Category: Education

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EHV Vaccines Approved in Canada

Further to the EHV Vaccination requirement, as announced at the OCTRA Annual General Meeting on February 26, 2022; Dr Arthur King, DVM has provided us with a list of all vaccines licensed for use in Canada for the prevention of Equine Rhinopnemonitis (Equine Herpes Virus – EHV) as of November 22, 2021.

Unless your horse had a health exemption signed by your vet, one of these vaccines needs to be listed on the receipt from your veterinarian as proof your horse is in compliance with the OCTRA EHV Vaccination rule. List of approved vaccines (PDF 51 KB)…

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OCTRA Extraordinary Rules and Procedures Related to Equine Herpes Virus for the 2021 Competition Season

In light of the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreaks in Europe and the United States, where outbreaks have already affected equestrian competitions, and subsequent EHV outbreaks in Ontario and Quebec, the OCTRA Vet Committee reviewed bio-security protocols and health and welfare recommendations from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and the University of Guelph regarding this highly contagious and potentially fatal equine disease.

Continue reading “OCTRA Extraordinary Rules and Procedures Related to Equine Herpes Virus for the 2021 Competition Season”
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HOW TO PROTECT CANADA’S HERD FROM EQUINE HERPESVIRUS

The following article is from Equestrian Canada

March 5, 2021, Equestrian Canada Newsletter

Equestrian Canada (EC) is responding to the Equine Herpesvirus (EVH-1) outbreaks in the United States and Europe in close collaboration with all relevant partners and government authorities.

Future communications are forthcoming regarding EC’s plans to ensure a safe start to the competition season for both human and equine athletes. Meanwhile, EC urges everyone to exercise extreme caution regarding the movement of equines.

What is EVH-1?
EVH-1 is a common DNA disease that causes abortion, respiratory disease and neurological disease in equines. More information on EVH-1 can be found through the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Continue reading “HOW TO PROTECT CANADA’S HERD FROM EQUINE HERPESVIRUS”
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Members’ Equine Insurance Options

Each member is responsible for having their own (or family) equine insurance package and must present it to the Ride Secretary at each OCTRA sanctioned event. OCTRA membership does not include member insurance.

4.2.3 PROOF OF INSURANCE
Prior to participation,all riders and sponsors must present Proof of provincial sports organization membership (i.e. OEF)
OR
Proof of current “off farm” equine third party liability insurance minimum of one million dollars ($1m). A letter of coverage from the entrant’s insurance agent shall be taken as proof of insurance. Such proof must be presented to Ride Management at the time of entry.
Options available include:

Ontario Equestrian (formerly OEF)
https://ontarioequestrian.ca/membership/

Note: Ontario Equestrian member insurance is now underwritten by InterCity. You can also insure directly with InterCity without OE membership. (See second item below.)

Package Additional
Basic:

  1.  $5 M Personal Liability
  2.  Non-Commercial Stableman’s Liability
  3.  Accidental Death & Dismemberment
 Whoa! Newsletter
Other Programs
Member Discounts
Optional:

  1.  $15k Horse Mortality
  2.  $2.5k Lifesaving Surgery
  3.  $50k Additional AD&D
  4.  .5k Tack/Horse Equipment
  5.  Out of Province Health Travel Ins.
 Mandatory for EC Programs:
Sport Licenses; Sanctioned
Competitions, Passports
Mandatory for memberships in
some Clubs & Associations (see
website)

InterCity Insurance Services
https://intercityinsurance.com/purchase-online.php

Package Additional
Basic:

  1.  $5M Personal Liability
  2.  $50k Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Family included:

  1.  $10k Tack
  2.  $12k Hors Mortality
 No membership required
Optional:

  1.  Tack
  2.  Horse mortality
  3.  Travel Medical Single

Canadian Recreational Horse and Rider Association (CRHRA)
https://crhra.ca/

Package Additional
Basic:

  1. $5M Personal Liability
  2. $30k Accident, Death & Dismemberment
  3. $2,5k Tack & Equipment
 Discounts on :

  • The Rider – Ont Horse Industry
    Paper
  • Horse Canada
Optional:

  • $12k Horse Mortality

 

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Meg Sleeper – 2017 AGM Weekend Clinician

This year’s clinician at the 2017 AGM weekend is Dr. Meg Sleeper, DVM.

With over 12,000 AERC miles, and having ridden in 76 AERC 100-mile rides (with 66 completions), 50-year-old Meg Sleeper of Frenchtown, New Jersey, is not only a seasoned endurance rider, but also a top class international competitor. Meg competed in her first competitive trail ride in 1980. Since that time, she has completed over 14,000 miles of competitive and endurance rides and competed in 7 countries. She has been on the USA endurance squad for four world championships and has competed nearly entirely on home bred and trained horses.

“It’s a really special bond you get with the horse that’s different than any other,” Meg says about riding endurance. “One of the things I love about endurance is it’s not just about just going as fast as you can… It’s about actually figuring out the trail and the weather environment and everything that you get that particular day, and then making your best effort for those hurdles you have that day.”

Meg and her husband Dave Augustin have been breeding their own horses for close to 25 years; Shyrocco Troilus was the first home bred Meg competed on in a World Endurance Championship. He’s 22 now: “We don’t sell many; they do kind of become family members,” Meg says. It’s a testament to her riding experience, and her profession as a veterinary cardiologist, that she’s had long careers with her home-bred horses, even at the highest level of competition.

Highlights:

2010    AERC National Championship Rides:
             100-mile ride – 3rd with Syrocco Reveille
55-mile ride – 16th with Syrocco Cadence
2010    On the USA endurance squad short list (with 2 of her horses) for the WEG in Lexington, KY; competed on the US team with Syrocco Harmony
2009    Arabian Horse Association National Competitive Trail Ride (Oklahoma, USA) Grand Champion
2008    World endurance championship (Terrenganu, Malaysia); USA team
2007    Pan American Endurance Championship (Pinamar, Argentina) – 11th place
2007    Zone team challenge (Montana, USA) – team gold medal, 1st place, Best condition award
2006    World endurance championship (Aachen, Germany); 22nd place Argentinian national championship ride – 6th place
2005    Pan American Endurance Championship (Maryland, USA) – USA East team
2004   World Endurance Championship (Dubai, UAE); USA team
2004    President’s Cup (Abu Dhabi, UAE); USA team
2003    Pan American Endurance Championship (Washington, USA) – USA East team
2003    Worlds Most Preferred Endurance Ride (Dubai, UAE); 16th place
2002    Worlds Most Preferred Endurance Ride (Dubai, UAE); 32nd place
2002    World endurance championship (Jerez, Spain); alternate
2001    Pan American Endurance Championship (Vermont, USA) gold medal team; individual 7th place
1997    Race of Champions (Pennsylvania, USA) gold medal team; individual 20th place

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PLEASE remit your Lay Judge Clinic Registration Forms ASAP!

To all potential Lay Judge Clinic Attendees; PLEASE remit your Lay Judge Clinic Registration Forms ASAP! “I can’t feed you if I don’t know you will be there!”

I am away on business (no, not somewhere hot, darn!) Mar.26-Apr.4—-but will be available via e-mail. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions/concerns.

Remember, basic understanding of Veterinary issues is essential—not in-depth, detailed knowledge.

See you Apr.8, Dr. Sarah Tiller

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Lay Judge Clinic: References

Some study recommendations for Lay Judge Clinic candidates:

Remember, the emphasis of the Lay Judge Clinic is to focus on the health and welfare of the competitive distance horse. A good Lay Judge will be able to recognize what is normal and what is NOT normal in the horse, and make the correct referral to the Veterinarian. A complete and thorough knowledge of all rules and regulations for all of the OCTRA disciplines is not the priority of the upcoming Lay Judge Clinic, but certainly something you can strive to learn on your own. Timing and heart rate parameters are, of course, very important to know.

