
6 minute read
HORSE BREED - THE MAJESTIC MARWARI
A: A rider goes through water from Geelong Horse Trials 2016.
B: Lauren Hussell
C: Hayley Womersley


A
CLUB OF THE MONTH
Geelong Horse Trials
Geelong Horse Trials are an annual sporting event which has been running since 1979 and gains in popularity every year.
What exactly are the Geelong Horse Trials you might ask, if you’ve never heard of them!
The Geelong Horse Trials is an annual equestrian sporting event, involving all three disciplines: dressage, crosscountry and showjumping. (Many people think of eventing as the equivalent of a triathlon.) The Geelong Eventing Association has been running the Geelong Horse Trials since 1979, and it draws competitors from all over Victoria - they are based about an hour from Melbourne.
The trials are held in Inverleigh at the beautiful property ‘Barwonleigh’, a 2,330 hectare cattle and sheep property, which has been in the Campbell family for seven generations.
Geelong Horse Trials attracts a huge range of competitors and spectators every year, and is put together by a group of volunteers, the Geelong Eventing Association Inc, entirely committed to the running and future development of the Geelong Horse Trials. Their aim is to continue to improve the grounds and facilities for the event, with the ultimate goal to make the event more appealing to elite, national level competitors.
The Eventing Association has a committee of 19 people, holding their annual event at Barwonleigh each February. This year The Geelong Horse Trials are on the 23rd and 24th of
February.
For more info go to: facebook. com/pg/geelonghorsetrials/
C
This month has a spectacular vibe, opening with the Chinese New Year of the Pig. It falls on the new moon and paves the way for an abundant 2019. Think wealth, expansion and generosity all rolled into one. Pig years are all about practical application too, and that means actions that lead to success. Us equines will feel the calming influence of Pig all year, sure to smooth out quirks or bad habits. Check your sign below for this month and welcome the Year of the Pig!

Aries
Two-legged Rams will be asked to take charge and lead the way, especially in groups or social situations. Practice saying YES in the mirror, if you have to, but be ready to step up when called upon. Fourlegged friends respond a bit differently. We are happy to blend into the herd, for now, as long as our needs are met. That would include hay, pasture, fresh water (preferably running), thorough grooming and a regular gallop.
Taurus
Bulls will find February more productive, creative and sensual than usual. It’s good for proposing projects, launching an idea or changing up the profession or calling. Whatever your mission in life, you’ll see it with fresh eyes and adjust accordingly. Equine Taureans also enjoy attention and accolades. Actually, we yearn for them, so take note. This is no time to leave us in a stall or obscure paddock. We want to show off!
Gemini
February has you feeling carefree, vitalized and resilient, ready to put the focus on new experiences that take you places you’ve never been before. For more pizzas, let’s just say you won’t have any trouble finding a plus-one when requited. Us equines feel the same, gregarious and social, but there is one caveat, i.e. a propensity for overindulgence, which will lead to health concerns. Make sure the feed room door is locked.
Cancer
Crabs feel exuberant this month and will need an outlet. Consider training in a mind-body-spirit discipline, martial art, weights, yoga or join a team sport. You decide, but the benefits of being in shape will carry over for the whole year. Four-legged Crabs may feel especially jumpy if they aren’t getting worked. Even if a ride has to be missed, remember grooming is a form of exercise too. And, we love it!
Leo
Human Lions take heed. Not another day can go by without consideration or decision when it comes to personal, one-to-one relationships. Likely there is a conflict between inner life and outer world, home and job, creativity and family. You want balance, and now is the time to craft it. Luckily, us equine of the Leonean persuasion have less urgent needs though more attention would be nice. Some extra pampering will do the job. Thank you.
Libra
The urge to be more creative has you in one of two states: buoyant and optimistic or flat and cranky. If it’s the former, pursue your artistry. Make time for it! If it’s the latter, you might need to let go of disappointment and start over from scratch. Us equines have fewer worries and feel mostly carefree. As long as you keep to a schedule this month, neither late nor early with our care, feeding and training, all is well.
Scorpio
This month the focus is internal and no matter how much others try to drag you to a party, the beach, on stage, it won’t feel quite right. Hint: respect the urge for some personal alone time. Make no mistake, this quiet reflection can be productive and good for well-being. Spending a little more time on your own is like an elixir. With the four-legged Scorpios, it’s not the same. We need companionship, and no, chickens don’t count.
Virgo
What a great month ahead! You have the energy and the wits to sort out any issues in the ‘day job,’ routine chores vs. free time, health and well-being. It’s like you have a magic wand to wave over just about any department in your life. But for us equines, it’s a different story. Grumpiness might mean we crave more roughage. You know the average horse can eat twenty pounds of hay each day, right? Up the ration please?
Sagitarius
For the two-legged centaurs, your words can be over the top, as in fast, sharp and to the point. Sure, it’s great to be blunt at times, but make sure you say what you mean and mean what you say. Chances are good you’ll be quoted. For us equines, we have some restless urges this month. When you consider we would naturally move between 30km and 80km a day, you’ll understand why. Up the activities, please.
Capricorn
For any Sea-goat with an ATM card, this month brings exciting financial news. It’s also a time to get a feeling for what gives you meaning and purpose in life. It’s probably not going to be the money itself but the way you think it will make you feel. Solution: do more things that bring a smile, without spending a dime. Four-legged Cappys thrive with one thing this month. More rests in a shady paddock or dry stall.
Aquarius
This is your personal New Moon, an optimal time to see your life from a different perspective. Clues are tied up in the four pillars of Self, others, career, home. Is there balance there? The answer is your clue where to focus. If happy, then do more of that. If not, do less of that. Us four-legged Waterbearers may seem a little lethargic this month. The solution may be a new stable-mate, more companionship or a change of scenery.
Pices
This is your month to bring a dream down to earth, manifesting it into reality. But first, release any reluctance or doubt and embrace your desires. Large or small, whatever you hold in your thoughts is fair game for reality. It can help to think of yourself as Midas with the golden touch, sans the consequences. For us equines, it’s all about perfect health. Watch for any change in manner and call the vet if need be. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

INSPIRING, INFORMING & EDUCATING
Published by:
Equestrian Hub PO Box 13, Tintenbar NSW 2478, 0414 760067 info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au