Equestrian Hub Magazine Issue 8 2022

ISSUE 8 • 2022

Nicole Tough Never stop learning

Sam Lyle

The coaching life

Olympian Rebel Morrow The horse that changed her life

Conquering water Building water jump bravery

Toxic weeds Keep your horse safe

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Editor Amanda McWhinnie amanda@equestrianhub.com.au Advertising Enquiries Sara Davies 0480 315 943 sara@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries Shae Herwig info@equestrianhub.com.au

Website www.equestrianhub.com.au Published by Equestrian Hub PO Box 13, Tintenbar NSW 2478 0414 760 067 info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au Follow Equestrian Hub  equesthub

On the Cover Nicole Tough and Ferragamo competing in Tamworth in May (Image by Amy-Sue Alston).

Creative Kimberley Bloom Design www.kimberleybloom.com.au kim@kimberleybloom.com.au

 equesthub

Sponsorship Enquiries Paula Campion 0409 627 756 paula@equestrianhub.com.au

THIS PUBLICATION IS PUBLISHED BY EQUESTRIAN HUB. MATERIALS IN THIS PUBLICATION HAVE BEEN CREATED BY A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT ENTITIES AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PUBLISHER ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIALS CREATED BY OTHERS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OPINION OF THE PUBLISHER, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES. CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ADVERTISERS. ANY USE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE PERSON USING THAT INFORMATION. ©2021 EQUESTRIAN HUB EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW, NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF EQUESTRIAN HUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. INFORMATION AND CREDITS ARE CORRECT WHEN GOING TO PRINT BUT MAY CHANGE AFTERWARDS.

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Contents 6 Our Contributors 9 From the Horse’s Mouth 10 Spotlight on Nicole Tough 18 Coaching with Christine 21 Ask an Expert: Alanna Richards 23 Meet the Mentors 24 Feature: The coaching life 28 Feature: Weed awareness 32 Vet Vibes: Embryo transfer 34 Nutrition: Getting spring ready 40 Training Tips: Conquering water 46 Feature: Meant to be

ISSUE 8 • 2022

50 54 56 59 62 64 66 70 72 75 76 78

Feature: On the road again International Trends: Breathe first, win next Feature: Doing what it takes Tacked up: On the bit Life After Racing: Have a heart Travel: Trekking across Morocco Fashion Trends: Doing Yellowstone right Breed: The Barb Property Central Saddle Review: Erreplus Elena Young Rider: Georgia Hodgetts 20 Questions with Prue Spurrett E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 5

O U R C O N T R I B U TO R S

Alanna Richards An experienced show rider with a string of Royal Champions and Reserve Championships behind her, for Alanna it’s not just about riding and show ring successes – it’s about constantly striving to improve and be better than the day before.

In this issue she looks at handy grooming and feeding hacks to prepare for the spring show season.

Amanda Mac As editor of Equestrian Hub Magazine, Amanda’s longstanding passions for horses, writing and photography come together perfectly.

An ex-coach and competitor, she works behind the scenes with the amazing EH team to ensure every issue of the magazine brings you the very best in top quality stories, informative articles and great images.

Sam Lyle Sam was Australian assistant eventing coach at WEG 2006, and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where the team won silver. He was head coach for the 2012 Australian Young Rider team, assistant coach on two TransTasman teams, and recipient of the 2017 Equestrian NSW High Performance Coach of the Year. He talks about his career in this issue.

Jessica Morton Jessica is a dual national New Zealand-Italian freelance journalist, equestrian traveller and writer. Currently based in Tuscany, she’s perfectly positioned to bring us the very latest in European equestrian trends and innovations. In this issue she reports on nasal strips, and gives some tips on how to create your own unique Yellowstone western fashion statement.

Rebel Morrow In a strange twist of fate, Rebel and Oaklea Groover rode for the Australian team at the 2003 Trans-Tasman Cup. The following year, they were off to the Athens Olympics as members of the Australian Eventing Team. The story of Rebel’s partnership with failed ex-racehorse Groover, who came within a whisker of the knacker’s yard, is one you won’t forget.

Rebecca Ashton Rebecca is a Pilates instructor, dressage coach, FEI competitor and equestrian journalist. For the past 12 years she’s travelled the globe covering major shows as a writer and photographer. She loves immersing herself in different equestrian cultures and interviewing those at the top of their game – and on this occasion it’s renowned Australian dressage rider Nicole Tough.

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Dr Doug English A veterinarian and long-time turmeric researcher, Doug completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 1974.

He’s well-known throughout Australia for his work in the equine industry and is a long-time Equine Veterinarians Australia member. Don’t miss Vet Vibes, and his informative article on the basics of embryo transfer.

Mathilde Gregoire With over 40 countries visited, 20 on horseback, Mathilde combines her two greatest passions: horses and traveling.

Through writing, her mission is to inspire women and solo travellers to follow their dreams and embark on equestrian journeys around the world. In this issue she takes us trekking across Morocco, before delving into the history of the remarkable Barb breed.

O U R C O N T R I B U TO R S

Christine Armishaw Christine is a horse trainer, coach and passionate eventing and jumping rider. A Kiwi girl based in NSW, she teaches others not just how to ride, but also how to understand their horse. In this issue she suggests some helpful rider fitness exercises, and offers top tips on overcoming the fears of water shy horses.

Larissa Bilston Larissa, BAgrSc (Hons) is the Equine Nutritionist for Farmalogic, where she developed Equine Vit&Min and the Farmalogic Equine range. Her extensive experience is highly regarded by trainers, riders and owners who understand the importance of good nutrition. In this issue, she explains what to expect from springtime pastures and offers tips on keeping your horse safe from potential risks.

Prue Spurrett Prue is a respected National dressage judge, and now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge. Her experience, quiet competence, and ability as a team builder and player, have earned her a reputation as a valuable member of ground juries in Australia and internationally.

She gives a glimpse into her fascinating career in our 20 Questions.

Rebecca Nadge Hailing from WA, Rebecca evented at 2* and worked in racing stables before becoming a journalist for newsrooms across Australia and New Zealand. She now works full time as a pen rider at a cattle feedlot, while juggling freelancing and a degree in Equine Science. Don’t miss her insightful article on successfully travelling longer distances with horses.

Suzy Jarratt Suzy has lengthy and varied form as a writer and presenter.

She works for several Australian and overseas companies, is the author of three published books, and has won an international award for equestrian journalism.

In this issue she takes a deep dive into the puzzling world of bits, and talks to Young Rider Georgia Hodgetts.

Jo Mckinnon Jo is a multi-award winning horse racing and equestrian broadcaster and documentary maker. She’s also a former top-level show rider who’s competed all over Australia with her hacks. As a racing commentator of many years standing, she loves positive life after racing stories. In this issue she speaks to Lisa Coffey about the valuable contribution made by Racing Hearts.

Jamie Hocking Based in Denmark, Jamie is the standing Australian National Champion in equestrian vaulting, holds a world ranking, and is determined to reach the top of his chosen sport. In this issue he catches up with fellow vaulter Stephanie Dore, who recently represented Australia at Aachen, to ask about her sometimes bumpy road to the world stage.

Rachel Roan Rachel has ridden her whole life. A passionate horse enthusiast who’s working to establish a small stud of dressage bred performance horses, her interest in writing and storytelling grew during her university media studies. She recently spoke to Rebel Morrow about her extraordinary journey with Oaklea Groover, before taking an in-depth look at the hazards posed by weeds.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 7

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

From the Horse’s Mouth

If you’re planning to travel, Rebecca Nadge has some great advice on making the journey as comfortable, safe and risk free as possible for both you and your horse, while Jessica Morton looks at the science behind nasal strips. And if the smash hit TV series

Yellowstone has inspired you, Jess also has some fashion tips for making that

With Fiona Todd

W

laid-back western look uniquely yours.

Do you know a Turtle Top from a

elcome to the August issue

Lozenge, a Pee Wee from a Happy

of Equestrian Hub. We’ve

Mouth? In the first of a two-part series,

rounded up some great

Suzy Jarrett explores the world of bits,

articles to help you through the last

first with the basics before getting

month of what, for some of us, has been

into the more complex designs in our

a pretty chilly winter!

September issue.

Queensland based dressage coach

Vaulter Stephanie Dore has just

and rider Nicole Tough is this month’s

represented Australia at CHIO Aachen,

Spotlight. Nicole has been part of the

and Jamie Hocking spoke to her about

Australian dressage scene for many

her journey to the world stage, while Jo

years, she’s had her fair share of ups and

Mckinnon caught up with Lisa Coffey,

downs and spoke to Rebecca Ashton – it

who has managed to combine giving

makes for interesting reading.

OTT racehorses a new start in life while at the same time helping people

Resident coach Christine Armishaw

struggling with psychological issues.

suggests four off-horse exercises to improve your core strength, flexibility,

Feeling adventurous? Then join Mathilde

and body symmetry, and if your pony

Gregoire for a 10-day horseback trek in

is convinced scary monsters live at

Morocco, and don’t miss her interesting

the bottom of puddles, she’s got a few

take on a native of Northwest Africa’s

clever tips to turn your nervous Nellie

Maghreb region, the Barb horse.

into a confident water horse.

performance horses. And another of

We delve into the outstanding career of

With a change of season on the way,

our mentors, show ring expert Alanna

respected National dressage judge and

we need to be aware of the challenges

Richards, dropped by to share her

now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge

presented by springtime pastures.

grooming and nutrition tips, guaranteed

Prue Spurrett, and introduce Young

Equine nutritionist Larissa Bilston

to help your show pony shine.

Rider Georgia Hodgetts. This month’s

explains what to expect and suggests

If you’ve been thinking about embryo

Saddle Review is on the Erreplus

ways to keep your horse safe from

transfer as an option for breeding a foal,

Elena and we have another sumptuous

potential risks. And talking of risks, do

it’s not a decision to take lightly. To get

equestrian property for your vision

you know which weeds are a threat to

your research started, Dr Doug runs

board … you do have one, don’t you?

your horse? Rachel Roan has done her

through the basics.

homework and has come up with ten of the most dangerous, plus what you can do to prevent a life-threatening situation.

Sam Lyle, a 5* eventer and EA Level 3 Coach with a Masters of Education in Sports Coaching, spoke to us about

We introduce two more of our wonderful

his award-winning career as a coach;

mentors: full-time 5* eventer and EA

and Olympian Rebel Morrow shares the

coach Jade Findlay; and David Finch,

astonishing story of her beloved partner

National coach educator, show jumper

Oaklea Rebel Groover, saved by a

and breeder of international standard

whisker from the knackers yard.

Now it’s time to pour a glass of your preferred tipple, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Until next time, cheers!

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 9

However, dressage wasn’t Nicole’s first love. She was an adrenaline junkie who loved eventing but had to do dressage

S P OT L I G H T

Hanging tough

“to get to the fun stuff.” It wasn’t until the purchase of an Anglo Arabian for Nicole’s dad that things changed. It bucked her off when they went to try him, and 14-yearold Nicole’s response? “Oh, I love him.

We should totally buy him.”

The horse was purchased … and was

Nicole Tough has been part of the Australian dressage scene for decades, and along the way she’s learned a lot, writes REBECCA ASHTON.

P

assionate and committed, Queensland based dressage coach and rider Nicole Tough

never ridden by Nicole’s dad! It was this horse that taught the young rider that dressage was fun. “I watched the top event horses, and I remember walking the novice cross country courses hoping

racehorse before horses came into her life. She recalls: “My dad and Noel Payne, the racehorse’s other owner-trainer,

I wouldn’t win because I didn’t want to move up the levels to those advanced jumps. When I started to think that way, I started to look at the top dressage

never stops learning and studying her

conspired and bought me a Galloway

sport despite the wisdom she’s already

of mixed breed called Cha Chi, and my

garnered over the years. And her biggest

journey began when I was 13 years old. I

teachers? The horses themselves.

did Pony Club and Interschool equestrian

Life started to get very busy for Nicole

Growing up in a non-horsey family in the

competitions had just started, so we

in 1990. Over the next three years, she

suburbs of Sydney, Nicole had to wait

participated in those.” Her first instructor

finished her Bachelor of Arts, received

until her family moved to Queensland

was actually a jockey, Terry Payne, who

her teaching diploma, married husband

and her dad bought a share in a

helped her with all the basics.

Colin, had their son, and purchased

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horses instead thinking well, I’d love my horses to look like that.”

S P OT L I G H T

her first “serious” horse Landerlee, an unbroken Holsteiner filly. “While I was studying, I taught aerobic classes and gave dressage lessons and by the time I’d finished, I thought maybe I could make a living coaching dressage,” she explains. “It was more flexible in the hours I could work. So I trained to do my EA Level 1 General and later Level 2 Dressage Specialist accreditations.”

Since those humble beginnings, Nicole has gone on to train 12 horses to FEI level. All of them have reached the Queensland State Squad, a few made it to the National Squad and there were multiple State and National titles, as well as Horse of the Year awards along the way. Nearly all of the horses were bought unbroken and Nicole had to learn the hard way; training them up, moving them on and then starting again with something that had a little more natural ability. However, she only tried to break in one, after which she decided you really need a round yard and perhaps not a dressage saddle for such adventures!

Life throws ups and downs at you, and Nicole experienced the devastation of a career ending accident to her top horse Glencoe Manhatten during a Squad training session in 2007. Seeing how quickly one bad moment can destroy years and years of training, Linda and Beau Dowsett, her clients at the time, decided to take Nicole horse shopping in Germany, and what began with a tragedy turned into a sliding doors moment. “That started a whole different ball game for me,” she remembers. “I sold all my horses to commit myself to Beau and Linda and had some wonderful, wonderful years with them and their daughter Danielle.”

Nicole still remembers that first flight over to Germany: “We hit a random air pocket while flying over Afghanistan and the plane just dropped, and I thought, that’d be right, I get this amazing opportunity to help buy horses in Germany and I get shot out of the

FACING PAGE: Nicole and Emma Weel’s Grand Prix contender, the big moving 9-y-o Florenz (Image by Christy Baker Photography).

TOP: Owned by Nicole and husband Colin, Ferragamo was Queensland’s 2021 FEI Horse of the Year (Image by Amy-Sue Alston).

BOTTOM: Dumbledore, a Rivermead Estate QLD State Talent Squad member and the first pony in Queensland to make an open squad (Image by Christy Baker Photography).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 11

S P OT L I G H T

sky before I get there!” Happily, Nicole landed safely in Europe and after some training with Leonie Brammal, rode a multitude of horses in two weeks. Expat Robert Schmerglatt guided the Aussies through their buying experience and three horses were brought back to Nicole’s for training: four-year-old Flavio; Dante, a five-year-old; and two-year-old Furst Tyme. “I didn’t pick the fanciest horses,” says Nicole, “I picked the horses I thought I could work with and make a difference with.” All the horses made it to Grand Prix.

A real student of her sport, Nicole has always been committed to learning as much as possible, never resting on her laurels thinking she knew it all. Over the last 30 years, aside from perhaps the Christmas period, she’s never gone a week without a lesson. For the past 12 of those years, her weekly coach

Competing with Ferragamo at this year’s Tamworth Dressage Club event (Image by Amy-Sue Alston).

every other week I’ll have two or three

fortunate to participate in masterclasses

with Traci.” Nicole believes you can’t

with Steffen Peters and Charlotte

get anywhere without a coach, without

Dujardin. “There is a degree of control

those eyes on the ground to stop bad

that Steffen has that really resonated

habits creeping in.

with me. He said riders shouldn’t do

has been Traci Baldwin with Matthew

Other influential trainers have been

Dowsley traveling up from NSW once a

Hubertus Hufendiek, Edgar Lichtwark,

month. “There are some months where

Carlos de Cleermaecker, Clemens

I might have six lessons in a week, and

Dierks, and Di Jenkyn. Nicole was also

anything in the saddle out of habit.”

