Carousel
Collective
ISSUE 09 October 2017
Benedicte Gele Painter of Horses
HOME IS WHERE THE HORSE IS Equestrian Inspired Interiors
Sports Psychology - Overcoming Fear and Trauma
I am his eyes he is my wings I am his voice he is my spirit I am his human he is my horse
#WeAreEquestrians
rEGULARS 07 Editors Notes mostly
horse talk with a little bit of everything else inbetween.
cOVER sTORIES 37 Benedicte gele a look at the live and magnificent work of equine artist Benedicte Gele.
29 Equine Therapy How to deal with fear and trauma and enjoy your riding again.
13 equi culture for your
monthly fix of everything and anything equestrian.
19 Events upcoming shows and equestrian events.
09 TrendBook this month it’s
CAROUSEL COLLECTIVE October 2017
CONTENTS
all about tack in bold blue.
FEATURES 11 horse play a look at ways you can hang out
with your horse when you aren’t riding.
47 equestrian interiors a look
at equestrian inspired decor and interior design.
u o y t a h w e liv
LOVE
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ON THE COVER Horses in a field of poppies Stock Image
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 we are loving equine art and décor so it’s the perfect time to share with you the artwork Tanya Esson won in the Trotting Trestle Competition earlier this year. The Image on the left is of Tany’s horse Odde. Horses add a warm, classic feel to interiors and it’s even better if it’s an artwork of your horse.
Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, this issue will be the last issue of the Carousel Collective. We would like to thank each and every one of our readers for the lovely comments, the shares and all the support we received this last year.
We love how Clea sets out to capture the spirit of each horse she paints/draws making the artwork even more special. If you would like an artwork of your horse visit www.thetrottingtrestle.co.za
All issues will still be available to read on issuu. We will still be sharing cool equestrian stuff we find and love through our Instagram page. This issue you can enjoy equestrian inspired décor We also take a look at the amazing work of painter of horses Benedicte Gele. Congratulations to Nicola Sime Riley and Elpaso on winning the 2017 Cell C Derby. As the year ends, we’re looking forward to the LGCT finale in Doha the 9th-11th November and the Longines Masters that kicks off on the 30th November in Paris. We recommend these great reads on issuu Equestrian Living Horse and Style Our absolute favourite Noelle Floyd is not available on issuu, but you can sign up for their newsletter and read older copies of the magazine on their website – noellefloyd.com We wish you and your horses all the best for the future. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened – Dr Seuss
izzy Xx 7 | Carousel Collective October 2017
connect with us on @carouselcollective
@carouselcollective
horse odde - owned by tanya esson art by - the trotting trestle
| Trendbook |
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Bold in Blue
Carousel Collective
Our trend book is all about blue this issue, blue is such a great colour it works well on mares and geldings, the different shades work well on most of the colours from grey to bay ,right through to chestnut. Blue is a timeless and classic colour that pairs well with most neutral colours.
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Time for a little
1. Take your horse for a walk and explore the neighborhood. Let your horse graze, sniff and see new sights. In the wild horses travel vast distances and come across different things every day. Your horse will really enjoy exploring new places with you. 2. Hang out with your horse. Sit in your horse’s pasture. No agenda. You might find that your horse will come over and stand near you and enjoy this ‘do nothing’ time. Take a book if you find it hard to just sit. 3. Find a treat your horse really likes. This can be used for training, as a reward when they do something really well or just as a special treat because you love them. 4. Find your horses ‘Favorite Scratching Spot’. A lot of horses love to be scratched in a certain spot. Find that special spot. It is usually somewhere they can’t reach, like their withers, or the top of their neck. Looks for signs that you have found ‘The Spot’. These include eyes glazing over, a quivering lip or they may return the favor by scratching you. Research has shown that rubbing or scratching a horse on its withers has a calming effect. If you can find a spot your horse really loves then you can use this as a reward during training. 5. Have a picnic with your horse. Go and join your horse in their pasture. Take some food for you and some favorite treats for your horse. 6. Lead your horse to water and let them play. Find a waterhole, river or pond. Take your horse there on a long lead line and let them get wet. Most horses will walk in and paw the water and splash around, especially if it is a hot day.
