AUSTRALIAN EQUINE ENDURANCE - SUMMISING HORSE WELFARE

By Jo Hamilton-Branigan BVSc (Endurance Vet/Rider)

In Australia the sport of endurance riding has always been under the microscope (and very accountable) as far as horse welfare issues have been concerned. In the beginning welfare authorities (RSPCA) were not convinced that this sort of riding/event could be achieved without compromising the horse. In order for the sport to be accepted and continue into the 21st century an incredibly comprehensive horse welfare system has been devised and it has continued to evolve in parallel with the nature of the sport. Australia has long been a world leader in this regard.

The Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) works in close association with a panel of highly experienced veterinarians (AERA Veterinary Panel – which consists of an experienced endurance veterinarian from each State). An event cannot take place without a veterinary team in control with an Accredited Endurance Veterinarian at the helm (as Head Veterinarian). Strict monitoring by veterinarians (of a number of parameters, including heart rate, respiration, temperature, demeanor, metabolic factors – particularly relating to the gastrointestinal tract and hydration, as well as gait evaluation) creates a safe environment for the horses. The Veterinary Team is in control of the ride and can disqualify a horse/rider combination at any time in the event. The Head Veterinarian oversees all decisions made by the veterinary team.

Each event generally consists of a series of phases (“legs” or “loops”). The ride base may stay stationary or it may move (“travelling" check points). A typical phase will range from about 10km to 45km – depending on the length and nature of the event. Longer events have multiple legs/phases. Generally longer phases at the start of the event and shorter as the event proceeds. At longer events horses may be checked seven or eight times during the course of an event. The horse is checked by the veterinary team between phases and judged as fit to continue or eliminated on veterinary grounds. There is a mandatory rest period between phases after the veterinary check. A horse can be eliminated at any time, even on track during the event if the track veterinarian deems it necessary. Consider also that it is not uncommon for horses to be asked to “represent” and be checked twice at the one check. These days it is usual for there to be a “compulsory represent” (double check) at a designated check.

There is a comprehensive National Logbook system now in place. Every endurance horse must be identified & registered with its State Association/AERA. They are then issued with a Logbook which must be used at endurance events. This official Logbook contains a myriad of information pertaining to the health and welfare of each horse at each event. This is a work in progress and details the ongoing successes and failures of each horse at each event – it is an historical record which can be referred to by connections, veterinarians and officials over time.

The “Novice Horse” system evolved in conjunction with the inception of Logbooks in the early nineties. This involves introducing horses into the sport gradually as regards speed and distance. A horse starts with a Novice (Blue) Logbook and if and when the horse qualifies it is upgraded to Endurance Horse (Yellow) Open status. There are also age restrictions on horses at different levels. A horse also cannot compete at the highest level until it is fully mature – i.e. 6 years of age - an age at which most racing thoroughbreds are retired.

The Early Warning System (EWS) is a further failsafe to protect horses (and riders) suffering consistently poor performance. If a horse is eliminated from a competition for a veterinary reason it is allocated points according to the severity of the problem. Once these points reach a certain level – letters are issued by the State Horse Welfare Officer and if the combination continues to be a problem they are demoted to Novice Status for a certain number of events. There are provisions for particularly recalcitrant horse/rider combinations to be suspended/retired. This has never happened in my time on State Committees.

Additionally if a horse is eliminated for a veterinary reason from an event the Head Veterinarian (in conjunction with the Treatment Veterinarian) has the ability to issue a Rest Order for a specific time period. This will be commensurate with the severity of the problem. A horse cannot compete until this time has elapsed.

The AERA & State Associations have an allocated portfolio for horse welfare. The State Horse Welfare Officer keeps track of the EWS, Rest Orders, Drug Testing (horses may be drug tested at any event – endurance is considered to be a drug free sport) and any veterinary intervention (treatment) as a result of events. Any treatments are recorded meticulously and followed up as appropriate. The AERA Horse Welfare Officer liaises with the State Officers and is in charge of record keeping on a National level.

Education of the connections/riders is taken seriously at all levels with many Seminars organized annually nationwide. Finally there are comprehensive requirements for event organizers as regards water availability and quality at events, as well as extensive risk management of controllable factors that may affect the welfare of the horses.

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Endurance has recently (in 2008) adopted a much tighter protocol as regards horse welfare and their system now incorporates much of that described above. No other horse sport has such a comprehensive welfare and risk management system.

It is expected that every Australian endurance rider participates with the phrase “Horse welfare is paramount” at the forefront of their mind.

Refer:
AERA Handbook (Revised Jan 2008), p25

H2 Horse Welfare

2.1
a) The needs of the horse are paramount.
b) The well-being of the horse is above the demands of riders, owners, sponsors, breeders, ride organizers and officials.
c) All veterinary inspections and treatments must ensure the health and the welfare of the horse.
d) The highest standards of nutrition, health, sanitation, and safety shall be encouraged and maintained at all times.
e) Adequate provision must be made for ventilation, feeding, watering and the maintenance of a healthy environment during transportation.
f) Emphasis should be placed on education in equestrian practice and health.
g) In the interest of the horse, the fitness and competence of the rider shall be regarded as essential.
h) All horse training and riding methods must take into account the horse as a living entity and will not include any technique considered by the AERA Inc. to be abusive.
i) The AERA Inc. will maintain adequate controls in order that all persons and bodies under the jurisdiction of the AERA Inc. respect the health and the welfare of the horse.
j) National and international rules regarding the health and welfare of the horse must be adhered to.
k) The rules of the AERA Inc. will be continually reviewed to ensure such horse welfare ensues.

