Mary L Longden's Blog

South Island New Zealand - part 1

2011-02-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

2 weeks in New Zealand with mostly lovely weather and working with enthusiastic and talented Para-equestrian riders was nearly a holiday! I so enjoy working in a team setting. Riding is an individual sport but for those with disabilities it involves a 'team' situation.

Coaching started off in Christchurch in a howling wind. The horses all behaved well but it is always an anxiety when the environment cannot be controlled and one is coaching riders whose balance is compromised due to injury.

After a two day clinic we moved to McLeans Island which is on the outskirts of Christchurch. This competition facility hosts 3 Day Events, Dressage and Show jumping competitions. A lovely facility.

It was the Para-equestrian Nationals run in conjunction with an AB (able-bodied) dressage competition.
The Grade 4 rider Jenny Afflick (who lives in the most southerly house in New Zealand) also rode in the Prix St. George and the Inter 1 Freestyle. She was second in both.

There are still signs of the earthquake in Christchurch.

There have been more than 4,000 after shocks so the area is still quite unstable. Friends of mine who live near one end of the major quake still do not know if they can repair their house or it has to be demolished and permission refused to rebuild on the land. It has been 'yellow stickered'.

Then my physio friend Vicky Melville, who I often work with in Japan, drove me across the South Island through Arthur's Pass. As predicted the weather turned from hot to rain. Still a glorious mixture of stark and beautiful.

This wood sculptor in Greymouth was recovering from a stroke. He told us that he was creating this as therapy. It is opposite a school and he has made books as well as this quill.

We stayed with friends on a cliff top on the west coast. This was the view from my bedroom.

Published 16 Feb at 9.07 a.m.

Along the Glenelg Highway

2011-01-31T06:45:00.000-08:00

Leaving home and freshly mown lawns is always hard but the Western districts of Victoria were particularly beautiful. My friends who live near Cavendish have a large garden at their 'Wakefield Park' farm. It is open to the public so has to be kept 'up to the mark' all the time. There is always some new project under way. They have standards to which I can only aspire!

A lovely feature of the garden is the grandchildrens' trees. Each one has a different variety and they
are all very interested in watching them grow and develop into lovely specimens.

The very old eucalypts add a backdrop to the garden.

Walking around their garden at dusk after a long drive was both envirogating and inspiring. People only learn what is relevnt at the time and is of interest to them. I absolutely wanted to know the names and growing behaviours of endless roses and shrubs. Good teachers do not thwart learning. A glass of wine probably gave her patience. How lovely to drive away early the following morning enthused and relaxed.

I had seriously considered flying to Mt. Gambier, as particularly the drive home after teaching is a long haul. As I dislike flying avoiding two flights was a good option and catching up with old friends should never be postponed.

The filtered light reminded me of the stream garden at the Getty Centre in L.A.

This 'feature' was created ten years ago to celebrate 30 year of marriage.

Simple yet charming.

The Glenelg highway from Ballarat to South Australia via Hamilton is full of interest and stunning views. Gradually the Grampians come into view after an hour and a half's drive from Ballarat.

Casterton and Coleraine both nestle in valleys. It was nice to see the dams full of water without serious flooding and the ground had tinges of green. Normally, at this time of year, the grass has burnt off to a brown colour under the unrelenting sun.

From stud sheep farmers in Cavendish to Mt. Gambier where friends have a developing flock of Dorpers (disapproved of by many sheep farmers). These are sheep that originated in South Africa and were first brought to Australia in 1996. They shed their wool so do not have to be sheared or treated for fly strike. They originated from Dorset Horn rams bred over Backheaded Persian ewes. The white Dorpers were out of white Van Roy sheep.

Each to his own!

King Island visitor

2011-01-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

These breeding pigs are unaware of their idyllic lives. They live on yoghurt (their favourite is the chocolate flavour) and live in an acre of scrub land.

The fishermen, on the other hand, have very busy lives. These men are going out to their boat on a Friday evening with work still to be done.

Photographs do not express the senses of smell and touch. We were extremely lucky for the five days I was on the island. The weather was warm and a little humid and the winds were mild. I have taught in the past where I have had to shelter behind a horse float to teach. The harbours were like mill ponds. No hideously enormous waves but still the intoxicating salty sea smells.

The boathouse, between the fishing boat and the lighthouse, was burnt down a couple of years ago. It has now been rebuilt (with wheelchair access) and is 'the restaurant without food'. Anyone can use the boathouse which is quite charming. Nothing nicer than an early morning cup of tea looking out on the returning fishermen or a 'bring your own' barbeque at night.

King Island is full of ship wrecks. Still the most serious loss in Australian waters was the wreck of the Cataraqui in 1845 where over 400 lives were lost and only 9 people survived. An accident that did not need to happen. The captain wanted to anchor for the night in a bad storm. His crew were anxious to finish the long journey from England and called him a coward. So he sailed on- to destruction on a desolate and dangerous shore.

The ship took a long time to disintegrate and brave passengers and crew tried to hang on to parts of the ship but ended up drowning as the parts submerged.

Such an unusual sight to see this domestic goose with a 'wild thing' black baby. (to her left)

Arthur is a very well known personality on the island. At 14 he is hail and hearty on his diet of kangaroo and herbs.

King Island is wonderful to visit. When driving around everone gives a 'hello' salute with the right index finger (if the car is tricky to steer) or all the right hand fingers if not! People who do not 'salute' are either snobs or tourists. I love the richness of the simple and down to earth life mixed with internationally recognised crays, beef, kelp, cheese, cream and, of course, yoghurt. Teaching riders and horses with talent is an added bonus.

The Watchers

2011-01-04T03:44:00.000-08:00

Animals in my life!

2010-12-26T04:16:00.000-08:00

It was really lovely to have a local farmers herefords eating down my paddocks. Years ago I worked in Ontario, Canada with horses and polled herefords. I helped show the cattle. My job was to wash and blow dry their bodies and then titivate the bottom of their tails into the latest showing fashion. At the time they had to be in big white pompoms which entailed lots of back-combing. Showing was great fun and I used to lead a quiet bull (they were much easier to lead than the heifers) in the progeny classes. Whoever won the male and female Championships used to supply fried chicken and beer to all the hereford breeders.

At first Thomas was very diligent about his lifeguard job on Christmas day but then he became bored.

These alpacas were very interested in the Boxing Day party.

Lady Louise feeding the peacocks.

This young peahen is rearing 5 babies.

The two visible babies' camouflage is so good that they are hard to see. This was taken last week and I now hear that they can all fly and roost at night in the trees away from the foxes.

Published 11.15 p.m. 26 December

Neerim Show

2010-12-10T23:16:00.000-08:00

It's only on arrival home that one realises how windy is was at the Neerim show. How quiet it is inside. It did not rain but at times it was cold. Sadly for the orginisers the entries were down but those that went enjoyed the excellent footing for their horses. Instead of the whole January agricultural show being on one day in a fairly restricted area they ran the show horse sections a month earlier than usual.

Showing should be all about having fun as well as competing well. It surprises me that so many riders confuse speed with impulsion. There were a lot of horses, galloways and ponies with nice movement that were running along rather than moving with elegance. As for the quality of the walks - most of them were abysmal! Part of showing is the 'bling', part is conformation and a huge part is the horse's way of going.This includes the quality of the paces.

Fancy Dress winner - Puss in Boots.

This lady was certainy having fun with her beautiful pony.

I was very fortunate to have a 'showy' pupil stewarding for me. She knows all the rules and the judges' etiquettes. I have not judged at shows for some time but little has changed. There is a little too much horse make-up being used. It tends to look ridiculous. Since when have white horses had black knees and hocks? It's a funny thing to draw attention to horse's knees. It actually makes their legs look short and the movement optically changes. Hopefully these 'showies' will video 'the look' and see for themselves.

These two children were having a wnderful time with their father.

Saturday 6.20 p.m.

Lady Louise's geese are growing up

2010-12-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

The three babies, including one with a grey head, are still kept in the middle of the gaggle, but they have survived.

Gardening seems to be endless weeding. However, it is very satisfying to see a weed-free flowerbed.
Clearing up piles of weeds is not my favourite job.

There has been so much rain that the weeds and lawn need constant attention - very therapeutic!

I do not spend many Christmases in Australia so I am looking forward to this year in Jindivick.

Making a wreath is not quite so easy as it looks. On a dressage scale of marks my attempt is worth a 6 - rather mediocre but adequate. If the holly wilts I can easily replace it as my garden has a lovely big holly tree with green berries.

Last Sunday I judged at the friendly dressage competition at Warragul Equestrian Centre. A good
opportunity for novice riders and young horses.

Tomorrow I judge hacks, galloways, ponies and riding classes at Neerim show. One of my pupils
is going to steward for me as she cannot ride in my ring. At least she will keep me on track as there seem to be an aweful lot of classes to be judged!

Good grass growing weather

2010-11-26T03:39:00.000-08:00

A broken fan belt - not a snake. This necessitated finishing the mowing by pushing an old hand mower. Good for fitness. The grass was mowed on Monday and has grown about 3 cms in 5 days. Why do machines break down on Friday evenings?

Of course there was time to appreciate the garden. What a therapy to the senses - sight, sound, the feel of the weather.

Posted 10.42 p.m. Friday

The Longden Grip at Equitana

2010-11-22T04:22:00.000-08:00

Shane Rose assisted during my presentations at Equitana. Rather fun and it gave me a breather while he talked. Of course I had to pay attention and make sure he stayed on track! He vaulted on to Anne Skinner's 18.1 hand horse to demonstrate the Longden Grip at the end of the sessions. Cossack was not very impressed - everyone else was!

Anne and Charlotte Sweeney, on her young and beautifully behaved chestnut thoroughbred mare Lady Marmalade, were my demonstrators in the Education sessions. The arena was only 20m square and the going was deep sand so it was a bit of a struggle for them but they managed well. As both riders were demonstrating the Grip it was very unstressful for me. The Grip is there in case it is needed. To get to the John Deere demonstration area the horses had to go through the crowds and then not be scared by the roller doors being shut behind them or the constant noise and movement of people.

It makes such a difference to a presentation to have riders who can do exactly what you ask them - whether it is riding correctly or showing errors.

