the arabian horse online - june 2011
DESCRIPTION
A bi-monthly online publication for Arabian and Arabian Derivative horse enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand - and for the world to read!TRANSCRIPT
Arabian Horse Society of Australia LtdTelephone: (02) 4577 5366
www.ahsa.asn.au
Arabian Riding Pony
Partbred Arabian
Arabian Stock Horse
Purebred Arabian
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ARABIAN HORSE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIAPurebred Arabians and seven Derivative Registries: Partbred Arabians, Anglo Arabians, Arabian Ponies,
Arabian Riding Ponies, Arabian Warmbloods, Quarabs, Arabian Stockhorses.
DESIGNER ARABIANSWe've got the horse for YOU!
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ON THE COVER:
‘Gold n Wings’Owned and ridden by Courtney Gibson, Crown Lodge Show Horses.
‘Gold n Wings’ and Courtney are the winners of the 2011 Ultimate Arabian Competition!Read more on page 22 in this issue.
Photo: Suz Worsley-Deacon (www.swdimages.com.au)
JUNE 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:From the Editor 4Upfront News 6Ask the Experts: Stallion Selection 10Report: Australian National Arabian Championships, Part 2 14Dakari’s Story 20The ‘Ultimate Arabian’ Competition results 22Vale: Heste Arabique First Impression 24Stud Profile: County Downs Arabians 26International Event Report: Arabian Breeders World Cup 30Open Day: Jangharm Arabians 39Article: The Fear Principle 40Endurance Report: Zone One Championships, NSW 46Report: Arabians at AGFEST 48Article: Twins! 50Youth Spotlight: Rhiannon Mussig 55Gallery: Arabian Racing at Caulfield 56Walk Down Memory Lane: Coolinda Park Aflame 60
Competitions and Giveaways 61 Event Calendar 62Website Directory 63Advertising information 64Contributors 66
fromtheeditorHello!
Thank you for reading another issue of The Arabian Horse Online. This is our sixth issue, and we are thrilled to have gone from strength to strength. This is largely due to the support of advertisers, and our readers - we boast a readership of 50,000 views - thank you!
The Ultimate Arabian competition has closed and been judged - full results in this issue! Congratulations to the winner and runner-ups, the quality of entrants was amazing, and the Judges did not have an easy task. Thank you also to the very generous sponsors, please click on their links and support them, so the competition may happen again...
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page for competitions and news updates in between magazine issues. While you are on Facebook, suggest the page to 10 of your friends.... email the names of these friends to [email protected] and when they join the page, you could win $50 cash!!!! The winner will be drawn 30 July 2011.
Our advertising representatives are on standby waiting to take your enquiry for the next issue - out August 2011. Special advertising rates apply for Stallions and Studs - book an advertisement in the August issue for your Stallion or Stud, and get the same sized ad in the October issue for half price!
Please see the website (or the back of this issue) for representative contact information. Next issue deadline 30 July 2011. Advertisement and Editorial enquiries/suggestions welcome!
Catch you in the blog.....
Amy
RULE CHANGE – AMATEUR CLASSES
Excerpt from the announcement published by the AHSA from the Chairman, Coralie Gordon:“At the recent AGM of the Society, questions were raised about the Amateur Classes, and the Board was asked to consider changes that would allow Arabian owners to loan horses to interested amateurs who did not own their own horses but were keen to participate in Arabian showing. It was the consensus of those present at the meeting that this would be an ideal way to introduce newcomers to the breed at a time when we really need to attract new people. As a result, the current rules were studied at the May board meeting and altered to reflect the motion passed at the meeting. We felt pleased to be doing something proactive that hopefully could make newcomers decide that they would like to own their own Arabians, which can only be beneficial for the breed. Unfortunately the changes meant that possible inconsistencies in both rules and intent were brought to our attention, and that it has been decided that we will revert to the rule printed in the 2007 Rule Book for a further twelve months while we canvas opinion on the proposed changes from our members and adjust out application forms, etc. The show season is already well under way in some States which makes this decision imperative. Comments and suggestions are invited from members by mail/email to the Secretary. ”
2012 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ARABIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - VENUE
The 2012 Australian National Arabian Championships will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park, NSW. The show will be held from the 14 to the 18 March.
VALE: GLENIPH JASPERANZA
Laid to rest on Saturday June 4 at Future Farms in Victoria – Gleniph Jasperanza. His story is in the April 2011 edition of The Arabian Horse Online magazine in our ‘Whatever happened to.. ‘ feature. http://www.thearabianhorse.com.au/archives.html Page 47.
Once in awhile a horse comes along that captures the attention of people wherever he goes… such has been the case with Gleniph Jasperanza.
Our sincere condolences to Kerry and Richard Chapman and all his connections.
REGULATIONS – EXPORT OF ARABIANS & ARABIAN DERIVATIVES
Excerpt from the announcement published by the AHSA:“A number of vendors (owners/agents) have been exporting registered Arabians & Arabian Derivatives without completing export documentation. This has resulted in the overseas purchasers being required to pay additional fees and complete the requirements and the Society spending vast amounts of time chasing documentation, including registration certificates, which have been sent overseas.
As from 1st June 2011 the Regulations have been amended so that the vendor, whether that is the recorded owner or export agent, shall be responsible for completion of all export requirements and payment of all fees. Failure to comply will result in the Society imposing a $500 fine per horse where export requirements have not been completed. No further transactions will be carried out by the Society on behalf of the vendor until the export documentation has been completed and any fines paid. Fines will be allocated from fees received by the vendor until any outstanding fines have been paid. It is suggested that vendors incorporate the export and transfer fees into the sale price in order to allow for this.”
NEWS FROM THE NSW ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION
The NSW Arabian Horse Association has updated its calendar of events with dates for 2011-2012 plus downloadable programs. Please bookmark the page to ensure you receive updates on any new event dates as they are added.
The NSW Arabian Horse Association has also announced nominations for their Annual Awards . Nominations are now open for our Awards Night categories! Please email the name of the person you are nominating, what category you are nominating them for and email a photo to [email protected] if you have one. As new nominations are received they will be added to a photo gallery for people to vote by way of “Like” and the person with the most “Likes” when voting has closed will win! Nominations will close Friday 8th July and voting will close on Friday 29th July.
