HQ Magazine Issue 164C by hqmagazine

DIGITAL ISSUE 164C | 2023

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Cover horse: Khan owned by Annie Palmer Cover photography: Amy White Media

Hello! Welcome to this month’s HQ Digital publication. We’re thrilled to have you here with us for another exciting issue filled with equestrian entertainment. In this edition, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Khan's captivating story – the stunning cover horse owned by Annie Palmer and beautifully captured by the talented Amy White. You can also expand your knowledge on neck conformation and the essential elements to look out for when choosing a horse. Then, we have the pleasure of sharing the recent triumphs of both Shannay Marais and George Coutlis in the showjumping arena, as well as a guide to free jumping and loose movement as tests of the young horse. Essentially, there's something for everyone here! As we approach the year's end, the HQ office is abuzz with preparations for another print edition, the collection of content for our HQ Digital editions

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in December and January, as well as a plethora of festive content in the works. But alongside all of that, we're looking forward to enjoying the remaining equestrian events and taking some time to relax with our beloved horses during the holiday season. For now, we hope you enjoy this edition and stay tuned on socials for announcements about the release date of our next print! Until next time!

Lizzie and xxx the HQ team Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor

Designer | Mauray Wolff

DIGITAL ISSUE 164C | 2023

CONTENTS As seen on the cover Khan

First World Cup win! George Coutlis and Callaho Lord Cris

SA Junior Derby 2023 Shannay Marais and Assegai Quickstep

The World Cup Qualifier Series

Easy-keepers

In numbers

Managing the good-doer

The Compleat Horse 2023

Crucial conformation

Martini Pixel and Claire Martin

Part 8: The neck angle

Pro-Dressage

AskHQ

With Sabine Schut-Kery

Your equestrian questions answered

Recovering after a fall

Products We Love

Rebuilding your confidence

Shopping fun

Free-jumping and loose-movement The who, what, how and why…

Improving your horse's suppleness Transitions on circles 4

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C O V E R S T O RY

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C O V E R S T O RY

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY WHITE MEDIA

AS SEEN ON THE COVER KHAN Khan, owned by Annie Palmer, is a Thoroughbred bred by Coup De Grace out of Dark Journey, who is by Black Minnaloushe.

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"I had Blubby since he was four, and he passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly at 11 years old. I'd only ever had horses who had been old and became sick, so we'd euthanized them, but Blubby's death was entirely unexpected. Blubby was going to come to Australia with us, and I had fantasies of my children riding him on the farm in Australia. So, when Blubby died, I went into a very deep depression and became very unwell. He really was my heart horse. After a month of this, Laura Scruton called me. She loved Blubby, too. She said she couldn't stand to see me in this state and that she was going to come to work with me. I work with racehorses, and she came to all the yards with me. She has a very, very good

eye for Thoroughbreds as sporthorses. She takes it all into account - from conformation to temperament and everything in between. It was actually Laura who picked my Junior horse, with whom her daughter competed first. He was my top competitive horse and got me into the team. Anyway, we went to five different trainers, and she looked at various horses that were coming off the track. The last trainer we went to was Tony Rivalland, and I was treating a horse called Desolate Road, who is Khan's brother and was stabled opposite him. Laura was sitting on a bag of shavings outside Khan's stable, and he was loving her and giving her kisses. She told me she liked Khan, so she asked Tony to trot him out. She came back and told me that we were fetching him on Sunday, so that is how I came to have Khan.

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C O V E R S T O RY

Ultimately, I met Khan when I was in a very dark place, but having a horse in that stable in that barn again gave me a reason to go down there again and continue with the routine I've had since I was eight years old. I go down and check him in the morning, and I do the night check. Having a horse again has kept me motivated. It makes me want to get back to see him and earn good money to care for him in the way he needs to be looked after. Mandy Prince actually put it best when she said I needed something to love again and something to care for. And when you've had horses your whole life, you can't just cut them out, especially when you've lost one so tragically. There's just this huge hole that's left in your life. My animals are like my children. Losing Blubby was probably the greatest heartache I've ever known, and Khan has brought me out of that deep, dark, ugly place. Just how gentle, sweet and forgiving he is makes me want to be a better person every day.

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He's also brought new things into my life. He's opened my eyes to Liberty now, which he is so good at and loves. We also event, and he's placed at all his shows and won two, and we're doing SA Champs in November in the 70cm class."

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"There's also a ten-year-old girl who has been riding him with me and won her first eventing show on him. My long-term goal is for Khan to come to Australia with me, but in the meantime, he has this little girl and family that will love him. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him and his markings. I've never liked the flashy horses, and sure enough, I've ended up with the flashiest oke. A lot of kids ask me about his marking, and I tell them that he was a unicorn sent from heaven by Blubby and that his horn fell off when he landed on earth. The hair grew back dark in the scar because the opposite of what happens for horses happens for unicorns.

He is one of the biggest blessings in my life. He is a safe place. He is a friend. He's my motivation. I strive to be the person my animals think I am, and I think Khan thinks I'm pretty awesome. So yes, he's just my perfect pony!"

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C O V E R S T O RY

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HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST WORLD CUP COUTLIS AND WIN! GEORGE CALLAHO LORD CRIS T

he final leg of the World Cup Qualifier series saw a field of 16 combinations through the start flags. Some of these were seasoned contenders, and others stepped up for the first time, such as Leona van der Merwe and the lovely Hey I’m Wilma, as well as Jenna Odell and Callaho Lord Cassini, who both had solid rounds. Experience won out, however, with our more practised combinations making it through to the second round.

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HORSE AND RIDER

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HORSE AND RIDER

The first combination to go in the first round was Nicola Sime-Riley and Sunny Park Stables Insaghi DB, who made light work of the track but came home with a single time fault. George and NCT’s Callaho Lord Cris were third to go and pulled out the first clear round! The following few riders found one or two poles along the way, and the next and only other clear came from Ashlee Healy and Hausberger’s Eldo. This meant that the fastest four-faulter would make up the 25% that would progress to the jump-off. Unsurprisingly, this was the always neat and speedy combination that is Hannah Garton and PMH Pollyanna.

First to go in the second round were Hannah and Polly, who pulled off an exceptionally quick clear coming home in 48.47s, adding pressure to the remaining riders. Nicola jumped clear as well, but some four seconds off Hannah’s time. She went into the lead on the one penalty from the first round, so the remaining riders had to jump clear. Ashlee and Eldo, unfortunately, had one rail along the way, dropping them to the bottom of the order and last to go was the 22-year-old George and the exceptional Callaho Lord Cris, who, despite all the pressure, kept their cool to jump the only double clear of the day, and take home their first World Cup title! HQ had the opportunity to chat with George about this monumental win.

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HORSE AND RIDER

HQ: Can you talk us through your rounds in the Heartlands World Cup Qualifier? How was the build-up to it, and how were you feeling? George: When we walked the track for the first round of the World Cup, I knew it was going to be a test. In particular, I thought the triple combination was quite big and that there were some testing lines in the track that needed some careful and attentive riding. Ultimately, Kate Launder built a solid track, as every horse jumped well in the class while still being pushed and tested.

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Cris had jumped very well at home and in the classes leading up to the World Cup; he was clear the first day and then 8th in the Grand Prix on Friday. So, on Saturday, I had planned to give him a light stretch to preserve some energy for Sunday; however, it turned out to be a longer ride as he was very fresh and excited! As for how I was feeling – I am always slightly nervous before a World Cup Class, but along with this comes a feeling of excitement. I believe I am sitting on a very good horse. I trust him a lot, so I go into every class feeling positive, knowing that if I ride well, we stand a chance at a good result.

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After I jumped a clear round, I felt on top of the world. But soon after, I realised the position this put me in (one of two clears), which brought on a bit of pressure. I knew I had a chance to win the class, so I guess it is inevitable that that would come with a sense of pressure and anticipation. While waiting for the second round, I remembered a piece of advice that Govett Triggol gave me before my first World Cup. “Jumping these classes and the pressure it brings with it is always a privilege”, and that helped settle me and regain my focus. I was last to go in the jump-off so when I walked in the arena, my coach, Ronnie Healy, told me that no one had jumped clear and all I had to do was keep the jumps up! Luckily, this is what we did. As soon as I heard the music play, I felt an immense sense of disbelief and emotion. For the first time in my career, my horse and I had won a World Cup Qualifier. It is a feeling I will never forget!

It is because of my whole team that I have achieved this goal. Thank you to everyone involved for getting me here. A special mention, of course, must go to my coach, Ronnie Healy. The hours of dedication you have invested into my riding is what has gotten me here. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me every step of the way. Lastly, thank you to my parents, who have given me the opportunities and support to ride at this level.

