June`15 - Horse Trading

H O R S E
Issue no. 252
TRADING
DISTRIBUTED BY
NOW IN SA
‘15
June
Your Free Copy
WINTER WELLBEING
Keeping you cool under pressure
A F R I C A’ S M O S T L O V E D E Q U E S T R I A N P U B L I C A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 9 2
™
Gauteng’s leading supplier of quality animal feeds
WHERE WE LEAD, OTHERS FOLLOW
Now situated at 63 Karee Rd, Blue Hills, Kyalami
UNBEATABLE PRICES ON THESE BRANDED PRODUCTS:
Midfeeds
Midfeeds
Epol
Equus
Alzu
Royal
Spurwing
12% Cubes
12% Meal
12% Rider Pellets
12% Rider Meal
12% Cool Cubes
Train ‘n Leisure
12% Maize Free Meal
Riding meal/cubes
Maintenance meal 11%
(40Kgs)
(40kgs)
(40Kg’s)
(40Kg’s)
(40Kg’s)
(40kg’s)
(40Kg’s)
(40kg’s)
(40Kg’s)
R176.00
R180.00
R175.50
R175.50
R175.50
R170.00
R171.00
R182.00
R215.00
CASH & COLLECT – INCLUDES VAT
Midfeeds and Tack ’n Togs now open in Nelspruit – (013)752 7432.
Find us at 36 Waterfall St, Riverside Industrial Park, Nelspruit
SPECIAL
FOR JUNE
Nutritional Advice Line
(011)468 1834
VoerDokter Diatoms Livestock concentrate is a natural antiparasitic feed supplement which when fed to horses and
ponies can improve their general health. Scientific literature has
shown that feeding diatoms can also improve bone structure
due to the Amorphous Silica which it contains. Diatoms can
assist in the control of both internal and external parasites and
it was recently proven that it can reduce fly populations around
horses by preventing fly larvae from hatching from manure.
For more information on the use of Diatoms in your horse’s
diet, contact one of our in house nutritional advisors.
Marquerite Oberholzer
Bsc (Agric) Animal Science
[email protected]
Janine de Swardt
Bsc (Agric) Animal Science
[email protected]
Diatoms Livestock
10kg R99.00 incl
Diatoms Rolling
mat 25kg
R139.00 incl
Cash and Collect only
Tel: (011)468 1824/34; (011)024 3270; 082 650 1877
Fax: (011) 252 5072
●
[email protected]
●
Recognised agents for:
Emergency: 082 499 8684
Amigo Competit
ion Sheet
Amigo
Insulator
Amigo Foal Rug
Bring in yo
ur
old winter
horse
blankets fo
r Highveld
Horse Care
and
receive R2
50 off a
new Amig
o
Insulator
Rambo Block Net Cooler
Tel:(011)468-1824 or 0861 midfeeds
Emergency: 082 499 8684, Fax:(011)252 5072
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 63 Karee Rd, corner Main Rd, Blue Hills, Kyalami.
PURVEYORS OF THE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE
www.tackntogs.co.za
Our sad mare was overjoyed and immediately adopted Biscuit with much
squealing and excitement. The combination of rolling pasture in Linbro,
and six weeks rest during horse sickness jabs, turned Biscuit the meek
into Biscuit the bronco. The ground did something horrid to the shoulder I
landed on. I wondered whether it was such a good idea to have signed up
for training a youngster.
I glared into those melty brown eyes and said, “Who is going to buy you,
you little rat? You are ugly, rude, and barely ridable?” Then I felt bad. Biscuit
had had a rough start to her life. Perhaps we might yet save her.
So with a combination of dear friends’ help, resources I found through
Horse Trading, and sheer love, I did what I had been unable to do as teen,
train a green horse.
FROM THE EDITOR
This is what Horse Trading is made of, great people with wonderful
stories. Thank you Michelle for getting in touch and for your heart
felt letter. We couldn’t agree more, we’d love to hear from more of
our readers. Horse Trading is always grateful for the insight and input
from all our readers.
Keep in touch,
Mike
Quo vadis Horse trading?
I never set out to buy my own horse. My mid life crisis arrived as little
thrills when I saw those sleek lines, that power. It was not a sports car
that rocked my socks. I found myself gazing into beautiful brown eyes
and stroking strong shoulders. And no, it was not a new lover. It was
Equus – the horse - the love of my life as a child and teen, and now
resurfacing.
They do say mid life is like being a teen all over again.
There was no way that a free lance journalist’s budget would make
that mink and manure sport a budgetary possibility. But after a stint
exercising the South African Police horses, I made some excellent
friends in Linbro Park who had horses but no time to ride them. I spent
many happy years exercising various gorgeous equids.
One day, ‘my’ beautiful 25-year-old part Arab mare contracted fatal
colic. Her 30-year-old mother was bereft. I told my friend that the old
mare needed a companion urgently. We searched for a horse to borrow
but that did not work out.
That’s it, I thought. Time to consult my favourite horse mag to see if I
could buy a horse as companion for our grief crazed mare.
