Equilife summer 2017

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Equilife Living the Lifestyle

Summer 2017

Expressions ~ Gerhard Snyman • Eventing ~ Adult Championships 2017 Kurland

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Website : www.dunkeldestate.co.za Contact Number : 010 5919 998 Email : reservations@touchdowngroup.co.za

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From the Publisher.....

The Equilife Team

Marketing and Advertising Jacqueline Wood jacqui@equilife.co.za

Design and Production Michele Wood design@equilife.co.za

Photography

Jacqui S Photography jacqui@equilife.co.za

Contributors

Equilife Online is growing monthly and with our competitive prices and large online following you can choose between print and online advertising.

Gerhard Snyman Expression Hannah Botha Stable Views Lucille Clift Equestrian Review Mpilo Nxaba Gaited Traveller Sikhangele Mbambo A Grooms Insight Simone Howarth DSA Young Horse Dressage Series

Look out for our online link, shared on our Facebook page, https://web.facebook.com/equilifesouthafrica/ Or on our Website: www.equilife.co.za. For more information about our online offering, drop us a mail on info@equilife.co.za

Photography Hannes van der Walt Gaited Traveller Yolandi Snyman Expression

As always we would love to hear from you, our readers, share your stories and comments with us on, jacqui@equilife.co.za, and keep #livingthelifestyle Wishing all our Advertisers, Readers and Contributors, well over the Festive Season

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Equilife reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material which may not suit the standard of the publication without reason given. Opinions expressed in advertisements and articles do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or Publisher. Equilife (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for any material submitted for Publication.

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Front Cover

Gerart Exclusive Gallery in Franschhoek Email info@gerart.co.za Website www.gerart.co.za


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Content 8 10. Expression ~ Gerhard Snyman This hugely talented young artist from Cape Town has the knack for combining excellent drawing with a confident and expressive style of painting that is his own. To many he is already a household name in and around South-Africa and is taking the Art world abroad by storm.

18. SA Adult Eventing Champs ~ A Roaring Success Took place for the second year running in the picturesque hills of Kurland, a most fitting venue, with the magnificent backdrop of the Baviaanskloof Mountains.

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24. National DSA Young Dressage Horse Series Championships 2017

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28. The IEA Elite Open Day WOWS Walkerville.... Sunday the 27th August had Walkerville abuzz with The IEA Elite Open Day. Horse boxes were pulling in, stall holders were arriving early with all their goodies. The streets were a hive of activity from early that morning.

34. A Grooms Insight ~ Best Friends for life “Having just come out of hospital, my life changed in one day. I woke up with no special plan for my life but, by the time that day ended I had met Lesley, got a job and found a home�

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Content 40. Dunkeld Country and Equestrian Estate and Wamblood Stud Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate is a luxury vacation destination situated in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Located about three hours from Johannesburg, it is close enough for a weekend getaway and far enough for a well-deserved escape. It is a haven for people looking to unwind from the daily grind.

Content Expression ~ Gerhard Snyman

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Stable Views ~ Reading the Label

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SA Adult Eventing Champs ~ A Roaring Success

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National DSA Young Dressage Horse Series Champs

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The IEA Elite Open Day ~ WOWS Walkerville

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A Grooms Insight ~ Friends for Life

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Gaited Traveller ~ Dunkeld Country and Equestrian Estate and Warmblood Stud

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Expression

“Spending time with them makes it easier to portray them on a canvas because I can smell them, hear them and feel them�. Gerhard Snyman

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Photographs courtesy Yolandi Snyman 11


