September 2018
Hub Hero
STACY WESTFALL Feeding Horses in a Drought THE AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE
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FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
THE TRAINING SCALE
4 THE POWER OF WHY
44 YOUR CLUB IN PROFILE
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FEEDING HORSES IN A DROUGHT
THE HORSE LISTENER
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PASSION KNOWS NO BORDERS
SADDLE REVIEW
22 A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY GOES A LONG WAY
42 QUEENSLAND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
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BREED SPOTLIGHT THE AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE
HORSE SOCCER
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PRODUCT REVIEW
PRETTY PERCEPTIVE PONIES
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YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH
STARS BY EPONA
Cover image: Stacy Westfall with Popcorn.
NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB HorseVibes Editorial: candida@equestrianhub.com.au Advertising Enquiries: promote@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries: Fiona Todd - 0414 760 067 Graphic Design: marketing@equestrianhub.com.au 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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It’s a little ironic that as I’m introducing you to the Spring edition of HorseVibes, having just read two drought stories, that I can hear the rain pelting down on the roof! I pray it continues and reaches to the areas that need it the most.
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he fabulous story, Passion Knows No Borders, by new contributor Ute Raabe, has touched my heart and reminds me of the generosity of the members of the equestrian world and the lengths they will go to in order to help someone in trouble. Stacy Westfall is our Hub Hero this month. The extraordinary 2006 video of her winning the All American Quarter Horse Freestyle Reining Competition, riding her black mare both bridleless and bareback went viral, and became an overnight sensation. Stacy is back as a judge for Equitana this year, and Candy tells us her story.
P.S. We are still raising funds to purchase a saddle for Sue Ellen Lovatt for her upcoming ride. Follow this link if you can make a donation to help this lady do her stuff in both comfort and safety.
Jane Camens, who seems to have the best horse life, has been off partying again literally this month with Pony Parties, whilst also enjoying even more trail riding. Today is a day of mixed emotions - my baby boy heads to his new home to begin his grown-up life as a dressage horse. Travel safe Donny, I am sure you and Candace will have a great time together. So now it’s time to pour your favourite tipple and enjoy the fantastic Spring edition of HorseVibes. Have fun, stay safe and I hope you all get wet. Fiona
This month’s prize draw is a WTP Bit, a pair of STS English irons and a pair of STS Western irons. See page 54. Winner from last month is Jade Braithwaite from Sydney. Subscribe now to win!
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
This month dressage expert Berni Saunders has written an article on what is referred to as the German Training Scale. Berni, who is based in Victoria, has trained two horses from just broken-in to Grand Prix dressage level and is a regular competitor.
Dannii’s article on Feeding in The Drought highlights many of the challenges faced those feeding during dry times. From supply, to content, to getting the balance right and possible health issues.
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The Power of Why Stacy Westfall is our Hub Hero this month. The extraordinary 2006 video of her winning the All American Quarter Horse Congress Freestyle Reining Competition, riding the beautiful black mare Roxy both bridleless and bareback went viral, and Stacy became an overnight sensation. And she’s back in Australia for Equitana 2018 later this year, writes Candida Baker.
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quitana visitors – you’re in for a treat. This year Stacy Westfall, the first (and only woman) to win the Road to the Horse colt starting competition in the US, is coming back to Oz – for her only overseas demonstration this year, where she’ll be giving a horsemanship masterclass. Stacy is a woman for firsts – and an unusual one was undoubtedly being the first person to have Ellen de Generes ride her horse – the famous Roxy, aka Whizards Baby Doll, without a bridle in front of a TV audience of millions.
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Stacy and her husband, Jesse, own and operate Westfall Horsemanship, in Ohio where they live with their three teenage sons – when they’re not on the road which is most of the time. One of the most sought-after clinicians in the industry, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2012.
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And it all started with one question - why? Imagine you’re an 11-year-old girl out riding with your friend on a wintry day in Ohio. You’re in the driveway of your friend’s house, when somehow her horse backs itself right up into a snowdrift, and sits down. Stacy remembers the moment vividly. “The horse kind of sat there, looking around as if to
say, ‘now this is weird’,” she says. Most kids would have laughed, and moved on, but not Westfall. She wanted to see if she could persuade the horse to do on purpose what had happened by accident. “Why,” she says, “did it sit? And could I get it to do it again? Well, it didn’t take long before the horse would back right up to the snowdrift – and sit. And from there it wasn’t much of a stretch to train that horse to back up to anything, anywhere and sit down.” Fast forward some 32 years and Westfall has become famous around the world for her amazing ability to train, ride and compete horses without a saddle or bridle. And you don’t have to be a horse expert to know that riding a horse without a saddle or bridle is not your normal everyday kind of riding, or that riding a horse without a saddle and bridle at a gallop in a stadium full of people, under lights and winning America’s largest freestyle reining event, is, without a doubt, an extraordinary kind of riding. Westfall’s high profile is, she says, in part testament to the power of technology, and was the result of her winning the 2006 NRHA ride saddle-less and bridle-less ride going viral
Stuart Tinney on Wanda.
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on You tube. “It was huge,” she says. “At the time, we had no idea what had happened – we got so many hits on our website the whole thing went down, we just couldn’t handle the capacity.”
is something that helps everybody, particularly children, understand messages. If you say to someone ‘don’t move your hand so fast,’ that is still negative and humans, and horses, simply don’t respond well to negative reinforcement. Imagining you have a small bird on your hands is a much more gentle, and yet stronger way to get your message across.” Not that the road to the success smooth. “It wasn’t quite - here’s this horse let’s just take its saddle and bridle off,” she says. “The first saddle-less and bridleless ride I did before I went to college was just a flat-out gallop that ended up in me falling off.”
Stacy at full speed on Roxy.
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Westfall attributes her success, not just with horses but also with teaching people to ride, to her mother’s insistence that they question everything. “My mother was a teacher,” she explains, “and with all the animals around us she would always get me to question why an animal behaved in a certain way – why do you think the dog did that? And I would try to come up with an answer.”
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Stacy put her bridleless riding ideas to the side for a while, finished her college degree where she studied horsemanship, and her particular skill of reining, met her horseriding NHRA coach husband, Jesse and started a family before the idea raised its head again. Reining requires competitors to do specific routines including a required number of spins, circles, lead changes and sliding stops; freestyle reining has the same requirements but
Long before there was official riding for the disabled, or riding or horses as therapy, Tracy remembers her mother bringing Down Syndrome children and their parents over to ride, or to hang out with horses. As a teacher, her mother also worked visually and with positive reinforcement. “Growing up in Maine we didn’t have any professional teachers, so we just learned as we went along,” she says. “My mother would always tell me pretend you have a little birdie sitting on your hands – she used a visual language to explain instructions which I think
Stacy wearing a costume at one of her classes.
competitors can create their own routines, and they can also ride in costume if they want. The horses used for reining, quarter horses, are particularly powerful – often stocky in comparison to thoroughbreds, but built for speed and strength.
away from you, until it asks to come and be friends – so that it makes the choice. (Think Monty Roberts join-up.)
