Balance Equine Services

14/06/2024

…well, missing out on a week of competition is disappointing, but I’m not too sad about where we landed.

Red light AND some limited massage combo sessions available from June 24! MSG for info.

12/06/2024

Out of office!

Today we should have been travelling down to SIEC with our good friends to compete at Hawkesbury Dressage Festival…but, not to be.

After taking Trent out to Hampton Park Equestrian in Beaudesert to have a lesson and get tickets sprayed for the journey, we discovered the little fella had a nasty abcess.

Timing, eh? But better timing then arriving at SIEC and having him stuck in the stable for a week!

Our awesome farrier, Kane Masters, helped with the abcess and Trent is now back in his paddock with the week off.

Classes scratched, stables cancelled, camping stopped…but we had already paid for the RV (Har-V the R-V, as Liam calls it) so decided to take a family adventure up north to 1770 and back via Noosa North Shore, with some store visits along the way.

Silver linings etc!

I’m home Fri 21st and will take bookings for Red Light Session and also LIMITED full service red light and massage sessions. There will be a slight price increase from July 1 for the combo session, but red light half hour session will stay same.
DM for info and to book!

If you’re up this way, let me know if you want Har-V the R-V to stop - I have my red light kit and plenty of Benchmark Feed and Manuka Haylage info on board 🐴🤓❤️

06/06/2024

I saw my radiation oncologist today - it’s almost 2 months since I finished treatment.

I knew it would be just a check in appointment, as I have been cancer free since October 17 when they removed my lump and the lymph node that had the tiny amount of metastatic cancer contained.

I was confirmed cancer free after we did follow up CT And PET scans a few weeks after my surgery.

The chemo and radiation were both (drastic) insurance that any little cancer cells lurking would be destroyed.

The 5 years of hormone blockers will help prevent my estrogen levels from rising and forming new cancers - early menopause is a small price to pay.

My blood test results came back yesterday, after having an iron infusion 8 weeks ago, and are spot on - even my GP is surprised how good everything is.

So why was I surprised and teary after leaving my appointment with my Radiation Oncologist and being told I’m back to annual mammograms and ultrasounds at Robina Hospital Breast Care?

A massive wave of relief. Like I had just dived under a wave. That’s what it felt like walking out of the radiation centre at GCUH today.

I know I am so very lucky I went for that scan. I implore you all to take a check when you can - my life would have been completely different if I’d waited to feel a lump.

And onwards I go.

I’m in Melbourne this week - putting my brave pants on and singing a couple of songs with Tim tomorrow night at the Corner Hotel in Richmond.

Next week I will be in Sydney competing Trent in 6 tests over the 10 day festival.

Both things I wouldn’t normally think about doing. The old “I’m not good enough” story is very boring, though, so I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing what I can do.

I’m an encourager. An enabler? Ha, maybe! You want to do something that’s just out of reach? Go for bloody gold, I say.

What’s the saying I keep going back to - It’s better to live a life of “oh wells” than “what ifs”.

Giddy up!

06/06/2024

Just a reminder that I’ll be away from 12-21st June - Trent and I are off to compete at the Hawkesbury Dressage Festival 🐴

Any that being said, I’ll be taking my Red Light kit and will have time to treat horses while down at SIEC - please yell out if you’d like to book a spot!

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02/06/2024

Working hard with lovely Burrabong Trent to get him fit and comp ready for Hawkesbury Dressage week of competitions in a couple of weeks.

Regular red light therapy is part of our preparation. I find a big difference in his work after a treatment - softer and more supple, able to produce more swing and use his topline more effectively.

I have very limited appointments this week and also for next week as I’m away at SIEC from 12-21st June. Contact me to book in 🐴

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28/05/2024

A massively sad loss for Alexis, his family and those friends so close to him, but also for dressage.

💔😔

22/05/2024

I’m feeling as relaxed as JadeyPie looks in that photo! Away with my family and my folks until end of week - loving it!

Limited appointments next week and early June still available - msg me for more info 🐴

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20/05/2024

🩶🐴 MICRONISED LUPINS 15kg 🐴🩶

You asked, we delivered - great topper for those after more protein for their horses!

Introducing Benchmark Micronised Lupins - highly digestible, high protein fibre topper for any equine diet.
👍Low starch and sugar 👍High in dietary fibre 👍Valuable source of essential amino acids 👍Suitable for all horses.

Available at your local feed store* in a convenient 15kg bag
*Aus & NZ 😀
You can find more info and a downloadable data sheet on our website https://www.benchmarkfeeds.com.au/

19/05/2024

Ahh, that Red Light Therapy release - hits the spot(s)! Lovely Belrock Valencia (Keira) throughly enjoyed her appointment last week after doing really well at Fig Tree Pocket ODE! ❤️

Limited appointments available from Monday 27th May - please msg for more info!

Reminder: I’m off this week - relaxo time with my boys and my folks in Coffs!

Happy Riding! 🐴

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17/05/2024

That’s me with some old mates from another part of my life…

Did you know I used to work with bands and moved to LA initially to do day to day management for these dudes (Sparta), plus a few others? I ended up managing a dressage barn near Malibu for a few years after, but the reason I went to LA for was for music. Horses just found a way to work their way back into my life - even in La La Land!

