The Horse's Mouth | Winter Issue 2015

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

All the news from Interschools State Championships SA breeder excelling in Europe Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter – what is it? E Q U E S T R I A N

S O U T H A U S T R A L I A

The Horse’s Mouth, official magazine of Equestrian SAHMMAGAZINE

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN riders and breeders excel

Winter Issue 2015

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hy2 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | WINTER 2015

ContentsIn this issue

CARRIAGE DRIVING 9Carriage drives strut their stuff in a Jump & Drive

NEWS 4SA breeders shine nationally and internationally

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 8All the latest from the hot seat in SA

SHOW JUMPING 28All the action from Kupara Showjumping Club

VAULTING 30One of the rising stars in SA Vaulting

INTERSCHOOL 19A comprehensive report including news from the State Interschool Championships

DRESSAGE 10A round-up of Dressage events including the Autumn Dressage Festival.

EVENTING 15A local, national and international report on SA event riders

COACHES CORNER 22Dr Andrew McLean, the iconic Tom Roberts and a new project

A CASE OF THE THUMPS 12Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (or Thumps) – what is it ?

OFFICIALS 24The people behind the sport

All articles and photos are supplied by Equestrian SA unless otherwise stated.

COVER IMAGEAngus Wright-Smith riding Yarra Valley Jellybean at the SA State Showjumping Championships.Photo courtesy Equus Australia Photography

Produced by Flying Pig Marketing, Norwood. South Australia

For Equestrian South Australia. June 2015

Enquire about advertising in HM Magazine

Contact: [email protected]

WINTER 2015 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | 3

From the ESA officeOnline membershipsYou can join up or renew your competition licenses online, click one of the links below:

Horse registrationAs per EA General Rules, all applications for Equestrian Australia (EA) Horse Registration MUST HAVE 5 POSSIBLE HORSE NAMES SUBMITTED, the only exception to this is, if a copy of the horse(s) Breed Registration for the same name can be provided as proof when lodging your application.

Juniors turning age 18 during membership year.EA Members who turn age 18 in the competition year, will remain as a Competitive Junior Member until the 30th June the following year, they will then become a Competitive Senior member. EG: if you are 17 now and in December 2015 turn 18, you will remain as Competitive Junior until 30/06/2016.

Update your Horse recordEver wondered why your old horse names are showing on your membership renewal? That is because they are still active in the EA database. So if your horse has been sold or is now deceased, please advise the ESA office, so we can update our records. This can be done via phone, email or in person.

Competition licencesCompetition Licences are required to be validated each year at renewal time, so if you register on line, remember to send your Licence back to the ESA office for validation of points. We will then send this back to you.

Vale John PattersonThe South Australian Show Jumping Community and Equestrian SA has lost one of its most charismatic and memorable members.

John Patterson passed away in the early morning on Monday 22nd June 2015, at the age of 70.

Horses were a big part of John’s life and riding was his passion. John commenced his show jumping career at the age of 10, and his love of horses continued onto a career in the SA Mounted Police.

John represented the SA Mounted Police Department at Royal Shows and the many Country Agricultural Shows, not only in the show jumping arena, John also rode in the Section 4’s, and tent pegging events in both SA and Interstate. And if that wasn’t enough John also competed at the Gawler 3 Day Event.

Those who knew him, would know he had a sparkling wit, a great sense of fun, intelligence, resolve, energy, a great work ethic and loyalty. With anything that John undertook there were no half measures. He was never satisfied with what he had achieved and always looking to improve.

John was valued course builder and judge, who took his role very seriously, he willingly gave his time to many riders and clubs for their competitions. His contribution was significant and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family at this sad time.

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John Patterson with Buderick Photo courtesy Warnambool Evening Standard.

4 | FROM THE HORSES MOUTH | WINTER 2015

http://bit.ly/1SZXkwO

http://bit.ly/1JmsJ88

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SA Breeder Excels in EuropeBrockhurst Stud’s Georgie Ray and Scott Donner began the search for true international quality mares in 2011.

The selections were made in person with the aim of acquiring the very best quality and dam lines available. Frozen semen from most of the worlds best stallions is readily available but the Germans are understandably reluctant to part with their most precious mares and most successful dam lines.

Many average and good horses are available in Germany but the really exceptional ones proved hard to find.

Three fillies were purchased and remained in Germany to mature. Assessment as 3-4yo under the German breeding system would help decide if they were indeed the international quality they were looking for

The first of the mares was prepared and performance tested in 2012.

She attained the second highest grading of Verband Premium (VPr). Although a good result it did not place her as one of the years best, so the decision was made not to bring her to Australia and she was sold.

The second and third fillies have now completed Oldenburg Mare performance testing.

“Light my Fire” ( Fidertanz x SirDonnerhall) in 2013 & “Sidoney” ( SirDonnerhall x Donnerhall) recently in June 2015 .

Both mares have been awarded the prestigious title of State Premium Mare.( St Pr St )

The testing process involves a panel of judges assessing 250-300 dressage bred mares through a series of phases over 4 days at the same location.

Scores are given for each phase, In hand assessment of conformation and paces, free jumping and finally ridden presentation under their own rider and a Verband test rider. Jumping bred mares are tested separately on a different date under a different criteria.

From the few mares awarded State Premium the judges then name the best horses of the year to be paraded as Elite Mares at Rastede .

In 2013 StPr St Light My Fire was selected for Rastede and has since been imported into Australia in foal, producing a filly by Finest in April 2015.

This year StPr St Sidoney was also selected and will be paraded at Rastede on 23rd July, 2015.

Brockhurst Studs St. Pr. St. Sidoney, achieved State Premium Mare status in Europe. Photo credit - Kiki Beelitz


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The Legendary Tom RobertsHorse SA in conjunction with Dr Andrew McLean of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre are producing a book re-visiting Tom Roberts horse training principles, and how one man’s vision for a kinder approach to training continues to help horses world-wide.

Dr. Andrew McLean is an internationally renowned horse training and behaviour modification expert. Winner of the highest Australian Science award, the Eureka Prize for Science, Andrew McLean developed and manages the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, specialising in horse training and behaviour modification. Andrew McLean holds a Ph.D. in equine cognition and learning, has been an accredited horse riding coach for over 30 years and has written numerous books (including an International Best Seller) and authored 35 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Discussing Roberts’ visionary approach, Dr McLean says

“He was the first person I have ever known who correctly described negative reinforcement in user-friendly terms of ‘profit’ and ‘profit you not’, as an integral part of his horse training principles.

”During his lifetime, Roberts produced a priceless body of work about horse training that includes four ground breaking books, photographs, films, articles and lecture notes. He made a significant contribution to Australia ’s development as an equestrian country through horse training and rider education from pony club to dressage, polo, hunting and Police horses.

Help the non-profit organisation Horse SA to both preserve and bring his legacy to a wider audience by producing a book detailing the contribution he has made to gentler, more thoughtful horse training method, and by digitizing Roberts’ precious supporting materials, donated to Horse SA to care for and share with the public.

To be available for purchase as an e-book or hard copy. For more information visit the Horse SA website www.horsesa.asn.au.

OMG I won KER Equestrian Australia Owner of the Year !!!!It is a very proud moment when you are first nominated from SA as the representative for “Owner of the Year” let alone win the category in Australia. The Owner of the Year Award to me celebrates the time and effort it has taken to not only breed a quality horse, but to provide this horse to a top quality rider to compete. Even though there is always a great temptation to sell and ease the financial stress. This in turn gives the Owner great pleasure in watching a partnership being formed in true style, and being part of a winning team. The dream of representing Australia!

This journey is what Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer and her rider, Ruth Schneeberger have done for me and I can not thank them enough for making this goal happen!

Tom Roberts. Pic courtesy HorseSA Dr Andrew McLean with Anne Smith and her Grand Prix horse Lyrical (by Lontano) at a recent clinic held at Kersbrook Equestrian Centre.. Photo - Nicki Stuart.


