sydney free saddlery april/may 2015 newsletter

Sydney Free Saddlery

N E W S L E T T E RAPRIL / MAY 2015

PUBLISHED BY SYDNEY FREE SADDLERY LTD DELIVERED FREE

WELCOME TO YOUR APRIL/MAY SYDNEY FREE NEWSLETTER

April already! Spring has final ly managed to fight its way through and, as we write this, the sun is definitely startingto bring some real warmth with it when it turns up. Before we know it we wil l be in the heat of summer (we'repositive thinkers here at Sydney Free!) and winter wil l be a dim and distant memory. The hunting season isdrawing to a close and the Pony Club and eventing seasons are starting to really get under way. Another importantseason has just passed - the Chocolate Season! Easter is the one time of year - other than Christmas - where it isacceptable to buy, give and consume chocolate in industrial sized portions! We hope that you all had a lovelyEaster break.

NEW ARTICLE We have a great new article starting in this issuethat we think you wil l al l love. Nicky Holford is a feature and travelwriter for The Telegraph and other national newspapers, and haskindly offered to keep us updated on her travels. This month shehas sent us a great feature on Riding in Rajasthan with somephotographs of some stunning horses from her trip. Keep youreyes open for a new Equine Physio article in our next issue.

SECOND HAND TACK & BOOTS Our second hand saddles haveundergone a transformation! We think it looks great and makes itmuch easier to find the saddle you are after. Come in and have alook and let us know what you think. I f you have a saddle or anyother tack that you are thinking of sel l ing then feel free to bring it infor us to have a look at. Don't forget that we also sell second handbits, bridles, headcollars, body protectors and boots.

BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS We are proud to have spotted that at least five of our customers have beenaccepted as confirmed entries to compete at Badminton this year, with another on the waiting l ist. We wish you all ,

and all other competitors there, the best of luck and hope that you all get roundsafely. We have already had two Badminton winners - perhaps we can add athird this year! ! For some fun facts and figures turn to page 1 4. You wil l also findthe provisional timetable and entry fees and information. We hope this is usefulfor any of you hoping to go.

THE HAT RULE EXPLAINED The change to hat standards has got everyonetalking - and most people confused! We have tried to explain it a bit more onpage 11 and hope that it helps those of you struggl ing with the change in rules,or those of you who weren't even aware that anything had changed! I f any ofyou are worried about whether your hat is up to standard then feel free to bringit in for us to check.

Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free


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Copy Date: 1 5th of the previous month. Send fi les via

email [email protected] or hard copy to the

shop. 1 /4 page box advertisers can write an article relating to

their profession. Please ensure that your article is

informative and of interest to our equestrian readers, approx

400 words. All pictures wil l be reproduced in black and white.

TToo aaddvveerrttii ssee:: Call Keith Clampton - 01 285 655384

Box Advertising rates:

1 2 Month Period: ¼ page £200; 1 /8 page £1 00; 1 /1 6 page

£50

1 Month Period: ¼ page £80; 1 /8 page £40; 1 /1 6 page £20

Classified Ad’s:

FREE (20 words max, private ads only please, no business

l istings or services

Horses/Ponies for Sale, Loan or Share:

FREE (20 words max) If you require a photo or more space

for description please see our Box Advertising Rates above.

Inserted leaflet drop: £1 75 (contact to discuss)

Sydney Free Newsletter is del ivered free to all of our account

holders, emailed to loyalty club members and wil l be given to

all customers visiting the shop. We reserve the right not to

publish articles or adverts. All text and pictures are the

Copyright of Sydney Free Saddlery Ltd.

PPRROODDUUCCTT FFOOCCUUSS -- NNeeww AARRIIAATT FFoooottwweeaarr aatt SSyyddnneeyy FFrreeee

We are an official ARIAT power seller, we can order in any English ARIAT product youlike and you wil l earn your loyalty points! : -)

Heritage Contour Field Zip Boot

Premium ful l-grain long leather boot with a ful l leather l ining. The

contoured ankle design and tighter fit system provide a svelte fit and

silhouette. The ful l-length elasticated side panel and elastic gusset at the

inside of the knee provide superior fit and comfort. This is a superior boot

with first-class features. RRP £229.99

Ariat Women's Chelan

BRAND NEW PRODUCT This great shoe from Ariat features a ful l grain

leather upper and a breathable, moisture wicking l iner. A sl ip on style

shoe featuring the stretch-fit system ensures a great fit from this product.

I t has a shock-absorbing midsole and a Duratread outsole making

it both comfortable and hard wearing. RRP £89.99

INTRODUCTORY OFFER!

Save 1 0% on our new

Ariat Footwear

AIR JACKET HIREat Sydney Free Saddlery

We now have Point Two Pro AirJackets available for hire.

Please pop in, cal l or email tofind out more.

Pop in : Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

Call : 01 285 655384

Email : [email protected]


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by Nicky Holford

Dust gets in my eyes, as my Marwari steed swerves to

avoid a startled camel loping across my path. I ’m inches

from the horse in front whose thundering hooves

transport me to the days of the Rajput warriors

galloping into battle.

