Horse Trading July 2015 by Horse Trading

H O R S E Issue no. 253

TRADING

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July

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Saddle up

Enjoy nature from your horse A F R I C A’ S M O S T L O V E D E Q U E S T R I A N P U B L I C A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 9 2

™

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WHERE WE LEAD, OTHERS FOLLOW Now situated at 63 Karee Rd, Blue Hills, Kyalami UNBEATABLE PRICES ON THESE BRANDED PRODUCTS: Midfeeds Midfeeds Epol

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R176.00 R180.00 R175.50 R175.50 R175.50 R178.00 R171.00 R182.00 R215.00

CASH & COLLECT – INCLUDES VAT

Midfeeds and Tack ’n Togs now open in Nelspruit – (013)752 7432. Find us at 36 Waterfall St, Riverside Industrial Park, Nelspruit

SPECIAL FOR JULY

Nutritional Advice Line (011)468 1834 Take extra special care of your horse’s health this winter by including an all round supplement to prevent illness while keeping your horse in top health and performing at its best. The Herbal Horse Ultimate mix will take care of your horse’s joints and digestive track while also being a complete amino acid and multi vitamin supplement. For more advice on correct supplementation this winter contact one of our in house nutritional advisors. Marquerite Oberholzer Bsc (Agric) Animal Science midfeedsbuy@mweb.co.za

Janine de Swardt Bsc (Agric) Animal Science buyer@midfeeds.co.za

Herbal Horse Ultimate mix 500g

R250.00 incl

Cash and Collect only

Tel: (011)468 1824/34; (011)024 3270; 082 650 1877 Fax: (011) 252 5072

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midfeedspty@mweb.co.za

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Recognised agents for:

Emergency: 082 499 8684

Amigo Competit

ion Sheet

Amigo Insulator

Amigo Foal Rug Bring in yo ur old winter horse blankets fo r Highveld Horse Care and receive R2 50 off a new Amig o Insulator

Rambo Block Net Cooler

Tel:(011)468-1824 or 0861 midfeeds Emergency: 082 499 8684, Fax:(011)252 5072 E-mail: midfeedspty@mweb.co.za Address: 63 Karee Rd, corner Main Rd, Blue Hills, Kyalami. PURVEYORS OF THE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE

www.tackntogs.co.za

FROM THE EDITOR

GET IN TOUCH

Welcome to the 253rd edition of The Horse Trading magazine where we strive to unite our readers with a passion for horses. Wow, when you look at that number, that’s over two decades of monthly magazines dedicated to providing our loyal readers and advertisers content that is relevant and a hub to sell and buy equine supplies and accessories.

E / ads@horsetrading.co.za OR studio@horsetrading.co.za

In this edition we are looking at the science of saddle fitting. This can be difficult to get right even for the most experienced rider. We hope this article helps you get the right balance and comfort for your horse. There are many disciplines of riding but if you enjoy trail riding as part of your holiday adventure, read Happy Trails on page 14. Enjoying nature with your horse can be very exhilarating but you must know what to expect before you set off into the sunset. And lastly, this month the Vodacom Durban July, one of the most anticipated events on the social calendar is taking place. This event sees horses and fashion unite for a day of splendour. On page 10 the article gives a fun guideline to side etiquette for the spectators. Keep warm and happy reading.

Last dates for ad publication are PRINT DEADLINES WE ACCEPT ADS ALL DAY EVERY DAY!!! Ads will go onto the website & appear in the first available edition.

CONTRIBUTORS HORSE TRADING Advertising / Chantel Heydenrych - ads@horsetrading.co.za graphic designers / Mike O’Brien - mike@obriendesign.co.za Lindy Augustyn - designer@obriendesign.co.za HORSE TRADING KZN / Nicky Oram - adverts@horsetradingkzn.co.za PLACING AN AD / Please ensure you have checked current prices & that your ad is acceptable in the format that you wish to send it before making payment, email it to us first. Deadline for advertising is on the 15th of every month. BANKING DETAILS / Horse Trading / FNB / Account No 62473634220 / Branch Code: 250741 NO Cash deposits! Kindly do an internet transfer, or email for assistance. Cash deposits into bank account will be held until the bank charges are paid - R18.50 per R100 – deposited. PLEASE NOTE / When making a payment via internet banking, kindly request your bank to email proof of payment to: studio@horsetrading.co.za. Proofs are supplied & Advertisements are placed once PAYMENT has been received in FULL. PROOF of PAYMENT is required by email. Beneficiary Reference / Please use the telephone number that you are placing in the ad, & your name, NOT “advert” or “classified”. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that we have your proof of payment – Thank you! Copyright / Horse Trading is published monthly by Horse Trading Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or whole, is expressly forbidden without written permission of the publisher.

