Queensland State Dressage Squad Member
Tracey Round welcomes 2008
Story Tracey Round pics Berni Saunders.

Halleluiah !!!!! - the year has got off to a good start,  Clinic’s are starting again ... and soon competitions.

The past few months have been very difficult for all the people involved with horses, particularly those who earn their living from the equestrian industry, fortunately I don’t rely on the horses for my income.  I am one of the many amateurs that work very hard to fit in a demanding career, family commitments and make the time for lessons and training in order to do the best I can against the many talented professional riders on the flash imported horses, that now dominate the sport in Australia.

Although the effect of the 2007 Equine Influenza outbreak has not had the same devastating impact on me as the professionals, the non professional group have also been hit hard.  Even though we may have not been as badly affected financially, the emotional impact and interruption to our normal routine has been quite draining and very inconvenient. 

Beluga and Tracey training at home - EI has hindered progress!

I had hoped to be able to work with my trainer to confirm Beluga’s Grand Prix work in the off season, but due to EI it has been impossible to make steady progress.  Beluga has had to have time off and fit in with times that were arranged for vaccinations and the other precautionary measures that were put in place to protect Queensland's top level equine athletes, in all disciplines.   I hope that all of us can get started soon and do 'our bit' to help to restore confidence in the horse community and inject some much needed funds back into the industry.

Tracey and Beluga at the 2007 Brisbane CDI in Toowoomba

I would like to like to acknowledge the back up and support that all businesses received from Pryde's Feeds during this difficult time.  Prydes were there, standing behind the whole industry, starting from the time of "lock down" in Warwick.  Our Queensland Pryde's rep, Ron Major is to be congratulated (and thanked) for his prompt and caring response, he is such a lovely person.

Tracey and Beluga at a NADAC competition.

I am very proud to be associated with Prydes feeds. My horse Beluga (Billy to his friends) has competed and worked for most of his FEI career on Prydes EasiResult - he just loves it!  Billy never misses a beat when traveling, at competitions or at home and I am looking forward to being able to get back out to dressage competitions to  consolidate the work we have been practicing at home. Beluga and I have been on the Queensland State Squad for the past five years. This year I am the only amateur rider on the Flying Changes Queensland State Elite Squad and this is a pretty significant achievement, as I ride with and against, the State's finest riders/trainers on very flashy (in some cases, imported) horses!

The Queensland Flying Changes State Squad is made up of the "cream of the crop" FEI combinations from our State and I am very proud to be part of this elite team.  I  would like to take this opportunity to say thankyou to the organiser's for their efforts to help us all improve and to ensure that the sport of Dressage - up North - continues to make progress.

Beluga is a Trakehner gelding by the well respected import, Benito.  I was fortunate to be able to purchase him when he was 2 years old.  In the eight years that I have ridden and trained Beluga I have got to know him well and feel that he has never worked better since I changed his diet to the Prydes recommendation. Billy is not complicated in any way so I don’t need to fuss with a highly specialised feeding regime. EasiResult works very well for the work that we do, he has enough energy and the balanced nutritional requirements ensures that. Beluga always looks fit and healthy.   I get many comments on his glowing good health and lovely glossy black coat.

I hope to be riding in the "Big Tour" (Intermediate ll and Grand Prix) this year, with Prydes feeds fuelling my horse ... and the confidence that only the right care and preparation can give.

I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Ron Major of Prydes Feeds who has  believed in Beluga enough to allow me to be part of the 'promotional team' with this professional and dedicated company. It is a pleasure working with all of the experts that stand behind the excellent range of Prydes products.

I would also like to thank Berni Saunders from Cyberhorse for taking an interest in myself and Beluga when she came up to Queensland to cover the 2007 CDI. She and Cyberhorse's local reporter, Tracy Mayhew gave Queensland the best publicity and coverage ever!   The media is very important if Australian Dressage and the people who live in places scattered across our huge country - and must travel long distances to be part of the sport - are to be given recognition.  We need all of the publicity we can get, to ensure that more people take an interest in Dressage and the sport continues to grow.... thanks everyone!

Tracey Round and Beluga.

Prydes Feedsafe Certificate

Prydes Nutritionist can custom make diets to meet the specific needs of your horse -

For more information on Prydes Feed click here

© Cyberhorse 2008 Berni Saunders