Vibrant, colourful, bold and exciting! These are a few of the words that spring to mind when considering the paintings of Gerart. This hugely talented young artist from Cape Town has the knack for combining excellent drawing with a confident and expressive style of painting that is his own. To many he is already a household name in and around South-Africa and is taking the Art world abroad by storm. Coming from a small town it was hard for Gerart to find his way around the art world. As a young boy it was evident that he had talent, and loads of it. With only some paper and a few pencils Gerart could keep himself busy for days on end. Absorbing the beauty of everything around him and putting it down on paper as only he could. His passion for animals and especially horses was evident in every piece of art he created. Not only did he capture the beauty, he knew how to capture the spirit, strength and grace of these, as he calls them, “magnificent” creatures. He drew everything he could lay his eyes on, cars, animals, landscapes, portraits and even the human body. Little did he or anyone around him know that this “hobby” will turn into a dream of one day being a well recognised artist around the world. By Opening his own art gallery in Franschhoek in 2017 – Gerart exclusive Art Gallery in the Western Cape. Gerart finds his inspiration by absorbing everything around him, colour being the biggest influence to his work. He is not afraid to go to extremes when it comes to using colour and bold strokes and his confidence is evident. He combines passion, knowledge and emotion to create his art. The boldness of stroke, not in any way detracting from the delicate nature of the subjects. “I love working with Acrylic paint because it compliments my technique. Having a blank canvas in front of me holds in endless possibilities of creating. That excites me!” Gerart was always different when it comes to rules in the art world. He wanted to be versatile and explore all subject matters. In doing this Gerart was highly successful! When painting portraits he captures emotion and passion, saying that the eyes reflect the colour of the soul.” I want to speak to the heart of every person who looks at it; I want them to feel what I feel. It has to be an emotional connection.....giving a little bit of myself”.

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“When looking into their eyes I see their soul, I feel their Spirit�.

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It is truly difficult to walk past a painting by this artist without turning one’s head! In the words of my Artist Friend, the late Robert Badenhorst

This is also one of the reasons Gerart loves painting horses. “When looking into their eyes I see their soul, I feel their Spirit”. Gerart loves taking time out of the studio and taking pictures of these beautiful animals. “Spending time with them makes it easier to portray them on a canvas because I can still smell them, hear them, and feel them”. Any subject that he tackles is carried to the canvas with a flare and exuberance which leaves one in no doubt that a part of the artist himself is incorporated into the artwork. Gerart says that he is just as surprised by the outcome of each piece because in his art there are no rules. “I don’t over think it.....it is a feeling that I capture on canvas, just like capturing a beautiful butterfly. Using bold strokes and bright colours and making a beautiful mess. I love my Job”. “Some of my best work was created by using my worst brush! “- Gerart Gerart’s paintings hang in private and corporate collections throughout South Africa and he is well represented in many top art galleries.

Contact 082 378 9668/ 083 356 9898 Email info@gerart.co.za Website www.gerart.co.za Gerhard Snyman @gerartist Gerart Exclusive Gallery in Franschhoek

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Stable Views

Reading the label- what can the feed label tell you? By Hannah Botha - MSC Equine Science (Royal Agricultural College UK)

Last month’s newsletter looked at the wording and basic information found on feed labels. This month we look at the nutritional information in more depth to help you understand what you are reading. The Nutrient Analysis In South Africa, the only things that must by law be specified on a label as required by Act 36 of 1947 are: • a minimum level of Crude Protein • a maximum moisture level

• a minimum level of Crude Fat

• a minimum and maximum level of Crude fibre • a minimum level of Phosphorus.

• a specified Calcium to Phosphorus ratio Crude Protein Crude protein is called “crude” because the analysis used in its determination doesn’t actually measure protein at all. Instead, the analysis used by laboratories measures the nitrogen (N). The protein value is then calculated by multiplying the figure for nitrogen by 6.25. In South Africa, feeds are often referred to by their protein content, for example, whether a feed is a 12% or 15%. However, although the crude protein percentage is an important indicator of the protein level used, it is important to remember that the crude protein level is not an indicator of the protein quality or digestibility. In terms of digestibility, not all of the protein included in the diet will be digestible. There will always be a certain amount of protein that the horse’s gut cannot utilise. Deducting a % (which could be as much as 2-5% depending on the profile of the raw materials used) of the crude protein value stated will give a rough digestible protein level of the feed, allowing one to gauge how much of the protein in the diet can be utilised. A 12% Crude protein, thus, could mean that a horse is only able to utilize 7-10%. Manufacturers of good quality products will therefore adjust the Protein levels in their diets in order to compensate for the digestibility of the protein sources included in these diets. Unfortunately, labels do not specify this information but manufacturers usually provide this information elsewhere. More importantly, the crude protein percentage doesn’t disclose what the sources of protein are or how good their amino acid profiles are. To get a better idea of the protein quality one needs to examine the amino acid values (lysine, methionine etc.). Lysine is normally the first limiting amino acid and companies that indicate the lysine level of a product are obviously aware