We are in Shekawati, north of Jaipur, on the edge of the

Thar desert, 400 kms from the Pakistan border. We

have abandoned the golden triangle of Rajasthan and

are travell ing on horseback, camping under the stars,

through a landscape of tumbling forts and palaces.

This region was once an important caravan route

across the Thar desert between Delhi and Sindh,

(which is now part of Pakistan) and the Gujarati coast.

I ts history comprises battle and rel igion, today both

Muslim and Rajput influences are part of its character

and its history of Rajput warriors is ripe. My horse with

his lovely lyre-shaped ears is cal led Chandrarekha

(which means lining of the moon). All the horses’ tack is

polished and glistening. Their martingales and

saddlecloths are great sashes of red denoting rel igion

and saffron the colour in battle for courage and

sacrifice.

Our guide and leader for the five-day journey is Kanwar

Raghuvendra Singh, a descendant of Rajput ruler,

Kesari Singh, better known as Bonnie. He is dressed in

the ful l uniform of the Indian cavalry. With his maroon

beret, good looks and manicured moustache he looks

straight out of a movie set. His mission to save Marwari

horses from extinction and to keep the 1 750 family fort

at Dundlod going, began with the fi lming of “The Far

Pavil l ions.”

Bonnie was sent to find these former warrior horses and

when fi lming finished, he ended up buying them. Now

tucked away off a dusty track in the family seat of

Dundlod is the Royal Equestrian and Polo Centre, one

of the largest breeding centres of Marwari horses in

India.

Every year, during the cooler months of October to

March Bonnie leads riding holidays, to fairs such as

Pushcar and Nagaur, camping in tents under the stars

or staying in former forts or palaces. The longer trips

are not for the faint hearted. Marwari horses are

spirited beasts, able to gallop for long periods of time

and travel for miles in the heat and dust of their desert

homeland.

The day we set off for Alsisar Mahal, 45 kilometres

away we leave through the imposing iron gates of

Mahansar castle, bui lt to keep out charging elephants.

Suddenly the empty streets are fi l led with children and

vil lagers waving and smil ing. We avoid roaming cows

and women laden with huge great pi les of wood unti l

we leave all signs of habitation behind.

When we mount up again the intensity of the sun has

waned, and we find the wide open desert. A few hours

later on the horizon we can see the turrets of Alsisar,

our destination. The road to the fort is cobbled and I am

swept back in history, as we pass the main gates and

clatter up a steep ramp into the courtyard.

INFO : In the Saddle (01 299 272997; inthesaddle.com) offers

a Fairs and Festival riding through the ancient kingdoms of

Shekhawati staying in palaces and tented camps. There are

other itineraries to coincide with the Pushkar Fair in

November, the Nagaur Fair in January/February and a ride

each year running over Christmas and New Year.

Riding in Rajasthan

NICKY HOLFORD IS A FEATURE AND TRAVEL WRITER FOR THE

TELEGRAPH AND OTHER NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS.

PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST

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Rectory Farm Arena

COMBINED TRAINING RESULTS

We're proud to be sponsoring the 201 5 Combined

Training Series at Rectory Farm. The turnout for the first

two Combined Trainings has been superb and the depth

and quality of both horses and riders stunning. Despite 5

arenas going all day on 1 8th March there was sti l l a

waiting l ist!

Results for 4th March :

Class 1

1 st Hannah Goddard Shooting Stars 24.5

2nd Bex Hibberd Cannabel 26.0

3rd Tom McEwen Dennis 26.5

Class 2

1 st Elena Parmer Tommy 22.0

2nd Mike Jackson PSH Promise Me 25.3

3rd Camil la Browne Wil l 28.5

Class 3A

1 st Jonty Evans Alamo 24.5

2nd Jul ie Tew HHS Foracruise 26.5

3rd Flora Harris Bil ly Bandit 27.0

Class 3B

1 st Laura Smith Berry 29.0

2nd Askier Nicholas Alertamateb'on 29.5

3rd Flora Harris Lakota Ghost 29.5

Class 4

1 st Jul ie Tew Lord of the Owls 31 .1

2nd Ryuzo Kitaj ima Chocolate 32.3

3rd Flora Harris Cooley Lord Lux 32.7

Results for 1 8th March :

Class 1

1 st Bex Hibberd Cannabel 28.3

2nd Jane Langdon Chequers 29.5

3rd Mike Jackson Special 31 .3

Class 2A

1 st Kathryn Harris Cracker 21 .0

2nd Sam Dempsey Emperor Clover 32.3

3rd Mike Jackson Special 32.8

Class 2B

1 st Catherine Burrel l Romeo 28.0

2nd Lizzy Brown Jonny 29.0

3rd Roberto Scalisi Spud 29.8

Class 3A

1 st Harry Meade Finn 33.5

2nd Catherine Burrel l Duke 33.5

3rd Harry Meade Margot 33.8

Class 3B

1 st Serena Norton Jonjo 25.3

2nd Charlotte Agnew Benji 25.8

3rd Tom McEwen Roxy 26.5

Class 4A

1 st Aoife Clarke Biscuit 30.9

2nd Charlotte Bacon Buzz 32.3

3rd Tom McEwen Wiberley 32.3

The final competition was on Wednesday 8th Apri l .

