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31st December 2018 Within the next few hours we see 2018 out and 2019 makes a grand entrance! I've sat here in a slump and for the first time in my life I have no words, I even said to hubby 'what do I write 2018 was filled with so much heartache and challengers' His reply 'why do we have a kangaroo and an emu on our coat of arms?'............ I looked at him and said 'what on earth has this got to do anything?'........he replied 'both animals can't walk backwards! you can't look back on 2018, you can only look forward' So with those wise words from hubby ... I hope you all have a wonderful night bringing in a new year and I wish you all an amazing 2019 filled with good health, peace and happiness xx I know this photo isn't 'horsey' but it represents something very special to me - my husband and my little Benji - always by my side. ****************** 'Today will never come again and tomorrow is not promised. So appreciate who and what you have in your life.
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21st December 2018 Christmas is just around the corner and a new year is about to begin. Thank you to all my followers for your support throughout 2018! I wish you all health, happiness and love this Christmas and every day of the new year! A very special thank you to my amazing sponsors for including me into their 'family' for another year and supporting me immensely throughout 2018 - I look forward to what 2019 brings us! Hygain Vic x ****************** |
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12th December 2018 First magazine write up for Joyero JF III Nice little write up next to fellow Technyflex - Premium Joint Supplement sponsored rider Brett Parbery : Parbery Performance Horses ***************** |
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10th December 2018 That's a wrap for the 2018 Buckskin Nationals! I adore CELERE ... he's just one of those horses that you can take anywhere and know you're going to have a fun and easy day! Between Michael & I campaigning CELERE, we ended up with many ribbons and it's safe to say CELERE was the most successful Buckskin stallion on the day. Once again his temperament and good looks brought much attention with complements from spectators, along with stud service interests and 2 companies even coming over and wanting me to be a brand ambassador for them which was out of the blue but nice!! Very proud to be out there with my Lusitano against all the 'standard breeds' and holding our own!! Big thank you to the Buckskin Horse Association - NSW for running such a well run and friendly competition! I'm new to this 'showie' business but I'm enjoying it!! However... with the Australian qualifiers looming for the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020, it may be time to get back to business! *********** Champion Buckskin Led Senior Stallion *********** |
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2nd December 2018 PRE stallion Luis (Joyero JF III) had his first Australian outing today since his arrival from Spain 2 months ago. Shoalhaven Dressage Club held a great competition day in conjunction with an EA official measuring day.. I've been unwell for sometime now with flares, shingles, withdrawals from meds, changing biologicals (it's all been a challenge) and knowing I have buckskin nationals with Celere next week I decided not to compete with Celere today, instead Michael and I took Luis out for a look around, get him measured and then take him home.... I find these imports get a bit concerned on their first outing as they don't realise they're going home after months of travel!!! So lots of small fun trips the first few months I find are great! We were VERY impressed ... Luis was super relaxed, walked casually around other horses, didn't say a word and stood like a soldier for his measure. Couldn't fault him, can't wait to get out there next year and compete with him. He measured in at 16.1 1/8hh exactly what the Spaniards said... But everyone was saying over 17hh LOL ***************** |
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4th November 2018 Over the weekend Michael and I had a brilliant time at the Shoalhaven All Breeds (Official) show with our Imported Lusitano stallion CELERE! Michael did an awesome job presenting Celere for the led classes, whilst I stepped out of my 'dressage comfort zone' and did the ridden classes which haven't stepped foot in a hack class for over 15 years!!!! The highlight of the day was being awarded SUPREME RIDER OF THE SHOW!! The judges commented on how a lovely rider I was and great to see someone with soft hands, not bad for an FEI grade II para rider and being judged purely on my riding. I won my first ever rider class when I was under 4 years old so still have it lol! Celere was just a DUDE lol I lost count at how many people commented on how quiet and good looking he was, I think I could have sold 20 offspring if I had any lol!! even the judge after watching him all day told the photographer 'just chuck your hat right at him to get his ears froward, he wont flinch.. he's a dude!' LOL The poor boy was exhausted running between classes, walking through very crowded areas with mares and geldings all around. You really could not fault him. One judge urged me to get out there and do more Hunter Hack competitions with Celere as he's the perfect type, so I may take up their advice this summer and do a few more shows with Celere. A big thank you to the committee and volunteers of Shoalhaven All Breeds (Official) for running such a great show and having stallions enter the ridden hack events!! RIDDEN RESULTS FOR THE DAY: Supreme Rider of Show 1st - Open lady rider 1st - Open ridden buckskin 1st Ridden other registered breed 1st Lusitano ridden 1st - Novice show hunter hack Competed for Supreme Ridden All Breeds of Show (missed out by 1 point) Competed for Supreme Coloured horse of Show (in the western ring) *************** 1st - Led other registered breeds stallion 1st - Led hunter hack 15hh NE 16hh 2nd - Best presented led Competed for Supreme Led All Breeds of Show
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4th November 2018 Simpa had her 2nd outing over the weekend at the Hawkesbury Dressage Club. Placing first in the Official Preliminary 1.1 with an amazing score of 72.955% in her prelim with 6 x 8’s!! **************
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3rd November 2018 Look at this beautiful girl by CELERE! Congratulations Ruby! I'm very proud to have Celere's progeny in Portugal and Australia! Also, very excited to finally see a filly!!!!!! |
