Annandale Season's Magazine - Winter 2011

Keeping winter woes at baySix steps to ensure you get through the colder months

SEASONSWINTER 2011 EDITION

FREE COPY

Get the most from your feeding regime

a one year Pro5 subscription

worth $120 from

WIN

Savvy Touch

Mud Fever and Skin Smoothie

WIN

Great New Zealand

Trail RideSpectacular scenery,

making new friends and having a blast with

horses

Wellington’s endurance family

Supporting the racing industry

Fibre for winter

Inside

Fibre for winterGet the most from your feeding regime

Wellington’s endurance familyEndurance really is in the blood for Wellington’s Mason family.

Mud FeverOne of Winters frustrating problems

Olivia gives her all for Polocrosse World Cup 2011Olivia Gloyn reaches her goal

Catch up with KatKat’s farewell

Great New Zealand Trail RideSpectacular scenery, making new friends and having a blast with horses

Which Fibre Source?Weigh up your options

Dressage rewards on all levelsTauranga’s Anna McIntyre

Team AnnandaleQ & A on hardfeed

Supporting the racing industryCanterbury horsewoman Fran Barcham

Keeping winter woes awayMinimise the impact of illness on your horse

Inter-Pacific Exchange

Kidz Kartz—great fun for kids and ponies

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Annandale Feeds Ltd P.O. Box 2167, Taupo 3330

Phone (07) 333 7113Fax (07) 333 7994

[email protected]

Annandale Seasons Magazine SurveyThank you to all those people who completed our survey. The response and number were beyond what we imagined.

We have been questioning the value of the magazine to you the reader and to us the producer. The cost of printing and mail distribution was proving too expensive, even though we felt that you enjoyed receiving it and it was a relevant and valuable read for customers of Annandale we would need a minimum of at least 1000.

The survey told us that 87.2% of you ALWAYS enjoy reading the Annandale Seasons Magazine. Which is great news as we love profiling horse owners, and events across the country as well as giving you factual helpful info on feeding and care of yours horses relevant to the season.

You also told us that 73.5% of you would be happy to receive and read it in e-book form.Wow, this was great as we now had a way we could still deliver Seasons to you at a far reduced price than print and postage. So that is what we have decided to do.

Unfortunately there are some of you that will not read the magazine on the computer due to a number of factors including still on “dial up” and just not the same as a leisurely read in the bath or over a cup of tea.

Get your fingers doing the talking and email us your commitment to a subscription…Over 30% of survey responses said you would pay a subscription to receive Seasons Magazine, but we would need at least minimum of 1000 of you to sign up at $4.95 per edition to be able to cover the cost of printing. It is something we are still prepared to look at if we get the numbers and responses for the option of subscription, so get your fingers doing the talking and email us your commitment to a subscription.

Our Winter edition is 32 pages of a great read from all our profile stories covering Great NZ Trail Ride, Kidz Kartz, Endurance, Dressage, Supporting the racing industry and more. Packed full of relevant info for Fibre for Winter, Mud Fever and keeping winter woes away, not to mention the great competition’s—a one year Pro 5 horse subscription worth $120 from FeedXL, Savvy Touch Products and 2 x auditor places at one of Peggy Cumming’s NZ clinics at the end of this year!

Katrina Jackson, Editor

Competition winners

Get profiled

www.annandale.co.nz

If you and your horse are a raving fans of Annandale products, contact us via email at [email protected] and be in with a chance to be profiled within the pages of Annandale’s Seasons Magazine!

Our winners of Equine Direct Rice Bran oil for updating / signing up to receive Annandale Seasons Magazine are:

Cathie Wright, Raetihi M Taylor, New Plymouth

Annandale Feed Sack CreationsMum Shona Chapman sent in these photos of Kourtney, Jorja, Klay, Maddisyn, Hunta, Hunter, Jaydon, Baylin and Baxter the dog being creative. The children had a lot of fun and enjoyed wearing what they had made or playing with what they had made. It was a good way to spend a sunny Saturday morning.

We love to see how you use those empty bags—send us photos and details of uses for your empty Annandale chaff bags and be in to win a FREE bag of chaff or forage!

Win a one year Pro 5 horse subscription worth $120! Send us the reason why you or your horse needs a free subscription to FeedXL and we will put you in the draw. Check out www.feedxl.com for more information on this great feeding tool.

Win one of three sets of Savvy Touch Mud Fever and Skin Smoothie.

Win one of three bottles of Equine Direct Rice Bran Oil.

Win 1 x Peggy Cummings New Book and one of two Auditor places at one of Peggy’s NZ clinics at the end of this year! See advert on page 9 for clinic details

Winter Draws:Update your details / sign up for the Annandale Seasons Magazine at www.annandale.co.nz and you’ll be put in the draw to win these fabulous prizes:

Kourtney, Jorja, Klay, Maddisyn, Hunta, Hunter,

Jaydon, Baylin, and Baxter the Dog

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Fibre for winterWinter is often a time of year when there is the need to make a change to the feeding regime of your horse. By Gretal Webber

With cold weather, limited pasture and a change in pasture composition, as well as many horses having a reduction in workload, there is often the need to re-evaluate the feeding programme that may have been very successful during the summer period.

Horses and mud are synonymous with winter. Lovely fresh green paddocks are often quickly chewed out and turned to mud. Those green winter pastures are high in moisture and lower in fibre. Horses are often seen chewing rails and other sources of wood in an attempt to access more fibre. Providing hay and a good intake of chaff during this time will assist in meeting their fibre requirements.

If your paddocks are more mud than pasture, additional fibre will also be required and is vital to your horse’s digestive health. Horses require a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in hay, chaff or pasture daily, so it will be necessary to use hay and chaff to make up the shortfall of pasture. Never underestimate the benefit to your horse from an extra biscuit of hay or kg or two of chaff provided daily. Not only will this additional fibre ensure that the horse’s minimum requirement is satisfied, it will also make a sound contribution to the overall energy level of the diet.

It is always surprising how horses can maintain their body condition on quite a limited pick of pasture during the summer when conditions are mild, however during winter the cold

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and wind results in horses requiring extra energy to keep warm. If calorie requirements are not being met daily by pasture or supplementary feed, horses will quickly start to lose weight. Body condition lost during winter is very hard to regain without significant levels of supplementary feed and often it is not until spring that horses return to a satisfactory condition. Certainly prevention is ideal, so ensure horses have access to good shelter or are well rugged to significantly assist horses to maintain their condition and therefore be cheaper to keep.

Owners often like to provide horses with large grain meals over winter and it makes us feel good on a cold miserable evening, however providing your horse with a good amount of hay and chaff in the first instance will not only be safer but also help in keeping them warm on those cold nights. Fibre is fermented in the horse’s hindgut and in doing so acts as an internal heater. In regard to the size of those grain meals, horses should not be fed more that 2.5kg of grain in a single meal. If needing to feed more, this will need to be fed over two or more feeds daily.

For those horses that are working through winter or ‘poor doers’ utilise the higher energy fibre sources, Annandale Lucerne Chaff, Lucerne Forage or Peavine & Clover Chaff. Most of these horses will require hardfeed to provide further calories daily and the addition of oil or a fat supplement will be a concentrate source of ‘cool’ energy.

For the ‘better doers’ when winter seems to be the only time of year when their body condition is just about right, still ensure they receive enough fibre to maintain the health of their digestive tract and avoid conditions such as colic that can arise as a result of insufficient fibre in the diet. For these horses use the lower energy fibre products, Annandale Oat Straw Chaff or Meadow Chaff. In addition, a concentrate vitamin and mineral pellet/supplement will ensure these horses receive the nutrients they require for good health without the calories of the complete feed.

So as you wade through the mud to your horse each day, throw an extra biscuit of hay over your shoulder and kg or two of chaff in the bucket.

