Carousel Collective - August 2017

Carousel

Collective ISSUE 07 August 2017

Equine Artist Extraordinaire

Carina Maiwald

Heroes for Horses The story of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project Sports Psychology - Giving Competitive Riders the Edge

we a r e

Li ve what y o u lo ve

equestrians

rEGULARS 07 Editors Notes mostly

horse talk with a little bit of everything else inbetween.

cOVER sTORIES 37 Equine artist extraordinaire a look at the breathtaking work of Carina Maiwald.

29 Equine Therapy the benefits of sports

psychology for competitive dressage riders.

13 equi culture for your

monthly fix of everything and anything equestrian.

19 Events upcoming shows and equestrian events.

09 TrendBook It’s all

CAROUSEL COLLECTIVE August 2017

CONTENTS

gorgeous shades of grey this month.

FEATURES 11 arena exercises tired of going around in

circles or on the rail, try these exciting arena exercises.

47 Hero for horses

an interview with Marlene Els of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project, read how the project makes a difference in the lives of rural working horses.

u o y t a h w e liv

LOVE

3 | Carousel Collective August 2017

follow us

ON THE COVER Image: I Know You Photographer: Carina Maiwald

Meaningful Minds Psychologists

Clinical Psychology Practice | Equine Assisted Psychotherapy | Psychological Services for Children, Adults and Couples

www.meaningfulminds.co.za 081 759 4849 | 011 615 1030

Carousel Collective | Editor’s Notes |

h t n o m s thi oving... i’m l This month I’m loving the Premier Equine Half pad.

I bought mine from EquiBox, the delivery was super quick and when the parcel arrived it contained the half pad along with a Thank you card attached to a blue mane comb.

This sheepskin fits nice and snug under my saddle, two features I really like are the high wither design and the anti rub protection.

This month we are honoured to feature our interview with International equine photographer Carina Maiwald. Carina’s work is both inspiring and breathtaking, you can read our interview with Carina on page 37 to 43. The photo above is a photograph Carina took of the wild horses in Bosnia.

This issue we are a little unicorn crazed, we cannot believe all the amazing unicorn inspired stuff there is out there for equestrians of all ages, we are going to have to run this latest craze over two issues to be able to show you all the amazing stuff we’ve found.

It’s almost time for the end of the Longines Global Champions Tour, with just a few more countries to go, we will be looking at the highest ranking riders in our September issue. Our favourite to win is Harry Smolders.

A high class performance pad for the modern rider - fully machine washable.

Highest quality cotton Lined with grade 1 merino lambswool High wither design Clear spine Anti-wick fibres in the filling draw away sweat and moisture Minimises heat and sweat build up Adjustable Velcro straps to help with practical girthing Machine washable (maximum 30°), dry naturally

This issue we also interview Marlene Els of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project, the work of Marlene and her volunteers is so very important you can read the interview on pages 47 to 51 With only three more issues to go this year, if you are an equestrian entrepreneur be sure to see page 57 for our Christmas special for our Nov/Dec Issue.

Until the next issue Happy riding.

izzy Xx 7 | Carousel Collective August 2017

You can purchase the Premier Equine Half pad from Equibox

connect with us on @carouselcollective

@carouselcollective

available to download at caroco.co.za

Carousel Collective | Trendbook |

9 | Carousel Collective August 2017

Shades of

This issue we’re loving grey in all its gorgeous shades.

Not a colour you see on horses often, but one that is definitely stylishly understated.

We’re thinking that Grey will look awesome on black, dark and light greys horses, with dark grey on your lighter greys and light grey on your darker greys.

Gorgeous Grey caroco.co.za | 10

WORK THE ARENA

THE FUN WAY

Break out of that rail rut with arena exercises that will freshen your workout and your horse’s outlook.

The following 5 exercises include options to increase or decrease the level of difficulty and skills required, so you can customize each exercise to your and your horse’s level. To add even more interest, combine two or more of the exercises, or make up your own, using the resources in “Don’t Stop Now" at the end.

TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THESE EXERCISES: Be sure to always ride each exercise in both directions.

Use your inside leg at the cinch to bend your horse on circles and through turns, and your inside rein to tip his nose in the direction of travel. Use your outside leg just behind the cinch, plus your outside rein against his neck to reinforce his bending. Use your leg at or just behind the cinch and the same-side rein against your horse’s neck to ask for lateral movement.

Work to make your cues as light and subtle as possible.

Look ahead to where you’re going (not down at your horse or at the ground).

1. The Basic 8 How to ride it: Make a figure eight, using the straight line of the center (marked X) to change your horse’s bend before heading in the new direction.

