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www.hoofbeats.com.auMANAGING EDITOR
Sandy Hannan
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSCarol WillcocksCarole Watson
Contributing EditorsWendy Elks
ADVERTISINGTracy Weaver Sayer
OFFICE / ACCOUNTSKatrina Bailey
GRAPHICS AND WEBCaitlin Bolger
Louise and Adrian Redman
E-MAGAZINE Diane Bawden
SUBSCRIPTIONSBob Hannan
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSEquine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)
Kaye MeynellSandi Simons
Dr Jennifer Stewart
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A National Riding, Training and Horse Care Magazine . . . .incorporating The Green Horse -sustainable horsekeeping.
hoofbeats Vol 35 No 4 Dec/Jan 2013/14Inside
Equitana Sydney -heading home.page 74
Core Training for riders page 28
Equine Veterinarians Australia
4 EMOTIONS and how they influence the horse by Sandi Simons Time spent with horses is meant to be enjoyable and sometimes that means leaving human emotions at the stable door.8 FEEDING HORSES WITH RESPIRATORY ISSUES by Dr Tania Cubitt – Hy Gain Feeds Horses with respiratory disease can present unique problems with regards to the way theyaremanaged,andfeedingpracticescanbeoneofthefirstissuestoaddresswhen looking at the health of the horse.
14 VANESSA AMOROSI’S MUSIC AND HORSES by Carole Watson Vanessa Amorosi is known worldwide as a successful musician and performer, but she is also a passionate and dedicated horsewoman.
18 BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY READING20 NEGLECT - READER’S STORY by Michelle Slater The story of an Arabian mare so badly neglected that vets proposed euthanasia, now restored to health in her owner’s care.
22 PLEASE EXPLAIN with Dr Holly Lewis, Nina Arnott and Kentucky Equine Research Watering a hot horse, Wobblers Syndrome, Western saddles and more. Experienced horsemen and women guide readers through the questions they have always wanted to ask.
28 RIDER CORE TRAINING by Annette Willson Rider core strength helps develop a better riding position, leading to faster progress, better response from the horse and more value from instruction.
34 WHY THOSE STIRRUPS? by Kaye Meynell An item of tack few riders prefer to do without, there are stirrups for every riding style, discipline and occasion. Which should you choose?
THE GREEN HORSE - sustainable horsekeeping 42 Information Exchange - Readers’ Tips, Views and Questions 43 Weedwatch - Poinsettia by Nicola Field 44 Native Grasses - Seed Harvesting by Dr Ian Chivers 45 Growing Equine Herbs - Calming Herbs by Jackie Rive Soil App for iPad 46 Holistic Management Pt 8 by Mariette van den Berg Energy Wise and Fire Safe by Chris Ferreira 47 Equine Gas Colic by Kim Baker 48 Keeping Horses Organically by Andrea Carmody 49 Search for Anthelmintic Plants by Equine Science Update
Vanessa Amorosi photo
Vanessa Amorosi’s Music and Horses
page 14
Why those Stirrups- page 34
in the e-magand App
Photographer Jenelle Christopher and Di Bawden from the Hoofbeats team cover this International event.
View these in the FREE e-preview atRecognition of the fact that once young performance partners age and eventually face retirement.
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ARTICLESBONUSARTICLESBONUS
Vol 35 No 4 Dec/Jan 2013/14
Behaviour or PMS - the effects of
hormones page 50
EDITORIAL
* RRP inc GST $7.50 ISSN 0811-8698
COVERVanessa Amorosi on Crickey, an 18 hand Knabstrupper Warmblood at her Los Angelos property. Photographer was neighbour and fellow horse enthusiast Jennifer Glassman.
Mobile Phone - health hazard or safety net?
page 67
50 BEHAVIOUR OR PMS? by Dr Jennifer Stewart - Equine Veterinarians Australia Many terms are used to describe the performance mares’ behaviour while in ‘heat’ or cycling, however there are measures that can be taken to improve the demeanor of the mare and enable training to be carried out at those times.
56 THE BOW AND BOWSTRING by Bert Hartog This anatomy lesson shows how the connection is established on the top of the horse to the front legs and from the pelvis to the rib-cage of the horse.
60 PRODUCT NEWS AND CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS The latest on what’s new in the market place and Christmas gift suggestions.
