March / April 2013

Tamworth Indoor Showjumping was great fun as always! Quality Euro aka Crumbles placed 2nd in the 1.20 two phase and 4th 1.25 Grand Prix, a super start back for him after some weeks off from being Gelded! Unfortunately The Frosty was a little under the weather so I gave him the weekend off – there seems to be a bit of a virus running around the Central Coast at the moment – so better to be safe than sorry!  Waverlee 111 (Lara) is getting better and better at every show, placing 5th in the 1.15 Grand Prix.

Gloucester show saw 5 members of the Girls Girls Girls team perform to a wonderful crowd.
Anna Jackson overcame her first show nerves with the help and support of the more experienced girls – Jacinta Maurer, Bec Circosta and Teleah Jensen and our youngest member Tara Livermore is really getting into the swing of live show! Just in time for the Sydney Royal Easter Show – where we had 13 of the Girls Girls Girls team performing 3 live shows daily, including the evening main arena spectacular. The girls excelled themselves Nell Carter, Christy Connor, Mikayla (Pinky) Barber,  Teleah Jensen and the three girls from WA – Jacinta Maurer, Bec Circosta and Carly Thomas, the consummate professionals did a fabulous job. Alicia Bourke worked wonders on a horse she only broke in 6 months ago – a great combination and a super little horse for Alicia to go on with.
A special thanks to Kali Seicker in her first live show she was the behind the scenes magician! She was a massive help to all the girls and definitely ran a tight ship!   We finally got her and Anna into the lycra (most of our first timers are more scared of the skin tight lycra costumes than the actual trick riding!!)

A big thank you to Lynelle Smith and her team from the RAS who were a fabulous help with costumes, etc.

Congratulations to the winner of our “Ride and Glide” Facebook competition in conjunction with The Natural Care Company, Angela Dalby! Angela won a beautiful bit and pair of spurs from the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company and an 800g Joint Armour from The Natural Care Company. A product all of our horses here at Mount White do not go without!

Then straight off to the Corryong Bush Festival where Hawkesbury River Saddle Co were sponsors of the Ladies Stockmans Challenge and the Buck Jump! Christy Connor took out the Ladies title – choosing a Stirrup Bar Fender for her trophy and Michael Green took home an Outlaw Master Half Seat for the buck jump win! We also put a Stockmaster saddle up for raffle of which Sam Manning most deservedly won!  We had lots of visitors to the trade stand and luckily had the fabulous help of our new recruit Drew to help Heath out with the Eftpos machine!! All in all a fantastic festival as usual!

Next on the list for April was a Heath Harris Liberty Training Clinic.  We have just said goodbye to our Liberty Masterclass participants who came from all over the place – as close as the South Sydney to as far away as Kuwait!! Our weather wasn’t wonderful, but we did manage to have a couple of sun shining days!

Next up was the Sydney International Three Day Event at SIEC where we held a trade stand and the jumping horses competed in the Weekend of World Cups. Frosty and Lara were super, with Lara coming home with a 4th in the 1.20 2 phase.  Getting there slowly.  Mind you – if riding horses and winning ribbons was easy – we would soon be bored with it. (I don’t think that I’ll be bored any time soon!)

Hawkesbury River Saddle Company are proud announce a new partnership with Angus Barrett! We will now be stocking their beautiful Angus Barrett Pure Wool Saddle Pads - www.angusbarrett.com.au
Angus Barrett Saddlery supplies us with their quality, pure wool saddle pads. Angus Barrett specialises in Australian made saddlery tack, including bridles, reins, breastplates, saddle pads, training and handling gear and much more. Contact info@angusbarrett.com.au or phone 02 6361 1601.

 

January 2013

January - 2nd to 5th Snowy Mountains Showjumping festival, Cooma showground. HRSCo, sponsors, trade stand and jumping horses to compete.

