EquestrianEnthusiast

South African charity helps out horses.

Schooling exercises for you and your horse.

Laura Cocking - An eventers life.

p. 4 & 5 Laura Cocking - An eventers life.

p. 6 & 7 South African charity helps out horses.

p. 8 & 9 Tuffy Tilleys’ schooling exercises for you and your horse.

p. 10&11 Plait Perfect

p. 12 Britains’ Cross Country Artist: Dominc Lawrence.

p. 13 Badminton Grassroots: A big step for a young rider and her pony

p.14 Tips and Tricks: getting ready for a show.

p. 15 Horses in the Arts.

On The Cover

News

Editors Letter.Welcome to the first edition of Equestrian Enthusiast!

This issue will include everything you will need to prepare for the 2013 eventing season. Get perfect plaits with our step by step plaiting guide and an insight into Laura Cockings’ eventing experiences.

Read about the wonderful work the Highveld Horse Care Unit are doing to help horses in need in South Africa in our exclusive feature.

Claire Henderson, Editor.

Contents

Laura Cocking Feature

Laura on Ed at Somerford Park, cross country training with Tuffy Tilley in preperationg for their first event.

Laura Cocking started riding when she was 6 years old and since then has competed at all levels up to 3*, she has

a small yard with event horses and a few youngsters which are produced and sold on.“I went for my first riding lesson when I was six years old with my sister and four cousins, it was my nana’s idea of a Sunday day out!” said Laura Cocking, 21 from North Wales. Laura’s first show was at Lloc and District on her first pony Tom, “I remember being very excited about my first show, it was the 2ft show jumping class and I

thought it was massive!” she said.Her first BE event was in 2006 on her first horse Sandy Man, a 15’2 hh palomino at Malpas in the Intro class. Sandy Man has since then moved to America. Since 2006 Laura has brought on, ridden and sold many horses. Laura’s most successful horse is Arkendale, “we have done everything together,” she said.Arkendale is a 14-year-old gelding that is 1/8 shire and 7/8 thoroughbred. She started eventing him in 2008 where they fulfilled their first two aims together, being selected for the Welsh Jounior Team

Laura Cocking on Arkendale at the Europeans in 2011.

Laura on her first pony Tom at Plas Ucaf Pony Club Open Corss Country Day in 2005.

and the Pony Club Eventing Championships.In 2009, Laura and Arkendale were 6th at the Young Riders National 2* Championships, this is when they were noticed by selectors. They were chosen a reserve in 2010 for the gold medal winning British Young Riders team after having their first Open Intermediate win and went on to complete Bramham 3* in 2011. Finally they were picked for the British Young Riders Team for the Europeans, they finished 7th individually and the British Team won gold. Laura explained how the horses were trotted up, and trotted up again and again to make sure the team was fit and sound, one horse was pulled out as it was lame and the first reserve was brought in although devastatingly his horse had also picked up an injury and the second reserve took their place. Arkendale produced an active and accurate test, placing them middle of the board over night. Day two is Cross

country is day, picking up only three time faults Ark-endale and Laura conquered the big, bold course that caused a lot of problems for other riders. This moved them up to 13th place and moved them onto the final phase. “The show jumping course was long and twisty and lots of fences were falling,” said Laura but a clear round moved them to 7th place and earned Laura her British flags, “He was amazing, a horse of a lifetime, it was such a relief to finally have that flag on my hat,” she said.Laura is trained by Tuffy Tilley, “she has helped me achieve what I have with Arkendale,” said Laura, and has also benefited from training with Gill Watson throughout Young Riders. Laura’s ultimate goal is to ride for her country in the Olympics and her riding idol is William Fox-Pitt, She said, “he is the ultimate pro! He also has a similar physique to me, being very tall!”

