Staying positive when nothing goes to plan

This year is turning out to be a very slow starter, every time we are ready to get out and show off all our hard work and training over the winter something happens which prevents us and we start back at square one!  Some things are within our control and some things are not but either way you need to be able to quickly make a slight detour to take the 'scenic route' on your way to achieving your goals.

So with no competitions for the Showjumpingshire I have lots of extra time on my hands as nearly all my horses are out of work for one reason or another and I am using it as an opportunity to develop 'me'.  I have joined a gym, designed my own website and nearly completed my UKCC portfolio for submission.  I thought rather than turn into a green eyed monster as everyone else goes off in their lorries loaded with horses to competitions I would remain positive and focus on myself so I am fit and ready for action when my horses are.

First step was a website which I have kept meaning to do but never got round to it, I still have some small changes to make but this is the first draft www.ksequestrian.co.uk

Next step was to get fit and I am trying to get to the gym three times a week and include some classes and swimming, its going well so far noticing a big difference from the work on core strength although finding Bodypump a killer!

I am also using the extra time to study and create an action plan for completing my BHSII but still trying to work out financially if it is better to go straight in at UKCC3 show jumping specific, its a hard decision as it depends which would be a more recognised achievement, I am leaning towards the BHS route as I feel it covers all three disciplines but they are quite expensive so I need to be sure I've made the right decision.

Update on the Showjumping Shire... For the moment Picnic is just on walking exercise slowly building up her workload and praying she stays sound!  Unfortunately she went lame in front and was reluctant to go forwards freely so after some physio she now seems a lot happier in herself, she was very tight in her shoulder and neck but time will tell if its done the trick and she's got another session due in a few weeks if all is well otherwise it will be a vet visit... lets hope not!

ShowjumpingShire's first guest post! Guest article from Animalife on why we should use Equine Supplements

The ShowjumpingShire's first guest post!  Have a read of this article written by Claire from Animalife, leading manufacturers of equine supplements. 



Why Use Equine Supplements?

For many of us, taking vitamins or other dietary supplements are a normal part of our day-to-day lives. Vitamin C tablets, cod liver oil capsule and iron supplements can all help us feel that we are helping to keep our bodies balanced – which is especially good to know on those days where we might not be eating the best food, or taking care of our bodies as well as we should!

Just as we benefit from this extra bit of help, so too do our horses. Most horse owners and trainers these days recognise the benefits of adding supplements to horses’ normal feed to balance their overall diet and help with specific problem areas. Equine supplements are specially manufactured for the animals’ needs; human supplements are not appropriate because the size of horses means they need much higher doses than a person would.

Owning a horse is expensive and so some people may question whether they really need these specially-designed supplements; however, the old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ is something which is definitely worth bearing in mind. Horses are naturally athletic, but the type of work they do – particularly if they are used in competition – makes them prone to certain injuries and conditions. If these develop into something serious, then not only can your horse be left in a lot of pain, but treatment can be costly. It is therefore better for both you and your horse in the long term to incorporate supplements into their everyday feeding routine. There are many types of supplements on the market, and vary depending on form – i.e. whether they come as a liquid, as powder or as pellets – and purpose.

One example of supplements which you may find useful are those which help to support healthy joints. Joint conditions such as arthritis are common in older horses, though they can occur in horses of any age. Conditions such as these can cause your horse serious discomfort and pain, and in extreme cases can result in lameness.

In competing horses, the risk of developing joint issues is even higher as they are exercising much more regularly and with higher intensity. Event horses are at high risk of injuries to the stifle, dressage horses are more prone to fetlock injuries, and horses used in racing are likely to experience damage to the knee joints. While supplements won’t mean that your horse never injures their joints during these activities, they can help to protect the joints by maintaining healthy cartilage, making the joints as strong as possible.

As stated, there are a wide variety of supplement products available on the market. Discuss with your vet or an equestrian nutritionist which products will be most appropriate for your horse.

"About Animalife^® 

Animalife is committed to the development of advanced technologies to assist the health, wellbeing and performance of your horse, utilising 100% natural ingredients with SOBF^® (Specially Optimised Bioavailable Formula) technologies. We have built trust in our products through robust science, efficacy and outstanding quality, providing specific proprietary formulations that support the body’s natural processes. Animalife products work with the body to help maintain health, vitality and are proven by clinical research. Animalife products are used professionally and are proudly recommended by leading Vets and International GB team riders."

<a href=”http://www.animalife.co.uk”>equine supplements</a>

You Can’t Teach an Old Horse New Tricks… or Can You? / Animalife News

Exciting news we've appeared as a guest blogger for Animalife, please have a read and share!

You Can’t Teach an Old Horse New Tricks… or Can You? / Animalife News

'Animalife specialise in producing cutting edge performance supplements for the equine and pet markets. Our brands include Vetrofen, Vetroflex, Oxyshot and more!, visit www.animalife.co.uk for more details