Colourful, informative new packaging for Suregrow Fertiliser

With an eyecatching new design, Suregrow Fertiliser's colourful, informative and robust 20kg bags are increasingly the choice of owners and riders seeking to maximise the health and financial benefits of good quality grazing for their horses and ponies.

Specifically formulated for use on horse and pony paddocks, Suregrow Fertiliser is produced in the UK and contains a phased (slow)  release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality and palatable grass growth over a long period. It also facilitates the uptake of nutrients essential to the wellbeing of horses and ponies.

Applying Suregrow Fertiliser will stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress weed growth and can aid recovery of over-grazed, poached or 'stressed' pastures.

Avoiding a rich flush of grass resulting in unwanted weight gain or even laminitis is a vital aspect of managing grazing and unlike agricultural fertilisers, Suregrow Fertiliser pellets are easy to handle and spread, without the need to move horses and ponies off the fields during or after application. This makes it the ideal fertiliser to help keep grazing land in good condition during the summer and autumn months, especially for owners with limited acreage.

For more information  contact the technical support line on 01423 223045.

Some More Action From Bramham International Horse Trials

A few more great shots from the Bramham International Horse Trials 2013, including the SureGrow sponsored owl hole and the Speedi-Beat jump.

Restore Your Grazing Pastures

However, if like many landowners, your pastures are looking rather the worse for wear after one of the wettest years on record, Suregrow Fertiliser advises on how can you revitalise the grass and deal with moss, bare patches and other problems.

Restoring neglected pasture doesn’t always mean ploughing and re-seeding, as although this will produce a good end result, new grass realistically takes a full season to establish a strong root system and top growth before grazing again by horses.

Even heavy soils like clay don't make restoration more difficult, as provided the root system is still healthy underneath the remaining grass, it is possible to improve the remaining pasture significantly.

We suggest that whenever weather conditions are favourable, applying the right kind of fertiliser will ensure that the grass has the nutrients it requires to start growing steadily and evenly, which will be a key step in restoring your pasture.

If there are weeds, you could consider spot spraying but topping, even this early in the season, will reduce the challenge to the grass from weed growth. Harrowing and rolling is normal spring maintenance for grassland; the harrow will aerate the surface of the sward by removing dead grasses and the roller will encourage the grass to tiller (spread sideways with new shoots) into bare areas.

When choosing your fertiliser, don’t use a formulation intended for high yielding agricultural pastures. Like any living organism, grass needs the correct balance of minerals for strong, healthy growth and when used for horses and ponies, making the right choice of fertiliser can help ensure appropriately nutritious pasture.

Using a formulation designed specifically for horse and pony paddocks, like Suregrow Fertiliser, with its slower release form of nutrients, will help to produce sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to equine wellbeing. The correct choice of fertiliser will also stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress future weed growth.

Check that the fertiliser you choose is safe to handle and spread without the use of agricultural-scale machinery, is easy to apply and that you don’t have to keep your horses off the paddocks during and after spreading. That said, your grass will recover and re-establish more quickly if you can keep the horses off it in the early stages. You may want to consider strip grazing, perhaps with electric fencing, and move the horses regularly to achieve this.

Horses evolved to eat a natural forage diet and as feed prices continue to rise, it is essential to ensure your valuable grazing is kept in the best possible condition, because it also offers important psychological benefits to help manage ‘the happy athlete’. Pictured is international dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison leading a horse in after turnout in a paddock fertilised with Suregrow.

For more information about Suregrow fertiliser and free advice on pasture management, contact the technical support line on 01423 223045 or visit www.suregrowuk.com.

Bramham International Horse Trials 2013

Suregrow's Jonathon Cox has been spending some quality time at Bramham to bring us the latest news and some superb pictures of all the action.  Living legend William Fox-Pitt and the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips (see pic below), are among the world class riders competing at this year's event.

Suregrow have 3 sponsored riders taking part in this years trials: Ruth Edge, Caroline Powell, and Oliver Townend.  Very best of luck to them all.  We also have our own sponsored jump in the cross country - the Owl Hole - which always proves tricky but a real crowd pleaser.

Stay tuned for lots of pictures and information from an insiders viewpoint!

Pictured is Zara Phillips riding Lord Lauries in the dressage at Bramham International Horse Trials 6th June 2013

Suregrow Fertiliser at Hickstead and Bramham

Suregrow Fertiliser has confirmed additional support this season for the Hickstead Derby Meeting, the Royal International Horse Show and Bramham International Horse Trials.

Once again the magnificently presented arenas and showground at the Hickstead All England Jumping Course are being prepared for this season's major international fixtures with an application of Suregrow Fertiliser, which Hickstead Director Edward Bunn confirms has "considerably improved the quality and cover of the sward".

Based in Yorkshire, Suregrow Fertiliser is an enthusiastic supporter of its 'local' Bramham International Horse Trials, at which entrants for this year's 40th Anniversary event will include Caroline Powell and Oliver Townend, both of whom use Suregrow Fertiliser on their grazing paddocks. Suregrow's sponsorship of the eyecatching Owl Hole cross country fence always provides great action photographs and is a real crowd pleaser.

Suregrow Fertiliser is running an online competition to win two Member Passes for Bramham International Horse Trials, so if you're planning a visit, visit www.suregrowuk.com to enter and you could be enjoying all the action in fine style!

Pictured is the main arena at the Hickstead All England Jumping Course has once again benefited from an application of Suregrow Fertiliser.

Suregrow Fertiliser renews support for successful international riders

Good quality grazing is vital to increasing numbers of successful international riders and four world-class competitors, event riders Caroline Powell, Oliver Townend and Ruth Edge, together with dressage rider and sought-after trainer Richard Davison, have once again chosen Suregrow Fertiliser for their grazing paddocks.

Caroline Powell, whose New Zealand team eventing bronze medal at the London Olympics with Lenamore was a hugely popular success explains; "Working with Suregrow complements our management extremely well because we place a lot of emphasis on the importance of lengthy turnout time and good quality grazing."

Fellow event rider Ruth Edge echoes this approach, saying; "I wouldn’t choose anything else, because grazing correctly managed pasture is so important to our management of both dressage and event horses.”

Richard Davison, whose dressage yard is also managed to impeccably high standards, adds; “I am impressed with the science behind Suregrow Fertiliser and believe it is extremely beneficial to our grassland. Our horses enjoy their turnout time and Suregrow offers the potential to contribute significantly to their diet and wellbeing, which is very important to me.”

Oliver Townend focuses on similar priorities, commenting; “Turnout is well known to offer psychological benefits to all horses, but the value of grazing goes beyond that, as grass is a very natural and healthy way to feed. I am delighted with the advice we have received from Suregrow Fertiliser and by ensuring even grass growth throughout the season, we are better able to maintain our grassland in optimum condition, which can only be good for the horses.”

Suregrow Fertiliser, formulated specifically for horse and pony paddocks, contains a slower release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to the wellbeing of horses and ponies. Suregrow Fertiliser will also stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress weed growth and can aid recovery of over-grazed or poached pastures. It is safe to handle and spread, making it easy to apply.

For individual advice on pasture management this season, contact Suregrow Fertiliser on 01423 223045, email sales@suregrowuk.com, visit www.suregrowuk.com or find Suregrow Fertiliser on facebook.

Suregrow Fertiliser renews support for British Dressage National Advanced Medium Championship

Already the choice of international event riders Oliver Townend, Ruth Edge and Caroline Powell, Suregrow Fertiliser is also used by dressage ‘icon’ Richard Davison, who says, “Our horses enjoy their turnout time and by ensuring the grass they graze provides a correct mineral and trace element profile, it offers the potential to contribute significantly to their diet and wellbeing, which is very important to me.”

Suregrow is a unique fertiliser specifically for horse and pony paddocks, containing a slower release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to wellbeing.

