Hubvibes january 2018

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB

3 FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

4 DAVID FINCH - THE QUIET ACHIEVER

10 CARRIAGE DRIVING 101

14 CANDIDLY SPEAKING

16 THE FRIESIAN

20 CONFESSIONS OF A HORSE RIDING MUM

22 2017 YOUNG RIDERS OF THE MONTH

26 VICTORIA DAVIES - RIDING FOR HER LIFE

32 STARS BY EPONA

NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB HubVibes Editorial: candida@equestrianhub.com.au Advertising Enquiries: promote@equestrianhub.com.au The Saddle Hub Sales Enquiries: Fiona Todd: 0414 760 067 Graphic Design: Joanna Reid: 0408 773 851 Published by Equestrian Hub PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760 067 • Email: info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au

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Happy

Well, 2017 is done and dusted!

The services we provide at Equestrian Hub are based around this sense of community and in 2018 we will continue to bring to you safer, better and easier ways to conduct equestrian transactions.

But enough about us - this edition of HubVibes is about you and what you all enjoyed the most. We bring you a repeat of the stories you loved most, the pictures that were shared between you and the

tales of people that made a difference. Welcome to the very first edition of Best of HubVibes, we know you will enjoy it.

To all you amazing equestrians have a fabulous 2018 and thank you for supporting us in our journey. May all your dreams and goals come true, may your ponies be sound and your days be happy, and most of all, may you be safe.

Best wishes from all of us to all of you. Thank you everyone for making our business fun and exciting.

Fi x

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I can’t say it has exactly been an easy year, filled as it was with some massive highs and devastating lows.

The lowest was definitely the accident suffered by Equestrian Hub Director Penny Newbold (much-loved by our readers as our ‘Horse Riding Mum’), culminating in a coma and the balance of the year in rehab. Out of all bad comes good though.

Penny’s accident made us realise how little support there is available to victims of horse riding accidents.

For people like Penny, we now have Hub Help, the launch of which was one of the highlights of 2017.

Low number two was Cyclone Debbie and the destruction that occurred in her wake. The loss that people suffered and the disruption to lives was heartbreaking. This was followed by the enormous sense of community as people came out and supported each other.

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Young ones on the farm, 'poking along' until they're ready.

DAVID FINCH

The Quiet Achiever

Our Hub Hero this month is the much-loved David Finch, formidable showjumper, breeder of sport horses at his property Finch Farm, five times Equestrian Queensland Coach of the Year, and of course, Chair of Equestrian Queensland, writes Candida Baker.

It’s not easy getting hold of David Finch, or Finchy, as he’s inevitably and affectionately known in the industry.

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“Darl,” he says, when I call him for our first appointment, “I’m just loading a horse, can I call you back?”

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the proprietor of his stud, Finch Farm, but as a coach and teacher, current chair of Equestrian Queensland – and let’s not forget – a gun showjumper on his brilliant horse Charlemagne in his own right.

David can’t remember a time without horses.

Growing up on the family farm outside Roma, he learned on ponies and bush-horses. “I always wanted more riding,” he says. “I was the kid that used to hang around after mustering to go for another ride.

I grew up in a stock saddle behind a mob of cattle, and I think in the long run it’s been a great thing for me to have those country skills.

You learn to keep it real.”

David Finch with Charlemagne Ego Z (left) and Calgary GNZ.

The next morning on the rescheduled appointment we get a few sentences in and then he tells me, “I’ve got a load of people here for breakfast.”

Then there were lessons, a visit to his grandfather and some work he had to do.

I was just beginning to take it personally when we made a firm booking – for 7.00am – it seemed about the only time David could take a moment out of his busy life as, not just as

‘Keeping it real’, meant, as it almost inevitably does for anyone wanting competition horses,

supplementing his income. “I got into teaching just to help support my own riding and competing,” he says. “It just grew like topsy and almost overnight I had a business.”

But not all riders make good teachers, and having watched him teach at numerous clinics over the years, there’s something

“One of the things I love about teaching is that I could be helping a young kid, mentoring a seasoned competitor, or teaching a 60-yearold who just wants to pop over low jumps because that’s their passion,” he says.

