BEHIND THE FLOATS The Adelaide Hills Equestrian centre monthly. ISSUE 6
JANUARY 2014
Tori Sherriff State champs Naracoorte 2013
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FROM THE EDITOR Hello again I know its been a long gap between issues. After the end of season, I have had quite a few problems with getting this issue finished so I hope its worth the wait and the next issue will be on time once again. I have enjoyed putting together the last 5 issues and apologise for the delay on this issue. The Adelaide Polocrosse Club had our break up on the 1st of June, it was a fantastic night Prize awards and photo’s inside this issue. The club held a music trivia night with a lot of success, thankyou to everyone for helping out. I would like to thank the people who have helped me with their player profiles and stories a special thankyou to Julie Morris who has supplied me over the last three issues with lots of stories and write ups, with out your help it would be a very short boring magazine. I would love more help from the rest of the club members, so we can have a wide variety of stories and photo’s you could write a small story, your player profile, photo’s any thing to help it won’t take long to send me a few lines please help, articles don’t have to be about Polocrosse everyone has a life out side of our beloved sport tell us about it. Send to email address at classicbeauty75@hotmail.com. Thankyou Hayley Prior
Editor Hayley Prior
WHAT’S ON AT THE ADELAIDE HILLS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
DATE
EVENT
8th – 9th February
Adelaide tournament
15th – 16h March
Adelaide tournament
INSIDE THIS ISSUE What’s on 2013 The Adelaide polocrosse club page Social pages The royal bath and west show written by Julie Morris Latest News Kids Corner Adelaide Polocrosse Break-up This months health spot – Colic Sponsorship Sponsors page Looking back older pictures. Tribute page Raff Tribute to Jodie Rogers
pg 2 pg 3 pg 5-6 pg 7-8 pg 9 pg 10 pg 11--13 pg 15-16 pg 20-23 pg 24 pg 25 pg 28 pg 29-30
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THE ADELAIDE POLOCROSSE CLUB HIRING THE ADELAIDE HILLS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
THE ADELAIDE POLOCROSSE CLUB
If you have an event and wish to hire the grounds, or you would like to know more information about costing, camping, use of club rooms, canteen, PA system please contact Craig Tremellen he will be able to help you with any enquires. The ground are not just for horse events we do hire to other clubs or groups for more information.
Welcome everyone to our grounds and hope people get to know we are here and come and enjoy the grounds.
Booking Officer Craig Tremellen Ph.: 0408226162 Email: adelaidepolocrosseclub@hotmail.com Postal: P.O. box 91 Woodside 5244 SA
Adelaide Hills Equestrian Centre
THE COMMITTEE: President:
Matt Prior
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0412895482
Vice President: Clint Prior
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0413450744
Secretary:
Deanna Broughton
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0409092085
Treasurer:
Craig Tremellen
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0408226162
Head Coach: Richard Iles
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0432538814
Sponsorship Co-ordinator: Hayley Prior Clint Prior
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0417735634 0413450744
Booking Officer: Craig Tremellen
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0408226162
ALL CORRESPONDENCE: adelaidepolocrosseclub@hotmail.com P.O. box 91 Woodside 5244 SA
We only ask if you are attending a polocrosse event that the following directives are adhered to: 1. NO DOGS be present at any time. 2. No Stallions be present. 3. Any persons on horse back at any time wear Australian approved helmet. 4. All gates are closed at ALL times. 5. No yards be made up, horses only to be in permanent yards. 6. Make sure you are aware of children and prams near horses and fields.
Behind The Floats Advertising Behind the floats will be published every month with the aim to keep people informed of what's going on at the grounds. We have advertising available to all readers at a small cost. • $5.00 for anything under 1/4 pg. (text only) • $8.00 for ¼ pg. (photo optional) • $10 for 1/2 pg. (photo optional) • $20 for a full pg. (photo optional) • If you would like to advertise every month we have a special offer of $200. If you have a business or a sale item you would like to place in the Magazine please don't hesitate to contact Hayley Prior. Anyone who would like to write an article for your sport or have any funny tales, photos, Births, deaths, Marriages, or achievements. We are after new and interesting pieces, so please forward them to the editor no later than 10th of each month. You can forward the information to Hayley Prior email: classicbeauty75@hotmail.com If you would like a copy of the magazine I can email to you every month just send your email address, or look out for copies in all good stores.