Confirming the company’s support of the Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Championship, Suregrow’s Jonathon Cox said, “More horse owners seeing the benefits of turnout alongside feeding a natural, high forage diet and our support of the British Dressage Advanced Medium Championship will enable us to meet and help dressage riders and trainers looking to improve grazing quality as part of their management of ‘happy equine athletes’. We are pleased to be working with British Dressage and looking forward to the opportunities it offers.”

The Suregrow Advanced Medium Championships take place at the British Dressage National Championships, where successful riders from a series of Regional Championships will contest both the Suregrow Open Advanced Medium Championship and the Suregrow Restricted Advanced Medium Championship.

Pictured is the winner of the 2012 Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Open Championship, Laura Bechtolsheimer (now Tomlinson) with Polar Bear, with Jonathan Cox of Suregrow Fertliser.

An Olympic Diary; Caroline Powell shares her personal insight

Event rider Caroline Powell has been resident in the UK for 20 years, but even though it was on her adopted ‘home ground’, New Zealand team selection for the London 2012 Olympics with the remarkable 19-year-old gelding Lenamore was just as exciting as her previous international appearances in Lexington and Beijing, albeit without all the travelling.

Caroline won a team bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2012 with Mac Macdonald and with Lenamore, she was the highest placed New Zealand rider at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, so is no stranger to the limelight. Speaking on her return home to Kelso with a well-deserved team bronze medal, she gives a personal insight into the experience that was her London 2012.

“The whole of the New Zealand team met up at a secret training location in Surrey, which was a gorgeous house with swimming pools and gyms, and the yard for the horses was second to none. It was awesome. We had some fantastic training, the horses were purring and the atmosphere was great. We got the chance of going to the Olympic Village to get accredited and have a look around before we went back to our own bases and relaxed for a few days before the pressure began.

“When we got all of our accreditation and team uniforms, we were like kids at Christmas, unwrapping things and trying them on. There was great hilarity and then the realisation hit that we had to do the trot up in team uniform – they were lovely little dresses – not ideal for the job!”

“Lenamore and I drew third in the team and so were on the Sunday morning. He did a really a nice test apart from the two wee whoopsies, which messed things up. It was then that we all realised his personal dream was over and it was all about playing a major role in the team....

“The cross country was like a rollercoaster. The fences were 2½ to 3 star level, amazing to look at, but the terrain and the camber made it a real test. As the grass was so beautifully trimmed, it was difficult to ride fluently and you couldn’t take your mind off what you were doing for a second or you would end up in trouble.

“They had actually been watering the ground, but I don’t think it was slippery because of the watering, I think it was just ‘new’ ground. The equine facilities in general were very impressive, acres of arenas, gallops and stabling. It was a bit weird sharing a room in the Olympic village though – not what the New Zealand team manager Sarah or I were used to. We were there for a week and a half and I have to say it was all very well organised from our point of view – nothing was an issue at all.

“Lenamore finished fine after his cross country round and trotted up well before the show jumping. We had the second last fence down although he jumped extremely well and the whole experience was just tremendous. There was really good camaraderie, everybody was supportive, knew each other and enjoyed the company. We played around with Twitter and Facebook and tried to keep everyone in touch along the way.

“Looking back, I don’t think we could have done anything different in Lenamore’s preparation. He’s 19 and we’re a little bit on borrowed time with him now, so anything we do is a bonus. He’s gone home to the Mackinnons and that’s probably him for the season. Then we’ll see what he’s like, but he still looks and feels so well, although we are very aware that he is at the age when he should be retired. The plan is to keep competing him until he tells us he is!”

Bringing home a bronze medal would be a highlight for any rider and it is no different for Caroline, even though she is a veteran of those two previous major team appearances for New Zealand. “The Olympic medal is still in my handbag, being trollied around everyone and everywhere. It’s huge, like a big rosette and very heavy.”

Caroline ended the season, with a busy schedule of three day runs at Blair Castle, Burghley, Blenheim and finally at Boekelo and Le Lion D’Anger.

Suregrow Fertiliser Open Advanced Medium Championship

Laura Bechtolsheimer and Polar Bear are the 2012 Suregrow Fertiliser Open Advanced Medium Champions

Laura scored 74.58% in a very strong class to take home the Suregrow Fertiliser Open Advanced Medium title. Clearly delighted to win a national title “I’m a real proud mum,” smiled Laura after the prize giving. “I’m very pleased with him; he’s taken it all in his stride. With the Olympics this year I haven’t had much time to compete Polar Bear. We did just enough to qualify – two shows, followed by the regionals which he won.”

Polar Bear, a 17.3h.h 8 year old home bred gelding, is by Laura’s former Junior team horse Polarion out of a Landadel mare. He is on the World Class Equine Pathway programme and Laura has high hopes for him in the future“I took him to an Equine Pathway training day two weeks ago, but apart from that and qualifying for today, he hasn’t been out much this year. He certainly hasn’t competed somewhere like this before.”

Laura and Polar Bear are looking forward to a well deserved short break before winter, with the aim to compete at small tour next year.

Suregrow Fertiliser Restricted Advanced Medium Championship

Chloe Vell and Kaja Di Valentina are the 2012 Suregrow Fertiliser Restricted Advanced Medium Champions after an impressive performance on what was Chloe’s first visit to the National Dressage Championships, held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Drawn late in the very competitive class, 14-year-old Chloe rode a confident and stylish test against a field of experienced senior riders on her new ride of just seven months, the elegant 16.1hh mare Kaja Di Valentina, to deservedly come out on top.

Chloe explains; “We were looking for a horse as I was growing too tall for my pony, a stallion with a great temperament called Danger 36. I’d done Pony squad training and competitions and international competitions with him and knew as soon as I sat on Kaja that she was the right horse because she gave me such a good feel. I go to school in Manchester and Kaja is based with Lucy Cartwright in Gloucestershire, so every Friday evening I get on the train and go to stay with Lucy until Sunday, so I can ride and train with her.”

Kaja Di Valentina is out of a Weltmeyer mare by the Trakehner stallion K2 and was originally produced by Pippa Fisher for owner Jackie Walker, who also owns Pinocchio, ridden by paralympian Sophie Wells.

Clearly delighted with her win, Chloe said; “We’ve done quite a few Premier League shows this season and qualified for the National Championships at the Kingston Maurward Regional Championships. I didn’t think I’d ever get to the ‘Nationals’ so didn’t expect much as there was quite an atmosphere, the warm up was busy and Kaja’s only eight. She can be hot and feisty, but we went in, she stayed focused and did a really good test. I tried my best, didn’t want to push for more and this was what she gave me. I’m very happy.”

Taking home a fabulous presentation rug from Suregrow Fertiliser, Chloe and Kaja are now working towards an international trip to Biarritz, France in October where they will compete with the British Junior team. Next season, they are planning to step up to Prix-St-Georges level.

Chloe’s Advanced Medium Championship prize also includes Suregrow Fertliser, specifically formulated for horse and pony grazing, which will ensure Kaja enjoys her turnout time even more.

Suregrow sponsored riders successfully complete Burghley Horse Trials

Congratulations to Oliver Townend finishing 4^th place at Burghley Horse Trials riding the stunning chestnut, Armada. Oliver completed a faultless cross country round inside the time to lie in 4^th place overnight. The showjumping proved influential in the final placings, despite Oliver having two unfortunate poles down he was still able to hold onto his 4^th place.

