TOY PONIES
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welcome
Hello and welcome to our interview special!
We’re delighted to introduce you to Kyla Brimacombe, Amy Michau, Jess Prince and Shannay Marais.
These four determined young women really represent what is best about our sport.
There’s a lot we can learn from them!
Dive in!
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!
Horse and rider
HQP Magazine caught up with Kyla Brimacombe, an impressive young showjumper, succeeding consistently on multiple horses. Often in the jump off or on the podium, Kyla is certainly one to have your eye on in the not-too-distant future.
HQP: Please tell us about your riding career - all the way from where it started to where it is today!
I started riding at Riba Stables on a pony called Suzie when I was about seven years old. My mom rode when she was younger, but I never came from a ‘horsey family’. After starting out at Riba, I took a bit of time off from riding as I wasn’t sure I enjoyed it very much.
I then started my pony rider career at Kincardine with Joanne Van Achterbergh when I was about nine. I was incredibly lucky to lease and learn from the most wonderful pony there called Lipenga Golden Tassle. I started competing with him in the 60cm classes.
My mom and dad then bought me my very first pony of my own, Africa’s Kit Kat, who I jumped up to the pony rider 1.10 classes. Kit Kat was moved onto my sister, and thereafter I was blessed with my parents buying me two ponies called Why Not and Pebbles. Together they were the most phenomenal team of ponies, winning both SA Pony Champs and the SA Pony Derby. I could not have asked for more special ponies.
I started my Junior career with Ronnie Healy and the horse of my absolute dreams, Franlaren Bocelli, and later on, my very special Callaho Floyd. Bocelli and Floyd jumped me around all the big Junior classes finishing on the podium of most of the title classes. With the guidance of Ron, Bocelli, Floyd, and I then commenced our Adult career. My soldier boy, Bocelli, jumped me around many big classes and took me around my very first 1.40 class, which was a dream come true.
Unfortunately, Bocelli passed away, and Floyd really stepped up for me, jumping me around the 1.35 and 1.40 classes as well as getting into the Gauteng Open Adult Team. Floyd and I were then joined by Quisto, imported from Germany and then, a bit later, Tigger, who came from Martin Minett in Durban. Quisto and I started in the 1.10 classes and jumped our very first 1.50 Grand Prix last year at KPC at the World Cup. With Tigger, I started from the very beginning, and he jumped his first 1.30 class at the end of last year. We were then joined by Borneo in 2021, who has been such a blessing. This year we also now have a special new addition called Callaho Foreign Affair.
Horse and rider
HQP: So, did you always know that you wanted to be a rider?
I didn’t want to ride at the beginning when my mom first took me for a lesson, but once I managed to get over my initial bout of nerves, I never looked back!
HQP: Tell us about your current string of horses.
I currently have four competition horses in my string. Firstly, I have Consumer Rock International Quisto 2, who I bought from Hilmar Meyer in Germany in March 2018. He is currently jumping in the 1.40 classes but jumped his first 1.50 Grand Prix last year at the World Cup. My plan for Quisto is just to enjoy him, hopefully, jump another 1.50 class this year and see how we go. He is a fiery, quirky character, amazingly brave and loving. He always holds my hand around the technical tracks and gives his absolute all for me every time. When I went to Germany to choose him, I tried 17 horses before him and just knew from the first cross that he was the one for me. He has made so many of my biggest dreams come true, and I am so beyond blessed to be able to learn from him.
Secondly, I have Tack n Togs Onduno Walfaction, fondly known as Tigger. I also refer to him as my pocket rocket. We found each other at Martin Minett in Durban in early 2019. Tigger came to me a few months after losing Bocelli and has been one of my greatest blessings, helping re-ignite the spark in my heart and also bringing my smile back. He is currently jumping in the 1.20 classes but jumped his first 1.30 class at the end of last year. My plan with him is to jump in the 1.30s for the rest of the year. Tigger really is a character of note; he thinks he has the best job in the world. He is the bravest horse I have ever ridden and always gives a 110% in all he does. He is small but just doesn’t seem to know it. He loves to squeal and play and has the absolute time of his life when in the ring and in general everyday work.
Thirdly, I acquired Tack n Togs Zonjati Borneo from my sister in 2021, and we have now been together for almost two years. Kirsty produced Borneo up to the 1.20s when I took over the ride. Borneo is now jumping in the 1.35 classes. My goal for him this year is to jump in the 1.40s and just keep building our partnership. He is a very gentle soul, quite sensitive but makes me feel like nothing is ever too much to ask of him. He is really close to my heart. Lastly, I recently acquired Callaho Foreign Affair from my sister at the beginning of April, so our partnership is still quite new. He is six years old, and my sister bought him off the Callaho Auction in 2021. He is currently jumping in the 1.10 classes. My goal for Foreign for the year is to jump in the 1.20s and maybe one 1.30 class by the end of the year, but to mainly build a partnership and get to know him. I believe he has amazing potential, and he is a pleasure to work with.
