Month: July 2021

Horse Racing Electricians: A Specialised Skill

Atmosphere electric as the drunken crowd braces for the start of the Darwin Cup. They strain their sunburnt necks, wobbling on high heels, and that’s just the transgender blokes in the crowd.

The lights are flashing, the red light is on, and then …..

Nothing.

Who’s idea was it to get the Mayor’s mate to manage the electrical components of the starter gate?

Such are the moments when a reliable commercial electrician who will ensure the starter gate works every time is crucial to the success of the day. Drunk people forget a lot of stuff – but not a stuff up like that. It’s fictional by the way.

There have been worse blunders in the horse racing world. Some of course are tragic – and animal rights protesters are becoming more popular by the year as they protest in the media about the amount of horrific horse injuries and deaths.

Philip Cheng, a Hong Kong jockey, was seen as one of the most promising riders in the 1999 – 2000 season. Amongst his incredible achievements was managing to grab 16 wins in that season alone, likely putting him on the fast track to becoming a legendary jockey.

However, in the summer of 2000 Cheng was invited to take part in an event in the United Kingdom, where trainer Gary Moore had specifically requested his attendance. Cheng managed to finish second in an apprentice race, and seemed to once again be on top of the world.

But tragedy struck on the 23rd of September 2000, when Cheng was thrown from his horse. The animal, named My Fourth Wishes, kicked him twice as he fell, once on the head, and once on the chest. He tragically died in hospital 3 days later.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Horse Euthanised

A horse competing with Swiss rider Robin Godel at the Tokyo Olympics was put down on Sunday after appearing lame at a fence in the middle of the cross-country course the day before the medals ceremony for equestrian eventing.

The race was stopped and other riders, who were racing at speeds of around 34 kph on the 4.4-km obstacle course, were halted so the 14-year-old gelding called Jet Set could be taken from the scene.

“The horse received immediate veterinary attention at the fence and, after an initial assessment, was transferred by horse ambulance to the onsite Veterinary Clinic,” the equestrian federation FEI said in a statement.

“Sadly, ultrasound scans revealed an irreparable ligament rupture in the lower right limb, just above the hoof, and on humane grounds and with the agreement of the owners and athlete, the decision was taken to put the horse to sleep.”

FEI added that samples had been taken from the horse and a post mortem would take place, in line with its rules.

Godel, 23, was competing at his first Olympic Games.

In a statement on Instagram, Godel said that Jet Set “passed while doing what he loved most: galloping and jumping obstacles.” The rider added that he would stay away from social media for the time being.

Horse racing is a dangerous sport and it needs more professionals around it. Whether the commercial electrician who knows what he’s doing, or the horse whisperers who can encourage a more respectful approach by the jockeys and trainers, the horse racing industry still has a long way to go.

Dentistry For Horses: Equine Dentists & Tooth Whisperers

Horses have teeth too! And remember all those sugar cubes we used to feed them? Carrots would have been better. Our poor dear equine companions all developed tooth decay. And so, an industry was born – dentists for horses.

Here’s some caring horse dentists:

The Tooth Whisperer – Equine Dentist, Bradley (Brad) Whalan

The Tooth Whisperer brings a new direction to the Equine Dentistry industry in Australia. Through years of experience working with race horses Brad has developed a keen eye for spotting dental problems with horses.

All work is carried out directly by Brad, an accomplished horseman with a genuine interest and technical expertise in correcting the dental issues facing performance horses.

We also enjoy the challenge of working with breeding stock and spelling horses as well.

Whatever the problem that is presented, The Tooth Whisperer will provide you and your horse educated advice, demonstrate the problems that exist and perform the necessary procedure to get your horse back to perfect dental health.

Check him out at http://www.thetoothwhisperer.com.au/

Advanced Equine Dentistry

Dental disease in horses is very common and can be complex to treat. As equine dentists, AED use the same approach and equipment as your own dentist does with your teeth, with 100% care and professionalism.

