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For all enquiries, please don’t hesitate to phone Stable Equestrian on 01772 600555, email enquiries@stable-equestrian.net. Alternatively you can complete the online contact form below and we will reply as soon as possible.
Lisa Smith can be contacted on 07821 782135.
We are not currently open to casual callers but visits by appointment are always very welcome.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Have you ever hit a wall with a young horse you’ve been working with?
April 16th Have you ever hit a wall with a young horse you’ve been working with? To the point you’ve just about or did throw your hands up and quit? Having been training horses for 21 years I have hit that said wall more times that I can count. I’ve come to realize that 85% of the time it’s not the horse that hits the wall. To prevent from being the reason we hit a wall with our colts I’ve thought of a few things that we can do. For starters before we even step in their stall we need to clear our minds of all distractions. When I say distraction I’m saying our minds and what’s going through them. Horses feed off energy that we have running from us. Now before you say oh that’s not possible think about it, a horse can feel a fly land on his tail head on a windy day, so yes they can feel our energy when we are around. Clear your mind, be free of the troubles your going through, don’t let the job you have that you hate go into the round pen with you. Don’t let the fight you had with your best friend come out when your working the areas you’ve notice need to be improved. The walls we hit in training a horse are because we unconsciously create them. A little saying I try to live by as a trainer is “ never set your horse up for failure, make sure you have given them the tools to be confident to succeed in what we ask of them.” Having counted our heard a few days ago that is one of the most important things to remember when dealing with 130 horses. Hope you enjoyed my thoughts on this subject and hope it helps also. Until next time, Ride correct and God bless TC Showe Follow...
read moreFibre and Fructans; The Keyflow Guide to Managing Laminitis
This week we wanted to remind you that after the glorious sunshine and some much needed spring showers the grass is growing! Great for our fields to finally recover following a very wet and muddy winter, but for those horses who are at risk of laminitis, it is time to consider their management. We are experiencing a sudden increase in advice calls and online requests for support with horses and ponies at risk or suffering from laminitis. The long cold winter, followed by an extreme lack of rain has led to particularly ’stressed grazing’. Grass stores sugar that is unable to be used for growth (due to cold or drought for example) in a form called fructan, that cannot be digested in the horses stomach and absorbed in the small intestine. It passes into the hindgut, causing a significant drop in the pH, leading to the death of the beneficial microorganisms and an increase in the production of lactic acid. Toxins are released and an inflammatory response triggered, leasing to an increased risk of laminitis and colic. Laminitis myth buster! ‘Only little chunky ponies get laminitis!’ All horses and ponies can develop laminitis! Laminitis can affect horses of all shapes and sizes!Horses with metabolic disorders such as Cushings (PPID), Insulin Dysregulation and EMS (Equine Metabolic System), may have a greater risk of developing laminitis. These conditions do occur in ALL breeds, and we are experiencing a rise in the number of sports and performance horses affected. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE…The Keyflow Advice and Support Teamkeyflowfeeds.comUK 01672 519000advice@keyflowfeeds.com Follow...