The Longden Grip was launched at Equitana and, I am pleased to say, it has been very well received.

After more than 4 years it is now available.

Shane told us he uses it on the thoroughbreds he breaks in that he would 'rather not ride'. It was interesting the number of 'breakers' who thought the Grip would make their lives a lot easier.

Lollies were a necessity to keep going during the long days.

Lots of interesting people visited our stand including Sonja Johnson who was in the silver medal team in the Beijing Olympics with Shane.

Chris Curran with Shane and Sonja.

Now I am home and for more than just a few days - what luxury!

National Stewards Course- Melbourne Showgrounds

2010-11-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Melbourne to give a presentation on stewarding for Para Equestrian competition. As these competitions are becoming a normal part of dressage competitions the stewards need to understand the special aspects of our competition.

Since Riding for the Disabled had its office at the showgrouds there have been major changes. All the old Royal Agricultural Society Victoria offices have gone. They have been replaced with a shopping centre! I have not been to the show for many years so had not realised how it had changed.

The magnificent new RASV building is set off with this huge sculpture by Sir J.E. Boehm, Bart.
(1834-1890). It was a gift from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1941.

Between stormy weather in Jindivick and Launching Place

2010-11-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

I always know I am home when I pass these wombat signs.

Driving through Gembrook.

Wilbur - living art.

Lady Louise, of Camberwell and Jindivick, seems to be collecting peacocks and geese. There is only one female goose who produced 4 eggs. One egg was turfed out of the nest so it is presumed it was faulty. The three offspring are shepherded by the mother, father and uncles. There will be no court cases regarding paternity, as geese do not understand the significnce of DNA testing. Just a large and happy family.

Charlotte Sweeney was preparing for my presentations at Equitana. We put the Longden Grip on her saddle so that she could become used to it. We did not anticipate needing to use it until a pony joined us in the arena. Her young horse Cumquat was not at all sure about this intrusion. Charlotte was quite unperturbed as she knew she could grab the grip if necessary.

Nicola's horse Charlotte, who stars in the DVDs "Riding Towards Excellence' is introduced to the new arrival.

They are closely watched by three yearlings.

NARHA Conference and home to Jindivick

2010-11-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

NARHA, Denver Conference. The guest speaker at the Friday luncheon was Burton 'Bubba' Gillian, the actor, boxing referee and retired firefighter and boxer (he won 201 out of 217 fights when enlisted with the Coast Guards boxing team). At 72 he said he now plans in years instead of in decades! He was a most entertaining speaker. He never trained as an actor but applied for a 'walk on' role when a film was being shot in Dallas where he was a firefighter. He went on from there but has never stopped being involved in the boxing world. His first famous acting rle was in Blazing Saddles. He supports charities, such as NARHA, by giving his time as a speaker.

I talked with him outside the hotel where we were both waiting for transport to the airport. A very down to earth and nice person to meet.

Ayako Tanaka is now a student in San Fransciso so she was not able to interpret last week in Japan. She came to the conference and we were able to catch up. Interpretting the medical therapeutic riding terminology is not easy and she had become very good at it. On average 4 English words translate into more than 8 Japanese words so it is very tiring for an interpretter. Two people took over her job this time and both of them were exhausted by the concentration and the intensity.

My Presentation was well received so the long journey was worth the effort. It was lucky that I was flying with Air New Zealand. I usually fly Qantas but if I had I would still be stuck in L.A. waiting for their planes to be reintroduced to the air!

So home to Jindivick. I always mow when I return home from a journey. A nice way of reestablishing my roots in a fairly mindless manner. Too mindless! I had not realised how wet it has been while I have been away. The ride-on mower just slipped down, as can be seen by the muddy tire, into the edge of the pond. I thought of leaving it there but it was gradually sinking into the mud.

There was lots of time to appreciate the water lilies.

The dogs were not much help as they were busy looking for rabbits.

NARHA Conference in Denver

2010-11-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Arriving early for the conference allowed me to visit the King Tut exhibition at the Denver Art Museum. This was my treat after taking my presentation DVD to be transformed to North American version. It is always a nightmare trying to use Australian computer technology in North America and Japan. Memory sticks do not transfer to other systems so do not open in local computers.

No photos were allowed to be taken in the wonderfully presented special exhibition. Tutenkhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharoahs. Such fine craftsmanship from so long ago, when the tools would have been extremely primitive, was fascinating to see.

Other exhibits were able to be photographed providing they were owned by the gallery and not on loan.

View from a gallery window.

Steve Kestrel's 'The Memory of Granite (2005)

Of course there was quite a lot of 'native' art. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1862-1950) was a prolific sculptor.

On the War Trail

The Buckaroo

Indian Warrior

Pioneer Mother

This stunning bronze showed the hardships of the early pioneers. The photo does not do justice to the work of art.

Such a nice museum for children.

Catching up with like minded people at the conference has been fun. Tomorrow morning I present my Paper on competition for all riders with disabilities (not Para Equestrian standard). I will be showing video footage from Australian and Japanese competitions for these riders.

Then its the long trip back to Jindivick. Looking forward to seeing the 'Longden Grip' which has now been manufactured during my absence.

Animals in Japan

2010-11-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tinky supervising the training of the therapy miniature ponies.

Chris, the imported kelpie, never stops running around the arena which is a bit of a problem On the other hand she is a wonderful therapy dog as she never tires of playing ball with the clients.

This was a stray dog that turned up at the stables. Happy but still shy.

Chiro is a most reliable therapy horse who has been in the program at Hello Hippo for five years. He does therapy sessions, vaulting and independent riding. It makes it so easy when the horses are well trained and willing to work. Here occupational therapists are having a feel of the three dimensional movement of the horse which is similar to a person walking.

John, who is a successful dressage horse, was interesting to train for the competition. He had no previous experience in this field. On the first day he found the noise and movement too much to comprehend and he kept looking away from the action. In time he became interested in the proceedings and on the second, and final day of training, he was quite confident. His behaviour at the competition was perfect. It does not take long to train horses to a new environment provided you only progress at the horse's rate of learning. He was very popular for photographs.

This fox-like dog is typical of the local Japanese dogs. Others are chunkier and have fluffy tails.

This paraplegic dog is perfectly happpy. I met him near Osaka last year.

Japan morning walks

2010-11-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Morning walks in Annaka, Gunma, a couple of hours drive outside Tokyo, were a lovely way to start the day before we trained therapists and coaches and worked with riders with disabilities. The views of the mountains and the old houses were worth the effort of the hills.

80% of buildings in Tokyo were destroyed in the Second World War (1939-1945) so the city has more post-war buildings than old ones.

All the streets looked the same where we stayed in Tokyo. Its amazing how people manage to park their cars in tiny areas.

I travelled with a New Zealander, Vicky Melville, who is a physiotherapist. She works with both therapeutic riding and Para Equestrian as well as having a Palates Physiotherapy practice in Nelson. We had a rather wet day off when we went on a bus trip and visited the Emperor's garden.

At the Meiji Jingu Shrine there was a wedding. It was a shame that it was pouring with rain.

The wedding party was all wearing raditional black and white.

At the Asakusa Kannon Temple peole seemed to be more interested in the Nakamise shopping arcade.
There were preparations for a festival and the chrysanthemums were just about in full bloom.

In this little temple the guttering ends up in a series of bells. Unfortunately the rain was too noisy to hear them.

Then it was back to the country, the vegetable growers and avoiding the bears. They had come down from the mountains because of the heat of the summer.

The 3 hour bus drive to the airport is always interesting. It gives a great view of the other vehicles. I looked at truck drivers and found that only about 40% of them have both hands on the steering wheel. One young driver was steering with his elbows and another driver did not have a hand on the
wheel at all and was steering with his knees! Several were texting. My bus driver filled in his records on a clip board while driving along the middle lane of a freeway, which was a little alarming to me!

Amazing feats of road building.

Shaken but not stirred

2010-10-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

The journey home from WEG was longer than anticipated as Melbourne was fog bound and the plane sat on the Sydney runway for an hour or more before flying on to Melbourne. It is always a pest having to have all horse gear disinfected at immigration. Invariably my riding boots shrink and the stitching rots.

Four days at home went far too quickly. Longdencorp sponsored the Grade 3 classes at the HRCAV (Horse Riding Centres Association of Victoria) at Werribee. Our 'booth' next to the score board looked great.

The weather was marginal with lots of water around and intermittent cold showers. This German shepherd did not seem to mind sitting in the water next to one of the jumping arenas.

I felt really sorry for the people who picked up poles in the soggy arena.

Then it wa off to Christchurch, New Zealand, and a mixture of riders including Para Equestrian riders.

Coaching riders with severe disabilities is always nerve wracking. I had an added dimension - after shocks from the huge earthquake. I had been told that they happened all the time and so did not bother much when i was at my computer and the house shook for more than a few seconds. Later I heard that it was at least a 5 megaton earthquake. Luckily I was not teaching at the time. Horses seem to be fine when outside but when the noise of the earthquake and the vibration of the indoor arena happens, the horses become exceedingly spooked and tend to gallop off. They react before we can hear the earthquake.

Its so easy and fun working with good horsemen - so stress free. Shane Carrick is a star and produces lots of performance horses as well as retraining everyones difficult rides. This particular horse, Owen, is no exception and has a great future as a show jumper or eventer.

This lovely 5 year old, ridden by a very talented young coach Emma, was most interested in the horse in the mirror. Hopefully he will be available for the next WEG for a Para rider.

Now I have finished coaching and luckily aftershocks only occured when we were outside. There have been over 2,000 aftershocks since the major 7.2 earthquake on September 4th. Lots of people lost their chimneys and the sewage system has been badly affected as the manholes on the roads have risen and they have had to be build up around them so driving on these roads is a little hazardous.

Tomorrow my New Zealand physio friend Vicky Melville and myself fly first to Auckland and then on to the 11+ hour flight to Tokyo. We then drive 2 hours to the mountains and the therapeutic riding centre Hello Hippo. We spend 10 days running coach and therapist training courses and working with riders with all kinds of abilities. Working as a team with Vicky, the horse and the rider creates a positive outcome for everyone. The energy that is produced is channeled in such a way that all can go forward from the clinics.