Caroline Powell riding Boston Two Tip finished in 14^th place after a clear cross country round but three unfortunate poles down in the show jumping

Ruth Edge riding the inexperienced Rogersdale at his first 4* event had a very positive start in the dressage scoring 45.5, securing the overnight lead on the first day, ''Roger tried his hardest today, really thrilled with him, he had lovely rhythm and balance throughout the test. The xc this year has been superbly presented, yet there are no let ups and it’s a true Burghley track, looking forward to getting going on it.'' said Ruth

Rogersdale didn’t disappoint on the cross country going clear, even after losing a shoe early on at fence 3, but unfortunately picked up some time faults due to the ground and getting tired ''Really proud of Roger today he jumped fantastically and thoroughly enjoyed his first 4 star experience which considering how inexperienced he is just shows what a genuine chap he is. He gave me a fantastic ride really good fun''

Rogersdale flew through the trot up but was very tired in the showjumping phase, completing his first 4* in a creditable 46^th place ''Roger was tired in the showjumping, but really chuffed with the completion. He did his best and that's all we could ask of him, really pleased.''

All the horse will now be having a well earned holiday turned out in their Suregrow paddocks but there’s no rest for the riders….. Caroline and Oliver will be heading to Blenheim Horse Trials and Ruth will be switching to her other discipline, dressage, and heading for the National Dressage championships at Stoneleigh with Shadowfax.

Suregrow supports Allerton Park Horse Trials

Suregrow is delighted to support the Allerton Park Horse Trials for the second year running.

Allerton Park Horse Trials in North Yorkshire is an extremely popular event attracting both amateur and professional riders alike, held on the 15^th and 16^th September.

This year Allerton Park Horse Trials has added an Advanced course to its busy weekend schedule, already attracting top riders including Ruth Edge and Nicola Wilson. The courses designed by Ian Stark consist of flowing tracks over an undulating terrain, featuring bold and natural fences to put the riders to the test. To keep in the Olympic spirit, two of the Olympic cross country fences seen at Greenwich will feature on the course – the Olympic chestnut logs and the East End barrows.

Look out for the Suregrow fertiliser fence on the cross country course

Another busy weekend for Suregrow sponsored riders

Oliver rode 10 horses during the weekend, with 6 horses finishing in top 10 places, including a win for Royale Sam in the BE100 section A on a dressage score of 27.5.

Ruth Edge also had a good day on her exciting youngster, Larkshill Sovereign, finishing on their dressage score of 26.5 to win the 4 year old class, his first outing of the year. Ruth and Larkshill Sovereign will be competing at Burghley this week in the BYEH classes so watch out for them.

An Olympic Diary; Caroline Powell shares her personal insight

Event rider Caroline Powell has been resident in the Scottish Borders for 20 years, but even though it was on her adopted ‘home ground’, New Zealand team selection for the London 2012 Olympics with the remarkable 19-year-old gelding Lenamore was just as exciting as her previous international appearances in Lexington and Beijing, albeit without all the travelling.

Caroline won a team bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2012 with Mac Macdonald and with Lenamore, she was the highest placed New Zealand rider at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, so is no stranger to the limelight. Speaking on her return home to Kelso with a well-deserved team bronze medal, she gives a personal insight into the experience that was her London 2012.

“The whole of the New Zealand team met up at a secret training location in Surrey, which was a gorgeous house with swimming pools and gyms, and the yard for the horses was second to none. It was awesome. We had some fantastic training, the horses were purring and the atmosphere was great. We got the chance of going to the Olympic Village to get accredited and have a look around before we went back to our own bases and relaxed for a few days before the pressure began.

“When we got all of our accreditation and team uniforms, we were like kids at Christmas, unwrapping things and trying them on. There was great hilarity and then the realisation hit that we had to do the trot up in team uniform – they were lovely little dresses – not ideal for the job!”

“Lenamore and I drew third in the team and so were on the Sunday morning. He did a really a nice test apart from the two wee whoopsies, which messed things up. It was then that we all realised his personal dream was over and it was all about playing a major role in the team....

“The cross country was like a rollercoaster. The fences were 2½ to 3 star level, amazing to look at, but the terrain and the camber made it a real test. As the grass was so beautifully trimmed, it was difficult to ride fluently and you couldn’t take your mind off what you were doing for a second or you would end up in trouble.

“They had actually been watering the ground, but I don’t think it was slippery because of the watering, I think it was just ‘new’ ground. The equine facilities in general were very impressive, acres of arenas, gallops and stabling. It was a bit weird sharing a room in the Olympic village though – not what the New Zealand team manager Sarah or I were used to. We were there for a week and a half and I have to say it was all very well organised from our point of view – nothing was an issue at all.

“Lenamore finished fine after his cross country round and trotted up well before the show jumping. We had the second last fence down although he jumped extremely well and the whole experience was just tremendous. There was really good camaraderie, everybody was supportive, knew each other and enjoyed the company. We played around with Twitter and Facebook and tried to keep everyone in touch along the way.

“Looking back, I don’t think we could have done anything different in Lenamore’s preparation. He’s 19 and we’re a little bit on borrowed time with him now, so anything we do is a bonus. He’s gone home to the Mackinnons and that’s probably him for the season. Then we’ll see what he’s like, but he still looks and feels so well, although we are very aware that he is at the age when he should be retired. The plan is to keep competing him until he tells us he is!”

Bringing home a bronze medal would be a highlight for any rider and it is no different for Caroline, even though she is a veteran of those two previous major team appearances for New Zealand. “The Olympic medal is still in my handbag, being trollied around everyone and everywhere. It’s huge, like a big rosette and very heavy.”

Caroline is now planning the remainder of the season, with a busy schedule of three day runs at Burghley, Blenheim and then to Boekelo and Le Lion D’Anger. She’s hoping for a good end to the year and with a stable of talented and experienced horses to compete, more top international placings seem inevitable.

Success for Suregrow sponsored riders

The Suregrow sponsored riders had a busy weekend bringing home the ribbons.

Caroline Powell travelled down to Richmond Horse Trials in North Yorkshire with a full lorry of horses. Competing in the Open Intermediate Section F, Caroline came home with 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th places!

2^nd          The Earl of Belvedere (32.1)

3^rd           Thornfield Jones (35.1)

4^th           Onwards and Upwards (36.3)

5^th           Boston Two Tip (36.7)

Caroline also gained 3^rd place in the Novice section N riding Up Up and Away.

Oliver Townend made the short journey from his yard to Somerford Park, competing an exhausting 14 horses over the weekend.

Harthill Percy won the CIC* on a dressage score of 41.4

Skyhills Cavalier and Cooley Master Class both competed in the CIC** on a score of 48.1 and 50.1 to gain 3^rd and 5^th place respectively.

Another win in the Intermediate Section C riding DHI Bandit King on a dressage score of 27.7. Cooley SRS gained 3^rd place on a score of 29.0 in the BE100 section N. Sonic Boom was 4^th in the Open Intermediate section D and Sandiman II was 6^th in the Intermediate section D.

Next stop for Caroline and Oliver is Burghley Horse Trials next week. Caroline will be riding Boston Two Tip and Oliver has two rides this year ODT Sonas Rovatio and Armada. Ruth Edge will also be competing in the 4*riding Rogersdale. We will be keeping you up to date with their progress of our sponsored riders throughout Burghley.

Caroline Powell and Lenamore celebrate Bronze

Caroline, riding for her home country New Zealand, on the famous Lenamore, produced a fantastic clear cross country round over the tricky Greenwich terrain which seemed to suit the ever agile Lenamore, now 19 years old.

Just one fence down in the up to height show jumping helped secure the New Zealand team a well earned Bronze medal. “Ed (Lenamore) has gone home for his holiday and has yet to tell us what he wants to do with his career....one day at a time...who knows! Rest and Grass is priority at the moment” said Caroline

Video Dressage Training with Richard Davison

International dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison gives a fascinating insight into how to prepare for the Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Championship, Advanced Medium 98. Richard explains clearly how he breaks down the test into different parts and focuses on training to improve the horse’s way of going and the presentation of the test.

