HM
The Horse’s Mouth, official magazine of Equestrian SA
MAGAZINE Spring Issue 2015
SA JUNIOR VAULTER Shines At FEI World Championships
Focus on Adelaide for Australian International 3 Day Event in pre-Olympic year ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: SA Rider Named On Olympic Showjumping Team Are Genetics Enough Hot Off The Press From International Society For Equine Science
EQUESTRIAN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
FOR THE FIRST TIME
CARRIAGE DRIVING
At the 2015 Australian International 3 Day Event.
Two International CAI 1* Events. 19 - 22 November 2015 East parklands | Adelaide | South Australia Tickets on sale at ticketek.com.au For more information: sa.equestrian.org.au/driving
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 3
Contents In this issue NEWS 4 All the latest from the SA Equestrian scene
CARRIAGE DRIVING
9
Gearing up for the first ever competitions at Aus3DE
EVENTING 15 Global focus on Adelaide for the only four star event in the southern hemisphere
COACHES CORNER
22
Andrew McLean’s Ten Commandments for ethical horse training
INTERSCHOOL 19 Preparations in full swing for the National Championships
ARE GENETICS ENOUGH?
12
When breeding an equine superstar?
All articles and photos are supplied by Equestrian SA unless otherwise stated.
OFFICIALS 24
COVER IMAGE
Caroline Jones on the essentials of Stewarding
SHOW HORSE
28
The Showhorse season gets underway with strong competition
SHOW JUMPING
28
SA rider on Australian Olympic Showjumping team
VAULTING 30 Our junior vaulter performs at FEI Wold Championships
SA vaulter Rebecca Vandepeear at the FEI World Junior Championships held in Ermelo, Netherlands. PHOTO Andrea Fuchshumer Produced by Flying Pig Marketing, Norwood. South Australia For Equestrian South Australia. September 2015
Enquire about advertising in HM Magazine
Contact: manager@sa.equestrian.org.au
NEWS
4 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
News Why undertake equine studies at Eastern Fleurieu School? “It’s the first time I’ve really been offered a class I thoroughly enjoy. It’s helping me prepare for my career path, and helps me day to day with the horses I currently work with out of school hours. The course is easy to understand and you get the chance to work on projects with partners.” Year 10 Student.
Jemma Harris, an EFS Equine Studies student riding her horse Rex. It was his first gymkhana and Jemma did an amazing job balancing riding as well as running the showjumping ring. PHOTO: Equest & Sports Photography
Exclusive opportunity for eastern Fleurieu students at Strathalbyn In 2016, Eastern Fleurieu School, Strathalbyn will become the only School in SA to offer its students an exclusive opportunity to gain the Certificate 2 in Equine Studies qualification. This opportunity will build on from the Equine Studies course that was introduced to the school this year (2015) and which has already proven extremely popular for students from all over South Australia and even from International students! Eastern Fleurieu School’s Student Pathways Leader, Tony Sheldon, has worked hard to secure this exclusive qualification opportunity for our students. Currently, students are able to gain up to 30 SACE credits for Equine Studies. But with the introduction of the Certificate 2 in Equine Studies, not only will students gain an industry recognised qualification but they can also gain up to 70 SACE credit points! The qualification can be taken over one or two years, depending on intensity of study. Students undertaking the Certificate II in Equine Studies will be offered the opportunity to gain even more SACE credit through study of Equestrian Australia’s Introductory course material. Students choosing to do this can potentially end up with 90 SACE points in total! Carla Cerchi SACE Stage I Equine Studies Teacher E: carla.cerchi930@schools.sa.edu.au M: 0410 950 342
Apart from gaining so many SACE credits and tapping in to what is an obvious passion for many students, the other huge benefit of the certificate 2 course, is that it offers students the opportunity to diversify into areas of interest and industry recognition through elective topics such as breeding, mare & foal handing, novice horse riding skills, property and machinery maintenance, event/ show preparation, as well as assisting in the conduct of an event in the Equine Industry which can be easily achieved through the students involvement in running our annual Interschool Gymkhana. One on the way! Eastern Fleurieu School would like to say a big thank you to...who very kindly donated “PM Silhouette” (an ex-police horse) for our Equine Studies program. Currently agisting at EringaVale Sporthorses studfarm in Meadows,”Silhouette has proven to be the gift that just keeps giving. It has just been confirmed she is in foal and due any day! Post-partum, Nelly and foal will be then be located in an area of the School’s Agricultural Studies block once a yard is constructed, which will enable students a hands-on experience in horse management as well as foal handling. Exciting times I am truly excited by the opportunities being offered to our students through our Equine Studies Program and am blown away by the interest being shown in our program by students from all over the world! It is a pleasure to be able to offer students something they have such a deep passion for but which also offers them an industry recognised qualification. If you are interested in our Equine Studies program then please feel free to contact any one of the Equine Studies teachers below.
Tony Sheldon Senior Leader Student Pathways E: Tony.Sheldon882@schools.sa.edu.au M: (08) 8536 2455
Penny Toy Acting Assistant Principal / Year 12 Leader/SACE Coordinator E: Penny.Toy108@schools.sa.edu.au M: (08) 8536 2455
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The 2015 Scholarship weekend will take place over two days. The disciplines of Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Carriage Driving and Vaulting will take place on the 28th and 29th November, 2015 at Kirkcaldy Park, Razorback Road, Meadows. Coaches and Selectors will be advised shortly. The discipline of Show Horse will take place on 7th & 8th November, 2015 at a venue to be advised. Coaches and Selectors will be advised shortly. Please note this is a smoke and alcohol free weekend. Current junior, dual junior PCA, or senior ESA members between the ages of 12 and 21 years are eligible to enter and entry is free. Up to 10 finalists in each discipline will be selected to receive intensive coaching. Lunch will be provided on both days at no cost to the finalists. Families requiring lunch will need to pay a small fee. UK based, South Australian rider Wendy Schaeffer and Smokin Sun, named on the National Senior Recognition Squad. PHOTO: Jayphotos.co.uk
SA riders feature on National Squads National squads for eventing, dressage, jumping and para-equestrian are organised in accordance with new criteria which aligns more closely with Australia’s Winning Edge – the high performance strategy of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The new structure includes two tiers High Performance and Recognition, with categories and specific selection criteria for each. Congratulations to the following South Australian ESA Members on their Squad Achievement! Show Jumping - High Performance Squad Olympic Scott Keach
You may enter for only one discipline. Finalists will need to arrive at the venue and be ready to start at 9.00am each day and remain on site until the conclusion of each day and you must attend all coaching sessions whether riding or not. You will be assessed over the duration of the weekend by the Coach and Selector on performance, horsemanship, knowledge of discipline, attitude, ability and potential. All finalists are required to attend the Equestrian SA Annual Awards Night to be held early in 2016. It is a condition of attending the scholarship weekend that participants attend this evening at their own cost. Persons under 16 years must be supervised by parent or guardian outside of scholarship training hours. A Scholarship prize of $500 will be awarded to one winner in Dressage, Carriage Driving, Eventing, Show Horse, Jumping and Vaulting, to be used to reimburse coaching fees with an EA accredited coach.
Paralympic - High Performance Squad Paralympic Elizabeth Sobecki Eventing - National Senior Recognition Squad Megan Jones & Kirby Park Allofasudden, Kirby Park Invader & Kirby Park Impress Eventing - National Senior Recognition Squad Wendy Schaeffer & Smokin Sun Show Jumping - National Young Rider Recognition Squad Nicole Bruggemann Dressage - National Futures Squad Ruth Schneeberger & Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer Eventing - National Development Squad Caitlin Keith & Domino Effect Eventing - National Development Squad Jaimie Stitchel & Image Blue Ice & Image Look My Way
Kick start your Coaching career. Becoming an Equestrian Australia (EA) Introductory Coach coach can be very rewarding for yourself and your students. EA Courses may be completed at your own pace so there is no time limit you need to meet. The amount of time required to complete the course is dependent on your previous experience. A step by step guide to assist you to become a coach can be found on the national EA website www.equestrian.org.au/content/coaches-gettingstarted For further information or assistance contact Suzanne Skibinski, coordinator@equestriansa.com.au
NEWS
2015 Equestrian South Australia and Be Active Youth Development Scholarship Weekend
CARRIAGE DRIVING
6 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Ellie Crossley. PHOTO Kangra Photo Graphic Action
First ever competition at the Australian 3 Day Event Driving SA will host two FEI One Star Carriage Driving events this year at the AUS3DE . This is a significant step forward for Carriage Driving in Australia and is the first event of its kind held in SA. It enables drivers to qualify for overseas competition and raises the profile of the sport in SA to International level. It has been made possible by the support of: • the AUS3DE organisers, especially Gill Rolton • the staff of the ESA office • Sue Hartog at the National EA office and a grant from the ICDF which has enabled us to meet the costs involved with utilising the necessary FEI judges and officials • the ESA Carriage Driving Committee who are committed and united in moving carriage driving forward We have had a lot of interest from interstate drivers and welcome spectators and support from the wider Equestrian community. Jackie Boyd. PHOTO: Kangra Photo Graphic Action
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Stalwart of South Australian showjumping, Jeff Evans and Fieldbrook Corunia competing in the World Cup Qualifier at Gawler. PHOTO Equine Magazine.