Email is always rather dicey when in Japan and particularly in the mountains. I will update the blog when the land gets flatter.

WEG ends - long journey home begins!

2010-10-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Chilly mornings warmed up to be hot days. Madison warms up McGuire for her freestyle test where she rode a personal best. His walk has improved enormously over the past few weeks.

Pretty happy mother Natalie.

Eleonore's 7 year old coped very well with the atmosphere.

Australian Kate Doughty did a pretty flash freestyle. Here she is working in.

Driving the golf cart has been fun.

So now WEG has finished. The property looked spectacular.

Goodbye KHP.

Miles of lovely fencing between the Horse Park and Lexington.

On the way to Cincinnati to drop off team members for their early flights home we passed this travelling dog.

No doubt I will run into other Ozzies making the long hike home via L.A.

Another Fun Filled Day At WEG

2010-10-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Its really exciting when riders do personal bests. Our team had several of these today. After the Grade 2 class and working with the Grade 4 riders who are competing tomorrow, three of us nipped across to the final driving marathon obstacle at the water.

I had seen the Australian Boyd Exell winning in Aachen earlier in the year. I know nothing about driving but he is clearly a brilliant driver.

His skill is evident.

Not sure where the fourth hore is!
Caught up with the photographer Julie Wilson who I am sure will have wonderful 'professional' photographs. We were amused by this Dutch photographer having cross-legged lunch at his little mushroom-like table.

It was quite interesting to be amongst the 'professionals'. Everyone seemed to be vey friendly until the horses were seen in the distance and then it was a free for all for the best view. As the horses came across the water before going through the starting flags half the photograhers were lying on their stomachs. This of course gave me a perfect view. Then they were all up again and jostling for position. Us amateurs barely had an inch to see through!

Between competitors the stewards tried to make the corner less slippery.

Then it was back again to the Para Dressage. Ashley was pleased with Andrea's warm-up. There is a huge skill in warming a horse up so it is doing correct dressage, but is able to be ridden correctly by a rider with specific disabilities.

Off to the competition ring for a super ride.

Early start tomorrow on the last day of competition. I will be watching the Show Jumping finals on the FEI channel on my computer in my hotel room, and cheering for the Canadian Eric Lamaze.

Fun to be at WEG

2010-10-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

The police thought they were being helpful when they put metres of this plastic 'crime scene' tape around the road crossing area where the Para horses had to pass before entering the indoor competition arena. I stayed with Sally a few years ago when she was living in Singapore. Lots of fun. She is a steward and nearly got arrested as she took down the tape as it was blowing in the wind and frightening the Grade 1A horses.

The policeman came up to her and told her it was 'a Federal offense to move the tape'. She replied that it was dangerous and could not be used. He just repeated that it was illegal to move it. She won and the tape stay down!

We finished early today and some of us stayed to watch the Show Jumping. The top 30 horses from the previous three days of competition jumped in two rounds. The top 4 riders ride their own and each others horses in the finals tomorow night. It is a unique format for World Championships. The riders are Philippe Le Jeune (Belgium), Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), Eric Lamaze (Canada) and the 28 year old Abdullah Al Sharbatly from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi's are also staying at the Marriott hotel so I hope I can get to sleep before the partying gets too noisy!

Between the two rounds we stayed in our seats as we were in the Riders stand and did not want to lose our places. Watching the course being changed and 'dressed' was most entertaining. So much micro-management!

When the gates were opened for the course walk for the second round we could not believe the number of people who surged through the gate.

All these people for 25 competitors. Nobody paid any attention to the announcement asking non-competitors to leave. I do not know how the riders could work out their exact lines.

Modern courses at major competitions look spectacular. So much attention to detail.

In the first round the setting sun was a bit of a problem to some of the horses. The second round was under lights. The camera flashes did not seem to upset the horses. The audience paid no attention to the commentator requesting flashes be switched off.

Too late - the partying has begun downstairs. Early start again in the morning. We have 4 riders competing and then, hopefully, watch and support Eric Lamaze in the Show Jumping.

Who needs legs to ride with?

2010-10-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Legs are a bonus but not essential for riding! What is interesting is that lots of horses hate strong leg aids.

Dr. Angelica Trabert, Germany, has been a very successful competitor in the Para game for many years. Those that were at the opening of the Aachen WEG would have seen her ride there. Stinna Kaastrup (Denmark) is just old enough to be at her first World Championships. A wonderful aspect of dressage is that age is no barrier.

After 9/11 I was stranded in Vancouver and stayed with Elizabeth Smith and her husband for nearly 3 weeks before I could catch a flight. She has just become an FEI Para Equestrian steward. All the stewards at WEG wear pale blue.

It was fun to catch up with Ayako Tanaka who is here as a journalist. She has been my interpreter in Japan on many occasions.

We had some very focussed Canadian riders.

Sharon Buffitt is a teacher from Quebec.

Sandy Mitchell owns Ashley Gowanlock's horse DonnyMaskell. We were all really pleased with her performance. Ashley with coach Andrea and Fionna.

Sandy Mitchell, Bermuda, had a personal best score after a particularly good warm-up session.

He is already planning for the London Paralympics in 2012!

Medal winners Ricky Balshaw, Great Britain, and Stinna are two of the youngest competitors. Bright stars of the present and future of the sport.

WEG

2010-10-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well done Sharon Jarvis for winning a bronze medal for Australia in the Grade 3 Para Equestrian Championships. She had a fourth placing in the Beijing Paralympics. Rozzie Ryan has been helping her in Sydney, and also here with Julia Battams the team coach, and all Sharon's hard work and dedication has paid off.

We have had a little time to watch show jumping.

Outside the main stadium is a bronze of the American eventer Bruce Davidson. Its dramatic from all angles.

When I have nothing else to do Kev (Sunbury Park Voodoo) and myself go for a stroll and a pick of grass. This morning we had to avoid the frosty bits. The days have mostly been warm but the early mornings are very chilly.

Busy day tomorrow as 5 of the Canadians compete in Grades 1A, 1B and 2, and Sandy Mitchell rides for Bermuda in the 1A.

Watched the Team Show Jumping. The FEI site on my laptop with a group of friends was a good alternative to getting back to the hotel late and tired. Matt Williams, who was brought up in Tonimbuk, had a faultless clear round. Have bumped into Matt and his father Paul a couple of times in the competitors dining room. I always meet someone I know.

The Canadians have a great 'team' spirit which is lots of fun to be with. Still hard work and long hours but I am thoroughly enjoying my involvement with them.

Para Equestrian non Team Competition Day - thanks WEG

2010-10-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

After the trot up we had a 'family portrait'.

We were all at the Horse Park bright and early for the vet trot up. As the same trot up area was used for all disciplines we had quite a hike with our 7 horses (in crocodile formation) to go to the area which was adjacent to the cross country course. It was quite an expedition as the horses had to go past the show jumping practice ring (I hope our horses did not watch their odd dressage) on a tarmac road which was shared with pedestrians, golf carts decorated with nations flags and streamers, and tractors pulling shuttle carts. We all survived and all our horses passed the vet inspection. Some unlucky riders have to represent tomorrow morning as their horses were not passed as sound to compete.

Some of us arrived in the dark this morning and it was quite an adventure in our headlight-less golf cart. It was really cold, so with one hand holding the hood of my jacket around my chin and both hands inside the sleeves and one hand holding the steering wheel we wound our way between vehicles and other golf carts. As there is no windscreen the faster we went the quicker we got there but the colder we became - it was a lose-lose situation.

They have done a really good job of the athletes dining room. Its just a matter of making healthy choices!

I caught a glimpse of Megan Jones and Sonia Johnson (event riders) helping the Aussies with the trot up. Even though I am with the Canadians I was really happy to see this exchange of expertise and support between the disciplines.

Uneducated people think 'para' is some kind of a 'pony ride' until they get involved and realise that many of the riders are actually far braver than some of the event riders!

For those countries that do not have a Para Equestrian team of 3 or 4 and for those countries that have more than 4 riders, today was an opportunity for the non-team members to ride the test that the team members will be riding tomorow. We had three riders and we were pleased with how they all went. For all of them it was their first taste of top competition. Originally these riders were not going to be given the opportunity to ride a test prior to the Championship test. This, of course, made the Championship and Freestyle competitions an unequal playing field for all athletes.

We are so grateful to WEG who managed to reschedule today so the Individual Championship is fair for all. A big 'thank you' to the organisers who made this possible.

We had an hour today with nothing to do!

Andrea and I escaped after our last rider and saw some of the show jumping. Of course we were the 'experts' from the side lines. It was interesting that the really good horses go with a great quality canter and with lovely rhythm.

Useful Competition Exercise

2010-10-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of the Canadian and Bermuda Para Equestrian training camp. We put a dressage arena up in the lovely main indoor arena at Majestic Farms. All riders rode their freestyles at prescribed times. This meant that the riders had to work out their working in times. This is such an important part of good performance. The horse has to be 'exactly' right. There is a small 'window' where the horses are at the beginning of their best. We are not interested in 'oh, such a pity, the horse warmed up so well and was then disappointing in its test'. Or 'I just needed an extra 5 minutes'. So now the riders have some idea about how much time they need to allow in their warm-ups.

Coaches can only help the riders perform at their best. The riders are ultimately responsible for their individual performances. They need to work out their warm up timetables. The more riders can do for themselves the more 'empowered' they become.

Tara is a Grade 1A rider. This is her first big competition.

Tomorrow we all arrive at WEG. So exciting! So much walking!

Andrea (head coach) and Ashley (Grade 1B rider) eating healthy - so they can eat junk food later! You can see the great rider/coach relationships. Its such fun being involved in the team.

Between packing everything up we managed to have a team photograph.

Then we returned to the hotel and watched the WEG Grand Prix Freestyle on the FEI site. Most inspiring.

Nearly at WEG

2010-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

At 70% off, these pajamas looked a good alternative to sleeping in travelling clothes. The only problem was they turned out to be 'youth' sizes so they were a tight fit! Amie's luggage has now arrived.

The facilities at the training camp are very flash. As it is primarily a competition venue we have it mostly to ourselves.

