Here at Kentaur Australia we have a collection of magnetic boots available. These boots are designed to be user-friendly and can be easily applied and removed, with the option of 2 straps or 4 straps. They are made from durable materials to withstand daily use. These boots are recommended for inside use eg. stable, yard, travel. See below for strength of magnets.
The strength of each magnet is 2500 Gauss (+/- 5%). There are 28 total magnets in a pair of Therapy Wave, and Therapy Wave Pro Boots.
]]>
Adelaide Equestrian Festival is one of the most prestigious 3 Day Events to run in the southern hemisphere. Run in the city of Adelaide, it is a one of a kind event. We were honoured to be supporting our sponsored rider Will Baxter, on his journey to compete at Adelaide this year in the CCI 3*L. Office team member Paris Endersby, joined Will on the 3 day drive across the nullabor as groom for the amazing KDale Miss Emma.
After the long drive across the outback, Will, Paris and KDale Miss Emma - arrived in the Adelaide Hills, where they stayed for the week leading up to the event, before heading in to the grounds. The first Trot Up on Wednesday was a breeze, "Emma" trotting up looking and feeling amazing. Dressage was the first event of the weekend, handling the atmosphere well, Will and "Emma" finished there test on a score of 38.5.
Saturday XC was incredible to watch with Will and Kdale Miss Emma, being 1 of only 4 combinations in the class of 37 to cross the finish line double clear, adding 0 penalties. Moving them up to 7th on the leaderboard. The cross country course consisted of 34 efforts over a distance of 4.6km. Sunday - the final day, trot up and showjumping. KDale Miss Emma, passed trot up with no issues, and went on the showjump. An unlucky 4 penalties to add in the show jumping - however they continued to climb the to finish in 5th Place.
We cannot wait to see the future for Will and Emma!! Congratulations to all involved
]]>This is Horse Pilot
Horse Pilot has immersed themselves in the daily life of riders, through their stories, their experiences, their convictions and doubts. They have developed a relationship with several professional riders who are as passionate
about riding they are (Daniel Deusser being one of them). Through those these relationships, experiences and observation, Horse Pilot continue to improve their products year after year.
An ethical and eco-responsible approach
Horse Pilot believe it's inconceivable to love horses without loving nature. And yet it is a fact, the textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world. They do not pretend to change this fact without delay, but are convinced that everyone has a role to play. Horse Pilot are passionately committed to limiting their impact throughout the life cycle of their products. It is with complete transparency and great humility that they share with us the current status of their environmental commitments. Packaging is at the centre of their attention. Aiming to produce as little waste as possible, and limit the use of materials. By 2020, 90% of their packaging is eco-recyclable. In 2024, they are aiming for zero plastic and 100% recyclable. Read more about their ethical and eco-responsible approach here.
Innovation award winning Teknit Boots
As well as riding garments, Horse Pilot also manufacture the award winning Teknit Boot. The Teknit Boots underwent 3 years of development & 6 000 hours of testing. Manufactured from a highly expandable 3D mesh that stretches in 4 directions for a made to measure appearance. Foot comfort is guaranteed by a cushioned EVA sole and an anatomical cradle in the heel. A double-layer grip on the calf provides a secure fit and protects the area from abrasion. In 2022 the Teknit Boot was winner of the Equitana Innovation Award, and is paving the way. towards a riding foot wear revolution.
Twist'Air Airbag - ultimate ride safety
Rider safety, more specifically Airbag vests are slowly becoming more common. Tokyo olympics we saw airbag vests take the world stage in showjumping for the first time, and they are becoming increasingly more popular in America. Horse Pilot are mindful of a rider's need for both safety and aesthetics. They set themselves the challenge of creating an airbag vest that combines comfort, protection, and discretion. Together with In&Motion, a company specialised in developing airbag solutions for skiing and motorcycling, they have designed this new-generation airbag, based on the new NF S72-800:2022 standard. This airbag has been specially designed to be worn under their airbag compatible range of competition and everyday wear.
Competition or Casual?
Horse Pilot has created a Competition Series and an Essential Series of riding wear. Both technical and comfortable, designed to meet the style codes of competition and training requirements. We have tried and tested Horse Pilot garments here at Kentaur for nearly a year now, and we couldn't be more pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of their products. Riding horses is an outdoor sport, and can often lead to dirty, worn out clothes. Horse Pilot design products made to last in these conditions. Stand out products from their range are the 'X-Design' breeches which are available in both casual and competition colours. The 'Aerolight' women's competition shirt & the 'Suntech' training shirt.
If you would like more information about Horse Pilot products please don't hesitate to contact us.
]]>It's been a while since we have done a blog post regarding the results of our Annual ACE (Australian Continental Equestrian Group) Assessment Day. Due to COVID no assessments took place in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 there were limited numbers due to our move, but this year we are starting to get back to pre COVID numbers which is fabulous to see!
In 2024 we are hoping to have Kentaur open to the public again for people that live North of the river to bring their horses for Assessment. This is an opportunity to present your horse for review by an expert, receiving feedback about things such as conformation, movement and jumping ability as well as giving young horses opportunity to practice travel. Not only can this help provide direction on whether you are breeding a correct horse for sport, but it can help inform future breeding choices and provide you with valuable feedback about their horse in general. Overall we are very excited to see so many people in WA now recognising the importance of ACE assessment & are looking forward to seeing increasing numbers in the future.
Eight of our horses were presented on the day, including our resident home bred stallion Kentaur Kristoff for licensing, and staff member Paris Endersby's Tinkas Bay into the broodmare studbook. The remaining six horses were home bred foals from the 2022 season, two of which have already been sold. Eight ribbons were presented, four premium and four elite which was incredible to see.
Number 5. The Gift Card
The trusty Gift Card - a safe option. There are not many wrong moves you can make with a gift card. An ideal present for that person who is super picky... we all know one!
Number 4. Socks
As Albus Dumbledore once said “one can never have enough socks”. Socks are always a winning gift. Horse Pilot socks are the newest to hit our shelves and they are a winner with everyone. They also make a great stocking filler!
Number 3. Belts
Similar to the endless need for socks. We think belts are up there too. It's always good to have choices on show day - the perfect colour, your lucky belt, whatever you're feeling. We are putting belts at number 3, you can't go wrong.
Number 2. Everything Fluffy
As we get closer to the end of our list, we have to get into some big items. We have a variety of artificial sheepskin products within the Kentaur range. and any of these will not disappoint. Simple, Practical, Stylish... what we live by. Girths, Boots, Half Pads - perfect presents for under the tree this year.
Number 1. Kentaur Liamontino
Coming in on top at number 1... Kentaur Liamontino, aka Lenny. He will make the perfect present for the most important person in your life. Personality plus, and bling for days - there so much to like. Unfortunately stock is very limited, only one Lenny left! You can find more info on our website, however Lenny orders are taken over the phone. Get in contact today to put Kentaur Liamontino under your tree!
Kentaur Liamontino pictured right
]]>Suomy Helmets have hit the market in Australia, offering style, comfort and reliability. Since Suomy’s foundation in 1997, they have been a leading producer of Motorcycle helmets, signing a partnership with well know ‘Ducati’ motorcycles in 2000. Suomy took the MotoGP industry by storm & their efforts to “raise the bar’ didn't go unnoticed.
WHO IS SUOMY?
After many years of passionately designing helmets for every field of racing, it was time to expand into the equestrian world. Suomy took no time making it to the world stage with Peder Fredricson for Sweden, and Sanne Thissen of the Netherlands who took Team Gold & Silver consecutively at the World Equestrian Games in Herning recently. Not to forget Edwina Tops-Alexander Suomy's first ambassador for this brand since the creation on #SuomyHorse. Suomy grew a world class reputation very quickly, just 8 months after birth, the Apex helmet became a World Champion.
SAFETY
Safety standard EN 1384:2017 ASTM F 1163-15
The quality and safety of the Suomy products has been verified, tested and appreciated in various Moto sports throughout the years and the team at Suomy have applied the same safety standard to their equestrian range.
Their focus is on elegance and simplicity. The ventilation of the helmet was a priority for technicians who developed powerful air intake vents that work seamlessly. The helmets are lightweight & feature a removable and washable anti bacteria inner padding. Suomy have used high tech materials such as carbon fibre, composite thermoplastic resin, and pre-formed ergonomic chinstrap that gently meets the riders face.
Made in Italy. Available in sizes 52 - 62.
Suomy helmet hold an approved safety standard by Equestrian Australia. For more information click here.
