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THE LONG GOODBYE THE CHALLENGE OF EQUINE DEMENTIA

PRACTICAL FASHION FOR EQUESTRIAN COMFORT

THE FLYING CHANGE STEPS with HAYLEY BERESFORD

HOLIDAY with HORSES - Part 2 Beginner’s Guide for

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Inside

hoofbeats A National Riding, Training and Horse Care Magazine . . . . incorporating The Green Horse -sustainable horsekeeping.

Vol 43-1 June July 2021

4: the Flying Change - with hayley Beresford

It’s time to introduce the youngsters at Eiserner Hof to flying changes, one of the most time consuming lessons Hayley suggests the horses have to learn and understand.

9: equine experienCes - with or without your horse part 2 by Andie Wyatt With the popularity of holidays with horses soaring, we follow on from last issue’s ideas with new travel destinations to visit with and without your own horse – no passport required!

12: BeCome a Better rider ... oFF the horse by Sarah Warne The Flying Change Steps - Hayley Beresford

An often overlooked important aspect of training to become a better rider, time spent off the horse developing core skills and fitness, and being mentally prepared are equally important.

18: two distinCt diseases oF the stomaCh – equine gastric disease by Dr Tania Sundra Unfortunately, gastric disease is common in horses and can have a detrimental impact on their health and performance.

25: BiologiCally eFFeCtiVe lighting With all aspects of the sporthorse’s management taken into consideration in the quest for peak performance, the use of coloured light is another tool that can be utilised to maintain and boost overall health and wellbeing. Equine Experinces

26: please explain Horses have very large eyes but how do they actually see us and their environment? As the rugs start coming out for winter have you ever considered if they can prevent your horse from getting enough vitamin D?

28: horses do talk – we just have to learn to listen by Dr Tom Ahern Horses Do Talk - We Just Have To Learn To Listen

Ask anyone that’s spent time with horses and they’re bound to let you know that horses can and do ‘talk’. Not everyone, however, will be able to ‘hear’ and ‘see’ what they’re saying.

34: good properties don’t Just happen by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest

35: lead aFFeCting garden VegetaBles 36: Barn owls by Wendy Elks 37: leak deteCtion with dogs 38: seleCting a traCtor 41: soil your undies

Barn Owls

June/July 2021 - Page 2

Practical Fashion For Equine Comfort.

The Long Goodbye - Equine Dementia

Salmonella. Become a Better Rider - Off The Horse

editorial: Looking after horses is hard work. When winter hits and you’re mucking out stables and paddocks and doing the myriad of chores required each day, the cold and wet conditions can lead to daydreaming about warmer, sunnier and longer days ahead. Many horse owners have had a taste of colder weather earlier than usual this year with icy conditions across the southern eastern parts of the country breaking records for the longest stretch of cold days for more than five decades. Fortunately it’s easy to keep warm and stylish around the horses, so for some ideas and potential retail therapy check out the Winter Fashions article on page 58. Thinking of retail therapy many of you are no doubt looking forward to Equitana Melbourne next month. This popular event will make a welcome return to the equestrian calendar after its postponement last year. Another event looming large is the Tokyo Olympics, although just like last year, there remains a few doubts as Japan is currently battling a fourth wave of coronavirus. Hopefully, it can proceed as planned from 23rd July (and the Paralympics from 24th August) and we can cheer on the Australian equestrian team from the comfort of our own homes – the one hour time difference between Tokyo and Australia’s east coast sure to help us enjoy all the action as it happens. We’d like to thank readers who responded with their holidays with horses ideas after reading Holidaying With Your Horse in the April/May issue. We’ve had feedback that many horse holiday operators have almost booked out for 2021 so it’s great to hear that the Holiday Here This Year campaign is resonating with those that would love to spend time with horses on their holidays too. The Hoofbeats Team MANAGING EDIToR: Sandy Hannan ADvERTISING: Tracy Weaver-Sayer GRApHICS Michelle Quinn, Jacqueline Anderson produced by

HoofbEAT pUblICATIoNS 90 leslie Road, Wandi, 6167 ph: (08) 9397 0506 fax: (08) 9397 0200 CoNTACT Office/accounts: enquiries@hoofbeats.com.au Ads: ads@hoofbeats.com.au Editorial: editorial@hoofbeats.com.au

www.hoofbeats.com.au MEDIA PARTNERS Equine Veterinarians Australia The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or the editor. Contents of advertisements are the responsibility of the advertisers. Features and photographs are welcomed via email. Reproduction of any part of Hoofbeats is protected by copyright and only permitted when a written release has been received from the publisher.

42: toothaChe – the silent pain by Dr Kirsten Jackson Horses can be very good at hiding pain so it’s vital that their teeth are checked regularly to identify and treat any issues promptly.

45: the long goodBye – the Challenge oF equine dementia by Karen Watson Just like humans, horses can start to show signs of confusion in their older years, and in some cases, other changes in their behaviour that can lead to a diagnosis of equine dementia.

48: Beginner’s guide For the enduranCe ride Ever considered trying the sport of endurance? With some planning and commitment you can work towards your first ride and participating in this very popular equestrian event.

53: app reViews by Deidre Rennick Rug turnout guide and equine body condition scoring.

54: salmonella by Dr Jennifer Stewart An extremely contagious bacterial disease, foals and horses can be affected by Salmonellosisa. Good hygiene and management practices are vital along with an understanding of how the disease can be transmitted.

58: praCtiCal Fashion For equine ComFort by Hayley Skinner It’s always been the case that equestrian style is not just popular with horse owners and these days we’re spoilt for choice when we want to look fashionable and on trend, on and off our horses and no matter the weather.

regular Features: 24: produCt news 60: news 65: suBsCriBe and go in the draw to win an equestrian package from Epplejeck,home of Europe’s biggest fashion brands. To subscribe go to: www.hoofbeats.com.au FREE STALLION AND STUD DIRECTORY available at www.hoofbeats.com.au ARE YOU AN EQUESTRIAN WRITER? If you are a writer and involved with horses then we welcome your contributions on riding, training or horse care topics for Hoofbeats. email: editorial@hoofbeats.com.au

COVER Our fashion cover photograph was supplied by Jessica Atkins Studio with permission from Horse In The Box: www.horseinthebox.com.au Many thanks to the model Jane Gordon, who is wearing Kastel Denmark, and Stendinger, the magnificent stallion. June/July 2021 - Page 3

The FLYING CHANGE ... the steps with Hayley Beresford The 5- and 6-year-old team of horses at Eiserner Hof, home of Australian Olympic rider Hayley Beresford and her partner, Jule Fehl, have all achieved a great start to the German competition season. Hayley and Jule are constantly working on their horses’ strength in both posture and movement required to take them through the levels. It is now time for new challenges ... with the start of the flying change.

The Aids For me, this is one of the biggest and most time-consuming lessons for the horses to learn and understand. It doesn’t matter if it’s mastered in a few days or if it takes months. When introducing the flying change I’m not just thinking about getting my horse from one canter lead to the other, I’m introducing the aids needed to have the horse understand completely - so that later in our journey it will be able to manage the one-time tempi changes needed for the Grand Prix… of course your horse doesn’t need to understand this to begin with but there is no need to start in one language that will not lead on to the final language needed for the higher levels. Some horses just seem to learn the concept easily, without actually being correct or through the body perfectly, and some horses really need time to understand. It really doesn’t matter how long it takes. If you think about the journey, as three-year-olds we were happy when they could canter around the arena in a nice shape on the right lead, as four-year-olds they were expected to canter on the correct lead and change their postures and tempo, as five-year-olds we expected canter on the wrong lead and now as six-year-olds we expect them to skip!!! It’s quite a bit when you think about it, so I really emphasise now just how important it is to find the way that your horse understands correctly and is as relaxed as possible to begin with.

I’m always chipping away at something new with the horses. Whether it be new exercises, new games, new experiences. It doesn’t matter as long as we are developing. I don’t focus intensively on one thing at a time but concentrate on the development of collection towards the piaffe one week, and then the beginnings of the flying changes or half-passes the next, and then completely mix it up with hacking out, jumping or something totally different like exposure to an umbrella, audience applause or loud music. It all needs to be experienced and it is best to mix it up. June/July 2021 - Page 4

The first changes need to be taught to your horse in such a way that it can first understand the concept to change from one lead to the other but also that the way that it learns the flying change paves the way later on as it needs to learn sequence changes and so on.

Introducing the Change This is a concept that can go quite wrong when the first changes are not introduced well. Horses can panic, leap, run, ignore or establish late changes quite easily when they don’t understand, and this can be quite problematic to un-train. Having personally taught the flying change to literally hundreds of horses throughout my career, both as a rider and as a coach, I have encountered many, many problems and have also found many solutions along the way. Like most trainers I have had my share of total stuff ups… I have successfully taught perfect late changes, crooked and swinging changes, have had horses bolt, run, block and panic… you name it and I reckon I have been through it. However, I have also brought a good number of horses to the Grand Prix, where we must be able to execute nine, two-tempi changes and 15, onetempi changes as part of the program.

CHECk lIsT!

What must the horses be able to do before we can start with the flying change? r r r r r

Balance Flexible gear box Flexible posture Accept the legs and yield away from them Carry the canter over the hind legs

BAlAnCE Before starting with the flying change the horse must be able to maintain good balance. Some exercises I train constantly on the youngsters in canter, and also on the older horses, to ensure my basics remain quality, are: centre-lines or quarter-lines with transitions within the canter from a big canter to a small canter and back to a big canter. The horse must be able to maintain its straightness and posture through the transitions, with its hind legs under its body and directly behind the front legs at all times. If it needs to swing its hind legs around then I know it is not round over the back or lifting its shoulders enough. Practice over and over, until you are able to manage this. Sometimes, when we go forward out of a collection transition in the canter its nice, so a good reward is to take a light seat and pat your horse on the neck with both reins. This is nice for the horse and another good indicator that it is taking responsibility for its own body. Sometimes, as soon as you lighten your seat or release your reins, the horse might fall out of the canter or lose its lines. This is another indicator of whether it is established enough to go on.

FlExIBlE GEAr BOx I ride a lot of counter-canter, also with changes in my canter between collection and forward, hind legs under the body, and easy contact and seat so I know the horse is independently balanced without too

Meet Kwintus. He’s a six year old and very new to the team. This photo shoot was only his second day of attempting the changes. He’s as hot as a Ferrari. Hot hot hot!!! Flying changes are always a little stressy depending on each individual horse, and Kwintus is very ambitious, very intelligent, and a powerful horse that wants to do his best. When he’s not sure he can panic and run away so please excuse his shorter neck! But remember a few articles ago when I talked about a short neck for a small moment. It’s ok, but only for a moment. For the purpose of the article I’m trying to show the same sequence with each of my horses. Straight. Leg yield. Rearrange the posture in the counter canter. New inside leg making sure the new hind leg is getting close to the direction of the new change. Ask. Get out of the way!!!!! And reward! Do not panic if your horse gets it wrong. Go back, correct the preparation and try again.

Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 5

much assistance from me. Riders must be able to actually stay out of the horse’s way, not disturb the balance of their horse, and they must not be over-controlling the balance. Small, 8-10 metre voltes (small circles) are important exercises for the canter balance. The hind legs must be able to stay under the body and the canter rhythm must be easy to manipulate.

A good test for the rider is to make a release of the contact, forward toward the horse’s ears, for a few strides during the volte. FLEXIBLE POSTURE The rider should be able to position the horse and then allow it to carry itself. I play with the posture of my horses a lot. Neck and shoulders really uphill, followed by stretching and releasing forward and downwards.The movement between these postures is the best way to strengthen the back… and also the confidence in your contact. Next comes the flexibility in the ribs. The horse can be moved forward and back, up and down, kept straight and on my aids, so now the question is, does the horse hear and respond correctly to my legs?

ACCEPT MY LEGS AND YIELD AWAY FROM THEM Very early on in my Hoofbeats articles I spoke about leg-yielding being the foundation of all lateral work. Inside leg must connect to my outside rein and vice versa (well, I hope I talked about it already!) but for those of you catching up:

The connection between your leg and hand is super important as it’s also the connection between the front and back of your horse; the go and the stop, the swing, the balance, the cadence and, and, and… For the most part we want to have an even contact in our hands. Easy to say, and admittedly not always so easy to achieve, but it must be your goal! By introducing the leg-yield we are playing with the bend of our horses. This leads to the shoulder-in, the traver, the half-pass and pirouettes, and in its most simple form is the beginning lateral connection. Traver Shoulder--in

Half Pass

Leg-yield

Meet Fraser Island. Pirouette

As 4-year-olds, our horses were all introduced to leg-yields and baby shoulder-in. Now as 5- and 6-year-olds, they can execute legyield in both the same direction and also in changing directions. Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 6

A six year old now, he has been with us for three years. He started his training under Jule and literally followed the system pointed out in our previous articles. I took over Fraser last year as we planned for him to accompany me to some international 5 year old competitions. Before COVID hit, he won his first international 5 year old competition. He may not be the next Olympian but he is the most gorgeous, easiest, uncomplicated and fun character to work with. Fraser started with changes about four months ago. He does not have the biggest canter but he is relaxed. He learnt the changes very easily and is currently learning to become more expressive. For the purpose of the article I made the same sequence as Kwintus. Perhaps a highlight of this sequence is that I really try to get out of the way and ‘give’ the new inside rein, to help him become more expressive.

We can play with the angles of the leg-yield, as well as the tempos. We can even make transitions between walk, trot, and walk inside the leg-yield.

Give it a go. Set you angle, set your lines and try. You really can’t get it wrong, and as you and your horse become familiar with this, you can establish your swing and cadence within the sideways steps. Before the flying changes, we play with the leg-yield in canter to change direction. For example, I am on the right canter, I turn up the centre line and return to the long side in leg-yield, yielding away from my left leg.

THE BEGINNING TO MY FIRST FLYING CHANGE! I’m leg-yielding away from the left leg, and I slightly bend and flex my horse around my left leg. My right rein has now become my outside rein and my left leg has become my inside leg. I don’t immediately ask for a change- there are a few more layers to add before the horse has enough information to understand where we are headed with this work. Continue in counter-canter (not too close to the edge of the arena because no horse likes to feel trapped) and on the next long side I also stay a good couple of metres away from the track. On this long side I play a little with the connection- right calf should push out the left hand, and the left calf should be able to push out the right hand. Just very, very slightly- its just a feeling between you and your horse and doesn’t need to be seen by the whole world.

Repeat this over and over on both sides until it’s feeling comfortable for both horse and rider. The next step is to introduce some tempo changes throughout the leg-yield, counter-canter and the playing with the lateral connection. Again, repeat until its comfortable. The final preparation exercise is actually just a small continuation of the Continued lateral connection.

Missed any previous articles in the series by Hayley Beresford? Back issues available from www.hoofbeats.com.au

June/July 2021 - Page 7

You may have noticed by now that I actually establish one concept, train it until its easy and then add a little bit more, and then a little more and so on. Never change your way. It’s got to be a bit like rote learning (memorisation technique based on repetition) for the horse to understand. THE NEXT STEP Following on from the leg-yielding, the counter-canter, the tempo changes and playing with the lateral connections between your hands and legs, I layer over the top the question to play with traver (haunches in, bending around the rider’s leg in the direction of travel) in the new direction; just a little bit so as to have the new inside hind leg closer to the new direction. This helps the horse bring through its hind leg for the flying change.

THE FLYING CHANGE Now, the most important thing is for the rider to stay cool and out of the way. Again- easy to say! Not so easy to always do, but that needs to be your goal. My first change is always based on feeling. I wait for the right moment where the horse is comfortable around my new inside leg, the hind legs are slightly already to my new inside, my new inside leg is pressing toward my new outside. I close my new outside rein and then make my aids as if I was asking for a walk to canter transition in the new direction. This does depend a lot on timing. Sometimes the horse will do nothing. Don’t worry, just ask again. Sometimes your horse will change in front and not behind and vice versa- again, don’t worry but reward it for the reaction. Sometimes they will explode through the change very quickly, again, don’t worry but do try to stay out of the way and always reward the horse’s effort. Jule and I always work together with this. We are very lucky to have mirrors all around our hall. These are helpful, but also can be a hindrance.

If you are busy looking in the mirror, then you are probably not feeling enough and most likely not in a straight posture aligned with your horse. You need eyes on the ground to begin to call if the change was good or not. Although it doesn’t matter to begin with if the change is perfect or not, the reaction is most important. It is vital that a clean change is established pretty quickly in this training. A late change is a nightmare to fix. Late changes usually occur when the lateral connections are not good enough. The outside connection should prevent a recurring late change but it’s more important than ever that the change is learnt in the correct way, as early as possible.

This horse you all know! Daintree (Naomi) Just six years old and still just ticking along in her training, Naomi is very sensitive. Not hot like Kwintus, but sensitive to new ideas. Sensitive in the contact. And sensitive if she feels like she has made a mistake. In this sequence you can see my position and you can very finely see the preparation in changing the lateral connection. Naomi still needs to become softer in the changes. She’s pretty reliable now and understands the concept but I wouldn’t say she is yet confident Confidence comes with time and good rides. June/July 2021 - Page 8

I might concentrate a few days on this and then leave it for a while, depending on the individual horse. Don’t become too intense about it because this can be quite a stressful time for the horse. Some days it might work and some days not. Don’t worry about this, it’s normal. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take your time, and see that your horse gets a thorough understanding of the flying change. In the next article Hayley will cover changes and what we need to do to get them secure. You can follow Hayley, Jule and their team of horses on facebook by logging into Eiserner Hof-Hayley Beresford & Jule Fehl.

