HM
The Horse’s Mouth, official magazine of Equestrian SA
MAGAZINE Summer Issue 2015
SA COMPETITORS AT AUS3DE SA young riders on a roll
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Vaulting State Championships Surviving the Summer Heat
EQUESTRIAN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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Caption - Caitlyn Keith riding Domino Effect in the 2** class at the Aus3de. PHOTO www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
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Contents In this issue NEWS 4 Equestrian SA Mitavite Bushfire Relief
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
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The latest from the Equestrian SA Board
CARRIAGE DRIVING
7
Top level competition on show at Aus3De
DRESSAGE 10 A new committee and exciting times for Dressage in SA
COACHES CORNER
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An interview with German master coach Martin Plewa
EVENTING 17
All articles and photos are supplied by Equestrian SA unless otherwise stated. COVER IMAGE Wendy Schaeffer and Sun Showers competing in the 2** at the 2015 Aus3de. PHOTO www. stephenmowbrayphotography.com
A pictorial of SA riders competing at Aus3De
INTERSCHOOL 19 Preparations in full swing for the National Championships
HORSES IN THE HEAT
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For Equestrian South Australia. December 2015
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Unit 10, 2 Cameron Road Mt Barker SA 5251
How best to help your horse through the heat of summer
SHOW HORSE All the Showhorse news from Horse of the Year
SHOW JUMPING
29
SA young riders onwards and upwards
VAULTING 32 Round-up from the State Championships
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NEWS
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News
EQUESTRIAN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Equestrian SA - Mitavite SA Bushfire Relief Equestrian South Australia in conjunction with Mitavite once again offers the Mitavite SA Fire Relief Fund To assist the fire victims, Equestrian SA members and their horses, who have been affected with the recent Pinery Bushfire, our partner Mitavite has donated feed vouchers to provide Mitavite Xtra Cool product to those who require feed for their horses. Any Equestrian SA Member, can donate a voucher to an affected person within the fire zone. To qualify for a voucher of Mitavite Xtra Cool product, you will need to contact the Equestrian SA Office directly via phone or email to register and obtain a voucher, which can then be picked up from the office, emailed or posted to you. Once you have the voucher, you then take that to your nearest Mitavite Fodder Supplier to receive your bag of Xtra Cool Product. We hope that this will assist in the short term, until such time that you can return to normal and get back in the saddle again. With compliments from Mitavite and Equestrian SA. Phone: 08 8391 0488 Email: reception@equestriansa.com.au
MITAVITE SA FIRE RELIEF FUND
May your Christmas and New Year be filled with the joy of family, friends and lazy days riding your horse in the holidays! We look forward to seeing you all in 2016! Our Equestrian SA office will be closed from 4.00pm on Friday 18th December 2015, and re-open again 10.00am on Monday 11th January 2016.
Masterclass with master coach and World Champion Lucinda Green The Coach Committee has arranged a very exciting clinic on the evening of 18th February 2016 at Tilling Hill. Put the date in your Diary now and read on! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into Lucinda’s approach to Coaching. This is also the Compulsory seminar for Coach re accreditation in 2016 so you don’t want to miss out Early bird costs will be $30 and under 16’s $15.00. Registration is available very soon and must be done by 5th February to take advantage of this great price. You can still come and pay on the day but it will be $40.00 then. Book and pay early – registration information coming very soon.
Equestrian SA - festive season trading hours Merry Christmas and Compliments of the Season from the Board and Staff of Equestrian SA.
Correction In the Spring Edition of The Horses Mouth, the photos on page 32, were incorrectly attributed to Equine News. They were in fact courtesy of EQUINE MAGAZINE. Our sincere apologies to Equine Magazine for this oversight.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
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PHOTOS O’Leary family
The Nightmare - it can happen to you Bushfire survivor Courtney O’Leary from Hamley Bridge was halfway to Victoria on her way to a horse show with her mother Jodee, when she heard about the bushfires north of Adelaide. They left Horsham at 3am arriving home at 1pm to find their house, stables and sheds razed to the ground. Courtney also lost a pony and a sheep in the fires, however, three horses survived. Courtney is a member of Equestrian SA and a past Youth Development Scholarship Winner, who competes in Dressage and Showhorse. The family lost most of their horse tack and equipment as well. “The equestrian community has been amazing with the support they have shown us,” said Courtney. “We have received lots of Mitavite vouchers. We have to remain positive, it’s onwards and upwards otherwise you will crumble,” she said.
Courtney’s advice to other horse owners in the first instance is to check they have valid insurance. “Also evacuate all the horses and animals off the property when there is bushfire risk. Don’t think the wind won’t change, or it won’t happen to you. Just do it!” Importance of a fire plan can’t be underestimated, and that means plans for when you are home or not, or if people are there to help you or not. Courtney’s two 17yo brothers were home, one evacuated the dogs and the other stayed to defend, but fortunately left, just before the fire hit. For more information on being bushfire ready go to www.cfs.sa.gov.au and www.horsesa.asn.au/emergency/bushfire-information
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
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New members appointed to the board At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late October three new Board members were appointed to Equestrian SA. They are Manon Strachan, Shaun Flynn and Michael Haese. Following the meeting, I was elected Chairman and Manon, Deputy Chair. Additionally, members were appointed to each discipline, to provide feedback and communication to the Committees and the Board. The following appointments were made: Dressage
Manon Strachan
Carriage Driving
Michael Haese
Eventing
Judy Whyntie
Education
Caroline Jones
Show Horse
Elizabeth Fricker
Show Jumping
Shaun Flynn
Vaulting
Sarah Hocking
At the AGM a motion was passed to receive the Financial Reports and defer the discussion to a General Meeting. Additional papers also were requested. Members were able to review the Financial Reports and additional information on the web prior to the meeting, held on November 30. Many questions were asked and subsequently the Financial Reports were adopted and the Auditors, Galpins Accountants, Auditors and Business Consultants, were appointed. In future the Board will ensure that the Financial Reports and explanatory papers are posted on the Equestrian SA web site at least seven (7) days prior to the AGM to allow time for members to review the reports. The General meeting also heard that there is a casual vacancy on the Board and it had been recommended by the Board it be filled by a person with extensive financial skills. The vacancy will be announced on the Equestrian SA web site www.sa.equestrian.org.au seeking expressions of interest. If any member is aware of anyone suitably qualified, who would be interested, please encourage them to apply. The 2016 – 2020 Strategic Plan development has begun and the Plan is in draft form. The Board will be reviewing the document in December and it will be circulated to the Discipline Committees in the first quarter of 2016 and then to the membership via the website for comment. Please take time to review the plan, as it is your Equestrian SA and we do need your input to ensure we are aware of the needs of the members for the next four years.
PHOTO Christine Gibbon
Congratulations to Gill Rolton and her fantastic team for the success of the Australian International Three Day Event. The event was outstanding, in beautiful surroundings with many ‘horse’ people and people who love horses attending. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the Cross Country day and returning again on Sunday to watch an exciting conclusion. On Show Jumping day, in the middle of Victoria Park, the Carriage Driving discipline held its first FEI competition. The Committee invited an FEI International Judge, a Technical Delegate, FEI Stewards and a Course Designer from interstate. Entries were good and included an overseas competitor, Alison Cooper, from New Zealand. On a very sad note many members and horse lovers experienced a horrifying fire last week that destroyed lives, homes and properties, horses and other animals. So many have been affected. Equestrian SA sought help from Mitavite, which was forthcoming from this valued and loyal supporter. Accordingly, if any member is needing feed, please contact the office (telephone 8391 0488) to secure a voucher for a free bag of Xtra Cool If any member knows anyone in the Pinery fire area that needs feed, that person also can apply for a voucher and nominate another to receive the voucher. Equestrian Australia also has sought assistance via their website for the many that have been so tragically impacted by the Pinery fires. On behalf of the Board, I wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and fruitful New Year.