I caught up with Sparta last night in Brisbane, as they tour Australia and NZ for the first time in many moons and was so bloody great to chat and share stories and nonsense like we used to.

Always more to someone than meets the eye - I would always confuse my music industry mates when I mentioned horses and vice versa!

Have a great weekend with your ponies and if you happen to see Sparta in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, make sure you say Lou sent you to say gday 😉

🎸💃🐴❤️

17/05/2024

Two weeks ago Deirdre’s eye wasn’t looking this great! Stitches out today (hence to sleepy, sedated face!) and we are all most pleased with healing.

Some more StrataDerm massaged in to the scars daily, plus Red Light Therapy and we should have little scarring and eye back to normal in coming weeks.

Thanks to Dr Rhian from Gold Coast Equine Clinic for her excellent care and support during this whole stressful process!

Be kind to your vets - they are the ones who keep our precious furkids happy and healthy! ❤️‍🩹🐴

16/05/2024

I have been working with the Belrock Equestrian team for around 3 or so years now and am always so impressed with how well cared for these special horses are.

Jenna rides with such tact and talent - it makes my job rewarding to go in a couple of times a month and treat these lovely horses knowing that each time I go back, Jenna has improved every horse she works with.

And what a talented bunch of horses Craig has bred! Worth a call, if you’re looking for your next eventing superstar (and there are a few who would be cracking dressage or jumping ponies, too!

🐴👏

13/05/2024

Check out the Benchmark Shine on our beautiful 18yo Burrabong Trent! His muscles are building, too, with our homework and training we have from Harvey at Hampton Park Equestrian 🐴💪

He’s fed Perfect Mash, with a topper of Balancer Mash to keep protein up to his aging equine needs, plus Rhodes grass hay and some Manuka Haylage.

Thanks to Picture The Moment Equine for the gorgeous shots she snapped last Friday at the DQRS Competition at PRARG, where we competed in both Elementary tests.

Off to SIEC next month for the week long Hawkesbury Competitions - can’t wait!

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08/05/2024

Benchmark INVEST. It's the smart feed investment for your horse's future growth and development.

❤️Low carb and sugar formulation
❤️High-quality protein
❤️Designed to help prevent bone development issues in foals
❤️Higher calcium milk, for bone development
❤️Fixed ingredient formula
❤️Contains super fibres to reduce starch and support gut health

*TIP - add Super Fibre Mash. Combining Invest and Super Fibre Mash creates a nutritious meal that is high in fermentable fibre, low in starch and sugar and very cost effective. Head to our website for more info or the meal plan
https://www.benchmarkfeeds.com.au/

08/05/2024

Dr Rhian came around for Day 6 check up - eye is looking good. Swelling going down and stitches holding up well. Those goggles she has have been a life saver.

Another round of ABs - there was a scratch on the bone, so just to be careful - and a couple more days of Bute once daily to bring eye down, plus me fussing over her with my Red Light torch to help it all along!

Another check up next Monday and stitches out on 20th May.

Thankful for our vets! ❤️🙏🐴

04/05/2024

‼️warning: pics of injury if you swipe‼️

Not how I intended to spend my Friday arvo with my horses - I did want to give them both Red Light Therapy, but not quite like this…

A very unfortunate accident led to an emergency call to the vets! As my regular vet was away, I called Gold Coast Equine Clinic - Emma was lovely and efficient in the office, having me send through photos of the injury and rescheduling all of Dr Rhian’s regular clients to allow her to treat Deirdre.

Rhian did a beautiful job of stitching both gashes - thankfully Deirdre’s eyeball is completely fine. We will be grateful for that and not dwell on what could have been!

Deirdre has a good prognosis - antibiotics, bute and special goggles to protect her injuries and she should be fine again in a couple of weeks.

Please remember to thank your vets, make sure you pay them when requested and remember that they are human, too. They often times have to give up family time and their own time off to come and see our beloved horses.

We don’t have massive numbers of emergency hour vets on the GC, so make sure you are ready to grab a credit card and pay an amount upfront so they WILL come and see you in these situations. No one likes a vet bill, but we do love our horses and need to expect the unexpected.

Thanks again, Rhian and team - your promptness, expert care and kindness are appreciated 💐🐴💐



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30/04/2024

Relaxed much? 😆

Limited availability for Red Light Therapy sessions in May - msg me for more info!

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23/04/2024

❤️🐴 I love this feed! INVEST is a great feed for young horses, broodmares and weanlings!

We feed Deirdre Invest and so pleased with how she looks!

🐴❤️

Benchmark INVEST. It's the smart feed investment for your horse's future growth and development.

❤️Low carb and sugar formulation
❤️High-quality protein
❤️Designed to help prevent bone development issues in foals
❤️Higher calcium milk, for bone development
❤️Fixed ingredient formula
❤️Contains super fibres to reduce starch and support gut health

*TIP - add Super Fibre Mash. Combining Invest and Super Fibre Mash creates a nutritious meal that is high in fermentable fibre, low in starch and sugar and very cost effective. Head to our website for more info or the meal plan
https://www.benchmarkfeeds.com.au/

21/04/2024

💫 Appointments available week starting 29th April - potentially time for a horse or two this Tuesday on the GC, but get in quick!

