Having a BIT of an issue

Quite simply. What a week. No work update this time, more about my complicated horse.

 Saturdays Dressage test at the PetPlan Semi Finals spurred me on to once and for all sort Ziggys bitting issue out. The realisation Monday that one judge had him in second, which would’ve been a place at Hartpury and a golden ticket, left me more determined than ever! Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled with 11th out of 34, but I know he could've gone better!

So, feeling confident about sorting our issue out I put a post on the BD page asking for advice on what bitting and bridling specialists to use. Only for that to open a complete can of worms - it was insane!

To give a bit of background info regarding the problems we're having, Ziggy chomps constantly. And unless you've been watching me ride or ridden with me, you won't realise just how annoying it is. I've managed to block out the noise, but its evident he's not happy in the mouth. As well as this I get the feeling he hangs onto the bit. If I ask for more contact than he likes he'll shake his head and resist, especially when jumping. If we're schooling he'll just end up ridiculously tense and then we get head swaying, chomping and generally just a tricky horse to ride! He also occasionally tilts his head and becomes very blocked into the contact; I get the feeling I can't move his neck and he's very wooden. My instructor also felt his bridle wasn't quite right, but we weren't sure in what way exactly. We tried a drop noseband and that only made him threaten to go up so we quickly took that off and went back to a flash. However it was time to sort it out once and for all. On a good day out competing he was a 70%+ horse and two weeks ago in prelim we were told the majority of his work is much higher than prelim. However on a bad day, like last week, he's a 65% horse and the difference shows. I want to crack this now so we can get some Novice tests under our belt!

Anyway, I was put in touch with a bitting specialist from the Horse Bit Shop who gave some really good advice and feels he’s in the wrong bit in terms of make, and has pointed me in the direction of trying a Myler hanging cheek rather than the one I’ve got. She also felt his bridle didn’t quite sit 100%, and he would probably benefit from a comfort headpiece. Apparently connies have rather sensitive tongues and can be quite confident in letting us know about it. She also joked that the talented horses are never the easy ones to crack. By god I hope that’s the case here...

Ema was absolutely lovely and we spent an hour on the phone, discussing his bad points, good points, what a good day in terms of contact felt and what a bad day felt like. She made me feel like there was some light in our dark tunnel in terms of getting this right and the good thing is, we can trial any bit for a small fee until we find the right one!

Her reasoning for recommending a Myler comes from years of experience that Connemara's seem to have sensitive tongues and all the ones she has fitted a bit to have gone well in a Myler. Additionally, because of my issue I'm having where I can't seem to flex him, the Myler has single rein action as apposed to a normal bit. 

Solid or un-jointed bits can only act on the part of the tongue which sticks up above the top of the bars.  Jointed bits can drive downwards into the centre of the tongue way past the level of the bars.

The horse will resist the rider’s rein signals because he is trying to evade the pressure of the bit on his tongue so he can swallow. The Myler approach is completely the opposite, seeing the bit far more as a means of communication than a means of control .

Mylers advocate using the most comfortable bit possible, so that no restrictive gadgets are required to force the horse into the “correct” position.  The horse’s tongue should be given as much release as is right for that particular animal at that particular stage in its training, and the most appropriately shaped bit selected to suit the mouth of each individual horse. 

They work that if you flex with one rein, you can do and it doesn't put pressure on the entire bit. 

And....so, of course, I’m now entering the weekend with a purse considerably lighter: thank goodness you can trial the bits until you find the right one!

Going back to the BD page; when it comes to owning horses, we all think we’re experts and we know better than Joe Bloggs down the road. My opinion is more of the fact that, if we think we’re doing the best by our Equine companions, and we’re trying our hardest to make them comfortable and happy then we’re doing all we can. Sometimes we make mistakes but we’re human and if we ask for help then there’s no shame in that. Surely?

Anyway, expensive piece of equipment that horse will only slobber on is due to arrive tomorrow so I’ll update on how it goes regularly! So many of you have messaged me after seeing my post on BD and asked for an update on how I crack this issue we’re having with him. Meanwhile....I’m off to figure out how much I can get for one of my kidneys to help pay for this horses expensive taste - quite literally! 

Disclaimer: I love you really Ziggy, but why on earth a simple £15 bit from the local tack shop isn’t your preferred taste, I’ll never know!

Here's our diary of how we intend to crack this issue once and for all:

Friday 27th: Took Ziggy to my instructors today and mentioned the lengthy discussions I'd had with Ema at the Horse Bit Shop and what she felt our best course of action was. My instructor managed to dig a snaffle Myler out of her tack room of heaven and rode him in it for me today. One thing that soon became apparent was the distinct lack of chomping. In fact, he didn't chomp once. It seemed so quiet! We focused on getting him to take an even contact down both reins, without the swaying and focusing on getting him to bend and realise he can flex. He knows how to, he just sometimes pretends he can't! We did 25 minutes work in total and were both pleased with him. However it started discussions as to whether the hanging cheek I'd ordered was right and if we did just need a snaffle!

