April / May 2005
Vol 26 No 6

TRAIN THE RIDER FIRST by Amanda
Macpherson
Culturally and traditionally the system of training in Australia differs from that used in other countries, which raises the question, are we making the mistake of placing too much emphasis on training the horse at the expense of educating the rider?

OVER TO YOU
Your chance to have a say! Readers give their thoughts on a range of topics.

USE VERSUS ABUSE - Whips
by Portland Jones
Horse riders and trainers have used whips of all kinds and sizes in a variety of ways since horse training began. When properly used they can be an effective tool, however, if misused, they can also be extremely cruel. While rules govern whips and their use in competition there are no guidelines for their use in training or out of the public eye.

REVERSE LOGIC - Float Backing by Fiona De Jersey
There is no doubt that learning to back a float can be a challenge, but with a little time, patience and the right environment to practise in, anyone can master the art.

FUTURISTIC FEET
Over the past decade advanced technology has combined with equine research and turned the spotlight on the hoof. These high tech advances have stepped away from the use of the traditional metal shoe and introduced a whole range of synthetic shoes, giving the horse owner many new options in 'hoofwear'.

COUNTING THE BEAT - with Ray Hunt by Karen McDonald
The way a rider uses the rhythmic beat of a horse's movement, known as cadence, and its speed, or tempo, can give the impression of lightness, grace and fluidity. To do this correctly, the rider needs to understand the footfalls and their distinctive phases of movement.

Legal Watch - FENCING by Kim O'Donnell
The legalities of all aspects of horse ownership are of concern to responsible owners and these court case studies cover a few relating to fencing issues.

BLEEDERS by Tracey Tillman
Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH), or Bleeding, is a problem once thought to be associated with horses involved in mid to high levels of exercise, although research has now shown that horses are also being affected at lower levels of performance.

GREASING THE JOINTS by Sonja Vandermark KER
Reasons for feeding joint supplements fall into two categories - treatment and prevention, however what is actually in these products are often vague or unclear.

PRODUCT NEWS and BOOK/CD REVIEW
Keeping readers informed about new or unusual products, and where to find them. The latest releases are reviewed in our Book and CD Review.

RUG REVIEW and BUYER GUIDE
With more than 80% of horse owners rugging their horses in the cooler months, the rug guide is a timely review for readers looking at updating their horse's winter wardrobe.

HORSEFRONT
The latest in news, veterinary advances and horse happenings.

STABLE DESIGN - Light and Airy by Jane Myers
Although the Gold Coast Polo complex is a large scale complex, it was built on the philosophy of 'keep it simple',and has many features that could be incorporated into your next stable building project. Acknowledging the fact that horses are herd animals, the complex has a light and airy feel, enabling occupants to see outside and each other.

CARROT STRETCH
Just as riders benefit from exercise programs to keep them fit and flexible, horses also benefit from regular gentle stretching. Regular practice of stretching exercises in addition to the horse's usual exercise regime increases the range of motion, and enhances flexibility and suppleness.