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of the importance of the amino acid balance and therefore their products may be a better choice than those which do not provide this information at all. Moisture Moisture content reflects the amount of water present in the feed. Dry matter therefore refers to the material remaining after removal of water and is an indicator of the amount of nutrients that are available to your horse. Fresh pasture, for example, has a high water content and will have a much lower percentage of dry matter than an equivalent weight of your horse feed. The maximum moisture level allowed for registration is 12% which means the product will have 88% dry matter. When the moisture content is too high the product may tend to form mould more easily. Feed with a very low moisture content will be too dry and can lead to respiratory irritations. It is important to remember that humidity and the ambient moisture content of the air around us can greatly affect the moisture content of the feed shortly after manufacturing. Good horsemanship and the feel of the product is therefore more important than what the bag tag says regarding moisture content. Crude Fat Crude fat is the traditional measure of fat in feed products and refers to the crude mixture of fat-soluble material present in a feed, also known as the ether extract or the free lipid content. Fat is energy-dense, providing almost 2.5 times as much energy as carbohydrates. Therefore, the higher the crude fat value, the higher the calories per kg of feed, meaning that less food is needed to provide the same calories as a carbohydrate rich feed. This is beneficial for the horse’s gut, as large amounts of carbohydrate rich feed can upset the digestive tract. Fat-supplemented feeds are excellent for high-performance horses as well as for those with dietary issues, where high levels of grains cannot be used. The average horse feed that is not fat-supplemented will only meet the minimum legal fat requirement of 2.5% crude fat. Preferably if you are looking for a fat supplemented feed choose a product with a fat value of between +- 4 - 6.5%. Next month’s newsletter will continue to examine Crude Fibre, Phosphorous, and Calcium, as well as some aspects not displayed on the bag tag.Read the full article at http://www.equusfeeds. co.za/wp-content /uploads/2017/10/EQUUS-Newslet terOctober_FA1.pdf


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SA Adult Eventing Championships 2017 Took place for the second year running in the picturesque hills of Kurland, a most fitting venue, with the magnificent backdrop of the Baviaanskloof Mountains. Organised by Kurland eventing in partnership with Nedbank Private Wealth, the show saw locals and internationals converge on Kurland for a weekend of Equine ecstasy. 18

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Eventing

Photographs courtesy : G Photography

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The show saw several world class officials take part in proceedings this year, and both officials and riders were once more impressed by the FEI course, the event, and the venue – offering up a trifecta of excellence. The international officials were Technical Delegate Eric Winter, from Great Britain, who also assisted in designing the FEI course in previous years, as well as President of the Ground Jury Helen Christie, from New Zealand, and Assistant Steward Margie Molloy, from the United States.

“Margie and I had a fantastic time in South Africa! Eventing in SA felt very much like New Zealand. Numbers are similar and it’s a keen bunch doing work for no pay. However, like in New Zealand, we do it because we have a load of fun, meet cool people, go to fab places and deal with amazing horses!” Says Helen 21


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Eventing

2017 has been a great year for eventing, and the Western Cape is no exception, and “We continue to grow the event and improve the rider experience year on year”.

“A very big thank you to our loyal sponsors, Nedbank Private Wealth, Tiletoria, Humbaur Horseboxes and Boekenhoutskloof wines.” Lance Gibbons

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National DSA Young Dressage Horse Series Championships 2017

The judging for the National DSA Young Dressage Horse Series Championship 2017 took place on Saturday 16 September 2017. Gustaf Svalling, 5* FEI Young Horse judge from Sweden was in South Africa for the CDI at Hollyberry Hall, and we were very fortunate to have him and South Africa’s very experiences FEI 2* Young Horse judge, Suzanne Horne, judge the young horses via video tonight. Gustaf was full of praise for Sue’s expertise, the format we have used for the series, the riders and horses he judged. We will email the individual tests to the riders tonight and tomorrow, and results will be made available next week. We would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to every rider, owner, breeder, trainer, groom and supporter for making the 2017 series come together. We would also like to say a huge thank you to Western Shoppe who has supported this series in 2017. They have sponsored rosettes, goody bags, National medals, National sashes and National medals. There is just no way we could have pulled off the series without their support and assistance. We are so very grateful for how much you put back into the sport. All prizes for this National Championship will be handed out at the awards dinner at the DSA South African Championships at Shongweni in October.

