NEWS & REVIEWS

ATTENTION! NZ Associations, Studs, Show Committees, Event Organisers etc...
We invite you to send us your news and press releases for inclusion on our website News page. Please contact us with your news today.

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Exciting new "Riding With Chi - Your Pathway to Energy Mastery" DVD now available by Mark Russell, author of Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse more...

Turning Your Horse Out Over Winter? - We look at some points you might need to consider! more...

Some Common Winter Ailments In Horses - Ideas on How To Prevent and Deal With Them more...


The Winter Blues

Book Review - "Natural Horse Care" by Pat Coleby. more...

German Holsteiner Breeding Books now available in English translation. more...

Good Horse Photos - some tips on how to achieve them! more...

Rodeo, Rails and Rockies - The tour of a lifetime! more...

Training Tips - Why the serpentine is such a useful schooling exercise for both horse and rider. more...

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Previous Articles Archive
(Note: these articles will open in a new browser window)
Free-jumping Your Horse - a how to guide
Vital Signs Of The Horse
The Beginners Guide To Buying A Horse.
Worms In Horses
Weaning Foals
Dental Care For Horses
Buying And Selling Horses
Assessing Your New Foals Conformation & Temperament
Signs of Impending Birth in your Broodmare
Breeding Horses - Have you considered the real purpose and responsability you are undertaking?
Keeping It Clean! - Ways to keep your tack shed and horse gear clean, safe and dirt free!
"Centered Riding" by Sally Swift - Book Review.
Sleep and Horses - their sleep patterns and behaviours
Mud Fever Strikes Again - plus Great Products to deal with it
Cor De La Bryere - one of the world's stallion greats
The Hoof and Its Functions
Has Your Horse Been Vaccinated?
Showing The Yearling Inhand

Federico Caprilli - what he did for modern day riding
Bot Flies - a common summer annoyance
"Herbs For Horses" - Book Review
Myco-toxins - the latest information on this equine health topic
"Join Up, Horse Sense for People" - Book Review
Foaling Kit Ideas
"Veterinary Notes For Horse Owners" - Book Review
"The Complete Book of In Hand Showing" - Book Review
Breeding your First Foal? Some points to consider
Has Your Horse Got The Winter Health Blues? Herbs for horses.
X-Country Chat with a Champion Trudy Boyce

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Interested in submitting an article? Or is there something you would like to see us investigate and write about? Please email Diana with your idea and she will be in touch!


PRESS RELEASE - "Riding With Chi - Your Pathway to Energy Mastery." DVD by Mark Russell, author of Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse

Mark Russell, author of Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse (foreword by Bettina Drummond), which received critical acclaim when published in 2004, teams up with dressage instructor Patricia Norcia and tai chi master David Ritchie to release a unique DVD called Riding with Chi: Your Pathway to Energy Mastery.

Russell has always advocated tai chi to his students: "Both horse and rider benefit from the rider's practice of tai chi; the mind/body connection fostered by tai chi not only improves the rider's position in the saddle, but it also enhances the communication between horse and rider through the controlled exchange of energy-or chi."

Norcia was introduced to tai chi as a student at the Yale School for Drama and went on to teach breathing techniques to singers and dancers at major universities. She says, "The benefits can be felt the very next time you get in the saddle...it's very powerful." The trio discusses and demonstrates how to lower breathing, increase relaxation, improve spinal alignment, and enhance one's powers of visualization and balance...all elements of efficient energy flow or what many equestrians refer to as "awareness of self." Norcia notes that the horse's natural rhythm is slower than ours and credits tai chi's focus on balanced slow movement as the link that connects the energies of the horse and rider, ultimately uniting them to move as one.

Lesson in Lightness co-author, Andrea Steele, formed Mouse Hole Farm Productions in order to develop the Riding with Chi project with the time and creativity needed to release an artistic and thoughtful program.

Riders learn several easy-to-follow tai chi and qi gong (chee kung) routines that really develop a posture that stays with you 24/7 and becomes part of who you are. This program will appeal to riders at all levels and all disciplines, because energy mastery has no static bar for achievement; it is a path to follow.

