Kirzandra Park Performance Horses

03/04/2024

❤️❤️ when you find the perfect family for the perfect pony ❤️❤️
Arkley Ahoy sold just over a year ago and going fabulously for his new home. True family pony! So wonderful to watch his journey and sometimes a sneaky visit at school pick up!

28/02/2024

Excellent explanation!

15/02/2024

Excellent description for worming protocols!

This is good…

03/02/2024

Miss Rhanz hasn’t been ridden since I was pregnant with Patrick. Some 7years ago!
2 min lunge and on I got. A vast change from the hours and days long workdown and bucking bronc we use to have 😂
Can read this mare like a book. I haven’t had butterflies getting on a horse for a long time 🦋 ❤️
Man I wish she was younger or I knew what I know now back then. Feeling great full she is still sound and fit enough to ride at 27 🤯🥰

15/01/2024

When you can’t find the gear to fit you make do and hope for the best 😂
Pony bridle on a hobby horse.
End result - the horse bolted down the hallway completely out of control 🤦‍♀️

31/12/2023

A photo to sum up my year ❤️
Over 1000 hours of study 📚
30 000 words in essays 📄
60 recorded massage sessions 💆‍♀️
7 exams (1 done with a child in hospital) 📝

Completed while working full time and raising 2 kids 🤪 (I do not recommend this 🤦‍♀️)

26/12/2023

An update from the “Kirzandra Park Equestrian Championships”.
As much of our state battle with the extreme storm fronts, we too have succumbed to the effects of Mother Nature.
Disaster struck midday Christmas Day when gale force winds and large hail stones demolished the arena, blew the roof of the stable block and knocked down the jumps arena. No injuries and all horses where evacuated to the near by town of “Draws”.

We have applied for disaster relief funding and we will rebuild 💪 stay tuned for fundraising and raffle promotions to cover any additional costs in our recovery.

**Image of the destruction below.
**This is Phoebe’s toys, she has an insane imagination. Our real farm is ok!!

22/12/2023

Finally got around to purchasing all the “itchies” Buggez Bugeyes fly masks.
Super fast shipping, easy website, easy to read sizing chart with huge size range and custom additions such as ears.
Each pony has their own design (huge selection!) making it easy to distinguish who’s is who’s (those that know our farm know the whole place is colour coded 😂)

**I prefer not to use hoods where I can especially for the young horses. I prefer something that will easily come off if caught but secure enough to withstand the everyday life of an itchy pony**

Considering an upgrade from the standard fly mask for the non itches - the patterns are so fun 🥰🥰🥰

13/12/2023

Warning long post ahead!!
Firstly - thank you to everyone that checked in with me this year when they noticed I have been MIA from the competition scene!

An update on the happenings at Kirzandra Park.
After a super busy 2022 riding professionally again I developed a “ganglion cyst” in my right ankle. A common injury for soccer players or ballet dancers - of which I am neither 🫣 however the action used to mount a horse is the same and the continual over extension of my right ankle after years and years of riding caused an issue.
12months ago today I had a simple procedure to remove the cyst and fix the leaky hole. 2 weeks out of the saddle I’d be good as new again. Timed it for Christmas happy days.
My body had other ideas... I over reacted (not like me!!) to the nerve block and took 3 months to gain clearnece to ride again. I still don’t have full feeling in the ball of my foot 😞

I was all but set to return to the saddle with a string of horses ready when an old work college contacted me from a past life (prior to children!). I was offered a work from home full time position - I couldn’t turn it down, the benifits our little family have gained from this amazing opportunity I am forever great full for.

On top of that adjustment I had also signed on for a year of study 🤪 I am now a qualified Equine Myotherapist. The knowledge and skills I have learnt this past year have changed my way of thinking and my horses are all better for it!

So a full time job, full time study and 2 kids 1 in their first year of kindy plus 7 horses in care - I must be nuts!! I have an amazing support team and I could not have done it without them.
The study was intense and lots of tears had but my team kept me going even with the last exams been studied by a hospital bedside 🤦‍♀️

Our horses:
Kurt has had a long recovery post tendon injury. My course has highlighted several issues that were hidden but I can treat these myself now and he is on track to be back under saddle in the new year.
My dearest Bundy has official retired. I am honestly heartbroken and have definitely lost a piece of me not having the weekly sessions with him. He unfortunately sustained a stable injury around 18months ago and his owners decided that it was time. I am again forever greatful to his owners for the opportunity to campaign such a special pony and he holds a massive piece of my heart. So close yet so far from Grand Prix!

The kids haven’t had much chance to compete this year due to my study commitments but we have been practicing and doing lots of trails.

On a good note - my hopefully next super star was born yesterday morning!! ❤️
Introducing the very spunky cheeky c**t Kirzandra Park Black Jasper (pending). Riding Pony x German Riding Pony. Full sister to Kirzandra Park Black Diamond who is now 2!

Bring on 2024 💪 (Don’t tell Colin but I’m already planning the next stage in my learning 😂🤪)

21/07/2023

Sorry Colin 😂
Now owns 3 horses and 1 on the way
EA steward
Carts me and the kids all over the place
Mobile hitching rail

14/07/2023

Final preparations for what looks to be a fabulous weekend!

05/07/2023

Another way clickers are used with training animals ❤️

01/07/2023

Great way to explain rider v horse shape and size and position!

The shape of the horse’s barrel and length of the rider’s leg dramatically effects the rider’s position.
A really wide horse will push a short legged rider’s knee out, no matter how much they try to rotate the thigh in. A really rounded barrel barrel (not pictured) often disappears under a longer legged rider’s lower calf and heel. If this is the case, they should just get used to the idea of not being able to feel the horse down by their foot, otherwise they rotate the back of the hill towards the horse, which pulls their knee and thigh away from the horse. Even a tear drop shaped horses (middle) might have this effect, but instead of turning the knee out, longer riders will often times lift the heel up to try to make contact. Narrow horses are often a dream for short limbed riders, but feel like a fence board to a longer legged rider.

The important part is to recognize that there is no cookie cutter perfect angle that applies to everyone.

If you see a rider with absolutely perfect equitation, guesses are that both horse and rider are shaped very well, and also well-suited to each other.

I’m not saying to use this knowledge to justify a Poorer position, but you do need to understand how each horse influences your position. If I ride a horse that is extraordinarily wide, I know I am better off putting on a hunt seat saddle and riding with a short stirrup, because if I try to ride with a long dressage leg it torques, my knee joints. We have one particular lesson horse that is both wide and round, and whenever students sit on him, I know I’m going to have to remind them to keep their lower leg off of the horse and keep their thigh and knee firmly attached.

Some horses are narrow around the girth area, but wide further back into the rib cage, and this pushes the riders leg forward. It is what it is, and just like a quarter horse or Tennessee walker is never going to compete at the Olympics in Dressage, a horse, with a difficult barrel shape, is not going to be as easy for accomplish quite as much as a horse with near perfect conformation. For 90% of riders it’s no big deal- your leg position will just be a little less than perfect. But if you have pre-existing problems with a certain joint, or are looking for your next Grand Prix horse that can score 75%, then barrel shape is something you should take into consideration when horse shopping.

11/06/2023

After quite some effort and loads of clicks we got this babe across the creek (not Colin the horse 😂) our creek crossing is VERY scary the first time they go down. It’s steep, it’s dark and footing uneven and you land straight in the creek. Icecream came along for encouragement and BB was very patient to wait on her pony while Cassie tried very hard to work out the best option.
Hoping to tackle this again tomorrow while it’s fresh and then go for a longer stroll through the bush.
We’ll done team!

04/06/2023

Dear Mum
So last week we did the liberty stuff right. And I went “over” the poles all by myself and got my click and treat.
We’ll I was thinking, you know there’s got to be an easier way right?
Check this - I can stop IN the poles! How’s that for smart?!
Treat now please 🍪🍬

Mate - I love your enthusiasm, but it’s not quite the point of pole work 🤦‍♀️

28/05/2023

This happened by accident yesterday! Mucking around building more strength and letting Kurt have a play resulted in him working at liberty 😳😳
Not as reactive in this video as he was but he would have to be the laziest boy out there hence the whip flick 🤪
But into canter of my raised arm and halt of the click and square of course like the good dressage boy he is (he does not face up in case your wondering why he did not turn in)

28/05/2023

Seeking expressions of interest.
I have been asked to host a Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage clinic here in Clarence Town.
Date to be confirmed with the possibility of it becoming a regular event.
Full size sand dressage arena and a few day yards available to stay and watch. Ample float parking.
Full list of coaching services offered in comments.
Please PM if interested!

30/04/2023

Happenings over the last few weeks!
Plenty of trail riding and finding out mojo again 🥰 back to training on the trails and not the confines of a sandy rectangle! No better way to build muscle then on the hills.
Kurts learning to use his bum and strengthen his top line. Things we’ve learnt - be looooves water and hates teeny tiny leaves on his bottom 😂
He also has limited sense of direction unless we are firmly turned for home.
I also need longer reins 🤷‍♀️ 🦒
Kids have been out riding the trails too and practicing their man from snowy river seat for the down hill runs and PJ learning that his body can talk to his pony with out words!
our broodmare Dotti and our old girl Rhanee have gone on an early winter holiday to Murrundi and everyone else at home has seen the dentist. Cassie is now 2 wolf teeth lighter and still no happier about needles 🤦‍♀️
Happy riding this week everyone!

06/04/2023

Horses feet are an amazing design!
So much recent research changing how we care for our ponies!

The extensive blood supply beneath a horse's hoof wall.

You are invited to Nature Lovers Club 👉👉 Facebook.com/natureloversclubcom

You are invited to NLC Group 👉👉 Facebook.com/groups/natureloversclubcom

Welcome To Lovers Club

02/04/2023

Check out the scope of the runner 😂
Riders not doing a bad job either 🥰 pony picked up a new gear today with a little rider gaining more confidence. Look out world!

26/03/2023

Nothing like a stroll through the bush to finish off a weekend ❤️
Pj is on Witchy but couldn’t get a photo while leading 🤦‍♀️ he did manage to sit a launch over a puddle though - princess can’t get her feet wet 😂

12/03/2023

Been a busy week!
Last weekend we attended the saddle fitting clinic at Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage - what an absolute wealth of knowledge from Master Saddler Brett Watson! Met some lovely people who in turn shared some useful knowledge of their own.
Gracefield Kurteous attended for the weekend and was the perfect gentleman. With 2 saddles fitted and changes coming along we need a competition to attend!!

This weekend has seen 32loads of Poo - thank god for the Poo Vac 🥰🥰
New ponies arriving and all ridden horses worked and washed.
Love the clicker training and finding new inventive ways to use it. Miss Witchy has suffered terribly with the itch this year to the point we can not touch her ears. Using the clicker in 10minutes we had it sorted! We’re using Boston Park Equines Itch Relief cream to treat all our itchy ponies this year - game changer!!

Photo of Kurt at the clinic - and what happens when you don’t feed him on time, tantrum and thrown feed bowl in the water 😂

11/03/2023

Paddocks don’t stay empty here for long 😂
Our littlest member BB also practicing her boot application 🥰

28/02/2023

SOLD!!
Very excited to announce that “Award” has left for his new home in Victoria.
Huge congratulations to his new mum who has waited 10years for him! We hope you will enjoy him as much as we have ❤️

Thank you to Award and Ahoys owner for entrusting me to work with these beautiful boys and find them amazing homes.

Look forward to updates on their adventures!

Ride

17/02/2023

100% true ❤️

Don’t over complicate it....

There was a time when you were just happy to ride, happy to be in the company of horses. It didn’t matter if you could execute a perfect lead change or jump double clear rounds. You were just happy to have two feet in the stirrups and ears leading the way.

You didn’t care about having the best tack, the coolest boots, or the newest hi-tech breeches. An old ex-racehorse, your favourite, and wearing a worn out pair of jeans with a colourful t-shirt did the job just fine.

You didn’t spend the days between Christmas and New Year planning a heavy schedule of training sessions, clinics and competitions. You threw tinsel round your pony’s neck and went hacking with friends. The new year was just another 365 days to go riding.

Don’t forget that you started this sport because you loved the animal. You loved the rush of galloping across open fields and the serenity of watching horses quietly graze in the sun. You do this because there is nothing on this earth that makes you feel more alive than being on the back of a horse, so don’t overcomplicate it.

Enjoy the little things, because one day you will look back and realise... they weren’t little at all.

16/02/2023

After ride discussions. Wonder what’s being said 🤔🤔🤔

05/02/2023

We’re out and about today with our our tiniest members. PJ and BB are sharing Icecream today as little Witchy has unfortunately suffered with the itch too much to have a halter and bridle on her tiny ears all day.
Hacking done this morning with great results and super riding ❤️
Stay tuned for the update tonight 🥰

31/01/2023

Cassie 2.0 in the oven and cooking away ❤️❤️❤️
Black Charming x Brenton Park Delight