August 2010
TEE-10 is taking over our lives for the next few months. It is the Tamworth Equestrian Exhibition 2010 TEE-10 is a combination of fabulously visual horse sports used for entertainment.
On the 22nd to the 24th of October 2010, we are holding at the AELEC Venue the following:
The Australian Women's Extreme Trick Riding Championships - entries via www.globalentriesonline.com.au (make sure that you put in the sport of trick riding at the top left)
TEE-10 Grand Prix Showjumping (2 rings) - entries via www.globalentriesonline.com.au (entries open 1st September 2010)
Freestyle Dressage (fancy dress)
Short Course Tent-Pegging
Skill at Arms
Horse Ball
Miniatures - breed classes & jumping in hand
Team Penning
Thanks to the following sponsors for making TEE-10 a reality:-
Don't worry about the government - we are being the Mount White stimulus package. We have just invested lots of money into beautiful fencing. We have post & railed the whole property (photos to be posted soon) - and it looks wonderful. Glen & Darren from D & G Rural Property Developments are doing an absolutely first class job.
The horses are going well - we have a few for sale (this happens when you add up that you own more than 30 horses - and that something has to pay for the fencing bill).
July 2010
Rain stayed away for our trick riding school which was fully booked with girls as far away as Kenilworth in Queensland. Mikayla Barber's father Paul brought the horse down from Qld, whilst Mikayla & her Mum Alison flew in from the USA where they had been holidaying and trick riding. I am always blown away at how much effort it takes from the parents for the trick riding kids to be able to achieve. Well done to all the Mums & Dads (I think that it is the same for all horse sports).
The jumpers have finally hit their straps - with Ab Initio winning the 1.25m Grand Prix at the NNWSJC Winter Championships at AELEC, and Big Ponds also winning a smaller class. Very exciting for Krissy - as it was her first wins after more than a year's recovery from the broken foot episode.
May 2010
What a busy month - May 29th was the anniversary of Krissy's smashed foot - it has taken a year to be able to walk and ride properly. Dubbo Show was the first show that Krissy could put her full weight in the stirrup on landing over a fence. The horses surely appreciated it, with Ab Inito placing 5th in the C Grade Championships, and Big Ponds jumping a nice clear round in the D Grade. From Dubbo Show we were supposed to go straight home for a Liberty Training Master Class. The gooseneck did a wheel bearing on the way home - 50 kms from Merriwa and 50kms from Dunnedoo on Mother's Day Sunday. Luckily - a very nice young policeman (not even on duty) - pulled Krissy over and helped get the rig to a truck rest stop, Rod Brown had room on his truck so he dropped in to pick up the horses - and Robert & Debbie Thompson came to the rescue, getting the gooseneck back to their Cassilis Property and then getting it on the road again. So thank you to all of the above - it was a very easy breakdown!. By the time Krissy finally got back to Mount White, the Liberty Training Class was in full swing. A day off and into a long reining clinic. It was scheduled like this as we had Lynne & Jack Start with their German friend Lara who had travelled from Arrat in Victoria for the clinics - and Lara had to get on a plane home the next week. The clinics are terrific, as it is a great way to meet like-minded people with a passion for horses.
Then it was pack the saddlery truck and head for the NCHA finals at AELEC in Tamworth where Hawkesbury River Saddle Company were sponsoring the Stockman's Challenge.
Congratulations to Troy Palmer on winning the trophy saddle in fine style. What a great fun event, and exceptionally well run by the NCHA. The brumby catch was the highlight - as there were 50 extra points for jumping on your brumby after you caught it. Nearly everyone made it onto the back of the brumby for the extra points - but the best 'brumby ride' would have to go to Dan James - who is so good at hopping from one horse to another with his roman riding training - that he slipped on so quietly and in such a balanced manner - that the brumby did't even know he was there - and let Dan ride him all across the arena and back to the shutes.
April 2010
Gunnedah Show was huge fun. All the horses started to get into the rhythm of going to shows - so were nicely behaved. Bonnie Martin had a mixed show - being chucked head first into the triple bar - and then winning the D Grade Championship on Dyranta R straight after. We really shouldn't be amazed - that's what horses do!
At the same time that Krissy was at Gunnedah, Heath & Christy Connor were at the King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge. The most challenging thing wasn't the course - it was trying to understand the rules. Christy had to give up her place in the Women's Section to compete in the final 10 of the Open. However, Shane Easey was allowed to win both the Veterans and the Open - go figure!
The full results for the Hawkesbury River Stockman's Challenge Triple Crown Championship are in the Hawkesbury River Saddle Co page on this web site.
Hawkesbury Show was a fun time for our jumping horses. It was great for Krissy to get back to riding again - and not just organizing the liberty and the trick riding. The foot is still giving grief - but at least there is constant improvement. Big Ponds & Ab Initio jumped well - as did the new additions - Cascade and Gunderman. Cascade is from Tasmania (good name for a Tassie horse) - and Gunderman is a nice chestnut thoroughbred from Muskoka Stud. Both young horses coped very well in the ag. show atmosphere. Hawkesbury River Saddle company sponsored a jumping class - as we like the show so much.
The 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show was a big committment for us. Basically - it was a month's committment for 4 liberty horse trainers and their horses, Heath & his team and the Girls Girls Girls trick riders and their new act - Girls Girls Girls Extreme Stunt Team.
Liberty Training Master Classes in the Schmidt:
Steve Cox drove up with Michelle & Eli from Echuca, Nel Adams spent 3 days on the road getting to Sydney from the middle of Queensland, Kim Peterson from the Hunter Valley packed up horses and kids and relocated to Sydney Showground and Adam Battaglia took holidays from Tooronga Zoo to come and work in ours!
Both Heath & I consider ourselves very lucky to be involved with such talented individuals.
The Liberty Training Master Class showcased the different talents of each trainer and their horses. Kim used a nice young stockhorse, Adam brought along a white arabian and Sparkles - the pinto shetland. Steve Cox had 3 beautiful bay stockhorses which he bred, and Nel brought her multipurpose liberty/trick and stunt riding team of chestnuts.
The Master Class started with Kim and Ferrett with Heath talking the audience through the early training process. Ferrett started in a small taped arena, and ended the show using the whole of the Schmidt.
Kim & Ferrett - bend through the body - and patience to stand your mark.
Adam's Sparkes had his own fan club - as even if he was naughty - he was just so cute doing it that no-one cared. The arabian surprised everyone by how well he progressed - as he hasn't been the easiest horse to communicate with.
above: Adam & Sparkles deep in conversation - Sparkles rearing as tall as a shetland can!
Above: Adam & the Arab - now that's impressive!
Nel's 2 looked great and she displayed awesome horsemanship skills working one horse from the other with no saddle or bridle.
Things don't always go according to plan - Left - Dude making the most of being on the ground. Right - Dude & Nel spanish walking whilst Banjo looks on.
Left: Nel & Dude rearing. Right: Nel riding Banjo - the stop cue she has on Dude is amazing as she gallops past him and he is happy to stand there.
Steve's act was very neat and looked great with the 3 matching bays. Steve rides one of them and works 2 from horseback - we had a running gag for the crew throughout the show - that Steve's act would finishe at the exact same time as the music - I think he only missed it once!
Steve & his team at practice - they are a perfect match - right down to the length of their strides.
Above: Steve, Kim & Nel - finishing off their acts beautifully
Nature Vet Free Spirit Liberty Team:
Heath was disappointed that Spike, his best horse aggrivated an old injury and had to go home to rest in the paddock. However, he had added a new element to the liberty show with Christy Connor roman riding 2 black horses and controlling Heath's team of Okkie, Gus and Grub. It looked fantastic with Okkie the grey in the middle and 2 black horses on either side. This act is only in it's infancy - but already has a great look about it. Heath has a vision of 2 teams of liberty horses with Christy in the middle riding above it all.
Christy & the team at practice
March 2010
Wow - home from Tassie and what a huge trip. Lisa Browne was very optimistic about the Tasmanian weather when she organized the Equus Inspirations show once again at the Tasmanian State Equestrian Park. What a pity the weather and the Tasmanian horse community let her down. It was disappointing for all the performers, competitors and spectators to have to deal with bad weather.
Girls Girls Girls - L to R Teleah, Alicia, Tahlia, Heath, Christy, Cody
On a brighter note - Heath had a ball putting together the live show with locally talented horses and horsewomen.
Louella with her pair of Whalers
Sally, Pru, Turdy and Louella participated in the Liberty Training Master Class. Cheryl with her beautiful paint stallion and Amanda with her palamino mare and bay andalusian were great people to work with - and out of lots of hard work in a short space of time - all of a sudden - we had a cohesive team.
Cheryl & that wonderful paint stalliohn - you can see she really hates working with him!
Add Tahlia Murray to the trick riders as our singer - and the show was a showcase of interstate and local talented horses, riders and trainers. Throw Rachael Treasure and her dogs and kids into the mix and we were guaranteed a good time.
Lisa Browne did an amazing job organizing the stands and the arena - helped out by Leighton - who was fabulous to have around. Your forget houw wonderful people can be - travelling to Tassie meant that we relied on friends to organize places for us to stay on the way down and back. Thanks to Sonia from Glen Eden stud, Trisha-Anne and David from Longford and Robbie & Sarah Allen who looked after our motley travelling crew.
February 2010
Getting closer to March - and Team Harris is on the move again. Along with the Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls, Heath is performing with his Movie Magic horses Spike & Okkie at Equus Inspriations in Tasmania on the last weekend in February. We have finally made it down here - 3 long days including the 10 hour boat trip (normally 9 hours - but we had a head wind). Our horses are terrific travellers - and I don't normally dose them up with anything - however - after 3 days I was reaching for the Nature Vet recovery paste.
This was our transport for day #2 of travel!
Teleah Jensen (left) and Alicia Bourke (right) show off our new jackets in Tassie.
Louella Mayburn with Paddy (left) and Pru Cotton (right) - great fun girls who are part of our evening live show. These pictures taken as they were entering the arena for Heath's Liberty Training Master Class on the Saturday morning. (Heath giving his Master Class below).
We are looking forward to Sunday's afternoon show - where we are performing the liberty/longreining/trick riding hour long show.
Along with the horses and people, we have brought 20 saddles from the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company's range of fender saddles, barrel racers, ropers, cutters & buckaroos. We are also letting everyone know of the launch of www.naturevetdirect.com.au - this is a great idea. Go to the web site to get more info - but basically you can earn dollars for your equestrian club if you purchase product from Nature Vet Direct.