Horse Trading has always been my favourite read. Back then, it was
printed on plain paper in black and white , fat and full of small ads
featuring horses for sale. I used to snaffle it from my friends, or grab
my own copy if I happened to go to Merwitz for equipment. The sale
horses ranged from the R100 000 A grade show jumpers to R2 500 for
a five-year-old that had just been backed.
At R2 500, even I could afford to buy a horse.
Armed with Horse Trading I traveled to a plot in Kempton Park between
the factories. A handful of horses was grazing amongst piles of scrap
metal. Most had been rescued off a truck bound for the abattoir. One
of them was Biscuit; a skinny, 13-hand Nooitgedachter, meek and
hangdog. She wasn’t even my first choice, but sailed through her
vetting. Before I knew it she was being boxed out to Linbro Park.
4
Biscuit has turned into a fun-loving hack and the bucking has found
expression in leaping over logs. She recently confided to a horse whisperer
that she has “landed in heaven”. And she gets compliments these days on
her new condition, muscles from working properly and (slightly) better
manners.
A few days ago, I was picking up Biscuit’s feed at Groenvoer when I spotted
a very glossy looking Horse Trading. I couldn’t wait to browse the horses
and services for sale ads.
But where the heck were they?
Annoyed I called Mike O’Brien, the new owner. I told him he had lost the
unique selling proposition of this magazine; the hundreds of useful ads. He
lamented the general state of the economy but said he had no objection to
the ads and encouraged readers to send them in.
So c’mon you guys, mail bomb him with those fab ads that used to be the
absolute heart and soul of this 22-year-old publication. After all, how many
more Biscuits are out there, looking for a good home?
Michelle Nel -Environmental journalist and horse lover
GET IN TOUCH
E / [email protected] OR [email protected]
Last dates for ad publication are PRINT DEADLINES
WE ACCEPT ADS ALL DAY EVERY DAY!!!
Ads will go onto the website & appear in the first available edition.
CONTRIBUTORS
HORSE TRADING Editor /
Liz - [email protected]
graphic designers /
Mike O’Brien - [email protected]
Lindy Augustyn - [email protected]
Chantel Heydenrych - [email protected]
BANKING DETAILS /
Horse Trading / FNB / Account No 62473634220 / Branch Code: 250741
NO Cash deposits!
Kindly do an internet transfer, or email for assistance.
Cash deposits into bank account will be held until
the bank charges are paid - R18.50 per R100 – deposited.
Copyright /
Horse Trading is published monthly by Horse Trading Publications.
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or whole, is
expressly forbidden without written permission of the publisher.
www.horsetrading.co.za
Brands Distributed by
Contact Shez at Equestrian Diva Couture | 082 373 6149 or 011 468 3717 | [email protected]
www.equestriandivacouture.co.za | www.facebook.co.za/equestriandivacouture
WHY ARE OUR ANIMALS ITCHING SO MUCH?
C
ould it be due to the large
amounts of preservatives &
colourants (required by SA Dept
of Agriculture law) in ALL animal
feeds? – Imported brands also have
to conform to our Laws.
Are we treating the symptoms rather
than the cause of most animal skin
ailments?
Cortisone as we all know is not a
viable long term solution. Creams,
shampoos and such, mostly offer
only temporary relief.
Are you supplementing your animal’s
food with oil, attempting to ease dry
skin?
8
Practically all oils contain protein, an
allergy can ONLY attach to a protein.
One of the very few oils that contain
no protein is Canola oil, which also
contains a very low count of saturated
fats, but has the correct ratio of
Omega 3 & 6 (5 parts of Omega 3 to
1 part of Omega 6), large amounts of
vitamins A, D & E as well as several
Anti Oxidants vital in promoting
healthy skins & coats.
‘Natural’ in my opinion is always a
worthwhile cost effective option,
Rooibos and Chamomile are both
proven herbs which have many
properties to not only improve
current skin conditions, but are
widely used to promote healthy skin
and coats.
Now the onus is on YOU the animal
owner, to read product labels and
make informed choices of what to
feed and supplement your animals
with.
The above facts are based on the
published articles of the American
Oil Chemist’s Ass, Health Canada &
Purdue University- Plant Products,
approved by the U.S Food & Drug
Administration.
Written by:
Lesley Delaney
CEO – Promix Animal Supplements
www.promixsupplements.com
www.horsetrading.co.za
POLO
polo.co.za (+27) 011- 258 -7600
The best riding country
in the heart of Kyalami
Quality professionally managed stabling
Excellent dressage and show jumping arenas
Large selection of cross country jumps
Modern clubhouse and change rooms
Daily outrides in secure riding country
INANDA
COUNTRY BASE
Contact us now
T: 011 464 5343 | M: 082 567 5747 | Email: [email protected]
SARDA Gauteng
Fundraising Golf Day 5th June 2015
Play golf with us for ONE day, so that a handicapped child can ride with us for another YEAR!