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HORSE AND RIDER

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HORSE AND RIDER

HQ: Well, congratulations - it is well deserved. Can you tell us about Callaho Lord Cris and your partnership together? George: Callaho Lord Cris (Lord Z x Contender x Garibaldi II) is an 11-year-old gelding bred by the Callaho Stud. He is an extremely quirky and intelligent character, and many people would know him from his antics in the warm-up arena! Cris is a brave and kind horse who will fight for you and always give his best in the ring. My parents bought Cris for me six years ago from Chris Van De Merwe. Since day one, he has been a wonderful and willing horse to work with. I truly believe he is the best horse I may ever have the privilege of owning.

HQ: So you not only won, but on a horse, you’ve produced yourself! That really makes it special. How did you get into horse riding? George: The whole side of my mom’s family rides and has been involved with horses, so I guess you could say I was born into it. I was never a very competitive pony or junior rider until I started training with Ronnie. That was when my competitive career really kicked off. I had many wonderful horses along the way who all played a part in getting my riding to this point.

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HORSE AND RIDER

HQ: Do you have any other rides? George: Yes, I’m very lucky to have two Grand Prix horses. My other horse is Companeiro’s Son who I got from Shaun Neil. He also jumps the World Cup Qualifiers and has taken me around the big Derby twice now. I also ride a few younger horses and dealing horses for Ronnie and Ashlee, but these are not mine. HQ: What does a day in your life look like? George: Well, I’m studying economics, and I ride horses with and for Ronnie Healy. So, on a normal day, I would wake up around 6am, and start riding at about 7am. I usually ride the whole morning and probably average six horses a day. After that, I usually study/work in the afternoon. If it is a show week, I will usually be at the show all day and attempt to work at night, although that doesn’t often happen!

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HQ: And you step in for Ronnie coaching while he’s away; is coaching something you would do in the future? George: I wouldn’t call it coaching, but I help some of Ronnie’s Juniors whenever they need a hand or he’s away. And I suppose I would consider coaching; you never know, but for now, I don’t feel experienced enough to even think about coaching. So, at the moment, I’m focused on my riding and studying for the time being. HQ: Finally, what are your plans for the next year? George: My goal for next year is, firstly, to keep my horses healthy and happy so they can do their jobs. In competitive terms, I would like to try and win a few more classes and hopefully do well in the World Cup series. HQ: Well, all the best, George, and congratulations again!

HORSE AND RIDER

INTERVIEW: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: KAYEANP PHOTOGRAPHY

SA Junior Derby 2023 SHANNAY MARAIS AND ASSEGAI QUICKSTEP

his year's SA Junior Derby was hosted at Kyalami Park Club, and the Derby class saw ten of South Africa's top Junior combinations pass through the start flags. Ryan Sanders built a title-worthy track, which had a 'big' Derby feel, with similar lines and jumps to those found in the 1.50m Adult Derby track. Of the ten starters, three jumped clear to provide what proved to be an electrifying jumpoff. The first to go was Zara-Didie Lurie on her

Cassini II mare, Cascaya. The pair pulled off a smart clear in a quick 38.43s. Next to go were Mini Derby winners Kiara Burn and Erreplus Callaho Lindor, who also jumped a super clear but one second off Zara's time. Last to go was Shannay Marais aboard her quirky but quick mare, Assegai Quickstep. The pair had a smooth and easy start, with a quick turn back to the road-crossing, followed by a very flowing ride down the hill to the vertical and a gallop to the last; leaving all the poles standing, they snuck into the lead in 37.71 secs! HQ|164C

HORSE AND RIDER

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HORSE AND RIDER

HQ had a quick catch-up with our new SA Junior Derby title holder, Shannay Marais, after her win… HQ: First of all, congratulations! Can you talk us through your first round and how you felt knowing you would need to do the jump-off? Shannay: My first round was amazing. I absolutely love jumping in the Bob Charter; it's my favourite arena. Jumps one to five, which included the jump with the downhill and the table, were easy and smooth, and Princess (Assegai Quickstep) jumped them so well. Jump number six was a bit terrifying; I saw a long stride down the hill to the KPC upright, and luckily, Quicks was handling my riding well that day, so she took the long one for me. The stairs and the bank down to the plank were surprisingly easy, and listening to Ronnie Healy's advice really helped me through those elements. The white oxer after the planks was an easy eight-stride line.

Then the short turn to the dyke had me a bit worried because of how the ground inside of the dyke was; it was a bit messed up and just wasn't great after all the horses that had been through it. Quicks, after jumping the first jump of the dyke, had a bit of a tumble, but she handled it well and got through the next two without too much of a fuss. Then we had a long turn back to the brown haybale oxer, then the open water to the big upright and, gosh, was I worried about this line! Thankfully, the Princess was feeling good, so she helped me out over those elements, jumping the water with ease and then really helping me out with the big rock upright after. I was worried about the long ride down to the last oxer of the course - the big rustic. I struggle a lot with changing my stride when I have a long ride like that to do, but I got square and had a pretty good ride, and Quicks jumped it phenomenally!

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HORSE AND RIDER

I was extremely happy with how Quicks handled herself throughout this course; she tried her heart out, and she got such an amazing clear. Going clear meant I would go into the jump-off with Kiara and Zara, and I was very nervous; jumping with two amazing Junior riders in the jump-off really got my heart racing! Zara and Kiara are seriously good riders, and I knew it would take an excellent ride to beat them and in a seriously fast time because, man, can they ride! HQ: Can you share Ronnie's advice about the bank and planks? Shannay: He told me that I should not look down at the floor while Quicks goes down the bank and then look up and try to see a stride. He said I must always keep my eyes on the top plank at the bottom of the bank.

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HQ: Super tip, right there! So, then the jump off - what was the plan and how were you feeling about it? Shannay: The plan for the jump-off was to ride number one to two exactly the same as the first round and then to have a tight turn back and good ride to the road crossing and carry on to the St Andrew's Cross. Since I had already had a bit of a flyer to number six (the KPC upright down the hill) in the first round, I just had to do exactly that again! Then I just had to pick up a good rhythm and hope for the best for the last two jumps because it pretty much came down to "go big or go home". I was happy with the jump-off track, as it didn't have many tight turns, so it was more about the long rides to the jumps and covering ground at speed. I was so lucky to be sitting on Quicks because she has a naturally long stride, making it easy for us to cover ground. This was ideal for us as Quicks loves using her stride rather than trying to do tight turns.

HORSE AND RIDER

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HORSE AND RIDER

I won mine. I am just so proud of Quicks, and I couldn't have asked for a better round or a better horse; I still can't believe I won it!

As for what was I feeling? Well, I was really nervous, especially because I knew Kiara and Zara would produce amazing rounds. Going into the Bob for my turn and being last to go was nerve-wracking. I've never been so nervous about a jump-off, but I suppose it's because this one was an important one. HQ: And that winning feeling? Shannay: It was just Quicks' day, and I was so proud of her; she made me so proud. When I jumped the last jump of the jump-off, I was so happy; I didn't care if I was in the lead or not. It was just an unreal feeling to jump two clear rounds in the 1.35m Junior Derby. When I heard I had won it, I started bawling my eyes out; my groom, Steven, came running into the arena. When I went out of the arena to Ronnie Healy, he was crying with me, and I was so happy in that moment that I could live up to the rider and the coach that he is and follow in his footsteps; he won his Derby, and

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HQ: Well, it was a very well-deserved win! Is this your first big 'title' win? Shannay: Well, this Junior Derby title is my biggest one, but another one I won with Quicks was the 2022 Junior 1.30m Youth Series Overall Winner. And, one that I won with my other Junior horse Lariscott was the 7-year-old Young Horse Performance Series in 2022. HQ: Well, we're sure these titles will be the first of many to come! So, you have one more year left in Juniors - any big plans and other titles on the wish list? Shannay: Yes, one more year in Juniors, although next year, I'm looking to jump on a dual license in both Adult and Junior shows. So, hopefully, I'm going to do some of the World Cup shows, which I'm so excited about, as well as doing my first proper Adult Derby classes. As a Junior next year, I would love to try to win SA Junior Presidents Cup at Maple Ridge and the Junior 1.35m Outdoor Grand Prix Title at the Easter Festival at KPC. But my main goal is to jump well in the 1.35ms and possibly do my first 1.40m!

HORSE AND RIDER

HQ: Lastly, tell us about your Princess Quicks… Shannay: Well, Quicks was my first Junior horse; I got her from Savanna Valjalo in 2019, so I've had her for four years now. It's never been easy with her; she is extremely sensitive and likes things to be done her way. So, there have been many ups and downs, and at one point, I was struggling to get her through a 1.10m course, but we took it slowly and with the help of my amazing coach, Ronnie Healy everything changed. Just look at her now - she just needed a lot of time and trust to get to where she is now, and it's all been worth it.

