DIGITAL ISSUE 165A | 2023
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Dear readers, How can it be that we find ourselves welcoming December again? This is the point in the year when we are always asking ourselves: where did the time go? It has been our absolute pleasure to share this year with you and your horses. We are grateful to have you as part of the HQ community. Here in the office, we often take a moment to ask how it’s possible that we’re able to call this our job, and ultimately that’s down to you. So, thank you all for a fabulous (if challenging at points) 2023! We’re so grateful for your support. We’d also like to thank our loyal advertisers who, through their generous support, allow us to keep this magazine free for everyone! We couldn’t do it without them. Thank you!
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Having said this, the year is far from over yet. We still have our digital editions of HQ Pony and DQ Magazines and, excitingly, our festive print edition, which will be out around the 20th of December. We can’t wait to share these publications with you! Whatever the festive season holds for you and yours, we hope it will be a good one! We look forward to seeing you on the first of January, 2024! With lots of Christmas love,
Lizzie and xxx the HQ team Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
Designer | Mauray Wolff
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DIGITAL ISSUE 165A | 2023
CONTENTS The necessary courage By @crazyredchestnut
As seen on the cover A story about Harry
Ushering in a new era for the South African Warmblood The SAWHS evolves
SAWHS Free-Jumping and Loose-Movement Showcasing SA’s breeding talent
The Liquid Intelligent Technologies Gauteng Equitation Series 2023 The winners
Katie Franck Equitation superstar
HQ Pro The new rankings
Meet Xolani Mkhulo (Simon)
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A guide to workload Crucial conformation Part 9: The shape of the neck
Getting to the core of the issue
AskHQ
Understanding the core
Your equestrian questions answered
How old is too old?
Products We Love
Are horses ever too old for supplements?
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very so often, you come across something so good online that it stops you in your tracks, forcing you to read and re-read again and again. @crazyredchestnut’s recent post on Instagram did just that. We can’t say it better, so here are Amy’s words, direct from her must-follow Instagram account @crazyredchesnut:
In the equestrian industry, being soft is one of the bravest things you can do. There is this odd stigma in the equestrian industry that in order to ‘produce’ good horses, a rider/ handler must be firm, dominant, and ‘show who is boss’. Traditional training approaches often utilise escalating pressure, aversion to stimulus, discomfort, stress or pain to make a horse do something. Don’t be fooled by how harsh these words sound. You make think that I’m only
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taking about the people who very obviously do this and are generally called out for being abusers. In reality, these traditional concepts – based around harshness – are rampant through every discipline, level and country.
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A compliant horse does not equal a happy horse. Horses that are labelled as the easiest and quietest are often extremely shut down BECAUSE of the traditional training approaches they have been subjected to. “They must be content because they just do what they are asked and never put up a fight”. These horses have learnt that it’s easiest to give in to the harshness than to fight in. Does this mean they are willingly doing what they are asked? No. It’s a survival response, not a choice. In contrast, horses that are trained without harsh, traditional methods frequently express their distaste for something. Once you have given a horse a chance to say no, they will sometimes say no. It means that the horse has autonomy and only responds to a request – yes, a request, NOT a command – in a positive way if they choose to do so out of understanding their situation.
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People who engage in softer approaches that promote this autonomy and intricate understanding of horse behavioural signals of stress, discomfort and pain are often labelled negatively by the traditionalists. “You’re letting her get away with it”. “He’s taking advantage of you”.
You’ll never get what you want if you don’t make him do it now. Most people making an initial change in training won’t have any support from their current trainer/role model. They’ll be labelled as weak, ‘hippie’, weird etc but I’ll guarantee that their horse won’t think any of that…and it’s ACTUALLY about the horse. Being soft takes courage. Necessary courage.”
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JOIN KYALAMI PARK CLUB FOR 2024 Join Kyalami Park Club for 2024 by visiting www.kyalamiparkclub.co.za Your membership grants you: 1. Exemption from non-member KPC show levies 2. The ability to enter the KPC League #aleagueofitsown 3. Access to the property for outrides, dog walking, running etc 4. Access to the warm-up arenas for schooling 5. The opportunity to book the main arenas at certain points throughout the year (additional fees apply) 6. Early booking of seats for big shows (like Derby) AND more benefits to come in 2024!
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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 HORSE OWNER: BERYL JOHNSTON, HOTLINE’S HARRY’S OWNER AND PRIX ST GEORGE DRESSAGE RIDER. HARRY IS STABLED AT LA BELLE FERME, DRUMMOND, KZN.
AS SEEN ON THE COVER A STORY ABOUT HARRY In Beryl’s words: “Okay, so I can finally share what an ordeal the last eight months have been!
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C O V E R S T O RY
It all started when I travelled both my horses, Ultimo and Harry, all the way to Johannesburg last year (2022) for the SA Champs. Two days after we arrived, Harry was DEAD lame! There was nothing we could pinpoint or see that had obviously happened – nothing at all. I scrambled to get hold of our vet, Patrick Martin,
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from Baker McVeigh Equine Hospital - and he was miraculously walking off the plane in Johannesburg. We ended up sending Harry to have a CT scan at Witbos Veterinary Clinic, and Roy Gottschalk and his team were absolutely amazing.
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Unfortunately, the results were not good. Harry had done his deep digital flexor tendon in the right fore.
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INSTAGRAM Beryl Johnston: @beryl_j_ johnston_dressage Baker McVeigh: @bakermcveigh Equi-Floor KZN: @equifloorkzn
Anyone with experience with this injury knows that recovery can take anything from ten months to a year off, with no guarantee of a return to original performance levels (in Harry’s case - Prix St George). I was devastated! This horse had crept into my heart and shared an equal space there with Ultimo The Great. Just like the luck with Patrick, we next got a call from the owners of Equi-Floor KZN offering to do a case study on Harry at no charge! There was nothing to lose and everything to gain, so after speaking to the owner of Vitafloor USA, we started doing treatments on Harry twice a day for six weeks. After the six
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weeks of twice a day on the Vitafloor, I asked Patrick Martin if I could come do a trot up for him. I must be honest and say that I held my breath…but the results were remarkable. Harry was so sound that Patrick forgot which leg had the injury! Patrick said he was expecting to see a head nod, but there was nothing. My Harry was 100% sound! Now, I was allowed to walk him for 20 minutes every second day for the first month, so I was beyond excited to have my dance partner back. We followed every step of the vet’s advice and then went to the UK to spend Christmas with our family.
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While we were there, I got a call very early on the 22nd of December to say that Harry was colicking. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I was defeated and devastated that I couldn’t be there for my Harry. I literally couldn’t get off that plane fast enough on the 31st of December and finally got to see Harry. After a long road of recovery, we were able to start walking again six weeks after the surgery. I must tell you – it takes a village to do the rehab, especially for Harry with all he has been through!”
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Thankfully, this tale has a happy ending; fast track to October 2023, just six months later and Beryl and Harry won with 66.8% at the CDI Small Tour 2 Star Dressage Show JHB! Huge kudos to Beryl for never giving up and to Harry for getting through the ordeal. Here’s to healing!
