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June July 2014 - Page 2
Produced by HOOFBEAT PUBLICATIONS
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www.hoofbeats.com.auMANAGING EDITOR
Sandy Hannan
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSCarol WillcocksCarole Watson
Contributing EditorsWendy Elks
Kaye MeynellADVERTISING
Tracy Weaver Sayer
OFFICE / ACCOUNTSKatrina Bailey
GRAPHICS AND WEBCaitlin Bolger
Louise and Adrian Redman
E-MAGAZINE Diane Bawden
SUBSCRIPTIONSBob Hannan
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSEquine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)
Liz TollarzoDr Jennifer Stewart
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A National Riding, Training and Horse Care Magazine . . . .incorporating The Green Horse -sustainable horsekeeping.
hoofbeats
Looking after the legs - page 24
Equine Veterinarians Australia
Herbs Used to Prevent and Treat Equine Colds and Flu - page 44
Vol 36 No 1June July 2014Inside
Where horses
like to be touched -
page 70
4 LATERAL MOVEMENTS - THE HALF PASS by Liz Tollarzo Lateral exercises improve a horse’s physical and mental flexibility and lay the foundations for complex movements in many disciplines.
8 REVERSING THE CLUB FOOT by Darren Robertson The factors that contribute to this condition in foals and how it can be treated.
13 SHOULDER EXERCISES FOR QUIET HANDS by Wendy Murdoch The key to quiet hands lies with relaxed shoulders and a correctly aligned rib cage.
16 A PLACE TO CALL HOME by Carole Watson The post-war setting of this popular Australian drama requires many of its actors to ride. Actress Abby Earl talks about what has surprised and delighted her about horses. Trainer, Grahame Ware, explains his priorities when teaching actors to ride.
20 READER’S STORY - STAR PICKET INJURIES Her beloved mare suffered fatal injuries when pierced by a star picket. Annie Crutchlow shares her story.
22 TRIEQUITHON by Geoff McLean A new event devised by Racing Victoria, Triequithon is taking eventing to the racetrack.
AUSTRALIA: LEADING THE WAY IN HOOFCARE by Wendy Elks From Tasmania, around Australia and to the world, Australian experts are showing the way forward.
24 LOOKING AFTER THE LEGS by Dr John Kohnke The correct diet, exercise, training and ‘after exercise’ care can all influence the risk and severity of limb injury and the ‘down time’ required from a training schedule.
26 WHY THAT TAIL GUARD? Whether a simple bandage or a high tech specialised protector, a tail guard can help maintain the appearance and health of a horse’s tail.
35 SLOWING THE HANDS OF TIME by Dr Jennifer Stewart - Equine Veterinarians Australia With age, horses can become more susceptible to dental problems and parasites and may have difficulty maintaining their weight and general health, so regular checks are needed to ensure their quality of life.
THE GREEN HORSE - sustainable horsekeeping 42 Reducing Environment Impact 43 Are there GMOs in Horse Food? by Andrea Carmody Large Animal Rescue Roadshow 44 Equine Landcare Groups by Rebecca Cassells Growing Equine Herbs - Equine Herbs and ‘Flu by Jackie Rive 45 Weedwatch - Hairy Mustard by Nicola Field 46 Holistic Management Pt 10b by Mariette van den Berg 47 FEI Sustainability Initiative 48 Hanging a Gate by Andrea Carmody
The Half Pass - page 4
June July 2014 - Page 3
BONUS
EDITORIAL
* RRP inc GST $7.50 ISSN 0811-8698
Why That Tail Guard - page 26
Trainability- page 54
View these in the e-mag, App and FREE e-preview at www.hoofbeats.com.auARTICLESARTICLES
Vol 36 No 1June July 2014
Reversing the Club Foot - page 8
50 RESCUING THE NEGLECTED HORSE What constitutes ‘neglect’ of an animal means different things to different people. Sometimes the rescuers themselves can fall into the trap of mistreating horses by taking on more than they can realistically care for.
54 TRAINABILITY by Kaye Meynell Just as humans do, horses differ in their ability to learn. Many factors affect a horse’s ease of training and exposure to a variety of stimuli may be a factor.
