|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4/07/2014 10:55:41 p.m. | |
POSITIVE MOOD PREVAILS AT DRESSAGE CONFERENCE Canterbury Dressage hosted a hugely successful Conference and Awards Dinner at the end of June. The theme "Focus on the Future” initiated at the April Forum continued with agreement to review number of key areas of sport administration and governance. The Main review points include: ESNZ By-Law 17 Rules for Dressage Administration. Board and Area Delegate tenure/ rotation policy. Although the remits from Bay of Plenty and Canterbury on this topic failed, it was because of the detail in the remits rather than the intent. Therefore it was agreed to consider the intent and provide a suitable framework / rules around the intent. It was noted that any changes to the By-Law for Administration would need to be passed at a Special AGM for implementation for the new season 2015/16. Board and Area Delegate tenure/ rotation policy. In principle there was support to consider maximum tenure for Board positions but that consideration needed to be given to the election/appointment process alongside this review. That the tenure for Area Delegates on the committee also be considered Board and Committee Structure and Powers of each: That the review consider the appropriate delegation of decision making to each of these bodies, and at the same time review the structure and composition of each. AGA /Committee Meeting Format: That the review consider the format of the AGA alongside recommendations for any new structure Procedures for submitting remits. In principle it was agreed that all remits should be submitted to the April Planning Forum to give more time for robust consultation with members and area groups. Suggested that no new remits be submitted to conference as too often insufficient research and background is made available and therefore remits with worthy intent that warrant passing in part, or in a different format, are failed because of time frames or other procedures that require prior implementation . That a further Strategic Planning Meeting is to be held as soon as possible to progress the plan around the agreed priorities and consider who is responsible for which area : SIX KEY STRATEGIES • Officials & Volunteers • Marketing & Communication • Sustainability • Rider Participation & Sport Development • Sportsmanship & Clean Sport • Achievement & Success Who is Responsible for Implementation ? • Board • Committee • Area Groups • Riders • Officials • Volunteers Next Steps • Prioritise the agreed outcomes • Delegate the actions required • Agree the time frames for implementation • Tools required to measure success • Reporting Work in Progress Examples • Roadshow and the accompanying information and documentation presented • Judges Training Manual Update • Technical Manual Update
RULES ESNZ General Regs & Dressage Rules The ESNZ General Regs review has required a number of discipline specific articles to be transferred to the Dressage Rules Horse Grading Points System Agreed to review the grading points system and consider if a scale of grading points be introduced for scores above 67%. This review needs to be considered alongside the current points required and system for upgrading, the benefits of introducing a scale of points as described and the administration of the grading system via on-line providers, area groups and ESNZ.
Rule Changes for 2014/15 season Summary of Changes Art 460: The trial period (2014/15) regarding the OC authorization to offer separate championships for all levels of Advanced horses at RE,ICH & NCH was formalised. (Note this is not compulsory) Level 6 – Not more than 60 points in Level 7 or above, Level 7 – Not more than 60 points in Level 8 or above, Level 8 – Not more than 60 points in Level 9 ART 466 - PRIZEMONEY Prize money is no longer obligatory Regional Events. ART 478 - BRIDLES, NOSE NETS, EAR COVERS & EAR PLUGS Snaffle bridles may now be worn at all Levels 5 - 9 including the FEI tests when the tests are ridden under national rules. The NZ Dressage Selectors MAY require a horse/pony (s) to be ridden in an FEI test under NZ rules for dressage in a simple double bridle where the FEI test would require this if the test was ridden under FEI rules for dressage Ear covers must be discreetly coloured and may be worn indoors and outdoors under ESNZ Dressage rules Bits: New style bits permitted: Bridoon rotary bit with rotating middle piece and looped rings (Refer to web site for diagrams) ART 480 Dress If “full seat” style breeches or jodhpurs are worn, dark colours black, brown or grey are allowed in the “full seat”. ART 486 - New Minimum Performance for Riders Competing in Foreign FEI events Minimum criteria has been set for riders competing in foreign CDI from PSG to GP levels, but selectors do reserve the right at their secretion to waive the criteria (in whole or part) ART 487 RIDER OR HORSE/PONY INELIGIBILITY FOR EVENTS OR COMPETITIONS AND EVENT ORGANISERS DISCOVERING RESULT MISTAKES. New guidelines for OC’s as to actions that can/ may be taken when mistakes/ ineligibility is discovered after an event with reference to prizes, prize monies and results | |
Good evening all
A last minute decision by the FEI has in fact seen the re-introduction of the FEI Intermediate II v2014 as attached, despite previous advice that the INt II was being withdrawn as from 1 Jan 2014
It is recommended that if possible, any OC who has scheduled the FEI Int II as a national class in 2014 use this new version.
