Flies are ever-present pests in summer, with horse fly bites being a particular problem for horses and riders alike. Biting flies can pierce the horse’s skin and feed on its blood, while nuisance flies lay secretions in and around the horse’s eye, mouth, nose and other sensitive spots.

Flies can carry disease and an allergic reaction can result from any fly bite, while all flies cause annoyance and irritation to horses and humans alike – an important consideration when working or competing horses.

Types of flies that trouble horses

Horse flies (Tabinidae) emerge in June and July and are most active on warm, sultry days, especially around woodlands. Favourite feeding sites include the horse’s underside, legs, neck and withers. The bites appear as painful papules (pimples) and wheals (small lumps) with a characteristic, central ulcer. These flies will rarely venture into dark areas, so stabling can offer some protection.

In general, home-made fly repellents are of little benefit against horseflies, as they are robust creatures. Insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids – especially permethrin or cypermethrin – offer the best solution and can be bought from tack shops. Follow the directions on the product, as many are not suitable for daily use.

Black flies (Simuliidae) are small in size (approximately 2mm-5mm) and breed in rapidly moving water. High-risk times are dawn and dusk during spring and early summer, when stabling may be helpful. These flies commonly feed around the face – particularly inside the ears, where they trigger allergic skin reactions to their saliva, and distract the horse – but also on the horse’s neck and underside. Bites form as painful lumps, often with pin-prick areas of bleeding and crusting.

Synthetic pyrethroid fly sprays can act as a deterrent, although physical barriers such as ear nets and oil-based products – oil of citronella, for example – will discourage these flies from landing on the horse. Petroleum jelly applied inside the ears may prevent the insects biting.

Midges (Culicoides) are 1mm-3mm long and hover in swarms at dawn and dusk. Eggs are laid in standing water, so avoid stagnant areas. Different species of midges feed at different sites on the horse. Classically, mane and tail hairs are broken or rubbed away, exacerbating sweet itch in animals that are allergic to the bites.

Insect repellents can be very effective against these pests. Permethrin-based products are best and should be applied in late afternoon. Oil-based products can be applied several times daily to prevent flies landing. Bringing horses in before dusk and using a fan to create a brisk breeze helps keep midges away, while rugs may also be useful.

Stable flies lay eggs in moist, rotting vegetation – typically, hay or silage that is contaminated with urine, water or manure – so are associated with poor hygiene. They feed on horses’ legs and abdomens, and bites typically appear as itchy or painful wheals or papules with a central crust. The best prevention is to maintain high hygiene standards, but repellents can also be used. Permethrin-based products are most effective directed at the legs.

Other problematic insects include mosquitoes, bees and wasps – these produce uncomfortable bites, as well as causing alarm to horses. While wasps and bees are present throughout the day, mosquitoes are at their worst in the two hours after sunset.

How to treat horse fly bites

For a one-off bite, apply an ice pack or bathe with cool, salt water (use a teaspoon of salt to two mugs of water). However, with multiple bites, a mild horse shampoo can help to remove irritating scurf or bacteria and cool the inflamed skin. A topical anti-itch preparation such as colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, calamine lotion or zinc oxide cream can also help. In addition, try to prevent the horse making the affected area worse by rubbing.

As they are alkaline, wasp stings should be bathed with a dilute acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings, however, are acidic and should be bathed with bicarbonate of soda. The bee leaves its sting behind, so try to remove this with tweezers, as venom will continue to enter the skin. If the stinger is below the surface, it will be shed with normal skin healing.

It is rare for a bite to turn septic; if the area is open and weeping, bathe with a mild antiseptic solution, and if this does not help, consult your vet.

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Preventative measures to prevent bites

• Use fly barriers such as anti-midge/fly turnout rugs and neck covers, plus fly masks and other protective gear
• Apply a long-lasting fly spray, using a spot test on a small area first to test for sensitivity
• Spray the stables with insecticide or use fly-trap tapes
• Eliminate puddles and ponds of still water, where midges might breed
• Practise good hygiene around the yard
• Worm horses against bot flies in winter
• Keep horses in when the flies are bad
• Use a fan in the stable to blow away flies

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

An equine vet involved in a terrifying hacking incident has pledged to push her case “as far as possible” to raise public awareness of the horrific abuse riders are subjected to on the roads.

