Please be aware!

Please be Vigilant.

How Many Plaits?

It is entirely up to you how many plaits you use. At one time, it was tradition to use only seven up the neck with the forelock plait making eight. However, this practice has now died out, reflecting the need to use more or less plaits according the length and conformation of individual horses’ necks. The custom of having an odd number of plaits up the neck remains however, with the forelock plait always making an even number. You should always aim to accentuate your horse’s neck by using plaits strategically, this includes both the number of plaits and the size or type of plait you use. For example, you can make a short neck look longer by using more smaller plaits along the neck and conversely, fewer large plaits can make a longer neck look shorter. Where you position the plaits will also create a certain effect. A weak top-line can be improved by sitting the plaits up along the crest of the neck, whereas a thickset neck will be improved if the plaits are tucked neatly down to the side. As you can see, plaiting is an art and as you do it more regularly you will begin to acquire an ‘eye’ for what will suit each horse.

When plaiting a mane try to use a needle and thread rather than elastic bands, as these do not secure the plaits as well and can damage the mane if used regularly. If plaiting for the show ring, plaits should be secured with cotton of a colour as similar to the mane as possible. White cotton, on black or chestnut manes is fine for dressage, but it is not correct for showing. While it may take up to an hour to plait a mane if it is something new to you, with practise you will soon be plaiting a whole mane within twenty minutes to half an hour.

Step-by-Step Mane Plaiting Techniques

Part the mane into sections and secure them using plaiting bands. Plastic bulldog hair clips are a great help when plaiting as they hold unwanted sections out of the way until needed. If it is to look neat when finished, a thicker mane will need more sections (and so more plaits as a result) than a thinner one. In general, most manes usually accommodate between seven and thirteen plaits, although this is not a rule.

1. Take the first section in your hands, working from poll to withers, or vice-versa if you prefer, and divide it into three. Then plait down taking the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle and so on, so that all the strands alternate round. Keep the tension fairly tight as this makes for a nice even plait when finished.

2. When you can plait no further sew around the bottom with needle and thread to prevent the plait from unwinding. Make a small loop and then also sew around this to prevent any stray hairs from poking out of the plait when finished.

3. With the needle and cotton still attached to the plait, push the needle up through the base of the plait in the centre.

4. Pull upwards so that the plait folds under itself making a loop. Then put the needle back through the bottom of the loop and pull up once more so that the loop doubles up making a ‘ball’ or ‘plait.’

5. Push the needle up through the centre again and this time take the needle around to the left and then up through the base of the plait and then repeat the process to the right. Do this a few times to secure the whole plait.

6. Run the cotton around the base of the whole plait and then push the needle down through the plait (not in to the horse’s neck) and knot it through a section of the underneath hairs. Cut it close to the knot so that no ugly lumps or straggling ends of cotton are visible.

7. Proceed down the mane until all the plaits are secured and even. Remember to secure each plait underneath.

8. You can plait the forelock in a similar way, which is often easiest to start off with, although if the forelock is particularly thick you may need to use a French plait, as you would for plaiting a tail (see last month’s issue or find it at www.eqlife.co.uk/features)

9. When removing plaits be very careful not to cut any of the mane. An ordinary dressmaker’s seam stripper is a very useful tool to have when removing plaits as it prevents this from happening.

A perfectly plaited mane

If a mane has been well pulled, it will be easier to plait in the normal way, although there are other plaiting techniques than can be used for longer manes. Always remember that it is far more difficult to plait a newly washed mane, so if for any reason you find you need to wash the mane, do so at least a whole day before show, if not two or three days beforehand. If it is essential that the mane is kept scrupulously clean in-between washing and the show day, you can use a linen or Lycra hood, or a more protective one if your horse is turned out.

Plaiting problems

Where a horse has been poorly clipped, or had his mane badly pulled in the past, you may find he has short hairs that stick straight upwards along his crest. These can detract from the streamlined look you are trying to create, but you must never cut them off, or the problem will be twice as bad the next time you come to plait. While these hairs are growing out you can use human hair gel to stick them down, without detriment to your horse’s mane or appearance, as it doesn’t show.

