Pony Magazine Australia July/August 2017

PONY MAGAZINE

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

EXMOOR PONY FEATURE

FEED WITHOUT THE FIZZ VALE ROTHERWOOD PETER PAN

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OWNER/EDITOR B.M. Williams Ba. Eq. Science bpurcellequine@hotmail.com WEB http://www.ponymagazineaustralia.com ABN: 87 845 173 370

DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. All material appearing in Pony Magazine Australia is subject to copyright and remains the property of Pony Magazine Australia, or the individual contributors. No material may be reproduced or reprinted in any manner, way or form without prior permission from the publisher.

Any opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of Pony Magazine Australia, and while all effort is made to ensure that all facts are correct and up to date, to the extent permitted by law, Pony Magazine Australia accepts no responsibility whatsoever in relation to any advice, representation, statement, opinion or other matter expressed in the magazine. Pony Magazine Australia does not accept responsibility for any errors in advertisements, articles, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. we recommend seeking veterinary advice, or the appropriate health care professional, prior to giving your pony any treatment or change of diet.

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ON THE COVER: This month’s cover pony is the beautiful Amber, a part Arabian mare with a lot of personality. Her charisma made her a joy to shoot (even though she was not particularly clean on this day due to her love for mud). Amber is actually the pony from which the original Pony Magazine Australia logo was designed.

Photo: Š B.M. Williams 2017.

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IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS:

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LAMINITIS VACCINE NEW POTENTIAL SEMEN EXTENDER EVENT COVERAGE: WANNON ZONE PONY CLUB CAMP FEATURE: WILD AND FREE RESURRECTION OF THE EXMOOR PONY VALE: ROTHERWOOD PETER PAN NUTRITION: FEED WITHOUT THE FIZZ: ALTERNATIVES TO CEREAL GRAINS INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE: MICHELLE HOLLAND

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FROM THE EDITOR What an eventful time the past few years have been. You may have noticed that Pony Magazine Australia has not been published for some time now, which is very unfortunate but could not be avoided. During this time we endured an interstate move with a dog, a cat and two horses, and also welcomed the beautiful Ruby Anne into our family. One of the first houses we lived in was a nice little cottage, which for a number of reassons was unable to get an internet connection, which delayed the magazine’s comeback even further. And not to mention having to adjust to life with a newborn, a challenge in itself.

Now that we are settled in a new house, complete with a fast internet connection, I am able to continue to provide you all with the great stories we have become known for. Baby is a little bit older, though a bundle of mishief.

We are back for good this time, bigger and better. The whole magazine has undergone a complete redesign and the website is also in the process of being redesigned and restructured.

We have some great articles for you this month. I was very fortunate to be able to speak to Elizabeth Mansfield of the famous Rotherwood Stud about her great stallion Rotherwood Peter Pan, who sadly was laid to rest recently.

He has not sired a huge number of stock here in Australia, but his progeny are proving successful and perpetuating the line and lovely qualities that he became so well known for. Our feature this month covers the beautiful and hardy Exmoor Pony, which can still be found in their wild state and their tale of survival is truly amazing.

So please enjoy our comeback issue snd I’d love to hear from any of you with suggestions or requests for topics that you would like to see us cover. I love to hear about all of your wonderful ponies and am always on the lookout for ponies to feature, so please feel free to contact me, kind regards,

Brooke

Research into Laminitis Vaccine Showing Promise Laminitis is a debilitating and heartbreaking condition that many pony-owners have had to deal with. It is one of the most common diseases affecting horses and ponies, and many horses are never able to return to their prior workload and soundness.

Dr. David Wilson, Professor of Large Animal Surgery, and his associates at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a vaccine effective against laminitis caused by carbohydrate overload.

“We have evealuated the vaccine in horses undergoing experimentally induced laminitis using the carbohydrate overload model, “ says Dr. Wilson, “The vaccine has been 80% effective in preventing the development of laminitis.”

“We expect that it should perform similarly in horses at risk for grass founder.” This is a huge breakthrough and could be of particular interest to owners of ponies prone to founder.