Natalie McGoldrick, H&H’s vet of the year 2017, was hacking her eventer Tricky Johnie near Waterlooville in Hampshire on Tuesday morning (29 May) when she heard a car horn behind her.

“I was out hacking on a quiet country lane. It’s a single track with some passing places to pull in,” Natalie told H&H.

“I was on Tricky Johnie, my intermediate horse, who fortunately is my safest one. We were just riding along and I heard a horn sounding quite a distance behind me. I thought ‘that can’t be anything to do with me as it isn’t even close’.”

She added she heard a few more beeps as the car approached and took her phone out of her pocket as she wanted to record the numberplate.

Natalie said the driver wound down the windows and started shouting at her. With nowhere to safely let her past, Natalie put her phone away and continued riding towards a layby around 100 yards further up the road where she could pull in.

As she was riding away, the driver held her hand down on the horn and Jonnie started to become unsettled.

When Natalie reached the layby, she decided she needed to call the police, so jumped off, dialled 999 and put herself between the horse and the car.

Natalie said the driver then drove “albeit very slowly” into her legs.

“What must have been three seconds felt like about a minute — it went through my head that she was going to keep going and I had Johnnie behind me so I couldn’t get out of the way,” said Natalie.

“I was screaming on the phone to 999, I said ‘she’s hit me’.

Natalie said the driver reversed back, before pulling forwards into her legs again, clipping Johnnie’s hocks as Natalie tried to walk him away.

The driver got out of the car, pushing Natalie backwards and then started to pat the horse.

“It was pretty horrific,” she said, adding nothing much scares her, but Tuesday’s ordeal was “terrifying”.

“I’m a pretty strong person and it shook me up. I’m constantly abused on the roads, but that was a step further.”

Thankfully both horse and rider were not injured in the incident.

Natalie added she was so thankful that she was riding her most sensible horse at the time.

“If I had been on one of my others, that would be a completely different story,” she said.

Natalie posted the clip on her Facebook page and it has since gone viral.

“I posted it thinking that I have a following of a couple of thousand and at least it would make people [in my area] aware,” she said.

“The reaction has been 99% supportive and encouragement to press police as far as I can go.

“I don’t have an arena or fields to ride in, my horses do all their work and schooling on the roads. It is a serious sport for me, I have no other way to keep them and this is how the majority of us do keep our horses exercised.

“I’m going to take this as far as possible — that’s the only way it is going to change is when people realise they can’t get away with doing things like this.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary told H&H there have been no arrests at this stage.

“We are investigating an incident involving a car and a horse/rider in Hyden Farm Lane, Waterlooville between 11.05am and 11.14am on 29 May,” he said.

“Anyone with information about this incident should call 101 quoting 44180198842.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses 

Oliver Townend was the underbidder on the top lot in the inaugural Goresbridge Tattersalls Ireland Select Event Horse Sale on Thursday evening (31 May).

The sale was held alongside the horse trials at Tattersalls and 15 horses were auctioned. The horses were chosen by event horse agent Sally Parkyn and Lt Col Brian McSweeney (ret).

The top lot was Master Class Ramiro (lot 10), a four-year-old by Ramiro B, out of a mare who is a granddaughter of Master Imp through her damline. The horse was consigned by Jason Higgins. He was the subject of a bidding duel between Oliver Townend and Chris Gould, with Chris the successful buyer at €49,000 (£43,000).

Master Class Ramiro, by Ramiro B. Photo by Laurence Dunne (jumpinaction.net)

Oliver has enjoyed success this spring with Ramiro B horses — both Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class and Badminton runner-up Cooley SRS are by him — and the stallion stands at Harthill Stud, Oliver’s breeding venture with Nina Barbour.

A further eight horses were sold on the evening, with a total aggregate price of €209,500 and an average of €23,278.