Adelaide Polocrosse Practice Fun had by all, except for the light summer rain ď Š
SOCIAL PAGES
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What some members been doing off season.
Julie Morris went for a holiday back home to the UK .
Ebony, Amy, Sarah and Tori celebrating Tori’s Birthday.
Tori and Ebony at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Kate O'Connell enjoying time by the sea.
Tori and Amy getting ready to play at the Royal Adelaide Show.
A bit of history from Emma, still on the wall at Walkaway.
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Nice catch Kate O'Connell..
Shane celebrated his birthday with family.
Saying goodbye to Sarah .
Richard and Vanessa enjoying a day at the races.
Maddie Graduated and moved away to work .
Julie at a hunt.
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THE ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW Yes It was a beautiful English summers day at last.... The drive to Shepton Mallet was through the picturesque countryside that I always remembered from my childhood. Tall oak, ash and sycamore trees. The hedgerows of Hawthorne and blackberry and that familiar whiff of silage...It's funny how certain smells bring memories flooding back. The English country side always reminds me of a patchwork quilt. So many different shades of green. Hills and valleys dotted with cows and sheep. The tiny villages..always with a pub. The lanes so narrow that you always have to be aware of oncoming cars because most of them are not wide enough for two cars. I would hate to be driving a goosey or truck over here. You would have to be a whizz at reversing..which I'm not. The Royal bath and West show is a four day show with every thing from Shetlands, Shires and show jumpers. Hacks, hunters and harness. Plus all the other country attractions and animals. It's only about thirty miles from Bristol BUT as my Mum pointed out.. We'd better get an early start because we've got quite a way to go. Isn't it funny how we get conditioned by the size of the country we live in...I travel further than that to put a lotto ticket on... We arrive safely after such a long drive...at the permanent site of The Bath and West Show. So much for The UK being in a recession... 22 quid to go in and no concessions either...for oldies or tourists. Nobody seemed to mind and all handed over their cash quite happily. The first thing you notice when ever you go to any horse event in England is the number of dogs there. Big, small, hairy, pure bred and mix. It's so true that The Pommes just love their pooches. Love me love my dog..Also lots of bowler hats, flat caps, Cornish pasties, good ole West Country cider and show specials.. The show jumping was just finishing..some big international names competing. Then coming from a hunting background both in OZ and The UK. The next attraction was a must see. The Avon Vale and The West Somerset Hunts proudly parading their hounds in the main ring..I remember ..a long long
time ago..my little welsh mountain pony, who was a little over 13 hands, would always break out in a sweat and become totally uncontrollable. I found out why. His previous owner, a farmer..used to ride him to hounds with The Banwen Minors Hunt in Wales. The sound of the horn and hounds would remind him of his hunting days . After quite a few face plants I learnt to dismount pretty sharpish and hide him behind the biggest horse truck... Anyway Back to the now...after a few laps all the children are invited to come into the ring and pat the hounds. Not only children but mums dads prams dogs on leads and of course me..all making a fuss of these beautiful animals. Two separate packs of hounds..all happily mingling together..Then a quick command from their master and they all " packed up " and eagerly looked up as if saying..Ok what's next? One of the disappointing aspects of Ossie show rings..I found is the lack of excitement when you get your Blue Ribbon. Over here they yahoo it round the ring..and so they should. A good strong canter. They deserve it. Even the Hacks do it..no stuffy Red Coats here. I was one of those Red Coats at The Royal one year. You had to lead the winners out of the ring at a walk.I always used to say..would you like to canter out.. Oh no It might upset him/her..Please. Some times I misheard them...yeh right and purposely trotted them out. I mean so many princess out there. Learn to ride why don't you..sorry getting carried away.. There was The Double Harness Scurry Championships. Two little ponies galloping flat out between cones. Two passengers... One being the driver desperatly trying to keep control and the other acting as an anchor of sorts to keep all wheels on the ground as they did wheelies in and around the cones. Pairs with names like Bubble and Squeak, Minny and Mouse and Murder and Mayhem who missed a left hand turn whilst in top gear and very nearly ended up eyeballing the spectators on the other side of the safety rail. A pair called Rip and Tear eventually won it. Also The Prince Phillip Mounted Games. About a hundred kids, in teams of five riding nippy little Welsh, Fell and Dale ponies..all competing for a place in the finals at The Horse of the Year Show
