Here’s some information on this year’s new look winter series… (or visit the NIWHA website)

The new look Winter Series will have eight dates, mostly Sunday events, started in September, with one show per month, and finishing in April with a two day show. Each month will be run with two phases, a jumping arena and a show/second phase arena; all our venues have been carefully chosen to accommodate this format.
We are delighted to introduce three new venues to the Winter Series. Gransha Equestrian Centre, in North Down will host our January 2013 show, we know many of our County Down competitors will enjoy the short journey to this great venue, and Adrienne and Kirsty Stewart will provide a challenging course for all our competitors.

After a long absence we are excited to be able to bring Working Hunter back to Danescroft Equestrian Centre in Lisburn, we will be airing our own fences with some new obstacles to test competitors. The Meadows Equestrian Centre, off the M1, is our third new venue, and it will be hosting our two day event at the end of the Winter Series in April. This will incorporate showing classes alongside the working hunter classes, and anyone who attended National Balmoral will know of the fantastic courses which Aaron McCusker produced away from home, so imagine what we will get on his home ground.

We will of course be revisiting our grassroots venues, Laurel View Equestrian Centre at Templepatrick, who have supported N.I.W.H.A. for many years and Laurel Faloona and her team will kick off our Winter Series in style. We will also be returning to Knockagh View Equestrian Centre at Greenisland, where Ruth Wilson always sets a real challenge with her courses.

All our venues will be providing catering on the day for the competitors and their helpers and we will have a photographer on hand to capture the action. You can contact Equi-tog on tom@eui-tog.com or 07770 843545

WINTER SERIES 2012-2013 DATES FOR DIARY:
Sunday 9th September 2012 – Laurel View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Sunday 21st October 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Saturday 10th November 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
CHANGE OF DATE AND VENUE DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND DANESCROFT AND THE COMMITTEE’S CONTROL
Sunday 9th December 2012 – Knockagh View Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Sunday 13th January 2013 – Gransha Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Sunday 10th February 2013 – Danescroft Equestrian Centre – Ponies 9.00am
Sunday 10th March 2013 – Laurel View Equestrian Centre – Horses 9.00am
Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th April 2013 – Meadows Equestrian Centre

All shows will start at 9.00am sharp with the horse and pony classes alternating month about.
The committee have worked hard to provide the highest standards of judges from throughout Ireland for our new Winter Series.

All shows will be run strictly to N.I.W.H.A. rules, which can be downloaded from the website andFacebook page.
New memberships will be accepted from 1st September 2012 and membership renewals from 1st November 2012.

Everyone is welcome to compete at N.I.W.H.A. shows but only members receive discounted class entries throughout the Winter Series.
NB-*PASSPORTS AND HEIGHT CERTS. WILL BE CHECKED AND MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL SHOWS
ENTRY FEES: MEMBERS £10 – NON MEMBERS £15

Membership of N.I.W.H.A. provides access to many new advantages introduced by the committee this year for the first time. Family membership is available at no additional cost. Apart from the usual reduced entry fees of £10 at the Winter Series, there will be reductions at our two major shows next April and July, plus classes specific to the members at these shows. We have introduced a new ‘ photo shot’ feature where our photographer sends each member a pic of their day out after each event, this has already been very well received. Members are kept updated on events and news by emails and texts as well as our new website and facebook.

SCHEDULE FOR WINTER SERIES

PONIES
CLASS 1 – Lead Rein assisted – cross poles – Fences 1 – 6
Riders aged 3 years and above

CLASS 2 – Working Hunter Pony – 50cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age, and may be assisted.

CLASS 3 – Four year old Working Hunter Pony – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders must be appropriate age for pony height.