The vaccine works by protecting the equine against the exotoxins released by Streptococcal bacteria, which proliferate when the horse’s gastrointerstinal

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tract is exposed to a grain overload. These exotoxins are instrumental in breaking down the basement membrane of the hoof and resulting in the pedal bone rotation that is so painful to the horse.

Unfortunately it has been a challenge acquiring further financial backing to determine that the vaccine is effective for grass founder and as yet none of the major pharmaceutical companies have raised their hand to manufacture the vaccine.

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Potential Semen Extender Keeps Sperm Viable at Room Temperature Scientists are making some exciting findings in the area of reproduction with an extender showing immense promise during in vitro studies. The addition of a medium commonly used in diabetes treatment has shown to successfully prolong the lifespan of sperm kept at room temperature.

In a project instigated by Harness Racing Australia, scientists at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales are studying the effects of a potential extender on sperm motility. The medium in question is Rosiglitazone, an antidiabetic drug.

Unlike traditional extenders which tend to be glucose-rich and oxygen-poor, Rosiglitazone promotes metabolic flexibility and glucose utilisation in various cell types. It is used in humans to improve glucose uptake in individuals with Diabetes Type 2.

The results of the in vitro study were incredibly promising, with the Rosiglitazone keeping sperm viable at room temperature for at least six days, and in many cases longer, maintaining a motility of at least 60%.

This could be another option for stallions whose semen does not chill or freeze well.

Cyopreservation carries the risk of damaging the

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sperm and there is a great individual variety as to how a particular stallion’s semen responds to the process. Some stallion’s sperm does not freeze well and this could very well open up another option and allow these stallions to be available commercially and over a greater area.

Fertility trials in real horses are expected to be carried out in the 2017/2018 breeding season, with the developers confident that the extender will be ready for commercial use by the following breeding season.

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Wannon Zone Pony Club Camp

2017

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Wannon Zone Pony Club Camp The 24th and 25th of June 2017 saw the second Wannon Zone Pony Club Camp and it was a huge success. Held at the Orford Indoor Arena, members from numerous Pony Clubs in the Zone were treated to a variety of activities over the two days.

Riders of all ages and levels attended, braving some pretty cold and wet conditions. The Orford Indoor Arena provided some excellent facilities including camping opportunities and a number of riding surfaces for use.

24 young Pony Club riders, plus parents and supporters from all over the Wannon Zone attended, coming from such clubs as Glenelg, Hamilton, Heywood, Macarthur, Dennington, Portland and Western District. Members were placed in ability groups and given the opportunity to receive instruction in a variety of disciplines including show jumping, mounted games and team riding with a great line-up of coaches.

Mounted games was instructed by the fantasic Tim Ling, who shows such patience and humour with the riders. He has such a way with riders of all ages and has a great talent for incorporating concepts into his games training that are relevant to all areas of riding. Tim is coach for the National and Victorian Mounted Games Teams and had recently returned from coaching the team overseas.

For show jumping riders were instructed by Deb McMaugh, an PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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accomplished competitor and coach who challenges the riders and gives them confidence. Zone Chief Instructor Shelley McCrae, who was instrumental in organising the Zone Camp, was also taking lessons with the riders. Sarah Sutherland, an ex-jockey (picnic), took the Ride to Time sessions, an incentive sponsored by Racing Victoria which aims to teach riders to understand riding at a particular speed over a certain distance.

Young riders were also able to experience vaulting, both on the barrels and real horses, thanks to the Van Someren Equestrian Vaulting Team. Even the smallest riders braved a ride on these lovely big horses who knew their job exceptionally well. Riders were given the opportunity to have halter making lessons with Tom Rundle, with many horses and ponies going home in their new rope halters.

On the Saturday afternoon Sarah Cowell and Anne-Maree Cowell treated members and parents to a biomechanics workshop. Anne-Maree is an Equine Body Therapy Practitioner and the afternoon education was enjoyed by all. The night’s festivities included the second running of “Wannon’s Got Talent,” a bit of fun for parents and children alike.

The Wannon Zone Camp was a great event enjoyed by all. It was another highly successful event for the Zone and things are looking promising for a repeat next year.

