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
THE ENDURANCE RIDE

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fbeats to
HORSES DO TALK...
WIN We just have to learn to ‘Listen’

the green horse: Horses and the Land

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Inside hoofbeats
A National Riding, Training and
Vol 43-1 Horse Care Magazine . . . .
incorporating The Green Horse
June July 2021 -sustainable horsekeeping.

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
An often overlooked important aspect of training to become a better rider, time spent off
The Flying Change Steps - Hayley Beresford 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
Ask anyone that’s spent time with horses and they’re bound
to let you know that horses can and do ‘talk’. Not everyone,
Horses Do Talk - We Just Have To Learn To Listen
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
Barn Owls 41: soil your undies
June/July 2021 - Page 2
Practical Fashion For Equine Comfort.
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
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ph: (08) 9397 0506 fax: (08) 9397 0200
CoNTACT
Office/accounts: enquiries@hoofbeats.com.au
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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.
The Long Goodbye - Equine Dementia Salmonella.
Become a Better Rider - Off
The Horse
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 COVER
available at www.hoofbeats.com.au Our fashion cover photograph was supplied by
ARE YOU AN EQUESTRIAN WRITER? Jessica Atkins Studio with permission from Horse
If you are a writer and involved with horses then In The Box: www.horseinthebox.com.au
we welcome your contributions on riding, training
or horse care topics for Hoofbeats. Many thanks to the model Jane Gordon, who is
email: editorial@hoofbeats.com.au
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, one-
tempi changes as part of the program.

What must the horses be able to do before

we can start with the flying change?
r Balance
CHECk

r Flexible gear box

lIsT!

r Flexible posture
r Accept the legs and yield away from them
r 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 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
nice, so a good reward is to take a light seat and pat your horse on hot as a Ferrari. Hot hot hot!!!
the neck with both reins. This is nice for the horse and another good Flying changes are always a little stressy depending on each individual
indicator that it is taking responsibility for its own body. Sometimes, horse, and Kwintus is very ambitious, very intelligent, and a powerful horse
as soon as you lighten your seat or release your reins, the horse that wants to do his best. When he’s not sure he can panic and run away
might fall out of the canter or lose its lines. This is another indicator so please excuse his shorter neck! But remember a few articles ago when I
of whether it is established enough to go on. 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
FlExIBlE GEAr BOx each of my horses.
I ride a lot of counter-canter, also with changes in my canter between 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
collection and forward, hind legs under the body, and easy contact change. Ask. Get out of the way!!!!! And reward! Do not panic if your horse
and seat so I know the horse is independently balanced without too 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

Half Pass Shoulder--in

Leg-yield
Meet Fraser Island. A six year old now, he has been with us for
Pirouette 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
As 4-year-olds, our horses were all introduced to leg-yields and biggest canter but he is relaxed. He learnt the changes very easily and is
baby shoulder-in. Now as 5- and 6-year-olds, they can execute leg- currently learning to become more expressive.
For the purpose of the article I made the same sequence as Kwintus.
yield in both the same direction and also in changing directions.
Perhaps a highlight of this sequence is that I really try to get out of the way
Continued and ‘give’ the new inside rein, to help him become more expressive.

June/July 2021 - Page 6

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

Missed any previous
feeling comfortable for both horse and rider. articles in the series by
The next step is to introduce some tempo changes throughout
the leg-yield, counter-canter and the playing with the lateral
Hayley Beresford?
connection. Again, repeat until its comfortable. The final Back issues available from
preparation exercise is actually just a small continuation of the www.hoofbeats.com.au
lateral connection. Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 7


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
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.
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

Equine E x p e r i e n c e s TO ENJOY WITH

OR WITHOUT YOUR HORSE
by Andie Wyatt

H
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
lifetime. Continued

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’.
ION
“Once you reach land there’s an hour of bush riding to the DIGGER’S REST CATTLE STAT
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 history: WWI returned soldiers (known as diggers) operated the
the humans settle in and get to know one another.” nearby pumping station that supplied fresh water to the town of
Wyndham.
The second day involves riding out over the Island, checking
on the cattle, or, if they’re coming home, mustering the mob. Roderick and Alida began running horse treks and trail rides on
The Island is now National Park, and cattle numbers and range the Station in 1986, desiring to preserve and share the experience
are now very restricted, but the experience is authentic and a and history of the stockmen, cattle musters and pioneering years
celebration of a bygone era. of the Kimberley region. These days, visitors stay in comfortable
cabins rather than tents under the stars, and enjoy wonderful,
“The trek is very well run by a team of dedicated volunteer iconic day rides, lazing by the pool, going for walks, observing
cattlemen and women who are passionate about keeping the station work, and relaxing on the verandah and around the
traditions alive,” Ali relates. “It’s a bit like school camp, too … campfire at night.
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 The Station runs short rides, day rides, and immersive horseback
competent rider.” holidays, following the ancient river systems and old stock routes
used by the drovers of yesteryear. Riding deep into the Kimberley
To find out more, contact the Snake Island Cattlemen’s bush, exploring different routes and landscapes, five-to-seven
Association. hours a day are spent in the saddle. For this reason, Digger’s
https://snakeisland.com.au/ Rest horse-riding holidays are suited to intermediate-to-advanced
riders able to walk, trot and canter in the bush and out in open

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
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 and-
wine 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.”
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

www.kalgoorlietourism.com/no-rush-goldrush-wagon-rides

globeTroTTIng, Travel agenCy for

horSe rIderS
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 horse-
obsessed professionals, Globetrotting matches riders’ abilities
and budgets to a portfolio of well-run businesses providing GET TOGETHER TO RIDE,
awesome horse-riding holidays that cater for solo riders, partners, RELAX AND ENJOY GLAMPING
families and beginners.
WITH YOUR HORSE
“One in two clients are solo travellers,” says Laura Rae,
EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT Take time out to pamper
passionate horse rider and three-star eventer from Mudgee, NSW, GIRLS’ GETAWAY
who is Globetrotting’s resident expert at finding perfect-match yourself and enjoy the mystic
riding holidays for their clients. •฀Stunning฀Trails mountains of Marysville and
•฀Boutique฀Accomodation Narbethong or ride the Great
Many are return clients, and enduring friendships are made in
•฀Restaurant฀Dinners Victorian Rail Trail from
the return Globetrotting community. Meeting up for holidays in
•฀Local฀Wines Tallarook to Mansfield in
exciting locations is an awesome way to catch up!
Victoria.
•฀Massages
Globetrotting can advise on trips matched to riding ability and
budget and organise all travel requirements including flights, •฀Added฀Bonuses
connections, visas, suggested itineraries and suitable travel Phone JoAnne Kasch 0429 133 416
insurance, plus they offer impartial, inside advice on their Find฀out฀more฀about฀these฀and฀
carefully selected and self-tested holiday experiences. the฀other฀amazing฀experiences฀we฀offer.฀ 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