To be part of a winning formula and experience the highs and lows of the Sport is a fabulous feeling, albeit costly in both time and money, but gratifyingly worth every cent.

Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer is out of a mare by the talented Licensed AWHA Stallion “Lontano” who has produced the 1st Reserve Para Olympic Horse as well as many other talented FEI performers. Lontano was bred by Ponderosa Stud over 22 years ago. The sire of Royal Dancer being Royal Hit (imp). I have 2 more full siblings to Royal Dancer, at home in the wings and a 1/2 sister just starting under saddle. “Ponderosa Stud Royal Dancer” is an Elite AWHA Mare who is on the National Dressage Talent Squad, and has set a record at wining ESA Horse of the Year for 3 consecutive years. She has now achieved 3 scores over 70% at Medium Level, so will be given a Medal for this achievement at the National Dressage Championships being held in NSW.

Ruth and I look forward to “Dancer” competing at FEI level Dressage!

Congratulations to SA’s 2014 Sport Achievement Awards night finalistsAs well as acknowledging the top performing athletes and horses of the past year, Equestrian Australia’s Sport Achievement Awards also recognise the sport’s most outstanding administrator, coach, official, owner, volunteer and event of the past 12 months.

Winners of the 2014 Sport Achievement Awards were announced at a gala ceremony on Friday 5 June 2015 in Melbourne, and Cheryl Hatswell won the KER Owner of the Year award! Massive congratulations Cheryl Hatswell and our SA finalists!

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ABOVE: Cheryl Hatswell receiving her award as Equestrian Australia’s Owner of the Year.

Ariat Domestic Athlete of the Year Elizabeth Sobecki

Domestic Horse of the Year Hatero DE PB

KER Owner of the Year Cheryl Hatswell

Administrator of the Year Liz Duncan

Coach of the Year Clive Reed

Official of the Year Caroline Jones

Club of the Year SA Horse Trials

Event of the Year Show Jumping Festival conducted by the Mt Gambier Show Jumping Club

Volunteer of the Year Anne Lindh

SA’s 2014 Sport Achievement Awards finalists


Welcome again to the next edition of Horses Mouth,

Winter edition, and if you think it’s very much on the

heels (fetlocks) of the previous HM, yes it is.

The Anzac Day War Horse Memorial commemoration

held on the corner of East and North Terrace, is always

a very confronting experience and no more so than this

year with the beginning of centenaries, remembering

those that not only fought but also gave their lives in the

Great War.

I must sincerely thank Michael Scott for his wonderful

oration on the War Horse, their remarkable contribution

and remembering that many thousands went, but only

one returned.

Michael’s talks always make me cry, and this year was no

exception. I again placed a beautiful wreath on behalf of

ESA on the memorial, with crowds swelling each year,

there would have been a few hundred people attend

It will be the 100th anniversary Charge of the Light

Brigade at Beersheba (700 horses) in two years time

and Michael has planted the seed, on how to also

commemorate this event. Perhaps get 700 horses to

ride through part of the city

Sharon and I attended the Department of Recreation

and Sport, morning breakfast, 7.30 am at The Lion during

May, networking with other sporting bodies, many having

issues just like ours.

You will of course by now have received your Annual

membership renewal notice, and many have already paid.

There was a small increase in fees, as recommended by

the Risk and Audit sub committee of the Board. The

Board again this year, made every effort to keep any

increase to a minimal amount.

The EA Awards night moved cities for the first time this

year, being held on the June long weekend. The night

was attended by quite a few of our SA members, and

coincided with the Melbourne three day event. The

Board would like to congratulate Cheryl Hatswell on

winning the Equestrian Australia Owner of the Year, as

well as all of our nominees.

With the arrival of the Spring months, many

of our disciplines go into full swing with shows

and competitions.

On behalf of the Board, I wish you all a happy and

successful time, be safe on the roads getting to your

destinations, as well as with your horses, be it riding

or driving them.

Di Norris

Chairperson - ESA

CHAI

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We will remember them


Jump and DriveThe ESA Carriage Driving Committee with the ESA Show Jumping Committee held a Jump and Drive competition at the ESA Show Jumping Championships April 11th at the Adelaide Showgrounds.This is a very popular event interstate especially at Equitana and recently was done at Aachen in Germany with several horse teams.This was a first for SA and was a great success. Seven showjumpers teamed with seven drivers took part. The rider negotiated a round of show jumps then ran to jump onto the back of the vehicle driven by the driver who then negotiated sets of cones placed at the side of each jump. The combination was timed with rails down or balls dislodged incurring penalties.

Shirley and Henry Crossley and Lawrie Tyas came from Peterborough, Shirley with a pony pair and Henry and Lawrie with pony singles. Unfortunately Shirley had to scratch at the last minute which gave Henry two rounds. The Crossleys were very successful in the ESA Dressage and CDE Championships held in March this year. Lawrie was ESA CDE driver for 2013.

Kim Norris drove her pair of horses, Rhys Vaudin a pony single. Rhys was awarded 2014 ESA Junior Driver of the Year and Kim the ESA CD Driver of the year. Jackie Boyd drove a horse single. This combination won Novice Horse at the National Driving Championships in Victoria at Easter this year.

Anne Lindh who was awarded ESA Show Driver of the Year for 2014 drove her aged pair of grey ponies winners of the Cone Scurry event at the Adelaide Show on several occasions.

The fastest combination was David Leaver with fourteen year old Rhys Vaudin followed by Henry Crossley with Nicole Bruggeman and then Caitlin Bolger. Kim Norris and Anthony Thomas had fourth fastest time. Runners up were Anne Lindh with son Mark Lindh, Jackie Boyd with Kristy Bruhn and Lawrie Tyas with Jasmine Dennison.

The Jump and Drive was very successful and a great deal of fun for those involved and the enthusiastic spectators. We look forward to doing it again next year.

Anne Lindh with son Mark Lindh. Photo - Felicity Atkinson

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NCIS Australian Young Rider Dressage ChampionshipsIn April, SA Young Riders Jemma Dodd, Courtney

OLeary, and their support team (family and friends)

headed to Victoria for the 2015 Australian YR Dressage

Championships. Jemma and Courtney both received

good scores in the Preliminary and Novice classes.

Jemma and Courtney, you should both be very proud

of your results, the SA dressage community is certainly

proud of you both and all that you have achieved.

The weather certainly tried hard to dampen the 2015

Hygain SA Dressage Champs, but failed!

What a great weekend of competition, the feedback

received has been so positive. The organisation of these

types of events is huge, and it’s great to receive such

positive comments. Such a successful event is attributed

to the hard work of so many people, so a very big

thankyou to the ESA office, the DSA Committee,

all of the Volunteers, local and interstate Judges, our

Sponsors, and Mount Crawford Dressage Club to

name a few.

The Mount Crawford Dressage Club grounds held

up so well in the weather, and the entire MCDC

Committee should be justifiably proud of their club and

picturesque competition grounds. Well done to all of

the competitors, both local and interstate, it was great

to see the weather didn’t keep you away and we

look forward to seeing you in October for the SA

Spring Championships.

2015 Horserail Autumn Dressage Festival Mount Crawford Dressage Club‘Mount Crawford Dressage Club hosted the 2015

Horserail Autumn Dressage Festival incorporating the

SA State Interschool Championships on 23 and 24th

May. The sun came out after a frosty start on Saturday

to present sand arenas groomed to perfection by

groundsman Bill Henderson. Five arenas were in action

all day, with a full program from Preliminary to Grand

Prix, with Pony, Junior and Interschool riders adding to

the mix. Interstate judges Helen Heagney (Vic), Felicity

Yuncken (Vic) and Susan Lamont (Tas) were impressed

by both the facilities, standard of competition and

SA achievements 2015

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Novice Class winner and placegetters at the 2015 State Dressage Championships. Photo credit - Kerry Afford Photography


smooth running of the event, and most certainly by

the catering! Fierce competition in the Elementary

classes resulted in a 4 way tie and count-back for

Elementary Champion, whilst 1st and 2nd in the Grand

Prix class were split by only 1.1%. The vibrant trade

fair presented some ideal shopping opportunities for

competitors between classes.

