FREE
NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB
April 2017
Y A D I S H S T U R I E B
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FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
THE FRIESIAN
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20 HUB SADDLE REVIEW
YOUR SAY
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YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH
HUB HEROES
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8 HUBVIBES PIX WELSH NATIONAL SHOW
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THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS
24 PRODUCT REVIEW
DEFYING THE ODDS
14 TUNING IN FOR A POSITIVE CONNECTION
16 OBERON RODEO PIX
26 CONFESSIONS OF A RIDING MUM
30 INTERNATIONAL CHARITY HIGHLIGHT
NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB HubVibes Editorial & Advertising Enquiries: penny@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries: Fiona Todd: 0414 760 067 Graphic Design: Joanna Reid: 0408 773 851 Published by Equestrian Hub PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760 067 • Email: info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au
PROUD SUPPORTERS
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H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
I have to start this month off by saying a huge thank you to our Equestrian Hub and HubVibes team. I am currently writing this edition’s “Horse’s Mouth” from a makeshift office in the middle of a flood disaster zone, like so many areas on Australia’s east coast following the arrival of Cyclone Debbie. I can assure you that without the fabulous members of the HV team pulling together to push on through hell or high water (and yes, that pun was fully intended!) you wouldn’t certainly wouldn’t be reading this so a huge thanks to you team! It has been such a wide reaching devastating event with so many stories of loss An aerial view of the flooding in the northern New South Wales and destruction coming in town of Lismore after the area was hit by Cyclone Debbie. from our friends and family, it’s Photo Credit: Michael Barnes/Afp important to focus on some of the positive stories coming out of the negative. This month’s Your Say on the Hub Directory, advertise with HV or includes a special shout out to a couple of simply subscribe! The winner will be drawn on great blokes who went all the way out of their Sunday, 30th April at the AQUIS Showjumpway to save a horse that literally landed on ing Classic held at Elysian Fields in sunny, their doorstep. south east Queensland. On a much happier note though, this month we are celebrating Equestrian Hub’s second birthday and you guys get the presents!
It’s a jammed packed edition this month, so grab your coffee, sit back and enjoy the ride
We are SO excited to have buddied up with Luxury Escapes to be able to offer the amazing competition prize of $1000 towards your choice of luxury holiday escape. It’s such an awesome prize and to get in the draw simply use any of the Equestrian Hub services – buy a saddle, or list one to sell, list your business
From all the team at Equestrian Hub
Happy riding Hubbers! H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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YOUR
Say
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Thanks from Hannah Barker
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Shout out to the amazing people that help keep me and my team in full swing! Coaches Tor and Mel VDB, our awesome farrier Tim Gardiner for all those trims and shoeings, Ben Walder keeping the horses feeling great with Acupuncture, our sponsors Equestrian Wear, Horseland Lismore, The Saddle Hub, Band B Produce Lismore. Not forgetting my family and friends that support me everyday. Great start to the season. #dowhatmakesyouhappy
#horses #dressage #twohearts #performance #appreciate #loveit #norisknofun #horsesofinstagram #hbperformancehorses — with Alexis Gardiner.
Equestrian Hub rescued at Equifest Saddler Les Benson and Dural Saddleworld came to Equestrian Hub’s rescue at the recent Equifest event. As we were all packing up to head home, the electrics on our float decided to die on us. Les Benson, supposedly helping his good friend Graeme Murphy from Dural Saddleworld complete their pack up, but instead, gave his time to pull our wiring apart so we could get on the road. What a champion. Dural Saddleworld were the best neighbours you could possibly have at a show. Thanks for looking after us in so many ways during EquiFest.
From Ruth Gotterson A big shout out to Jared Teli who found my wallet (with EVERYTHING in it) on a train in Campbeltown. Searched for me on FB, messaged me to say he had it THEN when I insisted he take the money from the
wallet as a reward, insisted that his reward was being able to return the wallet to me!!! What an amazing young man. Thank you so so much. If only there were more honest people like this in the world. I really hope good things come your way... and make sure you tell your mum I MADE you take the money.
Flood Heroes (Excerpt from ABC North Coast, by Bronwyn Herbert and Donna Harper) http://www.abc.net.au/ news/2017-04-02/tilly-thehorse-rescued-from-murwillumbah-floods/8409070 Two men who saved a horse from drowning at Murwillumbah have said they thought the animal would die in their arms through the night. It took several attempts to get the horse to safety, culminating in his son Rob getting an extension cord and using that to lead the horse to a stairwell outside their house. The horse made it up the stairs and onto the landing, though still in water. Rob Shepherd, 21, held Tilly's head above water on a boogie board for more than five hours waiting for the water to recede.