From the German-born Olympian, Nicole learned about extreme body control, never doing anything without a purpose and never without producing a response. Never using the rein, or putting the leg on, or giving a seat aid, without a reason.

It was Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin’s mental strength while competing that astonished Nicole, and she quickly realised that you can’t be a winner and be scared of losing.

“Charlotte rides ten after ten after ten when there’s huge pressure on her, especially after London. And yet she kept producing big scores. You can’t ride for a ten in an extended walk if you’re worried about breaking and getting a four. If you have that worry, you’ll ride for a seven not a ten.” There’s no room for doubt in the competition arena.

But the biggest teachers in Nicole’s life have arguably been the horses. “Every horse I’ve taken through is special to me,” she says, “and every horse has had something to teach me whether I

Aboard Emma Weel’s German Riding Pony Deveron Nintendo (Image by Christy Baker Photography).

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wanted to learn it or not.” The Australian bred horse Cherenton Armani taught

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S P OT L I G H T

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S P OT L I G H T

Nicole continues to compete the big horses, the most recent special one being Ferragamo, which she and husband Colin imported from Germany. It was Ferragamo who was by Nicole’s side during 2017, a tumultuous year when she was diagnosed with a melanoma that had to be cut out of her ear. The silver lining was the addition of a roof over her arena to protect her from the harsh Queensland sun.

Quirky Ferragamo, along with Emma Weel’s big moving Florenz, are Grand Prix contenders, and Nicole still happily travels the country from Queensland, to Willinga Park, to Melbourne to compete as well as support her team of students, who are like a big family. “I think your vibe attracts your tribe. It’s important to me that we all support each other. It’s a tough sport; our venues aren’t up to standard and that can be frustrating, and so much can go wrong. I think we need to stop the tall poppy syndrome and instead build each other up. If I can’t do that on a large scale, I at least do it on the scale I can,” she says.

Nicole with Florenz and owner Emma Weel (Image by Christy Baker Photography).

Work with the horses is now balanced

Nicole to never let a horse get test smart.

Emma and husband Paul continue to

with the job of grandma, a role Nicole

Dante, with the help of Warwick McLean,

support Nicole and own one of two

was thrilled to take up in March. She’s

showed Nicole how to get a horse in

German Riding Ponies that Nicole

promised her son that she won’t

front of the leg. Furst Tyme taught her to

has recently started campaigning.

pressure her granddaughter to ride, but

be the courage he lacked: “Everywhere

She explains: “They’re bred to be

I’m sure one of those German ponies will

we went was Mordor!” she laughs.

miniature Warmbloods. They have

come into the picture a few years down

Borsato, purchased in the Netherlands

all the movement, confirmation and

the track!

and owned by Tracy Bolt was perfection

character of a Warmblood, just in

personified. He was brave, had talent

a smaller package. That’s great for

to burn and always gave 100 per cent.

Australians because adults can ride

However, Nicole tells me he could have

ponies in Australia. A lot of us aren’t tall

“little brain farts” just before going into

like the Germans, or we’re broken and

a test, and forget how to do the simplest

can’t muscle a big 17hh horse around.”

that I wasn’t as broken as I am. But then

of transitions, like walk to trot. German

She says Emma’s six-year-old pony

I couldn’t have got here without the 12

bred Faberge, owned by Emma Weel

Devron Nintendo is like an Eveready

horses that I learnt everything from.” And

was born to be a dressage horse. “He

battery, while her own five-year-old,

the journeys on those horses also taught

was always, ‘pick me, pick me, it’s my

Dumbledore, is by Bundeschampionate

her to be the coach that she is today.

turn to train!’” she recalls.

winner Double Diamond.

That’s a lot of tools in your toolkit.

Nicole is philosophical of her life and career thus far: “I guess my biggest regret is that I wish I had ridden in my 30s the way I’m riding now in my 50s and

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 15

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You can also do this stretching exercise using a jump pole lying on the ground, something all my clients see me do if there happen to be poles in the arena

C OAC H I N G W I T H C H R I S T I N E

Get off your horse

while I’m teaching - I just can’t pass up the opportunity for a good heels down boost. Another favourite place of mine to do this is when going up the travelator ramp at the mall, and I'm not even kidding! When out of the blue a friend asked me how on earth I managed to

Four off-horse exercises to improve core strength, flexibility, and body symmetry from our resident coach CHRISTINE ARMISHAW.

I

efforts had paid off.

Shoulder and chest opener Riding a lot can sometimes cause rounding of the shoulders and closing up

’m always on the hunt for easy

Heels down stretch

little ways I can work on my riding

Because I used to struggle so much with

technique and position, even when

keeping my own heels down, this is my

I’m not on a horse. Here are a few

get my heels down so far, I knew my

favourite, and all you need is a low step.

Stand on the edge of the step on the

of the chest. I realised I had this problem when, at one of my sporadic sports massage sessions, I simply could not pull my shoulders back to what the practitioner assured me was a ‘normal’ position.

handy tips and tricks I personally use

balls of your feet and let your heels drop

The exercise to combat shoulder

to improve core strength, flexibility and

below your toes. Hold the stretch for

rounding is simple, but effective if done

body symmetry. I even prescribe these

at least 25 to 30 seconds to give your

regularly. Stand in a doorway and hold

muscles time to stop resisting and relax

on to the frame with one hand, just

exercises for my clients as post-lesson

into the stretch. Holding on to a rail or

above shoulder height. Lean forward

homework, because rider training

leaning a hand against the wall can help

slightly, while looking back over the

doesn’t have to be limited to the saddle.

with balance.

same shoulder. Once you feel the

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C OAC H I N G

stretch come on, hold for 25-30 seconds

aware of how you let your body slouch

I love trying to balance on my knees on

then repeat with the other arm.

or slump is incredibly insightful and will

an exercise ball too, it uses all the core

go a long way towards improving your

engagement mentioned above and

position in the saddle.

more! If you’re up for a challenge, give it

both on the flat and while jumping, not

Work your core

a go. The more steady and still you can

only looks much better, it also offers you

A strong core is everything when it

a stronger, more stable position.

comes to riding. Your core muscles are

Normalise straightness

responsible for strength, balance and

Pulling your shoulders back and staying broad through the chest while riding,

hold yourself, the stronger your core has become. Just remember to be safe and work within your own limitations.

If you find that you collapse a hip and

an independent seat; any off-horse core

Adding these off-horse hacks into your

lean slightly to one side while riding,

improvements you can summon will pay

daily life are easy yet effective ways to

chances are you do it in other areas of

dividends and are well worth the effort.

improve your riding. When practised

life too. The best way to improve this is to

An easy, core-engaging technique is

regularly, they genuinely make a

notice how you tend to stand or sit when

to spend time sitting on an exercise

difference and, if they can give you an

your mind is elsewhere and, when you

ball each day. All the small movements

extra edge when you’re in the saddle,

do notice, to correct it. When driving in

of the ball underneath you cause your

why wouldn’t you?

the car practise sitting tall and straight,

abdominals to activate in order to

rather than leaning on the door arm rest.

maintain your equilibrium and keep the

Now visit Equestrian Hub to watch a

When waiting in a queue, distribute your

ball in place. Plus, you can’t help but

video of Christine demonstrating how to

weight evenly across both feet and stand

bounce on it a bit while sitting, which is

do these exercises effectively.

square. Seeing other people ahead of

definitely more fun than your average

me in a line, leaning on one foot while

chair. The trick, however, is not to sit on

they wait, has become a great prompt to check that I am standing up straight.

the ball all day. If you get to the point where you are tired and your back starts

The human body has great muscle

to round, you are not doing your body

memory and the way you regularly hold

any favours. Ten minutes is a good length

yourself while off-horse is likely to be

of time, enough to keep you focused,

recreated when mounted. Becoming

engaged and reaping the benefits.

FACING PAGE: Christine keeping her heels where they should be (Image by Melissa Goodson, Snapshotaustralia).

ABOVE LEFT: Use a door frame to pull back rounded shoulders.

ABOVE MIDDLE: If you notice you’re collapsing a hip, correct your posture and stand square.

ABOVE RIGHT: The heels down stretch is easy to do and the rewards are great.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 19

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ASK AN EXPERT

Alanna Richards: Show ring presentation

If you need to clip your horse, don’t clip them until the hair actually starts to move. If you clip too early the hair doesn’t come through very nicely and you’re going to have to clip again. If you clip after the hair starts moving, then the hair’s naturally falling out so you’ll clip the dead hair off.

Keep them rugged so they’re warm,

ALANNA RICHARDS is an Equestrian Hub Mentor and an expert on what it takes for your horse to shine in the show ring.

although not a lather of sweat as this will have the opposite effect. I also hot oil my horses twice a week. You want their coat to be really healthy and shampooing it can dry it too much. If a horse is a little bit fluffy I wash them two days before the show, and then I’ll use hot oil or an oil based coat conditioner the day of the show or the night before so the coat sits down.

What’s your pre-season approach to diet?

Over the off season we take their feed back quite a bit to let their body recover, and then start slowing building it up again. That’s the biggest thing - you have to introduce it slowly and not all at once because if you do, they’ll be more susceptible to soundness problems. You don’t want to be overfeeding horses so they’re not rideable, or they’re not good for you on the ground.

And you do have to be working the horse. You can’t just bring them in and feed them because they’ll get fat. You need to be building the muscle as well.

If you feed, feed, feed and then say, ‘oh, they look really good’ and you then start working them, the weight will come off because it’s not conditioned weight. If you’re going to start adding a lot of grain or adding rich foods, you want to make sure you’re looking after their digestive system. Hay is very important; you want

What are your top grooming tips?

Wiping them over with a damp cloth will

Buy as many curry combs as you can –

also create a bit of grip, but don’t wash

the newer the curry comb, the better!

too often if you’re trying to get their coat

If your horse’s hair is coming out, curry

out. If the hair starts to move and they’re

comb them after you’ve worked them

really clean, it won’t come out. You need

because the hair will just pour out.

that bit of dirt and dry sweat to help you.

them to have lots of low-sugar, grassy hay. If they’re well on the inside, they’re going to look well on the outside.

ABOVE LEFT: Alanna and Sanlirra Ferrero, Champion Hunter Galloway at the 2022 Canberra Royal. (Image by Lisa Gordon, Little More Grace Photographics).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 21

Mentor

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Equestrian Hub Mentorship Encouraging and supporting riders to achieve their best, and reach their goals.

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22 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Major Sponsor

The Mentoring Program Meet our mentors

David Finch

Jade Findlay

National coach educator, former Equestrian Australia

A full-time 5* eventer and EA coach who has trained and

Coach of the Year, and five-time Equestrian Queensland

competed horses to the highest level, Jade attributes

Coach of the Year, David is a member of an elite group

much of her success to the fantastic early start she had

of Australian Level 3 Accredited Show Jumping coaches.

under the guidance of two of the sport’s greats. Growing

Along with these impressive credentials, he has a track

up in Inner Sydney, her love of horses eventually led her

record as a successful competitor at international level,

to the UK, where she trained with Christopher Bartle.

and as an owner and breeder of elite horses.

With her passion for eventing firmly established, she then

For David, horses are not so much a part of what he does,

later trained with Stuart Tinney.

they’re at the core of who he is, and they’re at the heart

Jade had had some wonderful highs in the sport, and

of his renowned Finch Farm brand. He has been breeding

has partnered with some remarkable horses. Her strength

international standard performance horses for more than

is working with tricky mares, who she says constantly

20 years, several of which are currently competing at elite

challenge and teach her. She has had sensational

levels in Australia and overseas. Finch Farm is home to

relationships with horses like Lutello, Holstien Park

an exciting and innovative world class breeding program

Leilani, Frontier Psychiatrist, Bloomers Twinkletoes, Oaks

designed to strengthen the gene pool and performance

Cordelia, Wasabi I, and PIKS Dancing Queen.

ability of the Australian sport horse through a band of

Alongside her partner Hinnerk Hueppe, Jade runs

carefully selected mares and frozen semen from some of

Hannover Lodge, a highly successful Thoroughbred

the world’s finest show jumping stallions.

facility. The couple focus on breaking, pre-training,

David has competed in Japan, Germany and the United

spelling and sales preparation.

States, and has produced a string of top level horses

No stranger to nerves, Jade believes that if you don’t put

including World Cup mounts, Campmaster, Boera,

yourself on the edge of your comfort zone from time to

Finch Farm Chill, Finch Farm Cadel, Charlemagne Ego

time, you never get better at dealing with them. And she

Z and Calgary GNZ. His contribution to the equestrian

has a golden rule she lives by: always surround yourself

industry was recognised through his induction into the

with the best and the most knowledgeable people you

Toowoomba Royal Show Equine Hall of Fame in 2020.

can, and never be too proud to ask for advice.

David and World Cup mount Charlemagne Ego Z, one of Finch Farm’s superb stallions.

Jade and Piks Dancing Queen (Image by Melissa Goodson, Snapshotaustralia).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 23

big part in getting him into eventing and bringing him up through the ranks. Sam even bought one of Simon’s horses,

F E AT U R E

which ultimately took him all the way up to 5* eventing.

The coaching life

Eager to pursue a career with horses, Sam saw coaching as a way to fund his endeavours. “Living across the road from Simon had a big influence on me early on in my career. I was always very aware that I needed to pay for the horse riding and because Simon was into the coaching program, I saw that as a way

Sam Lyle, a 5* eventer and EA Level 3 Coach with a Masters of Education in Sports Coaching, spoke recently about his award-winning career as a coach.

S

to make a living.” He wasted no time, completing his Equestrian Australia (EA) Level 1 coaching exam his first year out of school. As a coach, rider and trainer, Sam recognises that he has evolved

am Lyle got into horses in his early

When I left school I rode full-time,

teens and was a self-described

working for a few different people,”

horse nut from then on. “I’d go

he recounts. At the time, he was

over time, and that the amount and type of coaching he did was quite different early on. Now, coaching makes up a part of his business, alongside riding his

down to the family farm as much as I

neighbours with eventer and high level

own competition horses and schooling

could on the weekends and holidays.

EA coach, Simon Kale, who played a

clients’ horses.

24 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Coaching vs teaching Teaching entails directing a rider to carry out a specific set of tasks, which is important when first developing a new skill or technique. “I’ll give the rider a particular set of directions, for example, and get them to ride to a jump the way I ask,” Sam explains. The benefits of a methodical step-by-step instructional approach - ride this line, jump these three fences and get five strides in helps the student to understand and learn how to do something new.