Elizabeth Fricker Chairperson - Equestrian SA
CARRIAGE DRIVING
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Anne Lindh and Rosebrook Rhythm N Blues. PHOTO Kangra Photo Graphic Action
Carriage driving a success at the Australian 3 Day Event FEI carriage driving came to South Australia for the first time as part of the Australian 3 Day Event and was held on the Sunday of the event, in Victoria Park. The Organising Committee could not have asked for better weather as there was a slight breeze and sunny skies. As it was the first time this level event had been held in the State, there was a sharp learning curve for the committee organising the competition. South Australia does not have any FEI accredited carriage driving officials so the Equestrian SA carriage driving committee were fortunate to be able to secure the services of Mrs Dot Willcoxson who is an FEI International dressage judge, along with her husband Doug who was the Technical Delegate and official scorer, Peter Harkness was Course Designer and who had only recently returned from Aachen, Germany where he worked with one of FEI’s top course designers and FEI Chief Steward Andrea Webb. Along with EA officials from South Australia, the running of the two disciplines of dressage and cones ran smoothly.
The Organising Committee were delighted to have an International competitor in Alison Cooper, who hails from around the Wellington area in New Zealand, and along with her groom Donna Tholen enjoyed a very successful day. Alison drove a borrowed horse – Hagrid of Bletchwood, lent to her by Linden Barrey and she came second in both competitions. The trot up at 8.00 am was without incident and all horses and ponies were passed as fit to continue although watching some of the drivers running alongside of their animal and especially the drivers who were driving two horses, there would be some doubt about them passing the vet check. The competition commenced at 10.00 am with dressage with two classes – horses and large ponies and once they had completed the dressage test, they then went straight to the cones course. Peter Harkness had designed a free flowing course but one that obviously tested the drivers as in both the morning and afternoon sessions, there were no drivers clear in both time and cones down.
CARRIAGE DRIVING
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The afternoon competition commenced at 1.00 pm and followed the same format as the morning, with dressage first and then the cones course. Kimberley Norris brought out her new horse Steinway for his first competition and he will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come; Jackie Boyd drove two horses - Pen Nant Hew and Ashwood Quest for Fame in the horse class and Anne Lindh had two entries in the pony class, in Beauwood Speciality and Rosebrook Rhythm N Blues. Neralie Wobring was awarded the best new driver award and received a voucher from L G Matten Saddlery. Congratulations Neralie.
Congratulations go to Jackie Boyd who was awarded the Concours d’Elegance. Could all carriage drivers please forward their results for the year into the Equestrian SA office by the end of November with performance cards, in order to be eligible for Equestrian SA awards for 2015. The last two weeks of November have been particularly busy ones for carriage drivers, with the FEI competition and then World Champion pony four-inhand driver, Bram Chardon holding five training days in South Australia. The feedback was extremely positive and the feeling was that at 22 years of age, he will go a long way in the sport.
The results are as follows:
CAI 1* - Competition 1 Class 3 Single Horse
Class 6 Single Pony
1st
Kimberley Norris
54.87
1st
Shirley Crossley
54.47
2nd
Jackie Boyd
64.67
2nd
Alison Cooper
57.78
3rd
Jackie Boyd
68.74
3rd
Anne Lindh
61.92
4th
Neralie Wobring
105.23
4th
Elizabeth Crossley
70.57
5th
Linden Barrey
83.09
CAI 1* - Competition 2 Class 3 Single Horse
Class 6 Single Pony
1st
Kimberley Norris
55.09
1st
Anne Lindh
50.89
2nd
Jackie Boyd
60.00
2nd
Alison Cooper
57.48
3rd
Neralie Wobring
107.41
3rd
Elizabeth Crossley
59.09
4th
Anne Lindh
63.98
5th
Shirley Crossley
71.51
6th
Linden Barrey
73.98
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CARRIAGE DRIVING
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1. Kimberley Norris and Steinway - Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action 2. Linden Barrey – Cataraqui Magical Amulet - Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action 3. Elizabeth Crossley and Marnna Park Up Beet with Groom Elizabeth Trigg - Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action 4. Shirley Crossley and Forestway Red Ned - Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action 5. Anne Lindh and Beauwood Speciality - Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action 6. Alison Cooper and Hagrid of Bletchwood -Credit - Kangra Photo Graphic Action
DRESSAGE
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Heather Currie and Donnerblitz was the highest placed SA rider in the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage, winning the PSG and placing 2nd in the Inter 1 Freestyle. PHOTO www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
Exciting times ahead for dressage in 2016 Welcome to Summer! We hope you are all enjoying the longer daylight hours and warmer weather to prepare for upcoming Dressage competitions.
• Kirsty van Loon, Awards Coordinator
The Dressage Committee has been very busy. The committee is growing following a successful AGM, and we wish to welcome the newest members:
• Ruth Schneeberger, Riders Representative
• Ruth Schneeberger • Gerry Wellington
• Tyson Zoontjens, Youth Development & Fundraising officer
• Julie Toohey
• Helen Whittle, Dressage SA Judges Committee
These three new members join the existing group to make up a diverse, skilled and highly experienced group who are already working hard to build dressage in SA. Our 2015/2016 committee members (and their roles) are:
• Gerry Wellington
• Lorraine Wohling, Chair • Carly Boon, Vice Chair & Membership Communication / Media & Publicity Officer
• Belinda Lindh, State Squad & High Performance Coordinator • Jen Gilligan, Young Horse / Events Coordinator • Brigitte Drinkwater, Clubs Representative
• Julie Toohey • Collette Wheadon Co-opted Committee positions are assumed by Lorraine Wohling, Kirsty van Loon and Collette Wheadon.
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The committee members are actively involved in riding, organising, judging and volunteering at events, so if you have a question, idea or feedback, please do say hello!
Exciting times in SA! We are lucky to have some very special events on the horizon that are very exciting for South Australia. In November Adelaide hosted the Equestrian Grand Final as part of the Australian International 3DE. This event is was huge coup for SA, and featured top riders from both here and interstate, competing in the beautiful parklands. This was a wonderful event – congratulations to SA’s own Heather Currie for taking out honours in the Prix St Georges Grand Final event and second in the Inter I Freestyle. On 16 & 17 January we look forward to the SA Young Dressage Horse & Pony Final being held at the wonderful McLaren Park complex. This event will feature judges Suzie Hoevenaars (5* & FEI YH judge), and Suzanne Cunningham (A Level). It is an excellent opportunity for SA riders to present under top judges to qualify for DWTS in March. Even if you are not chasing a DWTS qualifier, this is a great event to get your Young Horse/Pony out to and test your training under the highly experienced eyes of the judges. Watch the Equestrian SA website and DSA Facebook page for further details – Entries close Friday, 1 January 2016.
Dressage Performance Medals Applications are now open for the Dressage South Australia Performance Medals. Performance medals are awarded to riders, with horse and rider combinations gaining three aggregate scores at one level listed below in official competitions. Medals will be awarded promptly after applications are received but for 2015 will not be available before 31 December. Medal winners will be announced on the Equestrian SA Website, on Dressage SA Facebook Page and in Moving Forward. Be sure to visit the Dressage pages on the Equestrian SA Website for full information, and for application forms. This is a fantastic initiative, and we hope to see our top performing riders proudly wearing their Gold, Silver or Bronze medals on their lapel. Congratulations to those successful applications already received: • Heather Currie & Up to Go Gold Medal, Small Tour • Julia Weir & Donner Dior 1 Gold Medal, Preliminary • Kendal Measroch & New World Winston Silver Medal, Preliminary • Heather Currie & Danson Donnerking Bronze Medal, Medium
We wish everyone travelling to the Victorian Dressage Festival in December all the best, and will share results as they come to hand via the DSA Facebook page. In November, we welcomed ten finalists to Kirkcaldy Park for the Youth Scholarship weekend. Congratulations to those riders for being selected as part of this initiative, that sees the winner take home a $500 scholarship to put towards lessons with an EA coach of their choice.
Kendal Measroch and New World Winston were awarded a Silver Performance Medal – Preliminary in 2015. PHOTO Animal & Bird Photography - Kym Rumball.