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Dressage Saddles
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$4,950 Hennig 17”
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Black Country Adelinda 17”
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$3,750 Mal Byrne Atelier Connect 17”
$3,250 Kieffer Sydney Sz 1
$2,500 Lucardi Elite 17”
JOHN FAHEY
THE LEGEND John Fahey is one of Australia’s best known show jumpers, having competed in more than 100 FEI World Cup Qualifiers and set an international record for winning the greatest number of World Cup Qualifiers on one horse! At the age of 73, John is retired from riding but is still widely known for his wonderful riding career that has spanned almost six decades.
At 21 years of age, John qualified and competed in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo on his 15hh Australian Stockhorse, Bonvale. He progressed to the jump off
Photo Credit: The Weekly Times
for the Bronze medal where he won fourth position and produced the best individual performance by an Australian at any Olympics to date. John also competed in the 1968 games held in Mexico finishing in ninth place.
He was also an original inductee in the Greater Taree Sporting Hall of Fame in 2000 and gained a berth in the Hunter District Hall of Fame in 2009. The same year he was included in the Australian Show Horse Hall of Fame by the Brisbane RNA Show Society. In 2000, John received the Order of Australia Medal for his sporing achievements and now travels to show jumping competitions to watch his talented sons ride.
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Riding from the age of three, John was a natural in the saddle and spent his time mustering cattle. At the age of 12 he was competing in the show jumping classes at Brisbane Royal with great success. Winning major show jumping classes in Australia, England, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand while he represented Australia in the Nations Cup in Ireland, England and America, John was a force to be reckoned with.
John was included in the Equestrian Australia Sporting Hall of Fame, having previously been inducted as a member of the Australian team that contested the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but now he is there for his individual efforts.
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WELSH NATIONAL SHOW 2017
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Judy Ritchie’s Woranora Nefertiti ridden by Ava Holland and lead by Ester Robinson.
National Champion Open Leading Rein/1st Ridden Pony winner Kerulen Cossette. Rider Audrey Camera with Jason Scott and Sandy Jamieson.
Michael gates led Elizabeth Daly’s Wynara Illusion to win National Champion Part Welsh in Hand.
Lee Dunstan rode Erica Clarke’s Devine Festive Occasion, winning the National Champion Ridden Part Welsh.
Anne Cochrane and Wyann X Centric during their victory lap after winning the National Champion Ridden Welsh Exhibit.
Katie Parry and Pant-Y-Ffynnon Cariad owned by Luke Dawes, after winning the IRT Best Welsh in Hand.
Libby Greshner riding Beauparc Glitterati won the National Champion Ridden Show Hunter.
Diana Lawrence is pictured driving Westbury Sabrina during their victory lap after winning National Champion Welsh Harness exhibit.
The Austin and Belaradah pony Stud nomination Koora-Lyn Poitier was ridden by Sophie Belcher to claim the National Reserve Champion Open Show Hunter and Champion Children’s Ridden Open.
HubVibes Pix PROUDLY SPONSORED BY www.equestrianevents.com.au
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Photo Credit: Amy-Sue Alston
Meghan Hodge riding the Howe Family nomination Narrawah Bruce Almighty won the National Champion Working Hunter.
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Defying the Odds
CAITLYN’S PATH TO RECOVERY Caitlyn Commans is an avid horse rider but after a terrible accident left her with severe nerve damage in her left hip and leg, her road back into the saddle is nothing short of inspirational. “My accident happened in March 2010 when I was schooling my dressage horse Sam,” explains Caitlyn. “We were prepping for a competition when all of a sudden I woke up screaming and crying I hit my head hard enough that I had knocked myself unconscious. “I don't have any recollection of that particular ride at all, let alone the fall itself but my assumption is something must have frightened Sam and we parted ways.
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“When I calmed down I realised that I couldn't feel my left leg or hip and my lower back was extremely painful so I was rushed to the hospital.
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“Initially the Doctors sent me home saying nothing was wrong, but my leg went grey, ice cold and it looked like it was dying.” After being rushed back to hospital, Caitlyn’s doctors suspected that she had fractured both sides of her pelvis – however there was no clear consensus on whether this was
the issue and eventually received the prognosis of soft tissue damage to the leg. She was given a strict physiotherapy program to assist in the healing of her leg. “A few more months passed and I was no better, still on crutches completely unable to stand on my left leg, Caitlyn said. “By this stage I had gained quite a lot of weight due to not being able to move, remaining in bed for months and taking so many pain medications. My mental health headed south rapidly.” Caitlyn’s parents searched for other opinions and finally found a doctor that agreed that something was not right and would help. “By the end of the year I began physical rehabilitation which was a really exciting moment,” Caitlyn said. “I was told directly that I will never get better, my life would not improve, that there was no magical cure and that I will never walk again without the aid of my walking stick or crutches. “This was crushing – but I wanted to prove them wrong. There was a team of specialists that set up a program for me. “This program involved the use of hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy
and medication to get me walking with crutches.
severely heightened from this injection I woke up and was no longer in pain.
