Sporting Horse Magazine Dec 2013 by SilverMane Media

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

CGraphix SH11/13

The unexpected high point after a long exciting drive. The low fuel consumption. The Cayenne Diesel. Since 1948 we have been building cars based on one simple principle – efficiency. The Cayenne Diesel is the perfect example: A 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine – with variable turbine geometry – that delivers 180 kW of power, 550 Nm torque and a fuel consumption of only 7.2 litres/100km. Proof that a 100 metre sprinter can also run a marathon.

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Fuel consumption in l/100 km: city 8.4; highway 6.5; combined 7.2 • CO2 emissions: 189 g/km • Power: 180 kW (245 hp) • Torque: 550 Nm • 0 - 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds

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Porsche Centre Johannesburg Tel: 011 540 5000

Porsche Centre Cape Town Tel: 021 555 6800

Porsche Centre Umhlanga Tel: 031 514 3000

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

CONTENTS December 2013

18 REGULARS 4 4 6 64 68

Letter from the Editor Advertisers Cover story - Anthony Kay Number One Horse Dealer Rider Profile: Hayley Parker Yvonne Bolton Horse Profile: Pohlands Cuppuchino Yvonne Bolton

LIFESTYLE 10 14

Equine Essentials Fashion Essentials

34 36 41 50 76 81

H2 Photography, Tracy Robertson, Diana Bloemendal, DN Photography, Equine Sport Photography, FEI Photographer, T&B Images, StockImagesServices.com/FEI, Martin de Kock, Dressage Africa, Lana van Heerden, Charisma Photography, Shane Rorke, Louis Heemstra, Kobus Visser

COVER Anthony Kay Number One Horse Dealer Cover Shot by H2 Photography

THIS ISSUE

PHOTOGRAPHERS

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

104

Top 10 Showjumping Coaches in South Africa Part 4 Chad Cunningham Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Sommer Saddles German hand crafted excellence The Art of Riding and Saddle Design Sarel Koen 4 Top Stud Books in Showjumping Frances Cheboub Gait Analysis In The Horse Stafford Robinson Hello World - Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia Christine Watt When Dreams come True: Zensunni Stud Caryn Pappalardo German Friendships Chad Cunningham Everyday Heroes Barry Armitage

CONTENTS December 2013

CarthorseCalendar_2014_R3.indd 4

THE TEAM

2013/09/30 12:40 PM

106

Johan Blom Editor

Pieter Hugo Managing Director

Marie Chin Advertising Executive

Marguerite le Roux Senior Designer

Gasnat Jaffer Office Manager

Nikki Kellogg USA Sales Executive

EVENT FOCUS

100 109 113 115 118 122 126

Johan Blom johan@silvermane.co.za Cell: (+27) 83 324 3709 Pieter Hugo pieter@silvermane.co.za

Marguerite le Roux mleroux@silvermane.co.za Cell: (+27) 82 773 9123

Marie Chin marie@silvermane.co.za Cell: (+27) 82 497 4475 Nikki Kellogg nikki@sportinghorse.co.za Cell: (+01) 413 207 1209

Gasnat Jaffer gasnat@showhorse.co.za PO Box 7872, Hout Bay, 7806, South Africa Fax: (+27) 21 790 8047 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: (+27) 21 790 1983 ISSN 2218-2640

Editorials:

www.spor tinghorse .co.za

Design:

Advertising:

The Galencia Properties South African Derby Sharlene Venter FEI World Dressage Challenge Bev Pendock The FPSSA National Show 2013 Kate Baynes Polo International Horse Trials Linda Philo Global Dressage Forum 2013 Diana Bloemendal Martin Collins World Cup Qualifier Emma Garson Riders gear up for the Nissan World Cup Qualifier Tanya Radke Namibian First Eventing Champs Holger Kleyenstueber 2013 SA Riders Championships Burlington Stables Emma Garson Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Louise Parkes Discovery World Cup Qualifier Emma Garson Reem Acra Dressage World Cup Louise Parkes

Orders & Invoicing:

www.silvermane .co.za

Published by: SilverMane Media www.silvermane.co.za

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 6

Welcome to another great edition of Sporting Horse Magazine. We are heading into the festive season and I hope you will find time to read our magazine from cover to cover. For our readers going away over the holiday season, please travel safely and come back in one piece. I cannot choose my favourites from this edition, there are so many quality features. We visit Namibia for their first ever Eventing Championships on page 113 and take a look at the newly formed Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia on Page 81. Diana Bloemendal visits the Global Dressage Forum held recently on page 87. Stafford Robinson takes an in-depth look at Gait Analysis on page 76 while Sarel Koen looks at the Art of Riding and Saddle Design on page 41. A couple of World Cup Qualifiers, we kick off the European Season with legs from the Dressage World Cup and Show Jumping World Cup, show results, profiles, the list goes on. It is at this time of the year that we always have to reflect on the year gone past. We at SilverMane Media can look back and reflect on a very successful year with Sporting Horse Magazine. We have seen tremendous growth in both our paper copy and electronic communities. If you have not been to our Facebook or Google+ pages, go and have a look. More than 55 000 people actively follow Sporting Horse Magazine, making it the biggest online equestrian community in South Africa, and a respectable size internationally. We constantly strive to improve the reach your advertising has over all our communities. So if you have not taken up advertising, give us a try in 2014. Our motto, Best price, best quality, best reach. From me and the brilliant team at SilverMane Media, we wish you a peaceful festive season, a great time of year to spend some more regular time with your equine friends. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the carrots for their Christmas Stockings.

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

ADVERTISERS Anthony Kay Bevlin Stud Byerley Park Stables Cape Thoroughbred Sales Danina Friesian Stud Doorndraai Friesian Stud Epol Equibox Equimax International Equipage Fluid Motion Services Horse Dentist Klipdrif Stud Manor DĂ&#x201C;r Mark White Nissan Martin Collins McCarthy LandRover Durban Midfeeds Namibian Percheron Breeders Society Notting Hill Equestrian Estate Outeniqua Moon Pela Graca Stud Performtex Pohlands Sport Horse Stud Porsche Rubberman Sappi Selco Friesian Stud Waterford Farm Western Shoppe

FC IBC 22 OBC 55 62 17 11 15 27 13 46 86 31 21 103 49 45 80 98 79 56 125 71 1 125 75 61 85 5

Copyright for all original published material is vested in SilverMane Media and may be reproduced only with the permission of the Editor. All opinions expressed in the articles appearing in SilverMane Media are those of the authors and are not necessarily subscribed to by the editorial staff of SilverMane Media. Authors of articles are compelled to acknowledge all sources of information (if any) used in the compiling of articles and are therefore liable for copyright transgressions. SilverMane Media accepts no responsibility for claims made in the advertisements and will not be held liable for any damage resulting from the use of any of the information published in SilverMane Media.

