Equestrian Hub Magazine November December 2021 by Equestrian Hub Magazine

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Delivering Dreams

We have our winner

Christmas gifts

Our super guide makes giving easy

Brett Parbery

Busting myths on colour, gender and character

Mycotoxins

Protecting your horse from a potential killer

Clem Smith

Jumping gems from an Australian great

BREEDING – TOTO NAT I O N D E J E U

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TRAINING AND COMPETITION

COACHING AND MENTORING

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94 58

Editor Amanda McWhinnie amanda@equestrianhub.com.au Advertising Enquiries Joanne Conyers 0448 442 220 joanne.conyers@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries Shae Herwig info@equestrianhub.com.au

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On the Cover Delivering Dreams Sponsorship recipient Emma Hulse and Don Duveah (Image by Bronwyn Evans). Magazine Layout Kimberley Bloom Design www.kimberleybloom.com.au kim@kimberleybloom.com.au

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THIS PUBLICATION IS PUBLISHED BY EQUESTRIAN HUB. MATERIALS IN THIS PUBLICATION HAVE BEEN CREATED BY A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT ENTITIES AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PUBLISHER ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIALS CREATED BY OTHERS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OPINION OF THE PUBLISHER, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES. CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ADVERTISERS. ANY USE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE PERSON USING THAT INFORMATION. ©2021 EQUESTRIAN HUB EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW, NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF EQUESTRIAN HUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. INFORMATION AND CREDITS ARE CORRECT WHEN GOING TO PRINT BUT MAY CHANGE AFTERWARDS.

2 | EQUESTRIAN HUB NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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Contents 4 9 10 22 26 31 38 44 52 58 67 68

ISSUE #6 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Our Contributors

Feature: Crossing Kyrgyzstan

From the Horse’s Mouth

Life After Racing

Spotlight on Louise Curran

Breed: The Cleveland Bay

Ask an Expert: Toni Horsley

Saddle Review: Bates Artiste

Feature: Delivering Dreams Winner

On My Tackbox: Busting the Myths

Vet Vibes: Mycotoxins

Training Tips: Jumping Gems

Brister’s Brief

Feature: Christmas Gift Guide

104

Young Rider: Amy Gotts-Wheeler

106

Perfect Partners: Alanna Richards & France

European Trends: Sustainable Rugs

110

20 Questions with James Arkins

Feature: Grooming at the Olympics

112

Stockists

Nutrition: Hydration in Summer Feature: The Power of Partnership

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 3

O U R C O N T R I B U TO R S

Enya Crockford A rider for most of her life, Enya has been a qualified coach since her teens. She's trained numerous horses up through the eventing levels and is currently working with her sweet but opinionated homebred mare. She recently spoke to Amalia Dempsey, who has discovered a whole new world courtesy of two untrained youngsters.

Amanda Mac As editor of Equestrian Hub Magazine, Amanda’s two longstanding passions, one for horses and the other for writing, come together perfectly. In this issue she talks to Grand Prix dressage rider Louise Curran, whose journey to the top with heart horse Cil Dara Gandalf unfolded in a most unexpected way – a story of success against serious odds.

Dr Doug English A veterinarian and longtime turmeric researcher, Doug completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 1974. He’s well-known throughout Australia for his work in the equine industry and is a long-time Equine Veterinarians Australia member. In this issue he delves deep into mycotoxins and sheds light on the threat they pose to your horse’s well-being.

Jessica Morton Jessica is a dual national New Zealand-Italian freelance journalist, equestrian traveller and writer. Currently based in Tuscany, she’s perfectly positioned to bring us the very latest in European equestrian trends and innovations. In this issue she looks at sustainable turnout rugs, before following the extraordinary adventures of a Parisian couple’s adventures ‘en selle’.

Leisa Hofstetter Leisa is an Equine Nutritionist and founder of Hof Equine. She has a Bachelor of Equine Science, specialising in nutrition, and lives on the Far North Coast of NSW. She is familiar with best practice feeding in warmer climates, and in this issue offers some valuable tips on how to tell if your horse is properly hydrated.

Claudia Brodtke A communications professional, Claudia has found a great way to combine her fascination with both writing and the equestrian sports through her contributions to the Equestrian Hub Magazine. Outside her professional life, she’s most likely to be spotted enjoying downtime with her horses. In this issue, she speaks to rising star eventer Amy Gotts-Wheeler. 4 | EQUESTRIAN HUB NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Charlie Brister Regular columnist Charlie is an all-round horseman and an expert in retraining problem horses. He also coaches riders in the art of cross country, show jumping and dressage. In the final part of his two part fitness series, he hits top gear with some expert advice and tips on getting your eventer fit and ready for competition.

Shae Herwig A Medium to Advanced level dressage rider, Shae has been around horses her entire life. She manages The Saddle Hub, trains horses, teaches children of all ages and some adults. Her years of experience with horses took her grooming to the 2020 Paralympics, and she shares a behind-thescenes glimpse of the experience in this issue.

O U R C O N T R I B U TO R S

Christine Armishaw Christine is a horse trainer, coach and passionate eventing and jumping rider. A Kiwi girl based in NSW, she teaches others not just how to ride, but also how to understand their horse. In this issue, she talks with Clem Smith and uncovers some gems from one of Australia's most respected show jumping riders.

Toni Horsley Toni’s bodywork career began as a human remedial massage therapist. After running a successful practice for over two decades, she relocated to the NSW’s Southern Highlands and founded Equine Bodyworx. She has since been treating horses across all disciplines, and offers us a fascinating glimpse into the benefits of alternative therapies for horses.

Brett Parbery With a string of career highlights too long to list, Brett has been professionally riding, training and coaching dressage since 2000. He and wife Mel own and operate Cedar Lodge, a spacious and well-equipped training facility in the NSW’s Southern Highlands. In this issue Brett talks colour and gender as a predictor of horse personality.

Clem Smith A well-known and respected horseman with over 30 years’ experience, Clem is one of Australia's leading show jumping riders with notable performances both at home and overseas. The winner of multiple prestigious titles and an EA accredited coach, he conducts jumping clinics in Australia and New Zealand. Clem shares some of his wisdom in Training Tips.

Suzy Jarratt Suzy has lengthy and varied form on the board as a writer and presenter. She works for several Australian and overseas companies, is the author of three published books, and two years ago won an international award for equestrian journalism. In this issue she explores the world of an endangered horse breed: the magnificent Cleveland Bay.

Sonia Caeiro Alvarez Sonia is a journalist, editor and writing workshop facilitator. She’s had a lifelong love affair with horses, although sadly does not have any and so lives out her passion vicariously through her pony-owning friends. In this issue she ventures into the show ring to meet Alanna Richards and France, her stunning 17hh Warmblood gelding.

James Arkins One of the youngest ever competitors to be shortlisted for an Olympics, James is on track to represent Australia at the 2022 FEI World Cup and WEG. He also manages Rosthwaite Farm, where he and his team offer professional coaching from novice to Grand Prix level. He took time out of his busy schedule to answer our 20 Questions.

Fiona Todd Fiona’s love of animals in general and horses in particular has been life-long. Driven by a desire to support and inspire equestrians from all disciples, she first launched The Saddle Hub, a hugely popular online saddle store, closely followed by Equestrian Hub Magazine, a publication dedicated to Australian riders and their faithful equine companions. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 5

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

In Life After Racing we meet Ollie, a retired

From the Horse’s Mouth

Standy enjoying a stellar career as a Pony Club mount with new best friend Sami. Suzy Jarrett brings us up to date with the wonderful and versatile Cleveland Bay. This breed, sadly now endangered, contributed to the development of another of my faves, the Oldenburg. Everyone who knows me also knows I am

With Fiona Todd

very partial to a chestnut mare (think both my first and last horses), so I was pleased to see Brett Parbery climbing onto the

Welcome to the Christmas issue – and

tackbox to help dispel the chestnut mare

what a year it’s been! COVID has forced

myth and a few more besides.

lockdowns, events have been cancelled, the Olympics had no crowds, the great

Our young rider, Amy Gotts-Wheeler

vaccine debate raged, and, of course,

is interviewed by Claudia Brodtke, a

we ceased to be HorseVibes and

previous Delivering Dreams finalist.

became Equestrian Hub Magazine.

Amy is an eventer from Victoria and was named as a Top 10 finalist for Equestrian

In this issue we name the Round One

Victoria’s 2021 Young Ambassador of

winner of Delivering Dreams 2021, and

the Year.

we also reveal the Readers’ Choice. Thank you everyone who voted and

Seasoned show jumper Clem Smith

thank you Performa Ride for the

offers up some excellent training tips,

shopping spree. Don’t forget Round

and our Perfect Partners are Alanna

Two closes on the 31st December,

Richards and her gorgeous Warmblood

so get your applications in.

France. Charlie asks 20 questions of show jumper James Arkins, and for

Wondering if you have what it takes to

some super Christmas gift ideas, be

reach the top? Read Louise Curran’s

sure to turn to our guide.

story – she’s inspiring, amusing, and an

From everyone here at EH HQ, we

incredible equestrian.

wish you all a wonderful Christmas

Charlie Brister tackles eventing fitness, and suggests a program to put variety

Jess Morton talks new technology and in

into your training while building fitness

this issue looks at rugs made from PET

for both you and your horse. In Vet Vibes,

bottles! Thank you, Horseware Ireland,

Dr Doug discusses mycotoxins. Found in

for being green. And with the world

numerous foods, they can cause a variety

slowly opening up again, is a horseback

of health issues from brain damage to

holiday on your To Do list? If so, don’t

breeding problems. Don’t have your

miss Jess’s interview with a couple who

favourite tipple before reading this one,

recently trekked through Kyrgyzstan.

it requires a bit of concentration.

Toni Horsley explores the field of

With summer approaching, Leisa

alternative equestrian therapies, and

Hofstetter explains how to check for

Shae Herwig, the amazing manager

dehydration and more importantly,

of our much loved Saddle Hub, tells

how to keep our horses hydrated.

us about her Paralympic grooming

Enya Crockford chats to Amalia

adventure with Victoria Davies and

Dempsey about the power of

Celere. Something not revealed in

relationship with your horse, and

Shae’s article is that she’s eagerly

the strategies that help to create a

awaiting the arrival of her own Celere

positive partnership.

baby. I hope it’s a buckskin.

surrounded by family, friends and fur babies. Thank you for your support and feedback during what has been a massively transformational year for us. We have some amazing things planned for 2022, and we look forward to keeping you informed and inspired. But in the meantime, stay safe, have fun, pour your favourite tipple, relax and enjoy. I will be sending a toast of gratitude your way on the 25th, and we’ll see you all in the New Year.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 9

S P OT L I G H T

Grand Prix by default There are few amongst us who can watch Grand Prix level dressage riders without feeling just a touch of awe. But some of their backstories are surprising, instructive even, as AMANDA MAC discovered.

S P OT L I G H T

mmaculately attired riders on

Very sensibly, Louise’s parents decided

Pony Club as well as competitions.

superbly turned out horses glide

that if their horse-mad daughter was

The deal was that as long as the girls

from marker to marker, pirouetting,

going to continue to ride, they’d better

did everything else, with their parents

passaging and piaffing, casually executing

make sure she was doing it properly.

responsible only for packing up lunch,

flying changes, and accelerating into

And so began many years of Saturdays

hitching the float and getting them

gloriously extended trots.

and school holidays spent at Judy

there and back, they could go to any

Francis’ Tooradin property, which

competition they wanted. “Well, you

Louise says is where her “proper riding

can imagine a couple of very young

skills” were shaped. “I remember at one

kids trying to plait, clean, pack gear and

stage Judy yelling at me, ‘Louise, you

load ponies onto the float! But it was a

are not riding around the cattle now!’ I

fantastic way to learn how to make it all

learned to love flatwork and dressage

happen,” Louise recalls. “So we went

at Tooradin, but the jumping was a lot of

to a lot of events, cross country, show

fun. I'm the same age as Sally Francis,

jumping and dressage. As long as it was

and I remember Sally and I going out

in Victoria and only a day trip, then that's

When I ask Louise at what point

together and building jumps, or going

what we did.”

she made the decision to become

around the cross country course, the

a professional, she’s delightfully

faster the better.”

honest: “Well, I never really made a

By this time Louise’s younger sister was

moved to Melbourne to study political

decision. It all just unfolded in the most

also riding, and thanks to the support of

science. Career building, marriage and

extraordinary way.”

their parents they were able to attend

a family followed, all of it very much city

It’s a choreographed dance of apparently effortless movements that take years of hard work to perfect. But before you sink into a state of complete overwhelm, pause to consider Louise Curran’s remarkable Grand Prix journey, because not all dressage riders follow a predictable road to the top.

After an idyllic childhood, Louise eventually stopped riding when she

Certainly as a very young rider, dressage wasn’t even vaguely on her horizon. Louise grew up in Labertouche, Victoria on a 3,000 acre beef property bordered by a stunning State forest. She had begun “messing around” on a Shetland when she was five, but by the time she was eight, the bug had bitten hard. “It was freedom,” she tells me, “we could disappear around the property or into the forest. We just had a magical childhood on ponies. It was gorgeous.” And it’s not as if Louise came from the ubiquitously horsey family. Her father would sometimes ride to round up cattle, often with Louise at his side, and her mother was slightly terrified of horses. “But she was hilarious because she would talk to them as you would to a naughty child and they respected her amazingly,” Louise chuckles. So for a number of years, her foremost partner in all things equestrian was a very good friend who lived nearby. “We did pretty much everything on our ponies. Organising a play date was, well who’s riding to whose place, and where are we going, and what are we doing. It was a lot of fun,” she says.

LEFT: Executing a beautiful extended trot at the 2018 Australian Championships (Image by Stephen Mowbray Photography). ABOVE: With the sometimes quirky Fiodore after a Medium test in 2019 at Boneo (Image by OneEyedFrog Photography). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 11

S P OT L I G H T

track and nothing was supposed to happen but it did.” The weeks spent in the Alfred Hospital recovering from a severely crushed kidney and other internal injuries shifted her perspective. “I decided jumping was something I no longer wanted to do, so I would focus on dressage,” she tells me, admitting that along with her physical injuries, her confidence was also badly shaken. Louise sold the horse that nearly killed her, replacing him with a “totally neurotic” but very quiet horse she felt confident riding. Taking it step by careful step, her confidence and skills grew until she felt it was time to upgrade. Luckily, she found Jed “the most gloriously reliable, talented, kindest and most beautiful animal I've ever known. I felt so safe with him. It was just beautiful.” However, as she progressed with her dressage training she realised that Jed wasn’t the horse to take her beyond Intermediate Prix St Georges. Louise's heart horse Cil Dara Gandalf (Image by Jessica Atkins Studio).

And that’s when things were turned on their head. One of Louise’s dear friends,

based. But in the early 1990s, Louise

being close to them, the addiction clicked

Lisa, a talented musician, had bought a

and her husband bought a property

back in and it was kind of oh, dear me –

grey horse, Cil Dara Gandalf, to appear

at Jindivick, roughly 100 kilometres

I’m a lost cause!”

in a music video being made to promote

A couple of months later Louise bought

one of her albums. And now she wanted

a horse, an old eventer who looked “a

Louise to accept him as a gift and

little like a coat hanger with the most

wouldn’t take no for an answer.

life, but finally the couple realised that

horrendous buck.” Nonetheless, the

Jindivick was by far the better option, so

So when the magnificent Gandalf arrived

pair went eventing and had a ball,

they sold up in Melbourne and turned

at the Currans in 2012 – and Louise

although Louise suspects she may hold

their rural retreat into a full-time home.

wryly remarks that getting him on the

the record for the slowest Introductory

float was another story altogether – he

Happily settled into the farm lifestyle,

Level cross country round at Tonimbuck.

brought with him a checkered past. After

Amelia, their daughter, made it

“I thought I was going at an absolutely

appearing in the video, Lisa had given

abundantly clear that she was desperate

blistering speed until Yona Lloyd loped

him to eventer David Middleton, who

to ride, and for her eighth birthday her

past me on a young horse and I realised

at the time was looking for his next top

parents gifted her a riding lesson. At that

that maybe I wasn't!”

competition horse. But although Gandalf

point business was booming for Frontline

Rather delightfully, these outings were

Training, the company Louise founded in

often mother and daughter affairs, with

1987, so obviously any thought of getting

Amelia, who had become as addicted

back into horses was … well, as it turned

as Louise, now competing at EA level.