Things to do with your horse (other than riding) 7. Try training your horse without any restraints, at liberty. Your training will need to be fun and engaging to encourage your horse to stay with you. But it is wonderful when they make the choice to be with you. 8. Braid your horse’s mane. Be creative. Be gentle. Most horses like to have their mane stroked or gently brushed. 9. Line up with a mounting block. Teach your horse to position their body alongside a mounting block or raised area so it is easier for you to get on. It will also put less strain on your horse’s body and limbs if you get on this way.
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10. Pick up things you have dropped. Teach your horse to pick things up, for example your hat. This will be helpful if you drop something while you are riding. You won’t have to get off – just ask your horse to pick up the object and pass it to you. 11. Ground tie. Teach your horse to stand still without needing to be tied up. This is very useful if you don’t have anywhere to tie your horse or you just need your horse to stand calmly. 12. Get your horse used to ropes around their body and legs. This is super helpful if your horse ever gets caught up in anything – they are far less likely to panic. 13. Stand inside a hula hoop. Practice getting your horse’s front feet or their back feet inside a hula hoop laying on the ground. This is a good exercise to help you get really precise at moving your horse’s feet.
14. Teach your horse to drop their head. See how close to the ground you can get their nose. Asking your horse to lower their head can have a calming effect and makes bridling a lot easier. 15. Back your horse by just pointing at their chest or nose. This will make it easier to move your horse around. Work on those little annoying problems. 16. Does your horse do something that is a bit annoying but you just put up with it? Spend a few minutes every day just working on fixing this problem. Several short sessions are better than one long one. 17. Pick up your horse’s feet by just pointing at them. No need to bend down and lift heavy legs. Just point and your horse will pick up their foot and hold it up. The farriers love this one! 18. Build an obstacle horse course. Start simple and then add items as your horse gets more confident. Horses are naturally curious so they will enjoy exploring these new objects. Plus obstacle courses are a great way to get your horse used to scary objects while they are at home and this can make them calmer out on the trail. Add things to your obstacle course that you might find when you are out riding, for example rubbish bins and plastic bags. 19. Teach your horse a USEFUL trick.There are so many tricks you can teach your horse. There are all the usual ones like kiss, hug, bow etc, but also have a think about teaching your horse some useful tricks. These can make life a whole lot easier (and safer) around your horse. 20. Make de-worming time stress free. Get your horse used to a syringe BEFORE you have to actually de-worm them. If you spend a bit of time teaching your horse that a syringe is a good thing then it will make de-worming time SO much easier. I like to fill an empty and clean syringe with apple sauce and give my horses this once a week. When I have to actually de-worm them it is easy. 21. Get to know your horse’s normal vital signs. Work out how many breathes your horse takes per minute when resting and after exercise. Also check temperature and heart rate. Then you will have a base measure if you need to compare them if your horse is ever sick or injured. 22. Get fit with your horse. Lots of people walk their dogs to get fit – why not walk your horse? Or for those that are fitter, try jogging with your horse. You could also include some ground work training. 23. Teach Your Horse to Paint. It seems that some horses are quite creative. Horses can be taught to pick up a paint brush and apply paint to a canvas. The result is a beautiful, impressionistic painting. Article source | horsetricks101.com
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Carousel Collective | Equi Culture |
the paper woodland illustrations by Emily This is the perfect gift that they will keep forever! What a perfect way to show that special someone how much you care. Sure to become a family treasure! This is a listing for a hand painted watercolor, ink and digital illustration of your darling horse! We all know how much our equine friends mean to us, they are such wonderful friends and companions. Have a look at Emily’s spot on Etsy - The Paper Woodland Source - etsy.com/shop/ThePaperWoodland
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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 |
This issue we’re inspired by equine spaces. From large art prints to ornaments and old tack, nothing gives a space a classic touch quite like horses. Images - pinterest
equine inspired spaces
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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 or Photizo session for your horse email: equicanintherapy@gmail.com
Carousel Collective | Equi Events |
show jumping
Dressage/Showing
KPC Post Derby 14th-15th Oct
Fourways Riding Centre 8th Oct
Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm 21st Oct
Mein Heim Estate 15th Oct
Fourways Equestrian Club 21st Oct
Shongweni Adult Champs 17th-19th Oct
Stellenbosch District Riding Club
Fourways Riding Centre 28th-29th Oct
Sunlands 22nd Oct
eventing Karkloof 14th - 15th October Inanda Country Base 28th - 29th October Fourways 11th -12th November
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Events Lipizzaners - Please note that there will be no Performances on Sunday 1 & 8 October 2017 Please contact or refer to each venues/disciplines website for more information regarding the events listed here. E&OE
| Equi Culture |
equestrian reads
Tony Stromberg
After successfully spending over 20 years as a high-end advertising photographer in San Francisco, I found myself disenchanted, burned out, and ultimately receiving no nourishment from the work I was doing. On the outside, I had everything anyone would want, but my inner landscape was barren and I began “searching” for my lost spirit. When horses came into my life in the mid-1990’s, I realized that I had found my teachers, and the connection that I have developed with horses has helped steer my life in a completely different direction. Horses have taught me so much in the time that I have spent with them. They have taught me about the power of authenticity, honestly, and integrity, and they have taught me the true meaning of leadership and relationship. They have also taught me about living in collaboration and community, rather than the model that our society embodies, which is about competition and “getting ahead of the rest”. I feel my work is an homage to the equine spirit, and to the archetypal role they play in our lives. This is why I always photograph them without riders, saddles, bits, bridles or any other device that would interfere with their pure essence. After publishing my first 2 books “Spirit Horses” and “The Forgotten Horses”, I have worked on a new book, Horse Medicine that just got published, which is my latest collection of photography, and also includes text about the role horses play for us as teachers and healers, and the profound lessons they provide for us… if we are willing to listen. Words - tonystromberg.com caroco.co.za | 20
Carousel Collective
| Equestrian Life |
#Insta Crush @landalucio
LUCIO LANDA
- LIFESTYLE & HORSE PHOTOGRAPHER -
This month we are in awe of the work of Lucio Landa. You have to do yourself a favour and like this talented photographers instagram page and bookmark his website.
#Golden oldies
His work is gorgeous and leaves you just wanting to go ride or just be around horses.
#equine inspired “Think of riding as a science but love it as a art.” — George Morris 21 | Carousel Collective October 2017
Secretariat and his owner Penny Chenery share a moment
Available at
horseland-sa.co.za
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY FOR
OVERCOMING Feeling anxious after an injury or trauma is one of the most upsetting experiences a rider can have. Of course it is quite normal, but unfortunately this kind of anxiety can be quite persistent, and can really interfere with the enjoyment of riding. Your body, especially your nervous system’s “fight or flight” reaction, has a very good memory for trauma. The body may remember a trauma long after the mind has rationalized it away. This is part of your survival mechanism, and it is quite powerful.
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FEAR AND
When this kind of anxiety becomes triggered, it can leave the rider feeling numb, weak, dizzy and terrified. Sometimes it seems to build for no apparent reason. If fear is interfering with your enjoyment, here are a couple of ideas that may help. Evaluate whether you are taking unnecessary risks. On numerous occasions I have had riders consult with me concerning their fear, only to find out that they were in fact in danger! Whether it was an inappropriate horse, lack of training, or a bad riding situation, these riders needed to listen to their fear. For instance, one rider kept her horse at a facility that was next to some rail road tracks. Her horse was terrified of trains. She was a beginning rider but felt she should be able to deal with the problem. Eventually she moved to a less convenient but quieter facility. After a year of training she was able to move back and handle the problem. Talk to your fear. Acknowledge it, and ask if it has something intelligent to say to you. It might say “Wear your helmet!”, or “Be careful of the loose dogs at the end of the arena”. If your fear says something smart, then listen. But if your fear is being unreasonable then argue with it! Working around horses always has some inherent danger, but make sure you are not taking unnecessary risks. Once you’ve listened to your fear and attended responsibly to any obvious safety issues, then respectfully tell your fear to be quiet! Distract your mind by focusing on specific, methodical exercises to build your confidence. A patient, sympathetic instructor can be very helpful, but here are some general ideas: 1. Get very good at stopping. Make sure you can ride a very controlled, balanced downward transition. When I have a student who is afraid, I have them do a lot of halts (assuming the horse doesn’t get nervous with this). The more confident you feel in your ability to stop, the more confidence you will have in letting go. This ability to stop includes learning how all of your body parts can provide security and stability in the saddle. Upper back, lower back, stomach, thigh and weight all play important roles in balance, leverage and control. 2. Confidence usually returns slowly and incrementally. For awhile it may feel very delicate. During this stage it can be helpful to learn some relaxation techniques. Breath work and progressive muscle relaxation can both be very helpful. Don’t try to ride when you feel hurried or stressed out about something else in your life. 3. If you get nervous in trot or canter then give yourself permission to get on your horse and do nothing but walk. Keep building one positive experience on top of another, and eventually your anxiety will decrease. 4. Rate your fear from 1 (completely calm) to 10 (terrified). Don’t let your number go past 5 or 6. If it does, then simplify whatever you are doing until your anxiety returns to a 3 or 4. If you are cantering, then come back to trot. If you are trotting then walk. If you are walking then dismount and hand walk your horse. Use long slow breaths combined with intentional relaxation to calm yourself. Have a simple positive affirmation you can say to yourself. Something like “I can do this”, or “relaxed body, amused mind”. 5. Spend time with your horse on the ground. Reaffirm your relationship, and your enjoyment. Recognize that you cannot control every variable. Life is dangerous from the moment you walk out your front door. There are no guarantees, especially with a horse. Be patient, methodical, and careful. Hopefully your confidence will return soon. If your anxiety persists then seek professional help. A good therapist will have many tools to help you break the cycle of anxiety and fear. Article source - seanaadamson.com
‘The more confident you feel in your ability to stop, the more confidence you will have in letting go.’
