It’s wonderful to have you back for another edition of HQ Magazine.
This edition is FULL of content and there really must be something here for everyone. From an article on Giorgia Scribante’s impressive win in the Toyota SA Junior Derby 2024, to a summary of the YHPS Series Final, to a piece on the new import/export regulations, to a look at the signs a mare is close to her foaling date, we’re bursting at the seams with South African equestrian content this month.
We hope you enjoy these articles and learn as much as we did when putting them together. Spoiler alert: Candice Hobday's Surra article is particularly eye-opening!
Until next time!
Lizzie and the HQ team
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
CONTENTS
2024 SA Junior Derby Winners
Giorgia Scribante and Capital Crawford
Courtney Webber and Opal de la Bastide
Creating history
2024 YHPS Final
A gripping end to the Series
Imports and exports
With Candice Hobday
Surra in equines
Understanding the disease, treatment, and current import regulations in South Africa
Anticipating the new arrival
Signs a mare is close to foaling down
AskHQ
Your equestrian questions answered
TEXT: AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE
PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT PHOTOGRAPHY
GIORGIA SCRIBANTE AND CAPITAL CRAWFORD 2024 SA JUNIOR DERBY WINNERS
The SA Junior Derby had some thrills and spills, and we spent most of the class waiting for a clear round! It finally came from our penultimate rider, Giorgia Scribante, aboard Capital Crawford, and then our top qualifiers, Hamza Minty and Callaho Conray, produced a second clear to force a jump off.
Knowing how fast Hamza can be, Giorgia had no option but to go quick and try to leave the rails
up. Quick, she was, but a soft rail meant 4f in 40.38 seconds. Hamza then jumped off and was aiming for a well-calculated clear, which he looked set to achieve until a soft rail midway through the course, after which he had to rapidly adjust his game plan and move as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, another rail chasing the clock meant Giorgia and Capital Crawford claimed their first SA Junior Derby title win!
We quickly caught up with Giorgia to learn more about her and her future aspirations…
HQ: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Giorgia: I am 17 years old and I come from Summerveld, KZN. I started riding at the age of five.
HQ: Can you tell us about your current string of horses? Do you have any exciting youngsters coming up?
Giorgia: I am very fortunate to be able to compete on four horses currently. I have Capital Crawford and Ultime D’Eliapi, with whom I compete in the 1.35m and 1.40m
classes; Callaho Casey, with who I compete in the 1.30m classes; and then Piemonte Jack Frost, with who I am currently competing in the 1.20m classes. Piemonte Jack Frost is one of our family’s homebred horses, who I started riding a few weeks after he was backed and have ridden ever since. I’m slowly bringing him up through the grades. Callaho Casey was my very first horse, and we bought her off the Callaho Auction. We currently have two homebred youngsters, the first of which is currently being backed, and the second will start to be backed early next year. I am incredibly excited to see how those two come on.
HQ: What are your plans for the future?
Giorgia: I am currently in Grade 11 at St Mary’s DSG Kloof. My plan for after school is to hopefully study human physiotherapy and then further my studies to equine physiotherapy while continuing with my riding career.
HQ: Do you find it hard to be based in KZN and compete in Jo’burg at the title shows?
Giorgia: From a competitive riding perspective, yes, it is a little tougher being based in KZN; however, we are very blessed with the annual weather that we get in KZN.
The downside of being KZNbased is that almost every title event is based away from us, so both I and my horses need to travel a tremendous amount to compete. This normally entails travelling to Gauteng around five times per year.
Travelling as much as we do means that the horses really need to be as comfortable as possible, as it takes a lot out of them. I always make sure that my physio sees my horses before we leave for any big show to ensure that they are loose and feeling good within themselves.
I am incredibly fortunate to have the most supportive family, as without them, I would not be able to do any of the big shows. Travelling is incredibly expensive, with trucking costs, show entries, stabling fees, accommodation, grooms' costs, etc.
HQ: Can you talk us through your Junior Derby title win?
Giorgia: Preparing for the first round of the Derby Championship, I was really hoping to get around the track and hopefully jump a clear round. Going in at number 23 and seeing how all the previous riders had poles here and there really showed just how tough a Derby track is. I had the confidence in my horse, Capital Crawford. He has always loved jumping on the grass and has always been competitive in the Bob Charter arena. So, it was up to me to make sure that I gave him the best ride that I could and to make sure that I put him in the right places to allow him to do what he does best.
Crawford can be a very spooky and sharp horse, and coming into the devil’s dyke, he got a bit distracted and then spooked at the
ditch, so we ended up doing the dyke at a trot, but he was super brave and did an amazing job to get himself out of trouble. Other than the little issue at the dyke, Crawford was amazing and just absolutely flew over the rest of the track to jump clear.
Going into the jump-off, there was only myself and one other rider, so I decided that I was just going to give it a go, and whatever the outcome would be, I was already incredibly proud of what Crawford had achieved. I was the first rider to go in the jump-off, and again, Crawford was amazing. However, he got distracted coming to the second last combination and had 15b down but still achieved the fastest time in the jump-off.
When I heard that Crawford and I had won the Junior Derby, I was totally blown away. I cannot express enough how proud I am of Crawford, who never stopped giving me his absolute all, not just in the Derby but throughout the entire year. This was the first Derby for Crawford and me as a team, and this was my first National Title win.
HQ: Any plans to jump the big Derby one day?
Giorgia: When I first thought about doing the big Derby one day, I was not so convinced. However, after walking the track with Grant, Courtney and Helen, I changed my mind and would love to be in a position to, hopefully, give it a go one day.
HQ: What do you think is the toughest element on the track?
Giorgia: I would say that the toughest element on the track is the bank. It is absolutely enormous and very technical, as at the bottom of the bank, you have a two-stride distance to the very large set of planks. It is very difficult to have your horse in the right position at
the bottom of the bank and the riders have to be very quick to adjust for where they are.
HQ: Earlier this year, you were part of the Tri-Nations team. What was that experience like, and what impact has it had on your riding?
Giorgia: Being part of the South African Tri-Nations team taught me so much in such a short time. Riding for your country and being part of a team, is totally different to the normal situation of riding for yourself. Firstly, it is an enormous honour to represent your country. Secondly, you are being counted on as a member of the team, and then thirdly, there is the incredible feeling of hearing the supporters cheer each and every team rider on.
It is a different type of pressure that is very hard to explain, but you need to learn to overcome it very quickly so that you are fully focused on putting together the best rounds you can. Being on borrowed horses that you have never ridden before puts another level into your riding as you have to be very adjustable between horses to get the best out of them. The experience of being a rider for Team South Africa and being a teammate is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, and it was an incredibly humbling experience.
HQ: How do you fit in all your riding with schoolwork, and what does a normal ‘day in your life’ look like?
Giorgia: I have a very busy day during the school weeks. I get to school by 7am every day and only finish school at 2.15pm. I will then start riding at about 3pm and usually ride until about 5.30/6pm. I ride between four and five horses a day, and on certain mornings, I will ride before school, and then after school, I will go to my coach, Grant Langley, for my weekly lessons.
HQ: What is the most important advice your coach has given you, and what does he always say to you?
Giorgia: I ride with Grant Langley at Langley Equestrian. I would not say that it is any particular piece of advice that Grant has given to me, but more so, the ongoing support and self-belief that he gives me. When I am worried about an element or the height of an obstacle, Grant will always discuss it and show me that I am capable of doing it and how it should be ridden.
HQ: What advice do you have for other young riders who, one day, would like to jump at the top Junior level?
Giorgia: If I were to give any other young riders any advice, it would be to enjoy every moment you have on your horses because being able to do the sport that we love, on the animals that we love, is a true gift. So, you should never take it for granted. Another piece of advice that I would give is to not compare yourself to anyone else because everyone is on their own journey. So, do not try to speed up the process of getting to the destination; rather, enjoy the journey that you are on.
HQ: Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Giorgia: I would love to say a massive thanks to my parents, Dino and Shelley, and my sister, Olivia, for all your love and support; without you, I would not be able to do the sport that I so love. To my coach, Grant Langley, thank you for your continuous support, guidance, mentorship and coaching, as without
you, I would not be where I am today. To my amazing grooms, Moregood and Lenmore, thank you for all your hard work in ensuring all our horses look and feel their best. Thank you also to my teammates at Langley Equestrian for your never-ending support and encouragement. And lastly, thank you to my amazing horses, who always give me their absolute best.
Young Rider Courtney Webber and her trusty partner could be on the path to creating history… The pair were last year’s Micro (1.35m) Derby winners, and incredibly, this year, they took the win in the Mini (1.40m) Derby. Could they make it three for three next year with a win in the Big Derby? If they were to jump
and win the Big Derby next year, they would be the first combination to have done this consecutively. If they don’t, Courtney still has a long career ahead of her, with plenty of time to win the Big Derby and become the only other rider besides Dominey Alexander to have won all three.
We caught up with Courtney to find out more about her and Opal and get some Derby tips and tricks from a pro.
HQ: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Courtney: I’m 25 years old. I am based in KZN, living in Umhlanga. I have been riding since I was about six years old. I moved to Langley Equestrian when I was about nine years old, and I’ve been there ever since. I have competed in showjumping, equitation, dressage and showing. I did each discipline through my Pony Riders and Junior career.
HQ: You have had a super run at Derby with Opal, winning the Speed Derby last year and the 1.40m this year. Can you talk us through the Derby competition this year, what you thought of the course, and then the jump-off?
Courtney: I still can’t get over how good Opal was.
Last year was a shock as it was our first Derby together, and this year, we decided to do the 1.40m Derby, and he just blew me away again. I didn’t expect that at all; I’m not so brave with the Derby elements, so I just wanted to get through the course and hopefully have a good round.
When he went clear, I was over the moon. In the jump-off, I honestly thought I had no chance because I was up against such good riders and horses.
I was happy to be in the top six, and when Opal won, I couldn’t believe it. I had a lot of luck that day, and I think it was just our day. Opal felt amazing; he is just a different horse in that arena. He absolutely loves the Derby elements.
HQ: And Opal is barefoot! What led you to make that decision?
Courtney: Grant and Shelly try to keep their horses barefoot if possible. We use a hoof oil mixture and hardener three times a week, and I use Sole Soothe after jumping.
HQ: How do you feel jumping on the grass with a barefoot horse? Do you notice a difference, and do you practice on grass before competing in it?
Courtney: I really enjoy barefoot horses on the grass. My Junior horse was also barefoot, and I loved jumping her on the grass. I feel they have more grip. I haven’t had an issue with barefoot horses on the grass, and Opal managed really well at Derby. We are very lucky to have a grass arena at Langley Equestrian, so before Derby or any show where we have to jump on grass, we start to work with the horses on the grass and get them used to it. We had two practices with Derby elements before coming to Kyalami.
HQ: Are any of the other horses you compete barefoot?
Courtney: I have three other horses that I ride that are barefoot
HQ: Will you aim to jump the main Derby next year?
Courtney: I would love to jump the Big Derby one day, but I don’t think it will be next year. I’m not the biggest Derby fan, but with Opal, I love it because of how brave he is.
The Big Derby is something else, though, and I’m not sure I can do that.
HQ: What do you think is the toughest Derby element?
Courtney: The toughest Derby element for the Big Derby is definitely the bank. That scares me the most. I walked the course this year, and you don’t realise how steep and high that bank is until you are up there.
HQ: What does your Derby preparation entail?
Courtney: We have a few small jumping sessions in the grass arena at Langley Equestrian Centre. We don’t jump big; we just get the horses confident over each element and let them have some fun. We are very thankful to the Shongweni Club for allowing the Derby riders to use their grass arena for prep this year.
HQ: What advice do you have for people who want to give Derby a try?
Courtney: I would tell them to just try it out. Some horses love it, and some hate it, but if you have a horse that loves the Derby, it is one of the best shows of the year. The atmosphere is amazing, and it is not like any other show we have on the calendar. It’s once a year, so give it a go. Don’t put pressure on yourself; just have fun.
HQ: Do you think travelling affects your horses' performances, and how do you manage that?
Courtney: The travelling definitely affects the horses, I think; you can feel them starting to get tired after a few Johannesburg shows. We do come up quite often to Johannesburg, but Grant makes sure the horses arrive earlier so that they have time to rest and recover, and after the shows, they have time off and enjoy their paddocks.
HQ: What is the best advice you’ve received from your coach?
Courtney: I can’t think of ‘one thing’ as the best advice Grant has given me, but I think it’s just how much he believes in his riders, and the support he provides is unmatched. If you need a 5am lesson or a 6pm lesson, Grant will be there. I can’t thank him enough for the help over the years and all the hard work he has put in.
HQ: Who are your showjumping idols?
Courtney: My showjumping idol is definitely Grant, not because he is my coach but because his horses
always come first, and his passion, knowledge, and love for the sport are amazing.
HQ: What does an average day in your life look like?
Courtney: During the week, it’s work at Langley Equestrian. In the mornings, we try to get our horses done first. I like to do them before they go out to the paddock. So, I do some early before they go out and some after 11 am when they come in. Lessons are very busy in the afternoons, so it’s quite hard to ride then. I will then sit and do some admin work, teach mid-morning lessons if I have any and then have a lunch break. Afternoon lessons start from about 2:30pm - 5:30pm. I will teach one or two lessons, and then my day normally ends at about 5pm. We have such a great team at Langley, and we all help each other where we can so the days aren’t too crazy.
On the weekends, if we don’t have a show, then I’m with friends and enjoying some time off without horses!
HQ: What are your plans for the future with Opal and your other rides?
Courtney: My plan with Opal is just to keep him happy and enjoying his job. I would love to do some more World Cup classes, but we will have to see next year. As for my other rides, Grant has so many new and exciting Foresyte babies coming through, so I can’t wait to see how they progress next year.
We also had a quick catch-up with Shelly-Ann Moore, who is part owner of Opal de la Bastide and likely their biggest supporter…
HQ: Can you tell us about Opal?
Shelly: I bought him as a threeyear-old colt from a small stud in Belgium, where we saw him free jumping while scouting for horses with Grant (Langley). He produced one foal before we had to geld him unexpectedly. His daughter Foresyte Kiss of Onyx (out of a Nintendor mare) is the top-ranked 1.20m horse with Grant Langley in the saddle.
Opal was backed and produced by the Foresyte team for me, and I rode him for a while. However, he is quite a sensitive horse. After Courtney jumped him in the six bar at Shongweni and fell in love with him, I decided to give her the ride on him. She has a great bond with him and gets the best out of him.
HQ: How does it feel to have a 1.40m Derby-winning horse?
Shelly: I am so proud of both of them! I was at home, but the team had me on a video call when they were doing the prize-giving, and I had tears of joy streaming down my face! He truly is a special boy, and they are perfectly matched! Courts just ‘gets’ him! I nearly sold him a few years ago, but the person who tried him decided not to take him as they
felt he didn’t have what it took to be a GP horse! I decided soon after that that I actually wanted to keep him, having owned him since he was three, so I gave Courts a half share in him as ‘insurance’ that she would always have the ride, and he was not going anywhere! Look at them now!
HQ: They have also jumped their first WCQs this year. How was that experience as an owner?
Shelly: That first WCQ in June at the aQuelle Foresyte WCQ was a surprise! I wasn’t sure they were doing it (I’m not sure Courts was either!), then Grant organised his FEI passport and said, “Let’s see how they do in the warm-up classes”! I was bursting with pride at how well she rode and how he really stepped up to the challenge.
He is the bravest horse I know and will jump anything for Courts. Their second WCQ in August, when she went clear with just one-time fault, was surreal! They held their own in such illustrious company!
HQ: What are you most excited about for the pair next year? Will they be in the full WCQ series?
Shelly: That will be for Courts and Grant to decide. I’m just happy knowing they are both doing what they love, and I get to be a part of their journey!
HQ: How do you feel about them jumping the Big SA Derby next year?
Shelly: Well, I think I’d be properly terrified, but I am not the jockey, so that doesn’t count! It would be amazing if they decided to do that, and this time, I will definitely be on the stands alongside the Bob Charter, not watching from home!
We can’t wait to follow this journey!
Pumpkin Photography: Kayeanp Photography
A GRIPPING END TO THE SERIES 2024 FINAL YHPS
This year’s YHPS Final came down to the wire, with a handful of the Series-leading horses missing out on titles that seemed almost guaranteed before the Final. However, this has often been the case as double clears are of such importance that riders have been known to ride ‘too’ carefully and make mistakes as a result.
For the first time in history, the winner of the Series in each age category won BOTH the Potential and Sporthorse sections of the competition! This is most unusual as often the horse who scores higher in the ‘Potential’ phase of the class is not the winner of the ‘Sport Horse’, as the ‘Potential’ riders frequently take fewer risks, and sometimes the ‘scopier’ horses are not the quickest. This year, we had several exceptions to the standard!
THE RULES POTENTIAL SHOWJUMPER CATEGORY
1. There will be a minimum of two judges for each class and three judges at the final.
2. The horse will be judged as follows:
a. Technique: Front /10 (x 2 judges)
b. Technique: Hind /10 (x 2 judges)
c. Rideability, Attitude, Obedience /20 (x 2 judges)
d. Scope, Potential /10 (x 2 judges)
e. Jumping Score: First Round /50 Second Round /50 (NOTE: 4-yearold Jumping Score: first round only /100)
f. The SUM of scores from A to E divided by two provides a final score out of 100.
SPORTHORSE CATEGORY
1. Each class will be judged on a points and time system.
• Clear round = 50 points
• Double clear = 100 points
• 4-year-old class:
• Clear round = 100 points (as the four-year-olds only jump one round)
Knock = 4 points
Refusal = 5 points
Each second overtime allowed = 1 point
2. The second round is judged over a shortened course on time— all horses to go through to the second round. The scores for the second round will be an accumulation of points and time.
3. At the end of the Series, the Series winner will be the horse with the most points in the fastest cumulative time.
DID YOU KNOW?
The YHPS welcomes all breeds of ponies and horses and all riders (adults, juniors and pony riders); the only criteria is the age of the horse or pony (4yo, 5yo, 6yo and 7yo).
* Two scores from the first five legs of the Series may be discarded, but not the score from the Final.
* The Final is compulsory, and that score may not be dropped. Points scored in the Final will be multiplied by 1.5.
Janine and Cipriano
THE 4YO CATEGORY
The 4yo Potential Showjumper 2024 was won by Rotoflo Cipriano, ridden by Janine Coetzee.
Cipriano is a son of the impressive Chianti OT Lowlands Z (Clintissimo Z x Cassini I), who jumped up to 1.45m with Neriske Prinsloo Hill. His dam is sister Jade Coetzee’s Open showjumper, Ciao Z (Carusso La Silla x Quidam de Revel). The Rotoflo family did not only take home the Kellow Park Stud Trophy for the 4yo Potential Showjumper but also the ‘Lindenberg Trophy’ for the SA Bred 4yo Champion Sporthorse and the ‘Time to Dance’ Trophy, as ‘grandad’ Clive Robertson is the breeder of the Best SA Bred 4yo!
Janine and Cipriano
Photography: Denford Studios
We had a quick catch-up with Janine and Clive to hear more.
HQ: What has it been like to produce a horse your family bred?
Janine: It has been a wonderful experience; he was the first horse we ever bred. It’s really rewarding to see them from day one to where they are now!
HQ: Did you expect to win the 4yo title?
Janine: I definitely didn’t expect it!