COACHES CORNER
8 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Coaches Corner. The Ten Commandments of horse training By Dr Andrew McLean
Dr Andrew McLean of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre was a key note speaker at the recent International Society for Equitation Science Conference held in Canada. Dr McLean in association with Professor Paul McGreevy has recently overhauled the ten principles that are benchmarks for ethical standards in training. It is important for your horse that you understand these concepts because they enable maximum efficiency in training. Horse trainers can achieve optimal training efficiently by understanding natural behaviours, learning abilities and biomechanics by taking account of the latest available knowledge. These Ten Principles have been peer-reviewed by a panel of 10 behavioural scientists.
1.
must be careful not to overestimate equine intelligence (e.g., “he knows what he did wrong”), especially in an attempt to justify punishment. Equally, we should not underestimate equine intelligence by supposing that horses don’t have emotions and feelings. Our latest research shows that attachment, arousal and emotions affect the efficiency of the various learning processes in very individual and interesting ways.
2. Use learning theory appropriately Does your training demonstrate the appropriate use of the key concepts of learning theory - Habituation, Sensitisation, Operant conditioning, Shaping and Classical conditioning?
Horse trainers can achieve optimal training efficiently by understanding natural behaviours, learning abilities and biomechanics.
Train according to the horse’s ethology and cognition (the way horses live naturally):
Ethology is the study of animal behaviour that provides information on how horses have evolved to live. It helps to explain natural equine social structures, including complex dynamic social organisation with a social rank that determines access to resources. Horses show ‘bilateral dominance’ patterns which means that they each have individual relationships with the others however there is no evidence that they understand or care, for that matter, about relationships between the others in the social group. Horses need the company of their own species and readily form attachment bonds, so isolation is detrimental. They have evolved to walk and graze for about 16 hours per day and their digestive system and brain wiring have adapted to this regimen. You need to take into account how horses think: Cognition refers to the ways animals process information about the world. Compared to humans, their prefrontal cortex in the brain is diminished, so horses may not recall events as we do. In all mammals including humans, the duration of memories lasts only around 3 seconds. In humans and other animals such as cooperative predators, there are specific neural tissues that refresh memory traces in the prefrontal cortex. The absence of this in horses means that they do not visualise stimuli that they cannot see. However if the stimulus is associated with a certain reaction, then it will trigger a behaviour. The lack of recall means that equine memories are not subject to corruption through imagination and visualisation but remain perfectly intact. Memorising and recognising stimuli that trigger certain responses – this is what keeps them safe. We
Habituation is recognised when animals stop responding to events and stimuli as they become accustomed to them. Habituation can be used to defuse reactions to aversive stimuli in a process called desensitisation. Systematic desensitisation, approach conditioning, overshadowing and counter-conditioning are some methods of desensitisation. One of the key concepts at the heart of your training program, is operant conditioning, which basically means getting your horse to do what you want it to do, but in a clever way that is not stressful to the horse, or you there will be unintended consequences where the horse may revert to one of the three ways of coping with stress: hyper-reactivity where he attempts to flee, aggression or reverting to apathy and dullness. These may threaten the safety of humans and horses alike. Operant conditioning describes training using rewards and consequences. There are 4 subsets and the first is simple, horse does what you want, you reward him: 1. Positive reinforcement: The addition of something the horse values to increase the occurrence of a desired behaviour. They must be issued to the horse immediately at the onset of the correct response. 2. Negative reinforcement: The removal of something the horse wants to avoid, to increase the occurrence of a desired behaviour. It is just the removal of any pressure. Negative reinforcement can and should be very subtle. Pressure motivates horses but the release of that pressure is what trains them. 3. Positive punishment: A last resort. Adding something aversive to reduce the occurrence of a behaviour. Positive punishment has negative welfare implications so should be avoided. If used, it must be connected in time with the undesirable behaviour. Delays of any sort do not work.
COACHES CORNER
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COACHES CORNER
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4. Negative punishment: Removing something the horse values to reduce the occurrence of a behaviour. Negative punishment is rarely used except for prompt removal of attention to suppress a behaviour. Once again, if delayed, it is ineffective. Shaping is the gradual step-by-step building blocks of behaviours. Each step should differ only slightly from the previous step so that it is as obvious as possible for the horse to trial (or offer) the correct/desired response. Training is all about timing. Classical conditioning uses cues and signals to trigger and elicit behaviours. They must be timed with exquisite precision to coincide with the start of the desired behaviour. So voice, seat and body posture cues should be consistently given just before a rein or leg aid so as to elicit the same response. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: The use of pressure/ discomfort has the potential for serious welfare implications that range from escape, aggression and apathy to learned helplessness.
3. Train easy-to-discriminate signals Does your training demonstrate that operant and classically conditioned signals are unique and easily discriminated for - Up/down gait transitions; Faster/ slower (tempo) variations of the horse’s limbs; Longer/ shorter (stride length) variations of the horse’s limbs; Lateral steps (turning) of forelegs; Lateral steps (yielding) of hindlegs and Head/neck flexions/head carriage? When you think about it, horse training is fraught with difficulties form the start because we sit on the animal and can use our 2 reins and seat and posture and legs to stimulate the horse, but not all of these aids can ensure a response in a challenging circumstance or when the horse simply doesn’t feel like responding. So we need to divide our aids into those that can reliably obtain a response (operant conditioning) and those that can maintain it when things are going well (classically conditioned aids.) The operantly conditioned aids are those of reins and legs so we need to have distinct and easily discriminated aids for gait, tempo and length changes as well as lateral steps of fore and hindlegs. Then we also need distinct aids for seat and postural associations. Above all, acceleration signals must differ significantly from deceleration signals or confusion is magnified. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Blurred and ambivalent signals can lead to confusion, distress and responses that compromise performance and rider safety.
4. Shape responses and movements Does your training demonstrate that, for any behaviour modification, training begins by reinforcing basic attempts at the target behaviour and then gradually improving approximations of that behaviour? The Equitation Science shaping scale begins at a Basic Attempt, then any response or movement is trained to be elicited immediately and from a light aid. Next Rhythm is trained where the horse learns to selfmaintain his gait, tempo and stride length. Now Straightness. Unlike the FEI scale where straightness comes in much later (after impulsion and contact) the Equitation Science scale puts it after rhythm because we now know that not only do horses work in diagonal pairs, but that each diagonal pair has different propulsive rhythm characteristics which make horses crooked. Now we have the legs of the horse dealt with. Next is the body of the horse: Contact. Contact is the most elusive of the shaping because much of it develops itself over time in good training. At this level, the continuum of impulsion through to engagement then throughness and finally collection develops through inter-gait and intra-gait transitions that occur in 2 beats (2 foreleg steps in walk and trot and 2 strides in canter and gallop). The timing is essential for the development of throughness and collection and while most top trainers don’t recognise this timing, most are good at it. As the horse progresses through from impulsion to collection, the seat, leg and rein connections develop which is why rider position is an essential and unavoidable ingredient. In training. The last shaping involve training the horse in progressively more diverse places so that he becomes reliable anywhere. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Poor shaping can lead to confusion and responses that compromise performance and rider safety.
