Shahzada Endurance ride 27th - 31st August.

The 27th of August marks the start of this year’s Shahzada Endurance Ride.

The Shahzada is a 5 day, 400 km horse ride through the tracks and roads around St. Albans, which lies on the MacDonald River, north west of Sydney. The ride occurs on the last full week of August each year.
    The riders complete two marked courses every day, returning to St Albans at the end of each leg. The riders can leave as early as 4 am, but must have completed the two legs by 5 pm. There is a compulsory 1 hour minimum break between legs for all riders. Each year, the number of entrants in both the main ride and the 3 day training ride (Tues - Thurs) exceeds 150.
    The endurance ride is strictly supervised by a team of professional vets and helpers who are known as TPR Stewards (Temperature, Pulse and Respiration). Each horse is vetted prior to the ride and twice daily (after each leg).

Endurance is one of the most physically gruelling equine sports, typical problems that we see in Endurance horses are Long recovery time post event, Lack of muscle circulation and dehydration during training Inflammation, and Build up of lactic acid accumulation and electrolyte concentration.

Equissage consultant Jenny Bailey will be there for the duration of the event, showing riders how they can assist their horses to be the best they can be through the use of Equissage, to book a demonstration at the event Call Equissage 1800 178 528 or see Jenny on the day so she can show you how your horse can benefit from the Cycloid Vibration Therapies (CVT) that Equissage provides!

NCHA Victorian FUTURITY

This week the National Cutting Horse Association is holding thier futurity competition at the Elmore events centre in Victoria.

The showcase of Cutting is the NCHA Futurity has grown into the richest three year old performance horse event in the Southern Hemisphere. It incorporates the best cutting seen anywhere, the largest country/western rural trade display outside the metropolitan areas, restaurants, bars, big screen, live country music entertainers.

Kylie and Katie will be attending this show, to talk to you about the product and give FREE demonstrations of Equissage and show you how it can help your horse, drop in and see the girls to arrange your free Demo at the show.

Cutting horses perform almost independently of the rider. During the judging points are lost if the rider cues the horse. The objective is to sort one calf from a herd and then to prevent it returning to the other calves. The sport evolved from the practical aspects of ranch work, with the first competition taking place around the turn of the century. In competition the horse is judged for 2.5minutes during which it usually cuts two or three calves.

Cutting is a high-intensity activity in which the horse must have quick reaction times and the ability to turn and accelerate in either direction in response to the unpredictable movements of the calf. When working cows, cutting horses keeps their forequarters, head and neck low while making extremely quick to lateral movements. The hindquarters, used as pivot points, are well under the horse and carry most of the weight. Consequently, this action will cause cutting horses to show stress in the neck, shoulders, chest, back and hindquarters as a result of tension build-up.

Common recorded problems related to Cutting horses that Equissage can help with are;

· Tense and reactive to pain in the lumbar sacral region

· Increase recovery time to common ailments such as sacroiliac ligament strain/sprain

· Stiffness in base of neck – decreasing take off and stride length

· Muscle fatigue, atrophy and dehydration

Equissage is a safe, easy to use, natural, non-aggressive and non-invasive way to effectively warm up and cool down your horse, prevent common issues, improve performance and maintain your horse in peak condition.

Voted “Best New Horse Product in the World” in 2000 BETA UK, Cutting riders world wide love how Equissage provides a full body workout, equivalent to a 10km walk for their competition horse. Equissage gently penetrates through 4 foot of bone and 2 foot of tissue to provide the following benefits to Cutting horses:

· Increased blood flow, specifically around the joints to decrease the likelihood of injuries, sprains and strains

· Improved lymphatic drainage to assist in the removal of lactic acid, speed up recovery, reduce fatigue and encourage water consumption

· Relaxation of the muscles, keeping them soft and supple. Naturally helping to relieve pain, unlock tension and reduce muscle spasm, improves flexion and bend especially in the neck and sacroiliac

· Improved joint mobility to assist in control, accuracy, flexibility and improved reaction times to improve performance

The Olympic Dream.

While we have reported fully in the lead up to the Olympics on our riders, I have delayed this Blog entry for the end of the Eventing competition.

As of the 31^st July Megan reports that Floyd (Kirby Park allofasudden) is no longer sore and is making a rapid recovery unfortunately a few days too late to get a start in the Olympic team.

Everyone here at Team Equissage much like the rest of Australia are all a bit bleary eyed from staying up late watching our fantastic Eventing team put it all on the line for Australian Eventing Glory.

