Monthly Archives: April 2015

Interesting Horse Facts

How interesting: Brace yourselves for the low down on the effectiveness of Topical Applications (hot and cold) for muscle strain relief

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Exactly what is going on when you apply heating or cooling gels to your horses legs?

Horse Scout Blogger was watching the BBC’s The Truth about your Medicine cabinet last night.  Some very interesting items indeed.  However what caught my attention was the report on the use of topical muscle liniments to reduce reaction to strenuous workouts (obviously this was with humans).  Livery Yards (and competitive stables too) have tack rooms which are full of row upon row of expensive topical applications of hot and cold rubs to help muscle strain relief.  Diligently applied and expensively bought.  I am not a scientist but I am commenting “intelligently” on the scientific research carried out on the programme.

There were three groups.  For fifteen minutes Group One sat in cold (icey) water, Group Two sat in warm water and the third group rested.  In terms of recovery groups one and two felt an immediate benefit (distraction therapy it was called) group three continued to feel sore.  However, over the next three days the two water groups recovered considerably better than the resting group with only a 2-3% difference between the two water groups with the cold group thus marginally better recovered than the warm water group.

The conclusion was that using either cold or hot water treatment for 15 minutes increased recovery time.

They then went on to test both hot and cold topical embrocations from leading brands.  Whilst the subject definitely could feel the effect of the cold and the hot applications and the heat camera was definitely showing the difference in the skin temperatures, the effect had absolutely no effect on the deep tissue temperatures which both read the same and where a normal reading for resting muscles.

I leave you to draw your own conclusions with reference to the effect these topical cooling gels and heat linaments may therefore actually have on your horse.  Me? Well I always did think water was cool…..and pretty much free; especially if you can orgainise a pond or river to stand in.

Professional Rider

How to compete using a “Class Ticket”. Tried and Tested, Job Done!

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Yesterday Horse Scout Blogger spotted that you could get a free class ticket on the British Dressage facebook page but “What are class tickets?”

By buying a class ticket, you can enter one British Dressage class without being a member or having a registered horse. You can use class tickets to compete and will be eligible to win rosettes and prize money, but will not receive BD points or qualification, except for Area Festivals and Combined Training Championships. If a rider using a class ticket wins a qualifier other than those specified above, qualification will pass to the next eligible competitor. You can buy a class ticket from the British Dressage Web site. These are also available in the competition section of this website. You will need to pay the usual class entry fee and abide by British Dressage Rules rules.

British Dressage say: Much more than just a ticket to compete!

If you are already competing in unaffiliated dressage competitions and want to get more involved in this fantastic sport then British Dressage is the place for you! Much more than just a ticket to compete, BD, the National Governing body for the sport in the UK, is a nationwide club for all things dressage, offering training, competitions, information and social opportunities for all. Your horse can earn nationally recognised BD points and you can qualify to take part in prestigious Championships or Festivals.

Most of all affiliated dressage is accessible. Complete competition schedules and lists of training days arrive on your doormat every two months as part of BD magazine. The BD website also carries this vital information (and much more!), and staff at the BD office are on hand during office hours to answer any queries you have. From where to go and what to wear, to competing internationally and representing your country – British Dressage is working to help you get the most out of your sport.

Getting Started

All affiliated shows are open to the public and the major championships are excellent opportunities to see the best at all levels and particularly the nation’s dressage celebrities competing for prestigious national titles. You may also want to go along to your local affiliated venue to check out the facilities and the competition!

You can get a taste for affiliated competition without becoming a full BD member by using class tickets available through the BD shop or by entering Prelim classes.

Class tickets cost £8 each and each ticket allows you to enter one affiliated dressage class without being a member or having your horse registered. You can win rosettes and prize money but you will not receive BD points or any qualifications. You can also use Class Tickets to gain the score sheets needed to qualify to enter an Area Festival.