A heritage of equestrian excellence

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Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE www.westernshoppe.com

Cover Story

Anthony Kay riding Ebb & Flow Assegai Sherman

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

By Suskia Radermacher-Harris / Photos by T&B Images

The number one horse dealer did not get his name from a thumb suck or a forum for a sales pitch. Anthony Kay’s keen and accurate eye for matching horse and rider has given him his reputation as one of South Africa’s best. He has produced and sold champion horses to many of South Africa’s top riders. Anthony and his partner, Maree Lamont have a perfect business partnership. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Cover Story

AJ Radermacher & Ebb & Flow Alzu Ovation

Tyla Radermacher & Ebb & Flow Pebbles

Anthony Kay winning the 1m Championship at the PE WCQ on the up and coming young horse Ebb & Flow Assegai Sabi Sabi

hile Anthony chooses horses with a vision of future performance prospect , Maree brings on the young horses and maintains a orderly routine at the yard in PE. Ebb & Flow offers show jumping lessons for beginners at the riding school to advanced lesson with Anthony. Dominey Alexander visits this champion producing yard at least once a month offering a knowledgeable clinic for horse and rider. Not only does Anthony have an eye for matching horses for others, he has now matched himself to his perfect steed, Ebb & Flow Assegai Sherman, a 17.2hh South African Warmblood. “Shermi” as Anthony calls him, lives in Kyalami at Cellehof stables with Dominey and Karen Alexander. Anthony flies to Johannesburg twice a month to compete in shows, and as this picture perfect duo climbs the open ladder, the results speak for themselves. Once again a perfect match made by Ebb & Flow. The Ebb & Flow family is a hive of activity. Be it attending show jumping events in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town and as far as Polokwane or even taking the showing diva’s to Horse of the Year. This team is very well represented at almost every national show in the country whether it be a rider produced, or a horse sold on from Ebb & Flow. Anthony is proud to put his 10

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

name to every success story he has achieved or had a part in. 2011 turned out to be an interesting and unplanned year for Anthony’s Junior open rider AJ Radermacher, when he qualified to jump the Avis Derby with Ebb & Flow Winslow Cognac. 2012 did not disappoint when Anthony took his CA rider, (now known as Children’s Open) Tyla Radermacher to South Africa Pony Rider Championships in Shongweni, where they took first place in the Grand Prix and the South African Show Jumping Championships on Ebb & Flow Why Not and Ebb & Flow Pebbles took second place. With Maree’s support alongside the showing ring, Ebb & Flow Pebbles took the Working Hunter, Working Hunter Champion and SA Working Pony Champion. This “over- achieving” team of ponies were then sold to Kyla Brimacombe, where she took first and second once again in Port Elizabeth at SA Pony Rider Show Jumping Championships the following year. In that same year Anthony coached AJ Radermacher and his South African Warmblood mare, Ebb & Flow Alzu Ovation to winning the 1st, 2nd and 4th leg of the Young Riders Stal van Decraen series. The Ebb & Flow team then travelled to SA Junior Championship, where 4 out of the 5 riders for the Eastern Cape Show Jumping interprovincial team were from Anthony’s yard.

Maree Lamont riding Ebb & Flow Blairemore Anthony and his dog, Mattie

AJ Radermacher, Samantha Krenski, Jayde Mangold and Tyla Radermacher. Candice Berman, Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adult rider, won the 1.35 Victor Ludorum at the Easter show this year with her horse, Treble Alliance. Ebb & Flow has a string of very talented up and coming pony riders. Nicole Cornelius, Taylin Perrin, Kelly Melville, Emily Buys and Jorja Rohrich. These riders have already competed on a national level and won many events. Anthony and Maree spend many hours of input with their riders and the results speak for themselves. They go far and beyond the expected, bringing on junior horses for their current pony riders, arriving at the show stables at 5am to turn out a showing pony, or raising the jumps in the warm up for the first show jumping class of the day. To many people these may seem insignificant acts, but to Anthony and Maree this is when they bond best with their riders and horses. They both have the perfect understanding for when to push the envelope or to play it safe. Yet another winning recipe for this successful yard.

If you want to be part of this success story be it taking lessons or purchasing a horse, contact Anthony or Maree. It will most certainly be the best move you ever make.

It is imperative to them that their riders and horses are mentally and physically prepared for every event they attend, watching Ebb & Flow compete is like watching perfection in action.

Anthony: 083 367 0126 Maree: 082 546 5222 Website: www.ebbandflow.co.za Email: ebbandflowstables@yahoo.com Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Zandona Tendon Boots

1,3: Superior Tendon Boots for R2500 a set of 4. 2: Carbon Air Tendon Boots are R2900 for a set of 4. (Available in black and brown). Available from Premier Equestrian Supplies.

Leovet’s Power Detanglers

An innovation made with hairline precision that both works and beautifies! Care & Colour with UV Protection. Visit www.equimaxint.co.za for your nearest stockist.

Leovet’s Power Shampoo’s

Colour Enhancing shampoo for a glossy shine, Care and Colour Protects from UV rays and prevents itching. Visit www.equimaxint.co.za for your nearest stockist.

EQUESTRIAN ESSENTIALS

Tattini Dafne Breeches

2 way stretch microfiber breeches featuring front pockets embellished with crystals and a crystal crown pin. The lightweight sock at the end of each leg will have you bonding with your boots like never before! R1680.00. Available from Equestrian Diva Couture (+27) 11 46 3717 Sherrie (+27) 82 373 6149. 12

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Countess Stock Tie

A beautifully crafted white satin stock tie, embellished with the elegant shimmer of Swarovski crystals. R 720.00 Available from Equestrian Diva Couture. (+27) 11 46 3717 Sherrie (+27) 82 373 6149.

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Uvex Active Variomatic

The Uvex Active with variomatic lens technology automatically adapts to all lighting conditions with its photochromic lenses. These glasses are a sporty all-rounder suitable for all weather conditions Available from Western Shoppe.

Uvex Attack

The sporty Uvex Attack sunglasses offer perfect anti-glare protection in the brightest sunlight, with the integrated side protection design providing additional wearing comfort. Available from Western Shoppe.

Uvex Forceflex

With a frame as flexible as rubber, the Uvex Forceflex sunglasses are made from a high-tech, cold and heat resistant elastomer material. After being bent or deformed, the frame springs back to its original form Available from Western Shoppe.

EQUESTRIAN ESSENTIALS EuroStar Nohra Breeches

Euro-Star Nohra Breeches, R2500 for a full seat and R2000 with only a knee patch.

Sommer Saddles Adjustable dressage girth

High quality adjustable leather girth with soft padding. Available in three sizes.. Each sizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length adjustable up to 15cm. Available in Black and Brown. Available from Sommer Saddles South Africa, Kentaur Horse Shop cc. Cell : +27 78 313 3447, e-mail : sarel@sommersaddles.co.za 14

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Horseware International

The Horseware International competition jacket - made with technical material to ensure the ultimate fit and unparalleled comfort and style. Available at Tack â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Togs from Midfeeds.

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Hilton Weiner

Hilton Weiner reveals its glamorous Spring / Summer 13/14 collection. The new collection is currently available in Hilton Weiner’s 13 stores nationwide.

FASHION ESSENTIALS Moscon Optics

1,3,4: The Chloe eyewear collection embodies femininity with clean utilitarian lines, intricate detailing, subtle elegance, hexagon shapes of the 50’s and cool rounds looks of the 60’s. 2: Diesel ones. Caption: This model is a fun accessory offering denim lovers a new way to wear the material. This is an iconic style that everyone will want to own. For more information, contact Moscon Optics (+27) 11 483 8001

Soho

The Soho handbags are available exclusively at GUCCI Boutiques in Cape Town and Johannesburg in Southern Africa. For further information please contact their stores on (+27) 21 421 8800 (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town) or (+27) 11 784 2597 (Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg) or visit www.gucci.com 16

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Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Summer Shoes

1: Superga Mule Sneakers, R450. Available from Superga Stores. 2: Raphaella Booz for Lilikoi Natural Woven Slip On, R980. 3: Ted Baker Sqaure Toed Floral Print Bow Pumps, R1,799.95. 4: Raphaella Booz for Lilikoi Champagne Snake Sandal W/Metal Hardware, R1799. 5: Ted Baker Floral Print Peep Toe High Heels, R2, 099.95. 6: Raphaella Booz for Lilikoi Natural Snake Skin Peep Toe, R1999.

Raphaella Booz by Lilikoi

The Raphaella Booz for Lilikoi Summer 2013/14 collection. Available in select boutiques stores and online at www.lilikoishop.co.za. For retailer information please call (+27) 82 780 3221.