Perks for you: Improves your ability to bend your horse, guide him precisely, and keep him straight between your reins (“straight” on a circle, meaning bent to the curve of the circle).

Perks for your horse: Encourages him to bend equally both ways and stay attentive to your steering.

Success tips: Focus on keeping your circles round and equal in size. Pay attention to the amount of rein and leg needed to get the right bend. Add a cone at the arena’s center for a visual cue.

Change it up: Keep it simple by staying at a walk and jog. Make it more challenging by varying your speed, changing gaits at X, or riding it at a lope and changing leads at X.

11 | Carousel Collective August 2017

2. Big Circle/ Little Circle How to ride it: Go down the long side of your arena, making a smallish circle in one corner, then a larger circle in the diagonally opposite corner.

Perks for you: Enhanced ability to bend your horse to varying degrees.

Perks for your horse: Increased suppling thanks to the smaller circle; teaches him to balance on circles of varying sizes.

Success tips: Choose “landmarks” around the arena to help you circle at the right point for the correct size circles.

Change it up: Vary which corners you ride the small and large circles in. Make it more challenging by varying your speed, or lope the large circle and jog the small one.

3. Loopy B How to ride it: Go down the long side, turning the corner as if to make a circle, but instead angle back to the rail. Go straight a stride or two at the rail, then angle back out and circle around toward your starting point.

Perks for you: Improves your precision in bending and straightening your horse.

Perks for your horse: Prompts him to “listen” rather than assume he’s to make a full circle; if you two-track him (see “Change it up,” below), it improves his lateral flexibility.

Success tips: Try to make each end of the loop the same size and shape.

Change it up: Keep it simple by staying at a walk and trot. Make it more challenging by riding it at a lope and changing leads on the straight line in the center.

Up the ante at any gait by using your outside leg and rein to move your horse laterally back to the rail in a forward-and-sideways two-track.

4. Off-the-Rail Rectangle How to ride it: Rather than staying directly on the rail, ride a parallel path, about 8 to 10 feet to the inside of it.

Perks for you: Teaches you to keep your horse straight between the reins—with no rail to guide or support you or him.

Perks for your horse: Teaches him to rely on your cues, rather than “coasting” on the rail.

Success tips: Start at a walk, then move to a jog, then trot, then lope.

Change it up: Make it more challenging by varying your speed along the straightaways.

‘Improve your horse’s responsiveness, suppleness, and muscle tone, plus polish your own horsemanship skills. ‘ 5. Spiral How to ride it: Move from the outside of a large circle to the smallest circle possible by spiraling in toward the center; then spiral back out.

Perks for you: Improves your spatial sense of circles; improves your go-lateral cues.

Perks for your horse: Improves his bending and collection, plus his responsiveness to your outside leg and rein (to spiral in) and your inside leg and rein (to spiral out); keeps him supple and limber and engaged behind.

Success tips: Focus on maintaining a consistent speed.

Change it up: This is challenging at any gait; stay at a walk until you get the hang of it, before attempting it at a jog or lope.

Article by Debbie Moors | horseandrider.com

caroco.co.za | 12

Carousel Collective | Equi Culture |

All the pretty horses A look at the colour blue roan

The blue roan color is a rare color (and difďŹ cult to breed for) because the conditions must be "just right" or else you get another color of foal.

Some foals are born with obvious roaning, and cannot be mistaken for roan foals from the beginning. Others are born with no obvious roaning, but shed off to become roan to the surprise of their owners.

To know for sure, one can only wait. But lifting the hairs on the hips and above the tail can provide early clues. If the underhair is white or silver, then the foal may roan. Below are a couple of pictures of roan foals with their foal coat and also after shedding. Roans generally show their roan coloring by a few months of age. Roans are not considered to intensify in roaning as they age. That is generally a characteristic of grays.

If the horse's head is darker than its body, it is probably a roan.

Roans generally have a mane and tail that are solid and dark in color when compared to the color of the body.

Roans do NOT turn lighter and lighter as years go by. They always retain their dark-colored heads, legs, manes, and tails.

Roans can have any color under the roan, from sorrel, to buckskin, to grullo.

Any color of horse can also be a roan if it had a roan parent and if it expresses the roan gene.

Source - grullablue.com Images - pinterest

13 | Carousel Collective August 2017

Don’t FORGET THEM

Because every horse deserves to be a horse

The Hole in The Wall Horse Project Currently has 1158 patients on record. Visit the Hole in the Wall Horse Project’s Facebook page to see how you can make a difference in the lives of these working equines. caroco.co.za | 10

Carousel Collective | Equestrian Life |

From slippers to planters, pool lilos, power banks and book ends, we’re crazy for all things unicorn this month and because we’ve found so much awesome unicorn inspired stuff out there, we’re going to have to continue our unicorn craze in the next issue.