Looking at the calendar I can’t believe that Easter is upon us and the winter gone: perhaps it’s because I’ve been so busy! With my circuits being well worn from working hard with riders, during my cooling off rest, I’ve been mulling over the work of the RDA with special groups and the word ‘autism’ comes to mind. Researching through the RDA system I came upon some interesting reflections that I would like to share with you.
Rhoda Young, an Advanced Occupational Therapist, wrote: “I am an Occupational Therapist and also a British Horse Society Advanced Instructor. I have previously worked at the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy where I gained my diploma in Equine Assisted Therapy. I am a true believer that horses are a catalyst for change. One rider, with autism, has found the horse has enabled him to communicate to us just how able he can be, and as a consequence of this his mother is less hands-on with him. Equine Assisted Therapy is a unique and powerful medium that helps individuals to reach their full potential.” Interestingly, another helper has also written about an Autistic rider, which follows: “I am side walking a profoundly autistic teenager. Though I have accompanied him many times, he doesn’t acknowledge me. He avoids looking directly at any of the helpers. He is tense and stiff as he starts his ride and pulls at the pony’s mane. I attempt to release his hold on the pony – and he grabs my thumb in a vice-like grip. Gradually, he absorbs the pony’s rhythmic gait and begins to relax. He lets go of my hand. I talk to him, encourage and praise him. But I still don’t exist. I am in my world. And he is in his. I continue to look up at him – and smile. Quite suddenly he looks at me – eye to eye. Though his expression does not change, he slowly raises his hand and gives me a thumbs-up. For just a few seconds we share the same world. I wish my rider knew the sheer joy that moment gave to me. Perhaps he did know.”
Yes, I know, a bit sombre for Easter isn’t it but, many of you reading this may well identify with the above and I hope from this gain an important insight into the serious side to RDA, the Shelley Centre, and the work of our horses, ponies and volunteers. I hope you had an enjoyable Easter as well as eating your chocolate eggs!
Oh! If you have overindulged, why not join us for the sponsored walk starting and finishing at the Centre on Sunday May 6? Contact the centre for further details of how to join us; we’d love to see you.

Find out more about The Shelley Centre at www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html or call 01473 824172.

Maureen Clarke from Mautby

“This handy little balancing strap, attaches to the front of the saddle and enables riders to balance themselves without relying on the reins, and encourages riders to keep their hands in a better place.”

Eileen Parker from Ormesby works at Croft Farm Riding School

“The coloured reins, are invaluable for clients to establish keeping their reins at the required and also equal length.”

Ellie Patterson from near Gt Yarmouth

Phoebe is modelling the Kemp Controller, a headcollar attachment that provides more control when handling horses and ponies on the floor. “It attaches each side of the headcollar and when they pull or barge it applies pressure on the nose, and releases when they stop. It’s good for turning out and catching stronger horses and ponies.”

Wendy Morley from Ipswich

“I use either Rescue Remedy or Badger Balm, to help calm my nerves before a show. Rescue Remedy sprays in your mouth, or Badger Balm rubs into your skin. Anything that helps with show nerves can only be good!”

Wendy Fry from Walton

Lynn Russell ‘Quick Plait Spray’, “Stays sticky so keeps the mane in place during plaiting and saves keep wetting it. Was recommended by a friend last year and I haven’t plaited without it since.”
Equi-Lunge: “This is a schooling aid which attaches to the bridle at the poll then to the girth between front legs. A clip on a pulley system is attached to the bit meaning the only pressure applied is dependent on the horse. It encourages her to round over her back and develop the top line. This was recommended to me by a dressage judge.”

Nessa Pratt from Sparham, proprietor of Nessa’s Tack Shop

Nessa recommends the Daisy Rein, The two straps she is holding at the bottom clip onto the D rings of the saddle and the strap then runs along the top of the neck and attaches to the top of the head piece. “I use this on my child’s pony as it stops him from snacking at grass. It is a great little gadget for cheeky ponies and it can prevent any bucking too.”