There are many things a rider must

work on to take a horse to the top
of any discipline, and a fundamental

Become a aspect that is often overlooked is a rider

not putting enough effort into the off-
the-horse elements.
Things like balance, core stability, horse/

Better Rider 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
OFF-THE-HORSE psychological coaching to building team camaraderie. Of course, in
the case of rowing, their teammates can talk.

WORK 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 team-
building is progressing.

June/July 2021 - Page 12

 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
NE
W
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!
The most potent combination of
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
known nutrients for total joint
Support is of course crucial to any athlete, but because a rider
can’t actually discuss the training with the horse in great detail, health for horses & dogs

Wattlelane Stables
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.

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 four-
year-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! Green Lipped Mussel, Hyaluronic
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 Acid, Glucosamine, MSM, Grape
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
Seed Extract, Nettle Leaf Powder,
can’t change, and they can affect performance! Turmeric, Black Pepper + more
It’s the groundwork that sets us up for success
and while we may think our time in the saddle www.wattlelanestables.com.au
is important, it is just one aspect to the vast
0407-424-704
and complex world of horse training.
June/July 2021 - Page 15
 Herbs for a
HEALTHY GUT
 tWO
Distinct
DisEasEs
OF tHE
stOMacH

EquinE Gastric DisEasE

U
ntil recently, the term Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) was an
by Dr Tania Sundra umbrella term used to describe both Equine Squamous Gastric Disease
BSc.(Hons) BVMS MANZCVS
(Equine Medicine) (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
Tania graduated from Murdoch
University in 2009 and completed the stomach.
an internship in the USA before
returning to Australia. After However, we now know that these are distinct diseases and are very different in terms of
working in private practice for their appearance, risk factors, treatment and management. They both just happen to occur in
several years, she now owns the horse’s stomach!
and operates Avon Ridge Equine
Veterinary Services.
In addition to running a busy vet
practice, Tania is also actively
SQUAMOUS
Squamous Disease is largely due
involved in clinical research
in the field of equine gastric PORTION to diet and exercise - what we feed,
disease.
when we feed it and how we exercise
Follow Tania on Facebook
@avonridgeequinevet our horses plays a large role in
Ph: 0427 072 095
info@avonridgeequine.com.au 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
GLANDULAR condition.
PORTION
 Gastric disease is very common
INTRODUCING
across all horse populations for
the two distinct diseases that can
occur in the horse’s stomach – OUR NEW,
Squamous Disease and Glandular IMPROVED
Disease. FORMULA

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, Give
them the
burning the squamous lining and causing your typical gastric
ulcers.
Understanding the normal fibrous layering of the stomach best start
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 Now with added
pre & probiotics for
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 superior gut health
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 Higher levels of
portion at the top, which is very weak. If we don’t feed horses Lysine for growth &
enough roughage we lose the normal layering of fibre, which
leaves the stomach unprotected from the very acidic contents in function
the lower part of the stomach. Continued

EMPTY STOMACH FULL STOMACH Higher levels of

Vitamins & Minerals
Ulcers
for development
Roughage
mat
For more information visit
Acid
Acid www.thompsonandredwood.com.au
Pellets
and grain
June/July 2021 - Page 19
Environment and training Diagnosing gastric disease
The way domestic horses are commonly managed and fed, Gastroscopy is now a routine
coupled with the stress associated with training, showing and procedure in equine practice,
travelling increases the risk for developing gastric disease. Two Fibre optic which can be performed
video camera is on your property.
out of three performance horses have gastric disease, and a study inserted.
has shown that horses with gastric disease have a shorter stride
length than those without, which might be due to gastric pain.

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
sporthorse
camera (or gastroscope) is passed up one nostril and down into
the horse’s stomach. For the stomach to be examined properly
Endurance (rest)
it needs to be empty. Most examinations take approximately 10-
15mins.
Endurance (work)

Thoroughbred (rest)
SQUAMOUS DISEASE
The squamous mucosa in the horse’s stomach is similar to the
Thoroughbred lining of our mouth. If we add acid to this squamous lining, ulcers
(racing)
0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 develop. This disease is essentially caused by acid getting onto
Glandular disease % squamous disease % a tissue that’s not designed to be covered by acid, has limited
Gastric disease is common across all breeds and equestrian disciplines. defence mechanisms against acid where it has a corrosive and
burning effect.
Studies have shown that exercise drops stomach pH, increasing
SIGNS YOU MAY SEE THAT the acidity. This is primarily because intraabdominal pressure
WOULD INDICATE YOUR HORSE is increased during exercise, which causes the acid from the
lower portion of the stomach to splash up to the squamous lining
HAS GASTRIC DISEASE causing ulcers to develop. It is a well accepted theory that
signs of gastric disease can be vague and exercising horses on an empty stomach will increase the risk of
non-specific but may include one or more of splash injury occurring.
the following:
• poor body condition
• Weight loss
Normal
appearance of

• Colic
the squamous
mucosa.

• Girthiness
• poor hair coat
• reduced appetite /
change in eating patterns Grade 2

• Change in rideability
squamous
gastric
disease.
• reduced willingness to work
• reluctance to go forward
• Attitude or behaviour changes
• sensitivity over flanks Grade 4

• resenting leg pressure

squamous
gastric

• resenting grooming/rugging
disease.

Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 20

 “GastroAID Recovery is the
only supplement on the market
with scientifically proven benefits
for both ESGD and EGGD.”
A/Prof Dr Ben Sykes BSc BVMS MS MBA DipACVIM DipECEIM PhD FHEA

1800 KELATO | info@kelato.com.au | kelato.com.au

Causes of squamous 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.
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.
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.
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
GLANDULAR DISEASE
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.
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.
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.
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...
PRODUCT NEWS Equine gastric disease continued...
Managing glandular disease
What’s new on the market place? • 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
JOINT HEALTH SUPPORT
• Reduce the frequency of competition
• Feed roughage prior to exercise to maintain blood flow to
Product: MSD MUSCULOSKELETAL DEFENCE
Description: The latest product
the stomach
•
added to Wattlelane Stables
Minimise management changes
• Minimise changes and numbers of riders and handlers
superior supplement range
is MSD Musculoskeletal
Defence. The most potent
source of known nutrients • Minimise changes in herd dynamics; ensure turnout with
compatible paddock-mates and
• Treat any underlying lameness and address potential saddle-
to support total joint health
for horses and dogs, MSD
Musculoskeletal Defence is fit issues, which may be a source of pain.
manufactured in Australia
with the highest quality TREATING GASTRIC DISEASE
ingredients including Green There is no ‘standard protocol’ for the treatment of either
Lipped Mussel, Hyaluronic
squamous or glandular disease. Every lesion is different. Every
Acid, Glucosamine, MSM,
Grapeseed Extract 95% horse is different. Your vet will tailor a specific treatment plan
Procyanidins, Nettle for your horse.
Leaf Powder, Turmeric, Acid suppression is the key for both squamous and glandular
Black Pepper, Vitamin disease. Whilst omeprazole paste is very effective for treating
B12 and Vitamin squamous disease, it needs to be given 30-60mins before
feeding, first thing in the morning, following an overnight fast,
E. This add on supplement is
designed to be fed alongside a balanced diet including a
comprehensive daily vitamin and mineral supplement such as to be most effective.
Wattlelane Stables’ Flower’s Gold.
Availability: Stockists across Australia With proper treatment and management,
or online at www.wattlelanestables.com.au squamous lesions should heal in 21 days.
Management changes are critical in preventing
GLAMPING HOLIDAYS
WITH YOUR HORSE the recurrence of both diseases.
Product: GLAMPING AND RELAxATION ExPERIENCES The treatment of glandular disease however, is not always
Description: Offering horse owners a unique opportunity to straightforward. Omeprazole paste on its own is not effective
experience picturesque Victorian mountains with their horse while
in treating glandular disease. Therefore, the use of products
someone else does all the planning and preparation, Pack Saddling
Australia offer experiences ranging from one to ten nights. These not registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
include riding through the Mystic Mountains or exploring the Great Medicines Authority (APVMA) - such as injectable omeprazole,
Victorian Rail Trail in the beautiful Goulburn Valley. Riders are esomeprazole, misoprostol or sucralfate - are usually required.
escorted with experienced guides, with plenty of time to relax and A follow-up gastroscopy is very important to evaluate the
enjoy local wines, delicious meals in charming country restaurants effectiveness of treatment.
and gourmet treats along the way, ending the day in boutique
accommodation. The horses revel in the experience too and are Take home messages
• Two distinct diseases can occur in the horse’s stomach –
well catered for with individual yards, feed and water buckets, a
support vehicle carrying their feed, rugs and gear. While we’re all
Squamous Disease and Glandular Disease.
• Gastric disease is very common across all horse populations
being encouraged to holiday at home this year, it’s the perfect time
to get the family or a group together to enjoy a
unique experience. Popular as a Girls’ and clinical signs can vary.
Trip with massages available,
• only way to diagnose gastric disease is via gastroscopy.
The
• Omeprazole paste is effective for squamous disease but not
Pack Saddling Australia’s
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way to unwind and get for glandular disease.
away from it all with
your horse.
• Omeprazole paste should be given on an empty stomach to
maximise effectiveness.
Contact:
JoAnne on • Management changes are vital to prevent and manage both
diseases.
• Feed 2-3L of roughage prior to exercise to help minimise
0429 133 416 www.
packsaddlingaustralia.com.au ‘acid splash’ and maintain blood flow to the stomach.
 l o g i c a l l y
Bio h t i n g
effectiv e l i g
The right light for your
Outdoors, horses are exposed to regular changes
horse’s body clock!
in light and dark and high intensities of daytime light
from the sun. Within the equine industry, there have dark and high intensities of daytime light
been amazing advances in nutritional from the sun. Natural sunlight is high in
science, veterinary science and training blue wavelength light. Receptors in the
technologies, but until now we have horse’s eye register the proportion of blue
remained very much in the dark concerning wavelength light and this regulates the
one crucial environmental factor that horse’s body clock or its circadian system.
impacts health and performance – lighting.
This system consists of a ‘master controller’
When feeding, training and veterinary care in the brain that perceives the time of day
are optimised, the provision of a correct, information via blue light signals sent from
biologically effective lighting program can the retina. The brain clock then transmits
bring all the ingredients together and fine messages throughout the horse’s body to
tune the engine for equine athletes.
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.
Many horses are stabled without optimum increasingly common, but research into the
exposure to daylight and subjected to different
Customised systems that provide this
effect of coloured light as perceived by the
and ‘inappropriate’ light exposure at night.. beneficial, biologically effective light have
horse’s eyes has been limited, until now.
been developed by Equilume following
Natural Daylight Incandescent
100 100
The effects of coloured light, or research carried out at University College
different wavelengths of light, on the Dublin. The introduction of an individual
intensity

80 80
intensity

human and equine is now receiving headpiece for horses that provides timed, low-
60 60

40 40

20 20
much attention as it impacts our level blue daytime light to a single eye, offers
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700 owners the benefits of ease of management,
wavelength (nm) wavelength (nm) circadian rhythms - an important and horses the freedom of natural behaviour,
Equilume Fluorescent system of body clocks that evolved while maintaining a show coat condition for
100 100