Irish four-star and championship rider Trish Ryan signed for the second most expensive horse sold, Lislan Liam, consigned by Sylvia Revill. He was lot six and went for €26,000. He is a chestnut five-year-old by the jumping sire Je T’Aime Flamenco out of a mare by Harlequin Du Carel.

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Jerpoint Eclipse, sold for €24,500, made the third best price as lot 12. He was sold by Maurice Coleman and bought by Richard Gordon. He is a four-year-old by Chinook Eclipse, out of a mare with Clover Hill and Chair Lift in her pedigree.

The horses who didn’t make their reserves were led out unsold at between €5000 and €16,500.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Today, I am going with a friend to the Cal Poly Sport Horse Sale. Should be fun!

HERE WE GO!

Man’s best friend.

Bats look like dogs to me.

A very happy, baby elephant having his neck rubbed with lotion.

Alert and beautiful.

All of the kangaroo photos that I post come from this guy.

From The Gentle Barn.

A friend’s horse…

Elke Vogelsang

Love this!

Yikes! This is lava flow from the volcano in Hawaii!

A gorgeous wild one.

Buddies.

Yup.

The same kangaroo guy with Australia’s next Bachelor – and two orphans!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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Unexpected twin foals born on the morning of the royal wedding have been named after the happy couple.

Meghan and Harry, born on 19 May, were a surprise arrival out of a cob mare named Blue Bell, by American Bashkir Curly stallion My Boy Buck.

“It is a miracle, they are doing very well,” said Martin Dewar, owner of My Boy Buck and former owner of Blue Bell.

He added the mare was covered last year, but they didn’t think she had taken.

“All of a sudden, on the morning of the wedding she dropped twins, and that’s why we had to call them Harry and Meghan,” he said.

Martin added he acquired the mare four years ago unbroken and in a poor state.

He looked after her and broke her to ride and drive.

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“Both the mare and stallion have such wonderful temperaments,” said Martin, adding the mare was one of the easiest horses he has ever started.

“I have been in the horse game all my life and I have never come across a mare that was so easy to break, she never put a foot wrong.

“It was enjoyable to get up in the morning and do some work with her — she is very special.

“You don’t need to spend a lot of money on horses. If you have a bit of time, they can turn out to be beautiful swans.”

The mare was sold locally and has gone to a home where they “absolutely love her”.

American Bashkir Curly horses are a rare breed, with curly, hypoallergenic coats.

“The stallion has a temperament to die for,” said Martin, adding this is typical of the breed.

“They are good for all levels of riders and they aren’t at all sharp.”

Twins foals are an unusual sight. While it is common for mares to conceive twins, if they are spotted early enough, vets will usually abort one embryo to give the other foal and the mare the best chance of a safe, full-term, healthy pregnancy.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses

If you’ve got a penchant for ‘blondes’, take a look at these palominos horses and ponies for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.

1. ‘Stunning’

Height: 16hh

Age: three

Gender: filly

Selling points: “This homebred mare has been very well handled. She is out of a warmblood and by Kambarbay, the Akhal Teke stallion. She has the metallic coat of the breed and is ready to start being backed. She has a lovely, friendly nature and she’s easy, uncomplicated, has no vices and has never had to see a vet.”

View the advert

2. ‘Mother’s dream’

Height: 9hh

Age: 18

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “‘Rolo’ is a very loving and genuine Shetland. He has been there and done it all and will show any aged child the ropes, always keeping them safe. He can be ridden on or off the lead-rein and is also trained in harness. He is easy to do with absolutely everything and just stands there and falls asleep. He is good to lunge and enjoys flatwork and jumping. He never gets fizzy or over-excited and is never strong — he is snaffle mouthed at all times. He hacks out alone and in company and lives in or out. He has no vices.”

View the advert

3. ‘Beautiful’

Height: 15hh

Age: nine

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This Welsh section D is beautiful, but needs a strong, confident rider. ‘Loxy’ was bought with very little education. We spent the first year hacking and past year working on her flatwork, however she can still be green. Loxy can jump, but needs a confident rider. She has had some time off but we are now bringing her back into work properly and are currently furthering her education. This is a very sweet mare who needs a one-to-one owner. Loxy is head strong but once you have her she is a super-willing horse. Loxy had a little fright while out hacking (details on request) — she never suffered injuries, but can be a little nappy. She does hack out in company with no issues.”