Angela Tuck from Ipswich

“I have two great gadgets – one is my balance strap, which clips on to the front of the saddle. It’s just there if you need that extra piece of security with a naughty horse, a youngster or a nervous rider. It has definitely saved me a few bruises!”
The other is my Lincoln Grooming Block, which is great for getting out all the loose hair when his winter coat is coming out, and the price was great too.

Rachel Humphrey and Cliff Smith from Great Yarmouth

“This mountain block, is large and sturdy and for the less able or elderly another person can stand on too to assist. As well as it being strong it is also very easy to manoeuvre as it has handles both sides. It is made by Martello Plastics.”
Poop-a-Scoop: “This is a great little tool for picking up droppings on artificial surfaces. It is compact and easy to store out of the way and is very efficient at its job. The little rake style scoop picks everything up but without taking the surface with it too.”

In this issue our experts discuss Artificial Insemination, acupuncture and horses that pull away when tied up so read on to find out more…

Q: Is Artificial Insemination a safe option if I wanted to breed from my mare, and does it increase the likelihood of success?

Diana Verhulst DVM, CertEP, MRCVS from Anchorage Barn Equine Clinic, Kings Lynn answers:
In continental Europe over 80% of horses are now being bred by Artificial Insemination (AI). Here in the UK, however, AI has been slower to gain popularity in the horse world. This is in part due to the importance of the thoroughbred breeding industry in this country, which specifically bans the use of AI in racehorses. But the last ten years has seen an increased interest in the breeding of sports horses in the UK and semen from a wide variety of stallions, including top stallions from all over the world, has become available.
AI means the transfer of semen from the stallion to the mare without physical mating. Semen can be used either fresh, chilled or frozen. Fresh semen needs to be inseminated into the mare within a few hours of collection. Chilled semen is transported in special containers (at 4°C) and is best used within 48 hours. Frozen semen can be stored in liquid nitrogen indefinitely.
Whereas fresh and chilled semen will give good pregnancy rates if inseminated within 12 hours of ovulation, frozen semen needs to be inseminated within six hours of ovulation. The timing of ovulation can be predicted by a veterinary surgeon using ultrasound examinations and ovulation inducing injections. This is very important to get good pregnancy results. This veterinary management is more intensive, and thus more costly, for frozen semen than for chilled or fresh semen. As a rule, frozen semen is more suitable for younger mares or mares with a foal at foot. Fresh and chilled semen can be used for a broader spectrum of mares.

Advantages of AI
With AI economic savings can be made as the mare (and foal) don’t have to travel. A wide choice of stallions from the UK and abroad is available, so the best and most suitable breeding lines can be used. The increased veterinary supervision necessary can improve conception rates for ‘difficult’ breeders and AI also reduces the chances of uterine infection.
However, the veterinary management costs are often greater than breeders anticipate. The cost of semen transportation (and of storage, in the case of frozen semen) and screening for venereal pathogens also needs to be taken into consideration.
Breeding from your mare can be very exciting and rewarding but consider carefully what you will do with the foal as raising young stock is costly. Seek further advice from your vet and from experienced breeders before embarking on breeding a foal. Choosing one of the veterinary practices included on the BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) list of AI practices will ensure good facilities and veterinary surgeons who are experienced in the use of AI (www.beva.org.uk/useful-info/Directories/Artificial-Insemination).

Q: Can acupuncture be used to treat horses and what conditions can it help?

Helen Whitbread BVetMed Cert VR MRCVS, from Deben Valley Equine Veterinary Clinic in Framsden, Suffolk answers:
Acupuncture is a treatment involving the stimulation of specific points in the body, usually by the insertion of very fine needles. Acupuncture increases the body’s release of natural painkillers called endorphin and serotonin; it also modifies pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord. As horses have such a strong twitch reflex (for fly removal!) or simply hate needles, a low level of standing sedation may be required. Generally it is a very relaxing procedure and some horses will become quite sleepy even without drugs. It can help muscles, and the circulatory, reproductive, digestive and urinary systems, as well as affect antibody production and hormone output. My caseload includes a lot of poor performance horses particularly with back or lameness problems. Reducing the pain in muscles can have a profound beneficial effect on their recovery; this can mean less drugs are required. I am also frequently asked by the physiotherapists and chiropractors with whom I work to perform acupuncture as they have noticed better responses to treatment in our patients.
The other group of horses in which we have seen an amazing improvement in both their demeanour and ability to move after acupuncture is the older horse. Many of these have gradually got stiff over the years and developed their own ways of compensating, which often results in so much muscle tightness that the whole horse ends up like a board. After just one treatment it is so rewarding to have an owner call the next day and say their old horse ‘bounced’ out the stable for the first time in years!
It is illegal for anyone other than a qualified veterinary surgeon to perform acupuncture on animals. More information is available on our website www.debenvalleyvet.co.uk or western veterinary acupuncture group website.