Name: Forged Colonel RodziankoStable Name: BarneySex: GeldingAge: 13Height: 16’2 hhLevel: CCI2*/Intermediate

Name: HarlequinStable Name: HarleySex; GeldingAge: 8Height: 17’2 hhLevel: CCI1*/Novice

Name: Eds or TailsStable Name: EdSex: GeldingAge: 5Height: 17 hhLevel: BE100

Name: ArkendaleStable Name: CharlieSex: GeldingAge: 14Height: 16’1 hhLevel: CCI3*/Advanced

This seasons event horse profiles

By Claire Henderson

South African charity helps out horses

The Highveld Horse Care Unit is a char-ity in South Africa run on donations from the public. In 2012 they helped

8695 horses and donkeys. 3071 of which were township horses and donkeys and they sta-bled 976 of them. The HHCU is one of three units in South Africa, the others are the East-ern Cape Horse Care Unit and the Coastal HCU based in KZN.The HHCU became official in 1991 when funding was obtained from the National Thoroughbred Trust. Until then, Bev Seabourne, 56, originally from Leeds was the manager at the local SPCA and carried out equine work since she moved to South Africa in 1982. “I became involved with the unit by default, as I started it up in 1991,” said Ms Seabourne. “I was the manager of the local SPCA and did a lot of outreach work with dogs and cats in the townships- vaccinations and sterilization. There were no welfare organisations helping the coal yard/scrap metal carthorses, and they were in shocking condition. It grew, very quickly, form there.”

The charity is funded entirely through public donations with no support from government funding. ‘We don’t have an employed fundraiser – I do that as part of my job as manager,” said Ms Seabourne. However, there are three ladies from various areas who are now trying to raise funds for the charity through various activities and stands at shows. The HHCU has the capacity to have 33 horses, yet they often have an average of 50-60 at a time. Ms Seabourne says that she does not know how they are going to cope financially with extending their facilities and they only just make it through financially each year. “I am trying very hard to obtain sponsorships from corporate enterprises, drug companies and horse industries. “We will have to manage with the finances that we bring in, and cut our cloth accordingly,” she said. In the interim they have built 3-sided field shelters in their paddocks for horses that have to stay out at night, and the seriously emaciated horses are brought in to the stables and as they improve they are then moved out to the paddocks if the stables are full. “HHCU is a happy place, where sometimes sad

Left: This is ‘Ouma’ when she first arrived at HHCU after being confiscated from an American Saddlehorse Stud farm in Bloemfontein. Right: This is what she looks like today, happy and healthy.

things happen,” said Ms Seabourne. She said that she loves working there, but with its highs there is lows. Highs when they rehome a horse, win a court case, have a beautiful foal born and help poor people with their working horses in the town ships, and lows when it falls the other way. Ms Seaboure says that the staff are all fairly well balanced and work through these highs and lows as a team. “We help each other through the tough times – we are a tight team. It’s ok to cry if things are sad. The thing is, if you are working in a highly emotional situation on a regular basis, you have to learn how to deal with it, otherwise you will damage yourself and possibly not do the best you can for the animal in the situation,” she said. Personally Miss Seabourne takes a step back mentally and breathe, “sometimes it works,” she said. The job isn’t for clock-watchers as the team can work all sorts of hours and the inspectors deal with conflict when they have to investigate cruelty reports. Owners can be un co operative and aggressive.“We try to have broad shoulders, and sort the problem out the best we can,” said Ms Seabourne, and unfortunately they sometimes have to lay criminal charges against owners of horses and donkeys where the cruelty is too serious, or when there is no co operation by owners when they have tried to mentor them to improve the conditions of their animals. One of the most recent cases is the confiscation of American Saddle Horses from Vryheid. The HHCU ran a ‘R1 Challenge’ where they challenged their Facebook Fans and their friends to donate just one Rand each to help with the confication. The challenge started at 12.00pm on February, 8th and ended at 12.00pm on February, 15th and they raised around ZAR25,467. This would go towards the transportation of the horses, medical supplies and veterinary fees.

