Select Newsletter March - April 2009May - June 2009July - August 2009September - October 09November - December 09January - February 2010Mar - Apr 2010May - June 2010July - August 2010Sept - Oct 2010
When you think of showjumping in WA, you naturally think of LES BUNNING.
This icon in WA showjumping first got involved in Pony Club when he was about 8 years old and when he was 12 his dad bought him a young horse called Glenara. The horse was a really good jumper and Les was sent to Art Utendaal for training.
Glenara was his first successful horse. He won the Victorian Junior Champs on him in 1966. He then took him on to senior success and a trip to New Zealand in the Australian team in 1973. Gay Scott was his most successful horse winning the Australian Championships in 1977.
When asked “What is your most memorable moment of showjumping?”, Les replied
“I have had some great moments in showjumping; 2 Australian titles, a trip to New Zealand, a trip to England in 1984 but without a doubt, winning the Bond Australian Derby in 1987 was my most memorable moment. It wasn’t just winning the event at that time in WA Showjumping history but having George and Clarrie Hall as the horse’s owners was an honour as well. When I look back I am always grateful for George asking me to ride Lincoln Green"
What people inspire him?
“Successful business people who have a human side to them, people like Dick Smith and Jerry Harvey. On the equestrian side I admire Paul Schockemole from Germany because he has made such a success out of his equestrian business both as a rider, breeder and dealer.”
Les Bunning gives showjumping lessons every Tuesday at Brookleigh. To book a lesson with Les, phone Brookleigh Reception on 9296 0018
lan Stewart is a WA based master horseman with a rare talent for observing not only where the horse is up to in its training, both emotionally and physically, but also where the rider is up to. His insightful instruction is aimed at helping both the horse and rider work together with greater harmony and understanding.
lan educates young and green horses, re-educates poorly trained horses, and is regularly called upon to help troubled 'last chance' horses through their "human" issues. He will often get on the horse to better understand what it is finding difficult and help work through the resistances. lan also helps riders lacking in confidence and experience to build a better relationship with their horse at a pace suited to the individual's needs. He does this with patience and sensitivity, and uses language and analogies that any rider can understand.
Ian's style of training focuses on the "stretching and forward" methodology similar to world-renowned German trainer Christoph Hess, and long and low techniques in order to develop softness and suppleness. He trains the rider to give clear and consistent aids that ensure the horse is working with you and for you from the moment you mount up. His methods appeal to horse owners who want to improve with every lesson but who also care about the state of mind and relaxation of their horse during its education.
While he can improve most riders and horses from any discipline, he has a special understanding of what is required to gymnasticise a horse to competition dressage standards, having supported his wife Beatrix in the training of talented horses to Grand Prix level. He has trained with Manolo Mendez and and as far as we are aware is the only person in WA that Monolo has referred riders to when they have been seeking a WA based trainer that can develop their horses in the relaxed forward style of going promoted by Manolo.
lan and Beatrix Stewart are based at The Lakes, east of Mundaring, where they agist and train horses on their property. Ian provides lessons at Brookleigh Estate on a weekly basis. For bookings you can phone 9572 6171, or preferably email to beatrix.yetarsprings@westnet.com.au with your details and requirements. Prospective clients are also welcome to attend clinics at no charge to watch his lessons.
Kalamunda Dressage Association is a friendly club, formed in 2005 by a group of Hills riders who were looking for something close to home. The Club encourages all levels of rider from those who have never ridden a dressage test before, to those who are out and about competing officially.
Their aim is to provide top level instruction to their members in a pleasant and encouraging environment. They run training days, competition days and clinics throughout the year.
President Sandy Taylor says,
"As usual, we will be kicking off the year with the Saturday rally in February. We are doing another 'Sleepover' at Brookleigh for our Saturday rally this year. It was great fun last year. The format will be a lesson on Saturday, a lesson on Sunday and dinner at Stewart's on Saturday night. It was a very relaxing and entertaining weekend last year".
Hope you all have a great weekend!
For more information about Kalamunda Dressage Association, visit their website at www.kda.org.au
The Pony Club is the largest association of riders in the world. It is a voluntary youth organisation which exists to promote the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people, encouraging in them an awareness of responsibility, sportsmanship and citizenship. The Pony Club differs from other youth movements because the horse is used as the main centre of interest around which to cultivate strength of character and self-discipline.
The OBJECT of the Pony Club is to encourage young people to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding and to provide instruction in riding and to instill in members the proper care of their animals.
This February, Brookleigh is proud to be hosting the Pony Club Association of Western Australia Inc 'Go for 2 & 5' State Coaching School. All Pony Club Coaches, Associate Pony Club Members, RDA Coaches and any interested parents are invited to attend. Registration is at 8.00am both days, but participants should arrive early to allow registration to be completed in time.
The Syllabus, books, videos and pamphlets will be available for sale each day. Lunch is provided on Saturday only along with morning and afternoon tea. Participants should bring their own copy of the current PCA Syllabus (2006).
The School is open to all coaches and potential coaches who are actively engaged in or who intend to be engaged in Pony Club or RDA Coaching, and who are on a Strength Return or Membership List. For more information about eligibility and conditions, visit the Pony Club Association of WA website at www.pcawa.com
Closing date for entries is Monday 8th February 2010.
Brookleigh is proud to be associated with Sonja Johnson, silver medal winner at the Beijing Olympics. Sonja has been coming to Brookleigh for many years to use the wonderful facilities at Brookleigh to train her horses, and has held numerous clinics here to help other aspiring West Australians achieve their dreams.
Sonja made her International debut in 1995 competing at the Trans Tasman event in New Zealand. She was named Australian Event Rider of the Year in both 1996 and 2003, and was also the non-travelling reserve rider for the 1996 Olympic Games. Sonja was also listed for the 2000 and 2004 Olympics but injury finished any hope of that. The Melbourne 3 Day Event has been a successful event for Sonja and Ringwould Jaguar, having won the CIC-W in 2004 and the CIC*** in 2006. She has competed in New Zealand, Taupo 1995 and 2007 winning the NZ national championships on Ringwould Jaguar.
Sonja was based with Andrew Hoy with Floating Dollar from 1997-1999. During this time Sonja competed in the UK, France and Germany doing events such as Luhmuhlen and Saumur. She has also been on teams riding borrowed horses in India in 1999 and Thailand in 1996. In fact while in Thailand, she won the World Mule Racing Championship!
Sonja was also the coach to the Indian team that competed at the Asian games in Bussan, Korea in 2002. Sonja credits being named on the Australian team for the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany as a career highlight. Here the team won a bronze medal. Then in 2008 Sonja was on the Australian team at the Olympics in Hong Kong where the team won a silver medal.
Sonja's future ambitions are full steam ahead for the Kentucky World Games in 2010 and then the London Olympics in 2012. Nikki Brooks and her mother, Olga Reveller are hoping that one of those Olympic horses will be Olga’s Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison, stable-name Ben.
Sonja Johnson holds regular Cross-Country Clinics at Brookleigh. To participate, call Brookleigh Reception on 9296 0018, or contact Sonja direct through her website www.sonjajohnson.com.au.
Dan James, 26, was born in Queensland. He first sat on a horse at 6 weeks old, and his first few riding years were to be spent on the milking goat! It wasn’t until he was 10, that Dan had his first pony and joined Pony Club. He later continued through the EFA where he competed in eventing and showjumping at state and national level, under the guidance of Ted Sullivan (Dan’s uncle) and Corey Keable.
At 14, Dan broke in his first horse while spending 4 weeks working with Lachlan Mace - a breaker from up north. After this he attended Longreach Pastoral College and then three months in Hokkaido, Japan, breaking in horses for Central Farm Horse Stud. He next moved to Celina, Texas, in the US to work with world renowned cutting horse trainer Punk Carter.
In 2003 Dan moved to a million acre cattle property, Liveringa station, just East of Broome WA, a place he would call home for the following 5 years. The shows, live entertainment and clinics that Dan now conducts, all started as a bit of fun at the station, after guests were entertained by his amazing horsemanship skills.
In early 2008 Dan brought the shows he was conducting at the station to El Caballo, Perth. Here he worked with Spanish horse trainers Jose and Manolo Mendez. In 2008, Dan James won “The Way of the Horse” at Equitana Asia Pacific, where his horsemanship and breaking skills were recognised as world class.
Currently Dan is based on the East coast, with partner Krysten, and good mate and trainer Dan Steers. Looking forward, Dan’s aim is to continue to push the limits of horsemanship and entertainment, to provide both knowledge and understanding, along with excitement with our great equine mates.
Dan James is returning to Brookleigh to hold a clinic on 6th & 7th March. To book a place, or for more information, contact Emma Criniti on 08 9405 6963 or 0411 510 511. Email: emalpark@wideband.net.au
Come along to the Indoor Arena at Brookleigh for a great night of Dressage and Dressage to Music. On Saturday 13th March the Dressage Riders Training Association (DRTA) will be holding their official Dressage and Freestyle Evening.
For those wishing to enter, the Tests to be ridden are Medium 4A, Advanced 5A, Prix St George and Inter II. In addition there will be the Official Freestyles: Medium, Advanced, Inter I and Grand Prix
Entry fees for the official EFA and FEI Tests : $35 each. Freestyle Tests : FREE *
(* horse and rider combination must be entered into an official class. For those wishing to ride a freestyle test only $35 will apply)
RUGS, CASH AND OTHER GREAT PRIZES
Limited entries are available and preference will be given to those riding both an official and freestyle test. Entries Close 20 February 2010
For those of us lesser mortals who just want to see some great dressage, there is FREE entry for spectators. Trade stalls and refreshments will be available.
For more information and an Entry Form visit: www.drta.com.au
Or call Monica Whitby: 0410 582 626
Swan River Dressage is proud to announce their inaugural dressage series ~ being held in the beautiful grounds of Brookleigh Estate, Swan Valley.
This exciting event is a new initiative to help promote the sport of dressage and encourage some of our talented horses and riders to gain more experience and help them to reach their dream of competing nationally.
Swan River Dressage are very grateful for all their sponsors and would like to thank them.
Tests will be: 27th March 3C, 4B, 5B. 12th June 3C, 4B, 5B. 10th July 3D, 4C, 5C.
Prix St George Challenge Qualifier on the 10th July.
Click here for Programme and Entry Forms
For more information contact Jessica Blackwell on 0407 850 033 or equestricare@hotmail.com