A cull of Australia’s wild horses is set to go ahead in Queensland.
Brumbies are found across Australia and there have been a number of slaughters in the past.
In October 2000, there was a public outcry after around 600 horses died during an aerial cull in Guy Fawkes National Park, New South Wales (NSW).
The Queensland action — which is not state wide — will take place in the Clemant State Forest.
A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman told H&H that over several years, the number of horses has increased in the forest and they pose an “immediate risk” to highway traffic.
He added that two people have recently died from collisions with horses, including a 15-year-old boy who was killed when the car he was in hit a dead horse last month (30 September).
“The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing undertakes regular programs to control [wild horse] numbers to sustainable and manageable levels in selected locations,” he told H&H.
“Planning for the control of feral horses in the Clemant State Forest and Paluma National Park in northern Queensland has now commenced.
“The Department is working to have the operation start as soon as possible, however we cannot definitively say at this point when control measures will commence.
“[The authority] prides itself on the humane removal of animals and a specialist vet will be appointed to oversee the removal program.”
He also said they will work “within strict guidelines” to ensure the cull is conducted humanely.
Jill Pickering, president of the Australian Brumby Alliance (ABA), told H&H that she has advised Queensland officials of a number of non-lethal alternatives to the cull.
These include fencing, speed awareness campaigns, trapping and rehoming as well as fertility control.
Meanwhile, New South Wales (NSW) is also reviewing its wild horse management programme for Kosciuszko National Park.
A draft wild horse management plan is being put together by an independent body and is due to be released in December.
This would then be on public exhibition for two months during January and February.
The final plan is expected to be released mid-2016.
“The ABA has put forward a range of non-lethal options in public forums, official meetings and formal submissions,” added Ms Pickering.
She added that the group is against aerial culls and wants scientific evidence to prove that Brumbies are not being wrongly blamed for damaging the environment.
“It is impossible to get a clean kill shot, when firing at a moving target from a moving platform,” she said.
Former eventer Claire Lomas has passed the half a million mark in her fundraising efforts.
Claire, who was paralysed from the chest down in a fall at Osberton in 2007, has now raised more than £500,000 for charity the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
“This landmark came earlier than I’d expected, thanks to everyone’s generosity at The Dressage Convention at the weekend (17-18 October),” Claire told H&H.
“Richard Davison [who organised the event with Carl Hester] asked me if I would like to fundraise there but I never thought I’d get over the £500,000 mark thanks to it.”
£5,035 was raised at the event from raffle prizes and donations.
“The whole event was brilliant and I’m so grateful to everyone involved. It’s really exciting,” she added.
Since her accident Claire has completed several challenges including walking the London Marathon in a special robot suit and a hand-cycle around England.
“I set a target for £10,000 for the marathon, and I managed to raise £50,000,” she added. “After that it was harder but I’m so thrilled to have got this far.
“At the start of the year I was on £400,000 so to have raised this much is amazing and I’m really pleased.”
Her next fundraiser is a “Boarding Bedlam” surfboarding challenge on 14 November in Leicester where hunts, eventers, showjumpers, vets and farriers will go up against each other.
The money raised goes to the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation helping to fund research into curing paralysis.
Claire’s also been keeping busy by riding a motorbike and aims to get her racing licence.
“I’ve been really lucky and am allowed to train at Mallory Park,” she said. “It’s nerve racking — a bit like eventing you don’t love it before you set off but then it’s amazing.
“I’d love to race though and that’s the ultimate aim.”
Claire began on a 125cc bike, before progressing to an 850cc one. She’s now on her husband Dan’s bike.
“It just needed hand controls and a bit of Velcro,” she said. “You wouldn’t even know I’m paralysed when I’m on the bike, but it’s a bit weird as I can only feel the handlebars.
“I had to have stabilisers to start with, as my balance wasn’t great, but I soon got the hang of it.
“I get on from the wheelchair and someone holds the bike to start me off and then helps me at the end.”
It’s the 33rd week of the season and our statistical series continues with facts from Oasby and Broadway
Michael Jung (GER) & La Biosthetique Sam FBW - Show Jumping - Luhmühlen CCI4* - Salzhausen, Germany - 21 June 2015
Dates: 12-18 October, 33rd week of the 2015 season
The basics
Number of British Eventing (BE) fixtures: two (Oasby (2), Broadway (2))
Number of BE sections run this week: 33
Number of FEI sections run in Britain this week: 0
Event with most sections: Oasby – 20
Number of BE sections run so far this year: 2464
Number of combined BE and FEI sections run so far this year: 2538
Number of BE fixtures run so far this year: 162
Best dressage scores
Oasby: 21.5, scored by Stephanie Sacks and Kingsland Prince Of Tide, who won BE100 section I, despite 2.8 time-faults across country
Broadway: 22.3, for Ella Hitchman and Miracle Contender NJ who won open novice section M, despite four showjumping faults
Speedy gonzales
5: number of pairs inside the 4min 22sec optimum time over the novice course at Broadway. They were Dickon Reader (Follow The Buzz), Katie Rucker (Rossdaragh Top Quality), Zara Brewer (Willpower), Rafael Losano (Glock Pullman) and Ella Hitchman (Double Deuce Retto)
And also…
1: number of events cancelled this week. Larkhill, which is also a military training base, was cancelled due to live firing practice
4: number of horses Catherine Burrell (AUS) competed at Broadway. They were Emmerton (ninth in BE90 section A), Khaya (fifth in BE90 section B), Fleck (fourth in BE100 section E), Cassidor (12th in BE100open section I)
10: number of starters to complete open intermediate section H at Oasby
100: percentage of starters to complete BE90 section Q and R at Oasby
5: number of horses Alex Postolowsky competed at Oasby. They were Silver Lily (second in novice section A), All Or Nothing II (third in novice section B), Arwen II (first in novice section C), Akolien (12th in intermediate section F) and Newport Arch (first in BE100 section K)
6: number of horses Bill Levett competed at Oasby. They were Midsummer Focus (ninth in novice section A), Porsch Pride (fourth in intermediate section G), Natasha VII (first in open intermediate section H), Matinee Idol II (third in BE100 open section L), Parkmore Repechage (second in BE100 open section N), Dances With Wolves (fourth in BE100 open section N)
Further afield
43.1: Michael Jung and Fischerincantas’ winning score in the six-year-old championship at Le Lion d’Angers, France
45.2: Laura Collett and Mr Bass’ winning score in the seven-year-old championship at Le Lion d’Angers, France
9th: running of the CCI4* at Pau, France, this week. So far there have been two British wins (both for William Fox-Pitt), four German victories, one French win and one for New Zealand
Full reports from Le Lion and Oasby in Horse & Hound magazine this week, out on Thursday 22 October 2015
Dengie explains how feeding fibre can help your horse through the winter months
Winter brings many challenges, not least the adverse weather conditions and darker evenings meaning our horses spend longer in the stable and being exercised less. Feeding a fibre diet and allowing your horse to eat as nature intended will not only support digestive and behavioural health but can also help with weight maintenance.