She is definitely a very crazy and quirky horse, but hey, that's a mare for you! She really depends on the person who rides her; she needs a lot of support from you and needs to be able to trust you, or she will be difficult to handle. I'm very lucky that we have grown our bond over the years. Quicks has taught me not to give up (I think we got eliminated in both our first 1.20m and 1.30m!), but we carried on going and tried again and look what she is achieving now!

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THE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SERIES IN NUMBERS

Last week saw the final World Cup Qualifier event of the series in South Africa this year. George Coutlis took the win for the event, and Bronwyn Meredith Dos Santos became the WCQ Series Winner of 2023. Here we look at the statistics of the performances of the top 10 across the year to see just how each athlete has performed over the course of the past eight months. It’s been a fantastic series, with lots of the usual suspects dominating the rankings as well as several new combinations joining the fray! Congratulations to all who took part.

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BRONWYN MEREDITH DOS SANTOS ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

60% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-3-4-4 POINTS TOTAL

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ASHLEE HEALY ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

36.36% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-4-5-8 POINTS TOTAL

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LISA WILLIAMS ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

50% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-2-4-14 POINTS TOTAL

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JEANNE KÖRBER ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

2-3-5-9 POINTS TOTAL

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GEORGE COUTLIS ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

57,14% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-2-7-10 POINTS TOTAL

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HANNAH GARTON ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

28,57% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

3-3-5-7 POINTS TOTAL

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NICOLA SIMERILEY ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

57,14% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-2-7-10 POINTS TOTAL

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RONNIE HEALY ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

28,57% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-6-7-9 POINTS TOTAL

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NICOLE HORWOOD ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

44,44% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

5-5-6-11 POINTS TOTAL

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OLIVER BISHOP ROUNDS

CLEARS

CR RATE

33,33% PODIUMS

TOP 4 PLACES

1-10-11-12 POINTS TOTAL

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HORSE AND RIDER

Martini Pixel and Claire Martin

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HORSE AND RIDER

INTERVIEW: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: PIX BY ALEX

2023

THE COMPLEAT HORSE MARTINI PIXEL AND CLAIRE MARTIN

he Compleat Horse is always an exciting event at the SA Derby, with finalists each performing a special free test in the Bob Charter on Derby day to decide the winners of this prestigious title. This year, Claire Martin (a regular contender) and Martini Pixel wowed both the crowds and the judges with a Top Gun-themed free test, which even included jumping on a motorcycle! Unsurprisingly, they scored straight 10s across the board, which secured them the title by 0.67 points! HQ had a quick chat with Claire to find out more about the event, her inspiration for the performance and her riding history to date.

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HORSE AND RIDER

Martini Ebony Rose with Claire

HQ: How does the Derby Compleat Horse event work? Claire: There are five qualifying phases, and then the free test is open to the top five qualifiers. Phase 1 is in hand and assesses conformation, soundness, movement, and turnout. Phase 2 is a ride by the judge, and Phase 3 is a utility test. These three phases usually run concurrently on the Friday. After completion of phases one to three, the top 15 competitors move forward to the dressage test (Phase 4), which is set at Elementary level and

then Phase 5 is showjumping, which is set at 90cm. Interestingly, the showjumping phase is judged on style and performance; a mark is given for clearing the jumps, and then a style mark is also awarded. The dressage and jumping phases take place on the Saturday. Then, the top five from these two tests qualify for the free test, which is performed in the Bob Charter arena on the Sunday. In the free test, you have five minutes in total to perform. This includes three minutes to set up your props and two minutes to perform the free test.

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HQ: How do you come up with your final test? Last year, you had a super test with the Frozen theme, and this year it was the amazing Top Gun set-up! Claire: The free test should show your horse's best qualities and should not be a repeat of the qualifiers, so you wouldn't want to do another dressage test or pure showjumping round. As the name suggests, you should display your horse as a good allrounder or 'complete' horse who is well schooled to the aids and of a level temperament. The rider provides music to set the theme for the free test, and you need something that is easy to set up quickly. Last year, we used Frozen, which suited Pixel's cuteness and grey colour. I must admit that I'm an out-and-out scientist, so I'm not at all creative; I have to pick the brains of friends and

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some of our livery clients to get ideas. I must say primary school teachers are creative and practical, so if you can find a primary school teacher to ask, you should do it! HQ: How did you come up with your test for this year? Claire: This year, we decided to honour the sponsors (United Aviation Group) and who doesn't know or like the Top Gun music? I say 'we' as the Compleat Horse requires a large team of helpers/ground crew; my ground crew team has consisted of more or less the same ground crew for the last five years, so they know what works and what doesn't. We have lots of fun coming up with the ideas and then trying to implement them! The Top Gun music really set the mood!

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HQ: Why would you say people should enter the Compleat Horse at Derby? Claire: The Compleat Horse is a good way to ensure your horse has all the basics in place and gives them exposure to many different things! At R700 entry fee, I think it is excellent value for money too! You and your horse will be exposed to many different arenas and tests during the competition and receive feedback and marks for each section. You will most likely learn some ring craft along the way, too, and widen your knowledge of other disciplines you don't normally compete in. HQ: Can you tell us about Pixel? Claire: Pixel is a rising eight-year-old homebred SAW mare by Rivervales Parco's Son out of a Last Step mare on whom I jumped JA; she won the Junior 1.30m Derby, so Derby success runs in her blood! Just like her sire, Pixel is very placid by nature. She competes in showjumping at 1.20-1.30m level, EM dressage and Open Showing, and she won the YHPS showjumper in the five-year-old category!

HQ: Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into riding Claire: During my pony rider career, I did a bit of everything. I obtained my provincial Eventing colours on a cross-breed rescue pony called Snoopy. In Juniors, I represented Gauteng for Eventing, Showing and Showjumping. I won the Junior JA 1.30m Derby in 2007 and also the Compleat Horse Derby. I had a lot of success in the JA classes, winning the Junior Showjumper of the year. The late Gill Taylor coached me in Juniors and always encouraged me to participate in many disciplines. The horses I rode in Juniors were all self-produced. I have a passion for building a long-term relationship with my horses! I like to get an unspoilt youngster and bring it up through the levels myself. It is not always easy to train your own horses, so I have had lots of help from many professionals along the way. I have worked with both Helen Laros and Tossy Raynor for more than ten years. I have also learnt the art of positive reinforcement training from Jenku Dietrichsen, who has taught me to have fun while training, and together, we filmed a lot of the Jenku.TV with my horses at my yard! I was lucky enough to own and ride a fabulous Last Step mare in Juniors, who was the pinnacle of my breeding programme, and I have since obtained a few more broodmares for my stud, Martini Stud.

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HQ: You are pretty much an all-round rider; can you tell us about the disciplines you do and the levels you have competed at? Claire: At the moment, I am riding Small Tour Dressage on my mare Callaho Fiona Vella; she has also been used for embryo transfer at Martini Stud and has two rising three-year-old geldings. This level of dressage is still very new to both of us! I am competing in Open Showing with the two sisters Martini Pixel and Martini Ebony Rose, who both went to SA Champs at Heartlands. Pixel was on the Gauteng Provincial Team, and Rosie was on the Challenge Team; both teams won! They both did exceptionally well in their individual classes, too. I am showjumping at 1.20-1.30m level on my three homebred mares Martini Cortina, Martini

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Ebony Rose and Martini Pixel. Martini Ebony Rose picked up a 5th and 13th in the 1.20m classes at Derby this year! I also often ride my homebred youngsters at the YHPS, which is a fabulous educational series for young horses. HQ: You own Martini Stud and have been breeding for a while now; can you give us an idea of the exact kind of horses you aim to breed? Claire: At Martini Stud, we aim to breed conformationally correct, athletic and sound SA Warmblood horses who have willing natures! Our horses are suitable for showjumping, eventing, dressage and showing. Our foals start specialised groundwork from birth to ensure our horses are easy to handle and have trust in humans, so they tend to train well.

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HQ: How do you choose a stallion for your mare? Claire: The stallion must complement the mare's weaknesses, so first of all, you need to honestly and thoroughly assess your mare. A stallion should be very correct conformationally and have consistent performance; I am unlikely to use a stallion who has erratic performance in the competition ring! I prefer to use an uphillbuilt stallion, which generally leads to better balance and rideability. His pedigree should be performance-based - not just good on paper but with a competition record to match! HQ: So, from multi-discipline to breeding, is there anything you don't do? Claire: Other than working full time as a plant scientist, I am also an inspector for the SAWHS and a learner showing judge! HQ|164C

HQ: Lastly, what are your riding goals going forward? Claire: I hope to progress up the jumping grades with some of my homebred horses; in particular, Martini Cortina and Martini Ebony Rose show a lot of scope and talent. I also hope to get a taste of Grand Prix dressage with Callaho Fiona Vella in the coming years! The journey is more important than the end goal for me. I will continue to start my homebred horses; usually, the colts are sold, and fillies are kept to produce in the sport. HQ: Well, thank you and congratulations, that certainly was an exciting and unforgettable performance you put on in the Compleat Horse. We're not sure how you will top that!

