AugSep14 Hoofbeats e-Preview
18
description
www.hoofbeats.com.au
Transcript of AugSep14 Hoofbeats e-Preview
August / September 2014 - Page 2
Produced by HOOFBEAT PUBLICATIONS
90 Leslie Road, Wandi, 6167 Ph: (08) 9397 0506
Fax: (08) 9397 0200
Email:Office/accounts: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected] Horse: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]
www.hoofbeats.com.auMANAGING EDITOR
Sandy Hannan
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSCarol WillcocksCarole Watson
Contributing EditorsWendy Elks
Kaye MeynellADVERTISING
Tracy Weaver Sayer
OFFICE / ACCOUNTSKatrina Bailey
GRAPHICS AND WEBCaitlin Bolger
Louise and Adrian Redman
E-MAGAZINE Diane Bawden
SUBSCRIPTIONSBob Hannan
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSEquine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)
Felicity WischerDr Jennifer Stewart
INSERTS W.A SHOW SCENE
Available in magazines sold in WA , in the e-magazine
and to subscribers
THE GREEN HORSESustainable horsekeeping
DISTRIBUTORS:Gordon & Gotch
PRINTERSP.K.Print
MEDIA PARTNERS
Manuscripts, results and photographs are welcomed. Preferably these should be emailed. Failing this, clearly written or printed material will be accepted. No responsibility is assumed for errors from handwritten material. Emailed photographs should be scanned at 300dpi then saved as jpegs and attached to email.
All material should be addressed to The Editor, Hoofbeat Publications, 90 Leslie Rd., Wandi 6167 or emailed to [email protected] Although maximum care is taken, no responsibility is assumed for such material while in transit or at this office. Material will be returned if a stamped self addressed envelope is enclosed. All material published remains the property of Hoofbeat Publications.Reproduction of any part of Hoofbeats is protected by copyright and only permitted when a written release has been received from the publisher.The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or the editor.Contents of advertisements are the responsibility of the ad-vertisers.
A National Riding, Training and Horse Care Magazine . . . .incorporating The Green Horse -sustainable horsekeeping.
hoofbeats
Equine Veterinarians Australia
Vol 36 No 2Au/Sept 2014Inside
4 TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE - PICKING UP THE CORRECT CANTER LEAD by Felicity Wischer Learning to canter with a rider should be a natural progression for young horses. Four trainers outline their methods.
10 WASTED LIVES by Malanda Hyde Every year, for various reasons, many horses become excess to requirements by the racing industry. If horse wastage is inevitable, can it be minimised?
14 SHOW DAY for the young or inexperienced horse by Samantha Watson Attending a show is not just a case of pack and go. The pre-event training done at home can make the day less stressful and give horse a positive experience.
20 HORSES ON FILM by Kaye Meynell Lights, camera, action! Equine movie stars prepare for their roles just as the rest of the crew do and each receives extra special treatment.
26 SINUS DISEASE - dealing with discharge by Dr Mitchell Brown - Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) Sinusitis can be caused by fungi or bacteria but, as Dr Brown explains, the infection may be indicate a dental issue.
30 WINTER RIDING A combination of layers is the key to staying warm and dry without overheating when riding during the colder months.
34 PLEASE EXPLAIN with Aimee Cuthbert, Ron Paterson and Jayne Roberts What is a ‘hogged’ mane? Where should a rider’s hands be when riding? What is meant by the term ‘good doer’?
26 JUMPING EQUITATION by Wendy Elks with Caroline Earl Horse and rider partners that perform closely together require maximum harmony and balance to achieve optimum performance
THE GREEN HORSE - sustainable horsekeeping 42 Information Exchange 43 Growing Equine Herbs - A Herbal Hedgerow by Jackie Rive Landcare for Singles 44 Weedwatch - Scarlet Pimpernel by Nicola Field Landcare Australia’s 25th Birthday 45 Trees for Paddocks and Fencelines by Paige Fleming Controlling Pest, Maintaining Dung Beetles by Dr Bernard Doube 46 Know Your Water Rights by Andrea Carmody 48 Equine Landcare Groups by Rebecca Cassells There’s Gold in Them Thar Trees by Charles Q Choi
Sinus disease -pg 26
Dung beetles - page 45
Wasted lives - page 10
Why that halter?- page 74
Training the young horse - canter - page 4
Equitation Jumping - page 26
World Equestrian Games - page 67
August / September 2014 - Page 3
BONUS
EDITORIAL
* RRP inc GST $7.50 ISSN 0811-8698
View these in the e-mag, App and FREE e-preview at www.hoofbeats.com.auARTICLESARTICLES
Vol 36 No 2Au/Sept 2014
Show Day for the young or inexperienced Horse pg 14
BONUS • HORSETREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND • HUNGARIAN NONIUS - the heaviest of the Warmbloods.