58 NUTRIGENOMICS by Geoff McLean With a gene map of the horse now completed, the new sciences of genomics and nutrigenomics could be about to change the current concept of managing equine nutrition, health, behaviour and performance.
61 HAVE YOUR SAY Reader feedback and questions.
64 MOUNTED SECURITY by Wendy Elks The many advantages of using horses for security purposes are being utilised by the Australian Turf Club as it combines this with a use for retired Thoroughbreds, while other Security firms are adding a mixture of breeds to their stables.
67 PRODUCT NEWS The latest on what’s new in the market place
68 CONSERVING THE CLEVELAND BAY by Rebecca Cassells A breed with a noble history, the Cleveland Bay is now rarer than the Giant Panda.
70 PLEASE EXPLAIN with Ross Jacobs, Franklin Levinson and Cherry Hill Why horses try to move off when being mounted; why they rush at gateways and where they like to be touched.
74 DO HORSES RECOGNISE THEIR HANDLERS? What most horse owners have maintained all along has now been verified by research - horses can distinguish between strangers and familiar humans.
77 DO YOU DANCE? by Melissa van der Sluys As with ballroom dancing partners, the horse and rider partnership requires one to lead, however the aim should be to be so connected in this ‘dance’ it is difficult to see who is leading whom.
78 HORSE FRONT News, veterinary advances and horse happenings around the world.
IBC SUBSCRIBE TO WIN New and current subscribers are eligible to win a range of Cal Rei products. To subscribe, visit www.hoofbeats.com.au or ph 08 93970506
A Place to Call Home - Abby Earl and
Grahame Ware - page 16
BONUS
This issue is absolutely packed with a range of articles covering many of the topics from our ‘never ending’ list, which has been created from reader’s requests. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed compiling it.OLD HORSES The Equine Veterinarians Australia article, ‘Slowing The Hands Of Time’ was a great opportunity for us to invite readers - via our facebook page - to participate by sending in photos of their ‘oldies’ for possible inclusion. WOW, what a response! It appears there are many, many loved old horses in Australia and New Zealand! Thank you for sharing these, we had the extremely hard job of selecting just a couple for the magazine.(Others are retained on file.) HAVE YOUR SAYIn the past we have often included a section for letters to the editor. While Facebook has somewhat replaced its regular inclusion, as comments can now be made and responded to promptly. In this edition we have started a section called Have Your Say, primarily as a result of feedback on last issue’s article Have Horse Will Travel. A number of phone calls were received and all were invited to Have Their Say in print...some did, some didn’t take up the invitation. Mail relating to other topics is also included and we welcome your horse related comments for future issues. HORSE WELFAREIt’s hard to imagine any committed horse owner disputing the well-known phrase ‘Poverty is Owning a Horse’. Unfortunately some people go into horse ownership without realising the considerable investment in time and money required. Others may find their financial or personal circumstances changing and their capacity to care for their horse reduced. While we’d like to think that few horses would end up in the hands of inexperienced or under resourced people, unfortunately it happens and the consequences can be disastrous. While there are groups and individuals across the country, thankfully dedicated to helping horses in need, some interesting points are raised in Rescuing the Neglected Horse on page 50.FACEBOOK FEEDBACKFacebook has proven to be an ideal means of communicating with readers on a regular basis and we value the feedback we receive via it. As the numbers of those who have liked our page approaches 8000 it’s reassuring to know that we can obtain feedback from a diverse cross section of readers.IN-HOUSE TEAM UPDATECaitlin Bolger (graphics) has returned from a successful Show Jumping tour of Melbourne and Adelaide; past team member Ian Smith is doing well with his dressage competition in NSW and Victoria; one of the team involved with Mountain Biking did a ‘face plant’ and is now sporting the bruises; and lucky, lucky, lucky Diane Bawden and Caitlin are both off to the World Equestrian Games in France!The Hoofbeats Team
• HORSETREKKING - Chile to Argentina across the Andes• MINIATURE MEDITERRANEAN DONKEYS
BONUS
HalfThe half pass is the most
advanced forwards-sideways
movement that is used in
dressage with the exception
of the canter pirouette. It is
performed in collected trot
and canter.