FASHION ESSENTIALS

Summertime

Luminance introduces Maison Rabih Kayrouz with its Spring/Summer ‘13 ready-to-wear range entitled “Summertime. ”. This is a collection of light chiffon dresses blended with cotton business wear. The garments have a desert-inspired colour palate of off-whites, sandy browns and taupes punctuated by saffrons and different shades of navy. 18

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THB/37056

“GIVE YOUR HORSE THE ADVANTAGE”

SUCCESS IS IN THE BAG For horse related questions, email Epol on info@epol.co.za. For more information about Epol speciﬁc feeds and services: www.epolequine.co.za Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Nicole makes it two in a row

at this year’s Galencia

Property SA Derby!

By Sharlene Venter / Photos by T&B Images

blues skies and the Bob Charter Arena in top condition, the 2013 Galencia Property South African Derby had the makings of the best Derby ever! Tickets for the event were all sold out by the Thursday, so it was a full house waiting to experience the ultimate event in show jumping.

With new sponsors, Galencia Property on board, perfect

The crowds enjoyed an action packed morning programme consisting of the FEI Polo International Horse Trials Show jumping, the Derby Driving Carousel, the final tests of the Derby Compleat Horse and for something out of the ordinary, the spectacular Brian Capper motorcycle Show.

he 2013 Galencia Property South African Derby took place from October 2-6 and it was a glitzy affair. It was attended by the mink and manure set which makes up the South African equestrian elite, including celebrities Edith Venter, 5fm’s Jen Su and Thomas Msengana, singer Tobi Jooste, Leanne Manas and Idols’ judge Unathi Msengana. The capacity crowd donned their Gatsby Glitz finest to watch the biggest event on the show jumping calendar hosted by the Kyalami Park Club and held at Kyalami Equestrian Park in Johannesburg.

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Brian had the audience gasping and shrieking doing mind blowing tricks on his ‘truck set’. The Derby is a true test of fitness and endurance. Almost all South African show jumpers believe completing the track is an achievement in itself, and for many years only one clear round – and sometimes none, was accomplished on the day. With the quality of entries received this year, it promised to be another nail-biting affair for the most prestigious title in South African Showjumping.

The course varies in height from 1.50m to 1.60m jumps and the track includes elements such as the Derby bank, the St. Andrew’s Cross and the Devil’s Dyke. Horse and rider combinations spent 3 gruelling days in an attempt to qualify for the main event. Only four riders managed to obtain clear rounds in the first round, these being Nicole Horwood on Don Cumarco, Shaun Neill on Delmon Mining & Civil’s Clyde Z, young rider Liam Stevens on Wanda and Nicola Simeon Sunnypark Stables’ El Paso. This resulted in a jump off, and these four riders had the crowds on the edge of their seats with a very closely contested competition. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

But, it was the superb combination of last year’s winners, Nicole Horwood and Capital Stud’s Don Cumarco achieving the fastest time to win the 2013 Galencia Property South African Show Jumping Derby, and retain their title for the second year in a row. This edged Shaun Neill into second place for the day, with Liam Stevens and Nicola Sime claiming 3rd and 4th spot respectively. The 2013 SA Dressage Derby title was taken by Adriaan van Wyk on Alexandra Lynch’s Sir Kennedy with Sue Horne on Cellehof Tadoo the runner-up. The Showing Working Derby classes were dominated by young Victoria Conlan on Waterside Triple Crown who won the Compleat Horse Derby, as well as the SA Derby Working Horse Supreme Champion. She also won the Reserve Supreme Champion title on her other horse, 22

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Touchdown Final Touch. Alexandra Lynch was the SA Showing Derby Champion on Sir Kennedy. Galencia Properties awarded the winner R100 000 in cash as well as a trip to China on their renowned Panda Tour. The company has committed to sponsoring the South African Derby for another two years and clearly see the potential in backing the growing equestrian community. Pascal & Pearce along with DJ Fresh took to the decks to end off a very successful event, and allow revellers to celebrate well into the night. Cocktails and champagne a plenty, the SA Derby party rivalled any other, ending a fantastic week at midnight on Sunday.

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ur primary aim at Byerley Park Stables is to provide a safe and fun environment for children and adults to discover a love for horses and the outdoors.

Byerley Park offers top quality instruction in all disciplines, from beginner to advanced level, and to all age groups. Our level of instruction is of a high standard, and our instructors specialise in different disciplines including show-jumping, dressage and showing. We support the Inter-schools league, and have riders competing in the Central and Ekurhuleni regions. This year a record number of riders qualified for their Regional teams, and went on to compete at National Championships. Conveniently situated in Linbro Park, we are easily accessible from both the M1 and N3 Highways, as well as Modderfontein road.

0879409606 SPORTING HORSE OFFICE NUMBER

Issue 17

WE OFFER ALL RIDERS: • Private, semi-private and group lessons. • Supervised outrides through the Linbro Park country side. • Regular training shows that cater for all levels and interests. • A canter track and cross country jumps - available during the summer months. • Three floodlit, silica sand arenas with top quality show jumping equipment as well as 2 lunge rings. FOR OUR HORSES: • Large, roomy stables with all the luxuries that any horse or pony could want. • Large grassy paddocks where our horses and ponies spend their days. • 24 hour supervision and care – there is always a knowledgeable and qualified person on the premises. • Access to Byerley Hills – our horse retirement facility in Natal.

www.bpstables.co.za ESTABLISHED 1987

0785067214 OFFICE CELL

4 T R A P

TOP 10 SHOWJUMPING COACHES By Chad Cunningham / Photos By H2 Photography

IN SOUTH AFRICA

PROFILING: Barry Taylor and Rogan Asken

Gonda Betrix and Anne-Marie Esslinger Chad Cunningham and Lesley Taylor (from the past) Dominey Alexander and Jonathan Clarke David and Charlotte Stubbs

Chad Cunningham (accredited FEI Level I and II coach) is the resident trainer for showjumpers and equitation riders at London Lane Stud in Midrand. An experienced showjumper in his own right, Chad has produced many riders who are competing at the highest levels in the sport.

n a five-part series, these coaches will be sharing their training philosophies, ideology and methodology. Each coach has a special ingredient and favourite training tool. Each has amazing systems by which they have reached the pinnacle in equestrian coaching, but at the same time all of them show a humbleness to keep learning, trying and experimenting with new ideas and knowledge. These coaches have an interesting story to tell and none of them are afraid to share what they have learned. There is truly a special blend in the top 10. Some are natural, born riders with an inherent instinct to teach. The others have shown total love for the horse and the sport, and been eager to improve; they have adapted and learnt to be just as successful. The characteristics of all these coaches culminate in passion, discipline, empathy, understanding, the will to win and above all great delivery. In these next five issues you will get to know them and learn what has made them successful thus far. You will get to know their systems and come to share the hope that they will encourage more people to go the extra mile and above all ‘never give up’. This may be a cliché but these coaches are just normal people who have made a difference in our sport. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Dominey Alexander: What age group do you prefer teaching? I enjoy teaching Young riders and Adults. You can explain well to them and they understand. Adults do it for themselves, this makes it a lot easier. Kyalami is one of the most, if not the most populated horse areas in the country and this has made it easy to get into especially if this is what you intend doing as a profession.

How long have you been teaching? My father was a sports coach and I truly believe that it is genetic and I was born to coach. Around 1987 I went on my own after working for Springbok show jumper Tony Lewis. I then rode for Sue Aisworth Taylor and taught a lot of event riders that needed extra work with perfecting their show jumping rounds. So I would say around 25 years. I truly believe I was born to teach. Example of your pre-competition and post competition work: I believe that fitness is the most important aspect for athlete horse and rider. The fitter one is, the stronger your body and mind are. To be able to win the last class of a weekend tournament means you would have probably jumped several rounds, and that’s when you need to be the strongest physically and mentally to be able to win a title. One has to treat everyone of your students as an individual, working on their particular strengths to allow them to develop the best confidence levels. I believe if you are confident you can achieve many things. A rider needs to have the confidence standing at the in gate waiting to enter the arena and know he or she can be successful. The sport is difficult and we need to keep it as simple as possible and not over-think things.

As a coach I work very hard to build my rider’s confidence and never break them down. I’ve also got to be aware of not just expecting my riders to get on with it – as I often find things incredibly easy to do, but not everyone has a natural ability for the sport. So in saying this, I have also got to beware not to over prepare students.

After competition cardiovascular fitness is important. Horses need to work on the track. If there are shows that are close together or back to back, then I like them to do gymnastic work and train and reuse their bodies correctly i.e. technique and shape over the fences. A rider or horse must never arrive at a show tired!! What was your experience like when you were competing in Europe and preparing for the World Cup Finals in Milan? I was based in Germany for 3 months prior to the World Cup finals in Milan. I had a fantastic support team in Germany, but it was not home! The training was the same but everything was indoors. It was very difficult in the beginning. I found myself getting time faults often, there were a lot of tight turn backs and you had to use all your space. When I became familiar with it I absolutely loved it! I think I rode my best; I became confident with the restricted space available and used this to my advantage. I certainly ride a lot better under these circumstances as I had to react very quickly to situations – which works very well for me. My friend from Europe made a very profound comment once to me and said the South African riders are some of the best riders he has seen in the world. He said we have taken very sub-standard horses

Dominey’s TIMELINE

1998

Best Endeavor & Dominey Alexander

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Galaxy & Dominey Alexander

Flashlight & Dominey Alexander

and have jumped them at a first rate level, the only disadvantage the riders from South Africa have had is the distance from Europe and horse power. I would do it again in a heart beat! I loved standing in the arena at the World Cup Finals and marvelling over the fact that I was there and qualified and did this on a relatively inexperienced horse (just 8 years old at the time). But to do it well you need infrastructure and the right horse! What is your favourite piece of equipment? My helmet! When I was training in Germany with Olympic rider and now current German Team Trainer and manager Otto Bekker – he never got onto a horse unless he had a helmet on. This stood out to me and I have been doing this ever since. The other piece of favourite equipment is my anti slip pad – the stickier the better.

him. I f I needed a dressage horse he could do it, if I needed a complete derby horse he could do it and he was second in two World Cup Qualifiers. The most generous horse I have ever ridden. Cellehof Toscana because she is the most intelligent horse. Barracuda is the most sensitive horse and I am his best friend. Flashlight I rode at the World Cup finals, he was the youngest horse at the event. If I could choose a horse from the past it would have to have been the South Africa thoroughbred King Router, former ride of Tracey Caan (formerly Galway). At present I would choose Baron ridden by American rider Lucy Davies or Bella Donna ridden by Meredith Michaels Beerbaum.

As a youngster who had the most profound influence over you? Gonda Betrix.

What do you think your key to success is? Desire for perfection. My God given talent. Hard work.

Who’s been your favourite horse of all time and if you could have chosen one anywhere in the world at any time who would it have been? My first competitive pony was Super Star. He taught me to be very accurate and if I was wrong at a fence he punished me!

Do you have a role model? Yes I do, Lance Armstrong – the power of the mind to do what he did. An unbelievable sportsman. Jos Lansink – his empathy and humbleness towards the horse and Gonda Betrix for her unbelievable professionalism!

Galaxy was my first horse that I imported and she suited my way of riding.

What advice do you have for other coaches? Patience! Treat every rider as an individual and enjoy the animals you work with.

Cellhof Tzakana because I could do everything with

Cellehof Tzakana & Dominey Alexander

Alzu Barracuda & Dominey Alexander

2013

Cellehof Toscana & Dominey Alexander Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Some of Domineys’s favourite jumping exercises: 1

Exercise 1

Ground Poles

Trot Poles

Vertical

22 paces

2.5 paces

12 paces

Spread/Oxa

* Any level horse under guidance of knowlegable trainer * Ground poles on the ground in front of the jumps Trot in, 5 canter strides, verticle with “V” pole. canter poles oxa “V” pole. Makes the horse use it’s body and stay balanced, helps the rider to maintain the horse’s frame and length of body.

Exercise 2: Jos Lansink Exercise

* Single poles *Filler under jump * Box in the middle of the Oxa *Oxa only 2 poles, filler or box, no ground poles

NOTE: Can be jumped up to 1.40

17 paces

Makes the rider shorten and helps the horse look and focus on top pole

Exercise 3

ces

20 paces

* Adding strides, or jumping on the level stride * Control * Jump to any height * Jumps have ground lines * Make use of fillers Advanced horse’s Jump up to 1.30 height. Novice horses jump on level stride, and height in relation to horse’s level and ability.

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Cross Pole

ces

20 paces

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AnIssue authorised FinancialHORSE Services Provider 17 SPORTING 29

Jonathan Clarke: What age group do you prefer teaching? Anyone with a good horse. Makes it easier and more enjoyable. Difficult to spread yourself amongst the different ages groups and shows. So I have most recently focused on adult students.

I like my students to jump a course. And then closer to the time jump a gymnastic a couple of days before the show starts and then do some schooling or track work depending on the horse and rider. I’m a great fan of pre and post competition use of the horse walker.

How long have you been teaching? I started teaching when I was in the army at the Breda Centrum alongside Colonel Stark (I was in the army in 1986).

There needs to be more attention to cooling horses off, I feel this helps physically and mentally for the horse. This applies to being at home or at competition.

When I left the army I worked for Janine Myburg (then Springbok show jumper) and then worked for the Philipeades family and Gonda Betrix.I then started freelance teaching and took up a position back then at one of the most popular commercial yards called Carlswald stables. This had a very good structure from riding school all the way up to junior and young riders. I at the time taught a lot of junior riders that came up through the children ranks. I taught there until 1997 and then campaigned in Europe. On my return I continued teaching. So I have probably been teaching for around 26 years. Example of your pre-competition and post competition work: I try to get my training done by at least 2 days prior to a show starting .There are always situations that can alter this ideal plan like weather conditions, when teaching students that get anxious you may need to keep them confident right up until the day they compete, depending on how your last show went and your last schooling session.

Post competition, not enough attention is given to this area. I believe the horses need to be in the best condition after the competitions – the use of physios, chiropractors etc. The horses need to feel very comfortable in their bodies. The horses will most likely hack, school or go on the horse walker depending on the last show. I believe if it’s good, less is more. What was your experience like when you were competing in Europe on your horse Davetsaub Lombard? I was in Europe with my horse 4 months prior to the World Cup Final in Helsinki in 1998.I was at a private yard in Germany and then moved to the powerful stable yard of Paul Schockemohle. Here I was working for my personal and horses’ keep. After the World Cup finals I moved to David McPherson (an ex South African rider) in the UK prior to the World Equestrian Games in Rome. We would be travelling to Rome as a team and the other riders were based in Germany.

Jonathan’s TIMELINE

1998

Davetsaub Lombard & Jonathan Clarke

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Mossandi Diadem & Jonathan Clarke

Rina 77 & Jonathan Clarke

The difference at David was that my horse and I came first. I would see to him and ride him first in the day before attending to anything else; my sole focus was on Lombard.

the World Cup Final in Helsinki and the World Equestrian Games in Rome, Mossandi Diadem, she just gave so much and had the most incredible heart!

I found the whole experience totally overwhelming – the expenses, the loneliness, not having a total support structure, the warm-up arenas were very small and the weather was foul.

Presently I have 3 wonderful horses owned by Mark and Dianne Slade. Rina 77 has got me back and riding at the highest level and been able to compete in the World Cup Qualifiers again.

To be competitive there you need to be based there for a significant period of time, have the correct support structure and above, all have the funds.

Felix, I believe he is a wonderful horse and will jump in the 1.50 classes.

What is your favourite piece of equipment? My saddle! It needs to fit the horse comfortably and it’s very possible to then find the right fit for horse and rider.

Then the young Hummer who is currently jumping 1.20, he is scopey, careful and I love to ride him.

Naithe Pelham.

If I could choose from more recent international horses it would probably be Libertina owned by Lady Georgina Forbes and then ridden by Irish rider Jessica Kurten. I also would love to have ridden a horse like Shutterfly, Germany’s Meredith Michaels Beerbaum’s horse.

As a youngster who had the most profound influence over you? George Morris (USA).

If I could have chosen a horse in the past it would have probably been Joe Fargis’ Olympic gold medallist from Los Angeles “Touch of Class”.

Who’s been your favourite horse of all time and if you could have chosen one any where in the world at any time, who would it have been? From my children career it was Fire dance. Junior career it was St Cloud.

What do you think your key to success is? My ability to focus when the pressure is on and patience, patience….

A rope gag with two reins.

Adult previous mounts Davetsaub Lombard: as I won the Adult South African Show jumping Championship, rode at

What advice do you have for other coaches? To look at every situation from the horses point of view. The sport offers a good lifestyle. To be passionate about horses requires patience.

2013

Felix & Jonathan Clarke

Hummer & Jonathan Clarke Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Some of Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite jumping exercises: 1

Exercise 1

Ground Poles

Trot Poles

Vertical

Flower box 4 paces

* Use only as vertical * Start small, depending on level of horse *Ride this exercise in a figure 8 format * This exercise teaches horse and rider to focus *Helps horse use his inside shoulder

4 paces

*Straightness *Before and after middle of fence *Jump off practice *Rider needs to use both hands

Exercise 2

NOTE: Height never bigger than 90cm

* Vertical Jump, with no ground lines * Lane poles to keep horse straight (lane poles placed under jump) *5 strides in each quarter 9 paces

GOOD FOR: *Riders to develop feel of length of stride *Beware of horse direction (ie:falling in or bulging out) *Calming exercise for hot horses ADVANCED HORSES: *Keep focus sharp *Tiring exercise, make sure horse and rider have a break and change of direction *Riders must not stop if they make a mistake, keep going and access the situation

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

ynonymous with flutes of champagne and exquisite couture fashion, guests of the fourth annual Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2014 are set to attend what has now become South Africa’s most exclusive and luxury polo event on the Western Cape’s social calendar on Saturday, 01 March 2014. Drawing inspiration from polo’s global presence, with its rich cultural heritage, the prestigious Champagne House sponsors some of the world’s leading polo events such as the Manhattan Classic in New York City, the LA Polo Classic, the UK’s Gold Cup and the Veuve Clicquot Masters Cape Town, the only event of its kind on the African continent. VIP guests of Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2014 tournament can look forward to an afternoon of stylish décor opulence, perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne, gourmet canapés, lavish couture fashion and a highly anticipated action packed finale of polo. More than any other sport, polo is best savoured live – a theme steeped in tradition and perpetuated by Veuve Clicquot.

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

SAVE THE DATE DIARY DETAILS:

Event: Veuve Clicquot MastersPolo Cape Town 2014 Date: Saturday, 1 March 2014 Venue: Val de Vie Estate, Jan van Riebeeck Road, Paarl 7646

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Sommer Saddles German hand crafted excellence

Since 2009 the Sommer Saddles brand has been available in South Africa to the discerning rider. In the past four years the brand has found loyal supporters amongst accomplished riders like Jean van Deventer, AJ & Tyla Radermacher, Tracy Davids, Ivan van der Sijde, Jaco Theron, Kim Bray and Dominey Alexander being the latest dressage rider to join the Sommer family. 38

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Tracy Davids. Photo by H2 Photography Ivan van der Sijde. Photo by T&B Images Tyla & AJ Radermacher. Photo by T&B Images Kim Bray. Photo by Amanda van Heerden

Although being a new brand locally, Sommerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history dates back to 1965 when Theo Sommer founded the company in Munich in Germany. Since then Sommer has grown exponentially to become one of the most prestigious saddle brands in the world today.

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

As a saddle by Sommer is a work of traditional arts and crafts, with lots of attention to detail, these high-quality saddles are made mainly by hand, using only the highest quality leather, stainless steel and solid brass components. In 1966 their development of the very first patented, thermoplastic saddle tree made of synthetic material caused a revolution in the industry, and consequently found imitators all over the world. This new saddle tree was flexible lengthwise and crosswise, thereby being able to move with the movement of the horse and rider instead of being a rigid obstruction between the two. In 1970 the production plant was moved to Pirmasens and in 1971 a second production plant was erected for accessories enabling Sommer to offer bridles, girths etc. of the highest quality to complement their range of saddles. In co-operation with dressage grand master, Egon v. Neindorff, a new dressage saddle was developed in 1973 and in 1974 Sommer provided the equipment for the Olympic champion Josef Neckermann. In 1976 Sommer was awarded the “Staatspreis” of Germany for outstanding achievements. In 1990 Theo Sommer’s son, Alexander René Sommer, wins the regional and the state-wide saddle-craft contest and in 1991

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Dominey Alexander. Photo by Tracy Robertson

Sommer provided the equipment for the French national team. Recognizing the demand for adjustable saddles, especially for developing horses, Sommer made some innovative changes to their saddle trees during 1993, resulting in the saddles being fully adjustable through a gullet width range of 27-38cm, thanks to a new and revolutionary mix of materials. Their confidence in the strength and durability of their trees is evident in the 30 year warrantee on the tree of every Sommer saddle. This special “Flexus” saddle tree allowed the width of the gullet to be altered as often as you wish without material fatigue, thereby meeting their objective of offering a high quality leather saddle that fits a horse during its entire lifetime, since it can be adjusted to compensate for each growth period or change in your horse’s condition. In 1995 Theo Sommer, hands the company over to his son Alexander René Sommer and in 1996 Sommer receives the “Staatspreis” of Germany for arts and crafts.

Jean van Deventer. Photo by Tracy Robertson

The development of a new type of panel in sandwich construction, the “Protection Panel” during the year of 2001 sets the higher end of Sommer’s range of saddles apart from other saddles in terms of comfort for the horse. This new sandwich construction allows the particular characteristics of the various materials to interact in the following way: 1. The core made of synthetic flocking remains soft and elastic and does not absorb any moisture. It retains its elasticity permanently and will not compact or become hard and “lumpy.” 2. The next layer of natural hair felt in the shape of a bag completely surrounds the core of synthetic flocking. The natural material takes the shape of the horse’s back without becoming rigid. 3. A layer of special natural cellular rubber reluctant to return to its initial form gives additional softness on the side adjoining the horse’s back. 4. The several sandwich elements are encapsulated in a leather bag that is then

hand sewed around the edges with stylish piping that ends in the middle. Currently Sommer offers 9 models of Dressage saddles, 5 Models of Jumping saddles, 4 GP models and 6 Endurance/trail models. This wide range of various models, all having slight differences in design, ensure that there is a Sommer saddle that will suit any rider.

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Furthermore any Sommer saddle can be custom made to satisfy special demands like longer or shorter flaps, knee rolls with Velcro adjustment, Special knee roll sizes, depth of seat, length of panel, colour of leather and trim etc. A saddle by Sommer With careful consideration of the anatomy and biomechanics of the horse and the resultant rules of saddle design, what does Sommer consider as important when building a saddle ? 1. Saddle tree The saddle tree has to be flexible lengthwise and crosswise, thereby being able to move with the movement of the horse and rider instead of being a rigid obstruction between the two partners. The modern saddle tree should be adjustable with the ability to be adapted to any changes in the horse’s back. 2. Head iron The head iron above the withers ensures the head’s stability and reaches from the shoulder blade downwards and backwards. The lower ends open towards the bottom. 3. Panels • The panel should be smooth (not lumpy) and elastic. • There should be no edges catching on the horse’s back. • It should be open in the front. • The angle of the panel should conform to the angle of the horse’s back.

4. Panel distance and width • The panels should run parallel with at least 5-6 cm distance between them. • The panels should be wide enough to span across the back muscles and the junction between the back and the rib muscles 5. Flocking material The flocking in the panels made of synthetic fiber should be soft and flexible even when exposed to moisture. It should adapt itself to the horse’s back but remain elastic. 6. Girth system The girthing begins with the first point of contact under the stirrup bar, not at the end points of the front arch where the front arch width is measured. Its form corresponds to the natural depth of the horse’s girth area. 7. Air circulation The saddle construction should support air circulation of the horse’s back thereby preventing hot spots and heat accumulation. 8. Materials Carefully selected materials make the Sommer saddle a natural product that becomes more beautiful with age. Their leathers are carefully selected and tanned for them throughout the world and have to pass strict quality control inspections before being used. 9. Variability The fit as well as the front arch width can be changed at any time.

Distributors required for Kwazulu Natal, Namibia and Zimbabwe. For more information contact Sommer Saddles Southern Africa on the contact details as provided below

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

The art of riding and saddle design History of the saddle The horse was probably only domesticated around 2,700 BC by the Aryans. They were nomadic people who spoke an Indo-Germanic language and inhabited the steppe around the Black and Caspian Sea. The horse was probably ridden, but riding it played a secondary role to its other uses. The Scythians used a numnah made of felt which was often elaborately embroidered as well as stirrups. The Greeks, Romans and Persians, however, only used a simple saddle pad that they attached to the horses back by way of a girth and a chest strap. The numnah used by the Scythians did not only serve as decoration but was used on long marches folded underneath the saddle and provided effective protection. The saddle was made of leather and felt. Two cushions were used, which were well stuffed with deer hair and held together by leather straps or a

continuous piece of leather. The cushions were placed on either side of the spine on top of the numnah so that the weight of the rider was distributed onto the back musculature as well as the rib muscles. This construction still corresponds to modern principles for saddling: the saddle must not press on the spine but rather on the sides along its whole length so that the spine itself carries no weight. The Sarmatians lived to the east of the Scythians. What makes them different to the Scythians is the fact that they had a heavy cavalry. They are credited with being the first to have built a saddle with a wooden frame or tree. The initial development of the saddle over the course of several thousand years shows us two things: on the one hand we see a slow progress in technical evolution, and on the other, decisive innovations that have had such a lasting influence on modern saddle constructions that we have to acknowledge the ScythianSarmatian saddle as the original design of our modern saddle. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Then and Now After these two nations had laid the foundation for the sport of riding, our modern sport saddle was only developed in the last two centuries, from a wooden crutch, as it were, to a flexible sport seat. To understand the modern saddle construction as it relates to different riding styles and the resultant behaviour of the horse, a basic knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the horse is required. The horse’s back The back consists of the thoracic/chest- and lumbar spine as well as all the associated bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons. The back has a close association with other body parts such as the head and neck, the chest and abdominal wall as well as the shoulder and pelvic limbs.

1st thoracic vertebra, rear view

7th thoracic vertabra, front view

Lumbar vertebra, rear view

Skeleton, side view

Components of the back The Skeleton: The thoracic/chest- and lumbar spine, which makes up the bony scaffold of the horse’s back, has virtually no curve, compared to the cervical/neck spine. By virtue of its specific anatomy it allows only very little movement. The individual vertebrae have a growth plate at their front and back ends, which allow growth along its longitudinal axis. The vertebrae continue to grow for several years and the last growth plates only close once the horse is approximately six years old. In addition, the dorsal processes of the thoracic spine have their own growth plates - these only close after the horse is ten years old. The horse’s spine consists of 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae, 18 thoracic (chest) vertebrae, 6 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral (pelvic) vertebrae and 18 to 21 tail vertebrae. The horse’s back is a bridge construction in which the limbs act as the pillars of the bridge. Because of the horizontal position of the back one should rather refer to a spinal bridge than a spinal column.

under the vertebrae are also needed and should be equally trained. The muscles that play a role in the support of the neck and trunk can be divided into the upper, middle and lower muscle girths. The upper girth consists of the long neck muscles (splenic and longismus dorsi muscle), the middle part consists of the brachiocephalic and psoas muscle and the lower girth is made up of the straight abdominal muscles.

The thoracic-, lumbar- and sacral vertebrae have dorsally (“protruding upwards”) directed extensions, the so called dorsal or Spinous processes. They are tilted towards the tail up to the 15th thoracic vertebra. The dorsal process of the 16th thoracic vertebra stands upright and all from here to the 18th point towards the head. The first eight true or supporting ribs as well as the last ten respiratory ribs are attached laterally to the thoracic vertebrae. The ribs are attached to the sternum via a cartilaginous junction forming the closed rib cage. The rib cage protects the organs within it from injury and in addition gives the support necessary to carry the horse’s own body weight.

The movement: Exact measurements of the movement of the spine were first undertaken in Europe by Zschokke. He described that the stability of the spine is largely dependent on the dorsal processes and the attached spinal ligament (ligamentum supraspinale). He measured a lowering of the back of only 4 cm with loads on the back of 50 to 80 kg, provided the dorsal processes were intact. He was also the first person to describe the change in the position of the dorsal processes as it relates to changes in the position of the head and neck.

The back muscles: In simple terms the back musculature can be divided into the actual and connecting back muscles. A further difference exists between the short and long back muscles. An important muscle is the long back muscle or musculus longissimus dorsi. This muscle fills the triangle created by the dorsal spinal processes and the lateral spinal processes that is present along the length of the spine. It should completely fill this space and even bulge beyond the spinal processes. Apart from the muscles above the vertebrae, muscles that run 44

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

According to modern definitions, the spinal column moves in four different ways: Dorsiflexion – hollowing of the back Ventriflexion – arching or making a hump of the back Lateroflexion – bending to the side Torsion – twisting around its axis The greatest degree of bending to the side takes place during the walk. The largest up and down bending, however, happens during a trot. At a walk and trot, a change in position of four to five centimetres can be measured. At a gallop a change of only three centimetres is measurable.

Figure 1

Tension of the ligamentum nuchae Thoracic flexion: the withers move upwards

The muscle that erects the spine (m.erector spinae) is tensed: the tonus increases

2* Lumbosacral and thoracolumbar flexion

Concentric contraction of the long head and neck muscles (mm. longus capitis and longus colli)

1* Concentric contraction of the muscles in the rectum and abdomen (mm. rectis and oblique abdominis)

The back is without a doubt the pivot of the propulsion system of the horse. For the horse to engage his hind quarters he must “round” his back. The opposite to rounding would be a slack back or “sway back”. The dorsal Spinous processes from the 14th to the 16th thoracic vertebra stand virtually upright. This is the center of dorsiflexion of the back and thus also the center of the back’s stability.

“According to the basic principles, which we will allude to, the horse, when standing square, has a center of gravity in which all its strength and all its power is centered. This center has a perpendicular line. The art of riding consists of getting this line to correspond to the center of the rider`s gravity line so that they are in harmony.” DUPATY DE CLAM

Fauques (1982) was first to describe the measurements between the dorsal Spinous processes in live, moving horses and the changes in these measurements with different positions of the head. He noted that the distances not only change with the different movements (walk, trot and canter) but also with different positions of the head. (Figure 1)

Looking at the spinal column of the rider, nothing more needs to be done but bring the natural biomechanically determined plumb line of the rider in harmony with the plumb line through the horse’s centre of gravity. The plumb line of the rider goes from his ear through his shoulder to his hips and then to his ankle. Proper riding position (straddle seat) means sitting upright on both pin bones. Sitting upright does not mean pulling the pelvis up, but allowing the forward tilting of the pelvis. Poise and balance means free movement of all joints and a smooth muscular upright seat, bringing the plumb line to its correct position.

It is assumed that the rubbing of the dorsal processes, also known as “kissing spine”, is due to the repeated unphysiological sinking of the back. Poor tensioning of the back musculature as well as the inhibition of head movement by the rider, could lead to lowered tension in the spinal column and may be part of the cause. The rider “Riding is a dialogue between two bodies and two souls aimed at putting them in unison with each other.” WALDEMAR SEUNIG Dupaty de Clam, a musketeer of the French King, wrote in the last chapter of his book on the art of riding in 1769 about the importance of the center of gravity of the rider and the horse and how they affect each other:

The saddle “A good saddle perfects the seat of the rider, spreads and absorbs the rider’s movements. It cannot compensate for a lack of instruction or training in the rider.” JÜRGEN LOESDAU A well fitted saddle for both horse and rider will support our riding efforts and it will place the rider there where the horse would place him without a saddle. The lowest part of a saddle must lie over the center of maximal stability of the back. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Figure 2

shoulder blade lies directly underneath the withers (Figure 2). This is important for the saddle maker as this is the area where the shoulder blades move. To allow free shoulder action, the panel must open to the sides in front to allow maximum freedom of movement of the shoulder. The shoulder action is often impaired by saddles because the panel is heavily padded in front causing a narrowing of the gullet. Point straps (first girth strap) will increase the tension in the shoulder by tightening and fixing the saddle in the forward part of the saddle tree. By this fixation to the shoulder, muscles will lose their suppleness and because of the intermingling of the back muscle fibres, this tightening may become evident as far The back, even of fully grown horses, will not be able to back as the croup. The results can be a “cold back” - problems withstand incorrect positioning of the rider’s weight for any when the horse is asked to collect itself or even when the length of time. rider just wants to mount, unwillingness to work, evasion of brush strokes during grooming etc. The saddle must fit the horse perfectly, i.e. it must allow optimal freedom of movement for the shoulder blades, The panel (the padded underside of a saddle that comes into the withers and the rounding of the back. One of the contact with the back) must conform to the anatomy of the most important areas of the horse’s back is the withers horse’s back. The ideal panel should overlap the back muscles when designing and manufacturing saddles. This is the area at the junction between back and rib muscles. A narrow panel where the saddle is placed and together with the rider brings will press the long back muscle against the vertebral column additional weight onto the back. Already the horse is carrying and spinal process and push the rib muscles down and away. 55% of its weight on the front legs and 45% on its hind legs. The horse’s elasticity and ground covering stride should The plumb line and the centre of gravity of the horse lie at not be impaired by the saddle - it must in fact support such the level of the sternum just below the middle of the rump. movement. This results in imperative rules for designing and In addition, the three centimetres thickened back edge of the making a saddle. 46

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

The Micklem Bridle is distributed exclusively by Tack ‘n Togs. Contact us for a list of our retailers. Don’t support counterfeit copies!

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www.tackntogs.co.za Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2013 By Stable Boy

Photos by Kelly Bruce Photography

“After missing our connecting flight from Sao Paulo, the warm welcome we received at the charming Warrens Guest House made us feel like we were coming home” said Christof Umbach. “We were able to relax under the African stars and chat to show organiser Bev Pendock who assured us that we would be taken very good care of during our stay” said Karin Kruger. Both FEI Judges agreed that Bev and her Team had done a wonderful job of organising the show and without doubt it was the best of this year’s Challenge Events! Attention to detail was the success – well done! The sunshine for the warm up classes held on Monday and Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, which saw the hosting of the Land Rover Durban Challenge Classes for horses which did not qualify for the actual World Challenge Final. Maxine Robinson, from the monthly magazine Horse Etc., presented a beautiful trophy and Blanket to the horse gaining the highest percentage over these 5 sections. This was won by local rider and trainer, Jocelyn Constant on Callaho Chagall.

From 11.30am a stream of world class celebrities arrived – John Smit, Butch James, Russell Wood, Hank McGregor, Megan Coleman, Andrew Hill, Dale Chadwick – to name but a few. Whilst they sipped their pre-lunch drinks of Pimms and Cherry Beer, professional compere, Trevor Bern, did the draw for the Celebrity Jump and Drive Competition. This would see 14 teams competing for the handsome purse of R10,000! Drivers would do a slalom course at high speed in a Land Rover and Riders would Jump 8 jumps at 1.10m high – all against the clock. A tennis ball was placed in a shallow lipped bowl, and if dislodged, the rider had to leap out of the car and replace it, incurring extra time, before the team could continue. When the slalom round was complete, the pair raced to the prancing horse, the driver assisting the rider on board, and the rider then proceeded helter skelter over the jumps. The team with the fasted time won! Gradually the 140 Land Rover Durban guests were ushered through to the marquee and seated at tables complete with silver cutlery, crystal wine glasses, complimentary Hartenberg Wines, Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Jaco Theron air borne in a lovely medium trot on Ubiquity

Jaco Theron and Ulundi winners of the advanced FEI World Dressage Challenge

Megan and Couer De Leon proudly flies the flag for Land Rover Durban

and complimentary Ardmore soup bowls! Local punter Max McConnell ran a book on the Jump and Drive with 30% of takings going towards Dressage! Money poured in from the crowds for their favourite teams, and much cheering and laughter was had during the event. The eventual winners were Phillipa Baxter and World Champion motor cyclist Russell Wood, who generously donated his portion of the prize money back to Dressage! THANK YOU RUSSELL! Thursday was raining but that did little to dampen the upbeat enthusiasm of the riders to show the judges what they were made of. Although very wet, the Arenas rode well and Supersport TV captured all the highlights. Winners of the various sections were: FEI Elementary: Leanne Cutting Riding Cinderalla FEI Medium: Calet De Vos Riding Mossandi Radient FEI Advanced: Jaco Theron Riding Ulundi FEI Prix St George: Megan Berning Riding Couer De Leon 50

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

From left to right: Christof Umbach (Judge), Nicky Brain (3Rd Prix St George), Gene Mc Neil, 4Th, Karin Kruger (Judge)

Jaco and Megan were the proud winners of the prize awarded by Performance Sales International, Germany â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training and accommodation at their World Class facility. This prestigious award is a truly wonderful opportunity for our young riders. Representing South Africa; Catherine Berning and Ciroc, Leanne Cutting and Cinderella, Beryl Johnston and Davenport Poseidon, Jocelyn Constant and Lucky Time, Reserve Chrismie Venter and Esfane Trynke Vdw. The South African Team, comprising only KZN riders, Finished a creditable 3rd in the overall result. The on-going support of Land Rover Durban is reaping its rewards in KZN Dressage. The South Africa team won the Interprovincial Team Event this year in Gauteng, and our riders continue to hold their own when competeing out of province. The growth in the sport and the calibre of shows being held is encouraging riders and organisers to set their goals higher and reach for the stars. THANK YOU LAND ROVER DURBAN.

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Land Rover Durban

Address Details. 41 Somtseu Road, Durban

Tel: 031 314 5555 Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Join us on

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FEI / WBFSH World Rankings for the

4 TOP STUD BOOKS in Showjumping Photo Credits www.noellefloyd.com

By Frances Cheboub

s the year draws to a close, it is always interesting to see the breeding of leading horses and which stud books they originate from. This year the KWPN Stud Book has taken first position and the horse bringing in its highest points up to October is Chaman, yet in the Show Jumping rankings he lies second. The leading horse in the Show Jumping rankings is the Selle Francais,Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois and the French Stud Book lies third. In between we have the Belgium stud book BWP in second position with the lovely grey mare Cella ranked 3rd as a showjumper. The Holstein Stud book falls back to fourth position from first last year and its top representative is the stallion Casall Ask which lies 6th in the Show jumping rankings. Please refer to www.wbfsh.com for more detailed results.

