HQ Pony Magazine Issue 34

Teen Skin Essentials.

welcome

Hello, and welcome to our latest edition of HQ Pony Mag!

This month, we have a show-packed issue covering the two big shows of last month: Horse of the Year 2024 and the President’s Cup.

We hope you enjoy checking out the breeds that attended HOYS, hearing about Shannay Marais’s first showing experience, and reading our report on Amber Botes’s nerves of steel as she cinched victory in the PR President’s Cup.

Enjoy, and we’ll see you next month!

Lizzie and the HQ Pony Team

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!

The Likit™ Challenge System

Tack n’ Togs Pony Rider President’s Cup 2024

A review

An incredible field of 27 pony and rider combinations contended for this year’s Pony Rider President’s Cup title this last weekend. As with all President’s Cup competitions, the competition is run over three rounds, commencing with a speed class where the winner receives zero penalties, and the time difference between the winner and the other athletes is converted into points. The second round is a jump-off round, in which penalties incurred are converted to points. The final round is one round with a compulsory jump-off. The rider with the least number of points takes home the title!

With a big and technical track set for the final, it was unsurprising that it was full of thrills and spills. Several top qualifiers came unstuck under the pressure, having miscommunications with their rides, and paying the price.

Going into the final round, it was clear that just two would really be battling for the title with less than half a point separating them; Amber Botes and First for Horses Rasta were sitting on 3.23 penalties, and Jamie-Riley and the legendary Scooby Doo were on 3.65 penalties.

As the final is run as an individual competition as well, the challenge for these riders is to decide how safe to play it! Jamie and Scooby Doo were the penultimate competitors and held their cool to pull off a speedy clear, piling the pressure on Amber Botes. Amber and Rasta managed to keep it together, coming home with a steady clear, claiming the SA Pony Rider President’s Cup title and adding their names to the ‘Whisper Trophy’. This pair has had an exceptional career and will be delighted to take home their first Pony Rider National Title.

Text | Amelia Campbell-Horne

HQ PONY goes showing

With Shannay Marais

Once a year, Kyalami Park Club hosts Horse of the Year. While a few of our readers might know showing well, some of our readers have only tried showing a few times at SANESA or like Shannay, have never entered, or even considered entering, a showing competition.

So, as a challenge, we asked Shannay, a top Junior showjumper, to give showing a try at the biggest showing show of the year - Horse of the Year.

Shannay and her five-year-old off the track thoroughbred (OTTB), Walker Bay entered the 'Racehorse to Show Horse' Class as well as the Thoroughbred Working Hunter. [HQ: We couldn't imagine the pair not doing at least one class that involved jumps!]

Horse and rider

HQP: What was your experience of the two classes you entered?

Shannay: It was the first time Walker and I had ever done a showing class. He was a bit nervous in the Bob Charter arena because he's still young, but the judges were so understanding of him being a bit excited. Walker trotted and cantered around with the other horses very well and did a good individual test as well! To sum it up, I really think that this was a good experience for him and would be for any other Thoroughbred. Being in the Bob Charter is always special, and Walker loved it; I'm happy to have done the showing so he could be in this special arena!

Going into the Working Hunter, I felt a bit more comfortable because, obviously, there is some jumping involved! Walker loved jumping over hay bales and rustic jumps, but most of all, he loved his fun little gallop at the end! In the second phase, when we went back into the arena, we had to stand still for the judge to look at his confirmation, and the judge also rode him. Well, Walker thought that was way too much fun and became very excited. Once again, the judge was very kind and rode Walker well. Overall, the Working Hunter was my preferred class, but both of these classes were such good experiences for Walker!

Horse and rider

FAST FACT

Working Hunter Classes are likely the classes that would appeal most to riders with a passion for showjumping. Before the class begins, the riders will walk a course of rustic jumps. The riders then jump the course individually and, after completing the course, have a gallop. Once all riders have completed the course, the top few combinations will be called in for a ride by the judge and a conformation assessment before prizes are awarded. The type of horse suited to this class is brave and canters freely and rhythmically from one jump to another.

HQP: What was the worst part of the experience for you?

Shannay: Wearing a hairnet!

HQP: And the best part?

Shannay: Riding Walker in the Bob Charter and the experience he gained from his classes! From my experience with Walker, Thoroughbreds are so clever and willing to learn, so giving them this opportunity is good for their second careers!

HQP: What surprised you?