Horse and rider
Horse and rider
HQP: What are your plans for your baby Damianna?
Damianna is my very first foal born here at my home in Saddlebrook Estate. She is by Diabab (Diamant de Semilly x Nabab de Reve) out of a Casall x Calido mare. She has just turned six months old and is currently growing up at a farm in KZN. My plan is to hopefully jump her in the open classes someday. She has the sassiest little personality, and it’s the most amazing life experience to be able to watch her grow into the little person she is.
HQP: Who is your coach? How regularly do you have lessons?
I have been coached by Ronnie Healy out of RH Equestrian for many, many years now. I started with him when I started competing in Juniors. Each week varies, but I normally go for lessons four times a week (once on each horse) - sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on how much Ron thinks I need to do, how much the horse needs to do and when their next show is.
HQP: Tell us about a normal day for you. How many horses do you ride? What kind of schedule are your horses on each week?
A normal day for me is starting to ride from 7:30am until just before lunchtime. I then start my studies from after lunch, well into the evening. I ride all four horses from Tuesday to Sunday. My horses generally have Mondays off and then jump once or twice a week, hack once a week, do track work once a week, flatwork twice a week and lunge once a week.
Horse and rider
HQP: What are the greatest achievements of your riding career to date?
My greatest achievements to date are getting into the Open Team in Pony Riders, Juniors and Adults; finishing on the podium in a few of the big Junior classes; competing in the FEI Final in Algeria; being awarded my Junior Protea Colours; as well as winning the YHPS on Tigger and Borneo in their respective age categories in 2021. I was also lucky enough to be the highest qualifier jumping around the big Burlington cup in 2021, and I must also mention jumping Quisto around our first 1.50 Grand Prix last year, finishing with just one down and one time fault.
HQP: What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to hopefully jump a World Cup sometime and to keep producing Borneo, Foreign and Tigger up the grades.
HQP: Which are your favourite shows of the year?
My favourite show of the year is Easter Show, as it’s always an honour to get to jump in the Bob Charter arena. I also really enjoy the various World Cup shows at Shongweni and those held at Stokkiesdraai.
Horse and rider
Horse and rider
HQP: If you were to give some advice to young riders about the best ways to succeed in our sport, what would you tell them?
Always believe in yourself, work hard and push through, even when times get tough. No dream is ever too big.
HQP: Who are your heroes in the sport - both here and overseas?
I don’t have one specific person who inspires me. I really look up to Ronnie Healy and Ronnie Lawrence. Overseas I really enjoy watching all the top riders.
HQP:
Tell us about your sponsors.
I am privileged to have the most wonderful sponsors whose unwavering support means so much to me. I couldn’t do it without them. My sponsor Capstone Horse Feed ensures that my horses get the best of the best nutrition and consequently stay looking and feeling in tip-top shape all year round. Thank you to Capstone Horse Feed!
Tack n Togs also sponsors me for all my saddlery and amazing clothing. I couldn’t be more grateful that my horses and I get to wear top brands such as Animo, Spooks, and Zandona (just to name a few), as well as my Erreplus saddles which keep me feeling comfortable, safe and secure inside and outside the competition arena.
I’m also grateful to Mampro SA Horseboxes for my HBX511 horsebox that takes my horses all over from shows to lessons safely, comfortably and happily. The Mampro horse boxes really are state-ofthe-art.
I then have Aan Equine HA Flex and Repair, who assist my horses with mobility and help them to make it through long, strenuous shows and workouts. Thank you also to Vermate and Thermal Mud for my products.
HQP: Do you have other hobbies or passions that you pursue?
I’ve done my advanced scuba diving course, so really enjoy spending some time in the ocean when not at shows. I absolutely love being with horses in general, so I also enjoy going to support my partner Diego, who is a professional jockey, at the races when I get some time off.
HQP: Is there anyone you would like us to thank?
I would like to thank my wonderful sponsors, my parents for their constant support, my younger sister Kirst, my partner Diego, my coach Ronnie Healy for your hours of training and dedication to my horses and I, and to my right-hand men Fred and Assah for loving my horses like your own.
The pair to watch
Amy Michau and Go to Blue
Amy Michau and Go to Blue are on form.
Their convincing victory in the Grand Prix at the 334 Sporthorse Stud Show after a challenging Easter Festival speaks to the quality of this pair and the strength of their partnership. We caught up with Amy to learn more about this super-talented young lady and her journey to the top.
HQP: Please tell us about your riding career.
