HubVibes April 2018 by Equestrian Hub Magazine

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB

APRIL 2018

Hub Hero BOYD EXELL How to SELL Your Horse

Penny's Place

Michelle LANG-MCMAHON HOROSCOPES The Benefits of Roughage

+ plenty more!

photo credit:

Michelle Terlato

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH

4 HUB HERO MICHELLE LANG-MCMAHON

10 THE BOY FROM BEGA

CANDIDLY SPEAKING

31 DRESSAGE AND JUMPING WITH THE STARS

PENNY'S PLACE

TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HORSE

YOUR CLUB IN PROFILE

PRODUCT REVIEW

BULL'S EYE!

HIGH ROUGHAGE FOR PERFECT HEALTH

39 SADDLE REVIEW

24 BREED SPOTLIGHT MORGAN HORSE

40 STARS BY EPONA

Cover image: Melinda Hart and Richmond H & that tail.

NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB HubVibes Editorial: candida@equestrianhub.com.au Advertising Enquiries: promote@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries: Fiona Todd: 0414 760 067 Graphic Design: info@reidcocreative.com Published by Equestrian Hub PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760 067 • Email: info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au

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H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E

’ve always thought equestrians were unique, a bit of a special breed, and I’m reminded of this fact time and time again. I think the wonderful George Morris put it totally into perspective for me with his saying: “if you’re not going to the hospital, you’re getting back on”.

My doctor took one look at the x-rays and was ropeable: “You equestrians are all insane,” he said, “who on earth breaks three vertebrae and both sides of their pelvis and doesn’t bother going to a doctor – in my opinion equestrians, no one else, just equestrians!”

When I had my unplanned dismount a couple of years ago, this quote rolled through my mind as I blindly tried to deal with the pain in my back. I remember thinking, there’s no way I can get back on and I can’t go to hospital. George will think of me as an epic fail, my husband will be most annoyed and I’m sure mutter many times, “I told you so”.

I’m often reminded of how unique we are, but yesterday definitely bought a smile to my face when the reality of how special we all are was really bought home to me in the most wonderful way possible. And I have to say, we have wonderful clients in our business, we are truly blessed.

Two weeks later I thought to myself - this is not fun, this pain is not decreasing! Best go to the doctor, I thought. Six hours later I’d left the doctors, gone for x-rays and headed back to the doctors – and yes - I was doing all the driving.

This conversation took place on the 6th of March, on the 22nd of March, I got another message: “I’m back, buying the saddle today.” Two minutes later the order came through and the saddle was duly shipped out. In amongst this conversation I find out

We equestrians are truly a special breed, let’s keep it up! In the meantime of course, we have a wonderful April issue for you all, full of amazing stories, photos, information and our great columnists. Enjoy! Cheers! Fiona P.S. Lucky draw - Winner of $100 voucher from National Equestrian Wholesalers is Katie Turner from Forbes. This month’s prize draw is a custom made horse hair bracelet from Entwine Equine. Subscribe now to win!

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I unsaddled the horse, walked a hundred metres, closed the gate, walked back, let the horse go and went inside to have a bex, a cup of tea and a little lie down.

Who else but an equestrian would pay a bill to another equestrian on the day they were being induced, one less thing to worry about she said to me: “Oh, and by the way, there is a saddle on your website I like, once I’ve had the baby, I’ll be on touch”.

that this lady started riding her horse again on the 14th March, I think even George would be proud of her.

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Michelle Lang-McMahon AQUIS – AIMING HIGH

One thing show jumper Michelle Lang-McMahon knows only too well is that if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. For the organiser of the upcoming Aquis Champions Tour show jumping competition, from April 27-29 and May 1-6, it was the logistics that were most nerve-wracking about taking on the massive project, which is now entering its third year, writes Candida Baker.

“Both myself and Peter have done a lot of global shows,” says Michelle Lang-McMahon, the show jumping mother of three, “and right from the start we wanted it to be top class. Not,” she adds, “that it was something we were originally looking to do – not by a long shot.” In fact, it was four years ago when the McMahons were holding a George Morris clinic at their place, and Michael King was there watching his wife Kelly participate.

“Peter asked Michael (Kingy) if he’d like to resurrect the Elysian Fields event, and the pair of them organized to have dinner, so next thing you know we’re all having a meeting, and Michael told us that he’d give us $125,00 to put on an event,” she says, “so that was that! The very next day my daughter Maleah and I sat down for three days straight planning a program.” To say it was a learning curve is an understatement Michelle says, looking back at the first couple of years. “It was a massive learning curve,” she says. “For the first time in my life I appreciated the effort that goes into putting on any show, let alone a major event. We had to plan classes, and create ideas for classes, get course designers, jumps, stables, sawdust – article numbers - I knew nothing about article numbers! You could give me the numbers of jumps in a jump-off and I knew about those, but article numbers – what were they?” Michelle is a good example of Heath Ryan’s theory that in Australia it’s mainly the parents that make our equestrian champions, because although her parents were not horsey themselves, they did have a passion for the sport of eventing. “As soon as it became obvious that they had a rider for a daughter, I was encouraged to event,” she says, “I was also lucky enough to have a cross-country course at our property, Equestrian Australia held events there, so I evented.”

Not, she hastens to add, that she doesn’t believe in the importance of dressage training for all competition horses. “We actually have a dressage trainer, Ron Patterson, for our horses,” she says, “and he’s brilliant with our

By the time she was 19, Michelle had a horse with huge potential – an ex-racehorse, Odds On. “My dad sent me to George Sanna’s to train for three months,” she says, “and by the next year we were on the World Cup circuit. We won a big one in Shepparton, and when I was 22 I went to Europe to try and make the team for the World Equestrian Games.”