The Snowy Mountains Showjumping festival
Cooma is usually one of the best shows of the year and this year did not dissapoint - thanks to MEA, and the Dreverman Family (including Rhi)!! Congratulations to Jack Hayden for winning the Hawkesbury River Saddle Co Amateur Series at the Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival. He chose a Sure Seat Jump Saddle - which will be perfect for Cross Country. Heath and Tim had a blast raffling a saddle to the riders on Saturday night. It was won by Jesse Mckay from Queensland - a fabulous feel good thing - as she had travelled all the way with her family - and hadn't had much luck winning ribbons - but managed to go home with a HRS Platinum Jump Saddle!! Tara Livermore, new to the Girls Girls Girls team had her first performance trick riding for a crowd ever. A fabulous effort by her and Saintly, helped greatly but the Australian Junior Trick Riding Champ – Teleah Jensen.

 

December 2012

1st & 2nd – Sydney Showjumping Club Championships

6th to 9th – Summer Showjumping Classic SIEC

 

November 2012

Hawkesbury Rivery Saddle Co. and Educator Clinic photos - Equitana Melbourne 2012

 

Australian Trick Riding Championships - Equitana Melbourne 2012

Webjet & Hawkesbury River Saddle Company sponsor one of the most extreme forms of horse sports, pushed to the ultimate edge by some of the craziest & bravest competitors around.

The 2012  Extreme Trick Riding Championships are all about the grace of a ballet dancer, the strength, speed and precision of a boxer, the glitz & glamour of the stage – and those wonderful wonderful trick riding ponies that make it all possible.

Style, presentation & showmanship are awarded points requiring expert stage makeup and costumes.  Points are also gained for horsemanship, and how well the horse completes its runs.  Hours of training go into these ponies to help them perform to the best of their ability.   The tricks themselves, with names like ‘suicide drag’ and ‘the coffin’ are awarded points for degree of difficulty & the precise & elegant execution of the trick.

Pony training, personal training, a tonne of guts and an addiction to adrenalin – that is what creates the magic for the Webjet / Hawkesbury River Saddle co’s Australian Extreme Trick Riding Championships...... bring it on.

Where: -      Equitana – Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale.
When:-         Saturday 17th November – 5 to 7pm Tuff Rock Arena Compulsory
Sunday 18th November – 1.45 to 2.45pm Grand Pavilion – Freestyle

 

October 2012

And a great letter we received recently ...

Subject: WATAGAN MOUNTAINS CAMPDRAFT

Hi Heath
Our club greatly appreciates your kind donation of 2 sets of gold spurs. 
They were presented to the winners of the Novice & Open drafts.
Our club member James Harcus who has been in the club since its incorporation in 1996  and has been one of its most dedicated workers all these years, won both drafts.  He was a very popular winner with both club members and other campdrafters as he is a very likeable man and always will offer a helping hand to anyone. James has a son Mark who also drafts so the other set of spurs will come in handy.  We might have to nick name them “the gold spur Harcuses”.
April Langridge, although she did not win a draft on the day did have 2 placings in the Juvenile and 2 placings in the Novice a very respectable performance as always from April.
Once again thank you for your support.
Kind regards, Leonie Rouse (President/Secretary/Treasurer)

 

September 2012

Our congratulations to the winners of the Team Penning last weekend.  Junior National Champions and Open National Champions - Tamworth. 

We were impressed at the "teamwork" between all the participants but a special mention to the winners Justin Gillis, Chloe Milgate and Matthew Porter for the Junior Team,and Suellen Pye, Fred Munroe and Kelly Porter for Open Team. 

 

August 2012

We are very proud to announce our new partnership with The Natural Care Company , now sponsoring Krissy’s jumping team ; Crumbles (Quality Euro), Lara (Waverlee 111) and Frosty (The Frosty.) Not only are they all benefiting from an all natural joint / tendon / skin support combination of Joint Armour (100%NZ Green Lipped Mussel Powder) & MSM but also everything from a SkinSoothing Oil that has been great for a terrible skin rash that has been going around.  Linda from The Naturalcare Company also formulated anamazing gel which, much to my amazement, is reducing the size of Crumbles persistent sarcoids!  and we loooove the Manuka Honey, Rosemary & Aloe gel for wounds. Linda is a qualified medicalherbalist and, as such, creates tonic to suit individual complaints (she has helped many clients with moody mares, natural pain relief, anxiety, ulcers, the odd exotic illness and, a favourite client, "Pippin" the Alpaca!). She formulates individualised preparations to meet your needs and provides a comprehensive and personalised natural health care service that we couldn’t be happier to be associated with!

