AQHA Magazine January / February 2019 AQHA March / April 2019

Hi Fellow Amateur Team Members The 2019 Show Season has begun in earnest, extreme temperatures and fires seem to be prevalent throughout Australia. Congratulations to the Affiliate Clubs that have been brave enough and displayed foresight to postpone or cancel shows due to the weather forecasts. The horses and owner’s wellness should always be our major priority. One Amateurs spare tyre on the side of their float exploded from the heat whilst parked in their yard. Fortunately, the owner quickly had all tyres checked by professionals prior to embarking on a road trip to attend the Victorian State Show. We need to be more vigilant and aware of pending dangers during extreme weather conditions. 2019 Victorian State Championships Amateur Teams Challenge Winners Congratulations to: Aimi Holmes Karli Roderick Katherine Tweedle Runner-Up Janet Mansley Karen O’Keefe Beck Nixon Fun Facts: 1. An average 500kg (approximately 15hh) horse drinks around 30-50 litres a day in hot weather. 2. Horse Signs of dehydration - elevated heart rate (normal is 28- 40 beats per minute) - gum colour change (bubble gum pink is normal) - mouth is not moist - pinch the skin (back to normal in less than 2 seconds) - sunken eyes - tucked-up appearance to the abdomen 3. Human signs of dehydration – thirst, dry or sticky mouth, not urinating very much, dark yellow urine, headache, muscle cramps, dry and cool skin. Q19 News The AQHA have reinstated the Amateur Junior and Amateur Senior Horse events at Q19 in all relevant events. Additional sponsorship was sourced from our mem- bers and the AQHA modified the program. Once again, the AQHA Administration listened to its members and acted accordingly. Remember, if changes need to be made, let’s work together and find practical solu- tions. No use whinging, lets be productive and innovative to achieve our goals. The AQHA Directors work tirelessly for us, so let’s remember to say thank you when we see them next. Sometimes we only focus on the negatives and forget to say thank you. So….. on behalf of the Amateurs throughout Australia, THANK YOU AQHA for facilitating our industry. Please be safe and enjoy our Quarter Horses, as they are the Kelato People’s Choice Award for Equitana 2018 Cheers Leonie Gorski 2018/2019 Amateur Division President March • April • 2019 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • 9

AQHA Magazine January / February 2019 AQHA March / April 2019 | Page 9