HQ: Can you talk us through how Cipriano went throughout the Series?
Janine: I was part of the backing process with Annette Rousseau,
and Cippy was super simple from day one, which made our job easier. Through the Series, he only got better and better!
HQ: What is Cippy like?
Janine: Cippy is just lovely; as I have mentioned from day one, he was just simple. He is the kind of horse that allows you to make mistakes and grow from them. He is very rideable with a lovely canter and jump. He is the kind of horse you want to ride for hours because he is so nice! On the ground, he is the sweetest soul. I don’t know how we got so lucky on our first try!
Janine and Cipriano Photography: NKH
HQ: Do you have any more exciting youngsters coming up?
Janine: I do have a few more exciting young ones coming up! I currently have two two-year-olds. One we bred (Le Quitta) is by Charley (Crockart)’s stallion Legend out of my top Children’s mare, Quiletta. The second one is very special. We bought her from JD Du Preez. Her name is Danitoki. She is out of Capital Contiki (Catoki) by the imported Dominator 2000 Z stallion, Danone Z, so hopefully, she will honour her dad’s legacy and be just like him! We are also planning to breed two more this season.
HQ: You were also close to claiming the 5yo title with Capital Calvert but were unlucky in the Final. Will you be back next year to try and win the 5yo and 6yo again?
Janine: Calvert is a sensitive soul and quite sharp. Unfortunately, a pole being knocked in the warm-up completely distracted him, but we will definitely be back next year. I enjoy the Series because it allows the young horses to grow throughout the year, and Gail has been running young horses for 20 years, so I would love to continue to support it!
HQ : What are your plans for next year with the youngsters you rode in the YHPS?
Janine: I will do the Series again on Capital Calvert and hope to do some Open Equation on him as well. Rotoflo’s Cipriano will be ridden by my sister Jade next year.
HQ : What do you enjoy about the YHPS?
Janine: I enjoy the whole journey! I like the way that YHPS builds them up throughout the year, and there is no pressure on them.
HQ: What does it mean that a horse you bred has won a young horse Series title?
Clive: I think it is evident that the dam plays a significant role in any
Janine and Cipriano Photography: NKH
breeding plan. Ciao has undoubtedly passed on her jumping abilities. Annette was responsible for backing Cipriano, and between Janine and Jade, they have successfully schooled him to this level. Jade will probably carry this forward.
We owned both the sire and dam at the time, and it was a natural choice for us. Chianti has moved
on, but Caio remains with us as a broodmare. She has carried foals for other parties up to now. We are fortunate to have Le Quitta and Danitoki, who will be ready to be backed in two years’ time. We have some interesting mares in our stable: Caio, Quiletta, Arden, and Contiki and, of course, our stallion Q-Bellisimo is also in our stables, so who knows what is still to come?
THE 5YO CATEGORY
The 5yo Potential and Showjumping Champion 2024 was Beneficent van Balou, ridden by Savanna Valjalo.
Beneficent van Balou (Balou Peggio x Capital Ulrich), aka ‘Asterix’ and Savanna went into the final leading the Potential Series by only 3.75 points while only sitting in sixth on the Showjumping Series standings, with a full score of 300 points but a time nearly 7 seconds slower than the Series leader! The pair pulled off a classy double clear with a good time in the jump-off. With solid scores in the Potential, the pair, by only three points, claimed the title narrowly, beating Emile Egen and Callaho Con de Buissy (Con Coriano x Olala de Buissy), who went into the final in third on the standings.
Savanna and Beneficent Photography: NKH
In the showjumping category, three of the top five ranked horses did not compete in the final; the secondranked combination had one rail in the jump-off, and the last horse to go, the Series leaders, took a wide turn in the jump-off. Ordinarily, this would not have cost them the title, as they had seven seconds in hand, but due to the x 1.5 weighting of the Final, this proved immensely costly, as it handed the title to Savanna and Beneficent! The pair took home the ‘Northlands’ Trophy for the Champion 5yo Potential Showjumper and the ‘Winnaling’ Trophy for the Champion 5yo Sporthorse.
DID YOU KNOW?
Several of the legends of the sport, as well as a handful of current top horses, have their names on YHPS trophies.
LEGENDS AND CURRENT 1.50M HORSES
• Eagle’s Lassiter (5yo Potential 2008)
• Callaho Con Coriano (5yo Potential 2009)
• Capital Don Cumarco (6yo Potential 2009)
• Callaho Lorenzo (5yo Showjumper 2016)
• Callaho Fiorella (7yo Showjumper 2015
• Leila (5yo Potential 2016)
• Equifox Casino (7yo Potential and Showjumper 2018)
• Rivendell Quintessence (4yo Potential 2019)
• Capital Magic Boy (5yo Potential 2018)
• Hausberger’s Sir Crumble (5yo Potential 2020, 6yo Potential 2021)
• Capital Levubu (6yo Potential 2017)
• Capital Colman (6yo Potential 2019)
• Capital Moonlight (7yo Potential and Showjumper 2020)
Here is what Savanna had to say about the experience:
HQ: How long have you owned your boy, and how did you come to acquire him? Also, what drew you to him?
Savanna: I first learned about Asterix as a three-year-old, but at the time, I didn’t have the space for another horse, especially another young stallion. After tragically losing my dream horse, High Street Kensington, aka. ‘Shaggy’, I decided to take a break from riding and travel a bit (the perks of remote work and studies!). Then, last year, in June, Asterix crossed my path again, and my mom, Dina, encouraged me to meet him. He was smaller than I had anticipated, but he ticked most of my boxes, and I could see his potential. We always say that our animals find us, and we
left meeting him, feeling there was a reason he had crossed my path again. I’m so grateful to my mom for bringing him into our family and giving me the opportunity to produce him!
HQ: What is he like to ride, and as a person?
Savanna: Asterix is a little pocket rocket! Producing him this far has been such fun—his playful personality makes up for his lack of height. He is an athletic type, learns fast, and truly enjoys his ‘job.’ which is important to me. He’s awesome to ride. He is kind in his ways, has a soft mouth, is quick, attentive, brave, scopey and always gives his best effort. He is generally a very well-behaved young stallion, with a few exceptions where his cheeky charm shines through. The way to his heart is with treats!
HQ: You won both titles. Was that expected? And how were you feeling before the Final?
Savanna: I went into the Final leading the Potential Series category, so I knew I needed a double clear to have a chance at winning the Potential category overall, but it didn’t occur to me that we would win both. I wasn’t really nervous because we had a great lesson with my coach, Ronnie Healy, leading up to the show. Asterix is careful enough and has been competitive in the previous legs, so I aimed to maintain the same level of consistency. We jumped early in the class, so it was most important for me to give him a confident double clear. I’d like to think we both enjoy being competitive, so I rode the jump-off, taking the turns I knew he’d easily do, and missed one I thought twice about.
Savanna and Beneficent
Photography: Denford Studios
HQ: What do you think about the Series, and what does it mean to you that he has won both parts of it?
Savanna: I think that the Series is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and develop young horses, and it’s a meaningful platform for their growth and exposure. For Strix to win both titles is incredibly validating. It shows his promise and potential as a young stallion and reflects our journey together. Nothing is more gratifying than witnessing the hard work put into a young horse pay off in such a big way. The titles have been won by role models of mine and by horses that have reached the top of their careers, so it means a lot to know our names will be on the same trophy. I am over the moon with Strix!
HQ: What are your plans for the future with him?
Savanna: I plan to continue producing Asterix, focusing on steady progress and taking each step as it comes. On the breeding side, we may offer him to selected mares if there’s interest in using him as a stallion. In competition, my goal was to have him jumping at 1.10m by the end of the year, and he’s ready for this exciting milestone. We’ll likely participate in the YHPS for his 6and 7-year-old seasons. After that, I believe he has the potential to reach Open levels, and I’m hopeful that our future together will be bright, with more special achievements like this one at YHPS!
We are so proud as Maria left us at the beginning of September just before the fourth leg. We are hoping Good Hope will have a successful jumping career. – George Deen.
OTHER 5YO WINNERS
The 5yo proved to be the most diverse category, with three horses claiming the various trophies on offer.
SOUTH AFRICAN BRED
CHAMPION 5YO SPORTHORSE – GOOD HOPE AND THE LATE
MARIE DEEN
One of the other winners was Good Hope (Glasgow van het Merelsnest x Presto SP), who was ridden by Carina Lingerfelder and won the ‘Helderfontein Stud’ Trophy for the South African Bred Champion 5yo Sporthorse. The ‘Alzu Feeds’ Trophy for the Breeder of the SA Bred Champion 5yo Sporthorse was also awarded to George Deen on behalf of the late Marie Deen, who bred and owned Good Hope.
As the story goes, George caught Good Hope as she was born, while Maria was in the hospital as her granddaughter was born the same day! Maria bought Phaedra (Good Hope’s dam) for herself to ride, as she is placid but very quick and agile. She competed up to 1.10m (with other riders), but Maria wanted a ‘bigger’ Phaedra.
So, she chose to breed with Glasgow as his traits are: “a welldeveloped stallion with height and length who jumps with scope and care. He is a powerful, bold jumper with a forward, balanced, and rideable canter.” In George’s opinion, she accomplished what she desired in breeding Good Hope, as she is bigger than her mother and is just as fast and agile...
Carina Lingerfelder had this to say about Good Hope, also known as ‘Goodie’ or ‘Little Dancing Shoes’.
HQ: What is ‘Goodie’ like to ride and as a person?
Carina: She has so much personality on the ground and on top! She isn’t always easy, but she definitely gives her all. She is a fighter with the biggest heart. She loves children; she follows them around, but she pulls her ears back with adults! She loves jumping and is very brave...
HQ: How long have you been riding her?
Carina: I started working with her as she got broken in as a three-year-old. We worked with her for six months and gave her off six months before she fully started her career.
HQ: What are your plans with her going forward?
Carina: We will see in 2025 what she gives us - it's up to her!
Carina and Good Hope
Photography: Denford Studios
THE CHAMPION 5YO
THOROUGHBRED: CHARISBROOKE AND AMELIA CAMPBELL-HORNE
As we mentioned, the YHPS celebrates all breeds. That being said, each category has a trophy for the Champion Thoroughbred, paying special acknowledgement to the breed that formed the foundation upon which sporthorses have developed. South Africa has a rich history of world-class Thoroughbreds in eventing and showjumping, including Bronwyn dos Santos’ Fountain of Love, Daniella Machiné’s Iron Ruler, and most recently, Jessica George’s Wrap-Up.
Amelia and Charisbrooke
Photography: NKH
The YHPS has a trophy on offer for the top Thoroughbred Sporthorse in each age category, but sadly, only the 5-year-old class this year had a handful of Thoroughbreds in the Final. This title turned out to be hotly contested as there were several Thoroughbreds with only a rail or two separating them. Charisbrooke (Great Britain xx x Al Mufti xx) and Amelia Campbell-Horne managed to maintain their Series lead and take home the ‘Gary Player’ Stud Trophy for the Champion 5yo Thoroughbred.
Here is what Amelia had to say:
HQ: How long have you owned your boy, and how did you come to acquire him?
Amelia: We came across ‘Lani’, as he is affectionately known, about 18 months ago. My mom (Penny) is always on the lookout for hidden gems. She spotted one called Quintus Arrius, and when we went to try him, Lani was there too. Lani was a colt then and hadn’t been ridden in a while, so we watched his owner ride him, and he was quite spunky. She was emigrating and, in a rush to sell the last two horses. We wanted Quintus, but we made an offer to take them both, as Lani was very pretty, moved nicely, had good breeding for sport, and had only raced twice as he wasn’t very good at it! My mom had produced and sold racehorses off the track in Zim for many years and has always had a good eye for a horse. We didn’t need another stallion, so he was sent to Graham Winn to be gelded and get some basic training.
HQ: What is he like to ride, and as a person?
Amelia: He is a dream to ride. His movement is very floaty, and he can really flick his toes in trot. Despite being small (15.3hh), he has a HUGE amount of step and is very reactive, so it took me some time to get used to exactly how much leg I needed to use. Given his small size, we joke that he has small man syndrome, as he can be pretty cheeky and opinionated but never mean. On the ground he loves to hate being loved but will do just about anything for treats. This little guy has a big part of my heart, and I always find myself beaming when I ride him.
Amelia and Charisbrooke
Photography: NKH
HQ: You ride a mix of Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. What is it that you particularly love about the Thoroughbreds?’
Amelia: They are so uncomplicated! They are naturally forward-going, so they take you to the jump. In general, I have found them to be very forgiving, and I’ve also found that they mature quicker. I am blessed to have three five-year-olds in my string at the moment, and he is undoubtedly the easiest and most advanced of them. My transition to horses was carefully planned by my mother, who put me on Warmbloodcross-TBs and OTTBs to begin with. It was only towards the end of my Junior career that I started riding some full Warmbloods. I am a firm believer that the best horses for young and novice riders are Thoroughbreds.
HQ: What do you think about the Series, and what does it mean to you to have won the Thoroughbred title?
Amelia: I love the YHPS! I competed with my boys in it: Ricochet du Rouet (PZ) won the Potential as a 7yo, and Geloven BB was Champion Sporthorse as a 6yo and 7yo. I love that it is a Series that celebrates consistency (you need to jump clears). It is also a very kind introduction for the young horses, as you have the free arena familiarisation at every show from 7am to 8am and then a practice warm-up class. In past years, the Series moved venues, and this gave such a positive introduction to new venues for all the youngsters. The courses are always designed with young horses in mind, and the heights increase slightly throughout the Series. Above and beyond this - you pay one entry fee (one of the cheapest you can get) and are guaranteed to jump two rounds and can win prizes in both the Potential and Showjumper categories! Oh, and they celebrate our grooms and acknowledge and reward them for the effort they put into caring for and turning out their horses!
Amelia and Charisbrooke Photography: NKH
Carolyn and Los Valientos
Photography: Denford Studios
As for the Series win… I have three black and gold Champion rosettes and have always said I would LOVE to win either an SA-bred or the Thoroughbred title. At the start of the season, I didn’t think it would be possible. The first leg of the Series was Lani’s first 90cm and my first show on him, as Shannay Marais had been competing with him for us while I was out injured. He handled it well, finishing with just one rail, but his turning didn’t work so well. He has come such a long way and was leading going into the Final, so I am thrilled and very excited for the 6yo classes next year!
HQ: What are your plans for the future with him?
Amelia: I would love to do the 6yo Series with him next year. He will move up to the 1.10m classes now and hopefully step up again next year; he definitely has the step and scope for higher grades! He is also ridden by a young girl I coach a few times a week, so he will hopefully do a little equitation and dressage with her, too!
THE 6YO CATEGORY
The 6yo Category was another age group dominated by one horse: Los Valientos. The striking son of Branic Consuelos (Consuelo x Jokinal de Bornival) out of an Atlanticus mare is now owned by Carolyn van Schalkwyk and was ridden by Jason Phillips. The pair won the ‘Cellehof’ Trophy awarded to the Champion 6yo Potential Showjumper, as well as the ‘Yokozuma’ Trophy for the Champion 6yo Sporthorse, and the Lorelock Stud Trophy for the SA Bred Champion 6yo Sporthorse.
We spoke to Los Valientos’ very proud owner, Carolyn, to find out more about him:
HQ: How long have you owned your boy, and how did you come to acquire him? Also, what drew you to him?
Carolyn: I had a shoot with Kelly O’Connor at her yard in Kyalami. As I walked onto the property, I saw him immediately. I sneaked into his stable and instantly fell in love! He was 18 months old at the time. He was not for sale, but I begged long enough until they agreed to sell him to me. Kelly’s mom, Celeste Lochoff, owned him at the time. It took a fair amount of persuasion for her to sell him, but I just knew he was special. Kelly told me afterwards that he arrived at the yard the same morning I went to go and do the shoot. I was not looking for a horse when we bought him, but sometimes things work out in miraculous ways and many small moments fall into place at exactly the right time. In this case, it was my most treasured find.
HQ: What is he like to ride, and as a person?
Carolyn: He was extremely sensitive when I started him. He did not like big movements around him, and he got me off a fair number of times. Luckily, he is extremely kind and loves to please, so with time together, he has really learnt to trust and form a partnership. He has really big movement and a powerful engine. He gives an incredible feel! Although he isn’t the largest horse, he never lacks in stride or scope. He is very affectionate, kind and loving.
HQ: You had Jason in the saddle this year; how has it been watching him be produced and go through the 6yo Series?
Carolyn: It has been such a joy to watch him with Jason whilst I had my baby. I have been riding with Jason for almost 15 years now. We have journeyed together with
Carolyn and Los Valientos Photography: Denford Studios
a couple of horses now, but this one has been incredibly special. I did not send him to Johannesburg with any expectations, but wow, has he surprised me! I have always just enjoyed Valient as a person, so anything he achieved was just a bonus. Jason has achieved so much on him and instilled incredible confidence during his year of training. His wife Erika and his two daughters have been just as instrumental in the year there and have given Valient all the love he needed to thrive like he did. I am incredibly thankful to them as a family for sharing the sport and horses with me.
I look forward to working with Jason in the years to come, learning from both him and Valient, and helping Valient develop into the horse I dream for him to be.
HQ: What do you think about the Series, and what does it mean to you that he has won it?
Carolyn: The Series is amazing for young horses. I have always taken my young horses to the series. I won the Series 10 years ago on Swazi-Lizkhar Land of Lagos. I love that the courses are built kindly for young horses to encourage them to build confidence in the early stages of their jumping career. The height of the jumps is lower than what they are competing at in graded shows, and it often gives them a nice breather show. It is really encouraging to share the same trophy that Valient won, with horses performing incredibly well at the top of the sport.
HQ: What are your plans for the future with him?
Carolyn: I look forward to having him back home with me in Cape Town again. We have all dearly missed him. I would love to keep him sound and happy and let him lead me in his career and how far he can go. I have big dreams for him in the sport, but more than that, he is extremely loved by all of us and plays a big part in our family. We often go to the beach and spend a lot of time together outside of his jumping career. It will be great to welcome him home.
Carolyn and Los Valientos Photography: Denford Studios
THE BREEDER OF THE SA BRED CHAMPION 6YO SPORTHORSE WAS AWARDED TO BREEDERS KELLY O’CONNOR AND CELESTE LOCHOFF.
Kelly had this to say:
HQ: How does it feel to have heard a horse you bred was the winner of not only the Potential 6yo Series but also the Showjumper Series?
Kelly: My mom (Celeste Lochoff) and I were excited and proud of Los Valientos winning under the talented Jason Phillips. We’ve been watching over the past couple of years as his owner, Carolyn, and now Jason have produced this young horse so beautifully. A huge congratulations for their patience and understanding!
HQ: Can you tell us about his sire, Branic Consuelos, and his dam and why you decided to pair the two?
Kelly: Branic Consuelos (Cyril) was an exceptionally talented, sensitive, and careful stallion. He refined Aurora (the dam of Los Valientos). She has a lovely temperament and beautiful conformation but needed a
bit more blood and elasticity for the bigger sport, which he seemed to pass on to his progeny.
HQ: Does Cyril have other progeny, and what are they like?
Kelly: Yes, we bred three different mares and got three very talented foals, all doing exceptionally well: Los Valientos, as we’ve seen here; Los Pepe (Camden Park damline), who is currently competing in the 1.20m with Jodi Ambrose; and 334 Cinderellos (Kashmir van Schuttershof) who is owned by my sister, Aisling Triggol, and currently competed by myself.