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Endurance really is in the blood for Wellington’s Mason family. By Jo Bell

Wellington’s endurance familyMum, Jacqui, is an FEI 4* Judge and Technical Delegate, her partner Russell Thomas a keen endurance competitor, while three daughters Kelly, 20, Ashleigh, 18, and Emma, 16 have all been high achievers on the national endurance scene.

“It’s a real family affair for us. We pack up the car and float and head off to wherever the competition is being held together. The girls are very supportive of one another and we all work hard to make it happen.”

“A 160km ride can take about 11 hours, so obviously care and management of the horse, and rider, is imperative to your success.”

A few years ago, eldest daughter Kelly retired from competition to become the family’s ‘strapper’ (groom)—a role Jacqui says is vital to the success of any endurance rider.

“Kelly is a fantastic strapper. She has a great eye for detail and is excellent at working out what the horse needs to keep it going in the competition. Although she has recently purchased a new horse and is keen to get back into competing again next season.”

Emma recently won the North Island Competitive Trail Riding title and is currently in 13th place on the FEI World Rankings for juniors. She is now beginning to compete in the longer 160km FEI*** events, so is heavily reliant on her support crew to assist her.

“A 160km ride can take about 11 hours, so obviously care and management of the horse, and rider, is imperative to your success.”

These long rides usually start in the early hours of the morning and require riders to negotiate loops of approximately 35km before entering the ‘vet gate’ or hold box where the horses are vetted and deemed fit to carry on. In the 160km ride they will go through five vet gates.

It is while on the 40 minute vet gates that the strappers all-important work takes place; getting the horse feed, watered and rested in preparation for the next loop.

Riders aim to complete approximately 15km per hour, often in steady canter. “If they can maintain a good rhythm it conserves energy and is less strenuous on the horse.”

Jacqui says the care and management programme for the horses is key to any competition success in endurance. “The horses have a good rest through the winter and are then

brought in slowly in preparation for the competition season. The more seasoned horses tend to come up more quickly as their fitness and endurance is more established.”

She says feeding routines and additives are also important for the endurance horse.

“Electrolytes and vitamins play a big role, as does feed. They require a lot of roughage as well as concentrated foods; and of course a good supply of fresh water.”

She says the rider’s fitness is also monitored, as they need to be agile and balanced to assist the horse, particularly in the longer rides. To support their fitness Emma and Ashleigh play soccer and ride daily during the season on the family’s six horses.

“We live in town and lease land next to the Rimutaka Forest Park where we have a permit to ride. It’s great here as there are lots of hills to get them fit.”

“Over recent years, Jacqui says she has noticed a significant growth in the sport of endurance, particularly at grassroots level.”

Both Emma and Ashleigh have had some international exposure on the endurance scene representing New Zealand in Trans-Tasman competitions.

“They are both very committed to the sport and have aspirations of further international competitions. The Trans-Tasman competition is held every two years with the hosting country supplying horses which makes it a good international introduction without the costs associated with travelling a horse.”

Currently Emma is saving to take her horse to Australia next year to take part in the ‘Tom Quilties’.

“The Tom Quilties is recognised as one of the hardest and most famous rides in the country. It holds a lot of prestige in both countries.”

Aside from endurance, the girls are busy studying and working. Ashleigh is studying Sports Science at Wellington Institute of Technology while Emma is in year 12 at Upper Hutt College. Kelly lives and works in Masterton and travels home most weekends to help train and assist with the horses.

Over recent years, Jacqui says she has noticed a significant growth in the sport of endurance, particularly at grassroots level.

“I think with subdivision and so on riding venues are more restricted these days, so endurance offers riders the chance to get out to some really unique locations, often quite spectacular, while taking part in a competitive sport.”

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Ashleigh riding Little Egypt

Emma riding Tararua Mistalight

Ashleigh riding Aladdin La Ish

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Most notable successes:Ashleigh:

National CTR Championships in 2007•

80km Junior Championship at •Horse of the Year in 2009

90km Team Event at •Horse of the Year in 2010

3rd FEIJY** 120km •(First attempt)

2011 North Island 60km •Junior Champion

2nd 2011 National 60km •Junior Championship

Member of winning 2010 NZ Trans-•Tasman team to Australia and placed 5th overall in the Juniors

Emma:2009 NZ Trans-Tasman team •Only team member to qualify and finished 2nd

90km Teams Event at •Horse of the Year in 2010

2011 National CEI JY 3* 160km •Champion and awarded ‘Best Conditioned’

CEI JY 1* 90km ride held in Waikato •and awarded ‘Best Conditioned’

2nd National CTR (Competitive Trail •Riding) Championships in 2007

North Island CTR Championships •in 2011

2nd Junior in 80km at •Horse of the Year 2009

Junior Competitive Trail Riding Horse •and Rider of the Year 2004 and Junior Distance Horse of the Year 2004 At the age of nine years of age, won two years in a row

Junior Distance Horse of the Year 2008•

Nominated for two Upper Hutt •Sports Awards, Sports Woman of the Year and Emerging Sportsperson of the Year 2010


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Mud fever

If you are the owner of a horse prone to mud fever, you’ll understand that this can be a very frustrating problem to deal with, especially in the wet, muddy conditions that winter brings. By Angela Hawker, BVSc(dist) MACVSc

Mud fever has many other names, for example greasy heel, scratches and equine pastern dermatitis. The name ‘mud fever’ can be misleading because the condition is not solely caused by exposure to mud. In fact, in some horses it is more of a problem in summer. Cases can vary from a few scabs and crusts, to extensive swelling of the lower limbs with pain and lameness.

So what does cause this frustrating and sometimes crippling condition?

Mud fever is really the external presentation of the skin’s reaction to an insult, rather than a specific disease. The inciting cause can vary. The common assumption is that a bacterial infection is responsible, and this is largely true, however in some cases it may be a secondary complication.

In horses with ‘mud fever’ affecting only white skinned legs ultraviolet light may be the primary cause. Photosensitisation of the skin can occur either systemically (through the blood stream) or by contact with photosensitising chemicals. Systemic photosensitivity will also affect other non-pigmented areas, and possible causes include liver

disease (rare) and ingestion of a photosensitising chemical such as St John’s Wort. Perennial ryegrass has also been reported to cause photosensitivity. Contact photosensitivity may be caused by exposure to clover pasture. Pastern Leukoclastic Dermatitis is a condition that causes vasculitis on unpigmented lower limbs of horses and is also exacerbated by UV light.

Draft breed horses with feathers on the lower legs can be affected by chorioptic mange caused by the mite Chorioptes equi. Horses will stamp their feet, as it is a very itchy condition.

Bacterial skin infections are a common winter cause of ‘mud fever’. Normal healthy skin provides a barrier to deeper invasion of bacteria, however if this is compromised it allows infection of the skin by contaminants. Chronically wet skin becomes soft and less able to resist infection. Microtrauma, such as from abrasions from sand or grit work surfaces, or rubs from bandages or boots can also provide bacterial with an invitation to invade. The rain scald bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis is one of the more frequent culprits, causing large crusts with oozing underneath. It thrives in moist conditions. Staphylococcus aureus can also be involved.


Fungal infections are generally not considered to contribute to mud fever, although ringworm may be considered in a young horse.

What treatment is best?

Identifying the main underlying cause is very important, or the problem will keep recurring. If you suspect your horse may be suffering from photosensitivity, blood tests to rule out liver disease are recommended. Removing the horse from the pasture would help if you suspect ingestion of plants that may cause photosensitivity. If this is not possible, bandaging the white legs or applying zinc cream will help decrease UV exposure.

If the horse is in long, wet grass limiting turn out to later in the day when the grass has dried can help with chronically wet skin. Clipping the long hair allows the skin to dry more easily and provides a less welcoming environment for bacteria to thrive. It is also important so you can see the affected areas and more easily treat them.

