HQ Pony Magazine Issue 24

welcome

Dear readers,

Welcome to our latest edition of HQ Pony Mag!

There’s lots to be excited about in this edition, from a feature on the South African Showjumping Awards to an exclusive interview with Luca Watson, so dive straight in. We, as always, hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we enjoyed collecting the content.

If there’s anything you’d specifically like to see in our next edition, please just get in touch, and we’ll send our team out to get the scoop on the issues you most want to hear about. In the meantime, happy reading and happy riding!

With lots of love,

GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you and receive your photos, drawings or pony-related thoughts. To get in touch send an email to lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and we’ll get back to you!

Lizzie and the HQ Pony Team

Interview | Amelia Campbell-Horne

Horse and rider

International Research has long suggested a link between riders who originate from an equestrian background and elite rider success and perseverance. This popular Long Term Rider Development Model suggests that young riders who are exposed to excellent role models in terms of expertise, knowledge and conduct and have access to professional facilities are the most likely to succeed. Therefore, individuals from families who can provide appropriate, consistent, and regular supervision, mentoring and coaching would be in the optimal position to achieve ‘elite’ level success. This year’s Philip Smith Memorial (PSM) Trophy Winner may be the perfect fulfilment of this theory!

Ashlee Taylor is the daughter of celebrated Protea Show Jumpers Barry (who was also born into an equestrian family) and Lorette Taylor, who own and run Farnham Stables, a high-performance showjumping yard in Chartwell, Johannesburg. We had the opportunity to catch up with Ash after her PSM win at the Toyota Easter Festival:

Photography: Crystal Baldwin

HQP: How did your preparation for the PSM go?

Ashlee: Preparation went well with the help of Whitney Deverneuil and Georgina Roberts. The main focuses in preparation for the PSM were my dressage/flatwork test and practising the gymnastic: one-handed with no stirrups. We worked very hard, especially over the last two weeks before the show started trying to nail down my dressage test and get each movement correct. I also had the opportunity to practice my flatwork test and the gymnastic on four unseen horses under competition circumstances before the event.

HQP: How was the draw?

Ashlee: The draw was probably the least stressful part of the whole experience. I wasn’t worried about the draw

because I felt that no matter what number I was, it wouldn’t have changed or affected anything, and I could still see how each horse went with their own riders. I drew number four, which was nice for the flatwork part, as I watched everyone on their own horses before I rode my horse and saw how their horses went. The jumping was then in reverse order, so I was first in, which I didn’t mind because I was less nervous about the jumping, and I had already ridden the horses in the flatwork.

Horse and rider

HQP: How was Day One, the flatwork?

Ashlee: The flatwork was probably the harder part for me compared to jumping. I’m a showjumper and had probably only done one dressage test before, which was when I was still in ponies! It was also very different because the dressage arenas are much smaller than jumping ones. The tests were very long and quite tiring because I had to focus on every movement and try and watch the horses to see how they went. The hard parts of the tests for me were the walk-to-canter, the 10m circles and the counter canters, so I mainly focused on getting these correct. I think the different-sized circles in both walk and trot and some with one hand and no stirrups didn’t go quite as I planned on all the horses because I don’t think I got the sizes quite right. But I think my leg yields and counter canters went well on all the horses.

HQP: How were you feeling after Day One?

Ashlee: I felt unsure about where I was lying after Day One, but I was very happy with how it all went. I felt that I had ridden all the tests as well as I could have under a lot of pressure and in a very different situation from what I’m used to.

HQP: How was Day Two, the showjumping phase?

Ashlee: I felt more confident about the jumping part because that is more my thing and something I feel more confident in. It was exciting and a little overwhelming doing the jumping part in the Bob Charter because it is such a big arena, and there are lots of spooky things in it that horses might look at. It was also weird not having any guidance in the warmup and not having a coach to speak to because I usually have my dad to give me pointers in a jumping course. The hardest part of the course was probably the gymnastic with no stirrups and one hand, but it was a quick element in the course, and I felt that all the horses and myself were good through it. Watching all the riders go on their own horses was more nerve-wracking but also useful compared to the dressage because I could see the horses’ weaknesses and strengths and I knew where I had to ride a little harder.

HQP: Which was your favourite horse to ride on the flatwork day?

Ashlee: I really enjoyed riding Capital Conlanc (Jenna Eager’s ride) on the flat as he was so beautifully schooled and did all the movements so easily.

HQP: And your favourite horse to ride on the jumping day, and why?

Ashlee: Callaho Luigi Vella (Erin O’Dwyer’s ride)! He was so game and ready to do anything in the ring.

HQP: Was there a horse that you were more nervous to ride?

Ashlee: Each horse had their own quirks, so I was cautious and nervous for each one because it could go any way in the ring.

the competition in general?

Ashlee: I noticed one of the horses had quite a short stride, so I added a stride into the triple combination to not jump big into it. Another horse looked a bit sticky to some jumps, so I had to make very sure I had a good distance and was very positive to the jumps. I also didn’t use all my jumps in the warmup because the horses were quite tired, and I wanted to save the jumps for inside the ring.

HQP: So, now that the PSM has been ticked off your bucket list, what are your plans/goals for the year and the longer term?

Ashlee: My most important plan for this year will be to get through Matric! Besides that, I would like to get my baby, Callaho Lariboo, into the 1.35m and to get more stabilised in the 1.40m with Hope Van Orshof. Longer-term plans would be to hopefully jump in the 1.50s and a World Cup. Oh, and, of course, the Derby!

unique and special event. I told her she would really have to work hard and learn to ride properly because you must in order to win this event, and she definitely did put the work in. I am so proud, and it is even more special that she did it on Govett Triggol’s Callaho Lariboo, who she has produced herself from a four-year-old.

HQP: Last one, after surviving Matric, what are your plans?

Ashlee: My absolute passion is horses, but I’ve been told by my parents that I’m not allowed just to ride and that I need to get a degree. So next year I will be studying. I’d like to do an architectural degree and later a business degree, but, of course, I will still be riding.

HQP: Wise parents! Congratulations Ash; we look forward to seeing your name on many more trophies in the future!

Horse and rider

Interview | Rhiannon Cecil

Up-and-coming Young Rider Profile

Luca Watson

Luca Watson is one of our most promising young riders in SA right now. Despite his youth, 13-yearold Luca has achieved many astounding feats in his showjumping career thus far. With wisdom beyond his years, he has also tackled the heartaches of the sport and shown resilience and drive, bouncing back into an already successful junior career. HQ caught up with Luca to take us through his triumphs, his losses and his plans for the future.

HQP: Tell us a bit about yourself.

I just turned 13, and I'm in grade 7 at Beaulieu Prep School. English is my favourite subject and when I'm not on a horse I love playing football, rugby and tennis. I'm also currently captain of the BPS Equestrian Team. I'm going to Beaulieu College on an equestrian scholarship next year, which I'm super excited about. I feel so lucky to be able to stable my horses at home; it's just amazing.  I have an older brother, Jude, and a younger sister Emi, who is four and also rides. I love sushi, F1's Max Verstappen, playing soccer with my grooms after hours, and I am a diehard Liverpool supporter.

HQP: How did you get into riding, and who was your first pony?

I went to a friend's pony party when I was seven and arrived home to tell my mom I wanted to start lessons. Nobody in my family rode, so they were all a bit confused, but they supported my request. I was 8 when I got my first pony Zossie and had lessons at Farnham Riding School with Petrus, Vicky and Tamar.

Zozzie was a feisty dun mare, talented and forward, and I loved riding her. She scared me a bit initially but I eventually got the hang of her 'built-in engine' and we flew together. I went from school ponies to winning graded shows with her so quickly; she gave me the best start in ponies I could have asked for. She was a schoolmaster who wanted to win, but she could duck to the left, which kept me on my toes.

After six months together, we made the 70cm Gauteng Team, helped the Gauteng Team to win Gold in the Team Event, and finished the year as the 2018 Reserve South African Champions, snatching the Victor Ludorum. That was my first away show, and I've been in love with the sport since. That day was when my journey really began, and I was totally hooked.

Photography: Sarah de Villiers

Horse and rider

HQP: Your journey with Treat was phenomenal. Can you tell us about it?

I saw Medunsa Trick or Treat, or 'Treat' compete in PE at the 2018 SA Champs and was blown away. He was in the Open classes with Ella Murphy, and I was in the 70s with Zossie, and I remember turning to my mum and saying, "Imagine owning a pony like that." My parents bought him for me five months later, in May 2019, and I cried non-stop when they told me.

We started our journey together in the PR90s and formed an immediate and easy bond. We became Reserve South African Champions that same year and helped Gauteng win Gold in the Team event. We just gelled, Treat and I. He understands me, and we just started having so much fun together. We won many eventing shows and started to really form an incredible partnership in the ring too. He was one in a million, and I knew it every time I sat on him. I felt so lucky to own him. He gave me enormous confidence, never said no, and always gave his best. Although he wasn't the biggest pony in the class, he always had the biggest heart in the ring.

COVID hit in 2020, and we entered the PR1m classes with masks on but full of excitement. It was a very disrupted year, but we won Gauteng Champs and finished the year on a high, taking the Reserve South African Champion slot and the Victor Ludorum. It was my third time as runner-up – it was becoming a habit I didn't like.

It was such a super fun year for us, though, and we had huge success at that height finishing the year ranked 1st in SA. We were inseparable, and I trusted him with my life.

In 2021 when I was ten years old, the year started with such promise in the Open classes. We won many classes at big shows like Easter Festival and President's Cup, and we were Reserve Gauteng Champions and the Spring Fair Champions. It was set to be my best year yet.

Sadly, tragedy struck at the SA Derby when Treat tripped and fell in the warmup arena and came up with sand in

My vet Patrick Martin never candycoats what happens with my horses. He told me straight that Treat would never come back from that injury – and he was right. It has been the single hardest thing to accept so far in my riding journey. We finished that year ranked 2nd in SA in the Open classes, even though we didn't do the last four shows of the year. I never got to ride him at that level again, and I have never gotten over the loss.

Callaho Madeline.

Photography: Sarah de Villiers

Horse and rider

HQP: You bravely handled Treat's accident; it's a true inspiration. What highlights from your pony rider career can you look back on?

I think getting to own and ride a Pony like Treat is the highlight of my Pony Rider career. Ribbons and victories aside, he taught me about patience, partnership, putting the horse first, and how to come back from massive disappointment.

Treat is — and will always be — a legend. He is the most incredible pony in every way. He is reliable, kind, honest, brave, careful and a total schoolmaster. He made me the rider I am today.

I am also very proud to have produced Ebb & Flow Blue Ivy, a super talented Pony on her way to greatness, up to PR1m, where she snatched a 2nd place at a class at President's Cup and won the 2022 Open Pony Rider Working Hunter Championship at Horse of the Year.

I also rode Roly Starlight for Hailey Gould while she recovered from a traumatic brain injury, and we won Gauteng Champs, Post Derby and were Reserve Spring Fair Champions all in just two short months together. My Pony Rider career was amazing and has taught me so much.

HQP: What challenges have you faced getting to where you are now and how did you overcome them?

During my days with Treat, he had a lot of niggles and injuries as an older schoolmaster pony. I had to sit out a lot of shows to ensure he got the time off, rest and treatment he needed, which taught me patience and respect for these animals and what they do for us.