August 25th and 26th was Jumping in the Hawkesbury. A wonderfully put together show, the weather was beautiful and the grounds were terrific. Krissy and Frosty came home with a 5th place in the Bronze class. HRSCo sponsored the Amateur 90cm two phase which was won by Eliza Knox and Katelle Domino.

At the end of the month we welcomed Daniel De Wet from South Africa for a week of work experience. Daniel’s family own the picturesque Zandvliet Wine Estate and Thoroughbred Stud in Robertson Valley, South Africa. He is out visiting different studs and farms around Australia to gain some practical experience that he can take back with him to help his Father with the running of their stud (Picture). Daniel was a great help for the week and we wish him all the best!

 

July 2012

Welcome to Anna Jackson from New Zealand! (who has come to join Laura Reedie and Lyndsey Anic as Harris Entertainment /Hawkesbury River Saddle Co help & support! 

(Thoughts from Krissy Harris)  "How is it that I can’t find time to get on a plane to go visit my girlfriend Paula in Queensland, but when she holds a showjumping show – I can drive 2,040 kilometres round trip for the weekend with a truck load of horses?"   Must be part of the ‘horse people are strange’ thing that the rest of the population doesn’t understand.

 

The Glen Haven Park Grand Prix Show at Kilcoy was a wonderful show – and well worth the drive.  "The Frosty" jumped consistantly for a 4th in the 1.10m AM7 and a 2nd in the 1.10 Grand Prix.   My beautiful Stallion, "Quality Euro" (AKA "Crumbles") jumped really well for an =5th in the Futurity.  Well worth the drive – as the show was beautifully run – the prize money was great and the whole town of Kilcoy was involved and it was a wonderful atmosphere.  Lucky that Paula lives in Queensland – otherwise my liver would be pickled :)

 

Saturday the 14th of July was really special – the pickup day for our new imported mare "Waverlee 111" (AKA "Lara") – a beautiful 9 year old Warmblood mare x Heartbreaker out of a Capitol mare.  She is to join "Quality Euro" and "The Frosty" as Team Harris! She will be out and about competing soon once she aclimatised to our lovely Southern Hemisphere weather. Hawkesbury River Saddle Company sponsored the Glowalmans – the Australian Junior Rodeo Championships.  The trophy saddles (the wonderfully versitile Stockmaster Fender saddle) were won by Matthew Ireland for Overall Sporting Champion and Tyler Berkley for Overall Campdraft Champion.   Heath and Lyndsey Anic were at Wingham to present the prizes – ably assisted by Teleah Jensen. The NNWSJC ran a fabulous Winter Championships of Showjumping at the AELEC centre – Hawkesbury River Saddle Company sponsored again – with "Quality Euro" placing 5th in the 1.20m Hawkesbury River Saddle Co class – gaining a small amount of money back again!  "The Frosty" was 2nd in the 1.20m Grand Prix – and "Quality Euro" won the 1.30m Grand Prix – so we had a wonderful show.

 

May / June 2012

Tamworth Winter Showjumping Event at AELEC

It was a very exciting 1.20-25 two phase event sponsored by the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company (of which Krissy and "Crumbles" came 5th!!) 

1st was Sarah McMillan and "Queen of Diamonds", 
2nd Jennifer Mitchell and "Sweetshot", 
3rd was Sarah Beale and "Alpha Centauri", 
4th Daniel Engbers and "Boston MVNZ"

 

 

then, in 5th Place, Krissy and her beautiful Stallion "Quality Euro" (aka "Crumbles")

 

We also sponsored the Open 1m two phase, Results - 

1st Emily Scrivener on"Big Al"
2nd Jade McCusker on "Smarty Pants"
3rd Lauren Edwards on "Blue Jean Baby"
4th Patrick Crawford on "Hoist The Colours"
5th Louise Light on "Shrek 2"

Congratulations to all the competitors, you really got into the spirit and made the whole show so much fun !