CLASS 4 – M&M WHP up to and including 122cms – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER
CLASS 5 – Working Hunter Pony – 60cms – Fences 1 – 8
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 122cm,riders under 11yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 6 – M & M WHP exceeding 122cms up to 138cms – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 7 – Working Hunter Pony – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12

Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 133cm, riders under 12.yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 8 – Working Hunter Pony – 80cms Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 133cms, riders under 14yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 9 – M&M WHP exceeding 138cms – 80/90cms – Fences 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 10 – Working Hunter Pony – 90cms Fences – 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 143cms, riders under 17yrs 1/1/13

CLASS 11 – Working Hunter Pony – 1 metre Fences – 1 – 12
Riders of any age + NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER for ponies not exceeding 153cms, riders under 20yrs 1/1/13

HORSES MUST EXCEED 148cms IN ALL CLASSES. RIDERS MUST BE 14yrs AND OVER.

HORSES
CLASS 12 – Four year old Working Hunter Horse – 70cms – Fences 1 – 10
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 13 – Working Hunter Horse – 70cms – Fences 1 – 12

CLASS 14 – Working Hunter COB – 80cms Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 15 – Working Hunter Horse – 80cms – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 16 – Working Hunter SMALL HORSE – 80/90cms- Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 17 – Working Hunter Horse – 90cms – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 18 – Working Hunter Horse – 1metre – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER

CLASS 19 – Working Hunter Horse – 1.10metres – Fences 1 – 12
NORTHERN IRELAND FESTIVAL QUALIFIER
* Please note that N.I.W.H.A. reserve the right to cancel or amalgamate classes as necessary on the day
Click here to visit the N.I.W.H.A. website
Click here to view the membership application form for N.I.W.H.A.
Click here to view a printable version of the 2012/2013 winter series

With the growth in demand for working hunter and showing classes, N.I.W.H.A. want to create an event fit for everyone, from the newcomer, trying it out for the first time to the seasoned and professional rider. To help and to encourage the newcomers we have put together some advice on how to dress, and tips for the turn out of the horse and pony for competition which may help impress the judge.
The secret to good presentation of rider and horse/pony is to arrive early and allow plenty of time to get ready.
Dressing for Working Hunter
The velvet riding hat with flesh coloured harness and a fixed peak is traditional, but skull cap with a velvet or plain black, brown or navy silk cover is acceptable. Hats should be correctly secured and meet current safety standards.
A well fitted tweed jacket is standard for day classes, and navy for evening classes.
A stock may be worn or a shirt and tie. If choosing a stock, it should be a self-tie stock and not a ready tied stock as it is felt that ready tied stocks look less professional. Stocks must be secured with a stock pin, attached horizontally.
Gloves must always be worn in competition. They should be leather or leather look and brown or tan in colour.
Jodhpurs should be canary or beige in colour, and should not be white.
Boots should be leather and polished, adults and intermediates wear full length black leather boots or leather short boots with leather half chaps or gaiters.
Children should wear brown leather jodhpur boots secured with matching jodhpur clips.
Hair should be neatly secured in a hairnet and tied back with a scrunchie or ribbon.
Spurs can be worn in horse classes, if horse does not need spurs, dummy spurs can be worn.
Spurs may not be worn in the pony classes.
Whips may be carried, but not schooling whips.
Make-up for adults looks well as long as it is neutral and discreet.
Body protectors are recommended for the jumping phase and may be removed for the ridden/second phase of working hunter.

Tack
Tack should be supple and spotlessly clean.
Tack should be plain and dark havana or black in colour.
There are no restrictions on bits, martingales or nosebands, but bitless bridles are not allowed at NIWHA events.
Bridles should be plain with no bling or any coloured browbands or white piping. Rolled or padded browbands and nosebands are acceptable as long as they are one colour.
It is important to remember that no changes are allowed to tack between the jumping and ridden/second phase, ie. if using a martingale for jumping it must remain for the whole of the class.
Saddles should, most importantly, fit the horse and the rider. Ideally a saddle to show off your horses shoulder.
The only exception to the changing of tack rule is protective boots. Dark coloured brushing boots are allowed for the jumping phase and MUST be removed for the ridden/second phase. Hind boots are not permitted in senior classes.
If using a numnah it should be match the tack and kept close to the saddle. Saddlecloths are not acceptable.
Girths should be dark in colour, to match the tack, preferably leather. Stud girths are permitted be cannot be changed for ridden/second phase.

