The Christmas Issue of Hooked on Horses Magazine is out now

With lots of events all over the East Anglia region covered - from affiliated show jumping at Norton Heath to hunter trialling at Shopland Hall; and from Thurrock Riding Club’s annual presentation to a Victorian Parade in Finchingfield, it was a busy month for everyone at Hooked on Horses. We have lots for you to catch up on in the December Issue  so make sure you pick up a copy from your local saddlery or newsagents today!

If that wasn’t enough to tempt you; we also have the great Christmas giveaway this month; with some truly amazing prizes to giveaway including a Kate Negus Saddlery Leather Headcollar and a Navevo ProNav PNN220 Satellite navigation system  designed especially with horse-box drivers and trailer-towers in mind! See the magazine or stay posted online to find out how you can enter, for your chance to win one of twelve gifts this Christmas.

This months copy includes all our regular features and much more; find out the very latest standings in the Tocas Rugs Hooked on Horses Dressage League 2010; local Dressage rider Alex Hardwick tells us all about what performing at the British Dressage National Convention was like and farrier Matthew Fawcett explains all about types of shoe and why you would fit them to your horse.

On Sunday 27th November, we went to Norton Heath for the Area Eight Riding Clubs friendly show jumping – and what a day it was – despite the frost almost spoiling it for many!

Spectators braved  bitterly cold conditions at this years area eight open show jumping competition, and with temperatures plummeting below freezing the day got off to a disruptive start as so many lorries had failed to start.

However, order was soon returned, as teams were re-organised and organiser, area representative Lisa Maxen, gave the go ahead for the show to commence. Ingatestone and Blackmore Riding Club’s  (IBRC) Rebecca House was first into the arena, kicking off the day with the Junior Novice class…

Please pick up a copy of this months magazine for the full report and lots of photos!

This month out big interview is with Sue Burton – founder of Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary; please find an extract below and remember to check out January’s issue for the all new Remus column!

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY has been so named in memory of the first horse whom joint founders, Sue Burton and Patricia Bacon, rescued. Sadly help came too late for him, but the tragedy of Remus dying through willful neglect provided the spur needed by the now formed charity to save others from a similar fate. When I went to Remus, to talk to Sue, her love and admiration for animals was clear; she told me that she can’t help but get attached to every single animal that they help. I found out why Remus was formed; how they help owners of elderly horses and why Sue is optimistic about 2011.

The Sanctuary was formed over twenty-years ago in 1983, following the plight of Remus, who was starved for up to four months in a field, having been stolen by a horse dealer. He was then left tied to a lamp-post outside the yard that he had been previously stolen from. But now he was emaciated, a mere shadow of the lovely horse he had once been.

Find out all about The Martin Wilkinson Master Saddlers rider of the month … pony jockey Charlie Bennett in this months magazine – as well as finding our how you can apply for next month! Charlie wins a £50 voucher to spend with Martin Wilkinson! If you know of someone who you think should be our January rider of the month please email us at info@hookedonhorses.co.uk.

World famous team manager Yogi Breisner came to Essex this month; putting a lecture demonstration that was not to be missed – for one night only – at Brook Farm Training Centre.

First into the arena was amateur rider Caroline Jenks riding her 16.2 Selle Francais gelding Just Joking.  The pair have been competing at novice level for the past couple of years, her aim for this season is to carry on improving her dressage and to learn to complete the 1* cross country course without time faults. Joining her was Sarah Bullimore on her first ride of the evening, six-year-old Reve Du Rouet. Bedfordshire based event rider Sarah trains pupils and produces horse at all levels from three-year-olds up to four star, and is currently working at novice/intermediate level with Reve.

In their warm up, the two riders went through Yogi’s checklist of things you should do when you first get on a horse – ensure you can stop, go turn left and right – “Once you can do this you’ve basically cracked it!” advised Yogi, adding “all the other movements are combinations of these things.”

Give the perfect gift this Christmas!

Why not treat your friends and family this Christmas with a subscription to Hooked on Horses magazine – at just £15.60 or just £31.20 for a whole year it won’t break the bank, but will be a gift they love.