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One thing I noticed is the strong push for people to understand the country way of life over here. The Countryside Alliance is very big over here. There was a whole area set aside for different country sports. The British Deer Society. The Salmon and Trout Society. The fly Fishing Society, The Young Farmers. The Hedge Laying and so on.. and of course ferret and terrier racing..soon funny. And so after a long and enjoyable day, I gather up my bargains, my dear ole Mum, Jessie the whippet and try to remember where I parked the car. Of course we had the usual traffic jam to look forward to but eventually was out and chugging back to Bristol..You know for moment I imagined I was heading back to my cottage in a quaint little village...Maybe ...The weather may not always be the best, the beer a little warm BUT they do play polocrosse over here you know ...
150th Royal Bath & West Show
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LATEST NEWS The website for the 2014 Nationals is up and running, with plenty more information to be added over the coming months. www.polocrosse-nationals.com.au
Births, Deaths and Marriages It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Jodie Rogers who passed away. Our thoughts are with her family Graham Rogers, Emma and David Schulz and family.
Congratulations to May and Shane pike who are expecting in April. Congratulations to Steve and Kelly crowe who are expecting sometime later this year.
EMAIL, FACEBOOK & WEB ADDRESSES If you would like to have your email or business web address featured on this page or you know of a good website please let me know. Facebook Pages: Adelaide Polocrosse Group Adelaide Polocrosse Page Classic Beauty Page APC Gawler page
Emails: Editor Hayley prior: classicpark1@bigpond.com
Classic Beauty for all you beauty needs. classicbeauty75@hotmail.com
OTHER CLUB NEWS Goodbye to our beautiful Sarah Martin heading off to QLD for awhile. Tony Astbury has resigned as head coach and moved clubs back to Casterton. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors who gave so generously to our Music Trivia night it was a huge success raising $2500 for the club. Our thoughts are with the Iles family after the tragic fire they had at their property.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Websites: If you a looking for good quality horse feed please look no further and support our sponsors - Currency Creek fine Fodder: www.lucernehayforsale.com.au
What ever you might be wanting for mans best friend have a look at The Complete Canine Company, they stock a huge range of product for your dog www.completecanine.com.au
Australian Polocrosse websitewww.polocrosse.org.au
If you are looking for stock whips or equipment , training dvds etc. They have very reasonable prices. www.murphywhips.com
Dressage club competition details http://www.dressageclubsa.com/competitionDetails.html
The website for the 2014 Nationals is up and running, with plenty more information to be added over the coming months. www.polocrosse-nationals.com.au Our girls cranking it at our breakup
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It was a very wet, windy cold night but that’s Lobethal in June for you. Thanks to Matt Prior who put the tarp around the club room veranda with a gas heater so we would be comfortable. There was a good attendance from all our club members, with only a couple missing, Jules who was over in the UK playing polocrosse and visiting with family, Maddie who was unfortunately working in WA and couldn’t make it home, Sally who was unable to attend due to illness. Now to our award winners: Congratulations: Deanna Broughton for best D Grade, Travis Tremellen best C grade, Clint Prior best B grade, Matt prior best A grade, Travis Tremellen best Junior, Matt Prior best horse and rider over all, and Pam Prior best club person. Well done everyone. It was with sadness we said goodbye to our head coach of 7 years Tony Astbury who has decided to go back to his beloved Cats to play out the remaining of his years. Our night then continued with a local band (singer Gonz) who entertained us with his country - old rock style, a brave young lady by the name of Kate O'Connell got up and sang with Gonz which was to be the start of the “take over” of the bands equipment by the young divas and a couple of older gentleman. We had an absolute ball, singing for hours, what fantastic sports letting us use their equipment I know we had a ball not sure about the audience. The only disappointing thing for me personally was not being able to play the slide shows from the clubs year of polocrosse I had spent hours making. Thanks everyone looking forward to a fantastic year next year.