5. Keep it simple and don’t confuse your horse. Elicit responses one-at-a-time Does your training demonstrate that individual cues/ signals are separated in time from each other? Horses like most quadrupeds have four basic gaits. In walk there are four beats, in trot two beats and in canter three beats. The optimal time to elicit an response is when the leg is in swing phase: on the contrary stance phase legs are preoccupied by mechanical constraints. So when you want a particular leg to move, you have a small window to ask. To illustrate this point, think of a canter pirouette. You have three separate beats swing phase beats to ask each leg to do something different. The leading foreleg in swing phase can be asked to turn, the outside hind can be asked to yield, and the outside foreleg inside hind pair can be either asked to shorten to make the pirouette smaller. These all occur at different times to make training more efficient. Of course riders get away with it by asking at the wrong
times, but when this happens dullness begins to set it. When you ask for something that the horse cannot do he gradually becomes less reactive. Now he definitely will need spurs and a curb bit. While simultaneous cues for different responses inhibit each other and become gradually desensitised, with contradictory cues that are applied simultaneously, such as those for acceleration and deceleration, the desensitisation effects are magnified and confusion and stress are likely to set in. With education, cues can be issued closer together. Cues are like words and need separation and the very best riders do so. This principle also highlights the point first made by Pluvinel in the early 17th century that the walk was the main gait for training (because all four legs are separated and in comparatively slow motion) while the trot was the gait for suppleness. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Clashing cues weaken stimulus control and can lead to confusion and responses that compromise performance and rider safety.
6. Train only one response per signal Does your training demonstrate that each signal elicits a single response? (However, each response can be elicited by more than one signal.) Above all, acceleration signals must be separated from deceleration signals. This is an area of intense importance because rein aids are often used to make the horse rounder, which can confuse deceleration effects. Single reins are often used to bend the neck, which can confuse the basic turns, and the rider’s legs are frequently used for all three above mentioned acceleration responses, as well as bending and turning. The best you can do for your horse is to think long and hard about how unique each signal is for each response to the horse and to ask yourself – are the problems you see in him a result of confusion? WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Ambiguous rein and leg signals lead to confusion and responses that compromise performance and rider safety.
7. Form consistent habits Does your training demonstrate consistency, so that in training new responses, training is set up in the same context each time, and the same signals are used on the same part of the horse’s body or in the same location relative to the horse’s body? After each response is consolidated, the locations can be gradually altered. It makes sense to train the horse in the same way and same place each time until consolidation. While it is important to change rein often, it may also be expedient to stay on the same rein when learning something in particular until the horse seems to ‘get it’ and then change rein. Consistency makes horses calm and secure because they give him a sense of predictability and controllability.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Inconsistent training can lead to dull responses that compromise performance.
8. Train persistence of responses (self-carriage) Does your training demonstrate the duration of locomotory responses so that the horse learns to ‘keep going’ in rhythm, straightness and outline to avoid any need for constant signalling and the risk of the horse habituating to signals? Self carriage is subject to various interpretations, however a more concrete one is that the horse should self-maintain his responses and movements. We should train the horse to ‘go on his own’ which is as a 300 year old concept. It means that the horse should maintain his speed, straightness and outline himself, and you should be able to let go of the reins for two or three beats (überstreichen) with no change in at all. If you release the reins for longer than two or three beats (anlehnung) then the horse should stretch to the contact but still maintain his speed and straightness. Holding the horse round can lead to short necks and the biggest problem of short necks apart from orthopaedic and neural effects (compression of spinal cord and spinal nerves) is the closing of the gullet which can induce closing of airways and breathing restrictions. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: The consequences of a lack of self-carriage range from dull responses to hyperreactive responses that compromise performance, welfare and rider safety.
9. Avoid and dissociate flight responses (because they resist extinction and trigger fear problems) Does your training demonstrate the avoidance of flight responses? Flight responses have unique characteristics, such as resistance to extinction, and may reappear spontaneously. Flight response behaviours are often accompanied by increased adrenaline concentration; increased hyper-reactivity; aggression, including redirected aggression; and conflict and displacement behaviours. If stress continues, the following may occur - increased cortisol concentration; learning and memory deficits; compromised immunity; digestive disturbances; ritualisation of original conflict behaviours; redirected aggression and long-term insecurity (e.g., separationrelated distress, fence walking, fear of conspecifics or horse shyness and increased neophobia).
COACHES CORNER
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WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Acute stress shows up as problem behaviours (escape, aggression, apathy). Chronic stress has very serious welfare implications, including learned helplessness, and can be fatal.
10. Good training is relaxed training. Demonstrate minimum levels of arousal sufficient for training (to ensure absence of conflict) Does your training demonstrate appropriate relaxation? Trainers should be able to show that the horse is as relaxed as possible, for the particular activity or learning circumstance. Certain levels of arousal, muscle tone and attentiveness are required for successful learning, but when these levels are exceeded, learning and welfare suffer. So the best practice is to achieve the level of arousal that is optimal for the learning of the particular response and try not to exceed it. This also means not to overtrain. It makes sense to try to achieve a set of just three correct repetitions in a row with a small break then another three and finally another three. I say three because the first set can take many repetitions to achieve a row of three correct ones. Training in this way has been shown to be efficient without over doing it and avoiding too high arousal levels. It has been shown that 5 or 10 correct consecutive repetitions is only marginally more efficient than three. WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Too much arousal may lead to compromised welfare, which may show up as acute/chronic stress (escape, aggression, apathy). For more information visit – www.aebc.com.au
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EVENTING
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Home grown Olympian Megan Jones will be leading the charge at this years Aus3de.
Global focus on Adelaide for the only four star event in the southern hemisphere The 2015 Australian International Three Day Event (Aus3de)
the first time in history the Equestrian Grand Final will be held in Adelaide. This event will be run in conjunction with the Aus3de.
Will once again return to Adelaide’s beautiful parklands this November, with a huge program of events on offer.
The Australian International Three Day Event Director Gillian Rolton said this year’s event will be an important year for competitors, spectators and sponsors alike.
The event will be held from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2015, and will include the popular Polo in the Park on Friday, Masterclasses, Celebrity Course Walks and exclusive VIP packages and tickets. As the pinnacle of eventing in Australia, the Australian International Three Day attracts riders from across the nation to compete for the highest prize pool of eventing in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the only CCI 4* competition in this part of the world. This year, the event will also bring riders to compete in the prestigious multi-discipline equestrian event, the Equestrian Grand Final, which will feature leading competitors from Olympic disciplines of World Cup dressage, jumping and exhibition eventing. Previously held in Sydney and Melbourne, this will be
“The 2015 Aus3de is shaping up to be a fantastic event, with plenty on offer,” she said. “As the sporting world heats up for the 2016 Rio Olympics, less than 12 months away, we can expect bigger entries than previous years, as well as tough competition across all classes.” “We are thrilled to host the 2015 Equestrian Grand Final, which will bring the top riders from their disciplines of World Cup Showjumping and Dressage from across the country to Adelaide.
“The very first step to designing a course is to access the landscape and analyse the natural dimensions,” Mike said. “You’re looking for flow for a horse to gain a rhythm, as well as a good balance of challenges and ease. You don’t want to ask questions too early, or similarly, too late.” “A cross country course is more than a series of fences placed randomly, it is a jigsaw puzzle to put together which requires a creative strategy,” he said. “The Aus3DE is a unique course. As a venue, it is great to have the opportunity to design a course in the heart of a city. With every track, you have to work with the landscape to determine what is best for the horse and rider,” Mike said. In 2015, Mike anticipates the Aus3DE course will reflect what is on trend on an international scale. “I would like to increase the course at the Aus3DE with more jumps on offer, and maximise the opportunities at Victoria Park. The standard of riders and horsemanship across the world is getter higher, and we need ensure we have a cross country course that reflects this,” he said. “And, the Masterclasses, Polo in the Park, Celebrity Course Walks and popular Market Place Shopping Village will all be part of the 2015 Aus3de program,” she said. This will be the first time in history that the Equestrian Grand Final will be hosted in Adelaide. “The Equestrian Grand Final will attract Olympic athletes to Adelaide, and give competitors the chance to compete in front of big crowds in a unique city atmosphere,” Gill said. “It will showcase the best of the best with about 50 of the nation’s top competitors in Dressage, Jumping and Exhibition Eventing on top of the 100 competitors in the triathlon of horse sport, the Australian International 3 Day Event.”
Each year, the Australian International Three Day Event organisers work hard to ensure to invite the best equestrian judges and officials from across the globe. This year is no exception. The event will welcome Nick Burton (GBR) as President of the 4* Ground Jury, with Sandy Phillips (GBR/USA), Wayne Quarles. (USA) Martin Plewa (GER) is FEI Technical Delegate, and Mary Seefried (AUS) , Nick Burton and Sandy Phillips will judge the Equestrian Grand Final Dressage.. “The equestrian judges and officials are very experienced. Sandy Philips, is an FEI 4* Dressage and Eventing judge, Olympian, and coach. She was a member of the US Olympic dressage team, World Championships and World Equestrian Games for both USA and UK.
