Tarago Riding Club

03/05/2026

Anzac Day dawn service- two of our members participated and the service was huge compared to last year. As we walked up the street to the breakfast afterwards the whole group marched up behind us!

22/04/2026

Tuesday afternoon a few of our members met the lone walker in Tarago and escorted.him into the pub where Roo Arcus played for them. An amazing experience and representation from our club just before Anzac day. We will also have members attending the dawn service in Tarago in light horse kit again on their steeds this year.

10/04/2026

Riding club is cancelled for April (tomorrow) tia

01/03/2026

Hello everyone. To keep you updated we are awaiting the EA Insurance renewal date to come around before we ramp up our activities again. 1st of July we will again be in full swing but until then you need your own EA membership or similar to ride at the grounds at our meets so you have your own public liability as the grounds at the Tarago Recreation Area -do not have any insurance for public liability for horse riding-.

That goes for anyone riding at the grounds. You can't. Unless you have your own insurance. The grounds are actually not public land either so you don't have every right to just use it either.

Even if you are not a member of our club this affects you.

I feel like as horse riders in Tarago we need to use the grounds as they are set up for horse riding.

But at this rate its heading towards murky waters for the future of use for horses.

Please consider either joining TSAI or our club and getting the point across that we want to continue to use the grounds for horse riding.

We need to come together and show TSAI we are keen to be a part of the grounds, to help TSAI, and keep horse riding at the grounds.

09/02/2026

Our survey is now LIVE - please take the time to give us some feedback.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH TARAGO RIDING CLUB

07/02/2026

Three of us got up early this morning for a trail ride at one of our members properties and rode in the bush where it was cool and relaxing. It's the little things in life! Adventures with friendly and supportive horse people!

03/02/2026

This weekend on Saturday 7th Feb we will be trail riding and doing groundwork at a property in Quialigo. EA/club membership required to attend.

03/01/2026

Happy New Year!

Ride meet from 9 til 12 at the grounds on Sat 10th Jan

Currently membership is only open to EA members until July 1. Non EA membership will resume then. Thanks all!

15/12/2025

Hello W**d Warriors!

Always consult your horse health professional before use of any plant or w**d.

Today I wanted to tell you about a w**d in your paddock that is beneficial to your horses BUT it is a declared w**d in NSW.

The common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is generally safe and beneficial for horses, often sought out by them for its heart-healthy, circulation-boosting properties, aiding conditions like laminitis and navicular. While horses naturally nibble it, providing it as a supplement requires caution; always ensure it's chemical-free and consult a vet, as thorns can pose risks, though the plant itself is non-toxic.

Benefits for Horses
Heart Health: Acts as a cardiac tonic, improving blood flow to heart muscles.
Circulation: Dilates blood vessels, helping with conditions like laminitis and navicular syndrome.
Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, helping combat physical and emotional stress.
Respiratory Support: Can help lung function and reduce exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding).
Natural Forage: Horses often instinctively eat the flowers and new leaves for seasonal support.

Important Considerations
Non-Toxic: Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries are considered non-toxic to horses.

Thorns: The sharp thorns can cause minor cuts in the mouth or throat, potentially leading to infection or colic, so supervision is key.
Source & Purity: Ensure any hawthorn is free from pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, especially if using supplements.

Professional Advice: Consult a vet or equine herbalist before adding hawthorn to a horse's diet, especially for performance horses or serious health issues.

Hawthorn as Paddock/Hedge Plant
Stock-Proofing: Grows into a dense, sturdy hedge, offering wind and sun protection.
Wildlife: Attracts birds and butterflies, adding biodiversity.
Planting: Safe for paddocks, but protect new plants from horses until established.

https://w**ds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/W**ds/Hawthorn

https://www.ark.au/crataegus-monogyna.html

https://www.firstchoiceequine.com/post/the-healing-power-of-hawthorn-berry-for-performance-horses-a-natural-solution-to-lung-bleeding?srsltid=AfmBOoqFGfEMHrcFcD5DXU8Ix9va8kLY4Px6C0UTwhleuwrfwtQbhdS5

08/12/2025

W**d management is an important part of being a horse owner. Even if it's not your land.

This week we will focus on St John's Wort.

This w**d is highly toxic to horses particularly those with white skin. It spreads like wildfire 🔥 so it's very important we remove it as soon as we see it.

Removal can be done manually by pulling it out and spraying with herbicide chemicals such as glyphosphate.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is toxic to horses, causing photosensitization (severe sunburn/skin irritation on light-colored areas) due to the toxin hypericin, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort, especially with sun exposure; ingestion can also cause digestive upset, weight loss, and lethargy, requiring removal from pastures and prompt vet care. Horses usually avoid it, but it becomes a risk when other forage is scarce, and controlling the w**d and providing shade are crucial to prevent poisoning.
Dangers to Horses
Photosensitization: The main risk; hypericin in the plant causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight, leading to painful skin reactions (blisters, redness) on unpigmented (white) skin, often on the muzzle, legs, and belly.
Digestive Issues: Can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, dullness, and sometimes diarrhea or constipation.
Behavioral Changes: Horses may become lethargic, weak, and reluctant to move.
Identification & Risk
Appearance: Yellow flowers with five petals, often with black dots on edges; leaves have tiny translucent spots (oil glands) visible when held to light.
Risk Times: Most dangerous when young or when it dominates pastures, especially during dry spells when palatable feed is lacking.
Hay: The toxin remains potent in contaminated hay.
What to Do if Your Horse Eats It
Remove from Sun: Immediately move the horse to a shaded area or bring them indoors.
Call Your Vet: Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment plan.
Remove the W**d: Control and remove St. John's Wort from all horse pastures.
Prevention
Maintain healthy, competitive pastures to reduce w**d establishment.
Ensure horses have access to shade.

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/193075/St-Johns-wort.pdf

06/12/2025

An early morning meet today to beat the heat! A fun day out at Pineview Equestrian working in the arena on balance and coordination over poles followed by a little ride around the property 😀 Merry Christmas to all from Tarago Riding Club 😀