Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

Dr. TanDY

Vet unfazed by equine challenge

Source: The Star

5 May 2006

BEING responsible for the health of close to 100 horses competing in an international equestrian meet is no easy job.

Much work is needed to ensure that each and every horse is well, not depressed and able to compete.

That was the immense task Dr P. Balakrishna, head of the veterinary commission for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) World Cup Jumping Final 2006, had been facing.

And the demands were all the greater because he was the first Malaysian to hold the post and Malaysia the first Asian host for the prestigious event in its 28-year history.

Dr Balakrishna checking on the clinical condition of one of the horses which took part in the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2006.

But 46-year-old Dr Balakrishna, an equine veterinarian and veteran of international events like the Sydney 2000 Olympics, was unfazed.

“I feel very honoured and happy to have been appointed to this position although I was shocked initially. The pressure is great as you can’t afford to make mis-takes and you have to be very patient.

“It was a challenge but I enjoyed it. My passion for horses, coupled with my family’s support, drives me on,” he said in an interview.

The five-day event, broadcasted to some 700 million viewers worldwide, was held at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil and ended on Sunday. It involved 99 horses from 28 countries.

As head of the 10-member commission, Dr Bala’s work started from the moment the horses arrived in Malaysia as they had to undergo a clinical examination.

“The first thing we needed to do was to check whether they had travel sickness due to the long flight and change in air pressure.

“Normal travel sickness includes high fever and dehydration. Some-times the horses get depressed and refuse to eat or drink for a couple of days,” said the FEI member, who also has his own practice in Kuala Lumpur.

There was also, he added, a need to check the horses’ heartbeat, blood and lungs as well as to look out for any limb injuries.

“We also had to attend to any last-minute requests from riders or the horses’ caretakers,” said the father of three.

On whether he would take up the position again if given the chance to do so, Dr Bala- krishna said: “I don’t mind as horses have been close to my heart for over 20 years and it gives me satisfaction to see them perform well.”