DESIGN
Apex Carbon Wood Helmet
Carbon fibre is the most advance performing material used to produce protective helmets. In fact, carbon fibre is used to manufacture F1 helmets, and the combination of wood & carbon fibre is the enhancement of safety combined with elegance.
Authentic wood - Once the Suomy team achieved the goal to make the helmet
the one of the safest on the market they then thought about how to make
it the most ecological, stylish and chic. With some research, the technicians enrich the helmet with natural wood of different kinds and shades. There will never be two helmets the same because of the nature of the wood grain, nature can't make it twice. The application of wooden inserts is totally entrusted to expert ebony makers who make Suomy Apex unique. For correct maintenance use a soft damp cloth with products conceived for wood. Avoid the use of any abrasive products.
Suomy wanted to make his helmet shine like a jewel, and this could only be achieved embellishing the helmet with the famous crystals from Swarovski. The large shiny top gives Apex an incredible light and tone on tone effect, combined with the colour of the outer shell, it's a true jewel.
Plain mono colour shell, visible air intake vents equipped with chrome frames and chromed side parts in different colours give this model a bright and sophisticated effect.
This is the most classical and understated elegant version of the entire range, able to emphasise the technology of Apex in every detail. Suitable for any kind of equestrian discipline.
Find this incredible range of helmets online at Kentaur Australia. If you have any questions or you have seen a helmet you would like to order in please don't hesitate to contact us.
]]>Where did your love for horses begin?
My mum has always been around horses, working at racing stables and owning rescue horses, but she only rode for a fun and never competed. When I was online schooling in Eucla I obviously couldn’t play a team sport like most people my age, so my mum decided horses were a great option so I could train at home and then compete and go to Pony Club when we were in Esperance (900kms from Eucla).
Tell us a bit about your life in Eucla with the horses.
It was definitely a challenge. We had to find ways to get feed from Esperance which usually ended up being trucks with some spare space. Our closest town is actually in SA but due to quarantine we couldn’t take feed across the border. Every time I wanted to compete or attend Pony Club in Esperance it was a 10-hour drive which was a huge hurdle but I feel this contributed to my determination as a rider.
At what age did you start competing, what was your first competition & on what horse?
I started attending Pony Club and doing local events at around 7 years old on my pony Dolly. She was a 12hh Australian Riding x Welsh with the usual pony, mare attitude! Our first competition would have been the Esperance ODE in 2014 when I was 9. I fell off at the first cross country jump and it actually took me two years to get around a course! Dolly was definitely a challenging pony but she for sure taught me resilience.
What horses are you currently competing on, tell us a little bit about them.
I am currently competing on Touchstone Felix and I will be upgrading him to the 2* level at our next event. He was previously campaigned by Tegan Lush up to 3* until we purchased him in 2019. He is a 14-year-old, 16.1hh Australian Stock Horse x Thoroughbred who was actually bred for polocrosse but grew too tall! Felix is a very challenging horse and doesn’t give me any room for error but for this reason he has taught me so much. I also have my 7-year-old OTT Elena Park Sobrero who started competing last year and is now competing at Eva95, looking to move up to 1* soon. I also have Elena Park Pontiac who is a 6-year-old ASHxTB who used to be ridden in western disciplines but it just wasn’t for him. He has been a real challenge for me and I’ve had a few accidents on him even though I’ve only owned him a year due to his unpredictable personality. He just did his first event at Yalambi however which was a total success and I am looking forward to his future in show jumping.
What are your greatest achievements to date, and what’s your goal for this year?
My greatest achievement on Felix would probably be placing at our first Equestrian in the Park in 2020. My goals with Felix have never really been about placing, especially in the last year since he has been really challenging for me and can be very hesitant and unsure in the jumping phases. Now that we have got those issues, both in training and soundness, under control I feel that I can start being much more competitive. I am also very proud about the way Soby has been progressing, he has never come back from a competition without a ribbon and I am so proud to have been able to produce such a consistent and competitive horse by myself. My goals for this year are to complete some successful 2*’s on Felix and hopefully some 1*’s on Soby and then get them both to EITP in the Grand Prix and Diamond class respectively.
Has moving to Esperance made competing easier even though it's still considered quite remote? Tell us a little bit about your new property and what you're doing there.
It definitely has made competing much easier although the travel to Perth (8-9 hours) is still a huge barrier. I think the biggest difference between myself and Perth competitors is that I don’t do nearly as many competitions during the year. It would be far too strenuous on the horses to ask them to travel to every event but I think the longer training time between competitions can also be a positive. A year and a half ago I moved to our new 100-acre horse property located 15kms from Esperance town. I started up my own business, Elena Park, where I run agistment with up to 20 horses and a Farmstay. I also coach in my spare time. This has been a great way for me to start paying for my horses myself but definitely can be very difficult to jungle the business with riding and school.
Is getting enough preparation & coaching in the lead up to competitions difficult living in Esperance?
Yep, it is very hard to get coaching down here, in fact the only time I ever get lessons is when coaches fly down for the odd clinic or when I am in Perth and get the chance to stay an extra couple of days and see my coach, Philippa Collier. Part of preparing for competitions is also making sure I have the correct gear for my horses, I feel very luck to be apart of the Kentaur Australia team as they are always prepared to post me gear to try on my horses, finding great quality gear in Esperance is hard! They recently posted me a saddle to try, and I ended up ordering a new Kentaur 'Elektra' Dressage Saddle for Felix. I also use the Kentaur 'Arras' Breastplate and Kentaur 'Mega' Jump Boots. Not to mention the girls in the shop are always happy to make sure I'm also looking my best dress in Cavalleria Toscana and KASK.
You are in your last year of school online, what are your plans for the future?
I’ve recently put in my early entrance for Law at UWA. I might still take a gap year to ride and hopefully compete overseas and then I will be moving up to Perth. I am hoping to still run Elena Park remotely as I’m studying and then see where life takes me from there!
What is some advice you would give to a younger Amber?
The equestrian world is amazing and full of such supportive and encouraging people and you can make some amazing friends along the way, but unfortunately there also can be times when it isn’t so inviting. I would say to younger Amber to not worry about what others think or say and instead of focusing on where I’m placing, focus on how much I’ve improved as an individual. Once I started to aim to improve my riding from event to event instead of my placing I found the sport much more enjoyable and I wasn’t putting so much pressure on myself.
]]>Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The theme for International Women's Day (IWD) 2022 is #BreakTheBias.
In light of today being IWD we would like to share with you what this means to our talented team at Kentaur Australia.
What IWD means to our Director, Lucy Galovicova:
The theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Today gives us a chance to acknowledge the importance of the contributions women make to our society. Although competing in Equestrian sports we have equal opportunity as men, imagine a world where all sports are gender-equal. So that young girls have the opportunity to grow up in a world thats diverse, equitable and inclusive. IWD is a day for celebrating women's achievements and raising awareness against bias.
What IWD means to our Head of Sales and Marketing, Lucy Pearson:
I feel lucky to have grown up competing in equestrian sports. It’s the only sport at the Olympic games where men and women compete across all disciplines together and are given equal opportunity to represent their country at an elite level.
The IWD theme for 2022 is ‘Breakthe Bias’. What IWD means to me is bringing to light that there are lots of sports where men and women are not equal & raising awareness against bias. Do your part today and show love & support for all female athletes across the globe competing in their chosen sport. Everyone should be given an equal opportunity. #BreakTheBias
What IWD means to our Sponsored rider, Izabelle Dobson:
International Women's Day is about working together to help forge women's equality. This year's theme #BreakTheBias is about raising greater awareness about issues impacting women's equality & applauding women's achievements and accomplishments. The IWD 2022 Mission for sport is to celebrate women athletes and applaud when equality is achieved in pay, sponsorship and visibility.
What IWD means to our Sponsored rider, Amber Patupis-Retsas:
International Women’s Day to me is a day to reflect on how our sport has been able to evolve into such an equal playing field for both men and women and to acknowledge and honour the women who worked to make it this way. It was not until 1952 that women were even allowed to compete in Olympic equestrian sports. Fast forward to last year when Julia Krajewski made history by becoming the first female Olympic eventing champion, and we can see just how much our sport has progressed due to the hard work of our female athletes. I am so grateful to be a part of a sport that treats men and women equal, so much so that they do not divide athletes by their gender and I believe that this shows women can be just as capable as men!
What IWD means to our Sponsored rider, Sarah Micallef:
International Women’s Day to me is about equality and balance. Anyone can be who they want to be if they put their mind to it. Ignore what was and embrace the now, which is opportunity.