Q: My new horse hates being tied up and starts to fidget as soon as I step away, often pulling back until the string breaks. Once she is ‘free’ she stands completely still. Is there something that I can do to stop her from doing this?

Kelly Taylor, equine behaviour consultant BSc (hons) BCABA EBQ, from Essex answers:
It is hard to give a definite answer for why this is happening because I do not know all of the details, but many horses find it difficult to stand still whilst being tied up. ‘Fidgeting’ is one of the ways that horses behave when they are feeling anxious. Not being able to run from any danger is quite frightening for a prey animal, especially one that uses flight to escape. Horses are often tied facing walls, and if tied up short, it can be almost impossible for them to turn their heads and see behind them. This can make them feel very vulnerable. In order to help your new horse settle, I suggest that you make sure that she is not alone whilst on the yard, she will feel safer if another horse, preferably a field companion is nearby. If you can, tie her so that she is not facing a wall, but can see her surroundings. I would also give her some hay to eat whilst tied up; feeding her from the floor allows her to eat easily. Finally, you could scatter some chopped vegetables on top of the hay; this will allow her an opportunity to forage. Performing such a natural behaviour will occupy her time and give her something positive to focus on instead.

www.solacetraining.co.uk

The Stanton Rides, in north Suffolk, are made up of 22 miles of bridleway and country roads. The route covers the villages of Stanton, Bardwell, Hepworth, Barningham, Market Weston and Hopton.
The route was originally mapped in the early 1990s but parts of it had fallen into disrepair in recent years. In 2010 Sharon contacted Suffolk County Council in the hope of getting it back in use.
During that year a team from Bardwell Manor Equestrian Centre rode the whole route to check for access problems and discovered numerous problems with some tracks impossible to pass when mounted. Suffolk County Council then helped to get the tracks clear and to produce a new leaflet with a fold out map. The ride is now divided into three loops that are coloured on the map. The Yellow ‘Stanton Loop’ is 12 miles, the green ‘Barningham Loop’ is six miles and the red ‘Hopton Loop’ is 10 miles. It is easy to join the loops together to make longer or different rides.

This ride takes in parts of both the yellow and green route.
Setting off from Bardwell Manor EC you turn left and head into the village of Bardwell. Turn right at the village green and head up the hill with the Six Bells pub on your right. Take your first left down a single track road and at the bottom of the hill turn right up a narrow track. This track is fine for a short steady canter. The track finishes at the B1111. You turn right up the B1111 for a short uphill stretch (this road may have faster moving traffic). At the top of the hill turn right up a track. You are now moving out into open farmland. At the oak tree turn left and then the track swings left and right before opening into a long slightly down hill stretch which is suitable for a stronger canter. The track turns left and then ends up in a road where you go straight on. You cross the B1111 and then head onto a long, wide grass track which is suitable for a strong canter or gallop and with lovely views of open countryside.
At the end of this track you can either turn left and head back to Bardwell through Bowbeck or turn right and continue on the green loop which leads to some great canter tracks around the Hepworth area.

Parking: Riders can park horseboxes at Bardwell Manor EC here for a small charge of just £2.00. The centre has a shower room and electric hook ups so you can even camp for a few days and ride more of the network. You can also book lessons with the centre’s qualified instructors. Find out more at www.bardwell-equestrian.co.uk

Sharon is another great local person battling to keep the countryside open to riders. If you’ve helped to preserve a bridleway or just want to highlight your favourite ride, get in touch. Email editor@eqlife.co.uk.

