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www.hoofbeats.com.auMANAGING EDITOR

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GRAPHICS AND WEBCaitlin Bolger

Louise and Adrian Redman

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERSEquine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)

Sandi SimonsDr Jennifer Stewart

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hoofbeats Vol 35 No 6 April/May 2014Inside

Rug Ruin page 18

The Science of Riding - page 28

MEquine Veterinarians Australia

Lateral Movements - Renverspage 4

Have Horse, Will Travel -

page 28

4 LATERAL MOVEMENTS RENVERS by Liz Tollarzo Lateral e ercises improve a horse’s physical and mental e ibility and lay the foundations for complex movements in many disciplines.7 AUSTRALIA BURNS bushfires 2014 A roundup of bush re recovery after one of the most devastating bush re seasons and what horse owners need to do before the ne t one.

13 ONLINE INSTRUCTION by Wendy Elks Internet access now allows riders and coaches to connect anywhere in the world. With video capability and the potential for immediate feedback, online learning can be a valuable tool.

18 RUG RUIN by Kaye Meynell ut tting horses with the correct rug in a changeable climate is made so much more dif cult by horses that, wilfully or otherwise, rip them to shreds!

28 HAVE HORSE, WILL TRAVEL Float ownership is almost synonymous with horse ownership and, to ensure the safety and comfort of horses, it’s important to know what to look for, whether purchasing Australian or overseas made oats.

34 PLASTIC OR TRADITIONAL STEEL? Synthetic shoes are light, e ible and bridge the gap between traditional steel shoes and barefoot, as well as lling a need for those e periencing hoof problems.

36 PLEASE EXPLAIN with Dr Holly Lewis, Carol Layton and Ron Paterson The effects of clipping on horse health, feeding soy, following the movement and why foals eat their dam’s manure. E perienced horsemen and women guide readers through the questions they have always wanted to ask.

THE GREEN HORSE sustainable horsekeeping 42 Information Exchange - Readers’ Tips, Views and Questions 43 Weedwatch - Twiggy Mullein by Nicola Field 44 Horse Manure - the Key to Biofuel Feral Animal Research 45 Growing Equine Herbs - Tasty Herbs for Foals by Jackie Rive PIC Reminder 46 We’re Ge�ing it Right Down Under by Carole Watson After the Fire by David Nash 47 Fact or Fiction with Andrea Carmody 48 Holistic Management Pt 10a by Marie�e van den Berg

Rug Ruin page 18

The Science of Riding - page 28

April/May 2014 - Page 3in the e-mag and App

View these in the FREE e-preview atwww.hoofbeats.com.auwww.hoofbeats.com.au

ARTICLESARTICLES

Vol 35 No 6 April/May 2014 EDITORIAL

* RRP inc GST $7.50 ISSN 0811-8698

Training to Fall-

page 56

Plastic or Traditional Steel - page 34

Foal Brag - page 70

BONUSBONUS COVER:With the 2013/2014 foal drop on the ground and the delightful entries in this year’s Foal Brag competition, how could we go past featuring a foal on the cover?

50 ANGULAR LIMB DEFORMITIES IN FOALS by Dr Maxwell Hall Left untreated, angular limb deformities are likely to cause problems as a horse matures. Early action minimises these risks.

56 TRAINING TO FALL by Manuka Schneider All riders want to avoid ‘unscheduled dismounts’, but few enjoy a riding career without the occasional tumble. The likelihood of injury is reduced, however, if the rider learns to fall safely.

60 WHAT CONTROLS APPETITE AND HUNGER IN HORSES by Dr Jennifer Stewart - Equine Veterinarians Australia Appetite is the sum total of internal factors that either stimulate or inhibit hunger, and the primary driver of appetite in horses is to meet energy requirements.64 WHY THAT SADDLE PAD? by Kaye Meynell Saddle pads vary a great deal in size, shape, material, thickness and price. Their role encompasses protection from sweat, pressure and heat distribution.

70 FOAL BRAG 2014 All the winners and runners up from this year’s Foal Brag competition. Vote for your winner on facebook.

