Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The eagerly-awaited second round of the Dilmun In-House Show Jumping League is scheduled for this Friday.
The format will follow in the same manner as the first show, with a green horse to ease new and inexperienced horse and rider into the competitive circle, followed by Junior and Adult 1 & 2 Classes. Good Luck to everyone, and we look forward to hearing all about the thrills and spills of the day.
Along with the show jumping, the Dilmun announced their new schedule this week. Tiny Tots Pony Club is now under way - Sundays will see group dressage classes and sessions will last 45 minutes with Thessa.
A beginners course will be held from February 6-10 which will be a group session for those with very little or no experience of riding, including instruction and some stable management, rounded off with a light breakfast.
To complement this course a stable management course will run from Saturday, a scaled down version due to the public not being allowed to enter the stable building. The course will be run over 10 weeks in the new pony stables situated in the paddock.
For more information on any of these activities contact the Dilmun Stables Office on 17693766 or email stables@dilmun-club.com
With the somewhat inclement weather we have been experiencing lately, you may find your horse is feeling the chill! I know mine hates the cold weather with a passion, I find this rain, damp and cold certainly gets deep into the bones! Maybe an age thing!
You may remember a previous article featuring the talents of Serina Rolph: Equine Body Worker, Equine Sports Massager, BHSAI, BA Hons, Dip Equine Science. This week sees the start of, hopefully, an ongoing series of top tips from Serina.
These are things you can try at home, but there is nothing quite like the real thing so if you would like your horse to benefit from Serina's gifted talent, then contact her on 39071882 or email equine2grange@live.co.uk
Prices range between BD10 and BD20. Discounts apply for more than two horses at the same establishment and for school horses and ponies.
SERINA'S TIPS FOR EQUINE MUSCLE CARE
Taking care of the Back
WITH the weather turning cooler your horse may be cold, taking longer to warm up but cool down quicker. Massaging some key back muscles will help him to feel more comfortable. Why not incorporate these moves each time you ride and groom your horse.
Start from just behind the shoulder and with the hand nearest the horse work the length of the saddle area. With a flat palm stroke along the back muscles a few times, using enough pressure to indent a football and avoiding any bony areas.
Here you are working the long, strappy latissimus dorsi (the painted blue one above the ribs in the picture) that assists back and shoulder flexion and the longissimus muscles that work to extend the back.
Next stand next to his belly and look directly at his back, working over the same area and avoiding the ribs move alternate hands up and down using the base of your hand and finger pads (take extra care if you have long nails).
To prevent strain do this with a slight bend in the knuckles and not too much bend in your wrist. You can also use large and small circle movements here. Finish with the long ironing strokes. Do the same on the other side.
Following exercise and after you've removed the saddle do the long strokes again and notice how the muscles feel different. Regular massage of the back will help to break down adhesions, improve circulation and prevent muscle damage.
Top Tip - Once you remove the saddle pay attention to any differences in surface temperature, tender, rubbed or raised areas and if you can see a saddle shaped dent in your horse's back, as any of these may indicate a saddle fit issue.
Likewise, if your horse is particularly reactive when you brush or massage his back i.e. he swishes his tail, moves away or dips his back these are all signs that he may need to be checked by a specialist.
Horsemanship Tips - Spend time grooming your horse it's great for building a relationship with him and it is good exercise!
So there you are, give your horse a treat or better still give him a taste of the real thing and call Serina.