As there will not be large numbers in the classes, it should be possible for you to notify riders of this change.
Please note there is a change to the pattern in this test so riders do need to be aware of this.
Thank you for your assistance re this matter which was out of our control and has also caused issues for other NF’s
Regards
McLeans Island to host Pryde’s Easifeeds NZL section of the FEI World Dressage Challenge on 19/20 November (please add pryde’s logo & FEI logo)
Get along and support your NZL team which will be announced following the team selection trial and Horse Inspection (approx 4.30pm) on Tuesday 19 November at the Whitehaven Wines International Welcome Party & Draw in the event marquee. Supporters can purchase additional limited tickets for this function up until noon at the event at $20 pp.
Dressage NZ also wishes to thank Soo & Mike Wells from Farloe SportHorses who are supporting presentation rugs for the Best Presented Junior & Senior Combinations. These awards are decided by the International Judges at the Horse Inspection
The Dunedin based Southern Trust has also pledged support for this event
NZL is the final team to compete in the 2013 FEI Zone 9 Challenge Competition and so the excitement will build during the day on Wednesday 20th as team and individual riders endeavour to better the scores posted from the other countries in or Zone and take the 2013 team title yet again.
The FEI World Dressage Challenge is highly regarded by NZL riders as the opportunity to be assessed by international judges and if you are in the top placings, a lesson as well. In addition to these benefits there is the chance to compete against riders from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and the Philiipines. These countries are continuing to develop and have challenged for the lead in all sections over the past couple of years. NZL had the narrowest of wins in the Team competition in 2012 and selectors have narrowed the original 76 nominations down to 40 starters, plus have the luxury of a strong reserve list should there be any defections
The reserves are named in order regardless of which section they are in and so numbers in each NZL section could change by the time of the November competition
MOORES RIDING WEAR CHILDRENS PRELIMINARY
1 Brad Pugh Just a Doll
2 Grace Manera Tallyho Neptune
3 Jessica Ladley Te Manaia Firebird
4 Katharine Read Fairview Free Spirit
5 Lavinia Harper Me Myself and I
6 Monica Lewis Kashmere Lad
FOUR FLAX ADULTS PRELIMINARY
1 Carmen Lowe Liberation II
2 Emma Pledger-Rowe Astraeus
3 Jacinda Younger Rohdinger
4 Janna Greene Grandiose
5 Karolyn Norton Larapinta Primadonna
6 Melanie Robinson Glenmay Aragorn
7 Nicki Ford Fernando MH
8 Sarah Macleod Jimmy Choo
EQUISSAGE ADULTS ELEMENTARY
1 Allie Harper Dream Girl MH
2 Cushla Cain Right Style
3 Holly Merritt Go Lightly
4 Jacinda Younger Donnerubin
5 Megan Robinson Genero
6 Patrick Redwood Kitset
7 Rachel Stock Bates Rimini Park Emmerich
8 Sarah Gray Lexas NZ
QUALITY PRESENTATIONS MEDIUM
1 Jackie Thomas Te Peka Liselott
2 Janelle Sangster-Ward Dunstan Astek Ghisella
3 Kirsty Schist Kintore Romany
4 Philippa Thompson Gemstar
5 Sandy Houston SE Reprieve
6 Seija Parkkali Eyredale Dulciana
HIDEZ NZ & DEBBIE BILES PHYSIO ADVANCED
1 Anna Gale GB Donner Benelli
2 Anya Durling Rosari Guest Star
3 Hielke de Graaf All White
4 Kate Dodd Don Carlo
5 Rachel Thomas Ashbury's Intuition
PRYDE'S EASIFEEDS PRIX ST GEORGES
1 Aubrey McRae Touch the Clouds
2 Diane Wallace Caithness Masquerade
3 Emma Malcolm Donnerheim
4 Gael Kofoed Il Divo
5 Jenny Scotter Kinnordy Gallium
6 Rachel Thomas Flash All Over
7 Tracy Johnson Apollo IV
Reserves in Order
1 Anne Cochrane Counsellor (PSG)
2 Sharon Inwood Akkron (ELEM)
3 Philippa McLeod Wolkendanz (PRELIM)
4 Kirsty Schist Kinnordy Gambado (PSG)
5 Adelle O'Neill Luna Rosa (ELEM)