What’s great is that it’s clear that no matter how old you are, you are never too old to love unicorns.

Images - pinterest

unicorn craZe - part 1

15 | Carousel Collective August 2017

horseland-sa.co.za

"It's great that I can now treat my horses with the BEMER system. The BEMER Veterinary Line helps the animals vitality and has already become an integral part of our work�

Ludger Beerbaum Positive effects of BEMER on horses: Faster recovery time from injuries (40-60% faster) Improved blood flow Improved nerve regeneration Faster wound and fracture healing (40-60% faster) No side-effects Non-invasive therapy Reduces muscular damage Reduces stress Through the use of BEMER your horse will benefit from faster recovery, regeneration of muscle tissue and more efficient hydration The unique bemer signal has been successfully tried and tested for over 18 years.

PhotizoÂŽ Vetcare has proven to be effective in the treatment of: Skin conditions: Abscesses, saddle sores, proud flesh, bruising, skin allergies, eczema, etc.

Musculoskeletal problems: Arthritis, tendonitis, myositis, ligament/tendon sprain/strains, bruising, fractures, neck and back pain, splints, overuse injuries, synovitis, edema, hematomas, muscle injuries, muscle spasms, trigger points, seromas, mastitis, etc.

Post-op: any area treated surgically

BEMER and Photizo treatments available in Kyalami and surrounding areas to book a BEMER session for your horse email: equicanintherapy@gmail.com

Carousel Collective | Equi Events |

show jumping

Dressage/Showing

Europa Equestrian 12th-13th August

2017 KPC Festival 11th-20th August D/S

BEC Spring Show 18th-20th August

BEC Spring Show 19th-20th August D/S

2017 KPC Festival 18th-20th August

Van Ryan Equestrian Center 26th August D

2017 Adult FEI KPC 25th-27th August

Olympia 1st-3rd September D/S

Sankt Georg Christmas in August 27th August

2017 EC Showing Champs 8th-10th September

Shongweni Barry Yarnell Memorial 08-10th Sept

KZN Showing Champs 15th-17th September

Penbritte Equestrian Centre 09th-10th Sept

Events

eventing

Lipizzaners Women’s day performance 09th August

Ostrich Ranch 13th-13 August

Lipizzaners and Friesans 11th August

Shongweni 19th-20th August

Please contact or refer to each venues/disciplines website for more information regarding the events listed here. E&OE

Kurland Champs 23rd-24th September

19 | Carousel Collective August 2017

| Equi Culture |

equestrian reads

Harry & Snowman Harry & Snowman is a captivating documentary that follows the story of riding instructor Harry deLeyer and his remarkable tale of rescuing a white plough horse off the back of a truck, bound for the glue factory.

Paying just eighty dollars for Snowman, in less than two years, Harry and Snowman went on to win the triple crown of show jumping, astonishing a nation.

There are very few horse stories that have been able to truly touch the hearts of audiences. Like the racing career of Seabiscuit in the 1930’s, Harry and Snowman captured the hearts of a nation during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

This multi-award winning documentary will be the first time that Harry and Snowman's remarkable and heartfelt story will be told by 85-year-old Harry himself. The film includes incredible archived footage that transports you to the triumphant moments in the dynamic duos lives.

Words - Becker Film Group

Available on dvd and digital iTunes and Google Play store

caroco.co.za | 20

Carousel Collective

| Equestrian Life |

#Insta Crush Kateland7

KATE BEST

Celeb M/Up Artists. Picture taker. Image Maker.

Designer of things. Living in the sanctuary of the wilds.

One of our favourite instagram accounts for as long as we can remember, Kateland 7 is a make up artist to the stars, horse mom to a blind appaloosa Tallughbi and his companion Jack

#Golden oldies

Hero to rescue dog Bowie bones. From the interiors of Kate’s gorgeous country home to the great images of her all her fur kids and adventures with the stars. This account has everything to offer and more.

#equine inspired

“Throw your heart over the top, and your horse will follow.”

— Harry de Leyer

21 | Carousel Collective August 2017

Harry de Leyer sharing some special moments with Snowman, the eighty dollar champion.

Available at

horseland-sa.co.za

were dedicating ‘

to the horses and the

to be a part of this very special issue send us with the world what you love about

an entire issue

people who love them

your pictures, tell us your stories and share horses and being an equestrian. hello@caroco.co.za

29 | Carousel Collective August 2017

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY FOR

DRESSAGE As the world of competitive dressage becomes more and more popular, each point that we earn or lose in competition becomes more critical. Sport Psychology helps ensure that the rider does not waste any of those precious points due to a lapse in their mental performance.

