Our Contributors

Skye Liikanen

Co-founder of Knight’s Equestrian, Skye was previously a member of the QLD Young Rider Squad, a HOTY winner, and a trick rider in the Australian Outback Spectacular for four years. She’s competed at national level in dressage and showing, and shares some sound advice on the do’s and don’ts of preparing horses for their first ride.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Mac

Amanda has had two lifelong love affairs: one with horses, and the other with writing. Now she happily combines both passions as the editor of HorseVibes. In this issue, she talks to Warwick Schiller about mindfulness, energy and going with the flow, and takes a look at SMART goals and why we should have them.

Andrew McLean

Winner of the Eureka Prize for Science, Australia’s highest science award, Andrew is in great demand as a trainer, coach and speaker. He’s the CEO of Equitation Science International, has written five books, including an international best seller, authored 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, and in this issue answers 20 of our most interesting questions.

Jeanne O'Malley

Originally from the US, Jeanne gained a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor’s certificate before going on to teach, train horses, and judge in the show ring. She later wrote two equestrian-related books, and has competed in most disciplines, including long distance and Western. In this issue she turns her expert attention to the subject of stride.

José Mendez

An international dressage trainer and coach, José and his partner founded the Mendez Equestrian Centre in 1990 - the only Australian riding and education centre that combines the principles of Classical Horsemanship with the ASK framework in its training, clinics and coaching programs. In this issue, José offers expert tips on training in-hand.

N.G. Quinlan

N.G. Quinlan, otherwise known as ‘Q’, is a writer, musician, poet, and regular HorseVibes contributor. Intrigued by the story of John Solomon Rarey, the tamer of supposedly untamable horses, Q investigated. Turn to Perfect Partners to find out what happened when Rarey met Cruiser, the most vicious horse in England.

Charlie Brister

Regular columnist Charlie is an allround horseman whose expertise is in re-training problem horses, as well as coaching riders in the art of cross country, show jumping and dressage. In the final of his three-part lunging series, he explores the benefits of learning to jump without someone sitting on your shoulders!

Catherine Bird

Catherine Bird, equine herbalist and author of A Healthy Horse the Natural Way and Horse Scents, teaches herbs, bodywork and the use of essential oils to horse care providers worldwide. She also advises Country Park Animal Herb’s clients on herb selection, and in this issue suggests herbal remedies for common summer problems.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Christine Armishaw

Christine is a horse trainer, riding 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 horses. In this issue she falls under the spell of the baroque breeds' big four: Andalusians, Friesians, Lusitanos and Lippizaners.

Dr Doug English

A veterinarian and longtime 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. In this issue he discusses equine sarcoids and the types of treatment currently available.

Jo McKinnon

A multi-award winning horse racing and equestrian broadcaster and documentary maker, Jo is a former top-level show rider who’s competed all over Australia. A racing commentator for many years, she recently spoke with Shory Park’s Director and Head Trainer, Nikki Cook, to discover more about their remarkable OTT success story.

Sonia Caeiro Alvarez

Sonia is a journalist, editor and writing workshop facilitator. She’s had a lifelong love affair with horses, although sadly does not own any so lives out her passion vicariously through her friends. In this issue she takes virtual flight to Portugal, and finds magic in Midões at the Quinta da Alegria.

Leisa Hofstetter

Leisa is an Equine Nutritionist and founder of Hof Equine. She has a Bachelor of Equine Science, specialising in nutrition, and lives on the Far North Coast of NSW. She is familiar with best practice feeding in a warmer climate, and offers some expert advice on feeding through the summer months.

Dr Susan Peden

In 1982, Susan graduated from the University of Queensland with First Class Honours, later undertaking further training in veterinary equine dentistry and reproduction. She’s been a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science since 2004, and in this issue explains why she believes HTMA is a valuable tool for assessing equine health.

Fiona Todd

Fiona’s love of animals in general, and horse’s in particular, has been life-long. Driven by a desire to support and inspire equestrians from all disciples, she first launched The Saddle Hub, a hugely popular pre-loved saddle online store, closely followed by HorseVibes, a magazine dedicated to Australian riders and their faithful equine companions.

Obelia McCormack

With years of industry experience, our wonderful designer Obelia is an expert in publication production and design, with a knack for combining copy and images into eyecatching layouts. Her client list is impressive and a wide variety of publications have benefited from her considerable talents, including our own very beautiful HorseVibes.