From the Horse’s Mouth

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

In case you haven’t noticed, there have been a few little changes here at Equestrian Hub! Firstly, your favourite magazine is coming to you free of charge; secondly, it is now available every month; and lastly, within the coming days you’ll be able to download the Equestrian Hub app, which we’ve created to ensure you have the very best reader experience possible.

This issue, the very first of our new look free digital magazines, has so much on offer and will give you just a taste of what’s to come.

Kirsty Pasto puts the amazing Simone Pearce in the Spotlight and discusses the Olympics, stallions, and the value of hard work. Kirsty also talks fashion – dressage fashion that is – and what’s on point when it comes to jackets, boots, helmets and tack.

If COVID did its best to disunite us, recent natural disasters have helped create tight knit communities who have pulled together and given each other the strength to battle on. In this month’s Vet Vibes, Amanda Mac talks to Oliver Liyou, who along with an amazing team of volunteers, worked tirelessly to save the many injured and sick horses suffering in the aftermath of the devastating Lismore floods.

Our very own Christine Armishaw discusses the benefits of join up and explains how it’s done. And as we head into winter and the days become noticeably shorter, she also has some great time hacks to help keep your beloved pony fit and happy. Training Tips is with Vicki Roycroft, who tackles those pesky combinations with her usual flair and wisdom.

In European Trends, Jess Morton gives us the heads up on smart rugs. This technology has been developed in conjunction with vets to give back-to-base real time reports on your horse’s health.

In Nutrition, Dr David Nash looks at the best way to condition your horse, keeping in mind the importance of fit over fat. It’s a fine art, but he has some great advice for all of us who regularly go down that rabbit hole. on what to look for – and no surprises that a good temperament is the first non-negotiable. And if you are on the hunt, keep an eye on our website. We’re launching our new Horses for Sale platform very soon.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m very partial to chestnut mares. I’ve had a couple who were absolutely amazing. But what about mare-ishness? Is it a thing? Dr Jennifer Stewart discusses the potential causes.

And as the weather gets colder and our ponies get woolier, you might be more than interested in clipping basics. When to clip, why clip and how to clip - Charline Remy has the answers.

There are so many initiatives emerging to support quality of life for Thoroughbreds once they retire from racing – and a great example is Godolphin’s Lifetime Care program, which encompasses the whole of each horse’s life cycle.

Rebecca Nadge has a part time gig here with us at Equestrian Hub, the rest of the time she is paid to ride her horse as a pen rider. What is that? Thankfully Bec has the answers.

With borders reopening, many of us are itching for a holiday. Mathilde Gregoire visits Tuscany and explores classical dressage, great food and stunning landscapes. Apparently this trip also entails vineyards – I'm in. And back by popular demand is our breed feature, which Mathilde kicks off with the ionic Clydesdale.

We also look at a stunning equestrian property in the Yarra Valley, and review the PDS Escapado. Suzy Jarrett talks to Young Rider Steph Hann, and asks 20 questions of the delightful Bridget Murphy.

So as always, pour your favourite tipple, relax and enjoy!