BONUS
49 SPLINTS by Dr John Kohnke A splint can be caused by a knock to the splint bone or from concussion from a hard work surface.
50 BRAIDING TO KEEP THE TAIL CLEAN Keeping a horse’s tail in good condition is a labour of love. One way to help protect the tail is by using a ‘mud knot’ braid, shown here in simple steps.
52 WORKING TOGETHER by Wendy Elks The Ranges Equine Industry Network is working together with local authorities to develop a major new equestrian centre in the Victorian Macedon Ranges.
54 HAVE YOUR SAY Reader feedback and questions.
56 FEAR-FREE FOAL HANDLING by Neil Davies Connecting with the foal, without fear, is Neil Davies’ primary objective at the outset of training.
60 TOTAL TOWING by Portland Jones A bit of research and possibly a few sums will be required when identifying the tow vehicle that is compliant with regulations for your float and matches your needs.
65 PRODUCT NEWS The latest on what’s new in the market place.
67 WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES NEWS by Diane Bawden An update on the Australians who will be representing their country at this event.
68 TRAVEL RUGS by Kaye Meynell Selecting and storing the appropriate rugs for journeys of any length.
74 WHY THAT HALTER? One of the less complex items of equipment, there are halters to suit all purposes of handling and training.
80 HORSE FRONT News, veterinary advances and horse happenings around the world.
IBC SUBSCRIBE TO WIN New and current subscribers are eligible to win a Double Day pack to Equitana valued at $360 or one of three double General Admission passes to the day of their choice!. To subscribe, visit www.hoofbeats.com.au or ph 08 93970506
Braiding the tail
- page 50
Travel rugs- page 68
Fear-free foal handling - page 56
Sinus disease -pg 26
Horses on film - page 20
Many readers may be unaware that Hoofbeats has been published in Australia for the past 36 years, making it one of the longest running equestrian magazines in the country. Obviously there have been considerable changes over the decades, with the online edition and App offering ease of access and growing in popularity. Our communication with readers has also changed. A number of articles and topics have prompted discussion via our facebook page recently with one article in particular, Trainability (June/July 2014), triggering plenty of discussion, especially the highlighted point - ‘Dressage horses had the lowest level of learning compared to horses in other disciplines …because dressage riders gave their horses minimal freedom and so prevented them from both learning and generalisation.’ Some social media users took offence to this comment, which was the finding of a study referred to in the article. To this our feeling was ‘don’t shoot the messenger!’, while the article’s author, Kaye Meynell, responded similarly, referring to the specific Hausberger paper the sentence was referencing. Many posting on facebook and Cyberhorse admitted they hadn’t read the article, only other’s comments highlighting this one sentence that was part of a three page feature on the factors that can affect a horse’s ease of training. Hoofbeats was accused of sensationalism, reprimanded for highlighting this one point, along with three other points that were also chosen for their interest. As a magazine that has inspired and influenced horse owners and riders for more than three decades we welcome feedback and debate, after all, there has never, and probably will never, be one specific preferred technique for riding and horse keeping that is utilised across the equestrian sector. Research such as that which was referred to in the article is aimed at creating a better understanding of how horses learn and that can only improve the welfare of horses. We look forward to seeing your comments and feedback on this issue!COMPETITIONSThis edition’s subscribers prize is tickets to Equitana Melbourne, undoubtedly the biggest and most popular equestrian event in the country! We also have a second competition this issue that is open to ALL readers with a terrific outfit from Dublin Equestrian up for grabs. This competition is incredibly easy to enter so be sure to check out the entry details on page 79 and get your entries in! The World Equestrian Games is now just weeks away and we’re aware of many Australians heading over to support the Australian team, including two of our own staff, Caitlin Bolger and Diane Bawden. For those of us not fortunate enough to be going to Normandy to witness the world’s biggest equestrian event from 23rd August, we’ll have to make do with coverage on Fox Sports and online coverage by FEI TV www.feitv.org. Check our facebook page for updates and a look ‘behind the scenes’ from our holidaying staff. The Hoofbeats Team
When young foals are frolicking and playing in the paddock they leap and bound above the ground like showjumpers, show medium and