Emily and Elkee Lang-McMahon with their rosettes at the Aquis Champions Tour. Michelle says this almost off-handedly as if this was an easy task, but make not mistake about it, representing Australia at the highest level of jumping, is anything but easy – in all ways. “What a lot of people don’t realise is how lonely it is,” she says. “I made the team with Odds On, but really it’s very boring riding one horse a day, the weather is vile, and the Europeans aren’t that friendly. Obviously once the team turned up it was a lot of fun, but up until then it was a bit ordinary.” Odds On went on to qualify again two years later, with an outstanding season leading to the World Cup in Geneva, and in the wings was another ex-racehorse superstar in the making. “Before I went back to Europe I’d

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But perhaps like all true show jumpers Michelle was not fond of the dressage. “I told my parents that I just wanted to jump, and that was that, we ditched the eventing and off we went.”

horses, it’s just it’s not really for me.”

bought another nice TB with Sir Tristram bloodlines, KS Double Up – he was really skinny and under-nourished so I got my Mum to look after him while I was away and when I was back he really proved himself quickly – in his first World Cup he came third, and I really wanted him for the Olympics in Sydney, but then we discovered he had a degeneration of the pastern joint.” Most people, with that kind of information might well not have taken the horse further,

27 when he died and very much loved. I came back from WEG and was very sad to say the least. It was the best trip I’d ever done. Edwina (Alexander) and I were up to no good most of the time, and it was just one of those periods of life where we couldn’t do a thing wrong. We had the best time.” But it wasn’t long before resuming her life in Australia produced something very special – a meeting at the Sale Show in 2002 with another jumper, Peter McMahon. “Pete was in drought at the time,” she says, “and having to cart water so I suggested he bring horses up to me. And, as they say, the rest is history.”

The Lang-McMahon tribe in a rare moment together!

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but Michelle’s belief in him was so strong that she decided to have surgery performed on him by Jim Vasey, a vet who had done it twice before. So down he went all the way to Shepparton, and although he missed the Olympics, by 2001 he was back in work.

“I took him to Sydney Royal in 2002 and he won Champion Part 1, then he won Champion Horse. I took him to Europe and made the team for WEG with him,” she says. “He was the highest scoring horse, and the bestperformed horse at Rotterdam. At the time I didn’t know that would be the last time I sat on him, but Jan Tops wanted to buy him, then he sold him on to the Chef d’Equipe, Duccio Bartalucci, who kept him to the end. He was

It’s been a hell of a ride, to use a horse metaphor, since then. By June 2003 Michelle was pregnant, marrying in October that year, and by 2004 she was back competing at Brisbane Royal. “Pete was asked if he would ride a mare, Genoa, who wasn’t behaving the best,” she says. “So he did and won the Grand Prix on her. He was really impressed with her – he told me he thought she was the horse he could really compete on. To be honest I was dead-set against him getting her. Maleah was only four months old, we were so busy building up our business, but then I caved in and decided to buy her for him for his first ever Father’s Day present. I hid her at my neighbour’s place, and in the morning we snuck her over – and that was it, she was his.” That one gift set off a raft of wins, with Genoa winning her first World Cup, in 2006 Peter took her to Europe where she was the best-performed non-European-based horse, qualifying for WEG in Aachen in 2006. But behind the scenes it wasn’t all just about horses - Peter and Michelle had been trying for another baby, and in 2007 she started on a course of IVF, which resulted in her, as she

says in a good horsewoman way, “foaling down in 2008”. The twins were born in February 2008, and Peter left to chase his Olympic dream with Genoa when they were four weeks old, with Michelle following when they were eight weeks. “I left them with my Mum and Dad,” she says. “I just knew I had to go, and so I went. I was there a month, with Maleah and was with Pete at the selection events and once he qualified I came home.”

Michelle Lang-McMahon (middle) with Zara Phillips. It wasn’t the easiest of homecomings; one of the babies was sick and in hospital, so Michelle landed and went straight into hospital for a week, only to discover that the selectors were, in her words, “being difficult”. So the day she was discharged, she flew back to Europe.

But Michelle wasn’t going to let her husband walk away from his hugely successful partnership with Genoa just yet. “He was really down and out from the result of the Games,” she says, “but I just made sure she stayed in work, and I persuaded him to take her to the Horse of the Year Show in New Zealand in 2009. I knew that there was $150,000 for the top jumper, and I knew he could win it.” As it turned out, Michelle was right. Peter McMahon rode the only double-clear in the Bell Tea Olympic Cup, winning the largest ever prize in the Southern Hemisphere. For him, it was enough. Despite the lure of Kentucky, he decided to retire, and despite the lure of the amazing Animate, who has since gone of course to be highly successful with Paul Brent, Peter McMahon was happy to hang up his spurs and to concentrate on running the family business Kolora Stud in the hinterland of the Gold Coast. “To be honest, I was a bit miffed,” says Michelle. “I was like, so, I have to go around all these shows by myself now – well, that sucks.” But never one to be thwarted for long, a slight change of direction towards breeding racehorses, has seen the Lang-McMahon camp already produce a couple of truly special horses, including Real Surreal, who had actually failed to sell at auction as a oneyear-old. Putting her money where her mouth is, Michelle had decided to keep her. The filly went on to win close to $2 million, including her first big race at the Magic Millions. “I learned everything I could about racing,” she says, and you don’t doubt her for a second. “We knew she had it in her to win at the Magic Millions, and she’d raced well the

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A legal battle went Peter’s way, but unfortunately in Hong Kong, even though they had competed three times at the Olympics and were in the top eight of the second round of the Nation’s Cup, disaster struck when Genoa flipped herself over a practice jump, and Pete broke his collar-bone. “I thought he’d just corked it,” says Michelle, with what I’ve come to realise is her usual direct fashion. “He was screaming at me, it’s my shoulder, and I’m

like, can’t you just be like Gillian Rolton and get back on? But the bone was actually piercing his skin, and so that was that, it was the end of the dream which was really sad.”

weekend before. But there I was at the MM, and this is no word of a lie, I’m standing there and a bird pooped on my head and it splattered all over me. My Mum said it was good luck, and not to wipe it off – so I didn’t, and she won by three lengths!” Despite the excitement of the jumping circuit, Michelle says that the thrill of seeing your own horse race is something else. “I knew all the sectionals, and I would have been disappointed if she’d been fourth or less, but our trainer had said that we needed to be we needed to be inside barrier six or less for her to be pretty certain to win. So when I went to get our number the people in front of me were all getting high numbers – 22, 11, 17. I went up to pull out my brick, and at the very last second it was as if my head was literally pulled to the right, and there it was – number 3! When our race came, it was something else. They jumped from the barriers, and she was out the back, and I’m like, this is not good, and then when the horses were swooping on the home-turn to look at her come home - it was a wall of horses, and suddenly they’re past you on the finish line, it’s an indescribable feeling!”

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Between the breeding, the coaching, the competitions, and now the fact that all three children, Maleah, and ten-year-old twins Emily and Elkee, are all following in their parent’s footsteps, it’s hard to imagine a busier life, or a life where running a major event is even the slightest possibility.