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NEWS
USHERING IN
A NEW ERA FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN WARMBLOOD THE SAWHS EVOLVES
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NEWS
DID YOU KNOW? The SAWHS is the governing body for Warmblood horses in South Africa and is a full member of the World Breed Federation of Sport Horses (WBFSH).
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he SA Warmblood Horse Society (SAWHS) was founded in 1989 following the steady influx of European Warmbloods into South Africa that began in 1965. The imported European Warmbloods were crossed with local horses, mainly Thoroughbreds, and this crossbred population formed the base generation of the SAWHS. This crossbreeding aimed to produce a larger, healthier, more athletically built horse, bred to successfully compete at an international standard in the three Olympic disciplines showjumping, dressage and eventing. The Society’s selection efforts were, and still are, directed at improving the South African Warmbloods’ conformational correctness (due to its direct link with soundness and longevity in sport) and sporting performance specific to each discipline.
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NEWS
DID YOU KNOW? The SA Warmblood is a governmentgazetted animal and is classified as a developing breed by the Registrar of Animal Improvement.
A list of the first inspectors who travelled South Africa to evaluate the Warmbloods reads like an equestrian hall of fame: David Stubbs, Gerrie du Toit, Theo Laros, Ernie Davenport, Charmaine Watts and Ernest Holtz. These individuals invested significant time in educating breeders, ensuring good quality Thoroughbreds were used and encouraging breeding for conformational correctness. THE IDEAL SA WARMBLOOD The SAWHS describes the ideal SA Warmblood as “a large, rectangular framed, correct and powerful horse with refinement, quality and presence. This horse must be tough enough to withstand South African conditions. The horse should have a calm temperament and an elastic, balanced stride. Due to the majority of the South African market being amateur riders, special attention is given to rideability, temperament and soundness.” MOVING FORWARD 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the South African Warmblood Horse Society, and as the breed evolves, so must the Society. With a younger council and new Chairman, Kostas Kontas, the Society hopes to usher in a new era of inclusivity and recognition of what South African breeding has to offer, acknowledging that the SA Warmblood has progressed to a level comparable with that of an international Warmblood. This fact is supported by nearly every trainer, judge, inspector and even course designer that the Society has spoken to over the last year.
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NEWS
A Life without horses, is like taking a breath without air.
As such, a decision was made to rebrand the Society, and HQ are delighted that we are showcasing the new logo and rebrand for the first time here. THE REBRAND Within the new logo, the protea has been retained as an ode to the SAWHS heritage while also being a symbol of resilience, which is what the SA Warmblood is bred for. The horse represents strength, while the shield represents the intention to protect and preserve the breed. The shield additionally serves the purpose of a ‘stamp’ that will be used for official SAWHS Breed Papers and Plaques. The new colours, gold and hunter green, speak to our South African heritage, while the burgundy represents the elegant, timeless sophistication of the SA Warmblood. COMING SOON Having spoken to the new council, we can report that there are exciting plans in the works for SAWHS, so stay tuned for our next edition, where we will be revealing more of the SAWHS initiatives and helping you understand more about the SAWHS and what they can do for you!
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HORSE AND RIDER
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TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: CRYSTAL BALDWIN PHOTOGRAPHY
SAWHS FREEJUMPING AND LOOSE-MOVEMENT SHOWCASING SA'S BREEDING TALENT
he South African Warmblood Horse Society hosted its 14th annual Free-Jumping and Loose-Movement show in November at United Equestrian in Kyalami. With several young horses on display with a variety of interesting pedigrees, it was exciting to see what South African breeding has to offer.
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Callaho Casco Grey and Callaho Talana, who have Argentinus as their dam sire, as well as Martini Cortina, who is a half-sister to Chilli Chocolatier, who was the 2021 Champion FreeJumper. The judges commented that this filly still has much more to show and that they look forward to seeing her in the future!
FREE-JUMPING In the Free-Jumping section, the two locally bred Candy de Nantuel offspring shone through, winning Champion and Reserve Champion Free Jumpers.
Martini Stud had an exceptional show, as they also picked up second place in the three-yearold Free-Jumping with homebred gelding Martini Ever Scott. Ever Scott is by Elvis ter Putte, a Belgian Warmblood (BWP) Ambassador, and out of Callaho For Scotty (For Joy x Crown Collection xx), which makes him a half-brother to Callaho Lariscott (Larison x For Joy), who currently leads the Gauteng Junior 1.30m rankings. Claire Martin liked this combination so much that she used it again and has an exceptional two-year-old filly, Martini Emiscott, at the stud.
The Champion Free Jumper for 2023 was the two-year-old filly Martini Chilli Chocolatier (Candy de Nantuel x Argentinus x Drosselbart) owned and bred by Claire and Janet Martin of Martini Stud. Argentinus in the dam line has produced a variety of exceptional performers and broodmares in South Africa, including
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DID YOU KNOW? To become an Ambassador for the BWP, the stallion himself or one of his offspring must have competed in the final of the World Equestrian Games or the Olympic Games. Alternatively, the stallion must have at least five offspring within the top 100 on the WBSHF Stallion Rankings.
Martini Stud were out in force!
Martini Stud also picked up third place in the two-year-old Free Jumping with Martini I'm Imperial Vella (Rivervale's I'm All Yours x For Joy x Raphael). Rivervale's I'm All Yours was a locally bred stallion and is by I'm Special de Muze. Another locally bred stallion by I'm Special du Muze with progeny on display was Diamond's Incognito. He sired Saltash Infinity (Incognito x For Joy x Ubergabe), who was second overall in the two-year-old Loose Movement and was described as "uphill, elastic, elegant and balanced" by the judges.
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The Reserve Champion Free Jumper was awarded to Anthon Hoek's three-year-old filly, Cornerstone Countess de la Candy (Candy x Ulano van Lobos x Fedor). Once again, this filly displayed Candy's canter and impressive jump. This filly's dam sire is Ulano van Lobos, who is the sire of one of our World Cup Showjumping contenders, Ultimo WC, who competes with Shari Michaelis!
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Countess de la Candy was awarded second place
Willow El Ghoku Z
In second place in the two-year-old Free Jumping was the exciting young Emerald Van't Ruytershof colt bred by Willow Stud; El Ghoku Z. Emerald is a son of Diamant de Semilly and the sire of I'm Special du Muze. He is also a BWP Ambassador, having competed in the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016 and has nearly 40 progeny that have competed and won at 1.60m-1.70m. With El Ghoku's sire and dam (MT Evolution) being striking chestnuts with white legs and faces, it is unsurprising that he looks just the same. The judges noted that he had a very balanced and rhythmical canter, which is just what you need for a future showjumping champion.
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DID YOU KNOW? The stallion Candy de Nantuel (Luidam x Diamant de Semilly), at just eleven years old, is proving himself to not only be an exceptional showjumper, having placed at 1.55m with Penelope Leprevost but also has some exceptional progeny coming up the grades in Europe, with many of his six to seven-year-olds already jumping at the 1.35m level. According to GFE, he passes on his flexibility and canter to his offspring and produces better with mares with frame and size.
Willow Stud also presented Luigi's Lad Z in the Under one-year-old Loose Movement. He is a half-brother to El Ghoku and by the up-andcoming stallion Luigi D'Eclipse (Catoki Calato). He received super scores and was described as having "an uphill and active canter, being well balanced and rhythmical with a strong hindquarter". He is another top prospect for the future.