The first 6 orders will be shipped for free, and orders over $ 50 receive a 500ml shampoo free. You have to nominate your club - and they get 15% of the sales. Can't get a better deal than that!!
Earlier in February......
Weather has been against us - Krissy & Bonnie Martin travelled down to Nowra Show on the weekend of the 11th February, only to compete in 2 classes & drive home after a huge downpour of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. At least we went home with a ribbon - with Bonnie & Dyranta R placing 3rd in the D grade.
Luckily the weather cleared for the Sunday/Monday - as Heath was directing a book cover shoot for Rachael Treasure at Ashbrookes Farm and Glenworth Valley. We were very lucky with our 'talent'. Rachael wanted a look as close to real as possible - so that is exactly what we did - using our 'real' horsewomen - Christy Connor & Cody Wilson-Peterson. It was one of those weekends when everything falls into place - Cody's boyfriend Jake turned up with a great looking kick-arse country ute - so we used both as well.
Above: Rachael Treasure holding the sight-board, Heath in deep thought - Peter Stoop weilding his magic with the camera and Cody & Jake (who didn't need to act when asked to hold his girlfriend's butt with feeling!)
Above: Rachael Treasure. She writes her books with a depth of knowledge and a passion for the rural life of Australia. For more information on Rach - go to her web site:
Wilbur & Brian Harris are getting bigger by the day............
Brian - 10 months & 45kg - Wilbur 15 months & 60kg.
January 2010
Oops – it has been ages since I updated the web site. In fact – the paperwork is creeping out the office door since I have been able to ride again – the computer has been sorely neglected.
Heath & I had a great Christmas & New Year – we stayed at home feeding the horses and the dogs and just had time out. Heath watched movies in between sitting on the tractor & lawnmower – as the grass is growing furiously. I rode my horses all through the break, as I am so happy to get back in the saddle again – I was making up for lost time.
Along with Angela Chalmers and Linda Martin, Team Harris departed on the 4th of January 1020 for the Snowy Mountains Jumping Festival run by the Dreverman Family. Tim, Sarah & their mum Sue did a fabulous job organising a great three ring show which we will be definitely on our calendar for next year.
I was still very rusty from the broken foot thing – and not riding at my best. Linda was having her first ‘away from home’ competition – and placed in 3 of her classes in the little ring. I had my Christmas present from Heath in that ring – a nice thoroughbred horse we called “Cascade” (he came from Tasmania – so had to think of a Tassie name – best I could come up with was the beer!). Poor boy had his eyeballs out on stalks – but managed to be nice and quiet to ride by the end of the 5 days of jumping. Big Pond placed 2nd in a 95cm class in the 2nd ring, and our only placing in the main arena was a 4th for Wilbur Harris, who teamed with Andrew Barnett (stable rider for Equus) and Linda Martin’s Ulone R – for the Hoof & Hound. If I can get the video onto YouTube – I’ll give everyone the link. It was hilarious.
We arrived back home on the Sunday, with the first of 2 trick riding clinics rolling in. We had kids from Tasmania to Tamworth – and had a great 2 weeks with a bunch of new enthusiastic trick riders in the making.
After the trick riding clinic – a day to change over to long reining & dressage mode. Heath has conducted a couple of long reining clinics now – and they are proving to be popular with those who want to get that little extra out of their horses, and learn some new techniques on how to go about it.
Last weekend was Morisset Show – a small local show that was run by the Central Coast Showjumping Club. It is probably the way of the future for showjumping to be conducted at agricultural shows. The showjumping took up the whole of the main arena on the Friday, with the other ring events on the Saturday and Sunday. It was a super way of doing it – the competitors were happy, the show society was happy as the ground had to be open for the setting up of all the food stalls, side shows etc – so it was a win win situation.
I had finally got a bit of ‘get up and go’ back - and Big Ponds won the 80cm open class, Dyranta who I was riding for Bonnie Martin won the 1.00 open class, and Ab Initio won the 1.10 Open class – so Team Harris had a great day.
December 2009
The silly season has hit – and the shows are winding down. After being back in the saddle again for the SJC Championships and the ISS Tempo show at SIEC, I (unlike everyone else) am really keen to keep working my horses. Ab Initio competed at both shows – jumping double clear rounds at each. As my foot is still a bit sore – and Ab Initio hadn’t jumped for 6 months – we started lower than what we were competing before the accident – but at least it is a start.
I can sympathise with anyone who has had a long time off – riding rusty is an art form that I don’t want to become good at. At least when I broke my foot it was just a young one falling over – much easier on the mind than having a bad jumping fall.
Heath & Rod Brown have finally convinced me that at 46 years of age and 1.59cm tall I am not going to grow any bigger – so both my 17.1hh D grade horse and the 16.3hh 3 year old are both for sale.
I already have an early Christmas present from Heath. A really nice 16.1hh thoroughbred from Tasmania. Half brother to a very talented buy naughty little horse that I sold to Tom McDermott, who went on to win the Australian Junior Grand Prix at the Aussie Champs in Canberra this year. Hope the brother jumps as well without all the other hassles!
Heath is always up to something new – we are starting our very first long-reining clinic on the 18th December. The idea started years ago at Wayne & Frances Roycroft’s wedding. The wedding party had breakfast at our house – and watched Heath work his liberty team. His riding horse that he uses for the liberty displays does a nice piaffe pirouette (Heath with no hands) – and the very informed crowd was very keen to learn how he achieved it!
