The Listening Post

Magazine for the Intelligent Horsemanship Association

SUMMER 2010 2 The Listening Post Letter from Kelly Advertisements Page 2 Letter from Kelly Page 3 Dear IH Members A Bit in Hand! Page 4 Perhaps it’s silly (or High Hopes Page 5 anthropomorphic if you Fur, fabric and feathers Page 6 want to be scientific about Pro-Am TREC Championship it!) but it occurred to me at Royal Windsor 2010 Page 7 that Pie could feel a little Equus Online University less ‘special’ when the new IH Garden Party announcement Page 8 youngsters arrived. People Your Letters Page 9 have asked me “So what New Course Perfect Confidence does Pie think about you in-hand and under saddle Page 10 having these other Ask the Experts Page 12 horses?” and I couldn’t help The ethics of modern dressage Page 14 feeling a twinge of guilt. IH Charity update & RA Sandra Williams works with the RSPCA Page 16 Happily my mind’s been put at rest over the last couple of months though when it’s IH Special Offers Page 17 quite clear that Pie seems to have reached a whole new Getting to Yes Page 18 level of satisfaction and purpose with his new role as ‘Uncle Raising the goal posts Page 20 Pie’. For humans, there is no better way to get some short Lightening the forehand Page 21 cuts to knowledge than having the right mentor. For horses, Introduction to Intelligent the steadying influence of an older horse is just as Worming Page 22 invaluable. The Rounding Reflex Page 24 Equine Behaviour Forum Page 26 In just the last few weeks Pie has taken the leading role (literally) in ponying one youngster around the country Understanding colonic ulcers Page 27 lanes to introduce her to traffic, taking part in a pairs hunter Gillian Higgs book & DVD reviews Page 28 trials to enable Banksy to go clear over tyres, up and down banks, over ditches and through water. He’s also taken a I’m Shy Boy Page 29 responsible role in herd management when they are turned IH clothing Page 30 out together. Rehoming Harvey Page 31 Equine first aid Page 32 Although Pie isn’t the slightest bit concerned about the Contents Where are they now? Page 33 heaviest traffic, brass bands or going on stage at the Spotlight on RA Jo Bond Page 34 National Theatre with giant puppet horses, he does have a disconcerting habit of spooking at the most unlikely Lessons learnt from Rio and Julia Fisher Page 35 objects. I was therefore, a little concerned when I watched him leading the youngsters in a canter around the field and encouraging them all to spook at the hedge! I suppose Do you have a contribution for the Listening Post? nobody’s perfect?! Do phone, email or send your carrier pigeon to the IH office! Intelligent Horsemanship Office: Address: Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Hungerford RG17 8QP Phone: 01488 71300 Fax: 01488 73783 Email: [email protected] Website: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk On the cover: Cover shot by Simon Palmer www.into-the-lens.com

The Listening Post 3 A Bit in Hand! Achieving that illusive contact, Part 1 By Elaine Sutcliffe MRPCH of www.whiterose-equestrian.co.uk

An Introduction For my stage II project last year, I chose a twitch it off, and in our riding, we are right to thoroughly and efficiently move up subject that I spend most of my time working all the time to achieve maximum it, without cutting any corners. You start at helping other people with – bits and response from very light aids. the bottom and aim for the top. If you miss bitting! What I love about this job is the Yet sometimes it one out, the goal above will not be as good. transformation I can get by just changing a doesn’t seem to matter Contact is 3rd after Rhythm (or Relaxation) horse’s bit. Every horse is different however how we ride, our horse and Suppleness. I use the word Relaxation and every rider is different and what suits will still resist the alongside Rhythm, as a horse that is not one combination may not suit another. contact. The ‘evasions’ relaxed will be less likely to travel with a So what am I – and what should you be - can be very extreme, rhythmic gait. looking to achieve? such as the mouth It is this relaxation that I see missing in Well, whatever you choose to do with your opening, the tongue many horses where the rider is struggling to horse we all aim to have a horse that is hanging out, running achieve a good contact. willing, responsive, understanding of what through the bit, So what is a contact? This is the definition we ask of it, and above all, safe and cantering with its head from the British Dressage Rule Book – enjoyable. The perfect partnership! on the ground. Or just a bit inconsistent, Appendix 10. When we ride a horse, we communicate dropping behind or above the bit, leaning, “The ideal contact is a light, even, elastic (establish a contact) using our legs, seat and tilting the head, a little resistant before feel in both reins and this is achieved by aids hands – and quite often our voice. A horse responding to an aid. from the legs and seat, not the hands. can only really We know that horses The legs are applied as a driving aid, the communicate with us “A horse can only really are prey animals. Their horse steps under more and works ‘through’ using body language, communicate with us using first instinct is to get those muscles along his top line – over the by resistance or body language, by resistance away from things they’re back, neck, through the poll and the rider relaxation. A short or relaxation.” not sure of (spooking, feels the energy thus created in the reins. stride or a limp might running through the bit). When the contact is established in this way indicate sore feet, bucking a badly fitting If this doesn’t work, they lean into pressure his outline and steps will be ‘round’ not saddle. When a horse resists the contact with (leaning on the bit, hard to stop). hollow, and in the trot and canter springy the rider’s hand, it is often indicating a So after you’ve checked the teeth, back, and not flat. The horse’s hindquarters and discomfort in its mouth. Unfortunately feet, saddle, etc, you’ll probably then blame forehand are connected by that band of nowadays, a flash noseband or ‘stronger’ bit yourself for not being a very good rider. Then muscles over the top line and the rider can is often used to try and prevent this. The bit you get to the point where your instructor is feel this in his hands as there will be a lively and tack we use should be an aid in the saying ‘don’t worry, you’re doing everything forward tendency in the reins. The horse is training of a horse and is no substitute for right, it will come in time’. Yes, it might do, then said to be ‘connected’.” skill, time, patience and good horsemanship. but imagine you’re riding without your Voila! Just like that! Have a think about that However, any resistance by the horse caused gloves and the rein has caused a blister on and decide whether that’s what you’ve got. by discomfort will slow down or even your finger. Where has your attention gone? You cannot force a contact. A good prevent its learning, leading to frustration for What’s the next thing you want to do? Yes, contact is when the horse accepts and both horse and rider. stop and take away the discomfort. responds to seat and leg aids while To quote the great master Nuno Oliveira: Horses are not the cheapest of hobbies maintaining a round outline with a mouth “The mouth of the horse is one of the most and it’s often easy to think that there’s a that is relaxed and accepting the bit. If there sensitive parts of his body.” We all know that short-cut to our goal. Many years ago, I was is any resistance at all in the horse’s mind a horse can feel a fly land on it and will introduced to classical riding and a man because of discomfort in the mouth, then called Alois Podhajsky. In his book, The the rider will never achieve that feeling of Elaine’s Intermediate Eventer Complete Training of Horse and Rider, he working totally WITH his or her horse, of competing in a Loose Ring having a true partnership. Plastic Bit, Cavesson Noseband states again and again ‘You have Time’. Well, and no martingale. unfortunately in this day and age, we often feel that we don’t have time. But there’s no Next Issue: short cut in schooling, whatever you What factors affect the contact and the ultimately intend to do with your horse. design of bit that we might choose? The Scales of Training Pyramid is used in the dressage world to show the goals to be achieved at each level in a horse’s training and are what a horse is judged on in competition. It is there for a reason and we have to have everything

4 The Listening Post High Hopes By IH Recommended Associate Joanna O’Neill

swishing his tail because his owner is This is easy – incremental working! Each bringing his saddle across? Could he blow that ram gave to the dam made it a tiny associate that saddle with discomfort? bit weaker, so instead of wilting before a huge task, copy the ram and break it down “Just what makes that little old ant, into tiny chunks. think he'll move that rubber tree plant? Ask for one sideways step at a time; find Anyone knows an ant can't move a one new spooky thing to introduce your rubber tree plant. horse to each day; ask him to stand still a few But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes, seconds longer each time you mount up, and you might soon be giving Pie a run for his He's got high, apple-pie-in-the-sky hopes. money over the BHS Trec course. So any time you're gettin' low, 'stead of lettin' go, just remember that ant - “All problems are just a toy balloon, Oops, there goes another rubber tree they'll be bursted soon, t was a thrill for me to meet Monty plant.” They're just bound to go pop - Roberts at Hartpury College last year, Oops, there goes another problem – and even more of a thrill to know that Well, this is a straightforward case of I kerplop!” I had impressed him. Quite something to keeping a positive outlook and remaining have impressed Monty, huh? So what was it optimistic. Maybe there’s also a reference to And to finish up, we have a reminder that about my superb horsemanship that caught the fact that animals are capable of feats we things can look much worse than they are. his attention? cannot understand. How could that horse While it is never a good idea to deny Well…nothing, as it happens. No horses have known it wasn’t safe to cross the difficulties exist or ignore matters while they were anywhere near. What impressed him damaged bridge? We don’t know, but we’d worsen, it is helpful to remember that most was the fact that I knew the words to the do well to trust our animals sometimes, and problems do get solved, and most of us can Frank Sinatra song, ‘High Hopes’. that ant clearly knew what he was about. Oh well. think of an occasion where we have asked ourselves, ‘Why ever was I so worried about Still, with high hopes in mind, what “When troubles call and your back's to that?’ relevance do those lyrics have for the wall, There’s a lot to be learned - horsemanship? I have no idea why Monty that wall could fall!” had been thinking of the song, but here is Thanks, Sammy! my take on it. (Acknowledgements and I interpret this as a reminder to be admiration to Sammy Cahn, the lyricist.) prepared for all eventualities and not to put too much faith in circumstances over which “Next time you're found with your chin you have no control. In other words, don’t on the ground, There’s a lot to be carry on riding your spooky horse on the learned, so look around.” road relying on there not being a tractor today, and don’t ignore the fact that you can We’ll hope your chin is not on the ground only catch your horse when you have a literally, and concentrate on the second line. bucket of feed, because one of these days There is always a lot to be learned from you might get caught out! horses, so look around and pay attention. Observe your own horses when they are left “Once there was a silly old ram, alone, at grass or in the stable: are they Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam. contented or anxious? Playful or irritable? No one could make that ram scram, At the top of the herd or at the bottom? He kept buttin' that dam. And watch how other people handle their Joanna O’Neill is IH Recommended But he had high hopes, he had high horses, too. Much can be learned from Associate covering Berkshire, observing how the experts do it, but also hopes, he had high, apple-pie-in-the-sky Middlesex, Surrey and North from the mistakes less competent or careful hopes. Hampshire. people make. Is that pony enjoying the So any time you're feelin' bad, 'stead of Tel: 01344 421762 attention he’s getting, or is he fed up with so feelin' sad, just remember that ram - Mob: 07889 422996 much fuss and longing to move away? Has Oops, there goes a billion kilowatt Email: that horse put his ears back and begun dam!” [email protected]

The Listening Post 5 Fur, fabric and feathers By IH Recommended Associate Sarah Weston

he equipment trunk in my car is getting to look more and more like a T dressing up box as time goes on. My work with semi-feral foals has led me to fine tune the techniques I learned at the Handling the Untouched Horse course to suit these often traumatised ponies. More often than not they have been chased, trapped and restrained in order to force a headcollar on them and for other procedures such as branding, worming and inspection. I needed to move away from ropes and sticks and to concentrate on getting the initial touch right and then desensitising the head and neck. The feather duster has just the right combination of flexibility, warmth, soft texture and horsey-smell to make it ideal for the job.

“I needed to move away from ropes and sticks and to concentrate on getting the initial touch right and then desensitising the head and neck.”

