The Grooming Table

There is so much in the equestrian press at the moment which is aimed at putting amateur owners off breeding from a mare. Yes, of course we all know that there has been massive over breeding resulting in a glut of poor quality horses and ponies that the general horse owning population is now trying to soak up. However, there is still a market for well-mannered and experienced horses with good conformation. Sometimes, it is a good idea to breed from a much-loved mare if you want to produce a youngster from her.  Regardless of whether you are breeding horses or ponies for your own needs, or for sale, it is important that you produce a youngster who is well mannered, respectful and friendly.  There is nothing worse to deal with than a horse or pony who is difficult to handle because they have been spoilt as a youngster. This year’s crop of foals will shortly be ready for weaning and to go on to begin the lessons that will eventually see them becoming well-mannered adult horses. From the time the foal is a week old, it is time to begin the lessons which make the foal a pleasure to handle when it becomes older.  From these early times it is important that the foal learns obedience, to stand quietly when held, to lead from either side, to be groomed and to have its feet lifted and handled.   Young foals can be quite shy and difficult to catch so the early lessons will usually be done in a stable.  The foal will usually follow its mother into a stable. Here you can position the mare against a wall, with an assistant helping. The foal should be encouraged to take up a position beside her, which will then allow the handler to catch the foal.  Place one arm around its quarters, just beneath the rump and one arm around the front of its chest. Initially, the foal will jump about, but once it realises you mean it no harm and that you are determined not to let go, the foal will usually settle down.   At all times keep the foal close to its mother, this will give it confidence that it is safe. Over a few days, the foal will become accustomed to this handling and will gradually stand quietly.  Once the foal will stand happily to be held, the assistant can slowly lead the mare around the stable, while the handler gently guides the foal after her. Push slightly from behind and be ready to restrain any sudden forwards movement.  After a few days, when this lesson is going well, you can use a soft cloth around the foal’s neck to guide it. This will teach the foal to go forwards from a light pressure from behind. These lessons should only ever be of a short duration, but once you are progressing well, you can lead the foal to and from the field beside its mother using this method.   The foal should have been wearing a foal slip from a week old, this will help you to catch the foal and will lay down the lessons for later life when the youngster will wear a bridle.  The foal slip should be adjusted so that it is not too tight – this can cause the head to become sore and possibly cause the foal to become head-shy in later life. A loose foal slip is dangerous as a foot could become caught in it if the foal scratches its head.  Adjust the slip so that you can insert two fingers in the noseband and so that the noseband lies just below the cheek bones. Make sure that the foal slip is adjusted as its head grows.   Great patience is required when a foal slip is first put on.  Back the youngster into a corner if you are alone, or have an assistant to hold the foal. Hold the foal slip, by the nose piece over your hand so that the headpiece dangles away from the head. Standing at the foal’s shoulder, facing forwards, slowly and gently bring the nose piece over his nose. This can cause panic in the foal as it is unused to anything touching its face.  The last thing you want to happen is for the foal to throw itself backwards in fear. Once the nosepiece is in place, bring the head piece over the ears and gently fasten it in place. An alternative way is to undo the foal slip and fasten the head piece over the neck first and then gently manoeuvre the nose piece over the foal’s nose and then fasten it. Please don’t ever leave a foal slip on a foal for any length of time, there have been some horrific images on the internet recently of young horses who have had head collars growing into their skin as they have been left on too long.  The next stage is to teach the foal to move forwards to a light pressure on the foal’s slip.  Use one hand to encourage the quarters forwards while applying a gentle pressure to the foal slip.  Once the foal learns to move forwards, use the command ‘walk on’ as it moves. The foal will very quickly learn to associate the spoken command with moving forwards, one of the most important lessons for later life when the youngster is old enough to be ridden.   Try to spend a little time every day working with the foal.  Gradually the foal will learn to lead from a light pressure on its foal slip.  The pressure should be released as soon as the foal walks forwards. This way the foal learns that it should follow in a relaxed and unforced manner. Teach the foal to lead from both sides and to walk at either side of the mare.  This will go a long way to prevent the foal becoming one sided which can cause problems when the youngster is old enough to be broken in.   From as early age as possible, introduce the foal to having its body handled all over.  Start by gently touching the neck and gradually let your hands travel over its body, once the foal is happy to let you stroke it all over, move onto handling its legs and picking up the feet.  Start by gently touching the legs, letting your hands move from the top, down to the knee and then down to the fetlock joint. Once the foal tolerates this procedure, you can progress to picking up the feet.  Great tact has to be used for this as you don’t want the foal to snatch its foot away, but neither do you want it to struggle and panic as you attempt to hold the foot. Aim to make slow and steady progress with your early handling to ensure the foal will be confident and yet polite. Cheekiness in a foal should not be tolerated, especially in colt foals who can quickly become obnoxious and actually dangerous if such behaviour is not checked in time.  Habits which are amusing in a foal can quickly become unpleasant in a large, fast moving young horse or pony. Never, ever encourage a foal to rear, chase anyone in a field, or to back up to you with its quarters.  Whilst a foal might not cause you much damage if it kicks you, a large young horse or pony certainly could cause considerable harm. A sharp, light tap should be enough to discourage this type of behaviour, without making the foal afraid of you. With careful management, patience and discipline, you will produce a young horse or pony which will be easy to break to saddle and a pleasure to handle.  Weaning foals should be an easy stress free transition if at all possible.  Once the foal is 5 to 6 months old, it should be eating solid food and the quality of nutrition in the mare’s milk will have diminished. If the foal is lacking strength and development or if there have been problems with its health, more time with the mare may be needed. Conversely, if the mare has lost a lot of condition, weaning earlier may be necessary to ensure that the mare has time to recover before the onset of winter.  By five or six months old, the foal will already be fairly independent and will be spending time away from its mother. Once you feel the foal is at this stage, it is easy to just remove the mare from the field and put her in another one a good distance from the foal. This means a few miles away rather than a few fields away. Mare and foal must be out of earshot of one another, otherwise they may panic and try to get through fences to join again.  With any luck the foal will hardly be aware that its mother is gone. Everything is exactly as it has been other than the fact that his mother is no longer there. In an ideal situation, if you can have mares and foals together, the foals will be company for each other.   The foal generally realizes what has happened and may do a little running and calling, but generally this is over within a day or two. Another method is to have the mare and foal in adjoining fields. This way mother and baby can still see each other, but the foal is unable to feed and will eventually tire of his mother and become independent.  It is a matter of deciding what works for you and your set up.  Some people prefer to stable either the mare or foal and remove the other, but I’ve found this to be very stressful to both and do prefer to do it more naturally in a way that will protect the foal from injury and will minimize stress to everyone – you especially.  Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