More information about class tickets here

Horses For Sale

Horse Scout has some excellent choices : 4 Young Riders Horses Here

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4 Young Riders horses: some excellent choices for competitive teenagers on Horse Scouts Horses For Sale Listings.  Take a look at these:

SOX near Burnham a 10 year old Chestnut Sports horse gelding., 10 years, 15.2 hands Has evented up to BE100 +, with numerous placing’s and wins Nearly always in the 20’s at BE, even achieved a 19.5, 21.5 and a 23 last year. Jumps 120cm course at home easily. Would suit a confident teenager who wants to compete competitively in all spheres. Good to shoe, clip, load, traffic, hack, handle at home and shows.  Will live in or out. This talented horse’s potential is unlimited to the right rider says professional trainer Natalie Western Kay

http://www.horsescout.co.uk/horses/profile/448

Dave – a special grey,  7 year old gelding with Shane Walsh in Farringdon. 16.1 hands He has hunted in Ireland and the UK proving to be bold and very scopey He has good hunting manners, he would suite someone that is a bit nervous but wants to jump as he is safe and reliable in every way He will take you to a fence but not fast but just going forward in a nice manner Out hunting he jumped, rails, ditches, hedges, etc. Dave would all so make a great all-rounder for show jumping or eventing. He had 3 nice paces with a good canter. Daves’ sire is Furisto Courage and dam is Kilpatrick Clover. He would make a great family horse. Loves his hacking and great in heavy traffic, no vices good to box, clip, shoe etc.

http://www.horsescout.co.uk/horses/profile/632

another horse from the same stable is Sam, Knight of the round table – a dapple grey, Gelding, 6 years, 15.2 hands This little horse has a great temperament in every way. He has hunted in Ireland and has also done a few show jumping shows. He has done lots of hunter trial events and has competed at a few intro events in Ireland. We have had him at a few little events where he proved to be easy and good at his job. Easy to show-jump and so honest cross country. Would be great for a teenager coming from a pony or a small adult. So nice in the stable wants to be your friend looking for things in his pocket. Loves his hacking has 3 very easy flowing paces and good in heavy traffic No vices good to hack, box, shoe, etc

With Team White (find their profile here) in Colchester we have Zilver Zak a 5 year old 15.2hh AES Elite horse who has been carefully and professionally educated. He has been lightly schooled XC and works well on the flat. He has qualified BN regionals 2015 and is now ready to progress further. He is good to do in all ways and is a great, fun horse. He is ready to excel in any sphere.

http://www.horsescout.co.uk/horses/profile/567

 

Professional Rider

Rider Fitness Tips: 5 Top Tips to help Rider Balance and Posture

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5 Top Fitness Tips to help Rider Balance and Posture: Whatever you do off the horse, your muscles will remember when you’re on the horse. Start making a difference now!

Whatever discipline you follow with your horse: Make a difference to how you ride by improving your balance and posture.  It is as important to a top professional trainer as to the grass roots rider and will make a difference to how you ride.

Horse Scout Blogger is on the case: Being fit, independently of riding, mucking out, poo picking etc. will boost your riding and make things a whole lot easier for you and your horse. Your riding gets a boost from performing a regular exercise regimen at least twice per week, but you can also do little things in between to enhance your fitness.

  1. Walk instead:  walk just a little bit further when you are going shopping or to the office.  Park further away than usual, park your car away from the entrance and take a brisk walk to the door.
  2. Avoid the lift: Walking up even a single flight of stairs puts equestrians’ thighs and calves to work. Walk the stairs briskly and get a mini-aerobic workout, too. Doing two at a time is even better.  Lucinda Green’s top tip!
  3. A balance in life is one thing but balance is critical for success in equestrian sports. Develop balance every day by standing on one leg, then the other for 10 to 15 seconds whenever you’re brushing your teeth, having your coffee or whenever else the opportunity presents itself. Lightly grip a convenient surface (your shopping trolley in the queue for instance), until you can progress to doing this with no surface support.
  4. Don’t slouch: Good posture is critical for balance in the saddle, and for getting the long, lean look that catches judges’ eyes. But don’t just sit up straight in the saddle; do it at your desk and the dinner table, and walk with good posture, too. For those of us who are office bound there is a seat balance cushion….brilliant invention (if a bit prickly!).
  5. Your muscles have a memory and when it comes to posture and balance, whatever you do off the horse to help balance and posture, your muscles will remember when you’re on the horse.
Horses For Sale

A very useful Horse Sales Contract Template

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HORSE PURCHASE CONTRACT

 

 

This agreement is made the _______ day of _______________ 20__

 