extended trots that would be the envy of any dressage rider and show canter transitions on the correct lead coupled with flying changes that are quite extraordinary.A horse is not taught or trained any movement they cannot already do quite easily and naturally themselves when at play. What they are taught is when to do it under saddle and also to do it when asked. Four of Australia’s top trainers - Shane Rose (eventing), Sue Coman (showjumping), Michael Baker (eventing and dressage) and David Simons (training and reining) - discussed how they train the young or green horse to pick up the correct canter lead under saddle. With such diverse disciplines between these four trainers it would not be unreasonable to expect different approaches to training the young horse. There is no doubt they all have their own unique style and training methods but there were also many similarities that can be found between them. Interestingly, when it comes to ‘allowing’ the young horse to canter when the opportunity arose, all trainers want the horse to travel forward, be relaxed and not get worried and tense. They all see opportunities that may arise to help the young horse learn and consolidate aspects of their training. Whether that was starting out learning about counter canter if they pick up the correct lead (Michael Baker); moving off the leg and commencing leg yielding from the use of the circle (Sue Coman); using the natural bend required on the circle to teach the canter (Shane Rose) or consolidating a horse’s steering and work into the bridle (David Simons).All the trainers see the training of canter as a natural progression and it is no ‘big deal’ so should not be made as such the horse. They were united in the belief that if a rider tries to set up or force the young horse into canter
by Felicity Wischer
withDavid SimonsSue ComanMichael Bakerand Shane Rose
Picking up the Correct Canter Lead
TRAI
NING
THE YOUNG HORSE
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
The issue of horse wastage in the Thoroughbred industry is one where breeders, trainers and owners are labeled as the heartless, money-hungry
monsters by anti-racing organisations and, likewise, the protestors are ridiculed in their arguments as being uninformed.This debate was sparked again in recent years by a distressing video of horse euthanasia at Laverton knackery in Melbourne. Footage of a horse being shot and dragged behind a tractor to the killing floor was caught by cameras set up by members of the anti-racing group, The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, and consequently reopened the debate over the treatment of retired racehorses. The two issues that need to be considered here are: the number of horses being sent to knackeries after their careers as racehorses have ended and whether the conditions and practices they are exposed to are humane.The number of Thoroughbreds sent to knackeries each year is hard to estimate, however, statistics in the Australian Racing Board Fact Book shows an obvious number of horses unaccounted for from one year to the next. Based on the difference between the number of starters in 2012 compared to 2013 in the Australian Racing Board Fact Book, 1799 Thoroughbreds had left the racing scene in between these years. This figure does not take into consideration the number of non-racing Thoroughbreds in
Too old? Too
slow? Injured?
There are
many reasons
horses become
surplus to
requirements
in the racing
industry.
How should
these horses
be dealt with?
Lives Can horse wastage be avoided altogether?
Wasted by Malanda Hyde Shut
ters
tock
pho
to
To read more
Shut
ters
tock
pho
to
by Samantha Watson
The success of any event often depends on just how much prior work is done at home in training and preparation to make the
day as stress free and enjoyable as possible. The horse’s training will include learning to concentrate on what it is being asked, respect for the handler and how to run out and stand still for the judging. Prior preparation should also include fitting - and working in - any bridle or halter that will be worn whilst showing, taking the horse for a float ride or, even better, attending a small competition in advance to familiarise it with the atmosphere, as well as all those fiddly things required on show day that differ to everyday handling or gear such as checking the horse is comfortable carrying a false tail, having a ribbon put around its neck etc.
ListsIt’s a good idea to keep a list of what
needs to be packed for a show in a clear plastic sleeve in the tack
room so that nothing is forgotten when packing the float. The
tack box can be checked prior to ensure those things that
have been used or have run out are replenished.
The Day Prior The day before the show ensure the horse has
been worked, clipped, bathed and rugged or stabled to keep it clean. Organise as much as possible for the handler - such as ironing outfits or packing the car and float with
anything that may be needed - to help the day of the show unfold as smoothly as possible.