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
“At the end of the first day I was way behind the men,” says Stacy, “but I was happy because my horse was choosing to come to It was back in 2003 when Westfall was me by the end of the day, and I knew then competing in a competition that she dropped that he would be easy from that point on. But a rein, but rather than it wasn’t easy for me – I stop the routine because could almost hear the “My mother would of the fault, she leant ‘poor girl she should never always tell me down to pick it up. “I was have tried’ vibes coming disqualified,” she says, from the guys and the pretend you have a “but it started me thinking audience but I just kept little birdie sitting on about the idea of riding focused on what I had to your hands.” with no bridle again. What do and I was very proud interested me was that that I won.” the higher up the levels of Not only did she win, she bought the horse reining a rider gets, the less visible the aids she had won with, and was astonished to find become, and the riding becomes more and that she was the first person ever to do so. more resistance-free. If I could translate those “I just couldn’t imagine having worked that very subtle cues to a horse by way of just my closely with a horse and then not buying it,” legs, hands and weight, I thought I might be she says. He was a good example of a horse able to get somewhere.” she wouldn’t compete saddle-less or briOne of the curious aspects of being in the dle-less. “He was just not serious,” she says, spotlight for any sport, but particularly for a “but he’s just not the kind of horse you could female in a male-dominated sport, or for ride around with the reins tied to the pommel!” anyone trying something new, experimental Not that the road that she has chosen is ever or unknown is that if you don’t win, you’re easy. In Stacy’s first bridleless ride with Canperceived to be a failure. Can Lena, she left out one movement and The ‘failure’ police were very much in eviwas again disqualified. For Westfall it’s all dence when Stacy competed in the Road to about being competitive with herself, rather the Horse in which competitors have only than with other people: “I bring it back to me a matter of hours, spaced over three days and the horse all the time,” she says. She and to ‘start’ an unbroken horse, to ride it, and Can-Can Lena won their next competition to compete it on the last day over obstacle bridleless, and the crowd, loved it. courses. As the only woman to have ever Just as with humans, there are no two horses been chosen to compete, all eyes were on alike – every single horse as its own individual Stacy, who decided that unlike the other comquirks and characteristics. Finding a horse petitors she was not going to rope her horse with the right attitude isn’t simple. to bring it into her, she was going to use the round-yard and the pressure and release sys“They’re just not all suited to that sort of tem, where the horse is sent gently but firmly work,” she says. “It doesn’t meant that they
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aren’t good horses, but say you start with a hundred horses to look at, you sort through to find 60 that have potential, and then as you go along you keep refining the training. For this sort of work you need a horse that has the brain, and the physical ability, one that can be quiet and focuses on their work.” The level of work is intense – Westfall reckons 1000 hours go into teaching a horse to go bridle-less and saddle-less, and she works the horses she is training for an hour a day, five days a week. But it is within that work schedule that Westfall comes to understand exactly what makes her horse tick. For example, she describes her horse Can-Can Lena as like a: “prim British nanny, whereas my next horse, Roxy, who was owned by a client of mine, Greg Gessner, was much more mischievous, but she still loved her work, which is the main thing you are looking for.”
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The grace of riding bare-back.
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It was Roxy who endeared herself to millions of viewers on the Ellen de Generes show, not just by her quiet obedience with a complete stranger sitting on her, but by her calm demeanour when Stacy rode her into the TV studio, with no saddle and bridle, where she stayed quietly during the interview, bowing to the audience. One of the sad realities of life is that our beautiful equine friends are as fragile as they are fast and strong. Stacy and Greg
Gessner lost Roxy in February 2012 at the age of 11, when she cast herself in her stall, injuring herself beyond repair. At the time Stacy was grateful that she had Roxy’s son, also a magnificent black horse, Can Can Vaquero, on whom she competed and won at the 2012 Dixie Nationals, who a few months later at the young age of seven suddenly started showing neurological symptoms and tragically had to be euthanized. A fan, asked on Stacy’s blog about how she would get over the loss of both beautiful horses. Stacy replied: “It was very public when Roxy and Vaquero died, both at young ages but I have had other horses live well into their 20’s and 30’s. When they died the only real difference was that it was a little more expected…but not necessarily easier. The morning Roxy died I stood in the vets clinic with Greg and through tears told him a quote that I had read somewhere, ‘Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.’ Knowing this didn’t stop the tears but it has helped me to remember the good times. And I think that might be the key.” Smile because it happened. What a great motto to live by. And thankfully for all of us we can still watch Stacy in action. A by-product of seeing the difference the Youtube video made in her life has been Stacy’s embracing of technology herself. On her website she writes a great blog – full of family and animal stories and homilies, and her Facebook page, is, unlike a lot of busy people, her. “I try to jump on every chance I get,” she says. “Plus although I’m new to blogging I really love it.” One of Stacy’s trademarks is that she believes all horses benefit from being on a loose rein. It’s the first step, she says to creating the trust that allows you ride first without reins, and second without the bridle. “I was helping one woman who had a gypsy cob and she was riding him bridleless at home and wanted to
her ability to give her horses and the riders she trains responsibility. “There comes a time where you have to say to yourself, this horse, or this person is capable of making these decisions, and if I carry on insisting, then I’m lessening their ability to think for themselves.”
Stacy on Blaze at Equitana 2011. compete. She made the decision to ride with the bridle in her first competition, but not hold the reins. They were there if she needed them, and as it was she gained the highest score of the whole show,” she says. “I was proud of the decision-making process she went through to arrive at the solution to keep her and her horse safe.” This is another reason for Stacy’s success -
She places, it has to be said, is an extraordinary amount of trust to place in a four-legged creature, who is perhaps the ultimate flight animal. As someone whose childhood - and various body-parts – were scarred by falls, I am envious of her ability to trust so easily, and it’s something she freely admits is unusual. “I didn’t have a reason not to trust horses,” she says. “It’s a gift I didn’t sign up for but I am very thankful that God put me here, with a parent that had the feel for a horse that my mum had.” Equitana Melbourne is on between November 15-18 at Melbourne Showgrounds where Stacy Westfall will be giving a specialist horsemanship clinic. Visit www.equitana.com.au
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Feeding Horses in a Drought Even though parts of New South Wales and Queensland received a bit of rain in the past few weeks we are still in serious drought. Dannii Cunnane looks at ways to keep our equine friends healthy through these dry times.
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he ground is cracked, dry and separating, there hasn’t been a really decent downpour in months, despite a bit of dust-settling rain. Grass for horses is sparse on the ground and the local hay supplier is now rationing out their dwindling supplies – and it won’t last.
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This is every horse owner’s worst nightmare, but some owners right across Australia are currently living it. While we cannot make it pour with rain to bring on the spring grass (oh boy, if we could!) we can give tips on feeding horses when supplies are running low.
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What are the liabilities?
During drought, it’s important to understand that the owner is responsible for the horse’s condition. If there is little feed and water, you cannot do nothing – by law this is not an option. It is your legal responsibility that horses in your care do not starve to death or become distressed during the drought. While some horses fare better than others, the only
legal body score a horse can get to in drought conditions is two – no lower. This means that you may have to supplement feed sources for your horse so its condition will not drop below the body score of two.
Be Proactive – Create a Plan While difference circumstances will come into play here, such as how many horses you have on a block of land, we’ll keep this generic. We do stress that every owner should have a drought plan though – even if you agist. The drought action plan is about thinking for the future - taking into account that your horse may not always have access to lush grass and soft hay, thinking about managing the land you have for the future. Are you able to sow grass seeds during the next downpour? If you rely on a dam or creek for water, what will you do if they dry up? Are you able to bring in water from an outside source and
place it in some troughs? Can you strip graze so that grass in other parts of the paddock can grow while horses only have access to grazing in a certain area? This will reduce trampling of precious grazing areas and allow paddocks to be rested. It’s all about the scenarios and actions that you’ll be required to take should the worst happen as well as thinking of the future and encouraging sustainable practices.
a stallion. Once you have an estimate of your horse’s current weight, you can then determine the amount of nutrients your horse will need to keep its current body score. One of the biggest problems in drought is a lack of forage. If you have been well prepared, you may have a good store of hay to help you through, but in extended periods of drought, there will likely be a time when you run out. Horses need at least one per cent of their body weight as dry forage each day. That’s five kilograms for a 500 kilogram horse. This is non-negotiable, and falling below this amount has its associated dangers in the form of colic, laminitis, gastric ulcers and loss of condition.
What is forage?
Feeding the Horse in Drought What you do with your horses will also be a factor in managing their feed during a drought. You cannot expect a performance horse to maintain its performance and body weight if its usual feed is diminishing without being supplemented accordingly. To ensure that feeding your rations will meet the targets of what you do with each horse will mean that you know and understand the horse’s nutritional needs for maintenance, exercise, performance or growth.
