The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is Australia’s premier endurance ride, a gruelling 160-kilometer event that challenges both horses and riders to their physical and mental limits. Held annually, this event brings together elite endurance riders who spend months conditioning their horses to withstand the ride’s intense demands. The course is known for its varied terrain and unpredictable climate, with this year’s hilly, humid coastal setting adding an extra level of difficulty. For the veterinary team, the ride presents unique challenges in safeguarding the horses’ health under these extreme conditions.
This year’s veterinary care was expertly led by Dr. Darien Feary, Head Treatment Vet, who specializes in large animal internal medicine and critical care at REC Equine Specialists in New South Wales. Her assistant, Dr. Celine Lee, an experienced equine vet from Tasmania, served as 2IC. Both veterinarians brought an impressive depth of experience, combining years of academic training with real-world expertise in equine endurance care.
Preparing for the Unexpected: The Role of Veterinary Support at Endurance Events
Endurance riding places unusual metabolic strains on horses, who must cope with dehydration, muscle fatigue, and shifts in their regular diets and environments. Conditions like “endurance colic,” caused by a temporary reduction in gut motility due to exertion, are more common here than in everyday equine practice. The Tom Quilty veterinary team anticipated a range of potential health concerns, equipped with top-of-the-line diagnostic tools provided by Radincon, including the RAD-X DR X1A 810C SC Portable DR System and the Porta 100HF Portable High-Frequency X-ray Unit. They also had access to the highly-regarded GE Versana Active Ultrasound System with a 4C probe, known for its precision in soft tissue imaging.
The state-of-the-art equipment allowed the team to quickly and accurately assess any horse’s condition, ruling out serious issues before they could escalate. Fortunately, no severe injuries required the use of the X-ray equipment. However, the availability of this technology provided peace of mind, knowing they could swiftly intervene if a horse were to sustain a skeletal injury on the demanding course.
A Close Call: The Case of the Colic Scare
Despite most horses completing the ride without major issues, one horse presented symptoms of severe pain and distress after the third leg, including rolling, a common sign of colic. Colic in endurance horses can be particularly challenging to assess, as it differs from standard colic in non-exerted horses. Endurance colic often results from slowed gut motility rather than a physical blockage.
Dr. Feary, utilizing the GE Versana ultrasound, carefully examined the horse’s digestive system. In real-time, she demonstrated to the veterinary students observing that there was no obstruction, only slowed movement in the intestines, likely due to fatigue and dehydration. The Versana Active ultrasound’s high-resolution imaging, especially suited for equine soft tissue assessment, was instrumental in differentiating between the types of colic.
The horse received intravenous fluids, pain relief, and mild sedation. Instead of requiring invasive intervention or surgery, the horse could be stabilized and given time to recover comfortably on-site. By the following morning, it was clear that the horse had fully recuperated—a testament to the team’s skillful intervention and access to cutting-edge equipment.
The Value of Advanced Diagnostic Tools in Equine Care
The GE Versana Active Ultrasound System, equipped with a 4C probe, proved to be invaluable in this case. Known for its portability, high-quality imaging, and user-friendly interface, the Versana allows veterinarians to diagnose conditions with precision, even in remote settings like the Tom Quilty. The machine’s ease of use enabled Dr. Feary to quickly scan the horse’s gastrointestinal tract, assess the situation, and make an informed treatment decision without delay.
The RAD-X DR X1A 810C SC Portable DR System and Porta 100HF X-ray unit were also on hand, standing by to provide high-quality radiographic imaging if needed. These systems are favoured by veterinarians for their portability and precision, making them ideal for field use.
Expertise and Experience: Dr. Darien Feary and Dr. Celine Lee
Dr. Darien Feary, who led the veterinary team, brings a wealth of experience in equine medicine and surgery. Her role at REC Equine Specialists has given her deep insights into managing equine critical care situations, and her expertise in treating performance horses was invaluable during the Tom Quilty. Known for her calm demeanour and decisive action under pressure, Dr. Feary is highly respected in the equine community for her commitment to animal welfare.
Dr. Celine Lee from Leven Equine Veterinary Services, serving as 2IC, is a seasoned equine vet from Tasmania, where she has built her reputation in equine endurance and sports medicine. Her understanding of the specific needs of endurance horses and her hands-on experience with metabolic challenges made her an ideal choice for the Tom Quilty. Together, Dr. Feary and Dr. Lee worked seamlessly, providing exceptional care and mentorship to the veterinary students shadowing them.
The Importance of Quality Equipment and Expertise in Endurance Events
The combination of high-quality equipment and skilled veterinarians is essential to managing the risks of endurance riding. The hilly and humid conditions of this year’s Tom Quilty added an extra layer of challenge, making it even more important to have reliable diagnostic tools on hand. The advanced Radincon X-ray and GE Versana ultrasound systems allowed Darien and Celine to make fast, informed decisions, reducing the stress on horses and ensuring they received the most appropriate care.
In reflecting on the event, Darien expressed her gratitude for Radincon’s equipment, noting that the portable systems provided the flexibility and precision needed for accurate on-site diagnostics. “Having access to this level of technology really elevates the standard of care we can provide at endurance events,” she said. Celine echoed her sentiment, emphasizing how the equipment’s efficiency allowed them to focus on animal welfare rather than logistical concerns.
Concluding Thoughts
The Tom Quilty ride is a testament to the resilience of both horses and humans, demanding peak physical performance from all involved. With the support of skilled veterinarians like Dr. Feary and Dr. Lee, and the backing of advanced diagnostic tools from Radincon, this year’s event was another successful chapter in the history of Australian endurance riding. Their expert care and dedication ensured that each horse had a safe and positive experience, reaffirming the critical role that veterinary teams play in the success of endurance sports.
