GateWAy Blog

By Eva Bett

Sometimes you receive something extraordinary into your life.

I’ve just finished reading an extremely moving book called ‘Chosen by a Horse’. It’s a true story about how the Author, Susan Richards, takes on an abused horse called Lay Me Down and how their incredible journey together changes Susan’s life.

The Book 'Chosen by a Horse' by Susan Richards

Both horse and human have been terribly treated in their past lives – and after meeting Lay Me Down, Susan begins to realize, through her interaction with this beautiful horse, that her pain as a child is now bearable.

It may seem as though it’s a sad story and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s an absolute tear-jerker, however it’s one of those must read books with lots of strong messages about how important horses are to some of us and how they can heal our lives.

‘Chosen by a Horse’ was a New York Times Bestseller and has heaps of rave reviews, for example:

‘This is an inspirational story of what family means, and what the loss of one can do to us, and for us.’

Boston Globe

‘Chosen by a Horse contains several extraordinary action sequences…
It also has moments of great silence and stillness…
I’ll never forget Lay Me Down or Hotshot.’

Newsday

‘A tender lesson in courage and dependence.’

Kirkus Reviews

I’d like to make a special thank you to my Step Mum, Valerie Bett, who gave me this beautiful book for Christmas.  You can buy the book through Amazon.com.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Mutton Bird Island

Yesterday I was educated that when the cows are lying down, the fish are not biting.  Well even the horses were laying down yesterday.  Did that mean that the whales were also not out? Mutton Bird Island is a favourite fishing spot approx 16km from Albany. Main species that can be caught here are herring, skippy, rock species, whiting, salmon, silverbream, pike, flathead, shark, queen snapper and sampson fish.

Sonja, Jaguar and students of South Stirlings Primary School

(more…)

Are you going to a Melbourne Cup event or enjoying the day a few friends? How are you going to spend the day that stops the nation?  (more…)

Melbourne Cup

Albany will host the world famous 18 carat gold Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy – valued at $125,000 – on Saturday 11th October as part of its month-long tour of Australia and New Zealand, in the lead up to “the race that stops the nation” (more…)

Who stole the Emirates Melbourne Cup? 
Who murdered the security guard? 
Was it Shelly Beech?
Clarence Mount?

(more…)

Melbourne Cup

See the famous Emirates Melbourne Cup and be part of the activities throughout the day when the Melbourne Cup comes to Albany on October 11th 2008. (more…)

All riders, horse owners, trainers, breeders and interested persons are invited to attend the AGM of the Southern Horse Council and listen to Guest speakers Sonja Johnson, Australian Equestrian Team Member and Owners of Ringwould Jaguar, Gus & Jim Saunders and Support Team. (more…)

The Latest Update from Gussie Saunders: 

The Australian Eventing team did their country proud with a display of horsemanship and team spirit over the Three Day Event competition at Hong Kong. The team of Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks, Sonja Johnson, Megan Jones and Shane Rose worked together to bring home a Silver medal in the team event. Germany won Gold in team and individual competiton, making up for the disappointment of losing both after the event at Athens. (more…)