Award categories are:-* Handler of the Year* Strapper/Groom of the Year* Rider of the Year* Led Horse of the Year* Saddle Horse of the Year* Amateur of the Year
Start nominating now! Visit their Facebook page to view and vote on your favourite nominations.
Bidding will commence on the Annual Breeders Sweepstakes online stallion service auction on the 1st July with some magnificent stallions available and more to be added.
The auction will be on http://www.arabianhorseauction.com.au/
Keep an eye on our BLOG for all the latest news, as it happens. www.thearabianhorse.com.au/blog
PRESS RELEASE
May 16, 2011
Contact: Hannie Maasdijk, Coordinator, WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference, Tel: +974‐4419‐7639
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is pleased to announce they are hosting the 2011 World Arabian Horse Organization Conference from 1 to 8 November 2011 in Doha, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Special Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.
The General Assembly of the World Arabian Horse Organization will take place at The Ritz Carlton Hotel from 2 to 4 November. Apart from the WAHO business conducted during the General Assembly sessions, several expert Guest Speakers will be talking on a variety of interesting topics. The Pride of Qatar Days’, which are unique tailor‐made tours and visits to premier studfarms, are from 5 to 8 November with several presentations of Qatar’s world‐renowned Arabian horses. Pre‐ Conference sightseeing tours for registered participants are offered on 30 & 31 October & 1 November, most of which are then repeated Post‐Conference on 9 & 10 November.
The programme of the whole WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference is rich with an exceptional choice of events, every day offers an extensive variety of activities which will give everyone who attends the chance to experience the heart and spirit of the State of Qatar.
Qatar Airways, the official Carrier of WAHO Conference 2011, is proud to present an exclusive discount on their fares for accredited participants. Please visit the Qatar Airways page on the WAHO conference website at www.wahoqatar2011.com for more details.
Please contact us for all Conference information, and to request a copy of the WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference Brochure and registration forms:
Hannie Maasdijk, Coordinator, WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, PO Box 7559, Doha, Qatar. Tel: +974 4419 7639; Fax: +974 4480 2734; Email: [email protected] Website: www.wahoqatar2011.com WAHO Conference participation is open to all WAHO Individual Associate Members, new members may join at any time. We hope to see many old friends and welcome many new ones to Doha in November. For membership information, please contact the WAHO Office in the United Kingdom at email: [email protected]
Deveron
Ad design: Impressive Web Design - Images: Tracey Bavinton
Sire: Deveron Duvall
Dam: Gutherzig
Grandsire: Summer Storm
Granddam: Deveron Monique
Maternal Grandsire: Grand Flaneur
Maternal Granddam: Kharoseah
du Barrie
Du Barrie is an imposing stallion with exceptional paces, a gentle, well mannered nature and
correct, sound conformation.
Standing at stud in the beautiful Byron Shire - just 45 minutes from the Gold Coast. AI available.
Service fee for 2011/2012 Season:Service fee for 2011/2012 Season:$990- LFG (Plus Vet/Agistment fees)
All progeny are eligible for registration with the AHSA.
Ian & Tanja Branson 02 66846838 / 0428711316 - Email: [email protected]
www.ArabianDerivatives.com
Registered Arabian Warmblood Stallion, 16.2hh
ROKEWOOD ARABIANS AND PONIES - Rod and Julie Hewat (answered by Julie Hewat).
- When do you start looking for, or researching, Stallions?We don’t normally set out consciously in search of a new stallion to use - more often than not, we see a stallion that appeals to us and who we think may make a valuable contribution to our breeding programme, or one we would just really like to breed a foal by, then we do more research on the stallion to make sure our first impression is accurate before going ahead and booking a breeding. - Do you always have a particular mare in mind when you start looking at Stallions, or do you find a nice Stallion then choose your mare/s?This varies. Sometimes, we’ll see a stallion and can instantly picture the ideal mare to breed him to. On other occasions we may just really like the idea of using a particular stallion and then sit down and think “OK... which mare would he cross best with?” before deciding on a pairing. - Does the location of the Stallion matter to you?Not necessarily. If the stallion is available via transported semen. However, location would be a consideration if we were sending a mare away for natural service, not only considering distance [ie; interstate transport] but also safety of the property and facilities and quality of care where the mare is to be sent to stud. - What are your thoughts on Natural service vs Artificial Insemination?I believe both have their place. Although, Artificial insemination does give the opportunity to achieve more successful pregnancies from a single collection, can improve safety and reduce risks for both mare and stallion, as well as opening up a far wider range of available breedings that may not have been possible via natural service due to distance. The use of imported frozen semen opens up a whole new worldwide gene pool, not physically possible by natural service, the benefits of that are already obvious with the youngstock of such matings hitting show rings round Australia as we speak.
SHATANA ARABIANS - Natasha Whiteman and Cameron Burnett.
- When do you start looking for, or researching, Stallions?We actually look at stallions all year round at shows and keep an eye out on stallions advertised in magazines/internet blasts etc. It’s much easier to make appointments with farms during show season and the warmer months so that is something to keep in mind when looking. We will then sit down and research pedigree’s, look at progeny of the stallion and make a list of the things we liked about the horse and things we didn’t like. There is no perfect horse but it’s important to us to pick a stallion that will compliment our mares. - Do you always have a particular mare in mind when you start looking at Stallions, or do you find a nice Stallion then choose your mare/s?Since we are only a small stud we have already spent a lot of time selecting our band of mares for their type, pedigree and overall individual Arabian qualities. We definitely go looking with our girls in mind first, and then start process of selecting a stallion. Making a list of the mares and stallions positive and negative points and where possible pair up the positives is always a helpful guide. When looking at a potential Stallion we always have in the back of our minds what qualities need improvement in our mares and what we consider our “must haves”. It is so important to set a breeding goal and aim for the ideal result. - Does the location of the Stallion matter to you?No the location of the stallion does not bother us as it’s very easy process to have semen shipped. We do however, like to view stallions privately prior to committing to a breeding. It’s important to look at a horse away from the show environment, seeing him relaxed, seeing first hand temperament and what he is like to handle, and it’s a great way to look closer at his conformation legs and feet etc. - What are your thoughts on Natural service vs Artificial Insemination?We have used both methods in our breeding program with 100% success, so very comfortable with using either. We also consider each mare as individuals and what there breeding history is etc and choose the best option for each mare. It can however be a costly exercise with AI collection fees, shipping fees, vet costs, so if natural is available we would opt for it first.