DRESSAGE
We wish to thank Mary Hovers and Mandy Maiden who have not continued on the committee following the AGM. We also thank all former DSA Committee members from 2015. Your efforts and contribution to our sport of dressage have been very much appreciated – THANK YOU!
DRESSAGE
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SA State Dressage Squad
Dressage Comittee
With 2016 fast approaching, we are well underway to finalising the details for the 2016 Dressage SA Squads Program. We are very excited to announce that well known equestrian identity and two-time Olympian, Ricky MacMillan, has agreed to come on board as the SA State Coach for 2016. Clinic dates for next year will soon be finalised, and there is no doubt that all squad riders and the dressage community as a whole will benefit from Ricky’s knowledge and expertise.
As the new committee hits the ground running, as always we welcome feedback, ideas and input from our members. We have set up an email address which gives members direct access to the Dressage Committee, and we encourage you to contact us. Email us – dressagesouthaustralia@gmail.com – Please note that all Dressage Committee members are volunteers who largely have 9-5 jobs, so if you don’t get an instant reply, please do be patient.
If you are interested in being considered for the 2016 State Squads - FEI Squad, Advancement Squad or the junior/young rider squad - please complete and return the Application Form on the Dressage page on the Equestrian SA website by 18 December. For further information or enquiries please contact Belinda Lindh on 0418 899 537 or dressagesouthaustralia@gmail.com
Our Facebook page is having a revamp and is a great source of very current information – make sure you ‘Like’ the page if you’re reading electronically, click here and you’ll go straight there and keep up with the news as it happens. Happy riding!
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1. Cooper Oborn aboard Fairbanks Picasso 3rd in the PSG, 7th in the Inter 1 Freestyle and part of the Young Rider winning team with Morgan Duell and Stuart Archibald at the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage, held in conjunction with Aus3de. 2. Linda O’Leary and Gainsborough Donner Capo did a sterling job to finish 10th in the PSG at the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage. 3. Rashada ridden by well known SA rider and coach Julia Weir, finished 9th in the PSG and the Inter 1 Freestyle, and was second in the teams along with Niki Rose and Anne Smith. All photos provided by www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
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Ruth Schneeberger and Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer. PHOTO Cheryl Hatswell
FIVE MINUTES WITH Ruth Schneeberger We chatted to Ruth Schneeberger, the rider of the highly successful up and coming Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer, who was recently awarded a National Performance Medal, recognising three scores over 70% at Medium Level. Dancer is also listed on the Equestrian SA Advancement Squad. Can you tell us about Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer? Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer is an eight year old warmblood mare by Royal Hit out of PS Lolita by Lontano. She is 16.1 ½ hands. Her stable name is Dancer! She is bred and owned by Cheryl Hatswell. What level is Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer competing at the moment? Dancer is graded advanced and so far has done three PSG competitions. How did you come to be Dancer’s rider? I only just started to ride and competed some of Cheryl Hatswell’s horses when she bred Dancer. Already as a foal we thought/hoped that she would be a “good one” to train up the levels. After three and a half years she got broken in by Stephen Halfpenny, then
she came straight to me. She was pretty much straight forward to train, no real problems. After about 6 months I took her out for her first competition. I rode two preliminary tests on her, in one of them she got 80% from Erica Taylor! What have been some of Dancer’s career highlights? Dancer has had a very successful “career” so far: SA State champion at every level from Preliminary to Advanced. Won the Be Active Novice Horse 2012. Won the SA Young Horse State Final as a 4, 5 and 6 year old. Won Equestrian SA Dressage Horse of the Year 2012, 2013 and 2014. Dancer is currently on the National Recognition Squad, for having achieved three scores over 70% at Medium level, and therefore received a National Dressage Performance Gold Medal. She is on the Equestrian SA Advancement Squad. What can you tell us about Dancer’s personality? Dancer is a very “levelheaded” horse for a chestnut mare! She really tries hard when I work her. The only thing I have to watch with her is, that she doesn’t eat too much! What are your goals with Dancer? Hopefully Dancer will keep training up the levels and be my next FEI horse, but I guess only time will tell!
COACHES CORNER
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Coaches Corner. With Martin Plewa
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Martin Plewa is one of the most highly qualified trainers to come to Australia. His successes include coaching the German Eventing Team to Gold at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul , Team Bronze at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and Team Bronze in the World Equestrian Games at The Hague. Martin Plewa has officiated around the world including President of the Ground Jury at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and Technical Delegate at the 2012 London Olympics. Martin is also Director of the Westphalian Riding and Driving School in Munster where he educates professional and amateur trainers, riders and officials. In addition he has co-authored the book ‘Dressage Tips and Training Solutions’ with Dr Wolfgang Holzel.
When did you first start riding? At the age of 6; we have no Pony Clubs in Germany; together with my older brother I got lessons by my father who was a well-educated horseman and he also was the chairman of the local riding club. What was your first indication that you would like to be a Coach? Did you have ambition to be an International Coach – how did it come about? In my “first life” I was a teacher at a High School. I love teaching and working with young and enthusiastic people. 1970 I was asked to be the trainer and coach for the Westphalian Eventing squads to prepare them for German Championships. This experience helped me a lot when I got employed by the German Equestrian Federation to be the Coach of the Germen Eventing teams (January 1985, when I decided to resign from my job as a school teacher). Can you give a brief review of your pathway to where you are now in your career. When I retired from my job as the Trainer of the German teams in 2001 I became the Director of the Westphalian Equestrian Centre at Münster for 14 years; the School offers Courses and Exams for professional riders and trainers and for (national and international) amateur trainer as well as for judges, TDs and CDs. What were the highlights and lowlights? Highlights of course coaching the German teams at European and World Championships and at 4 Olympic Games. After 2001 I was lucky to officiate as Judge or TD at many 3*/4* events around the world, with the highlight to be selected as President of the Ground Jury at Bejing Olympics 2008 and as TD at the London Olympics 2012. I am happy that I have forgotten any lowlights. What is your first memory of riding? That I would love to continue. I loved horses and riding from the first approach.
What is your best memory of riding and as well of Coaching? As a rider: I had a serious accident on XC April 1977 (broken neck, glad that this could have been operated; I stayed almost half a year in a hospital). My first event after this accident (CCI***) I was lucky to win this competition end of September the same year. Who have you fondest memories of coaching and why? Was it a special event or particular circumstances that makes you remember it well? Coaching: getting the Gold Team medal at Seoul 1988 which was really unexpected. Did you bring your family up to ride? If yes how did they start and what is your memory of their best days as riders? Carolin who has been living in Adelaide for the last 12 years loved riding and competed in Eventing (with an Australian mare!). Her greatest success was winning an international 2* class, before she decided to go to Australia, first Brisbane, then Melbourne then Adelaide. My eldest daughter liked Dressage better but she did not compete at shows. My youngest daughter could not ride due to an animal coat allergy. My son is not interested in horses at all. Have you more ambitions not yet realized? If so what are they? No more ambitions; only I would love to have more time spending with my family, my kids and the grandchildren at Munich, Hamburg and Adelaide. And I want to have more time to write down my experiences as a rider and trainer. What do you like about coming to Australia – Your family of course and what else? I love Australia, its climate, the friendly people, there way of life; and I like how grateful all riders I had lessons with here in Australia have been and how positively they have responded to the lessons.
COACHES CORNER
Martin Plewa
COACHES CORNER
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Olympian Megan Jones is a regular student of Martin Plewa. PHOTO www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
What do you think Dressage riders want from their coaches, is it more skills, encouragement, competition planning, what else? I think they want to know the correct way of training to get harmony between horse and rider that makes riding enjoyable. Most of the riders “work” too much on horseback instead of trying to get to a very sensible and “easy” way in the saddle.
punishing a horse does not exist. It is always the rider if there are some things going wrong, NEVER THE HORSE!
Do they ask enough of their coaches? Sometimes they ask the wrong things (i.e. advanced movements), but they should ask for more help to establish the correct basics.
