From The Horse’s Mouth

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

I’m pretty sure I heard a collective sigh of relief across the nation as lockdown rules slowly relaxed and we started getting out and about again with our ponies. I can’t wait to see everyone’s Facebook feed with competition photos and smiling faces. As we all know - it’s been a while!

In this edition, Equestrian Hub launches its new member platform: look for magazines, training tips, prize draws, and loyalty points, with much more to be added as we follow our vision for making the Equestrian Hub your virtual equestrian hang out.

To help you get back into the swing of things - and to make sure you and your mounts enjoy the experience - resident coach Charlie Brister offers his top 10 tips for making your journey back to post-COVID life as smooth as possible. And while we’re on the subject, best grab the opportunity afforded by the transition period to up the game on your own fitness! Champion eventer Amanda Ross has all you need to know to lift your riding to the next level.

Candida Baker has been down in the Snowy Mountains to investigate the plight of our beautiful Brumbies. Let’s do all we can to support our national treasure – and thank you, Carol Hancock, for our gorgeous cover image.

Editor Amanda Mac talks to internationally recognised artist Lyn Beaumont in Culture Corner – and stay tuned, because we have some seriously amazing creatives lined up for future issues. Those of us who float horses between Queensland and NSW will be well aware of the truly dreadful stop at the Kirra Tick Gate. Journalist Sonia Caeiro Alvarez investigates the many facets of this problem and speaks to some of those affected, including change spokesperson Melinda Rechichi.

On the subject of our horse’s feet, the Horse Listener looks at Palmer angles and Master Farrier David Farmilo hops onto this issue’s Tackbox to talk about horse’s legs and, you guessed it, their hooves. What should you be looking for when buying a new horse? Here’s a clue: no hoof, no horse!

With the breeding season approaching, equine nutritionist Leisa Hofstetter explains how your mare’s fertility can be supported with correct nutrition, and we talk to Agnes Banks Equine Vets about insemination. New Zealand’s Mount View Stud is renowned for breeding internationally successful show jumping champions. Geoff McLean takes a look at the story behind that success story, while new columnist Francine Pullman writes about the magnificent AngloArabian in our regular Breed feature.

Kristen Fleet keeps her head firmly on her shoulders with this issue’s equipment piece on all things helmet, and also explains why she’s added an Icelandic riding holiday to her bucket list … just wait till you see the photos!

In her regular Life After Racing column, Jo McKinnon talks to Queenslander Jane Gollan to find out more about the journey a Thoroughbred makes as it transitions into civilian life. She also reveals a brand new initiative designed to maximise the successful re-homing of our OTT friends.

Training Tips is all about Western presentation – which is pretty spectacular by anyone’s standards – and our Young Rider is the high flying Amelia Douglass. And this issue’s Horse in History offers a bit of a mystery! Neil Quinlan has written a fascinating article on Picasso, America’s most famous wild mustang. But is Picasso really a horse in history, or is he still roaming the wide open spaces of the Colorado plains?

Then to close HorseVibes’ jampacked July/August issue, Charlie asks champion eventer Boyd Martin twenty very interesting questions, and gets some equally interesting answers!

So as usual, pour your favourite tipple, sit back and enjoy!