This short video will be of interest to all riders who want to improve their test riding, but especially those competing at, or moving up to, advanced medium level. You can view the video here

Have you gained a wild card entry to the Nationals?

The following combinations have gained a wild-card entry for the Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium championships at the National Dressage Championships, Stoneleigh, congratulations

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted
Georgia Davis, Richmans Manta, 66.58%
Julie Hyslop, DHI Krackatoa, 66.14%
Margaret Sinkinson, Urato, 65.61%

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open
Gillian Davison, Hiscox Alfranco, 70.96%
Matt Hicks, El Zorro, 70.79%
Gareth Hughes, Samba Hit III, 70.53%
Maria Griffin, D.J, 69.74%
Matt Hicks, Casse-Cou, 69.47%
Tahley Reeve-Smith, Special, 68.95%
Jacky Stolper, Luciano Pavarotti, 68.86%
Nicola Cooper,Classic Ziezo, 68.77%
Fiona Bigwood, Raikkanos Son, 68.60%
Lesley Peyton – Gilbert, Woodcroft Garuda K, 68.60%
Rebecca Hughes, Rubini Royale, 68.16%
Joy MacLean, Donnercrescendo, 68.07%

For a full list of wild card holders for the Nationals please visit www.britishdressage.co.uk

BD Eastern Regional Championships

The final Regional championship took place yesterday at The College Equestrian Centre. Riders were out in force looking to gain a ticket to the National Championships at Stoneleigh

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Victoria Glasow riding Wilumait (66.58%)

Darren Crowe riding Monterey MM (65.18%)

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Becky Moody riding Don Angelo (75.44%)

Julie Hugo riding Welcome O (69.91%)

Garry Williams riding Showmaker (69.74%)

Daniel Greenwood riding Lennox (69.39%)

BD Southern Regional Championships

Congratulations to the following riders who secured their ticket to the Nationals at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Daniel Busbridge riding Regal Destiny (65.88%)

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Roland Tong riding Ambience IV (71.93%)

Anders Dahl riding Wincenzo (70.35%)

Henry Boswell riding Lord of the Rings (69.82%)

Anders Dahl riding Sir Donato (69.74%)

BD North West Regional Championships

Congratulations to the following combinations who secured their ticket to the Nationals at the North West Regional Championships, held at Somerford Park:

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Jane Critchley riding Donnerouge 67.98%

Mark Walters riding Ice Blue Valentino 67.37%

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Michael Eilberg riding Half Moon Dynasty 73.86%

Charlie Hutton riding Don Dino 71.40%

Paul Friday riding Winston Bond 70.18%

Charlotte Ward riding Parcival S 69.91%

Top Dressage tips from Suregrow

If you are looking to improve your dressage marks or competing in the Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Championships, view this video of a top International Rider/Trainer.

Lots of top tips to gain those vital extra marks, every dressage rider can learn something. Click here

Ruth Edge wins again!

Ruth’s winning streak continues with a comfortable win at Campshire International Horse Trials in Ireland. Riding Basco, in the CIC* (5&6 year old) class, Ruth led from the start, completing on her dressage score of 32.2, six marks ahead of the 2nd place rider.

Ruth also secured 4^th place in the strongly contested CIC*** riding the lovely bay gelding Rogersdale, who is now entered for Burghley.

The Suregrow Advanced Medium Regional Championships

The Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Regional Championships are now well underway, see who has secured their place at the BD National Dressage Championships.

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Laura Newton riding Urban Hit

Emile Faurie riding Smash Hit

Matt Frost riding AMD Don Rosso II

Katie Bailey riding Nip Tuck

Jo Hamilton riding Vivaldi V

Laura B riding Polar Bear

Spencer Wilton riding Zamboucca

Daniel Greenwood riding Woodward

Sarah Mills riding Furst Rubin

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Pippa Corbett riding Sea Sapphire Dance

Emma Jablonski riding Cor IV Z

Chloe Vell riding Kaja Di Valentina

Julia Morris riding Willis

Jade Struthers riding Knighthawk

Terri Graham riding Ten O’May

Rachael Clark riding Urionetta

Claire Abel riding Rowan Magic 

Good luck to all the competitors competing at the remaining qualifiers.

Suregrow July Competition Winner

Congratulations to Elizabeth King, Reading, winner of our July competition.

For your chance to win 4 bags of Suregrow to fertilise a one acre field, simply click on the link on our homepage and complete the entry form.

BD Central Regional Championships

The Central Regional Championship held at Addington Manor attracted a high class field seeking qualification to the Nationals.

Congratulations to the following riders who are through to the BD National Championships

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Rachael Clark riding Urionetta

Claire Abel riding Rowan Magic 

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Spencer Wilton riding Zamboucca

Daniel Greenwood riding Woodward

Sarah Mills riding Furst Rubin

BD Scottish Regional Championships

Rowallan Activity Centre in Ayrshire was the impressive venue for the BD Scottish Regional Championships.

Congratulations to the following riders who secured their place at the Nationals:

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Jade Struthers riding Knighthawk

Terri Graham riding Ten O’May

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Jo Hamilton riding Vivaldi V

Suregrow sponsored riders shine

The sun made a welcome appearance at the weekend for Aston-Le-Walls Horse Trials

Ruth Edge continued her winning streak, winning the Novice section E riding Blacklaw Thymelord on a score of 28.8, her new yard is certainly proving to be a lucky charm!

Ruth also had a lovely clear cross country round on her new ride Dark Crusader securing 8^th place in the competitive Open Novice section F.

Oliver Townend had a very successful but busy weekend at Aston Le Walls riding an impressive 14 horses with 3 more rides competing today!

Oliver secured 3 sections riding HHS Comporta Beach to win the Novice section B on his dressage score of 29.0, ODT Sonas Rovatio in the Advanced  Section J and a one, two placing in the Intermediate section Q riding Skyhills Cavalier and ODT Quizzical respectively.

Next stop for Oliver and Ruth is Cholmondeley Horse Trials next weekend.

Ruth Edge secures another win!

Ruth’s new yard is certainly proving to be lucky for Team Edge, securing another win at Burgham Horse Trials yesterday. Despite the recent cancellation of events, the rain subsided and Burgham did a great job, adding an extra day to give competitors a run.

Ruth, riding Mister Maccondy, yet again produced a faultless showjumping and cross country round, to finish on her dressage score of 27.7 to win the Open Intermediate.

BD South West Regional Championships

Congratulations to the following combinations who have secured their place at the BD National Dressage Championships:

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Emile Faurie riding Smash Hit

Matt Frost riding AMD Don Rosso II

Katie Bailey riding Nip Tuck

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Chloe Vell riding Kaja Di Valentina

Julia Morris riding Willis

Suregrow sponsored rider Ruth Edge secures a win at Burgham Horse Trials

Finally after countless cancellations due to the persistent wet weather, many eventers were finally able to blow the cobwebs away at Burgham Horse Trials at the weekend.

Congratulations to Ruth Edge riding Rowley Farm Diamond who won the BE100 section K on a dressage score of 32.0.

BD Northern Regional Championships

Fry's Dressage near Driffield was the venue for the Northern Regional Championships at the weekend. The immaculately kept arenas attracted numerous high calibre combinations seeking their place to the finals.

Congratulations to the following combinations who have secured their place at the BD National Dressage Championships:

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Open

Laura Newton riding Urban Hit

Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted

Pippa Corbett riding Sea Sapphire Dance

Emma Jablonski riding Cor IV Z

The Longines Royal International Horse Show

Good luck to all the competitors competing in The Longines Royal International Horse Show starting tomorrow.

Hickstead is one of the oldest horse shows in the world, running for an impressive 105 years. Horses will be competing in a wide range of classes from Coloureds to Hunters, Show ponies to Cobs accumulating in the highly sort after accolade of Supreme Ridden Horse and Supreme Ridden Pony Championships.