Between: ________________________________________________________

(the “Seller”)

Whose address is: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 

And: ________________________________________________

(the “Purchaser”)

 

Whose address is: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 

Covering the sale of the horse known as: _______________________________

(the “Horse”)

 

Passport No: _____________________________________________________

 

Freezemark No: ___________________________________________________

 

Microchip No: _____________________________________________________

 

Height: ______________________________________________________

Colour: _____________________________________________________

Sex: _____________________________________________________

Age: _____________________________________________________

 

For the sale price of £ ______________________________________________

(the “Price”)

  1.  The Seller hereby warrants that they are the legal owner of the Horse and has the right to sell the Horse.
  2. The Seller declares that the Horse’s details above are accurate and true. The Seller declares that the details given in the sale advert (see below) are accurate and true: (Insert the advert published of the horse for sale here.)
  3. The Seller declares that the following oral statements made to the Purchaser are accurate and true:(Insert any oral statements or claims made by the Seller affecting the decision of the Purchaser to purchase the Horse.)
  4. The Seller declares that the Horse has exhibited no stable vices or behavioural problems whilst in their care, except as detailed below.(Insert any known stable vices or behavioural problems here.)
  5. The Seller declares that the Horse’s vaccinations for flu and tetanus are up-to-date.The Seller declares that the following additional items are the legal property of the Seller and are included within the Price.(Insert any tack and equipment included in the sale price here)
  6. The Seller declares that to the best of their knowledge the Horse has no unsoundness or health problems that would make the Horse unfit for general riding work.
  7. The Seller makes no warranties or representations whatsoever regarding future fitness and performance of the Horse.
  8. Upon receipt of a deposit of £ _____ from the Purchaser, the Seller shall issue a dated receipt to the Purchaser and agrees not sell the Horse to another party for a period of one week.
  9. The Purchaser has the right to arrange at their own cost a pre-purchase veterinary examination and the Seller agrees to make the Horse available for such.
  10. Such pre-purchase veterinary examination shall be carried out within one week of payment of the deposit.
  11. Should the Horse fail the pre-purchase examination the Purchaser has the right to terminate this Agreement with immediate effect and upon such termination the deposit shall be repaid to the Purchaser.
  12. Upon acceptance of any pre-purchase veterinary examination, or where the Purchaser has waived the right to a pre-purchase veterinary examination, the Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller the balance £ _____ for the Horse within one week of the deposit being paid.
  13. Should the Purchaser fail to pay the balance within one week of the date of deposit, the Seller has the right to terminate this Agreement whereupon the Purchaser shall forfeit the deposit paid.
  14. Upon payment of the balance, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with a dated receipt for payment and hand over the Horse’s passport to the Purchaser.
  15. Upon payment of the Price in full the Horse shall become the property of the Purchaser.The Purchaser agrees that they will arrange for removal of the horse from the Seller’s premises at their own cost within 2 days of payment of the Price in full.
  16. This Agreement shall be governed by the law of England and Wales/Scotland*.* Delete as appropriate.

 

Signed: ____________________________________________________

(The “Seller”)

 

Date: __________________________

 

Signed: _____________________________________________________

(The “Purchaser”)

 

Date: __________________________

 

Professional Rider

Looking for Livery near London? Mandy Day and Edward Brook at Caldecote Farm Livery

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Horse Scout Blogger has been keeping an eye on the new listings.  If you are looking for training with top professionals or for livery with great hacking and facilities near London; then look no further!

Caldecote Farm is a professional equestrian centre for all aspects of horse management including livery and competition training. Owned by show jumper Edward Brook and dressage rider Mandy Day, who pride themselves on providing all the services you would expect from a pedigree equestrian centre, including the breaking, schooling and sale of top quality horses.

Easy located, Caldecote Farm is just 14 miles from Central London. Set amongst 50 acres of pasture with stunning views over the Hertfordshire countryside and North London, Caldecote Farm is perfectly positioned within a network of local bridleways. Our own bridge provides access to some fantastic hacking – including the grounds of Munden House Estate, Elstree aerodrome and along the banks of the River Colne and Otterspool Water Meadows.  Heck out their profile here.

