HQ Magazine Issue 157B by hqmagazine

DIGITAL ISSUE 157B | 2022

SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

Villa Da Schio, Castelgomberto (VI), 4 km from Prestige Italia - prestigeitaly.com

A perfect fit is a thing of beauty. Find your perfect fit in the Jump, Dressage, Eventing and Endurance

Made in Italy

saddle collections. Proudly distributed by Western Shoppe. Ready to find the perfect fit for your horse?

Happy New Year! We hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful festive season and are feeling refreshed and ready for 2022! Thank you to everyone who took part in our Christmas competitions on Instagram, and congratulations to our two winners. We’re sure you’ll enjoy browsing the exquisite Cieli Equestrian Collections to select your prizes! We’re delighted to be welcoming in the New Year with another edition, and we’ve included plenty of articles that we hope will get your year off to the best start possible. Dive in and let us know what you think. All that remains is for us to thank you for your support in 2021 and to promise that we have lots of exciting plans in place for the very near future. We can’t wait to get started on these and share them with you. For now, enjoy this issue, and we’ll see you again next month! With best wishes,

Lizzie and xxx the HQ team Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor

HQ|157B

Designer: Mauray Wolff

DIGITAL ISSUE 157B | 2022

IN THIS ISSUE 06 Summerhill Equestrian An equestrian paradise

52 Planning a successful show season Tips for your best 2022

14 Blue Steel Equestrian’s Western

58 Bug Buster Building your arsenal against insects

Cape Showing Championships 2021

18 Tarryn Stebbing Chats showing

64 Research Rapid Fire Horses communicating preferences

26 Polework For strength and stability

70 Grazing dangers Making health a priority

30 Danone Z A son of Dominator 2000 Z

76 Anatomy, Part 5 The nervous system

38 Improving your training One small change – a world of difference

80 Common hoof problems In pictures

42 Mare of the month Iman PS

96 Ask HQ A stud farm’s perspective

48 Show Rider of the month Nicky Wright

100 Products we love Shopping fun 102 Pridey’s New Year’s Resolutions

HQ|157B

SUMMERHILL EQUESTRIAN An equestrian paradise Photography: Hilary O’Leary Summerhill Equestrian is situated in the Hlatikulu valley, 12 km outside of Mooi River, on the Giants Castle side, and the sleeping giant is the last view accompanying you as you enter the property. Your real experience of the energy encased within Summerhill Equestrian begins as you approach the famous Hartford Gates. Driving in, you are met with a feeling of the rich history and the years of quality, style and opulence that have been lived out here. This kind of atmosphere takes generations to create, build and establish through carefully thought-out foundations and meticulous attention to detail, and spaces like this are hard to find. As you enter, with Hartford House straight ahead, your eyes see the double stable block with perfectly round hay-nets at every door ready for the afternoon occupants. A right turn takes you on a meander through part of the property to the main stable block, where among the grand trees, manicured lawns, lakes and rolling lush green pastures, you find the grazing horses, the famously beautiful stallion barn, and the iconic stable office. The famous horses and people who have been a part of creating the legacy that is Summerhill have left an energy that every visitor to this space encounters. The horses seem to feel it too, either standing majestically against the exquisite scenery or with their heads staring out of the stable doors pensively, seemingly considering their brilliant futures.

HQ|157B

HISTORY

Hartford’s beauty was discovered by the Moor family almost 150 years ago, when they came by its vacant landscape in the early 1870s. First Deeds of Grant for Hartford and Summerhill were issued to the Moor family by Queen Victoria. Originally home to the family of John and Sir Frederick Moor, the last prime minister of old Natal, the property is now part of the greater Summerhill Estate. The family’s endeavours left a rich mark on what the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal represents today. Some 70 years later, Raymond Ellis founded his all-conquering Thoroughbred enterprise on these historic acres, when any horse carrying his black and green silks was said to be as good as money in the bank. Such was their dominance that the Hartford horses carried off every major prize on the southern African turf. Their exploits compared with the mighty strings of England’s Lord Derby, the Agas Khan and the Sheikh Maktoum, Ireland’s Coolmore, France’s Boussac, Italy’s Tesio, or those of America’s Phippses and Calumets. 8

The Goss family took over the Stud in 1979 and owned it up until Henning’s purchase of the property in 2019. Under Mick Goss, the legendary racehorse trainer, the Summerhill Stallion Barn was a showcase of the finest Thoroughbreds in the southern hemisphere. Today, with Capital Stud now based on the property, the estate is also home to the very best warmblood sporthorses, including stallions, mares and their offspring. Breeding only from the world’s best bloodlines, this fresh new addition enriches the history with a modern element. The quality of horses on display on this beautiful property is really something to experience for yourself. It’s safe to say that the future of Summerhill Equestrian and Hartford House is exciting with Henning Pretorius and his very capable team and the helm.

HQ|157B

THE PROPERTY

The properties collectively known as Summerhill lie in a belt of high fertility and excellent rainfall in the KZN Midlands. Millions of years ago, the Drakensberg lay where Hilton is now, but due to the soft sandstone, the mountains eroded back to their current position, where they rest on a stabilising layer of basalt underlay. This shift left a remarkable endowment of mineral richness in its wake. The resultant soil, and the pastures it produces, are the finest available for growing animals, and this unique environment explains Natal’s world-famous beef and the enormous number of champion horses originating from the property.

HQ|157B

THE FACILITIES

To build on the rich history of this beautiful property, Henning has introduced some new elements, including a complete renovation of Hartford House and the property as a whole; the relocation of Capital Stud; and the establishment of his world-class Brangus herd on the property.

The property also houses an incredible facility, the only one of its kind globally, the School of Equine Management Excellence. Then, of course, there is Hartford House which needs no introduction. The completely renovated hotel, which has long ranked among the leading boutique hotels in the country, won a further handful of prestigious awards in 2021.

There are a total of 117 buildings on the property, including almost 260 boxes in twelve stable blocks spread evenly across its various titles; a stud office, as well as an administration office (on each of the two principal properties); an attractive but eminently functional stallion barn and its associated paddocks; and a modern, well-equipped foaling yard. In total, Summerhill Equestrian encompasses more than 2500 acres of fully fenced secure paddocks. This state-of-theart equine facility has been completely renovated and now meets all the demands Capital Stud require for their breeding and producing program.

HQ|157B

SUMMERHILL SERVICES

Summerhill Equestrian proudly boast some magnificent facilities and a top-quality team with years of experience behind them. The facilities and the services provided by this world-class team have recently been made available to horse owners globally. These services consist of boarding and spelling services, and anyone wishing to take advantage of these facilities and services would be advised to get in touch with the Summerhill Equestrian Team.

◊ BOARDING FACILITIES Summerhill Equestrian prides itself on offering the highest possible standard of care and first-class communication with owners, all at a reasonable cost. The experienced team works alongside some of the industry’s most respected vets and farriers, ensuring that you and your horse receive the optimal care at every stage of the process.

In Henning’s own words: We are the custodians of one of Africa’s most treasured legacies, and in the process of preserving it, we hope to contribute to the area, culture and history of this rich land and continue to write the next chapters for generations that follow.

The team welcome seasonal boarders visiting their own stallions or other KZN based stallions. When your mare is ready to be covered, the team take care of booking transport and making sure that all of the necessary paperwork is in order. Horses resident with Summerhill Equestrian on a permanent basis benefit from a preferential boarding rate and are cared for year-round by the team of highly skilled stud staff. The whole process is taken care of for you, from regular farrier and worming routines to registrations and vaccinations.

HQ|157B

◊ FOALING

◊ SPELLING

The foaling boxes are purpose-built to cater for mares and their newborn foals. Mares are monitored 24 hours a day with a member of experienced staff always on hand. After foaling, the owner will receive a detailed foaling report and photos of the new arrival taken during the first 48 hours after birth.

The importance of rest and recuperation for our equine athletes cannot be understated in this demanding industry. At Summerhill Equestrian, they offer tailored programmes to meet the resident horses’ needs. Their spelling facilities can accommodate almost any requirements, and they work alongside top vets and farriers to ensure every base is covered, all with the goal of returning your horse to training early on.

◊ DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNGSTERS The team firmly believe that there is no better upbringing for a young horse than on the enormous acreage of Summerhill Equestrian. With the opportunity to move and interact with conspecifics, combined with careful handling and steady introductions to the demands of domesticated life, your horse is given the time he needs to develop to the fullest of his potential. Henning believes so strongly in the benefits of this regime that he insists that all of his sporthorses are now raised at Summerhill Equestrian.

HQ|157B

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the facilities and services on offer at Summerhill Equestrian please contact stud2@capitalstud.com

EMBRACING THE FUTURE

The feeling of great excitement and anticipation that accompanied Henning’s purchase of Summerhill and Hartford House in 2019 is still very much palpable. Capital Stud is proud to write the next chapters of this beautiful estate and to continue to contribute to the rich history surrounding sporthorses and Hartford: a beauty and promise that the Moor family first discovered over 150 years ago.

HQ|157B

Henning and his Summerhill Equestrian Team are committed to providing the best services and boarding facilities for sporthorses living here in South Africa. The next few months and years will be a time of great growth and development on the property, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this magnificent estate and the dedicated team living and working there.

Show Report 14

TEXT: TARRYN STEBBING PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIDGET FORD PHOTOGRAPHY AND MELISSA MAEDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Blue Steel Equestrian's Western Cape Showing Championships 2021

was delighted to receive this show report from Blue Steel Equestrian's Western Cape Showing Championships 2021. We love to feature show reports in our digital edition, so if you are interested in submitting reports from your province, please get in touch with us at lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za.

DAY ONE Western Cape Showing Champs started with a bang with their annual and highly prestigious Chairman's Cup. This year's theme was 'At The Races' and the outfits did not disappoint! HQ|157B

NEWS

Lisa Stemmet and Dawn Newman.

Lisa Stemmet, Renata Van Rijswijk and Dawn Newman.

Spectators gathered for an evening picnic dressed to the nines to watch the four horses in the Western Cape with the highest showing points and one wild card of the Chairman, Renata Van Rijswijk's choice, compete in a rigorous test of skill in the show ring. This year was interesting as we had an astonishing three juniors competing versus just two adults. After swapping horses in round two, Jorja Spense, Ronaldo October and

HQ|157B

Jessa Deacon showed just why they were there and gave the adults a run for their money. However, the years of ring time and skill of the two adults Dawn Newman and Lisa Stemmet proved just too hard to beat, qualifying them for the final round. The final round entails the two qualifying riders riding a mystery horse and showcasing him to the best of their ability. This year the riders were treated to Nicola Mohr's

NEWS

Judge Darren Macintosh with Tiny Tot Champion Gabriella Stemmet on Lightning McQueen with mom Lisa Stemmet and dad Pieter Stemmet.