Our beautiful mares...Our beautiful mares...
Enquiries to Kelly Mason, Stud Owner/ManagerKelaray Stud | www.kelaray.com
Email [email protected] | Phone 09 4087935 (NZ)AD: IMPRESSIVE WEB DESIGN
Enquiries to Kelly Mason, Stud Owner/ManagerKelaray Stud | www.kelaray.com
Email [email protected] | Phone 09 4087935 (NZ)
Aloha Touch of Class (Arabian Park Desert Dashar x Aloha Jedda) In foal to Whisper ( Dec)Arabian Warmblood foal
Willowcroft Chorus (Willowcroft Vagabond x Baroness Vera) In foal to Crave FF Arabian Riding Pony foal
Simeon Seana (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Sivan) In foal to Willowcroft Grand Mikado
Arabian Riding Pony foal
Miracle of Love ( Shaklas Fame n Fortune x Summer Love) In foal to Mahogany Black Ice
Arabian Pony foal
Photo: M Menzies
Photo: Stuart Vesty
Photo: Tracey Bavinton
Photo: Tracey Bavinton
I want to say a HUGE thank you to everybody for the hard work put into this auction to raise money for the flood victims. And another HUGE thank to the wonderful Lynda and Strawb for putting this little guy up for auction. Lynda is just an amazing person and Strawb is such awesome horseman.
I remember the night I was on the computer flicking through websites, and I came across the AHSA Charity Flood Auction. I looked through and I ‘really’ wanted to bid on a painting or something we could put into our new house. After a while I called out to my partner Evan to come have a look at what I had found. It was ‘Dakari’! I said to Evan “please can I place a bid on him?” Evan, who is not very horsey, said “No more horses Kim!”
I said – “We won’t win him, everyone will bid on him and the price will go through the roof.” So I placed my bid - I had to have a giggle when I did, I never win anything. I felt I was also doing a good thing by donating towards the floods. And that’s were it all began.....
3 or 4 weeks later...
I’d just drove in the gate on dark after a 7 hour drive towing a horse float with a wild pony on board. I was thinking to myself ‘How am I going to explain to Evan that I brought another pony home?’ We already own 2 horses: Simeon Shulhan – a Straight Egyptian gelding who is doing really well under saddle as a young horse (he won the Young Saddle Horse at last years National Arabian Stud Show). And our Australian Pony filly, Koora-lyn Suzette, who is doing well in hand.
Anyway back to the story...
So I’m trying to off load this “wild” pony and my phone beeps. I had received an email. I looked down to check the email and “HOLY SUGAR” it was an email from the Arabian Horse Auction team saying I had won ‘Dakari’!!!!!! It hadn’t even crossed my mind to check how my initial bid had gone - I totally forgot about it!
Now I had to explain not just about one horse arriving at home, but two more! ‘Better just pack my bags now’, I was thinking.
I spoke to Evan about him and I was “really” quiet surprised he was ok with it. I think he was a little excited! And I didnt get kicked out. Evan and I were really excited and couldn’t wait to meet this little guy.
Since then, we have had a few ups and downs. Soon after he was weaned, he injured his leg and then also came down with colic. Lynda called me - she was really upset to let me know what had happened. I really felt helpless sitting down here, hours away from them. However with Lynda and Strawbs hard work on the leg, plus a bit of time, it mended well and he got over his colic. One tough nugget!
5th May - Thursday - The day I heard the truck drive up our road and pull up in our driveway!
I was like a kid in a candy store! Dakari had finally arrived! He walked off the truck like a champion, a real Mr Cool. I had chewed most of my nails off that day along with approximately 29 coffees I had waiting for him to arrive. I was speechless!
It was around 5.00pm on the Thursday and Dakari was finally standing in our barn in his new stable having a pick on some hay. I just sat on a bucket in front of his stable and cried. I could not believe he was finally at his home. Especially after everything that had happened with him. Mum, Dad and my sisters - Sammy and Courtney came up to meet the new addition, they were blown away! There was tears all around. How precious he was to us straight away.
It’s a couple of weeks now he has been home. He has his routine rug, unrug, walk here, walk there, stand here, stand there. We take him for daily walks around the property. He is so well mannered and handled beautifully thanks to Lynda and Strawb. ‘Mr Cool’ we call him. He also loves his food! That was one thing Lynda said “he loves his food”. Wow .. This boy can eat!
Where to from here? We are going to let him get strong and grow into a handsome young man.
I really can not say enough “thank you’s” to everybody involved. I’m still over the moon! And for having met two amazing people (Lynda and Strawb). I think I’m a very lucky girl for having this happen. I never win anything.
And to the organisers of the AHSA Charity Auction. Thank you ever so much.... I wanted to bid on a painting but I got a life size painting! Thank you. Xxxx
Recently The Arabian Horse Online Magazine ran the ‘ultimate of competitions’. Boasting a prize package in excess of $3000 for the winner alone, the competition was one that has not been seen in Australia before. The competition was structured to provide a unique promotional opportunity to the deserving winner and runner-ups, that would give them a boost in the areas of promotion for their Stud or individual horses. Thank you to the Sponsors of the competition for their generosity.
Twenty eight entries were received, and the Judges had a hard task! All entries were of a very high standard, from most States of Australia, and incorporating a wide range of disciplines including Showing, Dressage, Campdrafting and Endurance amongst many more.
The Judges were:CARMEL ROWLEY - Published Author of ‘Tails Carried High’, ‘Voices in the Wind’ and ‘Danika and Yatimah - from Egypt to the Outback’ and owner of Pearsons View Arabians.SAMANTHA WATSON - Owner of ‘Greg Watson Showing Canes and Whips, incorporating Hatitude’, Samantha is also an accomplished Judge receiving appointments within Australia and New Zealand.KERRI HILL-GRISHAM - Residing in the United States, Kerri has a career in Hollywood! Its all about promotion for Kerri, who also owns Grisham Hill Arabians, home of Santiago.AMY CURRAN - Editor of The Arabian Horse Online Magazine and owner of Impressive Web Design, marketing and promotions is her career. Also owner of Aliyah Arabians.TANJA BRANSON - Queensland State Representative and Daily Blogger for The Arabian Horse Online Magazine, Tanja has her ‘finger on the pulse’ at all times. Owner of Marshanti Performance Horses.