TRAUMA
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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
longines global champions tour Top Ranking Riders of 2017
Artist
Benedicte Gele
Painter of horses
Horses have always played a part in Bénédicte Gelé’s life, although they have not always been in the limelight. Born in 1975 and brought up in the Parisian suburbs, she had no prior history with horses. The animal remained a two-dimensional object in magazines or sometimes a figure in the background of a distant meadow when on holiday. However, an overwhelming fascination, an almost unexplainable attraction and a particular bewitchment encouraged her to strive and spend more and more time with these animals. After obtaining a baccalaureate in Applied Arts and a further certificate in Visual Communication, she became a graphic designer and then artistic director before falling in love with a lively, clever little mare, she started drawing horses with quiet obsession. In 2004, her professional and equestrian lives seemed to merge with horses, of course, as the cornerstone. Bénédicte Gelé is drawn equally to the animal and to the act of drawing itself. The living form, with its curves and movement, reminds her of the nude studies of her school days. The body in its simplest form, as crude as the pencil stroke, the artist’s basic technique, grey or black, pure and powerful. “I do not paint for the myth or legend of the animal, or for its strength, even though I respect all of that. Above all, I paint the physical, the sensual, a wave of primal emotion that the body provokes. I could have chosen a man or a woman, but horses have a cruder, more animal quality to their posture than human beings who tend to intellectualize too much. Horses have a powerful, captivating presence, with their natural solidity. Favorite materials to work with? As I have a unique theme, I like to work with lots of media, such as oil, watercolor, pastels, black chalk or black ink. I have a soft spot for black chalk because of its strength and the depth of its black color. How many years as an artist? I have always drawn but I really started my horse research in 2004. Where is your studio? In my home, in a bedroom (without a bed…). What themes do you pursue? Horses. I know this is a difficult subject. Of course, the horse is a wonderful animal, but I try to find a way to portray it so that it resonates with everyone – those who love horses, those who don’t particularly like them, or those who don’t know the animal. I don’t want them to fall in love with horses; I just want them to feel emotion through them. Prefer to work with music or in silence? Music. I paint in energy. Where can we find you outside the studio? With my horse or reading a book. What’s around the corner from your place? The ocean. If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do? Recently, I found a deep interest (don’t laugh please…) in the natural hoof care for horses. I think I could do that. I’m fascinated by their feet (no feet, no horse, according to the famous expression). What was the best advice given to you as an artist? “Work-work-work!” Art school or self-taught? Both! I went to an art school to be graphic designer, so I had good basis, and then I always looked to follow my obsession and search for my purpose by myself. Favorite contemporary artist? Ben Ami Koller, who unfortunately died in 2009, 2 months after I met him. If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be? One of Ben Ami Koller’s works. Use anything other than paint? Pastels and black chalk. Favorite brush? I use a fan brush with pastels and black chalk. Palette knifes? I love the line, but I can’t draw lines with this tool. Article source - artcheval.com Interview source - canvas.saatchiart.com
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Equestrian Interiors Photo Feature Images | Pinterest
equine inspired
Spaces
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www.swanhof.co.za Stud and Equestrian Centre
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Manufacture | Wash | Repair | Embroidery
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Produced by the Carousel Collective The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reect those of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of material in this magazine Copyright Š All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Carousel Collective.