Not much time to sit around!

Canada geese have apparently become pests but they are huge birds and are a lovely sight by the ornamental lake.

Travelling with wheelchairs involves using renting a small truck as well as passenger vehicles. We followed the GPS back to the hotel and ended up having one inch to spare under a low bridge!

The horses are due to arrive at WEG on Saturday as thousands of spectators arrive for the cross-country. They all use the same entrance so for Amie and Elizabeth, the team organisers, trying to amend arrival times has been, and still is, a huge and time consuming problem.

Sandy Mitchell, who rides for Bermuda, had a awesome ride today. He is all ready for WEG.

Pop Art (Canada) and Victory Salute (Australia) both go in the Grand Prix Freestyle tomorrow - go Canada, Go Australia. I saw them both compete in Aachen. Both lovely, well ridden, horses.

Joys of travelling

2010-09-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Jindivick seems a long way away. I left my garden just jumping out of its winter drabness.

Wilbur sits very still and the dogs run right past without seeing him.

It is always a horrible feeling to realise that all the luggage from your flight has arrived at the carousel except for yours! There is a nasty moment when you think someone else has taken your case. Then you just follow procedure and queue up at the airline luggage counter. My case had not left Los Angeles. It arrived at the hotel at 2 a.m. after flying via Atlanta to Cincinnati.

Amie, who works for Equine Canada in Para Equestrian, was not so lucky. When she flew from Ottawa to Toronto and then on to Cincinnati she had to pick up her bag at Toronto airport and take in through Customs before boarding the plane. Her bag was not there and then she had problems clearing customs without her luggage. She still does not have her luggage 36 hours later.

We are having a pre-WEG training camp. We move to WEG on Saturday. It would be nice to think in time to catch some of the cross-country. I think it will be a matter of 'so near and yet so far'. Time will tell.

National Interschools Championships

2010-09-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

LongdenCorp sponsored the Wednesday evening State Challenge Freestyle at the National Interschools Championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Equestrian NSW hosted this event and ran the two days of competition extremely well. I imagine that future WEG and Olympic riders will include at least one rider who competed at this competition.

Lesley Anne Taylor and myself judged the freestyle together which was lots of fun. Some of the riders were riding their first freestyle ever. Some of the choreography and music was interesting, though a lot of the music was 'background' music rather than fitting the rhythm and tempo of the horse. It takes many hours to work out the track with the compulsory movements and then find music that fits the horse and rider. Some of the riders were on borrowed horses which made it much harder for them.

Everyone learned, at Hilary's expense, that you need to supply two CDs to the sound person. She rode again after the last rider and we started judging again at the point where her music 'crashed and burned'.

It was the first time that LongdenCorp has had a 'stall' at a competition. It really is quite involved acquiring banners and stands and having them in containers to protect them when travelling. One of my business partners Chris Curran and myself drove the 11 hours from Jindivick to Sydney on Tuesday and then home on Thursday evening.

Brett Davey, a local event and dressage rider, rode in my Masterclass on Wednesday before the freestyle.
He has recently started riding Beth Turner's FEI dressage horse Welthill. It gave him a good training opportunity with an audience. It is not easy working with a total stranger and he did a really good job and I am sure the young audience were inspired by him.

The Masterclass covered both the rider's and judge's points of view when riding tests. I really appreciated the great feedback I received.

Now home again for just a few days before flying to Cincinnati for the Canadian Para Equestrian
training camp.

These two horses meet in the truck that is taking them from Vancouver to WEG. It is the first time that Para Equestrian has been included in the World Equestrian Games. All those involved are really excited about it.

Thomas and Bessie on their way to the tree with the rabbit holes.

They do not care about the lovely views.

From Pagosa Springs to The Getty Centre

2010-09-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Leaving the Parelli's in great spirits and looking forward to returning to Jindivick, the drive to Durango airport went quickly. I actually stopped to take this photo - 'the head within the head'.

Lovely countryside and lots of wild sunflowers along the road.

Plans changed and I had a day in Los Angeles. The Getty Centre, designed by the architect Richard Meier, would be one of the most beautiful and spectacular complexes build in the 20th century. It houses the J. Paul Getty Museum and is build on top of a hill overlooking the city and the bay. Parking is at the bottom and access is via a single track tram which wends its way up to the top and, with precision, passes the other tram on its way down at a small double track area.

The Centre is vast and has been built, and is run, with meticulous efficiency and respect for art of all kinds and for the visitors. There is no admission charge so it is available to anyone who is interested.

The museum has various temporary exhibitions as well as a huge permanent collection. After seeing the rather disturbing and confronting photographic exhibition 'Engaged Observers' which shows the works of various war photographers and those interested in the struggles of survival, I joined a talk on the gardens.

Richard Meier designed the gardens and water features within the buildings. The trees are on the same grids that the buildings are designed on. Total precision. These trees are seen from an angle and then straight ahead here only one tree is visible. They are pruned monthly to keep their desired shape.

Robert Irving designed the outside garden. He was an artist with no gardening experience. He describes his work as 'a sculpture in the form of a garden aspiring to be art'. The deepening path zig-zags down a hill through manicured lawn on either side of water, trees and shrubs, to the sunken garden. As one passes from bright light to filtered light the boulders become smaller and the shrubs become larger. There is every shade of green and all types of leaves. As Robert Irwin is an artist and not a gardener he chose the plants according to their colour and shape rather than their rarity. (the trees continually have one in five leaves taken off to ensure the light remains filtered). There are 20 gardeners!

The azalea maze is made up of red, pink and white. At this time of year there is a scant flowering of the red flowers.

Invigorated by the pungent smell of garlic along the back of the maze I returned to the galleries.

Just loved the energy of this eighteen inch high sculpture by Italian born Paolo Troubetzkoy (Russian prince father and American mother). The bronze 'Dancer' is the Russian Countess Tamara de Svirsky.

I will certainly return to the Getty Centre when I am next in L.A. Maybe in different time of year when there will be different sights and smells.

Flight cancelled!

2010-09-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Durango, Colorado, airport closed its runway for most of the day yesterday cancelling flights. Apparently it was repairing the runway. With other 'would be' passengers we spent the day waiting, being re-routed and missing connections. Annoyingly I had no warning of the change of plans.

Instead of being home now I am at Los Angeles airport about to embark on the 15 hour flight to Melbourne. Poor internet connection here so photos of the truly awesome Getty Centre, where I went
today, will be downloaded on my return home.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

2010-09-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

At dusk - the statue outside the shopping centre in Pagosa Springs. It seems so odd to have this in the home town of Pat Parelli whose training methods are built on trust and understanding rather than what this cowboy and rearing horse demonstrate.

The gently winding drive through the paddocks of the Parelli ranch is the beginning of a peacefulness. Driving at 10 miles an hour gives time for reflexion and appreciation of the surroundings which are quite stunning. On arriving at the hub of activity I saw at least 30 horses, of all ages, sizes and shapes, being worked in various areas - by people also of all ages, sizes and shapes. There is a structure and hierarchy that works and everyone seems to know where they are at present and where they are wanting to go. What struck me was seeing good and accomplished horseman wanting to know more.

So nice to spend two days and never see horses being forced into overbent outlines!

I know little about western riding but looking at a group of riders it is so obvious which ones have natural ability and which ones were struggling.

I went to Pagosa Springs to work with a Canadian Paralympic rider Lauren Barwick. She won a gold and a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympics.

Here she is riding back from training. So nice to see dressage horses having a life outside the dressage arena.

How lucky for me that both Pat and Linda were there and I was able to meet them. Such gracious and interesting people. So positive and full of energy. Such supporters of Lauren.

Lauren with her home bred three year olds.

Bird's eye view of the Parelli ranch.

Tomorrow morning we work horses early and then I drive back to Durango and fly via Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles where I have a seven hour wait before flying to Melbourne and then back to Jindivick - can't wait.

Far from stupid

2010-09-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

This sign was on the corner of a stable block outside Montreal.

During the last two weeks I have helped two totally blind riders who both have wonderful dogs. One outside Adelaide and one outside Ottawa. I think that the training of guide dogs would have to be

one of the most standardised and successful training method anywhere in the world.

One never sees a badly behaved dog that is working with its harness on. I know that a lot of dogs do not 'pass' and so do not become 'guides' but it is certainly a very successful system.

Overlooking the Ottawa River

Outside Adelaide

Two wonderful dogs who give freedom to their dearly loved owners.

Coaching in Canada before WEG

2010-09-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend in Vancouver the Para Equestrian team riders had their last competition before WEG. Great preparations as riders and trainers decide what is possible to achieve between now and Kentucky. It is a long trip for these horses as they have to go thousands of miles across Canada and the USA.

This is one my favourite signs that is near Tsawwassen where I stay when i am in Vancouver. I think it is to stop road rage when you have to slow to a crawl and are unable to pass.

I was teaching another WEG bound rider north of Toronto today. Her coach owns Flare - who has the gentle temperament of my Black Bess but the look of a large size Thomas. She gave me dog therapy.

Black Bess

Dylan Thomas

Tomorrow I drive from Toronto to Plantagenet, which is near Ottawa, to work with a rider who is totally blind. She is just starting her dressage career. The quality of dressage does not change due to disability. It is just that much harder as she has to become accustomed to 'feeling' the size of the arena as well as developing good riding and competition skills. Then I see another rider who is preparing for WEG who lives just outside Montreal.

Interesting lives

2010-08-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

The four day RDA intensive coach training course for Level 2 trainees (top RDA level) was always going to be strenuous for presenters and participants. It certainly was fun, interesting and exhausting.

By the time coaches come to their third level of qualification they have a wide range of experience, opinions and expertise. People upgrade their qualifications in RDA not because they are going to earn more money but because they are passionate about the work they are doing - using horses to increase the quality of life of people with disabilities. Some of the 14 coaches were starting off their Level 2 training while others were able to complete the syllabus and leave the workshop as Level 2 coaches.

Coaches came from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia and it was funded by the Ian Potter Foundation. If each coach teaches an average of 10 riders a week then 140 riders will immediately benefit from the workshop!