Sunday’s proceedings were a little quieter with only

3 arenas of competitive classes topped up with 1

closed restricted arena. FEI competitors were kept busy

with three levels in action, whilst large novice classes

produced a high standard of competition. Prize winners

were again pleased with the high quality of prizes and

the smooth running of proceedings thanks to generous

sponsors and a very efficient Mount Crawford

Dressage Club committee.’

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Natasha Cockburn and Country Cruizin had a great weekend in the FEI Small Tour with a 4th place overall. Photo - Kerry Afford Photography

Anne Smith & Heatherton Park Cinzano competed and placed in the Preliminary classes. Photo - Kerry Afford Photography

Jannette James and Skansen Welfen placed in the Novice classes finishing 5th overall in the Novice Championship. Photo - Kerry Afford Photography

Ria Grivell and Acacia Ridge Galileo had a super weekend with high placings in the medium and advanced tests, finishing Reserve Champion in both classes. Photo - Kerry Afford Photography

State Championships 2015


A CASE OF THE THUMPSEliminating equine hiccupsBy Dr Katelyn McNicol, BVSc, WestVETS


Equine hiccups are more commonly referred to as ‘Thumps’, but are far more serious than the human form and scientifically known as Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (SDF).

A horse with thumps will typically present with muscle twitching in their flanks, which are caused by abnormal contractions of the diaphragm. These twitches are normally at regular intervals and can even produce a ‘thump’ noise upon contraction, hence the common name.

The diaphragm is normally controlled by the phrenic nerve, which runs over the base of the heart. In thumps, the nerve is hypersensitive and, instead of responding to its normal stimulus from the brain, it begins to react to the electrical impulses traveling across the heart. This is why the abdominal twitches are normally at regular intervals because they are synchronous with the heartbeat.

Thumps itself isn’t a problem, but the concern lies in the reasons behind the phrenic nerve becoming hypersensitive, which is most commonly from dehydration, and electrolyte and mineral disturbances. The main culprit is normally low calcium, but can also occur with low magnesium, potassium, chloride and sodium.

The severity of the deficiency will dictate the clinical signs, meaning you can see anything from mild abdominal twitches up to whole body tremors, weakness, fever, cardiac arrhythmias and, eventually, seizures.

Logically, it is horses that sweat profusely and are required to perform at an elite level that are most at risk of developing thumps. This is why it is usually only seen in endurance and race horses. In fact, it is so uncommon in other disciplines that many vets can go their whole career without seeing a single case.

There are, however, a few other circumstances that can lead to thumps. Of note is the heavily pregnant mare who can develop thumps due to the calcium depletion in producing milk. This requires prompt veterinary attention to correct and should not be ignored. Mineral and electrolytes can also be depleted by extensive transport, sepsis, gastrointestinal disease and hypoparathyroidism.

TreatmentMany horses will spontaneously resolve when provided with feed and water. However, it is advisable that a vet be contacted to determine if there is a more serious underlying cause that may need further intervention.

Treatment is aimed at correcting any dehydration, and mineral and electrolyte disturbances. This can involve, for example, an electrolyte drench, intravenous calcium or intravenous fluids, with the success of the treatment being monitored by clinical signs and blood testing.

PreventionA horse on good quality feed with access to water should have no trouble coping with light to moderate exercise. If, however, you know your horse may be asked to perform at a higher level where excessive sweating and dehydration may be a risk then treating with an electrolyte replacer before, during and after an

event may be a good idea.

With calcium being one of the leading causes of thumps, it may seem like a good idea to start adding calcium to your horse’s diet. This is, in fact, a bad idea!

Adding excessive calcium to the diet shuts off the horse’s normal

mechanism to mobilise calcium from their own stores (e.g. bone) meaning that in times of need they won’t be able to cope, thereby worsening the condition. Extra calcium should only be added if your horse’s diet is known to be low in calcium or high in phosphorous, or if their pastures are high in oxalates.

It is important to remember that thumps is exceptionally rare, but if you do happen to see the curious sight of your horse hiccuping, it would be well worth a phone call to your veterinarian to determine if a visit is in order.

Did you know?Together with calcium, phosphorus is a major constituent for bone development and growth. The intake of these two minerals must be adequate and in the correct ratio, which is two parts calcium to one part phosphorus. High concentrations of calcium in the diet can depress phosphorus absorption, conversely when Calcium intake is less than Phosphorus intake (ratio less than 1:1) calcium absorption may be impaired.

We’ve all had a case of the hiccups, but did you know that your horse can actually get the hiccups as well?


Thumps summary: At Risk• Any horse that sweats profusely

and becomes dehydrated.

Why• Dehydration, mineral and

electrolyte imbalances.

• Occasionally, calcium depletion in heavily pregnant mares.

Signs from mild to severe• Abdominal twitches (hiccups)

• Whole body tremors,

• Weakness,

• Fever,

• Cardiac arrhythmias and,

• Eventually, seizures.

Prevention• A balanced diet

(balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio)

• Access to a salt block or adding salt to feed

• Electrolytes before, during and after strenuous work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After graduating with honours in 2009 from the University of Queensland, Katelyn McNicol joined the WestVETS team as a mixed animal veterinarian. Although Katelyn loves all animals, her true passion is horses, being particularly

interested in medicine and anaesthesia. Katelyn has also undertaken further study in equine dentistry and she is dedicated to the science of balancing a horse’s teeth to enhance health, nutrition and performance.

www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 51www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 51

andHEALTH WATCH

Small Animal Hospital• PreventativeMedicine• Hospital&Surgery• Desexing• Microchipping• DigitalXray&Ultrasound• LaboratoryTestingOnsite• Hydrobath&Grooming• PuppyPreschool&

DogObedience

Equine Hospital & Farm Animal Services• Stable/PropertyVisits-NOTRAVELCHARGES• EquineHospital&Surgery• EquineDentistry&MobileCrush• LamenessInvestigation• PrepurchaseEvaluation• Microchipping&FreezeBranding• DigitalXray&Ultrasound• Endoscopy&Gastroscopy• StemCellTreatments,IRAP&PRP• SpecialistEquineVets• LaboratoryTestingOnsite

Equine Reproduction Centre• RoutineMareScans(discountedMon,Wed&

FriatourMarburgReproCentre)• ArtificialInsemination• EmbryoTransfer• EmbryoFreezing• StallionCollection&Freezing• InfertilityInvestigation• NeonatalFoalCare• Newpost&railpaddockswithshelters

Opening Hours- Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm,Sat 7:30am-1pm

A/H Emergency Service

Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc(Hons)MANZCVSDr Kylie Schaaf BVSc(Hons)BSc(Vet)(Hons)FANZCVSDr Tori McGuire BVSc(Hons)MANZCVSDr Katelyn McNicol BVSc(Hons) Dr Asher Dessaix BVSc(Hons)MVSDr Emily Mabbott BVM&S Dr Sarah Van Dyk BVSc(Hons)Dr Jane Groenendyk BVSc BScDr Christine Myers, BVSc, DACVIM

PHONE ALL HOURS

07 5464 44222401 Warrego Hwy, Marburg Qld 4346

07 3202 7300540 Mt Crosby Rd, Anstead Qld 4070

Prevention

A horse on good quality feed with access to water should have no trouble coping with light to moderate exercise. If, however, you know your horse may be asked to perform at a higher level where excessive sweating and dehydration may be a risk then treating with an electrolyte replacer before, during and after an event may be a good idea.

With calcium being one of the leading causes of thumps, it may seem like a good idea to start adding calcium to your horse’s diet. This is, in fact, a bad idea!

Adding excessive calcium to the diet shuts off the horse’s normal mechanism to mobilise calcium from their own stores (e.g. bone) meaning that in times of need they won’t be able to cope, thereby worsening the condition. Extra calcium should only be added if your horse’s diet is known to be low in calcium or high in phosphorous, or if their pastures are high in oxalates.

