MARCH 2014
Tash’s Training Tip - Is Fear Holding You Back? ~ Kate’s Knowledge - Gastric Ulcers News From Holland ~ Kate’s & Danielle’s Tips
www.ebonyparkstud.com.au
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Your Riding Success - Riding Program Do you know Natasha has a riding program dedicated to helping you get from Preliminary Dressage to Elementary Dressage in an easy to use, proven, step-bystep system!?!? It is a 12 month program that covers what you need to do as a rider, and what you need to do to train your horse, to progress easily and effortlessly through the grades!
Ok hands up if you think you understand, and more importantly find you are actually doing dressage well, and it is easy? If that’s you – don’t read on. You are not right for this program. I’m talking to you if you get frustrated by all the different ‘ways’ to do dressage. If you get confused by training different movements. If you want to progress in your riding but you get stuck. The Your Riding Success Riding Program is an online program designed to give you a step by step, easy-to-use formula to get from basics to elementary. This program is one part of the Dream Team Program, but due to overwhelming demand, we have decided to make this program available online as a separate program to the Dream Team. Each section has a workbook to work through and fill out, as well as a video split into manageable chunks. The Riding Program has been sold to members in over 6 countries including USA, G e r m a n y, H o n g K o n g , U K , A u s t r a l i a , Netherlands, Canada and even Namibia!! So if you are 'stuck' in a riding level and looking for answers, perhaps the Your Riding Success Riding Program is right for you! Click here for more information now! :) Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Feel free to share this publication with your friends, family, club... anyone who might find its content useful.
IN THIS ISSUE • PAGE 4: NEWS FROM HOLLAND • PAGE 5: NOTE FROM TASH AND 2014 DATES • PAGE 6-9: KIND KATE’S KNOWLEDGE - GASTRIC ULCERS • PAGE 10: INTRODUCING THE EBONY PARK HIGH POINT AWARD! • PAGE 11: EBONY PARK FRIESIAN DREAM CATALOGUE 2014 • PAGE 12: YOUR RIDING SUCCESS TV • PAGE 13-15: TASH’S TRAINING TIP IS FEAR HOLDING YOU BACK? • PAGE 16: EBONY PARK TV - PLAITING A FRIESIAN FOR COMPETITION • PAGE 17: HAVE YOU EVER WANTED A LESSON ON A FRIESIAN? FRIESIAN LESSONS AND EXPERIENCES ARE NOW AVAILABLE! • PAGE 18-19: EXCITING OPPORTUNITY - EBONY PARK JORRIT FOR SALE! • PAGE 20-21: KATE’S KICKASS TIPS Riding Milo • PAGE 22: PHOTO GALLERY - what’s going on around ebony park? • PAGE 23: DELIGHTFUL DANIELLE’S TALES - Hercules
From the Editor Hi Fabulous Friesian Fanatics!! :) I can’t believe we are already into March! The year is absolutely flying by - we have been super busy here at Ebony Park, finishing up the breeding season, revamping the website, preparing for competitions... This month Tash talks about freeing yourself from fear, I delve into your horses stomach to tell you all about gastric ulcers, Kate has a chat about her riding progress since coming to Ebony Park... and Danielle shows off Hercules - one of our purebred geldings that she has helped break in and who is available to the right home! We have had heaps of awesome photos come through in the last month of you and your horses - make sure you keep on sending them through and I will put them on the “Best Friend Picture Board”!! If you have anything that you would like us to cover in future editions of the Ebony Park magazine, make sure you email us at info@ebonyparkstud.com.au Until next month! To Your Dreams Becoming Reality,
• PAGE 24: BEST FRIEND PICTURE BOARD • PAGE 25: Hercules of Ebony Park • PAGE 26: 5 MINUTES WITH ANJA BERAN • PAGE 27: CONTACT INFORMATION
Kate Langdon
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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News From Holland - Norbert Wins for the Third Time in a Row!! For the third time running Norbert 444S was the master of the Stallion Inspection. His greatest contenders were his recently approved sons, with Hette 481 becoming Reserve Champion. The WTC Expo in Leeuwarden was absolutely jam-packed with a hugely enthusiastic audience. There were seven stallions vying for the championship of older stallions who have been approved on offspring. The first stallion to be sent out of the ring by the judges was Onne 376S, a progenitor with an outstanding record and presence to match. Son Jerke 434S was also requested to leave the ring. Because of an injury Jasper 366PS couldn’t make it which meant the champion inspection had to make do without one of the audience’s favourites.
