Spotlight on up-and-coming stableyards

SPOTLIGHT ON UP-AND-COMING

STABLEYARDS

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

THOMAS REYNECKE SHARES HIS DREAMS AND GOALS FOR HIMSELF AND HIS NEW STABLEYARD, BILAVADU STABLES

The equestrian industry is forever growing and changing, and new generations of young equine professionals are always on the rise. It's a challenging sport to break into, and only the most talented and committed make the cut. Thomas Reynecke is one such professional, and today we shine the spotlight on him and his journey thus far.

Thomas, a Johannesburg native, was on the back of a horse by age three and already in lessons at Kellow Park at age five. It's fair to say that the bug bit him early, and he's been hooked ever since. At an astonishingly young age, Thomas has already opened his own stableyard; has a string of competitive horses in both showjumping and dressage; and is dreaming some big dreams for the future. We caught up with Thomas so that he could give us some of the inside information on his plans.

HQ: Tell us a bit about yourself. Thomas: From the first time I rode, I knew I was hooked. I was adopted as a baby, and my parents owned horses, though they sold them when they had kids. I never came from a wealthy background and just rode any horse I was given. The difficult school ponies taught me a great deal, and I learned quickly to stay in the saddle. I didn't compete as a pony rider and started my competitive career at SANESA with a wonderful horse called Quick Step. It was there that I found my love for competition. I wrote up a budget, met with yard owners, and did lots of research. Eventually, I managed to convince my parents to buy me a horse. I started coaching shortly after that, and I've been expanding ever since.

HQ: What motivated you to open your own stableyard? Thomas: I've always wanted my own yard. When I was a child, I created a 'home stableyard' in my garden (my poor parents) and spent hours jumping over buckets in my garden and caring for my 'string' of hobby horses. I started my studies, got my qualifications, shadowed yard owners, and attended countless clinics and seminars. When I got a gut feeling that the time was right, I opened Bilavadu Stables. HQ: Tell us about your yard. What is the atmosphere like, and what is your focus as the owner? Thomas: It's important to me that Bilavadu is a place where horses are heard and always come first. We never take the 'horse' out of our horses. I treat each horse as an individual and pay close attention to their personality and characteristics (left brain extrovert, right brain introvert, etc.). It just makes it so much easier to work with a horse's mind so we can really establish a rapport and be on the same team. Partnerships between horses and riders should not be autocratic but rather harmonious and symbiotic. Each horse in the yard receives regular physio, chiro, and shockwave therapy, as keeping them comfortable and pain-free is vital.

Bilavadu must feel like a home away from home, and a safe space for horses, clients, and staff alike. I don't tolerate bullying or negative, demoralising behaviour. We are a team, and we support each other through all the highs and lows. Our yard is like a family; it's very special.

Keep an eye out for Thomas and his string of horses, including Serengeti Rain, a four-yearold owned by Robyn Chislett, and Solar Signal, a 13-year-old gelding owned by Natalie Shuttleworth and currently competing in the 1m classes.

HQ: What difficulties have you faced on your journey so far? Thomas: Being a young, black male, especially growing up in the industry, has been challenging. Sadly, sometimes I'm immediately looked down upon or assumed to be a 'charity case' simply because of the colour of my skin. This motivated me to work harder and be consistent in my approach to my goals. The truth is, not everybody is going to believe in you, but if you believe in yourself, you've already won half the battle. Don't underestimate the power of the mind.

HQ: Tell us about your coaching style. Thomas: I absolutely love coaching, particularly riders who have heart, feel, and are willing to learn. I strongly believe in being positive and encouraging in my approach, and I will not tolerate cruelty to the horse. The lesson experience must be positive for both horses and riders.

HQ: Give us some insight into some of your current team. Thomas: We have a real mixed bag at Bilavadu at the moment, with some up-and-coming junior riders at the helm. We have young, talented horses coming up the ranks, as well as some schoolmasters I produced myself, ready and willing to pass on their knowledge to their riders. We have dressage riders, showjumpers, and showing riders, and I've even evented a little myself. Our grooms, Amos Wilikani, Phiri Josephy, and Brave Moyo, are incredibly knowledgable, passionate about horses, and invested in the successes of our horses and riders. Brave jumps every jump and rides every movement with you at shows.

HQ: What are your goals for your yard moving forward? Thomas: My goals are to keep on growing, expanding, and, most importantly, learning. Nothing is more rewarding than putting smiles on faces and instilling a genuine love of horses. Regardless of where this journey takes me, I will keep riding for the love of the horse. Hopefully, we'll have riders of all disciplines with us in the future, all riding for the love of it and kicking butt in the process.

HQ: And your goals for yourself, as a rider in your own right? Thomas: My goal for myself is to keep doing whatever is in my power to ensure and maintain my horses' maximum comfort, joy, and relaxation. Competitively, it would be a dream to jump in the 1.50m classes one day.

HQ: Do you have any tips for people who are looking at working with horses in the future? Thomas: Knowledge is power. The more you know about how a horse thinks, sees, and even perceives things, the more effective your training will be. Even knowing about what colours horses can see can make a big difference to your training, so don't neglect the small things. Keep the horse's well-being at the forefront of your training, and be patient. You'll see the results.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY

DERBY FEVER IN BLACK & WHITE

PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY

DERBY FEVER IN BLACK & WHITE

SMART SHOW PRODUCTS

MAKE THE SMART CHOICE!

SMART KEEP CALM

A calming paste that contains natural amino acids (L-tryptophan) and vitamin B1 to help your horse remain calm and focused in the arena, on the track and in the trailer. SMART COOLING CLAY

A clay that contains bitter orange extract which has disinfectant qualities. It helps to alleviate the stiffness and soreness associated with exercise. SMART COOLING GEL

A gel designed to aid in the relief of stiffness and soreness associated with exercise. It contains arnica extract which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and a blend of natural oils to promote healing.

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.

DERBY FEVER IN BLACK & WHITE

PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY