Targeted Nutrition for World-Class Performance
For over 30 years Kentucky Equine Research has continually developed innovative solutions to the health and nutritional challenges inherent in modern equine management. The results of studies conducted at its research farms, as well as advances in equine nutrition from institutions around the world, are applied and thoroughly tested in the creation of KER products.
Proprietary ingredients and science-based solutions characterise KER Targeted Nutrition. Top equestrians worldwide in a variety of disciplines know they can rely on KER to fuel world-class performance.
Discover science-based products or your closest retailer at ker.com
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Charlie Brister
An all round horseman and trainer, Charlie is currently eventing at 3* and is developing a team of future international champion eventers. Riders of all ages and abilities participate in his coaching programs, and he's helped many of them achieve their goals. In this issue he has some helpful advice on finding the right coach for you, which can be a bit of a challenge particularly if you're an eventer.
Larissa Bilston B.AgrSc (Hons)
Rebecca Webber
If you're looking for inspiration, head to this month's Life After Racing. In 2020, Rebecca wad diagnosed with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 36, a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder. She has since made her mark as a para rider. The recipient of many awards in Western disciplines, she's now focussing on dressage and is rapidly rising up the levels with her OTT heart horse Zac.
Christine Armishaw
Christine is a qualified EA Level 1 Coach and horse trainer who specialises in building confidence in women returning to riding and young riders getting started on their equestrian journey. Based at Otford Valley Equestrian, she runs clinics in NSW and NZ, and is a keen eventer and show jumper. Want to improve your jumping? Polework is the answer and Christine explains why in this issue.
Dr Jennifer Stewart B.V.Sc., B.Sc., Ph.D.
With over 40 years’ experience as a veterinarian in mixed and equine practice, Jennifer’s special interest is equine nutrition. She was Senior Veterinary Officer with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for 10 years, and for two years was Biosecurity Veterinarian with the ACT Government. This month, she explains how you can help reduce stress for your horse when you travel.
Larissa is the Equine Nutritionist for Farmalogic, where she developed Equine Vit&Min and the Farmalogic Equine range. Her extensive experience is highly regarded by trainers, riders and owners who understand the importance of good nutrition. In this issue, she discusses the nutritional basis of a healthy coat, and how you can improve your horse's show ring shine.
Dr Ciaran Masters BVetMed
Ciaran, an Equine Veterinarian who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England, is currently working for APIAM Animal Health at Queensland's Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital. His main interests are in sports medicine and surgery, and he is dedicated to ensuring and improving all aspects of horse health. His informative article on when to call the vet to a newborn foal is a must read.
Nicole Tough
An EA Level 2 Dressage Specialist Coach and National A Level Judge, Nicole has over 30 years experience in training, competing, judging and coaching. She enjoys presenting seminars and masterclasses, has trained in Germany, Spain and The Netherlands, and has produced nine very successful FEI horses. This month, she explains why leg yield is such an important and beneficial exercise.
Michelle Terlato Michelle grew up with horses and has always loved them. When she’s not travelling the globe photographing the world’s top equestrian athletes, she’s home riding her own horses. It’s the behind the scenes and the unexpected shots that she likes the best, and in our Behind the Shot feature, she shares her favourites and explains what makes them so special.
BEHIND THE SHOT
Chris Burton
One of Australia’s top equestrian photographers, MICHELLE TERLATO travels the world capturing equestrian athletes in action. Each month she shares one of her favourite shots.
Rider: Chris Burton
Horse: Chedington Hazy Toulana
Event: 2022 Longines Global Champions
Location: London, UK
Camera & Settings: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II 70-200mm Lens ISO 200 f2.8 1/1250 sec
Challenges: T he Global Champions
Tours are always very well organised and allow fabulous access for photographers, so the main challenge was choosing a fence that the horses jumped well, while at the same time showcasing the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The weather was wonderful, the lighting was good, and as Chris jumped in the morning the sun was still behind us. To add to the atmosphere, there was a good crowd even though the main event was a few hours away. With the arena nice and close, the 70200mm lens was perfect for the job.
Why this shot is special: As always, Chris Burton is a picture of perfection. Soft hands, giving reins, great leg and body position, and his focus on the next fence making him look faultless. In
this shot, his horse, Chedington Hazy Toulana, is slightly uphill with all legs tucked up beautifully. I think the fence, with its stone gargoyles and beautiful set dressings of colourful potted plants, is also a real feature in this image
However, the real scene-stealer is the Royal Hospital Chelsea – what a backdrop! I love this venue, which is a retirement and nursing home for the Chelsea Pensioners, all veterans of the British Army. It was such a privilege to meet some of these Red Coats, so called because of the iconic red tunics they wore when they served their country, who are so proud to host the event and love to chat and mingle with the crowd. It’s a wonderful memory and an image I look back on with great affection.
Editor's Note: Members of the Australian Olympic Eventing team, Chris and his horse Shadow Man won Individual Eventing silver in Paris last month.
Michelle is available for event, commercial and private shoots. Visit Michelle Terlato Photography to view her impressive portfolio.
Celebrating our eventers
For lovers of eventing, the 2024 Paris Olympics had plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments, and our Olympians did us proud.
First shout out is of course to Chris Burton and Shadow Man. Their dressage test was a stand out with a score of 22.0, placing them 3rd behind Great Britain's Laura Collett in 1st place with her record-breaking 17.5. The pair then produced a faultless cross country and a thrilling final jumping round to win individual eventing silver. That's a sensational result when you consider that Chris and Shadow Man have only been partners for five months.
Shane Rose, who four months previously was in a horror fall that put him in ICU with 18 broken bones, which required multiple surgeries and a lengthy and painful rehabilitation, stunned us all with his courage and determination to be back in the saddle in time for the Olympics. Shane and long-time partner 19-yearold Virgil finished 20th in the individual rankings, and have achieved what many thought was impossible.
The eventing team’s third combination, Kevin McNab and Don Quidam, were powering around the cross country when they suddenly pulled up after the horse suffered a tendon injury. Sadly, the 200 penalty points Kevin accrued by retiring from the competition effectively put the Australian team out of medal contention, but has won him high praise for making the welfare of his horse his top priority. Don Quidam is expected to make a full recovery.
And finally, to travelling reserve Shenae Lowing and OTT Thoroughbred Bold Venture. Now fully fledged Olympians, the pair stepped up for the third phase of the competition and put in a fantastic jumping round in their debut Olympic appearance.
Congratulations to all of you from the team here at Equestrian Hub. We couldn't be prouder.
LEFT: Individual eventing silver medal winners Chris Burton and Shadow Man (Image FEI/Benjamin Clark). TOP RIGHT: The indestructible Shane Rose and his beloved Virgil. MIDDLE RIGHT: Kevin McNab and Don Quidam who had to retire during the cross country. BOTTOM RIGHT: Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture stepped up and were in fine form (Images by Michelle Terlato Photography).
