< Previous110 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINEHorses can give a huge amount ofpleasure to their owners, but sadly it doesremain the case that some horses don’tget the care and attention they need.Happily in Lincolnshire, Bransby Horseshas been looking after horses for morethan forty years, rescuing and wherepossible rehoming those suitable underthe Friend for Life scheme..Bransby Horses is one of the biggestequine welfare charities in the UK and atthe moment has around 360 horses attheir site a few miles from Lincoln. This issome progression since Bransby’s founderPeter Hunt rescued his first horse Sallyfrom a bombsite in 1947 and rented astable for her for 2/6 a week. The late MrHunt founded Bransby Home in 1968and last year a record 156 horses weretaken in. Though it’s sad to hear so many horsesrequire rescuing, Bransby Horses’ sixhundred acres and caring, dedicated staffensure that they can enjoy a very happyenvironment. The aim for the team is forthe horses they rescue to enjoy a homeof their own and it’s estimated thataround thirty horses are rehomed eachyear. The horses available are featured ontheir website but there are manyconditions that have to be met so theteam can be assured they’re going to agood home. Those who aren’t able tooffer a home to a horse at Bransby Horsescan of course adopt one of theirresidents, or become a Friend of BransbyHorses and enjoy special offers andevents throughout the year.One way in which the number ofhorses that are poorly treated can bereduced is thanks to education, andBransby Horses are aiming to get overthat message thanks to its new Visitorand Education Centre, which opened atEaster. As the team point out, they wouldmuch rather reduce and prevent welfareproblems arising than have to rescueanimals once they’ve been neglected,and so a great deal of the work comesfrom educating people of theresponsibilities that arise from horseownership.The new centre, which like all theirwork has been funded entirely bydonations, is highly impressive and isalready welcoming schools and students.The Horse Sense room helps visitors findout how horses see the world and what’simportant to them. Often young peopleask for a horse without being aware justwhat a commitment it entails, so this is avaluable way to get across the owner’sHelping handsBransby Horses have been rescuing and looking after neglected horses inLincolnshire for many years – and visitors are welcomeOver three hundred horsesand donkeys are currentlyat home in Bransby HorsesBransby Horses’ new caféand shop help make it apopular day outSparky is one of BransbyHorses’ oldest residents, havingbeen here since 1991110-113:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:46 Page 1BRANSBY LINCOLNLN1 2PHt: 01427 788464www.bransbyhorses.co.uk Registered Charity Number 1075601come and visit us...Meet more than 300 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – from tiny Shetlands toenormous Shires and everything inbetween! Learn about the fantastic work that BransbyHorses does to help horses in need. Eat & drink at our new Feedroom Café and browse theshop for gifts and momentos of your day out!NEWVisitor andEducation Centre to fascinate andentertain you.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY111FARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINEobligations.There’s also a room designed for schooland student visits, demonstration areasand lots of information and activitiesaround the site – but the main attractionremains the animals themselves and it’snow possible for visitors to get to seeeven more than before, as well as learnabout why they came to the charity andhow they’re cared for. As well as schoolvisits, Bransby Horses also has closeconnections with equine departments atplaces such as Nottingham TrentUniversity, and work together to sharetheir knowledge of animal welfare.There’s also a new and very pretty caféarea and expanded gift shop whichensures a visit to Bransby Horses, whetherfor fun or information, can be a fantasticday out. Of course, all the profits go backinto making sure Bransby Horses cancontinue to offer a home to so manyneglected animals. Later this year theEquine Reception Area will also openwhich will provide additional facilities togive the rescued horses the best possiblestart to their spell at Bransby Horses.Bransby Horses will certainly be wortha visit on Sunday 2nd June when it hostsits Summer Fayre, where demonstrationsand horse parades will be held alongsidea host of stalls offering everything forthose who love horses. Another eventfollows later this year on Sunday 29thSeptember where again there’ll be theopportunity to meet some of theresidents, find out about their lives anddiscover the work that goes into ensuringhorses are kept happy. Find out aboutboth of these events, and otheropportunities to visit, atwww.bransbyhorses.co.uk.Horses can offer so much pleasure soit’s always upsetting when they don’t getthe care and attention they deserve. Thework Bransby Horses have done inLincolnshire for nearly half a centuryillustrates that help is at hand.110-113:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:46 Page 2Best in show112 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINEWith the Lincolnshire Show dominating attention this month,doubtless many of us are looking forward to showing our horsesthis summer – especially after a particularly long and drearywinter. Certainly the shows can prove very exciting for horses andriders alike, but it’s important not to get too over-excited and endup watching from the sidelines rather than taking part.Of course the various shows are committed to safety andoperate to the highest standards, but it’s still possible to have yourshowing season cut short by injury by taking unnecessary risks. Ifyou’re planning to organise a show, meanwhile, it’s important tomake sure you follow all the necessary steps. Bringing togetherdozens of horses can sometimes be fraught with difficulty if you’renot prepared.As equine specialist Brenda Gillgan, Senior Solicitor at WilkinChapman points out, “There may be more than one person whoholds a duty of care to those at shows. It is not only theorganisers, but can be, for instance, the stewards, the judges, theowner of the land the show is on, the individual contractors andstall holders and of course the riders and handlers themselves. Theduties can overlap. So if you are organising a show, you should beas clear as possible who is responsible for what.”If this is your first season showing, it’s well worth taking time totrain your horse at home as much as you can in ringcraft. Nomatter how placid your horse is when you’re riding together, therules and regulations of showing are often a step up and requirefurther study.As Brenda points out, “Horses, especially younger ones, will beallowed some leeway for high spirits in a strange place, but badbehaviour that can’t or won’t be controlled by the rider or handlershould, in my view, be penalised. In the ring, leave yourself plentyof space either going round or in the line-up. Then, if your horsemisbehaves, the chances are he will be kicking out at nothingrather than the next rider’s thigh!“Case law tells us that if you know your horse kicks and youdon’t take precautions, you could be liable for any injury. But thesame case – the case of Jones vs Baldwin in 2010 – also warns thatif other riders knowingly get too close, then there may be adefence to a claim, particularly if the other horse is not known toBest in showShowing season is upon us, but it’svital your horses are well lookedafter when they’re in the spotlight110-113:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:46 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY113FARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINESoleDistributersinLincolnshire,Nottinghamshire&HumbersidePickupcanopiesalsoavailableYouarewelcometoviewourstockofTrailersTel:01526860317Fax:01526861357website:www.scott-trailers.co.uke-mail:office@scott-trailers.co.ukOpeninghoursMontoFri8am-5pmSat9am-12noon•OthertimesbyappointmentHorseboxCommercialLivestockUnbrakedTrailersfromCampingto3500kggrossSales•Repairs•Servicing•SparesYour Ifor Williams Trailer Distributorof Walcott LincolnSole Distributors in Lincolnshire & NottinghamshireSCOTTTRAILERSLSCOTTTRAILERSLTDTDFOR A CARING ANDPROFESSIONAL APPROACHTO ALL YOUR VETERINARY NEEDS•Pre-purchase Examinations •Endoscopy•Stables & Theatre •Tendon Scanning•Reproductive Ultrasound •Mobile Xray Unit.Estate Office, Boston RdSPILSBYTel: 01790 752227Heath Road Trad. Est.SKEGNESSTel: 01754 767444110 High StreetMABLETHORPETel: 01507 478182Fenwold VeterinaryPractice Ltdkick out normally.“This does dependon enough space beingprovided space for theclass size. It’s the duty ofthose organising the showto ensure that collecting ringshave sufficient space for warm ups,which may include jumping and that ring stewards are aware oftheir duties in controlling rings and other spaces. Many stewardsare now sent on training courses. Judges should also be aware thatthey do have a certain responsibility for the behaviour of those inthe ring under their control. If their decision on placing can befinal, then why not their authority on behaviour?”One of the great joys of showing is to illustrate your skills to thepublic but there are obvious pitfalls when people not used tobeing around horses on a regular basis get too close. The job forthe show organiser is to identify and clearly define areas wherethe public are allowed and where they aren’t. Brenda says, “One‘hot spot’ for this is the horsebox park. Try and keep the publicout. In the same space, never leave horses or boxes unattended –and this avoids injury and thefts too.”Properly organised shows will also have appropriate andadequate medical cover and, if it’s required, the MedicalEquestrian Association advises on this and can sometimes providevolunteer medics from contacts. Visit www.medequestrian.co.ukfor more information on their work.Showing can be a great pleasure but it’s worth making surethings run smoothly to avoid potential problems.Case lawtells us that if youknow your horse kicksand you don’t takeprecautions, you couldbe liable for anyinjury110-113:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:46 Page 4114 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGLet the sunshine inThe sun will soon be shining (we hope) so what better time to look at the choice ofconvertible cars currently on offer? There’s nothing to compare to driving downLincolnshire’s country lanes with the wind sweeping through your hair.So, here’s a few we’ve driven on sunny, and some not so sunny, days...Audi R8 SpyderIf you happen to have £100,000 or sodwindling away in your bank accountthen the Audi R8 is the car for you. There’sbreathtaking performance and superbhandling for starters, but it’s also full ofrefinements such as the fully electric roofwhich can be operated on the move atspeeds of up to 30mph. It also boasts fullleather interior, climate control, 19-inchalloys and sat-nav; which is just as well aswe’d hardly want to pull over and ask fordirections in one of these...On the downside, we found the R8wasn’t particularly frugal on fuel and theAudi R8 SpyderBMW 6 series convertiblecontrols, most of which look like they’vebeen raided from Audi saloons, were a bitof a reach. There are certainly more fuelefficient convertibles on the market butnot quite so distinctive perhaps. BMW 6 series convertibleA different animal entirely and some£40,000 cheaper, BMW’s 6 seriesconvertible is a better choice if you needto cover longer distances. It’s still fun intown of course and on country roads, butthe low speed ride is a little firm and it’s alittle on the large side for throwingaround bends. On the open straightthough it more than makes up for this,accelerating away effortlessly and thanksto a slick eight speed auto box you’llalways be in the right gear and you canexpect a staggering 50mpg.The cabin is nothing short of opulent,too. Heated leather seats, climate control,stability control, automatic lights andwipers and a sumptuous leather interiorgive you just some idea of what toexpect in a list of refinements that readlike a who’s who – the only thing youmight want to add, as an optional extra,is a wind deflector.Porsche Boxter convertibleOf course, if it’s fun you want you114-115:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY115Porsche Boxter convertibleMercedes-Benz E-Class Carbriolet could do far worse than a Porsche Boxterconvertible. This £40,000 roadster wasborn to take on those windy countryroads eating up bends at huge speedsand its superb rear-end grip lets youpower out of twists and turns as quick asyou went in While it is fun to drive, you will nodoubt want to add a few extras to makelife a little more comfortable - climatecontrol, as that, surprisingly doesn’tcome as standard, and, of course, bumwarmers which we find essential giventhe British weather. Sat Nav is also anadded extra but we guess you could sticka portable version in for a few quid. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Carbriolet Not the most dynamic of choicesperhaps, but Mercedes’ four-seaterconvertible is one that won’t leave yourmother-in-law chewing a wasp in the rearseat thanks to innovative pop-up winddeflectors for the front and rear. There’salso a wide choice of petrol or dieselengines to choose from offering between168bhp and 382bhp. We found the ride quite refinedalthough the smaller diesel and petrolengines certainly aren’t the quietest.Most refinements come as standardbut for our money we’d have thoughtthe Airscarf neck-warmers would’ve beenstandard. Come on Mercedes, surely youdon’t expect customers to shell out morethan the £50,000 we’ve alreadybudgeted for? Of course, this doesn’t explain why usBrits love convertibles. Perhaps it’s the factthat on the very rare occasions we see thesun we want to make the most of it. Onething’s for sure - the love affair is hardlydiminishing as the UK represents one of thetop three markets in Europe forconvertibles. That’s despite the last year ofblack skies and tough economic conditions! 114-115:Layout 1 20/5/13 11:06 Page 2Soper of LinconBMW on MotabilityThe Ultimate Driving MachineFor more information call Hannah Bannister on 01522 690000 or visit www.soperbmw.co.uk/motability.Soper of LincolnRoman Way, Lincoln LN6 9UH 01522 690000 www.soperbmw.co.uk0GשDJBMGVFMFDPOPNZשHVSFTGPSUIF#.8SBOHFBWBJMBCMFPOUIF.PUBCJMJUZ$BS4DIFNF 6SCBONQH MLN &YUSB6SCBONQH MLN $PNCJOFENQH MLN $02FNJTTJPOTHLNSOPER OF LINCOLN. YOUR MOTABILITY SPECIALIST."U4PQFSXFņSFEFMJHIUFEUPCFB1SFNJFS1BSUOFSPG.PUBCJMJUZUIFTDIFNFUIBUBMMPXTQFPQMFXJUIEJTBCJMJUJFTUPPCUBJOB#.8VTJOHUIFJS(PWFSONFOUGVOEFENPCJMJUZBMMPXBODFT0VSBDDSFEJUFE.PUBCJMJUZ4BMFT4QFDJBMJTU)BOOBIDBOIFMQZPVTFMFDUUIFDBSUIBUTVJUTZPVSOFFETFJUIFSBUPVSEFBMFSTIJQPSGSPNUIFDPNGPSUPGZPVSPXOIPNF)BOOBIXJMMBMTPHVJEFZPVUISPVHIUIFTJNQMFQSPDFTTBOEEPBMMUIFQBQFSXPSLGPSZPVBMMPXJOHZPVUPESJWFBXBZJOBOFX#.8XJUIPVUBOZGVTTPSDPNQMJDBUJPOT116:Layout 1 20/5/13 10:19 Page 1Rimmer BrosRimmer Bros, Triumph House, Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln LN4 2NA, England01522 568 000 rimmerbros.co.ukOfficial Fuel Consumption Figures for the all-new Range Rover in mpg (l/100km): Urban 13.7 (20.6) – 33.2 (8.5), Extra Urban 28.5 (9.9) – 40.4 (7.0), Combined 20.5 (13.8) – 37.7 (7.5). CO2 Emissions 322 - 196 g/km.Genuine Land Rover Parts and AccessoriesAvailable by Mail Order for Classic to Current Models.Request Your Complimentary Parts & Accessories Catalogue or visit our fully interactive website.We have over 30 years experience in supplying owners world-wide with the parts and expertise needed to keep their vehicles on the road, why not road test our service today?IT’S IN THE BLOOD117:Layout 1 20/5/13 10:19 Page 1Get ready for the newCHEVROLET TRAXON THE ROAD FROM £15,495The Chevrolet Trax. Coming soon to Charles Warner Chevrolet Lincoln.A friendly, family run business that has served the Lincoln area for over 90 years.CHARLES WARNER LINCOLNOuter Circle Road Lincoln LN2 4LD 08433 160926 www.chevroletlincoln.co.uk118:Layout 1 20/5/13 10:18 Page 1COUNTY MOTORINGLots of Lincolnshire motorists cherishcars from bygone motoring eras, whenthe roads were less crowded, and carshad more character.The result is that you’ll sometimes seesomething a little different on the roads,perhaps even prompting someone to say:“My dad had one of those!” Our regularfeature picks out some of them…We talk to Keith Armiger about hiswonderful MG TC How old is the car?It was built the year after World War II,so that makes it 67 years old.Has it always looked this good?Far from it. When I got it, it had beenused for hill-climbing, and the passengerdoor was welded shut. It needed a lot ofwork, but that was the whole point – itwas always intended to be a project aftermy retirement in 1991. The work tookmore than four years, and my wife Merleand I have enjoyed going out in it eversince.Did you have to learn the restorationskills specially?I was fine with most of the work. Somemachining and the chrome plating wentto specialists. I cut and shaped all thewood for the body (all of the car behindthe windscreen is a metal skin over atimber frame made of ash). I made amachine to help me bend and shape thereplacement metal body panels I’d made.I did all the assembly, and I taught myselfpaint-spraying. There are 25 coats ofpaint. I had 18 on it before it hadanything like a shine. The leather seatcovers were sewn in America, but thefoam inside was bought onScunthorpe Market. Offcuts fromAston Martin!Does it travel far?Merle and I generally do between1,500 to 1,800 miles a year, quite a lotin Lincolnshire, and we go to shows – butwe’ve taken it to South Wales to visitfamily without any problems. We did lesslast year; the weather meant latecancellations of events we’d planned togo to.What ‘s the most useful tool you carry?Just small spanners and pliers really.And a mallet, for taking the wheels off if Iget a puncture – but I’ve never had touse that.What would it cost me to get a TC?A black one supplied new toWarwickshire Police has been advertisedat £25,000, which is fairly typical, butthey can be offered for almost £20,000more than that. A barn find or part-finished project could set you back £15-£16,000.My other car’s a… MG TCLINCOLNSHIRETODAY119Do you have a veryspecial classic car, something really outof the ordinary? If you’d like to see it featured in this column, emails.pearcey@blmgroup.co.ukOOPS!In a previous issue we made a bit of agaff and stated that the Jaguar XK140was a 1954 model and have subse-quently discovered itʼs a 1955! Ourthanks to its owner Mr Les Thornleyfor pointing this out…119:Layout 1 20/5/13 10:47 Page 1Next >