DERBY UNITED AVIATION GROUP SOUTH AFRICAN
30 SEPT – 03 OCT, 2021
Kyalami Equestrian Park www.unitedderby.co.za Presented by:
THE DIFFERENCE IS... WE ARE www.unitedcharter.co.za
UAG SA DERBY
The Horse by Robert Duncan
Where in this wide world can man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy or beauty without vanity? Here, where grace is laced with power, and strength tempered by gentleness. He serves without servility; he has force without enmity. There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent, there is nothing so quick, nothing more patient. Our pioneers were borne on his back. Our history is his industry. We are his heirs and he our inheritance.
Callaho Lincoln owned by Dawn Newman Image by Tracy Robertson Photography @tr_photography www.tracyrobertson.co.za
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Jonathan Wolpe and United Aviation Group welcome you to the 2021 United Derby! We are delighted to have you here at Kyalami Equestrian Park, and immensely excited to be involved with our first sponsorship of the Derby, an event which is so close to every South African equestrian’s heart. For many the marriage of aviation and horses is not a logical one, and yet… the majesty of both horse and aircraft, the discipline of pilots and riders and the bravery of the equestrian and aviation fields are commonalities that unite both fields. And let’s not forget the sheer exhilaration of facing the great fences, or soaring through the skies! This year brings us back to the Derby after a forced hiatus in 2020, and we are all so grateful and happy to be here. In true United Aviation Group style the event will be even bigger and better than previous years with some fun attractions and entertainment including a truly incredible closing party! If you are with us online through our streaming services or DSTV, we are delighted to have you ‘virtually visiting’ and ask you to follow us on our social media pages and interact with our teams online. If you are here in person we would love to meet you, so please pop into the United Aviation Group marketing tent and visit us on social media (we will be loading behind the scenes pictures of the events every day). We encourage all guests at this year’s events to follow the safety officers’ instructions so that we can have a safe, easy event. See you in the skies Warm Regards
JONATHAN WOLPE CEO, UNITED AVIATION GROUP
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WELCOME from the KPC Chairperson ANNE-MARIE ESSLINGER
Derby competitions are the oldest and most traditional of jumping events, the first one being the Hamburg Derby which dates back to 1920. That course has remained identical in layout, dimensions and fence materials until now! With a history based in riding at speed across country negotiating enormous hedges, walls and ditches, this show jumping competition requires courage, stamina, proper preparation and fitness, as well as focus and attention to detail from both horse and rider. An ideal result is always viewed as just 1 perfect clear around this most testing track. Many of the fences replicate those found in the countryside, and are “natural” in design. The first South African Derby was held at the Inanda Club in Johannesburg in 1965, and later moved to our beautiful Kyalami Park venue in 2000. The track is always a lot longer (1000m) than other jumping competitions, and has almost double the number of jumping efforts (23). There are, therefore, many opportunities for mistakes. The track is unchanged each year, although the course designer has some leeway with regard to dimensions of the obstacles. Covid 19 has posed many unwelcome challenges to our Club and to our sport. The limitations on sport and spectator that were imposed in 2020 made it impossible to host the Derby last year. This year, however we determined that our most popular spectator and competitor event could not be missed! We are delighted to welcome United Aviation Group as headline sponsor to the 55th South African Derby. We believe that the alignment between beautiful aircraft flying through our skies, and the majesty of horses clearing dramatic fences in harmony with their riders, is elegant. Since current government regulations have severely limited attendance we are extremely glad to be presenting this year’s event over live streaming as well as on Super Sport, and on Clip My Horse. Live viewing will be possible from the restaurants, although, sadly, our enthusiastic grandstand support will be curtailed. KPC staff have worked tirelessly to present our facilities in the best condition, and we look forward to exciting classes and thrilling finales at this spectacular event. I’d like to wish all competitors a fun and successful show, with the owners, sponsors, grooms and support staff of their amazing horses enjoying a smooth and happy event. I’d also like to thank all KPC staff and EXCO members for their contribution. A huge ‘thank you’ goes to Mr Jonathan Wolpe of United Charter Services for your vision in helping us to grow the South African Deby from strength to strength!
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THE VENUE
Kyalami Park Equestrian Equestrian Club affiliated to the premier Kyalami Equestrian Park showgrounds. Supporting various equestrian disciplines and all participants. MISSION To be a pre-eminent club by creating tangible value for all members as well as other stakeholders, be they employees, commercial partners and the national sports administrators, through professional management of our riding and social activities by focusing on equestrian quality and the superior delivery of our objectives, projects and activities.
VISION To be a sophisticated vibrant and prestigious club with equestrian activities as its core, catering to the need of the riding community and other social members, setting market benchmarks in quality while retaining its relaxed family-inclusive atmosphere and being the preferred choice of its members for lifestyle activities.
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KYALAMI PARK EQUESTRIAN The premier South African equestrian competition venue. Find us at: www.kyalamiparkclub.co.za Facebook: @KPCEquestrian Twitter: @KPCEquestrian Instagam: @KPCEquestrian email: admin@kyalamiparkclub.co.za Address: 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami, 1685 (Located next to the SA Lipizzaners) Tel: 010 023 0712
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THE COURSE Artwork by Nicole Bruigom
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DYKE, AND THE DETAIL… Length of the course: 1 000m The first jump is 1,5m high. The widest oxer is 1,7m wide. The highest jump on the course is the wall (16) at 1,65m The bank is over 2m high. Anne-Marie Esslinger is the only Course Designer who has ridden the SA Derby track, and won it twice (not when building!). Usually a CD is appointed for a 3 year period. Previous Course Designers have all been top SA officials. 10
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Derby Winner 2019 on Back on Track Clouny 3
Rainer Korber Has winning Derby always been on something you’ve wanted to do? Yes I think as a South African rider one always has Derby as a ‘must compete in’ and we would all love to win it one day! It’s unique in SA, the course is technical and challenging, and it attracts the biggest crowd of any showjumping event in SA by far, around 6000 people. The vibe and feel on the big day of derby is certainly one of a kind in SA! Tell us about the beautiful and talented Back on Track Clouny 3. Clouny 3 is a Holstein gelding that is owned by Linda Ellerine. He was originally bought for Rogan Asken who competed on him to1.40m. After Rogan retired from competing I was lucky enough to be offered the ride on him. Clouny at a glance seems calm and docile but is in fact very sensitive, powerful and has a lot of scope. He has an amazing work ethic and loves to please. I truly love competing on him as the size of the jumps doesn’t really matter to him! Clouny, stable name Frikkie, can fit more carrots into his mouth at one time that any other horse I’ve known….. maybe around ten, it’s quite impressive!” What’s the difference between preparing to win Derby and preparing to compete for the first time? I think the difference between being a derby competitor and a derby winner is that if it’s your first time or two, all you really want to do is finish, so you may be happy with 2 or 3 down. As a first attempt this is really good and one can build on it. As a derby winner I think one has complete trust in the horse’s experience of doing it before as well as the rider’s previous experience. The fact that the horse is unlikely to be surprised by anything counts for a lot and allows the rider to focus even more on each jump. The Derby winner also can focus more on wind fitness and doesn’t have to over train all the obstacles before-hand which means that they can arrive at the show feeling fresh!
