HQ Magazine Issue 155C by hqmagazine

DIGITAL ISSUE 155C | 2021

SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

SUPREMELY LIGHT SUPREMELY COMFORTABLE

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Hi everyone! We hope you are all safe and warm. This issue of HQ Magazine is packed full of content from our wonderful contributors and they really have a lot to share. From articles on Capital Colnardo and his overseas adventures; to examining the difference between a barefoot and a farrier trim; to a tour through the Callaho Auction collection; and a look at stallions and the optimal ways to keep and handle them, we really have a jam-packed issue for you all. Our one request is that if there’s any content you are keen to see in the upcoming editions, please let us know! We want to be guided by our readers, and after our Olympic Edition we realise that a lot of you have an interest in bloodlines and overseas news – something we haven’t focused on heavily in the past. We’d love to deliver more of what you are looking for, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch and share your thoughts. We’ll then do our best to bring you what you are looking for! We wish you all a wonderfully horsey August, and we’ll see you back in September! With much love,

Lizzie and xxx the HQ team Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor

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Designer: Mauray Wolff

DIGITAL ISSUE 155C | 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

06 Capital Colnardo The horse of a lifetime

72 Get fit Resistance training for horse riders

16 Taylor’s Top 10 For the United Aviation Group Derby

80 The Stallion Understanding his role

30 Callaho’s Breeding Magic 2021 Callaho Online Auction | Summer Edition

88 Barefoot trim vs farrier trim What’s the difference?

40 Keep your teeth to yourself A guide to stopping biting in horses

92 The Equine Heart Part 1

44 The Hanging Cheek Snaffle debate Solved

96 Feeding turmeric Beneficial or not

46 Monaghan Equestrian Centre Where the horse comes first

100 Q&A

50 The Olympic Mindset What separates the best from the rest

102 Products we love

56 Operant conditioning A summary

106 Spot the difference

62 Conformation for performance Understanding what to look out for

107 Pridey’s Piece

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www.capitalstud.com

Jennifer Gates and Capital Colnardo competing at GCL Hamburg, 2019. Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography.

THE HORSE OF A LIFETIME

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HORSE AND RIDER

Capital Colnardo with Nicole Horwood in South Africa.

nyone who follows South African showjumping knows the name Capital Colnardo. The striking stallion was excelling here at 1.50m level with Nicole Horwood, right before he was exported to Europe. He now succeeds at top international level. EARLY BEGINNINGS Capital Colnardo was purchased by Henning Pretorius, the owner of Capital Stud, as a two-year-old at the stallion selection in Holstein. He was then imported to South Africa and began his career as a four-year-old with Nicole Horwood. As Nicole says “Colnardo was exceptional from the beginning. He felt like a well-oiled machine and I always had to hold myself back from pushing him too quickly as he just found everything easy.” Nicole continues “Colnardo always had an amazing work ethic but he would get very bored with flatwork because he just found it all too easy. After 20 minutes into our schooling sessions, I had run out of flatwork ideas because whatever I asked of him he delivered

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COLOUR: Bay DATE OF BIRTH: 01/03/2005 HEIGHT: 170cm STUDBOOK: Holstein

immediately, without any repetition required. He really enjoyed outrides and track work, and he was always a gentleman to work with. It’s hard to believe he’s a stallion – he had perfect stable manners and even enjoyed cuddles.” Colnardo immediately rose to success when he made his debut on the local South African showjumping scene. He started jumping the South African 1.50m classes, and quickly won a few big classes, including the South African Outdoor Grand Prix. Rob Hoekstra was very impressed with Colnardo during one of his lessons with Nicole and even asked to sit on him. After a short ride Rob turned to Henning and said “This is a top horse. He needs to go to Europe.”

HORSE AND RIDER

GOING FULL CIRCLE Colnardo went into quarantine without Henning having concrete plans in place about where the horse would go, but he knew it was a case of ‘now or never’. Quarantine was a three-month process, which gave enough time to explore different options regarding Colnardo’s future career. Just before Colnardo went into quarantine, Robert Whitaker, who had heard about Colnardo, flew to South Africa and had a sit on him. Upon his return, Whitaker mentioned to Axel Verlooy, a dealer in Belgium, that there was a very good horse on his way to Europe from South Africa. Approximately two months into the quarantine, Henning received a call from an American number. Not recognising the number, he never actually took the call. The next day he got another call from the same number, and this time they left a message. The gentleman introduced himself as a client of Axel Verlooy, and mentioned that he had heard from Axel that Henning owned a very good horse who was in quarantine on his way to Europe. He wanted to know if Henning would be interested and consider selling him immediately. Still not having set plans in place, it was

decided after long negotiations that Alex and Jim Coulter’s daughter would fly to Mauritius, where Colnardo was in quarantine, and meet Henning and Nicole Horwood there to try him. There were no jumping facilities at the quarantine station but one of the local riding clubs very kindly let Capital use their facilities and build a reasonably sized track so that Colnardo’s abilities could be put to the test. Axel and Jim’s eldest daughter, Saer, arrived late in the afternoon and tried Colnardo the following morning. Saer insisted that she be the first to sit on him, rather than let Nicole warm him up. Colnardo had not been jumped at all for several weeks, but true to form, he jumped like a machine. At one stage an enormous tortoise strolled through the arena and Colnardo didn’t blink an eye but continued his display, effortlessly taking Saer around the course. Axel turned to Henning at this point and said “I now believe what you said – this is a really good horse.” Henning’s response to this was “now let me show you what he’s really capable of.” Henning proceeded to build a really big track for Colnardo and, of course, he jumped it perfectly. Saer was left smiling from ear to ear. The group lunched at Trou aux Biches Hotel and the excitement was palpable. It wasn’t long after leaving the arena that Jim Coulter phoned Henning to ask if they could talk about purchasing the horse. After lengthy discussions the pair decided to meet in London at the Global Champions Tour. Henning met with Jim Coulter twice at their hotel in London and the arrangements for the vetting were made. As is the buyer’s prerogative, Jim wished that the vetting be conducted in Belgium by his own vet, so after Colnardo completed his quarantine in Mauritius he was flown to Belgium. Henning accompanied him for the entirety of the trip (a 29-hour journey in total). As agreed, Jim Coulter flew his vet in from the USA, and whilst the vet expressed disappointment about not getting a trip to South Africa to meet the horse, he was deeply impressed by Colnardo and said ‘Is this the horse that everyone is talking about?’

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HORSE AND RIDER

Needless to say, the horse received a 100% clean vetting, and the sale was confirmed. Colnardo now had to stay in Europe before he could travel to the USA, and it was during this time that he was ridden by Harrie Smolders. Once Colnardo arrived in America, Audrey Coulter, Jim’s other daughter, started to ride him. Within just a week she competed him in their first CSI5*. Capital Colnardo delivered many clear rounds and top placings in various Nation’s Cups, the Global Champions League and countless international Grand Prixes. He has outstanding achievements in the 1.60m CSI5* classes at Cascais-Estoril, Paris, Cannes, Madrid, Miami Beach and Hamburg. Some of his greatest achievements are winning the World Cup Qualifier in Sacramento, winning at the Longines Masters of New York and winning the CSI5* Basel. In 2018, Jennifer Gates of Evergate Stables, LLC purchased Capital Colnardo and has been campaigning him successfully in the US and Europe ever since. Colnardo remains in the limelight on the international stage with Jennifer, having achieved a podium finish in the CSI5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, in July 2019 and continuing to place in CSI5* events, finishing in 2nd, as recently as March of this year.

From the first course, I knew ‘Cody’ would be the horse of a lifetime for me. - Jennifer Gates Jennifer Gates and Capital Colnardo at Spruce Meadows in 2019. Photo by JC Markun.

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HORSE AND RIDER

Harrie Smolders riding Capital Colnardo

BREEDING Holsteiner (from Germany) Colnardo’s pedigree includes the lines of Cor de la Bryere, Capitol I and Ladykiller xx. He really does showcase the best Holsteiner blood, including the influential Carthago (featured in many of the Tokyo Olympic bloodlines), Lord (also featured in many Olympic bloodlines), and Corrado I. Perhaps most significantly of all, however, his bloodlines feature the stallion Marlon xx who is the one of the most influential Thoroughbred stallions and is found in many successful jumping pedigrees. Colnardo’s sire, Colman has produced over 40 approved stallions and 150 of his offspring have been successful in the 1.40 to 1.60m classes. His offspring, between them, have won over 2.7 million Euros in prize money. Significantly Colman sired LB Conval, who won the 2016 Aachen Grand Prix and the Spruce Meadows Masters 2017. Carthago, Colman’s sire, competed in almost every major showjumping competition and was extremely successful under Jos Lansink. Colnardo’s exciting offspring are available at the Capital Stud auction. Colnardo's offspring are extremely athletic, showing great scope to be successful showjumpers. To view Capital Colnardo’s remarkably consistent results click here

DOMINEY ALEXANDER AND RNR CAPITAL COLMAN Dominey Alexander - " To ride a horse like RNR Capital Colman every day is an absolute privilege. He is the epitome of great breeding. He is extremely intelligent, well balanced to ride and elastic in his body. So to train a horse like this, is extremely easy, because he is so clever he understands new schooling methods easily, so can be finished with his session in 20 min. I work on his ground speed and self-carriage whilst galloping, making him competitive and fast against the clock. Being young he needs to see different jumps and exercises to give him mileage. But his jump is so elastic that he needs very little work on his technique. He is undoubtedly the most talented young horse I have ever sat on. I look forward to producing him to international level."

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HORSE AND RIDER

Colnardo has given me the opportunity to breed mares for my future programme that I can then breed from. This allows me to add his qualities into my breeding program. These qualities are scope, rideability, exceptional conformation and soundness. He has really jumped every 5* track in the world, and made it look easy. – Henning Pretorius

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HORSE AND RIDER

CAPITOL I CARTHAGO PERRA

COLMAN LORD ROSENQUARZ FAUKASIEN

CAPITAL COLNARDO

CORRADO I

CORONADO ZAALA KOSMA SHIVA I

CASTRO AMBA TABITA

AUCTION 2021

Capital Coretta

Capital Heartly

Capital Claribell

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HORSE AND RIDER

COLNARDO OFFSPRING FROM CAPITAL AUCTIONS 2017 Capital Conchetta (Capital Colnardo x Capital Ulior) Capital Columbia (Capital Colnardo x Capital Armani) Capital Carrington (Capital Colnardo x Capital Capriccio) 2018 Capital Carlton (Capital Colnardo x Alzu Optimum vd Wellington) Capital Cashmeer (Capital Colnardo x Belmondo) Capital Caslo (Capital Colnardo x Capital A Star) Capital Clooney (Capital Colnardo x Concerto II) Capital Colman (Capital Colnardo x For Pleasure) Capital Corona (Sanodor Emerald Isle) 2019 Capital California (Capital Colnardo x Triomphe) Capital Coleen (Capital Colnardo x Capital Capriccio) Capital Coulter (Capital Colnardo x Voltaire) Capital Cancoon (Capital Colnardo x Capital Don Cumarco) Capital Commodore (Capital Colnardo x Capital A Star) Capital Conrado (Capital Colnardo x Capital A Star) Capital Callaway (Capital Colnardo x My Lord Cathargo) 2020 Capital Calandra (Capital Colnardo x Capital Ulior) Capital Cannon (Capital Colnardo x Boris van Kuizer) Capital Cassius (Capital Colnardo x Capital Capriccio) Capital Chavon (Capital Colnardo x Capital Capriccio) Capital Clementine (Capital Colnardo x Capital Capriccio) Capital Campbell (Capital Colnardo x Capital Conlanc) Capital Cole (Capital Chicoletto Z x Capital Colnardo) 2021 – COMING SOON Capital Creighton (Capital Colnardo x Capital Conlanc) Capital Coretta (Capital Colnardo x Chin Win) Capital Claribel (Capital Colnardo x Mylord Cathago) Capital Horizon (Capital Homerus x Capital Colnardo) Capital Heartly (Capital Homerus x Capital Colnardo)

CAPITAL COLE AND ZDENEK MUCHNA After a recent show at Burlington, Zdenek wrote, “Capital Cole throwing all the right shapes today in the 1ms at Burlington Stables SA, clear in both classes and coming home with his rst rosette.”