HQ: What other young horses have you bred that are busy growing up and waiting to come to you for production?
Kelly: I’ve just started with Los Valientos’ half-sister, Ceto D. She is by Cornet Damiro and will do the four-year-old YHPS next year. I have a two-year-old filly - Lilibeth (Legend x Spartacus x Larino), who looks
DID YOU KNOW?
Kelly O’Connor not only bred Los Valientos, but she won the 6yo Potential Series on his sire, Branic Consuelos, in 2018.
exceptional. I also have two yearling colts out of my very special 1.40m SA Champion mare, Leila (Lord Pezi x Cornet Obolensky) by Emerald, and I’m hoping to put her in foal to Ermitage Kalone this season. I’m very excited about this little batch of youngsters.
HQ: What are your thoughts on the YHPS Series as a whole and its value?
Kelly: I’ve always been a huge believer in the YHPS; what Gail Foxcroft and Sue van der Merwe do for the education and production of young horses in the country is fantastic! It’s the only league in South Africa that recognises the importance of producing young horses. I look forward to building a string of youngsters to take to the YHPS league in 2025.
THE 7YO SERIES
The final class of the day, the 7yo, was a clean sweep for one horse and rider combination. Despite going into the final in second place, Claire Martin and Martini Ebony Rose (Berghof Eragon x Larry de la Bryere x Last Step) produced two confident, flowing rounds in a tough class that saw many rails across the board. The pair with a single rail in the first round of the Final not only won the classes on the day but also claimed both Series titles and the two breed titles on offer! They took home the following trophies:
• ‘Glenfox Stud’ Trophy- Breeder of the SA Bred Champion 7yo Sporthorse
HQ
prizes at the final, and you were in second place in both Showjumping and Potential going into the final. Did you know what you needed to do and how many rails were in it before going into the final? If so, how did you manage the pressure? Claire: To be honest, going into the first round of the Finals, I didn’t actually look at the points difference, and being number one to go in the class, I had no idea how it was jumping, so I just tried to ride a
a safe, clear round, so I didn’t take any crazy turns but didn’t ride too carefully either. Rosie had jumped fabulously at Post-Derby in the Bob Charter on a forward rhythm, so I knew I must try to have the same forward ride as the weekend before! Rosie is a mare who gives the rider a lot of confidence as she is always focused on the job and not spooky, so I didn’t feel too much pressure.
Claire and Martini Ebony Rose
Photography: Denford Studios
HQ: Can you talk us through the final leg of the YHPS?
Claire: The track was fair and straightforward, but it definitely had the biggest jumps the horses had seen in the Series. The planks were also angled on jumps three and four of the track, which is something we don’t see too much of! Rosie jumped a good forward, smooth round with just 7A down; perhaps I overrode a little coming towards the clubhouse. I was very pleased to ride a clear in the jump-off round without becoming too careful and cautious!
HQ: It’s very special that you have bred and produced Rosie. Can you tell us about the pairing of her parents?
Claire: At the time I bred Rosie, I was actively eventing, so I wanted to breed a light-framed athletic horse with good paces who was brave and hardy. I was very much attracted to what I saw in the German ‘E-line’ and set out to find a stallion standing in SA with these bloodlines. Berghof Eragon (Edward/ Metternich) was a very young stallion then, and I think my mare was the first one he covered. When we viewed him, we were impressed by his fabulous temperament and strong, hard hooves. He was raised on the rocky mountain conditions in Hennopsrivier, and his barefoot feet looked incredible despite the harsh conditions! Eragon had already been inspected by the Hanoverian
Horse Society and given a license to breed. His dam Mai Girl had already produced many successful foals, including a carriage-driving horse in Germany. For me, versatility and success in the progeny indicate vital trainability and soundness. At the time Ebony Rose was born, the pedigree was somewhat ‘unfashionable’ as a jumper, but fast forward a couple of years to the success of Kind Edward and Henrick von Eckermann, and all of a sudden, the pedigree is respected! Her dam was a very careful horse with a bit of a stubborn temperament and short striding, so I am very pleased these characteristics were improved on in Rosie.
HORSE AND RIDER
Claire and Martini Ebony Rose
Photography: NKH
HQ: You produce your horses in an extraordinarily well-rounded way, as evidenced by you having just won the Derby Compleat Horse on Rosie earlier this year. What aspects of their production are important to you, and is there a magic formula?
Claire: Training starts when a foal is born, as at a very young age, they learn from their interactions with humans. All foals at Martini Stud are halter trained personally by me and trained to stand tied up to a fence from two months of age. They will learn to box with their dams by their side before weaning age. Natural horsemanship techniques with positive re-enforcement are used. Groundwork is done for at least two months before backing commences. Gradual trickle training ensures the horses are never overwhelmed. Hacking and jumping natural cross-country-type jumps is a focus during their first year under saddle. Because we are a small stud, each horse is treated as an individual, and training is structured to best suit their needs.
HQ: What are your plans with Rosie going forward?
Claire: I plan to do the 1.30m Derby with Rosie next year and gain more experience in the Open showjumping ranks. I’d also like to get to Mediumlevel dressage by the end of next year.
HQ: You also have a foal of hers on the ground via embryo transfer. Can you tell us about him?
Claire: We have a super month-old colt by Pegase van’t Ruyershof (Comme Il Faut x Cartani) who is very confident, just like his genetic mother. He has been named Martini Pinot Noir. Of course, we will try to get a filly from Rosie in the future. Our stud focuses on the mare lines, and we don’t keep colts; we rather use top international stallions whose frozen semen is available in South Africa; this means buyers can obtain a very well-bred colt from the stud.
HQ: What do you love about the YHPS, and why would you recommend others participate?
Claire: The YHPS is designed to educate young horses, and every opportunity is given to them to come away from the show with a positive learning experience. The arena is open for familiarisation at the start of the day, and all horses are allowed to jump in the second round! The Series caters to all types and breeds of horses, with both the Potential judged on style and technique as well as the normal Sporthorse competition, with a jumpoff category and prizes for both! Our grooms love these shows, and extra attention is given to the turn-out of their horses for the hotly contested grooms’ prizes!
Fredy: I have been a groom since 2004, so 20 years this year.
HQ: How long have you been working with the horse you had in the YHPS?
Fredy: I have been working with Foreign Affair, since May 2021, when he was purchased off the Callaho Auction.
HQ: Where/how did you learn to turn out and plait like you do?
Fredy: I am self-taught. I looked at how the top grooms were plaiting and just practised, practised and practised. I always look for new ideas and new techniques to improve myself.
HQ: What are your top tips for turnout?
Fredy: Keep practising. The more you practice, the better you get. Always take your time and take pride in what you do. Keep updating your skills with new ideas.
HQ: What are your favourite turn-out (plaiting/bathing) products?
Fredy: My favourites are the Canter Mane and Tail Spray and the Canter Coat Shine Spray, and we always use the Smart Showtime Lavender Shampoo. These are all available at Tack n’ Togs.
RESERVE CHAMPION GROOM – ANOTIDAISHE MAREGEREGROOM TO CHARISBROOKE AND BRANIC C’EST SI BON (5YO CATEGORY)
HQ: How long have you been working as a groom?
Ano: I have been working as a groom for 14 years.
HQ: How long have you been working with the horse you had in the YHPS?
Ano: I have been working with Lani (Charisbrooke) for one year and 7 months and Bon Bon (Branic C’est Si Bon) for one month.
HQ: Where/how did you learn to turn out and plait like you do?
Ano: l leaned to turn out and to plait like I do at Lapaside Stables by practising.
HQ: What are your top tips for turnout?
Ano: Keep the plaits tight! I mostly use gel to make the hair stickier and easier to plait. I ensure the horse’s tail and mane are tidied and cut to the correct length with a nice straight finish.
HQ: What are your favourite turn-out (plaiting/bathing) products?
Ano: My favourite plaiting and bathing products are the ‘Smart Equine’ products from Midfeeds.
Anotidaishe Maregere
Photography: Denford Studios
IMPORTS
AND EXPORTS
WITH CANDICE HOBDAY
One of the latest developments on the equestrian scene here in South Africa is the recent change to import and export regulations. We caught up with Candice Hobday of Hobday Equestrian Enterprises to get some first-hand information on the situation.
HQ: Candice, you've been in the equine travel industry for nearly 25 years. How did your journey begin? Candice: Actually, it's a bit longer than that because I started procuring horses overseas for clients first, and I was flying as a professional groom before 2000. When I was in that market flying backwards and forwards, it became apparent that there was room for other people to offer services in the import/export
industry, and I started shipping the horses I was procuring for clients, and the pricing was quite interesting… From there it expanded and before I knew it, I wasn't procuring horses anymore I was shipping horses….
I started primarily in the import industry because that was not controlled by charters, which exports are, and if you're doing charters, it's controlled by numbers, so whoever has the majority of the horses controls the charters. I broke into charters some years later after I got more clients, and that built up over those years. So yeah, I’ve definitely been solidly involved in imports since 2000 and in exports in the last sort of 15 years.
A disease outbreak is considered endemic when it is consistently present but limited to a particular region.
FAST FACT
EXPORTS
HQ: You've obviously seen a great deal of change in the industry… We've gone from having direct exports to not having direct exports. Can you talk us through some of the changes you have experienced?
Candice: One thing I can categorically tell you with respect to imports and exports is that every day your eyes open; there's always some new issue, rule change, legislation, you name it - it's never completely reliable.
With regards to exports, I think it was 1994, when one of the first direct exports happened, down at Kenilworth Racetrack. They had a small green barn of four stables, and they exported four horses, and I think my sister was one of the first ones to be on that export, actually!