View the advert

4. ‘Bags of potential’

Height: 148cm

Age: eight

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This pony is well schooled on the flat and loves to jump — he has bags of potential. This is a fun, sensitive pony looking for an experienced, competitive home. He needs a quietly confident rider with competition experience who wants to form a partnership with their mount and discover how far they can go.”

View the advert

5. ‘Blank canvas’

Height: 15.2hh

Age: five

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This warmblood x thoroughbred mare is well-handled and socialised, well-mannered and has a very sweet personality. She is good with the farrier, to travel alone or in company, and lives in or out. She was awarded a higher first premium at BEF Futurity as a three-year-old and was placed first in the in-hand riding horse class at the Royal Three Counties Show that year too. She has been lunged, long reined, loose jumped, backed and been on a handful of short hacks. She has never put a foot wrong and is a very quick learner.”

View the advert

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6. ‘A dream horse’

Height: 15.1hh

Age: five

Gender: mare

Selling points: “‘Hope’ works beautifully on the flat and is a comfortable, easy ride. She has done dressage, showjumping and has been cross-country schooling. She is extremely honest and genuine and always tries her best to please. She is snaffle mouthed and doesn’t get strong or fizzy. Hope has got the most fabulous temperament — she loves people and would stand all day to be brushed and fussed. She hasn’t got a bad bone in her body. Hope is a real head turner and is now ready for someone to bring her on and have lots of fun with. She hacks out alone and in company and is good to catch, box, bath, shoe and clip. No vices and no lumps, bumps or sarcoids. She lives in or out.”

View the advert

View more horses for sale on horseandhound.co.uk

NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

OPINION

Nothing stays the same in this fast-moving world of ours.

Indeed, many of my generation look back with nostalgia at how the shows attracted the public. Some aspects of what’s changed about our sport are good. Breeding, for instance, has now become an exact science compared with the way we used to source our horses.

Other changes are not so good…

Take British Showjumping (BS), which is now run totally differently from how it was many years ago when I sat on the board. Then it largely consisted of a committee voted on by the membership with additional co-opted members from the business and commercial world.

I have to say that it was a privilege to sit round a table and listen to the ideas and acumen put forward by such learned men as General Sir Cecil “Monkey” Blacker MBE, Dougie Bunn MBE and Malcolm Barr MBE, all of whom had the overall interests of our sport very high on their agenda.

This era also coincided with showjumping’s most fruitful years in terms of sponsorship — not just for county shows, but for city shows, too. The number of top-quality riders who were produced for the British team during that time remains unmatched.

Has the sport in Britain moved on or hit new heights since our team gold in London 2012 or Nick Skelton’s fantastic individual gold medal in Rio 2016? Given similarly prolific achievements in their day, would that committee of old have been more dynamic and proactive than their current successors? I know they would.

I realise that today’s BS has, of necessity, become a completely different organisation. It has many things to deal with that we never had to consider back in the day; company law, health and safety, the list is endless. And that’s why they need a different style of committee from the one we had then. However, I have long argued and still maintain that they need professional showjumping experience to steer them in the right direction.

An absurd situation

A few days ago, I was entering Persimmon, a ride of our son Will, for an International Stairway class. I was surprised when my wife, Tina, said that as it’s a grade A class, she’d just make sure the horse is grade A.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said, because Persimmon has won more than £15,000 in the past few months alone. But sure enough, Tina was right, the horse was registered as grade B.

How can such an absurd situation possibly occur? Well, it was only when I checked the way they have interpreted and allocated points for different
competitions that I realised the inexperience or naivety of whoever set the points for the various classes.

At a recent young riders Nations Cup for under-21s at Fontainebleau, Will and Persimmon jumped for a clear and four over a big, difficult course. It also happened to be the best British score. For that, the horse was awarded eight points. At Chepstow in the international two-star grand prix, a class with more than 60 starters and fences at 1.45m to 1.50m, he was fourth and was given 16 points. Then he won a 1.30m at a local centre with very few entries — and got 45 points.

