Happy Easter 2020 Equestrians, from all the team here, at Irish Sport Horse Magazine. Everyone is still waking up to this very alien Covid-19 situation, with major sporting events such as the Olympics, either cancelled or postponed; Lockdown is in place in many countries around the world as we try to get a handle on this virus.
This does however, leave many of us with a lot of time on our hands, perhaps time that we can use to learn, read, grow and emerge from this pandemic a better version of ourselves than when we entered it. With that said, for this issue we decided to shake things up a little, stretch out of Irish Comfort Zone and reach out to Equestrian Athletes and Professionals that make thinking outside the box a way of life.
Our April 2020 Issue, has a decidedly Western Theme, A Reining Special, as we chat to Top International Reining Athletes to discover more about this exciting sport and what it has to offer our Irish Equestrian Athletes.
Francesca Sternberg from the UK, shares her journey from a showing, jumping and eventing background to her career as a Reining Athlete. She talks about her love for this exciting sport and the horses that have made it extra special for her.
We also caught up with Lisa Coulter, Canadian Reining Athlete and founder of the World Para Reining; Lisa shares her passion for the Quarter Horse, and why she believes that its temperament and trainability is what brings the magic and excitement to the sport of reining. Lisa also talks about how fearless and brave the Para Riders are, and how hard they work to perfect their craft!
This issue we chat to Brian Byrne from Four Oaks Horsemanship. Brian uses his unique form of Horsemanship to help horses and their owners to resolve their problems or blocks through improved communication, both on the ground and under saddle. Brian talks about his background and some of the truly great Horsemen and Horses that have inspired him.
Did someone say Miniature Horse? Yes we have a special with Turra Lodge Farm, who specialise in American Miniature Horses. These stunning tiny horses, look like they are straight out of a fairy tale. David, shares how his family got involved with Miniature Horses, and how these tiny little creatures have become a Huge Passion for everyone involved.
We want to say a Special Thank You to Irish Reining Athlete and Friend Bernard O’Sullivan, for introducing us to the Reining Athletes who featured in this Issue.
We normally finish with a results round up, however due to lockdown there is not a whole lot to report, other than cancellations! So we decided to share some of our Top Articles from our blog, to give you a little extra light reading to cheer up your Easter Weekend! Well until next time, when hopefully our lockdown is lifted!
To Your Equestrian Success
Roma