Saturday 28th: My hanging cheek from the Horse Bit Shop arrived this morning so I wasted no time in putting it on! I also changed my bridle under my instructors recommendation that she felt his bridle wasn't sitting right. I only rode for 15 minutes as the yard was very busy due to riding lessons happening, but again....such a difference! Three people were watching that are used to his constant chomping and all said "He's not chomped once!" which felt like music to my ears! He felt like he was resisting at the beginning but after a trot round soon settled and I asked him to work over some poles, then canter down the long side, circle and trot over the poles again. He usually relaxes much quicker if you keep his mind busy! I was lucky enough to have my other half with me today so he took some videos, and the overall picture looks promising. Firstly, no chomping, and secondly I was able to use on rein to get him even into the contact. Also, no powering on in the canter and when I asked him to half halt, he did! I could be getting ahead of myself but I hope this is a good sign of things to come! 

View Post

To clip or not to clip?

That time of year is upon us again where 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 recommended 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!!

- 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!

Good Luck!

View Post

The perplexed Aunty to be - week 3!

We're here already, week 3! The third and final week of antenatal classes and boy what an experience its been. If you missed week two, here's the link.

Aran and I decided in the interim of waiting for these antenatal classes we would get some experience dressing babies for our baby sitting duty and what better way than practicing on one of the teddy bears Terri-ann had been given as a gift. I think we're going to have this cool Aunty and Uncle stuff sorted.


So, week three was apparently going to teach us how to look after a baby. I've looked after several animals in my 26 years so I was adamant I was going to have this baby-sitting duty down.

Upon arriving the midwife told us we were going to play a bit of a game. Like all these heavily pregnant women looked up for a game....but anyway, never argue with a midwife.

With that, she produced a doll and told us she was going to hand it around the group and we had to guess how much it weighed because apparently it weighed the same as a normal, healthy newborn.

And guess who she bloody passed it to first? Yup, you've got it, ME! Why me?!

Everyones eyes were on me as the midwife literally threw this doll into my arms. I did want to shout 'hey be careful|' as she tossed it towards me, but I thought better of trying to win one over on this lady, she was strict.

"Oh my god this is blooming heavy!"

...is probably not the words I should've shouted; I mean someone in this room could well give birth to a baby this heavy, right?

Anyway, I made my guess at 9 lbs and tried to get on with the rest of the class, which apparently was going to start with breast feeding.

This was our signal to turn our heads to the DVD player, where we had to endure watching 8 full whole minutes of breast feeding.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for women breast feeding, but (here's where I get opinionated...) not once during that whole 8 minutes did the video give any advice to the women who didn't want to breast feed, not once did it mention what happens if you simply can't breast feed. No, it just spoke about how perfect breast feeding was and how babies latch on quite soon after giving birth. Yeah right, because every scenario is perfect?

When the DVD finished, I couldn't help but turn to Terri-ann and ask what happens if you didn't want to breast feed, or the perfect scenario didn't happen. We were baffled..

And with that, one poor, but exceedingly brave girl put her hand up and asked "what if I want to bottle feed?" and I was mortified to see everyone immediately turn to look at her like she'd just announced the world was ending, not asked a simple question that would suit her and her baby.

Anyway, enough of my ranting.. back to the fact I'm sat in a room full of people about to burst.

After we'd had our pep talk that breast is best *cough*, it was time to learn how to swaddle a baby and what sort of clothes to dress them in given the temperature. Apparently healthy, normal weight babies shouldn't wear hats inside. Which baffles me because every American TV drama I watch, the babies are all lined up in the hospital wearing wooly hats. If you don't believe me, check out season 8 of One Tree Hill. Fact.

Everyone looked quiet this week, like they were suddenly realising how soon the impending birth was and there was actually no backing out of it now. There were endless discussions on what weight people thought their own babies would be and whether they thought they would be early or late and what they'd look like...when suddenly...

"Excuse me, my girlfriends really not feeling very well" shouted one night stand boy.

Boy, she really didn't look very well either. Which made Terri-ann screech "Oh my god is she going into labour, oh my god is she going to be sick...Sian....whats happening?!"

and with that, we were told Good Luck and ushered out the room to go and get on with having these babies and learning to look after them.

I did feel like sticking my hand up and asking if she could just teach me how to swaddle, but given the look of the one night stand girl, I decided better of it and realised we were alone now, this was it....time to just wait for the birth!