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Anca Roode of Ancaro Stud
Ancaro’s C’est La Vie
Douglas DC-3
Another relatively new stud, Ancaro Warmblood Stud, was also well-represented at the event. The young stallion Ancaro's Lorelock Claudius (Locarno Chaccoelo x Countdown x Contender), who was last year's Champion Free Jumper, placed tied third in his class, with Anca's filly Ancaro's C'est La Vie (Cornet Damiro x Always One R x Belmondo). C'est La Vie holds a special place in owner and breeder Anca Roode's heart as she competed her dam up to the 1.20m. It was also lovely to see that the stallion and mare were able to be transported together and came in together for their prizes; this speaks volumes of Claudius' temperament and Ancara Stud's management and handling of their young stock.
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Douglas DC-3 also made an appearance, and this young stallion, who has certainly taken more than just his looks from his sire, Douglas M, impressed the judges and took home the prize for the best turned out. Congratulations to his groom, Thomas Maphuting, on winning this prize. Douglas M is a son of ARD VDL Douglas, who has produced several Olympic and World Championship Showjumpers, and his dam sire is Narcos II, who has also produced a multitude of top showjumpers and eventers and over 50 licensed progeny.
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Adela Glamero
Adela's Van Helsing
Douglas M was licensed by SAWHS in 2018 and, following his untimely retirement from the competition arena, was exported to Namibia, where he now stands at stud. Marlene Sinclair, one of his riders with whom he had great success, said, "I miss this boy! Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as one of the top showjumpers in South Africa. Sadly, due to an early injury, he peaked at 1.45m but had everything needed to be a successful 1.50m horse. His ability to navigate challenging courses with precision and courage made him a force to be reckoned with. Dougy's focus and determination were unwavering. When the bell rang, he was only about his job. I've never experienced this level of competitiveness in a partner, in a horse." DC-3's dam, Gitana (Gipsy King du Coty x Davenport Peter Pan), presents some of South Africa's finest bloodlines. SAWHS premium licensed Gipsy King himself competed successfully at A Grade with Debbie Adams and has produced several open jumpers in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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DID YOU KNOW? Glamourdale has won 65% of the Prix St George to Grand Prix competitions he has ever competed in.
LOOSE MOVEMENT As for the Loose Movement, it was incredibly exciting to see the new dressage bloodlines available in South Africa. The four-year-old winner was the stallion Elangeni Dei Gratia. He is by the Olympic Team Bronze winning stallion Everdale (Lord Leatherdale x Negro) out of a Flemmingh x Farrington mare. At just fourteen years old, Everdale already has 11 Grand Prix Progeny, including Imhotep, who has had several GP wins with Charlotte Dujardin this year. Flemmingh has also been an exceptional dressage sire, with over 100 progeny competing at PSG and above. This young colt, who was described as "a very modern type", is definitely a potential breeding and competition prospect for the future. The Champion Warmblood Loose Mover for 2023 was awarded to Maxine de Villiers' flashy homebred one-year-old colt Adela Glamero who is by Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale x Negro) out of a Sunset Hit x Come Back II mare. Glamourdale is a two-time Grand Prix World Champion with Charlotte Fry, and the pair are currently ranked second overall in the FEI Dressage World Rankings. Glamero's dam was imported from Denmark, and despite being under saddle for only two years due to breeding duties, she has had several wins and rarely scores under 80%. Adela Stud also bred the three-year-old runner-up, Adela's Van Helsing (Vinducath x Rosario x Donnerhall).
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Micosi Grand Slam G
Agbenoir Stud's Bonamicio
The Reserve Champion Loose Mover was awarded to three-year-old Micosi Grand Slam G, who is by Elias van T'Godselbos out of Midgrad Geena S. Geena S shares the same dam line as Midgrad Grannus and Midgard Glamour, who both competed at 1.50m here in South Africa. He was bred by Micosi Stud, and Franziska Lienberger purchased him after being impressed by his movement and jumping ability, as seen when he decided to jump out of the 1.40m arena! The judges did note that he was very "powerful, elastic and athletic!". The under-one-year-old Loose-Movement class was won by Agbenoir Stud's Bonamicio (Legacy Bonheur x Furst Romancier x Don Frederico), who will certainly be a future dressage prospect. The same can be said for the two-year-old winner Franc-Swella's Justified Glory (Justus de Jeu x Attila x Damnatz), who showed off his uphill and powerful movement.
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Franc-Swella's Justified Glory
Finally, Alois Kambarami was the groom of the Best Turned-Out Loose-Mover, as he turned out Willow's Euclase to perfection, scoring 10/10 from the judges! CONCLUSION Congratulations to this year's winners; we are excited to see these young horses in the showjumping and dressage rings in the near future! South Africa certainly has a lot to look forward to.
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HOW TO WIN 1. Like/follow @saddle_creek_ and @hq_magazine. 2. Like the giveaway social media post and tag 3 people. 3. HQ will do a random name draw of the winner of this beautiful numnah and ear veil set, on the 2nd of January 2024. @saddle_creek_
@hq_magazine.
HORSE AND RIDER
INTERVIEW: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: DENFORD STUDIOS
The Liquid Intelligent Technologies Gauteng Equitation Series 2023 THE WINNERS
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hen Equitation was first introduced to South Africa, it was not just to form another competitive discipline but also to educate riders and improve the general standard of riding throughout South Africa. As not all riders had access to coaching, Equitation
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aimed to educate through the competitions, and Bursary Courses were also held nationally. These courses were initially sponsored by BP and were presented by the top South African Coaches who were known to instruct on internationally accepted techniques.
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DEVELOPMENT ARM The objective of Equitation is to educate and give exposure at a grassroots level to as many instructors and young riders as possible and should, therefore, be viewed as a critical development arm for the sport as a whole.
This past year, Equitation has grown from strength to strength, with more awareness and attention directed towards the discipline and with the invaluable sponsorship of the Gauteng Equitation Series provided by Liquid Intelligent Technologies. In this series, competitions were held at Kyalami Equestrian Park and
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Eaton Farm, with the finals at Fourways Riding Centre on the 29th of October. Despite some of the most bizarre adverse weather conditions Gauteng has seen in recent years, the judges, officials, competitors and parents persevered, and the competition at Fourways was a great success.
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PONY RIDER SERIES WINNERS (VICTOR LUDORUM) PR Novice – Angelique Lombard PR Intermediate – Lianka Grobler PR Open – Charlouis Khun Charlouis Khun has had a super Pony Rider career in Equitation, as at this same competition, she won the Gauteng PR Open Equitation, a title she also won in 2022.
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JUNIOR SERIES WINNERS (VICTOR LUDORUM) Junior Welcome- Nakai Kativu Junior Novice – Zara Pappalardo Junior Intermediate – Catherine Priest Junior Open – Isabella Saunders Zara Pappalardo has also had a successful Pony Rider career, winning in the Opens with her pony Rooigras Elle. After Elle had to have an operation in the middle of the year, Zara stepped up to Juniors aboard mom Caryn Pappalardo's special mare Vix. The pair went on to win several Junior Novice Equitation classes and secured their Victor Ludorum title after winning their class at finals.
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ADULT SERIES WINNERS (VICTOR LUDORUM) Adult Welcome – Chantal van Dyk Adult Novice – Chanel Lotter Adult Intermediate – Nhlanhla Viilakazi Nhlanhla Vilikazi, one of the development riders, came through with an exceptional performance to win the Adult Intermediate Victor Ludorum. Along the way to the title, he won four of the six Liquid Intelligent Technologies Series classes, which is quite an achievement in itself! The Gauteng Equitation Committee sponsored Nhlanhla's entries for the Equitation shows in 2023, having seen his potential, and were thrilled with his outstanding results. The Committee said, "He is certainly a young rider with tremendous potential, and we wish him all the best in the future".
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HQ had to hear more about Nhlanhla's story, so we had a quick catch-up with him: HQ: How did your journey with horses begin? Nhlanhla: When I was young, I loved horses a lot, well, actually all animals. One day, in 2013, it happened that I was walking past an equestrian centre, and I saw people riding horses there, so I went in to inquire. They told me to bring my parents to register me, and that is how I started riding. I was taught by the well-known Enos Mafokate at the Soweto Equestrian Centre. I rode and did lots of vaulting as well. I left there in 2017, and in 2019, I started riding with Barbie and Kayla Gertenbach at Riba Stables. I appreciate everything they do for me and am grateful to be able to reach my goals and continue to make everyone proud. I wouldn't have made it this far if it weren't for my mentors.
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HQ: What do you enjoy about working with horses? Nhlanhla: They teach me something new almost every day! Working with such big animals is not easy, but eventually, it becomes second nature, and everything flows. I also find it relaxing; even though, at times, it can get tough, I still love it. It also helps me forget about everything that is happening around the world, so they really play a big role in my life. If it weren't for horses, I'm sure I would be a completely different person. HQ: How would you describe Equitation, and what do you enjoy about it? Nhlanhla: Equitation shows are more like riding lessons, where almost everything is noticed and corrected. And, riding with a correct and effective position makes everything look neat and easy.
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What I enjoy about it is that they judge the rider, especially the effectiveness of the rider on the horse and your riding position and how effective it is. It also helps because you know what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong, so you can improve and work on what the judges say you should work on. It's also nice for the horses because as a rider, you should always be working on making sure your horse is happy, confident, and loving their job. HQ: Can you tell us about the horse you are riding in the Equitation? Nhlanhla: His name is Big Ben. He came from a farm when he was four, and I schooled him from scratch with the help of Kayla and Barbie. I've slowly produced him up the grades, and now he's winning nearly every class in the Equitation. He is my sweetheart, that boy; I really love him a lot. There are others that I love, but Ben is really close to my heart because we have come such a long way together. I taught him; he's taught me, so it is like 50:50, and we are still learning. I am really proud of him and where he is now, and I think he still has a lot of potential and a long way to go.
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HQ: Do you have any tips for people to succeed in Equitation? Nhlanhla: I think you always need to be willing to learn and always try to be a better rider in order for your horse to be a better horse. Whatever you do on a horse's back affects how they look, how they jump, their transitions… Everyone's aim should be to be a better rider every time they sit on their horse. Also, it's not all about winning; it's about making the horses happy every time and considering the horse before anything else. HQ: Do you participate in any other disciplines? Nhlanhla: Yes, I compete in showjumping and dressage, and I also lunge for vaulting.
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HQ: What are your goals for the coming years? Nhlanhla: I want to produce lots of horses and see them compete all over in big classes and around the world. I would also love to compete in some of the bigger classes as well. One day, I would love to run my own stables as well, but that's a really big dream for now, almost too big even to think about it. I also aim to always make each and every person who has helped me on my journey proud. HQ: Any closing comments? Nhlanhla: The sponsors and sponsorships are very helpful and the shows are always great. I am so thankful that they allow me to participate and pursue my riding career. HQ: We wish you all the best in the future and we will surely bae seeing many more wins from you! Congratulations.
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INTERVIEW: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT
KATIE FRANCK EQUITATION SUPERSTAR
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his year has been exciting for Equitation in South Africa, with the sport growing nationally and some exceptional riders rising to the top across South Africa. One such rider who has had a flawless year in the Open classes is young Katie Franck, who for possibly the first time in the history of equitation in South Africa has had a clean sweep of all the ‘big title’ wins that 2023 had to offer! HQ had the opportunity to talk to Katie and hear about her dream year! HQ: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Katie: I am 16 and in Grade 10 at St Mary’s School, Waverley. I have two sisters, and luckily for my dad, neither of them rides! Over the years, I have participated in many sports at school, such as tennis, swimming, netball, diving, and hockey, but have now narrowed my focus to my passion, horse riding. My academics are also very important to me, and it sometimes gets difficult to juggle my schoolwork with riding, but doing both has definitely taught me how to manage my time!
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HQ: Can you tell us about your riding career to date? Katie: I started riding with my best friend at the age of five. My journey began at Farnham Stables, where I fell in love with the school ponies, started participating in training shows and enjoyed many pony camps. I then moved to Kinvara with Kate Laird and leased my first pony, Shikane. He was a gentle schoolmaster who took me confidently and competitively around the lower pony grades. When it was time for Shikane to retire, my parents bought me my first pony, Simply Sebastian. We flew around the 80cm and 90cm classes, picking up many tickets. We then moved to Kincardine Equestrian Centre, where I still stable my horses. I started jumping lessons with Joanne Van Achterburgh and flatwork lessons with Kelly Slater. With Jo’s guidance, we
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bought the special Bodenhausen Le Chocolatier (aka Chuckles). He taught me so much, taking me up the grades and into the open PR classes. Some of our best memories were winning the PR Open Presidents Cup (2020) and the PR Open South African Equitation Championships (2021). The start of my junior career was not smooth sailing, but valuable lessons were learned. My first junior horse taught me patience and resilience! Then, in May 2022, I got my heart horse, Caritou Z. I remember watching Olivia Van Rooyen compete him and couldn’t believe he was now mine! He has taken me up into the open junior classes and has been the most amazing teammate. That same year, we were the Reserve Champions in the Junior Open 1.35m South African Championship! HQ|165A
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HQ: What disciplines have you competed in, and which do you focus on now? Katie: Participating at SANESA from a young age allowed me to try several different disciplines. However, showjumping and equitation have always been the two disciplines I’m most passionate about. I have worked my way up to the open classes of both these disciplines in the pony and junior classes. SANESA was my first exposure to equitation, and from the start, I was hooked. I love what it has and continues to teach me. Equitation focuses on the rider, and it has always been important to me that I ride correctly using the correct aids. Jumping gives me a feeling like no other, and the great thing about equitation is it combines both jumping and flatwork.
