Equilife Magazine October 2016

Equilife Living the Lifestyle

October 2016

Features: Portrait ~ Gavin Younge • Spotlight ~ Dunblane • Turf Diaries ~ Kangaroo Jack

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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

Content Editors

Colleen Murlrooney

Photography

Jacqui S Photography jacqui@equilife.co.za

Contributors

Our 6th issue of Equilife is once again packed with the very best local talent we could find, but before we get to that, we would just like to take this opportunity to Thank each and every one of our readers for joining us on this incredible journey of #livingthelifestyle, also to our advertisers who believed in us from our very first issue & have helped us grow in such a short space of time, Thank-you for trusting us with your brands.

Ashleigh Hughes Turf Diaries Brigitte Billings Dressage Newsletter CharnĂŠ Meyer Wine Review Gavin Younge Portrait Georgina Roberts Gadgets ~ Whipping Girl Hannah Botha Stable Views Juanita Duffield Breeders Leandri van der Vyver Endurance Robyn Klaasen Polocrosse Sikhangele Mbambo A Grooms Insight Simone Howarth Young Horse Dressage Serjies

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a busy month of Dressage with the Provincial Championships of the SA Young Dressage Horse Series having taken place around the country and you can find all the results on pg: 33, we now await the National Championship results which we will bring you in the November Issue. Equilife also covered the FEI World Dressage Challenge held at KPC earlier in the month, visit pg12 to see some pictures from the show. We are always looking for new ideas for the magazine, to keep things interesting for our readers and this month our new feature is a Wine Review page where we review the delicious Diemersdal Wild Horse Shoe Sauvignon Blanc.

Photography TB Images Young Horse Performance Series Polocrosse Shannon Gibson

For daily updates, local and international on news from the industry or if you just need a laugh, follow us on our very popular facebook page ~ Equilife and remember to keep #livingthelifestyle.

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PORTRAIT

VUMA PRODUC T GUIDELINE

High Performance Horses

Notes

VUMA Racer 12%

Horses older than 4 years old in intense work.

VUMA Upstart 14%

Younger horses in training and pre-training.

VUMA V8 12%

Endurance horses in full work and mature performance horses.

VUMA Velocity 15%

Oat-free feed. Suitable for high performance horses that tie-up.

VUMA Vitality 12%

Suitable for barren mares, mares in 1st and 2nd trimester, non-working stallions and horses on high protein pastures.

Stud Horses

Notes st

VUMA Vitality 12%

Suitable for barren mares, mares in 1 and 2 and horses on high protein pastures.

trimester, non-working stallions

VUMA Vigour 15%

Suitable for mares in 3 trimester, lactating broodmares, growing foals, weanlings, yearlings. Also suitable for covering stallions and sales prep.

Leisure Horses

Notes

VUMA Supacool 10%

Low grain. Horses that tend to become hot and ďŹ zzy. Competing horses and ponies.

VUMA Supacool 12%

Low GI - low starch and sugar content. Suitable for horses that tend to become hot. Mature horses in full work.

VUMA Vitality 12%

Horses in medium to full work. Great for show horses, jumping and eventers. Great for polo horses who expend a lot of energy.

Horses in Light to Medium Work

Notes

VUMA Valu Red 12%

Suitable for horses and ponies.

VUMA Vitality 12%

Horses in medium to full work, needing energy.

Mature Horses

Notes

VUMA Vintage Nuggets 12%

Suitable for horses with teeth problems and reduced digestive capabilities.

VUMA Supacool 12%

Low GI - low starch and sugar content. Suitable for horses that tend to become hot. Mature horses in full work.

Helping you choose the best for your horse. For more information please contact one of our AFRESH BRANDS offices: Western Cape: 021 975 1910, KZN: 031 467 1135, Gauteng: 016 590 2181, Eastern Cape: 041 379 3847

Contents 12. FEI World Dressage Challenge This year saw a change in format this year,Â each National Federation is now responsible for selecting an FEI Foreign Judge

16. Portrait ~ Gavin Younge Stable for a Small Horse was the title of a series of new works for Horse, an exhibition curated by Ricky Burnett for Circa and the Everard Read galleries in Johannesburg during September 2011. 21 19

19. Turf Diaries ~ Kangaroo Flash From the minute Kangaroo Jack walked out of the barn for the photoshoot, we could see he was all class. The icy, gale force winds disturbed nothing more than his forelock, as he posed serenely next to his trainer Gary Alexander. 37 24

22 . Polocrosse ~ Australian Stock Horses In the early nineteenth century in Australia, there was a great need for a tough allrounder, a horse which was hardy and reliable with a good temperament. 22

37. Dunblane Equestrian Centre When seen from above, Dunblane Equestrian and Equine Hydro Therapy centre is impressive. Down on the ground, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different. Owner-managed with personal care and attention to detail, makes Dunblane an obvious choice for riders at any level.

PORTRAIT

Content 40. Gaited Traveller ~ Cranford Country Lodge The Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands are steeped in a rich and fascinating history and the region of Curry’s Post is no exception. Driving along the charming stretch of road between Nottingham Road and Howick it is not hard to imagine what life was like here a 150 years ago. 40

46. Breeders ~ Mini’s are Tiny but Tough Majestic Miniature Horse Stud began in 2010 when we bought our first mare, and the love for miniature horse grew.

Content

Trending ~ Espoir

The Sketch Pad - Heart Strings

Breeders ~ Mini’s are tiny but tough

Wine Review ~ Diemersdal

Calendar

FEI World Dressage Challenge 2016

Whipping Girl

Hillary Hoofpick

Portrait ~ Gavin Younge

Turf Diaries ~ Kangaroo Jack

Dressage Newsletter

Polocrosse ~ Australian Stock Horses

Show Jumping ~ Dunblane Pre-Derby

A Grooms Insight ~ Moffat

Gadgets ~ Reins

Endurance ~ A letter to my Darling

SA Young Dressage Horse Series

Spotlight ~ Dunblane Equestrian

Stable Views ~ Managing a mixed yard

Gaited Traveller ~ Cranford Country Lodge

The Breeders Front Cover Picture in the September Issue is of Aaran Sunset Zander – Sired by Ironhorse Mcgregor Stud of USA, and owned by Marcelle Sacco.

We are Midrand Country Properties Sun Valley / R10.8 million

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Set high up on a hill with breathtaking views of the valley and the Johannesburg skyline this 8.5ha investment opportunity has the ability to generate enough income to pay for itself between the house, seven cottages and 5-star equestrian centre. The exceptional equestrian facilities include two large arenas, 40 stables and all the associated amenities. Close to Kyalami Equestrian Park, Inanda Country Base and other venues. Location is superb with easy access to highways, Gautrain and shopping centres. Development is fast encroaching and this land will be extremely valuable in the future. Claudia Lauth 082 576 7634 David Marais 073 255 8781

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Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 6 / Exceptional equestrian property. Perfectly sited atop a ridgeline to take advantage of spectacular views of the Magalies, this very secure property comprises of 910m2 of living space, flooded with an abundance of natural light. Masterful design with all living areas opening up to the outside, integrated sound, large covered patios, landscaped gardens and a solar heated rim flow pool make the home an oasis for both formal entertainment and intimate family gatherings. 6 Stables, automatic water system, ceiling fans, wash bay, Solarium, Clopf fibre arena and plenty of staff accommodation Tony Santana 083 654 1268 Nicole Horwood 083 272 7306

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TRENDING

Opening 1 October 2016

Royale Navy Show Jacket: A softshell show jacket with a unique flat stylised collar and six-paneled back seams. An elegant jacket that will stand out in the showring with a gold Espoir pin and signature petersham ribbon. Colours available: Grey, Navy and Tan

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Olympus Village Cnr Archilles and Olympus Drive Phone:012 991 0907 Cell Carolyn: 079 275 3121

Foncé Bleu Navy Cotton Shirt: 100% cotton everyday riding shirt with a classic printed fabric, contrast button-panel inlay and golden buttons. Perfectly matches any Espoir Bamboo Breech.

THE SKETCH PAD

The

Sketch Pad Heart Strings by Gaby Millner Heart Strings started out as a very small idea- something I did more to see if I could actually do it rather than as a business opportunity. 4 years later, I’m happy to say that the continued interest and positive feedback in my products has exceeded my humble expectations and that Heart Strings is going stronger than ever!

As someone who also practices full-time as an architect, I’ve always been creative and good at putting things together with my hands. Heart Strings therefore brings together 2 of my passions- design and horses! Every piece of Heart Strings jewellery is commissioned using tail hair from your own special horse, making it completely unique. When you wear it you’re carrying around your own little piece of them-so they’re with you even when they aren’t! Many of my commissions are for animals that have passed over the rainbow bridge and the jewellery holds high sentimental value as a memorial piece.

sterling silver, with many of the parts I use being customdesigned and hand-made specially to suit and hold the hair.

Because the pieces are so personal, I also offer a wide variety of design options. I often feel that my range is too large, but then as someone who enjoys design so much I can’t really contain myself to a limited menu either! Although I predominantly make bracelets, I also make necklaces and keyrings.

Each piece is a labour of love and meticulous attention to detail. On receipt, hair is washed, sorted and often even counted(!). Each braid is woven by hand, using anything from 4 to 16 sections of hair. For the more elaborate braids, the sections need to be pre-twisted and individually weighted with a central counterweight for tension. You’re looking at 3 to 4 hours of work before the braiding process can even begin!