This will be the first time in history that the Equestrian Grand Final will be hosted in Adelaide.
The Equestrian Grand Final will take place in conjunction with the Australian International Three Day Event. Entry for spectators of the Equestrian Grand Final is included as part of admission tickets to Australia’s International Three Day Event.
“We also have a new FEI Olympic Course Designer, Michael Etherington-Smith, who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to the eventing cross country phase,” she said. Mike has been responsible for designing prestigious international courses, including the Beijing and Sydney Olympic Games tracks plus Blenheim, Rolex, Kentucky and Pan Ams in Brazil, to name a few. His philosophy as a highly acclaimed course designer is to first access the terrain and then look for a flow and balance when designing a course.
“She also judged at the Rio Eventing Test Event earlier this month, and is in line to judge at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Nick Burton will return to Adelaide as the President of the Ground Jury for 2015 event. Former international eventing rider and FEI Olympic international judge, Nick was on the Ground Jury for the 2012 London Olympic Games, President of the Ground Jury for Badminton Horse Trials, and for the Eventing Senior European Championships in Germany.
EVENTING
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EVENTING
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“He is also listed as a Grand Prix dressage judge and is one of the World Class Development Programme dressage coaches. He is a great addition to the Aus3de, offering experience, professionalism and expertise,” Gill said.
This year, Megan hopes to have three horses in the competition, including the grey gelding, and ex National Show Hunter Champion History in the CCI2*, as well as Kirby Park Allofasudden and Flowervale Maserati, both in the CCI4 *.
“Wayne Quarles is also an experienced Eventing Dressage judge, who judged at Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event this year and the Toronto Pan Am Games. He was on the Appeals Committee at last years’ WEG in Normandy and is also a 4* TD,” she said.
In the lead up to the event, Megan says she will be travelling interstate to ride in as many competitions as possible, in preparation before November.
Martin Plewa (GER) will not only be the 2015 Technical Delegate, he will also be conducting clinics for riders coaches and judges, before commencing official duties with the event. “Martin rode internationally, including at European and World Championships and then became the very successful trainer of the German team which won an Olympic Gold Medal at Seoul in 1988,” Gill said. “He has officiated all around the world, as both a Judge and Technical Delegate, the most notable example of both being the Olympic Games (President Ground Jury at Beijing and TD in London),” she said. Making the journey across the Nullarbor, Sonja Johnson, who is an Olympic hopeful for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, will be competing in the CCI 4* at this year’s Aus3de. “I love the Australian International Three Day Event,” Sonya said. “Not only it is a great event to compete in, it is also the only four star competition we have access to in Australia.” “This year, I will be doing everything I can to prove I deserve a spot on the Rio team in 2016,” she said. South Australian Olympian Megan Jones is a hot favourite for this year’s Australian International Three Day Event. As a previous Silver Medallist at the Beijing Olympics, Megan will be doing everything in her power to ensure she is in contention for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Megan will also be helping the Ready Set Trot Program as the Program Ambassador at the 2015 Aus3de.
“We will be doing quite a bit of travel through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales this year to ensure we have enough starts,” she said. Megan knows Adelaide well, having competed in the event since the first Aus3de in 1997. “The stables were located at Magic Millions at Morphettville Racecourse that year, and we trucked them in each day. There was a huge storm and all the creek crossing in the cross country was completely washed away!” Megan hopes to be on top of the ladder at this year’s event, in home town. “I just love Adelaide- the crowds, the atmosphere, and the cross country. Plus, it’s so close to home!” she said. “I am going to ride like I am going to stay on! My advice to younger riders wanting to make the journey to Adelaide would be to be prepared and don’t come without enough runs as it’s a tough event and the horses react differently to the crowds,” she said. The Australian International Three Day Event in conjunction with ESA Carriage Driving committee will also host an international Carriage Driving event for horses and carriages on Sunday 22 November. The Australian International Three Day Event Combined Driving Event will be a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) classified competition, comprising of two CAI 1* events, a driven dressage and cones competition. The event will be open for all spectators to view on the western side of Victoria Park and entrance will be off Wakefield Street. It will be a fantastic opportunity to witness a wonderful display of carriage driving.
The 2015 Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3DE) is the pinnacle of horse sports in Australia and is one of the six top level Federation Equestre International (FEI) Classic Series events held around the world annually. The series of events on the FEI Calendar includes Pau (FRA), then here in Adelaide (AUS), followed by Kentucky (USA), Badminton (GBR), Luhmühlen (GER) and finishing in Burghley (GBR).
Apple Blossom second and Georgia Gibson and Just an Illusion third.
Tickets to the 2015 Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3DE) are selling fast. There are many options to enjoy this wonderful event, including VIP tickets to the Chairman’s Lounge, the new Giddy Up Club, Adelaide City Council Grandstand passes, and General Admission. Visit http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show. aspx?sh=HORSE15 to purchase tickets.
The highest class, CNC** saw the top 6 places going to Victorians - Rebekah McDougall and ESB Irish Patience won from Natalie Davies and Chatswood Captivate with stablemate Chatswood Design third. SA’s Sarah Clark and Bellhaven Cardentice placed 7th, Megan Jones and Flowervale Maseati on the comeback from injury trail finished 8th and Lara Pizimolas and Latitude 9th. A great effort from Lara who is on the comeback from ankle surgeries.
The event will be held in Adelaide Thursday 19th to Sunday 22 November 2015. For more information visit www.australian3de.com.au
Eventing news After the winter break, eventing kicked off it’s spring season over the border at Mildura, Victoria. Numerous SA riders made the trip for an early run in July at Introductory, Preliminary and Pre Novice levels before the usual season opener at Mt Gambier, with both events attracting riders from both sides of the border in good numbers. The Mildura Horse Trials was run over the July 25 & 26th weekend, capably hosted by the Mildura Pony Club over a course supervised by Ewan Kellet. The highest affiliated class, EVA 105, was won by Kerrie Bowman and Fourwinds Funky Chick travelling all the way up from Millicent/Mt Gambier. Second to Peta Chalmers and Mono Rock with Jessica Pritchard and Bella Rouge. EVA 95 saw a win to Skylar McFarlane and Bruno Twenty Two, back from a long injury spell, with Amelia Corello and Riverlord Rio Grande second and Cooper Oborn and Puff in third. EVA 80 was won by Juliet Hittmann and Lark just 0.9 ahead of Shylie Summaton and Out of Time with Chrissie Holmes and Ballina Park Mick only 0.6 away in third. A close and very exciting contest! A Junior EVA 80 was also run separately and was won by Chloe Jong and Ibnky Tiffany, with Courtney Munro and Ayleston Park
The Mt Gambier Horse Trials on August 16 & 17th is a hugely popular event run by Mt Gambier Pony Club. This event was extremely well run and organised, attracting large fields for it’s well presented course over excellent going, with perhaps even more Victorians than SA riders this year.
Fortunately SA riders turned the tables in CNC * taking first four placings with Megan Jones and History first, local rider Kerrie Bowman and Fourwinds Funky Chick in second, Jade Kluske and Mighty Delago, also making a comeback from injury, and Mia Allen and ESB Irish Craft in fourth. EVA 105 was won by Louise Chapman and Kirby Park Exquisite from Madeleine O’Callaghan and Fernlock Allemande with Cheryl Weekley and Gundaroo Lincoln third. EVA 95 was won narrowly by Andrew Cooper and Jaybee Altimate from Megan Jones and KP Ringmeister only 1.3 penalties away but also only 0.1 ahead of Seumas Marwood and Kaptivation in third while Megan was also fourth on KPI Applause. EVA 80 was an even closer decision with the winner, Tarnya Brennan and Without Warning on a score of 39.8, as was second, Kerrie Bowman and Diamond Queen, only separated by Tarnya being closest to optimum time XC by 7 seconds. Third was Sarah May and Wirragulla Cambridge. EVA 65 Newcomers was won by Jo Grant and Prince from Amanda Archer and Xena and Jo O’Connor and I am Sam. Next back to Victoria for Friends of Werribee, attracting those seeking CIC qualifications for Adelaide.
