The Horse World
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Worth Their Weight in Gold
February 2019
On our January-February edition cover, professional equine portrait photographer and mum, Louise Sedgman has captured a moment of family fun as her daughters Grace and Emma play under the sprinklers with their ‘worth-their-weight-in-gold’ ponies Petal and Midnight on a hot summer’s evening. Born in England and based in Drouin, Victoria, Louise says she’s loved horses her whole life; “I’m completely obsessed!” she laughs. “I got my first pony at age 5 and have had horses in my life ever since.”
Equitation Scientists Challenge 'Misinformation' on Welfare Research
February 2019
In an open letter, the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) asked World Horse Welfare (WHW) to publicly rectify “a number of incorrect claims and insinuations” made by Olympian and WHW trustee Richard Davison regarding noseband research at their recent conference. Roly Owers, MRCVS, WHW chief executive responded and praised Richard Davison for sharing his personal opinions and encouraging debate on issues affecting sport horse welfare. Hon. President of ISES was asked by WHW to publish the response.
Legends of the Bush
February 2019
The horse in Australia has played a central role in the formation of our national identity. The distinctive Australian values of mateship, toughness, anti-authoritarianism, and concern for the ‘battler’ were carved out in the presence of horses. From the ponies who arrived here on the First Fleet in January 1788, and the others who joined them and were bred here, in peace and war, in sport and leisure, in work and play, horses and their riders have been fundamental to our collective sense of Australian-ness.
Dressing up for Melbourne Cup Day, from the horse's point of view
December 2018
Melbourne Cup is upon us and racegoers will dress in their finest, with prizes awarded for the smartest fashions on the field. Just like the punters, the equine stars of the track may also be wearing a range of gear in the hope of gaining a winning edge.
The Riding House
December 2018
This month we explore the history of the indoor arena or ‘riding house’ to use its original name. Some might consider that indoor arenas are not necessary in Australia because of our climate, but this would be to overlook the Northern hemisphere influences on equestrianism, including equine architecture. It is also true that those of us in the southern regions benefit from having access to an indoor during our long, cold and wet winters, and those further north benefit from the sun shelter they provide.
Cantering Confessions
November 2018
I have a confession. It’s been months since I cantered Dante. We had been going well and then came the setback at the start of the year: He got sore. I misread it. I pushed too far. His soreness got worse and with it his attitude. And with that, my confidence plummeted.
The Science Behind Melbourne Cup Winners
November 2018
It’s the race that stops a nation … and is worth a cool A$6.2 million. So what goes into the raceday preparation for the equine stars of the show? Thoroughbred racehorses have unique anatomy and physiology that suits them well for racing at high speeds. There are very few 3,200m Thoroughbred races in Australia, and the horses that make it to the final 24 in the Melbourne Cup are truly elite equine athletes.
A Day at the Races: Fillies, Frocks and the Oft-forgotten Folklore of Horseshoes
November 2018
It’s known as the race that stops the nation, but the Melbourne Cup carnival is about more than that. Betting and alcohol aside, it’s about two things in particular: horses and fashion. Two motifs predominate in racing fashion: the horseshoe and the horse bit. The bit is synonymous with Gucci and Hermes; both esteemed saddlers. The motif of the horse and rider, of course, feature in the logos of Longchamp, Ralph Lauren, Longchamp and Burberry. The single jointed snaffle bit adorns watches, bags, belts, shoes, jewellery, cufflinks and ties.
Rugging Traditions
November 2018
From bearskin saddle blankets to hoods resembling knight’s caparisons to magnetic ‘therapeutic rugs’, we’ve come a long way in the history of horse-rugging and, since we are now looking forward to finally casting off those winter turnout rugs with sighs of relief, this is a timely moment to consider the rugged horse in the history of art. Prior to the eighteenth century, horse rugs were basically large ornamental public-occasion heraldic-patterned or ‘parade’ coverings that would also have kept horses warm.
Icelandics in Australia: Big in Spirit
November 2018
When Birgit Kossmann saw an article in a German horse magazine about an Icelandic Horse stud in early 2011, she was surprised to read that the stud was in Australia. Birgit, who had ridden Icelandic Horses in her hometown Nottuln since she was three years old, had never heard of Icelandic Horses being here. Surely the climate was too hot for them? Icelandic Horses hail from a country of arctic deserts, icy tundra and lava fields. They were the preferred transport for the Vikings. Celebrated in Europe, the breed is perhaps best known for having an extra gait called a tölt. (See below.)
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