NEWS
Keep up to date with the latest news, events and activities of Australia's largest recreational and pleasure horse breed society - The Australian Stock Horse Society.
Browse recent News Items, view a comprehensive list of Coming Events or the ASHS Newsletter. This News Centre also has resources for Media, including an electronic Media Kit and Fact Sheet.
Westpac Bank Star Of The Year Winner 2009 - HALLS RANSOM
HALLS RANSOM (ASH Reg. 165909), one of Australian Outback Spectacular’s top bred Australian Stock Horses, has taken out the prestigious Westpac Bank 'Star of the Year' award.
The Westpac Bank ‘Star of the Year’ trophy is an annual award that is awarded to an Australian Stock Horse that has been an outstanding ambassador for the Australian Stock Horse breed throughout the past year.
Please click here to download the media release
EI Vaccination – What a Waste
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) has just made available a press release regarding EI Vaccinations. If you wish to read the press release, please click here.
Riders Get Back In The Saddle For Cancer
Following the success of the 2009 “Pink” Ride, the Stockman’s Hall of Fame
is pleased to announce the third annual “Pink” ride in the Outback in support
of breast cancer research, to be held in Longreach, Saturday 26 June 2010.
Please click here to download the media release and here for the 2010 Advertisement.
Horse Float Raffle Result
Congratulations to Mrs Marjolijn Fitzgerald, of Walcha NSW 2354, the winner of The Australian Stock Horse Society and Smiff Industries Horse Float Raffle
Level 1 Coaching Accreditation Course
The Australian Stock Horse Society's Board of Directors have approved a Level 1 Coaching Accreditation Course. A course fee of $1,000 (+ GST) per participant will be payable upon acceptance into the program.
Please click here to download an application form.
Hendra Virus Update - 22 December 2009
Click here for the most recent Hendra Virus (HeV) information updates from the Australian NSW Government Department of Industry and Investment. This document includes a description of the Hendra Virus and links to additional information such as how to identify the virus in horses and humans, the latest research, and who to contact if you believe a horse or human is infected.
Change to the dates and venue of 2010 National Championships
Please note that the 2010 ASHS National Championships will be held at the Australian Equine & Livestock Event Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth from 14th to 16th May 2010.
Click here to refer to the National Championships Page
The 2010 Fountain of Youth Sale will now be held at the Nationals at AELEC on Saturday, 15th May 2010.
Hendra Virus Update - 23 September 2009
Bowen
Three properties remain under quarantine at Bowen. Biosecurity and movement restrictions will continue to apply until Biosecurity Queensland is completely confident there is no chance of any further Hendra virus infection.
The final samples from all horses on the three properties are planned for early October. This timing coincides with a 32 day period since the last risk exposure to Hendra virus. The results from this procedure will inform the final decision for lifting all quarantine conditions.
Cawarral
Three properties remain in quarantine at Cawarral, including the original infected property.
Decontamination procedures have been undertaken on the infected property in areas where previously infected horses had been held. This work is largely complete.
The final samples from all horses on the infected property and a neighbouring property are planned for later this week. This timing coincides with a 32 day period since the last risk exposure to Hendra virus. The results from this procedure will inform the final decision for lifting all quarantine conditions. The third property at Cawarral is in the final stages of resolution prior to lifting of all quarantine restrictions.
Community engagement
The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries mobile office has left Bowen and returned to its base in southern Queensland. The mobile office proved to be an effective focal point for the community at Bowen and surrounds to access the latest information and advice on Hendra virus.
The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website continues to be updated with the latest information on Hendra virus. It is available at the following link: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
Latest Hendra Research from Australian Biosecurity
Click here for the most recent Hendra Virus (HeV) research update from the Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Diseases. This easy-to-read 13 page document includes data from the recent HeV incident at Cawarral, however it was released prior to the latest incident in Bowen.
Horse Industry Contacts Requested in Sydney Basin
Andrew Docking, Resource Management Officer at the NSW Department of Industry & Investment Primary Industries is currently working on a project called Sydney's Agriculture: Planning for the Future.
