there seems to be some interest in the log-book system we have here in
australia, so i will try to describe them more fully to you. feel free to
email me for more details or to clarify anything i say.
firstly, there are two types of log book - a "novice horse" log book and
an "endurance horse" log book. in australia a horse has to successfully
complete 240km (150miles?) of endurance rides under certain restrictions
(time, distance etc) before it is awarded it's "endurance horse" status,
when it can then compete openly. this is not important to the log-book
issue, but seeing as my horse is a novice horse i only have a novice book
here to describe to you. they are basically the same, a different
coloured cover to assist ride management, and the information in the
front page may be slightly different. however....
the books are about 15x12cm in size, the pages are fixed, and numbered.
the novice horse book has enough pages for 6 rides (which should be enough
to reach endurance horse status). i think the endurance horse books have
pages for 20 rides, and when you have ridden that many you apply for a
second book. on the front there is the AERA logo etc, your horse's name
and it's AERA number.
the front page is an info page, which i will copy here for you:
NOVICE HORSE LOG BOOK
This log book is an introduction for your horse to the wonderful world of
endurance riding. The AERA sincerely hopes that the owner of this book -
your horse - will successfully travel many more kilometers than the 240
required to complete this book.
Please take nore of the following:
1. Every log book is numbered. That number will become your horse's
endurance registration number, and will transfer to the Endurance Log
Book when your horse achieves endurance status. Please quote the number
on your ride entry form.
2. On receipt of the book you will notice a double page spread with a set
of simple diagrams together with information about your horse, breed, sex
and colour etc. This is to be filled in to the best of your ability.
3. You must present this log book with your horse at each ride while ever
it remains in Novice status. It will be used during the ride as a normal
vet card.
4. When your horse acheives Endurance Horse Status, this log book is then
returned to the Secretary or Registrar in the state in which you are a
member. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of the contents in case
the log book is lost in transit.
5. The Scretary/Registrar, on receipt of this log book, will -
(a) Forward the information to the National Distance Registrar
(b) Issue your horse an Endurance Horse Log Book together with
instructions on identification etc.
(c) There will be a cost payable to the Secretary/Registrar for the
Endurance Horse Log Book.
6. The record of your horse's novice competitions will be incorporated
into the Endurance Horse Log Book. The Novice Log Book will be returned
and will remain part of your horse's endurance riding history.
7. It is advisable to keep a record of the log book number in the event
of the book becoming lost. It is not difficult for the book to be
replaced if you have the horse's number.
the next page is a double page spread. the first page has diagrams of a
horse foryou to fill in your horse's markings, brands etc. teh second
half has basic information about your horse: name, AERA number, breed,
breed registry number if applicable, date of birth, sex, parents. there
is more information on the endurance horse books, i think, including a
microchip number (which aussie endurance horses must have). these pages
must be verified by the signature of a vet (usually done at the first ride).
after that is is the vet-cards/ride records, in double page spreads. the
information included is:
rider/horse number
ride name, date, distance, state
rider's membership number and name
weight and division
rider status (novice or endurance - we have to qualify too)
successful completion details - time, place
unsuccessful completin details - vet out reason, withdrawn
the ride secretary's signature
the start time, in, out and vet times for each vet check. (as you get on
your time slips)
vetting parameters: heartrate, respiration, temperature
scores for : mucous membranes, capillary & jugular refill, skin recoil,
heart sounds, gut sounds, anal tone, muscle tone, girth back & withers,
leg injuries, gait and an overall score (these ar marked a,b,c or d)
veterinary comments and signature
(all these are recorded for each vet check)
there are spots to tick for a best conditioned award, if the horse is
swabbed, and if a rest order has been given.
the final page of the book is a note page, where you can record details
from previous books (or pre log-book rides), or where a vet can record
details for other vets to to read (ie if your horse has a funny gait that
is not lameness but may make a vet look twice)
hope this helps,
nik in oz