A truly successful coach, however, also helps the rider to continue to grow and improve, even when the coach isn’t present. Sam talks about teaching his students to self-coach: “I try to always encourage the rider to self-assess by asking them questions. How did that speed feel coming into the jump? Do you think you were straight?” Other times he opts to not even guide the question that much, but rather encourages the rider to analyse their own attempts. “I might say: OK when you come into that jump again, what do

Another aspect Sam focuses on is

message on what will help the horse

encouraging the rider to be happy with

improve,” he explains. After getting

the level they’re at. “Most people I coach

home from coaching, Sam reflects on

too slow’. I’m trying to get them to ask

are doing the sport for enjoyment and

moments when he’s explained to a rider

themselves a little bit.”

fun. It’s OK to stay at the level you’re

that if they do a particular exercise well,

enjoying, don’t feel pressured to go up.”

it will help their horse perform better –

the development stage of the student

Extra benefits

and that encourages him to go and work

and where he thinks they’re at, relative

One of the biggest challenges he has

to the situation they’re in. “If it’s a

encountered as a coach is finding

The approach of figuring out exactly

balance. “In general, trying to balance

what you’re doing on the horse as a

everything, as far as coaching, my

rider, combined with the perspective

own riding, family, life, just trying to fit

of having watched it executed from the

everything in, that can be a challenge,”

ground, can amplify all the moments

or bad and what made it that way. He

Sam remarks. Every day he rides

during that process you need to be

believes the days of coaches yelling

anywhere from 10 to 13 horses, as well

aware of, providing a more complete

and screaming ‘you’ve got to get over

as giving a couple of lessons, and it all

picture. “Coaching has absolutely

that jump!’ and ‘make the horse do it!’

takes time.

helped my riding,” he says.

you think you could improve? Then they have to go, ‘Oh I didn’t quite get straight there’, or ‘I was a bit too fast’, or ‘I was

Sam adjusts his coaching style to suit

group situation, versus a clinic, versus someone I coach a lot, it will change to some degree,” he says. His ultimate goal is to get riders to understand when a certain aspect has been good

have passed, rather he tries to present as a calm coach: “The research shows

on it with his own horses.

But he has also found that coaching

that people learn better by making their

others has a great payoff: it helps

own mistakes and then assessing what

advance his own riding. “When you’re

happened, so you do want to channel

coaching you need to try and break the

into that.”

processes down to get a really clear

FACING PAGE: Sam and Harry Hill took 3rd place in the 2* at Quirindi in April (Image by Britt Grovenor Photography).

ABOVE: Receiving the award for 2017 Equestrian NSW High Performance Coach of the Year (Image courtesy Sam Lyle).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 25

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Sam and BF Valour went on to win the 2022 Quirindi Eventing 4* (Image by Britt Grovenor Photography).

Wisdom for aspiring coaches

over the years and, in the same way he

have handled the way it was stopping

Aside from completing the EA coaching

encourages his riders to ask questions

differently? Just constantly asking

program right the way through to a

of themselves, Sam readily self-analyses

myself questions about how I could have

Level 3 Eventing Specialist, the highest

his own coaching. “I’ll do a clinic and

improved a session, and I try and take

EA coaching accreditation available,

at the end of every group I’ll think to

that forward to the next session.”

Sam believes his coaching has evolved through watching other people, having lessons himself, and being taught by coaches he respects.

myself, did I handle that situation well?

For example, if I’ve had a horse that’s been stopping at a cross country jump, I’ll ask myself what I could have done differently. Did I not give the horse

The very act of coaching has also

enough of a warm up at similar but

developed and progressed his style

smaller versions of the jump? Could I

For anyone keen to venture down the coaching pathway, Sam highly recommends embarking on the EA program. “Every time I teach a lesson, I still use fundamentals I learnt doing the EA Level 1. I do think that’s a really good starting place for anyone setting out to become a coach.” He also recommends watching coaches you respect, so you can see how they plan and structure their lessons, and hear what they have to say.

Finally, Sam suggests an excellent way to learn is to go down to your local Pony Club and volunteer (after first checking on insurance requirements). “I’ve found the biggest thing that has helped me coach, is coaching. Pony Club is a really good way to start, so get in and have a go.”

Hear the full conversation, including a discussion on nerves and Sam’s tips for using them to your advantage, at

Coaching has been a big part of Sam’s life throughout his career (Image courtesy Sam Lyle).

Equestrian Hub. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 27

While it’s not lethal, it can make your horse unwell. The toxin in the plant gets processed in the bloodstream and travels

F E AT U R E

Weed awareness

to the skin. When exposed through unpigmented skin, the toxin interacts with UV light to cause sunburn, making the horse prone to skin infections. It also causes gastro-intestinal irritation.

Paterson’s Curse Paterson’s curse is easy identifiable due to its distinctive purple flower. It

Weeds can be a hazard. To find out just how hazardous, RACHEL ROAN spoke to equine specialist Dr Cristina Rosales.

W

hen it comes to weeds that could harm your horse, the list is long, and it can

occurs in all Australia states, but is most common in areas of high winter rainfall.

If left unchecked, it quickly becomes a problem when conditions are favourable as it can produce seeds from autumn through to spring. If ingested, it may

in addition, may become a ‘roarer’.

cause fatal liver failure. “It’s tricky to

Dandelion poisoning isn’t fatal, but

diagnose unless we’ve seen the weeds,

treatment takes time. With six to twelve

or the owner tells us that the horse has

be confusing for horse owners to

months of rest, good pasture, and

eaten them,” Cristina comments. “It can

know what they should be wary of. Dr

medication to relax muscles and nerves,

take six months before any signs of

Cristina Rosales is an equine specialist

there is a chance that the horse can

poisoning begin to show, by which time

at Barwon Equine Hospital in Victoria.

return to work. However, depending

it’s too late to help the horse.”

She has a fascination with weeds and

on the level of toxicity, they may never

Fireweed: A weed commonly found

an interest in toxicity, so I asked her for

return to high level performance work.

on the NSW’s Central Coast, Fireweed

St John’s Wort: Hard to eradicate, the

is also fatal to horses. Other than UV

some advice. Here’s her list of the ten most common offenders:

The terrible ten

seeds of St John’s Wort can remain dormant in soil for up to 20 years, and

sensitivity, this plant predominantly causes irreversible liver and brain damage.

Flatweed Dandelion: This weed causes

their tubular roots and runners add to the

Oleander: This weed results in heart

stringhalt, where the horse loses the

removal problem. Even when poisoned,

disease and ultimately death. Not only

ability to walk in both hind legs, and

the roots often survive and regrow.

is oleander a danger to horses, it is

28 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

F E AT U R E

also poisonous to humans, dogs and

want to know there was a history of

cats, and other domestic livestock. It is

Symptoms

the plant being in the area before you

For many horses, symptoms after

extremely toxic, so even the smallest

reached for that antidote.”

poisoning from weeds often present like

amount is harmful. It may look pretty while flowering, but it isn’t worth having

Yellow Star Thistle: This large, spindly

on your property.

weed often grows in disturbed soil along

colic. “Toxicity with weeds can trick you in that way,” Cristina says. “Unless it’s one of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which

roadsides. Ingestion affects the nerves

present very differently, symptoms from

areas, Foxglove produces tall spires of

that control the horse’s ability to chew.

toxicity can be vague.” Another major

bell-shaped flowers. While most horses

Other facial muscles may also become

challenge with poisoning is a horse’s

will not eat fresh foxglove, if even 100g

paralysed, resulting in a frozen or blank

inability to vomit. “Any suspicion of

is consumed death occurs in a matter

expression. While a horse is still able to

toxins means we have to repeatedly

of hours. Symptoms include diarrhoea,

swallow, it will continuously bite and try

stomach tube a horse, flushing it with

staggering, fitting, and collapse. All parts

to hold food in its mouth. Mouth ulcers

Foxglove: Found in warmer coastal

of the plant are toxic. Fortunately, it can be managed by planting improved pastures. If individual plants are pulled out by hand, do not burn them, and

can then form and gums will become damaged, while the horse may appear to choke, with its tongue poking out.

salty water and magnesium to cause movement through and out of the gastrointestinal tract,” she explains.

Charcoal is another remedy vets reach for, as it can help absorb toxins.

dispose of them carefully to avoid

Finally, lesions will form in the horse’s

However, charcoal won’t help if there

accidental poisoning.

brain. To avoid the horse slowly starving

are unchewed or larger particles of plant

to death, euthanasia is the only option.

or leaf matter.

Marshmallow Weed: Found across Australia, like Oleander and Foxglove, this weed can cause a rapid heart beat, and survival rates are low. It also impacts the skeletal muscles, causing the horse to become very weak and experience muscle tremors. Christina tells me that when a horse presents with a high heart rate, the cause is usually something other than poisoning, and it often takes a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death. Seeds found in the gut are sent to a specialised lab for toxicity testing and identification. “While doing a postmortem won’t bring your horse back, it can help prevent other deaths,” she adds.

Crofton Weed: Sudden death can also be caused by Crofton Weed poisoning.

While researchers are yet to identify what this toxin is, signs of poisoning may begin with exercise intolerance and coughing, before sudden death.

Deadly Nightshade: Deadly Nightshade targets the horse’s nervous and intestinal systems, and although it’s nasty, there is an antidote that can reverse its effects. However, it’s only administered if the vet is sure the horse has ingested the plant. “We have to be certain to give medication that reverses the side effects of the toxin, otherwise the drug itself can cause significant harm,” Cristina explains. “You would

FACING PAGE: With their tall spires of bell-shaped flowers, Foxgloves are particularly toxic.

ABOVE: St John’s Wort is hard to eradicate.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 29

F E AT U R E

Prevention While it’s important to understand which weeds are dangerous, know how to identify them, and recognise potential symptoms, Cristina suggests consulting your local agronomist as the best course of action. They will know which weeds are common to your area, and can advise on chemicals or methods of management.

When poisoning weeds, make sure you remove the horses from the paddocks as herbicides can make previously unpalatable poisonous plants appealing.

Some weeds are just as poisonous even when dead or dry, so it’s important to remove them after they’ve been treated.

Cristina’s best advice is that prevention is the key to protecting your horse from poisoning. Just by following some simple management techniques, horse owners can avoid a potentially deadly situation.

Weeds can be spread through hay, vehicles or machinery from another property, or through the digestive tract of a newly arrived animal, so proactive management of your pastures, quarantining animals to prevent pasture contamination, and routine checks of your paddocks are a must. “A lot of these toxins don't have a cure,” Christina tells me, “so it’s better to check paddocks regularly for weeds, especially at the change of the season.”

Weed toxicity usually varies depending on the stage of growth or time of year.

Fertilisers may also cause a flush of growth in poisonous plants and increase their toxicity.

Fortunately, most horses will not eat a weed if they have an adequate food source and a balanced diet. However, in conditions where a horse has restricted access to sufficient good pasture, they will eat whatever they find.

Agrifutures Australian Field Guide to TOP: Unfortunately, survival rates from Marshmallow Weed toxicity are low (Image by Rachel Roan).

MIDDLE: A large, spindly weed, Yellow Star Thistle causes paralysis of the mouth and face.

BOTTOM: Signs of Crofton Weed poisoning can begin with exercise intolerance and coughing.

30 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Poisonous Weeds has a comprehensive list of weeds, grasses, shrubs, trees and common garden plants that are toxic to horses.

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VET VIBES

Embryo transfer

the embryo, along with a small amount of the flushing fluid, is inserted into her uterine horn.

All procedures are performed through the cervix of both the donor and the recipient mare with no invasive surgery involved. In order for the procedures to

Is embryo transfer the right choice for your mare?

DR DOUG ENGLISH looks at some of the basics.

be carried out efficiently and safely, a good, protected crush area is essential.

Frozen embryos An embryo can be frozen to be inserted into the recipient mare at a later time.

Such embryos can be transported long distances, thus removing the necessity for the recipient mare to be in the same location as the donor mare. Ideally, a frozen embryo should be around six days old, and the recipient mare needs to be at about the same stage in her ovulatory cycle (i.e. six days) or a few days later, when the embryo is implanted.

Success rate Aside from any other consideration, in order for a healthy embryo to be recovered the donor mare must of course be fertile, and the stallion must have proven fertility in the breeding modality (e.g. live cover, artificial insemination) that has been chosen. When fertile mares and stallions are used, a viable embryo is recovered approximately seventy per cent of the time.

Synchronisation If a freshly harvested embryo (rather than one that has been frozen) is being used, close attention to detail is critical in all stages of the process. Both mares must be synchronised in their oestrus cycles to ovulate at about the same time or within a few days of each other. In the recipient mare, ovulation is best a day or

T

so later. While the donor mare should be as healthy as possible, it’s more critical

he first transfer of an equine

The flushing fluid is collected and

to make a discerning choice regarding

embryo occurred in 1974.

closely examined in a laboratory set

the recipient mare, whose health should

Embryo transfer in equines is

up beside the crush, not just to find

be excellent. The size of the recipient mare is also important. She should be

seemingly simple and involves flushing

the embryo but also to determine its

a fertilised embryo from the donor mare

viability. Seven or eight days later, the

and stallion. A recipient mare should

while she is safely held in a crush.

recipient mare is put into the crush and

have had a previously healthy foal or

32 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

equal to, or bigger than the donor mare

VET VIBES

foals, be young (under 10 years old), be a proven good mother, and of a quiet, friendly disposition. A backup mare or mares is a good idea in case, by remote chance, two embryos are produced.

Hormone injections to stimulate hyperovulation (a multiple ovulation where both ovaries release an egg, or more than one egg is released by either ovary) have been tried but the results are inconsistent. The number of oocytes (egg cells) are generally low, unlike cattle where several viable embryos are often produced.

Pluses for embryo transfer There are a variety of good reasons to consider an embryo transfer: The donor mare has reproductive problems due to poor uterine health, hormonal issues, poor placental development, or any other reason.

Many such mares have a history of repeated abortions.

A high performance mare can continue to compete and not be weighed down by carrying a foal.

An elite mare can produce more than one foal in each breeding season.

The flushing fluid is examined in the laboratory to find the embryo and determine its viability. PREVIOUS PAGE: A recipient mare should have had a previously healthy foal, be under 10 years old), and a proven good mother with a quiet, friendly disposition.

Embryos can be collected from mares too young to successfully carry a foal.

Embryos can be collected from compatible endangered equid species and transferred to ordinary domestic mares.

Regulations Breed society rules are an important

American Quarter Horse Association removed all restrictions on the number of foals that could be registered to a particular mare in a single year, and since then the number of specialised breeding clinics has increased considerably.

Unlimited embryo transfer is allowed by the American Quarter Horse Association,

An older or an unhealthy mare does

consideration. Restrictions may apply

the Arabian Horse Association, the

not have to bear the parasitism of a

as to the number of foals that can be

American Paint Horse Association, and

pregnancy which may further deplete

registered to each mare, or if embryo

the Australian Stock Horse Association.

her health.

transfer is actually allowed at all.

However, DNA testing is required for

The risk of foaling problems in a valuable mare is eliminated.

There is an ongoing debate around this and rules are changing. In 2003, the

most foals before they can be registered.

So far as Thoroughbreds go, there is no permission for embryo transfer, and only one registration per year is allowed for each mare in national Stud Books that come under the auspices of the Thoroughbred Stud Book. Further, all Thoroughbreds are DNA typed.

Weighing it up There are a range of variables to consider – from health, practicality, and embryo viability, to the rules currently enforced by your Breed Society - before you opt for embryo transfer. But if the Left: Approximately 24 hours after fertilisation the embryo has two cells.

Right: At approximately four days old, the embryo is now 16 cells.

conditions are right, a healthy live foal might be the welcome result.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 33

high sugar intake and associated hindgut acidosis, mineral imbalance, changing levels of reproductive

NUTRITION

Getting spring ready

hormones and mycotoxin ingestion.

Weight gain & laminitis Most pasture plants produce lush green growth during spring provided there is adequate rainfall. Horses consuming large volumes of these highly palatable

Equine nutritionist LARISSA BILSTON explains what to expect from springtime pastures and offers tips on keeping your horse safe from potential risks.