An Agricultural Reference Group has been established to discuss recommendations from the Agriculture Forum and an agency Working Group (WG). As the horse industry is a large land user in the Sydney basin the WG is keen to include relevant horse industry contacts to be part of the Agriculture Reference Group. Please send horse association contact names and/or email contacts of any groups that wish to be kept informed of progress via an information list to Andrew at andrew.docking@industry.nsw.gov.au.
The project originated from an agriculture forum in 2008 which identified issues for the sustainable development of agricultural industries in the Sydney basin - to see the report, click here.
Biosecurity Queensland confirm new Hendra virus incident
9 September 2009
Biosecurity Queensland is managing another case of Hendra virus infection on a property outside Bowen in North Queensland after test results on a deceased horse came back positive for the virus.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Rick Symons said last week a private vet had reported a suspect case to Biosecurity Queensland after attending a sick horse on the property.
"The vet attended the horse over several days last week and samples were taken and forwarded to Brisbane for testing. The horse was euthanised on Thursday," Dr Symons said.
"The sample results came back last night as positive and we immediately began implementing control procedures.
"There is one other horse on the property, which is healthy. A third horse on the same property died one month ago but we do not have any samples to test. The property is under quarantine.
"There is one resident at the property who has been informed of the test results.
"There are a number of horses on an adjoining property and Biosecurity Queensland officers are working with the owner to assess what, if any, exposure there has been to the most-recently deceased horse.
"Staff will also speak to a small number of residents in the immediate area today and provide the latest information about Hendra virus.
"This is the 13th known incident of Hendra virus infection since 1994."
Dr Symons said it was understood that the veterinarians who attended the horse had been wearing appropriate protective clothing.
"Following the recent tragic events surrounding the Hendra outbreak at Cawarral near Rockhampton, there is a greater awareness amongst vets and horse owners of the risks associated with Hendra virus.
"We encourage vets, horse owners and the community to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of Hendra virus to Biosecurity Queensland and most importantly, to take appropriate precautions when handling any sick horse.
"In a typical week we are testing as many as four samples for routine exclusion. In 2008 we tested more than 200 samples and so far this year we have tested more than 100."
For the latest information about Hendra virus, visit www.dpi.gld.gov.au
Queensland Government
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
Commonwealth Bank Star of the Year and Prince of Wales Trophy Awarded
The Commonwealth Bank Star of the Year Trophy is an Annual Award that recognises an Australian Stock Horse which is deemed to be a good Ambassador for the Society. THE BRAES DRUMMER is the recipient for 2008. Drummer has appeared often in large public entertainments in the last seven years and his versatility certainly fits the saying "the Breed for Every Need".
The Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy is awarded annually in recognition of an Australian Stock Horse that has achieved a number of prestigious performance awards in three event categories in a calendar year. RINGWOULD JAGUAR is the recipient for 2008. Jaguar has excelled at a National and International level in his chosen field. His courage and grace wowed audiences at the 2008 Olympic Games and he is a deserving winner of this award.
(Right Hand Photo by Julie Wilson)
AHIC message to Industry 1 September 2009 - Hendra virus claims another veterinarian
It is with deep regret that we hear of the death of Rockhampton veterinarian Dr. Alister Rodgers after contracting Hendra virus (HeV) from a horse. The AHIC Board extends our deepest sympathies to Alister’s wife and family upon his untimely death.
Since HeV was first detected in 1994, there have been seven human infections. Four of these people have died – horse trainer Vic Rail, cane farmer Mark Preston (who became infected when assisting his veterinarian wife to do a post mortem on a horse), and veterinarians Ben Cuneen and Alister Rodgers who both became infected when treating horses before they realised the horses might have HeV infection. The death rate from HeV infections in humans is now 57%.
The three people who have become infected with HeV and have survived include a stable hand from the original outbreak in Hendra in 1994, a Cairns veterinarian, and a veterinary technician from the Redlands outbreak of HeV in 2008.
It is no surprise then that the Australian Veterinary Association has been very concerned about the lack of research into HeV for quite some time.
In recent years most HeV research has been funded through the Australian Biosecurity Co-operative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (AB – CRC). AB – CRC has not been funded beyond the middle of 2010, and so any research funds they have will rapidly disappear. This means that unless a source of funding is soon found, any future research into HeV is problematic and in jeopardy.