With the late Queen renowned for her love of Corgis, King Charles has been considered a terrier man with rescued Jack Russells running around his Highgrove estate. Queen Camilla’s beloved Jack Russell Beth sadly passed away with an untreatable tumour last autumn, so you would imagine perhaps another terrier would be introduced to the royal pack. But no! King Charles has fallen in love with a Crufts Best In Show winning breed: the tight curled Lagotto Romagnolo. According to sources, they share a common love of hunting for truffles, which the Logotto has the supreme nose for snuffling out this woodland delicacy. So what is known about this breed? The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient and unique dog breed with its origins in Italy dating back over two thousand years. This breed was deeply rooted to the Romagna region primarily as a water retriever. In the 19th century, the wetlands in the Romagna region started to be drained, the Lagotto’s role as a water retriever became less necessary. It was around this time that they were found to be useful truffle hunters, an activity that would define the breed’s future. The Lagotto Romagnolo’s keen sense of smell and natural ability to detect truffles underground made them invaluable to truffle hunters (and the King). This special talent continues to be the breed’s primary purpose today, especially in central Italy and parts of France. Over the last fifty years, the Lagotto has also become a beloved companion animal due to its friendly and affectionate nature. The breed is known for its curly, water-resistant coat and its intelligence, making it a versatile dog in both working and family environments. This curly dog’s increased presence in grooming salons reflects its popularity as a pet, as more owners embrace the responsibilities of caring for this special breed. Many owners request a pet curly coat cut, which would be similar to grooming a Cockapoo but this coat breed standard style is treating its double coat. They need to have minimum combing and brushing out to avoid damaging the coat and remove any mats or knots while damp. The head is left full with a heavy fringe and the bridge of the nose is traditionally left and not scissored clean. The King’s adoption of a Lagotto Romagnolo will no doubt boost the breed’s popularity, drawing attention to their unique qualities. Above all, these intelligent dogs will continue be known as a loyal and loving fun dog with a royal stamp of approval! Lagotto Romagnolo Stats: Lifespan: 15-17 years Weight: Around 13-16kg for males and between 11-14kg for females Height: Between 43-48cm for males, and between 41-46cm for females Colours: Coats come in solid off-white, white with brown or orange markings, orange roan, brown roan and brown Temperament: Alert, intelligent and lively. They need to use their brains with plenty of exercise. Image credits: PA, Kennel Club, BeatMedia & Wikipedia Commons

With the recent TikTok drama in the US celebrities, influencers and small businesses lost their accounts overnight with a blank screen praying for Trump to help! Working with students starting their new dog grooming businesses, I always preach the importance of having a website to promote their business and engage with new clients. When I pointed out that there was no personal ownership of your Facebook, Instagram or TikTok profiles and that accounts could be closed down overnight, it was always spoken in jest. I would never have envisaged that in 2025 we would be dealing with networks having potential shutdowns. Having your own website is yours and no one else’s. You have control over how it is presented and it is also a vital platform to engage with new clients. If you are still to be persuaded to step into your own World Wide Web home, here are some positives to consider: Professionalism and Credibility A website establishes your business as legitimate and professional. In today’s digital age, customers often expect businesses to have an online presence. It builds trust with potential clients, as they can easily find information about your services, pricing, and contact details. An audience can get a feel of who you are. Most dog owners feel they are dropping off their child when having them groomed so they can gain an insight into who you are through your website. In a recent YouGov Poll, 79% of Brits agree that a business with a well-designed website is more credible than a business with just a ‘shop window’ social media page. 59% added that they are more likely to repeat business with a well-designed or easy-to-use website, over one that isn’t. These are figures not to be ignored! Showcase Your Services Having a website provides a platform to highlight your grooming services, special packages, and any unique offerings (e.g., mobile grooming, spa treatments, etc.). By including photos of your work, customer testimonials, and before-and-after images this showcases your expertise to a wider audience and not solely through a social media platform. With SEO (search engine optimisation) you can attract clients that are in your region. “Dog Groomers Near Me” is the most searched term when a client is seeking this service. Google will pick your website over a social media page. Competitive Advantage Many dog grooming businesses already have websites. Without one, you