Equestrian Life Oct-Dec 2019

Equestrian [ LIFE

OCT-DEC 2019

Wine, Dine & Equine CAPE WINELANDS RIDING On a Good Footing MARTIN COLLINS SOUTH AFRICA

SPECIAL

SA Derby 2019 COURSE MAP INCLUDED

www.equestrianlife.co.za

Cathryn Neill & CLYDE-Z Winning Hearts & Championships

IFC

Contents 10

REGULARS 04 ED'S NOTE

06 CALENDAR 08 ONLINE

46 TRAVEL Cape Winelanda Riding

48 PERSONALITY PROFILE Racing’s Power Couple – Lyle Hewitson & Hannah Runnalls

FEATURES 10 COVER FEATURE Cathryn Neill – Girl Power

14 LISA WILLIAMS Living her Dream

22 10 THINGS HORSES TAUGHT ME ….. Conflict

22

26

46

32

26 BUSINESS Side Hustles for Equestrians

30 E QUESTRIAN BEAUTY LIST “Ride & Recover” - the new R&R

32 NEIGH-BOURHOOD SECRETS Upside Down House

36 SA’S FIRST PLANET FRIENDLY RETAILER The Refillery

42 CANINE HEAVEN ON EARTH Sloppy Kisses Doggy Daycare, Grooming & Deli

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Nicky LeJeune

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

Equestrian [ LIFE

TOGETHER FOR SUCCESS

EQ HSE2

KwaZulu Natal

Western Cape

Gauteng

Tel: 031 768 1453

Tel: 021 976 8044

Tel: 083 661 1543

ED'S NOTE

Equestrian [ LIFE

t’s hard to believe we’re on the downward slide to December again! Whilst we’re grateful for the impending summer, family holidays and festive season celebrations it’s a stark reminder of just how quickly time passes.

With Christmas looming we’ve done some of the hard work for you and found the ultimate stocking fillers for equestrians - so you can spend more time in the saddle than at the shops.

Our cover story features one of the nicest individuals in the industry – Cathryn Neill – who manages to juggle work, riding and motherhood and over-achieve at all of them! She and Clyde-Z have had an amazing season and are ones to keep any eye on over the next few months. On the topic of women achieving greatness, we also chat to Lisa Williams who is fresh off a stint in Europe and Hannah-Rebecca Runnalls who gives us the down low on being the girlfriend of South Africa’s Champion jockey, Lyle Hewitson.

family who diversified their business significantly are mom and daughter team Brenda and Janine Cooper who sold their primary school and created Sloppy Kisses, a doggy daycare, grooming and boarding facility in Johannesburg. I enrolled my two needy, noisy and nearly homeless (if we receive another warning from the body corporate for nuisance barking) dogs and there has been a significant behaviour change in both for the better. They’ve recently opened a doggy hotel too and we can promise you that if Fido sees it he’ll be packing his own bags and checking in!

Equestrian Life is published by Spinner Communications (pty) Ltd. Established in 1980 Equestrianlife.co.za Spinnercom.com

As the Amazon burns and we all helplessly watch the devastation, it’s a reminder that we can all do our little bit, and if everyone did the same, collectively it will have a major impact. One family who decided to actively make a difference to the world waste crisis is Sam and Dom Moleta who opened South Africa’s first planet friendly retailer, The Refillery, in March this year. As the name suggests, this plastic free retailer enables shoppers to refill jars on a weight system, removing the need for single-use plastics. As the demand for environmental friendliness grows, so does their range of innovative, natural and earth friendly products, giving all of us little to no excuse not to change our ways!

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Bianca Spinner

With the economy leaving many of us feeling the pinch at month end, we took a look at equestrian “side hustles” in our business In our next issue we’ll be welcoming in the section, looking for ways to stretch the new year so here’s wishing you and yours rand and diversify income streams. One a safe and prosperous festive season!

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EDITOR Shevaun McCreedy SENIOR DESIGNER Siphokazi Masele DESIGNER Bheka Ngubane SALES MANAGER Tyrone Maletsky 072 929 1727 SALES EXECUTIVE Bianca du Preez 061 179 8588

CONTRIBUTOR Candice May DRIVER Linda Boyi ADMINISTRATON Lorraine Ndlovu PRINTING Creda Communications www.creda.co.za Subscribe Now Call 086 11 HELLO Tel 011 788 1516 Fax 011 880 4730 Email subs@spinnercom.com SUBSCRIPTION RATE South Africa R99 per annum Other countries R119 per annum

CONTACT US JOBURG HEAD OFFICE Tel 011 788 1516 Fax 011 880 4730 Email info@spinnercom.com Web Spinnercom.com Address 63 Dorset Ave, Greenside East | PO Box 842, Northlands 2116 Spinnercom Media supports press and media freedom and the freedom of expression for all South Africans.

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CALENDAR

Spring has sprung and we’re on the downhill slide to Summer! There are a number of feature equestrian events on this quarter from showjumping at the SA Derby, to horse racing’s finest lining up at the Gauteng Summer Cup. With holidays and the festive season looming there is a whole lot of entertainment for the whole family!

Oct

6 October 2019 The SA Derby Possibly the most anticipated event on the South African showjumping calendar, the SA Derby takes place on the 2nd of October 2019. With live entertainment, a comprehensive retail village, kiddies entertainment and all the thrills and spills of the very best equine and human athletes, there is something for the whole family at Kyalami Equestrian Park. Tickets sell out fast so book your front row seats to the action early!

When: Sunday 6 October 2019 Where: Kyalami Equestrian Park Book: Kyalami Equestrian Park on Facebook

PHOTO CREDITS: DENFORD STUDIOS

30 October 2019 RMB WineX What rhymes with Equine and is an equally awesome treat after a long week?! You guessed it – WINE! SA’s premier wine festival is back for its 20th year, bringing the most prestigious range of wines to Jozi. Rub shoulders with the who’s who of SA’s social scene and visit the more than 150 exhibitors including boutique wineries and stemware providers and sample olives, oils, nuts and nougat!

When: Wednesday 30 October to Friday 1 November 2019 Where: Sandton Convention Centre Book: www.winex.co.za

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

1 –5 November 2019 Wildlife Photographic Safari in the Timbavati If you have a love for the bush, wildlife and photography then why not consider combining passions and attending a wildlife photography safari in the Timbavati. Hosted at the beautiful Walkers River Camp which is renowned for amazing wildlife sightings, there is a high probability of seeing predators and other equally sought-after photo subjects. All photography skill levels are welcome and photography equipment is available for hire.

When: 1-5 November 2019 Where: Walkers River Camp,

Timbavati Book: www.thegreatoutdoors. co.za

PHOTO CREDITS: JF PHOTOGRAPHY

Nov

PHOTO CREDITS: TRACY ROBERTSON

15-16 November The Capital Stud Auction A warmblood stud which needs very little introduction -Capital Stud – is hosting their Auction in November with many future champions going under the hammer. The Friday evening will see the auction horses being presented in a free jumping presentation, with the actual auction taking place on the Saturday, followed by a buffet dinner. So if you’re in the market for a horse, or would just like to see the magnificent horses on auction, book your seats early so you don’t miss out.

When: 15 – 16 November 2019 Where: Capital Stud, Hartebeespoort, North West Book: www.capital-stud.co.za Saturday’s Program: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Registration 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM Under Saddle Presentation 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Lunch & Viewing of the horses 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Stallion Presentation 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM 2019 Capital Stud Auction

30 November 2019 The Gauteng Summer Cup If the media launch in August was anything to go by – this is an event not to be missed! Aside from watching South Africa’s very best thoroughbreds in action, the Summer Cup is packed with entertainment – from musicians, buskers and dancers to fashion, fun and FreshlyGround live on stage! Get dressed in your Summer best and make your way to Turffontein Racecourse for the biggest raceday on the Gauteng Racing Calendar.

When: 30 November 2019 Where: Turffontein Racecourse, JHB Book: www.gautengsummercup.co.za

Dec 10 – 12 December 2019 The Lion King Live in Concert A little over 20 years since the animated feature film became a world sensation, Lion King fans waited in anticipation for the remake to be released. If that wasn’t enough, you can now see the Lion King live in concert accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra! This synchronised live orchestral performance will take place at the Sun Arena at Time Square in Pretoria from the 10th to 12th of December – a perfect early Christmas present for the ultimate Lion King fan!

When: 10 – 12 December 2019 Where: Sun Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine Book: www.computicket.com

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Online

www.equestrianlife.co.za

Spring has sprung and unbelievably we’re in the final quarter of 2019 (how did that even happen?!). Judging by how mild winter was, we have a feeling we’re in for a hot summer, and that means one thing ladies.... it’s clipping season (for us, not our equines)!

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Think you can’t start a successful business without huge rounds of funding? Think again! In South Africa, there have been plenty of (hugely) successful entrepreneurs through the years who bootstrapped their startups from nothing. This month’s business section looks at viable side hustles so we’ll share some stories of successful startups to motivate you.