The first step is removing the scabs, as these shelter the bacteria. This can be difficult, especially in a painful horse. The easiest way to remove them is to soften them before attempting removal. Washing with an antibacterial shampoo once to twice daily, leaving it on the legs for 10-15 minutes is recommended. If this doesn’t soften the scabs enough, a thick greasy antibacterial ointment left on for a few hours should further soften the scabs so they can be removed.

Once the scabs are removed, reapply an antibacterial ointment over the oozing areas. If the conditions are wet and dirty and the horse can’t be housed inside, a dry, waterproof bandage will help the skin to recover. Once the skin is healthy again it will be better equipped to resist infection. Topical treatment should be applied daily until the infection is completely cleared. Then it is important to be vigilant and treat any signs of recurrence as soon as they occur.

Horses that work on abrasive surfaces should benefit from a medicated shampoo followed by thorough drying of the legs if skin microtrauma is contributing to the problem.

There are a multitude of creams on the market to treat ‘mud fever’. Thicker, oilier creams tend to persist and penetrate the skin better and help with scab softening. Some creams contain an anti-inflammatory agent, which can help with any swelling and pain in bad cases. These will need to be discontinued before competing to avoid a positive drug test. If in doubt consult your vet for recommended withdrawal times and advice.

Severe or persistent cases of mud fever are best examined by your vet, as there are several diagnostic tests they can do to try to pinpoint the underlying cause. Identifying the cause avoids wasting more time and money with ineffective treatment. Stubborn cases may not be straightforward and unusual causes may need to be considered and ruled out. Horses with severe swelling of the legs may benefit from anti-inflammatory medication, however only very rarely would an antibiotic course be justified. Some very painful horses benefit from a heavy sedation injection so that the scabs can be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned, particularly in cases involving hind legs. In less tolerant horses it is not possible to clean painful areas without sedation!

Mud fever can be a confusing issue, as it seems there are as many mud fever ‘cures’ as there are horses with mud fever. The bottom line is a simple three step approach.

Identify the trigger / keep skin happy and healthy. 1. Avoid chronic skin wetting and/or protect from UV light.Treat the infection—remove all scabs since these harbour 2. bacteria. Find an effective product and treat intensively. Be vigilant for recurrence. 3.

Remember to involve your vet for support and advice as needed.

ABOUT ANGELA HAWKER BVSC(DIST) MACVSC Angela graduated from Massey University in 2001 and spent two years in her home town at Canterbury Equine Clinic before taking up the challenge of a

year-long internship in equine neonatology and critical care. This involved six months at the busy Ohio State University which there were many varied and challenging cases, including botulism and paraplegic horses, followed by six months (which turned into 18 months) at Scone Veterinary hospital’s Clovelly intensive care unit. As the unit sees around 300 sick foals a year, this was a fantastic learning environment. During this time Angela gained membership by examination of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Medicine.

Angela joined Cambridge Equine Hospital in 2005 and since her son Zac was born in 2009, now enjoys working three days a week, where her interests are medicine and anaesthesia. In her spare time you will find her riding her quirky thoroughbred, Mango.


Peggy Cummings Connected Riding ClinicsDecember 2011

Learn how to really connect with your horse, discover the softness and connection you thought were a distant dream. Applicable to all disciplines and levels of experience; clinics are tailored to each rider’s abilities and experience.

3–6 December / 9–12 DecemberCassie’s Farm, CambridgeMaximum of nine riders per clinic. Groups of three, morning and afternoon sessions. Includes non-horse, groundwork and ridden sessions. Rider, auditor, non-horse participant and spectator spaces available.

Spaces fill fast!CONTACT:

Trisha Wren on 07 827 0240 or [email protected]

www.TrishaWren.com www.ConnectedRiding.com

Book & Clinic GiveawaySee page 2 for details

on how to win these

fabulous prizes


Our driving force has been to ensure the provision of economical, high quality range of fibre products which maximise the original goodness of the crop. Due to the natural quality of our products there may be seasonal colour variances.

If you are not 100% happy with the product we are absolutely happy to replace it FREE OF CHARGE. Just return it to your store of purchase.

The Annandale Range of FibreWhether it’s moist or dry fibre feeds you need, Annandale have the solution for your fibre feeding with our range of products each with their own feeding benefits.

Storage in the feed roomChaff has a long shelf life if kept in a cool, dry place—Annandale hold minimal stock and produce to order as much as possible meaning you have freshly produced feeds going into store.Forage should be stored in a cool place. This product is weather resistant so can be stored outside but not in direct sunlight or heat. Protect from rips or holes in the bag as this will cause the product to break down. Our double bagging and packing means you can leave the product in the bag, take out what you need and fold over inner bag over the product till the next feed, ensuring you keep the product fresh and usable to the bottom of the bag.

Annandale Chaffs—DrySteam enhanced nutrition equals higher quality natural chaffs with greater digestibility and feed quality right across our range.

Lucerne ChaffA natural full leaf, dust free Lucerne Chaff made from premium quality Lucerne, providing a highly palatable, high energy, high protein fibre feed.

Lucerne & Oat Straw Chaff Natural full leaf, dust free Lucerne combined with grain free golden oat straw. A natural, palatable balanced fibre feeding option.

Oaten ChaffA premium, longer cut Oaten Chaff with naturally ripened golden oat heads combined with the goodness of black oats. An excellent source of energy and fibre with lower protein levels.

Peavine & Clover ChaffA naturally sweet and palatable fibre feed alternative to lucerne chaff providing a high dietary intake of iron which is essential for maximum respiration and stamina.

Meadow Hay ChaffA fine Meadow Hay Chaff produced from horse friendly pastures providing a natural low energy feed high in fibre.

Oat Straw ChaffA natural, grain free golden oat straw chaff. Highest fibre levels in our range of chaffs, combined with low energy.

Peavine is the fresh green plant and pods after the peas have been harvested for human consumption. This is a naturally sweet plant and a makes a great alternative chaff to products containing Lucerne but with good energy and protein levels. The peavine needs to be harvested very carefully as the crop is grown in harrowed grounds and it can be prone to dirt being picked up in the bales during harvesting.

THE ANNANDALE WAY:

Annandale is committed to using brown top and fescue grasses in our Meadow Hay Chaff but as it is not a crop grown but harvested from natural open grass area’s we cannot guarantee there will be no rye or clover in the chaff but it is the closest to prairie grasses you will be able to find. Depending on the harvesting season the colour and quality of the grasses used in this chaff may differ from season to season.

THE ANNANDALE WAY:

Annandale Oaten chaff is produced out of Oaten Hay with additional black oats augured in during processing. Each bag of Oaten Chaff has up to 8kg’s of Oats.

THE ANNANDALE WAY:

Fresh Forage—LucerneA natural, palatable, moist Lucerne fibre forage captures the goodness of Lucerne in easy to feed slices with no additives or molasses.

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MEADOW HAY CHAFF

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The Lucerne plant is a legume and full of leaf. Most of the protein and goodness is in the leaves and in it’s natural form is prone to “leaf shatter” or dust due to the nature of this product. The product is screened during production but if all the leaf was removed, you are also removing the best part of the feed. We always advise people to dampen down their chaff and that way they are eliminating the respiratory risk while giving your horse quality Lucerne chaff and economical feeding without added molasses or additives.

THE ANNANDALE WAY:

LUCERNE CHAFF

PEAVINE & CLOVER CHAFF


Olivia gives her all for Polocrosse World Cup 2011

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Four years ago Taupo’s Olivia Gloyn set herself the goal of being a New Zealand team member in the 2011 Polocrosse World Cup. By Jo Bell

“I went and watched the last World Cup in Australia in 2007 and really set my heart on getting into the next team, so I was absolutely thrilled when the team was announced in February and my name was in it,” Olivia says.

No stranger to international polocrosse, Olivia has represented New Zealand on a number of occasions in tests against other countries. Most recently she travelled with other members of the New Zealand World Cup team to Australia for the Barastoc Interstate Series held in Warwick, Queensland in April.

