FREE
NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE SADDLE HUB
JANUARY
How to be a CONFIDENT RIDER Hub HERO Tor Van Den Berge CONFESSIONS of a Horse Riding Mum and PLENTY more!
2 FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
4 HOW TO BE A CONFIDENT RIDER
6 HUB HERO TOR VAN DEN BERGE
8 2016 WRAP UP
10 RDA 2016 VOLUNTEER AWARDS
15 YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH
16 CARING FOR HORSES IN SUMMER
18 CONFESSIONS OF A HORSE RIDING MUM
20 WESTERN LEATHERWEAR WITH HANDMADE FLAIR
23 SOME GEORGE MORRIS-ISMS...
24 PRINCE FLUFFY KAREEM
NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE SADDLE HUB Editorial & Advertising Enquiries: penny@thesaddlehub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries: Fiona Todd: 0414 760 067 Graphic Design: Joanna Reid: 0408 773 851 Published by The Saddle Hub PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760 067 • Email: info@hubvibes.com.au www.thesaddlehub.com.au
PROUDLY SUPPORTERS
Dressage Saddles $2,500
$2,495 Jaguar by Harry Dabbs 17.5”
$2,200
Trainers Jessica 17.5”
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Kieffer Lusitano Kur 17”
2
Luc Childeric DHE 17”
$3,800
$4,500
Ideal Suzannah 17.5”
$2,000
$4,995
$2,200
$2,200 Butet 17.5”
$3,750
$3,400 Mal Byrne Atelier Excel 17.5”
For more saddle information visit our website.
www.thesaddlehub.com.au
Peter Horobin Liberty 17.5”
We are looking forward to a HUGE 2017 here at The Saddle Hub. From the technical side, we have and are continuing to introduce new upgrades to our website all the time to make it easier to navigate for saddle buyers, sellers and advertisers alike. Check out our new Contact Us page – so easy to find the right person to answer any enquiry at the push of a button! We also have two major announcements to make…
Our second announcement is a biggie as… (drum roll please)… 2017 will see The Saddle Hub expand into the NEW ZEALAND market! The demand for our services in New Zealand has been too loud to ignore and we look forward to helping our friends across the Pacific re-home and/or source their pre-loved saddles. Stay tuned for the developments! This month in HubVibes, we celebrate an organisation very close to our hearts here at TSH, the Riding for the Disabled, which recently announced their 2016 Volunteers of the Year. We also take a look back at some of the big events of 2016 in our page of pics Wrap Up and if you have any special riding goals for 2017, check out Anne Gage’s 7 tips for improving riding confidence. 2017 is shaping up to be a pretty exciting year, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Happy riding! The Saddle Hub Team
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Firstly, we are now officially able to accept ALL WESTERN AND STOCK SADDLES into The Saddle Hub! Until recently it was a challenge to offer The Saddle Hub service to these types of saddles due to their weight which posed a problem with our free shipping service. However The Saddle Hub team have, as usual, now found a way around this and we can include exactly the same service on western and stock saddles as we can English saddles. Of course our same Happy Horse Happy Rider, two week guarantee trial
period applies on these saddles as well.
3
4
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
HOW TO BE A CONFIDENT RIDER 7 Mindset Barriers to Building Your Confidence with Horses and Riding by Anne Gage of Confident Horsemanship
Two different areas affect your confidence with horses and riding. One is technical skill and the other is mindset. Have you ever seen a less technically skilled rider do better than a more skilled rider in a competition, in riding lessons or even while pleasure riding? Have you known a very skilled rider who is afraid of riding outside of the arena or a rider who does well when riding at home but falls apart when showing? What makes the big difference in how confident you feel is your mind set. A positive mind set pushes you forward while a negative one holds you back – even sabotages you. If you want to build your confidence, the place to start is by recognizing these 7 barriers that affect your mindset and what to do to get past them. Barrier #1 Focusing on what might go wrong. When your mind is running in circles about all the bad things that could happen, it’s impossible for you to focus on what is actually happening in the present moment. You are being reactive rather than pro-active.
