Equipment: Bridles

EQUIPMENT

Bridles unbuckled

In one form or another, the bridle has been around for thousands of years. CHRISTINE ARMISHAW takes a quick look at the early days before bringing us up to speed on current bridle types and their uses.

Rambo Micklem Original Competition bridle (available at leaderequine.com.au).

The primary purpose of a bridle has always been to steer and communicate with the horse, usually by way of holding a bit in their mouth. Archaeologists have discovered examples of very early bridles with cheekpieces made from antler or bone, and mouthpieces of softer materials such as hemp, sinew or rawhide. The skill of the riders of this time was relatively basic. Their primary concerns were controlling speed and turning, which the bridles of that era allowed them to do.

Over the years bridles evolved, as did bits. The latter were swapped out for metal as it was longer lasting than the original soft mouthpieces. During medieval times, knights rode horses into battle and needed more manoeuvrability, so harsher bits were designed. Young horses were trained using the same severe bits, a trend which, thankfully, eventually died out. The bridles themselves were embellished with gold or silver buckles and other decorations, giving the horses a decidedly regal air.

Coming into the 18th century, horses became an increasingly popular option with noblemen for both transport and sport. Riding developed into an art form and times changed in the way horses were educated. Trainers sought to build trust and cooperation with their mounts, instead of simply using brute force as a means of control. The sensitivity of a horse’s mouth was recognised, and young horses began their ridden careers in a cavesson noseband, featuring a ring on each side to which the reins were attached. The bit rings weren’t used until the horse was older and more developed.

Throughout the world, wherever there were horses, there was some form of bridle. Be they colourful and adorned with tassels, or plain and constructed simply from animal hide, the basic design hasn’t changed much throughout the ages. So let’s delve into the bridles commonly available today and their applications.

English bridles

An English bridle usually consists of a headpiece that rests behind the ears, cheekpieces that run down each side of the face to hold the bit in place, a browband above the eyes to maintain correct bridle positioning and a throatlash under the jowl for the same purpose. Reins are connected to the bit and held by the rider to relay information to the horse.

Components don’t alter greatly from one bridle to the next. While there are multiple browband options out there, including straight, ‘U’ shaped, ‘V’ shaped, padded, beribboned, and diamante studded, these change the look of the bridle, but not the mechanics. That said, there are two bridles that deserve special mention:

The Micklem bridle: With similar versions marketed by some companies as ‘anatomically correct’ bridles, today’s Micklem is a new spin on an old style designed by international coach William Micklem. Shaped to follow the anatomy of the skull, the wide headpiece alleviates pressure on the poll and the back of the ears. The noseband is cut forward from the sides of the face in an ‘L’ shape, eliminating nerve pressure often exerted by traditional bridles. This flows into a drop-style noseband, which is fitted higher to avoid the soft tissue of the horse’s nose. The bit is attached to the noseband component (rather than to cheekpieces), which helps alleviate bar pressure in the mouth. The throatlash is set much lower and sits snug against the horse’s face, helping to keep the entire bridle securely positioned. Finally, the Micklem can be converted into a bitless bridle or halter, while some designs allow it to also be used as a lunging cavesson.

The Double bridle: As the name suggests, a double bridle features two bits connected by two sets of cheekpieces and a cavesson noseband. The main bit is a curb and behind it sits a smaller version of a snaffle, called

Riding developed into an art form ... Trainers sought to build trust and cooperation with their mounts, instead of simply using brute force as a means of control.

Venice bridle with padded pull-back noseband for extra comfortable fit (available in black and brown from Ashbree Saddlery).

Paragon Double bridle by PS of Sweden (available at leaderequine. com.au).

Hackamore bridle by PS of Sweden (available at leaderequine. com.au).

a bradoon. Most commonly used in the higher levels of dressage and in show horse classes, a double bridle, in experienced hands, is used to refine communication from rider to horse.

Nosebands

There is one interchangeable component of a standard English bridle which actually alters its function: the noseband. Cavesson noseband: This is the simplest type, consisting of a band that loops around the horse’s nose, ideally two finger widths below the protruding cheekbone, but above the bit, and buckling up under the jaw. In measuring tightness, two fingers should fit between the front of the horse’s nose bone and the noseband (the same is true for the cavesson on a double bridle). Sometimes, a cavesson features the addition of a flash strap. This connects at the front of the noseband and does up below the bit, under the chin. The purpose of a flash is to help close the mouth of a horse who chomps, puts their tongue over the bit, or has a tendency to grab the bit between their teeth. A flash can be removed from the bridle when not required. Drop noseband: Positioned lower on the horse’s face than a cavesson, a drop noseband does up under the chin and below the bit, and is used to help remedy the same issues as a flash - but because it’s purpose built, a drop noseband can’t be ‘disconnected’ in the same way as a flash.

Grackle noseband: Also known as a ‘figure eight’ or ‘Mexican’, this noseband criss-crosses over the front of the horse’s nose. It’s fixed just over or above the protruding cheekbones and, like a flash strap, does up below the bit under the chin. Also used to help prevent the horse opening the mouth or crossing the jaw, the benefit of this style, when compared to a drop noseband or cavesson combined with a flash, is that it provides more space around the nostrils making breathing easier for the horse.

Sometimes, a cavesson features the addition of a flash strap. This connects at the front of the noseband and does up below the bit, under the chin.

Western bridles

A traditional Western bridle does away with the noseband altogether, leaving the headpiece, cheekpieces, browband and throatlash. However, what they lack in strapping they often make up for in the form of extravagant buckles, embossed leather and other bold embellishments.

Mio ecofriendly leather bridle with cavesson noseband (available at leaderequine. com.au).

RIGHT: A one ear bitless bosal bridle.

With only the headpiece, cheekpieces and a loop that fits around one ear of the horse, ‘one ear’ Western bridles are for headgear minimalists. A curb bit suits this type of bridle as there is a slight downward pressure on the headpiece when the reins are engaged, reducing the chances of the bridle slipping off over the ears. A snaffle bit has the reverse effect when both reins are engaged, with the bridle loosening slightly, in which case riding with a throatlash is recommended.

Bitless bridles

Bitless options are available in both English and Western styles, but they are not permitted for use in all disciplines. If you are aiming to compete, always check the rules!

Hackamore: technically not a bridle itself, it references the piece of equipment that replaces both the noseband and the bit in a bitless set up. Sometimes thought to be kinder than a bit, a hackamore can actually be quite severe as it acts on the soft tissue and cartilage of the horse’s nose. Much the same as a bitted bridle, it’s only as kind as the hands that hold the reins.

Side-pull bridle: This bridle is comprised of a noseband with no cheekpieces. There are rings fixed to each side to attach the reins, applying direct pressure to the horse’s cheek when the reins are pulled. Bosal bridle: A Western-style bitless bridle made up of a rigid loop of braided rawhide that loosely encircles the horse’s nose. The bosal rests on a hanger (a type of headpiece) and may have a browband to hold it in place. The reins, usually rope, are both attached at the same point under the chin. Opposite to the clear tug of a side-pull, the bosal works by pushing into the cheek, with the horse moving away from the pressure.