I’ll let you do the maths.

I would like BS to justify the reasoning behind a points system that is causing such bewilderment — we look forward to the reply.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 31 May 2018

More than half of H&H readers would consider rehoming a rescue horse, and almost a third have already done so.

The results of a poll on horseandhound.co.uk revealed that rehoming is an attractive option to equestrians.

Of those who completed the poll, 65% said they would consider rehoming in the future, while 28% said they had already rehomed a rescued horse or pony. Just 7% said this wasn’t something they would consider.

An RSPCA spokesman welcomed the news.

“It’s great to hear that almost 30% of people have already given a home to a rescue horse or pony,” she told H&H.

“It’s so encouraging that 65% of people said they too would consider rehoming a rescue horse. We’ve seen some of our horses going on to achieve amazing things from becoming super Pony Club ponies, happy-hackers, carriage ponies, showjumpers and even just wonderful companions.”

Thriving in his new home

Coloured pony Mickey was found collapsed in a Leicester park close to a busy main road at the start of the year (23 January).
After being rescued by an RSPCA inspector, he received urgent veterinary treatment from a vet.

“When I arrived to catch Mickey he was already in such a bad way that he had collapsed on the ground,” said RSPCA inspector Sharon Knight.

Mickey in the park

“When equine vet Melissa Packer arrived she was keen to explore all avenues to save his life and it’s down to her that he has pulled through. Mickey was thin and exhausted, and he was suffering with a huge infestation of lice.”

Mickey was transported to a boarding yard in the Leicester area.

“Poor Mickey remained on a drip for more than two days after we transported him to our yard,” said Ms Packer.

Mickey was taken to a boarding yard for treatment

“He was covered in lice so we had to clip his matted coat, and underneath, he was just skin and bone, he was in an awful state.

“After a blood transfusion, the drip and lots of TLC, his health started to improve slowly, and I’m delighted to say that he is now in a new home in Leicestershire.”

Mickey’s new owner Mags said she was “so happy” to have him.

“He is a cheeky chappy, and very loving,” she said.

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“He has fitted into our family of ponies very well and he is just a super little foal. He has a home with us for the rest of his life, so thank you to the RSPCA and Mel and her team for all the hard work making him better, I feel very fortunate to have him.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the RSPCA’s rescue horses and ponies looking for a home, visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet, or contact one of the charity’s equine rehoming centres.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

This week’s edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby, Matt Sampson and feature on health problems in miniature horses

Even the relatively gloomy UK climate can pose a threat to equine skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays affect horses in much the same way as they do humans, the only difference being that horses cannot develop any resistance by tanning — although hair does provide some protection.

Overexposure to sun can leave horses with reddened, scaly skin or, in more severe cases, painful blisters that may ooze a fluid or serum.

Should we stock up on sunscreens to protect sensitive skin?

“Light-skinned horses and those with any areas of white, damaged or depigmented skin are at particular risk from sun damage, even on cloudy days when UV levels may still be high,” says Dr Philip Ivens from Buckingham Equine Vets. “Cover small areas such as the flesh between the nostrils with sunblock — preferably a zinc oxide cream that has antibacterial properties.

“You can use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30-55, but check the ingredients as some horses are sensitive to the chemical PABA [para-aminobenzoic acid],” he adds. “Look for hypoallergenic sunscreens and those marketed for children, as they are formulated for sensitive skin and offer high levels of protection. Waterproof creams will not wash off in water troughs or on dewy grass, but always spot-test any products not made specifically for horses on a small area of skin in case of adverse reaction.”

Philip explains that excessive UV radiation can incite a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

“The best defence is to provide grazing horses with plenty of field shade in the form of a shelter, thick hedging or trees,” he says. “Reduce exposure by avoiding peak UV times (10am to 3pm) or by turning horses out at night. Face masks and rugs that are UV-resistant are a good idea for horses susceptible to problems.”

Pesky flies

Flies can prove a persistent problem, plaguing horses indoors and out. Ready yourself for the onslaught this summer with advice from H&H vet Karen Coumbe MRCVS of Bell Equine.