Which didn't take long at all.....

View Post

The perplexed Aunty to be - week 2!

Week two, gosh how were we at week two already?

So, where were we when we left off on week 1? Here's the link to catch up if you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about when I begin waffling on about swaddling and breast feeding...

Anyway, week 2 was apparently focusing on 'The Birth'. The way the midwife said those two words made me want to puke a little bit in my mouth. The Birth - because what goes in, must come out (somehow...!)

Everyone looked a little sheepish this week, as if there was an elephant in the room that we all didn't want to talk about. Apart from my sister. She just had to be the one that said it.

"So, can we have as much pain relief as we want, from the moment we want it? Right?" Well...someone had to ask the question didn't they?


Mr and Mrs Super Organised looked at one-another and agreed they weren't having any pain relief and were hoping to go as natural as possible. They all say that though, don't they?

So, from the off set we started talking about water births and how to prepare; which was all fine and dandy, it helps the pain, allows you to have immediate skin-on-skin with the baby and your partner can jump in if he wants. Terri-ann and I nodded and quite honestly I thought "okay, this doesn't sound too bad" UNTIL....

"Don't worry about bringing a sieve if you're giving birth here, we provide them unlike some hospitals!" said the midwife as cool as cucumber like she'd said something as simple as "oh its sunny outside!"

Hang on, woah, back up... what ever do you need one of those for during birth? THEN it dawned on me. Ewww, yuck!

So Terri-ann and I quickly wrote that one off....next...!

A natural birth, but with some forceps and a hoover-type-thing thrown in for good measures. I can't remember the proper name, but again, we wrote this idea off and I decided if I was ever in this predicament then I definitely would be screaming blue murder for a C-section and not any intervention down there. I definitely didn't want a "small cut" just to help the baby out. No freaking way.

"Can the husbands request an extra stitch for good measures?" Asked Marshal - well, at least he asked I guess....

Which, nicely led onto C-Sections. Terri-ann and I smiled at one another as this was the one she wanted and the one I was 100% backing up by the sounds of the rest.

C-Sections always sound like the best way if you can look past not being able to do much for 6-weeks afterwards or being left with a scar. But its the least painful and almost a breeze, correct?

Wrong.

Hearing this I must admit I was more than disgruntled. Everyone had always made C-Sections sounds like a walk in the park. The baby came out as easy as it went in apparently. Woah, not according to this midwife.

I don't know if the NHS paid her to sit for 2 hours on a Tuesday night and scare the living daylights out of the people of Nottingham, but oh my life, this is exactly what she was doing!

So, we quickly learnt that actually a C-Section is just about as gruesome as the rest and this giving birth lark sounded more and more like someones worst nightmare.

No one really had any questions this week. Oddly enough, as I sat and looked around the room all I saw was 4 rather pale looking women and a few equally as pale men. Me? I wanted to hide in my scarf, or run to the nearest nunnery and sign up.

Terri-ann was getting itchy, all she wanted to know was how much pain relief was legal when you're in any stage of labour and would she be given as much as she requested...because she's heard from someone that heard something from someone else that sometimes you're denied all the pain relief you want. I know, head bang against wall moment right now. The midwife shook her head at the "but I heard..." and swiftly cut Terri-ann off before she sent the other women running, too petrified to even comprehend getting this alien-like-thing out of them.

"You'll be given what you request, providing you're in the right stages of labour for whatever type of pain relief you're after." - Phew!

So it was all fine and dandy, until...

"Do you always poo when you're mid-push, because I heard this ALWAYS happens!"

Oh Terri-ann.

And that was that. Upon leaving we both decided getting this baby out clearly wasn't going to be as fun as it was getting it in!

Come back for Part 3 - Dealing with a newborn!

View Post

HOYS - Day 1 roundup

Day one of Horse of the Year show 2017 got off to a flying start in the Horseware Bronze League Championship and Silver League Championship. Emma Sargeant from Staffordshire turned back the clock as she claimed a superb victory in the Silver League Championship on Fool's Business, winning two years after her sister Katie triumphed with the same horse. A jump-off time of 32.51 seconds meant Emma did enough to beat defending champion Rachel Walker, riding Bo Gi, into second spot, with Vicky Burns and Denzel II third.

The Horseware Bronze League Championship went to Bedfordshire's Abbi Jackson in emphatic fashion. Drawn first to go from 13 starters, she delivered a stylish first round performance on Christopher Robbin IV, then clocked 31.62 seconds in their jump-off to win by almost four seconds. Angela Mills and Quids In were best of the rest, taking the runners-up spot, with Southerly Roberts and Tinx finishing third.