72 BABY ON BOARD Would you take an orphaned Clydesdale on your long service leave camping trip? John and Anita Heath of Victoria did!

72 READER’S STORY PSSM by Felicity Wischer Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy is a hereditary condition that can present with symptoms similar to colic, but actually affects a horse’s muscles.

77 PRODUCT NEWS The latest on what’s new in the market place

78 HORSE FRONT News, veterinary advances and horse happenings around the world.

IBC SUBSCRIBE TO WIN New and current subscribers are eligible to win one of two WeatherBeeta Freestyle Detach-A-Neck rugs To subscribe, visit www.hoofbeats.com.au or ph 08 93970506

Technology has had an enormous impact on our way of life in Australia, influencing virtually everything we do, including horse keeping. Where previously horse owners were limited to the knowledge and information available to them from their own experiences, those they had contact with and educational reference materials like books and magazines, today information is available at the touch of a mouse or screen. Sourcing correct and useful information can take time however, and time is something that seems to be in short supply for most horse owners.Online learning offers horse owners the means of furthering their equine skills and studies with a range of courses available to study from the comfort of your home and in a time frame that can fit in with other commitments. Our article Online Instruction may come as a surprise to those who were unaware of the many equine themed educational opportunities available. ROVING GRAPHIC ARTISTThe workplace has also changed significantly thanks to technology and Hoofbeats is an example of where this has proved extremely beneficial, with many of our staff based interstate. Office Graphic designer, Caitlin Bolger, headed off with four of her showjumpers mid March to compete in a number of events over a six week period. Competing in SA on her way to Werribee, VIC, for the Jumping With the Stars, Caitlin will then commence the long journey back to WA with another stop in South Australia for the State Titles and other events before arriving home. Thanks to a laptop and the internet, Caitlin will be continuing with most of her Hoofbeats duties while on the road and keeping us up to date with her travels – be sure to say HI when you see the Team Bolger truck at events. We’ll keep you up to date on facebook with her events. Good luck Caitlin! IT’S RUG TIME AGAINAutumn brings a change in the weather with cooler days and nights prompting many to bring their rugs out of storage in readiness for rugging their horses. With technology’s influence it should come as no surprise that horse rugs have benefited greatly from improvements in design and manufacture. That said, some horses seem inclined to damage their rugs no matter what! The reasons for this can be many and is discussed in Rug Ruin on page 18. For those looking to buy or replace their horse’s rugs this season there is plenty to tempt you with rugs to suit all horse types, owner preferences and budgets featured in this edition. Please support the advertisers that support Hoofbeats and showcase their products with advertisements that highlight their products’ features and benefits. This summer has once again seen many Australians affected by bush fires, with horse owners among the countless property owners to have suffered property and stock losses. Wendy Elks covered the fires across the country and her report can be seen on page 7. Our thoughts are with those who have a hard emotional and financial journey in front of them to return to pre fire conditions.The Hoofbeats Team

Training to Fall-

page 56Baby On Board - page 72

Online Instruction - page 13

Why that Saddle Pad - page 64

• HorseTrekkingintheLoireValley,France• AydenUhlir,thefirstequestriansponsoredbyNIKE

Ayden Uhlir’s email was a surprise, to say the least. Firstly she is in the US, and we were pleased and flattered that she had chosen us to contact in Australia. Secondly, we all know that Nike doesn’t sponsor equestrian athletes... well they never had before.

Ayden UhlirSponsored byAyden UhlirAyden UhlirSponsored byAyden UhlirSponsored byAyden Uhlir

Last week we received a brief email from a young US dressage rider, Ayden Uhlir, advising us that she was now being sponsored by NIKE - the first ever American equestrian athlete to be sponsored by the sports gear empire. In fact, she is the first ever equestrian athlete world wide to be sponsored by NIKE.

When she responded to my return email congratulating her and asking for more information, you could almost hear the excitement in her writing; this is the email we received in reply.“I have been floating all week and will post more information on my blog tonight. I am a dressage rider. I started riding at 5. I wanted to be an eventer

You could hear the excitement in her writing

but my parents wouldn’t let me take lessons until I got my first level riding patch in dressage. I fell in love with it and never went back. I competed in mainly breed shows when I was younger.

