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Mankinis & Movember - The Story
It all began in early 2024 at a fancy-dress showjumping competition at Wallaby Hill. 'The Wearer' had four horses to ride in the class and was committed to presenting himself in a different outfit on each of them.
The third outfit introduced us to a gorilla in a mankini, which was quite the sight. However, with no new outfit for the fourth and final horse, the Wearer bravely removed the gorilla suit, taped up his bits, and entered the ring wearing only the mankini. And so, the world was introduced to Mankini-gate.
It just so happened that the Wearer was Shane Rose, an Olympian hoping to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The world being what it is, there was an individual present who deemed the mankini an unsuitable uniform for aspiring Paris Olympians. However, a very large part of the equestrian community disagreed and, along with the press, threw their support behind the Wearer and the mankini.
The sponsors of the original fancy dress showjumping class, BOWRAL KUBOTA, also supported the Wearer, stating that at the 2025 event, they would donate $100 to Movember for anyone - competitor or spectator - wearing a mankini.
Shane Rose goes on to have a very big year!
Without the mankini, he went onto win an event in New Zealand and secured his qualification for the Paris Olympics. Again, without the mankini, a few weeks later, Shane had a big accident off a horse, breaking his femur, pelvis, elbow, numerous ribs and other bones. Only four months out from Paris, his spot on the Australian Eventing Team was in jeopardy.
But Shane, with the support of his wife, family, team, and some very hardworking health professionals, made a miraculous recovery. He and his legendary horse, Virgil, competed in Paris, finishing 20th in the world. The mankini went along for the ride but stayed out of the world's sight.
The Wearer achieved this incredible result precisely 4 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days after breaking 19 bones.
Movember was the cause chosen as both Bowral Kubota and Shane Rose wanted to support men's health.
Movember's three main cause areas are:
$10 from every Mankini Calendar purchased is donated to Movember.
Please note that EQ Saddlery is not profiting from this Calendar and all proceeds are going directly to Wallaby Hill who is making the donation to Movember to support men's health.
Proudly supported by EQ saddlery