It is important to remember that thumps is exceptionally rare, but if you do happen to see the curious sight of your horse hiccuping, it would be well worth a phone call to your veterinarian to determine if a visit is in order.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After graduating with honours in 2009 from the University of Queensland, Katelyn McNicol joined the WestVETS team as a mixed animal veterinarian. Although Katelyn loves all animals, her true passion is horses, being particularly interested in medicine and

anaesthesia. Katelyn has also undertaken further study in equine dentistry and she is dedicated to the science of balancing a horse’s teeth to enhance health, nutrition and performance.

Did you know?Together with calcium, phosphorus is a major constituent for bone development and growth. The intake of these two minerals must be adequate and in the correct ratio, which is two parts calcium to one part phosphorus. High concentrations of calcium in the diet can depress phosphorus absorption, conversely when Calcium intake is less than Phosphorus intake (ratio less than 1:1) calcium absorption may be impaired.

and

Page 50 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]

Page 50 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]

Logically, it is horses that sweat profusely

and are required to perform at an elite

level that are most at risk of developing

thumps. This is why it is usually only seen

in endurance and race horses. In fact, it

is so uncommon in other disciplines

that many vets can go their whole career

without seeing a single case.

There are, however, a few other

circumstances that can lead to thumps.

Of note is the heavily pregnant mare who

can develop thumps due to the calcium

depletion in producing milk. This requires

prompt veterinary attention to correct

and should not be ignored. Mineral and

electrolytes can also be depleted by

extensive transport, sepsis, gastrointestinal

disease and hypoparathyroidism.

Treatment

Many horses will spontaneously resolve

when provided with feed and water.

However, it is advisable that a vet be

contacted to determine if there is a more

serious underlying cause that may need

further intervention.

Treatment is aimed at correcting any

dehydration, and mineral and electrolyte

disturbances. This can involve, for

example, an electrolyte drench,

intravenous calcium or intravenous fluids,

with the success of the treatment being

monitored by clinical signs and blood

testing.

“Thumps itself isn’t a

problem, but the concern

lies in the reasons behind

the phrenic nerve

becoming hypersensitive,

which is most commonly

from dehydration, and

electrolyte and mineral

disturbances. The main

culprit is normally low

calcium, but can also occur

with low magnesium,

potassium, chloride and

sodium.

At RiskAny horse that sweats profusely and becomes

dehydrated.

Why• Dehydration, mineral and electrolyte imbalances.

• Occasionally, calcium depletion in heavily

pregnant mares.

SignsFrom mild to severe:

• Abdominal twitches (hiccups)

• Whole body tremors,

• Weakness,

• Fever,

• Cardiac arrhythmias and,

• Eventually, seizures.

Prevention• A balanced diet (balanced calcium-phosphorus

ratio)

• Access to a salt block or adding salt to feed

• Electrolytes before, during and after strenuous

work.

www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 57

www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 57

and

HEALTH WATCH

Small Animal Hospital

• PreventativeMedicine

• Hospital&Surgery

• Desexing

• Microchipping

• DigitalXray&Ultrasoun

d

• LaboratoryTestingOns

ite

• Hydrobath&Grooming

• PuppyPreschool&

DogObedience

Equine Hospital & Farm Animal Services

• Stable/PropertyVisits-

NOTRAVELCHARGES

• EquineHospital&Surg

ery

• EquineDentistry&MobileCrush

• LamenessInvestigation

• PrepurchaseEvaluation

• Microchipping&FreezeB

randing

• DigitalXray&Ultrasoun

d

• Endoscopy&Gastrosco

py

• StemCellTreatments,IRAP&

PRP

• SpecialistEquineVets

• LaboratoryTestingOns

ite

Equine Reproduction Centre

• RoutineMareScans(discountedM

on,Wed&

FriatourMarburgRepr

oCentre)

• ArtificialInsemination

• EmbryoTransfer

• EmbryoFreezing

• StallionCollection&Fre

ezing

• InfertilityInvestigation

• NeonatalFoalCare

• Newpost&railpaddoc

kswithshelters

Opening Hours- Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm,

Sat 7:30am-1pm

A/H Emergency Service

Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc(Hons)MANZCVS

Dr Kylie Schaaf BVSc(Hons)BSc(Vet)(Hons)FANZCVS

Dr Tori McGuire BVSc(Hons)MANZCVS

Dr Katelyn McNicol BVSc(Hons)

Dr Asher Dessaix BVSc(Hons)MVS

Dr Emily Mabbott BVM&S

Dr Sarah Van Dyk BVSc(Hons)

Dr Jane Groenendyk BVSc BSc

Dr Christine Myers, BVSc, DACVIM

PHONE ALL HOURS

07 5464 4422

2401 Warrego Hwy, Marburg Qld 4346

07 3202 7300540 Mt Crosby Rd, Anstead Qld 4070

ABOVE: The damaged area of the SDFT can be seen on the

right of the image as a small dark black ‘hole’.

and produce growth factors, similar to platelets. Stem cells

can be harvested from the bone marrow within the sternum

(breastbone) or from fat to one side of the tail head and can be

stored in liquid nitrogen.

Stem cells are injected into the site of the tendon injury with

the use of ultrasound guidance and stimulate healing with the

intention of decreasing the amount of time taken for the tendon

to heal, and also to produce a stronger repair. There has been

very few adverse affects with using the stem cells and less than

0.5% local tissue reactions have been reported after injection.

Conclusion

Tendon injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in

horses that perform at high levels of athletic competition, and

recovery can be aided by injecting stem cells or PRP. However

time, rest and, most importantly, patience are the best way to

get your horse back into work and competition.

and

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emily Mabbott graduated from the

University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After

graduation, she moved to the much warmer

climate of Asia and worked at the Hong

Kong Jockey Club for four years. After

taking some time off to travel, she joined the team at WestVETS

Animal Hospital in May 2010. Emily enjoys all aspects of equine

veterinary work and has completed further training in equine

dentistry. She also enjoys the challenges of the more intensive

patients in the equine hospital and equine anaesthesia. In her

spare time, Emily can usually be found racing dragon boats and

making the most of Queensland’s amazing beaches.

and

more inside...

The best for your horseJune 2015

FJORDThe

Injury-FreeTRAINING

Disease

DRESSAGE SCORES

Boost your

HEART

Rider Posture

Horses and People magazine!

You now have access to

As part of a new partnership with Horses and People Magazine, Equestrian SA members get exclusive access to selected articles from the current edition of Horses and People.

IN THIS ISSUEFind out about Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (or Thumps). What it is and how to prevent it.

IN PREVIOUS ISSUESLearn more about flexor tendon injuries where Dr Emily Mabbott from WestVETS Animal Hospital and Equine Reproduction Centre offers her knowledge to help horse owners understand this sometimes frustrating injury.

These articles are normally available only by purchasing the magazine at newsagents and produce stores.

To find more informative content that is evidence-based and relevant to Australian horse owners, go to www.horsesandpeople.com.au.

There are hundreds of articles on health, training, management and research.


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The Eventing Season has just concluded with the Melbourne International 3DE last week, now a break until the Spring events leading up to our own Adelaide International 3DE November 20 - 22.

To report on happenings since March /April we look back at some Interstate events, Camperdown & Sydney 3DE.

Camperdown Horse Trials 18 AprilA contingent of SA riders regularly trek to Camperdown for the interestingly challenging course and for the CIC qualification. Not quite as many as usual this year.

EVA 105 Luke Jones & Proclaimer placed second , Megan Jones & Louise Chapman’s KP Exquisite were 5th, Arabella Allen & Freedom’s Ace 6th, Bec Fidge & Archetype 21st & Isabelle Weber & KP Irish Applause finished 24th in a large field of 44 starters.

EVA Junior was won by Skylar McFarlane & her very recent purchase, Anthony Thomas’s Southern Warlock, with Sophie Knight & Leguna Seca 3rd.