“A long-lasting fly spray, applied regularly, can be effective,” she says. “Home-made repellents with oils such as citronella may help, but insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids — especially permethrin or cypermethrin — offer the best defence against biting horse flies and the small, black flies that commonly feed around the horse’s face, neck and underside. However, try a tiny amount of any fly repellent before more widespread use, as many of the more effective products contain the relatively strong substance DEET, which is used in a variety of mosquito repellents for humans. A patch test on a hairless area of the horse’s inner thigh, if he will tolerate it, will reveal any sensitivity to the ingredients.

“Minimising areas where flies breed and gather will help,” adds Karen, who also advises practising good yard hygiene. “Fly traps or tapes are a good idea, as long as they are fixed securely and placed well out of your horse’s reach.

“Barriers such as face masks, neck covers and anti-midge or turnout rugs can offer excellent protection, but take care that items fit well and are checked regularly. Sadly, we recently had to remove a horse’s eye after he suffered severe ocular trauma when his fly mask slipped.”

Cracked hooves

When it comes to cracked hooves, the answer is not found in a can, according to farrier Fraser Youngson AWCF.

“The main summer challenge is rapid hoof growth,” he says, and explains that warmer temperatures and a boost in nutrition from spring grass are less of a drain on a horse’s metabolism than winter conditions, and promote the development of new horn.

“An effective solution for poor hoof condition is regular shoeing and hoof care. A horse who will go six to seven weeks between farriery sessions in winter will need a trim every four to five weeks maximum in summer. When the clenches have risen and the shoe is becoming loose, damage to the hoof is already occurring.

“Horn quality does tend to deteriorate in summer, especially when the weather changes from wet to dry and back,” adds Fraser, likening hoof horn to wood that shrinks and swells. “Hooves tend to be strongest with constant conditions. Repeated saturation can be problematic, especially in hot weather when they then dry rapidly.

“Products with natural ingredients should do no harm and improve hoof appearance, but regular attention from the farrier is the key to condition,” he says. “Good nutrition should improve long-term hoof health, but weak hooves may benefit from a supplement with a range of ingredients such as zinc, biotin and methionine.”

Leg cooling

Hammering across hard ground in summer can leave a horse feeling sore. David Rowlands MRCVS of Penbode Equine Vets explains the science behind cold therapy.

“The effects of cooling include constriction of blood vessels (known as vasoconstriction) and reduced blood flow, resulting in a decrease in any bleeding or swelling within the soft tissues,” he says. “Nerve conduction is also lessened, reducing pain. A lower metabolic rate, in turn, reduces cell death from hypoxia (insufficient oxygen), which helps preserve tissue health and can shorten healing time.”

A good old-fashioned hose pipe or a bag of chopped ice should do the trick, but may not be practical — especially away from home. Are ice boots, pastes and gels as effective?

“Cold therapy can be achieved via several methods and new products are always evolving,” says David. “But, horses are more likely to tolerate simpler systems.

“The key factor is temperature,” he explains. “To be most effective, tissue temperatures must be reduced to between 15 and 19°C — any lower than 10°C and tissue damage can occur. Timing is critical, especially in the case of acute injury, as cold therapy will have greatest effect if applied immediately and within 48 hours.

Apply cold or iced water for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. In case of soft tissue injury, such as superficial digital flexor tendonitis, further cooling is often required at intervals of between 30 minutes and four hours.

“Avoid applying ice directly to the skin,” adds David, who advises using a damp cloth as a buffer to protect tissue and dissipate the cold.

Electrolyte support

A horse loses around 10g of electrolytes per litre of sweat, according to Natalie McGoldrick MRVCS of South Coast Equine Vets.

“Electrolytes control many bodily functions, including muscle contraction, and play a vital role in the transmission of nerve impulses,” she says. “Hay, chaff, grass and hard feed are typically low in sodium, yet this is a vital thirst regulator.

“Electrolyte deficiencies can cause poor performance and recovery from exercise, as well as exertional rhabdomyolysis (ERM, also known as ‘tying up’),” she adds. “It’s not just competition horses who need electrolytes in the summer months — consider supplementing any horse in work, especially if he has no hard feed.”