Keep in mind that there are also a few factors to consider, including the horses overall health and whether it is a lactating or pregnant mare, a young horse, an aged horse or
It may be more economical to buy large square or round bales of hay rather than the small bales and to bulk buy where possible to ensure a good supply as well as getting the best possible price. But where hay is extremely difficult to source, you may need to look to alternatives to supply a good chunk of the fibre and roughage in the diet. Care must be taken not to feed mouldy or uncured hay, but other than that, even sub-standard long stem grass hay will do where nothing else is available. Unconventional forages such as sorghum stubble, pea straw and good quality silage can be used where it is available. Silage can be a very good and nutritious feed for horses, it is high in energy, so can be fed
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Estimating a horse’s body weight is difficult if you don’t have access to scales, but we recommend the girth measurement be used as a good indication. (See Table 1 – girth measurement table: source: Agriculture Victoria).
Traditionally the forage allowance is made up of hay, pasture and chaff. It is very important to provide sufficient bulk and enough fibre to keep the digestive system moving along. During times of drought, the nutritive value of the roughage is less important than the physical bulk of it, as poor quality, low energy roughage can be supplemented with hard feed to fill the gaps.
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in small amounts diluted with other hay or forage types. Be careful to buy only what can be used in a few days, to prevent mould, and introduce horses to it slowly to allow the digestive system to adapt. There is a risk of botulism with silage that has not been made with horses in mind so care needs to be taken to ensure that the bale has not been pierced and has been cured correctly. Be very careful when using unusual types of forage and be aware of those areas of the diet that will need to be balanced by feeding them. If you require assistance or advice on using a type of forage with which you are unfamiliar, make efforts to contact a horse nutritionist for some professional advice and assistance.
What if forage is unavailable?
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
In terms of bucket feed, there are a couple of high fibre ingredients that can be added to
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increase the bulk of the diet and supplement limited hay intakes: Grain and seed hulls: the polished hulls of oats, lupins, soybeans and sunflowers can become available during times of drought and some can be used to increase the roughage content of the diet. While many of these by-products have little digestible fibre or dietary energy, they do add bulk and can replace some of the chaff that would usually be used to bulk out the hard feed ration. Hulls can be dusty, so must be dampened prior to feeding and may need the addition of a little molasses to increase palatability and intake. They should be mixed well with the grain and chaff mix. Oat hulls should be avoided since they are sharp and can pierce the horse’s gums and cause mouth ulcers and infection. Rice hulls should also be avoided as they can cause impaction colic in horses.
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have purchased requires water, the appropriate amount and standing time is adhered to. Ensure that these products are locked away from equines that may go exploring and help themselves – feeding these items without water may cause major health issues.
Bran and pollard: A traditional feed for horses, bran and pollard has a couple of problems to do with the high phosphorus and low calcium levels. Bran has very little digestible energy, has less fibre than oats on a volume basis and is only really useful to add volume to a ration. Pollard has a little more energy but has even lower fibre levels than bran and needs careful balancing for calcium. If bran and pollard are to be used as a bulker, then a calcium supplement such as di-calcium phosphate should be added to balance calcium levels and they should not be used for extensive periods of time.
Chaff replacements: There are several chaff replacement products that you can use to bulk your horses feed. These include Hygain Fibressential, SpeediBeet, MaxiSoy and similar feeds. Make sure that if the product you
Common Health Risks Associated with Drought Feeding During drought, you may need to make frequent changes to your horses diet as different ingredients become unavailable, or a new source of an ingredient is found. Constantly changing the diet, using unusual ingredients that you are not familiar with and feeding more hard feed to make up for the lack of forage imposes some health risks on your horse. The major risks to be aware of are colic, gastric ulcers, laminitis and worms. Colic: To minimise the risk of colic, try to provide as much roughage as you are able, and provide as much energy in the form of fibre and fat as possible, thus minimising the need for grains. Introduce all new feeds and ingredients including different hay and chaff types over a period of 7-10 days, gradually phasing out the old whilst slowly increasing the new ingredient. If you are having to feed a large amount of the required energy as hard feed, make sure you feed little and often. Feed no more than 2.5kg of hard feed (excluding chaff) in one meal. This may mean that you have
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Commercial fibre mixes: These are available in the form of sweet-feeds with a high proportion of added chaff. The sweet-feeds have a vitamin and mineral premix added to help fill the gaps left by straight hay and grains, and the advantage is that whilst local supplies of chaff may dwindle, larger manufacturers will usually have the buying power to maintain supplies of chaff, making these feeds a good alternative where supplies of chaff and hay are poor.
These types of commercial feeds can be used to partly replace some of the hay or chaff that would normally be fed. Check the fibre content on the bag tag, and chose a feed with a fibre content of around ten to fifteen percent or more if the sole aim is to increase fibre and bulk. Be careful to adhere to the manufacturers recommended feeding rates, and if you have any questions about maximum feeding rates for your type of horse, contact the manufacturer for guidance.
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to provide three or even four meals per day in order to reduce the risk of colic. Provide plenty of fresh water, whatever the cost. If you have run out of water from your dam, you will need to find an alternate source, or move your horses to an area with good water supply. Gastric ulcers: These result from feeding a diet high in grains, and from the stress of work or travel. Again, to help prevent ulcers, try to minimise grains, and feed small meals with plenty of forage. Bulk out the meals with chaff or one of the chaff substitutes mentioned to slow down consumption and allow as much hay as you can ration. Girth (cm) 101 108 114 120 127 133 140 146 152
Weight (kg) 45 77 104 132 164 192 234 252 307
Girth (cm) 159 165 171 178 184 190 199 203 206
Weight (kg) 346 380 414 453 486 520 570 593 611
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Laminitis: Horses are at high risk of laminitis with drought feeding practices. Making all changes very slowly, feeding small meals and using digestible grains such as oats or heat processed grains will help to reduce the risks of starch overflow to the hindgut.
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Worms: Dry conditions do not favour larval survival, so worms tend not to be quite so prolific in horse pastures during drought but if there is a lack of forage horses may start to eat droppings and graze rough areas of the paddock to satisfy their need for forage. Maintain a vigilant worming program during drought to help horses get the most out of their feed and remove droppings from the paddock or yard regularly. Wood chewing: you may notice your horse eating tree bark, or your fences if you are not
providing sufficient forage in the diet. The easiest way to prevent and remedy this problem is to make more forage available either with hay or chaff, or offer a vitamin, mineral and salt alternative.
When the Drought Breaks When the rain comes it’s a relief, but the problems do not end with the first downpour. Paddocks that have become dry and dusty will take a period of time to fully recover, and until then, the dangers of fresh new growth to your horse will also have to be carefully managed. The temptation to put horses straight into a paddock that has just become lush with new growth will be there, but don’t do it. But as with all dietary changes, the introduction to new pasture must be done slowly to avoid the risk of colic and laminitis. If possible, start by allowing just a couple of hours each day at the new pasture. Not only will this help the horses to get used to the change in diet, but it will allow the pasture to recover a little too. For the first month build up to a period of time during the day at pasture, but take the horses off, or rotate to a different paddock for the rest of the time so that fragile new pastures will not become depleted right away. If you have the facilities to strip graze your pasture by using temporary fencing, then start this practice right away, and allow the worst portions of your pasture to fully recover before subjecting them to the stress of grazing.
Where can I go for help? If you are currently unsure of how to manage your horses during a drought, contact your states Department of Agriculture for assistance. They are able to assist with drought action plans and offer sound advice to land owners and horse enthusiasts.
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Passion knows no Borders In May this year an incredible story of community spirit, generosity and survival captivated the equestrian community at the Sunshine Coast, when the Yamba Quarter Horse stud in Narrabri was saved from certain closure, writes Ute Raabe.
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H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
n May this year an incredible story of community spirit, generosity and survival captivated the equestrian community at the Sunshine Coast. Arthur Kirkby’s work of a lifetime, the Yamba Quarter Horse stud in Narrabri, in the heart of drought-stricken New South Wales, was about to succumb to the extreme conditions, and with it the stud’s 41 well-bred broodmares, foals, youngstock and stallions. Arthur had done all he could over the past months to care for his beloved horses, but pasture and water had run out and there was no relief in sight.
