The equestrian 1 final

n a i r t s e u Eq n East Africa

Sept - Oct 2013

e ● Sho

cing ● Dressag

Polo ● Horsera

wing wjumping ● Sho

hs.

Price: 200 KS

In This Issue: Selby Williamson and Buster Mackenzie leading top players from South Africa to this year’s Kenya International Polo

PG 06

Dominique Thoenes Flying Kenya’s flag abroad Read all about her lifestyle, equestrian multi-tasking and painting skills

PG 04

1

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

Safari

Express Cargo Ltd. Nairobi, Kenya: P.O Box 41840-00100 Tel: +254 722 706 016, +254 722 552 698, Email: safari@africaonline.co.ke

Johannesburg, South Africa: Warehouse #1 Foreign Airlines Terminal O.R Tambo International Airport Tel: +27113903132 Fax: + 27 1186616287 The Equestrian â– Sept- DEC 2013 2 Email: jeremy@aero-link.co.za

CONTENTS Editor’s Note

Cover Story

Dominique Thoenes is a rare breed of talent who has ridden, done polo and jumping

S

omething blatantly fortuitous is happening in the equestrian sport. More and more youngsters are being deployed to playing Polo, as was the case in recent tournaments, especially at the Nairobi Polo Club.

PG 04 Kenya International

This is the way forward, if stakeholders would like to sustain, not just equestrian dimensions, but all sports. The youth are our future, and, the earlier they are exposed to a healthy, competitive lifestyle, the better it will be for all concerned.

Horse-racing collects apprentices at an early age.

They can soon rank up 50 wins to reach professional status.

Another two weekends of action-packed polo started at the Jamhuri Park

PG 06

Meanwhile, nominal fees are on tap as an incentive. Dressage, showing and show jumping, have a decent amount of toddlers escalating to adolescents, who have taken the adopted well to this maxim. Certainly they are turning heads with their flamboyance, bravery, and expertise.

Back to Ngong

Trainers, breeders, owners and jockeys return to Ngong race course for another season

The trickle effect is that crowds, of all sexes and cadres of society, turn out to watch and support these events.

Perhaps, the corporate world ought to brace a cue and organize tournaments exclusively for the youths, rather than according them secondary roles like curtain raisers, or similar. Exposure to inherent sporting dangers should begin from childhood to create awareness, navigation towards a modicum of prudency, and, ultimately, character building.

PG 10 Story of a heroine

Paddy Migdoll and her late husband Micky saw it all, from the racing’s humble beginnings

Because of cost implications, parents and clubs can only do what is affordable, hence the necessitation of corporates, which are always appreciated.

PG 11 Fashioning Lifestyle

How fashion designers have popularised polo shirts among the young and old

Managing Editor: Patrick Isaack | Editorial Coordinator/Revise Editor: Innocent Gal | Contributors: Innocent Gal, Grace Aswani, Cindy Voorspuy, Natalie McComb, Liz Thoenes

PG 16

Design & Layout: A.M. Creative |

Regulars

Illustration: A.M. Creative Photograhy: Joshua Otieno E-mail: ea.equestrian@gmail.com

07

News

11

Profile

The East African Equestrian is Published by Mychezo Limited

08

World Polo news

P.O. Box 75772-00200 Nairobi

09

Sports roundup

14 Latest news briefs

10

Horseracing

16 Polo

All correspondence to The East African Equestrian is assumed to be intended for publication.

East African Equestrian accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artworks or photographs. All

3

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

Cover Story

Why I swopped a horse for a paint Dominique Thoenes takes us through her world of equestrian sports, painting and Bella Matata horse

E

ast African Equestrian: How did you get started in equestrian sports?

Dominique Thoenes: I started riding at the age 3.

My mum co-ran a fantastic riding school in Karen, Nairobi, with Judy Corr. It was called Westwood Park, and it was through Westwood Park that I was introduced to eventing, show jumping, racing and dressage.

Who led you into the sport? Who is your role model?

become fearless in jumping and flat racing, too. Judy pushed me into a bit of racing and jumping. I did not take up polo until a much later date.

rider combination. In polo, you have to be able to ride a wide range of polo ponies, but in eventing there is a real individual bond between you and your individual mount. You are tested in dressage, cross country and show jumping.

The discipline and connect has to be there for all three phases, but in such a diverse way. You and your mount need to be precise, flexible and controlled in

Which of the equestrian sport is your favourite? Why? For years I lived, slept and ate polo, but over the past two years my focus has moved onto three phase eventing. I love the fact the eventing is such a complete test of a horse and

My mum and sister were great at pushing me into the sport, and my dad called himself the “sponsor”. Judy Corr was a fantastic teacher and she pushed us to

Dominique Thoenes is a professional artist.

“Art is my job, not my hobby,” she says. She promises to expound on this in her website which will be launched this month.

“I studied fine art at the University of Cape Town, and I have been a practising artist for the past 13 years. Horses are not my only subject matter, although they are a strong vein in my work. In South Africa, I have a roving exhibition called “Two Trick Pony” that gives 20 per cent of its sales to the Cart Horse Protection Association, in Cape Town. Horses are used a lot in poorer communities of Cape Town as transport and to move heavy loads. The Cart Horse Protection Association makes sure the horses are well looked after, that they get the medical care and inoculations that they may need, and that the owners are educated on

the care and welfare of horses. It is a great service that makes sure that these horses remain fit and well, and are still able to serve their owners.”

“In Kenya, I have a roving exhibition called “ The Truth About Bees and Elephants”. Up to 50 per cent of the sales from this exhibition goes directly to the construction of Beehive fences in remote small holding farm areas. These beehive fences keep the elephants off the farms and prevent crop raiding. This is an amazing and well researched project that solves a problem and at the same time creates a second income for these farmers, who get to harvest the honey from the beehive fences.”

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

4

For more information and information on other projects you can find information on my web site. www.bellamatata.com.