View the video trailer for Riding with Chi online at www.Filmbaby.com, where you can buy the 2-disc DVD program for $35.99.

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TURNING YOUR HORSE OUT OF WORK OVER WINTER?
- We look at some points you might need to consider...
Written by SHNZ

The winter weather has struck your part of the country, the daylight hours are incredibly short, shows are few and far between and you've decided it's time to call it quits and turn your horse out for some time off from training and competition. Winter time brings it's own challenges to horse owners. We look at some ways to make sure your horse is happy and healthy during their time out of work!

FEED
During winter months grass is often in shorter supply. Although they wont be requiring the same energy that's needed when in work, keeping your horse well fed over winter will ensure they remain in good overall health and their weight stays on, meaning the horse will come back into work much better at the start of next season than if they have fluctuated alot or have become run down. Feed provides fuel to the body which helps the horse keep warm, especially important if they live in colder areas and even more so if they wont be wearing covers or living in well sheltered paddocks.
A source of clean, sweet smelling hay is one of your best choices for winter feed for most types of horses. Good quality meadow hay offers good roughage and will make up for the possible lack of grass for grazing. Lucerne hay is another popular choice although will provide more energy to the horse so is often good to feed alongside meadow hay during really cold snaps or alternately with meadow hay for variety.
Meadow or lucerne baleage provides very digestable feed for horses and is particularly good for keeping weight on youngstock or older horses. Once a bale is opened, it needs to be fed within approx 2 weeks to ensure the bale doesnt go off and go mouldy. Popular with horse owners are the small baleage wraps now available which are approximately the size of a convential bale of hay meaning they can be opened and used within a shorter time frame.
Many stud farms with groups of horses living in one paddock often make up for any lack in pasture grazing by placing large medium squares of hay or baleage in the paddock for the horses to eat ad-lib. This method usually works extremely well and provides the opportunity for the horses to constantly graze as their digestive systems are naturally intended to do.
Most people provide their horses with grain feeds and supplements when in work. Whether you continue to grain feed your horse during winter turnout is up to you, and might depend on our horses' turnout grazing available, weight, age, health etc. If you decide not to continue feeding your horse daily with grain, it is advised to continue to offer them some supplementary support of vitamins and minerals to help keep their general health good. Providing freely accessed mineral licks are a good way to help towards this. Otherwise providing at least one feed a week with a good vitamin/mineral supplement included is advised.
Continuing to grain feed your horse daily may mean cutting down on their usual "in work" feeding quantity and feeding more roughage (eg chaff) mixed with a grain feed like crushed barley or your usual pre-mixed feeds to help maintain weight.
Make sure you look at your horse regularly if they are wearing a cover to make sure your feeding programme is on track so you can adjust your quantities accordingly.

COVERS
Covering your horse over winter undoubtably provides them with much greater warmth and protection from the elements, aiding in overall health and wellbeing. The New Zealand winter can be harsh with freezing rain, hail, snow and winds that can take their toll on even the toughest of animals! Unless your horse has excellent shelter from bad weather, we recommend keeping your horse covered during the winter. A strong denier cover such as waterproof canvas with a wool lining, or medium to heavy fill synthetic cover will keep them warm and cosy during the winter storms. Older and poorly conditioned horses usually feel the cold more than their younger and more well rounded counterparts so make sure these horses have excellent rugs, perhaps an underug may also be required. Wool lined covers and underrugs are the warmest option, although can be heavier than the synthetic varieties. If you are not checking your horse everyday (or as a great everyday "insurance policy!") add some back-up straps (dog collars are ideal!) through the D's and cover clips that sometimes break or come open - these added straps can save frightening or injuring your horse if the clips fail and cause the cover to slip and come off, whereas a simple extra strap can hold the broken clip and D together until fixed.
Both new and used covers often do well from an application of waterproofer added to their outer shell each season to make sure the cover remains waterproof and keeps your horse dry.
The canvas compared to synthetic cover debate comes down to your own personal preferences. We suggest you shop around!