Because I know that people will want to cherish their jewellery (and thus their animals) for a very long time, I place high emphasis on quality. I work predominately in

The newest addition to the Heart Strings family is a range of pendants in which hair is cast inside resin and set into a sterling silver surround. Because only a very small amount of short hair is used, it means that hair from pretty much any animal can be used. Ultimately, Heart Strings is a celebration of the bond between a person and their horse or animal. Each piece signifies a love and that, for me, is what makes it so special. If you are interested in placing an order or finding out more about Heart Strings you can visit the website: www.heartstringsSA.com or www.facebook.com/heartstringsSA

Contact Gaby directly on 072 6136320

WINES REVIEW

Diemersdal Backs a New Horse... With First Skin-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc By Charnè Meyer

The award-winning Diemersdal Wine Estate, widely celebrated for its range of Sauvignon Blanc wines, has introduced the first skin-fermented Sauvignon Blanc to South Africa. The Wild Horseshoe 2015, the latest addition to Diemersdal.s wines, is the result of using a winemaking process not normally associated with this popular cultivar in South Africa. It was made from one of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards on the farm. Usually when making Sauvignon Blanc, the skin is removed from the juice before fermentation begins. However, the Wild Horseshoe’s grapes were fermented for 96 hours with skin contact, before being aged for 11 months in oak barrels. The wine was developed from the desire to explore the deeper nature and complexity of this cultivar, according to Thys Louw, cellar master of Diemersdal and chairperson of the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group.

“Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s most popular single grape variety because the wine it produces usually has aromatic, crisp flavours which the consumer can identify with,” said Louw. “However, as a winemaker, you can’t help but ask yourself questions like ‘what will happen if/...’, when you’ve worked with a particular grape for years and want to try something new. These questions are what led to us making Wild Horseshoe.” The Wild Horseshoe got its name from the hundreds of old horseshoes workers have found in the Diemersdal vineyards throughout the years. “Viticulture has been practised on Diemersdal since 1702. The work was done manually, with the help of horses, until the 1930s -which explains the horseshoes” said Louw. “The word ‘wild’ in the name doesn’t refer to the horses, but to the fact that wild, spontaneous fermentation is part of the unique character of this wine.” The Wild Horseshoe is made from one of the best vineyards on the farm, which was planted in 1982, with a yield of only three tons per hectare. According to Louw, the result has exceeded all expectations. “You know, initially I thought this particular horseshoe wouldn’t bring us any luck,” he said. “I expected some fireworks after the wine’s ‘wild’ fermentation, the integration of the fermenting juice with the grape skins and the barrelaging process. But in fact, this wine did very little for six months and I was ready to give up on it.” But then everything changed. “Suddenly, within a week, the wine developed a complexity which I.ve never experienced in a South African Sauvignon Blanc. It didn’t have the typical fruity character or passing, light structure of a Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has a classic, Old World character, and is one of the most complex white wines I’ve ever made. Its fullness and mineral character makes it perfectly suited for dining, and raises Sauvignon Blanc to another level entirely.” Louw says the most gratifying aspect of the new wine is the glimpse it has offered him into what a Sauvignon Blanc grape is capable of. “It’s showed me qualities of Sauvignon Blanc I’ve never experienced or been aware of. Hopefully a niche market for skin-fermented Sauvignon Blancs can be created, which will promote the grape variety and the South African wine industry as a whole.” During a recent visit to New Zealand, the most renowned producer of Sauvignon Blanc besides France, Louw was surprised how popular skin-fermented wines made from this cultivar were.

“This style of wine adds depth to the Sauvignon Blanc and may attract a wider audience,” said Louw. “This is one horse that should be backed by the industry.”

WINE REVIEW

Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc Over many decades, the vineyards at Diemersdal have been ploughed with horses and even up to today on rare occasions we find their horseshoes in the vineyards. The lucky finder takes them to our cellar, where they all hang to catch the good luck. Origin:

Durbanville; South Africa

Blend:

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vintage:

2015

Analysis:

Alc: Total Acid: RS: pH:

13.05% 6.3 g/l 1.6 g/l 3.48

Terroir:

Slope: Soil:

South facing slopes Decomposed granite (Hutton) with high clay content Moderate with cooling sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate: Viticulture:

Yield: Trellising: Age of vines: Irrigation:

3 t/ha 4 wire Perold 27 years Dry-land conditions

Oenology:

The grapes hand harvested at 24Balling, Crushed and destemmed. Skin contact of 96 hours, and the free-run juice was further fermented in 500L French oak barrels. Natural fermentation was done at 18-20C and finished off with VIN7.

Maturation:

Post fermentation lees contact of 11 months, stirred up once a week to enhance mouth feel and concentration. The wine was bottled unfiltered and sediment may occur over time.

Winemaker’s notes:

The Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc is unique with passionfruit and guava, spice and honeysuckle lime. On the palate there’s a lovely spicy, slightly grippy twist and that counters the richness of the French oak.

Food suggestions: Full flavoured seafood dishes and creamy soup or blackened,

spicy pan-fried fish.

Awards:

2015 vintage: Double Gold – National Wine Challenge (Top 100 SA Wines) ‘16

www.diemersdal.co.za

DRESSAGE

FEI World Dressage Challenge 2016 This year saw a change in format this year, each National Federation is now responsible for selecting an FEI Foreign Judge (2* and above) along with covering the majority of their costs, with the second Judge coming from the host country.

the age groups and tests. The aim of the FEI World Dressage Challenge is to give athletes who cannot take part in International Competitions the opportunity to compete internationally without them having to leave their own country. This years Challenge was hosted in Gauteng at Kyalami Equestrian Park, and was truly a World Class Event, run with incredible precision due to the support of Equilife and the media and communications campaign they ran regarding the event, the stellar announcing and the incredible sponsorship from Midfeeds’ Tack and Togs, Plastic World, Equestrian Diva, Addcon, Kuda, Equus and Equine Essentials.

This year saw a change in format this year, each National Federation is now responsible for selecting an FEI Foreign Judge (2* and above) along with covering the majority of their costs, with the second Judge coming from the host country. Other changes have been the Individual Classification which now offers a World Classification per Level and the the Team Classification being a World Team Classification, as well as changes to Tamsyn Muller - Lanyador

Gertrude Kusseler - Caballero

Jacqui S Photography

DRESSAGE Natasha Brown - Zinfandel J.N.

Erika Schafer - Geyerspaan Mauritz

Catherine Berning - Vinducath

Nichola Mohr - Callaho Fabriccio

Beryl Johnson - Riverdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ultra Winning Grooms Andre Le Conte - Zucca Dice 2

Anthea Michaletos - Uliva STV.

HILLARY HOOFPICK

Hillary Hoofpick

How to tell the difference between work riders and social riders

Work riders are all slightly unlevel in the morning before they ride their first horse.

Work riders have lily white legs. Social riders have time to sit on the beach and get a tan or they head to the salon at the beginning of summer for a spray tan that gets topped up every few weeks.

Social riders have had time to realign themselves by doing Yoga or Pilates. Work riders have dusty boots.

Work riders are often accompanied by a non descript small dog that they have found on the side of the road and they decided to keep.

Social riders wear polished boots with crocodile skin inlays and usually have the matching hand bag as well.

Social riders have pedigreed dogs who wear diamante collars and small jerseys in winter.

Work riders cannot wait to get out of their breeches and boots at the end of the day.

Work riders do not have time for photo shoots with their horses unless its for a sponsor that they are so grateful for that they would do anything for them.

Social riders enjoy doing the grocery shopping in their breeches and boots. Work riders are generally unrecognisable when they attend social occasions as they do not have a buff covering their faces or a riding hat rammed onto their head.

Social riders have beautiful pictures of themselves and their horses on their walls. Work riders prefer to try and get broken tack fixed as they are usually too broke to buy anything new.

Social riders always look good.

Social riders prefer to replace with new.

Work riders often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to update their facebook status everytime they win a rosette.

Work riders are used to riding in all weather and only stop riding when there is lightning or hail.

Social riders have a lot of time to update their status.

Social riders prefer indoor arenas.

Work riders usually drive dusty vehicles and are more concerned about their towing capacity than their personalised number plates.

Work riders produce their own horses.

Social riders love driving the big vehicles that are needed to tow a horsebox but they usually hire someone to transport their horse to a show.

Work riders thank motorists for slowing down for them while they are riding on the road.

Social riders prefer to buy a proven horse.

Social riders prefer not to thank motorists.

Work riders get excited when UV 50 shirts are on sale.

Work riders need to understand that many of them make their livings from these social riders and they need to be looked after. So be on time, do not charge for rides that you did not do, do not arrive hungover to ride at a show and remember that you are replacable.

Social riders wear crisp cotton shirts that never have a mark or stain on them. Work riders usually live on a diet of coffee and anti inflammatories and the odd carrot that is found in their vehicle.

Social riders need to understand that work riders make a living from riding and working with horses, they do not have a set monthly income. They also have commitments outside of riding and they do occasionally need to be paid on time and have a day or two off.

Social riders drink mineral water and eat salad. Work riders know how hard it is for a groom to hold two horses and tack up a third one at a show and will help a groom get everything done. Social riders will sit in their car and watch the groom battling to get everything done.