His son Haitse 425S did the honours but he too was asked to leave the ring. Beart 411S, Eibert 419S, Mewes 438 and Norbert 444S once more went round showing off their trot. Beart 411S has kept himself superbly but was up against strong competition. Eibert 419S is increasingly good-looking as the years go by and really showed himself at his best. With his fine front, elevated trot and lovely use of his hind legs, Mewes 438 was cheered on by the audience. His appearance won him the reserve title, but Norbert 444S became the Champion of the older stallions. Norbert moves with incredible ease and showed the most constant performance during the day. ‘As if he knows that he is the star of the show’, Louise Hompe, head of the jury team, said.
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
For the overall championship Four stallions entered the ring in a bid for the overall championship. ‘Are we in a position to ignore the Horse of the Year?’ Asking the question was as good as answering it. For the third time running Norbert 444S pocketed the champion’s title. His son Hette 481 snatched the reserve title so that this champion inspection turned out to be an exclusive Norbert-happening. Source: KFPS website
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DIARY DATES
Note from Tash Hello lovely Friesian lovers!!!! :)
How are you doing!?!? I trust March is going just how you want it!!!!!!
Saturday 15th
I had a fantastic February competing and getting super scores in the Novice with Dante and getting back over the magical 60% in the Grand Prix with Abe.
Boneo Park
I was also so immensely proud of our Champion Rider Kate and our superstar Elko son Milo (1/2 Friesian gelding) who improved her Prelim scores with him by over 7% to place in both tests and win Overall Preliminary Champion in only their second competition!!!!!! It is so great to see Kate improve her riding each and every week and to see the huge value she gives to her clients when coaching.
March
Dante - Novice Milo - Novice Abe - Gand Prix
This month I am focussed on getting Abe to peak at the right time for the Grand Prix at DWTS, I am also training Dante in the Elementary movements and Zeus is consolidating his changes so he will be ready for Medium in April... very exciting stuff!! :)
Saturday 22nd
Time seems to go so quick and I can't believe my little girl is already 9.5 weeks old! Loving the journey and making every day count! I trust you are all having as much fun as I am!!!!
March
JurAvon Park Abe - Grand Prix
DRESSAGE
To Your Success,
Natasha
WITH THE
STARS! 27-29th March
Abe - Grand Prix
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Gastric Ulcers Before they were domesticated, horses evolved as wandering grazers with a digestive tract designed for continuous foraging. The equine gut sits in a very delicate balance that can be disrupted all too easily. One of the many problems that occur in the equine stomach due to the artificial world we have brought them into is gastric ulcers, or equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Most domesticated horses will develop gastric ulcers at some point in their lives with many performance and pleasure horses affected, and as many as 90% of active racehorses the victim of gastric ulcers, which can potentially be detrimental to their performance and health – indeed the problems associated with ulcers can potentially be lifethreatening. The equine stomach is divided into two distinct regions, both anatomically and functionally, separated by the Margo plicatus (see figure right). The lower region is covered in glandular mucosa that secretes mucous (for protection) as well as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin for digestion.
The upper, non-glandular region, the fundus, is covered in squamous epithelial cells similar to those lining the oesophagus, and it is here that the majority of gastric ulcers are formed, as this region has little protection from the irritating acidic secretions of the lower region.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
There are many factors that can cause gastric ulcers such as stress, poor nutrition and feeding management, strenuous exercise or combinations of the three. However, with the proper management, gastric ulceration can be treated and even eliminated in many situations.
Gastric ulcers in foals are often found along the squamous mucosa in lines along the folds, but can also be found on the glandular mucosa in the lower half of the stomach.
Although even mild ulceration will result in some degrees of discomfort and hence loss of performance to the horse, often horses will show no outward signs, and the clinical signs that are present are non-specific and can be caused by other problems such as colic.
The most frequent clinical symptoms are diarrhoea and interrupted nursing, but also include teeth grinding, lying on back, salivation and colic. When clinical signs are present, the gastric ulceration is often more severe, and in foals this needs to be addressed immediately as gastric ulcers are more detrimental to their wellbeing than an adult horse with gastric ulcers.
In adult horses the clinical signs are less well Above: Normal stomach as seen under recognised. They include an endoscope. Note the two distinct w e i g h t l o s s , d r o p i n condition, picky eater, dull or regions – the upper fundus nonsour attitude, rough coat, glandular region and the lower fundic drop in performance, and in gland region of the stomach. Source: more severe cases acute or (Andrews, 2005) recurrent colic.