What IWD means to our Sponsored rider, Laurelle Hayes:
To me, this day reminds me to take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of women worldwide. It’s a special day when we can come out in strength, to remember the interests we have in common and the struggles we have in common. To rally together and acknowledge our successes over the years.
Click here for more information on International Women's Day or to get involved! Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
]]>What size are you?
Tucci Time have a range of off the shelf sizes available that fit 95% of riders wanting an Italian made boot that fit like a second-skin. Measuring your calf correctly is imperative to making sure you choose the correct Tucci Time Long boot. There are two calf measurements (cm) that need to be taken with your usual riding breeches and socks on.
Width (cm) of calf - This measurement is taken around the widest part of the calf while standing.
Heigh (cm) of lower leg - This measurement is taken from the ground, to the crease in the back of the knee. Take this measurement while standing with the knee slightly bent.
What is your European foot size?
Now you know what calf size and foot size you are, CLICK HERE to view the TUCCI TIME SIZE CHART.
What happens if you don't fit into the off the shelf sizes?
We can special order you completely custom made Tucci Time long boots. Please note that this requires you to come in store (Perth, WA) to be measured up by one of our staff members. Please CONTACT US for more information and pricing.
What colours are available?
All styles of Tucci Time long boots are available in black, brown, blue, red & grey.
Looking for Swarovski, punched or patent leather detail?
Harley crystals
Marilyn crystals
Marilyn punched & patent leather
There are many different variations of detailing, check out their website / instagram page for inspiration and get in touch with us for a quote.
We have many Tucci boots in stock and ready to buy so enjoy browsing our extensive range!
]]>
New year resolutions are the exact same, except long term. They are important to help you become the person you want to be. They provide stability and they drive you to organise your time and resources so that you can make the most of the upcoming year.
Before we get too much further into the year, Here are some tips to help you make some New year resolutions of your own:
Being honest with yourself about your current limitations is extremely important. For example, if I were to set a goal for myself and said “In 2022 I am never going to knock a rail again.” Don’t get me wrong, that is a lovely thought but is it realistic? No it’s not, everybody makes mistakes! And unfortunately, later on down the track, setting goals “too big” can often lead to disappointment, self-doubt and loss of confidence.
One of the biggest reasons people fail to keep their New year resolutions is because they're not realistic or specific enough.
So start small. If one of your goals is to jump a 1 metre oxer. Train, train, train, because you can make that happen. If another goal is to purchase a new Kentaur Saddle. Work, work, work, because you can make that happen. Being intentional about how you wish to grow and develop, will help you achieve results. Dreams don’t work unless you do.
There is a fine line between giving yourself a mental / physical break and becoming slack. As difficult as it is sometimes, don’t let the temptation take over and allow you to skip something just because you don’t feel like it. You MADE this a goal for a reason, you KNEW this wasn’t going to be easy. Life is full of things you may not like but the sooner you confront them, the sooner you will get it over with and the sooner you can go back to normal.
If you need a little extra help to keep you on track you can try calling a friend for help, practicing some positive self talk, or simply reminding yourself how your “poor behaviour” will affect your goal. The more you say “Hmm nah I think I’ll do it tomorrow” the further away your goal will become.
Turning this new activity into a good habit won’t happen overnight. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. So have discipline with yourself and be patient, it will get easier!
As the year goes on, it’s common to feel a little unmotivated to complete these goals. In this case you might require some Inspiration to reignite the spark in which you started with when setting these goals.
When I lack motivation or inspiration here are some activities which help me reset my mindset and get back on track:
Now with all this in mind and to give you a general picture of some goals you can set yourself, here are 5 goals I’ve set myself for 2022:
Setting goals shouldn’t be stressful. If it is, try taking a step back and figure out a way to make them a bit smaller and more achievable for yourself.
I challenge you to set 5 goals for yourself over the year today. It is not a race to achieve these goals and it certainly is not the end of the world if you don’t complete them all. This is YOUR journey, make today the day you took the opportunity to better yourself.
Leave us a comment below and let us know what other topics you would like us to cover in our rider series.
Written by
Emmaleigh Evans
@Lifeontheback
Gift idea #1
Choose a Pampeano belt for your loved ones this Christmas. With a range of unique designs and sizes there is sure to be something for everyone. We will even post it out in a gift box to make this Christmas just a little bit more special.
Not sure what size to get? Contact us, we are always happy to advise, plus we have a great exchange policy, so don't worry, we have your back.
Gift idea #2
Kentaur Leather Name Plate Halter
It's not a Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas inspo list without this product... Who wouldn't want to received a beautiful leather halter with their horses name engraved onto the name plate? We can even take care of the engraving for you for just $40 extra! A timeless, sentimental piece everyone will want this holiday season.
Gift idea #3
Cavalleria Toscana 'Techn' Gloves
Everyone needs gloves, enough said... You actually can't go wrong, they are budget friendly, great quality and no one ever complains they have too many pairs of gloves! Awesome stocking fillers too...
Gift idea #4
Made from English leather, this luxury product is sure to make anyone smile when they unwrap it. This stylish crop is available in black & two toned leather, and is finished with the Silver Crown logo. Absolutely stunning.
Gift idea #5
Still struggling? Go fool proof and let them choose what they want with a Kentaur Australia Gift Card. You can purchase a gift card for $25, all the way up to $1,000, & the gift card code will be immediately emailed through!
Shop our Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas online & in store today, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
]]>In this blog I will discuss how I choose the correct girth for my horses and the advantages of using particular girths. My four favourite girths I have in my tack room are the Kentaur 'Monaco' Girth, Kentaur 'Cassis' Stud Girth with and without sheepskin, Kentaur 'Dijon' Girth and the Kentaur 'Hamer' Artificial Sheepskin Girth.
Izabelle on her previous ride Tulara Corango wearing the Kentaur 'Cassis' Stud Girth with Sheepskin.
Firstly, you need to ensure the girth you have is the right size and fits the horse correctly. Making sure the horse is comfortable and happy, helps the horse move freely and avoids any irritation. All Kentaur girths are measured buckle to buckle and increase in 5cm increments. If you're unsure of what size to order, the girls in the office will happily help, and can easily exchange if the girth is too big/small.
Kentaur 'Monaco' Girth
My favourite Kentaur girth would be the Monaco girth. It's anatomically shaped around the elbows and wider over the sternum, making it really comfortable for the horse. This is my favourite girth because its a cross between a stud girth and a standard girth. I use this girth on my young horses who don’t need a stud girth yet, or when I'm training small jumps with the more experienced horses at home. This girth is also great for horses that are sensitive and don't like a standard stud girth but need some more protection in the ring.
Kentaur 'Cassis' Stud Girth
The Kentaur 'Cassis' Stud Girth is the ideal jumping girth for in the ring. The soft leather provides ultimate comfort for the horse and protection while jumping. The best part about this girth is you can buy it with a sheepskin option as well. The sheepskin is attached with velcro, so can be removed and washed to look brand new again. I wear the Cassis Stud Girth with or without sheepskin (depending on the weather & if the horse gets skin irritation around the elbows) on all my experienced horses at the shows, this girth really ticks all the boxes.
Izabelle riding Nobelwood Park Cashmere wearing the Kentaur 'Cassis' Stud Girth
Kentaur 'Dijon' Girth
The Kentaur 'Dijon' Girth is a true anatomical girth. It's the same width all the way along and contours around the horse’s elbows, this allow the horse to move freely and helps to stop the saddle from shifting. The Dijon girth is finished with fancy white stitching, making it a common competition girth for those horses that don't need a stud girth. I tend to use this girth on horses that I have issues with the saddle moving.
Kentaur 'Hamar' Artificial Sheepskin Girth
The Kentaur 'Hamar' Artificial Sheepskin Girth is the perfect girth for training. The soft sheepskin makes this girth extremely comfortable for the horse while still looking stylish. Washing the girth is as easy as giving it a quick hose down once a week and it stays in perfect condition. I use this girth everyday while doing flatwork or schooling young horses. This girth comes in white, black or brown artificial sheepskin.
Izabelle riding Noblewood Park Cashmere in the Kentaur 'Hamar' Artificial Sheepskin Girth at a training day.
TIP: All of the Kentaur jumping girths are fitted with D rings on each side of the girth and underneath, so you can easily attach training aids or a breastplates.
At the end of the day, making sure the girth is the right size, comfortable for your horses and holds your saddle still are the main priorities. Kentaur Australia will defiantly have a girth in their range that will do all of these, and look great!