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30th October 2018 I had some fun over the weekend with Luis (JOYERO JF III Absolute adore him! Such a fun and eager to please stallion. I even asked for some passage which I thought he wouldn't understand straight away as my leg aids are so weak so it took me off guard haha amazing how he understood my soft aids (without a crop) and WOW very active and expressive... and if you laugh... hold on it gets BIGGER haha. Our connection I would say is strong already and he's only been here 2 weeks! Here I am trying the Spanish Walk button for the first time which he's trained in to do... I'll be honest I had no real idea so watched old videos with his previous owners doing it. ************** |
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29th October 2018 Over the weekend the Shoalhaven Dressage Club held their end of year Championships - an event that Michael and I love to support each year by sponsoring the Junior events under our stud name Tora V Dressage - PRE & Lusitano. I'm a strong believer in encouraging our junior riders and letting them know their hardwork and commitment to the sport of dressage is truly recognized! My own sponsors - Hygain Feeding Champions share the same thoughts and also came on board for this event, awarding ALL junior entrants with a beautiful Hygain saddlecloth and cap, so everyone had a little something to go home with. Huge congratulations to the Junior Champion Congratulations to the Shoalhaven Dressage Club president Alycia Targa and the whole committee for another successful championships and we look forward to sponsoring the juniors for the 2019 Championships! |
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14th October 2018 What an amazing insight into the future towards the Tokyo Paralympic qualifiers. Today, my stunning imported 16.2hh PRE Spanish mare Simpatica XXVII (Simpa) had her first ever outing. Scoring 68.261%, in the Official Preliminary 1.3, even scoring an 8.5 for free walk. In the 1.2 they went on to place 3rd with 69.9% (72.885% from one judge!). I'm very proud to have 3 outstanding quality PRE's (and an equally talented Lusitano) out there promoting the breed ************** |
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12th October 2018 I had my first ride on Luis (Joyero JF III). He is SUPER comfy and just like a big teddy bear hahaha Can't thank Alycia Targa (Millbank Equestrian) enough for her amazing help and guidance this week; I'm super confident in going forward towards my goals and excited for the future with this beautiful stallion! ************** |
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6th October 2018 Luis (Joyero JF III) has finally arrived to his forever home... Road travel from Spain to Germany, 2 weeks quarantine, a flight to Melbourne Australia, 2 weeks quarantine and finally an 8 hour road travel to ME.? Michael and I are blown away at this boys temperament and absolutely STUNNING looks... O and he's HUGE lol... I look like a dwarf next to him. Once again IRT have been amazing!! They have looked after Luis so well throughout his travels, I can't thank them enough and Lachlan of Manuel Equine Transport for bringing Luis up from Melbourne today and meeting us to do the last trek. Two amazing companies I highly recommend . Lastly L Viktoria!!!! What can I say... You're the best thank you for finding this beautiful boy for me xx ************** |
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3rd October 2018 CELERE'S first foal for this breeding season arrived safe and well! A CREMELLO COLT !!!! This stunner with be registered Lusitano Sporthorse (Lusitano x Appaloosa) Big congratulations to the owner/breeder Rebecca Brown. This is Celere's 5th colt, a half brother to the Purebred Lusitano Colt that I bred Ollivander Tora V. |
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16th September 2018 Well that came around quick! Luis leaves for Australia this week. IRT have been brilliant with keeping me updated and sending photos. It does sound like Luis has been a gentleman for them in quarantine. "He is doing well and pleasure to have him. Really well mannered, easy going stallion! Jürgen (our quarantine groom) says you can take him in your living room hahaha". ************** |
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15th September 2018 My 2 stallions Andaluka Elegido (PRE) and Celere (buckskin Lusitano). Looking back at memories...2 years ago we competed at the 2016 NSW State Dressage Championships and in all 3 FEI para tests we scored over 71% and in the freestyle 74.67% (hitting up to 84% in the individual scores!) he certainly is one talented boy xx ************** **************
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6th September 2018 Self carriage and collection on point! 'Circle right 20m. showing a clear release of both **************
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3rd September 2018 One day I'm competing at State Dressage Championships, the next day I'm being admitted to hospital for my Rheumatoid and one week I'm coming first and another week I'm coming last LOL. Sometimes you just have to laugh and have such a strong back bone! My beautiful Celere..... This even makes me teary thinking about how amazing he was yesterday. Our first major event competing at open medium and he was a true star - every change was clean, we controlled the 1/4s, had great activity and I walked away with a huge smile on my face. I believed it was some of our best work. Well I'm 100% in saying it was. When the scores came rolling in my heart sunk and I was very confused - 2nd and 3rd last out of 32 combinations. There were some outstanding combinations and top riders I was up against, but I was entitled to be competing against them as I had qualified with good scores! I said to myself, I would be very pleased placing in the top half as this is realistic for me. I've been competing at international, national and state level for over 12 years, I've been riding for 31 years - I know when I've done an error, something could have been better, I don't blindly go out there thinking I'm the best - I'm my own worst critic!!!!! I had no answers for yesterday lol. I couldn't understand why there was even a 6% difference from one judge! That stung. I arrived home and just went - it is what it is, I did my best, my horse did his best, he kept me safe and I'm thankful to still be out there competing. I wake up today and read other competitors are feeling the same way - deflated and confused as they too had a similar experience. I'll just dust this one off and keep on showing up! This made me smile, it's what I strive to do each day - promote the breeds I love and raise awareness for Rheumatoid. Never give up!! Sadly, and this is not a reflection of my tests yesterday and hell no, I'm not using this as an excuse, I rode my heart out yesterday and even if I was feeling 100% I couldn't have done anymore. My health has taken a turn, the Rheumatoid has been flaring for 2 months now and I've managed ok but last night it turned for the worse and has started to attack my immune system badly and my lungs are being affected, all of which requires extensive treatment and hospital time; I hate being away from my animals so this kills me and I'm trying to convince the specialist to treat me at home without the measure of hospital. So I'm taking time out from the saddle but I'm sure I'll be back soon when this flare up is controlled. Vic x ************** |