VB. I understand that the role you now have is a new post. How did this come about and what does your current role consist of?
FN. Mary Wright, Livestock Coordinator was responsible for both sections (Livestock and Equine) as the show got bigger over the years this became a massive role for one person. The RNAA decided to split the roles and create an Equine Administrator in a standalone post, but operating under the experienced eye of Mary. The role requires me to coordinate all aspects of the equine side of the Royal Norfolk Show. Writing the schedule and catalogue, taking the entries, ordering rosettes, liaising with all the relevant breed societies to make sure we are using the correct rules. Ensuring we have judges, course builders (not forgetting the show jumps and of course the flowers) and stewards on the day, arranging stabling, posting out tickets to exhibitors. If it’s to do with horses – I probably have to sort it out.

VB. Is there a typical day for you and if so what is it?
FN. This really depends at what stage of the show you are at. As each part needs to be dealt with at a certain time in order to meet the deadlines. So each day involves a lot of communication by phone and email to make sure all the necessary information is at hand. Then you move on to the next area and so on.

VB. You had a long spell at Redwings before this role. What was your reason for leaving and does any of your experience there give you an advantage in your current role?
FN. Unfortunately I was made redundant. My last role at RHS required a great deal of communication across many levels of the organisation and the ability to prioritize without getting flustered was crucial. I have always enjoyed dealing with tasks on a large scale; it gives me a real buzz and sense of achievement. I have always been able to react to short notice demands and very much enjoy the pressure this creates. It’s essential to be able to communicate effectively, be able to problem solve and ensure you are always working as efficiently as possible.

VB. How do you feel you can make a difference to the Royal Norfolk Show in 2012?
FN. Mary did wonders with starting off the 2012 show before I started. I feel you need to do a show before you can really make any changes. I never realised what went into organising the Royal Norfolk Show, but now I know different!

VB. What is your own background with horses? Do you own, ride or compete yourself?
FN. I started riding at four years of age and have never looked back. In my younger days I enjoyed gymkhanas and had a pony that went like a rocket. I then moved onto showjumping and cross-country. I was very lucky to get a ride on a friend’s horse that was a super show jumper and we spent our weekends out in the lorry doing affiliated showjumping. I sold my horse before going to Writtle College so I could concentrate on my studies. I then had the opportunity to loan a horse for a number of years, during which time we had great fun and he taught me a lot about ‘stick ability’, unfortunately he went lame. Then my love for dressage took off; I was offered a ride on a dressage schoolmaster. He really gave me the dressage bug and we enjoyed competing at local level. Once he retired, I bought my current horse Zie Dance aka Dan. He is now seven but still acts like a four year old. He came over from Holland and is a Dutch Warmblood KWPN. We compete at affiliated dressage at Elementary level and work towards Medium at home under the very watchful eye of Lynn Fielder. Last year we competed for Norfolk in the Inter County Challenge and we also qualified for the Petplan Area Festival. We like to keep busy and hope to have another successful season this summer. Who thought going straight and standing square could be so rewarding?

VB. Since starting your new role have you faced any significant challenges?
FN. As you are always working to a deadline you have very little time to learn what needs doing, so it has been very much a case of getting in at the deep end, but Mary has been very supportive and always points me in the right direction, there is not much Mary doesn’t know off the top of her head.

VB. Having come from a non-horsey background, you went on to study at Writtle College–do you feel that what you learned there prepared you in any way for your current role? You are also a Norfolk girl born and bred – has this helped too?
FN. For me it was really important to get a degree in order to support my desire to work within the horse industry. I never knew what I wanted to do, just that horses had always been my main interest. Writtle certainly gave me a broad knowledge of the horse industry as you cover so many subjects from anatomy and physiology, land management to advanced equitation. Being organised has always come naturally to me and I think that has been a really important factor to the success of all my roles. I have always been a ‘hands on’ practical person as well as enjoying the business side of work, I have found this to be very beneficial in the workplace and important to get stuck in and work alongside your team; after all we are all working towards the same goal. Norfolk has been a great county to grow up and work in, you just have to make the effort to get involved with events and organisations in your area.

VB. If you could have any equine related role in the world – what would it be and why?
FN. Tricky one! I love Badminton Horse Trails; so to be involved with this event would be great (but only if I could do some shopping too!)

Frances Claire Norton

Official Occupation: Equine Administrator
Qualifications: BSc Equine Studies from Writtle Agricultural College in 2000
Lives: Hainford
Works: Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association

Having graduated in 2000, Frances Norton then managed a large livery yard before gaining a position at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Starting as a member of the Equine Centre Staff team, she was quickly promoted to Equine Centre Manager and then to Equine Centre Coordinator. After eight and half years at Redwings a successful interview for the position of Equine Administrator saw her starting this new role at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association RNAA in November 2011.
Frances lives with her fiancé on a farm and when she’s not working with horses, or riding, she helps with the cattle as chief gate opener and accountant! Frances’ parents live in Blofield Heath and have always been very supportive of her riding ambition, “but I am not sure they ever enjoyed watching me jump,” she says.

Quick Fire

Best bits about your job: talking to excited exhibitors
Worst bit about your job: It’s not in my nature to dislike anything but it’s difficult to process entries when vital information is missing, but it’s nothing a phone call can’t sort out.
Best experience: Helping on the farm at home and seeing all the new calves running round in the sun
Worst experience: Falling off a 12.2hh pony and hitting the ground headfirst
Hobbies: Dressage
Favourite holiday destination: Badminton Horse Trials (it’s the only holiday you get when you live with a farmer!)
Current horse/pet: Zie Dance

BOCM Pauls (Hickstead Horse Feeds)
Bury St.Edmunds, Suffolk
T: 01359 272927
www.hicksteadhorsefeeds.co.uk

BOCM PAULS came into being in 1992, formed by the amalgamation of two businesses operating in the animal feed industry. Pauls Agriculture was founded in the early nineteenth century to trade in malt and barley for brewers. BOCM Silcock also has its roots in the nineteenth century being one of the earliest crushers of oilseeds to produce vegetable oils for the human food industries and for soap manufacture. Today BOCM Pauls is the UK’s leading animal feed producer, with its horse feed brand Hickstead Horse Feeds producing exceptional, specialised feeds that incorporate quality raw materials.

Ben Burgess & Company
Norwich, Norfolk
T: 01603 628251
www.benburgess.co.uk

Ben Burgess & Company was founded in 1932 by Ben Burgess, Edward Burgess and Norman Marshall. The first tractor franchise was the Marshall that was produced by Norman’s father. This was at a time when the farming community did not yet accept diesel power, but despite the early scepticism the popping sound of the diesel tractors soon became popular around the farmyards of Norfolk. With the success of the Marshall tractors came other franchises such as Turner Tractors, Claas Combines and Lundell Foragers. In 1964 the company was appointed one of the first John Deere dealers in the UK.
Ben Burgess & Company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1989. The company supplies horticultural and agricultural equipment to Sandringham Estate.
“We’re very proud to hold the warrant; it provides credibility for the firm and gives evidence of the excellent service we provide. The Royal Warrant is recognised all over the world and therefore encourages our export market worldwide.”

H. & C. Beart Ltd
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
T: 01366 388151
www.bearts.co.uk

Starting life in the 1920s, H & C Beart Ltd traded in grain, seed and fertilisers and compound animal feeds in the local area. In 1988 Bearts became main distributors for Rice Trailers in East Anglia with workshop facilities for repairs and servicing support. In 1992 H&C Beart Ltd was awarded The Royal Warrant by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of the quality of products and services to Sandringham: a fitting tribute in Beart’s Diamond Jubilee year. A true family business with nine family members of staff, the company mills animal feeds, sells new and used trailers and horseboxes and runs a popular store.

Judge’s Choice Pet Food Ltd
East Harling, Norfolk
T: 01953 714648
www.judgeschoice.com

Judges Choice is a family owned business based in Norfolk that makes and supplies a wide range of high quality dog and cat food and pet accessories. Judges Choice has been the proud holder of the Royal Warrant for the supply of pet food to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since the millennium.
“In the creation of our products; in the levels of our customer service; and in our core business ethics we endeavour to maintain the standards of integrity that merit this high honour.”

George Goddard Ltd
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
T: 01603 661220
www.goddards-tailoring.co.uk

Since 1895, George Goddard has been providing personal and bespoke tailoring services to discerning individuals. The company is renowned for producing some of the finest garments available, in top quality pure new wool and traditional Tweeds from the UK’s finest mills.

Loddon Stables
Loddon, Norfolk
T: 01508 520744
www.loddon.co.uk

Loddon Engineering Ltd was formed in 1960, primarily to manufacture and sell agricultural equipment. The company grew, largely due to its association with Agricultural Agents selling a range of cattle feeding and handling equipment.
In 1972 Loddon became the first UK company to launch a range of internal stabling and for the past 40 years the name ‘Loddon’ has become a generic name for this type of stable. This product has produced phenomenal growth, not only in the UK but in the worldwide market.
Loddon Stables displays the Royal Warrant with pride. Managing director Roger Buck says: “It enables us to prove that we are a well established company that provides excellent service. It particularly helps in our export market where our royalty is well accepted.”

Studfarm Fencing Services
Thetford, Norfolk
T: 01842 766912

Studfarm Fencing Services supplies and erects all types of fencing for the bloodstock industry including gates, lunging rings, field shelters and maneges, using only the best quality timber. Suppliers to the Sandringham Estate as well as undertaking projects in France and Italy and across Europe, this Thetford-based company is a family business and has held the warrant for around eight years.

J Everitt & Sons
March, Cambridgeshire
T: 01354 740524

Supplier of hay, straw, horse feeds and bedding to Sandringham. Established for 30 years by Jim Everitt this Cambridgeshire company is proud to carry the Royal Warrant since 2006. “We applied for the warrant on July 1 that year but had to wait until the week before Christmas to find out we had been awarded it – what a Christmas present! It has certainly boosted business and we’re very proud.”

Sundown Products LTD
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
T: 01480 860745
www.sundownproducts.co.uk

Sundown has been manufacturing premium bedding for the equine industry for over a decade. Throughout this period a continuous programme of research, development and investment has been employed ensuring the products offered are the best available anywhere in the UK.

Dengie Crops LTD
Maldon, Essex
T: 0845 345 5115
www.dengie.com

Dengie Crops Ltd has been growing and processing alfalfa in the UK for over 40 years and developed the internationally recognised Alfa-A and Hi-Fi brands which have led the UK fibre feed market for the last twenty years. Dengie was awarded the Royal Warrant in 2007 having supplied Alfa-A Original to the Royal Stud, Sandringham for many years.

Allen & Page Ltd
Shipdham, Norfolk
T: 01362 822900
www.allenandpage.com

Allen & Page was established as a limited company in 1936. Originally based at the mill at Quayside, Norwich, the company quickly became renowned across East Anglia for the high quality feed it produced.
A family business, Allen & Page has developed and grown, with over four generations of experience helping to build the business into the major national feed producer it is today. In 2009, Allen & Page was delighted to receive a Royal Warrant from The Prince of Wales. Looking to the future, Allen & Page is always investigating new ways to improve and innovate; drawing on the experience and knowledge gained from almost a century of making horse feed.

Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to individuals or companies who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales. Warrants have always been regarded as demonstrating excellence and quality, and are highly prized.

There are around 850 Royal Warrant Holders representing a huge cross-section of trade and industry. They range from traditional craftspeople to global and multinational firms operating at the cutting edge of technology.

Buff prize donations available for riding clubs

Calling all riding clubs. Clubs could receive Buff Headwear and apparel each month as part of the company’s new marketing campaign. The gear will be donated to riding clubs as prizes for competition winners. To be in with a chance to win part of the prize haul, worth in excess of £23,000, clubs simply need to email details of their competition and up to 10 clubs a month will be awarded with prizes. The prize fund will be available from April 2012 – March 2013. Anyone wishing to apply for prizes should email sales@buffera.co.uk with full details of their competition; dates, location, number of competitors and in return will be asked to provide photos of the products being used/awarded on the day. Go to www.buffwear.co.uk to have a look at what could be won.