read moreOpinionated and judgemental comments – Sue Chapplehow- Lacey talks about Social Media in her blog…
Over the last few weeks I have been really disappointed to see overly opinionated and judgemental comments on social media. I wonder if the writers know how hurtful they are being. My team isn’t just about the horses getting out there and competing, it is a little family. We all have different challenges to contend with behind-the-scenes and getting to a show is pure relief. We can close the door on these and have a few hours away from all the turmoil and stress. Within our group we have a stage four cancer sufferer, one that has a bedridden mother who is dying and they have to be there 99% carer, one who has has suicidal thoughts and self harm, another who struggles with self-confidence and low self esteem. We choose to continue living our lives keeping our troubles hidden. I’m sure we are not alone. I’m sharing today to ask that people to be more considerate and thoughtful before writing comments. It’s hurtful! You really have no idea what is hiding behind another person’s smile. Social media can be very useful in many ways but also bare in mind 99% people only post the good moments. It’s a snapshot shot of what they want you to see. Is it the reality or is a cover up to what may be going on in their lives? Truthfully we don’t know. On a much lighter note I am so proud of Millie and Drumany. Both have had a few first experiences in the last couple of weeks.Millie did her first BSPS working hunter gaining a third in the 143 open, unfortunately had a pole in the novice. Then she went on to do her first flat show, qualified for the NPS National Championships in the five-year-old class, the novice Picton and the sparket at sparkle championship show. She also did an arena event, coming in third place and qualified for the northern equine events Championships held at Dalston Green in May. Millie and Sue Chapplehow – Lacey As for Drumany … We did our first horse trials. This may not sound like a lot but going from a horse, a year ago, that constantly bolted, to being able to stay within the boards of the dressage test, I was very proud. It wasn’t a pretty test, it was very tense but equally not a disaster. I went with the goal of just staying within the boards and starting and finishing. We did it and completed. I must add this was actually the first time I had ridden in an open space with just a snaffle bit. Showjumping was a little disappointed, she was exceedingly keen and didn’t really see the point in picking her feet up, so we did have two down. The cross country; oh my! She was a machine, absolutely fabulous! I have entered a couple more events on her. Although she needs the mileage, I have actually put her up a level as I felt the small fences were hindering her and encouraging her to rush. I have to accept if we do have a few blips cross country, when something is a little bit more technical, it’s all down to mileage and that’s what this season is about for both of my horses. Drumany and Sue out...
read moreFeed for Need – Condition
The sunshine has arrived (for now!) although there is some spring grass emerging, many horse owners are struggling with their horse’s condition, having had an long cold, wet winter has impacted the grass growth. Many areas are still seeing temperatures as low as freezing and frosts overnight. Ensuring your horse has access to appropriate levels of appropriate forage is one of Keyflow’s priorities. On average a horse or pony requires 2% of their body weight in forage per day. So for an average 500kg horse that is 10kg of forage per day! This will vary depending on individual requirements. This forage can be made up of hay/ haylage/ grass/ chaff/pre ground or soaked mash fibre. Ensuring our horses have an efficient and effective gut to allow them to digest the fibre is vital – using Pink Mash to provide additional fibre and Protexin probiotics and prebiotics can do just that! A happy, healthy gut microbiome is vital for effective digestion of the fibre we are feeding! If you are struggling with a lack of grass or shortage of hay/haylage please contact us so we can suggest some ways to help.Pink Mash, along with other ‘bagged fibre sources’ such as unmolassed sugar beet and grass nuts can also be used and counted as a forage source and as a partial hay replacement. For horses who we are wishing to improve their condition- providing ad-lib forage is ideal, it also supports the natural behaviour of the horse.Making sure your horse is receiving a balanced diet with access to his or her daily essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals is just as crucial to a horse needing to lose or gain condition. Using a balancer or a complete feed is a great way of ensuring this. Complete feeds such as Keyflow Stay Cool provide additional calories due to the higher feeding rate than that of a balancer. Get in touch with our friendly Keyflow Nutritional Advice team if you want to give your horse’s diet a new season assessment!If your horse is receiving a balanced diet with a great level of fibre but still needs condition, we can look to adding in calorie dense options to ‘top up’ the diet. Keyflow Key-Plus is a steam extruded stabilised rice bran with just 10.9% starch – easily digested and palatable for fussy feeders. Just one or 2 cups per day can make a significant difference in your horses condition! Key-3 oil is also a great option for additional calories!Click HERE to read more about Key-Plus and request a FREE sample! The Keyflow Advice and Support Teamkeyflowfeeds.com01672 519000advice@keyflowfeeds.com Morgan Mackenzie with Spartan fed on Keyflow! Follow...
read moreTeam Super G – Find out what they have been up to!
I hope you’re all keeping well in these difficult times. The new year started in lockdown, preventing me from doing the usual training. In normal times my horses would have had 6 weeks preparation and I’d be starting to pick up on fitness. An added twist to life was home schooling two children and a third who will start nursery after Easter.Continuing training has been restricted by adhering to travel rules. I don’t have an arena here or any special facilities, but I do have the backyard! It is covered in Astroturf which was actually put down for our wedding in 2016. This provides me with an area that I can lunge the horses in walk and trot on about a 10 meter circle. So this is what I did to keep the horses ticking over through the first couple of months of the year. On a weekend I was managing to hack out the girls, that is Drumany & Millie. In fact I think the kids ponies were fitter than mine as we used hacking as their PE lesson and my only time to breath. Homeschooling has been interesting to say the least. How much should you be doing, how little should you be doing, how much should you be pushing them, how much should you be taking the soft approach, I have no idea. All I know is my children have survived and don’t seem to be worse off for it. This time was made more stressful as I struggled through with my dyslexia,. Yes, I go down the centre line in a dressage test and have to put my hands up so that I can see which is my L for left. I can’t for love nor money ride a dressage test off letters, I do pretty patterns. So you can quite imagine the entertainment we had with me trying to teach the children, thankfully I can manage P1 and P2 work – just!Mid February came and my eldest two went back to school. At this point frustration had hit. My horses were stuck not getting fitter, not getting educated, I felt I was hitting my head off a brick wall, feeling very deflated. So with this feeling I decided I would start using the local arena which is a couple of miles up the road. I have always wished and even begged my husband for my own arena but when I sat down and worked it out I can’t justify the cost (and I’m not really sure where I would find the pennies). So I’ve worked out I can go to my local arena with two horses five times a week for the next 10 years (included travel costs) for what it would cost me to put a arena in at home! Currently I have my horses lunging on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & weekends hacking, Wednesday jump and on a Friday flat work. Tuesday and Thursday hacks are nice and gentle as I have my three-year-old daughter hacking with me. Although if she had her way she would come to every thing..The children have a come on in leaps and bounds since going to the arena, they go twice a week. My eldest daughter has found the canter button which she loves, she mainly rides Crackenthorpe Seduction...
read moreSpring is on the way – Topstocks
Spring is definetely on the way, thankfully after a long winter! Thoughts are usually looking towards the eventing season ahead and planning the show diary for the tradestand – this year is feeling slightly different however. I tentatively laid out my wish list for the summer, and left it there in the diary, rather than excitedly reporting where I was hoping I would be and when. Unfortunately, I am seeing some of the early events cancelling as it is uncertain whether they will be able to run – the amount of organising for a weekend of competition takes several months to arrange, and the expense to do this with the risk of cancelling has understandably led to those difficult decisions being made early. I am hopeful that the tradestand will be getting taken out of storage at some point this season, but will spectators be allowed? Obviously a busy show is good for those of us in the tradestand area! Luckily it does look like competitors will be out very soon, and website sales are proving that everyone wants to look smart for that first outing! So if your thinking about sprucing up your competition, or training, gear have a look on www.top- stocks.co.uk – there are lots of clothing items in the sale, along with new products, and lots of new stock and stock pin designs to choose from. I hope to see lots of you this summer out enjoying our sport! www.top-stocks.co.uk Follow...