62 SUPPLEMENTING JOINT HEALTH by Tarsha Walsh - Kelato Animal Health Care of the performance horse’s legs is vital for longevity. Using external protection such as boots and bandages can be combined with joint supplements oranti-inflammatorymedicines.
64 EQUINE JOINT SUPPORT by Kaye Meynell Whether as a result of age or performance strain, Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem, but help is at hand from both veterinary and alternate sources.
67 MOBILE PHONE - health hazard or safety net? by Kaye Meynell The mobile phone is an accessory many people can’t live without, but is keeping phones too close contributing to cancer?
74 EQUITANA SYDNEY 2013 The biggest equestrian showcase in the southern hemisphere came to Sydney this year with clinics, lectures, performance and shopping, shopping shopping!
78 HORSE FRONT News, veterinary advances and horse happenings around the world.
IBC SUBSCRIBE TO WIN New and current subscribers are eligible to win one of two WeatherBeeta Prize Packs valued at $240 each. Each pack contains a summer sheet combo, a standard neckfleececoolerandastandardneckshowrug. To subscribe, visit www.hoofbeats.com.au or phone 08 93970506
A five day trip to Sydney for Equitana took place in the final stages of this edition’s production with Editor Sandy joined for the four day November extravaganza by team member Diane and regular contributor Kaye Meynell, also a presenter at the event on the topic of Stress in the Equine. The must attend show on the equestrian calendar, this year’s event lived up to the hype with an impressive line up of clinicians, presenters, competitions and exhibitors. Many attending took up our suggestion on Facebook to look for our staff in their Hoofbeats shirts and to stop them and say hello. It was a great opportunity to catch up with individual readers and have a chat so we’d like to thank those that took time out of their day to say hi . Your feedback and encouragement is very much appreciated! Credit cards across the country were given a work out by many if the bulging shopping bags seen carried around the venue were an indication. The four days just fly past, so much to see and do and, of course, so many people to chat with but now it is over we are already starting to think ahead to Melbourne next year, kicking off on November 20. To see the Equitana Sydney highlights go to page 74.This edition’s cover features Vanessa Amorosi, the Australian singer-songwriter who has sold more than 2 million albums and singles. While well known for her popular hits, Vanessa is a horse owner and rider and prominent in animal welfare circles as an animal rights activist and patron of a number of animal welfare groups. Vanessa’s passion for horses has resulted in her adopting a number of neglected ones over the years, demonstrating her commitment goes beyond just being a public figure head for the welfare cause. One shocking case of neglect is detailed in our Reader’s Story featured on page 20. Highlighting the need for all horses to be regularly checked, the story of Serenissima is heartbreaking and a warning to anyone entrusting their horse’s care to another.The welfare of thousands of Australian Brumbies has recently been in the spotlight with an aerial cull of 7000 wild horses undertaken in the Kimberley region of WA. There are a number of Australian welfare groups that have worked tirelessly to protect and rehome brumbies from various regions across the country and their efforts, highlighted in previous issues, are to be commended. As Parks Victoria currently review their plans to reduce numbers of Brumbies in the Victorian Alps area, it’s worth remembering that with reports of there being more than 400,000 feral horses in Australia that the issue of how best to manage these horses is not one with a simple solution. As we approach the festive season we’d like to wish all of our readers, contributors and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. We look forward to 2014 and suggest you keep an eye on our Facebook page for news on an exciting new development for the magazine early next year - the On-line Tradestand is coming.As always your suggestions regarding articles and content for the magazine are welcomed.
Books and Christmas gift ideas - page 18 and 62
• ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL 3DE• ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL 3DE
Supplementing Joint Health - page 62
Emotions and how they influence the
horse - page 4
• A LETTER TO SILKENSKEIN• A LETTER TO SILKENSKEIN
Emotionsand how they influence the horseHorses have the ability to mirror the
emotions of those around them, often
before their handler even realises how they
are feeling within themselves. Horses will
react to a person’s mood, body language
and actions almost immediately and with
very clear intent.
