Holly and Connor

08 January 2020

“Connor is my 17hh, 15 year old Holsteiner gelding. We have been a partnership for 6 years now and currently compete successfully at 1.30m level (Division 1 class on the UAE national showjumping circuit). Last season we finished 2nd place in both the Division 2 (1.20-1.30m) end of season championship and also overall in the Emirates Longines Season League for 2018-19. We have finished in the top 6 every weekend so far this season and aim to compete in a few 1* and 2* international 130m classes over winter. 4 years ago after a successful first two years competing BSJA together in the UK I had to make the decision to fly Connor over to Dubai with me after he went lame and was subsequently diagnosed with laminitis, navicular disease, sacroiliac pain and DDFT inflammation while I was studying for my final year at Hartpury College. I was advised by vets to PTS due to the number of ailments he was suffering from. Thankfully I chose to ignore this advice and with the help of my parents and auntie Jan (our barefoot trimmer!), instead moved him to Al Ruwayyah Stables in Dubai - the only paddock paradise track system in the region. Here, we removed his shoes (he is regularly trimmed by a qualified NHCP barefoot trimmer), removed all the sugar and supplements/additives from his diet and turned him out with what was then a small herd largely made up of Arabians and one or two older warmbloods and I gave him as much time and support as he needed to heal. 4 years later and at 15 years old Connor is now at the top of his game, jumping bigger and better than he ever has done in his life and is absolutely loving every second (as am I!!!). Connor is fed 3 meals a day of Simple System Blue Bag Grass Pellets. After years of struggling to keep condition and weight on I am thrilled to say that he finally is holding his condition even throughout weekly competition and travel and is the happiest and healthiest he has ever been. I compete Connor and all my other horses barefoot and bitless using a Dr Cooks bitless bridle, as well as frequently riding tackless, and currently work as the jumping trainer here at Al Ruwayyah Stables and ride and teach full time at various stables across the UAE.” If you are interested in moving your horse to a natural diet, contact the Simple System Feed Line on 01728 604008 or email info@simplesystem.co.uk and one of our nutritionists will be able to put together feed recommendations for your horse.