- Izabelle Dobson
]]>As I have reached 40, I look at my life and feel accomplished and content with what I have achieved. I truly believe being around horses from an early age gave me the foundation for adult life, it gave me a purpose, independence, responsibility and motivation to be a successful individual. All these qualities gave me the ambition to be somebody and never did my gender question my ability or did I feel disadvantaged.
I have been very fortunate in my life to have been treated as an equal in a changing society. Maybe I always wanted to be that example, that anything is possible and made myself an equal. I work in Insurance which is a very male dominate industry. I was one of the first women to work in Lloyds of London. I found it exciting and not a challenge to be in mans world. I made sure I fitted in, I wore a suit and shirt like everyone else and I never expected special treatment or allowances. I wanted to be a broker, that was my focus and the opportunity was there.
I remember when my partner and I first got together, he mention my lunches and meetings were always with men. I never saw them as men and always saw them as business partners and we conducted business like any other human being. I then became middle management for an international broker at the age of 25 on my own merit and hard work. I was fair with my expectations and knew what I wanted.
Both my parents are hard workers, and my work ethic comes from watching them both build their own businesses. It never came down to gender, just hard work in my eyes, as both my parents were successful.
The life i now live in Australia is still very equal with my partner, we share the domestic responsibilities and work around the farm. I am not scared of a bit of fencing or chopping down a tree and nor is he unwilling to clean the house or put some washing on. I still work in insurance and in the position I want to be in that suits my life style. My passion is eventing and I have re-educated many ex-racehorses and still ambitious to compete. Our sport is relatively equal men and women, both genders are competitive and the same rules apply. My disadvantage is my legs are not long enough (laughing), not what gender I am.
My idols in the eventing world are a mixture of men and women. I am truly inspired by their skills as a riders and their determination to win. Piggy French, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Mark Todd.
Both my boys Move on Notice (Movie) and Silver Promise (Blitz) had a break at the end of last year and now back in work getting ready for the 2021 event season.
Blitz had his first showjumping competition the Saturday gone, and stepped up to his fist 1m round. Our preparation has been very limited so there was no expectations and just using it as training round. His first eventing start is at Capel CCN in two weeks in the EvA 95 with the intension to move up to 1* in the next few months.
Both horses are ridden in Kentaur Saddles. The Kentaur 'Medea' Dressage Saddle is slightly cut back away from the shoulder which suits both horses my horses with big shoulders and frees them up.
My new Kentaur 'Triton' Jumping Saddle arrived in time for Christmas. Movie prefers a flocked saddle because of his shape, the french or Latex panel are more suited to a Warmblood and flocking tends to accommodate the many high withered thoroughbreds. The Triton jumping saddle can be ordered with any panel you like, which is great!
I also use the Kentaur 'Arras' Breastplate to avoid any restriction in their jump. I always use to like the 5 point breastplates but after watching my horses move and jump, i now prefer the 3 point breast plates for my horses.
International Women's Day to me is about equality and balance. Anyone can be what they want to be if they put your mind to it! Ignore what was and embrace the now, which is opportunity.
FEI Jumping Rules, as we know, can be a little overwhelming and confusing on the best of days. So after a few enquiries from our customers about which of our Kentaur boots is approved for young horse classes, we thought we should clear it up and do a little blog post/video on this topic!
The information in this video is only about the FEI Jumping Rules Article 257.2.4 for Saddlery. It discusses the criteria that must be met for all FEI Jumping Competitions for Young Horses (five, six, seven and eight-year-old Horses). This video should only be used as a guide or a visual aid to help understand the rules; for any further clarification, please always refer to the FEI Jumping Rules or ask your local steward at a show!
A brief summary of the FEI Jumping Rules Article 257.2.4 - Hind boots for all FEI Jumping Competitions for Young Horses (five, six, seven and eight-year-old Horses).
If you would like us to do another video on Article 257.2.5 which covers the hind boots allowed at all international Jumping Events and had a rule change as of January 1st 2021, then let us know in the comments below!
Useful Links:
Kentaur 'Profi' Hind Jumping Boots
Kentaur 'Pro Carbon' Fetlock Boots
]]>If you want to maximise your horse's health, enhance their coat condition, promote muscle development & positively influence their mood, behaviour and overall well-being then keep on reading…
The Cashel Light Mask is a rechargeable headpiece that provides the horse with biologically effective levels of blue light. Designed for both competition and leisure horses, this mask can be used in the field, stable and when travelling.
How does blue light work I hear you ask?
The quality and duration of light exposure is the most critical factor in a horse’s environment. This influences their health, coat, muscle response to exercise and ability to keep condition. Correct lighting strengthens the horse’s internal body rhythms and ensures they are getting the maximum value from their nutrition, training and overall management.
Equilume’s scientifically developed and tested proprietary blue light mimics the stimulatory light wavelengths of sunlight on a long summer day.
The timed blue light helps to strengthen the horse’s circadian rhythms and ensures that every cell in the body functions optimally, keeping your horse healthy inside and out.
How to use it?
Before the first use, the Cashel Light Mask should be fully charged and activated at 8 am using the Equilume Smart Key. The blue light will come on at 8 am and turn off automatically at 11pm each night, providing 15hrs of daylength using biologically effective light that mirrors the qualities of sunlight.
After 7 days, the mask must be recharged. On day 7, remove the mask and charge the cups for 3-4 hrs, the refit the mask to your horse.
For people living in Australia now is the time to start thinking about fitting the Cashel Light Mask to your horses. This will help to maintain their summer coat and muscle condition over summer, making it easier to bring them back into work after Christmas. The summer solstice is on the 22nd of December, which is when the days start to shorten; it is recommended to fit the mask from then. However, as a general rule, the mask should be fitted no later than 21st of January for maintaining a summer coat and peak performance.
The battery of the Cashel Light Mask has an 18-month lifespan when used continuously and recharged weekly in this manner.
The light mask can be removed for routine grooming and exercise.
It is recommended that the horses are permitted to experience a winter daylength for approximately eight weeks each year. The mask should be removed and deactivated during this time.
The Cashel Light Mask is has been specifically designed for performance horses however, Equilume also make masks for breeding purposes as well.
For more information on Equilume Light Masks, visit their website or contact us if you have any questions.
Comment below and let us know what you thought of this blog post, and what you would like us to cover next time!
]]>
All the placegetters were sent to this year’s 2020 international guest judge Rowan Willis. Rowan is based in North America and has taken the world by storm. Best known for his achievements on board the fabulous Chacco Blue mare Blue Movie. Rowan has had endless success at GP level on the international circuit, as well as being an integral part of the 2018 Australian WEG team placing 6th. More recently, Rowan has also qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, which sadly isn't going ahead due to COVID. Rowan will be choosing the overall winner for 2020 Horseland Young Showjumping Horse.
Kentaur Performance horses had a solid representation across the board for the style classes. Three horses by Absolute Ego Z (Air Jordan Z/ Lux Z) all jumped cracking rounds.
- Sari Golisano riding her own 4 year old Noblewood Park Argentina (Absolute Ego Z / Noblewood Park Lycia / Liostro) who is a 4yr old mare. Tina was bred by Kentaur at Kentaur using Noblewood Park’s mare Noblwood Park Lycia.
- Kentaur Director, Lucy Galovicova, riding Anneliese Pereira’s Castleford Ace (Absolute Ego Z/ Apen Park Ramira/ Renegade Z) who is a 4yr old gelding. Fondly known as Ace, he is a half-brother to Kentaur Coralline who was crowned overall winner of the Young Showjumping Horse in 2018.
- Rick Dabner riding Kessha Macknight’s Absolute Obsession (Absolute Ego Z/ Noblewood Park Olinda / Voltaire) who is a 5yr old mare.
We also had two home-bred horses in the 6 & 7yr old.
- Mischa Hartley-Auguste riding Robert Auguste’s Kentaur Coralline (Corland VDL / Apen Park Ramira / Renegade Z) who is a 6yr old mare. Coralline jumper two super clear rounds.
- Breanna Possingham riding her own Kentaur Pyro (Pico Bello (KWPN)/ Kentaur Valencia / Vivant) who is a 7yr old gelding.
A special mention goes to our Director, Lucy Galovicova, for making a comeback at this show after breaking her leg last year. It’s so good to see her back in the ring! Congratulations to all the owners and breeders. The quality of horses this year was terrific, and without the owners and breeders, these sorts of shows wouldn’t be what they are.
