MEET THE RIDERS OF SA DRESSAGE CHAMPS
WE ASKED, AND THEY ANSWERED!
PHOTOGRAPHY: DENFORD STUDIOS AND MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY
CANDICE HOBDAY AND ARCO360 ESCLAVO FM
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: PRE (Spanish)
Coach: Natalie Hobday
Groom: Cassius Ndimande
Horse’s nickname: King Esclavo
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CH: 10 years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CH: This is the second horse I have ridden to Grand Prix. This wonderful stallion has been an amazing dancing partner for me.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CH: He has already surpassed all my expectations.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CH: All food is his favourite.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CH: He loves my other stallion, and they are best friends. Also, Esclavo is the name of the first ever registered PRE, and it means slave.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
CH: He wishes he was born a lap dog!
ROXANNE MASSARO AND BACK ON TRACK TI FABERGE
Level of competition: Small Tour
Breeding: He's by Furst Romancier out of a De Niro x Donnerhall mare.
Coach: Lilian Moller
Groom: Donald
Horse’s nickname: Fabilicious
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
RM: Since he was three years old.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
RM: I’m an Open Showjumper, an Open Dressage Rider and an Open Event Rider. I have represented South Africa at the Nations Cup twice and been on many Provincial teams. I also coach Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
RM: To make it to Grand Prix.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
RM: Carrots
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
RM: He’s the boss and I’m just along for the ride.
DARYL ANN DUNCAN AND CAPITAL KELVIN
Level of competition: Novice
Team: KZN Novice Team
Breeding: By Capital Kronos out of Capital Avondra
Coach: The brilliant Calet de Vos
Groom: The amazing Obama
Horse’s nickname: I often call him
Monkey or ‘Little Boy’ as he is anything but little!
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
DAD: Two years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
DAD: Until I owned Capital Kelvin, I had never competed and was a real ‘happy hacker’ on an OTTB. Kelvin has changed my riding life!
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
DAD: Onwards and upwards! This will be my last Novice ride.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
DAD: Carrots and, of course, his evening massages.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
DAD: When I bought him, he was jumping 1.10m and had never done dressage before.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
DAD: Attending SA Champs and riding for the KZN Team is an absolute dream come true, and I am blessed to have this amazing experience with such superb teammates!
NATASHA ERASMUS AND MOOIKLOOF LAMMERT
Level of competition: Small Tour
Breeding: Lammerts is a Friesian gelding by the stallion Therk K and our of the mare Ondekka Ousus
Coach: Debi van Wyk and Wium van Huyssteen
Groom: Carlos Guernete
Horse’s nickname: Lam
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NE: Eight years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NE: I started riding when I was three years old on a little Shetland called Chappie and have been riding ever since. As a young girl, I rode dressage lessons with Beverley Franklin. It was a hobby of mine to buy Thoroughbreds from the track, train them and sell them on to good homes. Only later did I buy River for myself to train up, but when he passed away, I found Lammert. Lammert is my forever heart horse and will retire with me. We have an amazing bond, and I love him to bits; I could not wish for a better riding partner.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NE: I would love to be able to compete in the Big Tour, but I am happy with whatever I can do with Lammert.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NE: Carrots and apples.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NE: He is an absolute cuddle bunny and loves his little brother.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
NE: I have always had a love for dressage, but Lammert has made it an absolute passion for me.
CANDICE HOBDAY AND ARCO360 ROCINANTE
Level of competition: Small Tour
Team: Gauteng
Breeding: PRE (Spanish)
Coach: Natalie Hobday
Groom: Cassius Ndimande
Horse’s nickname: Roci
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CH: Four years.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CH: To make it to Big Tour.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CH: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CH: Rocinante was Don Quixote’s donkey.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
CH: He is a gentle giant.
CLAUDIA HEYDENRYCH AND CALLAHO LUDANOS
Level of competition: Elementary
Breeding: Dam: Ricola, Sire: Ludwig AS, Dam Sire: Lordanos
Coach: Simone Howarth
Groom: Caiphas
Horse’s nickname: Ludo
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CH: Nine months.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CH: I started focusing on dressage in May 2023 after not having ridden much for around six years.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CH: I would like to make it to Big Tour, specifically Grand Prix someday.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CH: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting. CH: He previously jumped competitively up to the 1.35m but now prefers to stay away from the jumping. He has an absolute heart of gold and the most phenomenal temperament.
LIELIE BRITZ AND DOLORE
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: Home bred by Donatello
Coach: Marianne Conlyn
Groom: Brian Chipepetseki
Horse’s nickname: Good Man
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
LB: Twelve years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
LB: My goal was staying on until I started riding with Marianne three years ago.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
LB: Dolore needs a lot of repetition and stimulation, but I believe he can still go as far as a dressage horse, even if he only reaches Inter I.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
LB: Anything sweet!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
LB: Dolore is a kind-hearted soul who loves treats and making friends.
SAMANTHA (SAM) FOLEY AND LUKAS 911
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: By Lagiator and out of a dam named Wenja, who is sired by Wenckstern.
Coach: Andrea Harrison Buchmann
Groom: All the grooms from Eaton Farm but his main groom is Robert Zabron. Horse’s nickname: Lukasisi (the main one) or Lukie Lu and Lukiemeister.
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SF: Since 2019, this has been our sixth year together.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
SF: I have ridden throughout all grades and trained multiple horses to Big Tour level. I started riding as a child and am now an internationally recognised FEI Grand Prix rider, having ridden in Europe with Lukas.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SF: We are simply enjoying ourselves!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SF: Sugar cubes and carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SF: We had a world ranking of 792 in January 2020! Lukas also doesn’t like dogs, but he had a sheep girlfriend in Holland.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
SF: Lukas is a clown who can be like a school pony one day or a Ferrari the
next! I love his quirky attitude, and he always keeps me on my toes. His personality is super friendly and enthusiastic; he is a happy guy. We have an amazing bond!
PHILIPPA MOOLMAN AND MIDAS TOUCH ARMANI
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Limpopo Novice
Breeding: His sire is Atlantis, and his grand-sire is Amor
Coach: Michael Peiser
Groom: Vusi Nkosi - best groom ever, keeps my boy shining!
Horse’s nickname: Mani (as in Mannie, not Marnie), Mani Mans, Mansky, Golden
Child
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
PM: Three and a half years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
PM: I re-started riding as an adult 15 years ago for fun and to compete in showjumping and eventing. However, I’ve focused more on dressage for the last couple of years.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
PM: We’re planning on going up a level by year-end and, most of all, just having fun!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
PM: Apples, strawberries and ice cubes.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
PM: We live in Hoedspruit and trail ride amongst zebra, giraffe, kudu, etc., but vervet monkeys turn his 17hh frame into a quivering wreck.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
PM: He will be turning 11 on Christmas Day.
BIANCA DELPORT AND ENA
Level of competition: Novice
Team: I’m an Eastern Cape rider joined up with the Western Cape Team
Breeding: Sire is Eminem M and dam is Noelle.
Coach: Lauren Freitag
Groom: Me! I enjoy working for my horse and cementing the bond.
Horse’s nickname: Ena Kareena
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
BD: I have only been riding Ena for five months; she belongs to Madelie Booysen. She is a late bloomer, and this is her first big show.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
BD: Ena is on loan to me while my usual ride is coming back into work. She has taught me so much, and I am fortunate enough to be her pilot for her first big outings. I hope I can gain her utmost trust so that her confidence grows.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
BD: Aktiv Banana Snickers
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
BD: Not all horses operate the same; this mare has taught me to be patient, do little and often, and praise and reassure all the time.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
BD: I'm sure most of the competitors heard me singing to her while riding. I'm not sure if it calms me or Ena down more, but she seems to like it.
BERYL JOHNSTON AND RIVERVALE’S ULTIMO
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: Sire is Ulior Van Het Wuitenshof, and dam is High Birnam Houdina with dam sire High Birnam Hatari
Coach: Jonathan Wisdom and Carsten Pieters
Groom: Adam
Horse’s nickname: Ulti
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
BJ: Eleven years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
BJ: Ultimo and I started at Elementary 11 years ago, and we have worked our way up to Grand Prix and have been competing at Grand Prix for about five years now.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
BJ: This will be Ultimo’s final show. He is 21 years old and has given me his all. He will be retiring from shows but not from being ridden. He will be a happy hacker and do some jumping, which he loves!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
BJ: B’s EQUILICIOUS treats, of course.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
BJ: Ultimo only eats his hay once he has dunked it in his water bucket!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
BJ: This is my heart horse right here!!
