FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With Fiona Todd

For HorseVibes the month of July is promising to be even more exciting than usual. We are incredibly proud to be announcing our Scholarship Program. From this month we will be inviting sponsors and coaches to come on board, as well as inviting riders to apply – so watch out for the launch of our application pack. We are all very excited to see this wonderful new initiative get off the ground, so that we can help give back to our equestrian community. Also, HorseVibes now has its own Facebook page ‘like’ it, follow us, and keep up to date with everything going on in the increasingly busy land of HorseVibes. While you’re browsing why not visit our new website, and find out more about our Scholarship Program, and all our other great initiatives. Thank you to everyone who sent us their images to use in Around The Traps. We had such a great response we’re going to put out the request to our followers every month! This month we have not one, but two heroes for ‘Our Hero’ story. Siblings Lucy and Jim Grills are part of the current Australian World Championship Polocrosse team. The pair, who also run the iconic Australian Stock Horse stud Berragoon with their parents, are, as Candy discovers, truly dedicated to the Australian sport of Polocrosse, and the horses bred to be uniquely capable in this fast and exciting sport. Candy also saddled up last month to experience the thrills of Cowboy Dressage – and archery as well! Dannii took this month’s Training Tips from the Australian eventer Dom Schramm, who is now based in the US. Schrammo says that cross country requires guts, discipline, accuracy - and just a little bit of craziness! He also reiterates the importance of flatwork, which seems to be a common thread from all our trainers. Eventing has a bit of focus this month. In Brister’s Brief, Charlie Brister discusses water and avoiding the pitfalls of the Loch Ness Monster and the water dragons at which our horses can so easily spook, and our Young Rider, Oliver Barrett, had a win at the recent Melbourne Three Day Event. This month we introduce a new column, ‘Giving Back’. I’m sure every club or equine business of any description has a volunteer without whom they could not survive. Our first volunteer is Anna Rimac, who has brought a wealth of business experience to the Ballina RDA centre. She talks to Jane Camens about the huge rewards of volunteering. Jane also talks to saddle-designer and horseman Steve Jefferys (remember the lone rider at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney games?), who designed the amazingly versatile Ammo saddle.

There’s nothing more exciting than waiting for your broodmare to produce a healthy foal – and according to equine nutritionist Larissa Bilston, the last trimester is particularly important for making sure that foals get all the nutritional requirements they need. We also have a feature on saddlecloths. It’s all about fashion right? As the owner of The Saddle Hub, I can unequivocally say that, no, it isn’t. Have a read and see what the equitation scientists have to say. Then of course, there’s Epona’s ‘horsoscopes’; the breed - the beautiful Alter Real; the Saddle Review and more.

So grab your preferred device, kick back, pour a glass of your favourite tipple and enjoy! PS Did I mention that ALL subscribers go into the draw to win a hamper valued at $2000?

SCHOLARSHIP