Horse & Hound visited the King's Troop at its Woolwich barracks and took a tour of the forge, to find out just how hefty the shoeing rota is for the farriers
Nothing has been spared at the King’s Troop’s purpose-built facilities at the Woolwich barracks in south-east London, which it moved to in February 2012 from St John’s Wood.
As well as an indoor school, outdoor school, horse walker, canter track, tailors’ workshop, pharmacy — complete with a digital X-ray machine, weighbridge and padded colic boxes — there is the all-important forge.
With 113 horses on King George VI Lines, the unit’s farriers have a hefty shoeing rota on their hands in the army’s largest forge.
Sergeant French, who completed his farrier apprenticeship through the army, shares the facts and figures of the forge.
How many horses are shod a week?
We shoe 60 horses in an average week. Come The Queen’s birthday parade in June we might shoe a 100 a week, just because of the amount of roadwork they’re doing and every horse is out in the team. We shoe the horses in pairs of hooves — so fronts and hinds, occasionally sets — depending on what they need. They very rarely get to overgrow the shoes — they do so much roadwork it’s mainly shoeing for wear.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been enjoying the sand and surf in Cornwall on a training exercise
How often are they shod?
Depending on the animal, their conformation, and how much work they’re doing, we can do anything from four to five weeks on a pair of fronts, whereas hinds are generally two to three weeks.
What are the main problems that they encounter?
It’s mainly concussion-related problems that we see because of all the roadwork. All we can do is maintain a good, strong, working life with balanced, regular shoeing. To achieve this every horse is checked by a farrier at least once a week.
Don’t miss the full feature in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 September 2015), where we go behind the scenes with the King’s Troop
Olympic event rider Zara Phillips has launched a new fashion collection with outdoor British clothing store Musto.
The “ZP176″ collection takes its name from Zara’s competition number. It features sporty-looking clothes that are made from technical fabrics to keep riders protected and comfortable in and out of the saddle.
The collection was designed alongside Musto’s country designer Louise Clinton and includes a variety of equestrian items.
The clothes are frequently field-tested by Zara, who wanted a collection that is ready to battle the British elements around the yard, but is stylish enough to wear away from the stables.
Zara said: “When I decided to launch my own range with Musto, it was with one primary ambition – I wanted to work on a collection that I would wear, not just one I could put my name to.”
The 2006 world champion and British Sports Personality of the Yeardescribed her favourite piece in the collection, the training jacket, as “very easy to wear, lightweight, waterproof and soft”.
She added the collection “looks fantastic”.
“Every time something new comes out it gets better and better. I’m honoured to be involved ” she said.
Zara’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics are currently on hold after her London 2012 horse, High Kingdom, sustained an injury at Rolex Kentucky just moments before the pair were due to enter the dressage arena.
H&H revealed the horse kicked out in his stable and split the skin on his off hind on the outside of the pastern.
As a result Zara was forced to withdraw from competition. Zara was also unable to put High Kingdom forward for selection for the European Championships this autumn due to the injury. It is looking like she will not compete again this year.
Zara and High Kingdom are expected to return to competition in 2016.
When it comes to survival tactics almost all animals, including humans, are made up of a mixture of fight or flight. In the horse, the overriding reaction to danger is “flight” – turn and run first, and ask questions later. This is part of what makes them such natural athletes, but is not always conducive to a calm, focused horse ready to do anything that we, as owners and riders, ask of them.
So how can we help turn the “flight” reaction into a positive?
The extent of the “flight” reaction will vary between individual horses, and there are various reasons for that. Some breeds are known to be flighty and “hot” breeds, such as the thoroughbred and Arab.
Equally age plays a part, with younger horses typically being more anxious. But every horse should be assessed as an individual — we’ve all met the chilled five-year-old thoroughbred and the stressed veteran.
So what can cause the “flight” reaction? There are many situations that might cause stress and anxiety for the domesticated horse. For some it will be a new experience like being backed or moving to a new yard that triggers that panic flight response. For others, it may be challenges like a farrier’s visit, the dentist, being loaded or attending a show. For horses that are generally anxious it may be simply day-to-day life, such as hacking down the road or working in the school.
So what can we do to help our horses cope with the stresses and demands of the modern equine life?
Ruling out a physical cause Before we consider using any kind of calmer, or tackling unwanted behaviour at all, we should rule out any physical cause first. If the horse is in pain the natural response is flight, so a reaction to pain may appear very similar to a reaction to fear. The horse’s teeth and back, and the fit of the saddle should be assessed by qualified professionals to ensure that the horse is being asked to work in comfort.