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Wannon Zone Pony Club Camp

2017

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Exmoor stallion Oak II with some of his mares in winter woollies. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

All photographs appearing in this article are Copyright and have been used with permission from Tricia Gibson.

Blistering cold, wet winters with driving winds are characteristic of

the rugged Exmoor. Such a harsh environment harbours only the hardiest of creatures. Bordered by Devon and Somerset and dropping away via high, steep cliffs to the Bristol Channel, Exmoor is a unique landscape. From this unforgiving sanctuary emerges a pony standing alone among the mountain and moorland breeds. The Exmoor pony is believed to have predominately descended from the prehistoric wild pony that migrated from Alaska and enthusiasts claim the bloodline remains relatively untouched by domestic lines. The pony retains numerous primitive features and there is a certain uniformity of type among the ponies. Today they still run wild as they have for hundreds of years, alas managed to maintain the breed characteristics and ensure the survival of this unique breed that faced certain extinction just decades ago.

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

The Exmoor pony is tough and versatile, turning their hooves to anything from conservation to children’s mounts. They are incredibly strong, able to comfortably carry an adult, and have exceptional endurance. They were very popular as mounts for farmers as it was known that they would carry weight all day. Today they can be found excelling in many disciplines such as driving, working hunter, children’s classes and endurance.

Herd 4 mare Apple and her newborn filly Westwilmer Azorina. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

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Exmoor mare Maritime Dew and her newborn filly Westwilmer Cloudberry on a wet Spring day. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

The Exmoor pony is believed to closely resemble the original wild-type pony that migrated to Britain from Alaska some 130 000 years ago. They are unique and primitive among the mountain and moorland breeds, being so uniform in their physical attributes. All Exmoor ponies are bay, brown or dun with strong black hooves and no white is allowed anywhere on the ponies. Their mealy muzzles and eyes help with camouflage, while their ‘toad eyes’ (fat padding above the eyes) have a protective role. The majority of Exmoor ponies stand between 12 to 12.2 hands high, but can range between 11 ½ hands to 13 ½ hands high.

The coat of the Exmoor pony is one of their greatest assets in the harsh winters.

It grows in two layers, with fine, springy hairs against the skin providing insulation, and a coarse, greasy, water-repellent layer on the outside. The hair grows in such a way that water is directed away from vulnerable parts of the body and hair at the dock of the tail fans out to form a snow-chute, where water and snow is run off away from the body. The coat dynamics prevent precious body heat from escaping and when snow lands on the pony it merely collects there until it is shaken off, rather than melting. By early summer, the winter coat is shed and replaced by a smooth, shiny summer coat.

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HISTORY

The first written records of ponies on Exmoor appear in the Domesday Book.

Exmoor was designated a ‘Royal Forest,’ a place where the King or Queen could hunt the red deer that shared the habitat, from the time of William the Conqueror (1066AD) and mention is made of the wild ponies of the area. The moorlands were home to herds of ponies belonging to the Forest Warden and to local landowners who would pay grazing fees. These ponies are thought to have descended from the original wild pony stock that migrated to Britain from Alaska 130 000 years ago.

For 750 years these ponies roamed the Royal Forest. Their numbers varied, reaching about 1000 at times. Animals on the moors were managed by a warden and consisted of cattle, sheep and ponies. Early on these ponies were referred to as ‘horsebeasts,’ hinting at their strength and robustness. A number of non-native horses and ponies ran with the wild herds but it is well-documented that the wardens ran native stallions. It was a tradition for the

The Anchor herd being gathered in October. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

herds to be rounded up each year, with youngstock selected to be sold off at auction. These auctions became an annual event in 1773 and the ponies of Exmoor spread throughout Britain. Over time they were used for farm work, to pull carts and carry riders across the countryside. They also provided their owners with a source of income when they sold off any youngstock each year.

1818 saw the sale of the Royal Forest to Sir John Knight, an industrialist. Knight was intent on improving the wild, untamed Exmoor and the animals that lived there. He introduced Arabian and Thoroughbred blood, as was the fashion of the time.

