Carr Day & Martin - Global leaders in Equine care - product review

At the beginning of September I was approached by Carr Day & Martin about reviewing a series of products for them over the coming months and as you can imagine, I happily obliged and am tremendously grateful for the opportunity in working in collaboration with such a fantastic company.

I have used Carr Day & Martin products for as long as I can remember. Canter Coat Shine, Mane & Tail detangler, Hoof Oil; they all used to be on my birthday and Christmas list year after year but would never last long due to my patient pony happily obliging to being smothered in the various products daily.

In the sixteen years I have been using Carr Day & Martin products I've seen various changes to the unique selling points, the release of new innovative products to keep within the ever-growing and demanding equine market and most important I've seen a company dedicated to bringing both horse and rider the best they can offer. Whether it be through leather care, coat care, hoof care or health care, Carr Day & Martin are usually always the market leaders.

In February 2014 at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Carr Day & Martin launched a revolutionary new spray technology. Rebranding across their spray products occurred and the old time favourites such as Canter Coat Shine and Mane and Tail detangler incurred a large overturn in both look, feel and use.

The Equimist 360 spray bottle was born

With Equimist 360, all your favourite and much-loved Carr Day & Martin products now benefit from an exclusive application technology allowing horse owners to get the perfect finish every time.

Doing literally what it says on the bottle, Equimist 360 can spray a full 360°, meaning that even if your dispenser is upside down or you're wanting to reach difficult areas such as the belly and undercarriage, you can always guarantee your product has been applied.

The functional new bottles deliver a new, innovative, wider spray pattern and a fine misting application which provides a completely even distribution of the product. Even better, those with nervous or young horses can now relax whilst using the spray bottles as they offer minimal sound when in use and the continuous spraying action makes product application more acceptable to horses who previously would not tolerate traditional trigger sprays.

Gone are the days when you feared for your product leaking out of the bottle or bits were left in the bottom when you were ready to throw it away as the new packaging provides unbeatable bottle evacuation, meaning no more product is left in the bottom.

You can almost guarantee that once you've experienced this revolutionary spray technology you'll never want to use a traditional trigger spray again and with Carr Day & Martin, you don't have to.

My thoughts

Working in Marketing full-time I know and believe that companies who want to strive and be the best have to always be one step ahead of the game, whatever the project. With the Equimist 360, Carr Day & Martin have introduced a unique and innovative spray bottle which has once again put them at the forefront of the equine industry.

First of all I tried the Canter Mane and Tail conditioner and quite honestly was impressed from the word go. Working full time and juggling three horses; one being Ceaser who I'm constantly training for our next competition and the other being an up and coming youngster, time is essence in an evening or in the morning and if I can save time I will do.

The Mane and Tail conditioner is fantastic. I tested the product for four weeks and out of those four weeks I only had to use the spray every 5ish days - and that was because I wanted a top up.

All mane and tails were by far easier to brush and the product left them with a silky feeling; allowing me to run my fingers through with ease - unlike before. When it comes to turnout I'm very picky and prefer all of my horses to have a tangle-free mane and tail, so this product was simply fantastic for me. Initially I was worried that I wouldn't be able to plait Ceaser's mane after having used the spray but unlike other products that make the mane slip through your fingers, this didn't and I was still able to get 11 neat plaits with ease.

For me this trusty favourite from Carr Day & Martin has only improved with time. The new Equimist 360 bottle simply adds to the ease and use of the product making it a must have for any amateur or professionals tack box.


Second up was the Dreamcoat which initially I was sceptical about using. Having used endless products out there on the equine market to get a high gloss finish to Ceaser's coat for the show ring I can honestly say nothing had ever made me go 'wow' and he always ended up looking streaky. That was until I used the Dreamcoat range from Carr Day and Martin. Having clipped all three ponies I was wondering whether I would still get a shine from their freshly-clipped coat, however Dreamcoat does exactly what it says on the bottle and gave me the coat I've always dreamed of and the three ponies ended with a coat that gleamed.

The brand new Equimist 360 bottle adds to the experience by preventing the spray from coming out in clumps, leaving you with patches of wet bits everywhere. Together the unique non-slip formula and innovative bottle help to highlight muscle definititon and can be used anywhere to leave an ultimate high gloss finish on any horse or ponies coat. Even better, after use their is no grease nor residue left and it can be used on manes and tails prior to plaiting for a high shine finish.