I started riding at Shortlands Riding Centre with Shaun and Ann Oliff when I was seven. I rode with them until I was in high school, and after that, I moved up to Summerveld to have my horses at home. Shaun and Ann are incredible instructors; they have so much knowledge to share and taught me so much about horses and riding. To this day, I still value everything they say and any advice they give me.
I got my first pony Flicka after only riding for a month. Flicks was a very kind pony! She taught me the need for speed in the smaller grades, and we won a lot in the PR.70 and PR.80. She was superfast, and as soon as the bell went, she knew what she had to do. A few years later, my dad bought me my Open ponies, who all taught me so much. I loved my ponies and still visit them when I can. I competed in the 1.20s on my ponies, GI Jane, Waterside Gold Rush and Waterside Royal Sensation. We also bought a pony called Ludwig Klawer (aka Bugsy) when he was three years old, and I brought him on very slowly. When all my other ponies were sold, I started competing with him more seriously, and I took him up to the PR1.20s.
I competed in ponies until I was 16, even though I was way too tall, and my stirrups had to be three holes shorter than normal. Each pony taught me so much about riding, including how each horse has a different personality and likes to be ridden in a different way.
I eventually found my first horse Elliot Vance just before we moved to Summerveld, and that's when I started riding with Graham Swanson. I rode with Graham for a few years. He taught me so much and helped me gain a lot of confidence. Elliot took me up the grades in Juniors all the way to the 1.35s. He is now retired at home and enjoying a life full of green grass, lots of carrots and being loved by Blue.
After matric, I moved to Stellenbosch to study Animal Science, and that is when I started riding with Damian Stevens, and I ride with Liam Stevens when I am in Durban or Johannesburg. I now only compete on one horse of my own - Go To Blue - who has taken me around my first 1.50m as well as my first World Cup Qualifier class.
Horse and rider
HQP: Tell us a bit about Go To Blue.
Blue is by Zirocco Blue VDL and is certainly a smaller, spitting image of his father. I tried Blue out in Holland; he was the first horse I sat on the day we went looking, and the moment we went over our first pole on the ground, I knew he was coming home with me. I loved everything about him, especially the feeling he gave me over the jumps and his cheeky personality was the cherry on top.
It was a long wait for my boy to get to South Africa, and when he arrived, my mom and I could not believe what had just got off the horse box. He looked like an overgrown pony, and we examined him to see if it was the same horse. We couldn't believe we had bought such a small horse.
A week later, he assured me he was not little and threw me off the second my bum touched the saddle. A few hours later, after being led around by my groom while I was lying on his back, he eventually let me put my leg over the saddle and walk around. Blue has had many hours of training just to allow me to get on. Even now, there are days he doesn't let me get on, and I know I'm in for one interesting ride.
Every time I sit on Blue, he is a different horse. I have to adapt on the day to how he wants to be ridden, and I am grateful when he decides to be chilled. At home, he is the laziest horse on flatwork and just wants to stop and stand every two seconds, but show him a pole, and he is all game, even jumping them like he's going around a Grand Prix.
He is a very nervous insecure boy when it comes to shows and I try and be as calm as I can when I'm riding him so I don't make him even more nervous. I never fight with him when he wants to buck, jump around or even leap in front of the jumps; I know he is just excited or maybe just telling me to ride properly. He is a little firecracker on the days he decides to be an easy boy and a complete nightmare when he wants to bugger around and make my life difficult.
He certainly keeps me on my toes, and I know all his quirks are him just trying to make me a better rider for the future.
In terms of personality, my cheeky boy Blue has many names depending on his personality on any given day! He is the most lovable horse on the other side of the stable door when he knows there are carrots. He is also definitely the cleverest horse I have ever owned. He knows how to put me in my place every time I ride him, and as my instructor Liam says, "Blue has me wrapped around his little hooves".
Blue is perfect in every way, and I believe all his little quirks are what makes him so unbelievable.
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such an amazing horse like Blue, and I know he is my horse of a lifetime, and I will never have another horse quite like him.
Every time I sit on Blue, he is a different horse.”
Horse and rider
HQP: Who is your coach?
I am very fortunate to have help from two of the most amazing riders and instructors. I train with Liam Stevens in Johannesburg and Durban, and when I am in Stellenbosch, I train with his dad, Damian Stevens. They have done a lot for my riding and have so much knowledge to pass on.
HQP: Was it difficult training Go To Blue all the way up to this point?
Blue didn't compete in the Netherlands as he was backed very late, but I have loved every minute of riding Blue up the grades, starting from our first show at 60cm to four years later jumping in the 1.50s. We have had many ups and downs, which makes all our accomplishments together that much sweeter.
HQP: Where are you based now?