Barrier #2 Worrying about the outcome. When your focus is on the end result, you miss out on the journey. You miss important steps that are needed in the process of getting there. What to do instead: Focus on each step of the process. Stay present in the moment and avoid thinking too far ahead to the end result. You build a solid foundation by identifying and then taking each step that you and your horse need to take together to be achieve your desired outcome. Barrier #3 Feeling judged by others. Performance anxiety can happen anywhere other people will see you riding. It could be in a riding lesson, at a horsemanship clinic or in a competition. When you worry about what other people are thinking, you get in your own way. What to do instead: Let go of what others might think about your performance. Stop trying to read other peoples’ minds. Anyone with a negative opinion will quickly forget about you and move on to another target. People who care about you will support you. The opinion of anyone who doesn’t care about and support you is not important. Let it go. Barrier #4 Taking stresses and distractions from other areas of your life into the arena. You had a bad day at the office. You had a disagreement with your kids or your
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
What to do instead: Be here now. Stay present and in the moment by being aware the environment, your horse and yourself. Is your horse really concerned about the wind blowing or is he tense because you are tense? When you pay attention to what is really happening now in this moment, you cannot be worrying about what might happen in the future. You can
prevent things from falling apart – even if it’s only falling apart in your mind.
5
spouse. You got delayed by bad traffic and now you’re late for your lesson. Day to day stresses cause physical and mental tension that continues to affect you long after the actual event occurred. And that tension and stress negatively affects your horse, your patience and your ability to learn. What to do instead: Leave distractions and stresses from your life at the barn door. You really don’t want to take them along for the ride. If you really want to, you can pick them up on your way out of the door. Or you can also just decide to leave them there permanently. Slow down. Take a few deep, calm breaths. Stretch out your body. Clear your mind. If you can’t leave it behind, do yourself and your horse a favour. Give him a scratch and carrot then walk away. Barrier #5 Being a perfectionist. It is unreasonable to look for perfection in yourself, your horse or your riding. It really is a journey. You will have good days and bad days. So will your horse.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
What to do instead: Stop striving for perfection. In riding (as in life) there is always room for improvement. Recognize where improvement is needed without beating up yourself (or your horse). Re-read #2.
6
Barrier #6 Over thinking or over analysing. Riding well requires being able to feel your horse. It requires awareness for your own body as well as your horse’s body. When you over think, the left, analytical side of your brain takes control and limits your ability to sense and feel your horse (or your own body,
for that matter) and to be aware of what is happening in the moment Being too much in your head takes you out of your body. What to do instead: Think less. Feel more. Engage the right, feeling side of your brain by tuning in to the rhythm and movement of your horse’s body, creating an image of how you want to feel (i.e. soft and light like a feather), or humming a tune that calms or inspires you. Barrier #7 Taking things too seriously. When you take things too seriously or only focus on results, riding stops being fun – for you and your horse. You aren’t having fun if you are constantly judging how well you performed or focusing on what ‘went wrong’ in every ride. What to do instead: Have fun and enjoy your journey. You came to horses to have fun and because riding brought you a sense of joy, adventure and fulfilment. Just like us, horses are social creatures that thrive on interaction and play. Some rides need to be about training, but every ride needs to incorporate fun and light hearted interaction to avoid making your horse (and you) sour and resentful. The bottom line: Being a confident rider requires both technical skills and a positive mindset. Focusing on enjoying the time you spend with your horse (the journey) helps to build a better partnership and keeps your passion alive. When you are both relaxed, calm and enjoying your experiences together, you are open to learning and growth and performing to your best ability.
Anne Gage of Confident Horsemanship is known as The Horsewoman's Relationship Coach. Anne helps horse loving women create the Calm, Confident and Connected partnership of their dreams with their horses. For more confidence boosting tips, get the free guide “5 Fast and Simple Tips To Being A More Confident Horsewoman”. www.confidenthorsemanship.com
HUB HERO
JANUARY
Five minutes with DRESSAGE Champion
Tor Van Den Berge
Q1. What is your most memorable moment in your equestrian career?
Q3. What’s the most unusual item in your tack box?
Competing Jaybee Alabaster at the 2006 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany.
A pair of surgical clamps. Left here by the vet and can be quite handy to pull forlocks through when plaiting.
Q2. Which is your all-time favourite horse?
It would have to be Ton de
Hub Hero brought to you by:
Q5. Your best advice for an aspiring World Cup show jumping rider is‌ Work hard! Regardless of what horse you have, do a good job on it. Every horse can teach you something!
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
My all time favourite horse would have to be Totilas. Of my own horses, Lauries As is pretty special.
Q4. If you could train with anyone in the world, past or present, who would you choose?