Aldeby Jumpcross has a newly redesigned course for 2012 with class heights ranging from 2ft max to 3ft 9inches. The season kicked off on April 22 with a competition with young riders and a challenge qualifier. Further dates include May 20 and June 24 with a competition with dressage for combined training (optional). Contact Rachel on 01502 677616 evenings or 07917870900 daytime.

Great Yarmouth and District Riding Club is to be revived after much deliberation. The club has a long history dating back to the early 1970s and there are end of season trophies going back to that point. Due to the previous club being disbanded, they are starting with no funds, so will need to do some frantic fund raising to get it off the ground. They hope to be able to get the show running again for the next generation, and hope to cover all of the Great Yarmouth area, running show jumping, dressage, showing and gymkhanas, and although it is only a local show it would be good to have some experts in all fields to help. Follow ‘eqlife’ on facebook for further details.

Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs are an integral part of horse ownership and offer a great way to make friends, learn more and get involved in a wide variety of opportunities. It’s worth exploring what your local club has to offer, so we have provided a list of clubs and contacts to keep you in touch for 2012.

Riding Clubs Area 14 Eastern Counties
Beccles & Bungay R C – Marie Owen – 07866 613180
Carleton R C – Sara Campbell – 01953 789725
Carousel RC – The Club Secretary – 07951 023186
Colne Valley R C – Catherine Raffe – 01255 870110
Deben R C – Jess Zampi – 0794 119 7841
Finn Valley R C – James Smith – 01473 724573
High Fen R C – Maddie Thompson – 01621 810101
Norfolk Horse Training and Equitation – Johanna Macarthur -01263 838052
Halesworth & District R C – Nicky Virgo – 01986 873810
St Edmunds R C – Tim Walrond – 01359 705997
Suffolk R C – Joy Tydeman – 01449 71147
Worlington R C – Elizabeth Turner – 01638 750275

Riding Clubs Area 8
Essex Billericay & District R C – Jan Hamilton -07803 206346
Essendon & Epping Forest Dressage Group – Kim Ratcliffe – 01992 424319
Foresters Riding Club – Chris Ball – cball@forestersrc.co.uk
Ingatestone & Blackmore R C – Claire Thomas – 07811 805683
Royal Wood R C – 01702 715258 / 07900604948
Saffron Walden & District R C – Brenda Stringer – 01799 541 428
Stansted & District R C – Helene Braeckman – 01279 813286
Tendring Hundred R C – Sally Isaac – 01255 830431

Riding Clubs Area 7 Herts, Cambs & Beds
Huntingdon & District R C -Trish Loakes -01480†810871
Keysoe R C -Liz Mitchinson -07793988850 

Pony Clubs Area 8
South Norfolk -Mrs Sorrell 01508 550670
North Norfolk -Mrs A Miller -01692 402072
Thetford Chase -Julia Campbell -01953 681583
Waveney Harriers -Calum Thompson -01728 648600
Mid Suffolk -Lori Eaton -01473 890658
West Norfolk Hunt -Mrs J Case -01328 830202
Easton Harriers Hunt -Mrs G Lloyds -01473 737321
Suffolk Hunt -Sha Starr -01449 737536
Littleport & District -Alan Phillips -01354 694891
Soham & District -Clem Tompsett -01353 720219
Cambridgeshire Hunt -Victoria McKenna -01767 631371
East Essex Hunt -Sue Brown -01787 462531
Enfield Chase Hunt -Mandy Shoolheifer -01920 822721
Essex & Suffolk Hunt -Jean Merriam -01379 870362
Essex Farmer’s Hunt -Ali Shynn -01621 893317
Essex Hunt North -Nicola Stevenson -01279 718223
Essex Union Hunt -Roy Moseley -01268 730170
Essex Union South -Jo Mulvey -01268 554407
Havering Atte Bower -Heather Sherry -01708 720266
Newmarket & Thurlow -Tim Vestey -01799 584330
Puckeridge Hunt -Alana Pack -01279 423941
Puckeridge Hunt Western -Mrs J Chandler -01525 860212
Walpole & District -Carole Martin -01945 463765