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SINCE 1970

Equipagé Red

Pantone® Matching Swatches

(for all media where possible)

Pantone® Process Equivalent

(for full colour print media)

RGBValues

(for digital use)

PMS 1807 C CMYK C24 M100 Y76 K19 RGB R165 G16 G45

ANIMALS AND AMINO ACIDS

ll animals require Amino Acids, in fact horses require 21 Amino Acids and of those 9 (nonessential) are provided for by the horse itself, whilst the 12 Amino’s (essential) are not created by the horse and need some outside help. A small amount of essential Amino Acids will be obtained from well balanced concentrates and good quality grass and/or supplementation. South Africa does not have as nutritious grass as many other horse countries and common sense tells us that due to cost, horse feed will not contain all the needed Amino’s in the maximum amounts required. Amino Acids also act as a chain reaction, so unless all 12 essential Aminos’s are present, it means nothing, with zero positive nutritional effect.

Amino Acids are the ‘building blocks’ of protein and are essential for horses to optimize, synthesize and utilize their protein intake to:

Optimize energy levels Assisted prevention of muscle stiffness, spasms & tying-up Improved food utilisation Increased mass & muscle development (builds ‘top line’) Reduced water loss – nitrogen loss in sweat Assisted lactation & reproduction in brood mares Promotes growth & strong bone Improved hoof quality and growth

We also need to ask ourselves if it is indeed fair to ask all that we do from our competition horses if we do not supply them the tools to preform at top level. All the above information was taken from published reports compiled by the USA National Research Council on nutrient requirements for horses. Written by: L.D Delaney Promix Animal Supplements www.promixsupplements.com

Again feed labels need to be scrutinized for the Amino content and in what quantities, or call the manufactures and enquire.

www.horsetrading.co.za

The National Horse Trust in

asino oyale

proud association with MIX FM presents the NHT Annual Race Day When:

Saturday 22 August 2015

Where:

Aquanaut Room, Turffontein Racecourse

Time:

12 Noon

Menu:

007 Cavalier

Attire:

Casino wear

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO BOOK NOW!

R700.00 per head or R6500.00 per table of 10 Name the Race: R11 000.00 Name the Race and Table of 10: R14 000 Auction: Join us for an awesome day of spectacular racing and fun. For bookings contact: Suzanne on 082 054 4464 or suzi.dery@gmail.com or alternatively you can book directly with the National Horse Trust on 011 683 4388 or nationalhorsetrust@mweb.co.za All proceeds benefit the National Horse Trust and the units they support nationally.

H A RT S F I E L D E E Q U E ST R I A N Everything you and your horse could possibly want, including central position (10 mins from Kyalami Park & 5 mins from ICB). Out riding on the property. This is an up market boutique yard that everyone dreams of!

Call 082 064 1963

The best riding country in the heart of Kyalami Quality professionally managed stabling

Race day etiquette

Excellent dressage and show jumping arenas Large selection of cross country jumps Modern clubhouse and change rooms Daily outrides in secure riding country

INANDA

COUNTRY BASE

T: 011 464 5343 | M: 082 567 5747 | Email: icb@inandaclub.co.za

day at the races is always something really special. It’s glitzy, glamorous and the who’s who in horse racing and the fashion world are strutting their goods that day. It’s a day of pomp and ceremony, but that’s what makes it so distinctively cool.

high fashion. Dressing up for the races is unlike dressing for any other event. Some spectators take fashion to new heights, some make extreme fashion faux-pas, but for most it’s a day to have some fun and slap on some heels and a big hat that you otherwise wouldn’t on a normal day.

With thousands of spectators rubbing shoulders with the elite there is a certain etiquette one has to remember when enjoying a day at the races. Different meetings have various codes of conduct and levels of formality. Inappropriate behaviour never goes down well in this setting. So here is a easy-toachieve guide to racing manners and social graces.