“The Australians are recognised around the world as the ones to beat but I think we have a strong team heading to the World

Cup with some experienced players as well as some exciting younger players, so we’ll be aiming to give it our all.”

The World Cup tournament runs from 8th–17th July and will be hosted for the first time by the United Kingdom, in Rugby, Warwickshire. This will be the third time the World Cup has been held; the first two in 2003 and 2007 were both held in and won by Australia.

Eight countries contest the World Cup. In the 2011 tournament countries represented include Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, USA, Zimbabwe and Zambia.


“We don’t travel our horses over for the competition so all the horses used will be taken from a ballot. Although it’s easier to play on your own horse, at least everyone will be in the same position,” she says.

In polocrosse, a team consists of six players, with three players each playing a chukka before alternating with the other three team members for a chukka. Each chukka lasts eight minutes and at the World Cup there will be eight chukkas in each match.

“Because you only have one horse for the match, it needs to be very fit. A tournament of this level means the play will be very fast, so the players are also required to be fit.”

Olivia and her team members have undergone a year-long fitness campaign in the build up to the tournament, so are aiming to be in top physical condition when they arrive in the UK.

“It’s really exciting. I’ve grown up with polocrosse. All of my family is involved and my Dad has coached and played internationally, so this is something I’ve really wanted to do.”

But it’s not just polocrosse Olivia is passionate about. In the pre-season to polocrosse she competes with success at amateur rider show jumping as well as being an active member of the Taupo Hunt Club in the winter months.

Olivia, who has a BA from Massey University, fits her horses around a busy job as teacher for under twos at the Taupo Children’s Corner.

“I’m very lucky to have a supportive workplace. The other staff are all very interested and encouraging about the World Cup and of course, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Mum and Dad’s support too.”

Olivia is joined in the New Zealand team by:

MEN WOMEN

Shane Hill Sue Gower

Dean Gower Laura Newman-Dempster

Regan Gloyn Beth Peaker

Gary Malcolm

The team is coached by Bruce Hundley and managed by Anne Mickel.

To follow the progress of the team at the World Cup visit www.polocrosse2011.com


The weather is getting cooler and the season is winding up. Only a quiet season for me and Mark this year, and I toyed with selling him as he wasn’t getting out much. He really seemed to enjoy getting out but my nerves/confidence didn’t. I’m glad I didn’t sell him as I have been out on a few hunts with Taupo so far and am having a blast. It’s such a laid back, no stress sport, full of lovely people.

We just cruise at the back as Mark isn’t fit enough to gallop everywhere. As he hasn’t hunted before, I also don’t want him to learn that hunting means hooning, as I quite like a good gossip on a long rein at the back with the odd run over spars—especially on a crisp autumn day. This has been brilliant for getting my confidence back and I highly recommend it. If you don’t know anyone just go along and you will soon find a group to chat and ride with. The drinks afterwards are good too.

Another change to the diet with the move into winter, Mark is now on:

Annandale Lucerne Forage•NutriRice Racing Edge•Equine Direct Weight Booster•Rice Bran Oil•Iodised Salt•Selenium•Meadow and Lucerne Hay•

He is starting to round up nicely on this.

My survival strategy for grass flushes are decrease energy, increase fibre (I use Oat Straw Chaff for this), supplement Magnesium (I like Equi Calma), and Salt. I add the Salt into my feeds but also have a bucket with loose salt which is the easiest way to identify grass flushes as Mark hits that pretty hard when they occur. The 25kg bags of Salt from the farm stores are pretty economical and they can help themselves without over doing other minerals like with multi-mineral blocks.

His transition to barefoot has gone really well, impressing people on the hunt field as he powered back to the floats down a metalled road.

This will be my last column as Mark and I are off to Tauranga. He gets a new paddock with lots of grass and lovely view out to the beach with the Mount in the background, and I am moving in with my partner. I’m looking forward to meeting the horsey crowd up there and will hopefully be out hunting with EBOP over the winter and competing next season. But I’m most looking forward to having a beach to ride on again after moving to Taupo from Dunedin.

Perhaps someone wants to take up the reins on this column for me? Send Katrina an email at [email protected]

Happy Horsing

Kat @ Annandale

Catch up with KatBack into it

The Annandale product range is an excellent way of meeting horse’s fibre and nutritional requirements with a product for every situation, that contains no additives or molasses.

Check out our range at

www.annandale.co.nz

Annandale’s chaffs have been carefully harvested and then processed using a dry steam technology which increases the digestibility and nutritional value of the range.

Our moist Lucerne Fresh Forage also has no molasses and is so easy and convenient to feed—you will love it.

Ask your feed supplier for Annandale


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Spectacular scenery, making new friends and having a blast with their horses is what inspires people to take part in the Great New Zealand Trail Ride. By Jo Bell

Great New Zealand Trail Ride

The ride has been running in various formats since 1996. It now operates as an Incorporated Society run by a large team of volunteers, headed by an Event Manager, and offers an opportunity to raise funds for various charitable organisations. Paki Tuna has been the President and Event Manager since 2004, and now this role has been handed over to John Davies former Vice President.

In the early days the Great New Zealand Trail Ride attracted in excess of 500 horse riders, but recently it is usually around 120 which is a much more enjoyable and manageable number to handle.

“We became an Incorporated Society in 2004 with the event having a charitable focus. The ride offers a really amazing opportunity for people to get out into parts of the country that may not otherwise be accessible; the scenery where we visit is some of the most stunning in the North Island.” Paki says.

“We follow best practice with regard to all the health and safety issues. We have developed comprehensive health and safety guidelines which have seen some significant changes from the original ‘look’ of the ride.”

Issues such as reducing the number of horses taking part to a maximum of 180, stricter regulations for grazing the horses as well as management and care of the horses such as vet inspections now occur.

“The ride offers a really amazing opportunity for people to get out into parts of the country that may not otherwise be accessible; the scenery where we visit is some of the most stunning in the North Island.”

“We really aim for everyone to have the best possible time but of course safety must come first for both the riders and horses taking part.”

Planning for such a large group is imperative. The location and routes to be taken are worked out more than 12 months in advance and the logistical side of things; catering, ablutions, entertainment, etc are thoroughly planned to ensure a well-organised, fun event.

Over the week-long trek riders travel about 200km. There is no pressure on riders how long it takes them to complete each day.

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“Riders taking part must be reasonably experienced and physically fit to ride. We run checks prior to ensure their skill level but some parts of the ride can be challenging so it’s not something for a novice or inexperienced rider.”

Paki says riders come from various backgrounds including pleasure hackers, hunters, competition riders, as well as a number of international riders each year from countries including Japan, England, Sweden, Germany and Australia.

“They all want to come along to see the spectacular sights, let their hair down and have a fantastic time.”

The logistical side of the ride is extensive.

The catering for more than 200 people, including volunteers, is a major part of the costs for the week. The showers, marquee and flush toilets are also a considerable expense.

“We have a water tanker bringing in 22,000L a day! There are 30 volunteers looking after the logistics of transporting the gear, including six people responsible for the daily putting up and down of the marquee.”

“They all want to come along to see the spectacular sights, let their hair down and have a fantastic time.”

The marquee is a feature of the ride; breakfast and dinner are served here as well as the nightly entertainment which includes the mix and mingle, team shearing competition, Great NZ Idol, a live entertainer, the charity auction, quiz night and finish up with the themed Hoe Down.

“Some people manage to socialise until late into the evening, then they’re back out on their horses ready for the days ride at 9am—it’s great fun! Exhausting but fun!”

A team of 10 safety marshals guides the riders throughout the route, which they have all ridden prior to the event.

“Our safety marshals are experienced horse riders and guides; they make sure everyone stays on track and help them through some of the more difficult terrain. Sometimes if it’s particularly steep, for example, they might lead the person’s horse down and let them walk down on foot.

