Two and a Half Minutes With... The Horsezone Team!

It only seems like yesterday that we were making well-meaning new year's resolutions for 2011, now time has galloped away and we have to do it all again for 2012!

The team at Horsezone has had a hugely rewarding 2011 with the site growing amazingly fast and plenty of horsey action to keep us on our toes, and now we are keenly looking forward to another fantastic year... 

So, seeing as we are about to say farewell to Horsezone's first full year, we thought it was time to spend two and a half minutes with each member of our team!

Haylie and race horse West End (Snoop to his mates) who she owns with friends, steal a moment under a sprig of  Pohutakawa - sometimes called the 'NZ Christmas tree'  - the NZ version of mistletoe!

Haylie Martin - Marketing Manager

Highlight of the year?

That's a hard one. Personally it'd be getting my horse at least on the same continent as me and then closely followed by the NZ Horse of the Year Show, Equitana and seeing the NZ dressage girls doing us proud in Australia throughout the year.

In terms of Horsezone, I've been overwhelmed to see how fast the site has grown. It's a great buzz having people approach us to tell us what success they've had through the site whether it's been finding their dream horse or selling. It's also reassuring to know we're getting the job done while saving people time and money!

Christmas gifts you're buying for horsey folks in your life?

One lucky person is getting something from Alphabet Country from me, another a Hans Peter Minderhound and Edward Gal signed Horsezone hat. I used to feel ripped off as a kid if I got horse gear for Christmas/birthdays. I'd argue that the stuff was for the horse not me. Looking back now...What a spoiled brat I was

What's the best pressie Santa could bring you?

Why, another horse of course!

Are you getting your horse anything?

Considering he's already had a flight across the Tasman plus vet and training bills that would pay off a small third world country's debt, Louis will be lucky if he gets a carrot for Christmas this year...

How are you spending the holidays?

At home in the mighty Taumarunui with my Mum, Dad, my two brothers and the rest of the family. I can't wait. It will be the first time since last Christmas that we've all been in the same place at once (one of the negatives to growing up and moving to other countries)! A day full of good food, family banter and a bit of swimming, clay bird shooting and maybe even some water skiing this year.

Most looking forward to in 2012?
Getting back into my riding in a big way. I've now had over a year since moving to Sydney where I've hardly ridden so I'm rearing to go in 2012.

Best thing about working for Horsezone?

Being surrounded by people who all share the same passion as I do!

 

Jo and Teddy under Aussie mistletoe - gum leaves and nuts!

Jo Johnson - Website Content Manager

Highlight of the year?

Personally, successfully competing again with my western show horse, Teddy, after a long break. Professionally, covering and reporting on the NPHA Pleasure Celebration Show, Brisbane Royal Show, Equitana and many other great events for Horsezone, plus meeting and interviewing heaps of fascinating and successful horse people for the Five Minutes With... stories.

Christmas gifts you're buying for horsey folks in your life?

Tickets to the movie War Horse or the DVD 'Buck'!

What's the best pressie Santa could bring you?

Galahad Equine Diamond Grid panels for my arena and other wet areas - no more mud!

Are you getting your horse anything?

Teddy's very spoilt and gets enough throughout the year! However, he will enjoy several days off work and a carrot or two from Santa (probably to stop him hobnobbing with the reindeer)!

How are you spending the holidays?

Christmas day with family, followed by several days relaxing with friends in Brisbane, then back to Kilcoy for a big New Year's Celebration at the local pub.

Most looking forward to in 2012?

Attending more shows with Teddy and hopefully competing at Nationals and maybe NPHA if the stars align! On the Horsezone front, I am looking forward to reporting on more great events, writing interesting stories and interviewing a variety of wonderful horsey people.

Best thing about working for Horsezone?

Besides the fact I'm doing what I love, writing about horses and helping to promote this brilliant website, it's been discovering that whatever the breed or discipline, wherever the location, horse people are basically the same everywhere - we are all passionate about horses and feel privileged to share our lives with this most noble animal!

 

Georgia and Firestorm about to give Santa's reindeer a run for their money in the speed department!

Georgia Fasher - Account Manager

Highlight of the year?

Watching and grooming for my cousin Sam Fasher when he and World News come fourth in the Futurity at the Summer Classic World Cup, people coming up at Equitana telling me they had bought/sold horses through HZ and loved it, lastly riding for a range of different trainers at Randwick - Ron Quinton, John O'Shea, Brian Wakefield and Bart Cummings

Christmas gifts you are buying for horsey folks in your life?

I would like to buy  -  it might not be until after Christmas as I am soooo behind this year - my cous Sam's horses, World News and Valley, a fly rug.

What's the best pressie Santa could bring you?

A horse riding trip in Africa!

Are you getting your horse anything?

Acres of grass - it was an early Chrissy pressie - now there is a first.

How are you spending the holidays?

With family and friends.

Most looking forward to in 2012?

Horsezone going to greater heights, our new colleague coming aboard (see below), going to more shows/events with my cous Sam with his new decked out truck!

Best thing about working for Horsezone?

Bringing a product to people that really works, meeting a range of new people, attending many different events.

 

Jenny and her horse Fynn are all ready to help Santa!

Jenny Goodwin - Clubs & Sponsorship Co-ordinator

Highlight of the year?

Equitana and gaining my NCAS Level 1 General Coaching Certificate.

Christmas gifts you are buying for horsey folks in your life?

Stuff from the ABC Shop, music and red wine!

What's the best pressie Santa could bring you?

The dressage saddle that I am trying to scrape cash together for! Also maybe a holiday to Europe, Africa and Laos.

Are you getting your horse anything?

Yes, a new saddle!

How are you spending the holidays?

With family and maybe a trip to the Snowy Mountains to go on a riding holiday.

Most looking forward to in 2012?

Getting out to some dressage comps with my horse after a year of schooling!

Best thing about working for Horsezone?

The great people I work with and meet through sponsoring events plus being paid to do what I love doing. 

 

NEWS FLASH!!

In 2012 Horsezone will welcome a new member to our team - Tim Dreverman - who will join the us as Accounts Manager!

Tim is your typical country kid, growing up in the Snowy Mountains and riding horses his whole life. For nine years Tim was a professional horse breaker, trainer and riding instructor. He has been successful in ridden classes and showjumping at most major events.

Tim is also a show announcer and has worked at many shows including Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne Royals. He is very much looking forward to the exciting challenge of working with the Horsezone team!

 

A big thank you to everyone we have worked with throughout the year and to all those who have been supporters of Horsezone - we wish you all the best for a happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful 2012. The Horsezone office will be closed from 24 December until 2 January (inclusive), however, we will be back - ready for an even bigger and better year - on 3 January.