SHOES
Unless your horse has foot problems that require shoes being worn at all times for special reasons, chances are that attempting to leaving shoes on during winter turn-out will only end in them being pulled off and lost as winter mud and slippery slopes take over! Most people have their horses shoes removed when they are to be turned out. Your horses feet will be alot softer in the winter especially if standing in wet paddocks and mud, so shoes are often harder to keep on anyway.

CHANGE OF PADDOCK CONDITIONS
The rain can cause your paddock to turn into a very different surface compared to what it's like during the summer! Be aware of springs, creeks or boggy patches that may appear and might need to be fenced off to ensure your horse doesnt hurt themselves. If your winter turnout paddocks are previously unfamiliar to you or your horse, make sure you walk the fenceline and check for any loose wires, secure gates and look for natural hazards like rabbit holes, ditches, overhanging trees etc that might need some attention to make them safe.

STABLING OVER WINTER
Stabling or yarding your horse for some time each day can help both your horse and your paddocks come through the winter in alot better shape! A common routine is for horses to come into the stables at night and go out on the paddocks for the day. This will keep your horse warm and dry during the colder part of the night, and give your paddocks less time being stood on and cut up when they are water logged, while also helping to keep mud production down. If you have got access to stables, winter is a great time to put them to good use. They will mean less feed wastage (hay provided to your horse will not get wet, trampled on and ruined by the weather), better condition kept on from less feed because the horse doesnt have to expend so much energy moving around to keep warm while outside in bad weather, and not to mention the confinement of a stable is alot quicker and easier to muck out each day than trooping through a wet paddock with a poo laden wheelbarrow!

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SOME COMMON WINTER AILMENTS IN HORSES - HOW TO PREVENT AND DEAL WITH THEM!
Written by SHNZ

Runny Noses, Coughs and Colds
If your horse develops a thick nasal discharge, cough or cold during the winter, you need to go to considering the following:
- has the horse become cold at anytime?
- is the horse in good condition and been provided with adequate dietary supplements?
- has the horse been in close proximity to other sick horses?

Keeping your horse in work during the winter can be hard when its cold and dark by the time you finish your ride during the week, and wet weather can put a damper on your workouts leaving your horse (and you!) feeling a little chilled. It is very important to ensure your horse is kept warm and dry immediately after work so they dont develop a chill which can lead to the common cold.
Sometimes covers can let us down and either come off when their straps break or lose their waterproof qualities and allow rain to seep through onto your horse' back. This can also cause your horse to become wet and cold and unable to maintain good body temperature.
Preventing your horse from feeling the cold by providing excellent shelter, warm covers - especially after work or in bad weather, or even stabling, will go a long way towards keeping ill health at bay.

Just like with your own health, feeding your horse a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement can help to assist in maintaining a strong immune system to ward off any illness. There are many good all-round health products available for sale at your local feed supply store. Kelp granules (seaweed) is a great supplement that can be added to feed or provided ad-lib and has been known to boost animal health and help recover from colds. Herbal remedies including echinacea and garlic are also particularly good choices for building up a strong immune system for both preventing and fighting off existing coughs and colds.

It can be all very well to ensure your own horse care and management is working well, but in situations where your horse lives in close proximity to other people's horses such as shared grazing, you own efforts can sometimes come unstuck when the other horses come down with ill health. Keeping any ill horses out of nose to nose contact by isolating them at least one paddock away from others can help stop illness spreading. Again, keeping your own horses health and immune system strong and keeping them warm and well fed will help them prevent infection even if running with other run-down horses.

If your horse shows any prolonged symptoms of ill health, including a thick nasal discharge, coughing, undue weariness, high temperature or other generally unusual behaviour, contact your vet or animal health consultant immediately for a full check up and advice. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Mud Fever
"Mud fever" is quite a common condition in New Zealand as it thrives on our mild, wet springs/winters and horses constantly living outside in damp conditions. Also known by many other names including cracked heels, greasy heel, mud rash etc, mud fever affects the horses lower leg and heels and is often more prevalent on horses with white legs, as well as horses with heavy feathering on their legs (because they retain mud and moisture).