Fibre and Behaviour In their natural environment, horses will spend long periods of time grazing and eating fibrous material. Fibre, whether hay, haylage or Dengie fibre feeds, takes significantly longer to chew than mixes and cubes.
Researchers discovered that a horse will chew a kilogram of hay 3,400 times in about 40 minutes but will chew one kilogram of oats 850 times in only 10 minutes. This shows that feeding fibre takes more chews – and keeps a horse occupied for much longer!
How Fibre can Support Digestive Health Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a painful digestive issue linked to a horse’s diet. Ulcers are an erosion of the stomach lining caused due to prolonged acid exposure. Common risk factors are low fibre, high-starch diets and high-intensity exercise. Fibre is important for maintaining stomach health as it encourages chewing and therefore saliva production which is rich in bicarbonates which help to buffer stomach acidity. Fibre also forms a mat on top of the acid helping prevent acid splash to the delicate squamous mucosa (top area of the stomach).Dengie Healthy Tummy combines chopped and pelleted alfalfa with an oil coating, herbs, vitamins and minerals plus Protexin In-Feed Formula. At 11.5MJ/kg Digestible Energy, Healthy Tummy provides energy for horses working at a medium level or horses in less work that need to gain weight. Get further advice on feeding horses prone to gastric ulcers.
Feeding Fibre for Weight Maintenance Horses rely on microorganisms in their hindgut to break down fibre. This process not only produces volatile fatty acids, which are used for energy synthesis, but also thermal heat, which acts like your horse’s own central heating system.
Digestible fibre sources such as alfalfa and sugar beet alongside added oil can provide just as much energy as a conditioning mix or cube, but without the starch. Dengie Alfa-A Oil provides 12.5MJ/kg of Digestible Energy – equivalent to a conditioning mix or cube – but with TEN times less starch making it ideal for horses who need to gain weight, even if they have limited exercise. Get further advice on maintaining and gaining condition this winter.
Feeding Veterans Horses and ponies in their senior years may need some additional support during the winter months. Poor dentition, weight loss, PPID and laminitis are just some of the problems an older horse may face. For those with poor teeth the winter months can be a challenge as reliance on hay or haylage increases. Soft, short-chop feeds, such as Hi-Fi Senior, are easy to chew as soft grass is blended with nutrient rich alfalfa. Hi-Fi Senior can use be used as a total or partial hay replacer and as it is more digestible than hay, can help poor doers to gain weight. Alfa-Beet or soaked Alfalfa Pellets can be added to the ration to provide extra calories. Both are easy to chew and aid hydration so ease the transition from a grass based to hay based ration. Top Tips for Winter Feeding
Feed plenty of forage and fibre-based feeds when your horse is stabled to encourage natural foraging behaviour helping to keep him occupied
Choose ‘slow-release’ energy sources such as fibre and oil, for condition without fizz
For weight gain, choose more digestible sources of fibre, such as alfalfa and sugar beet, as found in Alfa-Beet
Offer a scoop of alfalfa-based feed prior to promote gut health
Split the daily forage and feeds into as many small meals as possible, leaving the largest quantity overnight
Make feed changes gradually and allow constant access to water
Use the winter months to encourage weight loss
For friendly feeding advice and further information contact the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or visit www.dengie.com where you can chat-live to a nutritionist.
A pony was dumped in a field has won his first rosette in a showing class.
Beans, a gypsy cob colt, was found in April 2013 tethered in a field in Hatfield, Herts, underweight and with a serious infection.
He was rescued by the RSPCA after the charity was contacted by a dog walker.
“He had been hidden away from all the others and it took an age to find him,” said RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher. “He was on a tether with no food or water and he had an infection on his sheath which was just dripping down his legs.
“He needed a lot of veterinary treatment, which is why we think he may have been dumped. The Royal Veterinary College provided me with a vet certificate to be able to remove him and I remember he was very lethargic and quiet. He found walking difficult as he was sore as well as weak due to the untreated infection.
“He was such a character though and was really trying his best to get to the trailer but access was tricky so the poor chap had a long walk to get to the loading site.
“The vet fell in love with him as he was such a little softie and tried his best to co-operate while the vet was trying to treat him. He was in a sorry state and it was touch and go whether he would make a recovery at all.”
Beans was taken to Hampden Veterinary Hospital, in Aylesbury.
After his stay there he was adopted by nursing assistant Lisa Penman.
Last month he took part in a show at Herts County Showground, where he came second in a rescue class and received his first rosette.
“I remember Beans arriving in a bad way,” said Lisa. “He was so quiet and easy to handle for such a young horse.
“While we were looking after him, one of the vets said to me that Beans would be great for my little girl Poppy — and the thought was lodged into my brain. As soon as he was well enough, I adopted him.
“He was a little nervous at first but he is an absolute star. When I backed him in in April, he didn’t put a foot wrong. He is very trusting in me.
“One of my friends told me about the rescue horse class so we entered. Beans took it all in his stride and he excelled at it. He was great. We are so proud.
“It’s awful to think what he has been through in the past but Beans has now got a home for life with me. We absolutely love him to bits and everyone who meets him falls in love with him.”
Michael Jung and FischerRocana FST at Burghley 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
This week’s final northern hemisphere four-star of 2015, Pau (22-25 October), could well be a repeat of Kentucky back in April — a showdown between Michael Jung and Tim Price.