Emotions influence just about everything a person does in their day-to-day life and these certainly have an enormous influence over the time spent with horses. Human beings tend to put a whole swag of emotions into their horses; for many, the horse encapsulates their dreams, their ambitions, their fears, their sense of self worth and achievement – the list goes on and on. The fundamental difference between horses and humans is that horses do not know or have any concept of the human emotions of love, ambition, jealousy, hatred, envy, sadness, aspirations, dreams etc. but many horse owners ‘hang’ onto these feelings in their interaction and journeys with their horses. These emotions can, however, be their biggest stumbling block and may be the very essence of why they feel unfulfilled, unsatisfied, frightened or just downright frustrated with their horse experiences. To be successful with the time spent with their horses people often need to put their own ‘human emotions’ aside – leave them on the outside of the arena - for there is no role for them to play in training. The horse handler/rider needs to ‘live in the moment’ with their horses and their training, just as horses do.
When angry, a person’s emotional intensity level is high – the body language/movement is often energetic, erratic, unpredictable and abrupt.
When sad or lonely their adrenaline levels are low, body language is suppressed and their body movement slow and unreactive.
To a horse, this type of human body language is one of comfort and peace, which is why horses will often gravitate to people who are depressed or withdrawn.
EQUITANA PRESENTER
Sandi’s autobiography ‘A Life Worth Riding’ is out now. For more info go to the web site.
Sandi specialises in assisting women regain their confidence in riding, no matter what their discipline or level of experience. www.sandisimons.com.au
About the Author - Sandi Simons
by Sandi Simons
Horses do not bring emotional baggage with them when they spend time with their rider, whereas riders often carry their baggage into the riding partnership, with thoughts such as “I’ll never be a good dressage rider because I don’t have long skinny legs” or “I’ll never be as good as so and so because I didn’t have a horse as a kid like they did” or “If I get a better horse I’ll be a better rider” – the list is endless. Horses are not concerned with the past, concerned with how they look, what other people think of them nor do they worry about the future and dwell in the past. They are purely and simply in the present. This is one of the very great gifts that can be learnt from horses – to live in the moment, to be at peace and to learn to recognise how human emotions and body language can influence and affect not only the horse but also other people around us. It is a very levelling and emotionally enlightening experience when the penny finally drops!
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Respiratory diseases can be costly for the horse owner in many ways, with vet bills, medicines and lost days of work all taking their toll,
depending on the category of disease. The major categories of respiratory diseases affecting horses are infectious (those caused by viruses or bacteria), allergic and parasitic. This article will focus on respiratory issues caused by allergens, but in order to understand how these allergens affect the respiratory system a basic idea of how it works is required.
OVERVIEW OF THE HORSES’ RESPIRATORY SYSTEMThe intake of air begins at the nostrils, moving through a network of thin bones called turbinates. From there, air travels through the sinuses and into the main airway, the trachea. The lower end of the trachea splits into two branches (one to each lung), which then subdivide many times until reaching the air sacs in the lungs, from where oxygen can be transported into the bloodstream. The nostrils are lined with skin that gradually changes to become a moist mucous membrane as it progresses to the inner parts of the horse. Much of the tract is also lined with tiny hair-like projections called cilia.
DR. TANIA CUBITT - HYGAIN FEEDS HYGAIN includes organic selenium, which is highly available, as well as natural vitamin E and elevated levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their feeds to ensure optimal immune function in your horse. Contact your local HYGAIN representative to ensure your horse’s diet is fully fortified and balanced with all the right nutrients to support immune function.Ph:03 5943 2255 www.hygain.com.au
About The Author
Feeding Horses with
Respiratory Issues Dr Tania Cubitt – HyGain Feeds
There are several options in managing the horse with respiratory issues, including the use of careful environmental and feeding practices.
The intake of air begins at the nostrils, moving into the trachea and on to the lungs.
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Dr Tania Cubitt – HyGain Feeds
Vanessa Amorosi’sMusic and horses
Horses and music have been constant themes in the life of singer/songwriter
Vanessa Amorosi and her life wouldn’t be complete without either.
Phot
o co
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sy D
ean
May
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by Carole WatsonPhotos by Jennifer Glassman
AmorosiVanessa
There are plenty of stories of children receiving a less than ideal pony as their first mount, yet living to tell the
tale. ARIA winner Vanessa Amorosi, one of Australia’s most successful musical exports, was one of those kids. Her first horse was a three-year-old Australian Riding Pony stallion purchased by her mum and step dad who, Vanessa says, had no idea what they should be looking for.“My first year of owing a horse was interesting. I had no saddle, no bridle, nothing. I pretty much just jumped on his back and learned very quickly how to hold on while he ran down the road looking for a girlfriend!” she said.Vanessa says she was “obsessed” with animals from a young age, then, when she was about seven, her aunt’s horse came to live at their family farm. “Watching her ride sparked my whole desire for horse riding,” she said. “He was a 17 hand ex race horse called Travie, that was brought into the dressage world.”