CIC 1* Stephen Bow & Dashwood Finlay finished 3rd, Jaimie Stichel & Image Look My Way 5th and Katelyn Thompson & Mighty Moses 7th.

EVA 95 Connie Miller & Donn Roccardo was 3rd.

Interstate eventsSYDNEY 3 Day Event 1 - 3 MayWas held at the same time as Olympic Floats HT at Reynella and only two SA riders made the long trip, seeking qualifications for their 3 horses for Melbourne 3DE.

CCI 1* Sarah Clark & Bellhaven Cardentice continued to progress upwards through the ranks amazingly, considering he commenced his eventing career (ex show jumper) only at Lockington. They went clear in XC to place a solid 8th in a field of 26, and qualify for 2*.

CCI 2* Cooper Oborn & Sun Showers were successful in finishing 5th, double clear jumping, adding only 2.4 to their dressage score, thus qualifying her for MI3DE CCI 3*.

MI3DE Alice Morley & her stallion, Romley Antonero (by Anton), also travelled with us to compete in the Young Event Horse class, ridden by Sarah Clark. These classes are very popular in NSW , showing off some very fancy, classy young horses, and this year were also introduced for first time.

Eventing newsMia Allen riding ESB Irish Craft, on their way to completing the cross country in the CCI* class. Photo - Equine Magazine


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South Australian EventsTwo Wells and Olympic Trailers at Reynella both successfully ran EA classes, the latter on same date as Sydney but tyranny of distance meant only two went to Sydney anyway.

Two Wells Pony Club 26 AprilIncorporated two EA classes at EVA 105 & 95, amongst their Grade 5 to 2 Pony Club classes.

EVA 105 was won by Ashleigh Westcott and new ride Crockadoo from Dale Flynn & Aurum Simply Brilliant with Lexie Kinlough coming in third.

EVA 95 was won by Tayla Howell & Renown Mr Trueman from Lisa Morfey & Ironbank Classic Rule with Janeth Flowers & Just A Squiggle placing third.

Olympic trailers horse trials 9 - 10 May Despite the unavailability of the previous Grand Cru venue, a most successful event was held by that Organising Committee, by permission of Reynella HT at their grounds. Wayne Copping made use of many portables to make the course somewhat different than the prior Reynella event and competitors supported the changed venue, running classes up to 2*.

CNC 2* Megan Jones came first on Kirby Park Impress and 3rd on KP Invader. Caitlin Keith & Domino Effect were a very close 2nd only 0.3 behind Impress, with Jaime Stichel and Georgina Watson also completing.

CNC 1* was won by Jade Kluske & Mighty Delago, returning to form. YR, Ashleigh Westcott & Crockadoo came 2nd and Jaimie Stichel riding Karen Edwards Shavallo was 3rd.

EVA 105 Megan again placed 1st and 3rd on KP Irish Poiseidon & History respectively. They were separated by Brianna Whitelock & Justamint coming up in 2nd place. This combination has just recently come to SA from WA. The course caused some surprise eliminations in this class.

EVA 95 Jo Davis & Sleepy Jackson took the win here. “Sleepy” must have woken up and stirred into action! Hannah Webb & Back in Action lived up to his name in 2nd and Kate Maynard & Ultimate Wick Ed came in 3rd.

EVA 80 Division 1 Demi Talor & Coal Master took the win in a very tight finish, only 0.2 separating them from Jen Thompson & Dark Assassin, while Ruby Allen & Miss Molly came in 3rd.

EVA 80 Division 2 Sheree Dickenson & Blood Diamond came 1st here from a youngster in Lauren Van Tijn & Caprioska with Abbey Pritchard & George in 3rd.

EVA 65 Newcomers was won by Lynda Smith & Aldebarron Springtime from Melissa Kester & Fifth Avenue Diamond with Marie Collyer & Little Black Suzi in 3rd.

Naracoorte Horse Trials 16 - 17 may.Congratulations to this energetic Committee for organizing the only CIC event in SA, other than Adelaide, to enable qualifications for riders in this State. For that reason alone Naracoorte attracts many Victorian competitors as well as SA riders – all good for increasing competition standards. Naracoorte provides a good International one day event with excellent going as a lead up to the Melbourne 3DE and an increasing number of Victorians are coming across the border.

Another initiative this year was a State Teams competition as a “practice” for the Teams at MI3DE and Victoria fielded two teams. The SA Team of 4 was Georgie Watson & Babingtons Revenge, Ashleigh Westcott & Crockadoo, Jaimie Stichel & Shavello and new import from WA, Brianna Whitelock & Justamint. They all looked exceptionally smart in their new State outfits and rode the part, just losing out to Victoria number two with Vic 1 in 3rd place – which should serve to make them all more determined next year & improve their show jumping.

CIC 3* was won by Megan Jones & KP Impress having a strong run leading up to MI3DE, from Yona Lloyd of Victoria with Cooper Oborn & Sun Showers 3rd, also leading up to a CCI 3* run at MI3DE – which was not to happen when this accident prone horse of mine “donged” her leg in the paddock! CIC 2*saw Megan winning again, this time on KP Invader from 2 Victorians.

CIC 1* saw Megan winning again, this time on History. Sounds repetitious, but yes Megan did win 3 out of 3 “star classes” ! Two SA Young Riders took out second & third, Katelyn Thompson & Mighty Moses then Ashleigh Westcott & Crockadoo.

EVA 105 was won by Louise Chapman & KP Exquisite, from YR, Sophie Knight & Laguna Seca with Judith Newton & Sea Sabre in 3rd.

EVA 95 was won by Victorian, Tarryn Proctor from Kerrie Spiers & Spierwood Millington with another YR, Connie Miller & Don Roccardo in 3rd.

EVA 80 saw the debut into eventing of one of our top SA dressage riders and she took out first place! Watch out eventers, Heather Currie has made her presence felt with a dressage score of 28.8 - well Hatero de PB did perform at the Para Olympic dressage – but he did only have 4 time faults to add to that score. Interesting. Also of interest, Cooper Oborn took out 2nd on a very recent purchase, (originating from the dressage Bloomfield stud), Bloomfield Royal Nizika with Kerrie Bowman & Diamond Queen close behind.

EVA 65 Newcomers Jeanine Joubert & Excelsior won this from Kelzie Schipp & Westbury Park Chicago with Melissa Kester & Fifth Avenue Diamond in 3rd.


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Kirkcaldy Horse Trials After agreeing to postpone their event originally scheduled for the State Show Jumping Championships weekend in April, and then re-scheduling to May 23 – 24th, the entire event was abandoned due to rain & unsafe wet conditions, much to the disappointment of the SA Eventing competitors who lost one of our only 6 competitions for the Autumn season.

A Critique Day at Reynella was conducted by our homebred International Grand Juror, Gill Rolton, and offered to all combinations planning on competing at MI3DE. Gill did an excellent job advising on test movements & correcting ring craft. All those who came found her session most beneficial.

Melbourne International 3 Day Event 5 - 8 JuneCongratulations to all those SA riders who competed at MI3DE. Although only one achieved a top 3 finish, in contrast to last year where many failed to finish, this year every rider who competed did complete the 3DE. The only casualty was Robert Hutchison, who has not ridden Melbourne for a decade or so – after an excellent clear round XC on Bravo he succumbed to score a ducking in the first water on his second horse, Roccoco. Freezing, Wet !!! For the record, Melboune weather, never the best at any time, outdid itself on Trot Up day particularly, with record freezing temperatures, then rain. Despite all, there were still a dazzling number of young things in skimpy dresses….

Ashleigh Westcott was our top SA finisher placing third on Fiona Guthrie’s older campaigner, Crockadoo, in the Junior CCI 1*. Congratulations to Ashleigh who only started riding this horse this year, for an impressive array of good results. Georgina Watson & Babington’s Revenge also successfully completed this class, with a

qualifying score, but unfortunately no SA Team took part as we had no 3rd rider for a team.

