IN THIS ISSUE CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT..............click here AGM REPORT.......................................click here THE WHITE HOOF................................click here THE CHARISMA CLUB.......................click here THE GRANDMARE...............................click here |
THE CHARISMA CLUB We have members from all over New Zealand from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Waikaia in Southland. There are members from Queenstown, Gisborne, Dargaville and Methven and plenty from the main centres. We have many members who were original members back in 1990 including Cam and Heather McRae, who were driving forces behind the original Club. The Nelson Riding Club has also joined - the first club to do so. I wonder if that means the whole Club wants to go to Waiheke or Akaroa if they win the prize draw. Another benefit of being a Charisma Club member is that you will be amongst the first to receive the news of who is named in the team next week. We will send out an email to the Charisma Club members advising them of the team at the same time it goes out to the media, so if you are keen to get the news as it happens, then join the Charisma Club now. By joining the Charisma Club, not only are you supporting our international riders, but you will also be supporting the NZ Spinal Trust. If you would like more information about the Spinal Trust, visit www.burwood.org.nz Joining the Charisma Club is $25, Members will receive a 2004 NZ Equestrian Team Memorabilia as well as a membership certificate. If you join the Charisma Club before the 2004 Olympics start, you will go in the draw to win one of the following prizes: A weekend for two staying on wonderful Waiheke Island. Accommodation is at Kowhai Close (www.gotowaiheke.co.nz/kowhaiclose2.htm ). The prize includes some famous Peninsula wine, a Zeno Syrah and a 1998 Hauraki Cabernet (see www.peninsulaestate.com ), and a meal at the Mudbrick Cafe, one of the best restaurants in the country (www.mudbrick.co.nz) Ferry tickets are provided by Fullers and airfares by Orbit Travel. A weekend for two in romantic Akaroa, which includes two nights accommodation at Akaroa Criterion (www.akaroacriterion.co.nz ). The prize includes a meal at Bully Hayes Bar and Cafe and Canterburv Cat scenic cruise exploring the beautiful and rich variety of marine life including the playful Hector's Dolphin and the rare Little Blue Penguin. Orbit Travel have also generously provided airfares for the winners. We also have NZ Equestrian Federation vests and peak hats to be won. Some conditions apply for these prizes. For those of you still contemplating joining, you can find more information on our website ( www.nzequestrian.org.nz ) or by emailing CharismaClub@nzequestrian.org.nz. You could also fax your details to NZEF at 04 499 2899. Details needed are: Name Address Email Phone Donation Amount Credit Card Number-20 Visa or Bankcard Expiry Date Signature The Memorabilia book will be printed after the naming of the final team so will be posted to members, together with the Membership Certificate in mid to late July. We will only be printing a limited number of books, so it pays to join now to ensure you get one of these. |
GRANDMARE An enlightening look at the realities of breeding your own foal by Alison Trent "FOAL FOAL FOAL," I shrieked down the phone to my mother, before bursting into tears. "Goodness me dear," said Mother, when I could finally speak. "You shouldn't have foals if you are going to get yourself so upset. You weren't like this when your grandson was born." "Too right". I replied, "Having grandchildren is EASY" Before starting my breeding program, 1 had no idea that the making of baby horses is apparently much more serious than the breeding of humans. When people knew I was desperate to be a grandma, they all thought I was really sweet. However, there was a significant change of attitude when I mentioned wanting to breed a foal - being sweet changed to being impractical, irresponsible, ignorant or sentimental. When I encouraged my son and daughter-in-law to have a baby, no one pointed out to me that neither of them are perfect physical specimens. Daughter-in-law is a bit vertically challenged and my son carries genes for baldness, poor eyesight and a big nose. Technically, any child could end up being short, bald and blind, with a nose that makes shade. Fortunately, physical perfection is not an issue when breeding children. otherwise a lot of us wouldn't be here. However, when I suggested breeding from my old grey mare (OGM), people were quick to point out her defects. "She's got a plain head." "She's rather short in the neck." "She's very long in the back." "She has a horrible temperament." And this was just what my friends said. "Well," I muttered, "I'll just have to pick the right stallion." "Oh , that may not work. It could still end up looking like a donkey," said an expert. "Well, I'll love it anyway," I sobbed. Fortunately, you don't have to choose partners for your children. l was just lucky my son picked a girl with fabulous hair, good eyesight and a cute nose. However, OGM could not be trusted to choose the right mate. Over the years she has been in love with a geriatric