Caitlin Pitcher riding Zorino Ladancia in the Young Horse division.

legendary horse Vaderlandsche Sports Shoe, who knows his way around both a showing ring and dressage arena like the back of his hoof! Both riders displayed awesome tests, but Dawn Newman took the title as Champion with her younger sister Lisa Stemmet coming a worthy Reserve.

established show horses showing us exactly how it should look. With a cuteness overload in the Tiny Tot division it must be said that the quality of the young riders was inspiring to see, showing evidence of a very bright future for showing in SA.

DAY TWO Day two kicked off the Graded Showing as well as the Lead Rein, Tiny Tots, First Pony and SA Riding classes. The novice, open, newcomer and young horse classes were a treat to watch with some exciting new horses coming forward to begin their careers, as well as some

DAY THREE The third day of Champs brought us all the Championships, Working Classes and in-hand classes. Those that qualified for a Championship class on Saturday were up early Sunday morning scrubbing up and preparing their horses to compete for their relevant titles.

HQ|157B

NEWS

Ella Murphy winning the Supreme Working Hunter on Henham Magoo.

Elspeth Walton won the Pony Open Working Riding as well as the Supreme Working Riding Championship.

Several nail-biting Showing Championships led to the Showing Supremes, where 12 Champion and Reserve Champion horses and ponies competed for the title of Western Cape's Supreme Show Horse 2021. A huge congratulations must go to Nicola Mohr and her beautiful Vaderlandsche Erasmus, who ended up taking the title. The Working Hunter and Working Riding classes were the usual crowd-pleasers with jumping, galloping and testing obstacles. After an exciting Working Hunter Supreme, young Ella Murphy and her pony Magoo proved too strong for even the adults to beat, winning the title as this year's Working Hunter Supreme Champion. The Working Riding Supreme wrapped the show up in

HQ|157B

style, proving a good looking show horse can also be useful in practical tasks. This strong supreme was won by the experienced duo Elspeth Walton and her super pony Cool Ally.

OVERALL The overall standard of horses and riding plus the sheer numbers entered at this year's show once again proved the Western Cape to be a Province to be reckoned with! Western Cape Showing would like to thank their main sponsor of the show Blue Steel Equestrian as well as all the other sponsors who gave so generously to make this year's championship another memorable experience.

HORSE AND RIDER

INTERVIEW: DR LIZZIE HARRISON

Tarryn Stebbing Chats showing

and currently work at producing horses for the show ring. I also compete in dressage and find the dressage training an asset in strengthening and suppling the show horses.

HQ: So, Tarryn, to start us out, could you tell us a little about yourself and your background in showing? Tarryn: I started showing as a Junior and have been blessed with several great showing horses over the years. My passion for showing has just grown with age, and I'm now a National Candidate Showing Judge and Open Showing Rider. I've represented the Western Cape at the South African Championships, managed teams at Nationals

HQ: What are some of your greatest achievements to date? Tarryn: I have two success stories that I love to share when answering this kind of question. The relationships you build with the horses you partner with are by far, for me, the greatest achievements you make as a rider. The first story I'd like to tell is of a horse I owned named Nelson. I bought Nelson without even trying or vetting him (something I would never recommend). It was all based on one of those gut feelings that make you do the riskiest things! Nelson was a young, recently backed 4-year-old with a big personality and some behavioural problems. I was given him for a very good price by his lovely owner who just wanted to see him in the right hands. He was a quick, sharp and sensitive ride and oozed natural athleticism and talent. Having said that, he was impossible to stay on if

fter our wonderful stint at Horse of the Year, we realised it was about time that the HQ Team got up to date on all things showing. Going forward, we are excited to enlist the help of National Candidate Showing Judge and Open Showing Rider Tarryn Stebbing to get an overview of the whats, wheres, hows and whys of this fascinating discipline. To introduce her to you, we asked her a couple of questions to get the showing chat started.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

he was in a mood, and early on, he was in a mood most days! I became known on a first name basis at our local emergency room! I couldn't hack him out in the beginning, as I couldn't even get out the gate without him throwing me, and so I began long lining him. I long lined him until I could do an entire outride running behind him without him freaking out (I would highly recommend this for human weight loss and fitness training!). I then began slowly taking him out at a walk until he was confident, and before I knew it, we were leading the young horses out on rides. Whilst Nelson was a menace in the warm-up arena, at a show, his ego would always take over when he walked into a class; he would show off like no horse I have ever met and began winning classes and championships straight-away. Through travelling to shows up and down the country, having a structured routine and understanding how to manage him, Nelson matured and went on to become the best and most valuable horse I have owned. My other great success story is of my dear friend and

partner, Tchutara Oberon. I broke my back in early 2018 whilst riding a young horse which meant a few months out of the saddle and a hideous back brace that needed to be worn 24/7. Whilst out training a student one day, I walked past a large horse poking his head out of the stable. His owner, who I didn't really know at the time, was standing outside, and we began chatting. She disclosed that she was pregnant and wouldn't be riding for a while in which instant (and I can only imagine it was a drug-induced comment due to my pain medication), I offered to take on the ride of the horse and show him while she was out of action. To paint the picture a little clearer, I had not so much as seen the horse outside of the stable at this point; he could have had three legs for all I knew! It turns out he was a 17.2hh pure showjumping stallion with a rather colourful history of behaviour. Luckily, he had four clean legs. Needless to say, the day my neurosurgeon cleared me to ride, I was on Oberon's back! We clicked straight away, and a strong partnership was quickly built. I immediately assessed that whilst he was not

Tarryn is a judge but also a highly competitive Open Show Rider, as seen here.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

your textbook show horse, he could undoubtedly jump, had an enormous presence and a great gallop. We went on to win most of the local show hunter and working hunter classes and we entered and were selected as the 'wildcard' in our annual Western Cape Chairman's Cup that year. This is a very prestigious event held for the four horses in the province with the highest Open points

HQ|157B

Tarryn has had great personal success in the show ring.

HORSE AND RIDER

and one wildcard of the Showing Chairman's choice. Oberon went on to not only behave beautifully but win the Chairman's cup in front of a packed stadium in his first year of showing, making us the first wildcards to ever win the competition. Since then, he has represented the Western Cape at Nationals, been graded Medium dressage, soon to go Advanced, and is jumping the 1.40s with his owner. This horse was the most underestimated horse I have ever met, but despite everything, he has triumphed and shown that he can win at whatever you face him at. His owner is now my best friend, and we are still working together at showing the talent and capabilities of this magnificent horse. I love these two stories because my life motto is 'You play the cards you are dealt.' I don't come from a very affluent family, but my parents worked hard to support me as much as they could, and I've worked hard to achieve my dreams. That said, I believe you don't always need a big budget when buying a horse if you have a good eye, patience and are willing to put in the hard work. My goal is always to bring out the best in every horse I ride. This takes any expectations off them and allows for a happy partnership. HQ: So what would you say are the advantages of showing for the horse? Tarryn: My list could get very long in response to this. First and foremost, every horse that is sound can, and in my opinion, should do some showing. All of my young horses start with showing, as it is much more relaxed and less

Tarryn winning some more of those great showing prizes.

rigid than dressage or showjumping as a starting point. The other major advantage, particularly for young horses who are just starting out in competition, is that they are not alone in the arena. This security in numbers helps youngsters feel a little more confident in their first shows. Show horses are also generally kept in great condition, and this is always something that is worth prioritising. HQ: And in terms of the rider – what advantages do you see there? Tarryn: I believe that for riders showing has a lot to teach us. Showing is a lot about 'showmanship' and the ability to best show off the horse you ride on the day. There really is a class for every rider, so if you're not a jumper, there's still plenty you can do. Showing also teaches you refinement and finesse in your riding and highlights your horse's weaknesses and strengths so that you know what you need to work on. It's also a great lesson in losing gracefully, and whilst humbling, this can make you more resilient in the future. Finally, in most disciplines, I believe good turnout is an advantage. A well-presented horse just creates a better impression, and learning to turn out to accentuate the best features of your horse, as you need to in showing, can only be beneficial. Oh, and I must also say that showing really does have the best prizes!

HQ|157B

BonBon Equestrian is a brand of sporty shirts defined by artfully designed prints that celebrate creative expression with our trend-setting equestrian customers. The super-flattering fit and technical performance fabric are part of our unique signature. The collection is proudly designed and manufactured in Cape Town and supports small local businesses.

bonbon_equestrian

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW Horses have lightning-fast reflexes. A horse can go from standing still to delivering a kick in just 0.3 seconds, should the need arise. By way of comparison, a human has a reaction time of 1.6 seconds.

HQ|157B

A fantastic addition to the Zandonà Therapeutic Line, specifically designed for convenient application of cold/heat therapies directly to the horse’s tendons and joints. Made of Neoprene with inner Aluminium Thermal-Coating to better insulate and prolong the cold/hot effect, it also includes a 3D-Mesh lining to protect the horse’s skin, allowing optimal transfer of cold/heat. Regular use of the THERMOBOOT for short periods (20-30mins) after intense exercise can help preventing small injuries and/or traumas to ligaments, tendons and joints as well as reducing localised swelling, heat and pain.

www.tackntogs.co.za Tel: (011) 468 1824 or 0861 midfeeds Emergency: 082 499 8684 Email: midfeedspty@mweb.co.za Address: 63 Karee Rd, Cr of Main Road, Blue Hills, Kyalami.

HORSE AND RIDER

POLEWORK FOR STRENGTH AND STABILITY

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

n training our horses, it is vital for performance and longevity that they develop suppleness and can bend through their ribcage and hocks. The exercise outlined here can be used with all horses, whatever their level of training. With young or less experienced horses, you can start these exercises with just the poles on the floor and start in the trot. With the advanced horses, you can afford to make make it tougher by raising the canter poles to get the hindlegs working a little more. The aim with all the horses is to teach them to use their hindlegs and bend their hocks, and to bend through their bodies. To set up this exercise, place six poles on an arc with the middle of the poles 2.5m apart. Place a jump wing at the end of the poles in the centre of the arc for when you are ready to raise them. Ideally, the exercise should be kept on a 20m circle, so give yourself plenty of room around the outside of the poles to circle. NOTE Ensure that your horse is warmed up before starting any exercises and that you’ve worked equally on both reins.

EXERCISE 1 This exercise introduces your horse to the poles. Start by trotting through them to get your horse soft and supple and bending around the inside leg. 1. On a 20m circle in trot, ride your horse through the arc of poles. 2. Stay in rising trot to allow your horse to lift his back and use his body properly. 3. Aim for the middle of the poles as this will be the best distance for him to trot over. 4. Try and keep the rhythm consistent so that you get regular trot steps between each pole. 5. Ride through the poles several times before changing the rein and repeating the exercise in the other direction. EXERCISE 2 Before starting this exercise, make sure you have warmed up in canter on both reins. You then do precisely as for Exercise 1 but in canter.