CCI 1* won by Robert Palm & Koko Pop of Victoria, had 12 SA competitors, with Megan Jones & History and Luke Jones & Proclaimer both finishing in the top 20. Luke & Music, Lara Pizimolas & Latitude, Sarah Clark & Bellhaven Cardentice, Robert Hutcheson& Allegro Bravo, and Stephen Bow & Dashwood Finlay all completed with no cross country jumping faults, in that order. Mia Allen & ESB Irish Craft, Emily Daley & Aremdale Donn Piatt, Jaimie Stichel & Shavello and Dale Flynn also completed with some additions to their scores.

CCI 2* First and third to Tim Boland of NSW, but Megan Jones & Kirby Park Impress finished a close 4th as well as 7th on KP Invader and 16th on KP Grand Impressions. Caitlin Keith & Domino Effect and Jaimie Stichel & Image Look My Way also completed 2* in 18th & 19th places achieving qualifying scores, both clear & fast XC, but penalties show jumping added to their finish scores.

CCI 3* won by Christine Bates & Adelaide Hill of NSW, had no SA competitors.

InternationalWendy Schaeffer & Smokin Sun have just placed 10th in a strong International field at Tattersall, Ireland, CCI 2*. If only … young Bertie (the grey) had not tipped the last fence & had it down they could/would have finished 4th. Sun Lover pulled up lame after a clear run at Aston two weeks earlier and missed the Ireland boat. Horses !!!

Now for the break between seasons, get set to re-start at Mildura in July or Mt Gambier in August.


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1. Cooper Oborn and Sun Showers placed 3rd in the CCI*** at the recent Naracoorte Horse Trials. Photo - Equine Magazine

2. Jaimie Stichel Show Jumping at MI3DE on Shavello in the 1* class. Photo - Peter Jones

3. Kirby Park Invader and Megan Jones successfully negotiate the roll top in water. They finished 7th in CCI 2* in Melbourne. Photo - Peter Jones

4. Luke Jones top 20 finisher in the CCI* class at MI3DE with both his horses, Proclaimer and Music. Photo - Equine Magazine

5. Ashleigh Westcott aboard Crockadoo was the highest placed SA rider with a 3rd in the CCI* at MI3DE. Photo - Equine Magazine

6. History and Megan Jones 13th in the CCI 1* at MI3DE. Photo - Equine Magazine

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The Australian Interschool Championship will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from the 28th September to 3rd October, 2015. The event attracts more than 2000 school based competitors aged 5-18 years old from right around the country.

Students from any school in South Australian can participate in state Interschool competitions, provided they are junior members of Equestrian Australia. Interschool provides a competition and educational pathway for young athletes to participate in equestrian

sport during their primary and secondary school years, helping to develop equestrian skills in a supportive team environment.

During March, April and May, qualifying events for South Australian team selection were held for Combined Training, Dressage, Eventing, Show Horse and Show Jumping. There were over seventy competitors, with many competing in multiple disciplines, representing the following schools:

Balaklava High School Horizon Christian School St Francis DeSales College

Birdwood High School Investigator College St Johns Grammar School

Cornerstone College Kangaroo Island Community Education Tenison Woods College

Eastern Fleurieu School Keith Area School Trinity College

Encounter Lutheran College Mount Barker Waldorf School Urrbrae Agricultural High School

Faith Lutheran College Mount Compass Area School Waikerie High School

Gawler & Districts College Oakbank Area School Wilderness School

Gawler High School Pembroke School Willunga Waldorf School

Glossop High School Port Elliot Primary School Xavier College

Happy Valley Primary School Scotch College Yankalilla Area School

Home School Seymour College Yorketown Area School

Qualifying for the nationalsAshleigh Westcott riding Crockadoo at MI3DE, where she finished third in the CCI*. Ashleigh also won the Interschools State Championship 105cm Eventing.


Eventing riders competed at Reynella, Olympic Trailers, Naracoorte and Lockington Horse Trials, with the state champion for each division decided at Lockington. Congratulations to the following riders which were awarded state champion:

80cm Eventing 95cm EventingSteph Hann Chloe Jaksic

105cm Eventing 1* EventingAshleigh Westcott Georgina Watson

The State Show Jumping Championships on the 10-12th April hosted the Interschool championships for Show Jumping and Show Horse at the Wayville Showgrounds. Combining the Interschool and Show Jumping championships gave Interschool competitors the opportunity to watch and learn from the best riders in the state, and a chance to compete alongside senior riders. Show Jumping competitors competed in three classes at each height, with the combined results of all three classes determining the overall champion for each height. Congratulations to the following riders which were awarded the state champion prize:

80cm Primary 90cm PrimaryJasmine Fordham Jasmine Fordham

90cm Secondary 100cm SecondaryTroy Woollard Courtney DeBarro

110cm Secondary 120cm SecondaryGreer Fogle Sarah Nipperess

Discipline ChampionJasmine Fordham

Held on the Sunday of the championships, the Show Horse riders were judged by Therese Bussell and Frank Bawden, with generous sponsorship of all classes from the Arabian Horse Society of Australia. Competitors are required to complete three workouts, including in-hand, rider and ridden. With a forth workout over obstacles for the working hunters. Congratulations to the champions of each class:

Primary Show Horse Primary Show HunterRumer Wendt Kate Kyros

Primary Working Hunter Secondary Show HorseLauren Bolzon Caitlin Fricker

Secondary Show Hunter Secondary Working HunterVictoria Fricker Trudi Day

Discipline ChampionCaitlin Fricker

Dressage qualifying events were held in conjunction with competitions run by the South Australian Dressage Association, Southern Vales Dressage Club, and the Mount Crawford Dressage Club, which

hosted the State Championships. Competitors at the SA State Dressage Championships were also able to use results from that competition as qualifying scores. Congratulations to the state champions for each class:

Primary Preliminary Secondary NoviceKate Kyros Chloe Wedd

Secondary Elementary Discipline Champion Nicole Berry Nicole Berry

Combined Training was scheduled to be held at the Kirkcaldy Park Horse Trials, but due to the wet weather in May, the event was moved to the Strathalbyn Recreation Grounds. Thank you to Karin Edwards for organising the late change of venue, and for overseeing the running of the event. Congratulations to the champions of each division:

45cm Combined Training 65cm Combined TrainingTamara Bakker Ellen Rowlands

80cm Combined Training Discipline ChampionCourtney Munro Tamara Bakker

Preparation for the Australian Interschool Championships is now underway, with fundraising and coaching to be held during July, August and September. South Australia have won the team spirit trophy at the Nationals in four of the last five years, and we hope to continue the tradition in 2015. Thank you to the clubs and committees that have supported Interschool this season, and congratulations to the following riders that have been selected to represent South Australia at the Australian Interschool Championships.

Abbie Bernardo Caitlyn MunroErin Buswell Imogen BessellRumer Wendt Skylar McFarlaneAlecia Lever Candace SmithGeorgina Watson Jasmine FordhamRuth Fisher-bent Sophia GerstlauerAshleigh Westcott Casey WardGreer Fogle Kate BaileySarah Nipperess Sophie ComptonCaitlin Fricker Chloe JaksicHolly Bolzon Kate KyrosShannon Walters Sophie KnightConnie Miller Ellen RowlandsKeelie Jenner Madison HalfordSteph Hann Trudi DayCourtney Munro Emily ComptonLauren Bolzon Mary NitschkeTamara Bakker Victoria FrickerDemi Taylor Emily NettleLucy Potter Nicole BerryTroy Woollard Winter McKayCourtney Debarro Hannah HardyAmelia Ramsey Amy Williams

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1 Show horse riders that competed at Wayville, with Frank Bawden and Therese Bussell, with the sponsor John Newton from the Arabian Horse Society of Australia.

2. Ruth Fisher Bent, one of the qualified Showjumping riders who will represent SA at the interschool national comps at SIEC later in the year.