Characteristics of mud fever include the appearance of sore cracks and crusty scabs around the horses heel, and inflammation of the area. This is all caused by the invasion of a bacterium called "dermatophilus congolensis". This bacterium penetrates the skin when it has been softened through exposure to the wet or mud, or following damage to the area. (Interestingly, this is the same condition that we sometimes see on the upper body that is referred to as "rain scald".)
Mud Fever results in scabs around the fetlock and heels
This photo above shows quite bad mud fever on a ponys hind legs resulting in the scabby appearance around the fetlock and heels with some swelling of the area.

Mud Fever close up - notice the scabby appearance around the fetlock and heelsWhile prevention is always better than cure, mud fever can sometimes be extremely difficult to avoid or prevent. It seems that some horses are always more susceptible to mud fever than others, and horses standing around in wet muddy paddocks and yards only increases the problem. If you know your horse is susceptible to mud fever, you need to try protecting its legs from the wet and mud as much as possible by ensuring there is always a clean dry area for them to graze and stand on - you may need to fence off the very wet sections of the paddock, and always feed your horse out of the mud. Keep the legs clean and dry as much as possible, possibly apply an oil based barrier cream to repel mud and moisture. Avoid hosing the legs whenever you can, but if you have to, thoroughly dry them off with a towel afterwards, patting dry the affected areas (not rubbing).
Make sure you check your horses legs regularly and at the first sign of any cracked heels or scabs, treat immediately with an effective mud fever cream to prevent it from getting any worse and to hopefully clear up the problem.

A good situation to try and avoid to help prevent mud fever!
A good situation to try and avoid to help prevent mud fever!

As well as many natural internal and external product treatment options available from most saddlery shops and vets, there are also anitbiotic creams available. If the problem has become more severe and the legs are swollen (sometimes resulting in the horse showing signs of lameness), prompt antibiotic treatment may be required from your vet.

Mud fever is quite a persistant condition and can take time to treat effectively. Once the bacteria has been destroyed, the skin needs to continue to be protected from any further contact with wet and muddy conditions to allow new hair and skin to grow back and heal properly. Applying lanoline based ointment or creams to the area as it heals can avoid excessive drying (which can also lead to cracks!) and keep the skin supple and soothed as it repairs itself.

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The Importance Of Good Promotional Photos
- how to achieve the best results when photographing your horse.

It only takes a glance through a horse sale magazine or website to quickly recognise bad horse photos! Unfortunately a poor photo is very detrimental in helping your sale as potential buyers will instantly look past your advert if the photo doesnt catch their eye or poorly captures your horse. In fact, a bad photo is much worse than no photo at all!
Here are a few tips we've put together to help you maximise your chances of getting that great horse photo.

* Ensure your horse is thoroughly groomed from head to toe and is displayed as appropriate for their best discipline. For example, plaited mane if a dressage or show horse. Trim mane, tail, ears and fetlocks, brush out the tail and add hoof oil. Add shine to the coat and tail but dont overdo it!

* Make sure the tack used in the photo is also nice and clean. A nice clean saddle cloth and polished up bridle or halter really will enhance your photo. Dont forget the lead rope! Boots or bandages can look good although sometimes it is better not to use them to allow buyers to see the horses legs. Any gear used should fit well too. If including a handler or rider in your photo, they too should be turned out neatly and perhaps wearing proper riding clothes as per the chosen discipline.

* Take some time to choose a good background for your photos. Avoid any buildings, vehicles, machinery or general clutter (such as horse feeders, rugs left on the ground, wheelbarrows etc) that can really detract from a good image and remove focus from the horse. Trees, shrubs and hedging are usually a good option... perhaps standing on short grass (front lawn of your home may be ideal!!) or in an arena setting or barnyard. Flat ground is also very important.... if your horse is standing on a slope (especially if facing downhill) it will change their conformation angles which can cause them to look very poorly built. Even a tiny slope or hollow in the ground can cause a problem so make sure this is factored in to your background selection.