6 Siobhan Fauth Hollywood SuperStar (ADV)
7 Franzi van Bruggen-Smit Furst Jupp (PSG)
8 Anna Gale Jive Thyme (MED)
9 Sharon Brown Sandman (MED)
10 Debbie Vincent Rosari de Vine (PRELIM)
11 Ashleigh McLean Amillion MVNZ (MED)
12 Helen Boyd Gemma MH (PRELIM)
13 Sue Lucas RV Georgie Girl (ELEM)
14 Deborah Morshius Vivani (PRELIM)
15 Agnes Irwin Glamorgan Rhythm'n'Blue (ADV)
16 Rosie Hore Sylvan Antics (ELEM)
17 Amelia French Wolkenblaz (ADV)
18 Kerrie Morrison Allitation (ELEM)
18 Merethe Hurum Wentworth Isabella (MED)
19 Joymarie White Gammon KS (ADV)
The NZ Hanoverian Society are offering two sashes for Hanoverians with PINK PAPERS to be awarded at our November Tournament. One sash will be awarded for Levels 1 - 3 and the other for the Levels above Level 3. The winners will be decided in a similar fashion to our Championships. If you ride a horse who qualifies please remember to bring your Pink Papers along with your grading book to our November tournament. Further information can be found here:
Being a member of this wonderful facility which makes riding in winter in Otago so much more pleasant is a great idea. It doesn't take many rides, or courses, to pay for an annual membership.
Application form can be downloaded here:
For application procedure and information regarding the Pony & Young Rider Training Groups please see here Pony & Young Rider Training
| 2/07/2013 6:24:21 p.m. | |
PATHWAY TO HIGH PERFORMANCE (View the Pathway to High Performance) The Dressage Performance Committee has announced the eligibility criteria for the 2013 Training Programme Some changes have been made with the Senior Newcomer Group, previously by application, being replaced with a Development Programme for selected 7 & 8 yr old horses ( age at 1 Aug 2013). These combinations have been selected based on performance with a view to supporting and encouraging them to develop a pathway to High Performance and to aim longer term for international pinnacle events Young Rider Camps will be held in both islands and will target Pony & Young Riders competing up to and including Level 3, but riders competing at a higher level who have not been selected for other Young Rider opportunities may apply. Application forms for these Young Rider Camps will be available the week beginning 8 July. The South Island Camp will be at McLeans Island 19/20 October and the North Island Camp at the Egmont A & P Showgrounds Indoor Arena (Hawera) 28/30 September Congratulations to selected riders GP International Elite Squad Vanessa Way KH Arvan GP International Development Squad (3 x 63%) Bill Noble Airthrey Highlander Lynley Stockdale Komplete Kaos
GP National Development (3x60%) Karen Trotter Flamenco G Hannah Best Zactac Graceful
Small Tour National Development (3 x 65% @ Level 6/7) Tracy Johnson Apollo IV Andrea Bank Doringcourt (GER) Susan Tomlin Guisto Abbie Deken KH Ambrose Vanessa Way KH Arawn Penny Castle Magnus Spero Britta Pedersen Upendo Amanda Goldsbury Tryton (IRE)
Senior Development Group A (5x 65 % @ L5)
Debbie Barke Lucrative Vanessa Way KH Allandro Anya Durling Rosari Guest Star
Senior Development Group B (5 x 65% @ L4 Horses up to & including 8yrs) Wendi Williamson Cortaflex Dejavu MH Jacqui Winspear JW Darjeeling Kieryn Walton Silver Reef RE
(5 x 65 @ L3 % Horses up to & including 7yrs) Janelle Sangster Ward Astek Ghisella Niki Kitcheman Fraggle Rock Megan Robinson Genero Jacqui Thompson Georgio Sheena Ross Parkridge Disco SW
DNZ Young Rider National Squad. (3 x 60% @ L6/7) Rebecca Goldsbury Avante Garde Hannah Johnston Just Hollie Kate McLean Oscar De La Hoya
DNZ Young Rider Development Group 5 x 60% @ Level 5 Catherine West Anarocz 5 x 60%@ Level 4 Catherine West Amici III |
Organisers of Equidays®, New Zealand’s world class equine event, are delighted to announce details of the first confirmed clinician for Equidays 2013.