The South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) Gauteng
invites our valued community and corporate members to join us,
as we spend the day at the first-class Ruimsig Country Club.
FOUR BALL ALLIANCE
(Two scores to count) R2500 - Includes green fees and prize giving dinner,
but EXCLUDES golf carts and halfway house
HOLE SPONSORSHIP R1500 per hole
PACKAGE DEAL (Hole Sponsorship plus one Four Ball entry) R 3 500-00
For further information and bookings contact us:
SARDA 011 958 5044 or email [email protected]
F E AT U R E
What the hoof
Y
our horse needs regular hoof
care and farrier visits for his
health and soundness. Ninety
percent of front-end lameness in
horses occurs in the foot due to
hoof-related issues. As an owner you
need to be able to recognise hoof
ailments and lameness.
A loose shoe
If your horse wears shoes, it’s not
uncommon for one to go missing at
some point in time. Whether it gets
stuck in mud, twists off or pulled off
with his back hoof. In some cases
when a shoe falls off it can take a
chunk out of the healthy hoof. When
a shoe comes loose it’s important to
act quickly to protect the hoof from
further injury and breakage.
Abscesses
One of the most common causes of
sudden-onset lameness in horses
is an abscess. A hoof abscess is a
bacterial infection that invades the
hoof in an area called the lamina.
The lamina consists of hard and
soft sections. The bottom or soul
of the hoof is called the solar
surface. Usually bacteria cultivates
at the solar surface under the hard
lamina. This provides the perfect
environment – warm and moist –
to grow. As pus develops, it starts
to cause pressure and tenderness
www.horsetrading.co.za
within the hoof. Over time the
inflammation increases the pain
to the hoof as well as the lower leg
which results in lameness.
To prevent abscesses keep the hoof
dry, clean and well-trimmed. This
means picking hooves daily and
ensuring that bedding is kept as
clean as possible. Regular trimming
keeps the sole from trapping debris
under itself.
Treating an abscess is relatively easy.
The goal is to flush out the infection
and keep the infected area clean.
The hoof is then usually soaked in a
warm Epsom salts solution to help
draw out the bacteria. Occasionally
oral, intramuscular, intravenous or
topical antibiotics are used.
Thin Soles
Trimming the sole too thin is one of
the quickest ways to make a horse
go lame. The first indication of this
condition is shortening of your
horse’s stride and his reluctance to
ride over stony terrain. More often
than not, a horse will veer to the
grass verge.
This condition can have serious
consequences over the long term.
Riding a horse with thin soles will
inflame the sensitive tissue adjacent
to the coffin bone. This will result in
the inflammation of the coffin bone
and a demineralization of the bone
will ensue. The most successful
approach to reducing the risk of hoof
thinning is traditional shoeing along
with a paddock complemented with
sole supporting material such as pea
gravel.
Thrush
Thrush is a bacterial infection
that primarily affects the sulci. In
most cases, thrush will not cause
significant pain, but if left untreated
it can cause sensitivity in the heel
and ultimately lead to lameness.
Thrush thrives in a wet, dirty
environment. Horses kept in a
muddy paddock or left to stand in
a dirty stall are especially at risk
for developing thrush. The bacteria
eats away at the hoof tissue, causing
the foul smelling black discharge.
In most cases thrush can be treated
quickly and easily by applying a
commercial thrush medication.
Picking your horses feet regularly,
keeping your stalls and paddocks
clean and making sure that your
horse has somewhere dry to stand
in the pasture during wet months are
the keys to prevention.
11
SINCE
1970
WE DRAW ON OUR MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE,
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ON WHAT
OUR CUSTOMERS ASK FOR
14
www.horsetrading.co.za
Transition your horse
from summer into winter
As the winter months roll in and seasonal changes kick in there are a number of factors that one has to adjust in
order to effortlessly transition your horse to ensure it stays healthy all season long. Maintaining a healthy nutritional
balance and health of your horse can be a challenge in the frigid months. Here are tips to make the transition as
seamless as possible.
Watch those calories
So the lush pasture is drying up and
now is the time to supplement your
horses’ diet by adding more roughage.
In the winter months the grass
composition changes, nutritional
content decreases and offers less
energy. For horses that spend more
time out in the pastures their guts
naturally adjust to the changes in
the grass. However, when stabling
horses, one has to make change in
your horses’ diet from meadow to
stable gradually. Optimally you want
to allow your horse three weeks
to adapt to a new diet. An abrupt
change in diet can therefore result in
a disturbance of the bacterial flora in
the gut such as colic and laminitis.
Keep Hydrated
Winter feeds which typically include
more hay and grain contain far
less moisture. So it’s important to
monitor your horses’ feed intake
and moisture levels for a healthy gut
and reduce colic and to maintain its
energy levels.
Cooling down correctly
Efforts should be made to exercise as
often as possible to reduce the risk of
a lower leg Edema. Cooling a horse
after exercise in winter needs a little
16
extra attention. Winter coats can
become wet and reduce insulation
and cause cold stress. You can cover
your horse with a moisture-wicking
sweat sheet to increase insulation,
but remember to remove the sweat
sheet and begin toweling.