D

pastures will gain weight and add to their fat stores. If your horse is overweight but not insulin resistant or dangerously obese, you may be able to achieve weight loss without removing them from pasture.

ays are getting longer and

But if your horse is an easy keeper, has

warmer, the soil is moist

a metabolic condition, or is prone to

Obesity increases the likelihood of

and spring grass growth has

laminitis then the next couple of months

developing Equine Metabolic Syndrome

begun. For many, this is good news –

require very careful management to

(EMS), a condition that affects the body’s

plentiful grass means horses won’t need

maintain good health.

ability to use and store blood sugar,

to be fed as much hay, and those who

Spring also brings out bad or overly

often leading to insulin resistance (IR).

had trouble holding weight over winter

exuberant behaviour in some horses,

Note that some horses with Cushings

will flourish.

often caused by excess calorie intake,

also have IR.

34 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

NUTRITION

any grass, especially very short grass plants or runners and feed a controlled amount of ‘safe forage’ with salt and a concentrated mineral balancer.

To encourage non-lame horses to move more, position multiple hay nets at opposite ends of the area to water.

Laneway systems, especially those that create a loop, are particularly effective at encouraging exercise.

It is important to restrict intake to 1.25 to 1.5 per cent of bodyweight which equates to around 7kg of hay for a 500kg horse or 3.5kg for a 250kg pony.

‘Safe’ hay for IR horses and for weight loss is low in sugar and starch levels.

Ideally, choose hay which has been analysed and has a combined ESC + starch value of less than 10 per cent.

Although you can’t pick a suitable forage By far the most common cause of

Obese horses, those with active laminitis

just by looking at it, the safest forages

pasture associated laminitis is a spike

and all horses with IR should avoid

are rapidly growing, mid-length leafy

in blood insulin levels. This is triggered

pastures with ryegrass and clover and

grasses of native species or lower sugar

by eating grass, hay or hard feeds high

usually need to be removed from all

in sugar and starch. During spring and

introduced grasses. Avoid pastures or

pasture during spring and autumn, or

hay made from high production grasses

anytime that pasture plants are stressed.

such as clover and ryegrass and do

Grass can become stressed during

not feed cereal (oaten, wheaten) hay or

drought or waterlogging, frost, herbicide

chaff. Limit lucerne hay to no more than

application or severe nutrient depletion.

30 per cent of total daily intake. Do not

Use yards or laneway systems without

give access to very short pastures (e.g.

autumn, pastures are naturally high in plant carbohydrates (sugars or starches), putting insulin resistant horses at high risk for laminitis.

When sugar levels increase suddenly, or the horse gorges on lush pasture, digestive upsets can occur as sugars that aren’t absorbed in the small intestine overflow into the hindgut where they are fermented by gut microbes. This produces more and different organic acids to those produced by fibre fermentation, which can cause gut pain, diarrhea, hindgut acidosis and dysbiosis (a change in the microbial population) any of which can affect behaviour and may lead to colic or laminitis.

Managing dietary ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (ESC) and starch is important for laminitis-prone horses even when they are not overweight. And if they’re insulin resistant due to EMS or Cushings then you need to be even more vigilant.

Courtesy of Farmalogic E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 35

NUTRITION

oxalate, falling in the 5-10g oxalate/kg DM range. High oxalate grasses such as setaria, buffel, para or signal grass contain 15-75g oxalate/kg DM. Rhodes Grass is a high producing, low oxalate C4 grass preferred for planting horse friendly pastures in the tropics and subtropics, with Bluegrass, Native Wheatgrass, Mitchell Grass, Kangaroo and Wallaby Grass also well suited.

Macromineral balance During spring and autumn, rapidly growing, heavily fertilised or stressed Courtesy of Farmalogic

grass may become high in potassium and

mowed or over-grazed) or grass carrying

that an overweight horse does not

filled seed heads.

need. A handful of damp lucerne chaff,

The levels of starch and sugar become more concentrated later in the day as the sugars from photosynthesis accumulate.

beet pulp or copra to act as a carrier for

nitrate and low in sodium, which can have a dramatic effect on electrolyte balance and metabolism in horses, potentially

salt and a mineral balancer is all that’s

leading to colic, grass-affected behaviour,

required during weight loss.

grass tetany or grass staggers.

Stressed plants also accumulate

Planting safer pastures

carbohydrate as they experience slower

Successful long-term management of

growth. Although some plant species

metabolic and easy-keeper horses can be

are more likely to be lower in starch and

improved by replanting with horse friendly

sugars, these levels change throughout

lower sugar/starch pasture varieties:

the diet by cutting hard feeds

the day, from day to day, week to week

In temperate zones

back to just a token amount

and across the season.

Choose a mix of slower growing, higher

Manage overweight (but not IR) horses by: Removing excess calories from

to carry the necessary mineral supplements.

If carbohydrate levels of hay are

fibre, lower nutrient varieties such

unknown, soak in warm water for 30

as Cocksfoot, Browntop Bentgrass,

minutes or cold water for 60 minutes

Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dogtail, or Prairie

consumed with a grazing

to remove soluble sugars. Drain and

Grass. A good variety of Australian native

muzzle or by dividing the

discard soak water before feeding.

grass seeds are now available but these

paddock into strips or small

Remove and discard any uneaten hay at

plants aren’t always as resilient under

least every 12 hours to avoid mycotoxin

hooved animals and heavy grazing as

contamination. Soaking hay can reduce

the introduced species. Look for Wallaby

water soluble carbohydrates by 30 per

Grass, Native Wheatgrass, Native

cent but also removes some minerals,

Bluegrass and Weeping Grass as these

which need to be replaced with a

are amongst the best suited to grazing.

quality, concentrated mineral balancer.

In tropical zones

Provide a mineral supplement to top up

Many tropical pasture grasses contain

horse can eat a full day's worth

and balance the levels in your horse's

high levels of oxalates which bring their

of food in just four hours!).

pasture. An overweight horse needs

own challenges with managing horse

If your horse does not lose

roughage, salt and minerals, but don’t

calcium levels to avoid bighead disease.

weight with these measures, lock

feel that you have to give a ‘laminitis

Rhodes is considered low oxalate, with

your horse off pasture to give

safe’ hard feed which, although low in

under 5g oxalate/kg DM (dry matter),

total control of the entire intake.

sugar, is nevertheless adding calories

whilst Teff is considered moderate

36 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Limiting the quantity of grass

sections with moveable electric tape. Do not regraze sections until growth is at least 15cm high. If using a grazing muzzle, keep it on at least 90% of the time the horse is at pasture, to prevent compensatory gorging while muzzle is removed. (A

NUTRITION

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NUTRITION

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Third time’s the charm! The event has been rescheduled to the first weekend in September for our first ever Eventing @ Willinga competition.

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JUMPING@ WILLINGA 15 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 Two years have passed since Showjumping featured at Willinga Park, and it is with a great deal of anticipation and pleasure that we welcome back the most spectacular of the equestrian sports to our famous and fabulous Showjumping Arena – which just happens to be the biggest ebb & flow surface in Australia.

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NUTRITION

When pasture macro-mineral levels

staggers





How to safely feed IR and laminitis-prone horses:

suddenly change, an increase in dietary

Remove excess calories from the

levels is needed to balance the intake.



Mycotoxins

When the mycotoxin load is very high,

diet by cutting hard feeds back to a token amount to carry the

salt and magnesium above the ‘normal’

unusual sweat patterns coarse dull coat

Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds

remove horses from contaminated

produced by various species of

pasture, feed clean hay/hard feed and

microfungi. Warmer, wet weather as

feed a quality, broad-spectrum toxin

that total daily intake is 1.5% of

well as an abundance of pasture plants

binder that does not bind nutrients or

the horse’s bodyweight.

and seeds increases the risk of horses

medications. Do not feed dusty, musty,

ingesting mycotoxin in spring time.

wet or spoiled hay or hard feed. If

Symptoms of ingestion can be very

symptoms persist call your vet.

necessary mineral supplements.

Feed enough ‘safe’ grass hay so

DON’T lock overweight horses up all day or all night with nothing to eat! When horses are left for more than four hours without food, they are at risk of

different between horses but often include some of the following: 

uncharacteristic erratic behaviour

developing gastric ulcers.

Use slow feeder hay nets to make



limited hay last as long as possible.

If you provide grazing, limit it to the very early hours of the

with low carb limited hay for the

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greasy heel or mud fever

riders and owners who understand the

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pink skin)

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photosensitivity (severely 'sunburnt'

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morning when sugar levels are lowest, then return to bare yard

sudden development of

Information on nutritional support for laminitis prone horses is available at Farmalogic.

Wading into water doesn’t come naturally to many horses due to the way their vision works. Their eyes are

TRAINING TIPS

Conquering water

set up high on the sides of their head, which means they have excellent long-range vision, perfect for spotting predators on the horizon. However, there is a drawback. Because the eyes are not positioned at the front of the head like ours, they struggle with depth perception. When you ask them to step

Is your horse convinced that scary monsters lurk in the murky depths? All is not lost, CHRISTINE ARMISHAW is here to throw you both a life line.

Y

into a puddle, they find it hard to judge whether it’s ten centimetres or a metre deep, especially if it’s muddy or murky.

Regular practise will help your horse learn to trust that you are not going to ask them to jump in over their head.

ou may have noticed that there’s one spot at events where you will always see a

cluster of spectators: the water complex.

Why? Because that’s where a lot of

possible when you make water training

A weekly paddle is the ideal scenario

part of your regime.

to help produce a confident and keen

Water tends to be one of the biggest challenges on the cross country course

individual when it comes to getting their feet wet.

primarily because it is something that

Getting ready

just doesn’t come up that often in daily

Always check the footing under the

not so much fun if you are a rider having

horse life. Most people don’t have

surface. Giving your horse a fright is a

trouble with your horse. Fortunately,

access to water to play around in at

sure-fire way to give them just cause

creating happy memories of cantering

home and if you fall into this category,

to distrust what they perceive to be

boldly through the splash and jumping

you have to go out and find some; the

dangerous depths. If you are not certain

bravely in and out of the depths are all

more often, the better.

what the footing is like, there is only one

drama unfolds! Fun if you’re watching,

40 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

TRAINING TIPS

way to find out! Get your gumboots on and check that there are no rocks or branches to trip on, and that it’s not too soft and sinky. If in doubt, don’t ask them to go in. If they’ve already had a bad experience, you’ll only make conquering water even harder.

It’s always easier to get the horse into shallow or clear water where they can see the bottom. Try to pick places where the water is clear or, at the very least, has a shallow point to get started.

Baby steps When it comes to getting a reluctant horse to even dip a toe in, there are a few different techniques you can employ.

Taking a young or green horse training with a more experienced buddy is a super place to start. An old hand who is happy to stride straight on in provides an excellent confident boost for a firsttimer. The newbie is more likely to follow their companion and become relaxed when those around them are also feeling confident and calm.

If you are not with a horse who can give you a lead, adopting a pressure-release training approach should be your go-to.

Walk them up the point where they feel comfortable; for some this may be the water’s edge, for others it may not be quite that close. In the latter scenario, have them stop and stand, at which point you stop pressuring them with leg or whip aids – unless they walk backwards – and aim to have them stand for a moment observing the water.

With a horse that’s really bothered, once they’ve stood calmly and quietly for a moment, turn them away and come back towards the water and repeat the process again, each time getting a little closer. Letting them turn away after they’ve stood quietly facing the water removes pressure, which offers them a period of stress relief. This isn’t letting FACING PAGE: Christine and Myal High El Capitano after a safe landing in the water (Image by Brittany Bates).

LEFT: All attempts at walking forward, or showing bravery should be praised (Image courtesy Christine Armishaw).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 41

TRAINING TIPS

Myal High Lyric now confident enough to trot through the water (Image courtesy Christine Armishaw).

them ‘get away’ with not going in, so long

make sure you’re training them towards

scratches; remember, no old school neck

as they’ve first stood facing forward with

the right outcome. All attempts at walking

slaps, they’re the opposite of soothing.

no backwards steps for a moment.This

forward, or showing bravery or curiosity

The first moment of water entry tends

should be coupled with verbal praise

to be the scariest, but once the horse

and soothing wither and neck pats and

gets their feet wet, they usually realise

little reset tends to help build bravery.

Building courage Once the horse is close enough that they are a step away from entering the water, I don’t tend to walk them away.

At this point, incrementally apply leg pressure, and add rhythmical whip pressure if required. Keep the pressure on if they move backwards, take it off any time you get one step forward. Yes, just one! They don’t have to go all the way in all at once.

Here you have to be quick and use impeccable timing with your leg (and whip) pressure – ‘on’ when the horse is not moving forward and immediately ‘off’ to reward any forward step. Take your time, don’t be in a hurry, plaster a smile on your face and laugh at their hesitation. Getting angry and beating them up over trying to get in the water does not create a good first impression of this new domain. Every moment you are on a horse you are training them, so

Patience will eventually be rewarded with a confident horse (Image courtesy Christine Armishaw).

42 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

TRAINING TIPS

Where performance and comfort collide 44 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

TRAINING TIPS

Boldly cantering through water (Image by Melissa Goodson).

they’re OK and settle – because part of

come into play, but all the components

up to the water’s edge without balking,

the issue is that they don’t know how

of water itself. Aside from the depth

then carry on through and out the

deep it’s going to be. Let them reach

being hard to read, moving through

other side, all while staying balanced

down and sniff the water if they want

water creates drag and thus changes

and moving with energy. This might

to. I don’t mind if they want to have a

the horse’s way of going. There is also

sound simple enough, but is so very

bit of a play and paw at the water, you

the feeling of water splashing up under

often overlooked, and needs to be rock

want them to feel like it’s a happy and

their belly and potentially into their eyes,

fun place to be after all. But don’t stand

as well as the splashing sound. All these

around too long, you don’t want them

factors need to be considered when

deciding to go down for a roll, or you will

creating a courageous water horse.

be going for a swim!

solid before you add jumping down into water, or over jumps to get in and out. Plus, it needs regular repetition.

Getting them confident on one visit

Before adding fences or steps, they need

to your local cross country grounds is

Ideally, let them take their time to check

to be quite confident about the entry and

not going to guarantee success in six

out the foreign sounds and sensations,

then, once in, maintain their rhythm as

months’ time; if you want to be certain

but aim to keep moving through. Walk

much as possible. Time spent moving

around in the water for a while before

through water like it isn’t even there is

heading out. Then make sure your horse

time well-spent. Start by walking through

is totally happy entering and exiting from

without hesitation, coming in and out, and

the initial spot before trying to get them

wading around in a relaxed fashion. From

When heading out for water practise,

to go in from somewhere else. A new

there, the next goal is trotting all the way

always allow plenty of time and bring

perspective can make them feel doubtful

through, with the horse staying forward

bucket loads of patience along with you.

about depth again, so really nail entry

and in front of your leg.

Aim to go to as many different locations

Finally, they should be happy to canter

as you can find in order to build their

in and keep cantering. You might

water confidence across the board.

canter circles that start on dry land

The extra effort you put in will see you

When it comes to what horses find the

and then make their way through the

staying dry and sitting pretty when it’s

scariest about jumping in and out of

water complex and back out again.

your time to shine in front of those eager

water, it’s not so much the jumps that

The horse should consistently move

water jump spectators.

point number one before mixing it up.

Move through without breaking pace

you’ve got the water element in the bag, weekly training, or as close to weekly as possible, is a must.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 45

progress. At 17, she was selected as a Young Rider on the Trans-Tasman team competing in New Zealand. “By that age,

F E AT U R E

Meant to be

my parents were taking me to comps everywhere,” Rebel explains. “I didn’t think it would become a career, but I had the ability and the support I needed.”

In 1998, Oaklea Groover entered her world with life-changing consequences.

The offer came through Rebel’s farrier, whose wife was riding trackwork on

There was something about Oaklea Groover that Rebel Morrow had never experienced before, and it was the start of an extraordinary journey, writes RACHEL ROAN.