The next real find was fabric. Ann NF (from The latest experiment has been in putting the This time round, five of the foals will have the IHDG) asked me to work with a waif of a headcollar on over the top of the scarf - it been introduced to hard feed so that we can foal that we had jointly rescued from a local disguised the arrival of the headcollar which compare and contrast the relative benefits of meat man. This foal had an injury to his head we put on from the back and then it softens incremental desensitisation and clicker that had become infected with maggots. As a the feel of the headcollar too. training. There will be a team of five result of that, some pretty robust handling My next venture will be with stretchy experienced trainers available throughout and the treatment for the injury, Leo was material such as latex…..don’t ask! the week and plenty of opportunity to get adamant that he would The Semi-Feral Foal Handling Course at the hands on experience. It is bound to be very never have a headcollar Dartmoor Pony Training Centre allows us to emotionally rewarding. All of the tutors for on again. Ann suggested try out all of these ideas. This course has this course, including me, give their time for that we work with a grown very slowly from an Open Day with a free so that all proceeds can be used to care ribbon around his face demonstration to a two day course and now for unwanted Dartmoor Hill Ponies. All of the because then there could to a five day course which is due to start on ponies at the course be no element of force or 25th October, 2010. The plan is to have no will be for sale but restraint and he might more than ten students coming for the there is no pressure to just like the feel of the whole week who will be able to take ten have one (or two, or ribbon against his face. When this worked like Dartmoor Hill Pony foals from wild to tame. three...). a charm it became part of my repertoire but was soon superseded by Ann’s Mum’s pink Sarah Weston is a Recommended Associate covering scarf which she kindly donated to the cause. Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. She specialises in training That scarf has seen a lot of service since semi-feral ponies and those that have been abused or and is famous in its own right. Not only does traumatised. Her book, No Fear, No Force is now recognised the fabric desensitise the foal’s head but it can as an essential guide to training semi-feral foals in a gentle be used for early leading and as a first ‘rug’. and ethical way. Tel : 01725 512 434

6 The Listening Post Pro-Am TREC Championship at Royal Windsor 2010

Photos by Martin Williams

n this year’s Pro-Am TREC Championship at Royal Windsor we all rode horses loaned by local TREC riders (except the army captain but who would begrudge I the army guys anything at this time? See Help for Heroes on page 32). So while initially disappointed not to be able to ride Pie I was excited to meet Jock, my new partner for this fun event. Jock is 24 years old and has been owned by Julia (Jules) Izzard from Kent since he was 4 and she was 12 years old. Jock is extremely handsome though in terms of how to ride as opposite to Pie as it’s possible to be. As Jules kept saying to me “You’ve got to get hold of him and then push him on”. I’ve become pretty lazy with Pie just doing all the work for me. Next year I plan to get much fitter in the build up to Royal Windsor! Once I really got my energy up Jock was fantastic. We though, in the ‘Control of Paces’ while our were last to go and canter scored top marks our fast walk just I realised we had wasn’t fast enough. I think they should start to pull out all the an allowance for particularly short legs! It stops – there was was an enormously enjoyable day though no choice of and we were able to win £540 for the Shy playing it safe and Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary and I’m in popularity. It was lovely to have so many still getting in the sure they’ll make good use of the money. IH supporters and Sarah Kennedy from Radio money which we The audience was even bigger than last 2 came along with her ‘Much Beloved’, had earmarked for year and it seems this sport is really gaining Adrien McGlynn, who just happens to be a our IH Charity of Director of Weatherbys (where the IH Direct the Year. It’s one Debits are processed!) Big thanks to RA’s of the things that add extra interest to BHS Rosie Jones and Sandra Williams for TREC - there is quite a gambling element to supporting on the day as well as David and it. So Jock and I went all out to win! Julia Topham-Barnes, Best Friend Angela and We nearly did it! We were just one 1 point my niece, Daisy O’Halloran. Additional behind the winner, BHS TREC rider, Lucy thanks to all those at the British Horse Thomson, with the dashing Major Dickie Society and SEIB Insurance who make this Waygood 3rd just 2 points behind. Jock and event possible. Most importantly though I scored 86 for the PTV (obstacle course) enormous thanks to Jules and Jock who were against the winners 74 points so we got the an absolute pleasure to work with most points in that section. Unfortunately throughout.

The Listening Post 7 Exclusive Offer for Intelligent Horsemanship members

Kelly has arranged a 30 day FREE ACCESS PASS for Listening Post readers to Monty's incredible Equus Online University.

Now you can experience 30 days of 24/7 access to Monty’s interactive online lessons. Log on and look over Monty’s shoulder in the round pen while he shares, up-close, his timing and understanding of horses. Learn how the language of Equus creates trust and confidence. Improve your riding and even discover how to get that elusive competitive edge. Equus Online University is the closest you can get to accessing Monty's mind, whenever you want to! Go to: www.montyrobertsuniversity.com and enter the promo code 1007IH for one month's free access!

A TOTALLY NEW WAY OF LEARNING MONTY’S EQUUS ONLINE UNIVERSITY

A new way of learning has been launched after years of Equus Online University is for you, and for your development development. Monty Roberts has travelled the world teaching his as a horseman and person. Improve your relationship with your methods and has met every kind of student and learner. His dream horse. Discover friends with similar issues and learn to solve them was to create an environment where everyone could learn his together. Become the person that your horse would choose for methods and even create a project where other trainers could himself or be the competitor you always dreamed of being. contribute their ideas and expertise in equestrian disciplines. Anyone who works with horses knows that to be really good you need to create a calm environment, have goals and be determined to have fun with your horse. This learning environment can have huge benefits for parents, teachers and managers as well. Monty Roberts’ Equus Online University has become a reality. Cutting edge software and website design means everyone can learn at a ‘virtual’ Flag Is Up Farms, Monty’s California home, enjoying exclusive access to Monty via specially shot video lessons, notes and mp3 downloads, integrated with Facebook, Twitter and Social Networking websites. Students and friends all over the planet, or even in neighbouring towns, will be able to study together – sharing the learning experience in an exciting new way that no one has ever done before. The lessons Monty shares in his online university are of a quality far higher than anything he’s been able to communicate before. Equus Online University is the zenith of Monty Roberts’ career and he is thrilled to be able to invite you to become a lifelong student of non-violent training.

“The lessons I share on my Equus Online University are of a quality far greater than anything I have been able to communicate before. Access to these video lessons will give students the tools they need to achieve breakthrough results with their horse. I am thrilled to be able to help people become lifelong students of non-violent training.” Monty Roberts Don’t miss the social event of the summer! Kelly Marks will be hosting the third IH Garden Party will be held on Saturday 3rd July at Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, RG17 8QP, from 2pm. All proceeds in aid of Shy Lowen Horse Sanctuary. Tickets are available at £25 each. Please contact Lorraine for tickets and information for payment: [email protected]

8 The Listening Post Yourletters letters Hi Kelly, I just wanted to thank you and all the others there for the lovely time I had at your wonderful loading weekend course. I didn't expect it to be terribly pleasurable and anticipated feeling thoroughly lonely, but thought it would be a change of scenery and I might pick up some loading tips. Being out of work makes you feel rather isolated and hopeless, so it took a lot of courage to decide to embark on the trip! First, lots of encouragement and patient help on the phone from Sandy Vandenberghe when I was lost! Then a lovely warm greeting from Sandy, and absolute friendliness and welcoming throughout, from Sandra Williams (RA), Rosie Jones (RA), you, the students and Ian Vandenberghe (RA). I was surprised and gladdened that I was immediately made to feel a part of the group and allowed to play an active part. Sorrel enjoyed all the attention too. I came away feeling that everyone had been open, honest, friendly, open-minded, listening, unselfish, respectful, empathic, keen, non-judgmental and humorous. These are the sort of traits I’ve tended to find in artistic people, and seldom in horsey people, so now I’ll have to review my beliefs! We all discovered how people learn differently. The students were very reassuring, explaining that they’d had to learn it too, and so on. Sandra’s teaching was impressive too - she was spontaneous, knowledgeable, energetic and a great communicator. So thank you once again Kelly – I had a great weekend. Dear Kelly, Best wishes, Sarah (with Sorrel) A year ago I was getting ready to attend your horse psychology course in Lambourn. Star letter I have been meaning to write to you since A copy of ‘Perfect Confidence’ by Kelly Marks then. I was impressed with your course and goes to the writer of our Star letter your teaching. A lot has happened since we met. First and foremost our beautiful colt foal Dear Kelly, Dear Listening Post, was born safe and healthy. We also I can't thank you enough for everything I attended a course at Hartsop Farm on managed to organise a great big ‘beltane’ you did that enabled Tir Na Nog to be started ‘Leading and loading the more difficult party, and to top it Kate Moss thought our by Monty at Hadlow College. We were just horse’ where I provided my horse Honey for wagons looked so good she wanted to be happy enough to be there and to meet you the team to use. photographed with us. Bit lost on a horse and Monty but for him to be picked for the Firstly can I say thank you to everyone for she looked though. Bless. demonstration was absolutely amazing. making us so welcome and looking after When the festival ‘the Big Green The whole day was the most amazing Honey so well. Everyone was so nice and Gathering’ didn’t go ahead we suffered experience for us all and Tir Na Nog thoroughly friendly and I never felt awkward. from lack of direction and lack of work. enjoyed himself too with not a hint of stress. I I don't think I have ever, ever learnt so Well into August the universe decided to had hoped to have a proper chat with you but much in just over a day in my life and after provide an opportunity. I took Blacky to the after the show I had to speak to Tir Na Nog's having worked and owned horses for years Shepton Show. I dressed up in costume adoring fans from the day which he absolutely to learn a new way of handling them so that with the kids on the back of the cart in loved, he was every inch the star that we even leading is easier is amazing! A case of front of the judges, round the ring, figures always knew he was. People were even taking ‘why didn't I learn this before!’ and definitely of eight etc. Blacky won a special rosette photographs of him. the realisation that just because you have for outstanding performance. ‘Circus Trot’ I was so upset to hear the extent of been doing something for years doesn’t was born in that moment! criticism and disbelief Monty receives and we mean that it is the best way or that you can't The rest of 2009 had it so we were able certainly did our bit to expel any previous learn a new way. to come off the road and onto a ‘green training myths when people came to meet I'm sure, as is so often the case, the horse station’. A lovely man called Jonathan Tir Na Nog afterwards. It was fantastic as Tir came for the teaching but the owner came Morris wanted his geese looked after and Na Nog's previous owner was there too. She away taught!! Thank you. my horses got their well deserved holiday. knew him before we followed your The whole experience has opened a thirst I have been able to build a make-do pen techniques with him when he was frightened for learning in me and renewed optimism for and worked both Blacky and Minerva. of his own shadow and would bolt off in the both my horses and I just when I had started We have played lots of synchronising field when frightened so they got a full to think that I should give up. games and she walks and runs alongside picture of how successful your programme is Thank you all so much. Zoe me, Minerva even lifting her legs at the and how amazing you both are with horses. same time as me. What you achieved with poor Ruby was So while we are fixing and preparing unbelievable; I so hope they will continue carts, wagons and horses in order to move your good work. Do you have something you’d like on, I am looking for and booking suitable Words cannot express how amazing the to share with us? If so, you can ‘gigs’ in the coming year for ‘Circus Trot’. whole experience has been for us, Linda was send your letters to us at: All the Best in 2010. superb and Rosie so brave and excellent, we Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Yours Sincerely, had the time of our lives literally and all Hungerford RG17 8QP Annette Peterson thanks to you. Email: [email protected] Angela and John

The Listening Post 9 New Course

This quarter The Listening Post was lucky Perfect Confidence enough to catch up with RAs Julia Fisher, Linda Ruffle and Dido Fisher to find out more about the exciting new course What makes each of you they are offering… qualified in this area? It would probably be fair to say that our Why the focus on confidence? primary qualification is that of being real Over our years of involvement with IH we people who have experienced our own have all been struck by the regularity with journeys through life ... both with and which confidence, or a lack of it, features in without horses, with moments of greater or the relationship between person and horse. lesser self-belief. Our shared fascination with More strikingly this is often the very facet of the human state, our passion for horses and the relationship that is getting in the way of our friendship through IH is supplemented by resolving a problem or making progress. some specific training and professional We have found that helping people experience: “It is incredible how many people suffer with their horses out there, believing that it’s just the way it is. Being with your horses Julia Fisher – Julia has been an RA and is supposed to be your place of enjoyment, and it can be.” worked on the five day courses for the last ten years. She has also studied with Mary strengthen their confidence and self-belief Wanless. Julia has gravitated towards really transforms their capacity to manage confidence issues as she has found it very and relate to their horse (along possibly with fulfilling working in this area. She works other aspects of their life!). using a mixture of rider bio-mechanics and IH It has been particularly satisfying to receive principles to create "stickability" - something feedback from people about the changes vital to rider confidence. they have been able to effect with our support. To this extent the focus on confidence is ‘by popular demand’ - although most people tend to believe that they are alone with their uncertainty or self- doubt we know that lots of you are having this experience. It seemed entirely in keeping with the ethos and philosophy of IH to create a space for people to come together to discover effective ways of strengthening their self belief and effectiveness with their horses. Though we can build skills, learn techniques and change behaviours, the confidence we feel in our actions is the power that both allows our techniques to be displayed and fuels the desire to build further Dido Fisher – Over the past 10 years, upon our knowledge with the belief that we alongside her work with horses, Dido has Linda Ruffle – The ‘non-horsey’ part of can achieve more. There are many layers of been facilitating change for individuals, run Linda’s professional background includes competency, what we do, how we do it, and self-esteem programmes for groups, and extensive counselling work with individuals in how we think and feel about ourselves whilst trained for companies such as American crisis and seeking transformational change. we are doing it. These thoughts and feelings Express and Specsavers. Drawn to working She has integrated this experience into her are the guiding force, the primary cogs in the with participants with confidence issues 10 year involvement with IH as an RA and wheel if you like. If we feel unconfident and during her time as a IH course tutor, she course tutor. In the last 5 years Linda has these cogs undermine our self belief, then continued along this pathway as an RA. She furthered her skills by undertaking additional learning can be an endless cycle of uses her training as a NLP (Neuro Linguistic training in NLP and other coaching disappointment. If we can set these cogs to Programming) Master amongst other techniques and is an accredited personal confidence and self esteem, then the rest processes, to calibrate specific information so coach. Like Dido she has applied these skills becomes merely a job of skills uptake. It’s like that each individual may surmount their own both with horse people and with corporate putting the right fuel in the car to get it inner blocks and be enabled on their own organisations / individuals. moving smoothly. personal path to confidence.

10 The Listening Post "A very big thank you. The support from the course leaders and the group was always encouraging and positive. Everyone was honest and I felt no-one looked down on anyone else, there was a feeling of positive thoughts leading to positive actions."

