In this issue
At first glance, classical dressage and the high-speed, dust-kicking excitement of reining or ranch classes might seem like two completely different worlds. But for Grand Prix dressage riders Shanon McKimmie and Stephanie McDonald, branching out into Western disciplines hasn’t just been a fun experiment — it’s transformed how they train, ride, and think about horsemanship.
With the 2025 breeding season beginning, excitement is in the air for performance horse breeders. Even after more than 35 years in the business, International Horse Breeders’ Glenis Dyason can’t wait to identify the latest stallions on offer.
The 2025 edition of 4CYTE Dressage@Willinga would have to be one of the most outstanding competitions ever held in Australia — whether you were a spectator, owner, groom, rider, or judge, the experience was unforgettable.
When Sonja Johnson set out from Western Australia to take on the world stage, there was no clear path laid before her. No road map or trail. So, she made one herself. Now she is creating a path for the whole state to follow.
When Australian rider Natasha Moody left home and moved to Germany, she didn’t have a bulletproof plan or a long list of connections. What she did have was courage, a serious work ethic, and a belief that sometimes the biggest leaps — the ones that feel wild and unplanned — are the ones that take you exactly where you’re meant to be.
Olympic gold medallist Ingrid Klimke returns to Australia on 1 November for a special masterclass at QSEC. Reflecting on special horses and lifelong mentors, Ingrid shares insights into championship preparation, her passion for classical horsemanship, and her mission to inspire the next generation of riders.
Marlène Battedou thinks Thoroughbreds are “the whole package” when it comes to eventing. “There are Thoroughbreds who are wonderful at one of the disciplines, and then there are the really special ones who excel at ALL three. Those are eventers,” enthuses Marlène. She says the Melbourne International Three-Day Event (MI3DE) Thoroughbreds-only CCN1*-L class is the “beginning of showcasing this”.
At just 15 years old, Victorian show jumper Harley McNaughton is already making a name for himself on the international equestrian scene. His journey, which began humbly in local Interschool competitions, has evolved into a full-time pursuit of Olympic dreams — dreams that now take him across continents, working with elite trainers and representing Australia on the world stage.
From the paddocks of Tasmania to the press rooms of Kentucky, equestrian photographer Tazzie Eggins has captured some of the sport’s biggest stars through her lens — including a memorable moment with Boyd Martin and a packet of Tim Tams.
Definitely more Enid Blyton than David Lynch, 'Free Rein' was considered wholesome and suitable for tweens. The 32 episodes of this British drama series streamed in over 200 countries, collecting a couple of Daytime Emmys along the way.
Equestrian Life catches up with Boyd Exell and Tor Van Den Berge following their historic Nations Cup win at CHIO Aachen.