R

the failed racehorse. “Groover was so willing. He wasn’t like any other Thoroughbred I’d tried before. Most are still geed up from racing or a bit highly strung, but he just settled in. He had a fantastic work ethic.” After a few weeks trialling him, Rebel knew she was onto a

iding her mum’s Western

eventing,” she says. While not the

good thing. She remembers telling her

pleasure Appaloosas, Rebel

most competitive breed for the sport,

mum: “I don’t know what it’s like to ride

Morrow learned the importance

the Appaloosas proved reliable and

a horse that’s been to the Olympics, but

of a correct riding position from an

surprisingly adaptable. “They were so

if I was ever to go, it’d be on this horse.”

early age – but it was an introduction

damn obliging,” she recalls. “They were

At 21, she’d found her perfect partner.

to the respected eventer Simon Kale

brilliantly schooled and brilliant for us to

“Whatever the feeling was that Groover

that prompted her move to eventing.

learn on.”

gave me,” she adds, “I had never

Rebel, who first evented as a nine-

Two years later, with some eventing

year-old, was hooked. “I got the bug

know-how under her belt, she switched

But there was a catch. “When I got

for it. I thrived on the excitement of

to Thoroughbreds to accelerate her

Groover I noticed a bloody yellow

46 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

experienced it before.”

F E AT U R E

discharge from his nose, so I had the vets scope him.” An hour later she received a call informing her that Groover had ethmoid hematomas, debilitating masses in his nasal cavity.

“You either treat it, or you put them down. You can’t leave it,” Rebel explains. The solution was an extremely expensive and difficult surgical procedure, with no guarantees of success. In fact, due to its invasive and traumatic nature, many horses die either during or shortly after the operation.

Based on his failure as a racehorse, Groover’s owners made the decision that it wasn’t worth putting him through such an expensive operation.

The alternative was euthanasia, and Rebel couldn’t let that happen. So she purchased him for $300 – a knackery price – and pursued the surgery. The decision to operate was not one she took lightly. “After the second surgery I was distraught. I asked the surgeon if I was being humane putting him through it? Was I being selfish wanting him to be alive?” The surgeon told her, matterof-factly, that no horse had survived what Groover had so far survived. She distinctly remembers him saying: “This horse is meant for something great. If the horse was struggling, I would be clear with you, but he’s fine. He’s handling it.”

Despite the risks and the huge cost “the class of horse I had in Groover, you couldn’t buy that”, Rebel remarks - three

grooming for Tarsha Hammond. At

Rebel partly credits her lack of planning

surgeries to remove the hematomas

the last minute, another horse pulled

to their success. “I had no intention of

were planned around Rebel’s eventing

up lame leaving the team short. “I

going to the Olympics and was unaware

schedule, allowing her to campaign

was already booked on the flight,

of our potential. I never put any pressure

Groover without disruption to either

and without meaning to, Groover had

on myself or him. We were just doing

the competitions or the procedures.

actually qualified to be on that team.

what we loved.” Clearly nostalgic,

“He never showed signs that he wasn’t

It was right place, right time”, Rebel

Rebel explains that Groover rose to the

coping with anything we were doing.”

says. “That was my first time with him

Monitoring him carefully to ensure his

occasion at competitions, thriving on

on the international stage. We did well

recovery was humane, Rebel recalls

enough to end up on the elite squad.”

that by getting him moving to blow the

After achieving a fifth place at the then

discharge out, the riding actually helped.

Adelaide 4* (now known as the 5*),

The expensive risk Rebel had taken paid

Rebel and Groover had unintentionally

dividends in 2003 at the Trans-Tasman

qualified for the Olympic Games the

New Zealand competition. Rebel was

following year.

the atmosphere that gave him pizazz:

FACING PAGE: Saved from the knackers, Rebel’s $300 superstar Oaklea Groover (Image by Roslyn Neave).

ABOVE: Dressage at the 2003 TransTasman Cup (Image by Roslyn Neave).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 47

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F E AT U R E

travels overseas have been due to the industry.” She lights up telling me how special it is when someone recognises her achievement in attending the Olympics, and how rewarding it is for her to pass on her years of knowledge to a student. “Watching it click because of something you’ve said and knowing you’re able to help someone with their journey is massive. It makes me feel like my years of experience are paying off,” she explains.

Rebel also loves the high of starting new horses, feeling the excitement about the potential they have, and creating a partnership with them. Now back in Queensland and based out of the Irvine family’s Larapinta Equestrian, she’s helping to set up a cross country course with hopes to rival Wallaby Hill and plans to run an annual event. “I’m super happy to be advising on their set up,” she tells me.

She spotted her current horse Maximus Prime at her local jump club, fresh off the track, “full of talent and looking cheeky”, she laughs. “It took me a while to gel with him, although I could feel he had ability from the first ride”. And while she has only owned Max for four years, she thinks he has what it takes to go far.

Rebel and Groover land safely in the water (Image by Roslyn Neave).

“Nothing was a problem for him.” So,

win the event. Had I come off, I wouldn’t

in 2004, 26-year-old Rebel and nine-

have been to the Olympics.”

year-old Groover were off to the Athens Olympics. “To go to my first games at such a young age, I was star struck.

But Groover’s nature was oh, we’ve got this,” Rebel laughs.

Another factor in Groover’s success were the hours of training Rebel put in teaching him to stay straight after a fence; something she now drills into her students. “As we neared the end of that selection event, I misjudged a fence and landed slightly tipped forward and onto

Rebel reminisces about the ups and downs in the years that followed: “We hit a low not being able to attend the World Equestrian Games in 2006 due to a sacro injury Groover had sustained, and then Equine Influenza hit. He suffered a spiral fracture to his femur during that time while playing in the paddock and although he came good, it wasn’t enough for him to return to competition.

Losing Groover was the biggest low.”

his neck. But he cantered straight, and I

But she is grateful for the opportunities

was able to reposition myself to go on to

that arose thanks to Groover. “All my

The day after one of Groover’s three surgeries (Image courtesy Rebel Morrow).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 49

forums where you can ask questions, and event organisers are normally more than happy to provide information on the

F E AT U R E

On the road again

facilities available. Asking other people who know the area or have completed the journey previously will help you to be as prepared as possible. Even small details, such as knowing to pack your own hose instead or lugging buckets back and forth to a tap, can make all the difference.

When it comes to travelling with horses, preparation is key to ensuring the journey goes smoothly, writes REBECCA NADGE.

W

If you are completing a trip interstate, it also pays to check any biosecurity requirements beforehand so you’re not caught out.

It’s also important to prepare your horse

hether you’re travelling

be carried out regularly; don’t assume

long distances to relocate

that everything is up to scratch just

or in order to compete, it’s

because the last trip was incident-free.

for the journey as early as possible. It helps if your horse is carrying a little extra condition in case they drop weight while travelling, and this is something you will

important to plan ahead to minimise any

Remember, any maintenance to your

risks and make the journey as safe and

vehicle or float may go on a workshop

comfortable as possible for both you

diet changes well in advance. The same

waiting list, so the earlier problems are

goes for vaccinations or shoeing – add

and your horse.

identified, the better. It helps to pick a

them to your preparation timeline to

Before you leave

departure date and work backwards on

ensure everything’s completed before

a timeline to ensure things aren’t left

your departure.

It sounds obvious, but the morning of departure is not the time to be checking

until the last minute.

need to bear in mind and consider any

So that the experience stays positive,

that the towing vehicle and float are

Researching your destination is

float training should be carried out when

in good order. Safety checks should

invaluable. There are plenty of online

you’re not under any time pressure.

50 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

F E AT U R E

Start with small trips and drive carefully – you want your horse to be relaxed and confident while travelling. And be aware that separation anxiety could be an issue, either with the horse or horses who are travelling, or with those left behind.

Identifying potential issues ahead of time allows you to work on them at home in a far more controlled environment.

On the road Trips under five hours will not require any major adjustments for your horse. If possible, offer your horse hay throughout the journey and depending on your setup, hang it as low as possible. Consider the weather and rug appropriately.

While it may be tempting to base your horse’s wardrobe on how cold you feel, remember that they can handle much lower temperatures and will overheat faster. Well-fitted protective boots or bandages are an option, although be sure to try them on at home first.

For longer journeys, plan your stops in advance and aim to unload the horse every three hours and offer them a drink and feed. Encouraging the horse to graze with their head down will help prevent travel sickness (pleuropneumonia), which can develop when a horse cannot lower their head to excrete nasal discharge over prolonged periods.

Knowing what is normal for your horse will allow you to recognise any early signs of sickness. Taking temperatures twice a day in the lead-up to travelling and monitoring feed and water consumption will provide a baseline to work with when you do hit the road.

Symptoms of travel sickness may not be immediately obvious, but the earlier any illness can be identified, the better chance there is of recovery.

Bring your own water and buckets from

The old adage ‘you can take a horse to

home, or pack molasses or another

water but you can’t make them drink’ is

flavouring to add to the water to make

never so appropriate as when you are

it more appealing. If it’s the latter, try it

travelling. Many dehydrated horses will

at home for a few days in the lead-up

refuse to drink if water has a different

to travelling. Electrolytes can also be

BOTTOM: Feed additional forage before and during travel.

taste or smell to what they’re used to.

given before travelling to promote thirst,

All images courtesy Rebecca Nadge.

FACING PAGE: Ensure your vehicle and float meet all safety requirements before you set off.

TOP: Encouraging your horse to graze or eat at ground level will help prevent travel sickness.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 51

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Join a group of like-minded women on an empowering journey, learning to move forward in life with courage, joy and authenticity.

Real, sustainable change comes only when you discover the answers yourself.

Our retreats give you the guidance and support to find your own self-truths.

HOW? Our unique approach harnesses the immense power of horses. Over two days, your four-legged ‘team mates’ accept you without judgement, concern for your history or preconceived ideas of who you are.

They respond to your energy, intentions, actions and body language. If you are brave enough to really ‘listen’ to their unique feedback, horses provide powerful insights into who we really are.

With assistance from our experienced facilitators, horses guide you to self-knowledge, calmness and strength that will change your life. When we know our starting point, we can focus on building the skills we need to thrive.

DATES: 3–4 June 2022 • 2–3 September 2022 Or private bookings (min. six)

Register at: leadingedgelifeskills.com.au E info@leadingedge.com.au T 0416 616 300

F E AT U R E

Horses thrive on routines so aim to stick to one as much as possible for both feeding and exercising. Your horse will most likely be confined to a yard or stable which may be smaller than the paddock they are used to, so taking them for regular walks in-hand will help stretch their legs and also give them a chance to familiarise themselves with their surroundings. Letting your horse graze in-hand may help them to relax and will also allow you to assess how they are settling in.

Although travelling longer distances with horses can be daunting, preparation and forward planning will go a long way in ensuring the trip goes smoothly. Ensure you pack additional feed in case the trip takes longer than planned, and make the most of wisdom offered by more experienced travellers.

Aim to have your horse confident in the float before starting out on a longer trip.

although it’s critical to then ensure the

condition without getting hot, and also

horse has access to water for the next

reduce the risk of tying-up.

couple of hours. Fill buckets to the brim to make it easier to gauge how much your horse has been drinking.

Good ventilation is also important while travelling. Hay should be soaked to reduce the amount of dust and the

Changes to diet while travelling will

float should be cleaned regularly. A

depend on your destination. Long

clean, airy float will not only appear

haul trips to competitions or clinics will

more inviting, it will also minimise the

require more of a juggling act when it

risk of any respiratory illness that could

comes to your horse’s diet, as you will

develop from being in a confined space.

still need to feed a portion of the horse’s

At your destination

normal ration to ensure they have the

If you’ve completed a long journey, allow

energy to perform. To reduce weight

your horse to have at least 12 hours

loss while travelling, feed extra forage

rest on arrival and feed at ground level

for a couple of days before a trip, which

as much as possible. Some horses will

has the added benefit of retaining water

travel comfortably and won’t be phased

in the gut to assist in keeping your

by a new location, while others may

horse hydrated. Lowering the amount

become extremely anxious. Knowing

of protein fed will go a long way to

your horse will help you anticipate

managing ammonia in the air, which can

any problems, and it always pays to

be potent when the horse is urinating in

be prepared. Keep monitoring your

a confined space. Reducing the amount

horse’s feed and water intake and their

of grain and feeding a high energy fibre

temperature to pick any changes early

instead will help your horse maintain

on, and if in doubt, seek advice.

Boots can help protect the legs but should first be trialled on shorter journeys.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 53

I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R E N D S

Breathe first, win next

A delicate balance You probably know that unlike humans, a horse breathes entirely through their nose. But did you know how delicate this breathing mechanism is?

When a horse inhales, oxygen is drawn in through the nostrils, along the nasal

Horses require large quantities of oxygen for optimum performance. JESSICA MORTON explores a clever solution to those all too frequent breathing problems.

passage, and down into the lungs.

The soft tissue over the nasal passage is also sucked in as they breathe, reducing the diameter of the airway and restricting airflow.

The sticky solution Flair Nasal Strips are designed to help maximise a horse's oxygen intake by helping to keep the upper airway open. The stretchy, sticky, one-use strips are applied to the skin above the horse's nostrils to support the nasal passage, helping to reduce soft tissue collapse, and thereby decreasing the effort needed to move air in and out of the lungs. This results in less stress on the body during exercise and faster recovery after exercise.

Essentially, the strip 'tents' the skin on the nose over the nasal valve (the narrowest point in the nasal cavity and a major contributor to nasal resistance), helping to keep the nasal passage dilated and facilitating easier breathing during exercise. The concept is remarkably simple but over the past twenty years has been backed up by university and clinical studies. Popular amongst barrel racers, polo players and eventers, research as well as anecdotal evidence has shown that nasal strips improve airflow into the horse's lungs, resulting in:

S

enhanced performance

tudies have shown up to 80

that has allowed many horses to

per cent of horses suffer from

successfully return to competition.

faster recovery

Eventer and Olympian Andrew Hoy has

reduced incidence of EIPH

been using nasal strips for more than

A closer look at EIPH

respiratory disease, often

significantly impacting their performance and quality of life. Fortunately, a pair

a decade, declaring that they are an

of forward-thinking veterinarians

important part of his multifaceted “horse

it happens deep within the lungs.

studying Exercise Induced Pulmonary

management jigsaw puzzle”, a puzzle in

Studies show that all horses experience

Haemorrhage (EIPH) in racehorses came

which all the parts work together to allow

some degree of EIPH during intensive

up with Flair Equine Nasal Strips – a

his horses to stay mentally and physically

exercise, but only five per cent will have

drugless solution to breathing problems

healthy and perform at their best.

blood in their nostrils. Each incidence

54 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

EIPH can easily go undetected because

I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R E N D S

Outside of racing, it is believed that the prevalence of horses that suffer with EIPH in barrel racing is 45 per cent; polo at 30 per cent and eventing at 13 per cent.

Pioneering research Kansas University Professor Howard Erickson, a former veterinary heart specialist with the United States Air Force, and his colleague Dr David Poole pioneered the development of equine nasal strip to support horses suffering from EIPH, helping to reduce the severity of the condition by decreasing stress on the respiratory system.

After initially testing the nasal strip on Thoroughbred racehorses, the researchers found that they suffered less lung damage and bleeding. Since of lung bleeding contributes to the

over three times per second, putting

then, scientific studies have shown that

formation of scar tissue, which may limit

immense pressure on their respiratory

the nasal strip can decrease EIPH by

performance and cause irreversible

and muscular systems.

approximately 50 per cent, with the

long-term lung damage.