Secondly, don’t forget gastrointestinal comfort. Gastric stress in horses is now well recognised, especially in performance horses that work hard and travel regularly. If the behavioural issues include being hyper-reactive to the leg, discomfort during girthing, being cold-backed or behaviour such as box walking, then a calm outlook may be best achieved through a settled gut. This, in turn, should be realised by a high fibre, low cereal diet, supported with appropriate targeted nutritional support.
The use of calmersOnce all physical issues have been ruled out, some horses and ponies remain anxious, either all the time or in specific circumstances. In these situations it is not unusual for owners or trainers to use a nutritional calmer. Anecdotal evidence is strong for calmers, from leisure riders up to Olympic athletes, but is there any real evidence that they can help keep the horse calm and focused? The answer is yes. Although scientific evidence in horses is limited, it is growing, and when considered alongside evidence from other species, there is a clear argument in favour of calmers in the right circumstances.
Magnesium is a popular choice in equine calmers, but there are many discussions regarding the efficacy of the ingredient. It has long been linked with supporting a calm outlook, with evidence in other species including humans, but little has been known of magnesium’s true role in equine behaviour – until now. Earlier this year, research carried out in Australia was published showing that providing magnesium over the daily requirement supports the horse in moderating his natural flight response. However, nothing works alone in nature and we must not underestimate the importance of additional herbs in creating an effective formula to deliver a calm, focused horse.
So what research and development is being undertaken?ONE area in which horses are required to remain calm in the face of enormous challenges is the life of a police horse. These horses must not only be totally trustworthy in the heaviest of traffic, but also able to calmly control a boisterous football crowd or cope with missiles, sirens and general chaos in the case of civil unrest – all without hurting themselves, their rider or members of the public.
So it’s no surprise that their training is rigorous and includes exposure to situations and objects that most horses would never come across.
In 2007 an undergraduate dissertation at Myerscough College investigated whether the addition of a magnesium and herbal complex powder calmer could help police horses remain calm as they faced these challenges. The trial was run as a double blind placebo controlled crossover trial — the horses’ heart rates were taken initially without any supplement, to establish a baseline, and then again on both the active and placebo. During the assessment the horses faced many different stimuli including flags, banners on the floor, large balls being kicked around, bells and the sound of breaking glass. Any one of these is likely to elicit a panic response in most horses, let alone many of them at the same time.
The results showed that the heart rate, accepted as a measure of calmness, was significantly different (p<0.05) throughout the training sessions, with the calmer supplement keeping heart rate lower in the face of adversity. The conclusion of the trial was that, alongside good management and diet, the use of a calmer may provide horses with the best chance to perform to their maximum individual potential.
A further study in 2013, this time at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, showed the same positive heart rate result when trialling leisure horses faced with the challenge of road signs positioned in a riding school, where they were unaccustomed to seeing them. This time a liquid calming solution and an instant use calmer were used. The heart rate data showed that both products allowed the horses to remain calm, with the instant use product eliciting a stronger result than the liquid, as we might reasonably expect.
Calmers in performanceScience supports the use of calmers in horses, and we now see them used widely, from use during backing youngsters right up to supporting focused performance in competition horses. However there is the question of whether a calmer is appropriate for performance, as total relaxation could lead to slower reaction times and cause the horse to lose focus. The key question is whether we are looking at something that supports a calm outlook, or actually sedates the horse. Sedation should certainly be avoided for performance, as not only is the horse likely to perform below his best, it may pose a health and safety concern. So nutritional products known to sedate, the best known being Valerian, should be avoided and are rightly banned by the FEI.
The right nutritional blend, designed to maintain calmness and focus the natural flight response into the maximum athletic potential can be a useful part of the overall management of the performance horse. Equally, the daily addition of a nutritional calmer can simply let a naturally nervous horse enjoy a quiet hack down the road.
If you require any more information or advice about feeding or supplementing for these or any other conditions, please call NAF on their free nutritional helpline
References:
Lockwood A (2013) A study into the effects of commercial equine calming supplements. RAU, Cirencester.
Lucas S (2007) Investigation of a calming supplement on the behaviour and physiology of Police Horses. Myerscough College.
The Italian horse boot manufacturer has teamed up with Olympic silver medallist Nicola Wilson.
Veredus is providing Nicola’s string of horses with boots for training and competition.