gelding, an 8hh stallion and a stunning Warmblood. Taking into consideration her shortcomings and my finances, it took years to track down a bloke with a pretty head, good neck, short back and nice personality .... who didn't expect to be paid a fortune for a one night stand! If you don't count the three or four hndred thousand dollars it takes to raise a child to a suitable breeding age, getting a grandchild is relatively inexpensive. You'll need a couple of hundred for a wedding outfit and present, and a couple of hundred for baby things later on. However, I've just made the mistake of figuring out how much this foal has cost me. After adding together the costs of agistment, service, vets, drugs and feed, the calculator has produced a figure which looks very similar to my phone number. Good heavens!! And I haven't added in the cost of all the champagne. Luckily, for me and daughter-in-law, I wasn't expected to actively participate in the birth of Grandbaby. All I did was receive the happy phone call at 1.00am, then turn up at the hospital to distribute kisses and admire the most beautiful baby in the world. Not so lucky with Grandfoal. All the experts agreed that I had to be there so I spent at least eleven months preparing for the role of midwife. I borrowed a book on breeding while OGM was still at the stallion's house. Great book!!! Five hundred pages complete with diagrams and lurid photos. Only 11 pages dealt with normal pregnancy, delivery and foal care. The other 459 pages detailed what can go wrong. By the time I had read the book from cover to cover, I was convinced there was almost no chance of getting a live, healthy foal. Towards the end of the pregnancy I focus on the chapter on labour. This opens with the statement, "Many breeders have never seen a foal being born as mares don't like to give birth while being observed. Then there are long lists of signs to look for, which indicate that the birth is immanent. The chapter concludes with the sentence. "However, some mares never show any signs that they are ready to go into labour Excellent! Now I know I have to be there, but won't have a clue when that might be. My experience of birth has been pretty limited. True, I have actually had a baby, but then I was lying on a hospital bed clutching a gas mask, while a team of medical experts were down where the action was. Apart from that experience, I have helped a few chicks out of their shells and played midwife to a miniature dachshund. None of which seemed a good preparation for assisting a large mare to give birth. My book on horse breeding was far from comforting. Reading between the lines it seemed I would either not need to do anything, or I would be pretty useless apart from running to phone the vet. Helpful friends offered their assistance in the form of horror stories telling of dead mares and foals, although I'm well known for my calm, sensible personality, as the reality of the birth grew closer, I became increasingly hysterical. Fortunately, all's well that ends well. All the worry and lost sleep paid off with a beautiful, healthy foal. Looking back on it all by reading my breeding diary I can news have a chuckle at my fears. I have included an extract of the breeding diary for all you `first time breeders' out there, so you can see how easy it can be. EXTRACT FROM BREEDING DIARY FOR TB X MARE. 16Y0 MAIDEN Day 280: During friendly chat with vet, get told that mares can foal anywhere between six weeks prior to or six weeks after foaling date. Immediately start panicking. Day 343: My stress level is racing up by the minute. OGM sleeps down the bottom corner of the paddock all day, while I pace up and down the verandah. To calm the nerves, I open the bottle of champagne I bought to celebrate the birth. Day 347 Have seven empty bottles of champagne and feel wonderfully calm. OGM is a nervous wreck because I stalk her around the paddock all night shining the torch up her rear end. Day 354 The bottle shop has run out of champagne, but promises to home deliver as soon as possible. Thousandth squint between OGM's hind legs reveals very slight udder development. I have panic attack Day 358: Champagne is delivered. I'm feeling better, despite not having slept for more than 30 mins at a time. OGM clenches tail beween buttocks even time I go near her. Day 363: 7.10pm Lying on couch with wet towel over head. Terrible headache. Hear Loud banging sound. OGM standing at gate. Stagger over. OGM presents bottom and dumps about 10 gallons of water on my feet. Race back to house for book, torch and bottle of champagne. 7.16pm Good Neighbour (GN) arrives to give help and support. Brings bottle of scotch in case of emergency. 7.28: OGM lies down at our feet. I take torch around to back end to see if anything happening. Two legs and little pink muzzle happening. I rub OGM 's back with one hand while GN holds other, murmuring "don't panic yet." 7.31pm Huge contraction. OGM and I grunting with the strain. Foal is out!!! Alive and healthy. Short horrible minute when it appears foal has no ears. Don't panic, just stuck down. GN and I laughing and crying. OGM thrilled with baby. Licks and nuzzles it while it lays in my arms. 8.10pm Foal up and drinking. GN and I have medicinal whisky. All very happy. 8.43pm: Afterbirth comes away. Grab bucket to retrieve afterbirth, Collide with foal when I slip on afterbirth and both go flying. Throw self under foal to break his fall. Foal not hurt. 8.50pm Spread out afterbirth on veranda. Compare with diagram in book. Diagram not covered in dirt and bits of hay, or severely trampled. Pray horrid bits on my boot are all that's missing from real afterbirth. 8.58pm: GN makes coffee. I make phone calls. Tell most of WA thatOGM has had chestnut filly. 9.15am: First visitors arrive. I open celebratory bottle of champagne. Expert breeder notices that foal is a bay colt. Very embarrassed. 4.43pm: Back on the couch with a wet towel on my head. Have terrible headache from all the "strain". I |