“I practiced walking at the ballet bars without crutches, but I was holding on for dear life. I did countless exercises on the Physiotherapist’s bed with her assistance and I learnt how to pace myself throughout the day.
“I got out of bed, laughed at my walking stick and marched out of my bedroom into the kitchen to declare my new found freedom. I even managed to get a bit of a jog up. It was a miracle!
“One of my most heartbreaking memories was writing down my future goals as part of my program and I wrote ‘to be able to brush my own hair’ and ‘be able to sit in a chair’. They were so simple for others to do but near impossible for me without excruciating pain.” In 2011 Caitlyn celebrated her 18th birthday and received a thoughtful present from her parents – a Shetland pony called Buttons. “Buttons was to be shown in-hand as I was not expected to ride again,” Caitlyn explained. “We took her to shows with my sister doing the running. I also started competing our other miniature pony, Thomas, in harness classes – it was great to do ‘normal’ things again. “During this time my parents found another specialist who said he could help me walk again!
“It was by far one of the most horrendous and agonizing experiences of my life but the injection worked. After a few weeks of being in bed because my ‘normal’ pain had been
“During this time, I purchased a horse called Wendolin and was back to doing what I loved - riding and competing horses. Wendolin, was the absolute love of my life and gave me my confidence back. “Together we formed the most spectacular partnership. Unfortunately, he was put to sleep in after only a short year and a half together due to severe illness. This destroyed me. “After the year and a half my health started declining again and I was back onto using pain medications and required my walking stick on my bad days. By this stage, I had learnt how to mask my pain extremely well and tried to maintain my ‘normal’ life as much as possible. “I was determined to not let this pain beat me, and I was even more determined to not let the world see me struggling.” Throughout this time, Caitlyn tried to mask the pain and managed to keep up a persona that things were not as bad as they were.
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His promise came true with the help of a singular injection full of astonishing drugs which was injected into my Sacroiliac joint guided by a CT machine.
“This lasted for a year and a half where I was able to regain my fitness, my strength and my health. I had lost all of the weight I had gained and was participating in a normal teenage life.
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“I guess you have two choices, roll over and let it beat you or fight and don’t let people see you struggle - I chose the latter,” Caitlyn said. “In August 2014, after trying more physical rehabilitation programs with my physiotherapist I had a procedure to burn the nerve endings in my Sacroiliac joint. The surgery didn’t work and instead made my pain a lot worse. I was given a final option – to have a spinal cord stimulator implanted. “I have severely hyperactive nerves due to the accident damaging them and my brain can't comprehend pain properly so a paper cut feels like my arm has been chopped off. “My nerves basically send SOS signals to my brain when they really don't need to and a spinal cord stimulator delivers mild electrical stimulation to nerves along the spinal column which block nerve activity in a non-medicinal way to minimise the sensation of pain reaching the brain. “During this time I found a wonderful massage therapist and nurse called Wayne Klep. Wayne had exceptional knowledge in the department of spinal cord stimulators as his wife has one and we booked an appointment to see a surgeon that Wayne recommended.
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“In August 2015 I was admitted into hospital for my trial surgery of the spinal cord stimulator. The trial involved attaching the leads to the nerves, but not implanting the battery pack which would be external and taped to my back for the time being.
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“We were told a trial was paramount as quite a lot of patients don’t have fantastic results and I needed a 65 percent pain improvement rate or more for them to proceed with the full implantation. During surgery the surgeon had to wake me up, so that they could turn the implant on and off and confirm with me that it was in fact working – it’s not the most routine of surgeries!