When a horse cannot deliver enough

additional benefit of a reduction in the secondary infections that can occur after

Researchers in Japan found that

oxygen to the lungs, their muscles

horses do not have to gallop to bleed.

are inadequately fuelled. Additional

Thoroughbreds cantering at slow speeds

pressure on the respiratory system

So if your horse is experiencing

all showed signs of damage to their lungs

ruptures the membrane separating the

decreased airflow for any reason, a

from broken blood vessels, and in later

alveoli from the blood vessels in the

nasal strip might be just the thing to give

lungs, resulting in the haemorrhaging

them some relief, and you some peace

known as EIPH.

of mind.

studies it was reported that lung bleeding can occur at even slower gaits.

a bleed.

A complex system The horse's respiratory system is their Achilles heel, and even a small amount of inflammation or obstruction can influence speed, balance and recovery times. Equine breathing differs from that of other species especially at speed, where there is a correlation between step and respiratory rates.

When a horse starts cantering or galloping, as the first forelimb hits the ground the rib cage is pulled forward activating inhalation. Then in the weightbearing phase, the horse is pushed to exhale. The coupling of stride to breathing rate is an issue for breeds like the Quarter Horse, which has a frequency rate of over three strides per second.

If a normal horse typically inhales and exhales once per stride, this means Quarter Horses are breathing in and out

FACING PAGE: Nasal strips have been found to reduce the incidence of EIPH. ABOVE: Flair Equine Nasal Strips are available in a variety of colours.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 55

atmosphere. I didn't think much about the big crowd. It was kind of like, oh, I’m here, we are running in and this is just so much fun. I was doing my job, and the German horse – he was so beautiful – was doing his. My Dutch lunger Maurits De Vries was great, and the owners were lovely too. So after the disappointment of the Netherlands it was a really fun, enjoyable experience.

JH: Let’s go back a bit. When did you start vaulting?

SD: I was originally a gymnast when I was younger. When I was about 13, my mum heard an ad on the radio saying if you like horses and you like gymnastics, this is the perfect sport for you. Come along and break some bones.

JH: Whoa, what radio station was that?

SD: It was a random, local Melbourne station. I found out later they’d asked small business owners to call up and they’d make them a funny ad. A riding

F E AT U R E

Doing what it takes

business applied and that’s what they made for them. My mum heard it and signed me up. I went along and there I was, standing on the horse that first day, thinking this is amazing, this is for me.

JH: So you have pursued the passion even when it’s been difficult?

SD: I think I'm physically strong enough.

Pursuing your passion isn’t always easy.

JAMIE HOCKING spoke to fellow vaulter Stephanie Dore about her sometimes bumpy road to the world stage.

But it's whether my mind shows up to play the game. It’s hard when you want to do well, but you don’t believe you are in the same league as some of the top Europeans. At the last WEG I was so nervous, but this time around, I’m more

I

confident, I know what to expect and

’m here in Denmark talking to

to plan with my first competition in the

I'm just really excited. My goal is simple,

Aussie Vaulter Stephanie Dore,

Netherlands, so I stayed in Europe longer

to be able to breathe through all my

26, who has been shortlisted to

and added in the recent Aachen 4*.

routines and show a performance that's

JH: To me, Aachen is the biggest and

clean and something I'm proud of.

most elite of all the international

JH: What tools are you using to

events. It was your first time there –

improve mental control in your

how did you go?

performances?

SD: I started saving money and training

SD: It went better than expected. I

SD: I do a lot of visualising and grounding

for WEG two years ago. I was planning

groomed there in 2014 for the USA team

exercises. And before I run in, I focus

three major European competitions as

and was just happy to be competing

on five things I can sense, which is what

a lead up, but things didn’t go entirely

myself. I loved running in to such a huge

keeps me focussed even under pressure.

compete for Australia at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this month.

Congratulations, Steph, and can you tell us about your preparations so far?

56 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

F E AT U R E

JH: Tell me more.

SD: It's just a way to make yourself really present in the moment. Say you are feeling anxious, it's like, okay, but what else do I feel? I feel my feet on the ground, I feel the breeze on my face.

What do I smell? I smell the sand in the arena, and the horse. And what can I see? So, you're naming physical things and it really works for me.

JH: I might try that too. What are your major challenges on the way to WEG?

SD: COVID and not being able to leave Australia to compete was the biggest problem. Fortunately, Equestrian Australia and the FEI held a competition to qualify vaulters for WEG without them leaving the country. I’m also dealing with a wrist strain, which needed time off between qualifying and leaving for Europe.

Borrowing horses is by far the biggest stressor. From Australia I organised a Dutch horse for three European competitions and WEG. My horse developed a soundness issue, dropping us out of the first competition. So, I moved up to Denmark with you, Lasse [Jamie’s coach], and a Dutch horse, which was amazing, but as we were loading for Aachen, there was another unexpected incident and I was back to no horse at all. When I got to Aachen I was offered a German horse I had tried before. Crazy stuff but everyone in this sport gets it. This is why it’s critical to have a Plan A, B, and also a Plan C. There is an FEI world youth show jumping competition where everyone draws a horse, trains with it for a week and competes. If this was vaulting, Aussies would probably take the top places because we are pretty quick to adapt to new horses.

JH: Good point! Thanks Steph and all the best for WEG.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Steph Dore competing at CHIO Aachen (Image courtesy Australian Equestrian Team/Kirsty Pasto).

TOP: Steph represented Australia at Aachen on the beautiful Corazon Gran (Image by Andreas Danner).

BOTTOM: Corazon Gran, Benita Julia Golze, Steph, Alicen Divita and Maurits De Vries (Image courtesy Australian Equestrian Team/Kirsty Pasto).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 57

Jointed or non-jointed Jointed mouthpieces: These feature a break or multiple breaks in the bit and

TAC K E D U P

place pressure on specific parts of the mouth. A single joint has only one break

On the bit Part 1

and produces a nutcracker action: when the reins are engaged the bit ‘breaks’ and rotates down into the tongue, lips, and bars (the horse’s gums where there are no teeth).

Double-jointed mouthpieces have a link or plate in the middle of the bit, which

When it comes to bits, there are many.

But how do you choose the right one?

SUZY JARRATT delves into a complex world.

M

reduces the nutcracker effect. For this reason, double-jointed bits such as the Lozenge and French Link are typically softer on the mouth.

Non-jointed mouthpiece: A straight

etal bits were first used

Saddleries display bits by the dozen, an

or slightly curved solid bar without a

during the Bronze and Iron

endless range can be found at on-line

break that therefore cannot produce a

Ages. Before then, mounted

equestrian sites, and there are even

nutcracker action. In the right hands,

tribesmen controlled their horses with

second hand bits on eBay – but which is

these bits are milder than jointed bits.

primitive bridles made from rope, bone,

appropriate for you considering your riding

Some non-jointed bits have ports,

wood and rawhide.

skills and your horse’s level of training?

or raised areas in the centre of the

In the first of this two-part series, we’ll

mouthpiece, which can offer tongue

take a look at some of the simpler bits

relief but may also put pressure on the

on the market.

roof of the mouth.

As the centuries progressed designs evolved, often to the detriment of the horse’s mouth and wellbeing.

Nowadays, thankfully, there are bits to simultaneously help make the rider effective and the horse comfortable; and much emphasis is placed on their correct fitting. However, there are still some designs which in unskilled hands can cause lifelong damage.

Sprenger Stainless Steel Eggbutt E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 59

TAC K E D U P

Loose ring snaffles

Neue Schule Verbindend: A sympathetic,

The loose ring is the most common

ergonomic design helpful for horses who

type of snaffle, although there are

are heavy on the forehand or resistant

many variations:

to the aids. With freedom of the tongue,

Turtle Top: Prevents downward

it assists in lifting from the shoulder and promoting self-carriage.

pressure to the tongue encouraging Bombers Full Cheek Happy Tongue

the horse to accept the bit and take the contact forward. The Turtle Top link is also flattened thus reducing palate pressure and restricting movement in the mouthpiece, keeping it still and steady.

Level 1 Myler Eggbutt Snaffle

It has the play of a loose ring with the additional directional assistance of full cheeks. It can be used with keepers,

link in the centre of the mouthpiece, this

reasons on children’s ponies.

sensitive to be ridden with stronger bits.

French Link Pony Eggbutt Snaffle: Similar to the lozenge, this is a small double-jointed stainless steel bit with

Pee Wee: Designed in Tasmania, this is

eggbutt rings, ideal for child riders who

a good choice for sensitive mouths. With

are a little unsteady in the hands.

no palate interference from the floating

Eggbutt snaffles

sweet iron mouthpiece, this design

The main difference between a loose

can help with horses which are strong,

ring bit and the eggbutt, is that in an

have fiddly mouths, are head tossers or

eggbutt the cheek is securely fixed to

habitually get their tongue over the bit.

the mouthpiece and cannot move or

Loose Ring Happy Tongue: A curved and ported solid mouthpiece, which can be helpful when riding a horse with tongue

rotate, making it steadier in the mouth useful if the horse is being ridden by an unbalanced rider.

problems, or who goes behind the bit or

Final thoughts

snatches the reins forward and down.

Remember, size is important when

Happy Mouth: A straight bar, loose rings, and plastic over a central steel core, this can be a good choice when starting young horses due to its warm

Pee Wee

Mairinger, and also known as a Fulmer.

which are recommended for safety

pull against the hand, but are too

French Link Pony Eggbutt Snaffle

Australian equestrian coach Franz

Lozenge: With a small peanut-shaped bit is useful for horses who occasionally

Neue Schule Turtle Top Snaffle

FM Snaffle: Designed by former

it comes to making your purchase.

Consider the shape of your horse’s head and ascertain whether the jaw is wide or narrow. Is the tongue fleshy, the lips long or short, the palate high or

plastic and steady feel in the mouth. An

low? If in doubt, consult with a bit fitting

eggbutt version (see below) is available

specialist, and if you compete, check

for horses needing a steadier, consistent

to see which bits are approved for your

feel from their rider, or for those with

events. In our September issue, we’ll

unsteady hands.

navigate around some of the bit world’s

Myler Snaffle: Level 1 is suitable for

more complex designs.

starting and educating young or green horses; Level 2 produces less tongue pressure than Level 1; and Level 3 offers

Neue Schule Verbidend Snaffle

maximum tongue relief and is suitable

Take a deep dive into the world of bits

for horses with a low palate. Eggbutt

at Bit Bank Australia and Horse Bit Emporium.

versions are also available

60 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Allergies? We've got products to help!

EQUIVENT ND Horses can be sensitive to their environments and airborne irritants which may cause stuffiness or congestion. Equivent ND is a unique combination of 5 essential oils which can assist in the maintenance of normal breathing, lung function and aid symptoms of airway irritation.

BEFORE & AFTER With GoodBye Flys

Daisy (left) has sensitive skin and suffered skin abrasions where the rain has run down her ears and head. Daily application of the Goodbye Flys products relieved the skin irritation. This result is after just 10 days of treatment using the Shampoo and 6 in 1 Spray.

Goodbye Flys Shampoo Aids in calming itchiness, gently removes flaky skin and protects your horse from flies and bugs.

Before

After

Goodbye Flys 6in1 Spray Moisturises and soothes the skin, encourages hair growth whilst also creating shine in the coat. The 6in1 Spray discourages midges, feather mites and horse flies.

TRM Supplements, GoodBye Flys, Horseware Ireland, PS of Sweden & Epona are all available via leaderequine.com.au

An emerging therapy in America, Lisa was sceptical about replicating Monty Roberts’ approach: “So I went to the

L I F E A F T E R R AC I N G

Have a heart

Equine Psychotherapy Institute at Daylesford and learned how to bring horses into the therapy space effectively and genuinely." Founded in 2018, Racing Hearts is an Equine Assisted Therapy practice based in Moorooduc on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The original practice is located at Graybrook,

With many in our communities in need of mental health support, Racing Hearts is making a valuable contribution, writes JO MCKINNON.

L

isa Coffey has found her calling in life – and that's working with Thoroughbreds to assist people

a 30 acre purpose-built property with multiple paddocks fitted out with horse shelters. The property has a dedicated sand arena for horse training and therapy sessions, as well as a farmhouse. Racing Hearts also has a base at Pakenham, with

as well as for Racing Victoria’s equine welfare department.

plans to expand into the NSW’s Hunter Valley and Queensland.

As an Equine Assisted Therapy practice,

for various stables including Peter

After suffering a riding injury, she studied counselling and psychotherapy while recovering, ultimately deciding to combine her love of horses with her interest in therapy and to specialise in Equine Assisted Therapy. "I was coming to the end of my time at Racing Victoria and had qualified as a counsellor, and I thought one of the issues that needed addressing was what happens to retired racehorses who were not suited to jumping or pretty

Moody, Mick Price, and Ciaron Maher,

enough for the show ring.”

horses with special needs."

struggling with psychological issues.

Mental health is at an all-time low for many Australians, especially since COVID, and she's making a positive difference through her charitable organisation Racing Hearts.

Originally from Ireland, Lisa made the move to Australia in 2009 and worked

62 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

Racing Hearts is the first of its kind in Australia, not only offering therapy to humans but retraining retired racehorses to act as ‘assistant practitioners’, while at the same time helping them find new homes and a new life after racing.

"To date, we have rehabilitated more than 100 retired racehorses. We work alongside Racing Victoria with a focus on their Reset Program, which caters for

Our Life After Racing feature is proudly sponsored by Arrowfield

Stud

Currently, Racing Hearts has 12 full-time therapists with a range of qualifications and experience in the mental health sector, from counsellors and mental health nurses to clinical psychologists, and 35 equine staff members of different shapes, sizes, and temperaments.

"Thoroughbreds are amazing for this type of work and there are so many people in the community that need help so it's been a match made in heaven.

It's been incredible and it’s amazing business-wise.”

What started with Lisa, two retired horses and 12 clients has grown to a team of therapists who see 250 people each week.

“It's very sad that there's such demand for mental health support," she adds.

Practitioners at Racing Hearts work with people ranging in age from eight to 80.

"Clients present with a whole range of challenges,” Lisa says, “some don't have mental health diagnoses and are suffering from stress or relationship breakdowns, loss of jobs, or grief. All the challenges of life. We also work with people on the spectrum, through to schizophrenia and those with suicidal thoughts.”

Research has shown that when people are in contact with horses their bodies release reward and relaxation hormones. “If the client is more relaxed it's easier to talk about their issues," Lisa explains, adding that for a number of reasons, Thoroughbreds are particularly well suited to this important work.

“They’ve travelled a lot, been to the races, and been exposed to and seen all sorts of things. They seem to have

the end and the client can live without our assistance, and it's really nice when they buy the horse that has helped them,” she says. “Sometimes making a decision to keep or sell is hard. I'd love to keep them all. I’ve never seen a horse drive out of our gateway and not cried as they left."

an ability to connect with us better than

Since its inception Racing Hearts has

other breeds I’ve worked with, and I

had a significant impact on people's

think it's because they’ve been handled

lives and with solid support from the

from birth, have always been around

racing industry and partnerships with

humans, and are very in tune with us."

respected participants including trainers

Lisa derives enormous satisfaction from

Ciaron Maher and Henry Dwyer, it's here

being able to share her horses, and a

to stay. A good thing because Lisa loves

number of them have been successfully

what she does: “It's corny to say, but if

rehomed with clients. "Some people

you enjoy your work then it's not really

have bought the therapy horse they

work, and the difference horses make to

worked with. I love when we come to

people's lives is incredible."

FACING PAGE: When people are in contact with horses their bodies release reward and relaxation hormones.

TOP: Hissing Sid helping a young client to build trust.