A bit about Edward Brook:

Edward Brook started riding horses seriously at the age of 15 and gained his BHSII by the age of 19, making him one of the youngest people at the time to achieve this qualification. He soon realised that he found show jumping the most exciting of all the riding disciplines. He is a highly respected rider on the circuit – competing both internationally and nationally. He has also ridden horses for many owners. He is always on the lookout for young stock in the hope of finding a new star, and has produced horses from three years old to a Grade A standard, ready for selling.

Edward managed Patchetts Equestrian Centre for five years, and helped to make it the place it is today before buying into Caldecote Farm. Like Mandy, he has a passion for teaching and is a Level 3 credited coach for the BSJA, encouraging his pupils to get the most out of their horses in a sympathetic and motivating way. He has helped train Mandy up to Prix St. George dressage.

He is keen to help his pupils from Pony Club through to J/A, from the novice rider to the more experienced; young riders to the more mature.

…and Mandy’s Bio:

A professional competition rider and trainer based in Hertfordshire, London. Trained by Grand Prix rider Lisa Hopkins. Successfully competed at all levels up to Inter II, qualifying for regionals and nationals. Very successful with 4-5 year olds, making all the young horse finals last year. Love training and seeing great improvements in all her clients. Mandys competitive forecast for the coming season: Young international 4 year old qualifier Shearwater, 4 year old qualifier Badminton horse, 4 year old qualifier PSG & Inter 1 Keysoe.

Mandy Day has a strong personal connection with Caldecote Farm. She bought it 3½ years ago after using the livery herself for 20 years, which gives her a unique perspective and a real understanding of what a horse owner wants. Not only does she live on site with her partner Edward and daughter Georgina, she is in the yard throughout the day.

Having competed successfully in show jumping and eventing, she now focuses on dressage and can help with all riding disciplines. With her own two horses, she has competed in the first season at Prix St. Georges – in addition to qualifying for the Advanced Medium Open, PSG Freestyle, Advanced Medium Freestyle and the Wellington Advanced Medium Freestyle.

She enjoys competing at a higher level, as it gives her clients a chance to see her in action.  She also loves teaching and passing on the knowledge she has learnt over the years, encouraging riders at different levels to reach their full potential.  She is a firm believer that attaining a sense of self-confidence is a large part of riding well. To contact Mandy directly follow this link here.

Caldicote hold their own Summer Championship show with intro, prelim, novice and elementary classes once a month May through August with the championship being held on 28th September.

They also have Reggies Bar & Bistro on site.  A wonderful Bistro overlooking the lake with panoramic countryside views. Click here for more info in this fantastic little place.

Horses For Sale

Solid reputations and satisfied customers: Talk about Trainers and Traders

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Solid reputations and satisfied customers: Talk about Trainers and Traders

Professional trader Malcolm Aitken (MA Sports Horses) is a regular competitor at Crofton Manor, Sparsholt College & other local venues British Novice to Foxhunter on a range of horses and runs a small competition yard in Medstead where he trains Show Jumping horses from first shows to Foxhunter level.  Malcolm currently has a very exciting string of horses and is looking forward to attracting new horses and owners. We also try to fit in some away shows and have in the past stayed away at The Hand and Wales & West and am hoping to have some horses for the Addington Young Horse classes later this year and is looking for owners who are keen to support a very consistent professional reach the next level.

MA Sports horses also has an exciting opportunity for an apprentice show jumping groom / working pupil who is hard working, literate and honest an young person to train as a show jumping groom. The applicant must be organised, dedicated, punctual, good with animals and patient. The successful applicant will be provided with suitable training and instruction to allow him/her to progress their career. It would be beneficial for the applicant to be a capable rider and be prepared to ride a range of horses although not essential. There will be some mucking out some travelling to shows & since we also have a Stallion and several youngsters some of the work will involve providing assistance with our small scale breeding programme. Regrettably no accommodation. Car driver preferred.

Malcom has a string of happy customers all happy to support him and his reputation.