Passby Liz Tollarzo
What is it?The half pass is often referred to by trainers as 'travers on the diagonal line' and once travers is mastered by riders, this description can greatly assist the transition to riding half pass in the early stages. The main difference is that half pass is performed along the diagonal line and not the long side of the arena (as with travers) and that the angle and resulting difficulty then will change depending on the length of the diagonal line chosen. In other words, a half pass ridden on the long diagonal line (e.g. HXF) would look very similar to travers, with four equal tracks showing if a spectator was standing on that line with the horse travelling towards or away. However, if the half pass was ridden on the short diagonal line (e.g. H to B) the angle would be greater making the movement much more difficult. If the spectator was standing at either the A or C end of the arena, the horse would appear to be travelling with its body close to parallel to the long sides of the arena, with the
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June July 2014 - Page 6
It is often taken for granted that a horse in training will be able to be trained and
competed regularly and remain sound in the legs, even as it ages. It can take years to school a horse and reach more advanced movements without riders having to contend with niggling lameness issues. It is well established by research that lameness due to bone stress resulting from concussion and limb structural overloading, especially in young heavy horses, combined with overload or over-flexion of fetlock, knee and hock joints, as well as tendon strain, can result in up to 70% of the lost training days in a horse in advanced training. Although immaturity can be the underlying cause of limb failure in horses less than three years of age, ‘wear and tear’ of training with repetitive work outs, as well as poor conformation, low heels in the front limbs, excess body size and weight loading, poor arena surfaces and accidental leg injuries, all influence the risk and severity of a limb injury and length of time a horse may need to be rested up from full time trainingARE THE LIMBS MATURE ENOUGH FOR EXERCISE?Horse’s legs are generally mature enough at 21 months of age to withstand light work. At 21 months, the ‘growth plates’ or cartilaginous area between the shaft and ‘cap’ of the long bones in the fetlocks, knees and hocks close as they change the bone to fuse the ends of the bone to the shaft. They change from cartilage to bone, fusing the bone ‘cap’ within the joints to the long shaft of the bone. About The Author
With over 40 years’ experience in horse nutrition, medicine and horse husbandry, Dr John Kohnke has written three major books and published thousands of articles. John personally formulates all the supplements and health care products in the Kohnke’s Own range.To subscribe to the health issue quarterly newsletter, email: [email protected] For enquiries, nutritional advice and free ration analysis email: [email protected]
Dr John Kohnke BVSc, RDA
LOOKING AFTERLegsth
eUp to 70% of the lost training days of a horse in advanced training can be attributed to legs.
Up to 70% of the lost training days of a horse in advanced training can be attributed to legs.
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June July 2014 - Page 7
There are many reasons why it may be necessary to apply protection to a horse’s tail – from preventing injuries during travel, to
purely aesthetic reasons such as training the hair to lay flat or keeping the tail neat and clean. When it comes to wrapping a tail, there are several options: the traditional tail bandage, padded tail guards, and finally tail bags.The horse’s dock, or tailbone (where the top of the tail merges with the hindquarters), consists of bony segments (vertebrae) that are a continuation of the spine (varying from 15-21 in number) and it is important for a number of reasons: balance,
preventing flies and insects from accessing the underlying sensitive areas and as a means of expressing behaviour. Horse owners themselves also tend to place a significant emphasis on a luxurious and full tail; often going to great lengths to ensure it remains pleasing to the eye! TAIL BANDAGESBefore the more recent addition to the market of tail guards, tail bandages were the standard equipment of choice when it came to protecting the tail during travel, and also keeping it neat before an equestrian competition. Bandages were also used to keep the tail out of the way as a safety issue for some events (i.e. polocrosse where the tail is bandaged so the racket does not become entangled) and during rectal/vaginal examinations by a veterinarian, breeding
WHY THAT
Protection to the horse’s tail is used for many reasons: aesthetics, safety, comfort and hygiene and when applied with care can help maintain a full and healthy tail.
Tail Guard?