HANGING TOUGH
The benefits of leg yielding
Leg yielding has many benefits and should be incorporated into your daily routine, writes NICOLE TOUGH.
Leg yielding is both a dressage movement and an exercise in which the horse moves forwards and sideways on two tracks away from the rider’s inside leg. There should be slight flexion at the poll away from the direction of movement with no bend through the body. Whilst the leg yield exercise can be ridden in walk, trot and canter, it is only required in the trot pace at novice level in competition.
Leg yielding forms the base of the lateral movements, introducing the horse to
the concept of yielding to rhythmic leg pressure in a sideways direction. It is the pre-requisite to shoulder-in, travers and half-pass, which all require degrees of collection and the uniform bending of the spine towards the direction of movement.
Leg yielding comes first because we need to ensure we can control moving sideways with no bend, before we attempt to control the bend. The outside aids (leg and rein) direct the outside of
the horse, keeping the spine parallel to the line; the inside rein invites slight flexion at the poll, away from the direction of movement; and the inside leg at the girth asks the horse’s front and hind legs to cross in relation to the angle of the leg yield.
Due to the lack of bend and collection, the leg yielding exercise is particularly useful in the warm-up phase of training sessions, and as a tool to combat negative tension and/or contact issues.
Trainers should use the warm-up phase to: a) loosen and prepare the horse's body for work; and b) check the horse is ‘plugged in’ and responding to the lightest aids possible. The leg yielding exercise helps achieve both. As a gymnastic exercise in every warm-up at every level, leg yielding loosens and stretches the muscles and joints, thereby improving suppleness, which promotes relaxation and more swing through the back.
As an obedience exercise, leg yielding lets us feel the horse’s sides with our
legs, which allows us to test if they are ‘on the aids’ and in front of the leg. In each session, we should ensure both the horse’s sides respond evenly to our leg aids. A favourite warm-up exercise of mine, which I start at novice level and maintain up to and including Grand Prix, is performed in a working canter. I guide the horse on the diagonal line, asking for flexion at the poll to the outside, and after a half halt, begin the leg yield along the diagonal line, with my outside leg pulsing and inviting the horse to jump each step onto the inside rein; and at a point near or after X, ask for a transition to trot while still yielding to the leg.
Other than its loosening qualities, there are many benefits to this exercise, including being an excellent precursor to flying change training. The exercise is hard at first, because it requires a level of suppleness and strength the novice horse might not have. Keep practising until it’s easy. The exercise helps horses become more flexible in the shoulders, back and hips, and develops the connection through their body as well as improving their balance in canter to trot transitions.
Leg-yielding is also an excellent tool to improve even contact on both reins, diffuse tension and improve the quality of transitions. If the horse sets themselves against or is heavier in one rein, we can use leg yielding to the lighter rein to achieve a more even connection. By asking the horse’s hind leg to the opposite rein, we can achieve an even connection on both sides of the bit. As the saying goes, use the diagonal aids to straighten, and this is leg yielding in a nutshell.
We can also use leg yield to assist riders in understanding and achieving the concept of pushing the horse into downward transitions. A horse that is being pushed sideways from trot to walk gives the rider the opportunity to feel how downward transitions can be performed with the seat and leg, helping them to avoid any blockages caused by the rein. Similarly, in upward transitions leg yielding helps to remove the ‘hop’ habit.
LEFT: Leg yield performed on a circle to improve the connection to the outside rein.
ABOVE: Using leg yield in the warm up phase to loosen the horse's body in preparation for work (Images by Christy Baker Photography).
To supple and connect the horse, we can use leg yield on straight lines or on more difficult curved lines. Whenever we feel the horse falling in through a corner, or falling out through the shoulder on a circle, the leg yield aid assists in pushing them out or in, while keeping them connected to the opposite rein. In whatever way we use leg yielding, we
should attempt to maintain the same rhythm, regularity and balance during the exercise, controlling the horse’s hips and shoulders, and so working towards improving the quality of the connection.
Incorporate leg yielding into your daily routine and reap the benefits of a more supple and better connected ride
FEATURE
The fine art of choosing a coach
A good coach can make all the difference to your skill and confidence as a rider. CHARLIE BRISTER has some advice on finding your perfect match.
If your heart is set on eventing, rather than a single discipline such as dressage or show jumping, you have some decisions to make when it comes to coaches. Three day eventing is, of course, made up of three distinct phases, each requiring a slightly different skill set and therefore slightly different training.
The question that gets asked a lot is, as an eventer, should I have one coach, three coaches, or some other combination. There are many different answers to that, which are dependent on a variety of factors, including the horse and rider’s level of education, and the rider's ability to process information
If you’re relatively new to the sport, you shouldn't be overloading yourself when you're learning basic skills, so information from too many different sources is not a good idea. Consistency on your part, plus consistent training messages are vital. Once you understand the basic skills and can undertake those skills with ease, then you can expand your horizons. But if you try and learn all the different techniques in the beginning, you’ll struggle – which is why the basics are so important. All good trainers will keep going back to the basics.
Some coaches are very good generalists, and this is definitely where most riders should begin their journey. These coaches, especially eventing coaches, will give a good grounding in the different areas of riding and horsemanship, and so are able to bring you up to a reasonable level of competence.
On the rider’s side of the equation, you need to commit to regular lessons with your coach, or coaches, as the case may be. As with anything, whether it’s to do
give you specialist training in the different phases
with horses or other aspects of your life, consistency is vital if you are serious about improving.
It’s also a great idea to attend the odd clinic with a visiting trainer or coach. There might be a masterclass being held with an international coach or international level rider. Go to the clinic or masterclass and learn everything you can. And take notes! Riders often go to a class, sit and watch for three hours and with luck, will probably remember a couple of things afterwards. But realistically, how much can you learn from a three-hour lecture if you don’t have any notes to refresh your memory?
Visiting coaches often focus on a particular area. Now, it might be that your regular coach is aware that you have a weakness in that area, but they haven’t been addressing it directly because they're looking at a broader picture. But when it’s brought to your attention by the visiting coach, you then have the insight
to discuss it with your regular coach if you feel the need. Or, it may be that the visiting coach points out something your regular coach has been telling you for months, and finally you realise that you should probably listen!
Once you’ve got the basics under control, you’re likely to opt for multiple coaches as you spread your eventing wings. Probably the most important thing to evaluate at that point is whether or not your coaches are saying similar things. If you have coaches who give you vastly different advice, it can become confusing for you as well as for your horse.
Having said that, if the instruction initially sounds conflicting, ask yourself whether it was meant in a different context. For example, your cross country coach is likely to give you very different instructions on the application of aids in relation to a water jump, when compared to a dressage coach who is teaching you the aids required for a travers.
At some point, you’re more than likely to have a coach who asks you to do something that appears to completely contradict anything you’ve previously been told. But, unless you feel it's dangerous for you or your horse, in which case question it immediately, my advice would be not to simply refuse. Wait until after the lesson before calmly asking for clarification. There's nothing wrong with questions, but an argumentative attitude is not the right spirit in which to ask. Most coaches are happy to discuss what they’re teaching you, and to help you understand the reasons behind it.