The German superstar will be looking to make amends for his early Burghley fall with FischerRocana FST (pictured, right), the mare who won Kentucky as well as last year’s world silver. He also rides Halunke FBW, the 2013 European champion.
New Zealand’s Tim Price brings forward his 2014 Luhmühlen winner, Wesko, whose primary aim now is Rio. He has had a relatively light summer campaign since taking second at Kentucky, the highlight being fourth at Aachen.
Tim has another ride in Lord Of The Owls, who he has only competed once. The horse was 10th at Blenheim CCI3* last year with Julie Tew, but hasn’t shown much form this term, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes for Tim.
Other competitive New Zealand entries include Tim’s wife Jonelle on the Luhmühlen runner-up Faerie Dianimo and Mark Todd on his London 2012 team bronze medallist NZB Campino.
Fifty-four pairs from 11 nations make up the Pau field. Britain has 13 horses, including three for Sarah Bullimore. Chief among these is her Europeans ride, Lilly Corinne, who was seriously competitive in the dressage at Blair before one mistake across country.
H&H blogger Simon Grieve heads to Pau for the third time with his popular Cornacrew, while Emily King makes her four-star debut at the event where her mother Mary finished second on Pau’s inaugural running at the level in 2007. Emily rides Brookleigh, with whom she was fifth in the under-25 CCI3* at Bramham this year.
Among the Brits, also look out for Lucy Wiegersma with Mr Chunky. The horse ran at Burghley — finishing 28th — so this is a second autumn four-star for him, but he only started his season at Barbury in July as Lucy had her first baby, Tomas, in the spring.
The home side effort is spearheaded by two rides apiece for Astier Nicolas and Karim Florent Laghouag. Britain-based Astier was selected for the Europeans with Piaf De B’Neville, but missed out through horse injury, while Karim is also looking to make amends after falling over the Haggis at Blair with Entebbe De Hus. Astier’s second horse, Quickly Du Buguet is also worth watching as she lives up to her name in the speed stakes.
Australia has just two entries, but both are goodies: Bill Levett on Shannondale Titan and Paul Tapner on Indian Mill. And Canada’s Rebecca Howards should be competitive on Riddle Master.
Another Canadian, Rachel McDonough on Irish Rhythm, crosses the Atlantic for the competition, as do four US riders. Watch out for Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, who have stonking three-star form but have never quite cracked the four-star level.
Finally, Ireland has four entries, with two for Joseph Murphy including the seasoned campaigner Electric Cruise, who was second after cross-country here last year before being spun at the final trot-up.
Don’t miss updates from Pau on H&H online this week, plus full report in the magazine next week (Thursday, 29 October).
With record prize-money, a huge crowd, champions being crowned and much more, Ascot racecourse hosted a fitting finale to the Flat seaon (17 October)
1.£4.1million prize-money
It was the fifth year this prestigious raceday has been held and 2015 broke records for prize-money offered in Britain on a single day.
2. A crowd of 30,697 Attendance on the day at Ascot racecourse was up by nearly 2,000 on last year’s figure (28,741) — it was the best attendance since Frankel won in 2012 (32,000).
3. A champion is crowned
Silvestre De Sousa (below) was presented with his 2015 Stobart champion Flat jockey title in front of a packed crowd.
Ahead of QIPCO British Champions Day this Saturday (17 October), the master of Flat racing Frankie Dettori gives us a More…
4. A Royal day
Winning jockeys, owners and trainers received their trophies from The Queen and the Household Cavalry led the winners in (below).
5. Curtain closes on 2015 season It was a fitting finale to the European Flat racing season, with four Group One races out of the six on the racecard — the richest raceday in the British calendar.
6. Champion horses Two of the races were won by outright champions; Solow (below), in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ridden by Maxime Guyon, and Muhaarar, in Sprint Stakes ridden by Paul Hanagan.
7. A battle to the finish Simple Verse and Journey provided a thrilling finish to the Fillies and Mares Stakes. The eventual winner Simple Verse delighted owner Sheikk Fahad Al Thani — the raceday’s sponsor.
8. Flying Frankie The first race of the day, the Long Distance Cup, went the way of Frankie Dettori and Flying Officer. The jockey didn’t disappoint the crowd following the race by doing his trademark flying dismount in the winners’ enclosure.
9. Rocking the grandstand Paloma Faith closed the day’s proceeding with her performance after racing in front of the 30,000-strong crowd — along with Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson and Rick Parfitt Jnr.
Don’t miss the full report from QIPCO British Champions Day in the 22 October issue of Horse & Hound magazine
I once met a man whose hobby was hot air ballooning. This seemed fascinating and I was keen to hear all about it. To me it conjured up glamour, excitement and adrenaline.
“The thing is,” he confided, “the real hobby isn’t ballooning at all. It’s hanging around waiting to balloon.” He said that it required a team, with the jobs shared out. It wasn’t always your turn to actually go in the balloon.
On the days when you were ground crew, you could spend hours getting the balloon ready, then watching someone else having fun ballooning. Your role was then to drive around the countryside at length looking for where the balloon had landed so that the packing up process could start. The exchange rate of faffing to fun was generally very poor.
This was music to my ears. Far from being from a different and more exotic species than me, he and I clearly had a lot in common.
As a pony mad mum, I have perfected the art of hanging around. Lots of people say that showing especially is like watching paint dry, but I think that’s unfair. There is every bit as much hanging about involved in other disciplines, more in some.
With dressage and eventing, you have the benefit of a specified start time so you can plan your day accordingly. The main hanging around part happens if you want to stay for the results. But for dressage especially, the ratio of faffing time (bathing/grooming, cleaning tack, travelling etc) to time actually in the competition arena is fairly excessive. You can drive hours each way for one five-minute test. We have tried entering two different tests to make it more of a day out, but the net result was that our rider forgot them both.
The Pony Mad Mum gives a special mention to those who make pony-filled summer days possible
In showing, the occasional big show runs to a precise timetable, which is fantastic. But the vast majority of smaller events have less of a shape to them. You can take a rough guess from the schedule as to the start time for your class and turn up accordingly, then one of two things will happen.