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UAG SA DERBY 2021
Timetable Wednesday WEDNESDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2021 EAST ARENA 8AM – 10.30AM (HORSE INSPECTION PR, CH, JR, AND ADULT 1.35M -1.50M HORSES/PONIES) 08h00 – 8h30
All Stallions Horse Inspection
08h30 - 10h15
Mares & Geldings
10:15 – 10h30
All Ponies
BOB CHARTER ARENA 11:00AM 11:00
1.1
The UAG Derby 1.35m Competition In 2 Phases (54)
+/-13:15
3.1
The UAG Derby 1.50m Competition In 2 Phases (24)
+/-14:30
2.1
The Derby 1.40m Competition In 2 Phases (29)
STUBBS ARENA 11:00AM 11:00
8.1
The UAG Derby PR1.10/1.15m Competition In 2 Phases (15)
+/-11:40
7.1
The UAG Derby CH1.10m Competition In 2 Phases (10)
+/-12:15
5.1/6.1
The UAG Derby J1.30/1.35m Competition In 2 Phases (18)
+/-13:10
4.1
The UAG Derby A1.30m Competition (48)
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Timetable Thursday THURSDAY 30th SEPTEMBER 2021 BOB CHARTER ARENA 09:00AM 09:00
1.2
The Derby 1.35m Competition (53)
+/-11:50
3.2
The Derby 1.50m Competition (24)
+/-13:15
2.2
The UAG Derby 1.40m Competition (28)
STUBBS ARENA 9.00AM 09:00
4.2
The UAG Derby A1.30m A2 Competition (48)
+/-10:50
5.2/6.2
The UAG Derby J1.30/1.35m Competition (18)
+/- 12:00
7.2
The UAG Derby CH1.10m Competition (10)
+/-12:30
8.2
The UAG Derby PR1.10/1.15m Competition (15)
14:00
Showing (Please see separate timetable)
MAY FOXCROFT ARENA DRESSAGE: Please see separate riding times
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UAG SA DERBY 2021
Timetable Friday FRIDAY 1st OCTOBER 2021 BOB CHARTER ARENA 9.00AM 09:00
4.3
The UAG Derby 1.30m Competition In 2 Phases (48)
+/-10:50
5.3
The UAG Derby J1.30/1.35m A2 Competition (18)
+/-11:40
2.3
The UAG Derby 1,40m A2 Competition (30)
+/-12:50
3.3
The Derby 1.50m A2 Competition (24)
+/-14:00
7.3
The UAG Derby CH1.10m A2 Competition (10)
+/-14:30
8.3
The UAG Derby PR1.10/1.15m A2 Competition (15)
MAY FOXCROFT ARENA DRESSAGE Please see separate riding times
STUBBS ARENA Showing (Please see separate timetable)
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Timetable Saturday SATURDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2021 BOB CHARTER ARENA 9.00AM 09:00
1.3
The UAG Derby 1.35m A2 Competition (52)
+/-11:00
4.4
The UAG Derby A 1.30m Derby Championship (48)
14:00
2.4
The 2021 UAG 1.40m Mini Derby (Top 35)
MAY FOXCROFT ARENA DRESSAGE Please see separate riding times H3
The 2021 Mini Dressage Derby
H6
The 2021 Dressage Derby
STUBBS ARENA 9.00AM 09:00
8.4
The 2021 UAG PR1.10/1.15m SA Derby (15)
+/-10:15
7.4
The 2021 UAG CH1.10m SA Derby (10)
+/-11:15
5.4/6.4
The UAG J1.30/1.35m SA Derby (18)
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Timetable Sunday SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 BOB CHARTER ARENA 09:30 09:45
The 2021 Micro Derby Course Walk 1.4
The 2021 UAG 1.35m Micro Derby (Top 45)
12:45
UAG Jets Fly Over (The 2021 UAG Derby celebration)
13:00
The 2021 UAG South African Derby Course Walk for competitors
13:25
Horse Parade led by the pipe band and 2021 PR, CH & JR Derby Winners & 2021 Top 24 SA Derby Competitors
13:40
The 2021 UAG South African Derby Course Walk for Sponsors with the Course Builder
13:50
KPC Chairman Vote of thanks
13:55 14:00
Horse Prayer & SA National Anthem 3.4
16:00
The 2021 United Aviation Group South African Derby (Top 24) Derby Prize winners’ presentations
MCHARDY ARENA 17:00
Official Derby Celebration (Only derby attendees)
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Hall of Fame Previous winners of this prestigious event include the brilliant and the brave of the show jumping world, and reads like a veritable who’s who of the SA equestrian world. Whether it’s a favourite horse that we have watched, starry eyed as it soared over impossible fences, or an admired rider that we saw swoop in and take first place, there isn’t one amongst us who can say they haven’t dreamed of being on this list themselves. 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982
Beauheira E Hayward Geronimo Gert Myberg Eldorado Gonda Butters Esprit Peter Levor Major Dominus Phillip Smith Torch Sign Mickey Louw Torch Sign Mickey Louw Torch Sign Mickey Louw Take a Chance Tony Lewis Lobil King Cole Wendy Grayston Toyota’s Charlie’s Swop Peter Gotz Prima’s Format Gonda Betrix Epol Xenophon Mickey Louw Toyota Tambourlaine Janine Myburg Elizabeth Anne’s Honey Girl Gonda Betrix Elizabeth Anne’s Honey Girl Gonda Betrix Toyota Dress Suit Janine Myburg Compass Line Errol Wucherpfennig Royal Swazi Spa Bye & Bye Lachlan Maclachlan Ascot Fever Willie Peters Storm Finch Anneli Wucherpfennig Jongleur Tony Lewis
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Bischoff High Hopes Lester Sander Billy Onduno L. Cpl. Wayne Dale Sagorin’s Isis Bridge Gonda Betrix Toyota Gossiper Peter Gotz Bye & Bye Gail Foxcoft Cognac Anne Marie Esslinger Sentinel High Hopes Ronnie Lawrence Babcock Africa’s Bye & Bye Gail Foxcroft AAA Watchfire Gonda Betrix Audi Storm Finch Anneli Wucherpfennig Gestetner’s Blue Rock Bryce McCall Noble Cut Peter Gotz Avis Panache Ronnie Lawrence Equi Feeds Rival Steven Chalom TBC Checkpoint Barry Taylor Mid Tempest Shirley Kemp Not Held Fubu Sunday’s Eagle Barry Taylor Listor Mandy Johnstone Avis Ella Lynne Piercy Porsche SA Avalanche Barry Taylor Porsche SA Avalanche Barry Taylor CPH Lindenburg Gail Foxcroft
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2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ryobi Napoleon Z Ronnie Lawrence Greet a Star Lorette Knowles-Taylor Equilibrium’s Warrangal P Lisa Williams A New Era Jade Hooke Avis Gryphon Rouge Ronnie Lawrence A New Era Jade Hooke Capital Don Cumarco Nicole Horwood Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco Nicole Horwood Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco Nicole Horwood Alzu Oregon Anne Marie Esslinger Mark White Nissan’s Capital Don Cumarco Nicole Horwood Sunny Park Elpaso Nicola Sime Riley Kelly O Connor Hera van de Bien Rainer Korber Back on Track’s Clouny 3
UAG SA DERBY
Barry Taylor The famous Barry Taylor needs no introduction. A showjumper of over 40 years, himself a four time Derby winner (1997, 2000, 2003,2004), recipient of National colours in 1985 and then Protea colours again in 2006, Barry has won over 50 Grand Prix titles and has been a stalwart of the South African riding community for decades. His list of accolades are as impressive as they are long! • South African Showjumping Championship Winner 2000, 2003 • Ranked No 1 SA Showjumper 1999 – 2002, 2004, 2005 • Winner of the South African Outdoor Grand Prix a whopping 9 times, the most recent being in 2011 • Winner South African League FEI World Cup Series numerous times • Show Jumper of the Year (5 times) • World Equestrian Games in Aachen 2006 • Riders Tour Grand Prix Series Winner 2004 • Grand Prix Rider of the Year 2005 • Presidents Cup Winner 4 times including years 2001, 2003 • Winner of 12 World Cup Qualifiers over the years, the most recent being in Polokwane in 2012 & 2014 • Winner of 12 World Cup Qualifiers over the years, the most recent being in Polokwane in 2012 & 2014 • British Gentlemen’s Championship Winner, Royal Windsor Horse Show, UK 1998 • Placed 11th – All England Jumping Derby, Hickstead, UK, 2005 • Runner-up at the Presidents Cup 2011 • Winner of the Adult SA Outdoor Grand Prix at the Nissan Easter Festival 2011 • Winner of Mini Derby 4 times most recently in 2011 • Consistently ranked in the Top 10 Riders in South Africa. • Runner up SA Showjumping Champs 2013 • Runner up Presidents Cup 2013 • Runner up World Cup – South African League runner 2014 • Winner of the Grand Prix of Zimbabwe at Harare show 2014 • Winner of the Victor Ludorum in the 1.50m’s at the SA Derby 2014 Barry runs a professional show-jumping yard, Farnham Stables, in Johannesburg with his wife Lorette, and he continues to train and compete.
Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which have you must enjoyed jumping the Derby track on and why? Avalanche was the best Derby horse I had, winning it twice and being placed in the Hickstead Derby as well. He had unlimited scope and loved the big bold Derby jumps. The second year he won was my perfect Derby round.
AVALANCHE WAS THE BEST DERBY HORSE I HAD, WINNING IT TWICE AND BEING PLACED IN THE HICKSTEAD DERBY AS WELL. HE HAD UNLIMITED SCOPE AND LOVED THE BIG BOLD DERBY JUMPS. THE SECOND YEAR HE WON WAS MY PERFECT DERBY ROUND.
You’ve been a great coach to some talented competitors at Derby, How do you prepare them for Derby – both the mental and physical aspect of the show? Training to win the Derby and training just to compete in the Derby are two different things. To win the Derby I believe it begins at Easter time at the Easter Festival in the same arena. You need to get a couple of good World Cup classes under your belt to get used to bigger jumps and then the month before, training all the tricky jumps like the banks, dyke, etc. A lot of people think some miracle is going to happen on the day, but it doesn’t. It takes a good Derby horse and rider with meticulous planning.
Although Barry will not be competing in this year’s event, he kindly agreed to answer some questions around the much-loved South African Derby!
What’s the one piece of advice you would share with someone competing for the first time this year? If you make a mistake or knock an early jump, put it behind you and keep concentrating. It’s a long way around the course and the sooner you forget, the better round you will have.
You’ve seen Derby evolve over the years. If you were to compare the horses and riders that you competed against 20 years ago with those who are in the ring now, what do you think is the biggest change in terms of the competition? The Derby at Inanda Club was amazing and very testing in its own way. I competed at both venues and I think I was the only person to have won the Derby at both venues. The greats of those years (Gonda, Micky, Peter Gotz) and their horses would be great today. I think the poles are lighter now, so you would need a more careful horse, but at Inanda, the jumps overall were bigger and the ground very undulating.
If this is the answer, what’s the question? The wall: Big jump, but not one of my worry jumps. Dancing at 2am: In my youth, definitely. Something I would never do! Skydiving. I am petrified of heights The dyke: Trick jump. You just need to be accurate. The thing dreams are made of! A fantastic young horse.
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Nicole Riley Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I’ve been riding since I was 5, began my competitive career in juniors and jumped 90/1m I started riding with the great Gonda Betrix at the age of 19. I have produced many open horses and 5 into the 1.50/1.60 grade. Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. • Indoor Grand Prix, • Presidents Cup 4 times, (2 back to back each time) • Outdoor GP twice back to back • World Cup twice • Derby • South African Champs twice • Have coached 4 students winning FEI gold, in ponies, children’s and Adult’s . We have travelled to the Finals where I have received Protea colours for coaching. Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? Fulvic Connoissuer and possibly Eagles Lazer What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? It’s a totally different event to any other in the year, it tests the horse and riders fitness, endurance and focus. It’s a long track including 2 big steps, a dyke with 3 jumps, a bank, a table top and a St Andrews cross which are not in our normal shows throughout the rest of the year. Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? My horse Elpaso, he’s careful and is so keen to jump whatever is put in front of him, he’s such a fun horse who loved his job and would still jump today if I asked him to… He is sadly retiring his jumping career at this year’s Derby due to old age and a stifle injury. Describe the first time you jumped Derby, how did it feel to ride into the arena that day? The first time I was nervous and went and sat in my car with earphones in relaxing before the main event, it’s got to be the most prestigious event to ride in, with a full crowded grandstand all round, there is a hype and excitement that is like no other show and the horses pick up on it. It was one of the most exhilarating days of my life and we went round the track with a few fences down, but we saw the finish which was just amazing. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Outrides: Haha, I don’t do them anymore. I always come back horseless doing the walk of shame LOL mine are all too naughty! The Stone Wall: Luckily it’s after the water so it’s normally a related distance. That is unless your horse jumps into the water, then you have to make a decision - canter up and get going or wait for the extra. The Water: You have to have a strong ride into the water to make the width but then you have to get them back onto their hocks to sit and push over the 1.67m wall. It can be a tricky jump if you’re not on a good take off distance. That is my dream! I always like to say it’s a REAL privilege to ride these majestic creatures who are strong and have their own minds. They allow us to get on their backs and steer them over big jumps and put their faith in us. They amaze me every day. I just love it! Best thing ever!
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Lorette Taylor Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: Wife to Barry and Mom to Ashlee. Together Barry and I own and manage Farnham Stables. I’m a Virgo and will shortly turn 46 years old. I’m a Protea show jumper. My first ever Derby was at Inanda in 1998, as was my first ever World Cup qualifier. Both were jumped on my little 15.2h thoroughbred chestnut mare, Rhythm of the Wind. I’ve been lucky enough to ride many talented horses since her - each one making me a better rider and horsewoman. Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? Amor Warande Z is my ‘big’ horse but I’m still undecided whether he will jump the big one or the Mini derby this year. You have been a Derby regular for some years now. What do you think makes Derby an event that has stood the test of time? I think you benchmark your ability as a show jumper on how well you do in the Derby - the year I won it, I felt like I’d finally ‘arrived’ (never mind that I had already represented SA). And certainly the crowds that attend Derby Sunday add to the magic of the class - it’s fabulous jumping for packed stands! Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which have you must enjoyed jumping the Derby track on and why? That would have to be Greet a Star - my Derby winner. At the time I never realised how easily he cantered around the course to jump clear. It’s a daunting, and extremely long track and that little dark bay thoroughbred cantered around like it was a 1.20m track. It’s never been quite as easy on any of my other horses since, not even on the 2.05m 6-bar specialist, Nabab Forever who was on the podium the 2 years I rode him. How do you prepare yourself and your horses for Derby? At least 3 months before the show, the horses’ cardio is increased - we have a canter track on our next door property which is about 800m. The horses usually do track work once a week as a general program. If we are training for Derby we will add at least one extra track day and the canter work will be increased. I try and get to the gym to do cardio in prep for my derby ride. Pre COVID I would usually gym at least twice a week, and then for Derby prep I would try and get there 4 times a week. This year I have been with a Biokineticist all year which has really helped my strength (as well my online yoga classes) but will need to physically get into the gym to do some cross trainer work too. If you weren’t a showjumper what sport would you do? I love to walk - so hiking or mountain biking. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! The St Johns Cross: Daunting jump if you have a horse that hangs his legs. Jogging: Not my forte. Something I would never try/ do! Sky diving! The water jump: Very easy to fall in! The thing I am most excited to still do! Visit the gorillas.
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Michelle Maine Flemming Describe your Derby routine on the day of the event (for yourself and your horse). I wake up early and meditate before getting out of bed. I will go and work Chogori for a few minutes in the morning, just making sure all the buttons are in place and to loosen up his body. I eat a good breakfast and arrive early at the show. I then find a quiet spot to park and listen to meditation music, breathing in calm and blanking out all the outside noise. I visualise the course a few last times, and then a feeling of excitement creeps in and I’m ready to go!
Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I started riding pretty much as soon as I could walk, when my mom used to go for her Sunday morning breakfast rides. However, I only started formal riding lessons at age 14 when my parents agreed to let me start competing. I always dreamed of riding at the top level, and in 2002, I started training with Barry Taylor at Farnham Stables. He took me on as a scared 1.20m rider, and helped me achieve my dream of riding 1.50m. I start each morning at 7am and train before work. I am fortunate that I run my own business, a manufacturing plant making colourants for plastics, so I am able to juggle my sport around my career. I also have 2 young children, so life gets pretty busy, but I consider myself so fortunate to do what I love.
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? Any sports person will tell you that your body is just the means to an end - winning is 100% in your mind. My biggest challenge is to believe in my ability and not to doubt myself. My favourite quote is from Nick Skelton – on the rare occasion that he misjudges a fence, he jokes “I didn’t miss, the jump moved!”. He is so sure of his own ability - a quality all great sports people possess.
Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. As an amateur rider, competing against the pro’s is quite challenging! I won the 1.40m SA Champs in 2016, placed 3rd in Mini Derby, and won a 1.50m qualifier at the President’s Cup in 2018. I have built up a string of quality horses, and I feel like I’m just getting started – so hopefully my list of titles will grow in the years to come!
What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? The tradition of Derby day, with the pipe band, the feeling of spring, and the crowds all add to the sense of occasion. The crowds will be really missed this year, their encouragement shifts every rider into a new gear. It is every rider’s dream to win, and the pinnacle of decades of training. The most important part of the Derby is procuring a headline sponsor, without which the event would not be possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan Wolpe and United Aviation for giving our sport a massive shot in the arm. The whole industry truly appreciates your generosity, especially in such uncertain times.
Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? PlastiColors Masterbatch Chogori will be my ride again this year. He partnered me around my first big Derby in 2019, and I trust him implicitly. He is everything you could wish for in a Derby horse – scopey, brave, careful and gallant. He is a unicorn – and I never take a moment on his back for granted. What kind of preparation/ training have you been doing to face the formidable Derby this year, and get your horses ready? We have already started increasing our horse’s fitness work. We take them to a gallop track twice a week to ‘blow’ their lungs and do interval training. The biggest challenge of the Derby is its length, and a tired horse won’t be able to fight for you towards the end of the course. After the Shongweni World Cup, we will start training the Derby obstacles. In my first Derby year, Barry trained each obstacle until Chogori and I were sure that we both knew exactly what to do at each ‘funny’. Horses are really smart, and generally remember the obstacles in subsequent years, so this year we will focus on our weak points and keep Chogori fit. Rider fitness is equally important, and not just for the Derby. Chogori is a big horse, he is over 18 hands and lazy! So as a small lady, I always need to be fit and strong to keep him connected and forward. I run 3-4 times per week, and I also have a biokineticist twice a week who helps me with my own body strength and improving my balance.
If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Flatwork: Success at all levels! The Oxer: The plain white oxers are difficult to judge. Something I would never try/ do! Eventing! The Water: Chogori thinks he only needs to jump the box! That is my dream! Jumping WEG one day.