Preparing and training the young horse for its first show can be a rewarding experience, however it involves much dedication and commitment from the owner/handler prior to even filling in the entry form and heading off to a show. Perhaps the most important aspect of this preparation is time – and plenty of it.
Young or Inexperienced horse Show Dayfor the
by Samantha Watson
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Sinus disease or sinusitis is the most common cause of nasal discharge from one nostril (unilateral) in the horse. The horse’s sinuses are
extensive and are located between the eyes and nose. The nasal septum is a bony structure that divides the left and right halves of the nasal cavity and thus the sinuses. Discharge is generally on one side as the source of discharge is located forward of the back end of the nasal septum, however, if sinuses on both sides are infected then discharge can be from both nostrils (bilateral). Discharge can vary from pus to a bloody discharge or a combination of both. There can also be a respiratory noise present, swelling around the sinus or eye and enlarged sub-mandibular lymph nodes. If the sinuses are tapped using the vet’s knuckle, a duller sound can often be heard on the affected side compared to the normal side.CAUSESPrimary sinusitis: The cause of primary sinusitis is most often due to a bacterial or fungal infection and there is no known age, breed or sex bias. Streptococcus species are some of the most common bacteria causing primary sinusitis, with the bacteria gaining entry into the sinus through the blood (systemically) or via direct inhalation into the nasal passage. Anaerobic bacteria, those that do not need oxygen to live, can also be involved, causing a characteristic extremely rotten smelling
Situated at the front and side of the head, around eye level, the sinuses consist of several large caverns that open through a small hole into the nasal passage and form part of the respiratory system.
The sinuses also allow the skull to accommodate the large cheek teeth. These are pushed down into the horse’s mouth as the horse ages and the teeth are ground down, leaving a greater volume of air in the sinuses of the older horse.
Nasal discharge is not an uncommon finding in horses, and most of the time it is due to an infection somewhere in the respiratory system. However, if the nasal discharge continues for a period of time, it is possible the infection could be in one of the sinus cavities.
DISEASESinus Dealing with Discharge
Read
er’s
phot
o co
urte
sy Jo
die
Smith
, Myla
quin
e Ph
otog
raph
y, Vict
oria
.
by Dr Mitchell BrownBVSC MANZCVSC
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
The key to staying warm is by dressing in layers to help regulate
body temperature and hold warmth without overheating.
W I N T E R R i d i n g stay warm with these tips
Riding can be strenuous exercise so the wrong clothing can cause perspiration soaked inner clothing to have a cooling effect on the body’s
core, and sudden showers can quickly drench those not well protected. Selecting the right clothing and materials then layering these items can ensure riders are dressed to be protected from whatever the elements bring.Plan for the change in temperatures, choose necklines with zippers or buttons to allow for perspiration release, fabrics that move moisture away from the body and dress for the activity level. Cross country riding is very active for the rider and will rarely result in a ‘cold’ rider whereas trail riding at the walk is passive and coldness of the fingers and toes is a common occurrence.
Base layer Mid layer
There are no gimmicks, no ‘special’ halters, leads or ‘magic’ contraptions.
Just a cotton rope, a plain headstall and a long stick,
but the end result is a confident, willing and happy horse.
Fear-Free
“Starting with an unhandled foal, the aim isn’t to teach the foal to lead, tie up or have its legs handled. The aim is to overcome the foal’s fear of humans. The
first step must be to go to the foal and show it you’re not going to hurt it.”
Watching Neil Davies work with a horse may be like watching paint dry. Although nothing seems to happen, everything happens. The horse is transformed, just as a new coat of paint
transforms a home.As he grew up handling and riding horses, Neil learnt not to ‘break’ a horse but rather to get into a relationship where they could do this ‘training thing’ together. He ‘connects’ with horses, develops trust and takes away all their fear so his message comes across to the horse “be with me, I can show you the easy way and we’ll do this together.” His message to those who handle horses is to start on the correct path, teach every horse everything you want it to do, think it through and work one step at a time.”