Either a: nobody has turned up for the classes before yours and you have to scream round like an idiot to make it to the ring in time, or b: the previous classes are packed to the gills and proceeding at a pace so glacial you could have stayed at home and cooked and eaten Sunday lunch/written a couple of chapters of the novel before loading the lorry.
So you do your hanging around, only to discover that the judge has found her second wind and suddenly started to motor on through so fast that you have miscalculated completely and have to resort to a: anyway. (This reminds me of my secondary school years when I lived about two minutes walk from school, yet was invariably late for assembly). The days when the timing works out just right are few and far between.
However, from our own experience, my top pick for the discipline most like ballooning is showjumping. When the class is massive, and the pressure on the collecting ring high, you get a cursory warm up followed by two minutes in the ring. Then, if you are foolish enough to jump clear, you wait for an inordinately long time to do it all again for the jump off.
Obviously it is very pleasant to mooch around, chat to like-minded friends and watch other people, it’s just that sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. These days we tend to pack a book or two for the spectacularly long gaps.
Learning patience is a great lesson for life. I’m glad riding hasn’t modernised to pander to our 21st century need for instant gratification. However, these lessons in patience do start painfully young. I have seen anything up to three rows of very small children in a mountain and moorland HOYS lead rein qualifier and I do feel for them.
It strikes me there’s a chance to make a bit of cash by setting up a crèche in the corner of the ring, stewarded by a pony-friendly Norland nanny, with each tiny child called forward to do their individual shows one at a time before returning to their Lego. It would have the added bonus of sorting out the genuinely bombproof ponies too.
Young jockeys and their mini mounts kicked off proceedings at Plumpton racecourse on Monday (19 October) during the 2015 Shetland pony gold cup.
Sixteen runners lined up in the race, sponsored by the Andy Stewart Charitable Foundation, owner of record breaking hurdler Big Buck’s. 14-year-old Bradley Kent and Bugsey passed the post first.
“We haven’t had him for very long and he’s still quite young — he was hanging quite a lot to the lorries,” said Essex-based Bradley, who described the race as “fast” following his triumph.
The youngster, an aspiring Flat jockey, also rides in pony races and has already notched up 20 wins. As part of his prize, Bradley and his family were invited to spend a night at the Goring Hotel in London — a prize sponsored by team chasing supporter George Goring.
Bradley beat some well-known racing names within the line-up including Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old daughter Olive and three-time winning Grand National owner Trevor Hemmings’ grandson Ben. Former champion Flat jockey Seb Saunders’ daughter, Darcey, was also riding.
The raceday raised an impressive £63,000 for the Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre, which is dedicated to the rehabilitation and rehoming of former racehorses.
“Our Moorcroft race meeting was a great success, despite issues with the level crossing in the village,” said Kate Hills of Plumpton racecourse. “We raised a fantastic amount for this dedicated organisation — it does tremendous work and is close to the heart of many racegoers.”
More young jockeys will be going head-to-head this weekend (Sunday 25 October) during the Charles Owen racecourse series finals — the prestigious pony racing finals held this year at Aintree.
For the cross-country element of the Horse & Hound/Saracen eventing bursary, international event rider Francis Whittington meets bursary winner 25-year-old Zoe Gould and her seven-year-old ex-racehorse Musical Legend (‘Legend’), by Midnight Legend out of a Sadler’s Wells mare. The pair compete at BE100 and are looking to step up to BE novice level and maybe FEI one-star next year.
Zoe is hoping Francis can help stop Legend from running onto his forehand in between fences which will in turn help to improve the shape Legend makes over a fence.
Warming up Francis notices Legend isn’t taking any weight in his hindquarters where his hind-leg is pushing out behind him instead of underneath him, causing him to run onto his forehand and not carry himself.
“Legend needs to do the work himself and not rely on you. You need to stop kicking him every stride and make him take responsibility for himself instead of covering up his issues.”
“Ride more circles and changes of direction in trot and canter to encourage Legend’s hind-leg to come underneath himself more. Vary the size of the circles and the speed within the pace to get him thinking about what he’s doing.”
Establishing balance and self-carriage Francis encourages Zoe to continue the circle exercise she used in her warm up in front of each cross-country fence to help Legend to establish balance in his canter before he tackles a jump and in turn create a better shape over each fence.
“You must be patient and keep circling until you are happy you have balance, control, and self-carriage from Legend before you even think about tackling the fence.”
“It’s not about galloping flat out. It’s more about balance and making sure that Legend’s inside hind-leg is hitting the ground in the right direction underneath him every stride. As tedious as it may be, constantly repeating the circle exercise will give Legend the time he needs to understand what you are asking of him.”
“Don’t pull on the rein — use your body instead to encourage him to remain in self-carriage.”
Francis’ exercise to take away “Use the circle exercise at home to further Legend’s understanding, but don’t do it every day as it is physically and mentally very difficult for him. You could also try lungeing him without any support such as side-reins so that he learns to balance himself. As he improves you will be able to ride forward and up to each fence more easily due to the fact he will be waiting for you in balance on the approach to each fence.”
Feeding the ex-racehorse during the winter Legend will have a six to eight week holiday once he has completed his final event. As he’s an ex-racehorse there will be a large window of time for him to lose condition.
First and foremost Legend’s ration of forage must be adequate. “As a provisional winter ration plan we will keep Legend on 600g of Essential Balancer to replenish his reserves of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. The balancer will also top legend up with quality protein which will promote cell tissue and muscle repair,” explains Lizzie Drury, Saracen’s senior nutritionist.
Legend will also need energy (calories) to help maintain his body condition through the cooler months.
“We will put him on 2kg of Saracen Conditioning Cubes per day, which contain the high-fat supplement Equi-Jewel. Introduce this to the ration over a period of two weeks,” suggests Lizzie. “Saracen Conditioning Cubes are barley free and therefore ‘non-heating’ to support a manageable temperament.”
If you have an ex-racehorse and would like to discuss your horse’s ration with the nutritional team, visit www.saracenhorsefeeds.com or call 01622 718 487 for immediate advice.