The resulting stock lost their hardiness and resilience and the line did not persist. Fortunately, the majority of the pony stock from the moor were sold at auction when the land changed hands and

In the mid 1500s, Henry VIII passed an Act forbidding the breeding of horses under 15 hands high. We are incredibly fortunate that this Act did not impact every corner of Britain, or the mountain and moorland breeds that we know today may have been wiped out.

These ponies that could survive such harsh environmental conditions were no match for man and warfare... By the time the War was done and dusted in 1945, the ponies almost were too. There were just 50 Exmoor ponies left on the moor. a number of local farming families formed their own herds of purebred Exmoor ponies. These families aimed to preserve these native ponies in their pure state.

Among these was Sir Thomas Acland, the forest warden prior to the sale of Exmoor, who purchased 30 of the true pony types to form his Acland herd. These ponies were the foundation for the famous Anchor herd, which is still in existence today and runs on Winsford Hill.

These native ponies gained popularity. They were tough, hardy and intelligent, and could go all day. In 1921 the Exmoor Pony Society was established for the purpose of preserving the breed and their history. Their popularity as children’s riding ponies peaked in the 1930s, largely due to the success of the books written by Golden Gorse. Prior to the beginning of the Second World War in 1939 there were

A young filly high above Bossington Beacon. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

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Exmoor mare Blackthorn Poem ridden by her owner Kittiana French at Devon County Show earlier this year where they won the class. Copyright Tricia Gibson. some 500 ponies on Exmoor. The War brought invaders and tragedy for Exmoor.

Some of the ponies served their country in mounted Home Guard Units, but many more were the unfortunate casualties of War. Gates were left open, ponies were used as target practice for trigger-happy troops and stolen to feed the hungry in nearby cities. These ponies that could survive such harsh environmental conditions were no match for man and warfare.

By the time the War was done and dusted in 1945, the ponies almost were too.

There were just 50 Exmoor ponies left on the moor. Breeders were encouraged to rebuild their herds to save the pony from extinction. Mary Etherington of Withypool was instrumental in the conservation effort. She took ponies to Edinburgh and started breeding at the Royal Dick Veterinary School, and in 1948 she also persuaded London Zoo to exhibit two Exmoor ponies to draw attention to the cause.

The Stud Book was closed in 1962. Every foal of registered stock is inspected by an approved panel to ensure that the true to type qualities of the Exmoor are preserved. Colts to be used for breeding must also pass a veterinary inspection.

Originally all foals were hot branded with the Society’s brand (a four-pointed star) above their left shoulder, with the breeder’s herd number beneath this and the PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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foal’s individual number on the left flank. In 2004, the option to microchip foals rather than have them branded as a means of identification was introduced and by 2009 almost all but the moorland foals were identified through microchipping only. In 2012, it was agreed that the Society’s star would no longer be used and foals to be branded would have a maximum of four symbols to identify both the herd and the number in herd on the left flank. Ponies from the famous Anchor herd, for example, have an anchor symbol above their individual numbers. In 2014, it was agreed that only foals remaining on the moor for breeding purposes could be branded.

CONSERVATION OF THE EXMOOR PONY

Though numbers are on the rise, the conservation and preservation of the Exmoor pony is an ongoing effort. The breed is recognised as a rare breed by both the Rare Breed Survival Trust and the Farm Animal Genetic Resource Committee. Exmoor herds continue to roam free on Exmoor with their breeding activities supervised to ensure the resilience of the breed is preserved. The ponies are kept as natural as Grand Parade at Exford Show. Copyright Tricia Gibson.

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possible with limited intervention. Every Autumn the herds are brought in and their owners will decide which stock they wish to sell. The majority of colts are gelded and will be sold on as future riding mounts. The round-up also gives the owners the opportunity to remove any ponies that may not be handling the conditions before the chill of winter sets in.

The decrease in Exmoor numbers has led to a genetic bottleneck. The gene pool is very small so breeding is closely monitored by the Exmoor Pony Society to ensure that the true character of the breed is preserved while maintaining genetic diversity. The system employed by the Society is highly respected among the native pony breeds. A number of Exmoor pony herds exist away from Exmoor, residing throughout the United Kingdom and in a number of other countries. Should anything happen to the ponies on Exmoor (i.e. disease, natural disaster) the breeds’ future is insured. This also allows for the reintroduction of certain lines back to the moor should they be required.