“I don’t really recognise the concept of not being able to do something,” Michelle says off-handedly. “But I do think it gets a little easier to run – even though of course the expectation from everybody coming gets higher.” This year the program has changed a bit, with more prize-money on offer. “If you double up your entry fee and you qualify for the final we

Michelle with Real Surreal.

have prize-money first to 12, and we will triple your money. We’re basically asking riders to back themselves! The Grand Prix is $45,000 to win, this year, and we’ve also created an all-girl Kolora team. We’ve got great sponsors, and corporate teams. I’m determined that Aquis will become not just an international event, but one with a world-wide reputation for excellence.” I’d say the odds on her achieving her ambition would be high indeed. I’d say the odds on her achieving her ambition would be high indeed. For more information on this year’s Aquis Tour of Champions go here: http://elysianfields. com.hk/showjumping/

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The Boy from Bega EXCELLING AT EVERYTHING HE DOES

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His achievements are the stuff of legends, and his commitment and dedication to his sport second-tonone. HubVibes takes a look at this month’s Hub Hero - the world’s best carriage driver, Australia’s very own Boyd Exell.

Growing up in the country town of Berry in southern New South Wales, All the young Boyd Exell ever wanted to do was to be around horses, but unfortunately for the budding equestrian, his family weren’t the least bit interested in horses, although his mother did introduce him to a local, Max Pearce, who had a passion for cart-horses.

“I was pretty devastated that the only horses easily available to me were cart horses,” Boyd said, “but it turned out well in the end!” ‘Turned out well’ might be the understatement of the century – just some of Boyd’s achievements include becoming four times World Champion, seven times FEI World Champion. He has been name the REEM ACRA Best Athlete, Ariat International Athlete of the Year and is one of the few equestrians to receive the Order of Australia Medal in recognition for his services to sport, especially in fourin-hand carriage driving. Sometimes a passion and a purpose come together with full force, and with Boyd his

Boyd Exell exercising his horses on the track at his home in the Netherlands. talent for the art of carriage-driving was obvious immediately, so much so that at the tender age of 16 he won the Australian Pairs Championship. If his mum was responsible for the introduction that led him to his sport, his parents were also accidentally responsible for Boyd’s departure from Australia. “When I turned 21 my parents offered me a party, or a ticket around the world,” he said. “I chose the ticket! I thought I would be away for a couple of months, but it turned out to be a lot longer.”

Boyd said. “When I recovered I was determined to catch up on that missing year, and I became even more focused on success.” It was while he was injured that his then partner, now wife Preetha learned the art of carriage driving, so that she too could participate in what was rapidly become an international career. So much so, that after some years in the UK, the couple moved to the Netherlands where they now live with their two children, 11-year-old James, and nine-year-old Olivia.

But then in 1997 disaster struck. “I had a driving accident, and broke my leg in five places,”

In its full form, Carriage Driving, or fourin-hand, is the equivalent of a three-day event,

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A ‘lot’ has become a lifetime, as the young man worked his way up through the ranks in the UK, building himself a reputation as a fearsome competitor on the carriage driving circuit.

No stranger now to success he has represented Australia on three occasions at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) and won Australia’s first WEG gold medal in 1990 in Kentucky. With 104 driving starts, Boyd has won an impressive 76 of those.

including dressage, cross-country and an obstacle course instead of show jumping. “The dressage is all about the training and skill and movement of the horses,” Boyd said. “The second day is all about the rough and tumble and the speed over a 20km course, and the third day is the cone driving, which makes sure the horses are still supple and balanced and controlled after the previous day.”

carriage driver? For Boyd, it goes way beyond the technique, no matter how good that is. “You still have to have a connection with horses – grooms who work with the animal have a connection when they’re handling them and I have a connection when I’m training with

Boyd is famous for the fact that he lives and breathes his sport. His facilities include an indoor school suitable for carriage driving, a full dressage arena, a cones course and an built obstacle course purposely built so his horses and clients can improve their skills. Off-road carriage driving takes place on the extensive trails of surrounding forest. “To reach peak performance you need a training environment conductive to success,” explained Boyd. “And here we’re constantly refining our facilities as we strive to take sporting excellence to new heights.” The Exell facilities are so grand the property even hosts the prestigious Driving Valkenswaard international driving event at his property.

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What does it take to become a champion

The Exell family: James, Preetha, Boyd and Olivia.

Boyd in full flight at the Carriage Horse Championships in Geneva 2013. them,” he said. “So I can feel a trust with my horses – I can feel down the rein if they’re feeling stiff, or if they’re expressive and wanting to show off.” An interesting difference between the horses competing in carriage driving and other equestrian high-level sport is the age of the horses. This is a sport for horses that learn the business over some years, bringing maturity to the technically demanding discipline. “For many years, my secret weapon was my horse Bill,” Boyd said. “When he was 22 he was still the leader – if I made a mistake, he would assume I didn’t mean it, and go the other way!” When you’re guiding four horses around a course of gates at high-speed, aiming to avoid the five-second penalties given every time an element is bumped into by a horse or carriage, you need horses who can think. “The front two have to be intelligent, sensitive and forward,” Boyd said. “The two behind

need to be powerful and able to hang back just a tiny bit when needed – they’re the foot soldiers if you like.” These days much of Boyd’s life is spent travelling, either competing, or when he’s not competing teaching clinics around the world. A recent visit back to Bega this January was a welcome change to the extraordinary commitment and dedication that a sportsman at his level needs to have on a 24/7 basis. Said TNT magazine back in 2014 about one of our most successful exports: ‘When it comes to dominating a sport, Aussie Boyd Exell is the equivalent of Jordan, Phelps, Pele, Bolt and Armstrong (without the drugs) in the world of extreme carriage driving, a discipline combining the grace and control of a royal procession with the speed, skill and courage of a wild west chase scene.’ Amen to that.

What is carriage driving?

Dressage Phase In carriage driving, dressage is performed within a 100 x 40 meter rectangle arena with a sequence of compulsory figures. The movements must be executed from memory and

Marathon Phase This is a timed run across a designated course that has natural hazards to judge the horses stamina and fitness levels as well as the drivers judgement of paces and control. The course has hills, sharp turns and water passages as well as halts for vet checks along the way.

Obstacle Course This course follows the marathon and is a test of skills for the driver. The horses and carriage must weave through a narrow track laid out by cones with balls balanced on top. The horses and carriage are not to touch the cones or drop the balls else penalties will occur.

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While we may have visions of the olden days and grand royal carriages, the sport of driving is very different. Drivers sit in a lightweight vehicle that is drawn by a single horse or pony, a pair or a team of four and face three trials – dressage, marathon and obstacle driving. It’s the driven version of eventing.

include gait and speed transitions as well as circles and halts. Each move is given a score out of ten with points deducted for incorrect moves or grooms dismounting.