HQ|157B

1. Remaining on a 20m circle, focus on the canter staying in the same rhythm the whole way around. You don’t want to be riding so small a canter that your horse has to reach and stretch when you get to the poles. 2. You want to keep your horse together in the canter so that you’re containing the energy and creating a bit of jump and spring in the canter. To achieve this 'togetherness' maintain a consistent and, yet, elastic contact. This will help your horse to sit and push from behind. 3. The key is to keep your horse soft and relaxed and bending around the inside leg. This will help to get him bending through his ribs and engaging his hindleg. 4. Ride the exercise on both reins.

EXERCISE 3 If your horse is coping well with the first two exercises, try this one. Raise the inside end of the poles by just a few centimetres to start with. As your horse becomes more confident, you can raise them further. With younger or less experienced horses, it is best to raise only a couple of poles, to begin with, to allow them to adjust to the feeling before you raise the others. 1. In a canter, ride through the poles. Keep the rhythm and strides of the canter as regular as you can. 2. Open your inside rein to ask your horse to bend around your inside leg. This will encourage him to push from the inside hock, which will help him to soften over his back. 3. Once this is established, raise the poles a little more. This makes the exercise more difficult as your horse will have to engage his hindlegs, use his core muscles and stay soft over his back. 4. Ride over the poles several times on both reins. FINAL THOUGHTS Always finish your training on a good note. If your horse performs the exercise well, leave it, so you don’t push him too hard. Exercise 3, in particular, is quite physically demanding, so don’t ask too much too soon. Always reward your horse for his efforts, and you will find he is more motivated to work with you in the future!

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW?

FERMENTED MARE'S MILK MAKES A POPULAR, ALCOHOLIC DRINK CALLED KUMIS, WHICH IS CONSUMED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN STEPPES.

HQ|157B

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

Danone Z A son of Dominator 2000 Z

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

anone Z, owned by Jan Daniel Du Preez, is one of very few Dominator 2000 Z offspring on South African soil. Having only acquired Danone Z in April this year from Michel Van Eck, this recently turned four-yearold Zangersheide stallion is already turning heads in the showjumping ring.

UNDER SADDLE The ride on this Dominator 2000 Z son has been given to Kevin Wessels. This partnership, although new, has already proven to be a well-suited combination; together, they won the four-year-old Potential Showjumper at Leg 5 of the Young Horse Performance Series. To see not only HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

I have never sat on a horse with this amount of scope and rideability. – Kevin Wessels

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

a young horse, but a young stallion, compete at his first show and make it all look so simple and effortless is a true reflection of Danone Z’s fantastic temperament. Described by his rider as an easy, sensitive youngster, he is a true gentleman in all senses.

BREEDING Dominator 2000 Z needs little to no introduction in the world of showjumping. Although Dominator 2000 Z is not yet on the WBFSH Show Jumping Sire Ranking himself, both his sire, Diamant De Semilly (second), and his dam sire, Cassini I (a respectable 56) are on the index. Dominator HQ|157B

2000 Z is said to give his offspring his signature in every sense; they all demonstrate endless capacity, blood, and carefulness. Christian Ahlmann describes Dominator 2000 Z as a unique personality who always has 200% motivation for his work. Danone Z’s dam, La Blanca Z, adds extreme quality to this youngster. Larson, the father of La Blanca Z is the son of Lordanos. Callaho’s Lissabon is the most well-known son of Lordanos in South Africa. Further, La Blanca Z herself competes on the international circuit in Belgium. In summary, Danone’s dam line produces top showjumpers as well as a few higher-level dressage horses.

HORSE AND RIDER

THE FUTURE Having a young stallion with this breeding in South Africa is very exciting. In the future, he will only add to the variety and growth of South African breeding. It will be wonderful to

see what this young stallion produces both in himself and his offspring. Coverings to approved mares will be available this breeding season.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: RYAN TEHINI

IMPROVE YOUR TRAINING ONE SMALL CHANGE – A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

thletic training typically follows a very unidimensional approach. Most practices involve the continued repetition of a task - in order to improve the odds of success in competition. This is typically done through attempts to improve the physical aspects of speed, strength, and flexibility (amongst others). For example, you may spend time in the gym or practising a cardio routine to make yourself fitter and stronger in the saddle. While this is an undeniably critical aspect of any athletic endeavour, recent scientific inquiry has shown that it is a flawed assumption to think that this is the only facet necessary for an effective training routine.

SKILL VS. ATHLETIC CAPACITY Current trends in athletic training centre around the intention of improving capacity; capacity can be thought of as the physical capability that provides you with more opportunities for action. In other words, capacity focuses on what you are physically capable of by measuring your current and potential output in aspects such as strength, fitness, flexibility, and speed. However, recent findings have indicated that this kind of training is relatively ineffective, as it omits an entire area of performance – skill. While most coaches and athletes would say that their training does include skills training, this is often not HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

entirely accurate. Skill is vastly different to athletic capacity and cannot be trained through repetition. This is because a skill is a purposeful action that is done in response to an external stimulus. Subsequently, in order to perfect a skill, you need to incorporate external stimuli into your training. For example, skills in showjumping could refer to putting in the correct number of strides to a jump or regaining footing after knocking a pole. Skills typically refer to agility and sport-specific movements, and these improve with experience. However, there are techniques that can be used in training for the purposes of improving skill that will assist in gaining decades of experience in a fraction of the time.

HOW TO TRAIN A SKILL In order to wholly understand how one can effectively train skill, it is important to first grasp how the mind is trained

and how this differs from how the body is trained. Athletic capacity is a stellar example of training the body – in order to get stronger, one must break down the muscle fibres in any given muscle, which are then repaired. Through this process of repairing the muscle, it builds hardier fibres and therefore, you get stronger and more capable, increasing your athletic capacity. The mind is not dissimilar to this; neural connections form the basis of all mental activity, and the more we repeat a thought process – the better we get at it because the neural connection strengthens. However, the key distinction is that to strengthen a neural connection, we need to actively use the correct connection. For example, you can practice putting in the precise number of strides to a jump, but in the arena, this process involves decision-making and problem solving that was not incorporated into the training. So if something goes wrong, or the first stride is

You need to be able to put all elements together in order to succeed.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

Fine tuning skill along with mental training allows you to perform under pressure.

too early, too big, or too late, the act of making a decision to solve this problem has not been trained – and thus, the neural connection has not been strengthened. Therefore, skill training requires more than striving to practise just the ‘ideal scenario.’ The key difference then between skill and athletic capacity is that skill is information-driven, while athletic capacity is not. Therefore, in order to effectively develop a skill, it must be done in an environment that incorporates elements of decision-making and problem-solving. This explains why experienced riders overcome obstacles in the arena far more efficiently than novice riders because their ability to improvise and adapt in the face of external stimuli is sharpened through years of learning. The best way for novice riders to improve their skill and gain experience beyond their years is, therefore, to simulate the real-world environment into their training and incorporate mental training for decision-making and problem-solving into their physical training. Another notable consideration is that simply incorporating decision-making and problem solving into your training will not entirely improve the skill. The reason for this is that the training environment lacks the pressure and stakes of the competition environment. Therefore, in order to completely train a skill, it is important to also incorporate general mental training into your routine. This allows you to focus and make unclouded judgments even when under pressure, increasing your ability to adapt to the external stimuli as they arise. Examples of useful mental training techniques include coherent breathing, mindfulness, and

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

mental imagery – I have provided examples of how these can be practically incorporated into your ride in the HQ October – December digital editions. In essence, your training needs to focus on two separate aspects in order to effectively improve your riding capability, these are: • athletic capacity – this refers to training aimed at improving your physical capabilities, such as speed, strength, and fitness; and • skill – this training is fairly nuanced and requires you to incorporate aspects of the competition environment (such as decision-making and problem-solving) into your training. Along with this, you should include elements of general mental training in order to ensure that you can make decisions and solve problems efficiently and with sound judgment under pressure.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE The mind and body are two equally important parts of any athletic endeavour; when trained collectively, they deliver a well-rounded athlete with experience beyond their years. The simple tweaks to your training discussed above can provide you with the mindset of a far more experienced rider – an invaluable asset in any sporting realm. HQ|157B

E L E VA T I O N C O L L E C T I O N

LADIES KATHERINE SHOW SHIRT

SIGNATURE SLING BAG

FLORIDA PERFORMANCE BREECHES

HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: HILARY O’LEARY

Mare of the month IMAN PS

he recent winner of the overall 7-year-old Potential Showjumper in the Young Horse Performance Series was Iman PS. Iman PS was bred by Paarden Stud. Alice Stokes, her owner and rider, took a long time, nearly two years, to find Iman PS. She acquired here from Lizelle and Pieter Swanepoel, and it seems the mare was definitely worth the wait!

BREEDING This tall daughter is by the stallion Upgrade. Although not well-known, Upgrade is by the foundation stallion Heartbreaker. Upgrade wowed the crowd in his performance test as a young stallion with his impressive jump and exquisite hind technique. Both Upgrade himself and his offspring possess incredible movement. His offspring are also praised for having very correct conformation and a pleasing impression and manner. Upgrade stamps his progeny, and this is very clear with his daughter Iman PS: her hind technique is superb; she

STER AND KEUR PREDICATES Horses are differentiated in quality within the registers by means of predicates. • A horse that measures 160cm and above, is put together very correctly, and who possesses outstanding movement and or jump, depending on the discipline is given a Ster predicate. • A stallion is presented with the Keur predicate when there is excellence shown in the sport as well as in the traits of his offspring. The stallion requires a sports’ index of 140 and more, with a high-reliability percentage. • Having a mare with Keur predicate notifies the breeder that he possesses a top quality mare. To achieve a Keur predicate, the mare needs to have exhibited, either in sport or in a performance test, that they have quality and talent as a sporthorse.

HQ|157B

Iman is and probably will be one of the most willing horses I will ever sit on. – Alice Stokes

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

Iman tries her best to accommodate me as a rider. – Alice Stokes

is put together in a sporty way; and she has the loveliest expression, especially when working. The mother of Iman PS, Benigna AM, is the daughter of VDL stallion Flemmingh. Flemmingh is a dressage breeding stallion. He is known for producing winning foals, *Ster and *Keur mares, and successful horses in the dressage ring.

THE HORSE Iman PS always steps up to the occasion, reads the jumps for herself, takes you to the fence, never says no, and the bigger the jump gets, the better Iman PS gets. A young horse can be a challenge for any rider, let

alone a young rider, yet Alice and Iman PS seem to be a solid partnership. The mare’s intelligence, willingness and work ethic are all characteristics that have added to this mare’s success in the ring, as well as her forming a close bond with her young rider.