Vanessa is well known as a supporter of animal welfare in Australia and spent several years buying
horses that hadn’t made it on the track and working with them so they could find new, caring owners. Now
living in America, Vanessa says she still has to resist the urge to take unwanted horses home.
“Most of my animals are adopted and I get involved where I can to help find homes for abandoned animals,” she said.
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
COLLEEN BROOKLegendary Showjumper
Proudly brought to you by International Horsemans Institute
ROB LAWSONReining Champion
TONY LANDERHorse-Human Relationship Specialist
JOSE MENDEZClassical Dressage Master
FOUR OF AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER HORSEMENIN ONE PLACE FOR TWO FULL DAYS
22 & 23 March 2014Sydney International Equestrian Centre
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE VIA TICKETEK - Seats are Limited
TICKETSnow sellingthrough TicketekPrice $147.00*
(*a service/delivery fee applies)"
Horsemans Rendezvous_General A4_Full Page_Starburst.indd 1 10/3/2013 10:04:34 PM
AmorosiVanessa
COLLEEN BROOKLegendary Showjumper
Proudly brought to you by International Horsemans Institute
ROB LAWSONReining Champion
TONY LANDERHorse-Human Relationship Specialist
JOSE MENDEZClassical Dressage Master
FOUR OF AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER HORSEMENIN ONE PLACE FOR TWO FULL DAYS
22 & 23 March 2014Sydney International Equestrian Centre
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE VIA TICKETEK - Seats are Limited
TICKETSnow sellingthrough TicketekPrice $147.00*
(*a service/delivery fee applies)"
Horsemans Rendezvous_General A4_Full Page_Starburst.indd 1 10/3/2013 10:04:34 PM
Though riding without them occasionally can help a rider’s position dramatically, there’s no doubt about it – stirrups are pretty indispensable! In fact,
this simple piece of tack, with its name is derived from an old English word meaning ‘to ascend’, has been an integral piece of horse riding equipment since the second century BC, where it was first seen (in India) as a loop of rope that went around the big toe! There are some who believe the stirrup dramatically helped the spread of modern civilisation by allowing warriors to fight better because they remained mounted for longer thanks to the increased stability that stirrups provided them; a lot of glory for what is essentially a small piece of shaped metal!
Whilst the basic shape of the stirrup has remained relatively unchanged since its creation, it has been the material from which they are made, and the addition of safety features, that has changed significantly over the years. In fact, the choice of stirrups on offer can be somewhat bewildering, with some types designed for English disciplines and others for Western or stockwork; stirrups made specifically for riding in endurance events and stirrups for jockeys of racehorses. In addition to all of these, there are also safety stirrups to consider – which again may or may not be specific to a particular riding style (i.e. Western or English).
NEW TECHNOLOGY IN STIRRUPS MAY IMPROVE PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT FOR THE RIDER.
WHY THOSE STIRRUPS?
by Kaye Meynell
December/January 2013/14 - Page 10
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
by Kaye Meynell
INFORMATION EXCHANGEReaders’ letters, tips and queries
Talking Point...
Number107
Dear Green Horse,Are you able to identify this weed for us? We’ve never had it in the paddock before and its just come up in my mare’s manure. She’s recently been down south for a clinic, but other than that nothing has changed.Andrea Collins, Millendon WA
Unwelcome Visitor
Talking Point...