If you were to give a message to riders as encouragement what would it be? BACK TO THE BASICS! Try to get a better position, try to get a better coordination of the aids, try to ride a horse properly “from behind”; I have noticed, that the majority of the Australian students I had where not aware of their hands and rein aids and they tried to bring the position of the neck and head of the horse in an appropriate position just by using reign aids. This is the completely wrong way! They must learn to ride the horse forward into a steady contact to get the horse moving over the back and get them suppled and happy..
What do riders want from Judges and/or Coaches? Do your think the current system of Accreditation for judges and coaches ‘hits the mark’ ? I do not know enough about your system of accreditation and graduation of trainers and coaches. For me it is very important that they have got an overall education and a comprehensive knowledge about training horse and rider. The most important thing: they must be willing to learn throughout their lives. With horses you never stop learning. One life is not enough to become a “good” horseperson. What do Judges/Coaches want from riders? That they should always be good to their horses, that they respect their individual predispositions, that they are patient in any situation and that they never blame their horses but asking themselves what they could do better that the horse understands better to do the right movement. In my philosophy of training the words
How do our competitor standards rate along side other Australian States / other countries? Difficult to answer. But I think riding cross country is one of the stronger skills, riding dressage most of them should try to improve.
What would you say to Judges and Coaches to encourage them? To be more focused on the basics, the correct position of the rider and who he is able to communicate correctly with the horse. The horse can move not better as the rider is able to sit and to give correct aids If one thing could be different to improve our competitors standards of riding, what would it be? What I have mentioned above! The rider forms the horse.
EVENTING
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South Australian Young Rider Caitlin Keith riding Domino Effect at the water jump. Caitlin finished 13th in the 2** PHOTO www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
Adelaide glows in international spotlight The Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3de) is Australia’s premier equestrian competition and the only 4**** competition in the southern hemisphere, and one of only six held in the world. Aus3de has been located in the beautiful Adelaide parklands for the last twelve years, and in 2011, became a part of the World Wide ‘Pro Tour’of Eventing – the FEI Classics Series. The 2015 Adelaide event offered the biggest prize pool ever with over $120,000 up for grabs. A full entry list of riders started the competition hoping to catch the selectors eye for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Shane Rose took the lions share with a superlative performance in the 4**** competition taking first place on the TB gelding CP Qualified and second
place on Virgil. Virgil is by the well-known warmblood showjumping super sire Vivant. This outstanding result would surely rocket him into main contention for the Rio Olympics next year. Top placed South Australian rider was Megan Jones on Kirby Park Allofasudden who finished in 10th place. The 2** competition was won by Amanda Ross and Dicavalli Diesel, who showed a clean pair of heels from the start, finishing the event on their dressage score. South Australians Jade Kluske, young rider Caitlin Keith, Luke Jones, Wendy Schaeffer, Megan Jones on her second ride for the day, History, Robert Hutcheson and Sarah Clark all put in solid performances to complete the testing course.
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1. Sarah Clarke and Kirby Park Irish Consort in the showjumping phase. This combination finished the competition in 43rd place. 2. Sarah Clarke and Bellhaven Cardentice, looking good in the dressage phase. Unfortunately Sarah to withdraw this horse before the final phase of competition. 3. Robert Hutcheson and Allegro Bravo, by the legendary SA stallion Allegro Con Brio finished in 42nd place in the 2** competition. 4. Megan Jones and Kirby Park Allofasudden at the trot up. 5. In the 4**** competition, Olympian Megan Jones and Kirby Park Alloffasudden were top placed South Australian combination finishing in 10th place. 6. Jade Kluske and Mighty Delago showing good style in the showjumping phase on their way to 12th place overall in the 2** class. 7. Luke Jones and the TB gelding Proclaimer, clear cross country with just a few time penalties to finish in 22nd place in the 2**. All photos provided by www.stephenmowbrayphotography.com
INTERSCHOOL
SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 19
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) from the Eastern Fleurieu School event. PHOTO PYT Photography
Looking forward to 2016 With the Interschool season finished for 2015, the focus has shifted to 2016. In 2016 there will be more opportunities for riders in each discipline to qualify for the state team and attend the Australian Championships, and at each of these competitions the riders can earn points for their school and be in the running for the School Perpetual Trophy. 2016 will also see the introduction of Preliminary Dressage and Combined Training classes for Secondary Students.
Riders will be required to register for Interschool with the Equestrian SA office prior to close of entries for each event and pay a registration fee. Entry details for each event will be available through the club hosting the event. Information about the selection criteria and registration fees will be available on the Equestrian SA website early in the New Year. The current calendar of events for 2016 is as follows. Like our Facebook (Interschool – Equestrian SA) page for regular updates.
20 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
INTERSCHOOL
Qualification competitions Date
Event
DISCIPLINE Dressage
Eventing
Combined Training
Show Jumping
Show Horse
JANUARY TBC
Equestrian SA show
FEBRUARY 14
Murray Bridge Show
14
Adelaide Hills Dressage Club
27-28 Lucindale Show MARCH 4
Mundulla Show
5
Mannum Show
5-6
Eyre Peninsula Show Jumping Club
5-6
Lockington Horse Trials
6
South Australian Dressage Association
19
Interschool Coaching Day
20
Interschool Gymkhana
20
Southern Vales Dressage Club
25-28 Waikerie Show APRIL 2-3
Kircaldy Horse Trials
2-3
Jim Dunn Memorial
8-10
South Australia State Show Jumping Champs
15-16 IS State Championships 23-24 Two Wells Horse Trials TBC 30
South Australia State Dressage Champs Reynella Horse Trials
MAY 1
Reynella Horse Trials (continued)
15-16 Naracoorte Horse Trials 21-22 Mount Crawford Dressage Club JUNE 24
Presentation Dinner
Visit the Equestrian South Australia website for updates and more information www.sa.equestrian.org.au
TBC
SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 21
Surviving the Summer Heat By Katelyn McNicol BVSc (Hons) WestVETS Re-printed with permission from Horses and People Magazine www.horsesandpeople.com.au
22 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
Summer is nearly upon us and no doubt we have all noticed the temperature and humidity steadily creeping up. And whilst many of us are able to hide away from the heat in air conditioned homes and offices, most of our big four legged friends are not so fortunate and have to tough it out in the elements. This article will help highlight some of the dangers of living in a hotter climate, as well as provide some management tips that can help your horse through the summer months.
Temperature control Our body naturally produces heat from cellular metabolism, muscular contractions and fermentation of our food, and is absorbing heat from external sources such as the sun. Our ability to keep our temperature at the normal level depends on our body’s ability to manage these sources of heat. This is achieved through a variety of ways including evaporative loss through breathing and sweating, dilation of surface blood vessels to lose heat through convection, conduction of heat from deeper within the body to cooler surface tissues by our circulation, and by radiating heat from our body surface to the cooler ambient air. It is when our bodies fail to be able to manage these heat exchanges that hyperthermia, dehydration from sweating, and ultimately heat stress can occur. Mammals as a group have a variety of ways of dissipating heat from the body. Dogs predominantly lose heat by panting and sweating from their paws whilst horses are more like humans and rely predominantly on sweating through their skin. When we sweat heat is transferred from our body to the sweat which then evaporates thus cooling us down. Brisbane tends to be have a high humidity meaning the air is saturated with moisture leaving little room for this sweat to evaporate and take away our heat.