“I shall be exhibiting in Nairobi in November a collection of 30 paintings depicting the area that I grew up in -- Karen. This collection of work is an important new step in my career, as I have been dealing with reality more rather than my whimsical naïve painting style that has dominated my previous works. Karen shall launch at the Talisman on the 13th of November 2013, and the works can also be viewed on my website.”

Cover Story the dressage, you need to be fearless and fit yet still precise and controlled in the cross country phase, and then to round it up you need the control and the ability to be accurate to see you round a complicated show jumping course.

It is all about clear communication and understanding with your horse.

What have you achieved in each of the equestrian sports that you play?

As a junior rider in Kenya, I managed to win the Show Jumping Championship of Kenya at the age of 14, on a pony called Cerease that I had never ridden before! I also won the leading junior show jumper on my own mare “Hot Gossip” when I was 16. I then switched to polo.

In polo I have competed in tournaments round the world in 14 different countries. I developed an All Africa Ladies team, that went by the name of Bella Matata. We won the Ladies Spanish Nationals in 2008, as well as an exhibition match against the All South America ladies team. The match was held in Nigeria. In polo, I managed to raise a lot of sponsorship and competed in Snow polo events in Switzerland and Argentina. I also worked in many polo yards in the USA, Ireland and New Zealand. I was also part of the winning team two years in a row, winning the ladies Gold Cup in Jaipur, India.

Back in Kenya, I developed my own string of polo ponies and competed successfully for the Nairobi Polo Club. over 15 years. In 2010, I made selection and represented Kenya in the Kenya-Zambia international in Lusaka. Kenya managed to win by 1 goal.

In Flat Racing, I managed to win the Ladies amateur race “The Town Plate” and the apprentice and Amateur Police Force Cup in 2011. I have done very little racing but enjoy it immensely when I can make the weight.

I have now just started to compete in eventing in South Africa. So lets see how I fair as a Kenyan in South Africa.

Do you play as a professional or amateur? If the latter is the case, what do you do for a living?

In Eventing, I compete totally as an amateur.

In polo, I managed to raise a lot of sponsorship and also worked with horses and teaching

01. Dominique Thoenes in her polo gear 02. Dominique after competeing in the Klosters snow polo in Switzerland. The team was sponsored by Rotonda Tours and South African Airways.

03. Dominique attempts to save a goal in one of the prilimary

beginners to play and ride, so I could say I was semi-professional.

I am a painter and I do creative arts for a living.

This is great as it affords me my own hours, and time for my horses.

What constraints are there in this sport? Can it be a mass following sport?

The main constraints in any horse sports is financial. Horses are expensive to maintain and they are expensive to move from event to event. These constraints do make it an elitist sport, and therefore a mass following is unlikely.

Give me a blow-by-blow typical day for you.

I don’t have a typical day, but most days involves a horse and a paint brush. I am fortunate enough to still get to play polo from time to time. I still go and ride out work on race horses from time to time, but most of my equestrian energy now goes into my two horses.

They are both four years old and they are my equestrian future. South Cross Andromeda is my horse that I compete on in South Africa, and Bella Matata’s Fantasia is my future prospect in Kenya. Bella Matata’s Fantasia is a very special horse to me, as she was swopped directly for a painting, and therefore “belongs” to my Kenyan company Bella Matata. She is a spectacular looking horse, a real piece of art work!!!

Had you not taken up equestrian sport, which other sport would you have played?

Why? I love cycling and running, and I would have probably taken up kite surfing. Equestrian sport is time consuming, I tried to take up kite surfing as I loved the freedom and solitude it offered, but it, too, is time consuming, and one has to work at some point!!

Any other information you would wish to share with us, which would be of interest to equestrian sport.

Horses have always been my muse and what drives me. They teach you patience and can humble you in a second. I have learnt many important life lessons through my horses. They have enabled me to travel the world and meet amazing people. I would not be me without at least one horse in my life. They gift me my dreams and my energy for life.

matches in Nigeria.

04. One of the aintings are from a collection that she has done depicting the subuerb of Karen, and the Ngonge Race course.

05. Dominique rides a horse to victory at the Ngonge race course in Nairobi

5

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

Chevrolet and CfC to sponsor 2013 Kenya Polo International

A

Selby plays for Jurassic Park Polo Club in the Swartberg region where he also runs a polo school. He is a very versatile player who can attack from his preferred forward position but is also good in defence. Last year, Selby was coach for the 14-goal SA team that travelled to Malaysia to take part in the FIP 14-goal World Cup Playoffs and also played for South Africa against New Zealand in 2008, Canada in 2009 and Chile in the 2010 BMW Internationals. At the SA Champs in July 2012, Selby was named MVP of the tournament.

n action-packed two weekend await polo enthusiasts at the Nairobi Polo Club. The first Kenya Polo International, proudly sponsored by Chevrolet, is due for September 13-15).

The second weekend (September 20-22) will be sponsored

by CfC Bank. On display in the first weekend of the tournament will be the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Captiva and Chevrolet Utility. Today, Chevrolet is sold in over 140 countries and one in every 15 vehicles sold in Africa is a Chevrolet.

John Eustace

The Kenya Polo International is shaping up with an exciting line-up of world class players. It will be a fun event for all with music, food and drinks at the Nairobi Polo Club which is located at the ASK Jamhuri Showground, Ngong Road.

John lives and farms in Underberg, South Africa and plays polo at Underberg Polo Club off a 5 handicap. His preferred positions are at back or at “3.” He has previously represented South Africa in Australia, Chile & Mexico. He has international experience in England, Malaysia, Singapore, Barbados, Kenya, Ghana and Zambia.

The matches are open to the public and admission is free. **The Nairobi Polo Club Black & White Masquerade Ball was held on 14th September, at 8.00pm at Karen Country Club. For future booking of tickets and information, please contact Emma at emma@cardybrown.com** ***************** There will be four players from South Africa this year, namely John Eustace, Buster Mackenzie, Selby Williamson & Bryan Hein. You may recognize Selby Williamson from last year: Selby Williamson (5 goal) Home Club: Captain, Jurassic Park Polo Club

Buster Mackenzie Buster has been to Kenya before and played in two Internationals here including having been on safari in the past– so he is no stranger in these parts – nor to John Eustace the local Tusker brand.