"Lots of techniques and practical help and advice. I thought it was good value for money too." In-Hand and Under Saddle

What happens on a course and Who can come on courses? what do they cover? Anyone! Obviously if you have fears, How to find more We’re not sure we should tell you too phobias and self esteem issues this is the place Contact Julia Fisher, via email: much here ... we should probably say come to move forward. But, even if your starting [email protected] on the course and find out! point is already quite high, then this course mobile: 07950 965 099 The detail of what happens is much will help you improve further by unlocking dependant on the individuals attending. To further reserves of positive belief and energy. Summer dates be of real value the learning has to be It is incredible how many people suffer (all at Hartsop Farm, Witney, Oxon) relevant to the needs of each individual so with their horses out there, believing that it’s clear definition of individual issues are just the way it is. Being with your horses is June 21st/22nd 2010 paramount. This allows coaching sessions to supposed to be your place of enjoyment, and July 12th/13th 2010 be tailored to each individuals needs. it can be. We have helped so many people These individual coaching sessions are transform the challenges they face with their Places are strictly limited per course. complemented by whole group sessions horses into happy success stories where they To book now, please contact Julia Fisher designed to change some of the patterns of can begin to undertake new challenges (details above). Keep an eye on the IH thinking and acting that get in the way of together because the relationship platform is website for more dates this year. our confidence. harmonious. All participants undertake exercises with horses on the ground that help strengthen understanding of our partnership with the horse and challenge our capacity to exert One course participant’s story influence with confidence. There is also the I needed help and searched the opportunity to appraise the essential stability internet for confidence courses in your ridden position and receive coaching specifically aimed at riders and found in relation to specific ridden issues. just what I was looking for in the Finally we challenge you to formulate a ‘Perfect Confidence’ course. I learnt positive plan of action to continue the work so much in those 2 days. I found I you start on this course – to have realistic could appear reasonably confident when objectives and to know how you plan to handling horses on the ground but things achieve them! started to fall apart if I was given something more challenging to do like walking over How does the course link with tarpaulin or waving flags – the horse soon other courses offered by knew I wasn’t as confident as I looked! Intelligent Horsemanship? The best part of the 2 days for me was We would say that it complements the Being bolted with is really, really scary! I having my ridden position assessed. I always practical IH courses perfectly. Where the IH never“ blamed my horse though. He just sort of knew that my position wasn’t too practical courses have a necessary focus on knew that I wasn’t as confident as I should good but instructors had never explained the teaching of technique and method with be when we hacked out alone. I decided in exactly what it was I was doing wrong. horses, the confidence course focuses much the end that he should go to someone who My seat was all wrong and my legs too far more on the personal skills and resources you could give him more confident riding and he forward so was constantly asking the horse may need to develop in order to be at your is now so much happier. to move forward even in halt. No wonder my

most effective in applying those techniques. I was lost without a horse... and so began horse got so confused!

If you have an interest in studying practical a search for another – something a bit quieter I bought my new horse, Amber, a few days techniques with IH but feel inhibited by a and more forgiving. However, lots of doubts after the course. And so far (touch wood) lack of confidence this could be the perfect started to eat away at me. What if the new using all the techniques that I learnt on the“ course to prepare and equip you to get the horse ended up being worse than the last course both on the ground and with my new maximum learning from attending a 5 day one, what if it wasn’t good in traffic, what if riding position she has been good as gold. foundation course. Similarly if attendance at this one bolted too? What if, what if?? an IH course, or work with an RA, has Erika Brown highlighted issues around confidence we could help you focus constructive work on "This Course helps you find your own confidence, in practical work and group those issues. discussion. It helps you work out what works best for you and your horse."

The Listening Post 11 Jock Ruddock asking the horse to arch his spine, to mobilise Personal Profile it from side to side, to dip are all designed to Jock Ruddock is the founder of Equine Touch. Equine Touch is a non-diagnostic, loosen up the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. non-invasive, energy and connective soft tissue discipline which works at a complete Mobilising the limbs and joints as well as holistic level; that is, it addresses the equine as a whole without paying any particular elongating the soft tissue and educating the attention to any named problem as such. On a practical level it consists of a series of horse just what he is capable of achieving gentle moves performed over specific points in predetermined patterns which are without pain. All of these stretching exercises sometimes interspersed with observation periods to allow the equine to recognises and are easy to learn and easy to perform. process the effects of these subtle procedures. Very often removing the fear of pain can have an amazing effect on behaviour. reaction that says, “Let’s get rid of the rider Remember that a learned reaction has to be before the pain arrives”. de-programmed out of the body at both the Looking beyond the obvious causes, such physical and emotional level to achieve as a saddle fit, the influence of bad teeth, lasting success. bad feet and of course bad riding and Kissing spine, the fusion of the vertebrae, training, we can look within. The horse’s fusion of the sacroiliac joint, kidney back is a nightmare of a garden where pain problems, ulcers, a worm aneurysm, a can grow from the many peripheral nerves pinched nerve, castration scars, ovarian that run from the spine to the viscera and cysts… the possible list of causes of bucking vice versa, as well as to the musculo-skeletal is long, but what they all have in common outer body. Any compromise of these nerves are being causes of pain. So before such a at all, especially the sciatic nerves, not to question is asked of a trainer, the owner mention ulcers can induce bucking. Up to should have checked the horse for any such eighty percent of all internal problems can problems herself and then if unable to rectify have a direct effect upon the external. the problem, the next missing step in the Q: Why does my horse buck and how do I stop it?

A: This is a question which I cannot answer without passion. I recently read the answer to a similar question which had me at first dumb struck and then unbelievably shaking my head in amazement as their answer to “How do I stop my horse from bucking?” focused on ground work, sitting back on the saddle, and more training. Although I am This equation of course leaves you with the answer, the most simple, and the most certain all this advice was sound from a Ask the possibility of only working on the external, important, is “have you seen a vet?” trainer’s point of view, what alarmed me was and it is for this reason that more and more Bucking is not bad behaviour; it is a nowhere did it mention a vet, or the word credible training organizations are physical reaction to stimuli. Get rid of the “pain”. So many trainers fail to understand recommending that riders learn some type of pain before you train, or ultimately you that not every issue with a horse is gentle bodywork, such as Equine Touch, so may find you will train the bucking into behavioral. I was pleased to recently read an that they may assist their horse in addressing the horse as the ultimate reaction to get answer to a similar letter on the Monty these problems in conjunction with their rid of you. Roberts newsletter where he said ‘It sounds training. Simple holistic exercises such as as if your horse is experiencing some pain. It would be wrong for me or any other trainer to give advice in a situation where pain may be involved.” Bravo, indeed. Equine anatomical terms of location Bucking is not bad behaviour. It is a physical reaction to stimuli; a fly landing on a Why not challenge yourself to learn the meaning of some terms commonly used in sensitive back can cause a buck, as can a burr relation to the horses anatomy? under the saddle. One horse bucked Medial whenever the rider got in the saddle. The towards the middle or centre of the horse rider’s position and balance were great, the saddle fitted, however on closer examination Lateral we found one thread in the saddle blanket towards the side, outside edge, that had gone into a whorl and thisQ& simple away from the middle blanket whorl with the saddle on top and the Dorsal rider on top of that was enough to induce the back or topside discomfort. Discomfort is pain, so inducing a physical or mental reaction – in this case the Ventral horse bucked. the underside or belly However in saying that, bucking is a Cranial phenomena that must be addressed towards the head end of the body immediately before it becomes a habit. If not you can end up with major problems, you Caudal may ultimately remove the cause of the near the tail or the posterior end of the body reaction but the muscle memory will remain, Test yourself! Complete the labels on the horse (answers on page 34) as will the bucking as a learned anticipated

12 The Listening Post insulin resistance. Fresh green grass naturally contains a lot of vitamins, but in the middle of winter their diet might fall short there too. There are one or two good low-sugar mineral blocks around - you need to look closely at the small print, I would steer well clear of the gooey molasses or glucose based licks. But you never really know a horse is taking enough of these each day, so I prefer to recommend people feed a good quality broad Jackie JA Taylor spectrum supplement in something like a little chaff, or use a balancer. With a balancer you Personal Profile could feed a ‘Lite’ version in the summer and Jackie JA Taylor worked freelance in the a protein based one in the winter when the horse feed industry for many years before grass was poor, and only have to give her a taking several years out to research couple of cupfuls to eat each day. hormonal and metabolic conditions in I recommend TopSpec balancers as they really horses. She now specialises in helping do have an unbeatable specification. people with the management of horses You are certainly correct in not giving her with laminitis, insulin resistance, Cushing’s any ‘hard feed’. If she looks well and can do and their ilk, and has a broad base of the work you want on hay then she just does knowledge of the feed and supplements not need it. market. www.metabolichorse.co.uk

Experts Photo copyright Simon Palmer www.into-the-lens.com How to... help keep your Q: I have a 15hh, 10 year old horse soft through his back middleweight cob mare who lives on By Sue Palmer RA and Veterinary hay with the occasional carrot or apple Physiotherapist thrown in. She looks well and has no issues but can she really be getting all Grooming your horse's back for 2 minutes the vitamins and minerals she needs? immediately before you put the saddle on She does have some turnout. I did try a will warm the muscles by stimulating the supplement called Total Eclipse from circulation to the area, helping them to Simple Systems but it seemed to make perform at their best. The same exercise her a bit jolly. Am I trying to fix immediately after you take it off will help something that isn't broken? from many spots, zig-zagging across the field stimulate the lymphatic system to remove to get a representative average. toxins from the area, and will encourage A: The simple answer to this one is you don't It might cost you £30-40 to do that, but the healing that comes from improved know unless you analyse the hay. could obviously save you a lot of money if you circulation. Use a rubber curry comb in a In an ideal world we would be buying our found the hay was indeed well-balanced and circular motion, firm enough to wrinkle the hay from one farmer, who baled it all on one sufficient for your needs. If you ask one of the skin but not so firm that your horse dips &Aday, from one field, and put it in one barn! major feed companies to organise the test for away from the pressure. This should be an (It is possible; I did manage it for a number of you they will help you interpret the results. exercise that your horse enjoys, if he is years!) All you would have to do in that case But if you cannot get a constant source of more reactive than expected then consider is visit the barn, pull a handful from inside of hay with a known nutritional content I would arranging a visit from a professional to each of 20 or so bales to get a representative be inclined to at least make sure she had a assess for pain or restriction. sample, and get it analysed. good broad spectrum source of vitamins and The analysis would tell you if it contained minerals. Important trace elements like enough protein, and sufficient minerals in a Copper and Zinc, or Selenium, and macro Veterinary Advice Disclaimer: Neither Jock Ruddock, Jackie JA Taylor, Sue balanced ratio, and whether the energy and minerals like Magnesium, are often deficient Palmer nor Intelligent Horsemanship accept any sugar levels were suitable for your mare. If in hay, and a lack of them could cause responsibility for any advice offered through she lived at pasture all summer you should problems longterm - with hoof quality or these replies which is purely for guidance. do the same for the grass - sampling a snip joints maybe, or metabolic problems like Always consult a veterinary surgeon.

The Listening Post 13 In this second extract from their new book, Born to Whisper, RA’s Adam and Nicole tackle one of the hottest topics of the day - the ethics of modern day dressage. Whilst the FEI’s recent stand against “aggressive Rollkur”, is very welcome, there’s still a long way to go. Adam speaks out! The ethics of modern dressage

omething is rotten in the state of it does to have a pee, and put its hind legs bushes. But if we think of this picture, there Denmark. Can it be correct that so out half a mile behind it, although in this is something else blindingly obvious about many horses have marks on their position it is very stable indeed. It might, at how the horse moves in this crucial situation. flanks, where all the fur has been any moment, have to leap forward, or rear The horse was grazing, head down, then he rubbed off, grooves in their noses and spin to either side. smelled a lion. His head goes right up, as far whereS the bone has been dented by tight The horse at rest relaxes all the muscles in as it possibly can, making his poll the highest nose bands, and dead nerves and bone spurs its neck, dropping its head down on the point. It is also open; his chin is not on his in their mouths where bits have destroyed nuchal ligament which supports the neck in throat. This is the natural posture of the sensory function? But at least they know a roughly horizontal position. For the horse collection/engagement. Should it be to keep their noses (behind) vertical at all to graze, it does not relax, but actually pulls significantly different when he has a rider on times! They are moving in a correct outline! its head downwards. This additional his back? It’s bad for their backs otherwise! weighting of the I’d never really So what about ‘collection’, balance, the forehand, which the “Collection (if defined as the action of thought much about famous ‘engagement’ of the hind quarters natural horse does this, nor what dressage which the rider must do to stop the horse most of the day, bringing the front and back feet closer aspires to be, until the from hollowing his back? In popular accounts for the fact together) is something the horse does day that Major met European dressage wisdom, this is achieved that the horse’s naturally whenever it is in danger. Joe. Major is a shire by keeping the horse’s nose on the vertical by forelegs are structured But in bringing its feet together, cross thoroughbred, so means of a continuous contact, and pushing exactly like a pillar, not the most light- him forward from the leg into the bit. which is useful to hold resembling an elephant on a drum, it footed horse I’ve ever Let’s start at the beginning, without a rider. weight. But the hind becomes less stable, not more balanced.” come across. He was Collection (if defined as the action of legs are built like bumbling around in his bringing the front and back feet closer springs. They aren’t good for holding up field the way he usually does, until Joe, the together) is something the horse does weight because it costs the horse calories to big ex-racehorse whose sad tale is described naturally whenever it is in danger. But in hold weight on them; he has to use his in Whispering Back, was put in with him and bringing its feet together, resembling an muscles to do so, just like you do if you stand his mates. All of a sudden Major elephant on a drum, it becomes less stable, with your knees bent. disappeared, to be replaced by the most not more balanced. It does this, whether Just like a spring, there is more potential magnificent horse I had ever seen. He picked consciously or not, when it, or a member of energy when the spring is compressed. his head up and produced the most the herd, has smelled or heard a predator but Putting the hind legs under him weights the astounding transformation. His poll was right does not know where the danger is coming spring and will therefore give the horse a up, so much so that his neck was almost from. It’s not the time to take a position like better start if a lion does leap out of the vertical. His nose was pointing out. He was

14 The Listening Post “The fact is, although this statement (“The head... should remain slightly in front of the vertical”) could not be clearer, overbent horses (with the head behind vertical) are not only accepted in competition, but overbending is promoted.”

the horse is in a state of physical and mental tools so powerful that it is a mark of the bondage, so that even the fittest, strongest, rider’s skill that they can ride without most perfectly conformed horses can’t do it upsetting the horse. This is a legitimate as well as Major, pot-bellied with grass and justification for the compulsory use of FEI - unfit though he was. And I was not aware approved equipment. But if a rider could that the world of official dressage, which produce the movements that are desired, to pays lip service to the classical masters, does the standard required, using a head collar or not actually practice what they preached. for that matter without any reins, surely that Many horses are trained to keep their poll would be a desirable achievement? no higher than their withers, making their Unfortunately, you would be disqualified, poll the lowest point of their neck. The FEI even though the rules talk about ‘achieving (Federation Equestre Internationale), which perfect understanding with the rider’ and the make the rules of competitive dressage, horse giving ‘the impression of doing, of its might say overbending is not desirable. As own accord, what is required’ -something that the manual states, “The head should remain is hard to square with the image I have of a in a steady position, as a rule slightly in front horse moving at liberty, because he won’t have his nose vertical, let alone on his chest. Western riding is coming from a completely different tradition (cattle herding as opposed to combat), and practices movements (such as spins) which are not described in “classical” dressage. Yet it seems to me in many ways closer to classical principles than modern dressage is. True classical work focusses on lightness, and the Cavallo magazine experiment (detailed in the last issue) is just one example that proves Western riding cultivates greater lightness than modern dressage does. Lightness is impossible without eliminating conflicting aids, as Western as well as classical masters propose. For example, the of the vertical, with a supple poll as the classical master Baucher advocated “Hands highest point of the neck, and no resistance without legs, legs without hands”, which is should be offered to the athlete.” (By certainly closer to Western riding than modern “athlete” the manual refers to the rider! I’d European dressage. be in agreement if they said no resistance It won’t come as a surprise to those who should be offered to the real athlete - the have read this far, that the way we ride and horse!) show others to ride avoids some of the most The fact is, although this statement (“The obvious contradictions that are found in head...should remain slightly in front of the many riding manuals. From the start, we vertical”) could not be clearer, overbent have been teaching people not to use their horses (with the head behind vertical) are not legs when slowing the horse down, halting only accepted in competition, but and reining back; and not to apply pressure showing off, trying to impress, but he was also overbending is promoted. Although they are with the hand when you are asking him to putting himself into an optimal position to breaking the FEI’s own rules, overbent horses go forward. move out of the way fast if he needed to. The are often scored very highly, frequently - one But what does a horse prefer, you might movements he and Joe produced as they met might argue usually, or even always - above ask? And what if the horse in question has included passage; pesade (or rearing), which the horse with a raised poll and a nose in had years of being taught differently? It by definition requires the weight to be on the front of the vertical. But if the FEI itself is not seems reasonable to assume that any horse hind legs; canter pirouettes; halt to canter and going to defend the horse against those who would prefer light signals delivered quietly canter to halt transitions, and striking with the contradict their own ideals, who will? We and one at a time. One thing that modern forelegs (not a million miles from being a should remember what the FEI was, in its horsemen are unquestionably brilliant at, is Spanish walk). All these were performed with own words, founded to do: breeding and selecting horses with flamboyance and, although it clearly took a lot The FEI instituted an International Dressage appropriate characteristics for the work they of calories, they made it look easy. Event in 1929 in order to preserve the want them to do. It’s my belief that some I was struck simultaneously with the Equestrian Art from the abuses to which it horses appear able to cope with more thought of how incredible it must feel to ride can be exposed and to preserve it in the forceful riding because they are so incredibly a horse working like that, and with the purity of its principles, so that it could be well-bred and perfectly conformed, selected knowledge that I had never produced handed on intact to generations of athletes by breeders for their particularly malleable anything like that degree of brilliance in any to come. temperament. It still doesn’t make it right. horse I had ever ridden. Not only that, but I It seems to me that in many ways, The backup of professional equine masseurs had never seen any rider get near it either. At competitive dressage is producing the and chiropractors enables them to stay the time, I had not noticed that the things I opposite effect to what was intended. I can sound. A more average horse would was seeing Major do - elevation, collection, certainly understand the idea that to ride probably break down and be of no impulsion - are made so much harder when with spurs and a double bridle gives the rider competitive usefulness very quickly.

The Listening Post 15 IH Charity Update - Shy Lowen • Rescue • Rehabilitate • Rehome

Fundraising for Shy Lowen got off to an please go and take a look in the charity amazing start with offers from our members section of the online discussion group. and discussion group visitors. Amanda Place Catrin ran a workshop and was lucky very kindly loaned out her Pete Ramey DVD enough to see the wonderful work that goes set, so not least we are all better equipped to on at Shy Lowen. We are very excited that educate ourselves about hooves but it Bernadette and Eric from the charity will be bought in lots of cash too. I believe that the our guests of honour at the Garden Party on DVD’s have been half way around Europe July 3rd. and back in the loan process. Limited amounts of tickets for the Garden Liz Pitman ran a competition to find out Party, kindly hosted by Kelly in Lambourn, are how much money she had! It was only her still available by contacting Lorraine small change tin but it provided lots of fun. ([email protected]) Simon Palmer kindly donated another one of At the end of March, our total is £1,300. his fabulous pictures and that led us to Thank you to everyone who worked so hard another idea to run and exhibition online for to achieve this. all of our talented artists. To see their work, Lorraine x

Support Shy Lowen! Charity number: 1122891 To support Shy Lowen visit the IHDG Charity Sanctuary address is: Buckley Hill Lane, Thornton, Liverpool L29 1YB Appeal Section of our online discussion group Correspondence address is: 18 Back Lane, Thornton, Liverpool L29 7WD for details of fundraising activities.

RA Sandra Williams works with the RSPCA By Lauren Evans

ecommended Associate Sandra Williams visited our centre to R demonstrate to all staff the all the staff watching that she was a super The demonstration has made a great importance of, and skills needed to star and maintained a steady pace whilst difference to many staff here at Millbrook. communicate with horses. walking through the poles. I would therefore like to say a BIG THANK Sandra started to work with one of our Most staff at the centre have limited YOU to Sandra Williams for dedicating her horses, Caramel. Sandra began by leading knowledge of horse behaviour, and even time to visit our centre and leaving everyone her around in the dually, stopping, backing those individuals that work with horses on a with smiles on their faces, and more up a few steps and then giving her a lovely daily basis have little confidence, so the importantly, feeling much more confident rub for being a good girl. She did lots of horses end up dragging them about! Sandra when leading horses. We were all inspired by leading work with her and even got her to got all the staff doing a human-to-human the methods that Sandra taught us for walk over a pole. Within a few minutes the practical exercise where one person communicating better with horses. change in Caramel's behaviour was amazing. pretended to be the horse and the other one If anyone needs guidance and help She was following Sandra respectfully and was the leader. This clearly demonstrated with their horse(s), I can strongly demonstrating licking and chewing how horses feel when someone is constantly recommend getting into contact with behaviour. pulling on the lead rope, and how important your local Recommended Associate via Sandra also worked with a Shetland pony, body language and release of pressure are in the Intelligent Horsemanship website: Muffin who has always rushed through proving to the horse that you are a confident www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk gates. She began work with Muffin by leader. It was then time to put our new walking between poles, stopping, backing skills into practice. Everybody did very well More information about the RSPCA up a few steps and then slowly walking and we all came away with a lot of Millbrook Animal Centre can be found forward again. Muffin relaxed and showed new knowledge. online at www.rspca-millbrook.org.uk

16 The Listening Post Save money with Intelligent Horsemanship Special Offers

£5 off the first visit from a Recommended Associate During June and July when you present this voucher (please be aware each RA charges their ✂ own fee and travel costs and discounts will be offered at the discretion of each individual RA). When booking appointment please check that the RA is participating in this offer. Into the lens photography £10 discount on booking either a Horse Owners Photography Clinic, or the managed clinic when you quote your IH membership number in June and July. ● Half-Day Clinic - Normally £125 + Travel: Would now be £115 + Travel ● Whole-Day Clinic - Normally £250 + Travel: Would now be £240 + Travel ● Scheduled Clinics (excluding Mendip Stud) - £70 instead of £80

Half Price £2 off ‘Born to Whisper’ ‘Perfect Confidence’ by RA’s Adam Goodfellow by Kelly Marks and Nicole Golding On orders placed by calling the IH Office Usually £14.99 + p&p and quoting your membership number. To order visit www.borntowhisper.com (RRP £16.99, offer price: £8.50 and enter discount code: IH2010 at the + £3.50 p&p) checkout page.

10% off all online purchases from White Rose Equestrian in June and July www.whiterose-equestrian.co.uk Discount code for use at checkout: a2a869ef00

Premier Equine www.premierequine.co.uk 15% discount to IH members ordering from our online shop in June and July. The discount applies to our full spring/summer range, but can not apply to any items that are on our sale page that have already been heavily discounted. Your discount code for use at checkout is: PEIH

10% off all Reece Rope purchases from Sandra Williams RA in June and July The Ultimate Working Lead Rope 12ft - £30 plus £5 p&p 10% discount from the rope through June & July = £27 + p&p The Easy Leader Figure of 8 Rope, open at one end - ideal for those early days with your youngsters £30 plus £5 p&p. 10% discount from the rope through June & July = £27 + p&p To order please e-mail: [email protected] quoting your IH Membership Number.

£5 off a Shiatsu massage session for your horse with Ann-Marie Marek in Wales during June and July A Shiatsu session normally cost £30.00 plus travel depending upon where client is. Please quote your IH membership number when booking. Ann-Marie covers Mid, West and South Wales. Mobile 07773 496226 or e-mail [email protected]

Red Horse Products www.red-horse.co.uk 15% off all orders placed in June and July using discount code: LP2010 at checkout. 17 Photos courtesy of Matthew Webb

Will he go for walks in-hand alone? Could you get him to say ‘yes’ Will he go out in company? to longlining? Getting to Yes (When Your Horse Says NO!) By Kelly Marks What do you try when ‘normal’ methods have failed? ntelligent Horsemanship have never the horse runs forward – over the jump or promised to be easier than conventional puddle or past the scary object and gets the methods. I’ve personally found it safer and job done. more satisfying. However, if one has to It’s by no means a foolproof method admit to a downside I’d say it must be that though. There are not only ethical questions Ion quite a few occasions I’ve had to think so to ask but a rider needs to think of the long hard my brain hurts. So clearly ‘easier’ isn’t a term effects hitting a horse for being legitimate claim we can make. frightened may have. For instance, in future A few years ago common advice for when the horse approaches a scary object anyone with a problem with a horse was ‘he will he immediately wheel and run the other just needs a good smack’. If that didn’t work way in anticipation of being hit? Another the next idea would be to lunge him for place it so often goes wrong is in the rider’s hours. If that didn’t timing, as well as the work ‘Turn him out for “If you can’t get a horse to stop horse’s reaction, which a year’ was another saying ‘no’ can you find a way is not always correctly piece of accepted predicted by the rider. No! wisdom, or if a mare to get him to say ‘yes’ instead?” The other day I ‘Why not breed from watched a teacher get her?’ Another way of avoiding the real issue on a cob who wasn’t going into canter and namely; ‘What is actually going wrong here?’ the girl riding looked somewhat ineffective. Much as I’d like to claim that pain from a The teacher got on, attempted canter and whip doesn’t work – actually it quite often gave him a smack when he didn’t respond. does achieve a rider’s immediate objective The cob bucked and propelled her in the air. with a horse. With correct timing one can see She landed back in the saddle but got how punishment (what not to do) and straight off saying ‘he’s harder to ride than he negative reinforcement (release of some sort looks isn’t he?!’ So the owner now has a of pressure) immediately the horse starts horse who won’t canter but, by the smack going in right direction comes into play. and the immediate release of pressure i.e. Yes – I’ll follow another confident horse More likely though the sting from the whip getting off, has the beginnings of being just activates the horse’s flight instinct and taught how to buck – not ideal.

