Hunky Horsemen Saddle Up For A Good Cause

Hunky Horsemen Saddle Up For A Good Cause

Q: What happens when you get together a local jockey, Olympic pentathlete, farrier, equine vet, horse showman and trainer, dressage champion, pony club president, polo player, Olympic show jumper, natural horseman, endurance rider and stockman, and their horses, and ask them to smile for the camera?

A: The Horselife 2010 Calendar Developed by Sarah Hillhouse and Alison Clift of Horselife Publishing, the Horselife 2010 Calendar has been designed to celebrate the strong horsey community on the Sunshine Coast, and to raise funds for Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled. “The calendar is destined to grace the walls of horselovers across the coast,” says Sarah. “It’s also guaranteed to appeal to those who appreciate fine looking horses and horsemen!” Sarah says the motivation behind Horselife Publishing was to investigate and raise the profiles of the various riding clubs, riding disciplines and talented horsepeople in our area. “The photoshoots for the 2010 calendar were sensational,” she says. “To witness the unique connections between man and horse was an absolute privilege, and it is that connection that shines through in the shots we’ve selected for this year’s calendar.” {sidebar id=3}Photographer for the Horselife calendar Andrew Lindsay is a specialist equine photographer based in Kenilworth. Andrew’s lifelong involvement in the horse industries, along with his passion and experience in photography, has led him to establish Agile Photographics. His work regularly appears in national equine publications. “Shooting the calendar was nothing short of a dream assignment for me,” says Andrew. “It’s been a heck of a lot of fun, and a great chance to connect with a wide range of top notch horsepeople across the Sunshine Coast”. President of Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled Matty Sormani has expressed her thanks to the Horselife team. “We need as much support as we can get to secure a permanent premises on the Coast. Horselife’s generous assistance is making us the 2010 beneficiary from calendar fundraising is really exciting and will help us to continue our work in enabling people of all abilities to connect with horses. “In purchasing a calendar, not only do you get to help Riding For The Disabled, but you also get to swoon over hunky horsemen for a whole year!,” says Matty. The calendars are available across the coast from horse loving retailers, your riding club or online via HorseLife Publishing. RRP is $25 (Inc GST). At least $5 from every calendar supports Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled. {mosimage}HORSELIFE CALENDAR 2010 COVER: Alex Watson and Xena
Alex is a three times Olympic pentathlete. He now runs Equathon Riding Tours and has been appointed to the planning and management team for the new State Equestrian Centre being built in Caboolture. Alex is based in Verrierdale. JANUARY: Guy McLean and Nugget
Horseman, trainer, entertainer and bush poet, Guy is never happier than when he’s with his 15 year old Quarter horse stallion Nugget. Guy is preparing to leave for America where he aims to promote the Australian Stockhorse through his shows and demonstrations. Guy hails from Susan River near Maryborough. FEBRUARY: Brook Sample and Brookleigh Excalibur
Brook is a three times Australian endurance champion. At Brookleigh Stud, Kenilworth, the Samples breed and prepare top class Arabians for national and international competition. Brook’s home base is in Kenilworth. MARCH: Ben Skerrett and Maverick
Natural horseman Ben and his wife Linda run BLS Horsemanship and work with all types of horses and riders. They run workshops and play days on the Sunshine Coast. Ben and Linda live in Federal. APRIL: Dean Izzard and Rosenna
Dressage rider Dean competes both in Australia and Germany, where he found his beautiful four year old mare. In his business, EQuest Dressage, Dean especially enjoys training young horses, coaching and private clinics. Dean lives in Elimbah near the Glasshouse Mountains. MAY: David Clift and Craig Stanghon with Larundel Getaway
Before setting up Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic in Eumundi, David competed at three star level eventing in the UK. Now vetting has taken over, he and Craig are kept busy in the purpose-built equine facilities – handling everything from minor surgeries to dental work. David and Craig live and work in Eumundi. JUNE: Nathan Thomas and Happy Giggleson
Nathan says “There is not much that can replace the feeling of the horse jumping out of the barriers, or the rare horse with a turn of foot … so quick that it can give you an enforced grin!“. He was grinning all the time when we photographed him at Sunshine Coast Racing Lodge, Caloundra. Nathan is based in Caloundra. JULY: Peter Lloyd with Jet Slide ’n’ Spin and Jet Fancee Freckle
Peter successfully shows his champion Palomino Quarter horses, as well as nursing and running his equestrian property Kielmore with partner Kyle. He also finds time for teaching and training all over the Sunshine Coast. Peter and Kyle live in Kiels Mountain. AUGUST: Matt Evans and Sunday Swing
Matt commandeered his daughter’s Thoroughbred eventer for this photo shoot. He has been the President of Buderim Pony Club for the last six years, and also runs a successful local building company. Matt’s home is in Buderim. SEPTEMBER: Huon Smith and Boonara Mentor
Huon is the winner of the 2009 Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge. He runs Boonara Performance Horses, a 1200 acre working farm in Tansey, as well as training horses, judges and runs clinics. Huon lives and works in Tansey. OCTOBER: Brad Johnson and Halimas Spritely Charming
Master Farrier Brad is committed to improving shoeing standards on the Sunshine Coast. He and his wife Katrina bring a wealth of experience to their business Horse and Rider Saddlery in Nambour. Brad lives in Didillibah. NOVEMBER: Brett Hanson and Cupie, Wagtail, Occie and Slash
Brett plays polo with Sunshine Coast Polo Club. He would love to see polo become more popular on the Sunshine Coast - not only for players, but spectators who can take along a picnic and have a great day out. Brett lives in Mooloo, west of Gympie. DECEMBER: Tim Amitrano and Mr Innocent
Tim is an Olympic show jumper based at Traleen Park, Cooroy. As well as competitive show jumping, Tim also trains and sells horses and gives specialist lessons. Tim’s home base is in Cooroy.