Equestrian Trade Fair, NEC, this month

BETA International is the world’s leading trade fair for the equestrian, country clothing and pet product markets. This year, it takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 February.

An attraction on the opening day of the show is "An Audience with Martin Clunes and Monty Roberts" featuring TV's "Doc Martin" and the "Horsepower" horse whisperer as they address issues such as "Is it cool for modern man to love his horse?"

Ladies Dressage Tails, Reduced

ladies' dressage tails

Equestrian sports are steeped in tradition and Dressage riders need to adhere to the dress code.

As a strictly governed sport, Dressage riders have a number of rules to follow regarding how they dress and behave.

Dressage is judged subjectively, therefore correct turnout conveying the right impression are important.

For Dressage competitions, riders will wear white breeches, worn with a belt and complemented with a white shirt and a stock tie with a small pin, worn under the Dressage Coat.

Dressage Coats are usually solid black with metal buttons, traditionally a long jacket and a colour vest or vest points at the front of the waist is usual. Gloves are generally white.

The ladies' dressage tails shown here are currently on offer at Sherwood Equestrian's on-line shop.

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Our New Web Shopping Site Launched Today

Sherwood Equestrian is delighted to announce that their new Equestrian supplies on-line shop has gone 'live' today. Catering for competing equestrians, Show and Eventing clothes for men, women and juniors are supplemented by specialist equestrian underwear and horse care products.

We have uploaded thirty of our most popular items for the web shop launch and will be adding a number of products each week.

Sherwood Equestrian recommends the EQUETECH® clothing range in the secure knowledge that the garments are designed by riders for riders - and the majority of products have been manufactured in Britain by British companies. We are stockists for the superb ranges of products from EQUETECH® SHIRES, CHARLES OWEN, RACESAFE, ELICO and others.

Quality clothing is constantly developing. Our selection of event and showing garments include Hats, Jackets, Jodhpurs, Breeches, Shirts, Waistcoats, Stocks, Ties, gloves etc. for all age groups. Please visit www.SherwoodEquestrian.co.uk

Small Gifts for Horses & Riders

At Sherwood Equestrian's ebay shop, we have gifts from just £1!

Equestrian Christmas Gifts: stocking fillers

... for your horse, your children, your friends, yourself!

Our featured product:

2 New Elico Christmas Rein Sleeves

Great present for any horse lover or simply treat yourself (& your horse) this Christmas.

Fun and festive

Approx 12 inches in length.

Bell in the middle of the sleeves to give that festive sound.

Colour: Red with white imitation fur at each end.

Only £1.50 for the pair

Here are some more examples of what's in our shop right now (all under £10):

children's socks £4.99

children's socks £4.99

children's socks £4.99

Ladies socks £3.00

Argyle Socks £4.50

Phone Holder £3.50

Comb Set £1.50

Equerry Wash Brush £5.25

Grooming Glove £2.75

There are many more stocking fillers under £10 - visit our ebay shop now!

A ROUND-UP OF EQUESTRIAN BITS

There are many factors that should be considered when choosing which bit is appropriate for your horse, for advice on which is most suitable for your needs, someone with lots of experience who knows you and your horse should be consulted.

Bits work on many different areas of the horse’s head: the tongue, bars, corners of mouth and lips, roof of mouth, side of fact, chin groove, poll and nose.

There are essentially five difference types of bit. All work on different areas of the horse and therefore have a different result. Within the different types, bits have varying severity, for example, in the snaffle family, a Dr Bristol is far more severe than a French Link, even though they are both snaffles. To help explain how this works, we have had a look at the different families of bit to help you decide which one is right for you.


Links: SNAFFLES, DOUBLE, PELHAM, GAGS, BITLESS 


As well as choosing the type of bit, consideration needs to be given to the appropriate material:

• Stainless steel - safe and easy to clean, stainless steel is the normal material that bits are made from.
• Copper - is softer and can be used to cover other metal mouthpieces, It can be used to help horses mouth the bit and encourage salivation. Many horses like the taste.
• Cupro Nickel and German Silver - these bits have a light gold colour and have a unique flavour which can help the horse to soften
• Sweet Iron – is darker in colour and encourages the horse to salivate, This in turn produces a pleasant taste.
• Rubber – makes a very soft and very kind bit. Because of the nature of the material, bits made from rubber should always have metal reinforcement running through the centre in case the horse chews through.
• Synthetic – usually light but very strong. They are also quite gentle on the horse’s mouth.
• Vulcanite – a type of rubber that is hardened by heat. Vulcanite mouthpieces are often very thick meaning that they gentle on the horse’s mouth.