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TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE

Pro-Dressage WITH SABINE SCHUT-KERY

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hat started as a grand dream thrown around by a few friends over a glass or two of wine has gradually developed into reality. The Pro-Series, which began as Pro-Dressage, was named such, as it is 'pro' dressage, jumping, breeding and all things equine-related, but also because the aim was to make professionals and expert equestrians available to equine enthusiasts within South Africa.

The team that came up with the ProSeries concept was aware that most South Africans do not have the means or the exposure to participate in clinics in Europe with expert coaches and trainers, so they decided to bring the experts to us! They have capitalised on South Africa's incredible tourism opportunities as an incentive and give the experts an experience in exchange for their expertise. From Pro-Dressage the project has grown into Pro-Jump and Pro-Breed and, in the future, will include Pro-Feed and Pro-Compete, but, ultimately, the opportunities are limitless. The team's key aim is to fill a gap in the South African market. We have European standard horses in South Africa but lack international training and education opportunities, so bringing trainers out here could be gamechanging for our sport.

There will be another Pro-Dressage Masterclass later this year, with a professional returning to South Africa due to popular demand: Jean Bemelmanns. Jean has already had his African' bush' experience and is now ready to come back and do the beach!

The last event hosted was a ProDressage Masterclass with Tokyo Olympic Team Silver Medallist Sabine SchutKery. HQ had the chance to pop into the first weekend of this Masterclass, hosted at Manor D'Or, to experience first-hand some of the magic Sabine worked and have a quick chat with her:

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HQ: For those who have not yet done their research, could you please tell us a bit about yourself? Sabine: I was born and raised in Germany in Krefeld, which is close to Dusseldorf and Aachen. I started off riding as a kid, and I was more in the entertainment industry with riding. I did compete as a child in dressage and showjumping, so I had a good baseline all around, but I fell into a group of people who taught tricks. We taught horses to lie down, to sit on command and rear. I was lucky enough as a teenager to learn to drive a four-in-hand and ride side-saddle, and so I did that a lot.

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I then moved to the US in 1998 and lived In Texas for seven years and worked as head trainer at a Friesian Farm. In 2005, my husband and I moved to California, and I started working more with the Warmbloods. I ultimately became a US citizen, and my first big international ride was at the 2015 Pan-Am Games, where we won Team Gold, which gave the USA Team their ticket to the Rio Olympics. Then, in 2021, I rode Alice Womble's Sanceo in the Tokyo Olympics.

DID YOU KNOW? The German National Federation has a "Bereiter" program that is a structured two-to-threeyear programme with exams, and often there is a school to attend. Once complete, participants receive their "Trainer A" certification, which is the highest teaching certificate. Sabine trained under Jean Bemelmanns to attain hers.

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HQ: And you came home with a Team Silver Medal from Tokyo, congratulations! With such a broad base in equestrianism, how did you come to specialise in dressage? Sabine: I have to say, being German and being so particular, even when I worked with the group of women in equestrian entertainment, we were always strict on wanting to do correct classical dressage as part of our shows. We also always understood that you don't stop learning in this sport. We regularly brought in coaches, and it was never about the thrill of riding in front of an audience, it was always about the learning. It was also about promoting breeds back then, so the gentleman I worked for was the first to import Friesian horses from Holland to Germany, so he wanted to promote them in exhibitions. They were riding horses, but we had to add some flavour, so we did the tricks as well as the dressage.

So, dressage was a passion from day one; it didn't switch - it just veered off into Warmbloods. I was also curious and wanted to ride different breeds. I had ridden a lot of Friesians and Andalusians and a few Warmbloods, but I was interested in riding more Warmbloods and that automatically brought me into the competition scene. I did my apprenticeship with Jean Bemelmanns in Germany for three years, so I rode Warmbloods there, but that was about it until more recently.

ASHLEIGH ROBINSON (COMMENT TAKEN FROM FB) This was hands down one of the most relevant and effective clinics that I’ve been too. Sabine is warm, engaging and without doubt, a talented coach on top of being an Olympian. Her coaching blends both classical and functional elements all with an understanding of modern competition participation, which is also something that few coaches can do. She imparts a wealth of knowledge that is just as valuable to spectators.

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GEN MCNEILL (KZN) GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE RIDER The Masterclass has been absolutely fantastic! Sabine can read a horse and rider in minutes; it is phenomenal how quickly she works out what your horse needs and what you need to help your horse.

ANDREA HARRISON BUCHMANN MASTERCLASS RIDER AND DSA COACH DEVELOPER I found Sabine to be extremely clear with her instructions. She hit the nail on the head with every horse - not only mine. After a 30 second assessment, she knew exactly where to go and where to take the horse and rider. It wasn’t only informative for me and my horses, but she aimed what she was teaching towards the spectators.

HQ: With so much experience with the classical training of Friesians, Andalusians and Warmbloods, what would you say are some of the breeds' strengths and weaknesses regarding their suitability for dressage? Sabine: So, if we are looking at the sport of dressage, the Lusitano and the Andalusian have been bred for a different reason. They have been bred for more of the collected work, so they are talented at passage, piaffe, pirouettes and stuff, but with classical dressage and competition, you don't only have to show the collected work, HQ|164C

you need to show ground cover and the lengthening of the frame. This has a whole gymnasticising element getting the whole body supple - which is harder for the Spanish horses and the Friesians. The Warmbloods are good at this and getting so much better over time at the collected work as well. Twenty years ago, the Warmbloods really used to struggle with piaffe and passage, but with breeding, the Warmblood is improving dramatically as people are breeding to enhance their capabilities as they see what is missing.

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Then the other difficulty with Spanish horses, because they are short coupled, is to make them swing over the back more and connect more in their bodies, to make them less 'legmovers' and use their whole body. They always present a good picture because of how the neck is set, and to the eye, they look like they are on the bit and put together, but for classical dressage, it doesn't mean they are. The positive is that they are such talented and good-minded horses that you can teach them a lot by training them slightly differently and teaching them to be more supple. HQ: How did you begin coaching? Sabine: I train horses for a job, so coaching is naturally part of working with horses. For me, I also work hard at keeping my passion and not being

burned out, so I do not ride ten horses a day. That's not because I'm lazy, but I want to do it well; I'm very particular, and I'm also a perfectionist, so that has downsides too. I need to fill my day, so I have to bring the coaching into it; otherwise, I would have to ride more horses. I have never ridden more than eight horses a day, and now it is more like five a day, but it makes a good day, and I also enjoy the teaching.

DEBBIE VAN WYK NATIONAL DSA JUDGE AND COACH It was fantastic, and I learnt a lot from a judging point of view; specifically, I learned what to look for in the lateral work, and how she concentrates on the bend through the rib cage, and the lateral suppleness, working over their back. I learnt a lot about what to look for!

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HQ: Would you say you are still learning and training yourself while you are coaching? Sabine: Absolutely! As a rider, I have horses at home that switch over from time to time, but not too quickly, as production is a long process, so it's nice for me how much I learn from teaching. I see lots of different kinds of horses and am able to implement my training concept and system with them; it's incredibly rewarding to see when it works. Actually, it is as rewarding as being in the saddle.

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HQ: How has your experience so far in South Africa been? Sabine: I was super excited to come! Everyone talks about the safari, of course, and for anyone who loves animals, it's an amazing experience, and I can't wait to do that this week. In general, South Africa is such a beautiful country, so I get to see it. It's also been really nice to see South Africa from the eyes of a local person because I am staying with Christina Herden. I think I am getting a much more authentic experience of South Africa because of this.

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VICTORIA FORD WEG PARA-DRESSAGE RIDER Sabine’s depth of knowledge, and the way she can watch a combination for 30 seconds and adapt her plan in that space of time is phenomenal. The horse I had on day 1 and day 2 were two totally different horses, and she was able to turn a page, realise what we were dealing with that day and react accordingly. Her interaction between the rider and the crowd was also super; even as a spectator you felt completely involved. When you make a mistake, she doesn’t make you feel bad about it, but helps you fix it, and gives you tools and homework rather than a quick magic fix.