He has been coaching for 12 years and has a pool of 50 playing horses in Plettenburg Bay, the heart of South African Polo.He plays off a 6 goal handicap.

Many of the horses playing in Kenya have been bought from him and are in the top strings throughout Kenyan Polo.

Buster has three children and the oldest, Chris is now 5 goals and plays mainly in the UK and internationally in the professional sphere. A lot of his high goal horses are exported from South Africa to the UK. Buster is known for his strategy and ‘nononsense’ polo – but is known to let his hair down occasionally.

Buster Mackenzie

Selby Williamson

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

6

The fourth South Africa player, Bryan Hein (below).

News Previews

Polo flows in family blood If polo is the king of sports, then many players are heirs apparent. And in that case, no vacuum can be anticipated in the sport.

Amber Ahluwalia, daughter of Ashe and Kiran Ahluwalia was born in Nairobi in 1993. Went to Peponi Preparatory School and is currently studying at Cheltenham College in the UK. Started playing polo six years ago. Her brother Rishi, also a student in the U.K., is another refined polo player.

Aisha Gross, daughter of Anthony and Rowena Gross was born in Kenya in and lives in Timau.

Went to Banda School and is currently studying at Westonbirt School in the UK. Started polo six years ago.

Imogen Voorspuy – daughter of Tristan and Cindy Voorspuy Was born in Kenya. Lives in Rongai. Went to Pembroke House. Is currently studying at Stowe

School in the UK. Started playing polo six years ago.

Tiva Gross, daughter of Anthony and Rowena Gross was born in Kenya in 1993. Went to Banda School. Has just finished her final year at Westonbirt School. Started playing eight years ago.

Hiromi Nzomo has a veritable polo pedigree. Her go-karting brothers Jadini, 11, and Amani, 8, have just started polo and observers opine they have a bright equestrian future. Hiromi was born in Machakos 18 years ago.

A keen polo player with a handicap of -1.5, she plays number 1 and is quickly getting known for her good horsemanship and hand eye coordination.

She attended the Jurrassic Park Polo Academy in South Africa where she was under the pupilage of South Africa’s professional Selby Williamson.

Her father Raphael Nzomo is a keen polo player

and former chairman of the Kenya Polo Association.

Tiva and Aisha from the Cazamir Tarquin family. Kimoi and Kigen Moi, sons of Gideon Moi, also an ardent polo player.

Other polo families are the Murray family (Gordon, Jamie and Topper), the Craig Family (Joss, Lydia and Sasha), the Dyer family, the Millar family (Stutti), the Barlow Family (Jojo, Nicky), the Stonewiggs, the Grammaticas, among others.

2 1 1. Davis Cup winners Tim Chesire, Raphael Nzomo, Emma Cardy-Brown and Suki Shretta of Samurai’s at the Nairobi Polo Club 2.Anthony Gross (in red) of DT Dobbie and Peter Griffiths of Pepsi at the Manyatta club in Gilgil 3.Kimoi Moi in full flight at the Nairobi Polo Club 4. Kigen Moi With his prized Pony at a training ground 5. Rishi Ahluwalia and Hiromi Nzomo during the Mugs Mug in Timau.

3

KENYA POLO ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT FIXTURES 2013 4 24 –26 May 2013 31st May –2ndJune 2013 Ladies Invite) th

th

21st– 23rdJune 2013 28th –30th June2013

MPC MPC

Gilgil Gilgil(ZPA

NKPC NKPC

Timau Timau

Nairobi (Kenya International)

11th – 13thOct 2013 MPC Gilgil (6 goal OPEN)

18th – 20thOct 2013 Dolly TZ 19th– 21stJuly 2013 NPC 25th- 27th Oct 2013 Dolly Nairobi TZ 26th – 28thJuly 2013 NPC 5 Nairobi (Connaught) 23rd – 24th Nov 2013 Kakira KNPC Uganda 15th– 18thAug 2013 NKPC Timau(Mug’s Mug) 6th –8thDec 2013 MPC 23rd– 25th Aug 2013 NKPC Gilgil - Manyatta Xmas Timau (Calvalry) 14th – 16thDec 2013 (Sat-Mon) MPC Gilgil - Manyatta 13th – 15thSept 2013 NPC (4-6 goal) Xmas Nairobi (Kenya International) 20th– 22ndSept2013 NPC (8-12 goal)

7

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

World Polo News

Black Eagles holds the Dogs off to win cup Guards Polo Club Published on: 3rd Sep 2013 (Guards Polo Club The Fox and Hounds Social Cup returns home with Jonathan Munro Ford after an exciting game against Kildare Dogs The Black Eagles team registered their sixth victory of the season when winning the Fox and Hounds Social Cup on The Queen’s Ground. Black Eagles had won this trophy last year and so Jonathan Munro Ford was delighted to step forward once again to receive the trophy from Haim and Carol Perry of the Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar. The Black Eagles dominated the third, much of it thanks to 16-year-old Charlie Pidgley, who played a hugely confident game and was successful at keeping both Moreno and Antonio Manzorro away from the ball. Even when his mallet broke as he was on a sure fire shot to goal he remained cool, calmly heading to the sidelines to collect a new stick. With fellow schoolboy Tom Brodie showing similar flair for Kildare Dogs, the Hurlingham Polo Association can be confident that there is a great depth of talent coming up through the sport.

However it had looked like a different outcome in the early stages of the game with Andrew Dechet’s Kildare Dogs taking a 2-1 lead after the first chukka, while the Eagles were struggling to find their winning form. Early into the second the Kildare Dogs’ Pancho Moreno stopped a Max Charlton penalty and it looked as if fortune would be favouring the Dogs on this day. Then Max and Chris Hyde suddenly hit their stride and the Black Eagles were back in game.

