Roycroft Stables

13/07/2026

As we celebrate World Horse Day, what better time to revisit Olympic Gold Medalist Bill Steinkraus’s tribute to the amazing horses in our sport, in our lives, and in our hearts:

“We must never forget, every time we sit on a horse, what a privilege it is to be able to unite one’s body with that of another sentient being, one that is stronger, faster and more agile by far than we are, and at the same time, brave, generous and uncommonly forgiving.” --from “Reflections on Riding and Jumping"

Recognized by the United Nations in 2025, "World Horse Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to protect one of humanity’s oldest partnerships, which still helps feed us, support our economies, and lift our spirits."

Photo: Hall of Famers Bill Steinkraus and Bold Minstrel, Aachen, 1960s, Wheeler Museum Collection, donated by Janet Harkins

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

09/06/2026

Excellent advice from one of the best…

14/05/2026

The Art of the Ride

Horse magazines often included a wonderful photo of this legendary showjumper Art Uytendaal on one of his many talented horses. You never saw a bad photo because he was just so stylish and effective. Many said he was ahead of his time.

Here, he is riding Tongala. Tongala was a very highly strung horse that competed with Art in Europe as a five year old in the top class. His performances were amazing for such a youngster. He was at the top for quite awhile, but his life was cut short when he knocked the cap off his elbow and sadly, when coming out of the operation, went berserk and had to be euthanised after shattering a shoulder.

Art won three Australian Championships, the only three he ever competed in. He could not travel much because he ran a big business (the Victorian Showjumping Stables) and he was never allowed to represent Australia at the Olympics etc because he was professional.

However, in 1976, he did a private, self-sponsored tour and was finally presented with a flag for his jacket when Aussie officials heard him called 'a Swedish rider on a Swiss horse' at Hickstead, UK., after placing in several events in the International classes!

There is more about Art Uytendaal is several earlier posts on this site, giving more details of his extensive career.

Photo credit: Hoofs & Horns, Keith Stevens 1977