Tag Archives: Training advice

Horse Advice

Ten Top Tips for every horse owner, groom and Mum! 

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Are you about to set out looking for your perfect Mother Daughter horse combo?  Horse Scout has some lovely all-rounders listed on its Horses For Sale page.

Here are some top tips for any Mother Daughter horse cleaning regime….how you share them out? Well that’s up to you but do…have a sparkling relationship with your horse!

  1. An equine squeegee, rather than a hard sweat scraper, makes removing water from equine legs and hips easier and kinder.
  2. For extra shine on special occasions, spritz your horse’s coat with a sheen product.
  3. Regular use of coat polish sprays right after bathing has the added bonus of deterring dust—it slides right off.
  4. Horses with pink skin need extra sun protection—use sunscreen on susceptible pink noses!
  5. To help protect against skin infections, regularly disinfect grooming brushes and combs.
  6. Keep brushes clean as you go: After every few strokes with your body brush, clean the bristles on a metal or rubber curry held in your other hand.
  7. Brush from front to back, top to bottom, for the most efficient effort.
  8. Curry first in a circular motion to loosen dirt and hair; then use your stiff dandy brush to remove it. A flick of the wrist at the end of your long flat brush stroke helps lift the dust off.
  9. Multi-task: use a brush in each hand!
  10. Show-ring veterans have long known that grooming wipes are ever so handy.

 

Eventing

Fundraising with a difference – Rides for UK based horse charities

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Charities which support horses and particularly those which support the welfare of UK horses and ponies will always need donations and funds raised by us horsey folks. A great way to meet likeminded groups of people would be to arrange meetings or events through your local equestrian centres and Horse Scout has a number of Yards listed and there is sure to be one in your area.

Here are a couple of kickstarter ideas if you want to saddle up and go get those money buckets filled.

Since the launch of the first British Horse Society fundraising riding challenge in 2000, hundreds of riders have taken part in an adventure overseas. The ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ riding challenge opened the door for our intrepid challengers to travel the world in aid of British Horse Society welfare. The challenges now operate in Bulgaria, Iceland, Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, India, Jordan, Peru, Spain and Lesotho. There is a trip to inspire everyone, each offering a unique experience no matter where you ride.

These challenges really do put the fun in fundraising but as well as enjoying a life-changing trip, all of the riders raise money that is vital in continuing our welfare work. Without the aid of our dedicated challengers our nationwide network of welfare officers would not be able to help anywhere near as many horses as they do. The British Horse Society has over 200 equine specialist welfare officers, more than any other charity, and together they improve the lives of countless horses, ponies and donkeys in every corner of the UK.

Some orgainisations like the World Horse Welfare Group who are the UK’s largest horse rescue and rehoming charity, use funds to provide a dedicated network of Field Officers who work hard to investigate reports of horses in distress, advising owners or bringing horses to their centres for urgent care and rehabilitation. They also campaign to improve policy and practice across the equine world, shaping the laws that protect horses and promoting better standards of care and in 2015 World Horse Welfare are planning to hold four rides.

So if you want to show your support for UK horse charities and fundraisers – saddle up! We guarantee you won’t regret it.

Perhaps you have your own pet charity already and need some advice on where you can legally ride in your area? A good place to start would be the Affiliated Bridleways Group

Stallions

Performance Horse – Stallions at Stud – Harthill, Malpas, Cheshire

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Nina Barbour and Oliver Townend established their stud partnership in 2009. Having visited industry-leading studs throughout the USA, Ireland and the rest of Europe to investigate different systems and design concepts, their vision is to create a world-renowned breeding establishment.

The primary objective is to produce top class event horses for both national and international markets, with the emphasis being placed on traditional Irish and thoroughbred bloodlines. They have sourced some exceptional stallions as the breeding foundation for Harthill Stud. These stallions are an exciting collection for outside breeders, with options to suit most sport horse mares, backed up with advice based on our in-depth knowledge of the competition industry.

Harthill Stud has 8 performance stallions standing

Arkol – £750 plus VAT

Arkol by Argentinus has been much admired since winning the 4 year old class at The British Showjumping National Championship at the Scope Festival in 2011. He has since consistently won 5 year old classes at Arena UK, Addington and Scope. In 2013 Arkol has had three wins in the Six Year Old Tour in Valencia. He will be campaigned by Billy Twomey who considers him to have the talent and scope to be part of his top string of horses.