All the grass arenas including the famous International arena have all been fertilised with Suregrow,  The Suregrow fertiliser formulation, with its slow release nutrients, is proving an excellent fit with Hickstead’s world-renowned arena management. Speaking recently, Hickstead Director Edward Bunn confirmed, “Since applying Suregrow fertiliser to our arenas, I have already noticed a considerable improvement to the quality and cover of the grass sward.”

BD Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium Championships

The Regional championships are now well underway for the Suregrow fertiliser Advanced Medium classes, with riders competing for a place at the prestigious BD National Championships held at Stoneleigh in September.

Watch this space to see which successful combinations have secured their place at the BD National Championships

New Zealand Olympic Eventing Team announced

The New Zealand Eventing team has been selected and we are thrilled for Caroline Powell and Lenamore who will represent New Zealand at London 2012.

This will be the combination’s second Olympics having finished the best of the Kiwis in Beijing 2008, finishing 14^th. The famous grey gelding, Lenamore, now 19 years of age is still proving a force to be reckoned with, showing no signs of slowing down.

Caroline will be joined on the team by:

Andrew Nicholson and Nereo

Mark Todd and NZB Campion

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise

Jonelle Richards and Flintstar

Lucy Jackson has been named as reserve

Suregrow June Competition Winner

Congratulations to Michelle Massara from Harrietsham, Kent, winner of our June competition.

For your chance to win 4 bags of Suregrow to fertilise a one acre field, simply click on the link on our homepage and complete the entry form.

The British Olympic Dressage team is revealed

We are delighted to announce Richard Davison has been selected to represent Team GB at the London Olympics.

Richard will be riding Artemis, owned by the Countess of Derby in the individual competition, “To ride in the Olympics is the greatest honour a rider can ever have and to do it in front of the home crowd in London will be a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.  But I’m really happy for Artemis’ owners, sponsors, home team and supporters who have believed in this horse since the beginning and deserve this moment."

Richard will be joined by team riders Carl Hester riding Uthopia , Laura Bechtolsheimer riding Mistral Hojris and Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro.

Good luck Team GB!

Ireland’s Paul Beecher wins the 2012 Hickstead Derby

Congratulations to Paul Beecher riding Loughnatousa WB winner of the 2012 Hickstead Derby.

First to go in the challenging competition, Paul jumped a flawless clear round and led from the start. A clear round from William Funnell resulted in a tense jump-off, but Paul jumped another great clear round to win the class.

The grass arenas at Hickstead are all fertilised with Suregrow.

Suregrow May Competition Winner

Congratulations to Kelly Webb from Ceredigion, winner of our May competition

For your chance to win 4 bags of Suregrow to fertilise a one acre field, simply click on the link on our homepage and complete the entry form.

Congratulations to Suregrow sponsored rider Caroline Powell and Lenamore

Despite being 19 years old, Lenamore looked as fit as ever to take 4^th place in the Bramham International CIC***.

Lenamore composed himself in the dressage arena posting a score of 45.3 to lie in 18^th place. A clear showjumping and faultless cross country round within the optimum time rose the popular combination to 4^th place overall, boosting their chances of selection for the New Zealand Olympic team.

William Fox-Pitt dominates Bramham Horse Trials 2012

Congratulations to William Fox-Pitt who not only won the CCI*** but also the CIC*** riding Chilli Morning and Neuf Des Coeurs respectively.

The Suregrow fertiliser Owl Hole fence described as ‘a tricky combination’ certainly caught a few riders out but overall rode well, with just a couple of riders choosing to take the alternative route. The excellent ground conditions throughout the course we’re certainly praised by riders.

Despite tricky weather conditions at the start of the event, the sun came out to give a Bramham Horse Trials to remember. With riders keen to impress for Olympic selection competition was as tough as ever.

The Bramham HT Suregrow fertiliser Owl Hole fence

Here’s a sneaky preview of the Suregrow fertiliser Owl Hole, fence 8 on the Bramham Horse Trials CCI3* course, described as ‘a tough combination and a real question’.

The fence comprises of 3 sections – an open corner leading to a tight owl hole under a natural canopy, hiding a 2^nd right handed open corner.

Lots of opportunities for horses to run out on the corner fences and with the contrast from light to dark, this fence will need riding with respect.

Suregrow is proud to be associated with Bramham International Horse Trials 2012

This is a very exciting year for Bramham International Horse Trials, with record entries and two action packed days of cross country, competition will be fierce amongst riders looking to shine for Olympic selection.

Look out for the Suregrow fertiliser Owl Hole at fence eight on the cross country course. This is an exciting, new and very challenging combination fence, comprising of a three fence maze of tight angles and a central hole to be jumped through.

During the event we will be keeping you updated on our sponsored riders – Caroline Powell riding the famous Lenamore in the CIC3* and Thornfield Jones in the CCI3*, also Ruth Edge riding the striking black gelding Elite Opposition in the CIC3*. 

Suregrow supporting local One Day Event

Suregrow is delighted to be title sponsor for the One Day Event held at Northallerton Equestrian Centre, North Yorkshire on Monday 4^th June.

Classes from 75cm to 1m, junior and adult.

Suregrow would like to wish all the competitors and organisers the best of luck for the event.

Hickstead grass arenas ‘considerably improved’ by Suregrow fertiliser

The hallowed turf of the grass arenas at the Hickstead All England Jumping Course is being prepared for this season’s major international fixtures with an application of Suregrow fertiliser.

Several tonnes of Suregrow fertiliser have been spread onto all of the grass arenas to be used at the British Jumping Derby Meeting (June 20-24), the Longines Royal International Horse Show (July 17-22) and the All England Jumping Championships (Sept 6-9).

The Suregrow fertiliser formulation, with its slow release nutrients, is proving an excellent fit with Hickstead’s world-renowned arena management. Speaking recently, Hickstead Director Edward Bunn confirmed, “Since applying Suregrow fertiliser to our arenas, I have already noticed a considerable improvement to the quality and cover of the grass sward.”

Suregrow fertiliser is a major supporter of equestrian competition in the UK and is the high profile brand associated with the British Dressage Advanced Medium Championships, a number of horse trials, including Allerton Park and Bramham and leading international riders Caroline Powell, Oliver Townend, Ruth Edge and Richard Davison.

Follow the Suregrow field case study

Throughout the year we will be keeping you up to date with the progress of our study field in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. 

This picture was taken in early spring with the grass looking a little worse for wear after winter and in need of some TLC.

Caroline Powell & Lenamore available for New Zealand Olympic selection

For Suregrow rider Caroline Powell and the 19-year-old 2010 Burghley Horse Trial champion, set to enjoy his eighth consecutive Badminton before cancellation, the focus has moved to the London Olympics.

It was welcome news for Caroline, a co-owner of Lenamore with Lexi Jackson and Janie MacKinnon, as they were the highest placed NZ combination at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The news means Lenamore will be added to the ESNZ eventing high performance 2012 squad. The New Zealand eventing team is to be announced in early July.

Suregrow April Competition Winner

Congratulations to Isobel Mills from Hereford, winner of our April competition

For your chance to win 4 bags of Suregrow to fertilise a one acre field, simply click on the link on our homepage and complete the entry form.

Hiscox Artemis lands two personal best scores at 2012 FEI World Cup Final

Richard Davison riding the Countess of Derby's and John Dodd's 12 year old gelding Hiscox Artemis laid down two outstanding scores and personal best results at last weeks FEI World Cup Final in S'Hertogenbosch, Holland.

In the technical grand prix test the combination achieved 73.3% and then went on to gain in excess of 78% in the freestyle.

The FEI recognise the standard of their Championships and Finals by awarding riders with a 2% uplift on their World Dressage Rider Rankings, which equates to equivalent scores worth in excess of 75% and 80% achieved at non-5 star events.

