By Joanne Verikios, Author, Speaker, Mentor Here in Australia it's nearly the end of the financial year (30 June) and EOFY sales and hype are in full swing everywhere.
It reminds me that, during all the years I ran the Highborn Warmblood Stud, one of my most important team members never set foot on the property and never touched a horse. Who was he? He was (and still is) my accountant. Every year I would have a meeting with him and also provide him with updated records about the business of the stud. These included horses purchased, horses sold, natural increase (ie, foals born) and, sadly, sometimes, losses through death or euthanasia. Other records included feed, veterinary, farrier and dentist bills, vehicle running expenses, pumps, generators and other equipment, fencing repairs and the like. I was buying hay by the semi-trailer load and oats by the tonne, so the expenses were significant. I kept track of every cent and dollar that went out and came in and I was grateful for the income tax refunds I received. The reason I was able to claim tax deductions was because I was recognised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as running a legitimate horse-related business. The government provides incentives to business people and wants those who qualify to take advantage of legitimate deductions - it's a beautiful thing. I was also registered as a primary producer, which provided some concessions such as cheaper vehicle registration. If you run a legitimate business - as distinct from an expensive hobby - I hope the 40 possible deductions and depreciations in my handy reference document will help you to reap a bigger tax return (to fund your horsey passion, of course!). You will need records, receipts or bank statements as proof of your expenditure. Disclaimer: I do not hold a financial services licence and these brief notes do not constitute taxation or financial advice. You are responsible for consulting with your own professional taxation advisors about specific tax circumstances for yourself and your business. Please verify all information with your own accountant in the context of your own circumstances. Every business is different, so the deductions you may claim will be different as well. Ask your accountant about whether you may be able to claim any or all or a proportion of the possible tax deductions I have listed for you. He or she may be able to suggest others - bonus! Click here to download Tax Deductions For Horse Businesses. What are you going to do differently in the new financial year?
... The above is an excerpt from my book Winning Horsemanship. A Judge's Secrets and Tips for Your Success. And yes, I admit I have shaved the whiskers on my horse's muzzle in years gone by. That was before I knew better. I would not do it now, any more than I would cut a cat's or dog's whiskers! Leading Windsor Grey Thought It Was All About Him Like a couple of billion other people, I enjoyed watching the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on television. The ceremony had some very sweet moments, like the confidence of the page girls and boys waving from the gorgeous Daimlers, that kid with a gap-toothed smile who was having the BEST TIME EVER and the meaningful glances exchanged between the bridal couple. I couldn't wait to swap bridal for bridle though, when the horses arrived for the wedding procession. Harry and Meghan looked the picture of happiness in a vintage landau drawn by the famous Windsor Greys and escorted by the Royal Horse Guards. I loved the way the horses were all black or white, mirroring Harry's black Horse Guards uniform and Megan's demure white dress and veil. Now, the oldest and quietest horses are (sensibly) selected for such serious duty on a very exciting and noisy occasion. They are all beautifully cared for and meticulously trained. Every man and horse also participated in a rehearsal. What could possibly go wrong? Well, nothing went badly wrong, but horses are horses! Keen students of equine behaviour will have noticed that one horse was particularly affected by the mood of the occasion. Forgetting that he was supposed to be old and quiet, he pranced, tossed his head, cantered when he was supposed to be trotting, swerved a bit close to one of the Bobbies lining the route, and generally kept his rider's hands full for most of the procession! So what happened to cause this departure from equestrian etiquette? We were told all the horses were wearing ear plugs, to help muffle the noise of the jubilant crowds. Did his get dislodged and did the noise upset him? Unlikely for such an experienced trooper. Was he in a hurry to catch up to one of his friends amongst the contingent of black horses up ahead? As herd animals, horses are very social creatures who form deep attachments, so that is a possibility, especially under the circumstances. However, it seemed to me that he simply rose to the occasion and responded to the great wave of love and adoration which he thought, not unreasonably, was all about him. There are many well-documented accounts of horses playing to the crowd. The great gallopers, Phar Lap and Gunsynd, were two examples. I have also felt it myself, for example when riding in the Grand Parade at a Royal Agricultural Show. My Warmblood stallion, Highborn Powerlifter, was a tremendous show-off at the best of times and his pride at the sound of applause would make him visibly grow in stature, arch his neck, flex his muscles and move with even greater intent to display his charms; which made for some exciting moments, believe me! So I can say from experience that the rider of that leading Windsor Grey did a brilliant job of keeping his self-appointed celebrity charger under reasonable control. There were a few seconds here and there when a less tactful horseman would not have fared so well, but he managed to keep the cork in the volcano for what must have seemed a very long ride. So, well ridden, that Horse Guard on your skill and composure under pressure; and congratulations to the entire contingent, both on display and behind the scenes, for staging such a magnificent spectacle. Many people ask me how I got started with horses. I know that I was born loving them and did everything in my power to make my dream of horse ownership come true. Today I was inspired to create this infographic about my journey. It's not the whole story, but it does cover some of the key milestones. I hope you like it! First four photos are from the author's collection. Last photo was taken during the 2018 AWHA National Championship Tour by Eric Lloyd Photography. I'd love to hear about your own highlights with horses, if you'd care to share!
Should Horses Eat Chocolate?
With Easter a few days away, I imagine this is a question on many people's minds, as they contemplate sharing the results of the Easter Egg overload with their horse or pony! The short answer is NO, horses should not eat chocolate! Why? Well, even though a small amount of chocolate won't cause your horse any immediate harm, there are two good reasons for keeping them choc-free:
Chocolate isn't good for your dog or cat either, so you'll just have to deal with it yourself. Go easy and have a Happy Easter! |
From a very early age I have been able to tune in to what horses and ponies were thinking and what they were likely to do next.
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