risk losing potential clients to competitors who are more visible online. Remember not everyone has a social media profile. Retired Mrs Brown with her two Cavapoos is more likely to contact you through a website than via Instagram. A well designed website can help you differentiate your business and highlight what makes you unique. Marketing and Promotion A website serves as a central home for your marketing efforts. You can promote special offers, discounts, or loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Most website hosting and building services have a blogging page which can be utilised to write about dog care tips or grooming advice. This can position you as an expert in your field and drive traffic to your site. Adaptability and Growth As your business grows, your website can evolve to include new services, online stores for pet products, or additional locations. It’s a scalable tool that can adapt to your business needs over time. In summary, a website is a critical tool for establishing your dog grooming business, attracting customers, and staying competitive in a growing industry. It’s an investment that can significantly impact your business’s success and growth. With some technical savvy, it is easy to build your website through web builders such as Squarespace, Go Daddy, Wix or WordPress. However, to create a sleek, professional website is sometimes best left to the experts. by Samantha Hobden

From Stable to the Show Ring! Stepping into the exhilarating world of horse showing as a newcomer can be boththrilling and daunting. As you prepare to highlight your horse’s talents and your ownskills in the arena, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge, plenty of patienceand work with a deep understanding of the bond between you and your horse.Learning the skills to show your horse can throw up challenges but also rewards bycompeting alongside fellow equestrians, laying the foundation for a fulfilling journeyin the world of horse showing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, here are five toptips to help you begin: Know the Basics Before entering any competitions, ensure you and your horsehave a solid foundation in basic training. This includes groundwork, obedience toinstruction, and basic riding skills. Your horse should be comfortable with beinghandled, groomed, and tacked up in preparation for shows. Source information frombreed societies and their rulebooks about how horses or ponies should be turned outfor showing classes. Information online is in abundance, but opinions may vary. So,find an experienced competitor or trainer that gives solid and clear advice.Practice and Prepare: Consistent practice is key to success in horse showing.Spend time off season refining your riding skills and working on specific manoeuvresrequired for your chosen classes. Practice in different environments particularly incompany to help your horse become accustomed to the distractions and atmosphereof a show ring. Cantering in a ring with other horses can be an excitable party tomany inexperienced horses, so train them to be used to horses cantering in front,around and beside them. Choose the Right Classes: Decide which classes suit both you and your horse’sability and interest. If it is your first outing in the show ring choose a class that suitsyour level of experience and your horse’s ability, treating it as a training session. Usein hand classes for younger and green horses to gain experience in the show ring. Ifyou are still not sure which class to enter then head out to your local show and watchsome classes. Take note of how they perform, what they are wearing and how theyare turned out. Presentation Matters: Pay attention to your appearance and your horse’spresentation. Ensure both you and your horse are clean, well-groomed, and properlyturned out for class. Your turn out should be correct for the chosen class, so do yourresearch beforehand. Ensure tack is supple, clean and correctly fitted to the horse and not too fussy. Judges will be looking at the overall picture of nice turnout and a well-schooled horse. Seek Feedback and Learn: Take advantage of opportunities to learn and improve.Attend clinics, workshops, and lessons with experienced trainers or riders. Don’t beafraid to ask for feedback from judges or more experienced competitors after yourfirst few showing classes. Learning from both successes and mistakes will help yougrow as a rider and improve your performance in future shows. Remember, horse showing is as much about the journey and the bond you developwith your horse as it is about winning ribbons. Stay patient, stay positive, and most ofall have fun! Heathfield Agricultural Show is on Saturday 25th May 2024.