Whips in a dark colour may be used but should not exceed 75cms, no schooling whips are allowed and cannot be changed between phases.

Bits
Check shows regulations/rules. NIWHA allows all suitable bits except hackamores. The judge may take the type of bit you are using into consideration during marking. The simpler the bit the more impressed the judge will be, ie. A loose ring or egg butt snaffle would be preferred and especially on a young horse/pony.

REMEMBER: NO CHANGE OF TACK IS PERMITTED BETWEEN PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2

The Horse
The horse/pony should be turned out as if it was in a ridden show hunter class.
Mane and forelock should be plaited. The number of plaits should complement the horse’s neck and overall shape. Plait on right side of neck.
Tails may be pulled at the dock not plaited. Length of tail should be approximately two inches below the hocks. It should also be well combed…mane and tail or coat shine can help the look.
Feathers on fetlocks should be trimmed and the horse/pony may be clipped neatly. The inside of ears, jaw line and whiskers should be trimmed.
It should be noted that M&M breeds, in their breed classes, are presented in their nature state, with unplaited mane, untrimmed legs and flowing tail.
Cobs should be hogged.
Horses must be clean with no stable marks. Use hoods and bandages to keep clean in stable and while travelling. Oil hoofs before entering ring. Add quarter markers….simple yet effective. A little baby oil around eyes and muzzle may highlight facial features.

The overall picture should be neat, tidy and clean as it is the first thing the judge will see as you enter the ring.

The show
Always check the time of your class and allow approx. half an hour per class.
Listen to announcements on classes and ask stewards who are always available at NIWHA.
Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and get prepared. Don’t leave yourself rushing as it only stresses you and your horse.
Get the horse ready first, then yourself. Stay clean!
Always wait for the course to be declared open before walking it.
Know your course and walk it.
Watch how it is jumping.
Preparation at home is the key to success. Lots of flatwork! Jumps are only obstacles in the way of your flatwork!
Never keep the judge waiting. Be at the gate ready to enter as the combination before you are beginning their round
Trot to your judge on entering the arena. DO NOT WALK IN
No need to salute before you jump. Salute after you jump.
Horse should stand square when you salute. Halt on the track after jumping and salute…no need to come to your judge!
Smile and be pleasant, this can earn you brownie points!
DO NOT do 10 laps of the arena before attempting Fence 1.
After Phase 1 remove the horse’s boots immediately and be ready to enter for Phase 2.
At NIWHA shows with more than one ring in operation you will go straight to Phase 2 in the next arena.
At the end of phase two, when called into your place trot to your space.

All the points above are for guidance and will apply at County and Championship Shows, at our training shows over the Winter Series our judges will usually allow discretion on details, but it is good to treat every show as a major event and get into the habit of good preparation and turn out, so it becomes second nature and is therefore not a hassle then the big show comes along.

Marking System

Phase 1
A maximum of 70marks are available for this section – 50 for jumping and 20 for style, manners and way of going while jumping.
Every fence down is minus 10pts. First refusal is minus 15pts. Second refusal is minus 20pts. The third is elimination and you must leave the arena.
A fall of horse/pony and/or rider is elimination and the rider is not allowed to remount in the arena. The horse should be led out of the ring.
These minus marks will be deducted from the 50 marks available.
The score for style/way of going will then be added onto the jump score.

Phase 2
A maximum of 50 marks are available in this phase. 20 marks for conformation, type and freedom of action. 20 marks for the ride and manners. 10 marks for turn out.
The score from phase one and two are then added together to give a total/final score to allow the places to be decided.
A score in the 90′s is considered a high standard.
Competitors on the same score, the competitor with the highest jumping mark will be given the higher placing.
Competitors may view their marks beside the entry desk after each competition.

