PH Performance in East Greenmount | Sportsperson

PH Performance

Locality: East Greenmount

Address: 14735 New England Highway 4359 East Greenmount, QLD, Australia

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25.01.2022 Last day for Christmas preorders of Tech Stirrups! You can even customise your look with a range of colour combinations, or keep to the traditional silver. If you ask nicely, I might even have a discount code

25.01.2022 First time back eventing after shoulder surgery in 2019. After nearly two years it’s funny the things that go through your mind. * Relief that you can still plait, and that the #smartgroomingproducts are still amazing despite having spent two years nearly abandoned in the grooming kit. * Appreciate that #aminoGLOSS and #Tamethemane finish off the shine despite being #timepoor * Wonder where the forelock gripper is after rummaging through the grooming kit, only to find it rand...omly in the gooseneck cutlery draw * Discover with relief that you can still tie a stock then curse because stockpins are with the other jacket and the tails from #QI3DE’19 . Resort to safety pin while musing on a tradition that we wear piece of material that could double as a sling if necessary . * Get irrationally excited that you’ve survived a day taking inexperienced horses out and your white breeches are still white despite the rain * Remember you can never pack too many pairs of socks! Dry feet are amazing. *#Celebrate the training wins with the horses trying their hearts out in both dressage scores over 60% and clear showjumping rounds despite a torrential down pour for Rowdy. * Look forward eagerly to the next one *Appreciate the fantastic effort of the hardworking Fraser Coast Horse Trials Inc. who put on a fabulous event despite ultimately losing to the weather. Next time we’ll get all three phases done! Grosvenor Park Products Kelato Animal Health

25.01.2022 And back they go. Road trip back north to get ready for TSJC Australia Day Championships in Toowoomba, before more shoulder repairs next week. I am very lucky to have the family support to help make things happen when it gets complicated. Thanks Sandra and Michael for your patience and miles!

25.01.2022 Remember how your instructors always said Boots, helmet and GLOVES when lunging? I may have forgotten; Oops, ouch! Even the quiet ones can get a fright. Might be time for some new #Jeffries ones to go with the lunging gear, Grosvenor Park Products. #SillyRowdy #MonstersInTheDistance #Lunging #SafetyisImportant #PoleWork #NotThePlan Kelato Animal Health

24.01.2022 I got ears to look through in Canberra once again just before the winter weather reappeared. Sorry Rowdy! Sorry Addie! Doing all these miles with the horses there are a few things we routinely do to allow them to travel with the least amount of stress. * Plan how we load the gooseneck so that it’s balanced and the horses have the smoothest ride. Weight behind the axle can encourage instability making it harder work for the horses and if it doesn’t have a counterweight...Continue reading

24.01.2022 I love this quote from Gareth Hughes, and really it’s the whole journey, from the ground up, with a horse that makes our sport what it is. The interaction on the ground is as valuable as saddle time, and just as rewarding.

23.01.2022 It's astounding what you can learn when you are not on the horse. I've been very fortunate to work with some great coaches and officials, and have some fantastic mentors that I can call for advice. I can't thank these people enough for their support! The amount I've gained from #volunteering, penciling, picking up rails and jump steward is astounding. It's effectively a free lesson for just a little bit of my time and it helps keep the event costs down! Judges, TD's and cours...e builders are typically very open in sharing their reasoning and experience with people who are giving their time to help. Watching class of horse and rider combinations tackle the same questions provides a fantastic opportunity to tune your eye, and see what works and what doesn't. While your picking up rails of jump judging, watch whats going on and compare it to the instructions your coach gives you in a lesson. You'll gain a new appreciation of the value of those instructions! Rarely a week goes by that I don't see a post on my social media asking for event help or commenting on the cost of the sport. Often its both. We can positively effect both and grow our skills in the one action. So spend sometime #givingback to your sport. Not only will you help the event run, you'll help keep it as affordable as possible and #learn a lot for #free. So it's the easiest #winwin situation you'll get! #helpyoursport #eventing #showjumping #dressage #supportthosewhosupportyou Kelato Animal Health #lovewhatyoudo #horses #equesrian

23.01.2022 I thought a lot about whether or not to write this post, but it’s easy to gloss over the painful stuff and celebrate the starry bits. Sometimes the cards don’t fall the way you want. Sadly I’m grounded again. After more than 5 months of problems we’ve discovered some degeneration and tears that are going to require (more) surgical intervention. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t bitterly disappointed and denied having multiple temper tantrums over the past couple of weeks. I do...n’t know that there is ever a good time for something to wrong but after getting back out competing after a topsy turvey couple of years and doing all the right things (I followed Drs order all the way through, and didn’t even have a fall - yay!) this seemed particularly painful - Rowdy was rediscovering his talent for lateral work, Addie had started flying changes and Lucy’s back muscles had healed, ready for her to start strengthening and take next season by storm. As much as I would love to blame it on a cosmic joke (or blame the other driver who made a mistake), sadly I don’t think that rationally holds up, nor do I think it will help me mentally regroup. There is a plus side, assuming all the approvals come through, a new surgical technique will hopefully have me back in the saddle in time for next year, without the pain. Whilst riding on flat wasn’t too bad, the shoulder did give up the ghost on me at QI3DE. Driving, however, is more problematic and Mum has to come to my rescue after Quirindi 3DE, when I was unable to drive the gooseneck home. So I’m looking forward to have full movement once again and no pain. And this spunky fellow will still be waiting (especially if there are carrots) and his talent won’t have gone anywhere. See more