OTT DATE IDEAS

Anniversaries, birthdays, first dates, Saturday nights – whatever the occasion, our over-the-top date ideas to sweep your special someone off his or her feet will surely provide you with an idea or two (we promise to include some activities for non-horse inclined partners). Check out our travel section if a horse-back picnic in the winelands sounds like a dream date!

FIRE UP THE COALS! When any South African thinks of ‘Summer’ we picture weekends by the pool and the smell of a braai! Crack open a cold one and get ready to rock the Summer of 2019 with some sizzling recipes – think next-level braai broodjies, sticky chicken wings and gourmet boerie rolls!

Q Who To Follow on Instagram Need a little extra help feeling inspired, or just want a positive note to brighten your mood?

Make sure you add these Instagram accounts to your list.

@thenightingalefarm The Nightingales is a small farm in the Swedish countryside – it's a whimiscal look at every day farm life and is literally straight out of a fairy tale. For real.... There are unicorns and everything!

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

@benhobday If you’re an eventing enthusiast then be sure to give Ben Hobday a follow. He captures the eventing world perfectly whether schooling at home or at four star competitons, taking followers on the journey with him.

@ranchlands If you have a passion for western riding, ranch life and coywboys then follow ranchlands - it takes us through the daily life on a horse ranch in the most picturesque way possible.

ALCHEMY’S Hercules

Alchemy’s Hercules is a 11 year-old SA Warmblood Stallion registered with the South African Warmblood Horse Society.

Date of Birth: 2008 Height: 16.2hh Pedigree: By: Quadrillio (2001 – Holsteiner) Out of: Alchemy’s Unique (2005 – Warmblood) Coverings: Fresh semen AI to select mares.

HERCULES

For more information please contact: George Philippides m 082 775 5339 k alchemystud@gmail.com Photo Credit: JF Photography

C O V E R F E AT U R E

GIRL POWER

Cath Neill is taking it all in her stride As many of us can attest, working and riding at the top of your game can be difficult to balance – never mind maintaining a household and raising children all at the same time! One young lady who is flying the flag high for female riders in South Africa currently is wife, mom, businesswoman and 2018 SA Champs Winner, Cathryn Neill. ith a mentally handicapped younger sibling who had difficulty walking as a toddler, Cathryn’s family was advised to consider horse riding as a means to strengthen his core and assist with balance. Her mom bought a welsh-cross pony from Zululand called Downeen Speed Limit, affectionately known as “Speedy”, for a mere R250 and the little grey pony became the reason her brother learnt to walk, and also the reason young Cath began riding.

Despite admittedly not being the bravest rider at the time – taking almost two years of persuasion by her mom to break into a canter, once the proverbial “bug” bit, there was no looking back and Cath has ridden and competed ever since. She competed at provincial level in all disciplines as child and junior, including equitation to eventing and even showing, but her first love has always been show jumping and the winner of the 1.50m Grand Prix at the World Cup Qualifier in Shongweni in June is riding with more confidence than ever before.

2018/19 has been an amazing season for you so far, what have been your most memorable moments?

I still have to pinch myself when I think of the 2018 SA Champs with Clyde Z. That was definitely the highlight of my career. Winning the 1.50m GP at the Forsythe Shongweni World Cup in June ago was also an amazing feeling – he always gives his best so it’s an honour to partner him!

You’ve developed an amazing partnership with Clyde-Z, can you tell us more about him?

Clyde Z was formerly ridden by my husband Shaun, and has won 6 World Cups as well as the SA Champs twice previously, so to be given the ride on him when Shaun injured his back was an incredible privilege!

Clyde is like a bull to ride, but he has the biggest heart, and is the most competitive horse I have ever ridden. He just loves to win, and gives 110% every single time he goes in the ring. 99.99% of the faults we make in the ring are mine as Clyde is the ultimate perfectionist and hates to make a mistake! I actually can’t describe in words what Clyde has done for me, he has changed my riding career forever and given me a belief in myself that I never knew existed. He is one in a million and so much more than a horse to me, if I could give him a bed in my house, I would!

Is there a horse or pony that made you a better rider?

I think there have been MANY horses and ponies that have had an impact on my riding career and I believe each horse has a lesson to teach you, but I

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

How do you deal with any pre-show nerves or anxiety?

I suffer terribly from nerves and self-doubt! I am very competitive and hard on myself by nature, and up until the end of last year my nerves were very rarely under control. After winning the SA Champs I began to believe in myself a little more and this year I have found myself being able to focus more on enjoying each class - concentrating on getting it right rather than worrying about what I might do wrong.

What are your goals for the future?

As Clyde is an older horse who has jumped at 1.50m level for many years, I am never sure how many shows we have left before he has to retire. Right now I am just enjoying every single round I have with him, and obviously focusing on giving my best in the ring and staying competitive for the shows to come.

What is the best advice you ever received from a fellow rider?

My trainer, Barry Taylor, has always given me the best advice for my “busy/nervous” brain.. Just jump each jump as an individual, then focus on the next fence/line. If I try and think ahead too much and think of the course as 12 fences, my brain gets a bit scrambled, so being able to “box” the course into sections/individual fences helps to keep me calm and focused.

Which jump in the SA Derby course is your best, and which is your worst?

My favourite jump would be the bank. It’s hard to describe the feeling as you jump the St. Andrew’s Cross and then come to the top of the bank on Derby Day and the “wall” of atmosphere from the crowded stands hits you... then you hear the jump marshal on his/her radio saying to the judges boxes “forward forward forward” as you get closer, and then down you go! It’s an amazing feeling!!

My worst jump would be the white double of gates at the end… I parted company with my horse there once... and it’s SO close to the end, but I

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find it a real test for the horses and riders who are usually tired and running out of puff by that stage of the course.

If you could ride in any show or arena in the world, which would it be?

Definitely Aachen! For me that is “Horse Mecca” and the atmosphere in front of such a knowledgeable, educated crowd is like nowhere else in the world.

Who Inspires you?

I am inspired on a daily basis by my husband, Shaun. He is one of the most naturally talented riders I have ever seen in SA, and it is a privilege to have him by my side, supporting me every single day. Shaun hurt his back in 2017 and it has been a really hard road for him to continue riding, but he hardly ever complains. Despite intense pain some days, and no matter how badly his day has gone, he is always there for me with some positive advice and help. When Clyde and I are in the arena, I think Shaun rides the course harder than I do! I am incredibly grateful to him, not only for giving me the honour of riding his once in a lifetime horse, but also for being my rock in and out of the arena.

What do you when you’re not riding?

I have 2 young children, Oliver(4) and Sarah (2) so when I am not at work or riding, they are my main focus and take up all of my spare time.

Any advice for upcoming equestrians looking to ride competitively?

Horse riding is an incredibly tough sport, not only are you asking a 600kg animal to do your bidding willingly, but one day you can be on top of your game and the next you are (literally) on the ground.

If you love the sport, you have to love the horse even more… never forget what that horse is doing for you by allowing you to ride and compete on him. If you can keep that thought at the fore of your ambition, the lows won’t feel quite as bad, and the highs will feel even higher as you will appreciate what you and that amazing animal have done, as a team!

Motto or quote that you live by?

As clichéd as it sounds, I always try and live for today so I guess “Carpe Diem” would be my motto. Never take any day for granted, and try and appreciate all that you have, today!

IMAGES: NICKY LE JEUNE AND KEVIN LONEY

think the 3 horses that have taught me the most are: St. Stephen’s Green who was my junior and young rider horse that I bought as a 3.5 year old just off the track, Porsche SA Astor who was kindly given to me to compete by Barry Taylor, and Michael and Michaela Griffith, and then of course, Clyde Z who is the veritable unicorn in my life!

CATH'S FAVOURITE THINGS

Favorite TV series?

Given that I have 2 young kids, I would have to say Peppa Pig as that’s all I get to watch these days, but otherwise I really enjoy watching How it’s Made and Master Chef.

Dream Travel Destination Bora BoraWhat

What can we find on your bedside table?

A cup of tea and my kindle PIzza Toppings Margarita Pizza with extra Mushroom and Pineapple

Preferred saddle brand?

Devoucoux

Favourite Perfume?

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

Book you’re currently reading?

The Seven Sisters Series by Lucinda Riley

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

What would be your super power if you could choose?

To see into the future

Song on repeat on your playlist?

Ed Sheeran’s whole “Divide” album

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F E AT U R E

Lisa

WILLIAMS Living her Dream

Lisa Williams and her horse, Campbell (aka Dennis), did South Africa proud when they competed overseas recently but equestrians all around SA are excited to have this pair back competing on home soil.

This is Lisa’s story. found Campbell (aka Den) in 2011, as a 5 year old, and he arrived in SA early the following year. He has always been quirky, cheeky, playful - and nothing has changed - but he is also kind, attentive, brave, eager to learn and loves his job. The 18 months of travel to compete abroad have turned him into an Adventure Junkie…… when we put his trucking boots on he gets really excited, almost trotting around his stable in anticipation of where we’re off to next. Campbell and I spent almost the entire 18 months together. We became best friends, we trusted each other completely and forgave each other when mistakes were made. The biggest ‘compliment’ he gave me was that he never once doubted what I asked him to do.