The priority of the NIWHA Winter Series is to allow the training of the young horse/pony and for newcomers and new partnerships to gain vital experience, so we encourage our judges to allow competitors to complete the course even if they have been disqualified and the competitors are encouraged to go forward to the phase two to again get the experience.

Winter Series
NIWHA classes are set by height in centimetres starting with 50cms for ponies and 70cms for horses.
A specific class is provided by NIWHA for Lead Rein competitors
Ponies may be ridden by any age, child or adult, except where the competitor is using the class as a qualifier for Northern Ireland Festival. In this case the specific NIF class regulations must be adhered to by the competitor wishing to gain a qualification card.
Hors Concours
These entries are with the permission of NIWHA officials on the day of the show and are accepted for riders of horses/ponies ineligible for the class of entry, providing the class does not precede a class in which the rider or animal is entered by right.

Please feel free to visit the NIWHA website to find out more about the organisation and enjoy their new and exciting format for 2012/2013.

Over the past 25 years Annaghmore Saddlery has grown rapidly with a extensive range for horse, pony and rider. Tommy McClelland, owner of the business is a qualified saddle fitter, while son David is a Master Saddler, both are qualified by The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd. Tommy, David and staff are always on hand to give customers advice and answer any questions.
If your lifestle is too hectic to make it to their extensive retail outlet during opening hours, you can always shop online at www.walkontroton.com Here you can find a full range of equestrian supplies and equipment.

In this feature we can guide you towards the products helping to gear you up for winter, however with the extensive range available in each area of horse care and management, Annaghmore Saddlery will equip you for every season whatever the weather.

In their clothing section you can find waterproofs and a range of coats and clothing to suit every budget and life style. If you are getting ready for a winter of hunting and competition, then their selection of riding boots and competition wear might be for you. Browsing for bridlework or saddles online couldn’t be easier with a wide range to suit every demand at the click of a button.

Whatever your discipline, while the nights get darker, Annaghmore have rider safety at heart with their selection of hi-visibility clothing for horse and rider available online as well.

For the field fashion savvy, there’s an entire section online dedicated to equestrian clothing and Dubarry Ireland footwear and luggage.

Your winter ‘must have’ to keep your horse cosy has to include turnout and stable rugs.

If you and your horse have been fully kitted out for the winter, perhaps we should showcase the yard and arena products available from Annaghmore including their range of show jumps and equipment. If your yard has room for winter turnout, there’s even a section dedicated to fencing equipment!

A range of clippers are also stocked and available in store and online to suit a range of budgets and requirements, however whatever you need for your equine needs, you can contact the helpful staff at Annaghmore by phone on 02838 851128 or via email on: info@annaghmoresaddlery.com.

If that’s not enough to tempt you to our store in Annaghmore, we also have a sale section on our website, so grab yourself a bargain and get online!

35a Moss Rd,
Annaghmore,
County Armagh
BT62 1NB

Telephone: +44(0)28 3885 1128
Email: info@annaghmoresaddlery.com
Website: www.annaghmoresaddlery.com

Based at Mossvale Equestrian Centre, in Dromara in the heart of County Down they hold a monthly club night for show jumping lessons held on Tuesday nights open to both seniors and juniors. To book into these popular lessons, please contact Emma on- 07881 858 572.

Shown right: more fun at the hunt chase organised by Mossvale Riding Club

Flatwork lessons are taken by Alison Maston-Moore, every other tuesday of the month at mossvale equestrian centre and are for all ages and levels. Again please book with Emma on- 07881 858 572.

Alison Maston-Moore is a very popular choice for the club and we can understand why, as a List 1 Dressage Judge who coaches at all levels, she lives by the philosiphy “If the basics are right, the rest is not so difficult”. Her experience as a competitor, judge and freelance instructor mean she can combine the principles of all three aspects to ensure each lesson offers a fresh perspective to encourage our members in their learning progression.