80 80 to allow us to adapt to the changing performance horses and early preparation for
intensity

intensity

60

40
60

40
cycles of light and dark. breeding horses.
20 20
The management system of horses in Equilume also developed a Stable Light that
400 500 600 700 400 500 600 700
wavelength (nm) wavelength (nm) today’s world often means they are stabled effectively mimics the wavelengths provided
Natural sunlight is high in blue wavelength light. The for a large part of the day without exposure by the sun and delivers all the benefits
horse’s eye registers the proportion and this regulates to optimal hours of daylight, and subjected
the horse’s body clock or its circadian system. associated with long summer days to the
to erratic and ‘inappropriate’ light exposure stabled horse. The light is pre-set to gradually
at night. This can impact on the horse’s adjust as the length of daylight changes
body clock and result in impaired immune with the season’s progression, delivering
function, performance capacity, appetite and the required amount of blue light which
the horse’s ability to rest. 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
Equilume developed a Stable Light that suppression, illness and disease.
effectively mimics the wavelengths provided by
to maintain optimum health and wellness
the sun and delivers all the benefits associated In their natural outdoor environment, horses for their horses, but also create a time
with long summer days to the stabled horse.
are exposed to regular changes in light and management bonus.
June/July 2021 - Page 25
Please Explain There are many
aspects of riding terms,
horse conditions and
management practices
that are accepted in the
equestrian community,
How Does A without them being fully
Horse See? understood by everyone.
Understanding how a horse sees and Here, we have asked
perceives its environment is key when experienced researchers
handling them safely...but have you and horse people to
ever thought about how you should shed some light on
consider the shape and placement of common ‘horse lore’.
their eyes when moving to or around
your horses?

BINOCULAr
VISION

will have blind spots. In front of the horse, there

BLIND may be a true blind spot or an area of indistinct
ArEA vision that is triangular and comes to a point
about one metre in front of the horse. The blind
MONOCULAr MONOCULAr spot behind the body is slightly wider than the
Horses have very large eyes with very large VISION VISION body and is indefinite while the horse is looking
pupils…in fact, they are the largest of any land directly ahead.
mammal. Because their eyes are positioned Always try to approach a horse in an area of
toward the side of the head, horses have a very clear vision, such as the shoulder, and try never
wide range of vision covering about 350 degrees. to be in the path of the front or back hooves. It’s
About 65 degrees of this is binocular (two eyes) also a good idea to touch and talk to a horse
and the remaining 285 degrees is monocular when walking around so that the horse knows
(using one eye). where you are at all times.
This range of vision gives horses the best
chance to spot predators, because they can scan About the Author
their entire surroundings with only slight head APPLIED VOcATIONAL TRAINING offer the
movement. A horse uses its monocular vision to nationally-accredited qualification ACM20217
observe the width of its visual field. When a horse Certificate II in Horse Care. This course
sees an object with one eye, it will tend to turn provides a pathway for further education and
toward the object to better see with both eyes, MArgINAL BLIND MArgINAL to pursue a career in one of the many equine
SIgHT ArEA SIgHT industries.
improving depth and perception. www.appvoc.com,
The other important thing to note is that, due to phone 08 9472 1804.
the placement of its eyes in its head, every horse RTO No. 5273
A blind spot is an area where the horse cannot see.

Congratulations
the Dilutes winners at the Dilutes Australia Ltd
BiBs n Booties show
Registering all the currently known equine colour
dilutions: palomino, buckskin, smokey black, cremello,
perlino, smokey cream, dun, silver (taffy), champagne,
pearl, mushroom and non-solid dilutes

one MeMBershiP Fee, stuDBooK.

non-stuDBooK, gelDing and
ProgenY registers
national anD state leVel
awarDs, inCentiVe sCheMes
LEFT: Grand Champion DA Ancillary / NCCD - Brayside Visionaire (Stephanie and Catherine Hearle)
RIGHT: Grand Champion DA Dilute - Tajara Park Gold N Treasure (Emma Phillips) Vicki Tapper Photos www.dilutesaustralia.net

June/July 2021 - Page 26

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 to meet their growth requirements. Study periods of more than six months
samples and pasture samples were collected monthly and were analysed could have shown different results.
for levels of vitamin D.
Owners who are concerned about vitamin levels for their horses should
Horses that wore rugs showed a slightly lower vitamin D serum level than contact an equine nutritionist who can analyse the current diet and make
uncovered horses, but the difference was not significant. Dietary levels recommendations for changes.
of vitamin D were high, indicating that the horses were able to get the
necessary amount of this nutrient from fresh and harvested forage.
reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine research.
Vitamin D is important in skeletal growth and maturation. This trial was
Visit ker.com for the latest in equine nutrition
conducted with mature horses that were maintaining skeletal components and management, and subscribe to Equinews to
rather than increasing bone mass. It is possible that younger horses receive these articles directly.
spending a lot of their time in stalls might need supplemental vitamin D

A course for horse people,

created by horse people
Would you like more knowledge and confidence to
care for horses? Are you looking to pursue a career in
the equine industry? Obtain a nationally recognised
qualification, ACM20217 Cert II in Horse Care.

Visit our Course Page at www.appvoc.com

Follow us @appvoc | Phone 08 9472 1804 | RTO No. 5273

June/July 2021 - Page 27

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.
June/July 2021 - Page 28
T
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
 CASHEL LIGHT MASK
HEALTH. PERFORMANCE. WELL-BEING.

WHAT IS IT?
The Cashel Light Mask is a rechargeable
headpiece that provides the horse with biologically
effective levels of blue light to:

● maximise health
● enhance coat condition
● promote muscle development
● positively influence mood, behaviour
& overall well-being.

It is a mobile light therapy device designed for both

competition and leisure horses which can be used
in the field, in the stable and when travelling.

