News

Sally Returns to Form after Health Scare

When Annette McCracken walked to her horse’s stable door and found her laid flat out she thought the time had come for the 21-year-old cob.
Now retired, Sally has been a major part of Annette’s life since she was four and the pair has spent endless hours together hacking and enjoying cross-country rides.
Said Annette: “I have had so much fun on Sally and she is a massive part of my life so when I went to the stable and found her lying on her side it was very distressing.
“She has had laminitis on and off for a number of years but it has never been as severe as the latest bout.
“I have always turned her out with my show jumpers and event horses but in February this year the attack happened while she had actually been stabled for a few days with the cold, wet weather.
“It just came out of nowhere but may have resulted from too much haylage and standing in.
“When I went to the stables I just could not get her to move. I went back several times and then I started to get really worried and felt I needed to call the vets.

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Connemara Pony Shannon Teaches Maisy the Ropes

Connemara pony Shannon was proving a superb schoolmistress for young Maisy Griffiths in the dressage arena until she suffered from a bout of laminitis.
Now 24-years-old the 14.2hh mare is owned by Maisy’s mum Gemma who was delighted with their progress since getting her on permanent loan two years ago.

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Sam’s Determination Keeps Pony Ed Fit and Happy

Now 15-years-old, Welsh Section A pony, Ed first experienced laminitis at the age of five and his devoted owner Sam Bull has done everything in her power ever since to keep him happy and comfortable.
Sam first came across Ed when a friend bought a host of foals from the sales and she was asked if she could keep an eye on them.
Said Sam: “Ed was in a stable with two other ponies who bullied him so much he literally jumped into his haynet and got stuck.
“Fortunately I was there and able to cut him down and when he was free he came running over to me and put his head in my arms.
“With that I just had to have him and bought him aged five-and-a-half months just weaned.”
Sam originally purchased him with the plan of finding him a nice home but she quickly became attached and he has been with her ever since as a companion to her horses.
Standing just 11.3hh, Sam has always kept a close watch on Ed’s weight and never expected him to get laminitis.
Adds Sam: “I first noticed Ed was standing with the typical laminitis stance but initially if I kept him in for two days it would go. He wasn’t overweight or anything and it soon went away.
“Ed could be fine one minute and half an hour later he was terrible. I decided to keep a diary and asked the vets to carry out a blood test which showed his insulin was very high and he was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
“For the last five summers he has been really well and it is only the last two winters where the problem flared up again and his hooves became really sensitive.”

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We are delighted to announce we are the distributors for Alogo Move.

Alogo move is the most accurate technology ever implemented in an equine sensor !
An innovative sensor, easy to use and lightweight, that allows you to significantly improve your horse performances. The ability to visualize the real jump trajectory, to identify the optimal parameters and to prevent injuries by analysing the smallest variations. All data available on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Whatever your level, information such as the length and height of the strides and obstacles, as well as the incredibly accurate GPS tracking, will allow you to customize your training in order to reach your goals quicker and more efficiently.
The Move analyses with extreme precision the displacement of your horse in a 3D environment. It detects your lateral balance – are you balanced? Straightness – Is your horse in axis? It also detects cadence, speed and the intensity of the session.
A simplified or detailed display.
Whether you are a leisure rider, an amateur rider or a professional, choose in the application the display mode that best suits your specific needs.
Precise and useful data.
Specially created and developed by a team of Swiss riders and engineers, the Move gives you the most precise data on the market. Thanks to a top-notch technology, used too in aeronautics industry, the Move provides a unique in-depth analysis of the horse’s movement, like the real 3D trajectory.

New LaminAid and PodoSens from Cavalor

NEW from Cavalor this spring are LaminAid and PodoSens.


Cavalor LaminAid is recommended for horses and ponies with sensitive hooves due to metabolic problems.
It supports the sensitive intestinal flora and brings hormonal and metabolic processes back into balance while improving blood circulation and flow in the hoof.
Cavalor LaminAid is a unique, balanced combination of several essential oils including Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum and Betula alba. When incorporated into a blend, they complement each other and have a synergistic benefit.
Horses and ponies prone to sensitivity in the hooves, caused by metabolic issues, may have problems with endotoxin leakage in the digestive system and high amounts of insulin in the blood. This can lead to problems in the lamellar cells.
Cavalor LaminAid helps provide multifaceted support that works at different levels to assist with overcoming issues holistically. The blend of essential oils has an antioxidative and antibacterial effect.
Also new to the range is Cavalor Podosens a hoof oil that helps to provide external relief for sensitive hooves and contributes to their faster recovery.
It contains some of the essential oils that are also present in LaminAid, including Betula alba and Eucalyptus globulus.
Applying the oil twice a day to the hoof and/or the sole of the hoof helps by increasing circulation and bringing quick relief to sensitive hooves. Betula alba may also promote the elasticity of the hoof and promotes hoof growth.
LaminAid – 1litre – RRP £91
PodoSens – 500ml – RRP £38
Combi Box containing both – RRP £119

The Bucas Quilt – Super Versatile

The Bucas Quilt Stay-dry is a super versatile stable rug that can be used on its own or as an extra layer underneath a Bucas turnout or Bucas stable rug.
It is available in 150g or 300g and thanks to its stay-dry lining can be put on a wet horse as the material wicks the moisture away quickly from the horse’s skin helping to dry the coat faster.
Other features include T-bar with snap-lock closure, attachments for leg straps and attachment for a Quilt Neck.
The rug has cross-surcingles, leg straps, tail flap and a fillet string, for maximum comfort and fit.
Available in the colour Navy, the Bucas Quilt Stay-Dry is available in sizes 5’0”-7’2”, priced from £109.00.
For further information contact Zebra Products on (01352) 763350 or visit www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Unbeatable Turnout with Bucas

Pioneering rug design since 1981, Bucas continue their great tradition of innovative intelligent horse rugs and the range today includes a greater choice of high performance products than ever before.

Bucas Atlantic Range

The Bucas Atlantic Turnout range includes a selection of robust and durable turnouts offering protection across a broad range of temperatures. Waterproof and breathable, the Atlantic range has a Ballistic Nylon outer and features Bucas’ innovative Dermo-care lining with wicking Stay-dry properties that helps to keep your horse dry and his coat smooth and soft.

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New Sprenger Sponsorship For Ben And Emma Hobday

Leading German bit and stirrups brand, Sprenger, has extended its team of riders and welcomed Team Hobday.
Sprenger is best known for its philosophy not to be satisfied with what has already been achieved. Due to permanent contact with top riders and trainers they are able to always adjust their products to the riders’ demands and furthermore to start new trends.
The brand offer one of the most comprehensive range of bits that are of the highest quality. They use only the finest materials and components available and offer a bespoke special production service, tailored to the customer's individual requirements. 
Their stirrups provide comfort and security for horse and rider and are used by many of the world's leading professional riders, now including the eventing partnership Ben and Emma Hobday. 
Said Simon Middleton of Zebra Products “It is fantastic to have Ben and Emma on board with this brand. As professionals in the eventing world, their tips and advice will be great for the brand’s development.”
Commented Emma Hobday: “We have been a fan of the Sprenger Flexcite Grip Stirrup for some time now. We love how the brand uses the best materials available. 
“They are really comfortable to ride in as they are shock absorbing and provide perfect balance in the saddle by helping to set the rider’s leg in the correct position whatever the discipline.”
Said Ben Hobday: “We also use the Sprenger System-4 Stirrup which are great for us riders who spend a lot of time in the saddle. 
“The stirrup is designed to relieve pressure on the hips, knees and ankles, helping to soften impact on the joints.”

Zebra Products Support for Retailers

DURING the current difficult times the team at Zebra Products has made changes to its ‘Direct Delivery/Drop Shipment Service’, in order to speed up distribution and also make savings for their valued retailers.

The ‘Direct Delivery Service’ allows Zebra Products stockists to place orders and get them delivered directly to their customers home address.

For the service there is usually a £5 charge to all retailers but this will be waived for the foreseeable future.
Said Simon Middleton of Zebra Products: “With immediate effect we will waiver our £5 direct delivery charge to all retailers. This move should assist retailers who want to offer a drop shipment opportunity to their customers.

“This process will speed up deliveries, minimise product handling and reduce packaging too. The relevant carriage charges will still apply where applicable as per our terms and conditions.”

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