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HQ: You’ve had a super year, winning pretty much every Open Equitation major title and qualifying for the Philip Smith Memorial Trophy next year, which is possibly the most prestigious Equitation title in South Africa! Can you tell us about each of those National title wins, and was there a favourite? Katie: Easter Festival was the first National Equitation title of the year. I went in with no expectations. Carit and I had competed in a couple of equitation classes last year, and it was still a fairly new discipline for him. My biggest challenge was to keep him focused! He rose to the occasion, and Easter Festival was our first big win. SA Champs took place in June this year at Kyalami Park. This was the title I wanted to win the most, as it was a goal for me to qualify for Philip Smith. I was also hoping to repeat my Open SA Championship Pony Rider
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title win but in Juniors. It was an exciting competition progressing to a part four. This was my favourite competition of the year, and my championship win hopefully means I will be invited to participate in Philip Smith next year. Then, a win at SANESA Regionals confirmed our spot at SANESA Nationals. This competition works slightly differently in that you get to plan your own test, a challenge I really enjoyed. Lastly and most recently was our tied first place at the Gauteng Equitation Champs. Jade Anderson and I were within 1.5 points of each other after Part 2. After an exciting Part 3, we were tied and shared the title. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better equitation year for Carit and me, and I would like to thank my coaches, Joanne van Achterburgh and Kelly Slater, for helping us achieve all these milestones.
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HQ: Do you have any tips and hints for people new to equitation? And why should young riders try equitation? Katie: I have been participating in equitation since I entered my very first equitation class at SANESA at the age of seven! Whenever I get a compliment from someone about the way I ride or how well I sit, I always think to myself, 'I have equitation to thank for that!' My tip to anyone who does or wants to do equitation is to do it not only for the wins but also for the journey. I am a rider whose flatwork is very important to me, and I love growing together with my horse. This is why I say enjoy the journey, as equitation is a discipline where you and your horse can learn together and better your riding, and it also benefits all the other disciplines you compete in. A bit more 'straightforward' advice that I was once given was to 'walk in confidently and with your head held high' as that gives a very good first impression for the judges!
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HQ: So, you've qualified top for the Philip Smith Memorial. It normally happens around Easter the following year, which is still six months away, but have you started preparing and how are you feeling about the event? Katie: I am very excited about qualifying for Philip Smith next year. With SA Champs taking place earlier this year in June, it means we will have had ten months to prepare in total, a lot longer than in previous years. I have started to slowly prepare and have been familiarising myself with dressage. I am also trying to take any opportunities that come my way to ride different horses. I am sure Kelly and Jo will start with proper boot camp next year! I'm really excited to be a part of such a prestigious competition, as it's been a dream of mine to compete in it!
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HORSE AND RIDER
HQ: Can you tell us a bit about Carit and the partnership you have? Katie: I've owned Carit for 18 months, and I absolutely adore him! Besides all the achievements we've experienced together, what I love most about him is his charming character. He has a huge personality and loves attention. He loves to jump and seems to know when he has done well… He rises to the occasion in a lap of honour, porpoising his way round the arena. His unbelievable sporting ability, power and agility amaze me every time I sit on him.
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He also has a bromance going on with his groom, Bright. He will follow Bright anywhere and can spot him from a mile away! My favourite part of the day is walking into the stables and calling Carit; he pricks his ears and looks at me. He never fails to put a smile on my face.
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HQ: Any plans for the coming year? Katie: Philip Smith will be a big focus for me in the new year. I would also like to compete more consistently with Carit in the open jumping classes. I have also now qualified for my dual licence, so there are a few adult shows I would like to compete in the next couple of years. HQ: We believe you have an exciting new horse recently added to your string? Katie: Yes, in very exciting news, we have recently purchased a new horse, Hello Wow Z, who joined Karit at Kincardine a few weeks ago. She is seven years old and hasn't been in the country long. I am really looking forward to starting my journey with her. The plan is to bring her own slowly and bring her up the grades over the next couple of years. There are exciting times ahead!
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HQ: Is there anyone specific you would like to thank? Katie: A huge thank you goes out to my whole team! Joanne Van Achterbergh has been my showjumping coach for about five years now, and she has helped me and watched me grow into the rider I am today. She has been so supportive throughout the highs and lows of my riding journey, and I love learning new things from her on a daily basis! Kelly Slater is my flatwork coach and has supported me through many transitions in my riding career. She has helped me improve all of my horses, and I have learned to love flatwork because of her. To my sponsor EquiBoutique - thank you for always ensuring Carit and I are comfortable and stylish. In equitation, the way you present yourself plays an important role, and I feel like we always enter the arena looking so smart in your highend products. HQ: Thanks, Katie, we wish you all the best and look forward to following your journey with Carit and your new girl.
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WBFSH TOP 10 SIRE RANKINGS 2023 FOR SHOWJUMPING, DRESSAGE AND EVENTING
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TOP 10 SIRES 2023 RANK
SIRE NAME
POINTS
1st (2nd)*
DIAMANT DE SEMILLY
26,077
2nd (1st)*
CHACCO-BLUE
26,000
3rd (4th)*
KANNAN
22,013
4th (3rd)*
MYLORD CARTHAGO*HN
16,906
5th (10th)*
VDL ZIROCCO BLUE
13,523
6th (5th)*
TOULON
13,291
7th (6th)*
CASALL
12,904
8th (7th)*
CARDENTO 933
12,764
9th (8th)*
ELDORADO VD ZESHOEK
12,534
10th (16th)*
COMME IL FAUT 5
10,294
* 2022 RANKING
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TOP 10 SIRES 2023 RANK
SIRE NAME
POINTS
1st (1st)*
DIARADO
1,662
2nd (3rd)*
OBOS QUALITY 004
1,138
3rd (2nd)*
BIRKHOF’S GRAFENSTOLZ
1,091
4th (4th)*
JAGUAR MAIL
1,084
5th (9th)*
KANNAN
728
6th (53rd)*
ZAVALL VDL
640
7th (5th)*
CONTENDRO I
626
8th (34th)*
PUISSANCE
625
9th (38th)*
UPSILON
576
10th (14th)*
DIAMANT DE SEMILLY
574
* 2022 RANKING
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TOP 10 SIRES 2023 RANK
SIRE NAME
POINTS
1st (1st)*
JOHNSON
31,541
2nd (6th)*
BLUE HORS ZACK
23,001
3rd (5th)*
JAZZ
21,929
4th (2nd)*
QUATERBACK
21,356
5th (13th)*
AMPERE
19,715
6th (4th)*
TOTILAS
19,048
7th (10th)*
VIVALDI
17,880
8th (14th)*
APACHE
17,401
9th (9th)*
BORDEAUX 28
15,358
10th (3rd)*
SIR DONNERHALL
13,695
* 2022 RANKING
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HORSE AND RIDER
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY WHITE MEDIA
MEET XOLANI MKHULO (SIMON) S
imon (Xolani Mkhulo) is 55 years old and works at La Belle Ferm in Drummond, KZN. Simon has been working with horses since 1991; that’s 32 years dedicated to equines! Simon says,
I grew up on the farm with my mother, and this is where I started loving to work with the animals, and that is why I am working with the horses now. Simon began his career as a work rider for Des Edges and loved riding the young horses. His favourite horse at La Belle Farms is Ave Mari, a Saratoga Warmblood mare. He tells us,
Maria understands me, and I understand her.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
GETTING TO THE
CORE OF THE ISSUE UNDERSTANDING THE CORE
T
he core in a horse is just as important as it is in humans. Yet, relative to the emphasis most gym goers place on these muscle groups, most horse owners spend comparatively little time focusing on the horse's core. Unfortunately, this often leads to our horses moving incorrectly and using unhealthy movement patterns to compensate for the weakness in these 'core' areas.