Just as Exmoor’s harsh landscape is used to keep the pony in their wild-type state, the ponies are also invaluable in maintaining the environment. Well adapted to a low quality diet, they thrive on the coarse grasses, gorse and shrubs and keep these under control. They have an excellent jaw and teeth with a careful bite, which neatly keeps the harsher vegetation under control and allows more delicate plants, such as orchids and other flowers, to grow through. Exmoor ponies as an environmental conservation tool is an idea gaining recognition. There are a number of managed herds throughout the United Kingdom, as well as a small breeding herd exported to Czech Republic in 2014 in an effort to reintroduce wild horses there. This program was a success and in 2015 a second consignment was introduced.

I would like to thank Sue McGeever from the Exmoor Pony Society for all of her help with this article, and also to Tricia Gibson for the use of her wonderful photographs. Tricia spends countless hours out on the moor with the ponies and captures them so beautifully.

For more information on the wonderful Exmoor Pony, please visit http://www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk The Exmoor Pony Society is a registered charity and can not continue to do the amazing work they do without kind donations from the public.

See also the Rare Breeds Survival Trust http://www.rbst.org.uk

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www.rotherwoodstud.co.uk

Rotherwood Peter Pan Photo credit: Pleasure Prints

Rotherwood Stud is on Facebook

Vale

Rotherwood Peter Pan (1994 - 2017)

Rotherwood Peter Pan was born to be a superstar. He was bred by Elizabeth Mansfield at the famous Rotherwood Stud and by the great sire Westacre Concerto. His dam was Katie’s Dream, giving him a double cross to the immortal Keston Royal Occasion (imp UK). He was well decorated in the show ring as a youngster, amongst his many wins Supreme Champion at The Royal Show and Welsh Part Bred Champion and Reserve in the Templeton Supreme In Hand Championship at the prestigious Royal Welsh Show.

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As a sire Peter Pan passed on all that made him the ultimate show pony. His progeny were refined and elegant, with movement that guaranteed the judges would take a second look. They became well known for their beautiful temperaments and correctness. He sired winner after winner in the ring, establishing himself as a much sought after sire of British Riding Ponies. Such progeny as Rotherwood Flamenco, a Supreme in hand and multi Champion under sadddle, Rotherwood Spring Storm, and Rotherwood Rainmaker were to make their mark on the show rings of Britain.

His influence was to extend to here in Australia, where he has sired some superb stock. The first to import Rotherwood Peter Pan frozen semen was Jodi Allen of Manorvale Stables and among the earliest of the Peter Pan progeny to fly the flag in Australia was the gelding Manorvale Lost Boy. His titles included Top 5 in the Saddle Galloway 14hh n/e 14.2hh at the SHC Hack and Riding Spectacular in 2008 and also Reserve Champion Senior Show Hunter Male In Hand at the 2010 Equinade Riding Pony Pageant. He was a multi winner at Royal level in hand and under saddle, including a win in RPSB Led Galloway (over 13.2hh n/e 14.2hh) at Canberra Royal (2011) and Reserve Champion Ridden Show Hunter Galloway (over 14hh n/o 15hh) at Royal Melbourne Show (2012). Another PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

Rotherwood Peter Pan Leslie Jeffs Photo

Manorvale-bred pony, Manorvale Pandora (ex.

Beauparc Serenade) has also had a successful show career with many wins, Champions and Reserve Champions both in hand and under JULY/AUGUST 2017

saddle. She has won in Open Pony, Riding Pony, Part Welsh and Australian Saddle Pony classes.

A number of stallion sons have been highly successful and continue to spread the Peter Pan influence here in Australia. The stunning Rotherwood Spring Parade (imp UK) was imported following a decorated show career in the UK. His wins included Champion Show Pony and Supreme of Show at Royal Norfolk, Champion Riding Pony and the Gold Medal Trophy at the Royal Welsh, Vincent Taylor Supreme and Rotherwood Supreme at NPS Summer Championships and Rosevean Supreme Champion Yearling at Ponies UK Summer Championships. His dam Rotherwood Spring Flower was by Strinesdale Matador and from a Solway North Wind mare, bloodlines that have already proven so valuable to the Australian Riding Pony.