They provide you with easy-to-understand explanations as to why a treatment is necessary
They’ll provide you with options and solutions for treatment
They offer a no-obligation quote before performing any work.
They only use equipment and techniques that have been proven to be safe.
What will Advanced Equine Dentistry provide for you?
A friendly, professional equine dental veterinary service, utilising the latest technology and techniques. With the security of full licensing and insurance and a sound knowledge of the veterinary needs of the client and the patient.

Why use Advanced Equine Dentistry?
They will provide a thorough examination diagnosis and treatment for all patients. We can provide all dental services including dental imaging (X-rays).

They come to you
They offer full on site veterinary dental services from routine oral exams and treatment right through to complex dental, facial and sinus surgeries.

They come fully equipped
…with digital X-rays, running water, power, lights, digital weigh scales (to accurately weigh your horse)

They provide digital dental records
…for each horse and offer mobile eftpos and credit card facilities.

They work in almost any environment
Our portable dental hospital allows us to treat horses in almost any environment yet we can setup or packup in as little as just 30 seconds

High standards, affordable dentistry
We offer a very high standard of service (because your horses deserve it) at prices that won’t break the bank

Advanced Equine Dentistry can provide an improved relationship between horse and rider, removal of dental pain, treatment of disease and infection, improve feed efficiency and a longer healthier outlook for your horse. When only the best care will do.

For riders: whether you are an amateur or professional rider having performance horse problems, we’re very experienced in diagnosing and solving head carriage issues.

If your horse, lugs, leans, heavy in hand, resists the contact, snatches grabs, head tosses, these are all conditions they deal with.

They can also diagnose and treat common forms of sinus disease. A snotty nose can be more than a cold: horses sinuses are complex, consisting of six separate compartments on each side of the head. Sinus disease can occur in a number of different ways through multiple causes. Treatment ranges from relatively simple to very complex. Sinus cysts, tooth root abcess and primary sinusitis probably make up the three most common categories of sinus disease.

To find out more go to http://advancedequinedentistry.com.au/

Straight From The Horse’s Mouth: Word of Mouth Matters in the Horse Industry

It’s obvious to say that tooth restoration along with fillings are crucial to human wellbeing and the same applies to our ponies.

Likewise Enogerra is a horsey place and they mostly have perfect teeth so that’s where we recently travelled to meet a couple of horse whisperers.

John Chatterton has spent more than 40 years working with young and problem horses and their owners. Based in Queensland just south of Brisbane, John also travels to other states in Australia offering Clinics and Private Lessons to assist horse owners with developing safe and rewarding relationships with their horses.

John believes that horses inherently seek comfort and he bases his training on what he calls ‘affiliative leadership’ rather than the usual dominant leadership principles of most other horsemanship methods. He teaches that if the handler or rider becomes the comfort zone for the horse, a respectful bonded relationship is the result.

Cassie from Horse Whispers has this story to tell:

Over the years, I have studied and practised a variety of complementary therapies such as Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, Reiki, Energy Healing, Clay Therapy, Homeopathy, Herbology, Yoga, Meditation, Chakra and Kundalini Therapy, just to name a few. However, I did not find using these therapies on humans fulfilling.
In the early 2000s, I decided to entirely shift my knowledge and skills towards the animal kingdom when I acquired my beautiful Quarter Horse mare Lily and rescued my beloved Thoroughbred Thunder (may he rest in peace).
Lily and Thunder took me on a path that led me to discover their secret world and to become an animal communicator. They taught me that inter-species communication is real and humans have a lot to learn from animals.
These two horses have taught me more than any book or course would ever teach me!
All the knowledge I had acquired over the years, somehow were brought together into an amazing overarching asset where new skills had to be added.
They have shown me and guided me into practising Intuitive Animal Communication as, without it, I would not have been able to establish the harmonious and fruitful relationship we have. It has been an inspiring wonderful journey I will never forget.