“Warrior has settled in in his new home very well – everybody at Wellington Riding adores him – When I am not there he is only ridden by Instructor level staff and even they fight over who gets him. Warrior has recently made an appearance in the September 2014 ediition of Horse and Rider Magazine, even the head instructor had to be photographed with him. I am very proud. Chrysoula Zervoudakis

 

I would like to thank you so much for everything. I am so proud to say I am the new owner of Cookie. He is going to have a lovely time with me and he is already starting to settle in. Morgan Saunders

 

Thank you for all the work you did breaking TC he is doing brilliantly. Natalie Morat

 

Just thought I would let you know that Freddie has settled in really well. After a few minor bridle adjustments we hacked out on our own and he scored 10 out of 10. Several different routes no problem. Thank you for helping us get together. Jean Baylis

 

I was stunned to win a red rosette in the very first class that Ludo and I entered. I must thank you again for producing such a mannerly and well schooled horse, he is a joy to have on the yard and to take out and I have the added bonus of receiving a constant stream of complimentary remarks. Margaret Dufall”

 

Horses For Sale

Be a Brilliant Buyer – And your Professional Trader will find you a perfect partner.

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Be a Brilliant Buyer – And your Professional Trader will find you a perfect partner.

The advantages of buying form a professional Trader is that their reputation rides with you. Top Tips for making right decisions when buying a horse.

Many of Horse Scouts Professional Trainers and riders also sell horses. Generally they buy in or breed horses which they train and compete before selling on. Sometimes they do the same with horses owned by sponsors or clients. This is true across all disciplines, Eventing, Showjumping, Dressage, Showing and Endurance etc. This is part of their business.   Their skill is in being able to make the most of a horse, to optimise its potential at whatever level. You can be sure that a young horse will have had the best start to its training, a horse with competitive potential will have been carefully progressed and given the right opportunities and in the case of rehabilitation or retraining a horse will be back on track and ready to go on to lead a happy useful life.

When horses do well in their competitive arena (or, if they are new to the discipline or young, they will be gaining experience at grass roots level) with a top trainer on board, their successes are a reflection of the trainers skill and reputation. Horses which are bought to the market fit for purpose help a professional trader build a reputation and repeat custom. It is not in the interest of a professional rider to produce horses which are going to fail to support their business by being suitable for purpose.   Professional riders have the skill and experience to ride all sorts of different horses and know how to ensure that each horse is given a prgramme which is right for them.

However as a buyer you also have responsibilities to ensure that a Professional Trader can help you make the right choice when buying a horse.

When you look through the Horses for Sale listings on a site like Horse Scout you certainly have a lot of good horses to choose from.

However, it is fair to say that buyers have an obligation to honestly represent their skill level, the accommodations they can offer a horse, and their intentions to the seller they are contacting.

There are certainly an infinite number of tales that illustrate less than ideal partnerships but to be fair to the sellers it can come down to the failure of the buyers to asses their own situation or communicate honestly with the seller. Remember that no horse is ever “finished.” They are sensitive creatures that continue to learn new behaviors throughout their lives. A novice horse person can inadvertently “undo” professional training faster than a terrier will snatch and swallow the family hamster. Here are some thoughts about buyers responsibilities.

