TEAM BATES AT BRITISH DRESSAGE WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016

Team Bates headed off to Hartpury at the beginning of April to compete in the British Dressage Winter Championships. On Wednesday, the first day of competition, Cambridge and Holly were 7th in the Advanced Medium Restricted Championship. They were the first to go and a rode a good test with a couple of minor mistakes. Jo said “He was a little underpowered so plenty of room for improvement but it is amazing to think that a year ago he was on box rest due to stress cracks in his feet and we were unsure whether we would ever resolve the situation. He had a year off but we all believed in him and through endless patience and diligence we now have a fabulous horse to train on with and good feet to boot!”

Holly Bates and Chambridge, 7th in Advanced Medium Restricted 
at British Dressage Winter Championship 2016

 

The second day of competition saw Dorando, owned by Ali Fernyhough, and Holly compete in the Elementary Open. “They did a great test to finish 8th on 69.06. He was incredibly brave and well behaved in the atmosphere and we are very proud of him especially as he is just rising 6 years of age. Still room for improvement but what a clever talented young chap!” Said Jo.

Fantastic results, well done to all the team. 2016 looks set to be an exciting year for Jo and Holly, best of luck to you from all the team at Absorbine UK.

 Winter Grooming with Absorbine

As we move through February and, hopefully, the last few months of winter weather, you may be feeling as impatient for spring to arrive. This time of year our once luscious green fields have turned into mud baths, and we continue the battle of trying to keep our horses as clean as possible.

As the longer days and greener fields of spring are still a few weeks away, we thought we’d offer some ideas to help your horse beat the winter blues with some winter grooming tips.

Since Christmas we’ve had down pours of rain, sub-zero temperatures, and the odd glimmer of sunshine. The turbulent weather means one thing, mud. Some of the hardy breeds may not require a rug, but it inevitably leads to them rolling in the first patch of mud they find. Even those with rugs, the mud creeps in leaving their coats, manes, and tails a muddy, matted mess. And with the temperatures still hovering around freezing, a wash-down with the hose is simply not an option.

Luckily, Absorbine^® has the answer to winter grooming frustrations: ShowSheen Miracle Groom^®. A waterless product, ShowSheen Miracle Groom naturally cleans, conditions, deodorizes, detangles, and shines in just one application.

With no need for soap and water, this non-greasy cleaner can safely be used in cold weather. Before you use it, you’ll want to let the mud on your horse dry for best results. Brush off the loose dirt, then lightly spray the area directly or onto a towel.  Rub the product backward through the horse’s coat. You can also use Miracle Groom on the mane and tail, making this 5-in-1 product useful as a cleaner, conditioner, detangler, and deodorizer.

No matter what the weather, it’s important to keep your horse clean and healthy. With Miracle Groom, you’re one step closer to a clean horse without getting your hands wet and freezing cold.

Bigeloil® Quilted Poultice Hoof Pad

Bigeloil Quilted Hoof Pads are the “no-mess” hoof poultice solution, making hoof care quicker and easier. Unique quilted pockets contain the poultice, allowing for easier, mess-free application and quicker clean-up than traditional poultices. After the dry poultice pad is activated with water, it stays in place for easy wrapping.

• Application is as easy as 1-2-3!
  1. Soak poultice for 20 seconds 
  2. Apply to hoof 
  3. Cover with wrap
  No heavy tubs or messy residue
• Easy removal – just take off the quilted wrap and discard 
• Can be used with warm or cold water 
• Specialized fiber paper holds dry poultice mixture
• Uses traditional poultice ingredients: kaolin clay and Epsom salts 
• Can be used whenever hoof heat, bruising, or general soreness is a concern, or after competition or heavy work

Clean, convenient and easy to remove - just watch this!

Check out our info graphic - how to groom like a pro!

Christmas Gifts From Absorbine

Absorbine have a wonderful selection of practical festive gifts with something for each member of the family. 

FOR CHILDREN:

Fed up with both pony and child ending up soaking wet and freezing cold after a bath in preparation for the Christmas Show? Absorbine, ShowSheen® Miracle Groom provides the turnout of a bath but no water is needed, making it the perfect present.  This “Bath in a Bottle” which has newly been incorporated into the Absorbine ShowSheen range has an award winning 5 in 1 formula and cleans, conditions, detangles, deodorises and shines.  Simply spray it on and rub off with a towel to eradicate stains and leave the coat silky soft. 