I am a registered practitioner (Animal Therapies) with the Holistic Health Association International and I hold the following: Dip. Animal Energy Healing, Dip. Flower Essences, Cert. Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy for Pets, Dip. Animal Communication and Adv. Animal Communication (Marta Williams), Reiki Master Usui and Kundalini Reiki, Angel Intuitive (Doreen Virtue), Cert. Animal Homeopathy, Cert IV Training and Assessment.
I also have a degree in Software Engineering (the things you do in life!)
I am enrolled in the Master of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University, specialising in animal behaviour and nutrition, especially for our equine friends.
Amazingly, all the above give me diversity and the ability to approach animals with an opened heart and much understanding that bring me close to them.

Horse Racing Around The World

Horse-racing-around-the-world

Horse racing is an ancient sport dating back to about 4500BC. Horses were used as a form of transportation by the nomadic tribesmen of Central Asia who first domesticated the horses. Horse racing as a sport started when the Greeks created a game involving horses mounted to chariots or two-wheeled carts. Chariot and mounted horse racing was included in the ancient Greek Olympics. The sport was also popular in the Roman Empire and Egypt. Horse racing became a sport of formal competition at the thirty-third Olympiad when men appeared on the horses instead of behind and were called jockeys.

The origin of the modern horse racing can be traced in the 12th century in England. Knights returned from Crusades with Arab horses. The English nobles would privately wager on the fastest horse during match races. Since then, the sport has flourished as the sports of kings. Horse racing became an organized sport for all civilization around the world. Modern day horse racing are held at horse racetracks. There are many top-class horse courses around the world. Today, horse racing is not just a sport but one of the few forms of gambling that is legal worldwide. People can indulge in the tradition and they can place their bets at horses around the world online.

Horse Racing in the USA
North America
The horse racing sport was established in the North America in 1665, almost two centuries before it was popular in the UK. The first racetrack was built in the same year under the supervision of New York’s colonial governor, Richard Nicolls. But it wasn’t until the later half of the 18th century that it gained a proper organised form. In 1890 there were 314 tracks in operation for thoroughbred racing. The organized horse racing in the USA started after the civil war.

Horse racing in the US is a multi-billion dollar industry. Racing is supplying jobs to hundred thousands of Americans and major source of tax revenue for many States. Horse racing in the US features some of the most important races in the world including the annual Breeders’ Cup and the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes). This is the second richest horse race in the world with $5,000,000 purse. The most prestigious race in the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby with $2million purse. The second leg is the Preakness Stakes with a $1million purse. The third leg is the Belmont Stakes which is the oldest in the Triple Crown that dates back to 1867 has a $1million purse.

Horseracing enjoyed complete freedom in the US for more than a decade as bets are made through the racing wagering systems. Online horseracing betting is a legal form of Internet gambling. Betting is regulated by each state through the legal pari-mutuel gambling third parties. The states which allow horseracing bets are: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Horse Racing in South America
South American has the tradition of producing tough and durable thoroughbreds. Many world-class horse racetracks exist in South America, but this sport is not so famous in South America compared to other parts of the world. The most popular horse race that can be found in South America is Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina which draws audiences from all over the continent. This race takes place in Hipódromo de San Isidro the biggest racetrack in both South America and North America which was opened in 1935. The track has 2,783 meter long turf where 1,000-meter long races are held.

The Hipodromo La Rinconada in Caracas, Venezuela is notable for the Gran Premio Clásico Simón Bolívar. This is one of the most modern racecourse in the continent that can accommodate up to 12,500 seated people. It houses a Museum of Arts, and the famous Alejandro Otero El Polyhedron. It also hosted concerts and has attracted more than 60,000 people.

The Hipodromo Nacional de Maroñas in Montevideo, Uruguay is an old racecourse that was opened in 1874. It has a 1.28 mile main dirt track and 1.24 training track. Local horse races are held every weekend. The most notable of the races held on this track is the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez. This is a Group I flat race for three-year-olds and up, run over a distance of 2400 metres held every January 6.

Horse Racing in Europe
Horse racing in Europe has a long and glorious history which dates back in the early 18th century particularly in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland. The most popular form of horse racing in Europe is the steeplechase – the race which involves obstacles either hurdles or fences.

