HORSE HEALTH
RIDER BIOMECHANICS IRELAND
Water: If attending lessons/clinics away from home, ensure your horse has access to fresh water between session and/or while waiting for your lesson, especially during warm weather
Feeding: Horses should not be without forage for more than 4 hours. This will reduce the likelihood of colic and ulcers.
Hoof care: For your horse’s health and wellbeing it is necessary to ensure he is re-shod or trimmed regularly (every 4 to 8 weeks). Consult your farrier or trimmer for advice on your horse’s hoof care.
For the latest in laminitis research go to: http://www.laminitisresearch.org/
Dentistry: Your horses teeth should be checked twice per year by a horse dental technician or vet
Vaccinations: Your horse should be vaccinated against tetanus and Equine influenza.
FEI rules regarding Equine Influenza vaccination:
1. Primary course of vaccination - a primary course should always be given according to the manufacturer’s instructions by injection or intranasal administration. This requires 2 doses of vaccine administered between a minimum of 21 to a maximum of 92 days apart (1-3 months). The first booster vaccination must be given no more than 6 months +21 days (see item 5) after the second vaccination of the primary course; a shorter vaccination interval is obviously permitted. 2
2. Route of administration – the vaccine should be administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions (i.e. intramuscular injection or intranasal). The FEI will accept intranasal vaccines for both primary and booster doses. However, it is not possible to change the route of administration between the first and second vaccination of the primary course. 3
3. Specification of Vaccine – all proprietary equine influenza vaccines are acceptable to the FEI irrespective of the route of administration. Univalent vaccines are to be preferred over combination vaccines, especially with regard to vaccination against tetanus. 4
4. Details of Administration – vaccines must be administered by a veterinarian and the details of the vaccine, serial/batch number, the date and route of administration must be recorded in the FEI passport.
5. Booster vaccinations must be given at 6-month intervals. However, to avoid interruption of the horses’ competition schedule, it is permissible to extend the 6-month booster date by a maximum of 21 days. This provides a 3-week window after the 6-month date to vaccinate the horse. (For example, a horse vaccinated on 18 March, has a window for the next vaccination from 18 Sep to 9 Oct). A shorter vaccination interval is obviously permitted. 6
6. The entering of vaccination details in new FEI passports/recognition cards or duplicates – if the vaccination history of a horse is very long, the veterinarian who has filled in the descriptive page of the passport/recognition card may use a specific statement to certify that the vaccinations have been administered in accordance with FEI regulations (for the exact wording see veterinary regulations, Annex II.I.11). Please note that until 31 December 2004, annual booster vaccinations are permitted and from 1 January 2005, bi-annual boosters are required. 7
7. Change in the vaccination schedule - When the vaccination schedule is changed from annual to bi-annual, the horse does not need a new primary vaccination.
Travelling: Check your trailer, especially the floor, prior to travel to reduce risk of injury to your horse. Check your vehicles towing capacity and legal towing speed.
A first aid kit for you and your horse is also advisable when you travel to lessons/clinics or competitions.
RIDERBIOMECHANICSIRELAND
Nicky Mummery, BSc (Equine), AISRB.
Drummod, Bodyke, Co. Clare
Telephone: 087 6232754
Email : riderbiomechanics@gmail.com
Do you want to improve your confidence, stability, refine your aids and achieve greater harmony with your horse?
I can help improve your balance, seat and posture; develop lighter and easier aids for higher movements.
Build your confidence and find a truly safe position. Suitable for all levels and ages of rider. All sports welcome: pleasure, dressage, jumping, etc...
YOUR GOALS REALISED ...
YOUR TIME ON THE RACE COURSE ...
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RIDERBIOMECHANICSIRELAND