The journey was an incredible experience made possible by the help and encouragement of so many people. I travelled to so many amazing countries, some that I had never visited before - visiting beautiful cities and competing at incredible show venues. We were based in Germany but the journey took us to Italy, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and the USA. The ‘highlight venue’ for me was definitely The Grand Palais in Paris, situated just off the Champs Elysees – it is the most spectacular building with a glass dome (not Campbell’s favourite) and located in my favourite city.

Although everything I did, the places I went to and the people I met and competed against was the biggest opportunity and privilege any rider could dream of, it was not always easy and came with challenges along the way. The 4 months of combined quarantine in Cape Town and especially Mauritius was very challenging as it was difficult to keep Campbell healthy, fit and happy in that environment, but more than that and as people say, there is no place quite like home!

During my 18 month journey, I hardly left Campbell to come home and being away from home, family, friends and everything familiar was equally difficult. Being alone at shows was lonely – I missed the smiles, the friendliness and the familiarity of our riders at shows. It was difficult not being able to ask anyone for any assistance or advice and always being an ‘outsider’. However, I had a dream and a plan, I was on a journey which included two of the greatest Championships of our Sport – The

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World Equestrian Games and The World Cup Final - and nothing was going to get me down or deter me from following my dream.

Our sport has grown, improved and reached new heights over the past few years. Without sponsors in our sport such as FNB, RNR, Reonet, Landrover Durban, Hausberger Financial Services to mention but a few, we would not be able to hold the shows that we are privileged to compete in, in South Africa. Many of these shows provide good arenas and surfaces, equipment and often invite overseas Course Designers to build, which gives us an opportunity to compete at a good level. Our course designers, including Ann-Marie Esslinger, Kate Launder and Kevin Spratley, have worked very hard to build their skills and have worked at overseas shows, to become familiar with the standard required, and replicate those levels for riders in South Africa at a level which is encouraging and not detrimental to the sport.

Improved breeding programmes from local studs, including Capital Stud and Callaho Stud, have provided us with top quality South African bred horses. We have very good trainers and vets who keep up to date with International trends, as well as professionally run stable yards providing a good level of horsemanship and care.

The most obvious differences between our sport and that of Europe is the width of the jumps and the extremely light equipment they use, but mostly, the amount of money invested in the sport by breeders, studs, owners, sponsors. It’s mind boggling to see the strings of quality horses, trucks, equipment… the list is endless.

The sport we have chosen is for hard-working, dedicated fighters who never give up. The disappointments mostly outweigh the rewards, so for me the main reward and drive is the ‘love of the animal’. That’s what I think we mostly need to succeed as riders at whatever level we choose…. the level where we are comfortable at.

Always remember….

-Every success is not final, every failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts!

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CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

HORSE TREATS Because our equine children need spoils from Santa too and nothing says I love you like treats! Cavalor Fruities and Sweeties from Horse Box Equestrian make the ideal stocking filler and healthy reward for horse and pony.

R100.00 1 www.pethypers.co.za

Naughty OR NICE?

Festive Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Equestrian

UNICORN PYJAMAS What is a christmas stocking without socks or pyjamas?!

“Floss Like a Boss” summer unicorn pyjamas – perfect for sleepovers at your bestie or lazy Sundays on the couch R89.99 1 www.mrp.com

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

BROWN LEATHER BELT WITH CRYSTAL BIT DETAIL Whether you’re buying gifts for a competitive athlete, or a recreational rider, the eyecatching brown leather belt with crystal bit detail is sure to make a statement.

R1380.00 1 wwww.equestrianhouse.co.za

HORSE HAIR JEWELLERY A meaningful gift for any equestrian – a beautiful piece of bespoke jewellery made from your horses’ hair so that you can always carry a piece of him or her with you.

Prices Vary.

1 wwww.heartstringssa.co.za PERSONALISED HORSE CLOCK This beautiful wall clock can be personalised with the recipient’s name. A thoughtful, custom gifting idea to make sure the recipient will never be late for lessons ever again!

R299.95 1 www.netflorist.co.za

IMPERIAL COLT LADIES T-SHIRT This relaxed-fit tee is made from a super soft fabric, making it a perfect accompaniment with jodphurs or jeans - depending on the occasion.

R397.08 1 www.castano-equestrian.co.za

LEGO FRIENDS HORSE BUNDLE Lego is the universal language of fun and friendship and the Lego Friends horse bundle is perfect for the little people with a budding horse obsession. Keep the kids entertained on holiday or on the rainy days with 553 pieces of Lego at Stephanie’s toy horse stable.

R1105 1 www.takealot.com

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2019 July-Sept - Equestrian LIFE | 17

MARTIN COLLINS

SOUTH AFRICA On a Good Footing Martin Collins, as a global brand, have revolutionized racetrack and arena surfaces world wide. Whilst most riders pay a great deal of attention to the equipment, schooling aids and health aspects of equine wellbeing, it has only been in recent years in South Africa that emphasis has been placed on the surfaces on which they train and compete.

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n 2006, after realizing that very few top-level horses in South Africa were without soundness issues, Peter Morrison decided to personally undertake research into arena surfaces and international best practice.

In 2011, he started working alongside Martin Collins, a global brand involved mainly in the racing and show jumping sectors, who incorporated fibre into arena surfaces to create all-weather tracks. He quickly came to the realization that it was the only surface horses should be ridden on and it’s no surprise that on bringing Martin Collins to South Africa, the company has quickly become the undisputed leaders in synthetic arena surfaces in the country.

When considering arena surfaces, there are a number of aspects which should be taken into consideration. Surfaces should differ according to discipline, and sometimes even within a discipline – high showjumping grades, for example, require firmer surfaces than lower grades. The percentage of fibre to be added will also depend on the quality and depth of the sand in the arena, which is why Martin Collins SA will conduct a full assessment before providing their installation recommendations.

Peter believes it is important for people to understand their options. Whilst their preference is to provide a pre-mix which is weighed and manufactured to provide the ideal consistency, there are ways and means to improve an existing arena surface through the addition of fibre.

River sand is the least expensive option but it doesn’t provide much cushioning. Surfaces are usually between 6 and 7cm thick and the repetitive jarring and impact can cause long-term joint damage. Silica sand surfaces provides better support than river sand surfaces and a combination of the two sands could also be considered. All sand surfaces require a lot of water and unless the water content is consistent, provide very little energy return. One can add fibre to improve the balance - which will provide an inexpensive solution for home surfaces - but it wouldn’t be suitable for competition purposes.

Competition surfaces require a minimum depth of 12,5cm and, ideally, would just be a combination of silica sand and fibre. Moisture management is key for optimal surface maintenance so a full drainage layer or a comprehensive watering system would be included in a new installation. The entire installation process can take anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks and, once installed, particularly at show venues, Martin Collins SA will maintain the surfaces to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Their arena surfaces can be seen at most of the established show venues, including Burlington, Kawena, Fourways Equestrian Centre, as well as all the major World Cup Qualifier host venues, including Maple Ridge, Kyalami Equestrian Park, Sunera, Shongweni Club , Stokkiesdraai, Brits and Revil Stables in Polokwane.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

The newest addition to the product range from Martin Collins SA are high performance drainage mats which are expected to reduce landing concussion by over 30%. The mats will replace the traditional stone layer, enabling the surfaces to be watered from underneath – a new innovation compared to the traditional ebb and flow surfaces.

With continuous advances in technology, tack and equipment to aid and improve horses’ well-being and performance, it makes sense that every aspect of training and competition should be considered – including the surfaces on which they’re ridden. As more and more show venues and stable yards perceive the value of selecting the right surface, we’re sure we’ll be seeing more and more arenas with the recogniseable fibre surface from Martin Collins SA. Martin Collins South Africa m +27 011 028 4890 k info@mcsa.za.com 1 www.mcsa.za.com

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 19

Did you know???

25 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HORSES You never know when bizarre and unusual facts might come in handy…. Quiz nights, game shows or first dates… so we’ve found 25 interesting facts that you may or may not have known about horses 1. H orses have the largest eyes of all land mammals (almost 9 times the size of a human eye) 2. Horses can run within hours of birth 3. P eople used to think horses were colour blind but they’re not – they are, however, better at seeing yellows and greens than purples and violets (might explain a few refusals for many of us).

4. A horses’ teeth take up a larger amount of space in their head than their brains 5. A n adult horses brain weighs about half of that of an average human brain 6. Horses have around 205 bones in their skeleton.

7. M ale horses generally have 40 to 44 permanent teeth, whilst females have between 36 and 40 8. Horses can not vomit 9. H orses have a strong band of muscles around their oesophagus.

This band is so strong that a horse’s stomach would burst before it would vomit (gruesome we know!)

10. A horse can see better at night than a human, but it takes their eyes longer to adjust from dark to light than a human’s.