If eventing is your goal, it's good to realise that if your existing coach is a dressage trainer, it's highly likely you will need to find another coach with more of an eye for cross country. Why? Because it's important that dressage doesn’t take away the horse’s ability to think for themselves. Yes, you want the horse to listen and be responsive and understanding of the aids, but on cross
ABOVE & LEFT: Once you have learned the basics, you may want to find coaches who can
of eventing.
ABOVE: In the cross country phase, your horse needs to have the ability to think for themselves.
country they have to have the ability to think for themselves. You can't go out and ride cross country in the same disciplined and precise manner called for by dressage.
Chris Bartle, arguably one of the best eventing coaches in the world, rode in dressage at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics before crossing over to 5* eventing. He’s one of the few riders who have ridden at the top level in dressage and eventing, and he certainly understands that dressage is not oppositional to jumping and cross country - it's complementary. And that's the important thing, to find coaches who understand the balance between the disciplines and can work together to offer you the best possible advice and training in your eventing journey.
So, where are you going to find these coaches? If you ask on social media you’ll no doubt get a 100 different opinions –and that’s certainly one place to start. You can ask other riders who they’ve found to be particularly helpful, as well as watching how coaches themselves actually ride. It’s not necessarily an indication of how they're going to coach, but if they can’t ride with some degree
of competency, are they really the sort of person you want teaching you?
You don’t necessarily need someone who looks like a gold medal winning rider, but they do have to show empathy for the horse and treat people respectfully. And if you have the opportunity, be sure to watch them coaching riders in the warm up area at shows. How do they train their students? And is that the way you want to be coached? Are they a quieter coach, or are they going to yell at you when you’re doing a less than best job? Some riders respond well to yelling, others do not.
The Equestrian Australia website includes a database of registered and accredited coaches. There are different levels of coaches up to Level 3, but just because someone is a Level 3, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a better rider or coach than someone at Level 1 or 2. It just means they’ve spent more time getting those qualifications and diving deeper into an understanding of the coaching process. There may be a Level 1 coach out there who'd be a perfect match for you. It’s all about taking the time to find the right fit.
Charlie Brister of Brister Equestrian is an all-round horseman with expertise in retraining problem horses and coaching riders in all disciplines. You can follow him on Instagram (Image by Davey Mackay).
Five ways polework helps you jump better
You can improve your jumping without actually leaving the ground. How ? CHRISTINE ARMISHAW explains.
To improve your horse’s jumping, without actually jumping, you simply can’t look past the ongoing benefits of poles.
1) Straightness: Being straight means getting from point A to B without getting wiggly and wavering off a predetermined line. You want your horse’s hindquarters to directly follow their shoulders, both on straight lines and on curving lines too.
This is one of the key elements to arriving correctly at the front of every fence on course. Plus, if your horse is not straight while in the air over a jump, they’re more likely to take rails as they go.
Set up pole exercises on both fixed lines and circles and incorporate these into your regular rides. Aiming for the middle of every pole every time will help you ride more accurately.
2) Adjustability: This is all about making the horse’s canter stride bigger and smaller. This can help you to cover ground over open stretches on a course, and also to gather your horse together to prepare to jump a big vertical. When you put your leg on, you want your horse to go, but when you ask your horse to collect or steady up, you don’t want them to fall back into a trot, but rather to canter on a smaller stride.
A simple but very effective pole exercise to make your horse’s stride more adjustable for jumping uses only two poles. Start by setting up your two poles at about six average strides apart (to give you an idea of what to pace out, a stride is roughly nine heel-to-toe human steps). Once you have established your base level of six strides, ask for a bigger canter so they cover the distance in five strides. When you can do that, shorten the stride so they cover the same distance in seven strides.
You'll normally find your horse is better at either increasing or decreasing their
TOP TIPS
Polework can improve your horse’s jumping without actually jumping (Image courtesy Christine Armishaw). LEFT: Confidence is key when it comes to jumping, and you can help to improve both your own and your horse’s confidence with polework (Image by Melissa Goodson, Elegant Exposures).
stride, so you need to spend more time working on the one that doesn’t come to them as naturally and easily as the other.
3) Confidence: Jumping, though fun and exciting, can also be daunting, especially when either you or your horse are first starting out - and let me tell you, confidence is key! It takes only five minutes to ruin one’s confidence and if you lose it, it can take five months (or longer) to get it back, and that goes for horse and rider alike. Poles are physically and mentally less scary for both parties, so you can work on perfecting your lines, rhythm, and technique, without getting nervous about the fact that you've got a jump coming towards you.
Riding over poles on the ground offers you the opportunity to get your eye in and ultimately to make it easier to ride to a fence. Your horse begins to think about where they’re putting their feet and when, all of which is great foundation training for building brave and capable horses and riders.
Interestingly, some riders find riding to a pole with accuracy to be more challenging than riding to an actual fence, but if you can nail the polework, the jumping starts to become easier.
4) Low impact: Unlike jumping, polework can be done every day. Pole exercises help improve your horse’s timing, strength and balance, all of which aid in improving overall jumping technique and skill without the impact on the horse's legs that occurs when they are jumping. There’s an old saying that a horse has only so many jumps in them in a lifetime, but we don’t know what that number is! Saving their legs from repetitive impact while continuing to train and improve will hopefully see you and your horse get many happy jumping years together.
5) Rider position: Mastering a correct two-point riding position is paramount while jumping because that’s how you’ll stay in balance when you’re going over a fence. Practising over poles is a safe and easy way to get lots of practise in,
for newcomers and more advanced riders alike.
Starting off by riding in two-point during trot and then progressing to canter over poles is fundamental to developing a strong and balanced jumping position. You may notice your horse’s stride becomes extra bouncy or exuberant over the poles. You want to know that before jumping raised obstacles, you can handle any of those changes and stay in balance without getting left behind and pulling on your horse’s mouth.
The beauty of polework is that it affords you the opportunity of repetition while you build leg and core strength and create muscle-memory.
Christine Armishaw Equestrian offers a variety of coaching and other equestrian services at her Otford Valley Equestrian Agistment & Training Centre just south of Sydney, NSW.
Don’t miss next month’s Top Tips, when Christine takes a deep dive into rider position.
ABOVE:
When to call the vet to your newborn foal
The arrival of a new foal is always a delight, but it is also a time when you need to be alert for signs of any problems. DR CIARAN MASTERS explains.
Your mare having a foal is a truly exciting and magical time for any horse owner. The excitement and wonder that a foal can bring is incredible, but it is also a delicate event that requires you to be vigilant and attentive.
Most foalings are uneventful and happy times for all involved, and with proper care and attention the foal thrives. There are, however, some critical signs to watch for that indicate emergency veterinary attention is needed for either your foal, or mare, or both, and
recognising those signs early can significantly boost their health and survival.