Heat stress Your body’s temperature will often creep above normal during the hottest summer days and after exercise. These small changes in temperature easily and quickly resolve on their own when, for example, you move into the shade or stop exercising. Heat stress occurs when there is an elevation in body temperature paired with dehydration and electrolyte derangements. It is then that more proactive measures are necessary to cool the body and in more severe cases medical
intervention. A quick assessment of your horse can help give you some clues as the whether your horse is coping with the heat, needs some extra attention from you, or if veterinary intervention is needed. Rectal temperature One of the most useful items a horse owner can have in their first aid kit is a digital thermometer. The normal rectal temperature for a horse is 37.5 – 38.5 0C. If your horse’s temperature is above this it will either be due to a fever from an illness or from an inability to cope with the amount of heat produced and absorbed by their body. In the case of a fever, this increase is driven
from within the brain where the normal temperature ‘set point’ has been tricked into increasing due to inflammatory cytokines. The body can easily become overheated from exercise and it is not uncommon for a horse’s rectal temperature to become elevated after hard exercise (such as jumping or cross country), so as a general guide your horse’s temperature should return to normal within 30 minutes of finishing exercise. An assessment of the environmental conditions and whether your horse has been exercising should help differentiate the cause of your horse’s elevated temperature. An elevated body temperature is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous as there is a critical point above which your horse’s central nervous system becomes impaired. At 410C denaturation (unravelling) of cellular proteins begins which, if left untreated, will eventually lead to organ dysfunction, organ failure, and death. Once your
Katelyn McNicol BVSc (Hons) After graduating with honours in 2009 from the University of Queensland, Katelyn McNicol joined the WestVETS team as a mixed animal veterinarian. Although Katelyn loves all animals, her true passion is horses, being particularly interested in medicine and anaesthesia. Katelyn has also undertaken further study in equine dentistry and she is dedicated to the science of balancing a horse’s teeth to enhance health, nutrition and performance.
SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 23
horse’s temperature reaches this critical point the normal homeostatic mechanisms that regulate their temperature also begin to fail such as peripheral vasoconstriction and reduced cardiac output, which will further exacerbate the heat stress. Hydration Next it is important to assess your horse’s hydration. This can be difficult to accurately assess at home but there are some rough guidelines that you can use. Assessing your horse’s ‘skin tent’ will tell you how hydrated their peripheral tissues are. This is assessed by pinching some skin over the shoulder and seeing how quickly it snaps back into place. In a normal hydrated horse the skin should spring back into position. In a dehydrated horse the tent of skin will stay in place. You can also check your horse’s oral mucous membranes which should be light pink and moist. If they are dark pink and tacky your horse may be dehydrated. When we are dehydrated our urine becomes more concentrated, in an effort to conserve water, and becomes darker and lower in volume. This also happens with horses, however there is wide variation in the intensity of colour and the turbidity of horse urine so to avoid misinterpretation your assessment should be done taking into account any other clinical signs of dehydration. Dehydration can also lead to colic where excessive water is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract resulting in constipation (impaction). Very hard and dry faecal balls, or faecal balls covered in yellow mucous can indicate the manure has been sitting in the colon for too long and signify dehydration and poor gastrointestinal motility. If your horse appears normal and comfortable, close observation and access to fresh water over the next 24 hrs is recommended. If your horse shows any signs of dullness, colic, reduced appetite, or their faecal output stops completely your veterinarian should be called. Other clinical signs When your horse’s body temperature is elevated their body will increase their respiratory rate to try and cope. A normal respiratory rate is 20 breathes per minute but in heat stress there will be an increase in rate and respiratory effort i.e. your horse will appear to be out of breath. Other clinical signs include an increase in heart rate and excessive sweating. Ironically, heat stress can also lead to anhydrosis, a condition where your horse will partially or completely lose their ability to sweat. As mentioned earlier, sweating is the primary way horses reduce their body temperature so an inability to sweat will rapidly lead to dangerously high body temperatures and further worsen the heat stress. In more advanced cases there may be a decrease in anal tone, prolapsed penis, colic, diarrhoea and seizures. Remember that it is always important to practice basic hygiene when coming into contact with any of your
horse’s bodily fluids, such as saliva or faeces. Gloves should be worn or hands washed immediately after checking their temperature or mouth. Risk factors How you manage your horse during the summer months is critical to their comfort. Take caution when exercising your horse by riding during the coolest part of the day or, if you have the luxury of lights, at night. If you must work your horse during the hotter days then keeping your riding session short and at a lower intensity will help. Combine this with appropriate measures to cool your horse down adequately afterwards, as discussed below, and you should get through the summer months problem free. Overweight horses have a higher risk of developing heat stress due to their large body mass relative to skin surface area. This means they are not only producing more body heat but have a smaller surface area to help dissipate this heat. Horses with Cushing’s syndrome typically have a longer and thicker coat meaning they will have a noticeably harder time losing heat through sweat and evaporation. Treating your horse for Cushing’s will reverse this coat change but in the interim they may need to be clipped to prevent overheating. Heat can also worsen some respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive airway disease, inflammatory airway disease and recurrent airway obstruction, so if you know your horse has one of these conditions they may need special attention during the summer months. Treatment The treatment for heat stress will depend on the severity of clinical signs and rectal temperature. If your horse is showing the more extreme signs such as muscle weakness, incoordination, recumbency or seizures your veterinarian should be contacted immediately. If your horse’s temperature is over 410C contact your veterinarian and alert them to your situation. If your horse only has a mild case of heat stress you can try the following treatment at home and see how they respond. Move your horse to a shady spot and saturate with a hose. The next step is important, the heat from their body will be transferred to the cool water so it is essential that you scrape the excess water from their body and then repeat the hosing and scraping process until their temperature starts to respond. The use of fans is also effective by creating air movement and promoting evaporation. Additional cooling methods such as ice boots and misters can also be used. Electrolyte replacements can also be given and always ensure cool water is available. In more severe cases your veterinarian may need to treat with intravenous fluids and correct electrolyte and acid-base derangements.
24 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
Electrolytes
How to help your horse in hot conditions
Electrolytes are important for helping to maintain normal water balance in our body and to help our muscles and organs to function normally. Your horse loses electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium when they sweat.
Before making any drastic changes to the management of your horse it is worthwhile observing them and seeing if they are coping with the heat. Many horses are comfortable throughout summer and only have mild issues during the more severe heat waves. If, however, you think your horse is struggling there are some management practices that can be adopted to make their lives more comfortable.
• Sodium This is the predominant electrolyte lost in sweat. It is involved in a huge number of interactions in the body, such as maintaining fluid balance between cells and circulation, allowing nerves to function, muscles to contract and maintenance of acid-base balance. • Calcium The importance of calcium for bone strength is well known but calcium also plays a vital role in muscular contraction. This is not only the contraction of skeletal muscles, for example leg muscles, but also cardiac muscle and smooth muscle, such as that found in our intestines. Calcium is also used in energy metabolism. • Potassium and magnesium are both involved in healthy muscular function and help prevent muscular cramps. Magnesium is also involved in glucose metabolism, nerve function and blood pressure regulation, to name but a few. There are large number of electrolytes all working together in your horse’s body to allow normal cellular activity. It is when the levels of these electrolytes are depleted or imbalanced that medical conditions can develop. Generally a horse on a well-balanced diet will be receiving adequate levels of minerals, electrolytes and nutrients. It is when we ask our horses to perform in tough conditions or are sweating excessively that excessive losses can occur and therefore additional supplementation can be necessary. There are a multitude of electrolyte replacements on the market, often which product is used comes down to whether your horse will eat or drink it! Just remember that you are aiming to replace electrolytes that are being lost, therefore a horse standing in the paddock during winter is very unlikely to need replacement electrolytes whereas a horse that has just competed on the cross country course on a spring day may benefit from an electrolyte replacer on the day of competition. Electrolyte depletion can potentially contribute to several medical conditions such as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (thumps or equine hiccups), rhabdomyolysis (tying-up) and anhydrosis.
Shelter Shelter is crucial for any horse at any time of the year. This can be in the form of trees, shelters or stables. Shade afforded by trees will actually be cooler than from a structure such as a shelter due to evaporative cooling from the tree. Having both options for your horse is ideal. Stables can be excellent for avoiding the sun but can present other problems such as lack of air flow and can often be hotter than standing in the paddock under a tree. Stables provide the opportunity to install items such as fans and misters which can dramatically improve your horse’s comfort and heat dissipation. Water It is vital that your horse has easy access to water at all times. It can be ideal to have multiple water stations which are changed regularly to keep the water cool. Additional water containing sweeteners such as molasses can also be offered to encourage increased water intake. Do not do this if you have a laminitic horse or pony as the sugars may worsen this condition. Electrolytes can be added to the water to compensate for electrolytes lost in the sweat. Always have another fresh water source available as well as some horses do not readily drink the electrolyte products. Hosing your horse is a special treat even if your horse appears to be coping ad may help prevent heat stress.