I am currently studying in Stellenbosch, while Blue is in KZN at home, where he gets ridden by my mom and Courtney Webber. Sometimes he stays in Johannesburg if the shows are close together, and then he is ridden by Liam. When I'm in Stellenbosch, I do quite a few shows here in Cape Town on Chanel, and I only really fly up to ride Blue at shows.
Horse and rider
Horse and rider
HQP: Tell us about the build-up to the 334 show.
There wasn't much build-up to the 334 show, as I only arrived in Johannesburg the week before the show started. Blue stayed with Liam after Easter so that he didn't have to go home and come back up again for 334.
This meant that the last time I sat on Blue was at Easter Festival, which was a huge learning curve for all of us. Blue and I got eliminated in every class at Easter, and we soon realised that Blue does not like to jump on grass.
I then rode at Burlington the Friday before 334, which was our prep for the show. We didn't plan on jumping bigger than 1.40m, but he jumped so beautifully at Burlington that we knew he was good to go. I didn't have any expectations for the show, and I honestly was just praying to get through the finish after all the drama at Easter Festival. Of course, Blue knew what he was doing and made up for his tantrums by winning the Grand Prix for me.
HQP: When it came to the Grand Prix, were you nervous? How do you cope with the show nerves?
At big shows or before big classes, my nerves are through the roof, and I often jump around or go for a walk to clear my mind and get all the tingles out of my body, but once I go through the start, it all leaves my brain because I know Blue will jump anything for me no matter how big or wide the oxers are.
I am very nervous while walking the course and in the warm-up because Blue gets very nervous. Walking the course with me, I think, must be a nightmare; I am always worrying about how high some jumps are or how wide they are and completely stressing myself. In the warm-up, Blue doesn't enjoy horses coming close to him and even gives a little jump to the side if another horse gets into his space.
I try to be as calm as I can when he is playing around in the warm-up so he doesn't get worse, but on the inside, I am totally freaking out. When the bell goes, all my nerves disappear because I know Blue will always try his best for me no matter how good or bad I am riding on the day. He always gives his all, and I trust him with my whole heart, which makes me feel so much at ease once we go through the start.
Blue must have known that the Grand Prix was an important class because he never gave me any hassles in the warm-up, so I knew he would be at his best as he wasn't stressed at all. He knew he had it all in the bag before the class even started.
HQP: Tell us about your round and the jump-off.
In my first round, all I was worried about was time, and after every jump, I just kept thinking to myself, "go, go, go!". For how small Blue is, he really has a huge stride and covers ground quickly, so I don't usually have trouble with time faults, but when the time is tight, it is still something I have to consider.
I remember going around the track and Blue jumping me out of the saddle at most of the jumps and having to try to sit up quickly and get ready for the next jump just to be thrown out of the saddle again. He felt absolutely incredible over every jump on the track so I knew he wasn't going to touch a single rail.
The jump-off came, and I was extremely nervous as most of the riders and horses in the jump-off are very speedy.
All I did in the jump-off was follow the plan Liam had told me and just hope that we would be the fastest. It felt like I was a pony rider again, going full speed. All I had to do was get Blue to the jumps, and he did the rest. Blue is so careful and has so much scope that I know I can do any angle and stride in jump-offs, and he will plan to get over the jump without touching a pole.
I don't remember much while going around the jump-off, but I do remember coming down to the last fence where we decided to drop a stride to and seeing how far away we were going to take off that I closed my eyes and just prayed Blue would lift his little legs and fly over it, which he of course did.
Horse and rider
HQP: What are your plans for the future with Go To Blue?
Our plans are to get more experience in the 1.50s and to do as many World Cups as my studies allow. I want to get a clear in the World Cup and hopefully win a World Cup Qualifier together.
HQP: Do you have other horses in your string?
I am currently riding Chanel in Stellenbosch; she is owned by Sanne Klaasen. I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to ride her. She keeps me in the saddle while I am away studying and helps me stay riding fit for Blue. She is a small mare by Casall. She has done so much for my riding while being here in Stellenbosch, and I couldn't be more grateful to the Klaasens for trusting me with their sassy little girl.
HQP: Is there anyone you would like us to thank for you in the magazine?
I need to thank all the ponies and horses that have been part of my journey to get where I am today, and then there are so many people I need to say thank you to!
First, I would like to thank my amazing instructor Liam Stevens for everything he has done for Blue and me, for believing in us, and for all the time he has spent getting us to where we are today. I would also like to thank Damian Stevens for all he does, especially the encouragement he gives me; he makes me feel like I can do anything.
I'm also incredibly grateful to Courts Webber for riding Blue and keeping him in good shape while I am away. Then I have to thank my groom Norest, who takes care of Blue and puts up with his moods and Anna and Sanne for giving me the ride on Chanel. Shaun Oliff, Ann Oliff, and Graham Swanson have all been amazing, and I am grateful for them.
