponies, from happy hackers to advanced competition horses. All of our four-legged friends have their needs individually catered for.

The BHS have recently awarded the Equestrian Centre with a ‘Highly Commended’ status, quoting “I congratulate you on the High Standards of Stable Management and Horse Care throughout your centre, which I’m confident, will be a credit to the BHS Approval Scheme”.

The Farley Team are passionate about horses and all aspects of their daily care, working to the highest standards and striving to improve and expand their knowledge. We have recently been awarded by “Investors in People”. The Farley Estate is home to many other Enterprises. It is able to offer the Equestrian Centre over 1750 acres of Private Estate Hacking which also connects with a large bridleway network, to include the highly sought after Bramshill Forest.

If you are looking for work elsewhere check through our listings on Horse Scout  and you will see a button on the top right hand corner of the Professional Trainers  or Yards  advertisement that says Staff Required.

 

Horse Jobs

Job available – Full time groom or Part time groom Ringwood Hampshire

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Little Pointers Farm are looking for Staff.

Do you live near Ringwood or are you looking for a job in the New Forest?

Full time groom or Part time groom

They are currently looking for either a full time groom/general help or a part time groom with flexibility to do 1/2 days or whole days to fit in with other staff. The right applicant must have worked on a professional yard and must work and turn out to the highest standard. On site single accommodation available. Ideally a lightweight competent rider, happy to hack young horses but a non riding position considered. Preferably no pets. Must be 100% reliable, cheerful, hard working, responsible and motivated. Excellent pay and conditions. References will be required and checked

This is a private showing yard for the owners horses only. Stabling for 4, a grooming box with solarium, rug room with drier and racking, tack room and feed room. All paddocks are post and rail and horses are turned out individually. The yard is run to a professional standard. Excellent direct hacking on the New Forest, no road work but a fairly busy track. Owners horses are show horses (cobs) or retired show horses but still in work. Planning for a menage is pending appeal decision. Non HGV horsebox on site. Owner lives on site.

Facilities

Excellent off-road hacking, Individual turn out, Onsite communal tea & coffee facility and Solarium

If you are looking for work elsewhere check through our listings on Horse Scout  and you will see a button on the top right hand corner of the Professional Trainers  or Yards  advertisement that says Staff Required.

 

 

Professional Rider

Trade Secrets that a professional work rider or groom already knows

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Here are some top tips that every work rider and professional groom knows.  If you are looking for a work rider to help you out or a groom to join your yard you can be confident that they know these things!  If you look after your own horse then wow your horse friends with a sparkly horse using these top tips.

 

  1. If you have a gray horse or one with a lot of chrome, keep some spray-on equine stain remover—created to deal with manure and grass stains—at the ready.
  1. As you groom, inspect your horse for injuries, skin irritations or areas of sensitivity. Run your bare hands down his legs to check for heat or swelling.
  1. Keep up with routine grooming chores, such as mane pulling, trimming fetlocks, et cetera. That way you’re not overwhelmed with last minute clean-up before a show.
  1. If your horse objects to having his mane pulled, try doing a little each day after exercise, while his pores are open.
  1. Check your horse’s stall or paddock fencing for protruding objects: Wounds lead to blemishes and worse.
  1. Let sweat and mud dry before attempting to brush it out. Or, hose your horse off while it is still wet.
  1. When plaiting or training a mane over to one side, use a mane mousse to help get wayward hairs under control.
  1. Color enhancing shampoos accentuate your horse’s natural tones and bring out the highlights of his coat. Washing blue in a black or grey tail make give it a wow factor.  (Always check a small patch of skin first)
  1. Using oil specifically designed for your horse’s face, rather than baby oil, will collect less dust at the show. Check contents on bottle.

10.  Let your horse roll—dirt isn’t permanent.