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HORSE AND RIDER

Thank you to Jennifer Gates, Founder of Evergate Stables, and Spy Coast Farm who have supplied many of the stunning pictures for this article. Capital Colnardo continues to go from strength to strength with Jennifer and we follow eagerly follow their journey. We look forward to seeing Capital Colnardo’s American progeny light up the competition circuit in years to come.

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Jennifer Gates and Capital Colnardo at Spruce Meadows in 2019. Photo by JC Markun.

Did you know? Capital Colnardo’s sire Colman has Rosenquarz in his damline, who is by Lord. Rosenquarz is 75% Thoroughbred, and is out of a mare by the very important Thoroughbred, Marlon. The Thoroughbred stallion Marlon was a contemporary of the thoroughbred Ladykiller, both of whom were purchased to improve the Holsteiner studbook. Bred in Ireland, Marlon was a successful racehorse before arriving in Holstein to be stationed at the Kremper Marsh. According to The Holsteiner Horse: “Marlon xx corresponded with the type, frame and conformation of the modern refining stallion, and in this connection he produced very true-to-type offspring, whereby he sired his best progeny when paired with Holsteiner mares of the ‘old’ type. All in all he was a stallion of great charm!” His immediate progeny were highly successful in all three sporthorse disciplines. They included Montevideo, Olympic dressage team gold medal winner; top international eventers Maniok and Milano; international-level showjumpers Malva, Ma Soliel, Mentor and Mowgli.

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HORSE AND RIDER

INTERVIEW: CAROLINE MALAN

TAYLOR’S

TOP 10 FOR THE UNITED AVIATION GROUP DERBY

Barry Taylor gives us his thoughts on the Top 10 horse and rider combinations ahead of this year’s United Aviation Group Derby, which takes place from 30 September – 3 October at Kyalami Equestrian Park. His Top 10 are listed in no particular order.

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HORSE AND RIDER

1. LISA WILLIAMS/CAMPBELL Campbell is a very good Derby horse – the top rated horse in South Africa. He’s in hot form having recently won the World Cup Qualifier in Shongweni, and good form is what you need going into the Derby. He was unlucky not to compete in the last Derby due to a technical issue. I would make him the favourite. He is a good Derby horse and Lisa has won the Derby before. Derby is up Campbell’s alley and coupled with Lisa’s experience they are a pair to look out for.

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HORSE AND RIDER

2. RAINER KORBER/CLOUNY These were the last winners in 2019. This is a solid horse. He is a big time jumper and thrives on the big bold jumps. I would rate Ray as one of the top riders in the country and I think Derby is this horse’s game. I believe he is a better Derby horse than Grand Prix horse and I think he will go very close to the win, having prepared with his team the whole year for this show in particular.

3. NICOLE HORWOOD/ CAPITAL HITOSHI You must never discount this team – especially seeing as Nicole hasn’t won for 4 or 5 Derbies now. Any horse she rides will be well prepared – her preparation is always good. Gonda and Nicole always aim for a good day at the big Derby. I stand under correction but I think Hitoshi has been placed before. Nicole is always there when it counts and Hitoshi is a good Derby-type horse. Chantilly has never done the Derby and would be in the top 2 or 3 horses in SA at the moment but having not done Derby before I am uncertain as to whether she will compete on her come 3 October. Nicole has extensive experience in this show so I would never count her out no matter who she rides.

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HORSE AND RIDER

4. NICOLA SIME/ SUNNY PARK STABLES CONNOISSEUR Nicola is a previous winner and they form a solid team and often come right on the big day. It’s important to know that in order to win the Derby, experience is key – it’s really tough to win on a first timer. Secondly, having a rider who’s done Derby several times is huge. Nicola and Connoisseur tick both those boxes having both done the Derby before – and Nicola is an especially good Derby rider who prepares well for all her competitions. I think her best horse for the Derby is Connoisseur, although she may also have a first timer on another one of her horses.

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HORSE AND RIDER

5.DOMINEY ALEXANDER I think he placed in the top 3 or 4 in the 2019 Derby – ironically on a horse that I imported and rode for a while. I believe he has been planning for this for some time and although he has never won it, he is too good a rider to never win the Derby. He has come very close a few times, so the door will open soon. His horse Athena is a very brave mare, not always the most careful, but certainly very brave so Derby is up her alley and if she is ever going to win a big one, then this is it. Dominey is one of the greatest riders this country has ever had. He has just been unlucky every time – his day will come most definitely and it might be this year. He is my dark horse to win on whatever he rides!

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HORSE AND RIDER

6. CHRIS VAN DER MERWE I really rate Chris. He came from our stables and is perhaps one of the best young riders that this country has ever seen in the last 10–15 years. I’m uncertain as to whether he has a good enough horse at this stage to win the Derby, but I think if you gave him a cow he would be competitive on it! If he rides in the Derby, he will be one of the best prepared riders. Added to his experience are many wins in the smaller Derbies and some great big class wins in the World Cups. I am just not sure if he has a ride capable of winning the Derby for this year, but in terms of the youngsters, I believe he is our best prospect.

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HORSE AND RIDER

7. RON HEALY/CATWEAZLE He went quite well in the 2019 Derby and I think he’s had this in his game plan from some time now. It has been a big goal of his to win the Derby. The horse is a good horse who has mileage behind him now – not sure if it’s enough to win the Derby. Time will tell. Ronnie has been placed in the Hickstead Derby so certainly knows his way around Derbies. He is a top, top rider and I believe a very good chance for a place.

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HORSE AND RIDER

8.CARL BOONZAAIER/ CALLAHO'S CASPARON Placed in 2019 – I think third. He is a good rider but on a temperamental stallion from what I can judge when watching from the side lines. He has done a great job on this horse and I have to put him in my top 10. If it all comes together on the day they could be contenders. Carl has had some good results with this horse and will be in with a chance, provided the horse can keep his focus. Often what you find with stallions is that they get distracted with the fanfare and busy-ness of the show, but in 2019 he brought his A-Game and who’s to know if he could replicate this again.

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HORSE AND RIDER

9. HEATHER MOSTERT/ SUMMER BRIDGE CRUISE This former Miss South Africa beat me in the 2019 Mini-Derby jump-off and that horse has done really well since then, having won numerous 1.40/1.45 classes. Whether it’s up to Derby standard, and they can keep it together as they are both novice at this level, remains to be seen – but they are definitely a Derby prospect for an outside place. Even if she has 8 or 12 faults, she could still pick up a lower down ticket and this is most certainly a horse for the future.

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HORSE AND RIDER

Jonathan Clarke

10. OTHER RIDERS I am still uncertain at this stage who will compete in the show and who won’t – with some horses lame and so on - but Jonathan Clarke is always one to look out for if he rides. Govett Trigoll would be a big contender if he rides although at this stage I am uncertain as to whether he will compete. Gail Foxcroft is another rider that you cannot discount and as a past winner she could be a threat if she rides. As for Lorette’s horse, I am not sure he is really ready and I doubt he will jump, but if she were to ride he would be a good placing chance. Some top riders don’t unfortunately have top horses at this stage – but who’s to know how the next two months will unfold.

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Sale SPRING

23 AUG - 5 SEPT

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FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? Donkeys have very efficient digestive systems allowing them to use over 95% of what they eat. One donkey can eat (on average) 2722kg of food per year. This is around 7.5kg per day!

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NEWS

CALLAHO’S BREEDING MAGIC

2021 CALLAHO ONLINE AUCTION | SUMMER EDITION

allaho Warmblood Stud are back in force with their Summer Collection. Twentythree magnificent sporthorses are in the line-up, and we’re in for a real treat come the 12th of October. The bidder enthusiasm seen for the Winter Collection is sure to be matched this summer, and we’d advise anyone looking for their next sporthorse partner to browse the collection, which is now available online. As Callaho stated in their recent newsletter, “Without doubt our decision to split the 2021 auction into two offerings has proven to be more than providential. With the maintenance of a very light training schedule and a further six months to mature, the result has been quite astounding. Not only have they further settled into their routine with quiet zeal, their obvious joie de vivre has catalysed the revelation of aptitudes only hinted at six months ago. It is thus with a great deal of anticipation and excitement that we’re now able to disclose the Summer Auction Collection. Our Callaho adage, “Breeding Magic”, has never been more apt and now truly finds expression in this year’s final offering.”

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NEWS THE HQ AUCTION REVIEW For this first look at the auction collection we look at the stallion influence across this impressive offering.

Callaho’s Lissabon

THE COLLECTION

Callaho Baccara (Bolzano Du Quinze/Acord II) – Mare Callaho Bayenne (Benicio/Fürst Nymphenburg) – Gelding Callaho Beniro (Benicio/De Niro) – Gelding Callaho Bolivia (Bolzano Du Quinze/ Nimmerdor) – Mare Callaho Bontender (Bolzano Du Quinze/ Contender) – Gelding Callaho Carrera (Carnaval La Silla/Con Coriano) - Gelding Callaho Casparov (Casparon/Valentino) – Gelding Callaho Chianti (Chiletto/Huntingdale xx) – Mare Callaho Chilton (Chiletto/Clinton) – Gelding Callaho Chinook (Chiletto/Argentinus) – Gelding

Callaho Lebanon

Callaho Lejeune

Callaho Conca Vella (Con Coriano/Lissabon) – Gelding Callaho Hera Du Ayenne (Herald III/Baloubet Du Rouet) – Mare Callaho Kalinka (Kannan/Landor S) – Mare Callaho L’Esplendor (Lissabon/Esplendor xx) – Gelding Callaho Larimero (Larison/Ramiro Z) – Gelding Callaho Laruno (Larison/For Joy) – Gelding

CALLAHO’S LISSABON

Callaho Latoya (Lissabon/Fürst Romancier) – Mare

Lissabon needs no introduction. He is a sire of Warmblood sport horses in a class of their own. To see five of his progeny in this auction shows Callaho’s commitment to breeding the best of the best.

Callaho Layla (Lissabon/Embassy I) – Mare Callaho Lebanon (Lissabon/Stolzenberg) Callaho Lejeune (Lissabon/Guidam) – Gelding Callaho Tobasco (Tolano Van’t Riethof/Espri) – Gelding Callaho Vanguard (Victory For Ever/ Lissabon) – Gelding Callaho Vicetta (Victory For Ever/Azett) – Mare

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Callaho Callaho Callaho Callaho Callaho

L’Esplendor (Lissabon/Esplendor xx/Gratuity) – Gelding Latoya (Lissabon/Fürst Romancier/Charon) – Mare Layla (Lissabon/Embassy I/Eiger I) – Mare Lebanon (Lissabon/Stolzenberg/Escudo I) – Gelding Lejeune (Lissabon/Guidam/Landadel) – Gelding

Just to round off the excitement of all the look-a-likes – Callaho Lebanon and Callaho Lejeune are also the spitting image of Callaho Lexington, who jumps in the open classes with Jeanne Korber. Not only his match in looks, this pair have a jump to rival that of their ‘other’ half-brother, promising great things for the future!

DID YOU KNOW?

Isabell Werth just won the Individual Silver and Team Gold in dressage on Bella Rose 2, who is by the same sire as Benicio (Bellisimo M).

CALLAHO’S BENICIO

Callaho’s Benicio

Callaho Beniro

Anyone who knows anything about dressage knows Benicio. Following in his father’s footsteps, Benicio won the 2011 6 year old German Bundeschampionate under the guidance of Anna Fiebelkorn. Six months later he aced his Stallion Performance Test at Schliekau with perfect 10s for walk, trot and canter. His final score for the dressage section, 9.88, superseded that of his father and was the highest score to ever be achieved in a stallion performance test. This auction features two of his offspring: Callaho Bayenne (Benicio/Fürst Nymphenburg/ Falkland) – Gelding Callaho Beniro (Benicio/De Niro/Weltmeyer) – Gelding In looking at Callaho Bayenne specifically, one sees Fürst Nymphenburg as the dam sire, which is a very popular choice, and for good reason! Then with Callaho Beniro, De Niro again brings huge qualities as a dam-sire. De Niro features in lots of Olympic lines, and has 92 offspring competing at Grand Prix, with 201 approved sons. This is not a common line to find represented in South Africa, and we’d expect both of these geldings to be snapped up very quickly!