So – onwards and upwards for 2010. Heath & I are looking forward to a year packed with Clinics, Live Shows, Showjumping Shows and producing our own Documentaries.
All the best for Christmas & the New Year,
Krissy & Heath Harris
November 2009
Once again, Heath was invited with his Nature Vet Liberty Horse Team to enterain the crowd at the Dalgety Snowy River Stockman's Challenge event. Everything about the weekend was an improvement on the year before. The weather was fabulous, and there were record entries of 63 challenge entrants. The committee had done an amazing job organizing this year - and coped well with the extra competitors.
Hawkesbury River Saddle Company sponsored the Open Challenge with a beautiful trophy Stockmaster Fender Stocksaddle, so Heath & Krissy were on hand to present to Shane Easy - the winner. Shane did a marvelous job to complete his 4 minutes in the brumby catch, as early on his brumby kicked up and broke his hand.
Congratulations also to the winner of the Ladie's Challenge - Christy Connor. We are very proud of Christy and her success in the challenges. All the results will be posted in the Hawkesbury River Saddle Co section of the web site.
Pictures below of the team & Heath. Note how slow Gus (far left) is travelling, and how he is crossing over just to stay in the centre of the cartwheel.
Heath performed 6 displays over the 3 days, each being different. Below - working Roger in piaffe - no hands.
October 2009
31st October and 1st November was the date for the inaugural NSW Newcomer's Showjumping Championships - for results and the full story, go to the Jumping & Open Day page of our web site.
15th to the 18th - National Equine & Livestock Exhibition
This has been a huge month for us – with the running of the inaugural National Equine & Livestock Exhibition at the AELEC centre in Tamworth, Heath & I have had our work cut out.
We made it up to Tamworth with 3 horse trailers, one gooseneck with 5 horses and a hire truck full of all our gear & saddles for sale.
We first of all set up the Nature Vet clinics to run in the Dome (smaller indoor). Heath and his pupils started the day at 10am with displays of liberty horse training. Thanks to Kirstin Feddersen, Carolyn Messenger, & Nel Adams for taking part in the Liberty Clinics.
At 12 noon – Heath showcased for the first time his long-reining skills – which have become so popular that we are now starting long reining master classes. Thanks have to go to Alex Schebesta and Lisa Martin who lent their good dressage horses for the demonstration. In the afternoon, Heath’s team of 5 horses hit the arena – and everyone loved them. By the end of the 4 days, Okkie (the white one in a team of blacks) – was being so funny – he was rearing, bucking and obviously enjoying the job so much, it took quite a bit for Heath to get his attention. The nicest part of the liberty team is that they are all ‘free spirited’ (hate those words – but can’t think of any others to describe them).
Heath (above) - teaching gymnastic exercises in the long reins - the precursor to piaffe & passage.
Meanwhile, I have somewhat recovered from my broken (smashed) foot. So I was at least on 2 legs, although the vets would have given me a 5 out of 10 lame! Good things come out of bad – at least I had enough time to organize the showjumping at NELE in the main arena. We had limited entries, which worked out perfectly, as being only one sport out of 7 at the show, we had to fit around the other disciplines.
Cathy Graham (above) from Queensland had a great show.
Photo by Tracey Bavington. You can view all the photos Tracey took of all of the events at NELE by going to: www.horsephotography.com.au
Thursday at NELE saw great jumping, and the first round of the Australian Extreme Women’s Trick Riding Championships.
Friday evening’s program started with Inter 1 Freestyle Dressage & Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage. I haven’t laughed so much at dressage for ages. The brief was ‘dressage for entertainment’ and the competitors certainly delivered. The icing on the cake was Heath Ryan (winner of the grand prix) with his pirates – 5 of them- with flaming torches and cutlasses all charging across the arena one way, whilst his amazing horse did the most beautiful extended trot in the other direction, with Heath being very serious with a patch on his eye and a parrot on his shoulder to the “Pirates of Penzance” music.
Next was the Australian Women’s Extreme Trick Riding Freestyle – the junior title going to Lily-Rose Adams from Bulga, and the Senior title to Angela Chalmers, aboard Roger. Roger belongs to Heath, and Angela is our working pupil – so Go Team Nature Vet!!
The trick riding championships were sponsored by Hawkesbury River Saddle Company - with 2 awesome trick riding saddles, hand carved as first place for the Senoir Champion & the Junior Champion. The place getters were generously sponsored by Easy-On Rugs. Ross did the honours of presenting the minor place-getters, whilst Heath presented the saddles.
We were very proud to have Jock Gollan and Bridie Sparkes judging for us, as well as Dakoda Coldstream, who travelled from New Zealand to judge the "Stephanie Coldstream Encouragement Award"
Above left: Lily Rose Adams - Junior Women's Extreme Trick Riding Champion 2009
Above Right: Angela Chalmers - Senior Women's Extreme Trick Riding Champion 2009
Above left: Alicia Bourke - winner of the Stephanie Coldstream Encouragement Award. Right: - Hollie Shiels from Queensland
Above left: Nel Adams - competing in the seniors Above Right: Mikayla Barber in the juniors - both from Queensland
Christy Connor - above - from Taralga NSW competing in the senior division.