About the Author: Neil DaviesAn experienced horseman, Neil believes horses should never be frightened at any stage of training and this is the approach in his new book Fear-Free HorseTraining. See his ad on pg 59 or for more information
www.fearfreehorsetraining.com
Foal HandlingFoal Handling
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
Though the word halter originates from the West Germanic word ‘halftra’, which translates simply
to “that by which something is held”, this seemingly basic piece of equipment can have a significant impact on the ability of a handler to effectively control their horse, and there are strong opinions as to what the best designs and materials are. The term ‘halter’ was most often used to describe those that were made of rope (with no hardware such as buckles or clips), whilst headcollar or headstall was reserved for those made from nylon, cotton or leather that were thicker and incorporated metal fastenings. However, due to the wide variety of imports now available in Australia, including equipment from the USA and Europe, the terms have become interchangeable, and many people now refer to all designs as a halter – only differentiating by using the pre-fix ‘rope’ for that particular kind.
For those just starting out with horses the halter is usually the first piece of tack encountered, being required for the basic tasks of catching and restraining horses;
HalterWhy That
Halters have evolved from their role as a piece of
equipment used for restraining or leading a horse to an
important training aid for the in-hand and ridden
horse.
however, regardless of whether it is being used to lead a horse in from the paddock, restrain a horse whilst it is groomed or to show a horse in-hand at a breed class, the halter is the primary method of
This seemingly basic piece of equipment can have a significant impact on the ability of a handler to effectively control their horse.
The knotted rope halter should always have a quick release knot.
Arabian halters are elegant, but ensure they are strong enough to hold the horse.
?
To read more click to purchase this issue or subscribe.
NoniusThe Nonius breed from Hungary owes its name to its foundation sire, Nonius Senior, originally from Calvados, France, but captured during the Napoleonic wars and taken to Hungary in 1816. He is believed to be Anglo-Norman breeding and at maturity, the light bay stallion stood about 16.3 hands. Whether he possessed all of the conformational traits attributed to him – a list that includes most major failings – is hard to know. The qualities of his descendants suggest that he had, at the very least, a very plain head. It was not until his offspring began to show that they were not so unfortunate as their sire, and additionally possessed uncommon endurance and power, that his popularity began to rise. Nonius Senior stood at stud for 22 years and served Arabian, Lipizzan, Thoroughbred, Spanish and Norman mares. Fifteen of Nonius’s sons in turn stood at stud, and 122 of his daughters were used as broodmares.
In 1854 the Prince of Lobkowitz stressed the importance of fixing the type – that is, making the characteristics of a breed of animal genetically homogenous of the horses. Through linebreeding the Nonius breed emerged as a uniformly heavy but elegant military driving and carting horse. In 1865, Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions were bred to Nonius Senior’s female descendants in the hopes of correcting a lack of balance and elegance among the Nonius horses.The modern Nonius stands 15.1 to 16.1 hh and are one of the heaviest of the warmbloods. The vast majority are now black, dark bay or brown, very little or no white, with a heavy but proportional head and a convex profile (Roman nose). They are also known for a kind, even temperament and great willingness and capacity for work both in harness and under saddle. In addition they are usually easy keepers with high endurance.
Nonius XVII
After two years planning, Jim Shield, finally went horsetrek-king in New Zealand with Alpine Horse Safaris, on a 12 day trek from Lake Tekapo to Waitohi Downs, on the South Island.Horse Trekking in New Zealand
Land of the Long White Cloud
After two years planning, Jim Shield, finally lived his dream to go horsetrekking in New Zealand, on a 12 day trek from Lake Tekapo to Waitohi Downs, on the South Island, with Alpine Horse Safaris.
even load on each side so the saddles do not slip. On this trip we had ten packhorses and four spare horses in case of injury. All the packhorses and spare horses ‘run free,’ that is, they are not led. They are kept in check by a rider in front and normally follow in single file in a pecking order with the senior horses up the front and the young horses at the back. Riders may be required to help if the packhorses need pushing along, or provide the occasional redirection if they decide on another route. We left Mount Gerald on our first day, in low cloud with a four hour climb to the top of the Two Thumb Range. Halfway there the cloud began to clear and presented us with amazing views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps, featuring Mount Cook, and by the time we reached the top at Stag Saddle (1924m ASL) the cameras were working overtime with the breath-taking views. We also experienced how sure footed these horses were as we had to negotiate some large scree rocks and snow drifts. After stopping at the top for lunch we walked our horses down the loose scree as we descended onto an open tussock valley where we stopped to camp for the first night at the Royal hut. This hut is a single room hut
Arriving at Waitohi Downs, about 1.5 hrs north of Canterbury, near the Balmoral Forest, I met
my 14 fellow trekkers and Jenny from Alpine Horse Safaris (www.alpinehorse.co.nz).Once introductions were made, we were all shown how to roll our clothes and sleeping bag into a swag roll and quickly discovered that we could only fit the bare essentials, so some choices and re-packing were needed, before eating a delicious meal and bedding down for the night. Next morning we headed off by mini bus to Mount Gerald Station at the northern end of Lake Tekapo where we met our other guide, Lawrie and Corinna, our chef, nurse and general all-round hand.