It was a hell of a job getting all of the protocols and agreements in place, but they got it right, and the horses departed from there and slowly but surely, that industry grew; they added another four barns of eight, making a total of 36 stables, and they were exporting pretty regularly from Cape Town.
DID YOU KNOW?
SAEHP is a team of professionals working in partnership with the Government to protect the health of the national equine herd and open export routes to the world.
In those days they used to do what they call back-to-backs, where you would bring a plane in from Europe full of horses, place them into the government quarantine in Montague Gardens, and then take the horses from Kenilworth Racetrack back to Europe. This was a very economical way of getting horses around the world, but that shut down just shy of 14 years ago due to an outbreak of African Horse Sickness within 150 kilometres of the free area.
The rules in those days stated that if you had ‘an outbreak’ it immediately shut you down for two years. After two years from the last case, direct exports could commence, but then there was another outbreak two years later, and another two years after that! Unfortunately, it was never an outbreak caused by endemic disease. It was always caused by people moving horses into the area and almost always vaccine related.
Then, exports were audited by the Food and Veterinary Office, which is employed by the EU Commission to do an independent audit of the processes, biosecurity, paper trails, etc., and unfortunately, we failed that audit. That was the turning point where the South African Equine Health and Protocol NPC (SAEHP) got into a commission, we'll call it, with Adrian Todd and his team; this was a private and government arrangement. The first thing they did was control the national movement of horses. This was through ‘Move My Horse’, the organisation that issues the permits to go to Cape Town. They regulate and control all of that, and this is part of the audit trail for direct exports.
FACT
You can find out more information, including the latest surveillance and vaccination reports and all the necessary forms required to move your horse into and out of the controlled area here: https://myhorse.jshiny. com/myhorse/landing/# Cape
Obviously, Cape Town (AHS Free Zone) doesn't want disease, so you need to make sure that you are importing healthy horses nationally from endemicinfected areas to free areas. The group also control the vaccine permissions for the surveillance and the free area. And they have been spearheading not only the regulatory necessities (such as surveillance, administration, data collection and correlation) required by the Food and Veterinary Office
for a positive audit, but they have been campaigning to resolve the trade issues for direct exports, as well as negotiate the re-auditing, which was booked in, I think, 2020. Unfortunately, COVID arrived, so our audit was put on hold, and we had to campaign for a new audit date. That happened in October last year, and it was a successful audit, which was fantastic and the recommendation of the Food and Veterinary Office to the EU Commission was that we were safe!
The audit then went to the EU Commission, which meets monthly, and they voted and agreed to lift the ban. This meant we were removed from the banned list and there is now a new protocol in place. The real plus of the new protocol is that it was no longer 40 days quarantine; it's now actually only 14 days quarantine. The horses must stand residency within an area for 40 days and this is regulated by the SAEHP permits required to move horses in and out of the Cape, and this is verified by the state vet. Of those 40 days, they must be in what they call ‘hard lockdown’ for 14 days, and that is at Kenilworth quarantine station in the positive pressure barns with double doors and all of that. They do not come out for those 14 days. People are allowed in to go and look after them, but the horses can't be removed, and
if they were removed for health reasons, they wouldn't be allowed back in. At the end of 14 days, there's an AHS test, and based on that result, the horses fly, so, it works out to about 17 days in total with the tests. Before the 14 days start, you could have the horses in full training or exercise in the free zone, so I think this new protocol is a much friendlier way of exporting. Kenilworth is planning on expanding its facilities to increase the capacity for pre-export quarantine, so more ‘hard lockdown’ stables with space to walk the horses so that exports will not be restricted due to the limited stables in the current set-up, and we could export as frequently as every three weeks! This is beneficial from a logistical and economical standpoint, as if quantities of exports at one time increase, the price of exports should reduce.
FACT
There are only three stables in the AHS Free Zone where horses can stand residency: Milnerton Racetrack, Montague Gardens Government Import Facility and Kenilworth Racetrack. Kenilworth Racetrack
Candice: We were going via Mauritius, which was an end to a means, and everybody tried their guts out and did a good job, but it is an island in the middle of the ocean, 4,000 kilometres away from ‘civilisation’ in terms of vet clinics and really good quality grass and such, and there were just two charters: one to Mauritius and one out. This meant you were looking at a higher cost and longer timeframe, but this kept the industry alive, which was great.
In the past when direct exports were open, we had still used Mauritius because of the limited capacity in Cape Town. So, if you couldn't get enough horses out fast enough, they would go via Mauritius because it would end up being quicker. At that stage (pre2010) there were probably more than 200 horses going out of Cape Town and probably another 120 to 150 out of Mauritius. So, our
plummet, not only because of the restriction on direct exports but also COVID, complications with imports, difficulties in the racing industry and the effects of reduced spending by Dubai and the Middle East on endurance horses.
Increasing our number of exports is not going to happen overnight now. It is something that will have to build up again. Our horses commercially are fantasti; we have bred World Championship Endurance Horses in most distances, World Champion Show Arabs, and our Thoroughbreds have held the track record at Happy Valley in Hong Kong. We’ve made some really, really good horses and they do appeal to the international market, but that's a wheel of generation. You've got to breed horses that are old enough to sell, and because the breeding has diminished for many reasons, we actually don't have enough stock to sell.
HQ : You’ve mentioned a variety of breeds that get exported, what would you say are the export ‘demographics?
Candice: In terms of what is of commercial value for export, most of the exports are propped up by endurance! I would say 70 to 80% of all exports have been endurance, and then the next biggest industry would be Thoroughbreds, then polo, and then the odd Hackney, Saddlebred, Show Arab, and then some sporthorses, but those are for private use. There's been one or two that have been sold commercially, but most of the sporthorses going out are for people to ride there and then a couple of pets. Some people emigrate and won't leave their four-legged children at home, which is understandable, and they take their horses with them.
HQ: Are there any negatives to the new export protocol?
Candice: The one negative of the new health protocol that came out is that it stipulates that you cannot vaccinate for African Horse Sickness for any horse in the Free or the Surveillance Zone for 12 months prior to dispatch. Now, as this new regulation came out officially on the 20th of May, and it's considered a clean slate, these horses have been compliant to ship, BUT if any African Horse Sickness permissions are granted for people to vaccinate in those areas, it will close us again.
So, at the moment, it's all a little bit on a knife's edge. If any vaccination permissions are given before the 31st of October this year, from the moment they vaccinate the
first horse, no more direct exports will be allowed. If they don't give those vaccination permissions, we will be available to export to the EU until 1st of June 2025, depending on whether they vaccinate at that date.
The best-case scenario for the big picture would be that people living in the Surveillance and the Free Zone find another way to vaccinate their horses without doing it in these zones. In that case, direct exports to EU will stay in place. Alternatively, the UK will become an option because they're not part of the EU so they will have their own regulations which we are hoping will not include the vaccination restrictions. So, I think the future of direct exports is still highly positive.
Northern C ape
Limpopo
Eastern Cape
Free State
Wes tern Cape
North West KwaZulu-Natal
Mpumalanga Gauteng
Kruger National Park
African Horse Sic kness Control Z ones
HQ: Okay, so then people in those zones can move their horses out of the zone, then vaccinate and bring them back?
Candice: 100%. There's a solution for every problem, but people are always asking about horses from the Free and Surveillance Zones competing. And I know it’s a little bit of a pain for affected individuals, but again, it's about that whole big picture.
I understand exports are the minority of our industry, but if, as a breeder, there's no incentive to create something that could be sold or compete overseas, there's no incentive to bring the breeding stock in. If I'm not bringing decent breeding stock in because I've got no hope of getting it back out, you, as the person who's ‘not worried about exports’, won't have access to decent stock to ride anyway. And if you say to me, “Well, I am happy to ride a Boerperd; I don't need a fancily bred horse,” then you don't need to vaccinate because
you're not going be trucking up to Championships in Johannesburg. So, the people who want to compete at a high-level need quality horses, and to have quality horses, you need motivated breeders, and to have motivated breeders, you need direct exports.
This is an ecosystem that has to flourish all the way around, and people need to remember that, and in terms of the economy in general, I'm busy putting together some data on the value of horses, the economy, and the jobs that the industry creates. It's quite fascinating to see the domino effect. You look at one horse, and you think about a horse, but there's still a farrier, pharmaceuticals, physiotherapists, trainers, the person who built the arena, physiotherapists, trainer, person who built the arena, saddle fitters, shavings, food, teff, grooms, fill in grooms etc. So do not doubt the impact of direct exports on the entire industry!
FACT
We don’t only need to declare disease; we need to prove we don't have it to be considered safe. For this reason, there are several ‘sentinel’ horses that are monitored regularly. These are unvaccinated horses that are bled regularly to prove that they haven’t contracted disease even though they may be exposed.
HQ: And, of course, there is the impact on international competition?
Candice: Yes, as the wheel starts turning, it should become easier to compete abroad, which is a dream for most of our riders. There could be ‘in-transit’ options even. It could bring international competition to South Africa, too; the possibilities are endless.
There are a lot of people that are very committed to making this work, especially Adrian Todd and his team, and Dr Mpho Maja from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) has been very involved in making this all happen.
HQ: Where do you currently export to?
Candice: Direct exports depart from Cape Town and could land anywhere in the EU, but we like to use Liege in Belgium because they have a fantastic animal hotel, but Amsterdam, Maastricht and even Charles de Gaul in France are options. Where your horse goes is mostly dictated by the airline you use. All of these facilities are pretty well equipped for horses - 1000s of horses travel every year.
FAST FACT
Our first direct export under the new protocol departed on the 17th of August.
Map of Europe
HQ: And there is no quarantine on the Europe side?
Candice: They pretty much land, and get out of the stalls. There is a health check with a microchip scan and certificates to make sure it’s the right horse and then customs clearance. On the last trip, it was about four hours from landing on the trucks to their various destinations.