BREEDING SEASON This coming breeding season will be very exciting for all involved with Iman PS; she will be involved in a breeding programme using embryo transfers. By using embryo transfers, breeders can get the best of both worlds; they can produce lovely foals without jeopardising their ability to show off the mare’s talent in the competition ring. HQ|157B

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? Horses' hooves are made from the same protein (keratin) that comprises human hair and fingernails.

HQ|157B

HORSE BROODMARE SUPPLEMENT Formulated to help assist the mare to find the proper balance for optimal conception, pregnancy and lactation. It is high in essential nutrients like vitamins, trace minerals, folic acid and lysine. This supplement is as important for the unborn foal as it is for the pregnant mare. It comes in a 2.5kg and 5kg powder that can easily be added to normal rations.

SAVE 10% ON SMART BROODMARES SUPPLEMENT during the month of November

www.tackntogs.co.za Tel: (011) 468 1824 or 0861 midfeeds Emergency: 082 499 8684 Email: midfeedspty@mweb.co.za Address: 63 Karee Rd, Cr of Main Road, Blue Hills, Kyalami.

HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: TARRYN STEBBING (NATIONAL CANDIDATE SHOWING JUDGE)

Show Rider of the Month NICKY WRIGHT

icky is an Open Showing Rider on the International panel of Riding Judges for showing and works with horses for a living, so it's fair to say she knows her stuff when it comes to presenting a horse in the ring! Nicky recently took the Supreme Ridden title at Horse Of The Year 2021 on Kate Aitken's 9-year-old Tobiano Warmblood, Santiago. This is her second time winning this title in the last three years! Nicky shared some of her wisdom with us:

A PULLED OR PLAITED TAIL? I love both, but personally, I pull to save time on show day. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SENTENCE: "Never would I ever (in the show ring)…" Never would I ever compete with chewing gum. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SENTENCE: "If I am not on a horse I am…" If I am not on a horse, I teach, coach or hang around the yard - generally all horsey things, including horsey breakfast meetings with friends.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR SHOWING? Don't stress about the small stuff; make sure your horse is well worked in and on his best behaviour. At the end of the day, you need to show the Judge the lovely horse you have produced at home, not an overwhelmed, fresh horse or pony. YOUR LIFE MOTTO OR A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY? YOUR FAVOURITE CLASS TO COMPETE IN? Nothing is easy, don't give up; there is always a way, so I would have to say the Show Hunter. be positive and believe it is possible.

HQ|157B

VIDEO

HORSE AND RIDER

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL SHOW SEASON TIPS FOR YOUR BEST 2022

o be successful in any arena, horses must be at their best on competition day. This often means maintaining a horse’s levels of fitness and performance through the show season, which in South Africa spans many months of the year. This is not always easy, and in the equestrian sport, there are no guarantees. However, taking a proactive approach to your horse’s health and soundness is the best way to manage them and give them the best chance of a successful season.

TOP TIP Look at how your horse finished up last year to assess how well your previous plan worked. While 2021 was not a typical year by any stretch of the imagination, if your horse ended the year flat and exhausted, you probably overdid it, and if he ended it full of beans and ready to go, you could perhaps have done a little bit more.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

GOOD VET RELATIONSHIPS Having a good relationship with your vet is a critical part of keeping your horse in the best shape possible. Make sure you have a vet you can chat to and keep them up to date about any concerns or issues well in advance. If they are told there is an issue earlier rather than later, they will often be able to find a simpler solution or treat the issue before it escalates.

PLAN The first part of your proactive management has to be making a plan for the year ahead. You need to work out which shows you will attend and which you are happy to skip to give your horse the downtime they need. It is unrealistic to expect to participate in every show on the calendar with one horse, and it is likely to result in fatigue in your horse. Exhausted horses are more prone to injury or becoming arena sour, so it is vital to give them a balanced and realistic schedule for the year. A horse’s downtime should allow opportunities for him to be a horse. He needs to have lots of turnout, roll in the sand and interact with his conspecifics. All of this is valuable, not only psychologically but also physically.

Being proactive in the management of health conditions can save on the vet bills!

Beyond deciding which shows you wish to enter, it is a good idea, even at this early stage, to think about how many and which classes you want to take part in at any given show. Of course, this could change closer to the time, but having some idea in advance of how you wish to structure your competition schedule and build up throughout the year is good for both your own goal setting and setting a realistic trajectory for your horse over the next 12 months.

SHOW STRATEGY Another key element of show success is having a plan for time spent at the show. If you are scheduled to attend an away show, for instance, investing in a portable paddock in HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

advance could be a good idea to allow your horse to spend some time out in the sun rather than cooped up in his stable for the entire time at the away venue. Alternatively, practice walking your horse in hand now so that you can confidently do this while you are away to allow him to get some movement and mental stimulation outside of the competition arena. Another issue to consider is show nerves. If your horse is the anxious type, perhaps planning to attend a few lower-key shows earlier in the year, or visiting show venues without actually competing, could be a good starting point for 2022. If you take the time to work on these issues early on, you will have a better year all round.

TRAINING Plan your training in consultation with your coach. Think about how you want to build up through the year, and how much time off your horse will need in each week. Make sure your horse doesn’t work in the arena more than a few times a week, and try and create a plan that keeps his work as interesting for him as possible. Work out how regularly you will work on the high-level movements, or how often you will jump ‘big’, and stick to the plan unless your coach advises otherwise.

WATCH YOUR HORSE TROT UP REGULARLY It is a good idea to regularly trot your horse up throughout the year. Ask someone to run them for you and have a look at the regularity and symmetry of the gait. This allows early detection of issues and can prompt a call to the vet before the situation has become out of hand or more lasting damage has occurred. It, of course, goes without saying that if your horse does not look or feel 100% on a given day, you should not continue as usual and ‘hope for the best’ but instead proactively rest your horse and call your vet for advice. Similarly, you need to run your hands over your horse most days to check for any lumps and bumps. It is also a good idea to pick out the feet yourself and check for any changes. Picking up issues early on is the key to getting them fixed promptly, and avoiding too much time out. KEEP YOUR HORSE WELL HYDRATED Monitoring water intake is a very good habit to acquire. Not only does it allow you to assess if weather changes are affecting your horse’s drinking habits and proactively take action, but it also allows you to know how much he is drinking when away at a show. This knowledge not only helps to avoid colic but, at a performance level, poorly

Having a good idea how much water your horse normally consumes each day is very helpful.

HQ|157B

HORSE AND RIDER

hydrated horses will be more fatigued, so maintaining hydration status allows your horse to perform at his best. Start with this habit now, and by the end of the year next year, you’ll be your horse’s hydration expert!

NUTRITION The start of the year is a good time to evaluate your horse’s diet and work out if his needs are being met. If you have any doubts, chat with an equine nutritionist and get their take on the best way to manage your horse from a nutritional perspective. Over the course of the year, keeping a close eye on body condition score will give you a good indication as to whether the current diet plan is working for your horse.

LESSONS FROM HUMAN SPORTS Human sports training advises athletes to push harder on days they feel good and not push as hard on days they don’t. This is worth remembering with our horses. Training sessions don’t all need to build up and up, and some light days are of value, but even more than this, if your horse does not feel good on a particular day – don’t push him!

FINAL THOUGHTS Whilst it is impossible to account for every eventuality with our horses, being well prepared definitely gives you an advantage. Make sure that your year is planned out to give you and your horse the best chance of success, and, most importantly, make sure you are both fit and well enough to enjoy every minute of it! HQ|157B

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

HQ|157B

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

BUG BUSTER

BUILDING YOUR ARSENAL AGAINST INSECTS

he presence of flies and other biting insects has ramped up over the last couple of months, and many of us will have started to notice our horses’ distress at the re-emergence of these pests. Head shaking, stamping, tail swishing, biting, pacing and head-tossing are all signs that your horse is feeling irritated by the presence of the insects in their environment. Whilst many of us have unfortunately accepted the reality of insects living in a hot country with horses, it should be acknowledged that these insects can detract from the quality of life of our precious equids. It is also worth remembering that insect bites don’t just irritate your horse; their bites can cause welts and rashes, lead to insect bite hypersensitivity and even transmit diseases such as AHS. Insects can also affect your horse’s weight and hoof condition, as many horses experiencing irritation with flies will pace excessively, causing a loss in weight and excessive wear to the hooves. It is, therefore, our responsibility, as owners, to do all we can to minimise the disease risk and also the irritation caused by these insects. And, whilst we will never achieve a perfect insect-free scenario, we can certainly do a lot to reduce the presence of these pests, and most importantly, minimise their access to our horses. NOTE: Cullicoides midges, the vectors of AHS, are not dealt with as a specific entity in this article. Whilst most of the measures here can help to some extent in controlling them, the midge, their habits and the measures that best control them, will be the subject of a separate article next month.

HQ|157B

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

THE INSECT ARSENAL There are several products and options available for insect control. Here we look at the most common ones and the integrated role they should all play in keeping your horse as safe as possible from insects. FLY SPRAYS AND PRODUCTS There are a variety of commercially available fly sprays and products on offer. Some control pyrethrin (made from compounds that occur naturally in African chrysanthemum flowers), some contain pyrethroids (synthetic chemicals, including permethrin, that act like pyrethrins), some contain cypermethrin, and some contain natural products such as citronella. Some sprays are repellants, which simply stop the fly from landing on your horse. Others, typically containing permethrin, are lethal to insects, and the insect will die shortly after landing on the horse. Some contain combinations of fly sprays and repellants to combine the effects. But, whichever spray or product you choose, you need to bear the following in mind when applying it:

HOW LONG DO FLY SPRAYS LAST ON THE HORSE? The duration of action of most fly sprays depends on the environment. Many of these fly sprays decay faster outdoors than indoors due to exposure to UV rays. Degradation also occurs faster when horses are exposed to moisture, either from rain or sweat. To get some guidance on this, read the labels on your fly spray to see how they must be stored. This will give you some indication about the conditions in which they will break down and become ineffective most quickly, i.e. if your fly spray says to keep in a cool place out of direct sunlight, warmth and UV rays are likely to cause it to break down rapidly. WHERE TO APPLY FLY SPRAY? Another consideration when assembling your anti-bug armour is where to apply sprays. In each case, you need to think about where the insects normally attack and treat accordingly, although commonly each part of the horse needs some treatment.