The Alpine horses have been bred over many years, to be sure footed to suit the terrain,
and gentle to suit the riders.Horses were allocated here to match our height, weight and riding experience. I was given one of the senior horses named Beech and learned that she had done every trip to Tekapo there and back. The Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross line have been bred for many years by Lawrie and Jenny, and they have developed a free moving, sure footed horse, safe in
Christchurch
Start
Finish
Alpine Horse [email protected]
rough terrain. We saddled up and went for a short ‘get to know you’ ride and were given a health and safety briefing so that everything was ready to start bright and early the next morning. We soon found out this was not so much a holiday as an adventure, as we would be having breakfast at 5am each morning.On these safaris everyone is encouraged to get involved in saddling their own horses and helping with saddling and loading the packhorses, which I was keen to learn from the start. All the swags and tucker boxes have to be weighed each morning so that each pack horse has an
Crossing the Two Thumb Range
managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) with an open fire and eight bunks. Tents are normally pitched, but as it was a nice evening volunteers decided to sleep under the stars. The horses were put in a paddock nearby after they were unloaded and the saddles stacked under a tarpaulin to keep them dry.Each day, after we unloaded the horses and put the saddle blankets out to dry, we would have a welcome cup of tea or coffee and, when the horses were tended to and everything was set up, we would settle down with a beer or wine with cheese and crackers before dinner to talk about the day that had been. Most camps had showers available, but not at the Royal Hut, where you washed in the nearby stream. After dinner some people would have a drink and chat, some read books, but I can never remember really talking about what was happening in the outside world ...there were no
phones - pure bliss!! We were pretty tired by the end of the each day, so were usually in bed by 9pm.We headed away about 8.30 in the morning, on a gentle climb towards Bullock Bow Saddle with great views of surrounding mountains. This land is now
controlled by DOC but was once farmed by Mesopotamia Station where hundreds of wild deer were caught during the height of the deer boom in the 1970s. From the top of Bullock Bow Saddle we witnessed
another piece of breath taking scenery of steep scree slopes in mist disappearing to the valley floor way below. We followed a track down into Beech forest and then open country making our way to Mesopotamia shearers’ quarters for the night. The next day all our swags and tucker boxes were driven around to Mount Arrowsmith Station, which gave the pack horses a day’s rest from carrying a load.Our third day was another clear one as we headed
No phones, no facebook, no outside world. We talked about our day,
around the campfire at night, or read a book.
Rest stop on top of the Two Thumb Range
of doing some washing and most of us going for a walk up to Lake Lilean, about 20 minutes from the hut. One of our group brought a collapsible fishing rod and managed to catch two nice trout, which were to become our entrée for dinner that night. We crossed the confluence of the Harper and Avoca Rivers next morning and rode looking down onto Lake Coleridge in the distance before a steep climb up to and over the Coleridge Pass, then followed the Porter River down to Porter Heights Skifield Lodge for the night. As there was no grazing around the lodge we had to paddock the horses about 2km down the road.A clear day greeted us on our seventh morning, the mountains and the mist hanging in the valleys providing some great photo shots after days of cloudy weather. We set off to cross the main Arthur’s Pass highway,
across the Rangitata River viewing Mount Potts and Erewhon Stations in the distance, and on to Hakatere country with vast areas of developed land that has been made possible by the DOC taking control of marginal and less productive country, supplementing the farmers. We stopped for lunch looking across to Lake Clearwater, then rode through open tussock country to Mount Arrowsmith, a highly developed sheep and cattle property which runs down to the shores of Lake Heron. We camped in their modern woolshed with all the conveniences for a comfortable stay. Here we replenished our food and supplies to last us for the next four days.
