There’s much to look forward to in the months ahead with the easing of Covid restrictions bringing new optimism into our lives.
This latest issue (it’s our 60th) captures this spirit, and as we enjoy warmer days in the lead up to Christmas there is a feast of horse activities to fill every day! The spring carnival in Melbourne, the return of live competitions and the excitement of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics – all of this and more in the setting of a bountiful spring for us to share with our horses across our country.
The fun starts with a new series by Adele Severs called My First Pony, complete with fascinating flashback pictures of Roger Fitzhardinge (complete with hair!), Kerry Mack, Simone Pearce and Chris Burton — I bet this sends you searching for your first ride photo album!
Suzy Jarratt’s Horses in Movies series reopens memories of the hugely successful Saddle Club TV series. Sydneysiders will remember the 7,000 spectators at the Super Dome in 2004, and everyone will recall Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys and Trigger, his beloved palomino stallion. The historic photos rekindle special times.
Small Ponies with Big Hearts recognises the therapeutic qualities of horses in today’s world. Ponies can open new horizons for us, such as bringing joy to a 105-year-old and nuzzling up to other aged care residents.
We capture the magical legacy of Hickstead with Elli Birch tracing its origins and importance in today’s show jumping calendar – the accompanying pictures complete the story.
Our team of expert writers have filed quality stories as you have come to expect. Heath Ryan’s frank assessment of Australia’s Tokyo prospects is his usual must read. Riders will treasure Roger Fitzhardinge’s skillful and practical tips for getting higher marks in Advanced tests — his advice is fresh from judging our monthly Online Virtual Competition series. Kerry Mack always has unique insights as her article on how to build a trusting relationship with your horse shows. And Amanda Young introduces us to Lizzie the Legend, a remarkable 15.3hh nine-year-old Gypsy Cob/Clydesdale cross mare who loves nothing but work, whether it’s cowboy dressage or roping cows or anything else she is asked to do.
The sport’s big names share generously of their experiences, be it the proven equestrian record and life of the ever-modest Carolyn Lieutenant or the ever-active Megan Jones as she rediscovers the joy of family and horses while biding her time for a shot at Tokyo 2021.
None of us ever wants to be far away from our horses, but you can’t get much closer to living with them than what Janina Kletke and partner Ash Seing have created at their Gippsland property!
Our sport is never dull and I invite you to read our regular experts to stay updated with the latest news and advice. Check out the contents page and cover to seek out your interests.
As we “go to press”, the keenly awaited and crucially important composition of the new Equestrian Australia board of directors has been announced. You can read about the new board in more detail here.
Have fun with you horse and horse friends, au revoir! EQ
Robert McKay
Contributors
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HEATH RYANNational equestrian personality, international dressage and eventing rider, Olympian, judge, coach and breeder, Heath is never backward in offering his unique insights into the sport and industry.
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ROGER FITZHARDINGEAs a judge, coach, competitor and commentator, Roger’s passion to tell the real stories behind the horses and horse people shines through in his unique brand of equestrian photojournalism.
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DR KERRY MACKGrand Prix dressage rider, coach and Mayfield Farm stud principal, Kerry draws on her learning as a qualified psychiatrist to approach training from the cerebral perspective as well as the physical.
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DR MAXINE BRAINDr Maxine Brain is an equine vet dedicated to achieving optimal equine health and performance with her team at Kilmore Equine Clinic, which she founded.
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SUZY JARRATTSuzy has a rich background in newspaper journalism and radio broadcasting in NSW and nationally, and last year won an international award for equestrian journalism.
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ELLI BIRCHBased in Essex in the UK, Elli Birch of Boots and Hooves Photography has covered prestigious equestrian events and country sports around the world.
Published by
EQ Life Pty Ltd
ABN 99142004064
ISSN 1839-034X
Postal address PO Box 1376
Hawksburn VIC 3142, Australia
Phone +61 492 887 961
Email info@eqlife.com.au
Web www.equestrianlife.com.au
Chairman
Robert McKay
Publisher
Sunday Batters
General Manager Content
Adele Severs
Contributor
Amanda Young
Marketing & Communications Executive
Edwina Badgery
Associate Editor
David Trounce
Account Executive
Kerith Laurie-Rhodes
Subscription Enquiries
info@eqlife.com.au, +61 492 887 961
Photography credits: Michelle Terlato Photography, Elli Birch/BootsandHooves, Roger Fitzhardinge, PYT Photography, Jenelle Christopher, Burnham Markets International, Fiona Gruen / Wallaroo Equestrian, CDI Achleiten / Michael Rzepa, Lyndal Oatley, Stephen Mowbray, Arnd Bronkhorst, Toni Venhaus, Subzero Facebook page, Anne Scott-Virtue, Miss Jane Photography, and Jo McConnel Photography.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of EQ Life. To the extent permitted by law, EQ Life disclaims any liability whatsoever in relation to any advice, representation, statement, opinion or other matter expressed in this magazine. EQ Life does not accept responsibility for errors in advertisements, articles, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Riding, training or otherwise working with horses and other animals can be dangerous and may result in harm or injury. Readers of this magazine should not engage in such activities unless they do so safely.
© 2020 EQ Life Pty Ltd. Copyright subsists in this magazine. Except as permitted by law, this magazine may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced, published, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or in any form, without the prior written consent of EQ Life. All rights reserved.
Related articles
We all remember our first ponies. From the angelic to the unruly, we revisit the ponies that launched the journeys of some of our top riders and equestrian personalities.
Meet Lizzie the Legend, the 15.3hh nine-year-old Gypsy Cob/Clydesdale cross mare who wins fans and breaks stereotypes wherever she goes and whatever she does.