Nikki was one of the coaches who is now an RDA level 2 Coach. She came with her husband and three children to Mt. Gambier from Zimbabwe four years ago. Their farm was taken from them and they left with very little. They were sponsored by a family in Mt. Gambier. When they left, all their horses and donkeys were given to an RDA centre in South Africa who were in desperate need of well trained horses and ponies. They had been used in their riding school and some had come from other families whose properties were taken over. They had lots of problems finding a way to travel the animals out of the country. Finally a truck driver, who himself had cerebral palsy, agreed to take them even though he knew there would be repercussions for him at the border.

As Nikki trained as a teacher after Rhodesia became Zimbabwe the Australian Government do not accept her teaching qualifications. Her mother is also a trained teacher and her qualifications are accepted, but she is not allowed to work as she is on a temporary refugee visa. Nikki can work as a teacher's aide but otherwise has to complete the 4 years of training over again. How soul destroying!

RDA are the lucky ones as Nikki has time to coach at the Mt. Gambier RDA centre.

Nikki is happy for these photographs taken in Zimbabwe to be in this blog.

She grew up riding a zebra which they had found as a baby stuck and abandoned in a waterhole. It would not drink out of bottle - only a bucket.

Her mother trained the zebra to be ridden. Apparently it was always rather flighty. Zebras are said to be the hardest animal to train.

I am not sure which donkey this is but it is clearly enjoying jumping on the lunge and with such excellent style.

We are so lucky. We do not live in constant fear for the safety of our family, animals, or property. We do not scour the 'land for sale' ads to see if our properties have been listed and are up for grabs. We may choose to move - we may choose to but we do not have to relocate to a new country and start our lives again.

It would be nice for Nikki's mother, who joined them in Mt. Gambier, to have a nice young donkey to work with so she can enjoy her animal training again. When her property was taken, several people wanted it and it ended up being burned to the ground. As Nikki says 'such a waste'. If anyone (in Australia) knows of a large size donkey weanling that is looking for an active home please let me know.

Time to learn

2010-08-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

We only really learn something when we need to learn it! Without motivation there is a lack of concentration and attention and poor quality learning takes place. I had been shown how to use the little tractor before I bought my new property but the learning was not a priority at the time. I am a bit scared of tractors due to past experiences with tractors, snow blowers and snow covered ditches in Canada. However, now I need to be able to confidently drive this one as it has a lawn mower on it.

So early this morning I had a lesson in tractor driving. As a coach it was a good reminder about how ones perception of something and actual reality tend to differ. I was fine while the tractor was not turned on. Then I felt an instantaneous adrenalin rush as the tractor cranked into action. My 'trainer' and neighbour Philip, who works with tractors and tractor owners of all sizes and ages, just carried on starting and stopping the tractor quite unperturbed by its noise, smell and extrusions of smoke. My fear did not last long - just long enough to remind me that riders have the same fears - whether justified or not. An unemotional coach is a wonderful thing in times of stress. The other aspect that interested me was his patience. It did not worry him how long it took for me to understand and feel confident to drive the tractor in and out of the shed. He was only interested in knowing that I knew exactly how to do it in a safe and confident way - and that I was going to remember how to do it next time.

When we teach horses we need to have the same attitude. It does not matter how long the learning takes. What is important is the quality of the learning. If learning takes a little longer than was anticipated does it matter? No - it is only the permanent result that counts. Correct methodology and confidence is everything. A big responsibility for coaches and those who train horses.

Wonthaggi ARC and the dog hunt

2010-08-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I taught at Wonthaggi Adult Riding Club. Great day! Everyone I taught six weeks ago had improved in some way despite the fact that the weather has been awful and so the riders had not ridden much. The weather started cold but warmed up. No wind and no rain. Even if they were not jumping everyone stayed for lunch. The club is a wonderful example of what adult riding clubs are all about - having fun with horses and people - and possibly learning something and improving ones skills!

As a coach it is the little improvements, at any level of riding, that keep you keen.

It is really easy to give a lesson where you give very little of yourself but make the riders keep going so long that they are exhausted. Some riders think that being exhausted must mean that the lesson was good! With riders and horses that are not very fit the lesson needs to be a combination of learning and then practicing the new skills and refinements. Seeing and feeling the difference and going home with the skills to carry on.

I have taught a lot of the riders in Wonthaggi off and on for many years. It is so easy to teach people that understand what you are saying and then have the necessary skills to get results. These are what I class as 'easy' lessons. The impossible lessons that I hate are the ones where riders are not interested and do not try to understand what you are saying and do not try to change. It is interesting to me that it only takes one uncooperative rider to ruin your day and kill your enthusiasm. There were no riders like that yesterday so the day continued to be fun as the riders 'rode towards excellence'.

Keeping a show jump rider focussed on dressage is difficult at the best of times. I knew it was a losing battle when Andy's grand daughter was on the side lines.

Grandmother Janine was far more focussed. She needed to be as she rides a rather large horse!

Back at home the hunt continues. There is a hollow tree totally under-run with passages.

Unfortunately for Bessie she is too big to fit in. Thomas, on the other hand, goes underground and barks - a rather muffled bark. He always comes out again - in his own time! He only just manages to squeeze out of the tree.

The Wonders of Jindivick

2010-08-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

After Aachen and my final FEI Para Equestrian meeting (completion of maximum years on committee) I went to Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver where I consulted to the Canadian Para Equestrian program. As the World Equestrian Games are coming up I feel that the training is a private matter.

It was a long 4 weeks away as I had only just moved to Jindivick before I left for New Zealand, Germany and Canada. Now I am home for a couple of weeks. Such a treat.

What a joy it is to wake up in the morning. Seeing gorgeous views without even having to get out of bed!

The two cats came back from the cattery and after two days of roaring around the house and leaping on and off bookcases and kitchen cabinets to stay out of reach of Thomas I opened a window onto the enclosed swimming pool area that the dogs do not have access to.

It may not be shorter in time as the road is very windy but the back way to the Yarra Valley is stunningly beautiful. Next time I will stop the car to take a photo.

Aachen

2010-07-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

For anyone who saw Edward Gal and Totilas' Freestyle it was surely the highlight of the Aachen show. What a perfect time for Totilas to hit the top - and long may be stay there. They prove that correct training methods are way ahead of the horses being ridden in forced outlines. Hopefully dressage riders and trainers will be influenced by the total beauty of Totilas and his attitude to life and try to emulate them.

The scores show it all.

Once the dressage was over we left the beautifully manicured arena.

The filled to capacity main ring, and the jumps, are vast and the Grand Prix Show Jumping was very exciting with 4 riders in the jump off after double clear rounds.

Canadian Eric Lamaze on Hickstead won by less than a second.

It was very emotional to hear both the Canadian and Australian National Anthems.

Australian Boyd Exell at the driving presentation with his supporters.

Monday and Tuesday were FEI Para Equestrian meetings. Due to flights not being available yesterday evening I had a few hours to explore Aachen.

By chance, due to reading a map upside down, I saw this magnificent statue.

Rather charming modern sculpture around a pond near the cathedral.

At the train station this morning this group of wild horses just reminded one of the significance of horses in Aachen.

Saturday at Aachen World Equestrian Festival

2010-07-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

So much to see. Brett Parbery and Victory Salute qualified for tomorrow's Freestyle. Here they are eagerly entering the stadium.

The eventing cross-country finished through the arena with five fences. There was loud cheering as the horses finished the course.

The dressage judges marks are displayed around the arena which makes for a wonderful 'judges clinic for spectators'. The Grand Prix Special ended with the brilliant Moorlands Totilas and Edward Gal. I saw for myself why he marks in the 80s. Fluent, relaxed, powerful and stunning - and I have the test on my video camera!

Then we watched some of the driving marathon. It was most exciting!

These horses did not panic. They just stood and waited. Luckily no-one was hurt and after righting the wheels away they went.

Australian Boyd Axell showed why he is the World Champion.

On our way back to the dressage stadium Victory Salute was being led around the large warm up area. He recognised his owner/breeder Carolyn Lieutenant and came straight over to her.

From New Zealand to Aachen, Germany

2010-07-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

What a thrill to be at the Aachen World Equestrian Festival and after quite a journey.

During a Para Equestrian riders clinic in Blenheim, New Zealand, I was able to see the Grade 1A rider Ilona starting to trot. Even though she only has to walk in her tests it is important that she is able to keep her balance should a horse trot by mistake. Actually she sees no reason why she cannot progress to cantering and will probably end out riding in open competition.

The 4 hour drive from Blenheim to Christchurch was magnificent. A slow trip as there is so much hilly country with roads with endless hairpin bends. A half way treat is seeing the seal colony. This year's babies were busy playing in a rock pool oblivious of the freezing weather conditions.

No trip through New Zealand is complete without seeing sheep drying before shearing.

Just before turning inland towards Christchurch there was a lovely view of the snow covered mountains in the background.

The flights from Christchurch via Sydney and Singapore to Frankfurt and then the train to Aachen took more than 30 hours. Sleep today at the hotel was not an option as the show grounds were beckoning.

Thanks to the generosity of Frank Kemperman, the show director, the FEI Para Equestrian Technical Committee members have accreditation to almost everywhere at the show prior to our FEI meeting next week.

Watching the horses working in the schooling arena in the stable area was most interesting. Lots of FEI stewards at all practice arenas. Probably necessary as some horses preparing for the Grand Prix Special tomorrow were becoming very tense in piaffe and passage. I look forward to seeing if their last minute major schooling sessions were worth it.

There were 7 judges for the Prix St. George. 5 on the short side: H, HC,C, CM and M, plus a judge at E and B.

The Canadian combination of Ashley Holzer and the Sandro Hit's Jewel's Sonnenstern showed how a great base turns potential into the reality of a super horse. I am sure they will have a fulfilling future.

The eventers did their dressage tests this morning and show jumping this afternoon.

It was my first look at Australian Paul Tapley who won Badminton this year. He showed his win was no fluke when he rode Stormhill Michael.

Clayton Fredericks on Be My Guest also showed his class.

