Equestrian Life Apr-June 2019

Equestrian [ LIFE

APR-JUNE 2019

Canine Feature DOGGY PADDLE Hydrotherapy for Hounds Business SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE Social Media & Equine Business Feature Article HORSES THAT HEAL SA Riding for the Disabled ISSN 2309-253X

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772309

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www.equestrianlife.co.za

From Soweto to the Stars

Enos

MAFOKATE

Y

SA’S KING OF HORSES

R

U YO

EE

FR

P CO

IFC

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 1

Contents 10

Equestrian [ LIFE

REGULARS 04 ED'S NOTE

06 CALENDAR 09 ONLINE 46 TRAVEL

Protea Hotel by Marriot Ranch resort

48 PERSONALITY PROFILE Barry Taylor

FEATURES 10 COVER FEATURE

nos Mafokate - South Africa's E King of Horses

14 HORSES THAT HEAL

SA Riding for the Disabled

22 10 THINGS HORSES TAUGHT ME

14

26

36

42

….. About Parenting

26 SOCIAL

Social Media for Equestrian Businesses

30 E QUESTRIAN BEAUTY LIST The DIY Spa

34 N EIGH-BOURHOOD SECRETS The Herb Farm Bistro

36 RUNNING WILD

Free Roaming Herds from around the World

42 DOGGY PADDLE

Hydrotherapy for Hounds

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shevaun McCreedy

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

RETRACTION: In the January – March 2019 issue of Equestrian Life SA Magazine, an image was used in the Cart Horse Protection Assocation Article which was believed to be a stock image but was actually of Heavenly Stables in the Eastern Cape. We extend our apologies for the misprint and for any confusion caused.

TOGETHER FOR SUCCESS

KwaZulu Natal

Western Cape

Gauteng

Tel: 031 768 1453

Tel: 021 976 8044

Tel: 083 661 1543 2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 3

ED'S NOTE

Equestrian [ LIFE

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

s the leaves start to change colour and drop from the trees signifying the start of Autumn, it also means the start of later sun rises, colder temperatures and shorter days. On the plus side however, the second quarter of the year also brings with it Easter, school holidays (and less traffic) and lots of public holidays! For Equestrians, all three mean more shows, more pony camps and more time in the saddle.

Our fourth issue is packed with all things equine including a look at the last remaining herds of feral horses around the world (from which I’m convinced my Thoroughbred believes he’s a descendent considering his wild temperament). On the complete opposite end of the scale from a temperament perspective, we take a look at therapy horses as we chat to the team at SA Riding for the Disabled (SARDA) in Cape Town.

Our cover story features Enos Mafokate, a well-known name throughout the equestrian industry and founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre. What many don’t know is that he recently became a Rand Show Medal Honoree, alongside South African greats

such as Lukas Radebe. We take a look at his life story and career to find out more about South Africa’s “King of Horses” In the canine section we take a look at hydrotherapy for dogs which has multiple benefits for rehabilitation, recovery, weight loss and long-term maintenance.

Lulu Pets provides us with a nutritious recipe for Butternut Pet Treats - available as an easy to make pre-mix that requires a few added ingredients to create delicious, home-made dog treats.

Your dog will love the biscuits, and you’ll love the convenience!

Our travel section takes us to Polokwane to the Protea Hotel by Marriott Ranch Resort. This four-star establishment combines the best of all worlds with a nature reserve, horseback safaris and all the luxuries of a holiday resort such as swimming pools and golf as well as being equipped for large scale conferences and weddings.

So whether you’re looking for a venue for business or pleasure, we’ve done the homework for you!

We wish you a happy Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s day – all of which take place during the next 3 months so lots of reasons to celebrate with family and take advantage of the last few warm weeks until the cold settles in properly.

Creedy Shevaun Mc

PUBLISHER Justyn Spinner EDITOR Shevaun McCreedy SENIOR DESIGNER Siphokazi Masele DESIGNER Bheka Ngubane SALES MANAGER Tyrone Maletsky 072 929 1727 SALES EXECUTIVE Eckhard Truter 084 408 4258 KEY ACCOUNTS & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Bianca du Preez 061 179 8588 LIFESTYLE EDITOR Bianca Spinner CONTRIBUTORS Candice May, Danita Pilley, Renate Engelbrecht DRIVER Linda Boyi ADMINISTRATON Lorraine Ndlovu PRINTING Paarl Media www.novus.holdings 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 382 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall, 2196 | PO Box 842, Northlands 2116 Spinnercom Media supports press and media freedom and the freedom of expression for all South Africans.

Copyright: All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied and stored in a retrieval system and transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopy or otherwise, without the prior written permission prom the publishers and owners, Spinner Communications cc.

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ISSN: 0620-3188 Company Registration Number: 2003/022099/23

A division of Novus Holdings

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 5

CALENDAR

Apr

IMAGES: SDENFORD STUDIOS

15 – 22 April 2019 The Nissan Easter Festival 2019 This highly anticipated show takes place over Easter weekend and promises entertainment for the whole family. The equestrian action will take place across several arenas at Kyalami Equestrian Park along with gymkhana, fancy dress and Easter egg hunts for the little ones. With equestrian athletes from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia heading South to compete again SA’s best, be sure to come out and support our riders!

When: 15 22 April Where: Kyalami Equestrian Park, Dahlia Road, Kyalami Cost: Various Book: www.kyalamiparkclub.co.za

29 April – 5 May 2019 Afrikaburn Afrikaburn is South Africa’s version of the USA’s Burning Man festival, and brings with it a week of outrageous costumes, art and sculptures, music and performances and communal bonfires! The theme for this years event is Ephemeropolis- or the concept that things are transitory and exist only briefly. So whether you’re a first time visitor or a veteran ‘burner’ – diarise the dates for a festival beyong your wildest imagination.

When: 29 April – 5 May 2019 Where: Tankwa Karoo National Park, Calvinia, Western Cape

May

4 May 2019 Champion’s Day One of the most anticipated race days on the horse racing calendar and includes the third and final leg of the South African Triple Crown series.

Whether your interest lies in the horses or in the fashion and entertainment – then you’re spoilt for choice. Head down to Turffontein on 4 May to see the best of the best competing for various feature race titles.

When: 4 May 2019 Where: Turffontein Racecourse, 14 Turf Club Street, Turffontein Cost: Various Book: www.itsarush.co.za

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

11–12 May 2019 The 2019 American Express Winter Sculpture Fair Bringing Franschoek to Gauteng! Combine the best of contemporary art, fine foods and amazing wine in one of Johannesburg’s most spectacular outdoor venues. Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind plays host to this gastronomic affair as Franschoek’s top chefs and winemakers return to tantalise guests’ taste buds. The perfect day out for family and friends to enjoy the winter sun surrounded by sculptures and art.

When: 11-12 May 2019 Where: Nirox Sculpture Park, Kromdraai Road, Cradle of Humankind Cost: R220-R240 Book: www.webtickets.co.za

June 12 May 2019 South African Lipizzaners Mothers Day Performance What better way to thank one of the most special people in your lives than a morning with the dancing white stallions. The South African Lipizzaners present their annual Mothers Day performance followed by a tea in the courtyard surrounded by the stars of the show.

When: 12 May 2019 Where: SA Lipizzaners, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami Cost: R200 Book: www.computicket.co.za 8 June 2019 Medieval Fayre 2019: Viking Invasion Hear ye! Hear ye! Come and experience a medieval village complete with markets, mounted archery, tomato throwing, hobby horse jousting, pie eating competitions, dragon slaying and unicorns!

With traditional medieval food and beverages on sale and fancy dress competitions you’re encouraged to channel your inner Knight or Princess and enjoy a day out in true Viking style!

When: 8 June 2019 Where: La Vue Guest House, Plot 161 Nooitgedacht, Muldersdrift Cost: R80 (adults) & R20 (kids) if pre-bought Book: www.quicket.co.za

16 June 2019 South African Lipizzaners Fathers Day Performance We all know that can only wear so many pairs of socks and only use so many power tools‌ so this year, to celebrate Fathers Day, why not invest in an experience and create memories for the whole family. The Lipizzaners will put their best hooves forward in a beautiful display during their annual Fathers Day production on 16 June.

When: 16 June 2019 Where: SA Lipizzaners, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami Cost: R200

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 7

SLADE

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

Online

www.equestrianlife.co.za

The year is in full swing as we head into the second quarter of 2019. By now most of you have settled back in to work and are trying to get to grips with that elusive work-life balance – for some, that means spending almost all day in the saddle, whilst for the rest of us it means squeezing in some saddle time during the work day.

CO-WORKING SPACES FOR WORKING EQUESTRIANS

For the self-employed and entrepreneurs amongst us who aren’t all lucky enough to have a home office – it may seem fun to work at local coffee shops, but there’s only so much unreliable Wi-Fi and noisy side conversations you can take before you start missing an office. We’ve found the most unique and innovative co-working spaces for freelancers, entrepreneurs and industrious working-equestrians who simply like to get things done.

THE BEST ALL-DAY BREAKFASTS

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day… so, in our opinion, it should be served all day! We’d love to claim we miss breakfast because we’re late sleepers fitting in that all-important ‘me time’ but let’s be honest, we’ve been up since 5am to get to stables and have only finished riding by late morning. Tuck into our list of cafés and restaurants that offer all-day breakfast, from stacked pancakes and French toast to traditional fry-ups with all the trimmings.

TOP 5 FOR MOTHERS AND FATHERS DAY

Our team have selected their Top 5 goodies to spoil mom and dad on their respective days in May and June with options to suit all budgets.