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1st September 2018 This boy is on fire! All ready to compete Medium at the NSW Dressage Championships tomorrow. If you are in the area tomorrow (Sunday 2nd), be sure to say hello and meet Celere I'm always happy to have a chat to people interested in the breed. Location of the event is Sydney International Equestrian Centre - NSW Gov Go the Lusitano!! **************
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30th August 2018 My beautiful boy 'LUIS" is on his way!! When I saw the video I admit I cried!!! just so happy and a bit overwhelmed that I made this happen. He's just so BEAUTIFUL! look at that kind face!! I did have a laugh when I heard the bells at the start of the video 'here comes King Luis' ************** |
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28th August 2018 I have been keeping a little secret for a few months now and I feel it is the right time to introduce a special stallion 'LUIS'. A beautiful 16.2hh PRE approved breeding stallion. 3 times campaigned at ‘SICAB ‘ - the most prestigious and largest international horse event for the PRE horse, placing top 8 one year out of 32 stallions in his section, as a youngster he won Champion Young Male and Sub Champion Young Male at 2 national events in Spain. This will make him the only PRE stallion in Australia to have competed at SICAB, which is impressive and a sign of his quality as there is a certain qualifying level to achieve to be accepted to compete at SICAB. This stallion is magnificent. There's no other words. Temperament is always #1 and he certainly has that! I was looking for a performance dressage horse, as we know my riding is very important to me but at the same time I needed to import a stallion of quality to provide mare owners in Australia the opportunity to breed to a quality PRE stallion with all the correct trimmings!! morphology, proven sire with offspring on the ground, high quality bloodlines (his dam is Calificado), correct movement and that proven performance record! His bloodlines actually hold many of the worlds most renown PRE ancestors that shaped the PRE for dressage and who's names you will see in many of the Olympic & WEG PRE horses over the years. He can be a professional show stallion for morphology, a dressage horse with a stunning passage, a kids riding horse (yes they put kids on him)…… and he’s broken to harness. Each day I said to myself - out of all the horses I’ve seen - he's perfect... I bet something goes wrong - nope! He passed a very grueling vet check (I'm VERY specific) MANY xrays, suspensory scans, blood tests, swabs..... passed everything. I even had 2 Australian vets check and they were pleased. It was meant to be. My aim is to enjoy this boy and be out there supporting the breed I grew up with, adore, love and worked so so hard to put in the lime light for High Performance and dressage in Australia. I’ll be back! And I’ll be back with this boy kicking it in PSG and working my way up (he’ll teach me). Certainly will not be a stallion that I will be competing grade II para on, that I can assure you! This week he leaves for the long trip to Germany to begin quarantine and then will fly out mid September! A big thank you to our beautiful family friend Viktoria for all her hard work helping me find this beautiful boy. Ever so professional, even through the heartache of losing her own PRE stallion Donoso, she was there to support and help me finalise things xxx Yeguada Vikinga Pre **************
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28th August 2018 1st place in the Official Medium 4.3 and 2nd in the Official Medium 4.2, yesterday with Celere! Not only that but we had a PB score for the 4.2. A great step up towards NSW State Dressage Championships this Sunday. A big thank you to Alycia Targa (Millbank Equestrian) for all the recent lessons I've been having, certainly seeing a difference. If anyone wants to know how amazing this Lusitano stallion is and his temperament... let me tell you a short story from yesterday.... I'm casually tacking up Celere and playing with Benji, with a good 40mins before my tests, Celere had his vibrating iceboots on just munching grass and Michael look at me, pale as if he'd seen a ghost 'VIC YOUR TEST IS IN 8 MINS!!!!!!' (I did my time schedule late at night and wrote it all out wrong lol) O SUGAR! Thankfully I don't get stressed competing ... more pressure the better lol Love it! Head high we entered the arena and bless him he knew it was show time, I could feel him pump his chest out and lower his hind, he got every change but was late behind in one, 7s for his trot half passes, charged in the medium and extended canters, a bit unbalanced in the lengthens but that was acceptable and we polished those up in the 4.3! A stallion, no warm up, 100% with me from walking from the float, walking past mares/geldings and then straight into a medium test. I trust him and have such a great connection with him...I would never have done what I did if I didn't, as I have to be a bit careful for obvious reasons I adore this horse more than words can express! BRING ON STATES!! **************
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26th August 2018 My beautiful Celere modeling his new custom made ASUP - Anna Scarpati saddle pad and hoodie. Leaving the green and gold at home today and swapping it for our whites 2 official medium tests, a great practice event before the NSW State Dressage Championships next weekend, **************
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8th August 2018 'Sometimes we get caught up in trying to accomplish something big, that we fail to notice the little things that give life magic'
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5th August 2018 Love this Portuguese stallion!