The next challenge will be the first HHCU Ride-A-Thon. On Sunday May, 12 the HHCU is asking riders to take part in the ride-a-thon by riding for half an hour slots from 6pm until 6am. Participants can sign up for any slot between those times and can ride alone or with friends, each slot is R100 per person and all the money that is raised will go towards upgrading the unit. Riders are encouraged to make a day of it and to sign up for as many slots as they would like to. Anyone who does not ride but wants to contribute to the cause can write their name in a time slot and donate to the unit without riding. The yard which raises the most money will receive the first annual HHCU Floating Trohpy. Information about the charity and all of their events can be found on their website, along with Miss Seabourne’s blog which is updated regularly regarding the latest inspections, confiscations and all other information including a list of ‘drop off points’ where any donations can be left and passed on to the HHCU, thank you’s to those who have made donations and the HHCU’s wish list. Visit http://www.horsecare.org.za/ to find out more.

A horse having its teeth done at the HHCU in September 2012, the horse was confiscated from the ‘Pinto Stud’ just outside of Parys.

By Claire Henderson

Tuffy Tilley’s exercises for you and your horse

ThreeRide in canter.Come on three strides and then on four and even five.

This teaches the rider to keep balance and how to ride a rounder shorter and bigger canters.

To come on three strides the rider has to build the canter on coming to the poles, when coming on four strides the canter has to be shortened and controlled.

A stride is 8 yards2 for landing4 for the stride

FiveThis exercise builds power and energy. The raised pole puts in the canter and builds to the next two fences (the bounce), the raised pole rounds the horse up to jump the upright to the parallel.

This exercise teaches the jockey what canter should feel like when coming up to a combination fence (the upright to the parallel).

It is a good exercise which makes the horse snapier in front, think quick on their feet and switches their brain on, it makes them think.

hole one.11 feet apart.

raised pole

bounce. cross to parallel. 11 feet apart.

16 yards 3 strides

pole on the floor

pole on the floor

rail on 60cm

rail on 70cm

pole on the floor

parallel jump

8 yardstwo strides.

bounce, 11 feet

parallel

bounce, 11 feet.

11 yards

11 yards

FourThe bounces shortens and make the canter round, then they open up over the parallel and are then rounded up by the two strides to the second bounce which makes the horse hold itself off the fence and shortens.

Random distance between the bounce and wooden pole.

Wooden pole

Bounce11 feet.

TwoThe bounce holds the horse off and the dog leg provents the rider from landing and driving to the next fence. It teaches the jockey to wait.

A word from Tuffy Tilley:The quality of the jump comes from the quality of the presentation, including the pace you are in. Canter is the most important pace and it is the one you will jump out of 99.9% of the time. Exercises like these will help your canter and improve your horses jump.

OneThis exercise will help the rider find a rythem and helps your horse with balance. A steady rhythem and good balance is important in order

rail on 50cm

By Claire Henderson

Plait Perfect: Mane

TOOLS NEEDED:- Good quality plaiting bands- A metal comb.- Hair gel or spray.- Needle.- Thread matching

Step one: setting up and equipment.

Step two: dividing the mane.

Step three: start plaiting

Step four: rolling your plaits.

Step five: securing your plaits.

Step six: the final product.

TOP TIPS:- A freshly washed mane is harder to handle and plait as it is slippery. Wash it two to three days before plaiting.- If your horse has a thick mane, you may find it easier to plait if you thin it out before hand.- Give yourself plenty time to plait up. - Lycra horse hoods are a great way to keep plaits in if you have to plait up the day before.

Use your mane comb to part your horses’ mane into even bunches along its neck and secure them with plaiting bands. There should be an odd number

Starting at either the wither or poll of your horses’ neck, divide each of the previously prepared bunches into three even sections. Starting with the

Fold your plait in half, and then in half again, ensuring the tail of your plait is tucked away tightly and out of sight.