The new S/S 22 Equetech Collection is here, bringing together fabric innovation and beautiful design for the stylish equestrian. Choose from a range of stunning new additions, from waterproof outers to beat those sudden spring/summer showers, competition wear to wow the judges, and gorgeous summer style to enjoy in and out of the saddle. EQUETECH HYDRO RIDER LONG WATERPROOF COAT This long, stylish waterproof and windproof coat is perfect for dressage training, hacking out, dog walking and other equestrian pursuits. Made from a breathable lightweight shell with micro padded fill, this coat is ideal for all year round wear. Featuring reflective stripes to gussets for 360° visibility, double waterproof zip gussets to back, this coat has a two-layer storm flap that conceals a shorter, waisted easy-wear gilet style front with durable zip to front for simplicity and durability. Other design elements you’ll love include a concealed adjustable hood, inner storm cuffs, elastically elastic waist, two-way front pockets and internal zip pocket. Available up to a 3XL as standard. A timeless, heritage piece that you’ll return to time and time again, season upon season to come. RRP: £166.95 Sizes: XS – 3XL EQUETECH MENS WYATT COMPETITION JACKET Let’s Hear It For The Boys! This stylish men’s riding jacket has been designed in a new technical stretch fabric, with a durable finish and underarm ventilation eyelets for reliable airflow when you need it. Other features include a mesh-lined torso, unlined sleeves, double-vented back and hidden zip fastening with a sleek button to the front, faux chest pocket and two lower zip pockets to the front. This extremely low maintenance jacket is tailored to feel like your favourite blazer and is styled with a durable knitted Ponte fabric with 6% spandex for superb stretch and shape retention. Everything you need to keep you looking and feeling cool on competition day. RRP: £130.50 – £156.50 Sizes: 34 -46 EQUETECH ROSALIA COMPETITION SHIRT With rose gold dominating equestrian fashion, Equetech sprinkles this pretty metallic throughout their new collection. The Rosalia features a zip front detail with the brand’s iconic Equetech horse-bit pull in rose gold, rose gold embellishment to the back and unique raglan sleeves with mesh inserts that wrap flatteringly around the body, giving you the ultimate in on-trend stylish competition wear. (Shown in header image) RRP: £44.95 Sizes: XS – 3XL GET THE LOOK This summer, dive into the beautiful, flattering hue of lavender with some spring/summer riding staples you’ll love. The Equetech Active Extreme Short Sleeve Layer (RRP: £41.95 Sizes: S-XXL) features unique raglan sleeves with mesh inserts that wrap around the body, giving you ultimate comfort and breathability in the saddle to help you deliver your best performance! Team with the Equetech Thermic Gilet (RRP: £72.95 Sizes: S-XXL) for the perfect balance of comfort, design and function. The quilted panels are designed to flatter your silhouette, and it’s so lightweight you barely know you have it on! A timeless piece you will come back to time and time again. Features include two zipped outer pockets with Rose Gold zip pulls, thermal pocket linings, high neck style, curved back hem, faux down filling and Equetech badge to the left sleeve as worn. The Equetech Signature Riding Tights (RRP: £59.95 Sizes: XS -3XL) are signature by name and signature by design! Featuring all the elements you’ve come to love in the brand’s riding tight design; Technical 4-way stretch construction with compression and new for this season, Equetech contrast signature 3D sporty logo tape down the outer legs! Other features include horse-bit matt silicone grip seat and vented side panels to lower legs, ergonomic flat-lock seams to deliver a comfortable, chafe-free fit, wide comfort pull-on waistband with excellent shape retention and two thigh pockets (large enough for a smartphone). Perfect for training and leisure activities. And with matching hat silks also available (RRP: £16.95). www.equetech.com                            

Author of the hilarious best-seller ‘From Nags to Numbnuts’ Daniel Skinner (better known as Skint Dressage Daddy), has put pen to paper again with his humorous take on life with horses. With his horse mad family knee deep in expensive shavings, numerous blingy bridles and horse rugs that could clothe all the Queen’s horses, Stable Condition: How To Stay Sane With Horse People is a must-read for equestrian lovers and their long suffering family and friends. Horse owner Gilly recently reviewed this book for Haynet and gave us her thoughts: “With the gloomy winter months ahead, us horse owners need a laugh so I was more than happy to read Stable Condition and give it my review. Being a horse owner for many years, I totally could see the issues from my husband’s point of view and sympathised with the author’s views, although I have to fund my own horse… The book gave an honest insight into horse ownership in a humourous way and there were many times that I laughed out loud reading the book! The book would appeal to teenagers and adults who own or have owned horses in the past. It is also a good read for the family members too and to sympathise with the trials and tribulations horse ownership can bring. Overall I really enjoyed reading Stable Condition and would definitely recommend the book.“ So to get you through the next few wintery months of horse ownership, why not delve into Skint Dressage Daddy’s world and laugh at this fantastic but bonkers hobby that we all love! To purchase visit Amazon or Skint Dressage Daddy