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Top Tips for Selling Your Horse Penny Newbold has sold a few horses in her time – she passes on some tips to help would-be sellers attract prospective buyers… So you’ve made the big decision to find a new loving home for your beloved four-legged friend. There are going to be (hopefully!) lots of people wanting to test your horse out. So try and make sure your horse: • Is accustomed to different riders, different handlers and different locations. • Is able to be lunged. • Make sure the ad is professionally worded, with as much detail included as possible, such as levels of performance, training, ground manners, temperament as well as the essential of colour, height, age etc. • Photos must be excellent!

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A good photo will make the difference between having one enquiry or 10. Make sure you can clearly see conformation in any sideon shots and preferable include a pic of your horse actually doing what it is you are stating he or she is capable of doing. (For example, if your horse is a jumper, a jumping pic is essential, likewise if it is a campdrafter, dressage queen or sporting specialist, it is essential to show your horse’s capabilities.)

Make sure the price is right! Research the current market for your horse. Consider your horse’s strengths and experience as well as breed and age, then look into what horses, similar to yours, are selling for. And this is the time to be honest with yourself!

If in doubt, get advice from a professional who regularly sells horses in your market. If you overestimate the value of your horse it will take longer to sell and then if you decide to reduce the price, realistic, prospective purchasers that may have been seriously interested, may well have moved on to other options. • Make sure you have (or have access to) appropriate facilities where someone can try the horse such as an arena, riding area, or roundyard. • Take video footage of your horse performing (or at least doing something you’re saying that he or she does/has done!) • Ideally have video footage of him being shod/clipped/teeth done or vaccinated. • Know the breeding/bloodlines and preferably have copies of registration papers/performance cards. • Have notes/records of worming/vet history/injuries etc – and it’s worth being honest or it will come back to bite you! • Is any gear included? Be sure to make it clear what is and isn’t included in the sale.

For more tips on buying or selling your horse and how to ensure your sale goes to plan, see our HubVibes articles How To Find The Perfect Pony Clubber and What Laws Apply When Selling a Horse. (Articles are in March 17 issue)

FOR SALE LISTING on Equestrian Marketplace Website LANDING PAGE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO on Facebook and YouTube Equestrian Hub FACEBOOK Listing SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS (valid 6 months or until sold) The Hub Club E-newsletter PRODUCT LISTING 1/4 PAGE AD + CLASSIFIED AD HubVibes e-zine (valid for 2 issues)

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PRODUCT REVIEW

FIONA TODD REVIEWS THE ANITA MOMENTUM WIRE-FREE SPORTS BRA. Being blessed, or cursed, depending how you look at it with larger breasts, finding a bra to ride in can be problematic. If you are in the smaller boob community you probably can’t relate to the discomfort and pain it’s possible to experience as a rider with larger breasts. Without a correctly fitting sports bra your posture and balance are all realigned to take into consideration those heavy, awkward masses. Sit-trotting is, quite frankly, a nightmare, and the black eye jokes wear very thin after a while.

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Over the years I’ve tried several types and brands of bras for riding. I’ve even resorted to wearing a combination of bras at the same time, which was not only hot but super uncomfortable and still did not obtain the desired outcome.

Once I put the Anita bra on, I was sold on comfort for starters. With no uncomfortable underwires, the bra gave me two independent boobs, which was a relief in itself – no more monoboob. The straps are wide and comfortable, they don't dig in and they stay put. When I rode everything sat where it was supposed to and allowed me to relax and actually enjoy being on my horse. The breathable fabric in the back allows your skin to stay cool and the all-important puppies didn’t sweat up as much as normal. I was so comfortable and supported in this bra that, knowing my body parts would be supported, for the briefest of moments I considered taking up jogging - don't panic,

it was only a brief thought. But still, the Anita is a big win in my books. I purchased mine from Blest Bras. https://www.blestbras.com.au/5529momentum-wire-free-sports-bra.html

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High Roughage

FOR PERFECT HEALTH Equine nutritional therapist and medical herbalist Antoinette Foster explores the perfect diet for a performance horse and looks at whether performance horses can survive on roughage alone. tain your horse’s muscles and joints. There are many products on the market that will also support the muscles and joints, but the most important aspect is to always ensure that you access professional advice. It makes no difference what age a performance horse is, the simple fact is that there is always going to be pain involved in the training process.

These days we’re understanding and appreciating more than ever that roughage is extremely important for all horses. Many performance horses are stabled for extended periods of time, which is not a healthy existence for a creature who has evolved to be a grazing animal. So, in the case of horses stabled for extended periods it’s very important that owners and trainers ensure that they have access to plenty of roughage in the form of excellent quality hay. And I mean literally 24/ 7.

Another aspect of managing a high-performance horse is to learn, as the owner, to be very perceptive and observe your horse so that you can note any physical or emotional changes. Horses have very powerful body language, and this is something that we need to learn and understand a bit more efficiently. The other aspect of managing your horse - aside from nutrition - is to understand the progress in science by keeping abreast with what is going on as far as what is available to you manage a high-performance horse. Performance horses such as racehorses, high-level dressage horses, showjumpers and eventers obviously require an elevated level of energy to perform their work. And we are all aware that a high level of horse feeds contains energy dense concentrates. Unfortunately, it has been

Understanding how to manage the musculoskeletal system is also very important, and we know with high performance horses there is a great deal of wear and tear on horses mentally and physically. Along with a really well-balanced diet I often suggest it’s worthwhile to use a really good bodyworker, acupuncturist or other types of qualified therapists to main-

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Reaching high levels in the competition arena depends on finding a perfect balance with nutrition. I think it’s important that owners and trainers have a good understanding of nutrition - horses require a certain level of energy, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals and in particular roughage to sustain the horse at a high-performance level.

proven over many years that these types of feeds have a negative impact on the stomach of the horse. These types of feeds can contribute to gastric ulcers and tend to lack roughage that can in the long-term restrict horses guts health functioning normally.

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Roughage also encourages the normal chewing process and assists in stimulating the enzymatic action at the point of the mouth. Nutrition provides the basic building blocks on which our horses are built. How we feed our horses can affect reproduction, development in utero, the young foal, the developing athlete, competition horses and finally older horses. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that prevention is certainly better than cure.