Eurodressage reported that Davison and Hiscox Artemis performance should have been receiving straight 9s and 10s (out of ten) for the piaffe and passage exercises, a key part of the tests at this level.

"This has shot Hiscox Artemis up into the big time and reflects the improvements he has made during this winter season's World Cup series. " said Davison. Throughout 2012 the combination have consistently scored above 70% at top level events which is a specific criteria for selection for this years Olympic Games. So far they are the only British combination yet to achieve this, other than the 'big three' riders Bechtolsheimer, Dujardin and Hester. At this stage in the running this makes Davison and Artemis the strongest contenders for Great Brtiain's fourth individual Olympic place. Their next outing is Munich's World Dressage Masters 5 star event 18th to 20th May.

Richard Davison and Hiscox Artemis take second place at final World Cup Qualifier in Gothenburg

It was no easy job for the last to go Richard Davison in the final World Cup dressage qualifier in Gothenburg, as the crammed stadium of Swedish spectators were still roaring their approval for their own hero Patrik Kittel as the British rider entered the ring.

Gothenburg presents a particularly tough World Cup test, as the dressage arena just squeezes inside the confines of the oval-shaped ice-rink, with the four corners touching the surrounding walls.  Richard had to call on all his reserves of experience to steer the Countess of Derby and John Dodd's Hiscox Artemis through their grand prix-to-music floor-plan, but he knows all there is to know about ring-craft and when 75.850% went up on the board, he was well in the frame. Patrick’s score, meanwhile, had been swallowed up by an electronic blackout, but was eventually retrieved and the home crowd rose to their feet with delight during the prize-giving ceremony.

After his win, Patrick admitted that the excitement of the spectators had affected his own performance.  “Sometimes I didn’t have one-hundred percent control and we made a little mistake in the two-tempis” he pointed out, adding, “tonight will stay in my memory for a very long time - the reception I got from the crowd was incredible!”

Richard said “I had a good time and a great ride” saying also that it would have been “nice to win in Patrik Kittel fan-land”, but he joked, “did you notice I made a deliberate mistake for all of Sweden because I didn’t think I’d get out of there alive if I won!”

Richard Davison uses Suregrow fertiliser for all of his grazing paddocks and Hiscox Artemis will now enjoy some well deserved turnout time in (hopefully), some early spring sunshine.

New Video - Richard Davison on the importance of turnout

Suregrow has recently been to visit Richard Davison's immaculate yard to talk about the value and importance of turnout. Watch the video here and learn how Richard manages his top level competition horses, youngstock and rising stars.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYKtOJSKZcM&feature=g-upl&context=G277128fAUAAAAAAAAAA

Suregrow Raises £600 for Equine Grass Sickness Fund

A successful facebook campaign by Suregrow has raised £600 to support the work of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) and helped to further raise awareness of this devastating disease.

Accepting a cheque from Suregrow, EGSF secretary Kate Thomson said, “The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is delighted to receive this generous donation from Suregrow. We are the only registered charity in the UK raising funds specifically for research into grass sickness and play a leading role in working towards identifying the cause and further improving the treatment of chronic cases. Recently, substantial progress has been made on the role of Clostridium Botulinum, but there is still much work to be done.

Kate (left) is pictured with Joyce McIntosh, who has recently retired after many years with the EGSF as secretary.

Five things to consider when buying a dressage horse

With interest in dressage at an all time high, an increasing number of riders are looking to buy a ‘dressage horse’ and who better to ask about the priorities than dressage ‘icon’ Richard Davison FBHS, whose eye for a horse is matched by his ability as a successful international rider and highly respected trainer of both horses and riders. He offers this advice…..

1. Try to list your priorities. You have to face the fact that you cannot have everything in one horse and you must compromise on some things. Getting the order of your priorities and compromise right can be critical.

2. Be realistic and honest about your own capabilities, ambitions, available time, facilities and experience. The younger the horse or the greater the challenge, the more you will need regular access to a trainer who can hop on your new purchase and maintain its current standards. Don't expect one horse to take you from zero to hero, because it doesn't work like that in real life. If you are ambitious, then have a five year and 10 year goal and plan your horses into that to help upgrade your skills.
You also have to budget realistically - do not look at your purchase as an investment; the inland revenue doesn’t, so why should you! On the whole, horses do not increase in value (it is only a small percentage that do) so plan for the worst case scenario, including the value you will get if you come to re-sell - when he'll be older and maybe even have lost his competition form. Keep your own horse as your hobby and make your living from your work. After all if you play golf you don't expect to sell your clubs for more than you paid and the same applies to your horse.

3. Buy from a reputable seller and check out your rights in case you need to return the horse. Obtain a written description of the horse; the advert helps but more detailed information on the horse's background and suitability to match your list of 'needs' is important. Always keep communication open between yourself and the vendor long after you have purchased the horse. If you need to return the horse then be honest as to the reasons. Do not try to run down the horse, or blame the vendor if it is really your riding that has deteriorated, or your circumstances that have changed - maybe you do not have as much time as you had originally hoped in order to manage the horse's needs. It is definitely in your best interest to try and avoid accusing the vendor if it is not genuinely his fault, contrary to what some advisors might lead you to believe! If you want to avoid a lengthy, costly and stressful few years then be honest and work together with the vendor to find a solution, but always keep paper trails to help clarity and reduce misunderstanding and conflict.

4. Especially if you are not experienced, tell the vendor as much information as possible about yourself and what your goals are for the kind of horse you are looking to buy. Again confirm this by email to ensure clarity. Buying horses is all about suitability for the rider and purpose; it is not a one size fits all. So many purchasers get carried away with the excitement of it all. They start out sensibly by looking for a mature horse that has seen the sights and sounds and will offer the rider confidence. But then they spot the flashy looking black four year old stallion that they simply can't resist. The trouble is that without the handling skills, turnout facilities, time and back up team, it is not realistic and is hardly ever a success. Like all things there are exceptions, but do not be comforted by them; instead try to narrow down the 'risk' factor and stick to your plan.

5. Always take an experienced trainer or rider with you. Offer to pay them for their opinion as to the horse's suitability as it will be money well spent. Ensure there are a wide range of trial facilities available and if not, ask for the horse to be transported to a more suitable venue. Don't just try the horse in the indoor school, but ask them to ride the horse outdoors - in a field, down the lane etc. before you do the same (never get on a horse, or challenge a horse you don't know first - make the vendor provide a rider to do that). Spot any spooky stuff lying around and see what the horse’s reaction is to it. Test out if the horse is relaxed being ridden and kept on his own. Try the horse at least twice and take as much video as you can so it helps when you are reviewing everything later at home. Ask to see old videos of the horse in different environments, such as at shows or training sessions and of course, check out his record and do some research with previous owners.

I'm sure you wanted me to tell you the most important quality is this gait or that gait, or this type of movement and so one But it’s down to the needs and goals of the individual rider. The only thing in common that we are all looking for, be that in a weekend dressage horse or Olympic star, is temperament. Sure, the higher up the scale you go, then the range of physical talent becomes more critical but, if you ain't got a horse who tries for you and enjoys his job, then it doesn't matter how beautiful he is, or flashy, because it won't be a happy time. So go for temperament every time - and that’s the hard bit to assess!

Good luck and take your time. Remember, they are easy to buy and difficult to sell.

Allerton Park Estates Chooses Suregrow

One of the last northern one day events at Allerton Park enjoyed pleasant autumn weather and fabulous grass cover added to the obvious enjoyment of horses and riders.

Having applied Suregrow Fertiliser this year to the Estate's land used for the one day event, the estate office confirmed "the grass had never looked as good", a comment echoed by competitors throughout the busy weekend.