11. H orses experience REM (rapid eye movement) during sleep, which means they most likely dream.

12. H orses produce approximately 38 litres of saliva a day (That’s almost 19 large bottles of Coca Cola!)

13. The measurement unit of a horse is “hands”. One hand is equal to 10,16 cm.

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14. A horses’ heart weighs approximately 4 - 4.5kg 15. Horses with typical anatomy are “obligate nasal breathers” which means they must breathe through their nostrils and can’t breathe through their mouths 16. It takes approximately 9 – 12 months to re-grow an entire horse hoof 17. Horses with pink skin can get sun burnt 18. You can tell if a horse is cold by feeling behind their ears. If that area is cold, so is the horse.

19. Horses have 10 muscles in each ear (compared to 3 in a human ear), allowing them to rotate their ears 180 degrees 20. The horses’ closest relative is not the cow, pig, or goat--but the rhinoceros 21. Equinophobia is the fear of horses 22. The horse is one of the 12 Chinese signs of the Zodiac. Those who are born in the year of the horse are thought to be intelligent, free-spirited, and independent 23. Horses have five highly developed senses: taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight. They also have a sixth sense, heightened perception, which is very rare in humans 24. Domestic horses can read human emotions, such as sadness or nervousness, even before we’ve even consciously registered them 25. W hen a horse puts pressure on its hoof, the blood is squeezed up the leg into the veins, thus acting as a type of pump

EDITORIAL

10

THINGS HORSES TAUGHT ME... about conflict

Horses attract a very specific demographic of humans, and if it were a pie chart a large chunk of that pie would be poopy and full of strife. I think it’s because horses are so nice and generous that they attract people who need to balance themselves out. It’s practically science. orses are a prototype for life, from relationship building to problem solving. As a coach, you can tell from watching someone on their horse as to how they will function in their personal life.

Passive or aggressive, high energy or low, horses amplify what spouses, friends, and colleagues see on a daily basis. With horses, we can be blind to our obvious prickles - there is lunging, supplements, and a relatively submissive partner in the debate. Buuuuuuuuut only for so long.

Examining the person that you are with your horse can give you invaluable insight to who you are at your best and worse, and how you can mitigate the more jerky elements of your personality, before you land up in hospital. ‘Cos horses are humbling like that.

1. It’s probably your fault ...but even if it’s not, and I cannot stress this enough, NO ONE CARES. Don’t make excuses or try to justify it to the other party, they don’t want to hear how right you are, they want a solution.

“It’s not my fault he misbehaved! He’s fresh / on too much food / anxious!” Yeah, I have bad news. That’s all on you. Accept the blame.

Sometimes with human conflict, the only blame you have to accept is engaging with a crazy person. This is my speciality. Don’t be like me.

They might be crazy, but it is still your fault for giving them airtime.

Sometimes you will have to evolve your stance too based on new and better information. Don’t keep making a mistake just because you made it in the first place. Adjusting your opinion and education is a necessary

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and excellent way to evolve. It follows with horses: when you know better, do better.

2. Don’t buy into the emotion One of my favourite phrases in coaching is “Anger begins where knowledge ends.” When someone is getting emotional, be it tearful or angry, it is usually hot on the heels on either frustration or fear. Both of those are “me” emotions, NOT “you” emotions - we realise we are crap, basically. It sucks. Embrace the suck, as my therapist/friend Bridget always says. When they are spooking, stopping, resisting, the answer is always the same with horses: you have to start with YOU and calmly respond, not react.

In debate, it is the same. When your partner says something that makes you want to blow (otherwise known as “triggering” you), a good place to start is with a deep breath and a quick punch to the throat while they are least expecting it.

I’m kidding. Kinda.

Ask yourself why this particular discussion is upsetting you - do you feel unheard, unintelligent, embarrassed? Anyway, don’t get hysterical.

It makes you less effective at stating your point... and lunging while jabbing.

3. Check your facts “I DON’T KNOW WHY SHE’S RESISTING. I’m VERY clearly asking for passage. I put BOTH my legs forward, and…” “Back.” “...what.”

5. A good compromise leaves everyone happy “Let’s agree to disagree” is ultimately a win if you are navigating hacking over a main road and you don’t feel like certain death and your horse doesn’t feel like being rehomed. Get off. Lead him. Live to fight another day!

Same with the towel that has been left on the bathroom floor for the eighth day running. Remember the filthy towel troll has other good qualities (possibly, IDK) and you love those, and it’s not worth harping on the one bad thing that they do.

6. A bad compromise leaves everyone worse “Let’s agree to disagree” is a really kak decision if you are already making it after you have bought a plot in the arena and are trying to save some face. You have to fix that or it’s going to escalate to a point where no one wins - you’ll be scared, and your horse will be anxious and wild with no reassuring boundaries in place.

Likewise, FILTHY TOWEL TROLLS WILL NEVER LEARN if you don’t explain to them how selfish and revolting this habit is and they will think it is okay to leave dishes and socks lying around the whole house, and when you snap and land up on an episode of Forensic Crimes it’s too late. Tell them now.

7. Sometimes you just need to get off...

I have worked for some of the best, and a pivotal experience in my riding career was seeing one of my idols sit on his mare for thirty seconds, only to dismount in the arena and tell me to take her for a hack. I hadn’t even seen any hint of trouble, but he had, and all of his experience and wisdom told him that today was not the day for certain dismemberment by an angry woman (he may have likened this nugget to arguing with his wife).

Take a deep breath, and walk away, scroll down, reply with a smiley face and go have a cuppa. Seriously. Hug your kid, pat your horse, sit under a tree. Life is short, guys. It will be a lot shorter if you argue with an angry woman.

8. ...And sometimes you just need to take a stand Yeah. It is never okay for your horse to kick. Barring the obvious example of startled fear, kicking is flat out dangerous for anyone around your horse and it needs to be addressed immediately and appropriately.

Some jokes are never funny, some actions are never okay, and silence is complicity. Conflict here cannot be avoided, but neither can humanity.

Silence comes at a cost to your soul, and a cost to the vulnerable that will be affected by your non-confrontational actions. You do not even need to seek out injustices to tackle; you just need to smash the ones that cross your path with firmness, love, and the occasional dressage whip.

“You mean you put both your legs BACK for passage, obviously.” “...

WELL SHE SHOULD KNOW WHAT I MEAN.”

WORDS: GEORGINA ROBERTS (THEOFFSIDE).

Yeah. The worst part of an argument is when you are already knee deep and only THEN do you Google. Don’t go barrelling in. Your horse and your clients are surprisingly respectful of a leader who says “Wow, I didn’t know that, I’ll look into it.”

4. If you’re going to fight, know you can win Don’t go in swinging, because faking-it till you’re making-it only gets you so far. For example, oh, I don’t know, if you are going to play a game of Chicken cantering to a solid wall because your horse won’t stop, you BETTER be prepared for the worst case scenario. Because once you pull out and they learn your bluff… the poker game is OVER. So be sure that you know what is going on, that the odds are in your favour, that you have the necessary ground support, and that you have the energy. Don’t make an issue about walking over a water puddle unless you are well prepared to sit there for an hour and see it through, because giving up halfway just teaches your horse that if he persists long enough, you will fold like a Mr Price stiletto heel. If he’s fresh, you’re tired, and you’re not reeeeeally sure how deep the puddle is, DON’T make an issue. Tackle it tomorrow.

9. Be gracious Sometimes you’re going to have to eat humble pie, so don’t make a song and dance of getting your opponent / partner to eat it. Everybody - horses included - will remember most how you made them feel when they were most vulnerable. Does your horse feel safe? Does your partner? Do you make a safe space for them to discuss, learn, evolve, ask, and try? Or does he get beaten over the head with flowers and screeching because that wasn’t what you asked for? Either way, your reactions in conflict will dictate the tone of future conflict to come.

10. Ultimately... Choose better discussions Lose the battle, win the war. Choose your principles and your pets. Let some stuff go and save your energy for what matters. And ultimately, remember this: conflict requires two. If you are constantly bumping up into that, ask yourself why. Maybe you need a few lessons, maybe you need a few Valium. Either way, we should never stop learning and becoming a better rider, colleague, friend, or partner.

The forgiving nature of horses offers one massive bonus - it is never too late to apologise and do better. Now I know less about humans than horses but I can tell you this: sometimes with people you aren’t even AWARE you needed to apologise, but it doesn’t matter because they wouldn’t accept it anyway. That’s some people’s handle: to be bruised and bristling.

Horses don’t have that reflex, which is such a grace - you always know where you stand, and their behaviour is a direct relation to yours. We Same with a dispute with your building contractor (or maybe your should look fearlessly and frankly in the mirror that they offer us, toddler). Don’t engage unless the law is on your side, you have the time, and use it as an opportunity to become the best version of ourselves. the energy, the financial resources, a solid plan of action, and a clear Ultimately to do better by them, but also for ourselves… and the occasional deserving human! desired outcome. If not, it is a waste of your peace.

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 23

12c

2019 SOUTH AFRICAN DERBY COURSE 1 2 3 4a 4b 5 6

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STONE WALL & POLES LIVERPOOL RED & WHITE LIVERPOOL FIRST GIANT STEP SECOND GIANT STEP HEDGE WHITE POLES OVER HANGING BALUSTRADE

Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

7a 7b 8 9 10 11 12a 12b

TABLE TOP ‘ON’ TABLE TOP ‘OFF’ ST ANDREWS CROSS BANK PLANKS OXER – WHITE POLES OVER GATES DEVILS DYKE ‘IN’ DEVILS DYKE ‘MIDDLE’

12c 13 14 15 16 17a 17b 18

DEVILS DYKE ‘OUT’ STILE RUSTIC HICKSTEAD PLANKS WATER SPREAD THE STONE WALL JANGING GATE WHITE GATES RUSTIC OVER BALES 2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 25

BUSINESS

Making Hay

WHILE THE SUN SHINES 7 Side Hustles for Equestrians

There is an old saying that one ‘should may hay while the sun shines’ meaning we should take advantage of favourable circumstances... but with the economy in a slump and a passion for a sport that includes equipment that eats while we sleep (literally), many of us have a whole lot of month left at the end of our money.

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hilst majority of us have a day job that doesn’t include horses (but serves to fund our love of horses), our earning capacity is often restricted to those working hours. But with ever increasing electricity and petrol prices and the subsequent increases in food and all other services, it often means less and less disposable income at the end of every month to spend on the things we love and want. To avoid robbing banks and resorting to extremes, we’ve put together some ‘side hustle’ suggestions to help you make additional income.

Clipping or Plaiting Horses Both clipping and plaiting are somewhat of an art when it comes to equines but with enough training from someone experienced, it’s a service which could make you a sustainable side income. Many people are prepared to outsource these services as they’re difficult to do well without experience and they’re time consuming. Find an expert who can teach you multiple styles and practise on your own horse until you’re good enough to start charging for your skills. An initial investment in a good quality clipper may set you back, but with that and transport being your only hard costs, if you can secure enough loyal customers you’ll pay it off in no time.

recently off the track thoroughbreds and horses seeking homes from neglect situations who can be acquired for little to no cost and with lots of schooling, love and attention could be developed and sold as competition horses and companions for a profit. Maintenance of these horses on a month to month basis is a cost which needs to be considered however as well as whether you have the heart to let them go to a new home once you’ve become attached.

Horse Box Rentals If you own a horse box but don’t use it frequently or if you have the funding to invest in a horse box specifically for this purpose then you could consider horse box rentals as a side business. Transporting horses to vets, lessons or shows occurs almost daily and there may always be someone who doesn’t have their own, needs a replacement trailer or extra space for additional horses and would consider hiring. If you’ve got the means and desire, you could offer the transport service yourself and become the “Uber” of horse transport – assuming you’re prepared to take on the responsibility of transporting livestock. If this Train for Gain sounds appealing, don’t forget to consider If you have the skills and desire, you can make all the aspects to consider such as insurance, a side hustle of training and selling horses – licences, regular servicing and roadworthiness often referred to as ‘flipping’. There are many and rental contract development.

Exercising Horses If you’ve got free time, access to transport and enough experience to ride horses of varying temperaments and skill level, then consider exercising horses on behalf of others who may be too busy due to work or other life commitments such as pregnancy or work transfers. For those who wish to compete but aren’t able to make it to the stables frequently enough to maintain their horses’ fitness levels, this would be an ideal solution to have the best of both worlds (and another person to love and spoil their horse!).

Sell Online With online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, it’s possible to buy and sell equestrian related products at a profit. If you’ve got the time and patience to seek out the bargains and the skill to refurbish and repair items needing some attention, then this could be your calling. As with any online transactions you’ll need to keep your wits about you to avoid the scammers, but if done correctly there is money to be made.

Washing Blankets As winter comes to an end and horses no longer need their blankets at night, majority of riders and stable yards will look to have the blankets thoroughly cleaned, repaired and securely packaged so they can be neatly stored away and be kept fresh for the following year. If you have an industrial washing machine or the means to have them intensely scrubbed then this could be your annual money spinner. It may only be once a year, but if you have enough clients to render it profitable then it could give you that cash injection to last you for a couple of months.

Blogging This isn’t an immediate money-maker, but, with enough dedication and commitment it could eventually. If you can find an interesting enough topic to generate an audience and readers, you can eventually make income from advertising, affiliate income and/or selling sales or services.

All you need is a laptop, an internet connection and a good handle on spelling and grammar.

Many basic blogging platforms are free, giving you the opportunity to test the waters without financial commitment.

They always say that if you do something you love you’ll never work a day in your life which is motivation to find horse related side hustles!

As with any business, no decisions should be taken lightly at the risk of wasting time, effort and money for little to no returns. Always make sure you have put in place contracts and insurance where required to protect yourself and your side business.

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 27

DENFORD Studios The Unsung Heroes

Almost everyone in the riding industry In Johannesburg is familiar with Denford Studios and their recogniseable orange and green logo watermarked on show images. Barnie and Hanlie are two of the most approachable and accommodating photographers within the horse-riding industry – always willing to assist with images – which we, at Equestrian Life SA, have experienced first-hand. This hard-working husband and wife team were both forced to leave the corporate world and decided to turn their love and passion for photography into a full time, professional career. That was just over 5 years ago and the best appears yet to come!

What Types of Photography do you do?

For our bread and butter, we specialise in equine action photography covering everything from SANESA shows through to World Cup qualifiers.

We love all disciplines - from the grace of Vaulting and the dedication of the showjumpers to the precision of dressage and the military style of the tentpeggers. Not to forget the speed and accuracy of the Western Mounted games!

When we’re not taking photos professionally and commercially, photography also forms a large part of our personal lives - we love wildlife and nature photography. Hanlie loves taking pictures of people and fine detail, so our subject range is fairly diverse.

How did you get into Equine Photography?

By chance....

We did a Western Mounted Games event for a family member where the Kritzingers from Goudhoek Boerperd stud) gave us an opportunity to learn more about Western riding. The Lowveld Equestrian club, Kraai Kampher and Laura van den Heever, opened their doors to us and that is where we developed a love for dressage and jumping.

SANESA shows are very close to our hearts.

We did the first Nationals in 2016, with little to no understanding of the multiple classes and disciplines. We met one of our angels, Alta Olivier, during this event and she assisted us in understanding the logistics behind the 1105 classes! It was one of those “sink or swim” moments and we’re pleased to report we’re still going along swimmingly.

After meeting Arnold Botha at one of the Lowveld shows he asked us to put in a bid to be the photographers at Kyalami Park Club, and the rest is history!

We should reach another giant milestone by the end of 2019 when we will take photos at our 250th event - of which, 97% are equestrian events.

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

MEET THE TEAM Role Within the Team: Hanlie thinks she's the boss and Barnie acts as if he is the boss Previous Occupation: Barnie was Operational Support Manager for DHL Global Forwarding and Hanlie was the Director of Financial Management at Department of Public Enterprises.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words: Barnie: Dedicated Loyal Peoples-person Hanlie: Creative Passionate Stroke-Survivor Preferred Camera Brand: We have always been using Canon. The support we get from Nicky Mungle at Canon South Africa is just amazing and we look forward to a bright, well focused future with Canon.

Most challenging part of equine photography: Capturing dark, dappled horses with a rider in white jodphurs and a black riding jacket... and Horses refusing to put their ears forward during prize giving.

Most rewarding part of equine photography: Online sales pay-out at the end of each month, due to support from riders! No, on a serious note, seeing our images used in the press especially the front page.

If I wasn’t a photographer, I would be a….

A dead man....! Just kidding.

Barnie would live his dream as a short story writer and poet living in the middle of the Central Karoo. Hanlie would be a full-time artist.

Motto / quote that you live by: Apply your God given talents in faith and gratitude in humbleness

KwaZulu Natal

Gauteng

Tel: 031 768 1453

Tel: 083 661 1543

ESSENTIALS

HEATYWHEATY WHEATBAGS Locally made in Sophiatown, Heatywheaty Wheatbags are made to ease general aches and pains as well as aid in post-injury recovery.

They are both microwaveable and freezable - making them a perfect choice for both hot and cold therapy.

R190 (Large) info@wheatbagco.co.za E The Wheatbag Company

ULTIMAG Ultimag is a combination of essential Magnesium and Zinc. Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral responsible for metabolic functions - including the production of energy and oxygen use. Magnesium is beneficial in reducing lactic acid build-up during vigorous exercise.

R96.99 for 30 tablets *Available from various retailers. Prices may vary.

Ride & Recover

IS THE NEW “R&R” We all know the dull ache and stiffness after a weekend at the show – the “good” pain that is a reminder of the hard work put in.

Recovery after a hard ride can be just as important as the ride itself – and we found some amazing post ride recovery essentials!

BATH BOMBS BY ADDISON Addison is a 7 year old ‘kidpreneur’ who produces handmade bath bombs in a variety of colours and shapes.

Packed with Epsom Salts and essential oils, these bath bombs are not only a useful post-ride recovery remedy, but an equally playful and enjoyable addition to bath time!

R45 (Large), R20 (Small) or R120 for 3 Large bath bombs Bathbombsbyaddison@gmail.com E Bath Bombs by Addison

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EARTHSALTS SOAK EarthSALTS Soak is made for riders by riders - natural, rejuvenating bath salts to sooth tired, stiff and aching muscles, speed up muscle recovery and reduce and relieve inflammation. Made from pure Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) and infused with 100% organically farmed essential oils (Lemongrass and Eucalyptus), EarthSALTS help to regulate elecrolytes in the body, enabling muscles and nerves to function properly whilst also flushing toxins form the cells, helping to ease muscle pain.

R170 for a 1.1kg Pouch earthsalts.sa@gmail.com E Earthsalts Sports & Riders Soaks

Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

FULVIC EXCEL Whilst not necessarily a post-ride remedy, but more of a long-term solution, Fulvic Acid is the key to regenerative nutrition. It assists in healing and is essential for vitamin and mineral absorption within the body. It has antiinflammatory benefits to ease joint pain and mobility and reduces lactic acid and muscle fatigue for improved recovery, rehabilitation and performance.

R350 for 120 Capsules info@fulvichealth.co.za E Fulvic Health

MARTIN COLLINS, MARTIN COLLINS Logo and POLYTRACK, ECOTRACK AND ACTIV-TRACK are registered trademarks.

Call us for BEST advice and price!

Equestrian [ LIFE

Arena Construction Specialists.

Supplier of all Synthetic Surfaces.

www.mcsa.za.com

Enquiries : +27 11 028 4890 info@mcsa.za.com

AD NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE www.equestrianlife.co.za 2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 31

NEIGH-BOURHOOD SECRET

HAVE YOUR WORLD TURNED

Upside Down Upside Down House

The concept of a life-size upside down house originated in Poland, where the very first UpSide Down House was built, and has gone on to become a world-wide phenomenon. The inspiration came from the world feeling “upside down sometimes” and the house is a literal interpretation of this sentiment. With great success in other countries, the idea of building a similar concept locally was born, in order to share the process, art, illusion and effect with South Africans.

The inverted nature of the house creates an illusion of gravity and provides the backdrop for endless hours of creative photography and unique poses.

The UpSide Down House officially opened its doors to the public on the 6th April 2019. All in all, it took roughly nine months to bring the concept to fruition. The design phase took about four months, with an additional five months for construction. It didn’t come without its challenges however. All the appliances and furniture inside the house are real and, with the house being built at an angle, the appliances would tend to lean away from the walls. The end product was worth the difficulties however, as UpSide Down house has become one of the most visited, talked about and Instagrammed local attractions.

The venue is constantly expanding and adding more to the facility, so this is not the end – keep an eye out as the UpSide Down house grows and develops!

UpSide Down House Hartbeeshoek Rd, Broederstroom m 063 100 9858 K www.upsidedownhouse.co.za

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IMAGES ZANITA VAN STADEN

As you casually meander through Broederstroom near Hartebeespoort, you may find yourself looking twice (just to check you haven’t gone crazy) as you pass a house casually lying on its roof. No, it’s not the casualty of a tornado or other natural disaster… it’s UpSide Down House – an inspirational idea and engineering masterpiece to let you look at life from a different perspective.

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 33

PHOTOGRAPHER

to the Stars Chase Liebenberg

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and this rings true for the emotion-filled images captured by horse racing feature photographer, Chase Liebenberg. On an average race day, he can be found in the parade ring or at the finish line, capturing the moments that go down in racing history.

nlike other forms of photography, horse racing photography requires absolute accuracy and the ability to remain calm under pressure as the winners thunder past with lightning speed and the images can’t be retaken if missed. The pressure is magnified ten-fold on race days such as the Vodacom Durban July and the L’Ormarins Queens Plate, where nearly every race is a feature race... and every winning photo a possible moment. One young photographer who is quickly making a name for himself as one of the best within the industry, is Chase Liebenberg.

The 25-year old designer, marketer and photographer hails from a racing family – his sister, Genevieve Michel was the first qualified and most highly acclaimed female jockey in South Africa and his mother, Wendy Michel was an assistant trainer and work rider for many years, for the likes of racing greats such as Terrence Millard, Mike de Kock and Peter and Dean Kannemeyer.

Born and bred in Cape Town, he matriculated from Edgemead High School and went to work at the Thoroughpedia Project in the Form Bloodstock building. During this time he studied at Design and Advertising at Ruth Prowse School Of Art in Woodstock. Whilst his intention was never necessarily to work with horses, at the Thoroughpedia Project he was introduced to photography by Charles Faull and Donna Bernhardi where he would photograph canter pasts and race finishes... and the rest, as they say, is history.

Chase worked for Racing It’s a Rush for a short while, before taking a sabbatical from the horse racing industry entirely. He took up a position at a design and advertising agency, revelling at the chance to learn and develop new skills outside of horse racing. During that time, Sporting Post approached him to do their weekend feature racing photography and, keeping a few freelance design clients, he decided to take a leap of faith and launch a solo enterprise offering photography, design and social media management. The well-recognised “Chase” watermark is now a familiar feature on racing photographs across social media and his name frequently credited within print media.

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“I love the sport and I'm passionate about horses. There are a lot of young people within the game the likes of Mathew De Kock and Lyle Hewitson who have gone on to do great thing and I'm excited to contribute to the industry as somebody under the age of thirty which is needed I think. I love photography, and especially equine photography.

There is no “repeat” or “could you please do that again”- it’s about capturing the moment as it takes place.”

It doesn’t come without its fair share of missed or out-of-focus shots which are inevitable considering the nature of the subject being photographed, but as Chase points out, “it’s not about the mistakes you make, but how well you recover the situation. Sure I've missed the finish photo - I missed a big one in Eden Roc’s finish on July Day this year - but I try to always make up for it with lead in photos and postrace images in the winners’ circle – a place where adrenalin pumps and emotions run high. Sometimes those are the photos which tell a greater story than the finish line itself.”

The future is bright for this young racing photographer, having already been invited to Dubai to capture images at the infamous Dubai World Cup for local media. He is currently gearing up for another possible international trip later this year to Hong Kong. “I do have to thank many people in the industry for backing and supporting me - photographers, trainers, jockeys and owners alike.”

With the racing season back in full swing in South Africa, we can look forward to many an album of hard fought finishes, owner and jockey elation and moments of quiet reflection on the days achievements “some say that the horses and jockeys don’t have a connection, but having captured many a jockey embracing their horses, I beg to differ.

They’re a team, and I'm privileged to be able to witness these personal moments first hand.”

Chase Liebenberg Graphic Designer / Equine Photographer / Illustrator / Marketing Agent m 083 392 5622 k Chaseliebenberg@gmail.com E Chase Liebenberg Design & Photography

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 35

F E AT U R E

THE REFILLERY South Africa’s First Planet-Friendly Retailer

One of the scariest statistics facing humanity currently is that if things don’t change dramatically, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Whilst most of us in the equestrian industry are by nature eco-conscious and routinely reduce, re-use and recycle, there is one equestrienne and her family who have gone the extra mile to help minimise plastic use in South Africa. am Moleta, herself an avid rider, along with husband Dom, opened The Refillery in Cedar Square Shopping Centre in March this year – South Africa’s first planet friendly, plastic free retailer. The couple, who spent six years working in the yachting industry and then in Thailand, saw first-hand the impact of plastic waste on the ocean and vowed to make a difference.

“The pollution that we saw in some parts of the world was so awful that we often chose not to swim,” says Sam. “Unfortunately for the fish and other river and ocean inhabitants, they don’t have the luxury of making that choice, so we decided to focus on how we, as a small family, could make a change”. The family were, at the time, living in New Zealand but made the decision to quit their jobs, sell their house and use all their savings to self-fund South Africa’s first zero-waste store.

The Refillery offers a ‘weigh-and-pay’ shopping experience that enables you to do your usual grocery shop with high quality, ethically sourced products but without any of the wasteful packaging that usually accompanies these products. As the store’s name suggests, products are displayed in bulk containers, enabling customers to refill plastic-free containers, either bought in store or brought from home, with the quantity they desire.

Apart from pantry staples like rice, flour, nuts and herbs, as well as honey and oil, you can also buy eco-friendly cleaning products and personal toiletries. Innovative products such as beeswax wraps and bowl covers have become increasingly popular as they completely remove the need for plastic wrap. “Other popular items include our DIY ingredients like borax powder, Epsom salts and citric acid, which is heart-warming to see that South Africans are prepared to make positive change and rather make their own natural cleaning products and cosmetics”.

In a technological era where data and information is freely available and people have become more aware of environmental pressures, there has been a surge of “conscious consumerism” where consumers no longer make purchase decisions based solely on

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

price or taste. Whilst South Africans are generally quite conscious of environmental issues, we have been lagging when it comes to initiatives such as recycling. In order to make the change to sustainable shopping easier and more convenient, both The Refillery online and bricks-and-mortar stores offer a home delivery and refilling service, plus a call and collect facility.