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The 67-year-old farmer had almost given up hope when a group of Queensland horse lovers and members of the Woombye and Maleny Lighthorse Troop heard about his plight and decided to help. Karen Osborn and her friends conceived the ambitious plan to relocate the entire stud up north to greener pastures. Within days suitable paddocks were found, a Go-Fund-Me page was created and volunteers donated their time to truck in hay,
repair fences and organise convoys of horse floats. The charity Drought Angels provided a truck to move the last group of horses on their 11-hour journey to the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Karen’s motivation to help was fuelled simply by a love of horses and she would do it all again in a heartbeat, “I had no idea what the depth of the breeding was or how desperate the situation was. There were horses in need and I needed to go and see if I could help. I would have gone if they were $2 horses. It was a life-changing adventure.” It literally was a life-changer for the Yamba horses, some of the younger ones had never experienced such an abundance of green grass in their lives and didn’t lift their heads from grazing for days once settled in their new temporary homes. Arthur and his supporters, ‘Artie’s Angels’ as they are affectionately known as, could breathe a sigh of relief. But the story is far from over, as the move has
presented the horses and their rescuers with new challenges and their long-term future is still up in the air. Currently the herd is spread over seven different properties all over the Sunshine Coast. Hay is stockpiled and feeds are rationed in the event that the drought creeps up further north. Ten mares are due to foal in the next few months, which means ten additional horses. Youngstock needs to handled and educated in order to prepare them for new owners — something that Arthur has always done himself, taking great pride in his horsemanship experience and skills, but proper training facilities are missing at the moment. Then there are the prized stallions, which are housed on a property that has just been placed under contract. Karen would like to source a suitable property large enough to bring the herd back together and for Arthur to resume care and training of
e b i r c s b Su
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Horses on their way to greener pastures. his horses until such time that he can return to his Narrabri farm. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for the quiet horseman, who has spent so many decades growing and nurturing his world championship winning bloodlines and is suddenly dependant on the help and goodwill of strangers.
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Thanks to Karen and her team of helpers the Yamba Stud journey can go on and the horses continue on their road to recovery. Many of the young horses will also be available for sale soon, a great opportunity to acquire a superbly bred Quarter Horse.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
If you can help, please contact Karen Os-
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born and join the Friends Of Yamba Quarter Horse Stud Facebook Group. Their Go-FundMe page is still open to donations, https:// www.gofundme.com/relocate-yamba-quarter-horse-stud. This is one of many stories showing the support within the equestrian community.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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A Little Bit of Luxury Goes a Long Way Jane Camens discovers ‘Stay at Roseberry’ in the Northern Rivers Scenic Rim area, and finds beautiful trail-riding with all the comforts of home.
A H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
li Treanor’s Roseberry property is, for this rider’s money, the ideal short trail-riding holiday with your own horse, within coo-ee of the Northern Rivers coastal towns.
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Around 30k’s out of Kyogle, Roseberry is a small (116 acre) cattle ranch nestled between the Border Ranges and Toonumbar National Parks. From some of the high rides you catch breathtaking views of Mount Lindesay. The trails Ali can point you to will take you up into the hill country, but be prepared to have a fairly fit horse, either shod, or with boots. Ali’s been catering for horse-riding visitors, bird watchers and bush walkers for about
Ali Treanor from Stay at Roseberry with her horse Aby and her dog Molly. three years, letting people know about her cabin and secure yards through word of mouth and her.‘Stay at Roseberry’ Facebook page. It’s been an income Ali considers ‘a bit of a sideline’ to her real work of running the property, looking after her cattle, and driving the local school bus. Not only does she provide private or shared yards for horses, but also impressively well-appointed cabins, including airconditioning, electric blankets, ensuite shower
-room, kitchen and TV. On most other horse riding ‘away’ weekends rider do, we sleep in our floats or in a much more rustic cabin with no facilities. Having a few luxuries along with the pleasure of riding with your own horse, is a true escape. Roseberry is a special place, with a resident platypus in the creek running through the farm, 146 species of birds within two kilometres, and rare and endangered flora in the forest paths that Ali herself has cleared. She gained the support of National Parks to keep these trails open, so, as Ali says, “It’s magic really”. I came to ‘Stay at Roseberry’ because of the Richmond River Trail Riding Club which rides through the area about once a year. On this occasion the hardy blooded riders of the club were, as usual, camping in tents or in their floats. This soft gal remembered someone mentioning Roseberry and figured it was only a couple of kilometres up the road from the
Enjoy your holiday with your horse! campsite. And when I rang Ali, I found the ride came through her property, and that she was leading it on the second day. No brainer – and then I was simply bowled over by the relative luxury of her converted dairy. Ali has one regular group of riders who stay once a month: eight women who work on
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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formation riding, although, she says: “That’s only a vehicle to building a better relationship with your horse. I like to get people to work together. It’s not competitive. I can ride out with people from here if they want me to, and if I’m available, as long as they know I’m all about calm, relaxed and safe riding.”
She makes it clear that she’ll only accommodate people who are kind to their horses. She’s not an instructor and not a tour ride. “I simply facilitate a relaxed, environment to work with horses,” she says. “I’ll only go out with people who are receptive to that.’ Ali, originally from Scotland, has lived in the area for 30 years and has owned the property since 2002. While her own riding was largely inspired by riding she did in America, she’s equally interested nowadays in classical dressage. Ali’s converted dairy cabin is $150/night for a minimum of two nights. Find her through her Facebook page: ‘Stay at Roseberry’. More information about the Richmond River Trail Riding Club and their rides can be found on the ATHRA website or their FB page. Out for a friendly trail-ride.
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April Spriggs on Cee Dee Copy Cat.
BREED SPOTLIGHT THE AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE Dannii Cunnane looks at the history of Australia’s very own Stock Horse – bred for our climate, and used for a wide variety of sports and work.
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Settlers and workers of the land required a horse which was strong, sturdy and confident on its feet and could stand up to the harsh and often varied Australian climate. Of the early horses brought to the shores, not one was initially suited to the terrain but would be
used if horsemen thought their steed could do the job required. Future breeding would secure a ‘type’ of horse that has links to Thoroughbreds, Arabs, mountain ponies, Percherons and Quarter horse types in its lineage. The attributes that the lines passed on developed an equine that was beneficial to coping with the Australian bush. It wasn’t actually until 1971 that a group of dedicated horsemen and women attended the inaugural meeting of the Australian Stock Horse Society in Sydney. This type of horse
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
he Australian Stock Horse, as the name suggests, is a true blue aussie bred horse. The Australian Stock Horse is a product of its environment - horses are not native to Australia (the first arrived from England with the First Fleet in 1788) so equines from Europe were basically the foundation of the breed.
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had not been officially recognised before this time so a Stud Book was opened to recognise the breed and remained open until 1988. Since the closure of the Society’s Stud Book, only horses that comply with strict regulations have been accepted for registration.
Improving the Breed In the 1830s, knowledgeable horse breeders imported a steady stream of Thoroughbreds to improve the local horse strains. The settlers had a keen interest in horse racing, and by the beginning of the 19th century Thoroughbreds were already very popular. The use of Thoroughbred stallions over the conditionhardened local mares produced the beautiful strain of tough but stylish animal exemplified by today's Australian Stock Horse.
and stories such as The Man from Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow depict the character of these pioneers and their horses.
Breed Characteristics The Australian Stock Horse is very versatile, a jack-of-all-trades of the equine world if you will. It is a great working and performance horse renowned for its toughness, endurance, resilience and strength. It also has speed and agility which makes it perfect for working sheep and cattle. A quality horse must have a quiet temperament, intelligence and an athletic ability, as well as: • An attractive head with broad forehead, full, well-set eyes and wide nostrils. • A strong neck well set into the shoulder. • Sloping shoulders, not too heavily muscled, and a well-defined wither slightly higher than the croup. • A deep chest, not too wide in proportion, but showing plenty of heart room. • Ribs well sprung and back strong and of medium length in proportion. • In forelegs, forearms well developed cannon bones slightly flat, pasterns short and slightly sloping.
The Silverthorn is a stockhorse from Silverthorn Stud.
• Hindquarters must be strong, rounded and well-muscled, nicely slop-
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
ing to give a full line from
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Explorers, stockmen, settlers, bushrangers and troopers all relied on horses that could travel long distances, day after day. Gradually the weaker strains were culled; the stronger types were used to breed sturdy saddle horses that were essential for the Colony's settlement. Exploits of the explorers and stockmen and their reliable horses in the Australian bush became Australian folklore,
croup to hock. Hocks broad, flat and clean, the cannon relatively short with well-defined tendons. The hind legs well under when standing. • The hooves should be hard and in proportion to the size of the horse, with a wide heel and feet straight. • Preferred height is between 14 and 16 hands high.
Uses of the Horse Australian Stock Horses excel at many different horse sports. They’re used for general riding and stock work on rural properties, as well as equestrian competitions. With its versatility, the Australian Stock Horse has achieved outstanding success in a wide variety of events including: campdrafting, show jumping, dressage, eventing, pony club events, harness, polo and polocrosse. The main sport that is totally dominated by Australian Stock Horses is campdrafting and this breed ASHS Open Challenge. excels at it! This truly Australian sport requires agility, intelligence and After cutting-out the beast, the rider has strength from both horse and rider. The horse to work it with his horse around an outside must also have speed and 'cattle sense', course. Australian Stock Horses also excel in which is required when the competitor Polocrosse - another Australian sport - that selects a beast from the 'camp' or yard and requires fast, strong horses with stamina separates it from the remaining cattle. and a 'love of the game.' These horses must
demonstrate intelligence, agility and control at speed.
More information Acres Destiny, Willinga Park stallion.
For further information on this versatile breed, contact the Australian Stock Horse Society.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Although traditionally used for these sports, Australian Stock Horses are also very popular for the more traditional equestrian disciplines including dressage, show jumping and eventing, plus they are excellent pony club mounts, where a quiet temperament and ability to perform capably in a variety of events is prized.
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PRODUCT REVIEW
MAGNESI MAGIC Fiona Todd discovers that Magnesi Magic is just the trick for someone with a few aches and pains who spends too many hours at the computer.
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have a dodgy ankle that I broke falling off a horse – of course – and which now sports a constant ache. Several years of playing pretty much any sport t I could, have also kindly created a knee that just wants to ache continually - with the added pleasure of rather painful stabbing pains. Then there’s my lower back, again horse related, three broken vertebrae and my pelvis which just aches all the time. In my non-horsey life I’m a bookkeeper, and BAS deadlines means hours spent hung over a keyboard. After three weeks the pain between my shoulder blades was excruciating. I can honestly say there wasn’t one joint of muscle that wasn’t hurting!
remember, I had backto-back solid sleeps. Winning! I understand there’s also a product that’s been developed for Racing and Performance Animals Magnesi Magic would be wonderful on the legs of our hard working performance horses and, having no prohibited substances, it can be used during competitions. I’ve always been aware of the magic powers of magnesium but had never gotten around to doing anything about it. Now I’m an instant convert.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Sitting on my desk was a bottle of Magnesi Magic, very kindly sent to me by Top Tac International. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I sprayed my lower back, and the coolness bought instant relief.
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To my astonishment the aches and pains in all the different areas slowly reduced or even disappeared instantly. The coolness I felt on the surface somehow seems to make its way into the ache and either dull the pain or remove it all together. The spray was easily absorbed and the area seemed to feel much more relaxed and less angry. My knee often keeps me awake at night but after a quick spray and a light rub in before bed, for the first time in as long as I could
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SEPTEMBER
H YOUNG RIDER OF THE MONTH
Jamie Priestley is a talented 20-year-old Young Rider from New South Wales. Originally from a hacking background, Jamie started show jumping seven years ago with great success writes Dannii Cunnane. “I’ve been riding my whole life but my passion is show jumping,” Jamie says. Jamie has five horses at various levels KS Optimus, a 16hh 13-year-old Warmblood gelding she’s been competing with for six years; Courage, a16.2hh nineyear-old Warmblood gelding she imported from Holland four years ago; Amaretto MVNZ a 17hh four-year-old Warmblood gelding; Oaks Diamantina a 16hh six-year-old Warmblood mare Jamie started herself and has competed on for the past two-and-ahalf years, and last but by no means least, her fouryear-old 16hh Warmblood stallion, TP Kitara Lanson who has only ever been ridden by Jamie.
Jamie has had some massive successes over the last few years, including first and third in the Australian Young Rider Grand Prix 2017 and first in the Mini Prix Final at NSW State Showjumping Champs 2017. She’s also won the Sydney Royal Young Rider Grand Prix twice - in 2016 and 2018. She puts in many hours of training for her success. “I train every day and I’ve found that everything counts – even the small things,” she says. “Having a bond with each horse is
a must so they will trust me and want to give their best. In the next year I hope to compete in my first World Cup. Another goal is to compete overseas – I want to go as far as I can, and I would love to give a huge shout out to my amazing, supportive parents. My success wouldn’t be possible without them and we do everything together as a family.” We wish Jamie and her team of fantastic horses every success!
If you are a young competition rider and would like to be considered for HorseVibes Young Rider of the Month, email us for a questionnaire to complete: promote@equestrianhub.com.au.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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Jamie Priestley
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(Pic 1) The early days - and the horse is showing a soft and relaxed frame appropriate for the first level of dressage.
(Pic 2) At the end of the first year of training, the horse is beginning to engage and show improved self carriage as witnessed by a higher poll.
The Training Scale
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
A ‘READY RECKONER’ FOR DRESSAGE SUCCESS
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The term ‘training scale’ was adopted by the German Equestrian Federation in the 1950’s writes Bernie Sanders – and it’s still the standard for success in dressage today.
by Siegfried von Haugk in his book, The Training of the Recruit in Horseback Riding. However, it was not until the 1950’s that the term ‘training scale’ was adopted and implemented by the German Equestrian Federation.
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The German system is now recognised as the overarching training and assessment tool that is referenced by most countries with an interest in modern equestrian sport.
he sport of Dressage was developed from the days when a physically fit, welltrained horse was the difference between life and death. For soldiers, survival on the battlefield depended on a brave but also manoeuvrable warhorse. Educated and responsive horses were highly prized, and through the techniques of military trainers, horses learned to perform precise and complex movements while wearing heavy metal body protection working as one with the armour clad riders. The goal was to combine strength, stamina and athleticism with a highly developed understanding of the rider’s offensive or defensive instructions. It was in 1940 that the system we still use today of training horses was first described
The ‘Training Scale’ embodies the systematic and progressive development of a horse’s physique, understanding, aptitude and confidence. A deeper understanding of these principles provides a valuable tool for riders, trainers and judges, enabling them to identify the strengths and weaknesses that will impact the horse’s future training. The German words have been translated and the meanings adapted so as to explain the important principles that guide progressive training of horses and help to identify acceptance and competency. By frequently referenc-
(Pic 3) When the horse is established at Elementary and working towards Medium/Advanced, the engagement transfers through to steady contact and this will begin to raise and lighten the forehand.
(Pic 4) As the horse enters the FEI levels, it will work with greater energy and thrust from the hind legs and this is contained to deliver optimum lightness and lift of the forehand. A lightened forehand allows the horse to work in the balance that is necessary to perform movements such as counter changes of rein in half pass, canter pirouettes, flying changes in a predefined sequence up to one times. At this level we have the ultimate expression of beauty and understanding that rewards many years of progressive education.
Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro in the Team Dressage Grand Prix Event in the UK. ing the ‘training scale’, problems and resistances are revealed. The most experienced and successful trainers agree that the basic lessons must be consolidated before more advanced work is attempted.