I can’t quite believe I’m here. I’m actually here in Australia with my horse of a lifetime. We’ve made it. WE’VE MADE IT!
Following on from my last blog, we arrived in Singapore, the aeroplane was refuelled and some cargo was taken off and other cargo put on.
As the door opened to Singapore airport the heat and humidity hit you. There was a deep fog like mist throughout the whole plane caused by the air conditioning, which meant visibility was very poor. The experienced flying grooms told me that you can be in Singapore for up to three hours while cargo is loaded and you can sometimes even have to change planes. Luckily for us it was a fairly quick turn around and horses stayed on board so we were up in the air again in no time at all.
The next leg of our journey was about eight hours. Straight after take-off, when the captain gives the all clear, we go down and check the horses. We allow them to drop their heads and offer water regularly. They have haylage throughout the flight and Hilly (Fernhill Present) also ate carrots in water and wet Readigrass. I love Readigrass – if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it for horses that are bad drinkers as it’s a brilliant way to get some water into them.
We landed in Sydney at around 2pm and the relief that Hilly had travelled well was overwhelming. Straight from the plane, Hilly and I were loaded up on an IRT transporter to head to Sydney quarantine.
When we arrived I looked at my watch, which was still set at at UK time, and it read 6.10am. The flight took around 28 hours and Hilly looked happy and well, but we were exhausted and I could see behind his eyes how tired he was. He’s never been a particularly affectionate horse, but on that last leg of the journey I felt a huge responsibility to make him as comfortable and reassured as possible and I could tell he needed me.
When we arrived at quarantine I put Hilly straight into his stable and watched him drink and roll. I would recommend always watching your horse roll in a new stable in case they get cast or do something silly and injure themselves.
After I had sorted out all the paperwork and unloaded the lorry, I went to see Hilly after he’d had a little quiet time to himself.
He had his temperature taken and was checked over by the vet. His temperature and heart rate were good and bloods will be taken too.
We were both tired, but I would not be controlling the controllable if I didn’t walk him out after such a long time confined to such a small area. His legs were still filled and wanted to walk them down and get his blood circulating. Surprisingly this does not take very long to do this and after a good 15 minute walk his legs were back to normal.
I gave Hilly a small wet feed (I will talk about his feed and hay in more detail in my next blog) and soaked hay, nothing too rich, then put him to bed.
I sat with him for a while not wanting to leave him but I know if he was a human he would be telling me to go away and leave him alone to rest. I went to the head of the stable block and watched from afar and he seemed settled. In quarantine they have IRT grooms that live on site. They check the horses regularly and there is also 24 hour security so if there was any problem I would get a phone call immediately.
As I walked away I couldn’t help but wonder, was this too much? I love Hilly as if he were family and his health is my utmost priority. The days to come will tell me whether it is or not.
Until next time when I will update you on Hilly, spiders and running out of clothes in quarantine!
Mud fever is frustratingly common in wet weather and treatment is not simple.
Properly called pastern dermatitis, mud fever refers to a whole range of skin reactions to a number of different irritants. It is also frequently called “greasy heels” or “cracked heels” and is caused by an infectious agent called dermatophilus congolensis, which thrives in muddy wet conditions.
The infection can stay dormant in skin, becoming active when the skin is compromised, usually by prolonged wetting. Spores germinate and produce hyphae (threadlike tentacles) that penetrate into the skin and spread in all directions from the original site. The result is an acute inflammatory reaction.
Equine skin provides an ideal medium for many bacterial organisms, as well as fungi and other parasites. These micro-organisms live on healthy skin, gaining nourishment from natural waste matter and causing no harm or active infection.
But, if the skin is injured or damaged — by a cut, wound, bite, harness sore or through prolonged wetting — the balance between host and organism is disturbed. The organism enters the horse’s body through the broken skin, and multiplies in the damp, warm epidermal layers, starting an active infection.
Causes of mud fever
Some soil types seem to predispose horses to these infections. This may explain why several animals on the same pasture become affected.
There are various other predisposing factors:
Prolonged damp, mild conditions
Standing in deep mud or soiled bedding
Constantly washing limbs before and/or after work without fully drying them afterwards
Excessive sweating under rugs or tack
Heavy limb feathering is frequently blamed but this is probably only because the legs tend to be washed and scrubbed more than unfeathered ones; clipping them out may not be the answer as this exposes the skin further
Skin trauma, such as rubbing from overreach boots or incorrectly fitted bandages, chaffing from artificial surfaces such as sand, or over-enthusiastic grooming
Generally unhealthy skin or the presence of a poor immune system, usually secondary to some other primary health problem
White limbs or patches on the body possibly due to an associated photosensitisation issue
Some horses with pastern dermatitis will be suffering from infestations of tiny chorioptic mange mites, similar to those that cause human scabies. This is most common in horses with long hair around their lower limbs, but can occur on less hairy legs. The condition is often called heel mange. Fungal infections can also be responsible for skin damage.
Another form of pastern inflammation is caused by a disorder of the body’s immune system, which attacks the skin. This is known as leucocytoclastic vasculitis and targets the unpigmented areas of the lower limbs. The condition tends to spread up the cannons. As it is usually seen on the outside and back of the limbs and sunlight is thought to aggravate it.
Oh, autumn, here's nine things we love about you (and a few items we could do without)
Signs of mud fever
The signs of mud fever are fairly classic and easy to recognise, with the distribution of the lesions reflecting the areas that have been subjected to continued wetting and trauma.
Thick, creamy, white, yellow or greenish discharge (containing the causal organism) between the skin and overlying scab
Removed scab typically has a concave underside with the hair roots protruding
Deep fissures in the skin – in severe cases the skin at the back of the leg may split open, producing the horizontal fissures that are characteristic of cracked heels
Eventual hair loss leaving raw-looking, inflamed skin underneath
When found on the front legs it can be mistaken for over-reach injuries
Heat, swelling and pain on pressure or flexion of limb
Possible lameness
Mud fever can occur on other parts of the body, especially the back, when it is called rain scald
If severely affected, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite
Mud fever treatment
Keeping the skin clean and dry is the basis of treating the condition. This may only be possible if the horse is removed from the wet and mud and kept stabled for some time.