What should we look for on the ingredients label?

“Definitely sodium, but also chloride, calcium, magnesium and potassium,” says Natalie, adding that competitors should check the contents for banned substances. “Ideally, an electrolyte supplement should have a high sodium chloride content, less than 5% sugar and not many added extras. Table salt can be used for a horse in very light work, but will not replace the full spectrum of electrolytes.

“Supplements can be fed in paste form, mixed into feed or added to the horse’s water, although the latter can make it difficult to monitor intake and the taste may discourage the horse from drinking,” says Natalie, who recommends giving a supplement daily.

Ref Horse & Hound; 24 May 2018

Whether your father is super keen or a reluctant equestrian, here are 11 perfect Father’s Day gifts to say thank you on 17 June for all he does to support your horsey endeavours.

NB: The shopping links below are provided to help you buy these items. We earn a small commission from these links.

Victorinox Ranger Unisex Outdoor Knife

Great for an outdoors man, this 91mm length pocket tool has 21 features. They include a large blade, small blade, corkscrew, bottle opener, small screwdriver, wire-stripper, can opener, keyring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors, multi-purpose hook, large screwdriver, reamer/punch, wood saw, nail file, nail cleaner, fine screwdriver, chisel, metal file, metal cleaner and metal saw. What more can a man want?!
Buy now: Victorinox Ranger Unisex Outdoor Knife from £33.50

Hip Flask Set

What man doesn’t like the odd tipple? This stainless steel, concave hip flask with brown leather binding and four steel cups is a stylish gift for the father that likes hunting or going racing.
Buy now: Hip Flask Set from £34.99

Husquarna Petrol Leaf Blower & Vacuum

This efficient hand-held petrol leaf blower combines high blowing power with user friendliness to get any equestrian yard or back garden spotless. If the man in your life loves a power tool or two, this is bound to go down a treat!
Buy now: Husquarna Petrol Leaf Blower & Vacuum from £314.45

British Polo No.3 Botanical gin

This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin uses organic botanicals to create a flavoursome and smooth gin. It can be enjoyed on the rocks, in a gin and tonic or in another cocktail after a long day on the yard.
Buy now: British Poo No.3 Botanical gine from £35.59

Country Birds Tie and shotgun cartridge cufflinks

A smart Soprano green colour silk tie, teamed up with a great pair of shotgun cartridge cufflinks — a lovely present for any who likes shooting and other country pursuits.
Buy now: Country Birds Tie and shotgun cartridge cufflinks from £35.99

Horse Racing’s Strangest Tales

This fun book tells of extraordinary but true stories from over 150 years of racing. A great present for any racing fan, that can be enjoyed by the rest of the family too.
Buy now: Horse Racing’s Strangest Tales from £4.31

Carlos Diaz Argentinian polo belt

These belts were originally made in team colours of Argentinian polo teams. Nowadays they have become quite the fashion among rural and equestrian folk. Each belt is hand-stitched and is makes a useful, but fun present for your father.
Buy now: Carlos Diaz Argentinian polo belts from £24.99

Horka Boot bottle opener

These metal bottle openers in the shape of a riding boot would be a very useful, but yet thoughtful gift for your dad.
Buy now: Horka Boot bottle open from £20.45

Fallen Fruits Bootbrush and Bootjack

This would be a very useful present as it combines a shoe scraper and boot jack with a pole to help your dad balance while dealing with cleaning and removing his boots.
Buy now: Fallen Fruits Bootbrush and Bootjack from £68.51

Hunter Balmoral Hawksworth boots

These boots are the perfect gift for an adventurous man. The Balmoral leather boots are handcrafted from water-resistant leather, which is durable and offers great performance over rough and challenging terrain.
Buy now: Hynter Balmooral Hawksworth boots from £190

Horse & Hound Subscription

A magazine subscription is the gift that keeps on giving as it lasts all year, plus subscribers can enjoy a host of extra benefits, in addition to knowing that the magazine will be delivered to their door every week. Take advantage of our special Father’s Day gift subscriptions for under £20!
Buy now: Horse & Hound subscription from £19.99

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.