Peppermill – £1,000 plus VAT

“Peppermill is one of the best horses jumping in the world today” Emile Hendrix commentary re PeppermillPerformance -2006 World Games5th 2007 European Champs2008 Beijing Olympic Games TeamAmongst many other major competitions, Peppermill has won the Grand Prix in San Patrignano and Rome and was the winner of the £90,000 Grand Prix at the 2009 Global Champions Tour in Valencia. He has been the anchorman in 22 Nations Cup teams in the last three years and was part of the British Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Ramiro B – £750 plus VAT @

Ramiro B’s pedigree is a cocktail of some of the best jumping lines including Belgium Warmblood and Holstein. Born in Belgium and produced in Ireland, with consistency in technique, genuine rideability and scope and successfully competed internationally with Irish international rider Edward Doyle.

And also Honour Cruise, a young event horse and power Line whose progeny are eventing: “Power Line” – 2* event horse coming up the grades in the UK, previously campaigned with Antoinette McKeowen. Already clocked some great results at international level. Now ridden by Martyn Johnson to Advanced level. “Power Drive” In 2014 he was the champion at the Novice Final, and has been consistant to 1* level under Oliver Townend. “BGS Juicy Fruit” – 2* Event mare, selected in Ireland for the World Championships for young horses at Le Lions d’Angers in 2014. “Wi

Harthill’s initial base has been established at Egerton Hall Farm, where the state-of-the-art facilities have been set up to cater for your mare and foal’s every need. Mares and young stock are welcome for any length of stay, and AI packages are available both using our own stallions’ semen, or any outside stallion of your choice.

Harthill offer a range of packages to suit your mare and her serviceing needs.

Harthill Stud offer a foaling service with 24 hour supervision and years of practical experience in foaling.

We know what a newborn foal needs to give them every chance of growing into a future superstar, and we ensure they receive it.

Our team of industry esteemed staff and purpose built facilities ensure that any stress is alleviated from broodmare owners at this exciting time.

Broodmares are stabled in our large foaling boxes all complete with CCTV installed, as well as our state of the art foaling alarm system.

The mares have daily turnout and are monitored 24hrs a day until foaling.

Once your mare has foaled we offer a programme of management tailored to their individual needs. Some foals are able to use our secure nursery paddocks as soon as 24 hours old, where others need to be more restricted for a little longer. These foal management decisions are based on a combination of our experience in raising foals, and the advice of our industry renowned vet Sarah Stoneham.

Sarah also offers a new foal package where a new foal will have an examination on the morning after their birth, and then an IgG test to make sure they have received sufficient immunity from the colostrum, and a tetanus antitoxin.

If you would like to send your mare to foal with us, we recommend that she arrives with enough time to be totally relaxed and at home in her new surroundings. Typically clients will bring mares a fortnight prior to her foaling date, but if the mare has a history of early foaling or can take a while to settle, arriving a month prior to her due date can be more suitable.

We will keep you regularly updated with all progress throughout, and welcome scheduled visits at this exciting time.

 

Professional Rider

Professional Profile – Matt Hicks

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Well done to Matt Hicks on his victory at Merristwood on Jackie Vaughn’s ElZorro with a fantastic score of 70.76% in the 10 years olds first prix St Georges for two years.  This powerful horse could hardly contain the excitement in the canter changes but Judge Debbie Wardle said “he had so many marks in the bank at the end of the trot that Matt held on to 1st place”

ElZorro came back to the circuit only five odd months ago having been found to have several minor things that had been affecting his way of going in 2012.  Matt was quick to acknowledge the effort of his vet Janette Palliser and farrier Bonny Morgan who have been seminal in getting ElZorro back on the road.

Hicks Equestrian is a BD Acredited Coach, professional trainer and an International Dressage Rider on Horse Scouts’ list and operates out of Whitchurch in Hampshire from a friendly 5* competition yard Hurstbourne Equestrian Centre on a large private estate. Livery & training for all levels is catered for. There is also the opportunity to understand how a movement should feel with School Master Lessons on an Advance dressage horse.

Matt is offering the chance to win two free tickets to Mary Kings Lecture at Hurstbourne EC on Thursday 26 February on his Facebook page.

