I’m so excited to share that I’m taking on Orange Horse Consultants alongside the day-to-day operations of Childeric UK Ltd. It feels like the start of a very special new chapter, and one I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into. I’ll be spending even more time on the road, meeting new horses and riders across the country, and continuing to build relationships that sit at the heart of everything we do.

I’ve worked with both Childeric and OHC for the past 13 years, and it genuinely feels like home — orange really does run through my veins. I’m deeply passionate about looking at horses and riders holistically, and that approach underpins everything I believe in. It’s exactly why OHC feels like the perfect fit whether it be saddles, bits, bridles, numnahs or supplements. 

For those who don’t know me (or for a little re-introduction): I’ve evented up to 4*, won the Bramham U25s in 2010, and competed on European Pony and Junior Event Teams. I’ve also competed in British Dressage up to PSG, been Reserve National Champion at Medium, and Reserve PSG Bronze at the Area Festival Championships. Alongside that, I’ve had the privilege of retraining racehorses, taking a couple through to Intermediate eventing. 

Outside of horses, I enjoy showing and producing my own — and my family’s — Beef Shorthorn cattle and have recently started my own small herd. My three-year-old daughter Sienna absolutely loves farm life, and for the sake of my bank balance, I’m doing my best to keep her focused on cows rather than horses… for now.

This new chapter wouldn’t be possible without my partner Luke, Mum, Stepdad and my closest friends. They have been incredibly encouraging and supportive as I step into this director role. I hope one day to look back and show Sienna just how far we’ve come, and that taking a leap into something you truly believe in is always worth it.

Looking ahead, my focus is on growing OHC in a sustainable way — training and developing agents across the south of the country to reduce appointment wait times and make Childeric more accessible across the country, while maintaining the level of care, detail and personal service that clients expect. In the meantime, I’ll continue travelling further afield and spending a few days in each area so I can see as many of you as possible.
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I’m hugely excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share this next chapter with you all.

Detoxing means getting rid of waste/toxins from the body. Detoxing/cleansing the liver and kidneys is a way to support your horse’s natural detoxification and waste elimination processes. A detox regimen purifies the organs that are behind this whole process and stimulates their function. Combining this with a mainly high-fibre feed will support healthy gut flora´ and make the detox period even more beneficial. You’re giving the horse everything that is good for him. So detox for horses is definitely a sensible course of action!

Tension must be accompanied by relaxation
Before we delve deeper into detox, let’s first discuss the importance of rest (periods). A horse (any athlete, really) needs rest to recover from work, both physically and mentally. Which is logical – living under constant tension is unhealthy. Your horse’s training regimen should always include rest. The body needs rest to be able to release tension, and this is key in any sport and at any level. It’s important to know that physiological recovery takes at least three days. Horses are athletes, and to keep fit and healthy through life, there needs to be a balance between tension and relaxation.  

When should you detox?
Rest is therefore a basic part of any training plan. Just as important is stopping work completely once in a while. An occasional longer break gives your horse the chance to get back to full strength for top performance later. Want to enhance the impact of this rest period? Then consider a detox treatment. Not sure when the right time would be for one? We recommend detoxes at the following times:

• At the change of seasons
• After intense competition periods
• When switching to a new feed
• If your horse has a dull coat or moulting issues
• After a period of illness or infection
• After a course of antibiotics

​At such times, your horse has a lot to process (physiologically speaking) and his body produces a lot of waste products. During a detox, you lend a hand to the breakdown process by giving support to the liver and kidneys. A detox regimen purifies the organs that are behind this whole process and stimulates their function. It helps your horse eliminate waste products. An effective detox period lasts at least 6 weeks.
Learn more here:

Orange Horse Consultants are offering one lucky rider the chance of winning a year’s sponsorship worth £6,500 – to include a custom made Childeric saddle.
 
One winner will receive a beautiful Childeric Saddle, made bespoke to perfectly fit both the horse and rider’s individual needs.  The winner will have the choice of either a dressage, jump or event saddle, dependent upon their chosen discipline and needs.  Also fitted, and supplied, with their new saddle will come a Childeric girth, selected by the Orange Horse Consultants specialists to optimise the fit of the saddle and the horse’s comfort and performance. 

Orange Horse Consultants are offering one lucky rider the chance of winning a year’s sponsorship worth £6,500 – to include a custom made Childeric saddle.
 
One winner will receive a beautiful Childeric Saddle, made bespoke to perfectly fit both the horse and rider’s individual needs.  The winner will have the choice of either a dressage, jump or event saddle, dependent upon their chosen discipline and needs.  Also fitted, and supplied, with their new saddle will come a Childeric girth, selected by the Orange Horse Consultants specialists to optimise the fit of the saddle and the horse’s comfort and performance.
 
Much like the Orange Horse approach, the sponsorship will offer the complete saddlery solution, and will also include a professionally fitted bridle, with the winner able to choose from the Childeric, Finesse or Menetics brands, and Sprenger bit.
 
During the 1-year sponsorship, the rider will receive two additional saddle checks to ensure the saddle remains well fitted, Mattes saddle pads and a range of branded accessories.
 
“At Orange Horse Consultants we pride ourselves in working closely with our customers to ensure the very best outcome for both horse and rider.  From ensuring the very best fit and balance from their Childeric, to our specialist bit and bridle fitting services where we look to optimise comfort and performance for the horse.  The horse’s welfare is always our number one priority, and making sure that each element of their tack is correctly fitted and comfortable for the horse is at the heart of our approach” said Director Tricia Bracegirdle.
 
Prospective winners can enter during Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, by visiting the Orange Horse Consultants stand at K1765 near the Palace Arena.  For an additional chance of winning, follow @orangehorseconsultants via Facebook and Instagram.
 
Full Terms and Conditions
 

1. Competition is only open to residents of England, Scotland and Wales
2. There is no cash alternative to the prize
3. The saddle, girth and stirrup leathers, will be available to the winner for a period of 12-months following the delivery of the new saddle.  Following this period the saddle can either be purchased or hired by the rider or returned to Orange Horse Consultants.
4. The winner will be gifted a bridle of their choice, Sprenger bit, Mattes saddle pad and other accessories that is theirs to keep beyond the 12-month period.
5. Two saddle checks will be included within the sponsorship period and any alterations required will be done so at cost, paid for by the rider.
6. The rider will be required to insure the saddle to an appropriate value and keep it safe and well looked after for the duration of the sponsorship
7. The saddle, and associated products, for the winning rider’s sole use and are not to be loaned to others.

 

Childéric Sellier designs and produces, in France, high-end bespoke saddles in order to bring riders, of all levels, and their horse closest to the ultimate performances.
 
The new team member will also work with our sister brand, Orange Horse Consultants, and develop their skills and expertise with bit and bridle fitting, enabling them to look at the horse and rider combination as a whole.  Offering a unique service to our client base.
 
What will I do?

• Maintain and develop excellent relationships with existing and potential clients. 
• Proactively seek new business and expand client base within the sector using a mixture of tradestands, social media, networking, demo days, brand champions etc. 
• Correctly identify which products are required and fit them to the correct standard. 
• To manage stock and present it in its best condition.
• Promote and secure sales of additional products. 
• Increase revenue through achieving higher margins with sales of supplementary products. 
• Provide an excellent aftersales service.
• Solve problems of all complexity, using team knowledge where required. Communicate to team any problems, concerns and disputes.
• To keep all administrative tasks up to date – including invoicing and timely payments. 
• Plan, manage and organise own diary.
• To represent the OHC Brand with the highest integrity. 

 
What are we looking for? 

• Previous experience in a customer facing sales role. Motivated by targets and excellent service.

• Previous experience of working with a saddle brand, or equestrian performance role advantageous but not essential

• Knowledge of the equestrian industry and its sectors, i.e., jumping, dressage, eventing, leisure rider etc.
• Confident around horses and able to handle their unpredictability. Understanding of the function of the horse and rider.
• Experience of travelling long distances and staying away from home. Comfortable working evenings and weekends. 
• Experience of customer relationship management in all situations including jknegotiating and influencing others. 
• Open to continual learning and improvement. Keen to specifically learn and understand how our products can improve the comfort and competitiveness of the horse and rider.
• A clear and confident communicator. Able to speak to riders, owners, trainers, other professionals (vets/physios), your team, your suppliers.
• Excellent communication, listening and organisation skills. 
• Good IT skills – specifically Word, Excel and Outlook. Able to quickly become proficient with in-house software and systems.
• Full clean driving licence – trailer preferred too.
• To think on your feet and problem solve at a gallop.
• Have great attention to detail from start to finish of the client experience.
• Able to remain calm and logical in new or challenging situations.

What do we offer?

• Salary depending on experience.
• Competitive reward package including basic salary plus commission. 
• A company car will be provided. 
• Continual growth opportunities within the business. 
• Team building and away days. 
• This is a full time role with flexible hours around the needs of your clients and the business.
• Full training will be provided which you will be required to attend and complete before working independently.

 
To apply for this position, please complete submit your CV to tricia@orangehorseconsultants.co.uk with covering letter explaining what you will bring to the role.

The importance of having a correctly fitting saddle and feeding your horse correctly for their workload is very clear- but how often do you consider the fit of both your bridle and bit? ​

Extensive research is being conducted into correct bridle fit, particularly how bridles interfere with the TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint. Established Vet, Laura Tollit MRCVS explains that the TMJ is frequently medicated overseas but not so often in the UK. The importance of a freely moving TMJ is key as this small joint is responsible almost solely for horses being able to open and close their mouths. This joint is vital for basic functions such as eating but also affects the horse’s posture and movement. Clearly an important function for any horse, not just competition horses.

However, even the best bridle will not compensate for the wrong or an ill-fitting bit. Likewise, the right bit can only make a difference with a properly fitting bridle. Bits that are too long or too short can cause the soft tissue of the cheeks to be pinched against the metal. This is not comfortable for a horse. The bit is designed to report back four metrics to your horse, rhythm, contact, consistency, and balance. If the bit is too low or too tight, it cannot work properly and may send mixed signals to your horse- impeding performance and sometimes causing behavioural problems. 
 
A Finesse Bridle is no ordinary bridle. Designed by experts, Finesse bridles are created with a special neckpiece, designed to distribute, and reduce the regional pressure on your horse’s neck. The unique headpiece features the same technology applied in hospital mattresses used in bed-bound patients to reduce pressure sores. Research found that horses wearing Finesse Bridles experienced significant improvements in muscle performance and displayed fewer “pain strikes” which the technology described “indicated muscle overload”. This data provides an objective measure of equine welfare that is benefitted from using the Finesse Bridle. This cushion on the poll is made from fibrous material which unlike other bridles, is designed not to interfere with circulation, nerves or muscle movement. The buckles on the bridle are specifically placed to avoid pressure points on the horse’s face. 

At Orange Horse Consultants we work with Sprenger Equestrian and their specialists bits, guaranteeing the highest quality and comfort for your horse. Extensive research by Sprenger and the Veterinary University of Hanover found that the oral cavity of horses is small and therefore the available space for a bit can be very limited. This means that it is imperative to have the right thickness and size of bit. Orange Horse Consultants provide a bit fitting service to find you and your horse the perfect bit for your needs. 
 
With many different combinations of bit and bridle, we're sure to find you the perfect fit and style. 

Change is a good sign that you need to check or replace your horse's bit.  Whether that is a change in feel down the rein, or whether there is a noticeable difference in your horse's way of going.  Any sudden change in your horse is always a key indicator that something needs addressing.  As well as noticing the subtle changes in our horses we also need to be aware of the physical changes in the kit we use on a daily basis, and as such visible checks of your bits are highly advised.