Quick Tips for Clipping your Horse

Top Tips for Clips:

• Get used to feel and weight of the clippers before starting.
• If you are a beginner it makes sense to start with a horse that is well behaved.
• With a horse being clipped for the first time, start with shoulders/neck to allow them to get used to the clippers in a less sensitive area.
• Use a small pair of clippers that make less noise. Introduce the horse to the feel of the clippers over a period of a few days by placing them on the coat but not actually cutting any hairs, let them get used to the noise.
• With a horse used to clipping start with the head as they can get bored.
• Make sure your clippers are well maintained with blades that are sharp to avoid pulling the hair.
• Make sure the clippers do not get too hot and carry out regular oiling of the blades.
• Thoroughly groom your horse before clipping and remove any grease and mud.
• Put a bandage on the tail to prevent long hair getting in the way. Plait mane and forelock if needed.
• Use a piece of chalk or saddle soap to get straight lines. A numnah that is normally used can be used as a template to get the shape and position right when carrying out a Hunter Clip.
• Run the clippers against the lie of the coat. Make sure you have all the equipment to hand before starting with the horse, groomed and in a head collar.
• Long smooth strokes help to avoid the appearance of tram-lines with the natural lines of the coat followed and the blades moving in the right direction.
• Keep a rug close by to partially cover the horse to keep them warm while you continue the clip.

Clipping your Horse

Nature allows horses to evolve their coats to suit changing seasons and climates, i.e. their coats will grow thicker in winter to help them cope with colder weather. Renewal is a natural way of keeping horses and ponies coats in good health and condition.

It seems strange, then, to clip that nice warm coat - just to replace it with a rug! But clipping is an important part of horse management, especially for competition horses. Because of the relationship between humans and horses, their thick winter coat is usually no longer required; many horses are now stabled during the winter and, together with concentrated feeds and artificial heating, can result in the animal becoming overheated. Many horses are now clipped in order to prevent such situations.

Overheating can cause many problems for horses, just as for humans, and it is difficult to keep a horse in good condition if there is excessive sweating.

Horses could also catch a chill if a thick coat takes a long time to dry after exercise, etc.; the coat can be difficult to groom and may become matted or cause skin infections.

Clipping can make it easier to inspect the horse's skin when grooming. This should be a daily check. Thick coat hair provides ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive, so clipping can prevent medical conditions from occurring.

When to Clip 

In the UK and similar climates, clipping usually occurs in October as this is when the weather begins to get cold and the growth in the winter coat is just beginning. By coincidence(?), the start of the hunting season begins in October and the horse needs to be fit for the hunt.

A second clip may be required in December and, again, lightly in February. Clipping will, of course, depend on the rate of growth, the weather and the specific horse. Most books advise not to clip after February.

Use your own judgement or that of a someone with experience when deciding if and when to clip, to be of highest benefit your horse. The timings and style of clip should never be a copycat exercise just because someone else you know has already done it.

Types of Clips

• Full clip - Total removal of all coat including legs and face. Used with many hunters and eventers.
  
• Hunter - Removal of all coat except legs and saddle patch.
  
• Blanket - Coat left in legs and wither to tail. Extends halfway down sides. Keeps loins and kidneys warm for horses that are in turnout.
  
• Chaser - The coat is left on top half of neck and body.
  
• Trace  - Top part of coat and legs and head is left on. Good for horses in medium work or those that are turned out a lot.
  
• Bib - Neck and belly coat removed. Good for light work that causes a little sweat but still needs some coat protection.
  

New Web Site Launch Countdown

It's been a long time coming but we are pleased to say that our new web site with on-line shop will be launched sometime in the next few weeks, we are aiming for end of November.

Sherwood Equestrian will launch the site with a select number of items, ranging from horse-care products to clothing - men's and ladies' underwear and popular good quality equestrian clothes.

We hope to see you in our 'shop' and in the meantime, please see our eBay store for end-of-season equestrian boots & riding wear bargains.

THEFT OF FOAL FROM CALDECOTE ROAD, BALDOCK, HERTS.

This is a message from Karen Broad the Police Community Support Officer for Hertfordshire Horse Watch.

"Between 06.00 and 13.30 hours on 26th July 2010, a mare and 2 month old foal were stolen from a field in Caldecote Road, Baldock.