Ultimately I cannot give these products any less than a 5/5. They are two must haves both in our everyday tack box and showing kit for both amateurs and professionals. I would be interested now in trying the stain remover as up to now every other stain remover I have used on Ceaser has failed to work.

If you're after a professional, unique and yet affordable and trusty product then I wouldn't look any further than the prolific Carr Day & Martin range for all your needs.


So from us, it's six ears forward from the ultimate testers and a big smile from me!

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Home International selection

It's been such a busy few weeks starting my new job and fitting in time to ride Ceaser, the youngster and still have a life.

I've been making the most of the lovely sunny evenings, mornings and days we've been having and taking every opportunity I can to hack Ceaser out more. He seems to be enjoying it and even better I've managed to get him out around the block on his own! Those who knows him well will know how much of an achievement this is!

I've been really lapse on updating the blog lately but I wanted to share the fantastic news that I received in an email last week.

I have worked towards receiving this email all year so you can imagine how delighted I was to receive it.

Ceaser and I have been selected as reserves for the Home International Team representing England and the Northern Region. The competition is in October and I am extremely thrilled and overwhelmed to have been picked as reserves. Even better, the Northern Region are hosting the competition this year and it's the first time in a couple of years England have hosted it. Of course to be called up would be even better but whatever happens, I am so proud of my boy and how far we've come as a team over the last few years. Our days and weeks still have their ups and downs, but it's such a pleasure to have been picked as a Novice restricted reserve rider. I cannot even begin to describe how much of an honour it would be to represent both England and the Northern Region in our home county.

This weekend we are heading to Houghton Hall in Cambridgeshire for the Novice restricted class in the Area Festival. It'll be the first time out for us in roughly 4 weeks so I'm looking forward to it, as I'm sure Ceaser is.

The last time we were out was at a local BD competition the day after I was thrown from a friends horse and got whiplash. As you can imagine there wasn't any need for a blog that day as I struggled to even tack Ceaser up and getting on was interesting to say the least. It was my first fall in 5 years and it hurt! Anyway we are almost ready for this weekends test so I'll keep you all informed!

Wish us luck!

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To clip or not to clip?

That time of year is upon us again and most horse owners will be thinking about what clip to give their horse(s) for the winter months.

Clipping can be very beneficial, both to horse owners and horses. If your horse gets hot during exercise, becomes damp and then goes cold whilst waiting to dry you definitely need to consider clipping. On the other hand, if your horse grows a heavy, thick coat and sweats even after a small amount of exercise then it is advisable to clip to the welfare of your equine.

By clipping, your horse will not sweat as much during exercise and will dry much quicker because there's not as much coat to dry off. As well as this his condition will be maintained much easier as his coat will not be dull from endless sweating.

Also, you will find that your horse maintains a much healthier and better looking coat once clipped.

Why should I clip my horse? 

Clipping your horse isn't cruel and you aren't necessary taking away his natural ability to keep warm if you do clip. In fact in most cases you are doing your horse a favour.

You're right in thinking that nature intended for horses to live outdoors all year round, and that is why they grow a thick winter coat; to protect them from the harsh winter weather elements like snow, wind, rain and hail. 

However, if you're still riding your horse throughout the winter then a coat that is too thick can cause unnecessary distress whilst exercising and potentially loss of condition. Your horse will find it difficult to maintain a good, substantial level of fitness and also will take too long to dry after exercising which leaves him at a risk of a chill. For those of us who are riding after work in the dark evenings then the horse doesn't have much chance to cool off before being put to bed.

Clipping isn't an accessory icon for most owners, but a way of enabling your horse to work on a regular basis during the winter months and stay comfortable, without undue sweating.

Good stabling and a selection of rugs are essential if your horse is clipped though.

Here is a small list of the benefits of clipping your horse:

- Faster drying after exercise
- Easier to groom
- If you're continuing to compete throughout the winter he will look smarter
- He will conserve energy by reduced sweating
- Will help him to maintain a better level of fitness

Just because you have clipped your horse though it doesn't mean you need to pile the rugs on and make him a walking robot. A neck cover for those with full or hunter clips is always recommended but adequate, warm rugs should be suffice for any clipped equine.

What clips do I have to consider?

(The red areas show where the hair is left and the white areas show where your horse has been clipped)

The under belly and neck clip which is often referred to as a "bib" clip is suitable for those horses that are only used for light work during the winter. Often those with bib clips will still live out (with adequate rugging) as the head, topside of the neck, body and legs are still left on.


The low trace clip is another clip reccomended for horses in light work. It will ensure that he does not get too hot and sweaty when exercised but also is another clip that is used when horses are turned out still. However, your horse will need more rugs if you intend to leave him out all the time with this clip. Under the belly area is left on, as is the legs to enable protection and warm during winter.






The high trace clip is suitable for horses in light to medium work and is very similiar to that of the low trace - more of the coat is just removed though.
With a trace clip like this one you can chose to leave the head un-clipped or chose to clip it. Like the clips shown above, the legs are left on for warmth and extra protection during the harsh, cold winter. 





One of my favorites is the blanket clip. It is for horses in regular work as you can exercise thoroughly, without him losing condition through excessive sweating. The coat is removed completely from the head, neck and flanks, leaving only the legs and an area over the back that looks like a small rug. I find this clip is ideal for working ponies.

This caption is different - the orange shows the clipped area.

Another popular clip is a chaser clip, which originates from them being used on steeplechaser horses. It is a clip for those which are active in competition work or racing. It is pretty much the same as the blanket clip expect that you do not remove hair from the upper part of the neck and clipping stops just behind the ears. This will help keep warmth in the muscles of this area. This is a good clip for those horses that lack topline.




Another one of my favourites is the hunter clip. This is suited for horses in hard, regular work such as hunting. It is a very smart looking clip that involves taking most of the coat off apart from the legs, saddle patch and an inverted V above the tail. Please be aware that when you are clipping the outline of the saddle patch please take extra care and remember to outline your saddle, not the numnah as this will look better when your horse is under saddle. You may need to put an exercise sheet on with a clip like this when exercising your horse in the menage to ensure he does not get warm. However if you're competing or hunting this wouldn't be needed.

The last clip is a full clip. This is usually given to high level competition horses that work very hard during the winter months. The whole coat, including legs is taken off apart from the inverted V above the tail. This clip is one that looks very smart but that required careful stable management. The horse should be rugged up at all times and when very cold bandages may even be required - especially overnight when temperatures drop. 




So, I've decided to clip, what now?

If you've made the decision of what clip to give your horse then you're half way there. I've now put together a list of important things to remember when clipping.

Wear appropriate clothing

- Wear suitable, sturdy footwear that will protect your feet. Some horses do not like being clipped and may stand on your toes. In cold weather this can be very painful.
- Try and avoid wearing fleecy clothes. The hair will stick to it and you'll find its a pain to get out! Overalls are a better idea as you can throw them away after clipping should you wish.
- Remember horses are unpredictable. Always tie your hair up and wear a riding hat just in case the horse you're clipping becomes spooked.

Where you clip is important too!

- Clipping indoors when the weather is wet is best.
- Most importantly, pick a place where your horse is relaxed.

Make sure your horse has a clean, dry coat in order to avoid blunting your blades.

Ensure the wires from the clippers are out of the way and the horse cannot stand or chew them.

Before you clip you need to think of the following:

- The clippers are safe to use
- The blades are in good, working order. Ensure they aren't blunt.
- Make sure the tension is correct. This is different for all clipper brands. Often you will need to turn the tension down until it is tight, and then turn it back one and a half turns.
- Always oil your blades. This is a must!!

If your horse is scared by the clippers then ensure you introduce them slowly to avoid frightening him.

- Rub the clippers on his shoulder to show they wont harm him.
- Take the clippers away, turn them off and on a few times - let him listen to the change in noises.
- When turned on, take the clippers and place them on your horses shoulder so he can feel the sensation of the vibrating. 
 
Whilst clipping you need to ensure you're doing it correctly.