Available in 950ml (RRP £13.50).

FOR HIM:

At Absorbine we understand that tasks such as tack cleaning need to be carried out as quickly, effectively and painlessly as possible.  Absorbine Horseman's One Step® Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is a convenient, one-step leather cleaning and conditioning cream.  It removes dirt and sweat and provides suppleness and a natural shine.  No water is required and Horseman’s One Step is great for use on a multitude of leather garments in addition to tack.  It will not darken most leathers.

Available in 425g cream (RRP £7.99) and 236ml spray (RRP £7.99).

FOR HER:

Absorbine ShowSheen® Hair Polish & Detangler makes equine coats smooth and sleek and accentuates body tone and definition.  It also helps cut down on the time taken carrying out horse related chores during the long winter months.  Minimise grooming time by spraying on to legs and the neck before turnout so the mud staining and sticking to the coat is kept to an absolute minimum.   The unique formula of Absorbine ShowSheen Hair Polish and Detangler which includes pro-vitamins and silk proteins also keeps manes and tails tangle free.

Available in 450ml (RRP £8.50), 950ml (RRP £13.25) or 444ml continuous spray (RRP £9.99). Detangler Gel is available in 237ml (£13.50). 

FOR THE HORSE:

Keep your horse’s hooves in perfect condition this Christmas with Hooflex Liquid Conditioner from The Absorbine Hooflex Range.  Hooflex Liquid Conditioner is made from a unique formula, created from nine special ingredients which ensure the correct moisture balance is maintained in the hoof.   Hooflex Liquid Conditioner helps to maintain good quality new hoof growth from the coronet bands.

Available in 444ml (RRP £12.10)

FOR THE PET:

Have a clean and sweet smelling dog at Christmas this year with the new Absorbine ShowSheen® Coat Care for Dogs range. 

Keep coats tangle free with ShowSheen Detangler and Conditioner which has an anti-static and fast drying formula and is enhanced with the calming, soothing fragrances of jasmine and sandalwood.  ShowSheen Bath in a Bottle is a ready to use, waterless shampoo with no rinsing required which cleans, conditions, deodorizes and detangles.  ShowSheen® Stain Remover and Whitener is a fast acting, deep-cleansing spot remover.   

Available in 473ml spray (RRP £7.50).

 

NEW Leather Therapy® From Absorbine®

We are pleased to welcome the Leather Therapy^® brand, and complete product portfolio to the W.F Young family. The Leather Therapy product line of innovative formulas offer a range of options for addressing leather care challenges, from the Leather Restorer & Conditioner which actively inhibits mold and mildew, to the patented Leather Laundry Solution to easily clean and condition leather and sheepskin equestrian wear in the washing machine. The Leather Therapy line complements Absorbine Horseman’s One-Step^® products, offering consumers additional options to meet their leather care needs, whether it’s daily maintenance or the toughest restoration projects.

 The range includes Tack Wash, Tack Restorer & Conditioner, Leather Laundry Solution, Laundry Rinse and Dressing, Saddle Pad & Blanket Wash, and Saddle Pad & Blanket Rinse. The products are known for high quality and innovation – Leather Therapy Restorer & Conditioner is approved to inhibit mould and mildew, both Leather Laundry formulas are patented, and all three products have been recognized by the independent US magazine, Horse Journal, for quality and efficacy.

 

Leathery Therapy Tack Wash, Tack Restorer & Conditioner

 The Leather Therapy Tack Wash cleans tough dirt and grime and helps leather to stay strong and supple. It comes in a spray application, which is sprayed directly on to your saddlery, bridle work, or leather garment, and wiped off so there is no need to rinse. It does not leave a residue on the leather and there is no moisture build up. This helps prevent mould and protects the deterioration of any stitching. The formula is pH-balanced with micro suds to lift out any embedded dirt, sweat, and grime. It is ideal for cleaning and removing mould and mildew on your leather products and works synergistically with the Leather Therapy Restorer & Conditioner. The Restorer & Conditioner is a blend of rich replenishing oils formulated to transform dry, hard leather to original flexibility. It is ideal for restoring old, dried out leather and helps it last longer with regained suppleness and strength as well as inhibiting mould and mildew. To use, apply to clean leather with a damp cloth. It leaves no residue or moisture build-up and works cumulatively as the effects are reinforced with each use because the mould and mildew inhibitors stay in the leather, not just on the surface.

