Sammi Birch and Hunter Valley II. © dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo
The power of positivity is the theme for this year, and we have buckets of it for you as we despatch 2020 to the history books. Whether it be champions coming back from adversity, superstars keen to give back, building better relationships with our horses or the Olympic year bringing out the best in our best, 2021 is looking bright.
Dual Olympian and WEG veteran James Paterson-Robinson is keen to pass on his knowledge to up-and-coming students now that he has come home to throw his hat in with the team at Yandoo Park. Another Olympian, Hayley Beresford threw off setbacks, got back into the winner’s list, then used the lapse in competitions to help build up a successful prestige business. Likewise, eventer Sammi Birch has overcome her own hurdles to find herself with the right horse shining at the right time in an Olympic year. And Queenslander Kelly Layne might just get a second shot at Olympic selection with her new Oldenburger gelding turning heads on the dressage circuit in Florida.
To keep abreast of the Tokyo contenders, check in with Heath Ryan for his update on the ones to watch in Ryan’s Rave.
Staying upbeat, who doesn’t want to build a better relationship with their horse? Kerry Mack not only explains why it is important and how to achieve it, she also suggests we should build better relations with our dressage judges. Radical.
The good times roll on with our ongoing series on horses and movies, revealing the key Australian trainer behind the success of the latest remake of the classic feelgood feature film, Black Beauty. Or consider the rags-to-riches tale of Maizy, a down-and-out ex-racehorse that has been retrained into an intelligent showjumper. Speaking of jumpers, enjoy Elli Birch’s story on The Billy Stud, a Sussex success story created by two partners who have known each other since they were teens.
Roger Fitzhardinge continues his series on equestrian legend Carolyn Lieutenant, this time examining her role in building our national para equestrian team in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.
While travel abroad is on the back burner, follow our EQ Journey lead and escape to the splendour of Diamond Beach on the NSW mid-coast where you can ride on the stunning beaches and mountain trails or immerse yourself in the abundant horsey activities in the area.
In our important health section, we look first at heat stress in horses, where Dr Maxine Brain tells us what to watch for, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it during the height of summer. Secondly, we learn of the fascinating studies into the role light plays in a horse’s life, and how to replicate it when it is not naturally available.
Finally, a shout out to our advertisers who have stuck with us through thick and thin – take it from us, dear readers, they are people you can depend on.
Enjoy your break (if you’re lucky enough to have one) and ride on with us into this positive new year! 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.
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MELISSA RIMACAn escapist by profession and inclination, Melissa Rimac is a writer and photographer specialising in far-flung travel (especially if snorkeling is involved) and is also be smitten by horses.
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Photography credits: dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo (cover), Elli Birch / Boots & Hooves Photography, Michelle Terlato Photography, Roger Fitzhardinge, Satomi Ishikuri, Seahorse Diamond Beach, Melissa Rimac, Adam Fanthorpe, Stephen Mowbray, CR Photography / Diogo Grave, CDI Achleiten / Michael Rzepa, Lorraine O’Sullivan, William Carey, Eiserner Hof – Hayley Beresford & Jule Fehl, Franz Venhaus, Sporthorsesonpics, Eric Knoll, Racing Victoria, FEI / Yong Tek Lim / Shannon Brinkman / Liz Gregg and Equilume.
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.
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Related articles
Queenslander Kelly Layne and new horse Samhitas are making their mark on the circuit in Florida, and the Oldenburger gelding just might be the one to give Kelly a second shot at the Olympics.
Australian Olympian and WEG representative James Paterson-Robinson is back on home soil after 20 tumultuous years nailing the international circuit, and he is ready to give back.