Did You Know?"The Red Folder"

In the shop we have a red folder. I t's the local Equine

Bible for l ivery yards, horses for sale, loan or share,

dogs for sale, equine situations wanted and vacant,

instructors, therapists, items for sale. Many people

regularly come in to fl ick through this wonderful

resource or bring in new adverts. We charge 50p per

week for ads in this folder and it has become a real

local service.

Schedules

We have a whole section of wall space dedicated to

show schedules, training days, cl inics, competitions,

fun rides and anything going on in the surrounding

area that horsey people may want to attend.

Schedules regularly arrive through the post and we

pop them out on display for you when you are

browsing around the shop. I f you are running a show

bring in your schedules and ask for them to go on

display (schedules must be A5 and posters no bigger

than A4)

Schedules currently in the shop :

Rectory Farm Unaffi l iated Showjumping - Apri l & May 1 5

Rein & Shine Unaffi l iated Evening Dressage - to August 1 5

Northleach Welsh Pony & Cob Show - 27th June 1 5

Rectory Farm Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage - Apri l to June 1 5

Rein & Shine Summer Showjumping Series - Apri l to July 1 5

Rein & Shine Unaffi l iated Saturday Showjumping - to August 1 5

Chelworth Fields Dressage & Showjumping Series - to Apri l 1 5

Cirencester Park Fun Ride - 24th May 1 5


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Hire @ Sydney Free

Clipper Hire - £25 per 24 hours

Choose from Wolseley Swift professional mains cl ippers

or Liveryman Harmony Clippers. Both come with spare

blades and clipper oil .

Bit Hire

This is a try-before-you-buy service so that your horse

gets the best bit for its mouth. You pay the hire rate and

try the bit. I f you l ike the bit you just pay the balance, if

you don't l ike the bit just return it to the shop.

Bits costing up to £40 cost £5 per week to hire

Bits costing over £40 cost £1 0 per week to hire

Equilibrium Massage Mitt

£20 per week (£99.95 to Buy) A quick,

effective and easy to use Massage Mitt

which helps to promote relaxation, improve

flexibi l ity and improve muscle condition.

Equilibrium Massage Back Pad

£35 per week (£278 to Buy)

There are three different settings:

Low - To cool down after

exercise. Medium - To warm

muscles prior to exercise. High -

To help al leviate back problems.

Ice Vibe Boots

£25 per week (£200 to Buy)

ICE-VIBE Circulation Therapy Boots are rechargeable

vibrating boots that boost circulation for injury repair.

Each pack of ICE-VIBE circulation therapy boots

contains 2 boots, 2 cold packs, 2 vibrating panels, 2

batteries, 1 battery charger and 3 adapters for universal

use. ICE-VIBE boots can be used

before exercise using vibration only to

warm the leg or combining both the cold

pack and vibration boot helps to reduce

soreness and swell ing in the leg. The

ICE-VIBE boot increases blood flow and

assists in the healing process and

regular use of the ICE-VIBE boot

reduces the risk of injury or damage to the horses leg.

The ICE-VIBE circulation boots won the innovation

award at BETA international 201 2.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a new customer please

bring 1 photographic proof of identity and 1 current

proof of address when you come in to collect your hire

item from the shop. Call to check availabi l ity.

AApprriill//MMaayy OOffffeerr

BUY ONE OF THESE BODY

PROTECTORS

GET1 0%OFFTHE

TOTALPRICE

GET1 0%OFFTHE

TOTALPRICE

*PLUS* ONE OF THESE

RIDING HATS

INFO: Not in conjunction with any other offers.


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The Farrier

Andrew Poynton FWCF (Fellow of the Worshipful Company

of Farriers 1 998) has practised farriery since 1 980 and is a

well known and respected farrier

01 666 82953 - http: //www.poyntonfarrieryclinic.co.uk

TO BARE OR NOT TO BARE - PART 1 OF 3

I t’s possibly the most burning farriery issue of the

moment, ANDREW POYNTON, FWCF, addresses the

question and offers some realistic guidance to help

owners make an informed decision

IS THIS a new idea? Obviously not; the equine is not

born with shoes, and neither are they found in the wild

shod with anything other than hooves. So why not keep

them as nature intended? Yes, we do and can leave

them unshod and even untrimmed in the wild. Native

breeds in their natural environment cope very well

without human intervention, even the mustang, a horse

original ly introduced from Spain into a new environment,

has adapted well to its surroundings.

This success is l ikely to be due to both environments

being arid. Horse’s feet reflect the ground conditions

they walk on; if the ground is dry, the hooves wil l be dry

and hard, and tend to be tighter and more upright. The

soles retain the horn because they are more vaulted and

dry. These hooves are tough and resil ient and can

withstand much wear. The donkey’s hooves are much

like this; it is no surprise that they were crossed with

horses to produce the mule, the epitome of a beast of

burden.

Historical ly, writing in the 1 3th century Marco Polo,

famously travell ing on the Silk Road to China, said of

Badakashan: “The country is extremely cold, but it

breeds very good horses, which run with great speed

over these wild tracts without being shod with iron.” The

Romans apparently did not shoe their horses unti l the

Empire spread into northern Europe, where they learned

the skil l of shoeing with iron from the Celts and

Germanic peoples. Why? Presumably it was not to

humour the locals, but out of necessity to keep the horse

‘on the road’.