In a world where everything is perfect even Thoroughbred racehorses would thrive on roughage alone. However, is it possible that roughage within the diet could support their elevated level of training? Recent Swedish research says this is possible and can also be extremely beneficial for the horse. During these studies, the most important aspect was to ensure that the hays and grass being fed contained a high level of energy according to observations made by Sara Ringmark, PhD, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Anatomy,

Physiology, and Biochemistry, in Uppsala. It seems that this study has proven that a high-energy content can be achieved by a roughage only diet. A high-energy diet is essential for high performance horses and it may be worthwhile to have a regular nutritional analysis of the roughage you are feeding or request this information from the supplier of the hays or high roughage feeds. If the roughage intake reaches the required energy levels than these performance horses should theoretically do exceptionally well. The performance level should be maintained and the condition of the horse also. Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that a forage-only diet is associated with lower levels of lactic acid, meaning the horses physically cope with the training regimen better than they would on a mixed diet with concentrates. So, can horses at high performance levels be maintained just from a high roughage diet? Naturally the amount of roughage being provided will depend on the workload of the horse and the nutrient analysis. A high roughage diet for performance horses can also be supplemented with feeds such as alfalfa hay pellets. Alfalfa is a great feed for horses as it has an excellent nutrient analysis which

includes an appropriate level of calcium and protein but is also quite low in NSC and starch. Maintaining an energy intake for performance horses is essential but it can be achieved by feeding a diet that is quite simple with the addition of the occasional grain and oil if necessary. It is quite possible to reach the required energy levels, protein levels and fat content required to support the horse at this performance level. It is important and essential to make sure that these types of horses are receiving the correct nutrient intake every day and to aid that the inclusion of a wellbalanced supplement is ideal. A supplement should basically play a support role to a high roughage diet and should allow an adjustment to reach the correct nutritional intake that is required for every horse. It seems that a high roughage diet does not prohibit muscle glycogen storage nor does it affect growth

or the body condition of the horse. On the contrary a high roughage diet can actually promote a high health status. Other research suggests Ii may be of advantage to feed hays that have been cut early as the nutritional content is much higher. Many of the standard processed feeds do not provide a normal source of roughage and some processed feeds are also quite high in starch so replacing these types of feeds with a roughage diet based on hays could be of enormous benefit. Remember feeding a high roughage diet is not NEW news, but it may just be the perfect health solution for most horses. There are even already some feeds in the market that have a genuine high roughage component. Harrys Choice feeds, for an example, is an excellent choice due to the high roughage content and it is produced in a certified organic mill.

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BREED SPOTLIGHT

The Athletic

ANDALUSIAN The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or Pura Raza EspaĂąola (PRE), is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years.

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ndalusians were originally bred in Andalusia, Spain, and the breed made up the majority of the Iberian and Carthaginian horse troops that carried the Roman army in its conquests throughout the ancient world.

The Andalusian is well known for its incredible athletic ability. It has been used as a war-horse for centuries and more recently for stock work with bulls. Their ability to dodge and weave from a charging bull was noted and then used in the sport of bull fighting on horseback. The Andalusian has had a strong

influence on most ancient horse breeds because of its regal carriage and high step and its ability to be powerful and elegant simultaneously. In part because of its elegance, the breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government, and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses. But during the 19th century, warfare, disease and cross-breeding reduced herd numbers dramatically, and despite some recovery in the late 19th century, the trend continued into the

early 20th century until the purebred Andalusian almost became extinct. Because of the extreme reduction in numbers, the Spanish government restricted the exportation of the breed. It was hoped that by doing this the breed numbers would rise and indeed, once the restrictions were lifted, the Andalusian went on to become one of the most successful all-round performance horses in the world. In 2010, there were more than 185,000 registered Andalusians worldwide.

and the theme park was closed. Many of the horses were sold to their former show riders and happily lived out their retirements.

Breed Standards The Andalusian is a well-balanced horse with great presence and substantial bone. The horse should be calm yet alert with free flowing paces. Only the best stallions and mares should be selected for breeding - with breeding, it should be all about enhancing the breed rather than breeding for the sake of it. Temperament: Andalusians are well known for their kind and easy-going character. They have great trainability and an incredible intelligence that makes them a popular saddle horse choice.

The Breed in Australia

The first Spanish horses arrived in Australia in 1972. They were sent to Western Australia to live at the El Caballo Blanco (The White Horse) stables run by Ray Williams. The horses were incredibly popular and were shown off to delighted crowds The Andalusian is thought to who could visit the have been the first European complex to see the ‘Warmblood’ bred from a mixture horses in action.

Did you know?

of heavy European and lighter

Head and neck: A noble and attractive head in proportion to the body is desirable. The neck should have a natural arch with a good length (not too short). The neck must not have too much crest or a thick gullet.

One of the imported Oriental horses. stallions was called Bodeguero and many of the present Body: The Andalusian should have a strong day Andalusians in Australia can be traced but athletic body with a board muscular back to him. chest, strong sloping shoulders and a straight back. In the early 1980’s the stables were moved to

In the mid-1990’s the horses were sold off

Legs and feet: The breed is famed for its powerful yet elegant movement which comes from its strong legs. The bones must be strong but not coarse with straight forelegs - the horse should not ‘paddle’. The hooves should be strong and well-proportioned to the horse. Colour: Most of the breed are white/grey, however solid colours are permitted. Black is rare, but bay, palomino, chestnut and dun are all acceptable colours.

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Catherine Fields, about an hour out of Sydney in New South Wales. The updated El Cabello Blanco was a theme park with a mini Australiana zoo, entertainment for families and a train that took passengers around the large grounds to see the sights. The main attraction was the horses, they lived in beautiful brass stables and wowed the crowds with their regular dressage shows.

APRIL

H YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH

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Elizabeth Ballard At the tender of age of 20, Elizabeth Ballard is on not only the Queensland Young Rider Team for Dressage but also the Young Rider and Australian Team for Show Jumping. Elizabeth is already a super star in both arenas with her horses Sven and Bramley. “I started riding at the age of six when dad bought me a pony,” says Elizabeth. “I didn’t have much choice in whether I was going to ride or not because all my family were into horses; it’s just something we did.” Elizabeth was accepted onto the Young Rider team for Show Jumping in 2015 and the Australian Team in 2016. “This year I’m also on the Young Rider team for Dressage which is brilliant,” she says. Elizabeth has two beautiful horses that are part of her successful team and who are polar opposites in personality. “Sven is a 20 year old Warmblood who I’m currently competing Small Tour on,” explains Elizabeth. “He’s an absolute gentleman at all times and with every ride he always puts in 100 per cent effort. I really enjoy the dressage side of competing, I’m a real perfectionist and strive like everyone else to better their scores.” Elizabeth’s show jumper is Bramley, a 17-year-old Stock Horse. “We used to compete in Eventing but I stopped eventing him once we got to 1* level as his Dressage scores were not so high,” she says, “but he really excelled in the Show

photo credit:

Amy-Sue Alston Photography

Jumping phase so I decided to just stick to the jumping courses, which has been a great decision. Bramley has a very quirky in personality but is very talented. This year we are competing at the Mini Prix and Young Rider level and hope to achieve some great results.” On top of her busy competition schedule, Elizabeth also brings on young horses and offers lessons. “My goal this year is to really progress with the young horses I have coming on and improve Bramley’s Prix efforts. This is also Sven’s final year in Young Rider so we’ll be giving it all we have.” We wish Elizabeth every success for the competition season.