More specific treatment has to penetrate the causal organisms under the scabs, so these must be lifted and removed at the start. The horse may need to be sedated for this, as it can be very painful. Some of the tougher scabs may need soaking or poulticing first to soften them, before they can be peeled away.
Once the area is free from scabs, it should be washed — using either a mild disinfectant such as chiorhexidine, iodine wash or surgical scrub, or another a medicated shampoo — and then rinsed well.
Drying the limb thoroughly is vital — clean towels or kitchen roll can be used to blot moisture and a hairdryer is an excellent way of thoroughly drying the area if the horse will allow it.
Once dry, there are numerous creams, lotions and emollients that may help. Zinc, castor oil, lead acetate and various commercial anti-inflammatory ointments can all play a part, but only if the skin is clean and dry underneath.
Likewise, bandaging an affected limb can be a good way of keeping it clean and dry, but only if the skin has been properly prepared with beforehand, and the correct bandaging technique is used. Bandaging that’s too tight or has moisture trapped underneath can encourage an infection to flare up again.
This whole process may need to be repeated several times, and in bad cases a full recovery can take many weeks.
The use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will depend on the individual case and will need to be administered responsibly.
While most cases can be resolved, some chronic epidermal scarring and weakening may be left, contributing to a tendency to re-infection. Management changes to help prevent any further problems are worth pursuing.
In problem cases your vet might take a blood sample, to check liver function if the dermatitis is limited to white areas of skin only.
Make sure you know what you are treating – correct treatment from the outset can save wasted time and money. Consult your vet to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.
Preventing mud fever
Ensure bedding is clean, dry and non-irritant at all times
Although many horse owners are loathed to keep their horse stabled, once the infection is established it may be the only option.
Avoid over-washing and/or too vigorous grooming
If bandaging or putting on boots, ensure limbs are clean and dry first
Periodically disinfect all equipment, gear and stable surfaces, as they could harbour dermatophilus spores
Consider topical barrier creams (usually produced in an oily base) such as tea tree oil, sulphur, MSM, aloe vera, honey with vitamin E, calendula and hypericum, goose grease and petroleum jelly. Use on clean, dry legs or underside of belly prior to turnout or exercise
Creams should be used with caution, as they may provide a suitable environment for bacteria to grow between the waterlogged skin and the greasy layers applied on top
Try using waterproof leg wraps for turnout
Consider nutritional supplements for promoting a healthy skin, such as soya/cod liver oils, seaweed (not for pregnant mares), antioxidants, herbs and essential oils such as lavender, camomile and yarrow
Rotate paddocks to avoid poaching
Use electric fencing to block off muddy areas around gates
Some horse owners find concreting or hardcoring the areas where horses congregate helps keep legs dry
Sand schools can irritate the skin further, as can excessive washing to remove mud and scrubbing with a stiff brush
Be vigilant. The sooner you spot the first telltale signs of mud fever, the quicker you can take action and so prevent a lengthy, and costly, recovery
A pony and a foal have been put down after being found dumped and dying in a remote country lane.
The RSPCA is appealing for information after the pony and a foal were found in Shoreham Lane in Orpington, Kent on 12 October.
A skewbald colt, thought to be a yearling, and a four month-old bay foal with white flecks, had been abandoned.
The pony was so underweight and weak that he had collapsed in the middle of the road. As he was in such a bad state he was put down on vet advice.
The foal was also extremely thin, and had nasty infected leg wounds, thought to be caused by untreated dog bites.
He was taken to a vets where they attempted to help him, but he didn’t respond to treatment and also had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
“The pony was one of the thinnest horses I have ever seen — his bones really sticking out and he could be picked up with my hands he was so light, despite being 12hh high,” said RSPCA inspector Anthony Pulfer.
“He had chronic diarrhoea and was collapsed in the middle of the road due to being so weak.
“The foal was also in a terrible way. The infection on his legs had got right into his bones, resulting in a really nasty wound.
“They had obviously been neglected for quite some time — probably most of their lives as they were both so young.
“What makes this story even sadder for me is these short unhappy lives ended with them being callously dumped to suffer on their own in a remote lane.”
Anyone with information should call: 0300 123 8018.
A woman from Lancashire has been banned from keeping horses for two yearsafter 32 horses in her care had to be put down.
Mary Louise Smith of Meadow Street, Great Harwood, was convicted of 28 offences under the Animal Welfare Act — 12 of causing unnecessary suffering and 16 of failing to meet the needs of horses and ponies.
The case brought forward by the RSPCA involved 40 horses. They were removed from multiple locations in and around Great Harwood last year (31 March) and on several subsequent dates over a period of more than four months.
32 horses were put down, suffering from a variety of ailments.
Two horses were rehomed by the RSPCA, five were taken into the care of World Horse Welfare and one was taken on by the Blue Cross.
Many of the horses were underweight and some of them were emaciated. They also had respiratory infections, high worm burdens, diarrhoea, lice, rain scald, sunburn and overgrown feet as well as lameness.
Smith appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on 9 October for sentencing.
She was disqualified from owning horses and ponies for two years, given a community order for 14 weeks, including a curfew between 9pm and 6am, and ordered to pay costs of £6,588.92.
She was found not guilty of 21 further offences.
“This was a large and challenging case involving a huge number of animals removed from several locations over several months,” said RSPCA chief inspector Beth Clements.
“Many of the horses were in poor body condition and in some cases emaciated. Lots of them were only yearlings and were very poorly indeed.
“Owners and those responsible for animals must ensure they meet their needs, including providing veterinary care for them if they need it, sadly that did not happen in this case and these animals suffered as a result.”
There is a growing population of veteran horses in the UK. Many horse owners continue to enjoy their older horses into their mid 20s thanks to modern equine management. Perhaps the adage ‘you are only as old as you feel’ also applies to horses! Not only are we seeing an increased population of older horses, but also many of them continue to succeed in the show ring and are still game to attack a cross-country course. This article reviews some of the measures we can take to ensure our veteran horses receive all the nutritional management and support in preparation for the winter months ahead.