I never pushed him to do more than what he could, and I learnt to always put the horse first. When he went lame at Derby, it shattered my dreams of finally winning a South African Championship with him. Watching everyone travel to Mistico without us hurt so much. His injury taught me that things don't always go the way you plan, and sometimes it's hard to understand why things happen the way they do.

For a long while, I was without an Open ride in ponies, and my parents couldn't afford to buy me another one. It was frustrating and a real challenge to overcome mentally to keep myself in the game. Various leasing options didn't work out, and that's when we decided to transition onto horses, even though I was only 12.

My parents made huge sacrifices to buy Maddie (Callaho Madeline), which taught me to be so grateful for what we have. I think experiencing all these setbacks and big disappointments so early has taught me so much about bouncing back, which is something I'm good at now.

There are many more losses and disappointments in this sport than victories and celebrations – and being mentally prepared for both is important. I work with a sports psychologist to help me do this, as grit and determination aren't always enough, and sometimes we need some help from the professionals to keep us mentally ready and in the game.

Horse and rider

HQP: How was the move from ponies to horses?

Maddie is 15.2, forward, hot, and built very compact, which made the move off ponies size-wise quite easy for me. Maddie is kind, honest, brave and very careful. Although she is a very sensitive and a super-hot ride, she and I had an easy and immediately successful start to my junior career last year with nine class wins, taking the National Championship at SANESA Level 7 and ending up as Reserve U25 Spring Fair Champions in the 1.10s.

With the classes being so huge and so competitive, it's really been exciting for me to be off ponies and onto horses where there is so much more competition. Most of our classes are combined with adults, and I have loved riding alongside some of my idols. It's a whole new world, and I have loved every minute of it. In some ways, it also feels right that I didn't continue in Open Ponies without Treat. It would never have felt the same.

Maddie and I helped Gauteng to Team Gold at the 2022 SA Youth Championships, won the 2-phase and finished 6th in the Championship out of 52 riders. I am very proud of what we have achieved together already – and not without some challenges and setbacks along the way! She is an unconventional ride and has taught me a huge amount in a short time. She has a special place in my heart and in my home.

HQP: Tell us a bit about your horses, their personalities, and some of your goals with them for the next few years.

Callaho Madeleine (Maddie) is a Hanoverian Warmblood mare. She's 11 years old and very sensitive, hot, and extremely speedy. I always say that if she keeps all the poles up, she will win. She has fire in her heart, and she loves to compete. She is the easiest horse at home, according to my groom, but the most challenging to ride. I can't touch her mouth, which is a challenge considering how strong she is. The special ones are always a challenge, and Maddie fits this description well. I want to win some Championships with Maddie this year.

Callaho Conny Will (Conny) is a 16.2 Warmblood mare (Con Coriano/Lissabon/Simply) and has just turned seven. She's such a Diva and struts around like she knows how pretty and talented she is! She is playful and has a very elaborate hind end. According to my groom, she is the more difficult horse at home, but she's a dream to ride and super straightforward. Conny is my ride for the big classes one day, and I am not rushing my journey with her. I want to get Conny into the 1.30s this year and to establish us as a force to be reckoned with in the future. In the meantime, I am proud that she placed well at every show we have done so far together, even picking up a 3rd in the 1.20 A2 and a 5th in the championship class at Easter Festival.

Conny is a much colder ride than Maddie. They're opposites in so many ways. I always say that with Maddie, I use my arms, and with Conny, I use my legs, so I get a full-body workout between them both! I am learning so much from riding two horses who are so totally different.

Finally, I've recently been fortunate enough to start my journey with another incredible horse, Callaho Con Cero. Cero (Con Coriano/Calando I/Capitano) is a 16.3hh 10 year old bay gelding sold on the 2017 Callaho Auction and currently jumping successfully in the 1.30/1.35s. He is a super brave horse and careful, and we just clicked instantly. My goal is to jump my first Junior Open class with him this year. To have three incredible Callaho team mates is a dream come true!

HQP: What are some of the most important things you have learned from your coaches over the years?

Tamar Gliksman taught me that I only compete against the course, not against anyone else. It's about how well I can ride that track.

Ronnie Healy taught me it's not only about winning. Loving the animal and the partnership you have with them is more important. If you start there, the results will come.

Jo Van Achtenberg taught me to be calm, even when I feel angry or disappointed in myself because the horse picks up on every emotion you go through, and it doesn't serve you or them to get into a state. All of them have contributed to the rider I am today, and I am very grateful.

HQP: Tell us about your current coach and their coaching style. What do you like most about them?

Chad Cunningham coaches me, and I mostly have lessons at home, which is amazing. Chad is very technical and has a huge amount of knowledge, which he is always happy to share.

I think what I like most about Chad is how professional he is and how he can explain what I am feeling or where I am struggling in a way that I can understand. Then I can make immediate changes that work for me. I have many 'ah ha' moments each week.

I also appreciate how he sets goals with me and follows up each training session or show with messages or feedback calls about where I went wrong, what I did right, and how we move from there towards my goals. He is calm but firm, and I get the right amount of support from him in a way that really works for my personality type and how I like to be corrected or re-directed.

Kelly Slater is my dressage coach, and she always reminds me that my horses know more than I do and that I learn from them, and that it's not always about just asking them for what I want from them. She has been a huge support to me in many transitions I have made in my career so far and I have learned to love my flatwork lessons because of her.

Photography: Sarah de Villiers

Horse and rider

HQP: Now you've moved up into Junior Open Equitation at such a young age, we notice you're focusing a bit more on this discipline. What do you enjoy most about equitation, and what have you learned from it?