 

Also, Congratulations to the Amateur Cutters competing at the NCHA Futurity

We were really proud to sponsor the 3 Amateur events with the new

"Athlete Cutter" saddle; and what exciting events they were!!

- And the winners were:
Amateur Derby - Craig Sim riding CD Roanie Oak
Amateur Futurity - Lacey Elliot riding Peptos Stylish San
Amateur Classic - John Farley riding Stylish CD

We hope you love your saddles!! 

 

NCHA Tamworth. Affinity Risk Stockman's Challenge.

Christy Connor placed 5^th overall in the  Affinity Risk Stockman’s Challenge at the NCHA in Tamworth last night.

 

Congratulations goes to ... (drum roll please...)

Bronson Macklinshaw; who narrowly beat Kevin Cooper for the Hawkesbury River Saddle Co OUTLAWMASTER  Trophy Saddle for overall winner.

 

 

 

Steve Connor shows that he can sit up there with the best of them – riding his Bronc.

 

Dan James was a good hand at the brumby catch as well.

 

Paul Davenport from Affinity Risk Insurance and Heath Harris – Hawkesbury River Saddle Company – co sponsors of the Stockman’s Challenge.

 

On to a totally different sport – “Quality Euro” – looking fairly awesome at the Showcase of Showjumping – held at the Windsor Polo Grounds.

 

Boar Swamp Campdrafting

"Hello Heath and Krissy, I am the sponsorship co-ordinator for the Boar Swamp Campdraft held on Leigh and Geoff McLarty's property in Pinjarra, Western Australia. Your sponsorship of 2 lovely stock saddles was more than generous and greatly appreciated.  Campdrafters had to qualify at the Williams Campdraft in the Maiden and Open Campdrafts and in the Maiden and Open Campdraft at Boar Swamp and then go in a Final. It was a very exciting event and I am pleased to let you know Stephanie Retzlaff of Coolup riding 'Kate' won the Hawkesbury River Saddlery Maiden Campdraft. Leigh McLarty of Pinjarra riding Zac won the Hawkesbury River Saddlery Open Campdraft. I have attached some photos of the winners for your perusal and a copy of an article by journalist Bob Garnant of the Countryman May 3rd edition. Once again, Thankyou so much for your generous sponsorship" Cheers Jean

April 2012

How amazing was the day for the Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls when they performed to a capacity crowd of just under 30,000. We were at the fabulous Rosehill Gardens for the Richest 2 year olds race in the world – the Golden Slipper !.  The most nerve wracking effort was the delivery of the Slipper to the waiting celebrity. Christy Connor & Chloe Enriquez did a fabulous job  - they weren’t worried about doing tricks galloping down the straight – just “DON’T DROP THAT SLIPPER!!” Ably assisted by Katie Gibson, Cody Peterson, Jacinta Maurer and Teleah Jensen.  It was a doubly special day for Teleah – as it was her 15th birthday.

Apart from the Slipper weekend – the rain was absolutely awful.  Luckily we went to the right show.  The showjumpers trekked all the way up to Tamworth for their show – passing Newcastle on the way – and forgoing Castle Hill which was only an hour away.  It proved the best decision – as both Newcastle & Castle Hill copped lots of rain and wind – where as we were warm and dry at the AELEC centre –  with beautiful stables and a great indoor arena to compete in.

Crumbles was again wonderful – winning  a 1.25m two phase class on the last day – which absolutely made my weekend.  Put that with Cascade who earned a 3rd in the 1.05 and a 2nd in the 1.10m with Andrew  Barnett in the saddle and the drive home was a happy one.  We said goodbye to Nakita Barber who has been staying at our farm.  She’s off to help the Double Dan Horsemanship team at their digs in North Arm Cove for a week or so before travelling back to home in Western Australia.  Heath and I then jumped on a plane bound for the UK and our saddlery factory in Walsall.  Heath’s head is spinning with a new design of dressage saddle.  We already have the Stockmaster Dressage which is proving popular – and Heath is designing a new model of that Stockmaster for the show ring as well. 