Horse Advice

Top Tips for a match made in heaven

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Top Tips for Buying a Horse

1. Think carefully before buying a horse – do you really have time?

2. Before committing to buy, make sure you try the horse in several situations

3. Always arrange your own vetting with a vet you trust

4. Don’t be afraid to look at a dealer’s horses, but do seek a trial period

5. Ask private sellers to sign a ‘Sale Agreement’ that details the purpose for which you want the horse

6. Speak to your insurer to get a quote before purchasing a new horse and find out their vetting requirements

7. Take your time when trialling a horse – don’t feel rushed into a decision

Horse Scout has some lovely horses listed on the Horse for Sale pages; desirable dressage doyennes, sensible show jumpers, sensational show horses, happy hackers, amazing all rounders, and even elevating eventing elegance; happy hunting!!!!

 

Here are a few of the horses on sale listed on Horse Scout

Karina in Hampshire

Dark bay Hanoverian mare 16hh born 2005

Karina is by Sunny Boy (Sandro Hit) and has been trained and competed as a dressage horse. Sadly we have come to the conclusion that she is not temperamentally cut out to be a dressage horse and I am seeking to rehome her either as a brood mare or a surrogate (recipient) mare. She is good to handle but is not a confident horse and so has never taken to hacking though I think she would with time and patience. Correct home is more important than price.

A lovely All-rounder, the perfect Mother Daughter combination, SOX Chestnut Irish Sports Horse gelding 15.1hh born 2005 £15,000. He has evented up to BE100 +, with numerous placing’s and wins However his potential lies in show jumping and dressage – nearly always in the 20?s at BE, even achieved a 19.5, 21.5 and a 23 last year. jumps 1.20m at home easily.  Would suit a confident teenager who wants to compete competitively in show jumping or dressage Good to shoe, clip, load, traffic, hack, handle at home and shows Will live in or out This talented horse’s potential is unlimited to the right rider. Sox can be seen in Buckinghamshire

 

 

Buying A Horse

Top Tips for bonding with your new horse.

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You’ve checked out Horse Scouts Horses for sale pages and fond the perfect match  are you on the a mission to buy a new horse.  Looking for the right horse for sale can be stressful, although undoubtedly exciting.  With lots of people trying him out and disrupting his daily routine it can also be stressful for the horse who is for sale. It does not stop there though , your new horse is then moved from the familiar and is faced with getting used to new people and new surroundings to get used to. A good bonding exercise and one which will help your horse feel that he has a true friend is to spend time grooming him and this also helps you to get to know him too..  Here are some top tips to try out on your new horse.

Top Tips to make your new horse as sparkly as he can be.

1. Ask your vet about adding vegetable oil or an essential Omega-3 fatty acid supplement to your horse’s well-balanced diet for added shine.

2. Sponging your horse’s face clean after exercise helps prevent fungal hair loss.

3. Keep different sized sponges for different duties (face, body, dock) and remember which is used for each task.

4. Hoof picks are cheap. Always use a sharp one to remove  debris, and replace the pick when it no longer does the job easily.

5. Use a tail bag to keep your horse’s tail thick, long and protected. Make sure to wash, condition, detangle and replait once a week, securing the tail bag below the tailbone.

6. Spend two minutes every two weeks running your clippers over your horse’s whiskers.

7. Hoof oils and dressings for health or show are available. If you have a particular concern in mind, such as hooves that crack easily, ask your farrier for product suggestions.

8. Use a detangler and a wide-toothed comb (or your fingers) to remove any large snarls from mane and tail.

9. Dark coats often fade or bleach in the sunlight, so provide plenty of shade and consider adding a sheet. Sweat in the coat accelerates the fade, so rinse a sweaty horse before allowing him to bask in the sunshine.

10. Wash your horse but don’t overdo it—frequent shampooing may actually dull his coat.

If you are looking for a new horse take a look at the for sale listings on Horse Scout.  Good luck and happy brushing.

Horse Breeds

Focus on Scotland Continued… The Scottish Horse Breeding Scene

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Horse Scout has been searching the Scottish stallions listed on its website for you and here they are all gathered together. Well Spotted in Scotland!

If you are looking for a stallion for your mare this year and want something close to home….assuming you live in Scotland, then look no further.  However all these stallions can supply frozen seamen if you cannot travel to Scotland for your Stallion this year.