Now the Black Eagles were 4-3 up at half-time and never lost their lead again.

Ladies Polo assists the Haven breast cancer charity (Published on 2nd Sep 2013) Guards Polo Club hosted its first ladies’ charity polo match last Saturday (31 August) with all money raised going towards the leading breast cancer support charity The Haven (www.thehaven.org.uk). The teams, looking elegant in their La Martina shirts, are all playing members of Guards Polo Club and loved this opportunity to play against their fellow patrons on one of the Club’s most prestigious grounds, The Duke’s Ground, where Tea Vintage had transformed the Club’s Duke’s Pavilion into a 1950s’ tea room to entertain both guests and players. Featuring three teams, The Haven, Ashbury & Bloom and Beautiful Bottoms, the tournament was played as a round-robin with The Haven coming out the winners. Ashbury & Bloom’s Charlotte Sweeney was named Most Valuable Player and Louisa Donovan’s seven-year-old pony Max was named the Best Playing Pony. All the players though received a fabulous goody bag from The Haven’s founder Sara Davenport and the Chairman of the Haven’s Wessex Appeal Sally Taylor, thanks to much generous sponsorship from both Guards Polo Club and The Haven’s sponsors and supporters. The Haven is currently running a £2.5million campaign for a new Haven support centre in Wessex which will allow 2,685 people currently in breast cancer treatment to have the opportunity to access the charity’s services and be helped to positive recovery. Thanks to sponsorship from Black Eagles patron Jonathan Munro Ford, Tashan Polo

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

patron Vivek Rawal and Los Lobos patron David Lewis and Beautiful Bottoms London, all the team entry fees will be donated to the charity.

Such generosity should help make a dent in the charity’s campaign target and help it reach the sum needed to allow it purchase the building for this fourth Haven centre in the UK. Pamela Healy, The Haven’s CEO said: “We are enormously grateful to the Guards Polo Club for making this unique event happen. Fundraising events such as this are vital to the appeal as it helps us get ever closer to achieving our goal of opening a fourth centre in Wessex. The monies raised will ultimately help countless people in the region cope with the challenges that breast cancer brings to their lives.” (Google)

8

Sports Roundup

Tokyo to host 2020 Olympics

Dr Bach takes over at IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sitting at its session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on September 8 selected Tokyo to stage the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Tokyo beat Madrid and Istanbul.

Head of German Olympic Committee, Dr Thomas Bach, was on September 10 elected the new President of the International Olympic Committee, succeeding Dr Jacques Rogge, who served the body for 12 years.

World Record transfer

Kenya fourth best

Gareth Frank Bale, 24, (Pictured) moved from Tottenham Hotspur (2007-13) to Real Madrid in a world record £80 million (Sh12 billion) transfer. After the end of the global football transfer window ended on September 2. Bale, a Welshman, signed a six-year contract in a deal that surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 94 million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009.

The winger previously played for Southampton (2006-7). He lives in London with partner Emma Rhys-Jones, his high school sweet heart.

Other big name transfers included Mesut Ozil’s move from Real Madrid to Arsenal, Samuel Eto’o’s move from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala to Chelsea, Fernandinho from Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester City (£30 million), Marouane Fellaini’s move from Everton to Manchester United (£27.5 million).

Kenya finished fourth behind hosts Russia, United States and Jamaica in the recent World Athletics Championships in Moscow (August 10-18). Although not as successful as they were in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011, Kenya’s women especially excelled, with Edna Kiplagat retaining the marathon title, Milcah Chemos winning the 3,000m steeplechase gold, Eunice Sum the 800m gold and Mercy Cherono the 5,000m silver medal, which was won by Ethipia’s Meseret Defar. Ezekiel Kemboi (Picture centre) twice Olympic Games steeplechase gold medallist, retained his world title and did the jig. Former Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop also retained his 1,500m title.

Moses Mosop Headlines the Bank of America Chicago Marathon The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, will feature four of the world’s fastest Marathon men and the top two finishers from last year’s women’s race at its 2013 event on 13 October, organisers announced on September 5.

Kenya’s Moses Mosop (Pictured) Dennis Kimetto and Emmanuel Mutai, and Ethiopia’s Ayele Abshero all rank among the top 11 marathon performers in history.

Pos 1

Rus

7

4

6

17

Mosop leads the way as the second fastest marathoner of all-time with a personal best of 2:03:06, followed by Kimetto, who is sixth in the list with 2:04:16, Abshero is seventh with 2:04:23 and Mutai 11th with 2:04:40.

2

Usa

6

14

5

25

3

Jam

6

2

1

9

4

Ken

5

4

3

12

5

Ger

4

2

1

7

6

Eth

3

3

4

10

7

Gbr

3

0

3

6

8

Cze

2

0

1

3

8

Ukr

2

0

1

3

10

Fra

1

2

1

4

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Atsede Baysa and Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo will face one another for the first time since their dramatic sprint finish down Columbus Drive last year. “It will be hard to top last year when the top three men all broke the previous course record and the women’s race was decided by a single second, but this is the field that can do it,” said Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. (iaaf.org)

Country

Total

(iaaf.org)

9

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

Horse racing

NEW NGONG SEASON SET TO BE PHENOMENALLY RECEIVED After weeks of off-season, punters will return to the Ngong Racecourse to join jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders for another potentially-exciting racing season. Read on...

E

By Innocent

ven as plenty owners, breeders, trainers, and, jockeys, went abroad for the two month break from racing, many remained static.

Those not in need of a holiday, have been busy preparing for 2013/14’s new season, hoping to make hay while the iron is hot. Yearlings need to be taught the ropes and brought along slowly, while their superiors rest in paddocks. Actually, there are chores by the million to be addressed, so the sojourn is very welcome.

Moves are afoot to re-establish a project which the late David Bowden set up many years ago, concerning a book on Kenya’s horse racing. This dates right back to when Adam was born. The idea has been spectacularly received, with donations towards printing costs pouring in from unlikely corners. This proves that racing is still enjoyed by the masses, and there is extreme excitement mounting for September 22, when operations apparently resume fullscap. Carol, as the Jockey Club’s PR, is responsible for connecting with sponsors. She is confident there will be far more interest from Companies promoting the Sport of Kings. David

Davies, Chief Executive Officer, is buckling all avenues for a tidy promising beginning.

African trainers have really bubbled as worthy opponents in the last few years. Joe Karari, Onesmus Mutua, Joe Muya, and the Nuno brothers, are more than a force to be reckoned with. In fact, Nur Nuno was so exceptional, he made a huge impact in Zimbabwe, training the Guineas winner with Approval Rating for David Armstrong.

Joe Karari began in a diminutive post working at Ngong for Sheikh Hamid Butt and Doctor Patrick Musimba. When interviewed back in the day, Joe forecast his rise to fame. In no uncertain terms, his horses started to prevail against the odds. Sheikh Hamid, dived into the game on four cylinders, importing brilliant horses from South Africa. Each has already won handsomely. He has now established a Stud Farm at Athi River, solely for breeding purposes. The Sheikh admires Joe Karari. He has complete faith in him.

Together they have sensibly agreed not to run horses until the juice finishes. As soon as they reach the top, their horses luxuriate in matrimony. Kudo’s!

■ The chairman of the Jockey Club of Kenya, Mr. Joe Wanjui (in

Fedora), with jockeys during the Spanish Day 2012 at the Ngong racecourse.

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

10

“

There will be far more interests from companies promoting the sport of kings”

A Profile

Paddy Migdoll:

A woman for all seasons

A

activist, Derby Ball co-ordinator, Limuru Charity Boxing Day organizer, and, Pony Club supporter. Understandably, there were not many hours left over for Polo or eventing, but she still engaged whenever possible.

Born of farming stock, an only child in the Highlands of Scotland, Paddy sadly lost her mother at the age of three and her father, fifteen years later.

Step-parents looked after Paddy, saw her through school, and, provided a wonderful horse named Star, whom she was devoted to. Star taught Paddy how to connect a hundred per cent with horses.

After an enjoyable education, Paddy joined the Women’s Auxillary Air Force as a rookie in Harrowgate. She was then posted to New Delhi at the cessation of hostilities in Europe after the Second World War. There she ably assisted Chief of Staff, Air Marshall, Sir Roderick Carr.

Circumstances led Paddy to a decent position with the Kenya Shell Company. She landed on July 4, 1946, also American Independence Day, and never thought about re-locating again.

Having been an accomplished horsewoman in Delhi at the prestigious I.D.I. Club, Paddy made immediate inquiries on how to re-establish herself in this department. She was introduced to entrepreneur, Micky Migdoll, who was opening his up-market men’s clothing store, Esquire Limited, after the War. Micky had been invited to Nairobi on contract as a drummer at Torr’s Hotel, which Lord Errol frequented.

Paddy offered to exercise Micky’s horse, Todd. Seven years later, Todd’s intervention led to holy matrimony in South Africa. Paddy then bore two children - Michael and Jooooolia. They swept the boards at Jamhuri Park, show-jumping Tuddles, River Lane, Michigan, Captain and others, into periodic Champion-ship mode.

It was acually Beryl Markham, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in a single-engined plane, who lured the Migdoll’s into racing, away from Jamhuri. Beryl took out a licence in 1926, won hundreds of Classics and other winners, but always found solace with Paddy, whom she regarded as an absolute best friend.

Paddy initially bought a few horses to be trained by Commander Long and Harry Deacon. Monsoon was the most successful, tempting Paddy into the world of training on her own Private command.

Amber Dart began a magnificent series of strikes for the Migdoll’s

By Innocent

ctivity, happiness, frugal diet, love of God, and keen interest in all sports, keeps Paddy Migdoll (nee Flora Mackenzie), still young at 90. She mile-stoned this age with her customary dignity on July 10, 2013. “The most important issue for any human is never to waste time, or, allow time to be stolen.”

Paddy has walked the walk, talked the talk in every conceivable field of equestrianism, as an owner, racehorse breeder, trainer, rider, journalist,

11

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

until the enterprise grew wings.

Simultaneously, Paddy enrolled as a journalist for the East African Standard, where she has remained solid under pseudonym Squirrel, for 56 years. When racing was at its peak in the 80’s and 90’s, Paddy wrapped her hole brain round garnering sponsors, then after a meeting concluded, she would busily construct an interesting two page pull-out on their behalf.

Michael Cunningham-Reid, himself an avid racing man, gifted the Migdoll family with a mare called Heartache, opening up an avenue of breeding that shifted Paddy onto another dimension. As a trainer, Paddy was blessed with her own yearlings, never having to resort to buying any on the Annual Sales.

She would conscientiously awaken early when a foal had been born, to assist in necessary applications.

Obviously, mares had to have their personal privacy during birth.

Paddy’s chosen venue to train her horses was at Limuru Golf course, a forty minute drive from home. Twice weekly at unsociable hours, Paddy would transport two thoroughbreds, accompanied by her whippets (miniature greyhounds), do what was necessary, then report for a whole day’s work at Micky’s shop by 8 am.

Various celebrities used to frequent Esquire, buying safari outifts. Everything was available - top hats, shoes, tail-coats, morning suits for hire, the lot. It also became a hub for personalities waltzing by for a chat with Micky and Paddy, pertaining to racing at Ngong.

As a founder member of the Limuru Hunt, Paddy wasinvolved in many Hunter Trials. For thirteen years, she

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

ran charity meetings at Limuru with a skeleton committee. Among the beneficiaries were the K.S.P.C.A, Homes for Blind people, Doctor Barnardo’s, Protection of Donkeys, Cheshire Handicapped Village, and many more. Since then, Paddy became a Director of Nyumbani Children’s Centre in Karen. Reknowned internationally, Paddy barely had a moment to rest.

A brief encounter with the legendary Helen Adams Keller in 1933, left a lasting impression on the young Paddy. Helen’s extraordinary account of becoming blind and deaf after contracting scarlet fever at 19 months, did not deter her from a fulfiling career as author, political enthusiast, and, lecturer. She was the first person to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree with this affliction. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” Paddy has followed that maxim through and through.

Paddy keeps her weight rigidly below 40kgs, adores animals, is a dab hand at ping pong, enjoys gardening, cricket, watching fellow Scot, Andy Murray win Grand Slams, and, walking a couple of miles each evening. She has broken each bone in the body, endured a dangerous spinal operation, and, survived a near-fatal crash. Going round the bend in Mombasa, a bus smashed head-on. So horrific was the scene, that media reported on television about the miraculous recovery of Paddy and Micky. The car was totally written off.

12

The Naivasha Sanctuary Where riders, horses and wildlife meet By a Correspondent

A

s always, it is wonderful to be able to support the Naivasha Sanctuary Farm event. The hard working committee, the Erskine family, who host it, and it was lovely to see Francis handing out the prizes for the Rosy Savage Memorial Trophy and wonderful to think he will have hosted the event for 25 years next year. (A big Ball to celebrate?)

It was sad for me not to compete this year (I had a First Aid course examination) though great to see Robin Stanley holding the flag for our gender and I would have hated to compete against him and stolen some of those cups as he travels further than us.

However, I do get as much satisfaction out of watching Cindy and others competing on our horses and it is much easier to encourage her with much more likelihood of success than get on and make a fool of yourself, especially now that Barney and his camera are a regular feature of shows these days. Incidentally, congratulations to Pippa on acquiring Kantara from Natalie McCoomb.

Now down to the Event. It is good to see the Open and Intermediate developing more even if there are so few competitors and what a disaster for poor Louisa Vittoni to wrench her shoulder show jumping on Thursday. It certainly made a big hole in those two classes.

It was wonderful for Cindy to have four rides and thanks must go to Ally and Chloe Morrisby for picking up the rides on Leo and Tamoshanta, Katy Whitfield for making a comeback after 20 years to ride Razzy. And to

Niqui Theones for coming in at the last minute to ride Jack and Mandazi for me.

There is no doubt that the Voorspuy horses and their owners miss Ally being next door. So much credit must go to her for all her work over the last few years in enhancing the talent of our string, enabling many of them to not only go on safari and play polo, but also be able to hold their own in dressage, show jumping and X country! Bounty and Jemima must be unique in being placed in events, ridden across the Mara and won the hotly contested Mug’s Mug at polo all in the same year.

The photo shows Mandazi going through his paces with a lioness in the Mara whilst doing his real job between novice events. Course designer Mr E. Lephant builds wonderful practice jumps in the Mara for us of every size for fun activity between game viewing.

Cindy as usual rode all her four beautifully and was very unlucky to have her fall on Just Divine when going so well. To subsequently ride X country on Bounty and then do three rounds of show jumping with what turned out to be a slightly displaced but stable fracture to a vertebrae high up in her neck was amazing, (a proud husband speaks). Bounty of course won the pre-novice and the fall was because Cindy missed the briefing and could not resist the time saving direct line between the third and second last fences by riding to the left of the tapes along the gallop. This was mentioned in the briefing and strongly advised against.

13

As a riding safari guide in Big Five game country people are always asking me what I consider the most dangerous animal in Africa.

Without hesitation I always reply “the Spring Hare” to the bemusement of everyone.

Despite many hair-raising stories of encounters with big game and crossing the Mara River with crocs and hippo our worst accidents and most feared calamity is encountering spring hare holes whilst galloping with the wildebeest across the Mara Plains.

Sanctuary farm is a haven for the little blighters and so sticking to a well marked track is the only answer and a lesson to us all has been learnt there. Their holes are much smaller and more numerous than an aardvark and easily go unseen when covered with grass in a warren like scenario.

As usual the X country was inviting whilst also asking some good questions and I dare to suggest gets better every time. Full marks and thanks to Gilly for keeping the enthusiasm and variety going year after year.

I had a wonderful hack round on Mandazi on Sunday morning but still managed a run out at the pimple and it is so much easier to hunt round under no pressure and a relief not to be one of the nervous course walkers on Saturday morning. I am as big a sufferer from nerves as anyone.

Our thanks again to Tom Tom and Gilly and their team and we look forward to next year and the 25th Anniversary of the Sanctuary Farm Event.

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

By Innocent The horse racing community has lost two of its most ardent supporters, almost simultaneously. Francis Erskine, son of the decorated Sir Derek and Lady Elizabeth, passed away after a tumultous three years of accidents, robberies, and, illness.

Francis was a magnificent Kenyan cowboy. He played polo, rode in races as an amateur, (including hurdling), ran his own Sanctuary Farm at Naivasha, and, trained many many winners in private capacity.

Latest News briefs

Did You Know?

C

indy Voorspuy’s mother, Angela McIntosh, rode Paddy’s horse, Bluff, when Cindy was inside embryonic mode. Bluff was set on fire by Mau Mau insurgents and burned to death. Cindy later rode a winner for Paddy.

She is a charming person, and a really good rider.

Pat Laurence had a series of medical traumas which she kept silent.

Suffering a massive coronary, not making it to the hospital in time, Pat was famous as mother to Gavin and Mark, both excellent jockeys in their youth. Gavin went on to be a champion trainer, and, staunch OBTS motivator. Pat followed his suit of armour, engaging in promoting the OBTS to its maximum potential. Pat and Linda Garner worked together, whilst younger stock gave way. They both threatened to retire plenty years back, but others did not have their gumption. Pat was also instrumental in arranging golf tournaments at Muthaiga. She put her whole heart much more. Francis and Pat were extremely friendinto golf, playing, organizing ladies to ly. They offered advice, juicy gossip, and, spread help at the Kenya Open, and, much buckets of happiness.