Ladies, a day at the races is an all day affair so think carefully about the heels. Your shoes can make or break your experience. Nothing worse than sinking into the grass all day so choose a thicker heel. And take a pair of flats - we don’t want to be walking back to the car barefoot with sore feet.

If you are betting, it’s very easy to get swept away in the excitement of the race, especially if you have backed a real contender. If you are going to ignite track banter make sure you know your stuff. Keep loud shouting and profanities to an absolute minimum. If your horse has won and you want to collect your winnings, do so with grace. Pace yourself. Enjoy your bubbles and beer but bottled water is your most flattering accessory. If you have been invited to a box for the day don’t hog the buffet.

Saddle up for SARDA Gauteng

So the golden rule when at the races is to have a good time, but don’t over indulge, its along day and you don’t want to ruin it for other spectators.

To ride for our purpose, email Gentlemen, don’t sarda@earthcentre.org.za be afraid to

The Vodacom Durban July and the J&B Met in Cape Town are the most prominent events on the social calendar. Both races are renowned for merging equestrian prowess with

experiment a bit but jeans are a no no. Pair a suit or smart pants with a bold shirt and bow-tie or tie. Pay attention to detail such as cufflinks, belts and pocket scarves.

www.horsetrading.co.za

PLEASE NOTE COUNTRY FEEDS MOVED TO A NEW HOME! Warehouse Nr 3, Plot 286, Old JHB Road, De Deur, 1610

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!!

Warehouse Nr 3, Plot 286, Old JHB Road, De Deur, 1610

(NEXT TO B&S TILES)

www.horsetrading.co.za

ARAGON STABLES

TOP QUALITY STABLING Riding lessons for beginners to advanced SUCCESS AT GRADED AND INTER-SCHOOL SHOWS SCHOOL PONIES AND HORSES Baiting options available www.aragonstables.co.za | jennyf@aragonstables.co.za | 082 666 3728

We offer professional stabling on our 27ha farm in Pretoria East. We can also help with Schooling/training of green horses and riding lessons for young beginner riders. For more info contact 079 41 383 58 or email us at: info@farm-waidmannsruh.co.za.

Promix uses only the maximum amounts of all the active ingredients and contains zero chemicals nor drugs Promix uses only prime natural ingredients, thereby keeping prices affordable. Amino Acids – R365 for 1 horse for 1 month Multi Vitamin & Mineral – R370 for 1 horse for 1 month Joint Q – R400 for 1 horse for 1 month Present this adv at stand No: 4 at World of Dogs & Cats @ Gallager Cnt, 17th to 19th July for a 20% discount. www.promixsupplements.com for information on all Promix proven products or Contact Lesley: 083 726 7152/promixsupplements@gmail.com

w w w . p r o m i x s u p p l e m e n t s . c o m

F E AT U R E

Happy Trails Do you like the idea of exploring trails in the Knysna forests, the Drakensberg or along some of the country’s best coastlines with a horse as companion? There’s something special about trail riding, both horse and rider sharing a sense of freedom, adventure, and bonding.

rail riding, for some, is the most exhilarating way to ride a horse whilst at the same time explore natures beauty. Many presume they can just mount a horse and go but it’s a little more complicated than that. Many horse safaris/trails are between five to eight days long, so basic riding skills are required. That doesn’t mean you should be afraid of trail riding, but it does mean that you need to learn how to deal with trail riding challenges. Scrambling up steep hills, and jumping over obstacles, such as fallen trees, requires good balance, skill and control. For new riders, most of the ride will be at walking pace and possibly a slow trot. If you are nervous, choose an older, more experienced horse that’s less likely to get spooked along the route. You don’t want to get into a situation where you holding on for dear life, dodging branches and trees with a high risk of falling off. Most trail rides and safaris across the country have expert guides and horses that “know the ropes”, so that you can take in the beauty of nature around you and just enjoy the feeling of partnering with a powerful animal beneath that’s able to effortlessly carry you up hills and along the trails. www.horsetrading.co.za

Good trail riding etiquette is all about safety and consideration for fellow riders. Not knowing what to do on group trail rides can introduce dangers for other riders due to the way that horses naturally behave. Here are some trail etiquette tips to make the most of your trail experience. 1.

Have a good idea of what to expect to ensure that memories from the ride are pleasant ones.

The physical readiness of the rider for the rigours of trail riding is important. Trail riding can involve long hours in the saddle.

Don’t ride too close to the horse in front of you. It could spook him and you and your horse could get kicked and severely injured.

When riding in a group, the leader should always ask fellow riders if they’re ready to change gaits. If the leader doesn’t and jumps into a canter or gallop, the other horses will do the same. Unprepared riders will likely end up on the ground with possible injuries.

5. Don’t overcrowd a watering area, the horses may feel crowded and nip at each other. 6. The leader should announce trail hazards so fellow riders are made aware. 7. Most horse safari/trail companies have various levels of trail riding routes to choose from depending on your abilities. Make sure you respect this and ride to your capabilities, not only for your own safety but also so that more experienced riders are not held back. 8. If you’re riding group is going downhill and meets a group coming up, let those coming up keep moving while you stop your group. It’s harder for the up-going group to get restarted. 9. If your riding group meets a large riding group, let the larger group go first. Larger groups are harder to control. 10. When passing other riding groups don’t allow horses to smell one another.

THE NORTHERN HORSE - TRAIL RIDING IN THE DRAKENSBERG

Northern Drakensberg KZN – 4 hours from Jo’burg, 3 hours from Durban. Amazing horse trails in pristine mountains – Amphitheatre Mountain Views & Bushman Paintings. 1 to 4 Hour Trails, Full Day Outings, Sunset Experiences & 1 or 2 Night Overnight Excursions. Owned and operated by passionate horse-people Healthy, Happy Horses for all levels of rider. Book your equine adventure now: t h e n o r t h e r n h o r s e @ g m a i l . c o m | 0 8 2 3 3 7 8 7 7 0 | w w w. d r a k e n s b e r g h o r s e t r a i l s . c o . z a

The best riding country in the heart of Kyalami Quality professionally managed stabling Excellent dressage and show jumping arenas Large selection of cross country jumps Modern clubhouse and change rooms Daily outrides in secure riding country

INANDA

COUNTRY BASE

T: 011 464 5343 | M: 082 567 5747 | Email: icb@inandaclub.co.za

Saddle up for SARDA Gauteng To ride for our purpose, email sarda@earthcentre.org.za

STABLING

IN HONEYDEW

R 2250. 00 3 meals a day Grass ad lib Large flake shavings Carynton stables

RUSSIAN GRASS Save money on Horse food this winter, by planting our

EVERGREEN FAST GROWING RUSSIAN GRASS for more information contact Merwe 0726045219 or visit our website www.russiangrass.co.za

Cnr pierre and hoeveld Rd Honeydew | 078 343 1112

Heavy-Duty Horse Feed-Bins in Small, Medium and Large

SMALL FEEDBIN R104-00 ex VAT MEDIUM FEEDBIN R146-00 ex VAT LARGE FEEDBIN R245-00 ex VAT 25L ROUND horse water bucket R149-00 ex VAT Collect from us in Randburg.

We also supply a wide range of water troughs, from 4 litre up to 190 litre, and a BIG range of Steel Stable Racks ! Please visit our website to see our full range of Horsecare products. www.shawsonplastics.co.za Tel: 011 792 1916 | Fax: 086 693 1589 | Cell: 082 414 7864 Email: rodneytrubshaw@fastmail.fm Address: Shawson Plastics, corner of tungsten and wakis avenue, strijdom park , Randburg.

GET THE BEST FOR YOUR HORSES

Craig Beijl:

www.housabout.co.za

C 083 300 8432

F 086 687 7348

E craig@housabout.co.za

EVENTS CALENDAR

Month June/July

Day

Event

29Jun-5Jul The 2015 Pony Rider National Equestrian Championships of South Africa

July

4-5

July

Venue Royal Riding Club

KPC - AD, All Grades

sashowjumping.co.za

Graded & Training Schedule

Weltmeyer Stables

July

3 Judges in the North Graded & Training Schedule

Misty Meadows Equestrian Centre

July

11-12

The Burgh Royal London Series

www.showingsa.co.za

July

11-12

2nd Leg of the Amateur Series Dressage Show proudly sponsored by SYMBIOSIS

Fourways Riding Centre

July

Adult & Junior Graded & Recreational Show Jumping Show

Fourways Riding Centre

July

Graded & Training Schedule

Riverleigh International Equestrian Centre

July

18-19

KPC Youth Festival

www.showingsa.co.za

July

Graded & Training Schedule

EquiVest

July

24-27

Young Rider & Adult Advanced Schedule

Hollyberry Hall

July

SANESA Eventing

Fourways Riding Centre

July

25-27

Advanced Dressage Schedule

Eaton Farm

August

1-2

Graded SJ & Training SJ plus Open Eventing

Fourways Riding Centre

August

Training Dressage show. PR - Adult tests plus Pas De Deux.