Weed Watch contributor, Nicola Field, replies:
The weed in question is a member of the buttercup family – in this case ‘spinyfruit’ buttercup (Ranunculus muricatus), though it goes under a variety of names including burr buttercup, prickle fruit buttercup and rough seed buttercup.It’s a native of southern Europe and northern Africa but, like so many buttercups, this variety is found a lot further afield. In Australia spinyfruit buttercup can be found in the temperate areas of almost all states and territories, including the coastal districts of south-western Western Australia. In Victoria and WA, spinyfruit buttercup is classified as an environmental weed. Buttercup favours moist areas, and along with gardens, lawns and
pastures the weed is often found growing in wetlands that tend to be highly sensitive ecosystems. Interestingly, buttercup flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs), and the plant only spreads by seed. So, while the mare in question could certainly have consumed the plant, she may also have picked up seeds in her tail or hooves. It’s also a possibility that seeds were picked up in the tyres of the vehicle that transported her from the south of the state to her current location.Like all members of the Ranunculus family, spinyfruit buttercup is poisonous. All parts of the plant are toxic when fresh, and symptoms of poisoning in horses can include bloody diarrhea, excessive salivation and colic. However, buttercup has a bitter taste and
This time last year The Green Horse published the first in a two part feature on climate change. Rebecca Cassells, a presenter at EQUITANA SYDNEY this year, wrote about the possible implications for horse owners and strategies that could be adopted. An alternative viewpoint was written by Jo Nova, a climate change sceptic. The change of federal government in September brought about sweeping changes with respect to national planning and information on climate change. The Climate Commission has been abolished and carbon credits and other initiatives may follow. Chief Climate Commissioner, Professor Tim Flannery, said all commissioners would continue their work in one way or another, informing the Australian public that climate change is happening. “We desperately need a well-informed public, especially in areas of complex policy,” he said.Regardless of which side of the climate change debate you sit, responsible land ownership and sustainable practices make economic and environmental sense and we encourage readers to share their experience and ideas with other land owners via The Green Horse.
Now what?CANCELLED
horses will usually avoid eating it unless there is no other available fodder and they’re desperate for food (which is unlikely to be the case here).The buttercup toxins are destroyed by heat or drying, so it could be that the plant has made its way into the mare’s hay where she has consumed it without too much ill effect.Either way, it’s worth putting on a pair of gloves (buttercups can cause dermatitis) and pulling out whatever buttercups you find around the property before this unwelcome visitor becomes a permanent paddock companion.
MerryChristmasto all ourGREEN HORSE readers,contributersand advertisers
Wishing you all the best for a safe and prosperous 2014
Behaviour
www.drjenniferstewart.com
Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSc BSc PhD MRCVS Dip BEP AAIM was an Official Veterinarian with NSW Thoroughbred Racing and Sydney Turf Club for over 20 years. She speaks at educational seminars and consults to racing, breeding and
endurance clubs, owners and trainers in Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, Philippines, SE Asia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Turkey.
For more information on Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) go to: www.eva.org.au
Before labelling all abnormal behaviour by mares as ‘PMS’ (Pre Menstrual Syndrome) it is important to consider that
bad, aggressive or unacceptable behaviour, which is limited to under saddle work, very often means pain. Undiagnosed pain can cause horses to become very nervous, swing around, buck and show other strange behaviours, including reluctance to approach hills, therefore making a lameness examination an essential part of the diagnostic work up.Aggressive behaviour is more pronounced in what is known as an ‘alpha mare’. These are the born leaders who can be very difficult to work with because their instincts drive them to be the boss and establish order around them. In a herd situation it is the alpha mare that determines who goes where and when. However, in a stable or paddock situation, she has no power to control the activity around her and this can be very unsettling. In fillies, social isolation can cause anxiety and handling difficulties. In both these situations, changes in routine and management are the best approaches.
UNDERSTANDING THE SO-CALLED ‘MAREISH’ BEHAVIOUR
OF THE PERFORMANCE MARE WHEN CYCLING CAN HELP WITH
MANAGING THE PROBLEM.
Behaviour
by Dr J H StewartBVSc BSc PhD MRCVS Dip BEP AAIM
or PMS
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Behaviouror PMS
Is Your Mobile Phone Increasing
Your Risk Of Cancer?
MobilePhones health hazard or
safety net?
According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 1 in 3 males and 1 in 4 females will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 75. In hard
numbers this equates to around 125,000 Australians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2013 (Source: Cancer Australia). A frightening statistic? Certainly. A surprising statistic? Perhaps not so much, considering that between 1991 and 2009 the number of new cancer cases diagnosed increased by a whopping 72%. There are a staggering number of myths surrounding what is believed to cause cancer - ranging from eating tinned food such as tuna, to using underarm deodorants - and whilst the majority of these are easily disproven, one in particular has yet to be laid to rest: that mobile phones are causing cancer. It’s a subject that, despite the many scientific studies being dedicated to it, remains fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies that mean scant
by Kaye Meynell
reassurance can be given to the Australian public. So just why is it that a growing number of people are claiming mobile phones are directly related to some cancers, particularly that of the breast and brain? Whilst age remains the biggest risk factor associated with cancer - in 2009 the average age of diagnosis in Australia was 65 years – in recent years doctors have observed a worrying number of younger people battling with the disease. Lately, the media has been awash with stories of people who used mobile phones for several hours a day developing brain cancer, and of younger women (some as young as 21 years old) who as teenagers carried their phones in their top pocket or bra, and years later were diagnosed with multiple breast cancers.