Paul Kibii Tergat, 44, was on September 10 elected to join the world’s most prestigious sports organisation, The International Olympic Committee (IOC). Tergat, who is better known in distance running where he won two Olympic and two world 10,000m silver medals, is, unbeknown to many equestrian observers, a keen racing enthusiast. He often stands unnoticed among the crowd at the Ngong Racecourse as he enjoys racing and an energy drink. Tergat, also a winner of five world cross country titles (1995-1999) becomes the fourth Kenyan to sit on the exclusive IOC ‘club’. His predecessors are the late Reggie Alexander, Mr Charles Mukora

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

14

and Dr Kipchoge Keino. Dr Keino, winner of two Olympic gold medals, among other global titles, has retired from the IOC on attaining mandatory retirement age of 72.

It is a long road for Tergat, popularly known as ‘The Gentleman’ for his graceful acceptance of many defeats to the faster legs of his Ethiopian nemesis, Haile Gebreselassie, to have reached where he has. He is also serving in the United Nations World Food Programme as an ambassdor against hunger, specifically in the school feeding programme. In 2010, the UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, appointed him in the Millennium Development Goals champion.

Regional News

Nile Horseback Safaris

N

By Special Correspondent

ile Horseback Safaris was started in 2006 by Natalie McComb and TJ Lonsdale. The business idea came about after Natalie, who had years of eventing and horse-riding experience in New Zealand, fell pregnant with their first child. After several years as a safari guide between Cape Town to Cairo, the pregnancy meant that she could no longer go out on these long journeys. Uganda had very few horses at the time, and Jinja, at the source of the Nile River, was a burgeoning tourist destination. White water rafting was attracting tourists from all the world, as were the river’s rapids for international kayakers. Natalie and TJ decided to offer horse riding safaris along the Nile as an alternative to the water sports, and into Mabira Rainforest and along the coastline of Lake Victoria.

The business was an immediate success. The seven horses they had imported from Kenya coping well in the climate and soon they were expanding. At times, they have had as many as 30 horses on the property and have made a name for themselves for offering well-schooled horses, with excellent bloodlines, capable of carrying complete beginners through to experienced riders.

Natalie also competes on the competition circuit within Kenya, having some good success with several horses. She believes that safari and competition work compliment each other, the safari work keeping the horses fit as well as introducing them to fearful situations such as traffic, hordes of children, boda boda’s, bicycles, goats, cows and chickens! This means that when they see cross country fences for the first time they are generally mentally able to cope with situation.

They currently have 20 horses on their river front property, a mix of Thoroughbred, Irish Sports Horses, Saddlebred X’s and Ethiopian ponies.

They work hard to encourage beginner riders to come and enjoy a safe and scenic experience.

Nile Horseback Safaris has also recently expanded into Kenya, offering

S

similar rides on Sanctuary Farm in Naivasha.

For more details see www.nilehorsebacksafaris.com or www. sanctuaryhorsebacksafaris.com

Action In Timau

Rishi Ahluwalia of Duma Crusher plays back hand as Martin Waiganjo of Samurai prepares to hook.

Nduruma Club: A trailblazer in Kenya and now hosts a hotly contested international tournament every October.

Membership has grown exponentially and so too the level of play. Junior players as young as ten compete on level terms with adults much older and bigger – and to the chagrin of the old – often come off much the better for it. Polo is an exhilarating game usually requiring 4 players per side and a minimum of 2 horses playing hard and fast over 7 minutes per chukka – that being the name of each period – a term derived from India, where Polo traces its roots. Spills are thankfully rare but they provide a heart stopping distraction to the stunning estate and mountain views and enjoyment of the facilities: swimming pool, tennis courts and golf driving range. There is a burgeoning hockey section that meets every Wednesday. A gym is available to tone up the riding muscles and a wonderful masseuse can be booked to ease the aches and pains especially for those occasional players. Practice chukkas are played every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and are proceeded usually by social drinks on the sultanate style veranda gazing at magnificent sunsets, often accompanied by antelope. (Google)

ituated outside Arusha, The Nduruma Polo and Country Club on Dolly Estate is the social hub for the Usa River community.

The size of the ground at that time and the scarcity of polo ponies dictated polo Crosse instead of polo. However, as more interest grew, the Club switched to polo but for a long time it was played on the same dusty, minute piece of land as before with magnificent views of Mt Meru, brooding over the ground and rising up starkly to 15,900 feet. The more majestic Mt Kilimanjaro some 80 km away could be seen clearly on many days. Via a further switch to another adjacent ground, which was bigger but still not of the regulation size, Jerome Bruins conceived the idea of making a polo ground the centre piece for a large scale residential development project. Central to this was the construction of a magnificent club house set between two full size grounds.

Polo grounds occupy about 10 acres or approximately 3 football pitches and once again the mountains of Meru and Kilimanjaro provided stunning views. With full size grounds, the Club was comfortably able to compete with neighbouring clubs

15

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

Rain that pounded Mount Kenya in July did not dampen the spirits of participants at the Mugs Mug as pictures taken by Kiran Ahuwalia show here.

1. Winners Stonewigg Bowl Imogen Voorspuy, Milo McConnell, Charlie McLellan, Rishi Ahluwalia; 2. Duma Crusher’s Rishi Ahluwalia being kept away from Raphael Nzomo by Martin Waiganjo; 3. Duma Crusher supporters Amber Ahluwalia, Kerry Roberts, Samantha McLellan with sponsor Naja Dharani; 4. Highlanders’ Charlie Dyer, Nicola Young, John Mugambi and Dani Murray; 5. Winners of the Wooden Spoon (Simba & the Cubs) James Grammaticas, William Millar, Toby Grammaticas and Dom Grammaticas; 6. Gideon Moi in action.