Teleah Jensen - NSW (left) and Seann Pitman - QLD (right) both competing in the junior section
above left - Katie Adamek from Western Australia competing in the junior section. Above right - Jacinta Maurer - WA in front and Teleah Jensen NSW - behind. The trick that they are performing was developed by Stephanie Coldstream. It is called the "Kiwi Star".
All the trick riding photos were taken by Bruce Hunt.
SHOWJUMPING:
Winners of the Showjumping were:
Australian Newcomer's Showjumping Champion 2009 -
Sarah Dreverman & Mozaic
NELE Grand Prix Winner -
Jenny Shepard & Licara
It was a first for quite a few things at NELE - Greg Backhouse for building indoors at NELE, Krissy for running it, Sarah Dreverman and Jenny Sheppard - our big class winners were first time competitors at NELE - and a new outdoor arena on the entrance side of the main arena. This arena had great ambience, as you could stand on the concourse and watch both arenas at once, and the bank above was well populated by spectators. It's proximity to the practice arena and the stabling made the competitors life easy - although winning anywhere isn't - especially with the caliber of riders we had. Olympians Rod Brown, David Cooper, Vicki Roycroft were competing against the Australian Representatives - Andrew Inglis and David Robertson. Cathy Graham came down from Queensland, as did Tom Sedger - so it was classy fields in all events.
The Saturday night was awesome. First we had 5 competitors in the fancy dress bareback competition. Vicki Roycroft & Jenny Sheppard did a comedy act before Jenny rode around her course. Jenny's ride was fairly hair-raising with her hanging out the side door a couple of times to the gasps from the crowd (Jen placed 4th). James Hetherington did an awesome job painting his grey horse as a zebra - getting dressed as a jockey and entering the the arena as "Racing Stripes" James did a valiant job, jumping up to the 1.40m fence, but having a few down to place 3rd. 2nd place was taken out by Bonnie Martin riding Top Lady R - Top Lady is a D grader - and Bonnie (who dressed up as the wicked witch - complete with broom) - pointed at the 1.40m fence - and cleared it. I asked her later "Why did you do that???" - her reply "I couldn't stop - and to turn that sharply to miss it would have meant falling off - so I pointed straight and hung on!" Good on Bonnie. She was brave - but not as brave as Jack Maunder. Dressed in little Batman tights - with face paint and yelling fit to bust - he burst into the arena with the Bat Man music blaring - a crowd pleasing winner for the costumes - and also the winner of the class.
We will definitely do the bareback next year - what a hoot!!
The Grand Prix was a very good class - with great jumping. The 2nd round was fast and very competitive, with Jenny Sheppard being the winner of the NELE Grand Prix for 2009.
Pictures can be obtained from Tracey Bavington
The most fun of the night - even better than the bareback was the "Pull Down Challenge" - between Central Coast Jump Club and North North-West Showjumping Club. There was $ 1,000 up for grabs, as well as the most amazing arena rake donated by David Oberhofer from Greystone Pty. Limited
David was manning his stall - with the vacuums and arena rakes, where he could view the arena action. He was appalled at the bit of steel on a few chains that AELEC was using to drag the arena. It took ages, and couldn't get the sand away from the wall. Being a man of action - he instantly donated an arena rake to AELEC, and also put one up for the Pull Down Challenge.
The Greystone arena rake was whisked away by Jack (arena curator) - and used before the Grand Prix. The riders were canvassed after the Grand Prix, and agreed that the surface, even with only 1 drive-around was better after the Greystone rake was used.
So - back to the Pull Down Challenge - no wonder they went like mad - with a Greystone Arena Rake also donated to the winning club.
11 minutes to pull down a full grand prix jumping course put it (or chuck it as they did) on the trailers including pot plants, numbers, fill, rails cups and wings. Both teams went at it with huge enthusiasm. The fun part for the audience was when "The boy does nothing" started playing over the PA - they had to drop whatever they were holding - stand still and dance!! (John Maunder was hilarious doing a jig on the trailer). Both clubs ended up splitting the prize money $500 to each club - as the NNWSJC won - however, on count back - didn't stop to dance!!
NNWSJC also won the Greystone Arena Rake - so congratulations to the local club. Thanks to all those locals who helped me get organized, especially Jane Kibble (kibble.com as she is affectionately known for her awesome admin abilities), Greg Backhouse, Cheryl Backhouse (for being so easy to work with), Greg Bartlett, who built for the hunter jumpers, and assisted us in the main arena. The Maunder family, the Hetheringtons and my friends who flew in especially to help. Lynn Start (from Arrat Vic) - Carole Mason (from Goulburn NSW) - Rozzie Bourke - (Port Macquarie NSW), Ali Wrighton (Scone NSW), Jenny Carraro (Kulnura NSW).
I am very grateful and also humbled by all of those who helped me get my vision off the ground to create a beautiful jumping show in conjunction with NELE.
I do enjoy running shows - and trying to make them user friendly for the competitors - it couldn't work without heaps of cheerful help.
Cheers, Respect & Thanks to the following people: The organizing crew - Mike Rowland, Donna Ausling, Gail Ritchie, Wayne Biffin, Suzy Jarratt. Our Crew: Steve Gladstone, Dakoda Coldstream, Nicole Chapman, Greg Peters, Julie & Brett Jensen, Cynthia & Rozzie Bourke, Linda & Bonnie Martin, Nan & Bill Shugg - and my sister & brother Cathy & Michael - for not getting annoyed when Dad spends their inheritance on sponsoring showjumping!