So what had changed? Certainly the climate, and

possibly breed of horse had altered. In northern Europe

we are blessed with a cooler and predominately damp

LLooyyaallttyy PPooiinnttss &&CCaasshh VVoouucchheerrss

Don't forget to claim your loyalty

points every time you make a

purchase. Our ti l ls automatical ly

print you out a £5 cash voucher to

spend in the shop when you reach a

Loyalty Point Milestone.13 year old dressage horse which has never been shod

climate. Being subject to their environment, when wet,

the hooves absorb more moisture, which softens the

horn rendering it more pliable, and, due to the weight

borne by them, prone to spreading.

The hoof wil l conform to some degree irrespective of

type, but the low angle thinner walled, larger horses’

hooves wil l be most affected. The hooves wil l be more

open, the soles flatter, and therefore more prone to

injury than the tight hard and dry hoof. The wet flat

hoof is not able to retain a thick strong sole. I t is no

surprise that these hooves are prone to sole bruising

and puncture wounds when on wet stoney ground. So

does this mean that al l the problems occur in the

winter? Not necessari ly, when the ground is hard and

dry, it is unyielding and likely to be more abrasive. . .

Flat foot, notsuitable for barefoot


The EventerEvent Schedule

Now is the time we look towards the upcoming eventseason with excitement. Each horse wil l have a differentgoal and we aim to plan the events it wil l attend careful lyto achieve those goals with success. As we are famil iarwith the events in our area we are able to decide whichcompetitions are good move-up courses, which footingis best in the wet or the hard, which have good warm-upareas, and which have well designed cross-countrycourses. All of these and many other factors go intoconsideration when planning a competition scheduleand fortunately we are based in an area that lets us bepicky as to which events we attend.

Before we map out the events for each horse wediscuss how we felt they finished their last season andwhat the realistic plan for the year wil l be. We wil l set outa calendar of competitions and pick from that whichevents wil l suit which horse and where they wil l move upto the next level, with alternative events if necessary. Asthe weather can be somewhat unhelpful in March, wetry to start at competitions where the footing can handlethe wet. I t can really knock a horses ‘confidence if thefirst time they compete that season the footing is verydeep and holding.

Often we wil l compete the young horses two weekendsin a row early in the season, this is especial ly useful inteaching them about being at an event and gallopingfrom one jump to the next. We also decide if some of theolder horses need to run at a level below where theyfinished the year before i.e. if they completed a CCI**the previous season as a seven year old, then usuallywe would start them at novice for the first one or maybetwo events. This gives us an idea as to how confidentthey feel and if there are any areas in their training thatneed to be given more attention to.

When moving the horses up a level we are careful topick an event that would be on the softer side for boththe cross-country and show jumping. This helpsconfidence with the longer, larger courses and fasterspeeds. We also try to pick the competitions that aresl ightly quieter for their first time, large crowds and tradefairs can be over-whelming for a green horse. Once theyare comfortable at the level we then pick morechallenging events that are higher profi le, with the goalusually being an International event towards the end ofthe season for the horses at that level.

I t goes without saying that the work you do before thecompetition is the key to success at the competition, sothe horses need to be in serious work and have been tolocal arenas for show jump and dressage practice, aswell as multiple cross-country schooling. We neverassume that if a horse finished the season in winningform we can rest on our laurels al l winter and it wil lcome out the next year winning!

Web: www.wayfarereventing.net / Phone: 07889 1 34343or 07730 465291 / Address: New Barn Farm, Fields Rd,

Sponsor Update.. .Update from SFS Sponsored Rider: Jenny Lawton

Sydney Free Saddlery started sponsoring JennyLawton in 201 4. She have enjoyed watching hersuccesses with Brodie and are very much lookingforward to seeing her improve this year andhopefully over the years to come. Here is a quickupdate from Jenny about the new "man" in herlife.

The last few months have been very exciting as I haveacquired a new equine friend in the form of Moose, a 6year old 1 6.1 hh bay Irish sport horse. He is the mostchil led out horse I 've ever known and is also a realgentleman. He has come up from Devon where hewas being produced by Lucy Wiegersma and PadraigMcCarthy. I am SUPER excited about him as he wil lhopeful ly be the horse that I ride at Juniors with. He isso much fun to jump and although there is a lot ofwork to be done on his flatwork, he has crackingpaces and a positive mental attitude, so I 'm confidentwe wil l get there. I 'm aiming for our first event togetherto be at the beginning of Apri l so we have plenty oftime to cl ick properly.

MMaarrcchh PPrriizzee DDrraaww RReessuullttss

1 st Prize £20 voucher - Fiona Burnett

2nd Prize £1 0 voucher - Charlotte Case

3rd Prize £5 voucher - Jul ian Weston

Entry into the draw is simple. Simply spend

£40 or over and your name wil l be entered.