THE CHARISMA CLUB We have members from all over New Zealand from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Waikaia in Southland. There are members from Queenstown, Gisborne, Dargaville and Methven and plenty from the main centres. We have many members who were original members back in 1990 including Cam and Heather McRae, who were driving forces behind the original Club. The Nelson Riding Club has also joined - the first club to do so. I wonder if that means the whole Club wants to go to Waiheke or Akaroa if they win the prize draw. Another benefit of being a Charisma Club member is that you will be amongst the first to receive the news of who is named in the team next week. We will send out an email to the Charisma Club members advising them of the team at the same time it goes out to the media, so if you are keen to get the news as it happens, then join the Charisma Club now. By joining the Charisma Club, not only are you supporting our international riders, but you will also be supporting the NZ Spinal Trust. If you would like more information about the Spinal Trust, visit www.burwood.org.nz Joining the Charisma Club is $25, Members will receive a 2004 NZ Equestrian Team Memorabilia as well as a membership certificate. If you join the Charisma Club before the 2004 Olympics start, you will go in the draw to win one of the following prizes: A weekend for two staying on wonderful Waiheke Island. Accommodation is at Kowhai Close (www.gotowaiheke.co.nz/kowhaiclose2.htm ). The prize includes some famous Peninsula wine, a Zeno Syrah and a 1998 Hauraki Cabernet (see www.peninsulaestate.com ), and a meal at the Mudbrick Cafe, one of the best restaurants in the country (www.mudbrick.co.nz) Ferry tickets are provided by Fullers and airfares by Orbit Travel. A weekend for two in romantic Akaroa, which includes two nights accommodation at Akaroa Criterion (www.akaroacriterion.co.nz ). The prize includes a meal at Bully Hayes Bar and Cafe and Canterburv Cat scenic cruise exploring the beautiful and rich variety of marine life including the playful Hector's Dolphin and the rare Little Blue Penguin. Orbit Travel have also generously provided airfares for the winners. We also have NZ Equestrian Federation vests and peak hats to be won. Some conditions apply for these prizes. For those of you still contemplating joining, you can find more information on our website ( www.nzequestrian.org.nz ) or by emailing CharismaClub@nzequestrian.org.nz. You could also fax your details to NZEF at 04 499 2899. Details needed are: Name Address Email Phone Donation Amount Credit Card Number-20 Visa or Bankcard Expiry Date Signature The Memorabilia book will be printed after the naming of the final team so will be posted to members, together with the Membership Certificate in mid to late July. We will only be printing a limited number of books, so it pays to join now to ensure you get one of these. |
THE WHITE HOOF One white foot buy him Two white feet try him Three white feet look well about him Four white feet do without him This rhyme and others like it have a long history. as does the commonly held belief that white hooves are weaker than black hooves. Perhaps it is not the white legs themselves, but the colour of the attached hoof that determines the worth of the horse in this verse. We know that many factors affect the quality of our horses hooves, including diet, environmental conditions, shoeing technique, exercise, and genetics. But does the colour of the horn affect its durability'? The hoof wall has three layers. THE OUTER LAYER is made up of the periople and the stratum tectorium. The periople is like the cuticle of a human's fingernails, and extends about 3crn below the coronet band. The stratum tectorium is a thin coating of cells that gives the glossy appearance to the outside of the hoof, keeps the moisture in and prevents drying through evaporation. (The hoof wall is nearly 25% water.) THE CENTRAL LAYER, the stratum medium, is the thickest section. This is the layer in black hooves that contains the pigment melanin. Melanin is the same pigment that is found in the horse's skin and hair and is what gives humans freckles! Unpigmented or white feet show no difference in structure or composition except for the lack of this pigment. THE INNER LAYER of the hoof is softer horn, including the sensitive and insensitive laminae, which are the support structures for the interior of the hoof. In 1995-96, the