FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

Welcome to our fabulous jam-packed with goodies Christmas edition, which has come to you with a few special challenges. Leading up to the this month’s issue, we at HorseVibes HQ have dealt with fires, evacuations, no internet, air that is so thick with smoke that the solar energizers won’t charge, water shortages and paddocks that are turning into dirt bowls.

We know that here in the Northern Rivers we are luckier than most. We’ve always been protected from the worst droughts and the worst fires, but this has given us a taster for what it’s like out there for those continuing to battle this drought and the terrible fires that have engulfed so much of Australia.

To be honest, turning our mind to a ‘festive season’ wasn’t always easy, but we rose to the occasion to bring you a gift guide full of our favourite things, and we hope that some of these ideas, as well as a subscription to HorseVibes, lands in your stocking.

Our Hero this month is Andrew Hoy who was interviewed by HV editor Candida Baker. Andrew has qualified two horses for the Olympics, and if he makes the team this will be his 8th Olympics. What an outstanding feat. His belief in the importance of harmony, and his dedication to his horses and his sport of eventing are inspirational.

We have a cheeky little character making his way into our pages as a regular contributor. Don’t ask me how he did it. I think he broke into the feed shed and wouldn’t come out until I agreed. Meet Salty of Sleepy Creek Stables, whose pony adventures are a great reminder of those tiny terrors we all loved as pony-mad kids.

Charlie Brister gives us his usual unique take and this month’s lesson is to teach us how to safely teach a horse to lift its feet. So easy when they do it for you. So hard when they don’t! Charlie has some great tips to help you along the safe hoof-lifting road.

Amanda Mac looks at the beautiful Lusitano breed, who doesn’t want one of these magnificent beings under the Christmas tree?

Our Tackbox this month is renowned equine veterinarian and dentist, Dr Oliver Liyou, who climbs onto his tackbox and talks about how to tell if you are getting value for money from your equine dentist. Also on all things medical, Dawn Blackwell explains the horse’s digestive system and how to feed in these dry and challenging conditions.

We bring you the winners of the #lifeafterracing competition as well as a massive compilation of Around The Traps, keep those pictures coming, we love seeing everyone out and about with their ponies.

Brook Dobbin talks striding in Training Tips; the Horse Listener reminisces about freezing Christmas rides in the snow; Jane Camens gives us a quick round of pub rides – don’t get drunk and ride! And we introduce the dates for the next round of the Delivering Dreams Scholarship.

Us HorseVibers are going to take a little summer break, since we don’t produce a January edition. Our BIG news is – watch out in February as we move to a bi-monthly publication, so that we can bring you an even bigger and even more beautiful publication, with all your favourite pieces and so much more. Don’t worry. If you have a subscription, you will still get the same number of editions you’ve purchased, just spread out over a longer time.

From all of us here at HorseVibes and The Saddle Hub, have a safe and wonderful Christmas, see you in 2020. Relax, pour your favourite glass of Christmas cheer and enjoy our December issue.

 Featuring Australian horse men and women  Training tips, advice & workshops  Equine health and maintenance information  Top columnists, sections & features  Delivering Dreams Scholarship

NOW BI-MONTHLY