With Fiona Todd

Welcome to the August issue of Equestrian Hub. We’ve rounded up some great articles to help you through the last month of what, for some of us, has been a pretty chilly winter!

Queensland based dressage coach and rider Nicole Tough is this month’s Spotlight. Nicole has been part of the Australian dressage scene for many years, she’s had her fair share of ups and downs and spoke to Rebecca Ashton – it makes for interesting reading.

Resident coach Christine Armishaw suggests four off-horse exercises to improve your core strength, flexibility, and body symmetry, and if your pony is convinced scary monsters live at the bottom of puddles, she’s got a few clever tips to turn your nervous Nellie into a confident water horse.

With a change of season on the way, we need to be aware of the challenges presented by springtime pastures. Equine nutritionist Larissa Bilston explains what to expect and suggests ways to keep your horse safe from potential risks. And talking of risks, do you know which weeds are a threat to your horse? Rachel Roan has done her homework and has come up with ten of the most dangerous, plus what you can do to prevent a life-threatening situation.

We introduce two more of our wonderful mentors: full-time 5* eventer and EA coach Jade Findlay; and David Finch, National coach educator, show jumper and breeder of international standard performance horses. And another of our mentors, show ring expert Alanna Richards, dropped by to share her grooming and nutrition tips, guaranteed to help your show pony shine.

If you’ve been thinking about embryo transfer as an option for breeding a foal, it’s not a decision to take lightly. To get your research started, Dr Doug runs through the basics.

Sam Lyle, a 5* eventer and EA Level 3 Coach with a Masters of Education in Sports Coaching, spoke to us about his award-winning career as a coach; and Olympian Rebel Morrow shares the astonishing story of her beloved partner Oaklea Rebel Groover, saved by a whisker from the knackers yard.

If you’re planning to travel, Rebecca Nadge has some great advice on making the journey as comfortable, safe and risk free as possible for both you and your horse, while Jessica Morton looks at the science behind nasal strips. And if the smash hit TV series Yellowstone has inspired you, Jess also has some fashion tips for making that laid-back western look uniquely yours.

Do you know a Turtle Top from a Lozenge, a Pee Wee from a Happy Mouth? In the first of a two-part series, Suzy Jarrett explores the world of bits, first with the basics before getting into the more complex designs in our September issue.

Vaulter Stephanie Dore has just represented Australia at CHIO Aachen, and Jamie Hocking spoke to her about her journey to the world stage, while Jo Mckinnon caught up with Lisa Coffey, who has managed to combine giving OTT racehorses a new start in life while at the same time helping people struggling with psychological issues.

Feeling adventurous? Then join Mathilde Gregoire for a 10-day horseback trek in Morocco, and don’t miss her interesting take on a native of Northwest Africa’s Maghreb region, the Barb horse.

We delve into the outstanding career of respected National dressage judge and now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge Prue Spurrett, and introduce Young Rider Georgia Hodgetts. This month’s Saddle Review is on the Erreplus Elena and we have another sumptuous equestrian property for your vision board … you do have one, don’t you?

Now it’s time to pour a glass of your preferred tipple, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Until next time, cheers!