Takt: Rhythm – in particular, the appropriate rate of the rhythm. This is an important consideration, as a horse/pony may be running but should still be regular in the footfalls at
speed. If the horse does not show a correct rate of rhythm, it has not fulfilled the most basic requirement of a dressage horse. Losgelassenheit: Relaxation – loose and unrestrained. The horse should never show a dull, lifeless subservience, as this would rob the performance of beauty and expression. Anlehnung: Contact - acceptance of the influences of the reins. Effective riders will
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
While there only six elements of the ‘training scale’ to consider, they are cleverly intertwined and interrelated in a way that makes them a comprehensive ‘ready reckoner’ for success. The six elements are as follows:
A young mare learning the fundamentals of dressage.
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H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
have mastered the skill of keeping the reins steady and be able to follow and influence the horse’s movements. The rider’s hands should ‘catch and contain’ the energy generated from the horse’s hindquarters and influence lightness of the forehand and self-carriage. Dead or unsteady hands will cause the horse to lean and resist. If the rider blocks against the horse’s movement in the mistaken idea that this is how to keep still hands, the horse’s forward inclination is blocked and all possibility for loose, unrestrained movement is lost.
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Schwung: Impulsion, swing, expression – this is the measured energy and forward thrust that is only possible when a horse is ‘gymnastically correct’ with the hind legs engaged and stepping under the centre of gravity, which is approximately the position of the girth or just behind the shoulders. Geraderichten: Straightness – the simple definition of straightness is that the horse’s hind feet progress on the same line of travel as the front feet, whether it be on a straight line, bend or a circle. When the hindquarters
deviate from this line, the horse is considered to be crooked and the power and thrust of the hindquarters is lost. Versammlung: Collection – there is an early expression of collection in the working paces shown in the first levels of dressage and the degree of collection increases as the horse progresses up the grades. In its ‘official’ form, collection appears in dressage tests from Elementary level through to Grand Prix. Collection is demonstrated as energy generated from the hindquarters and gathered or ‘collected’ by the rider’s hands ‘catching’ the energy which then transfers to upwards lift and self-carriage. The principles embodied in the ‘Training Scale’ have become the overarching measure of the quality of a horse’s work, calm acceptance of rider’s aids and the absence of major faults that would otherwise prevent good dressage and impede progressive training and/or damage the horse’s physical and mental wellbeing.
A thinking rider will refer to this ‘ready reckoner’ when training new movements, using the information to prioritise exercises in a way that will consolidate lessons and refresh the horse’s natural joy of movement. The ‘training scale’ should be the constant reference point
for sustainable progress right up the grades from Preliminary to Grand Prix. For riders who take a caring and responsible approach to the sustainable training of their horses by approaching each session with respect and compassion, these principals will help to protect the fragile balance between physical ability, soundness and confidence. Developing a trusting relationship between two living creatures is the special relationship that enables dressage to reach the highest expression of artistry and athleticism. For the dressage devotee, it is the small steps that make the big milestones, and at Grand Prix we can see how the ‘training scale’ enables a human and horse to achieve the highest degree of mental and physical harmony. Perfect Grand Prix dressage is the Holy Grail that drives and motivates enthusiasts. Happy riding!
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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Your Club IN PROFILE
QLD SHOWJUMPING CLUB
Queensland Showjumping Club Inc. aims to promote the sport of Showjumping in many facets.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
We aim to provide a world-class venue where horses safely and confidently reach the heights of their potential. Where riders are encouraged to develop their skills and attain their goals and where officials can become professional in ability and performance.
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The club believes Showjumping is a spectacular and skillful sport. We aim to promote an ethical and sustainable system within our club to encourage both sponsors and spectators to engage with our Equestrian discipline. Our aim is to foster goodwill within the Equestrian fraternity and encourage all Equestrians to become involved. Social and Associate members are most welcome. The club prioritizes the welfare of the horse at all times.
The Queensland Showjumping Club’s main objective is to provide horse and rider with constructive training that encourages development in the equestrian discipline of Showjumping. The aim is to get riders and horses to a standard at which they can compete in either Amateur (1.15mtr) or Junior (1.20mtr) classes at Official Jumping Shows anywhere in Australia. From that point it is up to them how far they want to go, World Cup Jumping and Olympic Games are the ultimate goal but there are many levels in between that all riders can aspire to. The Sunshine Coast Showjumping Club has jump days monthly offering classes at 50cm, 60cm and 70cm and Pony Club also provide a venue where riders can have fun jumping over low obstacles, however it is the aim of the QSCI to start at a minimum height of 70 to 80cm and provide support and encouragement so all riders improve. With financial support from the Scenic Rim Equestrian Club, the club was able to affiliate with Equestrian Australia, provide insurance cover to members through Gow Gates and register as an incorporated club. The Queensland Showjumping Club Inc. was registered in July 2013 and held its first activity (Training Day) on the 1st September 2013. In line with club objectives the second activity of the club was a David Finch School held at QSEC on 3rd October 2013. QSCI will continue to work within the broader Equestrian community to raise the standard of Showjumping in Queensland to new heights.
THE HORSE LISTENER
She's Got a Brand New Pair of Shoes Candida Baker looks at one of the most common problems for thoroughbreds – their hooves.
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’ve always had a bit of a problem going to see horses I’ve seen advertised. It’s a pretty simple problem - I buy them, and for all the wrong reasons - usually because I can see that they have something wrong with them, which either the seller is pretending they don’t know about, or of which they are genuinely unaware, but it’s obvious to me that this "issue" is going to create an uncertain future for the horse if it’s not addressed. And so it was a few months ago when I went to see Eva, a sweet little three-yearold 15.1hh chestnut thoroughbred mare who had been, in the owner’s words, “too slow to race”. On the surface she seemed very quiet and wasn’t at all fussed by a high-wind, horses playing up, dogs and screaming children – quite definitely a laid-back personality.
Of course, what I should have done is said yes, she’s quiet, yes, she’s pretty, and thanks, but no thanks. But of course, I didn’t. I saw a trajectory for her – that someone would think
she would make a nice pony club mount, she’d be shod, and that would only make matters worse because her walls were so thin they would crack, and she could easily find herself discarded. Also I was intrigued. What could I do that would help her, I wondered, while I did groundwork with her and got to know her, that would make life comfortable for her? So Eva came home, and it was immediately apparent that she was sore even walking around the paddock. I called my barefoot trimmer, Liam Marien from Northern Rivers Hoofcare, and he ran me through a few options, including using the relatively new technology of glue-on horseshoes, that can be built up to create an orthotic shoe for the horse; putting two-part acrylic glue on her soles to help her cope with the unusually hard ground we had at the time and the possibility
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
But when I checked her over, I realised that she was somewhat sore in her shoulders (possibly from that age-old problem of a tootight saddle). That didn’t fuss me too much, but then I picked up her feet, which she held up politely for me, so that I had plenty of time to absorb the fact that she had the thinnest hoof walls and the thinnest soles I’ve ever seen on a horse.
Waiting for the glue to dry.
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more easily. We’d measured her for her Scoot Boots at the same time, and the next visit involved a tiny trim, a lesson on how to most efficiently put the boots on, and instructions from Liam to cut out some old yoga mat to make even more padding on the inside of the boot.
Eva's Scoot Boots complete with yoga padding. of using boots for her when I started to ride her. “If you use just the resin on the sole,” he told me, “it won’t change the bio-mechanics of the hoof, but it will make her soles less sensitive.” He also told me would need to make sure that her soles were healthy, weren’t prone to abscesses and had no necrotic tissue before he would use the glue. Thankfully he was able to confirm that her soles were at least healthy.
Six weeks into this process Eva has a lovely pair of black scoot boots with blue yoga mat insoles, and is a much happier horse to ride. Plus she seems to have the same quiet temperament she showed me when I first saw her. What I did notice was that leading her up the dirt lane near her paddock, she was comfy on her front feet – but not on her back, so maybe we’ll need four smart boots. I’m looking forward to this unfolding process that is – yet again – teaching me something more about horses and how their bodies work.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
After some deliberation we decided to start with the least intervention first – namely acrylic glue (epoxy resin can also be used) on the sole, and some Scoot Boots.