County Downs is situated on the lovely Darling Downs in Queensland, Australia.
County Downs is owned by Brad and Carol Christensen and started in 1991 with the purchase of Melva (Gai Galahad X Melissa).
County Downs concentrates on breeding crabbet related horses with bloodlines including Sindh, old Bremervale lines, Mildom, Silver Moonlight, Silwan, Desert Pride, Gai General and Greylight.
The stud breeds 3-5 foals per year and enjoy showing them as weanlings and yearlings at local agricultural shows and ‘A’ class Arabian Shows. Most foals then are sold on for performance careers, endurance,showing, or retained as breeding stock.
The Arabians of County Downs are renowned for their great temperaments and versatility.
The stud is home to three Stallions: IBN FATIMA (Arabian Lodge Boragh X Bremervale Fatima), TS. GAI-ZEMUS (Gai General (Imp USA) X Bremervale Zedimus) and our young sire PHAROAH’S FLASH (Ibn Fatima X Winderella Lodge White Dove).
Ibn Fatima is the principle sire at County Downs. He is sired by the Pure Crabbet stallion ARABIAN LODGE BORAGH (Sindh X Grandilla(Greylight)), and his dam is BREMERVALE FATIMA (Gaspar X Bremervale Phaedra(Makor)). His lines are a great mix of Crabbet and Spanish lines.
TS Gai-Zemus is by the legandary stallion Gai General and out of Bremervale Zedimus (Oxford Decimus x Bremervale Zendi). He is the ‘wise old man’ at County Downs and does not stand at public stud.
Pharoahs Flash is the young sire for County Downs. He is a lovely blend of Crabbet breeding, including Sindh, Desert Pride, and Cherokee Casino Royal. ‘Gordon’ as he is affectionately known at home, is by principal sire Ibn Fatima and out of lovely mare Winderella Lodge White Dove. Brad and Carol are hoping to register him Riding Pony in the near future, and with his lovely looks and compact conformation, he should be the ideal stallion for producing gorgeous Arabian/Arabian Riding Ponies.
County Downs bred two foals in the 2010 season, a gorgeous blue eyed chestnut colt by Ibn Fatima, and a palomino filly by Pharoahs Flash.
County Downs Arabians are also big supporters of local shows and Arabian events, donating prizes and securing Judges.
The stud will be holding an Open Day on 6 November 2011, at the property in Milmerran.
By Stacey Smith
We had beautiful weather for our Open Day which was held on Saturday 30 April.
Over 60 people attended the afternoon and enjoyed a social drink and a walk around the Barn where the horses were stabled prior to their presentation.
We kicked off the parade in the show arena with Torryburn Asahfa, a stunning yearling colt, by Baranski. He was followed by Fayt, our young stallion, who put on a fun display of his athleticism. Next were 2 of Fayt’s foals, Faymonique and Faymiss. They were very cute. More horses followed with the very beautiful Rose Gum Aria and our full of life gelding, Gronfinali.
Kim Cox’s straight Russian Stallion, Moon Dancer (imp FRA) was next.
He certainly pleased the crowd with his flash movement and wonderful presence. We heard about his interesting breeding and history.
Last, but not least, was the ever popular Baranski. Baranski loves an audience and came storming into the arena snorting around with great attitude.
The afternoon came to an end with Richard Sharman presenting Baranski and Moon Dancer for those who requested a photo opportunity.
FEAR PRINCIPLE - Fear is quickly learned, not easily forgotten and is strongly associated with the movement of the horse’s legs. It is important to learn to identify the range of fear responses in horses and to diminish them to avoid the horse experiencing them.
What is fear?The fear response is the horse trainer’s greatest adversary. Fear in animals such as horses expresses itself as the flight response - the horse’s attempt to flee from threatening situations. Fear is the activation of the flight response. The flight response involves the animal’s entire body. Behavioural scientists describe all levels of fear as the HPA axis (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This unwieldy name suggests the origin of the flight response - the brain and the adrenal glands. A structure deep inside the brain called the amygdala, sorts out stimuli as to whether they are fearful or not. Fearful stimuli receive special recognition by the brain in terms of remembering - unlike other information, once learned fearful responses are not forgotten. You can layer new responses on top, so they become less easily retrieved, but forever after, fearful responses need careful training to keep the lid on them.
The flight response is extremely variable. It’s like a dimmer switch on a light - it can be fully on or partly on. The flight response shows up in various behavioural ways too. For example, bolting, bucking, rearing, shying, tension, running, hurrying, jogging, rushing, hollow back, high ‘upside down’ head carriage, teeth grinding, tail swishing, tail clamping and freezing. In all of the above responses except freezing, the legs lose their smooth rhythm and become quick and jerky. Bolting is the strongest expression of the flight response. It is a defence mechanism allowing the horse to run away from threatening situations. Few animals on earth are as fleet as the horse, especially over a longer distance. Bucking is also a defence mechanism. It is a movement evolved to remove predators from the horse’s back. Rearing is an aggressive/defensive move that is not only about predator removal but also part of stallion to stallion rivalry. Shying is a small component of the bolting reaction where a sudden swerve assists in avoiding capture. Bucking, bolting and shying are reinforced (rewarded and thus repeated) by the loss of grip of the predator. Under saddle and in hand if the rider or handler loses contact during these hard-to-control manoeuvres, they are similarly rewarded through loss of contact.
Do all horses show flight response in the same way?Not all horses run away from their fears. Running away is most prevalent in thoroughbreds, Arabians and racing-bred quarter horses. The research of eminent equine ethologist, Dr Debbie Goodwin of the University of Southampton shows that the running away genes that these animals possess in varying amounts are derived from hot adapted ancestors whose principal predators were members of the big cat family. Running away is a great solution because cats are not long distance runners. They rely on short bursts of speed, and only one member of the cat family, the lion, is cooperative. Cooperative hunting increases the chasing distance by a few hundred metres. But with a head start, fleet animals such as horses and antelopes can out run them. Cooperative hunting is the most efficient form of hunting, yet even cooperatively hunting lions have a success rate of only one kill in six attempts. With the dog family, it is a different matter altogether. Cooperatively hunting dogs such as wolves and the African hunting dog don’t tire and give up so easily, once they have singled out their prey. The main canine predators of the ancestors of domestic horses were wolves and while few animals on earth can beat a horse over a couple of miles, a pack of cooperatively hunting wolves could soon catch up. Therefore, these cold adapted horses of central Eurasia that were preyed upon mainly by wolves tended not to run but to strike. While zebras won’t defend their young against lions, they run for it, they will stand their ground with hunting dogs and hyenas and are deadly with their hooves. Most of our domestic horses are mixtures of the cold adapted striking strain and the hot adapted running strain. You may have noticed that some domestic horses will run away while others might stand their ground and strike when threatened.