Dutch dressage rider and London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Adelinde Cornelissen is currently ranked number one in the FEI World Dressage Rankings; the Equidays team are thrilled that she will be appearing at Equidays in October.
The world renowned dressage rider will join a range of diverse national and international clinicians headlining New
Zealand’s popular equine event; Equidays. Held 18 to 20 October at Mystery Creek Events Centre, enthusiasts
throughout the country have been eager to know who to expect at the third annual Equidays.
Adelinde won team and individual gold medals at the 2011 European Championships, back to back wins in the FEI World Cup Finals in 2011/2012 and was ranked number one in the world when she made her Olympic debut at the London 2012 Games, where she took individual silver and team bronze. Now, Adelinde and horse Jerich Parzival, have reclaimed the world number one spot in the FEI World Dressage Ranking with a 97-point lead over their nearest rivals.
Adelinde will bring a wealth of dressage techniques to Equidays 2013 where she will conduct Master Classes on both the Saturday and Sunday mornings during Equidays plus feature in the Friday night show. Tickets to these extra special events will be released, along with the general Equidays tickets, at Fieldays.
This year Equidays is focused on the core disciplines: Dressage, Show Jumping, Show Hunter, and Eventing along with a lot of other exciting aspects that are new for 2013 and will be released over the next few weeks.
Organisers are working hard to ensure Equidays features a good balance of disciplines and has a healthy line up of clinicians, activities and demonstrations. The Equidays team are pleased to begin confirming the line-up, “We have been in discussion with a number of international clinicians over many months, and are delighted to finally be in a position to start announcing who is coming to Equidays” explains Lynley Schollum, Equiday’s Event Executive.
Tickets available here: Equidays Tickets
Otago Young Rider Hannah Johnston has had the sort of year we all dream about with her horses, Just Hollie, and Brampton Gigolo. Hannah has written us a report of her adventures with her horses this season, including her trips to the North island (and yes, the "s" was meant to be included in "trips"). As well as congratulating Hannah on a season to be proud of, I would also like to congratulate her parent, Eric and Moyra for the support they have shown her. Moyra in particular must dream of driving the truck! Well done to you all.
To read about Hannah's wonderful year click hannah 2013.pdf
Full Results here: Fibre Fresh results
NRM and Kentucky Equine Research are running a series of Spring Equine Nutrition Seminars around the country including one in Dunedin. For details and information on how to register see here
Nominations for the FEI World Dressage Challenge are now open.
For information and nomination forms see here:
Thinking of breeding your next dressage star? Check out the DNZ Stable of Stallions here
You still have 1 day in which to register. To see what will be happening (full details of who will be riding, and which horses Jeremy will be riding) see Full Programme for Jeremy Steinberg Masterclass
Draw for the Grand Prix (in UK times so don't forget to adjust by an hour if you are going to watch only specific riders) now available
Grand Prix results after Day 1
OLYMPIC GP RESULTS AFTER DAY 1.pdf
Grand Prix results after Day 2
Draw for the GP Special (again UK times)
Grand Prix Special Results - team and individual
Grand Prix Special Results.pdf
Freestyle Draw
Congratulations to the overall winners of the Dressage Otago Winter series:
Overall Champion Tania Bellamy and reserve champion Lizzie Sheat. Well done!