22.01.2022 Love the Gatehouse range!! Did you know that the helmets are kite marked? This means each batch is tested to make sure it meets the safety standard, rather than a one off test. Because of this I know that the helmet on my head will do the job it’s designed to do and that the quality is consistent. It’s no secret that I’m paranoid about my head! Check out the riders at Burghley 5* and the European Eventing Championships. There’ll be a high proportion of Gatehouse products because they’re quality and comfortable. #grosvenorpark #gatehouse #safety #mindyourmelon #horseriding #eventing #dressage #showjumping

22.01.2022 When you need somewhere to put your drink on #fridaynight. #plaiting #eventprep #eventerproblems #smartgroomingproducts #aminoGLOSS #warmblood

22.01.2022 Some days are diamonds and some days are dust. Whoever created the saying neglected to consider the days that are diamonds in the rough. Our northern run started with Gilbachtal Paluma (Lucy)having a cracking run at Quirindi CCI to finish 5th in the CCI2*-L, with a phenomenal round XC. I think I could have nearly ridden her blindfolded and she still would have stormed around. Thanks to Kelato Animal Health #KelatoVIT and #AminoGloss, along with the #SmartGrooming silicon pl...aiting bands (honestly I thought bands were bands until I tried these!) and #TametheMane from Grosvenor Park Products she looked stunning at the horse inspections. Not many horses can present at an inspection with their Canberra winter coat and draw murmurs of appreciation from the spectators and GJ. After Quirindi we headed onward to Queensland for warmth, work and Steelworks Queensland International Three Day Event. Thanks must go to Sandra, who kept the horses ticking over while I worked at my ‘non horsey’ job. Although we planned to run Silence PH (Rowdy to his friends) at QI3DE, he hadn’t quite recovered from his recent paddock antics which saw him gift his shoe to the fence . So Lucy had the gooseneck to herself (and proceeded to remodel it to suit her needs apparently ) and off to Tamborine we headed. With the temperature significantly warmer than Canberra and temporary stabling, I was wishing for one of the #MarkTodd Door Guards and regretting that I wasn’t organised to get some from Grosvenor Park before the trip. Full congratulations to the committee at TEG for a great event at #QI3DE. Unfortunately it wasn’t our event, with a few rider errors (note to self, find time to learn and practice dressage test before the event) costing us some valuable marks in the CCI 3*-S, but lots to like in the way the work is developing. She once again showed how brave she is XC, but misread a fence hitting it and jarring her SI, so we elected not showjump and save her for another day. Looking forward to seeing the professional pics though because despite the hiccups she’s showing she is a star in the making. The plus of the unexpected early finish is I managed to get a couple of extra rides in on Rowdy, Addie (PH Global Adition) and Lexie (PH Global Extra), all of who are heading towards upcoming showjumping events, with some ODE’s thrown in for Rowdy. Now it’s off on a plane to Adelaide (complete with forgetting my bag in the lounge - oops!) Heinz Kruell

21.01.2022 Goodies for the Neddies and goodies for the jockey. Happy tummies thanks to Kelato #GastroAID makes for much happier horses #NoLongerASnarlingMare. I even get some goodies: great #SmartGrooming products including new plaiting gel and forelock plaiting grippers (which will be no end of help trying to do Lucy’s poor excuse for a forelock!) and some of the amazing #techstirrups from Grosvenor Park Products ready for next season. Never underestimate the value of quality gear when it comes to safety. The end of season is a great opportunity to review and replace aged gear ready for a safe new year (and inspire you to work harder through the off season)

21.01.2022 Some really useful information about managing horses after exposure to bushfire smoke that UC Davis (UC Davis is a world leader in veterinary research) compiled. Well worth a read.

21.01.2022 Trot sets in two point and treatments for Easter Monday. I know who got the better end of that deal! Having travelled down from Queensland last week, Rowdy and Lucy had visits from Alan and Andrew,The Muscle Man for chiro and emmett treatments to help make sure their bodies are right for the next stage of their prep. Body issues and tightness not only affect performance but can also impact their soundness as horses move in ways to compensate for their body niggles. As the h...orses fitter,I try to make sure I’m fit and strong enough to do them justice. It’s hard to make and execute decisions at the end of the course if your tired, and it’s much more enjoyable if you get off the horse without being completely busted (the drive home is also easier!). Two point in trot is a great (and somewhat #painful) way to improve my fitness. It’s a core and cardio work out in one. #workingofftheeasterchocolate As a starting point, I’m alternating a lap of the track rising and a lap in two point (around 3 min of rising, followed by 3 min of two point for the full session). The laps go quicker if I try not to think about how much my colleagues are going to laugh at me when I’m struggling to walk, but run through a checklist which includes: are my heels down and chin up, is my back flat, do I have the stirrup on the ball of my foot with a little more weight on the outside of it, and of course, can I still influence my horse in this position. The last point becoming especially important when the #groundlice (ie sheep) are in the track paddock and emerge in unexpected places! A big shout out to Kim at UC Fit: Sport & Health, who worked around my busted body and put together some programs that helped keep a base of fitness. Although I’m a long way from the 12 min straight that I used to do, I managed to do more than I was expecting! After spending this past week coaching jumping I’m #tryingtopracticewhatipreach. To help make sure I’m as supple as possible, I also snuck in a #emmett (Tango also lined up!) and some yoga stretches this evening (safe to say I found some tight spots, but I did have plenty of help) #Fingerscrossed I can walk tomorrow! #eventing #horseriding #fitness #athlete #pleasedontlaughatmyfunnywalk #tougherthanlegday Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

21.01.2022 Happy New Year! Whilst 2021 bring its own twists and turns, it will no doubt be an exciting one. It also marks the first time in years that I am a full time Queenslander! With continual border changes, it was no longer viable to have horses 1200km apart in seperate states, so the team is once again united on the Darling Downs. I’m sad to leave Canberra, but looking forward to rebuilding here and bringing the young horses through to join the more established campaigners. We’ll be back travelling across the border compete with the older team and coach as restrictions permit.