One of the highlights of our trip to England is going to visit Karen & Chris Wellings at their farm near Hickstead.  I’ll also have a ride on a few horses – you never know......

March 2012 

Quality Euro is proving himself in Australia now – after winning the Irish 5 year old championships, the Welsh 6 year old championships – he has been consistently competing at 1.25/1.30m here – with many placings and a win in the 1.25m at Tamworth Show held at the AELEC centre.

The Girls Girls Girls Nature Vet Trick Riding Team were out in force at the Wallamba/Nabiac Show  - getting ready for the presentation of the Slipper at Rosehill Gardens – before the race the GGG get 8 minutes in front of a very large crowd  - 7th April 2012!

Most shows were a wash out in February/March – even the Gundagai Giddyup  was cancelled – mind you – they were under 7m of water!

With a Liberty Training Master Class and some private trick riding & jumping lessons – Heath & Krissy have been busy at Ashbrookes Farm.  Heath’s new team of Andalusians are coming along  nicely.  Cascade  was ridden by Andrew Barnett at Tamworth for a 2nd and 3rd placing.

 

February 2012

The lads had a great photoshoot on the Gold Coast recently to promote this years' "Magic Millions" sale.

 

"Maitland Show was a welcome relief from the rain.  Even though it was steaming hot - it was so nice to go to a show and not get wet.  Sue Bettington built some beautiful courses, the Hunter Valley Jump Club were excellent hosts - and the weekend was wonderful.  Crumbles placed 6th in the 1.35m Two Phase - so our plans to jump Mini Prix by the end of the year are looking very achieveable. Not much else really happened in February - apart from the rain.  Both Morisset and Nowra Shows were postponed/washed out - and even Heath didn't make it to Kokoda - which is now re-scheduled for May which will be much better weather and also allow Heath to complete the proper training.  I am really impressed - he is walking up to 15kms per day - and he is 65!"

 

On another note, Congratulations to Peter Boulton of Tinamba who won the Hawkesbury River Fender Saddle for the Novice Campdraft run by the Yarram Campdraft Club. 

 

January 2012

January started with a bang.  The Mount White neighbours got together for an impromptu bbq and show at Ashbrookes Farm.  We had the pleasure of a performance from Jennifer Welsh-Nicholson & Brandi Phillips – “Riata Cowboy Girls” – from USA who were with us form Christmas & New Year.  They performed amazingly with their ropes and trick riding – ably assisted by Teleah Jensen.  Then it was back to the farmhouse for another awesome performance by Sarah Moir & Okkie.  Sarah and Okkie starred at Equitana with their violin & dance act – and it was just as spine tingling on New Year’s Day.

Then it was off to the Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival, where Hawkesbury River Saddle company sponsored the Amateur Series with a HR Platinum Jumping Saddle – won by Brett Clarke.  Thanks to Tim   Dreverman, Rhi, Sarah & Sue and the whole crew for organizing such a wonderful show.  MEA is a great club and did a fantastic job.  It was nice to go to a show with Heath in attendance, so he could watch Quality Euro (Crumbles to his mates) – jump 5 out of 5 clear rounds with a couple of placings.  Thanks to Nature Vet for all the pick-me ups for my quiet Warmblood.  Normally I am reaching for the calm me downs with the thoroughbreds!
Both Crumbles & Frosty placed – so we went home with 5 ribbons,  Heath sold heaps of saddles – and collected a red light fine on the way home just to top it off!

Half way through January we welcomed Kirstie Hobson to our crew,  and saw Lindsey Anic shift from horses to Hawkesbury River Saddle co work.  Nakita Barber as always helping with everything.

I am sure that it has rained every weekend since Cooma – Morisset Show was cancelled, and Heath & I are at AELEC at the Landmark Stockhorse sale in Tamworth.  Lucky it is indoors.

Bring on February and some sunshine I say.....