We know they must have had some influence on your decision to get involved in the world of horses so we know they’ll appreciate an equestrian inspired gift!

Q Who To Follow on Instagram

@the.life.of.an.equestrian A feed filled with inspirational quotes and humorous memes covering all things equestrian that will inspire you to be balanced and happy and place a smile on your face.

@equineperfect A page dedicated to those days when things were going too well and you spoke too soon.

Filled with entertaining clips of riding sessions that went from good to bad. You can submit your own clips by using the hashtag #equineperfectfeat to be featured.

@beyondtheponytail Inspiration for a different type of pony altogether… this insta feed provides inspiration for different plaits, braids, high pony’s and updo’s. Some motivation to ditch the helmet hair and arrive with flair (it may require some time and practise with the curling iron however).

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

FROM

SOWETO

to the Stars Enos Mafokate - South Africa’s King of Horses

2019 is proving to be an illustrious year for Enos Mafokate, South Africa’s first black showjumper and founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre. Not only is it the 40th anniversary of his first participation in the Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Show, but he recently became a Rand Show Medal Honoree, alongside the likes of footballing legend, Lukas Radebe. Affectionately known as Kgosi ya Dipere (King Of Horses), Enos Mafokate has a fascinating life story to share. nos Mafokate needs very little introduction within the equestrian community. The now 75-year old is still very much involved within the riding community and development and you can feel his passion within minutes of meeting him. On arrival at Soweto Equestrian Centre you are greeted with a hug and his warm laughter and eyes sparkle as relays his plans of where he envisions Soweto Equestrian Centre – a dream of leaving a legacy for generations to come in remembrance of all the years of adversity he overcame and in celebration of all that he achieved despite it.

He was recently acknowledged by the Rand Show committee and awarded a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the South African Community. “This is by far the achievement I am most proud of – I still cant believe it.

I look at the trophy every day just to remind myself it’s real – I wont ever forget it” proclaims a delighted Enos. The medal takes pride of place in the trophy cabinet alongside other prestigious awards – including the Volunteer of the Year award received in 2008 and a Life Achievement Award presented by Steve Tswhete in 2015.

These awards tell a story of a life and career packed with highs and lows, adversity and achievement and a man who refused to give up on a dream from the first time he came into contact with horses.

Enos Mafokate was born and raised during the height of the Apartheid era and his first engagement with horses was tarnished by an interaction typical of the times. He lived in Rivonia, at the time a rural farming area and not the bustling suburban vista as we know it, where he worked for a

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

The Soweto Equestrian Centre Clubhouse

farmer – caring for guests’ horses while they picnicked. Whilst herding his cattle on a donkey one afternoon he crossed paths with a young white boy riding his horse, and with true childlike curiosity, the boy and Enos decided to swap mounts. The child’s father later appeared and cut the interaction short – an unfortunate reality of segregation and the political climate at the time.

Enos and the farmer’s son struck up a friendship regardless of the the racial and political tension and he taught Enos the basics of riding horses – this is where his true love and passion for horses began. “At just 11 years old I was told if I wanted to ride or be around horses I needed to become a groom, so that became my goal and in 1961 I began as a stablehand for Leslie Taylor.”

In 1962, Inanda Country Base (ICB) hosted a groom’s class at a show as black riders weren’t allowed to compete against white riders at the time, and Enos was encouraged to participate – “I ended up winning the class – in overalls and gumboots!” he says with a delighted smile.

Student receiving instruction from Enos

The following year he won a grooms showing show, also hosted at ICB, and people began to take notice of his talent and skill. For the 12 years that followed however, there were no more shows which allowed black riders to compete until, in 1975, he and 16 other grooms enrolled at Inanda Marist Brothers College, a private school, that allowed black students to compete in the sport. Enos subsequently became South Africa’s first black showjumper.

• His career in the equestrian industry took many twists and turns, the highlights of which he relates with great pride and sincerity: • In 1977, Enos joined up with Errol and Anneli Wucherpfennig who fought for him to become the first black member of the, then called, Transvaal Horse Society. His gratitude towards the Wucherpfennig’s is evident as he recounts fond memories their role in his success.

• In 1978, Anneli took Enos to Natal where he became the first black rider in 127 years to compete in the Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Horse Show. Despite some strong resistance against his participation, Enos received a letter from the then president, PW Botha, providing him with permission to ride. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of his Royal Show debut and he’ll be back to participate this year in the Show Riding Horse and in-hand class on a thoroughbred named Lee. • In 1980 David Broome, a British rider, saw Enos riding and suggested to Anneli that he compete in the UK. At the time South Africa was still banned from competing in international sport due to its Apartheid policies so Enos represented “Africa” as opposed to South Africa when asked. A sponsor had to be found and special arrangements for a passport made as apartheid forbade black people from travelling internationally with-

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

The tree planted at SEC by HRH Princess Anne in 2012

(Left to Right) Life Time Achievement Award, Volunteer of the Year & Rand Show Gold Medal

28 hectares of land in Moroka, Soweto to Enos and the Soweto Equestrian Centre was founded. With help from a generous donor, Enos was able to buy a block of stables from the Rand Show sale and convert the property into a functional riding school – one which still exists today. out special permission. Anneli had to get permission from the Queen for Enos to ride and he managed to finish in an impressive 5th position out of 31 entrants.

IMAGES SUPPLIED.

• In 1984 at the Midlands Grand National showjumping championship in the UK, Enos, the only black rider, claimed first prize on a horse named London Pride. There was a crowd of over 65 000 watching him ride that day and it remains one of the fondest memories of his career to date.

The centre currently has 20 registered children who ride regularly and a waiting list of close to 30. They also assist with riding for the disabled with children from Zola, Nomfulo and Showela clinics as he firmly believes in the therapeutic benefits of riding. Enos has a vision and a dream to make the Soweto Equestrian Centre a world renowned facility and has set a goal to achieve it before he turns 80 in 5-years time. In order to achieve it however, he needs help from the South African government and public.

• In 1992, Enos participated in the Soweto Games and was noticed by Dr Sam Ramsamy who told him he should represent South Africa at the Olympics. He proudly represented South Africa’s development team at the Olympic Games in Barcelona and received great amounts of publicity, being the only equestrian competitor representing the country. “If it weren’t for the late Nelson Mandela, participating in the Olympics would never have been possible. Many people knew of his involvement in rugby and soccer but few knew of the role he played in making our participation at the Olympics possible” a proud Enos recounts.

His goal is to leave a legacy and for the Soweto Equestrian Centre to become a world class riding facility complete with an indoor arena and polo field, capable of hosting competitive events and enabling more children and animals to benefit. He is humbled by the support he has received over the years – from both individuals and companies such as Milmac, who have been proud sponsors for many years. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, so imagine how many we need to assist with all the children who form part of the foundation” says Enos, “Anyone willing to help is welcome at our gate any time”.

After retiring from competitive showjumping in 1988, Enos turned his attention to those in need – both animals and humans.

• If you’re a coach or instructor and could spare some time to assist in teaching on a weekend •T he centre is desperately in need of a means of transport to get their children to shows •A ssistance in developing the property and its facilities – if you’re able to assist with fencing, surfaces, developing an indoor arena, signage and so forth •T he centre is looking for another horse that would be suitable for vaulting – preferably a decent sized warmblood with a calm temperament • Create awareness about Soweto Equestrian Centre and its long term goal, take the time to write or try contact the City Mayor to request assistance with the Soweto Equestrian Centre considering the benefits it will provide the community – job creation, education, upskilling the youth

He was asked by the Soweto SPCA to assist with overcoming the abuse of coal yard and township cart horses and decided that the best way to make a long term, sustainable difference was to educate children on animal welfare. Enos made the decision to give free riding lessons at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and teach residents proper animal care. The PDSA assisted him with R700 to buy his first horse, called Noki, with whom he taught children to ride and care for horses. For Enos, it was vital that children learnt about treating animals with respect and that they too would benefit from this, by learning compassion and responsibility in return.

In 2004, the City of Johannesburg under Mayor Amos Masondo, donated

Ways in which you can help:

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F E AT U R E

HORSES that heal

An Introduction to SA Riding for the Disabled (SARDA) As able bodied riders, most of us hop into the saddle to ride without noticing the actual physical requirements in order to do so.

Whilst we are all very aware of the emotional and psychological benefits of riding, we often take for granted just how significant a difference riding is making to our lives both physically and mentally. So when we joke about visiting our ‘therapists’ at the stable yard, it is actually not far from the truth – just ask any person living with a physical or intellectual disability who has managed to overcome a limitation through the use of therapeutic riding. inston Churchill once said that “There’s something about the outside of the horse that is good for the inside of a man” and that rings true when it comes to equine assisted therapies. SA Riding for the Disabled (SARDA) was established to provide therapeutic riding for those in need and has since made significant improvement in the lives of those impacted by mental and physical disabilities. Whilst we may have an inkling of just how beneficial equine aided therapies can be on the emotional well-being of an individual, it is also a significantly important aid in providing mobility and improved physical ability.

We chatted to Bee Lukey and Teri Smith, from SA Riding for The Disabled in Cape Town to find out more: Is Hippotherapy the same as Therapeutic Riding?

When discussing or researching riding for the disabled, we often stumble across the term Hippotherapy, which many people assume is the same thing, but there are in fact a number of differences.