20.01.2022 Lessons from an unfit #eventer. Conditioning and surface selection is key. Robyn, Suzanne, I need some Kelato #SwellDown in my carryon suitcase. #fittoride #gettingthere #toomuchjarring

20.01.2022 When your Pony and Galloway Championship rug is a little long on the 600kg Warmblood. She’s ~16.2hh and Magic is a little over 14.2hh. Addie though she looked pretty smart in it though.

20.01.2022 Closing out a great two days at Toowoomba Jump Club’s Australia Day Championships. Slight change of plans from our initial program, with only Addie (Prospect Hill Global Adition - Yes, I know the spelling is different but you have to get around character restrictions some how ) on the gooseneck after Lexie did something silly a couple of weeks ago and still isn’t quite right, so a summer holiday for her. Addie stepped up jumped some super fences and rounds, gaining some ...valuable experience competing in three very different arenas and even managed a couple of placing in fields of 50/60 horses. Having travelled up from Canberra early this week, I’m really impressed with the way she bounced back, finishing the weekend as enthusiastically as she started. The KelatoLYTE, GastroHEALTH and MuscleGUARD clearly did their thing, because she was busy acting the fool as I worked Lucy this evening. Back to Canberra tomorrow for surgery and the shoulder to be finally fixed on Tuesday then Rowdy and Lucy can come out and join in the fun! #showjumping #horse #kelato Kelato Animal Health #noscopenohope #ozshots #equestrian #itsallinthepractice

19.01.2022 When a sunny day is forecasted but there is ice on your car bonnet while you drive. #TheCountrySet Ear warmers, Kelato Animal Health cap and sunglasses all required. Looking forward to a great weekend coaching at NSW Zone 10 Camp. Grosvenor Park Products #coach #jumping #alifewothhorsesstartshere #jumpingequitation https://grosvenorparkproducts.com.au//tweed-ear-warmer-hea... https://www.kelato.com.au/products/

19.01.2022 Interesting perspective on No stirrup November. I’m a huge fan of no stirrup work, but I do agree with Denny’s perspective here.

19.01.2022 Not only is it important to have your horse’s body conditioned for speed and jumping, but have you thought of the impact on the horse’s lungs and respiration? #getemfit #horse #jumping #fitness

19.01.2022 Getting closer to being allowed back on the horse post surgery. Time to get reorganised, and ready for more road trips. #eventing #showjumping #ontheroadagain #bringiton #rehab #injurytimeout #caraccidentnothorse #kelato #horsewearireland

18.01.2022 Stormy afternoon = great opportunity to plan to reach my goals. Busy year coming up, but still some clinic dates for NSW and Qld available (call or pm me if you’d like a clinic or camp). Looking forward to rocking 2019 in my own way! #eventing #equestrian #showjumping #dressage #horseriding #coach #goals #plans

18.01.2022 Making #lunging/ #longreining an additional tool in your kit. Lunging and long reining are great tools to add to your training regime. Lunging is more than just lots of endless circles. It’s a fantastic way to include transitions between and with in paces and cavaletti without the rider to build strength and confidence. It also gives a great opportunity to observe the horse’s action and any weaknesses. I look for the hind legs to follow the front legs, and step up under the b...ody, especially in the transitions. The diagram (Bennett, P (2013)) in the 5th photo is great summary of how the horse should use their body as they get stronger. I use both lunging and long reining when working horses from the ground, depending what I’m doing with a horse and what I’m hoping to achieve. I’ve already posted a bit around long reining, so I’ve included a few photos of lunging set ups that I use below and discussed a little bit about each. Through this work, my body position, voice and lunge whip act as my leg and seat, and just like riding, I’m aiming for minimal hand blocking the horse. I still want to encourage the horse to reach forward to the contact, and lift the withers. This means a lengthen top of the horse, and the impression that the abdominal area has shortened because the pelvis has tilted. I’m never looking for a head set or a set frame, but rather always looking for the back and abs to be engaged. Although I lunge regularly, I typically don’t use side reins, but do a lot of transitions and work the horse this way. I prefer to long rein rather than use side reins because I can adjust the frame and contact more readily and work both sides of the horse. However, side reins, if properly fitted can be a valuable tool to encourage the horse to reach and become more confident in a contact, or for rehab. They can be useful if long reining isn’t an option or as guide to show the horse what a consistent contact can be if the horse is a little green, needs confidence or has had a bad experience. Too tight, however, can encourage the horse to be defensive and lean or hide behind the contact. If using side reins, adjust them as the work progresses, just as you would work a horse on the flat through warm up into the higher intensity work and don’t forget the cool down. #eventing #dressage #horse #training

18.01.2022 Working on #core stability or having a chat #procrastinating? Sshhh... it was a procrastination moment #eventer #coach #candidcamera... Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

17.01.2022 Goodies for the horses and me! I’ll be warm this winter with ear warmers and winter breeches, while the horses will continue to have healthy meals, despite the dry weather. #kelatoLYTE #kelatoVIT #MarkToddCollection #smartgrooming #Tamethemane #gastroAID Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products https://grosvenorparkproducts.com.au/col/show-prep-products https://www.kelato.com.au/products/