18 The Listening Post With any kind of sharp or ‘surprise’ does make some sense. At least it provides pressure a person would need to see you with some thinking time. Which only immediate results because otherwise there is goes to prove; the most time efficient method a strong likelihood of desensitising the horse is to make the effort to think things through to the very thing you intend him to be intelligently in the first place! sensitive to. There is a theory in some natural I remember reading a chapter on horsemanship about gradually increasing the ‘Conquering the Horse’ in one of my old levels of pressure to get a result. Though horse books. It always assumed that ‘a sharp intended to teach novices, this method is far tap with the whip’ would be the answer to from foolproof as it’s not unusual for the everything. What if a horse doesn’t respond horse to learn (remember “It’s not what to that though? What if it makes him more you’re teaching it’s what he’s learning!” to anxious and ‘stubborn’ and in fact, makes stand still even while being hit or kicked very him worse? If you can’t get a horse to stop hard. I’ve seen many examples of this over saying ‘no’ can you find a way to get him to the years; - horses just holding themselves say ‘yes’ instead? together on the spot and seemingly thinking Those of you who have done the Horse ‘I know this is unpleasant but it’ll be over Psychology course may remember the term soon if I can just be strong’. ‘Premack’s Principle’. This was where we Another thing many people try as a explored how it’s necessary to treat our remedial aid is lungeing. I imagine the idea is horses as individuals including in terms of to settle the horse down, and to an extent it their preferences. It’s no good giving your does take some horse a stroke to tell freshness off a horse “Keep that word ‘incremental’ him he’s done right if on the day of a show he hates to be stroked. or before riding for in your mind as you search Food is an obvious example. As IHers you choice for motivating a for something your horse Find small things for your horse to know it would be far can achieve.” horse but not all horses say ‘yes’ to better for the horse to are food motivated, be long lined for this purpose. As well as and then there are some who are over keeping the horse bilaterally symmetrical, it motivated by food in which case things can provides far more mental stimulation, muscle take a dangerous turn! movement and actual training by enabling So many things come back to the release frequent changes of direction and transitions. of pressure to let the horse know they’ve People who constantly lunge their ‘difficult’ done right. Jumping off (dismounting) is horse round in round in circles because they perhaps the ultimate reward for the ridden don’t feel safe riding him, will often achieve a horse. The trick of course is to catch the sore though super fit ‘difficult horse’. This horse doing something right. Keep that word obviously creates more problems than it ‘incremental’ in your mind as you search for solves. After that the prolonged turn out idea something your horse can achieve. So you can’t ride him over a large sheet of tarpaulin. Can you lead him over a large sheet of tarpaulin? Can you lead him over a tiny strip of tarpaulin? You’ve seen the demos! You know where we’re going here! Here’s a list of questions. Not exhaustive by Over time these will build to a bigger ‘Yes’ any means but a starting point in Getting to Yes. Your horse won’t hack alone so ... will he go ahead of the lead horse on the odd I often made the mistake of getting the tiny occasion? How could you reward him for thing right and then stopping that session being that brave? Do you have a circular there. However, by remembering Monty’s route where the lead horse could get so far “Rules of Repetition” I’ve had much better head he’s not really offering such a crutch? results by repeating the tiny success so What about regular leads or long lining on a they’re engrained in the horses mind and he route where the lead horse is coming the finishes the session with his adrenalin down Maybe opposite way? Keep finding ways to and a feeling that he’s really quite marvellous engineer successes (however tiny) that you and brave. can praise. Another analogy from loading (you might Remember ‘repetition when your horse is remember from the 5 day course) is when a getting it right’ doesn’t only apply to horses horse comes forward into the horsebox we loading a horse into a horsebox! If a horse must resist the temptation to try and reel him doesn’t want to go past an area, getting him in like a big fish “Ha! Now I’ve got Ya!” It’s the past it once proves nothing. To convince the same with a horse taking that first tentative horse that it is actually safe, you need to ride step after refusing to go forward - rather than him back and forth twenty times at least. trying to get more immediately, thank him for This can seem a contradiction “But I need to that and then build on your successes. Simple, stop when he gets the slightest thing right”. though not necessarily easy! After several repetitions following another horse… Yes I can do this on my own! Warning: Thinking can hurt the brain!

The Listening Post 19 Raising the goal posts (gradually!) By IH Recommended Associate Rosie Jones

ome of you will remember Banksy Banksy’s first hunter trial (2’3-2’6) We are looking forward to more hunter when he made a brief debut on Aims trials and sponsored rides coming up, and by S Monty’s Autumn tour 2009, as a just - To get round behind the most fabulous pitching the goal posts just right, and backed 4 year old, coped brilliantly with the lead horse Pie!! Including water, ditches, preparing him thoroughly for what we demo atmosphere and cantered in a very bullfinches, drops, ski jumps, etc. expect, I’m sure he will continue to meet (or wobbly circle and did us all proud! Since then (Achieved without a single stop and feeling surpass) our hopes for him. In fact I’ve just Banksy has had some time off over winter great, Go Banksy!) printed off a pony club one day event then spent a month out hacking with Lou schedule for the summer, and I can’t help but from the IH office, and been an absolute 2nd Gridwork session with Pat Burgess get excited about what he might be doing by pleasure to educate and ride through his first - to turn the corner before the jumps in the time you read this! few competitions and events this spring, balance (been working on lots of shoulder he has never failed to fulfil our expectations in at home to help his balance) of him. - to canter before and after the This brings me to realise how important it jumps in good rhythm is both to your success and sanity in bringing - to show a good shape over on a young horse that your expectations and some bigger fences (3’ now) aims are pitched just right – too high and you (Achieved and now Kelly and I are likely to be disappointed or stressed and are fighting over riding him in too low and your training looses momentum these sessions!) and focus. This sounds obvious but it can be particularly difficult to set your sights based Session with Adam on your horse’s physical and mental Goodfellow and Nicole development independently from the people Golding around you, who may be progressing more - to achieve a more forward quickly, slowly, or in an entirely different swinging walk direction! So what have we been up to with (Big improvement made, by looking Banksy this spring and what have been our mostly at loosening my hips) aims at every stage? Banksy’s first Working hunter Banksy’s first dressage competition (unaffiliated) Aims - to jump everything, (even the - to load happily at both ends water tray!) - to cope well with show/party environment - to ride round with the other horses - to stand to mount nicely - to warm up calmly around other horses - to do a good extended canter - not to spook too much at white dressage - to keep light in the hand, particularly boards in canter - to get correct canter leads (Especially happy with that big canter!) - Rosie doesn’t forget test! (Achieved!!!) Banksy’s first affiliated show - To cope with the atmosphere Banksy’s first gridwork session - To stand politely in the line up with Pat Burgess - To keep a nice shape, soft and straight Aims and forward - to become more forward and straight into jumps He really did do us proud at the show; - to cope with lots of other cantering and unfortunately a dog ran through an agility jumping horses in a small space tube in the next door ring when the judge - to show a nice shape over some bigger rode which put him off a little bit, but for his (still only 2’6!) jumps first time at such a big event he did very well. - to jump his first filler He’s a big guy and still quite gangly, his (Achieved!!) backend has grown another two inches which means at the moment he is built a Sponsored Ride little downhill, you can see from the photo Aims that we need to keep working on lightening - To get a little more forward in his paces and lifting his front end, so there are plenty - To jump some little obstacles from a good of transitions, backing up and moving his canter shoulders about in his schooling sessions. (Achieved!!)

20 The Listening Post Lightening the forehand

By Heather Moffett

o how do we lighten the forehand? This could almost be a subject for a book, never mind a short article! Naturally, the horse needs to work in a correct frame/outline, for his level of education. If the horse is way above the bit, then he will be hollow and will not be able to step through with his hindlegs and lift the back and shoulders. Likewise, if he is behind the bit and not Sconnecting through from behind, he will be in false lightness, with the shoulders still buried and not lifting.

So, it is important that the horse should be the ‘paracetemol of equitation’! Once the forwards from behind. Working a horse for accepting of a light, elastic contact, receiving reinback is established, there is nothing too long in the long and low position is the energy from the rider’s leg. better than rein back to trot, and later to detrimental and encourages him to go on Transitions and half halts are the most canter, to get the horse really in front of the the forehand. Yes, warm up long and low, common exercises to lift and lighten the leg, and ‘sitting’ behind. and cool down, maybe a short break in the forehand. But again, the transition must be In the Portuguese School of training, based middle of a session too, but do not grind on on the French Classical system, and on in a long and low position, as it will “...in a good transition, the horse should feel like we use an exercise called the do more harm than good. Olympic dressage a powerboat, which when the throttle is pressed, ‘giravolta’, basically a shoulder in champion, Dr Reiner Klimke was taking a the bow lifts out of the water.” on a small circle, always started to clinic here some years ago. A lady came in on be taught in hand. The circle a 4 yr old. He asked her to work the horse correctly executed, for it to be of benefit. I starts a little larger, until the horse gets the more ‘up’. She looked at him in disbelief! wrote in my book, Enlightened Equitation, idea of moving obliquely forwards and ‘But he is only 4 years old’!! Dr Klimke that in a good transition, the horse should sideways, and then it will be performed on a replied that the trouble with we British is that feel like a powerboat, which when the very small volte. This really gets the inside we still have our horses working long and throttle is pressed, the bow lifts out of the hindleg engaged, and increases bend and low when they are 10 yrs old, and that is why water. This is how the horse should feel, suppleness, lifting and lightening the he saw so many British horses that never pushing through from behind, raising the forehand in the process. progressed in their training! Let that be a back through engaged abdominal muscles, Always trying to ensure that the work does lesson to us all! and the shoulders lifting up like the bow of a not unduly place the horse on the shoulders powerful boat. The feeling of this is amazing in the early stages, means that the young and once felt, you will never forget it! horse quickly learns not to pull himself along Half halts can only be correctly applied by his front legs, but to push himself when transitions are fully established. They

“Half halts can only be correctly applied when transitions are fully established. They act to rebalance the horse, momentarily taking the weight back onto his haunches.”

act to rebalance the horse, momentarily taking the weight back onto his haunches. One of the finest examples of the half halt, is in the DVD called Classical Schooling 2, by Hungarian trainer, Kalman De Jurenak, featuring the wonderful German rider, Hans Heinrich Meyer Zu Stroehen. In the first part of the second film (they are now released on DVD together) Hans Heinrich demonstrates half halts, on a young Hanoverian. One of my students remarked that it was like a ‘freeze frame’ effect. But I had to point out just what he was doing to achieve this, so subtle were his aids, and this is how all riding should be. One of the best exercises to lighten the forehand is the rein back. It is not used nearly as much as it could be by many riders and trainers. The late, great, Portuguese Maestro, Nuno Oliveira used to call the shoulder in, the ‘aspirin of equitation’. I call the rein back, Photos courtesy of Lucie Evans The Listening Post 21 Introduction to Intelligent Worming

What is intelligent worming? is on a program which you know will be Intelligent Worming (IW) is a process which Organic worming – a cautionary tale working, and that you are not giving combines scientific research with over 10 “Our local stud has gone ‘organic’ and chemicals unnecessarily. years of parasitological experience to design only uses homeopathic type wormers. The average cost for a horse in the first unique individual worming programs. My friends foal came back full of round two years is £2 per week. This will reduce to IW determines whether the horses natural worms a foot long (it's amazing that she just 75p once the program enters its immune system can cope without any survived). The vet said that if it doesn't kill maintenance level. A regular worming chemical intervention, with the larvae in the the horse then they become immune after program will cost you £1.50 per week. pasture it grazes. Each horse is assessed 18 months. The foal now has to be So over a 3 to 5 year period it is no more individually and should any existing worm wormed every month and after originally expensive and, when it comes to worms, burden be identified then the reason for this thinking she had worm damage inside, you will know exactly what is going on with is investigated. A full risk assessment is she has now had the OK.” Anon your horse and your pasture. carried out at an early stage, and any pasture contamination is identified. The process also What does it involve? What about tapeworm? completely stops the development of It’s so simple! There are just two stages. Some internal parasites do not lay eggs in resistant worms. the dung as part of their lifecycle. These are Stage 1 - IW carry out a full detailed risk tapeworm, bot fly larvae and pinworm. Does it mean using herbal/organic/ assessment on information which you IW programs always recommend an annual homeopathic parasite control products? provide them about each of your horses, chemical wormer as prevention against these The programs will include the medicine then combine this with the analysis/ infections. The horse does not become that each horse needs. There are herbal interpretation of the results from an initial infected with any of these by larvae in the products available that are sometimes faecal egg count. From these two pieces of grass solely, and so prevention of infection is included to support a low immune system information a senior consultant will then very difficult to control. design a program for “The way that horses have been wormed in the UK has The faecal egg counts in Intelligent Worming each individual horse programs are used for three purposes: led to the development of resistance to all of the ensuring that they chemicals we have to treat worms. Basically this means are only prescribed they don’t work any more. Horse owners have to chemicals which they actually need. realise that worms are alive and are a mutating Stage 2 - Once the disease. This means they are clever and can adapt.” program has been designed IW contact when the larvae in the pasture is low. you to run through the strategy of the However if a parasitic disease is present then program for each of your horses, ensuring that the only way to successfully remove it is to you understand exactly what has been use regular medication [wormers]. prescribed in your program and why. Intelligent Worming is NOT a herbal If you are happy with this, a full detailed 1. To detect adult egg laying alternative and is NOT a worm egg count copy of your program will be sent out to you. roundworm activity in the gut of the service. Your treatments (chemicals and/or faecal egg horse. counts) will then start arriving on your door We know when the worms are more step a week before they are due, then all you active and count more frequently during have to do is open the envelope and follow this period. On the first phase of the the instructions. It really is that simple! monitoring program there are between two and four egg counts in a 12 month What are the costs involved – is it more period, however in the maintenance expensive or cheaper than the regular phase there may only be one annual worming plans most people follow? sample taken. Common practice for This is the hardest question that we get asked. DIYers is to faecal egg count every three In addition to the annual fee of £18.50, months, but this is not really any better the only costs are for the chemicals/faecal than worming to a regular schedule, as at egg counts which have been prescribed by least two of these will be when the worms your consultant. The one thing you can be are not active. sure of is that every penny you are spending