The mare was later found a few fields away minus her foal; the foal is 2 months old, dark Brown in colour with no marks (we are still awaiting photos and more details).

Please keep your eyes peeled for this little foal as her mother is desperate for it back and I am sure the foal is missing its mother.

Please keep your foals safe as you cannot micro chip them till they are a bit older it makes them very vulnerable."

If you have any information on the above foal please call 0845 33 00 222 and quote ref G4/10/567

The Welfare of your Horse

Herts-based CleanRound has launched a new product range that:

• Prevents Strangles -- Clean Round's potent ingredient, DuoMax E10 kills the Streptococcus Equi bacteria
  
• Kills Ring Worm -- DuoMax E10 in Clean Round kills a broad spectrum of Fungi, Bacteria and viruses
  
• Controls Sweet-Itch -- DuoMax E10 has been shown to alleviates the symptoms of Sweet Itch

We've not tried CleanRound equine wash products ourselves but we are following with interest. If you have any feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

Equestrian underwear that won't ride up!

Active equestrians, both male and female, are more comfortable with clothes designed for the rigours of horse-riding. This most certainly includes under garments that stay put despite all the activity.

Some of Sherwood Equestrian's most popular product ranges are men's and ladies' undies - bras as well as pants.

Here are some examples from our extensive Equetech range:

What is an English Saddle and why do they enjoy world-wide popularity?

The design of an English saddle has no horn nor other elements that protrude above the main tree of the saddle. Historically based on the English hunting saddle that developed to allow the rider more movement and flexibility due to its low pommel, the English saddle is now the standard for all of the Olympic equestrian disciplines.

The English saddle, designed to allow the horse freedom of movement, provided the basic design for show jumping, dressage and eventing saddles.

A show jumping saddle features a forward flap that allows for shorter length stirrups for controlled jumps.

For dressage, the pommel is slightly higher and the stirrups are longer. The seat is deeper and usually wider for a more comfortable position.

The English showing saddle is a direct descendant of the English hunting saddle.

English saddles are also used for polo. They are no longer manufactured only in England and many of the cheaper varieties are made in India. However, England-based English saddlery companies are held in high regard.

Sherwood Equestrian clothing is available at www.SherwoodEquestrian.com

Photographs courtesy of www.MoritzSaddlery.com, exporters of English Saddlery.

Testimonials from some of our Customers

As a family-run business supplying good quality Equestrian clothing via the Internet, we like to provide our customers with a quality service to match.

The following feedback can be found on our eBay shop where we sell off much of our previous season Equestrian clothing at keen prices:

• fantastic doing business with you thank you very much x
• The Item is good quality and came very quickly
• Great product really fast delivery - delighted thanks!!!!
• very quick delivery and a pleasure to deal with, thanks
• Well made gloves and excellent packing
• arrived quickly..look great on..great bargain..Many thanks
• Arrived promptly and is just as described. Very pleased.
• excellent service and as described : )
• BRILLIANT SERVICE FROM A GREAT SHOP. THANK YOU

Sherwood Equestrian.

2012 Olympic Games, Equestrian Events at Greenwich Park

The governing body for the sport of Eventing in Great Britain recommended Greenwich Park as a venue for the 2012 London Olympic Games after a range of options was considered; it has been confirmed as the chosen venue for the equestrian competitions.

The site places equestrian sport at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, only a few minutes from the main stadium and Olympic Village. It will enable the three equestrian disciplines to take place at a single venue.

Greenwich Park is visually stunning and the stadium in front of the Queen's House will be one of the finest settings ever seen in an Olympic Games and promises a wonderful atmosphere, giving equestrian events the best possible chance of TV coverage.

Equestrian Clothing

Did you know that the Sherwood Equestrian eBay shop has 100% positive feedback? If you are looking for good value good quality equestrian clothing, why not try our eBay shop? Link via our web site page at www.sherwoodequestrian.com

:o)

Equestrian Designer Zara Phillips

Zara Phillips has been designing a new range of equestrian wear and testing the finished products. Jackets, a gilet and tops will sport the logo "176" which is Zara's eventing number.

Better known for sailing clothing, Musto recently expanded into lifestyle outdoor clothing ranges, including shooting and equestrian. Their Zara Phillips equestrian range is expected to be available in the Autumn.

Daughter of the Princess Royal and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, the Queen's grand-daughter and Eventing World Champion was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2006.

