FEI General Veterinarians Course in Adelaide

An FEI Veterinary Course hosted by Equestrian Australia was held at the Adelaide International 3 Day Event on the 3^rdand 4^th of November 2016. Located in the heart of Adelaide CBD, the Adelaide International in one of only six 4* eventing competitions that makes up the FEI classics eventing series. 

Organised by Dr Kirsten Neil (FEI National Head Veterinarian for Australia) with the assistance of Di Saunders, the purpose of the course was to provide instruction to new FEI veterinarians as well as updating current official FEI veterinarians as a part of their maintenance education requirements. 

Attended by 48 equine veterinarians from all over Australia, the course was held over two days and was a mix of extremely valuable discussion sessions, case-based scenarios, interactive videos and traditional lectures. The bulk of the material was presented by Dr Nigel Nichols, whose FEI veterinary experience includes 3 Olympic Games, veterinary delegate at the Australian International 3 Day Event, a former member of the FEI Veterinary Committee along with numerous other high level international veterinary appointments. Topics covered by Nigel included an introduction to the Veterinary education and accreditation process, an overview of FEI Veterinary Regulations, FEI ethics and welfare, transportation of horses and disease risk, preparation for emergency treatment at events and a comprehensive summary of the tasks and duties of a veterinary delegate at an international event. Dr Kirsten Neil presented about thermoregulation of the equine athlete and rational use of fluid therapy at events, Dr Brian Sheahan gave an Introduction to Endurance Competition, Dr Denis Goulding spoke about the FEI Medication Control regulations and testing procedure and Dr Peter Huntington from Kentucky Equine Research gave a presentation about optimal nutritional management of the equine athlete. Personal accounts of working as an FEI Official veterinarian were given by Dr Christopher Elliott and Dr Penny Dow followed by Dr Nathan Anthony and Dr Robin Bell describing their role as Australian Equestrian Team Veterinarians, and Dr Kirsten Neil described her role as part of the veterinary commission at the recent Rio Olympics.

Holding the FEI Vet Course during the Australian International Three Day Event provided delegates with the opportunity to participate and gain valuable experience on cross country day, as well as during the showjumping and driving competitions. Thanks to the organisers of this world class event, in particular Gill Rolton and Belinda Lindh, for their generous hospitality and assistance. Thanks also to Kentucky Equine Research, Equestrian Australia’s education partner, Provet and to the course social event sponsors Interpath, CEVA and Randlab for their continued generous sponsorship of veterinary education in Australia.

Well organised and very informative with beautiful views directly over the competition venue, the 2016 FEI veterinary course in Adelaide was very well received by all who attended.