The land used for the event will be grazed by sheep during the winter months and Suregrow's slow release nutrients have ensured a dense sward of grass that has grown steadily and will provide good quality wintering.

Winter Turnout - invaluable for health, fitness and wellbeing

Turnout is well known to offer psychological benefits to horses and ponies as it allows them to relax and enjoy the opportunity to graze and grass is the ideal feed, much cheaper than anything in a bag or tub. Turnout onto grass that is in good condition and providing a correct mineral and trace element profile to the grazing horse is a very natural and healthy way to feed.

So although we stable our horses because it’s convenient for us and nearly all of them adapt and accept the confinement it imposes, does it compromise their health, fitness and wellbeing? Many leading riders would say yes.

Three riders right at the top of the sport of eventing, Ruth Edge, who also competes with equal success in the dressage arena, Oliver Townend and Caroline Powell, all emphasise that high quality grazing is vital to the successful management of their horses.

Caroline is unusual even amongst top level competition riders, as many of her horses live out all year round at her base in the Scottish Borders. She explains, “We place a lot of emphasis on the importance of lengthy turnout time and good quality grazing and use Suregrow Fertiliser on our paddocks all year round.”

Ruth says, “Turnout is an important part of my routines for all types of horses. The young ones need plenty of time out to help them grow and develop and for the older horses it gives them time to relax, even if it is just for an hour or two. The better the quality of the grazing, the more they will benefit from their relaxation time, which is why I choose Suregrow.

Oliver says with conviction, “The results of using Suregrow on my grazing paddocks have been unbelievable, as the quality of the grass is exhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcellent. My grazing is very important as we keep a lot of horses turned out most of the time and I have to be sure that the nutrient profile of the grass is providing what they need.”

Amongst the leading dressage riders whose horses enjoy regular turnout, another Suregrow customer is Richard Davison (pictured with a mare and foal). He confirms, “Our horses enjoy their turnout time and by ensuring the grass they graze provides a correct mineral and trace element profile, it offers the potential to contribute significantly to their diet and wellbeing, which is very important to me.”

So next time you think of leaving your horse in his stable 24/7, think again, as he would potentially be healthier, fitter and much happier if you turned him out.

For more information about Suregrow Fertiliser, contact the technical helpline on 05601 126627 or visit www.suregrowuk.com

Six top placings for Ruth Edge at BD National Championships

Ruth Edge qualified three horses for the British Dressage National Championships and after a very successful weekend, came home with six top placings!

Her top horse Shadowfax (pictured) produced a lovely test to finish in third place in a competitive Prix-St-Georges test on Thursday and Zero, the youngest horse in the class at only seven years old, finished in a very encouraging sixth place.

The following day, Shadowfax contested the National Intermediate I Championship and produced some lovely expressive work at the higher level to finish in sixth place and Ruth confirmed that she was delighted with his performances.

Saturday saw Charlesfield Dante in action in the National Medium Championship and he produced a harmonious test to finish in eighth place.

On the final Sunday, in the National Advanced Medium Championship, Zero narrowly missed an outright win in second place and Charlesfield Dante was ninth.

Ruth said modestly, "We had a good time and I really am chuffed with them all."

All three horses came home to well-deserved time in their Suregrow paddocks.

CAROLINE POWELL AND LENAMORE, 4TH AT BURGHLEY

Lenamore proved to be in top form once again at Burghley, completing a tremendous cross country round within the time to lie third going into the final show jumping phase.

Difficult conditions put a premium on this phase to a greater extent than is perhaps usual at this top level of eventing and Lenamore's two poles down dropped him just one place as many of the top placed combinations accrued faults.

Lenamore returned home to his Suregrow Paddock in fine form and looks tremendous as another successful season comes to a close.

Colourful, informative new packaging for Suregrow Fertiliser

With an eyecatching new design, Suregrow Fertiliser's colourful, informative and robust 20kg bags are increasingly the choice of owners and riders seeking to maximise the health and financial benefits of good quality grazing for their horses and ponies.

Specifically formulated for use on horse and pony paddocks, Suregrow Fertiliser is produced in the UK and contains a phased (slow)  release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality and palatable grass growth over a long period. It also facilitates the uptake of nutrients essential to the wellbeing of horses and ponies.

Applying Suregrow Fertiliser will stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress weed growth and can aid recovery of over-grazed, poached or 'stressed' pastures.

Avoiding a rich flush of grass resulting in unwanted weight gain or even laminitis is a vital aspect of managing grazing and unlike agricultural fertilisers, Suregrow Fertiliser pellets are easy to handle and spread, without the need to move horses and ponies off the fields during or after application. This makes it the ideal fertiliser to help keep grazing land in good condition during the summer and autumn months, especially for owners with limited acreage.

For more information  contact the technical support line on 01423 223045.

Some More Action From Bramham International Horse Trials

A few more great shots from the Bramham International Horse Trials 2013, including the SureGrow sponsored owl hole and the Speedi-Beat jump.

Restore Your Grazing Pastures

However, if like many landowners, your pastures are looking rather the worse for wear after one of the wettest years on record, Suregrow Fertiliser advises on how can you revitalise the grass and deal with moss, bare patches and other problems.

Restoring neglected pasture doesn’t always mean ploughing and re-seeding, as although this will produce a good end result, new grass realistically takes a full season to establish a strong root system and top growth before grazing again by horses.

Even heavy soils like clay don't make restoration more difficult, as provided the root system is still healthy underneath the remaining grass, it is possible to improve the remaining pasture significantly.

We suggest that whenever weather conditions are favourable, applying the right kind of fertiliser will ensure that the grass has the nutrients it requires to start growing steadily and evenly, which will be a key step in restoring your pasture.

If there are weeds, you could consider spot spraying but topping, even this early in the season, will reduce the challenge to the grass from weed growth. Harrowing and rolling is normal spring maintenance for grassland; the harrow will aerate the surface of the sward by removing dead grasses and the roller will encourage the grass to tiller (spread sideways with new shoots) into bare areas.

When choosing your fertiliser, don’t use a formulation intended for high yielding agricultural pastures. Like any living organism, grass needs the correct balance of minerals for strong, healthy growth and when used for horses and ponies, making the right choice of fertiliser can help ensure appropriately nutritious pasture.

Using a formulation designed specifically for horse and pony paddocks, like Suregrow Fertiliser, with its slower release form of nutrients, will help to produce sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to equine wellbeing. The correct choice of fertiliser will also stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress future weed growth.

Check that the fertiliser you choose is safe to handle and spread without the use of agricultural-scale machinery, is easy to apply and that you don’t have to keep your horses off the paddocks during and after spreading. That said, your grass will recover and re-establish more quickly if you can keep the horses off it in the early stages. You may want to consider strip grazing, perhaps with electric fencing, and move the horses regularly to achieve this.

Horses evolved to eat a natural forage diet and as feed prices continue to rise, it is essential to ensure your valuable grazing is kept in the best possible condition, because it also offers important psychological benefits to help manage ‘the happy athlete’. Pictured is international dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison leading a horse in after turnout in a paddock fertilised with Suregrow.

For more information about Suregrow fertiliser and free advice on pasture management, contact the technical support line on 01423 223045 or visit www.suregrowuk.com.

Bramham International Horse Trials 2013

Suregrow's Jonathon Cox has been spending some quality time at Bramham to bring us the latest news and some superb pictures of all the action.  Living legend William Fox-Pitt and the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips (see pic below), are among the world class riders competing at this year's event.

Suregrow have 3 sponsored riders taking part in this years trials: Ruth Edge, Caroline Powell, and Oliver Townend.  Very best of luck to them all.  We also have our own sponsored jump in the cross country - the Owl Hole - which always proves tricky but a real crowd pleaser.

Stay tuned for lots of pictures and information from an insiders viewpoint!