* Time of day the photo is taken can affect the light and shadows in your photo. A bright, still day is ideal. Always position the sun behind you when photographing and watch for any shadows falling on the horse which can alter the look of their conformation.

* Get the handler to park the horse up square and stand with head up and ears pricked. You may even require a third person to stand further in the background and attract the horses attention (anything from umbrellas and feed buckets to stones rattling in a pottle can be useful!).

* For action photos, try to capture your horse in the middle of the frame from the side. Avoid shooting your pictures from high, low, front or rear angles because you don't want to accentuate any flaws or make him look out of proportion. Moving photos look best when the horse has his leading leg forward at a trot or canter. Jumping images are best just after the horse has taken off from the ground and is rising up and over the jump. Head shots can look great if the horse is photographed from the front or rear as he looks off to the side, capturing part of his body in the background or foreground.

* You will need to take lots of photos from different angles so you can compare them later on and select the best shots. Digital cameras are excellent for horse photography! Using a digital camera with high pixel rating will ensure the images are of good quality suitable for printing in magazines etc.

* Choose the images that best represent your horse and show off his character and movement!

 

 

German Holsteiner Breeding Books Now Available In English

Asmussen Publishing, Holstein, Germany is proud to announce that Claus Schridde's series of Holstein books are now available in English. These books are the first translations of their kind that offer a comprehensive, insider look at the successful bloodlines that have shaped the modern Holstein sport horse of today.

1. The new, 3rd Edition of Holsteiner Stutenstaemme is updated with a German to English abbreviation translations page, making it practical for English speakers.

2. Holstein Stallion Lines, Volume II, Cor de la Bryere is currently available in English.

3. Holstein Stallion Lines, Volume I, Cottage Son xx will soon be available in English.

These books are a must for anyone who concern themselves with the breeding of top Holstein-based bloodlines and are available through Asmussen Publishing, www.Asmussen-Verlag.de
Offering the legacy of German breeding to the world!

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Holstein Mare Lines - book review

For many decades, Holstein has delivered highly successful horses for breeding and sport. This didn't just happen by chance, but has been the result of methodically bred mare lines and the knowledgeable experience of the breeders over many years. The knowledge of the mare lines is therefore essential. In its first two editions, "Holstein Mare Lines" was extremely well received and it was soon out of stock; therefore a new edition became necessary.

This current 3rd Edition is conceived as a reference book. The extensive photo material contains 90 colour photos and 60 historical black and white photos, with many never-seen-before, unpublished photos of stallion mothers and the mothers of internationally successful horses.

All stallions and international sport horses were assigned to mare lines. All available information, inland and abroad, was incorporated in this edition. The Holstein mare lines are indicated from the numbers 4 to 8900 and contain their own respective licensed stallions, whereas the champions of the stallion licensing and the winner of the stallion performance test are clearly identified. 87 mare lines are represented with full-page genealogical family trees and from those trees emerge the lines from which the licensed stallions originate. Holstein Mare Lines, 3rd Edition is an absolute must for the people who concern themselves with the genetic connections to the Holstein breed.

This book now available through Asmussen Publishing:
www.Asmussen-Verlag.de

 

 

RODEO, RAIL & ROCKIE - TAKE THE TOUR OF A LIFETIME!
Motueka United Travel's exciting tour is waiting for you.

A magical combination of Rocky Mountains by horse, foot and rail finishing with the thrill of the Calgary Stampede "The Greatest Show on Earth!".

Trail riding through the Rocky Mountains, whale watching in Vancouver, wildlife spotting in Jasper, hiking by Lake Louise, riding the Banff Gondola and experiencing the rush of the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede.

Sound like you? Motueka United Travel is offering you the chance to experience this spectacular region on a fantastic 18-day independent tour. Starting in Vancouver and ending in Calgary, this package takes in the highlights of the Rocky Mountains.

With a minimum of two nights at each stop, this tour gives you a chance to fully appreciate the region. And with plenty of included sightseeing and activities as well as free time, you can make the most of your stay.