In general, a foal should have a temperature of 37.5 to 39°C, a heart rate of 80 to 100 beats per minute and a respiratory rate of 20 to 40 breaths per minute. If any of these indicators are not within those ranges, calling a vet is always recommended. Similarly, if a foal is born prematurely (less than 320 days gestation) it is advisable to call your vet, as the foal is at a much higher risk of complications. However, these are not the only warnings that suggest calling your vet would be a very wise choice, and listed below are a few of the other important signs you should look out for:
Difficulty breathing: This is one of the earliest warning signs that can be seen even within a few seconds of birth. If you notice any difficulty in breathing, such as gasping or laboured breaths, or if the gums and tongue are blue tinged,
VET VIBES
ABOVE: Ensuring a foal receives adequate colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours is crucial for their immune system.
The first hours and days of a foal’s life are critical, and regular monitoring combined with quick action can ensure a healthy start.
it’s crucial to call a vet immediately. Respiratory distress can quickly become life-threatening if not swiftly addressed. The foal may need oxygen or other interventions to help stabilise them.
Abnormal behaviour or an inability to nurse: Healthy foals should be bright, alert, and responsive shortly after birth and typically stand within an hour. Once up, they should begin nursing (drinking colostrum from the mare) soon after. In an ideal scenario the foal is up within one hour and nursing within two hours. However, there is a bit of leeway with this.
Veterinary attention is strongly recommended if the foal is not up within two hours or still not nursing after four hours. Lethargy, weakness, or uncoordinated movements can be signs of underlying issues such as infection, congenital defects, neurological deficiencies or metabolic
imbalances. Nursing is vital for the foal to receive colostrum, which provides essential antibodies and nutrients critical for the immune system. To ensure the foal receives the required nourishment and to rule out underlying conditions, you should immediately ask your vet to assess the foal if they are not standing and nursing within the above time frames. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can improve the foal’s prognosis significantly.
Meconium impaction: Just like rising and suckling, the foal should also pass their first faeces, called meconium, within the first few hours of life. Failure to do so can lead to impaction, causing abdominal discomfort and straining. If the foal appears to be in pain, is straining excessively, or has not passed meconium within 12 hours, veterinary intervention is again recommended. The vet may need to administer an enema, manually remove the faeces
or administer other treatments to help alleviate the impaction.
Inadequate
colostrum intake: As previously mentioned, ensuring a foal receives adequate colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours is critical for their immune system. After 24 hours the foal can no longer absorb colostrum. A poor suckle reflex, an uninterested and/or unwell mare, and poor colostrum quality can influence colostrum intake. If there is any doubt as to whether the foal has nursed sufficiently, or there are any concerns about the mare's colostrum quality (if the mare has been leaking milk excessively etc), a vet can perform a quick on-site blood test to measure the foal's antibody levels. Supplemental oral colostrum or plasma transfusions may be used to treat deficiencies.
Deformities or injuries: Occasionally, foals are born with physical deformities or sustain injuries during the birthing process. Limb deformities and/or
LEFT:
Apiam’s equine veterinary credentials are well-founded with a growing number of purpose-built dedicated Equine Vet Clinics and Referral Hospitals located in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, working alongside our network of mixed practice clinics in delivering quality equine veterinary care.
Scenic Rim Veterinary Service
Beaudesert QLD
Agnes Banks Equine Clinic
Agnes Banks NSW
Hunter Equine Centre
Scone NSW
Victorian Equine Group
Bendigo VIC
Gippsland Equine Hospital
Maffra VIC
Southwest Equine Veterinary Group
Warrnambool VIC
Find out more by visiting the Apiam Animal Health website & view the equine product range on Country Vet Animal Supplies
ABOVE: Your vigilance can make all the difference when ensuring your foal has the best start in life.
malpositioning, abnormal swelling, or wounds should be evaluated by a vet to determine the appropriate course of action. Early intervention can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Some problems require a simple solution such as stabling, but others require more invasive therapy.
Illness or infection: Due to them not yet having a complete immune system, newborn foals are particularly susceptible to infections. Common signs of illness include fever, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge and joint swelling. The early detection and treatment of infections is crucial to prevent complications. Antibiotics and/ or hospitalisation may be necessary if an infection is found.
Umbilical cord issues: In a normal healthy foal, the umbilical cord should naturally detach shortly after birth, leaving a small stump that should dry up and fall off within a few days. It is always recommended to dip the umbilical cord regularly (at least once daily) in cleaning solution until it detaches. However,
if the cord does not detach properly, bleeds excessively, or shows signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or discharge, immediate veterinary attention is recommended to prevent serious complications and ensure better outcomes.
Mare health: An often-overlooked complication of foaling is the health of the mare. This is vital as not only will it affect her, it can directly impact the foal as well. If the mare experiences complications such as a retained placenta (not expelled within 12 hours), excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, a vet should be called to help look after both the mare and foal. A healthy mare is essential for providing the necessary care, bonding and nutrition to the foal.
Rejection: Rejection is an uncommon occurrence (2 to 5% of mares), but it can be life threatening for the foal. A rejected foal may not only fail to receive the colostrum they need, but the rejecting mare may act aggressively towards the foal and injure them. A higher than average occurrence of
rejection has been reported in first time mares and Arabian mares. Calling the vet early will not only protect the foal’s safety and health by ensuring colostrum intake, but there are techniques that can be employed to help prevent or reverse rejection, or in the worst-case scenario, to attempt surrogacy with another mare.
Knowledge of normal foal values, common foal issues including the signs to watch for, and prompt veterinary intervention can be lifesaving for a newborn foal. The first hours and days of a foal’s life are critical, and regular monitoring combined with quick action can ensure a healthy start. With this said, it is always better to err on the side of caution and contact your vet if you notice any signs of trouble or are not confident or experienced with any aspect of foal care. Your vigilance can make all the difference when ensuring your foal has the best start in life.
Dr Ciaran Masters BVetMed is an Equine Veterinarian currently working for APIAM Animal Health at Queensland's Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital
FEATURE
Have horse, will travel
Knowledge and planning can help reduce travel stressors for your horse, writes DR
JENNIFER STEWART.
The worries of transporting our horses can often take much of the fun out of leaving home for a day out riding with friends or going to a competition. Understanding what’s going on inside the float during travel plus a little planning can make a difference to the amount of stress our equine companions experience.
Transport stress for horses can be caused by a combination of factors, including unfamiliar companions; isolation; movement beneath their feet; acceleration
and deceleration; upward and downwards slopes; breaking, noise and vibrations; natural and chemical contaminants; disruptions to feeding and drinking routines; and fluctuations in temperature, humidity and light. The amount and level of stress an individual horse experiences is linked to their temperament and previous travel experiences, their orientation during travel, ability to move their heads, driver skill, ventilation and window placement.
Ventilation and temperature: Good ventilation is vital for air temperature, humidity and levels of bacteria, dust and noxious gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide/monoxide. Most trucks and floats are under-ventilated at all speeds (from 13 to 90km/h) and the confined space inside the float is not the healthiest environment.