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Gastric Ulcers A presumptive diagnosis of equine gastric ulcers relies on assessing the clinical signs present in the horse. Hence the only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is via endoscopy (see figure right). Endoscopy also provides the location and severity of the ulcers so that a plan of treatment can be made and a prognosis and management requirements assessed. Food and water have to be withheld for six hours or more in order for the stomach to be empty enough for the endoscope to see what is going on. A 3m gastroendoscope is passed from the nostril into the stomach hence sedation is often necessary. Causes The development of gastric ulcers can be viewed as an imbalance between aggressive and protective factors of the mucosa. Unlike the lower glandular portion of the stomach, the upper squamous mucosa does not have a protective mucous layer and hence prolonged exposure to gastric acid is a major cause of irritation and erosion leading to gastric lesions.
Exercise Intensity Exercise has been thought to contribute to ulceration, perhaps due to decreased gastric motility or increased intra-gastric pressure and stomach contractions causing gastric compression, pushing acid contents into the less protected upper half of the stomach, resulting in acid Above: Image from an endoscopic video showing moderately severe ulcers s e c r e t i o n s c o m i n g i n contact with the non(arrow). Source: (Begg & O’Sullivan, glandular region and 2003) causing irritation leading to The acid level in the gastric ulceration. stomach is controlled to Exercise also increases the some extent by the gastrin concentration of the bicarbonate buffering effect stomach, stimulating gastric of saliva in well chewed acid production. food. When horses are put Intermittent vs. into artificial situations such Continuous Feeding as race training and stabling, they are usually When horses are fed only a have no access to grazing couple of times a day and and are generally grain fed are stabled without access (so their stomachs are often to ad lib pasture/hay, the empty), which may remove stomach is subjected to this important buffering prolonged periods without mechanism. saliva to buffer the gastric Gastric ulcers are hence extremely rare in horses that are maintained on pasture. Although acid injury is thought to be the major cause of gastric ulceration, several risk factors for its development have been identified.
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
acid. Horses secrete acid from the glandular region of the stomach whether they are fed or not. Hence horses need to be fed hay continuously in order to produce saliva to buffer the stomach pH.
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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Gastric Ulcers Racehorses (and other performance horses) are often fasted before exercise which allows gastric acid to build up in the stomach, lowering the pH and increasing the likelihood of acid contact with the upper region of the stomach, causing ulceration that is not readily healed by common antacid treatments, and will often get much worse if management practices are not changed. Diet Feeding higher concentrated feeds and less hay are associated with higher incidence of gastric ulceration, lower stomach pH and higher blood gastrin levels. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates gastric acid production and is released in greater amounts when the horse is fed pelleted and concentrated feeds than when fed hay or pasture. Horses that are fed high carbohydrate, grain-based diets produce only around half as much saliva as horses fed hay or pasture, as well as leading to an increase in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which at a low (or more
acidic) pH can create an increase in the severity and incidence of gastric ulceration. Electrolyte administration practices may also be a factor in causing or worsening gastric ulceration in endurance horses, due to the large amounts of electrolytes given to horses at each checkpoint during an endurance race, although the mechanisms are not known. Transport Stress Stress during transport can increase likelihood of ulceration, and decreased water and feed consumption causes an increase in stomach gastric acid leading to ulceration. Non-steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Although the majority of gastric ulcers occur in the upper unprotected part of the stomach, ulceration in the mucosal part of the stomach can occur when the horse has been treated with NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone (Bute). This is due to their effect on prostaglandin suppression, an important hormone in the regulation of mucosal blood flow and mucous production.
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
Treatment Treatment of gastric ulcers is aimed at eliminating the clinical signs, reducing or neutralising the acid secretion of the stomach, promoting healing of the existing ulceration, and preventing the recurrence of ulceration as well as reducing the cost and duration of treatment. There are a number of drugs that can be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, including H2receptor antagonists (Ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole), sucralfate and antacids. Other less common treatments include systemic prostaglandin which inhibits the secretion of gastric acid, and the pectin-lecithin complex which is a mucosal protective agent. Prevention Prevention really needs to revolve around reducing known agents of the ulceration. Hence factors such as diet and stress need to be addressed, as prevention is the best cure. The natural antacid and buffering mechanism in the horse is saliva production induced by chewing, and hence the most effective 8
Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Gastric Ulcers way to prevent and treat gastric ulceration in horses is to turn the horse out on pasture, as the horse is able to graze continuously throughout the day. If this is not possible, more frequent feeding will help b u ff e r t h e a c i d i n t h e stomach, as well as a decrease in the concentrate feeds offered and an increase in free-choice hay.
to the normal grain ration of the diet to protect and preserve the stomach lining from exposure to gastric acid. This allows horses with mild ulceration, or horses entering stressful situations to continue to train as it makes the horse feel better so that it will eat and train without a drop in performance or condition.