Spring Parade then went on to win Supreme Champion Riding Pony at the Brisbane Royal Show. He is a full sibling to the superstar show pony Rotherwood Rainmaker, who just wins prize after prize in the UK. Just one of Spring Parade’s progeny to be successful is the lovely Westmore Spring Parade (ex. Gentry Park Felicity, by Strinesdale Matador), who was to recently win the Australian Saddle Pony Stallion/Colt Championship and Champion Riding Pony Stallion/Colt at Sydney Royal 2017. He was also named Supreme PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

Champion Weanling at the Petstock and Magic Breeds VAHA Foal Show as well as Supreme Champion Riding Pony at the Equinade Victorian Riding Pony Foal Show.

Bred and produced by Jeremy Roberts, Westmore Spring Parade is a picture of quality and a young pony with an exciting future.

Kamilaroi Lord of the Manor, out of that superstar mare Mat’s Magic of Astral, has had a successful show career and is showing promise as a sire, his first crop being born in 2012. Mat’s Magic of Astral needs no introduction and being by Strinesdale Matador, this cross provided the best bloodlines available. It did not disappoint.

Lord of the Manor is a high quality stallion who won such awards as National Champion Riding Pony Stallion/Colt in 2009 and was many times Supreme and Champion at agricultural shows. His progeny are proving to have excellent temperaments and great movement.

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Left: The divine Westmore Spring Parade (Rotherwood Spring Parade (imp UK) x Gentry Park Felicity, by Strinesdale Matador) is a young colt with a super exciting future ahead of him.

Julie Wilson Photo.

Another son, D`Amor Peter Piper (ex. Just A Doll where she produced a number of foals by the of Astral) stands at stud at Springmead Stud double Fairly Temptation (imp UK) and TreFarm, where he has sired some lovely show and harne Talisman (imp UK) stallion Langtree children’s ponies and hacks. His progeny are Wild Vision. Among these was Ashtan Park known to be easy to work with but take time to Strike a Pose, who was named Champion mature. One son, Amberwood Ridge Sabre (out of at his first show, competing against mature a pure Arabian mare, horses.

Hollydale Silver Rose) was trained and campaigned with success in dressage by Alexis The Rotherwood prefix in a pedigree has alHelleyer before being sold to Western Australia. ways been synonymous with supreme quality, He has a number of daughters in the broodmare and Rotherwood Peter Pan is no exception. band at Springmead who are bred to resident Though his influence in Australia is limited, it Welsh B sire. is represented by ponies of high quality that will no doubt continue to be sought after. The The Rotherwood Peter Pan daughter Ashtan Park ponies that he has left here, so far from him Sheer Elegance (ex. Kirala Classic Portrait, by Syon home country, continue to showcase the divine Royal Portrait (imp UK)) won numerous movement, presence and lovely temperament Championships as a youngster. She was retained that he has passed on. for the broodmare band at Ashtan Park Stud

For more information on Rotherwood Peter Pan or any of the Rotherwood Stud ponies please visit the website:

www.rotherwoodstud.co.uk

You can also find them on Facebook, just click here.

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With increased research into such diet-related disorders as gastric

ulcers, laminitis, insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, a number of horse and pony owners are shying away from the traditional cereal grains in their equine’s diet in favour of other low starch and low sugar options. There are a number of available feeds that offer calorie density without being high in the soluble sugars that can be so detrimental. These provide energy in the form of easily digestible fibre, or in the form of fats and oils and can provide a horse with weight gain or maintenance without the risk of exacerbating any underlying condition such as chronic laminitis or insulin resistance.

A lot of ponies are notoriously easy-keepers, prone to weight gain at the mere smell of food but there are instances where pasture needs to be avoided or monitored and hay is not enough to balance their ration. This article covers a number of possible substitutes for cereal grain in the diet to provide extra calories without the high sugar or starch content. Please note that the feeds covered here are not complete feeds and may need a vitamin and mineral supplement in order to balance the overall diet. Any new feeds need to be introduced into the diet gradually in order to allow the microbial population in the horse’s hindgut time to adapt.