The Solaris Stud have a range of stallions.  All of them completely gorgeous and perfectly bred to produce your competition horse.

Solaris Buenno – Braco, Dunblane £500

Our home bred homozygous coloured tobiano warmblood stallion standing at stud, Solaris Buenno, is an interesting addition to the world of warmblood and sport horse breeding who consistantly passes his abilities and temprament on to his progeny, elasticity, suppleness, atheleticism, tremendous shoulder reach and powerful hind engine. His bloodlines are a combination of both jumping and dressage genes from the worlds leading stud books including the grand prix show jumping stallion Wellington by stallion of the century Nimmerdor. Buenno is Homozygous for the tobiano gene, thus providing breeders with the certainty that his progeny will be tobiano. For the showing enthusiast his progeny have already been shown with great success. His first progeny have been sold as far as the Czech Republic Switzerland & France. Full ancestry report and extensive library of videos and photos of his progeny available on our website.

Umenno – Braco, Perthshire – £700

Umenno possesses a good trainable temperament, powerful flamboyant movement, a beautifully marked chestnut and white robe, and a pedigree of legendary ancestry with 50% thoroughbred. Bred with athleticism in mind Umenno is an expressive powerful mover with off the floor paces and has demonstrated good jumping ability in the showjumping arena.Umenno was also shown in hand throughout the UK, standing Open Non Native National Champion and young stock reserve. He has stood Champion at many National county shows including, the Scottish Chaps National, the Highland Show, Fife Show, and Great Yorkshire along with other wins in Sport Horse classes.As a four year old he jumped double clears in British Novice. Discovery and Newcomers. He qualified for the Royal Show potential showjumper, the Royal International Horse Show BSPA Ridden finals, Burghley young event horse, Arena UK 4 year old SJ championship, and the Scottish Sports Horse 4 year old showjumping sport horse series along with numerous overall Championships in ridden sport horse classes often standing vainquer to older competitors. Winner of the five year classes at Bicton and the six year old class in St Legier Switzerland with additional placings at RII with Rudi Wallerbosch.Umenno has since been sold to South Africa and has dominated the showing circuit with multiple wins and Championships.Frozen semen is still available for distribution within all EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Solaris also stand Ameraux (KWPN 2005) Our Homozygous black dressage stallion with a pedigree of legendary ancestry who has consistently achieved excellent results in dressage.Expressive, head turning, with that “look at me factor”, modern and long legged he possesses three equally good paces, a ground covering walk, elasticity and suppleness in his trot with expressive use of the front leg in all three paces. His canter is excellent with above average length of stride, uphill cadence and good self carriage.

Gino – Braco, Perthshire – £500

A tall, refined, long legged stallion of uphill build, dark coat and excellent mechanics, expressive use of the foreleg, quick & powerful use of the hind leg, a pure active walk and good self carriage in both trot and canter, just as one would expect when analysing his pedigree! Gino captures your heart with his gentle nature, his presence and his undeniable elegance. His sire is the KWPN stallion Sandreo a son of the famous Sandro Hit. His dam a daughter of the great Negro and his maternal grand dam a daughter of Michelangelo. A combination of the very best performance bloodlines! He will stand his first season at stud in 2014 and commence training in September in preparation for the young horse dressage Championship classes and the KWPN IBOP ridden performance test in partnership with Mat Burnett. Gino is KWPN PROK certified (Clean X-Rays) and fully vet checked.

Solaris Sports and performance stallions also have a very special and different Akhal Teke stallion called Kambarbay – £600.

He is stallion with stamina, speed, agility, scope and and high percentage of blood? – elasticity over a fence and four exceptional paces, walk, trot, canter and gallop? The Akhal Teke is considered by many to be one of the oldest thoroughbred breeds today. Kambarbay possesses all of the desirable characteristics of the modern sport horse, three very good paces, well defined limbs and a well proportioned length of body and neck along, a beautiful head and a metallic golden sheen to his coat for which the breed are also renown. The Akhal Teke as a breed are infamous for their great stamina, speed, agility and bravery the characteristics very much sought after for the eventing and endurance horse. Kambarbay is a stallion with tremendous nobility and refinement an elegant high blood stallion with the ability as a Perlino to pass on his dilute colouring 100% of the time. Homozygous agouti and cream he will always produce palomino and buckskin foals from solid mares. His first foals show an abundance of athleticism, presence and refinement. Kambarbay has competition results in British Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing.