The possibility that future research about HeV might be significantly curtailed must be of very serious concern to all horse owners in Australia. There are still considerable gaps in knowledge about HeV and how it circulates in flying foxes, how they cope with the infection, how HeV passes from flying foxes to horses, and how HeV then passes to humans.
There is no rapid diagnostic test for HeV, there remains a considerable lack of understanding of how to recognise a horse affected by HeV in the initial stages of infection, the proper biosecurity precautions to take early to prevent infection remain ill defined, there is no specific treatment for people who become infected with HeV, there is no vaccine for people or horses, and there remains considerable lack of knowledge and apathy among horse owners about basic biosecurity practices for their horses and properties (despite the lessons that should have been learned from the equine influenza outbreak and increasing frequency of the potentially deadly HeV infection).
Matters surrounding HeV alone provide considerable weight to the need for horse owners to be making ongoing contributions to horse research in Australia. HeV infections, though rare, have devastating effects on people who do contract the infection and those around them – family, friends and work colleagues.
The lives and health of people who work with horses might depend on gaining as much information about HeV as possible, in as short a time as possible.
Hendra Virus – Cawarral 31st August 2009
One property released from restrictions
At the weekend, movement restrictions were lifted for horses on one of the Direct Contact Properties (DCPs) after final negative VNT test results had been received. A timetable has been developed for the testing of horses on all DCPs to allow lifting of movement restrictions.
The horses on the infected property continue to be health checked on a regular basis. One horse on the infected property that had a slightly raised temperature on 25 August 2009 was sampled for testing for Hendra virus. A negative PCR result was returned on the sample. Previous PCR and indirect ELISA tests for this particular horse have been negative. A VNT result is awaited.
Ongoing investigations and information gathered during community engagement activities have determined further horse movements associated with the infected property. These are considered low risk but nevertheless are all being followed up. Movement restrictions are placed on all these contact horses. There are currently 15 Direct Contact Properties (DCPs) associated with the incident.
Community engagement
The Hendra virus site on the Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries website now has more information and fact sheets. The Hendra virus fact sheet for the community has been updated with advice on the lifting of movement restrictions and what this means. In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Resource Management, a fact sheet has been developed on flying foxes and the risks of Hendra virus.
A full package of information is being prepared for sending to all registered veterinarians in, Queensland providing advice and support, including human health advice.
All information, fact sheets and links to research papers on Hendra virus can be found on the QPIF website at the following link: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
For previously published articles regarding the Hendra Virus please click here to access our Archive News page.
Strangles Outbreak
Take note that strangles is in NSW. All states need to be on the alert. NSW DPI has advised of a number of recent outbreaks of strangles on horse properties. Advice from NSW is as follows:
Strangles – take care when introducing new horses to your property. In the last few weeks there have been several cases of strangles on horse properties in NSW have occurred after a new horse arrived on the property.
A horse can appear normal, but be incubating the disease or be a source of infection. Horses can incubate strangles infection for 3 to 8 days before appearing sick. A horse that has had strangles can remain infectious for at least 4 weeks after they recover; some may remain infectious for up to 8 months. For this reason it is important to keep new horses isolated from other horses on your property for at least 2 weeks and check them daily for signs of ill-health. It is a good idea to ask the person who last cared for the horse whether the horse has been sick in the last few months, or if it has been in contact with sick horses, and get as many details as you can.
If your horse develops a fever, snotty nose or swellings under the jaw consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Remember, strangles is a notifiable disease in NSW. Further information on strangles, how to prevent it, and how to report it is available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/strangles
Strangles is only one of the notifiable diseases of horses inAustralia. Horse owners should be aware of those diseases - more information can be found on the websites of the different State Departments.
Biosecurity and Quarantine
The current outbreak of Hendra virus (HeV) on a horse property in QLD emphasises again the critical importance of observation and reporting of clinical disease in horses. Recently, outbreaks of strangles on a number of properties in NSW provide additional proof of the need for all horse owners to institute biosecurity measures on their properties. This includes isolation of all new arrivals for a suitable period to prevent introduction of any disease onto the property.
July 2009 ASHS Annual General Meeting Minutes
The AGM went well with over 60 Members attending - please view the photos below. The minutes of the meeting have been compiled into a pdf file for viewing and are available for download by clicking on the following link:
Please click here to download the 2009 ASHS AGM Minutes
Captions (L to R):
1. Vicki Mascord, Honorary Member Reva Flint, Jacqueline Mascord and Jean Gavin
2. Malcolm Field and Jenny Petrich
3. Presentation of the Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy to Augusta Saunders, owner of RINGWOULD JAGUAR. Presented by Sally Scott
4. Presentation of the Commonwealth Bank Star of the Year award to Steve Jefferys and Sandy Langsford, owners of THE BRAES DRUMMER. Presented by Malcolm Field.
5. Honorary Member Reva Flint with David Wilson
6. Cecilia Gavin, General Manager Catherine Newman and Maree Sankey
7. Jean Gavin and John Lyons
Goomeri Stock Horse Challenge 2009
Sunday 6th September, at the Goomeri Showground. For more information, please download the Information Sheet and Workout Sheet.
Attention all Branches and Management Councils:
The Board of Directors are seeking Expressions of Interest for the running of the ASHS National Show for 2009, 2010 and 2011. At the recent meeting, the Board resolved that $10,000 will be given to Branches or Management Councils to assist running the annual National Show.
If your Branch or Management Council is interested, please contact Catherine Newman at Head Office for further information.
2009 National Championships Results
A webpage has been made for the update of content relating to the ASHS National Championships held every year. The page can be found by following THIS LINK and includes the option to download the 2009 National Championships Results.
2009 Royal Adelaide Show Horse Junior Judging
The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia Inc, is pleased to announce a new Horse Open Junior Judging competition to be staged at the 2009 Royal Adelaide Show.
Please click here to download a flyer with more information
Half Price Memberships
New Members applying for a Full or Youth Membership after 1st July 2009, will receive a 50% reduction on the annual fee. Renewal of the Membership will then be due on 1st January 2010.
Click here to download an information sheet
ASHS National Championships 2010 and 2011
Please take note that the date for the National Championships is the weekend following the conclusion of the Scone Horse Festival for the next two years i.e. 2010 and 2011 and that the Championships are to be held in Scone, NSW for both these years.
New ASHS Website Page - From the GM
Click on the "From the GM" link under the News menu to hear from The Australian Stock Horse Society General Manager, Catherine Newman. You may find she's coming to a town near you!
2008 Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale Results
Sold 279 horses Gross: $2,494,273 Average: $8,940
160 Mares Gross: $1,681,273 Average: $10,508
107 Geldings Gross: $625,500 Average: $5,846
12 Stallions Gross: $187,500 Average: $15,625
Top Priced Mare: Lot 285 - CLARKE FAMILY ROXETTE $70,000
Top Priced Stallion: Lot 282 - SODA BRADMAN $40,000
Top Priced Gelding: Lot 316 - VINTAGE CASEY $24,000
New Patron for the Society
The Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has accepted the position of Honorary Patron of The Australian Stock Horse Society.
13th August 2008 - Australia Takes Silver in Team Eventing at Hong Kong
Australia won the Olympic silver medal in the team eventing Tuesday night, after being narrowly pipped for gold by Germany.
Sonja Johnson, riding Australian Stock Horse RINGWOULD JAGUAR, recorded a score of 58.80 in the team showjumping.
"I know I don't always ride the prettiest round in the world but the prettiest thing we were after is that zero (penalties) on the board," she said. "So therefore I think it's probably been one of the prettiest rounds of the night."
4th July 2008 - Australian Stock Horse RINGWOULD JAGUAR to represent Australia at Beijing
The National Selectors have named the horse and rider combinations to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. Included in the Eventing team is Sonja Johnson and RINGWOULD JAGUAR. Congratulations to Jaguars' owners, Jim and Gussies Saunders, and Sonja for making the team. We wish them the best of luck at Beijing.
Microchipping Australian Stock Horses
The Australian Stock Horse Society does not have compulsory microchipping of Australia Stock Horses in its policy, however, if the Federal Government legislated that all horses had to be microchipped we would be compelled to obey the legislation.