Callaho Carrera

CALLAHO’S CARNAVAL LA SILLA

Carnaval La Silla is a Holsteiner stallion imported to South Africa after a long and prestigious career in Europe. With Carthago Z as his father and a dam-line which produced the mare, Operette la Silla, ridden by Jan Tops in big international championships, it is small wonder that this stallion is an ultra-reliable producer of top-level showjumpers. Combined here with Callaho’s own magnificent Con Coriano, Callaho Carrera is sure to be a favourite: Callaho Carrera (Carnaval La Silla/Con Coriano/Landadel) – Gelding

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NEWS

Callaho’s Bolzano du Quinze

CALLAHO’S BOLZANO DU QUINZE

The Anglo-Arab influence proved popular in the Winter Collection, with several professional riders seeing the promise of this influence in creating athletic top performers. Bolzano Du Quinze himself is a Selle Francais stallion by the WBFSH Top-20 sire, Quaprice Bois Margot out of an Anglo-Arab mare. In the words of Team Callaho, Bolzano was “possibly just the spice needed to add blood and hybrid vigour to the Callaho melting pot.” Just like their father, the three offspring on this auction, demonstrate Bolzano’s remarkable elasticity and scope: Callaho Baccara (Bolzano Du Quinze/ Acord II/Wanderer) – Mare Callaho Bolivia (Bolzano Du Quinze/ Nimmerdor/Landgraf I) – Mare Callaho Bontender (Bolzano Du Quinze/ Contender/Capitol I) – Gelding

Callaho Bontender

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NEWS

Callaho’s Casparon

CALLAHO’S CASPARON

Casparon’s famous sire, Eurocommerce Berlin (Caspar), under Gerco-Schroder was at the very apex of 1.60m International Jumping competition for many years. As if this was not enough, his dam United Love was also a spectacular 1.60m International Jumper under Olivier Guillon and Tobias Meyer. Under the guidance of Carl Boonzaaier, Casparon has grown in stature to become one of the most revered competitiors in the 1.50m classes here in South Africa, coming 3rd in the 2019 South African Derby, and more recently winning the 2021 Reonet Riders Grand Prix and coming second in the Aquelle World Cup Qualifier. This auction features one of his offspring, and we are very excited to see this gelding develop and give his father a run for his money! Callaho Casparov (Casparon/Valentino/Condor M) – Gelding

CALLAHO’S VICTORY FOR EVER

Callaho’s Victory for Ever

Victory For Ever is a SelleFrancais stallion sired by Corofino, one of Holstein’s best. A modern athletic horse with three elastic and powerful paces, Victory has exceptional temperament and rideability. To top it all off, he is very careful and shows phenomenal power and scope in his jump which he consistently passes onto his offspring. This auction features two of his offspring, Callaho Vanguard and Callaho Vicetta, both of whom clearly display Victory’s qualities. Callaho Vanguard (Victory For Ever/Lissabon/Capitol II) – Gelding Callaho Vicetta (Victory For Ever/Azett/Gervantus I) – Mare

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NEWS

Callaho’s Larison

CALLAHO’S LARISON

Larison is a clever, sensitive horse with much blood, a classic technique and more than enough scope for the really big International 1.60m classes. In the words of Team Callaho, ‘He has surpassed even our most optimistic expectations, producing exceptional offspring from the outset.' The two Larison sons featuring in this auction collection, are sure to be a big hit. Callaho Larimero (Larison/Ramiro Z/Libero H) – Gelding Callaho Laruno (Larison/For Joy/Almé Z) – Gelding Callaho Laruno combines the magic of Larison and For Joy in one, not so small, package!

STAY TUNED A final note from Team Callaho encourages us all to stay tuned for more information on this spectacular collection: “The production of our Summer Auction Collection's ridden and free-jumping videos are complete and will soon be HQ|155

Callaho Laruno

posted together with all their Veterinary Information as well as their Compatibility, Suggested Utility details and relevant statistics. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you need assistance or have any queries regarding the collection.”

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DID YOU KNOW It is possible for two black horses to produce a chestnut foal!

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DID YOU KNOW? Exmoor ponies have a very distinct look. Most Exmoors are bay with light colouring around their eyes and lower body. This is known as pangaré.

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HORSE AND RIDER

KEEP YOUR

TEETH TO YOURSELF! A GUIDE TO STOPPING BITING IN HORSES 40

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iting is a common issue many horse owners encounter (especially those of us who own geldings!) Whilst nipping and biting is sure to raise our blood pressure a little bit and can, of course, be dangerous, we do need to realise that actually, this is quite a natural behaviour in horses. This doesn’t mean to say we can ignore it, but simply that it isn’t quite as ‘vicious’ as we often assume. Here we discuss how we can counteract biting and mouthy behaviour and turn it into a relationship-building opportunity.

NOTE Do not rub on his cheeks, but restrict yourself to the area from the corner of the mouth to his nostril and below). Cheek rubbing tends to initiate play, and you want to avoid this!

WHY SO BITEY? Often when your horse is mouthy or tries to bite, he isn’t aiming to hurt you but rather trying to engage with you. If you watch your horse in his paddock with his friends, you’ll notice that he most likely interacts with other horses by using his mouth. This is because when a horse is curious and wants to engage with something, he usually does so with his mouth and lips. Of course, having said this, being bitten by your horse, whether in play or out of malice, is dangerous. Here we give you an exercise to try to stop this habit in its tracks! THE EXERCISE To start, we would recommend practising this exercise in the stable with your horse so that he is ‘contained’ behind a door. Once you are confident with the process, you can take this exercise out to the lunge ring and repeat the process. Please note, however, that when practising this outside of the stable, we would recommend that you have your horse in his halter and lead rope so that you can take action and move him away should you need to. 1. Stand outside your horse’s stable door, and as he brings his head close to you, cup your hands into a bowl shape and hold them out in front of you. Move your hands to be in front of whichever part of your body your horse is sniffing so that they act as a barrier between his muzzle and your body. 2. When your horse shows interest in your hands, gently rub the end of his muzzle. Be very careful with this and avoid ALL teeth!

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3. If your horse moves his head away from the rubbing, let him. You don’t want to seek out engagement but instead want him to engage with you willingly. When he comes back again, start the process again. This shows him that you have recognised his curiosity and need for attention. 4. When out in the lunge ring, if your horse begins to walk towards you and become pushy, make sure you always back him up or at least stop him at a safe distance from you. Do not engage in this exercise with him when he is pushy or standing too close. 5. In this exercise, you ultimately expect to see your horse start to yawn or release tension. The more you engage with him, the more he’ll relax and reset his nervous system as you are providing the connection he is looking for. Ultimately, this exercise is something you can practice every time he brings his head to you and over time, he’ll realise that he doesn’t need to bite to get your attention.

FINAL THOUGHTS When you first start with this exercise, your horse’s reactions may temporarily get worse. While the pair of you are trying to figure out how to engage and communicate, he may nip more until he understands what you’re asking and showing him. However, by continuously engaging with him when he seeks out engagement, his biting habit will disappear and rubbing his muzzle will become a solid relationship builder.

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How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. – Winnie the Pooh

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HORSE AND RIDER

HANGING CHEEK SNAFFLE TEXT: CHRISTIE WOLHUTER

THE

DEBATE

... SOLVED 44

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HORSE AND RIDER

he Baucher or hanging cheek snaffle is a popular bit but has classically divided opinions on its action. Correctly fitted, the cheekpiece attaches to the small rings, and the reins attach to the larger rings.

ACTION There has been a long-held belief that the hanging cheek snaffle, or Baucher bit, exerts poll pressure, and this topic has been hotly debated for years. However, thanks to a study by bit specialists Neue Schule this debate has finally been laid to rest, with the results showing that the hanging cheek snaffle may actually relieve pressure on the poll. Neue Schule performed the study solely on the bits in their range, but the information is useful, nonetheless. THE STUDY During the research performed by Neue Schule on the hanging cheek snaffle, two sensors were applied, one to the cheekpiece and the other to the rein. The recorded tension was transmitted to a computer, and a rating was calculated to show how much poll pressure each type of bit created. The rein tension range applied to the Baucher bit in this study was 0 – 3 kgs. These values are similar rein tension values to those seen in everyday riding and flatwork. Poll pressure numbers were then calculated as a percentage of the total forces applied through the reins. A poll pressure index of 1 means that approximately 10% of the total rein forces applied are transferred to the poll. For example, when 3 kilograms of rein tension are used, 300 grams of pressure will be applied to the horse's poll, while that tension is maintained. The study results showed a poll pressure index of -1 for the Baucher bit, which is less pressure than pre-tension values (the weight of the bit in the mouth)! UNDERSTANDING HOW THE NEGATIVE POLL PRESSURE RESULTS For any bit to produce poll pressure, it needs to act as a lever. The mouthpiece of the bit is the fulcrum. The

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A NOTE ON POLL PRESSURE Poll pressure is not necessarily bad, but when selecting a bit for specific purposes, a Baucher is sometimes erroneously chosen for its reported ability to exert poll pressure. For horses that are not sensitive to poll pressure, gentle poll pressure from a bit can be an effective aid to encourage the horse to lower the head. effort comes from the rider’s hands on the reins, and the poll provides the resistance. However, as a rein contact is taken, the arm extension on the Baucher rotates anticlockwise towards the horse’s nose. This rotation causes the mouthpiece of the bit to slide further back in the horse’s mouth. As the reins on a Baucher are free to move, they move the bit ring to remain in line with the fulcrum. This action causes the cheekpieces to bow away from the horse’s face, which in turn lifts the bit towards the poll, thereby reducing pressure on the poll. Further, when the rein contact is picked up in a Baucher bit, the bit rotates in the mouth and applies upward pressure on the lips. This may encourage the horse to lift his head. It may at the same time reduce tongue pressure. Of course, tongue pressure is also influenced by the mouthpiece chosen and the pressure exerted by the bit over the bars of the horse’s mouth.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE It is wonderful to see the outcome of the study finally clarify the action of the Baucher bit, once and for all. Without this kind of research, we are forever playing a guessing game when it comes to the best equipment to help our horses. Thank you, Neue Schule for your dedication to the science surrounding our horses and their performance!

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Individual dressage medals at the Tokyo Olympics

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl GER on Dalera 91.732%

Isabell Werth GER on Bella Rose II 89.657%

Charlotte Dujardin GBR on Gio 88.543%

Team dressage medals at the Tokyo Olympics

Germany – Dorothee Schneider, Isabell Werth, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl

USA – Adrienne Lyle, Steffen Peters, Sabine Schut-Kery

Great Britain – Carl Hester, Charlotte Fry, Charlotte Dujardin

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THE

TEXT: RYAN TEHINI

OLYMPIC MINDSET

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O LY M P I C G A M E S

WHAT SEPARATES THE BEST FROM THE REST?

thletes all over the world dedicate themselves tirelessly in the pursuit of one common goal: to win a medal at the Olympics. The dream of competing at the Olympic Games is one that is had by many, but realised by a very select few. Athletes from all different sporting arenas, ranging from skateboarding to golf, push their bodies past what was previously thought possible, as every year athletes are getting faster, stronger, and more capable than before.