“I have used the new Veredus eventing boots — E-Vento— all year and have been delighted with how well they fit,” said Nicola.
“Keeping my horses’ legs safe is always a priority, so having the support of Veredus is fantastic as they produce the highest quality boots incorporating the latest in technical fabrics and science that offer the ultimate in terms of protection, while also being comfortable for the horse.”
Snowflake
Young dressage rider Victoria Maw has become the latest brand ambassador for the equestrian bedding company.
The 21-year-old is currently ranked 153rd on the FEI youth dressage world ranking list and came second in the freestyle and third in the individual young riders competition at Pompadour in June.
“I can thoroughly recommend Snowflake having used them for 15 years,” said Victoria.
“I am really looking forward to being a brand ambassador for Snowflake equestrian bedding, being supported by products that I believe in.”
ISM has guided the careers of former world number one golfer Lee Westwood and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke and also represents England cricketers Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.
“I feel like that my best years are still ahead of me and the guidance that ISM can offer will help me to continue to improve,” said 29-year-old Scott.
Dengie
Kiwi eventer Lucy Jackson has joined equine feed company Dengie as a brand ambassador.
Based in Oxfordshire, Lucy has competed at four-star level numerous times, was 11th at Badminton in 2014 and was first reserve for the New Zealand’s London 2012 Olympic eventing team.
“I am delighted to become a Dengie sponsored rider and have been feeding Dengie for 20 years – it plays an essential role in their health, performance and general wellbeing”, said Lucy.
Haygain
Pony European silver medallist Chelsea Pearce is the new brand ambassador for hay steamer company Haygain.
Sales and marketing director Michael Bacon said: “We are very pleased to be welcoming Phoebe on board as a sponsored rider, we have enjoyed watching her career develop and are proud to say that Lucci is fed by Saracen Horse Feeds.”
Equidivine LTD
Creators of glittery and colourful grooming products Equidivine LTD has been revealed as the sponsor of the British Showjumping (BS) Stepping Stones Championships.
The company is now the title sponsors of the Stepping Stones 128cm and 138cm Championships, which culminate with the finals at Stoneleigh Park, Warks.
Competitors have from 1 January – 30 June 2016 to qualify.
“We are thrilled to be announcing Equidivine’s support of these popular Junior Championships,” said BS head of communications Maria Clayton.
“The riders who contest the series are both dedicated and enthusiastic and the Championship is the perfect fit for the brand in terms of aligning them with the right market sector.”
Britain’s showjumpers rounded off a year that defied expectation when second, bagging €300,000, to a sizzling Belgium in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona on Saturday night (26 September).
Belgium had won Thursday’s qualifier and again looked strong throughout. Gregory Wathelet and Conrad de Hus, last to go, sealed victory while landing himself a €200,000 bonus for jumping the competition’s sole double clear.
After three riders from each team had gone, Britain had the potential to finish on eight faults alongside the Dutch. Ben Maher (Diva) started Britain off with a solid four faults, unlucky to lower a rail over a water tray at fence six, while Jessica Mendoza rode another tactful round with Spirit T, among many to fault at the troublesome “fish” fence at eight. It just needed Joe Clee to secure the score with a clear.
Clee duly came of age as “last man” at a major championship event, with Utamaro D’Ecaussines (pictured) bounding round to return one of only six flawless rounds that night.
“There is pressure wherever you go in the order. I guess it means they trust me, but I am very proud to have filled this role,” he said.
Britain then found themseves ahead of the world champions in the final leadboard, for under Furusiyya rules, ties for places are separated by time faults – contrary to the rules for the previous night’s consolation event where four nations tied in runner up spot behind Qatar.
There was a change for the British line-up from Thursday, as Michael Whitaker felt Cassionato was a little stiff’ after his lacklustre 12 faults, and so Laura Renwick was called into replace him with Bintang. Her nine-year-old had hardly seen this arena, never mind under lights, and a napping fit proved costly leaving them on 16 faults as the discard score.
“I still can’t explain it. He hasn’t done it before and now was hardly the time to try it out,” Laura said. “He’s still quite young and it’s one of those things you have to take away and learn from.”
British team manager Di Lampard and Team GB performance director Dan Hughes are both in their first year in the job and the Barcelona result was better than they dared hope.
“For me, the goal was always Aachen and qualifying for Rio,” said Di. “In the end we won three superleague events, and everyone has pulled together again to now acheive this.”
Dan added: “It has been good to see how hard everyone has worked, and how they are always ready for the call-up.”
He’s got a sweet tooth and enjoys watching a comedy, but don’t ever offer him a cup of tea or coffee. Leading showman Robert Walker reveals 11 of his favourite things.
Tack cleaning or mucking out?
“It depends who mucked out before me and whether the boxes are easy to do, but I prefer mucking out over tack cleaning any day.”
Tea or coffee?
“I don’t drink warm drinks. When I was a little boy my dad would have so many cups a day and I would wonder how he could drink the stuff.”
Mares or geldings?
“At the risk of a thick ear I’d say geldings because ladies are a little more argumentative when you ask them to do something.”
Beach holiday or city break?
“A beach holiday with a few water sports thrown in, so a bit of relaxation but also something to keep me active and my mind occupied. I couldn’t sit all day doing nothing.”
If you live and breathe showing, many of the following may well be familiar…
Summer or winter?
“Everyone likes the warm on their backs, so the summer is pleasurable as far as the weather. But winter means the start of hunting season, so I like winter.”
Favourite food?
“My wife would say anything that’s sugary and sweet — I have far too much of a sweet tooth. But I’m very fond of Chinese takeaways.”
Favourite drink?
“After a busy day, a pint of lager.”
Favourite TV programme?
“Probably Sky Sports News. I’m a killer for any type of sport, especially transfer time in football — I like to be nosey and know what’s going on in the transfer market.
Adrenalin junkie or quiet life?
“A bit of both. Everyone likes the adrenalin rush and excitement of competition, but I also like to sit down at night, watch the kids play and watch TV.”
Comedy or thriller?
“Comedy — anything that makes me smile.”
Favourite car?
“I like 4x4s because I like to be nosey and look over hedgerows. I think it’s from when I was in the mastership — it was nice to see to see what was planted in the fields. So probably a Range Rover, top of the range. I’m not fussy if anyone wants to give me one.”
Don’t miss the full interview with Robert Walker in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 September 2015)
There is worrying evidence that certain bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Mark Bowen MRCVS discusses the repercussions
Modern veterinary medicine depends uponantibiotics to treat persistent infections and to prevent the formation of disease-causing bacteria in wounds and surgical sites.
The harsh reality is that some antibiotics are not working as well as they used to. We can no longer take it for granted that they will clear up bacterial illness, as the story in Horse & Hound last week about eventer Trig Point’s battle with a multiple-resistant bacterial infection proved.
The problem of antibiotic resistance, already described as one of the biggest threats facing human health, is rapidly becoming an issue in the equine world. But what exactly is happening — and why?
Q Are all bacteria bad?
Bacteria are everywhere in the environment. The majority are commensal, living on or in an animal without causing any harm.
The large colon (intestine) of the horse is full of commensal bacteria that help to digest plant material. Furthermore, commensal bacteria make growth conditions for disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria difficult, by competing for nutrients or changing the environment in which they live. As such, commensal organisms can protect us from disease and are sometimes referred to as “good bacteria”.
A second type of bacteria is referred to as opportunistic. These bacteria are not predominantly pathogenic but, given the right circumstances (such as tissue injury), can multiply rapidly and cause injury to their host. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an example of an opportunistic bacterium — when it contaminates a wound it can cause severe disease.
Pathogenic bacteria include strangles and salmonella. In some cases a horse may become a silent carrier of these bacteria, able to limit their growth, although infection can reoccur if the bacteria are given an opportunity to multiply again. This may happen if:
• The immune system is not functioning.
Stress, severe disease, some medicines and equine Cushing’s disease can all impact on a horse’s ability to fight infection naturally.
• Competition from commensal bacteria is removed.
Removal of good bacteria by the use of antibiotics can allow pathogenic bacteria to flourish and grow. A reduction in intestinal commensal bacteria can result in severe diarrhoea due to overgrowth of pathogens.
Q How does antibiotic resistance occur?
Antibiotics either directly kill bacteria (when they are termed bactericidal), or stop them from growing so that ultimately the animal’s own immune response can control the infection (bacteriostatic). They may be classified as “broad spectrum”, killing many different bacteria, or “narrow spectrum”, meaning that only a small proportion of bacteria will be susceptible to their effects.
Resistance occurs when a population of bacteria is no longer susceptible to a previously effective antibiotic. For this to happen, the genetic code of a bacterium must change so that it is protected from the action of the antibiotic. The code can change by spontaneous mutation or through acquisition of genes from other bacteria.
Evolution then takes over to ensure survival of the fittest. If mutation provides the cell with a benefit, it will multiply and eventually become the dominant form.