A really thick coat may be difficult
to dry during the winter. And, if
your horse wears a blanket normally
when turned out, it may be very
uncomfortable for it if a blanket it put
on before the horse is thoroughly dry.
Creating air-flow between the coat
and the blanket to ensure effective
drying is important. A common
method to encourage airflow and
keeping the horse dry is packing hay
under the blanket. The hay does fall
out over time but it’s important to
check that all of the hay has fallen
out and not rubbing your horse.
Blanketing
Opinions vary with regards to
blanketing but research has been
conducted on the benefits of
blanketing a horse to reduce the
effects of cold weather. Blanketing a
horse can reduce the effects of cold
or inclement weather. It is imperative
the blanket fits properly to reduce
marks or sores.
Hoof Care
Hoof care may not leap immediately
to mind in winter. Typically, horses
work less in the winter, graze less,
spend more time in stalls eating
hay, burn calories to keep warm
and so on. As a result hoof growth
typically slows in the winter. Thrush
is a concern in winter as the moisture
in winter ground can simply feed
a chronic thrush problem or create
a new one. The first step to healing
thrush is removing as much affected
tissue as possible, followed by killing
the organism with any one of many
products designed for the job and,
finally, altering the horse’s footing
where possible to keep his feet
consistently drier.
For the most part, horses stay fairly
comfortable in winter when their
caretakers are on alert and prepared
for the challenges of the season.
Keep an eye on them in winter and
continue your regular care and your
horses will make it through to spring
happy and healthy.
www.horsetrading.co.za
EVENTS CALENDAR
Month
Event
Venue
June
5-7
FOURWAYS 21ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Fourways Riding Centre CC
June
5-7
Fourways National Challenge Showjumping All Grades All Ages
Fourways Riding Centre
June
6
Badplaas Showjumping Show
Highveld Equestrian Centre
June
6&7
Pony Rider Selection Show,Adults, Jun Family 6,7 June Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm
June
6&7
CVRC jumping show
Constantia Valley
June
12-15
The 2015 Fei Nissan Winter Classic Provincial Adult, Junior And Pony Riders
Foresyte Shows
June
12-16
The 2015 Fei Nissan Winter Classic Open Adult, Junior And Pony Riders
Foresyte Shows
June
13 & 14
Showing Show & Equitation Graded And Training
Fourways Riding Centre
June
15
Nottinghill Estates Equestrian and Wine festival
Nottinghill Equestrian Centre
June
19-12
Winter Show
Port Elizabeth Riding Club
June
19-21
Sa Warmblood Horse Society Breed Show
Mistico Equestrian Centre
June
20 & 21
Eventing Classics All Ages 70Cm – 1*
Fourways Riding Centre
June
20 & 21
Show Jumping Show for PONY RIDER, JUNIOR & ADULT Riders
CRUISA
June
23
Dressage Ride & Go For Dsa
Fourways Riding Centre
June
27 & 28
Young Horse Performance Series 5Yrs 6Yrs & 7 Year Olds
Fourways Riding Centre
June
27 & 28
Noordhoek June Jumping
Noordhoek Riding Club
June/July
June
18
Day
29Jun-5Jul The 2015 Pony Rider National Equestrian Championships of South Africa
20 & 21
Graded Dressage Show
Royal Riding Club
Mistico Equestrian Centre
www.horsetrading.co.za
The National Horse Trust in
asino
oyale
proud association with MIX FM
presents the NHT
Annual Race Day
When:
Saturday 22 August 2015
Where:
Aquanaut Room, Turffontein Racecourse
Time:
12 Noon
Menu:
007 Cavalier
Attire:
Casino wear
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO BOOK NOW!
R700.00 per head or R6500.00 per table of 10
Name the Race: R11 000.00
Name the Race and Table of 10: R14 000
Auction:
RUSSIAN GRASS
Save money on Horse food this
winter, by planting our
EVERGREEN
FAST GROWING
RUSSIAN GRASS
for more information
contact Merwe 0726045219
or visit our website
www.russiangrass.co.za
Join us for an awesome day of spectacular racing
and fun.
For bookings contact: Suzanne on 082 054 4464
or [email protected] or alternatively you can
book directly with the National Horse Trust on 011
683 4388 or [email protected]
All proceeds benefit the National Horse Trust and
the units they support nationally.
Heavy-Duty Horse Feed-Bins in Small, Medium and Large
SMALL FEEDBIN R104-00 ex VAT
MEDIUM FEEDBIN R146-00 ex VAT
LARGE FEEDBIN R245-00 ex VAT
25L ROUND horse water bucket R149-00 ex VAT
Collect from us in Randburg.
We also supply a wide range of water troughs, from 4 litre
up to 190 litre, and a BIG range of Steel Stable Racks !
Please visit our website to see our full range of Horsecare
products. www.shawsonplastics.co.za
Tel: 011 792 1916 | Fax: 086 693 1589 | Cell: 082 414 7864
Email: [email protected]
Address: Shawson Plastics, corner of tungsten and wakis
avenue, strijdom park , Randburg.