“In the busy world we live in, people thrive on convenience and in the past there have been only a few options for people to decrease their waste and no real way to shop without singleuse plastics,” says Sam. Almost 40% of the plastic produced worldwide is for packaging purposes – generally used once and discarded.

Whilst there has been a worldwide movement amongst major retailers to remove plastic shopping bags, there is a lot more which needs to change in order to make a dramatic difference to the global waste crisis.

Although it isn’t something people can fix overnight, Sam believes that everyone has to make small and consistent changes now in order to ensure a viable future. “We live by the quote: ‘we don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly but rather a million people doing it imperfectly’.

There is a native American proverb which sums up the concept behind the Refillery perfectly “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”.

The Refillery Cedar Square Shopping Centre, cnr. Willow & Cedar Road m 011 465 4426 K www.therefillery.co.za

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 37

Ice Ice Baby Healing Benefits of Equine Hydrotherapy Spa’s

Many people think that equine hydrotherapy is only necessary for top level competition horses, but progressively more stable yards and amateur riders are starting to incorporate this beneficial therapy into their horse’s training program because of the vast number of benefits it provides. orse owners have, for years, hosed down the legs of horses with sprains and swelling as the cold water reduces heat at the site. Similarly, racehorse trainers who have access to the beach have found that swimming in salt water speeds up recovery time.

The benefits are so great that new technology has resulted in the development of Equine Hydrotherapy Spa’s, which combine the benefits of salt water and cold temperatures to aid in recovery and rehabilitation of horses.

When a horse injures soft tissue, it causes inflammatory enzymes to move to the injury site creating heat and swelling in order to immobilise the injury

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and prevent excessive movement which could cause greater damage. Whilst the body generates this reaction in order to protect the injury, swelling can inhibit healing as it prevents blood and oxygen getting to the injured area.

Depending on how poor circulation is, anti-inflammatory medicines and antibiotics (administered to aid in healing) may also not reach the injury site, hampering its effectiveness. The safest way to reduce excessive swelling is to use the horse’s own circulatory system to move the excess fluids that have collected in the tissues.

Enter the Equine Hydrotherapy Spa! The osmotic effect of the salt water helps to reduce swelling, whilst the cold water reduces heat in the inflamed tissue. The cool temperature and movement of the water also aids in pain management making it a very effective treatment for injuries as well as for long term treatment of degenerative joint diseases How does it work?

The Equine Hydrotherapy spa works using four basic factors: Temperature The temperature of the water in the Equine Hydrotherpay spa is consistently between 2 and 4 degrees. Applying cold triggers protective bodily reactions.

Apart from numbing the area to a degree, the cold water reduces swelling by making the blood vessels constrict, flushing out excess fluid. On exiting

the spa the blood vessels then dilate, causing a surge of fresh blood, rich in nutrients and oxygen, to the affected area, accelerating the healing process and increasing circulation.

Salt Concentration The water contains sodium chloride (table salt) and magnesium salts (Epsom salts) - in similar quantities as you would find in sea water. The higher the salt concentration, the more fluid will be drawn away from the injury site. It has been found to help injuries heal faster.

Depth of Water The depth is generally determined by the position of the injury. The greater the depth of the water, the more pressure applied on the tissues which aids in the movement of accumulated fluids from the injury.

Aeration Aeration of the water increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water which aids in healing, similar to a hyperbaric chamber for humans. It also creates a massaging action which aids in circulation and the movement of fluid away from the injury site.

What can it be used for?  Tendonitis - Injury to Superficial digital flexor, Check ligament, Deep digital flexor  Desmitis - Suspensory strain or tear  Arthritis - Injury to Fetlock and pastern, Knee and hock, coffin joint  Hoof Injuries - Over reach, Abscesses, Stone Bruise, Corns, Laminitis or Founder, Thrush, Nail Prick  Shin Splints - Sore shins, Bucked shins  Jar Up - Bruising  Bursitis / Synovitis - Swollen joints, Wind galls or wind puffs  Open wound and skin infections - Dermatitis, Greasy heel / Mud Fever / Rain Scald  General Stiffness  Rehabilitation and Maintenance Manor d’Or stables in Kyalami is one of the few yards in Gauteng with an equine hydrotherapy spa. If you’d like more information or would like to book a session, please contact Linda Equine Hydrotherapy Spa Manor d’Or 164 Pommel Road, Bridle Park, Sun Valley, Gauteng m 0722631631 K www.manordorstables.co.za

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 39

LOCAL IS

Lekker!

Introduction to horse ownership in South Africa

There is finally a book written by South Africans for the South African equestrian community – filled with local examples, suppliers and suggestions - so whether you own a horse or are considering it, this information-filled, easy reading guide is the perfect stocking filler! ost of us, unless born into families with generations of riders, have stumbled into the equestrian world through passion, curiosity or childhood desires to learn to ride. If this sounds a lot like you or someone you know then we’ve found the perfect stocking filler for you. Written locally, the Introduction to Horse Ownership in South Africa is an all-inclusive guide to purchasing, owning and maintaining a horse.

Whilst finding a horse at any price range is completely do-able, many people underestimate the costs, services, time and requirements for caring and maintaining horses over time.

Deciding to invest in a horse brings with it a host of responsibilities and obligations for its welfare and well-being.

Prepare to be brought up to speed in 13 easy to read chapters! With information from the very basics – learning about different breeds, colours, disciplines and the basics in equine terminology through to signs of good health, common ailments to be aware of and all the supplementary

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

services and providers you’ll need to commit to – this book is based on actual experience in South African context – ensuring we can all relate.

This practical guide gives an accurate, local perspective on what one should consider when purchasing a horse and covers everything from equipment, behaviour and terminology to horse care, feed options and basic first aid. Whilst we’ve always had access to books from international authors and articles on Google in this regard, it’s refreshing to find a book for the South African context – providing options, suggestions, products and suppliers that are locally available.

If you’re looking to brush up on your equine knowledge, or if you’re being dragged into the horse world (willingly or not), this book provides answers to all the questions you may have!

R249.00 (excl delivery) m +27 82 928 6647 k info@equi-silhouette.co.za

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Address: 274/2 Cedar Ave, Chartwell, Fourways 2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 41

C A N I N E F E AT U R E

Sloppy Kisses Doggy Daycare

GROOMERS & DELI Canine Heaven on Earth

A self-proclaimed “wonderland of wagging tails” accurately sums up Sloppy Kisses.

This mom and daughter owned establishment opened up in Olivedale earlier this year with the intention of providing an easily accessible, 5-star daycare and grooming establishment to service the dual working families, the full time employed and those residing in townhouses and apartments.

With every aspect of canine care taken into consideration and personal attention paid to every single detail, Sloppy Kisses is quite literally Pet Paradise!

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

renda and Janine Cooper have always been in the daycare industry as previous owners of Magic Beings Nursery School. Upon the sale of their school and with a joint passion for animals, this dynamic mom and daughter duo decided to convert passion into profession and the concept of Sloppy Kisses was born. Considering the increase in townhouse and high-density living as well as a trend towards dual working families, the pair noticed a gap for a doggy daycare with on-site dog parlour within the area.

For many, who work full time and who live in estates or complexes, one of the biggest concerns is the well-being of our pets who inevitably are left home alone all day without stimulation or company. If it doesn’t result in destruction of furniture and personal items, it can often lead to “nuisance barking” which can result in irate neighbours and written warnings from body corporates who are obliged to intervene. Many doggy daycares in Johannesburg are situated in outlying, “agricultural holding” zoned areas which have space and reduced noise restrictions, this does however mean that they’re not easily accessible for the working pet-owner considering the state of peak-hour traffic in the city of gold.

Apart from the outdoor play area, which is complete with a bone-shaped swimming pool and a large wooden jungle gym custom built for the canines, Sloppy Kisses is also home to a glamorous dog parlour, a pet deli filled with toys, food, beds and every possible pet accessory as well as

a frail care centre and a coffee shop where you can relax or catch up on some work with a coffee whilst overlooking the pet play area. The facility has a number of play areas and have worked with a professional dog behaviourist to determine the best allocations in terms of size and breed to ensure harmonious pet play. They also have a number of dog carers and trainers who supervise the dogs at all times and are trained to interpret dog behavior and non-verbal signals.

The grooming parlour resembles that of a 5-star resort spa, fitted with wash bays for all dog sizes, individual grooming stations complete with full length mirrors and finished with luxurious royal pink velvet trimmings. One noticeable trait of this grooming parlour is the serenity – one would anticipate continuous barking and noise, but each of the dogs being groomed on the days we visited seemed to be lapping up the attention (literally). Warm water baths, pad and paw treatments, eye, ear and teeth cleaning and nail clipping are included in every treatment with a number of other pampering options available.

