From the Horse’s Mouth

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

Welcome once again to another exciting issue of our beautiful magazine. As I write this, I reflect on the past year, with all its triumphs and challenges. The EH team have been working harder than ever to bring you the inspiration and information you need to achieve your goals – and we’re very excited to be planning more of the same for 2023.

Andrew Hoy – well, what can I say! Rebecca Ashton caught up with the eight times Olympian while he was in Melbourne last month, and our Spotlight on Andrew is an absolute must read. Andrew’s dedication to his sport and his commitment to striving to always be better than the day before is inspirational.

With an eye to continual improvement, FEI 5* Cross Country Course Designer Wayne Copping has some suggestions on how to approach your next track, top dressage rider Nicole Tough explains why now is the perfect time to get your pony off their forehand, and Christine Armishaw has some great tips on perfecting that pesky square halt. Plus, classical dressage master José Mendez discusses the correct approach to lunging – another must read.

And pivotal to achieving your best is mindset. Alison Lincoln’s take on why it matters is fascinating, so let’s all adopt a growth mindset in 2023 and watch the magic happen!

The health and wellbeing of our horses is always paramount, and there are some cracking articles on that very subject in this issue. Equine nutritionist Larissa Bilston offers up a comprehensive roughage, forage and fibre guide; Jessica Morton looks at infrared light as a treatment for pain and inflammation; Dr Doug English explores eye conditions, visibility issues, and what to look for in a fly mask; and in the second of our two-part series, Leny Beahan outlines stretches you can try with your horse at home.

Planning a holiday? Then turn to Rebecca Nadge’s article on ticking all the right preparation boxes for your horse’s care while you’re away – it’ll help ease your separation anxiety! And if you’ve got the travel bug but no particular destination in mind, then Mathilde Gregoire suggests you consider two exceptional horseback safari options, one in Kenya, the other in South Africa’s Winelands. While you’re there, you might ride a Boerperd, a horse unique to South Africa and our featured breed of the month. But perhaps you’re considering a longer overseas stay which includes a job with horses. If so, international equestrian vaulter Jamie Hocking has some suggestions on making the most of your adventure.

‘Tis the time of year for giving, and if you’re struggling to find the perfect gifts (it’s a perennial problem) turn to our gift guide for some seasonal inspo – and while on the subject, volunteering is yet another way to give, as dressage penciller Cheryl Cooke explains when she speaks with Rachel Roan.

Then we introduce you to two more of our wonderful mentors (and our sincere thanks to all our mentoring program mentors and sponsors); Suzy Jarratt catches up with promising young show jumper Isobel Guinness, currently making her mark in the USA; our equipment feature is on breastplates; not for profit organisation Living Legends is the subject of this month’s Life After Racing; and our 20 Questions are very ably answered by none other than David McKinnon of McKinnon Sport Horses.

So, let me wrap up 2022 by wishing you and your families a truly wonderful Christmas, and a healthy, happy year to come. Thank you for being on this journey with us – it means so much to everyone here at EH HQ. And now let’s raise a glass and take a moment to celebrate all that we’ve achieved so far, and all that we’ll achieve together in 2023.

Cheers,