The pathway to pain relief.
Back on Track manufacture muscle and joint braces as
well as functional clothing and other products for horses
and dogs in our unique ceramic infused fabric, Welltex.
Welltex reflects the wearers own body warmth as infrared
heat - an energy form that increases well being with
many positive effects such as reduced muscle tension
and increased blood circulation,
which speeds up, among other things,
rehabilitation of muscles and reduction
of inflammation.
No w avai l abl e i n S o u th A fri ca
www.backontracksa.co.za
Jayne
•
•
•
•
•
•
e:
[email protected]
c:
0824508923
Lessons - beginners to advanced
FEI Level 2 qualified instructor
Excellent Horses and ponies to bait
Outstanding outrides
Pony
camp
(December
2014)
Limited
stabling
available
20 Minutes from Fourways or Honeydew
We offer professional stabling on our 27ha farm in Pretoria East.
We can also help with Schooling/training of green horses and riding
lessons for young beginner riders.
For more info contact 079 41 383 58 or
email us at: [email protected].
WENDY: 072 896 5166
[email protected]
ARAGON STABLES
Promix ANTI ITCH Coat enhancer Omega oil
Contains ‘cold pressed’ Canola oil with added Rooibos & Chamomile +
all the required Omega 3 & 6
To target the cause and not just the symptoms.
xxx 500ml – R125 xxx 1Lt – R200 xxx 5Lt – R720 xxx
Go to www.promixsupplements.com for information on
all Promix proven products or Contact Lesley:
083 726 7152/[email protected]
w w w . p r o m i x s u p p l e m e n t s . c o m
TOP QUALITY STABLING Riding lessons for beginners to advanced
SUCCESS AT GRADED AND INTER-SCHOOL SHOWS
SCHOOL PONIES AND HORSES Baiting options available
www.aragonstables.co.za | [email protected] | 082 666 3728
GET THE BEST FOR YOUR HORSES
Craig Beijl:
www.housabout.co.za
C 083 300 8432
F 086 687 7348
E [email protected]
Servicing our customers for over 37 years
The old days
Suppliers of Animal Feed, Fodder & Bedding
Milmac Produce Supply was founded thirty seven years
ago by Meryl McConnochie who initially identified the
need to supply a transport service for horse feed. The
company began with a small truck and a driver, which
delivered horse feed to surrounding horse owners.
In 2000, Debbie Copeman, purchased Milmac and
during the last 15 years, has expanded the business
dramatically by introducing a completely customer
orientated approach through her unique style of sales
and marketing which encompasses every product
needed to run a successful yard, being delivered and
packed directly into your feed room.
Now
Milmac is a huge family and employs over 65 people
running 15 delivery vehicles daily. Administration is
mainly “Women Driven”, with a team of 10 “Milmac Girls”
and two “Milmac Guys” who often have to endure a torrid
time from all the girls in the office!
“Service is our business,
we just happen to sell animal produce”
22
www.horsetrading.co.za
F E AT U R E
Milmac 1-stop shopping
Milmac proudly feeds animals in all shapes and sizes,
from horses to mice and everything in between! We are
agents for all the premiere feed manufacturers in South
Africa and we launched our own brand of Milmac horse
feed in 2005, which provides quality and nutrition at an
affordable price.
Milmac offers a wide selection of roughage, that being,
Eragrostis, Teff, Lucerne and Oat Hay. We also carry a
varied range of shavings to suit all your needs.
MILMAC’S product range includes all leading brands of
dog and cat feeds, such as Pedigree, Jock and Montego,
as well as a wide variety of poultry, cattle, game, bird
and fish food supplied by various feed manufacturers
including Schmidt Feeds and Seeds. Milmac also has a
large range of feed additives and supplements.
We have our own in-house Animal Scientist – Pamela
holds her degree in B.Sc. (AGRIC): Animal Science and
is able to give professional guidance and advice to
customers on all their animals’ nutritional needs.
New Stuff
Visit our country shop in Chartwell and see our wonderful
Pegasus handmade show shirts and jackets as well as
our new range of Tally Ho products. We stock equestrian
clothing and tack too!
Milmac delivers all over Gauteng daily and your order will be delivered within 24 hours after payment.
“This is Milmac Country”
The big debate:
To vaccinate or not?
What shots should you consider?
V
accinations are truly one of medicine’s greatest
triumphs. Getting the right vaccinations for
your horse is one of the single most important
things you can do for his lifelong health. However,
which shots you should give to your horse is an ongoing debate. Veterinarians are of the opinion that
vaccinations are a vital part of any equine health
program.
Tetanus
More isn’t necessarily better when it comes to
vaccinating your horse. It’s important to strike
the right balance to avoid over-stimulating the
immune system and triggering nasty side effects.