- Use long, smooth strokes against the hair, the way it lies.
- Stop every 10 minutes or so to ensure your clippers are well oiled. Use this time to remove any hair from the blades.
- If the blades feel hot then stop and allow them to cool for a while. Do NOT put your blades in water to cool.
- Use a tail bandage to keep your horses tail out of the way.
- Ask someone to help. This will save time and your helper will be able to do things like lift your horses legs up when you need to reach those difficult areas. 
- Most importantly enjoy clipping and take your time!!

Many believe once they have clipped that is it. The amount of times I have seen children just rush to ride their pony once it is clipped is one too many! 

- Once you have finished, wipe your horse down with a warm, damp cloth or sponge. This will remove any loose hair.
- I often turn my pony out for 10 minutes and allow him to roll. Clipping can not only be itchy for us but also them too - this allows him to get rid of any itches!
- Rug up according to the clip you have given your horse. 

Don't forget once you're finished your clippers will need a good clean to ensure all the hair is out of the blades. You may also need to oil your blades to keep them in a good, working condition. You will need to give extra attention to your horse, but if you intend to clip throughout the winter, then your clippers will need looking after too! Once you've clipped it's a good idea to send your blades to be sharpened.

I think I've got it - anything else I need to consider?

Young horses will not need clipping, nor those that aren't exercised during the winter. Don't clip if you do not intend to ride or exercise your horse through the winter. If you don't intend to then you may as well leave his coat on.

I always ensure I hot cloth my pony at least a few days a week if he is clipped. By doing this you remove any sweat that is lying on top of his short coat and is another good way to remove dirt and scurf. To do this I just get some luke warm water and add either a small amount of shampoo.

Don't expect to get on your horse as soon as its clipped. Often horses will feel very fresh once they are clipped and it is advisable to turn them out for a few hours to allow them to feel the wind on their skin before you get on!

Don't forget....

Clipping is not a chore, it can be fun and a way to spend time with your horse during those dark and miserable days. During the winter when I'm not competing or just jumping or competing in dressage I like to make my ponies clip a little fun. In the past we have put hearts on his bum, his initials, my initials and lightning strikes. For children this is a novelty and something they look forward to!

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Mud fever - just what exactly are you dealing with?

I have noticed a huge increase in my blog statistics again over the past few days and people seem to be researching mud fever.

Whether you are preparing for winter or your horse is struggling with mud fever now, then no doubt it will be a stressful time for you.

 

What is it?

 

Mud fever is a group of diseases that causes irritation and dermatitis in the lower limbs of horses. Often it is caused by a mixture of bacteria called "Dernatophilus congolensis and Staphylococcus spp". Although mud fever is normally associated with mud, it can also be caused by mites; this is less common but owners should be vigilant.

 

Before Ceaser was got mud fever last winter I thought it was something that was associated with winter, wet weather and mud. However, this myth is wrong and a horse can suffer an attack at any time of the year - autumn, winter, spring and summer.

 

How will I know if my horse has mud fever?

Any of the following can be signs:

 - Matted area of hair containing crusty scabs

  - Thick, creamy, white, yellow or greenish discharge between the skin and overlying scab

  - Raw looking skin

  - Inflamed, sore looking legs

  - Lameness

  - In bad cases: lethargy, depression, loss of appetite.

 

In Ceaser's case, sometimes his legs looked clean and I struggled to find the scabs. However, I was told once that even the smallest of scabs can cause swelling and lameness. You have to be very vigilant when checking the legs and almost go through with a fine tooth comb to ensure you get every scab off.

Last year Ceaser suffered with mud fever continuously for a year. Whilst it was both a stressful and worrying time for me, it gave me the opportunity to research what exactly caused mud fever for hours upon end whilst trying to find a cure.

If your horse is suffering with this awful problem then take a look at my previous two blogs about mud fever.

 

1) How I dealt with Ceaser's mud fever

 2) What is it? Is it a myth? How do I get rid of it? - All you need to know!

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Ceaser's first regionals

As promised, this blog follows on from our camp blog.

So, everyone left after camp and it was just us and two other riders that were staying for regionals after the camp. I was toying with the idea of asking Mark to drive us home, but with camp ending late Sunday and then us due to ride early Tuesday morning in our regional class Mark thought there would be no point. How wrong could we be!