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HEALTH SPOT Colic What It Is A term used to describe a large range of abdominal discomforts, colic can be anything from a twisted intestine to an enterolith to worm infestations. Colic is the #1 natural killer of horses. Common Causes Sand Colic: When horses ingest sand. Horses that are fed on sandy ground or have access to it may eat small bits of sand. Over time, the sand will build up in the intestines and eventually cause discomfort. Over feeding: If a horse breaks into the feed area and gorges itself colic could result. Parasitism: Worm infestations disrupt circulation in the intestines, or blood clots and bits of dead worms may cause blockages. Irregular Feed Schedule: This may cause a horse to wolf feed if he gets really hungry. Feeding right after work or if horse is still hot also can cause horse to come down with colic. Sudden Changes in Feed: When you change feeds, or introduce new feed, be sure you do so slowly! Bad Feed: Moldy or rotten feed may cause colic Fine Grain: Sometimes it will pack together and cause blockages in the intestine. Poisons: Some poisons may cause colic. Moldy feed may cause mold poisoning and colic. Twisted Intestines: Very severe and life-threatening. There are different types of twists in different areas. Signs The first signs you may see are uneasiness and a personality change. The horse may be uninterested in food or drink, and may act sleepy or dull. The temperature may be slightly higher than normal, but the respiration and pulse will usually be normal. Later on, the horse may swish its tail, stomp a hind leg, turn and look at belly, or nip its sides. It may also roll its eyes, snort, or groan. As the pain increases, the horse may kick its belly and lie on the ground and stretch. It may also stretch as if to urinate, or may make attempts to defecate with no success or may have diarrhoea. It may roll lightly, get up and walk in circles, then lie down and roll again. It may also walk aimlessly into fences or walls. As the colic worsens, the horse may bite its sides, kick and thrash, and may roll madly. NEVER let a colicing horse roll, because it could twist an intestine and cause serious injury! Try to get the horse up, even if it means yelling at or hitting the horse. Be VERY CAREFUL- a colicing horse in severe pain doesn't care what or who you are, it may step on you or crush you accidentally. During this time, the horse's only focus is trying to rid itself of pain, and it won't be aware of its surroundings. It may walk into walls or fences or step on things. You should catch it and, if it is rolling, make it stand; then, proceed to walk it for about 15 minutes.
Symptoms of colic include... Rolling excessively Sweating Pawing Kicking at belly Looking at or biting belly Change in attitude, or depression Lack of appetite Unable to defecate Little or no gut sounds Sitting like a dog or lying down Stretching out as if to urinate Restlessness, or lying down, getting up, lying down again, etc. Treatment: If you suspect your horse has colic, record all the symptoms it is showing, take the horse's vital signs, then call the vet immediately and tell him what you've observed. Return to the horse, walk him for about 15 minutes, then release him in a safe area and watch his behaviour. A simple colic can quickly turn deadly without prompt attention. If you horse is already rolling on the ground, thrashing, and sweating, get him up as soon as possible! A horse that is rolling may twist an intestine or complicate an otherwise minor colic. Remember, a colicing horse may be dangerous to be around since it is in pain. Keep all food and water away from the horse until the vet arrives. Try to keep the horse as calm as possible, and keep it from rolling if possible. You may want to walk the horse for a few minutes, then let the horse stand. DO NOT CONTINUE TO WALK THE HORSE. Many people will walk a horse for hours, until it is weak and exhausted. Walking can do a bit of good, but over-walking can weaken the horse and even lead to death if the colic turns severe. If the horse isn't feeling better after 15 minutes of walking, then 3 more hours won't make a difference, either. Most likely, if a little walking doesn't help, the horse will require surgery, and if it's been over-walked, it is less likely to live through the surgery and fully recover. If you do walk the horse too much, it's nervous system may shut down, creating more problems. There are many people that will walk a horse for hours, even all night long, thinking that it will do some good. It won't. Recovery Only about 10% of horses die from colic, but it is still the leading natural killer of horses. Colic's due to torsions and intestinal twists are nearly 100% fatal unless promptly treated. Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this article have been presented as a guideline based on veterinarian information given to the editor. Whilst all care and diligence is taken in producing this information, the editor accepts no responsibility or liability for unforseen consequences resulting from the advise given in this article. All information in this article is thanks to : A.C. ASBURY, DVM A.C. ASBURY, DVM, Retired to Versailles, Ky, after a practice and academic career devoted to equine reproduction.