MENTAL CONDITIONING In the age of information, sport competition has taken on a whole new dimension as the athletes have the best equipment, coaching, and physical preparation that science can provide. More and more athletes are in peak physical condition and studies have struggled to find physical differences that accurately separate athletes. Indicating that, while the Olympic Games require immense physical ability, it is not always the deciding factor between who wins and who doesn’t. With the physical conditioning of every athlete being top tier, the difference often lies in their mental conditioning. This proposition is supported by researchers from Michigan State University, who discovered distinct differences in the mental conditioning of Olympic gold medallists, when compared to silver medallists. The researchers noted that the gold medallists were more likely to score high on resilience, confidence, sport intelligence, emotion management, and focus/mindfulness when compared to other Olympic athletes. The clear importance of mental conditioning in high level competition raises the question: What are Olympic athletes doing to improve their psychological skills, and distinguish themselves from other athletes, at the Tokyo Olympics? In this article, we are going to look at a few of the athletes to watch this year, and what they do to psychologically prepare for the highest level of competition. HQ|155

Isabell Werth

ISABELL WERTH – EQUESTRIAN A veteran of equestrian competition, Isabell Werth is the most decorated dressage rider of all time. Hailing from Germany, she has competed in five Olympic Games since 1992, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be her sixth appearance. She has 10 Olympic medals under her belt, the most by any equestrian athlete, and is a great

O LY M P I C G A M E S

Simone Biles

example of how psychological conditioning can develop through experience. Isabell’s main consideration leading up to the Olympic Games is to not over train in the days before, but rather rely on her years of training and work solely on her mental conditioning. Through her years of competition, she has come to love the pressure arising out of big competition and has curated a few ways of thriving under pressure. Firstly, in the warmup arena she focuses solely on the horse, which allows her to tune out the noise, set her mind before the competition, and take a moment of calm where it is just rider and horse, alone. Secondly, in the small hours leading up to her ride, she keeps to herself, away from the other competitors. This affords her a moment of calm and avoids the invasive thoughts arising from outside opinion and comment. Lastly, she emphasises the importance of flexible focus in the arena. Allowing herself to not fixate entirely on one aspect, but to select a few goals for the ride and shift focus between those as needed. These psychological techniques have been honed through decades of experience and coaching, and they are sure to make her formidable competition at this year’s games.

NOTE We are aware of Simone Biles' withdrawal from multiple events at the Olympics and will be discussing the relevance of this in our next issue.

SIMONE BILES – GYMNASTICS A relatively young, but incredibly tenacious competitor in the field of Gymnastics, Simone Biles from the USA is definitely someone to watch at the Tokyo Olympics. Growing up under difficult circumstances, Simone learned early on the importance of mental toughness, and credits a lot of her success to therapy and sport psychology. At the age of 16, she was competing at an international level. However, she battled a serious crisis of confidence as she found herself competing against women who were her heroes when she was growing up. This caused her to make several mistakes during her routine at a national competition, and ultimately withdraw from the competition altogether. Following this event she sought help from a psychologist, who taught her how to rely on her talent and enjoy the competition. The greatest adjustment for this world class gymnast, was to recognise that she was good enough to compete with the best. Through continued psychological work, her confidence increased, her mindset shifted, and she has become one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, even inventing a new gymnastics move - now known as the Biles. Her confidence has only continued to grow as she goes from strength to HQ|155

O LY M P I C G A M E S

Eliud Kipchoge

OUR EXPERT Ryan Tehini (BA, BSocSci (Hons) Psych, MA Research Psychology (cum laude)(UP)) For Psychological Skills Training for sports’ competitions, please get in touch with me: ryantehini@gmail.com, or 073 567 7387

strength. In fact, nowadays she is considered one of the most confident athletes in the sport, and it is not uncommon to see her don a bedazzled goat on her clothing - a common term used to refer to the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T).

ELIUD KIPCHOGE - ATHLETICS The only man to run a marathon in under two hours needs no introduction. Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge is a sporting legend, and one of the favourites to win in Tokyo. Eliud is a firm example of putting research into practice. When he broke the 2 hour marathon barrier in 2019, he actively employed a recent psychological technique discovered by researchers at Ulster and Swansea University. The study found that runners who smiled while running used less oxygen, ran more economically, and had a lower perceived rate of exertion. While this may sound bizarre, the science behind it is sound, as it was discovered that runners were 2.8% more economical when smiling than when frowning. This may seem like a minor margin, but in a marathon it equates to an average time improvement of 5 minutes. The reason Eliud uses this technique, is because he believes a relaxed runner is an efficient runner, and the science would agree. When we make a facial expression, we tend to experience the HQ|155

emotional state that we associate with the expression, and we associate smiling with relaxation and enjoyment. The act of smiling while he runs, allows his body to consciously relax, which increases his physiological performance. So, at this year’s Olympic marathon, it is likely that you will see him smiling before, during and after the race.

APPLYING PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO YOUR RIDE One of the more notable aspects of this write-up, is that all the athletes have tailored psychological techniques that assist them in their performance. The one-size-fits-all approach has never worked in the world of sport. While one athlete might thrive under pressure, the other might need complete relaxation in order to perform. Alternatively, your area of concern may not be the stress of performing, but rather anything from a slow cognitive reaction time to difficulty focusing. While the general psychological techniques may provide a fair degree of performance enhancement, it is important to consider what your biggest concern is and address that directly. In the coming months, this section will take a look at some of the newer psychological techniques that have been shown to assist directly in an equestrian environment.

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GOLD Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on Dalera: “I felt from the very first second to the last that she was 100% with me - listening so well that I had to be careful not to do too much or too little!” SILVER Isabell Werth on Bella Rose II: “If you follow the results of the last 30 years I have not always been number one. It has been up and down all the time and I’m happy today because Bella felt fantastic. This was a tough sporting competition and that’s what we all want to have and love to have. You can’t have ten winners, you can only have one, that is sport” BRONZE Charlotte Dujardin on Gio: “I was never going down without a fight but Pumpkin (Gio) has only done one other Freestyle in his life and for him to go out there with as little experience as he has is truly outstanding. We never did this floorplan before and he didn’t know what he was doing and I didn’t know what I was doing but we just went out to have a really good time and enjoy ourselves, and we did that. I’m really proud of him”

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HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: SARAH WANLESS

OPERANT CONDITIONING A SUMMARY

meanings and not to associate the positive and negative in this context with good or bad.

REINFORCEMENT AND PUNISHMENT There are two broad categories of operant conditioning: reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcement in the learning event strengthens the behaviour or increases the frequency at which it occurs. Punishment causes a decrease in the intensity or frequency of the behaviour. There are two types of punishment and two types of reinforcement. The terms positive and negative describe these variants, but the words have a particular meaning as they relate to operant conditioning and are used in a mathematical sense, not a value sense. Positive means you are adding something and negative means you are removing something. It is important to remember these

THE FOUR QUADRANTS The four quadrants of operant conditioning are as follows: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Positive reinforcement is when a (desirable) stimulus is offered when the desired behaviour is performed. The most common example here is giving a dog a treat when it sits. The consequence of the behaviour is good; therefore, the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again increases. Clicker training is a perfect example of using positive reinforcement as an equestrian training method. When the horse performs the desired behaviour, it is marked (with a click), and a treat is provided. Over time the horse learns that the click is the reward, and treats no longer need to be provided. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT: Negative reinforcement involves removing an (aversive) stimulus when the horse performs the desired behaviour. This is the most common method used in training horses, as it is the quadrant behind the concept of pressure (the adverse stimulus) and release (the reinforcer). For example, when we apply pressure to the reins to get the horse to slow down or stop, and the horse performs the desired behaviour, the pressure is removed. By removing the adverse stimulus (pressure), the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again increases as the horse wants the pressure to be removed again in future. Fundamentally it is not the pressure that teaches, but the release!

orses start learning from day one. From the moment they find their feet and begin to nurse, their brains register information in their environment that they use to adapt their interactions and ensure optimal outcomes. It is therefore essential to remember that every interaction with your horse is teaching them something. Horses are always learning! Like all animals, one of the methods horses learn through is a process called operant conditioning. Simply put, operant conditioning is behaviour modification via consequences, i.e. something happens, the horse either responds or does not respond, and there is a consequence. If the consequence is good, the behaviour is encouraged and will increase the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again. If the consequence is bad, the behaviour is discouraged, and the behaviour is less likely to reoccur.

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HORSE AND RIDER

POSITIVE Adds stimulus

NEGATIVE Removes stimulus

POSITIVE Reinforcement

NEGATIVE Reinforcement

POSITIVE Punishment

NEGATIVE Punishment

Reinforcement Increases frequency of behaviour

Punishment Decreases frequency of behaviour

POSITIVE PUNISHMENT: Positive punishment involves adding an (aversive) stimulus that will reduce the frequency of the behaviour. While it is very controversial, since there are other, more successful methods of training, the most common example of positive punishment is smacking a horse when he does something undesirable, like bucking. The other point to bear in mind with positive punishment is that, while you are teaching the horse what behaviour you do not want, you are not teaching them what behaviour you do want. Over time this can lead to fear and a lack of ‘try’ in the horse as he is fearful of getting the answer to your request wrong, due to the potential for punishment. NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT: Negative punishment is the removal of a (desired) stimulus to reduce the frequency of the behaviour occurring. An example of this would be if your horse is pushy for your attention and mugging you for treats, and you remove yourself (your attention) and the treats (the desired stimulus) to decrease the likelihood of

–

undesired behaviour occurring again. i.e. the horse learns that begging does not get the treats, so does not beg again in future.

TAKE-HOME While positive reinforcement is becoming more popular in equestrian training, negative reinforcement will likely always play a central role. This is because, as prey animals, horses have evolved to escape aversive events, which makes them particularly predisposed to avoid the discomfort caused by pressure, meaning that they problem solve in the presence of pressure and remember what gave them the release! The main benefit of using these reinforcer methods is that, by teaching the horse the behaviour that you do want and increasing the likelihood of occurrence, the occurrence of the corresponding undesired behaviour (biting vs not biting) falls away as a result, without needing to implement either form of punishment. HQ|155

USE PROMO CODE HQ15 motherkindcollagen

motherkindco

G LOW FRO M WITHIN PU R E H Y D RO LY ZE D CO L L AG EN

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POSSIBLE CAUSES OF

BACK PAIN IN THE HORSE

BACK PROBLEMS IN HORSES CAN STEM FROM ONE OR MORE CAUSES, INCLUDING: CONFORMATION Some horses’ conformation predisposes them to certain injuries and makes it difficult for them to perform the movements required for a specific activity. SHOEING Poor foot balance and incorrect shoeing can affect how the horse moves and therefore lead to back pain. Back pain is often found in horses with boxy feet, long toes and low heels, or underrun heels. RIDER INFLUENCE How a rider sits in the saddle and whether or not they are straight and symmetrical can play a big part in a horse’s back health. If the rider places uneven pressure on parts of the horse’s back due to a lack of symmetry and independence, this can cause pain. TACK An incorrectly fitting saddle or bridle can cause back issues in the horse.

TRAINING Allowing horses to work ‘hollow' with the head and neck up and the back inverted can ultimately cause pain. TRAINING AIDS The incorrect use of training aids can lead to muscle strains and injury in the back. TEETH Poor dental health, such as sharp teeth or a poorly fitted bit, can cause the horse to hold his head in such a way that causes back pain. INJURY An injury to the back can cause pain, as can compensatory problems due to injuries elsewhere in the horse’s body. ARTHRITIS This is a progressive and painful degenerative disease and can occur in the joints of the spine. KISSING SPINES Kissing spines is where the spinal processes sit too close together and can rub on each other, causing pain or damage to the spinal cord. HQ|155

HORSE AND RIDER

CONFORMATION FOR PERFORMANCE

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HORSE AND RIDER

UNDERSTANDING WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

onformation, along with temperament, should be any rider’s number one consideration when buying a horse, or asking it to perform in their chosen career.

A NOTE ON BREEDS When looking at different horses of different breeds, it quickly becomes apparent that they come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Over time, horses have been bred to perform certain roles. For example, the Clydesdale was bred to pull a heavy load or plough, while the Thoroughbred was developed for speed and stamina. Thus, as determined by what was required of each breed, so we see differences in conformation. The Thoroughbred is a lean athlete with a nicely angled shoulder, fine limbs and plenty of muscle.

The Clydesdale, on the other hand, is heavy-set, has a more upright shoulder and ‘more bone’ - meaning that the circumference of the knee, cannon and fetlock is greater than that found in the Thoroughbred - and therefore has greater load-bearing capacity.