  1. If you make an appointment to go look at a horse, don’t leave the seller hanging by not turning up. If you can’t make it for some reason, or will be later than scheduled, call your seller. It’s the polite thing to do, after all.
  2. If the horse’s price is more than you want to spend, ask the seller whether it’s negotiable before you make an appointment. If the seller says no, you won’t be wasting your time or his.
  3. Bring your hard hat, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for riding. Do not assume to wear spur of to carry a whip.
  4. You can ask if it’s okay to bring your own saddle. A seller would need to be sure your saddle is in good repair (intact tree, leather not weak or rotten, etc), and that it fits the horse you are trying. This provides two advantages. You’ll be using tack that’s familiar, and you’ll know whether your saddle fits the horse you’re considering.
  5. Turn your cell phone off while you are trying a horse. It’s rude to take the seller’s time with personal calls and a suddenly ringing phone may frighten the horse.
  6. Do not bring your dog. Many farms have their own dogs, and the sellers won’t appreciate the disruption of yours running around. Also, your dog may chase or injure the seller’s horses, or other animals.
  7. If you have small children and plan to include them, bring along someone to mind the kids while you concentrate on the horse. Unattended children with horses can be extremely dangerous.
  8. Be honest about your abilities and level of riding. If you have an ethical seller, he will want to sell you a suitable horse. If your seller is an experienced horse person, he’ll know pretty quickly how adept you are by watching you with his horse, so don’t fudge; it’s not worth it.
  9. A horse is an individual and frequently develops a relationship with the person who rides it most often. If your seller rides the horse first and the horse seems very well trained, don’t be disappointed if the horse doesn’t perform quite as well when you get on. Even subtle differences in riding technique can produce very different responses from the horse. It may just be a matter of time and a little professional help before you and your new horse become a team.
  10. Don’t be surprised if the seller wants you to begin in a small area, like a paddock or round pen. He may want to assess your skills, for your own safety and for that of the horse. However, be wary of a seller who doesn’t offer a larger area (a ring, arena or pasture) once he’s comfortable with your abilities. Dishonest sellers know that a horse may be fine in a round pen but will bolt for the hills in a open pasture.
  11. Ask the seller about the horse’s daily routine and feeding schedule. A horse that is turned out every day and is eating grass or a little hay could turn into an entirely different horse if you buy it, keep it in a stall and feed it grain. Ask your seller about the level of activity the horse is accustomed to; is it ridden every day, every week, once a month? If you buy a horse that has been worked regularly, but you plan to ride once a month, your horse may not be as easy to handle after a month of leisure. Conversely, if the horse goes from being ridden once a month to your enthusiastic regime of five days a week, the horse may become sore (as you probably will). You’ll go home and relax in your hot tub. Your new horse might buck, rear, kick, toss its head, or refuse to move because that’s the only way it has to indicate pain.
  12. Take note of the bridle and bit used by your seller. Consider buying something similar if the horse works well and seems relaxed.
  13. If you are shopping for a horse for your child, its looks, cosmetic blemishes and color should be the least important factors in choosing. Look for an older horse, and plan to spend more.

Your seller might ask you:

Details of your experience with horses

What sort of support you’ll have; for example, a trainer, a very experienced friend, riding lessons, etc

Horses For Sale

Working Pupil Opportunity in Kinoulton, Nottinghamshire with Niall Griffin and Polly Jackson.

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Horse Scout has a new Professional Event Rider listing from Team Monart who are looking for a working pupil .This is a great opportunity for a working pupil to join Niall & Polly’s team for the 2015 event season. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in a top event yard along with one to one training to help improve your own riding. Accommodation for yourself & your horse is available.

Niall Griffin has represented Ireland in Eventing at two Olympics, Athens and Beijing also at two European Championships & the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. Niall has also been placed in the top 5 at several 3 Star Events around the world & a 4th placing at Pau CCI**** Niall along with his partner Polly Jackson produce & sell horses of all levels from their yard in Kinoulton. Niall & Polly regularly teach people of all levels from their yard in Kinoulton along with doing clinics locally & abroad. Niall & Polly also own & run the Monart Sale – Irelands leading event horse sale for performance & value for money every November. Full details of this are available on http://www.teammonart.com/All the horses Niall & Polly ride are sourced from the Monart Sale.

A Bit About Nial from the Monart Equestrian Site Bio:

Niall Griffin in Cross Country Mode:

Niall left Ireland at 17 years of age to train in England with Mark Todd, one of the world’s greatest Event riders. Niall spent just over two years under the tutelage of Mark before deciding to move to America to see how they did things over there.

It was there that Niall got the opportunity to train with David and Karen O’Connor in 2001 the year after David won the Gold medal at the Sydney Olympics.

America was a great learning curve for Niall and having spent over a year training with David and Karen O’Connor, he finished 10th in his first two star and 7th at his second. He was then fortunate enough to spend some time with another Olympic Gold medalist Philip Dutton who proved a huge help in Niall’s progression to three star level. He finished off his time in America with a top 15 placing at Foxhall CCI 3 star in Atlanta, with Lorgaine only a 7 year old at this stage.

Niall Griffin performing in the Dressage

Niall didn’t waste much time setting down his mark when returning to Ireland by finishing 3rd at Punchestown CCI*** a result which secured him a place on the team for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Niall also had the added honour of being the flag bearer for Ireland at the opening ceremony at Athens.

Polly Jackson is an established star of British Eventing and competed for Great Britain at Senior level in the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim.

Much of the past two years has been taken up by buying and breeding young performance horses, and developing them into potential stars of the future along with helping to set up the Monart Sale. Polly has competition horses at all levels from Intro through to her four-star horses, and there have been some excellent additions to her string over the last couple of years.

Polly had great success as a junior, winning the British National Junior Championships and representing her country twice at the European Championships.

At eighteen she joined the senior/ young rider circuit with her own horse Limestone rise. Her senior ambitions led to her declining a place in the national Young Rider team, allowing her to concentrate on qualifying for 4 star level and achieving senior team selection. The strategy worked, Polly was placed 25th at the Blenheim Palace International 3 star event in 2000, qualifying her for Burghley 2001. At her 1st four star, Polly and Limestone Rise completed, achieving 40th place in a world class international field. 3 days later she travelled to France to win the Vittel International Three Day Event CCI** on Purdies High Days.a home bred mare.

In 2002, Polly competed at her first Badminton CCI four star. Placed 15th overall, she won the “Best rider under 25″ prize, and the “First time at Badminton” prize, this resulted in her being selected as first reserve for the world equestrian games in Jerez . Her four star success continued with 6th place at Lexington USA and 12th at Burghley in 2004. Polly was also short-listed for the Olympics in Athens 2004.

Niall & Polly have for sale, Weisser Riese – a super 12 year old who has competed up to advanced level with ease. He has super movement and is very brave and straight cross country with loads of scope. He has the most wonderful mind and attitude making him ideal for an amateur or professional alike. He is snaffle mouth and is a pure gentleman in every way.

Professional Rider

How many easter eggs affect your riding? ….. far fewer than horse scout blogger ate!

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Well I suspect that Easter Eggs have featured strongly in all our diets over this holiday weekend. Something Horse Scout Blogger has to confess to…..yes a whole pack of Cabury’s Cream Eggs; even that last one which I really really knew I didn’t need. So its back on the training regime from today.

When it comes to nutrition, riders’ equine partners get the better deal, than their professional trainers. Equestrians view food as fuel for their horses’ well-being and performance, a view they don’t always extend to themselves. Look at how we treat our horses, they get the best feed and supplements. We need to take as good care of ourselves as we do our horses … In general our number one value of food is based on calories and we need to view food as fuel for our bodies.

Here are six top tips for staying fit, getting strong and performing well:

1. Mix it up: It takes a combination of carbohydrates, protein and fats to feed a body well. But concerns over calories often overshadow good common food sense. It’s important to ask the right questions, then choose the right foods. “Don’t ask, ‘How many calories?’ Ask, ‘Is it good for me?’” McAllister advises.

2. Be balanced: Carbs found in whole grains; proteins found in low-fat cheeses, egg whites and lean meats; and fats found in fish such as salmon and sardines all work in concert to create a healthy diet — but only if their intake is balanced.”The brain requires fuel in the form of glucose, and carbohydrates provide an easily accessible supply of glucose,” McAllister says, but the right type of carbs are important. “Instead of carb-loading with sugary foods, have a piece of whole grain bread with an egg white omelet or with a piece of low-fat ham or turkey and cheese,” she suggests. “If you add protein with carbs, you’ll stay fuller longer.”

3. Pick fruits and veggies: Salads, fresh vegetables and fruit all play a part in a balanced diet. The trick is having them on hand as an alternative to salty or sugary snacks. McAllister recommends keeping a pre-mixed salad in the fridge, and a bowl of fresh fruit in plain sight.

4. Think small: Three meals a day might be the traditional standard, but over-indulging at any one of them, or staving off between-meal hunger with quick-fix snacks packs on pounds. Instead, McAllister recommends eating several small meals throughout the day to prevent hunger and out-of-control snacking.

5. Be prepared: Snacking isn’t a bad thing, especially after a workout or a ride. The trick is choosing healthy snacks and having them handy when hunger strikes. “Always keep nuts or fruit in your car or your bag to munch on when you get hungry,” McAllister says. “And always stay hydrated, preferably with water.”

6. Drink smart: Water really is the best way to stay hydrated. It will quench thirst without adding calories. Sports drinks are also an option, but only under specific circumstances. “Save sports drinks for occasions when you’ve had strenuous activity, or if you’re working out or riding in very hot weather,”