HQ|157B

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

Stable flies, for instance, like to attack the legs so apply fly spray liberally to these areas. Insects also like moisture, so you’ll need protection around the horse’s face – particularly around the ears, eyes and nose. This shows the benefits of using a fly mask with good coverage, and also perhaps applying some of your insect spray with a sponge underneath the mask. The horse’s body is also a target for certain insects, particularly where their legs join their chest and around the udders of mares. However, you do need to be careful, particularly in these sensitive areas. If the mare is nursing a foal, it is, of course, an absolute no-no to spray the udder, and even in mares without foals spraying the udders can cause irritation. Instead, a good idea is to wipe spray on the inside of the mare’s legs to keep her comfortable. Genitals and wounds should also be avoided and sprayed around rather than directly sprayed themselves. Of course, it goes without saying that if you notice a reaction to any fly sprays or insect sprays, then you should discontinue its use immediately and choose an alternative option with different active ingredients.

MAXIMISING THE EFFICIENCY OF SPRAYS Insect spray isn’t cheap, so we want to make sure we get the best results from the least amount of product and time spent applying it. The most important point is to always start with a clean horse. Although you don’t need to bathe your horse before you spray, you do want to groom him to remove loose hair and dirt. Then, follow the manufacturer's label instructions for application. Some advise wiping versus spraying, while others advise brushing hair against its growth while spraying so the spray reaches hair roots and skin. Some advise wearing goggles to avoid contact with eyes, and some suggest wearing long sleeves and trousers or only spraying outdoors. Then, aside from how to spray it, you need to make sure you apply at the suggested frequency of the manufacturer. They have conducted the tests with their products and will be best placed to recommend the optimal frequency of application for maximal impact. HQ|157B

PHYSICAL BARRIERS Other options to maximise your horse’s comfort and minimise the access of insects to your horse are fly sheets, fly masks and fly leg-protectors. All of these have been found to be effective in reducing insect access, and provided your horse does not become too hot in them, they are good practical strategies that you can employ to act as physical (and in some cases chemical) barriers for your horse. BUG ON BUG WARFARE In recent years, fighting flies or other insects with insects has become a good option for horse owners wary of chemical use. The main options is fly predators, tiny wasps that don’t sting animals or people. These beneficial insects can easily control flies. Fly predators kill flies in their developing stages while they are in the ground. The female fly lays her eggs wherever she finds decomposing organic material, and in this material, the eggs hatch and become larvae, which eventually form a cocoon before hatching into the next generation. When you spread the fly predators in that area, the tiny wasps lay eggs in fly cocoons, thus stopping the adult fly from hatching. Fly predators must be replenished on a regular basis to ensure that you have the best fly control. They don’t become a nuisance and have a very short life span. INTEGRATED INSECT CONTROL Your goal is to keep your horse comfortable and diseasefree, which requires quite a lot of effort during the insect season. To this end, you might need to employ a variety

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

of techniques to both repel and kill insects. Fly sprays by themselves are not cure-alls. Fly control requires a comprehensive strategy, and the biggest component is simply good housekeeping. First on the housekeeping list needs to be manure management. Remove old bedding at least daily, and if you have old feed, put it on the manure pile as well. You must also pick up manure in the paddock every day or every two days to keep the outdoor population under control. Of course, you also need to make sure your manure heap is as far from the horses as possible. If you compost your own manure, turning it weekly encourages hot compositing, which kills immature houseflies and stable flies. If you are looking for alternative manure options, spreading manure out thinly can help to break up and dry out the flies' nests and decrease their presence. Another key element is looking out for standing water, as insects are attracted to moisture. Look out for leaking taps or buckets standing around with water in the bottom.

You also need to make sure that any food in the barn is kept covered. This is not only important for rats and other vermin but really can help to keep fly populations under control. Sprays for the stable can also help, whether applied directly or via misters, as do screens on stable openings where practical. Another good option is to install fans that blow the air away from the stable, as most insects struggle to fly against the air current of a decently powerful fan. Fly traps can also be effective, whether you choose fly paper or jars filled with attractants. You also want to avoid turn out at peak insect feeding times, so dawn and dusk in the case of mosquitos and the Cullicoides midge, which is responsible for AHS.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Our responsibility as horse owners is to keep our horses healthy, safe and comfortable. Building an effective insect fighting strategy does just that! HQ|157B

We are dedicated to socks. You won't want to wear anything else. Our riders agree.

www.calicoequestrian.com

PROUDLY MADE IN

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE

TEXT: CHRISTIE WOLHUTER

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE HORSES COMMUNICATING PREFERENCES

HQ|157B

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE Title: Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences Authors: Cecilie M. Mejdell, Turid Buvik, Grete H.M. Jørgensen and Knut E. Bøe Journal: Applied Animal Behavioral Science

t’s no secret that, here at HQ, we love a bit of scientific endeavour and can be massive science nerds when the mood takes us. To indulge our interests and try to share the science fun, we have decided to include a ‘Research Rapid Fire’ section to highlight the equestrian research we are finding interesting each month. We hope you enjoy getting your geek on as much as we do!

THE STUDY It is well known that horses are able to discriminate between visual cues and learn the relevance of one stimulus over another. However, researchers based in Norway wanted to explore whether the ability of horses to discriminate simple visual symbols could be extended. Specifically, they wanted to know if a horse could learn to associate a specific visual symbol with a corresponding outcome, and furthermore, make a choice regarding an outcome for their own comfort. THE METHOD A very common but still disputed management routine in the Nordic countries is the blanketing of horses in the cold weather. This is a debate experienced worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a tool to “ask” horses whether or not they preferred to wear a blanket or not, under different weather conditions. The participants were 13 ‘cold-blood’ horses (7 Norwegian Trotters, 3 Norwegian Dølehest, 2 Fjord Horses, 1 Icelandic Horse) and 10 ‘warmblood’ horses (6 Danish, German or HQ|157B

▲ Symbols were presented on white painted wooden display boards (35 × 35 cm). To the left, the horizontal bar meaning “put blanket on”, in the middle the blank board meaning “no change”, and to the right, the vertical bar meaning “take blanket off”.

Swedish Warmbloods, 3 Arabian or Arabian crossbreds, and 1 Thoroughbred). In total, there were 18 geldings and five mares. For the study, the horses were trained to see if later, when placed in a free-choice situation, they would be able to communicate whether they wanted a blanket put on or taken off or if they preferred the situation to remain unchanged, i.e. to leave the blanket on or leave it off. Success in training a free choice behaviour implies that the animal has learned and understands the options available and the consequences of the choice and makes his choice based on his own motivation, independent of the trainer and the reward offered. Positive reinforcement was the training method used, and training was carried out by a highly-skilled professional. For communication, the horses had to learn to use symbols. Three different symbols presumed to be nonaversive and unambiguous to horses were used. They were presented on white wooden display boards, measuring 35 × 35 cm, which could be hung up on a box wall or a fence. A board with a 5 cm wide vertical black bar meant “take blanket off”, and a board with a similar but horizontal bar meant “put blanket on”, and a white board without any markings meant “no change”.

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE

CATEGORY OPERANT REWARD BASED BEHAVIOUR

SYMBOL LEARNING

INTRODUCING FREE CHOICE

STEP

GOAL FOR THE STEP

1–4

Introduce display board. Horse touches the display board with muzzle

Horse touches the display board independently of board position (plasticity)

Horse moves towards the display board and touches it with muzzle

Horse moves towards the display board and touches it with nose independently of board position (plasticity)

5–8

Horse learns the difference between symbols “blanket on” and “blanket off”

Assessment: Check that the horse understands of the difference between symbols “blanket on” and “blanket off” in repeated exposures, by touching the display board with relevant symbol with his muzzle

Assessment: Check that the horse will touch the relevant symbol with muzzle after switching display board position

Assessment: Check if horse understands the difference between “blanket on” and “blanket off” symbols independent of position of display boards and context (plasticity)

9-10

Introduce “no change” symbol. Couple “no change” symbol with relevant change symbol, i.e. “blanket on” or “blanket off” depending on initial blanket state in a free choice setting. The horse is rewarded regardless of choice of display board touched

Assessment: Check the horse’s understanding of choice

HQ|157B

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE

Each horse was trained for two or three sessions per day, for 5–7 days a week, with each session lasting around 5 minutes. The training lasted for 14 days. The aim of steps 5 – 8 was to teach the horse the difference between the “blanket on” and the “blanket off” symbols. Only one display board was used at a time, always showing the opposite symbol; for example, the “blanket off” symbol if the horse already had a blanket on, and vice versa. So, a horse that was blanketed already would have to touch one board that represented “blanket off”. The trainer would immediately take the blanket off and reward. In the other training scenario, the horse would arrive with no blanket on and would be presented with a “blanket on” sign. Once the horse touched the sign, the trainer would immediately place the blanket on and reward.

HQ|157B

Therefore, when a specific symbol was presented, the horse learned to know what was going to happen when they touched the display board. All horses were accustomed to wearing a blanket at least under certain conditions, so they likely had experienced the effect of blankets. Nevertheless, to help horses to understand the consequences, challenge tests were carried out - first a heat test and then a cold test. The heat test was performed by putting on a thick blanket so the horse became obviously hot and then checking that he would touch the display board with the “blanket off” symbol. The cold test was done on a separate day, with challenging weather. It was performed by keeping the horse outdoors in rain or chilly weather, without a blanket, until he began to show signs of thermal discomfort (e.g. tense body posture,

RESEARCH RAPID FIRE

tail tucked), and thereafter checking that the horse chose the “blanket on” symbol.

RESULTS At the end of the training, horses were predicted to signal their preference, i.e. they preferred to wear a blanket during bad weather and stay without during nice weather. When 22 horses were tested on either of two sunny days with a relatively high ambient temperature (20–23 °C), all of the 10 horses wearing a blanket that day signalled that they wanted it taken off, and all of the 12 horses not wearing a blanket signalled that they wanted to stay unchanged, i.e. continue to be without a blanket. When the same 22 horses were tested on either of two days with continuous rain (ambient temperature 5 and 9 °C), all of the 10 horses wearing a blanket signalled that they did not want any change. Among the 12 horses not wearing a blanket, 10 asked for a blanket to be put

on, whereas 2 horses signalled that they wanted to stay unchanged (both of those horses were tested on the day where the temperature was 9 °C and raining). However, the same 2 horses touched the “blanket on” symbol on two other test days with perhaps even more challenging weather conditions (−12 °C, and 1 °C with sleet). In the free-choice situation, it is important to note that there was no right or wrong answer. Horses were rewarded for any answer they selected. By comparing choices made by the horses on days with nice weather to days with adverse weather conditions, the effects of randomness are reduced, suggesting that the horse’s touching of the display board was deliberate. The results, in fact, suggest that the horses not only became able to discriminate between the three symbols and associate each of them with a specific outcome, but that they also were able to understand the effect a change in blanketing status would have on their thermal well-being.