Ceaser started off rather relaxed and I wondered what I had been fussing about. He was older now and stressing that other horses had left him was a thing of the past…….was it?

Apparently not.

Monday morning started off relatively well. Sue Carson had offered to give me 10 minutes in the arena helping with me some straightness and corner issues we were having. I was delighted at her feedback and comments and she kept telling me over and over that if I rode well he should get a 70% test - but it was all down to me. I was thrilled with that and was determined to go out there on Tuesday and do a bloody good test. Once I had finished we popped Ceaser back in his stable and off we went.

One of the other riders had offered to keep an eye on Ceaser whilst Mark and I ventured out for lunch. I thought I had nothing to worry about but gave everyone there my mobile number - just incase - and instructions of where his chifney bit was - just incase!

As we were sitting down quietly for lunch my phone went off. "Pony rearing….help!" was all it said. With a quick 'come on mark we need to go' we were swiftly on our way but the 30 minute journey back seemed to take forever.

We returned to Ceaser in a right state. His stable was a mess, he had almost dug the entire doorway up from rearing up at his door and I was informed he was virtually coming over it several times. Hmm, clearly not over the whole "I've been left and I can't possibly be one of only a few horses" then.

In an attempt to calm him down we spent hours hand walking him, standing with him and just tying him up outside the stable so he could see. People started to arrive for the regionals and I honestly thought he would calm down once the place got busier again. Evidently not - it wound him up even more, which then wound me up and by this time I was about ready to go home and forget the regionals!

As a last resort I moved all of his bedding back into the stable he had been in during camp before I had moved him to be with the remaining horses. It had bars on the door and window so at least if he tried to rear in that he couldn't get his hooves over the door and hurt himself. He was that wound up by now I was considering having to rush to a nearby shop and buy some calmer - something I have never had to do with him!

As if by magic as soon as we moved him he started to calm down instantly. I don't know what it is was but it was like someone had flicked the calm mode button back on him. Honestly, thank goodness I know him so well!

And with that he settled down and started to finally eat again for the first time in 12 hours! Horses eh?

I checked him every couple of hours throughout the night to ensure he wasn't colicing through stress or getting wound up again, but thankfully he had a quiet night and I had a sleepless one. Where's the change there then!

**

Tuesday morning started off quite well. I was due into the Novice test for my warm up class quite early on, so it was all systems go first thing. Ceaser warmed up rather nicely and I wanted to put everything we had learnt with Jo and Sue over the weekend into practice.

Our test ended up going well too. There were areas I wish I had ridden differently but I was so nervous to be at a regionals with an atmosphere I wasn't so used to that I rode the best I could I feel - and plus, that was only my warm up test!

We put (the now calm) Ceaser back into his stable, grabbed some lunch and a quick drink. By this time it was time for me to tack back up and get ready for my prelim regionals test. A mad dash was made to the Sheepgate shop tent as I couldn't find my spurs anywhere. Mark nor I are going to mention where we found them….. ever!

I spent lots of time suppling Ceaser for the regionals test and got him working long and low to begin with to get him working through his back and then picked him back up to work more uphill. Whatever Jo did to us over the weekend really did work as he felt fantastic - I was pleased with how he warmed up, especially given that there were horses flying past us in the warm up left right and centre. It really is intimidating in those circumstances being on a small pony.

Anyway, I was rather a nervous wreck riding into the arena but I tried to remember everything Jo and Sue had said. Sit up and enjoy it. Then I had Amy's words in my head that I needed to go into that arena and give the impression I deserved to be there and not to ride like I was apologising for being.

I was so pleased with how our test went. Honestly I couldn't have asked for more. We ended on 67.44% which I was thrilled with as everyone was telling me how fantastic that was for a regionals test.  The winner ended on 73% so in reality we weren't that far behind. I know it's a few percent but one judge had us on 71% which had it only been that one judge, would have left us in about 4th place.

I was honestly thrilled with how Ceaser went and couldn't have asked for more. He's not a big moving, naturally uphill warmblood so I think he did well considering he competition we were up against.

Once we had finished and took him back to the lorry he was a completely different pony; relaxed and as if butter wouldn't melt!

Onwards and upwards now - we have our area festival at Novice level in a couple of weeks which I am looking forward to!

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