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Interestingly, in the horse, the core is not just made up of the 'abdominal' muscles, as many of us seem to think; the core is made up of all the structures that provide support to the horse's frame, from the poll right down to the end of the tail. In this article, you will see that the neck, trunk, pelvis and thoracic sling muscles are all crucial structures that must be targeted through core training.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
BONY STRUCTURES The horse's core is built around the vertebral column, consisting of seven cervical vertebrae, 18 thoracic vertebrae, six lumbar vertebrae, five sacral vertebrae and about 20 caudal vertebrae that make up the tail. In the thoracic region, the ribs and sternum are also considered part of the structures that make up the bony part of the core, and these structures move with the vertebral column. Similarly, the pelvis (with its associated hip joints), which is attached to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint, is another bony structure of the core. CORE MOVEMENTS Three types of movement are possible in the spinal column. The first is rounding and hollowing (flexion and extension), the second is side-to-side (lateral) bending, and the third is twisting (axial rotation). The amount and type of movement differ in each particular section of the spine, with the cervical spine (the part in the neck) having the most mobility.
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The ridden horse must learn to use his muscles to provide appropriate degrees of mobility and stability in the joints of the neck, back and pelvis. Specifically, the pelvis, hips and spine must be sufficiently stable to allow the transmission of propulsive forces from the powerful muscles of the hindlimbs through the rest of the body. All of this means that the muscles involved in supporting these key bony structures are vital for the health and performance of the horse. These core muscles are discussed in some detail here.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
SUBLUMBAR MUSCLES Includes: iliopsoas and psoas minor.
CORE MUSCLES The abdominal, sublumbar and epaxial muscles move and stabilise the vertebral column, so these muscles are considered integral to the core. The front legs, which lack a clavicle or bony shoulder girdle to support them, are attached to the vertebrae, sternum and ribs by the powerful thoracic sling muscles. These muscles adjust the position of the sternum, ribcage and withers when the forelimbs are on the ground, and they are therefore also considered a part of the core. The pelvis is then attached to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint, and the pelvis and hips are stabilised through the work of the pelvic stabiliser muscles. These muscles are thus also included in the core group. Finally, the neck has a huge influence on the movement and weight distribution of the horse, so the neck muscles are also included as part of the core musculature. ABDOMINAL MUSCLES Includes: rectus abdominus, transversus abdominus, and the internal and external oblique muscles. The abdominal muscles round the back by flexing the intervertebral joints (the joints between the individual vertebrae) and bend the spine laterally (from side to side). Contractions of these muscles are visible in front of the horse's flanks.
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The sublumbar muscles run from the underside of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae to the front of the pelvis and femur (thigh bone). These muscles work with the abdominal muscles to round the thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral joints of the spine. These muscles also assist in flexing the hip and stabilising the spine and the pelvis. EPAXIAL MUSCLES Includes: multifidus, longissimus and iliocostalis. The epaxial muscles lie above the vertebrae's transverse processes (the sideways protrusions). The deepest layer of muscle is made up of multifidus, which lies next to the vertebral spines (the upward protrusions). This muscle has short fibres that stabilise and align the vertebrae so that propulsive forces from the hindquarters can be transmitted forward without dissipating. The more superficial muscles (longissimus and iliocostalis) are long back muscles that control the amount of rounding of the spine and cause lateral bending. These muscles can also increase the effect of gravity in hollowing the back. Under optimal conditions, the epaxial abdominal and sublumbar muscles contract and relax in a coordinated manner to round, bend and stabilise the back. These movements are necessary for any collected work. Due to their function in aligning and stabilising the thoracic and lumbar regions, the development of adequate strength and correct functioning of these muscle groups are key in preventing and rehabilitating back pain.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
THORACIC SLING MUSCLES Includes: serratus ventralis, pectoral muscles and subclavius. The thoracic sling muscles attach the forelimb to the trunk. Tension in the left and right sling muscles affects the position of the withers and ribcage in relation to the front legs. When the front legs are on the ground, the action of both sides of the thoracic sling muscles raises the sternum and withers and assists in rocking the horse's weight back onto the haunches. One-sided action of the thoracic sling muscles affects the straightness and position of the shoulders. PELVIS STABILISER MUSCLES Includes: sublumbar muscles, middle and superficial gluteal muscles, tensor fasciae latae, biceps femoris, adductor, sartorius and sacrocaudalis dorsalis.
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These muscles stabilise the pelvis and hip joints, which link the hindlimb and other core structures. Instability in this region allows propulsive forces from the hindquarters to be lost through inefficient transmission and also interferes with balance. NECK MUSCLES Includes: splenius, semispinalis, braciocephalicus, sternocephalicus, omotransversarius, serratus ventralis cervicis and the deep stabilising muscles. The neck is intrinsically much more mobile than the other spinal regions. Neck movements affect the horse's balance and weight distribution and also influence the movement of the rest of the spinal column. The muscles on the top of the neck, including splenius and the underlying semispinalis, act to either extend the neck or to support the neck from above. Serratus ventralis cervicis raises the base of the neck.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
A NOTE ON BACK PAIN AND THE EPAXIAL MUSCLES When a horse has back pain, the epaxial muscles may be held in contraction, inhibiting the back's rhythmic undulations in an attempt to reduce pain. Atrophy of multifidus often occurs with back pain, which interferes with the horse's ability to stabilise the spine for any collection. When back pain resolves, multifidus may not regenerate unless stimulated through specific core training exercises. The other epaxial muscles regenerate more readily than multifidus.
Contraction of the muscles on the underside of the neck (braciocephalicus, sternocephalicus, omotransversarius) creates undesirable tension and an 'inverted outline' with a thickened underneck. This is unfortunately commonly seen in many dressage horses today and is evidence of incorrect training and riding. The deep stabilising muscles of the neck, including the cervical multifidus, stabilise and move the vertebrae.
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TAKE HOME MESSAGE While these Latin names can feel overwhelming, what is important to understand is that the core does not just consist of the abdominal muscles but instead the muscles supporting the entire spinal column of the horse. Without specific work, these muscles cannot perform their roles adequately, and this lack of stability and strength predisposes our horses to injuries through incorrect or compensatory movement patterns. In our next article, we look at ways to strengthen these key areas and build them up so that our horses can perform at their best for as long as possible.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
old old
How
is too
ARE HORSES EVER TOO OLD FOR SUPPLEMENTS?
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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
N
utritional supplements are not just for young equine athletes or even just horses in competition. Many older horses - even those living in retirement - can benefit from the boost a supplement can provide. Here’s a look at some of the supplements that can serve older horses well: JOINT HEALTH A product designed to support joint health could help older, arthritic horses move more
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easily. These supplements generally contain some combination of glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate. Other common ingredients that might be beneficial include methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), avocado/soybean extracts, yucca, Boswellia and resveratrol. Most joint supplements are fed daily, and some may call for a larger loading dose at the start. Read the directions carefully to ensure your horse gets the greatest benefit possible from your chosen supplement.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
SKIN AND COAT Your older horse may no longer need to look show-ring-ready, but coat supplements contain ingredients that support his overall health, not just his appearance. Common ingredients in coat and skin supplements include pyridoxine, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, flaxseed, lysine and zinc.