In 2013 I won the Junior National and North American Championship. I was 16 and left home to move to Washington to train with Shauntel Bryant and Jeremy Steinberg. In 2013 I became the first rider to ever win back to back Junior and then Young rider National and North American Gold. I moved to Southern California last fall and I now train with the Olympic medalist Christine Traurig. I will be competing in the small tour this year with my sights set on Tokyo and perhaps Rio!

I contacted one of the Nike executives last fall. He gave my letter and sponsorship material to the VP of Olympic Athletes. She contacted me and said Nike didn’t sign equestrians but she was really impressed and would perhaps send me some gear.

I asked if I could keep her updated with my career. A few months later she called and stopped in with no warning at the barn.

She called a few days later and said I had convinced her to take a chance! The week before Christmas I received dozens of boxes of Nike gear addressed to “new athlete package”. I was so excited. I had to get an agent because they wouldn’t let me sign a contract without one. They sent me to a few. I chose Sheryl Shade of Shade Global, she is so amazing!”Ayden and Sjapor winning Gold at Young Rider Nationals.

Ayden has brought Niketo the equestrian world

Now age 18 and living in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. to continue her gap year training with Christine Traurig, Ayden began her campaign in year 7, by convincing her parents, with a power point presentation, that she would be better off home schooled, which would allow her more time to ride and learn barn managemnt and how to be a trainer. Using K12 iCademy, an online international school provided flexibility for her daily and weekly schedule but was highly demanding, having taken calculus and Latin. Ayden now has a 3.9 GPA (very high) and a scholarship to Seattle University which she will attend in the fall (Autumn).Once her parents realised her dedication, the next step was to purchase a horse to meet her ambitions.

Ayden and her trainer at the time, Bre, went to the Netherlands and returned with Sjapor, a 10 yr old warmblood gelding (Contango x Jenia/Wolfgang)They competed very successfully their first year but the inevitable series of injuries to both horse and rider held them down for the next year. The turning point in her career came when Ayden was accepted into the Emerging Athletes Development Program in 2011. Ayden then moved to Kirkland, Washington to work with USEF coach, Jeremy Steinberg, with her grandmother as ‘chaperone’, while she finished high school. Realising that her parents financial support was nearing an end, Ayden sent many potential sponsors

books about the sport, her achievements and career plans in her campaign for continued funding.As a Nike sponsored athlete Ayden will have an opportunity to work with athletes from many other areas of sport and bring worldwide attention to the equestrian world in the process.Nike designed a riding boot for the 2008 Olympics which was never made public but, as with many of the mainstream Olympic sponsors they don’t normally venture into the ‘niche’ equestrian sports.

Ayden and Sjapor winning Gold at Young Rider Nationals.

Ayden and Sjapor, now 15 years old, training at home.

Ayden’s opportunity with the giant corporation will put a lot of pressure on her to perform well in the future.“I want to do and be my best for Nike, for Sheryl Shade, for myself and for dressage. I want their experiences in our industry to show them the beauty, discipline, power and harmony of our human and equine competitors. I want them to be proud of their faith in me and perhaps increase their participation

and involvement in our industry.” said Ayden.

We also wish Ayden all the best for the future.Left: Ayden winning Young Rider National Gold. Below: Still just a teenager who loves her horse - Ayden with Sjapor.

La

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RenversLateral work involves a range of exercises for the horse

and rider that are used to increase the horse’s suppleness, strength and obedience to the aids and provide an

essential piece of the jigsaw to help create the ultimate equine athlete for any sport or discipline.