Feeding the older horse
There are three primary considerations that you should take into account when feeding a veteran horse:
Ease of chewing
Digestibility of nutrients
Palatability
Dental problems are common in older horses and frequently result in loss of body condition. Signs that may indicate that your veteran is having problems chewing hay will include ‘quidding’. This is when lumps of partially chewed hay or food will be spat out and left on the floor. If the length of the fibres in the horse’s droppings are also getting longer, then this is another indication that he is not digesting his fibre properly and the horse should have his teeth checked.
Fibre is ESSENTIAL to maintaining a healthy digestive system in any horse, old or young. If your horse is unable to cope with chewing long-stem forage, you may need to offer a more easily chewed form of fibre. Haylage is one alternative as this is usually softer than hay, but if even this is difficult for the older horse to chew, a soft, soaked high-fibre alternative could be offered such as Super Fibre Pencils, mixed with a little chaff and sugar beet, as an alternative to a hay net.
Forage Forage should form the basis of every horse’s diet. As a general rule, long-stem forage (grass, hay, and haylage) should be fed at 1.5% – 2% of body weight per day and should NEVER fall below 1% of body weight per day. It is essential that all horses have their forage requirements met and this can easily be done using forage replacers if your horse struggles to consume enough long-stem forage.
Commonly used products on the market include Saracen Super Fibre Pencils, or short-chop chaffs such as Saracen Slim-Chaff™. It is very important to recognise that combinations of these forage replacers need to be fed at the same rate as long-stem forage to support maintenance of body condition and digestive health. These items can be mixed together and fed in a large bucket in place of hay nets.
Saracen Super Fibre Pencils are a great way to increase the fibre content of your older horse’s ration as they can be easily soaked to form a soft palatable mash for horses and ponies that have difficulty chewing. The pencils have a low-starch and sugar content and are cereal-free. Soya oil is used within the high-fibre cubes to support optimum skin and coat condition.
Digestability of nutrientsAs horses age, the efficiency of their digestive tract begins to reduce resulting in the need for a specifically formulated veteran ration to support maintenance of optimum body condition. The Saracen range was developed in 1993 and continues to be endorsed by Carl Hester, the feeds are used on his yard for his retired grand prix horses including Liebling II.
Saracen Veteran Mix is based on a variety of quality ingredients including highly digestible “super-fibres”, micronised cereals and a high oil level to provide a ration that is easily utilised and gentle on the digestive system. The ration is easy to chew, highly palatable and particularly suitable for those older horses that are still in regular work, competitive regimes or those that are more difficult to keep condition on. It contains optimum levels of quality protein sources for muscle and tissue repair and development as well as optimum levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support health and vitality as well as maintaining a healthy immune system. A live yeast has been added to support the efficiency of the digestive tract health and maintain optimum fibre digestion and utilisation in older horses.
Saracen Veteran Cubes are a very similar formulation with the benefit of being soft and easy to soak into a palatable mash making them ideal for older horses with poor teeth condition. Remember to always feed on a ‘little and often’ basis and any one meal should be no more than 3lbs for a pony and 5lbs for a horse. This reduces the risk of undigested starch reaching the hindgut, where it is then rapidly fermented by the micro-organisms and can increase the risk of digestive upsets such as colic in horses and laminitis.
Top tips for managing your veterans this winter
If you do not have one already, invest in a weight tape and use it on a fortnightly basis to monitor your horse or pony’s body condition. Using a weight tape allows you to be able to pick up any changes in your veteran’s condition much quicker than by the eye alone
Maintain a regular worming programme. Some older horses are more difficult to keep condition on, not because of their age, but perhaps as a result of parasite damage over the years
Remember that horses can use up to 80% of their feed energy just keeping warm. Make sure that your horse is adequately rugged and, if he is living out, ensure that he has shelter from the wind and rain
Fat contains up to 2.5 times more energy than carbohydrates, so it is an excellent method of increasing the energy density of your horse’s ration without dramatically increasing the amount you are feeding. EQUI-JEWEL® is a high-fat supplement which will increase the calorie density of any horse’s ration considerably. Low in starch and high in fibre, EQUI-JEWEL® also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium to counteract the free radicals that form when horses are fed rations high in oil.
Need some guidance?
For a personalised feeding plan for your veteran horse, please complete our simple and free feed advice form. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to one of our qualified nutritionists for some immediate advice, please call our feed advice line on 01622 718487.
Improved Saracen Horse Feeds Veteran Mix
This high quality, palatable mix is designed specifically for the needs of the older horse. With high levels of vegetable oil combined with “Super-fibres”, energy in the diet is made available to the horse slowly, thus helping avoid the fizz associated with cereal based diets. Also rich in essential antioxidants such as Vitamin E as well as added yeast for healthy hindgut maintenance.
He said they believe he was spooked and tried to jump out, but collided with a wooden post.
“He was seriously injured and unfortunately died on his way to the vet,” said Supt Casserly.
“Officers and staff at Carr Gate are distraught at the sudden death of Fimber. He was friendly and courageous and will be sadly missed.”
Since the force shared the news, they have been flooded with messages of support.
“We have been inundated with messages of sympathy and condolences following the news today, and would like to thank all who offered their support,” WY Police Horses tweeted on Friday (16 October).
Bozzie (Cornacrew) is on such good form that we have decided to take him down to the south of France for Les Etoiles de Pau four-star this week.
He’s only run four times this season gaining over 100 time-penalties in total which must be some kind of record (steady on Simon), so he’s intentionally not been pushed and we thought, why not? I organised with Izzy Taylor that I would travel with her, so I prepared for an exciting road trip.
On Tuesday, I got to meet (event riders) Angus Smales and partner Harriet’s new baby boy Archie. Harriet is a really good mate of mine and it was lovely to finally meet the little chap on ‘the outside’! He is gorgeous, but feisty, like his parents.
The rest of the week saw visits to Newmarket vets on Wednesday, and the British Farming Awards on Thursday where my partner James was an award winner — proud moment. On Friday, I took Bozzie swimming plus he saw the chiropractor (Thomasina Spillman), and I delivered horses home for their holidays.