ROXANNE MASSARO AND LA BELLA 248
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: She's by Londontime, who is by Londonderry out of a Furstenball mare
Coach: Helmut Wagner
Groom: Freedom Horse’s nickname: Bella
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
RM: She's owned by Bev and Doug Andrew, and I have been riding her for six weeks.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
RM: I would like to see her compete at Grand Prix level. I think she certainly has what it takes.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
RM: Carrots
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
RM: She is petrified of her own shadow.
CRYSTAL BALDWIN AND QUESTRIA
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Her sire is Quantico, and her dam is Callaho Wasabi
Coaches: Natalie Hobday and Tamara
Hasselberg
Groom: Lloyd
Horse’s nickname: Ques
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CB: Five years, but I have known her since she was a foal.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CB: Questria has done a bit of everything at the SANESA level and has competed at a few showing shows. This is our first year competing in graded dressage shows.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CB: To go up the grades and hopefully make it to Open.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CB: Apples, but loves all treats except bananas.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CB: She yawns for everything! She yawns about four to six times a daybefore rides, after rides, while getting groomed, during any physio session or while getting cuddles.
GENEVIEVE MCNEILL AND ARCO360 PIRATA DE SUSAETA
Level of competition: Medium Tour
Team: KZN Open Team
Breeding: Andalusian
Coaches: Calet De Vos (local) and Jenny Veenstra (international)
Groom: Innocent David
Horse’s nickname: Pirata in English is Pirate, so he is known to all as Pirate.
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
GM: Since he was three years old; he’s now 12.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
GM: I had a wonderful Trakehner, Saint John, that I backed and started dressage with. We headed up through the grades and ended up competing at Grand Prix; he had a heart of gold. I had always loved the Andalusian breed, so I sold another Warmblood I had produced to Advanced level to buy Pirate as a three-year-old from Spain. He has been the most amazing horse to train; we have fun, which is what it’s all about. I have a younger Andalusian who is at Medium level, so I have the two Spanish boys that I am producing now.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
GM: To compete at Grand Prix, hopefully next year.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
GM: He loves bananas and carrots!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
GM: He just loves people. He will always nicker every night when I pop in to say good night. He nickers
even before I enter the stables. He knows the sound of my walk. I tell myself the nicker is for me, but it’s probably the little treat I bring with me for him and his Spanish brother Llapis…
NEENA DE KLERK AND CALLAHO LARANO
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Larison/Sandreo
Coaches: Marianne Conlynne
Groom: Gibson
Horse’s nickname: Larano
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NK: Four years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NK: My riding career started with SANESA, which meant I rode in every discipline. However, a large part of my background is in dressage, and I believe it is a fundamental part of riding. I took a step back from competition when I went to study law, but I never stopped riding, especially dressage. Much of my riding now is focused on training youngsters, which is a passion of mine.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NK: This is Larano’s first proper year of dressage competitions. The reason for this is that he had a colic op, which set us back an entire year. Next year, we are aiming for Elementary, and once perfected, we will move up. Larano also competes in jumping; we are currently jumping 1.10m. His dressage is extremely important for his jumping career as well. He is so special.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NK: Carrots
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NK: I used to have his half-brother
Callaho Landreo (same mom); however, during COVID, he had a paddock accident, and, unfortunately, we had to put him down. I was devastated; he was my heart horse. The Callaho Auction was happening during
this time, and there was Larano. I never tried him out; I only had his video and picture. I decided I wanted a piece of Landreo and gave him a chance. I am incredibly grateful I did. Larano is one of a kind and has given me so much.
JACKI KLEYNHANS AND COMPTON HOUSE FLIGHTPATH
Level of competition: Elementary
Breeding: Hanoverian by Compton House Five Star
Coaches: Andrea Harrison and Roxanne Massaro
Groom: Waiting Tshuma
Horse’s nickname: Depends on how he behaves ;)
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
JK: Seven years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
JK: I’ve been riding since my early twenties and competing more seriously for about ten years. I bought my current horse myself.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
JK: To get through Champs with a smile! I would like to ride Advanced one day.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
JK: Hay pellets.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
JK: He is barefoot and I hope he will manage to continue with this up the grades. He was third in Gauteng Elementary last year.
SAMANTHA FOLEY AND DAMON 50
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: By Dream Line and out of Dolce Vita, who is by Don Crusader
Coaches: Andrea Harrison Buchmann
Groom: Everyone from Eaton Farm helps out, but his main groom is Fanuel Tshuma
Horse’s nickname: Nini or Nini Boythis came from Damonini because he’s a big ‘Nini’ and scared of everything!!!
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SF: Two years now, but only one year in South Africa.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SF: I hope to produce Damon to ride in the Grand Prix one day; he is extremely talented and shows much potential to go far.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SF: Carrots and apples
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SF: Damon’s sire, Dreamline, is from Blu Horse in Denmark, so he has some Danish blood in him, and Dreamline has Jazz blood in him from his sire’s side, so this is believed to be where his electric nature comes from.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
SF: Damon has been in the country for one year now, and I started riding him about six months ago. Although Damon is very sharp and skittish, he is starting to trust me more each day.
DANIELLE EVERTSE AND CALLAHO LIBERACE
Level of competition: Preliminary
Breeding: By the wonderful stallion, Callaho Lissabon, out of Callaho’s Ukelele.
Coaches: Siobhan Records for dressage and Carl Boonzaaier for showjumping
Groom: Lawrence Mpala
Horse’s nickname: Lee-Lee
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
DE: I bred him. We bought the semen off the auction (the last time they sold it) and leased the mare from Govett Triggol.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
DE: My main focus is showjumping, but Liberace and I fell last July in our first 1.50m GP, so I have been doing some dressage to get him strong and fit.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
DE: I’d love to get him to Medium, and obviously, our main goal would be to get him up to the 1.50m classes.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
DE: Oh, anything! He would probably eat a lemon before he realised what it was. He inhales his treats.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
DE: I always said he’s my ‘misunderstood child’. He comes across as grumpy in his stable and paddock, but he’s actually a sweetie.
DANETTE REYNEKE AND CALLAHO BUGATTI
Level of competition: Small Tour
Breeding: He is by Benicio out of Tivano, who is by Iroko
Coaches: Karen Keller and Adri du Toit
Groom: Albert Ngwenya
Horse’s nickname: Bug
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
DR: Ten months
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
DR: I rode lower levels for about 20 years while life, studies and work took priority. About two years ago, I decided that I could finally put my riding first, so I started riding with Karen Keller. Unfortunately, my mare couldn’t go any further up the grades due to an old injury, so in November 2023, we bought Bug, graded Grand Prix at that stage, as a schoolmaster for me, and he’s been teaching me patiently ever since.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
DR: We would love to ride Grand Prix within the next two years.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
DR: Top Red apples
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
DR: He will turn his bum to you in the stable for scratches.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
DR: This is my first ever SA Champs, and I’m sharing this
experience with my husband, Etienne, who’s also a newcomer to SA Champs and only started riding during COVID.
BEVERLY JACKMAN AND CALLAHO LYRIC
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Limpopo Novice
Breeding: By Lissabon
Coach: Nicole vd Greft
Groom: John Mohale
Horse’s nickname: Sweetheart
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
BJ: I have been riding since I was four and competing since I was six.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
BJ: I would love to reach the higher levels of dressage.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
BJ: Carrots
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
BJ: She has recently had a beautiful foal who has just been weaned so she is slowly gaining strength again in her riding career.
RENÉ BRINKMAN AND I'M INGA
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: Inga is a Warmblood by the showjumping stallion I'm Special de Muze
Coach: John Twomey
Groom: Tarino
Horse’s nickname: Her name is ‘I'm Inga, and if you meet her, you will understand why you can't call her anything but ‘Inga’.