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Applying the glue was interesting – the hoof has to be immaculately clean, the glue has to be heated to a specific temperature, applied quickly and evenly, and the hoof then held up until the glue is dry enough for it to be placed on a clean dry surface (in this case paper inside an open boot) until it’s firmly set. Put all of those clean/dry words into most horse environments – not to mention horses who are happy to keep their hooves off the ground for ten minutes for no apparent reason and you can see it’s not for the faint-hearted.
If you’re in the Northern Rivers you can contact Liam Marien on 0422446984.
The small miracle was that as soon as the glue had set it was obvious Eva was walking
Candida Baker is the editor of HorseVibes and runs a Facebook page – The Horse Listeners.
Three weeks in and the glue is still protecting the sole.
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Ride Against Cancer
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The saddle will be sold at the end so funds will still assist the cause! If you are able to help with Sue-Ellen’s saddle, follow the link below.
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The Saddle Hub still needs to raise more funds to assist Sue-Ellen have a saddle that she feels both safe and comfortable in - bareback is not an option.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE! 40
HUB SA D D L E R EV I EW
Victoria Milicevic, from Queenland's Sunshine Coast, recently purchased a Loxley dressage saddle for her Warmblood mare. “I had a saddle fitter visit because my old saddle was too narrow and causing all sorts of problems,” explains Victoria. “The saddle fitter was able to determine what would be a good fit for her. I test rode some saddles – I tried the Loxley first off and was smitten.” Victoria purchased her saddle from The Equestrian Hub. “For the first time I feel I’m sitting deep, in the right position and evenly in the
Saddle r e v i e w : Loxley by Bliss of London saddle. I’m no longer bouncing out of the saddle in a canter and I now have stillness in my lower leg. The knee rolls are just the right size and I feel really secure out of the arena as well!! The leather is soft and you can just see it’s a quality saddle.” Victoria highly recommends the Loxley: “You can go from schooling to competition; it’s functional but also a little flashy,” she says. To see our large variety of second-hand saddles visit www.equestranhub.com.au
Buying or selling a horse? Avoid unpleasant disputes with you next equine transaction. Equestrian Marketplace is now providing professionally customised Buy/Sell Contracts. Go to the Hub Horses menu at H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
equestrianmarketplace.com.au
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QUEENSLAND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018
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Horses of all breeds and colours competing at The Saddlefitter 2018 Queensland State Dressage Championships!
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Medium Tour Champion and Medium Tour Tournament Champion Emma Flavell-Watts on Cabaret C, owned by Kim Tenkate.
Advanced Champion and Advanced Tournament Champion Jayden Brown on Davinci L owned by Lauren George.
Adult Amateur Owner Small Tour Champion Liz Owens on Revelwood Starlite.
Para Equestrian Grade IV Champion: Sarah Sherwood on her own Janevelyn Tsunami. photos courtesy of:
OzShotz
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Big Tour Champion and Big Tour Tournament Champion: Shannan Goodwin on Aristede with Sponsors Kathryn Sullivan-Butt from The Saddlefitter, and Lauren George, Big Tour.
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r e c c o S e s Hor
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
The World Cup is well over, and you may, writes Dannii Cunnane, have had enough of the soccer craze. But what about soccer on a horse?
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H
orse Soccer is known by a few different names – equine soccer or hoof ball – but it’s the same sport and a lot of fun. The sport itself is best described as a mix of soccer and polo. It’s played mostly at a club level, but there are also some competitive leagues for the sport. Horse Soccer is played with all participating players riding on horseback. The field used for the game varies, but a 60 x 100 flat field is a preferred by many leagues. Like traditional soccer, there are two goal posts are placed on opposite ends but the distance of the actual goal posts can fluctuate from 12 to 25 feet depending on the players’ experience. The objective of the sport is to drive the ball through the goal posts.
Once a goal has been scored, the non-scoring team will be given possession of the ball in front of their goal. Once they pass the halfway field mark, play begins. If the ball goes out of bounds, it is thrown in by an unmounted person or referee and play immediately commences. This sport can be played in any gait – walk, trot or canter.
What do I need to start? Only your usual horse tack is required, nothing fancy is needed. Riders require their helmet and riding boots – uniforms are optional but it makes it easier to see which person belongs to which team if they wear a coordinated vest, shirt or jodhpurs.
The number of players in a team varies - it can be one on one or up to eight people in each team. The ball used for playing is a large inflated ball, similar to an exercise ball, which is about 40 inches in diameter. The ball is made of thicker plastic than an exercise ball so ensure you’re using one fit for the job! There is no restriction on the style of riding and both English and western styles can be used. The aim is to develop a great partnership with your horse while having a ton of fun and scoring goals.
Playing the Game To start the game, the ball is placed centre field and initiated at that point. The ball can be moved by the horse pushing with its nose or foot or kicked along by the rider – a goal is scored by the ball passing through the goal posts.
Playing Field Set-up The playing area can be inside or outside and on grass, sand or dirt – it doesn’t matter as long as it’s flat, safe for your horse’s legs and free from debris. The size of the area depends on how many players you have in the game and the land available. Ideally a 60 x 100 metre flat field is a preferred.
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
The duration of a match varies between clubs, but it can be a twenty-minute game with two ten-minute halves or a thirty-minute game with two fifteen-minute halves. The breaks are used for rest, rehydration and strategy planning.
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You will need to set up two goal posts on opposite ends of the fields and can be cones or any item that will mark out a clear goal post. The goals are placed at each end with the width depending on the needs and experience of the players.
Helpful Hints Be safe and use common sense. Introduce and familiarise your horse with the ball before you attempt to play a game of horse soccer. Do this first on the ground before you mount – let the horse see and touch the ball. Once this is ok with the horse, roll the ball around and let the ball touch other parts of the horse – once your horse is comfortable, mount and do it from the saddle. Don’t force a scared horse to touch the ball or play – this can result
in serious injury to you, your horse or others around you. Horse soccer is all about fun, not how many goals you can score by flogging your horse around the field. Ensure your horse has a good foundation of training before playing – your horse should be responsive to hand and leg aides like any other discipline. Make the game about your partnership rather than winning.
Want to know more? Horse soccer is relatively new in Australia, so there aren’t too many tournaments just yet. Your local equestrian club may host some games so you may have to ask around to find the next game to participate in. You could even start your own team!
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Katrina Crams
What is it about the healing ability of ponies? It’s not just every kids dream to pat a pony, writes Jane Camens, the therapeutic power of spending time with ponies is immeasurable – no matter how old or young you are. She talks with the owners of Little Pony Tales and Gingerlilly Pony Parties.
J
ust imagine you’re a little girl and you’ve never patted a pony, but you are mad about unicorns, horses and ponies. Your parents surprise you with the news that you’re going to visit a farm, where you might meet a pony. You arrive and, there, you are introduced to chickens, rabbits, and alpacas. Then, suddenly, (big surprise), Unicorn Betty Boop walks around the corner, led by Fairy Elisha! Elisha Cantwell’s Little Pony Tales Equine Experiences based at Stoker’s Siding in northern New South Wales, offers the kind of magical pony moments that are not only memorable but can also be transformative for children. Introverted or troubled children can wake up the happier little person within. Excited little princesses can realise their fantasy of meeting a ‘real’ live unicorn. And Elisha’s ‘unicorns’ know how to do magic…
Elisha grew up with horses. She is inspired by natural horsemanship and, more recently, by Equine Facilitated Learning, which operates on the premise that close proximity to horses changes human brain wave patterns in a beneficial way “suggesting that humans can be transformed positively when in the presence
When she and her family found their property in Stokers Siding, Elisha decided to do what she most wanted to do with her life. “I realised there are many little girls who haven’t had the opportunities I had growing up around horses,” she says, “and I am able to make their dreams come true — to meet and/ or ride a pony for the first time.”