Did he ever envisage such complete immersion in the industry, I wonder? “I always knew

David Finch on his Sporthorse stallion, Charlemagne Ego Z. the horse industry would be my life, but things didn’t come easily, and financially it was often tough, so I had to really think about what I was doing,” he says. “I traded my way up, at first through the classic avenue of re-training off the track thoroughbreds, later through my breeding program. I’ve had to learn to improvise which has really helped me in the industry. I’ve learned to survive – and if you want to be involved in the equestrian world long-term that’s what you have to do.”

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about his natural, down-to-earth approach which is not only sensible, but also very reassuring to all levels of riders. As a teacher he becomes deeply engaged with helping the rider get the best from their horse – and he doesn’t discriminate, travelling Queensland teaching showjumping, cross-country and dressage. It’s not difficult to see why he’s won the Australian Equestrian Coach of the Year gong and the Equestrian Queensland Coach of the Year five times.

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Perhaps, more than anything, David’s longterm survival could be put down to the planning he’s executed for his breeding program, which has earned his horses an amazing reputation as competition horses in Australia.

His main ‘man’ at the moment is the wonderful 2005, 17hh Sporthorse, Charlemagne Ego Z, by Calvaro Z – a horse that won Grand Prix and World Cup events, and sired a prolific stream of Sporthorses, including Charlemagne, who is truly the classic embodiment

one for forcing young horses to compete too early – it’s not good for their long-term physical health, and I don’t think it’s good for them mentally either – these larger horses need time to mature, physically, mentally and emotionally, and we give them that time. We've got young horses going into dressage, showjumping and eventing, but we never push them too young.” He pauses for a beat. I’ve never been one for early peaking. In fact I’ve never peaked early in anything. I just poke

The winning Queensland team with David Finch at the 2016 Tamworth World Cup State of Origin.

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of an European pedigree in a modern sport horse body. David comes as close to waxing lyrical as I’ve ever heard when he’s talking about the big grey. “He’s the best horse in the world,” he says. “He’s just come up through the ranks to Grand Prix, and he’s taken it all in his stride. I always mean to do more with him, he’s such a pleasure to ride. And he is siring some amazingly talented progeny.”

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One of the main differences between David and many other trainer/breakers, is, it seems to me, the more European route he takes with his horses – who are not started under saddle until they’re three or even four. “We really don’t do much with our horses here until they’re five or six,” he says. “I’ve never been

along, and that’s what I get my horses to do.”

Those of us who have watched him jump a Grand Prix jump course might agree to differ, but unlike some other showjumpers who concentrate on only the competition side of the sport, it is the holistic balance of his life that makes David such a respected figure in the industry he loves so much.

With his official Chair of EQ hat on, he talks about his ambitions for Equestrian Queensland and the kind of work that it can do supporting young riders. “I think because of my country background one of the things that is really important to me is helping genius country kids that may not have access to the money or support other kids may have,” he

says. “I would love the sport to be accessible to everyone, and I like to think Australia is a place where kid can have a go. I also love the fact that equestrian sport is one of the few sports where men and women compete equally and age makes very little difference,” he says. “Look at Laurie Lever. He was 60 when he made his Olympic debut in showjumping at the Beijing Olympics.”

One of the advantages, as he sees it, to the type of horse that we breed in Australia is the

good at it. I’ve never been the smartest person in the world, I surround myself with smart people – at EQ for instance, on the board we have some amazing people. You can’t let your own ego and self-gratification get in the way of success.”

Back on his 400-acre farm, south west of Toowoomba, the breeding provides the backbone of all the operations. “At the end of the day you can’t help but get emotionally connected,” he says, “although I’m definitely not

David Finch riding Charlemagne Ego Z. presence of the purebred thoroughbred line in our sport horses. “These days with technology, you can collect genetics from around the world,” he says, “but the fact is that our thoroughbreds became a particularly tough strain of the breed, and it’s that toughness, speed and desire to win that you can use in Australian horses.”

If you really want to get good at something, he says: “Hang around with people who are

In fact, chances are that if you’re at a showjumping competition, ‘Finchy’ will have had something to do with it. He could be riding, coaching, there in an official capacity, watching horses he’s bred compete – or he might even have designed the jump course.

“The horse industry is my world,” he says.

To our minds the industry is all the better for his presence in it.

For more information, visit David's website.