To read more click to purchase
My Darling Silky, When the starter said, “Ready, set, go”, we took off. In front of us were the three drums of the barrel race, the race we had won so often.As we headed to the first drum with the wind in my face, I suddenly was a kid again, plaits flying out behind and whooping with delight!Around the first barrel, neat and tight, off to the second - same again. “Aha!” I thought, “We’ve still got it. We’ll win this.” Your long beautiful mane flicked in my face. I could hear the crowd cheering. Around the third and heading for home. I leaned forward and lifted the reins, waiting for that mighty burst of speed home. But, you were already going flat out. And suddenly, I knew. You were old; you were 25 and I was 30.When I first saw you, you were four and I was nine. We were mustering you the 12 miles home from Wallareenya Station. When we stopped at the boundary gate, Mum said, “I’ m going to call him Silkenskein, see how his tail falls like a long black silken ribbon?’ You were mum’s horse see, my new one was the little bay skewbald.“Jindavick,” announced Dad, very pleased that he’d thought of a good name, for my skewbald, “that’s an unmanned space ship.” And that’s what he was like, wasn’t he? Your mate Jindavick bucked everyone off, that’s why I rode you when that big mob of cattle arrived and needed tailing out. We were sheep people. We could round them up, knock them over and hold them down with a hoof on their straggly wool, but those cows looked big.There was one cow that kept looking at us, shaking her wild, pointy horns. I asked Dad, “Hey, what do I do if she charges at me?”“You turn that horse around and make it go as fast as you can!”I know my eyes must have been really wide because you were so fast.So when the cattle camped under the trees, we practised fast. As you danced and pranced I fell in love and mum lost her horse.Over the years, we mustered sheep, cattle, chased kangaroos and tracked wild cattle for days at time. We went to gymkhanas and jumped over Dad lying down in the creek. I even rode you as Lady Godiva down the main street
of town. Now that was a bit of fun, wasn’t it? Right in front of the West Australian Premier, Sir Charles Court.And all day, any day, I could lean forward and lift my reins, and you would respond, even when you were dead tired. There was no other horse that would do that. I even argued with the newly formed stockhorse society that there should not be a height restriction as you were the ultimate stock horse. All of 14 hands, you were very special.
A Letter to Silkenskein
A Letter to Silkenskein Now, twenty years after we met, I thought we’d have another go at the barrel race. I knew those old legs weren’t so fast any more - we just cantered over the finishing line. So now you are retired. This time for good, forever.But I won’t leave you, my old friend. I will sit next to you as you eat, rub my hands over your beautiful face, rub a brush over your dear little bay body, and that long silken tail. We will reminisce about our great times and chase some flies from our faces. I will hug you and drink in your lovely familiar smell.
Most of all, I will always respect your fantastic courage. Live well and enjoy your retirement, my beautiful Silkenskein.
Love from Aggie
A letter from Alida Watson whose parents had Tabba Tabba station from the early 60s.
Adelaide this year was one for the records books. Four of our overseas based top level Australian
riders came home for the event. Clayton Fredericks, Paul Tapner, Sam Griffiths and Chris Burton flew in from their various bases in the UK, Europe or USA to support this International event. This was also the last of the series of events sponsored by HSBC.
The unpredictable South Australian weather was at it’s best and provided almost perfect conditions for the event, once again set in the rolling green parkland in the heart of Adelaide City.
South Australia’s ‘face’ of eventing, Megan Jones, withdrew prior to the event after a minor injury to her entry, Kirby Park Allofasudden. Will Enzinger, one of the 4* competitors, sadly broke his leg on the Tuesday before the event, leaving his horse, TS Jamaimo, without a rider. Chris Burton, 2012 Olympic eventing team member visiting from the UK, stepped up to the challenge to ride TS Jamaimo, a horse he had never ridden before the Wednesday prior to the event.
This was an enormous task for Chris to take on, partnerships in this sport are built over many months and years – not four rides. The potential risk to both horse and rider was immense, and the horse’s owner, Stephanie Pearce, and Will must have had enormous faith in TS Jamaimo’s rideability, and in Chris’s ability as a horseman.
Adelaide International
Held annually in November, the Australian International 3 Day Event is Australia’s premier equestrian competition. It is the only CCI four star event held in Australia, the only one held in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only six held across the world. The AI3DE proudly takes its place alongside the other great international four star events, the Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event in the US, Badminton Horse Trials in the UK,Luhmuhlen in Germany, Burghley Horse Trials in the UK and Pau in France. The Olympics and the World Equestrian Games held alternately every four years are also four star events.As part of the World Wide ‘Pro Tour’of Eventing - the HSBC FEI Classics Series there was over $120,000 in prize money this year.
Not only did they complete the event safely, Chris Burton and his catch ride TS Jamaimo won!! An enormous achievement.Chris and TS Jamaimo were in a very comfortable 7th after dressage with the Olympic stars of the country ahead of him – Shane Rose on CP Qualified in 1st, Stuart Tinney on Pluto Mio 2nd and Shane again in 3rd on Taurus, Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire (last years winners) in 4th, Adelaide Hills with Christine Bates 5th and Sonja Johnson on Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison 6th. (full results after dressage here).
Photos courtesy of Jenelle Christopher
3DE 14-17 Nov
Cross country day must have been nerve racking for the connections of TS Jamaimo. So much can go wrong – so quickly – and no matter how many times you talk about how to ride the horse it just isn’t the same as having ridden him over some imposing fences – let alone 4* fences.
Chris and Jamaimo breezed around the enormous course, ending up one of only two double clear rounds of the 4* class. Sonja Johnson and the inimitable Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison (Ben) were the only other double clear round, bringing Chris and TS Jamaimo to 6th and Sonja and Ben into 5th place.
The lead had changed after XC, with Stuart on Pluto Mio in 1st and Shane on Taurus in 2nd after only 0.4 time penalties. Shane and CP Qualified
Chris Burton on his catch ride TS Jamaimo winning the exclusive 4* class. Left: Emily McQueen, the A+groom.
had a very lucky escape from a dip in the water after an awkward jump had Shane out of his saddle. He hung on by his toes, though, to continue on to 3rd with only 7.2 time penalties.
Christine Bates on Adelaide Hill slid from her 5th place after dressage to 13th after a beautifully jumped, but slightly slow round, in her first competition in 18 months after a series of injuries and operations.
The 4* course saw only two rider falls and very few eliminations. Tim Ellis was forced to retire after jump 21 when a shoe twisted to poke nails into the foot of Ellison Park Benson.
Showjumping is always the nail biting finale for these events, and this 1.30m course was not to be taken lightly. Riding out of turn as she had 2 horses closely placed, Sonja Johnson on Belfast Mojito sitting in 7th after XC produced a beautiful clear round to set the bar for the competition.
However, that was to be one of only three double clear rounds. Rails were falling everywhere. Shane Rose and CP Qualified, again jumping out of turn, left two rails down. Christine Bates and
Alexander Souri in Northern India. Photo courtesy of RRI
Top left: Shane Rose and Taurus, Mid left: Sonja Johnson with Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison was one of only 2 double clear XC rounds, Bottom left: Last years winners Sandhills Brillaire and
Craig Barrett, Below top: Shane Rose with CP Qualified, Below bottom: Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio were leading after the XC.
Adealide Hill jumped clear with just a 1.0 time penalty but her time faults XC left her in 11th.
Chris Burton, after amazing everyone the day before with one of only two double clear XC rounds, jumped a double clear again on TS Jamaimo. Sonja and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison dropped two. Craig Barrett on Sandhills Brillaire, 4th after XC, and with only 2 horses to go now could have won, but for that last rail on the last fence falling.
The pressure was now on Shane Rose and Taurus – a clear round would secure his (at worst) 2nd place – but alas – two rails clattered to the ground putting him back to 4th and moving Chris and TS Jamaimo temporarily into 2nd, with only Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio to go. There was no room for error, less than one rail – four faults – separated 1st & 2nd. Stuart and Pluto Mio dropped two rails on their round.