Cross-under bitless bridle: This has a noseband and would-be cheekpiece straps that cross under the jaw, linking to the noseband on the opposing side. Reins attach to rings on the ends of the straps and pull the head in the intended direction of travel when a rein is applied.

When choosing the right bridle for your horse, select one that’s appropriate for your needs and your discipline ... and make sure that it fits well.

Final thoughts

When choosing the right bridle for your horse, select one that’s appropriate for your needs and your discipline (check the rules if you are planning on competing), and make sure that it fits well. If you are not sure how a certain style should be correctly fitted, seek the advice of your trainer or an experienced horseperson. A comfortable horse is a much happier horse.

TRAVEL

Trails across the Tasman

While travel restrictions limit us still, the Land of the Long White Cloud is likely to beckon sooner than most. SONIA CAEIRO ALVAREZ armchair travels to New Zealand’s North Island and a unique, and long-established riding destination.

Only 90 minutes from Auckland on the pristine sands of the Matakana Coast in Wellsford is a riding experience developed lovingly by the Haddon family for over 40 years. Pakiri Beach Horse Rides was established in 1981 during a severe downturn in the New Zealand agriculture sector.

The downturn, coupled with a deep farming recession, was a bleak period. Farmers walked off their lands with little or no prospects for the young, and the Haddon’s were forced to diversify. “We were making nothing on the farm and were breeding Arabians at the time,” Sharley Haddon tells me. “Horses were too expensive to run then, and strangely we were receiving lots of requests to trail ride. After deep discussions my husband gave me an ultimatum – we had six weeks to see whether it might work.”

The operation started with no capital whatsoever, just two ponies and an Arabian guide horse. Pony by pony they built the herd, one pony paying for the next. From these modest beginnings Pakiri built up a substantial herd and was featured in the Lonely Planet Rough Guides and Getaway television programs, as well as its famous inclusion in the BBC publication Unforgettable Things to do Before You Die. superb beaches, through coastal forest and over snow white dunes. With views extending out to the islands of the Gulf, many trails include sighting coastal sea birds and occasional orcas and dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Other day rides, such as the Tomarata Te Arai Ride, encompass beach and forest trails to freshwater lakes, where riders can swim with their horse, enjoy a packed lunch then head over Te Arai Point and its spectacular views of endless white beaches stretching as far to the north and south as the eye can see.

On the Sundowner Beach Ride held in summer, guests ride along the beach sands as the sun sets below hills

Yogi, Morgan and Beckham escort their riders along a stretch of pristine beach.

RIGHT: Enjoying the tranquillity of a beachside bush track.

magically draped with pink and gold.

For those who can’t bear to leave after just one day, Pakiri Beach Horse Rides also offer a range of longer two to five day treks along beaches and through high country, forest and native bushland encompassing some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking seaside headland views.

An ultimate five-day experience, the Warrior Trail of beach, forest and coastal high country riding, follows the ancient trails of Maori warriors. The ride concludes with a visit to Te Kiri Marae - the ancestral home of the local Ngatiwai and Ngati Manuhiri people – before overnighting in nearby boutique accommodation.

The Pakiri Beach horses are forward going rides, happy to go where the mood takes you.

Pakiri offers a variety of intimate and larger family style accommodation including private riverside, beach view and dune nestled cabins, a beach house and lakeside chalet. The four bedroom Ngapeka house on a pristine beachfront location features spacious and comfortable open plan living with a fireplace for toasty winter stays, and a breezy outdoor flow with BBQ and entertaining areas for relaxed summer breaks, including an outdoor bath to relax and stargaze after a long day’s ride.

Invigorating mini-breaks include delicious homestyle meals, allowing guests to truly wind down, connect deeply with their horse and absorb the grandeur of the landscapes. Native bush walks to the rear of the property, with views to Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands, are near a small cafe and bar, perfect for guests seeking a little more social activity.

As well as riding and bushwalking, the area is a popular destination for surfing, fishing on the beach, and kayaking in the estuary. Nearby are the renowned Matakana vineyards and wineries, five golf courses, tennis courts, the world famous Goat Island Marine Reserve, Matakana Village cinemas, shopping, weekend farmers markets and excellent cafes and restaurants at Matakana, Puhoi and Mangawhai. After all that activity riders may be tempted to end their day at the hot pools and natural spa of Waiwera.

There have been changes in New Zealand, with many expat buyers cutting big properties into small blocks. This has brought the future sustainability for long trail ride businesses like Pakiri into question – although Sharley hopes to find a solution that will safeguard her legacy. “Maintaining large riding properties like this has become challenging,” she says. “We have great rides and great horses, and before COVID we had riders visit from all over the world. They represented almost 50 per cent of our custom so revenue was halved. So in order to pivot we no longer do nose-to-tail beginner treks, or our long coast-coast seven day tours, although we still occasionally host

The freedom, sea air, and open space of the headland.

school holiday camps for horse-mad 11 to 15 year-olds during the summer.”

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides currently has 60 trekking horses, as well as Arabian stud horses ridden by guides and by experienced riders on multi-day treks. The natural herd is managed on two spacious 40 acre grassy properties and in winter they strip graze like dairy cattle. Two Arabian stallions and young stock being weaned or shown are stabled, but only at night.

The Pakiri Beach horses are chosen for their kind temperaments and unflappable attitudes. “We keep them kind by rotating their work schedules and treating them well. Those used on the long multi-day rides are chosen for their courage, fitness and dependability in all and unexpected situations,” Sharley tells me. “They are unshod, and we very rarely have any issues. I handle most of the veterinary work myself, unless it’s a dire situation, and I also have a great barefoot farrier on hand.”

Although it’s unusual to see a large herd so relaxed, they’re happy to just lie down and simply bask in the sunshine together. “If we do have a problem horse, the older girls in the herd generally sort them out, which is interesting, but it tends to calm them all down,” Sharley says. “We also don’t tie up on cross reins to saddle up – we just move amongst the herd to prepare for the rides. There is no skittering, or any nervous mounts. They are also full forward going rides, not plodders.”

Running the business alone after the passing of her beloved husband seven years ago, Sharley scaled down slightly and, with her five loyal staff, focuses on competent and experienced riders of at least an intermediate level. At the age of 74, the remarkable Sharley still maintains the workload she has had for the past 40 years, and while COVID has been difficult she has kept the horses in work, “otherwise they turn into naughty little fellows,” she says. “My dad was Australian, and my sister still lives in Sydney. I travelled the country when I was younger, and I remember clearly riding in native bushland in regional Victoria quite close to Melbourne. The tree ferns, tea-trees and other flora here seemed so familiar I could have almost been back home.”

And so, as we turn to the possibilities of a trans-Tasman bubble making New Zealand one of our first overseas destinations, Sharley is enthused by the possibility of welcoming back NZ’s nearest neighbours. “Australians are hands down my favourite guests by far,” she says. “I’m very much looking forward to having the Aussies back at Pakiri as soon as possible.”

LEFT: If you tire of the beach, there’s always the high country to explore.