Ridder. I have already had some great lessons with Ton, but would love to train with him full time. I think the man is a genius!
7
2016WR WR 016 2016 W 016 WR 2016 WR JUNE
2016 WRAP UP
MAY
proudly sponsored by
photo credit:
photo credit:
Yuri Kouzmin
Melbourne International 3 Day Event. Winner IRT CIC3* #342 Shane Rose, on CP Qualified.
EAWA
WA Dressage Championships, Colin Chandler riding Bonita, Large Tour Champions.
equestrian events.com.au
APRIL
photo credit:
Equestrian Australia
MARCH
photo credit: the
ABC
Sydney Royal Show.
photo credit:
AQUIS Showjumping Classic at Elysian Fields.
OCTOBER
Heath Ryan wins 2016 Grand Prix, Australian Dressage Championships
Photography
Sarah Sullivan
JULY
photo credit:
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
AUGUST
8
OzShots
Charlotte & Valegro win gold, Rio Olympics.
photo credit: http://www.dehoefslag.nl/laatste-nieuws/dressuur/90625rio-kur-valegro.html
Ben Hudson wins the 160km, Australian Endurance Championships.
RAP UP RAP UP WRAP U RAP UP RAP UP NOVEMBER
Horse Council
photo credit: the
Equestrian Australia Show
DECEMBER
EA Australasian Show Horse National Championships. FEBRUARY
photo credit:
Equitana 2016.
Stephen Mowbray
photo credit:
photo credit:
Boneo Park
JANUARY
Marie de Ronde - Oudemans
FEI World Cup Driving, Boyd Exell places 2nd. photo credit:
EA
Australian Showjumping Championships, Jamie Kermond on Yandoo Oaks Constellation won the ASJC Senior Title 2016.
Boneo Park "Picnic in the Park".
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
SEPTEMBER
9
RDA 2016 Volunteer Awards guest speaker, Katherine Walmsley from Jurox Australia, the night was a fantastic celebration of volunteers and the work they do for Riding for the Disabled all around the country.
Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy stimulating, therapeutic, horse-related activities in Australia.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Established in the 1970’s, the organisation has been running for more than forty years and encourages active participation by its members, at all levels, regardless of their disability, at recreational and competitive equestrian events.
10
The RDA Centres are spread across Australia and provide suitable horses, trained volunteer helpers, accredited RDA coaches, riding and safety equipment to run a range of equestrian activities including: • structured riding classes • recreational horse riding • hippotherapy • mounted games/competitive riding • vaulting • carriage driving • dressage • equestrian camps Recently the RDA held their National Volunteer Recognition and Awards Night to honour those volunteers that the organisation simply could not function without. Hosted in Morphettville Junction, South Australia and
The Award Presentations were the highlight of the night! The Young Volunteer Award was again sponsored by HorseWyse Magazine, Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers, continued their sponsorship of the Volunteer Encouragement Award and Arch Insurance came on board to sponsor the Volunteer Service Excellence Award.
2016 WINNERS Young Volunteer of the Year CASSANDRA EVANS (SA) Volunteer Encouragement Award BOBBI DINGLE (QLD) Volunteer Service Excellence PAMELA CLARKE (SA) Michael Field Memorial Award MARY LONGDEN (VIC)
We send our sincere congratulations to these wonderful volunteer winners and nominees for the awards. Volunteers are the life blood of any nonprofit organisation and RDA volunteers are no exception; if it wasn’t for them the RDA could not continue to deliver their wonderful service to the disabled. If you’d like to help either by volunteering or offering a donation, please contact an association in your state: http://www.rda.org. au/rda-national.aspx.
Animal Reproduction Logistics Pakair provide specialised courier solutions to move Animal Insemination samples around the country or around the world. From direct vehicle deliveries to access to aircraft, Pakair provide the best possible solution to meet the Time Critical nature of these shipping movements. next available flight international network domestic 24/7 validated packaging clinical trials clinical trial logistics real time tracking logistics� IVF logistics Stem stem cells stem cells and cellCells line Finished Pharma finished pharma Data data Loggers loggers
• Pakair provide a global network for AI sample distribution, including the Goulburn Valley area in Northern Victoria. • Overnight or same day air courier deliveries Australia wide, NZ wide or Worldwide. Pakair are the specialists in chilled and frozen semen. • Assistance with DAFF, Biosecurity NZ, USDA, DEFRA and all other regulatory requirements • Adherence to time constraints for delivery of ambient shipped semen • Pakair can supply packaging, temperature control and Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shipper hire • Door to door or airport collection ensuring best possible transit times and economical pricing.