Highlight of the day was receiving 7s and a 7.5 for my flying changes, 7s for all canter work and seeing an improvement in my halfpass movements, still improvements to be made but we are certainly on the right track. We received the sweetest comment from one judge on my test sheet "Brilliant honest and reliable gentleman of a horse" with a drawn love heart. So nice to have the crew back together with Shae Herwig flying down for the week to visit! Couldn't stop her from doing groom duties though. Celere had the most beautiful plaits for the day. A big thank you to the Andalusian Horse Association of NSW along with the committee, volunteers and sponsors for holding a wonderful well run and organised event. Thanks Michael for the great photos **************
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26th July 2018 I wish to inform you all that BRAVOUR M (Spud) and I were not selected to represent Australia for WEG however, I am incredibly proud to have been ranked 3rd Australian para rider per the selection policy just behind two amazing Paralympians - Emma Booth and Sharon Jarvis. As Sharon mentioned in her post which is so rightly true - it is just a shame that Australia for the first time has decided to not send a full team, as I believe us 3 ladies would have rocked it! But kudos to Emma and Zidane for representing Australia as Individuals. I look back at my journey with Spud and smile - it has been quite amazing. It's just mind blowing to think I have only owned Spud for 10 months and we were competing in our first WEG selection event just after 3 months and scored 77.98% with an international judge coming over to me at presentation saying she had goosebumps watching my test. Just one highlight of my campaign. After 30 years of riding wonderful PRE & Lusitano horses - I put my passion to the side which was VERY hard for me. I challenged my mind, my body and I decided to find a Warmblood... after 5 years of pressure to convert! I have laughed, I have cried, I have clenched my teeth and said repeatably to myself 'this must be a warmblood thing, it has to be'!!!! You really are a quirky horse Spud, with amazing talent and geez the fan club that came with you.... I think you're more known than I am! As much as he keeps me on my toes I do feel he adores me...Even the breeder in the Netherlands warned me watch his teeth!!..... but his game is to lick me ... and lick me... and lick me just a bit more lol. The one thing with High Performance, especially at elite level - It takes enormous commitment, courage, a very strong back bone and an army of supporters. I would like to take the time to thank Charlie Welsh, Carolyn Welsh and David Shavin (the previous owners of Spud), my amazing husband Michael Koch, wonderful groom Shae Herwig, my parents, friends, followers and sponsors for being there for me every step of the way. You all know me... another goal, another chapter, another smile and hey as long as I'm still in that saddle.... that's gold for me xx
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26th July 2018 Very proud to be accepted into the Medium Championship at the 2018 NSW State Dressage Championships with CELERE!! We only started out in Official Medium this March so I'm super pleased our scores over the past few competitions were competitive enough for us to qualify. The only Lusitano representing the breed at this event and me being the only para competing open. Not bad at all! ************** |
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21st July 2018 Today we said farewell to baby Oliver (OLLIVANDER TORA V).
Very proud of what my stallion CELERE and amazing mare VIGIA INTERAGRO produced; Oliver is just pure Lusitano quality, with temperament, presence and movement to match.
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20th July 2018 'It's just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn't it? It makes our relationships with people seem as boring as a bowl of oatmeal' - John Grogan. My little (and big) shadows each and every day
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12th July 2018 Very proud to announce that my PRE stallion ANDALUKA ELEGIDO 'Eddy' and I won the PREAA 2017 Dressage High Point Score!! Pura Raza Española Association of Australasia 'Eddy' is such a remarkable ambassador for the breed and without doubt one of the most prestigious performance PRE Andalusian stallions within Australasia. ************** **************
****************************** TOP ACHIEVEMENTS Australian Shadow Squad rider Paralympics Rio 2016 Sydney CDI FEI Grade II Champion 2017 Australian National FEI Para Grade Ib Champion 2016 NSW State Dressage FEI Para Grade Ib Champion 2016 NSW AHAA Grand Champion Led Horse of Show 2014 |
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9th July 2018 Bravour M "Spuddy" Under terrible windy conditions on days 1 & 2 with arenas falling down, plastic bags flying in front of us and arenas rolling into us and judges stopping our test- he kept me safe at all times and completed 2 calm consistent tests showing everyone how reliable he can be with anything thrown his way. 70.09% on the first day and on the 2nd day 67.92% ending up with FEI Grade II Champion. We ended on a personal high dancing away to our freestyle where he continued to be a dude in the SIEC indoor which he had not competed in prior to yesterday, sadly scores were low however, I was over the moon with Spud and finished with a huge smile on my face!! Now we wait and see if what we've done the past 8 months is enough ***************************** Thank you to the competition sponsors Pryde's EasiFeed and Equestrian AustraliaStef for all your entertainment, photos and help! Proud Hygain sponsored rider HOWEVER! I was happy to throw a Prydes cap on in support :) As always couldn't have done this competition without my amazing husband Michael by my side- grooming, taking care of Spuddy and taking beautiful photos & videos! **************
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25th June 2018 Great day spent yesterday competing CELERE in our 2nd start at official medium 2 third places and scores over 60% a few 7.5s and even an 8 in some of our movements, sadly a few breaks from canter to trot did cost us, but overall super happy as we can certainly tidy up those little mistakes for the future. Celere was very well behaved as usual and lots of 'omg look at the gold horse!' For those that aren't aware ... Competing open at official medium level for any grade II para rider is very testing; for myself I have very minimal use of my legs, i can move them but I have no strength, so movements such as halfpass, pirouettes, shoulder-in are mostly achieved by moving my weight and my voice. I am able to and I used to use 2 crops however, my hands are more affected so I do lose my reins a lot without knowing and having a another crop is just another thing to think about! as a para I can have my crops secured with velcro to my hands however, I'm not a fan of compensating aids. As a grade II para rider competing open I am allowed to use my voice to help guide my horses which is the only compensating aid I use these days. Why do I love competing open against riders with no disability? I love competing and we don't really have that many para competitions locally in Australia, we only have our FEI para tests held at major events so competing open is a great way to expose my horses to a competition environment, I also proudly support the PRE and Lusitano breed and the more the breed is seen out and about the more exposure there is, I guess the biggest positive to competing open... it challenges me to keep pushing my mind and body! As an FEI para grade II rider I am the 2nd lowest classified grade which means I am in the 2nd most sever disability grade; the grades range from 1 (most disabled) to 5 (least disabled). I am graded to suit my disability, strength, balance (pain in not taken into account!). To give you an example the FEI grade II tests consist of about 60% walk and 40% trot with walk leg yields, so you can see the big difference between an FEI grade II test and a medium test. Vic x **************
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19th June 2018
The final team selection will be announced on or before 26th July. This has not been an easy campaign for me as I had to learn to ride a very quirky warmblood after 30 years of only riding the PRE breed. It took my body months to adjust to the different movement, the size, the everything ...the tears, the pain, I couldn't even sit to his big movement for 2 months!! With determination we got there!! Vic x
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16th June 2018 Saturday was such a great day spent with my gorgeous stallion Celere and little puppy Benji... certainly the right medicine needed! Celere hadn't been out for 4 months as we've been training at home working on our medium and advanced movements; I have to say he was absolutely perfect at the training day and loved his outing, such a very special horse!!!!! Really looking forward to the weekend and competing!! **************
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14th June 2018 When you want to ride but your stallion won't even get up for carrots.... ************** |
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12th June 2018 Introducing ... 'Benji' (Trimdon Highlight) For the past year Michael and I had spoken about getting a companion therapy dog to help me through difficult times and be by my side where ever I go! especially for specialist appointments and be there when I come out of my MRI scans, all of which I absolutely hate as where I am with my health these days it all leads to bad news. I have a very support husband however, we all know my animals heal me. As soon as I get home from an appointment or treatment - I need my animals. We collected Benji from a beautiful breeder locally. I researched all breeds for months and couldn't decide... then my dad said to me over the weekend 'what about a Cocker Spaniel, you had one growing up as a baby'... the decision was made! I guess like buying a horse temperament is #1 for me and I adored Benji's mum, so it was quite easy to fall in love with Benji especially when he escaped through the puppy fence and ran straight over to see me the first time I met him. Our German Shepherd kids adore him, especially our former rescue girl Heidi. He's a bold little guy and loves playing with them! Hope you all enjoy the photos, I'm sure there will be quite a lot of puppy spam as Benji grows and continues his training. |
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10th June 2018 When you skip lunch and grab a carrot for yourself to eat before riding.....ended up being 1 carrot between the 4 of us....Scavengers!!!! ~°~°~°~°~°~ Lusitano stallion Celere and German Shepherd kids Bear & Possum ************** |
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4th June 2018 “The greatest mania of all is passion: and I am a natural slave to passion: the balance between my brain and my soul and my body is as wild and delicate as the skin of a Ming vase." — Hunter S. Thompson. Video of Bravour M (Spud) **************
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1st June 2018 This happened today! ************** **************
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31st May 2018 Eddy... Andaluka Elegido! Whilst he's always brought in, stabled at night and had plenty of attention, I've strongly missed my partnership under saddle with eddy... After all he did get me to where I am today. ************** **************
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28th May 2018 I have sold one of my beautiful girls - Willtony Shakira. I strongly believe Shakira will be a wonderful asset to her new owners and to the growth in new bloodlines for the country. I have Shakira here with me for a little longer until her planned flight in June. Her new owners are incredibly excited for her arrival! I'll shed many tears when I do say goodbye. It's never easy letting go of one of your 'kids'. I'm not one to sell horses as they become part of the family however, this year I've let 2 go... having grown and come to peace that I need to make smarter decisions around my health which is deteriorating more aggressively lately and I must follow my true passion of riding whilst I am able. I certainly look forward to following Shakira's new journey x
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19th May 2018 Some days are just really hard. After my biological treatment on Thursday I was terribly sick... This video even though the quality is poor shows why I adore my horses, especially my Lusitano stallion Celere he has a way to jump into my heart and make it all better. He is so - Kind. Gentle. Knowing ************** |
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5th May 2018 4 month old Oliver (Ollivander Tora V) having a play in his new night paddock lol little guy is well equipped for this freezing weekend with his fluffy coat. **************
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5th May 2018 An amazing end to the SYDNEY CDI - International Dressage Event scoring 72.72% in the freestyle yesterday and awarded FEI Para Grade II Champion. Receiving a beautiful trophy rug sponsored by Commins Hendriks Solicitors and a voucher sponsored by the one and only Hygain Feeding Champions team. Whilst the first day was a little rusty, we worked out a routine in our preparation and there was no stopping us! Only 7 months together, still figuring out what works best for us. This event showed Spud and I have really developed as a combination. I was so pleased with his efforts! It's the little things we as riders feel with our horses - the connection, the relaxation the focus... You impressed me Spuddy:)...... even if you did show everyone your HUGE personality in the stable row.. there were a few laughs and people coming up and asking 'is your horse ok'... yes he is... he just likes wearing his haynet like a hat LOL The highlight of this competition was certainly securing my 2nd compulsory WEG qualifying score! 2 more selection events left in Australia which I am hoping to attend and the aim will be to beat my personal scores. I have quite a few people to say thank you to.. Hubby and groom Michael for all your support, love and help; Looking after both Spuddy and I superbly. Kaitlin for jumping in last minute to house sit & look after the rest of the fur kids at home, couldn't have done this without you! A big thank you to my wonderful support crew of family and friends AND facebook friends for coming out to see my tests and saying hello! It was so nice to meet some of my followers. Thank you to all the volunteers, stewards, judges and organisers that made the SYDNEY CDI - International Dressage Event such an awesome event! AND LASTLY... MY AMAZING SPONSORS! for all your outstanding support, guidance and making the Spudster and I look and feel our best x **************