EXERCISE Shoulder-in to renvers

Hindquarters Out

Shoulder-in(showing a slight head tilt as rider starts the change to renvers)

Lateral work exercises can start with a simple moving forward and sideways from the rider’s leg, perhaps in the form of a turn on the forehand or basic leg yield, later

developing into shoulder-in and travers – the horse is further suppled by introducing renvers.What is Renvers?Travers (see Feb/March 14 Vol 35 no 5) or ‘hindquarters in’ is when the horse’s forelegs travel on the outside track nearest the wall, and the hind legs travel on an inner track with the horse bent and flexed in the direction of the movement. The inverse position to this would be where the horse’s forelegs travel on the inner track, and the hind legs travelling on the outside track nearest the wall whilst the horse continues to bend and flex in the direction of movement – this is renvers or ‘hindquarters out’!As in travers, the horse will travel on four equal tracks, with both the forelegs and hind legs crossing at an angle of approximately thirty five degrees to the wall, with the horse bent and flexed towards the direction of travel.

by Liz Tollarzo

To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.

ead more click to purchase

Jessica Blackwell - 2005 GraduateOwner and Director, Equestricare

I was ready to handle even the most demanding of clients.

At Marcus, our graduates are professionally prepared and ready for business. Jessica Blackwell now stands at the forefront of the Equine Industry with a thriving enterprise built on the first- hand industry knowledge, business management skills and determination she gained at Marcus.

Our Equine Management course ensures graduates excel as the next generation of innovative, well-educated and passionate industry leaders.

Agriculture | Agribusiness | Equine Management

To find out more about our courses and stories, visit marcusoldham.vic.edu.au or call 1800 623 500

MOC0065Hoofbeats210x280.indd 1 12/03/2014 11:55 am

RU

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When it comes to extremes in weather, there’s no place quite like Australia! From cold, damp and snowy winters, to stifling hot summers, horses in this country are repeatedly subjected to a range of environmental conditions. For many horse

owners, rugs are a necessary part of the daily husbandry regime required to keep their companion comfortable; unfortunately for some their horse isn’t always in complete agreement…enter the ‘rug ruiner’! Whether the horse uses its teeth, paddock fencing, or acts of bodily contortion a gymnast would be proud of, the mission of the rug ruiner is to remove the offending piece of ‘clothing’ by whatever means possible, in as short a time frame as possible. This can either be undertaken by removing the rug entirely (and often miraculously without any damage whatsoever) to ripping the rug to the extent that it becomes non-functional and needs to be thrown away. In fact, WeatherBeeta recently carried out some research that identifies three particular ‘categories’ of horses, each of which generally treat their rugs in a specific way: ‘Rug Friendly’, ‘Rug Houdini’ and ‘Rug Wrecker’ horses!In the past, owners of horses who damaged, destroyed or removed their rugs were forced down one of two roads: regularly replacing or repairing rugs (which can become a costly exercise) or opting to let the horse ‘go naked’. Whilst horses have indeed evolved to withstand a variety of weather conditions, there are examples where they may need some assistance, for example in areas where biting insects are a persistent nuisance, in locations where the weather is extremely hot or cold and wet, where there is a wind chill factor and no shelter, or in the case of elderly or unwell animals whose ability to cope with these extremes is compromised.

RU

G R

UIN

RU

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agreement…enter the ‘rug ruiner’! Whether the horse uses its teeth, paddock fencing, or acts of bodily contortion a gymnast would be proud of, the mission of the rug ruiner is to remove the offending piece of ‘clothing’ by whatever means possible, in as short a time frame as possible. This can either be undertaken by removing the rug entirely (and is to remove the offending piece of ‘clothing’ by whatever means possible, in as short a time frame as possible. This can either be undertaken by removing the rug entirely (and is to remove the offending piece of ‘clothing’ by whatever means possible, in as short a

often miraculously without any damage whatsoever) to ripping the rug to the extent that time frame as possible. This can either be undertaken by removing the rug entirely (and often miraculously without any damage whatsoever) to ripping the rug to the extent that time frame as possible. This can either be undertaken by removing the rug entirely (and

it becomes non-functional and needs to be thrown away. In fact, WeatherBeeta recently carried out some research that identifies three particular ‘categories’ of horses, each of which generally treat their rugs in a specific way: ‘Rug Friendly’, ‘Rug Houdini’ and ‘Rug Wrecker’ horses!In the past, owners of horses who damaged, destroyed or removed their rugs were forced down one of two roads: regularly replacing or repairing rugs (which can become a costly exercise) or opting to let the horse ‘go naked’. Whilst horses have indeed evolved to withstand a variety of weather conditions, there are examples where they may need some assistance, for example in areas where biting insects are a persistent nuisance, in locations where the weather is extremely hot or cold and wet, where there is a wind chill factor and no shelter, or in the case of elderly or unwell animals whose ability to cope with these extremes is compromised.