One trial learningWhile most things we try to train the horse to do involve a number of repetitions, unfortunately the flight response can be learned in just one experience. Usually it takes a couple of repetitions but even so, that is a very short time for acquisition. You can imagine why fear responses would need to be remembered and repeated. Patterns of escape that result in surviving a predatory attack need to be instantly recorded for later use - there’s little room for trial and error when you are lunch for a lion. It is for this reason that during training, when it comes to fear behaviours the best solution is to delete the fear and give it the least chance of practise. This is what error-free training is about and I will describe it later.
What rewards the flight response? The flight response is confirmed when any running away behaviour results in escaping the object of fear. In other words by increasing the amount of distance between the horse and the scary object. This reinforcement is not just about large distances of many metres that are made between the animal and its fear, but even over centimetres. For example if a horse is fearful of the whip or is headshy, moving its step-ping one step away from the whip or raising its head from your hand confirm the flight response and in very few repetitions. If a horse is afraid of the farrier, it is confirmed when its stepping away increased distance between itself and the farrier. So the farrier should not step away if at all possible. What he should do is attempt to make contact with horse and repeat the advance/ touch retreat session a few times.
Identifying fearIt is important that as horse trainers we learn to identify the flight response for what it is. Universally horsemen get this wrong at all levels of equestrian skill. It has long been central to classical dressage and is seen in the modern German training scale that the horse should maintain his own speed until requested otherwise. This is what rhythm is about. If a horse cannot go in self-carriage he is either running away (accelerating) or slowing down. If the horse is running away he will be showing some degree of flight response. A typical example is a horse that is said to be too bold into his jumping obstacles. These horses accelerate when faced with an obstacle, and even at pony club level the dangerous behaviour of these horses is explained away as ‘keenness’. This is completely wrong. Such behaviours are almost always learned where, in the first place, the horse runs away from obstacles (the rider has not controlled the rhythm) and soon he associates the obstacle with the acceleration and the obstacle itself becomes the cue that elicits the manic acceleration. When this happens, the slowing effect of the reins are progressively lost and eventually need retraining, or a stronger bit is used. The horse develops a hard mouth which is a switching-off behaviour rather than an actual loss of feeling. In this instance the horse’s blood profile has the same signature of fear, chemi-cal wise, as a horse that is running for its life escaping a pack of wolves. Jumping horses as well as riders need to be trained about rhythm, where it is clearly understood that the horse must be trained to keep his speed himself and the jump must never elicit any more acceleration than a soft and quiet drawing effect towards the obstacle. It is not only a matter of horse welfare - it is a matter of rider safety. In dressage and all other areas of equestrian pursuit we should recognise tension as fear.
No fast movementsIn most equestrian work the horse’s legs should not be quick. In dressage, for example, changes in the body speed of the horse are effected by keeping the speed (Activity) of the legs the same but lengthening the stride. The ‘great masters’ of the past centuries who are responsible for what dressage is today knew much more than we give them credit for. They knew that fast legs lead the horse down the track of the flight response and it is often a one way street. They knew that a hollow back is tense and fearful and can feed increasing tension. They realised that increases in speed were best arranged by keeping the legs at the same speed of revolution, but within that revolution a longer stride means more speed. The fast jerky leg movements of shying and jogging feed the flight response and keep it well oiled for increased use. If a horse shies at a certain place it should be ridden there more slowly and the rider should be ready to use the reins and decelerate the horse immediately it begins to shy. If the object that elicits the shy is on the right, it will be the horse’s right foreleg that pushes the forehand away in panic, so the rider needs to be ready to slow the right foreleg with the right rein more so than the left. This should be repeated until the horse maintains his rhythm past the scary object. However, if the shies are random it is a strong hint of conflict behaviour - it means that the horse is confused about the aids and that it is heavy and delayed to either the stop, go or turn signals. Any acceleration or fast deviation of line should result in the immediate application of the slowing or turning aids so that the fast movements are not incorporated into the animal’s repertoire. They must be prevented in this way from developing further practice.
‘Continued overleaf....
This means we need to train in an error free way and when the horse shows a flight response we must prevent his legs from expressing it as much as possible. Error-free means delete the behaviour during its expression (not after it) and then immediately ask the same request again. This means slow the legs then ask for ‘go’ again. This often requires initial tuning up of the stop response in hand. If bucking is dealt with by just kicking on forward, the buck pattern may elaborate before it stops, and thus it may become incorporated into the horse’s repertoire of behaviour from the ‘go’ aid. Of course if the horse is only doing a minor pig-root, (a single kick up of the hindlegs) applying the go might be all it takes to achieve the correct ‘go’. If it isn’t fixed this way, then it needs to be trained error-free. Any sudden quickening is most effectively dealt with using the reins to immediately slow the stride, and the amount and strength of the slowing is governed by the severity of the horse’s behaviour. Whether the horse is shying, swerving, accelerating, shooting backwards or bucking, it seems that the faster the legs move the more indelibly it is remembered.
Is any amount of flight response useful?An important aspect of horse behaviour is that increasing amounts of flight response or adrenaline are necessary for increases in speed. So not all aspects of the flight response are detrimental. Galloping would not be possible without an increase in heart rate. So eventing and the various codes of racing require some of the internal mechanisms that are associated with the flight response. The big problem is how much is too much. Anyone who has had the misfortune to ride a bolting horse knows that they don’t slow or turn. Yet a properly trained racehorse going at the same speed is still able to be slowed and turned. The bolting horse is clearly in a much firmer grip of the flight response than the well trained racehorse. When the flight response is involved in the forward response more than the minimum necessary amount to maintain a particular speed, the animal is running away. This again raises the question of self-carriage. A key feature of self-carriage is that the horse is in cruise control. Ridden and led horses whose speed is held by the hands are expressing a minor form of bolting. Confused horses also tend to run away and are held in speed and rhythm by the rider. The horse is unable to escape and his back is further hollowed, his steps tense and choppy.