Simone Howarth

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Dressage

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The results for the National DSA Young Dressage Horse Series Championships are as follows:

4 year old: 1st place:

Kuda Insurance’s Midas Touch Bravado with 78.8% Owned by Charne Pestana of Midas Touch Stud Ridden by Catherine Berning 4 year old South African Warmblood Stallion by Bacio out of a Flemmingh mare from Kwa-Zulu Natal Province 2nd place: Adelprag Mieka van Benmar Black with 78.4% Owned by Niekie Pienaar of Adelprag Stud Ridden by Wium van Huyssteen 4 year old South African Friesian Mare by Eibert out of a Fetse 349 mare from Gauteng Province 3rd place: Tannenhof Bardos with 76.0% Owned by Tannehof Stud Ridden by Helene Pieterse 4 year old South African Warmblood Gelding by Emillion out of a Clarinius mare from Gauteng Province

5 year old:

1st place:

Adelprag Orlando van Doorndraai with 76.2% Owned and ridden by Chere Burger of Adelprag Stud 5 year old South African bred Friesan Stallion by Tjalf 443 Sport out of a Friso Fan Sport mare bred by the Doorndraai stud from Gauteng Province 2nd place: Jason van Doorndraai with 75.4% Owned and ridden by Mariska Botha 5 year old South African Friesian Gelding by Tjalf 443 Sport out of a Brandus mare bred by Doorndraai stud from Kwa-Zulu Natal Province 3rd place: Advance’s Berghof Fahrenheit with 65.0% Owned and ridden by Lisa Tait 5 year old South African bred registered Hanoverian Gelding by Five Star out of a Kaiserkult mare from Gauteng Province

6 year old:

1st place:

Adelprag Laes Fan’t Alddjip with 79.0% Owned and Ridden by Chere Burger from Adelprag Stud 6 year old imported Friesian Stallion by JIsse 433 out of a Jasper 366 mare from Gauteng Province 2nd place: Kalvin Fan Stal Bellefleur with 77.6% Owned by Henriet Stoltz Ridden by Lizel Maritz 6 year old Fiesian Stallion by Tsjalf 454 ou of a Folkert 353 mare from Gauteng Provice

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3rd place: Adelprag Hilton with 72.2% Owned and Ridden by Andri Du Plessis 6 year old South African bred Friesian Stallion by Haye Fan Fallingasate out of a Winkke 404 mare from Gauteng Province

7-9 year old: 1st place:

Adelprag Quick Silver with 68.16% Owned and Ridden by Chere Burger from Adelprag Stud Imported Oldenburg gelding by Quaterback out a Stedinger mare from Gauteng Province 2nd place: Adelprag Alwin with 67.37% Owned by Niekie Pienaar of Adelprag Stud Ridden by Wium Van Huyssteen Imported Friesan Stallion by Tsjerk 328 out of a Teunis 332 mare from Gauteng Province 3rd place: Louis Crusador with 61.84% Owned by Natalie Ledgerwood Ridden by Carsten Peeters Hannover Gelding by Lauries Crusador out of a Donnerhall mare from Western Cape

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The IEA Elite Open Day... WOWS Walkerville

By Lucille Clift

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The TheEquestrian EquestrianReview Review

By Lucille Clift Teacher at The IEA Elite 29


The Equestrian Review

Sunday the 27th August had Walkerville abuzz with The IEA Elite Open Day. Horse boxes were pulling in, stall holders were arriving early with all their goodies. The streets were a hive of activity from early that morning. All this culminated in an Open Day to Remember. Companies from all over sponsored the most amazing prizes for our riding competitors. The multi discipline horse show was well-attended, especially by the local riding schools, trying out the brand spanking new sand arena. There were events for riders of all ages and abilities. I personally loved the young foals in-hand event – they were so cute! The stall holders consisted of two distinct groups: outside stall holders and the learner’s stalls. There was a lot of variety, and this was an invaluable experience for our future entrepreneurs.

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The variety of goods on sale was eye-catching. We had everything from a Nail Bar to a Wishing Well Lucky Dip. Food available ranged from Portuguese prego rolls to the best Chinese food in town! We were totally spoiled for choice and deliciousness! A number of prospective parents and learners toured our academy facilities, showing interest in our amazing little school. We’ve welcomed three new learners since then. This is an annual event growing in presence and visibility.

Spread the word – we’re here to stay, and hope to make each event bigger and better! Clear your calender for 2018! 31


Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Malcolm X

The IEA Elite offer a grade R to Matric academic centre with amazing home away from home boarding facilities, including private rooms. We offer post matric courses, including accommodation if required separate from the boarding facilities. Transport can be arrange for day scholars. We offer horse riding lessons Monday to Thursday for dedicated equestrians who wish to compete. Riding horses is not essential therefore we offer horse riding lessons once a week for riders who just want to ride for fun. Other learners don’t ride horses at all, they enjoy the environment of a small academy with added attention due to small classes and all the extramural activities we offer.

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Plot 123b End Road, Golfview, Walkerville e-mail info@iea-elite.co.za Tel: 016 065 0080 www.iea-elite.co.za15


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Best friends for Life....

By Sikhangele Mbambo

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A Grooms Insight

“Having just come out of hospital, my life changed in one day. I woke up with no special plan for my life but, by the time that day ended I had met Lesley, got a job and found a home� 35


There is something absolutely beautiful, infinitely touching and precious in seeing two beings totally in love with each other, gives you the feeling that this was meant to be, that is how I felt upon meeting Oupa and his best friend for life Paddy. Oupa has been part of Lesley Lunn’s household for the better, and as he puts it, the best part of his life, all the other places that he worked at before arriving here are very distant and not too missed memories. “Having just come out of hospital, my life changed in one day. I woke up with no special plan for my life but, by the time that day ended I had met Lesley, got a job and found a home” Who is Oupa?

My name is Oupa Samuel Padi, I turned 60 this year, born in the Free State. I am married with five children from two marriages, one of my boys is a policeman.

How did you get into horses and grooming?

Originally, I worked with race horses, my first job was at the Vaal Racecourse where I looked after two horses. I trained them and kept them fit for the races. From there I went on to Turffontein racecourse where I did more of the same thing. I also took part in the Grooms’ race but my main job was training racehorses. I never had any formal training in horse grooming, I learnt just by watching other experienced grooms doing it. I then left Turffontein and went to Rnadjesfontein Racecourse where I continued training horses. I was very lightweight, which was a great advantage in the racing industry. For 11 years I trained horses until one unlucky day the horse that I was riding reared and I came off and I broke my leg. I was in a cast, in and out of hospital for a year and a half. During those days we had no medical cover, not that many grooms have it now anyway, which meant that when the cast came off I was hard pressed to find a job. Luck was definitely on my side as it so happened that Lesley Lunn was urgently looking for a groom then, I came for trial and I never left. I have been with Lesley for 24 years, learnt a lot, met my best friend Paddy, I couldn’t ask for more from life.

At 12pm, it is time for my lunch until 2pm. When I get back from lunch I fully groom the horses. At 2:45pm I get Les’ horse Lone Star, at home we call him Tex and lunge him for about 15mins, to get him ready for her to ride. After she finishes I walk him to cool him off. All the horses come in at 4:30pm. They get their supper then, and always before I leave I prepare the food for the next morning. I blanket Les’ horse and my day is basically done. We have 2 donkeys and a mule that Les rescued, they are not a bother much but I also keep an eye on them to make sure that they are well and fed.

How did you stay lightweight?

You mentioned your own horse…..?

I have never been a big person but we ate foods with lots of vinegar, trained a lot, drank a lot of water, it also helped me stay healthy ad fit.

What are your duties now?

My day starts at 5:40 in the morning which is when I wake up, have a quick bath and some tea. I start work at 7:30 in the morning, when I get there I start off by picking droppings from the previous night, give the horses their breakfast and sweep the stables. At 9am I take the horses to the paddocks and then I get on my horse and train for 30min. Gardening is my other job so after making sure that the horses are watered and the grass filled up in the paddocks I go and attend to the garden, especially the vegetable garden that we have growing. This normally takes me to 11:45 when I go check that all is still well in the paddocks.

