3 minute read
From the Horse’s Mouth
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
With Fiona Todd
This month we have the very great pleasure of introducing our last Delivering Dreams winner before we roll out the Equestrian Hub Mentor Program, an innovation that captures the essence of our vision for delivering education and inspiration to riders across Australia. Congratulations to Kelly Bridgland – I am sure you will enjoy the benefits of mentoring and coaching; and congratulations to Kacey Ledger – the Performa Ride People’s Choice. And of course, thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who entered.
It seems fitting to speak of mentors before introducing this issue’s Spotlight, the amazing and determined Christine Bates. Hers truly is a story of resilience! And are you dreaming of an overseas riding career? Rebecca Nadge talks to Jake Hunter about his experience. It’s a hard road but it’s worth it – in Jake’s own words: “Never give up because you don't know how close you are until you get there.”
To help achieve our goal of providing ever more training, our very own Christine Armishaw introduces the lateral movement, and also offers some top exercises perfect for shorter days and colder weather. Still on training, Cath Henshall discusses the intriguing effects of habits, stress and learning on our horses.
John Vallance, Australia’s only FEI 4* Level course builder, talks line and its importance in allowing horses to establish a good rhythm; whilst over in dressage land 5* FEI judge Susie Hoevenaars offers insights into the challenges of judging. Then Pamela Brice, the Dressage NSW pony representative, tackles the difficult topic of weight to size and ensures we have a clear understanding of the new guidelines.
Breeding in Australia has just stepped up a notch with the arrival of Helgstrand at Turnberry in Victoria. Suzy Jarrett talks to stud manager Lyndall Kramer before flipping to the other side of the equestrian coin with 20 Questions for champion reiner Mick Taylor.
As we approach the colder months, caring for our senior horses poses many problems. Dr Clarissa Brown-Douglas discusses the major areas of concern: gut health, teeth, environmental stress, and nutrition. And for worming know-how, important no matter what your horse’s age, turn to Rachel Roan’s interview with veterinarian Dr Calum Paltridge.
In European Trends, Jess Morton looks at technology’s role in assessing your horse’s athleticism, an approach also useful for analysing the effect a saddle has on a horse’s movement. Sick of all the rain? So are we – but forecasts aren’t improving, so we asked Jess to look at what’s hot in wet weather fashion trends.
This month’s Tacked Up is on boots and bandages, and we talk to Megan Jones’ head groom Kellie Breuls about the do’s and don’ts. And welcome to Jamie Hocking, our new and wonderful columnist, who’s been busy upskilling his mental training. Did you know training your mind can improve the way you ride?
Jo McKinnon reports on the recent Southern Cross Show Horse Spectacular where she co-judged the Inglis Thoroughbred Classic. The All Stars class was won by the rather gorgeous chestnut Seventy Seven. With interest in OTTs growing apace, the Equestrian Hub Mentor Program includes a Life After Racing component in support of this fantastic movement.
It’s wonderful to be able to consider, let alone have a holiday again, so go Nordic with Mathilde Gregoire, who takes us on a remarkable eight day horseback trek through the Icelandic Highlands before introducing the super Sportaloosa.
Of course, here at EH HQ we’d all love a spotted pony and we have just the property (all 14.3 gorgeous acres of it) to keep them on in Somers, Victoria
Naturally there’s plenty more with a saddle review on the Kieffer Inzell, and Young Rider Dakota Rawson-Harris, and so as always pour your favourite tipple, relax and enjoy!
