On behalf of the members, and benefiting the wider equine community, NRC has submitted on the Tasman District Council's Long Term Plan.  

A shout out to the great and detailed work that Natasha has done in pulling together information from members and other districts. 
NRC will be speaking to their submission.

Submissions close on 28 April and members are encouraged to also submit as individuals.

Submissions can be made via the TDC website 
 shape.tasman.govt.nz/tasmans-10-year-plan

Apologies to Rob Winch for modifying the lyrics and to all those around in 1987 for the ear-worm :-) 

​Zoomy Beach Ride - 14th
The weather gods smiled on us and members enjoyed a faster than the usual amble beach ride at Rabbit Island.

​Nelson Riding Club AGM - 16th

The club's AGM was held on Tuesday 16 April.  Pizza and refreshments were provided and then we settled in for the "Have horse will travel" presentation by Naomi Alexander.  Naomi shared her experiences and great photos of long-distance riding. Naomi told us how she got into long distance trail riding, how she prepares herself and her horse, where she stays and tips for how to get into trail riding.  We were treated to photos of her adventures in the Muzzle and St James Stations, and other locations.  For those attending there was lots of helpful information about preparing yourself, your horse and your transport for your outback adventures.  If you're new to trekking Naomi recommends joining clubs and giving guided treks a go, getting to know experienced trekkers, and always asking questions.  There is some beautiful country out there and lots of it is accessible with your equine partner.  But remember that preparation is everything!

The AGM was well attended.  Documents and reports from the AGM will be posted on the website.
The committee for the 2024-25 year includes some familiar faces and new talent.  Details of the office holders and committee members can be found on Meet the Committee section of the website.

NRC High Points Trophy
Congratulations to Leigh McCoy who has been awarded the NRC trophy for highest number of club day activities attended in the 2023-24.

Affiliation with New Zealand Riding Clubs Inc
Members at the AGM supported the committee's recommendation that Nelson Riding Club affiliates with the national body for riding clubs.  The committee is looking forward to the advantages that this membership will bring for our members.  More information about the New Zealand Riding Clubs Inc can be found on their website.

Rough Island Ramble - Sunday 11 March from 11am
Club members went for a lovely ramble around Rough Island.

Eve Hawes Hoof Clinic - Sunday 11 March from 1pm
Topics included;
Anatomy of the Hoof
Nutrition for optimal hoof health
Basic Tools - use and selection
Basic trimming of the barefoot horse
Hoof boots and Shoeing
A trimming demonstration and practical session.

Club Day Pole Clinic Sunday 10th September with Lou Ironmonger 

Our September club day was a pole clinic with Lou Ironmonger.  Riders enjoyed exercises designed to improve stride, regularity, fluidity and balance.  Groups included walk/trot and trot/canter.

In August the club hosted an evening with Brett Tennent-Brown, a vet, a Town & Country Vets. 

Brett shared information on Equine Metabolic Syndrome and nutrition.  He had recently attended an overseas veterinary conference and discussed the results of overseas research and how these can be applied to our New Zealand setting.  

There was a great turn out, lots of questions and sharing of experiences.

Brett outlined three techniques, which we can use in combination, to access and monitor our horses' condition.

• Use the 9-point scale and body score your horse - aiming for a 4-6 score.  (shown below)
• Use the Cresty Neck Score (shown below)
• Measure insulin (there are options for static and dynamic tests to give you a base line)

My other takeaways from this talk were.

• Horses need 1.5% of their weight in forage every day - weigh your hay!
• Keep a diary and use a weigh tape to assess your horses weight every two weeks.  Even if it's not accurate it will still give you trend information.
• Work with your vet on a reduction plan, it takes time (think months), and be prepared to make changes based on results.
• Weigh your feed - it's not a coffee cup of this and a handful of that (I'm guilty of this...)
• For my prone to fat pony - a fat rich diet is better than carb rich, canola is a good oil, use low GI or grain free feed.  Try to prevent insulin spikes by being consistent with feed and pasture access.
• We're all doing our best :-)

Note - Google will help you find the body score and cresty neck information. and descriptions
Note - these are my notes from the talk - if in doubt or for more information talk to your vet!

For our July Club Day, we got the toys out and members got to have a go with our Working Equitation and Cowboy Challenge obstacles.  It was great to meet some new members and a nice low key friendly outing on a cool morning.

To celebrate Matariki club members enjoyed the winter sun on a perfect tide for a ride at Rabbit Island.

Information to follow

Our February Club Day was Working Equitation Have a Go.
We had a great turn out with 19 members attending.  Thanks to the experienced WE members who shared their knowledge and skills.
The session finished with group rides around Rough Island.

Members enjoyed a morning beach ride at Rabbit Island on Sunday 26 February.