Equine Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph, Ontario researched the mechanical function and elasticity of the hoof. The hoof specimens were subjected to laboratory tests for strength, durability, moisture content and elasticity, and as part of their investig ations, the researchers noted the colour of the hooves tested. This study concluded that in regards to hoof colour. "Contrary to popular assertions that white hooves are mechanically inferior; horn pigmentation had no detectable effect on stiffness '. So, if there's no difference structurally, why is there such overwhelming anecdotal evidence that suggests that white hooves are 'weaker'? Sunlight may be a factor. Melanin absorbs UV light, so hooves lacking melanin may be more prone to sun damage. The full extent the effect UV has on keratinous (containing keratin) structures is not yet known, but some farriers attribute `chalkiness' of white hooves to their lack of melanin. In the wild, horses tend to have very hard hooves, and, conditioned by constant wear, they grow very tough horn. In these cases, the difference found between white and black hooves is minimal. However, the difference between shod white hooves and shod black hooves is more substantial, and it is here that farrier, Pete Duffield has noticed the most difference. "I shoe a lot of horses with one or two white feet, and it's always the white ones that are softer, and cause the most problems with cracking and such." Pete went on to say that the difference in strength between hoof colours was minimal in the unshod horses he trimmed. Shoeing can be damaging to hooves, regardless of colour. Nailing provides access to moisture and bacteria, rasping removes the protective outer layer of the horn, which is responsible for the regulation of moisture into the hoof wall, and the shoe affects the normal spreading and contracting functions that absorb shock and dispel concussion. As yet, it is uncertain whether shoeing affects black and white hooves in the same way. Perhaps the reason that white hooves seem to be weaker is that their colour makes cracks and other problems more noticeable. Interestingly, it is not only the horse world that supports the white-hoof prejudice. In many breeds of sheep and cattle, dark coloured hooves are more desirable. White hooves have come to be known as 'chalky,' `weak,' 'shelly' or 'brittle.' and while research is ongoing, there appears to be no conclusive scientific data to prove or disprove this 'old mare's tale', so their relative strengths remain a mystery |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORT 2004 Committee would like to thank the Clubs who returned their National Committee nomination forms. There has been a change of personnel with the most obvious gap being the open position of South Island Vice President. We welcome to Committee Caroline Horwood from the West coast of the South Island. The position of South Island Vice President is open to any financial person from a South Island Club, so if you think this could be you, send an E-mail to Helen (Secretary-). Your main task is to liaise between the South Island Clubs and National Committee . Affiliation fees These have been set for the 2004/05 season at the following level. Club affiliation $20.00 Member levy (per member) $ 5.00 Individual levy $15.00 Constituent member $85.00 The increase has come about because of the increase in the cost of Insurance. MODULES NZRC Committee would still like feed back on the Modules. It is appreciated that some Clubs may be shaking their heads and asking "what is she talking about". The Modules are a user friendly; learn at your own pace series of booklets to help you increase your enjoyment of your horse and riding while at the same time gaining knowledge. National Committee has decided that every Club will receive a Module (6 in the series) as a sample to show members, and to help encourage them to work through this programme. Clubs will need to apply for the module of their choice (value $10.00) 1. Care of the paddocked horse 2. Clean and maintain saddlery 3. Catch and prepare a horse for riding 4. Groom a horse 5. General horse care 6. Riding on the flat NITE 2005 North Island Clubs have responded well to the question NITE..where to from here. Thank you. The general consensus was that a single Club should host NITE at the venue of their choice, with Taupo and co-hosting a backup. So the call goes out to the North Island... WILL YOU BE THE ONE CLUB TO HOST NITE 08/09 JANUARY 2005? Thank you to the 2 Clubs who have volunteered to help to co-host NITE if a single Club can't be found this season. So that leaves 3 Clubs to help with Scoring/Administration, Riding Club Mount, Quadrille. Helen sits in quiet anticipation, waiting to receive THE letter from THE Club putting its hand up. National Committee needs to have confirmation by the end of September. Affiliation Forms for this will be out soon. All new Clubs affiliating will get a free set of Ribbons. All existing affiliated Clubs will need to apply for their ribbons Club tick list: > (North Island) Sent letter to Helen saying you will host NITE > Sent letter to Helen saving you will help co-host NITE at Taupo > Sent letter/Email to Jeanette Garrett to claim your free Module telling Jeanette which Module your Club wants. > Prepared your membership list for Affiliation. Remember if you want to attend NITE/SITE your name must be on that list. Affiliation form will be sent out soon. > Updated your National Committee contact file > (South Island) put your name forward for South Island Vice President > Mark on calendar 11/12 June 2005 so that you can prepare for next years AGM. |