3. Winners of the 90cm showjumping at the Interschools State Championships.

4. Kate Kyros and Sienna Journey, on both the show horse and dressage primary school teams, seen here competing in dressage at Mt Crawford.

5. Kate Kyros, State Interschools Champion Primary Preliminary dressage and Primary Show Hunter.

6. Emily Compton, selected to represent South Australia at the National Interschools Championships

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Coach Insurance WebinarA webinar presentation explaining the EA Coaches insurance program offered by Gow Gates Insurance Brokers is now available. This is a compulsory component of coach reaccreditation.

Watch the webinar at your leisure in the convenience of your own surroundings. Click Here

The session covers background policy information, claims examples and frequently asked questions around the EA Coach Insurance cover, including Personal Accident, Public Liability & Professional Indemnity.

Click the link below for more information.

Coach Registration EA will be accepting coach registrations for the 2015/2016 accreditation period from Monday 1st June 2015.

Coaches will be able to register online again this year. An automated email will be sent from the EAOnline system to all current coaches and those who have lapsed within the last year. This email will include instructions on how to pay online. When you register online you can also easily update your current personal details, first aid, coach update and working with children check details. Please note that all online payments will incur a 1.5% credit card processing fee.

The registration period for 2015/2016 is 12 months to June 30 2016. This is to align the registration period to the financial year and the insurance cycle.

If you require a hard copy registration form please email your request to [email protected] and a hard copy will be sent by mail. Members who wish to receive their form prior to June 1st must contact the office by May 25th 2015. All paper registrations will incur a $5 paper processing fee.

Coach Registration Costs for this period:• Full Registration (rego + insurance) = $460

• Registration only (you have own insurance) = $225

• Non Practicing Coach = $77

• Trainee Insurance Renewal = $280

Key Dates• June 1st – Registration process opens. All coaches

will receive an email from EAOnline. Hard copies sent to those who have specifically requested this.

• June 20th – Earlybird deadline. If you register before this date you will go into the draw to win an Ipad Mini.

• June 30th – Coach registrations due. If not registered by this date insurance and registration will lapse until payment is made.

If you have any questions please send an email to [email protected]

View the Coaching Registration frequently asked questions and Renewals checklist at www.equestrian.org.au

Coaches Corner


http://www.equestrian.org.au/content/gow-gates-insurance-program-webinar-coaches

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A B Level Dressage Judge and one of the founding

members of the SA Dressage Sub Committee which

supports new and current Judges. I interviewed her

recently on how it all started and where it goes

from here.

Helen didn’t start riding as a child, so I asked her how she got started. “I started when I was 34,’ she said, ‘ but I am an obsessive

perfectionist, so then I had to ride many hours a day to

find out how to get it right (got an ex-endurance horse).

I then did the 3 year TAFE Horse Certificate, which was

very comprehensive & included riding theory & practical,

carried out by Barrie & Sarita Stratton. I soon met up

with Les Szathmary who got me a 3 yr old Lipizzaner &

we were on our way.

Had she always been interested in Judging as well? ‘That came later’, said Helen, “being obsessive, I pencilled

as often as I could as I saw the benefits to my riding,

and was interested to know how judges thought. Many

years later my coach said judging would be even more

beneficial for my riding (I was riding Advanced by then)

- she was right.”

Helen has been a judge for more than 10 years. She has

been a member of the State Dressage Committee, and

President of the Dressage Club of SA, back when Pat

Roberts (wife of the Club founder Tom Roberts) was

alive. So she has certainly ‘given back’ to the sport.

I asked her when she first started focusing on helping other judges and she explained, “As I came up the ranks of judging, I realized what

a lonely, self- guided process it was, and saw others

fall away from lack of support. Several of us thought

we could do better & improve general education

opportunities for judges, so back in 2004 Sam Moyle,

Mary Hovers, Liz Duncan, Adele Kirby & myself, with

input from Sue Thornley from the south-east, started a

‘Judges Working Party’, running video discussion nights

& workshops. Rosemary Castle and Robyn Stokes are

members now and it has grown a lot from there. Now

the group has official recognition as a formal Dressage

Sub-committee and achieves a lot given that until Verity

Hayman joined us recently it has only ever consisted

of 4 people. Mentoring is now officially recognized as a

Dressage qualification.”

Meet Helen WhittleBy Suzanne Skibinski, Coach and officials coordinator


Helen has upgraded regularly over the past few years

and is now a B level Judge. That is a big commitment and

so I asked her how much time she had to put into this

achievement – what inspired her to continue on what is

a fairly intensive practical process

“I believe in trying to be your best at whatever you do,

and that is an ongoing process.”

She went on, “Upgrading does become somewhat more

difficult as go you up through the judge ranks, as you

have to go interstate to get the number of horses to

give you the practice to make it come easily. For B level,

I did 5 interstate trips in a year, so you get to judge 35

Intermediate I horses in one day. I have since been back

to Werribee as we just don’t get the practice in SA to

keep up our skill.”

You still ride – what level are you competing at now – which horse and how old is he or she? “My greatest achievement was

Dressage Horse of the Year on

Andronicus in 2002. I then had

an operation on my spine & was told to forget riding,

and so I sold my young horse of the time (he went on

to do Grand Prix in WA) and then Andy was put down

when he cracked his hock after a kick from a mare. I

came back slowly only to have my new competition

mare badly injure a hind suspensory ligament and

require 18 months out.

Such are the ups & downs of amateur riders,” she

said ruefully. “Now I have 2 mares in work, the one I

am starting to compete on (at Elementary) was Cath

Brennan’s. Cath, most would remember, was a B Level

Judge who died suddenly 12 months ago. She never

actually competed on Fleur de Fax (Margot), so I feel

some sense of obligation to ‘get her out there’.

As a rider, what do you expect from Judges? Helen replied very seriously, “ That they have a

commitment to developing experience & knowledge to

be able to see what the underlying problems are & give

practical comments based on training issues rather than

accuracy – (we know if we ride a circle too large!) – and

that they don’t stop learning!”

As Helen wears both ‘hats’ as a rider and a judge I asked what advice as a judge would she give riders preparing for a competition. Her reply was very clear. “Read the purpose of the test. It is one sentence at the

top of the sheet. Ask yourself honestly if you can carry

out that criteria. Then read & think about the directives

next to each movement. Have a knowledge of the

training scale.

After the test –actually read the comments & try to

make sense of what that judge was seeing & why. Go up

to them & discuss. If you want to phone them at a later

date, it would be helpful to scan your test so they have it

in front of them. Not enough riders talk to judges about

their tests. We all get a bit precious because we put so

much of ourselves into them. I understand the emotion

involved, and unfortunately it comes across as a negative

sport. We only have time to say what has not been

carried out & why marks were lost.

More riders should come along to Judges’ workshops

and get involved. They are open to everyone. Come

& watch clinics, especially when we get people of the

calibre of Martin Plewa (who is planned to come later

this year).”

I then asked Helen what advice she would give to new judges on how to progress through the levels – what should they focus on? Helen’s reply gave some real insight into what her experience had taught her.

“Judges need to understand that their job is to help

riders. To do that, they need a thorough understanding of

technique. The focus should be on understanding quality

of pace and what affects it.

They should always be thinking about upgrading, as

that puts pressure on to not ‘get in a rut’, and helps to

keep up with the ever changing rules. They should find a

mentor. Don’t be frightened to ask for help. The system

is getting more supportive!

At any level, judges do need to travel interstate to keep

their eye in on what the national standard is, that is only

fair to the riders. And it need not cost a lot – find out

who else is going, share car rides & cabins or look for

cheap flights.

Don’t just go & watch, ask the organisers if you can sit in

or shadow judge. Put pressure on yourself.”

I know that Helen has been Interstate for exams and seminars but I asked how much she considered this improved her Judging. Her reply was straight to the point.. “I go as often as I can. It is really important that we are

in touch with what is the national standard. There is no

point giving a rider 8 when you know if they compete at

national level it will be a 6. As much as riders would like

higher marks, you have to be fair to the small percent

that will travel.

