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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".) |
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. |
 While
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!
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!
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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!
------------------------
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 breede rs
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
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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
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TRAINING
TIPS - SERPENTINES
 The
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 fu ll
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.
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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.)
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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.
Sport
Horses New Zealand .com
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