The World Equestrian Festival is magnificent. Of particular interest to me tomorrow is the Grand Prix Special. We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for Carolyn Lieutenant's Victory Salute. Ridden by Brett Parbery he achieved 70% and a top 10 finish in the Grand Prix. In the judging breaks I will pop out to watch the cross-country. One has to make choices as there is so much to watch. Of course in Australia we see top event riders as we have the best within our shores. So the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle on Sunday are priorities.

RDA National Coach Workshops in Australia and New Zealand

2010-07-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Marcus Oldham Agricultural College at Geelong was the venue for RDA Australia's National Coach Workshop. Saturday night was a treat for all with the dynamic animal psychologist and trainer Dr. Andrew McLean. He is always an engaging and educating speaker and his talk about his work with horses and elephants was no exception.

It was fun to catch up with him and hear how his ideas and passion for the training and welfare of animals has developed over the years. The Tasmanian eventing team, including Andrew, used to stay at Bunyip with me between events. This was the time when he was becoming more interested in the training of horses than in his occupation as a reptile specialist.

Sally Francis and myself decided to combine our presentations on pole work and jumping.

International flights that leave at 6 a.m. are no fun. The views on the Auckland to Napier flight were worth staying awake for.

Napier RDA, who are hosting the New Zealand National Coach Workshop, have great facilities at the local show grounds including an indoor arena which means they can run regular riding programs uninterrupted by the weather.

Both workshops have been well supported. Coaches are obviously keen to increase their knowledge and the standard of their programs. RDA in both countries is definitely alive and focussed on the present and future.

Cats and dogs

2010-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

The cats were the last to be put into boxes. They were not very impressed.

The dogs are delighted with the Jindivick property. Thomas took two seconds to find the rabbits.

Wonthaggi ARC and Ilona leaves home

2010-06-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

It was rather wet and cold in Wonthaggi at the weekend but it was great to catch up with nice people and horses. Flatwork in the morning and pole work or jumping in the afternoon. Of course the afternoon was really a continuation of the morning. The better the horses go on the flat the better they jump. The new sand arena had perfect going with no boggy spots despite the rain. We came back to the grounds for dinner. The clubroom more than warmed up with the wood burning stove, alcohol, masses of delicious home made food and good company.

We had fun with horses of all sizes and shapes

My this year's foal Ilona, out of an eventing bred thoroughbred (Lady Dalrymple x Woodmount Magic) and by the Dutch warmblood show jumping stallion Valhalla has left home! She has gone to Churchill to be with 2 other foals who are about to be weaned. She led the way down a totally strange track with lots of horses and ponies being very curious about tiny Mojo.

It was a huge day for Ilona. She is now in a lovely big paddock with the mares and foals and a rather large sheep.

We let her stay with her pony friend for half an hour and then changed him for lucerne hay. I do not know how parents leave their children at school for the first time - so much can go wrong! I managed not to call and have now heard that she has settled well and is following the others around and waiting to be 'included'.

Regrowth

2010-06-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

As I drive through Labertouche between my present home in Bunyip and future one in Jindivick I am always attentive to the regrowth - or not - of the trees that were affected by the fires of last year.

Now there are big white X's on the condemned trees on the roadsides. Some have already been felled. What makes me sad are the trees that were burnt but were able to sprout out new growth from their trunks, only to fail in their attempt to survive.

The trees that have survived are disorderly in their regrowth - but they are alive and hopefully will not be felled by a chainsaw. It is easy to tell how long ago fire went through. The undergrowth is starting to thrive and it is obvious which trees will survive.

On a happier note - Thomas the Terrible has not tried to scratch his stitches out of his ear so he does not have to wear a bucket on his head at the moment.

This weekend will be lots of fun as I am teaching at Wonthaggi Adult Riding Club. I am glad to remember that their clubhouse has a wood burning stove.

Variety is the Spice of Life

2010-06-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a long and most enjoyable day at Werribee Park teaching the Young Rider Dressage Squad. This seems to be a popular pastime as there were a lot of young riders of all standards. They seemed to be having fun. It was nice that there were only 2 in a lesson, and the 14 riders I taught were well matched in their pairs which made them easy to teach.

Of course it was a little difficult convincing some young riders that doing the 'tricks' of dressage is great but they are dependent on the quality of the paces! In the end it is up to the riders to learn for themselves. Yes, as a coach it is frustrating to know how much better a horse and rider combination could be performing but some riders are just not ready to understand the value of a correct way of going. What I do find interesting is how obvious the good ones are. They are not necessarily on good horses but talent, interest and dedication just oozes out of them. They take responsibility for their own riding. These are the riders that keep us coaching.

Two of the younger riders on their lovely ponies.

Last night I had dinner with the Martindale family from Tonimbuk. It was John's birthday. People say that if you have a handful of real friends you are lucky. I have a handful in one family so am extremely lucky. Catherine is an EA Level 2 coach and a racehorse trainer, and Jane and Sarah are Level 1 coaches. Hopefully they will all progress up the levels. It is young coaches of today that hold the future of equestrian sport in their hands.

I was away for a short time this morning and returned to find that Thomas the Terrible had sliced his ear and had a 3 cm cut, so his ear was very much in two parts. Being a Sunday there was no vet nurse working so I helped the vet as he had to have a general anaesthetic. Every time I hold a pet while its front leg is shaved for an IV injection it is to say a final farewell. It was a very odd, and not very welcome, emotion as my subconscious got ready for 'the end'. I had to convince myself that Thomas was going to come home very much alive. Stitching an ear is a very intricate operation. On one side of the ear he now has a running blanket stitch and on the other individual stitches. Thomas may have to wear a bucket on his head if he starts scratching the stitches.

As there was no-one working at the clinic today I took Thomas home as soon as he was conscious. He has spent the rest of the day in front of the fire.

Friends of mine came to help move hay and it managed to stop raining just in time. About 12 bales fell off the back of one of the trucks, despite being strapped on. When we went back to where the bales had fallen off someone was already putting 5 bales in their trailer. When I went home later the last 2 bales were being strapped on to someone else's trailer. So at least 3 people will have had a 'windfall' today!

Moving hay is an aweful job. I think one would lose friends pretty quickly if they had to do it too often!

Melbourne Three Day Event to Bunyip

2010-06-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

It was a cold Queen's Birthday holiday morning at the final vet inspection of Melbourne 3Day Event. The Ground Jury of Pollyann Huntington, Barry Roycroft and the Japanese Sumiko Suzuki with the veterinary delegate Kirsten Neil concentrate as Shane Rose's elegant and beautifully presented Star Am I trots up.

So now it's back to Bunyip where the last spring mattress succumbed to the scissors. Thomas the Terrible was most upset that the 'innards' went quickly into the rubbish skip. I quite understand how 'infected' mattresses can become full of dust mites and the like.

Sammy Davis Jr. surveys the world from a dog safe place.

They know the rules. With the half full skip in the background Thomas and Bessie wait for the end of a lesson from outside the arena - of course. With horses there is no room to compromise safety.

Melbourne International Three Day Event

2010-06-13T03:18:00.000-07:00

The weather was kind today. Cold but not wet. Good crowds enjoyed the 1*, 2* and 3* cross country.

Ewan Kellett's courses rode well. The good riders making the courses look deceptively easy.

It would have a been a bit chilly for the commentators on the cherry picker from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It is always an outing for 'horsey/doggy' people showing off the latest dog fashions.

Film maker of the future Charlotte Sweeney and her cousin Amelia Curran work on the same plot with photographer Anna Sharpley.

Cross country horses need to be 'sharp' with their front legs but it is the strength of the hindquarters that is needed to keep them out of trouble.

Luke Jones from South Australia rode beautifully through the 3* apexes.

Danny Marwood from Pakenham, Victoria had a great ride in the 2* moving up from 17th to 6th place before tomorrow's show jumping.

There was lots of practical discussion about the safety and future of the sport in the FEI Officials course interestingly directed by Roger Haller from the USA. When the first horse in the 1* galloped past our classroom tent we all had to concentrate about the 'FEI legal issues' and not listen to the hoof beats. galloping past.

The cost of saving $40

2010-06-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Now I know all about mattresses! There are certain regulations about what goes into a rubbish skip. Mattresses with inner springs cost $20 each to dispose of unless the springs are taken out. At first sight it looked relatively easy until I found that every 10 centimetres there was a little metal ring attaching the cloth and sheets of foam rubber to the springs. Each ring had to be individually cut off - without blunting the scissors of the coils of wire. Then, rather like eating a fish - where one eats one side and then flips it over and eats the other side, the mattress becomes less stable as the material comes off. Full of satisfaction at finally finishing the double bed mattress I then found a single one. Confident that I knew how to do it I was very surprised and dismayed to find that it had thick coconut matting and large, hard to get at, staples. Having started on it I did not want to give up and have to pay the $20. As the saying goes 'once bitten, twice shy'. At the back of the cupboard I found another inner spring mattress.

I have until Tuesday, when a new skip arrives, to decide whether to pay $20 or attack it with the scissors. I am mildly interested to see what it is made of.

Tomorrow I will be thinking of other things as I go to Melbourne Three Day Event to take part in the FEI judges clinic. Such a wonderful sport. I am really looking forward to it. At least as I am driving there I can take clothes for the cold, the very cold, the wet and the cold and wet.

Raining cockatoos in Jindivick

2010-06-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Out of the cold and damp fog came a screeching flock of cockatoos.

Its amazing how loud these birds 'sing'.

The intricacies of nature made visible by the fog.

Home bred horses

2010-06-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Jenny Thomson's eldest home bred Irish Sport Horse is finally coming off the forehand! The problem with breeding is that you can never know the size of the progeny. Flynn grew rather large but has a delightful temperament. His brother Bobby features in the DVDs 'Ride towards Excellence'.

The helmet rim is far from a fashion statement but is very practical and sensible.

Wilbur watches on!

Para Equestrian competition ends at WindReach

2010-06-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

The WindReach competition was a great success. It is the most lovely horse establishment. The arena is light and airy. The facilities for people with disabilities are second to none. Riders from around the world are now going home. Some ecstatic having gained qualifications for the Kentucky WEG (World Equestrian Games). All riders have to reach a qualifying score to be available for selection by their national equestrian federation. Whether chosen or not at least they have the satisfaction of knowing that they have reached the FEI criteria.