Link: FITTING & SIZES

Do you know the HorseWorld Charity?

From www.horseworld.org.uk

HorseWorld was set up in 1952 as "The Friends of Bristol Horses Society" in a campaign to save the lives of working horses who were rapidly being replaced by motorised vehicles in industry. Under the banner of “Retirement Not Slaughter” - for many were destined for the abattoir - we offered a safe haven in Bristol for the big-hearted horses, ponies and donkeys that had worked all of their lives on the railways, in the dockyards, the coal mines, the armed forces and on the roads.

Although almost 60 years later working horses are largely a memory of the past, there is still a very real demand for the charity to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home up to 100 abandoned, neglected and mistreated horses every year.

HorseWorld is now responsible for over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys at their Bristol site and over 300 who have been re-homed throughout the South-West.

If you are able to: re-home a horse.

If you're not able to re-home a horse but would like to adopt one at a distance, how about: Popeye.

Or, if you're just in the vicinity of Bristol, why not spend the day? There's lots to see and do for adults and children. Take a look at their Visitor Centre.
 

Sherwood Equestrian Supplies StormTrooper Boots.

We recently received an interesting 'thank you' letter enclosing photographs of some riding boots purchased by one of our customers.

In her spare time, Samantha Jones is an Officer in the Imperial Army of Stormtroopers, part of the UK Garrison, which in turn, is part of a worldwide costuming group called the 501st Legion.

Over 300 costumed members belong to the UK Garrison, appearing at various events around the country for a charitable donation. Primarily supporting Make a Wish Foundation and MediCinema, they also support local or small scale charity events to help boost their fundraising.

Samantha says that the Stormtroopers are often invited to help promote various media events such as film screenings and celebrity appearances. As a no-profit group, donations are put in their charity 'pot'.

Lucasfilm has generously allowed the group to operate using the StarWars 'Intellectual Property' in order to raise funds for communities and charities, enabling the volunteers to enjoy their hobby to its full extent, whilst raising money for worthy causes.

Their web site, www.ukgarrison.co.uk, has a lot more information.

Common Skin problems in Horses

There are a number of common skin conditions and a horse's coat is a good indicator of poor health, or possibly one of the conditions listed below:-

Mud Fever
Most common in Mid Winter. Not caused by mud. Easy to spot usually on lower legs and belly.

Symptoms are:

• Lesions and scabs with possible discharge,
• Hair loss,
• Heat,
• Swelling and discomfort.

Caused by constant wetting of the skin which causes a breakdown of the protective barrier of the epidermis. This allows bacteria to enter and infection to take hold.

Treatment is mainly keeping the skin dry and clean. The horse may have to be stabled away from the mud and wet outside.

The treatment may include dealing with the specific organisms under the scabs. These therefore have to be lifted and removed at the beginning. Area should be washed using a mild disinfectant such as chiorhexidine, iodine wash, surgical scrub. or use a medicated shampoo. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

There are several creams and lotion that may help such as Zinc, Caster Oil, Lead Acetate and several others. These can all play a part.

Ringworm

This is an infection of the skin and hair and is caused by a fungus. It can be passed between animals and humans.

Symptoms appear as scaly areas and small crusted spots. It also appears as circular scaly areas of skin. It can appear with or without hair loss.

• Treatment can be by anti-fungal shampoos and washes.
• All equipment should also be thoroughly disinfected.

Urtocaria

This is an allergic response which causes unsightly lumps over large area of skin. Although unsightly it does not cause the horse discomfort.

It is generally caused by an allergy to something in the feed or environment.

Causes include:-

• Feed,
• Medication,
• Supplements,
• Change of Hay,
• Insects,
• Pollen and mould.

Treatment is to try and revert back to previous environments, feed or bedding.

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.