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NOTE A poor coat - including one that is slow to shed – can be a sign of systemic illness like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s disease), so check in with your vet if your older horse isn’t looking as good as he should.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
NOTE Extreme or chronic digestive issues call for veterinary attention.
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DIGESTIVE SUPPORT Stress, illness, previous parasite infestations and medications can all interfere with an older horse’s digestive system. A supplement that supports his gut function can help set things right again. Many digestive supplements contain probiotics, which are a a combination of bacteria and yeasts that support the intestinal flora necessary for digestion.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
HOOF HEALTH Weak, shelly hooves are problematic in horses of all ages. Feeding an older horse a supplement that supports hoof health can help keep him mobile, which in turn is good for his overall well-being. Most supplements contain some combination of biotin, methionine, lysine, zinc, copper and pyridoxine.
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NOTE Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a horse needs less frequent farrier care as he ages. Regular trimming will keep his hooves balanced, an important part of preventing and managing arthritis.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
CALMING Even a fully retired horse can experience emotional stress. For example, older horses who suffer from separation anxiety might benefit from a calming supplement. These types of products may include magnesium, thiamine, valerian, chamomile, inositol and L-tryptophan.
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FINAL THOUGHTS After the joy our older horses have given us, we owe it to them to make the last few years of their lives as comfortable and happy as possible. Supplements can improve the quality of life for some of these golden oldies, allowing them to enjoy more healthy years with us. So, no, no horse is ever too old for supplements.
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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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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
A GUIDE TO
WORKLOAD W
ith the show scene scaling back for a few months, many of us are embarking on the tricky task of amending our horse’s diet to fit his lower workload. Here, we give some guidance on the levels of work and what they each mean in terms of dietary requirements.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
WORKLOAD ASSESSMENT The first step in achieving the correct diet for a horse is to understand his level of work and, therefore, the level of energy he requires. Many of us are guilty of overestimating the work level, and overfeeding our horses, which can be problematic in terms of behaviour and weight gain. Here, we split workload into four categories: maintenance, light, medium and hard.
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MAINTENANCE Horses at the maintenance level include those who don’t participate in any ridden or in-hand activities unless occasionally and for very short periods. These horses typically do well on a high-fibre diet and usually maintain weight well on grass and forage, supplemented by a balancer to meet their mineral and vitamin requirements.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
LIGHT WORK Horses in light work are typically exercised three to four times per week and may do activities such as light hacking and schooling, mainly in walk and trot with some canter for a maximum of one hour per day. They may also take part in low-level shows.
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For most horses in light work, especially good doers prone to weight gain, the energy requirements aren’t much higher than those of maintenance. They should be fed a high-fibre diet alongside a low-energy feed. Depending on the feed chosen, a balancer is likely to be required to meet daily vitamin and mineral requirements.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
MEDIUM WORK Horses in medium work participate in training sessions for around one hour daily and compete at higher levels in dressage, showjumping and eventing. This work is typically made up of 30% walk, 55% trot and 10% canter, with 5% dedicated to disciplinespecific skilled work. These horses usually require a medium-energy diet derived from a combination of energy sources, including fibre, oils, proteins and cereals, to meet their demands.
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HARD WORK Horses in hard work will be training and competing at the peak of their physical abilities; eventers will be doing longer bursts of faster work in their training, dressage horses will perform more advanced movements, and showjumpers will compete very frequently. Their work sessions are typically made up of 20% walk, 50% trot, 15% canter and 15% gallop or other discipline-specific skilled work. Horses in hard work require a higher energy diet; again, a combination of energy sources will be needed to fulfil their requirements.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
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TAKE HOME MESSAGE These descriptions serve as a guide, but there are, of course, other factors to bear in mind besides the length of time and the speeds of the ridden work. For instance, the rider’s weight combined with that of the tack
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can influence energy expenditure, as will weather conditions and the horse’s age. Before making changes to your horse’s diet, it is therefore advised that you speak to an equine nutritionist and make any changes in consultation with them.
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Part 9: The shape of the neck
Crucial conformation 74
W
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. Of course, some horses with poor
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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.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
In this issue, we continue our examination of the neck, looking at how the shape of the neck affects conformation. HEAD/NECK ANGLE The shape of a horse's neck (and its underlying bone structure) is more important than its length in athletic ability. There are seven neck vertebrae (C1-7), and each has a different size and shape. The joints between the vertebrae cause them to fit together in an S-shape. This means that the vertebrae do not follow the curve or line of the neck (which is primarily made up of muscles) but instead form two curves. The first curve is a small curve right at the top, just behind the head (creating the crest). The second curve is the larger curve at the bottom of the neck, where the last neck vertebra forms a joint with the first vertebra of the withers. The shape, length, and range of motion of the neck depend largely on the proportions of these curves.
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The most important aspect of neck shape is the lower curve in the S. If the lower curve is short and shallow (so the base of the neck attaches high on the chest), manoeuvrability, flexion and collection will come naturally to the horse. It is, quite simply, much easier for him to hold his head and neck properly. Straightening out that lower curve (as the horse must do to collect himself) is much easier for the horse with a curve that is already short and shallow. On the other hand, if the horse has a lower curve that is excessively large and deep, attaching low on the chest, the horse will be ewe-necked, even if the neck is set on at a good angle. Thus, in a ewe neck, the widest part of the neck is lower than the midpoint of the shoulder. By contrast, the widest part of the neck on a horse with a properly arched neck (with a flat, shallow lower curve, coming higher out of the shoulder area) is higher, with improved potential for efficient muscle development and movement.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
The upper curve of the S determines how the head sets onto the neck. A short upper curve creates an abrupt attachment and acute angle at the throatlatch (known as hammer-headed), and the head is often carried too high, with limited flexion at the poll. A medium to long upper curve creates a better angle at the throatlatch, enabling the horse to flex more effectively through the poll. EWE NECK If the lower curve of the S is too deep and wide (no matter what the size and shape of the upper curve), the horse has a ewe neck. A horse with a ewe neck appears to have an upside-down neck. The topline is concave rather than arched, and the head usually forms a right angle to the neck at the throat instead of a curved arch. There is a downward dip in the neck ahead of the withers, and the muscles at the bottom of the neck are thicker. Many horses with this conformation also have an upright shoulder.
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THE MOVEMENT OF A EWE-NECKED HORSE A ewe-necked horse, unless trained and ridden very correctly, is likely to have high head carriage with his nose poked out in front. This posture prevents him from making smooth transitions from one gait to another. He will move in a disjointed manner, with poor synchronization between the front end and his hindquarters. With his head raised and nose forward, he cannot 'round' (elevate) his back. Instead, his back is hollowed, which is less efficient for carrying weight. His loins and back muscles will easily become tired or sore and he will need regular physio treatment.