EVENTING
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 17
INTERSCHOOL
18 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Brooke Yeardley on Celebrity Park Ronaldo (Cornerstone HS); Tamara Bakker on Allengreen Playwrite (Willunga Waldorf); Trudi Day on Kobus (Mount Compass Area School); and Ellie Edwards on Acacia Ridge Reggae (Cornerstone HS). PHOTO: PYT Photography.
Build-up to the Nationals The last couple of months have been busy for Interschool with preparations for the Australian Championships at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. 29 riders have been selected to represent South Australia in the disciplines of Show Horse, Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping and Combined Training. The team will look fantastic with the red and white uniforms supplied by Bubbells Embroidery, and embroidered rugs made by Bloomfield Rugs. On the 1st-2nd August Clive Reed held a clinic for the Show Jump riders at his Northern Equestrian Centre. Clive will be travelling with the team to Sydney and will be there to coach the show jump riders during the event. The following weekend was the team building day with Megan Jones. On Saturday Megan met with them team and ran a training session on bandaging and helped the
team practice trotting up for the vet inspection. The day also included information on horse welfare when travelling and what to expect at Sydney. Captain Ashleigh Westcott and Vice-Captain Georgina Watson led the rehearsal of the team song, both Ashleigh and Georgina are experienced Interschool competitors and have attended the Nationals several times. Their experience will be invaluable for the team and will help Team SA in it’s quest to win the Team Spirit Award for a 5th time. On Sunday Megan ran a clinic for the riders, which included cross country training, show jumping and dressage. Megan will also be at Sydney to coach the team. The Australian Championships will be held from September 28th to October 2nd.
INTERSCHOOL
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 19
Lachie Gardiner (Winnie the Pooh), James Gardiner (Tigger) and Sienna Stanford (Piglet). PHOTO: PYT Photography.
Eastern Fleurieu Interschool Gymkhana courtesy of the Southern Argus. On the last weekend of August the Eastern Fleurieu School at Strathalbyn held it’s 3rd Annual Interschool Gymkhana, at the Strathalbyn Polo Grounds. Students from South Australian schools participated in a range of events including led and hacking classes, riding classes, jumping, fancy dress, novelty events such as sack races and even an event for the fattest pony! This year’s gymkhana was organised by the the very passionate and energetic team of Equine Studies Students from Eastern Fleurieu, supported by the course coordinator and teacher Carla Cerchi and staff Andrea Goddard and Cathy Knight. Equine Studies was introduced this year as a subject area for Year 9 to 11 students as a SACE Stage I Integrated Studies course. The students study a range of topics related to the care and management of horses. Next year the school will offer the subject as a Vocational Educational Training (VET) subject (Certificate II in Equine Studies), where the learning will be directed at the acquirement of skills that will support employment opportunities in the equestrian, horse breeding and related fields.
academic benefits, too. “We find that often students with equestrian commitments are good time managers, demonstrating initiative with their learning and being organised and disciplined with schoolwork assignment deadlines. This is often directly seen in the success of their learning outcomes.” Not all equestrian team members own their own horse; others get involved by helping with other horses at equestrian events.
Aggregate Winners School School
Points
Eastern Fleurieu School
172
Seymour 150
150
Cornerstone College
136
A total of 150 riders from around the state competed in the event. Eastern Fleurieu School trumped 37 other South Australian schools to take out the Interschool Trophy with the highest overall point score for the second time. Runners up were Seymour and Cornerstone Colleges. Tyndale College took out the Schools on Parade Trophy. Equine Studies Coordinator Carla Cerchi says the sport is an exciting co-curricular activity “Students learn to take responsibility for their horses and how to properly care for them.” There are
EFS Equine Studies student Chloe Bentley (Year 9) with PM Silhouette, the EFS Equine Studies horse at the gymkhana. PHOTO: PYT Photography.
20 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Are genetics enough when breeding an equine superstar?
By Dr John Chopin, BVSc, MANZCVS (Equine Medicine), PhD, FANZCVS, Registered Specialist in Equine Reproduction Registered Specialist in Equine Reproduction, John Chopin, grew up in south-west Queensland and graduated from The University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1990. After 18 months in general mixed practice, John completed a residency in equine medicine and surgery under the tutelage of Dr Dick Wright. John then completed a PhD with Dr Kerry Dowsett in equine frozen semen and the endocrinology of ovulation in the mare. A theriogenology residency followed, mentored by Dr David Pascoe and Dr Reg Pascoe at Oakey Veterinary Hospital. This included a teaching sabbatical at The University of California Davis under the direction of Dr Barry Ball. From here, John completed his Fellowship and joined Coolmore Australia in the Hunter Valley as an equine reproductive specialist. John then worked for Tamarang Veterinary Breeding Services and now has his own practice: Chopin Equine Reproduction Services in Murrundi, New South Wales.
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 21
Unfortunately, it might be too late for your equine superstar. As equine reproduction specialist Dr John Chopin explains, the single most limiting factor affecting a horse’s athletic potential might be the eleven months spent in utero.
Did you choose the best bloodlines? Are you feeding your equine athlete all the recommended feeds and micro nutrients? Have you got the best trainer? Do you get them regularly massaged or acupunctured? Are you looking for something else to maximise the potential of what should, genetically, be a superstar, but the horse is not quite living up to expectations?
What is foetal nutrition? An individual that is not living up to genetic expectation might already have had setbacks before it was born. These setbacks will rule its entire life and it will never live up to genetic expectation, despite all the supplements and training it receives. These setbacks can be a result of changes to metabolism that are locked in for life, and also structural make-up of bones, muscles, lungs and heart. They are all dictated and laid down during pregnancy. There is good scientific evidence that events during pregnancy can be influenced to change the metabolism and structure of individuals as they develop. This article will help explain why this might be the case, so that future individuals might have their full genetic potential exploited. Nutrition drives reproduction. Good nutrition makes mares cycle earlier in the season, cycle more regularly and increase the chance of going in foal. Low-protein diets or low-energy diets result in a higher embryonic loss rate in mares. If a pregnant mare is
restricted from eating, she immediately prepares to abort with the hormones of labour increasing in her blood stream. This is an important consideration with any pregnant mare that is not eating, due to illness, or is having food withheld for a medical or surgical procedure. A developing pregnancy changes from an embryo to a foetus when all the rudimentary organs have formed. Although the term foetal nutrition will be used in this article, embryonic nutrition is also critical. Foetal nutrition is the balance between molecules that the foetus needs to grow (oxygen, sugars, proteins, electrolytes) and also removal of harmful waste products (carbon dioxide and other waste products of metabolism). The delivery and removal of these products occurs through communication between maternal and foetal bloodflow. This occurs at the border between the uterus (maternal bloodflow) and foetal membranes (foetal bloodflow). The combination of these two powerful units is called the placenta. Foetal nutrition is not only dependent on what is delivered or removed, but also how much. Changes in bloodflow from either the maternal or foetal side can change foetal nutrition. So, dietary intake of the mare is not the only factor involved. Her overall health is important. Is she in good condition? Is she feeling well? If she has a period of illness or is exposed to toxins from the environment, these might influence foetal nutrition. One last consideration is the older mare that might have damage and scarring to the uterus. This might change the bloodflow to the placenta and also influence foetal nutrition. There are a wide range of factors that can influence foetal nutrition. Some of these are temporary and can be treated (mare illness), others are permanent and might not be able to be accommodated (uterine damage or scarring). If the pregnant mare undergoes any change in her state of wellbeing, consideration should always be given to supporting the other individual inside her.
Metabolic preprogramming In the hours to days after fertilisation, metabolic preprogramming occurs. Metabolic preprogramming is where the young embryo reads information about the external environment from signals supplied from the mother and adapts its metabolism to optimise its chances of survival. These metabolic decisions are locked in for life.
22 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
There are thought to be two types of metabolism thrifty and non-thrifty. Thrifty metabolism results when the embryo decides that life outside of the uterus looks tough and makes major changes to its metabolism in order to increase survival after birth. The classic description of a thrifty metabolism is a couch potato that would rather watch sport than participate in it. In humans, these people are insulin resistant (prone to diabetes), have altered exercise behavior (will be sedentary to conserve resources), have altered feeding patterns (will prefer and select energy dense foods), have reduced skeletal muscle mass (less exercise), central fat deposition (saving energy for a rainy day) and also have other alterations in autonomic control (one being high blood pressure). In humans, this can be as a result of low oxygen, low nutrition or low protein during early pregnancy. The opposite of this metabolism is the non-thrifty individual that is very active, eats whatever they want and doesn’t seem to be overweight. These individuals developed where there was no indication to the young embryo that there was a need to spare resources as environmental resources appeared to be in plentiful supply.