LIMITED STABLING AVAILABLE AT R4300.00 PER MONTH The traditional horse riding areas north of Johannesburg have all but disappeared. Space becomes an increasingly rare luxury as time moves on. You need only look around you. Only 3% of the 520 hectare farm will ever be developed. After all, you can’t have country runs without the country. At Monaghan Farm, we will always have outrides on horseback, mountain biking trails, hiking and picnicking along our 7km river frontage...MODERN FARM LIVING

Contact: Natasha Hyams • 082 723 9822 • Stables@monaghanfarm.co.za Ashanti Road, Lanseria 1748. 15 www.monaghanfarm.co.za

PORTRAIT

Stable for a Small Horse

By Gavin Younge

Stable for a Small Horse was the title of a series of new works for Horse, an exhibition curated by Ricky Burnett for Circa and the Everard Read galleries in Johannesburg during September 2011. The subject of the title (small horses) relates to another exhibition consecrated to horses on which my works are represented, namely; the Cheval de bataille at the Forteresse de Salses near Perpignan, France (June to October 2011, and the Conciergerie in Paris (November to March 2012).

Quagga Project 2011 Vellum, mousse, linen thread Dimensions variable Photo: Installation view, Forteresse de Salses. G. Younge.

The curator for Cheval de bataille is the director of the Musée de la Chasse in Paris and during my many visits to that museum I become acquainted with the director’s insistent intertextuality with regard to contemporary art. In one of the rooms

of this museum, he combined the work of Jeff Koons with that of François Desportes (1661– 1743). To give emphasis to the violence implicit in this rupture with tradition (the new in the old) I embarked upon a series of paintings based on commercial embroidery.

Stable for a Small Horse - Two horses 2011

Stable for a Small Horse - Rio 2011

Oil/acrylic on embroidery and canvas 80 x 140 cms

Archival ink on cotton-rag paper Print size 59.4 x 84.1 cms

PORTRAIT Jameson Raid is a reciprocal readymade and contains three re-purposed elements: an AngloBoer War saddle, an Anglo-Boer War stretcher, and a page from a German veterinary anatomy book.

In 2012, I presented Zebra Skin as part of the Pointure exhibition at the UJ Art Gallery. Although it is made entirely out of rather banal objects (shoe brushes), the work could be considered as a form of speech.

Together they mess with old grievances over territory and the mineral and agricultural resources bound up in notions of ownership and access.

The title points to the worlds of trophies, domestic furnishings, and striped African equids, but it repudiates the 464 shoe brushes from which it is made. There is no other signifying ‘thing’ present in the work, other than shoe brushes. It is the rearrangement of the bristles, and the alignment of the brushes that creates the impression of the form of an animal skin. The work can be read as an assault on realism, what Allen Feldman calls an “exposé of the depictive mechanisms” evident in faux documentaries.

Jameson Raid 2012 Saddle tree on canvas, 1911 Gold Medal Litter, digital print on cotton twill (ref: Das Pferd, Tafel 20. Ellenberger, Baum & Dittrich, Anatomie. Dieterich’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Theodor Weicher, Leipzig 228 x 55 x 38 cm

Zebra Skin 2012 464 white shoe brushes (bristles partly removed and replaced with bristles from 300 black shoe brushes) 180 x 200 cm Courtesy: Petra Wiese Collection, Cologne. Photo: Ant Strack.

Art and Maud de la Forterie’s essays “Deep” and “Skin”, published in French. He has participated on two occasions at the Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park exhibitions, and on several exhibitions featuring largescale sculpture organized by the Everard Read Galleries in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Gavin Younge Gavin Younge is Emeritus Professor at the Michaelis School of Fine Art and works internationally as a sculptor, writer, and academic.

Recent solo exhibitions include his project using vellum that was shown in Paris and at Salses as part of the Monuments et Animaux cycle of exhibitions sponsored by the French Monuments Council.

In 2012 he was awarded a UCT Creative Arts Award in recognition of the substantive and discursive contribution his work has made to contemporary art practice.

His solo exhibition, Water Matters featuring folded metal sculptures and six ‘redrawn geographies’ was presented by Ilse Schermers Gallery during January and February 2016.

In 2011 he won the Handspring Puppet Company’s award for his work with Jane Taylor, and his sculptural work has been acknowledged in various publications on contemporary art including Williamson and Jamal’s book Future Present: Art in the new South Africa, Jill Bennett’s book, Empathic Vision - Affect, Trauma, and Contemporary

Website: www.gavinyounge.com Sales Enquiries: Everard Read Cape, 021 418 4527

TURF DIARIES Photograph courtesy of www.gold circle.co.za

This Jack... is No Flash By Ashleigh Hughes (Love Racing)

2nd to Dakiwe, who is, coincidentally, a full brother to another Alexander stable star, Champagne Haze (as well as a half-brother to another former stable star, Pierre Jourdan). Kangaroo Jack followed that win up, with another two second places, over 1450m and then 1600m.

From the minute Kangaroo Jack walked out of the barn for the photoshoot, we could see he was all class. The icy, gale force winds disturbed nothing more than his forelock, as he posed serenely next to his trainer Gary Alexander. “It’s his temperament which makes him such a good racehorse,”

But in March 2016, he was entered into a 1200m on the Turffontein Inside course, and he cruised home by 3.75 lengths under Anton Marcus, as his regular

says Gary, as he stands next to the 4yo bay son of Maine Chance Farm’s stallion Querari. ‘KJ’, as Kangaroo Jack is affectionately known around the Alexander barns, is owned by Mrs Joyce Wallace, whose late husband is listed as his breeder, and he is the first horse trained by Gary, for the Wallace family. His dam is the 5 time winning bay mare, Rainbow Flag (by Model Man), who was bred by Swynford Paddocks, but also owned and raced by the Wallace family. Kangaroo Jack made a rather inauspicious debut in July 2015, down the Turffontein Standside straight, where he finished 6th, just 5.30 lengths behind the winner. But this would be the only time he has finished further back than 1st or 2nd, in all the rest of his eight starts. Gary is nonplussed by the run, and says, “I never push my babies early on. I like to give them a chance to find their confidence in races. He was quite green in that first start, and looking back, he probably needed the run.”

jockey Andrew Fortune, was on a short suspension from race riding. Gary was not surprised by the ease with which he won, “I think, at the moment KJ is most effective over 1200m, but Andrew thinks he will go further, and will be competitive over 1400m to 1600m as well, and I tend to agree with him.” They were both vindicated in their thinking, when Kangaroo Jack won next time out, emphatically over 1450m, but this time he carried 64.5kg! (It’s been hard to verify, but I think this may be the

Exactly two months later, he lived up to the promise he had shown in his work back at home, and found the Winner’s Box in just his second attempt, but this time over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside track. Gary decided to try Kangaroo Jack over a 1450m in his next start, and he finished a gallant

TURF DIARIES heaviest weight ever carried to victory by a South African racehorse, in the modern era!) That gutsy victory was enough to convince Gary to take a chance, and enter Kangaroo Jack into the R400 000 Grade 2 Post Merchants over 1200m, at Greyville Racecourse, in June 2016, in the height of the KZN Champions Season. He drew very wide, which is not ideal on the tight Durban turf track, and he had to settle near the back of the field early on in the race. He was close to last as they turned to home, but he burst through the pack under Craig Zackey (who was deputising for Andrew Fortune, as he had to carry 54kg), and won unchallenged, and gearing down. It was a win full of merit, as he beat a field of some of South Africa’s most highly rated sprinters, including Red Ray, who won the 1200m Grade 1 Mercury Sprint, in his next start! Gary tells us more about that race, “His exceptional temperament is what helped him win that night. It was the first time he had ever travelled in a float to a race. It was his first race away from his home course Turffontein.” He arrived at Greyville relaxed and calm, after the 7 hour float journey. Gary continues, “It was also KJ’s first race under lights, so he had a lot of new experiences to deal with. But none of that worried him that night. My brother Dean saddled him at Greyville, and he said he was a pleasure to saddle, even in a strange new place.” On 3 September Kangaroo Jack lined up for the R250 000 Grade 3 Spring Spree Sprint over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside course. He was coming off an 11 week rest, following his successful raid to Durban. He carried top weight of 61kg, and Gary says he wasn’t even fully fit, “I was using the race to bring his fitness on.” Andrew Fortune placed him beautifully on the rail, in 3rd position around the turn, and coming into the short straight, he was waiting to pounce. But it didn’t all go his way – the false rail was only a couple of metres deep, and he found himself trapped behind two horses, with no clear path to make his run. But the typically unfazed Fortune could feel what he had underneath him, and the moment he saw a flash of daylight between those two horses, he aimed for the gap and burst through to win going, away. That was Kangaroo Jack’s fourth win in a row, and second stakes win. You just can’t help but be a little impressed by Kangaroo Jack’s tenacity and talent; he’s the ‘full package’ as far as racehorses are concerned. Gary describes him variously as “Athletic, well balanced, and a natural galloper. He moves well and he settles easily in a race, which makes things easy for the jockey.” This is why he feels that Kangaroo Jack’s latest merit rating of 113 won’t be too much of an issue. The only other 4yo, in South Africa, who has a higher rating, is the public darling and Triple Crown victor, Abashiri, who is rated at 117. “We will stick to the Weight For Age and Conditions races for now, and avoid the

handicaps, so he won’t always have to carry top weight. We’ll probably be running him in the WFA Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m here at Turffontein, on 8th October. Depending on his performance there, we will decide which route to take race wise, whether to keep him over the sprint distances, or to go further.” Kangaroo Jack’s half-sister, a filly by Lateral called Sha-Boom Sha-Boom is now also in the care of the Alexander team. She is not quite as forward as her illustrious older brother, but she will improve as she races more and matures. She’s only raced twice, and in her second start over 1450m she ran up a close 5th place, finishing 2.25 lengths behind the winner. “She’s still maturing, and will win her races,” Gary tells me. Gary is a versatile trainer, and has had Gr1 winners from 1000m to 3200m, but he has trained some very talented sprinters in the past. Tommy Hotspur, Ruby Clipper, Palace Man, Chief Editor, Flintlock, South Country, Rebel Knight and Arabian Mist were all multiple winners at the highest level. Does Gary train them any differently to the rest of his string? “Not really – I like to treat each horse as an individual. I look at their body weight and temperament, and go from there. Nothing is set in stone.” Kangaroo Jack really is an impressive fellow in the flesh – you can’t help but to be a little in awe of his raw talent and nearly faultless conformation. I think we are in for a treat with his upcoming races, and he is definitely a horse to follow.