Sunday was focused on the Nature Vet Dome – with Heath & his pupils giving great displays through out the day – finishing at 2pm. Straight after that – in the main arena there was Australia’s first display of “horse ball” which is a totally mad sport. It is an FEI sport in Europe – it has a soccer ball with 8 handles on it that you can grab – 4 people on each team, 2 big air sock like nets at each end and not many rules. It takes quite a bit to get low enough on the horse to grab the ball. Before the match proper, our trick riding girls had a turn – they were hooked! (easy for them to get half out of the saddle).
Monday was a drive home, the rest of the week just catching up on home stuff, and getting ready for the NSW Newcomer’s Showjumping Show at Mt White on the 31st October/1st of November.
All the results and some pictures from the NSW Newcomer's Show are in the "Jumping & Open Day" section under Ashbrookes Farm
September 2009
Glenworth Valley organizes a trail ride to Ashbrookes Farm once a year. They have a great day - with approx 35 riders leaving Glenworth at 8.30 and arriving with us around 11.30am - so a 3 hour ride up the valley - then some lunch and a Liberty & Trick Riding display - then back home to Glenworth.
Pics below of the guys leaving.
NOW BACK TO MORE MUNDANE MATTERS......
it was back to hospital on Monday the 7th for Krissy - 12 screws, 3 plates and a wire out of the right foot (back on crutches which is not funny). So hopefully another 6 weeks for the holes to heal and I can be back on a horse.
August 2009
Heath has just finished a Liberty Horse Training Master Class. Some of the pupils made a real effort to get to Mt White, with Pru Cotton and Sally McCoull driving with their horses all the way from Runnymede in Tasmania, Nina Guelfi from Western Australia - and Eva Maria Bernoth and Bronwen Pratt from Yass/Canberra region. We had great weather - which was lucky for the Tassie girls, as they had 9 inches of rain in that week down there.
Rachael & John Treasure came to visit for a couple of days (Rachael is the author of some great books 'The Stockman', 'Jillaroo' etc). Rachael & John have bought a nice buckskin mare that spent a couple of weeks at Mount White before it's journey to Rach & John's farm in Tasmania - there are photos of their trip on Rachael's web site: www.rachaeltreasure.com
A quick call from Angeli at Limitless Locations and Ashbrookes Farm House was the location for a Woman's Day fashion shoot.
Getting ready - makeup, hair and the lighting to be sorted.The crew from ACP were fantastic.
Shooting - the photographer is behind the post. Such ease with the digital camera - it is hooked to the computer (you can see it in the background of the shot) It uploads everything so changes can be made instantly.
Awesome result - it's not very often that our verandah looks this good!! The article should be out in Woman's Day on the week of the 16th August.
Lots of schooling horses at home in the first couple of weeks - we had a very funny weekend the 1st weekend in August - we had a harness pony for re-training, a Grand Prix dressage horse, a very naughty but expensive thoroughbred 3 year old colt to handle before his barrier trial, then our usual jumping, trick riding and liberty horses to work - what fun!!
Heath teaching Roger the piaffe in the long reins.
July 2009
The jumping horses have been working well without Krissy - with Heath doing the flat work, and Bonnie doing a great job riding them. Here are a couple of photos from last weekend's CCSJC.
OOps - not only does Krissy have a broken foot, but Wilbur has a broken leg (courtesy of a horse kick - not one of ours).
4th and 5th of July saw Heath & the Girls Girls Girls travel to Tamworth for a live performance at AELEC with the Double Dan Show.
Heath riding Roger and Spike rearing (above) started his Liberty act off, which finished with the whole team (Below).
We also had an addition to the family - thanks to Greg McDermott & Carole Mason who organized the adoption of Brian Harris. Brian is very cute, which is lucky, as he has already started an excavation business in Krissy's garden. If he keeps digging at this rate, he will be able to apply for a job with BHP as a miner.
June 2009
Krissy was off to a rough start in June, with a young horse falling on her foot breaking 7 bones. With one opeation, 12 screws, 3 plates, 3 wires and a plastic bone graft later - the plaster won't come off until August. Bonnie's horses have gone up the road to Rod & Cathy Brown's - so at least they are still competing.
Heath has been training his team at home, as well as conducting a Liberty Training Master Class. Lots was learnt and fun was had by all with a warm welcome to Bernadette, and welcome back to Kirstin, Sian and Maria.
May 2009
The showjumping horses are doing well. Dyranta R - owned by Linda Martin won a D Grade at Hawkesbury Show with Krissy in the saddle , Bonnie Martin riding Karryme won the next blue ribbon for our truck winning the D Grade at Dubbo Show, with Ab Initio & Krissy 2nd in the C Grade Championships, whilst Gunnedah saw a few minor placings for Ab Initio & Dyranta R & Karryme.
She has done it again!! Christy Connor wins the Ladies Section of the King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge at Murrurundi. Congratulations to Christy & also her dad Steve, who placed in the top 10.
April 2009
Just Reining Show - What a Blast!!! We had a trick riding clinic leading up to this show - and it was just one of those things that we had so many girls - 10 trick riding girls performed in the Just Reining Show. We think that it is the largest gathering of trick riders in Australia yet!!