Shepherd’s Fold Stables

September

Training Jumping Show. Pole on the ground up to 1m.

Shepherd’s Fold Stables

www.horsetrading.co.za

One size DOESN’T fit all Saddle shopping is like shoe shopping, you have to find the size that’s comfortable. A saddle that doesn’t fit correctly can result in a grumpy horse with sore back muscles. Saddle fitting can be tricky, even for the most experienced riders.

iobhan Reports, a Level 5 Instructor and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter strongly recommends owners to do their homework when saddle shopping and should consider the following 1) where it’s made, 2) who designed it, 3) what materials are used, 4) how adjustable the saddle is, 5) if it’s just the front arch that adjusts or if the side rail angle will change too and lastly what your warranty, if any, is. Even though saddle manufacturers make saddletrees in different sizes (wide, medium, and narrow), each horse is an individual and may not fit into a saddle that corresponds to the apparent width of the horse’s back. According to Siobhan, the most commonly used saddles are English style general purpose saddles. “Firstly owners need to assess their budgets, with most saddles coming from Europe, saddles have become increasingly expensive. Often people try to go for a cheap alternative, where

often the quality and fit are compromised. In the long run spending a little more will save you,” she says. “Again do your research, discuss options with your Saddle Fitter including the tree shape and panel design most suited to your horse. In regard to your horses needs it’s helpful to be able to provide your Saddle Fitter with your horses’ age, height, weight, work being done and most importantly your horses condition. It’s far easier to fit a horse that is in good condition and has a good topline.” The following steps should be taken when checking the fit of a saddle, some adjustments may be made to correct fit problems. Position of the Saddle Saddle Length Angle of the Points Gullet/Channel Clearance Wither Clearance Pommel to Cantle relationship Panel Pressure and Contact Saddle Stability

The two most overlooked aspects are: The Saddle Length The saddle should never go behind the 18th thoracic vertebra, which is the vertebra corresponding with the last rib. Behind this vertebra are the lumbar vertebrae, which is the weakest, non-weight bearing area of the back. The Gullet/Channel clearance There should also be adequate clearance over the spine and connective tissue throughout the channel of the saddle. A channel that is too narrow will impede the horse’s movement dramatically and may even cause the spine to be observably sore. Feel the width of the spine and connective tissue with your fingers and estimate its width. The channel of the saddle should completely clear this width, resting on the long back muscle of the back called the longissimus dorsi.

www.horsetrading.co.za

F E AT U R E

Other signs your saddle isn’t correct If a saddle is too narrow in front it will pinch behind the scapula and trapezius, and may in some instances result in atrophy either side of the wither. Also the saddle will often not be in balance creating pressure points towards the rear of the saddle, this may result in the horse moving in extreme cases. There may also be bridging. This is where there is a gap between the panel and the horse’s back. In extreme cases, if the saddle is too wide the underside of the pommel will rub on the wither, causing a fistula wither. The points of the tree will also sits to low down, trapping the scapula. Also since the balance of the saddle will be out, this may cause the back of the panels to “bounce”. Horses are truly generous and many will continue to work despite an ill fitting saddle, while others may express their unhappiness in no uncertain terms. A good saddle fit will equal a safe, balanced, relaxing ride. Your horse will be well-behaved, stay healthy, and enjoy himself. Your

www.horsetrading.co.za

riding skills will be enhanced and improved. So it’s important to get it right. BOX If your horse is riding in a new saddle and starts acting bizarrely, pay attention it could indicate a fitting problem.

lays his ears back, swishes his tail, and tosses his head walks off when you try to girth up or mount bites the saddle becomes sensitive touching his back

you

increasingly acts up the longer you ride can’t seem to relax under the saddle slows down, bucks, runs away for no apparent reason