Should anyone attending the Lay Judge Clinic have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me anytime: sarahtiller@live.com I am here to help and if I don’t know the answer I can advise on where to find it.

Please get those registration forms in!

Good Luck to all and see you April 8th,

Dr. Sarah Tiller 🐎

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March 5, 2017 Long Distance Clinic

Please join us on our first day of a 3-day series (taking place throughout the year) to learn about long distance riding. If you love horses, love to ride and love adventure…. this may be the sport for you! On this first day, we will be covering the basics of long distance riding. Who, what and how. Learn about the various disciplines involved (there is a choice!) Conditioning for long distances. Electrolytes. The rider. The horse. The “stuff.” The camping. And common veterinary concerns. Must pre-register! Email Chrystal: chrystal@aadomino.ca $25- Will take place at the Lion’s Centre: 920 Larmer’s Line Fraserville, Ontario K0L 1V0

See: http://octra.on.ca/mc-events/long-distance-riding-clinic/?mc_id=109

See: 2017 Ride Schedule for other Clinic and Training Rides across Ontario

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LAY JUDGE CLINIC

Saturday, April 8, 2017
9:00 am -7:00 pm.

Registration Deadline:  March 20th, 2017

Dawn and Howard Kadish Farm
19556 Mississauga Rd.
Caledon, Ontario.

Dr. Sarah Tiller and Dr. Bri Henderson, Co-Chairs of the OCTRA Veterinary Committee, are holding a Lay-Judge Clinic to take place Saturday, April 8, 2017, all day 9:00am -7:00pm. There has not been a Lay-Judge clinic for quite a long time. Interested candidates should e-mail Dr. Sarah Tiller [ sarahtiller@live.com ] directly for inquiries.

Hot meal and refreshments will be provided.
The fee for all candidates yet to be determined.

OCTRA LAY JUDGE REQUIREMENTS: (Policy Statements – pg. 10)

  1. In order to apply to work towards their Lay Judge status participants must:
    • Have been a member of OCTRA for at least two years
    • Have completed at least two OCTRA sanctioned rides as a rider
    • OCTRA is looking for seasoned OCTRA members to apply as Lay Judges
  2. Qualify to apprentice at OCTRA events:
    • Contact Committee Chair to initiate process
    • Study the OCTRA Rule Book and be familiar with all OCTRA competition rules
    • Attend a Lay Judge Clinic arranged by Committee Chair
    • At end of clinic, write the Lay Judge Exam and pass (with a minimum grade of 80%)
  3. Apprentice at OCTRA sanctioned events for a minimum of:
    • Two Endurance Rides
    • Two CTRs
    • Two Set Speeds (if Set Speed apprenticeship is not part of the Endurance Rides)
    • One Ride ‘n Tie (if available)
  4. During a season where one of the OCTRA disciplines is not available:
    • Participants must apprentice at two each of the available disciplines (excluding Ride ‘n Tie).
    • Participants will be qualified as a Junior Lay Judge in the disciplines successfully apprenticed (if approved by two accredited OCTRA Veterinary Control Judges)
    • The Junior Lay Judge is required to fulfill his/her missing requirements in the next season the “missing” discipline is available.
  5. For final accreditation as a Lay Judge, the approval, in writing, of two OCTRA accredited Veterinary Control Judges must be sent to the Committee Chair (with a copy to the participant).
  6. Upon completion, the successful participants will receive an OCTRA Lay Judge Certificate.
  7. If a participant fulfills all the ride requirements as listed in sections (iii) and (iv) above without receiving the approval of two OCTRA accredited Veterinary Control Judges:
    • The participant will continue apprenticing at OCTRA events as per the vet(s) instructions until they receive the required vet approvals
    • The participant will forgo becoming a Lay Judge if he/she is deemed unsuitable for the position by the Veterinary Committee.
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