“The first 24 hours after surgery was brutal; I was in a lot of pain. When the device technician came in to finally turn my implant on and program it correctly for my specific needs I was extremely overwhelmed and excited. It is an odd feeling to have this permanent buzz occurring in my body. “I spent several days in hospital, going back and forwards trying out new programs until I finally found one that worked and managed to control my pain. Within those several days, I was up and walking around without a limp – I had walked with a limp for more than five years previously and now it was gone.” With the trial lasting 10 days in real life circumstances it was deemed to be a complete success. “I had no pain,” explains Caitlyn. “But with the trial over I was told that the device was to be turned off, removed and I would have to wait three months before I was allowed to have the full implant put in. “I had my full implant surgery in November 2015 – waking up from the surgery was agony due to the pain. I put the morphine injections to good use and spent the week in hospital going through the procedures of programming the device that would now spend the rest of my life with me. My hip and leg pain was once again immediately gone.” It has been a couple of years since that life changing surgery and while Caitlyn still has struggles, she’s pushing forward. “I will never recover 100% and still have bad days,” Caitlyn said. “The spinal cord stimulator has caused certain spots to go completely numb which has left me with no feeling in quite a lot of my leg and hip area and I feel a lot of pain in my shoulder due to the pain spreading.
“It has taken a lot of rehabilitation work, including Pilates, to regain control of my leg to some degree and build my strength back up. I have had to relearn how to ride in a different way now due to not being able to feel what my left leg is doing.
It has taken a big team to get Caitlyn’s health back on track and she offers her thanks to the following people: My Husband, Rhyse Commans for keeping me grounded and never giving up on me.
“I won’t let it stop me though and I’m riding my new horse Ilkaram – Ilky for short. He gives me something that no one else can which is unconditional love with no judgement whatsoever. When I’m riding I don’t feel disabled - I feel completely normal. “Ilky has such a fantastic personality and is a true character. He gives me a reason to keep fighting and my aim is to begin competing within the next few months.
My Parents, Lorraine and Geoff Redfern for your never ending love and support (mentally, physically and financially). I would not be where I am today without you both. My Brother and Sister, Emily and Ben Redfern - for loving me unconditionally, even when I was challenging to live with.
“Riding has also really helped with my severe anxiety and depression. I still battle these illnesses, but being with the horses makes me so much calmer. “I had a bit of a set back with my riding where I couldn't bring myself to canter, I was petrified of it for no good reason. With the help of my amazing coach, Danielle Pooles, I have pushed through this fear and working towards getting out to competitions - which is where I belong, in the ring.” We wish Caitlyn all the best with her journey and can’t wait to see her out and about! Want to follow Caitlyn’s progress? Follow her on Facebook.
My Massage Therapist - Wayne Klep My Osteopath - Misa Wroe My Surgeon - Dr Andrew Muir My Dressage Coach - Danielle Pooles My Friend and Support System Sheridyn Ashwood My Sponsors Groomers Products Australia And thank you to all of my family and friends for their support and love.
You’ve tried the rest, now try the original and best! EQUINE AND CANINE COAT & SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
www.groomersproducts.com.au
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You can contact us by phone 03 9728 1444 or by our website on our contact/orderform
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TUNING IN FOR A POSITIVE CONNECTION Paulette Evans from Ribbleton Attunement lives and breathes horses. For most of her life, Paulette has been breeding Hanoverian and Oldenburg Warmbloods horses, producing some of the most talented Warmblood horses gracing the dressage arena. “When I moved into the world of dressage, the demands put onto the horses and the pace at which we expected them to progress was very intense and it didn’t create harmony. “That was what I was doing for most of my horse life. It was always about me until a very powerful and strong willed mare called Foxy Lady gave me no choice but to listen as the methods I was using were not working on her.“
Over the last 15 years, Paulette has changed her focus to exploring liberty work and how to inspire the horse to want to learn. This has had a phenomenal effect on her equestrian journey. Growing up, Paulette did the usual kids’ activities on horseback and when training she applied the pressure based system and demanded respect.
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As she grew older and took up dressage, Paulette thought that there must be another way to training and looked at her horses in a different way.
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“Most horse training methods focus on submission so you can get the horse to do what you want them to do,” Paulette explains. “Some methods are more creative than others and some are gentler than others, but the end goal is still the same ‘how do I get my horse to give me what I want?’.
“Foxy is a blessing and I believe she arrived in my life to facilitate positive change all over the world for horses and people.” “The best decision I ever made was to stop listening to horse trainers and start listening to my horses. I needed to understand concepts like ‘oneness’, ‘give to get’, ‘being vs becoming’ and so much more. This depth of understanding is critical to finding harmony with our horses (and humans). “The study of yoga, meditation and philosophy has helped me to grow as a person, to connect with the horses and share my knowledge with others – it’s very spiritual and not forcing training upon the horse.” With this in mind, Paulette began to work her horses at liberty in her arena and was surprised with the result. “I would work with one horse and have all the others peering over the fence watching what we were doing – they all wanted a turn. “When working at liberty, our focus is about
needs will allow a true relationship to blossom. Paulette explains that equestrians come to her clinics for different reasons – either to better their partnership as they have heard of Ribbleton Attunement, others have difficult horses that they are trying to train.
listening and understanding what the horse is saying. By doing this your relationship becomes one of harmony. “It’s no different to our human-human relationships; the horse becomes happy and opens itself up to communicate because we are listening to them. With this freedom of the mind, they become willing and inspired to learn with you - they trust you and they want to be with you.”