The basic difference between therapeutic riding and hippotherapy is that in therapeutic riding (which is what is provided at SARDA) the riders, with a range of neuro-motor disabilities or dysfunctions, are taught to ride by a specialised team - consisting of a therapeutic riding instructor and a specially trained team of volunteers. The riders benefit physically from the movement of the horse as well as from the psycho-social and self-esteem aspects of riding - including the emotional benefit of friendly competition with their peers on an equal footing.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

In Hippotherapy, qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists use the horse as a tool in the treatment of various neuromotor and psycho-social disorders, disabilities and dysfunctions. The primary objectives of hippotherapy are therapy-specific goals and not teaching riding.

What are the benefits of riding horses for those with disabilities?

There are multiple benefits of riding horses for those with mental and physical disabilities – from both a physical and an emotional perspective as mentioned above: • It improves balance and posture through the development and improvement of muscle tone.

• It offers a personal challenge which leads to achievement and the associated positive feelings of exceeding personal expectations.

• It permits clinical exercises to be executed in an environment that is pleasant and less formal than typical therapy centres.

• It provides riders with mobility and access to new areas which they may be unable to reach on their own.

• It encourages independence and promotes body awareness.

• It develops hand-eye co-ordination and improves fine and gross motor skills.

• It offers sensory stimulation through activity and new surroundings and allows riders the opportunity to participate and compete.

• Riding promotes decision making and thinking ahead as well as teaching sequencing of actions.

• Riding builds self-confidence and esteem and improves memory.

• It develops language and communications skills and encourages reading and speech through games and play.

• It improves social interaction and engagement.

• Riding teaches everyone the value of safety rules and discipline but also provides these riders with the ability to take controlled risks.

• It allows contact with animals and understanding of their welfare.

• It offers comfort as riding is a natural reflex-inhibiting activity, providing relaxation, release of tension and a general feeling of well-being.

What is the basic process of starting therapeutic riding?

A new rider completes an application/indemnity form and, once a medical professional has signed off on the form, the rider will be eligible to start in the program. The rider will be taught the basics of horse riding, like posture, holding and using the reins, correct aids to instruct the horse to walk on and slow down or halt – and then proceed from there.

The rate of progress will differ according to the ability of the rider, and each instructor will have their own personal way of teaching the skills above. Grooming a horse is often included in the program as well. The rider will usually ride from the first session, but if the rider is particularly anxious, then they will spend more time be familiarised with the environment and horses before they actually get on a horse and ride.

What qualities do you look for in a suitable therapy horse?

It is important that the horse has a good rhythmical walk and pleasant temperament, and is not carrying injuries or arthritis which could cause pain and discomfort when ridden. Certain breeds, like Thoroughbreds, are not usually suitable as they have excitable temperaments which are difficult to manage. Horses which have been cruelly treated are also not suitable for our program as they need careful handling and may react to things happening around them that may remind them of previous abuse.

The ideal horse is a middle sized pony with a good, active walk, preferably between the ages of 10 and 15-years old which has had excellent training and handling. It should have a kind, patient temperament, good conformation and be quite hardy and easy to keep. Gender is not too important although we don’t use stallions.

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F E AT U R E

Do you have any success stories you can share with us?

Too many to know where to begin! What may seem insignificant improvement for able bodied children are massive achievements for those with disabilities so we consider even the smallest improvement a success! We have had riders speaking for the first time, tying their shoelaces, improved chewing as well as learning to read due to improved head and neck control – all directly impacted by riding horses.

Is there a cost for riders to ride at SARDA or any minimum requirements in order to apply?

No there is no cost. SARDA offers its therapeutic riding lessons for free and has to raise funds to maintain the stables, classes and well-being of the horses - hence why fundraising and volunteerism are so important.

Apart from the Cape Town establishment, are there other SARDA establishments around South Africa?

There are satellite branches in Noordhoek at Sleepy Hollow and Sedgefield, as well as an independent one in Durban. SARDA Cape Town encourages new RDA Centres to be opened all over the country as there is a rising demand among individuals as well as organisations and schools for this specialized form of therapy.

Can the public volunteer at a SARDA establishment or do you need to be trained /qualified to do so?

SARDA welcomes anybody from the age of 16 to volunteer, provided you have a relative degree of fitness and no allergies. Although riding and stable experience are advantageous, they are not a requirement and our senior instructor trains all volunteers before they begin their help in the classes.

How else can public get involved with SARDA? We would love to have more volunteers on the fundraising side with events

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

like our bi-monthly tin collections, our monthly car boot event and other events that get advertised on our Facebook page. If you’re participating in sporting events or other events where we could become a beneficiary it would be greatly appreciated as the more funds we can raise the greater difference we can make to so many lives.

SA Riding for the Disabled Association Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, 7806 m 021 794 4393 k capetown@sarda.co.za K www.sardacaptetown.co.za E SARDA Cape Town.

IMAGES SUPPLIED.

SARDA Cape Town offers a practical and theoretical training course for aspirant therapeutic riding instructors. At this stage the Brommersvlei Road Branch is the only one in the country that offers the the practical assessment and theoretical examinations to qualify therapeutic riding instructors.

Proud Supporter of Enos Mafokate & The Soweto Equestrian Centre

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2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 17

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK CLUB Bedside Best Sellers for Equestrians

Whether you’re a nocturnal bookworm, a holiday reader or a “book club” member for alternate reasons (there’s no judgement here) – there’s something about books and reading that is good for the soul. We take a look at some equine related best sellers worth reading:

THE GIRL ON THE DANCING HORSE Charlotte Dujardin Autobiography Charlotte Dujardin and her horse Valegro made headlines on the international sports scene with their record–breaking performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The entire equestrian world, dressage fan or not, was captivated by the young woman and her dancing horse and Dujardin is now considered the dominant dressage rider of her era. Dujardin began riding horses at the age of two, but dressage was a sport reserved for the wealthy –not the girl from the middleclass family she was born into.

Her parents sacrificed to give her as many opportunities as they could, and she left school at the age of 16 to focus on equestrian competition. It was at 22, when she was invited to become a groom for British Olympian Carl Hester, that she met the horse that would change her life. Valegro (affectionately known as “Blueberry”) retired from competition at the end of 2016 and his farewell performance at the Olympia Grand Hall sold out, with the dark bay gelding receiving a standing ovation. This is the story of an outsider, an unconventional horse, and the incredible bond that took them to the top.

R453 Exclusive Books

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

LEADING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY Jude Jennison Business The rapid advancement of technology has fuelled fast-paced change in business, creating a high-performance culture that requires leaders to be resilient, agile and resultsfocused. However, the increased level of uncertainty and an ever-expanding workload often leads to stress, fear and polarization, leading to disconnection. In Leading Through Uncertainty, leadership expert Jude Jennison explores the challenges leaders face as human beings in a technological world the new habits and behaviours they need to adopt to re-connect on a human to human basis, and the leadership qualities they need in order to be able to lead through uncertainty.

This is a call for leaders to return to the core of humanity to find the natural human characteristics of communication, connection, compassion and community, drawing on the experience of working with a herd of horses to understand the impact of non-verbal communication on leadership.

R384 Exclusive Books

ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR HORSES Mandy Retzlaff Non-Fiction `A letter is handed to you. In broken English, it tells you that you must now vacate your farm; that this is no longer your home, for it now belongs to the crowd on your doorstep.

Then the drums begin to beat.' As the land invasions gather pace, the Retzlaffs begin an epic journey across Zimbabwe, facing eviction after eviction, trying to save the group of animals with whom they feel a deep and enduring bond - the horses. As their neighbours flee, the Retzlaffs promise to look after their horses, not knowing whether they will be able to feed or save them. They amass a herd of over 300 animals but the final journey to freedom will be arduous, and they can take only 104 horses. Each with a different personality and story, it is not just the family who rescue the horses, but the horses who rescue the family. One Hundred and Four Horses is the story of an idyllic existence that falls apart at the seams, and a story of incredible bonds - a love of the land, the strength of a family, and of the connection between man and the most majestic of animals, the horse.

R241 Exclusive Books

I am the EGO7 rider.

Gauteng

KwaZulu Natal T: 031 768 1453

T: 083 661 1543

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 19

PRODUCT REVIEW

COOL, CALM &

COLLECTED

ust like any of us, some horses are prone to nervousness and anxiety – either a natural response or circumstantial – which can affect performance, general health and well-being. A number of nutritional, natural supplements have been developed either for consistent, long term use or single dosage for high stress situations, to try aid in managing tension and stress. We take a look at some of the calming supplements currently available:

Active Ingredients

EQUIHEALTH E-KALM 5-HTP/ Griffonia Seed L-Theanine L-Tyrosine Vitamin B12

HEALTHTECH CALMEQUIN Thiamine, L-tryptophan, Magnesium Essential oils

HERBAL HORSE CALM MIX 5 – HTP, Magnesium Thiamine

500g

Sizes

60ml Tube (Paste) 300g (powder) 600g (powder)

750g 2kg

1kg

Application Options

Powder / Paste

Powder

Powder

Reducing stress and anxiety

Reduces stress associated with dietary deficiencies

Has a calming effect on horses without causing drowsiness

Bulk bucket (2kg) for ongoing treatment

Easily Available

Convenient refill packs instead of buying new buckets every time

750g - R1065 2kg - R2780

1KG - R681,41

500G - R339

Effective For

Why We Like It Price*

*May vary per shop and/or region.

Distributors

*List may not be complete - please check with your closest retailer

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EQUIFOX PHARMACALM L-Tryptophan Brewers Yeast

Naturally calming and helps horses cope with stressful situations. It relaxes the horse without removing the edge required for competition.

Ease of application of paste at shows and competitions

300g - R606,13 600g - R875 Western Shoppe Castano Equestrian Equipment Milmac Equifox Riders Saddlery Tack Shack AC Smith Saddlery Equestrian House Tack and Tuck

Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

Equestrian House

Western Shoppe Tack Shack Natal Saddlery ANB Vet Tack n Togs Milmac

Powder

Western Shoppe Natal Saddlery Horze Tack 'n Togs Castano Equestrian Equipment

HIGH FULVIC ACID CONCENTRATION Nutritional supplement for Horses

CALMS AND REDUCES ANXIETY Nutritional supplement for Horses

OPEN

ESSENTIAL JOINT CARE Nutritional supplement for Horses

FOR A HEALTHY, GLOSSY COAT

AVAILABLE AT: 083 661 1543 | sales@equestrianhouse.co.za www.equestrianhouse.co.za

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 21

EDITORIAL

10 Things

HORSES TAUGHT ME… About Parenting

Horses prepare us for SO much, mostly just by giving us a very dark and disturbing sense of humour in keeping with the “If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry” philosophy - often this is all that keeps us sane (I use the term loosely) in a passion that bleeds us of time, money, and literal blood. The life skills that this imbibes us with are endless, but none are quite as applicable as those for the perilous and painful world of parenting. ver gone to a show, well trained and fully prepared, only to have your horse unexpectedly and violently spook in horror at a leaf and leave you on your butt in the mud?

Welcome to every morning for the rest of your life with a small human.

Luckily, those countless falls and bruises to your ego have left you with numerous invaluable qualities that will make the transition to parenting almost seamless. We have listed just ten, because if you are a parent, you don’t have time for more. Lock yourself in the bathroom with your lukewarm tea, put some earplugs in, and appreciate these truths.

1. Spending money on crap Easily the number one thing that horses and small humans have in common - accessories, and destruction of said accessories. I used to joke that shampoo with a horse on it was automatically double the price. Well, this only warmed me up for baby crap, where it is automatically TRIPLE the price. Then there are the gadgets - SO MANY GADGETS - and all I can tell expectant parents about the overwhelming selection available is this equestrian quote: “Horses don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” ost of the stuff you can buy for kids is total rubbish. I know, because I M bought it, never used it, and have been giving it away to friends for the last two years. The things you need to give your kids of real value is attention,

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the occasional meal, and their vaccinations.

2. Excitement at the sight of poop There is nothing to make a horse owner happier at 3am after countless laps up and down the driveway with a colicy horse than a huge steaming poo.

Parenting is very similar. If they have stuff going in and coming out, they are fine.

3. Sleep deprivation - HAHA Early morning shows. Late night foalings. Checking temperatures every hour. Monitoring water intake. All of this makes the midnight feeds and inconsolable crying so much more manageable - after all, at least you don’t need to put on wellies and trudge down to the stables. This is positively civilised, in the comfort of your home, without the fear of having a foot stepped on.

4. Practical problem solving When that phone rings at 4am on a Sunday your heart stops, but you are also immediately ready for anything. Colic? Foaling? Fire? Tackroom theft?

Equestrians are the best people in an emergency because we hit the ground running and solve it. When the school phones to say that your baby has a temperature, prepare to be the parent calmly but rapidly assessing the damage: how is her colour? Did he drink? Have they passed droppings? Does this need a vet, or a dose of Stopayne?

5. Unflappable I once spoke to writer Jassy Mackenzie about having more confidence in my writing. She said incredulously “You do DRESSAGE. On ARABS. You literally pay to be criticised. What could hold any fear compared to that?!” She was so right. Once you have stared down a half a ton of randy stallion, an immovable dressage judge as your horse caprioles, or a pony running amok in a parking lot, your toddler threatening to hold their breath is a joke. Nice try, baby. I’m gonna wait for you to pass out then carry you under my arm like a surfboard to the car. Equestrians do not negotiate with terrorists.

6. Filthy Mary Poppins cars An equestrian’s car is the dream find in a zombie apocalypse. We have EVERYTHING. Rope. Towels. Three changes of clothes. Snacks. Baby oil.

Dogs. Sponges that can be used to muffle ears, exhaust pipes, or judges. A Leatherman. Wet wipes. Throw in a carseat and some nappies and you are ready to reproduce, because you are already prepared for any scenario, and don’t mind one more set of dirty paws adding to the chaos.

7. Organisational skills second to none Don’t ask me where anything in my kitchen is, but my show boxes can be searched alphabetically at any time of the year and they will be spotless, complete, and ready to compete. My own schedule might be chaos, but the farrier and saddle fitter are marked on the calendar and booked months in advance. My handbag might make people pale but the nappy bag is a thing of wonder, courtesy of my horses training me so well. Your child will be the only one attending school with everything marked and packed neatly, because you are accustomed to livery yards and sharing a tackroom.

You have already taken responsibility for organising one irresponsible creature… what’s one more?

WORDS GEORGINA ROBERTS IMAGES SUPPLIED.

8. Having no boundaries on grossness We have all wiped a horse’s nose with a shirt sleeve before it goes into a showing class, sifted through faeces for signs of worms, dug ticks out of orifices, and still loved and smooched that green gobby mouth at the end of a hard day. As kids we slept in stable mangers, watched vets stitch up wounds, helped treat thrushy hooves, and then used horse bandages on ourselves after a fall. Kids are pretty similar. The good news is that they are “grosser’ than horses, but amazingly much more resilient.

9. Discipline supreme We have all walloped a pony’s butt with a halter in a Mexican standoff.

We have all had to give a jolly good yank on a lead rein to prevent an episode of grass skiing. I cannot count the times I have heard a high-pitched “I BEG YOUR PARDON” aimed at a horse in the warm up arena. We have all reprimanded kicking, biting, and tantrums, firmly or diplomatically, in private and in public, and now I am no longer talking about horses. Kids are the same as your steed: think of them as bald foals who need loads of love and firm boundaries in order to grow up to be a nice riding horse, and you will find your training and discipline skills are on point and invaluable to producing a nice adult.

prepare us for being wrong, even when we are right, and I can think of no greater preparation for parenting teenagers.

But perhaps the greatest lesson our horses teach us is one of joy: to enjoy that one good transition in an otherwise hair-raising ride. To relish in the soft touch of a velvety nose on your neck, despite the vet bill. To value the good and prioritise that above the (what sometimes feels like endless) bad so that we keep going, stay enthusiastic, and remain motivated.

All I can tell you is this - horses have made me a better parent. They taught me patience, introspection, instinct, sacrifice, and total love. Yesterday, my wild toddler stopped, took my face in her hands, looked me in the eye and said “Mommy - I love you too much.” This is the equivalent of the sensational flying change that no one else saw, but it doesn’t matter. It DID happen, and I have learned that honestly, these are the only moments in our lives that really count. Enjoy them.

10. Cocking everything up - getting it all wrong & giving up on perfection In riding, everything is always our fault. If your horse was in a bad mood, it was your fault for not working around it more diplomatically. If they spook, you’ve either over-fed them, under-worked them, or not disciplined them.

If they get cast in the stable, you didn’t bank the shavings, and if they broke the fence then you are just grateful they didn’t injure themselves. Welcome to parenting. Yesterday my child burst into tears because she didn’t want the cookie I HADN’T offered her. Honestly, baby horses and baby humans have the same levels of volatility, and here’s a truth bomb: there is no perfect, and whatever you do you are going to cock it up.

The perfect round is unattainable, there will never be a flawless ten. Horses

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 23

THE EQUESTRIAN

Gift Guide

Mothers Day Sunday 1 2 May

For the Moms Who Bake Horse Shaped Cookie Cutters Equestrian House R120 www.equestrianhouse.co.za

For the Trendy Mom Heritage Horse Satin Scarf Woolworths R120 www.woolworths.co.za

For the Grandstand Supporters Rudy Project Astroloop Sunglasses. Equestrian House R1510 www.equestrianhouse.co.za For the Queen of Bling Eggbutt Ring Adawnment Jewellery R750 – R1100 www.adawnment.co.za

For the Working Moms Unicorn Rechargeable Power Bank Castano Equestrian Equipment R298 www.castano-equestrian.co.za

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

For the Moms Who Love Retail Therapy EA Shopper Equestrian Affair R440 (Small) – R540 (Large) www.equestrianaffair.co.za

May and June see the celebration of Mothers and Fathers Day respectively.

Parents of Equestrians are staunch supporters, shoulders to cry on, stand-in grooms at shows, sideline instructors and our greatest fans. We looked around to find the most suitable gift options for Equestrian parents for Mothers Day and Fathers Day.

For the Whiskey Lover Dads Humble & Mash Whiskey Stones (Set of 9) Yuppiechef R249 www.yuppiechef.com

Fathers Day Sunday 1 6 June

For the Working Dads EA Shopper Fancy Stitch Leather Belt Espoir Equestrian R599 www.espoirequestrian.com

For the Handyman Dads Gerber Suspension 12-in-1 Multi Tool Mantaltity R989 www.mantality.co.za

For the Gentleman Horseshoe Cufflinks Unbreakable Man R299 www.unbreakableman.co.za

For the Funky Dads Happy Socks Gift Set Netflorist R599 www.netflorist.co.za

For the Spectator Dads Fancy Stitch Leather Belt Espoir Equestrian R599 www.espoirequestrian.com

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 25

BUSINESS

Socially

ACCEPTABLE… Social Media & Equine Business Social Media is a subjective topic when it comes to which platforms are most effective, how often to post, what content to post and how best to manage it. One thing that is for certain though is that it’s immediate, it’s interactive and has the ability to do as much bad as it can good if not effectively and responsibly planned, drafted and managed. When it comes to riding yards, equestrian personalities and other equestrian business, social media is as effective from an awareness perspective as it is cost-wise, making it the perfect marketing tool to consider.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

ne of the most commonly asked questions about social media is how often one should post online. In most instances, businesses will make use of multiple social media platforms simultaneously and the challenge comes in creating different content for the different platforms and posting it at the most effective times for maximum impact. Understanding when and how often to post on your different social media platforms is an important part of the overall marketing strategy and shouldn’t be considered in isolation.