The all important showjumping round had been the decider again. Chris Burton on his catch ride TS Jamaimo won the 4* event, with Sonja Johnson and the elegant stock horse Belfast Mojito in his first 4* in 2nd, Craig Barrett – last years winner – slotted into 3rd on Sandhills Brillaire, Shane Rose on Taurus in 4th, Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio
Top right: Sonja Johnson with Belfast Mojito in his first 4* event, Mid right: Christine Bates on Adelaide Hills jumped clear with only 1 time penalty, Bottom right: Isabel English and Feldale Mouse placed 12th, Below: Seamus Marwood and Wild Oats was one of only three double clear jumping rounds and won the award for best jump round in the 4*.
5th, Seumas Marwood and Wild Oats after a clear SJ round took 6th (Full results here).
This is certainly a result that will solidify Chris Burton’s place on the Australian team for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in 2014.
‘Eventers don’t need horses to have fun!’
Adelaide 2* class
Adelaide provided all kinds of entertainment for the crowds, including good old fashioned fun races amongst some of the famous eventing faces. Right: Megan Jones, Megan’s husband James Deacon and Paul Tapner take part in the egg and spooon race. Below: All does not bode well for James as Paul Tapner sneaks up with trouble in mind.
Below left: No Paul, that is not how you run a sack race! Below right: Sam Griffiths and James with Megan - the winner.
The 2* event at Adelaide is almost as prestigious as the main 4* class, it is one of the toughest courses for it’s height in the country, and with the added atmosphere encountered in the dressage can be quite an ordeal for both horse and rider.Most of the 63 entries in this class are in the process of moving up the ranks of eventing, some with riders who were also competing in the 4* class, and some with young riders aboard.The dressage arena at Adelaide is set between the beautifully restored grandstand and the VIP and Riders Tents, with judges boxes and scissor lifts for the cameras at both ends. The atmosphere is tense and there are very few other events where these horses would have been exposed to hundreds of people milling around as they do at this event.Many an exasperated rider rode out of the arena with a totally different mark than they had expected when
they rode in. (Full dressage scores here).The eventual winner, Cassie Lowe on Koko Doro crept up from 3rd after dressage and 2nd after Cross Country to take first place on her dressage score.Hot on Cassie’s heels was Stuart Tinney on Annapurna whose single rail down in the showjumping put this combination into 2nd place, with 3rd going to Crystal Conning riding Emma Scott’s horse, Mustang. Cassie also rode two other horses in this class, Koko Black to 15th but retired during cross country on her third ride, Fairview Metallica.The cross country course eliminated 15 horses during the day, but there were no major injuries of either horse or rider. The course was built by Wayne Copping this year, with plenty of help at the last minute when Wayne suffered a heart attack and was hospitalised for treatment. The team of helpers and volunteers finished the course and Wayne was back on his feet and able to attend on the final day of the competition.
Above: Cassie Lowe hugs Koko Dora after her dressage. Left: Winners of the 2* class, 1.Cassie Lowe - Koko Doro, 2.Stuart Tinney - Annapurna, 3.Crystal Conning - Mustang. Below left: Isabel Houghton on Mohito, winners of the Dublin National Young Rider competition. receives her rug and sash from Amanda Ross from Horseland.
Heath Ryan had a lucky moment when Aspire R caught a leg going into the water complex at fence 9 and they both ended up upside down in the water. Fortunately Aspire didn’t quite land on Heath, but when the horse got to his feet Heath’s foot was still in the stirrup for a few moments until the drag of the water pulled it loose as Aspire tried to leave.The VIP tent was placed strategically at the water complex this year to allow sponsors, owners and supporters great views of both combination fences into the lake.The Dublin National Young Riders competition is run as a separate event within this class, and this year the winner was Isabel Houghton on Mohito who also placed 6th overall. In 2nd was Jamie Stitchel with Image Blue Ice (10th overall) and Michaela Martindale and Kinnordy Gatow took 3rd (13th overall).The EA Young Riders State Team Event, also held within this class, was convinceingly won by the Western Australian team of Michaela Martindale and Kinnordy Gatow, Emily Gray and Deltry Invader (4th/20th), Makayla Wood and Early Days (6th/24th) and Emily Early on Western Ruler.
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