AQHA Magazine January/February 2017 JAN_FEB 2017 AQHA_website (1) | Page 32

Australian Horse Academy presents The world’s only Rings of Fire horse performance The Rings of Fire, is a unique Horse Spectacular Originally from Yugoslavia, Michael Sekulich came to Australia in 1970 bringing with him many years of experience in the equine industry. His career has spanned from stock work in the Snowy Mountains, camp drafting, cutting, show jumping, endurance as well as training horses for stunt work in the movies. Michael developed and manages the Australian Horse Academy. He conducts regular Horsemanship Clinics and demonstrations based on the teachings of Xenophon, fourth century horseman whose techniques are widely used today throughout the world including the Germany Cavalry School in Hanover and the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Through his unique brand of natural horsemanship, Michael starts, trains and re-educates horses as well as teaching his students to be better, and safer, horsemen and women. The teachings of Australian Horse Academy is based on these ancient roots of natural horsemanship and emphasizes the use of groundwork to establish Page 32 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine January • February • 2017 boundaries and set up communication with the horse while using timing, feel, consistency and pressure points. Michael has created three entertaining and breathtaking shows, the perfect addition to shows, rodeos and equestrian events. "The Rings of Fire" is a unique Horse Spectacular; there is no one in the world that jumps a horse with its rider through six rings on fire with 12 cannons going off as the horse is jumping through. Michael jumps his brave Quarter Horse mare India Poco Possum through six large rings of fire. First with the bridle, then without the bridle…and the most dangerous act of them all blind folded and bridle-less. And just to be clear, it’s Possum who’s got the blind fold on. This world first show was filmed by a travelling European film crew who produced and televised the episode to over 33million people in Germany! Michael explains that everything he does and asks of his horses is based on mutual trust and respect. “You’re