Equilume light masks keep

our performance horses in top
condition and their coats glowing!
Even with an extended break
from competition over the winter,
the blue light helped maintain
their muscle tone and they came
back in to work looking a million
dollars.”
Chris & Gabi Chugg, Chuggy
Equestrian, AUS

max@equilume.com
AUS: 1800 189 693 NZ:1800 002 607
www.equilume.com
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 Personalities
side before entering ... quickly.” It is of course true that horses, like humans, do have different
For the horse that has been really reactive lately, and sometimes personalities and therefore individual reactions to similar
in a nasty, aggressive manner. “I’m actually just very tired, and situations will vary. For example, if you were to sneak up behind
when I get tired I can become very irritable so if you persist I two of your good friends and poke them both in the back, one
will let you know my feelings.” might grunt whilst the other swings around ready to knock
your head off! Different personalities mean different reactions,
When your horse is beginning to buck as you start a ride it could
however what we mustn’t forget is that we did poke them,
be telling you, “My back is still sore after that fall we had two
meaning there was a trigger for their quite different behaviours.
weeks ago. And that old saddle isn’t helping.”
One horse with a sore back will simply exhibit a shortened stride
We could go on and on with equine behaviours, which are
and get agitated when asked to collect. Another with the same
actually instances of our horses trying to communicate with us.
issue will rear and then buck when asked to move forward.
Horses often communicate through behaviour, which is no
One tired horse will accept being ridden but then mope about,
different to a 16-month-old child who can’t communicate
stumble frequently and knock rails down whilst another will
through language. They will point, grunt, cry, scream or smile
resist being caught and then refuse to move off when mounted.
and by doing this they both communicate with and also train
their adult carers. One horse might be agitated when a noseband is tightened whilst
another rears and throws itself backwards. Both horses could
Horses can also have facial expressions and vocalisations that
have issues with nosebands but different personalities means that
aid in communication but these are less frequently utilised. If
they will react differently.
you know your horse well you will be able to translate these.

The question we need to ask

Pain Tolerance
It is well documented that different
ourselves is, “Do we have people have different tolerances to
our ears - or more correctly pain. Horses are no different. The
same severity of a condition such as
eyes and thought processes/ heel pain may present in one horse
cerebral matter - open to this as a mild lameness (2 of 5) and in
another as being severe (4 of 5). The
communication? mild nature of one horse’s response
may lead to its injury or pain being
Or are we blind, deaf and have overlooked whilst the other would
our brain in neutral when it logically cause concern. Both
horses require your attention so it is
comes to listening to what our important to be able to pick up on
horses are trying to tell us?” ‘whispers’ as well as the horse that
yells at you. Continued

June/July 2021 - Page 30

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 June/July 2021
Produced by Hoofbeat Publications
90 Leslie Road Wandi 6167
Ph: 08 9397 0506
greenhorse@hoofbeats.com.au
www.hoofbeats.com.au
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!
Regular Contributors Articles, news, photographs,
Wendy Elks questions and artwork for inclusion
Liz Tollarzo in this publication are welcome and
Kit Prendergast
should be emailed to
Rhiannon Brown
Country Park Herbs editorial@hoofbeats.com.au
with the sender’s contact details
Number
Good properties
152 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 one-
shot 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.

by Wendy Elks
BARN OWLS
A silent partner in rodent control

The millions of mice that plagued the western districts of New South mouse plague, giving nightmarish visions
Wales, southern Queensland, Victoria and South Australia are in decline of mice blanketing tracts of landscape
in some areas after heavy rains, while other areas are still hoping for cold and consuming everything in sight. Feral
snaps or heavy rains to drown the nests of these pests and break the breed- mice and rats cause damage to crops, feed
sheds, house interiors and infrastructure,
ing cycle.
and also carry diseases such as typhus,
Although natural predators would have spots in barns, stables and outbuildings, salmonellosis and bubonic plague.
little effect on a plague such as this, and perhaps building a Barn Owl nesting
farmers and researchers are gauging the box can encourage these natural predators RAT POISON DESTROYS
importance of hunting birds in the non- to your property. HUNTERS
toxic fight against rodents.
Often portrayed as a magical creature in Humans provide abundant resources for
Barn owls use barns and other open farm book and film due to its ghostly nocturnal rats and mice: intensive crops, spilt fodder,
buildings as both a source of food (where appearance, the Barn Owl is, in reality, tasty leftovers, rubbish and shelter for any
there’s hay and grain, there are mice). a far more practical and down-to-earth number of unwanted house guests; yet
They occur on every continent and range raptor. This Owl hunts by stealth, using its their go-to control method – rat poison –
across Australia, with open, dry country superb sight and hearing to locate small also destroys the native hunters that help
such as farms, heath and lightly wooded rodents on the ground, and then performing keep these pest animals in check by natural
forest their preferred habitat. They roam a vertical snatch and grab. and holistic means: eating them.
over grasslands, searching for mice, but a
Along with rats and rabbits, the introduced According the Society For the Preservation
favoured hunting method is to roost above
house mouse is a pest that wreaks constant of Raptors, “Since European settlement,
a likely place, and wait.
havoc in temperate and settled areas of the Barn Owl’s favourite prey has been
Landowners can encourage the hauntingly Australia, where food supply is plentiful. the common house mouse and introduced
beautiful Barn Owl onto their property. This year, drought and flooding rain in rat species. Sadly, many barn owls die
Preserving old trees, providing roosting eastern Australia were followed by a horror in Australia every year due to secondary

ABOUT BARN OWLS Barn Owls are the most widespread and familiar of owls. Medium-sized birds, they have the distinctive heart-
shaped 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.”
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.
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.”
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
HORSE PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
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.
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.
Photo Darryl Meaney
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A
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
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.
Tractors are ideal for moving hay and other feed
on your horse property, and with a little practice,
anyone can operate one.
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
 11