Some caretakers believe over-vaccination is one
of the most common triggers for chronic diseases
such as laminitis and uveitis, and contributes to
allergic conditions and colic. However, there are no
legitimate studies that link vaccination to diseases
related to an over-stimulated immune system such
as allergies or skin disease.
Rabies
Vaccines have been proven to reduce, not eliminate,
the risk of disease. Vaccines work by priming the
immune system against specific viruses, bacteria
and other disease-causing organisms.
Your horse needs the right vaccinations at the
right time to be protected from disease. Here is a
vaccination program you should consider:
African Horse Sickness
African horse sickness is a highly infectious noncontagious, vector born viral disease with a mortality
rate between 70-90%.
24
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacteria
which are present in the soil and the intestinal tract
of animals. The bacteria gain entrance to the body
through wounds, lacerations or the umbilicus of new
born foals. Symptoms will include: muscle stiffness,
flared nostrils, hypersensitivity, locking of the jaw
and death.
Rabies is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite
of infected carnivores. It is very common in Kwazulu
Natal and is sometimes seen during outbreaks in
other parts of the country. Rabies can be transmitted
from animals to man and in the horse the clinical
signs may include nervous signs varying from a
frenzy to inability to swallow and paralysis.
Equine Influenza
Equine influenza virus is one of the most contagious
virus groups in the horse. It can be spread in a stable
over a matter of a few days and will result in signs
of a cold: dry hacking cough, nasal discharge, fever,
depression and in appetence.
Botulism
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by a certain
type of bacteria. The bacteria are usually associated
with organic material like rat carcasses among feed.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a major cause of foal diarrhea.
Vaccinating pregnant mares helps protect their foals.
Other horses don’t need this shot, and no evidence
shows that vaccinating newborn foals has benefits.
www.horsetrading.co.za
F E AT U R E
African Horse Sickness
According to the African Horse Sickness Trust, there
has been 21 reported cases of African Horse Sickness
thus far for the 2014/15 season.
What is African horse sickness?
African horse sickness (AHS) is a highly infectious
non-contagious, vector born viral disease affecting all
species of Equidae including horses, mules, donkeys
and even zebra. It is endemic to the African continent.
How do horses contract the disease?
Whether you decide to vaccinate or not you should
consider a number of factors and common sense
must prevail. Location will determine which vaccines
you need to give your horse as some diseases are
widespread, some regional and some local.
If your horse travels extensively to shows and other
venues and encounters other horses then you
need protection against contagious horse to horse
diseases. Horses can carry some diseases without
showing symptoms, shedding bacteria and viruses,
and infecting others. And lastly if your horse is under
the age of 5 they are more susceptible to deadly
diseases such as equine herpesvirus and West Nile
virus.
The best course is to review your horse’s vaccination
program with your vet annually to ensure it fits his
current needs. The take-home message? Ask the
right questions. Be informed. Most veterinarians
agree that even if the risk of a particular disease
is moderate to low, but the consequence of the
disease is deadly, you should vaccinate as long as
the vaccine is safe and efficacious. If the risk of a
disease is moderate to low, disease mortality rate is
low then you probably won’t vaccinate unless risk
increases.
AHS does not spread directly from one horse to another,
but is transmitted by the Culicoides midge, which
becomes infected when feeding on other infected
equidae. It occurs mostly in the warm, rainy season
when midges are plentiful, and disappears after frost,
when the midges die. Most animals become infected
in the period associated with sunset and sunrise, when
the midges are most active.
Symptoms
The disease manifests in three ways, namely the lung
form, the heart form and the mixed form. The lung
(dunkop) form symptoms include:
very high fever up to 41 degrees.
difficulty in breathing, with mouth open and head
hanging down.
frothy discharge may pour from the nose.
The heart (dikkop) form symptoms include:
fever, followed by swelling of the head and eyes.
in severe cases, the entire head swells .
loss of ability to swallow and possible colic
symptoms may occur.
Diagnosis
This diagnosis can only be confirmed by identifying
the virus in a laboratory. It is, therefore, essential that
blood samples be taken from the horse during the fever
stage of the disease for analysis. As AHS is a controlled
disease, horse owners are obliged by law to notify the
local State Veterinarian of suspected cases.
Note: Excerpts taken from Onderstepoort Biological
Products leaflet.
www.horsetrading.co.za
25
How do we test the impact resistance of a surface?
The Clegg Impact Tester is a professional instrument used to determine hardness
on all types of areas from:
Arenas, Horse Racing, Turf Racing, Football, Soccer, Natural Grass, Artificial Turf, and
all types of sports where surface resistance is important for safety and performance.
...because so much is riding on it!
General readings done on
synthetic, grass and sand surfaces
MARTIN COLLINS, MARTIN COLLINS Logo and POLYTRACK, ECOTRACK AND ACTIV-TRACK are registered trademarks.
Points to consider on surface firmness:
Is the arena hard and rigid or does it offer shock
absorption?
This is determined by the impact firmness and cushioning.
Does the surface offer the horse good traction and grip
but also help to absorb the braking force when the hoof
first hits the ground?
This is determined by the grip and impact firmness.