Sport Psychologists consider the equestrian sports to be one of the most psychologically demanding of all of the sports. This is because half of the competitive team is a very large animal that can be very unpredictable. We all admire the mental toughness of athletes such as golfer Tiger Woods. Yet how mentally tough would Tiger be if he was never sure, on any given day, whether his golf club might want to spook at the ball! Retaining strong mental and emotional resilience despite this unpredictability is a tremendous goal. Yet our mental performance is something we do have a great deal of control over in this unpredictable sport.

There are many ways in which Sport Psychology can help the rider’s performance. In the following months we will examine ideas around each of these areas. Here are some of the common ways that Sport Psychology can contribute to your dressage performance: 1. Performance Anxiety: Do you ever feel so nervous that it interferes with your ability to concentrate? This is called performance anxiety, and it is a very common occurrence in athletes of all sports. There are many Sport Psychology techniques that can help resolve this uncomfortable feeling.

2. Concentration and Memorization: The slightest lapse in focus and concentration can easily lead to points lost in competition. When we forget to prepare our horse for each movement, the quality of each movement suffers. Even if there is no obvious mistake, this lack of preparation can cause the loss of single points throughout the test.

3. Body Awareness and Relaxation: Do you leave your best performance at home? Does your body feel a stranger the moment you enter the competition arena? Sport Psychology can teach you to perform well whether you are calm or nervous.

4. Imagery and Visualization: These powerful mental techniques can enhance any training program, and allow you to continue your practice off the horse.

5. Self Talk and Affirmations: Our internal dialogue, they way we talk to ourselves, can have a big impact on our self confidence. Sport Psychology can teach you to become more aware of your inner voice, and how that inner voice can impact your dressage performance.

‘Sport Psychologists consider the equestrian sports to be one of the most psychologically demanding of all of the sports.’

DRESSAGE caroco.co.za | 30

PERFORMANCE

ANXIETY

If you are a dressage competitor you are probably familiar with the tingling nerves and fluttering butterflies that can accompany a competitive performance. In the best of circumstances the body produces a hormonal and chemical cocktail that can allow you to achieve a state of energy, enjoyment and flow. However sometimes we can get too excited. This excessive tension can have a devastating effect on performance, leaving the rider feeling weak, uncoordinated and forgetful. Performance anxiety is a complex subject that can have an effect from dressage competition, to school exams, or even between the bed sheets!

There are two types of performance anxiety. The first type is mental fear, or the fear of performing badly. The second type is physical fear, or the fear of physical injury. If you have physical fear due to a past trauma or injury, I strongly suggest you seek help from a patient riding instructor, or even a psychotherapist.

If your performance anxiety is mental more than physical, there are many helpful techniques. There are two basic approaches to working with performance anxiety. The first approach is to learn to decrease your anxiety. The second approach is to accept that anxiety , or intensity, is a part of competition, and develop ways to use that intensity to your advantage.

DECREASING ANXIETY Create a Relaxation Reflex: Take a single deep, cleansing breath. Smile inwardly and intentionally relax at least one set of muscles. Repeat this many times each day. Your body will start to learn to relax with a single deep breath. This can be used any time while you are riding.

If you have the time then find more extensive relaxation training. Yoga, meditation, and biofeedback can all provide powerful training to deal with anxiety.

Exercise before you ride. I had one client who would go for a three mile run before each competition.

Prepare, prepare, prepare. The more competent and prepared you feel, the less nervous you will feel.

Use images. Imagine the butterflies in your stomach flying in formation. Use any image that works for you.

PERFORMING WELL DESPITE ANXIETY Develop toughness by staying physically fit and practicing your mental focus long before competition day. We will discuss this more in the upcoming article on focus and concentration.

Focus on those things that are under your control. The judge’s opinion of your performance is not under your control, nor are your competitors. Stay in the moment or precious points can be lost due to distraction.

Practice performing under pressure. Have a friend watch you ride a test. Go to competitions regularly. Practice visualizing while you exercise (more on this later), so that your brain learns to keep functioning even when under stress.

Be gentle with yourself. We all make mistakes. I remember coming out of a test where I’d gone off course. “God I ’m an idiot!” I exclaimed, “I am so stupid!” A dear friend of mine who was standing nearby spun around and glared at me. “Stop that” she said, “you’re talking badly about my friend!”

Article source - seanaadamson.com

31 | Carousel Collective August 2017

Sleeves and Fillers

Equestrian Jumping Equipment We all know the amount of work it takes to maintain a riding arena and consistently make it look beautiful.

Often, jumps like gates, walls, bridges and aqueducts cannot be built in your own arenas due to the work involved and equipment required, and the only time we encounter them is in show jumping events.

Discovery Jump Our PVC sleeves and fillers allow for a lot of variation in jump types - matching sets of sleeves and fillers can be used to build a single jump or beautiful combination jumps, oxers/spreads, triple bars etc. Our PVC products are designed for riding schools as well as personal facilities. They are a safe and easily maintainable alternative to things like traditional picket fences. Not only will your arena look great,the various fillers will give you and your horse good practice for show jumping events.

Our light weight standard water trays, manufactured with foam sides are perfect for training and personal arenas, while our very high quality range of exclusive water trays with sound welded crush proof edges are used in graded show jumping events around South Africa.

www.sleevesandfillers.co.za Breathing Life into Your Arena

Carina

an interview with

Equestrian Artist

Maiwald

Extraordinaire

‘I am very thankful to meet extraordinary horses around the world and listen to their stories.’

When did you first know you wanted to photograph horses?

Though horses had always been a part of my life since I was a little child, I noticed very late that I actually wanted to take professional photos of them. During my youth, I had already taken a lot of photos for different motifs: Friends, Fashion, I even started studio photography with people.

But it never felt right to me. Afterwards, I started to take photos of dogs and cats, which was the beginning of my animal photography career.

I was 19 years old when I owned my first horse, a chestnut quarter horse gelding, and during the summer I took photos of him when he was peacefully enjoying the evening heat on the meadows. The photos themselves weren’t very good, I would never show them to anyone at this point in my life. But I saw his character, I saw my very own horse in these photos, and I recognized that I somehow had a talent to create photos which show the individual traits of a horse. Since then it felt very natural to me to keep on improving my photography skills until the photos I pictured in my head finally became reality through the camera lens.

Tell us about more about what it is like being an international equine photographer?

The truth is: It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s extremely hard to earn a living with a specific kind of photography. I travel a lot and since I’m self-employed I sacrifice all my free time for my job. But on the other hand, it’s still the most inspiring work which fulfills me in every corner of my heart.

I’m very thankful to meet extraordinary horses around the world and listen to their stories. It’s also very interesting to explore different cultures and to learn how horses affected the history of nations.

What do you love most about photographing horses?

What’s not to love? I think it’s very special to create a communication and a bond with the horses in front of your camera. Each of them has a story to tell if you’re willing to listen carefully.

What does being creative mean to you?

For me, being creative is to be free. There are no rules, no boundaries, no do’s or don’ts. There’s only you and an idea, and if you work hard and with a bit of luck this idea will transform into something meaningful in which you can find a piece of your own heart.

What would you describe as the best part of being an equine photographer?

My life would feel very empty without these magnificent animals in it. For me it’s the combination of traveling and meeting different horses around the world which is my favorite part of it.

What do you believe horses have taught you about art/life?

Absolutely. Domestic horses taught me a lot about art and life, but I think the animals I learned the most from where wild horses. I visited a herd in Bosnia last year and I observed them for two days.

‘My life would feel very empty without these magnificent animals in it.’

You must have lots of favorites, but do you have one image that stands out to you as your absolute favorite or the most sentimental?

Absolutely! After all these years and meeting dozens of horses there is still one horse which I owe my career to. I think every artist comes to a point where technique steps aside and you start creating art. This is the moment you feel like everything somehow for the first time makes sense.

A few years back, I didn't know where my career would take me and in what direction I would really be happy while still being able to earn a living.

I found myself at the crossroads and got as lost as a young girl in this business could be. The frustration about not having enough clarity on my path of life grew stronger and smothered my creativity.

On the peak of this dubiety I was traveling to Mallorca (Baleares, Spain) and was booked by a horse owner to take photos of her blind mare. It was a life-changing experience and definitely a turning point in my career. When the session started the mare entered the paddock, in which she had never been before. In an instant I felt her unbroken fundamental trust and her intensive warmth around me. It simply took my breath away. The steps she took seemed careful, but never frightened. What kind of feeling must it have been to exist in absolute darkness as an animal which instincts are built on fleeing? If a horse can master its fears – why can’t I? As Petit ran towards me she recognized the sound of my camera shutter and she looked at me. Not directly – her eyes were trapped in darkness, but she somehow stared straight into my heart. She turned around and ran across the tiny trail, as if it was nothing. It was the moment this photo was taken, when she decided on her own to leave the shadows and follow the warmth of the sunlight breaking through the leaves. I somehow recognized, I already got the answer to all my questions within myself: I simply have to believe.

No matter how dark the world seems, I have to give myself a trust bonus. This is how I can find the warmth of sunlight, even if I can’t see it. Have faith and you will figure out, what your path of life may be. Until today the meeting with Petit is one of the most precious moments I experienced as a professional horse photographer. "Thank you for awakening this knowledge, Petit." By now Petit still lives in a home, where she is well taken care of. She even became a mother for the first time some months ago and will pass on her unbreakable trust and pure love to the next generation.

Of all the animals out there, why horses?

Of all animals out there I can’t imagine one being as unique and as inspiring as horses. I love animals, I really do love each of them, but horses do carry something special in every movement, every look, every breath they take. It’s hard to put into words, but I decided to put my heart into the things I love.

Where do you believe your creativity comes from?

My creativity comes from everything around me: Nature itself, old paintings, wonderful music, lovely poems, friends and family and - of course from horses themselves. I always try to see the good side in each situation which opens up many opportunities.

‘Have faith and you will figure out, what your path of life may be.’

What would you describe as the hardest part of being an equine photographer?

The hardest part might be standing out of the crowd, but still following your heart. It can be very tricky to find your place in a world where every second girl wants to become a horse photographer. You have to trust yourself and accept that being different is the one thing that will set you apart from others. As young girls we are told that it’s better to fit in and not to attract attention. You have to shut these thoughts down because even the most beautiful photos won’t change anything if they aren’t seen by anybody. You can’t create meaningful art if you are following the rules of others. You have to create your own rules, your own reality. You have to stand tall for yourself, you have to make your own decisions and most importantly, you mustn't lose faith in your own abilities.

What has been your most challenging photo shoot?

Somehow every photo shoot has something challenging about it. But I think the hardest are always the ones where people speak another language and you need a translator to communicate. You have to be very quick with instructions in photo shoots and if your command first needs to be translated it takes a few moments in which maybe the horse has already switched to another position. It always takes a lot of patience, but at the end of the day the results are always worth it.

What has been your most interesting photo shoot?

A few years ago I met an ex bull fighting horse which was imported from Portugal. Scars and scratches were all over his body telling their own story of his life. He was broken, you could see it in his eyes. All he had learned was that human touch hurts. It was terrifying to watch an animal with a heart so full of pain and grief, but it was also very inspiring to see how he started to feel joy again after one year spent at his new home. It’s always interesting to see how even the most hurt animals choose to trust again instead of ending up embittered.

What advice would you give to aspiring equine photographers?

Always remember why you started, what got you into it. After learning and exploring a lot you may get to a point where you get lost and don’t know what style you like the most, what visual look suits you best for the way you see horses. This is when you need to remember why you started to take photos of horses in the first place, why you love it so much and how you want to express yourself in the pictures.

If you could photograph a world-renowned horse, which horse would you want it to be?

That’s a tough question. Since I’ve been always a big fan of horse movies it might be a film horse. If I could choose anyone in the world, it would be the horse who portrayed “The Black Stallion” in 1976, the famous Arabian Stallion “Cass Ole”. Also the horse of 1994 “Black Beauty” was very inspiring for me as a child and it would be an honor to meet the stallion.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren't a photographer?

I’m not a person for creating a Plan B. I wanted to be an equine photographer and I worked hard at it until I made it happen. If an injury would force me into settling back from this job I would definitely try to keep on working with animals or educating people in horse photography.

‘Always remember why you started, what got you into it.’

What do you believe it takes to make it internationally as an equine photographer?

I’m a believer of hard work. If you pull yourself together and manage to do a huge amount of work which is all high quality, people will notice it and book you. Also, you have to be interested in what your motifs are and what cultures the horses live in. You’re not only taking photos of horses, you first have to talk to their humans and make them feel like their horse is your only priority.

Do you ride or own your own horse, tell us a bit more about the kind of riding you enjoy and your horse/s?

I once owned a horse, which actually got me started in equine photography. I was doing a lot of different styles of photography before, exploring people and pet photography, but it was on a summer evening on the meadows with my horse when I experienced that where I really belong is equine photography. Sadly, we didn’t have much time left together and after he passed, I tried to work my way through the pain and mourning by photographing horses.

I started classical English riding and my own horse was a Quarter Horse that I rode in western style. After meeting so many different cultures and trainers I now think that it’s not important to put a name to the style you ride your horse with. It’s more important that what you do is good and healthy for the body and soul. So now if I get a chance to ride I kinda like mixing different style to see what works best for the horse.