Result for the style classes will be announced on the second weekend of the Horseland Young Horse Championships held on the 3rd & 4th of October where all the horses get to compete again; however, this time it will be run as normal competition!
Stay tuned for the results of the style classes!
We would also like to thank our sponsors. Thompson and Redwood and Joanne Wallace for fuelling our horses to do their job well! Kentaur horses are fed Grower Weaner Pellets as foals and yearlings. They are then fed Claytons as young horses and a combination of Horse pellets and muesli when in full work. Also, thank you to Fiona Lacey the wonder vet and her team at Olive Grove Equine Clinic.
What to browse the Kentaur horses we have for sale? Click here
"Does this Kentaur breastplate come with a clip so I can attach it to my girth?"
We thought that considering we get asked this more often than not; we would bypass our FAQ's Page and write a short blog post about it, to help clear the air!
So to begin, we have seven Kentaur breastplates in total that require being attached to the girth. Out of these seven, there are two different ways the end of the breastplate is made, which will impact how you attach it to your girth.
But to answer this question in short, Kentaur breastplates don't come standard with a clip however; they can be specially ordered with one, so keep reading!
#1: The bottom of the breastplate is fixed
When we say 'fixed' we mean the buckle shown in the image above cannot be completely undone however, it can be adjusted up or down to fit it correctly to your horse's chest.
This design applies to the:
How to attach these breastplates to your girth:
#2: The bottom of the breastplate can be completely undone.
This design applies to the:
How to attach these breastplates to your girth:
We hope this has clarified things a little more. Although the Kentaur breastplates don't come standard with a clip, there are a variety of different ways you can attach them to your girths, and it's very dependant on the type of girth you already have! As we said, it's very easy for us to order you any of these breastplates with a clip, but this will be specially ordered in for you and can take 6-8 weeks to arrive.
If you're unsure, contact us, and we can chat about your current set up and make sure we get you a breastplate that's going to work for you!
]]>Even though COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in ways we didn't think were possible, it's forced us to change our day-to-day routine, and I can't help but feel somewhat refreshed by this. There was a meme going around last month saying that 2020 has been "cancelled". Don't get me wrong, I was 100% on that bandwagon and already waiting for 2021 to arrive, but the more I thought about it, the more I couldn't help feeling that this might actually be what a lot of us needed. It's the first time in my life where people have literally been forced to rethink their daily routine. For a lot of us this is what our weeks would look like pre COVID-19: wake up, feed horses, ride horses, go to work, come home, ride more horses, feed horses and repeat. Then on the weekends we would be competing, and so the years roll by. In between our busy lives, we try to fit this in, try to fit that in, do ½ of that job and never start another. I feel like I'm painting a picture a lot of us know too well.
So since this pandemic started, I have made it my mission to try and feel grateful for the spare time we now have. Some of you may be aware that we have recently moved to a new property. This happened in November 2019, and let me tell you… It's been a process, and we won't be doing it again in a hurry! The Kentaur shop is slowly coming together, and the horses have settled in nicely. However, now things have slowed down we are using this time to finish the shop renovations so all our lovely customers have a great space to come and visit us when things are back to normal. This is one of those times we feel grateful that Kentaur is predominantly online as our business processes haven't had to change, though we are looking forward to having a shop space.
Competitions have been suspended, this isn't ground-breaking news, but the more people I talk to, there is a real divide of opinions. There are the people who are champing at the bit to get back in the ring and others who are enjoying some weekends not riding horses. Either way, here at Kentaur this has given us the chance to focus more on the young horses that would usually be at the bottom of the list if we were mid-season. Don't get me wrong for the 4-5 yr olds that are ready for their first run of shows, this is frustrating. However with extra training under their belts, they are only going to handle the work better when everything starts again. As for the older horses, not jumping their legs isn't going to do them any harm and this gives us time to fix any problems from last season or to improve. The most recent EWA email regarding COVID-19 said that show jumping is looking to be back up and running in WA by September-October if all goes well, which means we will be thrown into all the championship shows. I have a feeling that at the Patrons Cup we might know who's been training over the last six months, and who had an extended summer break!
We have also been making headway with our new website and have finally uploaded the new images onto our landing page. This new website has been in the works since early October last year, and with the web developer designing a carousel at the top, we thought this 'prime real estate' deserved some fantastic photos! Luke Harmer is one of our sponsored rider and his partner Ashley Grant @theblachat took these stunning photos! With the fires, floods and then COVID-19 they have finally made it to the home page this week, and we love them. As always Ash's work is second to none.
We also found a day to photograph all the babies. Due to our annual ACE assessment being cancelled this year we had no professional photos of the young horses. A massive thank you to Jordyn Colleran @equinebyjordyn; we love your work. Small things, but none the less another tick off the list.
You're probably thinking I'm saying all of this like none of this would have happened prior to COVID-19, dont get me wrong it would have, just much slower! I think the difference is, we now feel like we have the time we need/want to put into these things rather than magically finding some more daylight to fit it all in. We need to use this time to reassess what's important to us, so when life is back to "normal", we can use this mindset to be more productive and be able to evaluate where our time is best spent.
You never know, 2020 might be the year of 'getting it done' rather than the year that got cancelled.
]]>This blog post will discuss the more artistic side of creating a saddle, and some of the new products KenTaur are offering to provide you with some matchy-matchy goodness. If you are after a more in-depth discussion on the mechanics and design behind our saddles, go to our previous blog post, Why Buy a Custom-Made Saddle?
As most of you know, the majority of saddle manufacturers these days create saddles with coloured piping. However, we are pretty lucky here at Kentaur because we actually offer two different styles of coloured piping, and recently there has been a little confusion on what colours are available in which styles. So, we thought we would use this opportunity to clarify this and tell you about an exciting new product we have to offer!
Coloured Piping Style #1 - Flat Coloured Piping
Flat coloured piping is the original style of coloured piping that KenTaur produced. It's simple in design and perfect for those that want a little colour in their life, but don't want the whole world to know about it. It runs along either side of the seat from the pommel to the cantle. Colours included in this style of coloured piping are; white, silver, beige, gold, orange, brown, black, red, wine red, navy, green & pink. Saddles can also be created with contrast stitching in the same colour as the piping.
Coloured Piping Style #2 - Coloured Piping (including stirrup leather keepers)
The piping in this style sits between the seat and the panel of the saddle. As you have probably gathered from the title, this style includes the stirrup leather keepers as well. It was designed when KenTaur launched the Kronos Jumping Saddle; however, it's available on all our models. This style of piping is for those people wanting to stand out from the crowd with some of their favourite colours including; white, beige, grey, pink, blue & red. Again, you can also opt to have matching contrast stitching.
Now, you're probably all wondering what the new product is, and let us tell you if you like to colour coordination you're going to love it.
An all-time favourite got a makeover
If you follow us on social media, you might have seen a little sneak peek that one of our all-time favourite breastplates got a makeover? Well if you missed it, the Kentaur 'Napoli' Breastplate is now available with coloured piping, the same coloured piping options as style #2. We have only had a hand full of these Napoli Breastplates with coloured piping arrive in Australia so far, but we have had rave reviews! So, if colour coordination is your thing, this is the breastplate for you!
For more information on saddle customisation head to our website. We have lots of new & demo saddles available to try, and while the shows are suspended, what better time to sort out a new saddle for you and your horse. We have lots of finance options available, and if you purchase a new saddle with us you will also receive 30% off all accessories, so that's a new breastplate, girth and stirrup leathers to match!
For any enquiries, please contact us at info@kentauraustralia.com
]]>
We are introducing our new rider series where we tackle horse-related topics with some of our favourite riders!
This blog post discusses finding the elusive work/riding balance, dealing with disappointment and setting goals. We thought there would be no better person to dive into these topics with than our very own sponsored rider Sarah Micallef. So join us for our first rider series Q&A, and get to know Sarah a little more along the way!
Where did your love for horses begin?
None of my family were into horses. I tried everything from ballet, swimming, karate, tennis and badminton. Horse riding was the only thing I wanted to stick at, despite both my parents discouraging me. At the age of four-years-old, I had a pony ride up and down a 50m driveway at a riding school, and from then on, I continued to have lessons, and eventually, I leased horse. In the end, I talked my grandad into buying me an OTT at the age of 12, which was crazy chestnut mare. The rest is history!
What are some of your most significant riding achievements to date?
Re-educating ex-racehorses is my most significant achievement and by far the most rewarding. It tests your patience and dedication, along with teaching you not to give up. Riding at Equestrian In The Park (EITP), which is one of WA's most prestigious events would have to be one of my most recent highlights. Looking back on how Movie (one of Sarah's current Off The Track horses) and I got there over the three years is incredible, and our partnership started back at the basics of re-education.
What horses are you currently competing? Tell us a little about them.
Movie is my 16.1hh 7-year-old OTT who was purchased 50/50 with a friend of mine for $150. He was only supposed to be a project horse (said everyone whos owned at OTT), but after re-training him for six months, I fell in love with him and decided to buy my friend out. As a 4-year-old, he was only 15.3hh, and his head didn't look like it belonged to his body, but he developed into something perfect for me. Movie has been textbook in regards to re-training and is a big cuddly thug who loves human attention and always has a fear of missing out. We are currently competing at 1*, and consistently producing clear showjumping rounds. He is still very green cross country but improves every event, and at our last event of 2019 we finished on our dressage score.
Blitz is my other OTT, 16.1hh, 6 years old, steel grey. He is extremely sensitive and occasionally spooky, the type that wants to know everything that is going on. Blitz has a charming nature, and although quirky, I know he's going to be a really lovely horse. He's super bold cross country, but his spookiness makes him careful in the showjumping ring, while his personality gives him that wow factor in the dressage arena. He finished 2019 at EvA80, placing in two out of the three events we did. We will start this year at the same level aiming to finish year at EvA95.
What do you do for work (outside of horse)?
I am Claims Broker for an International Insurance Broker specialising in litigation claims and large losses for Mining Companies and Mining Services. Nowadays, I only work four days a week with a couple of agisters at home. Occasionally those four days tend to spill into my days off; this tends to happen when you have your laptop at home and your emails on your phone.
How do you try to balance working and riding competitively?
I have a lot of dedication to my riding because of my love for horses and competing. It also helps me to forget about what is going on in the real world, so I see it as therapy. It is easier having the horses at home and having a floodlit arena to ride in the evening through the winter months. Coming from the UK it isn't so cold, and a bit of rain doesn't bother me. I often get up at 4:30am if I have work commitments and just put a weekly plan together to avoid the horses missing out. Both of them have a fitness and schooling program with Thursdays for lessons and gallops. I generally ride both of them 5/6 times a week before or after work. I do get exhausted, so a couple of early nights through the week are a must, so I don't burn out. TV is overrated anyway!
Do you ever feel your horses don't get enough attention because of work & how do you deal with that heading into a show?
On the odd occasion, but I know how important it is to have my horses fit for the job and if I am not dedicated to work them both, then I wouldn't take them to a competition. Even if I was out riding at 10 pm my horses are always competition fit through the season. Thursday is my day off, so I always pack for the weekend if I have a competition, so on Friday I can either leave straight from work or do a little preparation for an early start on Saturday. My float is always organised, so it's usually not a very big job.
When you're at the show, do you find it easy to forget about work and focus on competing?
There was one event I retired on XC last year because my head was with a presentation I had to give on Monday morning and my client was continually emailing me over the weekend. Generally, I can switch off and have learnt over the years that I work to live, not live to work. Dont get me wrong, this doesn't mean I don't take my work seriously, but I try to remind myself that I work so I can enjoy what I love doing the most, and that is Eventing!
Things don't always go to plan with horses, and disappointment is part of the sport. What are some of the ways you deal with this?
Disappointment is always heartbreaking when you put so much effort in, but I see it as... if you don't have the bad days, you don't appreciate the good days! If you said that to me after a bad performance though you might get a different answer! At the end of the day I try to keep it in perspective, horses are still a sport (although a very life-consuming one) and having bad days will tell you what you need to work harder at.
How do you go about setting your goals for the year?
Every year I put a calendar together, work out what I want to achieve, what events I want to do, and at what grade. Taking two horses is hard work, so I tend to take only one horse to an away event, and two to the local events. I mix it up with some showjumping and dressage for some practice at the start of the year. Reassessing throughout the year is key to excellent goal setting (with horses in particular), evaluating my their progression and whether they are becoming sour, sore or need a mid-season break. I try to give them a couple of weeks off every four months, so they feel refreshed but at the same time don't lose too much fitness. Overall the process is quite broad, but the end of the year goal is quite specific.
So that's the end of our first Rider Series! We would love to know your thoughts and leave us a comment below with any other topics you would like us to cover!
]]>Some times choosing a dressage girth (or any girth for that matter) its can be a little daunting, particularly when you have a new horse or the girth you currently have is causing issues...
]]>This blog post has been designed to guide you towards a girth that will suit your needs and work with the horse's shape and conformation. This is important because a correctly fitting girth means the horse will move more freely and be more comfortable. A correctly fitting girth will also decrease the chances of rubbing or skin irritation, which can cause discomfort for the horse.
The four dressage girths that will be discussed are the Kentaur Padova Extra Soft, Geneva, Grand Prix and the Parma.
Kentaur 'Padova EXTRA SOFT' Dressage Girth
Made from extra soft double calf leather and lined with padding, there is not a more comfortable dressage girth on the market. The soft leather means that elastic girth buckles are not essential, but are still available to purchase.
The Padova Extra Soft Dressage Girth is designed to be wider in the middle of the girth to evenly distribute pressure under the sternum and is cut back around the elbows to allow for greater freedom of movement.
This particular girth could be suitable for horses where the saddle has a tendency to move backwards. We would recommend this for ponies and horses. The Padova Dressage Girth also comes in a standard version, without the extra soft lining.
Kentaur 'Geneva' Dressage Girth
The Geneva Dressage Girth is our most 'anatomically' shaped girth, cut back from around the elbows and the same width the whole length of the girth. This girth features durable stainless steel fitting, internal elastic on both sides and a D ring attachment in the centre for your training aids. Mostly suited to horses that have a deep shoulder and a forward girth groove, this girth can help prevent the saddle from moving forward. A forward girth groove means the girth sits in front of where the girth points fall. Usually, we would recommend this girth for horses only, however, in some cases, this girth can be used on ponies too (particularly on a jumping saddle). This girth is also available in sheepskin and has the option to be purchased with or without a leather liner. Please note that the Kentaur 'Geneva' Dressage Girth cannot have a separate sheepskin liner attached to it, the Kentaur 'Geneva' Girth with Sheepskin will need to be purchased.
Kentaur 'Grand Prix' Dressage Girth
The Kentaur Grand Prix Dressage Girth is slightly cut back to allow freedom of the elbows. When compared to the other three girths, this would be the least anatomical in style. This girth is thicker than the others, and we recommend it on the larger breed horses with a big girth groove as it helps to distribute the pressure and aids in stabilising the saddle. It still features elastic on both sides and a D attachment for your training aids. Similar to the Geneva, this girth is also available in a sheepskin version and has the option to be purchased with or without a leather liner. Please note that the Kentaur 'Grand Prix' Dressage Girth on its own cannot have a sheepskin liner attached to it. If you require sheepskin, you will need to purchase the Kentaur 'Grand Prix' with Sheepskin.
Kentaur 'Parma' Dressage Girth
The Kentaur Parma Dressage Girth is a banana-shaped girth that provides plenty of clearance around the embows. This girths is suitable for horses and ponies with a short back and sprung ribs, as the girth is shorter at the front than it is at the back, allowing for the expansion of the ribs. It also narrows in quite a bit at the elbows, making this the perfect girth for small, round ponies. The Parma can also aid in stopping the saddle from moving forward.
Key points to remember about Kentaur Dressage Girths:
Hopefully, this has given you a little bit of insight an into the types of dressage girths we have on offer, so you can make an informed decision on which type would best suit your horse's shapes and your needs. Please contact us if you have any more questions regarding our dressage girth.
]]>
Montar Excellence Bridle
This blog post will dissect each style of the bridle in further detail and provide you with some of the customer feedback we have received.
Normandie: Top comfort without compromising the elegant look!
Normandie is a classical and ergonomic bridle made in brown & black Montar leather with stainless steel buckles. Normandie’s open headpiece lets the bridle adjust to the unique shape of every horse. Thanks to the V-gap and the soft padding at the sides, the neck can move freely and lets even the most sensitive horse relax and focus.
The noseband is completely detachable. The loop can be removed, by pushing it between the padding. This gives you the possibility to switch between using the bridle with or without the flash noseband whenever you feel like – of course without compromising the classic look. The noseband has pullback closings, with a softly padded cushion to protect the jawbones.