There are those who are disappointed by missing out on their qualifying scores, while others after their first international competition are going home full of enthusiasm knowing that they have achieved the first rung of the ladder.

Unlike the able bodied variety of dressage where horses are graded, in Para Equestrian it is the riders that are graded according to their disability. This means that at international competitions novice riders compete against the top riders, so there is always a huge range of marks. It also means that the riders have a good idea of where they are and where they are going - and when they get there!

It is not all about winning a class - though that is obviously important for experienced riders and those trying to be selected for teams. Riders compete against themselves to improve their personal best scores.

There is such a nice 'feel' about Para Equestrian. I hope it continues. People genuinely want to help the new nations and inexperienced riders to be safe and 'grow'. The Americans still talked to us despite Canada winning the Team competition!

International FEI Para Equestrian Competition, Windreach, Ontario

2010-05-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

At the welcome dinner last night at the Windreach PE competition Lauren Barwick was presented with the Equine Canada President's Award for 2009. She was being honoured for her work following her gold and silver medals at the Beijing Paralympics. As always she is very modest. She said that Para Equestrian success is all about firstly having the personal fire to succeed and then surrounding oneself with a very special team of dedicated people. Together they make the journey.

At the dinner Elizabeth Robinson was thanked for all her efforts as Chef d'Equipe for the Canadian team, and an organiser for this competition. She is always full of purpose and is great to work with as she is tireless, knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm and common sense - all necessary attributes to being a good 'chef'.

Photo time for the Canadian squad who really appreciate their sponsors.

Lovely weather, great organisation, perfect arena surface and a day when several riders achieving qualifying scores for WEG.

Cat Nap

2010-05-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful ability to be able to 'take a nap' during Equine Canada PE training camp. Tomorrow horses move to the venue at Windreach.

Layers of sound

2010-05-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the balcony at the cottage above the Black River at Coopers Falls in Ontario is a treat. It is a therapy to the senses. No internet and no television adds to its charm.

The sights continually change as the water flows fast over the waterfall and rapids. There are layers of sound with the continual running river in the background and the birds busy feeding their babies in the trees.

The sky was full of insects. The dragonflies were attracted by the tablecloth. They are the most impressive piece of engineering and beauty with their lace-like double wings.

We might have been relaxed but all around us there was the hunter and the hunted.

When it was time to go back to Toronto the French bulldogs were only interested in their cow's horn.

We left the heron sculpture looking after the river, and a real rat snake in the basement looking after the mice.

Windreach and two awesome people

2010-05-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky. Today I was surrounded by charisma from two people who were born with cerebral palsy. Far from being 'victims' of disability they are more productive than most people without disability.

I first met Maria Simpson when we were 'marooned' in Vancouver after 9/11. She was immensely brave as she had been longing to return to her young son but could not due to cancelled planes. She never complained. Over the years she has plugged away at her riding as time and finances have allowed. It was very exciting to me to reconnect last month and she is now preparing to ride in the national class at the FEI International Para Equestrian competition at Windreach next week. She has been lent a horse that is used in Sandy Mitchell's therapeutic riding program. She is really enjoying its good education.

Maria on Snickerdoodle

The Paralympian Alexander 'Sandy' Mitchell is one of the most inspiring and brilliant people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. He may have a severe physical disability but he is in no way 'handicapped'.
Anyone who has the time should check out the two centres that Sandy has established and runs. One is in Bermuda and the other one is outside Toronto. www.windreachbermuda.bm and www.windreachfarm.org.

He has not wasted a second of his life. The Windreach establishments are for the development and enjoyment of people with disabilities and their families. He is a shining example of 'doing' and not just 'watching' life.

His present focus is very much on the upcoming competition and achieving a qualifying score for WEG.

Sandy on Guinness Maskell

and his second chance for qualifying

Sandy riding Highland Fling - his Beijing mount

It is so much fun to work with the staff at Windreach. It is all about the riders. Nothing is too much trouble. We all have the same goals. Ride well Sandy and Maria - and enjoy the journey!

Art from the Air

2010-05-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Flying from Los Angeles to Toronto is the final leg of the long journey from Melbourne. It was lucky that a) I was awake and b) this part of the flight was smooth and cloudless. It was like being at a art gallery only the desert is vast and the colours and contours change constantly. Every now and then there was a road going to a tiny community in the middle of nowhere. One wonders about the lives of the people who live there and the children who grow up away from modern society.

FEI Eventing tests at speed!

2010-05-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was evident when judging the 1*, 2** and 3*** dressage at Naracoorte that at all levels there is confusion between tempo and impulsion. If one imagines a line with speed at one end and impulsion at the other end then it becomes clear, even to bold cross-country riders, that the closer the horse is ridden towards the speed end of the line the further away it is from the impulsion end.

Speed is the kilometres per hour and Tempo is the speed of the steps (or rhythm). Impulsion is the controlled energy originating in the horse's hindquarters. So if the horse is not in self-carriage and it is going at too fast a tempo its steps will become flatter and further away from impulsion and suspension. The steps may become longer and the outline hollow as the horse loses its balance as it is chased on to the forehand, or the steps may shorten as the horse attempts to balance itself.

In either case the horse will use its under neck muscles as the brake and so the horse will be unable to keep its back soft and relaxed. As a result it will lose the ability to go forward freely and with cadence.

Cadence is the art form of dressage where strength, balance, tempo, impulsion and self-carriage merge together to give the 'wow' factor. It is at this point that a rider has the option to up the tempo if desired. This is where the rider is able to 'perform' a dressage test, rather than just 'survive' it.

There are marks for transitions at the beginning and end of medium and extended trots and canters. These are marks that are just 'wasted'. The only people aware of them seemed to be the judges as most of the riders certainly were not - or their tempo was so fast that they did not have time to show clear transitions.

I found it most frustrating at Naracoorte to see some nice moving and obedient horses that have obviously had extensive dressage training lose heaps of marks due to incorrect tempo on the day.

The corners of the arena are the framework of riding a dressage test. When ridden with correct flexion and bend they allow the rider to prepare for the next movement.

In several of the FEI 'B' eventing tests there are 20m half circles in both medium canter and counter-canter. Many riders gave themselves little chance of preparing for the following movements as their circles started and finished too early.

It is always exciting to judge a good horse going well and being ridden superbly. There were a few tests that I hope will be just as good, or even better, at Melbourne 3 Day Event in June - rhythmic, flowing, controlled and full of activity - and of course these were ridden at just the right tempo for the horses' performance on the day!

Naracoorte Horse Trials

2010-05-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hopefully I have managed to drive the 500 plus kilometres from Bunyip to Naracoorte without getting a speeding fine. I find it interesting how the music I choose to listen to has a large influence on the speed that I drive at. As I seem to have acquired a lot of demerit points I coast along listening to melody rather than beat.

Stunning large expanse of sunset as I drove towards flat Horsham. As it became dark huge tractors could be seen with their many headlights tilling the massive paddocks. You could almost feel the expectation of a bumper crop in the spring.

Big day judging dressage at the Naracoorte Horse Trials tomorrow. I hope there are lots of good tests in the 1*, 2** and 3*** classes.

Working in for a dressage test

2010-05-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

When a horse is unsettled and is misbehaving it is simply not coping with the environment. The better the horse goes at home the more likely it is to behave when out. Horses learn by what they do. If a horse is not settled and working correctly you can do permanent damage to its future behaviour by taking it in the ring where you have to follow the pattern of the test. It is disappointing to decide to scratch from a test but one disappointment is far better than establishing tenseness and having years of unsatisfactory competition.

When taking out an inexperienced horse plan to compete but only if the horse is going to gain confidence by the experience. It is mentally stressful to ride an uncooperative horse and one is not necessarily thinking very clearly. Having a black or white answer to one question 'yes or no, is the horse going to gain confidence by going in the ring' makes it far easier to make a rational decision in a stressful situation.

It is so common to hear 'oh my horse warmed up beautifully and then the test was a disaster'. This is always followed by a lot of reasons why the horse went badly and was disappointing. Usually the excuses do not personally involve the rider!

There are two categories of 'influences' that affect performance: the ones you have no control over; and the ones that you can totally control. If the environment at the competition has too many negative elements then it is 'luck' if everything goes well. Luck is helpful but it is inconsistent and unreliable! Good competitors develop techniques to cope with the influences they cannot control. Here are some examples:

The dressage tests may be on sand surfaces but the warming up is on the grass which is not flat and is slippery. The horses do not need studs for the dressage test but they are an important element to successful warming up which, in turn, leads to good performance.

Dressage judges do not always stay on time. You cannot control this, but you can find out if there are scratchings or if the judge is late. Check how long the judge takes between horses as this is likely to be consistent. Then you have a rough idea of how long you have before the judge rings the bell. Identify the horse or horses that are immediately before you so you know how much time you have.

Dressage judges do not always think before turning the windscreen wipers on and your horse may just be going down the centre line towards the car. How many riders practice with a car at the end of an arena? It is a really good idea for the horse to become accustomed to car doors and windows opening and shutting, car horns going off and windscreen wipers being used. With the initial training for this the horse does not need to be tacked up as it can just be beside a car. Once a horse has become used to the windscreen wipers and realises that they are not a threat and are not going to pounce and devour it, the horse can be ridden beside and towards them. Then that is one possible uncontrollable problem that will not affect performance.

Loud speakers often excite or frighten horses and particularly ex-racehorses. Ride at home with a radio on and have someone change the volume and the channel so the horse becomes used to sudden crackly noises similar to loudspeakers.

Riders in the practice ring can get out of control. Always be aware of where the horses that are behaving badly. You only have to give your horse one fright with another horse and it may become horse shy.

When I worked for Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke (who won a gold medal eventing) he did not like to travel to a competition the day before with the horses. He used to drive us, squashed up in his sports car, to walk - and then run around the cross-country course. We then went home and left early the next morning with the horses. Of course this is not always possible in Australia with the huge distances but it may well be possible with a horse's first competition. do not lock your young horse up in a yard the night before a competition if it is not used to being in the yard as it will be stressed before leaving home.

Plait your horse prior to the competition day so it becomes used to the feel of the plaits.