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
RB: I bought Inga in early 2021 as a just turned four-year-old; she turns eight in December this year.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
RB: I am mainly an eventer, but we compete in three disciplines. Inga and I also currently compete at 1.20m showjumping and 1* eventing level.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
RB: To get as far as we can go in all three disciplines while having FUN before I get too old or scared to jump anymore, then I will focus more on the dressage.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
RB: Inga loves horse biscuits; she will do almost anything for a bicci.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
RB: Inga is very opinionated; she told the animal communicator that she could see a stride better than I can
(which is true, by the way), and she likes doing the dancing thing because I laugh a lot while we are doing it.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
RB: I am having the best time with my horse of a lifetime
DEBBIE RANGOUSIS AND
WÖHLSTAND IRRESISTIBLE
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: He is by Wöhlstand Icon out of Wöhlstand Lucy Lin
Coach: Wium van Huyssteen
Groom: Phumlani
Horse’s nickname: Dutch or Dutchy Sparkle Pants
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
DR: Three years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
DR: I have represented Gauteng twice on two different horses for showing, and this is the third horse I’ve schooled to Medium. I still have so much learning to do, but I love every second of this journey.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
DR: I would love to compete Dutch in Prix St George. I wholeheartedly believe that with time and careful training, we can get there together.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
DR: Red apples! He gets one before every ride, followed by a stack of carrots. He looks so good because he eats so good!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
DR: Dutchy is only seven. He has the biggest love for dressage; he loves the limelight and hates sharing the warmup arena with others. He also adores galloping. He is really FAST, and his tail whizzes around for extra speed! His favourite trick in every lap of honour
I’ve ever ridden is to try to buck me off. My grooms call him The Gangster. He is bossy, very playful and has no concept of personal space. He loves fiercely; he does not like me riding anyone else and doesn’t like any other horses except Captain Oak getting a cuddle from me. Quite simply, he is lovely, until he isn’t and then
you better hold on for dear life!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
DR: He is very proud of his work, and when my daughter rides him, he likes to show her his big boy stuff - especially his extended trot and gallop. He believes collection is for babies!
ROBYN RAMSAY AND RIEGERS
BLACK JACK
Level of competition: Elementary Team: We are lucky enough to have joined the Free State Team! Eastern Cape has a very small number of riders, so I am grateful to be a part of the team and their journey.
Breeding: I am sure he is somehow related to Bart Simpson – he is always up to something! He is a very lucky find; his bloodlines are unknown.
Coach: I am not coached by anyone specifically, but I do get help from anyone I can, as you can always learn something if you are willing to listen
Groom: He has a super dedicated groom named Symon Horse’s nickname: Jack, because he is a typical boy
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
RR: He has been with me for two years now.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
RR: I have ridden for as long as I can remember. I have competed all through children and junior classes. After school, I rode abroad in the States and Germany for three years. After that, I came home and started my own career in horses - teaching, schooling and competing.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
RR: My ultimate goal is to have a horse in the Big Tour classes, and I do believe he has what it takes.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
RR: He absolutely loves a cinnamon sugar doughnut!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
RR: He has survived West Nile and is stronger than ever now.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
RR: Just that he has reminded me what it is to enjoy every minute of my rides and to never look over the small things.
WENDY MARSHALL AND BALLY BLUE
Level of competition: Preliminary
Breeding: She is a Thoroughbred by Irish Flame out of a National Assembly mare called Party Power
Coach: Karen Keller
Grooms: William and Sam Horse’s nickname: Blue
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
WM: Blue is owned by Sharon Meyrick, and I've been riding her since 2023. I was looking for a safe horse to ride after suffering from a deep vein thrombosis, and she was recommended to me. She's become so much more than that, though. She absolutely loves dressage. Her owner and I share her, so she's lucky to get double the love.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. WM: I have been riding since I was five years old but never owned my own horse until I was an adult. I've ridden to Advanced on a horse called Conan. I've also ridden a few other horses and done quite well. I'm passionate about dressage and how beautiful and strong it makes every horse who is trained correctly.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
WM: She is incredibly intelligent and learns very quickly, so we'll see how far she goes. I dream of riding her in Small Tour, but we'll see!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
WM: Blue loves carrots but has never said no to anything we've offered her.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
WM: I hadn't ridden a Thoroughbred in a long time, and I've loved my journey with Blue. She's by far the easiest horse to
school that I've ridden, and she has a great mind. I absolutely love working with her; she has a great work ethic and tries so hard. I'm very grateful that Sharon shares this lovely girl with me.
ANTOINETTE CROSLEY AND CROWNLAND’S QUEST FOR GOLD
Level of competition: Elementary
Team: KZN Elementary
Breeding: By Compton House Quantico out of Ivory Sky
Coach: Beryl Johnston
Groom: Me!
Horse’s nickname: Questi/Blonde Bombshell/Blondini (like a blonde Houdini)
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AC: Seven years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
AC: I’ve had Questi since he was two and a half. I’ve backed him and produced him up to this point and just loved the journey so far.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
AC: To keep going, keep growing and keep having fun with my best friend.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AC: B’s Equilicious Treats are the best!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AC: He LOVES sheep and always has to go and greet them at the yard where we train.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
AC: Questi is my dream come true horse - every moment with him is a blessing.
PETRO VAN HEERDEN AND PARIS
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Mpumalanga Novice
Breeding: Davenport/Landjunker
Coaches: Bianca Muller and Gustav Lubcker
Groom: Ronaldo
Horse’s nickname: Parri
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
PH: Two years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
PH: I started riding four years ago on an OTTB. I acquired Paris and started riding dressage.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
PH: With Paris, to progress to Elementary, whilst schooling my stallion to eventually progress to Medium.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
PH: Carrots and skittle sweeties.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting. PH: He is a 17-year-old teenager.
SAM FOLEY AND SIRA QUEEN
Level of competition: Elementary
Breeding: By Sir Donnerhall and out of River Queen, who is sired by Rotspon.
Coaches: Andrea Harrison Buchmann
Groom: Everyone at Eaton Farm helps, but Jubilee Ndlovu is her main groom Horse’s nickname: Sira Queenie, Sirasisi or ‘madam’
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SF: Since she was six months old and she is now seven years old.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SF: Sira Queen shows much potential, and I hope to train her to Big Tour.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SF: Carrots and apples.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SF: Sira looks exactly like her sire, Sir Donnerhall. They have extremely similar markings and even a white snip on the nose. They could be twins! Sira is incredibly smart and picks up things instantly; she never forgets and has recently won Gauteng Novice Show Riding Champion 2024 with our dear friend, Bobby Archer, as her jockey!
LIELIE BRITZ AND WALTZING QUEEN
Level of competition: Advanced
Breeding: Home bred, by Poland's Wasabi
Coaches: Marianne Conlyn
Groom: Brian Chipepetseki
Horse’s nickname: Queeny
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
LB: For four years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. LB: I was always just trying to stay on until I started riding with Marianne.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
LB: Queen is a horse I have on loan, so as long as I have the privilege to ride her, I will make the most of it.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
LB: Queen is quite laid back for a chestnut mare. She is not at all the typical ‘chestnut mare.’
KIM SCHWARZ AND ISHARA
Level of competition: Medium
Team: Eastern Cape and Free State Breeding: Quarter Horse Clydesdale cross
Coaches: Robyn Ramsey and Lauren Freitag
Groom: Elliot at home, me at the show Horse’s nickname: Zaza Binks
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
KS: For five years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
KS: I have been riding since I was ten. I mostly did showjumping, but I have always loved the schooling part and the training of young horses.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
KS: Next year, we will move up a level. It will be new to both of us so it is very exciting.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
KS: Her new favourite is the Equifox Strawberry Treats.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
KS: When I first went to look at her, I bought a pony instead and then went back for her a month later. She often jumps out of stables at shows, which is rather stressful.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
KS: I’m very grateful for this lovely, sweet mare and hope to go up
a few more levels with her. I am also keen to start some Western Equitation as she loves learning new things.
KIRSTY RAULT AND RIVEN’S LADY KILLER
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: He is a Zimbabwean-bred Warmblood. He’s a Lereno, out of Ice Ice Baby, who is by Iridium.
Coach: Janet Dewar-Pitt
Groom: Laz – the best groom Horse’s nickname: Caz
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
KR: Deena Elcombe has owned him since he was a baby. My partnership with him only started about three to four months ago.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. KR: I’ve ridden my whole life. I come from a horsey family. I have competed successfully in the 1.50m showjumping classes. I also competed successfully in open equitation as well as showing. I have competed up to EM dressage. I have my South African colours for polocrosse. I’ve vaulted and evented a little bit. So you could say I’ve tried it all.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
KR: I’d love to compete at the top level of dressage with him, but I love riding him, and he has such an amazing work ethic, so just being able to compete with him for as long as I can would truly make me happy.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
KR: He LOVES carrots and molasses treats!!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
KR: He does everything - jumping, dressage and showing. He does not have a nasty bone in his body. Truly, he is a dream horse to ride and work with.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
KR: I am truly grateful to Deena Elcombe for allowing me to ride such a special horse. I’m looking forward to growing together and can’t wait for what the future brings.
GENEVIEVE MCNEILL AND ARCO360 FER LLAPIS
Level of competition: Medium Team: KZN Medium Team
Breeding: Andalusian
Coaches: Calet de Vos (local) and Jenny Veenstra (international)
Groom: Innocent David
Horse’s nickname: Llapis, in English, means pencil. I even checked when I bought him: “Did you really call him Pencil?” They said, “Yes, because he’s a good student,” so his nickname is Pencil.
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
GM: Since he was three years old, and he’s now eight years old.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
GM: I have competed at Grand Prix with my Trakehner, Saint John, who I backed and we went up through the grades together. I then imported my first Andalusian, Pirata de Susaeta, as a three-year-old. He is now in Medium Tour, and Llapis is my youngster, who is following Pirata up the grades. I just love the Andalusian breed as they are such kind, friendly horses, so they make training so much fun.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
GM: To hopefully get him to Grand Prix.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
GM: Any treats are good, but carrots are the top of the pops!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
GM: When he was being imported from Spain, he travelled up to Holland to quarantine to come to SA, and then the world closed down due to COVID, so he spent an extra five months in Holland (lazing in the sunshine) waiting for planes to fly again until he could eventually fly out to SA.
DAWN NEWMAN AND KUDA INSURANCE'S CALLAHO LINCOLN
Level of competition: Big Tour
Team: Open Team
Breeding: He's a Hanoverian from Callaho by Lissabon out of Rosengirl by Rotspon. She was also a Grand Prix dressage horse produced by Jaco Fourie.
Coach: Jaco Fourie
Groom: The best groom in the world, Lugson Kuchere
Horse’s nickname: Pinky
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
DN: Six years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. DN: I've represented the WC on dressage and showing teams for many years. Pinky is the first horse that I have produced to Grand Prix level. Over the years, I've had a few South African dressage champions in the lower grades; on Lincoln, I've won the National Novice Championship, PSG Freestyle Championship, and the Victor Ludorum and Medium Tour Championship in 2023.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
DN: Pinky is only ten years old, and this is our first year in the Big Tour. I hope to continue competing at this level for as long as Pinky is happy and sound, at least another eight years.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
DN: Peppermints and anything else that I'm eating.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
DN: I bought him as a dealing horse; he's only 15.3 hands, so theoretically, he’s too small for me. After owning him for two weeks, I knew he wasn't going anywhere. He's the best horse I've ever ridden, and we connect so well. He's a little firecracker, and
I love him to bits. He is also the first horse ever to have dumped me in a dressage test, at the DSA Challenge, no less!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
DN: I'm so grateful to be owned by this little horse - every ride is a privilege. I owe him everything; he owes me nothing.
MONICA LEEUW AND TESSA
VAN HENSON
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: Bred out of a Ritse 322 mare (Emily van Smitsvlei) with Dries 421 (Sport)
Coach: Wium Van Huyssteen
Groom: Wyson Phiri
Horse’s nickname: Tessie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
ML: Two years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
ML: I competed in graded showjumping and decided to retire my TB mare from jumping. We switched over to dressage and absolutely loved it.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
ML: My goal is to compete at the PSG level with Tessa and ultimately ride in the Big Tour one day.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
ML: Tessa is an uncomplicated mare and would absolutely devour a bag of carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
ML: Tessa was the first South Africanbred Friesian mare to be awarded a SPORT pedigree by KFPS in 2021 and became a STAR in 2022.
TIA MCCARTHY AND WATERMARK QUÉ SERA
Level of competition: Elementary
Team: Free State Elementary Team
Breeding: By Quantico, out of Watermark Godessa by Uron M
Coach: Chrismie Venter
Groom: Frans
Horse’s nickname: Quési or Mr Fancy Pants
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
TM: Three years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
TM: I’ve been doing dressage for 12 years. I’ve done Youth Champs for the last few years, and this is my first SA Adult Champs! I’m currently schooling horses for other people in Bloemfontein.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
TM: To have the happiest and healthiest horses and to get as far as they will take me.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
TM: Naartjies.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
TM: His favourite thing to do is to smile for a treat, and he loves to smile when people walk past him.
CHAMMY HOLLAND AND GOLDMARK PANDORA
Level of competition: Elementary
Team: WC Elementary Team
Breeding: Goldmark Rapscallion out of Bodenhausen Pran Graffin
Coach: Adriaan van Wyk
Groom: Maxwell
Horse’s nickname: P
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CH: Five years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CH: I have been riding since I was five. I was taught by British Horse Society instructors who focused on management and care before riding and instilled strong, correct basics. I always had extensive knowledge for my age and loved the training and flatwork way more than the showjumping. I jumped and evented in Juniors, but then wisened up and started in dressage. I always had young horses that I produced and sold before any level higher than Novice, but Pandora is staying. She is feisty and opinionated, just like me, and it's taken a few years to understand each other. It's a dream come true to ride at a competition like this and be in the team.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CH: To ride all the way up through the tour levels and keep her forever.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CH: Apples.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CH: She is blind in the right eye.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
CH: It's been one hell of a ride! This sport ain't for sissies!
TIA MCCARTHY AND FREULEVROUWE
Level of competition: Medium Team: Free State Medium Team
Breeding: By Bordeaux, out of a Jazz mare
Coach: Chrismie Venter
Groom: Frans
Horse’s nickname: Freule
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
TM: Nine months
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
TM: Apples.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
TM: She was imported from Holland a couple of years ago, and we’ve only been a partnership for seven months.
LISA STEMMET AND KUDA INSURANCE’S CALLAHO BLANCHET
Level of competition: Small Tour
Team: Western Cape Open
Breeding: By Callaho Benecio out of Winny Roos
Coach: Jaco Fourie
Groom: Lugson
Horse’s nickname: Blanket
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
LS: Nine years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
LS: I started riding at the age of four and have done so competitively for a number of years, but I have achieved most of my success with Blanchet (Blanket).
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
LS: I hope to move her up to Medium Tour within the next year.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
LS: Lots and lots of carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
LS: She is the sweetest, kindest horse I have ever met. She might love my children even more than me.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
LS: I have never felt as confident on a horse in my life as I do on Blanket; she always has my back. Even if she makes a mistake, it’s more because she’s trying too hard to please me. She really is my best friend.
CASEY VETRIK AND KEPLER
Level of competition: Big Tour Team: Free State
Breeding: He is an off-the-track South African Thoroughbred Groom: Lugson
Horse’s nickname: Keppie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CV: Since he retired from racing eight years ago.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CV: I have competed in all disciplines but started in showjumping, where I won the Eastern Cape Children’s Champs for Open ponies (it was CB and CA ponies back then). With Kepler, we currently compete in the 1.20m showjumping classes and have competed at FEI 2* level eventing.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CV: He can do all the Grand Prix moves now; the main thing is working on relaxation as he is an extremely tense horse. I would also like to do one 1.30m jumping class with him before he retires one day.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CV: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CV: He’s the only Thoroughbred in the Grand Prix.
KEPLER’S FREESTYLE
Mention must be made of Kepler’s stunning Freestyle at SA Champs. We asked Casey why she selected the music “Since Kepler is a Thoroughbred and is a descendant of Secretariat, I have used the
introduction from the movie Secretariat as the intro for my freestyle. I also incorporated the ‘Call to post’ bugle sound for my entry halt, which is the traditional signal at the start of races.”
NAUDENE SEAS AND SABBIR
Level of competition: Medium
Team: Northern Cape Medium Team
Breeding: Friesian
Coach: Marianne Conlyn
Horse’s nickname: Saby Baby
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NS: Nine years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NS: I started riding horses as a showjumper at a very young age. After a bad fall that injured my back, my horse-riding journey stopped for six years. I started the dressage journey after my husband purchased my beloved Friesian stallion for me nine years ago as a gift. I started training Sabbir from the ground up, and we’re currently at the Medium level.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NS: To train Sabbir up to Big Tour level.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NS: Watermelons.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NS: He knows exactly when to show off.
NAUDENE SEAS AND ELUSIVE THUNDER
Level of competition: Elementary Team: Northern Cape Elementary Team
Breeding: Thoroughbred Coach: Marianne Conlyn Horse’s nickname: ET
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NS: Four years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NS: Four years ago, I purchased Elusive Thunder from the track to restart my showjumping journey again, but Elusive Thunder decided that dressage is the discipline he wants to do.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NS: To train Elusive Thunder up to Big Tour level.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NS: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NS: When Elusive Thunder decides he doesn't want to do something, he will halt and not move all.