The only thing is if they are transiting through the EU to the UK, Middle East, Australia, China, Hong Kong or America, they might have to do further residencies (not quarantine) of various lengths according to where they are going, as our agreement is only with the EU. Our dream is that one day, we will be able to export directly to these countries, but those wheels turn slowly.
IMPORTS
HQ: Moving on to imports… Candice: Are you sure you want to have this conversation? It’s rather traumatic! Imports have become very challenging and complicated and created a lot of grey hairs. We were able to import from Australia, but that has fallen by the wayside as of October 1st 2024. Europe is currently closed, and the only option is the UK. The horse must be resident in the UK for 60 days, and of those sixty days, 30 are in quarantine, and then they can be exported to South Africa subject to a clean health check. From Australia they now must fly to the EU, then get to the UK and do residency and quarantine there.
The issue with Europe now mostly revolves around Surra (see article in this edition). Tragically, Surra is a disease that doesn’t really exist in Europe, but South Africa is terrified of it because it can affect the local herd of sheep and cattle as well. I do understand the concerns, but there is a lot of testing that goes on, and unfortunately, the testing is what is causing the problem.
It started in about 2019, I think, when a couple of positive cases started occurring. Some were negative in Europe and positive here, but we are starting to see more and more positives in the pre-export quarantine. If a horse in the quarantine group is positive, none in the group can travel. We try to mitigate the risks by prescreening and having small groups, but even with negative pre-screening, they can test positive ten days later. Why? We don’t know, and there needs to be research.
There are multiple tests that can be done, but the one that South Africa relies on is called a CATT test (Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis). Although it is ratified, there is some subjectivity, as a technician looks at it and decides if it is positive rather than having a test that uses a machine reading to give a specific number. I’m not saying the technicians are making mistakes, but perhaps there is something there; we just don’t know. But at the moment, you can test one horse 11 times over two months and have negative, negative, negative, positive, negative, positive, negative… We’ve checked vaccinations and run correlations between mares, stallions, ages, buildings, where the horse has come from, their discipline, etc., and we can’t find a direct cause.
Cullicoides midge, responsible for carrying AHS, is most active at dawn and dusk.
Unfortunately, there was a positive case in Belgium, so that shut that option down and then they had an EIA (Equine Infectious Anaemia) outbreak caused by a horse imported to Belgium, and our regulations say you can’t have any infectious diseases for 12 months prior for import, so that shut Belgium down in February. They will possibly be open to export from there in about March of next year so that might be an option to add to the UK.
Holland had an escalating amount of positive Surra cases. There were lots of unhappy clients and an extremely stressful situation because there was nothing you could do to prevent it. There have been probably more than 30 horses left behind this year, some multiple times. In September, they had authorised a quarantine to start; the horses went in and on Tuesday, Holland decided to self-ban themselves. South Africa has not closed imports from Holland; Holland does not want to export to South Africa until this situation is resolved. The backlash and costs from horses being left behind are real issues; sometimes you can’t get the money back on the freight, so you’re looking at the cost of that and the quarantine, and the horse is still in Europe. The cost of horses being
being emotional and economical; there are also the challenges of pregnant mares going over the 260 days so they can’t travel, stallions missing breeding seasons, Thoroughbreds missing races and sporthorses losing five months of fitness, so, the implications are pretty serious, and this situation is going to take quite a bit to resolve because there is also a political issue between Holland and South Africa now. Unfortunately, Holland is a logistical hub for us, so while we can get flights out of Belgium and other places, Holland is a wonderful option for us, and we can’t even transit through there at the moment, as the horses have to be exported from the country they do residency and quarantine in.
Flights are running from South Africa to Europe.
The UK will hopefully become an option for direct exports in the future.
Ultimately, there are ways to get your horses out… It’s just more expensive, takes a bit longer and puts them under more unnecessary stress, but incredibly we haven’t seen a drop off in people wanting to import horses! There is also an improvement with the positive impact of direct exports opening. I used to import 70-80 Thoroughbreds a year, and there were more through other agents, but that dropped as low as five a year, and it is already up to 30 since exports opened. So, you can see how intertwined exports and imports are. But I’m sure in time we will resolve all these problems.
HQ : So, the UK is the only current import route?
Candice: Yes, 60 days of residency in the UK, of which 30 are in quarantine. They then fly to South Africa and do another 30 days of quarantine, where they repeat all the tests. On negative results, all horses are released. We were quite fortunate because the UK came online one week after Holland shut down, otherwise we would not be able to get horses out of Europe. Thankfully, the State Department pushed through the UK route quickly once they realised we were stuck.
FAST FACTS
AHS is a real risk to Europe without proper control measures in exports. In 1987, there was an AHS Epidemic in Spain caused by the importation of infected zebra from Namibia. Although extensive control measures were taken, AHS successfully spread in 1988 to southern Spain and in 1989 to Portugal and Morocco. Spain and Portugal were finally cleared from AHS in 1991.
HQ that Surra could cause issues for imports to South Africa?
Candice: Yes, so South Africa still requires a negative CATT test, but it is a different laboratory, so we’re hoping this might help. We do still pre-screen and have them in separate quarantines, so one group might get left behind,
but at least the other group can travel. This is all part of mitigating risks. The long-term plan is to find better Surra testing and protocols, because at the momentit feels like a complete gamble, and not a pleasant one!
HQ : Thank you so much for your time, Candice!
Surra
Cullicoides midge which carries AHS.
Sam Foley and Lukas 911
Photography: Kayeanp Photography
UNDERSTANDING THE DISEAS E , TREATMENT , ANDCURRENT
ACIRFAHTUOS IN EQUINES
Surra is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Surra, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We will also cover the current import regulations in South Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Surra is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can also be transmitted to humans. Although the disease is rare in humans, it can cause serious health problems, including fever, anaemia, and organ damage.
WHAT IS SURRA IN EQUINES?
Surra, also known as surra fever, is a parasitic disease that affects equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules. The disease is prevalent in many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America and can cause significant economic losses due to decreased productivity and mortality rates.
HOW IS SURRA TRANSMITTED IN EQUINES?
Surra is a parasitic disease that affects horses, mules, and donkeys.
It is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, a protozoan parasite transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as tsetse flies, mosquitos, ticks, horse flies, and deer flies. These insects feed on the blood of infected animals and then transfer the parasite to other animals when they feed again.
Once an equine is infected with Surra, the parasite multiplies in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, causing fever, anaemia, and oedema. The disease can also affect the nervous system, leading to ataxia, weakness, and paralysis.
SYMPTOMS OF SURRA
Symptoms of Surra in equines can be difficult to identify, as they are similar to other diseases affecting horses. The early signs of Surra can include a general lack of energy and appetite, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, horses may develop ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue and may have difficulty swallowing. In some cases, horses may develop swelling in their legs, belly, or genital area. In severe cases, horses may become anaemic, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
It is important to note that not all horses infected with Surra will show symptoms. Some horses can carry the disease without showing any signs of illness, which can make it difficult to detect and control outbreaks. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly test horses for the disease, especially if they have been in contact with other infected animals.
Overall, understanding the symptoms of Surra in equines is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease and protecting horses' health. By staying vigilant and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help keep your horses safe and healthy.
Trypanosome - the type of protozoan parasite responsible for transmitting Surra.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING FOR SURRA IN EQUINES
Diagnosis and testing for Surra is a crucial step in controlling and preventing the spread of the disease. It is important to note that the symptoms of Surra may be easily confused with other diseases, so vets need to conduct a thorough examination and obtain a detailed history of the horse before making a diagnosis.
The diagnosis of SURRA in equines involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests, and serological testing. Some of the clinical signs include anaemia, fever, lethargy, weight loss, and oedema in the ventral abdomen and limbs. Laboratory tests include
the examination of blood smears and buffy coat preparations for the presence of trypanosomes, which are the causative agents of Surra. Serological tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, can also be used to detect antibodies in the horse’s blood. The South African ministry has historically based its diagnostics on the CATT test (Card Agglutination Trypanosomiasis Test). This is considered a form of snap test and is used in first-stage diagnostics; however, it is not considered conclusive.
NOTE: If you suspect that your horse may be infected with Surra, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent it from spreading to other horses. Treatment for Surra typically involves a combination of medications, including antibiotics and anti-parasitic drugs. Horses may also need supportive care, such as fluids and blood transfusions, to help them recover.
DID YOU KNOW?
Surra is a notifiable disease in South Africa, which means that any veterinarian who suspects the disease must report it to the local state veterinarian. This will trigger the necessary steps to control and prevent the spread of the disease. Importantly, all horses imported into South Africa must be tested for Surra and certified free of the disease before they are allowed entry into the country. Failure to comply with these strict regulations can result in legal action and the potential spread of the disease to other horses.
TREATMENT FOR SURRA
The treatment of Surra in equines is a complex and challenging process. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease and the stage at which it is diagnosed.
The first step in treating Surra is to isolate the infected animal to prevent the spread of the disease. In mild cases, the infection can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care, such as hydration and good nutrition.
More aggressive treatment may be required in more severe cases where the infection has spread to other organs. This can include a combination of antibiotics, antiinflammatory drugs, and blood transfusions to support the animal’s immune system. It is important to note that not all horses will respond to treatment, and some may need to be euthanised to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals. In addition, survivors of the disease may carry the parasite for life and can potentially spread the disease to other horses.
A recreation of the trypanosome that transmits Surra.
HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF SURRA
Preventing the spread of Surra in equines is crucial to ensure the health and safety of your horses and the livestock and horses of your neighbours and the community. Firstly, it is important to quarantine any horses showing symptoms of Surra to prevent the spread of the disease. Horses that have been diagnosed with Surra should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent further transmission of the disease.