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Yes, I own Paddy, officially the Herbal Horse Pas de Deux, a horse that Lesley rescued from Soweto and she gave him to me. I compete in dressage with him and we have won quite a few rosettes together. When he got here, just to look at him was heartbreaking. He was so thin you could count his ribs from a distance, he had these bad sores from cart pulling. I nursed him back to health, it took a long time to get Paddy to trust me, but now we are the best of friends, I don’t know what I’d do without him. I am so proud of him. Paddy is naughty and makes us laugh sometimes, after the show he won’t drink anything but Fanta. Once he took Lesley’s gate remote keys and walked off with them and dropped them near the dam, it took us quite a while to find them and there he was munching away on his grass.


A Grooms Insight

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How do you communicate with you horse?

I talk to Paddy all the time, he is a good listener, when I’m frustrated, angry or happy, he hears it all. Before a competition, I have a chat with him, about the plans for the day and my expectations. After the competition, I thank him for his hard work and dedication and give him carrots. You have to know that just because horses cannot talk back, they hear and they have emotions, if you pay attention you learn to see and hear their responses to different situations.

What do you think makes a good groom?

One has to be able to recognize a horse’s capabilities and earn its respect. A good groom will get the responses that they ask for from a horse because they are treating it right. In my honest opinion, a good groom is one who is able to treat a horse like his own child, with care, patience, a bit of discipline here and there and lots of love.

How would you change the lives of grooms?

The first and foremost thing that most people overlook is giving the groom respect and recognition. When someone is looking after your horse they are as good as looking after your child. This one seemingly little thing would improve a lot in the lives of both grooms and horses. Owners also need to get medical cover and pay UIF for their grooms, a lot of people’s lives have been destroyed by them getting hurt on duty, cast aside and replaced within a day

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What is your favorite show venue?

I love the Pretoria Military Equestrian Centre as well as Kyalami Park Club; we do a lot of the Ride ‘n Go shows there and we have won quite a few of them.

Do you think the type of food fed a horse affects its abilities?

Yes, I do, although it depends on the horse. What makes one horse hot may work well on another, for instance, Spurwing makes our horses really slow yet the Epol Gold Cup gives them lots of energy.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Ever since I started working here I have never seen myself anywhere but here, so in 5 years I guess I will be here.

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Dunkeld Country and Equestrian Estate

By Mpilo Nxaba Photography Courtesy Hannes van der Walt 40

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Let Life Flow.... 41


Gaited Traveller

Welcome to the heart of Dullstroom Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate is a luxury vacation destination situated in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Located about three hours from Johannesburg, it is close enough for a weekend getaway and far enough for a well-deserved escape. It is a haven for people looking to unwind from the daily grind. Dunkeld offers guests a range of activities, including horse riding, fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, abseiling and rock climbing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options ranging from hotel rooms to self-catering villas and chalets to lay your head.

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With so much on offer, including two on-site restaurants, a spa and chapel, Dunkeld is the perfect destination for a welldeserved family vacation, a romantic weekend away, a fishing trip, corporate events or weddings.


Discover Dullstroom Mpumalanga – meaning ‘place where the sun rises’ – is one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa. Its roads wind through majestic terrain and its awe-inspiring waterfalls and misty highlands will astound you. The heart of the highland region is Dullstroom. Here small town charm meets big town soul. Dullstroom is 2100m above sea level and is often covered by a blanket of mist. It’s also one of the coldest villages in South

Africa, but with fireplaces in pubs, restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of red wine after a day of adventure, fishing or horse riding. The wide range of restaurants will satisfy just about everyone – from pub grub to gourmet pancakes and everything in between. This upmarket estate, home to several animal species and a rich variety of Highveld bird species, offers you a chance to experience nature at its best. Trout fishing is a major draw card and there are 18 dams stocked with rainbow, golden and brown trout. Fishing rods, reels and nets can be hired and fish can be cleaned and gutted for you. You can explore the estate on horseback, on your mountain bike or on foot where you can discover a number of interesting and historic sites from the Anglo-Boer War. A trip to Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate gives you the chance to lose touch with the chaos of city life and replace it with a connection to the natural world. And there is no better way to do it than on horseback. Whether you’ve never ridden a horse before or are looking to improve your equestrian skills, Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate has the equipment, knowledge and expertise that you need