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4th May 2018 It's not often I finish a test and have strangers cheer and whistle.... selectors cheer with 2 thumbs up... not often I walk out and go 'that was brilliant'! Then to have officials come up and go great job, beautiful test. Spud 'had it' in that test- he was truly amazing! Sadly, no international judges yesterday which I was concerned the day before my scores would not be strong. Always score higher with international judges.... I received 69.44% Yes, WEG qualifying score secured, Yes great score. BUT it certainly did not receive the score that the test deserved which is very disappointing. First day of competition was on Wednesday and sadly Spud showed some tension and broke into canter but very pleased to have an international judge score us individually over 69% for not such a strong test. Sadly, a 63% from the Australian judge crushed our overall score. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the freestyle and I can't wait!! I'll be aiming high! **************
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30th April 2018 Over the weekend Spud (Bravour M) and I attended the Australian Para High Performance Squad camp at the stunning Wallaby Hill. This was Spud's first camp and I have to say he was a star! Such a good boy over the 2 days that I attended. I had 2 brilliant lessons with Angela Weiss from Great Britain - these lessons, I can't put into words how much Angela helped me in certain areas that I'm a bit rusty in. At the same time it really showed that the training I've been working on with my own coach Cody Wilson is certainly the right direction for Spud and I as a combination. I also enjoyed the Human & Equine Biomechanics with Russell Guire (Centaur Russell) also from Great Britain. I found this truly fascinating and at the same time very pleased to know my Bliss of London saddle (Nikki Newcombe_ is perfect for Spud and was fitted well by Pam Davey! The data also showed I'm a balanced, straight rider lol WELL until I did leg yields (but we improved on that!). Spud had trackers on him which you can see in some of the photos, the data collected during our lessons transferred to a computer which showed Spuds way of going and if there were any areas of concern, happy to say Spud was even in his gaits; I can't wait to receive the whole report. Spud and I were also seen and treated by a great Physiotherapist - Emma Mathlin. Emma has worked with the Australian Eventing team for many years so it was great to see her work her magic on Spud - which he LOVED! A big thanks to Equestrian Australia for putting this amazing camp together (especially Stef Maraun & Erik Mackechnie-Guire)- certainly the best one I have been to in my career as a para rider. NEXT STOP, we leave for SYDNEY CDI - the 3rd Australian Para qualifier for WEG. ************** |
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24th April 2018 Do you believe in miracles? I do! Today marks 2 years ago since I found out about my neck. These photos were from the day after I was told by a neurosurgeon that I would die or be left a quadriplegic with or without high risk surgery. Riding was not an option. I withdrew from the European qualifiers for Rio and I missed out on the Sydney CDI. At the time I was preparing for the biggest fight of my life and I had to make decisions no one should ever have to make and I remember the overwhelming feeling of being powerless for the first time in my life. I came home and taught Michael how to ride on my beautiful PRE stallion Eddy; I just wanted Michael to be happy and look after my beautiful horses. There's no words to describe the emotions that run through your mind when you're given such news. No where to escape or run to - you just have to face it. I remember very clearly sitting quietly and all of a sudden thinking.... 'stop crying, don't sook, FIGHT, you've fought all your bloody life, don't let this stop you' it was like a tonne of bricks had hit me and I snapped out of my what seemed a shock coma. I hurried to my laptop and I wrote to 3 of the best neurosurgeons in the country begging them see me, within 24hrs I had replies, I guess as I was young, an Australian athlete and this was certainly a very rare case....... I was 'interesting'!! Whilst the reality was very much true to what the first neurosurgeon said...I learnt after seeing 3 others that I had 'time'...how much - we never knew and we still don't know. No surgeon will say 'you need surgery now', it's purely my decision. Which really sucks!!!! I'm not a neurosurgeon, I don't have a crystal ball....... all I have is my gut feeling. Which 2 neurosurgeons told me - you have to go with your gut feeling on this. For those who don't follow my story. I have Rheumatoid and this disease has done incredible damage to my body over the past 25 years. April 2016 an MRI detected that my C1 & C2 vertebrae are bone on bone and the ondontoid peg which in simple terms can be described as part of the spine that connects the spine to the skull has migrated into my head, piercing towards my brain currently missing it by something like 0.05mm and my brain stem is being crushed by the peg. As this is the area of the skull where the spinal cord passes through to the brain it means my spinal cord is in high risk. Surgery is high risk and it's only done if there is direct pressure on the spinal cord or life threatening symptoms are present. I chose not to have the surgery for now and I was guided by an incredible neurosurgeon suggesting that we 'monitor' things until there's signs of further migration, new pressure on the spinal cord or my symptoms worsen and by that it means my swallowing and breathing is affected. With further investigation it was also found that my C1 & C2 had actually naturally fused themselves together which is somewhat a miracle as it's stabilized the neck. I do ride my horses. Last week I was told - if I feel fine than my neurosurgeon doesn't want an MRI until the end of the year which will be 18months!!!!! which is a progression from my regular 6-months! 2 years on... I ride each day and.... I fight each day. I've had to make some big changes as you've all recently seen but hey at least I'm here and still riding!! It's one week from the Sydney CDI which is the 3rd WEG qualifier and I will be riding with all my heart and I will be riding proud. It's been one hell of a ride... The medical gurus say they don't know how I do it... Well I guess its a miracle |
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22nd April 2018 Good boy Spuddy (Bravour M) for putting a smile back on my face and reminding me why I ride and push on. As soon as I put my foot in the stirrup - I was free... it was competition time! After a very emotional 24hrs after saying goodbye to my Sammy, I put my game face on and continued my preparation for the 3rd Australian WEG qualifier which is only 10 days away. Michael always says to me 'no matter what happens, you have to keep going' and I did. Spuddy worked beautiful and made me laugh with his funny antics, which I certainly needed! He was just a super good boy! and it was a really enjoyable day. Most importantly we received great scores by a well respected A level judge in our 2 FEI Grade II tests!!!! a 71.02% and 71.81% I was the only para riding so I won lol but today was more about getting Spuddy out and using a 20x40 competition arena. A HUGE thank you to Shoalhaven Dressage Club for holding my FEI para tests and an even bigger thank you to the volunteers that helped change the arena to a 20x40 and back again to a 20x60! Fiddly job but meant the world to me!!!! **************
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21st April 2018 Goodbye my friend xx It is with a very heavy heart and many days of tears that I say goodbye to my special friend, Sam (Hanna Poderoso), a beautiful 7yo PRE stallion I have owned and raised since a foal. I finally found the home for 'My Sammy' which I believe and in my gut can feel he will be loved, very well looked after and he will be happy. For many years I've painfully had Sam up for sale, then taken him down or told people that were interested.... I just can't sell - I'm sorry. I've also heard the cruel 'gossip' that something is wrong with him.. 'why hasn't he sold?' well... unless you have a disease and condition that is terminal and tries to steal your hopes and dreams... you will never understand. There was and isn't anything wrong with this beautiful boy. A large part of me was holding on as long as I could in 'hope'... that one day I may get a bit better and all the goals and dreams I had for Sam and I would come true... and a reason why I saw selling him as a sign of giving up and defeat. Reality is - many elements of my life have changed and things I would once manage to do with struggle are now becoming impossible. I've also lost a bit of my passion. The mental struggle of watching a very talented stallion not doing anything after all the time, money and training put into him... it hurts, it hurts so much, when your body says no and your mind says just try a bit more. I AM a competition rider and riding is my passion. I am not one to just have a stallion to sit in a paddock and breed which is fine for others but not how I do things. I love for my horses to enjoy their work, have fun, have a job... It took me a long time to find peace with my decision and I shocked many loved ones when I said 'I've sold Sam'. I just want to say I am so proud of the horse I created and how talented and well mannered he is because of my training and care over the 7 years, he makes me so proud and I'm very happy to see him go to his new home where he will live on a big cattle farm, have fun with his new owner rounding up cattle, going to the odd clinic and continue to be a great breeding stallion. An end of a beautiful journey for me and my Sammy xx
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16th April 2018 A big thank you to Hawkesbury Dressage Club Inc. for holding a great 'pink ribbon training day' - helping raise funds and awareness needed to beat breast and gynecological cancers. I had a lovely day with Spuddy (Bravour M) at the awesome grounds of SIEC, it really helped us with our preparation for the 3rd Para Australian WEG qualifier which will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in 2 weeks time. Can't wait! **************
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10th April 2018 My other passion besides riding.... breeding beautiful Lusitano foals like the stunning Ollivander Tora V (Oliver), now shown here at 3 months. Looking forward to having more beautiful Lusitano foals like him! Hopefully a filly this time. ************** |
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8th April 2018 Great competition day with Spuddy (Bravour M) yesterday! I was so impressed by how he carried himself in the arena yesterday - a huge improvement from 2 months ago at Boneo. We scored 67.72% and 68.84% which was a little disappointing as I was aiming for scores in the 70s but they were both calm, forward and accurate tests, huge improvement with the walk. Wasn't a usual judge for para but the feedback was helpful! Will continue on this path as Spud is such a happier horse and getting the idea of these walk/trot para tests and that I'm not going to ask for passage out of the blue lol **************
Paramour Dressage Saddle & Girth by BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction / Fitted and supplied by Horseland Geelong/ Horseland Lilydale and Pam Davey of Olympic Saddlery! My Boots are DeNiro Rafaello Dressage Boots with Stardust tops by Equiporium Spud is fueled by Hygain Feeding Champions Balanced, Fibressential and Safe Guard. With a joint supplement for maintenance by Technyflex - Premium Joint Supplement
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4th April 2018 Whilst I prepare Spuddy (Bravour M) for the 3rd WEG qualifier (who is going amazing btw) ... I'm also planning my team for the Paralympic 2020 Australia qualifiers. Seems far away but believe me it really isn't! I am very excited to bring SIMPA back into work and start campaigning her. Can't wait to get back out there on one of my PRE's...... and a MARE! I'm also busy researching bloodlines and putting together my breeding program for this season. I have some exciting foals on the horizon - both PRE and Lusitano. Breeding is becoming a quiet passion of mine and I'm keen to give Embryo Transfers a try this year so if anyone is interested in breeding from CELERE or interested in ET from Simpatica please PM or email me. **************
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1st April 2018 Happy Easter everyone!! ************** VIGIA INTERAGRO (Imp Brazil) |
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26th March 2018 Love my Lusitano stallion Celere! Looking ever so gorgeous for a photo shoot yesterday for our amazing sponsor Equiporium UK. Celere wears the custom made saddle pad by ASUP - Anna Scarpati in the colour white with beige trim, dark brown and beige roping and finished off with a line of crystals with matching white bandages and fly hoodie! My boots: Custom made DeNiro Black Raffaello Dressage All can be purchased via the Equiporium website equiporium.co.uk and if you use my discount code victoria10 you can receive 10% off your purchase *excludes DeNiro boots **************
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14th March 2018 I am very proud to announce that Ollivander Tora V 'Oliver' has been SOLD to a performance dressage stable! An exciting new breeder dedicated to the growth of high quality performance Lusitanos in Australia. This is truly a dream come true to have bred such an amazing quality colt and to know he has such a bright future ahead of him as a breeding and performance stallion! exactly what we need in Australia to showcase how amazing the Lusitano breed is. For those that have expressed much interest in purebred offspring by Celere - Due to my health and commitments to my riding, we only produce 1 foal every 1-2 years but feel free to express your interest; the next foal with be a full sibling to 'Oliver' and due 2019. **************