Shannay: What surprised me was the amount of effort and time that goes into making the horses as well turned out as they need to be for showing and other classes like it. As a bonus, though, you get some amazing photos of your horse looking like a million dollars!

HQP: Can you tell us a bit about Walker?

Shannay: Walker is a five-year-old gelding by Var out of a Sadler's Wells mare. I got Walker in the middle of 2023 as a friend for my retired pony and also as a project horse! When we went to go see him, he stole my heart with his amazing personality and kind eye. Walker is so clever and willing to learn; it's unbelievable! It doesn't take him long to learn something new, and I think this is the case for so many Thoroughbreds! I think that Thoroughbreds are really underrated and can surprise you with what they can achieve! Walker has been a true example of this. Our first little show was a training class at 40cm; fast forward six months, and he's leading the 90cm ranking with multiple placings and is ready to go up to the 1m classes! But, because he is so young, he needs exposure and experience, and HOYS was a good show for it.

FAST FACT

The Racehorse to Show Horse class was introduced to encourage riders to give racehorses second careers, and with the hope that more people would realise that there is another life for racehorses who come off the track. It is a Show Riding class that is open to all ex-racehorses who have been retired from racing for four years or less. It is judged based on schooling, manners, and conformation.

Horse and rider

HQP: How do you feel Walker coped with the showing experience?

Shannay: Walker dealt with the showing surprisingly well, considering it was a very new thing for both me and him. I am very glad we got to do this together. He was very excited in the beginning to be with all his Thoroughbred friends and go around a big arena like the Bob Charter, but by the end, he was so much calmer and learnt a lot from it. It was a great day out with him; he was such a good boy and so well-behaved!

HQP: What advice do you have for other young riders who would like to try showing?

Shannay: Bring lots of shampoo, baby powder, and mane and tail spray. You have to make sure your horse looks like a million dollars, and don't forget the quarter markings and making sure you have the right type of quarter markers

Horse and rider

for the right class! Also, even if it is your first time like it was mine, have fun and enjoy! Don't take things to seriously; the people and judges are all very nice!

HQP: What did you learn from your showing experience?

Shannay: I learnt that Thoroughbreds are versatile and aren't to be dismissed so easily, and that they are all able to become something special. And with the help of some friends, I learnt how to turn my horse out the perfect way!

HQP: Well, perhaps we will see you back in the show ring next year, giving Walker some more Derby exposure.

HOYS entries

COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES!

One of the highlights for our team at Horse of the Year is always the breed classes. It’s so wonderful to see Shires competing alongside Miniature Horses, or Appaloosas with Boerperds, or Nooitgedachts with Welshies. Here we have a look at the breeds that featured at this year’s show to find out a little bit more about the history of each one, and exactly what each breed is being judged on.

Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed whose ancestry can be traced back to three foundation sires – the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerly Turk (all named after their owners). These three stallions were imported from the Middle East to England and bred to the stronger native horses. This resulted in horses that could carry weight and sustain a high speed over long distances, qualities ideal for the then-developing sport of horse racing. What followed was over 250 years of selective breeding of the best-performing stallions and mares, meticulously recorded in the breed's records. The breed is known for being quick, agile, hard-working and intelligent.

Thoroughbreds in South Africa have a long history of successful second careers after racing, with many excelling in dressage, showing, showjumping and eventing. One of the most recent Thoroughbred success stories is that of Jessica George and Wrap Up, who recently achieved their final MERs to qualify for the Olympics this year.

Fast fact

The records of the breed were very well kept, so it you own a Thoroughbred, you should be able to look up their pedigree (or their parents) on the website https://sporthorse-data.com/pedigree and travel back in their lineage too approximately 1770 and find which of the three stallions your horse descends from!

DID YOU KNOW?

The sport of horse racing has a long history in South Africa, with official racing having been recorded as far back as 1795 – when British rule first came to the Cape.

Horse of the Year

Horse of the Year

DID YOU KNOW?

Welsh Ponies originated in Great Britain and their history dates back thousands of years.

Horse of the Year

Welsh ponies

Welsh ponies were first imported to South Africa in 1948 when Mrs Rosalie Lasbrey imported five top-quality Section A mares and a stallion. In 1956, a winning Section B stallion, Valiant, was imported by Ida Illingworth with the aim of improving children’s ponies in South Africa. Thereafter, the first Section C and D cobs were imported.

The Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) (Height < 1.22m)  Bred in the harsh environment of the Welsh mountains and described as the most beautiful of the British native breeds, the Section A is known for his strong, sound limbs, intelligence and renowned Welsh temperament. They make the ideal child’s first pony but are equally at home in a driving harness. In terms of showing, the head of the Welsh Mountain Pony should be small, with neat pointed ears, big, bold eyes and a wide forehead tapering to a small muzzle. His action must be straight, free, up and out in front with the hocks well flexed.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common colours for the Welsh Pony are chestnut, bay, grey and black. They are allowed to be cream, but they won’t be piebald or spotted.

Horse of the Year

In the past, these ponies were the hill farmer’s means of transport, herding sheep over rough, mountainous country. They needed to be hardy, fast on their feet and balanced in order to survive. These qualities, together with their natural jumping ability and their ideal Welsh temperament, make them the perfect all-round child’s pony. Regarding breed requirements, the general description of the Welsh Mountain Pony is similar to that of the Welsh Pony. The breed standard looks for hardiness with substance, and emphasis is placed on riding pony qualities.

The Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C) (Height < 1.37m)

The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is the sturdier version of the Welsh Pony and contains a large percentage of Cob blood. These ponies are natural jumpers and ideal dual-purpose ponies for both riding and driving.

The Welsh Cob (Section D) (Height over 1.37m with no upper limit)

The Welsh Cob is strong, hardy, agile, and competitive across all equestrian sports worldwide.

The head should show great quality with bold, prominent eyes and neat, well-set ears. They should be strong-boned with straight, free and forceful action. The knees should be bent, and then the whole foreleg should be extended from the shoulder as far forward as possible at all paces.

The Welsh Pony (Section B) (Height < 1.37m)

Horse of the Year

SA Warmblood

The South African Warmblood is a sporthorse bred specifically for the three Olympic Disciplines: showjumping, dressage and eventing. Due to the different requirements of each discipline, the Warmblood's type and size can vary considerably. All should be rideable, with good limbs, a well-proportioned body, balanced, light and energetic paces, and a steady temperament.

The SA Warmblood breed base generation originated from a cross-bred population of Warmbloods that had been imported from Europe along with local Thoroughbreds that were performing well in the showjumping arena.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nooitgedachters have five gaits: walk, trot, canter, an ambling gait and a speedy four-beat gait, which provides a more stable, comfortable ride.

Nooitgedacht

The Nooitgedachter is a rare breed native to South Africa that was developed for the unique climate and mountainous terrain of Lesotho and the surrounding regions and in an effort to preserve the related Basuto pony that was facing extinction in the 1940s. This effort produced a rugged riding horse whose function is prioritised over his appearance.

The Nooitgedacht pony/horse has a minimum height of 138cm with an ideal height of 153cm. They must be rideable, hardy and surefooted (with hooves that don’t require shoeing), with good joints and strong bones. They should be easy to keep. Their conformation fits their purpose with their compact build, which suits them to carry heavy weights over long distances. Their deep girth indicates increased lung capacity for endurance work, and they have wide nostrils to take in large amounts of air. They are normally bay or blue, brown and chestnut roans, with white markings being frowned upon due to the predisposition to sunburn, which is considered a hindrance to practicality. Other coat colours (e.g. piebald/spotted) and blue eyes are not allowed.

This breed is trainable, intelligent, brave, and loyal, making it a perfect family horse!

Horse of the Year

DID YOU KNOW?

Miniature Horses have a life expectancy of 2535 years!

Miniature Horses

Undoubtedly one of the crowd-favourites at Horse of the Year, the South African Miniature Horse is exactly as its name suggests. These Miniature Horses are small, striking and well-balanced to the extent that if all references to size were removed, they would have the same conformational proportions as other full-sized lighter breeds. When mature (five years or older), their height at the withers cannot exceed 95cm.

Their build is symmetrical and strong, and all coat colours and markings are accepted. They are athletic, agile and alert individuals who should be gentle, sensible, willing and trainable. They can be seen in the in-hand breed classes, utility classes, U10yo child’s riding classes, and the driving classes!

DID YOU KNOW?

They are a horse and not a pony breed!

Horse of the Year

Appaloosa - (Western/English)

The Appaloosa is an originally American horse breed with a ‘colour preference’. They are known for their colourful spotted coat patterns, often accompanied by white sclera in the eyes (like humans), partly coloured skin around the muzzle, and vertically striped hooves. However, due to the extensive outcrossing over the past several hundred years, it is not possible to breed 100% coloured horses.

