Volume 17 – Issue 1
Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions of Horses
Common Findings with Diet Analysis
Feeling Good and Ready... ...with a little help from Acupressure!
Dynamics within the Horse Herd
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Within the intricate tapestry of a horse herd, a fascinating social structure emerges, with a diverse array of roles and responsibilities that each equine member fulfills. While there are countless dynamics at play, several distinctive roles can be observed, each contributing to the harmony, safety, and well-being of the collective. At times, several roles will be played out by an individual horse, especially in a smaller herd such as often found in domesticity. Below is an outline of those I have observed, I am sure there are even more to be discovered.
1. Support Horse - the nurturer:
At the heart of every herd, there’s often a horse that epitomizes compassion and empathy. This nurturing figure has a remarkable ability to soothe anxious or troubled members, offering comfort through gentle nudges, mutual grooming, or simply by standing steadfastly by their side. I recently had a lame horse, and the support horse in my herd stood by him while he rested when the other horses left to graze.
2. Alarm Horse - the sentinel/guard:
Ever vigilant and perceptive, the alarm horse stands as the herd’s watchtower. With acute senses, they detect even the faintest signs of danger, swiftly alerting the others through a series of cues—flared nostrils, raised head, or a sudden change in posture. Their alertness is crucial in safeguarding the herd against potential threats. When my alarm horse recently passed away, another in the herd stepped up to this position. This was such a change of job for him. In the past he was the one who didn’t respond to environmental stimuli. It really showed me how essential these roles are to the health of the herd.
3. Calm Horse - the stabilizer:
Amidst the ebb and flow of herd dynamics, the calm horse embodies serenity and composure. Their unwavering demeanour acts as a stabilizing force, diffusing tension during conflicts and preventing escalating disputes. They serve as a beacon of tranquillity, promoting harmony and emotional equilibrium within the group. My current calm stabilizer is the one who keeps on grazing while the rest have their heads up and nostrils flaring. If it’s something serious he would join in, but for everyday disturbances he shows the herd how to let go and return to grazing. Again, he only recently took on this role as the herd reshuffled the jobs with the passing of a herd member.
Protectors exhibit a keen sense of responsibility towards the safety of their fellow members, especially the young and vulnerable. This role looks different in a domestic situation compared to the wild. In the wild this role is usually adopted by the stallion. When danger threatens, they position themselves at the back of the herd, ready to fend off potential threats and safeguard the weaker individuals. If necessary, losing their life to give the herd of mares and foals time to escape. In a domestic situation where we usually have geldings instead of stallions, I have seen this role taken by a lead mare. She aggressively defended both older herd members and myself from what she perceived as a threat. When danger loomed, she swiftly positioned herself as a shield. Circling the one she is protecting, kicking, and attacking the perceived threat.
5. The Stirrer - playful and energetic:
Injecting exuberance and playfulness into the herd, the stirrer serves as an agent of joy and energy. Their antics and spirited behaviour often spark playful interactions among members, fostering social cohesion and physical activity. I have two of these in my herd, making for some hilarious cavorting at times. I’ve noticed how good they are for the older herd members, stirring them up so they run and play, improving their overall health and wellbeing.
6. Leader - the wise elder:
Amongst the herd, a revered figure emerges as the leader—a culmination of experience, wisdom, and earned respect. Their decisions guide the group, be it in choosing grazing grounds, leading herd movement, or settling disputes. This horse embodies leadership through a balanced blend of authority and empathy, maintaining order while considering the needs of the collective. With the recent passing of my lead horse, a mare, the role was picked up by the eldest gelding. He is proving to be a wonderful new leader. The herd follow him calmly and willingly, they obviously respect his decisions, and he has proven to be worthy of their respect.
These roles are not fixed or exclusive; rather, horses might transition between them based on circumstances, individual temperament, changes in the environment or the needs of the group. For instance, a horse might exhibit nurturing behaviour towards a distressed member at one moment and swiftly shift to a protective stance if danger arises.
The cohesion of a herd relies on the synergy among these diverse roles. The interactions and relationships that develop within these roles create a social fabric that ensures the collective’s survival and well-being. Each role contributes significantly to the herd’s functionality.
Understanding the dynamics within a horse herd not only provides insight into the rich social lives of horses but also offers valuable parallels to human social structures. The capacity for empathy, leadership, protection, and the fostering of harmony within a community are universal qualities, transcending the boundaries between species.
In essence, the roles horses assume within a herd are a testament to the depth of their social intelligence, showcasing a remarkable ability to establish a cohesive society that prioritizes collective welfare—a lesson from which humans can undoubtedly draw inspiration.
Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc. Dip.Couns. has a degree in Equine Science and a Diploma in Counselling. She has been instructing riding students for 15 years and runs her own business Happy Horses Bitless. Suzy discovered bitless bridles 10 years ago and has now made the promotion of their use her passion. She teaches students exclusively in bitless bridles, gives bitless clinics, writes articles, gives talks on bitless riding and sells bitless bridles through her web page.
Suzy believes we can communicate with horses using gentleness, intuition and an open mind. Her lessons are a combination of classical riding, natural horsemanship and the understanding of equine behaviour.
Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc. Dip.Couns.
HAPPY HORSES BITLESS | CONSIDERATE HORSEMANSHIP
P: 0401 249 263 | E: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com www.happyhorsesbitless.com Happy Horses Bitless Bridles
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Components of the upper respiratory tract of a horse include the sinuses, the pharynx, larynx, guttural pouches and the trachea. All respiratory conditions can be separated into two classes; non-infectious and infectious. Infectious causes can involve bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and some a combination of these. Non-infectious conditions can be related to obstructive lesions resulting from trauma or neoplasia and altered nerve and or muscle function.
Here area few common upper respiratory tract conditions that we see on a regular basis.
Horses have 6 pairs of air filled sacs in their heads called sinuses and when the lining of these sacs become inflamed the condition is called sinusitis. Sinusitis may be due to primary causes such as bacterial infection or may be secondary to another condition such as a tooth root abscess. Symptoms can include nasal discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite and sometimes facial swelling. Treatment will depend on the cause but often involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatories prescribed by your vet.
Dr Katherine Dodd BVSc/BVetBio BAppSc (Eq)
Dr Katrina Swift BVSc/BVetBio BIntBus
P 02 6672 3898
E admin@theriversequinevets.com.au
W www.theriversequinevets.com.au
Image of Equine throat showing a left sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Arrows and line are marking where the cartilage should be in a properly functioning throat.
Fretheim-Kelly, Zoe & Halvorsen, Thomas & Clemm, Hege & Røksund, Ola & Heimdal, John-Helge & Vollsæter, Maria & Fintl, Constanze & Strand, Eric. (2019). Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction in Humans and Equines. A Comparative Review. Frontiers in Physiology. 10. 1333. 10.3389/ fphys.2019.01333.
Horses suffering this condition are commonly referred to as ‘roarers’ and we see this mostly in our racehorse client base. RLN occurs when there is altered function of the arytenoid cartilage of the larynx normally secondary to dysfunction of the vagal nerve. The left sided cartilage is most commonly affected and results in inability to retract the cartilage and essentially creates a partial blockage of the airway, resulting in the characteristic roaring sound. This can affect a horses performance as they are not able to breathe to their full capacity, reducing the amount of oxygen available to their tissues.
We diagnose this condition via endoscopy and will base treatment recommendations off each individual case. Surgery is an option but needs to be carefully considered as there can be long term complications.
This is caused by inflammation of the trachea and is often associated with inflammatory airway disease. Symptoms can include coughing, increased respiratory rate, poor performance and wanting to extend their neck. Treatment will depend on what your vet suspects the cause is, they may recommend a trans-tracheal wash to take a sterile sample from the trachea. This helps figure out if there is a bacteria causing the issue which can be treated with antibiotics or if the issue is more likely allergic, viral or less commonly, fungal. Management factors play a large role in managing this condition, if your vet thinks it could be allergy related; considering feeding your horse from the ground to allow good mucocillary clearance. Take measures to control dust by doing things such as soaking hay, wetting down arenas prior to exercise and keeping stable bedding fresh.
Some other conditions to consider when suspicious of upper respiratory tract issues include chondritis, guttural pouch mycosis and strangles.
Next issue we will cover some common lower respiratory tract conditions of the horse.
Modern and Progressive
Equine Care Based in Murwillumbah
Services Offered Include:
• Preventative Health
• Lameness Evaluation
• Dental Health
• Reproductive/Neonatal Services
• Emergency Care
• Diagnostic Services – ECG, X-Ray, Ultrasound and Endoscopy
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• Pre-Purchase Examinations
Katherine and Katrina believe strongly in practicing as ethical and compassionate veterinarians and have always strived to deliver the best possible care to their clients and patients.
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The Rivers Equine Vets has evolved into a great team of professionals that can offer equine veterinary services from Byron Bay to the Southern Gold Coast.
The practice is fully mobile, and all services are available to clients on their farms or at their stables.
Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSc BSc PhD Equine veterinarian, CEO Jenquine and consultant nutritionist
We are becoming increasingly aware of the strong association between nutrition, diet and health - for ourselves and for our horses.
As well as the part they play in health, welfare and behaviour, diet and nutrition can help prevent and support recovery from several common veterinary conditions. Nutrition is involved in the pathogenesis, management, treatment and prevention of a wide range of equine performance, behavioural and clinical conditions. In addition to disease prevention, correct nutrition is a necessary adjunct when a combination of dietary and medical/surgical management is needed for the best outcome. This article provides an update on the applications and limitations of diet analysis and some common feeding errors.
There is an extensive and expanding amount of research, experiences and recommendations for feeding horses. Much is accurate and applicable, some is not. Some must be interpreted or combined with other information for it to be useable. In addition, some experiences, anecdotes and recommendations are proven to be false, or true only under certain circumstances. Never-the-less they are often repeated by those unaware of current and recent research, studies and findings to the contrary.
Currently available diet analysis programs are based on reference values developed by Germany, France (INRA) and the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007). The NRC calculated minimum requirements through feeding experiments and extrapolation for studies in other species to arrive at minimum feeding standards, and this is what nutritionists use to provide diet and feeding advice.
The limitations of the NRC feeding standards include that they were established for a population of horses of a given age, weight, reproductive and performance status and are ‘averages’ - hence they meet the requirements of only 50% of horses. Factors not covered include breed, age, discipline, weather, climate or the requirements of an individual horse that may vary considerably from group averages. Second, they were established for healthy horses and minimum requirements are just that - calculated according to the amount required to prevent clinical signs of deficiencies and excess. Equine clinical nutrition goes beyond minimum recommended intakes and standard feeding guides.
Examples of horses who benefit from dietary analysis, evaluation, feeding management and nutritional support include: pregnant mares and growing horses, those at risk of or affected by veterinary clinical conditions such as arthritis, behavioural issues, body composition concerns, convalescence, Cushings disease (PPID), dental conditions, diarrhoea, endocrine problems, EPSM, injuries, insulin resistance (IR), lack of muscle and topline, laminitis, orphan foals, poor hoof quality, performance problems, PSSM, post-surgery, ulcers and skin conditions.
Diet analysis can indicate the appropriateness of the current diet and reveal any feeding errors.
Common problems and errors discovered during diet analysis:
1. Calcium : phosphorus ratio is often borderline or significantly unbalanced. Reasons for this include reliance on pasture, meadow/ cereal hay and chaff. Most grasses provide plenty of phosphorus, but little calcium. Antacid ulcer medications are also a risk factor as they reduce stomach acid to levels that are below the ideal for calcium absorption, as are high-oxalate grasses. The oxalates prevent absorption of the calcium in the diet, so even though on paper intake may meet requirements the diet is calcium deficient.
2. Overlap is common when a combination of manufactured feeds and supplements are fed and often leads to excesses and imbalances. This is especially important when feeding hoof products containing high levels of zinc. Although zinc toxicity is extremely rare in horses, the gut flora is extremely sensitive to zinc – which is a heavy metal!. In the European Union, legal restrictions occur for the use of zinc as a feed additive, limiting the maximum zinc content for horse diets. When hoof supplements are combined with manufactured feeds, many diets analysed have close to the maximum allowed and others exceed it. Although the effects on the horse may be negligible, the effects on the gut environment are significant with a decrease in the abundance, richness and diversity of the beneficial microbiota.
Both iodine and selenium have a narrow range of tolerance in horses and when several supplements are used, especially with kelp products, excess iodine intake can occur. As with selenium, the clinical signs of excess iodine are similar to those of deficiency and importantly, they are often subtle and difficult to detect other than by diet analysis.
3. Iron and anaemia Blood builders to increase blood counts, improve performance and increase oxygen carrying capacity sound like good ideas. When most people hear the word “anaemia” they think of iron, but iron deficiency in horses has only been reported after blood loss and haemorrhage. Many vitamins and minerals are involved in red cell production and deficiencies can mimic iron deficiency. Copper and vitamin B6 deficiency and lead poisoning reduce production of haemoglobin. Providing extra iron won’t help anaemia due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. B12 and folate deficiencies could cause anaemia and horses on long term acid-suppression ulcer medications, gut disturbances or reduced appetite may benefit from B12 and folate supplementation.
Excess iron can be identified by diet analysis. Iron never leaves the body, it is recycled. Iron supplementation may be needed when there has been haemorrhage and blood loss – although in most cases normal diet sources should be enough. Soil, grass, hays and sugar beet are all high in iron. Excessive oral and injectable iron can damage red cells and cause low RBC counts in high performance horses.
And, because iron never leaves the body, iron overload can occur. Diagnosis is based on blood tests and your veterinarian may test for serum iron, transferrin and ferritin levels. Iron is toxic to the liver and levels in the spleen and liver can be very high in older horses. Raised blood insulin is the most common cause of laminitis in horses with metabolic disorders and insulin-resistance syndromes including Cushings. These horses are particularly sensitive to iron and adding more is not recommended.
4. Labels are extremely important for determining if a feedstuff will meet recommended levels of intake. Some nutrients such as vitamin
Formulated by Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSC, BSC, PHD, Equine Veterinarian & Consultant Nutritionist Made in Australia in APVMA-Licensed and ISO-Compliant facilities
C are not usually needed as horses synthesize their own. In some circumstances (stress, no access to fresh grass, illness etc) supplementary vitamin C is required and the amount needed is generally between 10 and 20 grams a day. If the label shows an amount below this when fed according to the manufacturers instructions, there is no benefit. Other nutrients such as biotin can be helpful to some horses, but again the correct amount (20 – 30mg/day) must be provided and the label is the best way to determine whether the feed will meet requirements. The amount of iodine in seaweed products can vary by a factor of 10. A guaranteed analysis on the label can help determine whether the amount of iodine will be excessive.
5. Ingredients listed on websites can reveal more information about a feedstuff. Some ‘grain-free’ feeds contain bran, pollard, millrun, millmix which are all grain by-products and are high in sugar and starch.
teaching the anatomy and physiology of the horse’s hooves and mouth (dental) which can impact their health and wellbeing.
6. Poor quality protein is quite common and affects body composition and the power-to-weight ratio – ie the amount of muscle and fat in the body. On paper, a feed might have an appropriate % protein, but in reality it may not be available. The protein content may be appropriate but if it doesn’t provide essential amino acids, the protein will be unusable. An amino acid breakdown of the protein is important to determine whether the protein will provide essential amino acids. Three important ones for horses are lysine, methionine and threonine. Other impediments to the amount of useable protein - and a major reason why a horse may not be thriving even though on paper all the requirements are met by the feed/diet - are anti-nutritional factors (ANF). ANF interfere with the horse’s digestive processes and include lectins which reduce nutrient absorption, digestive enzyme inhibitors, compounds that cause gas production and others that disrupt the absorption processes of the small intestine. The major pulse groups grown in Australia (chickpea, faba/broad bean, field pea, lentil, lupin and mungbean) contain significant levels of ANF and, depending on the content, there are negative impacts on the utilisation of nutrients in the diet due to reduced digestibility - especially if they are fed raw or unprocessed.
7. Misinformation, claims and the APVMA The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has very strict guidelines on feed labelling requirements. These regulations focus on ‘claims’ in particular. Any product that mentions a specific disease or condition or refers to the prevention, reduction, treatment, alleviation or cure of any disease or condition is considered a veterinary product and requires registration. Unfortunately the regulations don’t apply to product brochures and website information which often contain misleading material or report benefits found in humans, rodents and other species. Relying on information on brochures and marketing material can be detrimental. Although many diet errors are unlikely to cause acute clinical disease, they will impact on overall health, bone strength, muscle mass, performance, recovery and risk of veterinary clinical conditions.
The NRC feeding standards are a useful guide for nutritionists to estimate requirements, but they lack precision and do not include more recent veterinary and scientific studies. Mathematical calculations alone don’t reflect the complexity of requirements for a wide range of veterinary clinical conditions and many nutritional recommendations change as new research expands our knowledge. Diet advice based on generic, computer-based diet analysis programs have several disadvantages - the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; use of average values for the average horse –making the results applicable to less than 50% of horses.
Knowing what’s good dietary advice and what isn’t is vital for your horse’s wellbeing. There is abundant advice, random recommendations and ample anecdotes around feeding horses. Considerable amounts are accurate, copious amounts are not, but they are often repeated by those unaware of findings to the contrary. For peace of mind, a professional analysis of your horse’s diet combined with a veterinary interpretation of the result is always the best option – it’s safer for your horse and often saves money that’s easily wasted with incorrect feeding choices.
ABOUT
Dr Jennifer Stewart CEO BVSc BSc PhD Dip BEP Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist
Dr Jen Stewart has been an equine veterinarian for more than 40 years and an equine nutritionist for more than 10 years. Jen has been developing premium formulas for studs, trainers and feed companies in Australia and around the world and regularly consults to leading international studs and trainers in various countries.