BOTTOM: Lisa Coffey with retired racehorse Ablaze.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 63

tour of the stables and we’re introduced to the horses who will be our partners.

Once in the saddle, we work our way inland towards the mountains, where our path becomes paved with rocks and dotted with different species of cacti.

The slopes are steep, but we quickly learn to trust our horses. Extremely surefooted, the Barb and Arab-barb breeds are perfectly adapted to this harsh environment. The vegetation becomes more scarce and the landscape increasingly arid as we climb up to a plateau with scenic views of the Little Atlas mountain range.

That same day, we slowly head back down towards the coastline with the aim of reaching the seaside city of Mirleft.

Known as the ‘drinkers of the wind’, our horses hold their heads high, with tails and manes flowing as we canter on along miles of beach. Further south we reach Legzira, where red cliffs and large rock arches hang over the Atlantic, a testimony to the power of the sun, the wind, and the ocean, the natural elements that dominate this region.

After eight hours in the saddle, our

T R AV E L

modest yet charming hotel overlooking

Trekking across Morocco

the ocean offers us serenity as we fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

As we continue south, we venture inland again. This time, we are headed towards the Sahara Desert. A feeling of excitement tinged with apprehension takes over as we travel further away from civilization and deeper into the desert.

If you love adventure and endurance riding, MATHILDE GREGOIRE has just thing for you: a 10-day trek across Morocco.

O

The countless sand dunes emphasize a sense of vastness as each one unfolds into another, revealing a desert landscape as far as the eye can see.

On our way, we stay overnight at Fort

n the edge of the Atlantic

multi-day endurance treks and leisure

Bou-Jerif, a luxury oasis and ancient

coastline, near the city of

rides will show you the best the region

fortress at the doors of the Sahara

and its horses have to offer.

Desert – a wonderfully relaxing break for

The adventure begins

travellers venturing into the region. Our

Arab-Barb horses, the stable offers weeklong trails along the beach, and through

Our journey begins at the ranch, where

food and hay for the horses. The peaceful

mountains and desert. With access to an

a warm welcome awaits us. Moroccan

scenery and delicious meal brings us

astonishing variety of landscapes, these

tea and biscuits are served as we get a

comfort after a challenging journey.

Agadir, lays the beautiful ranch

Les 2 Gazelles. Home to 20 Barb and

64 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

cook and truck awaits us with plenty of

T R AV E L

The following day, we reach the city of Guelmim. Known as the gateway to the desert, the city is the last stop before the Sahara takes over for several thousand kilometers. Transport is sent to pick up our horses and take them back to the stables, while our group enjoys the chance to take in the beauty of this parched landscape before heading back to Agadir Al Massia Airport.

Creature comforts All treks have at least one guide, as well as staff with the support vehicle that meets us at various points along the trek. A 4x4 transports our luggage, and there’s a mobile kitchen with a cook who prepares delightful lunches at each stop. Sufficient hay is transported to feed the horses three times a day. Each night, our group enjoys different styles of accommodation, including hotels and traditional guest houses where Moroccans, known for their hospitality and warmth, welcome us with delicious local delicacies and beverages.

Travel tips Expect the unexpected! As you might guess, when traveling on horseback unforeseen circumstances may occur. The weather in the south Moroccan region can quickly change and become inclement.

Sunny days might bring hard rain, wind,

sweat! Trotting and cantering over

and sandstorms, and all while you’re still

long distances can be expected and

hours away from your destination. With

depending on the weather or itinerary,

no one and nothing in sight, your mental

you may end up a few hours longer in

strength will be put to the test.

the saddle than initially planned. Get fit

Luckily, the knowledgeable guides

and prepared mentally, and don’t forget

know the way and are prepared for

to bring a snack or two to give you the

all circumstances. The temperatures

energy to keep going!

also drop significantly in the evening,

For more information, visit Les 2

especially in the desert – so layering

Gazelles Ranch.

clothes will help keep you comfortable

thighs will start to burn long before

FACING PAGE: Lunch stop at a local restaurant.

TOP: Riding along the beach at Legzira, where large rock arches hang over the Atlantic.

MIDDLE: The surefooted Barb and Arab-barb breeds are perfectly adapted to the harsh environment.

BOTTOM: At the doors of the Sahara Desert.

your horse even begins to break a

Images by Mathilde Gregoire

throughout the journey.

This trek does require a certain level of riding experience and physical condition. The horses excel at endurance, and unless you are in the best shape of your life, your calves and

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 65

saddle, or be put to good use for that ranch holiday you’re planning.

The most comfortable boots are those with a stockman heel, but the traditional stacked heel looks a bit classier for a night out, or a day at the rodeo. Cowgirl boots come in a range of heights, with booties topping the list as the most versatile and casual way to add Western flair to your outfit, and tall boots offering a larger than life interpretation.

Floral Dresses We love the throw-it-on-and-go simplicity of a pretty dress matched with cowboy boots.

Fans of easy layering will love this style, which works best with printed frocks and country gingham numbers. Yellowstone’s Beth Dutton typically wore baggy sweaters, oversized cardigans, or Aztec

FA S H I O N T R E N D S

Doing Yellowstone right

print ponchos over her dresses. While it takes confidence to rock cowboy boots with a dress, don’t let that discourage you. The boots’ rugged masculinity

Yellowstone, the smash hit TV series, has reignited our love for Western inspired fashion. JESSICA MORTON has some tips on getting the look right.

T

he cowboy aesthetic has an

grass roots work ethic and relaxed style.

honest, natural feel to it, and

But to successfully pull this fashion

surprisingly, it's an easy and

statement together, there are a few

economical style to replicate. The clothes

items that are essential.

are comfortable, affordable, easy-

Boots

care, and now more popular than ever thanks to Yellowstone’s Dutton family

Classic cowgirl boots are trending everywhere this year, and a good pair is

and friends. And even better, there are

an investment for life. This is an item that

enough ways to customise the look to

never really goes out of fashion, and you

make the trend uniquely your own.

can dress them up or down depending

Whether you’re rounding up cattle, or

on your mood.

spending a day shopping in the city,

If your budget stretches to just one pair,

a great pair of boots, jeans, or a cute

go for good quality and a functional

dress and a bit of swagger will help

style by a well-known brand that can

you fully embrace the Duttonverse’s

easily make the transition from street to

66 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

TOP: The Kimes Ranch green cap worn

by Mia (Eden Brolin) in Yellowstone.

ABOVE: A Miss Me floral dress paired with high shaft western boots.

FA S H I O N T R E N D S

Bootcut jeans Designed in the 1940s for cowboys to ride and work in, jeans were made for durability and performance. Cut from rugged denim that doesn’t lose its shape, jeans have become a wardrobe staple, and thanks to detailing like embroidered pockets, hand sanding and flat seams, they’re also a timeless fashion statement.

The high shaft of cowboy boots shows up under jeans that are too tight, so go for a cut that’s a little baggier around the lower leg, and since they are designed to ‘stack’ over the boot, the leg is usually longer than in other jeans styles.

Western trucker caps A cowboy hat is an easy way to evoke a tempers the sweetness of the look, so

your shirt into a cute denim skirt and

bit of the wild west in your wardrobe, but

pairing the two makes perfect sense.

style with booties and a nice leather bag

with the reemergence of trucker caps,

Yoked shirts

for instant evening glam.

once handed out to blue-collar workers

Western workwear

as a promotional item, it’s no longer

Americana-inspired shirts offer a timeless Western look on and off the saddle, and

Bring the Yellowstone look into your

all Yellowstone’s characters wear them.

wardrobe with the trendy, down-to-

These shirts have been around since

earth workwear worn throughout the

the start of the 19th century and were

show. If you’ve admired John Dutton’s

initially designed to combine features

jacket, it’s classic Carhartt, the brand of

from Mexican vaquero shirts with rugged

choice for buckaroos and cowpokes for

military workwear left over from the civil war. The original shirts had press studs instead of buttons, which didn’t tear off as easily working around cattle and horses.

Intended to offer better support around the shoulders, the neck and shoulder yokes remain a design staple. They also became a way of distinguishing the best

over a century. Known for its relaxed fit and shape, the beauty of workwear-

necessary to wear a ten-gallon hat to be on trend! Kimes Ranch Apparel already had a loyal following amongst Western lovers before Yellowstone, but thanks to a nifty bit of product placement, fashion aficionados the world over are now eagerly snapping up their iconic longhorn logo trucker caps.

inspired fashion lies in its longevity and

So embrace the drama, love the look,

functionality. Team your jacket with a

and mount up for your own Yellowstone

denim shirt or warm plaid flannel, and

wild west adventure.

you’re well on your way to an eyecatching Western look.

riders at rodeo contests.

With a longer cut, Western shirts are designed to be tucked in. The real deal features piped shoulder yokes and sleeves, and two front pockets.

Incredibly versatile and easily dressed up or down, wear them with a great pair of jeans when riding, or at night tuck ABOVE LEFT: Stetson long sleeve denim shirt with embroidered yoke and cuffs.

ABOVE RIGHT: Powder River Outfitters’ brushed canvas snap front rancher jacket.

RIGHT: Macie Bean’s vintage inspired Rose Garden cowgirl boots.

FAR RIGHT: Wrangler Women’s Ultimate Riding Jean.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 67

T

he first type of joint is the fibrous joint. These are immobile joints found between the bones in

A D V E R TO R I A L

How much do you know about your horse’s joints?

your horse’s skull and between the shafts of some long bones. They do not move and are therefore less likely to cause issues.

The second type is the cartilaginous joint. Examples of these are the joints in a horse's spine, pelvis and growth plates.

They also have limited movement.

The third type is the synovial joint.

These make up the majority of joints in a horse’s leg. There are six different kinds of synovial joints, and a total of 18 in

Horses have three different types of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. Often joint problems are seen as an issue for older horses, but our focus should be on supporting joint health throughout a horse's life.

your horse’s body. They have the most movement and are more likely to suffer from disease and injury.

But a joint is more than simply the union of two or more bones; the joint is also considered an organ.(1)

A DV E R TO R I A L

The synovial joint has a space in which

Diagram of a Synovial Joint

the synovial fluid lies. This fluid bathes the joints and tendons, lubricates the joints, absorbs impact, and is like a joint ‘oil’. It also provides growth factors, oxygen, and nutrition for the joint. And don’t forget the synovial membrane, the lining along the inner surface of the joint capsule.

There are 205 bones in the horse’s skeleton. Twenty of these bones are in each foreleg and 20 in each hind limb.(2) These are connected through tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Joints can become damaged through abnormal forces acting on normal cartilage, or normal forces acting on abnormal cartilage.(1) Joint health should be a consideration

traditional herbal medicine.(4) EquiFlex

surrounds joints. Its production of GAGs

for all horse owners: for performance

is designed to encourage repair by

(glucosaminoglycans) in synovial fluid

horses; general riding horses; young,

providing targeted nourishment to

enhances lubrication.

growing horses; and our oldies. Their

joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

joints are largely responsible for their

This product is natural and has a focus

Equihemp: Contains both omega-3

general wellbeing and quality of life.

on the highest quality, most effective

So, how can you ensure that every

ingredients we could source.

and omega-6 fatty acids with a 1:3 ratio.

Fatty acids are essential for the normal functioning of cells.

joint has the nutrition it needs to

Ingredient Breakdown

Turmeric: Able to reduce inflammation

function optimally?

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): There

and the associated pain substantially

Diet and nutrition

is a lot of research to support claims

when added to your horse’s diet along

that MSM reduces joint pain and acts as

with pepper.

Feeding and care for the joints is vital for horses.(3) It is essential that the base diet contains the right trace minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. Proper nutrition, from gestation and beyond, will ensure joints remain healthy for as long as possible.

Keeping your horse at an average ideal weight means there's less impact and demand on joints. If a horse is carrying extra weight, there will be increased stress on the joints.

Most people feeding joint supplements are used to seeing artificial looking white powders. That’s why McDowells formulated EquiFlex. It combines the best in herbal medicine with the best science available, creating one

an anti-inflammatory. It is a rich source of organic sulphur that aids in reduced muscle damage, reducing pain and stiffness, and in boosting immunity.

Rosehips: One of the very best sources of natural Iron and Vitamin C. Rosehips also contain biotin for optimum hoof health.

It is vital for soft tissue growth, and is

Yarrow: Counters tissue swelling and

required in the synthesis of bones to

inflammation and encourages bone

connective tissue.

marrow health.

Glucosamine: Used by the body to make the chemicals that build tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid that

Meadowsweet: Traditionally used to reduce acids in the body including in the area around the joints.

References (1) Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease): An Update.

(2) Synovial Joints and How They Work – The Horse.

(3) Feeding Horses for Joint Health – The Horse.

(4) Plant Bioactives and Extracts as Feed Additives in Horse Nutrition, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol. 69, pp. 66-67.

powerful formulation.

McDowells recommendation

For more information on EquiFlex and

Equiflex is a high potency joint formula.

McDowells full range of equine health

It is a combination of modern connective tissue supplements such as MSM and glucosamine with the added benefits of

products, visit mcdowellsherbal.com info@mcdowellsherbal.com 02 6331 3937 E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 69

breeds, including the Quarter Horse, Criollo, and Paso Fino, all of which inherited the Barb’s compact build,

BREED

The Barb

strength, agility, and intelligence.

In 1987, the World Organization of the Barb Horse (WOBH) was founded.

Headquartered in Algeria, this NGO unites countries in Northwest Africa’s Maghreb region, including Morocco and Tunisia, as well as several European

The Barb is native to Northwest Africa’s Maghreb region, and MATHILDE GREGOIRE explores their fascinating story.

T

nations, with the aim of safeguarding and supporting the breed, which in some areas has come close to extinction. Following this initiative, in 1989 France created its own studbook, the Association Française du Cheval

he Barb or Berber horse

suggest that the Barb has been native

Barbe, as a sub-branch of WOBH.

originates from the cradle

to North Africa for over 3,000 years.

In 2003, Morocco stepped forward with

countries of Algeria, Morocco

Traditionally, they lived closely with the

the Royal Equestrian Society - Société

and Tunisia, formerly known as the

region’s nomadic Berber tribes. When the

Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval

Barbary Coast and from which the

North African Moors invaded Spain in the

(SOREC). Endorsed by the Kingdom of

breed takes its name. Known for their

8th Century, they took their horses with

Morocco, its purpose is to drive interest in

hardiness and stamina, the Barb has

them, spreading the bloodline through

the country’s equestrian cultural identity

for centuries been bred for farm work,

Europe’s native breeds and creating

and to promote its native breeds. This

hunting, and war. A striking saddle

the foundations for Thoroughbreds,

initiative was successful in preserving the

horse that excels at endurance, their

Andalusians and Lusitanos.

Barb heritage, with numbers doubling

bloodlines can be traced to many other breeds across Europe and the US.

A long history Archeologists discovered evidence to

Barb horses were later introduced to the

between 2011 and 2017.

Americas by Spanish explorers in the

Today, the Barb is bred primarily in

early days of settlement, fundamentally

northern African countries, as well

influencing and shaping many American

as Spain and France, where they

70 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

BREED

remain the most popular for trekking,

These desert horses are exceptionally

popular is the Arab-Barb cross. While it

endurance, and pleasure riding. At

sturdy and well-adapted to their harsh

is no surprise that many characteristics

the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian

environment. Although the northern

are shared across both breeds, and

Games held in Normandy, France,

African region records high temperature

the Barb was showcased as Horse of

a clear genetic link between the two

ranges, they can withstand the extreme

Honor in the opening ceremony, also

has been established, it is not known

dry heat of the day, and windy, cold

appearing in several displays held

whether the Barb appeared before

nights. Able to travel great distances

during the games.

with little food or water, the Barb is

The breed features in several Maghreb

surefooted, calm and courageous. While

cultural traditions, including Tbourida,

they excel at speed and long-distance

Despite having influenced many breeds

also known as the Festival Fantasia, an

riding, they also possess qualities

around the world, the Barb is not as

equestrian display dating back to the

perfect for trail riding.

popular as the Arabian. Considered by

16th Century in which cavalry charges

by Arab and Berber warriors are reenacted. Represented in many festivities and wedding celebrations, Tbourida is included on UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage as important to Morocco’s cultural identity.