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A downside though, to the world of technology is that it’s too easy for us to compare ourselves to the rest of the world, according to David. “Australians do incredibly well on the world scene for a country with a small population,” he says, “but I’m not a fan of comparisons.”

a rainbow and unicorn person! But delivering a foal, standing it up, seeing it take its first steps, growing them up, getting on them for the first time, and then seeing them at competitions, it can’t help but be rewarding.”

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DRIVING 101

What You Need to Know Carriage driving is a competitive equestrian sport, yet not many horse enthusiasts know much about it. We catch up with Australian Champion Lorraine Cairns, to find out more about driving.

“Driving is a really thrilling sport that involves a carriage being pulled by a single horse or pony, a pair or a team of four and they face three trials – dressage, marathon and obstacle driving,” Lorraine explains.

phase tests the horse’s obedience and fitness as well as the judgement of pace and control of the driver and driver’s assistant, called a backstepper, as they navigate roads and tracks peppered with obstacles.

“I was encouraged by a friend to give the sport a go and was instantly hooked, it is similar to eventing but you’re driving the horse instead of riding. I find the three phases really exciting.”

These obstacles are a combination of natural and man-made materials, such as trees, water hazards or post and rail fences, and the team must find their way around and through them in a set formation. The marathon is not a race, however the team must complete their course to strict time frames else they risk penalties for being too fast or slow.

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The three phases of carriage driving

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Phase one is a dressage test which is undertaken in a 100m x 40m arena.

Movements must be executed through memory (no callers allowed here!) and include circle work, serpentines and collection and extensions in walk, trot and canter.

Phase two is the marathon which is similar to the cross country phase in eventing. This

Cones is the final phase of driving, which is similar to show jumping. Witches hats with balls on top are set up in a similar layout to a show jumping course and are only twenty centimetres wider than the carriage.

Care must be taken when travelling through the witches hats as a disturbance of a ball will

Victor and Lorraine are the Australian Champions for Open Horse Singles result in a penalty. Speed, suppleness and accuracy are the key to this phase and a lot of attention must be given as the courses are usually quite technical and must be done at a good speed.

Successful partnerships Lorraine says that the key to carriage driving success is having a great team that can work together.

“The horse is obviously a big component, so a good temperament is crucial. Carriage horses put up with a lot during competitions; they have to be fit enough for the marathon

“My horse Victor has a great temperament; he makes me feel confident that we can enter a competition and give it a really good go.

“I purchased him when I was in the United Kingdom in May 2012 and campaigned him all through the British summer – we did so well we qualified for, and competed in, the World Championships in Portugal that year and also in Hungary in 2014.”

Lorraine’s coach is Boyd Exell, the current World Champion of Four-In-Hand Carriage Driving, so we have no doubt she is in good hands and poised to continue successfully with Victor. We wish Lorraine and Victor every success in their future driving endeavours.

Want more information? Check out the their website.

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“The driver and backstepper must work together while walking the courses to ensure that directions will be understood and costly mistakes are avoided – clear communication during the marathon phase is a must,” said Lorraine.

phase but obedient and sensible for dressage and cones.

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C A N D I D LY S P E A K I N G New Year’s Evolution Taking time to 'evolve' works every time writes Candida Baker Another year older, another year wiser. At least that’s the theory – I’m not sure whether it works in practice!

One thing I have learned over the years is that New Year’s Resolutions aren’t worth the paper I write them on! When you think about it, cramming all those hopes and dreams and aspirations into one short moment doesn’t make a lot of sense.

And sure, like any of us are going to give up whatever it is we’ve promised ourselves we’re going to give up on January 1, just because it’s January 1 – right in the middle of the holiday/festive season, when our will power is at its absolute lowest.

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So some years ago I started to think about the New Year more as an opportunity for evolution than a deadline for a resolution – to allow myself a bit of time to think about how I wanted to evolve during the coming year, the things I wanted to bring into my life, and situations I wanted to leave behind.

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As a horse person of course, most of my ‘evolution’ involves wishes and desires around horses. Mostly that someone will give me a 15hh, 10 year old plus, easy to c/f/s do anything with, non-itchy, safe, bombproof, enjoys natural horsemanship, trail-riding, going to the beach, dressage and very low jumps, good hooves, can go barefoot, loves cuddles, horse! (In my dreams.)

But I was given a horse like that some years

ago by a friend after he’d finished his competition career, and he truly WAS the horse of my dreams. So I live in perpetual hope that I might find him/her again, and in the meantime of course, as President of Save a Horse Australia, my life is filled with horses – over a 100 of them. Whilst I don’t actually physically have to look after them (thank goodness), I do feel a connection to every single horse we have, and one of my hopes for my evolution for 2018 is to continue to increase my horse knowledge in order to best be able to serve not just our rescue horses, but horses everywhere through advocacy and education.

I used to wonder, as I approached 60, when I would give up riding. My father had bought himself a young four-year-old warmblood in the UK at the age of 64, and proceeded not too long after, despite a lifetime of riding, to have a terrible fall, breaking ribs, puncturing a lung and cracking his shoulder blade. It made me pause for thought – or at least I certainly

decided not to buy a four-year-old warmblood for myself when I was in my sixties!

My Christmas presents this year included a new pair of Ariat boots, a new helmet and a new dressage whip so when I go for my weekly lesson at the Byron Bay Equestrian Centre with the lovely Tesse Ferguson at least I look the part, even if I do take rather more ‘rests’ than I should as her schoolmaster Junior and I potter about the arena.

But as I approach 63, one thing I do know is that continuing to do something I love, as safely as I possibly can, is essential to my sense of well-being. So my evolution for this year also includes continuing to ride, with the teensiest ambition to actually end 2018 as a better rider than I start, which is probably a somewhat optimistic goal but I shall live in hope (and probably so will Junior).

Then of course, there’s my other passion – groundwork. I’m not sure I could express strongly enough how convinced I am that it is the basis for any trusting relationship between horse and rider. It all starts on the ground – and right now, working with a couple of the charity’s young horses, I’m reminded of the patience, strength and skill involved in teaching baby horses good manners, so that they

can grow up and take their place in the horse/ human world as well-balanced and happy as possible.

I know for certain that I want to improve my groundskills again this year. With horses one thing is for certain – use it, or lose it! Just a short time away from riding or training and, for me at least, there’s a sense that my muscles are not as young as they were, so staying active with my horses, either on them or on the ground, is quite definitely on my ‘evolution’ list.

I think perhaps there is one expression that comes back to me time and time again – and not just about horses – and that is something Pat Parelli said to me years ago when I interviewed him: “If you let it take the time it takes, it takes the time it takes, it doesn’t take any longer,” or in his more recent short form: “Take the time it takes so it takes less time”.

Words of evolution for sure. A Happy, safe and prosperous New Year to you all. May the horse be with you.

HubVibes editor, Candida Baker is the President of Save a Horse Australia and also runs a Facebook page, The Horse Listeners.

E info@nuwallacontracting.com.au M 0428 486 165 W www.nuwallacontracting.com.au

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The Friesian

The Friesian is one of the world’s oldest breeds and is native to Friesland, which is the Northern Province in The Netherlands (Holland).

The Friesian is a sight to behold, with its incredible strength and agility coupled with its willing and friendly nature. The breed is stocky in appearance but not to the conformation of the true heavy horses such as Clydesdales or Shires and stands between 14.3-17 hands high.

Originally descended from Equus robustus (big horse), Andalusian blood was introduced during the 16th and 17th centuries when Spanish stallions were left on the battlefields during Thirty Years War between the Dutch and Spanish. This gave the Friesian horse higher knee action, a relatively small head and an arching neck.

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Ridden by the Crusaders from Europe and being relatively fast despite its large size, it was a useful warhorse throughout the centuries. A studbook was established in 1879 but the breed went into a decline and had almost died out before World War I. Enthusiasts have since built up the numbers but it is still a rare breed outside the Netherlands.

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The only Friesian colouring allowed today is solid black, with the sole exception of a small white star on the forehead. The tail and mane are wavy and there is feathering on the feet - so they aren’t for the owner that wants a low maintenance horse.

Meet Kate from Triple C Friesians Kate Paddison is a true enthusiast of the Friesian horse. Located on the

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, her team consists of JolleZ as her Friesian breeding stallion, her gelding Triple C Lucius, Brood and show mare Triple C Dark and Stormy Mirage, and her beautiful part bred coloured colt Triple C Ragnar.

“I got into Friesians at very young age their movement and looks captured me,” Kate said.

“He is by Beart 411 who in an approved stallion - he held the title of World Champion stallion for two years so it is very exciting to have these blood lines in Australia.

“The service fee JolleZ is affordable, it’s only $1000 for three straws - he has an amazing temperament with the moves to match.”

At the recent Queensland Keuring (Friesian assessment), JolleZ was awarded STAR stallion – you cannot get better than that!

JolleZ is not the only star in Kate’s barn, with Lucius having spent lots of time in the limelight.

“Lucius is a 13 year old Friesian Gelding by Geert W,” Kate explained.

“They are my passion because they always put in a huge effort and they have such a great presence.

Lucius was broken in by well-known professional horse trainer and animal wrangler for blockbuster movies, Grahame Ware Jnr, he has starred in a few shows and advertisements. He is best known for his work in the Bank of New Zealand adverts as well as the Saddle Club television series.

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“JolleZ is my stallion standing at stud and we imported him from The Netherlands. He arrived in Australia in 2015 through IRT transport after a long but very exciting importation process.

“I have owned him since 2013 and he has pushed me to be a better rider – I have come so far since owning him.

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by "The Riding Mum"

The Riding Mum has a couple of two legged kids as well as a varying number of the four legged variety in the form of horses, dogs, cats, chickens and the odd rodent that comes and goes (although admittedly, the chickens only have 2 legs not 4 which is probably a good thing) who all live together on the Happy Family Farm with one VERY long suffering other half.

Needless to say, life is many things, but dull it is not! We look forward to hearing her monthly tales of juggling, kids, horses, and life in general.

was showing off to his mates in the playground at morning tea. A meeting with the Principal ensued, the riot act was read and appropriate punishments dispensed. To me that is, not him.

Anyhoo back to the whirlwind: as any self respecting horse owner would know, bute sachets are best kept in the fridge if you want them to last and, if your horses decide to regularly engage in the non-self-preserving antics that mine do, you need to keep a supply on hand! So I keep mine in the fridge.

On the second shelf for easy reach. Right under those cups of SPC fruit the kids like to take to school for fruit break. Hmmmm.

In my defence, it had been a crazy, chaotic whirlwind that morning to make the bus (and god forbid they should miss it and I had to drive them in! My ride time window would have

I still maintain that it wasn’t me, I’m pretty sure one of the lunchbox handlers between the fridge and the school tampered with that particular lunchbox. Or

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A Cautionary Tale

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So, one day I sent my son to school with drugs. And I’m not talking about the prescription kind that you get from the chemist.

(I can already sense the raised eyebrows and disapproving frowns from this side of the computer, don’t worry I know, who does that right?!)

Not surprisingly, his school took a dim view of the little packet of white granules my 9 year old

shrunk by a solid half hour – and I would have been in trouble for doing the drop off in the 3 day old jods and shirt I had been throwing on to hang around the horses. On a completely unrelated note, once upon a time, not so long ago, I used to get dressed up every day in a skirt suit, heels and makeup and drive to a perfectly respectable and air conditioned office. Funnily enough, the kids never complained about me doing the school drop off or pick up in those days – I still don’t know why!).

maybe one of those mums of the year (aka MOYs and yes, we all know who they are!) planted it just to remind me how much my children suffer as a result of my equestrian addiction.

I do take comfort in the thought though that while ever me and the fam are living on the farm, spending all our money on animals and motorbikes and the latest fad in saddle cloths (with extra pink, shiny bling please) my children will never have the resources to buy the real thing – do horses, not drugs darlings. Yes they are more expensive in dollars but you do get so much more for your buck!

(Often in more ways than one) What other hobby is so all consuming in both time and money that it keeps your kids too broke and busy to be bothered with other less healthy options?

Just keep riding, fellow mums, until next time.

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But I have accepted that I will occasionally be getting the odd look from a MOY or a strange phone call from school letting me know about the latest accidental schoolbag inclusion (at least it wasn’t during breeding season, much more difficult things to explain in my fridge around that time of year!)

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2017 YOUNG RIDERS OF THE MONTH

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BINDY BRANNOCK, JANUARY

LINDSEY BLANCH, MAY

"My love and passion for horses started the moment I sat on one."