Air entering the float/truck through windows and vents flows down towards the floor, where it becomes contaminated with dust from the bedding, noxious gases, manure and any bacteria. In floats, exhaust from the towing vehicle can further contribute to poor air quality, especially on shorter journeys and in heavier traffic. Noxious gases damage the cells lining the airways, reducing the efficiency of respiratory clearance and increasing the risk of respiratory infections – the most serious of which is ‘shipping fever’, ‘travel sickness’ or pneumonia.
Pathogens and their toxins (endotoxins) from dried manure may overwhelm
a respiratory system weakened by trailer stress and can inflame the airways. Studies show that stabled horses are exposed to eight-fold higher concentrations of endotoxin than pastured horses and although there are no reports of endotoxin levels in transportation vehicles, we must assume they are elevated.
The trailer should be cleaned out before and after every trip and during rest stops. Vinegar, zeolite or baking soda can eliminate odours, neutralise some gases and disinfect hard surfaces. The most effective cleaning process involves scrubbing, cleaning with hot water and disinfecting with triple the concentration of disinfectant.
Heat stress: This can occur when the temperature in the float/truck is outside the horse’s comfort zone, the thermoneutral zone (TYNZ) where neither sweating nor shivering are required. Healthy horses have a wide TNZ (from 0 to 25°C). Their main means of losing heat is through evaporation from the skin and the respiratory tract. Inside-to-outside temperatures decrease with increasing speed and when vents and windows are open, but are still generally 5–10°C higher than outside air temperature. High air temperatures coupled with high humidity and travel rugs impair sweating, and, if they become excessive, may cause the horse to experience heat stress.
Heat stress is greatest when the vehicle is stationary and when more than one horse is aboard, so park the vehicle in shaded areas with all windows and ramps open during rest stops.
Rugging your horse because you want to keep them ‘cosy’ while travelling can do far more harm than good if they get overheated. Overheating causes them to sweat, losing valuable water and electrolytes. Travelling does take quite a lot of physical effort for a horse so they can get very hot quite easily, making travel very uncomfortable.
ABOVE: A front-facing position is often associated with higher head carriage, more forward falls and increased signs of stress.
Head position: Having horses tied so they can readily raise and lower their heads is one of the most important factors in reducing transport stress. When a horse’s head is elevated for long periods, normal airway clearance is compromised. Horses secrete respiratory mucosal discharges from the nose and if for whatever reason they can’t lower their head to expel this discharge it can drain backwards down the trachea and into their lungs. This, combined with factors including the stress of travel, increased temperature and dust can cause travel sickness. However, if they can lower their head below the point of their shoulders, they’re less likely to suffer respiratory stress. Cross-tying is associated with increased signs of stress.
Most hay nets are placed at the level of the horses’ nostrils to allow feeding and to keep the horse entertained. But, even clean, good quality hay contains dust particles and small mould spores that can be inhaled. Dampening the hay and placing it nearer the trailer floor, or
replacing hay with pellets, reduces the risk of air contamination. To safeguard the respiratory system, choose a good bedding material which is not dusty, but very absorbent.
Direction of travel: The effects of transporting horses facing forwards, backwards or angled have been studied, and it’s been suggested that the orientation of the horse within the vehicle, combined with the duration of the journey and the driver's technique, can contribute to the level of stress experienced.
A front-facing position is often associated with higher head carriage, more forward falls and increased blood cortisol – a sign of stress. Evidence suggests that facing backwards, 180° away from the direction of travel, is less stressful with lower energy expenditure, heart rates and balance loss, a greater tendency to rest their rumps on a partition, and resting a hind quarter in a three-leg position.
When free-standing in an angled float/ truck, no preference was shown for the angling to be either forward or backward. However, some horses develop slight
muscle fatigue when travelling in the angled position.
Horses showing more stress-related and balance-related behaviours during transit had higher rectal temperatures and heart rates after arrival, both of which are correlated with a higher risk of stomach ulcer development.
Hydration/dehydration: Whether the horse wears bandages and the direction the horse faces during travel are all personal preferences. A non-negotiable is access to water and being able to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes every 4-6 hours. During this downtime, horses should be unloaded, allowed to graze or fed hay with their head down, and checked for signs of stress, overheating and gastric discomfort. Increasing salt intake for a few days before travel and using early cut hay and beet pulp all increase the water-holding capacity of the gut. Beet pulp, psyllium and soymeal are also all excellent prebiotics.
Even when water is available, horses tend to dehydrate during a journey and many don’t drink when travelling, even when water is freely available. Administering an electrolyte is good practice. You can make a good electrolyte supplement with straight salt, or a 3:1 ratio of straight salt:lite or lo-salt. For horses who are fussy about anything added to their feed, try this cookie recipe: 2 cups of grain, 2 cups of rolled oats, 24 ounces of electrolyte mix (commercial or homemade), 3 cups bran, 1 to 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of molasses, maple syrup, or apple sauce to sweeten. Mix well and divide into 24 cookies. Cook at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes. Each cookie has around 25g of electrolytes.
There are several techniques often implemented to minimise the risk and extent of dehydration. One involves the familiarisation of horses with an aqueous normalising substance, such as apple flavouring, which reportedly offsets any difference in water taste during transportation and at the destination. Feeding soaked hay and dampening hard feed can also increase water intake. Adding salt to drinking water should be done sensibly and with great care. Do
not exceed 30g of salt per 5 litres of water and always provide separate plain water. Water intake for a 500kg horse is 25-30 litres a day. When rehydrating they may drink upwards of 50 litres a day. Monitoring water intake and manure consistency before, during and after travel allows you to act pre-emptively.
Dehydration can also cascade into more serious metabolic situations such as laminitis and impaction colic. If you are concerned, call your vet immediately. Transportation stress combined with changes in diet and the environment also increase the likelihood diarrhoea and Salmonella. If horses travel alone, hanging a mirror in the float has been shown to reduce the time spent turning their head, vocalising and head-tossing, while eating behaviour increased.
Stress levels: The amount and level of stress an individual horse experiences during transport is linked to their temperament, previous travel experiences, and a mosaic of other factors. Less than ideal conditions during travel can increase the risk of a number of clinical conditions, including colitis and diarrhoea, dehydration, injuries, laminitis, respiratory conditions (shipping fever, pneumonia), tying-up, transittetany (linked to magnesium deficiency), and weight loss. – and the longer the journey, the higher the risks.
Teaching your horse to load and unload calmly; monitoring heart rate and temperature before, during and after travel; knowing what’s normal for your horse (manure, water intake); and reducing as many stressors as possible increase the chances of safe travel – as does careful driving.
Reactivity, anxiety and restlessness are not uncommon in horses, especially when travelling. Temperament and tractability studies in horses of all ages show they are calmer and more inquisitive on oilenriched, low starch/sugar feeds, and with correct magnesium supplementation. Combinations of magnesium plus tryptophan are contraindicated as current research shows tryptophan can cause stimulation and excitement 2 to 4 hours after dosing; does not change reactive behaviour; and that long-term use may have detrimental effects.