 Leather Therapy Leather Laundry Solution and Laundry Rinse & Dressing

The Leather Therapy Leather Laundry Solution is designed to be used in the washing machine on natural and synthetic leather, fabric and sheepskin items. It restores the soft feel of suede or smooth leather, fabrics and fleece; one wash will bring comfort and life back to the leather. Laundry Solution works by removing abrasive dirt particles while adding rich leather and fabric conditioners. The patented formula is pH neutral and ideal for use on full seat breeches, full and half chaps, sheepskin saddle pads and leather clothing. For best results it should be used with the conditioner Laundry Rinse & Dressing. The rinse formula is also pH-neutral and biodegradable with anti-static properties. It can be used as a wipe on dressing for extra dry leather after washing or 1-2 capfuls can be added to the last rinse cycle of a wash.

The Leather Therapy Saddle Pad & Blanket Wash

The Leather Therapy Saddle Pad & Blanket Wash is a lavender scented laundry concentrate for natural and synthetic fabrics. Added to your washing loads, Leather Therapy Saddle Pad & Blanket Wash will break down the heavy soils, protein-based grime and contaminates. Ideal for rugs, saddle pads, boots, wraps and girths as it helps eliminate odours leaving them refreshed and clean. For the best results it should be used with Leather Therapy Saddle Pad & Blanket Rinse; a deodorising rinse that provides sanitising agents and anti-static properties to your wash load. To use, add the Wash to the detergent dispenser and the Rinse to the conditioner dispenser of your washing machine. Both formulas are pH-neutral and biodegradable so they are gentle on fabrics and do not damage waterproofing.

It is clipping time again! Grab you grooming box and the clippers, we’ve got some very useful tips to ensure a smart clip every time! 

 

 

1. Before clipping, the horse needs to have a clean coat. Ideally you would give them a bath but if it is too cold then thorough grooming is essential – ShowSheen Miracle Groom is invaluable for a quick tidy up or a thorough grooming during the colder months!  Clipping a dirty coat results in blunt blades and trying to clip through dried on sweat will pull at the horse’s hair and make him very sore. 
2. ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo from Absorbine will get the skin and coat really clean and conditioned.  Ideally, bath your horse the day before you clip to ensure that he is clean and dry and free from mud or sweat before you start. 
3. Spraying the coat lightly with ShowSheen Hair Polish and Detangler will help the clippers glide through the coat, giving a smooth, clean finish to the clip which will help make your clipper blades last as longer.
4. Introduce the clippers to your horse slowly, especially if he’s new to the experience. Horses can be wary of the sound and the vibration the clippers make. Remember to keep the clippers cable away from your horse’s legs.

   

    

5. Once you have started clipping, remember to place a rug over your horse to keep him warm – you can place the rug over his quarters while you are working on the front, and pull it forward while you work towards the quarters
6. As you clip, adjust the direction your clippers to follow the hair growth patterns, which will help reduce clipper lines.
7. When you have finished, give your horse a “hot towel” bath which will lift any dust, loose hair and excess grease from the skin and coat and leave him feeling refreshed and looking shiny.  Add some Absorbine Liquid Embrocation to a bucket of hot water with a towel, wring it out and rub the horse all over.
8. Finally, put rugs on and take your horse for a brisk walk to get his circulation going again – clipping can be time consuming and he will welcome the exercise after standing for a while. 
9. Remember to put rugs on as the temperature dictates. The more hair you remove the heavier the rug you’ll require, for example a horse with a full clip might need a heavy turnout with a neck cover whilst a horse with a bib clip will only require a lightweight.

   

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10. Use a good quality detangler such as Showsheen Detangler Gel and use your fingers to comb through manes and tails to avoid breaking hair.

The full range of Absorbine products are available from your regular Absorbine Equestrian Retailer.  For more product information, visit www.absorbine.co.uk or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AbsorbineUK