Brett Warren

Brett Warren had a brilliant show with all his horses, including the beautiful pair of greys, Cumo Z and Cheesy Z, owned by Kym and Jeff Cullen of Millewa Lodge and of course, his old mate, Winfield.

Among his many placings throughout the show, Brett placed 2nd in the Grand Prix on Cumo Z and 1st in the Mini Prix on Cheezy Z. Overall, Brett was named Leading Showjump Rider of the show.

Recently at Sydney he placed 4th and 5th of Cheezy Z, and at Ipswich he placed 2nd of Amici, owned by Maryke Schwartz.

In other news at the Warren Camp, Maryke Schwartz' "It's A Breeze" has just been sold to Japan to begin competing in the 1.40m classes.

This is proving to be a strong campaign for Brett with the support of his horses and his partners, so be sure to cheer one of our local guys on next time you see him ride!

We're all so proud of Brett and his achievements, and we are so fortunate to have Brett and Aimee as part of our Stubben Family. We believe Brett embodies all of what the sport should mean, both to the young aspiring kids and to us oldies.

Kirstie Ansell

Oh. I meant to tell Kirstie Ansell that a saddle with a built-in seat belt hasn't been invented yet... She'll just have to work it out! Three falls in three weeks? Poor Kirstie! But from what I hear, matey, you did it in style, so double thumbs up! Kirstie is yet another of our extended family and Sandale loves to see her and Minty the terrible terrier getting about the place. Always a top young competitor, Kirstie has been just about everywhere of late, and has pulled some amazing results. Check tihs out:

Sydney Royal 2009 - 5th Place Junior riding Top Secret, 5th Place Junior riding Top Secret

Copabella Classic - 4th Place Junior riding Graphic Design, 4th Place Young Rider riding Top Secret

Gympie Show - 6th Place 1.25m riding Top Secret, 5th Place Junior Championship riding SSH Couture, 10th Place Young Rider Championship riding Top Secret

Good on ya, Kirstie! Keep up the great work and keep smiling!

Straight from the horses mouth, it's...

Mick's Report!

What Mick thinks of the Stubben Golden Wings Snaffle:

Right. First off, where the heck has Mum been? I've been home alone for ages! Although it does mean no exercise, and my Aunty Beck and Nanna Steph look after me which means... triple feeds! They're awesome. All I have to do is hang my bottom lip down and pretend to be weak and feeble and I get two more scoops! Suckers. Bad news is eventually Mum comes home which means she is all over me like a rash, brushing, scrubbing and trimming and just generally bossing me around and stuffing up my daily schedule of eating and sunning my handsome belly.

We've had discussions though about how she can't just jump on and expect anything resembling work after a holiday. We discussed this at length but in the end, she won. On a good note, I have totally worked out this lunging this. Doesn't mean I like it much, and she yells so loud if I stop to sniff the ground half-way through. Geez Louise!

Now here's my review - the Stubben Steeltec Golden Wings Loose Ring Sweet Copper Snaffle. I have to say, this thing is YUM-O! I tend to like to grab onto my bit and lean a bit (a lot) but Mum got me to try out this snaffle and it has changed my whole feel! It's sweet copper which is the ONLY metal in the world that will NEVER lose its sweet taste. Because it's so sweet it makes me want to mouth it which makes me salivate soooo much and then I feel so comfortable that I mouth it some more and before I know it, I'm feeling soft and light in Mum's hands and am starting to understand what she means when she wants me to lighten up and try being a little more 'nice'. It's so comfortable that I forget I'm working and I dream I'm mouthing in my feed bin! It tastes that good!

Mum reckons we're talking Sprenger quality at less than 1/2 the price, whatever the heck that means. And it's better than the metals used in the more expensive bits because it will never deteriorate. The one I'm using has plates on the side so it won't pinch my little lips and it can help block me should I tend to hang a little. The entire range of Stubben Steeltec bits are double jointed and anatomically designed so they sit perfectly in my mouth with no overhang whatsoever. They are top quality steel also, so they will never tarnish or stop up. There's a huge selection comrpising of Pelhams, Gags, Loose Rings, Full Cheeks, D Rings and even a western style! There's even ones suitable for Polo/crosse and campdraft.

Mum says this style of bit is most defintely her favourite when it comes to babies and I can see why. (Even though I'm old and tricky, I still classify as a baby in her eyes. Mum says it's because I'm a 'special case'). Its gentle, effective, well designed and looks very attractive - just like me! I love it! Come on fellow ponies, get your Mum's and Dad's to try these out and I swear you'll never be more comfortable and controlled!

That's a 'double hooves up' for the Stubben Golden Wings Snaffle.  Hooray!

I'm not sure what my next review will be on, but I do know that I have to get my teeth done by Andrew Williamson (he's so kind and gentle) and then I have to get my bones and muscles checked by John Fahey - Mum says he's 'top shelf' ad he always makes us ponies comfortable, happy and relaxed. I can't wait!

Samantha Courtice

We haven't seen Samantha Courtice around for a while, but there's a very good reason why! Sam finished on a high this year, having taken out the ISS Summer Showjumping Classic Young Rider Championships and is now currently training with a number one Australian showjumping coach George Sanna (an Olympian himself) who is husband to Rachel Sanna, an Olympian dressage rider. Samantha has four horses under training with George, on a daily basis, in New South Wales. There include her two stallions "Belcam Casper" and "Kalandro", her top level young rider horse "KS Patches" and the new comer "Tengarra Ragdoll".

Samantha Courtice has been passionate about show jumping since a child. During the past three years she has been living her dream and competing at some of the most prestigious and competetive shows Australia has to offer. Her outstanding success and riding ability is evident from her recent six month long stay in Sydney, NSW where she made Queensland proud with her competetive team of horses at numerous equestrian events.

Samantha has recently obtained her accreditation with Certificate III in Sport (Coaching) Equestrian and is now able to offer her talent to the local area. On a twice a month basis, Samantha will fly up to her family's property in Maleny and offer lessons. (Sam is able to come to you if you are unable to make it to the family's property, 'Tengarra' in Maleny on the set days. Your days in June are the 22nd and the 23rd, with spaces still available.

Contact Sam on 0405 974 733 and by email at samanthacourtice@hotmail.com

Announcement Soon - Charity Event Night

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Qld Government

Livestock producers:

Helidon cattle tick clearing facilities closed

Biosecurity Queensland is alerting anyone moving livestock that the Helidon cattle tick clearing facilities are temporarily closed due to the recent flooding event.

General Manager of Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, Dr Rick Symons said that the facilities had experienced some damage and were not in a state to be used to provide the normal cattle tick clearance services.

‘Biosecurity Queensland officers are undertaking a complete assessment of the work required to bring the facilities back on line and all efforts are being made for this to happen as soon as possible", Dr Symons said.

“Arrangements for alternative inspection and treatment services are being put in place for those people who would normally use the Helidon facilities.

“We expect to have these up and running early this week.  In the meantime, animal owners should minimise livestock movements where possible.  If movements requiring clearance have to be made where the Helidon facility would normally be used, people are asked to contact the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for further information and advice.”

The movement of stock out of the infected zone is regulated to maintain the Queensland cattle tick free and control zones. It is an offence to travel stock without the appropriate inspection and treatment requirements.

For more information visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

"When I Was Seventeen....."

It seems like just yesterday that little Kirstie Ansell was training to be an Olympic swimmer.... 

When that failed, she figured she'd give the ponies a go. 

And now, here she is, on the 13th of October, turning SEVENTEEN!!!!!!

Happy birthday, Kirst. 

Hope it was an absolute ripper. 

Oh yeah, and tell ya Mum I said thanks for the photo....

Emma and Meara

We would just like to take a moment to send our thoughts to Emma Flavelle, after losing her beloved, talented mare and 'mate', Meara.

As I said, Emma, words aren't enough.

Kirstie Ansell at Toowoomba

Congratulations to Kirstie for taking out the Qld Junior Championships on "Top Secret" and placing 6th with "Full House".  The championships were held at Toowoomba amongst a massive field of Queensland's most talented young riders.

Way to go, mate!

Caboolture Dressage Group Inc.

Official 1* Competition - 12th September 2010

*NOMINATIONS CLOSE 20TH AUGUST*

A brilliant compeition run professionally by the Caboolture Dressage Group, this 1* is catering for all experience levels, from 1D right up to Grand Prix, and is a fantastic spectator event for all!  Remember, the Prix St George class is a qualifier for the Australian Prix St George Challenge so is sure to be hotly contested by some talented horse and rider combinations.

For more information, contact Sam Rae on 0409 476 043 or email at michaelandsam07@bigpond.com - don't miss out!

Caloundra Pony Club & Sandale Saddlery's

Official/Unofficial Show Jumping and Official Equitation

28th & 29th August 2010

*NOMINATIONS CLOSE 20TH AUGUST*

This weekend is HUGE on the PCAQ Calendar and caters for all ages up to Seniors in the Equitation and A Grade in the Show Jumping.  There's camping facilities available, riders coming from interstate and huge numbers so far.  Rugs for the Champions and ribbons to 5th place, get involved for a weekend of hot competition held in a friendly atmosphere!

Contact Lee Henderson on 0414 869 885 or go to the Club website at www.caloundraponyclub.com.au for a full programme.

Hay For Flood Affected People In Ipswich And Gatton Areas

Hay is now available at Ipswich Showgrounds and University Qld Gatton.

Access is required for UQ Gatton, so if they could please contact Debbie on 54 646 785 for contact numbers.

For people in the Gatton area that were not flood affected  but need hay there is hay available at the local produces.

If you could all pass this info on to people who are affected.

DAVID GALVIN FUNDRAISER MULTI-DISCIPLINE SHOW

NOVEMBER 27TH AND 28TH - BURPENGARY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

David Galvin is one of our local fireman who broke his neck whilst playing at the beach with his kids and is now dependant on a wheelchair for mobility.  With all the medical expenses so far and the ongoing expense and worry of being able to attend future hospital appointments, this 'firie' needs a bit of a hand.

The aim is to raise the money for the Galvin family to purchase a wheelchair-friendly vehicle so that David can travel easily to and from his hospital appointments.

This show will be HUGE!  The organising committee have catered for just about everybody, even those without horses with some fantastic displays for everyone.

This is a 'polo-shirt' day - no jackets required.  (Approved helmet and boots compulsory).  Cheap noms, great local atmosphere, and a really good cause, with all proceeds going directly to David.

Please come along and lend a hand to a local bloke who has helped his community selflessly for so long. 

 

 

 

The Meredith Family

Here's a shot of Nicky Meredith and the Meredith's beautiful mare, Dutch Kellina (Kelly), taken in Canberra in November 2010.

Kelly (and Nicky) qualified in the final top 25 in the Australian Futurity Final - not bad, considering this little girl is just 6 years old!  Nicky tells us the course was all a solid 1.4m so hats off to her and Kelly for finishing so strongly!

(Nick, I can't believe how much she's grown up?  Does, ummm, ahem, your Dad want her back yet?!)

*Updated info Regarding Biosecurity Qld and Flood Closures*

TICK CLEARING FACILITIES IN THE TOOWOOMBA REGION

Biosecurity Queensland is advising that temporary arrangements for cattle tick facilities in the Lockyer Valley region have now been put in place.

Biosecurity Queensland has facilitated these arrangements following the temporary closure of the Helidon facilities due to the recent flooding event.

The Helidon Livestock Inspection Centre, Warrego Highway, Helidon will be operational from Tuesday 18th January 2011 for all classes of manageable, groomed stock or for small numbers other stock that may be restrained in the crush facility for inspection and treated by spraying.

The facilities will operate by appointment only between 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday for this week, with further details on weekend hours to be provided.

All bookings for the Livestock Inspection Centre are to be made via Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.  A 24 hour notice for any booking is requested.

The Helidon Clearing Dip, Airforce Road, Helidon will remain closed until road access is can be approved by local authorities. 

Alternative clearing facilities are available at the following centres and clients should contact these centres directly:

• Elders Saleyard Harristown  - contact 0408 788 763

• Landmark Saleyard Harristown - contact 0416 070 645

• Aratula Livestock Inspection Centre - contact 0427 133 388

• Rocky Clearing Dip (Crows Nest) - contact 4698 1444 (restricted hours)  

The movement of stock out of the infected zone is regulated to maintain the Queensland cattle tick free and control zones. It is an offence to travel stock without the appropriate inspection and treatment requirements.

Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Twitter http://twitter.com/BiosecurityQld# and Facebook.

Sponsored Rider Update:  Gemma Creighton - 2010

Now normally, I would take someone's results and write a story to go around it.  But Gemma is unique.  When she emailed us of her recent progress, we were reminded that nobody tells it like Gem so here it is!

Gem, all of the team at Stubben Australia and Sandale Saddlery are so proud to have you on board, and we're looking forward to supporting you throughout 2011.  Good work, little lady!

Bringing Fodder Into Queensland

This has been brought into the spotlight due to the floods and people trying to make a kind hearted gesture in the way of bringing feed to those who are currently flood affected.

If you want to bring hay or fodder into Queensland, there are a few things you must consider, namely a Weed Hygiene Declaration, and Inspector's Approval and/or a Commodity Declaration depending on the circumstances, fodder type and source, etc.

Unfortunately, these border securities are not waived, even during these terrible times.

Sponsored Rider Update:  Brett Warren - 2010

Brett has had a cracker of a year in 2010, and with the support of his wife, Aimee, and their two children, Bailey and Millie, has been putting in the miles yet again in 2010.  2011 is shaping up to be no different!

His last event in 2010 was the ISS Show at Horsley Park in NSW.  The guys report that they had a great show, albeit VERY tough competition-wise, with Cumo Z placing 4th in 1.35m on the first day.

Day two brought Brett in at 1st and 2nd place on Cheezy Z and Cumo Z in the 1.45m.  This was a fantastic result as it was a huge field being that it was a warm up for the World Cup and also given that these two horses claimed the only two clean rounds of the event.

On the third day, Cheezy Z pulled in 4th in the World Cup with a clear first round, and then 8 faults in the jump off.  (The winning horse had 4 faults so it was pretty tight).  Cumo Z also jumped very well but with a rail down and a very unlucky foot in the water, he was out of the jump off.

The Warren team will now take a break over Christmas and be ready to run again, nice and refreshed!  Brett and Aimee deserve a congratulations from us on a very hotly contested year and we look forward to being a part of their 2011.

Thanks Brett and Aimee!

 Below:  A news clipping of Brett at Wodonga - great photo!

Below:  The Warren's new foal by 'Balaton' out of 'Peggy', a thoroughbred mare.  How beautiful!  

For information on the other horses that the Warren's have for sale, view their website at www.sobraonpark.com.au.  

Below:  Brett with Cheesy Z at the ISS Show, collecting her 1st place and Cumo Z's 2nd place ribbons in the 1.45m.

 Kohnke's Flood Alert and Managing a Flood Crisis Article

We have received an extremely useful article regarding managing your livestock during and after a flood event, from Dr John Kohnke and we have attached a link to the article_here.

This article is also available in a pdf file.  If you would wish to view this pdf file instead, please email me at bj@sandalesaddlery.com.au and I will forward it to you directly.

Kirstie Ansell's Ekka Results

Well, to say this little lady barged her way up through the Juniors at the Ekka this year is an understatement! 

On the first day, Kirstie placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd on her little star, "Top Secret", and then was able to back it up the following day with a 2nd place in the Junior Championship on her other little champ, "Full House".  These results landed at the top of the Junior scoreboard and she took home the Champion Junior Rider of the Show. 

We're so proud of you, Kirstie, and are really rapt with your recent performances!

Brett Warren's Ekka Results

Well, holy cow, did Brett have a hot show or what?!  Here we go with the results for his showjump classes:

Part One:  "Cheezy Z"  -  1st, 4th,  7th       "Cumo Z"  -  2nd, 4th, 5th       "Winfield"  -  2nd.

Part Three:  "Balaton"  -  2nd

World Cup:  "Cheezy Z"  -  8th  

 Brilliant job, Brett and Aimee!  It just keeps getting better for you guys every year!

Craig Porter and Shari Baldwin's Ekka Results

2010's Royal Brisbane Exhibition was quite fruitful for both Craig and Shari, with gelding 'Ashleigh Alaric' scoring several placings in his first big show. 

Under Shari's hand, he placed 3rd in the Led ANSA Gelding, 2nd in the Ridden Best Presented ANSA, 5th in the Ridden ANSA gelding and also a 3rd in the Ridden Stockhorse Hack, with Craig placing 5th with him in the Gent's Hack.  Craig Porter also placed 2nd in the Gent Rider and earned Reserve Champion Gent Rider on another horse.

Way to go, guys!

Glasshouse Mountains Pony Club Oldies Day

25th September 2010

This is going to be a brilliant day!  It's on the 25th September and is being run by one of the friendliest clubs around, Glasshouse Mountains.  With a load of events, re-runs available and classes catering from Beginners to Open, there's room for everyone at the Glasshouse Oldies Day!  Contact Belinda Short on 0404 497 127 for more info, or pick up a programme at Sandale. 

(BJ isn't able to go as she is far too young..... however Shari qualifies.)

Millewa Lodge and The Cullen Family

Here's a quick note of congratulations to the Cullen Family and Millewa Lodge, owners of "Cumo Z" and "Cheezy Z", currently being campaigned successfully by Brett Warren of Sobraon Park.

These horses have shot up the ranks, starting out as almost 'unknowns' here in Australia and have nailed consistent performances time and time again.

Congratulations, Kym, Geoff, Caitlin and Eliza, and we wish these "Z" ponies much more success for years to come!