16.01.2022 Every year I get told the same story in Canberra Heaters don’t need to be turned on until ANZAC day; and every year it proves to be a big fat lie for this Queenslander! Even though it hasn’t reached the negatives (yet!) it’s enough of a warning sign to inspire me to go on a shopping spree for new winter breeches. This year I even found some that would do competitions. Yay! Dressage in the snow (although rare, it does happen) in thin summer weight breeches is just not my idea of fun! https://grosvenorparkproducts.com.au//mark-todd-winter-per #winter #idontdocold #queenslander #eventer #horseriding #willirideaswellastoddy #marktoddcollection #grosvenorparkproducts

16.01.2022 It may not look like much on the scoreboard but a personal 5* win was achieved. Our superstar diva Gilbachtal Paluma (Lucy) had her first proper eventing start in 4 years (2 years for me)! After all the trials and tribulations of injuries to both of us, her with serious leg and back injuries; multiple surgeries and stroke for me, and some ‘interesting’ personalities, the midplace finish in 1* feels as good as win. To have this mare go into the warm up for XC prick her ears an...d effectively say Right, game on! and then charge around the course as true partner in a loose ring snaffle, only 3 seconds overtime with the strongest aid being a cluck and then pull up sound, happy and ready to run again (and me being able to match!) brings a smile to my face. There is still a long way to go to rebuild her strength and her confidence to really use her back, but it’s coming and she is a full of herself, with her personality coming to the fore. Who knows where we will end up, but at the moment I’m just enjoying that we got to this point. It’s also possible that I may be celebrating not getting lost or foolishly eliminating myself (an achievement in itself, given my car keys are still missing from Friday!) There has been a wide range of people who have helped make this happen and I thank them all for their wisdom (and patience!) in helping us get back and thanks is not enough. You’re support has helped me regain resilience and perspective, and to keep persevering with my goals. Kelato Animal Health deserve a special mention for their ongoing support in providing supplements which have supported healing and health and keep all of my horses gleaming from the inside out (it’s an old pic below because I was slack on the weekend and didn’t get any, but even this close to a Canberra winter she shines like this)! And thank-you to Grosvenor Park Products for backing me this year. Their Tame the Mane products also saved the tail! And finally thanks to Gundagai Horse Trials for a great weekend. Here’s to continuing to move forward, acknowledging that things knock you down, getting up and embracing the journey. Next step, get Rowdy out as well .

16.01.2022 Love watching event online videos (I like sleep so it’s often a ‘post match replay’ for the northern hemisphere events). It’s great inspiration when I’m slogging on a cross trainer or when I can’t ride for what ever reason. Event videos of a full class are such a great learning tool to see different approaches, and the good, the bad and the ugly. The ones with good commentators are like watching a clinic, from the comfort of your lounge chair. Alternatively the USEF channel has a lot of clinic videos available for free. No getting sunburnt, or missing something awesome because you’re writing notes or getting a drink! #lessons #learning #equestrian #eventing #dressage #showjumping

16.01.2022 One of the best pieces of advice I’ve seen on social media for a long time. Next time you have a doubting moment remember this. Pair it with #MoreLeg and #BackYourself From The Female Lead on LinkedIn

15.01.2022 Here we go again. Fingers crossed third time’s the charm . Looking forward to being out competing strong and pain free 2020.

15.01.2022 Secret weapons for #fitness and #rehab. I love my time in the gym, but with travel to #coach and for work I don’t get go as much as like. I’m itching to get back to being fit and #strong again and be #bebackinthesaddle. The resistance bands are fabulous when I’m away and the sneakers come with me everywhere. My current challenge? How quickly can I wear this pair out? #fitnessgoals #gettingreadytogetbackonthehorse #eventer... #kelato #grosvenorparkproducts See more

14.01.2022 Yay! It’s the solstice in the morning (1:54am apparently)! #bringonthelight

14.01.2022 More organised this week. Managed to order the professional photos of #QI3DE from #BlueRibbon photography and #DKAphotography. Love the way the #Gatehouse helmet works with the tails (Thanks Grosvenor Park Products!). Tough decision on which photos to order, as Lucy looks a million dollars even in winter (maybe I need to try the #GastroHEALTH for my gut problems too ), but these are super. Kelato Animal Health #eventing #crosscountry #horseriding Danaë O'Keeffe Heinz Kruell

14.01.2022 Best way to start the day! #earlymorningslatenights #whoneedssleep #eventerlife... #kelatoshine #marktoddtights #sanddancingpractice Grosvenor Park Products Kelato Animal Health

14.01.2022 Weekend of road tripping, #coaching and #dust done. Now to remove the fake tan of dirt and off to #Queensland later this week. Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

14.01.2022 Here’s to the close of 2019. A massive shout to Kelato Animal Health (who help keep the horses healthy through excellent nutrition), Grosvenor Park Products (who keep us decked out in amazing quality products) and the team at Jeir Park (who put up with my crazy hours and wild comings and goings with a smile and a helping hand). To everyone who has had my back in some small (or large) way or cheered me on when things seemed crazy, #thankyou, you are amazing and fabulous! Let’s go attack 2020 full on!!