Contact Details: Australian call centre: 1300 972 565 International Phone: +61 3 9286 0260 Global: enquiries@pakair.com.au Asia: asiaops@pakair.com.au Asia: asiabiz@pakair.com.au www.pakair.com.au | www.pakairasia.com | www.pakair.net.nz ABN 58 098 250 170
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
temperature control
Our service includes:
11
PainPod Biotechnology Horse riders often suffer through aches and pains caused from serious injury in our sport. But why suffer in silence when there is an advanced medical device that can help make you feel better? That device is the PainPod, an advanced Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) medical unit that is fast-working and a way to alleviate pain completely drug-free. It relieves pain, strengthens and conditions muscles and assists in recovery and rehabilitation
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
The PainPod works by passing bio-friendly electrical currents through the skin and into the targeted muscle area. With numerous settings to suit each individual’s needs you can enjoy pain relief from a number of different conditions including chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, surgery, injury, muscle strain, cramps, labour pain and more.
12
Hub Vibes resident writer, Dannii Cunnane, first tried the PainPod at an equine showcase event earlier last year and said it changed her life. “My first contact with the PainPod was at a horse
the horse show without any issues – I felt so free! The best part was I was pain-free for a few days after without having to rely on pain medication.” After receiving her own PainPod device, Dannii hasn’t looked back. “I now have my own PainPod and use it not just for pain management but for recovery after exercise,” Dannii said.
event and the friendly people at the PainPod booth coaxed me into trying it,” Dannii explains. “I was a little dubious about it as I’ve got some pretty severe injuries from a workplace incident and a horrific horse accident that happened some time ago. I constantly lived in pain, some days were better than others but there were times I couldn’t even get out of bed. I really didn’t believe that a machine that looked like an iPod could help in any way, but I explained to the friendly staff that I had constant back pain and they let me use the PainPod 3. “Initially I really wasn’t expecting much but after a few minutes and finding the perfect setting and intensity I noticed that my back pain was going away. After a 30 minute session my back pain was completely gone and I was able to enjoy the rest of
“It doesn’t hurt or interfere with my activities – all I have to do is place the pads where I’m sore or would like a massage and the device does its magic. “Being pain free means the world to me – I now ride without being worried about crippling pain the day after a big competition or an intense riding lesson. I’m able to push myself to be the best rider I can be and people are noticing the difference in my posture and ability. “I highly rate the PainPod devices and literally don’t leave home without it – I got my life back after using it and I know there are other people out there who are suffering in silence and would benefit from the technology.” Want to know more about the PainPod? Find further information on their webpage!
YOU’RE BETTER WITHOUT PAIN.
USE THE DISCOUNT CODE:
SADDLEHUB
AT THE PAINPOD ™ CHECKOUT
THE SADDLE HUB EXCLUSIVE OFFER: • • • •
PainPod™ 3 Physical Therapy Device 2 x sets of PainPod™ Premium Pads The PainPod™ Bio Gloves A $60 Gift Voucher
VALUED AT $634
FOR ONLY $479 SAVE $155
thepainpod.com FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO CLAIM: Add to cart at thepainpod.com : 1 x PainPod™ 3 2 x PainPod™ Premium Pads 1 x PainPod™ Bio Gloves • After entering your details at the checkout, enter the code “SADDLEHUB” into the Discount Code section before making payment. • Complete your order once the price reduces. *Please contact PainPod™ Australia on 1300 911 442 if assistance is required. •
PainPod ™ medical devices and accessories are FDA and TGA Listed (ARTG: 176131).
Where to Find Us
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
14
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. JANUARY 2017 Boneo Park Classic .19-21 January
Happy New Year!
