TEAM BATES HEAD TO HOYS

 

Horse of the Year Show is the highlight of the showing calendar. This year it is being held on 5th - 9th October at the NEC in Birmingham; a five day equestrian spectacle and Absorbine sponsored Jo and Holly Bates are there with five horses.

We caught up with them to see who they are taking to HOYS 2016.



Elusive, a large hack owned by Suzanna Welby, has had a successful season and successfully qualified for HOYS at Hickstead Derby Meeting where he was first in his class and reserve champion.

 

 

In July, Jo won the hotly-contested SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class aboard Sophie Tranter’s  Bang on Trend, securing their HOYS ticket.

 

 

Jo with Volatis Oriana 

 

Jo took on coloured mare Volatis Oriana last year and  qualified her for HOYS at North of England Summer Show. Volatis Oriana will contest the Non Native Coloured Horse class with owner and rider Lucy Bridgewater. 

 

Gallifrey SWS, owned by lady Benton Jones, will contest the Large Non Native Horse Coloured class. He qualified at CHAPS South East and was also crowned Supreme.

Lowmoor Windsor, owned by Ann Drabble, earnt this HOYS ticket at Midland Counties winning the Middle Weight Hunter class and was champion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wish Jo, Holly and the rest of the team the very best of luck at HOYS. If you are heading to HOYS, the very best of luck to you too and don’t forget your ShowSheen!

Absorbine riders at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

On the 8th September - 11th September McNab Dougall Eventing headed to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Kevin McNab contested the CCI*** with Wonham What Next (Sparky) and Emma was riding Fernhill Tabasco (Toby) in the CIC***.

The team got off to a good start with Emma and Toby getting a 39.2 in dressage for the CIC*** 8/9 year old class and Kevin and Sparky also did a great test in the CCI***. The following day was torrential rain making for slippery conditions on the cross country course but both riders made it round with Emma only picked up 6.8 time faults.

A day of show jumping followed with  Emma and Toby taking 4th in the CIC*** 8/9 year olds class. Well done from the Absorbine UK team  to the whole team, what a fantastic result!

Looking after your horses hooves with Absorbine 

One of the many challenges facing horse owners is that of keeping their horse’s hooves healthy. Maintaining healthy hooves is essential to keeping your horse happy and sound, and every horse owner knows the old saying, "No foot, no horse" is as true today as ever.

 

 

We rely on farriers to help improve　our horse’s hooves, help keep them sound and moving well but horse owners can make a contribution too. You should check your horse’s feet regularly for any sign of cracks or damage, shoe wear or raised clenches. Leading show producer and dressage trainer, Jo Bates, reminds us, "You should check your horse’s feet carefully for any signs of cracking and loose clenches, and ensure that your farrier visits regularly to keep them in good shape. We use Hooflex Original Liquid Conditioner which is excellent to help maintain hoof condition between farrier visits."　

 

We as horse owners should do everything we can to make the experience of the farrier coming run smoothly and safely for everyone. Here are some tip for your next farrier visit:

Teach your horse to pick up his feet. This may seem obvious but it’s one of the biggest complaints from farriers – horses who don’t pick up and or hold the leg up to be worked on.



Clean out the hooves so the farrier can see what he or she is working on and doesn’t have to spend time picking them out.



Make sure your horses legs are clean and dry when the farrier arrives. The last thing your farrier wasn’t to see is you dragging your horse in from the field with wet and muddy legs.



In the summer months, apply some fly spray so your farrier doesn’t get kicked because of an annoying little insect. Try Absorbine’s UltraShield for ultimate protection against flies.



Give your farrier a clean, safe, and well-lit place to work. This will make it easier for your farriers to do their best work.



Hoof conditioner will make trimming easier. Apply Hooflex Original Liquid Conditioner or Hooflex Natural Dressing and Conditioner regularly as it helps to maintain the correct moisture balance and fight infection while supporting healthy hoof growth from the coronet band.



Don’t apply it half hour before the farrier is due to arrive– no one wants to try and hold onto a freshly-oiled hoof!



Pay your farrier. Let’s rephrase that – pay your farrier when and how they ask to be paid. You’ll be more likely to see them again in 6 weeks!



Once you find a good farrier for your horse, stick with him. He’ll learn to understand you and your horse’s needs better the longer he works with you. Remember – it’s a team effort between you, the farrier and your vet.