01

03

02

04

06 05

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

16

Horses Association of Kenya (HAK) Calendar until year end Sep 17-18 – FEI WDC Dressage Jamhuri Park Sep 21-22 21st HAK one day show TBC Nairobi International 8-12 goals Nairobi Sep 30 to Oct-6 -NITF Show – Jamhuri Park

07

Oct 19-20 – Kabete Happening TBC Dolly TBC/Tanzania Oct 26-27 – Dolly Tanzania Oct 31-Nov 3 – Sanctuary Farm Event Naivasha Nov 2-3 – 2nd HAK one-day show TBC Nov 23-24 – KNPC Kakira Uganda Dec 7-8 – Junior WJC – MPC Manyatta Christmas Jamhuri Park/ 08 Gilgil Dec 14-15 – 12th-15th HOTYS MPC Manyatta Christmas Jamhuri Park/Gilgil

Rules for riding ponies For ponies ridden by children under 12 from January 1, 2012

Class 17: 0.60 Pony Jumping (Div 1): Table A1 For registered ponies with less that 1 grading point. Maximum height 0.60 m speed 300mpm Entry Fee 400

DRESSAGE: HAK Junior Riding Test No. 3 2012 Show jumping: Max 0.70 metre speed 300 mpm Entry fees Sh400 Class 15: Silverdale Leading Rein Pony Rule 611.1 Ponies n/e 13.2hh suitable for and restricted to children until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 9 years. Entry Fees Sh300; SHOW JUMPING All classes are run under HAK rules (see new rule book: Rule 300) Pony Show Jumping Rule 600 Class 16: 12 and under jumping stakes: Rule 302 Thelwell Entry Fee 300

Class 18: 0.70m Pony Jumping (Div 11) table A1 For registered ponies which have less than 35 grading points. Speed 300mpm. Maximum height of fences first round 70cm Entry Fee Sh400

01

Class 19: 0.70m Pony Jumping (Div 111) Table A1 For registered ponies which have less than 35 grading points. Speed 300mpm. Maximum height of fences first round 80cm Entry Fee Sh400

Class 23: 1.05 1.00m handicap

Olor adit wis nibh eu Jumping: JA/JB table A2. For ponies with 50 or more grading faccum zzril do dopoints. Maximum height of fences lorero doloreet il325mpm. ea JB 1.0m JA 1.05m Speed Entry Fee Sh500

02 03

Olor nibh euFee 1.05madit Speed wis 325mpm.

Entry Sh500 faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea Class 26: Team Gamblers. Rule

04

Class 21: 0.90m jumping: JC for

10

Class 22: 1.00m Hit and Hurry: Table C. For registered ponies with 50 or more grading points.

Maximum height of fences 1.0m Entry Fees 350

Olor adit wis nibh eu Class 24: Pony faccum zzrilOpen do Jumping: doRule 304 Table A3. For ponies lorero doloreet il ea with 50 or more grading points

Class 20: 0.90m Hit and Hurry: JC for registered ponies with less than 150 grading points.

Maximum height of fences 90cm.

Table C Entry Fee Sh350

09

registered ponies with less than 150 grading points. Maximum height of fences 0.90m. Table A2.

Speed 300mpm. Entry Fee Sh500

first round Maximum Height

321 open to all members. Height

Olor adit wis nibh eu 0.70m-1.20m.

Teams to be drawn in the officezzril Entry do Fees doSh350 faccum lorero doloreet il ea

05

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

06

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

07

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

08

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

09

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

10

Olor adit wis nibh eu faccum zzril do dolorero doloreet il ea

Mr Patrick Pech (white shirt centre), the Managing Director of Nairobi Bottlers Limited and the Experiential Marketing Manager, Mr Ampher Apidi (back row left), pose with the national football team selected after the Copa Coca Cola Tournament when the team paid a courtesy call at the bottling Embakasi plant. The team went for the Copa Coca Cola continental championships in South Africa.

17

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

18

HIGH RATIO

LTD

HIGH RATIO LTD is a one-stop outlet for all your Four Wheel Drive motoring requirements.

We are an established company specialising in the importation and distribution of motor vehicle spares and accessories.

We stock a comprehensive range of parts for most 4 x 4 vehicles in Kenya, with particular emphasis on parts for Land Rover, Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Our company offers a choice of Genuine and Quality replacement parts.

We are the authorised agents for BRITPART - the world-renowned brand of spares for Land Rover.

We are the sole agent and distributor of GREEN FILTERS high performance, washable and re-useable filters.

These are suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles, saloon cars, motorbikes and go-karts.

Our impressive list of customers includes Wildlife Ranches, Safari Operators, Major Camps and Lodges in Kenya and Tanzania, Large Scale Agricultural Farms, NGOs, Vehicle Maintenance Workshops and Garages, Car Rental Companies, Missions, Academic Institutions, Relief Organisations, as well as motorists and 4 x 4 enthusiasts.

We also supply to organisations based in Uganda, Sudan and Somalia.

Our company strives to offer outstanding personal service, and unbeatable prices.

We are immensely proud of our delivery times and service, and our customer’s satisfaction is our priority.

We deliver to the Nairobi area; we will courier to major towns in Kenya; and we airfreight using Air Kenya or Safarilink from Wilson Airport to most of the game parks and national reserves in Kenya.

Our sales team is managed by highly qualified personnel who have worked in the parts industry for several years.

We are pleased to answer all your parts enquiries.

We will give quotes as required, and we are able to inform you immediately as to whether we have the parts in stock, and how quickly we can deliver them to you.

HIGH RATIO LTD, BARICHO ROAD 4x4

INDUSTRIAL AREA, NAIROBI HIGHRATIO@ICONNECT.CO.KE

Our shop and showroom is very conveniently located on Baricho Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.

You are welcome to visit our premises, and we look forward to working with you.

HIGH RATIO LTD

WWW.HIGHRATIOLTD.COM TEL:

+254 20 6536744, 556256, 558583 MBL: +254 707535976

19

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

The Equestrian ■ Sept- DEC 2013

20