United Kingdom
Many of the horse racing sports rules and regulations were established in the United Kingdom in the 17th to 19th centuries. Horse racing in UK is predominantly thoroughbred flat racing and steeplechase. The most famous horse racing course in the UK is the Aintree Racecourse it’s the home of the definitive National Hunt steeplechase and the Grand National which is considered the most difficult steeplechase in the world (30 fences spread over the distance of 7,242 meters).

France
France has a mature horse racing industry dating back to 1879 when the Chantilly Racecourse was built. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomp held in Longchamp Racecourse is one of Europe’s biggest horse-racing events. This 1 1/2-mile race has been held almost every year since 1920. Every first Sunday of October thousands of elegant spectators fill the grandstand and nearly a billion people in over 30 countries watched it on television and online. It is the third richest horse race in the world with $5.4 million purse.

Ireland
Ireland has a rich history of horse racing and breeding, according to a legend the first chase occurred in Ireland in 1752. The steeplechase was established as an Irish sport by the early parts of 19th century. Point to pointing originated in Ireland and today it is more popular than flat racing. Curragh Racecourse, the oldest racecourse in Ireland begin its operation in 1727 and had been witness to the five classic horsing events: Irish 1,000 Guineas, Irish 2,000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and the Irish St. Leger. These races have the highest purses in the country.

Horse Racing in Australia
The Australian thoroughbred horse racing industry ranks #3 in the world. Australia has more racecourses than any other nation in the world today. The most important horse race in Australia is the Melbourne Cup, also known as the Race That Stops a Nation it’s the second richest horse race in the world with $5.65 million purse. The first Melbourne Cup took place in 1838 and it is known as one of the greatest challenging handicapped horse races in the world. Other notable races include Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, Oaks, Golden Slipper and the three AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes races. Randwick Racecourse is famous in Sydney horse racing as it hosts the Queen’s Plate.

Horse Racing in Asia
Horse racing has been a part of the Asian culture for millennia. It was a popular pastime for the aristocracy in Zhou Dynasty in 4th century BC. Horse racing and equestrian sports in Asia was dominated by Mongol influence. Horse racing is an established sport in Asia although there are fewer world famous horse racing courses compared to other parts of the world. Racing events are conducted in many countries across Asia including Japan, India, South Korea, Philippines and United Arab Emirates. The riches horse race in the world with $10 million purse happens at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE.

Japan
There are three types of horse racing in Japan flat racing, jump racing and draft racing or Ban’ei. Japan conducts more than 21,000 horse races a year with a total of 30 racetracks. The races are conducted by the Japan Racing Association and National Association of Racing. The top stakes races run in the spring, autumn and winter. Japan Cup an invitational turf race run every November at Tokyo Racecourse is the country’s most prominent race with a purse of about $5.6 million.

India
Horse racing in India is over 200 years old, making it the oldest racing jurisdiction in Asia where racing was conducted under rules. The first racecourse in India was set up in Madras in 1777. There are five Classic races in India: the Indian 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Indian Oaks, Indian Derby and the Indian St. Leger. All four run in Mumbai while the St. Leger is run in Pune. Today, India has a very well established racing and breeding industry.

Philippines
Horse racing in the Philippines began in 1867 as a recreational activity for the rich during the Spanish colonization. The Manila Jockey Club was founded by the Philippine Governor General Jose de la Gandara y Navarro with 100 founding partners, it was the first racing club established in the Southeast Asia. The history or horse racing in the Philippines was divided into three divisions according to the breed of horses used and the three significant eras of Philippine history. The English-style horseracing was first used in 1881 in the oval of Hippodromo de Santa Mesa. Betting on horse races was permitted in 1903 and people from all social strata were allowed to go to the hippodrome to watch horse races. At present there are two venues for horseracing, the Manila Jockey Club and the Philippine Racing Club. The Philippine Racing Commission is the government mandated regulating agency.