22 The Listening Post Case Study Experiences By Louise Austin at the IH Office

Owner: Kelly Marks Horses: Pie, Herbie, Banksy, Corky, Harvey, Aroma Horse care arrangements: All kept at home Worming history: had been following a worming programme provided in poster form by a wormer manufacturer. 2. To test for resistance to the chemical wormers. As Kelly’s herd began to grow (from 2 to 6) we started to become slightly These are scheduled at a defined interval overwhelmed with sorting out all their various needs. The youngsters needed to start within 21 days of a wormer being given. their flu vaccinations and have their first visit from the dentist at the same time as The interval is different for each chemical getting into a routine for worming, shoeing and other health checks. With worming and a reduction of 95% should be seen. we had heard of the dangers of over worming and creating a resistance to some worming drugs but equally we didn’t want to risk the horses by not worming 3. To test for reduced efficacy of the sufficiently. Frankly it was all getting a bit complicated! chemicals. We were concerned how to make the best plan regarding who needed what doing The first sign of the wormers not working when. Was giving them all the same thing, even though they were different ages and are a reduction in their ability to suppress in different fields, really the right thing to do? I'd heard that worm counts didn't cover egg laying activity. In the treatment all the different types of worms and was worried about tape/bots, so we were looking programs we include these tests to for something really simple yet totally reliable for the horses. We’d heard of Intelligent ensure that the chemicals are set at Worming so decided to arrange a meeting to see if they could be the answer to our effective intervals. worming worries! It was great that when Diane and Tracy from Intelligent Worming, Monty was also in Why do I need Intelligent Worming? the UK so he was able to join in too. Some of this information was a bit of an eye Only 2% of horses in the UK are on “We don’t have to worry about organising opener to me, for example, some programs that the British Veterinary companies claim you only need to Association and leading parasitologists anything! Wormers and egg count kits worm every 13 weeks with their would endorse. arrive in the post with instructions.” product and you'll be free of worms Most horse owners do not realise that they but that hasn't actually proven to be true in practice. Monty had some good questions need Intelligent Worming, but once they see to ask about the service too and we all discussed our thoughts and experiences the difference they do not consider anything with worming. else. 50% of all of our business comes from our We completed a risk assessment for each of the horses and a questionnaire regarding customers recommending us and over 90% of the turnout arrangements. Initial dung samples were then taken for each horse and the our customers stay with us year on year. results reported back a few days later. From that point on the process has been The way that horses have been wormed in incredibly straightforward. We don’t have to worry about organising anything! the UK has led to the development of resistance Wormers and egg count kits arrive in the post with instructions to let us know what to all of the chemicals we have to treat worms. horse(s) they are for and we simply follow these instructions. A detailed programme has Basically this means they don’t work any more. been sent out for our records so we can see what the overall ‘plan of attack’ is but don’t Horse owners have to realise that worms are actually have to organise any of it. alive and are a mutating disease. This means The first round of egg counts were very interesting as we had been religiously they are clever and can adapt. following a worming programme but two of the horses still had medium worm We find that 75% of horses who join burdens. One new young horse in particular had a high initial count and was therefore Intelligent Worming need less than half the sent out another sample kit to test for encysted worms which would indicate resistance chemicals that their owners were giving to the initial worming drug. It’s scary to think we might have otherwise missed this as them. The other 25% were on worming outwardly she is a very shiny, well covered, healthy and happy horse! programs that did not work. So far the service has been excellent and certainly reduced the work and worry You cannot tell by simply looking at your involved in keeping the horses. Real peace of mind is priceless and it’s nice to know we horse, but we can find out all of this for you. are working towards an overall aim of putting a minimal amount of drugs into the horses systems. I have also signed up to Intelligent Worming for my horses at home too. Find out more Further information can be found at www.intelligentworming.co.uk To sign up call 01267 223322 You can also subscribe to the IW free quarterly newsletter, visit the website or call 01267 223322

The Listening Post 23 The Rounding Reflex By IH Recommended Associate Sue Palmer

If you run your fingers down your horse’s back and he dips o what is it that causes these his back away from the pressure, does that mean that he’s in reactions? The technical term is a S‘reflex arc’. Basically, the message pain? This is a common question, and not one that’s easy to causing the muscles to initiate the movement answer! Movements such as this that appear to be consistent doesn’t have to get as far as the brain in these cases, it is a direct link from ‘stimulus’ reactions to specific pressure at a specific point on the horse via spinal cord to ‘response’. There are five are not well documented, other than those used to assess the segments to the reflex arc. The receptor cranial nerves in a neurological assessment. However, we all region is the part that receives the stimulus, perhaps a region that is adapted to respond know that if we press in certain places, we can cause certain to touch. An ‘afferent’ neuron (a nerve cell reactions – for example, many horses will clamp their tail that carries signals from the periphery towards the brain or spinal cord) takes the down when you go to put their tail bandage on, because you message from the receptor region towards have touched the underneath of their tail. the spinal cord. There is then a synapse, where two neurons communicate with each other, and the message is passed via the synapse to an ‘efferent’ neuron (a nerve cell that carries signals from the brain or spinal cord towards the periphery). The efferent neuron connects with the ‘effector’, Palpating the paraspinal muscles commonly a muscle that contracts or relaxes as required.

24 The Listening Post Before the belly lift A belly lift

If one set of muscles contracts, then the just above the lateral processes of the base of opposing set of muscles must relax, or the the cervical vertebrae causing lateral flexion Signs your horse may have movement would not be able to happen. of the cervical spine. You may have come a sore back Think about your upper arm, with your across the kicking reflex when you have biceps and triceps working in opposition. If touched your horse in an unexpected or • Does he flinch when you stroke or the biceps muscle contracts to cause your uncomfortable place (!), and the bucking groom his back? elbow to bend, then the triceps muscle must reflex is what’s put to use with rodeo horses. • Does he put his ears back when you relax to allow them it lengthen and the Equine therapists will make use of some of put the saddle on or do the girth up? movement to occur. When you run your these reflexes as part of their treatment • Is he ‘cold backed’ (does he hunch his fingers down your horse’s back, you may be programme, but many horses object if the back or rush off when you first get on)? eliciting a reflex reaction. In this case, the movement is not initiated sympathetically, • Does he take a while to loosen up in stimulus would be your touch. The reflex arc and so they are not usually good exercises to his ridden work? connects not only with the back muscles to give owners as part of a daily routine. make them contract (and therefore your So if you want to know whether the horse’s back to dip), but also with the dipping of your horse’s back is caused by abdominal muscles to make them relax pain or by a reflex reaction, my best advice is (therefore allowing your horse’s back to dip). to put your hands on him as often as you It is difficult to know what is a reflex can, and on as many horses as you can, reaction and what is a pain reaction without and make comparisons. Always start very experience. Receptors that react to touch are gently, your touch acts as a two-way designed to be specific to a particular kind of communication between you and the horse touch – light touch or deep pressure, sharp and you need to allow time for this or blunt, fast or slow, hot or cold, etc. So communication to occur. If your horse seems touching the horse in the same place but in uncomfortable with what you are doing, or a different way may elicit a different reaction. you are not sure if you are doing the right A general rule in reply to the common thing, contact a professional to help you. question of ‘is my horse in pain through his Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day – back’ is that he should dip away from a don’t expect to instantly develop the ‘feel’ of relatively quick movement of moderate someone who’s invested in qualifications and pressure along either side of his dorsal been practising for several years! Allow spinous processes, but he should not dip yourself the time it takes, knowing that away from slow moderate pressure. If your along the way you are at all times doing the horse is not able to dip away from relatively best that you can to help your horse given quick movement, that may be as much of an the knowledge that you have at that indicator of a problem as if he does dip away particular time, and your horse will from slow pressure. appreciate and be grateful for your efforts. The rounding reflex There are other areas that commonly cause reflex movements in the horse, such as Sue Palmer MSc, freelance Veterinary Physiotherapist and Intelligent Horsemanship pressure on the sternum causing dorsiflexion, Recommended Associate, is based in Stafford and works throughout the UK. stroking from the sacroiliac joint to the base www.holistichorsehelp.com of the tail (either side of the dorsal spinous processes) causing dorsiflexion, and stroking Photos Copyright Simon Palmer, www.into-the-lens.com

The Listening Post 25 Intelligent Horsemanship student projects presented at scientific conference Eighth Annual Equine Behaviour Forum Scientific Symposium Overview by Dr Veronica Fowler

n the 18th of April Dr Veronica (RCVS) are down regulating procedures in Fowler was invited as a guest this category. Ospeaker to the Eighth Annual Equine One particular area of study which the Behaviour Forum Scientific Symposium at students highlighted as a possible Cold Coats in Harrogate. Having supervised contradiction to equine welfare which could horse psychology students for a couple of facilitate the development of the dentist shy years Veronica recognised that this was a horse is the use of the equine dental great opportunity to communicate the speculum. Unfortunately dental speculums excellent work of Intelligent Horsemanship are a ‘necessary evil’ as it is impossible to students to the wider community including a perform a thorough examination, check the number of respected academics. The lecture quality of the dental work and also carry out was entitled ‘The effect of the equine dentist some procedures without using one. The ‘Dentist shy’ horse sedated speculum on the heart rate and behaviour of students recognised that although this piece horses’ and presented the hard work of of equipment was in regular use there was no • Chomping was most frequent during the Louise and Sam Austin (EDT). actual guidance on its use. first 5 minutes (spec shut) The students therefore • Head tossing was the second most “Despite the positive movement in the UK towards set out to investigate the frequent behaviour regulating the practice of equine dentistry there are effect of the equine • Head tossing was most frequent after the still a large number of horses who are ‘dentist shy’.” dentist speculum on the first 5 minutes (spec open) heart rate and behaviour • Other behaviours which were also The work of the students was highly of horses. Louise looked at continuous observed included: yawing, attempting to commended by the participants of the application of the speculum for a period of walk, stomping, head butting tail swishing, symposium. A brief overview of the project is 15 minutes and Sam looked at repeated stretching outlined below. application. The speculum they used was a • Other behaviours were most frequent Hausmans speculum set to ratchet position 2 between 5-15 minutes (spec open) except Introduction to Equine dentistry (opened to position 2). Below is a brief attempting to walk and head butting The earliest known record of the practice of summary of the results of their work. which started to decline by 15 minutes equine dentistry was made by the Chinese who used the teeth to age and thus value horses. Heart rate-continuous application Today the practice of equine dentistry in • Average heart rate was significantly Recommendations on the use the United Kingdom (UK) is protected under increased at all time points when of equine dental speculums the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and compared to control (horses standing for 5 Recommendations which arise from the regulated by the British Veterinary Dental minutes wearing only a head collar) student’s work are as follows: Association (BVDA) and the British This is indicative that the application of the Association of Equine Dental Technicians speculum alone (speculum shut) is associated i) If the dental treatment is predicted (BAEDT). The Veterinary Surgeons Act divides with increases in heart rate which is further to be less than 1 hour: equine dentistry into three categories: increased when the speculum is then – The horse should be permitted rest – Category 1: Manual rasping, removing opened. This increase in heart rate is periods every 5-10 minutes whereby the sharp points/overgrowths (<5mm), removal concurrent with activation of the speculum is closed for several minutes. of finger loose cheek teeth and calculus). sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system ii) If dental treatment is predicted – Category 2: Extraction of teeth and which is often an indicator of stress. to exceed 1 hour: fragments, removing large overgrowths – In addition to recommendation (>5mm), treatment of fractured/ diseased Heart rate-repeated application – The speculum should be removed teeth, use of power tools). • Repeat application of the speculum did not at 30 minute intervals for several – Category 3: Procedures requiring an result in any significant change in heart rate minutes before being reapplied. incision, root canal, orthodontics, repair of when compared to horses wearing a bridle mandibular fractures. This indicates that if the speculum is fitted To view this and other student projects Currently veterinarians can perform and refitted over five minutes the horses please visit ‘IH Research’ on our website: procedures in all three categories whilst heart rate does not increase to a level any www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk equine dental technicians (EDT) can only greater than when the horse wears a bridle. perform procedures in category 1. Also category 2 only if under veterinary Behaviour-continuous application supervision or appropriately qualified with • The application of wearing a speculum BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association). resulted in the expression of However, soon registered EDT’s will also behaviours associated with be able to legally perform procedures in discomfort and stress. category 2 as the Department for • Chomping on the speculum was environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA) the most frequently recorded and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons behaviour