The Connolly’s RED MILLS Senior Newcomers Championship was a tough fought competition with just two riders jumping clear and making it through to the jump-off. Sussex-based Nicole Pavitt continued her recent domination with a stylish performance to take the win aboard her mother Sandra's HC Cornet, leaving Adam Botham in second with Jerome Du Luot.

In the Talent Seekers inc 7 Year Old Championship, Chloe Winchester described her opening day win at HOYS as "what dreams are made of" as she took the Talent Seekers title with her 10-year-old bay mare Sportsfield Our Clare. Louise Saywell riding Mac Uwe finished in second place and landed the 7 Year Old Champion title.

In showing, prolific HOYS winner Jayne Ross began the 2017 event in trademark fashion as she guided 10-year-old bay mare Time 2 Reflect to an impressive win in the Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship.

Beware Chalk Pit was on top form and took the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year Championship. There were tears of joy as Ann Leftley’s 13-year-old ex racehorse Beware Chalk Pit took the honours. ‘Pete’, as he is known at home, won more than £9,500 over his seven year racing career, trained by Jonathan Geake. He ran his last race just two years ago.

In the Brineton Colne Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year Championship, a round of applause roared around the TopSpec Arena in appreciation of one fantastic pony, Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart,  who was crowned Brineton Colne Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year for the third year running.

The Price family’s superstar pony - and reigning Supreme Pony of the Year - Litton Enterprise made a stylish comeback to the TopSpec Arena on the first day of HOYS with a win in the Equissage Pulse Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship. 

It was fourth time lucky for Mirv and the Purebred Arab of the Year title. Clare Fitch punched the air in delight as her ride, Mirv, was called forward to take the Simon Constable Equine Vets and Mr & Mrs Roberts Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship. 

The Cuddy Working Hunter displayed a beautifully designed course by David Cole, although it proved tricky for many. It was not enough to deter Daniel Brian Carroll aboard Red Why Salute who answered all the questions asked and to take the win.  When Daniel Brian Carroll bought a five-year-old gelding with “no job to do” straight from the field, he had an inkling success was in the pipeline.

The evening performance was made extra-special with the 2017 Equestrian of the Year presentation which was awarded to Team GB Para-dressage rider Sophie Wells.  Fresh from her time on the podium at the Para-European Dressage Championships in August, Sophie was presented the award under the Andrews Bowen International Arena spotlight.

The bar has certainly been set high for what will undoubtedly be a promising week of talent on display at Horse of the Year Show, NEC Birmingham.

View Post

British Dressage at Horse of the Year Show

This year’s Horse of the Year Show features the fifth running of the annual Dressage Future Elite Championship. Taking place during the evening performance on Thursday 5^th October, this prestigious competition provides a platform for the UK's rising Grand Prix horses to gain invaluable experience under the spotlight at a world famous international event. In conjunction with British Dressage, the popular Championship is designed for horses between eight and ten years old. The class will feature a total of eight horse and rider combinations that will each showcase an Intermediate I Freestyle.

Last year's Future Elite was won by none other than Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin riding Hawtins Delicato who scored an incredible 78.62%. Charlotte is back competing in the Championship again this year to defend her title, aboard her new ride Mount St John Freestyle.

The eight horse and rider combinations this year include:

·         Rebecca Cowderoy riding Celicia·         Owen Cooper riding Don Dante

·         Charlotte Dujardin riding Mount St John Freestyle           

·         Maria Eilberg riding Sarotti 57

·         Dan Greenwood riding  Chevalier O

·         Sadie Smith riding Keystone Dynamite

·         Vicky Thompson Winfield riding Artist   

·         Sophie Wells riding C Fatal Attraction

ES PHOTOGRAPHY - Charlotte Dujardin riding her winning test aboard Hawtins Delicato at HOYS 2016

Thursday is all about dressage at HOYS and at 2pm you can stop by the HOYS Live Zone in the Retail Village where Charlotte Dujardin will be doing a Q&A and rider signing. At 4:05pm Charlotte will be hosting this year’s Dressage Masterclass in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, and then the Dressage Future Elite Championship will commence at approximately 5:50pm.

Tickets are still available for pre-purchase or on the day purchase subject to availability, starting from just £33.00. Whilst Wednesday, Thursdayand Friday tickets are valid for the full day, Saturday and Sunday are split into daytime and evening performances, with both options allowing full day access to the HOYS Retail Village. With over 250 tradestands and a fun-filled five days of competition, it’s just the ticket to celebrate equestrian sport and enjoy a great family day out.

To book your tickets, please visit www.hoys.co.uk/tickets or call the Box Office on 0844 581 8282

View Post