Foster mum on the way.....

Thank you Horse Deals for helping me get the word out and a bigger thanks goes to Peter & Di Jenkyn of Logan Reserve Qld for offering their Weltmyer mare as a foster mum.
I'm just about to go over to the Jenkyns and pick up the foster
mum. The DPI were fabulous in their understanding of the situation and issued a permit this morning so a BIG thanks must go the DPI people who made it happen.
regards,
Glenn Pearce

The Australian Halter Showcase

Important Notice

It is with much regret & disappointment that the Australian Halter Showcase committee has unanimously decided not to hold the 2008 Showcase. After considerable discussion regarding the EI situation, the following items were taken into account: -

* At this stage the border crossing protocols between States have not been agreed within Government and are not likely to be until early 2008.

* Along with this, the AQHA has recommended against running shows until at least the end of February 2008.

* Given that the Bio Security guidelines have been & still seem to be nearly impossible to meet, we believe that the decision is the only and right one we could have made.

* Many of our sponsors and competitors are affected by the EI situation through their inability to be able to move their horses or conduct their business as usual.

* There are no guarantees and therefore we cannot place the AHS committee members at risk either financially or morally.

* Bio Security requirements are very difficult to manage and monitor at Werribee Park as it is a multi purpose venue.

We understand the disappointment of our loyal sponsors and competitors and look forward to a great 2009 Showcase with real anticipation.

The Australian Halter Showcase committee would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and safe Christmas and New Year

BIOSECURITY AUSTRALIA ADVICE 2007/23 - 6 December 2007

AMENDMENTS TO INTERIM EQUINE INFLUENZA QUARANTINE MEASURES FOR THE IMPORTATION OF HORSES

Biosecurity Australia has updated its advice to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to amend the interim quarantine measures for the importation of horses that were announced on 28 September 2007.

read more here

Horse flu red zone restrictions to remain for months

Queensland's chief vet says he expects restrictions on horse movements in red zones in south-east Queensland to remain in place until June next year.
From today, free movement will be allowed in a new amber zone that includes the Maroochy Shire, Dalby and Stanthorpe, but horses will still need a permit to move out of the area.
Red zone restrictions have been completely lifted in Gympie, Goondiwindi and Nanango.
The state's chief vet, Ron Glanville, says while the threat of equine influenza has eased, strict biosecurity measures will continue into next year.
"We're looking at introducing changes progressively so that amber zone that we bring in this week, we're expecting that to go green like the rest of the state maybe in March," he said.
"The inner-red area that's still got infection in it. We're probably looking at that being completely free of restrictions sometime towards the end of June."

Entrants flock to Camperdown following horse flu threat

Despite equine influenza preventing the movement of horses in New South Wales and Queensland, Camperdown's major equestrian event still has good entries.
The Lakes and Craters Three Day Event is a qualifier for the Olympics and World Games, so it often attracts some of Australia's best riders and their horses.
The competition starts today with dressage, cross-country is held tomorrow and the event wraps up on Sunday with show jumping.
Event director Barry Roycroft says it is only the second time since the equine influenza outbreak that there has been an equestrian event in Victoria.
"Entries are back by about 80 on last year, but under the circumstances we've done very well," he said. "We've got 153 horses coming, we've got the biggest number of juniors we've ever had and a very strong young rider field.

Sydney horse sale 'rejuvenates industry'

Sydney is hosting its first thoroughbred sale since equine flu took hold, in a further sign the New South Wales horse industry is bouncing back from the outbreak.
The Hunter Valley's thoroughbred studs were among the hardest hit by the flu outbreak, causing the industry to lose millions of dollars in breeding fees.
The introduction of quarantine zones eventually got the breeding season back on track and some of those studs will be further buoyed today, when their horses go under the hammer at the William Inglis Christmas thoroughbred sale.
Strict quarantine measures will be in place when the 88 horses are offered at the sale at Newmarket, down from 200 last year.
Spokesman Jonathon D'Arcy blames the reduction in lots on the flu outbreak, which has led to stringent controls on the horses being offered.
"The horses coming here have to have either had the disease and been resolved or have been vaccinated," he said.
"So any horse that isn't in one of those two categories couldn't come to the sale, which is unfortunate.
"We had many, many horses wanting to be sold that we couldn't sell because they weren't either vaccinated or resolved."
But Oliver Tait, from Aberdeen's Darley stud, says it will be a good morale booster.
"It's terrific and following on from the first race meeting at Randwick last weekend, it's great that things are heading towards normal," he said.
The brood mare Sensuous and the bay gelding Rightson are tipped to fetch the top prices.

Byalee Bronte

It is with much sadness that we confirm that Byalee Bronte passed away last night. Our thoughts are with Ann-Maree Lourey and her family at this difficult time.