26 The Listening Post Understanding Colonic Ulcers – Cause and Effect By Emma Hardy, PhD. Freedom Health LLC

A large-scale study of 180 performance horse cadavers completed in 2003 by Dr. How to avoid hindgut Franklin L. Pellegrini, revealed that almost ulceration 90% had gastric ulcers and over 60% had • feed a high fibre diet, following the rule colonic ulcers, with an overall ulceration rate of little and often of 97%.. The prevalence of colonic ulcers • maximise turnout and minimise stress may be slightly lower than gastric ulcers, but • implement an effective worming as Dr. Frank M. Andrews, Director of Equine regime, and try to avoid long courses of Health Studies Program at Louisiana State antibiotics or bute University points out, they may lead to more severe clinical issues and hypoproteinaemia • support the digestive tract with a (low protein uptake). Clearly differential digestive conditioning supplement, diagnosis is crucial in order to determine the such as Succeed most appropriate treatment strategy, particularly when standard drug treatments Intensive training can also reduce blood for gastric ulcers which limit acid secretion, flow to the gastrointestinal tract, depress are completely useless in the hindgut. appetite and strip the horse of important o matter how healthy your horse Recently, a new and completely non-invasive amino acids needed for cell regeneration, looks on the outside, if he is in “ELISA” based test has been developed to such as glutamine. Stereotypies have Ntraining and regularly competing, aid diagnosis of intestinal conditions in a way frequently been associated with ulceration, research dictates that he is likely to be that until now was not possible. although whether they are a cause or an suffering from ulcers. Indeed, prevalence of effect is an ongoing debate, and prolonged gastric ulcers has been reported in as much So why do horses get colonic use of NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti as 97% of racehorses, 50-60% of dressage, ulcers? inflammatory Drugs) and parasitic damage show-jumpers and hunters, and even in as In evolutionary terms horses are nomadic are also strongly implicated. many as 37% of leisure horses. Aetiology (the trickle feeders; a lifestyle often contrary to In summary, for the horse to perform to its cause of a disease), diagnosis and therapeutic the performance horse, which is subjected to maximum potential an energy dense diet, strategies for gastric ulcers have become well prolonged stabling and intermittent feeding. stabling and intensive training are all established in recent years; however the In the horse, gastric acid secretion is considered necessary. Under these prevalence and impact of hindgut ulceration continuous, which not only leaves the circumstances digestive health is paramount, has been frequently overlooked and is largely stomach lining vulnerable to damage when particularly considering that all biological misunderstood. little food is present but can also lead to systems rely on efficient nutrient utilisation to Colonic ulceration manifests in several bolting of feed, and in turn increased gastric function properly. A healthy digestive system ways, ranging from adverse changes in emptying when feed is offered. When enables optimal ingestion, digestion and temperament and performance, to loss of combined with the typical diet of the absorption and allows the horse to meet and weight, condition and appetite, bouts of performance horse, incorporating high indeed exceed, the demands placed upon it. colic and subclinical anaemia. Furthermore, volumes of soluble carbohydrate and limited hindgut discomfort may even be expressed fibrous carbohydrate further complications ...gastric ulcers has been reported as a reluctance of the horse to extend, collect arise. This type of diet increases secretion of in as much as 97% of racehorses, or flex through the body. These symptoms gastric acid, rate of gastric emptying and 50-60% of dressage, show-jumpers can all be attributed to the discomfort and reduces the volume of saliva produced to and hunters, and even in as many inefficient digestion and absorption which naturally buffer gastric acid. As a as 37% of leisure horses. accompany colonic ulcers. consequence, enzymatic digestion in the stomach and small intestine is limited, with So, why is diagnosis of colonic undigested feed ultimately reaching the site ulcers frequently missed? of microbial digestion; the cecum and colon. A 3 metre endoscope can only visualise the Micro-organisms in hindgut convert a foregut, and colonoscopy in the horse is not portion of this type of carbohydrate into only highly invasive and but also carries a lactic acid, which can lead to a condition significant risk of death. Thickening of the called Hindgut Acidosis. From this, colon wall, as occurs with colonic ulcers can detrimental changes to the gut microflora sometimes be identified by ultrasound but occur, with growth of pathogenic bacteria this can be difficult to interpret. As a colonizing compromised areas (such as the consequence, previous diagnosis of colonic pits left by parasites) and eroding the lining ulceration has largely been limited to post- of the colon. Emma competes in BD with her homebred ‘Gryff’ mortem examination.

The Listening Post 27 Backing up An extract from Pilates and Stretching – An Exercise Index for Horse Owners by Gillian Higgins

Human athletes have long understood the benefits of stretching and core strength. Beautifully illustrated, this step by step guide to provides exercises for maintaining suppleness, flexibility and range of movement for your horse. Well organised, the 26 exercises are equally beneficial for horses of all disciplines, Clearly explained and easy to follow the guide explains exactly ‘how to do the exercises’, which areas of the body will benefit and gives tips to ensure maximum benefit.

£12 + £1.50 p&p Available from: www.horsesinsideout.com

DVD Review Horses Inside Out by Gillian Higgins £24.99 available from www.horsesinsideout.com

This is a very well designed and informative DVD for anyone wishing to understand the anatomy and movement of the horse. The skeletal and muscle systems of the horse are clearly explained using motion and static anatomical painting on horses. The importance of establishing correct biomechanical movement is covered in a degree of detail with emphasis being placed on how the skeletal and muscle systems can be affected by the quality of the horses’ movement. I do feel more could have been given in the way of tips on how to maintain a healthy horse for the average horse owner.

For trainers, students and therapists wanting quite factual in depth knowledge of the skeletal and muscular systems this DVD is very good.

Reviewer: Ann-Marie Marek Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate for Mid and South Wales and qualified Equine Shiatsu Practitioner.

28 The Listening Post INTELLIGENTONLY AVAILABLE HORSEMANSHIP FROM

EXCLUSIVE BOOK RELEASE

I’m Shy Boy Interpreted by Monty Roberts Intelligent Horsemanship is proud to be the sole European distributor for Monty Roberts’ new book.

RRP: £19.95 Release date: August 2010 Pre-order now by calling 01488 71300 or visiting our online shop at: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

eautifully illustrated, for young people Nevada and captured from the wild as a of all ages. I’m Shy Boy is the story of three-year-old stallion. His confident yet B Monty Roberts’ mustang companion, questioning nature makes him a natural Shy Boy. His tale begins in the Nevada storyteller, as he recounts the amazing mountains, where Shy Boy was born into a journey life has taken him on. Shy Boy and wild herd of horses. Seeing the world through Monty live on Flag Is Up Farms in California, the eyes of a horse, you experience his first where they continue their adventures encounters with the humans who capture together and fulfill Monty’s mission, “To him. His surprise at meeting Monty, a man leave the world a better place than I found it who moves and speaks like a horse, develops for horses and humans too.” into a bond of trust that will last a lifetime. Shy Boy begins an ongoing adventure to bring non-violence and communication into people’s lives, and to allow them to treat their Shy Boy is arguably the world’s most horses with respect and understanding. Shy famous mustang. Co-starring with Monty Boy takes us on unique journey through the Roberts in the BBC documentary Monty mind of the horse, encountering new Roberts: A Real Horse Whisperer, Shy Boy is a obstacles, challenges and rewarding global ambassador spreading the message of experiences. An utterly unique and uplifting trust and respect between horses and adventure story, you will fall in love with this humans. An American mustang, Shy Boy was horse and his message. born in 1994 in the mountain ranges of

The Listening Post 29 30 Rehoming Harvey (Glentons Midnight Moon) Potential Dressage Champion! Extremely attractive, beautiful moving 16.1hh TB gelding 6 years old. Supreme Champion 3 year old In Hand at Addington and Malvern Shows. Destined to be an unbeatable Show Hack but grew 2 inches too big, very elegant with eight and a half inches of bone. He stills need a fair bit more condition and muscle to be considered a show horse.

n the recent Berkshire County show Harvey tacked up loose. If agitated i.e. other horses They would need to be a calm, competent was pulled in 10th in a Riding Horse class going back and forth, he may crib bite when rider but in general he’s quite easy to ride I but after being ridden by 2 judges moved left in the stable. He gets on well with other and well schooled. He’s not spooky and up to 7th. In very few competitions he has been horses in the field and is much happier and doesn't buck or get strong although he placed 1st in a Style and Performance and been quite charming if he is turned out full time. It would rear if you really pushed him when he placed 4th out of 20 in Novice Dressage and would need to be considered if this is was frightened or (we imagine) started to hit 2nd in Thoroughbred Class. He has qualified practical in the coldest winter months as he him. Hitting and added pressure will not for Stoneleigh in the Trailblazers in Style and is thoroughbred. work on this horse, the rider who could take Performance and Thoroughbred classes. Harvey would suit someone who might this horse to great things is someone who is Harvey is not without his quirks though! like to compete successfully at dressage but willing to use a lot of psychology to think He hacks out very nicely in company but will perhaps hasn’t the lump sum it would ‘how can I get him to want to do this? He’s say ‘no’ from time to time if on his own and normally require to obtain a horse of his actually got an amazing natural jump but we gets anxious. He appears tough at times but calibre. However, it must be someone with a haven’t pursued that very far. he’s actually a bit of a sissy. If he does stop very good knowledge of horse care and an There is a lot to love about Harvey and we you can get through this quite easily by awareness that thoroughbreds can be high very much hope we can find him the right backing up where you want to go. When maintenance at times and have the money home who will appreciate him warts and all. stabled he sometimes makes nasty faces and for all the regular treatments. Although he Note – he hasn’t actually got warts, you threatens to bite but has never actually bitten could live out generally he would need extra understand, that’s just an expression. As far while with us – even while being rugged and rugs and food during the winter. as we can tell he’s completely sound!

Please email [email protected] to express your interest.

The Listening Post 31 Equine first aid Notes from a lecture by Simon Knapp BSc, BVet Med, MRCVs

imon Knapp is clinical director at Scott Dunn’s Equine Clinic in Berkshire and recently presented a free lecture on ‘Wound Management’ to local equine S enthusiasts. Everyone with an interest in horses should have access to the essential information presented therefore ‘The Listening Post’ dutifully took notes to share with IH members. Basic equine first aid kit + Keep tetanus vaccinations up to date - you are negligent otherwise. ● Vetalintex ● Gamgee DON’T ● Thermometer ● Ignore it! ● Sterile dressings and swabs ● Panic – stop and think ● Salt ● Be a hero and get hurt ● Animalintex (for feet only) ● Move horse if he can’t or won’t be moved ● Hydrogel (keep wounds moist!) ● Apply random chemicals ● Vets phone number ● Cut off bits of skin ● Ignore tetanus booster ● Apply a bad bandage or dressing and First Aid in the leave it on 1st 4 Hours a useful acronym 1. Restrain horse somewhere clean (ideally – TIME Wounds need TIME to heal Metabolic and health status of the if he won’t / can’t move then make do!) T Tissue involvement animal – make sure you look at the full 2. Control any bleeding with a firm dressing, I Inhibitors to healing (14) horse i.e. a malnourishment will inhibit add another if blood seeps through M Moisture state of the wound healing Latrogenic lunacy – a moron doing 3. Call the Vet – even just for advice over the phone (moisture is good!) E Epithlial edge (live edge of the wound) something moronic! i.e. disinfectant / 4. Hose out if not bleeding (medium pressure detergent / bleech / hot water chucked as you don’t want to push dirt inside) Tissue Involvement into wounds. Sadly this is all too common 5. Wash with saline if not bleeding Where is the wound and therefore which Tumour transference at the site of significantly (1teaspoon salt to 1 pint tissues of the body are involved? Tendons, wound – e.g. sarcoid, carcinoma, water) and flush ligaments, bones, fascia, skin? melanoma 6. Question – does the lameness shown Moisture state of the wound match the wound? i.e if it is a small You should be aware of and prevent • Wounds heal better in a moist wound and horse is very lame call the vet Inhibitors to healing including: environment immediately Infection • Allowing the wound to ‘dry out’ is not 7. Apply clean dressing with hydrogel and Movement (especially in area of knee, beneficial bandage if possible hock, fetlock, armpit) • A scab is just a bandage with no Necrotic tissues (dead and of no use) drainage therefore not ideal 8. Support bandage on collateral (opposite) leg Foreign bodies • Do not be embarrassed to ask Tissue deficit Epithelial edge (live edge of someone else to bandage if you are Weak blood supply/blood not confident – it is crucially important haemorrhage i.e. a blood blister provide a the wound) that the bandage is well done, secure, ‘porridge’ for infection to feed on Ideally the wound should have an active with even pressure (not too tight) Continued trauma (i.e. brushing) edge of skin which is pink and healthy – Poor oxygenation of wound surface this is essential for healing. Sometimes a • Tape over ties – difficult sites, poor (tight) dressings vet will use a thumbnail to create an edge. • Support fetlock by bandaging to below coronary band

Simon will be riding one of Her Majesty the Queen’s IH members Aud Scott-Hopkins and Ele Milwright are also taking horses in the ‘Horses for Heroes’ sponsored ride part and all are seeking sponsorship to raise funds for ‘Help for starting at Ascot Racecourse covering around 5 miles Heros’. You can support them via the JustGiving website: over Windsor Great Park before finishing at the www.justgiving.com/Audrey-Scott-Hopkins winning post at Ascot Racecourse on July 10th. www.justgiving.com/ele-milwright www.justgiving.com/Simonknapp