Repeat the process along your horses’ neck, each of the plaits should roughly be the same size, but the last plait near the withers may be slightly smaller.

of plaits along your horses’ neck, the forelock plait will make an even number.

right section, place it over the middle section, and then the left over the middle and so on. Keeping your thumbs on the top will ensure the plait will be tight. Continue until the very bottom and secure with a plaiting band.

Secure your plait with a plaiting band. If you feel your plait needs to be more secure, use your needle and thread to sew around the bottom of your plait.

Removing plaits: To remove your horses’ plaits cut the plaiting bands or thread carefully, avoiding the mane or tail. Dispose of bands.

your horses mane colour. - Scissors. - A crate/box to stand on.- A helper to hold your horse if needed.

Forelock and Tail

Starting at the top of either the tail or forelock, form three even bunches. Starting with the right section place it over the middle section, then place the left section over the middle section. Do this just once to start off your plait.

The second time pick up a small amount of hair from the right hand side and continue to plait, do the same with the left hand side. Continue doing this until you cannot pick any hair, or until you have reached the end of your horses dock (or as far down the tail as you prefer).

Then continue to to plait the rest of the hair to the end and secure with a paiting band. Fold the plait in half, and in half again and secure, similar to those done for the mane.

Step One

Step Three

Step Two

To finish off the tail, fold the end of the plait in half and tuck the end in underneath the french plait. Secure with plaiting bands. You can use a needle and thread to take extra care the plait stays in. Weave the thead through the plait, knot and tuck away end.

By Claire Henderson

Pulled Tail

A pulled tail can look very nice. Do not attempt this without any knowledge as it could end in disater, get advice from someone who has done it before and knows what they are doing.

Britains’ cross country artistBy Claire Henderson

‘Wind in the Willows’ water jump at Greenwich. They were not allowed to dig into the ground as they usually would for a water jump because Greenwich Park is a protected site, The team had to create the jump above ground to protect the landscape.

A selection of jumps made by Dominic and his team at Allertons’ new advanced track. (Left to right: Church complex, Owl Hole and the Trakhena).

Behind every cross country course there is an artist who produces the spectacular jumps.

Dominic Lawrence, 34, from Chester is one of those artists. Originally, Dominic studied Design and Construction at Northop College and worked in that field for five years. He then worked as a project manager/project engineer and quantity surveyor for seven years at a couple of development companies before deciding it was time for a change in direction. “I had a keen interest in eventing so I wanted to try course building as an added dynamic to the business,” said Dominic, and he possessed all the

track at Allerton Park, “14 new fences and the establishment of an entirely new track through some dense woodland incorporating a

necessary skills to get straight into the job. 2012 brought great things for Dominic and he made a grand total of 36 fences last year. The biggest project last year on a personal level for Dominic was the construction of the new advanced

new water splash en route,” he said. The new track also incorporated the Chesnut Logs and the East End Barrows from Greenwich.The biggest project and most high profile job he had last year was to construct a couple of fences and both water complexes for the Greenwich park Olympic track, “setting up for the competition entailed importing 14 articulated lorries loaded with the jumps and dressings,” he said. They were responsible for setting up and dressing the course, present for fence repairs on the competition day, and finally the removal everything and reinstatement of the park. “Greenwich was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me; to share the responsibility for putting on a competition in the sport that I love, in our capital, in a truly fantastic venue with a great team and at a time where the Brits are at the top of their game...brings a lump to my throat just thinking about it,” he

said. There can only be great things to come for the 2013 eventing sea-son! The first project being three new bench seat fences for Eland Lodge, ready for their competition is April!

Badminton Grassroots 2013: A big step for a young rider and her pony.

Top tips and tricks: getting ready for a day out.By Claire Henderson

Whether you are getting ready for an event, a day of dressage, showing or show jumping. You and your

horse should be dressed to impress! Here are 7 tips to make sure you are in tip top shape for your day out.