While the team ended up a bit lower on the leader board than we would have hope, the event did show that there is so much importance on the horses fitness being paramount.

Our competitive exploits, ambitions and achievements hinge on our horses soundness and health, whether it be missing the local Pony club rally, The local Race meet or the Olympics due to a slight soreness, it is our role as leader to ensure that our horses are at their best every time we ask them to work for us.

Equissage give us the opportunity to ensure that our horses are at their peak at all times, with the proven increase in Circulation, lymphatic drainage, joint mobility and muscle relaxation.

Using Equissage daily gives your horse the opportunity to be the best horse he can be.

Sad news from the MJET camp

Sad news from the MJET (Megan Jones Eventing Team) camp came through this morning.

"What a roller coaster ride the last couple of days has been!

You may have heard the sad news, but if not…the MJET team is reeling from the devastating report that came today from Megan when she was forced to make the decision to withdraw from her place on the Australian Olympic eventing team due to an injury that Floyd had sustained in the last 24 hours.

This sport is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad, and the sign of a true professional athlete is the resilience that they show in the difficult times. 

Megan is showing us her true colours remaining strong and resilient and contemplating her options of competing in Europe during the next few months at Burleigh and Pau (France).

As soon as she has formulated a plan I will let you know.

Thank you again for all your support…she has appreciated your messages!

Back with you soon,

Leigh Beissel

megan jones eventing team"

We Wish Floyd a speedy recovery and would also like to wish all the best to Sam Griffiths who will step in to take Megan's place on the Olympic team.

Megan shows her team spirit

Equissage sponsored rider Megan Jones shows her team spirit when interviewed about taking her place in the Australian Olympic team.

www.olympics.com.au, Wednesday, 25 July 2012 (from the EA website)

Shane Rose won’t be physically at the Olympic Games but his name will be.

Rose was forced to withdraw from the Games over the weekend following an injury to his horse Taurus, but the reserve, Megan Jones, who has been outfitted today in London has revealed a special gesture will keep Rose part of the Olympic team.

All competitors have their names displayed on their riding helmets – and Rose presented his to Jones when she formally came into the squad.

Jones has revealed she will keep the name Shane Rose on her riding helmet.

“I looked at it and thought ‘I can take it off’, but then I thought, no, Shane can ride with me in spirit,” Jones said.

“Shane is one of the greatest cross country riders in the world so I might show the horses too."

But while Jones gesture has impressed everyone in the Australian Olympic Team, her generosity won’t extend to medals.

“I won't be cutting any medals in half. He can come around though and have a pat,” Jones laughed.

We look forward to watching another of our Equissage Ambassadors taking to the ultimate international stage when the Eventing starts this Saturday.

Eventing competition times
Sat 28 July: 10.00-16.15   Dressage, day 1
Sun 29 July: 10.00-16.15   Dressage, day 2
Mon 30 July: 12.30-17.30   Cross-country
Tues 31 July: 10.30-16.00   Showjumping and medal ceremonies

Megan steps in to ride for Australia.

Congratulations to Equissage sponsored rider, Megan Jones and her horse Allofasudden who found out this morning that they will be competing in the 2012 London Olympic Games!

Shane Rose’s horse Taurus sustained a soft tissue injury during training and was this morning ruled out of competition, we wish Taurus a speedy recovery! Good luck Team Aus!

EA press release

http://www.aet.equestrian.org.au/default.asp?Page=29737

Shane’s emotional interview regarding his withdrawal.

http://london2012.olympics.com.au/media/063E2C60-D422-11E1-BA8A005056A37760

Megan Jones talking about her preparation ahead of the trip to London, as travelling reserve, little did she know a few days later she would be a part of the team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHcXgEJNZ88&list=PL27985F8C38848D38&index=4&feature=plpp_video

Megan riding Kirby Park Allodasudden

Our Olympic riders

With the Olympics drawing so close that London locals can smell the sweat from the best athletes in the work training in the air, I thought this would be a good time to have a look at just how many team horses and riders in the Australian and New Zealand Equestrian teams benefit from using Equissage.

Australian Olympic Equissage riders are:
Mary Hanna - Dressage
Shane Rose - Eventing
Megan Jones - Eventing (Team Reserve)
Tim Boland - Eventing (Team Reserve)

NZ riders:
Mark Todd - Eventing

And not to leave out Australian Ex Pat Boyd Martin who will ride for team USA.

The members of the Australian Equestrian team yesterday were kitted out in their uniform as seen here in their first official team photo.