You can control your own timetable. If you are going to control a horse successfully you first have to be in control of yourself! Arriving in plenty of time and riding to a organised plan allows the rider to function effectively.

When you warm up for a test you are not 'schooling'. You do that at home and at lessons. You are getting the horse ready to do its best possible performance. If the horse is not doing something at home, such as lengthening at the trot, there is no point trying to achieve this in the practice ring.

You want your horse to go obediently, in a relaxed way and with confidence. Then you have done the preparation for a 'performance'. Once a horse is listening to the rider and is warmed up the more you ride it the closer you will come to the horse being 'over the top'. Then it is all downhill! The horse becomes tired and is no longer in self-carriage. A horse that is not super fit can probably stay at its peak of performance for about 12 minutes maximum. Riders tend to keep riding for no particular reason and then, when it is their turn to go into the arena, the horses are past their best.

Working a horse hard and without a break before entering the ring seldom results in a good test as the horse's neck is tired and so it is unable to keep a steady outline.

Most riders over-ride their horses before a test. Disorganised ones under-ride them, and the winners do it right - unless they are using up their 'luck'.

Why have a vet check when buying a horse?

2010-05-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

Vet checking horses is an interesting topic. Sometimes I wonder why a person has bothered with the vet check when they do not take the advice, or consider the findings, of the vet! In this day and age there is no such thing as a 'pass'. It is all about 'at this time I believe your horse will be suitable for ......'. Vets are put in difficult situations when the seller and prospective buyer, who has 'fallen in love with the horse', are feeding on the vet's every expression and word. The seller may hear loud and clear but the buyer fails to listen to, or interpret, what the vet is saying!

I am often asked if I think it is 'worth' having a vet check. As I am not a vet my answer is always 'yes'. I have a fair idea of a horse's visual soundness and suitability but I have no idea about its vision or heart soundness. If I am not sure about something, and particularly with older horses that have genuine wear and tear, I need the vet's expertise and opinion. It is then up to the buyer to make the final decision.

It is rather like an exceptional footballer whose new club pays a huge sum for the player only to find that at the first game the player becomes seriously injured through no fault of his own. So it is with horses. We cannot guarantee continued soundness. If the horse has a positive vet check at least it can be insured!

At this time I have two pupils whose prospective new mounts are about to be vet checked. I sincerely hope the vet does not find 'hidden' problems, but if he does then the vet check was certainly 'worth' it.

Gardens are histories

2010-05-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

It must be horrible and sad for people to have to leave their loved gardens, and particularly if they know they are to be destroyed after they leave. I am a little wistful about leaving mine despite the fact that it is totally my own choice.

I am delighted that the new owners of my property want to know the names of the plants and trees. They will make changes and make it their own but most of the existing plants and trees will continue to give pleasure.

Of course it is much more than the name of a plant. Over the years I have been given and acquired lots of roses and other plants and to me my garden is my personal and private 'history'. As I look around it I remember the people and animals who have been my 'life blood'.

There is one magnificent thorny rose bush whose story has always been a mystery. It was left by my car at Wandin Horse trials years ago with no note. I would love to know who left it for me! It has given me great pleasure and lots of scratches when mowing around it.

My ornamental birds, also gifts, are ready to move to Jindivick. They will be the only additions to the stunning garden I am moving to. I do remember when I moved to Bunyip finding the different plants that 'popped' up in the various seasons. I am excited about this happening again.

Packing and sorting 'stuff' is another matter. People are so quick with advice - 'if you have not worn it for 12 months you never will again so get rid of it'. Its so exciting finding things I had forgotten I owned. Of course they are not going to be given or thrown away! Now I remember I own them I just might wear them. 'De-clutter' - I have just looked it up in the dictionary and its not there!

There is a lot of stuff that has already been taken to the Posh Op Shop in Garfield - and there is more to come. No books though - I do not seem to be able to part with many of these.

I have found the answer! Tomorrow I have rented a storage unit in Warragul. Everything that I want to keep but does not have a 'home' at the new property, will go into store. I consider this is half way to getting rid of it!

Competition Edge

2010-05-05T03:33:00.000-07:00

What makes a 'top' competitor? Is this different from being an 'elite' competitor? I believe the answer is 'yes'. One can be a top competitor at any level. The components are the same for any standard and any discipline. You have to be prepared - with mental preparation for riding a dressage test, show jumping or cross-country course.

Then you have to be able to keep your 'nerve' and your concentration.

You cannot say that a rider at Badminton is any more nervous than a rider at a local competition. Everything is relative to that rider. Part of keeping your 'nerve' is believing in yourself. Total concentration allows a rider to totally focus on the task of riding the 'course'. If you are using 60% of your thinking on other thoughts and emotions you only have 40% of your brain to compete with. This is clearly not enough!

Riders need to make a plan in minute detail and then be able to follow that plan. Then only a small percentage of the brain power is used up following the plan and this leaves brain to spare to 'perform'. Top performance is all about calculated risk. As horses have individual personalities it is not possible to totally predict their behaviours and reactions. Following a plan gives the rider time to assess the performance and make changes.

Prepare to succeed - and hold your nerve!

National Gallery of Victoria

2010-04-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

A detour on my way home from Toronto took me from Melbourne airport to the National Gallery of Victoria. Rod McNicol's portrait of Jack Charles was larger than life as it looked out from the side wall advertising the' Timelines' exhibition which opens on 7th May and runs until 3rd October. Its amazing how a billboard can be so striking.

It was fun running into Victorian 3 day event stewards returning from Kentucky. They will be returning to officiate at WEG. Sally Francis, EA Para Equestrian Chef d'Equipe was also on the flight having acquainted herself with Kentucky Horse Park and looked at the facilities for her horses and riders. It is the first time that Para Equestrian will be part of WEG.

Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

2010-04-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

It was interesting to see that both Philip Dutton and Boyd Martin are at the top of the score board at last weekend's Rolex Kentucky FEI 4 Star Three Day Event.

Australia has good three day event riders but it is sad for the country not only to lose two such talented riders with 'on form' horses, but to have to compete against them at WEG later in the year.

Badminton 4* is next week-end and more ex-Aussies may do well. Time will tell at Badminton and WEG.

French bulldogs

2010-04-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Appreciating art was clearly very tiring for these young French bulldogs. The cat was pleased to have them home again. The dog harnesses are excellent as you can lift them up by the handle on the top of the harness. This is comfortable for the dogs and great for our backs.

Para Equestrian jumping and unromantic travel

2010-04-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Emily Browne, from Vancouver Island is very keen for the Para Equestrian show jumping to be established in Canada. Her gelding Chico competes in Para Equestrian dressage as well as Equine Canada eventing and show jumping. In particular it is the French Para Equestrian riders that have pushed for show jumping to be established as a sport. There are now official FEI rules and it is hoped that more riders from more countries will take part in national and international competitions. It is still early days but so many riders want 'the right to risk'. Show jumping certainly gives them this opportunity!

People often comment that my job and all the travelling is so 'romantic'. Not always! This morning I had to get out of bed at 4.15 a.m. The 6.15 flight from Victoria to Toronto left the gate more or less on time but then sat on the tarmac for two and a half hours while a mechanic was called. He was in bed and then had to travel for 40 minutes. I so needed a coffee but only water was available. Then my hire car had been given to someone else as I was a 'no show'. Then I hit Toronto in rush hour!

Sea to Sea competition in Canada

2010-04-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Due to the huge distances across Canada, Equine Canada are running Para Equestrian monthly 'Sea to Sea' video dressage competitions. They also run 'Coast to Coast' riding competitions for unclassified riders with a disability.

Rachel Whitmore riding Alex is receiving her first prize for the February 'Sea to Sea' competition.

2nd Day of Clinic

2010-04-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Another busy clinic day yesterday. One of the nicest aspects of para equestrian is working as part of a team. For many years I have worked with the physiotherapist Marion Slatter-Blitstein. She is so good at analysing riders and coming up with ways of enhancing their abilities. She is with Jennifer McKenzie who is riding Sunbury Park Voodoo, recently imported from Australia.

Noni Hartvikson brought her coach Courtenay Fraser who rides at Grand Prix level, and is a new Board member of Dressage Canada. It was great fun working together, and with such a nice and talented horse.

I always enjoy the islands we pass on the ferry ride to Vancouver Island. Unfortunately it was dark this time.

Para Equestrian clinic in Langley, B.C. Canada

2010-04-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

Seriously busy day here in Langley B.C. teaching Para Equestrian riders of varying standards.

3 Paralympic riders, international riders and less experienced riders. It was great to catch up with the riders who competed in the international competition in Melbourne in December 2009. It is so much easier coaching them on their own horses and far less stressful for all of us!

I had a nice ride on Jennifer McKenzie's Valentine.

Eleanor Elstone's Wild Card is a super talented 7 year old. I am sure he will be seen in both Para Equestrian and FEI dressage in the future. He is a joy to watch. Great paces. It is such a responsibility having such a talented horse - and of course so much fun.

The riding public are beginning to realise that there is no real difference between 'able-bodied' and Para dressage. I believe that there is - the Para horses cannot get away with any impurities in the paces and particularly in the walk!

Flying Again

2010-04-11T17:01:00.001-07:00

It is always a terrible feeling leaving home and seeing the animals lined up as you drive away. They always know the result of a suitcase coming out but they always have that tiny hope that maybe this time they will be included.

Rather hard on them this time as I only returned from presenting an RDA coach workshop in Hobart yesterday afternoon, so their excitement was short lived as a small suitcase was replaced by a bigger one.

I am so lucky as I have great people who look after my home and animals when I am away - thanks Ada, Sarah and Will.

2010-04-09T04:45:00.000-07:00

Lovely autumn weather near Huonville, Tasmania. Scott Perry is on his new horse Goodly.

Just before dusk is a great time of day when a stillness precedes nightfall - great time to be in the bush.

Senior Management reviewing Equine Canada Contract

2010-04-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just signed contact as a consultant with Equine Canada after Wilma the cat had approved it. Really excited about working with the Canadians again.

The New Blogger

2010-04-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi all, this is just to let you know that Mary will be getting her first 'blogger' intro later today and so you can expect some regular inputs from tomorrow. Cheers, from Chris (Mary's technical support)