Young Rider of the Month
JANUARY
Congratulations Bindy!
you’ve won a $50 gift voucher from
If you are a young competition rider and would like to be considered for HubVibes Young Rider of the Month email us your answers to the same questions we asked Bindy, along with a great pic of you and your horse. We can’t wait to hear from you! Name: Bindy Brannock Age: 10 Discipline: Barrel Racing Horse/s: : "Fancy" 8 yr old mare Past achievements: 2012: High Point Tiny Tot CRCA, 2013: Calliope Under 6 Barrel Champion, 2013: ABHA Capricorn Circuit Pee Wee Barrel Champion, 2014: Speed2Succeed Makin' it Mega Junior 4D Champion, 2015: Speed2Succeed Makin' it Mega
Little Drummers Champion, 2015: NBHA D3 Pee Wee Barrel Champion, Competed at the All American Junior Barrel Race in Jackson Mississippi USA, 2016: NBHA D3 Pee Wee Barrels & Pole Bending Champion, ABHA Capricorn Circuit Pee Wee Champion. Future goals: To one day compete in the biggest barrel race in the USA. Also to ride a horse with no bridle or saddle. Best advice: Always be gentle with your horse.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
15
Caring for Horses in
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Summer
16
During the hot summer months in Australia horses are under extra stress from heat, humidity, poor feed quality and insect worry. Some horses tolerate the heat well, while others lose coat and body condition and don’t perform at their best.
Dehydration About 75-80% of the energy used by the horse’s body is given off as heat. Even during gentle exercise, heat production by the horse is 10-20 times greater than at rest. During fast work, heat production can increase 40-60 times. Horses lose heat mainly by evaporation of sweat and by evaporative cooling from the respiratory tract. As humidity increases evaporative cooling reduces so great care must be taken to avoid heat stress in horses working in hot, humid weather.
Exercising horses can lose up to 10-15 litres of sweat per hour. As well as fluid loss, sweating also depletes sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium salts from the body. Horses that are only ridden occasionally should be able to replace their body salt losses from pasture and a salt “lick” in their paddock. However, horses which are exercised and sweat freely on a regular basis should receive a daily electrolyte supplement in their feed.
Cooling down after work As well as sweat loss during work, horses can continue to sweat for long periods after work, if they are not adequately cooled down. Be sure to:
unconditioned, overweight or dehydrated are most susceptible. Signs of heat stress include muscle weakness, rapid breathing and panting, an elevated heart rate and depression. The horse may sweat heavily, however if it is dehydrated it may be unable to sweat adequately to cool itself. Heat stress is an emergency and immediate steps must be taken to reduce the internal body temperature of the horse. • The horse should be unsaddled and led to a shady spot. • If water is not available fan the horse with a shirt or saddle cloth for 1-2 minutes.
• Remove all gear, including work bandages and boots as soon as possible.
• Then walk the horse slowly for 1-2 minutes before repeating the fanning and walking cycle until the horse brightens up.
• Sponge or hose the horse down with cool water over the neck, body, limbs and under the belly.
• If water is available sponge or hose the horse all over and scrape-off within 30 seconds as described above.
• After hosing scrape the horse off immediately. If not scraped off, the water in the coat will retain heat and can actually slow down the cooling process. If the horse is panting or blowing it is a good idea to walk it for a few minutes and then repeat the hosing and scraping.
Heat exhaustion or stress Horses that are worked hard during hot weather, particularly if the humidity is high, can suffer from heat stress. Horses that are
• Let the horse drink 2-4 litres of water at a time and provide an electrolyte replacer. A daily electrolyte supplement should also be added to the horse’s feed on an ongoing basis.
Insect bites Insects which can worry and bite horses abound during the warmer months, particularly in the humid, coastal regions of Australia. Insects can lead to ongoing annoyance, weight loss, and localised or wide spread skin disease. Queensland Itch (Summer Itch, Sweet Itch) some horses develop an allergic reaction to Continued on page 25
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
You should not give very hot horses free access to cold water. It is best to let them drink about 2-4 litres of water initially, then after 10-15 minutes of cooling down let them have free access to drinking water. Horses can be allowed to drink their fill during exercise e.g. endurance or trail riding horses if they continue to work afterwards.
• Fan or walk the horse for 2-3 minutes and then repeat the sponging or hosing and scraping. Repeat until the horse improves.
17
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
BOOTFACED When we first met, it was love at first sight.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
So beautiful, so long, so soft, so black. Those Ariat Challenge Field boots were the first pair of really nice top boots I’d ever bought myself (actually to be fair, I didn’t buy them, I did however put them on layby and told the hubby that my Christmas present was waiting to be collected…)
18
Based on the intensity of my adoration for these boots, I should have known our relationship was going to end badly. Like that moment in The Notebook when the story is turning out perfectly and you KNOW you should turn the TV off. Right then. But somehow you reach for the box of tissues instead.