Jen has spent a fair bit of time researching and being involved in nutritional management of developmental orthopaedic diseases, colic, tying-up, laminitis, performance problems, post-surgery and other conditions. And is currently the only practicing equine veterinarian and clinical nutritionist in Australia. Jen’s promise is to continue to BRING SCIENCE TO YOUR FEED BIN www.jenquine.com
By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis, Founders of Tallgrass animal Acupressure Resources
The horse is an amazing athlete. Because of their speed, adaptability, and athleticism, the horse is our companion in many disciplines. Their powerful muscle tissue is anywhere from 45% to 55% of their body mass depending on the breed. In addition to all their physical attributes, the horse’s intelligence makes them our most treasured, large, domesticated animal with which we share our passion for sport.
This is all so very true when horses are feeling good and are in tip-top condition mentally and physically. Horses can play tricks on us, though. They are good at not revealing pain until they are desperately in pain. In the wild, horses are left behind to fend for themselves when they can’t keep up with herd. Without the protection of the herd, they will perish. That’s why horses are hardwired to appear sound for as long as possible. This predicament means that we, as horse guardians, don’t know our horses are experiencing pain during the early stages of a problem unless it’s an obvious traumatic event.
Repetitive injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are often difficult to detect because of their gradual onset. Suddenly, you’re surprised to find your horse is limping. When this occurs, you’ve lost the opportunity to address the damage when it began and when it would have been much easier to resolve. Then again, maybe your horse did give you subtle indications that he was not 100% sound.
Watch for a change in attitude of any sort, often this is the first sign of a physical problem. Inability to do something they did easily last week is not usually a case of needing more training or discipline, usually something hurts. Stumbling, shortness of breath, trouble turning, poor recovery from exercise, and, of course, any lameness are other tell-tail indicators that something is wrong.
Competition can bring out the best and the worst in a horse. There are so many issues that can affect equine performance. Every anatomical system has the potential to break down whether it is genetically, or wear and tear, or stress induced. Musculoskeletal system issues are not necessarily traumatic in nature. Degenerative joint disease (DJD), navicular disease, and various degrees of muscle soreness tend to have a gradual onset.
Don’t dismiss even a slight decline in your horse’s performance. Even if it seems minor, we need to pay attention to the hints our horses give us. Head tossing, refusing a jump, a raspy sound to his breathing, unable to settle while tacking up…any of these behaviors could mean something. There are courses of action you can take to ensure your horse’s comfort and soundness. Professional trainers will tell you to be sure to provide a warm-up period before exercise to prevent soft tissue stress and injury. Have your holistic veterinarian perform a thorough check of your horse’s respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems before heading into heavy training. Add hoof and dental checks to your list, too. The equine athlete deserves this level of care and respect for his performance.
Besides, it’s no fun for either of you when your sporting season is cut short by injury or disease. Staying happy and healthy is the goal. And, to that end, offering your horse a general acupressure session to help him feel good year-round is another valuable resource and benefit for you both.
Because you rely on your equine athlete, you probably want your horse to feel good and ready for training, competition, or simple trail riding. Acupressure is an excellent tool to provide your horse with the flow of energy and blood throughout his body needed to make that possible. There are specific acupressure points, also called “acupoints,” known to have a particular effect on an anatomical system. These acupoints help bring chi, life-promoting energy, and nourishing blood to the horse’s bodily tissues and organs so they can function optimally, and, in turn, your horse can perform optimally.
For instance, the acupoint called “Lung 9” (Lu 9) shown on the chart accompanying this article, is known to promote the health of the lungs. Stomach 36 (St 36), among its many attributes, supports the gastrointestinal system and enhances the flow of chi. While Gall Bladder 34 (GB 34) is considered the Influential point for tendons and ligaments and has a profound effect on the flexibility of those tissues. And, Pericardium 6 (Pe 6) helps with cardiovascular function and mental calming and focus.
Chinese medicine practitioners have been helping animals feel and perform their best by stimulating these and other acupoints. Using the soft tip of your thumb or pointer finger, apply gentle pressure on the acupoint shown in the chart. Rest your other hand comfortably on your horse. Slowly count to 20 before moving to the next acupoint. Place your fingers on the acupoints on one side before working on the other side of your horse.
While you are stimulating these acupoints, the signs your horse may give indicating more chi and blood are circulating include licking, softening of the eye, stretching, shaking, passing air, and even sleeping. If your horse gives any indication that he is not comfortable with a point, just move on to the next. There’s no need or benefit to discomfort during an acupressure session.
Offering this general “Feeling Good” acupressure session when grooming your horse will provide you many happy, healthy years enjoying your chosen equine sport.
Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-HORSE: A Guide to Equine Acupressure, ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure and ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure.
They founded Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps, meridian charts. and consulting services.
Visit: www.animalacupressure.com, Email: tallgrass@animalacupressure.com
Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-HORSE: A Guide to Equine Acupressure, ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure and ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources offering online courses, books, manuals, DVDs, apps, meridian charts. and consulting services. For Resources Contact: www.animalacupressure.com, tallgrass@animalacupressure.com
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Horses have an incredible ability to adjust to the cold, but they require time to acclimate. A thick winter coat, body fat reserves, and access to high-quality forage all play a crucial role in maintaining their body temperature. However, young, elderly, or unwell horses may need extra support to stay warm and healthy.
A key concept in winter horse care is the Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ)— the temperature range within which a horse does not need to expend extra energy to stay warm. When temperatures drop below this range, horses increase their metabolic rate and adjust their behavior to maintain core warmth. Understanding this can help horse owners make better feeding and management decisions.
1. Monitor body condition – Keep an eye on your horse’s body condition score to prevent excessive weight loss. Use your hands to feel through the winter coat, as thick fur can hide changes in weight.
2. Provide adequate shelter – Horses need a windbreak or shelter to escape harsh weather. Even a simple three-sided shelter or a thick grove of trees and scrub can provide relief from wind, rain, and snow.
3. Ensure access to unfrozen water – Hydration is key in winter. Offer slightly warmed water if possible, as horses tend to drink more when it’s not ice-cold. Break any ice that forms in troughs.
4. Increase feed for energy – Digesting forage generates internal heat, so provide ample goodquality hay. Consider adding a high-fibre mash for extra warmth and hydration. Add in herbs and supplements to support immunity and seasonal wellbeing.
5. Limit over-grooming – A horse’s natural oils provide insulation. Avoid excessive brushing of unrugged horses to maintain their coat’s protective barrier.
6. Improve footing in muddy areas – Use gravel, stone, or rubber mats at gateways and water access points to prevent deep mud and reduce
As the chill of winter sets in, ensuring your horse remains in peak health requires some preparation. While horses are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures, they still need a helping hand to stay comfortable and thriving throughout the season.
the risk of mud-related conditions like thrush or abscesses. Pick out hooves daily to remove packed ice or mud and to check condition of their hooves and lower legs.
7. Use rugs if necessary – If your horse is clipped or struggles to maintain weight, consider using a properly fitted winter rug, but avoid overblanketing, as they can overheat.
8. Maintain hoof care – Continue regular farrier visits even if they are not being ridden as much; check for ice buildup or mud-related hoof issues like thrush.
9. Provide Adequate Exercise – Even in colder months, keep them moving with turnout or light work to prevent stiffness and boredom.
10. Monitor for respiratory issues – If kept indoors for periods during winter, ensure proper ventilation and use dust-free bedding to avoid respiratory problems.
Botflies (Gasterophilus spp.) are parasitic insects that infect horses with their larvae developing in the stomach of the horse. Their life cycle follows these stages:
Egg Stage (Late Summer - Early Autumn)
Adult botflies lay tiny yellow eggs on the horse’s legs, chest, shoulders, and face. The eggs hatch when the horse licks or bites the area, stimulated by warmth and moisture.
Larval Stage (Autumn - Winter)
The larvae migrate to the mouth, burrowing into the tongue or gums for a few weeks. They then move to the stomach lining, where they attach and grow for several months (late fall to spring).
Pupal Stage (Spring - Early Summer)
Mature larvae detach from the stomach and pass out in manure. They burrow into the soil and pupate, transforming into adult flies.
Adult botflies emerge, mate, and restart the cycle by laying eggs on horses. Adult flies do not feed and only live for a few weeks to reproduce.
If you feel your horse lives in an environment with botflies, we recommend worming late autumn (after the first frost) or early to mid-winter to kill the bot larvae from the Autumn laying. Use ivermectin or moxidectin to kill larvae before they cause stomach damage. You can treat again in spring if needed, especially in warmer climates.
It is important to then focus on repairing the gut from damage by worms and worming. The best product for this is McDowells Equigesta Pre https://shop.mcdowellsherbal. com/equigesta-pre.html. Equigesta-Pre contains a combination of pure herbal powders, brewer’s yeast and bentonite clay. Traditionally this combination has been used to aid and promote beneficial intestinal microorganisms. This unique blend can be used daily as an equine prebiotic to support and stimulate the growth and activity of good bacteria in the digestive system.
Colds and flus and viruses
Flus and colds in horses are common respiratory conditions that can affect equine health, performance, and overall wellbeing. Equine influenza, one of the most contagious viral diseases in horses, causes symptoms such as fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
Other viral infections, like equine herpesvirus (EHV), can present similarly and may also lead to more serious complications. While horses don’t get “colds” in the same way humans do, they can develop mild respiratory infections due to viral or bacterial exposure, especially in stressful environments like competitions or transport. These illnesses spread easily through direct contact or airborne droplets, making biosecurity and vaccination crucial in prevention. Early diagnosis and rest are key to recovery, with veterinary attention needed if symptoms worsen or persist.
Colds and flus and viruses can be assisted using the McDowells Infect-A-Clear https://shop.mcdowellsherbal. com/infect-a-clear.html. The herbs in this mix have been traditionally used to stimulate the horse’s own natural elimination which may help to clear these naturally occurring metabolites thereby improving the immune system’s response. A 12-week course is advised which is a full blood cycle. The tonic will need to be given continuously for a minimum of 3 weeks and can be maintained long term if necessary.
Adding herbs to your horse’s winter diet can provide immune-boosting, circulation-enhancing, and digestionsupporting benefits.
Here are some of the most effective:
Nettle – A natural blood tonic rich in iron and vitamins. Supports circulation and helps ease arthritis, which can worsen in cold weather.
Rosehips – Packed with vitamin C, iron, and biotin, rosehips support immune function, kidney health, and hoof strength.
Dandelion Leaf – A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and vitamin A. Supports liver function and digestion.
Ginger – A warming herb that boosts circulation, keeping extremities warm while supporting immune health and digestion.
Garlic – Known for its respiratory and immune benefits, garlic also aids in gut health and acts as a natural fly repellent.
Kelp – Rich in iodine and essential minerals, kelp supports thyroid function, joint health, and overall metabolism.
One of the best ways to provide these beneficial herbs in winter is to make a warm herbal tea. Simply steep the herbs in hot water, let it cool to a safe temperature, and mix into a comforting mash with Speedi-beet or chaff. This not only adds warmth to their diet but also makes a nutritious and hydrating treat during colder months.
Winter doesn’t have to be a struggle for your horse. By providing proper nutrition, shelter, and daily care, you can keep your equine companion healthy, happy, and fit all season long. Small adjustments to their diet and routine can make a world of difference in ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Prepare ahead, stay observant, and embrace the beauty of winter with a well-cared-for horse by your side.
Catherine McDowell –Medicine of Mother Nature…
I was first introduced to the concept of Herbal Lore when I was very young. I think one of the earliest influences I can remember was from my grandparents, who were very traditional Bathurst farmers of the well known Cox family. My grandfather had the “people’s home library” which was a compendium of all kinds of home cures.
Herbal Medicine is, at its core, studying nature and the humanities. It’s about observing our diet, our environment and how we respond.
Keeping a balance is difficult in the modern era as we are no longer interacting with our environment in the same way as we may have done even as little as a 100 years ago.
As a Dorothy Hall graduate working along side the well known Robert McDowell for many years and furthering my education with Dennis Stewart, I have developed my own unique application of herbal remedies. Working primarily with animals (Horses and Dogs) has been the most rewarding.
Having seen herbs work so well in so many cases has proven to me time and again the under-utilised power of herbal medicine. It is heartening to see now Vets, and some Medical Doctors seeing the traditional application of herbs as useful.
My comprehensive service includes free animal consultations 24/7 via my web site, and face to face consultation at 62 Corporation Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795.
CLINIC: (02) 6331 3937 INTERNATIONAL: +61 2 6331 3937
ADDRESS: 62 Corporation Avenue Bathurst NSW
EMAIL: info@mcdowellsherbal.com
WEB: www.mcdowellsherbal.com
When it comes to foaling, on-time human intervention – if needed – is crucial to ensure a successful outcome. This also applies to horses after surgery or for detecting colic.
Magic Breed has earnt the trust of breeders and veterinarians as a crucial frontline tool.
This is a non-invasive approach for the animal, the pouch is small & lightweight attaching to the halter which tucks up underneath. You will be alerted when the animal lays down, which would indicate foaling or a health issue, depending on which scenario you are monitoring.
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FOAL RESUSCITATION KIT
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Email: sales@pacificvet.com.au
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Complete equine and bovine veterinary services in the NSW Northern Rivers, covering Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Ballina and surrounding areas.
• Equine veterinary dentistry, using Powerfloat and portable crush
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• Equine podiatry, with particular interest in laminitis treatment and rehabilitation
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info@phhwv.org.au • www.phhwv.org.au
Australian Barrel Horse Association – Ph: Suzie Dicks 0413 682 484 – www.abha.com.au
NSW: 1 B undarra Barrel Racing, 1 Mid North Coast Barrel Racing Club @ Wingham, 8 th Branxton, Lower Hunter Horse Sports Assoc - Div Barrel Race @ Branxton, 28th Cooranbong, Hunter Barrel Horse Assoc Div Barrel Race.
QLD: 5 -8 Capricorn Coast Circuit - Divisional Barrel Race CQEX ***FUTURITY & MATURITY*** @ Gracemere,
8 A rrow Park - Divisional Barrel Race @ Beaudesert, 13th - 15th Biloela, ABHA Callide Valley - Divisional Barrel Race **Futurity & Maturity**
15 NQ ABHA - Divisional Barrel Race **Futurity & Maturity** @ Bartlett Park, 15th Blackall, Qld Outback Barrel Horse Circuit - Divisional Barrel R ace **Futurity & Maturity**. 21st Roma (Ayers Arena), South West Barrel Horse Club - Divisional Barrel Race. June 27-29 Dash for Autism, Dingo Showgrounds Qld -Ph: 0455 548 673 VIC: 1 Gippsland Barrel Racing Club @ Trafalga, 8 Waubra, Addicted To Speed - Divisional Barrel Race **Futurity & Maturity** .
8 th Addicted to Speed - Div Barrel Race **Futurity & Maturity** @ Waubra, 15th Gippsland Barrel Racing Club - Div Barrel Race @ Trafalgar.
A BCRA – Ph: 02 6766 5863 - www.abcra.com.au
6 -9 (DA) Coonamble Campdraft 2025, 6-8 (DA) Maclean Show Campdraft, 7-9 (DA) Coonamble Rodeo & Campdraft, 9-21 Fitzroy Valley
C ampdraft, 20 - 22 Mount Coolon Cowhide Campdraft Qld, 21-22 Woodenbong Campdraft , 21-22 (DA) Walgett Show Campdraft, 2 6-28 Laura Rodeo & Campdraft , 28-29, Weengallon Junior Campdraft & Junior Rodeo.
w ww.australiancarriagedrivingsocietyvic.org.au - www.carriagedrivingnsw.org.au
1 U ralla, Tamworth Regional Horse Drawn Club, NSW – Ph: Liz O’Brien 0427 766 726
7 & 8 Positive Venture & Cones, Eastern Vic Maffra Rec Reserve Vic – Cont: Ann Berrett -annber2016@outlook.com
7-8 CDE Round 1 State of Origin at Moonbi, NSW, Tamworth Club - Ph: Liz O’Brien 0427 766 726
7-9 Pleasure Drive – June Long weekend, Temora, NSW – Ph: Kerrie Rosetta 0428414518 14-15 Rosemont, Boxes Creek, Goulburn, NSW – Ph: Kath Cole 0439 847 657 21 D ressage/Cones & Mini marathon – Rossmore Reserve, NSW Hills Club – Ph: Janet Muspratt 96066085 21-22 Indoor/Outdoor Qualifier, Oaklands, Greenvale, Vic – Cont: peter.harkness1@bigpond.com
28 & 29 Indoor/Outdoor Qualifier, Wunghnu Rec Reserve, Vic – P: Merryn Byers 0431 598 538
N ational Cutting Horse Association – Ph: 02 6765 9356 – www.ncha.com.au
25 May-8 2 025 NCHA Cutting Futurity, AELEC Tamworth NSW. 21-22 Gold City Cutters, Charters Towers, Qld – Contact as above.