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COPRA MEAL Copra meal is gaining popularity as a feed, particularly when it comes to ponies in light work due to its low glycaemic index and status as a cool energy source.

A by-product of coconut oil, which is highly popular at the moment, availability is generally good (a few years ago it could be a bit difficult to source). Providing a good level of fats and oils but low in starch (less than 2%) and other non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (less than 11%) this makes it a great calorie-dense feed safe for horses and ponies prone to metabolic issues or laminitis. The high oil content is also well known contribute to copra being a great coat conditioner, which is handy for owners wanting their horse to look great without feeding a lot of supplements or extra oil.

Copra is generally well accepted by horses when added slowly to the diet.

It can be fed dry as per manufacturer’s

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instructions, but is perhaps more palatable and safer when wet down.

Copra is relatively high in protein, at around 200g/kg but is not suitable as a sole protein source for growing or lactating horses and ponies due to its inbalance in amino acids, particularly lysine which is important for a number of tissues, cells and hormones in the horse’s body. It is the amino acid most likely to be deficient in the equine diet.

If copra is used as a protein source for such animals it should be fed with something more balanced in terms of amino acid profile, such as soyabean meal.

As is the case with quite a few popular horse feeds, and in particular the cereal grains, copra is also higher in phosphorus than calcium, so should be fed with an additional calcium source to level this out. Lucerne is a good choice if suitable and can provide enough calcium to rectify the ration, however if lucerne is unsuitable another calcium source should be provided. The copper to zinc ration is also not ideal, copra providing not quite double the amount of zinc as copper and the ratio recommended being 1:3 to 1:5 so a zinc supplement may also be required to rectify this problem and prevent related issues such as coat bleaching.

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Below: Lucerne can be useful in a ration to increase calcium levels when phosphorus is high.

Right: Beet pulp contains super fibres and is becoming increasingly popular.

RICE BRAN Rice bran is another high fat source that can be a useful addition to a ration to provide extra calories.

The fat found in rice bran is highly digestible and rich in essential fatty acids. As with copra, it can be fed to increase calorie consumption without having to feed grains. It is still low in starch, but appreciably higher than copra meal at between 15 and 20%, and has a low glycaemic index. Rice bran is made up of the brown layer of the rice which contains the majority of the nutrients.

It is a good source of vitamin E and a number of B vitamins. Rice bran is a popular conditioner, due to its high fat content, and is also another cool feed.

On top of this it is reasonably high in good quality fibre, with the digestibility of the fibre in rice bran being equal to that of beet pulp.

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For the purpose of feeding to horses, rice bran must be stabilised as due to its high fat content it is prone to going rancid. It also has much higher phosphorus than calcium, so a calcium supplement may be required if the rest of the diet does not balance this out (though some rice brans are fortified with calcium). Rice bran is not a complete feed and may require a ration balancer or vitamin and mineral supplement.

BEET PULP Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar-industry and a good source of highly digestible fibre. The majority of the energy in beet pulp comes from fibre and so it is a great way to add a hard feed without the risk of the digestive upsets that are a possible with feeding grain.

The fibre in beet pulp is digested in the large intestine, in the same way as that found in pasture, hay and chaff, but the JULY/AUGUST 2017

calories are more easily digested. Its low glycaemic index means that it is suitable for insulin resistant and laminitis prone ponies and will not heat them up. It is also a good source of calcium and so if fed with pasture or hay (which generally have higher calcium than phosphorus), a calcium supplement will probably not be necessary. It is a great feed for older horses who may be missing teeth and have trouble managing a lot of hay or pasture as it safely provides calories that are digested in the large intestine.

They have a low glycaemic index and very low starch levels so are suitable for laminitic and insulin resistance horses and ponies.