The Wilberforce River in all its moods governed Mona Anderson’s life for
33 years, and was inspiration for her best-seller A River Rules My Life.
our way up to the junction of the Harper and the Avoca River then on to the Retreat Hut where we were to stay two nights. This was to be our rest day for both horses and riders. A former Forest service camp, there is a main building and two smaller huts aptly named ‘The Honeymoon Suite’ and the ‘Refugee Hut’. The horses were rested in a lush paddock nearby, with a stream running through. Rest day for people consisted
Coming down the Coleridge Pass
Climbing up the Coleridge Pass
Next day dawned cloudy as we rode around the northern end of Lake Heron and the rain had started to set in before we tackled the mighty Rakia River which takes about an hour to cross. Our camp for the night was Manuka Point, a luxurious hunting lodge, which was most welcome after the wet day.
It was a drizzly morning, as we headed off over the Mathias River on to Mount Algidus Station, made famous by Mona Anderson’s book “A River Rules My Life”, where we rode past the most beautiful English trees that must have been planted many years ago, possibly by Mona herself. We crossed over the Wilberforce River onto Glenthorne Station making
down the Porter River where we viewed some stunning limestone rock outcrops on Castle Hill Station. We then rode onto Flock Hill Station with vast areas of flat and downy tussock land heading for Craigieburn Station shearers’ quarters for the night. After a wet and windy night, the next day intended to be about a five hour ride to Mount White Station. When we got to the Waimakariri River we managed
the bush, this hut would have been one of our favourite spots on the trip. Next morning we had a steep climb over the Puketeraki Range. We could not have picked a better day weather wise, and as when we reached the top we had magnificent views over most of Canterbury. The top of this range was all scree and again showed us all how well the horses handle this terrain and we all agreed that it was probably the highlight of the entire trip.
After riding along the top we led our horses down a considerable part of the way before riding on to Mount Whitnow Station quarters for the night where there were fresh baked pikelets
to meet us and another beautiful meal. This was our last real night together on the trip and, after 12 days, we had all made great friends. Next day our swags and pack saddles were transported by truck, so we had an easy ride back to Waitohi Downs, our final destination, to wash the horses down and let them have a well earned rest.
Safety First. Instead of forging across the swollen Waimakariri River we had
to take the ‘easy way’, over the bridge.
Crossing Mt White Bridge
Stunning views at every turn in the track
to cross the smaller braids but the main braid was too high and dirty, so we had to turn back to Craigeburn. We took the horses to Grassmere Lodge next to Arthur’s Pass Highway to graze for the night and we were ferried back to Craigieburn for another night.Next morning we saddled up, heading for the Mount White Bridge which crosses the Waimakariri River. Heading up the main highway for about a kilometre, this was one of only two times that we had to lead the packhorses (the other was through a hay paddock on the last day). Once across the Mount White Bridge we headed for very comfortable quarters at Mount White Station for the night. Mount White is an iconic 150,000 acre station that is still run in a very traditional farming style.Another beautiful morning next day as we headed through some very scenic country of bush and tussock lands, arriving about mid-afternoon at Cattle Creek Hut. With one room and eight bunks tucked away in
THE YOUNG HORSE
August / September 2014 - Page 37
1300 732 267 prydes.com.au
Our team of riders
Photos supplied by Berni Saunders
get the
from their
in their
A scientifically formulated, oat free muesli blend, containing extruded grains, legumes, oilseeds and vitamin and mineral pellets, rolled in molasses and cold pressed canola oil for a complete feed horses love.
A fully extruded complete feed with soybean and cold pressed canola oil, providing a scientifi-cally balanced feed that will support optimum performance in working horses.
A scientifically balanced pelleted feed with essential vitamins and minerals providing a com-plete feed for all sport and pleasure horses.
A premium non-grain, fibre based pellet with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and cold pressed oils, scientifically balanced to be fed at low rates for all sport, performance and breeding horses.
Because they choose
or
100% Australian Family Owned & Operated Since 1986
Be in the know - feed like a Pro - join the winning team!
David Shoobridge
Tegan Lush
Darren Taylor
Sharon Jarvis
Heath & Rozzie Ryan
Kenya Wilson
Sally Trevenan
Chris Chugg
Brett Parbery
Riders WA & Nat.indd 1 15/04/14 4:45 PM