w ww.nsw.equestrian.org.au – www.qld.equestrian.org.au – www.vic.equestrian.org.au
7-8 Gr afton Riding Club Inc. Dressage Championships, Hawthorne Park, South Grafton NSW www.graftonridingclub.org
8 Singleton Dressage Club OC/CR Pr-GP Singleton Dibity Lourey 0426 824 443 www.singletondressage.org
8 A rmidale Riding Club CU P-FEI, Armidale, NSW – Ph: Skye Berry 0415 871 426 8-10 NSW Vaulting Championships, SIEC, Horsley Park – c: kerrie.stapleton@bigpond.com
14 CDG Competitive Star Championships, QSEC, Caboolture www.qld.equestrian.org.au
14 -22 H awkesbury Dressage Festival - including Para-Equestrian Classes, SIEC, Sydney, NSW Classes Offered: FEI Event: CPEDI3*. CPEDI2* & EA Para - Ph: Sally Barbera 0416 110 258 - www.hawkesburydressage.com.au
15 Rockhampton Equestrian Group, Participant & Come and Try, Paradise Lagoon, Nine Mile 21-22 H astings Performance Q.H.C Cowboy Dressage Winter Gathering, Wauchope Showground NSW E: hpaqhc@gmail.com 26-27 Q ueensland State Youth Championships, Competitive Classes: Prelim - GP, North Maclean -– www.qld.equestrian.org.au
27 Scenic Rim Annual Dressage Spectacular – Jimboomba Pony club Grounds Jimboomba https://scenicrimequestrianclub.com.au/index.php
29 Leeton DC OC/CU Pr-PSG Leeton, NSW – Ph: Sarah Venamore 0417 419 229 - www.leetondressage.com
29 B owral Club Protocol Pr-GP Bowral, NSW - Ph: Karen Lever 0405 384 201 - www.bowraldressage.com.au www.aera.asn.au
30 Q ERA Pioneer Treck – Marathons – 400; 200, 1x3; Dailey – 80; 40; 60E; 20; - Ph: Clare Zagala - 0408 746 546 w ww.qld.equestrian.org.au – www.vic.equestrian.org.au – www.nsw.equestrian.org.au – www.eventingnsw.equestrian.org.au
5-9 M I3DE, WPNEC, Werribee, Vic – Ph: 03 9741 7672 – www.wpnec.com.au
5-9 B oneo Park CDI, CDI3*, CDIY25, CDIJ, CDIP, CDI-CH – www.boneopark.com.au
7-9 C amden Winter Jumping Festival - – www.nsw.equestrian.org.au
7-8 Warwick Horse Trials CCN3* to EvQ 45, Morgan Park, Warwick, Qld www.qld.equestrian.org.au - https://warwickhorsetrials.com.au
8 Logan Village Riding Club, Members Showjumping Competition www.qld.equestrian.org.au
14 B erry Riding Cl, Showjumping Clear Round, Club Gr, NSW – Ph: 02 4464 1143 www.berryridingclub.com
14 S tonewall Winter Showjumping, Mangrove Mt, NSW– www.nsw.equestrian.org.au
15 M entone’s Annual Dressage Jackpot, Boneo Park Eq/ Ctr, Vic www.boneopark.com.au
15 V EIS Grand Final Showjumping, WPNEC, Werribee, Vic – Ph: Julie 0427 148 488 20-29 Festival of Show Jumping 2025 , World Cup, QSEC, Caboolture, Qld. qldshowjumpclub@gmail.com
22 Q LD Off the Track Cup Final Qualifying Event, Peachester Lodge Festival of Showjumping, QSEC Caboolture, Qld https://www.qsec.com.au
www.donkeywelfare.com.au
1976
28-29 D enman, NSW, EvA50, Ev65, EvA80, EvA95, CCN1* – www.nsw.equestrian.org.au
w ww.australianpolo.com.au – www.queenslandpolo.com.au – www.nswpolo.com.au – www.vicpolo.com.au
P h: 0459 272 277 Ph: 0407 677 423 Ph: 0409 764 607 e: secretary@vicpolo.com.au
QLD: 7-8 Downs Polo Cooke O’Leary Cup, 13-14 Noosa Country Cup, 14-15 Club Polo TBA, 21-22 Club Polo, TBA, 28-29 Club Polo TBA.
w ww.nswpolocrosse.com.au - http://polocrosse.com.au
QLD: 7-8 Lower Burdekin, 7-8 Thargomindah, 7-8 Toowoomba (MH), 14-15 Wandoan,14-15 Toompine, 21-22 Nebo, 21-22 Quilpie, 21-22 Tansey –C ompulsory Ladies/Carnival.
w ww.ponyclubqld.com.au – www.ponyclubvic.org.au – www.pcansw.org.au
P h: 07 3216 1255 Ph: 03 8685 8925 Ph: 02 4229 8977
15 G atton Pony Club Formal Gymkhana, Helidon Qld 20-22 2 025 State Showjumping & Jumping Equitation Championships, Showground, Grafton, NSW
w ww.reiningaustralia.com.au - 07 5429 8797 – 0412 479 340 – www.vrha.com.au
31 May-1 **Jackpot Show, Gatton QLD
1 M RR Reining Show, Mackay QLD, 10-15 S QRHA Pacific Coast Reining Spectacular, Gatton, Qld.
14 M RR Club Rally Mackay Qld 21-22 SNSWRHA Slide to Nationals, Gatton 28-29 T RHA Clinic TBA - Gold Buckle Clinic, Dalby, QLD.
1 V ictorian RPSB Foal/Youngstock Show 2025 in conjunction with Welsh Winter Show,Tatura Vic - www.wpcs.com.au
14-15 Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, Showground, Beaudesert, QLD – www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
15 NSW Eastern All Breeds Foal, Youngstock, Hack, Hunter & N/comer Show, Hawkesbury Sh/gr – Ph: Helen Dohan 0418 484 592 www.wpcs.com.au
25 2 025 20TH Anniversary Official HRCAV Midweek Winter Woollies’ Show, WPNEC, Werribee, Vic – Ph: Lucinda Mack 0448 880 226
ATHRA – www.athra.com.au
14-15 Richmond River Trail Horse Riding Club Inc, Monthly Ride, Wave Hill, Northern NSW – Ph: Wendy 0414 668 725
& COURSES
22 H ands On Your Horse Workshop with Dr Jane Clothier, Nana Glen Equestrian Grounds, Nana Glen, NSW – Enter by Nominate’
A ustralian Barrel Horse Association – Ph: Suzie Dicks 0413 682 484 – www.abha.com.au
NSW: 5 -6 Wingham, 6 Branxton, 12- 13 Geurie, 26-27 Forbes, 26 Cooranbong QLD: 5 -6 Biloela, 13 Beaudesert, 19 Beaudesert “Futurity & Maturity”, 19-20 Ridgeland’s, 20 Bartlet Park.
A BCRA – Ph: 02 6766 5863 - www.abcra.com.au
CAMPDRAFTING
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5 ( DA) Saint Joseph’s Junior P & E Merriwa Campdraft & Fete,11-13 (DA) HVCC Annual C/D 2025,11-13 North Star Charity C/D, 15 ( DA) Wallamba Junior C/D, 18-19 Gloucester Junior C/D & Sporting, 18-19 Upper Horton C/D, 19-20 (DA) Kyogle C/D, 24-27 ( DA) Kimberley Stampede & C/D, 26-27 (DA) Narrabri C/D, 26-27 Texas Show Campdraft 2025.
w ww.australiancarriagedrivingsocietyvic.org.au - www.carriagedrivingnsw.org.au
6 Tamworth Regional Horse-drawn Club @ Uralla, NSW – Ph: Liz O’Brien 0427 766 726 13 Pleasure Drive at Kelvin near Gunnedah – Tamworth Club, @ Renee’s property 19 C amden Club @ Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park – Ph: Louise Lyons 0417 684 508 24-28 B undanoon Phil Marshall Clinic – Southern Highlands Club - Ph: Yvonne Wood 0497 603 424 12 & 13 Indoor/Outdoor Qualifier, Eastern Vic Club, Maffra Rec Reserve, Vic - Ann Berrett Email: annber2016@outlook.com 26 & 27 Indoor/Outdoor Qualifier, Geelong Club, Leigh dale Equestrian, Vic - www.australiancarriagedrivingsocietyvic.org.au
N ational Cutting Horse Association – Ph: 02 6765 9356 – www.ncha.com.au 4-6 Roma Cutting Club, 5-6 Cappella Cutting Association, 11-13 Southern Qld CHA, 19-27 D arling Downs Cutting Club FUTURITY, 26-27 Gold City Cutters.