 

Brett Clarke being presented with the very first Hawkesbury River Platinum Jumping Saddle for winning the Amateur series at the Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival

 

 

December 2012

I must be getting older – as the years seem to be flying past (not that being 49 next year is worrying me.......).  With rain again being a factor trying to get to a show – we finally made the Sydney Showjumping Club Championships and also the lovely show at SIEC.  Frosty was a star at both – placing in the D grades & 1.10’s.  Cascade was back from injury – so started in the 1.05m to get going – did not have a rail down for both shows – but too slow in the jump offs for more than one placing at SIEC. Crumbles was starting to work out the jockey – who needed to kick a bit more.  12th out of 80 in the 1.20 in the main ring at SIEC was a good result for a new combination.

Then we took off our jumping hat and put on the trick riding one.  We had a trick riding clinic with a difference.  Sponsored by Bridie Sparkes, Matt Coban and Heath & Krissy – the ‘Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls’ Jennifer Welsh-Nicholson and Brandi Phillips headed down under.

After hearing so much about them – it was fabulous to meet in person at last.  What awesome people.  Jennifer and Brandi were totally professional in their approach to trick riding – and the girls gained heaps of knowledge to further their trick riding.  I learned to twirl a rope (badly) – and also play the piano (courtesy of Angela Chalmers Mum Margaret!!)
It was just like ‘getting the band back together’ – with Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls members
Christy Connor
Angela Chalmers
Cody Wilson-Peterson
Seann Pitman
Alicia Bourke
Teleah Jensen

Chloe Enriquez dropped in for a couple of days as well. 

Then it was Christmas  - which only meant a couple of days off as we were getting the jumpers ready for the Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival in Cooma starting on the 3rd January.

Merry Christmas from Krissy, Heath, Wilbur & Bryan.

November 2011

Hawkesbury River Saddle Company has a huge month sponsoring events: - The Snowy River Stockman’s Challenge held at Jindabyne on the 6th November was supported with a saddle for the winner – and then it was on to Equitana.

EQUITANA -----OMG – what a huge undertaking – and thanks to the Equitana Team and all our mates that rallied around and helped us.
We were literally run off our feet for 5 days (one day of set-up in 30 plus degrees).  Not only did we have the Hawkesbury River Saddle company trade stand, but Heath was working the Nature Vet Free Spirit Liberty Team in his demonstrations of liberty and long-reining AND we were running the Australian Women’s Extreme Trick Riding Championships AND we sponsored The Way of The Horse! 

Congratulations to Greg Powell on winning The Way of The Horse and an Outlaw Master Saddle.

Congratulations to Teleah Jensen & Nel Carter for winning the Compulsory section of the Trick Riding Championships.
Congratulations again to Nel Carter & Lily Adams who won the Freestyle Sections – as well as the overall championships – collecting a Hawkesbury River white trick riding trophy saddle each.

One of the highlights for us of Equitana was the beautiful piece of work between Okkie and Sarah Moir. Sarah is one of the 'String Angels' - and did the most beautiful piece working with Okkie and her violin. Hopefully we can see this again - as it was so emotive and made a beautiful interlude to the dressage.

October 2011

Cascade (better known at home as Norman) – did a fabulous job working on a Tab Corp Commercial – wearing a red wig and a fascinator!  Not the easiest thing to do to get him to keep all that on his head.

We then moved into another commercial – this time for Japco Productions with Okkie (Heath’s white liberty horse) – working exceptionally well to get some great shots.  We won’t see this commercial – as it was shot for the Japanese market.

Next – Heath was in the truck driving to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions fashion shoot for Harper’s Bazaar and other ACP magazines.  Okkie was backed up by Dingo (doing his first shoot),  and Heebee.  A nice easy shoot for Heath – as it was stills only – and a great way to ease Dingo into his new career.

Phew – still busy.  Krissy & Nakita took off to the Australian Showjumping Championships at Dubbo.  This was Quality Euro’s 2nd show with me in the saddle.  He was fabulous.  I jumped my first 1.30m class in 10 years.  A bit rusty – but got the job done for a 3rd placing.  Now can’t wait until the next show!