Jenny and Moose jumping at home

7


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AREA 9 APRIL/MAY FIXTURES

(from the VWH PC Website)

01 .04 Set-up ral ly for ODE at Ampney Downs Farm

02.04 Arena SJ and XC at Wickstead Horseplay

03.04 Dengie SJ Final at Moreton Morrel l

03.04 Pony Racing at Cheltenham

03.04 VWH PC Horse Trials at Ampney Downs Farm

04.04 Dengie Dressage Final at Moreton Morrel l

04.04 Easter Egg Hunt at Bazeland Farm

04.04 Dressage Rally at Talland

07.04 XC Training at Lyneham

07.04 Mini & Junior SJ Rally at Wickstead

07.04 Arena Eventing at the Unicorn Trust

08.04 Int/Open XC Training at Lyneham Heath

08.04 ODE at Shipton Moyne

09.04 Mini Eventers Dressage at Rectory Farm

09.04 Horse & Pony Care Competition at Old Berks

09.04 Introduction to Coaching at Rectory Farm

1 0.04 Dressage Rally at Talland

1 0.04 Flatwork with Poles at View Farm, Minety

11 .04 B Tests and Lunge Test at Rectory Farm

11 .04 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton

11 .04 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Ason Le Walls

1 2.04 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Ason Le Walls

1 2.04 Flatwork & jumping 5-8yrs at Sheppards Farm

1 2.04 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland

1 3.04 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm

1 7.04 Gridwork Rally at Barnsley Park

24.04 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland

24.04 Working Rally at Rectory Farm

25.04 Mini/Novice Eventers XC at Rectory Farm

26.04 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton

26.04 Mini/Junior ODE at Andoversford

27.04 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm

28.04 SJ Rally at Field Farm, Minety

29.04 AH Standard Setting Day at Rectory Farm

01 .05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland

03.05 Mini & Novice SJ Rally at Rectory Farm

05.05 Working Rally at View Farm, Minety

06.05 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton

1 0.05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland

1 5.05 Working Rally at Barnsley Park

1 5.05 Working Rally at Rectory Farm

1 7.05 Mini/Novice Eventers Dressage at Rectory Fm

1 8.05 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm

22.05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally with Brian Hutton

22.05 Working Rally at Rectory Farm

25.05 VWH Pony Club Show at Kemble

27.05 Mini & Novice SJ Rally at Rectory Farm

28.05 XC Rally at Rabson Manor

30.05 Dressage Rally at Talland

30.05 Mini/Junior/Novice ODE at West Littleton

30.05 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Hambledon BE Course

30.05 Junior Regional Tetrathlon at Moreton Morrel l

31 .05 Junior Regional Tetrathlon at Moreton Morrel l

CHANGE TO HAT STANDARDS

DOES THE NEW HAT RULE AFFECT YOU?The Main Points

~ If riders have hats certified to the EN1 384 they can

continue to use them unless stated otherwise by rules

of competition.

~ The Pony Club wil l not be allowing hats which are

only marked with the standard (BS)EN 1 384 after 31

December 201 5

The hat tagging procedure for 201 5 wil l now be:

~ Hats with only (BS)EN 1 384 wil l need a purple tag

~ Hats also marked PAS 01 5, Snell E2001 and/or

AS/NZS 3838 should be tagged with one of the new

white hat tags before the 31 st of December 201 5

In 201 5 hats bearing either white and purple tags wil l

be permitted in Pony Club activities. After 31 Dec 201 5

no hat bearing a purple tag wil l be permitted in Pony

Club activities

Pony Club

PONY FOR LOAN

To stay at home (north of Cirencester)

1 3.2hh Connemara pony needs a new rider

and friend. Loves being ridden, outings and

jumping. 1 00% on the roads. Needs a keen

young person or wil l take a small adult.

Tel 07502 934403

Previously it was always compulsory to wear a body

protector if the Member was wearing an air jacket.

With immediate effect this rule now only applies in

Cross Country and Pony Racing. In any other

circumstances air jackets may now be worn without a

body protector.

I f a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross

Country or Pony Racing it must only be used in

addition to a normal body protector. Parents and

Members must be aware that riders may be permitted

to continue after a fal l in both competition and training

rides. In the event of a fal l , i t must be ful ly deflated or

removed before continuing, the conventional body

protector wil l continue to give protection. Air jackets

must not be worn under a jacket and number bibs

should be fitted loosely or with elasticated fastenings

over the air jacket.

CHANGE TO AIR JACKET RULE

9


JJUUNNIIOORR RRIIDDEERRSS && PPOONNYY CCLLUUBB

Please return to the shop for entry

You must be 1 6 or under to enter

APRIL/MAY JUNIOR COMPETITION

Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Answer 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phone : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WIN A GEL HANDLEDRIDING WHIP !!

How to enter:

Cut out this half of the page and drop it into

the shop when you next visit. I f you can't

come in then email [email protected].

You wil l need to be able to come in if you are

the winner to collect your prize.

Be sure to fi l l out your name and phone

number below so we know who you are and

how to contact you if you are the lucky

winner!

Find the answers to the questions below to

enter:

The answers to all these questions are in

this issue of our newsletter. Either fill in

the form below and drop it into the shop or

send your answers by email to

[email protected] by 31 st May 201 5

to be in with a chance to win

Question 1

What item do the Gambian Horse and Donkey

Trust need people to donate?

Question 2

What safety item have Sydney Free just

started to hire out?

Question 3

Name one of the NAF products that you can

get from our shop

Question 4

What was the horse called that Nicky Holford

rode in Rajasthan?