Continued
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June July 2014 - Page 8
Like people, horses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and temperaments, and whilst most horse owners would agree
that temperament is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying or breeding horses, the effect that temperament or ‘personality’ can exert on the overall athletic success of the horse is perhaps less often understood or even considered. In fact – if one were asked to choose between a horse with superb natural athletic ability or a horse with a ‘trainable’ brain but less ‘star quality’, the choice would likely not be an easy one. So, is it possible for personality to be used to predict if a horse will be compliant and accept training more readily? Modern equine husbandry practices provide an environment that has deviated significantly from that within which horses have evolved to exist. Generally stabled for prolonged periods of time, horses are then expected to suddenly ‘perform’ in line with an owner or trainer’s schedule -and do it well. In fact, many of the ‘favourable’ behaviours observed in a compliant horse – those that result in it being labelled trainable – are often behaviours that are the exact opposite of those that would be critical for survival in a wild horse (e.g. doesn’t spook at unusual objects; accepts a person on it’s back; is happy being kept alone).
TRAINABILITYTRAINABILITY
Research indicates that a horse’s willingness to cooperate with a rider, including riding and handling behaviour, were perhaps more closely linked with successful sports careers for horses than a horse’s actual physical performance potential!
by Kaye Meynell
Phot
o by
Cait
lin B
olger
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June July 2014 - Page 10
Regular ContributorsChris FerreiraNicola Field
Mariette van den BergAndrea Carmody
Jackie RiveDr Ian Chivers
Articles, news, photographs, ques-tions and artwork for inclusion in this publication are welcomed and
should be emailed to [email protected]
with the sender’s contact details
Number110
Information ExchangeReaders Tips, Views and Questions
Growing Equine HerbsHerbs for Equine Colds
GMOs in Feed
Equine Landcare Groups
Weed WatchHairy Mustard
National Tree Day
Hanging a Gate
Holistic Management
Number 110: June/July 2014Produced by Hoofbeat Publications90 Leslie Road Wandi 6167Ph: 08 9397 0506 Fx: 08 9397 [email protected]
Neglected Horse
June July 2014 - Page 11
Rescuing the Neglected Horse
The generally accepted definition of animal welfare concerns the
physical and mental state of an animal, and whether it’s needs
(relating to both of these) are met. Some argue that abuse only really
involves acts of deliberate physical harm such as beating or starving a horse;
others maintain that the term incorporates inappropriate handling and/or husbandry,
over-exercise and mental trauma - such as recurrent episodes of stress caused by isolation,
or fear arising as a result of a consistently aggressive and violent handler. Whatever the cause, sadly there
are many cases of abuse and neglect evident within the Australian equine population, and many generous people
left picking up the pieces and offering these animals a second chance at life. Whilst the adoption and rehabilitation of neglected and abused horses is a noble gesture, there are important issues to be aware of that will ultimately impact on the success or failure of this goal.
The topic of horse welfare is a confronting one, with opinions as to what actually constitutes abuse varying widely between individuals. It is therefore useful to define the term ‘welfare’ because it can mean different things to different people.
Whilst the adoption and rehabilitation of neglected
and abused horses is a noble gesture, there are important
issues to be aware of that will ultimately impact on the
success or failure of this goal.
Whilst the adoption and rehabilitation of neglected
and abused horses is a noble gesture, there are important
issues to be aware of that will ultimately impact on the
success or failure of this goal.
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Starting near Santiago in Chile, David Smith rode through the Los Patos Pass across the Andes Mountains to Upsallata, near Mendoza, in Argentina on a nine day trek, sometimes at heights of 4,500m, and always with stunning scenery on this journey where there are no roads.
David Smith, from Bedfordshire, in the UK, has one of the best jobs in the world! He is Managing Director of Unicorn Trails, www.unicorntrails.com, the horsetrekking company that has rides available all around the globe. From the UK to Mongolia, New Zealand to Iceland and everywhere in between, there is a horse trek to suit everyone. Some treks are roughing it, some are luxurious and others are a mix of both. As part of his role in the company David is obliged to take as many of the rides as possible. He doesn’t mind at all!It has only been about twenty years since David caught the ‘horse bug’, but he has certainly taken his passion and fashioned his life and business around it.David tells us about one of his recent treks crossing the Andes Mountains from Chile to Argentina.
The crossing took us from the Andean foothills near Los Andes in Chile
to the plains of Mendoza in Argentina; we enjoyed seven days of riding, over mountain passes, including the Espinacito
Chile to ArgentinA
Across the Andes Mountains
Slope at 4500m (14,760ft), and six nights camping in the remotest of places. There are no roads on this historic route, which was taken by San Martín in 1817 when his army crossed the High Andes to liberate the people of Chile, so we had to take all our camping gear, provisions and personal belongings (limited to
10kg per person) along with us on pack horses
and mules.A day may start with the waking dreams of a luxury en suite whilst still snuggled into a warm sleeping bag but on sloping, undulating ground and,
David packed and ready for the day of trekking on his Chilean pony..
Top: Ponies during a rest stop. Middle: Dinner at the campsite. Bottom: Crossing a fast flowing but shallow river of snow melt.
preparing to reverse the gymnastics of the previous night to emerge from a tent into the ‘fresh’ morning of cold stones and soggy vegetation to retrieve damp, stiff boots. Oh, but such magnificent scenery in the soft golden light, horses and mules contentedly munching away, the aroma of a wood fire, the distant call of a wild animal and real fresh morning air.
After a wash and dress, there’s breakfast to be had but I like to pitch in with the jobs if I can, so I might fetch water from a stream, or collect up the debris from the fire-
side party of the night before. Bags are then packed and left for the gauchos to stow on the pack animals along with the tents and all the other provisions. There’s really no rush as horses are tacked up and riders mount, but eventually we are off, leaving the gauchos to finish the domestic tasks and follow on later.
Mountain trail horses are sure-footed and there is no need to micro-manage as they pick their way across the most rugged ground, sometimes across steep scree slopes or along narrow ledges, but there’s no need to fear as you climb higher and higher. Time flies by as the vistas unfold and soon there is a stop for a rest and lazy picnic lunch in some shade by a cool mountain stream or waterfall. Early afternoon will see the riders on their way again and as the sun comes around behind them, colours slowly turn to gold and the next campsite comes into view.
The day’s ride over, horses are untacked and released to drink and graze in the oasis of a water-meadow. The campsite is soon buzzing with people building a campfire for cooking, putting up tents, assembling
tables and chairs and preparing food. With many hands, in no time at all it’s time to eat and drink – and to talk long into the night around the fire about the adventures of the day before going off to a deep sleep and to dream some more.Our first night was spent in a regular hotel, then after breakfast the next morning we are ferried by private bus to the small town of Los Patos, the last chance to purchase souvenirs in Chile, and then a few miles further on where our papers are processed in preparation for crossing the unattended border in a few days time, and where our horses are waiting for us. In very little time at all, the riders set off to climb gently through a lightly wooded valley, following the
rushing Rocin River, which is little more than a large stream when we reach our first campsite on the first evening of riding.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words but even a thousand pictures would struggle to convey the magnificent unfolding scenery that is the High Andes. After a fairly long second day of riding, we chose a likely spot to pitch our tents - somewhere dry and flat and not too far away from the campfire or the water. We invite three soldiers attending the nearby army outpost to join us and they are so grateful as we are the first real company they have had in nearly six weeks. And, although horse riding means different things to different people, to me, horse riding is about seeing the world from horseback – and I’d be surprised if it comes any better than this. But it does …
The next morning we work our way slowly up the steep-sided valley to the Chile-Argentina border crossing at 3500m. On the high plateau, we meet a goat-herding family who sell us some of their cheese while we take in the rarer mountain air and ponder on the magnificent views.
Here we say good-bye to our Chilean ponies as they are not allowed into Argentina. Waiting patiently for us, are the
Left: The ponies are all very sure footed and pick their way carefully in the rough terrain.Middle: Left is the Chilean stirrup and on the right is the Argentinian version.Bottom: The views and the colours on the High Andes at a lakeside camp.
Top Right: David with his Argentinian horse and one of the pack mules - note the stunning view in the background.Above: Mt Anconcagua (6,962m), the highest mountain peak outside the Himalayas.Right: Valle Hermoso campsite had it all, views, grass, water, wood and a river to fish in.Below: Pack mules and horses turned loose on the lush grass for the rest day.
Argentinean gauchos with our fresh mounts and pack animals. In an old stone-built Inca shelter, we enjoy a long and lavish picnic, and then a siesta; I found it wonderfully strange to think that we were using this space for the same purpose as travellers had done for hundreds of years.