Where mutation brings about bacterial resistance and the bacteria are not exposed to antibiotics, numbers of these newly resistant bacteria will remain small. The use of antibiotics, however, can kill off normal bacteria and allow the resistant ones to take over.
Q What is a superbug?
The term “superbug” is sometimes given to resistant bacteria, but it can be misleading. These bacteria are no more dangerous than they would be without the genetic code for resistance — resistance does not mean “flesh-eating”.
The most well-known resistant bacteria is MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which causes infection of wounds or injection sites. The body’s immune mechanism will still mount a response to this bacteria, and, in most cases, some of the newer antibiotics will be effective.
In veterinary medicine there are currently very few bacteria that cannot be defeated by any antibiotic.
If this situation escalated, however, we would struggle to manage such infections.
This apocalyptic “post-antibiotic” era may be some way off, but scientists have not developed a new class of antibiotic in almost 30 years. Many medical professionals believe that a world without effective antibiotics is inevitable.
Clusters of ‘superbug’ (MRSA) bacteria
Q What happens if my horse develops an infection caused by resistant bacteria?
Pseudomonas, the bacteria that populated Trig Point’s sinuses, is normally only susceptible to a small range of antibiotics. When resistance occurs, the remaining available antibiotics become very limited.
To determine which antibiotic will be effective, a bacterial sample is grown in the laboratory and tested against multiple antibiotics.
If no such drug is available then other methods need to be employed to limit bacterial growth until the horse is able to mount his own immune response. Options may include surgery to debride (cut away) infected tissue or lavaging to flush out bacteria. Topical antiseptic solutions may be used where possible.
Q What is being done to prevent resistance?
Attempts to invent and discover new antibiotics are vital, but they’re not the whole answer.
It is essential that antibiotics are used carefully and only when necessary. Most UK equine vets have signed up to the Protect ME policy developed by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). This aims to reserve antibiotics defined as critically important for both animal and human health, so that they are used only for cases where they are genuinely required.
It is also important that vets and horse owners comply with guidelines for responsible antibiotic use.
Through such methods it is hoped that these medicines will remain effective for as long as is possible.
As autumn dawns and the days get shorter and darker, we’re lusting after a property with a horse walker. Take a look at these four horsey properties that all offer the luxury of such a facility.
1. Butterton Racing Stables, Staffordshire
For you: Butterton Racing Stables has a a five-to-six-bedroom “owner’s house” connected by a covered walkway to a three-bedroom “trainer’s house”. For the horses: there are two six-horse walkers, three American barns each with 16 Monarch looseboxes, a 20x33m arena and a five furlong all-weather gallop with a grass gallop running alongside. Set in 52 acres. What’s the damage? £3.25m Agent: Strutt & Parker Telephonenumber: 01743 284200 Visit: www.struttandparker.com
2. Heywood Equestrian and Therapy Centre, Wiltshire
For you: Heywood Equestrian and Therapy Centre has a spacious detached four-bedroom house, which is in the course of being completed. For the horses: there is a Claydon five-horse walker, 26 looseboxes, six feed rooms, two tack rooms, a solarium, a 33x42m outdoor arena and a 22x42m indoor school. Set in nine acres. What’s the damage? £1.125m Agent: Rural Scene Telephone number: 01264 850700 Visit: www.ruralscene.co.uk
Take a look at these gorgeous equestrian properties with excellent hacking
3. Kingfisher Farm, Somerset
For you: Kingfisher Farm has a four-bedroom farmhouse plus a flat, cottage and annexe, with fishing rights on the River Brue. For the horses: there is an indoor horse walker and exercise/lunge pen, 15 stables, a 21x61m indoor school, a 20x60m outdoor school, feed room and hay store. Set in 35 acres. What’s the damage? £1.4m Agent: Savills Telephone number: 01722 426820 Visit: www.savills.com
4. Blackberry Farm, East Sussex
For you: Blackberry Farm has a three-bedroom bungalow with a self-contained annexe. For the horses: there is a Claydon five-horse walker, a 25x50m Charles Britton outdoor school and 15 internal Monarch stables. Set in 10.5 acres. What’s the damage? £850,000-£950,000 Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse Telephone number: 01424 775577 Visit: www.batchellermonkhouse.com
“Somebody [has] poured acid on one of the beautiful donkeys in Tilmanstone,” he said.
“The poor donkey was 50 years old. It was in so much pain it had to be put down the next day.