BELOW: Is there any better way to see the world?

Want to know more? Visit www. horseride-nz.co.nz to plan your Pakiri Beach experience.

LIFE AFTER RACING

R&R at Spring Creek Equine

While the Yarra Valley is world-renowned for its vineyards and winemakers, the region could soon be known as a hotbed for horses, writes PAUL SYMES.

After spending a number of years competing in eventing at the highest level, and having operated their own separate businesses, Samantha Cesnik and Chris Height decided to join forces and combine their skillsets, knowledge and vast experience of all things equine.

The result is Spring Creek Equine, which they established in Coldstream – a township approximately 35 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s CBD – around five years ago.

After the couple shed some blood, sweat and perhaps even the occasional tears along the journey, the centre is now leading the way in helping to rehabilitate horses and prepare them for new homes and careers.

Spread across 35 acres, the stunning facility provides a variety of services, from coaching and clinics to equine rehabilitation and agistment to name but a few.

Approximately 12 months ago, Samantha and Chris added another string to their bow by joining Racing Victoria’s (RV) network of Acknowledged Retrainers, taking recently retired racehorses and helping their transition from the racetrack to other pursuits. program, a new pathway designed specifically for Victorian Thoroughbreds which may have struggled to transition to the right home after the end of their racing careers.

RESET – an acronym for Racehorse, Evaluation, Support, Education and Transition – was introduced in July 2020 to complement RV’s successful Off The Track program, which promotes retired Thoroughbreds to the equestrian community.

Recognising that RESET was a really interesting new initiative, the couple jumped at the chance to get involved. “In the past we had to be quite selective about the Off The Track horses we took, because not all retired racehorses are well-suited to our retraining program and so we would’ve needed to devote an awful lot of time and effort to transition them into secondary careers,” explained Chris. “But the RESET program gives us and other retrainers the opportunity to work with horses which may be less commercially viable and which won’t make the grade in equestrianism, but which still have a very good chance

We’ve absolutely loved having Pie with us, he’s fitted in so well at the farm

Piemonte, Samantha, Chris and Tattersalls.

LEFT: Samantha and barn favourite, Pie. (All images courtesy of Racing Victoria)

of going on to enjoy a productive and prosperous life post-racing.”

And that includes horses needing recovery time: “We’ve taken in horses which have come to the end of their careers because of tendon injuries or other muscular issues that can take some time to heal, but don’t prevent them from becoming riding horses further down the track,” Chris says. “On average, we probably take in two or three Off The Track horses every month and we can now probably take on another two horses at a time through the RESET program, so it fits in really well with our business.” or ‘Pie’, as he’s now affectionately known – a five-year-old gelding (formerly trained by Robbie Griffiths) whose tendon issues forced his retirement from the racetrack after just six career starts.

When he first arrived at Spring Creek, Pie was a little reserved and took some time to adapt to his new surroundings. However, aided by the centre’s water treadmill and other methods which have assisted with his rehabilitation, he is now thriving and will soon have a saddle on his back – albeit to participate in rather more sedate pursuits than chasing glory on the racetrack. “We’ve absolutely loved having Pie with us, he’s fitted in so well at the farm,” says Samantha. “We now know what he likes and what he doesn’t like, and he feels very calm and comfortable with the set-up and all our staff.”

It can take up to six weeks for horses to adjust once they have left the racetrack, and although Pie hasn’t been back under a saddle yet, his retraining process is well under way. “When he first came to us, he wasn’t sure what to make of everything. But he soon settled in really well and has allowed his personality to come out, so he’s become a favourite in the barn,” Samantha explains. “He starts ridden work next week, he’s very fit and sound now that he’s completed his full rehab program. The last time he was ridden was in a race so it’s going to be very interesting to see how he goes, but we’re all quietly confident he’ll take to it.”

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Pie has a pre-existing injury and so will not become an elite horse; but Samantha says that everyone who comes into contact with him falls in love with him, so the couple are hopeful that he’ll go on to have a very nice life in another discipline.

Whilst Piemonte – who was sired by the 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente – showed plenty of promise during his brief career with two wins and one minor placing, the same could not be said for another resident at Spring Creek, Tata Ma Pick.

The ‘highlight’ of the bay gelding’s career came very early on, when he finished fourth of six runners on debut – after which he came a distant last in five of his next seven starts. “It’s fair to say his racing career never really took off,” says Chris with a degree of understatement. “I think he spent more time with his legs in the air than on the ground! We didn’t get him directly off the track, but he hadn’t done much postracing so he spent a bit of time with us and we turned him into an eventer.

Now known as Tattersalls, Chris reports that he is going really well: “He even won the Young Eventing Horse Challenge at the Melbourne International 3 Day Event in 2019. So we were pretty pleased with that, and we’re now hopeful he’ll go on to much bigger and better things in the future.”

Whilst ribbons and trophies are hugely rewarding and testament to their hard work, what perhaps gives Chris and Samantha the most satisfaction about their jobs is simply the opportunity it affords to work with such beautiful and emotionally intelligent animals day in, day out. “The horses are our work colleagues and even part of the family,” says Samantha. “We obviously see them every day but when you love working with them and hopefully they love what they do, it makes your lives so much easier. Every horse is different, and we’ve all got our favourites even if we might not admit it!”

While the horses “definitely keep you on your toes”, one of the things the couple love most is that no two days are the same. Samantha likens it to most jobs: “You have good days and bad days but the good definitely outweigh the bad, and we can always look on the bright side and have a laugh because we’re lucky that we’ve got great staff around us. It’s so exciting and rewarding for us to see horses go on and achieve great things after their racing careers.”

It can be a little sad when horses eventually leave their care, but the upside for Chris and Samantha is knowing that if a horse spends enough time at Spring Creek, they’ll be moving on to a satisfying new life.

Spring Creek graduate Tattersalls won the Young Eventing Horse Challenge at the 2019 Furphy Media Melbourne International 3 Day Event.

Spring Creek Equine: a stunning 35 acre property to Melbourne’s north-east.

To learn more, visit springcreekequine. com.au, and for information about Racing Victoria’s Off The Track and RESET programs, go to racingvictoria. com.au/the-horse/off-the-track.

HORSE BREED

Don’t call me pony

They may be small, but the Icelandic is always referred to as a horse - and they certainly pack much more than a pony-sized punch, writes AMANDA MAC.

You’ve probably heard the old adage ‘good things come in small packages’ – and if ever there was an equine breed that proves the rule, it’s the Icelandic Horse.

But what’s all the fuss about? Standing on average between 13 and 14hh, surely they must have something more going for them other than their distinctive thick (and often double-sided) mane, long tail, and wide variety of colours. And, of course, they do!

The Icelandic Horse is renowned for being hardy, athletic, independent yet adaptable, spirited but friendly, willing, and sure-footed. Some have not four but five (yes, five) natural gaits, and they’re valued as a versatile family riding horse. Bred to easily carry adults, they can move along at a cracking but very comfortable pace over quite long distances.