Question 5

When did the first Badminton Horse Trials

take place?


1 0

SYDNEY FREE &NAFDid you know that Sydney Free are main NAF area suppliers and we have a huge range on

display in the shop. We are able to supply you all your NAF products, PRICE MATCH ALL

LOCAL SUPPLIERS* and have out of stock items delivered next working day.

*within a 20 mile radius but if you are visiting the area please ask

1 00's of NAF products

~

Loyalty points with

every purchase

~

Access to advice and

nutritional support

~

Next working day

delivery on any item

from the NAF range

~

Mail Order Nationwide


11

There have been a lot of confused people since

the change in the hat rule was announced. You're

not on your own, it confused us too! Even staff at

the hat manufacturers have been confused when

we've called to ask questions! ! We hope that this

wil l help shed some light on the matter and how

things stand at the moment.

The hat standard that has been "removed" is the

BSEN 1 384. I f your hat is only certified to this

standard it is important to remember that this does

not mean that your hat is no longer safe, it sti l l

offers you the same great level of protection that it

did when you bought it. You can sti l l wear this hat

in competition unti l the end of 201 5 and out of

competition with no time limit (as long as it remains

in good condition, of course).

Most hat standards are revised roughly every 5

years but in the case of the BSEN1 384 no-one

could seem to come to an agreement so instead

they've taken the whole standard away! As it

stands at the moment, hats which were tested to

the BSEN standard are now being tested to a new

interim standard called the VG1 . You wil l see this

label coming through as manufacturers sell off

The Hat Rule - What Does It Mean?! !their BSEN stock and bring through the newly

tested hats.

IF YOU COMPETE YOU ARE ONLY AFFECTED

IF YOUR HAT IS ONLY CERTIFIED BSEN1 384.

IF YOUR HAT HAS PAS01 5 2011 OR SNELL

YOU WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

The only hats that we have stocked that are only

BSEN standard are the Shires Lexington,

Gatehouse Conquest, Uvex, Charles Owen Fiona

and Champion Euro Jockey Deluxe. I f you have

bought any other hat from us then you wil l be

fine. We have a huge range of hats that wil l keep

you in standard : HS1 , Charles Owen 4-Star,

Charles Owen Junior Skull , Champion Junior

Plus Skull , Charles Owen AYR8, Charles Owen

H2000, Charles Owen SJ2000, Champion

CPX3000. Coming soon the Charles Owen YR8

and Charles Owen Hampton velvet hat,

Gatehouse Chelsea Air Flow Pro in suede and in

matt.

This table below is the clearest way we have

seen so far to tel l what hat standards you are

allowed (kindly sent from Gatehouse):


1 2

SPRING / SUMMERRUG FEATURE -Torrent Lightweight Full Neck

Properties : Waterproof, ful l neck, 600D, cotton l ined

Useful for : protection from cooler wind and rain when

a medium weight rug is too warm

Price : £46.95

Horseware Mio Lite

Properties : 600D, waterproof, breathable, poly-l ined

Useful for : a great spring/summer/autumn rain sheet

in warmer temperatures

Price : £50

Amigo Bravo Turnout

Properties : Waterproof, breathable, 1 200D, hood and liner

loops, front leg arches

Useful for : tough outer great for horses that l ike to rip rugs, can

be worn with or without hood and or l iner so very adjustable

Price : £1 00

Amigo Bravo Neck

Properties : 1 200D, waterproof, breathable

Useful for : added protection on wet and

windy days with the Bravo turnout

Price : £40

Castle Light Weight Turnout

Properties : 600D, shoulder vents, waterproof

Useful for : protection from wind and rain especial ly for

broader horses as has shoulder vents and adjustable front,

neck cover available

Price : £59.95

Torrent Turnout

Properties : cotton l ined, 600D, shoulder vents, waterproof

Useful for : protection from wind and rain in warmer

weather, economical to replace!

Price : £34.95

Castle Light Weight Neck Cover

Properties : Lightweight, waterproof

Good for : extra protection from wind

and rain, attaches to Castle rugs

Price : £22.95


1 3

How To Choose Your Rugs This SeasonRambo Sweet Itch Vamoose

Properties : 1 000D, si lky mane & tail l iner, Vamoose technology

Good for : top to toe protection for itchy & irritated horses & ponies! Impregnated fly repellent keeps

flying insects away. I f they get close there's not much of your horse available for them to land on! !

Price : £1 40

Rambo Plus Vamoose Fly Mask

Properties : detachable noseguard, formed for maximum

eye protection, No Fly Zone Vamoose technology

Useful for : horses with sensitive eye areas, horses easily

irritated by fl ies or get rubbed by other fly masks

Price : £37

Amigo Bugbuster Vamoose Limited Edition

Properties : sun reflecting fabric, deep sides and tai l

flap, Vamoose technology

Useful for : horses that are bothered by fl ies and biting

insects, l imited edition design

Price : £75

Horseware Mio Fly Rug

Properties : knitted polyester outer, deep tai l flap, integrated

neck cover

Useful for : l ight, soft fabric, ful l coverage for neck and body

Price : £44

Fine Mesh Fly Mask (available with or without nose)

Properties : fine mesh material , velcro fastenings,

ergonomic shaping

Useful for : great every day mask for horses bothered

by the fl ies.