Moving on, we soon have our first great view of snow-veiled Mount Aconcagua (6962m), the highest mountain peak outside the Himalayas. I have been very lucky to have seen many truly stunning views in my travels but never, before this day, have I been able to look at a stunning view in one direction, turn my horse around through 180 degrees, and then see another that is just as inspiring. Eventually we move on to camp in a wide lush valley that is a camping haven: rushing fresh water, grass for the animals, wood for the fire, level area to set up tents, a slow river to fish in.
This valley of Valle Hermoso is such a haven that we stay here for the rest day.
The Chilean horse or Chilean Corralero is a horse breed from South America. It is the oldest registered native American breed, the oldest registered breed of Iberian origin, the oldest registered horse breed in South America and the oldest registered stock horse breed in the Western Hemisphere.Like many other native breeds in Latin America, the Chilean Horse is extremely hardy. It has a low metabolism, a high threshold for pain, a great immunity to disease and a remarkable rate of recuperation. Their hooves are strong and their thick double-hair coat makes them well-suited for both cold and dry/hot weather. The breed has a very docile temperament and makes a very alert horse with a
large capacity for work.The Chilean horse prior to 1850 was a closed breed type, due the absence of European breeds in a country that was convinced they had the best horses in South America. The isolation that resulted from the geographical definition of its borders also made imports less probable. When modern transport made new breeds more accessible, Chile was one of the last places in South America to see them arrive. Even so, the innumerable mountains, ridges and valleys over a 4,300 km (2,700 mi) long landscape assured that the purity of many Chilean Horses remained intact.Faithful traditional breeders also were critical contributors to breed purity by not succumbing to
the horses of Chile
In the morning, we leave our haven and climb over a ridge to enter the dry Los Patos Valley, which gives the name to the next pass. After a while, we ride along an ancient ocean floor that exposes marine fossils, and then we pass along the ephemeral Volcán riverbed. Our next camp, Rancho de Lata, is at 3500m, which is a good preparation for high altitude challenge of the next day.
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the highest point of our journey as we ascend and cross the Espinacito Slope at 4500m. We took the steep climb very gently. There was to be no hurrying
on this part of the trip as each horse took its turn to advance a few paces and then pause for breath.
Along the route, we have occasionally passed historic markers that designate points where Don José de San Martín and his cavalry set up their camps and, tarrying at one, the sheer enormity of their journey begins to sink in.
In the middle of the last day, as we wind our way down to the estancia in Hornillas, we met three young Chilean soldiers who were making the historic crossing on foot. They were carrying packs nearly twice their size, had been intensively training for six months and were expecting their crossing to take them 21 days.
Left: Stopping to drink from a stream of snow runoff.Right: Crossing the Los Patos Valley Pass.
the temptations of cross-breeding. The critical period that popularized the use of other breeds was shortened even more when Chile became the first country to register their national breed. The real stroke of genius was formalizing and popularising a sport where no other breed could be its equal.Ever since the beginning of the 20th century, the sport of rodeo has become bigger and more organized. Meanwhile the qualities required to excel in this sport were increasingly implanted in the breeding of the Chilean Horse. Nothing has assured the purity of this breed more than its specialization in a sport for which it has been exclusively selected for over 150 years. Outcrossing to other breeds has never been a temptation since the Chilean Horse is well-suited for the Chilean rodeo sport. (courtesy of Wikepedia)
After leaving our Argentinian horses for the final time, we were once again ferried by minibus to our elegant 1940’s style hotel in Uspallata, where we enjoyed the farewell dinner, gratefully received our ‘medals’ (stylish embroidered polo shirts), swapped contact details and said our tearful good-byes; these were not just normal ‘holiday good-byes’ – we had shared and achieved so much more than that together: we had crossed the mighty High Andes on horseback!!
Top: The High AndesAbove: The steep Espinacito Slope 4,500mLeft: At the Chile border - we crossed the High Andes together.
Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are a breed of their own, and not ‘bred down’ as are many other Miniatures, which can cause the inherent genetics of an animal to become diluted.
Believed to be originally from Africa, they were shipped to the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Sicily, literally thousands of years ago, to be beasts of burden, pulling carts, loaded with packs, carting water and other general farm work.
Miniature Mediterranean
DONKEYThe Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is like no other equine. Native to the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia, they range in height from 26” (66cm) to 36” (92cm) and are characteristically particularly friendly and kind natured.
Because of their small stature, they were often used inside peasants houses to turn grinding stones. Wood block pictures from the 18th century have been found showing the miniature donkeys blindfolded and attached to the arm of the grain mill, walking endless circles grinding grain.
Today most Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys in Australia, UK and USA are kept as pets, as a hobby, recreation, and showing. As well as conformation
Donkeys have been domesticated and working for mankind for over 5,000 years.
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This photo of a Miniature Mediterranean Donkey foal went viral, with thousands of viewers worldwide, when we shared it on facebook, simply titled ‘I want one’.
classes there are also ridden, harness and agility classes. However, donkeys and mules are still used as working animals in many other countries around the world, especially in underdeveloped areas (mules and donkeys were used as pack animals in the Chile to Argentina Trekking article also in this issue). The life
expectancy of a well cared for donkey is between 30 – 35 years.
There were originally two distinct breeds, Miniature Sicilian and Miniature Sardinian, dependant entirely on where they originated, which are now grouped as Miniature Mediaterranean. Although nearly extinct on their native islands, there is believed to be over 10,000 registered in the USA.
In 1929 six Jenny’s and a Jack were imported to the USA
from Sicily. Their particularly friendly natures and petite size created interest, and many more were imported by enthusiasts until the late 1950’s when a registry was established in 1958.
This miniature breed did not arrive in Australia and New Zealand until around 1990. At present there are less than 100 purebred Miniature Mediterraneans in Australia but the registries are growing in both countries.
Although many donkeys are the familiar grey-dun color, there are many other coat shades. Colors range from the gray shades of gray-dun to brown, a rare bay, black,both red and grey roans, variants of sorrel, the blue-eyed Ivory - also called cream or white-phase, Frosted/spotted White, and a unique Spotted pattern. Typical horse coat colours such as palomino, buckskin and paint do not occur in donkeys.
Most donkeys, regardless of coat color, will have dorsal stripes and shoulder crosses, dark ear marks, as well as a white muzzle and eye rings. The hair ranges from flat to curly to long and shaggy and in texture, from smooth to wiry.
Because of their size, exceptionally friendly and communal nature the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey makes a wonderful companion for a lone horse or just as a super cute, friendly pet however, they are happiest with company.
Australia has a growing Miniature Donkey registry
Above: Donkeys are characterised by their long ears. Left: There are many classes available for miniature donkeys (Photo courtesy of AssN9 Ranch, USA www.assn9ranch.com). Below: Coat colors vary from the normal grey-dun below to the pure black at the bottom.More information can be found at www.donkeyallbreedsaustralia.org
Photo courtesy of Winterwood Stud www.minidonkeys.com.au
Photo courtesy of AssN9 Ranch www.assn9ranch.com
Most owners don’t consider their horse ‘old’ until they are around 18 years, but after 16 years, age can have a negative impact on the sale of a horse –
ironically, the more inexperienced the rider is, the older and more experienced the horse should be. There is a saying that “the combined age of the horse and rider should not be less than 20 years” - so as young children are taught to ride, horses over 16 years old can be worth their weight in gold! The key to caring for an older horse is to understand how the horse’s body changes as it ages and how this affects requirements made of it. Not all older horses have problems, but as for ourselves, the goal for the horses should be optimal nutrition and physical activity. A principal change in the older horse is a decrease in skeletal muscle mass, exacerbated by physical inactivity and as with humans - where at 80 years of age people who have done lifelong aerobic or strength training have similar fitness and strength to a 50 year old - horses that are kept fit and healthy stay young! Ageing is associated with changes in body composition, physical strength and bodily functions, due to a combination of ageing, level of physical activity and management. Surveys reveal that around 43% of old horses have heart murmurs,
THE HANDS OF TIMESlowing
Just as the young horses have special
needs, so too do the older horses.
Considerations for the care of older horses
by Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSc BSc PhD MRCVS Dip BEPEquine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist and The Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)
Photo supplied by Diana Mathewson - the 33 year old purebred Arabian mare, Hussar’s Alada (Sky HussarX Hussar Antara), has had an active life, first as a working stock horse in the Kimberley, then as a broodmare, having 10 foals.
“the combined age of the horse and rider should not be less than 20 years”
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