Eventers choice for horse and rider. The whys and wherefores about the products we need, the choices we make and the stories behind them.
with Chris Stafford & John Nunn
Bit of Britain Pilot
Welcome to the Bit of Britain Podcast with Chris Stafford and John Nunn. Launching on April 1, 2020, the podcast will feature the eventers choice for horse and rider. The whys and wherefores about the products we need, the choices we make and the stories behind them. We will be talking to riders and trainers who use those products and offer a wealth of tips and advice on how to get the best out of your tack and equipment as well as shopping advice. We will also be talking to experts about everything you need to know for eventing from nutrition to performance, from young eventers to cross country design. Whether you’re preparing for your first event or are a seasoned competitor there will be something for you. Every two weeks we will guide you through your choices to make sure you are fit to compete.
Bit of Britain: E1 – COVID-19, Leather Care and Vaccinations
Welcome to episode one of the Bit of Britain Podcast with Chris Stafford and John Nunn. Every two weeks we will be discussing the products you need for horse and rider, what is available and how to make the best choices. On this first episode Chris and John discuss the. impact of COVID-19 on the saddlery industry, and the correct care for leather. We also feature the first segment in a series of veterinary topics with Dr. Sallie Hyman, VMD, DACVIM, CVA, MBA.
Podcast length: 33 mins
Bit of Britain: E2 – New Products, New Style!
Podcast length: 40.50 mins
Bit of Britain: E3- Dealing with the Present, Looking to the Future
Podcast length: 37.07 mins
Bit of Britain: E4 – Rigbie Farms, Foaling and Introducing the New Tack & Equipment Q&A
Podcast length: 38.06 mins
Bit of Britain: E5 – How to keep you and your horse ticking along till Eventing opens back up
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Bit of Britain Podcast with hosts Chris Stafford and John Nunn. Our two guests are Sally Cousins, 5-Star Eventer and trainer based in Chester County, PA and Dr. Sallie Hyman, VMD, DACVIM, CVA, MBA, equine veterinarian practicing in Virginia.
Sally discusses how she is keeping her event horses fit and ticking along during the Covid-19 close down and discusses with Chris and John her timelines for getting different horses – as well as riders – back to competition fitness in time for the possible start of competition. She expressed the fear that the sport opens up too soon, raising the possibility of fall cancellations due more shutdowns, as well as the challenges riders face to qualify for the 5-star events this year. All 5* events have been cancelled for 2020.
Dr Hyman talks about the Corona Virus in horses – yes, they can get a version of it and no they can’t give pass it along to us. Learn how the Corona Virus presents in horses and safety precautions you should take to stop it spreading.
Podcast length: 35.15 mins
Bit of Britain: E6 – Harry Meade Discusses Rider Safety
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Bit of Britain Podcast with hosts Chris Stafford and John Nunn. British Eventer Harry Meade joins Chris this week to discuss safety in eventing. Harry and his team have more than 20 horses in work in the Cotswolds as they await the return of competition. And what a team it is as the staff has been living with Harry and his family during the COVID lockdown, and having some fun too. The horses have been kept fit with more strength training than cardio vascular, as Harry explains this will sustain them longer and make them better prepared for the next season. Harry has been sponsored by Charles Owen for a few years and maintains strict protocols when it comes to safety measures. He describes how safety has to be second nature with the use of helmets and protective vests. He also offers some advice on simple precautions that should be adopted wherever there is riding, not just in competition.
Tune in and hear how Harry has been coping and the goals he hopes he will be able to aim for later this year, if and when international competition is back on the schedule. Visit Harry’s website here to learn more about his team.
Podcast length: 33.45 mins
Bit of Britain: E7 – Bits & Bitting and Poisonous Plants
On this week’s episode Chris and John chat to Vivian Schmidt, US Sales and Marketing Manager for German bit manufacturers Herm Sprenger, who have been making bits since the 19th Century. Vivian explains the basic principles of correctly fitting bits, how to measure a horse’s mouth and understand the anatomy. We also learn what materials are used and the extent of the types of bits today. Herm Sprenger bits are available at bitofbritain.com.
To quote Benjamin Latchford: “I have always found in my long experience that the horse mouth and temper may be compared to a lock, so made that only one key will fit, and to find the right bit, patience and perseverance are necessary in doing.”
In our regular vet segment Dr. Sally Hyman, DVM, shares some important information about poisonous plants; those which are toxic to horses, what we should look out for and how to safeguard against them.
Podcast Length: 44:41 mins
Bit of Britain: E8 – Top Show Photographer Amy Dragoo and EEE is raising its ugly ahead again
On this month’s episode Chris and John and joined by equestrian photographer Amy Dragoo who shares her journey into the sport and how she’s coping as an independent contractor with so many shows and events postponed into the forceable future. And in our veterinary segment Dr. Sallie Hyman explains how Eastern Equine Encephalitis has raised its ugly head again and what owners can expect with symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
Podcast Length: 44:41 mins
Bit of Britain: E9 – Ice Horse Products and Medical Colic
Chris & John chat with Julie Garella-Williams, CEO & President of Mackinnon Products, which manufactures Ice Horse Products. Julie explains why cooling horse’s legs after work or injury is important for recovery and how icing works. Ice Horse also offers products for riders too and you can find them all at bitofbritain.com
On our regular veterinary segment Dr. Sallie Hyman, DVM, discusses the one topic that all owners dread but which is all too common; Medical Colic. Sallie explains in detail what happens to cause colic in a horse’s gut and offers preventative and offers preventative and remedial solutions. Whatever the circumstance, the cause or symptoms Sallie stresses how vital it is to call the vet immediately. On the next episode of the Bit of Britain podcast Sallie will be explaining Surgical Colic.
Podcast Length: 45:05 mins
Bit of Britain: E10: Carry Cool Products and Surgical Colic
On this episode Chris talks to Lesley Kapper, Senior Sales Advisor and Principal of EquiSources LLC which manufacturers the Carry Cool Kit. Plus part two in the double segments on colic and this time Dr. Sallie Hyman explains the causes, symptoms and treatments of surgical colic.
Visit Bit of Britain online for this product and everything you need for yourself and your horse at bitofbritain.com.
Podcast Length: 38:08 mins
Bit of Britain: E11 – New Micklem Products Explained
On this episode, Chris Stafford talks to all-round horseman, coach, trainer, author and inventor, William Micklem about his latest products. The Micklem Bridle is well-known in eventing circles for its gentle action. The same theory has been applied to a new range of head collar, martingale, breastplate and girth. William explains how making simple design changes to these items of tack has achieved a subtle but important difference in their actions on a horse. He cites well-known trainers across disciplines who have universally adopted the Micklem products because of their actions that encourage acceptance rather than submissive responses from the horse. These products are all available at bitofbritain.com.
Podcast Length: 30:23 mins