read moreSue Chapplehow-Lacey introduces her yard and horses and tells us her 5 must haves on the yard
Hi all hope your all keeping well & staying safe. Wow what strange times we are living in. I feel we are very fortunate to have our horses, They’re definitely my piece of sanity. As for many of myself 2020 had plenty of ups and downs. Downside was my father needed a triple heart bypass but contracted Covid while in hospital thankfully survived. A major down hit us in October when I had to make the horrendous decision to have Peeping Aragon put down. His first season was 2019 where he ended on a high winning NPS Scotland M and M open working hunter final 133CM. His illness was due to worm damage, unfortunately he wasn’t wormed correctly as a youngster. Onwards and up the first of December saw a new arrival to the yard Millie’s Cove class 1 Connemara mare 4 years old. What an experience that was, first horse I have ever purchased unseen. She’s a lovely sweet mare by the fabulous stallion Caherlistrane Bay. She green but honest. To introduce the rest of the yard we have Drumany Bay 16hh mare. We are not very sure of her history, her previous owner purchased her from a dealer. I bought her in September ’20 after spending some time working with her. We click and have made such progress. Unfortunately she had learnt to bolt, thankfully she now trusts me but we still can have tense moments. December was a busy education month, we did Drum’s first dressage test, yes it was tense & a little forwards going in parts but we managed 64+% under a BD judge. Her 3rd sj comp gaining a double clear & 2nd in the 90cm. The following weekend we made it to the Cumbria horse trials arena event where we win the 80cm section. Then another lockdown hit!! On to Crackenthorpe jamboree (Tom) homebred he’s 25 years old. Fabulous career Advanced eventer, advance medium BD, 3rd at hoys as a worker, numerous wins as a riding horse. He now training my 3 year old daughter to ride. Tom is a legend 💝 Crackenthorpe Seduction (Sedi) another homebred she’s a little pocket rocket winning BE events in 2020 (with my sister Clare riding). My eldest (6 yrs) daughter is now riding her. Last but not least is Florence of Crackenthorpe (flo). Flo will be rising three in May. She a homebred out of Crackenthorpe Radiance a novice eventer by a coloured cob. I am really fortunate to have a lovely bunch of horses. I think Tom loves having his Hareem of the girls. For me I would always choose a mare firstly you can get such a special bond with them. The team of horses run under the name of Team Super G this was originally due to having Glenmore of Roisbhenn a.k.a. Gromit. Whom I produced winning numerous workers and BE events he also qualified for horse of the year show and badminton grassroots Championships. He was sold prior to the championships. I felt the name was still fitting, now it stands for Team Super Girls! Five must haves Stable equestrian has asked me what are my five must haves. I have to confess I like to keep things simple so I don’t have a lot of stuff but what I do have must work and be...
read moreImportance of Electrolytes in horses
Electrolytes are particularly important to the horse as they are required by many functions of the body, including nerve, muscle, and digestive function. Electrolyte supplements commonly consist of the 5 major electrolytes which are sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+). It is important that electrolytes are balanced with the bodies fluid levels as it consists of mainly water. So, the many functions mentioned above are only possible because of balanced homeostasis (the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment). During exercise, the rate of energy used is met by anaerobic oxidation of glucose to lactic acid; this is the main cause of metabolic acidosis observed during training. Fluid shifts, together with active ion-exchange between blood and tissue, cause marked changes in electrolyte concentrations. It is often that horses do not receive enough(not well balanced) electrolytes which over a few weeks or months can become a serious issue, due to homeostasis being out of balance. The most common signs of electrolyte deficiency include muscle conditions (tying up), poor performance, condition, and recovery. Restoring electrolyte balance is not a quick fix. Electrolytes are excreted by the horse every day through urine and faeces, and lost even more during exercise, hot weather and sweating. We recommend feeding electrolytes daily with the same dose and not just on hotter days or for competition. Rarely do horses suffer with an overdose of electrolytes but often suffer a deficiency. Furthermore, by feeding salt daily, fussy horses adapt to the taste better rather than only feeding large amounts on competition days, which can also irritate the gut. Research has shown that the administration of electrolytes is more beneficial than water alone in restoring fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance after loss. Clinical trials have shown that horses do not regulate their salt intake and therefore do not always freely intake it from salt licks or blocks and it should be provided in their feed /water also. Many factors contribute to how many electrolytes your horse will need, including diet, exercise, fitness, and weather. Therefore, it is recommended to feed daily balanced electrolytes rather than occasionally because what they do not require will be excreted. Always follow the recommended dosing. Drs SHL Donker DVM, Founder of Synovium Horse Health (Equine Supplements) and an FEI Veterinarian. www.synovium.co.uk/products/synovium-electrolytes-q/ SYNOVIUM® ELECTROLYTES Q is a well-balanced and complete supplement of electrolytes for horses. Veterinary developed to replace electrolytes lost daily and during hot weather, exercise, and sweating. Restoring the electrolyte balance in horses and with added antioxidants, Synovium Electrolyte Q supports fast, balanced, and optimal recovery of the body. A palatable supplement that contains all the key electrolytes sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sebastiann Donker – Head Vet at @synovium Follow...