Spontaneous recoveryHow much experience with tension and running away can we safely allow our horses? None. Because behaviours that are associated with the flight response can be remembered with just one episode, fearful experiences lie there in the archives of the brain in storage, waiting. Fear responses are subject to what behavioural scientists call ‘spontaneous recovery’ - the tendency to suddenly reappear in the behaviour of the animal at the original response strength. The greater the amount of the flight response that the animal has experienced, the greater its likelihood to show spontaneous recovery. So ignoring a reasonably serious bolt or buck or a shy can result it coming back to haunt you when you least expect it. Usually the behaviour returns during periods when the animal is challenged and stress levels are a little higher - i.e. during the acquisition of new behaviours. Chasing fearful horses in round yards can also have the same effect in spontaneous recovery. If the horse is running around with all the signs of tension - high head, hollow back, short choppy strides, problems could be brewing. It’s bad for the horse’s mental well-being and bad for his associations with humans. Basically the horse is practising and storing the flight response for later. What’s more the horse is storing an association of fear and humans. If a horse is being chased around a round pen with a hollow back, a high head carriage and with fast legs, then despite the immediate short term benefits proclaimed by the advocates of round pen work, it can be a recipe for further and sometimes more severe expressions of the fear response, and for rifts in horse human bonds. Humanistic interpretations aside, you should try to put yourself in the horse’s shoes. Eons of being high on the menu of predators has meant that the horse is particularly vulnerable to interpret whatever fits with being chased. The best you can do for your horse is to avoid chasing it if tension is likely to appear.
On the other hand there is nothing wrong with correct lunging, provided the horse is relaxed. If a horse goes around the round pen or the lunging yard in cruise control and not hollow, there can be great training benefits there. Any sudden quick-ening can be dealt with through downward transitions via the lunge rein.
Control the horse’s legsAn American ethologist, by the name of Dr Temple Grandin, showed a few years ago that ‘holding therapy’ works with horses. She observed American cowboys putting wild mustangs in crates with only their heads protruding and then filling the crate full of wheat via an overhead silo. Then they were subjected to bags etc swinging toward their faces. The horses were unable to express their fear responses because their legs were immobilised. When horses emerged from this contrap-tion they were far quieter and easier to control; their flight response was dulled for some time afterwards. For many years Australian breakers and horse whisperers have been hog-tying horse’s legs and throwing them to the ground or hobbling them. All of these techniques temporarily subdue the flight response, although they are mostly misinterpreted as produc-ing ‘respect’ and ‘submission’. What is actually happening is that fearful stimuli are disconnected from the flight response. However doing these sorts of things are nowadays mostly seen as ethically unsound practises.
The best and easiest way to control the horse’s feet on a more permanent basis is to do very effective groundwork on a regular basis. Correct groundwork provides complete control over the horse’s legs. In the AEBC system of groundwork we condition the horse to move only from a lead rein signal, and that the lead rein signal should be trained thoroughly so that the horse can be stepped forward and backward immediately from a very light lead signal and will continue doing so until signalled otherwise, maintaining a straight line and a wither-height head carriage. The horse also is required to ‘park’ until signalled to move. Other trainers have similar techniques, however the common denominator of them all is that the legs of the horse are under control and no random movements are allowed, especially no fast random movements. It is well recognised that the more the horse practises fast random movements, the more he is prone to do so. Similarly under saddle, complete con-trol over the horse’s mobility is the solution for prevention of dangerous behaviours as well as for their rehabilitation. As I have mentioned earlier in this series, the various pressures of rein and leg place boundaries around the animal’s mobility, by achieving complete control over the horse’s feet in terms of acceleration, deceleration and direction. The transformation of these pressures to light aids adds relaxation to obedience because the light aids are unobtrusive and predictable.
Conflict behaviourWhen animals experience the flight response regularly over a long time, they develop higher levels of certain stress chemi-cals such as cortisol. In behaviour studies, cortisol is a fairly reliable indicator of stress and over a long term has damaging effects on an animal’s physiology. Long term tension can also result in conflict behaviours that include separation anxiety, aggression, and even self-mutilation.
When a horse becomes confused, its first reaction is usually tension. This tension generally makes the horse inclined to run away from the stressful situation. The more confused the horse becomes, the greater the tendency to run away, leap away or shy away. Opposing responses predispose the horse to high levels of flight response. Opposing responses to aids involve reactions such as slowing from the leg aids, accelerating from the rein aids, turning left from the right rein or right from the left rein (as in falling-in or falling-out) or leg-yielding into the leg rather than away from the leg. In horse training however, the greatest amount of tension arises from the blocking effects of rein and leg at the same time. Only a small amount of horses show no clinical signs of tension under these circumstances. Animals simply can’t accelerate and decelerate simulta-neously so the horse learns that aids are only ‘aids’ when they occur from pressures above the tight-pressured contact. Such a training regime means that sharp rowelled spurs and double bridles with crank-up nosebands become mandatory items of training yet common sense would dictate that higher standards in training should require less rather than more weaponry.
Identifying and treating fearful behaviour is one very essential part of horsemanship. For the sake of ours and our children’s safety and we have to throw away the myths that the horse that is rushing toward the jumps is displaying ‘keenness’ and knows what he is doing because he is basically willing to please. If horse trainers learned to correctly identify the range of fear responses that horses exhibit during training, and learned the value of not incorporating fear patterns of movement in all equestrian disciplines, horse riding and training would be far safer for both horse and rider. It is heartening to see that the equine science universities in the UK and Australia are embracing this understanding which will ultimately filter out to the rest of the equestrian world.
Thank you to the Australian Equine Behavioural Centre for this article.
The Zone One Championships were held on the 8th of May, 2011. The main ride was a 100km elevated, and there was also a 40k training ride and 20km social ride.
Thirty eight riders entered the 100km ride, and thirteen of these completed the distance.