“Some people manage to socialise until late into the evening, then they’re back out on their horses ready for the days ride at 9am—it’s great fun! Exhausting but fun!”

“Most of the riding takes place either across farmland, on coastlines or through bush including river crossings. Each year we choose some of the most spectacular and often inaccessible places to take the ride.”

Paki says word of mouth is the main advertising that the ride relies on, although overseas riders often find it via the website.

“It’s one of those things—you don’t want your friends to come back and say you’ve missed out!” laughs Paki.

The 2012 Great New Zealand Trail Ride will be held in the Northland region, starting near Whangarei from 25th Feb to 3rd March 2012.

For more information about the Great New Zealand Trail Ride, or to register your interest, visit: www.gnztr.org.nz or email [email protected]


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Which Fibre Source?Fibre is a key component of all horse diets. The horse’s digestive system is designed to digest fibre and functions best when this is the major source of feed. By Gretal Webber

However in many situations horses are not able to maintain their body condition or perform their activities on a straight forage diet and require a calorie dense addition to the ration in the form of grain/hardfeed. However if we do appreciate that forage in the form of pasture/hay and chaff is the key contributor to our equine friends diet the next question to horse owners is which forage combination is best for my horse.

In New Zealand we are fortunate enough to have numerous fibre options available. The most suitable choice will often depend on the age, workload, stage of pregnancy or lactation, pasture availability as well as the other feed stuffs that make up the total daily ration, and of course the preferences of both horse and owner!

Most horses in New Zealand spend a majority of their time out on pasture which allows them access to a great source of high protein, with New Zealand pastures often sitting around 25% protein (and sometimes higher!). Pasture also provides a wonderful source of other key nutrients for the horse including energy, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. As a result the amount and quality of pasture your horse receives will assist in determining the most suitable fibre and hardfeed choices.

Choosing Lucerne productsLucerne is high in protein and calcium and is a suitable component of the ration for horses that have a limited access to pasture due to poor pasture availability or restricted access. In this situation ideally a combination of Lucerne hay/chaff and meadow hay/chaff products would be best. Certainly for horses that live out, a good quality grass hay would be suitable with lucerne fed at a lesser quantity in the form of chaff or haylage if desired.

For the mature horse excessive intakes of lucerne contribute excessive protein levels to the diet which is undesirable. Excess protein can cause problems with overheating especially in high performance horses such as endurance horses and increased water intake is required as the body works to get rid of protein in the form of ammonia. As a result horses will need to consume more water and boxes can become ‘high’ with excess ammonia production so well ventilated boxes are a must.

Lucerne is high in calcium so if using it at very high intakes some care will need to be taken to ensure the Calcium: Phosphorous ratio remains balanced. However this is also the reason Lucerne does work well when combined with a straight grain based diets to balance the high phosphorus levels found in grain

Lucerne products are being recommended for horses that suffer from Ulcers, fibre itself is of key importance in the horse’s diet to avoid ulcers however the use of Lucerne has shown to buffer acid production. Predominantly ulcers are seen in horses that have insufficient fibre intake and in horses that have restricted pasture availability.

Lucerne is one of the higher energy fibre sources available so where body condition is a concern or horses require additional calories from their supplementary feed the addition of Lucerne is appropriate.

Choosing Haylage—ensiled productsHaylage has become very popular as a feed for horses both in large bales fed out on farm and in smaller packs available through the rural retailer.

Most horses find this very palatable, although some that have not encountered it before may take some time to get used to it. As a rule it does have elevated retention of protein, carbohydrates and key minerals compared to sun-cured hay. However depending on the other components in the ration including pasture and concentrate this is not often the key consideration if our primary objective is to provide a fibre source, to ensure that the minimum fibre requirement is met daily in our horses diet.

Haylage and ensiled products do have a much higher moisture content than hays and chaff, as a result they are often suitable for horses that suffer from respiratory conditions, ensuring less dust in the ration. However the high moisture level means that to meet the horses dry matter requirement of a bare minimum of 1% of their body weight almost twice the amount of haylage must be fed by weight to get the same amount of dry matter versus feeding hay/chaff. For example if feeding 5kg of hay/chaff you would look at needing to feed approximately 10kg of haylage/ensiled products. In most instances this means that the cost of your dry matter per kg is more expensive with the high moisture products.

A key consideration if hayalge products are ideal for you and your horse is if you are able to consume them up in time.

The lucerne leaf holds much of the goodness of the plant but is prone to leaf shatter when processed without steam. Annandale’s process retains the leaf for more economical and nutritional feeding

Moist fibre: you need to feed more to get the fibre requirements


Once the seal is broken it is often recommended by manufacturers that the product is used within 5-7 days, especially in the summer months, if you are a one horse family and you are unlikely to use the product so quickly choosing a dry chaff product would be more appropriate.

Choosing Oaten chaffOaten chaff is significantly lower in protein and calcium than Lucerne and therefore compliments the diets of horses that live out on high quality pastures and hardworking mature horses. If fibre is your key consideration oaten chaff will provide a great source of fibre without impacting

greatly on other nutrient levels in the ration.

Many people also believe that providing some oaten chaff to the ration will help to ‘firm’ up the ‘loose’ horse.

In horses prone to typing up it is recommended to avoid oats in the ration so using an Oaten straw chaff or meadow chaff is more suitable than oaten chaff (with the oats included). For some horses substituting Lucerne with either of these alternatives also assists in managing the condition.

Anecdotally people are finding it beneficial to use oaten chaff in place of Lucerne in the diets of horses that suffer from ‘headshaking’.

Choosing Meadow hay/chaffAs mentioned earlier for horses that live out on good pasture a good quality grass or meadow hay is ideal providing additional fiber to the diet. For mature performances horses the meadow chaff provides a great source of fibre, lower in protein than your Lucerne chaffs and also in energy which is often desirable for the more highly strung performance horses and those prone to equine metabolic syndrome. A great chaff to provide to the ‘good doers’ that need the fibre for digestive health but not the calories offered by the higher energy fibre sources such as Lucerne or oaten chaff (with oats).

Choosing Peavine and Clover mixPeavine and clover mix products really sit in the middle ground between the higher protein, higher energy Lucerne hays/chaffs and the lower protein energy levels of oaten straw chaff. This provides horse owners with a great choice of products to select from. Many horses also find this highly palatable so great for those fussy eaters or those that get very little hardfeed except for a balancer pellet and salt, so a tasty chaff choice is important!

In summary the right fibre choice will be impacted on by the age and stage of your horse as well as his access to pasture. There is also the issue of seasonality, at some times of the year you may have abundant green feed and the use of a white chaff or meadow hay/chaff may be most suitable where as when pasture is scarce you may decide that it is more appropriate to get more ‘green feed’ in the diet by using more Lucerne. Choose the fibre options that compliment your horse’s individual situation and feeding regime.

You wouldn’t eat your weetbix dry, so why would you expect your horse to eat his chaff dry—dampen it down

Dampening feed eliminates dust & adds hydration


For Tauranga’s Anna McIntyre, the sport of dressage is an all-consuming passion. By Jo Bell

Dressage rewards on all levels

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Over just four years Anna has gone from a nearly complete dressage novice to competing at advanced level and even winning a number of National Championship titles.

“I came through the Pony Club system and evented successfully at novice level with a couple of intermediate starts. I then spent a year working for Jo Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s top event riders and producers of young event horses.

“From there I travelled extensively overseas and pretty much put horses on the back burner except for a stint of re-educating young racehorses as sport horses before heading back overseas with my husband.”

On returning to New Zealand, Anna decided she’d like to get back involved with horses and in particular, she thought, with the sport of eventing.

However, knee problems soon brought this to an end as Anna found the jumping particularly painful.

It was then she thought she’d have a dabble in dressage with the 10 year old Irish/Thoroughbred gelding she had purchased from Jody Hartstone called Maple Thorpe.