We had some awesome pictures of the rehearsal and the training taken by Peter Stoop. Peter is a genius behind the lens - and his equally talented wife Kirsten has done an amazing job putting those photos on a youtube clip.
At home training & Filming
Click on the link below to go to YouTube if the clip above doesn't play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAkddz_hKXo
In the mean time - here are some of Peter Stoop's photos.
Click on an image for a larger view.
The Just Reining Dash for Cash
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Even though the girls are only warming up - the light that Peter has captured on the white horse makes for a fabulous pic!
Dallas on her morgan mare & Lily Rose on Ranelle Adam's horse (nice to have sisters that lend good horses!!)
Seann has the most wonderful smile - and you can tell that Ashley hates performing as well!
Caro Messenger spins Slick - and Lily-Rose goes flying! - Katie is also flying in the layover the neck on Zac
Awesome - Jacinta & Christy with the double Kiwi Star aboard Cleo
Teleah & Zac in the stroud layout - and Jacinta dragging her hands in the dirt in the Suicide Drag
Sally-Ann on the left with the Spritz, and Christy on the right with Reilly performing the Blindfold
Phew - that was a hell of a show. Thanks to Carolyn & Greg from Just Reining - who gave us the opportunity to perform.
If you like our pictures and the youtube clip - then email or Stoop and see what they can do for you
DAN & DAN................
Dan James and Dan Steers have moved from Western Australia to NSW to expand their careers in live show entertainment & their clinics. Dan & Dan with Pia & Krysten are staying at Ashbrookes Farm whilst they get settled. The first outing for the newly named "Double Dan Show" - was at the RAS in the Schmidt Arena. The boys had great fun taking the piss out of the OH & S - wearing their fluro vests and hard hats.
Click on an image for a larger view
DAN & DAN ARE HOLDING A CLINIC AT GLENWORTH VALLEY ON THE 6TH & 7TH OF JUNE 2009 - YOU CAN FOR MORE INFO.
Congratulations to Christy Connor - who has just returned from the Corryong Man From Snowy River Stockmans' Challenge.
Christy placed 1st in the Ladie's Top Score - and looked fabulous doing it too!
March 2009
On March the 10th - we had our first forray into the corprate world, hosting the 'Discovery in the Bush' workshop with Michele & Rory Nash. All the information on these great courses are outlined on their web site: www.successmasters.com.au
Pictures and links to follow soon.
March also saw Krissy and pupil Bonnie Martin off to Tamworth for the Indoor Showjumping Championships and then to Camden Show.
Tamworth was absolutely fabulous! The venue is wonderful - stables, indoor, parking - nothing could be better. We had a great time - with Bonnie placing 5th in the D Grade Championship on Karry Me, Dyranta placing 5th in the 1m class (a very nice import owned by Brian & Linda Martin).
The next weekend was Camden Show - where Krissy & Ab Initio won the D Grade to upgrade to C Grade.
February 2009
The opening ceremony for the Tamworth Indoor - The show was directed by Heath & written by Suzy Jarratt. There is heaps of stuff about this wonderful event all over the internet - and here are a few pictures - credit to Kieron Power Action Photos & Colin Baldwin.
January 2009
January is really meant for holidaying - but no so in a horsey household. Still with horses to feed & water, grass growing at a rate that requires mowing every 4 days, and horses to sell. We are proud to have sold on 3 of our nice young horses to great homes. Van Dieman - grey thoroughbred gelding was purchased by Tom McDermott - and couldn't have a better competition home. He is already successful in D Grades. Warlock, a quarter horse x percheron has found a home for life with Rozeanne Hartley - he will be ridden by both Rozeanne & her son Adian. Lastly - Glenroy has moved to the Southern Highlands with Kerrie Wilson - who has purchased him with the aim of turning him into one of Australia's top vaulting horses. We wish Kerrie and her girls luck with Roy - and would love to see them at the World Championships in Kentucky.
December 2008
Getting close to Christmas, we have been winding down for the year. The Sydney Jump Club Championships with the young horses was the first weekend, with Warlock placing 6th in the baby ring, and then the ISS Tempo show at SIEC, where Ab Initio placed 5th in the 1.15m two phase.
Heath held a Liberty Horse Training Master Class - the last one for the year. We were glad to welcome back Narda Grover, who had driven her 3 horses from Glenormiston Station near Mount Isa. Leesa Bickers also from Queensland and Sian Williams were also keen participants.
November 2008
A busy month, with Spike working on the reality TV show "Make Me a Super Model" for Channel 10. Spike did a wonderful job, and, as we were in the middle of a Liberty Training Master Class, we took along Linda Adams, Jacinta Maurer & Christy Connor to get a first hand look at how it is done on set.
Click on an image for a larger view.
Spike had the best time - with Jennifer Hawkins (above left) - showing off in rehearsal with Heath (above) and on set with his model - and the stills photorapher. (below).
Then it was off to Dalgety for the Snowy River Challenge. Heath was peforming with his liberty team of Spike, Gus, Okkie & Grub. Heath's show was in 'infotainment format - and to demonstrate some of the techniques and stages of liberty training, he was assisted by some of his star pupils - Caro Messenger with her 2 quarter horses, Mel Sporry - who has trained 2 black thoroughbreds, and Steve Cox with his 2 matching bay stock horses. Caro, Mel and Steve are all performing their own live shows - so we were grateful for their help.