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in all sizes with a range of power, so it is a matter of
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
TRACTORS FROM 26HP
& UTV’S FROM 22HP
0447 710 056 www.cdtractors.com.au
June/July 21 - Page 40
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
Tractors (and ATV’s with buckets attached) come include your ideas, experiences and thoughts
on tractors.
finding the one to suit the intended work load.
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 Doesn’t matter how old your tractor is, it is usuallly
still a very much respected and useful ‘mate’ to
recommended along with hydraulic pumps have on the property, and is often a much ‘loved’
and a wet or dry clutch. partner. Celine BØnnelykke photo.
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south korea
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MUCHEA,WA
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-per-
cent 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 non-
domesticated 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 IS YOUR HORSE
top jaw is wider than their bottom jaw.
If there is any asymmetry in the teeth (for example a parrot
HIDING TOOTH PAIN?
mouthed horse), or a tooth is removed and the teeth don’t line up, Horses are prey animals and they are very good at
and there is nothing to wear down the opposite tooth, the horse’s hiding pain (to make sure they don’t get picked off by a
teeth will continue to erupt leading to hooks or tall teeth, which predator!), so it can sometimes be hard to know whether
in severe cases can continue erupting through the opposite jaw. there is a problem. Signs are often subtle or not present
at all, and many are not specific to dental pain so could
A horse’s teeth should be checked at least yearly from 6-12 be from other causes, but a few things to look out for
months of age to address any problems early and prevent small include:
problems becoming large, painful ones!
There are many, very common and painful dental conditions such Riding issues
as periodontal disease - where feed becomes trapped between
• Evading the contact- may resist turns, have a head tilt,
the teeth causing gum disease and a painful infection, tooth suck back behind the bit or refuse to maintain a frame or
decay (peripheral or infundibular caries), and dead/ infected/ vertical head carriage.
abscessed teeth among many other conditions, so a thorough • Head tossing
oral examination is essential to be able to identify and treat these • Chewing the bit
painful conditions. • Reluctance to put the bridle on
• Rearing
• Bucking, Bolting
Photo 1 shows how 1
easy it is to miss very
serious pathology!
Eating issues
• Having trouble eating and
The green arrows dropping feed
show the normal, • Eating slowly
healthy part of the
Dental Vet photo

• Quidding (dropping balls of

tooth with the brown half-chewed feed)
covering over the • Fiddling with their tongue or
pulps. tilting their head while eating
The red arrows show • Balling feed in their cheeks
the dead, infected, • Rinsing their mouth in the water A ball of half
abscessed part of the 2 • Undigested feed in the faeces chewed food.
tooth where the pulps
are black rather than Behaviour and
brown.
general health signs
This was the only • Recurrent choke, recurrent colic
sign that there
• Weight loss
was an issue and
• Sinus infection
was picked up on
• Aggressive behaviour
a ‘routine’ dental
Dental Vet photo

examination. • Change in temperament

• Reluctant to bite down on a carrot
Photo 2 is the same • Discomfort when cheeks are pressed
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.
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
area. Continued

June/July 21 - Page 43
SEEING, NOT FEELING
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.

Dental Vet photo

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, Below- left and right: This tooth was completely split in half and had
checking the chewing muscles, the TMJ (jaw joint), lymph been that way for at least two years. This was extracted from a pre-
nodes, jaw and face for any swellings or signs of infection. novice eventer that was competing successfully and not showing any
The sinuses are percussed (the fingers of one hand are tapped outward signs of pain when eating or ridden.
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.
In most cases the only sign of a dead, infected, abscessed or

Dental Vet photo

painful tooth is that on the oral exam we will see that the small dark
Dental Vet photo

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: Some large, sharp hooks were
It is absolutely impossible to ‘feel’ this so a practitioner who
lacerating the tongue - this horse was
just puts their hand in, has a quick feel and then rasps away, will The first step is a thorough not showing any outward signs of pain.
absolutely miss this and be leaving the horse in pain. There is A oral examination as we can’t
LOT more to dentistry than rasping off some sharp points! treat what we don’t know
Once the mouth has been examined, the pathology will be treated. is there! Painful dental
This will be different for every patient depending on the oral exam problems can be found
findings but generally involves smoothing back the sharp edges
and treated early if horses
receive a thorough oral

Dental Vet photo

and reducing any overgrowths. Rotten feed from between the
examination with a light and
teeth can be cleaned out and we then measure whether there is
mirror or endoscope at least
significant infection under the gum and treat this if necessary. If once a year.
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’). Dr Kirsten Jackson BSc BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)
We are now also able to do root canals in certain cases, if there
After graduating from Murdoch University in 2007, Kirsten worked in
is a dead tooth, but this is uncommon. The practitioner may also general equine practice for just over two years before starting ‘Dental
recommend some home care including flushing the mouth out Vet’ in 2010. In 2012 she completed her Membership examinations in
with the hose, medicated mouthwash or in some cases, changing Equine Dentistry at the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary
the diet if there is significant decay. Scientists and is currently completing her PhD, conducting research into
equine peripheral dental caries. Kirsten has
Dentistry has changed astronomically over the last 15 to 20 years, published articles in leading international
from ‘rasp off some sharp bits’ and then ‘fight the fires’ when they journals and has lectured internationally
as well as at numerous conference and
‘suddenly’ have a sinus infection or fistula from a rotten tooth workshops in Australia. Dental Vet allows
that has actually been there for years; to doing a thorough oral the facilitation of more advanced dental
examination to find and treat the problems early, preventing small procedures for horses such as endodontics
(root canals) and restorations (fillings).
problems from becoming big (expensive!) ones and saving horses
years of suffering in the meantime. www.DentalVet.com.au

June/July 21 - Page 44
The Long Goodbye –
The Challenge of Equine Dementia

by Karen Watson

T
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 A Difficult Diagnosis
achievements, and are now happily continuing Research into equine dementia is still in its very early stages
and there is little information as to the frequency with which it
the care and attention their old partner occurs, but it is still considered to be quite rare. Specialists in this
deserves, may start to notice a change in their area, however, have so far noted during autopsies that the brain
horse’s demeanour and routine. lesions and protein deposits found in humans with dementia are
also found in horses. Furthermore, veterinarian specialists such
Our ‘golden oldies’ are so important to us and there are times in as Prof. Robert J MacKay (University of Florida) have defined
their latter years when they may start to develop symptoms that equine dementia as “changes in normal habits, personality,
are different to those normally associated with the ageing process. attitude, reaction to the environment and/or loss of learned skills.”
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 It may become
dementia is a heartbreaking condition, mainly affecting the necessary to lead your
elderly, where the person gradually becomes more forgetful, horse directly into its
confused and dysfunctional in most aspects of their life. But what
stall or paddock as,
left to its own devices,
isn’t commonly known is that dementia can also affect (mainly
it may not be able to
senior) horses, along with other animals such as dogs and cats… find its way.
and the results can be equally as devastating.
June/July 21 - Page 45

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.
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.
“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 old-
timers, 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 re-
evaluated 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
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.