I am also really excited about the riding here. It has been good, which is amazing because South Africa is so far away from everywhere else. This wasn't a problem I experienced growing up in Germany, but it is a problem in America as everywhere is so far from other places that it's hard to get a proper (equestrian) education, so it must be even harder for South Africa. I have to say, I teach a lot of clinics, and the horses and the riders have really been fantastic. They have been like sponges; it's not always easy working with people you don't know, but everyone has been so excited and keen to learn. It's also been fun because everyone is capable of doing the work, and when I explain an exercise, they can all do it.

HQ: And the quality of horses you have seen? Sabine: It's hard when you have a horse that lacks certain abilities, especially in a symposium format like we are doing, as this is not a private clinic for riders, but I must demonstrate something for the audience. But the horses in this Masterclass have all been great, and I would say they are comparable to Europe and the US. HQ: Lastly, how would you describe your coaching principles and concepts? Sabine: I learned in Germany and am very much into gymnasticising the horse. By gymnasticising, I mean suppling and bending. If you look at the training scale, you start with rhythm and relaxation, and then you have true bend and straightness. Straightness, in dressage terms, does not mean straight like a rail but that when you ride through a turn, the horse's back feet follow the front, so there is a curve in the spine from poll to tail. Only after this do you have collection, because you can't collect if a horse is not straight because he's not stepping under his centre of gravity. So, I follow the training scales very closely and work with how they intertwine.

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CALET DE VOS (KZN) PROFESSIONAL GRAND PRIX COACH AND RIDER Sabine advocates for beautiful riding and accentuates the simple things we tend to forget. Her way of teaching and explaining concepts were simple and easy to follow. Sabine emphasised that one’s riding should always give the horse confidence - I loved that! I think she is just such a great ambassador for the sport and a true horsewoman.

I'm also strong on the basics, foundations, precision, and consistency; I believe this is important for the horse and will help you bring a stronger partnership because there is more clarity. For me, mistakes are fine - they are simply training opportunities. It's also important to stay positive with the horse. Horses can easily 'shut out' the rider and not be present, so we have to be careful not to get too 'loud' on the horse; after all, a horse can feel a fly. This means

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that sometimes you need to go back and focus on a particular element, try and get lighter, and explain more clearly to the horse, breaking things down into an easier exercise. So, we need to remain positive and try our best to help the horse understand what we are asking. HQ: Thank you so much to Sabine for taking the time to chat with us and share your wisdom and knowledge!

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RECOVERING AFTER A FALL REBUILDING YOUR CONFIDENCE

etting back ‘on the horse’ after a fall or near-miss can be a scary experience. To compound the issue the equestrian industry is, at least generally speaking, a ‘tough love’ environment when it comes to coping with a fall, encouraging a ‘get straight back on’ approach after an incident.

And yet, as much as ‘the flesh’ may be willing to leap back into the saddle, ‘the mind’ often isn’t, and it’s important to take the time to recognise this and work through any issues properly before they grow out of proportion. Even if we succeed in ‘getting back on’ immediately, suppressing our anxiety and ‘pushing through’ in this way always catches up with us in the end, and our subconscious mind is surprisingly good at allowing the triggering issues to grow and grow until anxiety and nerves eventually take over. It is, therefore, crucial to deal with the anxiety surrounding a fall constructively before moving forwards.

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In this article we look at the role of the subconscious mind, and how working with it rather than blindly following its avoidance patterns or fighting and suppressing it, can help you to rapidly get your confidence back after a fall. THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND The subconscious mind is one of the ‘oldest’ parts of the human brain; it has existed since we were hunter-gatherers living in caves and fighting for our survival.

This means that sometimes, in our modern-day scenarios, the subconscious mind can be a little overenthusiastic in ‘worrying’ about the threats we face. Whilst the risks our ancestors faced were along the lines of lions in bushes waiting to kill us, the risks we face on horseback tend to be a little less life-threatening. Despite this our subconscious mind still scans our environment automatically (and at lightning-fast speed) to look for potential risks and hazards. This capacity for creating a seemingly endless list of everything that could go wrong based on previous experiences, and treating these elements as ‘lions in bushes’ in the prioritystakes, can play havoc with your confidence around riding, particularly if you have recently had a fall or accident.

The unconscious mind can also distort the perception of reality as it has a tendency to prioritise the negative aspects of any situation, disregarding any positive experiences or previous successes we’ve had as riders. This predisposition to dwell on the negative was vital for keeping our ancestors alive, but in our context, finding only worst-case scenarios can create a feedback loop, reinforcing fears, stopping any action and preventing us from moving forward after a fall.

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DID YOU KNOW? The subconscious mind is responsible for triggering the freeze, flight, fight and fright response designed to protect us from harm by triggering the release of adrenaline and a heightened awareness in potentially dangerous situations. While this mechanism is vital in the case of genuine threats, it can misfire and create a hyper-vigilant state. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes hypersensitive to any danger causing anxiety and fear to linger long after the event.

BREAKING THE CYCLE It is important to note that it’s completely natural to experience some nerves, anxiety and even fear after a fall. The problem comes where the subconscious mind takes over, allowing those fears to dictate our actions and causing us to avoid similar situations or even avoid riding altogether. With this avoidance response, the same fear and anxiety you are trying to overcome is strengthened as you inadvertently send messages to your subconscious mind that riding is, indeed, dangerous and something to be feared and avoided. This only serves to strengthen the neural pathways associated with fear, creating further uncomfortable emotions that cause you to further avoid riding, making it even harder to get back into the saddle. This vicious cycle is very difficult to break.

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A similarly problematic response to the subconscious mind, however, is to suppress the messages it is sending, ‘pushing through’ despite overwhelming anxiety. While this response appears functional externally and may keep our riding instructor ‘off our case’ it ultimately catches up with us as the subconscious ‘shouts’ louder and louder to make its fear of the threat heard.

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STEP 1: WRITE IT DOWN As soon as possible after the incident, take a pen and paper and jot down everything that comes into your head about the event. Challenge yourself to write without judgement or filters; nobody else is going to read what you have written so be free in what you say! Your mind is likely to begin with only the negative thoughts but as you keep writing you should find something positive, such as a potential lesson, coming through in the writing. Keep writing until you achieve a glimmer of positivity.

DID YOU KNOW? Visualisation has been shown to activate the areas of the brain that are active when you are performing an activity i.e. if you imagine yourself performing a half pass, the same areas of the brain that would be activated if you were doing a half pass are switched on. This allows you to strengthen the neural pathways associated with a thought or movement pattern from the comfort of your chair at home, rather than on the back of the horse!

STEP 2: FOCUS ON THE FACTS One of the keys to managing uncomfortable emotions around an incident such as a fall is to focus your attention on the facts. When our subconscious mind processes an event, it creates interpretations based on a perception of what happened and generates all kinds of emotions. These emotions can be powerful and sometimes get in the way of rebuilding our confidence. Instead, ask yourself what actually happened. How well can you describe the facts of the incident without any embellishment or emotion? Lots of us will find this surprisingly difficult. Once you’ve run through it in your mind, write it down on paper in the most basic and factual way you can. From this point onwards, try and think and speak about the incident using just this description, removing all extraneous detail and emotion out of it.

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STEP 3: DRAW LESSONS Now you have the most concise representation of the event, you can take a moment to consider what helpful and constructive lessons your mind can take from the incident, bearing in mind that your previous programming might make you jump straight to the negative, which is totally normal.

STEP 4: VISUALISATION Visualisation and imagery techniques harness the power of the mind to create positive mental images and build confidence. By creating scenarios in your head, you can train your mind to focus on what you want to happen rather than relying on the default negative setting.

Useful prompts for this exercise can include thinking about the event from the perspective of an impartial observer or considering how you might create opportunities for growth going forwards, even if you are still struggling to take lessons from the specific fall or incident.

This powerful practice helps you focus on the positive possibilities instead of being distracted by old fears. Embracing positive imagery empowers you to feel more confident and optimistic, enabling you to face any riding situation with renewed courage.

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TOP TIP If you’re afraid of riding again, work with your horse on the ground to regain confidence in him. In time you’ll feel more positive and want to get back on board.

STEP 5: STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH Use gradual exposure to manage your experiences in a controlled and progressive manner. Begin with activities and small steps that stretch your comfort zone, and are manageable for you. Then incrementally increase the challenge by gradually exposing yourself to move difficult situations as you gain in confidence. To overcome your fear of getting back on, or riding in a similar situation to the one in which you fell, you should sit down quietly and visualise every step of getting back on your horse and riding. Think through the ride as if it went absolutely perfectly. The more specific your thoughts are around the process the more effective the technique will be; for instance, try and think about the feeling of the leather as you adjust your stirrups or tighten your girth, or think about the feeling of your horse moving from a trot to a canter. This additional detail helps make the process more real, and increases the benefits of the visualisation.

Seek support and guidance by working with a trusted instructor or coach who can help you throughout the process. They can structure your sessions and offer expertise to ensure your safety. Remember that progress takes time, and everyone’s journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. With consistent effort and a positive mindset, in time you’ll overcome your fears and regain your riding confidence.

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FINAL THOUGHTS Regaining confidence after a fall is a personal journey that requires understanding, patience and an openness to new ways of thinking and feeling about riding. You have the power to overcome your challenges and create a positive, fulfilling riding experience again so accept the process, be kind to yourself and embrace your journey back to the saddle.

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DID YOU KNOW? All oils contain virtually the same amount of digestible energy, but there are other differences you may want to consider when purchasing an oil, including the essential fatty acid content. Essential Fatty Acid content: Horses need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. Concentrates are naturally high in omega-6, so for horses on a high-concentrate diet, choosing an oil with some omega3 content is preferable. Linseed and canola oil contain the highest omega-3 fatty acid content of natural vegetable oils.

Palatability: Some linseed oils and fish oil, including cod liver oil, are notoriously unpalatable for horses, so while these oils are useful for providing omega-3 fatty acids, they can’t be fed in large amounts as most horses simply won’t eat them. Processing method: Oil is extracted from oilseeds in two main ways: cold pressing, where oil is squeezed out of seeds, often in a watercooled environment to keep the oil at less than 60°C, and solvent extraction, where a solvent like hexane is added to extract oil from seeds. The oil is then heated to remove the hexane. Cold-pressed oils tend to be higher in quality as more essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants are left intact compared to solvent-extracted oils.

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SUMMER'S ON THE HORIZON, AND SO ARE THE FLIES! Keep your horses happy and fly-free with our SMART Equine Fly Control products. Discover the ultimate defense against those pesky summertime buzzers.

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HORSE AND RIDER

Capital Homerus

TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE

Free-jumping and loose-movement THE WHO, WHAT, HOW AND WHY...

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Martini Cortina free jumping at Eaton Farm

ree jumping and loose movement have long been considered excellent ways for breeders to showcase their progeny and for buyers to see the potential of what is being produced here in South Africa. One such event held annually is the South Africa Warmblood Horses Society show that will be taking place on the 4th of November, 2023 at Summit Ridge Equestrian Centre. NOTE However, research shows that there is no guarantee that your horse will perform the same in free jumping or loose movement as when he has a rider on his back.

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Across Europe and America, free jumping is considered a means of assessing a horse's jumping potential and evaluating their attitude and ability over a fence. Studies have also suggested that it may help develop a horse's confidence, balance, and rhythm while teaching a horse to 'see his own stride' as he learns to adjust his stride without rider interference. In Warmblood breeding countries, free jumping and loose movement are often used for studbook selection and grading of young horses, as well as in the sale of young stock.

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FREE JUMPING Free jumping at a young age can give you an idea of your horse's: 1. Scope 2. Bravery/boldness 3. Adaptability 4. Potential Free jumping for older horses can also help you discover your horse's natural jumping style and ability, and in turn, it may help you to ride them better. For example, some horses may lower their head on take-off or landing, which riders might interpret as the horse trying to pull on the reins. If, however, you see the horse do the same thing while free jumping, you may realise this is just their style and adapt your riding accordingly. Conversely, under saddle, if you feel like your horse carries his head high in front of the jump, it may be helpful to observe how they carry themselves free jumping; perhaps your horse has a naturally higher head carriage, which helps them maintain their balance.

LOOSE MOVEMENT In the loose movement, judges are looking for three good paces as well as balance and selfcarriage. With the walk and canter being more challenging for a rider to modify, it is particularly important to pay attention to these gaits. Another element to seek in dressage prospects is the ability to stop and turn using the hind legs rather than pulling from the shoulders. FAST FACT Allowing a young horse to jump improves his technique and handiness and allows the horse to gain experience. This is advantageous, but according to a study at the University of Utrecht, there is no guarantee that it will make your horse a better jumper in the future.

Origan van den Bisschop and Neriske Prinsloo Hill

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Capital Hitoshi and Nicole Horwood

PRO TIPS FOR FREE-JUMPING AND LOOSE-MOVEMENT • Make sure your horse is warmed up or lunged before you start jumping. Jumping a horse with cold muscles increases the risk of injury. Don't forget to cool them off, too! • Let the horse jump on both reins (not always possible in a competition, but beneficial in practice). • Be sure to give the horse breaks between jumping; for young horses, the activity can be exerting and also get boring quickly. • Always stay calm! Horses should jump willingly, not from a place of fear. A horse that

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is calm will approach the jumps with more focus and confidence and will be better able to learn from their mistakes. • If it is a training session, decide beforehand what the session's goal is and stop when you have reached it - even if it only took three jumps to get there. This will ensure your horse has a good experience and foundation for the next session! • Make sure the arena is appropriately sized, enclosed and safe. If you are setting up a jump chute, choose a location with the entrance/exit gate in mind; e.g. jumping towards an 'exit' may cause the horse to rush down the line.

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If you want to get your hands on these supreme bloodlines, check out Lot 4 on the upcoming Capital Auction - Capital Kerman (Kronos x Capital A Star).

Capital Homerus and Leona van der Merwe

PAST WINNERS OF THE SAWHS FREE JUMPING AND WHERE THEY ARE NOW The SAWHS Free Jumping and Loose Movement show has been held annually since 2009, so we have the opportunity to look back at past winners and assess their achievements. One of the earliest winners of the Grand Champion Showjumper for two consecutive years was Capital Homerus, who won as a three-year-old at President's Cup in 2010 and again as a four-year-old in 2011. Capital Homerus (Darco X Cash X Lord) went on to compete successfully in the 1.50m classes with Leona Van Der Merwe for several years. He is also the full brother to Capital Kronos, who has had a successful year jumping in the World Cup Qualifier series with Nicole Horwood.

In both years that Homerus won the FreeJumping, Capital Hitoshi, who was a year younger, won his age category. Hitoshi (Winningmood/Sioux de Baugy) became a household favourite, winning several 1.50m Grand Prix and two World Cup Qualifiers with Nicole Horwood. S'fikile KP Confession (Crusador x Clarinius), who recently jumped his first 1.40m class with Catherine Mcfarlane, was the Reserve Champion Jumper in 2015. Another KP-bred horse – the eight-year-old KP Quarter-Lemon (Quality Time x Crusader) – who jumped her first 1.35m class earlier this year with Ryan Andrews, was also Reserve Champion Jumper in 2017, at just two years of age!

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HORSE AND RIDER

More recently, Neriske Prinsloo Hill's Stallion Origan van den Bisschop (Hunters Scendro x Nabab de Reve) came second in the 2018 fouryear-old jumper category. This impressive horse recently moved up to the 1.50m classes. Many of the more recent winners are progressing smoothly up the grades, including the 2021 Champion Free-Jumper Martini Cortina and Reserve Champion Los Pepe. PAST WINNERS OF THE SAWHS LOOSE MOVEMENT AND WHERE THEY ARE NOW In 2013, Berghof Eragon (Edward x Metternnich) was second in the one-year-old Loose Movement class. As a three-year-old, he was a licensed SAW and Hanoverian stallion - the first ever African-bred horse to be licensed by the German Hanoverian Verband. He has been very successful in the dressage ring with consistent 70% plus marks.

In 2022, his daughter Glenwood Escada (Berghof Eragon X Dageraad Dirkje) won the title of Reserve Loose Movement Champion. PAST WINNERS AND THEIR CROSSOVER ACHIEVEMENTS In the first year of the competition, 2009, Callaho Socrates (Stakkato x Contender) won the three-year-old Free Jumper class. Amazingly, Socrates went on to become one of the most well-known and celebrated dressage horses in South Africa. He was ridden up to Small Tour by Andrea Harrison and his owner, Christine Richardson, with frequent scores in excess of 70%. Before his untimely passing in 2022, he was ridden in front of many international judges at a few CDIs, World Dressage Challenges and SA Champs competitions and was almost always in the top three. As a final fact, Socrates was a half-brother to Callaho Lord Cris, who recently won the WCQ with George Coutlis. They both have the same dam – Crissie.

Origan vd Bisschop and Neriske Prinsloo Hill

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HORSE AND RIDER

Capital Hitoshi and Nicole Horwood

Another interesting cross-over is Swazi-Liskar Land of Lagos, who placed second in the threeyear-old Loose Movement class in 2011 and then went on to jump in the 1.40m classes with Carolyn van Schalkwyk.

WATCH THE SAWHS FREE JUMPING AND LOOSE MOVEMENT SHOW Be sure to pop into the SAWHS Free Jumping and Loose Movement show on the 4th November at Summit Ridge Equestrian to see the exceptional talent on offer from some of South Africa's smaller studs.