If you are a young competition rider and would like to be considered for HubVibes Young Rider of the Month, email us for a questionnaire to complete: promote@equestrianhub.com.au.

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C A N D I D LY S P E A K I N G Of Girths and Gall

hen I was a teenager I had a naughty Arab/Fell Pony cross, who delighted in several Machiavellian endeavours, one of which was casually lifting a hoof and placing it on my foot, and then leaning on me, with the most wicked expression on her face, while I shouted and pushed and swore. When she thought she’d caused enough mayhem, she’d casually lift her hoof, as if to suggest she had no idea what the fuss was about. Another lovely little habit was blowing herself out so much that getting the girth tight enough to be safe was quite an undertaking, and required several walks around the yard, followed by quick-as-lightning reflexes to get to the girth before she turned herself into an elephant once more.

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But one day, and I’m not proud to admit this, I did use her girthy habit for amusement. We had visitors for lunch that day and my mother had insisted that I take the extremely boring girl, whose name has escaped into the mists of time, but let’s call her Myrtle, because that was the kind of girl she was, up to the farmyard and give her a ride.

Now, Myrtle was one of those kinds of girls who knew everything about everything, and she’d already got me offside by, according to her parents, being academically brilliant, physically incapable of being beaten in any sport and generally an all-round pain in the arse. So before we even got to the farmyard Myrtle had bored me rigid with everything she allegedly ‘knew’ about horses and riding, and when my best friend Sally also had to suffer

through half-a-hour of her company while I caught my pony, Hester, and groomed her, we were both indulging in Judge Judy style eyerolls behind Myrtle’s back at every opportunity. I’m not quite sure when the wicked idea of not perhaps doing up the girth quite as tight as I normally would occurred to me. It certainly wasn’t until Myrtle rather bossily took the reins from me, and said she was quite capable of getting on without assistance, that for a brief second I wondered if the girth was tight enough, followed by the

uncharitable thought that I didn’t give a damn. Needless to say Myrtle put her foot in the stirrup and went to scramble up in a rather unladylike fashion for someone who had apparently already competed at several Olympics, got herself in the saddle, and found herself underneath, rather than on top of the horse. Fortunately Hester unperturbed by this turn of events, simply stood there while Myrtle screamed the house down, and Sally and I tried to control our laughter, while we helped her out of the stirrups. By the time we got her vertical Myrtle was in floods of tears, and took off down the lane, shouting out that she was going to: “tell on you both”. The only answer to that conundrum was simple – stay out until I was absolutely sure that Myrtle and her obnoxious parents had gone home. When I turned up again just before dark not unnaturally my mother was more than a little cross. “I don’t suppose they’ll ever come and visit us again,” she told me, sending me to my room.

But over the years of horse-ownership and riding I’ve learned a bit about horses and girths. One thing I learned, teaching my own young ones, was that if I took it slowly and

Another, and perhaps somewhat old-fashioned idea, but valuable nonetheless is that if you’re doing trail-riding that involves lots of hills, using either a crupper and/or a breastplate to stop the saddle moving forwards or backwards means that you don’t have to rely on having the girth so tight that the horse is basically in pain every time it takes a breath. While a too-loose girth is certainly not a good idea, a too-tight girth can cause a lot of muscle-related problems as well as extreme discomfort for the horse. After saddle and bridle fit, don’t discount the importance of the girth, there are so many out there now which can make life more comfortable for your horse – no matter what the discipline, that it’s worth a bit of time and money to get it right. After all, would YOU want a belt pulled as tight as possible around your waist and then be made to jump or run? But in the meantime, Myrtle – wherever you are – I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I promise. HubVibes editor, Candida Baker is the President of Save a Horse Australia and also runs a Facebook page, The Horse Listeners.

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Fast forward many, many decades and a few girth-related incidents in the meantime, and my beautiful old Anglo-Arab gelding, Beau, had a different kind of girth problem – he simply hated the girth being done up – and it was literally his only vice – but he would, if he could, try and take a chunk. I got adept at tying him short, taking it one hole at a time, and making sure his choppers didn’t connect. Once it was done, he would revert back to his normally sweet personality, but nothing made any difference. Over the years I tried numerous types of girths, including sheepskin covers, but he remained stoically convinced that the girth was a thing of evil.

didn’t cinch them tight the first few times they had the saddle on they were far less luckily to blow out. What I also discovered, somewhat to my surprise, in my later years through attending show jumping clinics, is that there is such a thing as a too-tight girth. A too-tight girth on a competition horse, is a bit like an old-fashioned corset on a woman, it constricts their breathing and the ability of the rib-cage to expand and contract, which of course is absolutely vital when jumping, so even though a girth needs to be tight enough to prevent Myrtle style accidents, you still need to be able to insert a finger-width between the girth and the horse’s body to allow for it to breathe.

photo credit:

Michelle Terlato

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Amanda Ross on Koko Popping Candy in Current Stars class.

Shannan Goodwin was delighted with Aristede after their winning test in CDI-W Friday.

Sharon Slater from NSW on Cachassini 11 won the 5 Year Old Round 1 Class.

Airlie Robinson on Finch Farm Tarantino 5 Yr olds class.

Caroline Price on Holsteiner Stallion Calavino won 6 year old championship.

Dressage and Jumping with the Stars, held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre Left: Joel Pearce on Desert Sands Vavoom took out round 1 of the 7 Yr Old Class.

Madeleine Gaden Zone 6.

Rozzie Ryan on Adonie came 3rd in CDI-W Friday.

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Sharon Slater with judges David Quick, Michelle Lang-McMahon & Franz-Josef Dahlmann.

Down on Penny Newbold’s farm you’ll find her family and animals, and of course, horses…

Survival of the Fittest The wet weather the Northern Rivers has been experiencing lately, is just a little too close for comfort for Penny Newbold. Almost exactly one year ago, our little farm was inundated in the very widespread Aussie east coast 2017 flooding event. Like really inundated. Like well over my head (I’m 170cm) inundated.