The Appaloosas are best known as stock horses and used in multiple Western Riding disciplines, but they are versatile all-round family horses suited to a variety of other equestrian disciplines. There is no maximum height, but mature Appaloosas must be a minimum of 14hh, and their height and weight should be proportional.

Horse of the Year

DID YOU KNOW?

Colour is not relevant with regard to being registered in the Main Appaloosa Stud Book, as two coloured Appaloosa parents can produce a completely noncharacteristic foal.

Horse of the Year

Draught Horses

The importation of Draught Horses to South Africa dates back to the 1880s when recognised draught breeds, mostly geldings, were introduced by the transport system to coastal regions. Due to the Anglo-Boer War and the extension of the railways, heavy draft breeding suffered a decline and only a few studs developed before the government established small Clydesdale and Percheron studs at the Colleges of Agriculture.

Draught horses are generally large working horses. There are a number of breeds with varying characteristics, but all are strong, easy-going and docile. They are extremely muscular, with broad, short backs and powerful hindquarters. They typically have heavy bone and extensive feathering on their lower legs. While most are used for driving, they are capable of performing under saddle and have been cross-bred with Thoroughbreds to create Warmbloods and Sporthorses.

Horse of the Year

DID YOU KNOW?

The Shire gelding Samson (aka Mammoth) was the tallest horse ever at 21.2 ½hh, while the Percheron, Dr Le Gear, was the heaviest, weighing 1359kg.

Horse of the Year

SA Boerperd

The SA Boerperd is a truly South African breed with a history dating back to 1652 when the first horses (cross Berber-Arabian ponies) were imported from Java. They were later bred with Andalusians and Persian Arabs and developed into the ‘Cape Horse’ Breed. In the late 1800s, the Cape Horse was bred with other breeds, such as the Flemish Stallions, Hackneys, Norfolk Trotters and Cleveland Bays and developed into what is now known as the SA Boerperd. From 2002, no new or estranged bloodlines have been introduced into the breeding programme.

The SA Boerperd is known for his even temperament, bravery, intelligence, stamina, versatility, hardiness, rideability and desire to learn and please. He can be seen doing showing, dressage, driving, showjumping, equitation, eventing, saddle seat, Western Riding, endurance and even equine archery!

DID YOU KNOW?

At Horse of the Year 2023, SA Boerperds claimed the titles of Supreme Champion Ridden Horse, Supreme Champion Single Harness Horse and Supreme Breed Champion: Stallion.

Horse of the Year

DID YOU KNOW?

The Arabian horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world.

Purebred and Part-bred Anglo Arabs

Due to South Africa being geographically isolated from other Arabian breeding nations, the South African Arab population is unique and based on imported bloodlines from England, Europe, Egypt and the United States.

The Arabian is a horse of beauty, bravery, gentleness, intelligence and endurance. They are easily recognised for their naturally high tail carriage and unique triangular, relatively short head shape, with a slender lower jaw and larger upper half of their head.  They are renowned for their soundness and hardiness, as well as their free, stylish, unrestricted, powerful movement.

These breed characteristics mean pure and part-bred Arabs are well suited for a wide variety of purposes, including both English and Western Riding and Performance classes for both children and adults. Due to their conformation, hardiness and stamina, they excel particularly in the discipline of endurance. In South Africa, although any breed can participate in Endurance Races, the pure and part-bred Arabians reign supreme.

did you know?

The scientific name for a horse is Equusferuscaballus.

The next generation

At Horse of the Year

When you are born into a horsey family, it’s hard not to catch the horsey bug… We saw this at Horse of the Year 2024 where lots of top adult riders’ children competed very successfully in the showing classes. It was amazing to see these young people participating in this discipline, and we’re certain they’ll become better horsemen and women because of it!

We caught up with a few of the riders after HOYS to find out how it all went…

Horse of the Year

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUE MUSTO

Lilly Korber

Lilly is the first born of two of our top showjumping contenders, Rainer and Jeanne Korber. Lilly and her pony Lady Athelina had some winning moments and some learning moments, but always left the arena with a smile…

We chatted to Lilly’s mom, Jeanne:

HQP: Why do you think it is important that children do several disciplines including showing?

Jeanne: We feel it is very good for our children to experience different disciplines. Just because we [Rainer and I] are showjumpers doesn’t mean they have to be. Different disciplines, like showing, also teach them ring craft and different aspects of riding.

Horse of the Year

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUE MUSTO

HQP: Do you have any top showing tips as a parent?

Jeanne: Buy a pony or horse with black or brown legs! Jokes aside, make sure you have enough preparation time to get your pony/ horse turned out and ready; it takes much longer than you expect!

HQP: What classes did Lilly and her pony do?

Jeanne: Lilly competed on her pony, Lady Athelina, in the Pony Rider Novice Classes in Show Hunter, Show Riding, Working Hunter and Working Riding Classes. She really rode beautifully and learnt a lot! They came third in the Working Riding.

Lilly had an ‘unfortunate dismount’ in the Working Hunter but handled it with a big smile saying, “Did you see how well Lady jumped the first two jumps?’ I’m SO proud of them.

– Jeanne

We chatted to Lilly about her experience:

HQP: How did you find HOYS Lilly?

Lilly: HOYS was really fun! I enjoyed it so much; Lady was such a good pony. My favourite part was that I could ride in the Bob Charter, but unfortunately, I fell off in the dyke… But I’m so proud of Lady for getting a third place for me in the Working Riding. We had lots of fun and she was the best pony ever!

HQP: What is your favourite showing class and why?

Lilly: Working Hunter is my favourite class, because I love jumping and the gallop at the end and Lady also really enjoys it.

HQP: What is your favourite and least favourite thing about showing?

Lilly: My favourite thing about showing is that Lady always looks so beautiful, and my least favourite thing is that you always have to dress up so fancy!

Layah Gliksman

Layah had a super outing at HOYS, making it to the Supreme Young Child’s Championship for their Working Hunter win, and picking up a few more tickets along the way!

We chatted to her mom, Tamar:

HQP: As a parent and coach, why is it important that children do showing?

Tamar: I think all kids should do showing! It’s a great discipline to teach kids how to be good horsemen and women; they have to do the preparation of the ponies and the in-hand work rather than just getting on and jumping. I think it also teaches them amazing ring craft (if that’s the right word), to think for themselves, and also to lose!

Horse of the Year

HQP: What was your experience of the Children’s Classes at HOYS?

Tamar: We loved the show! The judges where so kind to the kids, encouraging showing and making it a great experience for them. We loved prepping the horses; the whole yard got involved. My grooms had amazing team spirit. In the Supreme Class they all got prizes and my daughter came out so happy. We have to thank the sponsors too; it’s amazing to see such big companies as Bogela Mining and Pomona Road Truck Sales sponsoring the showing!

Horse of the Year

We asked Layah how she found the show:

HQP: Layah, what was your favourite thing about HOYS?

Layah: I loved being with my ponies, and seeing the different ponies especially the Miniature Horse in the Grooms’ Class. The Arab dress up class was also really fun!

HQP: Can you tell us a bit about the ponies you rode?

Layah: Baloo is my first pony and I am in love with him. He’s my golden boy, but he does whatever he feels like on the day! He will either go in and win or buck through the whole class and refuse to move forward... But I still love him! Pinky is a new partnership so we only entered

one class and he came second. He’s a young pony and I was so proud of both of us. I’m very excited for future showing shows, because he is the nicest person, and we are becoming good friends. Then there is ‘Little Copper Coin’; he’s 20 years old and I adore him… He’s quite big but he makes me feel so brave!

HQP: What do you love about riding?

Layah:

1. I love being surrounded by ponies and your friends all day and all weekends

2. I love that they are my babies

3. I love winning

4. And I love going fast, jumping big and doing tests!

Horse of the Year

Qinn Luden

Qinn is our next generation star coming from a family line who have had success in all types of equestrian sport! From a family involved in racing, breeding, Derby winning (aunt Kelly O’Connor) and even equestrian attire (Macqmac), it’s no surprise that Qinn is a serious talent.

We had a quick catch up with a few members of the family after watching Qinn compete:

HQP: Firstly, we asked ‘Gogo’ Celeste Lochoff what her key to successful showing outing is?

Celeste: Between Dom (Qinn’s mom) and myself we try to have everything you could possibly need for showing with us. We have

everything from safety pins to elastics for numbers and Dom has a box especially for Qinn’s hair goodies and ties and Galahad’s browbrands! A good outing is seeing Qinn remembering the test that the judge has asked for and the pony behaving well!