UNIVERSAL COMMONALITIES Although there are marked differences across the various breeds all over the world, there are a few simple and universal points to look at when assessing conformation: THE FOREQUARTERS: A: When viewed from the front, the line dropped down from the point of shoulder should pass through the centre of the

Point of shoulder

Knee

Fetlock

Foot

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HORSE AND RIDER

knee, cannon, fetlock, and hoof. The space between the front feet is approximately equal to the width of one hoof. B: Turned-in or ‘Pigeon toed’: The front hooves point inwards. This means that there is unequal hoof contact on the ground and therefore there will be an increase in wear on the medial (inside) quarter, and less wear on the lateral (outside) quarter. The outer ligaments are subjected to increased strain, while the inner bones are subjected to increased compression. Horses that are pigeon toed may tend to bump themselves and can be predisposed to stumbling.

C & D: Turned-out: The knee and the fetlock are arched inwards (deviated medially). Whether it is the fetlock and the knee or one of the two that is deviated, this type of conformation places extra stresses on the lower limb, especially the inner ligaments of the knee and fetlock. While moving, horses with front limbs that ‘turn-out’ tend to ‘dish’ or ‘paddle’ as the lower part of the limb is displaced outwards; and therefore, they may seem ungainly or unsteady on their feet. E: ‘Too open in front’: The front limbs have too much space

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HORSE AND RIDER

between them and fall outside of the vertical line dropped from the point of shoulder. The limbs, however, may still be vertical with the knee directly above the cannon, fetlock and foot. This type of conformation may be caused by overdevelopment of the forequarter and may render the horse more stable and sure-footed but can detract from speed. F: ‘Closed in front’: The limb is placed inside the vertical line running down from the point of shoulder, with the front hooves close together. Opposite to being ‘too open’ the chest is underdeveloped, and the limbs deviate. This is sometimes, colloquially, described as ‘both legs coming out of the same hole’. Horses with this type of confirmation may lack stamina and the limbs are subjected to similar types of stress as those of the horse that ‘turns-in’. The inside of the foot (medial quarter) will wear more than the outside (lateral quarter). This type of horse has a decreased base of support due to the

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narrowness of the lower limbs in relation to the body. They may also bump and even cut themselves especially during fast work.

THE HINDQUARTERS: G: A vertical line drops straight down from the tuber ischii (point of buttock), through the centre of the hock, hind cannon, fetlock and hoof. The space between the two limbs is generally equal to the width of one hind foot. H: ‘Closed behind’: The lower part of the limb, from the hock down, is displaced inwards (medially). Generally found in ‘narrow-chested’ horses, the horse is rendered less stable as the base of support is reduced. These horses may have an awkward gait or tend to bump their legs during work. I: ‘Cow-hocked’: Only the hocks are deviated towards the midline (medially). This is similar to being ‘closed behind’. Horses that are ‘cowhocked’ may have awkward movement and the extra stresses

HORSE AND RIDER

put on the hock joint can cause problems over time. J: ‘Too open behind’: The hindlimb is placed outside of the vertical line from the point of buttock. As with being ‘too open in front’ if this is due to overdevelopment of the muscles of the trunk and hindquarter then the horse may be both stable and powerful. If this is due to under development of the

hindquarter, then the inside (medial) parts of the limb will be under increased strain. K: ‘Bow-legged’: Both hocks are displaced towards the outside (laterally). The hock is placed under unusual stress on the outside (lateral) ligaments which are over stretched, while the inner (medial) bones of the hock are overloaded. The outer

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HORSE AND RIDER

Scapula Humerus Point of elbow Knee Fetlock Centre of hoof

Point of elbow down

Point of scapula down

Point of shoulder down

Illium & Ischium Femur Patella Hock Fetlock Centre of hoof

(lateral) quarter of the foot may wear more than the inner (medial) quarter of the foot.

IN PROFILE THE FOREQUARTERS: Imagine three vertical lines: 1. Dropped down from the point of shoulder 2. Dropped down from the middle of the scapula 3. Dropped down from the point of elbow A: When viewed from the side, the leg should be straight

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and fit between the second and third vertical lines. The line dropped from the centre of the scapula should be in the middle of line 1 and 3 and should reach the centre of the hoof. B: ‘Under in front’: The direct axis of the limb is inclined down and back instead of vertically.

HORSE AND RIDER

This type of horse may tend to stumble and suffer from weak knees and the base of support is reduced. They are also more likely to forge as the hind feet meet the fore feet especially during fast work. C: ‘Camped in front’: The direct axis of the limb is inclined down and forwards. Weight of the horse is distributed onto the heels and the back tendons are under increased strain. Horses may appear to be ‘camped in front’ if suffering from pain such as that caused by laminitis. In this instance they stand in this manner in an attempt to redistribute the weight to the hindlimb and ease the pain in the front legs. In this case, the hocks may take strain due to the unnatural weight distribution. D: ‘Behind at the knee’: The knee is positioned underneath the elbow of the horse and meets line 3. The limb is not a straight column but has a ‘bow’ shape. This type of conformation places increased strain on the ligaments behind the knee as well as tendons running down behind the knee and fore cannon, since the body weight is not carried by a vertical column of bones. E: ‘Over at the knee’: The knee projects forward over vertical line 2. May be prone to stumbling and tend to have weak knees.

HINDQUARTER: Imagine three vertical lines: 1. Dropped down from the patella 2. Dropped down from the hip joint 3. Dropped down from the point of buttock (tuber ischii) F: The vertical line running down from the hip joint should pass the front of the hock and straight along the front of the cannon bone. The limb should be placed in the middle of line 2 and 3. A line dropped from the point of buttocks should run just behind the hock and parallel to the hind cannon. G: ‘Camped out behind’: The direct axis is a broken line inclined down and back. As the base of support is extended, increased strain is placed on the muscles on the back and loins and these types of horse may move awkwardly in the hindquarter. They will also struggle to engage the hindquarter and build top line muscles.

FARRYN DAY Facebook: @SmicEquestrian Instagram: @smic_equestrian @smicfarryn @citypoloatinanda

H: ‘Under behind’: The lower limb is inclined forwards towards line 1, and the cannon bone is not vertical. The base of support is shortened, making the horse less stable, and likely to forge. J: ‘Sickle hocked’: The limb is extremely angulated with the hock extended past the line dropped from the point of buttock. This type of hind limb conformation places extreme strain and wear on the bones of the hock, as well as the ligaments and tendons supporting the fetlock and foot. K: ‘Straight hocked’: The hock is not angulated very much and is in line with or in front of the vertical line dropped from the hip joint (line 2). The foot is placed under the line running down from the patella (line 1). Horses with this type of conformation may struggle to engage the hindquarter and may tend to be heavy in front.

SUMMARY The above illustrates some of the points to look out for when buying a horse or assessing its suitability to perform in a certain discipline. Don’t forget that just like us, horses are hardly perfect, and they must be assessed according to their chosen career. A horse that is doing weekly hacks or lessons does not need to be as close to perfect as a toplevel reiner, polo pony or showjumper. The last point to look out for, which cannot be illustrated, is Heart. This is a tough thing to assess and can take time to detect. However, if the horse doesn’t have the heart and enjoy what they do, perfect conformation isn’t going to make a much of a difference. On the other hand, I have known many horses and ponies across various disciplines that at first glance did not look like they were made to do what they manage to do. If combined with a calm and quiet nature, these types of horses are truly special and somehow ‘make a plan’. Think about all of the ‘tiny’ 15.2hh horses that have their names in South African showjumping history… Or the ‘too big and too long’ Thoroughbred that enjoys playing polo.

REFERENCES Goody, P.C. (1997) Horse Anatomy , 8 edn., Great Britain : J.A. Allen & Co Ltd Pilliner, S; Elmhurst, S; and Davies, Z (2012) The Horse in Motion , 9 edn., Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd

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FOCUS

THE BACK-UP Asking your horse to back up is valuable as it causes the hindleg to come underneath him and his core and back muscles to engage. Ask for a square halt, then, by applying gentle pressure to his chest, ask him for one step backwards. Try to encourage him to keep his head low. Start with just two to three steps, and then increase the number as your horse becomes more confident and stronger. You can ultimately aim to get about 20 steps!

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EXERCISE

TEXT: CHRISTIE WOLHUTER, FOUNDER OF EQUIBIO

GET FIT

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EXERCISE

RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR HORSE RIDING

any people are confused by the need for resistance training for equestrians. To me, it is the most important work you can do to keep up with your horse. First of all, we need to remember that horse riding is a sport, and riders should consider themselves athletes. Few toplevel equestrians are not supplementing their riding with one or other form of cross-training. I hypothesise that those who don’t and are still successful ride between 10-15 horses a day, so are getting plenty of exercise. The irony lies in the fact that we don’t expect our horses to improve without training, and yet we seem to believe we will magically improve with little to no additional effort. Now, of course, as a rider, our physical effort over a fence, for example, is different to that of our horses, but having sufficient strength, endurance, range of motion, and stability cannot be underestimated. Secondly, training load results in a series of responses in the body that lead to adaptive changes and these adaptive changes result in progression.

Furthermore, training results in a process called Hormesis. Hormesis is the process by which a physiological stressor (i.e exercise) signals cellular and molecular processes that repair and restore our cells. The body clears up the ‘damage’ that is caused by exercise during the rest period.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TRAIN? There is a common misconception that you need to resistance train at maximum effort every day of the week to see improvements in your strength, range of motion and endurance. This is not the case for many people, and training at this high frequency can have a negative impact

BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING Gaining strength minimises your chance of getting hurt. It increases bone density, strengthens tendons and ligaments, and thereby not only allows you to simply lift more weight, but also builds this resistance to injury. HQ|155

EXERCISE

on progress, as the musculoskeletal system is designed to adapt with exercise load, followed by sufficient rest. Other factors that influence adaption are adequate sleep, good nutrition, and stress management, to name just a few. Studies have, in fact, shown that two sessions per week done at sufficient intensity are just as beneficial as training 3 – 5 times per week. Now, an important caveat for less frequent training is that the sessions performed must be challenging. Exercise done less frequently, without sufficient intensity, will likely lead to few adaptions and improvements. If you’re pressed for time, skip the foam roller and prolonged static stretching. In terms of injury prevention, strength is more protective than mobility. Good quality strength training done in positions where the muscle is lengthened can influence your flexibility anyway. Throw in a bit of dynamic mobility if you enjoy it, and you have a well-rounded program.

ADAPTATION Due to humans being incredibly unique (thanks genetics), what is challenging for you may be easy for someone else. The only real way to measure your current capacity is to test it. You need to know your starting point and then allow progression from there. You may find out (as many of us do!) that your starting point is lower than you had thought! Exercise needs to increase in difficulty over time due to the wonderful adaption of the body to exercise. For example, when jogging, you will notice that over time it starts to get easier.

NOTE Reduced capacity due to a previous lack of exercise should be the first thing we blame for injuries, not the exercise itself. No exercise is inherently bad. No, not even a deadlift!

This is progression. Now to continue progressing, the intensity or volume of the work needs to increase i.e. running further or running faster. In the gym it can be adding on weight, increasing the number of reps and sets or increasing the difficultly of the exercise. Individuals more advanced in training should train more frequently, as their progress plateaus much quicker, leading to stagnation.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE I have said this before, and I will say it again, it is important to note that your muscles getting stronger will not impair your range of motion or your ability to relax and contract your muscles at the right time. Our muscles are designed to work, and good training only improves the coordination of muscle contraction and benefits mobility. There is no excuse; start training today! 1. Radack et al (2008) Exercise, oxidative stress and hormesis, Ageing Res Rev, 7(1).