All the horses were fabulous, as was Christy Connor - who placed 3rd in the Ladie's Challenge.
Dan James had arrived early in November for a couple of weeks training with Heath to help polish his act for Equitana. Dan was fabulous at Equitana, winning the "Way of the Horse" competition hands down.
Good on you Dan!!!
October 2008
The NSW Showjumping Championships were held at Nowra early in the month. Unfortunately, due to very heavy rain they were washed out. Paula Hamood had come all the way from Queensland to go to the NSW titles & the Australian titles, so was very disappointed in the wash out, and both Krissy & Paula high-tailed it back to Mt White where the horses didn't have to stand in 6" of water. Hopefully the organizers can find a more suitable venue next year, as the show has outgrown it's present locaiton.
So onwards and upwards - next was a trick riding clinic, followed by a display from the Girls Girls Girls at Geelong Royal. Jacinta Maurer was supposed to be riding, however, had wrecked the cartilige in her knee at Perth Royal, so was on the side lines. Our team consisted of Stephanie Coldstream from New Zealand - it was her first show back after recovering from breast cancer, so we were really glad to have her head our team riding Cleo. Seanne Pitman from Queensland rode Grub, Christy Connor in her very first trick riding show rode Levi, and the very experienced 11 year old Teleah Jensen rode Zac. It was also great to have Alana O'Shea back in the saddle, singing and comparing for the GGG.
Click on an image for a larger view.
The girls and trick ponies were wonderful - the show was great fun (except for the dust) - the jumping horses, Ab Initio and Glenroy placed in 6 out of 8 classes - so a successful show was had by all.
September 2008
The most interesting week in September was our stills shoot at Strawberry Hill Stud for the Magic Millions promotion. ACP Magazines, (Harper's Bazzar & Gourmet Traveller) - went all out to create the most magnificent shots. The two equine stars - Spike & Roger, were decked out in Swarovski crystals - about twenty thousand dollars worth. It looked that and more.
Click on an image for a larger view.
August 2008
A slow month for shows, Krissy had a change of tempo, and competed at the Somersby Dressage show with Warlock (his first ever test) and Glenroy. Glenroy placed 4th in both his official tests, with a 66.8% in the Novice 2.3. Warlock was well behaved for his first dressage outing, although he did shy at the stones hitting the metal sides on the dressage arena.
Heath was busy all month with very small ponies - breaking two into harness, as well as working on some lovely welshies for Kanoie Hunt.
June 2008
Katie Gibson (our working pupil) and Zac had a great fun day at the Alberty Pub in North Sydney for Canada Day.
Gabs Arnold came down for lunch to keep us company (well - Gabs & Krissy had lunch whilst Katie rode). The Albert Pub really went all out - with husky dogs and a fabulous ice bear that was carved on site - right outside the pub.
Click on an image for a larger view.
Our other adventure in June was down to the ABC studios witih Zac. Heath & Krissy have been working with Peter Zilmer from SafeRider stirrups. Pete was showcasing his stirrup invention on "The New Iventors" on the ABC.
Heath, Zac & Katie Gibson (who was our stunt girl on the day) rode up in the lift to the 2nd floor for the filming of the show. Lucky that Zac is a quiet boy - as the lift got stuck on the way down, and there were there for 10 minutes or so. Congratulations to Peter & Nicole, who won their segment, and are now into the finals.
May 2008
Congratulations go to our working pupil, Christie Connor, for winning the Lady's section of King of the Ranges - the stockman's challenge at Murrurundi. We are very proud of our 'all round horsewoman'. It is a very family thing for the Connors -with Dad Steve placing 6th overall, and brother Matthew 2nd in the Junior. Chrisite was ranked 11th overall - an excellent effort.
April 2008
Qatar Commercial at Stockton Sand-Dunes
The end of April - and back to one of our favourite haunts - Stockton Sand Dunes - for a black horse galloping commercial for Qatar - our rider - a consummate professional was Sam Lyle. He looked fabulous in his Qatar Arab costume, and Grub, Ajib and Spike all played a part. No pictures yet. (I'm sure Sam is relieved) . Produced by Spinafex Interactive, the crew was really pushing for time in between the rain showers - and managed to get every shot in the can.
Live Show at The Entertainment Quarter
The Girls Girls Girls and Heath's Liberty Team have been down to Moore Park, and have been on show at the Entertainment Quarter - the old Sydney Showground. We were scheduled for 2 shows - but could only complete half a day as we were rained out. We do hope to be back there again - it is a great venue.
March 2008
Magic Millions - the Fashion Show and Sale Opening
After 2 successful stills shoots for Harper's Bazaar, Spike - was invited to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Yearling Sales. Spike opened the Fashion Show - and closed it with some great rears - he also featured on stage before the actual sale took place.
February 2008
Documentary for Australia Post
Shot in February 2008 at the beautiful Glenworth Valley Location, Heath & Krissy, along with Zac, Levi, Cleo and Reilly spent 2 days filming a period re-enactment of the first mail delivery from Melbourne to Sydney. We needed to find 2 blokes that could ride, and also look the part - so we enlisted the help of James Mooney (showjumping equestrian), and Steve Rickards (showjumper & eventer).
Produced by Hammerclavier Productions - here are some pictures of our showjumping mates masquerading as bush-rangers & mailmen.