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Rugging Whether to rug your horse or not is always a debated topic. It relies on your own assessment of your horse and how they tolerate rugging. Black horses can sometimes be cooler with a white rug than without whereas the opposite can be true for grey or white horses. To rug or not must be juggled with the benefits of rugging such as insect protection for horses with Queensland itch and sun protection for those horses with pink skin. If a rug is necessary a light weight low denier rug is recommended. Tips on taking an accurate rectal temperature • Only take your horse’s temperature if you can safely do so without getting kicked – your safety is the priority. • Practice good hygiene: wear gloves or wash hands after taking temperature. • Insert a digital thermometer into the centre of the anus. • Once inserted gently lean the thermometer against the rectal wall. This will help ensure you are not sitting in a pile of manure or an air pocket, which can alter your reading. • Wait until the thermometer beeps and then repeat the reading. If the second reading is higher than the first continue to check the temperature until you get a consistent reading.
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SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 25
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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.
SHOW HORSE
26 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
Louisa Smith riding Instrumental, placed 6th in the Small Show Hack of the Year. PHOTO Horizons Photography
2015 Mitavite Horse of the Year Judges at the 2015 Mitavite SA Horse of the Year (HOTY) held at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds 1617 October had a busy weekend judging the national qualifying classes for the EA National Championships at Werribee in December as well as all the Newcomer classes. Carmel Perkins (Qld), John Paget (NSW), Raymond Butler (Vic) and Jennifer Brockman (WA) were all very impressed with the outstanding presentation of horses and riders at the show. Victorian Judges Bev Richards and Lori Mansell judged the First Ridden, Graduate Garland, Owner Rider, Childs and Shetland classes in Ring 2 on 16 October. For the first time at an SA HOTY, the event was live streamed across Australia with over 1500 hits on the first day alone. Show Hunters were up first in the Sambec Sheds Ring One on Friday. Chelsea Nelson won Champion Small Show Hunter Pony on board Tonia Schaefer’s Sarven Park Pirouette ahead of Melanie Kittel’s cute Rivington Pingu. Chelsea had a great show also qualifying for
her 12 & u 15 rider class at the Nationals. The elegant Holly’s Twitter owned by Shelley Pollard and ridden by Margot Haynes was awarded Champion Medium Show Hunter Pony with Kate Kyros’s very successful Sienna Journeey taking Reserve. Kate also won Champion Rider u. 12 ahead of Harry Beckel. Margot Haynes won Champion Large Hunter pony on Elise Manley’s true to type Sanlirra Honour. For Louisa Smith and her pretty liver chestnut mare Dunelm Sequin it was third time lucky, earning their ticket to Werribee with the Reserve award. Alli Madill had a very successful show with Shelley Reagan’s Daisy Lane Huntsman winning Newcomer Show Hunter Galloway and then going all the way to win Champion Small Galloway Show Hunter of the Year at only his fifth show. Reserve was Brianna Duncan Coward’s well performed Corndale Kiss & Tell. Brianna also won Reserve Rider 15-18 behind Sally Bond. Abby Clark’s good moving Donlea Valentino won Champion Large Show Hunter Galloway in front of
Angela Foster’s Yindarla Park Twilight. Warmbloods continued their domination of the Show Hunter Hack classes with Margot Haynes and David Quayle’s very successful NP Evolution taking out the Small Show Hunter Champion for the second year in a row ahead of Kelly Probert’s lovely moving new show hunter, Dreamtime Rockstar. Andrea Merry’s stunning Powerplay, Champion Newcomer went all the way to take out Champion Large Show Hunter Hack. Seasoned competitor DS Red label was awarded the Reserve. Day 2 was the Show Horses turn. It was a family affair for the Gardiner family with mum Angie preparing, dad James leading and daughter Sophie piloting the experienced Bordershow Boy Scout to win Champion Leading Rein pony, Smartest on Parade and Runner-up Small Pony. The very cute palomino pony, Thorwood Cookies n Cream which was Reserve Leading Rein pony, stepped up to win Champion Small Pony with Ava Nusbajtel on board. The Medium Pony class although small in numbers was a quality field. Last year’s winner, the Fricker family’s Falconhurst First Dance repeated her success with Abby Clark’s Drumeden Chorus Line Reserve. Abby is going to have a very busy time at Werribee, qualifying all three of her horses for the Nationals! Seasoned competitor Jessica Marnie had a brilliant show winning Champion Large Pony out of a very strong field, on board Charlotte Hunt’s Argyl Star Attraction. Jess also won Champion Rider 15 & U18 and Newcomer Large Pony with her Argyl Historia. The very well performed Kolbeach Starlight ridden by Margot Haynes worked superbly to be awarded Reserve. Another Kolbeach, Shelley and Chris Pollard’s pretty mare Kolbeach Miss Daisy took out the Reserve Champion Small Galloway behind Abby Clark’s Gordon Park Supernova. Sarah Kempe’s Willowcroft Safari earned a second trip to Werribee by taking out Champion Large Galloway. Emily Dennis’ young Galloway Kolbeach Fiesta gave her a great show winning both Graduate Garland and Reserve Champion Large Galloway. In the small hacks Chris Lawrie’s aptly named French TB mare, Grace made her first season debut by taking out the championship. Another new face in the show ring, Tracy Maitland’s very attractive dapple grey Winmallee
Whole Lotta Love took out Reserve. Last years’ HOTY Large Hack winner Radiant repeated his success again this year with Margot Haynes on board. Tess Hughes and her eye catching black warmblood Chicago made a welcome return to the SA show ring winning the Reserve Large Show Hack. Another strong class, Champion Rider over 18 was won by Samantha Kennedy on board her flashy TB gelding Happy Hour. Kate Halliday riding Andrea Merry’s Powerplay was Reserve. For a full list of all results from both rings see Horse Deals Gallery and the Equestrian SA website. Equestrian SA Youth Development Scholarship Weekend Twelve young riders aged 12-20 spent an intense weekend at Mount George Equestrian Centre on 7-8 November participating in the Show Horse Equestrian SA Youth Development Scholarship. EA coach and national judge Joanne Prestwidge from NSW also an acclaimed Riding Pony breeder and exhibitor very quickly honed in on the areas each rider needed to work on. Joanne also shared her knowledge of show ring presentation with Annabelle Kerslake’s Willowcroft High Society the perfect model for Joanne’s make-up demonstrations. Elizabeth Fricker provided an extensive spread of food for riders and their supporters on Saturday. During the lunchbreak Equestrian SA Executive Officer, Sharon Cimarosti enlightened riders and their supporters about Equestrian Australia’s role. Riders were also tested on their knowledge of show horse rules with an open book test. Criteria for the scholarship winner assessment are: performance, horsemanship, knowledge of discipline, attitude, ability and potential. The winner will be announced at the Equestrian SA Annual Awards night early in 2016. This year it was not possible for Show Horse to join the rest of the disciplines at Kirkaldy Park on 28 & 29 November as this was just days before many of the riders were due to head off to Werribee to compete at the EA Show Horse Nationals.
Upcoming Shows The Equestrian SA Show Horse Committee will be holding a High Point Show, Interschool classes and a Measuring Day at Metro in late January/February. The dates will be put on the Equestrian SA website and Aushorse Classifieds before Christmas.
SHOW HORSE
SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 27
SHOW HORSE
28 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
Louisa Smith and Dunelm Sequin, Runner Up Large Show Hunter Pony at the SA HOTY show. PHOTO Horizons Photography
SHOW JUMPING
SUMMER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 29
SA competitor, Geoff Bloomfield aboard Pilot, in the IRT World Cup Qualifier in Adelaide. PHOTO Julie Wilson
SA young riders onwards and upwards Nicole Bruggemann and Marine – 2015 National Young Rider Champions Jumping South Australia and Equestrian South Australia would like to congratulate Nicole Bruggeman on becoming the 2015 National Young Rider Champions. The Australian Championships were held on September 17th – 20th at Werribee Victoria. This was a fantastic spectacle and all credit must go to the ASJC Organising committee for putting on a show of International standards. The weather was kind, the grounds well prepared, the International Course Designer, Leopoldo Palacios Jugo from Venezuela, set some very challenging and technical courses and all was set for an exciting weekend. Nicole was coming fourth on Marine after the first round of the Young Rider qualifier, had an unlucky rail in the second qualifying competition to see her in eighth place overall. However in the final they had two faultless rounds and to quote Nicole’s very own words “Marine jumped his little white socks off ” to both win the final competition and to win the overall championship.
Leopoldo certainly made the championship a remarkable competition with only the truly experienced combinations coming out on top.
Queenslander Merrik Ubank and Alantinus win the IRT World Cup Qualifier in Adelaide The middle of November saw the Adelaide International Three Day Event Equestrian host the Equestrian Australia Grand Final for the first time. The show jumping component was in the form of a World Cup Qualifier. The best combinations in the country were invited to compete and the stage was set for a very exciting event. Merrick and Alantinus were the only combination to produce a double clear round over a very challenging course built by FEI Level IV Course Designer John Vallance. First to go in the opening round, he set the standard for the 17 other riders. 10 combinations were invited back for the second round and Ubank, producing a second faultless round, was awarded the victory.
SHOW JUMPING
30 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | SUMMER 2015
Combining the World Cup Qualifier with the Adelaide International Three Day Event was a huge success. The going was excellent, the atmosphere was fantastic and the riders appeared to really enjoy the experience. Chris Chugg from NSW placed second and third on the flashy grey stallion Cera Cassiago and the immensely talented mare Cristalline respectively. Brook Dobbin from Victoria and Silvo placed fourth and local rider Kristy Bruhn and Jack placed a very reputable fifth. Congratulations to all our local riders, Kristy Bruhn, Mark Lindh, Geoff Bloomfield and Jeff Evans. Not often do we see this standard of event in our State but it was so good to see so many local riders involved.
Youth Scholarship Weekend The Equestrian SA Youth Scholarship was run on the weekend of the 28th & 29th November the disciplines for Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage and Vaulting. The weather was extremely kind with beautiful sunny days with tops in the mid 20’s.
Our original coach was unavoidably detained in Europe on business and South Australian Coach and National Selector Clive Reed was asked to step in at the last moment. The weekend was a great success with all the participants gaining a lot out of the sessions. This year we took a slightly different approach with regular lessons on the Saturday morning but Sunday’s format was quite different. We started off the day building a Show Jumping course with Andrew Paech and then time was spent analysing the course and why particular jumps and lines were built. This was a new approach for all theriders and gave them an insight into how courses are built and the results that course designers hope to achieve. The riders then had the opportunity to ride the course with the added advantage of being coached. Thank you to Verity Hayman who did a wonderful job organising the weekend and to Clive Reed who would have to be one of the best coaches of young riders in the country. This is a wonder initiative, very well organised and all Young Show Jumping riders are encourage to apply.
FIVE MINUTES WITH Nicole Bruggeman I am based mainly in Sydney NSW but I still live in Gawler SA. I travel around Australia often doing World Cups, Royals and Agricultural Shows. I currently have 4 competition horses, Lux Like Cavalier, Marine, Bluesta and White Wash. Whilst travelling and riding full time I also run a small business, Nicole Bruggemann Equestrian. I am the South Australian stockiest of Kingsland Equestrian apparel. I am also the SA stockiest of Samshield helmets, Dy’on saddlery and freejump. I also organize saddle fittings for Butet saddles. When I am home I give a few lessons here and there but I would really like to build up this side of my business. I also take in horses for training, which I’m also looking at doing more of. I enjoy working with people and horses so the more I can do the better!
PHOTO Equine Magazine
borrowed horses where we finished with a bronze medal out of 25 countries. In 2013 I was on the National Australian Young Rider Team that went to New Zealand where we ran second. New Zealand then came over to Australia where we won. I have also represented South Australia being on many Junior, Young Rider and Senior teams. I have also been on many National and State Squads such as, • South Australian Junior/ Young Rider Squad 20092015
My plans are to keep travelling around Australia doing big shows and being very consistent in the World Cup League. Once I have achieved that I will take my horse or horses overseas to start my campaign.
• South Australian Development Squad 2012-2015
I have represented Australia on numerous occasions both overseas and in Australia. In 2011 I was on a junior team that went to South Korea and rode
• National Generation Next Squad 2015
• South Australian Senior Squad 2012-2015 • National Young Rider Development Squad 20102015 • National Rio Squad 2014 • National Young Rider Champion 2015
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SHOW JUMPING
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IRT World Cup Qualifier 1. SA rider Mark Lindh and Six Pack negotiate the tough course at the IRT World Cup Qualifier in Adelaide. PHOTO Julie Wilson 2. Merrick Ubank and Alantinus - winner of the IRT World Cup Qualifier. PHOTO Julie Wilson 3. Local rider Kristy Bruhn and Jack flying the SA flag at the IRT World Cup Qualifier in Adelaide. PHOTO Julie Wilson Youth Scholarship 4. Sarah Wigney. PHOTO Lizzie Wigney 5. Ruth Fisher-Bent and Clive Reed. PHOTO Lizzie Wigney 6. Chrissy Grear, Chloe Wedd, Alana Livesy, and Courtney De Barro. PHOTO Lizzie Wigney 7. L-R Ruth Fisher-Bent and Copabella Vertigo, Sarah Wigney and Tantalize NZPH and the coach Clive Reed. PHOTO Lizzie Wigney
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VAULTING
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Jamie Hocking, Super Special lunged by Nina Fritzel. PHOTO Barrie Hocking
Vaulting results Results Open Male: 1st Jamie Hocking
Open Female: 2nd Matthew Williams
1st Emma Moulds
2nd Sarah Leadbeater
2nd Rebecca Vandapeear
3rd Sophie Thomson
4th Emily Leadbeater
Advanced Female: 1st Stephanie Dore 5th Jessica Beattie
Intermediate Female:
Novice Female:
1st Mikaela Bell
1st Keisha Vreudenberg
2nd Shayla Vreudenberg 4th Belen Swart
Pre Novice: 1st Hannah Greenfield
2nd Ben Rosiak
3rd Bianca Puliatti
5th Kaylie Ratsch
6th Lily Moore
7th Annalise Vaughan
1st Fenna Van den boom
2nd Abigail Williams
3rd Florence Simpson
4th Morgan Swinton
5th Bella Masters
6th Alesha Barbaro
7th Megan McCulloch
8th Abby Yeend
9th Sienna Branch
10th Layla Van den Berg
Preliminary:
Preliminary AWD:
Open Pas De Deux:
1st Monique Simpson
1st Emma Moulds and Jessica Beattie
Pas De Deux Walk (A): 1st Florence Simpson and Morgan Swinton
Pas De Deux Walk (B): 1st Bianca Puliatti and Kaylie Ratsch 3rd Annalise Vaughan and Shayla Vreudenberg
2nd Bella Masters and Sophie Thomson
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1st Emma Moulds and Jessica Beattie
2nd Stephanie Dore and Rebecca Vanapeear
3rd Jamie Hocking and Ben Rosiak
4th Sophie Thomson and Hannah Greenfield
5th Florence Simpson and Morgan Swinton
Pas De Deux Barrel (B): 1st Fenna Van den Boom and Lily Moore
2nd Megan McCulloch and Abby Yeend
3rd Bianca Puliatti and Kaylie Ratsch
4th Layla Van den Berg and Alesha Barbaro
5th Keisha Vreudenberg and Abigail Williams
6th Tineke Vreudenberg and Kellie Branch
Squad Barrel: 1st (Quicksilver) Zac Singlehurst, Emma Moulds, Jessica Beattie, Stephanie Dore, Rebecca Vandapeear, Morgan Swinton, Florence Simpson (R)
2nd (PHEVA) Annalise Vaughan, Keisha Vreudenberg, Shayla Vreudenberg, Abigail Williams, Sienna Branch, Alesha Barbaro
Male State Champion:
Female State Champion:
Jamie Hocking
Emma Moulds
Best Official Individual Horse:
Best Associate Individual Horse:
Quick Magic & Next Generation Romulan
Wilameka Leviosa
2015 end of year results: South Australian Official Horse of the Year
South Australian Pas de Deux Horse of the Year
Super Special
Next Generation Romulan
South Australian Associate Horse of the Year
South Australian Female Vaulter of the Year
Sissy
Emma Moulds
South Australian Male Vaulter of the Year
South Australian Female Vaulter of the Year (18 Years & Under)
Jamie Hocking
Emily Leadbeater
Coming Up: 2016 National Vaulting Championships and Adelaide CVI*** 21st-25th April, 2016 at Mallala Equestrian Centre, Mallala, South Australia Spectator Entry is FREE!