For more information, this study provides a fascinating read and lots of useful tips Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSc BSc PhD is an equine veterinarian, CEO of Jenquine and a consultant nutritionist in Equine Clinical Nutrition
All content provided in this article is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or a veterinary opinion. It is not intended as specific medical advice or opinion and should not be relied on in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian
ABOVE: Teaching you horse to load and unload calmly can help to reduce stress.
LIFE AFTER RACING
Against the odds
If you were told you had absolutely no chance of living into older age, what would you do? AMANDA
MAC recently spoke to an inspiring woman who has answered that question with remarkable determination and courage.
This month’s Life After Racing takes a somewhat different tack. It’s as much about the inspirational para equestrian Rebecca Webber as it is about Glenayre Skyline (aka Zac), a kind and gentle Thoroughbred who has achieved far more off the track than ever he did on it.
Beck, a Victorian girl born and bred, comes from a family of riders: “My
great grandmother was a really good horsewoman, and that kind of flowed through to my grandfather, then to my dad and my uncles, who were all very good horsemen.”
No surprise then that Beck has photos of herself on horseback as a three-yearold, and owned a pony by the time she was eight. But if you’re thinking Pony Club as the next logical step, don’t!
Instead, young Beck worked with her uncles in the family trail riding business, taking adults out on treks through the mountains. So, none of the usual Pony Club events for her, in fact the first competition she ever rode in was in 2021.
By the time Beck was in her teens she’d moved on to other things, as teenagers often do. “I’d had enough of the horses by then, she tells me, “and I actually had 28 years away from them before I started riding again.”
And that was after her world had tilted on its axis.
Sadly, some members of Beck’s family suffer from Spinocerebellar ataxia type 36, a genetic neurodegenerative disorder so rare that there are less than 100 known cases worldwide. Following the onset of possible symptoms early in 2020, Beck’s blood work was sent to a US laboratory - one of the few able to test for the disease. After many months of anxiously waiting (this was during COVID, let’s not forget, when labs were
otherwise occupied) the results came back: Beck had tested positive for the condition. So little is known about this condition that her doctors could only guess at how much time she had left, but around ten years seemed to be the consensus.
As Beck’s symptoms gradually progressed, she began looking for support workers through her NDIS plan and came across Jenny, Director of Clear Supports, a local disability service provider. Jenny asked Beck what her goals were: “I told her I was just hoping for a good death. But she said that wasn’t a goal, and asked me what I was going to do with the rest of my life.”
Stumped for an answer, Beck thought a little harder: “After my diagnosis, I'd been doing some research and found a paper saying that people with ataxia benefit from horse therapy, and I realised that I wouldn't mind working with horses again, even if only from the ground.”
That was in 2021. Since then, Beck has partnered with a number of horses, all borrowed as she is unable to care for a horse herself. She’s competed very successfully in Equestrian with Disabilities classes in every Western pleasure and reining discipline, notching up her fair share of Champion and Reserve Champion wins along the way – and although she will continue to compete until the end of this year, her focus is now elsewhere.
In 2023, Beck was offered an athlete plan by Equine Pathways Australia, but to participate needed a horse to ride on a regular basis. Fortunately, she was introduced to local Equestrian Australia show jumping coach Tonya HoldsworthRose, who thought that Zac, one of her own horses, might fit the bill.
And she was right. In March that year Beck and Zac’s journey began. “We ride together five days a week, and as with all horses you have to take the time to build that relationship and trust. And there's the extra challenge of Zac being a former racehorse, then becoming a successful show jumper, and now he's being asked
ABOVE: Meet and greet at Moonee Valley’s Australian Stakes Day Celebration of the Horse in January this year (Image by Off The Track).
LEFT: In December 2023, the 2* ranked pair competed at the Victorian Dressage Festival where they placed 3rd after testing their skills against two 3* riders (Image by One Eyed Frog Photography).
to be a para dressage horse – and yet he’s taken everything in his stride. He's got such a great work ethic. He’d be a great first horse to learn any discipline on.”
Beck points out that not all horses want an unbalanced para rider on their back, along with their different or lighter aids and perhaps a certain lack of control, yet Zac is accepting of all these changes. “I can’t fault him,” she adds, “he just keeps on giving.”
And Beck and Zac wasted absolutely no time in proving that they were a force to be reckoned with. Their first
competitive outing was at Boneo Park during the 2023 Australian Dressage Championships. Held in October, just months after the pair first got together, they won their Intermediate A and B tests, were named CPEDI2* Grade II Reserve Champions, and were also members of the winning Victorian CPEDI2* Para Dressage Team.
Unfortunately, because of the wet, cold and windy conditions on the second day of competition, Beck became feverish and very unwell later that night and had to withdraw from the next day’s freestyle event.
ABOVE: Beck and Zac’s first Grade II Intermediate 2* competition was at the 2023 Australian Dressage Championships at Boneo
The following December, the pair went to the Victorian Dressage Festival, where the 2* and 3* riders competed against each other in a single class. Not that it proved a problem for the 2* ranked Beck and Zac who, after competing against two 3* riders, came third.
Then in April this year, it was off to the Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular, where they took out first place in the 2* A and B tests, as well as in the freestyle, earning them the title of Overall Champion. But why stop when you’re on a roll? “We went to the Hawkesbury Dressage Festival in June to make our 3* Grand Prix debut,” Beck explains. “We came fourth in each of our tests and got 62.64 which was a really great start to 3* competition.”
For a change of pace, next on Beck’s calendar are August’s National Reining Championships in Tamworth, then the National Ranch Horse Championships in October, followed by the Australian Dressage Championships just four days later.
With this year marking the end of her career in Western competition, Beck’s full attention is now on dressage. She has her sights set on the next Paralympics, believing that if you want to be the best in the world, you have to commit 100 per cent. “I don't see Australians as my competition in the dressage arena any more, I see them as my colleagues and peers. It’s the Europeans I see as my competition.” Like many athletes, Beck visualises a successful end result. “I can clearly see the podium in my mind’s eye, and I regularly watch the Tokyo Olympics and European Championships because that’s part of my visualisation homework.”
The many unknows associated with Beck’s illness must surely represent an additional level of difficulty to an already challenging situation. “It's like a giant roller coaster,” she says, “but horses keep me busy. They give me purpose, a reason to wake up every day - and that's the beauty of working with them.”
When you talk to Beck, it’s obvious that she and Zac have an extraordinary
relationship. “We've learned to work so closely together that at times it’s like we’re one being,” she says. “He’s so in tune with my body and my lack of skills. He’s one of those horses that you know is always going to have a big part of your heart. He’s given me the confidence to move down this path of para dressage, the best beginning partner I could ever hope for because he's allowed me to pursue my dreams. He's my heart horse.”