HQ|157B

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

GRAZING DANGERS MAKING HEALTH A PRIORITY

razing is an important part of a horse’s daily routine, but it isn’t entirely without risk. For some horses, grazing on too much rich grass can lead to laminitis, a painful, life-changing hoof disease that can be fatal in more severe cases. It occurs when the laminae – the tissues that suspend the coffin bone within the hoof capsule – become damaged and inflamed.

WHY IS GREEN GRASS A PROBLEM? So, what is it about green grass that proves such an issue for certain horses and ponies? It all comes down to the density of the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), which are the sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), starches and fructans that grasses produce during

photosynthesis. When a horse digests NSCs, his body breaks them down into glucose and fructose, which the small intestine absorbs. This results in an increase in blood glucose concentration that causes the insulin levels to rise. In horses that are predisposed to metabolic disorders, the baseline level of insulin circulating is already high. If, on top of this, these horses ingest a high amount of NSCs they will secrete very large amounts of insulin. Abnormally high baseline insulin levels can also be a feature of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), formerly known as equine Cushing’s disease.

HQ|157B

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

NOTE Some signs of high circulating insulin levels include hooves that grow faster than normal, abnormal fat deposits and ridges on the hooves.

SO CAN MY HORSE GRAZE? To determine how to manage horses on grazing, you must first identify which horses are most at risk of laminitis. The four factors that most predispose a horse to develop pasture-associated laminitis are: • Being an overweight good-doer • Being a pony • Having high circulating levels of insulin (a metabolic disorder) • Having had laminitis previously Some vets are suggesting to proactive owners that all horses over the age of approximately 15 get tested annually for metabolic conditions as most epidemiological studies are showing that it is the undetected metabolic

HQ|157B

disease that is implicated in most of the new cases of laminitis. Therefore, testing to accurately assess risk allows management of that risk.

TIPS FOR LOW-RISK HORSES If your horse has been tested for metabolic conditions and is negative, is getting plenty of exercise and isn’t on lots of concentrate feed, then managing his health is going to boil down to monitoring his body condition so you can make sure he isn’t consuming too much grass. However, even in this category of low-risk horses, you still need to watch out for those who never take a break from grazing or those who have suddenly moved into paddocks with grazing after the winter shortages. These are the horses who are likely to encounter issues, despite their low-risk profile.

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

TIPS FOR SUSCEPTIBLE HORSES Susceptible horses should have limited access to grazing or no grazing at all to be completely safe. At the very least, it is important that they only graze when forages are low in sugar. Sugar content is highest: • In immature grass (early spring and during re-growth) • During periods of cool nights and warm sunny days (spring) • After a hard freeze • During drought conditions • In the afternoons (typically) • When the grass has been stressed (for instance, by overgrazing) However, a key point to note is that whilst it is necessary in these equids to limit the amount of grazing and be careful about the time and type of grazing, the amount of movement should not be reduced. One option for achieving this is a grazing muzzle, as this restricts intake but allows the horse to keep moving. Other options include track systems, which can incorporate some pasture but also some dry areas with soaked hay. This limits the amount of grass the horse is given access to but keeps up their movement levels.

PASTURE MANAGEMENT Managing your horse’s pasture is another key way to reduce their risk of developing laminitis. Consider these steps: • Keep your pasture fertilised. There is a lot of research to show that grass deficient in nitrogen is higher in sugar, so if there isn’t enough nitrogen to create protein, the grass uses sugar to grow. Fertilise your pasture as often as needed, but of course, make sure to only re-introduce horses to the fertilised pasture once it is safe to do so. • Manage weeds. Weeds can be high in sugar. Clover, dandelions, thistles and other broad-leaf weeds are particularly problematic. • Don’t let the grass go to seed, or don’t allow grazing on grass that has gone to seed. The growth points where the seeds develop is where the sugar accumulates. As the grass starts to form seed heads, the portion of the plant that is highest in sugars is now elevated and easy for the horse to ingest. • Plant warm-season grasses if you have mild winters. Bermuda grass and teff don’t tend to accumulate as much sugar as cool-season grasses such as fescue. • Strip graze or divide your pasture into smaller areas or ‘strips’ that reduce the horses’ risk of overeating. As

HQ|157B

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

THE PROBLEM WITH PONIES Ponies should all be considered at risk of laminitis, whatever their metabolic status. Ponies evolved in harsh environments and often have higher insulin levels and metabolic rates as a starting point. Furthermore, they can eat twice as much as a horse can per unit of body weight, so even grass with a relatively low sugar content can be problematic for the pony. you move horses from one strip to the next, you can maximise the pasture usage without impacting its nutritional value. • Only allow susceptible horses to graze in ‘averagely mature paddocks’. It is important that horses predisposed to laminitis are only allowed to graze on mature grasses, but not those that have gone to seed. Immature grasses are high in sugar, and overgrazed (stressed) grasses are also high in sugars, so should both be avoided.

HQ|157B

FINAL THOUGHTS If you’ve determined that your horse is at low risk for developing laminitis, and you can manage pasture quality and quantity, then, by all means, give him access to it. Grazing is important for horses and can fulfil almost all their protein, calorific, and vitamin requirements. With high-risk horses, on the other hand, it is vital to remember that grazing risks are not only present in certain seasons and in very green grass. Every horse must be managed as an individual. If they have serious metabolic issues, it is better for their health to heavily restrict their grazing access or remove it altogether. Whilst this may feel ‘harsh’, it is certainly better than laminitis in the long run. Just remember to keep the horse moving and give him access to low-sugar forage 24/7 to meet his other needs.

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? CURRENT ESTIMATES SUGGEST THAT THERE ARE AROUND 60 MILLION HORSES IN THE WORLD.

HQ|157B

EQUIGOLD Premium Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen is a food supplement containing zero fillers, preservatives or artificial flavorants. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein and a blend of natural amino acids essential for strengthening and repairing connective tissue in the animal body. Collagen is an important protein source and vital building block of the animal body. It is the main constituent of all connective tissue which is beneficial in the presence of degenerative changes. It is crucial for healthy muscles, strong ligaments and tendons. Collagen supports joint lubrication as well as skin and coat health. Collagen is a nutritional supplement essential for cases of cartilage and tendon damage, arthritis and general stiffness. It is a naturally occurring protein essential for the repair and maintenance of healthy tissue which naturally degenerates with time. It is the main constituent of all connective tissues and has been shown to enhance the speed, absorption and efficiency of all Glucosamine based supplements.

Hoof, Skin & Coat Nutrition

Improves Circulation

Support Gut Health

Promotes Healing

Support Connective Tissue

Pure Collagen Hydrolysate (bovine) NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: 1 serving = 40-50g premium pure hydrolyzed collagen

FAT FREE

DAIRY FREE

HYPOALLERGENIC

SUGAR FREE

GLUTEN FREE

View & Shop Online: www.motherkindco.co.za Email us: aloha@motherkindco.co.za

Part 5

Anatomy

This diagram shows both the CNS and the PNS.

The Nervous System T

he nervous system consists of two parts: the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). The PNS comprises 54 pairs of nerves that connect either to the spinal cord or directly to the brain. The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord. Just as in humans, the brain acts as a central processor, linking connections to and from every part of the body. The connections are made in the nerve fibres, which branch off from the spinal cord and feed back into the spinal cord.

TWO TYPES OF FIBRES Two types of fibres transmit two different types of information. Firstly, sensory information relating to stimuli such as pressure, touch, pain, and temperature is relayed into the nervous system by sensory nerve cells; secondly, motor commands are sent out of the nervous system to the various skeletal muscles by motor nerve cells, thereby instigating movement.

HQ|157B

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

As an example of how this system works, you may touch your horse's leg to ask him to pick up his foot; the sensory nerves in the leg relay this message of touch to the brain, via the spinal cord, and the brain then sends instructions to the motor nerve cells in the leg muscles, which, in turn, lift the foot. Lifting the leg, in this context, is a voluntary action controlled by the horse, as the message goes through the brain, and the horse can receive the sensory information about the touch on the leg and choose whether to action the motor response or not.

REFLEX ACTIONS On the other hand, a reflex action is an action that happens involuntarily i.e. it takes place immediately and is outside the conscious control. For example, if the HQ|157B

horse's leg were to be pricked by something sharp, the sensory nerves in the leg would send the message via the spinal cord directly to the motor nerve controlling the leg muscles, which would move the leg. The brain is bypassed in a reflex action to make the process faster. Blinking, coughing and skin twitching are all examples of reflex actions.

THE AUTONOMIC SYSTEM A separate system, known as the autonomic system (which is part of the PNS), is responsible for maintaining bodily functions such as the heartbeat, respiration and digestion. The autonomic nervous system is entirely involuntary; these functions are not under the horse's conscious control. This system will be discussed in more detail in a future article.

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

THE BRAIN Although a horse's brain is relatively small (weighing approximately 650g) in relation to the size of his body, it is vital for life, as, without it, the rest of the body would be unable to function. The brain is well protected by the bones of the skull and sits within the cranial cavity. It is further protected and nourished by the membranes which line it, called the meninges. The brain can be divided into three areas: the forebrain, the midbrain and the hindbrain. • The forebrain comprises four areas: the cerebrum, the hypothalamus, the thalamus and the olfactory region. The cerebrum is at the front of the brain. It is the largest area, making up three-quarters of the brain's total size. The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres, just like in humans; it is responsible

The size of the horse’s brain.

for memory and processing sensory information, and it also controls hearing, vision and emotions. The hypothalamus is responsible for the processes which take place inside the body – such as temperature regulation and the secretion of hormones. The thalamus is where the neurons providing the brain with information about the horse's internal and

HQ|157B

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

external environment are located. The olfactory region is concerned with the horse's sense of smell and is found at the front of the brain. • The midbrain relays information from the outside world – such as sound, touch and light levels to the cerebrum, where the information is processed. • The hindbrain consists of three areas: the cerebellum, which controls balance and fine movement; the medulla oblongata, which links the spinal cord and the brain, controlling vital processes such as breathing and the heartbeat; and the pons, which acts as a link allowing communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

SUMMARY The brain and spinal cord (the CNS) and the 54 pairs of nerves (the PNS) all work together to create the fullyfunctional horse we see in front of us. Neurology is a complex topic, and we will be returning to it in future editions, but for now, this overview should provide a basic starting point for understanding the horse's nervous system.

Animal Feed, Fodder, Shavings & Supplements!

We strive to find the best quality all year round!

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

The form of a normal hoof.

TEXT: CHRISTINE PINNA

COMMON HOOF PROBLEMS IN PICTURES

re you able to tell if your horse has a hoof issue, or do you rely solely on your farrier, vet, groom or instructor to inform you if there is a problem? Would

you like to be able to tell if your horse has a hoof problem before you need a professional's help? If your answer is yes, then read on.