DRESSAGE NEWSLETTER

Elementary-Medium Making the transition … By Brigitte Billings Elementary-Medium is something of a transition grade; by now you’re probably comfortable in the competition arena, but it might still be daunting to make the leap to Medium, which is where the pressure really mounts. EM gives you a chance to find your feet before heading to the ‘big time’. Finer details You’re going to become more aware of the finer details at this stage. The gaits are no longer simply walk, trot and canter; now you’ll ride collected, medium and extended versions of each. Simple changes are a precursor to the much-anticipated flying changes, which are introduced at this level. Your lateral work repertoire will also be increased – prepare to ride travers, shoulder in, pirouettes and the half-pass – potentially one of the most elegant of movements. Learn to use your corners properly to help set up your angles for these movements. In some instances you may find yourself confused by the lateral moves, since many are very similar – give yourself some mental cues to remember what is required for each. The tests As in previous levels, there are seven ElementaryMedium tests – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with a Freestyle and you’ll possibly find yourself leaning towards the double-bridle, although recent trends are seeing more riders keeping their snaffles into the higher levels. Also, whip and spurs may suit you for encouraging the increased amounts of engagement required. Now you’ll appreciate the attention you gave to building your horse’s self-carriage and balance. Judges will be looking for telltale signs that he’s been correctly produced to this level. Often these will be evident in your transitions: a strong, balanced horse will maintain his frame and his rhythm both into and out of the gaits, whether it’s walk, trot or canter. This is important for you as a rider, because all it then takes is a simple aid to ask for the next movement – an obedient response means that you’ll be able to cope with the fastflowing tests you’ll encounter now. Use your time in EM to fine-tune your use of the aids as well as your horse’s understanding of them, since many of the higher movements are simply more extreme versions of the basic work done in previous levels. The flying change Many riders battle with introducing the flying change, and it can be nerve-wracking with horses

who do it with ‘vigour’; you may feel as if you’re being bucked out of the saddle! Experts advise that the trick is to ensure that the canter is absolutely established beforehand – which is where your simple changes come in handy. If you can walk to canter, canter to walk and strike off on the lead of your choice whenever you want, you should be ready to attempt the flying change. It’s also important that you are able to remain quiet and balanced in the canter – since the aid is initiated by the seat and leg, any imbalance from the rider will confuse the horse. A good introduction to the flying change will be tremendously valuable as you move up the grades and start having to string them together! It’s about you too Having ridden through Elementary in sitting trot, by now your seat should be well-established, freeing you to concentrate on applying the aids, however a good extended trot can be a challenge for many riders, as can the flying change discussed above, so consider building your own core strength with some out-of-the-saddle training sessions. Cross-training is beneficial for any sport, and your riding can improve dramatically if you are as strong and fit as your horse. In fact, you might already have found yourself frustrated by strength and fitness issues as you’ve progressed in your riding. It’s not unusual to find that horses are unbalanced or crooked if their riders are unbalanced, and this is often related to fitness, or even chiropractic problems. A horse and rider form part of a competitive unit that requires both to be in good health which is another reason why horse riding is so good for you. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle! Next month we’ll look at the Medium classes Want to try it out? Recreational membership is free! Visit www.dressagesa.com for contact information.

POLOCROSSE Photography by Neville Bailey

Australian Stock Horses -taking over the Polocrosse Field By Robyn Klaasen

after by the day. Rialda Ranger- imported and owned by Charles Van Wyk and James Cutler, was the first registered Australian Stock Horse stallion to have progeny playing in South Africa and while he seems to have set the standards on top class polocrosse horses, Edenhope-Bundy looks set on a road to success with his first crop turning 6 this year and already having 6 of his progeny playing at World Cup level in 2015!

Breed Profile

Height: 15-16hh Colour: Any solid colour Conformation: Varies considerably, however, very similar to the Thoroughbred with particular good sound limbs and feet In the early nineteenth century in Australia, there was a great need for a tough all-rounder, a horse which was hardy and reliable with a good temperament. They needed to be able to work in harness or under saddle in order to plough the land, clear timber or herd cattle and sheep. The horses which evolved for this were referred to as “Walers”, which were renowned for their stamina, courage and soundness. Later in 1971 the term Stock Horse was introduced.

We spoke to Tony Higgs, shareholder along with Peter Choice in currently South Africa’s only registered Australian Stock Horse stallion Edenhope-Bundy about their breeding journey and what gives these horses the ultimate polocrosse edge. Why/how did you start breeding Australian Stock Horses?

Stock horses have slowly made their way to the polocrosse fields of South Africa over the last 20 years or so but now with over two hundred foals that have been bred on South African soils; they are starting to prove their skills, making their presence on the polocrosse field more sought

“I was introduced to the Australian Stock Horse during my first tour with the South African team to Australia in 1995. Although I was not immediately “blown-away” by the breed, they did seem smaller in stature and quicker off the mark than the standard playing thoroughbred. We realized

POLOCROSSE how South Africa’s ‘game’ had evolved around the speed of the Thoroughbred because most were ex-racehorses, however, we returned with a new perspective after receiving horsemanship lessons in Australia. We employed Peter Choice from Australia to coach us and later, James Cutler joined him. James and Charles Van Wyk eventually imported the first registered Stock Horse stallion to South Africa called Rialda Ranger. Peter sent me Pocohontas as a two and a half year old to try out. She was the second produce of Rialda Ranger and Peter Choices’ top mare. I remember phoning him after I had ridden the horse for about 5 minutes to ask how long they had been schooling her as she was better educated than my main playing mare. He assured me they had literally only backed it the week before! The penny finally dropped that Australian stock horses are bred to be naturally balanced and have a natural herding instinct. It just remains for the rider to control it and get the horse to listen to you”

Photography by Neville Bailey

that continue to prove his success as a sire as you will always find them at every polocrosse championship or international throughout the country. They are generally the top contenders for the champion pony prizes as well. Bundy’s first crop of foals in South Africa are rising 6 this year and to date have won many accolades on the polocrosses (and polo) fields! At the polocrosse World Cup held in Shongweni last year there were 6 Bundy progeny playing at that level as 5 year olds, which, most will know is almost unheard of. We have been pleasantly surprised to see that a lot of Bundy’s foals are competing equally well in both polo and polocrosse and we are planning to expand our breeding programme to other disciplines.”

After 3 years of extensive consultation with Darryl Smith, a renowned horseman and breeder in Australia, we were offered Edenhope-Bundy, who duly arrived in 2009 as an 8 year old” Do you prefer them? If so, why? “I am more interested in the hybrid cross between the Thoroughbred and Stock Horse. Thoroughbreds have more than proved themselves in all disciplines and we have taken great care in selecting the Thoroughbred mares that have been bred to Bundy in order to produce quality offspring.

Without forgetting that there were roughly 200 horses at the polocrosse World Cup in 2015 and majority of which were Thoroughbred, we asked Tony Higgs his opinion on what gives the Stock Horses the ‘polocrsosse edge’ on the field.

Tell us more about Ranger and Bundy

“There are a number of thoroughbred lines that have been, and are still very successful on the polocrosse field due to their athleticism and speed; however it has always been a long process to find and nurture a thoroughbred that you have got off the track to compete in your chosen discipline. The stock horses were originally bred to be hardy, intelligent all-rounders to be able to herd cattle and sheep on the farms in Australia. The agility, balance, acceleration and lateral movement, as well as temperament, intelligence and ability to adapt that comes from that I think is what provides the ‘polocrosse edge’ . ”

“Ranger and Bundy differ in conformation with Ranger being slighter than Bundy. Rangers’ progeny are all extremely talented, intelligent, lateral and show all the abilities of a genuine stock horse. Bundy on the other hand throws heavier foals that are also highly intelligent and exhibit all the traits of a true Australian Stock Horse. We must however point out the importance of the mares here, Ranger and Bundy have both been very successful sires with the performance of their progeny as proof, however as I said earlier, we have taken great care in the selection of the mares as well and we always remember the “rule of thumb” that a well-bred, champion mare wil always produce better than herself.

