From the Horse’s Mouth

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

I’m beyond excited to introduce you to the latest issue of Equestrian Hub Magazine, a bright light in the doom and gloom of COVID.

As the Olympics wrap up, we congratulate all our equestrians but pay special tribute to the always inspiring Andrew Hoy with our cover. Andrew reminds us of the importance of dreaming, believing and achieving. Throw in bucket loads of hard work and you can go wherever you want. I confess to more than a few goose bumps as I listened to his interview with Channel 7 after winning silver. He totally encapsulated our ethos here at Equestrian Hub when he said that dreams where achievable if you follow them and surround yourself with good people.

Which of course, brings us to Delivering Dreams – and in this issue we announce our ten finalists. Over the next few weeks, we’ll also introduce you to them on our social pages, and ask you to vote for who you think should receive our Readers’ Choice award. Also, a big thank you to Amanda Ross, another home grown Olympian, for her words of encouragement to everyone who applied.

Champion show jumper David Cameron talks to Amanda Mac about Krome, growing up in the country, and the power of following your dreams. I’m always staggered at the way the Universe delivers!

Still on jumping, Charlie Brister lends a hand to get our horses show jump ready: how to improve fitness and strength, how often to train, and the mix your horse needs to achieve the desired outcomes. Megan Jones proves she is superhuman as she gives us the heads up on combining an equestrian life with motherhood. Rebecca Ham

explains how to keep condition on a Thoroughbred: how much protein is appropriate, and importantly, how to avoid ‘fizz’, while still talking nutrition, Larissa Bilston discusses the effects

of feed, and whether you might unknowingly be contributing to hot or anxious behavior. And with spring well and truly upon us, resident vet Dr Doug looks at laminitis. What are the symptoms? What are the risks? What effect does grazing have? Have you ever wondered if you are symmetrical in the saddle? Are you hindering or supporting your horse through your position? All is revealed when Enya Crockford talks to Natasha Gunston about the importance of biomechanics. Once you’ve read this article, flip across to Saddle Up. Your balance also affects your saddle, but there are other factors to consider and Kathryn Sullivan-Butt explains what to look for so we know when to call the saddle fitter.

Combine all of this with Carolyn James great Tackbox article on improving your dressage scores, and we can expect to see some massive improvements from everyone once events are up and running again!

Coming back into riding after an injury, childbirth, or some other life event can be a massive mental challenge. Christine Armishaw helps us mount back up with confidence, and even puts a song in our hearts.

We check out the gorgeous Haflinger, European correspondent Jess Morton looks at boots, and we give you the heads up on spring fashions (horse related, naturally). A happy Saddle Hub customer reviews the Prestige X-Helen and this issue’s inspiring Young Rider is Bella Plumridge.

Life After Racing celebrates the versatility of OTT horses, and Ken Faulkner explains why groundwork is vital for you and your horse. Our Perfect Partners are none other than Scott Hergest and Spinnin’ Whiz, and to round us out Charlie asks 20 questions of Cody Rawson-Harris.

It’s a cracker issue, so pour your favourite tipple, relax and enjoy! Plus, remember to jump over to the VIP area to gain extra insights, stories, hints and tips. Stay happy, stay safe … and dream big dreams.