From the FEI “Code of Conduct – the welfare of the Horse.”

And so it was written the rains would come....

Sooo much rain...and we're so lucky we're on high ground...6 inches of rain over 5 days....dams all full.....nothing too much washed away....

Abrock Noah - Riding Lesson!

Don't laugh, wasn't that funny. Decided that we needed to see if I could switch Noah's focus to ME - yes ME - instead of everyone and anything anywhere but on his back... So had a 7am lesson with Jenny Kunde on Chris Forrester's u-beaut arena - it was great fun. Jenny was extremely complimentary re Noah and commented that he was the right shape to be able to use himself.... Wryly I was thinking to myself ...how challenging is this going to be.
No pix this time but get some next time as didn't quite know what the outcome was going to be....there were a skillion horses about and he was okay (just) to get into the arena, had to dodge a couple of geldings in the paddock to get there.... Luckily the instructor arrived after I was in the arena :) phew.
Gosh I forgot how hard you have to work to collect them and get them using themselves AND going forward. He is definitely NOT a fizzy horse, so at least his brain remained in his body...but Driftwood, retired chammmpppiiioonnn 28 endurance horse insisted on standing "over" the arena and keeping watch...bit challenging initially but actually Noah was really really good.
Few pigroots and jumps in the air when asking for a canter but when he did canter he was sooooo beeeeaauuttiiifffulllll - a real buzz. Jenny also had a ride, which I found invaluable as it enabled me to actually visualise what she wanted and to see how he goes for someone that isn't making MY mistakes. My hands were far too mobile and inconsistent contact then blocking and jamming him....and not enough leg, then too much all the time....
So much fun! Another lesson next week, can't wait, and will have to do some practise beforehand....Noah is at present in Tom's yard enjoying the white sub clover with Keema hanging over the fence at him demanding he get out of "her patch" now...and not even lifting his head. A different horse after the lesson - so much happier and willing to be obliging. I think HE LIKES IT!

Abrock Ned - The Story

Well, let's see. "King Ned Rules" - is Sonya's catch cry for her very special friend & equine partner. It wasn't all that an auspicious start for Ned. He came to us out of the drought as an undergrown "pony" with a glimmer of good breeding. (I'm sure someone would say the same about me:)

To be honest I never thought he would be as successful as he was - early in the piece he had a suspect knee (in my mind; not in Ned's apparently)..... There were three of them - I nicked named the "boys from the bush" and dreamed one day that each might achieve a Quilty completion and the buckle that goes with that.....

All up Dad (Barney) paid $200 for them. They came to Queensland and we (meaning Marty/Maurice) started them under saddle and the rest (as they say) is history. Ned was by far the most successful but the other two Fireaway and Spotty (aka Flyer) were also incredible endurance horses for their inauspicious start in life.

Ned achieved two QBs, Spotty managed one and Fireaway and I got within 14km of the final third one.....such is the nature of endurance.... I love character building...

Ned went to live with Sonya after both her mares were claimed by a mystery illness.....

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The "Willow Slide Show"

"Willow" the wonder horse

Baz came out to train with "Willow" yesterday....wow....what a morning. He hadn't seen the "shed"....ran over the blue water bucket. Then I asked him to get aboard Noah first as he was being a bit silly....stallions...mares....thing.. Will was the complete gentleman....Noah thinking with his other bits too much.

Quilty Training

Well, I did a foolish thing.....i'm up for riding the Quilty at Nanango in a little over 2 weeks time. Not sure how I'm going to manage it but been trying to claw my level of fitness up to that of the horse (Aloha Kamahl) that I've been offered. Rode the Brymaroo 80km the w/e before last and it was tough. My little finger on my right hand took a clobber (think PI greenstick fracture), got dehydrated and pretty exhausted. Feeling much better this week. Because I have to remember "I AM an ATHLETE!" Apparently...... PS the horse in the pictures is Blue Bronco (Shahdara x Blue Meanai Lady), Kamahl was at Marburg at the time.

Sunday Riding the Stallion!

Last Sunday I saddled the stallion, Abrock Noah, and we set off on a training run. Marty and Kholonial Amazzon had already gone earlier up to Mt Nebo with "Mad Jan" and the fabulous Fabio. Noah and I took the path into the Lake from Kholo Rd along MacDougals Lane. Still quite damp through here and the 4WDs and motorbikes have sure chewed up the track where the water flows ax it in the low spot. Noah needed lots of encouragement to get out and going this morning, the first couple of kms can be such a bore (horse thinks way too much work this endurance training). Noah sure looks after himself. Though after a while he got into the swing of things. We ended up going by the sawmill and into the 1000 acre conservation reserve ....write more later