The obvious multifactorial nature of equine gastric ulceration often makes it difficult to prevent. However, armed with an understanding of how the equine stomach and digestive tract works, along with the implementation of the correct management practices ensuring a more natural and hence effective approach to feeding and keeping horses, the incidence of equine gastric ulcer syndrome can be kept to a minimum. If you have any questions about feeding your horse in the summer months, make sure you email me at info@ebonyparkstud.com.au
To Your Dreams Becoming Reality, Concentrated feeds rather than forage can cause a higher likelihood of ulcers.
Replacing grain with fat perhaps in the forms of oil or sunflower seeds will compensate for the possible loss of energy from the decrease in grain ration.
Kate Langdon For a full list of sources, please contact Ebony Park at info@ebonyparkstud.com.au
In situations where it is not possible to eliminate causative agents such as stall confinement, antacids such as Neigh-Lox, which is proven to neutralise stomach acid can be added Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Attention All Ebony Park Family Members!! Introducing the Ebony Park High Point Award!! When you invest in an Ebony Park horse, it’s more than just a horse - you become part of the Ebony Park family!! So for the first time this year, those of you that are part of the Ebony Park family - i.e. those of you who have an Ebony Park horse - will be able to enter your horse to be in the running for the Ebony Park High Point Award!! This will be judged by Natasha at the end of 2014, based on results that you send in to us from the whole of 2014! There will be three categories for the Ebony Park High Point Award: 1. Best Performing Crossbred Friesian for 2014 2. Best Performing Purebred Friesian for 2014 3. Best Dressage Performance for an Ebony Park bred horse for 2014 The winners will receive Ebony Park woollen rugs to fit their horses! You can enter categories 1 and 2 for anything - showing, eventing, dressage - anything that you have entered your horse in throughout the year that you can show results for (we also LOVE photos!!). We are so excited to hear from you!! To Your Dreams Becoming Reality, The Ebony Park Team
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Reserve Your Dream Foal‌ with the Ebony Park Friesian Dream Payment Plans taking on a whole new look!! At Ebony Park, our mission is to help all Friesian lovers with a dream - to own a Friesian - and to make that dream a reality. Click on the catalogue below to check out the possibilities and to reserve your Dream Friesian now!!
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Your Riding Success TV Coming Back to Riding After 10 Years
This month Dante wanted to have a turn at being in the spotlight, so there is no Abe’s perspective... Instead this is the latest Your Riding Success TV with Natasha and Ebony Park Dante :) Natasha answers a question from someone coming back to riding after 10 years - how do you get over feeling apprehensive and nervous about riding after such a long time!?
Click on the image above to watch Your Riding Success TV!
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
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Tash’s Training Tip - Is Fear Holding You Back? Hello Riding Superstars!!! :) How is your riding going!?!? And how are your first quarter goals going?!?!? It’s funny - when we talk about goals you can have so many from so many areas in your life, but usually there is one main one.
I wanted to talk about fear as with coaching a lot of my riders, their fears naturally come up. Fear is natural and normal and let me tell you a secret - everybody feels it! Just recently at my stud we had to start a new young horse.
everything is sensitive, but to the outside world I am everything my horse needs to be in that moment. The fact is - only one of us can be scared. And that one - is him!!!! He’s the one who has never had a rider on his back! He is the one who has never had the responsibility of carrying a rider in walk, trot and canter! Poor horsey... he is scared out of his mind!!!!!! So he needs me to tell him he’s ok, he needs me to be the leader and show him where he needs to go, he needs me to be ok. So even though I feel the fear response... how I am and what I do is the opposite.
For some people it’s - no matter what - I am going up a level in my riding, or maybe it’s to finally get your health and fitness where you need to be. For some people it’s to be more productive and better at time management, for others it’s to finally free themselves from fear and start taking control of their life, rather than have fear control it for them.
I used to start the young ones and now my rider Kate does it. Before I got on a young horse I would say - I feel super! I’m excited! Go little pony - I always call them ponies even if they are 17hh stallions! :) The fact is my body was still undergoing the fear response, which meant the adrenaline was up, the heart rate was up,
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
I act confidently and calm, even though my body is filled with adrenaline, and is having the common fight or flight response and wants to run :) Another example. Competing. So many people get the fear response when competing comes along. Some feel fear when they enter the comp, some when they start plaiting, some when they get to the competition.
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Tash’s Training Tip - Is Fear Holding You Back? Others when they are in the warm-up, or when they report to the judge, or when they come down the centre line. I feel my special butterflies when it counts. At the big shows I have that feeling when I go, ok this one means a lot to you, doesn’t it? The fact is that it doesn’t matter what I feel, it isn’t important, because I need to be the rider that my horse needs.
determine how much we have this need for certainty. There is nothing wrong with a need for certainty. I love routine and knowing what is coming just as much as the next person. I also know... I have no right, nor can I expect to have that in my riding. Riding by definition is uncertain. At any moment my horse could kill me.
can cause a lot of riders to shut down, which means they ride less not more, and therefore the horse takes charge and does more that scares them... so they do less... and in the end I completely understand why they only walk. Walk is safe. Walk is control. But it’s not the riding they dream of doing.
Maybe he is scared at all the people looking at him, maybe he is scared of the big signs, or the big trees they put next to the arena... at the end of the day it’s him and me, and I need to reassure, tell him how good he is, and make sure it’s just another test for him. People also can have fear of cantering, or trotting, or even walking. What that usually means is they actually fear being out of control. We all have 6 core needs that must be met at all times. One of those needs is certainty. Depending on how we were raised and the beliefs and values we hold, will
He could bolt, rear, buck, shy, or any combination at any time. He could do that. I can’t control if he decided to do that. Now - most people can’t deal with that, they want control. If the horse speeds up without them wanting it to, there is cause for alarm because there is loss of control. It
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
So fear can damage us in many ways. In most cases it’s insidious. Meaning it chips away at your confidence and in your actions until you find yourself completely controlled by it and you are not sure how you got there.
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Tash’s Training Tip - Is Fear Holding You Back? The challenge becomes what do you do with it. How do you make sure it doesn’t damage you or control you.
worth more than feeling strong and overcoming your fear. I get that! I really do!
How do you make sure you still do live a full life without the fear making you small, doing less, and ultimately feeling unfulfilled.
Now I know some of you think you don't have that strength, that it’s not for you, that feeling safe is worth more than feeling
your choice? What price will you pay? I am running a workshop next month called B r e a k t h r o u g h t o Yo u r Confident Riding Success that might be everything you need. It’s two days of fun, exercises and learning to absolutely get you from where you are - wanting to feel safe, comfortable, certain and sure, to being ok with feeling out of control, uncertain, uncomfortable... but liking it and enjoying it, so you can get out and do the things you need to do to get the results you want. I am so excited to be sharing it with all of you, and I can’t wait to have an amazing transformational weekend.
The answer is not to avoid the fear. The answer is not pray to the fear fairy and wait for that magical day you won’t be scared. That day doesn’t come. You need to take action in spite of the fear. And that... yes that takes strength. Now I know some of you think you don't have that strength, that it’s not for you, that feeling safe is
strong and overcoming your fear. I get that! I really do! But I also know you won’t be happy. In the end, everything is a choice, and one of life’s biggest principles is you can’t get something for nothing. Everything has a price. The only question that becomes important then is what is
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine March 2014
Go to www.confidentridingsucces ss.com now and see if it is right for you. To Yo u r S u c c e s s i n Overcoming Fear,
Natasha
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Ebony Park TV We have had heaps of people asking us about how we do a running plait on our Friesians, so we brought a video out of the archives to answer this one - enjoy!! :)
Click on the video above to play the movie - you will be taken to the YouTube link so you must have an internet connection.
Have you ever wanted a lesson on a Friesian? Well now is your chance‌
Ebony Park is now offering lessons on Grand Prix schoolmaster and 1/2 Friesian gelding, The Carrock Tambo. This is your opportunity to experience what the Friesian paces are like, as well as ride an educated horse that has been there and done that - has all the buttons - but is also super quiet and safe for those of you with less confidence! Lessons are conducted by new young horse rider and trainer, Kate Richmond, and are starting this month! If you would like to book a lesson, click here to fill out the form on our website, or call Kate on 0422 227 364 for more information!
Ebony Park Gift Vouchers! Stuck for a gift idea? Ebony Park has the answer... why not gift an Ebony Park Friesian Experience!?! Have you or someone you know ever: Dreamed of sitting on a Friesian? Wanted beautiful photos of you with your dream black horse? Been curious to go behind the scenes of Ebony Park, meet all the horses and really see what we do every day with our Friesians? The Ebony Park Friesian Experience will give you all this and more! If this is the perfect present for you or someone you know, click here now to reserve your experience, and to find out more. We will personalise the voucher and send it to you (via email or express post if needed).
Exciting Opportunity!
Ebony Park is offering you the incredible opportunity to own purebred Friesian stallion Ebony Park Jorrit (Jorrit fan stal Redia). In last year’s Keuring, he was judged to be the best purebred Friesian stallion in Victoria, winning the prize for most extravagant and impressive trot! Ebony Park has made this tough decision as we believe it is time to give someone else an opportunity to use his bloodline – many of our mares are related to him now as we have used him so much! Jorrit is an exceptional dressage stallion that made it through to the very prestigious 70 day performance test for approved stallions. In the performance test in Holland, Jorrit was within days of being approved
as a stallion but a muscle strain hindered his movement and was unfortunately eliminated late in the test. He was also awarded a breeding permit from the KFPS when they came out for the 2009 Keuring. This is only awarded to very select Friesian stallions who possess the desired characteristics of the breed. There are only a few Friesian stallions in Australia that hold a current KFPS permit. Jorrit was picked for his exceptional trot, extravagant c a n t e r, e x p r e s s i o n a n d engagement.
Born 12/05/2003, 16.2hh, Jet Black imported ster stallion By the Grand Prix Dutch Approved Dressage Friesian Jasper 366 Scored 82% for the IBOP (2009 Keuring) and at the 2013 Victorian Keuring was judged to be the top stallion on the day Foalbook ster stallion with a Current KFPS Breeding Permit for 2013-2014 Registration Number: 5280 0420 0305 315
If you are serious about owning a proven top Foalbook Ster Friesian dressage stallion, with a KFPS Breeding Permit* who stamps his progeny with size and movement, then he is the stallion for you! (*Please note that you will have to reapply for a breeding permit as the permits are based on owners and not horses)
YOUR : INVESTMENT $47,997*
click here for tion more informa
Jorrit is electric and extremely extravagant in his movement, he regularly scores 8’s for his canter work including medium canter and flying changes, and we are very excited about this stallions’ prospects in the future. His trot work is amazing to ride with such power and expression. His canter feels like you never hit the ground and it feels like you only need three canter strides to get from one side of the arena to the next. His paces and his kind sweet nature on the ground make him a very exciting stallion to have at Ebony Park. Jorrit will only be available to the best of homes. Finding the right home for all our horses is the most important thing, and Jorrit is no exception. *Terms and conditions apply
Kate’s Kickass Tips! Hey guys!! This month I thought that I would discuss my learnings from my recent competitions, and how I am developing my skills as a rider to keep increasing my percentages.
eager to see what the judges had to say on my score sheet. The general outcome from both score sheets was that I need to ride more accurately (better quality of circles and straightness), more for ward and steady into the contact, and after reviewing my video footage I was excited for my next training session with Natasha. On the 1st FEB I took out EP Milo (5yo cross-bred Friesian by Ebony Park Elko) to his first competition. He was such a good boy getting 62% in his first test, it was a fantastic outcome and I was
The goal for my next competition was to get 65% or over and after my first test for the day I wasn’t totally happy. I felt as though he needed to be more through and connected into the bridle and more for ward and free.
Kate’s Kickass Tips! I am very lucky to have 24/7 access to Natasha and her wealth of knowledge in all things Dressage and mindset. We train very hard together so I can keep reaching my goals to get me to Grand Prix. Natasha told me that it’s not about coming first every time, its more so about having a play, see what the judges like and don’t like while I’m in the lower levels, don’t get too stuck on getting everything perfect. So in my second test I decided to try rising trot - this allowed me to ride more for ward which got me better marks for my paces! Something that has really stuck with me in my coaching with Natasha is that I only know what I know NOW, if I knew how to ride and be better I would - don’t get too caught up with getting everything perfect, mistakes are okay!
After this weekend I have learnt so much, not only did Milo and I beat our last score with 69%, we ended up overall Preliminary Champion for the day :)
I am able to watch her ride during the week and at our competition’s which is a massive bonus, so then I am able to take in and apply her riding techniques and k nowle dge in my riding and teaching. Hope you have enjoyed my article this month, Until next time, Kate
Photo Gallery
From Top Left: Natasha, Kate and Milo at Werribee Phil and the EP team work out! Danielle and Kate work Zorro (left and right) and below - Danika is growing up so fast (Kate teaches her to poke her tongue out and check out her awesome cake!!!)
Delightful Danielle’s Tales
Hey superstar readers!! How are you all?? Well I am great - this month I have been working with one of my new favorite horses HERCULES!!! Hercules is one of our purebred Friesian geldings and has only been broken in for a few months now. He is such a pleasure to work with as he just tries so hard to please you as well as being a forward friesian (!), it’s awesome!! So we have now had two sessions on teaching him to go round rather than having his head up in the air, so at this point in time all we really want is his head down and nose OUT!! Being a friesian he has this great tendency to either put his head up in the air, or to tuck his nose right into his chest, so it is up to me to hold my outside rein, half halts on the inside (with Hercules mostly little ones) and keep pushing him forward!!! Otherwise he will just tuck his nose into his chest. Now as soon as he puts his head down, even the
slightest I tell him what a good boy he is and give him scratches on the neck with my inside hand (as I still need to hold that outside rein). He may also only put it down for one stride maybe two, but the fact remains he is starting to figure out what I want. Now the other thing that happens is I need to make sure I give Hercules enough rein so he can stretch out his neck... and yes, sometimes it feels like I have NOTHING!! So I need to push my hands forward and ride him into that contact - it’s not to say I want loops in my reins, but I still need to be very careful not to make them too short, even when he decides to try something else like being a giraffe - that’s just up to me to push him forward, hold my outside rein and half halt on the inside rein, sometimes even hold that a little and riding with my hands apart just to help him out a bit more. Even though he still makes lots of mistakes he is already getting the idea of what I am asking for!! He is just a superstar!!! We can’t wait for find a forever home for hime - anyone who dreams of a very affectionate, lovable, gelding and will spoil him would be perfect!!! ;p Have a fabulous month and until next time!
Danielle
Right: Casey - my partner Beau and miniature filly Cricket
BEST FRIEND PICTURE BOARD! We want to celebrate with you, any photos of you and your horse - they don’t have to be dressage photos, and they don’t have to be Friesian photos - just a photo of you with your best friend! Just email your photo to info@ebonyparkstud.com.au and we will share it on this wall next month!
Below: Gayle and DJ, her Friesian Warmblood! (it’s the only registered Pally Friesian warmblood in Australia!
Mary Morgan and her Quadrille group (above and below)
Right: Kellie Mitchell - this is her Jorrit baby - “looks like all Jorrit babies have swag”
Hercules of Ebony Park
YOUR FO R INVESTMENT T THIS POCKE ,997 ROCKET: $27
Born: 24/12/2010 Sire: Ebony Park Elko Dam: Ebony Park Gjanna Height: 15hh KFPS Registration Number: 0360 0420 1005 293
We are very excited to offer one of our purebred geldings, Hercules of Ebony Park. Hercules is out of the Elementary winner Ebony Park Gjanna, by the magnificent Elko. Hercules was very nearly a Christmas baby in 2010, being born on Christmas eve (DOB: 24/12/2010)!! He has three lovely paces, and we can’t wait to see him mature and grow! We are currently in the process of breaking him in, and then he will be ready to go to his new forever home!! This little pocket rocket stands at only 15hh, but has the moves of a much bigger horse! Click here to enquire about Hercules and for more information! :)
Ebony Park Rockstar of the Month EP Shaquil and Tracey I decided to come to Ebony Park, as I had heard the Friesians were quiet, and the horses at Ebony Park had a good reputation for temperaments. I arrived and was blown away on not only the quietness of their horses but also how beautiful they are. Kate took her time with us to show us around, and gave us heaps of info - we felt very welcomed. Kate then told me of their young stock which I could not resist to see at their other property.
A few years ago I unfortunately had to have a spinal fusion in my neck. I loved my horse and all I wanted to do was ride again. However, due to chronic pain I had to sell my horse as there was no way I could ride or look after him, which was a heartbreaking and devastating decision - I was already pretty down with everything that I was going through and this certainly did not help! Years later, I thought if I looked to breed a foal, fingers crossed I would be able to ride once it got older as I healed from my surgery... plus it would give me something to look forward to.
Well this is where my real journey began... I fell in love with EP Shaquil and so did my fiancĂŠ. He was so kind with such a beautiful kind eye. We decided to purchase him on the spot rather than breed a foal of our own... he was 2yrs old. He arrived home a week or so later... after never having been in a truck and never having been off the property or away from his other brothers and sisters... and he was so easy going and quiet! I kid you not when he put his head near my head he would gently lift his head over my head if he wanted to look elsewhere - it was as if he knew about my neck.
Ebony Park Rockstar of the Month EP Shaquil and Tracey I even taught him how to shake hands and some other tricks. He easily picked up the tricks as if he enjoyed learning them. My pain was still pretty full on and I was on morphine... but getting there. Shaquil really helped with my depression too - I finally had something to look forward to. A year or so later it was now time for him to be broken in and he was absolutely fantastic. Yay!!! Finally I was going to ride my baby! I rode him and was once again blown away his movement was amazing and I felt so safe on him. Now for the down side... I had to go for another operation of 2 disc replacements this time. I was heartbroken but hoped it would fix me. I turned Shaquil out to grow and thought at least it will be better for him to be allowed to grow in the paddock rather than having him ridden while he was still maturing. Which was the best thing I could have done as he now stands at 18HH!! Now after 2 long years of recovery I am not on any strong medication, I find the cold weather a bit hard and my arms are not as strong, but nothing compared with what I was
like - I am heaps better. Now I am finally riding Shaquil and I love him so so much. He is - as everybody says - a gentle giant. I can't wait to start competing like I use to. It is going to be even more special for me after what I have been through and to be on my baby Shaquil who has helped me immensely through my pain and depression and is my best friend. Well what can I say but that will be my dream come true. So to Ebony Park I thank you so much for breeding such a beautiful, sweet natured horse and spending the time with me to make my dream come true. -- Tracey
5 Minutes with Anja Beran My sole aim is to ensure in the course of my life that an increasing number of people become familiar with the art of classical horsemanship which has become a matter of such great importance to me, and that they will also learn to appreciate it. I hope very much that a great number of riders will be able to experience serious enthusiasm for classical horsemanship in its true and original sense. (Anja Beran) Anja Beran was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in 1970. Her parents were selfemployed in the fashion business. She grew up surrounded by nature, spending a lot of time on the family's hunting ground. Her grandfather’s hunting lodge, in a lonely location in Altmühltal, in the heart of the Bavarian forest, without electricity or running water – was a very happy childhood haunt for Anja. The fact that there were stables nearby was a further contributory factor and, as a young girl, Anja Beran was able to spend many blissful hours wandering through the hunting grounds in the company of horses and dogs. Subsequently as a teenager, after having passed the test for the German riding and driving bronze plaque, she discovered her passion for dressage. At the age of just 15 years this passion then brought her to Portugal where she rode with the excellent master of horsemanship, Luis Valenca. One year later she met the man who was to become her equestrian “mentor”: Manuel Jorge de Oliveira. The Portuguese rider, a supporter of the well-known Nuno Oliveira, distinguishes himself particularly by the fact that he can re-establish a sense of balance in difficult or spoilt horses by means of consistent and well-planned gymnasticising, and ultimately can bring them on to a level of brilliance. He is, moreover, not only a rider, bullfighter and trainer but also a trainer. Portugal became Anja’s second equestrian home. And indeed back in Germany her trainer also had a strong Portuguese connection. Because from the age of 16 years she rode with Marc de Broissia, who actually completed his state riding instructor’s training in France but rounded it off in Portugal with training as a master of classical dressage. Marc de Broissia’s yard subsequently became Anja Beran’s first place of employment. As a 19 year-old, immediately after passing her A-levels, she joined his training team and rode under his auspices for the next 14 years. This not only gave her the opportunity of riding horses of different breeds and different levels of training, but also to promote some horses, such as the stallions Jupiter and Homero, for example, from the earliest stages of training through to high school level. She now runs her own yard at Gut Rosenhof located in Rudratsried, Bavaria. This has been Anja Beran’s home since 2000, and since 2002 she has been running the Rosenhof yard independently. Meanwhile she works there with 45 horses – most of them stallions – from Germany as well as a variety of other countries. And because Anja Beran is always very thorough in anything she does, she undertook an open university course in business studies which she concluded with a degree in business management. Anja Beran’s second big strength is her internationality. She travels a lot and has given clinics in Sweden, England, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, USA and the United Arab Emirates. Consequently she has established extensive international press contacts – equestrian magazines in Portugal, England, Sweden, Holland and in Russia have already published reports about Anja Beran. An important mission for her which she fulfilled with great commitment, ensuing from her own practical experience and enriched with theoretical knowledge in connection with the most renowned representatives of classical horsemanship, was to write her first book “In Deference!”, published in 2005 and instantaneously a great success. Nominated “Equestrian Book of the Year” by the journal “Bayerns Pferde” and even discussed in the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, a renowned German newspaper, “In Deference!” has already become a highly acclaimed work of reference in the field of classical dressage. “In Deference!” is also available in English as well as the Czech language. Source: http://www.anjaberan.de/english/anja-beran/
WE WOULD LOVE TO THANK OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
Narre Warren
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Address: 611 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren East VIC 3804 Website: www.ebonyparkstud.com.au Email: info@ebonyparkstud.com.au Phone: 0422 227 364 or 03 9796 8690
Ebony Park Friesian Magazine January 2014
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