“I love my House of Montar Normandie Bridle! It has so many ergonomic features, is very adjustable and the craftsmanship is exceptional. This bridle is perfect for training in but is also stylish enough for competitions!” – Annarose Reilly
Monarch: When the comfort of the horse is the first priority!
This specially designed headpiece has an adjustable strap at the back, which makes it possible to adjust the angle of the cheekpieces to give a perfect fit along the horse’s ears and cheek. Featuring super-soft padding, combined with the gap on top of the headpiece to minimizes pressure on the sensitive neck and ear area.
The Monarch noseband is designed to avoid pressure on the mouth and jaw area of the horse. Soft curves make space for the facial nerves and the big back teeth, while the softly padded leather protects the jaw bone.
“The Monarch bridle was the best thing I did for my horse… I have a sensitive TB mare who doesn’t like flash nosebands. The way the Monarch is designed means it avoids all the sensitive areas on her head and she’s never been happier. Not only does the leather feel amazing it also looks stunning as well! I also bought a blingy browband and it clips on and off so easily! I couldn’t be happier ” – Taylah Ridley
Excellence: Give your horse the freedom to perform!
The soft curves of the Excellence noseband are designed to avoid pressure on the sensitive mouth and jaw area of the horse, while the back strap keeps the noseband in the correct place. The high back strap makes room for the bit to move without interference and gives you direct contact to the horse’s mouth. Soft padding is added to the noseband to limit the pressure on the bridge of the nose.
This anatomic neckpiece is cut behind the ears to give more space for sensitive horses with a narrow poll area.
“I love the softness of the padding over the horse’s nose and the way the headpiece is cut behind the ears, I feel this is more comfortable for the horse. I also love how the browbands are ‘click on and off’ they are so easy to interchange without having to take the bridle apart. Great for shows when your changing browbands to suit each horse. The rubber inside the keepers is great on the cheek straps, as they don’t budge at all!” – Laurelle Hayes
Montar Lyon Bridle
Lyon – The most elegant figure 8 bridle…
The bridle is ergonomically designed and made in black or brown Montar leather and with stainless steel buckles. The specially designed Montar headpiece has an adjustable strap at the back, which makes it possible to adjust the angle of the cheekpieces to give a perfect fit along the horse’s ears and cheek. Super-Soft padding combined with the gap on top of the headpiece minimizes pressure on the sensitive neck and ear area.
The Lyon noseband has soft and thick padding along the cheeks and on the disc on the nose bridge to avoid rubs and pressure on the bones.
“This is the ultimate competition bridle. The leather is exquisite and has a beautiful rich colour. Available in black or brown with stainless steel fittings, this bridle completely adjustable and the sizing is spot on. The white stitching gives it a subtle yet elegant look which brings this bridle to life! The Lyon was designed with the horse’s pressure points in mind, featuring an anatomical headpiece and noseband to avoid the sensitive areas. I honestly can’t fault this bridle.” – Charlotte Calabrese
All Montar Bridles…
Browbands
All bridles are sold with a classic browband which has soft padding and an elegant curve to highlight the expression of the horse. The browbands are easy to remove and can be changed even when the bridle is in use. Montar has a large variety of stunning colours in their crystal browband range as well!
Mighty Browband – Pink/Peach
For more information on the Montar Leather Range click here.
]]>We’re dedicated to bringing the best possible service and offerings to our customers. Part of this involves providing a choice of finance options to allow you to RIDE NOW and PAY LATER (or simply pay differently)! We have partnered with several providers to enable you to buy horse gear conveniently, safely and with flexibility. These include:
We pride ourselves on giving our customers the best possible service and choice here at Kentaur Australia! It’s for this reason that we have such an extensive list of finance options, allowing you to choose the one that suits you most. Of course, we also offer more traditional online payment methods such as credit card and PayPal, and have recently enabled the ability to pay by direct debit (this means that we can pass the fees of the credit card/payment merchants back to you, saving you 1.7% on your total transaction). To pay with this option, simply select ‘Bank Deposit’ at checkout and send us a screenshot of your payment receipt so we can send your products straight away.
]]>You can start shopping with any of these finance options here (simply select which one you’d like at checkout).
As the 10th anniversary of the Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day (IHAD) draws closer, we thought we would explain a little more about IHAD and some key points on one of the leading helmet brands we stock here at Kentaur Australia.
Last year IHAD had over 680 retailers in 19 different countries register to participate, and 2019 is set to be even bigger!
“Back in 2010 when Riders4Helmets was founded and we hosted the first International Helmet Awareness Day, I never imagined that the campaign would inspire tens of thousands of equestrians to wear a helmet for the first time, and serve as a continued reminder to those who were already wearing a helmet, to ensure it is fitted correctly and that they replace it when appropriate,” said Lyndsey White, Riders4Helmets. “I am absolutely overwhelmed at the continued support shown to the Riders4Helmets campaign by helmet manufacturers, retailers, and equestrians around the globe.”
International Helmet Awareness Day was founded in 2010 as a direct result of US Olympian Courtney King Dye’s accident, with the aim of educating equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet.
Courtney explains in her interview with The Horse Magazine; “I didn’t fall off, and my horse did nothing naughty. He just tripped over his own feet and fell, and my head hit the ground hard. Hence my motto: expect the unexpected. I was not wearing a helmet, and my brain sheered, or bounced around, in my skull.”
Wearing a helmet is imperative while riding, and at Kentaur Australia we stock one of the leading helmet brands in the world; KEP Italia.
KEP Italia
To find out more about KEP Italia helmets, go to our full blog post: https://shop.kentauraustralia.com/blogs/news/why-kep-italia-really-have-superior-helmets
As a participating retailer, we will be offering 10% off selected helmets (including those on pre-order) for the duration of IHAD. We strive to keep our helmet prices as low as they possibly can be, and therefore almost never discount them… So don’t miss out!
We offer various finance options (ZipMoney, Sezzle & BitPay) and have free postage on all our orders. Shop our range of KEP helmets here.
For more information on the Riders4Helmets IHAD campaign and more information on rider safety, visit www.riders4helmets.com.
You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets, www.instagram.com/riders4helmets, and www.twitter.com/riders4helmets.
]]>A highly regarded producer of saddles in Europe, KenTaur has now gained recognition in the Australian market as a quality yet affordable brand of premium saddle. As the Australian distributors of these saddles, we often receive questions about the difference between the styles. In this blog post, we will cover some of the main differences between the jump saddles we have available to buy.
Kentaur Australia offers a made-to-order saddle service (we also hold a number in stock at any given time). If you would like to learn more about the saddle production process, check out our previous blog post.
All of the saddles feature a changeable gullet by an accredited saddle fitter, and we can alter details such as the length or projection of the saddle flaps, the leather type, the colour of the stitching, the colour of the fittings, and in some cases the choice in style of knee rolls. For more details about these options and purchasing a saddle in general, check out our Saddle FAQ page or simply contact us!
Which KenTaur jump saddle is your favourite?
]]>What a weekend at another great Swan River Young Horse Show! As a long-term Swan River sponsor, this is a show we circle on the calendar each year especially after Kentaur Coralline (Corland VDL out of a Renegade Z mare) was crowned Young Horse Champion in 2018.
This year’s interstate judge Russell Johnstone and local judges Kate Majors-Borg and Stewart Kammann provided constructive feedback and a great master class for the final four on Sunday. A positive change was made to how the young horse classes were judged, with two sections of each age category being awarded places. The ‘style’ section was based on the judge’s preferences taking into account any penalties which would determine the final four and overall young horse champion. The age classes were also run as a 273.2.2/3.3.2 and were awarded a place based on their penalties and time in the second round. Although no Kentaur horses made it into the final four this year, homebred horses and sponsored riders were strong in attendance and in the placings.
Kicking off the weekend we had the two babies on the team competing in the 4-year-old class. Kentaur Chandon owned by the Prendiville Family jumped some super rounds piloted by sponsored rider David Dobson. Kentaur Chandon is by Concorde Ego Z out of accomplished mare Barrabadeen Captivate (by Noblewood Park Cougar). Fondly known as Donny, he placed a very close 2nd for style behind the capable Chad Donovan riding Contarli Castillo, and 1st against the clock in the second round.
Also, in the 4-year-old was the athletic Noblewood Park Clue owned by Michelle Carberry and professionally piloted by Courtney O’Sullivan. Clue is by the imported stallion Noblewood Park Calibre (Cassini I/ Dobel’s Centro), out of a full sister to Noblewood Park Cougar, Chanel. This striking grey placed 4th for style and 3rd against the clock.
Next out was Jessica Hoffren and Kentaur Chocolate Noir. Jess has had some great success recently on this little mare by Carpino Z out of Barrabadeen Captivate. Jess placed 3rd in the open 1.05m and 6th in a competitive Amateur 1.10m Qualifier on Saturday, only to come out on Sunday and win the open 1.05m as well!
Sponsored rider Renatta Hayward also placed 2nd in the Amateur Qualifier on her ride Barrabadeen Highlight showing spectators how the jump-off was done… On Sunday Renatta placed 4th in the 1.05m and 5th in the 1.15m, this is defiantly a combination to be keeping an eye on in the future!
The final four was a great spectacle, with Russell riding all 4 winners from each age class.
4-year-old: Contarli Castillo – Chad Donovan
5-year-old: Sovereigns Rolls Royce – Sophie Ahmat
6-year-old: Caprino – Caitlin Bolger
7-year-old: Cera Diarada – Bridget Kelly
The overall 2019 Young Horse Champion was awarded to Cera Diarada (by Diarado out of a Clearway mare) ridden and owned by Bridget Kelly, so well deserved! Congratulations to the committee, sponsors, and competitors on another great Young Horse Show.
]]>Choosing the right breastplate for you and your horse can be a difficult task. It’s important that the right breastplate is chosen so it not only fits the horse correctly but it satisfies your needs as a rider as well. Whether this is so you can attach a set of martingale rings or prevent the saddle from slipping backward, rest assured we will have a breastplate that meets your needs.
To help make the decision a little easier we have developed a flow chart with a variety of different questions to guide you to what we believe will be the most suitable breastplate for your horse. Please keep in mind that all breastplates are interchangeable in terms of which discipline they are used for.
Once you have taken a look at our flow chart, read on to find out about the different martingale attachments that we offer, and what our favorite breastplates are.
Napoli breastplate: Our number one recommendation for the everyday rider, this is what Director of Kentaur Australia, Lucy Galovicova, likes to call ‘The lazy peoples breastplate”. The Napoli breastplate quite simply attaches to the D’s of the saddle and has no bridge over the wither so you don’t have to put it over the horses head. You literally clip it on and attach it to your girth, and your good to go. This breastplate also features multiple martingale attachments down the front, perfect if you’re using it on lots of different horses. What’s not to love about this breastplate?!
]]>Click here to shop our full range of breastplates!
Kask Helmets have officially landed here at Kentaur Australia! We try our best to provide our customers with they want, and let’s say just say this… You asked and we delivered! Keep reading if you’re interested in pre-ordering your dream Kask today.
Kask are an Italian brand that specialise in designing and making sports helmets of the highest quality. Established in 2004, they have a focus on technological excellence, functionality, safety and comfort – all made in Italy, of course! Here are the top 3 reasons that we (and the worldwide equestrian market) are loving these helmets:
So by this point, you have probably typed Kask into our website search bar only to find we have Dogma Chrome Light and Star Lady available to preorder. Fear Not! We are a new stockist for Kask and we like to take our own high-quality natural photos of our products to provide you with a great customer experience and we can’t order the whole range in one go (as much as we would like to) as there are 22 different Kask helmets to choose from.
Kask website – we are confident that you will find a Kask helmet that meets your needs. Then send us an email info@kentauraustralia.com to get a quote and estimated delivery time! It’s as easy as that.
Now here is the best part… In a Kask helmet, you get the flawless Italian styling, quality, and safety but they now have a warehouse in Sydney. So for all our Australian customers wanting to preorder a Kask helmet, you can get it in the nick of time! Typically it will depend on where we are in our ordering cycle, but if they have the helmet in stock it will take up to 3 weeks for us to receive it. If the warehouse needs to order it in, it will be closer to 5 weeks.
We couldn’t contain our excitement when the Montar leather range finally landed here at Kentaur Australia. Being the Montar Australian distributors, we are already huge fans of this Danish equestrian brand; their clothing is fashionable yet versatile, high quality yet still affordable.
So, why are we so excited about their new leather range?
We love that the bridles are made with the anatomy of the horse in mind. For example, the Montar ‘Monarch’ Bridle has an adjustable comfort poll headpiece, with the strap making it possible to adjust the angle of the cheekpieces to give a perfect fit along the horse’s ears and cheek. The soft padding combined with the gap on the top of the headpiece minimizes pressure on the sensitive neck and ear area.
In the ‘Normandie’ bridle, there is a detachable flash strap on the noseband, giving you the possibility to switch between using the bridle with or without the flash noseband. The loop can be completely removed by pushing it between the padding and top leather. The noseband itself has a pullback closing with a softly padded cushion to protect the jaw bones.
What’s not to love about the sleek, modern look of this collection? Not only are the pieces horse friendly with their pressure-sensitive designs, but they’re super stylish. Curved browbands look good on any horse; even those with faces ‘only a mother could love’!
All products in this range are made from the finest European Sedgewick-leather. This leather is ecologically tanned to reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions from the horse. The gentle processing also gives a super soft and durable end result (think comfort that lasts!).
Finish is everything! All the pieces have a high level of detail for that little extra bit of ‘wow’. The outer loops are lined with rubber so that you don’t have to bother with loose straps while riding. Four different types of reins, including web, soft leather, leather + rubber, and leather + rubber with hand stoppers, are available; meaning you can choose the reins that feel best for YOU.
If you’re after personalisation, the browbands can be removed when on the horse… They even have a bling range if that tickles your fancy!
Another year, another successful ACE (Australian Continental Equestrian Group) Warmblood Assessment Day done and dusted.
This years’ ACE Assessment and Kentaur Australia Open Day took place on Sunday the 24th of March. In past year’s this event is held in January; it was unanimous that the weather was much more pleasant for spending the day outside assessing horses with a cool 27 degrees!
Twelve horses were presented on the day, including two stallions for licensing, and eight ribbons were presented (66%). Similar to last year, there were a large number of foals, three of them being our own home bred Kentaur foals. Overall we are impressed with the increased number of breeders recognising the importance of ACE assessment.
Home bred Kentaur Alba (Absolute Ego Z/ Barrabadeen Captivate (Noblewood Park Cougar)) and Kentaur Christoph (ABS Conquistador/Kentaur Burberry (Balou Du Rouet)) were the first Kentaur horses to be assessed and the two blingy foals were both presented with silver ribbons. Kentaur Alba was 0.5% off being awarded Elite Status. She’s a striking filly with great conformation and movement and will be an asset to Kentaur’s breeding program in the future. Kentaur Christoph is bred in blue and will no doubt be an exceptional performance horse as most of the other ASB Conquistador progeny.
Over lunch there was a meet and greet with Pico Bello KWPN (IMP), who will be celebrating his 22nd birthday in April. He needs no introduction here in WA as he is one of the most successful sires of show jumping and eventing horses in Australia. He was turned out beautifully and was his usual crowd pleaser self.
Another homebred foal, Kentaur Ari (Absolute Ego Z/ Noblewood Park Cleopatra (NP Caretino’s Boy)) followed, who again was awarded Premium status. Otherwise known as Kevin, he’s the biggest character of the stables and spends most of this spare time jumping out of everywhere!
Kentaur Calila by Noblewood Park Calibre out of Noblewood Park Leisha (by Liostro) was the next of our Kentaur horses presented. She was assessed on conformation, movement and free jumping. She is athletic with sharp technique, which is required in modern show jumpers. Noblewood Park Calila was awarded Elite status.
Next was Kentaur Baloona, who was purchased by us late last year as a two year old. She by Baluga (IMP) out of a Cassiago (IMP) mare and is currently in foal to Chacfly. She was presented with a Premium ribbon and is now a registered studbook 1 mare.
Lastly, we presented 3.5 year old Kentaur Invictus, who is owned by the Calabrese Family . He is by Indoctro VDL (IFS) out of Noblewood Park Claudia (Collins/Calvaro Z). He was originally assessed for a preliminary license and was awarded Premium status. As per Gerd’s advice, we decided to complete the riding assessment as well. He is still very green under saddle – but even after 3 months off, he passed his full licensing. This is a testament to his fantastic temperament. Congratulations to the Calabrese family!
Overall, there were some great bloodlines being assessed. Gerd’s commentary was educational and informative, providing reasoning for his marks where he could. We are very happy with the consistency of our Kentaur horse’s marks (the foals in particular) – showing that our breeding program is on track. All in all, it was a great day to showcase a snapshot of WA’s breeding, which is looking very promising!
Photo credit for all images to Jordyn Colleran Photography.
]]>