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It’s amazing how disaster brings out the true nature of our beloved four-legged friends, and you discover just how they would have fared in the ‘survival of the fittest’ wild.

Often the discovery is unfortunately that your ‘wild’ animals are probably best off staying in a domestic environment! Fortunately, the hubby had the foresight to plan for the

worst case scenario (unlike my ‘she’ll be right!’ attitude, which had got us through life up until that point), and despite my pleas to use the funds for other more important purposes - like upgrading the float or tow vehicle, or, preferably both he invested in the building of a flood ‘mound’ on our property. I now refer to this as the ‘million dollar mound’. Which is probably a small exaggeration, but it did save us a huge amount of grief, not to mention cash, which has meant that its certainly has warranted its nickname. Not a large area, approximately 16m x 25m, that ‘mound’ proved to

be worth far more than it’s (soil) weight in gold. During the flood, while we were completely cut off from civilisation and surrounded by nearly two metres of water, that mound housed: Eight horses (including one foal), two cars, a float (filled to the roof with all of the associated rugs, tack, feed and gear), a tractor, a slasher and a ride-on lawn mower. Not to mention the cow and calf that arrived sometime in the middle of the night, having swum from a neighbouring property. Like I said – the million-dollar mound. I’m sure the horses, underneath their highly disdainful

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! Behind the trees lies 'the mound', complete with precious livestock and machinery... exterior at the time, were very appreciative of ‘the mound’, where they could at least keep their tootsies dry(ish). This definitely beat the alternative of being forced to develop their swimming

skills, like too many other stock from nearby properties were forced to do. A few of them, we discovered when the flood waters receded had come from as far as 30km further down the river.

The 12hh pony however was the first to perch herself on the highest point of the

Amazingly enough, everyone and everything survived and saw the other side of this little disaster relatively unscathed. And yes, sometimes at least, the hubby does know best (just don’t tell him I admitted it!).

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Mind you, it took quite a bit of convincing (and serious manhandling) to get George the TB to agree to climb on ‘the mound’ at 3am in the pouring rain. He was certain he actually would prefer to spend his time in water deep enough to reach over his shoulders. And he’s a mere 17.2hh.

mound and proceeded to make nasty faces if anyone else even looked like trying to share it with her. She very much proved two things. Firstly, ponies are tough as nails and secondly, that height is not necessarily a reliable indicator of survival intelligence!

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Your Club IN PROFILE

SUMMERLAND DRESSAGE CLUB photo credit:

Blue Ribbon Photography

Champions for Day One of FNC Championships with sponsor Elite Horse & Pet Products.

Mascha Stolwijk from Grafton.

Summerland Dressage Club (SDC) is a notfor-profit organisation which promotes dressage in the scenic town of Bangalow in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales.

• April 8th: Exposure/Training Day

SDC regularly runs training days, official and unofficial dressage competitions at the Bangalow Showgrounds and caters for riders and horses from Preparatory to Grand Prix level. Our members range from those starting out at dressage to elite professional riders. We welcome all new members and visiting riders no matter what level or experience. New members can join SDC via our website: www. summerlanddressage.org We are a friendly and encouraging club and run professional and enjoyable events!

• May 13th: The 2018 Elite Horse & Pet Products and Equestrian Wear's SDC Member's Championships

• May 6th: Training Day

• June 3rd: Official, Participant, Members & Interschools Competition • June 17th: Training Day • August 11th & 12th: The 2018 Elite Horse & Pet Products and Equestrian Wear's Far North Coast Dressage Championships • September 22nd Training Day • September 30th: Official, Participant, Members & Interschools Competition • December (date to be announced): AGM, Christmas Party and Presentation. The above dates are subject to change, please keep updated via SDC's website and Facebook page. All nominations for all events are via nominate.com.au

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Our most popular events include the Twilight Series at the beginning of each year, the SDC Member’s Championships and our prestigious Far North Coast Dressage Championships which always attracts enormous support from our generous sponsors. Our upcoming 2018 events include:

• April 15th: Official, Participant, Members & Interschools Competition

Bull’s Eye! HORSE ARCHERY

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orse archery, also known as mounted archery, is fast becoming a popular sport in Australia.

throughout Australia so it would be a good idea to go to a few to obtain the skills needed to be safe and successful in the sport.

The sport of mounted archery comes, as many horse sports do, from hunting and war, where a hunter or soldier armed with a bow and arrow shot at an animal or enemy while riding a horse. Superb equestrian skills are needed as the rider needs to let go of the reins so that they can shoot the arrow with both hands.

How does it work?

What equipment do you need?

Single Shot Course

For mounted archery obviously you’ll need a horse – any kind - and any type of saddle is permitted. If you’re feeling extra confident, you can compete bare back. You will also need a bow and arrows and forgive us for pointing out the obvious but it’s a good idea to desensitize your horse to the bow and arrows before you try to hit targets! The mind boggles.

The single shot means that one target is aimed for during this run, The track is 90 meters from start to finish with a single target in the middle (45 meters) that is parallel to the track. The archer is to shoot at the target and has 14 seconds to complete the run.

There are many horse archery clinics offered

There are different types of courses for those who are inexperienced or more advanced. These courses can be done from the walk, trot and canter. Starting off, the horse has to be able to go forward in any pace in a straight line.

Double Shot Course This course has two targets that the archer aims for. The first target is positioned at an

angle 40 meters along the track and the second is angled at 50 meters along the track. The archer is to aim for the first target at 25 meters and the second at 65 meters. For that second target they will have to turn and aim

first target positioned 20 meters along and angled at 45 degrees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the archer will point to the front to hit this target. The second target is also positioned at 45 meters along the track and is parallel to the run where the archer will shoot from the side. The final target is 70 meters along the track and the archer will have passed this target so they will be shooting behind them. The arrows must all be released before the horse reaches the end of the run. The archer has 14 seconds to complete the run. The scores are all based on where the arrow hits the target and if the run was completed in the allocated time. With the sport becoming more popular we advise you to look for associations in your area to join. While we have simplified the sport, the full range of explanations and rules is available on the Australian Horse Archery Association website

Hot Riding Tips

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Ideally your horse should be able to neck rein and be responsive to subtle cues of your legs if you want them AHAA (Australian Horse Archery Association) President to speed up or slow down. Katrina Kruse competing at the 9th WHAF Championships held in Korea in 2014. To avoid bouncing around and missing a target with the horses natural movement, the archer should for the target that is now behind them. The take a two or three point seat to take the archer has 14 seconds to complete the run. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bounceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; out of the saddle that may make them miss the shot by using the legs as Triple Shot Course suspension will remove the bounce and The course again is 90 meters long with the improve the shot accuracy.