Heath, Teleah & Lily arrived at Dubbo in time to entertain with some trick riding.  It was nice of Heath to drive all that way to support our sport of showjumping – paying all costs out of his own pocket!!

September 2011

Heath weaved his magic again with another Liberty Training Master Class.  We had huge fun all week with Spike (from Queensland) – Darren & Lincoln (from Victoria), & Jennifer & Sam from NSW.  

Hawkesbury River Saddle co sponsored the Australian Titles Team Penning held at the AELEC centre in Tamworth.  We had our trade stand there – and had great fun watching some really good work with the cattle.  The Australian Championships was won by the Upper Murray Team from Victoria.

Then it was back home – quickly working horses and away to Gundagai for the NSW State Showjumping Championships.  Quality Euro had his first start with me in the saddle.  It was always going to be huge fun – and even better winning a couple of ribbons in the 1.15 and 1.20m classes.

August 2011

24th August – “Quality Euro” arrived at Mount White.  Heath & I went to the Quarantine Station at Eastern Creek to pick him up.  He looked absolutely fabulous – fat, shiny & well.

After being in Quarantine for 3 weeks – he was definitely ready for a ride.  What a super horse.  I’m very lucky to own him. 

Earlier in August, Heath & I travelled to Emerald in Queensland where Nel Adams married Steve Carter – what a fun wedding.  The bride & her sister Lily are totally tricking riding mad – they even did it in their wedding clothes!

The Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls performed at Penrith Show – a great showground with a track right in front of the grandstand.  Thanks to Christy, Cody, Teleah, Lily & Alicia for a great performance.

June 2011

Congratulations to Troy Palmer on winning the Hawkesbury River "Outlaw Master" trophy saddle at the NCHA Stockman's Challenge, AELEC.

Pictured below are 9 of the best horsemen in the country! Left to Right: Jason Narine, Troy Palmer, Sam Webb, Mark Palmer, David Mitchell, Dan James, David Thorne, David Winter, Ryan Pentergast

 

May 2011

Month of May was very exciting - and life changing for me. Heath & I went to Abu Dhabi to visit the Camle Clinic & Alex Tinson & to spend some time with Ali Al Ameri. It was a fabulous 4 days. We then flew to the UK, where we did some really good saddle business - and are now waiting on a jumping saddle that I designed & a dressage saddle designed by Heath. How the process goes - is that we receive the first saddles and use them to death. We make a few changes etc - and then get anothe one done. It might take 4 or 5 saddles before we are happy with them - and then we go into produciton. So - with a bit of time in the UK - we went down to Brighton to visit Chris & Karen Wellings. Whilst with the Wellings mob - we went to heaps of saddleries - the Aussie dollar making the good name jods etc a great price over there. We also went to a dealer yard and rode a couple of horses. OMG - I rode a lovley stallion - and with fingers crossed - he will be owned by us this week!! More information when the deal is actually done.

 

Krissy, Heath & Karen on the top of the Hickstead bank - a pity we didn't get the bottom of the bank in the shot - it is absolutely gob smacking that anyone could ride a horse down it - and then jump at the bottom! It's going to be fantastic - will kick me back into the saddle in a big way - so lookout shows - I'll be driving in the gate at as many as I can get to.

 

 

 

 

So it was back from UK - get the horses & Nature Vet GGG ready and hit the road for Dubbo Show. The GGG were great, and Ab Initio went better & better each start. Frosty was a bit gob smacked with the atmosphere - but only being my 2nd show on him - it was OK, and Norman got all the way there to end up with a foot abscess - and sat in the stables for 3 days.

 

Christy Connor on Kenny at the Dubbo Show - the girls had fun buying some fab new comstues from the circus - which was also performing at Dubbo.

(photo of Ab Inito & Krissy courtesy of Tim Dreverman)

 

DUBBO SHOW SPONSORSHIP FROM HAWKESBURY RIVER SADDLE COMPANY - TEAM PENNING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEBBIE BELL, PHILLIP BELL & MICK JENKINSON FROM MENDOORAN WHO WON THE HAWKESBURY RIVER STOCKMASTER FENDER TROPHY SADDLES.