I think you’ll agree that Beck’s story holds a few life lessons. While it would have been easy for her to see herself as a victim, instead she’s visualising herself on a Paralympic podium. Rather than letting others do the heavy lifting, she makes the most of every day and has, by the way, received awards for her work as a disability advocate. And although no one would blame her if she'd been overtaken by despair, instead she focusses on the positive with her eyes firmly on the future.
And that’s the kind of courage you need to thrive against the odds.
Park (Image by One Eyed Frog Photography).
HIGH FIBRE COOL ENERGY FEED
HARNESSING THE POWER OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS, AN ALL NATURAL SUPERFOO D
Omega Feeds has formulated a palatable, high fibre, low starch feed that contains a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimum health and vitality. No-Grain Gold is suitable for ponies, spellers and horses in light to medium work.
High Fibre: For gut health and cool energy.
Non Pelleted: Horses spend more time chewing which stimulates saliva production and in turn buffers the stomach and protects it from ulceration.
Low Starch: Reduced risk of digestive upsets and metabolic conditions.
Balanced blend of vitamins and minerals: For optimum health and vitality.
100% Australian, proudly supporting Australian farmers
Feeding for show ring shine
Show season will be here before we know it, so now's the time to start working on your horse's show ring shine, and LARISSA BILSTON explains how.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the health and performance of show horses, so there’s no time like the present to revisit the key aspects of nutrition which contribute to the overall health, behaviour, and coat shine of show horses.
Understanding the basics
Show horses are athletes, and like all athletes they require specific nutrients to support their physical needs and to maintain optimal health. The foundation of a healthy horse's diet includes:
Forage (hay and pasture): High quality forage should form the basis of a show horse's diet. It provides essential fibre for digestive health and supports natural grazing behaviour, which reduces stress and improves general well-being.
Concentrates (hard feeds): Depending on individual needs and workload, concentrates such as grains, pellets or super-fibres provide additional calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. These should be carefully balanced to avoid overfeeding and related behavioural issues.
Vitamins, minerals and oils: Essential for overall health, vitamins (like A, D, E, and B complex) and minerals are often supplemented to ensure adequate intake. The correct balance of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium is important for muscle contraction/ relaxation and normal brain and nervous
system function. Micromineral balance, especially of iron, copper and zinc, is of critical importance to produce intense coat colour and a natural shine. When copper and zinc levels are not balanced with the iron status of the forage, a horse’s coat can appear lighter than normal, faded or sun-bleached.
Fats and oils: Any type of oil in the diet creates shine, but a healthy diet for a horse must balance the polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios to contain more omega-3 fatty acids than omega-6.
Nutrition and general health
Maintaining the general health of show horses involves more than just meeting their caloric needs. Proper nutrition affects various aspects of their wellbeing:
Digestive Health: Fibre from forage supports a healthy digestive system, preventing issues like colic and gastric ulcers. Increase support for gut health by supplementing with prebiotics and probiotic live yeast during transport, competition, and times of stress.
Joint Health: Supplements like glucosamine and marine DHA omega-3 fatty acids can aid joint health, crucial for horses subjected to repetitive physical activity.
Immune Function: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and with the correct ratios of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.
Weight Management: Proper feeding prevents obesity or undernourishment, both of which can affect performance and overall health.
Coat shine and nutrition
A glossy, radiant coat is a hallmark of a well cared for show horse. The most important nutrients for coat condition are copper and zinc (needed to produce melanin pigment), amino acids, biotin and vitamin B6 (needed to produce
keratin, the protein from which hair and hooves are made) and oils (for skin health and shine). Achieving and maintaining show shine from inner health requires attention to specific nutritional factors:
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in sources like flaxseed, fish oil and certain strains of marine algae, omega-3 fatty acids contribute to skin, hoof and coat health. They help maintain moisture and elasticity, resulting in a shiny coat. Marine sourced omega-3 (DHA and EPA) provides unique health benefits over plant sourced omega-3 (ALA). Marine sourced omega-3s are particularly useful for helping to manage itchy skin, arthritis, respiratory disease and other inflammatory conditions in horses.
Protein Quality: Adequate protein intake supports the growth of healthy hair and ensures coat colour remains strong and
vibrant.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A and B are particularly important for skin health, while zinc and copper play a role in coat pigmentation and strength.
Hydration: Proper hydration supports skin elasticity and overall coat condition. Horses need daily salt supplementation and should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Use electrolyte supplementation after exercise to replace minerals lost through sweating.
Nutrition and behaviour
Appropriate nutrition is a key component for the successful behaviour management of hot and anxiety-prone horses. It is important to consider the forage to hard feed ratio, total caloric intake, amount of starch or sugar in the diet, and critical mineral ratios. Nutraceuticals to aid in management of
TOP: Adequate protein supports the growth of healthy hair. LEFT: A glossy, radiant coat is a hallmark of a well cared for show horse.
mycotoxins and to maintain a healthy microbiome can also have a significant impact on behaviour. When choosing a diet for your show horse, consider the following elements for better behaviour:
Feed enough forage: A horse’s daily roughage requirements, measured by dry weight, are a minimum of 1% and preferably closer to 2% of their bodyweight. Be aware that the 2% forage rule applies to horses needing to gain or maintain weight. It may not apply to overweight or insulin resistant horses.
Do not overfeed concentrates: The amount of hard feed your horse needs is influenced by the quality and availability of pasture for grazing as well as horse size, level of activity or breeding status, and their individual metabolism.
Choose low GI cool feeds: These are free from cereal grains and cereal by-products and are low in sugars and starch. Read the label on premixed feeds carefully, and beware of the many feeds marketed as ‘cool’ which are high in the starch and cereal grains that are actually ‘heating’ ingredients! Make you own cool feed by combining two or three items from the Cool Feeds list on this page, salt, and a quality vitamin and mineral balancer.
Do not feed too much protein: Limit lucerne and clover to no more than 20% of forage intake. Some hot horses may react to high protein diets so observe carefully how much lucerne or clover forage and legume grain your horse can tolerate.
Anxiety and stress: Anxiety and stress are detrimental to gut health, and poor gut health exacerbates hot behaviour. Hot horses usually benefit from extra care for good gut health, as well as to avoid the downward spiral caused by painful gut issues such as gastric ulcers, hindgut acidosis and dysbiosis (disrupted gut microbes).
Horses rely on a healthy gut microbial population to produce butyrate (a calm energy source with gut healing properties) and many B group vitamins. Vitamin B deficiency can reduce
appetite, affect the nervous system and influence behaviour. Scientists found that horses fed live yeast probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) prior to a stressful event had measurably lower stress hormone levels and their gut flora returned to a normal healthy state faster than un-supplemented horses.
Hot behaviour: This can be caused by inadequate vitamin B levels or a mineral imbalance. Providing nutrients to overcome nutrient deficiency can impact positively on behaviour, but overfeeding can cause imbalances that may be harmful.