Zara's world champion horse, Toytown, is currently out of action but she is focusing on the 2012 Olympics, either with a recovered Toytown or one of her other horses.

Caring for your Tack Leather

Taking care of your tack can help to prolong its life, make it more comfortable for the horse and make it easier to use.

Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your leatherwork:

• Oil before use
  
• If the leather is muddy, clean it first with warm water
  
• Use good quality saddle soap after each use
  
• Store in a cool, dry environment
  
• If the leather becomes wet, allow it to dry slowly; 
  do not place over a radiator or in front of direct heat
  
• Do not tie your horse up using the bridle reins.

For safety reasons, all leatherwork should be checked regularly.

UK sporting country breaks with that WOW factor

Corks Creak Sporting Breaks recently launched a web site to advertise their expertise in putting together the perfect sporting break or holiday in the UK countryside.

With their geographical and sporting experience plus a growing network of contacts for hospitality / accommodation, fishing proprietors, shooting agents, qualified guides, ghillies, loaders and coaches, they will specialise in breaks and holidays with a maximum WOW factor – scenery and environment to allow the soul to breathe and the brain to relax.

According to Corks Creak Sporting Breaks founder, Paul Blackman:
"I started fishing at the age of four, fly fishing by the time I was twenty something. Fly tyer from several years after I started 'chucking fluff'. I have a long and varied past in field sports arenas.
"I started to arrange holidays for folk as a matter of courtesy about five years ago simply because I had the contact base to do so, and  I am that sort of bloke really."

Trekking, anyone?

The Running Martingale

The Martingale is the strap of a horse’s harness that connects the girth to the noseband and is designed to prevent the horse from throwing back its head.

Martingales are used by many riders, particularly when jumping and when riding young or strong horses. The Martingale helps to give that extra control by preventing the horse from raising its head beyond the point of control.

The most popular is the Running Martingale which separates into two straps with a ring at the end of each. The reins pass through the rings and evens the stability of the reins and bit and makes downward pressure on the mouth if the horse raises his head too high.

The Martingale has no effect on the horse if it is performing correctly and provides a neck strap for awkward moments. It also allows the rider to open the reins a little.

The Running Martingale is very commonly used in show jumping and cross country and is very popular with riders in general.

A problem can arise when some horses try to grab the straps of a Running Martingale in their mouths. In these instances an alternative Martingale might be used, such as a Bib Martingale.

The Bib Martingale will be covered in a future article together with details about Sliding Martingales.

Spartan Missile and the Grand National

Arguably, Spartan Missile was the best Point to Pointer/Hunter Chaser of all time. He stood head and shoulders above the other horses in his class and almost won the Aintree Grand National.

The horse's owner, John Thorne, an amateur rider in his 50s, came out of retirement to ride this horse that he had bred and trained because he believed it would allow him to attain his dream of riding the winner of the Grand National.

John Thorne had also bred and ridden Spartan Missile’s dam, Polaris Missile, and returned to race riding after his son Nigel was killed in a car accident. After graduating to Hunter Chases from Point to Points he won the Aintree Foxhunters in 1978 and again a year later. The 1978 win was particularly memorable as the pin in one of his leathers broke and he had to ride over the last 8 jumps with no stirrups.

Spartan Missile missed 1980 through injury and, on his return a year later, John Thorne weighed in at 13 stone. Needing to get down to a race weight of 11 stone 2lbs, he trained with the soldiers at his local barracks and managed to achieve 11 stone 5lbs, just over 3lbs heavier than his target.

John Francome, the champion jockey at this time, offered to ride Spartan Missile in the big race, but John declined. The likelihood is that if John Francome had ridden, it would have won, thereby denying Aldaniti and Bob Champion of their fairytale ending.

Spartan Missile was settled at the back in the race and made a bad mistake at the first fence on the second circuit setting him even further back. Slowly he made his way through the field but Aldaniti had set sail for home already. Clawing his way past horse after horse, at the last fence only Aldaniti was in front of him. Relentlessly gaining length after length on the run-in, the post came just in time for Aldaniti. The galloping grandpa had just failed.

Great sportsman he was, John Thorne was pleased for Bob Champion, the rider of Aldaniti, and even had a drink with him in the local pub that evening.

Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. The following year, John Thorne was tragically killed in a fall at a Point to Point and Spartan Missile never ran again.

Equestrian Clothing - Quality at an affordable price.