14.01.2022 Ice and a bath for Addie after a hot competition day for her southern debut. Some nice rounds and even a place today for her, but even better she was confident enough in my leg and seat to (almost) not spook. It’s a challenge at this time of year to try and work horses, let alone get them out and about. It’s stinking hot, and the horses typically aren’t hard fit, like they are later in the season, and we tend to work them in the cool of the day, but compete in the heat. It’s... important to factor this in when choosing classes, so I elected not to nominate for some that would have been good experience. Between classes if there is only 5/10 min before the horse needs to head back to the ring, the boots come off to give the legs a change to cool, a drink offered and the girth loosened. I may even give the horse a quick sponge on its neck and hind quarters. If there is more time, I’ll hose them (ideally until the water runs off cold), and ice the legs. Also in my bag of tricks are #kelatolytepaste and #muscleguard to help the horse recover from their exertions. #showjumping #horseriding #equestrian #kelato #eventing Kelato Animal Health

14.01.2022 #CrossTraining hacking up and down the hill. I’ve been so lucky to have access to this stretch thanks to some fabulously generous neighbours (#Thanks Tracey & Greg!). Working up and down the strip in various gaits is fantastic not only for #cardio but it’s brilliant for #backs and #quarters. The slope encourages them to reach over their top, engage their abs and push with their hind legs going up. Going down ups the ante, asking them to tilt their pelvis and lower the quarter...s, flexing the joints further to balance and transfer the weight from the front end. Because of this, down hill work takes the intensity up a level from the uphill activity which is already quite demanding. We only walk or trot down this one because the gradient requires a lot of strength to control the steps and balance, so rather than aim for a quicker pace, we focus on the quality of the pace. #ExtraBonus, it’s great for all our brains. #eventer #horses #dressage #crosstraining #hillwork #strengthandcardio #showjumping #droughtsucks Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

14.01.2022 A great weekend of training Jumping Equitation judges, and coaches; with a few lessons and some riding thrown in for good measure. Well done to all involved! I even let my geeky side out a a bit and brought out the constellation socks in honour of the moon landing anniversary. #horses #jumping #coach #horseriding #pcq ... #kelato #grosvenorparkproducts See more

13.01.2022 I’m finally allowed back on a horse . We’ve kept the horses in work through a range of in hand work, including #longreining, and #lunging. For Lucy this has been particularly important to rebuild her muscles after QI3DE where she tore some muscles over her back. We’ve teamed nutritional support in the form of #Zanobolic, and #bodywork with #transitions, #cavaletti and #slopes (both on the lunge/long reining and off another horse) to help rebuild her. Surprisingly I’m really... enjoying the in hand work, particularly the long reining, where I can keep the variety in the work by including serpentines, figure of eights and straight lines in all paces (assuming I can run quick enough!!) for both Lucy and Rowdy. I’ve even incorporated some #lateralwork in walk for Lucy now that I’ve chiselled a bit of rust off. The in-hand work is definitely something I’m going to keep in their programs. It’s been a great opportunity to train active hind legs in transitions. But I think it’s time to splash out on a new roller, I think this one is older than me, and the rings are a little high for this work. So an #EquiAmi one is on my list. #NextChallenge - work on managing reins, photo composition and timing while avoiding including the excited #KelpieX out of the shot, without pulling the inside rein! #PoorLucy. #TangoLovesLunging #Itriedtokeepmyhandssoft #Itsbetternow Kelato Animal Health

13.01.2022 Fingers crossed this is the last weekend coaching with this accessory #rehab #recovery #isitoveryet #coach #countdownison #backinthesaddlesoon #eventer #dressage Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

13.01.2022 Love GastroAID and more importantly so do the horses. Lexie will even open the bucket to raid it!

13.01.2022 10 years on and still the same cheeky, I rule the world attitude. He’ll always be a #SuperStar. Rising 28 and living the life of Riley, and busy teaching the next generation all they need to know. Although I’m sure if you asked him, he’d argue that there aren’t enough carrots being served. #eventer #SizeDoesntMatter #ItTakesAttitude #Retiree #HestheBabySitter #HeavenHelpMe!... Sandra O'Keeffe Michael O'Keeffe Danaë O'Keeffe Brooke Dougall Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

12.01.2022 Weekend reflections 1. When taking your OTTB out for the first time in two years and you arrive at a competition venue to gale force winds and rally cars next door, the odds that your pre-competition ride is going to be interesting are shorter than those of Winx in her last race. 2. When travelling for work, make sure you preemptively order #GastroAIDRecovery before you run out to avoid the stressy mare receiving the comment horse could be more cooperative today and a sm...attering of 4s amongst the 7s because her gut isn’t right. 3. There is a #Queen song for every occasion, but when 1. & 2. apply choosing Another one bites the dust is not recommend and neck straps/monkey grips are perfectly acceptable alternative. The show must go on certainly applies to the trip home. #Ididstayoninthedressage 4. Good grooming products are essential when you’re rushing and time poor! Finishing with the horses at 9pm after long hours at the my desk mean #Aminogloss, #TametheMane and #SmartGroomingProducts silicon plaiting bands (Thanks Kelato and Grosvenor Park Products!) are time savers, which still let you get ring ready result when you discover that the time you had allocated to presenting horses is best spent allowing them to absorb their environment (total time washing and plaiting two horses = 50 min). There is a reason these are my go to products! 5. Sometimes the ribbon isn’t the win (or even the place), some times it’s being able to grab the bonnet that’s about to come off in the middle of the canter circle, when the day before you looked more like you were practicing for the Mt Isa rodeo than preparing for a Dressage day. #winning 6. The training is heading in the right direction when the judge on your official class makes a point of getting out of the car and commenting how much potential your OTTB has and how he is such a lovely moving because he’s using his back. #CleverRowdy 7. Its celebration time when your spooky mare keeps her focus despite kids on bikes. #BraveAddie. 8. Keeping the training plan in mind is helpful to keeping your sense of humour when things aren’t going to plan because we’re dealing with horses and life. As are friends at the event who distract you with dinner and see the positives - thanks Nicola! 9. Don’t be afraid of the days that things don’t go to plan - they’re #flearning (failing and learning) days. Chances are, on reflection you’ll find things that that were improvements (despite the tension both horses earned 7s, focused on my aids - a big step forward, and got better each time I rode them.) and things that will inform your training moving forward. See more