The mission of a ‘rug ruiner’ is the

ultimate removal or destruction of any

rug, but what causes this behaviour?

by Kaye Meynell

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Since its first appearance in WW1 as a means of transporting injured horses to the field veterinarian, the humble horse float has come a long way. Over the years,

as horses became predominantly used for pleasure and the horse sport industry evolved, so too did floats; from their rudimentary cart-like origins to the sophisticated vehicles seen today that offer ever-increasing levels of safety and comfort for their equine passengers.The sheer number of different floats on offer to today’s horse owner is staggering, meaning choosing one can sometimes feel like a military operation! Aside from the basic styles – angle or straight load; open-sided or enclosed, gooseneck, single or multi-horse carrying capacity – there are also hundreds of permutations when it comes to the ‘add-ons’ such as extended length or height, style of dividers, internal padding, tack areas, rug racks, paint job etc. One of the biggest factors owners find themselves considering when purchasing a float is at the very outset, and this is deciding whether to opt for Australian-made or an overseas import. Opinions are wide and varied when it comes to the advantages of both, and the choice invariably comes down to one’s individual needs and preferences…and of course budget. Knowing what questions to ask when choosing a float is important, especially regarding the differences between Australian-made and imports, and may save a lot of heartache down the track.

Above: Injured horses were transported to the veterinarians during WW1 via this RSPCA cart.Below: Race horse transport from the 1920’s

Have Horse Will Travel by Kaye Meynell

Selecting a float to suit your needs from the Australian and overseas options.

To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.

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Regular ContributorsChris FerreiraNicola Field

Mariette van den BergAndrea Carmody

Jackie RiveDr Ian Chivers

David Nash

Articles, news, photographs, ques-tions and artwork for inclusion in this publication are welcomed and

should be emailed to greenhorse@hoofbeats.com.au

with the sender’s contact details

Number109

Information ExchangeReaders Tips, Views and Questions

Growing Equine HerbsHerbs for Foals

Fact or Fiction

Feral Animals

Weed WatchTwiggy Mullein

Biofuel

Holistic Management

After the Fire

Number 109: April/May 2014Produced by Hoofbeat Publications90 Leslie Road Wandi 6167Ph: 08 9397 0506 Fx: 08 9397 0200greenhorse@hoofbeats.com.auwww.hoofbeats.com.au

Growing Equine Herbs

Weed Watch

Biofuel

Holistic Management

After the Fire

While few want to think about it, anyone who rides horses must accept that the occasional fall

is a possibility. Whether it’s a rapid dumping or a slow slither, coming off is an unpleasant experience that not only dents the pride but often the body as well,

and unfortunately, permanent disability or even death, does occur. Fear of falling can spoil the riding experience for even the most experienced rider. And fear – no matter how well

suppressed - leads to symptoms of anxiety that erode security in the saddle, actually

Wis a possibility. Whether it’s a rapid dumping or a slow slither, coming off is an unpleasant experience that not only dents the pride but often the body as well,

and unfortunately, permanent disability or even death, does occur. Fear of falling can spoil the riding experience for even the most experienced rider. And fear – no matter how well

suppressed - leads to symptoms of anxiety that erode security in the saddle, actually

Learning how to fall to reduce injury

creates relaxation and confidence in the saddle,

which enhances the performance of both

rider and horse.

For the past 15 years Manuka has run clinics and one-to-one sessions based on increasing body awareness and replacing old patterns with a more balanced, free, and coordinated use of self.