Showjumper of the Year 2012 is organised by Mossvale Riding Club and has grown in popularity for the past few years to include many qualifying rounds as riders build to the crescendo of competing at the National Balmoral Championships in July to compete for this greatly coveted title.

Pictured left: Northern Ireland Riding Club Dressage Championship winners – Mossvale
The competition is open to all junior and senior riders who are fully paid up members of an affiliated british riding club. adults must have attained their 18th birthday on or before the 1st January 2011. Juniors must not have attained their 18th Birthday on or before the 1st January 2011. the british Riding Club Rule book applies with the following Variations – Junior novice – Fences max 70cm, horse or pony to have no more than 15 SJAI points
Junior open – Fences max 90cm, no points limit
Senior Novice – Fences max 80cm, Horses to have no SJAI points
Senior Open – Fences max 1m, Horses to have no more than 70 SJAI points
Seniors must ride 14hh and above – Date of birth must be included with entry – Proper Dress must be worn – Participants riding club must insure that they are capable of jumping at the level entered – riders may Qualify as many animals as they like and may ride them all at the final – no horse or pony may jump twice, 1st – 4th place in the qualifiers may enter the final – Qualifiers £15 ea for 2 round competition plus 1 round speed – Final £20

The club has a new website which you can view by clicking here. It is managed by the committee and keeps everyone up to date with planned activities for all members.

Pictured right: Our winter show jumping league winners, sponsored by Rowan Riding Wearx

Mossvale Riding Club was formed in 1983 and look forward to celebrating their 30th Anniversary next year. Based at Mossvale Equestrian Centre Church Rd Dromara, the club is indebted to Raymond and Shirley Jess for the use of their excellent facilities, as the club grows from strength to strength each year.

What’s on at Mossvale over the next few months…

Mossvale Riding Club host ‘jumping for all’ nights a couple of times a month on thursday nights which are open to absolutely every one !

The club also holds a dressage league which is also open to everyone so please consider this your invitation to enter and come along!

Tues 20th Nov, Flatwork Lesson Susan
Thurs 22nd Nov, Dressage League, prelim 18 & novice 28
Tues 27th Nov, Jumping lesson
Thurs 13th Dec, Jumping for all
Thurs 10th Jan Jumping for all
Thurs 17th Jan Jumping for all
Thurs 24th Jan Jumping for all
Thurs 31st Jan Dressage for all

Pictured right: Alison Mastin Moore giving a dressage lesson to three of mossvale riding club members
Jumping starts at 7.30 sharp with heights to suit all levels , members £5 per comp and non members £7 per comp .
Dressage entries must be received no later than the night before the competition , times will be given prior to the night. £5 for members £7 for non members . Intro , prelim and novice classes
Contact emma on 07881 858572 for details

Adult riding members £35 for the year
Junior riding members £25 for the year and non riding £15
All comps £5 for members and £7 for non members

Pictured left: a member competing in our annual hunt chase
If you would like to be part of the Mossvale Riding Club and enquire about joining the club, please feel free to contact either Emma or Noeline on the contact details below:

Emma Andrews
Mossvale riding Club
16 Raffertys hill
Hillsborough
BT266QB

Noeline Hanna
100 Finnis RD
Dromara
BT25 2HT
Contact Details:

Emma 07881 858 572
Noeline 07979 400464
Email: info@mossvaleridingclub.com
Or: emmsandrews@aol.co.uk

To download a membership application, please click here

The €50,000 Millstreet International Grand Prix is the final stage of the inaugural Great Britain & Ireland (GBI) Showjumping Tour which included competitions at Mullingar, the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the British Masters at Southview, England. A Leading rider prize of €5,000 will be on offer.

Millstreet Horse Show has established a reputation as a shop window for the Irish equestrian industry and a wide range of young-horse classes feature strongly in the schedule. Classes such as the Boomerang, National Discovery, Young Irelander and Millstreet Ruby continue to provide a competition platform for breeder’s and producers of young horses, along with the more recent National Eventing Discovery. Young riders are also catered for with a host of pony classes; including Ireland’s richest Pony Grand Prix with a prize fund of €4,500.

Extensive onsite developments will be unveiled at this year’s show, including 500 state of the art new stables, international-grade show-jumps, improvements to the all-weather arenas and upgraded office and administration facilities.

The Competition Authority recently finalised their investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour by Show Jumping Ireland (SJI). They found in favour of the consumers right to free choice thus vindicating the position held firmly by Millstreet Horse Show over the past three years. Subject to two laid conditions being met by the host show, SJI members cannot be penalised in any way – to do so would be unlawful. Millstreet Horse Show has no difficulty in satisfying these two conditions.

Cian O’ Connor and Everything – Millstreet Boomerang winner 2011 – owned by Ronocco Jump Ltd

Show horses’ waistlines are often a bone of contention but what is “show ring condition” and how can we best achieve it whilst maintaining the health and fitness of the horse.

What is Condition?
Horses carry different proportions of muscle and body fat according to their type and level of fitness or training. It is our aim, as horse owners, to ensure that these proportions are appropriate to the work we are expecting of the horse and adjust his diet and work load accordingly. Body condition scoring, using a numerical scale where 0 is “poor” and 5 is “obese”, can be a useful way of objectively assessing condition by looking at the horse’s neck, ribs and rump. Ideally you should be able to feel but not see the ribs and the horse should carry “top line” in the form of muscle not pads of fat, so correct work is imperative to encourage muscle development in the right places.

Whatever method of condition assessment you use, it should be both visual and “hands-on” – you need to feel through a thick coat in the winter, which can cover the true picture, and take a good step back from time to time to look at the whole horse. It is also useful to monitor your horse or pony’s bodyweight by using a weightape or, better still, a weighbridge. This will not only help you in your calculation of how much to feed but is particularly useful in assessing progress, especially when you are hoping to make considerable changes to your horse’s condition.

The Right Condition

Having established your horse’s current condition, the next step is to decide whether that is how you would like him to stay or whether you need to make changes in order to help change his condition. For this you will also need to consider the work the horse is expected to undertake and the level of fitness he needs to attain. A show horse, for example, needs stamina and muscle tone for physical effort but may carry more “condition” than a three day eventer who has to gallop and jump.

Show producers are continuously accused of presenting horses and ponies which are carrying too much body fat, in an attempt to ensure they have a “well rounded” appearance. It can be difficult balancing fitness and muscle tone with levels of body fat but it must be done; an overweight horse risks damage to joints and laminitis, as well as other health issues, and will often simply not exhibit the enthusiasm for work that a slimmer horse can. Those who seem to live on fresh air can be a nightmare to keep weight off but it is possible to maintain a balanced diet and control calorie intake, whilst those who struggle to keep the weight on must be fed with consideration to the limitations of the equine digestive system.

Putting it On
A common approach to promoting weight gain, is to feed more of the existing feed, or to add straights, such as barley or maize, and gradually the costs mount up but the condition we’re looking for may not. Not only is it unbalancing the ration by adding straight cereals to an already balanced compound feed, but we are also likely to be feeding ever increasing volumes which the horse’s stomach, with its limited capacity, simply cannot take.

What we risk when feeding large volumes in each feed is that some will pass on out of the stomach and small intestine before it has been fully digested. This presents a couple of problems – firstly the risk of digestive or metabolic upsets, such as colic or even laminitis, as a result of undigested starch reaching parts of the hind gut that it shouldn’t. Secondly, the feed will not be fully utilised so some of its nutrients will be lost, resulting in a simple waste of money! It’s therefore much more efficient, more cost effective, and safer, to feed for the job in hand by selecting a compound feed formulated for weight gain and condition.

