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Connemaras
Stephanie Sayers 22 November 2016
When I say I have Connemaras, most people say “conna-what?” A lot of the time the easiest way to describe them is simply as Irish ponies. But that description is just too simple to describe such a broad pony. These versatile ponies are natural to Ireland and more specifically the rugged terrain of Connemara. One of the best descriptions of the origin of the Connemara is an all rounder pony in country Ireland, pulling the plough all week then taking the family to church on Sundays. Beyond that, there are many theories about the origination of the first Connemara, some claiming they came on a boat with the Aztecs, others say they came with the Spanish Armada. It wasn’t until 1923 that the Connemara was recognised as a breed, and a studbook was created to preserve the pony bloodline. Up until this date however, random breeding was rife and many
Read MoreRide all over the world with an equestrian working holiday
Adelaide Nunn 14 November 2016
Australia is home to many incredible equestrian communities in some pretty spectacular backdrops. Our horse industry give us access to many equestrian pursuits and adds generously to our outback and rural culture. But have you ever wondered if the grass is greener on the other side? I’ve always felt an element of curiosity and a great sense of interest in the horse communities and cultures of other countries, and feel that with a sense of adventure, there are endless opportunities to be uncovered. Working while travelling is a great way to meet people and really get immersed in the culture of countries abroad. And, if you have a strong interest in horses and are happy to give things a go, there’s definitely a niche of job opportunities to take advantage of; often providing some optional exciting careers. Here are a few working holiday ideas that might sow the seeds for
Read MoreThe equestrian’s playlist: 10 songs to ride to
Madeleine Muirhead 7 November 2016
Can you imagine a better feeling than making your way around the arena, 500kgs of horse underneath you, beating in time to your favourite song? Music is a fantastic tool for motivation and a simple and easy way to help your mind relax and tune out from the world. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan, like a bit of the classics or keen on a bit of ‘doof doof’ clubbing music, listening to music while riding is never a bad thing. Here are 10 (randomly assembled) songs that are that will get your heart pumping, your horse’s legs moving and have you dancing through your training sessions in no time! 1. Kicking it off with Queen’s, ‘We Will Rock You,’ because, as if you wouldn’t! 2. What better song to get you grooving and have you and your horse feeling just that little bit ridiculously cool than Macklemore and Ryan
Read MoreEndurance: the sport of ultimate rider and horse fitness
Myf Clark 24 October 2016
Australia is rich in our vast array of sporting fields, and horse sports are no different. There are many different horse sports and each have their own merit and levels of varying difficulty for both horse and rider. Each horse discipline can be taken as a stand-alone sport and horses and riders bring to each sport a variety of skills and abilities to strive for success. Endurance is a sport of horse and rider fitness, a marathon of distance riding that measures the success of the event completion in time in which the ride is completed and health and fitness of the horse. I spoke to Endurance rider Ellen Vine after her recent ride at the Australian Endurance Championships, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup. Ellen grew up with horses and like a fortunate few of us, has spent her whole life riding horses. Her attraction to the sport of Endurance
Read MoreSteeplechasing Shetlands Steal the Show – Video
Madeleine Muirhead 19 October 2016
“Well they’re away to a pretty good start!” I was sold at ‘Shetland’ and with the Spring Racing Carnival nearly upon us, what better way to get into the racing spirit than from the back of a shorter, fluffier version of Black Caviar! The clip of the 2015 Melbourne Show Shetland Steeplechase — shot via Go Pro from the front of one of the rider’s helmets — is accompanied by commentating to rival that of the Melbourne Cup and guaranteed to get you in the racing spirit. Under lights, the ponies race as fast as their little legs can carry them around a steeplechase course made up of hay bales. This is an enormous feat in itself and is definitely an achievement I was never able to make with my Shetland pony, as a decision for him between eating or listening to me meant I was always guaranteed to end
Read MoreFive tips for riding your best dressage test
Madeleine Muirhead 17 October 2016
‘A enter working trot. X halt, salute and remember to breathe.’ Dressage is the sport of horse ballet. However unlike a ballerina, it’s not just a single person effort. No, as riders we have 500 kilograms of self-thinking muscle underneath us that we have to contend with. All the while staying within a 60×20 metre rectangle normally made out of some sort of bordering material that is trying to kill us at every turn! We all want our Charlotte Dujardin moment, and there are many things you can do in a dressage test to make it as successful as possible. Here are five tactics that may help you get through a dressage test feeling more “Charlotte and Blueberry” and less “bag of tense potatoes strapped to a rocket”. Breathe Breathing can be the difference between life and death, literally, when riding a horse. Numerous times, in various disciplines, I have
Read MoreTop 5 Products for your Equine First Aid Kit
Adelaide Nunn 29 September 2016
When dealing with horses, there’s one proverb to keep in mind and that’s Murphy’s Law; anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Our first line of defence, is a good First Aid kit. A basic First Aid kit should help you take care of minor injuries and illness that you can treat yourself and help you handle a bigger wound until the vet can take over. When compiling your arsenal, here are some suggested products to keep your kit stocked up with. Top 5 Products for your Equine First Aid Kit 1. Troy Chloromide Spray Price: $21.99 at Petstock The first item that should always make your first aid kit is a broad spectrum antiseptic wound cleaner and Troy’s Chloromide Antiseptic Spray is a great choice. The wound spray aids in treating bacterial skin diseases, topical infections and any cuts or abrasions. The product’s spray method is easy
Read MoreFive of the Most Beautiful Equestrian Facilities in Australia
Adelaide Nunn 20 September 2016
Tell me, what comes to mind when you first think of Australia…? My first thoughts are generally broad horizons, picturesque landscapes and a rural culture stemming from some pioneering cattlemen and their trusty stockhorses… Considering all these stereotypes and our outback heritage, it should come as no surprise that horses still have an active role in our culture and that our notorious countryside is home to some of the most beautiful equestrian facilities in the world. Here’s a few that come to mind… Five of the Most Beautiful Equestrian Facilities in Australia (in no particular order) BROOKLEIGH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Swan Valley, WA The stunning Swan Valley in Western Australia hosts our first equine eye-candy; Brookleigh Equestrian Centre. The property stars several striking arenas, all of them are well maintained for either flatwork or jumping. Please note that this includes an indoor school built in limestone with yards and wash
Read More“Your horse just called you a liar.”
Anita Marchesani 6 September 2016
I was reminded recently that it’s been 5 years since my Mojo came home to me. He broke all my “rules” when I bought him- too old, too small, and been on spell in a paddock for ages. But, you know, there was something about him… I’d seen his ad online a number of times and ruled him out because of those rules, but something made me pick up the phone anyway and book in a time to see him. He was a welsh x tb, bay, with a perfect star. Solidly built, with substance, and great movement with that welsh active hock. I sat on him, and we went through the gaits around the arena on a long rein and I was already in love. I debated it with my hubby- bringing up those three rules. We got him vet checked, and he even passed the damn flexion test
Read MoreWhat Is Feel? Part Two
Jenny Pearce 6 September 2016
Confidence comes from Feel. Confidence flows automatically from knowing how to work with your unique sense of Feel. It’s like a whole new world of skill opens up. We talked in Part One about how trying to copy someone else’s way of feeling for their horse is doomed to failure and leaves us feeling like we are not enough. That is confidence destroying stuff. The opposite is also true – when we learn how to use our own unique sense of Feel, we are systematically developing what some people call good instincts and that brings a whole new level of Confidence. When we are using our unique natural talent for Feel, we instinctively know where to be, what to do when something happens, when to keep asking and when to stop and when to change what we’re doing. We can feel our horse and his or her braces and resistances,
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