“I thought he was fabulous because he could go sideways! When I look back now at how stiff he was I wonder why I ever bought him! He really


looks and feels like a dressage horse now, which proves to me what correct dressage and cross training should do for horses.”

“I really believe dressage can improve any horse, for whatever use. It helps them stay sound as well as making them more fun to ride.”

Maple and Anna are competing successfully at advanced on a national level and heading to Grand Prix work for next season.

“Dressage really amazes me—its like an onion—every time you pull a layer away thinking you have mastered something – there’s another layer to learn. It’s a constant journey and there continues to

be more and more to learn.

“I absolutely love the journey and now really wish I had got involved as a teenager. It really is an incredible thing when your horse is happy and it all flows. It’s fantastic.”

Aside from her number one horse, Anna also owns a six year old Holsteiner, Cavort, that she imported from Australia a couple of years ago.

“With a specially-bred horse like Cavort it is exciting to feel the power of their natural talent, he’s like a ‘souped-up’ sports car!”

Cavort has already proven to be a bit of a star in the dressage domain. He has attended nine championship shows this season to win five titles and four reserves.

“I really believe dressage can improve any horse, for whatever use. It helps them stay sound as well as making them more fun to ride.”

Anna has a group of local ladies she coaches, many are new to riding or returning to it and while they may not even want to compete, through dressage she teaches them to be more competent and confident riders.

“I think there may be a misconception that dressage riders are all divas and drama queens but really it’s just a group of people wanting to get the best out of their horses and enjoy the company of other horse enthusiasts.”

She says it’s amazing how friendly and helpful New Zealand’s top dressage riders are and how willing they are to share information or give advice, even during competition.

“I’ve been lucky enough to train with some great dressage coaches. Locally I’ve worked with Vanessa Way and international riders and coaches, Mauella McLean from Australia and Detlef Schoen from Germany. They’ve given me some great insight into getting the best out of my horses.”

“I think there may be a misconception that dressage riders are all divas and drama queens…”

Anna believes dressage is growing from strength to strength in New Zealand, especially at grassroots level with the implication of the Back On Track Series; aimed at giving amateur riders a fair chance by not pitting them against the professionals.

After three years, Anna has recently retired from her voluntary role of Marketing on the Board of Dressage New Zealand due to time constraints. Aside from her horses and coaching Anna works full-time as the Sales and Marketing Manager for her family’s business, which develops and produces calf rearing equipment.

“I’m pretty busy but have great support from my husband Phil and I really love just spreading the word about what a fantastic and rewarding sport dressage is.”

Maple Thorpe exploding out of the corner at Manfield

Cavort on his way to winning another title

Aboard Marmion at the Pukekohe 3DE


Q & A with Team Annandale

What is hard feed?Hard feed is additional feed to pasture.

What fibre is best to feed my horse?The best fibre to feed your horse is clean, readily available and simple fibre: pasture, hay, chaff or forage. It is best without additives like molasses, if you need this in your feed you can add it yourself then you know how much your horse is getting.

How do I know if my horse is getting enough fibre?If your horse is getting enough fibre then he will maintain his condition. His faeces will be firm and regular, there are many reasons for a horse to be “loose” a lack of fibre is one of these.

What do I feed with my fibre?To your roughage (hay/chaff/forage) you can add grain, vitamins/minerals or a mixed feed to maintain correct balance in your horses diet, especially when pasture is of poor quality or non existent! It is important to make sure that the basis of the diet is roughage. If the diet is more grain based it will be much harder to maintain weight without giving your horse too much energy.

How much fibre?your horse should be eating/grazing for most of the day!

It is a good idea to limit intake for an hours or so before your showjumping or crosscountry round, the same as you would’nt have a meal and then go for a run.

How do I choose?Simple is best! It relates to your horse/pony’s need.

Read the bag check the fibre content, protein content, and energy, then chose the one that best suits your horse.

Why don’t I just feed grass?In some circumstances grass on its own is ok. The problem is that in spring grass has very high sugar content and low fibre, and in winter and summer it can be non existent!.

Why should I keep it simple?It is cost effective to feed simply, and you know what your horse is getting.

It is very easy to double up on vitamins/minerals or to feed excess energy that will only cause behavioural problems.

How do you know if your horse needs something extra?you will know if your horse is lacking something in his diet if he has a lack of energy/poor coat condition/or body condition or loose faeces.

Make sure he is dewormed regularly and his teeth are checked yearly.

younger horses can appear to eat constantly and never put on condition they are probably growing!! Just keep the food up to them because they need it!

What do I do if my horse is not right and I don’t know why?Make sure he has been dewormed and his teeth have been checked.

Make sure that his work load is not exceeding your input of food.

Make sure he is getting enough roughage.

Is he getting too much sugar, either through mixed feeds or spring grass? Is he getting a correct vitamin/mineral balance?

Don’t let it go on too long, ask someone that can help you, it will be best for everyone!


Winter Update from Team AnnandaleWinter for us is a time to regroup, unwind and rewind!Over the summer months we spend alot of time away from home so we sometimes have to put ‘home’ jobs off for a while.

Fencing repairs, weed spraying and R&M around the stables are all things that rank highly in winter months.

The weather in Autumn is usually very settled and a great time to start the young horses and put some real quality time into them while the older ones that have had a big season are having a well earned break.

The older horses spend as much time as possible in the paddock, although when the weather is nasty we will bring them back in to the warm and dry of the stables. Not only because it is not nice for them but it is not nice for our paddocks!

Winter for us is also a time to get in some training where possible, and do some training as well. We tend to have quite a few young riders that come for some work experience around the stables, which we enjoy.

Although the whole time we are aware that spring is just around the corner and that flurry of busyness and lack of light and time will be upon us all too soon!

Sally Steiner with son James at South Island Showjumping Champs in February

Q & A with Team Annandale

New WebsiteSteiner Sport Horses specialise in producing quality sport horse’s from a young age through to an international level. We always have a selection of talented horse’s for sale, as well as sourcing horses for prospective buyers from within NZ or Europe.

Check out our new website today: www.steinersporthorses.com

What do I do with my overweight horse?If you are trying to make your horse loose weight you still have to make sure that he is getting enough roughage, a lack of roughage could lead to stomach ulcers, as your horse is a grazer.

Feed meadow hay that will have a lower energy content than lucerne, and limit access to lush fresh grass.

A good idea is to use a haynet with small holes that will slow his eating down.

What do I do if my horse is skinny?Make sure that he has access to quality roughage all the time. Feed a higher fat/oil content food rather than one that is high in sugar—this way you will be less likely to run into behavioural problems.

What do I do if my horse is too quiet?Make sure that he is getting enough to eat in all respects.

Feed a higher energy roughage and hard feed.

What do I do if my horse is to fizzy?Make sure that you are not feeding your horse too much sugar in his diet, whether it be from pasture or feed. Feed a lower protein roughage. Feed this type of horse his energy through fat/oil rather than sugar.


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Supporting the racing industryA lifelong interest in horses has led Canterbury horsewoman Fran Barcham to a full-time role agisting horses and foaling broodmares on the property she shares with partner Richard Newth. Story and photos by Pip Hume

Fran began agisting standardbred broodmares some 20 years ago.

“We had set up the property where we were then for my own horses. We were surrounded by standardbred trainers and they began asking me to take on the odd one or two,” she explained. “At that time I foaled my own broodmares but I wasn’t interested in taking outside mares for foaling.”

However, that position changed when a friend who stood a TB stallion persuaded Fran to take mares for foaling, and she now offers this service to a number of regular clients.

Fran prefers the mares to arrive at least a couple of weeks prior to their due date so that she can make sure they are well settled. Foal watch is very intensive, with the mares kept close to the house. They wear foaling monitors as their due date approaches, and there can be a lot of disrupted nights.