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5th March 2018 So proud of Celere!!! In the Official Medium 4.1 we placed 2nd out of a strong field of 13 with a score of 63.96% with one judge scoring us 66.39% Sadly in the 4.2 we over tried so not the best score bless him.. so a few costly mistakes but 100% for effort. As always Celere was incredibly well behaved and loved his outing, even after a full season of breeding he was 100% with me. Massive thank you to Hawkesbury Dressage Club Inc. for holding a great competition and organising my para paperwork for the judges, that was a huge help! Also a big thank you to my amazing sponsors for making sure my horses and I look our best. ************** |
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4th March 2018 Celere enjoying his first competition back in 5 months. **************
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2nd March 2018 I do love my Lusitano's! ************** |
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12th FEBRUARY 2018 I am proud to announce I am part of a very special team, flying the Australian flag as a sponsored rider for BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction Also, now a sponsored rider for Horseland Geelong/Horseland Lilydale and Olympic Saddlery! For many months team Bliss, Chantal Brattle from Horseland and Pam Davey from Olympic Saddlery have all kept this project a secret whilst we came together to design a beautiful saddle to suit both my Imported Lusitano stallion CELERE and Imported KWPN gelding BRAVOUR M. Some would question, how could a saddle fit a 16.2hh Warmblood and a 15.2hh Lusitano... well believe it or not, as we found during sizing they are very similar and the saddle fits amazingly well. A big thank you to Horseland for coming out and sizing my 2 boys and Pam from Olympic Saddlery for delivering and making the final fitting - no changes were needed to the saddle, the fit was perfect. I went with the model 'Paramour Dressage' as the mono-flap design intrigued me, I've never ridden in a mono before so I was eager to try this design as it claims to deliver closer contact for a more intimacy connection between horse and rider - I have to say i will never go back to a non mono-flap design ever! I had been riding in a particular brand of saddle for over 20 years and whilst I'm very used to my body changing due to my Rheumatoid condition, multiple joint replacements and fusions, I did feel it was time for a change when I developed neurological symptoms from a serious neck and spinal condition. It really gave a clear insight at how important it is to have not only an emotional connection but also a physical connection with my horses and since riding in my new Paramour Dressage saddle with mono-flaps I do feel this has helped substantially; whilst my feeling is limited in my legs I do find having less 'saddle' between myself and the horse creates a better feel and connection. For colour, there was no doubt in my mind of how I envisioned my saddle! Black with tan edging, tan stitching and finished off with a beautiful quilted back panel. Very elegant and looks stunning on Celere! Oh and a nutbuck seat for extra grip. I know the big question from my Iberian followers will be - how does the Paramour Dressage fit on my Iberians (PRE/Andalusians/Lusitano)? I have to say the fit is great and my sizing is 17.5 wide. If you are searching for a new saddle especially for the Iberians, make sure you contact Bliss directly or Chantal at Horseland. Nikki, CEO for Bliss of London) I can't thank you enough for your generosity and entrusting me as one of your sponsored riders! Vic x
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12th FEBRUARY 2018 'A failure isn't a failure if it prepares you for a successful tomorrow' Loving my lesson once a week with a new coach and the big changes I've implemented into my training and preparation for the 3rd Aus WEG qualifier which will be held in conjunction with the Sydney CDI in just over 2 months time. **************
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10th FEBRUARY 2018 This stallion is my pride and joy. I think all Lusitano's are amazing but Celere... he's a special one! Michael said I wouldn't be able to trot Celere from my mobility scooter ... Challenge accepted!
********************************** CELERE
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10th FEBRUARY 2018 My new boots have arrived at Equiporium straight from DeNiro. Can't wait to try them!! Custom made for my wonky feet and legs lol Don't forget you can receive 10% off using my code on any purchase via the Equiporium website www.equiporium.co.uk Code: Victoria10
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27th JANUARY 2018 Boneo CPEDI 3* sure wasn't our competition. On the first day of competition Spuddy didn't feel right and our test wasn't as good as I'd hoped however, we came out on top taking out first place! Second day of competition confirmed something was not right! Unfortunately, Spuddy got his tongue over the bit which led to a very difficult ride; I believe I did well with what little contact I had to control him and the pressure it was having on my body.
I do want to thank the support (i wont mention names, you know who you are if you're reading this) that were there to guide me and help me through this difficult day. **************
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9th JANUARY 2018 We have a name for our Lusitano foal. With Lusitano name ruling, each year has a particular letter, 2018 = O 'Ollivander Tora V' or Oliver for short.
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5th JANUARY 2018 Look what we have this morning! He is so precious with the longest eyelashes! Sounds like Celere and so so pretty Vigia is a sensational mum she came straight over to show us her little one, letting us say hello and check him and her all out. I Wow what a week it has been. CELERE (Imp) x VIGIA INTERAGO (Imp) |
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3rd JANUARY 2018 I married my soul mate and became Mrs Koch! I can truly say the day was perfect and very much 'us'. Living in a small community all my life, you can't but help create beautiful friendships and it was so nice to have people like Pip & Hugh from Hugh Palmer Clothing For Men help us with finding the perfect suit for Michael xx Now this is a very special thank you to an amazing person; my gorgeous flowers were absolutely stunning and created by the very talented Sharlene of The Wildflower Studio who I have to say helped so much she brought tears to my eyes, she delivered the flowers whilst I was getting my hair done I came back to everything setup... garden, signing table, cake.. wow, such a beautiful person. Thank you so much to Belinda of Bel-lissima Cakes for creating a stunning cake very last minute! It looked amazing and the taste... wow! MEMORIES!... Our photographer ... the very talented, super cool lad 'Pete' of Peter Izzard Photography!!!! I have very long hair but for my special day I went with a beautiful elegant up do created by Jess of His & hers spirals hairstylists and lastly Paul Greer - Celebrant, our amazing celebrant for the day. I admit I may have forgotten my words.... and how to speak as I was giggling too much HAHAHA! ever so grateful for helping us with our vows, reminding us to breath and helping us with all the paperwork xx I will certainly share the professional photos when they arrive, until then, I hope you all enjoy these special photos. Another chapter of an amazing story we call life xx
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