Feeding frequent smaller amounts of a high calorie concentrated feed allows for less starch to be fed in order to promote the desired weight gain. Most reputable feed manufacturers also use cooking techniques, like micronising, which significantly increase the digestibility of the starch granules, ensuring that they are broken down in the foregut, where they should be, rather than reaching the hindgut.

Oil is another useful concentrated source of calories which is non-heating and helps to increase the energy density of the ration without significantly increasing volume. Specially developed high oil supplements are now available, which are more palatable and less messy than straight oil, and contain the necessary additional antioxidants which are required by the body to help it utilise the oil more efficiently.

The art with promoting weight gain, particularly for the show ring, is knowing when to stop! Continue to monitor your horse’s progress and consider the changing contribution that forage makes as the s
pring grass comes through – be prepared to alter the diet again to one with a lower energy content once your horse is looking how you want him and finding it easier to maintain his condition during the spring and summer months.

Getting it Off
If your horse or pony is at the other end of the scale and you are always struggling to keep that tummy trim, then a different approach will be required. Feeding less than the recommended quantity of a low energy mix or cube will deprive your horse of essential nutrients needed for health and well-being whilst still providing some calories that he doesn’t need. The fact that your overweight horse is dull and lack lustre may not be so much to do with lack of energy in his diet but with a lack of vitamins and minerals. An ideal solution here is to choose a feed balancer.

These provide a very concentrated source of nutrients without extra calories and enable you to feed a balanced diet to ensure your horse is receiving all the nutrients for overall health and body maintenance. With correct work you should be able to encourage weight loss, whilst the protein content of the balancer will help promote muscle tone. So on a fully balanced diet, and losing some weight, your previously dull good doer should develop a brighter outlook on life!

Again, be prepared to change what you are feeding throughout the year to suit the changing weather conditions, routine and work load. For the exceptionally good doer, a balancer may be an excellent year round solution whilst for others, once the weight is lost, you may find that as work load increases and the nutrient content of the grass drops off in late summer, you need to reintroduce some calories by choosing a low or medium energy mix or cube. Remember that keeping things balanced is the key to optimising performance – feed your concentrate at the recommended rate and if it provides too many or too few calories, switch to something that gives you the energy levels you want when fed at the recommended rate.

The Role of Forage
We all know how important fibre is to maintain gut function and satisfy the horse’s natural requirement to chew, so forage, including hay, haylage and grass, will be the basis of a healthy diet but will also make a nutritional contribution which should not be forgotten. For example, feeding forage with a very low nutritional value may mean that, even when using the recommended quantities of a compound feed, the over all diet may not be balanced. Feeding a good quality hay or haylage that is soft and leafy, will ensure that your horse receives plenty of nutrients as well as essential fibre – this is especially important when feeding poor doers.

However, your fat pony or cob, for example, still has the same requirements for fibre and should be fed a clean, dust free forage that is stalkier and lower in nutrients to ensure that fibre intake is not restricted. Creativity is essential when feeding good-doers to ensure that even a limited amount of forage takes them plenty of time to eat; small-holed haynets and one net inside another will keep them occupied, whilst low calorie chaffs offer an alternative source of fibre which also takes up chewing time.

Keeping it Right
Having achieved the level of condition that suits your horse and the work you require of him, careful monitoring will help you make the adjustments necessary to keep him that way. Try to avoid the massive condition fluctuations which may result from any “down time”, whatever the time of the year, as it will take you longer to achieve your “ideal” again. Keep a watchful eye, or use a weightape, and above all, be prepared to alter your regime accordingly to ensure your horse remains on a balanced diet and is fit and healthy to perform.

For more information or advice contact Baileys Horse Feeds on + 44(0)1371 850247, +44 (0)7885 065531 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.