For those who have not already seen the ESNZ Membership Review and survey results,full details are now available here:
Dressage NZ has announced the Squads and Training Groups for 2012. For further details see here:
Information, registration forms and applications for either private lessons or to be a demo rider at the master class in Christchurch on 9th September are now available here:
2 days ago
Life in the little village of Arget is plodding along quietly. Our first competition was at the Munich-Reim CDI mid May. It wasn't the best experience of my competition career, but there was lots to be learnt from it. In hindsight, it was probably the wrong competition to do first up in Germany. The atmosphere was difficult, with access to the arena through a path in the trees with carriage horses on one side and race horses on the other. I was very grateful (trainer) Andreas was there to help with leading me there and back. The warm-up arena was beside the carriage horses, below the path through the trees, where horses in their various coloured covers were walking. It was full of about 15 fantastic horses and riders. All in all, it was a little difficult and intimidating.
AJ was not bad in the test but it just didn't happen. I was probably a little overawed by everything and didn't ride him positively enough, and we made a lot of silly mistakes. I stayed on for the two days after the test to keep training in that atmosphere and to watch the top riders and horses. There were so many! Probably about 70 grand prix horses between the 3*, 5* and under 25s, and not a bad one in sight.
My favourite was Valentina Truppa's 5* horse from Italy. It was so electric and exciting to watch, and such beautiful riding. Watching Edward Gal and Hans Peter was also fantastic. It certainly is a different world over here.
AJ is still determined it's winter time and has a thick coat but due to him being so fine skinned, I can't risk clipping him so I'm hoping for a season change in his coat. I don't blame him being confused though – we left for the show in snow and came back 3 days later in 30 degrees.
I was planning on another CDI at Achleiten in Austria this week but unfortunately AJ fell over on the concrete the other day. He got a fright when the dogs rushed out behind him – I honestly think there are more dogs than horses here sometimes and there are about 50 horses, so you can imagine how many dogs there are! He is OK, but a little sore so with that and a slight cough, I've had to withdraw and give him a week of walking. It’s disappointing, as apparently it's a fantastic show and I felt I needed to get out there again after Munich and work on my confidence.
I will instead do a big local show at the end of June and hopefully we'll be fit and well for that. London is getting closer and closer. Less than 60 days to go. I feel like I need more time training as I can't change the fact that AJ is still green at this level, and putting a grand prix test together is not easy. On the flip side of that, it will be such a great experience and I'm looking forward to getting to England where I can understand everyone – or most anyway! My mother comes over next week. It will be good to have a bit more company and support from New Zealand.
Linda Clark from the Waikato is the new Dressage Training & Development Board member. Read more about Linda here:
The Results for National Awards are being announced. Find Links to results here:
Equiplus Rider Performance Award
FIBER-FRESH FEEDS PONY & YOUNG RIDER
For application forms and information regarding these squads as well as news about the Jeremy Steinberg Masterclass in Christchurch in September please click here
Laura Mead and Geishaan have won the Prestige Saddles Dressage Futures prize, for full details and results see here:
Details of Rule Changes and Minutes from the recent Planning Meeting now available:
For details about the Demystifying Dressage Day to be held in May, see:
We have a new range of Dressage Otago long and short sleeved tops and jackets available in dri-cool fabric. For more information see:
Andrea Raves and Robert Kofoed will be leading a tour to Aachen Horse Show, and training establishments in 2013. For more information, click here
If you want to donate to Louisa's Olympic Fundraiser and go into the draw to win a Bates saddle, click here for further information
Young Rider Dressage York Corporation Inter Island Challenge
| 24/01/2012 1:20:20 p.m. | |
Young Rider Dressage York Corporation Inter Island Challenge Teams Announced The Dressage NZ National selectors have announced the young rider dressage teams to contest the York Corporation Inter-Island Challenge Trophy to be held at the South Island Dressage Championships on 3 – 5 February at McLeans Island NEC The North Island team is Anya Noble (Waikato) and Catherine West (New Plymouth) who will ride horses generously loaned by Canterbury owners Nicola Whalley (Flash All Over) & Sue Bowden Distinctive) throughout the whole event with their final test championship counting as a the first round of the Inter Island Team Challenge . Southerners Siobhan Fauth (Canterbury) and Hannah Johnston (Otago) will ride their own mounts Hollywood Superstar & Brampton Gigolo in the first round. The four riders will then swap horses and ride another test with % scores being added to their first round score to determine Individual & Team Derby Placings The York Corporation Trophy Challenge Trophy donated by David & Veronica York from Waitemata has been competed for annually for over ten years and is a very sought after trophy by our young riders |
Greetings everyone
We have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience a clinic with Andrew McLean on the Thursday evening ( 5.00-7.30pm) before the SI Champs. We hope that many riders from outside Christchurch may take advantage of this. The cost will be $30 for the 2.5 hour clinic. He will work with three different horses at different levels of training. The clinic is being arranged by Donald Thomson and Bronnie Scott of Equintessential Saddlery in conjunction with Canterbury Dressage and Eventing Canterbury
Any questions please phone Donald on 342 9221.