Pastures: Sometimes pastures can contribute to changes in behaviour as a result of mycotoxin contamination, mineral imbalance, the presence of phytoestrogens, and high sugar, potassium or nitrate levels. Management of pasture-related behavioural change may require feeding extra salt and magnesium or a mycotoxin binder supplement, limiting grazing hours or removing your horse from affected pastures during certain times of the year.
Practical tips
Consult your equine nutritionist: Each horse is unique, and their nutritional needs can vary based on age, breed, workload, and health status. A properly qualified equine nutritionist can help tailor a diet specific to your horse's requirements.
Gradual changes: Introduce dietary changes gradually over a period of ten to fourteen days to prevent digestive upsets. Abrupt changes in diet can lead to colic or other health issues.
Regular monitoring: Monitor your horse's body condition score (BCS) and adjust their diet as needed. A BCS of 5 to 6 on a 9 point scale is generally ideal for show horses, reflecting a healthy balance between muscle tone and body fat. Avoid the fad towards obesity as the risks of developing equine metabolic syndrome and laminitis are dangerously high in overweight horses.
NUTRITION
Cool Feeds List
Super Fibres: High in digestible fibre these include:
• Beet pulp
• Copra
• Legume hulls (e.g. soy, lupin, hulls)
Legume Grains: These are high in fibre and resistant starch and include:
• Lupins
• Soy beans
Fats and Oils: An energy dense feed source with no carbohydrate content, but be sure to balance omega 3 and 6 levels
Quality feed: Invest in high quality hay, concentrates and supplements to ensure your horse receives the best nutrition possible. Poor quality feed and mineral imbalances can lead to deficiencies or digestive problems. Adding too many supplements can also be unhealthy, especially when they interfere with the overall balance of the diet.
It's the cornerstone
Nutrition is the cornerstone of maintaining both the general health and coat shine of show horses. A balanced diet that includes high quality forage, appropriate concentrates, and targeted supplements is essential for supporting their physical demands and enhancing their appearance. By understanding and implementing these nutritional principles, owners and handlers can ensure that their show horses not only perform well but also look their best in the ring, with a lustrous coat that reflects optimal health and care.
Larissa Bilston, BAgrSc (Hons) is the Equine Nutritionist for Farmalogic.
WHAT WE'RE LOVING
Let's talk show kits
There are many great products worthy of inclusion in your show kit. Here are a few of the essentials.
A show ring lifesaver, Effol ManeTail-Liquid Volumiser creates greater fullness and volume. High quality oils prevent hair from drying out while at the same time making it stronger. Silicone oils (also used in human cosmetics) make for easier untangling and combing through of the mane and tail.
The unique and popular HAAS Combination Body Brush has two rings of synthetic bristles around a sponge pad. A little shampoo on the sponge and you can wash your horse thoroughly as the bristles help lift dirt from the coat. Made from a high-quality material, the brush back is virtually split proof.
CHAMPION TAILS Stain Remover is formulated to remove grass, sweat, urine, and dirt stains from manes, tails, white socks and stained body hair. Available in Natural or Silver Highlight, the Natural formulation can also be used to remove any Silver Highlight Stain Remover build-up.
HSC Plaiting Spray Gel provides grip while you’re plaiting and then sets plaits into the desired position. To ensure consistent application, spray from top to bottom on a damp or dry mane or tail and start plaiting. The product then slowly sets into place. The spray is easily washable and will not leave white residue.
Professionally formulated and pH balanced, Vetsense Equigloss 2 In 1 is a concentrated shampoo and conditioner to deep cleanse and condition the coat. Low irritant, sulphate and soap free, it includes a vegetable derived conditioning agent, lavender oil for its pleasant and calming fragrance, as well as oat extract and chamomile for their soothing effect. Add vitamin E, aloe vera and pro vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin and coat, and what’s not to love.
HSC Plaiting Spray from Ashbree Saddlery
Effol Mane-Tail-Liquid Volumiser from Trailrace
Vetsense Equigloss 2 In 1 Spray from Vetsense
HAAS Combination Body Brush from Ashbree Saddlery
CHAMPION TAILS Stain Remover from Horseland
PROPERTY
Outstanding boutique horse farm
This magnificent property located at 193 Highlands Road, Eudlo in Queensland really does need to be seen to be believed.
Aboutique spelling and breeding farm, this outstanding 20 acre Sunshine Coast property has to be seen to fully appreciate the planning and work carried out by its current owners. Completely rebuilt from the ground up, all the facilities you need to breed and train horses are already in place.
The property features a gracious twostorey Queenslander set amid manicured
lawns and gardens. Extensively renovated inside and out, a large verandah overlooks the paddocks. The modern kitchen is fitted out with Miele hotplates, a Smeg oven and stone bench tops. A pot belly stove in the spacious lounge keeps the winter chill at bay, while ducted airconditioning beats the summer heat.
With five bedrooms in total, the first floor master bedroom includes a magnificent
ensuite, walk-through robe, and a private verandah with access to the pool and entertaining area. The home also features a yoga retreat, gym, sauna, spa, a games room with a custom-built bar and pool table, and a fully enclosed entertaining area with a magnesium pool and outdoor kitchen.
The equine infrastructure is outstanding, with well-drained paddocks, a 20-meter
Equine facilities include
diameter round yard, a six horse AEW horse walker, and a 40x40m arena. The barn has five extra-large boxes, each equipped with fans, windows, and rubber lined walls. There is a tack room, a hot and cold wash bay, and a vermin proof feed room, plus a large air-conditioned office with a meeting table, computer, TV and fridge. Adjacent to the stable are six paddocks, all with hot wire and shelters,
while an additional two paddocks are located near the property’s imposing front gate. A further nine paddocks at the rear have brand new fencing, shelters and each is hot-wired.
The breeding and vet centre includes a large roofed area with a rubber floor to ensure safety, three sheltered walk-inwalk-out yards, and a double vet crush. The breeding complex and all paddocks
are lit by LED lighting for excellent foaling down management.
Situated just 50 minutes from Noosa and an hour from Brisbane International Airport, this property is truly one in a million.
For further information visit Horse Properties, or contact Greg Young on 0488 238 988.
The barn has five extra-large boxes, each equipped with fans, windows and rubber lined walls.
The fully enclosed entertaining area features a magnesium pool and outdoor kitchen.
a 20-meter diameter round yard and a six horse AEW horse walker.
Equi-Jewel®
Equi-Jewel® is the ideal conditioning supplement to increase body condition, topline, and coat quality in breeding horses, performance horses, and horses being prepared for sale.
Equi-Jewel is a high-fat, cool-energy supplement that provides a safe source of calories for horses requiring a lowcarbohydrate diet or horses that are intolerant to grain due to tying-up or gastric ulcers.
Equi-Jewel contains KER BMC™, research proven to double the acid-buffering capacity of the stomach, which moderates stomach pH and reduces the risk of gastric ulcers. KER BMC also increases the buffering capacity of the hindgut by 54% to promote improved digestion and feed utilisation.
Learn more about Equi-Jewel at ker.com