“Other people will meet a horse that doesn’t agree with being dominated all the time, a horse that doesn’t want to submit and is prepared to stand up for themselves. Usually, these horses are sold and moved on or sometimes even worse. But sometimes the person decides to try a different way. “That’s what I did, and that’s what a lot of my students and clients have done now. That’s how they come to me. Like Foxy Lady, some horses have a very big voice and are yelling at us to listen.
Over time, Paulette found that her liberty work was opening up her horses to a happier energy and were extremely responsive when working. The success with her own horses at home inspired Paulette to share her experiences and teach others, so Ribbleton Attunement Training was born.
“By undertaking connection training, gaining your horses trust and actually listening to their
“The horses that are willing to fight for their rights are here to create great change in the world for their fellow horse. Are you inspired to make a change to your training? Undertaking Paulette’s Attunement courses will strengthen your connection with your horse – the journey starts here. Visit www.ribbleton.com for course information.
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“In training, if you take the pressure away and you take the tack away, the truth comes out – if the horse doesn’t want to be with you then they will turn their backs and walk away from you. If you’re working with them and they don’t want to be there but feel like they have to stay because they have been conditioned to stay, they may show you by kicking out and pushing into your space.
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OBERON RODEO
Jack Johnson Memorial Open Saddle Bronc was won by Ben Maytom Photography: Emma Boland
Novice Bull Ride Chase Thomas
Novice Bull Rider Ryan Atkinson
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Rope and Tie competitor Cody Whitfield
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Young Lady competitor Shailee Milthorpe showing the boys how its done!
Tim Amey in the Rod Brien Memorial Open Bull Ride
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The Friesian The Friesian is one of the world’s oldest breeds and is native to Friesland, which is the Northern Province in The Netherlands (Holland). The Friesian is a sight to behold, with its incredible strength and agility coupled with its willing and friendly nature. The breed is stocky in appearance but not to the conformation of the true heavy horses such as Clydesdales or Shires and stands between 14.3-17 hands high.
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Originally descended from Equus robustus (big horse), Andalusian blood was introduced during the 16th and 17th centuries when Spanish stallions were left on the battlefields during Thirty Years War between the Dutch and Spanish. This gave the Friesian horse higher knee action, a relatively small head and an arching neck.
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Ridden by the Crusaders from Europe and being relatively fast despite its large size, it was a useful warhorse throughout the centuries. A studbook was established in 1879 but the breed went into a decline and had almost died out before World War I. Enthusiasts have since built up the numbers but it is still a rare breed outside the Netherlands. The only Friesian colouring allowed today is solid black, with the sole exception of a small white star on the forehead. The tail and mane are wavy and there is feathering on the feet - so they aren’t for the owner that wants a low maintenance horse.
Meet Kate from Triple C Friesians Kate Paddison is a true enthusiast of the Friesian horse. Located on the
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, her team consists of JolleZ as her Friesian breeding stallion, her gelding Triple C Lucius, Brood and show mare Triple C Dark and Stormy Mirage, and her beautiful part bred coloured colt Triple C Ragnar. “I got into Friesians at very young age their movement and looks captured me,” Kate said.
“He is by Beart 411 who in an approved stallion - he held the title of World Champion stallion for two years so it is very exciting to have these blood lines in Australia. “The service fee JolleZ is affordable, it’s only $1000 for three straws - he has an amazing temperament with the moves to match.” At the recent Queensland Keuring (Friesian assessment), JolleZ was awarded STAR stallion – you cannot get better than that! JolleZ is not the only star in Kate’s barn, with Lucius having spent lots of time in the limelight. “Lucius is a 13 year old Friesian Gelding by Geert W,” Kate explained.
“They are my passion because they always put in a huge effort and they have such a great presence.
Lucius was broken in by well-known professional horse trainer and animal wrangler for blockbuster movies, Grahame Ware Jnr, he has starred in a few shows and advertisements. He is best known for his work in the Bank of New Zealand adverts as well as the Saddle Club television series.
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“JolleZ is my stallion standing at stud and we imported him from The Netherlands. He arrived in Australia in 2015 through IRT transport after a long but very exciting importation process.
“I have owned him since 2013 and he has pushed me to be a better rider – I have come so far since owning him.