w ww.nsw.equestrian.org.au www.qld.equestrian.org.au www.vic.equestrian.org.au
5-6 Tamworth Dressage Cl, OC/CU/CRP-GP, AELEC – Ph: Marjolyn Thomas – 0428 671 338
5-6 Tri Valley Equitation, Horse of the Year Competition, Rosewood Showgrounds Qld E: trivalleyequitation@gmail.com
6 T V E G, T S Dressage, Sh/gr Murwillumbah, NSW – E: secretary@tveg.org.au - www.tveg.org.au
6 M anning Valley DC OC/CU/CRPr-GP, Taree, NSW - Helen Zimic (02)6553 9506
6 S ydney Dressage Inc OC/CU Pr-GP SIEC Gillian 0403 237 833 - www.sydneydressage.org
10-13 Aust Youth Champs OC Prel-GP Wagga Wagga, NSW - www.nsw.equestrian.org.au
12-13 J unior Show Horse Championships, SIEC, Horsley Park, NSW – Ph: (02)9620 2260
13 A rmidale Riding Club, CU P-FEI, Armidale, NSW - Skye Berry 0415 871 426
13 M udgee DG, Training Pr-Adv, Mudgee NSW - Nadya 0437 523 754
13 Q uirindi DC CR, Quirindi, NSW – Ph: Alexandra- 0447 124 730
13 No rthern NSW Show Horse Assoc, Winter Hack Show, Sh/Grounds, Murwillumbah, NSW
13 Watagan EC CR/CU Pr-Med, Morrisett – Contact: Margie Abbott www.watagan.org.au
16 H awkesbury Riding Club OC/CU Pr-M, Clarendon – Ph: Amanda Gorrell 0439 411 787 www.hawkesburyridingclub.com.au
19-20 B enalla Dist Adult Riding Cl Inc, Official HRCAV & Dressage, Midland Hwy Benalla, Vic Ph: Karen Bendan – 0407 433 956
19-20 H unter Valley, DA OC/CR Pr-FEI Salt Ash - www.huntervalleydressage.com
19-21 N NSW HACK CHAMPIONSHIPS , Casino Indoor NSW. FB Northern NSW Show Horse Association
20 SugarloafDressage Cl, OC/CU Pr-GP, SIEC, Horsley Park – Ph: Joanne 0427 114 195
20 P ark Ridge Active Riding Group - Lex Willis Memorial Star Championships incl Pony Spectacular, North Maclean Qld www.prarg.com
27 C amden Equitation Inc CR Pr-Adv Camden, NSW – Ph:0438 467 871 https://www.camdenequitationinc.com 26-27 W illinga Park OC Pr - GP Bawley Point, NSW – Ph: Cathy Drurie-Klein 0417 224 432
www.aera.asn.au
11 S tirlings Crossing Endurance, ( Imbil ) – www.equestrian.org.au/events//stirlings-crossing-endurance-imbil
w ww.qld.equestrian.org.au – www.vic.equestrian.org.au – www.nsw.equestrian.org.au – www.eventingnsw.equestrian.org.au
5-6 N ana Glen Equestrian Grounds, Ev50, Ev65, EvA80, EvA95, CCN1* https://www.northcoastequestrianclub.com.au/ 8-9 Tropical North Showjumping Cl - Frosty Mango Series, Ingham under cover arena Qld 12-13 M elbourne Showjumping Club, WPNEC, Werribee, Vic - www.qld.equestrian.org.au
19-20 Tamborine Eq. Group, CCN, Lucas Road Tamborine, Qld – Ph: 0498 880 901
26-28 J umping NSW https://www.jumpingnsw.equestrian.org.au/events/small-tour-young-horse-show www.nsw.equestrian.org.au
26-27 T IE EvA45, EvA60, EvA 80, EvA 95, CCN1*s, CCN2*s, CCN3*s, CCN4*s. – www.eventingnsw.equestrian.org.au
www. australianpolo.com.au – www.queenslandpolo.com.au – www.nswpolo.com.au – www.vicpolo.com.au
P h: 0459 272 277 Ph: 0407 677 423 Ph: 0409 764 607 e: secretary@vicpolo.com.au
QLD: 12-13, Downs Polo Cl – Saphire Shield, 19-20 Downs Polo Cl – Silver shop Bracelet – 26-27 Downs Polo Cl – Downs Shield.
w ww.nswpolocrosse.com.au – Ph: 0407 207 649 - https://polocrossevic.org.au/events/ - www.polocrosse.com.au
QLD: Q ueensland State Titles @ Tara, 12-13 Calliope, 12-13 Eulo, 19-20 Capella,19-20 Goondiwindi, 26-27 Bowen, 26-27 Dirranbandi. NSW: 12-13 Narrabri Junior Challenge.
w ww.ponyclubqld.com.au – www.ponyclubvic.org.au – www.pcsw.org.au
P h: 07 3216 1255 - Ph: 03 8685 8925 - Ph: 02 4229 8977
6-12 P CQ State Dressage, Combined Training & Horse Trials Championships, Showgrounds, Maryborough, Qld 12 L aidley Poney Club Muster, Laidley Pony Club Grounds – QLD
w ww.reiningaustralia.com.au , Secretary Tyler Smith Mobile: 0417 427 387 - 07 5429 8797 – 0412 479 340
5-6 S QRHA Road to Nationals, Gatton, QLD, - Ph: Chris Wales 0407 856 786 12-13 S outhern Queensland Sliders, Jackpot Show, Eq/ Ctre, Burpengary, Qld – Ph: Trevor Paech 0438 733 380, Pam Watson 0424 229 49 19-20 N RHA Approved Reiners In The Rein Jackpot Show Cairnbrook Park Equine Equine Events Facility, Glengarry, Vic - 0417 427 387
19-20 Small Tour & Young Horse Show - https://www.jumpingnsw.equestrian.org.au/events/small-tour-young-horse-show
30-3 Aug A MHS Qld State Championships Show, Caboolture, Qld. - www.amhs.com.au
ATHRA – www.athra.com.au
Richmond River Trail Riders Cl Inc, July Ride, Brays Creek, NSW – Ph: Wendy 0414 668 725
12-13 H oofmatters Workshop with Megan Matters - For Owners & Professional’s in the Industry@ Nana Glen Equestrian Grounds, M orrows Road, Nana Glen, NSW – Ph: Jess Norton – 0418 582 028
9-10
‘Topia’ 733 Fernbank Creek Road Port Macquarie NSW 2444
P INK RIBBON W/end, FANCY DRESS FUNDRAISER, OTT Classes, OFF THE TRACK, Lockier – www.racingqld.com.au
16 Triple B Rodeo, Bulls, Broncs Bands, Showground, Caboolture, Qld
A ustralian Barrel Horse Association – Ph: Suzie Dicks 0413 682 484 https://abha.com.au/event-calendar NSW: 9 -10 Geurie- Central West Barrel Horse Club, 10 Quirindi - Rodeo Arena- Liverpool Plains Barrel Racing, 15 Walgett- North West Barrel Horse Club, 16-17 Bundarra Showground- Bundarra Barrel Horse Club24 Branxton – Lower Hunter Horse Sports Assoc. 31 Moonbi – Moonbi Magic Barrel Horse Club. QLD: 16-17 Biloela- Callide Valley Barrel Horse Club, 30 Walkamin- FNQ Time Events Inc, 31 Gracemere – Capricorn Coast Circuit.
A BCRA – Ph: 02 6766 5863 – www.abcra.com.au
2- 3 (DA) 2025 Boomi C/D, 2-3 (DA) Uki C/D, 6 - 8 (DA) 2025 Derby Outback C/D & Rodeo, 8-9 (DA) Garah C/D, 9 -10 (DA) Mullaley C /D & Gymkhana, 15-17 (DA) Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival, 21-23 (DA)Kennedy Range C/D,
2 2-24 (DA) Casino Camp Draft 2025, 22-24 (D/A) Dorrigo Silver Spurs Camp Draft, 21-23 (DA) Kennedy Range C/D, 22-24 Warialda C/D, 23-24 (DA) Weengallon C/D, 26-27 (DA) 2025 Newmans C/D, 29-31 (DA) Gloucester C/D, 29-31 (DA) Merriwa Bushman’s C/D, 2 9-31 (DA) Tom Price Camp Draft Club Inc
w ww.australiancarriagedrivingsocietyvic.org.au www.carriagedrivingnsw.org.au
NSW:
3 R ally Day at Uralla – Tamworth Club – Ph: Liz 0427 766 726
9 Training/Coaching & AED Refresher – Rossmore – Hills Club – Ph: Jan 02 6906 6085
10 Max Saunders Memorial Sports Day – Tamworth Club – P: Liz 0427 766 726
9 -10 Dressage Protocol Day & Dressage Qualifier – Southern Highlands Club Bundanoon 10 Hawkesbury Club, Driven Dressage Qualifier, Hawkesbury Showgrounds - www.carriagedrivingnsw.org.au
23 Interclub Challenge Day – Rossmore – Hills Club – Ph: Jan 02 6906 6085
3 0-31 Mount Sugarloaf Pony Club grounds, Hunter Club, Barnsley NSW – Ph: Margie Walmsley 0434 014 952 VIC: 2-3 Indoor/Outdoor Qualifier, Northern Country – www.australiancarriagedrivingsocietyvic.org.au QLD: 23 Dressage CDE Round 2 State of Origin at Maclagan Qld Range Club, Contacts -Tracie - 0429 835174 and Jerry 0490 179 781
N ational Cutting Horse Association – Ph: 02 6765 9356 – www.ncha.com.au 1-3 K illarney Cutting Club – Ph: 0428 288 311
1-3 Rocky Club Middlemount Show 2025 - Ph: 0421 799 525
1-9 NSW Cutting Cl inc, White Park, Scone FUTURITY – 0428 772 034
7-10 N ebo Cutting Show – Ph: 0498 187 997 – Ph: o498 187 997
16-18 S outhern Qld Cutting Horse Club – Ph: 0402 380 402
22-23 B alonne River Cutters Futurity Show – Ph: 0428 772 034 23-24 Gold City Cutters Club – Ph: 0427 573 801
w ww.nsw.equestrian.org.au – www.qld.equestrian.org.au– www.vic.equestrian.org.au
DATE TBC N NSW HACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, Casino Indoor – Ph: (02) 4588 5005
3 T V E G M embers Championships, Sh/gr Murwillumbah, NSW – E: secretary@tveg.org.au - www.tveg.org.au
8-10 A ustralian Amateur Owner Rider Dressage Championships OC P-GP, QSEC, Caboolture, Qld – Ph: (07) 3891 6611
10 Young Dressage Assoc CR Pr - FEI/PE Bendick Murrell Megan Bryant 0429 831 427 www.youngdressage.com
14-17 NSW Dressage Championships, OC P-GP AELEC Jo Gunn 0414 416 362 www.dressagensw.equestrian.org.au
17 CWDG Training Prep-FEI Blayney Debbi Smith 0456 248 www.centralwestdressage.com
17 Scenic Rim Equestrian Club, Jumping & Dressage Event -– www.qld.equestrian.org.au
24 Singleton Dressage Club OC/CR Pr-GP Singleton Dimity Lourey 0426 824 443 www.singletondressage.org
24 Warringah Dressage Assoc OC/CU Pr-A St Ives Andrea Hails 0434 692 372 www.warringahdressage.org
28-31 R DA NSW Dressage Champs Para & Virtus SIEC Nicole King 0418 614 423 www.rdansw.org.au
30 H awkesbury Riding Club OC/CU Pr-M Clarendon Amanda Gorrell 0439 411 787 www.hawkesburyridingclub.com.au
30-31 M anning Valley DC TBC OC/CU/CR Pr-GP Taree Helen Zimic 6553 9506 www.mvdressage.com
30-31 R EA Wagga Wagga Dressage OC/CU/CR Pr-GP/ YH Wagga Wagga Ella Weaven 0415 708 753 www.reaclubs.com.au w ww.qld.equestrian.org.au – www.vic.equestrian.org.au – www.nsw.equestrian.org.au www.eventingnsw.equestrian.org.au
2 D alby Showjumping Championships - Darling Downs Showjumping Cl – Ph: 0417 729 651 2-3 GO West Equestrian, Showjumping Competition WPNEC, Source: https://gowestequestrianevents.com/events/ 9-10 R EA Narrandera/Wagga, EvA50, EvA65, EvA80, Ev/A95, CCN1*s, CCN2*s, - NSW - www.eventingnsw.equestrian.org.au 9-10 Toowoomba Showjumping Club, CCN ODE – Toowoomba Qld - https://www.toowoombajumpclub.com.au/calendar/ 13 H unter Valley Showjumping Club - Ph: Sue 0417 261 550 22-24 Friends on Werribee HT, WPNEC, Werribee, VIC - www.vic.equestrian.org.au
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24 H unter Valley Show Jumping – Ph: Sue 0417 261 550 28-31 N NNSJC, 2025 Tamworth World Cup, AELEC, Tamworth, NSW - https://www.waratahshowjumping.com.au/
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4-9 Reining Australia Nationals, AELEC, Tamworth, NSW
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0 july- 3rd August 2025 AMHS Qld State Championship Show, Caboolture, QLD – Ph: 0432 242 580 – www.amhs.com.au ueensland All Welsh Show Annual Meeting, The Green Shed, Queen Street, Marburg, Qld 4346 – www.wpcs.com.au
025 AMHS NSW NORTHERN PRE-SPRING FLING FEATURE SHOW, TAREE, NSW – WWW.AMHS.COM.AU 025-Andalusian-Horse-Association-of-Australasia-AHAA State Championship Show, Hawkesbury Sh/gr, Clarendon. NSW h: 0401 332 378 – www.ahaainc.org
ichmond River Trail Horse Riding Club Inc Northern NSW – Meet 3rd weekend of every month Ph: Wendy 0414 668 725
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Photos & article by David Everdell
8th of April, 2025. Jimmy Wood walks casually around his truck, inspect wheels and tie downs and the fact that the back door is properly locked. This is no ordinary truck. This is a Polo Truck carrying anything up to 18 or 20 highly trained polo horses that can do what any other horses can do and some more to boot. They take at least two POLO GROOMS to load the horses on and make sure that all are content and that the truck is well air conditioned. Having checked his truck, Jimmy starts its engines, checks all is ok and sets off from his Polo Club at Cold Stream in Yarra Ranges, Victoria, bound for the Windsor Polo Club at Richmond near Sydney in New South Wales. We’ve traveled to South Australia and Queensland in the past, says Jimmy, but the Morton Cup that we are vying for at Windsor would be worth gaining.
I’ve photographed polo for international magazines most all my life. With all its incredible action in the game, done at a pace, for anyone who has not seen it live at a field will find some great things to watch. What was interesting me at the moment was the GROOMS who handle and train and get these amazing steeds ready to ride on tournament days. There are many, many Polo Clubs around Australia. Just go to the HORSE polo
association of your state to find out. For New South Wales for instance, type in “NSW HORSE POLO ASSOCIATION”. In the Richmond area near Sydney, there are 6 operating polo clubs but here is a trap. Because most of the game is played at a gallop, its divided up in to sections called CHUKKAS. Each chukka lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. If you wonder why, then consider the fact that the Melbourne Cup lasts 3.5 minutes. Each chukka takes twice as long as a full length horse race and most of it done at a gallop. There are 4 chukka matches and 6 chukka matches for the top runners. If you are in a 4 chukka match you need an absolute minimum of 3 horses with one fit horse playing the first and last chukka. In a 6 chukka match you need a minimum of 5 horses. Polo players are rated on a scale. At the bottom are riders on minus 2 and at the very top are riders rated at plus 10. In a real full-on match with good riders, with both the training and then the getting every horse ready to go onto the next chukka, you need a GROOM.
Polocrosse is a horse game that started in 1938 in Australia. The sport developed from a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is credited as being one of only three truly Australian sports – the other two being Australian Rules Football and Camp drafting. It’s now played in Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Zimbabwe. There are two teams of six people and three members of each team play at a time. They use a polo stick, (mallet), with a squash court head and sack at the lifting end. Like Polo, one of the main features of its rules is the protection of the horse.
Players will buffet one another and attempt to scoop up the ball and get it into a goal at each end of the field. This game is played with one horse, usually Stock Horse or Thoroughbred, per player. It is an absolutely amazing game to play. Lots of skills and generally the fields are about 150 meters long by 55 meters wide.
Polo came from India originally. Its called polo because the balls where made from a Pulu Tree. The British Raj took it to the rest of the world. Its played in every horse minded country worldwide. Its fields are 300 yards (274 meters) long by 160 yards (146 meters) wide. This is roughly the size of six soccer fields. The goal posts are 8 yards (7.3 meters) apart on each end. The sticks, (mallets) they use are made of cane about 130 cm long. Different sizes for different horses. They have a 25 cm mallet at the hitting end. Many people who are not involved think that they hit the ball with the end of the mallet but in fact they hit the ball with the mallet spread crosswise to get more direction. Although the crowd will not always see it, a good photographer will capture that what these sticks do is BEND. Boy, do they bend.
Their polo horses will do all that any other horse will do. They can jump and they can do barrel racing, dressage you name it, but most importantly they wield and pivot and stop from a flat gallop and spear of backwards or either direction depending on where the ball was hit. This is where the groom comes in. First off, there’s getting the horses fit and well trained out at the riders establishment. Depending on the rider, that’s a lot of work. You have to have a head-check on the horse as a horse throwing his head around would be dangerous. Many riders go with a standard bit but many have a four reign set up. They use one set of reigns for general use but the other set of reigns for fast stops at a gallop. The rider of the horse will fill you in on how to use them. If you look at the shot of Thomas Llorente, you will see this set up in use. The other thing you need is a saddle strap to stop your saddle going backwards. Tack sheds are a maze of horse equipment. The other thing that grooms need to be good with is getting the horses on and off trucks and having them ready as there chukka comes around. They have to ride them back and forth to warm them up and be ready at all times in case there is a change of horses needed. With 4 to 6 horses, this is not easy. Grooms need to be really self-confident with all the things that horses can do. They get lots of accolades at prize giving speeches. There are major horse prizes at every
tournament and the groom is always involved. Judges go round watching the horses during the game and note them on the side line as well. One of the main things a groom does, is getting the polo horses looking great at polo time. The horses have their main cropped as you don’t want hair flying around when under pressure. All their legs a bandaged and their tails held in a bun with bandages. When you go down the meters and meters of them at the side of the field, you’ll almost be sure to notice how calm they are. Most of them are mares because they are tougher for this kind of activity. They all have their coats groomed down and sometimes patchwork around their rump. For horse enthusiasts, it’s something to behold.
ARUNGA Polo Club is just next to Windsor Polo Club. Arunga means “Red Kangaroo” in an aboriginal language. Those who were associated with the club had a competition sailing boat called Arunga that the club was named after. It now forms a beautiful part of the Arunga Club. Jimmy Wood’s truck was at the Arunga field to play most of their games. Their grooms, Juan Leucke and Lea Wood were hosing down the horses and getting ready to go back on the truck. I asked them both, what advise do they have for future grooms. Lea thought for a while and then said, “sleep”. It’s a lot of work but you feel good when they all turn out. Like so many there, Juan is from Argentina where so many top polo players come from. I asked him where is his favorite tournament and after more though he said the Packers Ellerston Polo because it is all self contained and great parties etc. too.