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CAN YOU SPOT AN OVERWEIGHT HORSE? An online quiz has been set up for horse owners and riders to test how accurately they can assess a horse’s weight. The quiz, by Spillers, shows 15 images of different horses and ponies, and asks you to body condition score each equine, choosing from poor (1-1.5) up to extremely fat (9). Correct answers and a score out of 15 are shown at the end of the quiz. Take the quiz to improve your eye today! https://www.spillers-feeds.com/ can-you-spot-an-overweight-horse/

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WELCOME TO THE PRESTIGIOUS MJ EQUESTRIAN CENTRE AT MOUNT JULIET ESTATE, KILKENNY IRELAND

Horses have always played an important part in Mount Juliet Estate’s rich history. Today, following extensive investment, MJ Equestrian offers horse lovers a truly memorable experience with a state-of-the art equestrian centre and world class facilities.

Book in for a trail ride through our 500-acre estate, and experience the rolling countryside just as Lady McCalmont once did astride her favourite steed. Gallop or trot through meadows and ancient forests, along the River Nore and beyond, enjoying the same soothing views as the many riders that passed this way throughout the centuries.

A place to discover the wonder of horses, MJ Equestrian celebrates Mount Juliet’s proud equine tradition. Welcoming beginners and professionals, children and adults, guests will find over 20 horses ready to impress. Two all-weather arenas, designed for exercising and show-jumping, sit alongside a handsome American barn where the horse’s livery and activities are managed through a dedicated digital programme.

An active showjumping yard with several horses competing at Grand Prix level, MJ Equestrian has a dedicated Sport Horse Sttable too, sourcing and producing top quality sport horses for the world. With a high-tech camera system, temperature-controlled tack room and solarium, MJ Equestrian promises you an impressive and memorable equine experience.

MJ Equestrian at Mount Juliet Estate offers a whole range of experiences for horse lovers, novices and experienced riders. Maybe you wish to explore the estate with your family on a private trail ride, led by one of the experienced guides. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at showjumping or book in for a set of private riding lessons? How about a sunrise or sunset ride through Mount Juliet Estate or a bespoke 3-day hunt experience? Or perhaps you’d simply like to come and meet the magnificent horses and stud stallions that call Mount Juliet home. A guided tour of the MJ Equestrian Centre will reveal life behind the scenes in the state-of-the-art stables, showjumping arenas and tack room, while you get up close and personal with the resident stallions and mares.

For more information, please visit mjequestrian.eu or email Peter Morrison on peter@mjequestrian.eu

S TA L L I O N S

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S TA L L I O N S

TEXT: FARRYN DAY

THE STALLION UNDERSTANDING HIS ROLE

tallions seem to have a mysticism associated with them. In popular understanding, they are either considered to be the beautiful steed that the prince rides on to save his princess, or in complete contrast, as an aggressive and hormone-crazed beast. In reality, most stallions fall into neither camp and are instead, sadly, just misunderstood.

IN ‘THE WILD’ Stallions in the wild perform a vital role in the herd – and it’s not all about protecting their harem from intruder stallions. In order to understand this role better, we need to look at the structure of a herd. There are normally two types of herd: 1. THE FAMILY GROUP The family group consists of a stallion with his harem of broodmares and their offspring of the last few years. One of the older mares normally assumes the alpha-mare role. Through experience, she generally knows where the best feeding grounds are, where to find consistent water supplies, where to find valuable minerals and where the herd can go to to roll. Due to her higher rank, she is able to isolate the stallion from the other mares when coming into season so that she is the first to become pregnant. This ensures an advantage to her foal as it will be the first to be born the following spring.

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S TA L L I O N S

2. THE BACHELOR GROUP Bachelor groups are made up of young stallions, as well as stallions that do not have their own herd. In their original family herd, the stallion no longer tolerated them, or they left with a bachelor herd to find other companions and playmates. Besides offering security, bachelor groups are an essential part of a young stallion’s education as they allow a young stallion to tussle and play, developing and maturing both physically and mentally in preparation for taking over and then protecting and maintaining his own herd. These bachelor groups tend to live close to herds with mares, and these bachelor stallions are constantly on the lookout for stray mares to mate with or steal from the group while their herd stallion is distracted. These bachelor groups, therefore, vary considerably in their composition, especially during the mating season.

THE ROLES OF THE STALLION IN THE FAMILY GROUP MAINTAIN AND CREATE HIS HERD: The main task of the stallion is to ensure the safety of his group and the survival of his offspring. He needs to ensure that none of his mares wander off to be covered by another stallion, and he needs to safeguard his herd by keeping them together and fending off predators. PROTECTION AND PLAY: The stallion will protect all of the foals in his herd even if they are not his own. He will exhibit this care by tending to and protecting foals and threatening and driving off other herd members or intruders. Stallions can also be seen herding and driving the young members of the herd and maintaining the pace of the slowest foal when running away

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S TA L L I O N S

from a threat. Stallions, like mares, are very tolerant of their foals and yearlings and protect them as an important part of raising the next generation. The mares rely heavily on their stallion to defend them in order for them and their foals to rest safely. By having time to rest and recover and not constantly be on ‘high alert’, the mares can use their valuable energy to feed and raise their foal to the best of their ability. The stallion will also spend more time than the mares playing with their foals. As such, bonds are maintained within the herd, and the stallion teaches vital skills to the youngsters, such as fending off a predator. This time spent playing between the stallion and youngsters develops both their muscles and minds.

TESTOSTERONE AND AGGRESSION: If you have ever seen two stallions meet, it can seem to be an extremely aggressive and frightening thing, although, in reality, the stallions are rarely trying to actually kill

the other. A stallion’s readiness to display aggression is triggered by the male hormone testosterone, making him less timid than the mares or youngsters and therefore more prepared to defend against danger. However, when meeting another stallion, an important exchange takes place before any blood is shed. This involves the cost versus reward being calculated by both stallions. For example, for a stallion to fight over a mare or resource such as grazing or water, he must consider if it is worth expending energy, risking injury and therefore his potential to defend himself and his herd in future? If two stallions and their family groups meet, after a brief performance and some posturing, the stallions will likely move their herds away with no major injury inflicted. This is because both stallions have little to gain and a lot to lose by senselessly fighting. However, this scenario is a little more complex when a leading stallion and his family group meet a bachelor stallion. There is a higher probability of an actual fight in this instance, as

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S TA L L I O N S

the bachelor stallion has a lot to gain and little to lose, whereas the stallion could potentially lose all of his mares and offspring. In this scenario, the leading stallion will defend his herd with all his might, and in these fights, the intruder rarely comes out triumphant – unless the leading stallion is ill or too old to fight. In all scenarios, the same repeated posturing rituals between stallions can be observed: 1. Stand and stare. The stallions may neigh, swish their tails and stomp their hooves. 2. Posturing. The body is tensed, the neck arched, and the tail raised. They may approach in a passage and pass urine or faeces on top of other droppings. 3. Approach. On approach, they may inhale and process one another’s smells at the nostrils, neck, flank, and hindquarters. 4. The start. This normally leads to grunting, squealing and kicks with the forelegs. Most encounters will end within a few minutes. However, should neither party leave, then a few well-aimed kicks will follow. Again, should neither flee, rearing, kicking, biting and wrestling may ensue until a winner is established.

THE STALLION IN A DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT Sadly, many modern stallions do not live a life anywhere close to that of those in a natural herd, with many breeding stallions being kept in total isolation, often resulting in unwanted behaviours and stereotypies. A ‘stereotypy’ is defined as a repetition of the same movement or sound. In a stallion, this could present as weaving, cribbing, pacing, or in extreme cases, self-mutilation. Interestingly, reproductive problems can be another result of keeping a stallion isolated, especially if he has been alone from a young age. In a stable herd, the stallion will not just walk up to one of his mares and expect to cover her right then. Mares will only allow a stallion to cover them when they are physically ready, and the pair perform a kind of dance - full of postures - before she allows him to cover her. The stallion must respect this or risk a swift kick from the mare! Should a stallion not have the benefit of learning all of these nuances and behaviours from a young age within a herd, other difficulties can arise. Such stallions may show low or no interest in mares, or they can become more bonded with their handler than other horses and uninterested in covering mares. The opposite can also

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be true, where the stallion may not understand how to approach a mare with good manners and be too eager. The mare may defend herself by kicking and could injure herself and the stallion.

IN-HAND COVERINGS In-hand covering is the norm on many stud farms, though it can be very stressful for all parties, including the mare and stallion. The mare is often in kick boots or hobbled to prevent an injury to the stallion. The stallion is led in a halter or bridle and sometimes muzzled to prevent biting the handler. In-hand covering can be dangerous for all involved and does not allow for any real interaction between the mare and stallion. ARTIFICAL INSEMINATION In some parts of the world, and certain Studbooks, Artificial Insemination is commonplace (it is not permitted in the Thoroughbred Studbook). In extreme cases, this means a very tough life for the stallion, as they are often injected with testosterone to increase sperm production and are expected to cover a ‘phantom/collection’ mare almost daily for the entire season. This can mean big profits for breeders as the stallion can sire hundreds of foals per year, but it can cause major trauma for the stallion as he is required to perform ‘stud duties’ without any of the social interaction he needs. Once again, this can cause significant anxiety, which can lead to stereotypies and aggression. I once met a stallion a few years ago imported from Europe that displayed such tendencies. If one walked into his stable with a clipboard (reminding him of a vet), he would become aggressive and fearful and try to chase you out of his stable. His neck was full of scar tissue due to all of the testosterone injections, and the stress had caused him to self-mutilate – biting himself repeatedly on the belly and stifle area. It was a sad situation, and I wondered if he had been given any opportunity to live in a herd and learn about social interaction or if this is the only life he knew. I suspected the latter. DID YOU KNOW There is a genetic influence on both aggression and stereotypies and therefore should a stallion display unwanted behaviours or a stereotypy it is possible that his offspring may too.

S TA L L I O N S

FARRYN DAY Facebook: @SmicEquestrian Instagram: @smic_equestrian @smicfarryn @citypoloatinanda

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have known some incredible stallions – real ‘casanovas’ - who interact with their herd and approach their mares with respect and understanding. These stallions live a far happier and more fulfilled life than those kept in total isolation.

THE MODERN STALLION LIVING HIS BEST LIFE To give a stallion the happiest life possible, it is important to evaluate the reasons for keeping him a stallion. Consider the following questions: • Do you wish to breed from him? • Is he sound in body and mind? • Does he have experience within a herd environment? • Is he an excellent example of the breed? • Does he have any anxiety-caused stereotypies or aggression? • And, perhaps most importantly, is he happy as a stallion?

Unless you can provide the stallion with a high quality of life, where he remains happy, it is seriously worth considering gelding your stallion. A Quarter Horse stud farm I worked for had a rule that unless the colts were of better quality than their sire – they were gelded. This means that there is constant improvement of the breed, and the likelihood of geldings being sold and enjoying a happy life is far greater. Should you wish to keep a stallion, whether it is a mini or a draught, thoughtful management is required to give him the best chance at a great life. If possible, allow your stallion to have a herd of his own, all year round. He will be far happier and more fulfilled if he can perform his instinctual duties as father and guardian. If a herd of mares is not possible, a gradual introduction into a bachelor group of geldings or young colts can be effective. Without mares around, the testosterone levels drop, and aggression therefore decreases. By simulating a ‘bachelor herd,’ you allow both geldings and stallions to socialise and play, staying healthy in both body and mind.

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

TEXT AND IMAGES: CHRISTINE PINNA

BAREFOOT TRIM VS FARRIER TRIM WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

ost of us have at some point stumbled across that Facebook post asking about the difference between a barefoot trim and farrier trim and avid barefooters will leap on to tell you that the trim is different to a traditional farrier trim. Farriers, on the other hand, may step in and say that it's nothing special and that any farrier can do a barefoot trim - find a qualified farrier and you will be just fine. To confuse things further, there are various styles of barefoot trimming and I'm sure you will find differences in ideas between traditional farriers too. And then, to top it all off, we have barefoot farriers - farriers who have decided to try their hand at barefoot trimming but still shoe on occasion. So amidst this confusion how does one decide what is a good trim for your horse?

and quick access. Standing in damp and dirty conditions for long periods and then being expected to work hard on various surfaces would certainly end up with a horse who is uncomfortable on his bare feet. One also has to wonder about the diet of these horses, and whether or not this would have created high quality feet. A farrier's duty, historically, is therefore to trim and prepare the horse's hoof for shoeing. This involves trimming the frog, heels and toe callous area. The walls will need some degree of length and thickness to handle the nails used to keep the shoes on. If the horse is to remain barefoot, the latter part of the process, the application of the shoes, is omitted but, generally speaking, the trim remains the same.

HISTORY To really understand the difference we first need to go back to the history of the different styles of hoofcare.

BAREFOOT TRIMMER A barefoot trimmer's knowledge and training generally stems from the studies done on healthy wild horse's hooves, mostly the mustangs from the Nevada desert. Back in 1982 ex-farrier Jaime Jackson visited the mustangs and studied their behaviours over four years. In 1988 he and a colleague, Emery Miller, presented his findings before 5 000 horseshoers at the annual conference of the American Farriers Association in Lexington, KY (USA). Jaime Jackson later went on to release books on natural hoofcare and founded the AANCHP (Association for the Advancement

FARRIERY While the history of horseshoes is not fully agreed upon by historians, what one can deduce is that when horses started being used for ‘domestic’ purposes (e.g. on farms or as a means of transport) their lives changed dramatically. Going from living outdoors in herds they were now often confined to stables for the sake of convenience

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Usual shape of offcuts from farrier trim

of Natural Hoofcare Practices) as well the ISNHCP (Institute for the Study of Natural Horse Care Practices). Jaime completely abandoned his title as "farrier" and took on the title of "Natural Hoofcare Practitioner", which he believed to be more appropriate for his role. While many people have since visited the mustangs in order to learn and then share valuable information about these horses, I liked what the farrier (who no longer shoes) Pete Ramey, had to say about his time spent in the desert. Pete paid careful attention to the diet, lifestyle and environment of these horses in order to determine the "recipe" that would result in strong hooves able to traverse over all terrains including very harsh, dry and rocky going. Pete describes, "The entire time we were there, we did not see a limp, or even a “give” to any rock, or a single lame horse and not one chip or split in any of their hooves. It was an unbelievable sight." It was noted that the mustangs travelled approximately 35km a day in search of food and water. They often didn't

eat any lush grazing, or only very minimal amounts. Their hooves were generally worn quite short with robust frogs, well developed bars, fairly low heels and short toes. The horses were found to land heel-first when moving actively. This knowledge was presented to the equine world and folks started to see how they might be able to simulate some of these elements in domestication. A good barefoot trimmer should therefore be able to give you an idea as to whether your horse's diet is affecting his feet and perhaps point you in the direction of a good nutritionist who can assist. They will be able to assess your horse's environment and give you some ideas on how to improve on it. Many barefoot trimmers have also completed courses on equine massage and have the further advantage of being able to pick up if there are problems in the horse's body which could be affecting his feet. If hoof protection is needed for barefoot trimmed horses, your trimmer will generally suggest hoof boots (removable or glue on), pads or possibly temporary casts. With these

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

options being available, it is unusual for a barefoot trimmer to suggest shoes except for possibly in extreme cases where the previous options are not available in a hurry, or if the horse's diet and environment are affecting the feet so negatively and nothing is being done to change that. A horse should not be uncomfortable after a trim unless a mistake is made (in which case you should receive an apology and not an excuse) or in the odd case where the horse has a very bad hoof problem such as inflammation during active laminitis, and may be temporarily uncomfortable after a trim, in which case hoof protection such as hoof boots and pads should be strongly considered. Extreme methods where heels are trimmed extremely short (below frog level, into the sole), excessive sole is removed, or the opposite where heels are left to grow excessively long are generally not in the best interest of the horse and often have their background steeped in bad "science." Any harsh trimming that draws blood should also absolutely be avoided.

VISUAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TRIMS So, generally speaking, what are the main visual differences between the two different trims? FARRIER TRIM Trims toe callous area: This area is usually trimmed and flattened in preparation for a shoe being removed and going ‘barefoot’. Trims frog routinely: The thought behind this is to create a more open area where dirt and muck can't gather. We should be encouraging our clients to reassess their horse's environment, hygiene and diet if thrush is a problem. Doesn't apply bevel or "mustang roll": Walls are required to have a bit more length to take the shoe. Quarters are left flat: Because the metal shoe is inflexible and hard it wouldn't be possible to shoe the horse while allowing it to adopt a natural arch. BAREFOOT TRIM Toe callous area is avoided: This is in order to avoid further thinning an area that is often not very thick to begin with on many horses in domestic environments. The exception would be when there is dead sole that is coming loose after a long period of dry weather followed by some rain. I have often found that the quickest way to hear the words "my horse just couldn't go barefoot" is to have the hoofcare provider trim the toe callous area, especially right after shoe removal. Leave it alone, give it some time and then HQ|155

still leave it alone and you might just end up with a happy barefoot horse. Frog is trimmed as necessary: Only particular excess bits of frog are removed, large routine slices of frogs should not be removed as this can encourage contraction and poor frog development. The frog is everything when it comes to traction, blood circulation and even thermoregulation. We want it stimulated and large, not small and painful. Wall is bevelled: This helps to assist with prevention of major chips and cracks and also encourages a smooth and quick breakover. Quarters have a small arch: We don't go out of our way to do this but as we are trimming the walls and following the live sole as our guide, a natural arch is often created. This will be prominent in very concave healthy feet, and less so in flatter feet. This arch mimics the natural arch of the coffin bone inside the hoof capsule and allows the hoof to flex. Quarters that are left flat and overloaded often try to sort themselves out by chipping or cracking, or if they can't the coronary band may end up displaced upwards.

BOTTOM LINE When choosing a hoofcare provider, the most important thing is that the trim your horse gets keeps him consistently sound long term. If they can support you or at least be open minded to dietary changes in the context of the trim to improve hoof quality you should have a happy, comfortable barefoot horse.

H O R S E A N D H E A LT H Right atrium

Aorta

Left atrium

Mitral valve

Left ventricle

TEXT: DR CHRISTINA EBERHARDT ILLUSTRATIONS: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

Tricuspid valve

Right ventricle

THE EQUINE HEART PART I

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The horse – an extraordinary athlete with an efficient heart.

orses are amazing athletes performing at a level that surpasses that of most other animals of similar body size. Thoroughbreds race at speeds of 64 km/h in flat races; Quarter horses reach speeds as high as 72 km/h over 400 m sprints in barrel racing; Arabians and other endurance breeds finish a 160 km race in less than 8 hours with an average speed of 22 km/h; draft horses pull weights of 1000 kg or more; and Warmbloods jump heights of 1.6 m and spreads of up to 2.0 m with a high jump record of 2.47 m. But what is the basis for the equine athlete’s extraordinary performance in this variety of disciplines? In part, because of the remarkable equine heart, says Dr Christina Eberhardt, Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ACEIM, Dipl. ECEIM, who specializes in equine cardiology and internal medicine at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital of the University of Pretoria and who is the founder of EQUICARDIO, an equine cardiology consulting service. The equine heart beats 28-44 times per minute at rest depending on the size and fitness of the horse and pumps about 40 litres of blood to the body every minute, which is called the cardiac output. During exercise the heart rate increases up to an exceptional 220-240 beats per minute resulting in a cardiac output of 8-12 times over resting value, an astonishing 300-400 litres per minute. The blood volume of a normal size horse is 45-50 litres (10% of bodyweight), which means the horse can circulate its entire blood volume 6-8 times within one minute during peak exercise. The horse’s heart is exceptionally well developed and weighs 4-5 kg on average (about 1% of body weight). Dr Eberhardt continues, “It is a robust pump that continuously works to circulate blood throughout the body to ensure delivery of sufficient blood, hence oxygen, to the body where it is used to generate energy.”

ABOUT THE EQUINE HEART The heart is comprised of four chambers - the right and left ventricles and the right and left atria. Each chamber has its unique function. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it into the

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left ventricle. The left ventricle is the largest and most powerful chamber and pumps the oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, the main artery, and the body’s circulatory system. Oxygen is extracted from blood when it circulates throughout the body eventually reaching the right side of the heart. The right atrium receives the oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation which completes the cardiac cycle. The right heart chambers are separated from the left heart chambers with a muscular wall – the septum. In the healthy heart, blood flow is smooth and one-directional and is facilitated by heart valves. Blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle and from the right atrium to right ventricle is controlled by the mitral and tricuspid valves, respectively. The aortic and pulmonary valves control blood flow from the ventricles into their respective arteries, the aorta and pulmonary artery. In the healthy heart, the movement of the heart and heart valves throughout the cardiac cycle results in up to four sounds (S1-S4), with short quiet phases in between, which veterinarians can hear with a stethoscope, says Dr. Eberhardt. A natural pacemaker generates electrical impulses in the heart muscle resulting in a regular heartbeat. She continues, “When listening to the heart, you can typically expect when the next beat will come.”

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG Heart diseases in horses often do not cause any obvious clinical signs unless they are or have become relatively severe. Therefore, heart diseases tend to be overlooked or historically were considered unimportant, says Dr. Eberhardt. However, heart diseases may cause poor performance in equine athletes and, although rare, horses with certain heart diseases may experience events of collapse and even sudden cardiac death often during or just after intense exercise. Some heart diseases progress and eventually lead to heart failure. Today, with researchers and specialists leading the way, there is more

Aorta

H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

Pulmonary artery

Right atrium Dr Christina Eberhardt

recognition about the importance of cardiac diseases as well as concerns from veterinarians and the public about rider safety and horse welfare.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HORSE HAS A HEART DISEASE? Heart diseases usually result in an additional sound in the usually quiet phases of the cardiac cycle, called a heart murmur or an irregular heart rhythm, called arrhythmia. Often times an arrhythmia or heart murmur is detected incidentally during a routine health check or a pre-purchase examination. You might recognise that your horse does not perform to your expectations (anymore), like uncharacteristically slowing down mid-race or repeatedly knocking down jumps. However, besides heart diseases, poor performance may also be caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal or respiratory system. Rarely, heart diseases progress to heart failure leading to typical signs such as lethargy, exercise intolerance, oedema, rapid breathing, cough, and pulsating or congested veins. No one likes to hear their horse has a heart disease and it can raise many questions: Is my horse safe to ride? What is the likelihood of the disease impairing performance? Is the horse I am buying suitable for the intended use? Is there any influence on the quality of life for my horse? What is my horse’s life expectancy? Is there anything I can do? To answer those questions and determine the type and significance of a heart disease referral to a specialist for a comprehensive examination is usually required. REFERRAL – WHEN AND WHAT TO EXPECT Some heart murmurs and arrhythmias are physiologic or benign and some are significant and associated with a heart disease. It can be very difficult to differentiate between physiological and pathological abnormalities and it is impossible to evaluate the severity of a heart disease without further examination, says Dr. Eberhardt. Therefore, referral to a specialist is indicated to evaluate the presence and severity of a heart disease. A comprehensive examination of the cardiovascular system should include an ultrasound examination of the

Left atrium

Right ventricle

Left ventricle

heart (echocardiography) and a resting ECG recording. Depending on the suspected type of cardiac disease veterinarians may also suggest a 24-hour ECG recording, an exercise test and ECG, or specific blood tests. The specific abnormalities, cardiac size and function, the severity of the disease and the questions relating to rider safety, impact on athletic performance, quality of life as well as treatment or management options should be addressed during the examination.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE The horse is an extraordinary athlete in part because of his remarkable and highly efficient heart. Heart diseases in horses often do not cause any obvious clinical signs but some horses may show poor performance or even experience episodes of collapse and sudden cardiac death. If heart disease is suspected, referral to a specialist is indicated for an in depth evaluation of the heart and to address the questions relating to the horse’s safety for riding, impact on performance as well as life expectancy and treatment options. In the next two issues of HQ Magazine, Dr Eberhardt will cover the most important cardiac diseases in horses and how to manage horses with heart problems. HQ|155

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TEXT: HANNA BOTHA, MSC EQUINE NUTRITION

FEEDING TURMERIC 96

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H O R S E A N D H E AXLT XH X

BENEFICIAL OR NOT?

lthough turmeric is not a new ingredient to many, it has received much attention in recent years, especially within the equine industry. But is this traditional spice worthwhile feeding to horses, and most importantly, is it safe?