“Many people are devastated, including my five-year-old daughter who adored him.”
Mr Jones was hoping to raise a £200 reward — however the amount on the crowdfunding page that was set up on 23 September has already passed £730.
A spokesman for Kent Police told H&H: “Although I’m aware of the donkey story doing the rounds, we can see no reported incidents like this on our logs and have searched back from 18 September.
“We have asked the PCSOs who cover the area to see if they are aware of anything, but they are not on duty at present.”
A pony had a lucky escape after becoming trapped in a ditch in Cambridgeshire earlier this month (September 15).
The piebald youngster became stuck in muddy water up to his neck and was freed by firefighters.
Crews from Cambridge and Ely stations were called the field near Qua Fen Common, Soham.
Credit: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
“A foal was trapped in a water-filled ditch and specially trained firefighters donned in-water suits and used animal rescue equipment to safely rescue the foal under supervision of the vet,” said a spokesman for Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service.
Jess Jaremczuk was riding her grey mare, Opal, along fields in Carrington, Greater Manchester, when she was spooked by a dog and fell backwards into a ditch.
“Upon arrival Opal was standing in a ditch and her rider was trying her best to lead her out,” said watch manager Mark Skinner.
“Unfortunately the sides of the ditch were too steep and slippery for Opal to get a good footing. Following many fruitless attempts Opal became exhausted, fell backwards and collapsed in the bottom of the ditch.
“Once the vet arrived a combined decision was made to sedate Opal and extract her using the specialist equipment carried on the water incident unit. Strops were fed around Opal as she lay in the ditch and lines were attached to the strops in preparation for the extraction.
“Once she was fully sedated the crews then physically pulled Opal up the skids we placed on the banks of the ditch and several meters into a field for further safety.”
It took crews over three hours to rescue Opal, who is now recovering from injuries to her back and hind legs.
As September draws to a close, Freshers’ Week beckons. For most students a toga party is the most they’ll have to worry about, but others will be combining student life with competing. Find out how to cope...
“I’m a geek, I love coding statistical models,” says para dressage star Sophie Christiansen.
It’s an unlikely statement from a top-class rider, in a sport where hours in the saddle reap far more rewards than algebraic equations. But multi-medalled Sophie not only enjoyed studying for her masters in mathematics, she puts it to use in her part-time job as statistical analyst for Goldman Sachs. And Sophie isn’t alone.
While it’s far from the conventional route to Olympic success in a world where many leave school at 16, plenty of ambitious riders squeeze in an academic degree alongside a burgeoning competitive career — and experience three of the best years of their lives.
“Build up credit with your department, for when exams and events clash. I made an effort to have a high attendance rate — I barely missed a lecture and never handed in work late. When I was struggling to finish my dissertation at the same time as I was doing Luhmuhlen, my head of department wasn’t bothered because I had a good track record.”
“Be organised and disciplined so that you can enjoy uni life as well as training hard. And if you have to drive early the day after going out, don’t drink.”
After a turbulent few years, four-star eventer and Land Rover ambassador Harry Meade talks about coming back from his 2013 More…
3. Sophie Christiansen, para dressage rider
“I had very good advice after I’d won two golds in Beijing. I was struggling with trying to make the most of being in the limelight and my adviser told me to go part-time and take five years to do my masters. I would have been too proud to take that step myself, but otherwise I wouldn’t have got a first-class degree.”
4. Georgie Wood, eventer
“I have to make use of every minute of the day. I make a strict time-plan every evening and stick to it really closely. I also make a revision timetable a couple of months before exams so that I can allow myself days off for eventing without feeling guilty.”
5. Emma Tivey, showjumper and eventer
“Be prepared to make sacrifices. I’ve qualified for the amateur eventer dressage championships at Blenheim, but it’s the same day as term starts, with important meetings. It’s frustrating, but you have to deal with the fact that you cannot do everything.”
Don’t miss the full feature about juggling your degree and horses in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 September 2015)
Moving house and divorce might be deemed the most stressful lifetime events, but surely the hunt for the perfect pony is a close runner-up... Kate Flynn takes us on the next stage of her turbulent journey to find the ideal 13.2-14.2hh confidence-giver for her daughter
A pony that at first looks to be a 'serious box-ticker', soon starts to ring alarm bells for Kate Flynn as they take it out for a hack
Steve Guerdat riding Nino des Buissonnets at Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2014. Steve Guerdat has been cleared of all wrongdoing after two of his horses tested positive for banned substances earlier this year
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