What mental tools do you use to cope with the pressure of riding at this top level? It’s not just about the competition – horse sport is an emotional roller coaster, and you need to be mentally tough to cope with the highs and the lows. It is really difficult to focus on riding at a big event when you have a business and children to juggle. Several weeks before the show, I start thinking about the objectives for that event, and each morning before training, I envisage the outcome. The day before the show, I start quieting my brain, so that I arrive at the event with a clear mind. Once the show starts, I switch off all my emails and solely focus on my job at hand. Derby is unique in that you know what the course will be beforehand. I start visualising the course weeks before, so on the big day, I can just ride in the moment and the technical demands are already ingrained in my psyche. You’ve seen a number of Derby horses over the years, if you could choose one horse to jump the track on, who would it be and why? I wouldn’t swop my Chog for the world! I believe he is the ultimate Derby horse, with every quality to win. However, no one could forget Don Cumarco and his record breaking 4 wins. He just loved showing off for the crowd and grew into a world beater when he entered the arena. I think that’s the most important quality of a Derby horse – a real fighter with big match temperament.
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Anne Marie What technical advice would you give to riders jumping this course for the first time? This is not technical riding – it’s a case of correct preparation, fitness, focus and courage
Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I’ve been around horses most of my life (my mother bred Arabian horses) and we kept horses at home. I started jumping in my 20’s after doing a lot of dressage, showing and equitation. I have loved earning a living from my passion, and am still enjoying competing, coaching and course designing at all levels.
Have you seen the new United Aviation Group branded jumps that are being included this year? Are they scary? In my opinion, they are smart, classical and only moderately scary – but you never know what the horses think until they approach the fences!
You’re the course designer for Derby this year, as you have been for a few years now, will you be competing as well, and if so will we be seeing you on Alzu Oregon? I won’t be riding since regulations now forbid the course designer from participating, but also because I do not have a top horse at present – I retired Oregon earlier this year – he has been a champion, winning 2 World Cup Qualifiers as well as the Derby for me (I purchased him as a 3 year old) and he deserves a lovely relax in a big grass paddock!
Fun questions: If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! The bank: Money, money, money! 5am mornings: Nice in summer Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving The dyke: Not the worst, but beware the devil at the bottom! The thing dreams are made of! Summer mornings, long walks in beautiful Nature, smelling my horses’ noses, good times with good friends and family, travel, successes, adventures!
How has being the course designer changed your view of this event over the last few years? It hasn’t! This is the oldest, most traditional event in the world and I always aspired to participate in it when I started show jumping, not dreaming I might win it at 2nd attempt…
THIS IS NOT TECHNICAL RIDING – IT’S A CASE OF CORRECT PREPARATION, FITNESS, FOCUS AND COURAGE
Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which have you most enjoyed jumping the Derby track on and why? I have made 11 starts in the Derby through my whole career on 5 horses. I enjoyed every round (though scared!) and am impressed with my successes: 2 wins, a 3rd and I came in 4th twice.
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Carl Boonzaaier Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I started riding when I went to high school, and then after school I went to the UK for 2 years to go and ride there. I eventually came back to study in South Africa, then went back to Europe to ride for another year. I now have my own yard in Glenferness in Johannesburg. Who will you be competing on for Derby Main Class this year? And are you entering other classes? I will be competing on Callaho Casparon, owned by the Callaho Warmblood Stud in the main Derby and Callaho Luc du Ayenne, owned by Tjaart Kruger in the Micro Derby. What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? Derby is magical because of the spectators and the amazing atmosphere that they create. In addition the type of jumps we do in Derby makes it different as they are so varied from the normal fences we do throughout the year. The size of the jumps is also really imposing, and presents a true test for both horses and riders. Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? Even though Callaho Casparon is not always the easiest horse to ride, I would choose him again as he gives me an unbelievable feeling of endless scope and he clears the fences with ease. Describe the first time you jumped Derby, how did it feel to ride into the arena that day? My first Derby was on Cardoso WH. The atmosphere was electric and it was a dream come true to jump around the Derby as I use to sit next to the Derby arena every year wishing to also jump around the track one day I will always remember my first Derby! Please can you include a list of achievements/ winnings/ titles for us to add. Winner of the Burlington Cup 2012 on Cardoso Wh. 2nd place in the Mini Derby on Dino 2014. 3rd place at the 2019 Derby on Callaho Casparon with my best friend Ray Korber, standing next to me in 1st place. Winner of the Burlington Cup 2020 on Callaho Casparon. Joint Winner on Callaho Casparon of the Masters at the Riders Series 2020 together with the great Jonathan Clarke which was a honour for me. Winner of the Reonet Grand Prix on Callaho Casparon 2021. 2nd place at the Shongweni WCQ 2021 on Callaho Casparon with two amazing riders on the podium, Lisa Williams and Dominey Alexander, another honour for me. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Show jumping/ Eventing/ dressage: Eventing – what an amazing adrenalin rush to gallop around a big track! The Table Top: I don’t mind that jump. Something I would never try/ do! I would never give up. I always try again. The Dyke: Needs to be ridden with accuracy, precision and balance and needs a lot of training.
DERBY IS MAGICAL BECAUSE OF THE SPECTATORS AND THE AMAZING ATMOSPHERE THAT THEY CREATE. 29
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Will you be competing at Derby this year and if so on which horse/ horses? I am planning on competing at the Derby. With that being said you never know what the future holds.
Ashlee Healy
Has Derby always been on your ‘to do’ list as a rider and if so why? Not Necessarily. Obviously I love the hype and the big crowds which is why I always want to compete but I am quite nervous to do the Derby to be honest as I have only competed successfully on one horse, Quinsey. I’m hoping that once I have done the course on another horse I will change my tune!
Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: My name is Ashlee Healy. I am a Financial Planner for Discovery as well as a director of our new feed company HH Feeds. I just turned 30 and am a new mom! I started riding when I was 7 years old and have been addicted since then. I have competed all my life only recently taking a short break while I was pregnant.
Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? Quinsey was an absolute master and taught me everything, I loved jumping the Derby on him as he gave me so
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much confidence. Eldo is the only horse at the moment that I would like to jump the Derby track on as I would like to prove to myself that I am capable of doing it on another horse.
better rider because I am so grateful for every moment I have in the saddle! I also want to make Tommy proud and for him to see his mom be successful, so I think that he has had an incredibly positive effect on my riding.
Describe the first horse/ pony you rode that made you fall in love with the sport. The first horse I rode was a horse called Ebony. I rode her on the beach at Zimbali Golf Estate when I was 7 and since then I have been hooked. My parents brought me home and I started riding at Glover Paddocks riding school. Shortly after that my parents bought me my first pony, Snow Dancer.
If this is the answer, what’s the question?: Summer afternoons: Best time for a nice glass of wine filled with ice! The Bank (as in the jump at the Derby): Something I never get to practice! Something I would never try/ do! : Shark Cage Diving….or anything to do with being underwater for that matter! The perfect way to spend a day: Riding in the morning and spending the afternoon with friends and family The stuff dreams are made of! What is it like to ride Eldo?
Has becoming a mom (congratulations!) changed the way you ride or had an impact on your riding at all? To be honest I think it’s made me a
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Desiree Davidson If you could jump the Derby track on any horse from any time period who would the horse be and why? What a question! Honestly, I couldn’t imagine tackling the Derby on any horse other than Le Cadeau. We know each other, we trust each other, and what an honour to share another first with him.
Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: My name is Desiree Davidson and I’m a 37-year-old IT professional and Mom. Riding and horses have been a passion since I was a little girl, and my family – although not horsey themselves – have always been incredibly supportive. I juggle a very busy life trying to fit my riding in around my wonderful children as well as my dream job as a Delivery Lead in the IT sector with Mint Group. My best friend Helen and her mom are probably mostly to blame for my introduction to show jumping as a Junior. I started lessons with her when I was about 13 at Inanda Country Club – the original Derby venue – and since then I have always aspired to be good enough to ride at that level and in the Derby specifically.
Do you have a favourite round/ Derby winner from previous years, and if so what made the round special for you? Without a doubt Lindenburg with Gail Foxcroft. I was just starting in the sport when Gail was jumping him in the top ranks – I think he was a favourite for a lot of youngsters dreaming of the big leagues! That stallion had such an awesome personality and I always marvelled at the relationship he and Gail shared. You could just see from the moment they arrived in the ring that they loved each other and were having the most fun possible.
Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. Being a non-professional in the sport and having only one competitive horse, I can’t say that I hold a mass of titles. I won the FEI Gold Tour World Jumping Challenge many moons ago with a plucky TB x Boerperd named Tropical Storm. I’ve won a few Championships included a 1.30m at the Revil WCQ, but I would have to say that my biggest achievement has been getting to the top level of the sport in South Africa. That is something I have always dreamed of, and this year after a lot of hard work, that dream became a reality!
If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Flatwork: Fitness, flexibility and strength start with flatwork. The Oxer: I would pick a big oxer over a tall vertical any day of the week! Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving! My farrier would disagree. The Water: LC has been trying to teach me how to ride this. I seem to miss every time! That is my dream! The Derby!! My lifelong dream has been to compete in this event!!!
Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? Tell us about him/her. My partner-in-crime is a spectacular warmblood gelding named Le Cadeau, bred by the Callaho Stud. He is by Lissabon, out of a Heartbreaker mare. My dad got a touch over excited at an auction in 2014 and bought him. I hadn’t tried him and wasn’t really looking for a horse at the time. He’s absolutely the best horse I’ve ever sat on in every sphere. I’m so lucky to have been on this journey with him for the last 7 years, from the farm to 1.50m! It’s our first year in the big classes. LC is absolutely beautiful inside and out. A big chestnut with a white blaze and white stockings, he gets attention everywhere he goes. On top of that, he has massive scope and is incredibly brave. Sitting on him gives me such confidence because he never wavers on the approach to any jump – you just know that he’s going to try for you no matter what. As if a horse could possibly get any better, he is also the ultimate gentleman. I’ve never met a horse who is easier to deal with. He is gentle, kind and loves to cuddle.
YOU COULD JUST SEE FROM THE MOMENT THEY ARRIVED IN THE RING THAT THEY LOVED EACH OTHER AND WERE HAVING THE MOST FUN POSSIBLE.
What kind of preparation/ training have you been doing to face the formidable Derby this year, and get your horses ready? I like to think that running after my kids keeps me relatively fit! Other than that, and riding, I don’t have much time to do anything else for my own fitness. Every now and then I dust off my rowing machine, but I’m not sure if dusting counts toward fitness. In addition, I have been watching as many Derby videos as I can to wrap my head around the course. For LC, I’ve been focussing on getting his cardio fitness up. We’ve been taking him to the track to get in some hill and gallop work, and will also go to a few different venues with Derby-type obstacles to practice over as we get closer to the show. As a rider what makes the Derby a unique event for you and your horses? Derby really is a special event. I love how it appeals to the equestrian community as well as to the non-horsey public. There is always an electric atmosphere and incredible excitement around it. The type of course and jumps are quite different to what we face in the smaller fibre arenas. There’s a different type of guts required to take on a course like this.
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Jan Kleynhans Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I’m 57, a qualified CA(SA) and have been in the banking and business sectors since I qualified. After a long break of 27 years I got back into show jumping 10 years ago. I started riding at Inanda Club and the old Grayston Stables as a child, and finally jumped my first A Grade horse in 1985 as a 21 year old. I stopped riding soon after to complete my studies, then took it up again in 2012. Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. I haven’t won anything of note but completed my first Derby in 2019 (with12 faults) and recently I completed my first World Cup Champs at Shongweni Club, placing 8th with a clear round and one time fault. I won a few 1.40 classes a few years ago in my wife’s horse Callaho Con Quito. Q3: Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? I’ll be competing in EquiConnect Chilliwack What kind of preparation/ training have you been doing to face the formidable Derby this year, and get your horses ready? This year I’ve competed at Stokkiesdraai shows including SA Champs (where I was placed 4th in the first 1.45 class) then recently at Shongweni WCQ. These shows have got Chilliwack jumping fit and ready for bigger jumps. I usually hack him out often and ride him twice a day sometimes as he is now very fit and strong and gets fresh very easily. What mental tools do you use to cope with the pressure of riding at this top level? I’ve learned to manage my breathing by slowing it down when I get nervous and I focus on my canter rhythm when warming up as well as my body position to make sure I’m riding correctly. I try to stay tall and make sure I ride lightly. Thinking about what I’m doing with my body helps me get my mind focussed. You’ve seen a number of Derby horses over the years, if you could choose one horse to jump the track on, who would it be and why? Gonda owned a brilliant mare called Honey Girl back in the 80’s. I would’ve been too big for her but she was arguably the best Derby horse I’d ever seen. Barry Taylor had a wonderful horse called Powerforce and he would have to be second choice. More recently I’d say Gold Rush ridden by Shaun Neil would be another horse I’d loved to have ridden. Describe your Derby routine on the day of the event (for yourself and your horse). I’ve only done one Derby, so that day I spent nearly an hour just chatting to my amazing horse Chilliwack where I told him about the course and what to expect from each jump. Then about an hour before I chatted to my wonderful wife and spoke about what a big day it was and how much fun it was going to be to ride my first big Derby. Lastly I then sat in my truck just before we walked the course to calm and slow my mind down and focussed on slowing my breathing. It was a good first attempt so I think it worked well in the end. Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? Attitude is everything! Never mind winning, just to compete at this level you have to ONLY have positive thoughts! To trust and believe in yourself, to imagine yourself riding and going around the course, and to believe that you and your horse together can take on the challenge as a team. What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? The tradition and history of Derby is unique, it seems to be the one event anyone who dreams of riding at the top level strives to do, at least once. It takes a very special, brave and strong horse to be willing to go over some of the more intimidating and scary obstacles. If your horse is brave, it helps the rider to be brave. And then there is the fact that even getting around the whole course is an unbelievable experience, doesn’t matter how many faults you have, as the crowd support combined with the overall Bob Charter experience is just wonderful. The horses seem to rise to the occasion and they seem to enjoy the excitement just as much as the riders. If this is the answer, what’s the question? So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say ‘My least favourite time of day’! Flatwork: Critical to successful show jumping! Oxer: Nothing feels better than flying over a big fence. Something I’d never do: Olympics XC! The Water: Once your horse has jumped it, stop practicing it. That is my dream: To win the Derby.
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Jeanne Korber Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I grew up in Stellenbosch and developed a passion for horses and show jumping at a young age. I moved up to Johannesburg at 19 yrs old for a gap year to explore the show jumping competition circuit a bit before starting my studies. Little did I know that this would just further ignite my passion and determination to become a top show jumper! Who will you be competing on for Derby this year, and what outcome are you hoping for? I will be competing on Style Fragrance’s Callaho Lexington. It is our first time competing in the big Derby so we will just be hoping to see the finish with a good confident round! I am also riding Your Perfect Africa’s La Mina Z in the Mini Derby. Is it a good or bad thing being married to last year’s winner? Any additional pressure, or inside info that you think help or hinder your prep? Ray has loads of experience with the Derby so he gives me a lot of confidence and re-assurance that I will be ok There is always extra pressure for this show as the Derby is the main event on the calendar with more spectators than any other show and I think most show jumpers dream of competing in the Derby one day. Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? Definitely Lexington as we know each other so well and he is brave, scopey and genuine! I have ridden/produced Lex for 6 years now so I really trust and know him.
DEFINITELY LEXINGTON AS WE KNOW EACH OTHER SO WELL AND HE IS BRAVE, SCOPEY AND GENUINE! There is that special horse we have or ride when we start out, the one that makes us fall in love with riding and horses and this whole equine world. What horse was that for you? I had a wonderful thoroughbred called Formaxe, which I had from when he was 4 yrs old and I was 12 yrs old. We had the best times together from playing games on pony camps, to attempting eventing (he did not like this at all), to having races on the farm with friends and then also starting with show jumping. He really loved to jump which is what started my passion for show jumping! We had a great junior career and then moved to Johannesburg where we eventually competed in the big classes together. He took me around my first SA Championships, Grand Prixs, World Cups etc and we did the Mini Derby twice, but unfortunately we never got to do the big Derby as he passed away just before in 2006. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Midnight: Sleeping The Bank: Very scary Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving The Dyke: Sit up!! That is my dream! To win Derby
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Grant Langley Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I currently live in Summerveld KZN. I am the owner of Foresyte Stud and Langley Equestrian where we breed the most beautiful horses and train riders. It’s a lovely part of the world. I have a great team with whom I ride daily. Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. I have won the World Cup at Revil and the GP there and placed in many others on various self-produced horses. I took the six bar at Easter Festival. My greatest love and achievement however, is producing young horses and working with the tricky ones. Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? Foresyte Bengston. A horse I bred, (I competed on both his sire and dam as well). He is an embryo transfer foal done by Carla at Equis Vet Practice. He is feisty but I love his spunk. I will also probably be riding another horse I bred in the smaller classes, Foresyte Buck Rogers. What kind of preparation/ training have you been doing to face the formidable Derby this year, and get your horses ready? It’s difficult to do proper Derby training with the show calendar having been so full, so I do fitness and just small Derby-type jumps in between. You’ve trained a number of riders over the years to compete at this level. What do you think is the single most important thing a rider needs to consider when they are competing in the likes of the United Derby? Horsemanship. You’ve seen a number of Derby horses over the years, if you could choose one horse to jump the track on, who would it be and why? I would have loved to try one more Derby on a horse I had called Patrick. He ran away with me in two Derby’s, it was terrifying and I would have really liked to get it right with him. He had to retire due to an injury unfortunately. Describe your Derby routine on the day of the event (for yourself and your horse). I do everything I can to stay focused and give my horses the best possible chance of the right preparation for the class. Coming up from KZN you get to see the different horses, the competition etc. Do you think there is a material difference in the horses or level of competition between JHB and KZN? Jhb has a greater numbers of horses and riders BUT KZN has manged to always be consistently up there in the prizes regardless of our smaller numbers. In my opinion our KZN horses also have a much better lifestyle with loads of grass paddocks and rolling hills. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Midnight: Best time for thinking and planning. The Oxer: Bring it on! Something I would never try/ do! Drugs! The Bank: Eish a problem! That is my dream! ≠––To see our equine sports (both racing and competition) having easy export protocols, we can be a force to be reckoned with! SA all the way!
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Tamara Rueda Tell us about the horse that changed the sport for you. My heart horse is Quantas 18. We have aways had a very special partnership from the day that I met her. She’s always been a very special mare, I felt it the second I laid eyes on her six years ago, when I went to ride for a summer with Johan Kachelhoffer. She was a seven year old at the time, and had been with Johan for most of her earlier years. She is a very proud mare, and has always saved her best for the competition arena. I have been lucky enough to have ridden Quantas in both my junior/young rider and adult career. My first big win with Quantas was the junior president’s cup, a couple of months after she had arrived in South Africa, and from then on she has maintained her winning spirit. Who will you be riding on Derby day? The horse I am going to be jumping in the 2021 United Derby is L’adorado FG, a ten year old gelding from Sancho Voerman, that we bought as a 1:30m horse. He is very big and brave and I have had him for three years. It’s taken me a long time to get the hang of him, as his rideability has been a challenge due to him being so different from my other horses. Having said that, he is very brave and I feel that he always has my back in every single arena we’ve ever jumped in. In terms of my expectations, I would love to have a confident round and hopefully safely see the finish for both my horse and myself. And of course to enjoy the experience! What’s do you think is the most intimidating Derby fence? The derby bank is definitely the most intimidating obstacle for me, as neither my horse nor I have ever done it. Also I’d imagine jumping the planks at the bottom is very difficult as it’s very dependent on the jump you get off the bank. I am hoping my horse is going to take the reins on that one.
I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE RIDDEN QUANTAS IN BOTH MY JUNIOR/ YOUNG RIDER AND ADULT CAREER. 40
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Tracey Carney FIRSTLY MY LATE HORSE SKIPPY Z. HE WAS AN ABSOLUTE SHOW-OFF, THE BIGGER THE CROWD THE BETTER HE PERFORMED!
Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: My name is Tracey Carney. I’m proud to be a wife, a mom and a professional Showjumper and trainer. I started riding at the age of 7 at a riding school in Centurion near Pretoria. I have been a work rider for many top riders including Barry Taylor, Ronnie Lawrence, Anneli Wuckerpfennig and the Neill family. I received SA Colours twice when competing at the All Africa Games in Algeria and a Tri-Nations competition in New Zealand. I currently have a small yard, Carney Equestrian, in Randjesfontein, Midrand, which is run by our family. I am also a Director of an Equine sales company called SA Sport Horse Network, which I run with my good friend and business partner, Simon Hendry. Will you be competing at Derby this year and if so on which horse? I will hopefully be competing in the 1.40m (Mini) Derby and the 1.35m (Micro) Derby. In the Mini Derby, I will be competing on my super talented mare Callaho L’Amour. She is a 10 year old, owned by Callaho Stud, which I have had the privilege to produce up through the grades. I will be competing on my very special horse, Locarno Nikita in the Micro Derby. He is very experienced at this level and hopefully will enjoy the atmosphere. What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? There are so many elements that make Derby a magical event. I think most South African Riders dream of crossing the finish line at Derby. It draws an enormous, enthusiastic audience and I believe it is a true test of team work between horse and rider. It requires bravery, trust and hopefully you have luck on your side on the big day! Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? I would have to mention two horses here. Firstly my late horse Skippy Z. He was an absolute show-off, the bigger the crowd the better he performed! He unfortunately did not compete in a big Derby due to soundness issues. Secondly, Callaho L’Amour (Lilly). She is such a brave mare and definitely has big match temperament. She can be quite quirky and she is still very green in the 1.40m level but I am excited to see how she handles this experience. Describe the first horse/ pony you rode that made you fall in love with the sport. My sister had a horse named Apple Country, who lived in our back yard for a short time when we moved from Polokwane to Pretoria. He was so gentle with me, and he and my sister were a huge inspiration to me. If this is the answer, what’s the question?: Midnight: Either party or why can’t I sleep Something I would never try/ do! Sky Dive The water jump: “Don’t splash” That is my dream! Winning the main Derby
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EDITO RS NO With all TE: showju these brave such h mpers jumpin uge g they all fences why a too sca re red sky-div ing, citin to go g fear of heig hts?
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Lisa Williams Tell us a bit about yourself. I grew up in Cape Town and have always had a passion for horses, training horses and competing. I moved to Gauteng approximately 16 years ago to be able to compete as competently and successfully as possible. I won the SA leg of the FEI World Cup Series on Campbell in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which qualified me for the World Equestrian Games, Tryon in 2018 and the FEI World Cup Final, Gothenburg in 2019. At the end of 2017 Campbell and I embarked on an 18 month journey to Europe and USA, after which we came back to RSA (which included 6 months of quarantine). 2021, we are so excited to be back with Derby this year! Who will you be competing on? I’ll be on Campbell for this year’s event. What do you think makes Derby such a magical event? No competition matches the Derby in excitement and anticipation. It is a test of physical, mental and emotional stamina for both horse and rider. It attracts spectators like no other event does and their energy and participation is amazing. The achievement of completing The Derby course is so satisfying and elating. Of all the horses you’ve ever ridden, which would you most like to jump the Derby track on and why? Campbell. He was 2nd last time he jumped The Derby, after a fast jump off. He is brave, kind, scopey and I trust him. Describe the first time you jumped Derby, how did it feel to ride into the arena that day? The excitement and the buzz was electrifying. I had to focus and calm my mind to complete the job at hand. If this is the answer, what’s the question? So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say “My least favourite time of day!” Midnight: Zzzzzzz… The Bank: Eyes up, don’t stop on the top Something I would never try/ do! Skydiving The Dyke: Sit up, whoa!!! That is my dream! The Olympics
NO COMPETITION MATCHES THE DERBY IN EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION. IT IS A TEST OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STAMINA FOR BOTH HORSE AND RIDER. IT ATTRACTS SPECTATORS LIKE NO OTHER EVENT DOES AND THEIR ENERGY AND PARTICIPATION IS AMAZING. 45
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Heather Mostert Please give us a short introduction of yourself and your riding history: I didn’t come from a horsey family but when my brother started riding I took one look at these animals and it was LOVE. I asked to sit on a pony and then refused to get off. That was that, I was hooked and my parents have been long-suffering supporters ever since! I would catch the bus from school every day to the Durban Pony Club to spend the afternoon brushing the ponies, always living in hope that some-one would offer me a ride. When my folks (finally) sat me down to discuss the prospect of getting me a pony, the deal was that I would share it with another girl. After years of waiting for this moment, my answer was a resolute NO! I could not share love. My poor parents eventually relented and so I got to spend some of the happiest years of my life sharing banana sandwiches with Baby Cham. Everybody remembers their first love, and he was undeniably mine, at 8 years old! Please can you list your achievements/ wins/ titles. My greatest achievement was surviving my first riding lesson, I fell of 6 times after horrendously exaggerating my riding prowess. A lesson I learnt from that day, is that what you’ve done in the past has little bearing on the present. Cruise has given me wonderful moments to cherish including winning the Adult Mini Derby, Third in the 1.40 Champs at the easter festival and winner of the 1.40 Reonet WCQ champs at Shongweni Club. Who will you be competing on for Derby this year? Summer Bridge Cruise will be carrying me around my first BIG Derby and will hopefully be forgiving of my mistakes as we navigate our way around this track for the first time. What kind of preparation/ training have you been doing to face the formidable Derby this year, and get your horse ready? I believe that being fit and balanced in my body is one of the biggest contributions I can make to our success, what happens on the day is outside of my control. Yoga, for my mind, running for my aerobic fitness and gym for my strength are an essential part of my program. I will be listening to Jumping podcasts and watching videos of previous derby rounds to try and mentally prepare myself. Cruise’s fitness program will include lots of hill and canter work aside from familiarising ourselves with the Derby funnies. You live in KZN – does the difference in altitude between JHB and Cape Town effect how you prep your horses? Y es – I will arrive in Jhb a minimum of a week before the show so that both Cruise and I can get acclimatized. Why do you think Derby is such a magical event for SA Riders? Walking into the Derby arena is a magical experience in itself. Cruise puffs out his chest and I feel like I’m on a fire-breathing dragon. He absolutely wants to kill the course. I love the open spaces and the fast pace, you get a great rhythm and it’s so exciting to clear a big fence and mentally cross it off your ‘to do’ list – one jump at a time you feel like you conquer the world. I have spent my life idolising the top riders in the country – I have been in awe of how brave they are to tackle those huge jumps, I’m still pinching myself that I’m actually now in the hot bed and will have to do it too – so I’m slightly terrified but very, very proud to be able to compete. Watch out world – we’re coming.
with their fair share of excitable people! The modelling world taught me some invaluable lessons that have translated well in life and that is to keep my cup half full. You can’t be everything to everyone and you can’t let people’s opinions of you get you down. Keep your head down and stay in your own lane. Rise above the armchair critics and you will find lifelong friendships, inspiration and wonder. It’s been a journey but learning to accept myself, and to not judge my mistakes too harshly has been the biggest hurdle – almost bigger than the wall!
You’ve competed in arguably the two most terrifying and bitchy arenas in the world – show-jumping and beauty pageants! Which was harder or fiercer? Smile and wave! There is no denying that both worlds are hard and fierce,
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If this is the answer, what’s the question?: So for example I say 5am in the morning, and you say My least favourite time of day! Show Jumping: Red jacket! The Stone Wall: Over, under or through. Something I would never try/ do! Nothing. I’m always IN. The Oxer: A good, forward distance That is my dream! Back to the red jacket….
SMILE AND WAVE! THERE IS NO DENYING THAT BOTH WORLDS ARE HARD AND FIERCE, WITH THEIR FAIR SHARE OF EXCITABLE PEOPLE! 47
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Oscar Ncube Kind, dedicated, committed, a true horseman – all terms that we have heard used to describe Oscar Ncube. Derby rider, Linrowe Stables co-owner, fiancé to Catherin McFarlane, dad to Kobe and Seanna, coach to riders and now a proud member of the sponsored United Aviation Group Equestrian Team. Oscar began his journey to the Derby when he leaped aboard a pony in a paddock at his mom’s place of work, at around the age of 5. Sans saddle, bridle or any good sense, he was able to hang on and ride up and down the paddock finding his balance and his true love at the same time. Unbeknown to him, the pony’s owner, Linda Rowe, was watching and when he finally dismounted, instead of giving him the bollocking most owners would have dished out, she decided to teach the obviously talented youngster instead. Oscar went on to learn to ride, taking part in gymkhanas, learning the basics of flatwork and show jumping and letting his deep affection for horses grow. At this point we could do the easy thing and say ‘and the rest is history’ glossing over the hard times to talk about the fantastic rider Oscar is today, but to do that is to make his story look easy, when in fact it’s been hard as hell. With the unfortunate passing of his patron Linda, and the fire of a passionate love for horses burning in his soul, Oscar, with little means, set about trying to find a way to be close to these majestic animals he loved so much. Working as a groom, work-riding, offering to bring on young horses, very often for little or no money, Oscar moved around the country just trying to make ends meet and be close to the horses. There is a heart-breaking story that Oscar is, understandably, reluctant to share. Applying to a yard in Cape Town for a position as a work rider the owner declined Oscar without even letting him onto a horse, saying they had no open positions. While Oscar was getting a drink however, another young rider arrived and was interviewed on the spot, underlining some of the struggles Oscar would continuously face while trying to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the riding world. Perhaps that’s why Oscar is such an empathic coach today. Years of struggling to be taken seriously as a rider have opened his heart to other riders who may not have come from a traditionally competitive background. How many other coaches at this level have, for example, trained and ridden as a stunt rider as Oscar did in George? This period of his life may not have taught him traditional show jumping skills, but it did give him a fantastic grounding in how to hold his vodka and swear in Russian, as well as sword-fighting skills and inventive ways to fall off his horses without necessarily hurting himself. Moving back to Johannesburg when the stunt-riding work ended, Oscar was at a loss until an offer came up in Cape Town with the Saunders family, and so it was off to Cape Town as a work rider, and then back to George again, ultimately only to return to Johannesburg three years later, and a position at Roger Hessan. It is from here that Oscar’s story is better known. Working at Erika Pretorius’s yard as well as Barry Taylor, sponsorship from Nissan and earning his way up the grades and into our collective consciousness as riders in South Africa. But not for one moment has this been a Cinderella story, where at some point a wand was waved and everything magically became easy. When people comment to Oscar that he’s lucky, or how quickly this success has come, Oscar just smiles, because he knows that he’s put in the work, every step of the way to make this happen, work that continues today. United Aviation Group is proud to be another chapter in Oscar’s story and contribute to the continued growth of this fabulous rider. When you visit Linrowe Stables, where Oscar and Catherine not only teach, produce the young horses and spend their days, but they also live and raise their beautiful children, it is a yard that is permeated by happiness and the fun that should be such an inherent aspect of the sport. It is a yard where horses, riders and grooms all seem happy. It is a yard where dreams come true and magic can happen. A yard where dreams take flight.
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Nicole Horwood Nicole surprised me. The first time we met in person we had been chatting on the phone arranging the United Derby promotional video shoot. Call times had changed more than a few times, and Nicole was coming off the back of some away shows and other commitments, so things had been a little chaotic. On the day she was to be on set, I was a little nervous that things weren’t going to go to plan – as they never do on the day of a shoot. But any shoot involving millions of rands’ worth of horses, lighting, camera equipment and of course helicopters, can prove to be extra trying on a producers nerves! Having been around horses and riders since I was the same height as a hay bale, I was expecting your usual outgoing, fairly strident, horsewoman. Nicole is the polar opposite. Petite, unassuming, with not an ounce of drama about her, I did in fact walk past her perched in the make-up chair before doing a double take! Nicole is, arguably, one of the greatest sportswoman of the equestrian world, famously holding the SA Derby title four times (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016), as well as the Presidents Cup, SA Champs, SA Outdoor Grand Prix, F.E.I World Cup and many other hotly contested titles. She is also one of the few top show jumpers in South Africa to not be a full time rider, holding down a demanding full time position as a Real Estate Agent with Pam Golding Properties, along with being a mom to two beautiful boys. Her path has also been unconventional. Nicole competed when she was in the children’s classes and then as a young adult, but gave it up for a few years to focus on her career and other things, only coming back to it later and – clearly – with a much more focussed intent! Coached by the great Gonda Betrix, you would think that having already added accrued some of South Africa’s greatest titles, Nicole would take a rest, but for her it isn’t just about the competition. It’s also about the horses themselves. Nicole finds tremendous satisfaction in producing the young horses and taking them to the top level. This emphasis on not just winning, but also on doing things right is one of the reasons that United Aviation Group is proud to be a sponsor of Nicole and her horses as her values reflect our own focus on doing things the right way and for the right reasons. We wish Nicole and her beautiful United Aviation Group Hitoshi good luck in this year’s Derby!
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Why not buy a ‘Time Machine’ ...? TIME. IT’S OUR MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY. A commodity that we are all encouraged to spend or use wisely. One that we never seem to have enough of no matter what structures we put in place. So what if we said that we can give you back some of your time, can in fact help you buy time, so to speak. But buying time... isn’t that impossible? When it comes to travelling though, it is entirely possible to buy back time, or at the very least put you back in control of the time you spend – the time you waste and the time you invest. In that context, our United Aviation Group aircraft can be considered ‘time machines’. Commercial airlines with their set routes and laborious airport check-in procedures still present many drawbacks for those who value their time and wish to be efficient time travellers.
CONSIDER THIS: • Do you often travel at short notice? • Do you need to travel to places that are not served by commercial airlines? • Do you have multi-city/country business interests, or business interests that are far away from major airports? • Do you need to work without interruptions when you travel? • Do you want more time to spend with your loved ones? If you answered yes to one or more of the above, then private aircraft ownership may just be a good fit for you. Your ‘time machine’ may come in different forms. For example, it may be a helicopter that whisks you away to your project locations, halving your travel time by road, leaving you more time to focus on your core business, while still being able to return home
the same day, thus doing away with the need to stay in hotels. Your ‘time machine’ could also come in the form of a private jet, allowing you to travel with speed and greater efficiency to multi-city or country destinations. Perhaps your ‘time machine’ is a robust turboprop aircraft that can land on the grass or gravel airfield at a farm, mine, or rural town – certainly not places commercial airlines are able to serve. So, if you want to be in control of your time when you travel, why not buy a ‘time machine’ of your very own? Speak to one of our ‘time machine’ experts at United Aircraft Sales about the perfect aircraft to suit your requirements today.