Price : £1 4.99 or £1 5.99 with nose

Weatherbeeta Airflow Combo

Properties : soft mesh, ful l tai l & belly flap,

elastic insert at base of neck

Useful for : great quality with good coverage

Price : £64.99

Cameo Fly Combo

Properties : close knit mesh, ful l

neck with elastic base, large tai l flap

Useful for : Great value fly rug

Price : £39.99

SYDNEY FREE ROLL CALL

Good luck to our customers confirmed

as entries this year:

Paul Tapner Charlotte Agnew

Julie Tew Ben Way

Zara Phil l ips Alex Peternell (waiting l ist)

1 4


Badminton Horse Trials 2015

GRASSROOTS EVENT

Tuesday 5th May

9am - 5pm Dressage

Wednesday 5th May

9am - 5pm Dressage, SJ, XC

6pm approx Prize Giving

MAIN EVENT

Wednesday 6th May

8am Gates open

9am - 4.1 5pm Burghley Young Horse Event Class

4.30pm First Horse Inspection

Admission free after 4pm

Thursday 7th May

8am Gates open

9am - 5pm Dressage

1 2.30pm Dressage Display

Friday 8th May

8am Gates open

9am - 5pm Dressage


5pm Stall ion Display

Saturday 9th May

7am Gate open

1 0.45am Shetland Pony Grand National Display

11 .30am - 5pm Cross Country

Sunday 1 0th May

7.30 am Gates open

8.30 am Final Horse Inspection

1 0 am Church service

11 .30 am Showjumping (First Part)

2pm Band Display

2.30pm Parade of Competitors

2.45pm Showjumping (Top 20)

3.45pm Hound Parade

4 pm Prize Giving

PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE(as at 31 .03.1 5)

ADMISSION CHARGES 201 5

Vehicle Pass

£1 0 per day in advance / £1 2 on gate

Season Pass £28 in advance only

Vehicle pass does NOT include driver or passengers

Personal Admission

Wednesday £6 in advance/ £7 on gate

Thursday £1 4.50 in advance / £1 7 on gate

Friday £1 4.50 in advance / £1 7 on gate

Saturday £26 in advance / £28 on gate

Sunday £1 2.50 in advance / £1 5 on gate

Season ticket £50 in advance only

Grandstand Seating

Dressage £6.50 - £1 2.50

Dressage - unreserved also available FOC

Cross Country - no charge

Showjumping £9 - £35

Badminton Horse Trials is now one of the top three day

events in the world, let alone the UK, so here's some

fun facts and figures about our local event.

When the first competition took place in 1 949 and was

won by Golden Wil low there were only 22 starters from

two countries (Britain and Ireland) but this year there

wil l be 85 runners. The weather has fl ipped between

baking hot sunny days and torrential downpours over

the years, yet bad weather has only forced the event to

be cancelled four times : 1 966, 1 975, 1 987 and 201 2. I t

was also cancelled in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth

disease.

For the first event in 1 949 the prize money total led

about £500 with £1 50 going to the winner. At the 201 4

event the prize money total led approx. £330,000 and

the winner took home an impressive £80,000. Horses

Ballycotton, Over To You, Lenamore and Comanche

share the record for the most times a horse has

completed the event, whilst Lucinda Green (nee Prior-

Palmer) has won the event a record 6 times and

Andrew Nicholson has completed the event more times

than anyone else - an astonishing 33 times! The first

female to win was Margaret Hough on Bambi V way

back in 1 954.

One fact you won't find on the Badminton website -

Sydney Free customers have one this prestigious event

twice.


1 5

Tack Repairs @ Sydney Free WorkshopWe can repair your tack, boots, luggage, shoes, gun cases, leather car seats and so much more!

7 Great Reasons to use the Sydney Free Workshop

1 ) We can guarantee a quick turn around of your repairs if you need them back for a show or competition. Just let

us know in advance

2) Saddle fittings and/or reflocking can usually be arranged within 1 week.

3) Our workshop is now open for you to visit and speak with the Master Saddler.

4) We can repair or service your riding boots, new zips, soles, heels, repair of holes and worn out leather.

5) Your repairs will be carried out by qualified saddlers not apprentices or trainees.

6) Our Master Saddler, Nigel Higgs has so much experience with the most complex or unusual jobs since starting

with Sydney Free in 1 978.

7) We are the preferred TACK REPAIR service for hundreds of local Gloucestershire riders, come and see

why.

MAIN EVENT

Wednesday 6th May

8am Gates open

9am - 4.1 5pm Burghley Young Horse Event Class

4.30pm First Horse Inspection

Admission free after 4pm

Thursday 7th May

8am Gates open

9am - 5pm Dressage


Friday 8th May

8am Gates open

9am - 5pm Dressage


5pm Stall ion Display

Saturday 9th May

7am Gate open

1 0.45am Shetland Pony Grand National Display

11 .30am - 5pm Cross Country

Sunday 1 0th May

7.30 am Gates open

8.30 am Final Horse Inspection

1 0 am Church service

11 .30 am Showjumping (First Part)

2pm Band Display

2.30pm Parade of Competitors

2.45pm Showjumping (Top 20)

3.45pm Hound Parade

4 pm Prize Giving

BIT APPEALThe Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust are in desperate

need of donations of UK style bits to distribute to local

farmers. Many farmers work their horses and donkeys

using rusty Senegalese bits or simply rope tied through

the animal's mouths. As you can imagine, this causes

horrific mouth injuries. Many of the horses and donkeys

we treat have wounds which are so easily avoidable by

using a correct bit. Sadly, the poor quality of metal out

in The Gambia means that it is not possible to

manufacture UK style bits in the country and, as such,

we rely entirely on shipping out donated bits from the

UK.

