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11/12/2019
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS WHEN WORKING YOUR HORSE IN THIS HEAT
EA has a good Hot Weather Policy that is applied to all EA Competitions, but it’s also a great tool for you to use when deciding how and when to work your horse in the heat. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature gives you an indication of the risk to your horse’s health and wellbeing by taking into account temperature and humidity.
As your horse’s physiology is better at creating heat than loosing heat, your horse will overheat faster than you will on any given day.
As a general rule, if you feel hot, your horse feels hotter.
Damage to muscles and tendons can occur with just a few degrees raised temperatures in the body, so sometimes it’s better to take time off on these very hot or humid days and miss a workout, than it is to work and potentially impact your horse’s welfare.
For example, today in the Swan Valley it will reach 39 degrees with a 37% humidity. That gives us a WBGT rating of 37, which according to the EA Hot Weather policy is a very high risk.
The policy states that for a day such as today: “These environmental conditions are very high risk and are probably not compatible with safe competition.” And also, “Aggressive cooling measures are compulsory for all horses” which would include lots of iced water and fans, and possibly hosing horses with two cold hoses for 20-40 minutes.
The EA Hot Weather Policy for implementation at competitions and EA events, but it’s a useful tool for all riders and horse owners to keep as a reference to help you make good decisions on these hot days to prioritise the welfare of your horse.
We’ll be sharing some examples of what the WBGT rating will be for various days throughout the summer. Download your copy of the EA Hot Weather Policy here.
EVENTS
Off the Track WA Dressage and Jumping Competition
January 18 2020, State Equestrian Centre
Participate in an encouragement competition in dressage and jumping.
For more information and to enter visit https://bit.ly/2RGrLju
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The 2019 Awards Night tickets will be available for purchase soon. Be sure to get them as soon as it goes on sale to be eligible in the Early Bird prize draw. A lucky winner will win either a 2020 Equestrian WA Membership or a one night’s stay in a Deluxe King Room at the Westin Perth with breakfast for two in Garum.
The Equestrian WA 2019 Awards Night would not be possible without the support of sponsors. With that said, we are still on the look-out for a Naming Rights sponsor and also Silver Sponsors for the following categories:
I’ve watched Emily Gray and Jocular Vision go around the 5* at Adelaide for the last few years and always cheered her on along with the rest of Western Australia. After returning home from Melbourne where I had been a working pupil at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre and previously groomed for Rebecca Thomas at FEI level, the opportunity came up to help Em with her 5 horses I was up for the challenge.
Avon Valley Adult Riding Club will be holding their Hunter Trials event again on March 29th 2020. Hunter Trials comprise a jumping course of both cross country and show jumps with some timed skills obstacles thrown in for good measure! Examples of skills obstacles could be a gate to open an close, a slip rail which the rider has to dismount, open and close, then remount (don't worry - we will provide a mounting block!), a bridge to cross etc. We will have various height classes on offer. Camping will be available. 