Several of the Olympic team members and reserves are Equissage riders, and we will endeavour to bring you updates as they come on the success of our riders.

Interview with Megan

While in the middle of preparations for the Olympics Megan takes a moment to talk about preparing her horse for the games and the big trip to London.

Equissage for the Rodeo Horse.

Rodeo is a tough sport, where in every event the competitors both human and equine need to be fast, agile, smart and tough, 100ths of a second split winners and losers and a horse that is competing at its best can make all the difference.

Zoe Swain Master Dentist and Australian Rodeo legend cannot speak highly enough of Equissage.

"Since using the EQUISSAGE on a regular basis, we have had amazing results with our horses. We have won more money, more regularly than ever before. We put this down to our horses feeling so much better, hence always competing at their best. We also use the EQUISSAGE on ourselves on a daily and weekly basis and have absolutely no doubt that what this technology can achieve is nothing less than amazing!! Sore muscles and tears and chiropractic problems seem to be almost totally a thing of the past. This applies to both us and the horses. Any time either Peter y myself feel a sore sport or any tiredness coming on, we get a treatment with either the hand unit or by laying on the back pad or Jockey Pad, and not immediately, but within about 4 hours, the pain has dissipated. I find it works immediately on me if I feel a bit dull and need a 'pickup'." Zoe Swain 

The barrel horse is predisposed to numerous musculoskeletal injuries because of the conditions and demands placed upon it (sudden speed, tight turns, and a rapid deceleration to negotiate the course).

Common recorded problems related to Barrel Racing horses that Equissage can help with are;

· ‘Running up the fence’ not able to turn at the first barrel due to musculoskeletal immaturity or fatigue

· Tension of muscles prior to a race causing anxiety

· Back pain from the twisting and turning action

· Lack of flexion, bend and suppleness to turn sharply

· Loss of take off speed due to hamstring or hindquarter fatigue

The horses used in the team roping event are usually Quarter Horses. This breed is preferred by the ropers because of their exceptional athletic ability, quick acceleration over short distances, their inherent desire to “watch a cow,” and their good mind. With a better understanding of the duties of the team roping horse, it becomes apparent that they experience many of the same problems that of western horses. Problems of the distal joints of the hocks are very common, forcing strain to the hamstrings, glutels and lower back.

Typically, the Roping horses are mature, experienced horses for competitions, so these horses are usually over 10 years old. Many Team Roping horses in their mid to late teens and even early to mid 20s are used by the top ropers. This is an important factor, as age and degeneration related pathologies can effect performance.

Common recorded problems related to Roping horses that Equissage can help with are;

· Repetitive strain injury from explosive starts, stops and turning

· Arthritic and degenerative conditions

· Recovery and Rehydration

· Management of previous injury or illness

To see what Equissage can do for your horse contact info@equissage.com.au to arrange a FREE demo today.

The champ is home!

Black Caviar aka Nelly has returned home to Australian Soil after conquering the UK,

Racing Victoria report she has travelled well and is setteling into Werribee Quarantine Centre where she will spend a few weeks, before enjoying a spell.

An Equissage Testimonial

We recieved this today from a very happy Equissage owner Mia Harris, and thought we would share.

After attending Equitana in 2010 where I got a full demo of Equissage I ummed and ahhed about whether purchasing an Equissage would be right for me. After 2 years I decided to get a demo on my young horse to once again see if the benefits would outweigh the cost. The ride I had after my Equissage session was magic and I had no hesitation in investing in what would be the best piece of equipment I own. I give my horse a 20 minute Equissage every day before I ride and have developed much more suppleness and elasticity in 1 month than I had in the previous 6 months. I also use the Equissage on my 25 year old retired horse who walked out of the paddock quite stiff and slow then had a 20 minute medium Equissage and returned to the paddock at a bullets pace running around his paddock playing with his friends and looking as supple and happy as ever! Equissage works magic on 4 year olds and 25 year olds alike.  Investing in an Equissage was the best thing I ever did I don’t know why it took me 2 years to decide.

Thanks Lynne!

Regards,

Mia Harris BSc.

Nelly's coming home

IRT confirm that Black Caviar will be returning home from the UK leaving Sunday (UK time) to arrive back in Melbourne on Tuesday morning.

Have a nice flight Nelly, we look forward to having you back in Australia again!!!

Congratulations to team moody for their success overseas!

Equissage For the Dressage horse.

Dressage competitions are judged subjectively, on the aesthetic quality of gaits and the expressiveness of the movements.

To accomplish this a horse and rider combination must demonstrate control, accuracy, flexibility and be extremely sensitive to the rider’s aids. The nature of the work involved in this discipline requires great muscle control and co-ordination on the part of the horse. The key to the training and development of the dressage horse from novice through to International Grand Prix is gymnastic exercises that aim to strengthen the muscles, and a care regime that assists to avoid injury to joints and soft tissue associated with increased workload.

The elite dressage horse is expected to perform movements which display rhythm and impulsion at 3 paces.  They must demonstrate collection, power and engagement. The horse is required to show suspension, cadence and elevations in its movement, whilst also demonstrating relaxation, submission and suppleness most dressage movements are performed from the hind quarters, so it is very important that these are sound and powerful.

Common recorded problems related to Dressage horses that Equissage can help with are;

· Engagement and collection of the hindquarters forces strain along the back and hindquarters

· Prolonged sessions decrease energy and cause behavioural disorders due to muscular fatigue

· Increased production of lactic acid compromises the normal muscular function, thereby forcing stress onto tendons, ligaments, joints and bones (increasing the risk of injury)

· Repetitive training of dressage figures causing acute muscle spasms, dysfunction and trauma

· Collection training triggering tension in the horses jaw and neck thus reducing flexion, bend and suppleness

Does your Dressage look more like this?

'

When you would like to achieve something closer to this?

Then maybe Equissage can help! 

Equissage is being used by many top Dressage riders in Australia and indeed worldwide, to ensure that their horses are performing at their peak every day for the gruelling requirements of training for a quality performance.

Riders such as our own Mary Hanna pictured above riding Mary and Umbro to 6th in GP Special at the Hamburg Derby in Germany, find the benefits of daily use of Equissage for their horses, if you would also like to have a look at what Equissage can do for your horse contact us today and we can arrange a FREE demonstration.

Will Enzinger wins Victorian Eventer of the year!

Equissage rider and Eventer Will Enzinger who has recently been awarded the Victorian Eventer of the year takes time out to thank is sponsors "On the weekend I found out I won Victorian Eventing rider of the year. I am absolutely blown away!!! I would like to thank all of my sponsors Pryde's Easifeeds, Horseland Lilydale, Equine Health Science, Elite Equine Veterinarians, and Equissage for your ongoing support. I could not have achieved this without any one of you!!" said Will

And for some more Will click on the link below where he takes time out of his busy day to discuss all things horses and Eventing.

http://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/Amanda-Ross-talks-with-Will-Enzinger-at-the-EQ-Life-Hot-Seat


http://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/Amanda-Ross-talks-with-Will-Enzinger-and-Emma-Mason

Black Caviar makes it 22 straight

Super star Black Caviar makes it 22 wins straight in the diamond jubilee stakes at Royal Ascot at 1am Australian time today.

Equissage Australia would like to Congratulate Peter Moody Racing the owners and connections and we are Excited that Equissage is a part of her success.

              The Queen of the Turf Australia's own Black Caviar wins the heart of the Queen of England.

Equissage Eventers off to Olympics

With the official announcement from Equestrian Australia today,
Equissage Australia is proud to Congratulate our rider
Shane Rose for his Selection into the Olympic team riding Taurus

Shane is an Olympic Games silver medallist (Team Eventing - Beijing 2008) and we wish him all the best at London.

 

Equissage riders Tim Boland and Megan Jones are also heading OS as reserves.

 

Congrats guys from Everyone at Team Equissage.

Congratulations Mary Hanna

Team Equissage want to take a moment to Congratulate Dressage rider and Equissage user Mary Hanna on her Olympic selection.

Black Caviar settles in at Newmarket

Peter Moody's Assistant Trainer Tony Haydon has uploaded a video or the Aussie export while caring for Black Caviar at Newmarket in the UK Check out this

Video you can see Nelly enjoying her one off custom set at around the 7min mark!

                                                     Nelly in her stall with her Equissage on....

Brook Sample takes out record 6th Tom Quilty Endurance title

Equissage user and national endurance rider Brook Sample has this weekend won the Tom Quilty Gold Cup for a record sixth time taking out the middleweight title.

Brook won riding Brookleigh Excalibur over the gruelling 160km track in 9 hours, 14 minutes and 16 seconds at St Helens in Tasmania over the long weekend.

Everyone at Team Equissage would like to congratulate Brooke on her fantastic achievement.

Eventers at the top of their sport choose Equissage

After a long weekend in Melbourne the Eventing Riders in contention for an Olympic birth took their final opportunity to impress selectors for a ticket to London.

 As we reported on Thursday we had many Equissage riders in the top 2 classes at Melbourne 3DE.

Tim Boland took out the title in the Bates International CCI 3*** on his mount GV Billy Elliott, with fellow Equissage rider Shane Rose hot on his heels in second place riding APH Moritz.

The other big class this weekend that was used as a hit out for riders was the MI3DE CNC3*** this class saw Equissage rider Megan Jones take out second place on her Kirby Park Allofasudden, Natalie Blundell held onto 3rd place on Algebra and Emma Scott was in 4th on Mustang.

It is no coincidence that Eventing riders at the top of their sport use Equissage, they are aware of the benefits of the CVT therapy for their high performance horses.

Common recorded problems related to Eventing horses that Equissage can help with are;

· Inflammation and contractures to limbs

· Sprains, strains and inflammation to all major muscle groups

· Dehydration & muscle wastage following the cross country phase

· Reduced muscular flexibility, extension, flexion and strength

Equissage is a safe, easy to use, natural, non-aggressive and non-invasive way to effectively warm up and cool down your horse, prevent common issues, improve performance and maintain your horse in peak condition.

Eventers world wide love how Equissage provides a full body workout, equivalent to a 10km walk for their competition horse. Equissage gently penetrates through 4 foot of bone and 2 foot of tissue to provide the following benefits to Eventing horses:

· Increased blood flow, which helps to absorb shock and reduce strain on the tendons and muscles in coping with the demands of the three phases

· Improved lymphatic drainage to assist in recovery of sprains and strains and helps to reduce inflammation

· Relaxation of the muscles, helps to improve muscular flexibility, extension and flexion

· Improved joint mobility to help with agility, balance, control and power.

It is no wonder that Eventers World Wide choose Equissage.

Melbourne International kicks off

The Melbourne International Horse trials kicked off yesterday with all horses passing the initial per competition inspection.

The Bates international CCI 3*** event is the final chance our Aussie based riders will have to impress the selectors and try to secure a place in the Olympic team. We at Team Equissage would like to wish the following riders the best of luck this weekend

Bates International CCI 3*** (International Class)

· Shane Rose with 2 rides

· Edith Kane

· Will Enzinger

· Jessica Manson

· Lauren Balcombe

· Adam Benson

Also in the MI3DE CNC3*** (National Class)

· Emma Scott

· Megan Jones

· Natalie Blundell

· Tim Boland

We will keep you updated with results as they come to hand over the weekend, If you are at the event don’t forget to drop in and have a chat to the girls in the Equissage tent in the trade village and see why so many top riders find it an invaluable part of their horses preparation for competition.

Balck Caviar takes on the world

As we all know our poster girl Black Caviar has jetted off to compete at Ascot next month, we at Equissage would like to wish Nelly, her owners and connections and of course Peter moody racing the best of luck in the venture.

We can’t wait to see the big girl run, although I am slightly concerned as to how fast she will go with all of Team Equissage and no doubt most of the Australian Population riding her in the last furlong!

Nelly getting ready for her flight.

We are pretty sure that this is the only view Nelly's English competitors will get of her once the gates open.

Only the best for Black Caviar

Black Caviar is getting ready to take on the world in her very own personalised Equissage unit.

Equissage sponsored events

Equissage Australia/New Zealand sponsor many events throughout the year across Australia and New Zealand, here is a letter from one competitor who won the class we sponsored at the recent Samford Dressage Competition.

Dear Equissage,

I would like to thank Equissage for their generous sponsorship of the recent Samford Dressage event.

My mare, ‘Alamo Jeenah’ was the winner of the Pony Novice Dressage.

I have attached a photo that was taken during the test.

Jeenah loves her daily Equissage treatments given by Sharon Lobegeiger, who prepares her for me.

Ruth White who rides Jeenah also has an Equissage machine that she uses regularly on all the horses she trains.

Your continuing support of horse events is greatly appreciated by all who compete at events such as these.

Many thanks.

Best regards,

Sue Crockett

                                                 Pictured here Sue Crockett riding Alamo Jeenah

Equissage Training School

Here at Equissage we pick the best and the brightest people to work for us and help demonstrate our fantastic product.
All our consultants have come to us because they care about horses and people and enjoy nothing more than helping others get the best out of their horses and achieve great results.

If you think you have what it takes to be an Equissage Consultant head to our web site and submit your application.
http://www.equissage.com.au/careers.aspx