Charlotte Parry-Ashcroft, then 13, showing her friends horse, Celt at Neston in 2011. Presentation is crucial to Charlotte, she has been showing and eventing since she was five years old.

Charlotte Parry-Ashcroft, then 14, on her Pony Dansfort Boy during dressage at Somerford event in 2012. They have qualified for Badminton Grassroots event in 2013.

Horses in the artsBy Claire Henderson

An image from the ‘Steam’ series. Copyright: Francesca Morrison

Currently studying a HNC in photography at Reid Kerr College, she hopes to make her passion her job. Francesca started riding at 11-years-old and went for lessons with a school friend, but it was attending shows with a friend which got her interested in equine photography. Her portfolio so far consists of images she has taken of people she knows who own horses. She is trying to build up a portfolio and hopefully start her business later this year.“I think the best part of shooting is seeing someone happy and capturing those moments, I always get so nervous going to a photoshoot and I don’t really know why but I think it’s natural as you want to capture the bond between them both,” she said.Francesca has worked with teams who photograph at shows but is more interested in portraiture and private shoots.The ‘Steam’ series, shot after her friend took her horses saddle off, takes more of a fine art approach to equine photography. Francesca told me it was not a planned shoot, “my friend had finished competing her horse and as soon as she took the saddle off I knew I had to capture the moment! It was more of a

lucky moment than anything,” she said.One of her ‘Steam’ images was featured in Vogue Italia and can be seen on their website at: http://www.vogue.it/en/photovogue/Profilo/73dc52fe-de37-438b-955f-3cc2d8634101/User.This year is an exciting year for Francesca, she is starting her graded unit at college and is focusing on equestrian. She has a number of shoots planned including; a western styled shoot, an international dressage rider and some Fresian horses. During the summer she will be heading down to England to work with Spidge Event Photography, “I am really excited about that!” she said. Franscescas’ work means a lot to her, and it has been quite a journey to get to where she is today, “I am proud of how well I have done this year with equestrian photography. Getting into equestrian photography or any photography for that matter is not easy and I’ve worked hard to get to get where I am.” she said. To see more of her work visit: http://www.fm-photos.com/

This month in Horses in the Arts we take a look at

Francesca Morrison, 22, from Glasgow. She is a full time student who is passionate about equine photography.

Dressage shot.Copyright: Francesca Morrison

Portrait shot.Copyright: Francesca Morrison

Tip one: Pack your lorry or trailer the night before. Loading your transport can be stressful, and trying to remember what you need can be overwhelming on the day. Make a list and pack the night before, this means that on the day you only have to worry about loading your horse. Tip two: Clean and tidy tack. Take time and effort to clean your tack. Not only will it keep it in good condition but it will look presentable. Wipe down

your tack with warm water and clean it with good quality products that suit your tack. Soak your stirrups and your horses bit in soapy water to loosen dirt. When clean, cover your saddle with a saddle cover and put your bridle in a bridle bag, this will prevent it from getting dusty.Tip three: Prepare your studs the day before. Studs are important as act as football boot studs for your horse and help stop slipping on grass. Clean out your stud holes with a shoeing nail (or anything else with a point), tap them and either put in road studs which can be left in over night, or roll cotton wool in vasaline and put it in the holes. This stops the holes getting filled with dirt and stones again and ensures you can put your studs straight in at your event with no messing around. Tip four: Highlight your horses markings and movements. Add sparkle to the tail by running your fingers through it with baby oil. Rub oil around the eyes and nose as well as around the hooves and on the hocks. This will add a little something to your horses presentation and highlight movement.Tip five: Paint your horses hooves. This improves your horses presentation. If you have a horse with white socks use clear hoove oil to give them a shine, some include tea tree for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, (Carr Day and Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree Hoof Oil), if you have a horse with dark legs or socks use a black oil or solid oil (Gold Label black solid hoof oil).