Reader’s Story Over the last few years, Lee has watched her dad,
Vic, slowly succumb to the ravages of dementia,
to the point where she will only approach me
to within a couple of metres to observe what is

Vic and Lee 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’,
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
Increase the trotting to 30 minutes per one-hour session and
introduce some hill work. Initially, walk the horse up the hills and
Photo by Chris Ros 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.
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.
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.
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.
The amount of feed necessary will depend
on the quality and quantity of grazing
available. Horses with access to good
Begin to introduce some trotting interspersed with the
walking. When you commence trotting it should initially be
for only short distances but gradually increased.
Photo by Down Under Images
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.
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).
It is critical, as with any horse, that the
endurance horse has a good supply of cool,
clean, fresh water available at ALL times.
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
Continued
June/July 21 - Page 49
 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 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
VETTING
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
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.
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 pre-
ride 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.
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.
If you are camping, walk your horse, feed
and make sure there is enough hay and
water to sustain it overnight.
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

Chief Steward. No outside assistance of
any kind is allowed whilst out on track
without approval of the Chief Steward.
CROSSING THE FINISH
LINE, STRAPPING AND
POST-RIDE VETTING
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.
Take your horse back to your yards for
Keep up their
eNeRGy this winter
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help Hydrate, supplement and keep a healthy gut,
ensuring you and your horse are one stride ahead
of the rest!
Find out more at nrgteam.com.au
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.
strapping. Strapping is hosing your horse
to cool it down and make it comfortable.
Encourage your horse to eat and drink.
The horse’s heart rate needs to be 55 beats
per minute or under within the first 30
minutes.
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.
All NRG products available from your local horse shop
Photo by Down Under Images
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
June/July 21 - Page 51
weather. These are things you will need out similar to when you completed the even if your horse has vetted out. This is
to get to know about your horse whilst pre-ride vetting. Someone else may trot for your horse’s welfare. The vet will only
training in the weeks leading up to the ride. your horse out if you are not physically sign off the logbook or vet card if he or
able to do so, but they must wear the she thinks the horse is in a safe condition
Attend the vet ring 3 minutes before your to travel home.
vet time, as you may be disqualified if late. allocated bib. They will inform you if you
If it is cold, keep your horse warm with a have completed successfully.
TO COMPLETE IS TO WIN!!
rug, making sure all back leg straps and the PRESENTATION
chest strap is undone just before the TPR. It was with great disappointment and regret that the Tom
There will be a presentation of completion Quilty, due to be held in Collie, WA in September 2020,
Steward attends you. Make sure you take certificates and logbooks or vet cards soon was postponed due to the repercussions of Covid- 19.
your logbook or blue day card with you. after the last horse in your ride length has The good news is that following months of delibera-
Upon arriving at the vet ring, give your been vetted. tion and negotiation the ride has been secured in Collie
horse a moment to relax and then tell People are asked not to leave ride base for for 2021 and the new date is October 1st to 3rd. As
the Chief Steward when you are ready two hours and until they have received NSW were due to hold the event this year (and also had
to proceed with vetting. Make sure you their logbook or vet card back. These significant preparations in place) they will now run their
arrive at the vet ring within 30 minutes of need to be signed off by the head vet, event in 2022.
crossing the finish line.
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 Photo by Chris Ros

Photo by Chris Ros

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June/July 21 - Page 52
DEiDRE’s App REviEws
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.
Equine Body Condition Scoring 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

There are many equine infections, and these can

have varying effects on your individual horse or herd.
Dr Jennifer Stewart CEO BVSc BSc PhD Dip BEP
Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist. Salmonella is one that is extremely contagious and requires
Dr Jen Stewart is currently
the only practicing equine
good biosecurity to protect both horses and humans.
veterinarian and clinical
nutritionist in Australia
with more than 40 years
experience. Jen has been here are more than 2200 distinct variations within the species of bacteria (serovars)
developing premium formulas
for studs, trainers and feed
companies - such as Mitavite
- in Australia and around the
world. Consulting to leading
international studs and
T 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
trainers in various countries
while working on research projects and being involved in produces intestinal disease (such as diarrhoea) in horses, and other animals including
nutritional management of a variety of equine clinical conditions, dogs, cats, birds, humans and many other species. Cases are usually sporadic with an
including colic, tying-up, laminitis, performance problems,
developmental orthopaedic diseases and post-surgery. affected horse here or there, but may become an epidemic/outbreak depending on the
Jen’s vision is to provide a world best-practice in equine veterinary severity or harmfulness of the organism, the level of exposure (i.e., how many bacteria
nutrition and to BRING SCIENCE TO YOUR FEED BIN.
gain entry to the body) and individual horse factors. Recently there have been outbreaks
Dr Jennifer Stewart Equine
of Salmonella in horses in Australia.
www.jenquine.com Veterinarians
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
www.ava.com.au appetite. Although it is one of the most common infectious causes of diarrhoea in adult
June/July 21 - Page 54
 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. Horses may pick up Salmonella from the
Treatment is principally supportive and needs to be aggressive pasture, feed or water sources if these
– i.e., prompt and ongoing intensive replacement of fluid and
electrolyte losses and intestinal protectants. Fluid replacement have been contaminated by the faeces
may require 80 litres per day and the diarrhoea and metabolic
derangements can take 7 – 10 days to resolve.
of infected animals (including birds and
Antibiotic treatment is often of little use and your veterinarian
other horses).
will determine on a case-by-case basis if they are indicated. They may also become infected by direct contact with infected
The choice of antibiotic is difficult and antibiotic sensitivity and horses or surfaces that have been contaminated with manure from
resistance patterns can change during the disease process. Hence an infected individual. Mice, chickens, pigeons, and wildlife can
your veterinarian may request culture and antibiotic sensitivity be sources of Salmonella.
testing of multiple manure samples.
CARRIERS: Some horses are carriers – i.e., they don’t
The prognosis for your horse varies with the case. Many horses show any signs of infection or illness, but can actively spread the
may have Salmonella and never show clinical signs. Others bacteria. Because they generally shed the bacteria intermittently
can become sick and require intensive therapy – and some die in their manure and often without any signs of illness, Salmonella
suddenly despite intensive therapy. carriers are particularly difficult to identify.
TRANSMISSION: The most common sources of infection If stressed, carriers may develop
are contaminated feed and water and carrier birds, rodents, clinical signs.
horses and other farm animal species that excrete the bacteria.
Salmonella is usually transmitted by the ‘faecal-oral’ route (i.e., Stress leads to a rapid multiplication of the bacteria and can
from manure contamination of the mouth) although infection may be caused by transportation, intestinal microflora upset, other
also occur through the mucous membranes of the eyes and the illnesses, overcrowding, abrupt change in diet, intensive physical
nose via aerosol droplets. 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
 activity, antimicrobial treatment, surgery and gastrointestinal tract
MANAGING disorders. Shedding may persist for days to weeks and although