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HUB SADDLE REVIEW
“I chose the Liberty as I have a high withered horse with quite a long back and shoulder,” Karen said. “I love the Peter Horobin saddles as they are high quality. The Liberty puts me in the correct riding position and balances me a lot better than other brands.
Saddle r e v i e w : Karen Chatterton Karen Chatterton recently purchased her Peter Horobin Liberty saddle for her Thoroughbred and is very happy with her purchase.
“It’s so comfortable not only for me, but also for my horse. “Purchasing the Saddle Hub was so easy – the website is great!”
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Next month in
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…
u AQUIS Showjumping Classic Wrap Up u We announce the winner of our Luxury Escapes Competition u Equestrian Law and Hub Money are back with handy legal and financial tips and information u We delve into the psychology of riding
MARCH Young Rider of the Month
Coco My name is Coco. I am 12 years old. I have been riding all my life and I would love to be a full time show jump rider like Mr Fahey when I grow up. I don't know Mr Fahey, but my grandfather grew up with him and competed with him. They talk sometimes on the phone and I’ve heard lots of stories. My horse is called Tiberius. He was a campdrafter when mum bought him but he's loving jumping and we've learnt so much together. He's the best horse. I'm about to start riding mum’s old showjumper Lucy. Then I'll have two horses to compete with. I'm so excited. I would love to win this book as I think my family would love it - and so would I! Thanks, Coco. We wish you all the best, Coco!
Coco has WO N an signed copy of Joh Fahey's new bo n ok CONGRA T U L A T AND a p ersonal IONS ised t-shirt f rom Filly & C o.
If you are a young competition rider and would like to be considered for HubVibes Young Rider of the Month, send us a pic of you and your horse and 150 words about who you are, what you want to achieve and why you love your sport to info@hubvibes.com.au.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS Have you ever been told horse riding is not a sport you just sit there?
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I think every single person that has ever ridden a horse has been told this at some stage in their riding career. We all know this is definitely not true, but how many times have you got to the end of a good lesson and struggled to maintain your position, or really struggled to ride the last few jumps of a cross country course?
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A lot of riders forget that cross training and living a healthy lifestyle is just as important for us as it is our equine partners. We spend thousands of dollars a year on our horses, we spend hours and hours in the saddle perfecting every movement, putting in the time to have our horses up to scratch, performing to the best of their ability, but how can we expect our horses to perform to the best of their ability if we are not doing the same thing? Yes, horse riding is a sport and yes, it can be used as part of our own exercise routine, but just as we
expect our horses to be fit and healthy to carry us around, we need to be doing an out of saddle fitness routine to keep ourselves performing to the best of our ability. A more balanced, fit rider makes the task we are asking of our horse a lot easier, we are then not interrupting their movements. So, what sort of cross training should we be doing? There’s a million different exercises and a million different resources online but not too many that relate back to riders, although as riders we are athletes and should train as such. There are a few key aspects
that we should integrate into our training that relate directly to riding and being able to ride to the best of our abilities and ensuring we give our horses the clearest signals possible. These are: • Balance • Flexibility • Core strength (this is the entire upper body not just abdominals) • Glute muscles • As well as overall muscle symmetry Other things that can help are plyometrics, speed and agility and functional movement based training as these things all help with reaction
times that are crucial in riding.
FRIDAY: Stretching
Incorporating just 30 mins a day into your routine can dramatically improve your riding. Below is a little example of a routine that would be awesome.
SATURDAY: Cardio based activity SUNDAY: REST Over the coming months, I will be sharing some specific exercises designed to target and address common physical weaknesses we riders tend to face.
MONDAY: workout targeted at rider fitness muscles TUESDAY: Stretching WEDNESDAY: Cardio based activity
Stay tuned for next month where we talk about the importance of warming up and stretching.
THURSDAY: workout targeted at rider fitness muscles
Bec Niit is from Equine Rider Fitness and is a qualified personal trainer and riding instructor with 20 years riding experience. Bec is dedicated to making the team equal, by improving rider fitness, balance and flexibility to ensure that horse and rider can reach their full potential together, creating a long term and successful partnership.
Making the Team Equal E Q U I N E ONLINE COACHING AND PROGRAMS
R I D E R
F I T N E S S
12 WEEK RIDER FITNESS E-BOOK
RIDER FITNESS BOOTCAMPS
For further information call: 0433 284 725 or email: admin@equineriderfitness.com
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PRODUCT REVIEW
Coolcore Sports Chill Towel COOLCORE IS A WORLD LEADING BRAND SPECIALISING IN CHEMICAL-FREE COOLING FABRICS AND THEIR PRODUCTS ARE IDEAL FOR THE FITNESS FANATIC OR FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH THE HEAT. THE TOWEL IS COMPACT, EASY TO USE AND LOWERS YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE BY 30 PERCENT! When the fabric is wet, (either with sweat or water) Coolcore provides chemical-free cooling - no need to put it in the fridge or freezer! To activate the cooling technology, simply wet, wring and wave. It's the airflow that makes the towel cold.