I am learning to love this discipline, but it's early days, and I do lack the experience of the other riders competing at Open level. I went straight to Open, so there is some foundation learning I'm still getting to grips with. I'm open to learning and loving the ride.  I love the challenge of equitation, having to ride elements without stirrups or show my abilities in various ways on the flat. I am a showjumper at heart, but I am learning a lot, and it can only be good for my jumping. So, I persevere and hope to improve throughout the year with Conny, off the back of some good Open Equitation SANESA test scores with Maddie last year.

HQP: What does a typical training week look like for you and your horses?

A typical no-show week with my horses would be Mondays off, Tuesday lessons with Chad, Wednesdays hack/hill work, Thursdays a gymnastic or another lesson with Chad if needed, and Friday is a lunge or easy hack depending on what I have going on or how they feel. Saturday, lunge or hack and Sunday, I try to do something different like a canter track or ICB water complex. I try to mix things up for their state of mind as much as possible.

HQP: Tell us about your sponsors.

Equi-feeds Equestrian Premium Feed suppliers have sponsored me since I was eight. They picked me up after my 2018 SA Youth Champs success and have been with me ever since. They were the first brand to really believe in me before I even believed in myself. They are such an incredible team to have behind me, and my horses are always kept in perfect condition by Carin, Jen, Shane and the whole team.

I joined the Western Shoppe Team at the beginning of 2022 and became a Brand Ambassador for Pessoa Saddles at the same time. The Pessoa Tom Boy is my saddle of choice. The quality and comfort for horse and rider are absolutely amazing. I am so grateful to be part of this incredible team and feel very proud to represent them each

Callaho Madeline. Photography: Sarah de Villiers

Horse and rider

HQP: You are often complimented on your sportsmanship. Why do you think sportsmanship is important in an individual sport like showjumping?

Thank you. That is important to me. I guess I really have learned the hard way that sometimes it's your turn, and sometimes it isn't. On both days, it's important to be humble and professional and put the horse first. Sometimes you will make mistakes, and sometimes they will, but it's usually you. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn, as my mom always says.

I have also been taught that there is enough sun for everyone. By supporting and congratulating others, you don't take anything away from yourself. Your turn will come. This sport is tough, and we don't need to make it harder by being unsupportive or jealous. Everyone gets a turn to shine.  I love it when my friends do well, and I am the first to say 'well done' when they beat me. You will always see me at shows supporting my friends, even when I am not even competing myself; I love the sport and the animal and to see everyone succeed.

HQP: Do you ever get nervous before shows? If you do, do you have any rituals to get focused?

Nerves are good as they tell me I'm ready, but I try not to let them control me. I do get nervous before shows, and I'm still learning to control those nerves and channel them into something useful.

I use visualisation to see the course in my head and picture jumping every jump well. I can see every distance perfectly and try and tell myself to take one jump at a time and that I am not competing against anyone apart from myself. It's just me against the course.

I get very quiet at shows and get into the zone – I don't like to talk. I use this focus time to calm my nerves and see the job I need to do. I can see the result I want, but I try to stay in the moment – and that is the challenge which I'm still working on.

Callaho Madeline. Photography: Sarah de Villiers

Callaho Conny Will. Photography: Pix by Alex

Horse and rider

HQP: What are your goals for the rest of 2023, and where can we hope to see you next?

Having missed President's Cup with both horses recovering from freak injuries, my focus now shifts to winning one of the next big titles on the calendar. I have a monkey on my back in that, in the past, I have won many classes and often go into Championship classes as the highest qualifier, but I don't win many title Championships because something doesn't go as planned, and I throw it away.

I also always come second at SA Champs. I've done so three times, so nothing would make me happier and prouder than taking a few important National titles this year to prove to myself and my supporters that I can do it. Mastering the Champs class mentally is my biggest personal goal for 2023.

I really have the most fantastic horses, sponsors, and an incredible support team around me who make all this possible and who I am beyond grateful for - and I am excited to see what we can achieve together this year. I like to say, "Hustle and heart will set you apart", and I plan to give this year everything I have got.

Where can you spot Luca next?

Keep an eye out for Luca and his horses at many shows throughout the year. For the time being, he has set his sights on Gauteng Champs, the FEI Children's Classic Tour and the South African Youth Championships throughout June and July.

Photography: Sarah de Villiers

2022 SASJ

Awards

For some of South Africa's young riders, their dreams came true last year, and we heard all about them at the 2022 SASJ Awards held last month.

Text | Amelia Campbell-Horne

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them – Walt Disney

Horse and rider

SASJ ELITE ATHLETE TROPHY

One of the greatest accolades that a rider can achieve in South Africa, the SASJ Elite Athlete Trophy, was awarded to Thomas van Rijckevorsel. After his impressive Championship win at the Aachen Youth Equestrian Games, his name now joins a short list of talented South African international competitors on the trophy. These include Oliver Lazarus, Nicole Horwood, Alexa Stais and Lisa Williams (who has won the award three times).

PONY RIDER AWARDS

These awards were cleaned up by two up and coming riders, Kellen Jade McLaren (riding Scooby Doo), who was awarded the Somersby Trophy for the 2022 PR High-Performance Rankings, as well as the PR Showjumper of the Year and Jade Anderson (riding My Irish Boy) who won the 2022 SASJ Rising Star Pony Rider Youth Series, the PR SA Championships and the PR Derby.

DID YOU KNOW?

Somersby was Angelique Atkins' (nee Lessing) multiple award-winning pony. In 2006, they won the SA Pony Riders Show Jumping Championship as well as the PR Outdoor Grand Prix and in 2007, they won the SA Junior Outdoor Grand Prix!

I acquired Somersby around 2005. Together we won multiple Children's titles and stayed together as a Junior partnership - winning our first 1.30m outing at the Westlake Junior Grand Prix. We competed up to 1.35m, being included in many regional teams in our time together. Somersby went on to teach multiple riders after me; however, he always stayed with me and retired with us at the end of his career. Somersby was a quirky, colourful character - loved by all who came across his path. He passed away at his home in 2021, surrounded by everyone who loved him so dearly. He was the horse of a lifetime - and I owe the majority of who I am as a rider and as a person to him. – Angelique Atkins

JUNIOR AND YR AWARDS

The 2022 Rising Star Junior Youth Series was won by Shannay Marais, who rides Assegai Quickstep. 'Quicks' was her first Junior horse, and they have travelled up the grades from 1ms together.  Shannay says, "Quicks will always be the 'princess' and the one whose quirkiness lights up my life and reminds me that everything takes time, but great results follow". They have had a super start to the 2023 season with solid results in the 1.35ms. Her other ride is the young Callaho Lariscott, who Shannay has just taken up to the 1.30ms. She hopes to end the year with Lariscott in the 1.35s!

The 2022 Rising Star U25 Youth Series was won by Divan Bosman, who also won the Quinsey Trophy for the Junior High-Performance Rankings. Together with his super competitive Cornerstone's Midgard Zhakiro, they took the prize for the Overall Top Ranked Junior 1.30m Horse and Rider combination.

Horse and rider

DID YOU KNOW?

Quinsey was Ashlee Healy's (then Hausberger's) top Junior horse. Together they won the Junior High-Performance Rankings (2006), Junior SA Derby (2006), YR Showjumping Championships (2009), SA Outdoor Grand Prix (2010) and SA Adult Showjumping Championships (2010), amongst many other prizes.

Jade Rosaley Coetzee and Rotoflo Catinio won the 2022 SASJ U25 Championships/Trophy. Jade and Catinio are definitely a partnership to keep your eye on in the future! They have had a super consistent start to the 2023 season with places in every class at President's Cup and, most recently, a podium finish in the 1.40m Outdoor Grand Prix. They are also currently ranked 1st in South Africa in the 1.40m classes. Another very familiar name in the horsey world is that of Paige Lee Goetsch, who was awarded the SASJ Young Rider Trophy for being top placed in the 2022 Young Rider High-Performance Rankings. Keep your eye out for Paige and her gorgeous grey Callaho Lucetto at this week's 334 Sporthorse Stud World Cup, where she will be representing Team Callaho Powered by Biogen as the 1.40m rider in the United League of Champions!

The 2022 SASJ Young Rider Show Jumper of the Year went to Amy Michau and Go to Blue. They won the 'Honey Girl' Trophy, which was presented by Gonda Betrix. Many years ago, Gonda won two SA Derbies and SA Showjumping Championships and the Showjumper of the Year Trophy with the special Thoroughbred mare Honey Girl.

The individual carrying away the most accolades in the Junior category was definitely Alex Ric-Hansen and her trusty steed Callaho Laois. She was awarded the 2022 Junior Showjumper of the Year, the Junior SA Championship title, the SA Junior Outdoor Grand Prix title and the SA Junior Derby titlewhat a year they had!

SASJ CHALLENGES

SASJ Challenge Overall Filippa van Jaarsveld & Rock Me Romeo

2022 Children’s 1.20m SASJ Challenge Overall Claire Burger & Ebb and Flow Black Tiger

2022 Junior 80cm SASJ Challenge Overall Kynan Attfield & Chase the Sun

2022 Junior 90cm SASJ Challenge Overall Jessica Joubert & Omega Warrior

2022 Junior 1.00m SASJ Challenge Overall Filippa van Jaarsveld & Shenara

2022 Junior 1.10m SASJ Challenge Overall Leah Killian & Moon Flight

2022 Junior 1.20m SASJ Challenge Overall Tara Weise & Blue Steel Equestrians Bocelli LC

2022 Junior Open SASJ Challenge Overall Divan Bosman & Cornerstone's Midgard Zhakiro

2022 SASJ NATIONAL ONLINE OVERALL RANKINGS

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 60cm Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Mialee van Vollenstee & Riverview Taylor G

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 70cm Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Ellah Coetzee & Howzat

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 80cm Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Filippa van Jaarsveld & Fire Fly 1

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 90cm Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Jaimie Riley & Harlequin Henham Superstar

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 1.00m Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Anro Bosman & Cornerstone Red Square

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 1.10m Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Anro Bosman & Cornerstone's Mighty Warrior

2022 SASJ Pony Rider 1.20m Overall Ranked Pony & Rider Jade Anderson & Lipizza Bannut Ooh-La-La

2022 SASJ Junior 70cm Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Teresa Joubert & Chicago's Alchemy

2022 SASJ Junior 80cm Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Filippa van Jaarsveld & Shy Salvador

2022 SASJ Junior 90cm Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Chanel Pieterse & Silver Flash

2022 SASJ Junior 1.00m Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Filippa van Jaarsveld & Shenara

2022 SASJ Junior 1.10m Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Summer Rahl & First for Horses Mystery March

2022 SASJ Junior 1.20m Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Olivia Scribante & Callaho Qui Casa

2022 SASJ Junior 1.30m Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Divan Bosman & Cornerstone's Midgard Zhakiro

2022 SASJ Junior 1.35m Overall Ranked Horse & Rider Helen Criticos & Callaho Liberia

FINAL THOUGHTS

Congratulations to all last year's winners and to all our hopeful young riders, remember your horse is not just for sport. Your horse is a best friend, a listener, a partner and a teammate. Your horse does not care how many times you may come off, how covered in dirt you are, or what colour ribbon you get; they will still be there for you, to love you, to talk to you, and to listen to you - so love the horse first and the sport second!

Horse and rider

GROUNDWORK

YIELD BACKWARDS WITH AN INDIRECT FEEL

Part 4

Over the past few months, we’ve received an increasing number of questions about getting started with groundwork. Whilst we advise that an instructor helps you to get started, there are a few basics that you can teach at home that ultimately form the foundation of all groundwork activities. Over the following few issues, we will look at these basic building blocks of your groundwork toolbox and help you to build a solid foundation for your in-hand work.  Last issue, we looked at asking your horse to yield backwards off a direct feel. Once you have mastered this, you can move on to this issue’s exercise – yielding backwards with an indirect feel.

YIELD BACKWARDS WITH AN INDIRECT FEEL

In this exercise, you will teach your horse to back up out of your space from a distance.

Equipment

A halter and long lead rope Gloves

How to do the exercise

A helmet

A longer stick e.g. a dressage stick

POINTS TO NOTE

Back-up is a valuable exercise for both keeping you safe and for improving the strength and suppleness of your horse, particularly through his hindquarter.

Position your horse so that he faces you with both eyes and ears. Ensure there is plenty of space behind him so he can back up without encountering obstacles or uneven ground.

Focus on a point in the distance behind him, stand tall and lift your energy to let him know you are going to ask him something.

Straighten your arm that is holding the lead rope towards him and point to his chest. The rope should be loose enough at this point not to move the halter.

If he doesn’t move back, send a pulse down the line to move the clip where it joins the halter so he feels the movement. You can repeat this a couple of times and even move the rope rhythmically to see if this helps him to understand your request.

If this doesn’t work, flick the end of the rope or your stick towards his front legs. You can again try this a couple of times and also try to move the rope or stick rhythmically towards his front legs.

If this still does not work, you can walk towards him while flicking the end of the rope or stick towards his front legs. If he is still standing, when you get to him, touch him and ask him to take a step backwards.

Whenever he takes a step backwards or even shifts his weight back, release all pressure. As with the previous exercises, you want to start with just one step of back-up and gradually ask for more over time.  Keep practising the above steps, and you will find that soon your horse is stepping back easily and earlier and earlier in the process. Eventually, you want to be able to just point at your horse’s chest and have him back up. This will take some time, but if you are patient, he will eventually understand.

TIP

You don’t want your horse to have his head high in the air when backing up, as this puts strain on his back and lessens the biomechanical benefit of the exercise.

Troubleshooting

If your horse becomes defensive and goes backwards too much, you will probably find you have used more pressure than is necessary. Reduce your pressure and try again.   If your horse comes forward through the pressure, he may be confused, or he may be feeling defensive. If your horse is simply confused, you can continue to work on the issue with the steps above, making sure you release all pressure when he so much as thinks about taking a step backwards. He will quickly understand what you are asking. On the other hand, if your horse becomes defensive or agitated when you ask him to back up, we advise you to get an experienced groundwork instructor to assist you in handling the issue. Just beware of anyone who tries to ‘force’ your horse to go backwards or wants to ‘show them who is boss’, as this will only escalate the situation and build more tension in your horse, making them more unpredictable in the long run. The ‘dominance’ approach may work as a ‘quick fix’, but the damage done by this sort of training can be long-lasting and almost impossible to undo. Instead, you want a patient instructor who will help your horse understand that backing up is simply about safety, not dominance.  Most horses will struggle to back up straight as, just like us, they have one side that is much stronger than the other. If your horse veers off to one side, either stop him and reposition him before asking for more steps or ask him to yield his hindquarters (check out our next edition for this exercise) to straighten him up before asking for more backup steps.

Horse and rider

note

Some trainers have ‘chased horses backwards’, particularly during the backing process, as an exercise in dominance. This kind of exercise can lead to a horse shutting down and demonstrating learned helplessness or becoming defensive and even aggressive to protect themselves from the threat they believe humans now pose. We do not advocate for dominance-based training methods but instead train using science-backed equine ethology and behaviour-supported methodologies. It is, however, worth mentioning that back-up has been used in this way by some trainers to give an understanding of why your horse may behave in an unexpected fashion when asked to move backwards; your horse is not being ‘naughty’ - he is simply responding to a traumatic incident that occurred in his early training. It is also worth understanding how backup has been used negatively, as it demonstrates why the behaviours that can be displayed with this exercise can be dangerous and require professional, patient assistance.

MAKING THE EXERCISE MORE DIFFICULT

Once your horse understands this basic form of the back-up, you can increase the distance between you both, asking him to move backwards without moving your feet.

NEXT TIME

In our next issue, we will be looking at asking the horse to yield his hindquarters from a direct feel.

TOP TIP

Keep your stimulus aimed low (at your horse’s chest or below) to help prevent him from going backwards with his head up and back hollow, which is undesirable and unhealthy from a biomechanical perspective.

IMPROVE YOUR SEAT AND BALANCE WITH

exercises on the lunge

Everyone wants to be more balanced in the saddle, and riders of all levels have lunge lessonseven Olympians. There’s a good reason they do, despite being at the top levels of the sport. It’s because lunge lessons improve your balance and allow you to focus on your position in the saddle without worrying about where your pony is going.

Whether you’re a beginner, novice, or advanced rider, these lunge exercises will help you improve your seat, strengthen your core, and help you balance in the saddle.

Horse and rider

Why is balance important?

Balance is the cornerstone of riding; you need it to stay on a moving horse, you need it to jump, and you need it to give your pony effective aids. If you’re unbalanced, your pony will be too, which makes it more difficult for him to perform.

Although our bodies always try to balance without us even thinking about it, every human being needs to train their bodies to maintain and elevate their performance in the saddle. In other words, the more you practice, the better you get.

Having good balance also means you’re less likely to fall. We’ve all seen those riders on an exuberant pony who seem to be stuck in the saddle with velcro — they are the people who can keep their centre of balance in the saddle, no matter what the pony is doing underneath them. We all fall, but better balance means you’ll probably fall less.

Horse and rider

Exercises to help you improve your balance on the lunge

All of these exercises can be done in walk, trot and canter on the lunge. For each one, we recommend you start at a halt or walk and then work your way up through your pony’s paces. Keep in mind that it’s always best to work on your riding with a qualified instructor, so they can keep you safe and watch you from the ground and give you pointers.

1. SIDEWAYS LEG LIFTS

Start off at a halt for this one. Lift one leg sideways off the saddle, focusing on keeping your knee and calf relaxed. Lift your leg as high as you can hold for five seconds, then let your leg down and back onto the saddle again. Do the same with the other leg.

Make sure you lift your leg from your hip — you shouldn’t feel your thighs or knees taking strain. When you’re comfortable lifting one leg at a time, try both together. Then, you can move on to walk, trot and canter.

2. AEROPLANES

One of the most important things equestrians need to learn is NOT to balance on our hands. It doesn’t come naturally and takes practice, but if you don’t learn this essential skill, you could pull your pony in the mouth without even meaning to, causing him unnecessary pain.

Put your arms straight out to your sides, making an aeroplane shape with your body. Keep your hands at the same height as your shoulders. Start in the walk, and turn your chest to the inside of the circle, so one of your arms is above your pony’s tail and the other above his ears. Swap so you turn your chest to the outside of the circle, then repeat in trot and canter.

3. NO STIRRUPS

When we ride with stirrups, we should be balanced on both feet equally, but just like your hands, you don’t want to rely too much on your feet for balance. If you lose a stirrup in the middle of a round, the last thing you need is to fall off. You should be able to balance anyway, pick up your stirrup again and carry on.

Start in the walk as usual, and slowly build up confidence until you’re happy to trot holding a neck strap. Remember to do sitting and rising trot. When you can let go of the neck strap and trot happily, you can move on to the canter.

Horse and rider

4. JUMPING ON THE LUNGE

Just like every other area of your riding, the lunge is a great place to practice your jumping position and improve your balance over fences. Make sure you only attempt these exercises with your instructor present.

First, set up a small jump in your arena. Then, practice going over the jump at a trot with aeroplane hands. Move up to the canter, and once you’re ready, you can remove your stirrups.

5. THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

When we ride, it’s easy to rely on the tools we use every day, like reins and stirrups. Even our eyesight is vital to successful riding. When we remove these tools, we feel a loss of control we might not like, which is why it’s so important to try it. Again, only attempt this exercise with an instructor present.

Start by removing the reins from the bridle and stirrups from the saddle. Close your eyes and walk your pony forward. If you think you’re going to open your eyes, wear a blindfold. When you’re ready, move to trot and then canter.

When you feel ready, try all the exercises above without the reins and stirrups (and blindfolded if possible!) and see how you feel. Focus on your other senses — feeling your pony underneath you, listening to his footsteps and feeling your own body move in the saddle. Without all the extras, your body has no choice but to find the perfect balance.

BLANKETING BASICS

Everything you need to know about blanketing your pony…

Text | Rhiannon Cecil

Horse and health

Winter is definitely coming, and keeping our ponies warm is always important at this time of year. If you blanket incorrectly, however, you can do more harm than good. Luckily, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to blanketing this winter, so you can ensure you’re doing it properly and that your pony is warm enough (but not too warm!) as the nights get colder.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BLANKET A PONY?

Your pony’s natural coat protects him from the cold. The longer hairs create a layer of insulation, so although you might be freezing, your pony is probably quite comfortable. In some cases, because of this super effective winter coat, there is no need to blanket at all, even in the depths of the South African winter. People tend to over-blanket horses, not under-blanket them in this country, risking them overheating. Overheating your pony with a too-thick or unnecessary blanket can make him very uncomfortable and lead to him losing electrolytes through sweat! However, blanketing is more likely to be necessary if your pony is clipped or has a shorter coat. Similarly, if your pony sleeps in a stable overnight, he can’t move around as much and warm his body the same way, so he might need a blanket for that reason.

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s a common misconception that blanketing your pony will make him grow less of a winter coat. In fact, horses and ponies start growing their winter coats when the days get shorter, sort of like an internal clock that lets them know what season it is.

TYPES OF BLANKETS

There are many types of blankets, all with different uses. Chances are your pony won’t need them all, but there are some common blanket types you should know about, including the following:

Daysheet: A light cotton sheet often used on warmer winter days or in the horse box on the way to shows.

Rain sheet: A waterproof version of the daysheet. Keeping your pony dry prevents his body from losing heat in winter rains.

Sweat rug: An unclipped pony who works up a sweat quickly loses body heat in winter. A sweat rug has a thick weave, so enough air can get in to dry him off but keep him warm in the meantime.

Fleeces: A light fleece blanket does the trick for colder days and warmer nights. Swap the light fleece for a heavier one as things get colder.

Duvet: These heavy-duty blankets are usually waterproof on the outside and thick and soft on the inside. You can pull your duvet out when it gets really cold. If temperatures are lower than normal, you can even put a fleece underneath the duvet for extra warmth. NOTE: Remember that ponies do not feel the cold like we do! Just because we feel cold does NOT mean our ponies feel the same.

Hoods: A hood attaches to a blanket to keep your pony’s neck warm. It can be important for clipped or older ponies who need extra help to keep their temperature up.

HOW TO PUT A BLANKET ON A PONY

Putting a blanket on can be challenging if you’ve never done it before. If it’s your first time, it’s best to find a more experienced rider or groom in your yard to help you. It is also important that you practice on a calm pony in case you make a mistake.

There is generally a seam running down the centre of a blanket. An easy way to start is to ensure the seam is running down your pony’s spine. Most blankets have adjustable straps at the front and clips or a strap at the back to go between the pony’s legs or under the tail. You can check you’ve got your blanket the right way round by keeping the adjustable straps at the front.

Horse and health

KEEP THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN MIND WHEN YOU’RE BLANKETING A PONY:

1. Make sure you’re holding your blanket the right way before you start.

2. Put your blanket over the top of your pony’s back so that the seam lines up with his spine. You’ll start on the left, the same as you would when you tack up. Walk around to the right to make sure there are no folds.

3. Do the straps up in the front, ensuring they’re not too tight on your pony’s shoulders or wither.

4. Many blankets have one or two long straps that go around your pony’s stomach. Clip them in, and check they’re not twisted.

5. Carefully move to your pony’s hindquarters and put your hand on his rump so he knows where you are. If your blanket has straps for his legs, cross them over so the one on the right clips to the left clip and vice versa. It helps to keep the blanket from moving too much.

6. Stand to the side of your pony and put his tail through the tail loop.

7. You’re all set.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CORRECT BLANKETING

A blanket can help keep your pony warm, but it can also be dangerous. Keep these tips in mind, so you can be sure the blanket is making your pony’s life more enjoyable:

Find a good fit: You might have to try different types of blankets to find a good fit for your pony. A well-fitting blanket should not put pressure on his chest, shoulders or wither. It shouldn’t be too big, or your pony could slip out and get tangled in the straps.

Check for rubbing: Many horses get rub marks on their shoulders, especially if they’re clipped. If you notice any, you can put a lycra hood underneath the blanket to prevent more rubbing, as rubbing can cause sores.

Remove the blanket often: Don’t keep your pony in the same blanket for long periods. Take it off to check for rub marks and ensure it’s still dry inside.

Be careful when you remove a blanket: Don’t pull a blanket off too quickly. Firstly, you can frighten the horse by making a sudden movement, and secondly, static often builds up under a blanket, so be careful when you remove it to avoid giving your horse a static shock.

Keep your blankets clean: Blankets get dirty quickly. Keep yours as clean as possible by hanging them up and brushing off dirt and grime. Hang them in the sun to kill germs and remove some of the smell. Get all your blankets washed and repaired at the end of winter, so they’ll be clean and fresh when you need them again.

PUZZLE FUN

Can you find these parts of the horse in our wordsearch?

DRESSAGE | DRIVING | ENDURANCE | EVENTING | HORSEBALL | POLO | SHOWING | SHOWJUMPING | VAULTING | WESTERN

NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed

Can you spot all 10 differences?

PUZZLE FUN

What are the benefits of a bit with a lozenge over a normal French link?

Most horses and ponies seem to prefer bits with lozenges over normal French links. This is likely due to how the bit lies in the horse’s mouth when there is pressure on the reins. Without any contact on the rein, the plate in the middle of a French link sits quite comfortably against the tongue. However, when rein contact is taken up, the mouthpiece rotates and the plate digs into the tongue or upper palate of your horse or pony’s mouth. A typical response to the French link is, therefore, a sharp head toss

transition. Alternatively, some riders report that their horse or pony becomes very heavy in a French link as they lean into the pain caused by the French link.

Mouthpiece designs with a lozenge offer a much more comfortable feel for your pony. As the mouthpiece rotates under rein tension, the smooth lozenge acts on the tongue as opposed to the narrow edge of the French link. This spreads the pressure over a wider area making the horse more comfortable. Many riders say that this type of bit encourages their pony to take the weight through the rein and accept the bit,

Always check how long you need to soak a mash for and how much water is required. Follow the instructions on the bag, because feeding mashes that aren’t fully soaked can cause digestive issues like colic.

My pony never seems to drink enough water. I already soak his hay and add water to his feed but I’ve been advised to try a mash as well. Should this replace his usual concentrate feed?

Ponies are generally very good at regulating their own water balance and, while this can go awry when away from the yard, they should drink enough at home provided management is consistent. Having said this, with winter coming it is always worth making sure you are monitoring and maintaining your pony’s water intake. With an increase in colic at this time of year, you want to ensure your pony is taking in the fluid he requires.

All ponies gain some water from their grazing and feed. For example, hay contains 15% water, while grass can contain up to 80%. By soaking his hay, as you are doing, you’ll add further moisture content, reducing his need to drink water from his bucket.

Bucket rations should always be fed at least damp, to minimize the risk of your pony inhaling his feed, and there is a lot to be said for adding even more water to the feed to keep him hydrated, just as you are doing.

To stimulate drinking you can also add salt to his food, and he should have access to a salt lick 24/7. Most compound feeds contain approximately 1% salt, but others like sugar beet and cereals don’t contain any, so make sure your pony is getting enough salt.

Outside of adding salt (and on top of what you are already doing), feeding mash is probably the next best way to increase water intake and, depending on the rest of your pony’s diet, will reduce the total amount of food he needs. The amount of unsoaked mash you feed will normally replace the same dry weight of a comparable concentrate feed. The easiest way to feed a mash is to add one with no vitamins or trace elements to either a complete balancer or supplement. This way, your pony’s micronutrient requirements are met (by the balancer or supplement) but not exceeded. Keep in mind that there are also conditioning and low-calories mashes available on the market, so make sure you know what you are buying when choosing for your pony.

If your pony is on a concentrate feed and you are uncertain how to add the mash, speak to your equine nutritionist and they will be able to assist you.

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Bizzy Horse

If your pony loves Likit toys, they’re sure to love BIZZY HORSE too! Bizzy Horse is new to the Likit offering, featuring a super cool winged toy which can hang, be fitted to a wall bracket in the stable, or be pushed around by your pony on the ground. Likit’s Large Refill fits into the toy perfectly and spins when the pony licks it, making it more challenging and keeping him busy for hours!

Bizzy Horse Toys are available in colours Pink and Aqua. The Wall Bracket and Large Refill are sold separately.

Available in-store and online at Western Shoppe. www.westernshoppe.com

OUR NEXT EDITION OF HQ PONY MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ON 5 JUNE. SEE YOU THEN!