From the Horse’s Mouth

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

It’s officially spring, and we have a cracker magazine for you - but first, let’s wish all the dads out there, including my own very special dad, a happy Father’s Day. What would we do without you?

So, here at Equestrian Hub HQ we are just a little excited to announce that this month’s Spotlight is on the incomparable Ingrid Klimke. Rest assured that no matter what your discipline or current level of training, this is the interview guaranteed to inspire.

And here’s wishing our eventing and driving teams every success when they compete at the FEI World Championships in Italy later this month. On that note, you’ll love Jamie Hocking’s interview with elite dressage rider Simone Pearce, who produced Australia’s top Grand Prix dressage score at last month’s Championships in Herning, not to mention Jessica Morton’s behind the scenes insights into the first leg of that prestigious two-part event.

Thinking of hitting the competition trail yourself this season? Then Christine Armishaw’s tips on getting your horse to their first comp, plus event director Edwena Mitchell’s thoughts on warm up arena etiquette are compulsory reading! And to inspire you, Wendy Schaeffer OAM, the youngest woman to win Olympic equestrian gold, spoke to us about her road to the top with Sunburst, her OTT Thoroughbred.

On the horse health front, Rachel Roan speaks to Dr Calum Paltridge on the very relevant topic of wet weather skin problems (think greasy heal and rain scald), while equine nutritionist Leisa Hofstetter covers hay basics, and yes, there’s more to growing, harvesting and selecting hay than you may think. Plus, if you don’t already know what proprioception is, it’s high time you did – biomechanical expert Dr Raquel Butler explains why.

With spring upon us, I can hardly wait for all that gorgeous foal spam to hit my inbox! But once baby’s arrived, what's next? Equine veterinarian, 4* event rider, breeder of quality sport horses, and Equestrian Hub mentor Dr Mattea Davidson offers her expert advice on handling and training foals so that they grow into respectful and wellbehaved adults.

If you feel the need to improve your fitness (and don’t we all) you’ll be interested to learn what DressurFit® has that other online exercise programs don’t – besides being designed by sports scientist and performance fitness coach Marcel Andrä in collaboration with dressage greats Jessica von BredowWerndl and her brother Benjamin Werndl! And let’s take a moment to congratulate Jessica and husband Max on the safe arrival of their daughter, and Benjamin on a personal best in the Grand Prix special at Herning.

And for something completely different, how about a spot of horse archery? Rebecca Nadge spoke to Outback Equines’ Hayley Chambers on the huge appeal of this fast growing sport - it’s affordable, addictive, empowering, and a lot of fun.

Moving along, show jumper Stephen Dingwall answers twenty of our questions, and Suzy Jarratt concludes her series on bits with a look at some of the more controlling varieties, while guest contributor Tara Madgwick tells the story of Lunar Rise, a horse of many talents.

Perhaps a traditional working equitation holiday in Spain or Portugal sounds good? If so, Mathilde Gregoire has some handy advice - and congrats also to Mathilde and her partner who have just welcomed their baby boy!

Stay in style with our roundup of Holland Cooper’s spring fashions, and meet our Young Rider Hayden Parker, who’s causing quite a stir in the show jumping arena.

This month’s featured breed is the Paso Fino; we introduce you to two more of our wonderful mentors; review the Equipe Viktoria dressage saddle; and shamelessly tempt you with this month’s fabulous property.

So, no better time to pour a glass of your preferred tipple, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Until next month, cheers!