12.01.2022 The relief when your favourite #Gatehouse helmet turns up after going AWOL and you don’t have to use your old backup. Grosvenor Park Products

11.01.2022 Some light reading to help your schooling. For the eventer as well as the dressage rider the lengthened/medium/extended paces are a key to demonstrating the horses suppleness and schooling. Imagine galloping to Cottesmore Leap at Burghley (it’s a brush with a ditch big enough to lose a tractor in!) without being able to lengthen or shorten your stride. Arghh! Anne breaks down what to aim for in the extended paces beautifully. #dressage #eventing #sanddancinggoals #itsallintherythmandbalance #wellmaybethepreparationtoo

11.01.2022 Even though I’m not allowed to ride yet, there are worse ways to social distance. Gleaming heathy horses (and grass ) certainly improves the view! #flattenthecurve #nofilterneeded #KelatoVIT Kelato #healing #recovery #begratefulforthelittlethings

11.01.2022 Great move by Equestrian Australia to change the body protector rules to BETA Level 3 or EIN13158. BETA level 3 are designed for the additional rigours of cross country and something I whole heartedly support. Always buy reputable brands such as #RodneyPowell /#Gatehouse who have strong reputations for quality and meet the standards (Grosvenor Park Products) Scarily many of the jockey/racing body protectors out there are designed to simply be light and tick a box. In a RIRDC funded study, two very popular brands gave very little protection under ideal conditions and almost no protections under Australian conditions. Quality is worth investing in, particularly when safety is concerned.

10.01.2022 Chief #coach during #iso. Fortunately he’s exempt from #socialdistancing measures. He’s a stickler for #forward and woe betide anyone who doesn’t tack up efficiently! He’s not backwards with a stern dressing down! #eventer #training #kelpiex #heslivinghisbestlife

10.01.2022 Looking forward to some great education sessions from the Kelato Animal Health team at EQUITANA Australia later this year. #Nottobemissed, Dr Ben Sykes will be presenting the latest research about gastric ulcers and #guthealthealth.

10.01.2022 When you get a random phone call from a friend driving by that starts with your horses are naked, and so shiny Thanks June! #lovetheview #greatformentalhealth #therapists #happyhorses Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

09.01.2022 Schooling #inspiration. Yes, they are a little big, and yes, I do have #Cinderella sized feet. I call it #balancetraining

09.01.2022 Ooohh, goodies in the mail! Thanks Grosvenor Park Products! These will come in handy during things like fireworks and storms on the roof while travelling or in stables with low tin roofs. We all know the noise can be deafening and our ears aren’t as sensitive as our horses, so these will help #reducethestress associated with a loud environment. #fenwick... #LiquidTitanium See more

08.01.2022 Loving the new rugs in this heatwave. Too many biting insects (mozzies ) included to have naked horses but they’re happy and comfortable in the The Mark Todd Collection rugs. Thanks Grosvenor Park Products for making sure the rugs arrived quickly! There has been such a noticeable difference since swapping from the straight cottons in this weather.

08.01.2022 Seizing the time during #SocialDistancing to combine my geeky side with horses. I love the feeling of working in a partnership with the horses, and enjoy feeling trust and communication build between us. For me this time is a great opportunity to review the myriad of resources out there, from journal articles and books, through to webinars and short presentations from leading vets. There’s no pressure, so putting improving routines and adding new techniques has no fixed end p...oint to be achieved by, so I can focus just enjoy the process. #WinForTheHorseWinForUs. #ForTheLoveOfTheHorse #KnowBetterToDoBetter. #EquinePartnerAthlete Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

08.01.2022 I’ll be coaching at Equestrian Park on Sunday. Great opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season. Limited spots available, so PM me to book.

07.01.2022 Spending some time with the next generation. I loved riding their dams. Can’t wait to get started with these kids. PH Graefin (#Royaldik x Northern Classic x Skies Above x Arise xx) PH Gretna Green (#CourtCourting xx x Aachemiedes x Skies Above x Arise xx)... PH Mandrake (#Messenger x Stirling Lendl x Northern Fire x Skies Above) Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

07.01.2022 Happy International Helmet Awareness Day/Weekend! A great initiative from riders4helmets to promote helmets to #mindyourmelon It’s no secret I’m fussy about head and brain safety. I don’t enjoy the after effects of a TBI, even 11 years on and I was very lucky! Not everyone is. The feeling of your brain no longer behaving and not being able to be yourself is scary, frustrating and depressing. In my case, it felt like it was lying to me about the world and no matter how much I... tried to correct it, I had no success. As I said I was lucky enough to have great support around me and be to undergo rehab. Essentially, because of this, a lot of hard work, and some shear dumb luck, I beat the odds and recovered far more than anyone expected. Not everyone is. Now I’m more than picky about what I put on my head. I research standards and statistics (information is limited) and try to replace my helmets every two years (don’t underestimate the amount of wear and tear on them!) I love my #Gatehouse helmets from Grosvenor Park Products because they’re comfortable and tested to SNELL standards (which is higher than the VG1 and ASTM as it has extra tests involved to simulate striking a jump or a hoof amongst others). Bonus is they look good, but that’s my secondary concern. I love what I do and I want to continue doing it for the next 40/50 years, so quality is a nonnegotiable. I don’t ever want to have to experience a new TBI again. Please look after your #brainbox! Your friends and family don’t really care about helmet hair, they care about you. Find something that is comfortable and fits. If a helmet fits, then you won’t get the headaches. Technology is awesome, comfy, light and stylish are now available in one package. I even found something that works with my tails! https://grosvenorparkproducts.com.au/c/gatehouse-collection