“Andrew McLean is currently the most acclaimed and published scientist in the emerging field of Equitation Science, a winner of Australia’s most prestigious award in science, the Eureka Science Prize for his contribution to animal welfare and one of the very few theorists with a strong competitive background in eventing, dressage and show-jumping. Andrew is one of the very few to have ever been invited to present 3 times at the Global Dressage Forum and has successfully coached Grand Prix riders in 5 different countries. From the neuroscience and biomechanical viewpoint Andrew sees himself as an ‘equine engineer’ - his simplified approach to the subject is embedded in animal learning processes and ethology, yet his love of animals shines clearly through this framework. His approach can be disarming to the traditionalist view, yet its success is beyond reproach. Nowadays Andrew specialises in teaching audiences to understand the theory and application of this knowledge, to liberate riders and trainers from the ‘dark ages of equestrianism’ so that they become empowered, confident and knowledgeable and able to see clearly beyond the barriers imposed by tradition.”
Read the Dressage NZ Transitions Newsletter for January Transitions January
Andreas Mueller clinic 1-10 Feb at Louisa Hill's in Clevedon
For more information contact Louisa at [email protected]
Peter Storr, one of the UK’s leading International Dressage Riders, trainers, and List 1 judges, is coming to NZ to give schooling and training lessons. This presents a golden opportunity for present, future and ambitious talented riders to take full advantage of his equine skills and expertise. He will be available from 19th –21st February or further information please contact Nicky Pope on 021 189 5219 or 09 530 9102
[email protected]
Accommodation: South Street West Motel, 61 South Street, Feilding, 06 323 1811, www.southstreetwest.co.nz
Current standings for National Accumulators are now available on the ESNZ website. Also results for the recent NI Championships ESNZ Results
Dressage NZ Rider Representatives
| 10/12/2011 2:07:09 p.m. | |
Dressage NZ Rider Representatives
Nominations are now open for Island Rider Representatives on the National Dressage Committee
Current office holders, Debbie Barke (NI) and Anya Durling (SI) have both indicated they will not be standing for these positions again in 2012
The rider representatives will be elected by riders at the respected Island Riders meetings to be held at the NI Champs 6-8 Jan and SI Champs 3-5 Feb
Nominations can be sent to the Sport Manager by, in writing. Written nominations should be signed by the nominee, proposer & seconder. Nominations will also be received at the meeting by the secretary appointed by the rider rep, but for persons present at the meeting, or with an apology and written nomination available.
Closing dates for NI - Wednesday 4th January SI - Wednesday 1st February
Enquiries to NI - Debbie Barke [email protected] SI – Anya Durling [email protected] |
And has Olympic qualifying score
New Zealand has emerged overall winners - just. To read full details of all classes and results see here: Dressage News
Dressage New Zealand has one of the two places available for a team at the 2012 Olympics following the qualifying competitions in Australia and the Netherlands. For full details read
Dressage NZ have announced a new award for riders of 7 - 10 yo horses competing at Lvl 4 and above. For details click Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures
Vanessa Way and KH Arvan have had a very successful start to their Australia campaign leading up to the Olympic Qualifier event. For the full story click:
Canterbury have suggested the following scenarios for Nationals 2013 in the South Island. It is important we make this the best event we can. Please read through the suggestions from Canterbury and let Kate have your feedback ([email protected]) or any alternate suggestions you might have.
Greetings everyone
The question of dates for the Nationals 2013 have had considerable debate at our meetings in
1 That we hold the SI Champs the last weekend in January, a week before the Nationals (both at
2 Having the Nationals in April, well after HOY.
One of the issues with having NCH in early February is that many NI areas have not had their qualifiers by that time.
Please discuss these ideas with your committees and get a response to me within the next ten days as Wendy wants some indications for the Board meeting on 14 October.
Many thanks
Robin Haberfield
Strangles
It has been confirmed that there has been a case of Strangles in the Otago area. However this is only been on one property and is well contained so there should be no reason for any change to our competition plans. It does however serve as a timely reminder that we do need to keep up good hygiene precautions when we are traveling with our horses to minimize the spread of any respiratory disease including strangles.
Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi equi. This is a highly contagious bug causing upper respiratory disease. Young horses especially can develop quite severe disease, however the disease is rarely fatal. The bug is spread in nasal discharge and therefore any equipment that gets this discharge on it, including feeding buckets, gear and even from patting horses without washing your hands first. So hygiene is the most important aspect of reducing spread of disease. The incubation period from contact to infection is 3 – 10days. Humans cannot get this disease with the exception of immuno-compromised individuals.
Symptoms include dullness, loss of appetite, high temperature, thick yellow/green discharge from the nose and sometimes eyes, a soft cough and swelling of the glands under the jaw which are also hot and painful. These glands basically form into abscesses and will often rupture, sometimes they need to be lanced by a vet and drained. After the glands burst the horse usually becomes much brighter and starts to return to good health, usually within 20 days. Some animals develop complications after this phase of the disease, including abscesses throughout the body (bastard strangles), a bleeding disorder, infection of the guttural pouches and colic.
Strangles is relatively easy to diagnose, usually based on clinical signs though for confirmation the bacteria can be cultured at the lab if need be. Treatment includes penicillin in the early stages if abscesses have not formed yet and supportive care which your vet can discuss with you.
There are two different vaccinations available, an injectable form and an intranasal form. Protection from these vaccinations is not 100%, like the flu vaccine in humans. However if vaccinated horses do succumb, the infection is less severe, lasts for less time, and they are less likely to develop Bastard Strangles. Immunity after natural infection is much stronger and horses which have had the disease are unlikely to get it again. Shedding of the bacteria following infection is usually less than 8 weeks though there can be the occasional individual where it may be longer.
General rules for keeping competition horses as safe as possible from respiratory diseases when competing are well known to all of you we are sure but will reiterate the basics as a reminder.
Obviously it is a little difficult when using yards and boxes at our tournament venues we really have to rely on our horses natural immunity as well as vaccines and other competitors having healthy horses which we all try to do anyway. Remember that many horses cough especially at night and when first worked so do not go into panic when you hear a coughing horse, if you are really concerned talk to the owner there is probably a good explanation. Also remember that a horses natural grazing with head down allows the respiratory system to drain, this is natures way of protecting horses from respiratory disease so feed your horse at ground level especially when boxed or on restricted grazing. It is also recommended that if your horse cannot lower its head when traveling that it be taken out and grazed every 4 hours!!! (need a bombproof horse for this I think)
Time already to start thinking about 2013 Nationals at McLeans Island. It is very important we make this a huge success.
Our delegate needs our opinions regarding dates. For background, Wendy Hamerton, Dressage Sports Manager has sent the following letter to all delegates:
The NZ Dressage team to travel to Sydney for the Olympic Qualified has been announced.
Full details here:
Chris Hodson is the new ESNZ President. For details of the election results click here:
Latest DNZ Newsletter here
Exciting things are planned for the NEC at McLeans Island, Christchurch. For more details, check here:
The draft Minutes of the Committee Meeting held in Dunedin on the 26th June 2011 and Rule Changes are available here:
Dressage Committe Draft Minutes and Rule Changes
Congratulations to Gillian Edgar and Cordacious who have been selected as members of the Senior Newcomer Training Group for the 2011-12 year. The selected riders are
Alicia Collin
Heilke de Graaf
Gillian Edgar (Otago)
Kellie Hamlett
Allie Harper (Southland)
Anna McIntyre
Victoria Wall
Jane Crichton (Canterbury)
Congratulations to Hannah Johnston and Kate MacLean who are both selected on the Young Rider TID Squad.
Details of the Squads are:
other content