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COLIC THE MYTHS Colic has been recognized in horses for a long time, but only recently have veterinarians been able to accurately diagnosis, and effectively treat, colic cases. Nevertheless, many myths about colic persist today – here’s to trying to dispel some of them! 1. Horses do not colic because the weather changes. That’s right. The weather changes all of the time. Horses colic all of the time. One doesn’t have anything to do with the other, but since they both occur often, it’s easy to make an association. A couple of studies have even shown this. But this durable myth persists.
2. Horses don’t twist their intestines when they roll. Have you ever seen a horse lie down and roll, happily scratching his back in the dirt? Have you ever seen a horse develop a twisted intestine afterwards? Didn’t think so. Horses that are uncomfortable from the pain of colic will often lie down and roll. They are trying to find a way to get comfortable, just like when you lie down on the couch after, say, some bad restaurant food. That often means that they’ll change positions, just trying to get comfortable. However, the pain that occurs from a twisted intestine is extreme, and horses with intestinal twists (volvulus, strangulation, entrapment, and such) show that extreme pain by rolling around. But it’s the twist that comes first, not the other way around. If a horse is beating himself up from rolling around frantically in pain, there’s certainly ample reason to keep him from doing so. However, if your horse rolls, the gut isn’t in danger of twisting.
3. Walk your horse, no matter what. The idea that horses need to be walked because they have a colic probably comes from the concern over twisting a gut. Walking is not directly therapeutic for colics, and if a horse is relatively comfortable lying down, there’s no real reason to get him up just so that he can walk. Imagine you, on the couch, feeling bad after that restaurant food; if someone got you up and made you walk, you probably wouldn’t appreciate it. That said, there may be some slight benefit to walking a horse with colic. It may help distract the horse with colic, and help him forget about his pain. That’s at least humane. It also gives the owner something to do until the veterinarian arrives!