Studies have determined that soybean hulls are a suitable substuture for roughage in the equine diet, with one study concluding that it could be used to replace up to 75% of roughage without adverse effects. This could be highly useful in situations where pasture is non-existent and hay is scarce, such as in drought conditions, or where lack of teeth mean that the horse or pony can not physically eat hay without risk. They One of the downfalls of beet pulp is that did find that at higher levels of intake it is very high in iron. Some forms can palatability could become an issue as have two or three times the horse’s soybean hulls are not particularly daily requirements in just one kilogram appealing to a lot of horses but this of feed. This means that it may be could be overcome by mixing with necessary to add an iron-free supplement other feeds. Soybean hulls are also a to boost copper and zinc levels, as these good source of protein and lysine. are commonly deficient in Australian soils.

SOYBEAN HULLS Soybean hulls are another feed containing super fibre and are becoming increasingly popular. Soybean hulls are the skin of the soybean and for the purpose of feeding horses are often processed into a pelleted form.

Sometimes pasture and hay are just not enough in a ration, or may need to be limited for whatever reason.

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

JULY/AUGUST 2017

~INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE~

MICHELLE HOLLAND AUTHOR

Author Michelle Holland is no stranger to hard work. She has led a life of

giving back and her most recent book, ‘The Adventures of Bella and Emily’ is a great example of this.

Michelle’s latest book is about 13 year old Emily and her dream of owning her own pony. It is a rewrite of Michelle’s earlier book ‘Shelly Finds Her Dream Pony Chelsea’ with some new concepts added.

Michelle’s book was well accepted and American book critic Sue Morris reviewed the book and mentioned what potential it had, “Sue helped me via email teaching me how to introduce more description into the chapters and the whole story was totally re-written to bring in my experience with rescue ponies,” explains Michelle. And from this collaboration emerged ‘The Adventures of Bella and Emily,’ which combines our favourite topics, a horse crazy girl and ponies. It is a beautifully descriptive and joyful book to read, aimed at children but also able to be enjoyed by pony-crazy adults.

Of the profits from the sale of every single book, 50% is being given to charity.

Michelle has chosen five very worthy recipients and her ultimate aim is to sell one million copies, so

that 500,000 pounds can be forwarded onto these hard working rescues. The five rescues supported by Michelle are Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue (County Meath), Horseworld Trust (Bristol), The Retreat Animal Rescue (Kent), Helping Paws (Brighton), and Brooke Action for Horse and Donkeys.

Michelle herself has had much experience in the rescue game. In 1995 she opened up her own rescue sanctuary for New Forest ponies. She saved and rehomed over 57 ponies over a five year period. A lot of difficult ponies came through, including young foals that had been taken from their mothers too early, wild mares, and a number of sick foals who needed an understanding hand and ongoing veterinary care. It was not a venture for the faint hearted.

It all began when Michelle took on a neglected New Forest mare, who she named Bella. “What really touched my heart and was priceless was the

www.michelleholland.co.uk

transformation over a one year period. After shelters in Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria and some hard work and understanding Bella Romania are also given assistance. Miturned into a healthy and trusting pony,” chelle is now a qualified Canine says Michelle. Another one to touch Behaviourist Practitioner, which helps her Michelle’s heart was a mare named get inside a dogs mind, particularly Chelsea, whom she rescued in 1998. She important when these animals are abused was only six months old and riddled with and neglected. lice and worms. She would attack any man that went near her, but with a lot of patience Due to a health condition, Michelle is and love Michelle formed a special bond unfortunately not able to physically help with the pony. She just could not part with horses and ponies in the way that she her, and decided to keep her. She is now on used to. However she will never stop permanent loan to friends of Michelle and giving, and her book is a great example of this lovely mare even competed at Burghley this. As well as being an author and all of in show jumping in 2010, a testament to the her rescue work, Michelle also works full work done by Michelle. time, owning her own cleaning company which has been active for 16 years now.

In 2012 Michelle also entered the world of dog rescue, which all began with a poor lost soul named Jasper. This led to her meeting You can purchase Michelle’s book, ‘The Karen Lippitt of Helping Paws and from here Adventures of Bella and Emily’ from Michelle has been instrumental in helping Amazon.com.au animals all over the world. She has aided in in both Kindle and paperback forms. funding neutering and spaying program and Below and right: Michelle with Chelsea at Burghley, where Chelsea competed in show jumping.

www.michelleholland.co.uk

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B.M. WILLIAMS

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