06.01.2022 When you have to be presentable for Christmas and you can’t use your right arm. Raiding the gooseneck it is! #tamethemane Grosvenor Park Products

06.01.2022 Are we going to do something with the horses? Please? Pretty please? Let’s go! Tango bounces more than I do, even if he could be mistaken for The Grim in the dark. #eventing #horseworkbalance #kelpie #kelpiecross #idontlikethedark #bringonsummer

06.01.2022 Thought provoking. How very tempting it is to do the risky things, but at what cost? https://www.chronofhorse.com//its-time-for-horse-people-to

05.01.2022 Foggy day in ol’ Canberra town. Note to self though - glasses may not have been the best choice this morning. My accuracy to ride to the markers may have been challenged Kelato Animal Health; Grosvenor Park Products

05.01.2022 Horses worked, now off to the airport.

05.01.2022 Putting the pieces together one step at a time. A combination of fitness work, jumping, cross country schooling and flatwork for the horses over the last few days. Putting together programs for each horse meant heading from Jeir to Equestrian Park in Canberra for Lucy to do some fitness work somewhere different, then turn around and head to Murrumbateman for some XC schooling with a difference for Rowdy (and plenty of ice and #SwellDOWN [Kelato Animal Health] Why the differin...g venues for two horses on the one day? Lucy benefited from the steeper slopes at Equestrian Park and the ability to craft a pathway that made the most of these and practiced going in and out of shade whilst keeping focus, tempo and rhythm (you’d be surprised how many horses and riders back off instinctively entering the shade XC loosing impulsion and time). The freshness in her perspective showed up in her jump session the next day (not ideal timing but life must be balanced). For Rowdy schooling at Murrumbateman offered an easier progression of difficulty with fences progressively growing in height next to each other. This time XC schooling I elected to do the work in-hand. While he has fantastic natural footwork, as an OTT, it’s likely that he hasn’t had time popping over small erosions and up and down dale on his own in the paddock, that I like my youngsters get while their growing up. When he was competing before I was sidelined he was jumping super XC, but there was the odd little blip (or in the case of Camden, a pause halfway down the first step!) that while he was still clear and happy, just suggested that things weren’t quite rock solid yet. To be fair to him though, he’s had 2 EvA 95 starts, so not nearly a seasoned horse. 2 years without going XC, these holes are a little more visible (although he still tries to be brave!), so back to building block basics we went. Working him from the ground meant he could work the questions out on his own like he would have do in the paddock and I wasn’t having to sit slightly defensively waiting for any exuberance coming from enjoyment and moments of in opportune cold drizzle (always a challenge, when you ride baby schooling on a long rein to let them look and learn)! Although not my favourite way to school XC (I really missed being able to give him a scratch the moment he he offered the right thing), it was definitely an exercise that seems to have allowed him to finish with confidence. A word to the wise though, gloves are a must (#chesterjeffries make some nice ones [Grosvenor Park Products]) and don’t try tackling this with a horse that has poor ground manners or doesn’t lunge well. If you have difficulty controlling the horse then it isn’t going to be a productive experience because you’ll struggle to let them workout the question themselves for fear of loosing control and it becomes dangerous for both of you. #training #horses #onepieceatatime #eventer #crosscountry #eventing #OTT #warmblood

04.01.2022 This time of year. It's #HOT and this #heatwave is just signalling the start of summer. At this time of year, it's easy to feel that the horses are a little "off" and just not quite as bright as usual. Even at rest, with access to shade, a horse in the paddock will still #sweat to cool. Often we find that the horses can be a little stiffer, not bounce back as quickly, or even be tighter in their in muscles during the summer months. As riders, we finish our ride, cool the h...orse off and put them away, then follow it up with a nice cool drink, often a sports drink. But did you know that electrolyte deficiency is quite common in horses? And it can take weeks or months to correct. Roughage and grains unfortunately don't provide enough to compensate for what the horse sweats out. To combat this, we add #kelatoLYTE to our feeds, even those that aren’t working (remember what I mentioned about sweating in the paddock?). #Electrolyte deficiency can be sneaky and silent. It's tricky to detect on a routine blood test, but it's effects are very real. Not only can it cause decreased appetite and water intake, and increased fatigue (remember tired horses are more likely to make mistakes or get injured because of the effect of fatigue), it increases the potential or azoturia (tying up), anhidrosis and bone fractures. Electrolytes is just salt, isn't it? Not quite. Electrolytes are salts, but their more than just the table salt variety. Horses commonly need supplementation of sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and in some regions, calcium, to replace what they lose in sweat and other bodily functions.In just 1 litre of sweat a horse can loose 9g of electrolytes. This doesn't sound a lot, but when you consider a horse in work in hot weather can sweat 18L (~162g) and even a horse in light to medium work in winter can sweat around 7 litres (~63g), all of sudden these figures become quite large.One-off supplementation (i.e. just before a competition) has limited chance of being effective. So daily supplementation is important. Interestingly, horses don't self regulate their salt (NaCl) intake, which means salt licks won't necessarily fulfill all of a horses needs. Before I started working with Kelato Animal Health, I was already a fan of #KelatoLYTE. Having tried a number of electrolytes during a number of Queensland summers, I found that the horses consistently bounced back better and their muscles felt better on KelatoLYTE. When I looked at the research and then looked at product ingredients, it made a lot of sense. It's well balanced and palatable. Definitely a must have in my feed room! #summer #hot #riding #horse #equestrian #eventing #showjumping #dressage Kelato Animal Health https://www.kelato.com.au/products/kelatolyte/