Office 9, First floor, Main Terminal Building, Lanseria International Airport 24/7: +27 83 270 8886 t:+27 11 788 0813 f:+27 11 507 6814 e: info@unitedaircraftsales.com w: www.unitedaircraftsales.com
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AIRCRAFT CHARTER SERVICES At United Charter Services we are proud of our reputation for the finest attention to detail. Safety, efficiency, comfort and privacy are the United Charter Services commitments to you as our VIP guest. Our fleet of private aircraft and jets are not only elegant, but are functionally and technologically advanced. We are dedicated to handling customers and cargo on our aircraft with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.
We provide the highest VIP standard to all our clients. Our full service operation begins by the selection of an appropriate aircraft for your trip, ready to fly to your destination anytime (day or night). We ensure that the aircraft meets your travel requirements, that the price is within your budget, and the comfort is first class (or better). Onboard you can look forward to five-star gourmet catering and locally sourced, proudly South African luxury amenities and treats, for your enjoyment. Our departure lounges are designed to provide a quiet and relaxed environment for our passengers prior to departure or upon arrival. While you relax in one of our lounges we will pre-clear your passports, attend to the logistics and handle your baggage.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
• 24/7 flight support • Passenger logistics • Ground handling • Use of our outstanding departure lounges • State-of-the-art entertainment facilities • Five-star catering • Onboard silver service • Passport clearance • VIP concierge service
WORLDWIDE AVIATION SPECIALISTS
Our experienced team will guide your decisions on aircraft, route and cost - ensuring you have the best aircraft at the best rate. Your personalised United Charter team will have you travelling within a few hours after your charter or cargo confirmation. A full range of piston-driven, turbine and jet aircraft is available. Your choice of any destination within South Africa or indeed worldwide can be accommodated.
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For The Glory Fall back, taking advantage of all that Game is on average, you’re so bad Playing shorthanded, your team scratched Time to assess all the damages, I know that you couldn’t handle this It takes a man to stand up to the king And unfortunately you’re in bandages
Better back down, you’re in my domain Got the whole crowd screaming out our name It’s a blowout, it’s a hurricane It’s over before you know it Why you shaking, we’re a dynasty In the making, we’re the royalty Now we’re breaking down the enemy Move over for the soldiers
We’re gonna stand on top with our hands in the sky Gonna raise our cup to the stadium lights For the glory (for the glory) For the glory (for the glory) We celebrate with the city tonight Hear the hometown cheer, it’s the ultimate high For the glory (for the glory) We do it for the glory (for the glory)
Take a swing, I can take a hit If we die, it’s fine, we live for this It’s all for this We’re gonna stand on top with our hands in the sky Gonna raise our cup to the stadium lights For the glory (for the glory) For the glory (for the glory) We celebrate with the city tonight Hear the hometown cheer, it’s the ultimate high For the glory (for the glory) We do it for the glory (for the glory)
This is why we do it (Whoa) This is what we live for We’re on top (for the glory) We never run (for the glory) Hands to the sky (Whoa, whoa) Never back down (Whoa) Never back down You just know my name (for the glory) You’re gonna know my name (for the glory)
Yeah, we’ve waited, for our time to come Calculated everything we’ve done We’ve upgraded, now you can’t outrun a champion (Now you’re facing one) Can you hear them, yeah, it’s all for us You believe them, yeah, it’s serious Hear the siren, we’re victorious I’m telling ya, can I get a hell yeah? (Hell yeah!)
Songwriters: Elizabeth Hooper / Randall Brent Cooke / Andrew Bojanic / Daniel Ryan Murphy / Phoebe Markowitz Ogan
Take a swing, I can take a hit If we die, it’s fine, we live for this It’s all for this We’re gonna stand on top with our hands in the sky Gonna raise our cup to the stadium lights For the glory (for the glory) For the glory (for the glory) We celebrate with the city tonight Hear the hometown cheer, it’s the ultimate high For the glory (for the glory) We do it for the glory (for the glory) You’re the tracer, I’m the eraser, I’ll ruin your record I’m back here to break ya I cut like a razor so call the trophy engraver I’m gonna get it, wait ‘til I win it, God I’m so glad to be in it Can’t wait to say that we did it, this is my life and I live it Ready to give it my all when you
United Aviation Group would like to thank ‘All Good Things’ for the rights to use their anthemic song, For The Glory, for the United Aviation Group Derby promotional video!
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Once upon a time in a land far, far away, while eating cake with giants, I had an idea... I needed to introduce the world to my Africa. As a photographer driven by magic, fuelled by flowers and dreams, and known as the "Queen of Colour" I wanted the world to meet the Africa I love.
Chosen as one of nine photographers by the world renowned Museum of Art and Cultural History Schloss Gottorf in Schleswig-Holstein to participate in the humanitarian project for Saatkultur* representing the creative art of photography. Hand picked by the secretary-general of the United Nations as one of 10 photographers worldwide to represent fashion photography in a campaign for vaccine equality for the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Presented to world leaders in Geneva and reported on Sky News and The Times. Three projects featured in the official Pantone 2020/2021 colour trend book, including inspiring a new Pantone colour called
Afro Black. Nikon Top 100 Global Photographer for three years running.
Ingrid Irsigler
info@ingridalice.co.za @ingridalicephotography www.ingridalice.co.za
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TAKE YOUR BRAND ON AN ADVENTURE
Purple Raindrop completely redefined the agency paradigm before freelancing or the Gig Economy were a twinkle in the world’s eye. Purple Raindrop is a full service Project Management and Media consultancy with clients all over the world. We work with select customers to build their brands and their business in a competitive environment. Marketing Strategy & Implementation - Marketing without a plan, is like wishing on a star. It’s fun to do but it’s not very effective. Purple Raindrop will work with your team to understand your business objectives, and will then develop a through the line marketing strategy that reflects your strategic objectives. Social Media - Providing social media services to corporate companies, organisations and SME's all over the world. Strategy, design, copy, implementation and interaction. Purple Raindrop have been working in social media since 2012. We know what works, and we know what people love. Project Management - PMP, ACP, Certified Scrum Master, MBA. Purple Raindrop have extensive waterfall and agile project management experience in IT infrastructure (both LAN and WAN), Software, Marketing and general project management projects. Purple Raindrop is at its heart an Agile house, although we have certifications and experience in waterfall project management. Production - Redefining the production agency! Whether it's stills, video or events. With access to award-winning creatives and a focus on the marriage between business and creativity we have the skills and experience to bring your vision to life professionally, on time and on budget! Purple Raindrop are problem solvers. Design - Marketing is nothing without beautiful, clear design. If you don’t have a clear brand we can assist to build one, but if you do, our team can help with all aspects of design to help take your company to your audience. LET'S CONNECT: info@purpleraindrop.co.za +27 83 644 9351 @PurpleRaindrop @Purplraindrop @PurpleRaindropZA @purple-raindrop
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FIXED BASE OPERATIONS AND FLIGHT SUPPORT United Flight Support’s breadth of services and depth of staff experience, underpins their commitment to making your flight support experience seamless and easy. We have the expertise and ability to assist with every detail of your trip requirements, from flight planning, fuel arrangement and ground handling, to our bespoke concierge services. United Flight Support offer a true 24/7 service and are on hand to ensure that all your trip planning is handled with the utmost care and efficiency. With flexible scheduling, personalised service, and an unrivalled fully fledged in-house operational centre, our experienced support specialists and highly trained flight dispatchers stand ready to cater to your international or local trip support requirements 24/7.
24/7: +27 83 270 8886
Our dedicated team will work closely with you from your initial pre-trip planning stages through to your flight and beyond - giving you the best advice on flight operation, weather, fuel and travel scheduling. Our vast international agent network and full access to sophisticated technical tools means we are able to meet any potential challenges and promptly secure access to any destination worldwide, ensuring a stress-free trip. Our team of experts is ready to assist you 24/7, 365 days a year and we look forward to being of assistance for your next flight!
Office 9, First floor, Main Terminal Building, Lanseria International Airport | t:+27 11 788 0813 | f:+27 11 507 6814 | e: info@unitedflightsupport.com |
w: www.unitedflightsupport.com
THANK YOU
Jonathan Wolpe and the United Aviation Group would like to thank you for spending time with us over the last four days! The bravery of our show jumpers, discipline of our dressage contingent, patience of our ponies and outpouring of love and support from our online and in-person community has been immensely appreciated. Thank you for your support! We would like to thank Kyalami Equestrian Park and their wonderful team for their great work and devotion to this sport and their members. They have been a joy to work with for this event. Thank you for having us on board. We would like to thank our Creative Director, Ingrid Irsigler for bringing her vision of Derby to life this year and her amazing work on our videos, our Production Director Philippa Rose-Tite for her masterful juggling of balls and getting all the details done, and our Chief Designer Shaun Mallett for his beautiful design work on everything from the gazebo’s to the very book you hold in your hands! This group and their teams have done an incredible job of bringing Derby to you in 2021 and we thank them. Whether on your horse or in one of our aircraft, we will see you in the skies soon! Love United Aviation Group
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See you in the skies.
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