In Lanarkshire, at the Romano Stud, is Serano Gold (£650 excludes VAT @ 20%). He was vice champion of 3yo stallions in Rastede in 2004, where he also was placed in the final of the Bundeschampionat. He scored highly in his 30 day performance test, scoring the highest mark for rideability with an outstanding mark of 9.75. He scored an impressive 10 for both the temperament and character and high marks for his paces. From the outset he was set to impress. He qualified for the Bundeschampionat in 2004 where was placed in the final and again in 2006 & 2007 where he sadly through no fault of his own was unable to attend the finals.

In 2006 ALL his foals received the prestigious Oldenburg PREMIUM title – he was thereafter known as “the foal maker”. He has sired several approved breeding stallions including the 2010 BWBS reserve champion SERANO and also SFORZANDO. CASHMIR was approved with the Swedish warm blood society. His offspring are sold for consistantly high prices at many of the auctions including SMILLA P for 40,000 euros and SOPRESSO for 40,000 euros at the Vechta Elite auctions, STRAHLEMANN for 27,000 euro

Of course, chilled seamen works both ways and if you are up in Scotland and want to look at Horse Scout’s other Stallions at Stud from across the country please use click the link .  There are some really class Stallions to see.

Buying A Horse

The advantages of buying from professional trainers who sell horses

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Do you or don’t you? Don’t dis dealers.

Are you thinking of buying a horse but slightly overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and descriptions of the horses on offer?  There are distinct advantages when buying from a professional, established horse sales business. No door to door when buying from a horse from a Dealer

What classes a person who sells horses as a dealer?

There is no statutory definition of what makes a dealer a dealer, however when someone sells a horse ‘in the course of business’ and sells more than three horses a year they are classed as traders or dealers.

Spoilt for choice

Unlike buying privately, a dealer is likely to have a large selection of horses of all shapes and sizes making it easier for you to find your perfect partner. It is important that you state exactly what you are looking for and be open and honest with your capabilities. When possible get detailed descriptions of the horses you are looking at in writing – asking them to email is an easy way – and ask what trial facilities they have.

Protection when buying

One of the biggest benefits to buying through a trader or dealer is that once you have established that they are selling the horse in the course of business, you will be protected under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. This means that the goods you buy must be reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are intended, however this purpose must be made known to the seller clearly which is why, if you can, you should get the description of the horse in writing. If the horse you purchase is deemed unsuitable, you may have a claim for breach of contract which means you should be able to return your horse and potentially claim further damages if applicable.

Some well established dealers may have their own warranty and terms and conditions of sale, often these can be found on their website. You should always make sure you have read them carefully before buying a horse from them – in the event of a problem it may be deemed that you have read them and they could form as part of the terms of sale.

Our top tips for buying from a dealer or trader

Never buy a horse unseen, you can’t get a true feeling for what you are buying from images and video clips alone. Even if they are a long distance away it is worth travelling to see them to save you the heartache and stress of purchasing an unsuitable horse.

Go to a dealer based on recommendations and word of mouth, not just based on their own testimonials on their website. Look online and in forums to get some real references and if you can chat to previous clients – an honest dealer won’t have a problem with you contacting previous buyers.

Don’t be pressured by the sales person. They may tell you that they have other people coming to see the horse later that day to push for a quick sale. Give yourself time to think and ensure your decision is the right one, don’t feel rushed.

Always take a knowledgeable person with you when you go to view and try a horse, if you are inexperienced take someone who is willing to ride the horse as well to get a better idea of whether it is suitable. If you aren’t confident to try out a horse be honest and say, don’t feel pressured in to it, the seller would rather you were honest than waste their time.

Be wary if the horse is tacked up when you get there, it could be a sign that it is cold backed or difficult to tack up, also look for signs that it has already been ridden that day.

Always see the horse ridden before you get on.

Watch the horse in the stable to check they have no vices such as wind sucking or weaving.

Ask if you can have the horse on trial, or can come back and see the horse on a different day, try first thing in the morning when it could be at its freshest.

Always get the horse vetted yourself and don’t accept a vet certificate from the dealer.

If a dealer comes with recommendations and a good reputation then there are many good reasons for looking for a horse being sold by a dealer.  The truth is that whilst the word ‘dealer’ may have unwarranted connotations of dastardly deeds and double dealing, the truth is that dealers are running a business and that a bad reputation is bad for business.