HQ|157B

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

UNDERRUN HEELS Underrun heels are defined by the angle of your horse's heel being less steep than that of his toe. Underrun heels are caused by poor development of the heels and are mostly seen in horses that are currently shod or have been shod previously. Neglected hooves and horses with poor body conformation or musculoskeletal issues may also be predisposed to underrun heels. Allowing the horse to be barefoot with a correct trim that allows for proper frog stimulation can prevent underrun heels, while hoof boots and pads may be necessary to help improve already present underrun heels by offering support to the weakened back of the hoof. Underrun heels

Contracted heels

Normal heels

CONTRACTED HEELS Identified by a crevice or "butt crack" between the heel bulbs, contracted heels are another condition most often caused by shoeing or leaving heels too long, reducing natural frog pressure. A predisposition to having upright hoof angles and living in an unhygienic environment in combination with this can further worsen things making contracted heels even more likely to occur. Taking your horse barefoot and treating the infection between the heel bulbs over several weeks can eradicate the problem.

HQ|157B

H O R S E A N D H E A LT H Thrush is visible here in the central sulcus and collateral grooves.

THRUSH Apart from dirty stables and paddocks, a high sugar and mineralimbalanced diet can also cause or aggravate thrush issues. For best results, it is important to improve the condition of your horse's environment while also assessing his diet and using a topical disinfectant. Of course, daily or twice daily hoof cleaning also goes a long way to help prevent thrush.

Seedy toe

SEEDY TOE Another condition that is typically thought to be linked to poor hygiene, seedy toe, is quite possibly more of a dietary issue. Seedy toe can occur in wet and dirty environments as well as seemingly clean and dry environments. It usually responds very well to a low sugar diet with sufficient amounts of copper and zinc added to the diet. Consult with a nutritionist who is clued up on the harmful effects of excess iron on hoof and general body health. Many feeds and supplements contain added iron which can cause or worsen the copper and zinc imbalance, which makes growing strong hooves and a healthy coat impossible. Combining a suitable topical treatment with the right diet should improve or eradicate the condition over a few months.

HQ|157B

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

A club foot

CLUB FOOT A horse can have either a congenital or an acquired club foot. The former is caused by genetics or nutritional issues in utero, while the latter is generally caused by trauma which changes the horse's way of going, therefore resulting in altered hoof conformation. Depending on the severity of the problem as well as the age of the horse, you may be able to help your horse with the assistance of your vet, hoofcare provider, physiotherapist and nutritionist.

The exit point of an abscess in the hoof.

ABSCESS While some abscesses can be caused by stepping on a stone where a horse has thin soles, others seem to happen unusually frequently where the horse is on typically soft going. These abscesses can be linked to toxicity in the horse's body or something more sinister like a hoof infection. I always try to soak or poultice the hoof to encourage the abscess to drain naturally before considering anything more invasive. If you suspect your horse may have toxicity problems, you could chat to your vet about performing a liver or kidney function test that may pick up more severe issues. A good herbalist can also assist with herbs to improve liver and kidney function while cleansing the body.

HQ|157B

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

Event lines

A hoof without event lines.

EVENT LINES Event lines are horizontal growth rings that are present on most horses' hooves. Event lines show us that something has happened in the horse's system, causing a temporary and most often negative effect on his hooves. Multiple minor event lines may signify sugar sensitivity, whereas more severe and irregular event lines usually indicate a more dramatic and isolated event such as a major feed change, abscessing, reaction to a dewormer, medication or vaccine, or illness such as colic or biliary etc. The hoof growth above a passing event line is usually much stronger than the hoof growth below it, which will become weakened and predisposed to cracking and chipping while it grows out.

To learn more about event lines, visit page 76 of the July HQ digital magazine.

LEARN MORE Do you want to know even more? Due to popular demand, we have recently started presenting the theory part of our barefoot trimming course online. This course is suitable for the average horse owner wanting to know the ins and outs of hoof care as well as anyone wanting to know more about the barefoot trim. Our course will also help you gain sufficient knowledge to help your horse have a smooth barefoot transition. Our first online Hoofcare Course is currently underway, with a second course starting on 16 January 2022. For more information or to register please visit https:// www.caballo.co.za/online-hoofcare-course.

HQ|157B

Your equine insurance partner.

VIP Equine Policy (Veterinary Insurance Policy) •

Covers your horse for unexpected accidents and illness veterinary expenses

•

Overall annual limit of R120,000

•

Only 2 sublimits: R10,000 for lameness and R15,000 for dentistry

•

All other accident and illness expenses only subjected to the annual limit

•

3 month waiting period for illness and lameness, immediate cover for accident

•

No waiting period if you move from another similar policy provided nothing pre-existing

•

Lifelong cover provided the policy incepts before 19 years of age

Ts and Cs apply

To be part of the Hollard Equipage family, contact us on: To be part of the Hollard Equipage family, contact us on: Tel: 011 468-4235 or 083 377 2705 Tel: 011 468-4235 or 083 377 2705 | Email: equipage@hollard.co.za Email: equipage@hollard.co.za

travel • agriculture • trucking • business

Underwritten Hollard Insurance Company No. 1952/003004/06), Underwritten by by TheThe Hollard Insurance Company LimitedLimited (Reg. No.(Reg. 1952/003004/06), Licensed Non-Life Insurer and an authorised Financial aaLicensed Non-Life Insurer and an authorised Financial ServicesServices Provider Provider

hollard.co.za

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? Horses have ten different muscles in their ears. These muscles allow them to rotate their ears nearly 180 degrees and move their ears independently of each other. By way of contrast, humans only have three muscles in their ears.

HQ|157B

MILMAC MEAL Our Milmac Meal is a no-fuss, economical, 12% maintenance muesli. Each bag contains only the best ingredients which include vitamins, minerals and probiotics to aid in gut health. Milmac Meal is suitable for all breeds of ponies and horses with a light to moderate work regime. Milmac Meal is available in 40kg bags.

For more information or to order WhatsApp/Call : +27 83 646 8952 Email: sales@milmac.co.za Plot 274, Cedar Road, Chartwell, Johannesburg

www.milmac.co.za

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW The average 450kg horse drinks a minimum of 20 litres of water a day, often much more than this if the weather is warm. Your horse needs 24/7 access to cool, fresh water, which may require moving your water sources into the shade and daily cleaning of the water containers. One of the biggest health issues horses suffer from in summer is dehydration, causing colic. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the lowest priority organ, so when your horse is even slightly dehydrated, the body sends the fluid to the highest priority organs first, which leaves the GI tract very dehydrated. When this happens, it slows down and doesn't work to move the food and gas. If not addressed, this can be incredibly uncomfortable and can lead to impactions and displacements.

? HQ|157B

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

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? Horses have a relatively fixed pelvis, so they cannot do the splits, unlike (some) humans. Horses do have some lateral movement, though, which is why they are able to scratch their ears with their hind feet.

HQ|157B

For more information, please contact Jan on 082 880 2353 or email him on jan@equiconnect.co.za

If you are riding a horse or pony you love, you have already won.

WHAT DO WE DO? Here at EquiConnect, we specialise in finding the right equine partners for the right people. We take extreme care in matching our buyers to the most suitable and appropriate horse or pony for their needs and abilities. We also acknowledge that the role of the seller is a difficult one. Moving on a much-loved partner to the next chapter in their journey with a new owner is often both challenging and emotional. We, therefore, commit to investing our time and effort in ensuring that the horse or pony being sold goes to the best possible home, where he or she is secured a happy future.

Rivervale's Be Diplomatic Age: 10 Height: 16hh Gender: Gelding Breeding: SAW Current level of performance: Be Diplomatic is competing successfully at 90cm and has done some eventing. For sale: R230,000 About: Whilst he has not competed much over the years due to financial constraints, Be Diplomatic has tremendous potential to be an Open Showjumper. Rideability: Be Diplomatic is a strong, forward going, compact gelding with a big canter and lots of jumping scope. He needs a skilled and confident rider to give him that confidence and support to realise his true potential.

Capital Callahan Age: 12 Height: 16.2/16.3hh Gender: Gelding Breeding: Capital Chicoletto Z x Quidam de Revel Current level of performance: Capital Callahan jumped in the 1.30m classes last year and is now in the 1.20m classes For sale: R230 000 About: Capital Callahan would be a great horse for a junior or adult wanting to jump up to 1.20m and have some fun! He is brave, honest and scopey and has visited all the major show venues in South Africa. As if this was not enough, he has the sweetest personality! Rideability: He is very well schooled and amazing on outrides. He boxes well, stands in cross ties etc – there isn’t much you can’t do with him.

Fair Cloud Gloriana Age: 11 Height: 16hh Gender: Mare Breeding: Thoroughbred (Dynasty x Badgerland) Current level of performance: Gloriana does not have a show record in any discipline, except for some in-hand showing. She’s well-schooled, ready and prepared to compete. She has jumped 1m at home and jumps at this height with ease. For sale: R70 000 About: Gloriana has a super temperament and is a good all-rounder. She is sweet, kind, very tolerant and eager to please. Rideability: Gloriana is a very nicely schooled mare, yet needs a kind, considerate rider with good hands and a soft feel. She shows a good jump and would make an ideal first junior horse for someone who needs a bold and tolerant equine partner to participate in most disciplines.

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Bandaging can help to redistribute the fluid.

My horse’s legs swell when he stands overnight in his stable but go back to normal after exercise or some time in the paddock. Why does this happen? Your horse’s lower limbs can become swollen overnight due to the lack of movement. Horses circulate blood around their bodies through movement; the action of their hooves contacting and pushing off the ground pumps blood back up their legs, and this improved circulation stops fluid pooling in the tissues. Therefore, reduced movement affects the

circulation and lymphatic drainage of the lower limb, causing an accumulation of fluid within the tissues, making them appear swollen. Increased turnout and movement can help reduce fluid build-up, and bandaging overnight can sometimes help redistribute the fluid that does build up. If the swelling resolves, as you describe, with turnout and movement, then it is likely not anything to worry about and is, in fact, a very common finding. However, if the swelling remains and doesn’t go down completely, it may indicate a problem. In these cases, you should contact your vet to discuss the situation.

HQ|157B

Q&A

Some horses have no problem with water!

NOTE Do not expect to get your horse comfortable with a big body of water on the first attempt, and don’t ‘get after him’ to get him into the water out of frustration. Ultimately forcing a horse to do something they are afraid of creates so much stress that they are no longer learning, so whilst you may feel that ‘once they are in the water they will realise they are fine’, they, in fact, don’t have the capacity to learn this at the levels of stress required to ‘force’ them into action. Time and patience are of the essence with these things and remember that they are not being naughty, but instead, they just need to develop trust in you and what you are asking them to do.