Contact Details: Peter Choice: 083 300 4488 email: peter@choicecarriers.co.za Tony Higgs: 082 372 0590 email: higtimba@mweb.co.za Australian Stock Horse Society: www.ashs.com.au

How have these sires been successful? Tell us about their progeny and their success on the polocrosse field. Ranger bred for many years and it was a huge shock to the polocrosse community when he passed away after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He does however live on in many offspring

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FOURWAYS RIDING CENTRE Siobhan Records and Royal Darco

Home of Fourways Equestrian Club Emma Dicks and Midas Touch Marion 083 2758278

OUTSTANDING SHOW FACILITIES 3 Large Sand Arenas 3 Warm up arenas Cross Country course Social evenings and fun days Clinics and Courses held regularly

Livery for Horses and Ponies Regular Training and Graded shows for all Disciplines UPCOMING SHOW DATE

LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Lower Grade Eventing Trials 16 October 2016 60cms -1m all ages Graded Recreational Show Jumping 22- 23 October 2016 70cms - 1.30cm all ages

(Sanef and FEI qualified Instructor) Show jumping Dressage Eventing Equitation

SHOWJUMPING

Dunblane Pre-Derby Show and Yard Challenge 2016 About the Yard Challenge Event:

Winners:

Most entries for the show

To encourage yards to support each otherTo encourage riders within a yard to support each other, team building, Spirit, ectFor a yard to Show Case their riders and their abilities.

1. Yahweh-76 Entries 2. Weltmeyer-56 Entries 3. Dunblane & Sunny park-44 Entries 4. Crystal Ridge & Winsteads-32 Entries

Summary of the show: Sunday 11th September 2016 Over 520 riders entered the show Over 1000 spectators R50,000 in prize money Kate Launder & Arnold Botha where the course builders for the event Primal Photography (Joey Ramalho) & Doncre Photography (Nadene Courtney)

Most prizes won on the day

1. Jason Phillips & Sunnypark Stables-11 Prizes 2. Winsteads & Yahweh-10 Prizes 3. Crystal Ridge-9 Prizes 4. Pretoria Eq-5 Prizes

Sponsors for the Show: Kazimingi Nursery • Rowlin National Brokers • Milmac Animal Feeds • Fulvic Supplements • Equineonline • Horze • Espoir Equestrian • Getpix • Equilife Magazine • Nu-Angle Stirrup Irons • Western Shoppe • Arco 360 Insurance • Stable Gate Equestrian • Saddle Covers by Michelle Lalo

SHOWJUMPING

A GROOMS INSIGHT

A Well Groomed Groom

By Sikhangele Mbambo

Earlier this year two of Mistico Equestrian’s beautiful young and upcoming riders, Caitlin and Jenna Eager, took part in The SA Junior/Pony Rider Champs show in July at KPC. They came down with their groom Moffat Somewhere who looks after their stunning ponies Daisy Duke and Highover Just Jack. Moffat, 27 years of age is from Malawi, and he currently resides in Durbanville, Capetown, and his wife and son, Promise (7) both live in Blantyre where she is a housewife. How long have you been a groom? 2 years. What did you do before becoming a groom? From 2011 I worked at an olive oil making farm in Mountain View and I stayed on the farm. What did that involve? Picking olives and helping make the olive oil, I worked there for 2 years. How did you get into grooming? I started off as a gardener and occasionally helping with the horses and then I was moved to grooming full time.

Can you immediately see if something wrong is wrong with your horses? Yes because I know them well, when I see them in the morning I can tell that something is wrong

Describe a day in the life of a groom. I start at 7am grooming and feeding the horses breakfast then cleaning the stables. At 9:30 I take them out and bring them in at 1pm. Lunch is served at 1:30pm and they go out immediately. after lunch, until 3:30pm. I then take them in, and feed them

Do you talk to the horses besides giving commands when grooming them? Yes and I love chatting to them and love going to shows with them What do you think are the characteristics of a good groom? I treat them like they are my children. I want them to trust me, I respect them and they respect me. They know me and when other grooms sometimes approach them they don’t behave and respond as well as they do with me.

Do you have any riding experience? I did not have any experience when I started, Siobhan Wall gave me some grooming lessons in the yard. She taught me how to tack as well as lunge horses. I also learnt about feeding the horses and measuring their food. Would you like to take your knowledge of grooming a step further? Yes! I Would like to learn more and if possible do some courses to do with horses.. My dream is to become a stable manager

What has been the best venue for shows in your travels so far? Johannesburg, I love Jhb, we always get good amenities. I have also been to Shongweni and I loved it there too.

Did you have any previous contact with horses before this: Never before in my life.

What do you like about being a traveling groom? I have made friends and it is always interesting to hear the progress of other grooms’ horses and the different things that they do at their yards. What are the characteristics of a good horse? They should have a soft eye and be able to stand while being attended to. I love handling stallions.

Do you think a horse understands verbal communication? It does. My horses recognize me when I approach them and they respond to my verbal commands.

GROOMS INSIGHT How can you tell a horse is in a bad mood? I look at its ears, if the ears are flat I know it’s a very cross horse.

Do you get any prize from the shows? Yes, my horses win a lot and I get some prize money when they win

What horse food do you know? 10% Romix

How would you describe a good relationship between a horse and rider?:

Do you think the type of food fed to a horse affects its behavior? Yes, some food makes the horses become too active and difficult to handle and, at times you get food that makes the horses very slow

The horse should always trust the rider and the rider should not fight with the horse when they are riding. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? As a stable manager

Have you ever tasted any of the food eaten by your horse? Carrots, hahaha, lots of times If you had the financial capacity, would you own a horse? One day but I think it is very expensive so I would need lots of money. When horses are sick do you think they appreciate human comfort? Yes, when my horses are sick sometimes I sit with them at night and they become quiet, I think they feel and need to be comforted

How do you deal with a difficult horse? I am always careful and calm around them, there is always a good reason why a horse is difficult and one needs to be patient and understanding. Equilife would like to thank Tack ‘n Togs and Midfeeds for sponsoring the wonderful hampers to our grooms.

Is there anything you would improve in the way you care for your horses? If I learnt more I think I would understand more, right now I feel that there is a lot that I do not understand and I can only gain more knowledge with more lessons. How do you prepare a horse before a competition? I wash the horses and groom them well so that their coats are beautiful, their mane and tails too.

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GADGETS

What is it -

Market Harborough / Balancing Rein / Thiedemann Rein By Georgina Roberts have the rein contact too tight. The horse must be ridden forwards or the horse will simply learn to fix their their heads and not use the rest of their bodies for balance and engagement.

This is a training aid for ridden work and assists the horse to lower their head carriage and to work in an outline. It looks like a combination of a martingale and running reins that attach onto the reins that go to the riders hand (i.e. you don’t need to juggle a second rein). Because a release of the hand allows a release of pressure, it is a useful gadget for use in jumping horses who tend to throw their heads up in approach of the fence.

Be aware... Only use with a snaffle bit. Only to be used by experienced riders. Ensure that the snaffle rein comes into action before the Market Harborough tightens. Gradually introduce the gadget by using a milder setting to start, and correctly warming your horse up before tightening it. If the horse shows any sign of panic then the rein should be loosened to immediately reduce the pressure that is being applied, lest they try rearing to avoid it. Try to wean yourself OFF gadget, remembering that it is only a training aid. All artificial aids should be fitted and used under the guidance of an experienced trainer.

How to use it The Market Harborough encourages the horse to lower and carry their head and necks. It is particularly useful with horses that throw their head up and maintain a more flexible kind of control. The bonus is that when riding and the rider relaxes the hands, the horse can stretch on a long rein, and the potential problems of running reins – where the rider gradually tightens the running rein excessively, thus causing the horse to ‘tuck up’ behind the connection – is removed. How does it work The Market Harborough has a milder action than that of the De Gogue because is can be released. When the horse lifts or hollows their head and neck and the rider just maintains a connection on the rein, the Market Harborough will come into action. As with any good artificial aid, however, soon as the horse lowers their head the pressure is released. Thus the horse can learn to seek the release from pressure obviously without too much skill or interference from the rider. The pressure is applied on the corners of the mouth, the bars, tongue, and the poll when he lifts his head and resists.

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How to fit it •The Market Harborough is composed of a leather strap which attaches to the girth. •The leather strap then runs in between the horses legs and up from the chest. •From the chest the leather splits into two with one strap going to either side of the bit rings. •The leather then goes through each side of the bit rings from the inside to the outside and attaches to the reins via rings on the rein. •The snaffle rein should come into action before the Market Harborough allowing the Market Harborough to only be used when required.

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How to use it The Market Harborough will come into action off a very light contact so care must be taken not to

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ENDURANCE

A letter to my Darling....

By Leandri van der Vyver

This month I was spoiled for choice in terms of telling an endurance story to the South African Equestrian community, from the sandy dunes of Namibia and the Walvis Bay African Champs to the foreign Slovakian shores of our riders setting off to compete in the World Championships, but then an email landed in my inbox that made me put the above on ice. To the humble author, I hope I have done it justice with my translation. Certain pieces of rich Afrikaans prose one simply cannot repeat in another language. Enjoy.

On Saturday 10 September the Swartland Endurance Club hosted an endurance ride in the trusty quant town of Darling. Think lush green spring grass, rolling fields, West Coast wild flowers and of course Tannie Evita. This venue and track is always a firm favourite to all concerned, and once again produced a superb ride. One story however lead to a rider drafting a very special letter, which was circulated amongst the endurance clubs emails and fortuitously caught my eye. The letter really had such an impact on me, that I knew I had to share it with a wider audience.

Honourable fellow endurance rider The weekend was, once again, an unforgettable weekend on horseback in Darling. Today, however, is Monday and the weekend long forgotten as we busy ourselves with our everyday lives.

When I contacted its author, one of our most beloved vets, I was a little shocked at first when he would rather not have me publish it. “It was really difficult for me to write, I really don’t want to be glorified because out of this, I just want to give thanks where it is due.” but as the conversation carried on he agreed for me to publish it anonymously if I believe it will benefit the sport.

Ingrid Owen Sportography

ENDURANCE I spent Saturday night doing what one shouldn’t do, but can’t avoid, thinking about everything that could’ve gone wrong during that fall. Other than the destruction of my trusty saddle of 20 years, I walked away from the incident unscathed. Was this luck? Was it pointing me to some correction I needed to make, or was it simply the so called “wake-up-call”? For the past 10 years I have been dreaming of sharing a ride like the one on Saturday with my son. The most perfect morning, spectacular sunrise, the arum lilies and spring flowers in full bloom, the wheat fields standing ripe like we used to read about in bible stories. What bigger joy can there be in life? No amount of money or status or knowledge can take the place of a day such as this. I would gladly give up 20 years of life for 1 day like this in the saddle. Like the infamous Riaan Cruywagen said upon his retirement “All I can see when I look back, is grace” It further made me realise how much we take for granted. The privilege to be able to participate in this sport, selfless people like Riaan, Altus, Candice, Antoinette and host of others that tirelessly help organise rides. The vets, whom give up their Saturdays, their rugby and family time so

On the weekend something happened to me that we all fear and I hope never happens to you. Charlie, my dear horse, decided to attempt scratching his nose with his front legs whilst cantering at high speed. Considering that he is rather leggy and not the world’s greatest gymnast, his attempt failed and he stumbled over his own feet. This resulted in a spectacular combination of a break dance and a head over heels manoeuvre. The whole incident played out in what felt like a slow motion nightmare, and I eventually hit the ground, hard. In the corner of my eye I just saw Charlie rolling past me. My initial reaction was that I just had the wind knocked out of me, but then I tried to move my legs and arms, but felt nothing. I landed on my neck and the back of my head. Staying calm, I tried my fingers and slowly life returned to the rest of my limbs. Only through the grace of God I stood up with nothing torn or broken, but the best news of all was that Charlie had hardly a scratch to prove the incident. Only in that moment did I realise that I was in the company of my fellow riders. These riders, my competition, had all stopped and turned around. Up until this point we were locked in a furious battle, riding at a speed that bares testimony to this.

Ingrid Owen Sportography

we can ride. Our horses, that give up their joints, tendons…and grazing-time, to partner with us in our joy. To the riders that have walked this road with me, the ones that stood by me as I had to eliminate their horses during a ride, as well as the times we shared the elations of a win, a child’s first completed 80km or a first completed 120 or 160km - you have made my endurance journey so worthwhile and I feel honoured to have shared this with you. To my grooms throughout the years, Joggie and Koot on the 300miler, to Christa and those that are always around to give a hand when needed (even when it’s done only to check that I’m not cheating) thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

To Radie Heyns, WJ van Zyl, Dominique van Zyl, Mareli Grobbelaar, Joanne Wilens and Paul Lubbe – I want to express to you all my sincere gratitude for the Spirit of Endurance you displayed, to literally give up your race to work together and catch my horse, and then help me get back onto him. I definitely did not deserve the “Best of the Best” prize awarded to me at the ride and would really like, through this letter, to award the “Best of the Best Camaraderie 2016” prize to this group of riders.

The road has been one characterised by enjoyment with you all. If, on Saturday, it was destined to be that I would not stand up again from the Darling soil, I know there would not have been any regrets, only joy and gratitude. See you at the next ride.

The Provincial Championships of the South African Young Dressage Horse Series 2016 By Simone Howarth Spas sponsored vouchers for the first, second and third place of each age group, and H&R Dressage kindly sponsored trophies for the winner in each age group. Without our fantastic sponsors this series and the Gauteng Championships could not have been as successful as it was.

The SA Young Dressage Horse Series Gauteng Championships was held on 27 and 28 August at Fourways Riding Center. It was a great weekend of competition with the classes being well supported. As we had 5 or more horses qualify to compete in the Championship show in all but the 6 year old class, a qualifier was held on the Saturday. The top 5 combinations of each age group were then invited to compete on Sunday in the Championship class. The judges for the qualifying classes were Judy Vertue, Susan Human and Maureen Dalglish. The judges for the Championship classes were Ute Shutz, Claire Bailes and Debi van Wyk. A very big thank you goes to our very generous sponsors Arco360 Equine Insurance sponsored rosettes throughout the series, as well as goodie bags for the Championship classes. At the Gauteng Championships Western Shoppe sponsored beautiful daysheets for the winners, headcollars for the second place and vouchers for the third place of each age group. Equi Cool Horse Hydrotherapy

At the championships in all three provinces the top five horse’s tests were videoed and the top three horses in each age group and in each province were submitted to the judging of the National Championships of the series. The judging of the National Championships is done by an overseas FEI young horse judge. The tests are judged totally independently without the judge having seen the results which the horses attained in their Provincial Championships. The winners of the National Championships will be announced in the next edition of Equilife magazine. Below are the results of each province’s Championships show.

Gauteng championships results

4 year olds: 1st Place Adelprag Orlando van Doorndraai with 82.0% Owned and ridden Chere Burger

Adelprag Laes Fan’t Alddjip 5 year old winner

2nd Place Ambeck Ferego with 80.0% Owned by Shiree Darley Ridden by James White 3rd Place Adelprag Hilton with 72.4% Owned and ridden by Andri Du Plessis

Adelprag Orlando van Doorndraai 4 year old winner

2nd Place Jolanda van Doorndraai with 81.6% 3rd Place Ordep Silhouette with 76.0% Owned by Rose Michaletos Ridden by Anthea Michaletos 5 year olds: 1st Place Adelprag Laes Fan’t Alddjip with 84.0% Owned and ridden by Chere Burger

6 year olds: 1st Place Tierra Piquena Zenith with 66.0% Owned and ridden by Nikita Brittain

Tierra Piquena Zenith 6 year old winner

5 year olds 1st place Demascus van der Cumul with 71.2% Owned and ridden by Jocelyn Constant

7-9 year olds: 1st Place Adelprag Quick Silver with 69.63% Owned and ridden by Chere Burger

Damascus van der Cumul 5 year old winner

Adelprag Quick Silver 7-9 year old winner

6 year olds 1st place Mossandi Noctus with 69.4% Owned by Victoria Mostert and ridden by Calet de Vos

2nd Place Adelprag Alwin with 66.62% Owned by Chere Burger Ridden by Wium Van Huyssteen 3rd Place Chabalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dimaggio with 59.41% Owned and Ridden by Jessie Van Eck

KZN championships results

4 year olds 1st place Jason van Doorndraai with 76.8% Ridden by M Botha

Mossandi Noctus 6 year old winner

2nd place Faris of Milford with 66.2% Owned and ridden by Sarah Perkin 3rd place Sandstorm with 63.3% Owned and ridden by Luke West

Jason van Doorndraai 4 year old winner

DRESSAGE Western Cape championship results

6 year olds 1st place Callaho Billabong with 69.8% Owned and ridden by Sisca Ploughmann

4 year olds 1st place Hortela with 68.8% Owned by Carlos Raposo and ridden by Patricia Robertson

Callaho Billabong 6 year old winner

7-9 year old 1st place Compton House Highland Fling with 69.92% Owned by Debbie Wallin and ridden by Carsten Peters

Hortela 4 year old winner

2nd place Herdeiro with 68.6% Owned by Carlos Raposo and ridden by Patricia Robertson 3rd place San Marco with 61.4% Owned and ridden by Susan Zoltner-Forbes 5 year old 1st place Sommelier with 66.4% Owned by Haidee Marklew and ridden by Carsten Peeters

Compton House Highland Fling 7 - 9 year old winner

Sommelier 5 year old winner

“ A horse doesn’t care how much you know, until he knows how much you care ~ Pat Parelli” Facilities:

Stabling and Tuition Equine Hydrotherapy Spa 2 - 5ha Fields and individual Paddocks Showjumping Arena with Floodlights Dressage sand arena with Floodlights Safe outrides within the walls of the Estate 2 Equine walkers and Transport to shows is available

Contact

Brigitte Karels 082 413 3071 brigitte@dunblane-equestrian.co.za

SPOTLIGHT

Dunblane Equestrian Centre You couldn’t ask for more

By Colleen Mulrooney When seen from above, Dunblane Equestrian and Equine Hydro Therapy centre is impressive. Down on the ground, it’s no different. Owner-managed with personal care and attention to detail, makes Dunblane an obvious choice for riders at any level. 2 - 5ha Eragrostis fields or in individual paddocks, when necessary. The facilities are impressive and include arenas big enough to allow after-work riders plenty of space for schooling and the odd lesson.

Lifelong horse lovers, Brigitte Karels and Phillip De Klerk are surely living the dream. They own and manage the neat Dunblane Equestrian and Equine Hydro Therapy centre, the east rand’s horsey hub, which is safely enclosed in the sprawling Dunblane Lifestyle Estate.

“We accommodate all riders, from the happy hacker to the competitive rider,”

The partners have been surrounded by horses their entire lives, and now get to share their equine passion with their clients. They oversee the modern yard which can accommodate 100 horses, whose owners either live in the estate or elsewhere.

says Brigitte, “school ponies and lessons for beginners are available too.” A scroll through the centre’s Facebook reviews gives you an idea of just how happy clients are. Brigitte’s hands-on approach of all aspects, from care and management to building confidence in the arena, doesn’t go unnoticed. Photography TB images

Described as a five star horsey hotel, Dunblane’s sheer scale was created with the equestrian’s needs in mind. Horses spend their days out together, in

SPOTLIGHT

attention. The establishment hosts informative talks by a range of experts, from Fourways Equine Clinic vets, farriers and physiotherapists on a range of subjects from nutrition to soundness, all with the aim of increasing owner’s knowledge and awareness.

Riders have access to safe outrides in the walled estate. They can opt for transport to shows further afield or they can stay home and compete in dressage (sand arena) and showjumping shows throughout the year. Riders benefit from the well maintained grass Derby arena – complete with Devil’s Dyke and bank– in their own backyard.

Last year the Dunblane Equestrian Centre 20k Yard Challenge was introduced. The aim of the competition is to build camaraderie between competing yards and to foster a feeling of support between them. The idea was to create a platform to encourage yards to showcase their riders and the level of instruction they receive. 2016’s winner, Vega Equestrian Club, took home the R20 000 prize money and the title from Anuschka Lovgren of Yahweh Equestrian, who won in 2015.

The jewel in the Dunblane crown is their onsite hydrotherapy unit. The machine offers a noninvasive form of healing therapy for the multitude of injuries sustained by horses. Phillip and Brigitte operate the unit, which treats a range of ailments from cracked heels, ringbone and tendon injuries, to flesh wounds and soft tissue damage. The extensive facilities at Dunblane allow for horses who need it, to recuperate in individual paddocks under 24-hour supervision. The individual needs of each horse are considered and tailored packages include hydro therapy, physiotherapy and exercise programmes to aid post-op recovery or rehabilitation after an injury. Two horse walkers ensure gentle exercise for those who need it.

One thing is clear the tranquillity and relaxed environment which is maintained at Dunblane, leave the horses and their riders feeling the same way. The horses are described as being fat and happy and young owners smile when they get a picture of their pony tucked up during late night rounds. What more could any horse person ask for?

The community vibe at Dunblane extends beyond it’s grand appearance. The horse and owner’s wellbeing is kept top of mind, along with maintaining a steady routine and around the clock care and

STABLE VIEWS

Managing the Mixed Yard By Hannah Botha - MSC Equine Science (Royal Agricultural College UK)

Managing a large group of horses often creates a problem for horse owners especially when it comes to feeding. Keeping horses in a social setting with limitations on the amount of land available makes it tricky to keep a good doer/easy keeper from gaining excess weight whilst simultaneously improving the condition of the bad doers/hard keepers.

Below are a few tips which may be worth considering: • Know the weight and condition score of each horse. Any deviations from an average weight or condition score of 5-6 needs attention, through either weight loss or weight gain.

different areas to ensure that all horses get a chance to eat. • If alternative turnout cannot be arranged, consider grazing muzzles for those horses needing restricting.

• Watch the herd dynamics to get a better understanding of which horses may need more monitoring. Also consider grouping for condition, for instance, graze poor doers together and better doers separately. This allows you also to set aside your better grazing for poor doers.

• Concentrates and oils are often needed to provide extra calories for poor doers but remember that Balancers and Fibre products (hay cubes, beet products etc) make excellent feed choices for those not needing much, while still providing them with something.

• If horses are only out grazing during the day, take the amount of turnout time into consideration and weigh hay accurately to ensure that each horse is getting 1.5% of body weight in roughage per day. Good doers may need to have their roughage reduced to 1-1,25% which means they need less hay, and poor doers may need theirs increased to 1.75-2% per day.

• There is no “one feeds all” concentrate. Feeding one type of concentrate food only is not ideal. In a big yard, each horse will have different needs and one food cannot meet all the individual horses’ requirements. Each horse needs to be considered individually. • Feed concentrates separately. If horses are not coming into their stables for meals, consider creating stalls adjacent to the paddock, where each horse walks into his own stall at feeding time to eat, then walks out when finished. If one horse eats too fast, he may need to be locked in until the other horses are all finished to avoid him gobbling his feed and then eating another’s.

• Consider using different hays – a lower nutritional value grass for the horses in good condition and a grass with higher nutritional value (a teff or Lucerne hay for example) for those needing extra. • Avoid round bales – they may save time but can lead to extra wastage and some horses may view them as an ‘all you can eat’ buffet which could be detrimental for overweight horses. Often, well conditioned horses are the most dominant and thus get more access than the horses really needing the extra hay. If there is no alternative to round bales, consider several bales in

Take home message Horses are all individuals and will all require something different. Feeding one type of food will not work for all and thus grouping horses can be the most beneficial way of ensuring that all are well maintained.

GAITED TRAVELLER

Cranford Country Lodge and Appoloosa Stud

Dean Demos Photography

“Experience the Finest Country Living” By Kirsten Makin

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands are steeped in a rich and fascinating history and the region of Curry’s Post is no exception. Driving along the charming stretch of road between Nottingham Road and Howick it is not hard to imagine what life was like here a 150 years ago. A glowing horizon littered with the outlines of wagons and carts, quiet shadows making the long journey to the gold and diamond fields of Johannesburg and Kimberley. which the Blackburns lived in for a time, is used as a part of the guesthouse. The Bent Arm bar was transformed into a rustic country reception venue called “the Barn” The Blackburn family, who will be celebrating their 10th year at Cranford in April next year, began a family business that has grown exponentially over the last decade. Well known for its weddings and cottage accommodation, some might argue that Cranford is even better known for its so called “spotty horses”. In the heart of the Curry’s Post area is where you will find Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue. A farm very much embraced by the old world charm of the historic Curry’s Post area. Originally founded in 1856, the original owners of the Cranford farm are still unknown, it is however believed that the Cranford Farmhouse and the Dairy were two of the first buildings established on the property in the mid-1800s. During the more recent years the Cranford Farm, like many places in the area, has been repurposed and turned into a guesthouse and restaurant. Cranford Country House, as it was named by its previous owners Mick and Gloria McConnel, was home to the local favourite, the Bent Arm Bar, and the original Cranford Farm house was used as a guesthouse.

Wade Howard - Ocean Driven Media

These “spotty horses” or, as they are more formally known, Appaloosas, form the Cranford Appaloosa Stud Farm, a venture started in 2007 when the property was acquired. Richard and Debbie Blackburn made the decision to start breeding the Appaloosa in order to produce a horse that is good natured, versatile and hardy. Richard and Debbie’s aim was to breed a transition horse for children who have grown out of their ponies and

Cranford Country Lodge, as it is known today, is owned by the Blackburn family. The farm has been turned into a country lodge and wedding venue. The site of the original dairy is now the honeymoon suite and the old Cranford farmhouse,

GAITED TRAVELLLER

Dean Maber - The Lapa

want to move on to a horse that was slightly larger but not as unpredictable and daunting as an exrace horse could be.

Once establishing the stud Richard began using the principles of Natural Horsemanship, which is more casually known as “horse whispering”. Natural horsemanship places emphases on obtaining Horsemanship through communication and understanding. Using these principles, Richard succeeded in getting young horses started and backed and transforming difficult horses into balanced manageable ones. The Cranford stud horses are trained using Natural Horsemanship methods resulting in trusting, confident and willing horses.

The decision to begin and run a stud farm was based on a lifetime of love and understanding of horses. Richard, who grew-up on an Arabian Stud Farm in England, and continued pursuing his enthusiasm for horses and competition through the British Army as an Officer in the Royal Horse Artillery. Together with his mounted ceremonial duties he competed for the Army in Show jumping, Eventing and Polo. Attending the Army Long Equitation Course at Melton Mowbry and spending time with the Cadre Noir he acquired a solid grounding in both training horses and instructing students. After immigrating to South Africa in 1984 Richard, together with his wife Debbie, also an accomplished Horsewoman continued to work in the equestrian field breeding and producing competition horses for both eventing and show jumping.

“Ask any Horseman to list the virtues that he or she has learned from horses, and chances are that you will hear the words and phrases like patience, teamwork, communication skills, problem solving, self-esteem, responsibility and the value of hard work.” Richard Blackburn

This eventually culminated in the decision to begin the Cranford Stud and to begin building the Appaloosa family. The foundation herd of Appaloosas was headed by the magnificent leopard spotted stallion, “Rio Grande”.

Today, the Cranford Stud is working with Gareth Mare and Jamie-lynn from Heartfelt Horsemanship. Heartfelt Horsemanship uses methods such as natural horsemanship and various other forms of horse interactions. Their main mantra is “performance through understanding”, naturally. Currently they are working with a number of appaloosas and the results of the work have been incredible to watch. Natural and trusting relationships, formed through mutual understandings and acceptance. The establishment of the Cranford Appaloosa Stud is the perfect addition to the Cranford property, creating a working farm that could be enjoyed by

Karen Edwards - The Stallion. Rio Grande

GAITED TRAVELLER visitors to the Midlands. The good nature of the Appaloosa, allows guests to visit with and interact with the horses.

abroad. From family holidays to cosy couples weekends, the Cranford family has grown to include all those who have joined them in celebrating weddings, holidays and simply visits to see the spotty horses.

Having now been established for 10 years, the Cranford Stud is a valued and important part of the Cranford lifestyle. The Stud has allowed the Blackburn family to breed friendly and versatile Appaloosa horses.

Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue has grown into a destination for travellers to the Midlands Meander. Embracing the values of family, the importance of hard work and that muchneeded down-to-earth attitude of the Midlands countryside, the Blackburns have created the perfect place to experience the finest in country living.

Alongside the Cranford Stud, the Blackburn family have succeeded in creating a name for themselves in the midlands wedding industry. Over the years Cranford has become widely known for their weddings, offering its brides and grooms a country-chic wedding experience. Boasting a rustic thatch and stone chapel, two reception venues, each with their own particular charm, and luxury accommodation for up to 60 guests. Couples who book Cranford for their wedding day are promised the very best service, beautiful scenic backdrops and a wedding day that exceeds all expectations.

