Who are we?

10 February 2024

Dreamt up many years ago after reaching a degree of success with a few “fire-theme” named horses (Fire Fly, Wild Fire, and Cross Fire), On Fire Performance Horses & Training was born. There are no illusions of grandiose here – we are definitely a backyard operation, and a work in progress. I (Adrienne) am the main driving force behind On Fire Performance Horses & Training – everyone else seems to have lives outside of horses – ha ha!

Building on my joy of training and producing calm and confident “all-round” horses, our motto is “a focus on foundations leads to a future of success”, backed up by my personal catch phrase “make it happen”.

I have been involved with horses for as long as I can remember, and my extended family has a long history in horses – particularly through Pony Club. I have been a Pony Club Queensland (PCQ) level B coach for what feels like a long time, but is really only 6 years or so, and a Pony Club Australia (PCA) level 1 (NCAS) coach for a little bit longer. More recently, I completed training to become a Bit Bank Australia accredited bit fitter, which has been a really interesting journey! I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to improve the bitting and bridling circumstances of my own horses, and those of my wonderful clients. I have also spent some time off-siding with an independent saddle-fitter (mostly just for my rag-tag bunch of ponies – which saw us fitting up to 5 horses and 10 saddles in one session, most visits), which has helped me to keep the horses and ponies I work with, a whole lot more comfortable.

I learnt to start horses under saddle by following my grandfather around like a lost puppy, for many years, until he finally gave in and agreed to teach me his trade. This was a turning point for me – and where I discovered my love for starting horses on their journey to becoming ridden prospects. My first solo “breaking in” attempt was with a very well handled and much-loved (aka almost hand-raised) pony (what was I thinking, we all know the bad name anything under 13hh has!) – and aside from one launch through a gate (the only time I invited Grandad out to see our progress) – the process went super well, and I decided that this was something I wanted to do into the future.

My childhood first pony taught me to fly (literally – there was no way that pony was clearing the gate to the sand menage, while I was learning to canter, but hey, 6 year old me really thought it was a possibility), which probably started my interest in jumping (pretty sure I asked for a jump saddle for Christmas, after my first trot poles at pony club…), and my second pony (who taught me less about flying, and more about landing) fostered a chance to see the benefits of dressage – the actual joy in dressage came to me once I was much closer to adulthood, when I picked up a 16.3hh OTTB who had no idea where his legs were, but had every intention of showing off every inch of them, all at once, all over the place.

Through my teenage years to when I turned 26, I attended many PCQ State Championship events for Dressage, Combined Training, Horse Trials (previously One Day Events), Show Jumping and Jumping Equitation, generally coming home in the Top 10, often getting a spot in the ribbons (Top 5) and occasionally a spot on the podium for a medal. I think my proudest achievement on that front is taking Crossfire from a relatively uneducated paddock condition, to qualified and a top 10 finish at his first Dressage State Championship event, in 10 weeks (thanks FireFly, for putting your leg through the shed wall and taking yourself out of the running).

As an adult, I’ve started a few horses and ponies under saddle, ranging from Chester, an 11hh welsh-type with a fear of, well, everything, through to my most recent project, Mimco, a jumping bred warmblood. I have experience with ponies, thoroughbreds, warmbloods, stockhorses, quarter horses, and some heavy crosses (Friesian, and gypsy cob). I’m looking forward to my upcoming project – a Stock/Andalusian cross, for something a little bit different!

Actual riding-wise, I’m willing to have a crack at just about anything. The biggest leap lately, has been taking on Clerk of the Course for our local races – what a bit of fun that is! I am an eventer at heart (although there is a LOT of kilometres between eventing opportunities up here in North Queensland) – so given the availability of eventing, I do have to branch out regularly for other activities. I have ridden up to Elementary dressage competitively, show jumped up to 1.20m, competed horse trials at 80cm (training into the 2* heights, just never quite getting to competition at the higher levels), had a crack at some 40km endurance rides, done some Campdrafting clinics, done some horseback archery and working equitation, played with some sporting and mounted games, and generally spend a great deal of time on trails (around cane paddocks, through the bush, on the beach, anywhere really!).

I don’t believe in having a discipline-specific horse – I am a big believer in variety for everyone, and see value in cross training for horses that do perhaps show a little more promise in one direction.

I look forward to the opportunity to engage with new and existing clients, to build quality founations together for a future of success! 

 

Happy horsing! 

Bit Fitting FAQs

Why engage a bit fitter?

  • Is your horse fussy in the contact?
  • Does your horse play with his/her tongue?
  • Does your horse avoid contact altogether?
  • Are you having control issues in a certain discipline?
  • Do you want peace of mind that your horse is happy with his/her current setup?

If you answered yes, to any of those questions – then it is time to engage a bit fitter! These are just a few of the problems a bit fitting appointment may address. At the end of the day, if you think there is something going on that may be connected to your bit or bridle set up – please reach out to discuss a bit fitting consultation. 

What does a bit fitter do?

A bit fitter will;

  • Discuss your horse’s history with you – what concerns you might be having, what your goals are, how long you have been riding your horse, and the experience of the partnership (have you been riding for 2 years, or 20? Is your horse fresh off-the-track, recently broken in, or considered a school master?)
  • Take in the whole picture – have a look at the horse in general, and investigate the mouth and facial structures – and discuss any findings with you
  • Assess your gear as a whole, with a focus on your current bit/bridle
  • Watch you ride your horse in your current set up
  • Consider all of the above points, and make some educated suggestions on possible changes – you will get the opportunity to trial any bit-changes suggested
  • Discuss options moving forward, based on the findings from the consultation process

How should I prepare for my bit fitting appointment?

Bit fitting is the last piece of the puzzle, when it comes to ironing out the wrinkles in the ridden partnership. Prior to your bit fitting consultation, please ensure the following points have been addressed:

  • Ensure your horse is as up-to-date as possible with the following (and you have made note of dates and any outcomes of these treatments);
    • Farrier work
    • Body work
    • Dental work
    • Saddle fit
    • Diet/Nutrition
  • You have brought your horse into work – it is hard to complete an in-depth bit fitting consultation, if your horse is unfit for the work required, or feeling far too boisterous to focus on the task at hand
  • Ensure you have considered/sought advice for any training shortfalls (both horse and rider) that may be impacting the behaviours your horse is producing – if the contact from your hand is particularly rough or inconsistent, a change in bitting can only do so much to reduce the amount of head movement your horse is producing – or if your horse is completely unbalanced, no amount of bitting is going to fix this without appropriate ridden work or training
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your day-to-day interactions and experiences with your horse
  • Be prepared to keep an open mind to the possible changes suggested

Queensland Off The Track FAQs

I have just purchased an off-the-track horse (either through an acknowledge retrainer like Adrienne from On Fire Performance Horses, or directly from the racing world). How do I go about accessing the Racing Queensland / Queensland Off-The-Track support for my new horse?

Step 1: Join the QOTT Clubhouse

Link: www.racingqueensland.com.au/animal-care/off-the-track/qott-clubhouse

Step 2: Apply for a New OTT Owner Pack

Link: www.racingqueensland.com.au/animal-care/off-the-track/qott-clubhouse/new-ott-owner-welcome-pack

 

What do I get for joining the QOTT Clubhouse?

As a member of the QOTT Clubhouse, not only will you become part of a likeminded group of fellow OTT lovers, but you and your OTT horse will be able to access a collection of great benefits thanks to QOTT partnerships with a range of industry providers. These benefits are all designed with the goal of educating and supporting OTT owners in maximizing aftercare outcomes for Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses. Through our Clubhouse you will help improve the visibility of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds post racing.

Education

The Clubhouse aims to optimise racehorse aftercare and promote best practice equine welfare to support retired racehorses in their lives after racing.

As a Clubhouse member you will have free access to three amazing educational opportunities.

  • University of New England – Online Course – ‘Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses’

QOTT Clubhouse members receive discounted access to the ‘Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses’ online short course.

This course has a normal enrolment fee of $199.00, but QOTT Clubhouse members receive a generous discount and only need to pay $99.00.

The Five Domains Model is the most widely recognised framework for assessing the welfare of animals. By taking this course you will learn how to apply the Model in practice, to identify what is going well for your horse, where there are welfare risks and opportunities for making meaningful improvements to their lived experience.

This self-paced course will teach you how to effectively assess the welfare of sport and recreation horses using the 2020 Five Domains Model. The duration is 25 hours of online study. 

The course is brought to you by The University of New England and Horses and People Magazine. Find out more>>
 

  • Equitation Science International - Online short course - “How Horses Learn”

Equitation Science International is a nationally accredited training centre dedicated to improving horse training using an evidence-based and ethical approach. Directed by Dr Andrew McLean, Equitation Science International is paving the way for a more modern and ethical approach to horse training and coaching that can be easily understood and applied by horse riders of all ages and levels. Know more

  • Equilize Horse Nutrition – Online Nutrition Course with Dr Nerida McGilchrist

Equilize Horse Nutrition was founded by Dr Nerida McGilchrist in 2003. Nerida has a PhD in equine nutrition and over 20 years’ experience as an equine nutritionist. She has worked with Olympic level performance horses, Group One racehorses, major breeding operations, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience on feeding OTT horses.

Clubhouse members will have access to free education resources, regular webinars and live Q & A sessions hosted by Nerida as well as access to an exciting online equine nutrition course. Find out more>>

Poseidon Animal Health

All Clubhouse members will receive a one-off discount code at time of joining. This discount code is to be used in a single purchase only but will apply to all items and/or products purchased within the same single transaction.

Clubhouse members who subscribe to Poseidon Animal Health’s online subscription option will also receive a 15% discount off the RRP on all Poseidon Animal Health products, including free shipping of orders, for 12 months. 