SHERADEE VAN NIEKERK AND COMPTON HOUSE FLORESANNA
Level of competition: Medium
Team: Western Cape Medium Team
Breeding: By Compton House Five Star Florestan out of Wolandia by Sandro Hit
Coach: Adriaan van Wyk
Groom: Maxwell
Horse’s nickname: Flori
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SN: Twelve years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. SN: I sat on my first horse bareback with no bridle at the age of five, and I was sold; every day since then, my life has revolved around horses. In my early thirties, I heard about a lovely oneyear-old Warmblood mare for sale at Compton House Stud who had excellent bloodlines. I loved her, and within 10 minutes of viewing her, I was sure she was for me. I have owned Floresanna for 12 years. Her initial training was inconsistent as motherhood was demanding and seldom allowed me free time to go to the stables. It was only later in life, when I moved to new stables and met some truly wonderful, passionate, and knowledgeable dressage riders and horse lovers that I felt I could make something out of our union. Adriaan Van Wyk has also played a key role in our development as our primary dressage trainer. She is sensitive to ride, calm, intelligent and
sensible. She is truly a lovely soul, and I'm very blessed to have found her.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SN: To learn the fine art of dressage to the highest level.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SN: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SN: She loves children.
ELANA COETZER AND SARATOGA DIONYSUS
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Don Colour GF out of Saratoga Ardent xx by All Fired Up Coach: Adriaan van Wyk and Cecilia Otto
Groom: The God’s Gift Stables team
Horse’s nickname: Bubs, Bubba, Dior
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
EC: Nine years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
EC: I have been riding since the age of six, primarily competing in dressage and showing. I started showjumping at the age of 25, but after a nasty riding accident and my son Kian being born, I reverted back to dressage. At the age of 30, my dreams of a Barbie pony came true! I backed Dior myself, and schooled him up to this point myself with the help of my coaches. This is our first SA Champs!
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
EC: There is nothing as satisfying as riding and competing on a horse you made yourself, no matter what level you are competing at. The sky is the limit! Most importantly, growing and learning with him ensures our bond and trust in each other
become stronger and stronger day after day, show after show!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
EC: Hoofbeats cookies.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
EC: He is my heart horse, for sure! Every second spent with him is precious!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
EC: I am so blessed with the people in my life making this amazing privilege a reality - especially my hubby Wouter and my son Kian!
ANLÉ HATTINGH AND ELEGANT DAZZLING DEISY
Level of competition: Elementary Team: Western Cape Elementary Team
Breeding: Purebred Knabstrupper by imported Welsh Knabstrupper stallion, Tresaison Harlem, out of an imported Danish Knabstrupper mare, Nørgaards Daydreamer.
Coaches: Jaco Fourie aka Yoda
Groom: Freza Nthewa aka Machine Horse’s nickname: Skollie Patrollie when she's being cheeky, but mostly she's known as Little Girl
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AH: I’ve owned him since birth. He was bred, born, backed and produced at A Spot of Elegance Knabstrupper Stud.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
AH: I have competed up to Inter I level and have produced my own horses up to PSG; some of those horses were produced from birth.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
AH: Deisy is the flagship for the Knabstrupper's talent and temperament in the competition arena here in South Africa. Knabstruppers are a very rare breed of spotted Danish Warmblood, and as such, I hope and aspire that she will be the first Knabstrupper in the Grand Prix in South Africa and will produce successful offspring for our Stud in the future.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AH: Equibix Horse Treats
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AH: She is one of about only 40
Knabstruppers in South Africa!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
AH: Visit our stud page for more info on the breed and meet out spotty babies at A Spot of Elegance Knabstrupper Stud!
FINN-LEE REYNEKE AND SANC
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: Sanletto out of a Vallon Rouge mare
Coach: André La Conte
Groom: Mo
Horse’s nickname: The Dragon
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
FR: Two and a half years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
FR: I started riding at around the age of four and just fell in love with the sport. I would say my riding career really only started when I bought SanC and moved to Andre La Conte and Ronnie Lawrence three years ago.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
FR: To go up the grades and just enjoy every moment of it. He is truly a special horse, and I learn so much from him.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
FR: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
FR: The white scarring on is neck is from when he got attacked by bees.
FINN-LEE REYNEKE AND INFERNO DE EMMA (AKA FERN)
Level of competition: Advanced
Breeding: By Wandor Van De Mispeleare out of a Ferro mare
Coach: André La Conte
Groom: Mo
Horse’s nickname: The Ginger Ninja
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
FR: Two years
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
FR: To ride up the grades. He is just the sweetest horse ever and always gives 110%.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
FR: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
FR: He used to be a 1.40m showjumper.
BELINDA WEYER AND ZONJATI ST FAGAN
Level of competition: Elementary Team: KZN Elementary Team
Breeding: He is a seven-year-old by Furst Nymphenburg out of a Bono mare
Coach: Jonathan Wisdom
Groom: Me
Horse’s nickname: Fagey Baby or Ginger Spice (if he's being his usual naughty self)
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
BW: Since he was a weanling.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
BW: I started competing in my 20s in eventing, specialising in the Friday and Saturday evening drinking sessions at shows… I then did a bit of showing and jumping. I’ve been dressaging since 2010.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
BW: I want to do Grand Prix on Fagan
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
BW: Sugar cubes. He goes mental for them.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
BW: He loves the ocean. He’s not scared to swim in massive waves.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
BW: Graham Winn has been a huge influence in my life. He has shown me how to ride without an ego (ego isn't always about being confident - your ego is also self-doubt ). He is an incredible rider and an even better horseman.
ELIZABETH MÜLLER AND ADELSHEIM SIR LORITZ
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Adelsheim La Diva x Sonnentänzer
Groom: At home Samson is his groom, but here at the show, my husband Peter Müller is in charge
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
EM: We bred and trained him. He is now six years old.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
EM: I've been riding for 50 years up to Intermediate level.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
EM: With the super natural talent he has, we're aiming to get to the highest level provided we can stay healthy.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
EM: He always says thank you with soft noises when he is rewarded with carrots after his training session.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
EM: Every day is a good day since I backed him. He is very quick to understand and accept new introductions to his training.
LUZAAN SLABBERT AND CALLAHO LLANDRO
Level of competition: Medium Tour
Team: Western Cape Open
Breeding: Lissabon out of a Sandreo mare
Coach: Natalie Hobday
Groom: At shows it’s my husband Horse’s nickname: He is just Llandro
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
LS: Seven years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
LS: I've been riding since I was four years old, and I'm now 33. Since my childhood, I have represented several Provincial teams as we moved around the country. I now mainly focus on dressage, but I was an all-round rider in my younger years. I really put my heart and soul into this beautiful sport and feel that to be on the level I am now is a dream that continues to grow with my beautiful boy.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
LS: Getting to Grand Prix and then establishing him in the Big Tour in the coming years.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
LS: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
LS: He has a big white patch under his tummy.
SHEPHERD ZIRA AND KINVARA’S ELLA
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Solidarity Team
Breeding: By Esclavo FM PRE out of Kinvara's Rebel's Flight
Coach: Kate Laird
Groom: Charles Chirwa
Horse’s nickname: Ellie Belly
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SZ: Bred by Kinvara Stud.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
SZ: I started riding at a young age but mostly competed in showjumping and started dressage two years ago and I have been selected to be in the Solidarity Team.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SZ: I would like to learn more and go as far as I can within the sport.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SZ: Well, she hates apples but loves horse treats with molasses.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SZ: She has to go to the paddocks before she works.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
SZ: I would like to say thank you to Solidarity for these wonderful opportunities that they have presented to me, to Dianne Smith for creating the Solidarity Star Series, and Montanique Wilson for all her hard work behind the scenes.
CLAIRE MARTIN AND MARTINI EBONY ROSE
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: SA Warmblood. She is a homebred by Berghof Eragon out of a Last Step/TB mare.
Coach: Helen Laros
Groom: Kloppers Ngome Horse’s nickname: Rosie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CM: Since birth.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CM: As a Junior I competed in all disciplines with a love for eventing. At the moment, I showjump 1.30m and ride Inter I Dressage on my mare Callaho Fiona Vella. I am the owner of Martini Stud and enjoy producing my homebred horses.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CM: Short term I’d love to win
Compleat horse at Derby! In the long term, I would love to train Rosie for the Grand Prix!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CM: Lucerne cubes.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CM: Rosie had colic surgery in January this year! She is also expecting her first foal bred via Embryo Transfer next month!
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
CM: Rosie’s half-sister is Martini Pixel, my little grey mare who won Compleat Horse at Derby last year! They both share the most amazing temperament.
STACI-LEE DEVERSON AND AMBECK NEVERLAND
Level of competition: Preliminary
Breeding: Negro/Cellehof Teola/ Thaddaeus
Coach: Carl Boonzaaier
Groom: Albert (Neverland’s favourite person)
Horse’s nickname: BFG (Big Friendly Giant from the movie)
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SD: He is owned by Jodi Irvine and she’s had him since 2021.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. SD: I work for Carl Boonzaaier as his work rider. I did showing most of my children's career and then started showjumping as a junior and currently have two young horses to produce and compete on. I am new to the world of dressage. This is both mine and Ambeck Neverland’s fourth show ever so we still have so much to learn. It’s been a very exciting journey under the guidance of Carl and Natalie Hobday.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SD: As he is still a young horse the goal for now is to get him confident and gain more experience. Long-term the goal is to see him excelling in the higher levels.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SD: The Molasses Horsee Snax.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting. SD: He measures 18.1hh.
ABBY MCILREE AND KARTOUCHÈ VAN STAL LE CHEVAL
Level of competition: Para Grade III
Breeding: Kanjer Thore x Le Cheval’s Jiska (Dutch Riding Pony brought to SA from the Netherlands)
Grooms: Simon and Makhosi Horse’s nickname: Tosh
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AM: Owned by Claire D’Olivieria. I’ve been riding him since February.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
AM: I began riding at SARDA when I was two for therapy, but it quickly turned into more. I started having lessons once a week from the ages of six to thirteen at a riding school. At 13 in 2017, I had major spinal surgery and had to relearn how to ride after recovery and rehab. The first time I heard about para-dressage properly was in 2019 when I started riding a pony called Galaxy, owned by Jessica Turner. This is when my competitive career really began! Galaxy took me to my first SA Champs at KPC in 2021. I since competed at SA Champs in 2022, so this is my third time competing at this show.
AM: If para is allowed, I would love to compete at an International this year. I am having spinal surgery in November, so this would definitely be a dream to accomplish before I’m not able to compete for a long time. Otherwise, cracking 70% before the year ends would be fantastic!! Long term, my dream is to compete at the Paralympics.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AM: Tosh cannot resist a Likit Treat Bar or Likit Snaks. I have very luckily been sponsored by Likit for three years now, so Tosh has an endless supply.
AM: Tosh’s favourite thing in the world is a flying change. If you point him down a diagonal at a canter, he is too eager to launch himself into a series of tempi changes in pure excitement. Before my spinal surgery, my goal is to just do a single flying change!! Tosh is 24 and schooled up to Advanced, though he is very happy to be a slow and chilled schoolmaster for me.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AM: KPC has sponsored my entry fees and membership for three years now and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be able to compete at shows like these. With a brilliant team of brands and people behind me, the sky is the limit!
SHELBY DOS SANTOS AND LOCARNO HIP HOP
Level of competition: Preliminary
Breeding: Sired by Locarno Challenger, dam is Locarno High Note, and sire of dam is Locarno Caprivi
Coach: Maxine de Villiers
Groom: Wisdom Horse’s nickname: Poppy or Pops
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SS: Two years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
SS: I have been riding for eight years and much of my experience was gained from riding inexperienced horses. I am a multidisciplinary rider having ridden in showjumping, dressage, eventing and a bit of showing. I have always had a love for dressage. My first extensive dressage training was when I was stabled at Bekker Equestrian in Pretoria. I later bought Hip Hop, after having moved to stables in the Kyalami area. Within the past year since, I have stabled at Maxim’s Equestrian, Hip Hop and I have flourished under Maxine’s guidance.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SS: Going forward, I plan to train Hip Hop up the grades in both dressage and showjumping.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SS: Biscuits.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SS: My first show with her was an eventing show, at which I discovered Hip Hop was scared of other horses in the warm-up ring. It probably stems from herd mentality, but she still spooks very often in the warmup arena.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
SS: Hip Hop can be very sassy under saddle, but she has a heart of gold.
VAY SNYMAN AND PRESUMIDO
Level of competition: Medium Tour
Breeding: He is an approved PRE (pure Spanish horse) by Relampago
Groom: Paul Shadrack
Horse’s nickname: At home we call him Presu
HQ : How long have you owned your horse?
VS: Not quite a year
HQ : Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
HQ : What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
VS: I’ve been riding professionally for over 20 years. I have won many national and provincial titles around the world, having ridden in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
VS: I hope to produce him to GP and enjoy the journey there.
HQ : Does your horse have a favourite treat?
VS: Presu struggles with his weight, so he’s only allowed grass
blocks and carrots; he’s ruled by food, so anything edible is his favourite!
HQ : Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
VS: I rode his father at the very start of my career 20 years ago.
AMY TOLMAY AND IWARRIOR
Level of competition: Elementary
Breeding: Thoroughbred, by Jay Peg (Camden Park), out of a Casey Tibbs mare
Coach: Natalie Hobday
Groom: Justice Khumalo
Horse’s nickname: Wall-E
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AT: Just over a year.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
AT: I jumped up to Open level in Juniors, represented SA in Equitation and Jumping at Inter-Africa Cup, have ridden up to Advanced Dressage. I have represented Gauteng in Novice Dressage twice and was the topranked Prelim rider in Gauteng in 2017.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
AT: As far as he is happy to go up the levels of Dressage.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AT: Aktiv Horse Treats - Apple flavoured.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AT: He competed at 1* eventing before I bought him.
MONICA NAGLEY AND RIVENDELL FLEETWOOD MAC
Level of competition: Medium
Breeding: Florimon (Hann) x Miss
Undercover (Trak)
Coach: Vay Snyman
Groom: Chicco
Horse’s nickname: Mac
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
MN: Eight years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
MN: I have been competing for 30 years, and rode may horses up to Medium. I trained for three years in in Germany. I hope to make it beyond Medium with Mac.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
MN: Hopefully to dip our toes into the Grand Prix in a few years.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
MN: Green apples
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
MN: He thinks he is a giraffe. He likes to stand on things with his front legs to make himself look taller.
ELIZABETH YATES AND GRANDÈ ROUX ROTSANDRIO
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: SA Warmblood
Coach: Debbie Jackson
Groom: Lungile
Horse’s nickname: Rio
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
EY: Two years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
EY: I’ve been riding for about 12 years, competing at SANESA as a Pony Rider and Junior on my Boerperd in dressage, showing, equitation and jumping. I’ve competed up to Elementary-Medium on the Boerperd. I compete in showing with both my horses.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
EY: I would love to compete Grand Prix with her.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
EY: I don’t think she has a favouriteshe loves all treats.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
EY: She used to be a broodmare and has one foal.
NICHOLA MOHR AND VADERLANDSCHE HOSEAH
Level of competition: Elementary
Breeding: He is by Hotline out of a Benicio mare
Coaches: Linda Mohr and Carsten Peters
Grooms: Bonga and Liefe look after Hoseah.
Horse’s nickname: Hosie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NM: My mom bred him, so we've had him all his life.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NM: I broke him in myself and it's been a dream journey ever since. He's the easiest six year old I've ever worked with and so, so safe considering he is 18hh.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NM: I'd like to see how far we can go; he has a heart of gold.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NM: Anything and everything! Including the feed bag, which he decided to shake around and play with as Winston went into his Big Tour Championship.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NM: He's the biggest horse I've ever worked with.
HQ: Is there anything else you would like to add?
NM: He's my ‘little’ baby. He has the biggest fan base out of all my horses!
AMY TOLMAY AND JE
T’AIME
Level of competition: Advanced
Breeding: SA Warmblood (Johnson out of Font Petrushka (Davenport Peter Pan))
Coach: Natalie Hobday
Groom: Justice Khumalo Horse’s nickname: Temmy
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AT: Eight years.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
AT: I would love to take her all the way up to Big Tour classes if possible.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AT: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AT: She nearly died of anteriorenteritis and spent a week in ICU at Northrand Animal Clinic. Dr Karen Bohme got her through it and then AHS, and we are so grateful that she is still here and doing so well.
KERRYN MICHIE AND LONDON LANE DELICIOUS
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Treliver D’Artagnan/Winter
Dune (Winter Star)
Coaches: Claudia Vrettas and Karen Keller
Grooms: William and Sam
Horse’s nickname: Delulu or Lulu
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
KM: Two years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
KM: I have ridden since age seven but stopped in my 20s. I started again in 2018 and haven’t looked back.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
KM: The next step is Elementary.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
KM: Carrots.
CHRISTELLE VAN DE MERWE AND CALLAHO L’ORMARIN
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Lissabon out of a Dageraad mare
Coach: Bobby Archer
Grooms: Bonga Gumbo Horse’s nickname: Romy
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
CM: Just over three years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
CM: I am an amateur rider who has enjoyed competing in all disciplines including dressage, showjumping and eventing.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
CM: Romy and I will continue progressing in our dressage together and maybe try some showing. He is also showjumping in the 1.30m classes currently with my jumping coach Jason Phillips.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
CM: Romy has the best carrot face; he will do anything to get them from you.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
CM: I bought Romy because I also own his full brother Lexus, but they actually couldn’t be more different. Lexus is much stockier and black and quite sharp, whereas Romy is the most laid-back person you will ever meet.
LYNN BREMNER-CLARKE AND BON ESPRIT
Level of competition: Small Tour
Team: Gauteng
Breeding: By Bonheur out of a TB mare
Coach: I ride when l can with various coaches, but no single consistent coach.
Groom: Abraham Chakwira
Horse’s nickname: Spritzi
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
LB: Since he was four years old. I backed him myself. He is now 17.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
LB: I first rode at an interprovincial level in 1996. I rode for Western Province on three different horses. I returned to Gauteng in 2005 and rode for the team in the following year. Being a single mom at that time, my riding became more limited due to financial restraints. After 2020, l suffered a long spell with COVID and some foot surgery. This year l was only too delighted to be able to start competing again, and l am delighted with Esprit's joy at being out again. We are both well and looking forward to Medium Tour next.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
LB: Nothing short of Grand Prix.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
LB: Everything!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
LB: As a young horse he was quick with his teeth and heels, and it was not very safe to just walk into his paddock or stable. He was also very reluctant about accepting a rider and even learning. Now, he loves his work. In fact he became quite sickly and grumpy when l could not ride these last few years.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
LB: My little orange horse makes my heart smile. He is not well conformed, and certainly no dressage rider would pick him out of a field as a dressage horse, but he is brave, clever, and has the guts to keep trying even when the job is harder for him than it is for the classically bred horse. I respect and admire that.
SIOBHAN RECORDS AND RATHMOR CAPRICE
Level of competition: Big Tour
Team: Gauteng
Breeding: By Capriccio out of a Land Earl mare
Coach: Vay Snyman
Groom: Trojan Maphosa
Horse’s nickname: Precious Pony/ The Chosen One/Pri Pri
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SR: Since 2010.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
SR: I started riding at two and a half. I competed in Children’s and Junior’s in showing, dressage, eventing, equitation, jumping and vaulting. I received provincial colours for dressage from 19961999 and Junior provincial colours from 1999-2003. I’ve won the Dressage Derby four times. I’m an EQASA Module 6 Coach and a qualified saddle fitter.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SR: Sugar cubes and apples.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SR: I saw Caprice in a field at 18 months old at Rathmor Stud and discussed with Mike McHardy that he should send him to me.
Eighteen months later, I got a phone call from Mike saying he’d send him up the following week so I could back him. The original plan was to sell him, but after looking at a video of him cantering, I bought him.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to add?
SR: It’s wonderful to see so many horses in the Big Tour classes at this show that have been produced up the grades by their riders.
MARISA CETINICH VENTER AND BURBERRY
Level of competition: Medium Tour Team: Due to the physical challenges of Medium Tour, I made the decision to not put our names forward for possible Open Team selection this year.
Breeding: Burberry is an Oldenburg; he is by Bordeaux out of a Florestan I mare.
Coach: The one and only, Natalie Hobday!
Groom: Kenneth Ncube
Horse’s nickname: Mr B
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
MV: Burberry arrived in South Africa seven years ago, as an inexperienced Novice horse.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
MV: I began competing when I was five years old, and as most children did, I started with showing and lowerlevel dressage. In my Junior career, I chose the path of dressage, which continued through Young Riders into Adults.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
MV: My dream is to train and compete with Burberry in Big Tour!
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
MV: Oat biscuits. In fact, he will not move from the cross ties until he has received a biscuit or two… He can count!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
MV: Despite his large presence, he has a soft and sensitive soul. He is and always will be my forever heart horse. Although our journey together has not been easy, there is not a horse in the world that I would choose over him!
ROXY LIECHTI AND LORENZO QS
Level of competition: Small Tour
Breeding: Purebred Lusitano from Quantum Stud
Coaches: John Smith, Jean vD, Jorge Pereirae
Groom: Ephraim Mukudo (Ronald)
Horse’s nickname: Lolo
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
RL: From three years old, so seven years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
RL: I started riding as a little girl. I took a break from riding when I went off to study, then came back full swing and started working on my aunt’s stud farm, Quantum Stud. The rest is history!
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
RL: My goal would definitely be to make it to Big Tour with my boy, but honestly, I’m just enjoying the journey and every ride I get to have with him! Happy horse, happy rider.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
RL: Carrots, apples, molasses treats!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
RL: He is my little pocket rocket. He is only 15.2hh but has the heart of a lion.
TINA PLATTNER AND LEBED
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: Lexus x a Trakehner mare
Coach: Jaco Fourie
Groom: Tendai Mfuli
Horse’s nickname: Lebby
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
TP: Five years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
TP: I rode my first Big Tour test in August this year.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
TP: To keep on learning from him and to ride mistake-free tests in the future.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
TP: Anything fresh and fruity.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
TP: He’s from Russia and bred for showjumping. His name means ‘swan’.
NICHOLA MOHR AND CALLAHO WINSTON – OUR NEW SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMPIONS!
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: He’s a Warmblood by Wenckstern out of a mare by Idocus
Coaches: Linda Mohr and Carsten Peters
Grooms: Bonga and Liefe take great care of our Mr Winston Horse’s nickname: Winnie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NM: We bought him from the Callaho Auction in 2013 and I've had him for 11 years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NM: There were a lot of tears for the first few years; Winston was always such a tense young horse. There were many championship shows we had to skip because he wouldn't settle and relax in his work. It took me a long time to get Winston confident and strong for his piaffe and passage work; he used to stress so much with it. Our most difficult movement to learn in the Grand Prix was the canter zigzag. I think what's helped him relax is spending his days in a grass paddock with his friends.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NM: To enjoy every ride with him and keep him happy and enjoying his work.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NM: He loves carrots, sugar cubes and apples. Winston also loves scratches!
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NM: Winston isn't like your usual gelding; he doesn't like being told what to do; you have to ask nicely.
NICHOLA MOHR AND IL SISLEY
Level of competition: Medium Tour
Team: Western Cape Open Team
Breeding: He's a Lusitano
Coaches: Linda Mohr and Carsten Peters
Grooms: Bonga and Liefe take care of Sisley
Horse’s nickname: Sizzle or sometimes Sizzling Sisley
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
NM: I started working with him in the middle of 2020.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
NM: He was given to us in 2020, and my mom told me that I could start riding him to sell. I thought that was a good idea because I wanted an iPad, and I could use his money to buy one. Well, it turns out I'd rather keep the horse! I still don't have that iPad, but I really love this little horse. I can't believe how far he's come in such a short amount of time; he was originally a trick pony!
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
NM: I would love to be able to ride the Grand Prix with him one day It will be such great experience.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
NM: He loves his carrots and cookies.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
NM: Sisley only has one eye and he's a trick pony; he loves to show everyone how well he lies down.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to share?
NM: He always tries his best with every ride. I still can't believe how, in the middle of 2020, he knew nothing about dressage, and now, four years later, he's doing Medium Tour! I'm looking forward to bringing on his youngsters; they seem to have his temperament!
WIUM VAN HUYSSTEEN AND KALVIN FÂN STALL
BELLEFLEUR (STER SPORT ELITE AA)
(JACOBUS IS HIS SPORT REGISTERED NAME)
Level of competition: Medium Tour
Breeding: Sire: Tsjalle 454. Dam: Ilse van Sweins
Coach: Have been training on my own for years but recently started training with John Smith.
Groom: Sacharia (Sac)
Horse’s nickname: Koosie van Heidelberg/Koos
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
WH: The owners are Henriet and Gawie Stoltz. My very first ride on Kalvin was on the 14th of January 2022. Kalvin was graded in Elementary Medium then. I have always had this secret little crush on him, and I have to say he has been a true gentleman since day one.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
WH: I started riding at the age of 11, and I’m 36 now. I was really a young boy who just loved horses. At age 22, I got the opportunity to work at Adelprag Friesian Stud, where I did mostly backing of young horses. I didn’t really know much about dressage but the owner Nickie Pienaar gave me so many amazing opportunities. I worked my way up the grades with many horses until we got to the Big Tour. The first Big Tour horse I trained was Menno, and after that, I rode Watch Me (both Friesian stallions). Then, my riding world changed when I started riding FirnHill Derry.