Having reviewed many different research studies about the matter, we’ve compiled a brief guide detailing the ideal frequency of your posts on the three major platforms - Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: FACEBOOK: Most studies suggest that posting once a day is the optimum amount for Facebook business pages.

They also all seem to agree that the maximum amount of posts per week should be no more than 10. Many suggest that the ideal time frame in which to publish posts is between 13h00 and 16h00. However, with a little insight from Google Analytics, it appears that 20h00 to 23h00 is also a popular time for horse lovers to be online.

Your objectives will guide your posting frequency – if your goal is greater reach, then posting more frequently during the day is your likely course of action. One thing to bear in mind however, is that Facebook makes regular changes to it’s algorithms on what people people see and don’t see – the current changes suggest one should be focusing on quality engagement rather than relentlessly posting several times a day.

TWITTER: Twitter is the social media platform with the fastest pace and shortest post lifespan (the average tweet lifespan is approximately 15 minutes – requiring regular engagement and engaging content. Depending on the nature of the business, the recommended number of tweets per day can vary dramatically. For equestrian businesses, the recommended frequency is roughly 3 to 5 tweets per day but it will also depend on the subject and nature of the content. Prepare to be responsive to comments and replies to tweets or retweets as your moment of impact to influence a conversation is brief on a platform as fact paced as Twitter.

INSTAGRAM: Instagram is the visual version of Twitter, providing followers with a feed of photos and images.

On a platform such as this, quantity is definitely not better than quality and the experts recommend fewer, high quality, engaging posts than multiple, irrelevant posts that eventually become considered spam and result in lost followers. Posting a minimum of once and a maximum of 3 times per day is recommended, or alternatively work on a consistency strategy and post twice a day, every day.

If your business is event related, you may obviously require increased posting on specific event days, allowing those unable to attend to follow via social media – but this should all be considered

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BUSINESS

when developing your social media strategy to ensure you keep the quality over quantity ratio in check.

MANAGING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA The thought of managing multiple social media platforms can be daunting – what many forget is that although it’s quick to post and share, it’s the content development and creation that can be time consuming. Our suggestions for managing your social media: 1. Schedule time in your diary for content creation Don’t underestimate the importance of sourcing and creating high quality and engaging content as this significantly impacts whether or not you achieve your objectives. It’s easy enough to share other people’s posts but if you’re working towards becoming an influencer within the industry then it’s far better to create your own content so any shares on the various social media platforms also means greater exposure of

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your business and brand. Set time aside, as you would to complete financials and tax submissions or to schedule your week ahead, to work on your social media content plan which is an essential part of your marketing artillery.

2. Schedule posts It’s difficult to be online all the time, and particularly at the times when your target audience may be online and most receptive to it.

Platforms like Facebook provide you with the ability to schedule posts in advance so you could draft a week or months worth of posts in advance and schedule them accordingly for ease and convenience. Things can happen and change so be mindful of checking posts and ensuring the content is still relevant at the proposed scheduled date.

3. Utilise social media tools In order to manage all the different platforms at the same time (as opposed to scheduling and

posting on each of the platforms individually), once can consider online Social Media tools and programs designed to streamline this process for added convenience. The most popular scheduling tool is Hootesuite, which enables users to schedule and manage all their social media platforms on one dashboard. They provide a free trial period to enable users to try before they buy so you can decide whether it will make your life easier before you commit!

4. Outsource your social media to a specialist In business, we often try to wear too many hats in order to keep everything centralized and keep control over as much as possible. In hindsight, this is often a short sighted approach as it is not our speciality – hence taking us longer to do and the results being less impressive. Consider outsourcing your social media to an individual or company who will be able to provide the greatest return on your investment through targeted campaigns, strategic content development and effective platform utilization.

SOCIAL MEDIA DO’S: 1. Determine your Objectives Upfront To provide guidance and direction so you know what the intentions for your posts and content are and to enable you to measure the success afterwards.

2. Develop a Social Media Strategy Social media marketing forms part of the marketing strategy as a whole for your business and shouldn’t be considered in isolation.

3. Participate in the Community It’s the age old saying of “you get what you give” – if you want people to engage with your business you need to provide them with good enough reason to. Ensure you engage and respond to your community members regularly.

4. Find Different Content for Different Platforms Don’t fall into the trap of simply posting the same content to each platform you use. Most of your followers will follow you on each of the different platforms so provide them with engaging, relevant and different content on each – using each platforms benefits to maximum advantage.

5. Know Your Boundaries Don’t be the pushy salesman who simply promotes his business relentlessly – this will eventually be considered spam and result in lost followers. Consider an 80/20 rule of 80% entertaining, informative, relevant information and 20% selling or promoting your products and services.

6. Consistency is Key Develop a visual identity for your business and keep it consistent throughout the various platforms.

7. Keep it Real Avoid letting your personal opinions and beliefs cloud the content. Try not to make it personal – rather keep it professional and objective.

8. Use Hashtags Hashtags are helpful for seeing where and how many times your posts have been shared or referred to. Make sure they’re relevant and as unique as possible but easy to remember and use.

9. Spellcheck is your Friend There are few things more frustrating for followers than an amazing post they’d love to share but it’s filled with spelling and grammatical errors. You have spell check for a reason – use it!

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

10. Check Yourself before you Wreck Yourself Don’t use content without permission and ensure you always provide credit where credit is due – for quotes and images. Not only is it rude to copy, but it can have legal consequences for plagiarism and copyright infringements.

SOCIAL MEDIA DON’TS: 1. Don’t upload poor quality photos.

Nothing looks less professional than poor quality, pixelated images. This will impact the likelihood of engagement and sharing.

2. Don’t include too much Text.

In the fast paced world we live in, followers have a short attention span while scrolling through newsfeeds – endless reams of text will be quickly bypassed. Keep it short and sweet.

3. Improper Etiquette Credit anyone that had an inclusion in your post – whether visually, a quote or content. Avoid naming and shaming without attempting to resolve any disputes or disagreements offline first.

4. Unprofessional Behaviour If you’re a sponsored rider ensure you don’t post images of competitor products. Avoid the knee-jerk reaction when responding to comments or posts you may disagree with - be aware of the power of social media and the ability for posts to go viral almost instantly – consider your actions and think things through.

5. Posting too Little or too Much Try and maintain that elusive balance between being entertaining yet not overbearing. Read your audience through engagement levels and learn their preferences in terms of content and post frequency.

6. Don’t Appear Unapproachable It’s ok to bring some personality into your business profile but it’s important to remain objective. Be humble and engaging and respond to your community in a way that you can develop positive relationships.

7. Chasing New Platforms Depending on your capacity and capabilities, don’t over extend yourself trying to have a presence on every platform. Not being able to manage all effectively will be more damaging. Find those that work best with your brand identity and strategy. You can always reserve your username and keep the profile dormant until you’re ready to use it.

8. Not having a Brand Identity Your brand should be easily identified across all the various platforms you’re present on. Keep your logo, imagery, tone, colour usage and style consistent across the various platforms.

9. Lacking a Call to Action It doesn’t matter how engaging or visually pleasing your profile may be if you don’t provide followers with a call to action. If you don’t provide a clear path to conversion then your time and effort on social media may be wasted.

10. Avoid Boring Posts Don’t post simply for the sake of posting. Creativity can be difficult so take your time and do your research when developing content. See what competitors and successful businesses are doing.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution.

For assistance with social media management and strategy development contact: Shevaun McCreedy Freelance Marketing Consultant k Shevaun@chocolate-turquoise.co.za m 082 415 3893

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BEAUTY

THE HAIR MASK Say goodbye to helmet hair! Enriched with proteins and keratin and infused with Argan oil to revive and nourish dry and damaged hair.

Argan Oil Hydrating Hair Mask, R69.

THE BODY CONDITIONER Massage it all over your body after your heavenly bath for soft, vanilla and rose-scented skin.

LUSH Ro’s Argan body conditioner, R295.

the DIY SPA

THE TISSUE OIL The only tissue oil to contain seven essential oils as well as snail gel that it is clinically proven to deliver five times more hydration.

So, after a long day at the stables, smother some on your body after your shower, or simply add a few drops to your bath.

Celltone Tissue Oil- 200ml, R199.

for post-ride relaxation THE SUGAR SCRUB For all over body exfoliation for sun exposed skin, to hydrate and remove dead skin cells.

Matsimela Baobab Seed Kalahari sugar scrub, R95.

THE DETOXIFYING BATH SALT Himalayan Salts are known for their cleansing properties and natural healing ability. Contains 84 trace minerals and elements including magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium for healthy, radiant skin. Westlab Cleansing Himalayan Salt, R99 1kg.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

Bath time essentials to ease aching muscles and treat sun exposed skin

THE MOISTURISING CANDLE Set the scene – dim the lights and light a scented candle for that true spa feeling!

SoyLites moisturising harmony candle 220ml tumblers, R240.

THE FACE MOISTURISER Save face with this lightweight, oilfree gel cream that melts into skin to deliver an immediate cooling effect and provide continuous hydration for a full 24 hours. Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex, R299.

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 31

THE NISSAN

EASTER FESTIVAL 2019 A Decade of Equestrian Entertainment

With the 2019 Nissan Easter Festival set to kick off in the middle of this month, we caught up with some of our top show jumping athletes as well as show director, Heather Mpofu, ahead of the 10th annual edition of this event. Equestrian athletes from far and wide including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia are expected to try their hand against South Africa’s best come 15 – 22 April 2019. Disciplines including showing, equitation, dressage and show jumping will be spread across several arenas at Kyalami Equestrian Park. Add gymkhana, fancy dress and VIP hospitality to the program and it’s no wonder that the best of the best love the 10 day extravaganza! We find our more direct from the horse (owners) mouths!

DOMINEY ALEXANDER Former winner of the outdoor Grand Prix and joint owner of Cellehof Stud, Dominey Alexander says that he’s got two rides secured for the big class this year;

for everyone young and old and has numerous different arena’s doing display’s and hosting entertainment. As always a huge thank you to Nissan, Mike and Nicky Whitfield: Their ongoing support to our sport as a whole is remarkable and I cannot wait for the 2019 edition!”

“One is Athena owned by Simon Murry. The other is owned by Natalie and Ross Robertson called Gulliver. I will also have RnR Enjoy and RnR Kojac. I did win the Outdoor GP some time back on the Franlaren Stud stallion, Larry de la Bryer Last Step. I love this show I must say as it caters

NICOLA SIME-RILEY Nicola Sime-Riley who placed second on Sunny Park Stables Elpaso as well as fourth on Fulvic Connoisseur in 2018 will unfortunately not be competing in this year’s Festival;

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

“One of my pupils Hailey Strydom has qualified for the FEI Children’s Final in Uzbekistan which takes place over Easter Festival so unfortunately I won’t be competing this year. I have some fantastic horses this season though including a wonderful 1.40m stallion who has been to breed for the first time this year so I look forward to his future: hopefully he will start to do a few 1.50m classes this year. I also have an AMAZING young Thoroughbred who has an exciting future ahead of him…We wait and see what the future shall bring us!

The Outdoor GP is a big testing track, then 6 single fences that you think would be easy but which are placed strategically so that mistakes can be made. Then in the event of equality of points there is a jump off. When I jump the GP I just need to keep up a good tempo and strong rides to the fences and not rush the last 2 strides.”

NICOLE HORWOOD Fellow rider and good friend of Nicola’s, Nicole Horwood will be busy on four of her Capital Stud horses: Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco and Mark White Nissan Capital Hitoshi (both 1m50). In the 1m40 classes she will compete Mark White Nissan Capital Look At Me as well as Mark White Nissan Capital Kronos. Here’s what the multiple Easter Festival winner, mother, wife and business woman had to say ahead of this years show;

WORDS CAROLINE MALAN (THE PR MACHINE) IMAGES DENFORD STUDIOS

“The Nissan SA Outdoor Grand Prix is one of the 3 South African titles – so the tracks are big and challenging. It’s run over two rounds testing the horses’ fitness and focus: it’s built in the Bob Charter – a grass arena, which is different footing to the majority of the other major shows. The large size of the arena can also be a challenge as horses tend to get stronger over more open tracks. When riding the GP I think that you have to know your game plan and stick to it: there is no room for error around those big tracks. With

the 2 stallions, I have to focus on keeping them level headed as they both have a lot of blood and get excited towards the end of long tracks.”

LORETTE KNOWLES-TAYLOR Team Nissan Show Jumper Lorette KnowlesTaylor loves the thrill of the 6 bar competition which takes place on Easter Sunday; “I had some good wins in the Festival classes previously - but I actually have only ever won the 6 bar once at NEF when I jumped 1.90m on Nissan Titanic. We attempted a 2m jump but we had it down.”

I do tend to like this competition format! The trick to a good finish or a win is that your horse needs to be super brave and scopey and obviously a good combination jumper. I guess a trick would be to ensure you have a good entry to the line of fences and not to get too quick within the jumps.

I have a new Grand Prix stallion called Nissan Equistro vd Mispelaere. He is very scopey and brave but won’t be ready for the NEF Outdoor Grand Prix, so it would be nice to jump him in the 6 bar if he is ready.”

Show Director Heather Mpofu says that Kyalami Park Club has been blessed with plenty of support from riders and supporters alike at their shows this year and expects similar for the Eas“The biggest struggle over the years with the ter Festival.

Nissan Easter Festival has been the rainy weather: our arenas have previously been unable to "In summary the festival covers four disciplines: fully withstand the heavy rains. Kyalami Park showing, dressage and equitation from 13 – 15 Club have since invested in resurfacing and April and then show jumping from 16 – 22 April revamping them into all-weather arenas. My (70cm – 1.50m, all age groups). The Nissan favourite thing about the festival I must say is Gymkhana class for kids will once again be held the kids events such as the Easter Egg Hunt: it’s on the Easter Sunday together with the Easter both terrifying and fun at the same time. When Bunny hunt. The crowd-pleasing Six Bar will the kids are let loose the (human) bunny has to be on Easter Sunday too. We’re expecting berun for his life…..it is indeed great fun to watch tween 3500 & 4000 entries for the show." and be a part of. The mini league is also exciting to watch: the talent, the desire and the competitive nature in those kids is on a different level!”

“In terms of my favourites for this year’s Nissan SA Outdoor Grand Prix, you can never ignore Nicole Horwood on Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco: that combination is always a great combination to watch. I will also be looking out for Chris van Der Merwe and Chantilly as well as Marlene Sinclair and Camaro.

We recently redid the Bob Charter arena as we needed to make it more level and get rid of the divots. This was most important for the safety of the horses and riders, but also helped with drainage as the water settled in some areas and made it too wet and slippery when it rains. As the show director my main responsibilities entail making sure that all events are planned for accordingly and the schedule that goes out is practical and caters for all the riders. I need to ensure that the show runs smoothly, timeously and in a flowing manner and that all entities are catered for and satisfied with the outcome of the show.”

For more information visit: K www.kyalamiparkclub.co.za

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NEIGH-BOURHOOD SECRET

THE HERB FARM BISTRO A Tranquil Hidden Gem in the Heart of Horse Country

or nature lovers like myself, one of the first things you notice, whilst sitting on the deck overlooking the sprawling herb garden, is an abundance of bees and birdlife happily humming away above the rosemary, basil and fennel. They’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing their favourite and they’re not the only ones – despite the menu being small and concise, the dishes are all simple but delicious and contain carefully selected flavour combinations using herbs freshly picked from the garden.

It’s not only the meals that include herbs, the drinks menu also contains a number of fresh fruit juices and home made ice teas infused with herbal side notes. The Strawberry and Basil ice tea is a personal favou-

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rite along with the fresh Watermelon and Fennel juice – provided you like a hint of liquorice. If you’re a caffeine advocate then you’re also in for a treat as the cappuccinos are equally delicious and served in tall mugs – giving you sufficient time to get lost in your own thoughts while staring at the view as you sip.

The beautifully maintained and manicured beds are home to more than 400 herbal plants – including everything from medicinal to edible herbs and even those intended to repel unwanted pests. With little paths carved throughout the beds leading to soothing water features, there’s no better way to end a great meal than a stroll through the gardens.

It’s a sensory masterpiece filled with sights, sounds and smells and you can be excused for

reverting to child like behaviour of touching and smelling everything within your reach.

Talking of children, the Herb Farm Bistro have also recently launched their Play Yard where kids can play, learn, create and party.

They have a number of party sites available so you can book a private section for your child’s party, complete with colourful play areas and a number of activities which can be booked. With an emphasis on sustainable living and wellness, they encourage education play and children can create their own herb pots filled with herbs for use in the kitchen or take a baking class and create savoury spirals filled with delicious fresh herbs.

Adult parties can be catered for too – from baby showers and birthdays to kitchen teas and celebrations. The bistro can comfortably seat 70 guests but there is also the options of picnics and Sunday afternoon high teas. If you’re passionate about herbs and wellness then follow them on Facebook for delicious recipes, information on herbal plants and their medicinal benefits and updates on upcoming courses such as designing your own herb garden and making your own essential oils and salad dressings.

The Herb Farm Bistro m 0010 447 3517 K www.herbfarm.co.za E @HerbFarmBistroSA

IMAGES SUPPLIED

Many of us in the equestrian industry travel Summit Road almost daily to and from Kyalami, Sunlands, Blue Hills and Beaulieu without even knowing that along this road lies a peaceful, larger than life herb garden complete with a kids party area and a labyrinth. It’s only been open to the public for a few months but with it’s beautiful views, delicious food (that includes freshly cut herbs from the garden in almost every dish) and sensory appeal, we foresee the Herb Farm Bistro quickly becoming a local hot spot amongst those in the area.

TEST YOUR

EQUINE KNOWLEDGE

Horse knowledge is a lot like manure… you’ll pick up a lot of it over the years! Take our pop quiz and see how good your equine general knowledge is!

1. What is the name given to a birthmark on horses characterized by a small oval indentation?

2. How many teeth does an average horse have?

3. What is the gestational period for a horse?

4. How many centimetres in a “hand” measurement?

5. What does it mean in horse racing if the horse is referred to as a Maiden?

6. Which Royal princess was a renowned equestrienne and represented Great Britain at the Olympics?

7. What was the real name of the American Thoroughbred racehorse fondly nicknamed “Big red”?

8. In the movie, National Velvet, Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor) wins a horse and enters it in the Grand National – what was the Horses name?

9. In polo, 4 chukkas are plated per match. How long is a chukka usually?

10. What is the correct term for the classical movement performed by the Lipizzaners in which the horse leaps from the ground and kicks out with its hind legs?