Manuka Schneider

Based on the Central Coast from November to March she is available for advance bookings Australia-wide. www.falltraining.org

making falling off more likely. Over the last ten years Manuka Schneider, a Centered-Riding and

Tellington-Ttouch trainer from Germany, has developed a security training program to minimise the risk of falls and prevent more serious injury if a fall does occur. An experienced body trainer for riders, Manuka has pursued professional education in Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, Qi-Gong, Yoga and Dance, applying principles from these disciplines to the program. Manuka says, “Often riders are caught in the trap of an unconscious habit. The way each rider uses their body feels normal and familiar even if they have habitual patterns that cause them to be stiff, crooked or out of balance. The horse feels and reacts to this, which can lead to miscommunication and discomfort. The smallest uncertainty in motion from the rider can create fear in the horse, which distracts attention from the task at hand and can lead to dangerous situations. Anxiety and reduced attention also decrease the combination’s overall performance.”

Courage to leave the saddle is better than holding on for too long, and rolling with the movement is taking positive action to prevent injury.

to FALLTraining

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Why that Saddle Pad?I

t’s the quest of many a horse owner to find that impeccably fitting saddle for their horse; one that’s balanced, allows freedom of movement and is comfortable. Unfortunately, for many reasons saddles don’t always perfectly

fit the horses they are used on– whether this is due to financial constraints (owners of several horses may simply be unable to afford separate saddles for each horse) or because the horse is changing shape (e.g. a growing youngster or a horse at the start of a fittening program). In these instances, owners reach for a saddle pad to help ensure the saddle is as comfortable as possible for their horse. Originally, the term ‘saddle pad’ referred to those styles used in English riding, with ‘saddle blanket/saddlecloth’ used for Western riding. These days, with the advent of online shopping, and to avoid confusion for overseas buyers, the terms saddle pad, saddle cloth and saddle blanket are all used interchangeably. In addition to these, there are ‘riser’ pads and ‘wedge’ pads, which do differ from general saddle pads in that their purpose is to alter the position of the saddle on the horse’s back (i.e. by raising the front or back of the saddle), though these are not addressed in depth in this article. As with most equine-related equipment on the market today, there is a vast array of styles and materials being utilised in the construction of saddle pads, and they have come a long way since the first basic, blanket-like styles that originated centuries ago to protect saddles from sweat and dirt. Today, the shape and the role of the saddle pad has evolved dramatically to encompass changing fashions,

Originally designed to protect saddles from sweat and dirt, saddle pads today offer a range of options from heat reduction to a more comfortable saddle fit. To read more click to purchase

this issue or subscribe.To read more click to purchase

town. In the afternoon, riders cross the Amboise forest up to Herserie castle, which offers bed and breakfast accommodation.Following the Cher river, today’s ride is to the stunning Chenonceau castle, also known as ‘the chateau of the Ladies’ since throughout its history it has been loved, governed and protected by women. Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, and successively improved upon by Diane de Poitiers (who ordered the construction of the famous arched bridge over the river) then Catherine de Medici. Chenonceau was also protected from the revolution by Madame Dupin. After the death of Henry II, in a true act of revenge against her rival, Catherine de Medici forced Diane de Poitiers to exchange it for the less striking Chaumont-sur-Loire as she knew how much the mistress loved Chenonceau.After a tour of this chateau’s stunning interior it is time for the last ride of the trip. This will continue to follow the Cher river, riding along its banks in the afternoon sunlight and through the town of Montrichard. Here riders say goodbye to their horses before returning to the Château de Vallagon, for a sumptuous farewell dinner. This is the perfect ride for those wishing to submerge themselves in French culture and history whilst enjoying riding. The fit, forward going horses are suitable for intermediate riders spending 4-6hrs in the saddle per day (even after wine tasting!). The hosts are very knowledgeable and passionate about their country and have thought through every last detail of this trail in order that they might provide you with an all-encompassing French adventure.

Chenonceau Castle, the Chateau of the Ladies.

Lunch stop at the support vehicle cafe.

Ride in for a tour of castles and chateaux.