What are your plans and hopes for the future?

Most plans and hopes for the future include wild horses. I want to proceed with my photo series in many different countries. After taking photos of the wild horses in Bosnia last year, I’ll be going to Namibia this July to meet the wild horses there, which originally are a German breed. I will travel to South Africa during next January and I’m thinking about searching for the small population of wild horses on the beach near Cape Town. I have plans for other populations I want to visit during the next 10 years and hopefully, one day, I can produce a giant photo book in high quality.

I also hope to meet more different horse cultures, for example, people in China, Mongolia or South America. I’m also planning on joining some animal welfare/rescue organizations to document their work and help horses in the best way I can: with taking pictures.

carinamaiwald.com

an interview with Marlene Els 47 | Carousel Collective August 2017

Founder of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project Marlene Els has dedicated her life to helping the rural work horses of the Hole in the Wall.

Marlene and her volunteers make a difference in the lives of these horses by offering free treatment days in an effort to educate and assist their owners.

This is the story of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project.

The horses waiting to be helped on a Free Treatment Day

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Tell us more about the Hole in the Wall Horse Project, the history, and what led you to start the project?

The Hole in the Wall Horse Project began quite by accident in 2011, after I was approached by the local hotel owner to care for three of his horses.

Originally intended for tourist trail rides, these horses had been roaming for a year and needed serious attention.

Despite the fact that I had no previous experience with horses, this seemed like the “right” thing to do. As a devoted animal lover, my first thought was ‘how hard can it be? All they need is some love and care’.

Within weeks, these “Three Musketeers” blossomed… their wounds healed; skin conditions improved and they gained a considerable amount of weight. I had access to only a minimum supply of veterinary products and soon realized that I would require more stock in order to gain the Musketeers’ optimum level of health and wellbeing.

As I acquired more products, a number of local equines (also in need of care) lined up along my fence, on their own accord! It seemed only natural to treat them as well. I treated them the best I could, given the limited supply of products at my disposal.

However, the word spread quickly among the animal kingdom and in no time at all, equines from far and wide appeared at my fence line, begging for attention. In order to control the numbers, “Free Treatment Days” were established. From this point on, the project grew at a rapid pace and the need for basic medicine and proper tack increased daily.

What are the biggest challenges a project like this encounters?

Probably, as with any charity, not having enough funds to meet the needs! I do sometimes have sleepless nights when I realize that we’re not going to be able to treat all the animals whom are brought to us for help.

Another challenge is trying to educate the local owners that a horse who is weak and sick cannot work, and that prevention is better than trying to cure. Remember, that the animals here are all working beasts, not pets.

Then, of course, there is the distance from where we are to civilization. We’re really in the middle of ‘not very much’ – Mthatha, where the nearest SPCA and Veterinary assistance are, is a 2-hour drive away, on a long stretch of gravel road.

‘I do sometimes have sleepless nights when I realize that we’re not going to be able to treat all the animals whom are brought to us for help.’

There must be some really tough, heartbreaking days, how do you motivate yourself to keep going?

It can be very heart breaking, especially when I see the same creature coming back in a worse condition than when they were here previously, and it is obvious that the work, love and care you’ve put in to try to help the animal, has all been undone.

I get strength and motivation from our members, but sometimes I just put my head in my hands and have a good cry! Then start again the next day…

My motivation is probably our success stories. There is one “Madala” whom travels three hours to come to a Free Treatment Day, and another three hours back again! We call him Chief, and he now weekly assists us on Free Treatment Days, the younger people respect him and listen. The Project is really about education of owners as well as trying to alleviate the suffering of animals.

Seeing patients condition improve, after no help before, blossoming into healthy animals, is what keeps me going, striving to assist more in desperate need.

49 | Carousel Collective August 2017

What is your fondest memory so far?

Phew! That’s a tough one! It would probably be the fondest and the saddest – Blackie. Blackie came to us on his own free will, he was a roaming horse that no-one claimed as their own. Blackie was Patient No 34, so came to me very early on, about May 2011. He disappeared for a while, but came back in December 2011. He then became the Project Mascot making all stay-in patients feel at home, teaching them to eat their extra feeding, and also feeding my soul, with his gentle, loving manner. He passed away in November 2012.

How can equestrians and the general public assist?

By contributing financially, to assist in the purchase of medical supplies, and also by donating tack. We confiscate saddles, bridles and bits that are often held together with bits of wire, and replace with correctly fitting tack. This goes back to prevention being better than cure, as a large number of the horses that come to us have wounds as a result of broken or ill-fitting tack. We hold online tack auctions to raise funds, selling any tack that is donated, that can’t be used in these areas with free roaming equines, for example, fly masks, blankets, travel boots, etc. We have online book sales, so by contributing books we can also raise funds. Every few months, I hold a clothing sale day, selling donated clothes, linen, and any other household goods. The local people are always eager for a bargain and all funds raised go to the Project.