04.01.2022 Mental health trials, tribulations and ruts, and finding your super power. Recently I’ve once again become increasingly frustrated with what I’ve seen as combination of stalling and get stuck in reverse with the accelerator down. Granted the last four years have been at best interesting. I upended things to move and chase some dreams and goals, including 5*, but instead was sideline by a car accident, 3 surgeries and a stroke amongst other whoopsies. I’ve been taking a somew...hat self inflicted beating over this, and have questioned the stress and demands I’ve put on my family miles away. I’ve also lost sponsors during this time (ouch) and worries that I’m not providing value for the amazing sponsors and supporters who continue to back me (I can’t thank-you enough Kelato Animal Health; Grosvenor Park Products - not only are your products great, but the quality of your people is second to none!). I’ve questioned if I should be doing this sport; why I’m in the gym pushing through the discomfort in order to get strong, fit and healed; or in the stables/arena at an hour that even sparrows sleep through; and why I choose to live a life that no one in their right mind would consider sane, at least on the surface of it. I run hard and love it, but I’ve also come to realise I need to take time out. Injury and rehab does that to you. My challenge though is dealing with the inherent driven overachiever type person hidden (or not so hidden) inside. Taking time out frustrates me. An event during the last couple of days prompted me to quietly look back on those 4 years honestly and I was astounded at what I saw. Even without considering the hiccups, I was surprised with how much I achieved. It wasn’t 5* (yet!) but it was a pretty cool list. When I put it in to context, it didn’t matter that I was exhausted, a little bit sore and struggling, I felt amazing and an absolute bad*ass! Used correctly, it can be your super power. So my advice to you if you’re in a rut and frustrated, take a moment to evaluate the past. Give yourself a time period and make a list of challenges and achievements. Don’t stop the achievements list until you have more than the challenges list. Share it if you want or keep to yourself, either is fine. See if you haven’t got a superpower after that! #athlete #mentalhealth #sometimesyouonlyseethewinslater #youarebetterthanyouthink #bringiton

04.01.2022 I’m sure you were once a grey Pesty. It looks as though #aminoGLOSS (lucky I won some more ) and a #Borstiq #currycomb might be in order. Brings back memories of Pony Club #grooming lessons. Loving the #rain though. #fingerscrossed for more. Kelato Animal Health Grosvenor Park Products

03.01.2022 Best way to end a long day, riding this #star, even when it’s dark. Clearly, clearly she #shines brightly! Kelato Animal Health #feelwellperformwell #worklifebalancemeansriding #eventer #dressage #soshiny #nofilter

03.01.2022 I have a limited number of private lesson spots available in the Toowoomba region for tomorrow 3rd August. PM me to book.

03.01.2022 Great to be able to appreciate this view looking between some of my favourite ears. Feeling good to be finally back in the saddle; and nice to see a green tinge, even if it is a little sparse.

03.01.2022 Excited to bring these out and play on the jump saddle this week, adding some small gymnastic exercisers to build strength with variety. It’s not news that I’m fussy with the gear I buy. I’ve swapped from my flexible irons to the #techstirrups for a couple of reasons. It’s my fear that the old irons were wearing at the joints, but not way to tell . Murphy’s law says that they would have let go at the worst possible moment. Additionally though I’ve been wanting to change for... a while now, having used my knife edge irons for a couple clinics and noticed a definite difference in the feel and in my #balance. Interestingly there is a growing body of evidence that my feeling isn’t unique and flexible irons make it more difficult for us to stay over the centre of gravity, which means that’s an extra issue our horses have to deal with. Think about the added challenge of doing squats on the bosu versus doing it on a hard surface. Our surface already moves, so this would be a akin to doing squats on a bosu on a boat! Challenge was I still wanted a safety iron because like it or not things do go wrong and being hung in the irons isn’t my fondest childhood memory. I also wanted something that was well made, reliable (we’ve also seen the irons fall appart at in opportune moments - eek!) and could still come with a #classicstyle because I’m a bit of a traditionalist in that regard (if you want #colours there are colours available ). The #TechStirrups have emerged a clear winner after riding in many different stirrup irons both here and OS. Grosvenor Park Products #thelittlethingscount #knowbetterdobetter #eventing #showjumping

01.01.2022 Not your average jump steward at #QI3DE.

01.01.2022 I didn’t realise that #CheckIn2 threw roans. Clearly the arena doubles as a great sand roll. #NeedAminoGloss #ChestnutinHiding Kelato Animal Health

01.01.2022 End of a great week coaching at Zone 16 camp. Two takeaways from the week: * Don’t put your cold water bottle next to the fence that you have the group circling over to warm up #tasty * You can achieve a chiselled contoured look if you wear the right sunglasses while forgetting the sunscreen #notrecommended #slipslopslap ... #coachlife #equestrian #showjumping #alifewithhorsesstartshere #coach