Once a platform for advertising, the web is now a sophisticated educational forum, offering everything from university degree courses, to

live surgery assisted by long-distance colleagues. Experts in almost any field with the motivation, a computer, video camera and basic know-how can post live-recorded tutorials to reach a global audience. Such learning is a boon to academic study and how-to videos can help in all manner of practical applications. The question of whether or not virtual learning and teaching can be applied successfully to something hands-on like horse riding is an interesting one, and is one on which the jury may still be out. Recent research indicates swelling numbers of horse trainers and equestrian educators are embracing this new dimension - not just to post demonstrations showcasing their skills or to help those without access to an instructor - but as an ever increasing option to their business.Virtual colleges are offering courses in horse ownership, riding, coaching accreditation, and how to run an equestrian-based business; while solo

instructors offer teaching and coaching via video-viewing and feedback (though live coaching via TV/video transmission will not be far away), and services such as test and competition appraisal. Now that technology is so universal and accessible, interactive instruction between pupil and teacher can take place without them ever having to meet. While this may not necessarily be desirable, it does open up enormous possibilities, especially in a country with a far-flung population like Australia. Keen pupils of equitation and horsemanship once had little more to enhance their off-horse learning than studying the old masters and contemporary trainers, in books, and then DVDs. The new technologies embrace visual learning, which research shows is highly efficient and there’s nothing lost in translation.

ONLINENow part of the

education landscape, online learning can enhance riding in a

variety of ways.

by Wendy Elks

ONLINENow part of the

education landscape, online learning can enhance riding in a

variety of ways.

by Wendy Elks

w w w

Continued

INSTRUCTION

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Horsetrekking through French History

by Danielle Mann

Chateaux of the Loire Trail

Steeped in history and blessed with beautiful rolling countryside as well as spectacular architecture the Loire Valley in central France transports you to another age; and seeing it from the back of a

horse is guaranteed to enhance this experience. The region is said to be the Cradle of the French Language as well as the Garden of France due to the wealth of vinyards, fruit orchards and asparagus fields that line the mighty Loire river. The Loire itself is a legendary river listed as World Heritage by UNESCO and known as Europe’s last untamed river. Flowing 634 miles it is the longest river in the country and one of the most unspoilt and capricious.

Chambord Chateau

The Loire Valley is rich in history through the ages.

The region is famous for its historic towns, architecture and wines, and archaeological evidence suggests it has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic period .The chateaux are closely related to the kings of France and as such have been skillfully maintained. Riding through this ‘département’ (French version of a county) is like riding into a fairytale landscape; high turrets, intricate gables, over-hanging lanterns, bold buttresses and towering pinnacles. As you clatter through the cobbled streets atop your sure-footed steed the resonance of this era in French history is quite tangible. Over the course of the week-long ride guests visit several chateaux dating from the 15th to the 17th century, all with a fascinating past as well as impressive facades and grounds.

Run by the well known, worldwide horse trekking company, Unicorn Trails (www.unicorntrails.com) this trek is one of many available throughout France and Europe.The meeting point for this six days of riding trek over seven nights, through the Loire Valley is Montrichard, a bustling medieval market town dominated by a lofty keep. Guests arrive and overnight at the Château de Vallagon, a charming three star hotel with a restaurant offering authentic French cuisine. This is an opportunity to meet the rest of the group and discuss the trail ahead before a comfortable night’s sleep.The next morning riders are introduced to their horses and the trail begins! There are approx 15 Selle Francais and Anglo-Arab horses available for riding varying in height from 15.2hh to 17hh. They are calm and experienced and ridden in English tack and English style with a relaxed, long rein when walking but a contact when moving at a faster pace. Riders can participate as much or as little as they wish with saddling, grooming

and otherwise caring for the horses; it is not obligatory, but it is a good way to get to know your trekking companion. The morning is dedicated to getting to know the horses, riding out into the countryside across to a little troglodyte village called Bourré, then following the river Cher up to Thésée with its roman vestiges. Moving onwards through hills covered with vinyards the group makes a stop at a wine producer’s estate for a picnic and wine tasting. After a siesta the group, now familiar with the horses, have the opportunity to enjoy a quick gallop through the softly undulating hills before arriving at the medieval castle of Chémery, the base for the night.