Characteristics Few breeds in the world, perhaps with the exception of the Arabian, posses the Barb’s level of stamina and endurance.

Standing on average at a height of between 14.2hh and 15.2hh, the Barb

The Barb’s exceptional temperament, combined with its strength and stamina,

the Arabian, or whether they share a common ancestor.

many as a less attractive horse, the Barb has often been crossed with Arabians

has made the breed popular in France,

to achieve greater elegance. Combining

where it often comes into its own in

the qualities of the Barb, including agility,

equestrian tourism and endurance

hardiness and stamina, with the Arabian’s

races. One of the notable genetic

fitness and elegance, the Arab-Barb

characteristics of the Barb is that, much

makes for a popular saddle breed.

like the Arabian, they possess five lumbar vertebrae instead of six. Experts believe that this characteristic gives both breeds an advantage when it comes to endurance and stamina.

has a straight or slightly convex profile,

Arab-Barbs

high withers, slender but strong legs,

While there are now a number of sub-

and a powerful chest. They have round

breeds including the Moroccan Barb,

hindquarters, and unlike the Arabian,

the West African Barb, Tunisian Barb,

have a low-set tail. The most common

Algerian Barb, Spanish Barb, French

coat colors are grey, black, and bay.

Barb and Abaco Barb, perhaps the most

Visit the Royal Equestrian Society of Morocco and Aramco World to learn more about Barbs and Arab-Barbs.

FACING PAGE: A performance of the Tbourida at the annual Tan-Tan Moussem Festival in Morocco (Image by Maxim Massalitin).

ABOVE LEFT: Barbs have a long association with the nomadic Berber tribes of the Maghreb region.

ABOVE RIGHT: A Barb horse in traditional Tbourida harness.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 71

PROPERTY

A private sanctuary This state-of-the-art equestrian facility is located at 111 Killara Road, Gruyere, Victoria.

A

rchitecturally superb, indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly in this stunning property. The

Sliding stacker doors retract to connect

systems ensure year-round comfort.

to an outdoor entertaining haven. Wide

With a mud room, a separate gym/

decks feature a fireplace beside the

studio, herb and vegetable gardens,

interiors combine contemporary

25m lap pool and gas-heated spa, plus a

immaculately landscaped grounds, a

minimalism with a warm and welcoming

pavilion complete with kitchen, showers

triple carport and concreted four-bay

ambience, underpinned by finishes of

and toilet.

shed, everything you need is right there.

oak, stone, granite and meticulous

Everything about this magnificent

The magnificent equine breeding and

attention to detail. The main living space

home, from its sleek, functional kitchen,

training facility is centred around a double

is defined by oak-lined cathedral ceilings,

fireside lounge and spacious bedroom

brick barn with tack, feed and rug rooms,

a natural stone fireplace, and views of

accommodation, speaks of luxury,

a wash bay, cross ties, and eight spacious

the infinity pool and valley beyond.

while cutting edge heating and cooling

rubber-floored stables (five with day yards)

72 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

all with fans, misters and European stable

amenities. The property includes three

panels, doors and windows.

dams, one of which is spring fed, and

A 40m x 20m indoor arena with textile

tanks with a combined capacity of over

surface, lights, speakers and sprinklers,

400,000 litres.

plus a 60m x 20m outdoor arena with full width mirrors; self-contained groom’s accommodation; sand yards; a concreted machinery/float shed;

Offering significant lifestyle and business opportunities, this magnificent property is a short drive from local shops, award-

paddocks with plumbed water troughs

winning restaurants and wineries, and

and timber shelters; and concreted hay

just over 40kms from Melbourne’s

sheds are just some of the additional

central business district.

Contact Andrew Houghton at RT Edgar Yarra Valley on 0409 438 526, or Gerard Kennan on 0413 139 231, or visit RT Edgar.

FACING PAGE: The property’s buildings are surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.

TOP: The double brick barn includes eight spacious rubber-floored stables.

LEFT: Wide decks feature a fireplace beside the 25m lap pool and gas-heated spa.

RIGHT: Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly in this magnificent home.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 73

EquiflEx

EquiFlex is a high potency joint formula with a combination of modern connective tissue supplements such as MSM &and glucosamine with the added benefits of traditional herbal medicine. EquiFlex is designed to encourage repair by providing targeted nourishment to joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Orders: 02 6331 3937 mcdowellsherbal.com

n i w o t r e t n E s! e x o b e v i f f one o

SADDLE REVIEW

Erreplus Elena Designed in collaboration with a Norwegian technician, the Elena dressage saddle has an open seat and anatomically shaped knee blocks.

A

nne Smith grew up on a grazing property in South Australia.

There were mobs of sheep,

some cattle and a dog or two – but no horses. “At Biscuit Flat all the mustering was done on bikes,” she recalls, “nobody in my family was interested in riding.”

Her earliest horse encounter was when she was nine and friends with the daughter of a Pony Club instructor.

Subsequently obsessed with all things equine, several years later she convinced her parents she was sufficiently dedicated to have a pony of her own.

“Fluer was a 13.3hh Australian Stock Horse cross Quarter Horse. She was very green but I was determined to educate her.” Anne did just that and together

she rides on her all-weather arena, often in the company of German trainer Elke Schoeberl. “She keeps her horse with me and I’m very lucky to have her as my ‘eyes on the ground’. I also run Lyrical Acres, an agistment property named after Lyric, my retired Grand Prix horse, who won championships at almost every level.”

perfect. I rode him in it for three days

Her present FEI horse is nine-year-old

quickly and in good condition, and all

Dutch Warmblood Shadows Tollinski, by Tuschinkski out of a Pritzen mare. “The Erreplus Erena was bought for him. He’s not an unusual shape but is a sensitive sausage and a bit of a princess. His saddles have never been quite right, even the one I had custom made for him. Friends suggested I contact The Saddle Hub and now I have one that’s

and then he made his debut at Prix St Georges with no problems at all.”

She was impressed with The Saddle Hub’s efficiency, its customer service and range of brands. “They sent me four to choose from, two Erreplus styles, a PDS and an Equipe. The saddles arrived my questions were answered swiftly – they’re excellent people to deal with.”

The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. Terms and conditions apply.

they became Pony Club enthusiasts competing in eventing, showing, endurance, games and jumping.

Her love of dressage was ignited when she was fourteen after purchasing a six-year-old OTT. “She was brilliant cross country and her show jumping was pretty good too, but her dressage needed improving. As I worked on this with her I became passionate about the discipline.”

Anne has since trained scores of horses and hundreds of riders. She has worked as a personal trainer, is married to Adam, a businessman she describes as the ultimate horse husband, and has two children, Lockie, 10, and 12-year-old Chilli who has her own pony and loves dressage.

Today, Anne is one of South Australia’s leading equestrian coaches, educators and competitors. At home in Angle Vale

Shadows Tollinski has given the Erreplus Elena his tick of approval (Image by Airtime Images).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 75

bored at these events she became a jumping judge and had something to do when I was competing. These days

YO U N G R I D E R

I drive my own truck.”

Her dad has remained on the sidelines

Where there’s a will

running the family’s concreting and earthmoving business, which Georgia works for. “He did come to an Interschools event when I was 18 and I remember he was very good at cleaning my yard. He’s

Georgia Hodgetts fell hard for horses, but the rest was up to her, writes SUZY JARRATT.

T

She was given a horse on one condition:

horseless until daughter

‘do everything yourself’. She began

Georgia fell in love. “They

learning the ropes, working for elite

to have a horse until I was twelve,” explains the 22-year-old show jumper.

“Mum was scared of them and my

Several Victorians, who are serious equestrians, have been influential in her development as a rider. She got her first

he Hodgetts were always

became my passion but I wasn’t allowed

still not very interested in horses!”

show jumper with the help of Debbie McMaugh, one of her first coaches. “She found April, a TB mare, and together we

riders, taking lessons and competing at

won a few ribbons and an off the track

shows. Just nine years later Equestrian

class at Geelong,” recalls Georgia. “It

Victoria named her Young Show

was Deb and April who really started my

Jumping Ambassador for 2021

love of show jumping.”

One thing she couldn’t do as a

In Year 12 she worked for Jess Barton,

brothers were into another kind of

youngster was drive to shows. “My mum,

a former show rider from Warrnambool.

horsepower – racing street cars.”

Angela, did that and because she was

Now a World Cup jumper, Jess has

76 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

YO U N G R I D E R

trained many young horses through to the top levels of competition. During her gap year, Georgia spent time with the popular jumping duo Amanda and Tom Lupton. “They’re like my second parents,” she says, “they helped me get into the sport and with selecting Corinda who I’ve now had for three years.” This combination has been doing well.

By Bellhaven Coraldo (WB) out of Donna Iris, a NZ TB, Georgia keeps 11-year-old Corinda on the Hodgetts’ Warrnambool property. “There’s a shed with three stables, a big outdoor arena and forty acres so I’m very fortunate and grateful to Mum and Dad who are my biggest sponsors.”

She considers Corinda her ‘heart’ horse and credits the bay with helping her reach many goals, including qualifying for the Current Stars at Dressage & Jumping with the Stars in March. Although Georgia didn’t win any ribbons – she pulled a couple of rails – she was thrilled just to be in there. “I didn’t think I’d even be able to get around the class!”

Sometimes, as she walks a challenging course, she is overwhelmed. “I start thinking ‘I cannot do this’, but I’ve supportive friends like jumpers Russell Morrison and Sam Conway who calm my nerves. And I know Corinda will do her best to look after me.”

She feels that mares are generally more forgiving than geldings or stallions: “Although she can be a massive pain when she’s mean to other horses.

Because she’s a bit hot I get to shows a day early so she can relax. Each week she has Mondays off, a lunge on Tuesdays and I ride her on the other five. I’d like to take her up a level over the coming months,” she adds.

Georgia also spends a lot of time teaching at Pony Club. “I’m very grateful to those people who inspired me in the early days, and I want to do the same for other young riders and help them achieve their goals.”

FACING PAGE: Airborne at a Port Phillip Showjumping Club event (Image by OneEyedFrog Photography).

TOP: Georgia and Corinda at the Racing Hearts Australian Young Rider Championship (Image by Derek O'Leary Photography).

BOTTOM: Competing at Dressage & Jumping with the Stars in March (Image by Oz Shotz).

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 77

those first days are still there today; that’s probably the best thing of all.

20 QUESTIONS

20 Questions with Prue Spurrett

Q: Explain your role as an Equestrian Australia National Dressage Selector.

A : I’m the Reserve Selector, a new position created in case a situation arises in which there’s a real or perceived conflict of interest for any Selection Team member. Confidence in the process is a must for our members.

Q: You’ve been a volunteer as well as

Prue Spurrett is a respected National dressage judge, and now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge. Her quiet competence has earned her a reputation as a valuable member of ground juries in Australia and internationally.

Q: Do you come from a horsey background?

A : Sort of! My first pony was a Shetland with attitude.

Q: When did you take an interest in horses and when did you learn to ride?

A : At about four when I was given Prinny.

Not sure I learnt to ride on her as such – it was more about developing stickability.

Q: Which discipline appealed to you?

A : Several decades ago I joined Northside Riding Club at St Ives Showground in Sydney. That was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved in our sport. Northside was a multi discipline club, so we had a go at everything. We did the rounds of all the

an official for many years. How did it all begin?

A : Back at Northside – from lugging around jumping poles and wings to measuring out arenas and sitting on the committee.

Q: In what other areas have you been involved as a volunteer?

A : I became a zoo guide at Taronga Park. That was special, handing around Monty, the beautiful diamond python, in the show and tell sessions. Then I joined Lifeline as a shop volunteer and now Sallies in Forster.

show dressage events, even Sydney

Q: There seems to be a push to

Royal Dressage at the old Showgrounds

actively recruit dressage competitors

– so cool! The friendships I made from

to help out. Is this due to riders not

78 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 8 • 2 0 2 2

20 QUESTIONS

putting up their hands to volunteer?

mental agility and physical fitness to

A : It is tough – time’s the enemy. I know

Q: You’ve judged at many

switch tack through three disciplines and

international events – are there

what it’s like floating your horse to a

the partnership with the rider. When it

comp, you’re tied up as much as your

pays off we end up with those Olympic

horse. Even so, please try to help out.

medals, and a partnership like Andrew

Just ask, even if it’s taking water around

Hoy and Vassily de Lassos.

to the judges in the cars – that will be someone the organising committee

Q: Some say eventing dressage is

doesn’t have to find.

judged differently, perhaps more

Q: Do you recall the first time you

leniently, because the horses are

officially judged a test? How did you feel?

A : Daunted – but no matter if it’s the

conditioned to cope in a demanding sport and can be somewhat exuberant

differences in the attitude towards equestrian sport from the general public in these various countries?

A : The crowds! The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire gets 30,000 - and about the same number of dogs!

Similarly with Tattersalls International,

on the first day. Is that so?

Dublin, and the atmosphere is

A : No way! The Training Scale rules

wonderful (the Pimms helps!).

circling the arena and all I could think

whatever the sport – rhythm, suppleness and contact. Impulsion, straightness and

Q: What changes, if any, would you like

of was: ‘If they could see me now, that little gang of mine’ from Sweet Charity!

collection will get you around the 20 x

The quality of judges’ training here is

60, across six kilometres cross country,

A : Just keep to the Training Scale, see

universal. It will take you anywhere –

and over any size triple bar.

more arena craft in action, and more

and that builds confidence in using the

Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s

first Prep to that first International at Hartpury! Andrew Nicholson was

whole range of marks – the scariest part is probably when you see your first 10 -

happened to you when officiating?

to see made in Australian dressage?

PBs achieved across the board. There aren’t any short cuts – they just lead to

A : A car pulling up alongside me at C

short careers.

because they wanted to be ‘close to the

Q: What changes, if any, would you

action’. That was a classic.

like to see made in Australia eventing?

Q: What’s your favourite horse-

A : I’m now retired from international

oriented novel?

judging but, going by Tokyo, when you

A : Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley.

are on to a good thing, stick to it.

Q: You now live in Forster on the

judging eventing dressage?

Q: Do you have a favourite horse movie?

A : Several but can't go past National

A : I was asked and soon came to

Velvet by a short half head from Ride

appreciate the training of eventers – the

Like a Girl.

and instinctively know to give it!

Q: Have you ever been confronted by an irate rider displeased with your marks?

A : No. Riders will always query if there’s a difference in judging marks, they have the right to do so – we’re not infallible.

Q: When and why did you switch to

mid-north coast of NSW – are you involved with horses there?

A : Absolutely! Manning Valley Dressage & Hacking Club and Alexander Park draw on riders from the Hunter, New England and North Coast. There is always a great roll up at their events.

Q: Is there anything horse-related you would like to try but haven’t yet?

A : Carriage driving.

Q: Is there one aspect of equestrian sport about which you are not particularly fond?

A : Early morning starts.

FACING PAGE: Prue (L) with the Ground Jury at the 2016 Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.

LEFT: On the Appeal Committee at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 79

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