STELLA BARTON, MARCH

BRYDEE ANDREW, NOVEMBER

GEORGIA DAVEY, DECEMBER

MILLY MATHEWS, JULY

BAILEY GROFSKI, OCTOBER

"The main thing is to ride and enjoy your horse."

COCO, APRIL

OLIVIA COMBEN, AUGUST

If you are a young competition rider and would like to be considered for HubVibes Young Rider of the Month, email us for a questionnaire to complete: promote@equestrianhub.com.au.

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THEA HORSLEY, SEPTEMBER

MADELINE SINDERBERRY, MAY

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Victoria with her stallion Celere.

Victoria Davies - riding for her life

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Inspirational Para Equestrian Victoria Davies talks to Candida Baker about the tragedies and triumphs of living – and riding – with a life-threatening condition.

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By the time dressage star Victoria Davies was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the tender age of nine, she was already addicted to horses, and there was no way the plucky youngster was going to let the painful disease stop her from riding.

Last year, though, things almost came to a grinding halt for Victoria, 31, when she was travelling back and forth from Europe preparing for the Rio Paralympic European qualifiers.

“I suddenly started getting a whole new set of neurological symptoms,” she says. “I was on a trip back from Europe and my balance was terrible, I wasn’t sure what was wrong, my limbs were tingling, and it was as if I was giving myself random electric shocks – between that and the balance I felt as though I was going almost insane.”

As soon as Victoria arrived to her home in the

Shoalhaven, she was booked in for an MRI, and was given the devastating news that part of her spinal cord had actually migrated up into her skull, missing the brain by 0.5mm.

“The first neurosurgeon I saw told me that with or without surgery I was going to be a quadriplegic pretty soon,” she says. “He explained that the surgery was high-risk and basically I would never – and should never – ride again.”

Yet another example of Victoria’s absolute determination to keep going, she dug deep into herself, and decided that she wasn’t happy with the diagnosis. “I’ve learned over all the decades of my illness to fight be very mindful with my doctors and to trust my intuition. I only go with the people I connect with, and I wasn’t happy with what I was being told,” she says. “I wrote to three of the best neurosurgeons in Australia and they replied straight away – I mean, literally within a few hours!”

and I’ve gone with one of them. The neurosurgeon believes that my C1 and C2 vertebrae have naturally fused which is a bit of a miracle as this suggests my neck is stable. I’m hoping that the spinal cord stays safe and that it doesn’t migrate any further as this may lead to emergency surgery. It’s a 50/50 chance.”

Despite the pain from the Rheumatoid Arthritis and the difficulties of working with an immune system which is basically shut down by drugs so that the Rheumatoid doesn’t flare

Partner Michael with Celere and Victoria.

Victoria found herself talking with three neurosurgeons who had all operated on high-performing athletes, who understood what her life was about. “One of them said he believed I needed surgery,” she says, “The other two wanted to monitor the situation,

“There’s my FEI PRE Spanish stallion, Andaluka Elegido (Eddy); Celere, my imported Lusitano Stallion; Hanna Poderoso, another imported PRE Spanish stallion, and my younger imported PRE mare,. Simpatica XXVIII who is at my trainers, Jim Collin’s place,” she says.

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Andaluka Elegido - 'Eddy'.

and attack her, Victoria continues to ride four horses, almost every day of the week.

A passionate advocate for the Spanish breeds – the Andalusians, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Espanõla) and the Lusitanos, both prized for centuries for their conformation and temperaments, Davies, as well as having a breeding program, has four horses at the heart of her riding operations.

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At the moment Victoria is working towards the FEI World Equestrian Games qualifiers which will be held at the end of the year and towards the NSW Dressage Championships at the end of August.

she says. “The only time my confidence was shaken was when I was diagnosed with the neck condition as falling off could potentially lead to death or quadriplegia. For the first time ever I did doubt myself at times; fortunately I have such a great support system from my fiancé Michael, coach Jim Collin plus my small army of health professionals that I was able to overcome those doubts, however, it wasn't easy for a while.”

One of the things that pulled Victoria through was being able to bring Celere back home to Australia from Europe. “Once Celere arrived I began to feel much better. Also, I can’t really think about falling off, as it’s essential for me to keep moving,” she says. “I’ve had many joint replacements and most of my joints are bone on bone so If I don’t move then my body will cease up, the pain is worse and to be quite frank riding is my complete passion.”

There is, however, a big condition around staying ‘safe’ on a horse that Victoria feels many people don’t credit as being vital. “It’s all about building the connection,” she says.

“You must build a connection with your horse, and it takes a long time to build a strong one where you know you both trust each other. I trust my horses and I don’t put them or me in dangerous situations. Often people rush the connection, and that never works.”

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Victoria with Celere and 'Eddy'.

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It sounds like a punishing program for someone who is almost constantly in high levels of pain, and I wonder if she’s ever worried about falling off. “I think because I was diagnosed with the Rheumatoid at such a young age and I was very fearless rider, the idea of falling and hurting myself really never entered my mind,”

Growing up with parents who owned a horse stud, Victoria was introduced early to the strength and solid comfort of the Spanish horses. “I rode before I could walk,” she laughs. “My first competition was tiny tots when four, and I have photos of me when I was only two on a 16hh part-bred Andulusian.”

For someone who has endured a staggering 41 operations since her first hip replacements at the age of 19, with more coming, the Spanish and Lusitano horses offer Victoria at least some level of comfort. “I’ve tried to ride

Warmbloods,” she says, “but to my body they have no shock absorbers! I get a lot of pressure to ride Warmbloods and it’s true that the Spanish horses struggle with certain movements – particularly the lengthens, but for me the fact they’re short in the back and I’ve ridden them for so many years means that I’m much more comfortable on them. I also think they are very easy to connect with emotionally.”

ship, National and International level.

Originally recognised as an FEI Grade IV (least disabled) Para-Equestrian, she is now FEI Grade II, due to her body’s deterioration over the years. This is the second most severely disabled classification, and in this grade she

Victoria and her fiancée Michael have been engaged for sometime. “It’s not easy to fit in getting married to our schedule,” she says

Riding Hanna Poderoso.

Victoria has won endless titles at Champion-

competes against riders with disabilities that range from amputations, paraplegia, or severe joint destructions and replacement.

“All my horses work on voice command, and they are taught to stop any moment my joints dislocate or lock,” she says. “They don’t move again until I get help.”

Despite her physical decline over the past few years, she is still harbouring the dream of competing at Grand Prix level on a Lusitano or PRE. If anybody can do it, it’s Victoria Davies and if a Gold Medal could be awarded for sheer gutsiness, she’d be an obvious candidate.

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with a laugh, “but he is absolutely my main support. Michael is a private financial client adviser and we’ve been together for seven years. Michael was born into a family with a house that had fake grass, and when I met him was very much a business man - the closest he’d got to livestock was a little foxy his parents owned! Now he does everything with the horses, he’s very determined, and if he can’t do it, he’ll find a way, he helps with the breeding season, he handles the stallions, everything I do he does, except for riding.

Everyone always tries to steal him at major competitions because he’s such a good groom!”

Victoria with her coach of 7 years, Jim Collin.

"We were at the Sydney CDI 2017 and he did a 70s night display with his young horse Kip."

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y b s r a St pona E Happy New Year! 2018 looks amazing with a powerful shift of energy from adventurous/flighty Fire to grounded and productive Earth.

Now you can take your visions and make them real. Us equines,

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over the coming months, will

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settle into the routines that you prescribe, so think it through.

Don’t waste this mammoth opportunity by leaving us to our own devices.

Aries

Taurus

The Mars-ruled horses and humans of the zodiac (Aries and Scorpio) will benefit from a steady hand and extra allowances. It takes time to adjust to the new energy of 2018.

A fresh resolution/health jag/job or training schedule will have more staying power if started after the 17th of January. Play it loose and easy until then.

The good news for the two-legged Taureans is you can relax. Nothing will fire up until after the New Moon mid-month, which marks a perfect time to set intentions and get down to business. Us horses will benefit from down time too, but watch the feed. We could founder by just looking at a sack of oats.

Lock the grain-room door.

Gemini

Last month might have taken a toll on both equine and human nervous systems, but that’s all about to change. A softer vibe unfolds, making it easier to deal with partnerships, commitments and/or power struggles.

Carers, please make sure you observe us equines with our stable mates. Any bullying going on? If so, modify the situation.

Cancer

Moon-ruled are over the spending spree, but the aftermath still hangs around. Trust that the bank balance will improve by mid-January.

Meanwhile, us Cancerian horses would appreciate some extra care. South of the equator, make sure we have plenty of shade and fly repellent. Northern equines need extra time to warm up and double check those hooves.

Leo

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Here we are, in the sweet relief of January.

Two-legged Virgo can relax, unwind. It’s all done. Deep breaths. Whatever was causing trouble last month is going, going, gone.

Equines may need extra exercise, fresh air, trail rides and long, thorough rubdowns to put the antsy steps to rest. A change of scenery, fresh horizons, are a panacea. Enjoy.

What an amazing year ahead for the Seagoats of the zodiac. Human and hoses alike are feeling strong, determined and ready to work. It’s a roll up your sleeves and get to it vibe, for the two-legged, and a natural maturation and settling of the four-legged. This can also be a fertile time, if that’s on the cards.

Set sights for mid to late January to launch new projects and make announcements.

Libra

Aquarius

Pisces

Two-legged Leos need to focus on health and well-being this month. An annual physical is a start, but be sure to tune into any body complaints, large or small. There is a message there. Us equines will need the same attention so check the vaccine schedule, worming, oiling, teeth float. No, we aren’t going to like a single one of these procedures, but it helps to keep hearing, “This is for your own good!”

Virgo

Usually the life of the party, human Libras will be feeling the pull of ‘Home Sweet Home’ at the start of the year. Don’t fight it. This is your chance to make those improvements. Us equines will feel the same, suddenly trumpeting if our stable mates strays or we’re taken too far from familiar surroundings. This could wreak havoc on the home trail, so avoid going solo, at least until the end of the month.

Scorpio

After a focused time of study or retreat – physical or psychological – the Water-bearers of the zodiac are coming out to play. This is a joining month where you seek like-minded others, interesting groups and new friends.

Your circle is expanding, so move over to let others in. Us equines will want to run with the heard, so maybe one of those new groups can be a trail-ride club. Please?

2018 is going to be spectacular for the sign of the fishes, but it’s starting out slow. Don’t be disappointed if the first two weeks of the month feel lethargic, as if you are taking baby steps. You’ll be galloping along with ease and confidence before you know it. Equines are super-charged as our ruling planet, Neptune, makes fortuitous aspects all year. You’ll need a new shelf in the trophy room. Get cracking!

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The tetchiness of last month is over us, leaving owners to wonder how we’ve suddenly become so sweet and agreeable.

This is no time to examine the gift horse’s mouth. Take it as a natural good luck charm and capitalize by working us up to a new level.

We’ll be eager. Human Scorps are feeling relief too as relationships settle and practical plans are made for the future. Appreciate it!

Hallelujah! With Saturn out of this sign, both two and four legged centaurs are feeling their oats. The relief may leave you spinning, so try not to overthink it. What you have learned in the last 2.5 years will settle slowly into place, strengthening the bones and scaffolding of your life. Health improves. Outlook lifts. It’s a brand-new year with a lot to look forward to.

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Urban Horsewear The best quality horse supplies.

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Murtagh Riding Boots

The Riding Pony Stud Book Society The national office and keeper of the Studbook for all Riding Ponies registered in Australia.

www.rpsbs.com.au BREED SOCIETIES

The Arabian Horse Society of Australia Ltd The national office and studbook keeper for all Australian registered Arabian and Arabian Derivative horses.

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Giddy Up Nets

A Hobart-based footwear business manufacturing high-quality boots including jockey, leather track riding, polocrosse, leather shaft race and leather dress.

Supply slow feeder hay nets, 4 different size hay nets and 2 size hanger tubs for all horses large and small.

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CLOTHING

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BREED SOCIETIES

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Colour Me Up! An exciting and bright brand full of colourful goodies ranging from grooming to riding.

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ARENAS & FENCING

Bounce Back® Australian made fencing supplier distributing nationally from the factory door.

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM EQUESTRIAN HUB Published by Equestrian Hub • PO Box 13 • Tintenbar NSW 2478 Phone: 0414 760067 • Email: info@equestrianhub.com.au www.equestrianhub.com.au