Driving home, Izzy let me know that frustratingly for her, due to unforeseen circumstances she would not be making the trip to Pau. We were due to leave in 48 hours, with no transport (as much as I love my lorry, Bertha there’s no way I’d expect or be able to afford getting her down there, plus she has no living accommodation) and no travelling companion to split costs. Add to that having five horses eventing in those 48 hours and I can safely say things were looking a little doubtful.
A sleepless night ensued, but the following day we were off to Oasby where Rocky (Generoso) and Ed (Edison) were entered for the intermediate, plus Vinnie (The Rutman) the novice. As I pulled in I spotted Laurence Hunt parked in front, who was also going to Pau, and thumbed a lift — thankfully he said he had space. Nicky Roncoroni also very kindly offered a lift. Phew, and a big thank you to both is all I can say.
Back to work, and this was Ed’s final fling of the season and his very first intermediate. He did not disappoint with a superb clear round across country to pick up ninth. What a long way he has come in a season. Rocky once again whizzed round, seemingly really enjoying himself for sixth. They’re both small but cracking horses. Vinnie was in his second novice and as he’s still pretty green I took him steadily and he was superb. He has a serious amount of scope and if I can get him to relax, especially in the dressage he could be fantastic.
I discovered the worrying news of William Fox-Pitt’s fall in France that afternoon.The most charming person you could wish to meet, William is everyone’s hero, and I, along with all in the eventing fraternity and beyond, wish him better soon and send his wife Alice and family love and support.
With that still weighing on all of our minds, we trucked back to Oasby the next day where Chunky (Up and Over) and Ben (Quality Mark) did the BE100. They both went sweetly, especially across country, before I made a quick turn around to get home and pack for Pau.
We’re on the road as a I write and I’m looking forward to a fun-filled French experience/holiday with my best buddy Boz! I’ll keep you posted.
As winter approaches, so does the prospect of mud — and plenty of it.
If you’re left frustrated by your horse’s inability to stay clean, these muddy mares and grubby geldings are sure to put things in perspective…
From pristine white to mud-caked brown, we bring you the very best transformations of greys, pre and post roll, from H&H readers.
Robbie
This handsome gelding decided he would rather be piebald than grey.
Fin
“Filthy monkey” and ex-racehorse Fin is pictured looking spotless and stunning before the Royal London Show and in his field enjoying a more camouflaged appearance.
A promising young horse, ridden by both Michael Whitaker and his stable jockey Joe Clayton, has been sold to Ukraine.
Velini, a nine-year-old gelding owned and bred by Simon Davies, will now be ridden under the Ukrainian flag by Alexander Onischenko. The son of Cheers Cassini has been at Michael’s Nottinghamshire yard for two years and both Michael and Joe have enjoyed numerous placings with him.
“It was always Simon’s plan for us to produce him and then for him to be sold,” said Michael. “He’s always shown a lot of potential — he was green to start with but it all came together this year. I jumped clear with him round a big grand prix track in Barcelona last year, but Joe has had the best results with him.
“It is disappointing that he’s been sold, he’s got a lot of scope and ticked all the right boxes. Simon currently has his three-year-old full brother so I am hopeful of him coming my way.”
Joe and the gelding were members of the British team at the nations cup in Gijon in August. The pair produced a double clear and helped the side to joint second place with Ireland behind France.
Alexander, a Ukrainian billionaire, also purchased Calcourt Falkland from Michael’s yard earlier this year. The 10-year-old gelding has gone well for Alexander.
Michael has been adding exciting horsepower to his stable over the past couple of months. He has taken over the reins on HHS Flo, a 10-year-old mare previously ridden by Brazilian Yuri Mansur Guerios. He also now rides the eight-year-old Millioninmind, a former ride of Joe Clayton.
Topping Michael’s current stable stars is the 10-year-old stallion Cassionato — Michael’s partner at this year’s European Championships in Aachen. The pair helped the British team to Olympic qualification for Rio next year.
Simon Grieve riding CORNACREW during the cross country phase of The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford UK, September, 2013
We’ve made it. Although the journey for us to Pau was amateurish in comparison to Alice Dunsdon and Hilly’s, it’s certainly still a very long way. Luckily for me, Laurence’s lorry gives a very good ride and as I had requested, he allowed Bozzie a ludicrous amount of room in his partition which we have to do in order for him to travel comfortably.
We arrived at Dover in good time where the crossing was very smooth and uneventful. Once on the other side, Laurence’s groom, Steven and I shared the driving for what was a very straightforward, if long uninterrupted journey.
Driving through the night does have its advantages as the traffic is so quiet, but one has to be careful and sensible when getting the horses off, as we did, to stretch their legs during the journey and making sure they are drinking enough throughout. The roads are amazing in France which makes the journey so much easier for the horses.
We arrived at lunchtime the following day to a wonderful welcome from the French stable girls, who helped us unload the lorry and move our feed and equipment to the store rooms that are provided. I was very grateful, as I have come to Pau on my own with no groom. However Marky Mark (a top groom) is on hand working for another rider, but happy to help if needed and I’m lucky to have family and friends coming to watch at the weekend.
I was grazing Bozzie on Wednesday evening and he rolled (several times, one of his favourite habits) and a girl said:
“Your groom will be so cross you’ve let him do that! He’s filthy now!”
“It’s ok, I’m the groom as well,” I laughed and to be honest I’m not fussed, because as long as my boy’s happy, I’m happy!
Yesterday I took Boz for a hack past the gallops where the racehorses were training which was VERY exciting! I then watched Emily King do a super test in the CIC2* and went for a bike ride into Pau with first-time four-star riders Emma Hyslop-Webb and Tom Rowland. It’s a beautiful town, and very historic in the centre although we had a few near misses on the way in — french drivers have their own rules!
Yesterday evening saw arena familiarisation and the briefing which was for the CCI, and also the four-star driving class. This is a first, having two different sports of the four-star standard in one place, something the organisers are quite rightly very proud of.
By the time you ready this we will have trotted up at 8.15am when it will have just got light and then a rather wild Boz (he was very fresh yesterday) and I dressage this afternoon at 1.27pm GMT. You can watch it live here: www.event-pau.fr I’ll let you know how it goes…
The pony was so underweight and weak that he had collapsed in the middle of the road. As he was in such a bad state he was put down on vet advice.