In Australia, you’ll find Icelandics showing off their prowess in any number of disciplines, including working equitation, dressage, agility events, trail riding, extreme cowboy racing, jumping, endurance and vaulting.

Origins

The horse of Norse myths and legends, Icelandics have an interesting history that can be traced back to the late 9th century when Viking settlers first arrived in Iceland. With them they brought horses from Norway and the British Isles, which were the main form of transport across the country’s vast tracts of rugged terrain until roads were built in the 1870s.

Since those early days, the importation of horses into Iceland has been banned. Opinions are widely divided as to exactly when this occurred, some sources say as early as 982 CE, while others suggest the late 1880s. But no matter what the date, the end result is the same: the purity of the Icelandic breed has been rigorously safeguarded.

So fierce is this protection that when in the 1920s a Norwegian Fjord stallion was bred with some Icelandic mares, the experiment was conducted on an island off the coast of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. It was not an outstanding success and all bets were off when the foals failed to meet expectations. Neither the stallion nor his offspring were allowed onto the mainland, and were instead exported abroad.

Often a medieval Icelander's most prized possession, Icelandics are now seen as a way of preserving the country’s agricultural traditions while at the same time improving its economy. Long distance horse trekking is popular among both locals and tourists, while horse shows and races always draw good crowds.

The export of Icelandic Horses has increased since the first contingent was sent to Germany in the 1940s. Currently there are some 80,000 Icelandics in Iceland, and an estimated further 70,000

LEFT: The Icelandic is an ideal companion for adults and children alike (Image by Jane Gregor).

With their distinctive thick mane and double coat, the Icelandic is well insulated (Image by Elsa Marchenay Photography). BELOW: All colours are accepted in the Icelandic breed (Image courtesy Megalong Icelandic Horses).

scattered throughout the Federation of Icelandic Horse Association’s 21 member countries.

In Australia, records indicate the presence of Icelandic Horses as early as 1863. Not much else is known of any other purebred imports until the mid-1990s, when eight fillies and a colt arrived from Denmark. After 2000, several horses where imported from New Zealand to start small breeding herds, followed by imports of breeding horses from Iceland, Germany, the USA and Canada. The purebred numbers in Australia now sit at just over 330, and come under the umbrella of the Icelandic Horse Association of Australia (IHAA).

Rigorously safeguarded, the Icelandic breed has remained pure (Image by Jane Gregor).

Why call them horses?

A good question! And there are several theories: one suggests that it’s to do with the Icelandic’s spirited temperament and huge, larger-than-pony personality. The breed’s weight-carrying ability and bone structure has been offered as another explanation, and to seal the deal, there’s no word in the Icelandic language for pony. Whatever the reason, never use the words Icelandic and pony together – it isn’t tolerated!

The Icelandic packs quite a punch. A hardy and easy keeper, they have wellproportioned heads with a straight profile and broad forehead, short muscular necks and shoulders, and a deep chest. The withers are broad and low, and relative to their somewhat short stature, their backs are quite long. They have a broad, muscular, slightly sloping croup and low set tail. Their legs are short and strong, with long cannon bones and a shorter pastern. And to cope with colder temperatures, the Icelandic has a double coat for extra insulation.

They’re the Labradors of the horse world. In Iceland they have no natural predators so they don’t have the fight or flight response.

The Icelandic in Australia

One of several Icelandic Horse studs in Australia, Megalong Icelandic Horses produces around 12 purebred foals each year. Located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, the stud belongs to IHAA President David Harris and his wife Cathy. And there’s an interesting back story. David was in his 50s when he first learned to ride. Since then, he and Cathy have enjoyed many overseas riding holidays. But when they visited Iceland and experienced Icelandic Horses for the first time, it was game over. “We instantly loved their size, their unique and incredibly smooth gait, and their gentle friendliness,” says David.

And Cathy makes an interesting point regarding the Icelandics’ nature: “They’re the Labradors of the horse world,” she says. “In Iceland they have no natural predators so they don’t have the fight or flight response. When you walk into their paddock, they rush up to greet you. We feel so safe with them that we ride with our young grandchildren, who absolutely adore them.”

Interestingly, the Icelandic’s life expectancy is considerably longer than that of many other breeds. The oldest Icelandic on record was a mare who died in Denmark at the age of 57. Usually they’re not bred from until they’re five, and it’s not uncommon for them to still be producing foals into their mid-twenties, nor for them to be ridden until they’re 30.

Training

Traditionally, Icelandics are not ridden until they are four years old, and David tells me that at Megalong, they train the traditional way. “We don’t start them until they’re around four-and-a-half. The first three months of education is much the same as any other breed. They’re taught the basics: leading, floating, lunging and so on. Then they have six months rest before specialised gait training for the tölt and flying pace begins.”

Icelandic stallion Lotto von Svada-Kol-Kir demonstrates the skeið gait at a 2016 breed evaluation (Image by Krijn Buijtelaar).

employs trainers from horse farms in the Nordic countries to come to Australia specifically to train the Megalong horses. Whether this will continue in our COVID world is another question altogether.

So what is the tölt?

One of the Icelandic’s unique characteristics is the way in which they move, in that they can be either four or five gaited. A four gaited horse has walk, trot, tölt, and gallop/canter, while a five gaited horse has walk, trot, tölt, gallop/canter and the flying pace or skeið. The tölt and the skeið are completely natural and are the result of a mutation in the DMRT3 gene, which is responsible for synchronising the left and right sides of a horse's body. In the Icelandic (and some other breeds), this mutation allows their legs to move laterally as well as diagonally.

The tölt is a fluid movement, during which at least one foot is always in contact with the ground. Unlike the diagonal leg action of the trot, the tölt is a lateral movement (the near side foreleg moves in unison with the near side hind leg). Even quite young foals will tölt when they’re in the paddock. The four-beat tölt is extraordinarily fast and smooth, giving the rider an almost bounce-free ride, even up to speeds of 32 kilometres an hour.

As the name suggests, faster still is the skeið or flying pace. This gait produces speeds of just under 50 kilometres an hour. It can equal the speed of a full gallop and is primarily used for racing over short distances. During the skeið, both legs on one side of the horse simultaneously touch the ground – and because it’s a two-beat gait, at one point in the stride all four hooves of the horse are suspended above the ground, hence the name ‘flying pace’.

Megalong Icelandics at home in the Blue Mountains (Image by Elsa Marchenay Photography).

Getting to know you

If by now you’ve joined the ranks of Icelandic Horse fandom, we can’t say we blame you! As David Harris points out: “In the years since we started Megalong, we’ve enjoyed getting to know the breed better, as well as each of our individual horses, and the Icelandic really is ideal for all ages and abilities.”

Visit www.icelandhorse.com.au, www.megalongicelandichorses.com.au and www.icelandichorseassociationaustralia. org.au to find out more about the truly unique Icelandic Horse.

Play time – Chelsea Johnson and her stallion Cayuse Xxtra Grand (left) with Antonia Bearda and OTT Thoroughbred Up To No Good on Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach (Image by Kia Loveday, Spirit Fire Photography).

AROUND THE TRAPS

Annabel Cusack and Dynamoey rode into 3rd place in the Gow Gates International 3DE CCI-1*L Jr. at Wallaby Hills (Image by Rodney’s Photography).

SADDLE REVIEW

Pessoa Dressage

With no topline and a typical Thoroughbred wither, fitting a saddle could have been tricky – but Panda was no match for a Pessoa and The Saddle Hub.

Maia Olup has been riding for seven years. She started when she was 12, and since then has mostly been interested in dressage. “I’ve never competed. It’s just been a hobby, a bit of a passion really. Mum had a friend who teaches dressage. I started lessons and I grew a love for it through the time I spent with her,” she explains.

There have been some sad and disappointing times for Maia when it comes to her horses. “Unfortunately my first horse, a beautiful grey Stock Horse, passed away two years into owning him. We were at the stage where I probably would have taken him out and maybe gone to Pony Club and competed. Then after he passed I bought another horse but she didn’t work out, so now I’m up to my third horse.”

And Maia’s third time lucky is Panda, an OTT Thoroughbred gelding who retired from racing in 2016, and spent a few years settling into his new life before Maia bought him six months ago. “He was in quite poor condition at first and he still has no real top line. He’s quite slim with the typical Thoroughbred wither, so I needed to find a saddle that fitted him really well,” she says.

Maia reached out to a saddle fitting company who recommended a visit to The Saddle Hub. “I didn’t have a particular brand in mind when I visited their website. So I contacted Shae, The Saddle Hub’s manager, and because I live quite close by she actually came out to me with quite a few saddles in her car. We went through them all, and then I trialed the two that were the best fit – the Pessoa Dressage and one other – but I was happier with the Pessoa. It just felt right and was a better match for Panda,” she says.

Maia is particularly happy with the Pessoa’s level of fit and feel: “The saddle I rode in for years was an allpurpose saddle. It was quite nice but it never felt quite right. I think it might have been a little too big for me. The Pessoa is very comfortable, it fits us both really well. Shae was super helpful and very professional. I’m beyond happy with my purchase and would recommend The Saddle Hub to anybody on the lookout for a saddle. The service is excellent.”

So with her new equine partner and a super comfy saddle, will Maia consider competing in the future? “I might, I’m not quite sure yet. I’ll see how we go but yeah, it’s a possibility.”

The Equestrian Hub has a wide variety of second-hand saddles, so be sure to visit www.equestrianhub.com.au and browse through their fantastic range.

All saddles come with a twoweek trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door.

ON MY TACKBOX

For the love of jumping

Renowned show jumping judge Michael Archer has officiated at numerous events, including those attended by the likes of Chris Chugg, Olivia Hamood and Aaron Hadlow. Here he goes behind the scenes and explains why we need more people to volunteer at ground level.

2020 Delivering Dreams finalist Kelsie Cranston and Showtown have a promising future.

The addictive sport of show jumping: who does it take to run a competition? The course designer and assistants, judges, stewards, the penciller, ring and warmup marshals, rail replacement officers, first aiders, announcer, plus the organising committee and support staff. To keep on running and developing, the sport needs to attract people to fill these roles. I started out as a Pony Club parent. Not knowing much about show jumping, I volunteered at events. My first role was pole picking and helping to build the courses. I asked a lot of questions and, I think, drove the course designers crazy. Then I attended a course designing clinic, which at the time didn’t mean a lot to me, but I kept going. I was then encouraged to shadow some of the judges at competitions to get an understanding of the rules, which I found more to my liking.

The point I’m trying to make here is that we continually need people to enter the sport to help, learn, and follow their interest or passion. A lot of clubs struggle to get the people power they need to setup, run, and pack up an event.

As a judge I have noticed a change in the sport as we try to embrace the use of technology. In my early days there were paper score sheets, stopwatches and quite complex timing systems that were transported around in trailers. Now we have systems that can be carried in a suitcase, integrate with scoring and result systems, and take data from online entry forms - all of which make results immediate and transparent. The education is continual, with regular training and refresher clinics happening at all levels, and is aimed at creating an ever increasing level of knowledge and experience. The emergence of ‘live streaming’ has created its own challenges in the sport, that being to first get the information and data from the judge’s box to connect and talk with the streaming equipment. Perhaps the greatest challenge of all is to get the event running in ‘draw order’: the correct person on the correct horse in the correct draw number. As simple as that sounds, it can be one of the more difficult things to manage, and the production crew go scrambling if there is the slightest of changes. The stronger we get at providing a smooth running, entertaining product, the better the chance of getting commercial partners on board. The growth of the Thoroughbred series and the Australian Teams League series has also created a different style of competition and requires an increase in the official and commentary teams required to produce the end product. Officials have varying levels of qualifications: Judges at Equestrian Australia (EA) level have preliminary, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3; Judges at FEI (International Level) have Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Course Designers have similar levels, and Olivia Hamood and Sundance GHP, a winning team at the 2019 Chatham Park Summer Classic (Image by Stephen Mowbray).

Aaron Hadlow and Vahlinvader at the 2017 Sale World Cup (Image by Bronwyn Evans Photography).

Chris Chugg and KG Queenie 3 (courtesy of Australian Jumping).

we have both EA level and FEI level stewards.

The number of positions and levels required in each role are dictated by the rule books and depend on the classification of the event: whether, for example, it is a national or international event, or a local, state or national title.

With varying clubs, organisations, states and disciplines running events most weeks, there is quite often a drain on resources, in particular the availability of suitably accredited officials to officiate. So the more officials we have, the better we can service the sport on a local, state and national level.

The rules come from the FEI. They are reviewed annually and are then reviewed by a panel of local judges appointed by Equestrian Australia and the National Jumping Committee. Any recommended changes to the rules made by the judges’ panel are referred to the National Jumping Committee and forwarded to Equestrian Australia for ratification. These are normally passed for implementation effective January 1st or July 1st. The rules are available on the Equestrian Australia website Along with upholding the rules for the various types of competitions, officials are also responsible for the welfare of the athletes, both the horse and rider, which includes taking into account temperature and weather conditions, stabling and facilities. Equestrian sport is quite unique in that both females and males of varying ages can all compete against each other in the same event.

Behind every event is a hard working committee who plan for months, get the event schedule together, and arrange venues, equipment, sponsors, and officials. The people who volunteer to help build the courses, pole pick, and marshal (which in my opinion is one of the toughest jobs) in all types of weather for sometimes long periods of time, these are the people who quite often need a “thank you” for helping with the sport. As I said before, we need people to become involved in the sport at all levels, from starting as a volunteer to help with the course and other activities, to following the various pathways available to become an official. Every week there are any number of events taking place, and for the sport to continue to prosper it needs fresh faces and a willingness to participate, learn, and grow. The state bodies offer courses and training in the various roles at all levels and encourage mentoring, study, and show experience, also at all levels. I would encourage anyone to step up and show their interest in participating at any level. New challenges, development opportunities, and travel opportunities abound.

The sport is unique, I find it addictive. I’ve made some great friends and I’ve made some tough decisions in the sport, some popular some not, but at the end of the day we all strive to make a competition fair and equal for all who compete in it. There is a lot to the sport, much more than just the average two minutes you see when a competitor is on the course. I trust I have encouraged some to step forward and become involved, and for others that I have provided a brief snap shot of the workings of official roles. So from a judge, and in the words of a colleague, “See horse, judge horse!”

AROUND THE TRAPS

ABOVE: Annabel Cusack and Dynamoey, stylish winners of the Gow Gates International 3DE Dapple EQ Trot Up at Wallaby Hills (Image by Tazzie Eggins Photography). LEFT: Damien Lynes and Sugar High at the Casino Rodeo and Campdraft Association's December 2020 campdraft (Image by Serene Lynes).

ABOVE: Nora Palasthy and her Connemara Pony Kahean Trooper Diamond scooped 2nd in the 105cm class, 3rd in the Junior Championships and 1st in the 100cm at the Toowoomba Australia Day Championships (Image by Jedd Johnstone, The J’Taime). LEFT: Karen Mitchell and Tarraleah Revielle won the 1.05m Super Two Phase at the inaugural Valley & Rivers Showjumping event in Grafton (Image by Jade Crystal Photography).

Collecting rings requires the horse to maintain the line so the rider can focus on spearing the ring with the garrocha (Image by Adam Kemp).

FACING PAGE: Linda and Gabby

navigate the bridge at the 2019 Logan River Redlands Working Equitation event (Image by Crick Hollow Endurance).

TRAINING TIPS

Breaking it down

Seasoned equestrian LINDA SHORE knows that if you want to improve your working equitation performance, attention to detail and practice are key.

There are four phases in a working equitation (WE) competition: dressage; maneability, in which horse and rider are judged on how calmly and stylishly they deal with obstacles; a speed trial to assess agility and athleticism around obstacles; and a cattle test, the only non-compulsory phase, which assesses the ability of horse and rider to work with cattle.

But as Linda Shore will tell you, while this discipline is a lot of fun, it’s definitely not a ‘let your hair down and go for broke’ kind of sport, quite the reverse. Linda has trained dressage horses right up to Grand Prix level. She promoted Western dressage in Australia, twice presenting at Equitana, and for the

past two years has focused on working equitation, taking her part-bred Morgan mare Boulevarde Gabrielle (Gabby) right up to Consagrados 1, the second highest level in the sport.

Based for the past 18 years at East Greenmount near Toowoomba in Southern Queensland, Linda operates the River Range Warmblood Stud, trains horses and riders, runs Darling Downs Western Dressage Club, and has been on the Toowoomba Dressage committee since moving to the area. She was also the Event Director for the 2007 Brisbane CDI. Busy? Yes, she certainly is!

In this article, Linda kindly takes time out to share some invaluable tips that will help you make some serious improvements to your WE scores:

Breaking it down

First, understand that WE is based around dressage movements. This calls for refined communication between you and your horse. There’s no room for confusion with your aides, especially around the obstacles. I find that it’s a level of collection that many riders don’t understand. Even at the introductory competition level, collection in the trot is required to comfortably and easily manoeuvre around obstacles.

Having a horse that’s adjustable and manoeuvreable is critical. I’ve noticed that most riders focus on just getting around the obstacles, but, like dressage, you’re judged out of 10 for your style and competence. So for each obstacle, break down the dressage movements you’ll need to successfully negotiate that particular obstacle. Then, before putting them together into the required sequence, practice the individual movements until they become easy. And that will enormously improve your marks overall because you’re not just concentrating on getting through the obstacles, you’re focussing on how well you can control your horse and keep them round, soft, and flowing.

Your aim should be to have your horse participate as you go around the course, rather than just reacting because you’ve pointed them at an obstacle. With training, you’ll develop a horse that knows what’s required because you’ve broken down the different dressage movements and put in the necessary practice.

For example, going through a gate and getting it closed properly requires you to approach it, transition to walk, turn 90 degrees and come to a nice halt. As you open the gate, you have to ride one-handed while you rein back for a couple of steps, then do a quarter turn on the haunches followed by a quarter turn on the forehand, another couple of rein back steps, and a halt. They’re the movements that make up the gate. I see riders focussed on hanging onto the gate while randomly moving their

Working equitation dressage is a classical style where emphasis is placed on the lightness, balance and straightness of the horse (Image by Aaron Brown).

BELOW: Circling the barrels in a clover leaf pattern. ‘X’ marks the point where you leave one circle and move onto the next.

horse because they haven’t realised that if you break down the movements and teach them to the horse, it makes the gate, which is quite a complex manoeuvre, very, very simple. When done correctly, it’s almost as if the horse is working on their own. They know what to do and are simply waiting for the rider to indicate when to move.

And as you progress up the competition levels and start negotiating obstacles at speed, that’s where all the extra training will come into play. Although you’re approaching the gate at speed, you’ll still have that fine-tuned control to get through the gate quickly and calmly.

A custom fit

Breaking down the moves required for an obstacle before practicing the complete pattern is something I often teach in clinics. For example, obstacles such as the barrels and slalom require a lot of changes in direction. Say the obstacle is three barrels. That requires a circle and a quarter around the right barrel, three quarters of a circle around the second barrel, and a circle and a quarter around the last barrel to create a clover leaf pattern (see diagram).

Riders tend to complete a circle and then head straight on to the next. Instead, come into your first barrel and sit on your circle until you establish the precise size the circle needs to be for your horse to give you good collection, while maintaining their rhythm, bend, balance, relaxation and suppleness. Then you go to your second barrel and repeat the process until you get the perfect size for that one before going on to the third barrel and doing the same. The number of circles you do in training doesn’t matter. It’s all about staying on the circle and getting the horse to understand exactly what it needs to do to maintain the circle with precision. The required size of the circle depends on the competition level. In the lower levels the circles around barrels are quite large, while at the higher levels they’re considerably smaller. So taking the time to establish the size that your horse can comfortable maintain, while making the whole thing look effortless, should be your goal. Practice your circle, then change direction and get the next circle right, and then when it comes to riding the pattern you

suddenly realise that you hardly need to touch your horse because they understand what to do and can maintain the circle at the appropriate size.

I can’t stress enough the importance of breaking everything down and learning what’s best for your horse. Another horse might need a larger circle, while yours might be able to do a smaller circle and still maintain its roundness, collection and balance. So don’t just ride a particular size because that’s what everyone else is doing. Instead of fighting your horse’s natural comfort zone and ability, know your horse really well so that you have a harmonious partnership. It’s all about breaking down what’s required for each obstacle and then setting the movements up so that they’re a perfect fit for you, your horse, and the level you’re currently competing at.

Giving you a hand

with the garrocha! They’re keen to get in, pick it up and ride off. But you still need to break things down and teach your horse what it needs to know for that obstacle. And the first thing to consider is: can I ride my horse onehanded? Because in the garrocha, it’s a must – and that’s where a lot of riders fail. Their horse might carry the garrocha really comfortably, but the rider doesn’t have the partnership they need with their horse to ride one-handed.