Pictured is Zara Phillips riding Lord Lauries in the dressage at Bramham International Horse Trials 6th June 2013

Suregrow Fertiliser at Hickstead and Bramham

Suregrow Fertiliser has confirmed additional support this season for the Hickstead Derby Meeting, the Royal International Horse Show and Bramham International Horse Trials.

Once again the magnificently presented arenas and showground at the Hickstead All England Jumping Course are being prepared for this season's major international fixtures with an application of Suregrow Fertiliser, which Hickstead Director Edward Bunn confirms has "considerably improved the quality and cover of the sward".

Based in Yorkshire, Suregrow Fertiliser is an enthusiastic supporter of its 'local' Bramham International Horse Trials, at which entrants for this year's 40th Anniversary event will include Caroline Powell and Oliver Townend, both of whom use Suregrow Fertiliser on their grazing paddocks. Suregrow's sponsorship of the eyecatching Owl Hole cross country fence always provides great action photographs and is a real crowd pleaser.

Suregrow Fertiliser is running an online competition to win two Member Passes for Bramham International Horse Trials, so if you're planning a visit, visit www.suregrowuk.com to enter and you could be enjoying all the action in fine style!

Pictured is the main arena at the Hickstead All England Jumping Course has once again benefited from an application of Suregrow Fertiliser.

Suregrow Fertiliser renews support for successful international riders

Good quality grazing is vital to increasing numbers of successful international riders and four world-class competitors, event riders Caroline Powell, Oliver Townend and Ruth Edge, together with dressage rider and sought-after trainer Richard Davison, have once again chosen Suregrow Fertiliser for their grazing paddocks.

Caroline Powell, whose New Zealand team eventing bronze medal at the London Olympics with Lenamore was a hugely popular success explains; "Working with Suregrow complements our management extremely well because we place a lot of emphasis on the importance of lengthy turnout time and good quality grazing."

Fellow event rider Ruth Edge echoes this approach, saying; "I wouldn’t choose anything else, because grazing correctly managed pasture is so important to our management of both dressage and event horses.”

Richard Davison, whose dressage yard is also managed to impeccably high standards, adds; “I am impressed with the science behind Suregrow Fertiliser and believe it is extremely beneficial to our grassland. Our horses enjoy their turnout time and Suregrow offers the potential to contribute significantly to their diet and wellbeing, which is very important to me.”

Oliver Townend focuses on similar priorities, commenting; “Turnout is well known to offer psychological benefits to all horses, but the value of grazing goes beyond that, as grass is a very natural and healthy way to feed. I am delighted with the advice we have received from Suregrow Fertiliser and by ensuring even grass growth throughout the season, we are better able to maintain our grassland in optimum condition, which can only be good for the horses.”

Suregrow Fertiliser, formulated specifically for horse and pony paddocks, contains a slower release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to the wellbeing of horses and ponies. Suregrow Fertiliser will also stimulate the development of strong, healthy roots in grasses, resulting in a denser sward that helps to suppress weed growth and can aid recovery of over-grazed or poached pastures. It is safe to handle and spread, making it easy to apply.

For individual advice on pasture management this season, contact Suregrow Fertiliser on 01423 223045, email sales@suregrowuk.com, visit www.suregrowuk.com or find Suregrow Fertiliser on facebook.

Suregrow Fertiliser renews support for British Dressage National Advanced Medium Championship

Already the choice of international event riders Oliver Townend, Ruth Edge and Caroline Powell, Suregrow Fertiliser is also used by dressage ‘icon’ Richard Davison, who says, “Our horses enjoy their turnout time and by ensuring the grass they graze provides a correct mineral and trace element profile, it offers the potential to contribute significantly to their diet and wellbeing, which is very important to me.”

Suregrow is a unique fertiliser specifically for horse and pony paddocks, containing a slower release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce more sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and to facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to wellbeing.

Confirming the company’s support of the Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Championship, Suregrow’s Jonathon Cox said, “More horse owners seeing the benefits of turnout alongside feeding a natural, high forage diet and our support of the British Dressage Advanced Medium Championship will enable us to meet and help dressage riders and trainers looking to improve grazing quality as part of their management of ‘happy equine athletes’. We are pleased to be working with British Dressage and looking forward to the opportunities it offers.”

The Suregrow Advanced Medium Championships take place at the British Dressage National Championships, where successful riders from a series of Regional Championships will contest both the Suregrow Open Advanced Medium Championship and the Suregrow Restricted Advanced Medium Championship.

Pictured is the winner of the 2012 Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Open Championship, Laura Bechtolsheimer (now Tomlinson) with Polar Bear, with Jonathan Cox of Suregrow Fertliser.

An Olympic Diary; Caroline Powell shares her personal insight

Event rider Caroline Powell has been resident in the UK for 20 years, but even though it was on her adopted ‘home ground’, New Zealand team selection for the London 2012 Olympics with the remarkable 19-year-old gelding Lenamore was just as exciting as her previous international appearances in Lexington and Beijing, albeit without all the travelling.

Caroline won a team bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2012 with Mac Macdonald and with Lenamore, she was the highest placed New Zealand rider at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, so is no stranger to the limelight. Speaking on her return home to Kelso with a well-deserved team bronze medal, she gives a personal insight into the experience that was her London 2012.

“The whole of the New Zealand team met up at a secret training location in Surrey, which was a gorgeous house with swimming pools and gyms, and the yard for the horses was second to none. It was awesome. We had some fantastic training, the horses were purring and the atmosphere was great. We got the chance of going to the Olympic Village to get accredited and have a look around before we went back to our own bases and relaxed for a few days before the pressure began.

“When we got all of our accreditation and team uniforms, we were like kids at Christmas, unwrapping things and trying them on. There was great hilarity and then the realisation hit that we had to do the trot up in team uniform – they were lovely little dresses – not ideal for the job!”

“Lenamore and I drew third in the team and so were on the Sunday morning. He did a really a nice test apart from the two wee whoopsies, which messed things up. It was then that we all realised his personal dream was over and it was all about playing a major role in the team....

“The cross country was like a rollercoaster. The fences were 2½ to 3 star level, amazing to look at, but the terrain and the camber made it a real test. As the grass was so beautifully trimmed, it was difficult to ride fluently and you couldn’t take your mind off what you were doing for a second or you would end up in trouble.

“They had actually been watering the ground, but I don’t think it was slippery because of the watering, I think it was just ‘new’ ground. The equine facilities in general were very impressive, acres of arenas, gallops and stabling. It was a bit weird sharing a room in the Olympic village though – not what the New Zealand team manager Sarah or I were used to. We were there for a week and a half and I have to say it was all very well organised from our point of view – nothing was an issue at all.

“Lenamore finished fine after his cross country round and trotted up well before the show jumping. We had the second last fence down although he jumped extremely well and the whole experience was just tremendous. There was really good camaraderie, everybody was supportive, knew each other and enjoyed the company. We played around with Twitter and Facebook and tried to keep everyone in touch along the way.

“Looking back, I don’t think we could have done anything different in Lenamore’s preparation. He’s 19 and we’re a little bit on borrowed time with him now, so anything we do is a bonus. He’s gone home to the Mackinnons and that’s probably him for the season. Then we’ll see what he’s like, but he still looks and feels so well, although we are very aware that he is at the age when he should be retired. The plan is to keep competing him until he tells us he is!”

Bringing home a bronze medal would be a highlight for any rider and it is no different for Caroline, even though she is a veteran of those two previous major team appearances for New Zealand. “The Olympic medal is still in my handbag, being trollied around everyone and everywhere. It’s huge, like a big rosette and very heavy.”

Caroline ended the season, with a busy schedule of three day runs at Blair Castle, Burghley, Blenheim and finally at Boekelo and Le Lion D’Anger.