HOLIDAY with Horses - Part 2

s e c n e i r e p x E Equine

by Andie Wyatt

TO ENJOY WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR HORSE

orse-related holidays are booming across Australia as a Covid-jaded population heads for hill and coast to appreciate the natural environment and the fresh air and freedom of outdoor experiences. For riders, taking their own horse on a riding holiday is a wonderful idea, but there’s a lot to be said for gaining hours in the saddle on other, well-trained horses, to improve your skills and experience. With the popularity of horse-riding holidays at a high, booking ahead may be necessary, but for these bucket-list equine adventures, the wait is worth it.

Take your horse The Snake ISland CaTTle MuSTer Mustering cattle is a combination of relaxation and adrenaline rush, especially when getting there means crossing from mainland to island through a shallow sea. Cattle have been grazed on Snake Island, off Port Welshpool on the South Gippsland coast of Victoria, since the 1880s. Local dairy farmers grazed their cattle on the Island’s sheltered grasslands during summer and winter, when feed on the farms was less plentiful. Today, the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association

TER

SNAKE ISLAND CATTLE MUS

continues the tradition, with smaller numbers of cattle, under licence from Parks Victoria, operating regular riding tours of the Island during the summer and winter seasons. A limited number of horse riders can join this unique and time- honoured experience. There might be a long waiting list, but it’s the experience of a Continued lifetime. June/July 2021 - Page 9

Victorian rider, Ali Dunn, did the trip when her friend put their names down without her knowing, and she plans to do it again. “It’s a beautiful place, overlooking Wilson’s Prom, with some spectacular scenery,” she says. “All the gear goes over on a boat; the Island isn’t far, but it’s a long water ride as a particular route has to be followed because of the mudflats everywhere.” Eight cattlemen accompany 30 or so riders, either taking cattle across to the island or bringing them home on the way back. Days and times for the journey vary, depending on the tides: it’s only possible to cross during low tide, along a particular route through the mudflats. There’s also a marked channel to cross, where ponies may need to swim for a couple of strides. For these reasons the watery trek must be led by a knowledgeable and experienced ‘pilot’. “Once you reach land there’s an hour of bush riding to the cattlemen’s buildings. There’s a dining room and kitchen, rec room and bunkhouse, with good amenities. The cattlemen yard and feed the horses before turning them out for the night, while the humans settle in and get to know one another.” The second day involves riding out over the Island, checking on the cattle, or, if they’re coming home, mustering the mob. The Island is now National Park, and cattle numbers and range are now very restricted, but the experience is authentic and a celebration of a bygone era. “The trek is very well run by a team of dedicated volunteer cattlemen and women who are passionate about keeping the traditions alive,” Ali relates. “It’s a bit like school camp, too … everyone together, in the bunk house,” she laughs. Surprisingly, she slept well, and the riding was great. “It’s a lot of fun for a competent rider.” To find out more, contact the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association. https://snakeisland.com.au/

Leave your horse at home Escape the hands-on responsibilities of horse ownership, gain valuable experience riding other horses, and immerse in a different equine activity on a horse that knows the ropes. After riding, relax and enjoy other activities without worrying about your precious equine being happy and safe in a strange place. These holidays are also great for non-horse-owning partners or friends, who might wish to do some riding (or not) and enjoy other experiences, without care of horses taking up time.

dIgger’S reST CaTTle STaTIon A historic pioneer cattle station in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Digger’s Rest offers the experience of traditional station life in an ancient, spectacular landscape. Located on the banks of the King River, with the Cockburn and Erskine Ranges providing stunning backdrops, Digger’s Rest Station appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s film, Australia. Station owners, true Kimberley stockman, Roderick Woodland, and his wife, Alida, maintain the traditions of Roderick’s grandfather, Tom Woodland, who travelled to the Kimberley in the early 1900s to work for famous cattle station family, the Duracks. Roderick took over the Station, then abandoned land, in 1970, working it and making improvements. Granted a lease in 1976, he named the property Digger’s Rest Station, in reference to local June/July 2021 - Page 10

ION

DIGGER’S REST CATTLE STAT

history: WWI returned soldiers (known as diggers) operated the nearby pumping station that supplied fresh water to the town of Wyndham. Roderick and Alida began running horse treks and trail rides on the Station in 1986, desiring to preserve and share the experience and history of the stockmen, cattle musters and pioneering years of the Kimberley region. These days, visitors stay in comfortable cabins rather than tents under the stars, and enjoy wonderful, iconic day rides, lazing by the pool, going for walks, observing station work, and relaxing on the verandah and around the campfire at night. The Station runs short rides, day rides, and immersive horseback holidays, following the ancient river systems and old stock routes used by the drovers of yesteryear. Riding deep into the Kimberley bush, exploring different routes and landscapes, five-to-seven hours a day are spent in the saddle. For this reason, Digger’s Rest horse-riding holidays are suited to intermediate-to-advanced riders able to walk, trot and canter in the bush and out in open country. A week-long immersion includes morning rides with ‘smoko’, lunches at remote waterholes, afternoon rides, sunset rides, and evening campfires at the homestead. https://diggersreststation.com.au/

no ruSh gold ruSh Wagon rIdeS Very popular with locals and tourists alike, carriage ride experiences around the country took a huge hit during Covid lockdowns due to the expensive up-keep of horses when there was no money coming in. Some will return, in time, but in Kalgoorlie, WA, lifelong horsewoman Tracy Talbot made the opposite happen, when during 2020 she decided to combine dreams with reality by returning home to the town where she was raised and starting a business that would satisfy her love of horses, carriage driving and the Australian bush. No Rush Gold Rush Wagon Rides offers a delightful equine experience that combines nature, the Outback and history, where participants travel through Kalgoorlie’s historic goldfields as travellers would have 170 years ago, in a leisurely horse-drawn wagon. Now reverted to bushland, the goldfield trails take one back to a bygone era, where visitors can put aside their cares and laptops and relax and enjoy the slow pace, fresh air, and rejuvenating sights, scents and sounds of the bush. There are three main rides: Flora and Fauna, the Aussie Bush Trek, and the Wagon, Wine and Cheese Tour, which will all resume in September after a break over winter.

GLOBETROTTING, TRAVEL AGENCY FOR HORSE RIDERS

NO RUSH GOLD RUSH WAGON RIDES

The Flora and Fauna ride takes place in the early morning, when kangaroos and other wildlife are out grazing, while the Wagon, Wine and Cheese Tour happens in the afternoon, with snacks andwine sipping taking place during the ride. Since a slow pace is the best way to enjoy the ride and the scenery, the horses always walk, so there’s no danger of wearing one’s drink. The Aussie Bush Trek, which includes a stop to enjoy damper and billy tea around a campfire, will operate from April-May until September, to stay within fire season regulations. As any horse rider knows, the smell of working horses can be euphoric, and the wonderful thing about carriage riding is that anyone can enjoy the experience of feeling true horse power. “You don’t have to be a rider,” says Tracy. “We can cater for everyone and age is not a restriction.” www.kalgoorlietourism.com/no-rush-goldrush-wagon-rides

globeTroTTIng, Travel agenCy for horSe rIderS

For the foreseeable future, while Aussies can’t travel overseas, there are epic riding holidays to choose from in WA’s Margaret River and the Kimberley, the Barossa Valley in SA, Victorian High Country, the Tiger Trail in Tasmania, Shoalhaven in NSW and Rainbow Beach in Queensland. There may be a wait in the popular tourist months, but before going to print, the Victorian Yarra Valley ride still had a vacancy or two in the August/ September ride, suited to beginner-to-advanced riders. Thinking ahead, Globetrotting riders can save up and plan to head off one day to incredible and culturally-diverse destinations in the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, plus exotic places like Morocco, Madagascar, Iceland, Indonesia and Japan. www.globetrotting.com.au

Get Away from it all

Not everyone wants a horse-riding holiday, and riding mates can’t always tee up travel times. An attractive option is to join a global community of solo riders, and make new friends. A travel agency devoted to finding fantastic horse-riding holidays and unique cultural equestrian experiences around the world, Globetrotting offers a stunning array of personally-tested rides in spectacular regions across Australia, too. Founded by Aussie horse adventurer, Kate Pilcher, and run by a team of horseobsessed professionals, Globetrotting matches riders’ abilities and budgets to a portfolio of well-run businesses providing awesome horse-riding holidays that cater for solo riders, partners, families and beginners. “One in two clients are solo travellers,” says Laura Rae, passionate horse rider and three-star eventer from Mudgee, NSW, who is Globetrotting’s resident expert at finding perfect-match riding holidays for their clients. Many are return clients, and enduring friendships are made in the return Globetrotting community. Meeting up for holidays in exciting locations is an awesome way to catch up! Globetrotting can advise on trips matched to riding ability and budget and organise all travel requirements including flights, connections, visas, suggested itineraries and suitable travel insurance, plus they offer impartial, inside advice on their carefully selected and self-tested holiday experiences.

GET TOGETHER TO RIDE, RELAX AND ENJOY GLAMPING WITH YOUR HORSE EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT GIRLS’ GETAWAY •฀Stunning฀Trails •฀Boutique฀Accomodation •฀Restaurant฀Dinners •฀Local฀Wines •฀Massages

Take time out to pamper yourself and enjoy the mystic mountains of Marysville and Narbethong or ride the Great Victorian Rail Trail from Tallarook to Mansfield in Victoria.

•฀Added฀Bonuses Find฀out฀more฀about฀these฀and฀ the฀other฀amazing฀experiences฀we฀offer.฀

Phone JoAnne Kasch 0429 133 416

www.packsaddlingaustralia.com.au

June/July 2021 - Page 11

by Sarah Warne An International dressage rider, Sarah has been living and training in Portugal but is returning home to Australia.

By Sarah Warne

Become a Better Rider OFF-THE-HORSE

WORK June/July 2021 - Page 12

There are many things a rider must work on to take a horse to the top of any discipline, and a fundamental aspect that is often overlooked is a rider not putting enough effort into the offthe-horse elements. Things like balance, core stability, horse/ rider relationship, mental strength, training reflection and other means of support, all help to improve the time when we are actually in the saddle. If you ask an Olympic rower, they will tell you that the time they spend on the water is only a tiny part of the journey to cross the line first! They spend countless hours on everything from psychological coaching to building team camaraderie. Of course, in the case of rowing, their teammates can talk. Horse-riding, and the training associated with this sport, has similar requirements, with the time riders spend off the horse being equally as important as the time they spend on it. The big difference being that in equestrian events your teammate can’t discuss tactics or their own take on how the teambuilding is progressing.

A rider with a strong core will be able to manage more instability from their horse.

WHAT CAN I WORK ON, OFF THE HORSE, TO BE A BETTER RIDER?

Personal Fitness First on the list is balance. While a rider may be balanced on a horse, this comes with, and is strengthened by, correct balance on the ground and any rider will only benefit from improving their core strength and overall stability off the horse. The core is the central hub, but everything is connected and if you are weaker in one area then other ligaments and muscles have to compensate for this. Strength is also key; it is about developing lean muscles than can work to keep a strong horse together or allow you to sit still while giving effective aids, and while you may think that riding horses gives you strength, work in the gym is actually a major part of a top rider’s training schedule.

As horse-riding itself will only work certain muscle groups, off-the-horse fitness training will also help lesson the strain on these muscles, strengthening the surrounding muscle groups that can then act to reinforce the effectiveness of the others. For example, if a rider is well balanced in the seat, then a horse can spook and the rider’s weight will stay centred, thus not causing more tension and exaggerating the shy further. But if a rider also has a super strong core strength, he will be able to withstand a lot more instability from the horse and remain not only balanced but strong in the saddle, helping to guide the horse back into submission without the use of force. “The best way to improve your core is by the use of functional training, where you have your whole body working at the same time with a specific exercise or movement,” says personal trainer Nuno Fidalgo. “Multi-joint moves/exercises are the best, this means you are using several parts of your

body to develop a given movement or exercise, having the main muscle groups working as well as the stabilising moves. This greatly improves your muscle stability and endurance, as well as the ‘core’ muscles. Recent studies show that using your body as a whole, with a moderate to high range of motion (this depends on the athlete’s limitations or past injuries) has greater results than isolating certain muscles.”

STRIVING FOR COMPLETE BODY HEALTH AND FITNESS However, it is not just about strengthening the muscles we use on the horse, a top rider must also strive for complete body health and fitness. “In general terms the body works as a whole so there is no such thing as ‘muscles you do not use while riding,’ so you should never isolate the muscles in your everyday activity (either sports or day-to-day life). In riding this is a major issue, because you are not just sitting, your whole body is at work to stabilise itself and has to endure the strength of your partner, the horse.

You are sitting on top of a 400 kg or more animal of raw power, so the stress is felt all over your body. Functional training includes planks for the core.

Of course there are some muscle groups that have a more predominant role than others, but you should, as often as you can, use functional training as the main course of action.” Why do horse riders need to be physically strong and fit? “Like any other activity having specific training helps you plan your sessions, preventing over-fatiguing your body, or under training it! It also gives you the insurance that you will be doing sports/activities specific to your training, rather than wasting you energy and putting stress on your body for training that contributes 0% to your specific goals.”

Fitness is something riders often forget. Just because the horse is doing the groundwork, doesn’t mean the rider doesn’t need to physically exert themselves. Being unfit is certainly a detriment to any horse/rider combination. Just as an unfit horse will lack activity, an unfit rider will actually create an ‘unfit’ horse. If we are tired and lack proper muscle tone our aids become less effective, so we use them with no response, and so we use them again, and again, and we become like mini mighty-mouses aboard our horses, tickling him constantly, as we work our butts off in the saddle. The more we work, the less responsive our horse becomes and the less powerful our aids become, so the more we have to use them ... dizzy yet?

In order to use light aids we need not only to be strong, but also be fit enough to not tire ourselves during training. In addition, a rider who is physically tired will also tire mentally and then lose the concentration required to train with purpose!

A training journal allows you go over the lesson and record the many aspect of what was taught, and what needs to be worked on.

The Mental Aspect Additionally, the mental aspect of riding is crucial: not only the ability to remain calm in a test, but the ability to think about 100 different things at once and not lose it all when it doesn’t go right. Time spent preparing and reflecting on training is therefore very important to the overall mental strength of the rider. I used to think that training was just on the horse, but I have realised, living on the other side of the world from my first and foremost trainer -- my mum -- that training off the horse can teach you so much. As she couldn’t see me in person, I had to describe the lessons in detail afterwards and then when I was on the horse, I was more engaged in what I was doing because I knew I needed to recall it to relate to mum. I couldn’t believe how much more focussed my training became, as I rode with more purpose and direction, having reflected and gone over it in detail the night before.

Ground Relationship with your horse

...

Next is the ground relationship, as the marriage between horse and rider begins before the rider is in the saddle. It is important that you establish a rapport with your horse, so it knows you and you can prepare both the horse and yourself for the training. From my experience as a rider, I know my horse before I even step foot in the stable. I know what the ride will be like that day! If Batialo is lying down when I come to prepare him, it means he is relaxed yes, but from experience I know that it also means he is well rested, meaning that it will be a slow warmup before I can get him to properly relax and stretch. This will be ‘a small circle with lots of bend’ day, to keep control of his hind quarters so we don’t fly around out of control! I can also tell just from the way Batialo is holding his ears in the box whether or not, during the lesson to follow, he will be concentrated on the work.

WRITE A TRAINING JOURNAL If you don’t have someone to reflect with, write a training journal about the lessons; describe what you did, what worked, what went wrong, and gradually patterns will appear that will help you to understand more about why things work the way they do! Often riders get off the horse and don’t think about it until they get back on the next day and by that stage, they have forgotten what they needed to work on!

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Support is of course crucial to any athlete, but because a rider can’t actually discuss the training with the horse in great detail, having someone to vent to is important. When you might be feeling frustrated or inadequate after a training session, having someone to say ‘stick at it,’ even though you were going to anyway, soothes those down-times and helps by allowing you to share the good times as well. Sometimes, just having a person there to be able to say, “I had real trouble today”, not only helps a lot but can also be part of the reflection process.

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Sadly, a lot of riders suffer burnout, depression or lack of confidence for different reasons. Often it’s because they were unrealistic with their goals, or perhaps too hard on themselves when it didn’t go well. Having good support is crucial.

WHEN YOU CAN HEAD OVERSEAS Also, a lot of younger riders head overseas in the hopes of riding at a top stable, only to find they are treated poorly and spend most of the day mucking out boxes or riding crazy fouryear-olds. Even more disappointing is that I know quite a few young Australians who were treated badly at the stables of well-known Australian riders. You would think that when riders are doing well they would be glad to share their knowledge and be an inspiration to the younger generations. Sadly, this is often not the case!

COMPETITION PREPARATION The groundwork for competition is also vital for success. Riding the test in your head is more important than on the horse, as you can mentally set up each movement and prepare properly in your head how you will ride before you get the chance to mess it all up in the saddle. It’s all the little things that are so often overlooked that actually can cause the most stress. You do not need to worry about the competition clothes, you just need to make sure they are clean and ready ...right? Wrong! Take a test day to put on the competition outfit and give it a spin. Make sure the jodhpurs don’t ride up your bum or that your flash, black hard hat doesn’t give you a migraine! These are all things that we forget to do, but once we enter the ring we can’t change, and they can affect performance!

It’s the groundwork that sets us up for success and while we may think our time in the saddle is important, it is just one aspect to the vast and complex world of horse training.

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a r o f s Herb

HEALTHY GUT

tWO Distinct DisEasEs OF tHE stOMacH

EquinE Gastric DisEasE by Dr Tania Sundra BSc.(Hons) BVMS MANZCVS (Equine Medicine) Tania graduated from Murdoch University in 2009 and completed an internship in the USA before returning to Australia. After working in private practice for several years, she now owns and operates Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services. In addition to running a busy vet practice, Tania is also actively involved in clinical research in the field of equine gastric disease. Follow Tania on Facebook @avonridgeequinevet Ph: 0427 072 095 info@avonridgeequine.com.au

ntil recently, the term Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) was an umbrella term used to describe both Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), which refers to ulcers in the upper half of the stomach, and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), referring to lesions in the lower half of the stomach.

However, we now know that these are distinct diseases and are very different in terms of their appearance, risk factors, treatment and management. They both just happen to occur in the horse’s stomach!

SQUAMOUS PORTION

GLANDULAR PORTION

Squamous Disease is largely due to diet and exercise - what we feed, when we feed it and how we exercise our horses plays a large role in the development of this disease. Glandular Disease is NOT believed to be a disease of diet, however, stress as well as frequency of exercise plays a large role in the development of this condition.

Gastric disease is very common across all horse populations for the two distinct diseases that can occur in the horse’s stomach – Squamous Disease and Glandular Disease.

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Both these diseases can have a detrimental impact on the horse’s health, performance and temperament.

WHY DO ULCERS OCCUR ? The horse’s stomach is separated into upper and lower parts. The acid is produced in the lower portion that is lined by glandular mucosa, which has a thick mucous layer, robust blood flow, and sodium bicarbonate, all of which protect the lower portion of the stomach from the acid. The upper part of the stomach, however, is lined by squamous mucosa and doesn’t have the same protection from the acid. If the stomach doesn’t have any food in it, the acidic fluid can splash up and contact the unprotected upper part of the stomach, burning the squamous lining and causing your typical gastric ulcers. Understanding the normal fibrous layering of the stomach is important to understand why diet plays a large role in the development of squamous disease. Grain and pellets tend to sit at the bottom in the high and medium density layer, whereas hay and chaff make up the low density mat. Horses also produce huge amounts of saliva (over 100L a day) when they eat, which contains bicarbonate that also helps to neutralise the pH at the top of the stomach. The layers are very distinct and the layering actually helps separate the very acidic area (at the bottom) from the squamous portion at the top, which is very weak. If we don’t feed horses enough roughage we lose the normal layering of fibre, which leaves the stomach unprotected from the very acidic contents in the lower part of the stomach. Continued EMPTY STOMACH

FULL STOMACH

Ulcers Roughage mat Acid

Acid Pellets and grain

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Environment and training

Diagnosing gastric disease

The way domestic horses are commonly managed and fed, coupled with the stress associated with training, showing and travelling increases the risk for developing gastric disease. Two out of three performance horses have gastric disease, and a study has shown that horses with gastric disease have a shorter stride length than those without, which might be due to gastric pain.

Fibre optic video camera is inserted.

Gastroscopy is now a routine procedure in equine practice, which can be performed on your property.

How many horses have gastric disease? pleasure horse

The only way to determine whether your horse has gastric disease is by a gastroscopy – where a three-metre-long fibre-optic video camera (or gastroscope) is passed up one nostril and down into the horse’s stomach. For the stomach to be examined properly it needs to be empty. Most examinations take approximately 1015mins.

sporthorse Endurance (rest) Endurance (work)

SQUAMOUS DISEASE

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squamous disease %

Gastric disease is common across all breeds and equestrian disciplines.

SIGNS YOU MAY SEE THAT WOULD INDICATE YOUR HORSE HAS GASTRIC DISEASE signs of gastric disease can be vague and non-specific but may include one or more of the following:

• poor body condition • Weight loss • Colic • Girthiness • poor hair coat • reduced appetite /

The squamous mucosa in the horse’s stomach is similar to the lining of our mouth. If we add acid to this squamous lining, ulcers develop. This disease is essentially caused by acid getting onto a tissue that’s not designed to be covered by acid, has limited defence mechanisms against acid where it has a corrosive and burning effect. Studies have shown that exercise drops stomach pH, increasing the acidity. This is primarily because intraabdominal pressure is increased during exercise, which causes the acid from the lower portion of the stomach to splash up to the squamous lining causing ulcers to develop. It is a well accepted theory that exercising horses on an empty stomach will increase the risk of splash injury occurring.

Normal appearance of the squamous mucosa.

change in eating patterns

• Change in rideability • reduced willingness to work • reluctance to go forward • Attitude or behaviour changes • sensitivity over flanks • resenting leg pressure • resenting grooming/rugging

Grade 2 squamous gastric disease.

Grade 4 squamous gastric disease.

Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 20

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Causes of squamous disease

GLANDULAR DISEASE

Duration of exercise - The pH of the proximal stomach (top portion) reduces to less than 4 when horses begin trotting. However, the level of acid exposure does not differ between trot and faster gaits. It is really the duration of exercise and not the intensity that increases the risk of a horse developing squamous ulcers.

Glandular disease is less well understood. The glandular mucosa is used to living in an acid environment (this is the part of the stomach where the acid is produced) and usually has good defence mechanisms against it. However, for reasons we don’t fully understand, these defence mechanisms break down leading to disease in this part of the stomach.

Soluble carbohydrates – This includes grain and grain-based pellets. If you feed more than one gram of soluble carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per meal, it doubles the likelihood of causing squamous ulcers in your horse. High-grain diets cause an increase in volatile fatty acids within the stomach, which further reduces the pH of the stomach.

What we know about squamous disease cannot be extended to glandular disease – they’re entirely different diseases, and we need to treat them as such. One important difference is that in this part of the stomach, the lesions we see are more inflammatory rather than ulcerated.

Water deprivation leads to a 3x increased risk of a horse developing squamous disease. Timing of feeding – Behavioural studies have shown that horses dramatically reduce their feed intake between the hours of 10pm and 6am. During this time, the pH of the stomach drops to below 4, which means that the risk for developing squamous disease in horses who are exercised first thing in the morning on an empty stomach are high. Environmental factors – Horses kept and trained in urban environments are at an increased risk for squamous disease. One study showed that horses that are turned out with paddock mates are 4 times less likely to have ESGD and those that have direct contact with other horses (touching) are 2.5 times less likely to have moderate or severe disease.

Normal appearance of the glandular mucosa at the pylorus (a sphincter that opens and closes during digestion and connects to the small intestine).

Examples of glandular gastric lesions.

Managing squamous disease Management changes to the way we feed, keep and train our horses are important to ensure treatment success and to reduce the risk of the recurrence of squamous disease:

• Allow contact with other horses • Reduce the duration of exercise • Maximise turnout, preferably with other horses • Maximise the amount of roughage in the diet • Feed good quality, palatable forage (eg. lucerne hay) first thing in the morning • Feed 2-3 litres of roughage (hay or chaff) 30 mins prior to exercise • Ensure feed is provided at least every six hours • Minimise starch and grain in the diet • Allow constant access to water in the stable and at pasture

What causes glandular disease? BREED: Warmblood horse breeds have shown a higher prevalence of this disease. TRAINERS: In Thoroughbred horses the trainer has been identified as a potential risk factor. FREQUENCY OF EXERCISE: One study showed that showjumpers exercised 6-7 times per week were 3.5x more likely to develop glandular disease compared with horses exercised less than 5 days per week. Another study conducted on Thoroughbred racehorses showed a 10-fold increased risk of glandular disease in horses exercised greater than 4 days per week. It is thought that exercise diverts blood away from the stomach to the muscles, which may impair the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms. STRESS: There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that behavioural stress plays a large role in the development of glandular disease and more work is needed in this area. Cont...

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Equine gastric disease continued...

Managing glandular disease

• Reduce exercise to less than 4-5 days per week or exercise every second day Provide at least 2-3 complete rest days per week • • Reduce the frequency of competition • Feed roughage prior to exercise to maintain blood flow to the stomach Minimise management changes • • Minimise changes and numbers of riders and handlers • Minimise changes in herd dynamics; ensure turnout with compatible paddock-mates and • Treat any underlying lameness and address potential saddlefit issues, which may be a source of pain.

TREATING GASTRIC DISEASE There is no ‘standard protocol’ for the treatment of either squamous or glandular disease. Every lesion is different. Every horse is different. Your vet will tailor a specific treatment plan for your horse. Acid suppression is the key for both squamous and glandular disease. Whilst omeprazole paste is very effective for treating squamous disease, it needs to be given 30-60mins before feeding, first thing in the morning, following an overnight fast, to be most effective.

With proper treatment and management, squamous lesions should heal in 21 days. Management changes are critical in preventing the recurrence of both diseases. The treatment of glandular disease however, is not always straightforward. Omeprazole paste on its own is not effective in treating glandular disease. Therefore, the use of products not registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) - such as injectable omeprazole, esomeprazole, misoprostol or sucralfate - are usually required. A follow-up gastroscopy is very important to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Take home messages

• Two distinct diseases can occur in the horse’s stomach – Squamous Disease and Glandular Disease. • Gastric disease is very common across all horse populations and clinical signs can vary. The • only way to diagnose gastric disease is via gastroscopy. • Omeprazole paste is effective for squamous disease but not for glandular disease. • Omeprazole paste should be given on an empty stomach to maximise effectiveness. • Management changes are vital to prevent and manage both diseases. • Feed 2-3L of roughage prior to exercise to help minimise ‘acid splash’ and maintain blood flow to the stomach.

y l l a c i g o l Bio g n i t h g i l e effectiv Outdoors, horses are exposed to regular changes in light and dark and high intensities of daytime light from the sun.

The right light for your horse’s body clock!

Within the equine industry, there have been amazing advances in nutritional science, veterinary science and training technologies, but until now we have remained very much in the dark concerning one crucial environmental factor that impacts health and performance – lighting.

dark and high intensities of daytime light from the sun. Natural sunlight is high in blue wavelength light. Receptors in the horse’s eye register the proportion of blue wavelength light and this regulates the horse’s body clock or its circadian system.

This system consists of a ‘master controller’ in the brain that perceives the time of day information via blue light signals sent from the retina. The brain clock then transmits messages throughout the horse’s body to synchronise the rhythmical functioning of The use of coloured light therapy to treat skin each organ, so that all body systems function diseases and soft tissue injuries in horses is optimally in harmony with the environment. increasingly common, but research into the Customised systems that provide this effect of coloured light as perceived by the beneficial, biologically effective light have horse’s eyes has been limited, until now. been developed by Equilume following The effects of coloured light, or research carried out at University College different wavelengths of light, on the Dublin. The introduction of an individual human and equine is now receiving headpiece for horses that provides timed, lowmuch attention as it impacts our level blue daytime light to a single eye, offers owners the benefits of ease of management, circadian rhythms - an important and horses the freedom of natural behaviour, system of body clocks that evolved while maintaining a show coat condition for to allow us to adapt to the changing performance horses and early preparation for cycles of light and dark. breeding horses. When feeding, training and veterinary care are optimised, the provision of a correct, biologically effective lighting program can bring all the ingredients together and fine tune the engine for equine athletes.

Many horses are stabled without optimum exposure to daylight and subjected to different and ‘inappropriate’ light exposure at night.. Natural Daylight

Incandescent 100

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wavelength (nm)

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Equilume 100

intensity

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60 40

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700

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wavelength (nm)

Natural sunlight is high in blue wavelength light. The horse’s eye registers the proportion and this regulates the horse’s body clock or its circadian system.

Equilume developed a Stable Light that effectively mimics the wavelengths provided by the sun and delivers all the benefits associated with long summer days to the stabled horse.

The management system of horses in today’s world often means they are stabled for a large part of the day without exposure to optimal hours of daylight, and subjected to erratic and ‘inappropriate’ light exposure at night. This can impact on the horse’s body clock and result in impaired immune function, performance capacity, appetite and the horse’s ability to rest.

Equilume also developed a Stable Light that effectively mimics the wavelengths provided by the sun and delivers all the benefits associated with long summer days to the stabled horse. The light is pre-set to gradually adjust as the length of daylight changes with the season’s progression, delivering the required amount of blue light which then dims to red light at night, a colour that The consequences of circadian disruption allows the horse to optimally rest and recover are commonly experienced by humans due but facilitates night-time management and to shift work, jet lag or too much screen time visibility. at night, and include sleep disturbances, low For performance and breeding horse owners, alertness, impaired performance, immune these options are not only an effective way suppression, illness and disease. to maintain optimum health and wellness In their natural outdoor environment, horses for their horses, but also create a time are exposed to regular changes in light and management bonus. June/July 2021 - Page 25

Please Explain How Does A Horse See? Understanding how a horse sees and perceives its environment is key when handling them safely...but have you ever thought about how you should consider the shape and placement of their eyes when moving to or around your horses?

There are many aspects of riding terms, horse conditions and management practices that are accepted in the equestrian community, without them being fully understood by everyone. Here, we have asked experienced researchers and horse people to shed some light on common ‘horse lore’.

BINOCULAr VISION

BLIND ArEA

Horses have very large eyes with very large pupils…in fact, they are the largest of any land mammal. Because their eyes are positioned toward the side of the head, horses have a very wide range of vision covering about 350 degrees. About 65 degrees of this is binocular (two eyes) and the remaining 285 degrees is monocular (using one eye).

MONOCULAr VISION

will have blind spots. In front of the horse, there may be a true blind spot or an area of indistinct vision that is triangular and comes to a point about one metre in front of the horse. The blind spot behind the body is slightly wider than the body and is indefinite while the horse is looking directly ahead. Always try to approach a horse in an area of clear vision, such as the shoulder, and try never to be in the path of the front or back hooves. It’s also a good idea to touch and talk to a horse when walking around so that the horse knows where you are at all times.

This range of vision gives horses the best chance to spot predators, because they can scan their entire surroundings with only slight head movement. A horse uses its monocular vision to observe the width of its visual field. When a horse sees an object with one eye, it will tend to turn toward the object to better see with both eyes, improving depth and perception.

MArgINAL SIgHT

The other important thing to note is that, due to the placement of its eyes in its head, every horse

A blind spot is an area where the horse cannot see.

About the Author

BLIND ArEA

Congratulations

MArgINAL SIgHT

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Will Rugs Stop My Horse From Getting Enough Vitamin D? Supplied by Kentucky Equine Research Horses derive vitamin D through the feedstuffs they ingest, but horses can also synthesise vitamin D when their skin is exposed to sunlight. Under natural conditions, grazing horses are exposed to many hours of sunlight every day, theoretically producing enough vitamin D to meet their needs. However, some horses live indoors throughout the year, receiving little sunlight, and others may be turned out only at night or when they are wearing rugs or blankets that leave little skin exposed to light. Scientists at Massey University in New Zealand conducted a study to check the vitamin D levels in the blood of 21 mature horses. During the six-month trial, the horses were pastured and also given supplemental hay. Five of the horses wore rugs and neck covers while the other 16 did not. Blood samples and pasture samples were collected monthly and were analysed for levels of vitamin D. Horses that wore rugs showed a slightly lower vitamin D serum level than uncovered horses, but the difference was not significant. Dietary levels of vitamin D were high, indicating that the horses were able to get the necessary amount of this nutrient from fresh and harvested forage.

to meet their growth requirements. Study periods of more than six months could have shown different results. Owners who are concerned about vitamin levels for their horses should contact an equine nutritionist who can analyse the current diet and make recommendations for changes.

Vitamin D is important in skeletal growth and maturation. This trial was conducted with mature horses that were maintaining skeletal components rather than increasing bone mass. It is possible that younger horses spending a lot of their time in stalls might need supplemental vitamin D

reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine research. Visit ker.com for the latest in equine nutrition and management, and subscribe to Equinews to receive these articles directly.

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Horses do talk ...we just have to learn to ‘listen’.

By Dr Tom Ahern

Learning to ‘listen’ and understand what your horse is telling you is an art that some owners will pick up quickly, while others may have horses for years and still not be able to ‘hear’ or ‘see’ what their horse is trying to tell them.

he actions and expressions of horses can often be their way of telling us how they are feeling, including when they are in pain or upset. Horses are basically honest animals and therefore don’t look to deceive.

While they may not actually speak, horses can and do ‘talk’…and like your friends there are those who only talk occasionally and some that never shut up! That’s because they have different personalities. Horses also have different personalities.

When you enter the stable and your horse - that would normally come up to you has its head in a corner and its rump firmly planted towards you, it is easy to read this as, “ I don’t want to do anything today.” You feed-up and your normally ravenous horse takes one look at the feed and then walks away. Immediately you start checking for other signs that may indicate if the vet is needed as your horse is clearly saying, “ I’m not feeling well today.” The horse that doesn’t like men could be saying, “I have no idea how to tell a male from female human animal but I respond much better to gentle voices and a light touch rather than the rugged, I’m the boss, approach.” The farrier goes to pick up a foot to shoe and your horse strikes out. “It hurt last time so I would prefer you didn’t do that again’” or “when you lift my leg/shoulder it’s quite uncomfortable.” Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 28

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When your horse is beginning to buck as you start a ride it could be telling you, “My back is still sore after that fall we had two weeks ago. And that old saddle isn’t helping.” Your horse is quite bouncy /agitated at a show. “Excited to be here!” or “I’m anxious about competing and would rather not be here.” You will then need to look for the reason why. “Because my feet are sore/sensitive and it’s going to hurt when I land after jumping.” or “My asthma is a bit more severe at the moment and I know my lungs are going to hurt after competing (bronchospasm).” Your horse doesn’t like narrow spaces like stable doorways and will stop prior to suddenly rushing though. “If I bump into things, I know from experience that my shoulders get a sharp pain sensation though them so I check that I have space each side before entering ... quickly.” For the horse that has been really reactive lately, and sometimes in a nasty, aggressive manner. “I’m actually just very tired, and when I get tired I can become very irritable so if you persist I will let you know my feelings.” When your horse is beginning to buck as you start a ride it could be telling you, “My back is still sore after that fall we had two weeks ago. And that old saddle isn’t helping.” We could go on and on with equine behaviours, which are actually instances of our horses trying to communicate with us. Horses often communicate through behaviour, which is no different to a 16-month-old child who can’t communicate through language. They will point, grunt, cry, scream or smile and by doing this they both communicate with and also train their adult carers. Horses can also have facial expressions and vocalisations that aid in communication but these are less frequently utilised. If you know your horse well you will be able to translate these.

The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Do we have our ears - or more correctly eyes and thought processes/ cerebral matter - open to this communication? Or are we blind, deaf and have our brain in neutral when it comes to listening to what our horses are trying to tell us?” June/July 2021 - Page 30

Personalities It is of course true that horses, like humans, do have different personalities and therefore individual reactions to similar situations will vary. For example, if you were to sneak up behind two of your good friends and poke them both in the back, one might grunt whilst the other swings around ready to knock your head off! Different personalities mean different reactions, however what we mustn’t forget is that we did poke them, meaning there was a trigger for their quite different behaviours. One horse with a sore back will simply exhibit a shortened stride and get agitated when asked to collect. Another with the same issue will rear and then buck when asked to move forward. One tired horse will accept being ridden but then mope about, stumble frequently and knock rails down whilst another will resist being caught and then refuse to move off when mounted. One horse might be agitated when a noseband is tightened whilst another rears and throws itself backwards. Both horses could have issues with nosebands but different personalities means that they will react differently.

Pain Tolerance It is well documented that different people have different tolerances to pain. Horses are no different. The same severity of a condition such as heel pain may present in one horse as a mild lameness (2 of 5) and in another as being severe (4 of 5). The mild nature of one horse’s response may lead to its injury or pain being overlooked whilst the other would logically cause concern. Both horses require your attention so it is important to be able to pick up on ‘whispers’ as well as the horse that yells at you. Continued

Breed or Parentage: the genetic influence Far too often you will overhear comments like, “Oh it’s just the breed. They are all like that!” or, “The mother was the same!” which are often just misguided efforts to explain and then dismiss unwanted behaviour. It is certainly true that genetics through breed or family lines can influence behaviour or personality, however that is not a reason to exclude an investigation into possible causes for this behaviour. We may have a ‘head shy’ horse that is a struggle to bridle, but its mother, which you had, was the same. Genetics? Did you ever consider that both mother and daughter had physical pain issues or if many of your horses have the same behaviour problem then there may be a need to look at your bridling technique?

Instances where an ex-racehorse gets very nervous at shows should not be just explained with the comment that “Thoroughbreds are often like that. It’s a breed thing!” There is a possibility that your horse used to choke in its races and is still anxious as it thinks it may happen again, particularly in the often-tense environment of show days. Often, behavioural or conformation faults are simply accredited to the sire or dam’s breeding. You will have heard the comments. “A lot of the horses from that stallion have neck and shoulder problems,” or “All the foals from that mare are inclined to buck.” Rather than dismiss these as hereditary issues maybe consider looking into the handling practices at the stud this stallion stands at. Are young horses being jerked around or tethered to fences/ poles as part of their handling education? Does the mare’s line just have an insensitivity to pain and badly-fitted saddles?

Aggressive Behaviour Horses, like people, can show a degree of evasive or aggressive behaviour when they are upset. The extent or severity of this behaviour is often a product of the different personalities or a reaction to severe pain. On one occasion I was asked to examine and then treat a horse that had recently killed a handler. The condition behind the horse’s aggressive behaviour was actually quite obvious and once treated it was described as being a ‘different animal’. Another call was from a woman whose horse had a piece of chaff stuck to its cornea that she wanted removed before the cornea became ulcerated. Another vet had already attempted to remove the offending object and had ended up in hospital. On examination June/July 2021 - Page 32

the horse was showing signs of acute pain (neuropathic) about its upper cervical (neck) joints. I suggested that the object would be best removed whilst the horse was anaesthetised and that I could at the same time - deal with the source of the pain. This horse was subsequently no longer described as ‘head shy’ and the defensive aggression dissipated.

Self-Mutilation There are occasions when a horse’s aggressive behaviour will be directed at itself. Flank biting has been associated with abdominal pain (colic, stomach ulcers, urinary tract cysts). Horses with head tossing syndrome have been known to strike at their own nostrils. This is because the mucosa or lining inside their nostrils can become both inflamed and very irritable. On rare occasions horses will bite and indeed chew their lower limbs, often in the region of the flexor tendons. This behaviour is indicative of severe nerve pain that has been described as a constant severe searing or burning pain. In most cases this condition is treatable.

Animal Behaviourists

A comparatively new addition to equine medicine is the field of Animal Behaviour Science. Many of the people involved are veterinarians and others are qualified in related fields. In a sense they are the equivalent of the human psychologist. These are the people who do the most professionally in both analysing and then interpreting altered or unwanted behaviours. However, these professionals also know that one needs to first eliminate all physical/medical issues prior to declaring something to be a purely ‘behavioural’ or ‘psychological’ issue! To eliminate these physical/medical issues your behaviourist may need to call upon the expertise of a number of professionals including chiropractors/physiotherapists, or those in the orthopaedic or respiratory fields. Horses do talk and by their actions and expressions attempt to tell us how they are feeling, including when they are in pain or upset. However, as is always the case, horses do not get to choose their owners so they can’t pick those who have shown an ability to ‘hear’ them or read their body language. It is often these horses that most need us to listen that end up with owners who are ostensibly deaf and blind.

The fact remains, if we are not prepared to listen to our horses then we may never be in a position to help them. A MUST READ: Equine Discomfort Ethogram https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/580

About the Author: Dr Tom Ahern BVSc MrCVS Equine Veterinarian and researcher. Dr Tom Ahern graduated from Sydney University in 1978, then entered equine practice. Very early in his career he became interested in breathing problems in horses and began developing his own surgical approach to deal with some of the more common issues. Since the early 1990’s he has worked exclusively Tom in thisAhern field. - ahernvet@hotmail.com

W: www.DrTom Ahern.com P: 0423 246 144 www.drtomahern.com E: ahernvet@hotmail.com

Number 152

Good properties don’t just happen! Lead affecting vegetable gardens Barn Owls...a silent partner in rodent control Leak detection with dogs Selecting a tractor Soil your undies!

Number 152 June/July 2021 Produced by Hoofbeat Publications 90 Leslie Road Wandi 6167 Ph: 08 9397 0506 greenhorse@hoofbeats.com.au www.hoofbeats.com.au

Regular Contributors Wendy Elks Liz Tollarzo Kit Prendergast Rhiannon Brown Country Park Herbs

Articles, news, photographs, questions and artwork for inclusion in this publication are welcome and should be emailed to editorial@hoofbeats.com.au with the sender’s contact details

Number 152

Good properties don’t just happen! Someone makesthem.

Winter Is coming…and so are the weeds Once again, the seasons have flown by and we find ourselves about to come face-to-face with winter yet again. With all the uncertainly throughout the world at this time, one thing is for certain. The weeds will still come. Within no time, without any help, your paddocks will be full of capeweed, dock and who knows what else.

If you want your property to go forward this year, regardless of the method you use for weed control, now is the time to act. A lot can happen in a year! I can tell you from personal experience that it can be a long time between visits down the back paddock. Get out there and go for a walk and have a look at what is starting to come up in your paddock. Are there problem areas that look like they need a bit of extra attention this year? Are all the fences in good condition? How are the firebreaks looking – do you have a plan for when you are going to get these ready? Do you need to have another area where you can put the horses if you do decide to do some herbicide spraying?

Crunch time is June to September In our game, the ‘golden window’ for all weed control is really June through to the end of September. If you are thinking of applying a broadleaf herbicide to your paddock this window is when you should be applying it. It can be very tempting to hit the paddocks in April/May after the first rains – which is certainly possible if you have an unlimited budget. But just be aware that you will likely have a second germination and may need to spray again in September. When clients come to me with a budget, we always recommend holding off until at least June – even July, as this gives all of those weeds enough time to be up and germinated – before we take them down. We hit them before they are too big and therefore they don’t have a chance to reseed into the paddock – meaning your job is easier next year, and the year after that as well. Eradicating weeds is not a oneshot job unfortunately, as weed seeds can remain in the soil for up to seven years for

some varieties, so it is an ongoing process until all those seeds in the ground have germinated and no new seeds have been spread. If you are planning to bring in a professional – get in early with your booking. It doesn’t mean you have to have a booked in date but be on their list. That golden window flies by and you don’t want to miss out. Another unusual thing to consider this year is that because of Covid-19 worldwide there have been some shortages of products on the shelves. So, once again get in early, buy what you need and make sure you aren’t left disappointed. Check your equipment. Don’t wait until the big day to run your pumps through for the first time after sitting in the shed for a year. Give it a quick run through, clean it out, charge the battery if you are using a backpack sprayer and make sure all your seals are in good condition. If you are planning on getting out there and getting your hands dirty with some hand removal – give yourself some realistic goals and get out there early. It is much easier to pull out a weed that is small and unestablished – rather than a huge plant that has set up home for the winter. So roll up those sleeves, get your plan together to ensure your property goes forward this year and takes another step towards winning the war on weeds. by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest Contact ph: 1300 368 472 A director for Envirapest, a Pest and Weed Control company, Rhiannon has over 7 years’ knowledge in the industry, is a founding board member of the Professional Women in Pest Management Association as well as being a licenced pest and weed controller herself. She has a love of horses, has two of her own and has been an accomplished natural horsemanship enthusiast for over 18 years. E: safe@envirapest.com W: envirapest.com.au

Lead in The ground affecTing VegeTaBLe gardenS New research has revealed that about a fifth of Australian vegetable gardens are likely to produce food that contains dangerous levels of toxic lead. The study, led by experts at Macquarie University and published in the Environment International journal, analysed 17,256 garden soils from 3609 homes across the country for toxic trace metal contamination, including lead. Researchers said the results were ‘sobering’, with data modelling indicating 20% of vegetable gardens Australia-wide were “likely to produce food exceeding Australian Government (lead) standards” - 300 mg/kg. Researchers examined soil from 2026 NSW homes, 1532 of which were in Sydney, and found the “tolerable risk for children exposed to garden soil was exceeded” in the inner-city, followed by Leichhardt, Marrickville, Strathfield, Liverpool, Merrylands and Canada Bay. In Melbourne, the areas with the higher lead levels included Dandenong, Yarra, Stonnington East, Port Phillip and Brunswick, and in Brisbane, inner areas, as well as Holland Park and Yeronga. Researchers did, however, say the ‘benefits’ of urban gardening, continued to “significantly outweigh potential risks cause by trace metal contamination”. If you live in these areas, and grow carrots for your horses, then this may explain those higher lead readings recorded if you have your horse’s hair analysed.

June/July 21 - Page 35

Harness the predatory power of this magnificent raptor in the battle against mice and rats.

BARN OWLS A silent partner in rodent control

by Wendy Elks

The millions of mice that plagued the western districts of New South Wales, southern Queensland, Victoria and South Australia are in decline in some areas after heavy rains, while other areas are still hoping for cold snaps or heavy rains to drown the nests of these pests and break the breeding cycle. Although natural predators would have little effect on a plague such as this, farmers and researchers are gauging the importance of hunting birds in the nontoxic fight against rodents. Barn owls use barns and other open farm buildings as both a source of food (where there’s hay and grain, there are mice). They occur on every continent and range across Australia, with open, dry country such as farms, heath and lightly wooded forest their preferred habitat. They roam over grasslands, searching for mice, but a favoured hunting method is to roost above a likely place, and wait. Landowners can encourage the hauntingly beautiful Barn Owl onto their property. Preserving old trees, providing roosting

ABOUT BARN OWLS

spots in barns, stables and outbuildings, and perhaps building a Barn Owl nesting box can encourage these natural predators to your property.

mouse plague, giving nightmarish visions of mice blanketing tracts of landscape and consuming everything in sight. Feral mice and rats cause damage to crops, feed sheds, house interiors and infrastructure, and also carry diseases such as typhus, salmonellosis and bubonic plague.

RAT POISON DESTROYS HUNTERS

Often portrayed as a magical creature in book and film due to its ghostly nocturnal appearance, the Barn Owl is, in reality, a far more practical and down-to-earth raptor. This Owl hunts by stealth, using its superb sight and hearing to locate small rodents on the ground, and then performing a vertical snatch and grab.

Humans provide abundant resources for rats and mice: intensive crops, spilt fodder, tasty leftovers, rubbish and shelter for any number of unwanted house guests; yet their go-to control method – rat poison – also destroys the native hunters that help keep these pest animals in check by natural and holistic means: eating them.

Along with rats and rabbits, the introduced house mouse is a pest that wreaks constant havoc in temperate and settled areas of Australia, where food supply is plentiful. This year, drought and flooding rain in eastern Australia were followed by a horror

According the Society For the Preservation of Raptors, “Since European settlement, the Barn Owl’s favourite prey has been the common house mouse and introduced rat species. Sadly, many barn owls die in Australia every year due to secondary

Barn Owls are the most widespread and familiar of owls. Medium-sized birds, they have the distinctive heartshaped facial disc unique to the Tyto species of owl: the slightest sound waves are channelled toward the ears, allowing it to pinpoint prey in complete darkness. Plumage colour is sandy orange and light grey upperparts and white-to-cream underparts, with even black spots over the back and breast. They often appear whiter than normal under the illumination of car headlights or torches, which gives them their ghostly reputation. During the day the Barn Owl roosts in dense trees, a hollow log or cave, and is usually seen alone, or in a pair. Apart from small rodents, they feed on birds, some insects, frogs, and lizards. Generally quiet, the common call is a 12-second rough, hissing screech. Breeding can occur year-round, depending on food availability, and generally twice per year. The nest is normally a hollow in a tree; but with a lack of mature trees with hollows, a pair will nest in a cave, or abandoned building. In a tree, the entrance hole is usually 15 to 25 m above the ground, though the nest chamber may be up to 10 m down inside the tree. Clutch size generally numbers 3 to 6 eggs. Hatchlings fledge after 10 days and roost in trees near the nest, while the parents forage to feed them.

June/July 21 - Page 36

poisoning as a direct result of human pest control methods.”

HORSE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Non-toxic pest management is the most humane and ecologically sustainable way of bringing nature back into some kind of balance during non-plague times.

Around the horse property, better management of fodder and hay to reduce food resources can help reduce numbers (when not in plague proportion), while encouraging barn owls into the area will assist in picking off rodents in the environs and reducing breeding numbers.

BARN OWL BOXES On South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is a popular testing ground for the hypothesis that barn owls could make good pest controllers. Northern and Yorke Landscape Board project manager, Max Barr, is looking to secure funding to install barn owl nest boxes across most of the peninsula’s southern end, to increase predator numbers by providing nesting and breeding opportunities. “Mice make up 90-plus per cent of their diet, so that’s really good in this instance, because we don’t want them targeting things like dunnarts and native species that we’re trying to protect.” Mr Barr said recent surveys on the Yorke Peninsula had found barn owl numbers were lower than the relative abundance of house mice numbers. “That’s come from a slight shift in agricultural practices with the no-till management practice of leaving the stubbles in the crop, which is great for soil and erosion mitigation and also for building up organic content in the soil. But that change in practice also means that without tilling [the soil], the mouse burrows and holes remain … so it’s a bit of a balancing act with farm management.” Mr Barr hopes that introducing more owls would help predict and control house mice populations, adding that studies

With wildlife habitats threatened by land clearing and climate change, numbers of Barn Owl and other predatory birds are projected to fall significantly: a worthwhile reason in itself for landowners to provide homes where possible. In return, the barn owl’s voracious appetite for the house mouse is a natural, safe method of reducing the number of introduced rodents that constantly endanger human health and fodder crops, and without causing any risk to the ecology.

Kelly Meaney next to one of her barn owl next boxes, designed to suit Australia’s climate. These were sited on a metal pole to protect the birds from cats and foxes.

Photo Darryl Meaney

CSIRO research officer, Steve Henry, doubts barn owls can effectively control mouse populations, though they could be used to predict house mice populations in the future. “There aren’t enough owls to deal with the thousands and millions of mice that end up breeding to really high numbers in a mouse outbreak. Mice start breeding when they’re six weeks old and they can have a litter every 19 to 21 days after that. You would need literally huge numbers of owls, cats and foxes, and all sorts of other predators to make the smallest dent on a mouse population that was out-breaking.”

undertaken in similar Mediterranean climates in Israel, Spain and the USA are showing promise. In 2017, student researcher Kelly Meaney created the first Australian study into whether the native Eastern Barn Owl could help reduce costs associated with rodent control.

Leak detection made ‘pawsible’ with dogs! Australia’s first leak detection dog, Kep, has sniffed-out her largest leak discovery yet. Amidst a salt pan near Morawa, WA, the expertly trained Springer Spaniel was sent to uncover why water was collecting near a very long buried pipeline. Soon after being deployed on her extensive mission, Kep excitedly pointed out two potential locations underground where leaks were present. Acoustic equipment confirmed the trusted canine’s discovery. Kep’s target scent of chlorine led her to isolate estimated leak rates of over 150 litres of water per minute. Crew promptly headed out to fix the leaks, and in under two hours around half a million litres of treated water per day was saved from being wasted from the Regional Water Supply. Kep is one of a very prestigious list of detection canines performing jobs in the field of conservation around Australia. They are extremely effective and valuable teammates, cover large areas far quicker than humans, focus for longer and operate with acute senses that equipment can’t compete with. In NSW, leak detection dogs, Winnie and Ziggy, have helped find hidden leaks from the 26,000 kilometres of wastewater network, which if left undetected can lead to overflows into our creeks, waterways and environment. Leaks in our wastewater (sewer) systems and water pipelines across the country are being ‘sniffed out’ by these canine recruits.

With help from interested landholders, 11 nest boxes with external cameras were installed across a small area. By the end of the study, Ms Meaney reported that nine out of the 11 boxes were colonised by barn owls. Eight of the nine boxes were used for breeding by barn owl pairs, and from these eight nest boxes a total of 35 baby owls were fledged. June/July 21 - Page 37

Selecting a

TRACTOR The piece of equipment that many horse owners insist that they cannot live without, and gets used the most frequently on their property, is a tractor.

s anyone living on a small to mid size acreage would know, the workload involved in property maintenance can be considerable. Throw horses into the mix and the workload increases, and it never, ever ends! When looking at working smarter not harder, countless property owners find themselves considering what equipment and tools are out there to keep on top of the myriad of tasks they’re faced with on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. A tractor is a versatile piece of equipment that can adapt to a variety of roles around the property and will quickly become your ‘right hand’ helper. The word is obviously out too as it’s not only new car sales that have been going gangbusters recently, sales of smaller compact tractors (under 40 horsepower /30 kilowatt), a size that is favoured by the majority of horse and lifestyle property owners, have reportedly been doing particularly well.

It goes without saying that a tractor is a significant investment and the purchase cost will undoubtedly be weighed against the amount of time and money it will save in the long term. With property owners often requiring the services of contractors, this plus the hours saved in labour will often ensure that a tractor is a cost effective investment. In saying that however there are jobs that could be too big for the size of the tractor being considered or budgeted for, and there may be occasions when it would be best to get a contractor with the right sized equipment for the job. When doing your homework to consider the pros and cons of purchasing a tractor it’s important to determine your property’s June/July 21 - Page 38

Tractors are ideal for moving hay and other feed on your horse property, and with a little practice, anyone can operate one.

requirements as its size, terrain and intended work load for the tractor are important factors, along with the requirements in regards to tractor size, engine capacity, hydraulic capacity and implements that might be needed or wanted.

You need to know the limits of tractors that you’re considering and be realistic about the tasks you want it to do. You don’t want to be paying thousands for a tractor when it won’t do everything you’re wanting, nor do you want to be paying thousands more for a machine that has the capacity to do far more than you need. With plenty of brands and models of tractors available, plus options to buy new or second hand, it’s worth keeping in mind that some brands hold their value more than others. When it comes to versatility and ‘grunt’ tractors can be used for just about everything it seems, something that became abundantly clear when tractor owning Hoofbeats readers were asked what jobs they used them for on their property. With the right ‘accessories’ readers found they could do almost any chores. From buckets, harrows, spreader bars, discs, stick rakes, arena rakes, forks, spray units and pallet tongs, the range of implements and accessories available to improve the productivity and versatility of a tractor is extensive. From tow behind, linkage or power take-off implements, it’s important to keep in mind what type of implements you might want to utilise with your tractor and that its weight, power, transmission and hitch type will suit. The use of a tractor - and a range of implements - when putting in fencing will save a lot of time and hard work.

PADDOCK MAINTENANCE From slashing pasture, harrowing paddocks to spreading manure, mowing, seeding, fertilising, weed spraying, creating and maintaining firebreaks, levelling, tree removal, moving rocks, clearing fallen sticks and logs, readers found tractors made light work of many of the chores that are required to keep paddocks safe and in good condition. When the alternative could be hours and hours with a wheelbarrow, readers found the pros and cons of having a tractor were heavily weighted towards a tractor. STABLE MAINTENANCE Had a truckload of bedding delivered? Forget shovelling it in with wheelbarrows, filling and emptying stables and yards no longer needs to be a time consuming job with many horse owners reporting that their tractor is well suited for the task, and a real time, and back, saver. Some horse owners even muck out into their tractor bucket to then drive it straight to the manure pile. CARTING/FENCING You name it horse owners used their tractors for carrying just about everything, depending on the implements they had. From carrying fence poles, digging post holes and Continued

WE CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY ONE. Whatever you are doing on your small slice of Australia, you’ll never regret investing in a John Deere Lifestyle Tractor to help you do it. With a range of models to choose from and loads of attachments, there’s one with your name on it. And we’re here to help choose the perfect one for you. Find yours at JohnDeere.com.au/lifestyle

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Tractors (and ATV’s with buckets attached) come in all sizes with a range of power, so it is a matter of finding the one to suit the intended work load.

even straining fences, tractors were put to good use by many when installing or repairing their fencing. ARENA MAINTENANCE Many horse owners used their tractors with a drag for grading and levelling, and topping up the arena surface as required. They’re also useful for levelling and compacting driveways and high traffic areas like laneways and gate openings. SAFETY While safety has improved in recent years and since the compulsory fitting of rollover protection structures (ROPS), tractors can be a dangerous piece of equipment. Accidents can and do happen on properties

If reader feedback is any indication then finding the right tractor will be the start of a long term ‘love affair’ and you will forever wonder how you managed without this versatile piece of machinery as part of your team. Big thanks to everyone who answered our questions on the Hoofbeats Facebook page to help make this article possible and to include your ideas, experiences and thoughts on tractors.

of all sizes and involving all sizes of tractors, with the risk of run overs highlighted in incident statistics. Even if your tractor is small, has no attachments and never leaves your property, training is recommended with many dealers offering their expertise or recommending courses. Buying a tractor that suits your property and those who will be using it is also important to reduce the risks associated with hilly locations or when using tractors on sloping or very muddy paddocks. This is when advice regarding 2WD and 4WD tractors is important, along with safety considerations when using implements with 4WD often recommended along with hydraulic pumps and a wet or dry clutch.

TRACTORS FROM 26HP & UTV’S FROM 22HP

Doesn’t matter how old your tractor is, it is usuallly still a very much respected and useful ‘mate’ to have on the property, and is often a much ‘loved’ partner. Celine BØnnelykke photo.

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Soil Your Undies Underpants experiments are taking place in Australian paddocks and gardens — all in the name of soil health. Pairs of undies are being buried in backyards and farms across the nation to check on soil health. Farmers across the country have been getting on board to learn more about their soil’s biology and health Soil Your Undies is a joint campaign by the University of New England (UNE) and CottonInfo.

The experiment is to bury 100-percent cotton underwear for eight weeks and then dig them back up. The more degraded they are at the end of this period means the better the soil health is as it measures microbial activity. The microscopic organisms that live in and on plants can help improve the quality of your crop/pasture — whether it be on the property or in the garden. UNE professor Oliver Knox said the project had expanded to become a national citizen science campaign. “We had people out Christmas Island way, Perth, somewhere in the centre, way up north, down south, all through New South Wales and Victoria and into Queensland,” he said.

There was a huge variety in the way underpants degraded during the eight-week period in the soil. Cotton grower Scott Maxwell was happy with the quality of his soil. “It was a good

result for here,” he said. “Only the elastic band was left so I was pretty happy with that. What made it more enjoyable was getting the children involved in the experiment. They’re pretty young, so burying a pair of undies and digging them up eight weeks later has a certain attraction to it,” he said.

STEPS TO IMPROVE SOIL QUALITY For those farmers with poorer results agronomist Wayne Seiler says there are steps that can be taken and it gave growers the opportunity to learn about their soil quality to then improve it. “We’ll look at what crops we grow there,” he said.“We might put legume crops in, or green manure or cereal crops with a fibrous root system, and just try to structurally get

the soil better. There was one block that had very little break down and that block had biosolids put on it.” Dr Knox said too much water in soil caused there to be little to no oxygen for the microbes to survive. “We have had some cases of pairs of underpants that were buried and the areas became flooded and the soil became anaerobic,” he said. “It’s wet one day and in 10 days’ time it’s like cement, so we’ll probably look at putting gypsum and some other material on there to make it better.” “When there’s a lack of water, the biology in this soil that’s breaking down these underpants is inactive.” The success of the campaign has been Australia wide with more property owners are getting on board. It is raising awareness of soil microbes and giving people a very visual result on the health of their soil.

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June/July 21 - Page 41

Does your horse have TOOTHACHE - the silent pain

TOOTHACHE? by Dr Kirsten Jackson

BSc BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)

The most common sign of dental pain is… nothing at all! Why do horses need their teeth done? The modern diet fed to today’s horse is different to the grassland grazing experienced by the early nondomesticated horse, which means our horses chew their food for less time and alter the way they chew compared to those early horses that grazed for around 16 hours a day. The horse’s dental anatomy, and in fact much of the horse’s gastrointestinal system, is ‘designed’ for this continuous chewing motion, yet the feed we supply to our horses today does not normally require much chewing, which can cause the teeth to wear unevenly. Sharp points and overgrowths begin to appear on the cheek teeth, and as they develop they can cause the horse to alter their chewing pattern which can exacerbate the problem and lead to other problems such as periodontal disease (where feed becomes trapped between the teeth causing a painful infection). As the problem persists, the points on the outside edge of the top cheek teeth and the inside edge of the bottom cheek teeth can become razor sharp, eventually cutting into the cheek of the horse and causing painful ulcers. Horses start life with large teeth when they are young, with lots of spare tooth (reserve crown) under the gum.

Over their lifetime the teeth slowly erupt into the mouth and are worn away by the horse’s chewing action, until eventually the teeth wear out. Horses have jaws that are different widths - their top jaw is wider than their bottom jaw.

IS YOUR HORSE HIDING TOOTH PAIN?

If there is any asymmetry in the teeth (for example a parrot mouthed horse), or a tooth is removed and the teeth don’t line up, and there is nothing to wear down the opposite tooth, the horse’s teeth will continue to erupt leading to hooks or tall teeth, which in severe cases can continue erupting through the opposite jaw.

Horses are prey animals and they are very good at hiding pain (to make sure they don’t get picked off by a predator!), so it can sometimes be hard to know whether there is a problem. Signs are often subtle or not present at all, and many are not specific to dental pain so could be from other causes, but a few things to look out for include:

A horse’s teeth should be checked at least yearly from 6-12 months of age to address any problems early and prevent small problems becoming large, painful ones!

Riding issues

There are many, very common and painful dental conditions such as periodontal disease - where feed becomes trapped between the teeth causing gum disease and a painful infection, tooth decay (peripheral or infundibular caries), and dead/ infected/ abscessed teeth among many other conditions, so a thorough oral examination is essential to be able to identify and treat these painful conditions.

Evading the contact- may resist turns, have a head tilt, suck back behind the bit or refuse to maintain a frame or vertical head carriage. Head tossing Chewing the bit Reluctance to put the bridle on Rearing Bucking, Bolting

Eating issues • Dental Vet photo

The green arrows show the normal, healthy part of the tooth with the brown covering over the pulps. The red arrows show the dead, infected, abscessed part of the tooth where the pulps are black rather than brown.

• • • • •

This was the only sign that there was an issue and was picked up on a ‘routine’ dental examination. Photo 2 is the same tooth cut lengthways through the infected pulps. These should be filled with blood vessels and nerves but instead were packed with rotten feed (red arrows) and the infection was then draining down the side of the tooth (blue arrows) dripping pus back into the horse’s mouth.

• • • • • •

Having trouble eating and dropping feed Eating slowly Quidding (dropping balls of half-chewed feed) Fiddling with their tongue or tilting their head while eating Balling feed in their cheeks Rinsing their mouth in the water Undigested feed in the faeces

A ball of half chewed food.

Behaviour and general health signs

Dental Vet photo

Photo 1 shows how easy it is to miss very serious pathology!

•

• • • • • • •

Recurrent choke, recurrent colic Weight loss Sinus infection Aggressive behaviour Change in temperament Reluctant to bite down on a carrot Discomfort when cheeks are pressed

This horse wasn’t showing any outward signs of pain but when you look at the roof of the mouth in Photo 1 you can see where the other side of the mouth is stained from the food but there is no staining on this side - indicating it wasn’t chewing on that side to avoid the painful Continued area. June/July 21 - Page 43

SEEING, NOT FEELING

Dental Vet photo

Almost all dental conditions can only be seen, not felt. A detailed examination with a full-mouth speculum to open the mouth, a powerful light, a mirror (or an endoscope) and a still (sedated) patient is essential for a thorough examination, without which serious pathology can be missed. Our practice starts a dental visit with a quick health check including listening for sand. An external examination of the head and mouth is then performed, checking the chewing muscles, the TMJ (jaw joint), lymph nodes, jaw and face for any swellings or signs of infection. The sinuses are percussed (the fingers of one hand are tapped against the overlying bones of the sinuses and the corresponding area on the normal side is percussed immediately afterward for comparison), checking for any nasal discharge, and jaw mobility is checked, ensuring it is even to both sides and can move freely. We then begin the detailed examination of the teeth and oral cavity, starting with the incisors and canines and then working back to the cheek teeth.

Once the mouth has been examined, the pathology will be treated. This will be different for every patient depending on the oral exam findings but generally involves smoothing back the sharp edges and reducing any overgrowths. Rotten feed from between the teeth can be cleaned out and we then measure whether there is significant infection under the gum and treat this if necessary. If there is significant decay we may do a treatment to prevent it from progressing, or in severe cases of decay in the middle of the teeth (infundibular caries), we may recommend a restoration (‘filling’). We are now also able to do root canals in certain cases, if there is a dead tooth, but this is uncommon. The practitioner may also recommend some home care including flushing the mouth out with the hose, medicated mouthwash or in some cases, changing the diet if there is significant decay. Dentistry has changed astronomically over the last 15 to 20 years, from ‘rasp off some sharp bits’ and then ‘fight the fires’ when they ‘suddenly’ have a sinus infection or fistula from a rotten tooth that has actually been there for years; to doing a thorough oral examination to find and treat the problems early, preventing small problems from becoming big (expensive!) ones and saving horses years of suffering in the meantime. June/July 21 - Page 44

Dental Vet photo

The first step is a thorough oral examination as we can’t treat what we don’t know is there! Painful dental problems can be found and treated early if horses receive a thorough oral examination with a light and mirror or endoscope at least once a year.

Below: Some large, sharp hooks were lacerating the tongue - this horse was not showing any outward signs of pain.

Dr Kirsten Jackson BSc BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry) After graduating from Murdoch University in 2007, Kirsten worked in general equine practice for just over two years before starting ‘Dental Vet’ in 2010. In 2012 she completed her Membership examinations in Equine Dentistry at the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and is currently completing her PhD, conducting research into equine peripheral dental caries. Kirsten has published articles in leading international journals and has lectured internationally as well as at numerous conference and workshops in Australia. Dental Vet allows the facilitation of more advanced dental procedures for horses such as endodontics (root canals) and restorations (fillings).

www.DentalVet.com.au

Dental Vet photo

It is absolutely impossible to ‘feel’ this so a practitioner who just puts their hand in, has a quick feel and then rasps away, will absolutely miss this and be leaving the horse in pain. There is A LOT more to dentistry than rasping off some sharp points!

Dental Vet photo

In most cases the only sign of a dead, infected, abscessed or painful tooth is that on the oral exam we will see that the small dark dots on the teeth - the protective covering over the pulps (where the nerves are) -are black instead of dark brown as shown in photo 1.

Below- left and right: This tooth was completely split in half and had been that way for at least two years. This was extracted from a prenovice eventer that was competing successfully and not showing any outward signs of pain when eating or ridden.

The Long Goodbye – The Challenge of Equine Dementia

by Karen Watson

hose who have had an enduring relationship with a horse or pony, one that saw them through peaceful trail rides or working together for competition achievements, and are now happily continuing the care and attention their old partner deserves, may start to notice a change in their horse’s demeanour and routine. Our ‘golden oldies’ are so important to us and there are times in their latter years when they may start to develop symptoms that are different to those normally associated with the ageing process. You may become aware of subtle signs that the horse is not quite itself. Perhaps you’ve gone out to their paddock and they don’t seem interested in coming up for a pat or a treat like they usually do. When you go into their stable, they may react badly, and it appears that they don’t recognise you. There are numerous other signs to look out for and these can potentially be early signs of a diagnosis of equine dementia. Sometimes known as the long goodbye, the human form of dementia is a heartbreaking condition, mainly affecting the elderly, where the person gradually becomes more forgetful, confused and dysfunctional in most aspects of their life. But what isn’t commonly known is that dementia can also affect (mainly senior) horses, along with other animals such as dogs and cats… and the results can be equally as devastating.

A Difficult Diagnosis Research into equine dementia is still in its very early stages and there is little information as to the frequency with which it occurs, but it is still considered to be quite rare. Specialists in this area, however, have so far noted during autopsies that the brain lesions and protein deposits found in humans with dementia are also found in horses. Furthermore, veterinarian specialists such as Prof. Robert J MacKay (University of Florida) have defined equine dementia as “changes in normal habits, personality, attitude, reaction to the environment and/or loss of learned skills.”

It may become necessary to lead your horse directly into its stall or paddock as, left to its own devices, it may not be able to find its way. June/July 21 - Page 45

The Long Goodbye continued... We asked equine veterinarian, Dr Steve Dennis, for his input on the issue of diagnosis, and he emphasised that the only objective way to achieve this in a living animal is by a process of elimination by a qualified equine vet. They will also take account of observations made by the owner as to the horse’s behaviour.

Horses Helping Seniors It’s well known that horses offer therapeutic benefits to humans, and new research is showing how they can help people with dementia, and their families, experience a positive life after diagnosis. The Connected Horse is a non-profit organisation in the USA founded by lifelong California-based horsewomen, Nancy Schier Anzelmo and Paula Hertel. Both have dedicated their 30-year professional careers to caring for older adults that suffer from various forms of dementia and they are also long-term horse owners. The Connected Horse program consists of horse-assisted learning activities and discussion groups for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and early-stage dementia. All the work is done from the ground, and participants don’t need prior experience. It teaches not so much horsemanship, but the importance of non-verbal skills when interacting with horses. The program also allows caregivers some much needed respite whilst the person with dementia is involved in the activities. Each session starts with a sensory walk to encourage participants to become more aware of what’s around them and to orientate them with what it’s like to be around and inside a horse facility. The sessions last for a few hours, and the activities progress from an ‘over the fence’ interaction with a horse that is still in a stall or paddock to eventually moving on to grooming and leading. Even the simple act of cleaning out a horse’s hoof seems to activate and restore the person’s feeling of self-worth. By the end of the program, many participants are doing liberty work with a horse in a round yard. The Connected Horse is more than an experience-based program. The outcomes are being tested through research and scientific studies that have shown positive results, despite the sample sizes being small. In general, they showed an overall positive trend in measures of support, burden, stress, and sleep, with a decrease in undesired behaviours and increases in communication between the patient and caregiver. Horses are often considered to be the healers in these types of therapeutic programs, as the emphasis is usually on how much joy they bring to a person, but the Connected Horse is different, as it’s also giving horses the opportunity to be ‘healed’ too. Often elderly themselves, horses that didn’t want to be haltered or handled when they first came to the Centre become totally engaged, affectionate, and wanting to interact with the participants. It is thought that these older horses, like senior citizens, are often ‘put out to pasture,’ even though they want to work. This sends out a powerful message that just because they are aging, doesn’t mean they don’t have a purpose.

“Keeping careful records, like diary entries and even videos, could really help your vet in making a diagnosis. The term ‘by elimination’, from a veterinary perspective, means that we take other, more common health issues, off our diagnosis list first. These are important diseases and conditions that should, and in some cases must, be ruled out before a diagnosis is possible. For example, it has been suggested that observations of a horse with suspected dementia might be an inability to be led, frequent yawning, not being interested in food or treats and compulsive walking or circling. But these are also signs that can indicate a viral or bacterial infection or something more serious, such as Hendra virus. Other possible causes of the symptoms described could be blindness or a degenerative disease like arthritis. Frequent yawning can be a sign of liver disease, while inability to be led can be caused by arthritis or another painful condition.” Horses with dementia often show very gradual degenerative changes, over a period of months or even years, just like human dementia patients do. They may exhibit increasing signs of confusion, even if approached by someone familiar, as if they are a stranger, and generally seem more anxious, irritable and frustrated.

A very common sign is that the horse seems disoriented in familiar environments, such as their usual stable and paddock, and may not recognise its equine companions. Slowly worsening changes in eating and drinking habits are also a common sign and cause of concern, as the horse may not always recognise its food, water or feeding regimens. This can result in malnutrition and dehydration. Again, these signs can be indicative of a number of other equine diseases and conditions and, as emphasised by Dr Dennis, need to be thoroughly assessed. “Seeking assistance from your equine veterinarian early on may save you a lot of time and worry and, in the case of the Hendra virus, potentially prevent you and your family members from being unwittingly exposed to a serious health risk. It has also been suggested that, although equine dementia is more likely in oldtimers, it can also occur in younger horses. This would be a very rare diagnosis, so I would always recommend a thorough clinical work-up and even possibly referral to a specialist to confirm this in a younger horse. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple blood test to confirm a diagnosis of dementia, just a process of excluding other conditions.”

Treatment and Management There are no cures for dementia in horses but there are methods not that different to those used with humans - to make life easier for them. Trying to keep the feeding and turnout routine the same on a daily basis is helpful, as is paddocking and stabling the horse

with a familiar companion of kind temperament. It may become necessary to lead it directly into its stall or paddock as, left to its own devices, the horse may not be able to find its way around or recognise when it is necessary to seek food or shelter. Rugging the horse, especially in cold weather, may become necessary for that reason. It’s also important to still spend time doing things like regular grooming and even light exercise if appropriate, as the horse will benefit even if it has little or no recollection of who you are.

One factor that can be overlooked is the need to monitor the possibility of the horse with dementia being bullied by its paddock mates, especially by chasing it away from its food.

Horses do recognise when one is different to normal and physically and mentally weaker, so the situation can escalate quite quickly. For this reason, it is important for the horse to be continually reevaluated by an equine veterinarian from an animal welfare point of view.

Long-Term Options Equine dementia is definitely a topic that is uncharted territory for many owners, and even the health professionals involved in the horse’s care. There are numerous issues to take account of in its diagnosis and treatment and these must be dealt with sensitively, objectively and creatively to ensure that the horse remains as comfortable as possible during the remaining time it has. As discussed, there is no cure for equine dementia and, as with all chronic illnesses, there will become a time when difficult decisions need to be made. Making them before the horse is completely debilitated and not enjoying life is the key responsibility of the owner, who can then reflect on the happier and healthier times they have shared together. Hoofbeats thanks Dr Steve Dennis, BVSc(Hons) MANZCVS(Equine Medicine), for his comments on Equine Dementia. Steve is currently a PhD student at the Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, University of Melbourne and incoming President of EVA. https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/research/centres/centre-for-equine-infectious-disease

Reader’s Story Vic and Lee

Human Dementia vs Alzheimer’s Disease These two terms are often used interchangeably but they aren’t the same. Dementia is an overall description of symptoms that influence memory, daily activities and communication, and these varying according to the type of brain cells that are affected. This cell damage begins years before symptoms appear, and these can initially be quite subtle. Some examples of the way dementia impacts on people compared to normal age-related changes, are losing track of the date or season (compared to forgetting which day it is but remembering it later), difficulty having a conversation (compared to forgetting which word to use) and misplacing things then being unable to retrace steps to find them (compared to losing things only from time to time). Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, being responsible for around 70% of its cases worldwide. It is a progressive disease that slowly gets worse with time, affecting memory, language, and thought. Its exact cause is unknown although research has identified the presence of abnormal protein deposits and lesions in the brain. In turn, these are thought to destroy the connections between brain cells, causing them to die and the brain to shrink. Unfortunately, this is a terminal disease, meaning that no cure is currently available and that the estimated lifespan of most of those who have it is approximately 4-8 years. While there is no prospect of recovery or reversal of the symptoms for human dementia patients, there are certain treatment options that can be helpful in its management. These include antipsychotics to address behavioural changes, medications for memory loss (cholinesterase inhibitors), alternative remedies to improve brain function and overall wellbeing (such as coconut and fish oil), strategies to improve sleep disturbances and antidepressants. Additionally, there are ways of structuring and supporting the person’s life, ranging from daily assistance with tasks to admission to a nursing home. For the purposes of this article, we referred to the equine version of the condition under the umbrella term of dementia, as there is no specific research separating Alzheimer’s from this in horses.

Over the last few years, Lee has watched her dad, Vic, slowly succumb to the ravages of dementia, to the point where, although he recognises who she and other immediate family members are, he has great difficulty with identifying many other people or where he is. One thing he does seem to have, though, is an affinity with horses, despite not having a lot of prior experience with them. Furthermore, he has been able to relate to the most difficult of horses more successfully than other people. “I have a mare that is quite troubled and flighty, and is pretty much unrideable. I took her on eight years ago to give her a peaceful home with no expectations or pressure. In the whole time I’ve had her, she has always been ‘on guard’,

to the point where she will only approach me to within a couple of metres to observe what is going on but won’t let herself be patted. I have never seen her lie down flat to sleep as she is always on edge.” Lee says that she has spent hours in the mare’s paddock, trying to get her more comfortable around people, without success. So you can imagine her surprise, when, soon after Vic was introduced to the horse in her paddock, she approached him and stood next to him, allowing him to pat her as if she was a child’s pony! “It was mind boggling, mainly because of the mare’s default personality. Dad just ‘lights up’ when he’s with her, and also any other animals. But this was so special.”

BEGINNER’s GUIDE FOR THE

ENDURANCE RIDE ENDURANCE RIDE TRAINING FOR THE FIRsT TImE COmpETITOR The prospect of preparing a new horse for its first endurance training ride may seem daunting to beginners, however, with the appropriate planning and commitment both horse and rider will comfortably cope with their first ride. This article is a simple introduction to the feeding and training needed to adequately prepare an inexperienced horse for its first training ride. TRAINING Long slow distance work is the basis of preparing a novice horse for a training ride. You should plan on riding the horse three times per week and allow six weeks to get an inexperienced horse fit for its first 40-kilometre training ride. Less training is adequate for a 20-kilometre ride. Always remember that rest is critical to the conditioning of an endurance horse as it allows the horse to recover from the stress of training. The training sessions should each be about one hour in length with a longer session of two hours or more included once per week. For Weeks 1 and 2 The horse should be ‘legged up’ (getting it fit) at the walk only, over flat terrain. Although this is relatively boring for the rider it is a crucial time of building strength in the legs and conditioning the horse for its future training. During this period, teach your horse to walk-out as fast as possible so that the conditioning effect is maximised. This will also help it cover more ground later at rides. For the average horse this will mean covering about 5-to-6 kilometres in a one-hour training session and 10-to-12 kilometres in a two-hour training session. For Weeks 3 and 4 Begin to introduce some trotting interspersed with the walking. Trotting should initially only be for short distances but gradually increased. During this period, work on trotting the horse on opposite leads so that it remains even-gaited and builds its muscular strength equally on both sides. It is also recommended that the horse is worked at different speeds in the trot to develop its ability to go along at various speeds, and try to cultivate the horse with a calm but confident manner. By week 4 you would be beginning to increase your rides to 15 KM. For Weeks 5 and 6

Photo by Chris Ros

Increase the trotting to 30 minutes per one-hour session and introduce some hill work. Initially, walk the horse up the hills and as its fitness improves begin to trot up some of the easier hills.

Downhill work this early on should be done at the walk because trotting downhill is hard on a horse’s legs and you are still looking to strengthen and condition.

Begin to introduce some trotting interspersed with the walking. When you commence trotting it should initially be for only short distances but gradually increased.

As you progress with developing your horse’s, and your own fitness, you should also begin to introduce some easy cantering in the same way that you did with the trotting. Additional weeks of training are of great benefit to your horse. Additional Training During the training period there are also a number of other things you can do with your horse, which will help it in preparation for the ride. • Accustom your horse to the veterinary procedures to which it will be subjected in the vetting ring, i.e., stand patiently when asked to pick up its feet, be comfortable in having its mouth and rear end examined, its temperature taken, and trotting out easily on a loose lead. By checking your horse’s parameters at home, it will become accustomed to these, and, it will help you learn how your horse’s fitness is developing; • Ride in the company of other horses if possible. At a ride, your horse will have to start with other horses;

• Practice ‘strapping’ your horse (the art of preparing for presentation to the vets) and begin to take its heart rate at resting - and also after a ride - several times within a 30-minute period. This will give you a good indication of fitness. A rapid recovery to under 55 beats per minute, within a 30-minute timeframe, is what is aimed for; • On longer training rides encourage your horse to drink at water points and allow it to relax and graze every now and then. This will ensure the horse’s hydration is maintained and gut function is sound; • Try not to become too regimented in your training. Both you and your horse

Photo by Down Under Images

will appreciate variety such as different terrain, long slow rides, short faster rides and some flat work etc. FEEDING The feeding of the horse initially will largely depend on the condition it is in when it commences training. Obviously, if the horse is carrying too much condition when started it will need to lose weight slowly and trim down to athletic condition; such a horse will not need much additional feed.

grazing will not need much additional feed, except for perhaps a vitamin and mineral supplement. Horses with grazing of limited quality or quantity will need additional feed in the form of hay and chaff and perhaps some energy dense feed, such as grain or prepared feed. Endurance horses require good levels of salt, vitamins and minerals in the diet so ensure it is balanced correctly. Always reduce the amount of grain fed to your horse on rest days by at least half.

If the horse is already in a fit condition it will need additional feed in order to meet the work requirements. Basically, the horse needs to receive enough feed in order to maintain it in appropriate condition and provide enough energy for the work that it is performing.

Electrolytes are important for endurance horses. Sweat contains high levels of electrolytes, which must be replaced, or horses become prone to fatigue, dehydration, or more severe problems. Horses that are worked and sweat heavily should receive additional salt (25 to 50 grams daily).

When you are grooming your horse or saddling up you should look at and feel the horse’s withers, neck, tail head, girth and ribs to ascertain whether or not it is gaining or losing weight, and adjust the quantity of feed accordingly.

It is critical, as with any horse, that the endurance horse has a good supply of cool, clean, fresh water available at ALL times.

The amount of feed necessary will depend on the quality and quantity of grazing available. Horses with access to good

ARRIVING AT A RIDE • Set up horse yards. Metal yards need to be fixed to a solid object, post, or float and if using electric tape this needs to be two strands with the top between 1.2 and 1.4 meters above the ground, no sags and energised at all times when the horse is in the yard. • Collect water for strapping and horse drinking, and feed horse. • Attend ride desk, submit the Health Declaration and ride entry form. You will receive a numbered bib and a tag with the Chief Steward’s telephone number to attach to your saddle. If your horse has not been issued with a logbook, you will be given a blue day card, which will record all your horse’s

Photo by Down Under Images

Continued

June/July 21 - Page 49

If you are camping, walk your horse, feed and make sure there is enough hay and water to sustain it overnight.

If your horse is wearing a rug, please make sure that all straps are undone to allow easy access. The first person who will handle your horsewill be a TPR Steward, who has been trained to take your horse’s heart rate, respiration rate and temperature.

Photo by Down Under Images

on your ride. Your ride start time will be confirmed. You must leave base within 15 minutes after that start time. Make sure you note the official ride time, so you are not late to the start. Photo by Chris Ros

details and veterinary check details. The Health Declaration requires you to take your horse’s temperature for three days before attending the event. The horse’s temperature should be 38.5, or less, for the three days preceding attending a ride. • Collect your horse, brush and attach any ribbons needed, i.e., red ribbon if horse kicks and blue for a stallion. PRE-RIDE BRIEFING Once your horse has passed the vetting you will need to attend a pre-ride briefing, which will be given at a pre-designated time. Horses or dogs should not be taken to this briefing. The briefing will alert you to anything you need to be aware of on course, the course markers you are to follow, and any time limits you may have

AERA Endurance Ride Rules CAMPING If you are camping, walk your horse, feed and make sure there is enough hay and water to sustain your horse overnight. Arise early, walk your horse, feed, and prepare for saddling. Ride to the start line at the designated start time. Call your number loudly to the Chief Steward before crossing the start line. If you are not camping, saddle your horse and proceed to the start line at the designated start time. Call your number loudly to the Chief Steward before crossing the start line. Follow the markers, as advised at the preride briefing, around the course, calling your number loudly to all checkpoint marshals, waiting until they repeat your number back to you to confirm your arrival.

VETTING

On course, be aware of other riders. Pass safely, calling out loudly and letting other riders know what side you are passing on, and being careful of any unsettled horses. At all checkpoints, there will be water, hay and carrots for the horse and water and often lollies for the riders. It is important for your horse to learn to relax, eat and drink whilst on course. Approach water points carefully so as not to frighten or disturb horses that may be drinking. If there is a rider trying to get his or her horse to drink, please wait until they have finished. Do not allow your horse to push in. Once the horse has had a drink, move away from the water promptly, so that others can have their turn. At all checkpoints if you feel that your horse, or you, cannot complete the ride, you may call for the rescue float. The rescue float will bring you back to ride base where you need to go directly to the Chief Steward and they will direct you as to what to do next. Yes, you may ride with your mobile phone however, for any assistance, direct all enquiries to the Photo by Down Under Images

You will now need to wear your bib (number) and take your logbook or vet card along with your horse for its pre-ride vet inspection. If your horse is wearing a rug, make sure that all straps are undone to allow easy access. The first person who will handle your horse will be a Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration (TPR) Steward, who has been trained to take your horse’s heart rate, respiration rate and temperature. This information will be recorded in your logbook or vet card. You will then be directed to present your horse to the ride vet. The vet will check to make sure there are no injuries, that your horse is well hydrated, has good gut sounds and is generally in good health. You will then be asked to trot your horse out. The trot will either be in a triangle around a set of cones, or in a straight line up and back. This allows the vet to view and assess if there are any problems with its gait. When trotting your horse, it should trot freely beside you, with the lead rope not interfering with its head carriage. (Try not to drag it around). If the vet is happy with your horse, you will be allowed to start. June/July 21 - Page 50

Your logbook or vet card will be kept by the vet for entering into the computer and returned to you at the finish line with your time to attend a post ride vetting. Proceed back to your yard and prepare the horse for saddling or an overnight stay.

Photo by Down Under Images

Photo by Down Under Images At all checkpoints there will be water, hay and carrots for the horse and water and often lollies for the riders. It is important for your horse to learn to relax, eat and drink whilst on course.

Chief Steward. No outside assistance of any kind is allowed whilst out on track without approval of the Chief Steward.

strapping. Strapping is hosing your horse to cool it down and make it comfortable. Encourage your horse to eat and drink.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE, STRAPPING AND POST-RIDE VETTING

The horse’s heart rate needs to be 55 beats per minute or under within the first 30 minutes.

After completing your ride, and as you approach the finish ride desk, call out your number. Collect your day card or logbook; this will have your vet time clearly recorded, which will be 30 minutes after crossing the finish line.

Check the heart rate with a stethoscope. If the heart rate is high, it may need to be strapped again, even three or four times, scraping the excess water off between hosing. Concentrate on the big veins between the back legs and on the belly and the neck. Try to avoid too much water on the big muscles in the hind quarters.

Take your horse back to your yards for

Small walks between hosing - to bring the heat to the surface - before again hosing heat away, can also assist in the cooling down process. Sometimes, eating can raise the heart rate by a few beats. Wait for a minute or two before taking the heart rate. Often a horse may need to relax in their yard to ‘wee’. This may also reduce the heart rate by a few beats. If it is a cold or wet day some horses will need very little or no strapping. Excess water can lead to the horse becoming ‘cold’ in cooler weather and therefore increase heart rate. Sometimes you may need to strap lightly with warm water in cooler Continued

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weather. These are things you will need to get to know about your horse whilst training in the weeks leading up to the ride. Attend the vet ring 3 minutes before your vet time, as you may be disqualified if late. If it is cold, keep your horse warm with a rug, making sure all back leg straps and the chest strap is undone just before the TPR. Steward attends you. Make sure you take your logbook or blue day card with you. Upon arriving at the vet ring, give your horse a moment to relax and then tell the Chief Steward when you are ready to proceed with vetting. Make sure you arrive at the vet ring within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line.

out similar to when you completed the pre-ride vetting. Someone else may trot your horse out if you are not physically able to do so, but they must wear the allocated bib. They will inform you if you have completed successfully.

even if your horse has vetted out. This is for your horse’s welfare. The vet will only sign off the logbook or vet card if he or she thinks the horse is in a safe condition to travel home. TO COMPLETE IS TO WIN!!

PRESENTATION There will be a presentation of completion certificates and logbooks or vet cards soon after the last horse in your ride length has been vetted. People are asked not to leave ride base for two hours and until they have received their logbook or vet card back. These need to be signed off by the head vet,

It was with great disappointment and regret that the Tom Quilty, due to be held in Collie, WA in September 2020, was postponed due to the repercussions of Covid- 19. The good news is that following months of deliberation and negotiation the ride has been secured in Collie for 2021 and the new date is October 1st to 3rd. As NSW were due to hold the event this year (and also had significant preparations in place) they will now run their event in 2022.

Sometimes there can be a short hold-up in the vet ring. If this happens, please be patient. Horses in the longer rides may be required to be vetted before your horse. The Chief Steward will take your time requirements into consideration if you need to wait and your time goes over the 30 minutes. If you need to wait for vetting be sure to keep your horse moving to prevent muscles from stiffening up. A TPR Steward will take your horse’s heart and respiration rate. Proceed to the vet as directed. The vet will examine your horse and then ask you to trot the horse

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DEiDRE’s App REviEws

Equine Body Condition Scoring App

Deidre Rennick is a self-confessed appaholic. A dedicaed horse rider who loves nothing better than trying out a variety of apps and podcasts, that relate to riding and her horse - The Wonderpony. If you have found a ‘favourite’ app or podcast then let’s know so we can pass on to Deidre, or you can share your own review. email: editorial@hoofbeats.com.au

Horseware Turnout Guide App Be warned – if you are a little bit obsessive about rugging your horse you may be pushed to the next level with this app! Once your horse has been entered into the app you go into the Your Horse screen and the weather report appears with rug weight recommendations for morning and evening. Whilst the rugs it recommends are obviously Horseware rugs, it does provide the range of weights in grams of fill so you can use it with other rug brands where you know the fill weight. The Try It On feature allows you to look at the range of Horseware rugs overlayed on the image of your horse. Unfortunately, it did not prove easy in this app, and no matter how much I tweaked and tapped I could not get the rug to appear on The Wonderpony. I wasn’t too disappointed at this fail as most of the rugs can be hard to find in Australia. If there is a rug that takes your fancy you can search for local stockists within the app.

Unfortunately, modern horses are experiencing an upsurge in diseases related to obesity. Equine Body Scoring (EBS) is an objective way to track your horse’s physical appearance over time to catch any early signs of obesity. How often you score your horse will depend on personal preference and impacts on conditions such as feed changes, exercise or breeding demands and weather. There are currently two recognised body scoring systems – the US system with a scale of 1 to 9 and the Australian system scale of 0 to 5. I tried two EBS apps that use the US system – Equine Body Condition Scoring from the University of Glasgow and Horse BCS from Purdue University. On first glance this app looked a bit simple compared to the colourful graphics of HorseBCS. However it proved itself to be quite easy to use and reasonably accurate in producing a facsimile of The Wonderpony’s body shape and condition. Once you add your horse into the app with his name and age (and it looks like you can have multiple horses) you start scoring. The graphics show the area you are scoring and as you change the score the image changes accordingly. Some of the changes can be very subtle so it’s a bit of back and forth until the shape and definition of the area looks right. After you have scored all the areas you see a whole graphic of the horse. It’s a good idea to take a photo of your horse and upload it to the app so you can see how you scored what you saw. A nifty feature is you can switch from the graphic to the photo as much as you like to get the shape just right, and you can also edit your entry until you are satisfied you have a good match. I have to admit I was a bit more interested in this app given its better graphics. However, it turned out to be disappointing – lacking the graphic change with score change and a complex scoring interface. My feeling is that this is an app not suited to a mobile phone, but may have more functionality on a pad, tablet or PC. If you are happy to use your PC rather than a phone app there are certainly more options for body scoring. The Kentucky Equine Research website offers both the US and Australian scoring systems for comparison.

June/July 21 - Page 53

SALMONELLA

Dr Jennifer Stewart CEO BVSc BSc PhD Dip BEP Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist. Dr Jen Stewart is currently the only practicing equine veterinarian and clinical nutritionist in Australia with more than 40 years experience. Jen has been developing premium formulas for studs, trainers and feed companies - such as Mitavite - in Australia and around the world. Consulting to leading international studs and trainers in various countries while working on research projects and being involved in nutritional management of a variety of equine clinical conditions, including colic, tying-up, laminitis, performance problems, developmental orthopaedic diseases and post-surgery. Jen’s vision is to provide a world best-practice in equine veterinary nutrition and to BRING SCIENCE TO YOUR FEED BIN.

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June/July 21 - Page 54

There are many equine infections, and these can have varying effects on your individual horse or herd. Salmonella is one that is extremely contagious and requires good biosecurity to protect both horses and humans. here are more than 2200 distinct variations within the species of bacteria (serovars) of salmonellae and all are considered possible pathogens that can cause disease for horses.

In Australia, Salmonella typhimurium is the most common cause of salmonellosis. It produces intestinal disease (such as diarrhoea) in horses, and other animals including dogs, cats, birds, humans and many other species. Cases are usually sporadic with an affected horse here or there, but may become an epidemic/outbreak depending on the severity or harmfulness of the organism, the level of exposure (i.e., how many bacteria gain entry to the body) and individual horse factors. Recently there have been outbreaks of Salmonella in horses in Australia.

ADULT HORSES: Signs of illness in adult horses include fever; colic; shock; severe watery, foul-smelling diarrhoea that might contain blood; weakness and loss of appetite. Although it is one of the most common infectious causes of diarrhoea in adult

one of the most commonly diagnosed infectious causes of diarrhoea in adult horses horses, importantly, Salmonella can develop without diarrhoea. Complications of salmonellosis include laminitis, bacteremia (viable bacteria within the bloodstream) and septicemia (blood poisoning), renal (kidney) failure, clots, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and pneumonia (infection of lungs).

FOALS: In foals especially, Salmonella can get into the blood stream and travel to many organs, including the liver, lungs and joints. Affected animals show dullness, depression, fever, lameness and joint swelling. Clinical signs include hemorrhagic diarrhoea (blood mixed in with manure), pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain) and septic arthritis. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT is based on clinical signs, very low white blood cell counts (neutropaenia) and faecal culture to grow the organism. A minimum of three, and usually five, cultures is necessary because Salmonella is only intermittently shed in the manure and in small numbers. Treatment is principally supportive and needs to be aggressive – i.e., prompt and ongoing intensive replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses and intestinal protectants. Fluid replacement may require 80 litres per day and the diarrhoea and metabolic derangements can take 7 – 10 days to resolve. Antibiotic treatment is often of little use and your veterinarian will determine on a case-by-case basis if they are indicated. The choice of antibiotic is difficult and antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns can change during the disease process. Hence your veterinarian may request culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing of multiple manure samples. The prognosis for your horse varies with the case. Many horses may have Salmonella and never show clinical signs. Others can become sick and require intensive therapy – and some die suddenly despite intensive therapy.

TRANSMISSION: The most common sources of infection are contaminated feed and water and carrier birds, rodents, horses and other farm animal species that excrete the bacteria. Salmonella is usually transmitted by the ‘faecal-oral’ route (i.e., from manure contamination of the mouth) although infection may also occur through the mucous membranes of the eyes and the nose via aerosol droplets.

Horses may pick up Salmonella from the pasture, feed or water sources if these have been contaminated by the faeces of infected animals (including birds and other horses). They may also become infected by direct contact with infected horses or surfaces that have been contaminated with manure from an infected individual. Mice, chickens, pigeons, and wildlife can be sources of Salmonella.

CARRIERS: Some horses are carriers – i.e., they don’t show any signs of infection or illness, but can actively spread the bacteria. Because they generally shed the bacteria intermittently in their manure and often without any signs of illness, Salmonella carriers are particularly difficult to identify.

If stressed, carriers may develop clinical signs. Stress leads to a rapid multiplication of the bacteria and can be caused by transportation, intestinal microflora upset, other illnesses, overcrowding, abrupt change in diet, intensive physical Continued

WHAT IS SALMONELLOSIS and how does it affect your horse? Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both foals and adult horses. The bacteria spread easily from horse-to-horse contact and by shared tools, water buckets, hands, etc., on which bacteria can ‘hitch a ride’ to the next horse. This disease can upset the gut in horses and foals. It can cause debilitating–and even deadly–diarrhoea. Symptoms in adult horses include diarrhoea, fever and lethargy in mature horses, however the signs in foals are more serious. Some horses do not show clinical signs, so seemingly well horses can harbour the bacteria, and when stressed, they can shed it or become ill themselves. June/July 21 - Page 55

MANAGING OUTBREAkS The following measures are critical if an outbreak occurs: • Isolate all sick animals. This may mean isolating an entire stable, paddock or property. • Horses that have been exposed to sick animals should not have any contact with non-exposed animals. • Involve your veterinarian and diagnose the cause of the disease as soon as possible. • Limit movement of people and equipment. • Restrict access to isolation areas. • Use disposable overalls, gloves and foot guards. • At every entrance and exit place foot baths with the appropriate disinfectant – water won’t do the job and not all disinfectants are effective against Salmonella. Your veterinarian will know which ones to use and for how long you need to stand in the footbath – a quick dip is not enough. • Spray all vehicles and tyres with disinfectants. • Wash and sanitise hands regularly through the day. • Dispose of bedding and manure so other horses aren’t exposed to it. • Control access of wildlife, birds and rodents to feed, water and bedding. • Check whether you need to report the disease to the government – this varies between states. Proper cleaning and disinfecting requires knowledge of the bacteria. Even the correct disinfectants will not be effective in destroying Salmonella unless the surfaces are cleaned first. The most important part of the disinfection process is the hard work of first cleaning all surfaces with a detergent, then rinsing before applying the disinfectant (Table 1). All organic material, dirt and debris must be removed by pressure washing or steam cleaning before disinfecting – taking care that the wash doesn’t spread and contaminate other areas or the environment.

activity, antimicrobial treatment, surgery and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Shedding may persist for days to weeks and although some horses are consistently positive on manure culture, a negative culture does not rule out intermittent or low-level shedding of Salmonella. In most cases, the amount of bacteria shed in the manure of convalescing horses is relatively small and doesn’t present a risk. Among horses that have recovered from salmonellosis, approximately 2/3 will have ceased shedding after one month and around 90% after four months. However, if the variant is especially virulent or is able to survive and proliferate in the environment, persistent faecal shedding of the bacteria could pose a risk to other animals or humans.

Horses testing positive for Salmonella should remain isolated until they stop shedding based on multiple negative cultures. It is important to note that these horses may shed again if they are sufficiently stressed. Shedding decreases over time and many horses will stop shedding altogether.

MANAGEMENT OF FOALS – special attention is needed: Except for normal foal heat diarrhoea, any foal with diarrhoea should be considered infectious and contagious. No in-contact foals should be moved to other locations because there is a high chance they could be incubating the disease and be a source of infection for other parts of the property if they are moved. Although this may seem extreme, the expense of an all-out diarrhoea outbreak due to Salmonella far outweighs the inconvenience of separating sick foals. Isolation should be intensive, with protective clothing (gloves, gowns, and shoe coverings – or better, dedicated footwear that does not leave the isolation area) worn before entering the isolation area. Dedicated grooming and mucking out tools and thermometers must

Table 1. STANDARD DISINFECTION PROCEDURE FOR NON-POROUS SURFACES IN STABLES, AISLES AND FLOATS, EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING 1

Remove all buckets, feed tubs and bedding.

Sweep the walls and floor of the stall to remove all organic matter.

Use a hose with spray nozzle to wash all surfaces with detergent - for stubborn stains, keep the surface wet for 10–20 minutes, then scrub by hand.

Starting at the top, rinse with water. Corners and drains may require a second cleaning.

Remove as much water as possible so the disinfectant doesn’t become diluted.

Don protective clothing and starting at the top, apply the disinfectant as per the product instructions.

Do NOT rinse but allow to dry.

During an outbreak repeat the cleaning and disinfection.

Scrub all buckets, feedbins and equipment with detergent, rinse, dry and apply disinfectant and leave for 10 minutes.

10 Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry. Rinse dirt, manure etc. from towels, clothing etc. then soak in disinfectant for 10 minutes before 11 washing with laundry detergent. June/July 21 - Page 56

be used – and all cleaned and disinfected after use. Manure should not be allowed to contaminate groundwater or be accessed by other horses and should never be spread onto paddocks.

PREVENTION = BIOSECURITY: Prevention of salmonellosis is difficult because the organism is present in the environment as well as in the manure of some healthy animals. The environment is at greatest risk for Salmonella contamination from a diarrhoeic horse because bacteria will spread over a relatively large area cracks in walls and stalls, on the surface of water buckets or automatic watering devices, and in bedding materials that may be spread by wind or careless foot traffic.

Salmonellae can persist in the environment and soil can remain contaminated for over 300 days, and water for nine months. Although it can be killed by desiccation (removal of water) and exposure to sunlight, Salmonella can survive in dried manure for up to 30 months. Freezing doesn’t kill the bacteria and it can survive over two years in infected ice cream!

Spray wash all surfaces with detergent, then scrub by hand.

BIOSECURITY PLAN: To prevent the introduction of Salmonella, it is important to have a biosecurity plan. Some method of isolating new arrivals and sick horses is important. New horses should be isolated for approximately two-to-three weeks and monitored for diarrhoea or signs of respiratory disease. Salmonella is very infective, and control measures require strict attention to sanitation. Foot baths, protective clothing, isolation, and proper disposal of faeces are basic when caring for infected or shedding horses. Personal hygiene is important because human infections can occur from exposure to this organism.

protocol that carefully evaluates and isolates new arrivals, prevents stress and overcrowding, recognises clinical symptoms, and deals with disease quickly. Preventive hygiene and the use of effective disinfectants are essential to the management program. A balanced diet is one of the best defences a horse has against disease and for recovery and convalescence. Every nutrient is important and deficiencies or imbalances in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and fibre can compromise immune function.

ZOONOSES are diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals. Salmonella can move between animals and humans. Thus, people can and do become infected with Salmonella from horses. Ingesting contaminated faeces causes Salmonella in people. Signs of Salmonella in humans vary from none to severe gastrointestinal disease and medical advice is essential. Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands before eating and don’t touch objects with manure-contaminated hands.

Fortunately, the steps involved in control and prevention of Salmonella also are applicable to most other equine infectious diseases. The cost and work involved with isolation, disinfection and good management can more than pay for themselves in the long run of not having to deal with salmonellosis, rotavirus, and other diseases.

Understanding disease transmission and effective management practices are both essential in preventing equine diseases. Your veterinarian is the best source of advice because successful disease prevention includes an effective vaccine and a rigid management

All content provided in this editorial is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or veterinary opinion. The content does not consider individual circumstances, is not intended as a substitute for advice, and should not be relied upon as advice or in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian. For full disclaimer, please refer to our website: www.jenquine.com.au

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PRACTICAL FASHION for EQUESTRIAN

COMFORT

iding is considered by many who are not involved - to be a glamorous and elitist sport, however, for the majority of those who own horses the everyday tasks of cleaning stables and yards, grooming horses, as well as man-handling hay bales, carrying feed and water buckets, fixing fences and treating injuries puts it very much into the notso-glamorous category. That is, until it is time for a show or event and then those who have spent all those

by Hayley Skinner

hours with hay, mud and horse hair on their clothing suddenly emerge looking very professional and fashionable in their show attire, with not a hair out of place. The transformation from stable-hand to polished show rider is one all competitors learn early in their riding career, although there can be mishaps along the way as most riding outfits involve white or cream jods/breeches and we all know just how these are magnets for horsesnot and make-up.

Pictured is the Spooks Leanah Vest In most equestrian disciplines fashions remain very traditional and conservative, although many of the materials have changed to be more practical for riding comfort, climatic conditions and safety. While Western riders have continuing fashion changes of colours and styles each season, the more traditional sports like dressage, which has its origins in the military, are contemporary and formal. The purpose of the uniform, mandatory outfits that are part of the dress code for dressage, show hack, jumping and to a small extent, eventing riders has often been stated as allowing judges to have a visual level for judging, without distracting from the horse. Within these restrictions though, riders still manage to allow their own individual personality to emerge with subtle changes to the ‘uniform’. As time progresses, there are more and more changes occurring through the governing bodies. The Federation Equestrian International (FEI) as the organising body for dressage has recently given permission for riders

Top Left: With a wind and water resistant finish, PS Of Sweden Mila Light Weight Jackets in Berry are comfortable and flattering; the pink tone a colour that complements grey well. Bottom Left: When layering, a soft fleece jacket like this Spooks Lindah Jacket, which is breathable and comfortable, is ideal. Above: Good options for your base layer include fabrics that are stretchy, like this example from the ESKADRON Classic Sports spring/summer collection 2021. Top & Bottom Right: The Horze Charlotte Women’s Long Riding Jacket is a breathable, quilted and waterproof riding jacket. The long skirt opens at the back when you’re in the saddle, keeping you warm on and off your horse.

to wear lace -up boots in competition. Often however, it is the quality, style of clothing and fashion sense of the rider that sets riders apart in the world of equestrian fashion and helps them stand out for all the right reasons.

of us there may be that moment to celebrate the win or the lessons learnt but ultimately we put the horse’s welfare and comfort before our own and often feed, water, rub down the horse and clean the stable before we start celebrating.

Fashion does not just relate to competitions, as many riders love to wear the latest gear whenever they ride, be it for a lesson, a hack out or training at home.

Let’s begin with some key tips for your winter equestrian wardrobe to get you started.

The goal of equestrian fashion is to create practical outfits while keeping style and elegance within the overall picture. Creating a stylish outfit is an art and something that some can achieve on a budget as they piece together their outfits, while others rely on the trend setters for their discipline, fashion brands and the prolifercation of equestrian fashion depicted on social media to provide style ideas and inspiration. When putting together an outfit think about selecting clothing that is sensible for your climate and for both on and off the horse, because we all know that after a lesson or when you have just won the 5* at Adelaide, the nature of horse ownership means that for the majority

Stay warm and layer! Clothing for winter riding is better than ever with ever evolving fabric technology ensuring plenty of options to keep you warm and dry while being comfortable and stylish with a great range of colours and styles. You can find many suggestions from sites involved with snow sports as to fabrics and materials suitable for even the most extreme temperatures, plus point of sale information on clothing tags and labels, and detailed descriptions on websites can help with determining if what you’re looking at will suit your requirements. One solution to staying warm but not overheating as your chores, training or lesson progresses is to select clothing that can ultimately be ‘layered’.

Depending where you live, your winter requirements will vary across Australia and New Zealand, and no matter what the temperature when you are riding in the early morning as the sun comes up, it feels a darn sight colder than the thermometer says! There are plenty of options to suit each climate so you can head to the stables dressed not only for freezing cold morning starts, but for the hours ahead as you get active and start to warm up. Being able to easily slip layers off and regulate your comfort, and what suits your own personal metabolism is really important. When layering your clothing it’s best to stick to the three-layer rule - a base layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. Good options to consider for your base layer include technical thermal fabrics, which are stretchy and can move perspiration away from your skin. As well as good wicking properties, some will also be made with anti-microbial material. The base layer is not usually that thick as while a thicker fabric might keep you warmer, you don’t want to be left in your final layer and find yourself too hot.

mornings could include breeches, a short sleeved Polo possibly teamed with a pullover and a vest (Outfit 1). For icy cold weather a long sleeved polo with your breeches teamed with a fleece jacket works well, with a light fill or shower jacket until you start to warm up (Outfit 2). For your absolutely freezing temperatures, and many of us have experienced very cold mornings already this year with a cold snap in May, breeches teamed with a long sleeved polo, pullover and a thick, short jacket should keep you warm and comfortable (Outfit 3). Time to colour coordinate! Top Left: Navy works well with many colour combinations, this PS of Sweden Paisley jacket warm yet breathable. Bottom Left: With its metallic look Epplejeck’s Bodywarmer HV Polo Mallet goes well with black breeches. Above: When the temperature drops consider a bordeaux coloured jacket for your outerwear. Houseofstables.com have windproof and waterproof jackets in this popular colour. Below: BARE ThermoFit Winter Performance Riding Tights are made with a warm, winter weight compression performance fabric.

Clothing for your middle layer should help retain the heat that’s radiated by your body. The more efficiently this layer traps that heat, the warmer you’ll be. Fleece can be a popular option that will also breathe well, so you’re less likely to overheat in it. It won’t keep you that warm though if it’s windy so that’s where a shell outer layer is required. There’s lots of stylish waterproof shell jackets with great tailoring to layer over the top, or look for one that you can add an inner

Winter palettes are always changing, new colours are brought to the market as well as old favourites readapted. Some favourites in the winter palettes are olive greens, bordeaux’s (like a Merlot red), and dark tones of pink. Depending on whether you plan on creating an outfit on a budget or buying pieces that cost a little extra, I recommend purchasing breeches and a main casual jacket/vest in colours you absolutely love and that you can mix and match with other layers that will not cost as much. For your breeches, you can’t go wrong with navy, black or grey. These colours are practical and do not mark easily due to the colour. By starting with these staple colours you can work your way up in colour coordination.

layer to. Puffer jackets are also generally thermal and wind proof and come in a great range of colours and styles. Even when layering to keep cold weather at bay there’s no need to look bulky with plenty of options that keep that classic equestrian feminine styling

With black breeches you can be bold in your colour choices, a theme that has been introduced into some brands is metallic/ chrome/shiny finished products. To have that ‘stand out’ appeal in your outfit on mild winter mornings try wearing a black short sleeved polo and/or pullover underneath the vest to make the metallic colour of your choice pop. You could select a silver or rose gold colour and they will both go with black breeches equally well.

Some suggestions to consider with the colour coordination tips will see you ready to go and looking stylish on and off the horse. An outfit to suit mild winter

The colour combinations with navy breeches are endless but olive green and bordeaux is a favourite. In regards to outfit two to suit icy cold mornings I

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Just because it is cold and you are wearing layers doesn’t mean you can’t colour coordinate.

Europe’s biggest equestrian fashion brands for the best price

Your outfit colour can be extended to your horse through saddles blankets and bandages, as pictured with this range from PS of Sweden.

would select a navy long sleeved polo and apply olive green to your choice of fleece jacket. For the light jacket (with minimal fill) apply the colour you love the most between navy and olive green, or if you feeling like adding another colour to the mix look for a bordeaux jacket for your outerwear. Based on outfit three to suit freezing temperatures and applying the staple colour grey to your breeches, a warm pink tone is a colour that compliments grey incredibly well. I recommend selecting a navy long sleeved polo, tying it in with a grey pullover and applying the pink tone of your choice to the thick winter jacket to complete the look. Want to create the matchy matchy look with your horse? Consider matching the colour of your main outerwear piece to the saddle pad and bandages you put on your horse. Wherever there is an opportunity to tie colours in through details, do it! One example is if you have a navy vest with burgundy details then wear a burgundy pullover under it to create the perfect look. And if you are into matching your horse to your outfit then this theme can then extend to your horse through bandages and saddle blankets, creating a story within your clothing that does not distract from your horse.

HaCk 1: A highlight piece to consider for your winter wardrobe are thermo breeches. With thicker material to keep the warmth in as well as a fluffy inside so it is soft on the skin, products like these are a great investment for the winter months and those cold mornings. HaCk 2: For on the horse always consider vests without a hood, as hoods, when not in use, can get in the way and be an annoying weight when riding. However, there are many brands that are now creating pieces where you can zip away the hood, a great solution so you get the most out of one product. For on the horse a shorter, fitted jacket can be preferred by those who want no clothing in the way when riding. If you’re after more warmth and weather protection with a longer jacket look for one that’s designed for riding and will open at the back over your saddle. Always consider if a jacket is waterproof or not, a lot of jackets are only shower proof and if you are riding in heavy rain then shower proof just won’t cut it! HaCk 3: Pockets! Always look for pockets on a product for many reasons, one of which we can take from the skiers and snowboarders is for the storage of hand warmers. Place these in your jacket or vest during cold winter mornings as the perfect safe haven for frozen fingers! However don’t forget the toes! If the rest

of your body warms up while riding but your toes remain ice cold it might be time to consider battery operated heated insoles, a clever invention that allows you to set different heat modes for the most freezing of temperatures. HaCk 4: High waisted breeches give that extra length and allow you to tuck in layers when riding, which will guarantee everything stays in place and keeps all the warmth in.

About Hayley A passion of Hayley’s is piecing together outfits to keep style within the sport, and with her experience in working for an international equestrian clothing brand and attending European trade fairs when on buying expeditions she had the opportunity to see new ideas and products to the industry, and discuss equestrian fashion with some of the trend setting stylish, equestrian fashionistas. Her ideas may help you create outfits that compliment both you and your horse this winter season.

June/July 21 - Page 61

US RIDER BANNED FOR USING ELECTRIC SPURS

TwO HORSES DIE AT AUSTRALIAN EvENTING EvENTS IN MAy Equestrian Australia announced the deaths of two horses at separate events in May. Usman Khan’s mount Kasheer (aka Benny) passed away from a proximal cervical fracture in the CCI4*-S division at Naracoorte Horse Trials in South Australia on the 15th and 16th May. Pakistan’s premier equestrian Usman Khan has been based in Australia for 16 years, going into the Olympic qualifier’s final cross country phase in second place. The combination were 50 metres away from the finish line when Kasheer caught his right knee on take-off at the final jump, the pair falling metres from the finish line. Kasheer had a rotational fall and landed on his neck, reportedly dying on impact while Usman Khan was unconscious for several minutes. The second death occurred in the CCIN1* at Tamborine Equestrian Group One Day International Event on 15th May. Equestrian Australia advising in a statement after the event that rider Laura Rae had returned home following the incident, the horse she was riding Nightcaps (aka Bob) passing away from a cardiovascular incident.

UNDERSTANDING HORSE–HUMAN INTERACTIONS In a paper recently published in the journal Animals, researchers have indicated that subtle behavioural signals from horses can provide handlers with important insights into how horses prefer humans to interact with them. The researchers, Katrina Merkies and Olivia Franzin, with the University of Guelph in Canada, set out to explore aspects of the relationship between humans and horses in a bid to better understand the horse’s experience of the world and shed new light on potential positive approaches to enhancing welfare. Delving into the ways horses read humans, such as by our odours, posture and vocal repertoire, all of which affect the horse’s interpretation of us, they reported, “Understanding how horses perceive and interact with humans can aid in developing positive interaction approaches, thereby enhancing their welfare. While it is difficult to truly know how a horse thinks and feels, paying attention to subtle behavioural signals can give us insight on how horses prefer humans to interact with them.” They noted that scientific literature suggests that horses are capable of remembering previous experiences when working with humans. June/July 21 - Page 62

American showjump rider Andrew Kocher has been suspended for ten years by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and retrospectively disqualified from eight events for using electric spurs on horses. In mid 2020 the French equestrian magazine Grand Prix published a photographic investigation supporting suspicions of the use of electric spurs by Kocher on at least five of his horses. Reporting in its investigation, the system “would allow the rider to send electric shocks to his horse’s flanks via the spurs with a control placed in the palm of the hand and controllable with a push button. The current went through wires hidden in the rider’s pants, which would end their course at the end of the spurs.” Kocher, who had represented the US internationally at the Nations Cup, was also fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approx $14,200 AU) and ordered to pay costs. The United States Equestrian Federation said in a statement that it “unequivocally” supports the FEI tribunal decision.

wELL-DIGGING ExPLOITS OF HORSES AND DONkEyS BENEFIT OTHER DESERT SPECIES Researchers have found the ability of horses and donkeys to dig for water in dryland ecosystems can provide important benefits to other species. In their study Equids Engineer Desert Water Availability, Erick Lundgren and his colleagues noted that large animals play important roles in the biosphere, yet little is known about how they shape dryland ecosystems. Writing in Science Magazine, they reported on an overlooked form of ecosystem engineering by donkeys and horses in the deserts of North America. The digging of wells of up to two metres to groundwater by wild horses and donkeys increased the density of water features, reduced distances between water sources and, at times, provided the only water present. “Our results suggest that equids, even those that are introduced or feral, are able to buffer water availability, which may increase resilience to ongoing human-caused aridification,” they concluded. In providing the only water available locally sometimes, horses and donkeys aided a wide variety of plant and animal species and ecosystem processes.

BOOST FOR CCI5* RIDERS AT AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL 3 DAy EvENT Australian riders hoping to contest the CCI5* at the Australian International 3 Day Event in November will have an added incentive this year owing to an increased funding commitment by the Equestrian Australia (EA) High Performance Program. In addition to their current financial support the Program will now also fund the cost of entry and stable fees and for all Australian combinations participating in the CCI5* class, as well as provide a $500 AUD grant per CCI5* Australian rider to reduce travel expenses to Adelaide. With the economic consequences of the pandemic many athletes, owners and organising committees have felt the impact, forcing some to reconsider large-scale campaigns. “The EA High Performance Program is dedicated to supporting our elite athletes on their journey to represent Australia on the world stage, which includes providing them with opportunities to compete at the highest level of our sport,” explained EA High Performance Director, Chris Webb. As the only CCI5* event in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only six held worldwide, the event provides a unique opportunity for Australian riders to gain international exposure at a premier event within Australia. This year’s competition will also boast the largest prize pool in the Southern Hemisphere, with over $150,000 on offer. Held in the heart of Adelaide’s city centre, the event will not only showcase Australia’s equestrian talent across the disciplines of Eventing and Jumping, it will also serve as a qualification event for the World Equestrian Games 2022.

Stuart Tinney and Leporis competing in the CCI5 star at the 2019 Event. Photo credit Kirsty Pasto

ATHLETE’S APPEAL UPHELD AGAINST 20-yEAR HORSE ABUSE SANCTION The FEI Tribunal’s 20-year suspension of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Endurance athlete Sh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi has been overruled on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In its decision the CAS has eliminated all sanctions, ruling the burden of proof of horse abuse had not been sufficiently met by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The initial FEI Tribunal ruling involved Castlebar Contraband, ridden by Sh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi at the CE1* in Fontainebleau (FRA) on 15 October 2016. The horse suffered an open fracture to its front right cannon bone during the event and had to be euthanised. Blood samples collected from the horse revealed the presence of Xylazine, which is used as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant but is prohibited in competition. A report revealed the appearance of signs of recent injections, which the FEI stated demonstrated that the horse had been nerve blocked (desensitised) in training, and both before and during the competition. In his report for both FEI Tribunal and CAS proceedings FEI Veterinary Director Dr Göran Åkerström stated that nerve blocking removes the “very fundamental protective function of sensitivity” and a horse will not show any signs of pain, such as lameness, while under the influence of an injected substance. In its decision the CAS Panel stated that alleged bone fatigue in the horse could not have been previously detected. Despite extensive veterinary evidence presented by the FEI and its expert witnesses, the CAS Panel found that there was no proof that the horse had been nerve blocked or abnormally desensitised in competition. They stated that the horse had passed the vet inspections so it could not be ruled as being unfit to compete. As a result the CAS Panel found that no sanctions for abuse of the horse could be imposed. FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The FEI has to stand up for horse welfare and clamp down on horse abuse, so to lose this case on appeal is more than disheartening.” June/July 21 - Page 63

DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU ARE NOT ‘INTO’ ARABIANS.. this book will catch your interest as it has an abundance of early history relating to horses in Australia. • “Compiled from newspaper articles from around Australia, the information is noted and it is left up to the reader to decide if they believe it or not.” • “An extremely interesting book not just to Arabian enthusiasts but to all horse lovers. I didn’t realise that there had been so many pure bred Arabians imported to this country. There is also a list of illustrations & old photos of many of the horses that would never have been seen by this generation.” Not all Arabians were good looking horses but they knew how to work and became the foundations for many different breeds in this country including the Waler/Australian Stockhorse and even the Standardbreds. • who would expect a half Arab to be favourite for the Melbourne Cup, Saladin was but he didn’t achieve that high award. •The famous Cox Plate is named after a man who used an Arab stallion in his stud. The Morphettville racecourse used to be the home of a stallion and mare imported from the desert.

The Impact of Arabian Horses on Australia since 1788 A4, 314 pages and over 200 illustrations.

PRICE: $50.00 plus $15 postage. Overseas postage to be advised.

Contact: Chris Ros 08-95301771

June/July 21 - Page 64

EQUITANA MELBOURNE kICkS OFF ON 8TH JULy After being postponed last year as a result of Covid-19 Australia’s biggest equine spectacular is returning to Melbourne from the 8th to the 11th of July 2021. The spirit of Australia will be on full display with an All-Australian line up across the four day showcase. Featuring the likes of Guy McLean and Brett Parbery taking to the stage to share their knowledge across multiple disciplines, the event lineup caters for western to English disciplines, with Maree Tomkinson joining Brett in the Dressage Collective, James Peterson-Robinson and Jamie Coman in the Jumping Collective, and Bruce O’Dell, Ken Faulkner, Phill Web and Todd McCormick joining Guy in the Western Collective. With horsemanship to nutrition, education to exhibition, and as always – spectacular evening entertainment, EQUITANA Melbourne is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Famous for bringing the best and biggest in local and international equine brands and companies together under the one roof, EQUITANA Melbourne will once again be shopping paradise with the most extensive equine shopping halls you’ve ever seen! If

it’s horsey, you’ll find it being sold within the 300+ shopping sites. Bringing together all aspects of the equine industry across four action packed days with a full education and competition program and night shows, featured events include the always popular The Way of the Horse, Working Equitation, Jumping Collective Masterclass, Jumping Full Flight, Sprenger Dressage Collective Masterclass, Dressage Freestyle, Liberty Championships and Western Ultimate Masterclass. After a challenging year across the whole equine industry, EQUITANA Melbourne 2021 will be the highlight on every horse lover’s calendar. www.equitana.com.au

PREvENTING LAMENESS AND FRACTURES BEFORE THEy HAPPEN Studies performed in Perth has found promising features using the world’s only threedimensional equine nuclear scanner. Used in combination with blood tests and advanced analytics it could prevent lameness and fractures in racehorses before they happen. The researchers behind the study hoped to discover which set of biomarkers in a simple blood test could give trainers and vets an early warning sign for preventing injury. Leading equine vets around the world have shown interest and the research has been said to be the most important of its kind to happen in decades. The scanner has also provided the world’s first three-dimensional scan of a horse’s lower spine and pelvis, which has helped diagnose various injuries often otherwise too complicated to find. The procedure involves blood samples and scans being taken at quarterly intervals over a twoyear period. Beginning with racehorses, this could develop as a useful tool in the performance horse industry as well.

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