For those looking for pet boarding, Sloppy Kisses have just opened up their kenneling, doggy hotel and cattery. The “cabanas” resemble a scene from a movie, with individual pink wendy-houses that come complete with beds, crystal chandeliers and wall heaters to ensure Fido feels right at home. The hotel is the equivalent of the Palace at the Lost City for pets – each of the rooms comes complete with double bed (and pet staircase to ensure easy access for all breed sizes), private garden and a TV which loops movies like Lassie and Marley and Me. The communal “hotel lobby” has couches and air-conditioning. No expense has been spared in the doggy hotel - the bed linen rivals most boutique hotels and the ‘piece de resistance’ are the little bone shaped biscuits which are left on their pillows during turn-down. We can almost guarantee that dogs who check-in to the doggy hotel may never leave… or may go home with a list of demands for an upgrade on their plastic igloos!

Apart from being a luxurious place to stay and play, Sloppy Kisses has also taken a very practical approach to pet well-being and care. They have a large swimming pool which will be used for swimming lessons and they offer dog training upon request. They have created a ‘frail care” centre for older dogs as well as those who are recovering from operations and need to be supervised all day, medicated regularly or contained to avoid excessive movement. They also have air-conditioned pick up and drop off shuttle services to assist those who may not be able to get their pets to the facility themselves and will even arrange a birthday party for your dog at an extra fee – complete with party hats, pet-friendly birthday cake and treats for the fur-friends in attendance.

For those more inclined to cats than dogs, you’ll be pleased to know that they have recently launched their cattery. This indoor and outdoor facility has real and faux trees for climbing and scratching, floating kitty beds and a selection of climbing, playing and resting areas which will appeal to even the most spoilt of felines.

Testimonial from our Editor: In an effort to provide honest feedback on the establishments we recommend, I enrolled my two high-energy Pekinese x Jack Russel (we think!) rescues at Sloppy Kisses for daycare twice weekly. Both are, by nature, very vocal and intimidated by larger dogs so I was under the impression that it was either going to be disastrous (and I’d be called to collect them from the naughty corner every time and do the walk of shame back to the car) or work out really well (that they’d become accustomed to engaging with large breeds) – and I’m happy to report that it is the latter!

I won’t say they’ve overcome their fear of larger dogs but Sloppy Kisses’ willingness to work with the dog behaviourist who we had engaged with previously has meant that they have found their place within a play area of dogs who play and interact well together. Whilst at home these dogs are quite literally my shadow (going to that bathroom appears to be something of a family meeting as both have to be in attendance), they have quickly cottoned on to the route we take to “school” and start crying in excitement from the time we turn off the main road. Whilst Troy laps up the attention from the carers and finds a place on someone’s lap, Tyson spends majority of his day in and out of the swimming pool – a vastly different daily agenda to the destruction and boredom of being left at home alone most days.

Whether you’re looking for daycare or boarding out of necessity or guilt (for leaving Fido home alone all day) then we can highly recommend Sloppy Kisses. Whilst you may be concerned about the price tag of such an establishment - I can assure you that it is significantly cheaper than the cost of replacing the couch (which seems to heed the wrath of my dogs’ boredom) and from a pet happiness perspective… it’s priceless!

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 43

RECIPE

MADE

with Love Homemade Horse Treats

No matter your baking expertise, these fuss-free, homemade horse treats are quick and easy to make. The best part – they require very little effort and the recipients won’t judge what they look like... #winning

Ingredients: 1 cup oats 1 cup flour 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots) 2 tbsp vegetable oil ¼ cup molasses 1 tsp salt Optional: ½ cup of your horse's feed Directions: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.

In a large bowl mix together the carrots, oil and molasses until combined Add the salt, oats, flour and optional feed and stir until it's combined. It will be a sticky, dough-like consistency Roll into small 2,5cm size balls with your hands, or use a small ice cream scoop Place them on a lined baking tray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden in colour.

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

CONTENT CREDIT: SARAH HEARTS (ONLINE)

Bake Time 20-25 minutes

OPEN

RECIPE

WINE, DINE & Equine

Combining Guilty Pleasures at Cape Winelands Riding

If you love horse riding, or if fine wine is your guilty pleasure... (or both) then a riding holiday through the Cape Winelands should be right up there on your travel bucket list. Whilst the view alone is breath taking, experiencing it all from the saddle makes it an experience that is close to perfect! ituated in the heart of the Western Cape’s winelands – an area renowned for its history and scenic beauty, but more particularly for its fine wines and dining experiences – Cape Winelands Riding offers day trips and riding holidays with a difference. No matter your riding experience (or lack thereof), Cape Winelands Riding has a stable yard of exceptional horses and ponies to suit riders of levels, and experienced guides to ensure an unforgettable riding experienced.

With the dramatic Cape mountains as your backdrop, there are few outrides in South Africa which will be quite as Instagramworthy! Couple the scenery with lunch and wine tastings on exclusive wine estates and it may feel like you’ve died and gone to equestrian heaven. Patrons can choose from day trips – which vary from one hour to a full day that includes 4 hours in the saddle in the foothills of the Simonsberg with a stopover at Backsberg Wines or Anura for lunch and

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

wine tasting. For the romantics looking for the ultimate display of love, there is the option for a sunset ride during the summer months and Cape Winelands Riding will even assist with plans for proposal rides – including a surprise picnic at a wine farm. They’re proud to boast a 100% success rate, but to be fair, who would possibly say no to that?

The centre also offers riding holidays where guests can stay over for an extended period of time and enjoy the beauty of the region on horseback. These holidays have no set time frame, although a minimum of five nights is recommended for the best experience.

Daily outrides through orchards, vineyards and mountains lead to various wine farms, restaurants and hidden hospitality gems for lunches and stopover points, with many a photo opportunity along the way.

For those looking to combine the best of gastronomy in the region with time in the saddle, Cape Winelands Riding offers the 7-day Cape Gourmet Wine Trail. The owner, Louis Geyer, has spent considerable time putting together the perfect package with routes slightly off the beaten track to provide the best in local hospitality, dining and horse trails. The Gourmet Wine Trail hasn’t been offered for two years whilst the mountains recovered from devastating fires, but the region is back in prime condition and new routes have been added, including visits to new venues and wine estates. These week-long experiences are only offered on set dates throughout the year so it’s best to keep checking on their website for upcoming events.

When staying over for the riding trips, guests have the option to choose from a five-star boutique hotel, a mid-range guest lodge or in the on-site farm accommodation which provides all the sights and sounds of a working yard. The options enable guests to tailor their holiday according to taste and budget – ensuring the trip of a lifetime is accessible for everyone.

Cape Winelands Riding m +27 (0)82 924 6728 K www.capewinelandsriding.co.za k info@tsptravel.com E https://web.facebook.com/capewinelands.riding/

2019 Oct-Dec - Equestrian LIFE | 47

PROFILE

RACINGS

Power COUPLE

Lyle Hewitson & Hannah-Rebecca Runnalls

It’s true what they say – behind every successful man is a strong woman – and this rings particularly true for the ladies behind some of racing’s most successful sportsmen. Despite unknowingly having crossed paths as children, both having grown up in Port Elizabeth, current SA Champion jockey Lyle Hewitson and Hannah Runnalls only officially met 3 years ago in the office of trainer Yvette Bremner – and the rest, as they say, is history. yle Hewitson was recently re-crowned South Africa’s Champion jockey and amongst the list of influential people who have supported him throughout the championship is girlfriend Hannah Runnalls. The couple have recently made the move to Hong Kong where Lyle, at just 21 years of age, is the youngest South African to be granted a jockeys licence and where he will race for the 2019/20 season.

Hannah herself is no stranger to the horse racing circuit, having competed in no less than five amateur races – with a victory on her second attempt. The 20-year old had applied to go to New Zealand to do her apprenticeship but decided to ride in the amateur ranks first to see if race riding truly was her calling. Although she enjoyed riding in races, it was working with the horses on a more personal level that appealed to her more and she took up a role working for champion trainer, Mike de Kock, in Dubai instead. It was during the off-season when Hannah returned home to gain more work riding experience with Port Elizabeth based trainer, Yvette Bremner, that she met Lyle.

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Equestrian LIFE - Oct-Dec 2019

Whilst the life of a jockey’s girlfriend may seem glamorous, it doesn’t come without it’s challenges and Hannah’s greatest concern is about his safety, “ Lyle has had a few bad falls over the past few years and when you realise just how easily it can happen it can play on your mind. I just pray that he gets past the line safely during each race.”

It’s a very demanding sport and whilst in-form Lyle spends a vast majority of his time travelling and away from home, Hannah understands the importance of capitalising on rides and opportunities in order to be successful. “You have to make the most of it and join them for the ride when you can” says Runnalls, who has subsequently made the trip to Hong Kong with Lyle. As with any athlete, competitive sport brings with it as many highs as it does lows and it’s important for jockeys to have a strong support system - “we share the joy of each win together – whether it’s a Group 1 Feature race or a Maiden Plate. You feel as if you are a 'team' even if your role in the success was much smaller”.

eQuick TRAIN LIKE AN ATHLETE WIN LIKE A CHAMPION

IBC

KwaZulu Natal

Tel: 031 768 1453

Gauteng

2019 Oct-Dec LIFE | 49 Tel: 083- Equestrian 661 1543

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