Then, I must thank my dad for being my sponsor - thanks, dad, I wouldn't be able to do this sport without you!
And last but definitely not least, my mom, Chantell - the most amazing mom around! Thank you for believing in me and always being there for Blue and me; for running after me at shows, for making sure Blue always gets the best care, for looking after him and for being his true mommy (because, of course, we all know he loves you the most). Thank you for being at the gate before every single round for our traditional good luck hug and kiss and always reassuring me that everything will be okay no matter what happens and that one bad round doesn't make you a bad rider.
Thank you all for being there for me and being a part of myself and Blue's journey together.
Determination and dedication
Jessica Jane Prince and Prism
Jessica Jane Prince is a name we’ll all be hearing more in the future. She has shown determination and grit, to get herself to the very top of the showjumping sport, culminating in a victory in the Toyota Outdoor Grand Prix, just her second 1.50m class, with the very special 11-year-old, Prism.
Despite being entirely self-funded, Jessica, with her mother Mandy Prince’s coaching and assistance, has demonstrated just what is possible when you are committed to your goal.
HQP: Please tell us about your riding career - all the way from where it started, to where it is today!
I was born in Johannesburg and grew up living, riding and breathing horses. My mum, Mandy Prince, was an open eventer, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I started 'properly' riding when I was six and competing when I was 9, and I knew I had a lot of work to become anything like my mum, and so the journey began.
We moved to Durban in 2007 with my first competitive pony Brackenwood Dark Secret. She was 25 when we bought her and had been there and done it with numerous riders before me. Initially, I was petrified of her. I used to cry every day to my mum, saying, "She's too much; she's going so fast", and in reality, she was going nowhere. Then, slowly but surely, I built so much confidence on her. Once my confidence was there, I outgrew her very quickly, as she was very much a first pony, and ultimately, after her, the hotter the pony, the bigger my smile got.
We then purchased my top pony, Mysterious Dark Alley, who won me many titles in the showjumping and eventing disciplines. She was the pure cause of my addiction to showjumping. She took me from nothing in Pony Riders to everything in my showjumping career. I used to enjoy eventing with her, but unfortunately, her front legs were skew, so the dressage judges didn't like her very much, so I could never win. As a kid, all I wanted to do was win, so I decided to just carry on with showjumping.
Then I got my first Junior horse called Kush. He was such a gem. He was so sweet and did everything I wanted, so it didn't take long before I outgrew him, and that was when we purchased my top Junior horse, Cassian Way.
Horse and rider
Cassian Way took over Alley's place. He was a Thoroughbred that we bought from Amy Cummings, and he took me right up to the top in my Junior career and won me more titles than I can mention in the Junior Open Showjumping classes. He made me the rider I am today.
While having Cassion, we found my top adult horse, Cloud. We bought her as a four-year-old, unbacked, off a farm in the Midlands, and my mum and I backed her. My mum took over schooling initially because she was very unsteady in her head. I then took her from being backed all the way up to the 1.35s, where she won me so many titles.
When I was competing with Cloud, we bought Prism as a two-year-old colt from Grant Langley. Backing him was rather entertaining, as he would spend more time in the air than on the ground. Once he was backed, my mum took him over as I was struggling to juggle school, school sports and three competing horses. When I had extra time on my hands, I would jump him for my mum as he was rather explosive.
Today I have three Open horses including Prism, and two younger horses who are coming up through the grades.
HQP: Tell us a bit about your career.
To begin with, I left school and became a work rider. I was work-riding for Ronnie Lawrence and Andre La Conte when they were in Durban. After about seven months, I decided to go on my own as I was getting more and more clients. At one stage, I was riding twelve horses a day with only three of those being mine!
Unfortunately, the riding took a bit of a knock with COVID-19, so I decided to get a full-time job at an IT company for a year. Once everything started going again, I started work riding for Katelyn LaParte Nowlan in Hilton, but unfortunately she moved to Mooi River.
Last year I started with my dad in Beyond Braking, where we supply the trucking industry with all genuine and aftermarket air components. I currently work full-time for him. I work from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday and ride all four horses before or after work. Mostly I ride from 4:30 am to 7:30 am and then again from 5:30 pm till dark.
HQP: Tell us a bit about Prism.
When my mum saw Prism at Grant Langley's yard as a two-year-old, she fell in love with him at first sight. In the beginning, he was very, very naughty as he was still entire, and we kept him entire until he was five. Unfortunately, he broke through five fences in one day, and that day my mum asked the vet to come and geld him. He was so full of nonsense, and we couldn't manage him at home, so it was definitely the best decision!
Prism is by Foresyte Preamble D out of Sissi vd Helle. Grant jumped Sissi in the 1.50m classes. And I do believe that Prism's personality comes from her as she was quite the character. Grant was very brave to ride her!