Horse Scout has quite a few listed dealers and the re is bound to be a centre near you.  Take a look at their profiles.

 

Andrea Verdina – Hungerford, Wilts

Oliver Townend – Ellesmere, Shropshire

Aqua Rask – Carrington, Greater Manchester

Peter White – Basingstoke, Hampshire

Lucienne Elms – Romsey, Hampshire

Jess Butler – Melton Mowbray, Leics

Connie Hannaway – Armagh, Armagh

Gregor Knox – Northleach, Gloucestershire

Luis Principe – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Michelle Walker – Congleton, Cheshire

Lucca Stubington – Antrim, Antrim

 

Horse Jobs

Being a groom – Careers advice 

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You love horses and really want to work with them? Lets look at being a professional groom

As a groom, you would:

  • provide food and water for horses
  • replace and move baled and bagged bedding and feed
  • clean equipment such as saddles and bridles
  • clean, brush and sometimes clip, horses’ coats
  • muck out stables, sweep yards
  • Possibly set up jumping courses, move poles etc
  • watch out for changes in the condition of horses and report problems
  • treat minor wounds, change dressings and give certain medications
  • follow instructions from vets when treatment is needed.
  • You may also be responsible for exercising the horses each day.

If you work with show jumpers or race horses, you will prepare them for events, and may accompany them. In studs and breeding yards you will work with stallions, mares and foals, and may help vets to deliver foals. In riding schools you may greet clients, lead riders out on foot, and accompany them on horseback.

Grooms who work with competition or racehorses will get many opportunities to travel both in the UK and abroad. This can lead to a very exciting job if you are part of a professional team; there is no greater buzz than seeing the horse that you love and care for winning a race or a medal! As a groom you can also work in a stud with stallions and mares, which is really exciting in the spring time when the foals are born.

Hours

You would usually work 40 hours a week, including early mornings, late nights and weekends. Overtime is often available, and you may be able to do part-time work, casual work or work on a freelance basis.

You would need to be prepared to work in cold, wet and muddy conditions, and you would wear protective clothing and footwear.

Income guide

Starting salaries for unqualified grooms can be around £10,000 a year.

Qualified grooms can start at around £12,000 a year.

Experienced grooms can earn £16,000.

Some employers may provide you with accommodation and food. Some may also offer free stabling for your own horse along with riding lessons.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You may not need formal qualifications to work as a horse groom. Experience of working with horses is valuable and could give you an advantage and help you find work.

Volunteering or looking for temporary work in a stable can be a great way of getting some experience. It also shows employers that you are keen to work with horses and learn more about the industry. It can help you to meet new people and make contacts that may be useful when you start to look for paid work.

Eventing

Help for Heros –Help raise funds

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There are so many charitites which need our support. If you are part of a larger horse community why don’t you hold a fund raising event through your local Equestrian centre or at your livery yard.  Or perhaps you are arranging a group lesson or clinic with one of listed Fantastic Trainers on Horse Scout, if so maybe everyone could pay just a little extra into the pot ato be donated to support a charity like Horseback UK.

HorseBack UK is a charity which has been created to provide a safe and secure environment to aid those serving, or those who have served in the UK armed forces.

Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment to aid the recovery of servicemen and women who have suffered either physical or mental injuries as a result of their commitment to their country. Their aim is to ease the integration of serving personnel and veterans back into the community, inspiring a meaningful and rewarding future.

For the soldiers who come to the centre the initial emphasis is on learning the basics, caring for the horses and building a bond of trust with them. Once that trust is established, the groundwork starts. This builds confidence in gentle increments, so that by the time the participants graduate to riding, they are completely at ease with their horse, and can go through obstacle courses and out on trail rides through the Deeside hills.

For those who return to active service after being injured, the emphasis is on building strength, confidence and capability. It is simply a different approach to help servicemen and women in their journey back to full fitness, both in body and mind. For veterans, HorseBack acts as a bridge from the military to the civilian world.

Many of those who attend our courses will have been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress for years, and may have almost forgotten what normal life is like. For them, the relationship with our horses is a powerful therapeutic tool, as is spending time in the great Scottish outdoors. A remarkable number of our participants stress the powerful effect that being in such a beautiful environment has on them.