“I don’t like to take on more than 20 mares in a season—although one year I did 21,” commented Fran. “At the moment though the breeding industry is fairly quiet and owners are tending to leave their mares empty.”

Once they have foaled the TB mares usually go to stud for serving again, or back to the owner.

Richard and Fran have four TB broodmares of their own. They aim to sell the progeny—especially the colts—but those that don’t sell are kept and raced “for fun”. They currently have a three year old Istidaad filly in training, and a four year old gelding due to come back into work.

“Around half is used for horse grazing, and this area has been put into “horse friendly” pastures—a mix of chicory, timothy, plantain, prairie grass, cocksfoot, clover and rye.” Three years ago, Fran and Richard traded their original property for a larger block. The 127 acre property was in a very run down condition, and they have put in a lot of hard work cleaning up the paddocks and refencing to make it safe for horses. There’s a good, purpose-built crush and yards, and the next stage of development will see the completion of new, spacious looseboxes to replace the dilapidated stabling they inherited when they bought the property.

They have also regrassed a large part of the block. Around half is used for horse grazing, and this area has been put into “horse friendly” pastures—a mix of chicory, timothy, plantain, prairie grass, cocksfoot, clover and rye. The balance is hay country, with ten acres in lucerne and the rest regrassed in traditional pastures.

The paddocks are each around five or six acres in area, and Fran likes to group the horses according to their requirements. Typically she will have in-foal broodmares, empty mares, youngstock and ”fat sporthorses”.

“The paddocks are each around five or six acres in area, and Fran likes to group the horses according to their requirements.” Through winter the in-foal broodmares get lucerne and meadow hay, while the other groups get baleage. A small amount of lucerne baleage is fed out to the older horses and youngstock when the weather is cold or if there is snow on the ground—Fran believes in feeding the horses to keep them warm.

It’s a pleasure to accompany Fran as she does evening feed-up. Without exception, the horses are all contented and relaxed, and there’s very little skirmishing. Each horse gets a carrot and a pat as Fran checks that all is well.

“Foal watch is very intensive, with the mares kept close to the house. They wear foaling monitors as their due date approaches, and there can be a lot of disrupted nights.”The agisted horses are covered and hard fed according to the owners’ requirements.

“We can provide whatever services an owner wants—covers, feeding, individual paddocks, be there for the farrier, vet and dentist—whatever is required,” said Fran. “I like to sit down with a new client and go through their expectations so that we are on the same page.”

“We don’t take on a lot of new clients though—most are long term regulars.”


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Winter is finally here, bringing rain, cold and those annoying coughs and colds. Nasal discharges and coughs are irritating to horses and owners and add to winter woes. So how can we minimise the impact of illness on our horses? By Angela Hawker, BVSc(dist) MACVSc

Prevention is better than cure!Keeping horses as healthy as possible so that their own defences against disease are at their best is important to try to minimise the effects of invading organisms. Horses that are stressed, nutritionally compromised, cold or suffering pre-existing illness are more susceptible to new diseases and take longer to recover than healthy horses. There are several ways we can ensure our four legged companions are fighting fit for winter:

1. Nutrition

Horses in cold environments need a good supply of roughage to encourage body heat production. Requirements for calories only marginally increase in the cold but grass may be short so hay or haylage as well as hard feed is required. Adequate levels of essential nutrients such as selenium are very important as deficiencies can lower disease resistance. Blood tests are useful to check selenium levels but for many other nutrients the body’s storage means blood test interpretation is not as straightforward as it seems. The best way to ensure optimum nutrition is to make sure horse feed is of good quality and nutritionally balanced. Every horse’s needs vary and obviously a sedentary, easy keeping horse will require less supplementation.

Horses getting a large amount of good quality balanced feed are likely to be getting most of their essential nutrients via the feed,

however horses who don’t need extra calories may benefit from a vitamin/mineral supplement.

2. Dental care

If your horse’s teeth are well cared for, feed digestibility is enhanced. Painful mouths cause stress and poor performance as well as increasing disease susceptibility. Cuts in mouths from sharp points may also allow bacteria to gain entry to the bloodstream. yearly dental maintenance is recommended using a full-mouth gag so that a thorough inspection of the oral cavity is performed. The dental check up is another opportunity for any other signs of ill health to be detected, particularly if a veterinarian trained in equine dentistry performs this check. Many horses require sedation in order to safely perform a thorough dental exam with the gag and a good light source. If your horse won’t stand still for the dentist, you are both getting short-changed as early signs of problems can be missed during a quick rasp.

3. Vaccinations

Specific diseases can be either totally prevented or lessened in severity by vaccination. Tetanus is rare but fatal and the vaccine is very effective and not expensive. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated against Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) to prevent abortion. They can contract the disease in many ways, including from young horses with herpes viral respiratory disease. Strangles is not totally preventable by vaccinating,

Keeping winter woes away

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however the disease may be far less severe than in a naïve horse. Vaccination for respiratory disease caused by equine herpes virus type 1 is also available, however most horses have already been exposed at a young age. The neurologic form of EHV-1 has received publicity lately, with another recent outbreak in the USA. This severe form has not been reported in New Zealand, and currently respiratory vaccines have no label claim against neurologic disease.

Luckily Equine Influenza is not present in New Zealand at this time. Only horses destined for countries with the disease are allowed to be vaccinated in NZ. Talk to your vet to plan the best vaccination strategy for your own horse.

4. Internal parasites.

It is common knowledge that internal parasites cause many ill effects, from colic to ill thrift, anaemia and susceptibility to disease. Resistance to commonly used anthelmintec products is increasing in horse populations, resulting in a shift away from the traditional ‘worm every six weeks’ approach. Instead it is now recommended to monitor faecal egg counts in individual animals, drenching those with high counts with the goal of minimising larval contamination of paddocks at a herd level. Natural resistance to parasites is variable in adult horses with certain animals consistently contributing large numbers of eggs. Twice yearly drenching with a product effective against tapeworms (these are not detected on routine egg counts) is recommended in spring and autumn. If horses do not have much access to pasture the need to drench them is greatly reduced. Performing egg counts and only drenching when necessary saves money and helps ensure we can continue to effectively treat parasites in horses. Where practical, mucking out is the best way to minimise pasture contamination. Contrary to popular belief, parasites are not all killed by frost and cold, it merely slows their development. Harrowing spreads parasites throughout the paddock, and cross grazing with non-equines is the only way to decrease this contamination . Paddocks cannot be rested long enough to kill the parasites before horses go back in. Performing faecal egg counts and using targeted drenching can save significant money, and will help prolong the effective life span of our available drenches. Where drenching is needed, the use of ‘three in one’ drenches slows the development of resistance. This is a change in recommendation from the previous advice to rotate drenches regularly. This practice is now thought to speed up selection for resistance development in parasite populations.

5. Stress

Keeping a horse’s life as consistently predictable as possible is important to minimise stress and gastrointestinal upsets. Any changes should be made as gradually as possible. For nervous horses various calming and settling products are available which may help to keep temperament on an even keel.

6. Specific immune support.

There are a few specific immunomodulating drugs available, however these may not be practical or cost effective for most people, other than under special circumstances. Natural products such as garlic and echinacea have some evidence for immune support, although large doses are needed for horses. Horses produce their own vitamin C in the gut, and although higher levels may have theoretical benefit in rare situations, there is no advantage in supplementation of vitamin C in normal healthy horses.

What if your horse does get a cold?

Oral antibiotics can help in a handful of selected cases but many respiratory infections are due to viruses, which we currently cannot treat specifically since antiviral drugs are not widely available as yet. Widespread non-essential use of antibiotics encourages bacterial resistance to these drugs, rendering them potentially ineffective should a real need arise. Antibiotic treatment has no effect on the duration or severity of a viral infection. If the horse is otherwise bright, eating and has a normal temperature, a ‘tincture of time’ approach is best. Dampening hay and feed to make sure the horse isn’t inhaling dust as well as making sure stabled horses have adequate ventilation is important. If the horse is coughing, strenuous work should be avoided. Sick horses should be kept away from healthy horses if possible and healthy horses should be seen to first to avoid spreading bugs. Sometimes antibiotics are used in athletic horses to minimise any bacterial contamination of a viral respiratory disease but if your horse isn’t doing a lot of work and can be rested, recovery will likely occur just as quickly without a course of antibiotics.