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“Embracing the past. Breeding the future”

SAWHS FREE-JUMPING AND LOOSE MOVEMENT Date: 4th November 2023 | Venue: Summit Ridge EC Loose movement (0-4 yo) and free Jumping (2yo-4yo) | All breeds welcome

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FOCUS

UNDERSTANDING THE SNAFFLE

A snaffle bit has a straight or jointed mouthpiece with rings on each end of the mouthpiece. There are many different types of snaffle bits. However, the basic structure is the same for all, and the basic action in the horse’s mouth is very similar, with some subtle modifications. The snaffle bit is regarded as a relatively mild bit. The addition of variations can make it much harsher. The simple snaffle applies pressure to the bars of the horse’s mouth. There is no pressure anywhere else on the horse’s head, and no leverage comes into play as it does with a curbed bit or lever action (gag). The fact that the snaffle has such direct action makes it a great bit for training young horses. The rings on a snaffle may be D-shaped or have small pieces sticking up or down, like a full

cheek snaffle. An eggbutt snaffle will have oval rings, and the mouthpiece will get thicker as it approaches the rings. The shafts perpendicular to the mouthpiece on full cheek bits prevent the bit from slipping through the horse’s mouth. The rings on a snaffle may slide, or they may be fixed to the mouthpiece. Large rubber discs can be used to prevent the bit from rubbing the sides of the horse’s mouth. Snaffles can be hollow to reduce weight, flexible, twisted, jointed with one or more links, have keys or rollers, be squared or oval, or have any combination of shapes and joints. Although the basic action of most snaffle bits is the same, it sometimes takes trying a few different bits to find one your horse is comfortable with. HQ|164C

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY

IMPROVING YOUR

HORSE'S SUPPLENESS

TRANSITIONS ON CIRCLES

ransitions are one of the basic and fundamental aspects of ‘good’ and ‘accurate’ riding. To quote the ‘queen of dressage’, Charlotte Dujardin, at her recent masterclass, "Every transition you ride should be a good one because this is your foundation.” Ultimately, then, transitions are a vital part of flatwork training for all horses and should be something we regularly work to refine.

Transitions can be between ‘sequential’ paces i.e. walk-halt-walk; ‘non-sequential’ paces i.e. walk-canter-walk; or within a pace i.e. moving forward and back in tempo. Of course, you can also combine these three varieties. TRANSITIONS ON CIRCLES Transitions on circles have the added dimension of requiring even more suppleness and precision to perform well. On a circle, a horse has to move very correctly through his whole body to achieve a smooth and well-executed transition. HQ|164C

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

NOTE It is important to note that this exercise may be too advanced for younger, greener horses both mentally and physically, But, there is no reason not to use this exercise as a guideline and simply work on bigger circles or even on straight lines to begin with.

THE EXERCISE Here we incorporate all three ‘types’ of transition with the added difficulty of executing these transitions on a circle: Step 1: In a forward, rhythmical trot, start your 20m circle. Step 2: Increase your pace into a working trot for one circle. Step 3: Then, gradually slow the pace into a collected trot while spiralling inwards until you are on a 10m circle. Step 4: Use the collected trot and the size of the 10m circle to set you up for success and do a downward transition into the walk. Step 5: From walk, do a walk-canter transition and increase your pace gradually until you are in a medium canter while spiralling back to your 20m circle.

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EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Flatwork exercises are for everyone – not just dressage riders – and it’s vital, whatever the discipline, that your horse knows and understands the aids and is strong and supple enough to perform accurate transitions both between

paces, and within paces. By practising this exercise regularly, you will see improvements in your horse’s way of going that are apparent in more than just his transitions.

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

TEXT: HANNAH BOTHA MSC EQUINE NUTRITION

EASY-KEEPERS MANAGING THE GOOD-DOER

f you have an easy-keeper, you may have found yourself wondering how best to feed them to prevent them from gaining weight. Feeding for key nutrients whilst maintaining digestive health, all without supplying excess calories, can be tricky. So, where do we start?

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Soaking for just a short period, like 60 minutes, allows you to reduce sugar and starch without removing too many of the essential vitamins and minerals as well.

CONSIDER HAY Whilst it's true that more hay can cause a horse to gain weight, hay cannot just be removed from the diet, even if the horse needs to shed a few pounds. Horses need an absolute minimum of 1% of their body weight in hay per day to maintain proper gut health and function. Therefore, hay can be reduced but never below this minimum level. Feeding below 1% of body weight in hay a day can cause serious digestive problems, as well as result in boredom-related behaviours and stereotypies, such as wood chewing or crib biting.

The solution for good-doers, then, is to find a hay with lower nutritional value. The most viable hays for most good doers would be types like eragrostis as they tend to have a low-mid level of nutrients. Avoiding high-calorie hays such as lucerne and those with high levels of sugar and starch such as oat hay is a must. Beyond the actual type of hay, lower nutritional quality hay tends to be a more mature cut of hay; however, it's really hard to get information from suppliers on the actual cut of hay, and so horse owners often struggle to source more mature cuts, despite their best efforts. HQ|164C

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

Choosing lower nutrient value hays means that slightly higher amounts can be fed without drastically increasing calorie levels. This allows the owner to still provide adequate fibre, potentially offsetting boredom and digestive issues without upping the calorie intake. For good-doers, soaking hay can also be a good option. Soaking (fully submerging the hay under water) for 60 mins in cold water has been shown to reduce the amount of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), namely sugar and starch, in the hay. Reducing these elements helps to reduce the overall number of calories the horse receives from hay, as both sugar and starch can be used for energy

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or converted and stored as fat for later use. NSC can also be of particular concern if you are dealing with a good-doer who is prone to conditions such as laminitis or who suffers from insulin resistance. In these cases, soaking the hay is essential. WHAT ABOUT GRAZING? Ultimately, the amount of grazing a good-doer can have depends on the quality of the grazing and the amount of time the horse spends at pasture. A horse on excellent quality grazing 24/7 may need to be restricted; however, a horse out on reduced grazing for 2-3 hours a day may not need much restriction.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING: "I NEED MORE ENERGY; HE IS SO LAZY!" A common problem for owners is that many good-doers/ overweight horses tend to feel lazy. This makes it particularly difficult to give them a hard workout. Many owners, therefore, look to adding more energy in the form of feed. Unfortunately, adding more food simply worsens the problem, as more food means more calories. The best way to help a good doer is to increase fitness through regular exercise. As horses lose weight, they will be able to put more effort into the exercise. This is a slower approach to adding more energy, but certainly a healthier one.

For good-doers prone to conditions such as laminitis, grazing can be a concern, especially at times of the year when grazing is abundant or fastgrowing, such as after our first rain of the season. That being said, drought-affected paddocks with very little grazing must also be avoided for these horses, as quite often, the grasses in these paddocks are in survival mode and thus hold on to sugar and starch to survive. This means that although there might not be much grass, the grass there is, is very high in sugar. Ultimately, because we are unable to easily test our grazing for sugar levels here in South Africa, it is difficult to estimate nutrient intake from grazing and, therefore, the amount of calories the horse is ingesting. For this reason, it is more sensible to change more controllable and measurable

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

elements of the diet, before deciding to restrict turnout, which comes with its own set of risks. WHAT'S IN THE BUCKET? It's often hard for owners to consider cutting their horse's feed as it makes us feel 'mean', but in the long run, the horse will thank you, especially if weight loss is needed. The main reason for cutting a horse's concentrates is that concentrate feeds generally contain more calories per kilogram and thus are calorie-dense, which is an unnecessary option for good-doers. For the majority of good-doers, a small amount of concentrate feed is sufficient, and these horses should ideally be fed concentrates that are high in fibre and low in calories. However, you must always check the manufacturer's feeding guidelines. Good-doers not receiving the minimum daily recommended amount of the food may not be receiving a full complement of vitamins and minerals, and, therefore, these may need to be supplemented through a supplement or even a balancer pellet.

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If the horse needs to lose weight, then cutting concentrate food altogether is likely to be necessary. However, this can leave the horse at risk of being short of critical nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, for those on a strict weight loss programme, a balancer is a good way of providing these elements of protein, vitamins and minerals without adding unnecessary calories. These products are designed to be fed in small amounts; generally, 100g per 100kg of body weight per day is more than sufficient. Another option to facilitate weight loss is to feed a super fibre alongside hay and grazing. Beet-type products are ideal as they provide a lot of fibre in a small amount of food, thus allowing the horse's gut to be kept happy without providing too many calories. These can also be fed alongside a balancer or vitamin supplement to meet the daily nutritional requirements. Feeding a super fibre before turnout can also help, as the bulk of the fibre will fill the horse, making him less likely to gorge on grass.

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

UP THE EXERCISE Good-doers are much easier to keep in good health when exercise is involved. Incorporating exercise allows owners to be less restrictive on the diet. Sometimes exercise may not be possible, but in most cases, it is advisable to include some form of exercise, however minimal. START SLOWLY If the horse isn't used to much work, increase the workload slowly. Start with light walking, increasing to trot and canter work as the horse improves in fitness. Even if your horse is not in the best health, if they can walk, then even in-hand walking can improve overall metabolism. Often, when owners increase their horse's workload, they simply add more days of the same sort of work. However, adding different types of exercise to the routine is far more valuable. When horses are accustomed to a set routine (e.g. an hour's ride including walk, trot, canter and jumping) adding more of the same doesn't necessarily use more calories as

the body is already accustomed to doing these activities. Trying new things, however, can be more challenging for the horse's body and thus help him lose more calories. A useful tip for increasing workload without overdoing things is to 'cross-train'. This may include hill work one day, 'sprints' another (10-second intervals at higher intensities, even at a trot if the usual ride is only at the walk), or even a long hack through the woods. If there is not time for a full ride, try lunging twice per day, rather than once. Remember, as with feeding, all changes, including an increase in exercise training, should be introduced slowly. CONCLUSION Though it may be difficult to keep a pony from his grazing or watch a horse look forlornly at the other horses at meal times, remember that being overweight can cause serious issues; maintaining a horse at an ideal weight is of utmost importance for his long-term health and wellbeing.

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THEIR PERFORMANCE, YOUR SUCCESS

Our consistent standards of excellence and broad product range mean that every horse at every stage of life and in every discipline gets the ration that is perfectly balanced just for them. Leigh Adams | 083 998 6824 Leigh.Adams@rclfoods.com Debbie Dick | 076 755 5164 Debbie.Dick@rclfoods.com

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Part 8: The neck angle

Crucial conformation 90

hen choosing or evaluating a horse, there are many factors to consider: breed, breed type (how the horse embodies the characteristics of his breed or type), pedigree, colour, temperament and personality. However, the most important element is the conformation, particularly if you want the horse to have an athletic career or breed. Choosing a horse based on an understanding of conformation makes it less likely that you will endure the disappointment or heartbreak of a career-ending injury or early loss of use due to arthritis or injury.

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

A horse with good conformation has no apparent faults that detract from his general appearance and function. Crucially, however, conformation is not just about looks but also about suitability for the job the horse will be asked to do. Some of the 'rules' of conformation are based on pure physics – structural strength, leverage forces and proper angles, for instance – and these help us understand why some horses stay sound and others do not.

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

Of course, some horses with poor conformation go on to be winners, but these are truly the exceptions to the rule. Most of the best equine athletes possess certain qualities of good conformation that enable them to perform at a higher level. Generally, the horse with good conformation and proper body and leg angles experiences less wear and tear on

joints and other structures. He is more apt to stay sound and perform well during a long life of athletic service than a horse with serious conformational flaws. In this issue, we continue our examination of the neck, looking at how the angles of the head, neck and shoulder impact conformation.

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

HEAD/NECK ANGLE One of the most important aspects of general conformation is the angle at which the head meets the neck. This angle is determined by the first two vertebrae of the neck – the atlas and the axis.

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

The atlas (C1) – the first vertebrae of the neck – forms the joint between the head and the neck. It lies directly behind the poll and forms a curved ridge that can easily be felt and seen in most horses. The atlas slips over the axis (C2), the second neck vertebra, which creates a hinge that allows the horse to nod his head up and down without moving the rest of his body. This complex joint between C1 and C2 enables the horse to flex at the poll. Good neck flexibility is essential if a horse is to easily accept the bit. If the jowls are too large or the throatlatch is too thick, the neck cannot arch properly, and the horse will struggle to flex at the poll.

The configuration of the atlas and axis also allows the horse to swing his head from side to side, helping him to shift his balance while travelling and allowing him to turn his head to the side to get better focus on something he is looking at. After these first two vertebrae, the rest of the vertebrae dip down toward the base of the neck and stay there until they reach the shoulder, where they rise to join the thoracic vertebrae at roughly the level of the shoulder joint.

NOTE: For adequate room to flex at the poll easily, there should be some space between the atlas and the cheekbone. You should be able to place at least two fingers between the top of the round jawbone (cheekbone) and the first neck vertebra at the top of the neck.

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

WHEN THE ANGLE BETWEEN THE HEAD AND NECK IS TOO ABRUPT If the angle at which the head meets the neck is too sharp, forming a right angle instead of a curve, the lower line of the neck may be too fleshy, and the neck will meet the throat at a low level, which tends to constrict the windpipe. If a horse's throatlatch and airways are always cramped, restricting

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the flow of air, he may understandably resist flexing at the poll and brace his neck and back. This is not a 'training' or 'behaviour' issue but simply a conformation flaw that prevents the horse from flexing as requested. This abrupt head/neck configuration is often found in horses with a short, thick neck and an upright shoulder.

DID YOU KNOW? At the base of the neck, the jugular furrow between the windpipe and the muscles above it should be distinct. When welldefined, it provides plenty of room for the windpipe to expand when the horse is breathing hard and for the jugular vein to carry a large volume of blood without being impeded by pressure from the muscled areas above.

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

NECK/SHOULDER ANGLE The way the neck is set on at the shoulders is just as important as the way the head is set on at the neck, as the juncture of the neck and shoulder affects the shape of the neck. The neck should emerge from the shoulders reasonably high, with a distinct breast area below it. The base of the neck (its departure from the chest) should be level with the point of the shoulder or higher. The ideal riding horse has a neck that reaches out from the body from the point of the shoulder with a very defined shape. Viewed from the side, there should be a smooth transition from shoulder to neck, with the neck set neither too high nor too low. Functionally, how the neck is set on the shoulders is important for proper balance, flexibility and agility. If the neck starts too low (like a zebra, whose

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neck is set so low that it almost appears to emerge between the front legs) with no visible breast below it, the neck is nearly as deep (top to bottom) as the body. This makes the horse appear to be leaning too far forward, and he will travel heavily in front and be a challenge to collect. His shoulder action will also be restricted as his forelegs cannot be raised high enough or forward enough for a good length of stride, which reduces the horse's speed and his jumping ability. Ultimately, then, he will have poor balance, flexibility and impaired agility.

NEXT TIME In our next edition, we will continue to look at the neck, this time focusing on the shape of the neck.

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Can tendon boots cause my horse’s legs to heat up? Unfortunately, yes, boots can cause a horse’s legs to heat up during exercise, and if the tendons are exposed to long periods of high temperature, injury can result. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use boots, as they provide valuable protection. You just need to make sure that you choose the right boots with a good design, as the rise in temperature caused by boots is impacted by the design employed. Perforated

boots or those with ventilation will allow more heat to escape than those made with traditional materials, making them a preferable option. Other factors that affect the degree to which the limb heats up include external factors such as individual fitness, environmental temperature and exertion. These should also be considered and allowed for when designing workout sessions. Ultimately, the less time your horse spends in boots and the better the design of the boots, the better for his tendons, so plan your rides carefully and take off the boots as soon as it is safe to do so. HQ|164C

Q&A

How do water treadmills help horses?

We’re fortunate to have several water treadmills in South Africa. When used correctly by trained professionals and for horses who don’t have contraindications (speak to your vet about whether your horse is a suitable candidate), water treadmills can provide a lowerimpact, higher aerobic workout than a workout on dry land. Time on the treadmill can improve balance, improve core stability, increase muscle mass and tone, increase stride length and improve aerobic fitness. Water treadmill work also targets and builds the back muscles, principally the longissimus dorsi, where the saddle sits, and the multifidi, which are essential to stabilise the spine. This work can increase pelvic flexion, and so is sometimes used to improve muscle weakness in the back and increase athletic range. HQ|164C

WHY WATER? The benefits obtained from exercising in water come from: • The higher viscosity of water, when compared to air, which increases the drag on the limbs, thereby requiring more effort for movement. This, in turn, builds muscle strength, power and neuromuscular control. • The hydrostatic pressure of water which reduces oedema, increases lymphatic return and reduces pain. • The buoyancy of water which reduces axial forces.

However, the main use for treadmills currently is in rehabilitation after injury. In studies, water exercise has been shown to increase the range of motion of joints and reduce oedema. The water level can be varied to target specific joints or areas, which makes water a great tool, in certain cases, for rehabilitating joints, ligaments and tendons. As an additional element, some treadmills use warm water to promote blood flow to injured areas, while cold, salty water can reduce oedema and inflammation. The protocol for rehabilitation, including the temperature of water used, will depend on your particular horse and his injury.

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