32 The Listening Post The Listening Post catches up with horses lucky enough to have been

used in a Monty Roberts or Kelly Marks demonstration. This quarter

we caught up with George and his owner Anne. Some of you may

remember George as he featured in the Listening Post in Autumn

2008 when his owner first came across IH. Where are they now? eorge, “Wychwoods Kaddy”,is our How did George progress after the other races all of which were either off, the first home bred racehorse, and has demonstration? lorry was snowed in or he was balloted out! G been lucky enough to have an George slept in the next morning! He had By this time he had been in training for long Intelligent Horsemanship start in life. a few days at home and then we took him to enough so we brought him home for a I met Recommended Associates Rosie Hartsop Farm where Rosie and Gitte spent a break. Jones and Gitte Monahan whilst at a local week following up and establishing the work fun ride, which ended up not being an awful that Kelly had started. We went to watch as We are currently thinking that George can lot of fun because my mare wouldn’t load to many sessions as we could, they were have until end May/early June for a bit more come home. After 4 hours of trying I was absolutely great with him. We then turned spring grass and then will be on his way back introduced to Rosie and Gitte who loaded George out for 12 months to let him grow into training, but still having daily turnout. her within 10 minutes! I was eternally and develop. We are hoping for him to run in 3 grateful to both of them. That was our Last spring Wendy Mutch (again IH “bumpers” (National Hunt Flat Races) this introduction to IH. Following this Rosie and trained) came and did some work with year starting towards the end of September Gitte came to us at home and did some George and our other youngster for us at or early October. All the feedback that we loading work with both my mare and George home. She got a friend or ours (Eilish McCall have had is that he really does have an and I became a member of Intelligent who is now in racing) riding George and engine, is a real worker, he’s tough and puts Horsemanship so heard about the upcoming Eilish then continued to hack him out for us his heart into everything he does, so do Monty and Kelly tour plans. for a couple of months watch this space and he might even be with my mare as nanny. worth a little bet! Which demonstration was your horse He then had a couple part of and what happened on the of months off at grass evening? before going into racing George was incredibly lucky in that he training. managed to feature in not one but two demonstrations. His first ever outing, when George went to he was 2, was to Berkshire College of Martin Keighley (trainer) Agriculture in Feb 2008 where he met for the second half of Monty. At that point in life all George knew last year and loved it! was his home. He had an amazing day and George is still a real experienced travelling, loudspeakers, music, character and can be a an audience and being in a stable where he bit over enthusiastic at could see everything going on in the indoor times, but having a job to school. All this before he even started to channel his energy into has work with Monty! Monty spent about half been the making of him. an hour with George and did some Everything that Martin asked groundwork, leading and spook busting, it of George he did and still was fantastic. wanted to do more, he was George’s second outing was to Kelly’s May the one at the end of a work Masterclass at Warwickshire College where he session that was jogging all the was selected as the starter. Kelly did Join-up way home. with him, leading work, long lining and then he had his first tack on. George was born What are your plans for George’s bold, confident and expressive; watching him future? bronk in the round pen I must admit being a Due to the snow and frozen ground in tad concerned for Rosie! Kelly and Rosie were January George hasn’t yet had his first race. amazing to watch work quietly and He was declared to run on 1st January at confidently. Rosie sat on George and rode him Cheltenham but was one off the ballot so softly around the round pen. I was amazed! just missed out. He was entered in about 5

The Listening Post 33 Spotlight on Recommended Associates SpotlightListening Post meets Jo Bond LP: How long have you been involved part of the job. The real key to making a with horses? difference to the horse and owner partnership is to work with the owner to Jo: I’ve been interested in horses all my life. ensure that they can continue to apply the I’m not from a horsey family and I spent many techniques at home. I really wanted to be years as a child begging for a pony. Eventually able to teach the full range of Monty’s with the threat of potential boyfriends as techniques to people and so carried on a teenager my dad bought me a pony and training for a further 2 years. This included it worked a treat as I only had eyes for her spending 3 months at Monty’s farm in the US after that! teaching a whole range of courses. Now I about all around him and then built up to really feel that I can offer a complete package having a toolbox on top of it. I spent a lot of LP: Why did you decide to qualify as a RA? to my clients. time dropping tools all around him, bad for the tools but great for Sana. LP: What is it about endurance riding While in the US, I worked with a horse that appeals to you? called Carla that was terrified of noises around her, even the sound of the buckle on Jo: I love hacking out and seeing the the Dually frightened her. I did a lot of countryside. I think it’s great that I can be out desensitising with her to all sorts of noises, hacking and training at the same time and it including covering her in sleigh bells! really helps get me out there and keep my horse fit, even in the bad weather! I find it’s LP: What are your plans for the Future? really useful to have a goal to work towards and I love the fact that on competition day Jo: I’m now focusing on running my courses you will be riding for between 2 and 10 and offering horsey holidays here in sunny hours. I used to do jumping and dressage South West France. Sana and I are continuing competitions but I hated all the waiting our endurance training, although he’s having around for just a few minutes in the ring. I a well deserved holiday at the moment after think the discipline fits in really well with the qualifying in the CEI** 130km race at Tartas Jo: I sadly had to sell my pony when I went Monty methods as the horse’s heart rate is recently. I have 2 youngsters that I’m bringing to Oxford but carried on riding for the key to your placing. Everything you can do to on and my lovely mare Roma is about to give University squad and then just for pleasure keep your horse relaxed before and during birth to her first foal. I’m like a fretting parent when I was living in London. I didn’t have my the competition will help keep his heart rate at the moment!! own horse again until I moved to France in down and not waste energy unnecessarily. 2004. I then made the mistake, that lots of Competitions are in the most beautiful Details of my courses can be found at us do, of buying completely the wrong horse areas and a highlight for me was competing www.BondWithYourHorse.com because I thought with my heart and not in the Alps last year. Every type of horse can my head. I’d decided I wanted to try compete in the shorter distance competitions Massive congratulations to Jo from Kelly endurance riding and so went out looking so I’d advise everyone to get out there and everyone at IH headquarters for for a mature, experienced endurance mare. I training and have some fun. qualifying as a Monty Roberts Certified came home with a 3 year old, Arab, show Instructor earlier this year! stallion called Sana! LP: If you could change one thing in the He proved to be quite a handful as he was horse world what would it be? Jo covers South West France both nervous and aggressive and I was at a Tel: 00 33 (0)5 63 94 58 69 loss as to how to handle him. It came to a Jo: Here in France people have the option of head when my husband was leading him one sending their horse for meat and they get a day and he reared up and kicked him in the reasonable amount of money when they do. back. I enrolled on Kelly’s Foundation course This can lead to a situation were people will to see if the methods could help with Sana. send their horse for meat and use the money Answers to Equine anatomical terms of I came home from the course and was to buy another one if they come up against a location from page 10. Cranial astounded when Sana started to transform in behavioural issue. This seems such a terrible Dorsal front of my eyes as I applied the techniques. waste of some simply misunderstood horses. I was then a true believer in the value of the techniques and couldn’t wait to carry on and LP: Describe an unusual issue that you learn more. This ultimately led me to become have dealt with? a Recommended Associate. Jo: I had a farrier who insisted on using a little Caudal Lateral LP: Why did you decided to become a toolbox on wheels and rolling it around Monty Roberts Certified Instructor as well? everywhere including underneath the horses. Sana found this terrifying, so off I went to a Jo: Working as a RA it became apparent very local garden centre to buy a little plant stand Ventral quickly that ‘fixing’ the horse was only a small on wheels. I desensitised him to this rolling Medial

34 The Listening Post Lessons learnt from Rio and Julia Fisher By Lorraine Tyler

I have always loved horses. Until my teens I was fearless but then had a bad accident whilst hacking. From then on until my late forties I rarely rode. Then one day my husband went to a local farm to buy turf and came back with the present of a riding lesson on a horse guaranteed to restore confidence - Nova.

ithin months I was hacking alone, Enter Julia Fisher! Julia is tiny and was To cut a long story short, I should have jumping and had Nova on part loan. dwarfed by Rio. When she first met him he taken her more seriously. Two years on and WThree years on I did my BHS stage 1 and had been in his field for over 3 weeks refusing two bad falls later, Julia again suggested that was about to start stage 2 and wanted my to even come through the trees in the middle. Rio needed a different yard and that my own horse. Confident from riding Nova and He had perfected the art of throwing me to confidence whilst riding had been knocked with BHS 1 under my belt I set off to the Isle the ground either backwards or forwards as possibly beyond the point of no return. She of Wight to look at a 17.2hh 9 year old we approached the trees. Julia put on a Dually suggested he was a horse that needed a lot of gelding that reminded me of Nova and was halter, backed him up several times and spent confidence from the rider and although with jumping well in the Horse and Hound photo. about an hour moving him around the field. her help and the IH book of techniques I had I didn’t take an instructor with me and I rode She then headed for the trees and he walked gained confidence on the ground, my riding him for 10 minutes in an indoor school and on through like a donkey! Next she put some confidence had taken so many knocks with a short hack following a pony. Two weeks plastic sheets down in the field and led him him it was unlikely to recover and he needed later he arrived. over several times before making for the gate. confidence in buckets. Our yard is large and busy. From day one He went quite happily. Julia then made a fuss of In the end I took her advice-Rio has gone to with me Rio was a spooky horse, setting off at him and retreated. Next time we will get him in- a very experienced lady with the time to work gallop suddenly while walking round the were her final words. And we did - leading him him on a small yard and I have got a super school. Three weeks later he was refusing to quietly down the half mile track where he had confidence giving Irish sport horse and we come out of his field! Many people offered knocked so many people over before. have gone from strength to strength. Within a help and several experts tried to help me - Julia also set about training me – I spent week of buying Truman (this time after several several lessons being led around visits and hacks, and a lesson with my “I learnt about the importance of purposeful as the horse or leading around instructor) I asked Julia for an assessment. horse Julia. I learnt about the “He’s a lovely chap-you don’t really need the workmanlike walking, confident body importance of purposeful dually” she said. “You are like a different language, walking with a smiley rope with Rio workmanlike walking, confident person with him” she added. body language, walking with a However, without the lessons from Julia I at my shoulder, the importance of the Dually, smiley rope with Rio at my would not have known how to pick him and pressure and release, backing him up, moving shoulder, the importance of the without her support with Rio I would have him around and how to be the leader.” Dually, pressure and release, given up on horse ownership. I still back backing him up, moving him Truman up occasionally, move him around and rapidly retreating as Rio took off spinning me around and how to be the leader. I lapped up do my workmanlike walk with my smiley rope round and sometimes knocking me off my the advice and it really worked. However Julia and am confident to handle even the most feet. We did get him out once, using two lead did advise two things that I didn’t take on difficult of horses! ropes and a bridle, but he escaped nearly board and that I now realise I should have: However, perhaps the most important lesson dislocating the young boy’s shoulder who had She noted how important the environment of all was to accept when we should know volunteered to add muscle. is to some horses. Rio was always spooky and when to give up on a relationship even if it does Six weeks on and Rio had refused to leave worried by the busy yard. Julia suggested that seem to mean admitting defeat and loosing his field for a fortnight was very aggressive. I move yard but I still had Nova on loan and face. I am hopeful that I may get Nova one day My instructor said she knew a lady who was liked to hack out with my children. Julia also and will be on the phone to Julia as Nova has a trained in Intelligent Horsemanship and suggested I should take a view on whether Rio phobia of bikes! I wonder how many minutes specialised in problems on the ground. By was really the horse for me and suggested I Julia will take to resolve that one? chance I had been to a Monty Roberts had over-horsed myself. She was right on both demonstration earlier in the year which left counts but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Julia Fisher is the Recommended me in awe so I jumped at the chance. Associate for Hertfordshire Tel: 01438 871194

The Listening Post 35 Autumn 2010 Monty Roberts UK Tour Autumn 2009 Tour

October 2nd Prize Draw Winners Gleneagles Equestrian Centre, Auchertarder, Perthshire, PH3 1NF October 4th Congratulations to the Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay, Carlisle, CA4 0RR following lucky winners! October 15th The Grange Equestrian Centre, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 3DA Monty's Special Training 5 Day Clinic October 17th at Flag Is Up Farms - Tracey Gervaise Myerscough College, St Michael’s Rd, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY 5 Day Foundation Course – Emma Davies October 22nd Hartpury College, Gloucester, GL19 3BE Equus Online University Scholarships: October 29th Ellen Boyle Quob Stables, Church Croft Farm, Durley Brook Rd, Durley, Rik Cunningham Nr Southampton SO32 2AR James Woolley November 6th Towerlands Park, Panfield Rd, Braintree, Essex, CM7 5BJ Alica Astell Tracey Lang Tickets will be available from August through our online shop and by calling the office on 01488 71300 Maeve Mathieson Rachel Higgins If you have a horse you would like to be considered for use in a demonstration you can download an application form from the demonstrations page of our website. Monique Davis Abigail Bourne We will also be looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team for the day at each venue. Please contact the IH Office!

Remember - Fat Horses are not Healthy Horses! Win a bag of TopSpec Soaking hay in fresh water for 12 hours in Comprehensive Feed Balancer advance reduces calorie content (vitamins too so you may have to supplement). We have a bag of TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer While haylage nets do slow down horses as a prize for one lucky reader. eating, as you all know it is far better in many ways for horses to eat from TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very palatable ground level. ‘non-heating’ pelleted concentrate that contains no cereal grains and only low levels of sugar and starch. An easy solution is slipping the long tie It does contain several supplements combined with a feed designed to promote muscle section inside the haylage net before development and function. knotting it and then put the soaked hay A top-specification broad-spectrum supplement is backed up by others including a superb into a nice big tub so it doesn’t pick up hoof supplement, generous levels of anti-oxidants and sophisticated digestive aids. dirt. To slow your horse down even This superb specification allows horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and more you could soak the hay inside two straights in their diet, which usually means that their hard feed intake can be reduced haylage nets. with many resulting benefits. This year I saw a student feed his horses TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very flexible, dry hay inside haylage nets (with long ties nutrient-rich feed designed to balance the rations of most fixed inside) on the floor. At first I was horses and ponies simply by adjusting the rate at which it is worried that these ‘hay pillows’ might fed and the products it is fed with. pose some safety risk but having tried it For further information please contact the Multiple Award- myself I think it can be an excellent Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com alternative to nets tied high (not good for your horse’s health) or hay loose on the How to enter floor (spread around and wasted and/or Email [email protected] with ‘TopSpec competition’ as the eaten too quickly). subject and answer the following question: Do TopSpec’s ‘TopChop’ alfalfa products contain molasses? Closing date : July 31st 2010

If you have bought an IH Product - and quite naturally love it :-) please would you do us a favour and write a review on the IH Shopping Page? It will help others see how wonderful our products are and how incredibly efficient Brenda and Bridget are at getting out orders. Go to our Online Shop on the main website and log in. If you're not sure how to do this - just contact one of the Intelligent Advisors in the office (that would be Lou or Katrin).