No Horses For Canberra Royal

Dear Horse Exhibitors:

It is with much regret that we advise that we have cancelled the horse events at the 2008 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show, due to Equine Influenza. We have tried every avenue to keep our horse events alive. We’ve had discussions with the Chief Vet in the ACT and vets in the NSW DPI and have even raised the issue with our ACT Chief Minister.

Conditions could improve in the next six weeks, but people need adequate time to prepare their horses, especially for a Royal Show. We have to make decisions based on what we know now, and there is too much uncertainty as to the future.

At the moment, we cannot have horses from Victoria and South Australia. Victoria is digging its heels in with very demanding quarantine protocols before agreeing to opening their border. We can only have horses from the green zone in NSW and ACT. That has left us with limited horse entries. The bio-security measures that we have to put in place, whilst not insurmountable, are not practical. If we had an outbreak it would mean shutting down Harness and Thoroughbred racing in the ACT.

We simply could not afford the risk of having to manage a ‘lock down’ of 45 days and adequately care for and exercise all of those horses. Worst still, if we did have the Show and horses did not show any sign of Equine Influenza because the incubation period is 5-6 days, and subsequently they returned to infect over 200 properties and stables – we could wipe out the green zone of NSW overnight. Remember it just takes one member of the public from an infected property to get into our Show and pat a horse to cause a serious problem. The Barmedman outbreak is an example of this.

We need to act responsibly. We can defeat this virus and rid it from Australia forever. According to current predictions that should be around May, June 2008.

The Society will now proceed to refund all entry fees and membership fees. Please be patient, it will take some time to process close to 6,000 entries. There isn’t much more we can say. We know the hardship this dreadful disease has caused so many hard working and earnest people in the recreational horse industry.

Stay strong, have the best Christmas you can under the circumstances and we look forward to seeing you at Australia’s biggest horse Show, the 2009 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show!

Enquiries: Amy Gorman, phone (02) 6241 8867, email amy@rncas.org.au
Geoff Cannock Neil Austin
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF HORSE STEWARD

Double Standards

I had the dpi vets drive straight past me and my horse yesterday even though they knew I was waiting for them to come and vaccinate my pony as we live in a buffer zone . The neighbours both had their horses done. We all rang the same number to inform the dpi that we had horses. Is this double standards?? or beauracracy gone mad , because now they will have to come back out this way just to do my pony, who by the way is worth much more than any bloody racehorse as far as my family is concerned.
Mrs Buckley

New zones for Queensland

click here to see the breakdown of the new zones and what it means for you


**click on map to enlarge**

New Amber Zone means more movement for more Queensland horses

Major changes to movement restrictions come in to force today (Friday 7 December 2007) with more Queensland horse owners now able to ride and transport their horses.
One of the most significant changes is that some areas including Maroochy Shire, Dalby and Stanthorpe are out of the red, and now classified as being in a new ‘Amber Zone’.
DPI&F Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Ron Glanville encouraged all horse owners, regardless of which zone they live in, to ‘get the facts’ from the DPI&F website about the new changes before they move any horses, as strict conditions still apply in a large part of south east Queensland and risk of disease spread remains.
“To ensure we find the balance between reducing the risk of the disease spreading and helping the industry to recover, these new changes are complex – but they are good news for horse owners,” Dr Glanville said.
“The changes to movement conditions are very specific to the situation in specific areas – particularly in the Red Zone, where there is still a risk of the disease spreading.
“Please visit the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au to find out what the changes mean to you or call 13 25 23 to ask any questions,” Dr Glanville said.
“Congratulations are in order to the thousands of horse owners and local businesses who have been so vigilant in maintaining biosecurity procedures and in slowing the spread of this highly virulent disease and stopping it from escaping the south east corner.
“It’s this commitment to holding firm during these recent tough times that have enabled these less-restrictive changes.”
Major changes to movement restrictions in place from today (7.12.07) include:
• Horse owners in the Red Zone will still need a permit to move their horse, but will notice some changes to the criteria for permit applications which may make it easier for some people to receive one.
• Horses in the Amber Zone can move freely within that zone. They must be accompanied by a waybill unless being walked or ridden..
• Horse owners in the Amber Zone will need a permit to move to other zones and special conditions will apply.
• Some areas of the Red Zone will also now join the Green Zone, which means horse owners can ride and transport their horse freely within the green zone, as long as they have a waybill.
• Events will be able to be held in the Amber Zone and may be able to be held in the Red Zone under strict conditions. However all events need to be approved by the DPI&F, with approvals based on risk.
This is the first significant zoning change since the EI outbreak started in August. If good progress with disease eradication continues the prospect of further relaxation of movement conditions is good.
An announcement regarding further relaxation of conditions within the red zone is expected early in the new year.
According to Dr Glanville, there are still a number of critical things that don’t change today including:
• Decontamination is still very important and essential in stopping the spread of Equine Influenza
• You still need to report cases of EI to DPI&F. This is now even more important in order to track infection as we get fewer and fewer cases.
• If you have horses, it is still compulsory to register your property with DPI&F
• You can still apply for vaccination online www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
• Financial assistance is still available.
A full table outlining movement restrictions for each zone, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and in depth maps showing where zones start and finish are all available on the DPI&F website.
Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.

QPPHI recovery Forum

INVITATION - RECOVERY FORUM: Saturday 15th December, 2007.


You are invited to attend a forum to address the following hot EI topics:
Current status of EI in QLD
Movement protocols, announced 7th December by DPI&F
Returning your horse to training – what you need to know
Protocols for staging events during the EI recovery period for all zones
Other issues including the future of the industry post EI

This forum is open to all in the industry but will be of particular interest to competitors, active participants and event organisers.
The QPPHI, strongly urges all event organisers anticipating conducting an event in 2008 to attend this forum. A key feature of this forum will be the presentation of the protocols for staging an event in QLD.
Simon Goddard, Project Officer, Event Committee Confidence Package, will be working through the framework and will be available to address questions and concerns. These protocols have been developed with the continued support of the DPI&F in consultation with the QPPHI and are designed to reduce risk, streamline administration and demystify Bio-security requirements in an EI context.
The meeting, which is being hosted by the QPPHI, is intended to be the first in a series of forums to assist the industry back to business after the devastating impacts of EI.
RSVP to the forum is essential.
EI Recovery Forum:
Date: Saturday 15 December
Time: 11am – 3pm
Address: Fernvale Community Hall (at the Fernvale Campdraft and Recreational Reserve)
Banks Creek Road, Fernvale
RSVP: By Thursday 13th December, 2007.
Email: toftendu@gil.com.au or simon.goddard@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: Peter Toft 0419 780841
Refreshments Available.
“A better industry through positive and constructive engagement”

Sold to Amber Zone

Have received 30 to 40 calls at least
and sold within the first 3 days. Going
from a Green Zone to Amber Zone,
DPI were great and had the permit
within 24 hours!
(December Horse Deals)










**Click to enlarge**

Victorian Southern Circuit

The Yarra Valley Quarter Horse Association along with the Vcitorian Quarter Horse Association, Gippsland Regional Appaloosa Club and Peninsular Quarter Horse Association are please to announce the Victorian Southern Circuit. This will include the Vcitorian Quarter Horse State championships and will be held at Tonimbuk 4th - 6th January 8th & 9th January 11th - 13th January
All inquiries to Trish Wettenhall on 0418 567 180 or triandibo@bigpond.com

Werribee Park back to business after the 1st of January.

EFA Victoria branch CEO, Jackie Woodhead assured everyone that Werribee Park would return to normal equestrian activities after the 1st of January. “ The DPI will move the horses from NSW into Werribee Park on the 18th of December and they will all be gone by the 31st of December. The DPI lease runs out on the date and then we are back to normal events. The first event booked is the VDC Freestyle and Open Competition on Saturday the 12th of January for which the closing date for entries has been extended to Friday 14th December. The competition will only be cancelled if there is an actual outbreak of EI in Victoria or lack of entries. Our aim will be to accept all entries and split classes were/if necessary.

Following the dressage event there will be three days of showjumping at Werribee from the 25th to the 27th of January followed by Barastoc Horse of the Year 14th to the 17th of February.




A number of organizations have cancelled their events booked for Werribee Park in the first half of next year. This is disappointing as while Victoria remains EI free there is no reason why equestrian events can not be held and holding events at WPNEC makes implementing the bio-security conditions much easier.”

EI Again

DPI Leading the way in Strict Bio-Security Protocols

Can anyone answer this question for me.

With all these DPI meetings occuring, how many of you had to go through strict bio-security procedures before entering the meeting area with many other horse people in the SAME room. I was not asked to. I did mine outside my car parked down the road and before I got back in my car and showered when I got home.
I even was asked to sign in using the same pen as everyone else used....I used my own.
Did you also notice that some of the people who turned up for these meetings looked like they just got off a horse?
And these meetings are run by the DPI.

And they are telling us to follow SRICT BIO-SECURITY potocols.

How many of you took EI home.
Tracy Stead Equestrian Services

Thanks Horse Deals I have a new mum

As you can see from my latest pic I`m now allowed out and about so when my foster mum arrives I will be able show her around.Thank you Horse Deals for helping me get the word out and a bigger thanks goes to Peter & Di Jenkyn of Logan Reserve Qld for offering their Weltmyer mare as a foster mum. From her pics we even look alike. When she arrives I will see if I can get someone to take pics so I can send them off to all my new friends. All we need now is a permit so my new mum can come and stay which should not be to difficult should it.. To all those people who called / emailed in response to my request thank you and a Merry Christmas to all. Glenn Pearce