Friday, October 14, 2016
The Epic Quilty Adventure 2016.
Despite planning it for a very long time I was not happy with the way the weather Gods dealt their hand south of the border. As a Victorian in a past life & having lived quite some time in central and southern NSW I understood the magnitude of the whole bit wet. There was a chance we would never even get there and it could be the most miserable experience EVER....
In fact, I cancelled the whole she-bang at least once, maybe twice....
The horses weren’t co-operating either. I was already up to the substitute in Jolie after Lil Bo pulled a muscle at State Champs. Then Bart had the most amazing blood let from a hind toe while being shod in preparation to go….. It wasn’t going well….. 
Then Carla ate her travel pack in tears.
And Sonya said to me "I'm still going....I have to go. Louis has had it on the white board TQ 2016 all year. It's his dream! We drove to Bowen to qualify him. We've got to try. I can't destroy his dream! Even if we get half way there and have to turn back."
I took stock. I realised it wasn’t all about me. And if we didn't go there was just too much unfinished business.....AND I couldn't let Sonya go by herself.
We rejigged the whole plan to make it work. Given the conditions we couldn't take the two vehicles planned. We crammed everything into the one and rationalised heavily.... It was scary frightening how much we got into the one. We rode the ponies for one last time to make sure we weren’t three legged….
And off we went to the Victorian Quilty on the coat tails of Louis Ryan’s Quilty dream….. To hell with rational thought!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Kholonial Horses in 2011
Sadly we lost two of our famous old mares last season, I mentioned Femme - mother of Frontier and Farrington. Farry incidentally buckled at the 2010 Quilty with another of Femme's daughters Lanamere Femmara. My old faithful mare Charabal Amarita also went to meet her maker in early May 2010.
On a bright note there were four foals born to Kholonial mares. Kholonial Amazzon (who is away at Aqaba) foaled a lovely partbred filly by Heaney Seafarer whose name is Kholonial Aurora, Destiny of Kholo (on lease to Ann Nyland) foaled an anglo bay colt, Hyksos Gryphon. Cudglebar Riena (dec) foaled a purebred chestnut (going grey) filly by Sachin who was orphaned at only six weeks old and will be known as Kholonial Silver Reine. Lastly at home, Leatherwood Mystery Grey foaled a loud sabino chestnut partbred colt - Kholonial Lightning Jack.
January 2010 has been an extremely unsettling time for us all here in SE Qld. The flooding has been unprecedented and loss of life distressing. While we didn't suffer flooding of our buildings our paddocks were waterlogged for weeks on end. We've been battling conditions in the Kholonial horses that we normally don't have to worry too much about.
The horse's feet are suffering terribly. The moist condition combined with the amount of grass (high sugars) ergot etc has led to UV sensitivity/dermatitis/shin infections, laminitis, white line separation, foot abscesses (the number has been staggering). Fireaway has dreadful cracked heels at the moment.
My itchy horses have never been so uncomfortable or itchy. The buffalo fly have been shocking and the seed ticks insidious. The midges and biting flies unbearable. I have put some zeta - cypermethrin cattle tags in their manes to try and alleviate this a little. It seems to be working. Not 100% but making life a little bearable for them. All my air con rugs fell to pieces with the wet, sweat and heat - just ripping off their backs, especially if scratched under a tree. I've put new rugs on the worst horses as well.
In the process of starting a couple of young horses. We have started Kholonial Bronzewings (Boz) and K. Abigaail (Abi) under saddle last year and they are due to come back in and start education. Kholonial Boadecia (Lil Bo) is in work with Marty after suffering an odd bout of acute laminitis during the flooding. Too scared to put her out in the larger paddocks now - she has a line which looks like she did a 160km growing down her hoof - a metabolic event of some sort.
Kholonial Beauzolais (Jolie) has also been started and proving an ideal pony for Tom to be led on. She gets upset now if Lil Bo goes off without her. Getting awfully fat now and will have to come up the front as well. Too much grass!!! Kholonial Bartholomew is in work at Steel Poppy and I am soon to start riding him. Barty is going very well for Jan Darling.
Our two old girls Kemal Sweeet Dreams and Shayperil Golden Lady are still both going - and Tom rides them both from time to time. They're not up to rides off the property as their old legs aren't able.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Roll on the Horses!
Can't believe it's so long since I posted on this site. We're all a little bit older. Lost one of our mares just last week. Have sold a few most probably since the last post notably Kholonial Frontier to Kathryn Priol.
I treasure my Q buckle from 2008. This year it's a different journey. One for Marty - he qualified Pazzy (Cameo Apassionataa) as a yellow book endurance horse last year and this year is aiming for a Quilty completion/buckle. Pazzy powered through her qualification last year.
Noah (Abrock Noah) now has two 80kms under his belt and one more to reach endurance status. We had a mixed year last year - trying this year to really get into a better rhythm of training with him.
This year has been consistently wetter than I can remember any other year since we have lived at Kholo (about 15 years). The rainwater tanks are full, the dams pretty close to it. The streams in the forestry nearby are all flowing. Paddocks are overflowing with grass and we've slashed/mowed quite a bit. So nice.
Need to get a horse started and going for Tom asap too, he's asking to go riding in the bush (big smile happening here)..... Actually will ring our horse starter right this minute and see if I can get two of the youngsters, now rising four over there this week!
I treasure my Q buckle from 2008. This year it's a different journey. One for Marty - he qualified Pazzy (Cameo Apassionataa) as a yellow book endurance horse last year and this year is aiming for a Quilty completion/buckle. Pazzy powered through her qualification last year.
Noah (Abrock Noah) now has two 80kms under his belt and one more to reach endurance status. We had a mixed year last year - trying this year to really get into a better rhythm of training with him.
This year has been consistently wetter than I can remember any other year since we have lived at Kholo (about 15 years). The rainwater tanks are full, the dams pretty close to it. The streams in the forestry nearby are all flowing. Paddocks are overflowing with grass and we've slashed/mowed quite a bit. So nice.
Need to get a horse started and going for Tom asap too, he's asking to go riding in the bush (big smile happening here)..... Actually will ring our horse starter right this minute and see if I can get two of the youngsters, now rising four over there this week!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.”
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.”
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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....
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, October 24, 2008
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.....
.
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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