In this issue
As we await the results of the Equestrian Australia 2024 Director Elections, Heath Ryan gives his thoughts on the way forward in terms of a national restructure and the development of a new IT platform.
Bred on a cattle station, My Rosalee wasn’t meant to be a Grand Prix dressage horse. Purchasing her as an 18-month-old filly, Queenslander Ellyn Parker has trained her all the way through from eventing at Pony Club to National Big Tour Champion.
It was always Stephanie Barrington’s dream to win the Garryowen at Melbourne Royal. At 20 years of age, she did just that with a Thoroughbred named LA. Thirteen years on, and Steph has just claimed the prestigious trophy for a second time with six-year-old Global PPS. She says this win is all about the team behind it.
In the eyes of 13-year-old Kassie Pontifex, Disney is the perfect horse. Rescued from an abattoir and not knowing his history, there have been challenges along the way – but Kassie’s perseverance and hard work has paid off. Not only has she enjoyed success on the Pony Club circuit, but she has also made a friend for life.
The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is the most prestigious event on the Australian endurance calendar and the 2024 edition saw a new winner crowned at Wirrinna Cove on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Australian mother of four Missy Morgan is an adventurer at heart. When the opportunity came to set family duties aside for 10 days and tackle a 1000km horse race across the Mongolian steppe, she did just that. Not only did Missy complete the journey in eight days – she was the first to cross the finish line.
Where do you start with such an interesting family as Paul and Emma Weel and their children Abby and Mila? A life full of diversity. Lives that learn to take their own path yet ingratiate each other’s differing loves.
There are few diseases crueller to a horse than acute laminitis caused by toxins in the blood, or endotoxaemia. To make these horses even a little more comfortable during these episodes is a challenge; to save them is a feat.
Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin might be the big names in Into The West, but it is two little boys and a legendary horse that brings joy and magic into their lives that makes this movie a sparkling Irish gem.
It is commonly said that you can’t improve the canter, but that’s not true – there are ways to refine and develop this elusive pace between the trot and the gallop.
Horses have always been part of Penny Smith’s life. A dual Olympian and Paris bronze medallist in trap shooting, Penny has dedicated more than a decade to the sport – but away from the rifle range, the 29-year-old loves nothing more than relaxing in the saddle on the family dairy farm in southwest Victoria.