It also appears that turmeric is not effective on its own and that it needs to be combined with black pepper, which aids with the absorption of curcumin into the body. Again, adding black pepper would be expected to affect the palatability of food.

WHAT IS TURMERIC, AND HOW CAN IT HELP? Turmeric is part of the ginger family, with its roots being used in traditional medicine and cooking. The active ingredient, which provides health benefits, is curcumin. Curcumin has been said to have antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, chemo-protective, and antiinflammatory effects, to name a few. Therefore, many have turned to this ingredient for issues such as joint stiffness, skin irritations, sarcoids, and even digestive problems.

IS IT SAFE? Once again, little research is available to confirm or deny this definitively. However, humans seem to have no adverse effects from taking high dosages, so it is assumed that horses would not either. However, it is known that curcumin can affect iron metabolism and so it would not be safe to feed to horses with any kind of chronic disease or anaemia. Some studies also suggest that turmeric can cause loose droppings in horses and that it can also interact with certain drugs. It is, therefore, advisable that a veterinary professional is consulted before using turmeric with horses with any kind of chronic illness or issues.

IS IT BENEFICIAL TO HORSES? There has been some research into the benefits of turmeric in humans. However, as is so often the case, there is little to no evidence for its use in horses and sadly, simply assuming it will perform in the same way as it does in humans is not scientifically sound. The main point to note is that to assess its effects accurately, an effective dosage would need to be established, and this has not been done, which means that in most cases we are unlikely to be feeding enough to create an effect in the horse. To give some idea, turmeric only contains approximately 2-3% curcumin, and therefore it is suggested that upwards of 250g-500g would be needed to deliver an effective dose to horses. Obviously, this is a large amount and could affect the palatability of the food it's presented in. HQ|155

HOW TO FEED? Suggestions on how to feed include feeding in conjunction with a quality oil, such as linseed, for its rich Omega 3 profile, as well as black pepper to help with absorption. Per tablespoon, it is recommended to mix with a similar amount of oil along with 7 “twists” of black pepper. FINAL NOTES Neither the benefits or safety of turmeric are established in horses, and extreme caution should be exercised if you are considering using it in your horse. Please discuss any potential additives to your horse’s feed with your vet or qualified equine nutritionist before use.

FOCUS

A MOTHER’S MILK • Adult warmblood mares can produce between 12 and 18 litres of milk per day in the first two to three months of lactation. • Healthy newborn foals will suckle four to seven times per hour for the first few days. The frequency and duration of nursing bouts decreases as foals learn to suckle more efficiently. • A Thoroughbred or warmblood foal will typically gain 1.5 to 2kg in weight every day during the first month of life, just from suckling on his mother’s milk.

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T E A M W O R K , PA S S I O N & EXCELLENCE

In our world of horse and rider, teamwork comes naturally, to us all. As together is better Working as a team really does make big dreams work. That’s one of the reasons we are proud to grow trusted brands such as Epol Equine and Equus. At Epol we work to ensure that we are sustainably equipped to be better and stronger in form and performance. Every bag of every brand in our business matters. We stand together united in our passion for excellence.

For feeding advice and further information contact: Leigh: 083 998 6824 | Hannah: 073 423 5491 | Debbie: 076 755 5164 www.epolequine.co.za

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

The navicular bone

How does a vet diagnose navicular?

In recent years most vets have moved away from the term navicular syndrome, as it does not seem specific enough to describe what’s often going on in a case of lower-limb lameness. Navicular syndrome is classified by its degenerative impact to the navicular bone itself. This is usually too specific to describe the many number of reasons for lameness in the navicular area. For example, there can be pathology in the navicular bursa, just below the navicular bone; or soft tissue around the area such as the deep digital flexor tendon; or the articulation point of the coffin, pastern and navicular bones, not just in the bone itself. Today, you’re therefore more likely to hear vets discuss heel pain or caudal heel syndrome until the root cause can be narrowed down (if indeed it can). There are a few approaches to pinpoint the exact area of concern in horses with caudal heel pain but most vets will start with a general soundness examination. This allows them to see your horse move on hard and soft ground and to gather information about his symptoms. Hoof testers are also useful in early diagnosis as almost all horses with navicular-area lameness will show sensitivity over the frog and heel. Imaging, including X-Rays, MRIs and ultrasound have previously been common tools in diagnosis. However, the results can be inconclusive. It is not uncommon for an unsound horse to have clean imaging results and a perfectly sound horse to have irregularities on imaging. Imaging can be a helpful tool, though, so shouldn’t be dismissed altogether. It just shouldn’t be the only approach.

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Nerve blocks have become almost standard as diagnostic approaches. A palmar digital nerve block can show the extent of the lameness, with the vet applying local anaesthetic to the nerve of the lower pastern area in one leg. You’ll be able to see the difference between the sound and blocked leg due to the lack of sensation – this is assuming that unsoundness is experienced in two legs, which is most common. A peri-neural (around the nerve) or intra-articular (in the joint) anaesthesia may also be applied locally. Your vet will work their way up your horse’s leg, and when your horse trots off soundly, you’ve found the culprit, or at least the region of concern. In essence, this is a quite a confusing area, and there isn’t a ‘one fits all’ diagnostic approach. Your vet is likely to need to perform a myriad of the above tests to find a specific cause, and unfortunately in many cases the exact issue may never be pinpointed. The good news is, however, that navicular no longer marks the end of the horse’s career in the vast majority of instances, with management practices and therapeutic agents improving all the time giving better and better outcomes for these horses.

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Q&A

What are amino acids and why are they necessary? Amino acids are biological building blocks that link together to create proteins. Those proteins form everything from muscle and organ tissue to

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enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Amino acids are particularly helpful in cellular regeneration of muscle in performance horses. This role in regeneration makes them equally vital for hoof health and creating shiny coats. Horses’ bodies manufacture 12 of

the 22 essential amino acids. The other 10 amino acids come from the grass, concentrates, supplements, and hay they eat. Lactating mares, growing foals and horses in intense training have the highest protein requirements and thus need the most amino acids. If horses do not consume enough of the amino acids their bodies need to regenerate cells in their stomachs, their muscles and their joints, they’re more susceptible to injury and recover from physical effort more slowly. Common signs of an amino-acid shortage are weight loss, poor hair and hoof growth, slow growth in young horses, and lost pregnancies in broodmares.

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Products we love Shopping fun

Ariat Ladies Ascent Tall Boot

Beautifully made from high-tech synthetic leather and knit fabrics, the Ariat Ladies Ascent Tall Boot is the perfect choice for both training and top show performance. The key features of this lightweight and breathable boot include: • ATS technology for stability and all-day comfort • Complete with a full-length YKK Zipper and keeper • Spur-strap protection through reinforced panelling • Anatomically-engineered Pro Performance insole • Improved rider-tested traction zones with the use of Duratread outsoles

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• Fitted with no-sew overlay, these boots are reinforced for structure and support Get ready for the most comfortable, easy, all-day ride you have ever experienced in the Ariat Ladies Ascent Tall Boot. Available at Western Shoppe for R5 744.68 (incl. VAT). Pre-order the Ariat Mens Ascent Boot for the 2022 season!

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Amigo Evolution Fly Rug

Durable, breathable, superior coverage for your horse. Insects respond differently to different colours. Interestingly, most insects cannot perceive the colour orange or aqua because their vision centres on different sections of the electromagnetic spectrum. These colours therefore serve as a natural deterrent, keeping insects away from our horses when wearing the Amigo Evolution Fly Rug.

SMART Bergafat

SMART Bergafat is the ideal way of adding extra calories to any horse’s diet. It is lecithinated (stable) palm fat in powdered form that also contains phospholipids. It is also proven to aid digestion.

AAN Ultra-Calm

AAN Ultra-Calm is a calmer, not a sedative. L-Tryptophan is the active ingredient in this potent formulation. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that naturally occurs in animal and plant proteins. Once absorbed, Tryptophan is converted into Serotonin which is known as the ‘happy hormone’. Serotonin reduces anxiety and stress naturally without dulling the senses. Ultra-Calm is effective within 90 minutes and has about 3 to 4hr half-life (this may vary from horse to horse)

Instructions You can add the powder to food one hour and 30 minutes before an event. Alternatively, you can add a little water to the powder mix to make a paste, put paste into a syringe and administer orally. • NO banned substances • FEI compliant • Pharmaceutical Tryptophan • Flavoured with sucralose and apple

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more products we love Shopping fun

LADIES CAPRI T-SHIRTS

The Ladies Capri T-Shirts are part of the Cieli Limitless 2021 Range. They are made from a premium soft, stretchy and highly breathable cotton. These shirts have been expertly tailored to provide an excellent fit and beautiful silhouette. The Capri T-Shirts sport a crew neck design and are available in both long and short sleeves. The print is uniquely designed to incorporate the Cieli signature 3 lines, which has resulted in a subtle but elegant pattern. Colours: Hunter Green, Bellwether Blue, Pink Sizes: XS, S, M, L

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S T A B L E M A T S EVA Foam Locally Made Saves on Bedding Extra Comfort & Warmth HQ|155

equestrianhab@gmail.com

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TXH XEX H I N D Q U A RT E R

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CAN YOU FIND THE 10 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO IMAGES?

FOR MORE PUZZLES AND FUN CONTENT CHECK OUT OUR HQ PONY MAGAZINE RELEASED ON THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH!

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T H E H I N D Q U A RT E R

Dearest readers, I am writing to you today with a sense of desperation. This has by far been the greatest slight I have ever sustained, and I reach out to you, my friends, to support me during this crisis. I have been reliably informed that my mother’s prolonged (and might I add, pleasant) absence from the stables is not due to my retirement from the sport to pursue my editorial role, but rather because she, in her own editorial capacity, was creating not one but two issues of HQ Magazine for publication this last month. Now what is the problem, you could be forgiven for asking? Well, dear friends, the ‘problem’ is that I, the supreme editor in chief, was only informed of one edition and thereby missed my opportunity, nay right, to have my say in the recent Olympic Edition. To add insult to my grievous injury, upon informing my mother of her oversight, she appeared shocked and asked: “What could you possibly have to say about the Olympics?” As a pony full of quick retorts, I hastened to pose the question right back at her, at which she looked slightly red-faced, but this, I cannot lie, was only slight comfort to my bruised ego. First and foremost, I wish to state that I could obviously have been an Olympic competitor were I not ridden by my mother, who is about as helpful as a chocolate teapot, and wouldn’t know how to perform in a dressage test if her very life depended on it. Furthermore, I simply don’t have time to attend these large shows with my other roles, and spending days ‘in transit’ just does not get my creative juices flowing. I made the trip from Cape Town to Jo’burg once, and I can assure you that there was nothing romantic or inspiring about that journey at all. Travel writers can have their title with pleasure – it is not one I covet. Finally, I wish it to be put on the record that I like to give other equines a chance to shine. I’m not a selfish pony. I don’t need to hog the limelight. I just need my small sliver of it, and if Dalera, Bella Rose II and Gio want to go and perform at the top, I’m thrilled for them. They speak highly of my writing, and it is from this, I derive my pride and selfworth. I don’t need a Gold Medal, just the love of my readers here at HQ and my fellow equines. Anyway, I am trying to recover my sense of self and continue to produce prose worthy of you, my dedicated followers. I shall almost certainly be in better spirits next month!

With much love, dear readers, Pridey xxx

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NEXT ISSUE

1st September 2021 www.hqmagazine.co.za 108

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HQ Magazine Issue 155C

Articles inside

The equine heart

Keep your teeth to yourself

Pridey’s Piece

Q&A

Feeding turmeric

Conformation for performance

Barefoot trim vs farrier trim

The Hanging Cheek Snaffle debate

The Stallion

The Olympic Mindset

Callaho’s Breeding Magic

Operant conditioning

Taylor’s Top 10