Can you walk us through a free treatment day?

Every Tuesday, animals of all sorts, from far and wide, come to our camp… Equines gets tick treated by either spray dipping, or spot treatment with tick grease. Hooves gets checked and trimmed where needed, and a general inspection is done from head to hoof, and wounds cleaned and treated where needed. Bovine gets treated as needed, also for internal/external parasites, and Canine gets dipped for ticks and fleas, wormed, Rabies vaccinated, skin treated, nails clipped, etc.

Each equine patient has a record book, assigned a unique number, currently at 1233. Records are checked and updated at each visit, as to see what previous treatment has been done, and it also contains a worming record. We also check tack, and replace and fix where possible, noting it in their records.

We try our best to treat every single patient as best we can, and as needed, and if Veterinarian care is needed, we arrange for that, and cover the costs.

We also keep records of horses to be gelded, dogs to be neutered or spayed, and arrange that when there are funds available.

‘I get strength and motivation from our members, but sometimes I just put my head in my hands and have a good cry!

Then start again the next day…’

caroco.co.za | 50

If someone were to say to you, that you are fighting a losing battle, what would your response be?

If you were to compare the way the animals were treated by their owners before the Project started to now, I’d say that although the battle is nowhere near won, we’re certainly not losing! Each and every case is different. Some come regularly to the Free Treatment Days, some sporadically, but there are more positives than negatives. Although, I must admit, that the negatives can be very draining. It will never be a losing battle in my eyes, as every little helps.

Tell us more about the Shavathon that will be taking place in September this year?

That’s difficult to answer. I’m not sure whether you’re aware, but as of March this year, we are now a registered NPO and the two directors (Catherine Moore – Finances, and Niki Anderson – Marketing) and myself, have been so busy trying to get that up and running, opening a business account, trying to register to be a beneficiary of the Woolworths My School, My Planet, and other submissions to corporates, that we’ve not really had time to do the marketing needed to generate enough support for a Shave-a-Thon, and September is just around the corner. We will probably postpone it for a few months.

Which donated items do you find are the most useful to the project?

That would probably be saddles. The horses here are quite small and from what I can understand, smaller saddles are quite difficult to come by 2nd hand – like hen’s teeth I’ve been told! The saddle sores that I have to treat are dreadfully deep, sometimes almost to the bone. The project has from time to time bought saddles on online tack sites, but we really can’t warrant spending more than R1,000 on a saddle, when you think of how much dewormer that would buy! Secondly I’d say numnahs, so that at least we can offer some protection to those horses who have ill-fitting saddles.

What are your hopes for the future of the Hole in the Wall Horse Project?

It has been a real financial struggle to keep up with the number of animals in need. What we really need is a steady income so that we can plan and budget. We’re currently putting out feelers to corporates to donate on a regular basis now that we’re registered, but we still have some administrative work to do to allow the corporates to claim back tax on donations.

I’d like to have permanent help in the form of a groom, who would double up as a translator. This would hopefully ensure that there are no communication misunderstandings when giving instructions for care, after an animal has been treated.

On Free Treatment Days there is anything up to 100 horses, milling around my house, so we need to create more paddocks, but this would require a meeting with the local tribal chief.

Finally, I need to try to ensure that the Project will continue, when I personally am no longer able to do so. So, I need to find someone who has the same passion and grit, for me to hand over the reins to, when the time comes.

I’d like to be able to do more outreach programmes for horses and other animals that are too far away to reach us on foot…

Your care is not just limited to horses can you tell us more about how you help other animals and the projects needs in this area?

Whatever animal is brought to me, or even if we need to go to them, we treat. Apart from the dogs whom have now become a regular fixture at every Free Treatment Day, we’ve treated sheep, goats, cows and pigs. The treatments offered, are not that much different from those for the horses, as a lot of the problems encountered are tick borne, need for worming, etc.

You are a hero to horses, you give them hope and help them to keep going, but we all know that even heroes need a hero, who are your heroes?

I do not see myself as a hero, but simply doing what needs to be done, as far as possible to assist the community with their animals. If that makes one a hero, then I belief that every single person, doing charity work, is a hero… So many people/charities out there doing amazing work, and I look up to all of them.

You can visit the Hole in the Wall Horse Project Facebook page for more information on the project and how you can help.

51 | Carousel Collective August 2017

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