Most of the photos here are taken at Windsor during the highly sort after Cup called the Morton Cup in April 2025. The polo season actually starts about then and goes country wide through winter because temperature is less taxing on the horses. Tied in with this is the Womens Cup that is seeking a female team to eventually go world-wide and contest the womans polo. Womens polo has come on really strongly over the past 10 years. One thing you’ll have to get used to as a groom is that the players jump from horse to horse when swapping them at the end of a chukka. Have a look at the shot of Drew Harris the groom, and Hamish Harris with Hamish jumping from horse to horse between chukkas.
Another thing the polo rider does is at a trot. They rise every second beat which somehow saves momentum. A very strange thing to watch for a dressage person.
Another thing that is different is the polo saddles. They are like a jumping saddle but have no knee pads, just plain leather as the rider likes to feel every flex of every muscle in his horse. A fully trained polo horse will be around $4000 to $50,000 and above for each horse and if you think the game looks easy to play and you’d like to have a go, you’d be wrong. Try getting on a horse and going at a flat gallop while hitting a small gyrating ball with a long polo stick while your opposition buffets you from the left and has someone snagging you from the right side as you head towards your goal. Just being able to hit the small ball with the stick and not hitting the horse, is hard enough. Had lots of friends who came to look and think about playing and most of them said “no way”. In all the competition sports I’ve tried throughout my life, from rugby to surfing to skiing to car racing and rally driving and numerous horse events, there is absolutely nothing that is as frightening and gives you such a great thrill as polo. You come from a game feeling exhausted and alive. Its like soccer and rugby played on horseback.
One of the main rules with polo is to do with “following the line”. If you’re on the ball and you hit it off to the left or right or straight ahead and you follow it through, then nobody else can cut across that line. It protects you and the horse. Cleaver players will do all sorts of things to observe that rule. They can do lots of little short shots in different directions and follow them too to out-fox you. They can also hit the ball way up in the air and that really is an art. If you do get to seeing a game of polo, it may be worth noting that many a famous player been part of it. One of the most famous players in my mind, speaking from a particularly Australian point of view, was our poet BANJO PATERSON. Around 1895 he wrote Waltzing Matilda and The Man From Snowy River that many Australians know. He was a lawyer and a war time writer and more, but most particularly, he
was a great Polo Player who once played for the New South Wales polo team. For polo players he also wrote a poem called The Geebung Polo Club. The Geebung Polo Club poem is a story of a bunch “hoff n’toff” city polo players who thought they may go up the country and teach those country riff-raff polo players how to play the game.
Some verses of The Geebung Polo Club by Banjo Paterson.
It was somewhere up the country in a land of rock and scrub, That they formed an institution called the Geebung Polo Club. They were long and wiry natives of the rugged mountainside, And the horse was never saddled that the Geebungs couldn’t ride; But their style of playing polo was irregular and rashThey had mighty little science, but a mighty lot of dash: And they played on mountain ponies that were muscular and strong,
Though their coats were quite unpolished, and their manes and tails were long.
And they used to train those ponies wheeling cattle in the scrub: They were demons, were the members of the Geebung Polo Club.
It was somewhere down the country, in a city’s smoke and steam, That a polo club existed, called the Cuff and Collar Team.
As a social institution ‘twas a marvellous success, For the members were distinguished by exclusiveness and dress. They had natty little ponies that were nice, and smooth, and sleek, For their cultivated owners only rode ‘em once a week.
So they started up the country in pursuit of sport and fame, For they meant to show the Geebungs how they ought to play the game;
And they took their valets with them - just to give their boots a rub
Ere they started operations on the Geebung Polo Club.
Now my readers can imagine how the contest ebbed and flowed, When the Geebung boys got going it was time to clear the road; And the game was so terrific that ere half the time was gone
A spectator’s leg was broken - just from merely looking on.
For they waddied one another till the plain was strewn with dead, While the score was kept so even that they neither got ahead.
And the Cuff and Collar captain, when he tumbled off to die, Was the last surviving player - so the game was called a tie.
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What Are Retracted Soles in Horses
Retracted soles in horses occur when the sole appears unnaturally concave, often seeming to be drawn up into the hoof. Unlike healthy concavity that reflects a thick strong sole, retracted soles signal stress, thinning, and discomfort in the hoof capsule.
This guide will help horse owners and hoof care professionals understand the signs, causes, and management of retracted soles using trusted products from The Hoof Co, boot support and changing moisture management for the horse.
How to Identify Retracted Soles in Horses
The most common sign is exaggerated concavity under the hoof that mirrors the shape of the coffin bone. This can cause confusion for the untrained eye, perhaps this mirrors a sole crack normal when the sole is ready to shed or excess callous formation. However, in retracted soles, the structure is weakened and the appearance of a raised callous is not protective, its a sign of trouble.
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Watch for signs like
• Deeper than usual concavity in the solar dorsal part of the hoof only
• Tenderness on hard ground
• Pain response with hoof testers
What Causes Retracted Soles in Horses
Retracted soles are usually the result of one or more of the following:
1. Wet Weather Conditions
Extended exposure to moisture softens and weakens the sole, particularly in horses with already thin soles.
2. Poor Hoof Balance or Thin Soles
Horses lacking ideal hoof form or thickness are more prone to structural stress, which can cause the sole to retract upward into the internal hoof structures.
3. Compensatory Hoof Response
The hoof may pull the sole upward in a protective effort to reduce impact trauma in compromised conditions.
Retracted soles are frequently mistaken for
• Abscesses due to sole tenderness without resolution
• Laminitis when the horse appears stiff or sensitive on hard surfaces
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective resolution and management and requires and experienced hoof care professional to help guide you through the rehabilitation.
Pictured left: A hoof suffering nutritional and environmental damage. Retracted soles uncovered at trim appointment by Hoof Care Professional. Whilst the hoof distortion is tempting to rectify, at this stage, minor adjustments for comfort at the back of the hoof should be the priority. (ie: heel balance, overlaid bar adjustment and central sulcus of the frog investigated for Thrush). Provide comfort and relief.
If retracted soles are present, hoof care providers should
• Avoid trimming the sole or supportive structures of the hoof (frogs/ heels) unless absolutely necessary to adjust hoof balance for comfort.
• Leave additional hoof wall for raised structural support.
• Preserve the callous like appearance - this is sole we need to keep!
• Maintain frog health and integrity for weight bearing support.
• Daily cleaning, monitoring and application of natural hoof solutions are critical for recovery.
To relieve discomfort and prevent further stress, consider:
• Changing environment - a dry area and reducing moisture will speed recovery.
• Daily hoof hygiene - Cleanse , dry and pack. Thrush prevention clay and drying powder.
• Consider Hoof Boots with pads for hoof support.
Managing Retracted Solesreducing moisture in the sole of the hoof and frog.
Pictured left: 1 week in and the retraction is subsiding. Managed with The Hoof Co products and Hoof Boots with pads for support. Note the slight crack in the sole of the hoof (1 week under management photo) which is the retraction line.
Moisture control and support are vital. The Hoof Co products are formulated with natural, cosmetic grade ingredients - chosen specifically for their role in hoof health and rehabilitation. Combine with hoof boots with pads for support (and use the Hoof Powder inside of the boots for deodorising and absorbing the moisture emitted from the hoof). Deep padded dry stable bedding may also suffice. Abrasive surfaces such as sand or gravel yards should be avoided unless the horse is wearing hoof boots for protection.
THE HOOF COHoof Powder
Absorbent - helps keep the hooves free from moisture build up.
THE HOOF COHoof Spray
THE HOOF COHoof Pack
To cover the frog and sole. Absorbent Hoof Clay, maintains frog, sole and collateral groove health.
Cleanse all the crevices of the hoof. Deodorise and protect.
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Smelly Crack Pack - bundle and save with the above 3 products. The above can be integrated into your horse’s daily hoof care routine with ease.
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Pictured left: We love the Easyboot Clouds with changeable padding. Pro tip - have 2 sets of pads so you can switch them out daily. Sprinkle with Hoof Powder prior to reapplying into the boots.
• Retracted soles in horses are a warning sign not to ignore. By identifying symptoms early and adjusting care, you can help your horse recover faster and maintain healthy hooves year round.
• Use hoof support products, professional trimming strategies (go slowly with adjustments weekly), and moisture management to get your horse back on track.
About the author: Julie Wright is a Certified Hoof Care Professional (Dip.Ept, Cert.EMT) and has been working with hooves for over 2 decades. An obsession for hoof defects and hoof rehabilitation led her to develop The Hoof Co Hoof Care range for managing horses hooves.
*This article is not intended to replace Veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian or Hoof Care Professional with any concerns*
Dr Katherine Dodd BVSc/BVetBio BAppSc (Eq)
Dr Katrina Swift BVSc/BVetBio BIntBus
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