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Scottish charm is offered in abundance with open fireplaces and plenty of fly fishing water to choose from. Whether you take a deep breath and experience the rugged outdoors, or indulge in the estate’s self-catering or hotel accommodation, Dunkeld Country Estate is the perfect wildlife, trout and equestrian getaway. Situated just three kilometers from the tourism village of Dullstroom and only two hours from Gauteng, the estate offers a true gateway combined with genuine South African Hospitality. Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate has a variety of accommodation to suit all needs, from hotel rooms to selfcatering units. And the Equestrian side is comprised of spacious 2 and 3 bedroom villas as well as 4 bedroom self-contained luxury lodges. Guests are welcomed into a beautiful reception located next to the contemporary yet cosy Jazz Bar, and 1883 restaurant. The picturesque Equestrian Centre is home to warm- blooded stud stabling and offers additional accommodation, restaurant, wedding and conference facilities There is also an entertainment centre with a convenient superette, a games room, archery, putt-putt course, tennis court, an outdoor pool and a popular indoor heated swimming pool. The estate has a horse trail centre for outrides where one can also do some game viewing. As Dunkeld is situated over 2000 metres above sea level their new mountain bike and trail running routes are a huge attraction to sports enthusiasts at entry level

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Dunkeld Estate has expanded and developed world-class Equestrian Estate adjacent to the existing Dunkeld Country Estate. The luxurious houses with Kentucky inspired architecture offer panoramic views across lush paddocks and white-washed fences towards the equestrian centre restaurant and stabling area. The Sporting Horse Restaurant brings a second restaurant offering to the estate’s well known 1883 and Equestrian Stables house our thoroughbred, warm-blooded stud horses. The equestrian facilities are growing annually. Recently a Martin Collins SA Area was built and plans are to eventually have all the facilities needed to host large equestrian events. The centre is also home of the new Dunkeld Riding Academy where guests can learn to ride across variety of disciplines. The outdoor garden wedding setting is ideal for smaller ceremonies and the sporting Horse Restaurant offers guests a beautiful setting to enjoy breakfast and lunches. A formal boardroom is also available for small conference groups of up to 15 people. The recreational facilities, available to residents of both Estate, include a multi- mountain bike trial, flying fish, dams, horse riding, an entertainment centre and much more.

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A trip to Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate gives you the chance to lose touch with the chaos of city life and replace it with a connection to the natural world. And there is no better way to do it than on horseback. Whether you’ve never ridden a horse before or are looking to improve your equestrian skills, Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate has the equipment, knowledge and expertise that you need. The Equine Adventure Volunteer Program The Equine Adventure Volunteer Program is tailor-made for all horse enthusiasts who wish to make a difference and is suitable for any horse rider from beginner to advance. Situated on the exclusive Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate, you will have the opportunity to develop your riding and horsemanship skills at our prestigious Equestrian Centre on our Warmblood sport horses and enjoy endless outrides through the pristine farmlands of the Dullstroom region.

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Horses still play a vital role in the lives of the youth in the local community and you will have the opportunity to help and educate the youth on the general care and welfare of the horses in the community, as well as liaising with the local veterinarian in treating and caring for injured horses and other animals. Also spend quality time with the children at local schools and learning centres, painting a class room, helping the children with homework or joining in on fun activities. The Dunkeld Equestrian Team has been extremely busy preparing for the biggest Showing event on the calendar which was held at Dunkeld from the 25th to the 28th of October. SA Adult Showing Championships was hosted for the first time ever in Mpumalanga and together with Mpumalanga Showing and Highveld Equestrian Club it turned out to be a huge success It’s mostly play and some work here, with many fun activities and excursions planned in the program. Expect to learn about birds of prey at the nearby rehabilitation centre, learn to do fly-fishing from our in-house expert, zip-line and abseil along with many other activities on Dunkeld itself

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B L E N D E D I N T H E W AT E R B E R G

Modern feed for the modern sports horse

www.equusfeeds.co.za See www.equusfeeds.co.za for stockist details. | Feeding Advice: + 27 73 423 5491 or + 27 83 998 6824

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