Shhhh - don't tell anyone I went hacking! 4yo BHM Black Galaxy Reserve Champion Part Bred Andalusian at the Andalusian Nationals - first eventing start to be Harden ODE in August
Hi all
Since my last post, I was embarking on a dream tour of the UK, and was part of the Australian Team Training camp for WEG as a reserve. It was an incredible journey, and whilst there were many ups and downs with the trip, I am much more “worldly” for the experience.
The trip had almost sent me broke and has taken me quite a long time to recover as I have two mortgages as well as a lot of horses that needed looking after whilst I was away.
Back here in Australia, I have many young horses that I have bred over the years to get going. All was going well till my new working pupil Margaret Palazzo managed to break the tip of her pinky and, of all things, needed an operation. That meant all of the extra horses I had taken on either to school or sell, fell onto me having to ride. That then in turn meant my own horses suffered a little once more whilst I had to put some of them aside to keep the paying and project horses in work. Margaret, despite another little hiccup with a concussion in the month, is back and we are going full steam ahead now, getting the babies ready for competition. Miss Princess, Metallicat and BHM Black Galaxy have all had good success so far for their first few times out competing and I have high hopes for their future.
Miss Princess placed 2nd in the 4yo Young event horse Class at Sydney 3DE - next event EVA 80 at SIEC
I also want to take the opportunity to introduce my new sponsors for 2015. I am so lucky to have such a great support around the country. They have helped tremendously in getting me back on my feet with supplying me some great gear, supplements and vet services. I am ever so thankful for their help and support.
Southern Stars Saddlery- An Australian company that make really great jumping and dressage saddles as well as some beautiful leather gear including Bridles, Breastplates and Stud Girths. They also have a great range of other products for horse and rider which are designed to maximise performance and safety. They are performance based and know what top athletes and horses need. Southern Stars Saddlery also have a range of very good synthetic saddles for those not in the market for a leather saddle.
How High Equestrian- have been supporters of mine for many years now with their How High stable boots, rugs and assorted gear. Thanks to Bec and James, I am very lucky to have one of my mares in foal to the amazing stallion Highland Blue Diamond, and am now training one of their youngsters Highland Lavis to hopefully be an up and coming 4 star horses.
Birds Equisports- Have a great range of very trendy riding apparel will make me one of the coolest dressed riders in the sport. They have a range of colours and styles from Casco Helmets, Accademia Italia Jodphers and Kastel Denmark riding shirts. Plus a range of exercise and jump boots, saddlecloths and plenty more to admire.
Brindabella Veterinary Hospital- Olivia James provides a unique to the area, mobile equine crush system for scanning, breeding and dental work carried out on your own property. Her newly built facility near Murrumbateman is state of the art, and they provide a very professional equine veterinary service to the area.
Equus Care Nutrition- provide a variety of essential horse supplements including Recovery and Repair, Joint Support, Hoof support from their online store. I am getting great results from using these supplements and you will too.
Whilst I don’t have any horses in training that will make the Rio Olympics, I am fully committed to training up some of my young stock towards future Australian Squads, and am always on the lookout for something special if it comes my way. I hope to write about their successes soon!!
Cheers
Natalie
Noonamah Valentina - 2nd 5yo Sydney Young Event Horse. Lily showed amazing ability in the jumping phase to produce a great result!!