11. What is the name of South African Singer, Jeremy Loops’ horse?

12. Which item of tack can be referred to as Irish, Running or Standing?

13. True or False - Equestrian sport is one of the very few sports where men and women compete on equal terms all the way up to Olympic level.

14. What is another term given for “rising” at the trot?

15. What condition in horses is known as “Monday Morning Disease” and is characterized by muscle cramps and tying up?

16. What is the correct name for the dressage movement in which the horse moves backwards on the riders command?

17. The mother of a horse is known as it’s __________?

18. Where would you find a horses “Poverty Line”?

19. How many bones are there in a horses’ body?

20. What is the term for a fear of horses?

21. True or False – horses have the largest eye of any land mammal?

22. What is the correct term for a horse curling its upper lip in response to a strange smell?

23. At which gait are all 4 of the horses legs off the ground simultaneously at some point?

24. What is the name of movie character, Zorro’s horse?

25. If a red ribbon in a horses tail means it kicks, what does a white ribbon represent?

Have a look on page 40 for the answers to see how many you got right!

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 35

F E AT U R E

Running WILD

Free-Roaming Herds from Around the World 36 |

Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

Whilst the only true “wild” horses are the Tarpan and the Przewalski’s Horses of Mongolia, there are many different herds of freeroaming horses around the world-who likely descended from domesticated horseswhich wildlife agencies have termed as “feral” as opposed to wild for distinction purposes. Regardless of their classification.

Przewalski’s Horses Named after a Russian Explorer, N.M Przewalski, the Przewalski’s Horses are considered the last surviving subspecies of truly wild horse (Equus Ferus). With short, muscular bodies, these horses stand at about 12 to 14 hands – much smaller than domestic horses.

They have beige to reddish-white coats with pale bellies and a white muzzle. They once roamed freely along the Mongolia-China border but were driven to extinction in the 1960’s and were only recently reintroduced to the wild after being kept and bred in captivity.

With increasing populations across Mongolia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Przewalski Horse as Critically Endangered in 2008.

Mustangs Possibly the most iconic of the feral horses are the mustangs of Western America. Descendants of Spanish, or Iberian, horses that were brought to America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, they have since become mixed with a variety of other breeds including quarter horses and draft horses. Their name was derived from the Spanish word “Mustengo” meaning “ownerless beast” or “stray horse”. Mustangs measure 14 to 15 hands and have a wide variety of colours – including “paint ponies” with patches of colour. They have no natural predators so without human intervention the population can quickly grow out of control so they are managed by the U.S Bureau of Land Management as outlined by the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971.

Brumby horses Brumbies are feral horses that roam freely throughout Australia. Whilst herds of brumbies are found throughout the continent, the most well-known populations are found in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Brumbies are the descendants of escaped, released or lost animals that date back to the time of the first European settlements on the continent and are thought to be named after a Mr James Brumby who arrived in Australia in 1791. Brumbies are rarely a consistent size or colour as many have

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 37

F E AT U R E

mixed with domestic breeds over time. Due to the serious ecological threats they pose to native plants and wildlife, they are generally considered pests and do require human intervention for herd capacity management.

Konik horses This semi-feral horse breed originates in Poland, where they have a long history as hardy work horses. The word “konik” is the diminutive for a Polish word meaning horse. Most Koniks live in semi-feral herds in Polish Nature Reserves, where they are monitored and bred in controlled conditions, but their population is estimated to be less than 1000. Due to their primitive markings - a dun coloured coat and the presence of dorsal stripes - it was once thought that Konik horses were the most recent descendant of the now-extinct Tarpan horses. Herds of Konik horses are being established in other European regions including the Netherlands, UK and Latvia.

Chincoteague ponies Chincoteague ponies are one of the most well-known feral equines on the East Coast of America. Two herds of wild horses make their home on Assateague Island, which is split in half by the border of Maryland and Virginia.

The ponies on the Maryland side live in Assateague Island National Seashore while the Virginia ponies live within Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The average height is about 12 and 13 hands and they’re a stocky breed with short legs, thick manes and large, round bellies.

A Pony Penning festival is held annually in July when “Salt Water Cowboys” herd the fe-

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

ral horses across the narrowest part of the Assateague Channel at low tide after which they are examined by vets. After a resting period they are herded through the town to a corral at the Carnival Grounds where they are auctioned off. Not only does this provide income for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, who owns and manages the herd, but it helps to trim herd numbers which must not exceed 150 horses for grazing purposes.

have horse-like characteristics and proportions.

Camargue horses The Camargue Horse is indigenous to the Carmargue area in Southern France and is considered one of the oldest breeds in the world.

They are renowned for their stamina and hardiness and have survived in the harsh environments of the Rhone Delta for centuries. Standing roughly 13 to 14 hands high, these small horses have short necks, compact bodies and Dartmoor ponies deep chests and are characterized by their grey There are few sights more iconic than a herd colour. They have black skin below their white of ponies grazing together with majestic Dart- coats and are born with black or dark brown fur moor as the backdrop. These Dartmoor ponies, which eventually becomes completely white. named for the protected English moorland in which they reside, are characterized by their Danube Delta horses short yet broad stature and are known for be- The Danube Delta in Romania is the only deling exceptionally hardy. Their strength and ta in the world declared a Biosphere Reserve stamina gives them a leg up in the face of the and is also a World Heritage Site. While there extreme weather that is common to Dartmoor's has been a feral horse presence in this area for climate. Like many other wild and feral horses, centuries, the number of horses increased rapthese equines have declined greatly in popula- idly as a result of humans closing their farms tion over the past century. In 1950 it was said and releasing their livestock into the wild and there were about 30 000 ponies on the moor, their unchecked numbers pose serious threats but recent numbers stand at just a few thousand to indigenous plant life – sparking recent con(and few of these are truly pedigree Dartmoor troversy over managing population sizes. They ponies). are small in size – usually 13 to 14 hands – and come in black, bay or dun.

Misaki-uma horses The Misaki horses, a critically-endangered Moving closer to home… breed of feral horses, can be found grazing in meadows along Cape Toi ("Toimisaki" in Namib Desert Horses Japanese) in Japan – a designated National These exceptionally rare feral horses are found Monument. The original ancestors of the Mi- in the Namib Desert of Namibia. The story besaki breed were said to have been brought over hind their origin remains unclear, though there from China by humans hundreds of years ago are some theories that their ancestors were but despite their long history, only about 100 former German cavalry horses brought to the individuals remain in the wild. The MIsaki is area during World War I. They currently roam pony height (between 12 and 13 hands) but the desert's Garub Plains, where conditions

are harsh (temperatures reaching over 45 degrees Celsius with no shade and scarce water sourced) and yet they have adapted and not just survived, but prospered. Over the years of living in these arid conditions, the Namib Desert Horses have developed physiological mechanisms enabling them to improve their ability to conserve water.

Kaapsehoop’s Wild Horses The misty, Mpumalanga mountainside town of Kaapsehoop in home to herds of free-roaming horses. With an estimated 200 feral horses in the area, these Boerperd ponies usually have structured herds of between 8 and 12 horses.

Kaapsehoop was historically a mining town, which has since turned into a nature lovers retreat and there are few things more gratifying than spotting the wild horses running free on a misty morning. The horses roam along the Drakensburg escarpment and have become something of a tourist attraction, often visible within the town itself.

IMAGES: VIDEOBLOCKS.COM, BALTIMORESUN.COM, PEXELS.COM, PINTEREST.

As with any wild or feral animal you encounter, various law enforcement and animal welfare groups encourage the public not to feed or attempt to get close to any wild or feral horses.

So if you should see any of the above mentioned breeds, be sure to take photos but refrain from any acts which may cause these feral ponies to lose their wild, feral natures in exchange for domestication – a choice which has seen the demise of many.

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 39

TRIVIA

ANSWERS 1. Prophets Thumbprint 2. A typical adult male horse has 40 permanent teeth, while a typical mare may have 36 to 40 teeth, because mares are less likely to have canine (bridle) teeth

MC EDI

3. The gestation period is approximately 340 days or 11 month 4. 1 hand = 10,2cm

5. It’s never won a race before 6. Princess Anne 7. Secretariat 8. The Pie 9. 7 minutes 10. Capriole 11. Troy 12. Martingale 13. True 14. Posting

In pursuit of excellence we offer the following at Manor D'or:

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17. Dam

 Large stables all fitted with fans  Automated fly spray systems in all stables  Best staff in the business  Showjumping and dressage lessons  Happy horses!!

We are conveniently situated near all the major show venues in Kyalami.  Kim 0848401534

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18. Hindquarters 19. 205 20. Equinophobia 21. True 22. Flehmen Response 23. Gallop 24. Tornado 25. The horse is for sale.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

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2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 41

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

Doggy

PADDLE Hydrotherapy for Hounds

We’ve all heard about the benefits of Hydrotherapy for ourselves – for both fitness and rehabilitation purposes – due to it’s non-weight bearing nature and benefits for recovery. So, it makes perfect sense that hydrotherapy should be made available to our dogs – particularly those breeds who are prone to arthritis and other joint related conditions as well as those who are recovering post surgery to help speed up the recovery process. Luckily, this is becoming increasingly more popular worldwide as pet owners take a more holistic approach to pet care and well-being. e chat to Alison Fantin from Doggy Paddle Animal Hydrotherapy Centre in Chartwell, Johannesburg, to find out more about hydrotherapy and the benefits thereof for dogs: 1. What is hydrotherapy for dogs and are there different kinds?

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and there are obviously different techniques, using water as the basis, which can be utilized to treat the patient according to their requirements and physical needs.

The different water therapy we offer at Doggy Paddle include: a) Spa therapy - the warm water increases circulation and the jets act as a massage. This helps with pain and stiffness. b) Swimming - We have two pools, an outside

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

IWORDS AND MAGES SUPPLIED.

needs to be taken with Brachycephalic patients – those with smaller heads and flattened faces, such as Pugs, Pekinese and Bulldogs – as in order to stay afloat they must tilt their heads upwards to breath, which ultimately pushes their rear end downwards in a vertical position.

pool for fitness and an indoor warmer pool for • Muscle strengthening more controlled swimming after an injury 4. How much does dog hydrotherapy cost? c) Underwater treadmill – as walking in warm Costs vary from patient to patient and according water improves joint range of motion, stimulates to the treatment required. At Doggy Paddle, we conscious proprioception (lifting and placing the charge R355 for an initial consultation, after which paws correctly) and improves fitness. treatment could cost between R355 to R455 depending on what is needed. We assess the dogs 2. Is swimming good exercise for dogs? during the consultation and provide you with a Swimming is very good exercise because it is non- proposed treatment plan to ensure the best possible weight bearing and the dog is exercising with no results based on the case at hand. impact on its joints. It is a wonderful cardiovascular exercise but must be done and managed cor- 5. How long should a dog continue with hydrorectly as five minutes of swimming is the equiva- therapy? lent of running 8km! Swimming also stimulates Again, the answer to this depends on the case the reflex to kick which is very beneficial for our we are treating. Most patients respond well to neurological patients. one treatment a week for five weeks, but chronic conditions - such as Arthritis - would then require 3. What are the benefits of hydrotherapy for dogs? some sort of ongoing maintenance.

The benefits of hydrotherapy are varied and plentiful. Much like humans, we would consider hydro- 6. Are there any breeds of dogs that cannot swim? therapy for a number of beneficial outcomes: There are and its due to their anatomy and facial • Weight loss and fitness structure. Generally, breeds with legs shorter than • Post operative recovery their body length may battle to swim - but all • Post injury recovery breeds can be taught to swim. Bulldogs for ex• Improvement of joint function for patients with ample are heavy in the water, and Daschunds and joint problems such as Dysplasia and Arthritis.

Bassetts are long and can crocodile roll. Caution

7. Are there any contraindications or reasons against the use of a hydrotherapy course for dogs?

The contraindications of hydrotherapy are infection and open wounds as you never want to increase the risk of infection as well as the spread of infection to other dogs. It is also very important to exercise caution with dogs with known heart and or respiratory issues as, much like humans, they are at risk for complications when put under physical stress or strenuous exercise.

8. What other information can you offer those interested in hydrotherapy?

We offer rest and rehabilitation programs for pets recovering from operations and injuries as well as day care and rehabilitation. Otherwise we work by appointment and see many dogs with spinal issues, cruciate problems, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and many other ailments for which hydrotherapy works wonders. Our Puppy Aqua program helps to strengthen muscles and is especially useful with large breed pups.

Hydrotherapy is great for fitness and general well being so you’re welcome to bring along your dogs even if they don’t have a specific ailment or condition which requires treating. It is also highly beneficial for overweight dogs as the exercise is completely non-weight bearing and high cardio which helps with weight loss and toning, provided they are also following a calorie controlled diet.

Doggy Paddle Animal Hydrotherapy Centre k Alison@doggypaddle.co.za m 082 787 2680 K www.doggypaddle.co.za E @DoggyPaddleAnimalHydrotherapyCentre

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 43

Homemade & HOUND-FRIENDLY Lulu Pet Butternut & Chicken Dog Treats

If you’re looking for healthy, homemade treats for your fur-babies but don’t have the time to bake them from scratch, then we’ve found the solution for you! Lulu Pet Products, created and produced by seventime SA Chef of the Year, Jodi-Ann Pearton, is a simple pre-mix concept, that requires just a few household ingredients to produce delicious, healthy, homemade biscuits for your canine companions.

Ingredients: 1 Starter Pack - Lulu Pet Chicken Gravy Flavour 1 Large Egg 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil 2 Tablespoons Water 100g Cooked Butternut Puree Method: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius To make butternut puree, peel a butternut, cut in half and remove the seeds. Cube the flesh and steam or boil until soft. Discard excess water and blend until smooth.

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.

Use your rolling pin or a bottle to roll the dough out until 2mm thick Cut the dough into bone shapes using the Lulu Pet cookie Cutter.

Place on a lined baking tray and back for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Store in an airtight container.

Lulu Pet Products are low in sodium, onion FREE, garlic FREE and vegetarian. Available in Beef Gravy flavour, Chicken Gravy flavour, Oxtail Gravy Flavour as well as a GLUTEN FREE Mutton flavour.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

To order your starter pack or to find a stockist near you, contact Jodi-Ann Pearton on k Jodi@lulupets.co.za or visit E Lulu Pet Products on Facebook.

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 45

T R AV E L

PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT THE RANCH RESORT A Wild Ride in Polokwane Situated on 1000 hectares of Malaria free nature conservancy in Limpopo’s bushveld and grasslands, lies the 4 star, The Ranch Resort – established as a family owned and run business, now managed by Protea Hotels. It has become a popular destination for out-of-town riders who participate in the show jumping World Cup Qualifier at Revil Stables in Polokwane every year. The name may be familiar to many Equestrians, but apart from its ample accommodation with more than 110 rooms, the resort has so much more to offer guests.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

ess than 3 hours outside of Johannesburg, the Ranch Resort is well equipped for conferencing, banqueting and weddings. With four swimming pools (two of which are heated), outdoor jacuzzi, poolside lapa and bar, a family restaurant, Basil’s fine dining restaurant, Old Joe’s bar lounge, 24-hour business centre and an outdoor Boma venue surrounded by lions – it’s safe to say that whether you’re looking for work, celebrations or leisure options, Protea Hotel by Marriott Ranch Resort is ticking a lot of boxes!

One of the defining features of the Ranch Resort is the prevalence of game animals on the premises.

Buffalo, Sable and Roan antelope, zebra, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest and white and tawny lions can be seen on games drives or on guided walks or horseback safaris with their experienced rangers. It is also a conservancy which attracts an abundance of birdlife.

With few conference venues in Gauteng able to provide delegate capacity for groups of over 1300, conference organisers will be pleased to hear that The Ranch can accommodate up to 1000 delegates classroom style and over 13 multipurpose venues.

It also has multiple breakaway rooms, banquet halls for gala dinners and awards ceremonies and ample accommodation options including two bedroom self-catering chalets, Presidential suites, Executive suites, Family and Deluxe rooms – enabling you to accommodate everyone from the VIP’s to the little ones.

For the brides, you have a choice of 10 different venues seating between 20 and 700 guests plus ample accommodation so you can make a weekend of the celebration with your nearest and dearest. With a chapel set amongst manicured rose gardens, hectares of game conservancy that provide the backdrop of every photographers dreams – photo opportunities are one less thing to worry about when booking at The Ranch.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

If it’s a leisurely weekend breakaway you’re after, the Ranch is one of the best family orientated resorts that is close to Gauteng and offers activities for the whole family. With a games room, tennis court, jungle gym, trampoline and animal farm for the kids and a fitness centre, two multi purpose sports fields, a tented camp featuring 16 two or four sleeper tents, jogging trail and golf course for moms and dads and kids at every level. Not to forget the game drives, guided walks and horseback safaris through the conservancy, providing the balance between bush holiday and leisure lay-over.

If you’re hoping to beat the drive and skip the traffic, the resort also has a registered landing strip and helicopter landing pad. We were sold at horseback safaris, but it appears they’ve thought of just about everything to make sure your stay is catered for from the minute you arrive until the minute you depart.

25km South of Polokwane on the N1 m 015 290 5000 E Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort

2019 Apr-June - Equestrian LIFE | 47

PROFILE

BARRY TAYLOR

A man who needs very little introduction in the equestrian industry, is open showjumper, SA Derby winner (1997, 2000, 2003 & 2004), instructor, husband, father, Team Nissan member and co-founder of the Thandi Project – Barry Taylor. The owner of Farnham Stables has an extensive equestrian CV and sparkling reputation for producing both horses and riders, plus he’s an all round nice guy!

How long have you been in the equestrian industry and in what disciplines have you participated?

I have been involved in riding and with horses pretty much all my life.

Currently I only participate in Show jumping but I represented my province during my Junior years in dressage, eventing and equitation (but if I have to be honest, I think they were short of riders).

What advice would you give your 18-year old self?

It’s a hard game, but if you get up every day and want to go down to your stables with an attitude of ‘never give up’ and enjoy your horses and you’re committed for the long haul – you will succeed. Many youngsters today are in it for a quick buck and that’s not how the game works.

Life goals (can be horse related or not)?

Apart from riding – are there any other hidden talents we don’t know To never retire from working with horses! about?

None that I know of!

Best Part of your day?

After a days work, just chilling on my own in my barn with my horses Which is the best horse you’ve ever ridden and why? eating carrots! Spending time with my best friends – the equestrian type!

I have had many great horses, but I think Powerforce is the best. I think he would have been great in any era (he’s careful, scopey and brave). Any pre show routines or lucky charms?

He made me when I was very novice in Grand Prix Showjumping and Before I go into the arena I go into my own little bubble and visualize covered up many of my mistakes. myself and my horse and the course. In those moments I don’t hear anyone or anything.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

I have always tried to learn from the great riders, and I still travel abroad a Motto or saying that you live by? lot to learn and stay up to date with modern techniques.

We’re here for a good time, not a long time.

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Equestrian LIFE - Apr-June 2019

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