A FAMILY AFFAIR

SHOWING WITH THE CHISLETT’S!

TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT AND CRYSTAL BALDWIN

The Chislett family have been huge supporters of equestrian sport over the past few years. They have frequented the ring in various sports, and strongly supported not only equitation, sponsoring the Liquid Intelligence Equitation Series, but also being frequent fliers in the Showing ring at SANESA and SA Showing competitions. We caught up with the Chislett girls, mom Robyn and twin daughters Erin and Jemma after a busy few days at HOYS to find out how it all went...

HQ: What classes did you enter?

Jemma: I entered the SASA Newcomer Show Hack and Show Riding. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any placings due to some bucks thrown by a very excited horse but I got a third place in the SANESA Show Riding. I’m extremely pleased with all the experience my horses have gained from these classes and we have a goal to work towards!

Robyn: We entered the Racehorse to Show Horse. We didn’t place but I’m happy to be alive after the experience of 16 ex-racehorses all cantering around behind each other in the Bob Charter! We also entered the SASA Novice Show Hack and SASA Novice Show Riding - a high place pull-out (which means my horses got the judges attention) but sadly no ribbons and a lot to work towards for next year. Competition was tough and of a very high standard, which makes you strive for even more perfection.

Erin: This year I entered the Junior Newcomer Classes and the Boerperd Classes on two different horses. On my horse Duke we chose the Show Hunter and Show Riding classes as he’s a definite Hunter with his gallop and we wanted to do another test to do. We placed second in the Show Hunter after a bit of a riled-up horse from the first test. This qualified us for the Newcomer Championships where we were pulled out third. I was so happy as he settled down and preformed solid tests!

In the Boerperd Classes I had the opportunity to compete Chaje Duke in his first showing show and overall wanted positive experiences for him. He achieved a second in the Show Riding Class. Unfortunately, he didn’t place in the hack class, but overall it was such an amazing experience.

TRUE STORY!

Erin rode two horses called Duke - Drakenstein Magic Duke and Charje Duke..

HQ: What are your favourite showing classes and why?

Erin: My favourite showing class would have to be the Show Hunter or Working Hunter. I love the adrenaline rush I get from a good and powerful gallop as well as the jumping in the Working Hunter as my horse and I are showjumpers through and through, but we love to have a bit of freedom and fun without the pressure.

Robyn: Classes are chosen based on the showing principles and what the judges look for in each selected class. So, Hunter is normally a chunkier horse that can cover ground easily and is well mannered but effective. Show Hack is a finer horse that is pretty and shows impeccable manners and looks effortless to ride. Once you understand what the judges look for then it is simple to identify your horse’s qualities and choose the right class. My favourite showing class has to be the Show Hack. It’s about the elegance of your horse and the hard work that goes into creating a well-mannered horse that is effective and has presence. This all creates a beautiful ‘effortless’ looking picture!

Jemma: My favourite showing classes would be the Show Hack and Show Riding. I enjoy them because there is enough pressure that they are enjoyable for both me and my horse, but we are still able to have fun!

HQ: What where your highlights of HOYS?

Jemma: I was able to gain valuable experience for both of my horses, allowing them to become more comfortable in the show ring and to get feedback from the judges to know what to work towards.

Robyn: My highlight was the Groom’s Handler Class. Seeing our groom practicing his ring craft then implementing it into the show ring to take him to Supreme Champs was a highlight. The nice thing about showing is that everyone can take part, and everyone works collectively towards a common goal.

Erin: There are so many to choose from, but I’d have to say my highlight for HOYS was definitely placing and doing well on my horse as I never thought he would enjoy being a showing horse as he loves his jumping. It was, however, a wonderful experience and being able to experience that with my instructor Karen Eekman has created a memory I will cherish. Another highlight was the groom who cares for my horse and the other horse I rode going into the Supreme Championships.

HQ: What were your low lights of HOYS?

Jemma: HOY came extremely early this year; unfortunately, my horses and I weren’t as prepared as I was hoping and that was noticeable in both horse and rider performance. However, we now know what to work on for next year.

Robyn: It is over just as quickly as it started. Months of preparation all culminated into one week. From precision care and feeding, to test selections… Until next year!

Erin: I would say my lowlight would have to be my Racehorse to Showhorse class not going in my favour after really wanting to do well… But that is just another day of riding that we have to learn to deal with… However, being able to compete with my mom on our self-produced babies made up for it!

HQ: What are your top showing tips?

Robyn: Be organised and precise with everything you do from tack cleaning to horse prep and execution of your test. My top tip comes when preparing for the test itself; I often don’t ride my test that much until the actual show itself as I stress over certain transitions and whether or not my horse would spook or buck. Don’t overthink the test and the morning or day of the show plan it out according to your horses’ strengths i.e. which rein is a better gallop or trot, and how he feels this day. This makes your life easier and then shows the judges a smooth test but without too much stress.

Jemma: Baby oil and hot water to ensure your horse’s coat stays shiny all day. Just make sure not to wipe over the areas where the saddle will be, as this will make your saddle slide back!

Erin: The Show Riding Class, in my opinion, is a good way to get your horse in the ring to show the judges your horse and give them an introductory outing.

HQ: What advice do you have for people that want to try showing?

Robyn: Showing is so rewarding; you spend the preparation hours with your horse, and this is valuable time to grow a strong relationship. You really get to experience your horse on and off the ground. Showing allows you the ability to develop a well-rounded and mannered horse which is so rewarding.

Erin: My advice would be to have fun first and foremost and not place pressure on yourself. I think being calm as a rider, remembering your breathing and keeping a level head can definitely help your horse to be chilled and relaxed. I must remind myself quite often that this is all a learning experience for me and my horse; it doesn’t have to be picture perfect and as long as you have fun the rewards will pay off.

Jemma: My advice would be to enter the classes and just have fun! It’s all about learning and gaining valuable experience for both horse and rider, and creating a bond with your horse. It may not go your way to begin with but if you persevere and continue to show up, you will be rewarded. It is so much fun!

HQ: Thank you for being such strong supporters of all disciplines of our sport; we look forward to seeing you excel this year!