PETStock

PETstock understands that your OTT horse deserves the best and that is why PETstock offers an extensive range of quality products all designed to make caring for your OTT easy.

Clubhouse members receive a 5% discount on all non-consumable equine merchandise purchased in store through PETstock.

You will also receive membership to the PETstock loyalty program and access to QOTT VIP special one-off deals running throughout the year.

Cavalor EquiCare

All Clubhouse members will receive automatic membership to the Cavalor Rewards Program and QOTT VIP access to one-off discounts throughout the year.

HorseRecords

HorseRecords is the fast and easy way to record all your horse information. HorseRecords will assist in working towards lifelong traceability of retired racehorses.  Clubhouse members will receive three (3) free horses on the basic plan, access to the Training Log, as well as a generous 20% discount if you wish to upgrade to a higher plan.

Equestrian Queensland

As part of promoting life after racing options, QOTT and Equestrian Queensland are excited to offer QOTT Clubhouse members a $50 refund ($25 for part year) on the competitive or participant membership category for first-time Equestrian Queensland members in your first year as a QOTT Clubhouse member.

EQ membership has many benefits including 24/7 Personal Accident Insurance, 24/7 Public and Product Liability Insurance and participation in competitions. There are some great events for newly retired racehorses!

All QOTT Clubhouse members will also receive a $50 discount on the EQ Full Horse Registration fee for OTT horses that have been retired from racing within 12 months ($215 to $165).

 

What do I get in a New OTT Owner Pack from QOTT?

Each New OTT Owner Pack contains:

  • 1x QOTT branded Caribu Ripstop Combo Rug from PETstock
  • With the purchase of 5x 20kg bags of Pryde’s EasiFeed products, you will receive a $100 gift card
  • 1x 4kg Poseidon Digestive EQ
  • 1x 60ml Poseidon Stress Paste
  • 15% off all Poseidon Animal Health products for 6 months
  • Free educational material on equine gut health from Poseidon Animal Health
  • 1x Cavalor Equi Wash Bottle (500ml)
  • 1x Cavalor Leather Soap Bottle (500ml)
  • 1x Cavalor Star Shine Bottle (500ml)
  • 1x Cavalor PodoGuard Tin (500ml)
  • 1x Cavalor Electroliq Balance Bottle (1000ml)
  • 1x Cavalor branded cap and socks

 

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Spotlight - the first "On Fire" horse

Spotlight on the first On Fire Performance Horse

Bookie. AKA Booker Boy (or something to that effect - we never did find out the correct spelling of his racing name!). AKA Crossfire. 

Bookie joined the On Fire team through my Great Uncle's racing team. He wasn't a fantastic race-horse, and had a nosebleed, so was retired, to become a "pony club" horse. A boring brown/bay with not a single white hair, who finished racing and spelling with the most pronounced ewe-neck I have ever seen. A real "ugly duckling". 

Bookie had some time in the paddock, while everyone around me questioned why I had just swapped what is still the least pretty horse I've ever owned, for a carton of beer (the high price of horses in North Queensland, in 2007/2008). He was brought into work slowly, and complied with every task I asked of him. Bookie was easy to handle, easy to ride - a pleasure to have around in every way - aside from his looks. After a year or two poking around and learning the ropes at Pony Club, Bookie had another nose bleed after a jump round, and it was decided that he would be retired to my Aunt's paddock, to be a trail riding companion/lead horse for her to ride while my cousins were still on leadline ponies. 

Fast forward a few more years, and after a length of time off in what is now know as a "magic" paddock - Bookie.... no longer looked like Booke! Who was this magnificent warmblood-looking gelding, with impressive movement, dapples, and absolutely no indication whatsoever that he'd had a ewe-neck, or been left unridden in a paddock for a couple of years? 

My horse at the time (Truckie - a 2015 State Championship hopeful!) had put his leg through a shed wall, and ruled himself out of 2 state events in a year. Upon a final vet check (and finding he still had some instability around a fetlock) - Truckie was bushed for the forseeable future to recover, and I was left without a steed for the upcoming Dressage State Championships. After a teary phone call with my ever-supportive Aunt, she suggested I head on down to her place in Mackay, to pick up Bookie and see if the new version of Bookie would hold up to enough work to get to State. 

The only time I had ridden Bookie between sending him to my Aunt, and picking him up for State, was a very memorable ride, where I had kindly offerred to put some time on him, so my Aunt (who had only recently had her third child) could start riding him... A spook and a snapped rein later, and Bookie was off up the hill, and I was on the ground wondering where my horse just went! That was the last time I borrowed gear from my Aunt! 🤣

10 weeks (and one unfortunate bucking incident) later - Bookie and I were in the warm-up at his first State Championship event - 1500km from home! Given all his time off, and only 10 short weeks of prep, I couldn't have been more proud of our Top 10 finish after 3 tests. 

While "On Fire Performance Horses & Training" wasn't even a thought when Bookie joined the team, the decision to register him as "Crossfire" when he originally became a pony club mount was the first spark of a future business plan.