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1. Lily Moore, Super Special lunged by Nina Fritzel. PHOTO Barrie Hocking 2. Kaylie Ratsch & Bianca Puliatti, Wilameka Leviosa lunged by Robyn Oram-Thomson. PHOTO Jodie Vaughn. 3. Matthew Williams 2nd in the Open Male category at the 2015 State Championships. PHOTO Jodie Vaughn
VAULTING
Pas De Deux Barrel (A):
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
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Alicia Lever & Footlight Statement, dressage with Martin Plewa. PHOTO Carly Boon
Onwards and upwards for SA’s young riders The 24th Annual Equestrian SA Be-Active Youth Development Scholarship weekend was held at Kirkcaldy Park in November for Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping and Vaulting disciplines.
Joining Martin as selector for the weekend was Wayne Copping. Congratulations to the following riders that participated as Eventing Finalists:
This year 38 riders attended a weekend of coaching and were assessed on their past performance, potential, knowledge of their discipline, presentation and attitude. The rider with the highest rating will receive $500 to contribute toward the costs of coaching in 2016, and will be recognized for their achievement at the Annual ESA Awards.
Alicia Lever
Ashleigh Westcott
Caitlyn Munro
Courtney Munro
Connie Miller
Emily Nettle
Georgia Gibson
Madison Halford
Rhianna Shepperd
Sophie Compton
Eventing The Eventing riders were privileged to be coached by Martin Plewa from Germany, who thanks to Gill Rolton and the Adelaide International Horse Trials was in Australia for the month of November. Martin was the coach for the German Eventing Team and later the Director of the Westphalian Equestrian Centre in Munster and has a wealth of knowledge applicable to all disciplines that he shared with the riders. All the riders benefited enormously from his coaching and insistence on correct position and aids. Coaching included lessons in dressage, show jumping and cross country.
On the Sunday riders from all disciplines heard from Martin about the importance for horses and riders of mulit-discipline training, and the training scale for riders.
Show Jumping Well known South Australian Clive Reed was the coach for the Show Jumping riders. The show jumping sessions began with shared lessons for the riders, and was followed on the Sunday by a course walk with Clive and the opportunity to jump a full round at the riders nominated height as Clive watched and gave tips on how to improve their performance. Selector for the weekend was Tessa Fairweather.
Congratulations to the following riders that were Finalists for Show Jumping:
used this to develop the vaulters techniques and style in sessions on the ground and on horseback.
Alana Livesey
Amelia Ramsey
Chloe Wedd
Christina Grear
Di Goldsworthy was selector for the weekend. Congratulations to the finalists:
Courtney De Barro
Kate Crauford
Phoebe Bowen Ruth Fischer-Bent
Annalise Vaughan
Ben Rosiak
Florence Simpson
Indiana Sayer
Sarah Wigney
Keisha Vreugdenburg
Lily Moore
Troy Woollard
Mikaela Bell
Morgan Swinton
Rebecca Vandepeear
Shaylah Vreugdenburg
These lucky riders will also be given the opportunity to have coaching in December with Scott Keach, who recently represented Australia in the team that qualified for Rio.
Dressage Claire Seidl from NSW has trained numerous horses to grand prix and was the dressage coach for the weekend. Claire’s clear explanations, energy and enthusiasm was appreciated by all the riders and feedback has been very positive with requests for a follow up clinic early in the new year. With both shared and individual lessons over the weekend, each rider was given individual attention and showed great improvement over the two days.
Show Horse Show Horse riders were coached earlier in November by Joanne Prestwidge at the Mt George Equestrian Centre. Joanne is from NSW and is a very successful Show Horse competitor around Australia, and is Principal of Royalwood Stud, a leading Riding Pony Stud breeding show ponies and galloways. Joanne was able to quickly hone in on the particular issues each rider needed to work on and every rider was able to take away many useful strategies for getting the best out of their horse. Riders also attended a lunchtime session on show ring presentation which was a great success, with Joanne sharing many practical tips.
Carly Boon was selector for the weekend. Congratulations to the dressage Finalists:
Selector for the weekend was Therese Bussell. Congratulations to all the show horse finalists:
Casey Ward
Chloe Hittman
Abbie Bernardo
Alicia Alderson
Demi Taylor
Emily Compton
Brianna Duncan Coward
Caitlin Fricker
Lisa Harris
Monique Tugwell
Chelsea Mifsud
Chelsea Nelson
Nicole Berry
Phoebe Seneca
Chloe Hilder
Georgia Davey
Samantha Coleshill
Torrie Shepperd
Harry Beckel
Isabelle Ker
Rumer Wendt
Victoria Fricker
Vaulting Sharna Kirkham from NSW was the Vaulting coach for the weekend. An A-grade vaulter, coach and official lunger she is well known for her creativity and freestyle development. Her motto is “I’ll push you out of your comfort zone, but not out of your capability zone” and
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Zenna Zilm
Carriage Driving Youth Development for carriage driving will be held on the 19th of December.
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1. Lunch time fitness test led by the vaulters with Nina Fritzel. PHOTO Verity Hayman 2. Lisa Harris and Flowervale Zeoletta with Claire Seidl. PHOTO Carly Boon
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
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3. Vaulting finalists discussing their freestyles with Sharna Kirkham. 4. Morgan Swinton practicing her Freestyle with Sharna Kirkham 5 Courtney Munro & Aylestone Park Appleblossom 6 Florence Simpson practicing her Freestyle with Sharna Kirkham 7 Madison Halford and Typhoon Rose 8 Alicia Lever and Footlight Statement 9 Martin Plewa coaching Madison Halford, Alecia Lever and Sophie Compton at the water complex. 10 Ashleigh Westcott and Cloverash Mirror Image cross country with Marin Plewa. 11 Emily Nettle and Cash Cab, into the water.
12 Emily Nettle and Cash Cab off the bank. 13. Georgia Gibson and Sunhill Adventure. 14. Showhorse coach Joanne Prestwidge explaining the finer points at the Youth Development Scholarship weekend. PHOTO Therese Bussell 15. Dressage Finalists: L-R Lisa Harris & Flowervale Zeoletta, Claire Seidl (coach), Carly Boon (Selector), Casey Ward, Phoebe Seneca, Demi Taylor, Samantha Coleshill, Monique Tugwell, Emily Compton, Torrie Shepperd, Chloe Hittman, Nicole Berry & Eroz Jinks 16. Eventing Finalist: L-R Martin Plewa (coach), Courtney Munro, Emily Nettle, Ashleigh Westcott, Sophie Compton, Madison Halford, Georgia Gibson, Caitlyn Munro, Alicia Lever, Wayne Copping (Selector). Absent: Connie Miller, Rhianna Shepperd All photos provided by Verity Hayman
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