Blue Metal Equestrian

28/10/2024

Australia has lost an iconic stallion today .. a sire that was certainly a foundation in local bloodlines and a character well known- our thoughts are with the Ryan’s 🙌🏽

Regardez Moi died today, Monday 28th October 2024.

It was 2pm and it was warmish, 28 degrees celsius. A light sea breeze with shades of coolness ruffled across the Heatherbrae countryside.

Regardez Moi was born on 18th June 1996 - he was 28 years, 4 months and 10 days old.

For me he was everything - such a legend.

He won more than 40 Grand Prix starts. On three occasions he was the Australian Grand Prix Champion. 

Regardez Moi represented Australia in 2009 at the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, USA. It seems a life time ago that Regardez Moi and I would charge into the arena to the roar of spectators who were packed to the ceiling. Not even any standing room available! The crowd loved Regardez Moi and would start clapping before he even entered the arena. He was like a rock star and I didn’t think the times would ever end. Regardez Moi rocked from Queensland to the Sydney CDI and down to the Melbourne Internationals. Regardez Moi won the Equitana Freestyle on five different occasions.

He was iconic.

As a sire, Regardez Moi was prolific and has sired subsequent Australian Grand Prix Dressage Champions as well as International Eventers up to and including 5* level.

Regardez Moi was always a Gentleman. He was bred by Dr Margaret Evans. When Margaret died she gifted Regardez Moi to Rozzie and I in her will. Margaret loved Regardez Moi and was responsible for choosing his name.

Bree Tillitzki would cool Regardez Moi down every day after he had finished working with me. Bree started cooling Regardez Moi down when she was 12 years of age. This lasted for over 10 years and reached across the world to Las Vegas where Bree turned 18. Bree went to every competition which Regardez Moi went to all over Australia and all over the world.

In the photo you can see Rozzie and I in front of a painting of Jive Magic and Regardez Moi. We are holding a plait from Regardez Moi’s tail.

The painting was done by Aaron Kinnane who is now a recognised artist in the Newcastle region. Aaron was a working pupil at Ryan’s back in the day when he was just 17 years of age.

Regardez Moi touched the souls of many people and for me was the highlight of my life. All around me Regardez Moi lives on and I was the luckiest person in the world.

I see you and love you Regardez Moi.

Heath

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uH2OUP1_Lz0

20/10/2024

Great video and excellent presentation.

This presentation is about the mechanical action of curb bits, like the ones in double bridles. Curb bits are very powerful, second-class levers of the 'nutc...

07/10/2024

WE ARE DISAPPOINTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE 3 PHASE EVENTING PROTOCOL DAY ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER. WITH WINGHAM ODE CANCELLED WE JUST DONT HAVE ENOUGH NUMBERS TO COVER THE COST OF COACHES AND JUDGES. WE WILL BE SURE TO PROGRAM ANOTHER ONE IN THE FUTURE.

Send a message to learn more

07/10/2024

PLEASE REPLY ASAP IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS PROTOCOL DAY TO GO AHEAD.
LAST CHANCE FOR ISHE RIDERS TO GET ON XC.

07/10/2024

What a fabulous weekend with Matt Ryan - Bonza Eventing. Not only were we blessed with sunshine and warmth, but a truly wonderful group of humans and their horses. It was lovely to have the retreat and camping being utilised, share nibbles and drinks, dinner at the Nabiac Hotel, trips to the beach, and of course the input of our celebrious coach Matt Ryan. Matt's focus on safe, competitive riding through technical exercises presents challenges for all level of riders and everyone embraced those challenges, worked through issues and emerged better able to manages the obstacles presented. A credit to you all. The group lesson with protocol was a great opportunity to school first and then ride a fully flagged and numbered course. It was wonderful to meet so many new faces and a big thank you to all the riders that shared the journey and we hope to see you back at BME soon.
A special thank you to Helen Dempsey for her brush art.
PS special mention to Ruby Huggett for the save of the weekend! We don't know how she stayed on over the dreaded sunflower chevron and finished it without stirrups, but WOW!

30/09/2024

So much comes down to our own emotional intelligence and psychology.
"Bits are only as effective as the hands that grasp the reins and the mind that manages the hands"

A Bit Is A Bit, Until The Hands Engage.
B&J photography

Bits are a fascinating aspect of horsemanship and, in some cases, works of art. Whether you’re using a snaffle or a leverage bit, understanding how leverage and pressure come into play is crucial to effective communication with your horse.

A snaffle works through direct pressure, what you feel in your hands goes straight to the horse’s mouth. It’s simple but nuanced. The type of snaffle, thickness, and mouthpiece all affect how pressure is distributed. In contrast, leverage bits, like curbs, introduce a mechanical advantage. The longer the shank, the more pressure is applied not just to the mouth but also the poll and chin groove. It’s more complex, and small changes in rein pressure can have a big impact.

I recall the first time switching from a snaffle to a leverage bit on a horse I’d been developing, thinking it would be a smooth transition. But the horse lifted his head in confusion, I had underestimated how different the pressure felt to him. I adjusted my hands and seat, allowing him time to understand the new tool, and eventually, we found our rhythm again.

The takeaway? Whether snaffle or leverage, bits are only as effective as the hands that grasp the reins and the mind that manages the hands. It’s not about the bit itself, but the communication between horse and rider. The more we understand the mechanics, the more subtle and refined our connection becomes.

22/09/2024

WITH HALF OF NSW AT EQUIMILLION,
WE NEED YOU TO HELP FILL OUR Matt Ryan - Bonza Eventing CLINIC - come for the long weekend and enjoy our patch of paradise! 5TH & 6TH OCTOBER
ENTER WITH AMANDA 0407213399 [email protected]

22/09/2024

And that's a wrap for BME's Carwyn Argyle at Australian Interschool Championship 2024. "Andy" was exhausted 😆and enjoyed getting back home to his little harem yesterday. Nina and Andy placed 6th in the Novice 2.2 and rode very well for a hard earned 11th in the Novice 2.3 next to some big moving warmbloods. You should be so proud of yourself Nina. Being involved at National Interschools as a pool horse owner has been a wonderful experience and for a small team the WA riders certainly held their own. Congratulations everyone and safe travels back home.

20/09/2024

We are in day 3 of the Australian Interschool Championship 2024 at AELEC in Tamworth. I have never seen so many trucks and floats here- parked in lovely straight lines in the cross country paddock! Andy and his WA rider, “Nina”, have had a fabulous start to the competition, placing 3rd in the Senior Combined Training - what a great effort with only a total of 4 rides under their belt before the start of competition. Today brings two novice dressage tests and we wish them all the best.

20/09/2024

🛑🛑 MATT RYAN IS BACK 🛑🛑
Eventing Clinic with Matt Ryan
5/6th October
ENTRIES OPEN BOOK IN NOW
Amanda 0407213399
[email protected]

20/09/2024

Are you on the right track ??

16/09/2024

BME is very happy to welcome some visitors from WA. Nina Dickinson has flown over from Perth with her mum and sister to orient herself with our beautiful "Andy" en route to the Australian Interschool Championship 2024 held at AELEC this week. Andy will be Nina's pool horse for the championships as she could not bring her horse Ophelia all the way across the Nullarbor and up to Tamworth. Nina and Andy will compete in combined training and dressage following her selection with Ophelia through the state process. We are really excited for the two of them and they are looking lovely together in both flatwork and jumping already. A real credit to Nina as a young rider. Its a daunting experience having to compete on an unknown horse with such little preparation and BME is thrilled to be able to support and encourage a young regional rider reach for her dreams.

15/09/2024

Enjoying quintessential Dressage ✨

I feel like the equestrian world is a bit like the movie the Matrix. We are chasing each other around in an outdated program. And like the few enlightened characters in the movie, we need to start understanding that we ARE the matrix, as individuals as well as a collective.
If we want to update, or reprogram, we need to start ‘moving the lines’ (or like in the movie, make those seemingly impossible jumps and bend spoons with our minds) .
If we want to move the line of what we accept, we have to start with ourselves. I, as an individual, have to see if I can move my line of what I can accept with my training , to be even better, to stay in charge of my emotions and not just accept what most people would.
I am whether angel nor hero, I am not pure. I certainly do judge others , I can suppress, deny, defend and deflect and justify just as good as the next person. But I do enjoy the learning opportunities horses continue to offer us. I am taking the opportunity of this mess to see if I can move my line of acceptance. Can I get the worried horse into the float without the physical touch of the whip? When does the emotion of frustration set in and I tap him anyway to walk on? Of course, a tap or even a stronger schmack to get an uncooperative horse in the float is perfectly acceptable in most peoples standards. But I do invite each and everyone of you, to move the line of your version of acceptable. It is character building at the very least. No one got ever harmed by working on themselves. You may get surprised and find new doors open in your life with horses

15/09/2024

Are you prepared for Wingham Eventing ? Entries are now open for the October Matt Ryan Clinic at BME (its the long weekend, so come and camp and make the most of our beautiful facilities) and the October Protocol Day (Sunday prior to Wingham ODE).
Entries to Amanda Ph: 0407213399 or [email protected]
Remember your 6 P's:
Proper Preparation Prevents P**s Poor Performance 😜

11/09/2024

BME was excited to acknowledge 4 super worthy riders at the Coffs Coast Jump Club Inc. & North Coast Equestrian Club Spring Show Jumping last weekend, by sponsoring the Senior Encouragement & Horsemanship Awards with CEN. Congratulations to Charmaine and Sarah as the recipients of the Encouragement Awards and to two riders at very different places in their horsemanship journeys. Brooke a seasoned equestrian we have followed through pony club and into her adult life and who is genuinely invested in her horses well being and training; and Dave, a relatively new equestrian, but a rider who displayed genuine care, attention and willingness to learn. Congratulations to you all.

04/09/2024

Very proud of you Sui 🌟🥈🌟

18/07/2023

‼️Last minute cancellation for 45-80 XC at 10.15 Saturday and sj on Sunday 8am in the 45-60cm Matt Ryan - Bonza Eventing clinic‼️

Contact Amanda to fill the space!
[email protected]
0407213399

22/06/2023

‼️Entries are open for the Matt Ryan - Bonza Eventing clinic 22/23 JULY.‼️

✅ SJ and XC - X rails/45cm - 2*

Contact Amanda ONLY - 0407213399 or [email protected] for entry and details.

Please to not attempt to enter in the comments.