Preparation and attention to detail are essential. I think it is very important for Qinn at this age to learn to take the losses with the wins.

Horse of the Year

HQP: Can you tell us a bit about Qinn and her pony?

Dom: Qinn’s been riding since she was two years old and she’s had her pony Sir Galahad since 2022. They started on lead rein together and went off lead last year, ending the year as SANESA National Champions in Dressage, Equitation and Performance Riding for Level 0.

HQP: What classes did she enter at HOYS and how did it all go?

Dom: This HOY they entered the following four classes: SASA Child’s First Pony, SASA Child’s First Working Pony, SANESA Show Riding Pony and SANESA Working Riding Pony. They won the SASA Child’s First Working Pony and the SANESA Show Riding Pony, which qualified them for the Young Child’s Supreme Class. They also came second in the SANESA Working Riding Pony.

HQP: What is your favourite showing class and why?

Qinn: It’s the Show Pony Class because I get to make my pony look pretty!

HQP: What is your favourite part of showing?

Qinn: My favourite part is cantering a figure of eight.

HQP: What is your least favourite part of showing?

Qinn: Wearing the hot jacket!

HQP: What showing title/prize would you love to win one day?

Qinn: I want to win a Supreme Class at HOYS so that I can win a trophy, a sash and a day sheet for my pony!

HQP: We’ll look out for that moment in the future!

Horse of the Year

Taylor Kloeck

Taylor comes from a family of horse riders, with her mom being the super speedy Rechelle Kloeck, and Gran, Elaine Pestana, heading up Zambezi Equestrian Centre.

Horse of the Year

The next generation of Neill’s are on their way up in the sport too! The youngest, Sarah Neill, was spotted at HOYS and is daughter to two SA Showjumping Champions, Shaun and Cathryn, who won the title on the same horse - the legendary Clyde Z.

Sarah Neill

Michael Blom

A coach’s perspective

We also had a quick chat with top coach, Michael Blom. Michael happens to be Lilly Korber’s coach but had several pupils at the show. This is what he had to say about the show…

HQP: How did your students do at HOYS 2024?

Michael: They all came home with a ticket or two each which was fantastic for each of the girls. They’ve been working really hard throughout the year to prepare for this massive show so I’m really pleased overall!

HQP: Why do you encourage your students to do showing?

Michael: I always encourage my students to do showing because it teaches them the correct manners for the show ring, and the correct way to handle their horses when they are at a show. It also teaches them patience and gives them a lot of time in the ring to get rid of the usual ‘show butterflies’ that everyone gets. It is one of the greatest disciplines, because it gives the rider an all-round experience when it comes to riding; not only is there a lot of flatwork and schooling involved when preparing for these shows, but for some of the other classes there’s a lot of practice and preparation required as well. For me I think the greatest thing about showing and why I encourage all my students to do it is because it teaches them ring craft and how to improvise and not be set on a fixed plan. You must adapt to what is going on, and yet you can still create a great test and have a great outcome if you are smart and have been taught well before the show.

HQP: What are the benefits of showing for coaches?

Michael: I think it is a great platform for us as coaches to show off our means of training and how we get our riders up into the open platforms in all disciplines. I use it as a springboard for pupils to then decide what discipline they want to go into one day, whether it be the flatwork classes suggesting a dressage interest, or if they enjoy the Working Hunter, then it suggests eventing or jumping. The SANESA side of it is also great as they get an all-round preparation for those shows.

HQP: Are there particular classes that you find more ‘fun’ than others, or your students enjoy more?

Michael: I’d say most of my students enjoy the Working Classes a bit more than the Show Classes. I think this is because the kids enjoy having a few obstacles, or for instance, the gallop in the Working Hunter, which is always a lot of fun.

HQP: Do you have any top showing tips?

Michael:

1. Take lots of deep breaths!

2. Preparation is key- you need to be prepared and have practiced a lot.

3. Have a good pit crew -Turnout is obviously hugely important and makes a massive impact on the end result.

PUZZLE FUN

EASTER THEME

EASTER EGGS | EGGS | EASTER BUNNY | HOT CROSS BUNS | BASKET | CHOCOLATE | TOYOTA | TOYOTA EASTER FESTIVAL | SHOWING | DRESSAGE | SHOWJUMPING | TRIPLE CROWN

NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed

PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

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