Does the whole arena offer the same properties?
This is determined by the uniformity.
Grass: 80 - 100 Gmax
Fibre: 80 -100 Gmax
Sand: 150 - 350 Gmax
Wax: 80 - 100 Gmax
Soft going: 50 Gmax
Optimum training going: 70 - 90 Gmax
Firm going: 100 Gmax
Optimum competition going: 90 - 100 Gmax
Anything over 150 Gmax is hard
When a horse lands on a surface, for example, after
jumping a fence, the impact with the surface is at high
speed and there is a large amount of weight loading
the limb. Therefore the horse will “feel” characteristics
deeper down in the surface compared to a human who
tries to “test” the surface by jumping up and down in the
same spot. For humans with their lighter weight it is easier
to determine characteristics of the top layer only.
The maximum load on a front leg during the support phase
at a gallop has been estimated at 2.5 times the horse’s body
weight. This corresponds to 15 kilo newton (equivalent to
1500 kilograms of weight).
The Clegg Impact Tester is a professional instrument to
determine hardness on all types of areas.
Readings in CIT's or Gravities (Gmax).
Martin Collins test all our surfaces to ensure they perform within specified ranges.
Enquiries : +27 11 028 4890 [email protected]
like us on Facebook
www.mcsa.za.com
EQUESTRIAN COMPLEXES, RACECOURSES & ARENA SURFACES
Ronelle 082 800 3397
|
Megan
079 497 7825 | Email: [email protected]
Manor D’or Exclusive Equine Management | 164 Pommel Rd | Bridle Park | Kyalami
F E AT U R E
BIT SEATS IN
EQUINE DENTISTRY
Written by Steven Clark EqDT, IAED/CA
A
s a follow on from my previous
articles I would like to re-iterate
an important part of correct
equine dentistry. This is the process
of creating “bit seats”. There can be
numerous teeth related issues in a
horses mouth which, if not examined
properly can go undetected for many
years and ultimately result in pain for
the horse.
Most horses have very high pain
thresholds and they don’t often
show obvious signs of their dental
problems until it becomes a major
problem or extreme behavioral
problems are observed, ie. Shaking
their heads when being ridden etc.
Equine professionals have been
recommending “bit seats” as far back
as when horses were our main means
of transport and farm labour although
it is not well acknowledged within
the equestrian world of riding and
competing today.
Figure 2
The dotted lines on the cheek indicate
the tooth that has been removed for bit
seats
Figure 1
28
The following is an example of why
bit seats are beneficial to the horse
and owner whether the horse is
ridden or not. Any sharp points that
develop in horses are uncomfortable
when either the cheeks, lips or tongue
come into contact with them.
First the procedure would involve
reducing any malalignment on the
1st cheek teeth (1st pre-molars), such
as hooks or ramps and the extraction
of wolf teeth will take place which
will affect the bit seat. The type of bit
seat may vary but the basic principle
is to round the corners and the rostral
(front) aspect of the 1st upper and
lower cheek teeth (fig.1.) creating a
comfortable area for the bit to sit in
where soft flesh can no longer get
pinched and cut by the bit.
Tongue relief:- relieving caudal
pressure on the tongue improves
airflow by relieving the palatal drape,
(soft palate) which then lets the
epiglottis remain forward keeping the
airway open. Lower bar relief, cheek
comfort, palate comfort and improved
performance are just a few benefits
to aid your horses comfort and well
being. When excessive pressure is
exerted on the mouth in an effort to
stop the horse, collect or get your
horse “on the bit”, you will find the bit
comes up against the pointed portion
of the upper and lower pre-molars
sliding downwards and backwards
creating pressure on the tongue. This
may cause pain related symptoms
such as opening the mouth, crossing
the jaw and shaking the head and
hinder their performance.
The third reason is to create an
accessible path for long stemmed
grass to enter the mouth and to
start the mastication process at the
first cheek teeth, unobstructed by
ramps or hooks that restrict the flow
of grass into the mouth. The mouth
will also be more comfortable when
eating. Performance floating and
installing bit seats can improve on
fibre digestibility, which was shown
in a study conducted in 2001. This is
why I install bit seats on all horses I
work with, even brood mares and non
riding horses.
www.horsetrading.co.za
ADVERTISEMENTS
30
16h1 Bay gelding. Foaled April 2008.
Been to training derby including water
tray and treble. Been eventing. Super
paces, scope and technique. Offers in
region of 65k.
Message Ingrid 078 067 9927.
Lorelock Hannalore, chestnut mare,
born 23 October 2010, 16h2, by Branic
Hightower (Wahnfried vd Cruyenvelden/
Jokinal de Bornival) out of a Rivale D’Or
mare, competed in 90 cm show. X-rays
available. Call Rita 0824441177 or email
[email protected]
Lorelock Alexander, bay WB gelding
born November 2008, 15h2, by Always
One R out of a Rivale D’Or mare. Jumping
1,00m. Located in Kyalami. X-rays
available. Call Rita 0824441177 or email
[email protected].