read moreValentines with TopStocks 25% off everything!!!
By this time of the year I am usually getting involved with organising my show diary for the season ahead, and starting to pay for tradestand fees. I would also have been to BETA trade show and hopefully have found some exciting new products. Obviously this year is very different! Luckily I have some fantastic suppliers who are still coming up with some lovely new products, so here’s a few write ups for these, and some other products that came in last year that will hopefully be out on the road this year. These fantastic base layers have just arrived – currently I have the aegean green and rosette red, with spearmint, regal blue, bubblegum pink, port royal and terracotta to follow shortly. Amazing value at £29.99 they are close fitting ideal for cross country, training and generally riding or yard work. Easy to layer up and incredibly comfortable with 4-way stretch, flat lock stitching, thumb holes, 3/4 zip and Hy Sport Active emblem on the sleeve. There are other baselayers from DVR Equestrian and Coldstream so there is a great range of colours to choose from. Agaso Equestrian produce the most amazing range of breeches, and we are very excited to hear there are other colours on the way very soon. We are eagerly awaiting to see what colours we can start stocking! Currently we have a good range of everyday colours (anthracite, mid grey and navy) along with competition cream/beige. These are the comfiest breeches, with a wide high waistband, water repellent, lightweight technical fabric – I find this finish also makes them wind proof, is even though they are lightweight I do not get cold even in winters weather. The silicon seat has just the right amount of stickability and the 2 leg lengths means there is a fit for everyone! There are also some super breeches from Coldstream, ForHorses and Hy on the website. I was very pleased to be able to get hold of the Hamag leather bridle and saddle number discs again – I stocked these a few years ago and were incredibly popular. Unfortunately due to changing distributors I was no longer able to offer these to my customers. Luckily this Australian company changed their policy and I was able to purchase directly!! These number discs are incredibly hard wearing, super stylish and are very secure on your bridle or saddle cloth. Available in black, brown and white in either round or rectangular designs so a look for everyone. I am also very happy to keep in touch with my fabric suppliers so I am able to buy new gorgeous prints and embellished designs. These fabulous William Morris prints are so stylish matched up with a wide range of tweed hacking jackets. , For another week there is a Valentine’s Day promotion on the website (www.top-stocks.co.uk) if you are looking for that present for your horsey other half – just type in VALENTINE25 at checkout for 25% off everything, including sale items. Topstocks Website – click here Follow...
read moreWhy a beautiful piece of Pegasus Jewellery makes a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift.
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, She loves her horse, more than you, But if you want to show you care, Buy her a beautiful piece of Pegasus to wear. Sound familiar? Usually all a horse girl ever asks for at Christmas, or birthdays is something for her horse, never for her. That’s what makes a piece of Pegasus such a fantastic gift, because it represents her horsey love but it’s something for her and not her four legged best friend. Whether it be a Vitality Bracelet to boost body and mind and help relieve those aches and pains using magnetic therapy, or a stunning stirrup necklace in stylish Rose Gold, you will find the perfect gift at Pegasus Jewellery. With easy checkout using Apple Pay, or PayPal Express, Free UK Postage and Free Chocolates with every order this February, we couldn’t make things easier. www.pegasusjewellery.net Follow...
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