And it’s not the only obstacle that’s onehanded: there’s the gate, and the cup switch as well, and these are all included in the introductory level competitions. So you have to be able ride one-handed and control your horse while you’re doing it. Practice riding different shapes and movements, holds, and backups, all while riding one-handed. Then teach your horse to switch from two hands to one hand and back again, because your body changes as you go to one hand and some horses really react to that. Failing to practice this may mean you line up the garrocha only to find you’ve lost the fine tune control of your horse. Your body has suddenly changed, your horse doesn’t understand, and it’s now giving you different answers.

Negotiating the gate requires a complex series of dressage movements, and all must be ridden one-handed (Image by DGW Photography).

It’s about connection

It comes down to the connection you have with your horse. Watch a really good horse and rider during a WE test and you can see the horse’s participation and their understanding. The rider is hardly asking anything but the horse knows what to do on the obstacle and how to manage itself. It’s in tune with the rider right down to those finer points, and that can only come with practice, and plenty of it.

Linda will be presenting working equitation at this year’s Equitana, or you can find her at www.riverrange.com.au and www.facebook.com/dressage2bshore.

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YOUNG RIDER

Success in the show pen

In a Western reining competition, the rider guides their horse through a set pattern of circles, spins, and stops. It requires skill, which Clare Neylon has in spades, writes AMANDA MAC.

Clare Neylon is from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. She first sat on a horse at the age of three, and now at 14, she’s making her mark in the show pen as a talented reiner.

Clare’s parents, Dennis and Erin Neylon of Neylon Performance Horses, were her early inspiration. Both parents are successful competitors and Clare says that after watching them in action, the bug bit and she wanted to experience the adrenalin rush too. “I first realised that reining was a lot of fun when I was about four or five years old. After that I kept asking Mum and Dad if

we could go and ride,” she recalls.

Clare’s current equine partner in the pen is Lil Miss Genius, more usually known as Genie. “She’s a nine-year-old Quarter Horse who can be a bit lazy,” says Clare. “Dad also lets me hop on his horse, Lil’ Nu It All. I don’t compete with him though because he’s a stallion. So I only ride him at home and that’s a lot of fun. He’s really athletic, and responsive, and that’s a bit different to Genie!”

Clare’s most recent successes include winning the Youth 13 and Under Class at the 2019 Nationals in Tamworth, as well as the Youth Tournament with team mates Kelsie Moyce, Reese Keenan and Isobel Hughes. “I was awarded two beautiful buckles which was a great way to finish off that show year,” she says. In the 2019 Queensland State Reining Championships, she also took out Reserve in the Youth 13 and Under event, and Reserve in Green Rider Level 1.

So, are there any pre-competition jitters? “It’s very nerve racking when you first walk in but then you get into the zone and do your pattern. It’s really exciting when you feel the butterflies before you step into the pen,” she says.

Success takes commitment, and Clare trains three to five days a week, depending on how much homework she has. “I usually only ride for 30 to 40 minutes each time because Genie is an older horse and doesn’t need much work. I mainly practice what we need to do in competitions, but I mix it up with trail rides too.”

And there’s a longer term dream to show a horse in the Derby. “The Derby is a competition at pretty much every State and National show,” she tells me. “It’s for four to seven-year-old horses, and I have my eyes on Billie Gean, a filly by Lil Joe Cash out of my mare Genie. She’s only a couple of months old now and she’s very pretty.” has some significant wins under her belt, and is more than appreciative of what she’s achieved so far: “I’d like to thank both my parents for giving me these amazing opportunities, and for cheering me on as I go round the pen. Dad gives me some great pointers at home while training, and Mum is always there to give me little pep talks just before I go into the pen. I’m really grateful for all their help.”

Our Young Riders are always an inspiration and this one is no exception. Congratulations on your achievements so far, Clare, and we wish you a very successful 2021. FACING PAGE: Sliding to an impressive stop at the 2019 Queensland State Reining Championships.

TOP: Clare and Genie freestyling at the 2019 Queensland Championships.

ABOVE LEFT: Taking out Reserve in the Youth 13 and Under.

ABOVE RIGHT: In the zone during the Rookie competition at the 2019 Queensland State Championships.

ABOVE: Harrison Light and Sammy came 3rd in the Encouragement Class at the inaugural Valley & Rivers Showjumping day (Image by Jade Crystal Photography).

Antonia Bearda and Up To No Good competing at the 2020 Tamworth International Eventing One Day Event (Image by Gavin Inglis, Shots by Gav Photography).

Get featured in Around The Traps!

If you have a great photo of you and your equine partner while you’ve been out and about competing or simply enjoying yourselves, submit your photo to info@horsevibes.com.au to be considered for a starring role! If your image is selected it will be published in Around the Traps (in both our print and digital magazines), on the HorseVibes website, and possibly in social media shout-outs across our brands.

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PERFECT PARTNERS

The Walers and the Australian Light Horse

As we prepare to commemorate ANZAC Day, what better time for N. G. QUINLAN to recount the truly extraordinary tale of the great WW1 cavalry charge at Beersheba.

ANZAC Centenary monument in Pialba, QLD.

Just over 100 years ago, on the evening of October 31st 1917, the mounted infantry of the 4th and the 12th Australian Light Horse Regiments prepared for an all-out attack on Beersheba, a small settlement about 120 kilometres southwest of Jerusalem. The town’s military importance lay in the fact that it was to the east of Gaza, a stronghold of Turkish forces, against which two attacks had already failed. If the Light Horse could take Beersheba, they could outflank Gaza and gain a military advantage.

Some of the horses had gone two days without water and if none were found soon, the searing heat of the Negev desert would surely begin to claim the lives of both horses and soldiers. Dusk was approaching and the capture of Beersheba’s wells was crucial to their survival.

What happened next has been called the last great cavalry charge of history. That’s something of a misnomer, given that both the 4th and the 12th Light Horse regiments were the Australian Imperial Force mounted infantry rather than ‘true’ cavalry. However, semantics do nothing to minimise the bravery of those men who galloped their mounts straight at the Turkish position. The Turks expected them to dismount before they reached the trenches and then fight on foot, but the Australians had no such intention. They cantered for over three kilometres before spurring their horses into a gallop and riding straight for the enemy. Their furious advance meant that the Turkish gunners couldn’t find their range.

The Turkish trenches were about three metres deep and over a metre wide. The Light Horse soldiers jumped straight over them, then dismounted and turned to fight hand-to-hand, using their freshly sharpened bayonets as swords. The attack was successful and the Aussies claimed the town of Beersheba, rightfully taking their place in Australian military history.

The men of the Australian Light Horse regiments rode sturdy horses known as Walers. The name came from the fact that they were originally bred in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. They first were known as New South Walers, which later was abbreviated to Walers. In fact, the Walers were not a separate breed at all, nor were they bred exclusively for military use. They were Australian stock horses, bred for farm work and boundary riding. As such, they were rugged and strong, usually standing between 15 and 16hh. It is thought that their bloodline can be traced back to a mix of Arab, Thoroughbred, Cape Horse and Timor Pony.

Walers had been used in previous conflicts including the Boer War (18991902), the Russo-Japanese war (19041905) and also during the British Raj, the British rule of India. They were known for their strength and endurance and were much beloved by the soldiers. One young trooper by the name of Hendrickson was demoted for striking an officer. The reason he gave was that the officer had “belted” his horse. Hendrickson said, “No one hits my horse. My horse has saved my life and we’re mates!”

Many soldiers were known to have wept when their horses were wounded or killed in action. When the soldiers of the Light Horse heard that due to quarantine restrictions, none of their horses were to be repatriated to Australia after the war, many of them took matters into their own hands and shot the animals themselves rather than leave them to suffer possible mistreatment in Egypt and Palestine. It was a heartbreaking task and the men were shattered to see their noble, faithful horses meet such an ignominious end.

In his 1982 memoir The Great Ride: The Diary of a Light Horse Brigade Scout, Henry P. Bostock recalls the fate of the Walers: “All those under a certain age were transferred to other cavalry units”, he wrote, “but they were few. The rest had the hair cut from their tails and manes. These were the unlucky ones shortly to meet their end, but before this we held a last race meeting, giving them one last duty to perform. Then came the sad day, when we had to lead them away to an olive grove, where they were to be shot … To me, the most cruel part was having to lead them through the dead to be shot themselves. Don’t tell me the horses did not know what was going to happen to them … mine kept shaking his head, as he always did when in action and the bullets were hissing around.”

Of the 136,000 Walers sent overseas during WW1, about 30,000 of them died in battle. Many of the old or sick were destroyed and most of those remaining were transferred to service with the British or Indian armies. In total, it is estimated that around 70,000 of the original number died overseas.

Only one Waler came home. His name was Sandy, and he belonged to MajorGeneral Sir William Bridges, Commander of the 1st Australian Division. After Bridges was killed at Gallipoli in May 1915, Sandy was shipped back to Egypt and then, six months later, to France. He served at Calais with the Australian Veterinary Corps Hospital, and was ridden by vets attempting to treat wounded animals.

In 1918 Sandy was shipped to England and then on to Australia, accompanied by his groom, Private Archie Jordon. The brave bay spent his remaining years at Remount Hill in Maribyrnong, Melbourne. In 1923, blind and in poor health, he was euthanised and buried in an unmarked grave. Private Jordon outlived him by a mere three months.

Men of the original (1st) Light Horse Regiment at Roseberry Park Camp, near Merriwa, NSW, before departure from Australia.

20 QUESTIONS

20 Questions with Terry Snow

Terry Snow AM, is an Australian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is also the heart, soul and driving force behind Willinga Park, the award-winning 810 hectare equine facility located at Bawley Point on the NSW’s South Coast.

Q: What is your earliest memory of

horses?

A: When I was about six or seven watching the baker’s cart going past.

Q: What led you into the horse

business?

A: I rode the Bicentennial Trail, bought a couple of horses, then bought a couple of mares and started to breed.

Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: Not sure, I had no fixed plan but I probably wanted to be an auctioneer.

Q: Is there any advice you received as

a young man that has stuck with you?

A: A job worth doing is worth doing well!

Q: What does a day in the life of Terry

Snow look like?

A: 6:00am get up, 7:00am out onto the worksite, and into the office around 9:00am. Then I take what comes from there.

Q: Did anything good come out of

COVID-19 for you, or was it just a major inconvenience?

A: It taught us to tighten up the expense structure. That was the only thing that was good for us.

Q: If you weren’t so involved in the

equestrian world, what sport would you like to be a part of?

A: I don’t think I would.

Q: Have you had any bad injuries? A: I’ve had plenty from horses: a broken hip, smashed my shoulder up. I had my liver reduced twice from drinking. Now I haven’t had a drink in 42 years. You’re only allowed so much alcohol in your life and I had mine in the early days.

Q: Favourite breed of horse? A: To ride a Stock Horse, I enjoy that. The sheer beauty and athleticism of the Warmblood I enjoy watching, as I do with Thoroughbreds as well. Q: So do you have a few

Thoroughbred horses?

A: Yeah, about half a dozen in training.

Q: What needs to happen to improve

the care of Thoroughbreds post racing?

A: Unless we get our minds around the after racing cycle we are going to have a big problem. The Thoroughbred industry needs to put more effort into retraining and holding competitions for off the track horses. Now, there are some horses you can’t do anything with, but there are a lot you can work with. Until they’re treated properly and educated they will remain a statistic.

Q: What can people learn from horses? A: You learn a lot things. Patience, how to handle a horse, being sensitive, how to be thoughtful, doing things gradually so they understand. It’s like when you use a stock whip. You don’t just get on and crack it, although some people do. You might crack one in the distance before getting closer and eventually you can do it from their back. Particularly as an owner/rider you might want to blame the horse but it’s usually the jockey who’s made the mistake and needs to listen to the horse better.

Q: How long did it take for you to find

the perfect location for Willinga?

A: The property found me really. I bought it to land a helicopter on for my beach house at Bawley Point. Then I needed some stock yards for horses I was riding and taking north. So it all started from there.

Q: Is Willinga’s out of the way location

an issue?

A: It’s not ideal. The ideal location might be more like Yass or Murrumbateman, which have access to the Hume Highway. People do travel down here though. We had a big dressage competition in February. Two lots of 4* dressage, which has never been done in Australia before. People come from Brisbane, Victoria and all over NSW. When they get here they have a ball. The Campdrafting is the same. You

An afternoon’s reflection at Willinga Park. TOP LEFT: Dusk at Willinga Park’s stables.

LEFT: A horse path runs under a concrete arch below the facility’s Equine Education Centre.

FACING PAGE: Terry Snow, the driving force behind Willinga Park.

wouldn’t think so, but we get about three to four thousand people for the Golden Buckle. Build it and they will come.

Q: Was there anything out of the

ordinary you had to consider in Willinga’s construction?

A: The power here on the South Coast is not so good. They weren’t going to put in a system that would cope. They couldn’t guarantee uninterrupted power. I wanted uninterrupted power so we put in 2,000 solar collectors and four big generators for backup. It works well. We can take mains power if we need it.

quote you use regularly?

A: Just ‘work hard’! You need passion to drive it all. If you have the passion and work hard it will be a success.

Q: Any new projects on the horizon for

Willinga?

A: We’re putting in a big veterinary hospital, which will be the leading vet hospital in Australia, a gymnasium and a 42k mountain bike track. That’s the end of the infrastructure for the moment.

Q: How many staff are required to

keep Willinga in pristine condition?

A: Probably about 30. And currently around 20 to 30 contractors, with at times up to 70 to 80 contractors.

Q: Do you have any other properties

that keep you busy?

A: We run a farm at Murrumbateman and 100,000 acres up in Queensland. When we’re finished it will have around 20,000 head of cattle. We have good people running the farm. They’re hard to get.

Q: What are your tips for staff

retention?

A: Pay them properly and treat them decently. But also give them the authority to get on and do the job. Clearly articulate what they have to do and let them go and do it.

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