For more information please download the flyer or itinerary:

- Calgary Flyer (PDF 401kb)
- Calgary Tour Itinerary (PDF 28kb)

Contact Jess at Motueka United Travel for further details:
Phone: 03 528 1330
Phone: 0800 874 748
Email: Jessica@motuekaunitedtravel.co.nz

 

 

TRAINING TIPS - SERPENTINES

SerpentineThe serpentine is a very useful flatwork exercise for dressage and jumping horses alike, and is a simple yet beneficial exercise for any level of horse and rider. Riding serpentines encourages your horse to soften and flex to the inside leg, while also encouraging the rider to balance and use their weight correctly while aiming to acheive the correct bend and rhythm through each turn. Because of the constant change of rein, this is a very good exercise to help riders learn to quickly adjust their hands and legs to becoming the new inside or outside and vice versa.

Ideally when riding serpentines, you are aiming to ride smooth, evenly sized loops through the arena with the path between each half circle loop being straight. Consistent rhythm and impulsion should be maintained.

The whole length of the arena is generally used, although they can be ridden either full or half the width of the arena which varies the exercise or difficulty. A serpentine with an even number of loops (eg 2 or 4 loops) will result in changing the rein once you reach the other end of the arena, while a serpentine with an odd number of loops (eg 1 or 3) will result in completing the serpentine on the same rein as you started.

Depending on the number of loops you are aiming for, they can be ridden in walk, rising or sitting trot, and require the rider to balance and focus on the turn ahead while preparing for the change of rein (if rising to the trot, remember to change your diagonal!).

If you are finding the loops coming upon you too quickly before you have found your balance, bend and rhythm, try incorporating a fuSerpentine with full circles at each loopll circle into each loop before continuing on through the serpentine to the next loop - this gives both horse and rider more time to achieve the goals of correct bend and rhythm. Concentrate on always riding a well shaped circle and/or loop.

Serpentines are a great suppling exercise and keep the horse concentrating more compared to just always riding in circles. Start off at the walk and just riding serpentines with few loops, then later increase to trot and to more loops (or half width ones) as you become more proficient. As you progress, transistions such as halts (eg everytime you reach the centre line) can also be incorporated through the serpentine which adds to the difficulty and will encourage you to focus on straightness.

A horse and rider combination that can maintain a lovely soft bend and rhythm throughout a serpentine shows a good foundation for the basics of schooling that will help in any competitive discipline.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW
"Natural Horse Care" by Pat Coleby
Reviewed by SHNZ

Pat Coleby's book "Natural Horse Care is a super little book to have on hand for those interested in the health and well being of their horse using natural methods.

Pat is an Australian expert on natural health for animals and has worked with animals alongside vets and other practitioners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and United Kingdom as a consultant.

Her very easy to read guide explains the roles of the many different vitamins and minerals with regards to horse care. She expands this information out to investigate soil analysis, pasture management, feeding practises and natural remedies for a large list of common ailments as well as injury treatments. Her philosophy is that health problems are directly related to mineral or vitamin deficiencies and by learning the key ingredients we can help our horses maintain better overall health and prevent future problems simply by making sure they get the right feed.

Everything from rain scald, ringworm, wood chewing, tail eating, sarcoids and colic are covered. The feeding of horses in work to pregnant mares are all explained promoting best health and nutrition for their different requirements.

The book is an inexpensive must have for those interested in all aspects of maintaining a naturally healthy equine!

 

Please note: This Product or Book review was undertaken by independant testers who are not in any way associated with the product. This reveiw represents the authors opinions only.

**Have you read a book or purchased a product that you are really pleased with and would like to recommend to our readers? Click here to email us your own review now! (Note: Reviews will be used at the discretion of SHNZ.)




Disclaimer: The news and articles on this website are intended for general information purposes only. Articles submitted by writers other than SHNZ are not necessarily the opinion of SHNZ or the website author. SHNZ provides all information to the best of their ability however accepts no responsability for any unseen errors or the way any information on this website is used. No information or product described herein should be relied upon implicitly, please make your own conclusions or consult your vet or other professional for further advice.

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