Horse racing and equestrian sports sometimes seem worlds apart, but there is something they always share, and that is a love of Thoroughbreds and their welfare.
Thousands of off-the-track Thoroughbreds are retrained year after year and given new careers in equestrian disciplines and pastimes with much success. However, did you know that after the United States, Australia is the world’s biggest breeder of horses, currently producing some 13,000 foals a year? With those numbers, a co-ordinated structure for the lifelong welfare of thoroughbreds is a no-brainer for all stakeholders.
Australia’s racing industry has come a long way in recent years in improving equine welfare, with Racing Victoria at the forefront. In this issue, Adele Severs reports that a dedicated team of seven women – yes, all women – make up RV’s Equine Welfare team, the force behind an overhaul of equine welfare in Victoria. Team members are inspired, not only by their mission, but because they are in their dream roles where they can follow their racing and equestrian interests — and improve animal welfare. No wonder they are making a difference, so much so it could be the model for the nation and beyond.
Heads up, dressage enthusiasts, this month is a bumper issue for you. First, Lyndal Oatley discusses her two best hopes to take her to the World Championships in Herning, Denmark, next year, as well as her thoughts on the state of dressage in Australia. Secondly, meet Aussie William Matthew, who is working with Isabell Werth – and still pinching himself! At 27, Will has eight horses in work with the German great and is successfully campaigning an international-level Grand Prix horse in Europe.
Catch up with Caroline Wagner – not only is she one dynamic half of Wagners Saddlery and has achieved so much with show horses, she has now turned her talents to dressage competition for new challenges. And finally in dressage, Roger Fitzhardinge puts on his judge’s cap and lifts the lid on how to create a great impression in those final moments before you enter the arena.

Cover image: Lyndal Oatley and Eros. © Łukasz Kowalski.
Another Australian with an eye on Herning is showjumper James Arkins. About to leave with an Aussie contingent to gain experience on the USA circuit, James tells us about the two exciting stallions he is taking with an eye to national team selection.
In our Training section, Kerry Mack enjoys a good old post-competition chinwag with leading jockey Steven Pateman. They expand on the theory that the best jockeys and the best equestrian riders all know the importance of ‘soft hands’ in building relationships with their horses. On that note, liberty trainer Kim Dyer takes it a step further and throws away the bridle altogether! She says that once you and your horse master the true free-riding experience, there is no going back.
For more reflective reading, few can match the rapport that Emma Booth achieved with Mogelvangs Zidane (or was it the other way around?) Emma retraces the uplifting journey that took them to two Paralympics and one WEG, as her great Dane retires from international competition.
Enjoy as always Suzy Jarratt’s latest Horses in the Movies piece, this time on the famous Seabiscuit, a legendary depression-era American horse with a story to rival Phar Lap’s.
In our Health section, Andalusian and Lusitano breeder Victoria Davies hammers home the importance of equine gut health in producing quality performance horses, while vet Maxine Brain explains the role of general anaesthesia in veterinary medicine.
Take care – and care for your horses – over the festive season, and see you in the New Year. EQ
Robert McKay AM
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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EMMA BOOTHPara-dressage rider and two-time Paralympian Emma Booth does more than ride; she is in demand as a public speaker and also has a talent for letting personalities shine through the written word.
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KIM DYERKim is passionate about helping people create a beautiful bond with their horse. She runs Heartland Equestrian and holds liberty and bridleless clinics in Australia, and has recently been invited to participate in the online International Horsemanship Showcase.
Published by
EQ Life Pty Ltd
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ISSN 1839-034X
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Hawksburn VIC 3142, Australia
Phone +61 492 887 961
Email info@eqlife.com.au
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Chairman
Robert McKay
Publisher
Sunday Batters
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Adele Severs
In-House Contributor
Amanda Young
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Ellie Jolley
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David Trounce
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Kerith Laurie-Rhodes
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Photography credits:
Lukasz Kowalski, Roger Fitzhardinge, MARKA – Alamy Stock Photo, One Eyed Frog Photography, Hippo Foto-Dirk Caremans, Stephen Mowbray, Michelle Terlato, Jon Stroud Media, Eric Knoll, Racing Photos, LL-Foto, EuroDressage, Pferdemedia, Louise Sedgman Equine Photography, Rachael Walker Pet & Equine Photography, Amazing Creatures Photography and FEI/Libby Law Photograph.
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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