NEW ZEALAND RIDING CLUB AND BRIDLEWAYS INC CHAIRPERSONS REPORT JUNE 2004 As I sit inside today, the rain pouring down turning the paddocks into mush, I wonder why I bother with horses. They cost me a fortune in shoes and clothes (theirs not mine) I pick up after them every day, then there is the traveling to take them to `sport" in the weekend and the food bill!!!!...wait a minute, sounds like I'm describing a typical family with kids. Welcome people to the Annual General Meeting of NZRC and Bridleways Inc. I have put off writing this report for as long as possible. Our last President was so good at this type of thing, she always made it sound so interesting and so easy. It is difficult to individually thank people for the specific work that they have done for NZRC over the past twelve months as most work happens without it ever being reported. Letters are written, monies paid, the website updated, new members are recruited, but I would like to highlight the work done by Helen for NZRC especially in regard to North Island Teams Event. Everyone who helped make this event a `goer' deserves a medal, the Clubs and individuals who jumped in boots and all and Helen who made the phone calls, who wrote the letters, who co-ordinated the people, who worked in the background adding up numbers and missed seeing most of what went on. Thank you. At this time of the year, Clubs start asking the hardy annual question..why should we affiliate to NZRC, what do you do for us? Riding Club has certainly changed since I first got involved. Nelson Riding Club was up and running, well before the National Body was even thought of. We had this Bloke from the North Island come and tell us that we should affiliate to this group that had set themselves us and were calling themselves New Zealand Riding Club! We thanked him for his time and said Thanks but no thanks. We had affiliated directly to the British Riding Club organization and were using their Exam syllabus. Several of us successfully sat Grade 1 and 2 and one member sat Grade 3 travelling to Blenheim for instruction and the final exam. We carried our own insurance. We certainly were not interested in this crowd from the North Island telling us what to do. As time progressed, it became apparent that there was no real benefit in being affiliated to the British Riding Clubs and turned our attention to that crowd from the North Island. We affiliated with NZRC. We got an invite from the Grey Valley Riding Club to take part in the South Island Riding Clubs Teams Championships in 1991. What a weekend ...18 teams competing. Nelson sent two teams and we came home loaded with rosettes and prizes. We went to Blenheim.. (the event was now called South Island Team event) and came home triumphant again. Our members were having a ball, we were seeing something for our money and because the National body carried its own insurance, we didn't have to, saving our club money even though we were now paying affiliation fees. Unfortunately, SITE, at the moment, is in recess, (though the new Committee for Nelson RC is making muttering noises) so we don't have that chance to get together and compete.... for now, but that insurance is still there and its nice to know that if something happens at a Club organized event that's one less thing to worry about. As time has gone by National Committee has tried to return some of those affiliation fees back to the clubs in the form of Ribbons, dressage pads, exam syllabus written for New Zealand conditions, Constitution and Rule book. We have also had made Plaiting aprons stamped with the NZRC logo that are available to Clubs at a cost lower than other sources. So why affiliate? To ensure that your Club is protected from nasty large bills, to ensure that you have access to support and expertise from other like people (Bridleways, National Committee, other clubs in your region) to have access to an Equestrian module system written for Riding Club by our own National Chief Instructor, so that you can improve your knowledge and skill for the betterment of yourself and your horse, to compete in Riding Clubs events, both minor and major and to help the National Body to represent you outside your district ...equestrians of NZ not just those B.....horse riders from where ever........ So..where to next ........ who knows. People are always changing. I just hope that I can be there to help with the changes. Thanking you, Rosemary Lee-Oldfield |
IN THIS ISSUE CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT..............click here AGM REPORT.......................................click here THE WHITE HOOF................................click here THE CHARISMA CLUB.......................click here THE GRANDMARE...............................click here |
RIDERS ROUNDUP for APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2004 |
