It’s a new year, and for many folk around the globe a welcome opportunity for a new beginning. Like most people, I don’t like to wish my life away, but I was very happy to see the back of 2020 and I suspect I wasn’t on my own! To help us all get 2021 off on the right leg, Amanda and Sonia give us the lowdown on setting goals, suggesting a path forward designed to help no matter how big or small your dreams might be.
And what a privilege it is to have Warwick Schillar as our first Spotlight of the year such an amazing equestrian and all-round great bloke. In case you missed it, Charlie Brister spoke to him in Episode Five of The Right Rein Podcast. If you haven’t already, make sure you catch that episode and prepare to be inspired.
Speaking of Charlie, the final in his series on lunging is in this issue. If you thought lunging your horse was all about sending them around and around in rather boring circles, you absolutely must make sure you catch each of this three-part series. And Charlie, I love your model!
Ever heard of sarcoids? In the first Vet Vibes, our new regular feature, Dr Doug English introduces us to these pesky skin tumours, their various types and their treatment. We also hear from Tasmanian vet Dr Susan Peden on the subject of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, also known as HTMA.
It’s no secret that I love show jumping, but what you probably don’t know is that these days, I don’t ride (a long story for another time) so I simply get to drool. Something that’s always fascinated me is watching riders walk the course. What are they doing? What are they thinking? What are they looking for? Wonder no more! Our guest columnist Jeanne O Malley answers all of our questions.
Natural health therapist Catherine Bird takes a herbal approach to helping your horse cope with the stress of our hot climate, whilst equine nutritionist Leisa Hofstetter offers a scientific approach to some of the challenges feeding in summer presents. Get it right and your pony looks and feels amazing, get it wrong and there may be problems.
With borders opening up and hopes of being able to travel again looking a bit brighter than they have in quite some time, Sonia Caeiro Alvarez takes us on an armchair journey to a spot not too far from her own home town in Portugal.
In Life After Racing, Jo McKinnon catches up with Shory Park Director and Head Trainer Nikki Cook, who runs a stellar OTT rehoming program. Three hundred Thoroughbreds through Shory Park’s gates last year alone is nothing to be sneezed at!
Then that talented duo Skye Liikanen and Joshua Knight hop up On My Tackbox and talk about preparing baby for their first ride, closely followed by the inspirational Jose Mendez with his take on the lost art of patience and some excellent tips on training in-hand.
Amanda Mac chats to Candida Baker about her latest offering, The Heart of a Horse, and then we invite you to feast your eyes on the bodaciously baroque Andalusians, Lusitanos, Lippizaners and Friesians who star in this issue’s Breed feature.
We introduce you to our Young Rider, the super speedy barrel racer Alishia Thomas, and then explain why John Solomon Rarey and Cruiser turned out to be Perfect Partners. That’s before we wrap it all up with 20 Questions, this time with the fascinating Dr Andrew McLean.
Phew! It’s a full-on edition for you all to enjoy as we roll on into 2021 and may this be the year when all of your dreams come true.
And finally, as always, pour your favourite tipple, sit back, relax and enjoy.