My horse hates water, even tiny puddles. What can I do to make him more confident? Lots of horses are wary of putting their feet into a puddle because their visual system is set up in such a way that depth perception is limited. Essentially, they don’t know how deep the water is, and they are afraid that what they are seeing is a deep hole rather than a shallow puddle. This understandably makes some horses a little nervous. With these nervous horses, the trick is to take your time to build their confidence until they are happy to navigate smaller and then bigger sections of water. This takes time, but once your horse has mastered it, provided there are no incidents

HQ|157B

associated with water in the future, they will be water babies for life. When starting, only focus on small bodies of water, like puddles. If your horse can get a little bouncy under saddle, it may be worth starting on the ground first to give your horse a bit more confidence. Reward your horse every time he shows some curiosity about the water, and make a big fuss of him if he manages to put a foot in it, or better yet, walk through it. Take a stepwise approach until you can walk him through puddles on his back, and then you can move on to the next step. The next step is to start practising on bigger bodies of water. Again, you need to break this down into steps and reward each improvement. One thing to try is leading your horse into the water, as being alongside

them can definitely help to keep them calm. It can also be beneficial to recruit friends for this part of the process. Your horse will be much happier following other horses into the water rather than going in first and alone. Once in the water, allow your horse to do whatever they want (aside from rolling with your tack on!). If they want to just stand still, let them, and if they want to play, splash and put their nose down, again, just allow. Never practice in deep water or anywhere you are unsure of the footing – you want to avoid frightening your horse, especially if he is already nervous. The trick here is to go slowly and gradually increase the challenge. If you reward him for his efforts and do your best to make the process fun, you will find that his confidence grows and grows.

Q&A

My horse always seems to work with his mouth open, even when he’s working in a frame. Is this a problem? Do I need to worry? Some people do say that there are horses who prefer to work with their mouths slightly open, but this is fairly unusual, and as it is not a behaviour generally seen in these horses in the paddock, it seems unlikely that it is not a display of some degree of stress or discomfort. There are a variety of potential causes for your horse working in this way, and it is worth having a look at all of the following to see if you can find the root cause of the problem: • Check that your horse’s teeth are in good condition and that there is nothing happening in his mouth that could be causing him pain. • Ask your vet or equine veterinary physiotherapist to check your horse to ensure that he is not sore somewhere in his body. • Ensure that your bit fits correctly. If your horse is sensitive and avoiding the bit, consider a softer option, such as one with a lozenge or a rubber mouthpiece. It could also be that the bit is too big for your horse’s mouth and is causing discomfort despite being a ‘gentle’ bit. You should ideally contact a bit specialist

You need to try and find the cause of the mouth opening.

for assistance with this. • A tight noseband or flash noseband can cause your horse to lean into pressure or create discomfort with the bit, and this can lead to the opening of the mouth. Check that your noseband and flash are not too tight. • Consider trying an anatomical bridle to fit your horse’s head in a different and potentially more comfortable way. • Ask your instructor to ride your horse and see if he still opens his mouth. If not, it might be that you are too hard with your hands and that your horse is opening his mouth in resistance to the pressure you are exerting on him. You can also try working on a long rein to see if your horse continues to open his mouth. If he does, then it suggests the issue is not due to pressure on the bit per se and is coming either from elsewhere in the body or the mouth itself or that the bit is the wrong fit. • Check saddle fit as this is another common source of pain in the ridden horse that can create

other signs of discomfort like mouth opening. Once you have ruled out all of the above and had a thorough discussion with your vet and instructor about the issue, try to continue training but with a soft, consistent contact every time. Don’t go into gaits or do exercises where you are unbalanced and might jerk him in the mouth, and try and work on your own strength so that you know you are riding independently and not leaning on your hands. It may be that your horse will naturally begin to relax and feel happier in his mouth over time with correct training. Finally, it is important that you always keep looking for potential causes, and the second you see something that might explain the issue, speak to your vet or the relevant professional.

HQ|157B

Q&A

inside of the legs, usually around the knees. This is why they are sometimes also known as knee patch breeches. The grip doesn’t cover your whole legs, making your seat in the saddle a little more flexible. However, the grip on the inside of the legs still offers stability to the knees and thighs. This type of breeches is often used by show jumpers or other riders who want a more flexible seat in the saddle. NO GRIP Breeches without grip have become more and more common in recent years thanks to their high comfort, functionality and adaptability. Breeches without grip are the perfect choice for long, active days at the stable!

I’m looking to get some new breeches for riding at home. Which style should I opt for? Do I choose full or half seat breeches or riding tights? This is really up to you and your personal preferences. There is a huge selection available on the market at the moment, and it can be overwhelming to try and choose which pair is most suitable for you and your riding needs; not only do you have to choose a colour and a design, you also have to think about the material, the grip and the function. It’s great to have a wide range of products to choose from, but sometimes it can also make it challenging to find the right

HQ|157B

breeches that suit you and your riding style. FULL SEAT Full seat means that the grip covers the whole of your inside leg and seat. Full seat breeches give a firmer grip in the saddle and help you have a more stable seat as a rider. That’s one of the reasons why full seat breeches are particularly popular among dressage riders. It is often recommended that riders buy a pair of full seat breeches at the beginning of their riding careers because the breeches offer extra stability and a better grip in the saddle. HALF SEAT Unlike full seat breeches, half seat breeches only have grip on the

RIDING TIGHTS Riding tights have been designed using lightweight, technical fabric and can be cooler during hot weather. There are, however, only some riding tights that are suitable for competition, so be sure to check that they do conform to your discipline’s rules before investing. Riding tights are now available in plain, knee patch and full seat options. FINAL THOUGHTS Ultimately, when it comes to choosing a pair of breeches, there is no right or wrong. The most important thing is that you find a pair that fits your personal taste and that fits with your type of riding. If possible, go to the nearest tack shop and try on a few pairs to see which you like best. It really all comes down to finding a style that offers you the best performance, comfort and fit.

Products we love Shopping fun

Aktiv Equine Fly Care Kit

Summer is here and with it comes flies and pesky biting insects! Is your fly season kit ready? Designed to deter flies, ticks and midges, the Aktiv Equine fly prevention range has your horse covered: • F lyTek Ultra Repellent with DEET is proven to deter Culicoides biting midges which cause African Horse Sickness • Enviro Spray is an all-natural fly repellent spray • Enviro Gel is an all-natural fly repellent gel • Stick-It Fly Tape is used in stables and common areas for fly management • Garlic Powder is a natural repellent when added to the horse’s diet (in managed amounts - always follow feeding instructions) Available at Western Shoppe and select resellers. Learn more about the Aktiv Equine fly prevention range at www.westernshoppe.com

100

HQ|157B

Kingsley Saddles The Kingsley Saddlery manufactures bespoke saddles to the highest standards. The steel suspended tree allows a natural and dynamic movement of the horse. Their saddles are made of the finest leather and can be aesthetically tailored to your taste. The stitching, piping and cantle can all be altered to the colours of your choice. For more information on Kingsley Saddles, speak to HorseBox Equestrian – stockists of Kingsley Saddles in South Africa. Steel-suspended tree The flexible tree adjusts perfectly to the horse's back and offers increased comfort to both horse and rider. Top quality leather Only the best leather is used to manufacture Kingsley Saddles to ensure the sustainability of the product. Anatomically shaped panels The innovative panels enable the horse to lower his hindquarters more easily while providing optimal support and pressure distribution. 100% wool flocking The panels are filled with 100% natural wool. Wool is more sustainable than synthetic materials and will not shift. Uniquely shaped sweat flaps The uniquely shaped sweat flaps ensure optimal development and additional freedom of movement for the horse. Additional comfort An additional foam layer in the seat ensures increased comfort for the rider.

HQ|157B

101

H I N D Q U A RT E R

PRIDEY’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Dear readers, It is my greatest hope that you had a wonderful Christmas. My mother excelled herself this year with a range of topquality products for yours truly, so I’m a happy camper for once. I don’t know what came over her, maybe a smidge too much champagne, but her generosity and appreciation were, for the very first time, of an acceptable standard. In return for her kindness, I have decided to make her next 12 months a little easier. Naturally, there are terms and conditions, and if she forgets to admire me sufficiently or the Woolworths carrots run out, I will revert to my old ways, but here are the three commitments I have made to her for the year ahead: 1. I will write a monthly column to ensure HQ Magazine remains in business. I am aware that I am the biggest attraction, and the magazine is nothing without me. While I have always delivered up to this point, I do tend to create a little stress each month by treating, as my mother would say, ‘deadlines as mere guidelines’. I shall endeavour to be ready promptly with my artistic masterpieces in 2022 (dependent on the aforementioned conditions). 2. I will be nice to the stable manager for at least six of the seven days each week. My mother will be pleased

102

about this one, as she is called in at least weekly for a ‘chat’ about my behaviour. On the few occasions when she has pleaded with me to ‘hold it together,’ I have naturally taken my mischief to new heights. Still, for 12 months ONLY I shall refrain from doing this (again, provided the aforementioned conditions are met). I’m uncertain yet as to how I will occupy myself if I cannot escape, demolish and generally run riot, but I’m sure I’ll find something worthy of my attention. 3. I will offer one drama-free ride each week. I can’t guarantee how the others will pan out, but I will refrain from any skullduggery for one whole ride each week. Alas, I am not in a position to allow my mother to select the ride, as I am a free spirit and tend to go where the mood takes me. However, I shall endeavour to have at least one ride a week where my mother does not ‘bite the dust’ (again, dependent on the aforementioned conditions). I’m sure you’ll agree that I’ve been remarkably generous, and some of you may even be concerned as to what I will write about if my behaviour is restricted in this fashion… But, fear not, I have some plans up my sleeve for 2022 that I should hope will keep you all suitably entertained. Over and out, Pridey xxx

HQ|157B

HELMETS Safety, comfort, design, technical performance and elegance are combined to create the perfect helmet.

www.tackntogs.co.za Tel: (011) 468 1824 or 0861 midfeeds Emergency: 082 499 8684 Email: midfeedspty@mweb.co.za Address: 63 Karee Rd, Cr of Main Road, Blue Hills, Kyalami.

NEXT ISSUE

1st February 2022 www.hqmagazine.co.za

104

HQ|157B

Lose a hobby, gain a paion

Merlynn Trichardt 079 317 4556 | merlynn.bester15@gmail.com

HQ Magazine Issue 157B

Articles inside

Planning a successful show season

Pridey’s New Year’s Resolutions

Grazing dangers

Bug Buster

Summerhill Equestrian

Improving your training

Mare of the month

Danone Z

Tarryn Stebbing