Then, at the end of 2021, I decided to take a leap and go dancing on my own. I took some training horses in and started teaching. I have always had a great desire to be on the ground with people and make riding fun. I have not looked back for one second. In 2022, the owner of Henson Friesian Stud asked me to train some of their horses. At first, it was only Koos, but now I have so many beautiful ‘black pearls’ that I am training for the Stud and also have other private clients who are based at Henson Stud, as well as my own clients.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
WH: Myself and Koos are working our way to Grand Prix. We did our very first Grand Prix test at Gauteng Championship this year, and Koos took it all in his stride.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
WH: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting. WH: Koos was imported from Holland as a three-year-old. He received his Predicate as a stallion with breeding permission for SA from the KFPS at the age of three.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to share?
WH: It is truly an honour and a privilege for me to be riding this 17hh Friesian stallion. I absolutely adore him. I have never worked with such a gentle, kind soul like this in my life. I am extremely grateful to the owners Henriet and Gawie for allowing me to have Koosie as my absolutely breathtaking, most amazing, loving dance partner.
JESSIE VAN ECK AND ZUCCA DICE
Level of competition: Big Tour
Breeding: By Welt Hit II, out of UpSevenDice, by Gribaldi
Coach: Karen Keller
Groom: Amanda Mthembu
Horse’s nickname: Mr Dice
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
JE: Three years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
JE: My equestrian career started when riding my French grandmother's miniature Shetland ponies in France and the ‘horse bug; has been present ever since. At present, I run and manage the family-owned livery and training yard, Terrouges Equestre. After working at various professional yards in Europe, I’ve produced several competition horses to reach Prix St Georges and Inter I level. Today, I’m a Level 3 SAEF instructor with nine years of professional schooling and competitive riding experience with two or my horses winning the Best Horse at the Mini Derby.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
JE: He looooves fresh barley sprouts.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
JE: Zucca does not have a partner or a groom. He has staff and should
always be addressed as ‘Sir’.
HQ: Is there anything else you wish to share?
JE: Zucca loves his job and loves to perform, which sometimes makes it challenging to remain the pilot. He easily tells me, “I got this”, and I have to tone it right down.
JADE KIRKBRIDE AND FIDDLER DB
Level of competition: Elementary Team: Western Cape Elementary Team
Breeding: His sire is Fürstenball and his dam is Juliette DB, whose sire is Johnson Coach: Jaco Fourie
Groom: Back home it is Thomas but at the show it is Freza
Horse’s nickname: Fiddles or Tiddles
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
JK: Two years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
JK: I’ve been riding for 27 years. I started as a competitive showjumper before an injury led me to discover my passion for dressage. I’ve competed up to Elementary Medium with my Thoroughbred, Chewy, and now I’m working on building a strong partnership with my current horse, Fiddler. We’re aiming to continue progressing through the grades and learning as much as we can along the way.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
JK: Most recent is lucerne cubes.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
JK: It is an odd one, but he can lick his own nostrils, and the more interesting something is, the closer the tips of his ears will get.
ANDREIA HO-TONG AND DANE STUD FINE ART
Level of competition: Elementary
Team: Gauteng Elementary Team
Breeding: Fidertanz/Sunset Hit/ Come Back II
Coach: Vay Snyman
Groom: Patrick
Horse’s nickname: F.Art, Shoes, My Love
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
AH: November will be four years.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point. AH: I am a showing and equitation rider and am new to dressage. I started my dressage journey with Dane Stud Fine Art.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
AH: To attempt to get to Grand Prix and enjoy every moment on this journey together.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
AH: Gumbits and carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
AH: He detests being groomed... I have to hang up a horse ball so he can take his frustration out on the ball whilst I groom him with the softest, most expensive brushes that money can buy! He also loves to take afternoon naps on my lap whilst I sit in the stable window.
SIMONE KILIAN AND BRONGER FAN È KOATEN
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Western Cape Novice Team
Coach: Taco from German Horse Training
Groom: Dennis
Horse’s nickname: Brongie
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SK: Just over one year.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
SK: I Sstarted riding from a very young age doing Pony Club and mainly jumping. Then, as a young adult, I started mostly riding dressage. I got a fantastic opportunity to ride and compete an Advanced horse and we went up to Prix St George together and represented the Western Cape Open Team nine years ago.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SK: To go as high up the levels as we are able to.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SK: Carrots but he eats everything.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
SK: He is the most amazingly wellbehaved stallion. He trucks with my mare and stands next to mares by his paddock. He is an absolute gentleman!
SIMONE KILIAN AND ADELPRAG WAKITA
Level of competition: Novice Team: Reserve for the Western Cape Novice Team as I can only ride one horse on the Team
Breeding: By Adelprag Stud
Coach: Taco from German Horse Training
Groom: Dennis
Horse’s nickname: Kitty Cat
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
SK: Four years.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
SK: To take her up the grades as far as we can go.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
SK: Carrots or any horse cookies.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting. SK: Wakita is the sweetest mare. She always tries her best at every show. She made the Novice Team last year, but we had to pull out due to a biliary scare. She is all good now, and this is her first long away show.
ELENI CONSTAS AND COMPTON HOUSE SCHOCOLATA
Level of competition: Small Tour
Breeding: Hanoverian mare by Surprice/Sandro Hit and dam is Highland Fling out of HerzensdiebLaurie’s Crusader
Coach: Lilian Moller
Groom: Gibson Ndlovu
Horse’s nickname: Choco-pop
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
EC: Four years
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
EC: I started as a showjumper and event rider. I rode for many years in Pony Riders and Juniors. After getting my first horse, she very plainly decided jumping wasn’t for her and so we started dressage and I fell in love with it. It’s taken many years, and many tears but I wouldn’t change a thing.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
EC: Our goal is, and will always be, first and foremost, to get her confident and comfortable in the arena. If she is happy, then I would love to get to Big Tour with her, which I think she would excel at. I have to thank Debbie Wallin at the Compton House Stud for breeding and producing such an incredible horse and athlete in Schocolata.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
EC: Carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
EC: Schocolata puts on a big show when we have non-horse visitors at our house. She grooms them and cuddles them; she is the crowd favourite and likes to hog the attention. She will happily ignore me for the rest of the time though!
FREDERICK VAN RIJCKEVORSEL AND EQUESPRO’S DANE STUD FIGARO
Level of competition: Novice
Breeding: Fitch x Wenckstern
Coach: Dominey Alexander
Groom: Andile
Horse’s nickname: Figaro
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
FR: I have been competing him since June for owners Jaco Wiid, JJ Kemp and Adriaan Drescher.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
FR: I currently compete two horses; Figaro is currently the SA JNR Novice Champion, and Don Natiello and I were SA JNR Champions in 2022 and 2023 as well as SA Young Rider Champions of 2024.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
FR: I am really happy to ride Figaro! He has a bright future ahead of him! He learns very quickly.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
FR: Anything he can get his mouth on…
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
FR: Although he’s big and a stallion, he can be quite the teddy bear.
HQ: Anything else you wish to add?
FR: I personally think my horse has to be the best turned out at this show.
MAXINE DE VILLIERS AND ADELA VALKYRIE
Level of competition: Novice
Team: Gauteng Novice
Breeding: Valkyrie is by the Grand Prix stallion Vinducath out of an imported State Premium Mare Adela’s Rosi who is by Rosario/ Donnerhall/Pik Bube
Coach: Nicole Smith
Groom: Godfrey Zuza
Horse’s nickname: Kiki
HQ: How long have you owned your horse?
MV: We bred her at our stud in Kyalami about six years ago.
HQ: Please provide a brief description of your riding career up to this point.
MV: I’ve ridden since I was two and competed at an Open level in showjumping, dressage, and equitation. My main focus is now dressage.
HQ: What are your ambitions for your horse going forward?
MV: I would love to be able to train her up and participate at the higher levels one day, hopefully in the Grand Prix. It would be incredibly special to breed train and compete a horse to that level.
HQ: Does your horse have a favourite treat?
MV: Kiki is besotted with carrots; she constantly manages to manipulate everyone into giving her carrots.
HQ: Give us a fact about your horse that our readers might find interesting.
MV: Kiki was named after Alzu Walkyrie, who was the first horse I had the pleasure of competing
on and who had jumped around the big Derby a few times in her career. I’m hoping that naming her Valkyrie will bring some luck to get Kiki into the Open classes one day with me.