When tragedy struck it was early in the morning, not my sharpest time of the day I have to confess, but my brain quickly snapped into high alert and my heart began to race l when my eye fell on a piece of black leather sitting all by itself outside on the back deck. A piece of shiny, beautiful, soft, black leather.
The Perpetrator!
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” I’m pretty sure the neighbours 5kms down the road heard my scream, which was fairly swiftly followed by a word that I don’t think I’m allowed to print here (starts with an “F” ends in a “K” and no, it wasn’t “firetruck”!) Now as a general rule I do try to at least sleep in my underwear for the sake of
my children (no one needs to see mummy walking around the house naked in the middle of the night), however I also generally don’t start thinking with any cohesion until after at least the first coffee of the day and (if I’m honest) not really until about half way through coffee number two. That’s usually when I remember to put on pants.
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.
Fortunately, living on acreage means we only have one close neighbour, an elderly retiree. He’s a nice man. And while he is used to hearing the occasional run of bad language, crying children and generally unsettling noises from our side of the fence, he certainly didn’t expect to start his day with a crazy lady chasing a dog in her underwear in the back yard waving a (once beloved) boot and screaming expletives like a banshee. And before you start thinking he might have appreciated the sight, I should probably mention that I haven’t been shopping at Victoria’s Secret for many, many years now. (Note to self… need to
upgrade the undies). The moral of this story, you might think, would be never to love a pair of boots so much that their demise will send you screaming into the backyard at 6am in your worst pair of undies. However I’m sorry to say that the truth is, I won’t really be visiting Victoria’s Secret, because I’d much rather start saving for my replacement pair of boots. I can already smell the fresh new leather in the box. So beautiful, so long, so soft, so black. Just keep riding fellow mums until next time!
The Victim.
* In case you were concerned, rest assured that my beloved Kelpie, Rex was neither maimed nor injured in the making of this story. Just sworn at prolifically. In the backyard. In my undies.
THIN LINE ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE SADDLE HUB’S TACK SHOP
Western Leatherware with
Hand-made
Flair
owner came to pick it up and didn’t recognise it was theirs – I really enjoy breathing life back into items that just need a little TLC.”
It is normal for equestrians to be proud of their tack, especially when we work so hard to afford nice things for our horses, but imagine being able to actually make your own saddle? We caught up with Kerry Rollings from Silver Star Western Gear who makes beautiful custom made leather items. “I started making items out of leather seven years ago,” Kerry explains. “It started off with making little things with a western accent and then I moved onto making larger items.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
After undertaking a number of courses, such as western saddlery making, silver-smithing and carving, I tried my hand at making my first saddle and never looked back."
20
It’s not just making items from scratch that Kerry enjoys, she is also queen of restoration and repairs. “It’s such a thrill fixing items for clients,” Kerry said. “I’ve taken a saddle that needed some extensive restoration; it was literally pulled apart and put back together again after being fixed and cleaned. The
The staff at HubVibes are very impressed with one particular saddle that Kerry has made, with the carvings some of the most intricate and beautiful that we have ever seen! “This saddle was the second one I’d ever made,” Kerry said. “Carving the patterns took more than 150 hours, which I undertook while recovering from surgery. The detail starts off as drawings on paper and once I’m happy with it I then transfer the designs onto the leather where they are traced with a knife to leave the imprint. Carving makes the design stand out with a three dimensional effect. Making saddlery is very relaxing and I enjoy making different things all the time.” Kerry has recently made a lovely pair of leather flip-flops as a Christmas present and has been making leather cuffs which are a beautiful fashion statement. Her talents aren’t just reserved for horseware. If you are interested in custom items with a western flair, check out Silver Star Western Gear.
SPORT PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIALISTS STATE OF THE ART MOBILE OFFICE ON-SITE PRINTING OZ SHOTZ CAN ATTEND YOUR EVENT
E-mail: earle@ozshotz.com.au Telephone: (07) 5497 0466 Mobile: 0411 810 647 PO BOX 193, MORAYFIELD QLD 4506
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
www.ozshotz.com.au
21
HUB DEALS Dressage, Jump and Show saddles priced under $2000.
$1,950
$1,250
Bentley Show 15”
$300
County Competitor 17.5”
$1,800
$1,100
Kent & Masters Jump 17.5”
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
$1,250
22
Bates Isabell Werth 16.5”
Tango 17”
$1,250 Bates Pony Dressage 16”
For more saddle information visit our website.
www.thesaddlehub.com.au
Tekna AP 16”
$2,000 Lucardi Elite 17”
Some George Morris-isms to ready you for next month's edition...
Next month in
…. REINING 101 BONEO PARK CLASSIC Page of Pics And LOTS more...
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Surviving a clinic with the legendary GEORGE MORRIS
23
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
CHARITY
HIGHLIGHT
Prince Fluffy Kareem PRINCE FLUFFY KAREEM (PFK) IS A UK REGISTERED CHARITY (REG NO. 1156400) WHICH CARES FOR HORSES, DONKEYS AND CAMELS THAT ARE WORKING IN CAIRO, EGYPT.
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Kareem is the grey stallion who started it all. He was bought by Marte Kjoell, founder of PFK, in June 2011 and was extremely emaciated, suffering from equine babesiosis and on the brink of death.
24
in 2011, tourists to Egypt have dwindled, which means that the owners of horses who rely on them for a living are doing it tough.
At first he was just named ‘Fluffy’ due to his fluffy, wavy fur, but shortly after it was decided he would need a more official name; Kareem, with ‘Prince’ thrown in as a joke, as Egyptians love to call their horses and dogs names like ‘Prince’ and ‘King’.
How does the team at Prince Fluffy Kareem help?
The animals are used to take tourists around the Pyramids, as well as being used to deliver goods around the local area. Since the uprising
With their wonderful team of helpers, Prince Fluffy Kareem organises clinics that are held in cooperation with local vets, where horses, camels
and donkeys get treated free of charge. Various issues like colic, colds, babesiosis, saddle sores and other wounds, laminitis, and various joint and tendon injuries are addressed and owners are shown how to provide ongoing care at home. Hoof care and dental care is also available to the animals if necessary. The worst cases are taken in for fostering. Fostering allows the horse to stay at the Prince Fluffy Kareem stables, where they eat, rest and get daily medical treatment, all free of charge. This provides a welcome relief for both horse and owner.
How can you help?
website Prince Fluffy Kareem.
• Getting crafty and making fluffy nosebands and girth covers. These are given out free of charge to owners and prevent wounds on noses and tummies from chains and wires being used for tack and harness. You can find instructions on how to make them here: Fluffy Noseband Guide.
• Hold a fundraiser in their name. Many of their supporters have held cake stalls, run marathons, auctioned off used tack or their own drawings and paintings, and one eager fluffiteer even held a breakfast barbeque fundraiser in his office.
• Spread the word – talk about them and spread awareness. Share their Facebook page and their
• Donate what you can to their cause – their website has a donate link so you can easily send them
Continued from page 17 Caring for Horses in Summer insect bites. Instead of simply suffering from individual insect bites these horses become intensely itchy, particularly along their withers, mane, tail butt, ears and backline. They rub excessively on posts, trees and railings, traumatising the skin, leading to open sores that can become infected and loss of hair. Severe cases of Queensland Itch should be treated by your vet who may prescribe antiinflammatory drugs and/or antibiotics.
• Sponsor one of their fluffies! Sponsorship is approximately AU$43 per month (depending on currency exchange of Great British Pounds). • More information can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ princefluffykareem
princefluffykareem.co.uk/
breeding areas for flies around your stables by cleaning manure away regularly and placing manure heaps away from stable areas.
Coat Care Hot weather and regular sweating can lead to a dull, dried-out coat during the summer months. Light rugs and hoods will protect the coat from bleaching, but care should be taken to avoid heavy rugs or materials that cause sweating as prolonged sweat loss under rugs can lead to electrolyte losses and dehydration. Extract of article “Caring for Horses in Summer” originally published by Virbac Australia. Reprinted with permission. For full article go to: https://www.virbac.com.au/home/horse-owner/common-health-articles/nutrition-feeding/ caring-for-horses-in-summer.html
H U BV I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Horses can be partially protected from insect bites by the use of light rugs and hoods, particularly between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. when insects are most active. If possible, stable susceptible horses in an insect proof environment during these times. Insect repellents are very helpful if applied each day prior to the insect attack time. Try to reduce the
whatever you’re able to spare. Your help would be very much appreciated!
25
NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE SADDLE HUB Published by The Saddle Hub • PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760067 • Email: info@thesaddlehub.com.au www.thesaddlehub.com.au