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19/04/2024

Lovely horse - I have treated him several times when Cassie owned him and can vouch for his quiet nature.

Worth a look!

Contact Paramount Dressage and Performance Horses

17/04/2024

It’s so nice getting back into a somewhat regular routine again treating lovely horses I’ve not seen in many months!

Best of luck to all my clients & friends heading up to Toowoomba Royal for show classes and Showjumping!

I am still recovering from my radiotherapy treatments, so running at half pace currently - I do have some Red Light Therapy appointments available over next few weeks, so sing out if I can help 🐴🤓

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14/04/2024

Our MASHES are laminitis friendly and suitable for EMS horses and ponies 🐴
Low starch, low sugar and genuinely non-heating.
With highly digestible super fibres and pre and pro biotics.

CHOOSE FROM 3 MASHES!
💙Perfect Mash is our complete feed, 🧡Super Fibre Mash is an excellent fibre addition to any equine feed and 💚Balancer Mash can be used to supplement nutritional deficiencies.

HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE https://www.benchmarkfeeds.com.au/
or message us for more information about our innovative horse feeds.

13/04/2024

I bloody did it! Every crappy active treatment of my cancer is DONE!

✔️ surgery to remove cancer & 2 lymph nodes
✔️4 x rounds TC chemo
✔️25 x rounds radiation

Side effects may kick me next week, but I reckon if I can get through chemo, then a burnt b**b is nothing!

Tamoxifen journey starts in May to block hormones from causing any other cancers, but that’s a pill and I reckon 5 years I can do, if it means I never have to deal with this sh*tty disease again!

Today I took Burrabong Trent out to DQRS Competition at PRARG and managed a nice elementary test, despite starting day with migraine and having to scratch first test. It’s these little things that I appreciate more than ever now - don’t doubt yourself, just get out and do it. Life is far too short for what ifs!

Thanks so very much to all my lovely, loyal clients for your kind words, gifts and support during this horrid time - it’s appreciated more than you know.

Get ya bits and bobs checked and F**K CANCER!

12/04/2024

Our lovely 3yo filly is doing what she’s meant to on her break - growing! Front end catching up to the back end 🙃

Deirdre is fed Benchmark Invest, of course as it’s best for growing bones, and will add in Manuka Haylage again when her pasture drops off.

Looking forward to sitting in the pilot seat again on this super little lass!

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11/04/2024

awesome fibre addition to any complete feed! 🐴 🧡

Benchmark Super Fibre Mash® is a quick soaking, low starch and sugar conditioning fibre that partners with any balanced ration.

🧡Highly digestible dietary super fibres.
🧡Supporting hind gut microbiome.
🧡Low GI, starch and sugar.
🧡No added molasses. Non heating.
🧡Safe for laminitis or EMS prone horses or ponies.
🧡Aids hydration in hot climates, after travelling or strenuous exercise.

Head to our website https://www.benchmarkfeeds.com.au/
for meal plans combining Super Fibre Mash with Golden Oldies, Cool AZ, Invest, Achieve -Sport and Balancer Mash.

10/04/2024

The Impact of External Pressure on Bladder Meridian Point 13 in Horses.

Bladder Meridian Point 13 (BL13), also known as Feishu, is traditionally used in acupuncture to address respiratory and cardiovascular issues. However, it is also an important reference point to consider when assessing saddle fit.

Ill-fitting saddles exerting excessive pressure on BL13 and surrounding tissues, can lead to discomfort, pain and musculoskeletal issues in horses, including localized inflammation, muscle tension, and nerve compression, causing soreness along the back.

Chronic pressure on BL13 may contribute to conditions such as thoracic vertebral problems, muscular atrophy, and behavioral issues in horses.

Horses experiencing discomfort from pressure on BL13 may display various behavioral signs, including resistance or reluctance to be saddled, changes in posture or gait, reluctance to engage in training, and signs of pain such as flinching, ear pinning, or tail swishing. Subtle signs of discomfort, such as changes in facial expression or muscle tension, may also be observed.

Addressing saddle fit issues and alleviating pressure on BL13 is crucial for maintaining the physical and emotional well-being of horses. Proper saddle fitting, ensuring adequate clearance over BL13, and distributing pressure evenly along the back are essential.

Regular assessment of saddle fit and adjustments as needed can help mitigate the potential negative effects on BL13 and promote the horse's overall comfort and performance.

References:
Hernandez, E. A., & Allen, K. J. (2017). Saddle fit and its association with equine thoracolumbar asymmetry, thoracolumbar range of motion, and saddle slip. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 48, 1-11.
Dyson, S., & Greve, L. (2017). Subjective gait assessment of 57 sports horses in normal work: A comparison of the response to flexion tests, movement in hand, on the lunge, and ridden. Equine Veterinary Journal, 49(2), 212-217.
McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Behavioural problems with the ridden horse. In Equitation Science (pp. 237-252). John Wiley & Sons.