4. Banamine® (flunixin meglumine) is a potent pain reliever if your horse has colic. Flunixin was heavily advertised as the”drug to treat colic, when it was first released a few decades ago. Since then, it seems that horse owners have learned that the drug is a “must” for treating horses with colic. In fact, some people even say that it works within minutes of its administration, which, given what we know about how the drug works, isn’t possible. Some veterinarians even believe that it’s something of a wonder drug when it comes to suppressing pain, but there are others (including this one) that disagree. In fact, experimental studies on the drug have shown that it’s not very effective at all at treating the pain of colic. It is a useful drug, but it’s not a miracle drug. That said, there’s no reason at all to give any drug for any condition, without a proper diagnosis. If you have flunixin in a medicine chest or tack box, don’t give it to your horse with colic without consulting with your veterinarian first. 5. Add “alternative” treatments to help your horse with colic. Some people may add things such as acupuncture or massage to their efforts to help a horse with colic. There’s no evidence at all to indicate that such things are helpful, and, in the case of acupuncture, there’s good evidence that it doesn’t help at all. If your horse has a colic, focus on getting quick and proper diagnosis and treatment, and don’t look for any “alternatives” to that! Information from David Ramey, DVM
Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this article have been presented as a guideline based on veterinarian information given to the editor. Whilst all care and diligence is taken in producing this information, the editor accepts no responsibility or liability for unforseen consequences resulting from the advise given in this article. All information in this article is thanks to : David Ramey, DVM
PRIOR BUILDERS new homes - extensions - renovations Prior Builders is a family owned business with over 35 years of building excellence. David and Matt both passionate builders who invest in your dream head an approachable team providing personalised service and trusted tradespeople. They have experience matched with ingenuity in problem solving and design interpretation. Their superior craftsmanship delivers a level of quality to last and be noticed meeting your needs in both traditional and modern design. Member of Master Builders Association since 1988 Transforming your ideas into creative design with unique results
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AT STUD Golden palomino colt, rising 3yo, mature 15.2hh Registered Heritage Australian Stock Horse (All foals eligible to apply for ASH registration). Sunny is ideal for breeding well balanced, agile, responsive and softmouthed polocrosse mounts, possessing all these qualities himself. He has a fantastic ground covering smooth canter and lovely ability to sit into his stops, with a big over-tracking walk. He was broken in by Colin Byron, who could not speak highly enough of his potential for top level competition in any field. Sunny has won multiple Supreme awards and led Championships. Sunny's sire Tintaras Chandra was exported to Japan to breed performance horses and is predominantly of TB blood, adding speed and quality to progeny. Sunny's dam has done polo practice chukkas and is to commence her polo career this next season. She is by Master Herbert, sire of numerous quality polo ponies.
If you're wanting to breed a top looking polocrosse horse with plenty of ability and potential, don't look past Chalani Sunstream as your next sire.
2013 service fee $880. Standing at Chalani Australian Stock Horses, Monarto SA. Email chalani@chalani.net | Phone 08 85344263. Visit our website www.chalani.net or find us on Facebook for more photos and details.
This photo was taken the first day Sunny was ridden
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SPONSORS ADELAIDE POLOCROSSE CLUB
Clint Prior Chiropractic
Decadence beach house Kate O'Connell
Lyndsay Young Vet Clinic
DON & SHERYLE PIKE Hair Sculpture By Nikki
Chase n' Dreams Hair & Beauty Salon
LOOKING BACK
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Julie Morris Side Saddle.
Dave and Pam with 5 of their Grandchildren.
Dylan and Aidan on Caddie
Julie Morris a few years ago
Ebony & Rob Sherriff few years ago .
Don Pike and Linda Mattchos in the 1980’s.
Clint Prior Chiropractic
Chiropractic
For Horse and Rider Dr Clint Prior and Dr Caitlin White are the principles of mt barker chiropractic. They both specialise in a technique called Gonstead Chiropractic. This technique is very specific, safe and effective. Common conditions that respond well to this form of chiropractic are; Low back pain, headaches, neck and mid back pain, knee and ankle sprain & strains, sporting injuries, pregnancy related aches and pains, colic and reflux. Dr Clint Prior is also an animal chiropractor with a particular interest in Horses. He has treated elite horses for over 11 years in the racing industry, and professional level horses (including Olympic representatives), as well as pleasure horses. He has an in depth knowledge of both rider and horse anatomy and function, which enables accurate diagnosis of both horse and rider issues.
