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17
EQUINE MATTERS
A D AY I N T H E L I F E
This means that at many events a significant
proportion of the horses and riders may be new
to the sport, and this sets its own particular
challenges to the organisers.
As course vet, there is preparation to be done
ahead of the event. In British Eventing affiliated
horse trials, the organisers provide all of the
necessary support documents prior to the event.
A suitable vehicle
(figure 1)
is essential to be
capable of navigating the cross country course
in all weathers, along with a full veterinary
emergency kit.
On the first of the two days there is an early
start:
●
07:30
◦
Emergency services briefing
◦
Radio sets are collected at this time and
contact with control is established
◦
Meet with the British Eventing officials and
the event organisers
●
08:00 Dressage starts
●
09:00 Show jumping starts
●
09:45 Cross country starts
●
18:00 – 19:00 Cross country ends
The period prior to show jumping beginning
gives the course vet the opportunity to run
through a number of checks for the day:
◦
Visit the show jumping organising team
and establish contact with the
commentary team there;
◦
Establish contact with the course farrier
and make a plan for the day;
◦
Drive around the cross country course. This
is an essential task as we must be familiar
with the event layout
(figure 2)
. It is
important to work out vehicular access to
all parts of the course and identify any
areas for concern. Many parts will be
roped-off so we have to develop a map
of how to navigate when there are riders
out on the course;
◦
Discuss with the horse ambulance driver
and the course officials what the plan will
be for the discreet handling of any equine
casualties. The horse ambulance would be
used to remove a fallen or injured horse
but then must be made available again
before competition can resume.
◦
Carry out equine passport checks at the
request of the British Eventing Steward.
The attending vet should be well versed in
the rules - which differ significantly from the
Rules of Racing
Once the cross country phase gets underway, it
is usual to relocate to a central position that
allows good access to most areas of the
course. The controller will carry out a number of
radio checks during which all parties involved
with the provision of emergency cover need to
respond.
Once this is all complete and the competition
underway, it is then a matter of sitting and
waiting for the call. There is usually a fairly
continuous chat on the radio keeping us
informed of happenings around the whole
ground. For those used to racecourse work this
is very different; here the riders continuously set
off at two minute intervals for the duration of the
event, which is up to eight hours.
Stay relaxed but alert, it is likely
to be a long day!
At a typical event we expect to see a number
of minor injuries, mostly cuts and grazes. It is
important to treat any horses once off the course
but we have to be prepared to apply a
temporary dressing to a bleeding wound before
carrying out a more thorough examination in the
lorry park or event stables. We make sure there
is a system in place for referral of cases either to
our own practice or further afield as required.
Finally, and hopefully, the major incident that we
have prepared for and mentally rehearsed, will
not happen.
Veterinary surgeon
Paul May
XLVets Equine practice
Paragon Veterinary
Group
day in the life of: A British
Eventing ‘Course Vet’
Paul May BVMS MrCVS,
Paragon Veterinary Group
British Eventing has an established range of competition levels from
introductory through to advanced, with each bringing its own challenges.
The aim is to encourage participation at an entry level as well as
providing an arena for the more established horses and riders.
Figure 1. A suitable vehicle is required to get the
course vet around in all weathers
Figure 2. Being familiar with the course layout is
important