HEAVYWEIGHT 100KM1 (BC)- Ian Dreghorn, Mountain Breeze Jack the Ripper2 - Sue Warren, Warren Park O.b. One3 - John Howe, Ashbend Perazzi
MIDDLEWEIGHT 100KM1 - Jennifer Gilbertson, Kurrajong Shadad1 (BC)- David Player, Mirakhani Saa’meer2 - Talea Hasko-Stewart, Blakes Heaven Venus3 - Tracy Haack, Carjola Park Prince Shahwan
LIGHTWEIGHT 100KM1 - Adeline Gibson, Blakes Heaven Ventura2 (BC)- Emma McCormack, Adios3 - Mary Hollingsworth, Cameo Ambrozia
JUNIOR 100KM1 (BC)- Andrew Mackinder, Sundown Park Cariad
Full results of all distances can be viewed on www.endurancedb.com.au.
Thank you to Susan Shipway for this pictorialwww.sylanphotography.webs.com.
On the 9th November, 2010 our lovely palomino mare Eternal Starr delivered twins, a beautiful strong bay filly and a tiny bay colt………according to one website the statistics to reaching a full term delivery for twin foals are 1 in 500,000 and then their survival rate past two weeks of age is as low as 8%. Therefore, these twins, now four and half months old are very special indeed.
We purchased Starr from Niki Davis at 3 months old with the specific intention of breeding her to our boy Gleniph Royal Sovereign when she was old enough and showing her in the meantime as a youngster. Starr is by Homestead Park Silverado and we already had a half sibling to him in Homestead Park Gazelle who had bred exceptionally well with Sovereign so to find these bloodlines was wonderful. Starr is out of the lovely mare Eternal Love (Shatoor x Summer Love) who has two crosses to Simeon Sanegor a stallion we admire and who is Sovereign’s father so again tying in bloodlines we knew would work well together. Starr herself was a little special as Eternal Love had lost her previous two foals therefore Niki was very anxious about the impending birth. Anyhow all went well and we took delivery of our special girl at weaning, she went straight to our trainers, Future Farms where she was prepared for the foal shows which she went on to win. Starr then went to the 2009 Australian National Championships in Melbourne where she was awarded Reserve Australian Champion partbred 2yo filly with equal points to the champion.
Unfortunately during this time Sovereign suffered some injuries which meant he could no longer serve mares safely so we had the hard task of finding a stallion to suit Starr and to complete our desire to have some similar bloodlines to Sovereign. Really we didn’t have to look far………….we chose the awesome Australian National Champion colt CraveFF. Not only is he a beautiful individual he has a great pedigree including Simeon Sanegor so the breeding was done and the waiting began.
We had decided to leave Starr at Future Farms to foal and when we got the phone call from Kate to say she had foaled twins we were stunned.
They were both alive, one very strong filly and a not so strong, tiny colt. It was going to be touch and go for a while for the colt, he had to have plasma and vet attention for a few days but he was a fighter with a strong will to survive.
Starr was coping brilliantly with her babies and things were positive but it did turn out that the little colt needed far more rest than the filly and bottle feeding as well as Mum. He really needed to be confined so his legs could gain strength whilst the filly was rearing to go.
We were worried that keeping them all locked up would result in the colt being trodden on and hurt so the decision was made to raise the colt as an orphan baby. Something we were quite prepared to do but were having trouble working out the logistics of getting him home to us and it all had to be attended to fairly fast.
Luckily a lovely lady named Justine Curatolo came to the rescue. She offered to raise the colt so we gave him to her and as she only lived a few doors down from Future Farms it was a simple process to move him to his new home. She named him Elvis and he began his bottle baby life living in her rumpus room in the house.
Every morning she would take him out to a paddock and wash all his bedding that he had slept and pooped on, then lay it all out for him again each night. She bottle feed him every 3 hours so it was an intense but incredibly rewarding journey for them both.
We saw Elvis at about 3 months of age and he is a strong and healthy foal although still small, but he is a much loved member of the family and Justine says he will be with her forever.
The filly has grown from strength to strength and what a stunner she is too. We are excited to be able to share our future with this little one, she has not long been weaned and will hopefully be attending the foal shows like her mum did. We have named her Wish Upon A Starr.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate and Doyle for their diligence and care of the twins from birth, they wouldn’t have survived without you. Our baby Starr is the next step for us in our partbred breeding journey.
Photos this page from top:1. Wish Upon A Starr2. Eternal Starr3. Wish Upon A Starr
Photos left page from top:1. The twins together (colt with rug)2. Cheeky Elvis!3. Elvis out with a friend4. The twins together
A R A B I A N SIVER OA
www.riveroakarabians.com.au
FOR BEGINNERS/AMATEURS OR THOSE WANTING TO IMPROVE THEIR SHOWING SKILLS
When:26th June 2011 (Sunday)
Where:RIVER OAK ARABIAN STUD
95 Argents 95 Argents Road, Wilberforce, New South Wales
Time:10 am Start
Cost:$70.00 includes Lunch and Morning/Afternoon Tea
PROGRAMME:
10.00am - Start with morning tea and question and answers with Ray.11.00am - Practical Demonstration/Lesson11.00am - Practical Demonstration/Lesson
12.30pm - Lunch1.30pm - Practical Lesson
3.00pm - Afternoon Tea and discussion on day’s events
Halter Clinic
AD
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Enquiries / Bookings:Ray & Kerry Smith
River Oak Arabian StudPhone 0407 751 572
Email [email protected] ESSENTIAL
This is the spot for free stuff! Check out this issue’s hot giveaways....
THE ARABIAN HORSE IN AUSTRALIA, VOLUME 7This is your chance to win a magnificent hardcover book of the Arabian Horse in Australia. Kindly donated by The Arabian Horse Society of Australia. This book showcases horses and stud in Australia in amazing detail with beautiful photographs. To win, just answer the following questions:
How many registered progeny are listed for ‘Heste Arabique First Impression’ (Vale, this issue)?(HINT: Go to the website www.ahsa.asn.au to find the answers to this question)
Email your answers to [email protected].
WIN $50 CASH!FACEBOOK COMPETITIONDon’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page for competitions and news updates in between magazine issues. While you are on Facebook, suggest the page to 10 of your friends.... email the names of these friends to [email protected] and when they join the page, you could win $50 cash!
The above two competitions close 30 July 2011 - winners announced next issue.
**** WINNERS **** APRIL 2011 ISSUE
‘ARABIAN HORSE ONLINE MAGAZINE’ EMBROIDERED SHIRTCONGRATULATIONS TO - Nadia Lilly (please contact us to claim your prize!)
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Keep an eye on our facebook page for competitions between issues!