The Cranford family have indeed succeeded in creating a home away from home, offering heart and a hearth to all its visitors.

With the many facilities and venues on offer, Cranford also offers group conferences and team building. Over the years Cranford have also hosted a number of school groups, including international schools, and have celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries and engagement parties.

If you would like to know more about Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue you are welcome to visit our website, www. cranfordcountrylodge.co.za

Over the last 10 years Cranford has welcomed guests from all over the world, both locally and

Breeders BREEDERS

BREEDERS

Mini’s are Tiny but Tough...

By Juanita Duffield

Majestic Miniature Horse Stud began in 2010 when we bought our first mare, and the love for miniature horse grew. Minis are like Pringles once you pop you cant stop. We then went onto buying our first Herd Sire from Outeniqua Miniature horse, OMH Rocky Impudance, who is half American stallion. Currently we have 2 Herd Sires, 9 Mares, and 2 young foals..... Ferrari has attended many events and giving many children an opportunity to experience a ride on our carriage. Although these days we don’t hire him out much as just not enough time. We added a second herd sire to our herd 2 years ago. OMH Fantastic Elegance. is a full American Stallion and is doing a wonderful job for our stud.... We attend many shows through out the year..... 2015, Ferrari went into the Interbreed supreme class and came 4th. We are so proud of Ferrari and he just gets better as the years pass. He is one amazing carriage horse.

A Miniature Horse is a small, sound, well-balanced horse possessing the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds, refinement and femininity in the mare, boldness and masculinity in the stallion.. Miniature horses are also been used as therapy horses, and In American used as Guide horses, due to their size and the life span.

Ferrari has been awarded Carriage Driving horse By the SA miniature horse Society in 2014,2015 and we are working extremely hard to retain our title for 2016.

Both our Herd Sire are stamping each and every foal, with such awesome temperaments and conformation, and always such an easy foal to bring on. We love carriage driving and it is our passion, to get more people interested and carriage drive with their minis. One can also teach them to jump in hand as well as do tricks with clicker training. Miniatures are so much more than just a horse; they are also, great companions.

Miniature horses still need all the same requirements housing and feed requirements as their bigger friends. Our miniatures are all Feed on Spurwing and Equus horse feeds, just there portion sizes are a lot smaller. You can keep 4 miniature horses to approximately one 15hh horse.

BREEDERS

The miniature horse shows are a great place to showcase your foals and for the public to come and view what great character and personalities these horses are small give are very affectionate.

Majestic Miniature Horse Stud is situated in Sundra, 15km from Delmas in Mpumalanga.

Majestic Miniature is very proud to be a part of the Miniature Horse Society and to help maintain and better the breed. At our stud we prefer to use mares on the higher end of the scale and small stallions. Miniature horses are gentle, affectionate and easy to handle. They will make an ideal companion or pet as well as first horses for small children.

Minis are tiny but tough...

Majestic Horse and Pet 80 Witbank Road, Sundra - Mpumalanga Juanita Duffield: 082 541 4767 juanitaa@mweb.co.za

Stockists of Royal Feeds • Weideman Voere • SpeediBeet • Fibre Beet • Grass Bales

CALENDAR

Show Jumping Calendar October 2016 SHOW DATE

EVENT

VENUE

PROVINCE

Closing Date for

ENTRIES

8 - 9 Oct 2016

Young Riders and Adults

Burlington Stables

Closed

Gauteng

8 - 9 Oct 2016

Sprng Show

Noordhoek Riding Club

3 Oct 2016

15 Oct 2016

Graded Show 70cm - 1.35m

Maple Ridge

7 Oct 2016

Gauteng

15 - 16 Oct 2016

Post Derby

Kyalami Park Club

3 Oct 2016

Gauteng

15 - 16 Oct 2016

SASI National Challenge KZN Leg

Shongweni Club

3 Oct 2016

KZN

22 - 23 Oct 2016

Graded and Recreational show. All ages

Fourways Riding Centre

13 Oct 2016

Gauteng

26 Oct 2016

Selleria Equipe World Cup. Provincial classes all ages

Maple Ridge

Closed

Gauteng

Dressage Show Calendar October 2016 SHOW DATE

EVENT

VENUE

PROVINCE

14 - 16 Oct 2016

Free State Championships

Bains Equestrian

15 - 16 Oct 2016

Cantebrooke October Show

Cantebrooke

Gauteng

30 Oct 2016

RS League

Equine Eccentrix RS

Gauteng

Eventing Calendar October 2016 SHOW DATE

EVENT

VENUE

PROVINCE

1 - 2 Oct 2016

FEI - CCI1* & CCI2* Final Africa Cup & Africa Shield

Shongweni Club

KZN

15 - 16 Oct 2016

70-90 CNC18 IP Team Chs

Spurwing Karkloof

KZN

22 -23 Oct 2016

90cm Champs - 70cm - 90cm

Inanda Country Base

Gauteng

WHIPPING GIRL

The Whipping Girl.... By Georgina Roberts

The day in the life of a Broodmare involve falling asleep on the sofa in breeches after two beers, not one. Yeah. I’m okay.

This month I’m abandoning A Day In The Life Of A Working Pupil in favour of a more topical discussion for me personally: becoming a broodmare.

They say that kids don’t care if mom is sick, they are still demanding. Well it turns out horses aren’t overwhelmingly sympathetic either. I have used crutches to shovel manure, bandaged legs before bandaging my own hand, taken a temperature at 2am heaving with bronchitis, and sucked on a reflux tube while I had a tummy bug (spoiler: it ended with both of us being relieved of our stomach contents).

Now, while I’m not implying that there is anything on this earth to prepare people for parenthood, I am inclined to think that one of the best things you could have in your arsenal is being a horsewoman. Here we have compiled for your humour a short list of Why Horse Riders Are Ideally Prepared For Kids: Late nights up with sick kids? Have you tried a sick horse? Consider the similarities: both very upset, incapable of communicating WHY they are unwell, only in one case their thrashing might actually break your kneecap.

“Oh, say goodbye to dignity and privacy...” ANY rider worth their salt has visited the emergency room. I have peed into tubes, never mind the back of stables. Strange nurses have had to cut my breeches off, and months later grooms have waited for me try to get into them in the back of horseboxes. I share my bed with a dog and the occasional Pony-Clubbers. I’ve had a friend apply purple spray to saddle sores on my butt, and I was proud of them because the German praised my sitting trot that day. For horse folk, dignity and privacy are vague terms to begin with (not to mention “normal”).

The horseperson’s car and the parent’s car are pretty similar... chaos. Not to mention that we are adept at juggling the chaos, and we would both rather die than make two trips to the house. Hence we can be spotted carrying two saddles, two bridles, a boot bag, turnout kit, AND a teff net. This is pretty interchangeable with a pram, car seat, two packets of Pampers, shopping, nappy bag, and groceries.

The gynae will tell you that you need to be flexible in your approach to birth and parenting to avoid anxiety and disappointment. Well, the best advice I ever got from a coach was “Read the handbook. Then throw it away. Horses can’t read. Have your plan A, and aim for it by all means, but when the sh...erbet hits the fan, you need to be quick to move onto plan B, C, D, E, and maybe F.” I think this is as close to perfect as life advice gets. When you’ve had your horse develop a sudden aversion to water jumps, decide their saddle is no good after your forty grand investment, or even just sneeze black mist on your immaculate breeches two minutes before arena time, you develop both a sense of humour and an ability to move on swiftly and do the best you can.

Our medical cabinets are already SO equipped. That Karvol we use in stallions’ noses to block out distractions? Actually for baby’s chest. Huggies make for an excellent hoof poultice (and apparently they work for poop too). Baby powder can be used on white socks and cherub’s bottoms with different success, baby oil is not just for nostrils before entering the show ring, and who knew Sudocream was used for nappy rash and not scraped fur? Just remember the thermometer doesn’t work the same. The antenatal classes can try to scare us with videos of live births, episiotomies, and breastfeeding horrors; after you’ve foaled down four dozen heaving sweating oozing mares, cut caslicks open (if you don’t know what that is, DO NOT GOOGLE IT OHMYGOD DON’T GOOGLE IT), had to examine the placenta, wait an hour for a foal to learn how to latch (and watched the mare’s udder change shape alarmingly), plus been excited over an enemainduced myconium, you will alarm the nurses by yawning through their descriptions.

But the best commonality I can draw is that this is the great unknown – every time we canter through the starting flags or down the centreline, we accept that it can end with broken bones or a trophy. How exciting, right?! Horses have trained our hearts in the ultimate of highs and lows, and yet, there is NOTHING that would make us ever give it up. We love them, in spite of the late nights, exhaustion, being broke, being sad, because that one perfect stride or that one exceptional tempi just make up for it completely. We’re big-hearted, thick-skinned, darkly-humoured, and brightly-optimistic. We are ready for this.

Toddler temper tantrums? Have you RIDDEN a fresh young horse at 6am in the middle of winter when a plastic packet blows into the arena??? Ha. Hahahahaha. People have assured me that my social life is “over”. I assume the one that they are talking about is the one where you work New Year’s day because the grooms are off, the one where you leave dinner early to check the yard, the one where bags of ice are for legs and not drinks, and the one where heavy nights

And as it turns out, Corona is excellent for stretch marks!

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