Call (08) 8398 4855 (Clinic) or 0413 450 744 (Clint-Horses)
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Your friend will be with you forever
TRIBUTE PAGE
RAFF 2006 to 2012 Raff got his name because he was the little gelding that was the raffle prize at The World Cup Polocrosse in Warwick in 2007. I feel so fortunate to have been part of this little horse’s short life because he was such a big part of mine. Raff was probably the best horse I will ever ride. I've never ridden a horse that had so much natural balance and ability. When I rode him he just felt that he had this unique style of movement that was so unreal. He didn't have that many quirky habits . I do remember that he always had to be the centre of attention and I swear that he would get jealous if I rode other horses. The future was looking pretty good because not only was he an awesome polocrosse pony, he was also my best buddy and wingman. I never had the time to really enjoy this special little horse because he was diagnosed with a bone chip between his short pastern and pedal bone. To operate would have caused him so much pain .So I had to make the agonising decision to have him put down. I only had him for about eighteen months and I really do miss him. RIP RAFF You will always remain in my memories.. Such a short life taken much too soon. Written by Nick Harvey
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JODIE ROGERS AND THE LOVE OF POLOCROSSE Jodie Rogers was a very talented Nurse, wife, mother, and nanni. She loved nothing more than to be with her family and today I'm going to talk about Jodie's life at Polocrosse. The first thing I thought of when starting to write about Jodie was in 1991 when my family moved from Happy Valley to Lobethal she turned up on our door step with a casserole so my mum didn’t have to think about cooking, that was just how kind thinking Jodie was. Jodie loved horses and when Emma wanted to play polocrosse Jodie couldn’t have been happier going straight out and buying her a horse, with Lady and senna Emma started playing for Adelaide Polocrosse club at our Mt Crawford grounds. Mt Crawford was a dusty place with not very many amenities, Jodie was always there helping the club running our tournaments, cleaning the long drops, working the canteen which wasn’t much more than a shed and a concert floor with an old table or two to work on, she was a fantastic worker from the time she was out of bed until after tea was served only taking time out to watch Emma, Jodie never complained about any job she just got on and done it. She was also the club secretary for a couple of years. But the most important thing to Jodie was Emma’s playing so the following is a recall of what Jodie did so that Emma could play. Very quickly it was realised that Emma would need a new horse if she wanted to continue with this game so Jodie set out to find her daughter one of the best old horses that would set her up to be able to improve she purchased Heckle and Emma soon after was chosen to represent the State at the Nationals at Forbes in 1992 in the junior side, Jodie was so excited getting in a car with Sheryle pike, Wendy Curno, Sharyn Tilbrook, Hayley Prior and driving the long distance to Forbes. This was just the start by the time the Nationals had come around again Jodie had bought Emma a new horse BJ and she was once again selected to represent the state at Walkaway in the under 21’s mixed competition. Jodie and this time Graham had to bus it over to Walkaway as their flights had been delayed and they wouldn’t have made it in time, they were so happy to finally make it they shouted the entire team out for dinner when they arrived, the team played so well and came RU. In 1996 the Nationals were held in Werribee Emma was chosen to represent the State once again in the under 21’s mixed competition, as my bother Shane and my self were also in the side our families camped together having a tarp over two floats both mums had cooked all the meals even cooking us a roast one night, we all had the best time and everyone was rewarded with us winning the under 21’s mixed comp the first time SA has ever won, Jodie was so proud. Soon after Jodie bought another horse for Emma, Skippa who was in foal when purchased with Dakota, Emma was picked to represent the state once again in the mixed competition in QLD in 1998, so Jodie and her best friend Glenis drove the long distance to Warwick it was so cold I remember Jodie wearing two jackets and gloves most of the time, Jodie really enjoyed watching Emma play unfortunately they didn’t win a game. In 2000 the Adelaide Polocrosse club had moved into Lobethal to our new grounds this made Jodie very happy she didn’t have to clean the dusty dirty old shed any more. The next Nationals in 2000 was held at Naracoorte and Emma was playing in the Mixed team again, as Jodie didn’t like to drive long distances Emma’s new beau David Schulz drove down with Jodie. But most of all Jodie was a very supportive parent, Emma told me that she offered to pay Emma’s fees every year, she just wanted the best for her daughter and what ever she could do to help make that happen. In more recent times Jodie’s grandchildren were her world she even had a number plate made for her car Nanni 03 so everyone would know how special they are. Jodie you have been a massive supporter of the Adelaide Polocrosse club, we will miss your generosity, and the love you gave your family. RIP Jodie.
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THE ADELAIDE HILLS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE