Our Contributors

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Dr Raquel Butler Dr Raquel owns Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics and is a Biomechanical Medicine Veterinarian qualified in chiropractic, osteopathic and rehabilitation techniques for animals. Raquel has studied many therapies, is a lecturer in Equine Science at Charles Sturt University and teaches her own clinics. In this issue she discusses an important concept for horses of all disciplines: Proprioception. Amanda Mac As editor of Equestrian Hub Magazine, Amanda’s longstanding passions for horses, writing and photography come together perfectly. An ex-coach and competitor, she works behind the scenes with the amazing EH team to ensure every issue of the magazine brings you the very best in top quality stories, informative articles and great images. Suzy Jarratt Suzy has lengthy and varied form as a writer and presenter. She works for several Australian and overseas companies, is the author of three published books, and has won an international award for equestrian journalism. In this issue she wraps up her informative series on bits, and talks to our Young Rider, show jumper Hayden Parker.

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 investigates DressurFit®, an online fitness program with a difference, and takes a look at what's on trend this spring from Holland Cooper.

Tara Madgwick Tara is the co-creator and long-time editor of Breednet, Australia’s premier Thoroughbred bloodstock website. Combining race and sales results with stallion profiles and news, Breednet provides unique coverage of the breeding industry. Tara is also a passionate advocate for life after racing, and in this issue brings us the story of the multitalented Lunar Rise.

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. She recently had a fascinating conversation with elite equestrian Ingrid Klimke, and delved into the topic of proprioception with biomechanical expert Dr Raquel Butler. Dr Calum Paltridge Graduating with First Class Honours in 2013, Calum has specialised in equine practice ever since. His professional interests are performance and race horses, with a particular focus on poor performance and lameness. He has also spent many years breeding, training and competing stock horses, and in this issue we talk to him about wet weather skin problems.

Mathilde Gregoire With over 40 countries visited, 20 on horseback, Mathilde combines her two greatest passions: horses and traveling. Through writing, her mission is to inspire women and solo travellers to follow their dreams and embark on equestrian journeys around the world. In this issue she explores traditional working equitation holidays in Spain and Portugal.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Hayley Chambers Hayley is a professional horse trainer at Outback Equines and has developed many skills throughout her time in the horse industry. She holds numerous industry qualifications and accreditations, and has a strong interest in Equitation Science and positive reinforcement training methods. She is also an expert in horse archery and introduces us to the sport in this issue.

Edwena Mitchell Edwena had ridden all her life but never competed. But when her five-year-old daughter started at Pony Club, Edwena decided to keep up with her from the ground. She began with judging, followed by organising shows and stewarding. She is now a now Sydney Jump Club committee member and shares her views on warm up arena etiquette. Rebecca Nadge Hailing from WA, Rebecca evented at 2* and worked in racing stables before becoming a journalist for newsrooms across Australia and New Zealand. She now works full time as a pen rider at a cattle feedlot, while juggling freelancing and a degree in Equine Science. In this issue she discovers why shooting arrows from horseback can be highly addictive.

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. So, how well do you know your hay? There’s more to consider than you may think. Leisa explains the basics, and the pluses and minuses of some common varieties. Dr Mattea Davidson Mattea - BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry) - is an equine veterinarian, a 4* event rider, and breeder of quality sport horses. Working alongside husband and fellow top level rider Shane Davidson, together they foal down their own mares as well as numerous clients’ mares each season. Don’t miss her excellent article on handling and training foals in this issue.

Wendy Schaeffer OAM In 1996, 21-year-old Wendy became the youngest woman to ever win Olympic equestrian gold – and all within weeks of breaking both bones in her lower leg. The following year, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her outstanding contribution. Now coaching and on the way to becoming a dressage judge, her story will inspire you. Jamie Hocking Based in Denmark, Jamie is the standing Australian National Champion in equestrian vaulting, holds a world ranking, and is determined to reach the top of his chosen sport. In this issue he catches up with dressage rider Simone Pierce who recently competed for Australia at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Rachel Roan Rachel has ridden her whole life. A passionate horse enthusiast who’s working to establish a small stud of dressage bred performance horses, her interest in writing and storytelling grew during her university media studies. With La Niña set to once again grace our shores, she explains why wet weather skin problems should come as no surprise.