Lorelock Acapulco, chestnut WB gelding
born November 2008, 16h1, by Always
One R out of a Sebastian mare. Jumping
90 cm. Located in Kyalami. X-rays
available. Call Rita 082 444 1177 or
email [email protected].
Lorelock Arizona Pie, bay mare, born
October 2008, 16h1, by Always One R out
of a TB mare by Goldmark. Backed and
has been to a showjumping show. Easy,
boxes etc. Her full brother is jumping 130
cm. X -rays available. Located in Kyalami.
Call Rita 082 444 1177 or email
[email protected].
5 Year Old TB Gelding. 16.1h. Currently
jumping 70cm. Lovely big horse with
a quiet nature and very gentle. Will be
suitable for any rider at any level. He is
100 percent bomb proof and showing
a nice big careful jump. R30 000-00.
Contact Sandra Colby 061 704 9400.
Gauteng: TB/ Freshian bay gelding.
11 Years old. Will excel in dressage ready
to go thurther. Excellent movement.
Done 70/80 jumping training shows.
Price: 30k.neg. Marina 082 835 3937
[email protected].
1 x Arab Cross 15.3 and 7yrs old
Gelding, very intelligent boy out of
novice done endurance. All-rounder
Jumping & Dressage abilities. Very loving
temperament. Price: Negotiable. Owner
relocating. Amanda 083 447 2157,
[email protected]
9 Year Old Warmblood Mare. 15.3h.
Exceptional movement. Very well
schooled. Will do well in dressage and
showing. Good conformation with very
clean legs. Will Vet sound. R30 000-00.
Contact Sandra 061 704 9400.
www.horsetrading.co.za
C L A S S I F I E D S
S TA B L I N G
EQUIPMENT
S TA B L I N G
JUMPS FOR JOY
COLBY RIDING CENTRE
Stable yard in BENONI area. 24hr care for
your horse. Three meals a day and grass
at lib. Well trained grooms. Tuition in
Showjumping and Dressage. Stabling is
available. Contact Sandra Colby
061 704 9400.
Cups..int..Hook-in R60 ea.
Uprights - 1.8m R 240 ea.
Wings - 1.8m R 680 per set.
Poles - 3m. Painted R 200 ea.
Call - Les 083 726 7152
Small private yard in Farmall area. Barn
stables and 60x40 riversand arena. Own
vet and instructor welcome. Each horse
cared for like our own.
Sam 083 402 0350
HORSE FOR LEASE
S TA B L I N G
TA C K
Fabulous old lady with a lot of spirit,
looking for a regular rider to keep her
fit and healthy. She is a wonderful
schoolmaster who would suit a beginner/
novice rider wanting to improve their
riding. Ideally suited for someone moving
up from riding school ponies or wanting
to get back into riding. She is a fabulous
teacher with beautiful comfortable
movement and an honest jump. Easy
going and forgiving. Situated at a friendly
yard in Knoppieslaagte, which is between
Mnandi and Bridlepass (Centurion/
Midrand). Please contact Andrea 083 399
8485
Busy childrens riding school near
Fourways in JHB are looking for a full time,
enthusiastic, hard working individual to
manage a great team and instruct. Good
package, includes cottage. Very good
working hours, happy staff, ponies and
clients. Applicant must be have done
some competing and teaching. Email cv
to [email protected] or
Solo Saddlers is looking for enthusiastic
intelligent staff to help our company
grow 3 positions available:
1. Sales person to help customers, answer
email queries and answer the telephone.
Tack knowledge essential! Must be
bilingual Afrikaans / English
2. Wholesale sales co-ordinator. Tack
knowledge essential! Must be organised,
diligent and bilingual Afrikaans / English
3. Admin person. Excellent Excel skills
required. Tack knowledge and Pastel
experience preferred. Must be bilingual
Afrikaans / English.
Salary is market related
Send CV to [email protected]
LIVERY
LIVERY – R3000 p/m
all incl – GLEN AUSTIN Ext 1. 2 x brick
stables available in exclusive private yard
6 horses, 2 live in grooms!
• FLOODLIT SILICA ARENA & LUNGE RING.
• GRASSED PADDOCKS.
Email - [email protected]
HORSES FOR SALE
SARDINE RUN, 11 yr old, 16H Bay THB Gelding,
This is a very good looking boy with wonderful paces and a rocking horse canter that is
an absolute dream. He has very good basics in place and will make a wonderful horse
for a junior or adult wanting to participate and excel in dressage and showing. He is
good in the stable, boxes well and stands for the farrier. Urgent sale as current owner
has gone to boarding school and can no longer ride him. R15 000 neg. to the right
home. Based in centurion. Call Karen on 083 453 9727
Contact Les
[email protected]
083 726 7152
www.horsetrading.co.za
31
ICE PAIN AWAY
V-Tech (Pty) Ltd
Cnr. Douglas and Old Pretoria Road, Midrand, South Africa, Client Service Centre: 0860 109 779, www.vtech.co.za