SSS SSS or Size, Strength, Scope are characteristics that most Thoroughbred farm managers evaluate when a foal is born. This gives them feedback to give to the mare owner, so that a decision can be made on who to mate that mare back to. If it was favourable, the mare owner might send the mare back to the same stallion. If unfavourable, the mare owner might change stallions. Size and strength is determined by genetics, so evaluating this is incredibly important. However, other factors are involved, which might confound the decision about ideal genetic matching. Maiden mares (a mare that has not had any previous foals) will have smaller foals than mares that have had foals before. Maiden mares should, therefore, have their foals compared to foals from other maiden mares. This is because there is a change in the placental unit between the first and subsequent pregnancies. The first pregnancy is almost like a priming run to optimise the function of the placenta and, from the second pregnancy, the placenta then works at full capacity. As the mare has subsequent foals, then the uterus can become damaged and the placenta starts to deteriorate, and suboptimal foals can be produced towards the end of a mare’s breeding career.
Bones and muscles are not the only structures that can have their development influenced by events in gestation. If there is an interruption in foetal nutrition, any organ that is developing at that time can have its structure and function impaired. If the interruption is severe and long enough, intra uterine growth retardation (runting) or foetal death and abortion might be the result. Fertility of the offspring is one of the potential systems that can be damaged. Undernutrition of sheep in early pregnancy reduces ovarian function of the female offspring. Undernutirition of pregnant guinea pigs in the first trimester can result in a 30% reduction in muscle fibres in the offspring. Overnutrition of pigs during the stage of foetal muscle development can increase muscle mass. When the foetus is in the pregnant uterus, it is important that it has enough space to move and stretch its limbs. This is determined by the amount of fluid that is in the uterus. Acute dietary restriction in mid pregnancy reduced the size of the lungs of newborn lambs. This was a result of a reduction in fluid, due to the dietary restriction of the pregnant ewe. The reduced fluid restricted the volume the lamb had to move in. The lamb had to curl up, which caused the abdominal contents to put pressure on the diaphragm, which reduced the chest space and the smaller lungs developed in a smaller chest space. There was a recent report on foals born with contracted limbs that showed there were reductions in the circumference of the foetal membranes. This might have reduced the volume these foals were in and they were not able to periodically stretch out their limbs, and so, might have led to the foals developing flexural contractions.
Neurology coordination and the ability to learn Coordination, strength and the ability to learn need a neurological system that is working at full capacity. The development of the nervous system can be influenced by foetal nutrition. Subclinical cobalt deficiency in early pregnancy can produce lambs that are slow to stand and suck. This made them prone to colostrum deficiency and infection. Human babies that are affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have reduction in their diaphragm muscles and a reduction in lung capacity, but they also have reductions in the brain and the nerves that drive the diaphragm and respiration.
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The best for your horse
Disease risk There are a number of diseases present during growth and as an adult that are related to intra uterine growth retardation (or runting). On top of skeletal muscle development and impaired athletic performance, the list includes hyperlipaemia, a fatty blood disease affecting multiple organs, including the liver, allergic conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the horse equivalent of asthma, and osteochondrosis, a bone developmental problem that can lead to deformities, bone cysts, joint chips and arthritis.
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SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 23
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In the mare, the presence of adequate to excess body condition during cyclicity, pregnancy and lactation does not appear to have any detrimental effects. In comparison, poor body condition has measurable detrimental effects on reproduction and the foetus. Inadequate nutrition during equine pregnancy can limit the development of foetal organs and alter metabolism permanently. In the equine, the single most limiting factor affecting athletic potential might be the 11 months spent in utero. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Registered Specialist in Equine Reproduction, John Chopin, grew up in south-west Queensland and graduated from The University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1990. After 18 months in general mixed practice, John completed a residency in equine medicine and surgery.
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Horses and People magazine! As part of a new partnership with Horses and People Magazine, Equestrian SA members get exclusive access to selected articles from the current edition of Horses and People. IN THIS ISSUE Find out about Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter
(or Thumps). What it is and how to prevent it. IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Learn more about flexor tendon injuries where Dr Emily Mabbott from WestVETS Animal Hospital and Equine Reproduction Centre offers her knowledge to help horse owners understand this sometimes frustrating injury. These articles are normally available only by purchasing the magazine at newsagents and produce stores. To find more informative content that is evidence-based and relevant to Australian horse owners, go to www.horsesandpeople.com.au. There are hundreds of articles on health, training, management and research.
OFFICIALS
24 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Caroline Jones with her son Luke, a regular competitor at Adelaide International Horse Trials.
Caroline Jones on the essentials of Stewarding Caroline Jones has been an EA Steward virtually since Stewards were officially appointed in Australia in the 1990’s. She is an FEI Level 3 Steward for Eventing, an FEI Level 2 for Jumping as well as a Medication Control Steward.
I first of all asked her how she got started on this Officials pathway. “I first started working as a Technical Delegate for Eventing in the early 90’s,”she said. “Stewards appeared in Australia in the mid 90’s at the major 3DE’s and I started Stewarding in 1997 when Gawler Horse Trials became the Australia International Horse Trials.”
Was she a rider as well as being interested in Officiating? “Oh yes,” was the reply. “I was born in Adelaide, rode as a child and got my first horse at 15. I hunted in those days when the fences were considerably larger than
they are now! But after living away from Adelaide for a few years and with marriage and children, when I did return, I started riding again but competing in Dressage to Advanced level.” Talking of family, Caroline’s two sons Luke and Dominic are also riders so I asked her how they got started. “The boys started in Pony Club at age 11 and 12 and they are still competing now.” She added, “They both competed to 4* level but are a little constrained now in their riding by family and work.”
So how easy is to become a Steward? “Stewards do spend long hours at events but it doesn’t need enormous amounts of training.” Caroline went on to explain, “It is necessary to do a National Stewards course and get some experience under a Mentor at events. As well you need to complete an online exam.”
What about progressing to FEI level, I asked, and Caroline explained. “To become an FEI steward you have to work at a few events to gain experience. From there you also attend and complete a FEI Stewards course, often held at International events, and from that course be recommended to the FEI to be put on the list. The FEI makes the decision about who they list.” And the benefits? “You make great friendships with people from all over the place,” she replied with some feeling.
As an FEI Steward you must have been overseas at Olympics or WEG? “Yes,” she replied, “but not always officiating at them. I was an FEI Steward at the Sydney Olympics for 3 weeks, working in all the Olympic disciplines with Stewards and Officials from all over the world.” Is this something you love about it all or is it intimidating to be among the best riders in the world, I asked. “This experience was invaluable!” she emphasized. “It is only through experience that one is able to be confident enough to deal with riders of all levels. The Olympic Games was the start of serious stewarding in Australia.”
I then went on to ask about the changes to Stewarding and to the disciplines. Stewarding seemed to be only for Eventing until recently so I asked if it has it changed and how that has come about? At the last National Steward course held in SA, we had candidates from a range of disciplines. Caroline was quick to explain, “That is because for a long time it has only been in Eventing that Australia has had competitions at FEI level. Now Show Jumping have World Cups and Dressage has CDI’s.”
Caroline been a member of the SA Eventing Committee for some years and so I asked her whether Eventing had changed from when she started and with what effects. Her reply was immediate. “The sport has changed enormously with the demise of the long format (roads and tracks and steeplechase). This has made it more accessible as the training does not require the hours that had to be spent in the saddle for the horse to be fit.” She went on quickly, “But that also has its downside as many riders now never acquire the solid grounding that this constant work produced.”
Luke Jones top 20 finisher at this years CCI* class at MI3DE. PHOTO: Equine Magazine
OFFICIALS
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 25
26 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
OFFICIALS
Has the focus of the Committee changed as well over time? “Not really,” she said, “but the struggle to maintain Cross Country courses with fewer numbers of competitors and less available venues is a constant battle and concern for the Committee.”
But there is an upside I asked? “Yes,” she explained. “Riders can compete at a much lower level, down to 65cms, which means there are many more riders able to enjoy Eventing and SA is reasonably healthy considering our small numbers compared to other states. But there is a need for more Officials particularly Technical Delegates.”
So what personal traits are important for a Steward, I asked and the response was very definite. “Stewards are the oil in the wheels of an event,” she answered with sincerity. “You need an understanding of the of the organization of the sport, as well as an ability to work within a team. These include Organising Committees, Technical Delegates, Riders, Vets and Judges. In other words very good people and team skills such as tact, communication and problem solving.”
And so, as a Steward, what does Caroline expect from riders, organizing committees, judges etc? “My expectation of co-operation with all these groups is usually met as we all do our best for the welfare of the horse and to make the competition fair for everyone. Good communication between us all is essential.”
And the reverse, what do you think they all want from you as a Steward? “I think they look for someone with a good knowledge of the rules and an ability to help the competition run smoothly with a common sense approach to any problems.” she replied.
On a more personal note, life can’t be all about horses can it? Her reply was fascinating. “Music has always been part of my life. Where ever I have lived I have sung with professional and amateur groups, including 5 seasons in the S.A. State Opera chorus. I still sing with a Choir in Mt Barker giving 3-4 concerts a year.” And she was smiling as she said it.
For a last comment, I asked Caroline about one of her latest appointments which was to the ESA Board In 2013. In particular what skills/ contributions/ attributes did she believe she brought to the Board. “My years of experience, starting in PC through to the top levels of equestrian sport give me an understanding from the grassroots up and where we as a State sit in the National perspective and the International scene” she answered. “This understanding is my focus and my contribution.” “The Australians competing at the top levels of the sport inspire the grass roots riders to get out and have a go. All young event riders in Australia aspire to ride at AIHT. Whether they do or not they need to feel they are part of a community that competes worldwide.”
And how would Caroline encourage more young people to get involved in EA officiating? “Easy,” she said, “Start them with small tasks to help an event run. Collecting sheets, marshalling for a few hours, helping set up SJ, Arenas etc. There should be an expectation that everyone should contribute to the running of their discipline.” Thanks Caroline, that’s a great goal for our members. The old saying of ‘many hands . . .” is as true today as ever and so if you would like to get involved as a helper you can volunteer to any of the Clubs or Events or if you are interested in becoming an Official of any Discipline you can contact me at ESA. National Steward courses are held in all States so if you are interested in applying, email or contact me. Suzanne Skibinski coordinator@equestriansa.com.au or call on 8391 0488.
SHOW HORSE
28 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Caitlin Fricker and Falconhurst First Dance. PHOTO Jenny Barnes
The season gets underway with strong competition 2015 Horse of the Year The SA HOTY show is just around the corner. To be held on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October the show is at the Royal Adelaide Showground. Interstate judges are: John Paget NSW, Carmel Perkins QLD Raymond Butler VIC and Jennifer Brockman WA. In a first for showing in SA this year’s HOTY will be streamed live nationally. LHM TV which covered the 2015 Grand Nationals will be the on air announcer and Jeremy Roberts the compere. This is not only a fantastic opportunity for the rest of the country to take a peek at SA’s best show horses and riders, but is also a great opportunity for sponsors to get their message across to a wider audience. Mitavite has been confirmed as the major sponsor of the show and Kolbeach Stud is sponsoring the Live streaming. Another generous sponsor Sambec Sheds of Murray Bridge will be sponsoring Ring One at the show. This will be known as
the “Sambec. Sheds” ring in the program. Thoroughbred Racing SA is also a generous sponsor of this year’s show, sponsoring the Small and Large Show Horse classes and Newcomer classes over 15hh. Ring 2 will be named the “Thoroughbred Racing SA” ring. Another first for HOTY is the introduction of Shetland classes. Shetland classes are growing in popularity in SA. Although not national qualifier classes, it will be a great
ESA Show in August The ESA Hi Point show at Metro held on Sunday 16 August was one of the first shows of the season. It’s a great show for Newcomers to start as well as for the more seasoned campaigners to kick start the Spring show season. Champion and Reserve wins at this show counted towards the 2015 ESA Leader board. Judges Sarah Binns (nee Kemp) from Port Lincoln (Galloways and Hacks) and Alyssia Giustozzi (Ponies) were kept busy with very good entries in many classes.
It was particularly pleasing to see good entries in the Leading Rein as these young riders are the future of our sport.
Show Horse Committee Changes The Show Horse Committee wishes to thank Shayn Faehrmann who has recently retired from the committee. Shayn’s contribution to the Show Horse Committee over the past years has been enormous. He has always been a tireless worker for the Show Horse discipline - organising sponsorships, setting up numerous EA and Horse of the Year shows, transporting Show Horse equipment around the state and regularly travelling from the mid North to attend EA meetings. Shayn’s diverse talents whilst on the committee also included show announcer and HOTY marshal. During his time on the committee Shayn was always at the ready to lend a hand and his contribution will be sorely missed. Thank-you Shayn from everyone at Show Horse SA. Committee chairman Graham Sharley also retired from his EA commitments. With his legal background and thorough knowledge of process, Graham made a valuable contribution to the Committee. Welcome
to the new Chairman of the Show Horse Committee Elizabeth Fricker. The Fricker family have a very long and successful involvement in Show Horses. Elizabeth who is also a nationally accredited show horse judge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. Many thanks to David Quayle who announced his resignation from the committee recently due to time pressures. David is kept extremely busy supplying showies around Australia with his beautiful bespoke DQ bridle wear and saddlery and he will continue to support Showhorse ESA. The committee would like to welcome two new members: Gaye Chaplin and Jess Gibson. The Chaplin family from the South East have had enormous success in the show ring, most recently with their National Champion show hunter galloway Lancefield Park Rajah. Young Rider Jess Gibson has been successful at Royal show level in Show Hunter and Rider classes. If you would like to join the committee or have any suggestions as to how to improve our sport please contact committee secretary Alyson Emery or ESA Executive Officer Sharon Cimarosti..
SHOW HORSE
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 29
30 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
Horse Land Champion Working Hunter
SHOW HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Yindarla Park Harry Beckel Sienna Rose Champion Show Pony ne 12.2hh
RIDER
HORSE
Ella Manning
Rivington Windchime
RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Caitlin Fricker
Falconhurst First Dance
Harry Beckel
Del Lee Vixon
RIDER
HORSE
Keely Menadue
Kolbeach Chance
Champion Show Pony 12.2 ne 14hh RIDER
HORSE
Willowcroft Harry Beckel High Society Champion Hunter Pony ne12.2 RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Kate Kyros
Sienna Journee
Shauna Chaplin
Breemour Park Hot Gossip
Champion Hunter Pony 12.2 ne 14hh RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Isabelle Kerr
Highbury Flying Free
Chelsea Mifsud
West Lakes Honour Roll
Horseland Champion Childs Pony ne 14hh RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Kate Kyros
Sienna Journeey
Keely Menadue
Kolbeach Chance
DQ Saddlery Champion Junior Rider RIDER
RIDER
Caitlin Fricker
Kate Kyros
Champion Galloway HORSE
HORSE
Whistle Jackets Wicked Riva Dudey
Elusive Spell Whistle Jackets
Champion Show Hack RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Chris Lawrie
DQ Grace
Duncan Howard
Yorke Brianna
Champion Hunter Galloway RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Naomi Karutz
Wednesbury Rising Century
Tyson Zoontjens
Holding Aces
RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Melissa Karutz
DS Red Label
Nicole Berry
Oatsdale Park Gala
Champion Hunter Hack
Champion Child’s Mount o14hh HORSE
HORSE
Whistle Jackets Elusive Spell
DS Red Label
Supreme Hack or Galloway
Off the Track TB
RIDER
HORSE
RIDER
HORSE
Naomi Karutz
Wednesbury Rising Century
Nicole Berry
Free Entry
Mitavite Supreme Pony RIDER
HORSE
Kate Kyros
Sienna Journeey KEY Champion
Reserve
SHOWJUMPING
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 31
South Australian Scott Keach, on the Australian Olympic Showjumping team. PHOTO: Liz Crawley Photography
SA rider on the Olympic Showjumping team Australian Jumping riders are on their way to Rio It was very exciting to see our Show Jumping Team consisting of Edwina Tops-Alexander (Captain), Julie Hargreaves, Jamie Kermond and South Australian Scott Keach deliver solid performances at the Regional Qualifier in Hagan. The Australian show jumpers came a very narrow second to Japan but it was enough to earn the Australian team at place in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Jumping now joins Eventing and Dressage and once again Australia will have a full contingent heading to Rio. With only a year to go before the 2016 Olympics, the pressure is now on all the Australian athletes to be in their best form in the lead up to the final team selection. South Australian Scott Keach started off his competition career in Eventing but now concentrates on Show Jumping. Scott is now based in Florida in the
US and recently made the trip to Germany to compete in the Rio qualifying competition. SA congratulates Scott and all the other team members on a fantastic performance and we look forward to the year ahead.
Gawler World Cup Show Although the numbers were down the standard of Jumping most certainly wasn’t. Congratulations to Chris Chugg and his outstanding stallion Cera Cassiago who won the World Cup Qualifier at the Gawler Agricultural show in August. Richard Bruggeman, assisted by Andrew Paech, designed and built a tough course and the spectacle was amazing. Time was tight and in the end clear rounds were very hard to come by with Cera Cassiago being the only double clear. Mother Nature came to the party with a beautiful sunny weekend. The jumping surface was good. Courses were well built and, as usual, testing. All in all a great lead up to the Royal Adelaide Show.
32 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
SHOWJUMPING
Equestrian Grand Final It is with great excitement that the 2015 Equestrian Grand Final will be coming to Adelaide and will be held in conjunction with the Adelaide International Three Day Event in November. The Equestrian Grand Final features top riders in jumping, dressage and eventing. The jumping component will be a World Cup competition and is an invitation only competition to the top 25 horse and rider combinations in the country. The actual competition will be held around midday on Sunday 22nd November with the lead up competition on the Saturday evening. The course will be set at 1.6m and will be technical. Athletes have the opportunity to compete in the unique city centre location in front of big crowds and atmosphere. The suspense will be huge so come along and witness the best of what our country has to offer.
We had Alison Rowland come over from Western Australia to coach. Alison is a well-respected coach and very quickly picked up on individual issues. On the Saturday evening we had Martin Connell from Hygain give a talk on horse nutrition. This was extremely informative. The weekend was a great success and we are hoping to invite Alison back to SA in the very near future.
Be Active Youth Development Scholarship Weekend The date has been set for the 28th & 29th November. The venue is Kirkcaldy Park at Echunga. We are extremely excited to be able to announce that Scott Keach will the coach for the weekend. All the details are on the Equestrian South Australia web page, so all ESA jumping members under the age of 21 get your applications in. Entries close on October 8th, so don’t be late because late entries will not be considered.
Show Jumping Training At the beginning of August the Jumping Committee held a clinic that was primarily for squad riders.
1
2
2
3 1 Tim Clarke and Caltango. PHOTO Equine News. 2 Nicole Bruggemann and Lux Like Cavalier competing in the World Cup Qualifier at Gawler. PHOTO Equine News. 3 Clive Reed standing next to one of the jumps in the World Cup Qualifier. PHOTO Equine News. 4 Chris Chugg on Cera Cassiago winner of the Gawler World Cup Qualifier. PHOTO Equine News.
4
VAULTING
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 33
Rebecca Vandepeear on Warrel lunged by Alexandra Knauf from Germany. PHOTO: Andrea Fuchshumere
Our junior vaulter performs at FEI Wold Championships The dream started in 2013 when my coach, Wendy Singlehurst told me we should aim for the first ever FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors, which was rumoured to be happening in 2015. I’d had my heart set on competing as an individual, but due to the financial demands of having to compete in Europe to qualify, I was not possible for my family. Around that time of realisation in December 2014, I got a message from Alicen Divita, world class vaulter from USA, who had moved to Australia for a year. She had plans of creating a junior squad from the best junior individual vaulters around Australia, to take them to the Junior Worlds. She asked me to send in a submission video to be a part of this squad. I took the offer and was invited to attend our first ‘9 day intensive’ in the Southern Highlands, NSW.
was the hardest part of the whole journey. It put a tremendous amount of financial pressure on my parents. The expenses of flying interstate almost every weekend came out of our own pockets, not to mention accommodation and training fees. I am also undergoing year 12, which made it even harder to keep up to date with the work demands.
It was not required for squads to qualify for Junior Worlds, but they must be selected by their national federation. We planned to compete at four competitions; the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Scone Equestrian Horse Festival, Ella Springs Vaulting Competition, and finally the QLD State Vaulting Championships. In order to do this we were required to meet in NSW or Queensland 2-4 times a month, for a weekend of training. This level of commitment
We spent six weeks in Europe prior to the competition, living and training together in Denmark, Germany and finally the Netherlands. We took part in Lasse Kristiensen’s annual Summer Vaulting Camp in Denmark, where we made so many friends. We were lucky enough to be trained by the world’s best vaulters, including Rikke Laumann, Kristina Boe, Stefan Csandl and Joanne Eccles.
We trained on Kerri Wilson’s horses in the Southern Highlands, NSW, and Lyn Lynch’s horses from Sydney Vaulting Group. From QLD we used Xena owned my Darani Cumming from Ella Springs, and the beautiful Brigadoon, owned my Michael Winwood from Kingfisher Vaulters. After competing at these four competitions on four completely different horses, we were selected to compete at the first ever FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors!
VAULTING
34 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SPRING 2015
After that we stayed in Krumke, Germany where we watched the German Junior Championships and stayed with host families. Even though we were just ‘watching’, we did some of hardest fitness training so far! Every day we would train on the ground 2-3 times a day. We were so inspired by the German vaulters’ compulsories that we were more than happy to train until our arms felt like jelly! Marion from Krumke kindly let us train with her senior team, and use one of her beautiful horses, Pikkolo. Soon enough, it was three weeks until the competition, meaning it was time to focus. We stayed in Cologne, Germany and were privileged enough to use the amazing training facilities at Team Köln. Our second coach, Bamdad Memarian is from Team Köln, so he showed us how everything worked, including the amazing moving barrel that we used every day! This is where our horse, Warrel was from. His owner, Gerlinde Grun would bring him to the arena three times a week, where Alexandra Knauf would lunge him, and we’d focus on making our compulsories and freestyle as clean and technically correct as possible. One of my highlights was working out with the two world class pas de deuxes from Team Köln; Torben Jacobs and Pia Engelberty, and Justin Van Gerven and Gera Grun! Despite the intensity we had never experienced before, I loved every minute of it! I cannot get over how welcoming every member of the team was. Despite their own preparation for the European Championships in Aachen, they were more than happy to help us and make us feel at home. It was tradition for Team Neuss and Team Köln to put on a performance at Neuss, to rehearse for the Europeans. Since we were training with Team Köln, we were invited to perform too! I couldn’t get my head around the fact that we were performing alongside two of the most respected German Senior teams, not to mention Team Neuss being the reigning World Champions! After our performances, Team Neuss greeted us with hugs, and we were shown their training facilities including, yes, another moving barrel! I found the audience at the show very supportive, they cheered for us more than anyone had, and they all wished us luck once the show was over. The next thing I knew, we were in Ermelo, Netherlands a couple of days out of the first ever FEI World Vaulting Championships for Juniors. Warrel had arrived safely and we had settled into the athlete’s village. I didn’t perform as well in the compulsory round as I had in previous practises at Cologne, which I was quite disappointed about. However, the atmosphere of the arena was something I’d never experienced before, and I was just so excited, nothing could kill my happiness. We then had our first round of freestyle. The moves I was doing went perfectly in the warm up, and just
didn’t seem to work as well in the competition arena, but I was 10 times more excited than before! We had just done our freestyle at Junior Worlds! We were showered with congratulations from people from all around the world. We were sitting in the 11th position before our final round of freestyle. We were very happy with our final performance, and very relieved that it was over! My dream of standing in the ‘kiss and cry’ to find out our score for the round had come true. To our (and everyone else in the world’s) surprise, we received a massive 7.46! This moved us from 11th to 8th place overall. My favourite discovery was that in the final round, we had the 4th best scoring freestyle in the world. We were right behind the ‘powerhouses’ of vaulting; Austria, Germany and USA! From that moment on, I realised it had all been worth it. I’m never going to say it wasn’t difficult, being the only South Australian on the squad, having to wake up at 3AM almost every Saturday morning to train interstate. I missed my club in South Australia, I only managed to train there twice from January to August. It was a huge financial sacrifice, but I have learned so much, made so many friends from all around the world and most importantly, I know what needs to be done to be successful in this sport.
South Australian vaulter Rebecca Vandepeear competing at the FEI World Championships for Juniors were held in Ermelo, Netherlands. PHOTO: Andrea Fuchshumere
SPRING 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 35
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