Veterinary & Pre-Season Advice for Children On Horses/Juniors/Young Riders Candidates 2011
Will Lalor MVB MRCVS
EquiVET Ireland,
Co. Kildare.
Tel; 086 0411 634
These notes below are general suggestions. Please remember every performance horse is an individual and should have a programme tailored to their individual needs, after consultation with your trainer(s) & your treating veterinarian.
Worming
Dec/Jan
Mar/Apr
A 5-day course on Panacur or equivalent, 30ml/day is recommended early season
Influenza Vaccination (Annual or 6 month +21days FEI Vac)
Ie. in March; a vaccination this month will cover the summer competition season.
Dentist
Good bit-seats
Eliminate caudal/back hooks & sharp edges (check yourself while dentist’s
mouth-gag still on).
Turnout/Field
This is very beneficial for the horse’s mental health and should be part of the his daily routine, even
if only for 1 hour. But Be Warned!! Fit horses can wreck themselves in the field, only turn-out if they are used with the paddock and are calm, if you regularly turn-out and want to add company, only put 2 out together, never 3 as bullying is the result.
Hacking
Can be very relaxing, if your roads are quiet, can be used in conjunction with warming-up or
cooling-down, or for a variety to their routine. Avoid trotting on the roadways.
Walker
If you have one – do Not over-use it, it’s okay for warm-up – 10 mins. or cool down.
It is not a substitute for exercise. Alternate directions different days
Work Surface
Avoid deep or very hard surfaces for your flat-work & jumping.
In your First-aid kit, the following should be included;
Hibiscrub
Betadine ointment
Animalintex
Gamgee
Vetwrap rolls
Thermometer
Tack Maintenance;
Keep all leather tack clean – every time you use it, it should be cleaned before putting it away, this
Includes rinsing and drying the bit, and stirrups, don’t forget the girth.
All boots or bandages should be cleaned daily. Do NOT use any ‘performance enhancing’ back boots
During regular exercise or training. All numnahs must be regularly washed.
Shock-absorption pads under saddles (e.g.. Pro-Lite, Devoucoux).
Sore-backs are very prevalent in competition horses. The horse’s back changes shape within the
competition year, depending on weight, fitness and hydration.
Regular Soundness Evaluations
Make a plan for your season to proactively prevent/manage any soundness issues.
Have a veterinary log book, to record all vet visits for your own records. Your own vet should be
in regular contact regarding treatments with High Performance Vet – Will Lalor.
Farrier
Poor shoeing; can predispose the horse to lameness; i.e.. coffin
joint, tendon & suspensory ligament injuries.
Every 5th week on average.
Good roll to the toe, to allow a good break-over.
Use a Wide web shoe.
Good heel support.
Avoid long toes and flared feet
Avoid low, narrow heels
Monitor feet for thrush (Terrexine cow mastitis tubes- very useful)
Jumping/schooling surfaces
All increases in workload should be made slowly and gradually. A good work surface is essential.
FEI passport;
All Passports Must accompany the horse when attending ‘Team Training’
Influenza vaccination in date. Become familiar with the FEI medication log
book (www.horsesport.org & www.feicleansport.org). Ensure all the horse's white
markings are in Red pen on the markings page, if they are in Black pen contact
HSI office.
Integrated Health Care.
Treating Veterinarian & Support / Therapy:
The team veterinarian is happy to work alongside the other professionals /people who treat / help the
Individuals horse’s performance.
Aim
Horse ~100% fit for competition and close to 100% sound.
Please do not under-estimate the soundness level your horse requires for an over-seas
international championship competition. It's about trying to compete on a level playing
field with our fellow European nations.
Team Training in June 2011;
There will be on-going Veterinary soundness checks at training; Before Reims and during all June training – pre selection for the Championships, which will include blood testing.
If you have any questions/queries, feel free to contact;
Will Lalor [MVB MRCVS] on; Tel; 086 0411 634 [High Performance Team Vet; C/J/Y]
John Ledingham on; 087 6606416 [High Performance Team Manager / Chef D’Equipe]
Heather Coyle on; 087 2269382 [Chairman, High Performance Committee C/J/Y]