You see a greater range of quality horses and overall

better riding. Having to rank 35 horses at say Prix St

Georges, improves your skills. Earlier this year I spent

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I believe in trying to be your best at whatever you do, and that is an ongoing process.


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a whole day being mentored by Wim Ernes (‘O’ Level

Judge & Head Coach of Holland – yes they have a whole

team of national coaches!). It was a great experience and

there for the asking.”

And to cap it all, Helen has many other interests and skills to occupy her. She told me that although she has retired from being Registrar of the Veterinary Surgeons Board, she is still finds her days to be more than full. ‘I am still very involved with Horse SA,” she said. “I was

a founding member 15 years ago when we saw the

value of having an organisation that could be a voice

to government on issues that affect all horse owners.

Members include Racing, Harness, Pony Club, RDA, etc.

The achievements have been enormous (it would take

another article), and the recognition worldwide. Our EO

Julie Fiedler has been outstanding in her efforts and has

been invited to give a paper on our Horse Welfare work

at the next ISES Conference in July in Vancouver, and

then on to Prague.

She went on to tell me, “Our latest project is to raise money to preserve the

Tom Roberts collection recently bequeathed to us,

which includes Dr Andrew McLean agreeing to write a

book on Tom’s contribution to horse training. This should

strike at the hearts of all local horse trainers. Most

would have seen/read at least one of Tom’s 4 books on

horse training. Tom Roberts created the foundation for

Dressage in this state. He founded the first dressage

Club, DCSA, in 1950, also Pony Club SA & several of

the individual pony clubs. He was part of the organizing

committee for the first one day event in SA (won by

Marian Malecki); he was instrumental in getting Franz

Mairinger the position of coach of our first Australian

Olympic team for the 1956 Games.

As a last comment she added, “I also breed Wiltipoll

sheep & Burmese cats. I helped found the Feline

Association back in 1974 and continue to take a close

interest in animal welfare issues”.

Thanks Helen, next time you can give us some tips on

how to keep up the energy to do all that you do.

If you think you would like to be a Dressage Judge, you

can call me at Equestrian SA and I will be able to tell

you the first steps. As well, all the Dressage Judges, like

Helen, are happy to help and mentor new judges and

get them off to a good start!


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With the very successful summer/autumn show season over our jumping horses are now having a well-earned break. The SASJC at Wistow and the Mallala Show Jumping Club’s Winter Series are well under way and along with Metro and Strathalbyn these clubs are holding very valuable Freshmans days. We applaud those dedicated people who put in so much effort so that our riders can have a great variety of activities to attend.

Our State Championships were a great success with many positive comments about the venue and how the competition was run. Wayville has been booked again for the 2016 State Championships and preliminary discussions are already underway. We are calling for expressions of interest form the jumping community for people to join a subcommittee to be responsible for running the Championships and we will welcome anyone to join that committee.

The inaugural Adelaide Hills Show Jumping Spectacular hosted by the Kulpara Show Jumping Club from all accounts was only hampered by the weather. The facilities were great, the jumping surface ideal and the committee was experienced and well organised. It was a great shame that the weather was not on their side but they are looking at a date later in the year to reschedule the last day.

Thank you to all the other clubs and the Agricultural Societies who have held shows in the first half of 2015. Riders, please continue to support the clubs and

Agricultural Societies and please offer your help when you can.

On June the 4th we held an open meeting for any person who was interested in the progression of the sport. This was well attended and many constructive ideas came out of the discussions. A few people expressed that they would be willing to help with the State Championships and from that meeting we welcome three new people to the South Australian Show Jumping Committee. We also thank Nick Van Dissel for chairing that meeting and providing us with a few laughs along the way.

The Show Jumping Committee itself has now seen a complete change of the guard. We welcome Matthew Robins, Michael Haese and Bryan Broad to our ranks. Michael and Bryan have been members of this committee in the past and we look forward to benefitting from their wealth of knowledge and experience. For details of all the positions please visit the ESA web site. There are still a few positions vacant and we welcome anyone to apply.

Lastly I would like to say a big thank you to Andrew Paech who is taking a three month leave of absence. Andrew has worked tirelessly in the position of Chair for many years and after a particularly busy State Championships he has requested some well-earned time off. We will welcome Andrew back towards the end of the year. Thank you Andrew.

Summer, Autumn roundupPhoto - Equine Magazine

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Adelaide Hills Showjumping SpectacularPhotos - Equine Magazine.


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Doing ground work with Daitan Sasha Fierce (Halo) to prepare her for a future as a vaulting horse. Photo - Arreton Photography

Ben Rosiak competing on Sissy’s Charm


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At the age of 10, Ben is one of the younger vaulters in South Australia and is one of only a handful of junior boys currently competing at vaulting in Australia. Born in Scotland, Ben moved to Australia with his Australian mother and Scottish father when he was 6 and was very quickly recruited into the Acacia Gold Vaulting Club family by Sarah Hocking. Ben has grown up around horses, with his older sister riding and showing her own ponies in the UK, and he now lives at Gawler Belt on his families horse property Thistle Park.

Ben attends training with Acacia Gold each Saturday where he does fitness training, barrel work and of course training on the horses. Gymnastics and flexibility training are also important for his vaulting so he has a weekly training session with his gymnastics coach and he practices at home on the barrel. Ben is coached by Nina Fritzell and one of the things he loves about his vaulting club is the way in which the senior vaulters assist in training and mentoring the junior vaulters. Ben also attends the National Vaulting Workshop every January run over 5 days at the National Equestrian Centre in Canberra, where Australian vaulters have access to international coaches and world champion vaulters. This is also an opportunity for the vaulting community to come together in a non-competitive environment and Ben has made many vaulting friends throughout Australia through his attendance at these workshops.

Ben has been lucky enough to learn and compete on the lovely little quarter horse Sissy’s Charm, lunged by Kirsty Barrowcliffe. Sissy is a dream horse for teaching the junior vaulters and looks after her little vaulters with the utmost care. Ben will soon be too big for Sissy, especially when he moves up to Novice, so he is fortunate enough to have the young Arabian Warmblood, Daitan Sasha Fierce, or Halo as she is called at home, who has commenced her training as Ben’s future vaulting horse . Halo is by the German Warmblood Royal Hit(Dec) and currently stands at 15.3hh so a bit on the small side for a vaulting horse, but with her exceptional temperament and movement it is hoped she will see Ben move through Novice and Intermediate.

Ben is currently competing in Pre-novice which involves performing his compulsories at the canter and his freestyle at walk. He also competes in Pas de Deux with another young South Australian vaulter Lily Moore. Ben won his individual class at the South Australian Vaulting Championships and was second in his individual class at the Australian National Vaulting Championships in 2014. This saw Ben being awarded South Australian Pre-novice Vaulter of the Year, an achievement he’s very proud of.

Ben will be travelling to Europe in August/September this year where he will have the opportunity to attend the inaugural World Equestrian Vaulting Junior World Championships in Ermelo and the European Vaulting

Championships in Aachen, as well as train with some of the best coaches and vaulters in the world. Although Ben will only be a spectator at this years Junior World Championships, his aim is to qualify and compete at the

junior championships when he is old enough.

When asked what Ben likes most about vaulting he says:“I love vaulting because I get to do some really exciting things on a moving horse, with my favourite movement at the moment being a press then going straight into a shoulder stand. I also love going to the Canberra Workshop and places like Sydney to compete where I can see all my vaulting friends. Vaulting also means I can go to Germany and other places in Europe where I already know some people who also vault and there’s not many kids who get to travel to these places and do the thing they love to do.”

Current Vaulting competition dates20 September Acacia Gold at Venue to be advised

24-27 September Nationals/CVI 2* at Queensland

17-18 October State Championships at Mallala Equestrian Centre

Vaulter Profile: Ben Rosiak

I love vaulting because I get to do some really exciting things on a moving horse


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Documents

The Horse's Mouth | Winter Issue 2015