The ewe-necked horse has trouble forming a proper bend in his neck for flexing at the poll. He will find it harder to flatten out the lower curve for proper flexion. Thus, it is more difficult for him to achieve collection, and he will struggle to shift weight back to his hindquarters. He, therefore, travels heavily in front, especially with a rider on his back, making him less agile, clumsier and more prone to stumbling.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
A short ewe neck tends to be thick, making the condition less obvious than in a horse with a longer neck. The short-necked horse has a shorter upper curve behind the head, creating a thick, relatively inflexible junction between the head and neck. A long ewe neck has a longer upper curve behind the head that creates a small crest at the top of the neck, but the basic neck structure is concave rather than convex. The dip in front of the withers makes a 'kink' in the neck when the rider asks him to flex. Collecting a horse with a long eweneck is easier when his head is carried relatively low. As a horse with a long ewe-neck raises his head, the kink in the neck is accentuated, tightening all the neck, shoulder, back, loin and
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hindquarter muscles, resulting in stiffness and limited movement. Unfortunately, as it is so difficult for the ewe-necked horse to lower his head and neck, raise his back and lower his hindquarters for good collection and impulsion, he has to carry his head relatively high, especially under saddle (often with the nose out in front). This can make communication through the bit challenging, and if riders become hard in their hand, these horses are very prone to throwing their heads or taking the bit back against the molars, leaving the rider with no control (literally, taking the bit in his teeth). It takes a lot of patience and slow, correct work to achieve good flexibility and improved musculature in a ewe-necked horse, and this work should not be undertaken by an amateur.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
SWAN NECK This term describes a neck with an improperly curved topline, though it is not as obvious as the ewe neck. With a swan neck, the top third arches nicely, and the head/neck joint is fairly normal with a good throatlatch, but the bottom third, nearest the withers and shoulders, is concave like a ewe-neck. This type of neck is often set too low on the chest, with the base below the point of the shoulder. The wither may appear quite prominent, with a dip in the neck ahead of the withers, creating the same kink in the neck as in the ewe-necked horse. Like the ewe neck, the swan neck inhibits proper flexion. The horse tends to carry his head too high and to respond to overuse of the bit by throwing his head in the air and becoming 'rubbernecked', evading
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contact. If a horse has a long swan neck, he may lean on the bit and tuck his nose to his chest, travelling behind the bit rather than elevating the back and collecting properly. Again, a horse with a swan neck needs a skilled and patient trainer to develop the suppleness and musculature necessary for better movement. STRAIGHT NECK Some horses have no arch in the neck. There is no concavity or convexity to either the top or bottom line of the neck, i.e., the top and/or bottom lines are straight. Some horses have a nice upward curve at the bottom of the neck but a straight topline with no crest. Some necks are so straight, top and bottom, that there is no visible throatlatch. A horse with a straight neck is limited in his ability to flex and balance.
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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H
DID YOU KNOW? A thick, heavy neck and large head are advantageous for a draft horse, especially when starting to pull a heavy load. These horses have plenty of neck muscle to help move the shoulders, and these muscles assist him hugely as he leans into the harness to pull.
HEAVY CREST The horse with a short, beefy neck and a thick, heavy crest lacks flexibility and will have poor balance. These horses are typically poor athletes. For their size, ponies tend to have thicker necks than horses but provided these necks are not too thick, ponies still tend to retain their agility. Stallions typically have a thicker, heavier crest than mares, but the crest should not be too heavy, or the horse will have a coarse appearance and be too heavy in front. A stallion should have a strong neck with good muscling – well-arched with some crest.
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Draft horses and ponies (and other easy keepers) may develop a high, thick crest due to fat deposits above the nuchal ligament. A horse that displays this fat deposit needs visiting by a vet to create a management and nutrition plan, as these horses are often insulin resistant and thus prone to laminitis. NEXT TIME In our next edition, we will examine the conformation of the chest. The shape of a horse's chest plays a significant role in his performance ability, so stay tuned for our next edition.
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YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
My horse’s legs swell overnight in the stable but reduce to normal size after a bit of turnout or exercise. Why does this happen? Do I need to worry? Your horse’s lower limbs can become swollen overnight due to a lack of movement. Horses circulate blood around their bodies through movement, such as when their frogs hit the ground and pump blood back up their legs. Therefore, reduced movement affects the
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circulation and lymphatic drainage of the lower limb, causing an accumulation of fluid within the tissues making them appear swollen. Bandaging or increased turnout can help to reduce the build-up of fluid. If the swelling resolves with turnout, then this is likely nothing to worry about, and it is, in fact, very common in lots of healthy horses. However, if the swelling remains and doesn’t reduce completely, it may suggest a problem. In these cases, we advise that you contact your vet to discuss the situation. HQ|165A
Q&A
My horse hates water, even tiny puddles. If we encounter water on an outride, I have to find a way to go a long way around it, or sometimes even turn back. What can I do to make him more confident? Many horses are wary of putting their feet into a puddle because they don’t know how deep it is. Some horses are naturally less confident with water, but you can still work with them to improve their confidence. Even horses at the top of the sport sometimes need reminding that the water monsters aren’t out to get them… When starting, only focus on small bodies of water, like puddles. If your horse can get a little bouncy, it may be worth starting on the ground next to him to keep yourself safe and give him some additional confidence. Remember always to wear a hard hat and protective footwear if working on the ground with your horse. Reward your horse every time he shows some curiosity about the water by giving him a treat or scratches. If he ultimately walks through the puddle HQ|165A
or puts a foot in it, reward him and end the session there. Over time, work up to getting on his back and walking him through these puddles. You can still give treats from horseback as a reward or simply scratch him. Next up, you need to start practising on slightly bigger bodies of water. We advise recruiting some friends for this part of the process, as your horse will be much happier to follow other horses into the water than to go in first or alone. Once in the water, allow your horse to play, splash and put his nose down. NOTE: Never practice this in deep water or anywhere you are unsure about the footing; you want to avoid frightening your horse, especially if he is already nervous. The trick here is to go slowly and gradually increase the challenge. If you reward him for his efforts and do your best to make the process fun for him, you will find that his confidence will quickly improve.
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Q&A
What is thoroughness?
Throughness involves your horse working from his hindquarters, swinging through his back, into a consistent, relaxed contact in front. His neck and jaw joints should be relaxed. To achieve thoroughness, your horse must work in a regular rhythm and stay straight and relaxed. You also need to sit in balance, with an independent seat, to help him achieve this. When your horse is through, he will be super responsive to your aids and will work from your inside leg to your outside rein.
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NOTE Head position does not denote thoroughness. Many riders make the mistake of pulling their horse’s head into a frame and then assuming they have achieved thoroughness. Throughness comes from the horse working from behind through a relaxed back. If the horse has a hollow back, his hindlegs will push out behind, and no matter what the head position is, he will not move correctly or be responsive to the aids. Rather, focus on working your horse from back to front; the head position will arise organically once the hindlegs and back work correctly.
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Q&A
What is H-wave therapy?
MH-wave is a type of muscle stimulation therapy that can be used to reduce pain and assist healing. It does this by passing an electrical current through the skin of the horse, which stimulates the sensory and motor nerves. This stimulation of the sensory nerves has two possible effects: 1. Blocking pain signals to the brain. 2. Stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
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Which of these effects is achieved depends on the machine’s specific settings. Motor nerve stimulation causes the muscle to contract, helping strengthen and awaken muscles that have become weak or wasted due to injury, dysfunction or long periods of inactivity. This stimulated contraction also increases circulation, helping to flush toxins out of the muscles and encouraging the flow of nutrients to the muscles. This action assists in healing and improves the overall health of the muscle.
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