Nicole is 'over the moon' at news of EI freedom
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Paralympic equestrian hopeful Nicole Kullen is over the moon at news that NSW is now equine influenza (EI) free.
"EI freedom is fantastic - it has been a long haul but in the end the effort to fight the disease has paid off," Nicole said.
"Now so many riders can get back out there and start competing again, including myself - it’s a great thing for horse riders and lovers alike."
At the start of the equine influenza outbreak Nicole from Rock Forest near Bathurst, along with her mother Margaret and dressage horse Nikshar Nomination were stranded and in lockdown at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsely Park for two weeks.
Nicole was there competing at the time when the horse movement ban was put in place. After the two weeks in lockdown they were then given a permit to move Nikshar Nomination back to their trainer’s property at Clarence Town in the Hunter Valley, which was a Purple Zone.
"I’ve been staying with my mum Margaret in a motel near the property while we prepare for the para dressage selection trials to be held early in March," she said.
"Due to EI, the selectors, judges and the national coach are going around Australia to see each rider and horse combination in a competition scenario at their chosen location within their zone. This was done as all the riders were unable to compete at the one venue.
"It’s been a difficult period - preparing for the selection trials amidst an equine influenza outbreak," she said.
"We have our own horses at home near Bathurst so we were reluctant to return from the Purple Zone ourselves - in case we transferred the disease.
"We would only go home rarely because to completely decontaminated ourselves and our equipment was a fairly lengthy process.
"But we were determined to do everything to stop the spread of EI and to prepare for the trials. We even followed strict bio-security measures at our home in Bathurst, even though it was in a clean zone, just to be safe."
"Now the State is EI-free there is a great feeling that the hard work has paid off - it’s great."
Nicole said her bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Nikshar Nomination never went down with EI and was one of the horses that were given the vaccine.
Nicole’s hoping both horse and rider are in fine form when it counts in two weeks time at their Paralympic Selection Trials.
Nicole has been on horseback since she was 18 months old and participated in a wide variety of equestrian sports, including endurance riding, trail riding, showing, and cross-country jumping.
In August 1996, she contracted Meningococcal Meningitis Septicaemia and lost both her lower legs. She has limited arm movement and strength, with no function in both hands and wrists, and has several other health complications as a result of the disease.
In 2000 Nicole lost all function from both kidneys and now relies on peritoneal dialysis four times daily.
"Since getting ill, I’ve slowly managed to be around my horses again, but it’s been a strenuous task, because of my disabilities and health problems.
"But my love and passion for my horses keeps me going, even when the pain builds up."
The equine influenza outbreak has been yet another challenge for Nicole to overcome.
In 2000, Nicole began competing in Dressage competitions with the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) for able-bodied riders, and the Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDAA) for riders with a disability.
Since 2006, she has also been competing Internationally with the the Fédération Equestre Internationale, achieving a great deal of success in her dressage career, including winning silver and bronze medals whilst representing Australia at the 2007 FEI World Para Equestrian Dressage Championships in Britain.
Nicole is looking for people to help support her preparation for Paralympic success. The 2008 Paralympic Games will be held in September, straight after the Olympics in Beijing. The Australian Paralympic Committee cover all costs and expenses for those competing at the Games.
"Training and competing, can be mentally, physically, and financially draining. But I’m extremely excited to see what the future will bring to my horses and myself," she said.
"They’re one of the main things that help keep me going and living through this life of mine despite all of the obstacles and pain. I’d be lost without them.
"The thought of being EI free again is a great relief."
Tax deductible donations can be sent to: Nicole Kullen, PO Box 59, KINGSWOOD NSW 2747 Australia. Or you can go to Nicole’s website for further sponsorship opportunities: at http://www.nicolekullen.com
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