Prism is the most loving horse you'll ever know, as long as he is the only one getting the love. He loves people, he loves cuddles, he loves treats, and he loves attention. Provided you give him all the attention, he's happy, but the moment you give another horse any attention, he gets very frustrated and tries to bang his door down. If you give another horse a treat, he makes you very aware that he is there, so you have to give him a treat as well.
In the paddock, he is also a nightmare. He gallops around, bucking and rearing, and then suddenly stops, grazes and acts like nothing has happened. We've tried him with other horses, and for the first day, he'll be very sweet, but by the second day, he's chasing them around mercilessly. He's certainly not an easy horse, but he's made me the rider I am today!
He's certainly not an easy horse, but he's made me the rider I am today!”
Horse and rider
HQP: How did you get Prism to where he is today?
Getting Prism to where he is today has taken lots of flatwork, particularly in the beginning. He was a real handful, so it took a long time to get him to just relax. My first few shows were a nightmare. He was over-eager; he rushed into all the fences and crashed into several as he would throw his head in the air and take off with me. Slowly but surely, I figured him out, and he just got better and better from then.
Unfortunately, he sustained an injury which took him out for 18 months at one point, which was a huge setback. It delayed us getting to the 1.50m classes, but I'm grateful we are where we are. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication. Many days I've said to myself that I can't do this anymore because he is so difficult, but I'm so glad I didn't give up!
HQP: Do you have other horses in your string? Tell us a bit about them.
Yes, I have three Open horses, including Prism. I then have a young stallion and a young Namibian Warmblood. My second Open horse is Callaho Concudo. A client of ours bought him off the Auction, but she didn't enjoy his ride, so he came to me, and I bought him. I also have Voigtskirch Acapulco. He was only lightly backed when I got him, and I've schooled him up to the 1.35ms. He's a very sensitive horse.
My young stallion is a Consuelo stallion. He's very, very exciting. He currently lives in a herd with his two mares and foal. He's jumping in the metres. I'm slowly bringing him up. I don't want to rush with him, but I can't wait for him to get to the Open grades. He's a real showstopper, and I hope he will follow in Prism's footsteps. Finally, I have a young Namibian (a Zonjati) who is also in the one metres. He is a very sweet little boy. I'm actually busy producing him up to sell him. He's slowly coming up the grades.
Prism is the most loving horse you'll ever know, as long as he is the only one getting the love.”
Horse and rider
HQP: Who is your coach?
I used to have lessons with Graham Swanson. He really helped my confidence and got me back on track after a difficult patch. I've also had a few lessons with Barry Taylor. Unfortunately, due to cost constraints, I haven't had any lessons with top showjumping instructors for well over a year, but I do have regular lessons with my mum, and it's my mum and I that have been doing this together. My mum has helped me with everything and has always been there. Basically, my mum is my coach and my mentor and everything else! Without her, I wouldn't be where I am.
HQP: Is it challenging competing in Johannesburg when you are normally based in Natal?
It is very difficult competing in Jo'burg, as I don't have a sponsor. With my 1.30 horses, I try to travel to select shows. Funding it all myself, and having three Open horses and two youngsters coming up the grades, it just ends up costing so much to get them all up to Jo'burg. I also don't have a truck, so we put two in the box and maybe send a third on someone's truck. Then there is the accommodation, the food for you and the groom, the fuel etc. It also takes my mum and me away from our jobs. If I had the opportunity, I would attend every show possible in Jo'burg, but I just can't afford it.
HQP: Tell us about the build-up to Easter Festival. How did you prepare?
My main warm-up was President's Cup. In the first class, Prism jumped the 1.45m class and came 8th. The second class was his first ever 1.50m. He had a stop and two poles, but I was over the moon that he did it for me. I then did the 1.40m Champs, and he had a clear in the first round and an unfortunate pole in the second. Then I came home, went to Amy Engelbrecht's yard and jumped all my horses there before coming up to Easter to get them onto the grass.
I was very nervous with Prism because Easter Festival was his first experience with the Bob Charter. For the first class, I had no nerves about the jumping but just about how he would act! My worries were unfounded, as in the first class, he blew me away. He came fourth with a beautiful clear round. I knew from Day 1 he was going to be a machine. He just got better and better.
Basically, my mum is my coach and my mentor and everything else!”
Horse and rider
HQP: How were the qualifiers during the week of Easter Festival?
All of them were really good. In the first qualifier, I ended up coming fourth. It was a beautiful clear, and it was the best way to start the show. It was literally picture-perfect. I saw every stride, and he was with me and connected and felt incredible.
The second class was the competition, and I had a beautiful clear round in the first round. Tommy B, my clothing sponsors, were there to support me, and they were in tears at the end of the round. Unfortunately, my nerves got the better of me in the jump-off, and I had a stop and a couple of poles, but it still landed me in sixth place.
These two results gave me the third-highest qualifying spot going into the Championship class.
HQP: So tell us about the Championship.
After the first qualifier, I believed I could conquer the world. I was so chuffed with Prism that no matter what happened the rest of the show I would go home feeling on top of the world.
But going into the Championship class, I didn't expect to have a chance. All the top riders were in the class and they have been jumping at that level for years. I mean, the likes of Ronnie Healy, Nicole Horwood and Nicola Sime-Riley were in there, so all I was aiming for was to do the best I could do.
I also knew that whatever happened on the day, I would be the happiest girl leaving the show because, to me, just being entered in the class was enough.
We had the most stunning first round, with an unfortunate pole, but all I could do was weep tears of joy for going through the start and finish safely.
We then jumped the most picture-perfect clear second round, leaving me on four penalties. Nicole Horwood went in next and jumped a stunning clear, leaving us both on the same score, with two remaining riders that had scores lower than ours. Jan Kleynhans was next to go, also going clear in the jumping, but with an unfortunate two time penalties, leaving him on four penalties as well.
I had decided then that Ronnie Healy would win it, and we would all be tied for second, but unfortunately, he got fourtime penalties leaving him on five penalties in total, meaning the worst I could do was come third.
I went into the jump-off feeling rather nervous, but the moment we went over fence number one, my brain kicked into its mojo. I, unfortunately, took a fence in the jump-off, but tears were still running freely as we went through the finish, as my poor pony had jumped an amazing threerounds - ones I will never forget! I walked out of the arena, the biggest smile on my face, believing I had just come third in my first-ever Grand Prix.
Next to go was Nicole, and she had one down as well, and the scoreboard by the judges' box, was the only thing that made me believe I was still in the lead. Jan was last to go, and boy, was it nerve-wracking. He had two poles, and suddenly, I, Jessica Jane Prince, was crowned the 2023 Open Outdoor Grand Prix Winner.
To be honest, it still doesn't feel real. I still have to look at the photos and videos to remind myself I actually did it.
HQP: What are your plans for the future with Prism?
My plan for us for this year was to do our first 1.50m classes and to focus on becoming competitive in the 1.50m classes by the end of the year – but we seem to have done that all at once. Now I guess we just need to carry on being competitive, and I need to establish myself in the 1.50m classes and do the World Cups, the other Grand Prixs and ultimately the 1.50m at SA Champs. It is one of my dreams to win the SA Champs, and I feel like I have a lot more hope and belief that I can do that after winning the Outdoor Grand Prix.
It is one of my dreams to win the SA Champs.”Test | Amelia Campbell-horne Photography | Merlynn Trichardt
Up and Coming Junior Rider
Shannay MaraisHQP had a chance to talk to up-and-coming Junior rider Shannay Marais about her dreams for the future, and after hearing what she has to say, we are certain she has the determination and dedication to ensure they become a reality!
HQP: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your riding journey began?
My name is Shannay. I’m 17, and I’ve been riding horses since I was six years old. I’m currently doing online school, which is definitely the reason I have so much time to ride my four horses, including my new little addition to the family.
I started riding at Farnham Riding School and am now riding at the amazing Ronnie Healy. I love riding horses and can’t imagine what life would be like without them.
HQP: Well, let’s go back a decade, then! Can you tell us about your time at ‘Little Farnham’?
I started off riding a bunch of different school ponies at Little Farnham; some of their names were Daniel, Vixen, Chezi and Dee Dee. My first coach was Kim, and along the way, I was taught by Danielle, Petrus and Vicky, and then eventually by Tamar Gliksman. Farnham is an amazing place to start your riding career; it taught me a lot.
I got my first pony while I was at Farnham; her name was Pink Pony; I competed with her in 2014 in the 80cm Gauteng Team at Champs. Sadly, she passed away, and we then bought Lindty; he was my biggest success taking me up from 80cm to 1.10m at both SANESA and graded shows. Tamar and all my coaches were the reason Lindty, and I were National Champions and made the Gauteng Teams.
Eventually, I moved into Juniors, and we bought Quicks, and Tamar helped me with her too.
Horse and rider
Quicks
Horse and rider
HQP: So then you transitioned to Juniors; how did you go about finding a horse, and how was the transition from ponies to horses?
It was not easy. I think almost everyone can tell you that going from winning everything in the Pony Rider classes to having to start all over on a horse is very difficult. My first Junior horse was Quicks. We bought her from Savanna Valjalo and started our journey in the 1m classes. Going from Lindty, who has a small stride and is bombproof, to a sensitive mare like Quicks was difficult, so Juniors, in the beginning, was full of ups and downs, but when I moved to RH Equestrian Ronnie helped me so much with her, so we just went up from there.
HQP: Any advice for Pony Riders looking for their first horse and to make the transition?
My advice will always be to look for a horse you feel connected with, whether a pony or a horse. The connection and bond that can grow between a horse and rider is always important. You must believe in what you and that horse can achieve together; if you can do that, you know you have the horse for you.
It’s also important to have a coach by your side, who will help you through the process, just like Ronnie did and continues to do for me.
Always remember that even if you struggle in the beginning, keep trying to make yourself the rider you strive to be.
Horse and rider
Horse and rider
HQP: That is some sound advice! Quicks is not your only Junior horse, though. How long did you have Quicks before finding your second horse, and was there something specific you were looking for?
I had Quicks for about two and a half years before I got my second Junior horse Callaho Lariscott (Larry). We actually found Larry through my best friend, who had ridden him when he was four years old, and when he was six, she and her mom had told us that I could go and ride him and try him out as his owner was going overseas. I went to ride him, and as soon as I sat on him, I fell in love! I was lucky enough to be able to ride him at Ronnie for a lesson or two as a try out and also at Kyalami Park Club to see how he was before we bought him. Larry has just turned into such a superstar, but I knew he would be from the moment I sat on him. The things I was looking for in my second horse were definitely for him or her to be brave, to have a kind nature, and of course, I had to feel that connection. I was lucky enough that Larry was everything I was looking for and that my parents gave me the opportunity to own a superstar horse like him.
HQP: Aww, and he certainly is a special boy! Can you tell us a bit about your junior career to date and some of your big successes?
Larry won YHPS as a 5-year-old with Claire Martin, and I won the series on him as a 7-year-old after we bought him. He has steadily gone up the grades from the 1.10s to his first 1.35s. He represented the Gauteng Team and won Gold last year at Youth Champs in the 1.20s. This year he’s been jumping incredibly well in the 1.30s, having won a lot of classes, and at his most recent show, he did his first 1.35s. I hope to keep him going in the 1.35s for the remainder of the year and then get to the 1.40s next year. My boy is a firecracker and an unbelievable pocket rocket!
Horse and rider
HQP: Congratulations! We’ll be keeping an eye out for more podium finishes this year! You mentioned you have four horses, and we have only discussed three, so tell us about number 4!
I’m very happy to say that we have added a new addition to the family. His name is Walker Bay, and he is a 4-year-old Thoroughbred. He is the sweetest little guy, and I adore him already. When we were looking for another little horse, we were looking for one that would stay home with Lindty when Larry and Quicks are out at lessons and shows. We tried a few little Thoroughbreds, and they were all very sweet, but Walker Bay stole my heart as soon as I sat on him. He has the most amazing nature and is so brave and beautiful. We got Walker Bay as a friend for Lindty and a little project for me; he has already shown so much promise and has got an amazing trot and canter. It’s funny; he doesn’t feel like a Thoroughbred at all!
HQP: He sounds lovely! We always love a good Thoroughbred! So, what are your plans and goals for the year for each of your horses?
Let’s start with Quicks; she recently had an injury at Easter Festival, so my goal this year is to get her back and feeling good in the 1.35s, ensuring she is comfortable and consistent. With Mr Larry, for this year, I would love to do more 1.35m shows. He just recently jumped his first 1.35m, and he went so well. I really believe he can win so many titles! With Walker Bay, he is still a baby, so I want to start from scratch, teach him all the basics and get his flatwork in the bag! His jumping will take some time, but I believe that time is all he needs to become something amazing. And lastly, of course, with Lindty, my goal with him is to get him nice and fit and jump a few cross-country shows with him because it is what he loves! In fact, before we bought Lindt, he was a cross-country pony jumping around the 90cm/1m shows.
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, selfdiscipline, and effort.”
– Jesse Owens, multiple Gold medal winner
Horse and rider
HQP: Any long-term goals or big dreams?
My long-term goals are to jump the Derby one day, ride for South Africa and hopefully, in the future, ride professionally overseas.
HQP: Well, you most certainly have the determination and dedication to get there! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, and we wish you and your beautiful string of horses all the best this year!
PUZZLE FUN
Find the horses belonging to our interviewees in this wordsearch
PRISM | GO TO BLUE | QUICKS | ZONJATI BORNEO | QUISTO | ONDUNO WALFACTION | CALLAHO FOREIGN AFFAIR | CALLAHO FLOYD | DAMIANNA | CHANEL | CALLAHO LARISCOTT | LINDTY | WALKER BAY
NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed
PUZZLE FUN
Can you spot all 10 differences?
Can you spot all 10 differences?
PUZZLE FUN
PUZZLE FUN
Can you spot all 10 differences?
Can you spot all 10 differences?
PUZZLE FUN
PRODUCTS WE LOVE
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