Heath & I are up at the NCHA Cutting Final at AELEC, Tamworth. I really hope we sell heaps of saddles - as I've just spent heaps of money!!

March/April 2011

We are having a huge year already.  I purchased a really nice little thoroughbred jumper “The Frosty”  from David Cameron.  He’s a scopey little horse that really suits me and I have high hopes for. A big thank you to Rod & Cathy Brown for helping me find him. 

We sold “Barilla Bay” to Robyn from Raymond Terrace, and we wish her all the best with him.  “Big Ponds” found a home with Tony & Vonnie at Peat’s Ridge.  Tony (6’4” concreter by profession) had a small 16hh Warmblood gelding “Max” that didn’t really suit him,  and I  (5’2” or 159cm) have had  “Big Ponds” for ages – as he was 17.1&1/2 hh and although really quiet, I struggled  to get the best out of him – so we swapped.

I am a firm believer that nice horses find themselves nice homes – and Tony & I are both really happy with the exchange.  It is also so much fun playing with a new toy.  Poor Max was worked more in the first 2 weeks of me owning him than in the last 2 years with Tony.

Hawkesbury River Saddle Company is powering ahead – we had a phenomenal Man From Snowy River Challenge at Corryong this year – selling 20 saddles in 4 days – that was something of a record for us.  Congratulations go to Mallory Nankervis, who won the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company Trophy Saddle for  the Ladies’ Stockman’s Challenge.

The Nature Vet GGG Extreme Trick Riding Team performed amazingly at Luddenham Show.    We had Christy Connor from Taralga with “Kenny”,   Alicia Bourke from Blayney with her horse “Joe”,  Teleah Jensen from Narara with “Cleo”,  Cody Wilson-Peterson with “Marion”,  Grace Kaye with Kim Peterson’s “Bucky”. 

Their next outing will be at the Dubbo Show where they will be performing both the trick riding and the Extreme Truck Stunt (don’t miss it – it’s wild!!)

January 2011

Phew – it’s hot.  I suppose I shouldn’t complain – as the Central Coast has had much better weather than Queensland and Victoria.  Both Heath & I extend our best wishes to all of those affected by the floods and cyclones.

Christmas/New Year for all of us horsey people is generally getting back to grass roots. Rose and Lily were away for the holidays – so Heath & I were on stable duty.  I forget how nice it is to feed your own horses – it is the one time in the day when they truly love to see you!

Work couldn’t stop – as we were off to the Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival on the 3rd of January.  What a fabulous show run by the MEA – Congratulations to the whole committee and especially to Tim Dreverman as president and his sister Sarah & Mum Sue in the office - a great effort.

Cascade had his first Maiden D grade start – with a 4th placing,  Big Ponds jumped some clear rounds but wasn’t fast enough with me in the saddle, so we had a rider swap and James Mooney rode him for a couple of classes. James definitely looked more comfortable than me, as Big Ponds is 17.1 & 1/2 hands high.

Big Ponds (above left with Krissy - and right with James).

Lily Adams, in her first showjumping competition ever placed 2nd on Barilla Bay – a nice 4 year old from Tasmania having his 3rd show.  We also took the Hawkesbury River Saddle Co truck, and sold 3 saddles (which sort of pays for the showjumpers).  And to top it off - the Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls performed in front of a very appreciative crowd on Friday and Saturday.

(above) Barilla Bay and Lily Adams - both new to showjumping - and doing a great job.

Below: Lily and Reilly on the left & Teleah with Cleo on the right - performing for Nature Vet Girls Girls Girls at Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival. The girls loved it and so did the crowd. For the first time, they got to perform to "After Dark" - a fabulous cover band that really belted out some good stuff.

End of January saw us at Morisset Show – with Ab Inito placing 3rd in the C Grade and Big Ponds placing 6th in the 1.00m class.  1st in the 1.00m class was taken out by Gunderman (owned by us and ridden by Steve Rickards).