The children usually arrive super excited. Elisha invites them to sit down, mostly to calm them down, while she introduces the chickens and rabbits. “Sometimes they have no idea they’re meeting a pony. When I bring Betty around I know I’ve made their day. I want to create the magical things we can do with ponies - like the dancing, and it takes me back to my inner child and make-believe,” Elisha says. She prefers, if there’s going to be
H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
Elisha, who is dressed in her fairy costume, will ask whether you’d like Betty to dance. She will invite you to stand with a ‘wand’ (carrot stick), lift your energy, and wave the wand in a big circle. Low and behold, Black Betty Boop trots around in a circle. When you lower your wand, Betty stops ‘dancing’ and comes in for a pat. A magical moment indeed.
of horses”. Elisha has put in a lot of work into her ponies. “I see it as helping kids,” she says. “Being around the ponies calms children.”
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H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
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birthday cake, for children to ride her ponies before they eat, as sugar tends to raise their energy levels too high.
Priscilla Dollery was running a vintage homewares store in Alstonville when she started Gingerlily Pony Parties in 2013.
She goes on, ‘It’s about helping children know that a horse is a living being. It’s important to know some things on the ground before they get on its back. It’s important to me that the child respects the horse and feels comfortable.”
“I’d started to cut back on my hours in order to care for my Dad who had become ill with dementia,” she says, “and all my lovely customers would generally asked about my horses, because my love for them was always conversation topic Number One across the counter.” It was in fact, her customers who encouraged her to take the ponies to children’s events. Priscilla eventually made the big decision to close the shop and care for her father fulltime. She moved him in with her family, her husband and her teenage boys, and found that her horses became her therapy. “They were my light at the end of my day,” she says. She called her horses “my free counsellors”, both for herself and her dad. “He didn’t know my name any more, but always asked about my horses. I could see the impact they had on both of our lives.”
The children can meet all the ponies on the Cantwell’s property. As well as her star, Black Betty Boop, there’s her Shetlands Hokie Pokie and Teddy Bear, while Ruby Rose and two little Cremellos, Arwen and Aragorn are miniatures, “who are still too young to have horns”, she explains —although her own little daughter whispers to me “They’re not really unicorns!” “If someone has a suitable location, I can come to them,” Elisha says, but she insists there has to be at least an acre. She prefers, however, to hold the parties at her place, to give a full holistic country experience. You Contact Elisha on her Facebook page: Little Pony Tales.
As time went by she got a few hours a month respite care for her father and, with the accrued hours, started going with the ponies to children's parties on weekends. First, however, she had to save for the huge insurance outlay. “After that, there was no stopping me.” She also undertook a diploma in Assisted Animal Therapy. “That really showed me the massive impact horses have on the well-being of human’s mental, physical and psychological health, which of course I experienced first hand with my own father on a daily basis.” Her father went into care in January this year. “It was then, as I sat with him each day, that I saw an opportunity to make a difference in aged care facilities,” Priscilla says. She took one of her ponies to visit her father. Afterwards, she had a call from two other
Sadly, Priscilla’s dad’s journey with dementia ended this August. “That’s obviously left at large hole in my world, but he’s left a great legacy for me,” she says. “He was my window for sharing my ponies with the elderly.”
aged care facilities. “My pony, Spirit, stole many hearts and left an ongoing impression. The residents would wait for his return every week,” she says.
Priscilla now works fulltime doing her pony parties, up to four every weekend and two or three bookings of pony fun throughout the week, after school. Her favourite Pony Love package is to have between one and three children with one or two ponies at someone’s home. “We talk, create and adore our ponies, then, of course, saddle up for a ride. I pinch myself everyday - I know I have the best job in the world,” she says. “Living with dementia had at least one positive side. It created something within me that I’m grateful for everyday.” Contact Priscilla via her Facebook page: Gingerlily Pony Parties.
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Aries
Take this vitalizing energy and pour it into your health and well-being. Drop anyone or anything that fails to support and exalt the things that do. With us four-legged creatures, you need to take care of the basics: worming, shoeing, teeth, vaccinations. Don't skimp.
Taurus
This month is all about co-creation, mindmelds and magical conjuring. You have a project at hand, freshly started or about to launch, that benefits from collaboration. All you have to do is reach out. If going solo, partner with your Muse, the ever-present creative spirit within. Us four-legged partners can also be excellent support if you take us on a long ride in nature. It improves everything.
Welcome to the merry month of
September, a time when the
inner planets are all going forward and plans begin to take pay off. There’s more bounce in the step, greater optimism and a better chance of getting a yes when it comes to H O R S E V I B ES M AG A Z I N E
funding, pitches or proposals.
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Be ready to roll up your sleeves for work and play alike while expecting a few extra expenses as that perfect-for-you item becomes available. Enjoy!
Gemini
If there is one area of life to focus on more than others right now, it’s the home, family and those you live with. Think literally in terms of repairs, Feng Shui, de-cluttering and gardening. Internally you’re after creating emotional space, peace and psychological stability with and without others. The same applies to us equines, the stables, and our grooming and exercise schedule. More, please.
Cancer
This month brims with all kinds of communications. Messages you thought lost, suddenly reappear without explanation, along with missing items, including the neighbour’s cat. September also supports blunt ‘clear the air’ conversations and statements. This gets you, and your four-legged friends on track, up to date and free of gremlins. Let it out. Purge.
Leo
The creative genie is out of the bottle, putting the focus on developing talents and resources that will support you. And, someone’s itching to have a hand in this project, if not directly then as financial support or advisor. It could work well if you keep two goals in mind: Creating what YOU want and getting paid well for it. Your four-legged companions will be happy with a few days off, so go to it.
Virgo
This is your personal new moon month and with it comes increased awareness of your own core values and desires. Think in terms of ‘me first’ and you can’t go wrong. Too much time has been invested in supporting other peoples’ goals. Remember, your primary relationship is with yourself. Nurture that and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You can celebrate by bringing us a carrot.
Libra
This is your ‘shadow’ month, but it doesn’t mean things get cold, dark and chilly. Think of it more as a time where you unwind, meditate, immerse in beauty and form connections to your inner world. Us equines may be your best companions right now, bringing moments of synchronicity, insights and epiphanies when you least expect. Call on us if you are looking for a sign or hard answer.
The ‘friendship’ month is upon you, so be ready to run into old acquaintances, flames and like-minded others from the past. They will have something very cool to say or offer. Give complacency the boot and appreciate the friends that light you up, starting with us equines. All connection begins right here, right now, in this red-hot moment.
What a time to buff up your public identity. It’s a glorious month ahead for empowerment, potential and ultra-savvy leadership recognition. Your only job is to hold things lightly and be open to change. It’s about having a generous heart, caring about your people and aspiring to the heights with integrity. Want a suggestion, model your most respected equine.
Capricorn
You will LOVE this month, as long as you have ‘space’ around you, which is mostly to do with your mindset. Let go of all the ‘facts’ and beliefs you think you know and open up to the concept of infinite possibilities. As you travel (tangibly or through ideas and imagination), you’ll discover the feeling of autonomy AND connection that has so long eluded you. Remember, what you want is a state of mind.
Aquarius
A potentially romantic month, September is an arrow pointing toward intimacy, connection and transformations of all kinds. The great thing is, you don’t have to lift a finger to make it happen. All you do is show up. In your willingness to explore these shared experiences, surrender to the call of the wild, the unknown, the unknowable, and new possibilities open. If you need advice, just ask us equines!
Pisces
The New Moon in your house of personal and socially significant relationships puts one-toones in the light. Be it business, artistic or romantic, you’re in for a quick change. To ensure it's ‘change for the better’, come to the table knowing exactly what you want, not just in words but what it feels like. Likewise, us equines are essentially in a bold, dynamic and high-spirited mood all month long. Be ready!
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Scorpio
Sagittarius
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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