OUTBREAkS some horses are consistently positive on manure culture, a negative

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.
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

be used – and all cleaned and disinfected

Table 1. STANDARD DISINFECTION PROCEDURE FOR NON-POROUS SURFACES IN STABLES, after use. Manure should not be allowed to
AISLES AND FLOATS, EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
contaminate groundwater or be accessed
1 Remove all buckets, feed tubs and bedding. by other horses and should never be spread
2 Sweep the walls and floor of the stall to remove all organic matter. onto paddocks.
Use a hose with spray nozzle to wash all surfaces with detergent - for stubborn stains, keep the
3 surface wet for 10–20 minutes, then scrub by hand.
PREVENTION =
BIOSECURITY:
4 Starting at the top, rinse with water. Corners and drains may require a second cleaning.
Prevention of salmonellosis is difficult
5 Remove as much water as possible so the disinfectant doesn’t become diluted.
because the organism is present in the
6 Don protective clothing and starting at the top, apply the disinfectant as per the product instructions. environment as well as in the manure of
7 Do NOT rinse but allow to dry. some healthy animals. The environment is at
8 During an outbreak repeat the cleaning and disinfection. greatest risk for Salmonella contamination
from a diarrhoeic horse because bacteria
Scrub all buckets, feedbins and equipment with detergent, rinse, dry and apply disinfectant and leave
9 for 10 minutes. will spread over a relatively large area -
cracks in walls and stalls, on the surface
10 Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
of water buckets or automatic watering
Rinse dirt, manure etc. from towels, clothing etc. then soak in disinfectant for 10 minutes before devices, and in bedding materials that may
11 washing with laundry detergent. be spread by wind or careless foot traffic.
June/July 21 - Page 56
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!
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.
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.
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
Spray wash all
surfaces with
detergent,
then scrub
by hand.
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.
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.
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

Horse Nutrition can be simple

with all-4-feet®
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June/July 21 - Page 57
PRACTICAL
FASHION
for EQUESTRIAN
COMFORT
R
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 not-
so-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 horse-
snot 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.
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.
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
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.
Let’s begin with some key tips for your
winter equestrian wardrobe to get you
started.
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.

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
Special offer for Hoofbeats readers!
20% off your ENTIRE order at Epplejeck
www.epplejeck.com use code HOOFBEATS21
June/July 21 - Page 60
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 Body-
warmer 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.
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
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
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!
Just because it is cold and you are wearing
layers doesn’t mean you can’t colour
coordinate.
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.
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.
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
Europe’s biggest
equestrian fashion
brands for the
best price

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.
Your outfit colour can be extended to your horse
through saddles blankets and bandages, as pictured
with this range from PS of Sweden.
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 of your body warms up while riding but
so it is soft on the skin, products like your toes remain ice cold it might be
these are a great investment for the winter time to consider battery operated heated
months and those cold mornings. insoles, a clever invention that allows you
HaCk 2: For on the horse always to set different heat modes for the most
consider vests without a hood, as hoods, freezing of temperatures.
when not in use, can get in the way and HaCk 4: High waisted breeches give
be an annoying weight when riding. that extra length and allow you to tuck in
However, there are many brands that are layers when riding, which will guarantee
now creating pieces where you can zip everything stays in place and keeps all the
away the hood, a great solution so you get warmth in.
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! About Hayley
HaCk 3: Pockets! Always look for A passion of Hayley’s is piecing together outfits to
pockets on a product for many reasons, keep style within the sport, and with her experience in
one of which we can take from the skiers working for an international equestrian clothing brand
and snowboarders is for the storage of
and attending European trade fairs when on buying
expeditions she had the opportunity to see new ideas
hand warmers. Place these in your jacket and products to the industry, and discuss equestrian
or vest during cold winter mornings as fashion with some of the trend setting stylish, equestrian
the perfect safe haven for frozen fingers! fashionistas. Her ideas may help you create outfits that
compliment both you and your horse this winter season.
However don’t forget the toes! If the rest
June/July 21 - Page 61

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
US RIDER
BANNED
FOR USING
ELECTRIC
SPURS
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
Stuart Tinney and CCI5* at the Australian International
Leporis competing in
the CCI5 star at the 3 Day Event in November will have
2019 Event. Photo an added incentive this year owing to
credit Kirsty Pasto 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.

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 it’s horsey, you’ll find it being sold within
western to English disciplines, with Maree the 300+ shopping sites.
Tomkinson joining Brett in the Dressage
Collective, James Peterson-Robinson and Bringing together all aspects of the equine
Jamie Coman in the Jumping Collective, industry across four action packed days with
a full education and competition program
and Bruce O’Dell, Ken Faulkner, Phill Web
and Todd McCormick joining Guy in the and night shows, featured events include
Western Collective. With horsemanship to the always popular The Way of the Horse,
Working Equitation, Jumping Collective
nutrition, education to exhibition, and as
always – spectacular evening entertainment,
Masterclass, Jumping Full Flight, Sprenger
Dressage Collective Masterclass, Dressage
EQUITANA Melbourne is guaranteed to
have something for everyone. Freestyle, Liberty Championships and
Western Ultimate Masterclass. After a
Famous for bringing the best and biggest challenging year across the whole equine
in local and international equine brands industry, EQUITANA Melbourne 2021
and companies together under the one roof,
will be the highlight on every horse lover’s
EQUITANA Melbourne will once again be
shopping paradise with the most extensive
calendar.
www.equitana.com.au
equine shopping halls you’ve ever seen! If
PREvENTING LAMENESS AND FRACTURES BEFORE
THEy HAPPEN
Studies performed in Perth has found promising features using the world’s only three-
dimensional 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 two-
year period. Beginning with racehorses, this could develop as a useful tool in the performance
horse industry as well.
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