We have all had those lightbulb moments in our journeys with our horses. Something clicks and at last your horse is enjoying itself as much as you, or you finally get the changes right in the Advanced test. You know the feeling. Other times, it takes setbacks or personal circumstances to intervene before you see the light. Whether you are just starting out or are at the top of the game, these moments of epiphany can be life-changing – just look at some of our featured riders in this issue.
For Brett Parbery, it took a forced rest after serious injury for him to formulate his true focus; for Maree Tomkinson, despite time off competitions due to Covid and personal grief, she remains committed to her talented team and the sport she loves. For Tristan Tucker, the global shutdown gave him the chance to step back from competition and nurture his online training program into a thriving international community.
Show rider Rebecca Farrow saw the light long ago when she took on ex-racehorses with much success, and her star performer Stage Presence is validating her faith with bells on. Aussie science fiction writer Karen Miller shelved her love of horses to become a best-selling author, but events changed in her life and she decided it was time to fulfil her own fantasy of building her dream equestrian centre.
We’ve all been following Roger Fitzhardinge’s engaging series on legendary Australasian horsewoman Carolyn Lieutenant. This issue’s final instalment shows how Carolyn also took time to smell the roses when others might have wilted.
So, the message is, when things take a turn out of your control, take a breather and reflect – but not for too long. Get back and grab those reins with both hands with the benefit of wisdom and clarity and purpose.
Much of this newfound exuberance was on display at Willinga Park last month. After a year between drinks, top competition returned to this fabulous equestrian temple for Dressage by the Sea. Read all about how Jayden Brown is shining there in his new role, while Mary Hanna and John Thompson sparkled in the arena. Also back in business this year was the Eventing Summer Classic at SIEC, where riders from all over the country flocked to this first Australian event of 2021 to feature FEI level classes.
Dr Kerry Mack turns her analytical mind to exploring how to better connect with your horse through a new school of thought, the Polyvagal Theory, while veterinarian Maxine Brain reminds us of the residual effects of heavy metal toxicities in the environment.
Heath Ryan uses his column in this issue to pounce on the exciting news that the International Olympic Committee has chosen Brisbane as its preferred candidate to host the 2032 Olympics. For young riders aspiring to be there, now is the time to plan your campaign.
And to lighten the load somewhat, enjoy Suzy Jarratt’s take on the movie Hidalgo in her delightful series on horses in the movies. Never let it be said that actor Viggo Mortensen is a one-trick pony, she says, as she praises him for being the rare actor who can really ride! EQ
As always, have fun riding,
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.
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
Web www.equestrianlife.com.au
Chairman
Robert McKay
Publisher
Sunday Batters
General Manager Content
Adele Severs
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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EQPhotography credits:
Stephen Mowbray Photography, Simon Scully, Amy-Sue Alston, Michelle Terlato Photography, Roger Fitzhardinge, Oz Shotz, LMG Photography, Eric Knoll, Equestrian High Performance, EQ Life, Jerusha Nagle, Lucas Jarvis Eventive Photography, leanjo, Rushe Photography, EQ Life/Sporthorseonpics, TRT Method, Carolyn Lieutenant, Rebecca Farrow.
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.
© 2021 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.