It is also important to limit horses' movement between different regions,
as this can increase the risk of spreading the disease. Horses returning from areas known to have Surra should be monitored closely for any symptoms and tested accordingly. Good hygiene practices should also be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes regular cleaning and disinfecting of stables, equipment, and vehicles used to transport horses. Additionally, it is important to avoid sharing equipment, such as grooming tools and water buckets, between horses to prevent the spread of any potential infections.
Lastly, it is critical to comply with the import regulations and guidelines set by the South African government to prevent the introduction of Surra from other countries. This includes proper testing and documentation for horses entering the country. By following these preventative measures, we can work towards controlling the spread of Surra and maintaining the health and safety of our equine population.
CURRENT IMPORT REGULATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Import regulations for equines in South Africa are stringent to ensure that diseases like Surra are not introduced into the country. It is important to follow these regulations to prevent any legal issues, as well as to ensure the health of the equine population.
Several requirements must be met to import an equine into South Africa. These include obtaining an import permit from the Directorate of Animal Health and a veterinary health certificate from the country of origin. Additionally, the equine must undergo quarantine upon arrival in South Africa to ensure that it is not carrying any diseases, including Surra.
It is important to note that there are specific regulations in place for importing equines from high-risk countries where Surra is endemic.
These regulations may include additional testing or quarantine requirements to ensure the equine is free from the disease before being imported into South Africa.
It is recommended that you work with a reputable equine transport company that has experience navigating import regulations to ensure a smooth and legal process. By following these regulations, we can work together to prevent the spread of Surra and other diseases in the equine population in South Africa.
TOP TIP
All new horses to a herd should be quarantined for a few days to observe for signs of illness.
CONCLUSION
We hope our article on Surra in equines has provided you with valuable insights into the disease, treatment, and current import regulations in South Africa. As a horse owner, it is essential to be aware of the risks that Surra poses to your equine’s health and to take preventative measures. By following the import regulations and working with your veterinarian, you can help prevent the spread of Surra and keep your horses healthy. We hope this
article has been helpful to you and your equine friends.
For further information on Surra and equine health, several resources are available online and through local veterinary clinics. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) and the Equine Research Centre (ERC) are both valuable resources for equine health information and updates on any changes to import regulations.
HEADLESS HORSEMAN
In traditional folklore, The Headless Horseman (from the short story, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ by Washington Irving) was a Hessian artilleryman who was killed during the Battle of White Plains in 1776.
ANTICIPATING
THE NEW ARRIVAL
SIGNS A MARE IS CLOSE TO FOALING DOWN
Mares have a long gestation period, with the average pregnancy lasting between 335 to 350 days, or roughly 11 months. However, gestations can last anywhere between 320 to 360 days, so while foaling season is a thrilling time for horse owners and breeders, being able to recognise the signs that a mare is nearing her foaling date can prove invaluable.
As your mare approaches the end of her gestation period, it’s important to be vigilant for changes that indicate foaling is near. Recognising these signs, while remembering that each mare is an individual and may behave slightly differently, ensures you can make necessary arrangements and provide appropriate care during the birthing process.
DID YOU KNOW?
Maiden mares experiencing their first pregnancy, may not follow a typical timeline. They need close attention throughout the gestation period to ensure a healthy delivery.
CHANGES IN THE UDDER AND TEATS
When a foal is first born, they are entirely reliant on colostrum and milk from their mother to provide all of their nutrition. During pregnancy, the mare’s mammary glands go through several changes to prepare the mare for lactation post-foaling.
two weeks before giving birth and is commonly referred to as ‘bagging up’. This fullness is a result of mammary tissues in the udder beginning to produce milk. As the expected foaling date approaches, the two halves of the udders will further fill with milk and feel firmer to the touch. The udders may look more boxy, with the crease between the two halves becoming less pronounced.
As the mare gets closer to parturition, the udder will continue to fill with milk. Pressure within the mammary gland increases, causing the teats to become distended or enlarged. This enlargement ensures that the foal is able to latch on properly and efficiently extract the vital colostrum and subsequent milk. While the exact timing can vary among individual mares, filling of the teats typically occurs two to seven days before foaling.
Waxing refers to the formation of small, waxy, yellowish beads at the end of a mare’s teats. This substance is thickened colostrum, the mare’s first milk, which is rich in antibodies and other essential nutrients. As parturition approaches, the mare’s mammary glands start producing colostrum. When the pressure within the udder increases
due to the accumulation of this colostrum, small amounts may leak out and dry on the teats, forming a waxy substance that looks like hardened milk droplets. Between 70 – 95% of mares develop waxing on the teats before foaling. This sign is most common within 6 – 48 hours prior to foaling, but can occur as early as two weeks before foaling or not at all.
Within a few hours of foaling, your mare’s teats may begin dripping or streaming milk, due to increased pressure in the teats causing the colostrum to leak out. Keep note of how long this streaming occurs, especially if a large amount of colostrum is lost. In these cases, it may be necessary to supplement the foal with colostrum to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and to support passive transfer of immunity.
RELAXATION OF THE PELVIC MUSCLES AND TAILHEAD
As the time for foaling nears, mares undergo various physiological changes to ensure a smooth birthing process. One of the most prominent of these changes is relaxation or softening of the pelvic area. The hormone relaxin plays an important role in this process. Produced in significant amounts during late pregnancy, relaxin helps relax muscles in the uterus and pelvic ligaments to facilitate passage of the foal through the birth canal.
Additional changes observed prior to foaling include:
• Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments around the croup.
• Softening of the muscles surrounding the tail, resulting in little resistance when moving the tail.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many different factors can influence gestation length, including the mare’s age, previous pregnancies, foetal sex, genetics, and season. Because of this, and the fact that all mares respond as individuals to the demands of pregnancy, accurately predicting the exact foaling date for your mare can be challenging.
ABDOMINAL SHAPE CHANGES
Another sign that foaling is imminent is a noticeable change in the mare’s belly contour. This is caused by the foal moving into the proper birthing position within the uterus. The mare’s belly will drop as the abdominal muscles relax, and a prominent point will form. Some mares carry their foal off to one side throughout gestation, but the abdomen tends to become more symmetrical as foaling approaches.
CHANGES IN VULVA APPEARANCE AND SECRETIONS
As foaling approaches, the mare’s vulva and perineal area becomes more relaxed and elongated. There may be slight swelling, and some mares will have clear, thin secretions from the vulva. Elongation of the vulva, potentially accompanied by these secretions, generally suggests 24 – 48 hours until foaling.
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES
Some mares exhibit behavioural changes as foaling approaches. If the mare begins to isolate herself from other horses or spends a lot of time standing quietly or lying down, it could be a sign of foaling preparations.
In the final 24 hours, mares often become increasingly restless. She
may frequently switch from lying down to standing up, pace the stable, urinate, or seem generally anxious. She may paw at bedding, turn in circles, or attempt to create a comfortable spot for foaling. She might lose her appetite and also bite or kick at her sides, and show other signs of mild colic which often indicates labour is imminent.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you are interested in using temperature changes to predict foaling, it is essential to measure your mare’s temperature regularly and at the same time of day to establish their average body temperature.
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS AND SWEATING
Fluctuations in a mare’s body temperature can be used to reliably predict the onset of parturition. Research shows that average body temperature decreases by 0.3°C on the day of foaling compared to the five preceding days. A larger
temperature drop may be a better indicator of impending labour. According to research, if you see a drop of 0.5°C or more, there’s a greater than 95% chance the a mare will foal within the next 12 hours. However, not all mares follow this pattern. One research report describes an increase in temperature 90 minutes prior to foaling.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most mares foal during the night.
CREATING THE BEST FOALING ENVIRONMENT
When the signs indicate that foaling is imminent, a quiet, clean, and safe environment is essential. Consider moving the mare to a designated foaling stall with straw bedding to minimise bacterial exposure. Having foaling equipment on hand, including clean towels, iodine for the foal’s umbilical stump, and your vet’s contact information, can make a significant difference if assistance is needed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Being attentive to these signs helps create a smooth and safe foaling experience for your mare.
DID YOU KNOW?
Superstitiously, horses tails were plaited with ribbons to keep them safe from witches.
EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Can I feed my horse pumpkin?
Answered by Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Nutrition
In short, yes. The traditional orange pumpkin is safe to feed to horses, as are butternut, zucchini and acorn squash.
However, be careful as not all types of squash are suitable. For example, green, yellow,
NOTE: As always, when introducing anything suddenly, it should be done with caution. Stick to feeding small amounts, around a small cup full a day, to ensure your treat doesn't turn into a trick!
white, striped, bumpy, and smooth gourds can be toxic, leading to diarrhoea, colic, and gastrointestinal irritation. Another factor to consider when thinking about treats and their suitability for your horse is the nutritional value that they provide. For example, one key ingredient to look at is sugar. Pumpkin provides approximately 1.7g of sugar per 100g as fed. Carrots have 7.4g per 100g, and even lush paddock grazing can have around 10g per 100g. Pumpkin's starch level is also lower, with
a total NSC value (starch and water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars)) of +/-10%, making it suitable for horses with metabolic conditions such as laminitis, Cushing's disease, etc.
When preparing your pumpkin to feed to your horse, fresh is always best; don’t use pumpkins that have been used for decoration, and certainly not ones that have started to soften! Cutting the pumpkin into pieces can be useful for horses with poor teeth, although average horses can probably cope with having the pumpkin whole. It is important, however, to remove the stem which can be a choking hazard.
Alternatively, you could also cook and puree the pumpkin to add to your horse’s feed. Interestingly, pumpkin seeds can also be included, and, in actual fact, they have some unique properties.
Pumpkin seeds supply nitric oxide, which is a relatively short-lived gas in the horse’s body and is manufactured using the amino acid arginine. It has some important roles, including helping to keep blood vessels dilated and blood flowing smoothly, improving learning and memory, assisting in the release of insulin from the pancreas, and even improving the sense of smell!