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HUB SA D D L E R EV I EW

Katie Taliana recently purchased

her Amerigo Vega from the Equestrian Hub and is glad she took the plunge. “I chose the Amerigo because I had ridden in my coach’s saddle and loved it,” Katie says. “I’ve actually been riding in hers for the last four months so it was really time to find my own!” Katie finds that the saddle is super-comfy. “It’s a really quality saddle – the leather is amazingly soft and comfortable! The downside to this means it's a little weaker and with the amount of horses I ride I am already seeing wear where my leg sits. But on the plus side the Amerigo has positively affected my

Saddle r e v i e w : Amerigo Vega posture because it supports and pushes me more forward towards the pommel. This is ideal for me so I can’t sit back and get behind the horses movement. It encourages me to stay with them even when they do their very big trots!” Katie bought the saddle knowing it was the right fit for her big horses. “Also I can use pads with the other horses I ride so that it fits them as well.”

H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E

Aries

y b s r a St pona E April - This month picks up where March left off, with Mercury Retrograde in full swing. That means stick to being circumspect– hold off on buying new technology and scrutinize all H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E

fine print. Communication SNAFU

is in play until after the 22nd. That’s when you gear up for action and start to see the results you’re after. Patience until then.

April puts focus on finances for two-legged Rams, where money equals your sense of value. It doesn’t, but the lines between inner wealth and outer abundance are fuzzed. If you pay attention to your emotional security, the outer will improve. Confidence is muted in four-legged Rams, so lavish on the patience, understanding and encouragement.

Taurus

We are headed toward your solar month where the sun shines in the sign of the Bull. It’s the perfect time to set new intentions, putting energy into YOU and what you want to create. Or, in the case of us equines, we can revel in our championship performances, quiet stable manners and adorable stablemates.

Gemini

For the human Twins, it’s a time of astonishing synchronicity, deeper meanings and serendipitous connections. You will be generating fresh enthusiasm for breakout creative ideas later in the month. For us equines, the energy is decidedly lazy as we cock a hind hoof and swish a few flies. Try not to wake us up too early over the time changes, or plan lengthy road trips. Otherwise, we will get cranky.

Cancer

Two-legged Crabs need to indulge in connections, friendships and like-minded others. This energy encourages tangible results so remember – to have a friend, be a friend. For us equines, the month can feel like two jumps forward, one back. What we learned earlier this year seems to have been lost. It's OK, by the end of the month we’re quite clever again.

Leo

For two and four-legged Lions, this is a month of public appearances, spotlight attention and new developments when it comes to your career standing, mission or profession. The key question is, are you doing what you love? The answer will define the rest of the year, so be honest. If you’re trying to pen stock with a polo pony, it could explain a few things. The same goes for horses and humans alike. Tune in.

Virgo

This is the month to get out of the house/ barn/stable/yard and into the world. You are primed to taste, touch and smell the coffee, or clover, view the sights and listen to the sounds of the environment. Humans may have the urge to travel, expanding their horizons. Equines could do with fresh pastures and a new trail or riding companion. Weather is never an excuse.

Libra

Joint partnerships, especially where shared resources are in question, need a major revamp. It seems you are functioning under old beliefs or structures. Remember to articulate clearly to those concerned. Communication, please! This goes for four-legged creatures as well, with an emphasis on space. Consider individual feeders and waterers, for a start. There could be some bullying going on.

Scorpio

All the taken for granted things of the household, studio, office, your pets, plants and plans, including gym and dietary wellbeing, are ready for new energy and attention. For us four-legged critters, this month is good for diagnosing a chronic problem or addressing behaviour concerns. It’s fix-it time!

Capricorn

A foal-like impulse has your tail up, head high as you fly around the arena like you’ve never been out of a box stall before. Us equines will also be feeling skittish, ready to jump and snort at every bent blade of grass. It’s all in good fun, so don’t be self-conscious. The goal is to feel playful right now. Set aside some time for excitement and the carefree expenditure of energy. You won’t regret it.

Aquarius

For two-legged Water-bearers, this month you put attention inward, onto the home, family and sense of emotional ground and stability. Evaluate everything from gutters to termite damage, roofing to pipes, barn and home alike. Plan on making repairs where necessary. Us equines, however, would appreciate a little time off the busy schedule. Trust me, it will set the stage for fabulous results.

Pisces

For the two legged Pisces, the focus is on the communications sector. It can be complicated, but to cut to the chase: Your words are powerful creators of your future. Say what you mean; mean what you say. For us equines, this was never a problem. You won’t find a liar among us. Use our sense of authenticity (who else could we be but who we are?) to guide you. Results are instant and spectacular.

H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E

A great month for Scorpions, two and four-l egged. Expect to be feeling your oats. Seriously, you may have to cut back to avoid foundering. On the plus side, healing takes place in a troubled relationship. Just don’t push too hard too soon. Humans, no matter what’s happening in your life, take a moment to imagine it the way you want it to be. And so it begins . . .

Sagittarius

Wcom O N e.

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Pure Attitude (Benji) 15.3hh, 12 year old (2006) Born: 29/12/17 Thoroughbred Gelding

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Benji has lots of experience at pony club, and pony club shows that include gymkhanas and horse trials.

‘Rosie”

(Race Name: Lucky Lyndel) $8,500 Quality Thoroughbred mare Presented By HB Performance Horses 16.1hh, 5 year old Sired by Bradburys Luck. Last race was May 2016. For more info click here.

Yearling Warmblood $5,500 TL SABEAUX Warmblood Yearling by Kenlock Sylvestro: TL SABEAUX DOB: 4.10.16 Brown/Gr WB gelding

“Coritzo” $15,000 Competitive Allrounder Presented By HB Performance Horses 15.3hh, 10yr old, Bay Warmblood gelding Sired by Casanova out of a Rocadero mare. Soft snaffle mouth, suited to rider with soft hands and a balanced seat. For more info click here.

Bonita Bobbie Sox Wamblood filly with imported bloodlines Born: 29/12/17 Chestnut with four socks Double cross of Galoubet A, on her sire’s side and Quattro B on her dam’s side. Serious jumping power! For more info click here.

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$65,000.00 13 year old FEI Warmblood Gelding By Regardez Moi

NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB Published by Equestrian Hub • PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760067 • Email: info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au