Websites
JUNE / JULY 2011
JUNE11-12 Arabian Gala Event, Ipswich, QLD http://www.arabianvalley.com.au
11-13 NSW State Endurance Championships Neil Clarkson 0427 258 291
11-13 SA State Endurance Championships Jody Smith 0439 800 610
18 Kalbar Agricultural Show, Kalbar Showgrounds, Qld
Joy Hetherton Email [email protected]
25 AHHA Hunter Judging & Competitors Seminar, Windsor, NSW
www.hunterhorses.com.au
25 Halter Clinic, River Oak Arabian Stud, Wilberforce NSW
Kerry Smith 0407 751 572Email [email protected]
25 NSW Arabian Judges Council Workshop/Seminar, Castlereagh, NSW. Open to all interested.
Shelley Brodie 02-6546 6792, 0438 714 998 Email [email protected]
30 NSW Arabian Judges Council Workshop/Seminar, Castlereagh, NSW.Open to all interested.
Shelley Brodie 02-6546 6792, 0438 714 998 Email [email protected]
JULY1 NSWAHA Breeders Sweepstakes Online
Stallion Service Auction commenceswww.arabianhorseauction.com.au www.nswarabian.org.au
2 Qld Mitavite Dressage Festival, Pine Lodge Equestrian Centre, Thornlands, Qld
www.qlddressagefest.com
15-16 Gatton Agricultural Show, Gatton Showgrounds, Qld
Jane WilchEmail [email protected]
16-17 Mareeba Agricultural Show, Mareeba Showgrounds, Qld
Tanya PiggotEmail [email protected]
16-17 July Samford Agricultural Show, Samford Showgrounds, Qld
Ingrid HuttonEmail [email protected]
20-22 July Cairns Agricultural Show, Cairns Showgrounds, Qld
Alison StickensEmail [email protected]
23-24 July Mt Gravatt Agricultural Show, Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, Qld
Len CrookEmail [email protected]
24 July NSW Amateur Show - NSW AHA Foal Show - Ruth Dalton Memorial Versatility Challenge, Richmond, NSW
Contact: 0408 232 162Email: [email protected]:www.nswarabian.org.au
24-25 July Mossman Agricultural Show, Mossman Showgrounds, Qld
Ann BaldwinEmail [email protected]
29-30 July Tully Agricultural Show, Tully Showgrounds, Qld
Debra KerridgeEmail [email protected]
31 July NSWAHA Associate Snaffle Bit Open Dressage Day, Vines Pony Club, Oakville+ Everything Equine Market Day.
Contact: 0408 232 162Email: [email protected]: www.nswarabian.org.au
To have your event added: please email [email protected] - its FREE!
Websites
STUDSAliyah Arabians - www.aliyaharabians.com.auAl Sahrae Arabians - www.alsahraearabians.comAnnabar Arabians - www.annabar-arabians.com.auAsab Arabians - www.asabarabians.comBawtry Park Arabians - www.bawtryparkarabians.comBurrendah The Wizard - www.burrendahthewizard.comCanberra Performance Horses - www.canberraperformancehorses.com.auChelleason Arabians - www.chelleasonarabians.comCoolinda Park - www.coolindapark.com.auDe Sharvarll Arabians - www.dsarabs.comDreamtime Valentino - www.dreamtimevalentino.comEmpire Park - www.empirepark.com.auEllenbank Welsh Pony Stud - www.ellenbank.com.auFoxridge Farm - www.foxridgefarm.com.auHamdallah Arabian Stud - www.hamdallahstud.comKaferthal Arabians - www.kaferthal.comKelaray Stud - www.kelary.comKC Performance Horses - www.kcperformance.com.auKie-Al Arabians - www.kie-alarabians.comKistrellbry Warmbloods - www.kistrellbrywarmbloods.com.auLizton Park - www.liztonpark.com.auOrabanda Stud - www.orabandastud.com.auMallyon Hills Warmblood Stud - www.mallyonhills.com.auNatham Park Arabian Stud - www.nathamparkarabians.comNewbury Park Arabians & Ponies - www.newburypark.net.auPearsons View Arabians - www.pearsonsviewarabians.comPioneer Arabians - www.pioneerarabians.comRamadan Arabians - www.ramadanarabians.com.auRobali Stud - www.robalistud.com.auRubin James - www.rubinjames.comSeraphic Park Stud - www.seraphicparkstud.com.auShahbria Sporthorses - www.shahbriasporthorses.comShatana Arabians - www.shatanaarabians.com.auShea Tarn Stud - www.sheatarnstud.com.auSimeon Stud - www.simeonstud.comSplendacrest Endurance Training - www.freewebs.com/splendacrestTrazir Stud - www.trazirstud.com.auThe Cameo Stud - www.thecameostud.com.auWarrawee Stud - www.warraweestud.comWollumbin Arabians - www.wollumbinarabians.com.auWybalena Lodge - www.wybalenalodgearabians.comYukon Park - www.yukonpark.com.au
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Email [email protected]
Arabian Horse Society of Australia www.ahsa.asn.au
NSW Arabian Horse Associationwww.nswarabian.org.au
QLD Crabbet Groupwww.qldcrabbetgroup.com.au
Arabs Inc (ACT & Sthn NSW)www.arabsinc.com.au
Hawkesbury Dressage Clubwww.hawkesburydressage.com.au
BUSINESSESAustralian Country Horse - www.australiancountryhorse.com.au Arabian Horse Auction - www.arabianhorseauction.com.auCarmel Rowley, Author - www.carmelrowley.com.auDog Deals - www.dogdeals.net.auEdinburgh Horse Rugs - www.edinburghhorserugs.com.auEllenbank Photography - www.ellenbank.comGreg Watson Showing Canes & Whips - www.gregwatsoncanesandwhips.comHP Equestrian - www.hpequestrian.com.auHorse Board - www.horseboard.com.auHorses At Home - www.horsesathome.com.auMaxisoy+ - www.maxisoy.com.auNicole Cameron, Visual Artist - www.nicolecameron.com.auOutriding Giftware - www.outridinggiftware.com.auPremium Equine - www.premiumequine.net.auShow Circuit NZ - www.showcircuit.co.nzShow Shots Photography - www.showshots.co.nzSWD Images - www.swdimages.com.auTH Images - www.thimages.com.auTuffRock - www.tuffrock.net