Montrichard on the River Cher, 190km from Paris

Chambord Chateau

Riding through ancient villages in the Loire Valley

Chateaux of the Loire Valley trek begins and ends in Montrichard, close to Tours. Easily accessible by train,or road. Contact Unicorn Trails 0044 1767 600 606 orsales@unicorntrails.com

The following morning is a lengthy ride through forests and rural settlements en route to Cheverny, a 17th century chateau that displays both a Henry IV and Louis XIII style façade; for this reason Cheverny demonstrates a rare architectural unity of style, having been commissioned and completed within a 30-year period. This chateau is also renowned for its famous hounds; a pack of 70 dogs is kept on its grounds. The same family has owned this property for over 700 years and it has been handed down from generation to generation. After a picnic lunch and a tour of the interior there’s a further couple of hours’

is the largest of the chateau visited on this trip and a picnic in the grounds as well as a tour of the castle is scheduled before riding on to Blois, taking in river views and forested tracks. Next morning’s ride is through a flatter, more rural

unique constructions of the period combining French Medieval architecture with Italian Renaissance. What makes this strange dual inspiration even more interesting is that the artist behind its creation remains a mystery. At the start of the 20th century Leonardo Di Vinci was considered the designer but, while he could have assisted in the inspiration, he died before it was completed so could not have directed its construction. Still, there are certain tell-tale motifs that strongly suggest he had influence over the design. Chambord

landscape across open, fertile fields and grasslands with the opportunity to enjoy some lively trots and canters on the level terrain en route to the Loire riverbanks near Candé sur Beuvron. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where guests stop and relax before touring the chateau. This ancient fortress, reconstructed in the 15th century, was the subject of an argument between queen Catherine de Médici, widow of Henry II, and her rival Diane de Poitiers, his mistress (the end result of which is discovered on visiting the stunning chateau Chenonceau later on the trail). A short ride brings guests to a meadow for the horses at Rilly sur Loire while the riders spend the night in a hotel at Chaumont.

After breakfast guests are returned to their horses to ride south following the river Loire near the beach and then into the hills through a rolling landscape, passing renowned vineyards of the Touraine appellation and cereal fields. Arriving in Amboise early afternoon riders stop for a picnic lunch before visiting the castle. The 15th century was a wealthy period for Amboise, when the kings Louis XI, Charles VIII, and Francis 1st put funds into expanding its environs as well as embellishing the already ornate architecture of the

Crossing one of the many small rivers in the valley.

Ruins and renovated castles, such as Amboise, abound on the trek.

riding to the overnight accommodation at Bracieux, travelling through flat land with forests dotted along the course of the trail.It’s back in the saddle next morning and onto the trail heading north towards Chambord, one of the most

town. In the afternoon, riders cross the Amboise forest up to Herserie castle, which offers bed and breakfast accommodation.Following the Cher river, today’s ride is to the stunning Chenonceau castle, also known as ‘the chateau of the Ladies’ since throughout its history it has been loved, governed and protected by women. Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, and successively improved upon by Diane de Poitiers (who ordered the construction of the famous arched bridge over the river) then Catherine de Medici. Chenonceau was also protected from the revolution by Madame Dupin. After the death of Henry II, in a true act of revenge against her rival, Catherine de Medici forced Diane de Poitiers to exchange it for the less striking Chaumont-sur-Loire as she knew how much the mistress loved Chenonceau.After a tour of this chateau’s stunning interior it is time for the last ride of the trip. This will continue to follow the Cher river, riding along its banks in the afternoon sunlight and through the town of Montrichard. Here riders say goodbye to their horses before returning to the Château de Vallagon, for a sumptuous farewell dinner. This is the perfect ride for those wishing to submerge themselves in French culture and history whilst enjoying riding. The fit, forward going horses are suitable for intermediate riders spending 4-6hrs in the saddle per day (even after wine tasting!). The hosts are very knowledgeable and passionate about their country and have thought through every last detail of this trail in order that they might provide you with an all-encompassing French adventure.

Chenonceau Castle, the Chateau of the Ladies.

Lunch stop at the support vehicle cafe.

Ride in for a tour of castles and chateaux. On the grounds of Amboise Chateau