Then a dressage rider took him on.

out, not as ridiculous as she had at first

Unfortunately, their adventures came

“Unfortunately, this young fellow had

told herself! “I took Amelia to the local

to an abrupt halt when Louise had a

no real experience, couldn't afford to

riding school for her birthday lesson, and

near fatal accident. “It was just one of

get lessons, and just did a horrible job

after about five minutes of the smell of

those freak things when I was riding

with him,” Louise explains. “There was

horses, looking into their eyes, and just

at home. We were walking down a

a lot of trauma that we had to overcome

to Melbourne’s south east. The initial thought was that this would be their getaway from the pressures of city

12 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

was a dressage and show jumping star, cross country was not his forte, and he was returned to Lisa.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 13

S P OT L I G H T

when he came to us. He’d completely

“and then when we eventually got

As Gandalf slowly improved Louise felt

shut down. He’d decided people weren’t

back to the arena we did poles, we did

the time was right for him to meet David,

good, working wasn’t good, and he

bending, we did everything you could

who was aware of horse’s history. Their

wasn’t going to do anything. It was

think of that wasn’t dressage, until finally

first lesson lasted for 12 minutes. “We’d

horrible. He had dead eyes and all he

he started to come around and think,

got some good work out of him. And I

wanted to do was stand under the tree

well, maybe this isn't so bad after all.”

was kind of, okay that's great, so let's go.

in his paddock.”

It was during that time that Louise met

But David told me to get off immediately. Gandalf had done what we’d asked so it

After giving him time to settle in, Louise

elite dressage rider and coach David

got on and took him into the arena

Shoobridge, and had begun having

where nothing she did would make him

lessons with Jed. And those lessons were

The next day’s lesson broke all records

move. Fortunately the Curran’s property

transformative: “At last I’d found a real

at 20 minutes, followed by slow but

has some wonderful trails, which

coach. I’d had instructors before who

steady progress until suddenly, Gandalf

inspired her to try a different approach.

had told me how fabulous I was in the

started to come together. “He was

So, thinking his Prix St Georges days

lessons. The only problem was that when

upside down and carrying himself in

were long gone, she saddled up and

I’d go into competitions, the judges would

completely the wrong way,” Louise says.

took him trail riding – and for months

say ‘Actually darling, you're really not

“But we thought okay, if we work on this

and months did nothing else. “We had

fabulous, you're a disaster,’” she laughs

we might have a really nice Small Tour

the most wonderful time,” she recalls,

uproariously at the memory.

horse. So that’s what we did.”

14 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

was time to stop.”

S P OT L I G H T

A delighted Louise congratulates Gandalf after a successful Grand Prix test at the 2021 Boneo Classic (Image by OneEyedFrog Photography).

Eventually moving up to Intermediate I,

she honestly thought she and Gandalf

it was time to try out a few of the more

would never qualify at that level. It

complex movements. “And that's why I

was at Boneo and she was again with

always say I'm an accidental Grand Prix

David’s team. David, although having

rider,” Louise explains, “because it wasn’t

a prior commitment, decided at the

really intended. It was just okay, let's try

last minute that he just couldn’t miss

the next thing. Let's see if we can do a

Louise’s first Grand Prix and arrived just

one tempi. And crikey, he can do a lot

moments before she entered the arena.

of one tempis. So let’s see if we can do

Louise promptly burst into tears (happy

some passage and piaffe. Oh, yeah, it

tears, of course) before getting herself

does look like he can do those too.”

together and riding the test. “Riding down that final centreline I had tears

I look at what I'm achieving and think, actually kiddo, you really do know what you're doing.

of joy streaming down my face and as we halted, the cheer from the team was incredibly loud. And that, I think, was one of the most wonderful and emotional moments of my life,” she tells me. Other than her serious accident, and Gandalf’s lengthy rehabilitation, Louise lists lack of confidence as one of her major challenges. Prior to David, Louise had worked with an instructor who

But predictably, there were plenty of

Among other one step forward, two

severely undermined her confidence

steps back moments, there was

with constant reminders of all the ways

an Intermediate II test that Louise

in which she thought Louise was not

remembers particularly clearly. To set the

capable as a rider. “By the time I got to

scene, if you’re unfamiliar with horseman

David I had no confidence in my ability,”

and trainer Tristan Tucker and his alter

she recalls. “That took me years to work

ego Brett Kidding, search for ‘Brett

through and he still has more confidence

Kidding's First Grand Prix Freestyle’ on

in me than I do. So it was serendipitous

YouTube. It’s a hilarious send-up in which

that at first we couldn’t do anything with

Brett flops around apparently working

Gandalf, because I built my confidence

much harder than the horse.

through him when I saw I was actually making a difference to the life of this

issues still to overcome. Louise and

So, there was Louise at the point in the

Gandalf’s first competition together was

test where she was supposed to piaffe,

at Boneo, where it took them half an

but obviously Gandalf thought otherwise

hour to get from the stables to the arena.

because he’d halted. “I was piaffing

Also helpful has been training through

Gandalf was genuinely terrified and had

though,” Louise laughs, “I was doing

COVID without the pressure of

to be gently coaxed along. “He was so

all the movements. David and his team

competing, which has given Louise time

frightened I could feel his heart beating

were watching and they just exploded.

to consolidate and improve her skills.

through the saddle. But we got there

It was hilarious, and of course I got the

These days, she says her approach is

and we got round the test. We didn't do

giggles and the whole test just went out

far more objective: “I look at what I'm

too badly, and I was incredibly proud

the window. As I came back to David,

achieving and think, actually kiddo, you

of him,” she says. And with that the

he looked at me, I laughed, and he said

really do know what you're doing.” With

landscape changed. Gandalf had gone

‘Oh thank goodness! I didn't know if you

that improved mindset firmly in place,

were going to take it seriously, but that

she’s eager for competitions to restart

was the funniest thing I've ever seen’.”

so she and Gandalf can strut their new-

from completely switched off to fearing pretty much everything. But on the

beautiful horse, bringing him back to a place of enjoyment of the world.”

found stuff.

upside, it was through the slow process

Ask any rider and they can usually

of carefully rebuilding his confidence

recall their proudest moments. For

Aside from Gandalf, the other member

that he and Louise developed a strong

Louise it was her very first Grand Prix

of Louise’s team is Fiodore, lovingly

and very special bond.

test, made all the more special because

known as Fred the Dork. Destined to be E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 15

S P OT L I G H T

her next Grand Prix horse, Louise says

pirouette did two-and-a-half turns,

that although he has a lot of talent, the

coming out of the movement facing in

jury is still out on Fred. “He’s competing

entirely the wrong direction. “I happened

at Prix St Georges and he does a

to look up at the end of the arena, and

brilliant job at all sorts of things, until he

there was David with his head in his

doesn't, and then it all falls in the most

hands, which made me laugh a little bit,”

spectacular heap!” Fortunately, thanks

she says. Managing to finesse herself

to her revitalised self-confidence, she

out of her predicament, largely by trial

knows not to blame herself for some of

and error, she exited the arena with a

Fred’s less cohesive moments.

smile on her face and her dignity intact.

Turning five when Louise bought him,

The last pre-COVID freestyle Louise

Fred is now 10 and is starting to come

and Gandalf tackled was held at night

together a little bit more, but, she

under the lights of Werribee’s indoor

adds, “if anybody is going to knock

arena. With a big audience and lots of

something over, or deconstruct a stable,

atmosphere, Gandalf was “so wired it

or generally get bored and go and make

was like riding a giraffe on speed” but it

bad life choices, it’ll be Fred.”

was also a lot of fun, she assures me.

When it comes to more minor

Equestrian life has turned out very

challenges, riding freestyle to music

well for Louise, which she’s quick

was one that at first caught Louise

to acknowledge: “I thank my lucky

completely unawares. “I was not

stars every day to have two such

expecting it to be so complex. Now that

extraordinary horses. Gandalf is fitter

In terms of her own well-being, Louise

and happier than he's ever been, Fred’s

feels better prepared and more confident

going well, and I have a wonderful

than ever. Other than being “a hip

To prove the point about just how

partnership with them both, especially

replacement waiting to happen”, a

challenging freestyle had been, Louise

with Gandalf – in fact we share the same

situation she helps manage with Rose-

mentions a test in which she lost her

birthday, which is a little bit spooky but

Hip Vital, a plant-based anti-inflammatory

bearings and instead of a double

very special.”

she swears by (so much so that both

I've done it a few times, and I've trained a lot I absolutely love it,” she says.

Louise with her beloved boys (Image by Gone Riding Media).

horses also receive a daily dose) life is better than good. She’s also been trialling a Selleria Equipe Kalifornia saddle for one of her sponsors – and that’s been a game changer: “I'm riding so much more effectively now it's just amazing. You sit in it and the feeling of being more in touch, not to mention riding without pain, is really very exciting indeed.” For an accidental Grand Prix rider, Louise’s achievements are inspiring – in fact, I wonder whether she might have to pinch herself at times just to be sure she’s not dreaming. “Here I am with the most fabulous Grand Prix horse, and having a ball, and doing it so much more professionally now,” she says. “But it was never, ever, at any point in my life, the intention. It just kind of happened with me following along as the journey unfolded, Louise and Gandalf in action at Boneo in 2021 (Image by OneEyedFrog Photography).

and it just keeps getting better and better.” E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 17

Rosehips high in Vitamin C, flavonoids and may assist in strengthening the hoof

For pain relief, Devils claw powder can be effective with acute stages

White Willow bark is a gentler option for pain for those with sensitive gut

Clivers is a useful daily supplement to improve the integrity of the hoof

Hawthorn berry is full of bioflavonoids that improve elasticity

Turmeric powder will help lower the levels of discomfort

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE DELIVERING DREAMS SCHOLARSHIP

20 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Suffering with laminitis, a daily serve of clivers can lessen the severity of flare ups

Dropping hoof temperatures may assist in treating acute laminitis cases

ast issue we talked about several areas that are important to consider when getting your horse

fit: cardiovascular fitness, strength and

BRISTER’S BRIEF

conditioning. Following on from that, the rider has several things to consider,

Good to go: eventing

including the ride-ability of the horse, diet, and obstacle height. Now let’s look at taking your horse’s fitness up a step. The days of long format eventing are gone. Back in the day, combinations covered roughly 27 kilometres of roads, tracks, steeplechase, and cross country. This

In the final of CHARLIE BRISTER’S two part fitness series, he hits top gear with some expert tips on getting your equine athlete ready for the rigours of eventing.

was very demanding and for several reasons has been phased out. But we can still learn a lot from the old school approach to getting horses fit for those competitions. At the higher levels of competition you still need a very fit

BRISTERS BRIEF

horse regardless of discipline, and this framework will hopefully enable your horse to be fit for anything. The more balanced your fitness program, the more easily adjustable it’ll be to meet your requirements with a happy, fit horse. While a low level dressage rider might not think they need to consider this, it’s definitely worth thinking about. Doing extra fitness work is an easy way to put variety into your horse’s training and even prevent injuries. Now, some of you might be thinking ‘oh, my horse is super hot, I don’t need to do any fitness work’. This work isn't necessarily about making your horse go faster or get hotter, although that can happen. It’s about providing their body with a solid foundation to handle the workload you put on them.

Long and slow At the beginning of a horse’s fitness program the intensity will be a lot lower. Walking shouldn't be underestimated. Especially before training you should walk for at least ten minutes. This can be repeated at the end of the ride for the cool down. When looking to increase your horse’s fitness, start adding longer walks in before anything else. Even going on a steady trail ride is beneficial.

ABOVE: Walking along a road has fitness benefits, but never canter on a hard surface. LEFT: Charlie and Bonita rock a hill workout.

This will benefit their body without too

activate your core so both you and your

the track, and this will help you keep

much impact. It is also good for their

horse are benefiting.

track of how far you’re going.

Short and fast

If you have no access to suitable footing

Once you’ve done plenty of long and

do more work at a slower pace. This

slow work you can add in the fun stuff.

is where hills are very useful. Speed is

Sprints over a shorter distance can

not as important, as the gradient will

brain. Getting out of the arena will help prevent boredom. How good is finding a fallen tree to jump on the trail? That can be an easy way to add more variety.

Now for trot sets

boost your horse’s fitness and also test

really benefit the horse’s muscles. Also,

While not as essential for dressage, the

whether you have the control you need

remember that in the wild, horses will

next step in building fitness for eventers

for competitions. When going faster

cover at least 15 kilometres a day. Much of

and show jumpers are trot sets around

it’s vital the footing is suitable. Walking

that is at the walk. Today’s domesticated

the paddock. While doing this they

along the road is fine but cantering on

horse is unlikely to get close to that. So

don’t have to be in a perfect dressage

a hard surface is detrimental to your

if you’re struggling with doing fast canter

frame. You still want them balanced and

horse’s joints.

work, or finding a worthwhile hill, go back

listening to the aids though.

Quite often there are privately owned

to the walk. It isn’t as fun but it’s just as good for your horse.

While doing trot work you will find the

racehorse farms that will rent their track

two point position very beneficial. Two

out to riders wanting to do canter work.

Monitoring your horses fitness

point trot makes it a little harder to

This makes things a lot easier because

A lot of your horse’s progress will be

balance than doing rising trot. This will

they usually know the distance around

assessed by feel and the feedback you E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 23

BRISTERS BRIEF

get during and after each ride. It’s hard to beat simply paying close attention to how your horse is feeling. But to really fine tune their fitness you can get the help of some useful technology. Heart rate monitors and phone apps such as Equilab provide a lot of valuable information. A heart rate monitor will tell you if your horse is actually working hard enough and how quickly they recover. And rather than a guestimate, Equilab will analyse how fast you’re going and how long you’re spending in each pace. Thermometers are very handy for eventing and endurance. Due to the

ABOVE: Work on developing a solid fitness base before stressing your horse’s legs with too much jumping (Image by Diane Ranzenbacher Photography).

increased demands of these sports,

Jump off

depending on your horse’s ability. If you

ensuring the horse’s temperature

We haven't spoken too much about

run into trouble, always lower the jump in

returns to normal as soon as possible

jumping yet, because the aim is to

preference to reprimanding the horse.

is very important. This is something you

provide a solid base of fitness and

want to practice before the competition.

conditioning before overly stressing your

Regardless, it’s part of good horse management to be able to easily take their temperature if something looks off. For example, if your horse has diarrhoea and a temperature call the vet asap. BELOW: A good app will analyse how fast you’re going and how long you spend in each pace.

horse’s legs by jumping too much. Once they are stronger in their body, grid-work becomes an invaluable tool in increasing their power by developing their footwork and encouraging them to push off from the hind end without using speed.

Once your horse understands this exercise, practice it at different points in your ride. How do they handle the grid early in the ride? Gallop around the arena for five laps then trot in again how well does your horse come back to you, or are they still thinking gallop?

A commonly used but effective grid can

A helping hand

easily be set up on your arena. Start

Not surprisingly, there are experienced

with two placing poles 1.2 metres apart,

riders out there who have been in similar

followed by 2.7 metres to a cross rail,

situations to you. Don’t be afraid to reach

3 metres to a vertical, 5.5 metres to an

out and ask about fitness plans, or what

oxer, and 6.5 metres to the final oxer

to consider when getting your horse fit,

(see diagram below).

but be sure to ask someone you respect

Begin with all the jumps as poles on

and who understands your situation.

the ground. This will help your horse

Know what your goal is and work back

gain confidence. Start by trotting in and

from there. Use a system. Be progressive

gradually increase the height of the jumps

and gradually increase the workload.

24 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

How do you ‘read’ a horse? I use all of my abilities to read a horse. Typically a few things will strike me

ASK AN EXPERT

at once. The horse’s posture is a big giveaway. I like to see if they are able to

Toni Horsley: Equine therapist

stand square. Then I look at the angle of their shoulder, legs, lumbar spine, pelvis, and feet. Their emotional state is also very informative. For example if they are fidgety and anxious this tells me a lot about what’s going on, and similarly, if they are shut down in their eye this also tells me a lot before I even put my

A highly qualified therapist who specialises in a wide variety of alternative modalities, we asked TONI HORSLEY to tell us about her approach to healing.

hands on them. From experience, I can guarantee that if they’re shut down in the eye, they will be restricted in the poll. There is a lot to be said for the trained eye and a simple scan of their body

ASK AN EXPERT

There is a lot to be said for the trained eye and a simple scan of their body and energy field can offer a wealth of information. and energy field can offer a wealth of information. Things like tension in the fascia and muscle spasms are visible when you know what you’re looking for, and it is also important to know what looks ‘normal’. Then when I touch the horse I ‘read’ their energy and that’s where I get intuitive flashes about what might be their primary cause of discomfort. I can also feel just with a light touch the quality of their muscle tone and level of tension carried in their body. Sometimes a horse will flood me with emotional energy and if that happens I let the owner know because it’s often related to something they can control – like the horse’s companion, or anxiety over whether or not this is their permanent home.

How do you decide which modality to use?

ABOVE: Remedial work on the poll and upper neck flexion. LEFT: Myofascial release works on membranes wrapped around the muscles. (All images courtesy Equine Bodyworx).

I work with a wide variety of modalities

Method, or sometimes just good old

alignment. This became the driving force

and tools, and over the years I have

fashioned remedial massage. I do have

that led her to research and develop her

fine-tuned the way I work into a pretty

other tools at my disposal, such as Sure

own technique of energetically aligning

efficient, deeply effective and lasting

Foot pads and kinesiotaping. On a follow

the horse on every level - physical,

treatment. The first time I see a horse

up visit, I recheck the skeletal alignment

emotional, mental and even spiritual.

it’s typically a rebuild. It’s rare to see a

and then work on balancing the organs

I travelled to the USA to learn directly

horse that doesn’t require re-aligning on

and again, release any muscle tension.

from Dr Tucker several years ago and

a skeletal level, and that’s what I like to do first.

Is there a modality you prefer?

am now qualified as a Master Practitioner and Senior Instructor of TBT. At the

My modality of choice is the Tucker

time I had practised bodywork for over

Biokinetic Technique (TBT), founded by

two decades, but I immediately noticed

veterinarian Dr Renee Tucker. Dr Tucker

profound changes in the treatment

is an experienced equine vet also trained

results after the first course of TBT.

in equine chiropractic and acupuncture.

tension. I like to use laser therapy,

She found many common problems

How do I know if my horse needs adjustment?

physiokey, myofascial release, Emmett

would correct at the time of treatment,

The biggest telltale sign is a change

Technique and/or the Masterson

but the body would not hold the

in either movement or behaviour,

Once the horse’s entire skeleton is re-aligned, at least 80 per cent of their muscle tension will have released. So I then bring in some soft tissue techniques to address any residual

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 27

ASK AN EXPERT

ABOVE: Releasing neck tension with acupressure. especially if it is out of character for the

Some simple chiropractic checkups

lovely soft tissue techniques. Every

horse. Here are some other things to

can ascertain whether or not a horse

technique I’ve learned has value and I

look out for:

needs adjusting and I always perform

think the artistry comes in how you put

these first. Even if a horse is mostly in

them together for each individual horse.

Unwillingness to go forward Difficulty on one rein

alignment, I usually find something that isn’t quite right. However if a client’s

I massaged people for 20 years before

horse doesn’t require treatment, I will

working with horses and I believe that

always tell them.

the treatment should be enjoyable

Disuniting in hind legs

I like to balance the four pillars of the

with the minimal amount of discomfort

Difficulty with the canter strike off

horse, the poll, sternum, underneath the

possible. After all, horses are incredibly

Head tilting or pulling on one rein

pelvis and the sacrum. This alone can

generous animals who give us their all.

affect great changes within their body.

It’s the very least I can do to ensure their

As far as regular clients go, I tend to

time with me is both therapeutic and

tailor the frequency of sessions to suit

deeply rewarding for them.

Inability to flex evenly on both reins through either neck or body

Teeth grinding during work Flinching through the back when using a sweat scraper

the demands of the horse’s performance

Hollowing the body during work

requirements and individual body needs.

By the time the horse is pig rooting,

I like to get horses to a point where they

Visit www.equinebodyworx.com.au to

bucking or rearing, their discomfort is at

don’t require adjusting and sessions

learn more about Toni and her equine

screaming point!

mostly consist of a combination of some

bodywork techniques and services.

28 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Delivering Dreams

Congratulations Emma and Nicole! The scope and variety of the hundreds of entries we received in the first round of the 2021 Delivering Dreams Sponsorship was amazing! Although the decision was extraordinarily difficult, our judges selected Emma Hulse as the winner out of a field of ten exceptional finalists, while the Readers’ Choice Award went to the very deserving Nicole Mutimer. Congratulations to you both from all of us here at the Equestrian Hub. I’d like to thank our wonderful judges - Charlotte Inglis, David Shoobridge and Wayne Copping – and to acknowledge the very generous support of our Delivering Dreams sponsors. And don’t forget, applications for this year’s second round close on 31st December. Through Delivering Dreams, my own dream of inspiring, encouraging and supporting riders committed to achieving their best has become a reality – and so too can yours!

F E AT U R E

Congratulations Emma Hulse It’s a pleasure to introduce our very excited Delivering Dreams recipient Emma Hulse. Although the quality of candidates was exceptional, our judges were particularly impressed with Emma’s application.

t’s really not out of the ordinary that Emma Hulse began riding at the age of five. What is unusual is that at the time she was living in Jakarta with her parents. Her best friend there happened to be having riding lessons, and Emma was eager to do likewise. Eventually her parents succumbed to a barrage of requests and agreed to one lesson, thinking it would satisfy her. Instead it fuelled the fire and Emma began weekly lessons. Over time, her skills developed and her parents leased a rather aggressive Indonesian Thoroughbred named Tigger. “You couldn't pat him in the stable, you could hardly put a head collar on him, saddling up was a nightmare, but I still loved him so much,” Emma says, “which looking back was probably a bit crazy!”

F E AT U R E

LEFT: Emma and Fiddy placed second at the 2021 Harden EVA80 (Image by Britt Grovenor Photography). ABOVE LEFT: At home with Fiddy (Image by Melissa Goodson Photography). ABOVE RIGHT: Competing with Don Duveah in the EVA95 at the 2017 Canberra Horse Trials (Image by David L Mackie Photography). When she was 15, the Hulse family returned to Australia and settled in Sydney. Emma continued to ride and after completing Year 12, began lessons at a Centennial Park riding school, eventually becoming a coach there and, with the help of a bank loan, buying her first horse, Don Duveah. “But that name really doesn’t suit him,” Emma laughs. “He’s a big, beautiful dope and I call him Don Don.” Unfortunately, it was with Don Don that Emma had two accidents which profoundly shook her confidence. The first occurred on a cross country course at an apex fence. “I’d developed an irrational fear of apexes, and I manifested the fall I’d seen a million times in my head,” she recalls. When the injury she’d sustained to her knee healed, Emma began training again, slowly building up to 95cm. Later that same year she was competing at Wallaby Hill. Everything was fine until a few fences from home. “Don Don was going really well but he misstepped

on the jump coming out of the water. I corrected him and just got over the fence but he twisted his body and I was unseated. I tried to hang on but went under his neck, through his legs and he trampled my left thigh,” Emma says. Although there were no broken bones, the damage to tissue and muscles was extensive and she was airlifted to hospital. Although Emma mended physically, regaining confidence, which she says has never really been the same since, has taken considerably longer. These days Emma is enjoying eventing on Warmblood x Thoroughbred Eagle Elms Fiderstar (Fiddy for short). Initially agreeing to ride him to help his then owners get him ready for sale, she eventually bought him herself. “He’s a bit rambunctious and quite quirky,” she says. “It took a bit to get him to work nicely at his owner’s property, and taking him off-site was a nightmare. But now I’m competing with him, and event photographers love to snap Fiddy because from the ground he looks so gorgeous.

But on top of him you feel like you're riding an explosion. He’s always snorting and passaging around,” she laughs. A firm believer in giving back to her sport she’s a Sydney Eventing committee member, regularly volunteers at dressage and eventing competitions, and was instrumental in Sydney Eventing delivering their first Acknowledgement of Country. Emma believes that accessing expert tuition through Delivering Dreams will help her to achieve her goal of competing at Medium dressage and EV105 level by the end of 2022. Beyond delighted to be selected as the sponsorship recipient, she says the extra tuition will help to ensure she’s wellprepared and able to compete safely and successfully: “But, arguably more importantly, it would help me achieve my ongoing goal of having a true and harmonious partnership with my horse. I want to be able to provide the best for him, he deserves the world.” E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 33

F E AT U R E

Readers’ Choice Nicole Mutimer Nicole was absolutely delighted to learn she’d finished top of the leader board in the Delivering Dreams Readers’ Choice category.

rider since childhood and now a full-time equestrian coach and trainer, Nicole Mutimer has

proved to be a successful competitor in

Speaking from her home in the Northern Territory, she says she hopes her win will prove to other local equestrians that all things are possible. “We sometimes suffer from a bit of a small town mentality up here, feeling like we don’t quite measure up to the rest of Australia. So hopefully this encourages other people to think ‘oh, I could do that too’.”

Nicole, who owns and operates Darwin

High on Nicole’s agenda is working with riders who are at the point of giving up, particularly women returning to the sport after having a family. “I’ve found that it’s a natural transition to be more cautious after having children. Many women beat themselves up because they’ve lost their nerve, or are not able to pick up where they left off. They’re not aiming to go to the Olympics, but they do want to improve their horsemanship, safety, and to feel that they’re growing as riders,” she explains.

herself. “I don’t think anyone is

Equestrian Academy, currently holds clinics for women all over the Northern Territory, and has set herself the goal of offering clinics interstate. Amazed by the response she received to her Readers’ Choice post, Nicole admits that it wasn’t easy to promote particularly comfortable with that, so I was actually really humbled by the people who responded to my post. It was very encouraging and validating.” As the Readers’ Choice winner, Nicole can indulge in a $1,000 spending spree from Performa Ride, which, as it happens, couldn’t be more perfect. “I wear their shirts all the time! They’re really cool and comfortable – ideal for the weather conditions here,” she says.

several equestrian disciplines. She’s also holds a Diploma in Equitation Science, and is a passionate advocate for improving horse welfare through ethical horsemanship practices. Nicole believes that her studies have been pivotal in her success as a trainer and coach. “My knowledge of horse behavioural science and biomechanics allows me to train in accordance with the horse’s natural instincts and cognitive ability. This means it’s possible to improve horse welfare through training, and also increase safety for riders.”

ABOVE: Nicole and Clydenvale Jacque at the NT Show Jumping Championships (Image by Elleybellz Photography). ABOVE RIGHT: In the winner’s circle on stallion Clydenvale Jacque (image by Grand Effects Photography). ABOVE LEFT: Nicole and her beautiful Thoroughbred Mon Amour (Image by Tegan Cann).

34 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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xxx

his article is not a light read! However, the health dangers posed by mycotoxins are

considerable, and because the effects are

VET VIBES

The problem with mycotoxins

insidious they are often overlooked. So in this instance it’s better to be well informed. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by thread-like microfungi that can readily colonise crops and grasses, and are usually called mould. They are a very common, intensely researched, large, and diverse group of toxins. One mould species can produce many different mycotoxins, and the same

Mycotoxins represent a serious threat to your horse’s well-being. In this article, veterinarian DR. DOUG ENGLISH explains what they are and what they do.

mycotoxin may be produced by several different species of fungi. They thrive on moist organic matter in warm, humid climates with temperatures generally above 16°C.

VET VIBES

Fusarium toxins

Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are largely associated with

These are produced by the dozens

Aflatoxin refers to four different types

commodities produced in the tropics

of species of Fusarium fungi (moulds)

of mycotoxins – B1, B2, G1, and G2 – all

and subtropics, such as peanuts and

that infect the grain of developing

produced by the Aspergillus species of

maize. I have seen fatal liver damage

cereals such as wheat, oats and maize,

fungi. Aspergillus fungi are among the

in dogs that consumed mouldy bread

especially in warm, moist, tropical

most common moulds, and can infest

that was thrown out for birds. There

environments. There are no effective

bedding and feed such as poorly made

is no good, effective treatment and

treatments should these moulds be

hay and wet foods particularly in warm,

survival depends on the number of liver

ingested, so horse owners need to be

humid climates. Aflatoxin B1, the most

cells damaged and the regenerative

vigilant in checking feed quality and

toxic of the four, is a potent carcinogen

ensuring correct storage. Included in this

and has been directly implicated in

Aflatoxins are formed only as a result

group are:

a range of adverse health effects,

of fungal infestation, usually at the

including liver damage and liver cancer.

farm level, and are spread by poor

Fumonisins: commonly found in mouldy

capability of the liver.

corn. Horses are very sensitive to this variety, which can affect the nervous system, potentially causing the death of brain tissue and cancer. Trichothecenes: a very large group of mycotoxins that cause itching, nausea, vomiting in those animals that can, lack of muscle coordination, nasal discharge, coughing, breathing difficulties and bleeding. Type A trichothecenes are of special interest because they’re more toxic and can be absorbed through the skin, ingested or inhaled. Mouldy bread and mouldy hay are potential sources. Trichothecenes are so toxic that they have been seriously investigated as an ideal agent for biological warfare because they’re lethal, stable in an aerosol, and there are no known antidotes. When an area has been contaminated by a trichothecene toxin, there are a variety of possible approaches to decontamination. Although UV exposure is effective under the right conditions, other more potent strategies are available, so seek expert advice to ensure safe and successful cleaning. Zearalenone: A potent hormonal disruptor of considerable concern. It can cause infertility, abortion, and other breeding problems. Zearalenone is frequently detected in a variety of

LEFT: Be vigilant in checking all feed quality and ensuring correct storage.

cereals, including wheat, barley, maize,

ABOVE TOP: Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by thread-like microfungi.

sorghum, rye, rice, corn silage, sesame

ABOVE BOTTOM: Horses are very sensitive to the Fumonisins commonly found in mouldy corn.

seed, hay, malt, soybeans and corn oil.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 39

VET VIBES

storage conditions. Aflatoxins and other mycotoxins are invisible, tasteless, and can be identified only with technical detection methods. However, if visible Aspergillus mould is present, this is an obvious indicator of risk.

reported to damage the immune system in animals.

Ergot Alkaloids These compounds are common pathogens in various grass species: paspalum, Bermuda grass, ryegrass,

If inhaled, spores of Aspergillosis

and fescue. The warm, wet conditions

fungi can cause allergic asthma, or

currently over much of the east coast of

more rarely, a condition in which asthma worsens significantly as a result of increased lung inflammation. Even worse, the spores may actually germinate and grow fungus in lung tissue and sinuses. Luckily it is rare, but I have seen it infecting horses’ guttural pouches (the air sacs positioned beneath each ear).

Ochratoxins (OTA) Ochratoxins are mycotoxins that come in three secondary forms, A, B, and C, and all are produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus mould species. The feedstuffs that produce the highest risks of contamination are oats, wheat, and

Australia have created ideal conditions for the fungus to grow in paspalum seed heads, and this is clearly seen as a sticky black substance on the seed. Symptoms are lack of coordination, hallucinations and dry gangrene in hooves and the tail, which can even die. Remove livestock from the contaminated pasture and slash to eliminate the seed heads. A particular group of alkaloids, first identified in infected perennial ryegrass, are responsible for ‘ryegrass staggers’. Removal from exposure normally enables recovery in about a week. Ergot alkaloids are also found in ryegrass, but

their by-products, bran, for example.

generally at a lower rate. Ingestion of

A 2010 survey showed 42 per cent of

infected cereals, commonly in the form

horse feed grains were contaminated

of bread produced from contaminated

with various levels of OTA, which has

flour, causes ergotism.

been labelled as a carcinogen, is toxic

There are two forms of ergotism:

to the kidneys, and has been linked to

gangrenous, affecting blood supply

tumours in the urinary tract.

to the extremities; and convulsive,

Patulin

affecting the central nervous system.

This toxin is produced by the

Modern methods of grain cleaning

Aspergillus, Penicillium, and

have significantly reduced ergotism

Paecilomyces fungal species, and is

as a human disease, however it is still

particularly associated with mouldy fruits

an important veterinary problem. The

birth, retention of the placenta, little or

and vegetables, in particular rotting

effects of ergotism in mares include the

no milk production, and increased rates

apples. Although patulin has not been

early death of the embryo, prolonged

of newborn mortality.

shown to be carcinogenic, it has been

gestation, a slow or difficult labor and

Citrinin

ABOVE: Ergot Alkaloids are common pathogens in various grass species including paspalum, Bermuda grass, fescue and ryegrass.

This toxin, which has been identified in over a dozen species of Penicillium and several species of Aspergillus, can grow on hay and grains. Citrinin is toxic to the kidneys of all animals.

Need more information? If you have any questions or concerns regarding the potential for you horse to be exposed to mycotoxins, contact your vet or equine nutritionist for further information. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 41

EQUESTRIAN HUB | BOUTIQUE

HORSE H E A LT H A beautiful horse is a healthy horse, so give them the best

1. SYKES POTTIES GREEN OINTMENT An antiseptic and anti-fungal skin dressing for horses and cattle to be used on skin irritations and ringworm – from $39.95. 2. SCOOT BOOTS Designed by a farrier for the barefoot horse to allow free and natural movement across all terrain. Perfect for all riding disciplines as well as proving to be a dependable rehab and barefoot transition boot – $282.00. 3. KER BONE FOOD PLUS Formulated to supply equine diets with vital bone-building nutrients – 15kg from $89.00. 4. 4CYTE™️ EPIITALIS®️ FORTE Gel joint health supplement, 1litre or 250ml – Buy through vets. 5. MCDOWELLS MAGA-GG 'Calming Formula'. A combination of Magnesium oxide, brewer’s yeast, chamomile and dandelion specially formulated to assist in muscle relaxation and nervousness. 6. KER TRIACTON® A triple-action supplement designed to improve bone density and support digestive health in horses – 4kg from $89.00. 7. KOHNKE'S OWN TRIM Weight management supplement for overweight or good-doer horses and ponies – from $68.00. 8. VET GOLD HOOF GOLD Nutritional hoof supplement containing nutrients which have been found to contribute to the health of hooves, hair and skin. Available in 1.5kg and 6kg tubs – from $107.80. Stockist info page 112.

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Christmas Gift Guide Christmas is nearly here! And to help solve your gift giving dilemmas, we’ve put together a super selection of ideas to inspire you.

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7 6

1. JUST COUNTRY SUNBODY AVA GREEN FLOWERS, HG45AOGF – $149.95. 2. STIRLING ESSENTIALS LEATHER CLEANER AND CONDITIONER – $39.95 or $33.96 (members price). 3. JUST COUNTRY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS BRACELET, BC2630SC – $109.95. 4. EQUESTRIAN HUB WOVEN STRETCH BELT 35 colours – $25.00 or $21.25 (members price). 5. JUST COUNTRY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS JEWELLERY SET, JS4298 – $169.95. 6. JUST COUNTRY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS EARRINGS, ER4442 – $89.95. 7. PETSTOCK EUROSPORT PRO HELMET in black or navy, S/M/L – $99.95. 8. ARIAT WOMEN’S CRUISER Glitter Antique Brown, 10035877 – $179.95. 9. JUST COUNTRY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS EARRINGS, ER2047 – $79.95. 10. JUST COUNTRY WOMEN’S BROOKE FULL BUTTON WORKSHIRT in Rose, 50502ROS – $39.95. Stockist info page 112.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 45

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11. JUST COUNTRY SUNBODY ALEX Natural/Chocolate Bound Edge, HG45ALEX – $119.95. 12. GIDGEE EYES EQUATOR Equestrian Sunglasses – from $125.50. 13. ARIAT GEAR BAG Cobalt/Black, 4-600CB – $99.95. 14. ARIAT ¼ ZIP Cool Blue,10034982 – $84.95. 15. LEADER EQUINE WINTER BOOT – RRP $219.99. 16. PETSTOCK EUROSPORT SUPRAFLEX CHILD BODY PROTECTOR, S/M/L – $159.95. 17. THE NRG TEAM GLOSSARENA Australian made coat shine created NOT to attract dust! – $23.60. 18. ARIAT BI-FOLD WALLET, WLT2105A – $89.95. 19. PERFORMA RIDE LOGO T-SHIRT (Kids and Adults) – $39.95. Stockist info page 112. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 47

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20. SCOOT BOOTS Designed by a farrier for the barefoot horse to allow free and natural movement across all terrain. Perfect for all riding disciplines as well as proving to be a dependable rehab and barefoot transition boot – $282.00. 21. ARIAT WOMEN’S DEVON NITRO Paddock Black, 10027237 – $339.95. 22. POLYMASTER HAYRACK Install on fence or rail, big feed bin where excess feed may be deposited rather than on the floor. Prevents food waste by making it more difficult for the horse to pull out the hay – RRP $230.00. 23. EQUESTRIAN HUB WOVEN STRETCH BELT, 35 colours – $25 or $21.25 (members price). 24. POLYMASTER MOUNTING BLOCK Made from lightweight polyethylene, strong and sturdy for everyday farm use, yet light enough to carry easily. Generous step area for increased balance and non slip surface for safe operation – RRP $170. 25. LEADER EQUINE LINNEA FINE KNIT SWEATER – RRP $199.95. 26. EAC ANIMAL CARE IN-SILVER spray on bandage 75g – from $35.00. 27. ARIAT WOMEN’S BARNYARD TWIN GORE II Antique Brown, 10033862 – $279.95. 28. FURRIENDS APPAREL WOMENS T-SHIRT Life Is Better in Riding Boots. Black, white and grey marle, sizes XS to 5XL – $39.95. 29. LEADER EQUINE SADDLE PAD in Brown Suede and Hunter Green – $139.00. 30. PERFORMA RIDE MIDNIGHT ROSE LUXE HORSE COMBO – $99.00. Stockist info page 112. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 49

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Gift your bestie an Equestrian Hub subscription for Christmas. All new subscribers go into the draw to win a 3kg bucket of Rose-Hip Vital (valued at $349.95). Offer ends 25/12/21. Visit the EH website to purchase: www.equestrianhub.com.au/magazine E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 51

ydration through the summer heat is extremely important in order to prevent dehydration

NUTRITION

and even death. But what does dehydration look like, and how can yo u

Hydration through the summer heat

prevent it? In order to keep their horse hydrated and healthy through the summer months, these are questions every horse owner should know how to answer. If you suspect that your horse is dehydrated, you should call your vet immediately. Without treatment, dehydration can escalate quite quickly and can result in death. Signs of

When summer temperatures soar, ensuring your horse is properly hydrated is paramount. LEISA HOFSTETTER of Hof Equine Nutrition offers her expert advice on this important topic.

dehydration may include lethargy, stiffness, elevated heart rate, sunken eyes, dry mouth and nostrils, skin tenting, excessive or unusually limited sweating, and loss of appetite. To get

NUTRITION

Resting heart rate

the digital pulse. Once you have located

An adult horse’s average resting heart

your horse's pulse, count the number of

rate is between 25 and 45 beats per

pulses you feel within 60 seconds. This

minute. An elevated heart rate while

will be your horse’s heart rate in beats

the horse is at rest may be an indication

per minute. If you have a fidgety horse

of dehydration. To check your horse’s

you can record the number of pulses

heart rate, locate their pulse. Some of

you can feel in 15 seconds, and then

the easiest locations to detect the pulse

multiply the result by four.

are at the back of the leg (digital) and

Capillary refill rate

at the facial artery. To find the digital pulse (the pulse that can be felt as blood flows through the artery into a horse's hoof), place two fingers at the back of a pastern, just below the fetlock joint and about one third of the width of the pastern on the side closest to you.

The capillary refill rate is the time it takes for capillaries in the horse’s gums to return to a healthy pink colour after pressing them with your finger. A healthy, hydrated horse’s gums will return to their normal colour in up to two

Apply a firm, even pressure with your

seconds. A refill time longer than this

fingers. If you’ve located the right spot,

may indicate dehydration. To do this

you should feel a pulse. But remember,

test, press your finger or thumb firmly

the resting heart rate of a horse is much

against your horse’s upper gum above

slower than a human heart rate, so be

an incisor (a front tooth). Immediately

prepared to wait a few seconds before

after removing your finger or thumb,

you feel anything.

the area of the gum where you applied

To locate the facial artery, again using a firm and even pressure, place two fingers beneath the lower jaw bone to the inside of the cheek. You may need

pressure will be pale, almost white. Observe how long it takes for the colour to return to a normal pink. It should take no more than two seconds.

to feel around a bit before you can

Intravenous fluids

locate either the facial artery pulse or

Severe dehydration may need to be

a better idea of whether your horse is dehydrated, you can perform a skin tent test, check their heart rate and/or check their capillary refill rate.

Skin tent test The skin tent test involves pinching the horse’s skin on the neck or shoulder into a ‘tent’, and observing the skin as it returns to its normal position. A wellhydrated horse’s skin should spring back into place almost immediately. A dehydrated horse’s skin tends to shrink back slowly, like water draining from a sink, and will wrinkle up as it does so. Although this does not confirm a diagnosis of dehydration, the skin tent test is a good indicator and you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

If you’re trying to gauge their intake of water, separate your horse from their paddock mates. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 53

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NUTRITION

treated with intravenous fluids, which

In the increased temperatures of

must be administered by your vet. In

summer, your horse will obviously tend

some cases of mild dehydration, your

to sweat more than they would in lower

horse may be successfully treated with

temperatures. If your horse is sweating

electrolytes given orally. However, it is

more, it means a greater electrolyte loss

important to seek veterinary advice if

and therefore an increased requirement

you suspect your horse is dehydrated.

for electrolytes. The amount of

As mentioned earlier, without the correct

additional electrolytes you will need to

treatment, dehydration can escalate

feed your horse depends on the ambient

quite quickly and can result in death.

temperature. For example, in ambient

Electrolytes

temperatures of 40° or above, daily

Electrolytes are minerals with an electric

electrolyte requirements in feed are

charge that carry out important functions

doubled compared to what you might

in your horse’s body. One of their

feed in milder temperatures. Horses

functions, in horses as well as humans,

at the right levels. Some examples of

in work during summer are especially

is to regulate water in the body. In other

electrolytes in both humans and horses

susceptible to electrolyte loss from

words, electrolytes are the very thing

include sodium, chloride, potassium,

sweating, so it’s important to carefully

your horse’s body uses to maintain water

magnesium, phosphorus and calcium.

monitor your horse’s hydration levels.

Consult an equine nutritionist for the right levels of electrolytes to add to your horse’s feed. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 55

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BE CO ME A ME MB ER TO DA Y!

NUTRITION

If your horse is currently sweating when you work them, they may have a greater need for salt and mineral (electrolyte) supplementation in their feed. This is because when the normal electrolyte levels in their blood are reduced through sweating, they only return to normal when salts and minerals are included in their diet.

Reduced desire to drink Reduced electrolyte levels in the horse’s blood can be a big problem, because reduced levels actually lower the horse’s desire to drink. Electrolytes in the horse’s body must be balanced and in the right quantities in order for the horse to drink as much water as it needs to return the water level in their body to normal. Offering water to a dehydrated horse while their electrolyte levels are low may dehydrate the horse even further. So if a horse is sweating during exercise, or due to increased ambient temperatures, or both, electrolytes must be supplemented in their feed to prevent dehydration. Use caution though, as an oversupply of electrolytes can have an effect that’s the opposite of the desired result. Your equine nutritionist can advise you regarding the types and amounts of electrolytes you should feed your horse.

Clean water In addition to supplementing your horse’s feed with electrolytes, and especially if you are doing so, it is important to make

Horses should always have access to a plentiful supply of fresh, clean water.

sure your horse always has access to clean, fresh water. If you suspect your horse is not drinking for some reason, you can record the amount of water they drink per day by filling a plastic bucket with a known amount, then marking the water line with permanent marker. After

in question is drinking from the water

signs of dehydration and providing the

bucket. You must also make sure the

right components in your horse’s diet,

bucket cannot be tipped over or stood

you can help to prevent dehydration. Be

in. If your horse has consumed little to

sure to provide clean, fresh water and

no water in 24 hours, consult your vet.

consult your equine nutritionist about the correct levels of electrolytes to add

24 hours, record the remaining volume

The normal daily consumption of water

of water and subtract that figure from the

for a horse is around 20 to 50 litres.

original volume to find out how much has

However, the amount a horse drinks can

been consumed.

vary between horses, as well as from day

It is important to separate the horse

to day. Each horse is different, and it is

If you’re feeling the need for some expert

from their paddock mates, including

important for you to know what is normal

advice, hop over to www.hofequine.com

other animals, so that only the horse

for your horse. By understanding the

and get in touch with Leisa.

to your horse’s feed. Then sit back and enjoy the summer.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 57

ost of us start our riding journey because of our love of horses. But sometimes

F E AT U R E

the drive to win that next competition, or overcome a roadblock in our training

The Power of Partnership

unintentionally takes precedence over the partnership with our horse. And when we don’t have our horse on side, ultimately nobody wins. Six years ago, Amalia Dempsey was succeeding as an accomplished dressage rider before two yearlings took her down a new path that focused

Accomplished dressage rider Amalia Dempsey’s perspective underwent a profound change when two young horses came into her life. She spoke with ENYA CROCKFORD about her journey.

on the relationship with the horse. “I was very experienced technically as a rider, but I discovered there was a huge gap in what I did with my horses. The seemingly small things like bridling and

F E AT U R E

Amalia believes in bringing a fun, playful energy to her training. (All images by Roger Foster Photography)

loading onto the float turned out to be

her partnership with her horses and their

yielded extraordinary results in both her

the foundation of my partnership with

training under saddle. When other riders

own horses and those of her students.

them,” she explains.

noticed the light way in which her horses

When Amalia purchased her two youngsters she had never previously started a horse from scratch, and initially researched groundwork and horsemanship in search of the best way

responded and their relaxed demeanour, they began seeking her guidance. Such was the demand for learning her way of training that she created an online program to teach people both around Australia and internationally.

to start them. Discovering what felt like

Here are Amalia’s main horsemanship philosophies, which anyone can bring to day-to-day work with their horse in order to strengthen their partnership and create a successful outcome in whatever they want to achieve.

Sitting down with Amalia to discuss her

Keeping training positive

method, it’s clear that the underlying

Keeping a positive approach and

approach is a mindset in which we

outlook on your horse’s training can do

should first see things through the eyes

wonders for their long-term motivation.

of the horse, rather than prioritising what

It starts with your own attitude, which

Out of years of training and study,

we want and putting the horse’s wants

horses detect when you first approach

Amalia eventually refined her own

second. Coupled with compassion,

them in the paddock or stable. But if

horsemanship method from what she

patience, and a willingness to learn, it’s

you’ve had a bad day, how do you turn

had learned, which had a huge impact on

obvious that her style of training has

your negative thoughts around? Amalia

an entirely new world, she participated in clinics, studied, and researched the methods of everyone from Andrew McLean to Pat Parelli.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 59

F E AT U R E

See things through the eyes of your horse first, rather than prioritising what you want.

Horses like predictability, so if we are consistent in our body language, cues and pressure – both under saddle and on the ground – we will become a source of safety for them.

horse, we can open up a whole new channel of communication with them. Secondly, Amalia recommends that we shouldn’t proceed in our training without first encouraging our horse to relax. If you have ever tried to learn something new

says, “I always remind myself that I’m

how much it can affect the outcome of

when you’re anxious or tense, you will

doing this because I enjoy it. That way

your ride.

understand why it’s almost impossible

I can make a conscious choice to leave

Thinking from your horse’s perspective

for a horse to do the same. If we ignore

my bad day behind and make the most of my time with my horses.”

Seeing things through the lens of your

this step and try to get on with whatever we had planned to teach them, chances are it won’t be a very productive session.

She also ensures that any would-be

horse is very important for getting

negative experiences such as loading

them onside. At a fundamental level,

onto the float or being wormed are

this means putting the time into

encourage your horse to relax in situations

turned into positive ones. How might

understanding them as a species: what

where they are likely to get anxious.

you do this? Worming is a good

motivates them, and how they learn.

example. Amalia syringes her horses

Which is why, with the help of your coach, it’s important to build strategies that

Finally, Amalia teaches that consistency

Firstly, it’s important to remember that

is the cornerstone of trust. Horses like

horses communicate with each other

predictability, so if we are consistent in

through body language. We humans

our body language, cues and pressure

tend to be less reliant on body language,

– both under saddle and on the ground

and so we often hold stress or tension

– we will become a source of safety for

Above all, bringing a fun, playful energy

that we’re accidentally communicating

them. If we’re inconsistent, our horse will

to your training makes the experience

to our horse. By putting some effort into

become anxious about what’s going to

much more positive for both you and

being aware of our body language and

happen next. This consistency can be a

your horse, and you may be surprised by

paying closer attention to that of our

source of comfort in itself. If we take our

with molasses water for several days before and after their wormer, so that they only have one not so great day out of many positive ones.

62 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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F E AT U R E

Refining her horsemanship had a huge impact on Amalia’s partnership with her horses.

horse to a new environment, such as a competition, and start to do tasks that they’re accustomed to, this small bit of familiarity will help give them confidence.

Developing the right relationship

There is no such thing as naughty horses, only horses who are fearful, confused, frustrated, or in pain. flying change, we often expect a horse

And if you are having trouble with a

Just like human relationships, building a

to load onto a dark and scary trailer

horse that’s ‘misbehaving’, Amalia’s

relationship with our horse takes focus

for the first time after 15 minutes." If we

approach turns ‘naughtiness’ on its

and dedication. To keep our horses

bring just as much dedication to building

head: “There is no such thing as naughty

onside, it’s important to understand what

clear communication on the ground as

they actually value so we can build a

we do to riding, our horses are going to

mutually beneficial relationship. While we

find it much easier to work with us.

might want to compete, win blue ribbons

horses, only horses who are fearful, confused, frustrated, or in pain.” And that means it’s up to us to figure out which it is and to work through it.

and train advanced movements, our

Also essential to your partnership with

Amalia’s final reminder is that you are

horse’s main priority is safety, so we need

your horse is becoming a good leader.

always training and always learning. It’s

to show them they are safe with us.

While we need to be clear on what we

a well-known adage that you never stop

expect and set boundaries, it’s important

learning with horses, so don’t be afraid to

to do this in a way that’s encouraging

bring this focus to the fore every time you

don’t know where to lead, or to stay out

rather than domineering. Amalia uses

ride, handle, or just spend time with your

of your space, just as much as they don’t

the analogy of a parent and child:

know a canter aid.” Amalia says, “And

“While a parent loves their child, they

You can learn more about Amalia’s

while we’re prepared to spend hours

set healthy boundaries so that they stay

insights and training methods on her

perfecting a walk/trot transition or a

safe and grow up to be a good person.”

podcast Horsemanship Breakthroughs.

Clear communication is also essential. “Horses aren’t born with buttons – they

horse. The difference can be refreshing.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 65

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For each full-size blanket sold, an average of 218 plastic bottles are recycled and reused. To extend an extra helping hand to the planet, Horseware Ireland have partnered with One Tree Planted, and have pledged to plant a tree for every Amigo AmECO 12 Plus blanket sold. Clare Silke, Horseware Ireland’s product innovation manager is proud of the company’s direction. “Our vision for the future at Horseware Ireland is to become 100 per cent circular. By using renewable and/or recycled materials, we hope to help promote sustainability in every aspect of our customers’ daily life, helping them to make better informed decisions related to product design.”

EUROPEAN TRENDS

Reduce, reuse, recycle If looking after the planet is high on your agenda, there’s lots to love about Horseware Ireland’s Eco collection, writes JESS MORTON.

s we become more aware of some of our less than sustainable habits, recycled

Earlier this year, Horseware Ireland launched the highly anticipated Eco collection, which includes the Amigo

plastic has arguably become a big thing.

AmECO 12 Plus turnout rug. This

And with growing concern over climate

groundbreaking rug is made from rPET

change, a new generation of ecologically

(recycled polyethylene terephthalate),

minded equestrian designers is

derived from recycled plastic bottles.

pioneering ways to use recycled plastics in their products, including the manufacture of turn out rugs.

Aisling McGee, one of Horseware Ireland’s designers, is similarly inspired. “As a designer I strive to develop and create products with a long life span, meaning less waste in our landfills. We have a responsibility to use our skills to solve problems. Each product we create needs to have a purpose if we want to move away from a throw away culture. We all need to do what we can to help eliminate pollution.” All Rambo turnout rugs are now sold in a sturdy ‘Bag for Life’, which is designed to be used either for storing the rug, or as an equestrian gear bag. Some super handy features include a stash pocket on the side, a roll top closure for easy access, and with handy adjustable shoulder straps the bag can even be used as a rucksack.

Empty PET bottles are collected, washed, and turned into flakes, which are then melted into tiny pellets before

Even though, for the moment, only a

being extruded and spun into polyester

small portion of equestrian brands use

yarn. The entire process is certified by

recycled materials for their turnout

Global Recycled Standards to ensure

collections, this still represents a

only plastic bottles derived from actual

massive breakthrough within the

consumer waste are used, and that the

equestrian industry. As more and more

production process uses less water,

brands work together to help combat

fewer chemicals, and produces less CO2

pollution, the demand for recycled

than occurs in the manufacture of virgin

alternatives will no doubt boom.

polyester yarns.

All Rambo turnout rugs are sold in a Bag for Life. TOP: Horseware Ireland has launched their highly anticipated Eco collection. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 67

F E AT U R E

hen Shae Herwig announced that Victoria Davies had asked her to

groom at the 2020 Paralympics, we

F E AT U R E

Grooming at the Paralympics

were very excited for her. What an honour, what an adventure … and what an opportunity for a behind the scenes glimpse into the world’s most prestigious sporting event! So we waved Shae goodbye with instructions to have a great time, take photos (lots of them) and prepare to be interrogated on her return. When we next spoke to her she was in

Some of you may have met Shae Herwig in her role as manager of The Saddle Hub. But did you know she recently groomed for Victoria Davies at the 2020 Paralympics?

quarantine in a Sydney hotel, with time on her hands to talk to us about her experience: EH: How did you get the job as groom? SH: Vic and I have known each other

F E AT U R E

for around five years. I actually bought a

packed everything into that and the heavy

of the other grooms left early on Monday

horse from her, and that's how we met.

duty plastic boxes that Vic had brought.

morning so we’d be there to meet the

While I was there to see the horse, she

We had to make an itemised list of every

horses when they arrived. The horses

had a competition on with Celere*, one of

single thing that was in each box – from

left at midday on Monday with the other

her stallions. I went along and Vic got me

scissors and plaiting bands to sprays and

groom and the vet. The riders didn’t leave

to do a few things. We realised we got

brushes – and all the boxes were

until Tuesday night so they were there to

on really well and she asked whether I’d

collected the day before the horses left.

help load the horses onto the truck, and

EH: When did you leave for Tokyo?

by the time they arrived in Tokyo we had

SH: Myself, the team manager and one

everything set up for them.

be interested in grooming for her at the bigger comps. So from there I groomed at any of the major league championships she needed me for – and when she qualified for the 2020 Paralympics, she asked me to go with her. *Celere is the magnificent 14-y-o buckskin Lusitano stallion who partnered Victoria at the Paralympics. EH: We heard the Australian team organisers gave you a comprehensively equipped kit bag. SH: I could have taken just the bag and nothing else! The only things I needed to add were my pyjamas and clothes for the quarantine week with the horses and riders in Sydney. EH: What was involved in that week? SH: It was during the Sydney lockdown which made it a bit difficult for the organisers. The horses were kept at SIEC and our vet and one of the grooms stayed with them. The rest of the team, around 13 of us – the riders, grooms, coaches and the manager - stayed at a hotel. We went from the hotel to SIEC each day in our own little bubble, not seeing anyone else, or going anywhere else, and having our meals delivered to us. EH: What was the horses’ routine during quarantine week? SH: We treated it like a training camp and got them used to a routine that suited conditions in Tokyo. Because of the heat their competitions were scheduled at night, so we did a lot of training under lights in the evening. EH: How was the horse’s equipment managed? SH: Each rider gets a beautiful big tack box with drawers, and saddle and bridle hooks. So while we were in Sydney we

ABOVE: Shae in her formal groom uniform at the pre-competition day trot up (Image by Victoria Davies). LEFT: Team Australia – Shae, Celere and Victoria Davies (Image by Rozzie Ryan, Sharon Jarvis’ personal coach). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 69

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F E AT U R E

ABOVE LEFT: Shae and Celere chill in the cooling tent (Image by Janine Dwyer). ABOVE RIGHT: Celere keeps a watchful eye on team vet Janine Dwyer as she prepares something to eat – we noticed a jar of Vegemite on the table (Image by Victoria Davies). EH: So what was the routine once the riders arrived? SH: They flew in on Wednesday morning. After they settled into the village they got to the venue at around midday. They all rode that afternoon because the horses had already had a 24 hour rest and we wanted to get them into the swing of things. EH: What did a day at the Paralympics look like for you? SH: I usually fed Celere around 6:30 in the morning before cleaning out the stable, which was a bit of a funny thing because in Japan you have to put all the manure into plastic bags, tie the tops, and then put them in the manure bin. Very, very clean but lots of plastic which I hope was biodegradable. Then I’d take Celere to a large grazing area with a gallop track around the outside. We’d walk three or four laps to get his legs moving before I let him have a pick for an hour or so, and then back to the stables.

We weren’t allowed to have the horses

accreditation card lanyard. Mine was

out of the stables between eleven and

quite heavy towards the end.

three due to the heat. So depending on the day we’d clean tack, have lunch, and go back to our rooms for a break. Then

EH: Celere’s certainly stunning, what’s he like? SH: He’s a total dude! He's very laid back,

around three o'clock I'd take Celere for

but he's also got this cheeky little side to

another walk. Depending on what time

him. When you get to know him he quite

had been booked for us, we'd usually

likes to communicate with you. So when

ride between four and seven. Then I’d

I’m cleaning out the stable and putting

wash him down, feed up, and go and

in new sawdust I'll leave it in the centre

have dinner.

because he loves to roll on it and spread

EH: Did you have a chance to meet

it for me. If I leave the broom in the stable

other grooms?

he’ll get hold of it in his mouth and won’t

SH: Because of COVID they didn’t want

give it back, just that cheeky side that

us to mix much, although we were

comes out when he's really comfortable.

supplied with maybe 20 badges - some

He loves attention. A bit of a showman,

were the Australian flag, some were

he knows when people are looking at

Koalas. It’s a tradition at the Olympics and Paralympics to swop badges with

him. He knows he’s good looking and is happy to pose for the camera.

other countries, and there’s a little

EH: Tell us about the cooling tents.

competition to see who gets the most.

SH: They were all over the place. There

The idea is to pin the badges onto your

was one in the grazing area so as part of E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 71

F E AT U R E

Celere’s morning routine – a chance to pick before the heat of the day (Image by Shae Herwig). our morning walk we'd go by the cooling

familiarisations when they explained

before we left. So we went out to the

tent just so Celere could get used to it.

what time you needed to go into the last

village for the day and had a look around

They provided ice cold water to put into

warm up area and how many minutes

because we weren't allowed to do that

the fans and when you turned the fan on

you'd got there before going out into the

during the competition.

cold water misted out. He loved it - it was

main arena - so we did have a bit of a

one of his favourite parts of our morning

practice. But it was exciting with the big

ritual! And when Vic rode him he was

TV screens and the cameras in your face

quite happy to go in there with her on him

as you were standing in the little ‘Kiss

so they could both cool down.

and Cry’ area! That was quite cool!

EH: What was the atmosphere like

EH: Did you travel with the horses on

countries train, and the different styles

when the competition started?

the way home?

of horses. And just meeting new people

SH: It didn’t feel too different to the

SH: No. The horses were flying from

like FEI officials and the Olympics vets

training days because not everybody

Japan to Germany to quarantine there

was really nice.

was competing on the same day. So you

for three weeks before coming home to

still had other riders doing their daily

Australia. One of the Australian team,

We’re happy to report that Shae is now

training and we tried to keep our horses’

Amelia White, is based in Germany and

out of quarantine, safely home, and

routine much the same anyway. Prior

her groom flew with them. We helped

ready to give you expert advice on

to competition days there were arena

load them and then we had a day off

choosing your next saddle.

72 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

EH: Did you enjoy the whole experience? SH: I did. I’d love one day to do it again. I definitely learned a lot and it was really interesting to see how other

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F E AT U R E

Crossing Kyrgyzstan

shley Parsons and Quentin Boehm were just your typical Parisian couple living life in the

city, working at a startup, and enjoying urban life. One loved horses, the other loved cycling. With a combined passion for saddles of different kinds, they quit their jobs and embarked on an epic journey around the world using just two modes of transport - horses and bicycles – and documenting their adventures on Instagram and through their En Selle blog. So far they have cycled from France

Have you ever dreamed of getting away for an extended adventure ‘en selle’? It means ‘in the saddle’ and JESSICA MORTON recently spoke to a couple who are travelling the world in exactly that way.

to Uzbekistan, and crossed Albania on horseback. Just this month, they finished an extraordinary 1,800 kilometre ride through the steppes and mountains of Kyrgyzstan (a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan

F E AT U R E

to ask, and to negotiate the price.

ABOVE: Ashley, Tian and Chai against a glorious mountain backdrop. LEFT: The ‘en selle’ adventure of a lifetime. (All images courtesy Ashley Parsons and Quentin Boehm).

how they managed the trip through

Chai, the packhorse, and my horse

Tian cost around $1,370, Fidel $1,290

Kyrgyzstan with horses that they’d only

Tian were purchased from the bazaar.

and Chai $1,050).

had a month to prepare.

We had to wake up at 3am, drive three

to the north, Uzbekistan to the west,

large the best horse on the journey. We

Tajikistan to the south, and China to the

took an interpreter with us to make sure

east) with three stallions.

we could ask all the questions we wanted

I sat down with Ashley to find out

hours, and then we had five minutes per JM: Tell us about your stallions AP: From the start, we knew we would

horse to decide whether to buy.

There is a myth out there that Kyrgyzstan is full of wild horses, but that is just not true. Every horse has an

probably end up with stallions. In

JM: What sort of horses are there in

owner, and every horse is going to be

Kyrgyzstan, mares are not ridden, and

Kyrgyzstan?

used for something at some point.

only tourism outfits have geldings. The locals don’t see the point of owning a

AP: There is a national Kyrgerz breed, and its distinguishing feature is the

In the bazaar you only get a few minutes to look at the horses, so we had a list

‘jorgho’, a special ambling gait that is

of things we wanted. We looked for

really comfortable to ride. The locals

horses under 15hh as in the past we

We wanted to buy all our horses from

know this gait makes them unique, so

found smaller horses work better in

locals rather than at a horse market, a

they cost a little more. My horse Tian

the mountains. We paid less for Chai

bazaar. Quentin’s horse Fidel was bought

had this gait, which is why he was a little

because he was skinny, but we wouldn’t

from a shepherd, and he was by and

more expensive. (In Australian dollars,

have gone any skinnier than that. But

horse that can’t reproduce.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 75

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F E AT U R E

Meeting the neighbours: ethnic Kyrgyz make up the majority of Kyrgyzstan’s six million people. you don’t want anything too fat, because

It's hard not to get emotionally invested

Fidel fought with Chai in the middle,

you can’t see what’s underneath, and

at a bazaar. Horsemen in Kyrgyzstan,

and Chai ended up falling over. We got

you don’t know what you’re buying.

just like anywhere else, do what they are

him up luckily, but that was definitively

We eliminated any horses under five

taught is right. I couldn’t get annoyed

the moment that we both thought ‘What

years of age or horses with open

at people in Kyrgyzstan riding three-

have we done? We have just brought

wounds straight away. We would pull on

year-olds in the mountains, when in my

home three stallions!’

each horse’s tail to check its balance,

country we train horses to race at two.

push and palpitate it all over, and check

There are a lot of traditional ideas in our

JM: How have you found traveling

horse culture that you have to abandon

with three stallions?

when you do this sort of trip. Stallions get

AP: There were occasional power

a bad rep for being difficult to handle, but

games between Fidel and Tian, who

once you understand their needs, they

were the two stronger horses. Nothing

are actually the most giving and loyal

serious, just general bickering. Chai,

of horses. Chai was so affectionate he

the purchase was legitimate. Horses have

the packhorse, immediately accepted

would come when we whistled. If you

clipped ears and sometimes they are

his fate as an intermediary - a role he

scratched Tian or Fidel’s bellies while

branded, but it’s always good to have as

kept the whole trip. When we first put all

they were resting, they would lie back.

much documentation as possible.

three in the truck together, Tian and

They really were our babies.

legs, hooves and teeth. Every horse has ownership papers, so it’s a good idea to take a photo with the owner shaking hands and holding the papers. That way, if it turns out the horse has been stolen you have proof to show

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 77

F E AT U R E

Party of five: Tian, Ashley, Chai, Fidel and Quentin with the flag of the Kyrgyz republic. JM: How far did you travel each day?

I started climbing up the mountain.

flip or lose his balance. He ended

AP: We usually travelled 15 to 25

Tian, my horse, tried to follow me as I

up crashing down 15 meters before

kilometres a day, occasionally we did 30

zigzagged up the hill. He tried to jump

stopping on a ledge. Quentin tried to get

kilometres and one day we even did 35,

up twice and couldn’t, so he backed into

down to remove the bags, but all on his

but that was when the bags had been sent

Chai behind him, who started sliding

own, Chai shimmied up most of the cliff

ahead in a taxi so we could ride faster.

down the hill. Quentin was behind them

and escaped unscathed.

We started the ride in the second week of May and finished it in the last week of August. Every ten days we would stop at a stable for a few days, give the horses

both, and he tried to urge him forward. I could hear the fear in his voice. That’s when I knew it was really happening. Chai was falling off the cliff.

JM: What tips do you have for riders thinking of embarking on a similar expedition? AP: Remember, the trip is not about you,

a proper break, restock our supplies for

Chai had the bags, so if he flipped and

it’s about doing it with your horse. Their

the next leg, and catch up on any work.

fell into the river 100 meters below we

needs always come first.

JM: What was the toughest moment on the expedition? AP: The day Chai fell off a cliff. The river had flooded, and we mistook a goat trail

didn’t know how we could get him up and out alive. Nobody wants to think of these sorts of things happening. It was one of the scariest moments in my life.

When you do a horse trek overseas, you really need as much help as you can get. This means you need to utilise any contacts you have, especially those

above for the correct route. Luckily, I had

Incredibly, luck saved him. As Chai fell,

that speak the same language as you.

the foresight to untie the horses before

he stayed mostly upright and didn’t

We had Helene, a French woman living

78 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Advertise with us! Engage with our nation-wide audience

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www.equestrianhub.com.au E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 79

F E AT U R E

in Kyrgyzstan, who taught us how to shoe, and understand the local nomadic culture. She even brought our horses from us at the end of the trip. Before you go to a country, try to read the most popular novels that have come out of that country. This will give you an insight into the culture before you arrive. It also gives you something to dream about. JM: Your favourite gear and why. AP: A Garmin InReach Explorer, just in case one of us broke a leg and needed rescuing. And a Canadian pack saddle, the same pack saddle that Australian Long Rider Tim Cope used on his 10,000 kilometre solo journey from Mongolia to Hungary. Next year we will rent it out to other riders. Also, Goal Zero solar panels. You can attach them to your backpack or strap them on the saddle bags. Follow Ashley and Quentin’s adventures at www.enselle.voyage, or on Instagram. ABOVE: The couple developed a strong bond with their three stallions. LEFT: Quentin and Fidel, who was bought from a shepherd. 80 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 81

any retired Tasmanian racehorses have successfully transitioned into careers in

LIFE AFTER RACING

Making the leap

hacking, show jumping, polo, dressage and eventing, or have become Pony Club success stories – an excellent case in point being Samantha (Sami) Barker and her OTT Standardbred Ollie. Ollie, a former pacer who raced as Ezygatboy for premier Tasmanian

What do a thirteen-year-old novice rider and an OTT Standardbred have in common? A very special partnership and some serious Pony Club successes, writes PETER STAPLES.

harness trainer Ben Yole, has taken a particular shine to Pony Club. So much so that after he and Sami put in an outstanding performance at the Pony Club State Trials in March 2021, they

L I F E A F T E R R AC I N G

qualified for the recently held 2021 Pony

Keen to take her sport as far as she can,

the last couple of months, and Kristen

Club Nationals, which due to COVID was

Sami’s equestrian horizons broadened

has helped with getting Ollie cantering

unfortunately a virtual event only.

considerably when she joined Lilydale

and educated to deal with jumping,” she

Pony Club in November last year, which

says. “I love what I’m doing with Ollie,

is when Ollie was first introduced to

and it’s so pleasing to see how he has

jumping. Although he’s an enthusiastic

grown in confidence, and that also helps

learner, he initially found trot poles

my confidence grow.”

But to take a step back, it’s fair to say that Sami is as new to the world of Pony Club as Ollie. Now thirteen years old, she was introduced to horses just over a year ago when she was invited to go on a trail ride by her neighbor and friend

challenging, but these days he’s popping over 80cm fences like an old hand.

Much to the pair’s credit, Ollie is the first Standardbred to make a state Pony Club

Haylee Chilcott. “When I first tried riding

Sami and Ollie progressed quickly, and

team and the only ex-pacer to compete

I was petrified! But after my first trail ride

earned their chance to shine at the

at the Nationals.

I loved it, and I just kept on going out for

Nationals in the sub-junior section of the

rides with Haylee,” Sami says.

Tetrathlon. A relatively new discipline,

Meanwhile Ollie had had 35 starts for five wins and three placings, earning over $25,000 in the process. His first four wins were in Western Australia, after which he was relocated to Victoria where he won at Mildura before finally landing a berth in Ben Yole’s stable. But when it became apparent that he’d reached the end of his racing career, it was decided to rehome the nineyear-old gelding and earlier this year he entered the Off the Track program facilitated by Tasracing, Tasmania’s peak racing authority.

But while Sami has relished her

the event comprises a kilometer run,

achievements thus far, she has her eyes

a 100 metre swim, pistol shooting, and

fixed firmly on the future. “The next

an equestrian element that includes

step up from Tetrathlon is Pentathlon,

cross country and show jumping. “I like

and that’s an Olympic sport which is the

swimming and I am fair at running. I’m

same as Tetrathlon plus fencing,” she

a member of a pistol club and I love

explains. “Because I have a black belt in

jumping, so it’s a perfect sport for Ollie

Taekwondo, I should be able to pick up

and me,” Sami says.

fencing skills more easily than most, so

Sami has not only benefited from Kristin Pitt’s expert tuition, but also from lessons with her riding coach Jules Targett. “I’ve been lucky to have very

that could be my ultimate goal. A year ago I didn’t think I would be riding as well as I am, let alone representing the state in a national competition.”

good coaches. Jules has been helping

And that, without a doubt, is the stuff

me a lot with my jumping technique over

dreams are made of.

It was around the same time that Sami’s new-found love of riding had reached the point where her parents had decided to buy her a horse. But destiny intervened when Sami and Ollie became beneficiaries of Tasracing’s OTT program. Ollie was gifted to Sami, and the pair developed their partnership with the help of Kristin Pitt, a qualified Equestrian Australia NCAS coach, who gave them lessons subsidised by Tasracing as a part of its ongoing program. And the partnership could not be more solid. The pair have a great rapport and as Sami refines and develops her skills, she teaches Ollie what he needs to learn about equestrian disciplines. “I couldn’t have got a better horse to start me off because he is just so honest, and he deals with everything I ask of him,” she says. “He’s prepared to try anything and that gives me so much more confidence.”

ABOVE: Competing at the Pre-Spring Gala in Launceston (Image by Sarah Walker). LEFT: Sami and Ollie at home in Turner’s Marsh, Tasmania (Image by Peter Staples). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 83

NEW HRV HERO AMBASSADORS OUT TO PROVE WHAT A STANDARDBRED CAN DO IN THE DRESSAGE ARENA hunt field before stepping on to the eventing scene, where she and her talented stallion at the time, Le Bronze, helped secure the win for the South Australian team at the 1979 WA 3DE. After having two children, Susan decided to move on to dressage where she purchased a six-month-old Born To Rocknrolln racing at Tabcorp Park

WB filly soon to be known as Sheer Etiquette (Ellie).

Born To Rocknroll is an eight-yearold gelding by Rocknroll Hanover USA out of Aston Villa USA. He was affectionately named after Buddy Holly hence his stable name, ‘Buddy’. He had 39 starts for 17 wins and prize money of $300,683. He finished racing on April 4, 2020. His owners Anne and Bill Anderson of Lauriston Bloodstock, who are also the sponsors of his future endeavours, say of ‘Buddy’, “He is a lovely, kind horse who thrives in a stable environment.” When the offer came from HRV HERO for us to sponsor Born To Rocknroll, in the words of Buddy Holly, we didn’t have to ‘Think It Over’, ‘It’s So Easy’ we did it in a ‘Heartbeat’.

Ellie and Susan flew up the grades with scores up to 74 per cent and in 2011 they had jumped to Grand Prix CDN, and by the end of the year

He is a lovely, kind horse who thrives in a stable environment.

were transferred to International Level to reign as the longest standing international level combination in Australia (seven years). Heather began riding when she was very young. Her first tall horse was a green broken crossbred four-year-old gelding, which she trained and campaigned up to Advanced level in dressage. Heather took a short break from training and riding in 2019 to complete basic training for the Australian Defence Force Reserves. Since 2020, Heather has been campaigning two promising mounts, the first, a Patchwork Park bred gelding called ’Patchwork Stolen Moments‘ who is competitively working at EA Advanced level and won his Advanced debut and Medium level Champion 4 times consecutively,

“His best win was the Breeders Crown FFA (Group 2) when driven by Gavin Lang,” they added. ‘Buddy’ will be spending his time as an ambassador for the breed, training with Susan and Heather Paix of Patchwork Park Equestrian Centre located in Ballarat. Susan’s passion for riding started as a young girl. After saving every cent she could she purchased her first horse at 16 and spent many years in the

Heather Paix riding Buddy

For more information on our ambassadors, please visit www.hrvhero.com.au

Heather Paix and 15yo groom Mischa with Buddy

the second is Torvina De Meyer, who is by De Niro and out of a Rituel/ Dutchman mare. He aced his first EA Medium with 67 per cent, one judge placing him first at 69 per cent. ‘Buddy’ is excelling in his training with Sue and Heather after arriving in midAugust. He already has several rides under his belt and is showing good promise for the dressage ring with a kind, trainable temperament, and expressive paces. Patchwork Park also recently announced the closure of its riding school. “We got tired, the horses got tired, we just closed it down which was sad,” Heather said. “So we looked at our idle time and said there are many people who had school lessons with us and they don’t have a horse. ‘What can we do to fix that?’ So, we contacted Tara from the HRV HERO program and here we are. “We were initially thinking of not being re-trainers and we just wanted to try and see with this ambassador horse.”

Be sure to follow HRV HERO on

It’s a testament to Lauriston Bloodstock for their hard work to get him to this point. You can’t fault him. “And as soon as we had ‘Buddy’ (Born To Rocknroll) for two days, we thought let’s get more. This is obviously going to be pretty straightforward.”

him around. Within a day I was on

“He (Buddy) is absolutely incredible. He is just such a lovely horse, we couldn’t seem to workout initially whether he was a trotter or a pacer, he would just walk, trot, canter, he just does everything we want he is an absolute darling of a horse, really quiet, but I can’t believe that he’s come from racing, after winning so much money and being such a brilliant horse that you know, he can be so quiet,“ Susan said.

Patchwork Park has had several

“It’s a testament to Lauriston Bloodstock for their hard work to get him to this point. You can’t fault him,” Heather added. “Within 24 hours (of him arriving) we had a saddle on him and we lunged

HRVHERO

@hrvhero

board and soon to be in the big arena, on my own. It’s like he’s a beginners horse, already broken to saddle.” standardbreds in training as well as two school horses. Heather worked for Yabby Dam Racing for two years handling all racing standardbreds, helping with transportation to and from venues and weaning and handling. Patchwork Park loves the standardbreds’ kind nature and easy trainability and look forward to showing what a standardbred can do in the dressage arena. And the team is valued its role as ambassadors and have enjoyed commencing as HRV HERO recognised re-trainers from September.

@hrvhero or call 0411 499 051

elieve it or not, Buffalo Bill and the Duke of Edinburgh had something in common – both drove teams

of Cleveland Bays. One used them to

BREED

The Cleveland Bay

pull stagecoaches in his Wild West Show, and the other to compete in international driving competitions. When the American showman visited England to perform for Queen Victoria he borrowed some Cleveland Bays and was so impressed he took some home with him. When 50-year-old Prince Philip gave up polo because of an arthritic wrist, he wanted to find another

If you’re looking for a strong, resilient, long-lived and versatile horse with a kind temperament, you’re likely to meet your match in the glorious shape of a Cleveland Bay, writes SUZY JARRATT.

exciting activity. In a 2017 interview he said: “I suddenly thought, well, we’ve got horses and carriages so why don’t I have a go at driving. So I borrowed four horses from the stables in London

BREED

(the Royal Mews), took them to Norfolk

as well as creating and improving the

horses are trained to remain calm amid

and practiced.” He went on to win many

Hanoverian and Holstein. And with

the hectic Tokyo traffic.

prestigious driving events.

French and Belgium draughts, it was

Cleveland Bays and mountain gorillas also have something in common – both are

instrumental in the development of the Vladimir Heavy Horse in Russia.

This is a strong, well-mannered and agreeable horse which has greatly influenced other bloodlines, yet there

critically endangered. Recent estimates

Members of the British Royal family

are very few purebreds here, or

indicate there are about 800 gorillas

have been patrons of Cleveland Bays

elsewhere. Partbreds and Cleveland

left in the world and approximately 400

throughout the breed’s history. King

Bay (CB) Sporthorses (see definitions

purebred Cleveland Bays, with only a

George V bred them in the 1920s and

below) are prolific in various equestrian

score or more in Australasia.

when numbers reached an all-time

disciplines. In both Australia and

low following the two world wars, his

overseas home bred CB/Thoroughbreds

granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II,

have shone in the show ring.

Named after the hilly region of Yorkshire in north east England, the Cleveland Bay is one of the country’s oldest horse

stepped in to help replenish the population. In 1961 their popularity

breeds. Developed during the Middle

rose when she purchased Mulgrave

Ages, its ancestors were used as

Supreme, a purebred colt destined

packhorses, which were crossbred with

for America, and stood him at public

Andalusian and Barb blood and later

stud for pure and partbred mares.

with Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Over the years the frame lightened as they became popular options for riding and carriage horses. In type (not in blood) the breed is most closely related to the Irish Draught.

In 2006, Toowoomba’s internationally acclaimed four-in-hand driver Bob Edwards competed his team of Sporthorses at WEG. One of them he sold to fellow Australian and world champion driver Boyd Exell. Carrington

Queen Elizabeth is the breed’s patron

Park Ajax, a.k.a. Junior, was by Wetherby

and the Royal Mews continues to house

Royal Pathfinder, whose lineage

several of these horses for the purpose

goes back to the renowned Mulgrave

of drawing ceremonial vehicles. The

Supreme. Junior formed part of Exell’s

breed is also used by the Imperial House

team as the ‘right wheeler’ at every FEI

of Japan, which imports them to pull

World Cup until 2015. When he retired

The Cleveland Bay bloodline aided in

the lacquered carriages which transport

the horse at the closing of the Cup in

the refinement of the Oldenburg breed,

visiting ambassadors to the palace. The

Bordeaux, Boyd escorted the 25-year-

OPPOSITE: Billara Beersheba, a three-quarter Cleveland Bay x Thoroughbred stallion owned by the Reigate Stud in SA (Image by Michelle Williams). ABOVE: Bob Edwards and his team competing at WEG 2006 (Image by Julie Wilson Equestrian Photography). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 87

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BREED

Brenda Boaden is the registrar of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of Australasia (CBHSA). She has imported several purebreds to her Ferndale Springs Stud in West Coolup, WA. Tregoyd Topper came from Wales in 2007, just after winning the King George V Cup, a prestigious invitation-only event for premium stallions. “We’ve bred about fifty foals from him, some

They don’t require grain or highenergy diets, and they also have great bone and tough, dense feet that rarely need shoeing. crossbreds and a high number of purebreds,” Brenda says, who over the years has outlaid more than $100,000 transporting three adult horses from the UK. “A mature Cleveland Bay takes up a ABOVE: Purebred stallion Silverfern Blue Jeans with New Zealand’s Joanne Ragg.

double bay on a plane so it costs twice as much to fly them!” she laughs.

old out of the arena, walking beside him

scared but she always tried, she was a

But surprisingly they don’t cost too much

while his navigator drove the team.

horse in a million,” Carolyn adds.

to feed. When it comes to catering for a

Atalanta, by Emperor Oberon out of a

Melissa Alexander says the same about

Thoroughbred mare, was owned by

her mare. A Level 1 instructor and

they are a most economical large horse:

Carolyn Begg of Rainbow Flat, NSW.

Principal of Riding with Confidence in

“They don’t require grain or high-energy

The mare, nicknamed Tally, came from

Victoria’s Yarra Valley, she purchased

diets, and they also have great bone

Carrington Park in Oberon NSW where

Gift of Killarnie in 2000. “I first saw

and tough, dense feet that rarely need

she was bred to be part of a carriage

her in a paddock. She had the most

shoeing. They’re also very trainable,”

team but grew too big. She was then

amazing dapples and a presence which

she adds.

trialled and rejected by a jumping rider

commanded attention. She jumped,

who dismissed her as ‘stupid’. “Far from

hacked, was cheap to feed and didn’t

it,” recalls Carolyn. “From the moment

need shoeing. Bold and fearless she got

we began dressage training she

me back eventing after ten years away.

listened to the aids and in ten minutes

She placed in the Led Show Hunter at

preserving and generating a wider

was working on the bit. Her calm

Barastoc under an international judge,

interest in the breed. Recently one of

temperament never changed.” The mare

and for two consecutive years was

mine went to Brisbane, and shortly one

won and placed at all levels around

Supreme Champion led Cleveland Bay

of my purebred mares, Ferndale Springs

the country, qualifying for WEG in the

at Melbourne Royal, as well as Champion

Lotus, is going to New Zealand. She’ll be

late nineties. “Sometimes Tally got very

Ridden. She was a true all-rounder.”

the only one in that country.”

muscular 16.2hh bay, Brenda believes

She laments that despite all these positives they are underrated and undervalued: “But I’m all about

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 89

H BO R ERESD E BREED

represented Australia at WEG 2018. “They placed tenth in the pas de deux,” Mike says. “Some vaulters use Clydesdale, Shire or Percheron crosses as their backs are very flat but they don’t move as well at the canter. Whereas Brigadoon and horses like him are perfect. Big boned, strong and beautifully balanced.”

Partbred Cleveland Bays A partbred Cleveland Bay must be bay in colour and be a minimum 50 per cent either by a registered purebred stallion or out of a registered purebred mare. Breed standards are as per purebred Cleveland Bays.

Cleveland Bay Sporthorses ABOVE: Mady Taylor and Bondsman, a Cleveland Bay Sporthorse (Image by TDE Performance Team Select Photography).

Not a breed as such, but the term given to any crossbred Cleveland Bay which may have as little as 12.5 per cent

CBHSA president Karen Bodily has

was ideal,” Mike tells me. A vaulter has

several CBs, as well as some Friesians,

to jump on to a horse as it’s moving

at her stud in Kokardine Park, WA.

and Brigadoon quickly learnt not to

“Impeccable Emily is a purebred from

crossed with, CB Sporthorses are not

automatically stop when the rider was

whom I’ve had two pure and one

limited to the bay colour.

preparing to mount.

partbred. What I’d like to see are more

Cleveland Bay blood. Because of the genetic influence of the horses they’re

Want to know more? Visit the Cleveland

events and festivals where they can

Two riders who trained on him were

Bay Horse Society of Australasia at

be showcased. Some heavy horse

Rachel Barlow and Jerri Dixon, both

www.cbhsa.com.au

extravaganzas hold classes for them but these are few and far between,” she explains. “They’re one of the purest breeds in the world and because of their purity many Warmblood people are using them in their breeding programs, and the partbreds and Sporthorses continue to demonstrate their talent and versatility.” Another sport they’re ideal for is vaulting. Brigadoon, a partbred gelding, has carried many aspiring equestrian gymnasts, quietly tolerating their falls and mid-air mistakes. “His rhythm and temperament are great,” says Mike Winwood, from Greenbank, Brisbane, who founded the Kingfisher Vaulters in 2004. The club has since evolved to Young Stars on Horseback with achievements at state, national and international competitions. “We found him doing dressage in a stock saddle in Roma - they do things differently out there! We brought him home and he

ABOVE: Klara Galloway and Cleveland Bay Sporthorse AP Spellbound (Image by Main Event Photography).

90 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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SADDLE REVIEW

Bates Artiste Stability, connection, and a seat that allows for a longer leg, perfect alignment and support for your upper body balance. What’s not to like?

fter ten years of watching from

by young Vinnie’s constantly evolving

as Karen had had only a quick ride in

the sidelines, Karen Booth

shape. So when her trainer suggested

her trainer’s saddle, the option to have

decided to take over the reins

trying a saddle with an easy change

the Artiste for a two-week trial suited

when her daughter retired from the

gullet, the search was back on.

her perfectly. Impressed by The Saddle

equestrian world. And so at the age

Karen hails from Chittering in Western

of 52, she learned to ride partnered

Australia, which can make buying a

by Vinnie, a homebred Clydesdale

second hand saddle difficult. “It can be

x Stockhorse who has always had a

hard to find a range of preloved saddles

special place in Karen’s heart.

for sale over on our side of the country,”

Fast shipping meant it arrived quickly,

she explains. A saddle fitter came out

and when she started to ride in it

and offered Karen a few saddles to trial,

she immediately noticed a significant

but nothing particularly excited her until

improvement in Vinnie. And as a

her trainer brought over his Bates Artiste.

bonus, Karen felt she could ride more

That was four years ago. Since then, after some forays into working equitation, Karen and Vinnie turned their thoughts to the dressage arena, and it quickly became apparent that it was

After a quick trial ride in which Karen

time for their inherited Bates General

was careful not to damage her trainer’s

Purpose saddle to be replaced.

beloved saddle, “which he thinks is the

Sitting in quite a few different saddles before finding one she thought would be suitable, Karen made a purchase. But

best saddle in the world,” she says, Karen had finally found a saddle that felt just right.

Hub’s customer service coupled with the peace of mind of knowing she could return the saddle if it didn’t suit, Karen decided to take it on trial.

effectively thanks to the Artiste’s design, which encourages the rider to sit in the correct position. With adjustable knee flaps and moveable stirrup bars, the saddle could be adjusted to suit both Karen and Vinnie, resulting in improved performance for them both.

disappointingly it never felt quite right,

A Google search for a second-hand

a problem she thinks was exacerbated

Artiste led her to The Saddle Hub, and

Having finally found what Karen calls their “Cinderella shoe”, she purchased the Artiste at the end of the trial and enthusiastically recommends The Saddle Hub for their helpfulness and a stress-free shopping experience. Vinnie is still green and Karen is still learning, but they have their sights set on entering the dressage arena at some point in the future – and in the meanwhile, they’re enjoying the journey in their Bates Artiste dressage saddle. The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit www.equestrianhub.com.au

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and browse through their fantastic range. All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 93

rett Parbery is a professional horse trainer and dressage rider who has twice competed

O N M Y TAC K B OX

Busting the myths

for Australia, was one of the Top 10 dressage riders at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, is a four times Australian Grand Prix Champion, and winner of over 35 Australian dressage titles. And that’s aside from a previous career as a bronc rider on the US and Canadian pro rodeo circuits. Having sat on more than a handful of horses over the years, it’s fair to say Brett knows a thing or two about the

Folklore abounds regarding horse colour and gender. Chestnut, black or bay, mares, geldings or stallions. But does it really matter? We asked dressage star BRETT PARBERY for his expert opinion.

influence of horse colour and gender. So, does colour equate with certain personality traits? Brett’s short answer is a ‘no’. No specific coat colour, pattern, or number of socks is a fair way to

O N M Y TAC K B OX

assess a horse’s temperament. He

like with your leg, they’ll physically push

get bowie, make sure you keep telling

believes the same is true for the whorls

out against the actual aid. It’s a bit like

them they’re good, keep rewarding

a horse sports on its head. These types

you’re putting pressure on a rubber ball

them, and give them short stints with

of features simply don’t stand up as

and the ball keeps pushing you off. It’s

breaks in between. They’ve got to feel

accurate ways to make generalisations

what stallions do in nature, they’ll bow-

like they’re the king of the outfit and

about a horse’s personality.

up against other stallions too.”

you’ve got to keep making them feel

Colour myth busted. Boys versus girls

Brett adds that they’re not always like

that way.”

however, now that’s a whole other story.

that, “but on certain days, whether it’s

Alpha mares

Battle of the sexes

something that’s happened overnight, or

There’s an old adage which goes along the lines of tell a gelding, ask a mare, discuss it with a stallion. This is one with which Brett agrees. “Stallions tend to

In comparison to the sensitive stud,

it might be when it’s coming into spring,

mares can be either full of fight and

they might be a bit more bowie and a

valour, or chilled out and easy-going.

bit more resistant to being instructed on

Determining which one you’re dealing

what to do.”

be a little bit sulkier, and they sulk more

To sum up, he says stallions are,

easily,” he says. “The Western guys have

generally, big sooks and need to be

a good term for it, they call it ‘bowing-up’

treated with a level of sensitivity that

or getting ‘bowie’. So, when a stallion

accommodates that. “When training a

gets into a certain frame of mind and

stallion, you’ve got to make sure you

you apply pressure of some description,

don’t put them in a position where they

with comes down to where she would fit ABOVE: Aber Hallo 29, a stallion owned by the Farrell family (Image by Stephen Mowbray Photography). LEFT: PPH Zeppelin, a gelding now owned by Melissa Cannon (Image by Magnus Agren Photography). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 95

O N M Y TAC K B OX

do it again. You have to make sure your timing is really on,” he stresses. When a stallion gets a bit bowie, or a mare becomes ‘emotional’, rather than risk a potentially bad reaction, Brett believes the best approach is to quickly give them a different exercise to do, which helps to diffuse the situation and clear their memory before you come back to the original exercise: “You just never want to go head-to-head with these ones, because it never ends up getting you the result you were after. You’re better off to skirt around them and still get the same result by being a bit clever about it.”

How to choose The choice between stallions, geldings and different types of mares ultimately ABOVE: Owned by Terry Snow, Willinga Park Emotion is a mare (Image by AmySue Alston Photography).

boils down to what you’re planning to do with the horse. “Dressage is the sport that requires the highest level of submission

into a herd hierarchy. “The alpha mare is generally the one that, if she was in a herd environment, would be running the family,” Brett explains. “She’s the one who keeps her eyes open for danger, she’s the one that tells everyone else that they’re about to move and when they’re going, and she’s also the one that will have a blue. Especially if you get two alpha mares in one place, they’re going to fight for that top dog position.”

When it comes down to it, the hardest

from the horse. When the dressage horse

horse to train is obviously the one

is fully trained, it has to be listening to

whose temperament doesn’t allow it

us every step of the way because we

to be trained. But, if we’re catagorising

do such intricate movements,” Brett

them by sex, the alpha mare is the

explains. “In Grand Prix the movements

hardest. “When it comes to training

come up so quickly that you can’t afford

these girls, it’s an art form all on its own.

to be having those discussions with the

You’ve got to get about them fairly

likes of alpha mares.”

Brett reckons that for a person working with such a mare, that’s worth noting: “With an alpha mare, if you put pressure on them they will be quite violent back at you. So if we amp that pressure up a bit, say a leg aid for example, they are quicker to escalate to what you could describe as more of an emotional response.”

tell you when it’s not!” Brett laughs.

But if that’s not your ideal horse don’t discount the girls just yet, as not all mares are like that. “They’re not all the same. You get some mares that are very placid - they’re just like geldings. They’re the non-alpha mares in the herd that get told what to do. The alpha mare will go ‘move over here’, or ‘get out of my way’, or ‘I want to eat there’ and the mare being told will just back away. Those mares are fine, but the alpha mare is quite tricky to train,” Brett explains.

quietly, just try and convince them that it’s a good idea to do what you want them to do, because they’ll quickly His advice is that if you’re considering picking a young mare that you can’t yet ride, look at the attitude and temperament of the mother as the filly will often turn out to be similar.

Easy-going geldings

In his opinion, those mares shine in the sports of show jumping, polo and sometimes cutting. “Where the alpha mares tend to excel are sports where there’s minimal instruction to them from the rider, but the prompt, like the cow or the jump, that’s what creates their response.” He describes alpha mares as real fighters and says you’ll often hear show jumpers and polo players saying

Geldings have a great reputation

‘nothing like a good mare’, which is true

because they’re generally placid, and

for their sport.

Brett concludes that geldings and the more subdued mares are the easiest to work with. “With those ones, you can pretty much roll through your routine, put a bit of pressure on and see how they respond. But with the entires and alphas

So the million dollar question: what’s Brett’s pick? “You can’t beat a good gelding, but look, I like them all. I love a really nice stallion, but in saying that, I’ve got all mares in the yard at the moment!”

you have to set it up, and then when

If you want to make a solid commitment

something becomes ‘their idea’, you

to progressing your riding and training,

reward them. Giving the reward at the

visit brettparbery.com.au for information

right time will make these horses want to

on The Parbery Program.

96 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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Talicia Beardsmore, NSW

ailing from a rural background, Clem Smith has dabbled in many equestrian pursuits,

TRAINING TIPS

including camp drafting, Pony Club, working on stations, eventing and show

Jumping gems

jumping. These days his expertise centres around breaking in and training young horses, and conducting jumping clinics in Australia and New Zealand. When I asked Clem whether there

With over 30 years’ experience, Clem Smith is one of Australia’s leading show jumping riders with notable performances at home and overseas. He recently shared some of his top tips with CHRISTINE ARMISHAW.

was a particular focus to his clinics, he explained that no two were the same. “Every horse and rider combination is different, so you’ve got to work on different things. Some horses travel nicely, but their connection is not as

TRAINING TIPS

be able to adjust your stride a little as

ones, they’ll stop rather than want to

you come into the jump. It’s all about

knock ‘em down,” he says.

how you travel to the jump.”

Improving technique

Clem is quick to point out that there is

I ask Clem for a few pointers on what to

no ‘one size fits all’ remedy, but he’s

do to help a horse that has a tendency

happy to share some of his ‘go to’

to take rails down. First we discuss

tips and exercises that many jumping

verticals. “The first thing while training

partnerships have benefitted from.

would be to go to your ground line and

Impulsion and distance

move it out a little, to help stop the horse

Clem explains that to improve impulsion, you have to improve the canter. The energy in the canter comes from the

To be effective, a horse has to use his neck and shoulders, and Clem has a

properly. “To ride a horse with no leg

specific exercise to help with that: “Place

because you know he’s going to be too

canter poles in front of the jump. Have

strong is when it becomes very hard to

one pole that’s six-and-a-half metres out

see a distance,” he says. “When your

from the front of the jump, and a second

horse is bitted properly and has a good

pole seven metres in front of that. The

body shape, it makes it so much easier to

rider canters in over the first pole, then

ride them confidently forward off the leg.

they canter one stride and over the next

At the end of the day, your horse is only

pole, then one stride and over the jump.

going off the feel you’re giving him.”

The spacing between the poles will help

canter is either over ridden or under ridden. Ideally, you ride your horse in a consistent, medium canter, so that

technique but are very unrideable. You have nervous riders, you have brave riders, so you’ve got to be versatile.”

keep the horse a little in-hand so that he ends up with a better body shape. You don’t want to have the canter stride getting longer on the last stride because that makes the horse less careful.”

every time you canter up to the jump

Clem suggests this as a good exercise

you’ve got options. As you approach,

for green riders, as well as more

you can either go a little faster or a little

advanced riders. “The placing poles

slower, and either one of those options

help to give a consistently good

is quite OK,” Clem tells me. “Everyone’s

distance, which builds confidence

got a different way of seeing a distance,

quicker, allowing them to start being

some riders like to wait until they’re four

able to jump bigger. It makes the horses

or five strides out, while others like to

a little cleverer at the same time, without

ride forward then wait a little in the last

scaring them,” he explains.

couple of strides. You’ve just got be

While working with equestrians across

creative in your canter so you can get a

all disciplines and skill levels, from

feel of what needs to happen.”

trotting poles to full-height fences, Clem

to ride that way,” he explains.

you need to ensure your horse is bitted

see distance? “A lot of the time, the

good, and other horses have a good

jump. It also helps to train the rider’s eye

rider’s lower leg aid, but along with this,

But how does this make it easier to

Riding from a good medium canter gives the rider options as they arrive at a fence (Image by DKA Photography).

from going right into the bottom of the

For Clem, building on the canter pole exercise and creating flow is key: “If you then add a pole three to three-and-a-half

Riding from a good medium canter gives

metres after the jump, then another jump

the rider those options as they arrive at

three or four strides away, it creates a

challenges. He firmly believes that the

the fence. “More times than not, you’re

little focus and encourages the horse not

key to success over fences is to first

going to find a distance, it mightn’t

to run away after landing.” He’s found

be able to school well on the flat. “The

be perfect, but it keeps the horse’s

this to be a great exercise, especially for

horse jumps the jump as good as you

confidence up,” says Clem. “Particularly

a Thoroughbred or a horse that tends to

can ride to the jump,” he says. “Basically,

as the jumps get bigger you soon learn

jump a bit flat: “When you add the pole

the horse needs to be moving off your

that just cantering at them isn’t going to

beyond the first jump and canter down

leg, he needs to accept a contact so you

work for very long, because the horse

to something that’s three or four strides

can control the speed, and you need to

will stop! Especially with the careful

away, your distance is already created.

has, however, noticed a few common

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TRAINING TIPS

To improve impulsion, you have to improve the canter (Image by Equico Studios).

You’ve just got to land, keep the canter

helpful for a horse that tends to take

the greener or nervous riders want to

and bang, there’s your distance.”

rails at a spread: “Start by turning the

rush to move up and struggle to wait.

original vertical fence into an oxer

They try to catch that big open stride

then set one canter pole seven meters

and that’s where the trouble starts,” he

out from the base of the fence, and a

cautions. “Whereas if you watch the big

second pole another seven meters out

fellas, five or six strides out there is a

from that. From there, the rider can put

little balance in their canter, and bang,

Then we bring oxers into the mix. “When you’re trying to jump a big fence, you’ve got to try and get as close to that jump as you possibly can so the horse can clear the back rail. Otherwise, if you’re taking

on a little more lower leg and the extra

there it is, let’s move up or whatever,” he

off on a long distance, you’re going to

space between the poles allows the

adds, pointing out that in both cases, be

really struggle to make it,” Clem says.

horse more room to use himself. He can

it a green or experienced pilot on board,

There are many slight set-up

come from a slightly stronger canter to

the horse feels what their rider is doing

adjustments that can help target the

clear the wider fence.”

and reacts accordingly.

different challenges a combination

Creating confidence

This brings Clem right back to that

might pose. Clem offers a variation to

For Clem, so much about jumping

all-important consistency on the flat.

the canter pole exercise which can be

boils down to confidence. “A lot of

“Especially while the jumps are smaller, E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 101

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Photo Credit Jade Findlay

TRAINING TIPS

greener riders all want to go faster rather than actually balance their canter. I always think if you can’t adjust your canter coming into a meter, you don’t want to try and jump any bigger. Coming off a corner on a big open forward canter is only a band-aid, it might work for a little while but it’s not going to work forever,” he says. Being calm and confident enough to wait comes from strong flatwork fundamentals, which you can’t afford to overlook if you want to move up through the levels. Visit clemsmithshowjumping.com for information on their training and coaching services, and be sure to check out Team Smith on Facebook.

ABOVE: Clem and Quantico 12 show their style at the recent Larapinta Show Jumping event (Image by Equico Studios). RIGHT: Quantico 12 and Clem in the winner's ring again (Image by Equico Studios). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 103

rowing up on Sharvalley Estate, her family property in Victoria’s beautiful Gippsland

region, Amy Gotts-Wheeler was riding before she could walk. At just twoyears-old, she would perch on her pony for hours until her mother, herself an accomplished horsewoman, detached her daughter from the pony’s back. And with her mum running a successful training business on the property, Amy was surrounded by a constant stream of horses – from breakers and racehorses to performance horses. Very grateful for her upbringing, she recognises that it’s helped shape her into the rider she is today. Mounted on green horses right from the start, she has experienced the joys – and the frustrations – of training horses up the levels. Amy’s passion for eventing began when she realised how much the sport benefitted her horses. “It’s so beneficial for young horses to get out in an open space where they have to think for themselves and trust their rider,” she explains. Of course, the adrenaline rush and the challenge eventing presents proved to be a huge drawcard too! “Although it’s such a difficult, up and down sport, when everything comes together the reward is incredible and I’m utterly obsessed,” she admits. At the age of 17, Amy is an accomplished 2* rider. She won the 2021 Tonimbuk International 2* and pre-COVID, the 2019 Australian Interschool Championships National Champion 1*. Both successes

YO U N G R I D E R

were with Sharvalley Thunder, a homebred horse who was recently sold

The main event

to Andrew Cooper as his next potential 5* mount – a testament to Amy’s noteworthy abilities as a talented trainer. Currently she is enjoying the ride on her main horse, Sharvalley Furst, who is helping her keep her skills finely tuned.

With her heart set on one day representing Australia, star eventer Amy Gotts-Wheeler is a young rider to watch. CLAUDIA BRODTKE spoke to her about her career so far.

“He’s going along really well and I’m looking forward to campaigning him and bringing him up the levels of eventing once lockdown is over,” she says. Her other horse, Sharvalley Dance is also

YOUNG RIDER

OPPOSITE: Sharvalley Thunder as a 5 year old (Image by Click Capture Photography). LEFT: Sharvalley Thunder and Amy competing in the CCN2* at the 2021 Woady Yaloak Horse Trials (Image by Nola Ford Photography). BELOW: Amy and APH Larrikin at the 2021 Ballarat International Horse Trials (Image by Nola Ford Photography). a social media influencer with an impressive 40,000 plus followers on her Instagram account. She regularly works with different brands, and the opportunity to be a role model for other young equestrians through her social media presence is something Amy is very proud of, and takes very seriously. Amy cites her mum as her biggest supporter, and she says Roger East, her mentor for the past nine years, has coming into heavier work now the days are getting longer. Juggling Year 12 with her equestrian pursuits has necessitated a varied and very busy routine, which, if it’s all to run smoothly, requires careful orchestration and more than a little self-discipline. Usually riding at least one horse a day,

when her studies are less demanding Amy is sometimes able to work two or three horses. On the weekends when she’s not competing she can be found helping her mum train horses.

“taught me more than I could ever thank

Ever busy, Amy, who was a Top 10 finalist for Equestrian Victoria’s 2021 Young Ambassador of the Year, is

wings, Amy has the world at her feet –

him for.” As her studies wrap up and with some exciting horsepower waiting in the and Equestrian Hub wishes her the best of luck in all of her future endeavours.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 105

M P E R F E C T PA R T N E R S

Alanna Richards and France Show rider Alanna Richards tells SONIA CAEIRO ALVAREZ of her long obsession with a handsome Warmblood that fortuitously led to a remarkable partnership both in and out of the arena.

any perfect partnerships begin with first impressions and Alanna Richards describes her first meeting with France, a Warmblood bay gelding, as magical. “I’d never ridden an animal that size and from the moment I sat on him I felt like a queen,” she tells me. “We worked well together from the get-go. At 17 hands and 790 kilograms, he’s a big horse to put together, and just the most impressive, exquisite horse I’d ever seen.” Alanna explains that she had always keenly followed France, and then a friend alerted her to his potential sale. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “I mean, no way! Not that horse? I was obsessed with him.” She high tailed it to Melbourne and spent the next two days riding him. At the time France was still competing for

P E R F E C T PA R T N E R S

Queensland at the EA Nationals, where Alanna watched him win the top prize before taking him home. It was a reluctant sale of the much-loved gelding but even his then owners could see the special connection between Alanna and the horse. “They said that as soon as they saw us together, they knew they’d have to sell him,” Alanna recalls. “They knew he was going to a very loving home, and that for him to continue to do well was the most important thing. I could never have dreamt of riding a horse like that. It was very surreal to have him at home in the stable. I’ll never forget it.” After two years with France, a stroke of good fortune occurred when an Adelaide Hills property adjacent to showing champions Chris and Vicki Lawrie’s Oakbank Farm was placed on the market. Alanna now calls the verdant 82 acres home, and runs a boutique pre-training business, Palm Equine, with the Lawries. Already a prize winner and competition favourite, Alanna continued France’s career trajectory and the pair have competed together since 2017, notching up Royal Championships, Reserve Championships, Reserves at Grand Nationals and two Reserves at EA Nationals along with many Royal Show wins and placings, including National and Royal Show Childs Champions, and HOTY titles. However, for Alanna the standout years followed France’s 12 month break away from competition after emergency colic surgery in early 2018. Relocating from Sydney to Adelaide in June of that year, their first show in August earned France Reserve Champion at the Adelaide Royal, followed by wins in Melbourne, Canberra and the Nationals. “Within a year of the surgery, he had two Reserve Champions and a Champion,” Alanna says. “We’ve had many amazing experiences in the arena, but this period is really notable for me. His recovery and his performance were incredible.” A particular highlight was the 2019 Canberra Royal Champion Show Hack, where the self-described “emotional girl” burst into tears when she was called

out in first place. “Winning was the best feeling in the world,” she says. “After all the hard work that we had been putting in after France’s surgery, a move across the country to Adelaide, a move into the Oakbank team, and having Chris and Vicki as my mentors – to then come out with France feeling, looking and performing at his best was overwhelming.” Alanna tells me of a charming peculiarity the pair share when preparing to enter the arena. “His previous owner used to sit at the side stressing out because when she rode him, she’d always walk him around to prepare,” she explains. “But I always choose to go last, and we just stand there, quiet and still. Then we reverse four steps, I feel him underneath me as he lifts up his wither in a ‘Mum, I’m ready’ signal, and we just go.” France’s champion line is shared with a full sibling who also shows, and a half sibling mare that Alanna tried to buy. “If there had been any offspring, I would have tried to buy the bloody lot of them,” she says. In a moving example of the deep connection in this partnership, Alanna recalls an incident that still saddens her. “France was a best friend and stall neighbour of another of my other horses who died last year,” she says, with a catch in her voice. “I was heartbroken and just sobbing. France turned his body and pushed up against the paddock fence to let me climb down onto him. I lay on his back crying for a good hour, he never moved a muscle. I feel like I’m at home with him. He’s incredibly special to me. He tries so hard and can do no wrong. I love him so much it’s hard to explain. He really is my best friend.” LEFT: Alanna and France competing at the 2021 Sydney Royal (Image by Lorelle Mercer Photography). RIGHT TOP: Winning Champion Show Hunter Hack at the 2019 Canberra Royal (Image by Lisa Gordon Photographics). RIGHT BOTTOM: Reserve Champion Show Hunter Hack at the 2018 Adelaide Royal, France’s first outing after surgery (Image by Lisa Gordon Photographics). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 107

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Q: What made you pick show jumping? A : My first horse actually turned out to be a very good show jumper. I had

20 QUESTIONS

20 Questions with James Arkins

finally convinced my parents to buy me a horse. My budget was $5,000. I called Colleen Brook who had a few horses that would suit me. Her working pupil rode the horse first and got bucked off. Every time he cantered, he’d buck. I was desperate for a horse, so I said I’d take him. He ended up being World Cup horse Dreamtime Invader.

Q: When did you decide you wanted

One of Australia’s leading show jumping riders, breeders and trainers, James Arkins and his team manage Rosthwaite Farm in the NSW’s Southern Highlands. Their services include professional coaching, horse training, breeding, and sales. Q: It’s been hard to catch up with you,

Q: You grew up in the city, so what

what keeps you so busy? A : My business has three main sides: high performance show jumpers; a riding school that’s fast becoming one of the biggest in the country; and our breeding program, which is in full swing at the moment.

got you into horses? A : My parents would take me to different activities in the holidays, like bowling, ice skating and horse trail riding. I found I loved being around horses, however, Mum and Dad wouldn't pay for me to have lessons. I would volunteer at the local riding school on weekends so I could ride.

Q: How old were you when you started riding?

A : 13

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to be a professional rider?

A : Riding is something I was very passionate and driven about. I asked my parents if I could leave Scots College for boarding school in Bathurst so I could take my horse and train. I was improving, but it wasn’t to the standard I wanted, so I came back to Sydney. I was riding with Julia Hargreaves at the time, she offered me a job half way through Year 12. My school principal said “you don't often see people with this much passion," so he backed me.

Q: Who were your mentors in the early days?

A : I actually haven’t had a lot of coaching, I’m mostly self-taught.

20 QUESTIONS

Chris Chugg was the first to take an interest in me. He started giving me a few tips and I worked for him in the school holidays. I then became a working pupil for Julia, before I went out on my own. Vaughn Jefferis is also a big mentor and supporter, he helped me find Vigilante and we were shortlisted for the Rio Olympics. More recently Michelle Lang-McMahon has been a huge support and mentor. She’s based in Queensland and we talk regularly about our horses.

Q: What was the biggest obstacle you had starting out?

A : Probably doing a sport I didn’t have the money to do! I overcame that by really getting to understand the industry and working as hard as I could: multiple jobs; buying, selling and producing horses; gradually getting better horses and better gear.

ABOVE: James at Rosthwaite Farm with Gai Waterhouse (far right), Gai’s daughter Kate and Kate’s two children (Image by Abbie Melle Photography).

Q: Where did the idea for a riding

LEFT: James and Eurostar scooped Champion Section 2 and Champion Young Horse of the Show at the 2021 Sydney Royal (Image by Australian Jumping).

school come from?

A : It came from a local school wanting to create an equestrian program. They approached me multiple times and I kept saying no because I was too busy with

Q: What are your competition plans with Euro Star and Joevaro?

A : I’m planning on taking them both

needs of each horse?

A : That comes with experience and I wasn’t brought up riding nicely educated

the show jumpers, but I finally thought

to Florida to compete on the Sunshine

horses, which isn’t a problem but I had

I’d give it a go. The program feeds in

Tour in Ocala and Wellington. Hopefully,

to ride all sorts. Back in the day I had

really well. We have kids graduating

this puts me in contention for WEG 2022

Dreamtime Invader and Cocomo. Coco

through the riding school to become

with Euro. Doing this trip will be great

was a 14.2hh $400 buckjumper from

part of the show jumping team.

experience, and Paris 2024 could be

Camden sales that I ended up jumping

Q: How has COVID affected

either horse.

around a World Cup. It comes down to

Q: Is there a particular competition

feel and being able to adjust to the horse.

the business?

A : Since COVID the riding school has

you would most love to win?

Q: If you could have any horse past

gone mental. People aren't travelling too

A : I would love to win a gold medal.

far and are looking for things to do close

No one in Australia has done that in

A : Cristalline.

to home. A lot of Sydneysiders have also

show jumping before.

Q: What are you looking to improve

moved to the Highlands. I could have triple booked our school holiday camps.

Q: How many stallions have you had? A : I’ve had a lot of stallions. Euro Star, Bling du Rouet, Cowboy (who was sold to Andrew Hoy), Braveheart, Joevaro and Kitara Krug, among others.

Q: At what level are your top

Q: If you had to stop riding completely, what would you do?

A : Develop superhuman powers! I love horses and would probably continue what I am doing and have someone else ride for me. I have enough divisions of the business that I don’t have to ride.

or present which one would it be?

in your own skill set?

A : I definitely think I need to improve my dressage skills.

Q: What advice would you give to a 20 year-old James?

A : Get people on your side without sucking up. Pick your battles!

Q: Are you afraid of anything? A : Not much.

Q: Do you have a particular quote

and Joevaro is only seven but already

Q: At some shows you ride over ten

A : Believe in yourself, don't let anyone

jumping Mini Prix.

horses, how do you adjust to the

else put you down. Do you.

horses jumping?

A : Euro Star is jumping World Cup,

or motto?

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 111

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Equestrian Hub Magazine November December 2021

Articles inside

Stockists

20 Questions with James Arkins

Perfect Partners: Alanna Richards & France

Young Rider: Amy Gotts-Wheeler

Training Tips: Jumping Gems

Life After Racing

Saddle Review: Bates Artiste

On My Tackbox: Busting the Myths

Breed: The Cleveland Bay

Feature: Grooming at the Olympics

Nutrition: Hydration in Summer

From the Horse’s Mouth

Feature: The Power of Partnership

Our Contributors

European Trends: Sustainable Rugs

Ask an Expert: Toni Horsley

Brister’s Brief

Feature: Christmas Gift Guide