In this issue
Amanda Jakins’ quiet determination and deep love of horses have shaped an inspiring dressage journey. From navigating a quirky Grand Prix partner to securing an exciting young prospect in Europe, the next chapter is certainly looking exciting.
Christan Trainor is a name that has entered the dressage world in Australia on so many levels: as a coach, rider and breeder of outstanding progeny. She may be diminutive in stature – but look out, as she is big and bold in knowledge, passion and success.
Returning to the Hunter Valley, Tour d’Horse once again brought together riders from all walks of life in aid of the KIDS Foundation. With Kubota providing vital on-ground support, the event once again showcased resilience, connection and purpose.
Few areas of equine veterinary medicine have undergone such a profound shift in understanding over the past two decades as gut health. For Dr Ruth Taylor, an experienced equine veterinarian whose career spans the UK and Australia, that transformation has been both professional and deeply practical — changing how horses are assessed, treated and ultimately how they perform.
Tanner Robinson has returned from the KRA Cup in Seoul, South Korea after producing a standout performance at the event. The seventeen-year-old Australian show jumper claimed two victories and a third placing against an international field from 15 nations, in one of the most unique competition formats in international jumping.
After a decade away from dressage, Maddi Foster has returned to the sport with renewed purpose, building a remarkable partnership with the charismatic gelding Des and rediscovering harmony, confidence and Grand Prix dreams along the way.
Run by Carlton Performance Horses, the recent Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular CPEDI was a hugely successful competition for the para community – not only for the results but also in the turnout.
Some own Maseratis, others Mazdas. There are those who drive a Corniche while the rest make do with a clapped-out Corolla. Likewise, the big picture of show jumping is one of extremes, and Jess Brown has witnessed the sport at all levels.
For David Shoobridge, the road back to the saddle was never going to be defined by timelines or expectations – it was defined by choice. Choice to push forward, to rebuild, and ultimately, to return not just as the rider he was, but as a more considered, more intentional version of himself. Now, back in the saddle at Salisbury after a life-altering accident, David is not simply resuming where he left off – he is reshaping the direction.
When Paralympian Emma Booth began looking for her next equine partner, she wasn’t searching for something young — or a pony. Glenhill Divine Classic changed her mind on both counts, and now Emma is enjoying building a new partnership with the mare — and she’s in no rush.
I once had a horse that refused to walk over zebra crossings; now I know horses that need to gallop alongside actual zebras – which still strikes me as slightly surreal.
Winter is here, and so too is the ongoing challenge of rugging. How and when we rug our horses depends on a wide range of factors — and, according to recent research, “empathetic projection” is one such influence. Added to this are the rugs themselves, which vary greatly in quality and composition.
There are moments in horse sport that go far beyond competition results, bloodlines, or long-term goals. They are the moments that stop everything – where instinct, emotion, and sheer luck collide. For Samantha Thomas of Sabble Farm, that moment came in the form of a tiny filly.
Former top-level eventer Lesley Brodbeck, now a sought-after coach and Chair of Equestrian Queensland, shares practical insights into effective horse training, emphasising balance, awareness, soundness, and the importance of thoughtful, educated, and horse-centred methods.
It all began with a bay quarter horse named Betsy – progressing to a journey around Mongolia, filming a documentary, the writing of a book and the development of the Horse Boy Method.
The Horseland Equestrian Victoria Interschool State Championships 2026 once again highlighted the depth of young equestrian talent across the state, bringing together riders from primary through to secondary school in a celebration of competition, camaraderie, and opportunity.