When having a tackroom clearout, or when purchasing

a new bit, please give your old one a second life and

donate it to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust by

sending it to the address below. Donating a bit is one of

the easiest ways to make a difference to a working

equine in The Gambia. Thank you.

Please send bits to :

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust

Brewery Arms Cottage

Stane Street

Ockley

Surrey

RH5 5TH

Telephone 01 306 627568

OR NFU Mutual are allowing some of their offices to be

used as drop off points. Find out more at

www.nfumutual.co.uk/gambia

NeilHe may be small in stature but one of the biggest

characters at Gambia Horse and Donkey is Neil . He

has his own paddock made with wire imported from

the UK to keep him in and other animals out as he is

not very keen on sheep, goats and dogs. He has in

the past got us into big trouble by injuring trespassing

ruminants, but he adores attention and hugs and

although he drags Ngara (our donkey manager) at

high speed to and from the paddock, when he is

actual ly put to work he is probably the slowest donkey

in The Gambia! Having said that he has walked the

length of The Gambia pull ing a cartload of

photographic equipment, a journey of some 970km on

a charity exhibition to raise funds for Gardens for

Children. He came back in superb condition which just

goes to prove that providing donkeys are well cared

for, well harnessed and well fed they have the abil ity to

cover great distances and work hard.

Find all the information on Neil and other horses

and donkeys at gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk

Donkey In The Spotlight

GGaammbbiiaa HHoorrssee && DDoonnkkeeyy TTrruusstt


1 6

Useful NumbersPolice / Fire / Ambulance 999

Cirencester Police 1 01

NHS Direct 0845 4647

Cotswold District Council 01 285 623000

Cirencester Town Council 01 285 655646

BT Fault Line 0800 8001 51

MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown 01 452 371 630

Cirencester Hospital 01 285 655711

Oak and Furrows 01 285 862439

DEFRA 08459 33 55 77

Westonbirt Concerts Line 03000 680400

ATS (tyre repairs at your yard) 01 285 657761

Dog Lost (local Contact) 07887 71 7586

Governing Bodies

BHS 024 76 84051 3

British Dressage 024 76 698830

BSJA 024 76 698800

FEI +(41 ) 21 31 0 47 47

British Eventing 024 7669 8856

HPA 01 367 242828

Pony Club 024 76 698300

British Riding Club 024 76 840590

BSHA 01 462 437770

BHRA 0207 1 520000

British Driving Society 01 473 892001

Diary Of Events

Vets

Bourton Vale(H) 01 451 8201 37

Wil lesley Equine Clinic (H) 01 666 880501

Benson & Babb 01 285 6531 51

George Group Horse 01 666 826456

George Group Small Animals 01 666 8231 65

George Group Farm Animals 01 666 823035

Wessex Equine 01 793 739220

Local Polo Clubs

Beaufort Polo Club 01 666 88051 0

Cirencester Polo Club 01 285 653225

Longdole Polo Club 01 452 864544

Asthal l Farm Polo Club 01 367 860207

Local Hunts

VWH Hunt 01 666 577399

Beaufort Hunt Hon. Secretary 01 666 823292

Cotswold Hunt Hon. Secretary 01 451 85031 9

Heythrop Hunt Secretary 01 608 676478

Sydney Free Saddlery

Shop 01 285 655384

Website www.sydneyfree.co.uk

facebook www.facebook.com/sydneyfreesaddlery

Twitter #sydney_free

To list in this monthly calendar please email [email protected]

APRIL / MAY 201 5

8 Apri l - Rectory Farm Combined Training sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery

9 - 1 0 Apri l - Easter Camp at Barton End Stables

11 Apri l - Cirencester Farmers Market

to 1 2 Apri l - Great Egg Hunt at Cotswold Farm Park

1 2 Apri l - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery

1 8 Apri l - Sherston Market

26 Apri l - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery

5 - 1 0 May - Badminton Horse Trials

8 - 1 0 May - Addington British Dressage Premier League

9 May - Basic Bushcraft Course, Forest of Dean

1 6 - 1 7 May - Chatsworth International

1 7 May - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery

22 May - RAU May Ball Polo, Cirencester Park Polo Club

22 - 24 May - Lechlade Music Festival

23 May - Cirencester Farmers Market

24 May - Cirencester Park Fun Ride

25 May - VWH Pony Club Kemble Show

28 - 31 May - Houghton International

30 May - Owl Evening at Cotswold Falconry Centre

Please do check our Facebook page to see if we are open out of hours or do call the shop during the week

to check if we are working late. Remember we have FREE PARKING!!

sydney free saddlery april/may 2015 newsletter

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