If you are worried about your horse or the horse stops eating and is lethargic, it is best to get them examined by a vet in case something more serious is developing.


The Inter-Pacific Exchange was held in New Zealand this year, with teams from Australia, USA, Canada and Hong Kong attending for two weeks of fun and competition. By Holly Morrell

Inter-Pacific Exchange

Held every two years by a different host nation, the cultural exchange provides a chance for pony club riders between 17 and 21 years old to learn about and ride in a foreign country.

Makahika Outdoor Pursuit Centre was the base for the first week, from here we travelled to Wellington, Massey University, Palmerston North and also did some very challenging activities at base camp.

Each team is made up of five pony club members who must hold at least their B Certificate. In New Zealand the selection is made firstly by area club, and then up to two representatives head to Nga Tawa where their riding, interview skills and public speaking are challenged, and the team is selected.

The 2011 New Zealand team consisted of Holly Morrell (Captain, Taupo), Oliver Steele (Auckland), Marisna Roodt (Auckland), Lauren Cooney (Auckland) and Anna Nesbitt (Queenstown). The team was managed by Sue Batchelor (Christchurch) and coached by Jacque Williams (Auckland).

The tour was planned to begin in Christchurch, however because of the earthquake this meant that none of our overseas visitors would be able to get travel insurance and therefore was a no-go. This meant that the first week of the tour had to be quickly changed and the good people of Horowhenua Area stepped up and took up the challenge. Makahika Outdoor Pursuit Centre was the base for the first week, from here we travelled to Wellington, Massey University, Palmerston North and also did some very challenging activities at base camp.

The second week was based at Karapiro where we travelled to Taupo, Rotorua, Kihikihi, Hamilton, Otorohanga and Waitomo. We did some


awesome activities such as black water rafting, luging, the giant swing, and of course some shopping! The competition was tough and very enjoyable and will be remembered always.

“The New Zealand team loved the horses we pooled, and quickly made bonds with them on our trial day.”

The competition usually includes a scrambled teams event, generally an equestrian event, however this year the weather was so bad our gymkhana in Levin was cancelled and we did other various activities to determine the prizes.

The tour concluded with the Nations Cup, which is a show jumping competition ridden on horses each rider has never ridden before. The New Zealand team loved the horses we pooled, and quickly made bonds with them on our trial day.

“New Zealand team member Lauren Cooney also had an exceptional weekend, taking out the trophy for best individual with two lovely clear rounds on Judith Williams’ Timeless Romance.”

The Nations Cup is generally set at 110cm, depending on the calibre of horses the organisers are leant. The best four scores count, and this year the New Zealand team had a great result—placing 2nd behind Canada!

New Zealand team member Lauren Cooney also had an exceptional weekend, taking out the trophy for best individual with two lovely clear rounds on Judith Williams’ Timeless Romance.

“The competition was tough and very enjoyable and will be remembered always.”

The team would like to say a huge thank you to all the people that made our trip possible and supported us in many ways. Sue Batchelor, Jacque Williams, Heather Trueman, David Gibbons and the NZPCA—without you this trip would not have been possible. Thank you to Annandale and Morrell Motors for funding the beautiful woollen rugs for our team, your generous support is much appreciated. Thank you to Sally at Makahika for standing up and taking the challenge at such short notice, and the Waikato area for the organisation of the second week. And to all the horse owners for lending your horses—we know it is not an easy thing to do, so thank you so much!

Pictures clockwise from top left: Holly Morrell (Captain, Taupo), Marisna Roodt (Auckland), Oliver Steele (Auckland), Anna Nesbitt (Queenstown), and Lauren Cooney (Auckland); the Team with Jacqui Williams (Coach),

Emma Simpson (Reserve) and Sue Batchelor (Manager); Oliver Steele

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With the help of Wendy Gale (whose husband Doug is a well–respected standardbred trainer) Deneece went about setting up the Kidz Kartz and Pony Trust, with the first New Zealand Kidz Kartz Club in Kumeu. The first eighteen months or so were spent looking at how the sport operated overseas, and getting a structure and rules in place. The Kumeu Kidz Kartz Club was formed in 2003, and there are now Kidz Kartz clubs running in Counties and Cambridge, as well as in the South Island at Christchurch (based at Motukarara), Ashburton, Dunedin and Southland.

The clubs are for children from 6 to 16 years old, and along with the exhilaration of harness driving they learn about the responsibilities of pony care and management and all aspects of feeding, grooming and exercising. While pony carts are fun for both the ponies and the kids, safety is paramount and is emphasized across all aspects of Club activities.

At the Kumeu Club, children don’t have to have their own ponies—the Club’s 15 minis and ponies under 13hh have all met selection criteria and are safe and reliable. Two of the ponies are sponsored, by Pak N Save Hendserson and Lincoln Farm. There’s also a good collection of harness and other gear.

“Our original ambition was to provide the opportunity for city kids to experience ponies, and at Kumeu we are close to that urban environment,” says Deneece. “At the other more rural clubs families usually have their own ponies.”

Once club members are over the age of 10 years and have satisfactorily completed the Kidz Kartz three day driving course, they are able to race. The competition is fierce—at Alexandra Park the pony program includes the Auckland Cup, the Manukau Cup, the Franklin Cup and the Kumeu Cup. There’s also strong racing in Canterbury, with racing at Addington, Rangiora, Motukarara and Ashburton. The culmination of pony harness racing is The New Zealand Cup, run at Addington.

The sport is well accepted now at the major trotting raceways, but Deneece says that initially gaining acceptance from the racing establishment was a challenge.

“There was quite a lot of opposition because the idea was new and different and people were just waiting for things to go wrong. But we

persevered and now trainers seem to realise how useful the program is and that the kids know how to gear up and drive. It’s brought another dimension to harness racing.”

When Kumeu couple Deneece and Murray Goldsworthy saw how popular pony harness racing was overseas in Europe, America and Australia, they wanted to bring that fun and excitement to New Zealand kids. They had experienced the thrill of racing pacers themselves, and the appeal of the sport was immediate. By Pip Hume

Kidz Kartz—great fun for kids and ponies


Winter warmth

Feeding fibre helps to keep your horse warm

over winter and can help maintain forage levels when pasture is

limited or low quality

HydrationFibre provides

hydration by acting as a water and electrolyte

reserve for when horses need it

Health benefits

Fibre maintains beneficial bacteria

essential for a healthy hindgut system which is an important step in preventing colic and

diarrhoea

Reduced acidFibre encourages chewing

and the production of saliva which reduces stomach acid

levels helping to reduce the likelihood of ulcers and laminitis, and behavioural

problems such as crib-biting and wind-sucking

Cool energyFibre provides a

consistent source of quality cool energy along with natural

vitamins and minerals

Annandale quality

Annandale’s careful harvesting and unique dry steam processing system

increases digestibility and nutritional value,

and eliminates the risk of mould spores and dust

mites

Smaller feed bill

A healthy hindgut will enable your horse to

more efficiently process and absorb concentrates helping to reduce your

feed bill

A full range of Annandale chaffs and blends are available to ensure you get the right fibre solution no matter what your horses requirements

www.annandale.co.nz

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CHAFF PEAVINE & CLOVER CHAFF LUCERNE

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LUCERNE FORAGE

Give your horse something to laugh

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No molasses or additivesOnly natural low GI

goodness specifically processed to reduce mould and toxin risk

Documents

Annandale Season's Magazine - Winter 2011