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Where to Find Us
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The CoolCore Sports Chill Towels are machine washable, reusable, they dry soft
and provide UPF 50+ sun protection. What more could you want! With the generous length you can cover your head and face, wrap it around your neck or get creative cooling down your limbs. One of our Hub Vibes staff recently used her towel in lieu of a cold pack after a recent operation on her foot - it worked a treat.
The best part is that you don't have to look far to buy this wonderful product. The Equestrian Hub are now proud stockists.
Come and have a chat about how we can help you find a home for your pre-loved saddle, or check out the saddles we currently have available. We can also answer all your questions about our HUB DIRECTORY and HUBVIBES E-zine. APRIL 2017 22 - 30 APRIL: Aquis Showjumping Classic 12th MAY: Festival of dressage in Caboolture 25 - 28 MAY: Lismore Hack Championships
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by "The Riding Mum"
The Riding Mum has a co kids as well as a varying n legged variety in the form cats, chickens and the od and goes (although admit only have 2 legs not 4 whi wh
Everybody Needs A Cheer Squad It’ll be fun, they said. It’ll be character building. What a great opportunity to bond and share a memorable life experience. That’s what “they” said.
degree weather six hours from home. Nothing to go wrong there! So we packed up, waved goodbye to a widely grinning hubby/dad (who was rejoicing in the unheard of luxury of four days in a quiet house with full control of Netflix) and set off on our big adventure.
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As a mum of two young kiddies who also enjoys equestrian competition, I often find I am torn between the two loves of my lives and a side of guilt is never far away. (Oh that’s right and I have a husband too…)
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So when a three day comp was coming up smack bang in the middle of the school holidays I figured I had a choice: 1. Go on my own and feel guilty the entire time or 2. Take them with me. Yep, just me and the kids and two horses camping in the float for three days in two
I’ll admit there was the odd challenge, like failing to pack an extra air mattress which would have been useful when the double one we had popped at about 10pm on the first night. Mr 9 year old also mentioned on several occasions that it also probably would have been handy if I had
remembered to bring the torch. Or any lighting at all really. Still, as we discovered that first evening, it’s amazing how much you can achieve with the light of smart phone! We eventually got set up (close enough) in the end and, with the surprising resilience of children who thought the whole thing was hilarious, we pretended we were eating our sausage sandwiches around a camp fire as we sat around the light of the gas cooker in our horse float (the only place to escape the icy winds the NSW Northern Tablelands are renowned for at certain times of the year). “Now this is the person you need to go and see if mummy falls off and breaks her neck…” was how I introduced a long time riding friend of mine just before I mounted to warm up for my first class.
ouple of two legged number of the four m of horses, dogs, dd rodent that comes ttedly, the chickens ich is probably a
good thing) who all live together on the Happy Family Farm with one VERY long suffering other half. Needless to say, life is many things, but dull it is not! We look forward to hearing her monthly tales of juggling, kids, horses and life in general.
While I’m sure to some non-horsey mothers out there, I was potentially mentally scarring my poor abandoned offspring with images of mummy going out to ride and never returning, but in my mind I was being a responsible parent! I had my plan B just in case things went a little pear shaped. There was no doubt the whole event was an eye opening experience for them, seeing “mum” as a person doing what she loves and being a part of the celebration of the clear rounds and the ribbons as well as the challenges of
when things don’t go as planned. While Mr 9 revelled in the realisation that when at a show, he could pretty much get away with playing his iPad as much as he liked and eating whatever he felt like (salt and vinegar chips for breakfast anyone?), Miss 7 became my own personal cheer squad, critiquing every jumping round in detail and providing encouragement as she saw fit “you nearly kept all the jumps up Mum!”. And once again I was reminded that the horse community is such a great, supportive group of people.
There was always someone on hand to keep an eye on the kids, make sure they didn’t go hungry and to hold a horse when I needed to walk the course. And I’m pretty sure the kiddies actually had a great time – at least after the long drive home, putting horses away, unpacking the car in the rain, and washing off the mud and exhaustion of the weekend, we were on the lounge watching Nemo on Netflix when I was asked “so when can we go again Mum?” Oh Lord help me, what have I started?
Jumping Saddle Specials! $3,500
$4,000 $2,750
$4,250 Antares 17”
Devoucoux Biarritz 17.5"
For more saddle information, visit our website.
$4,250
$4,250 CWD SE01 17"
Hopfner Piano 17.5”
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Show Saddle Specials! $2,000
$950
$1,750
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Vicky Ward Classique Turnout 16.5”
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Barnsby 17.5” For more saddle information, visit our website.
$2,000 Ambassador Turnout 17"
$2,500
$2,200 Trainers Jessica 17.5"
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
CHARITY
HIGHLIGHT
World Horse Welfare WORLD HORSE WELFARE WAS FOUNDED IN 1927 IN BRITAIN AS A CAMPAIGNING ORGANISATION TO PREVENT THE EXPORT OF LIVE BRITISH HORSES FOR SLAUGHTER AND IS NOW AN INTERNATIONAL HORSE CHARITY THAT IMPROVES THE LIVES OF HORSES IN THE UK AND AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH EDUCATION, CAMPAIGNING AND HANDS-ON CARE. The charity's founder, Ada Cole, was spurred into action after witnessing a procession of British work horses being unloaded and whipped for four miles to slaughter in Belgium. From the beginning she defined the World Horse Welfare approach - combining practicality with passion.
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A decade after being founded World Horse Welfare achieved their first major milestone - providing protection for British horses being exported for slaughter. This legislation is still in place today!
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Ninety years on, the World Horse Welfare has continued to campaign while expanding their activities to include welfare and protection around the world. The charity has four Rescue and Rehoming Centres in the UK and currently has 16 sustainable projects in 15 of the world’s poorest countries. In everything they do, World Horse Welfare aims to be:
• Realistic in their approach, focusing on the practical to achieve what is possible now while mindful of the future • Compassionate in their attitudes, behaviour and decision-making • Forward-thinking in anticipating challenge and change, always seeking new ways of being more effective. How can you help? World Horse Welfare relies on donations to help keep up their good work. Donations can be given as a singular one off payment or more regular basis and easily done online.
"This age of disposable things should not apply to animals. If anyone can take a horse, or knows someone who can, please consider rehoming a horse from World Horse Welfare." Dame Judi Dench Want to learn more about World Horse Welfare? Further information can be found via their website.
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SADDLERY AND TACK
Woollybutt Equine Design
SADDLERY AND TACK
Equine ID Solutions
woollybuttdesigns.com
equineidsolutions.com.au
Australian custom made 3 piece horse rug and accessories.
Peace of mind starts with Equine ID solutions.
MADE TO FIT YOUR HORSE
SERVICING AUSTRALIA WIDE
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Ocean Easy Stables We’re all about Equine Innovation and Education. ocean-easy-stables.myshopify.com SADDLERY AND TACK
Cal Rei Australia Cal Rei is all about breathable, hygienic and anti-fungal 3D Spacer Fabric for horses. Great for Dressage & Jumping.
https://calrei.com.au/ VET, HEALTH AND THERAPEUTIC
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Equifit QLD
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In the Equine Industry, there is not one, but TWO athletes who perform! Why not give your team the chance to compete at its best by using our services!
0431322758
One Stop Horse Shop onestophorse.com.au YOUR ONE STOP SHOP ONLINE FOR HORSE SUPPLIES AND RIDING EQUIPMENT! VET, HEALTH AND THERAPEUTIC
Calm Healthy Horses We EDUCATE AND HELP people achieve calm, healthy horses.
calmhealthyhorses.com VET, HEALTH AND THERAPEUTIC
Melissa Lont Equine Myofunctional Equine Myofunctional Therapy (EMT) is a combination of tactile massage techniques applied across the entire skeletomuscular systems.
www.melissalont.info
BLING
SADDLEFITTERS
Equine Rider Accessories
INLINE EQUINE
equinerider.com.au.com Largest range of Australian Hand Made Equestrian Stock Ties and other accessories for horse and rider. SADDLEFITTERS
Certified Equine Body Worker & Saddle Fitter inlineequine.com.au.au.com
INSTRUCTORS
Performance Saddlefits QLD
Dressage Plus
dressageplus.com.au
Offering comprehensive saddle fitting, repairs and custom made saddles https://performancesaddlefits.com.au/
A combination of dressage training and performance coaching. Focusing on improving and growing the rider’s mindset so they can achieve their best!
List with us and reach the people who need you! All new listings until April 30th go in the draw to win our $1,000 holiday voucher. See page 2 for competition details.
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To list with us, visit Hub Directory online and follow the prompts.
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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