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Stud book ranking

Horse, Sex, Show jumper ranking

Breeding

Rider Country

KWPN

CHAMAN Stallion 2nd

Sire: Baloubet du Rouet (SF) Dam’s sires: I love you (SF) / Lucky Boy xx (KWPN)

Ludger Beerbaum Germany

BIG STAR stallion 4th

Sire: Quick Star(SF) Dam’s sires: Nimmerdor (KWPN) Ramiro(KWPN)

Nick Skelton Great Britain

LANSDOWNE Stallion 5th

Sire:Guidam (SF) Dam’s sires: Wolfgang (KWPN) / Ulft (KWPN)

ConorSwail Ireland

CELLA Mare 3rd

Sire: Cento (Holstein) Dam’s sires: Chin Chin (Holstein) / Major de la Couer (SF)

Ben Maher Great Britain

CYLANA Mare 8th

Sire: Skippy II (SF) Dam’s sires: Darco (BWP) / Voltaire (Hann)

Reed Kessler USA

LONDON Stallion 9th

Sire: Nabab de Reve (BWP) Dam’s sires: Chin Chin (Holstein) / Goliath II Z (Rheinl)

Gerko Schroder Netherlands

Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois,mare 1st

Sire: Dollar du Murier (SF) Dam’s sires: Grand Veneur (SF) / Red Star II xx

Roger Yves Bost France

Palloubetd´Halong Gelding 28th

Sire: Baloubet du Rouet (SF) Dam’s sires: Muguet du Manoir (SF) / Rubis Rouge (SF

Jannike Sprunger Switzerland

Ninno des Buissonnets Gelding 31st

Sire: Kanaan (KWPN) Dam’s sires: Narcos II (SF) / Almé (SF)

Steve Guerdat Switzerland

CasallASK Stallion 7th

Sire:Calido I (Holstein) Dam’s sires: Indoctro (KWPN) / Rolando (Oldb)

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson Sweden

Carlo 273 Gelding 19th

Sire:Contender (Holstein) Dam’s sires: Cascavalle (Holstein)/ Gonzales (Holstein)

Sergio Alvarez Moya Spain

Chiara 222 Mare 23rd

Sire: Contender (Holstein) Dam’s sires: Coronado (Holstein) / Capitol I

Ludger Beerbaum Germany

BWP

HOLSTEIN

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Castle Forbes MYRTILLE PAULOIS

Mare - Selle FranĂ§ais - 2000 - 17.1hh (176) - Showjumping Ranking : 1 Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois and her French rider Roger Yves Bost were crowned European Champions in Herning, in August 2013. They have a partnership of about two years. The mare was ridden previously by Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jessica Kurten. The grey haired Frenchman says the mare has a lot of blood in her and the important thing for him is not to lose control. But she tries everything to clear the poles.Bostie went on to say that he had not yet won an individual title of this level and he pointed to his mare as the inspiration for his Gold Medal win at Herning. She has since picked up an injury that kept her out of the Fei Nations Cup Final in Barcelona but the French Team went on to win it even without them.

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CHAMAN

Stallion - KWPN - 1999 - 16.3½ hh (172) - Showjumping Ranking : 2 Breeder: BOA Agrioculture, Enschede/NED Stallion approved for Hanover, Mecklenburg, Rhineland, Westphalia and all Southern German Verbands. The Baloubet du Rouet son, Chaman competed in 2006 in the Eastern League USA, with Luciana Diniz who went on to take him into international competition . In 2010 he found a home with the German Olympic multi champion, Ludger Beerbaum and they have since become a world class combination. In 2012 Chaman was nominated for the KWPN Horse of the Year Award in the Netherlands. In January 2013 they won the Private Banking Prix in Zurich, in April 2013 they won the Hermes Grand Prix in Paris and also the Grand Prix win for the Gottenburg Trophy. Amongst his other successes this year LudgerBeerbaum won the RWE Prize of the North Rhine-Westphalia at the CHIO in Achen in June in front of his home crowd. The 49-year-old celebrated a clear victory in the jump-off with the 14-year-old stallion, Chaman which he calls his “super horse”.

Centoiavan ‘troosakker, known as CELLA

Mare - BWP - 2002 - Owned by Jane Clark - Showjumping Ranking : 3 Cella is ridden by Great Britain’s Ben Maher. Cella joined him late in 2012 when Ben began riding the horses of American owner Jane Forbes Clark. This new partnership started to take off in early 2013 when Ben competed in the USA at the FTI Wellington Equestrian Festival. Then they were part of the British teams victory in the Nations Cup in Dublin, they won the London leg of the Global Champions Tour and won the Warteiner Preisin Aachen as well as giving an amazing performance at the European Championships in Herning in August 2013. By September, 26 year old Ben found himself at the top of the Longines Rankings and has held onto that position for October too. The mare is known for the black net she has over her nose to help with a head shaking problem and the net filters pollens, insects and protects her from the sun. Ben says of her : “Cella has her own style and I trust her, even if our partnership is still fairly new.” 54

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BIG STAR

Stallion - KWPN - 2003 - 16.1 Â˝ hh (167) - Showjumping Ranking : 4 Breeder: KeesKlaver Is ridden by Nick Skelton of Great Britian and is seen here in July, winning the coveted 2013 Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen. They were also part of the British that won Gold at the 2012 Olympic Games. Nick bought the horse as a youngster and has produced him up to this level. By the age of 8 he started winning Grand Prix regularly. Nick has said on many occasions that this is the best horse he has ever ridden. However it was announced recently that Big Star would be out of due to a ganglion so was not able to compete at Sprucemeadows narrowing his chances of winning a the Rolex Grand Slam.

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CASALL ASK

Stallion - Holstein - 1999 - 16.1 ½ hh (167) - Showjumping Ranking : 7 Breeder: Wilfried Thomann, Drelsdorf, Germany This stallion is ridden by Swedish rider Rolf-Göran Bengtsson. Stall Bengtsson & Kristoffersen based in Germany and Stud La Silla announced an end to their association at after the World Cup Final in Gothenburg in March 2013. The Danish Stutteri Ask started by the Kirk Kristiansen family (also own the famous Blue Hors dressage stud) have now teamed up with them. The stallions Casall and Quintero are owned by the Holsteiner Verband and have organised that relationship to continue but both the horses will compete in the future as Casall Ask and Quintero Ask. At the Holstein Stallion Licensing in November 2013, 23 Stallions were approved for breeding of which 5 were Casall son’s;and his talented son Connor had two approved.

Palloubet d´Halong

Gelding - Selle Francais - 2003 - Showjumping Ranking : 28 Produced up the grades and ridden by Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger jumped to a remarkable 2nd place 2013 Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen and is one of the best horses in the Furusiyya Nations Cup this year. It was confirmed in September that Jan Tops had bought this horse for his wife Edwina Tops-Alexander for an amazing price of 11,000,000 euro’s ($15,000,000).

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Tjalf 433 Stb Sport owned by Doorndraai Stud

By Kate Baynes / Photos by Charisma Photography

THE FPSSA NATIONAL SHOW 2013

SPONSORED BY PELA GRACA STUD

his year’s National Show was held at (KEP) Kyalami Equestrian Park, Johannesburg in glorious Gauteng weather. The rain held off right to the end as the members of the FPSSA showed the public what the Friesian horse is all about. Continuing with their efforts to improve the breed and educate the public, breeders and owners, the FPSSA invited 2 international KFPS judges - Wil Thijssen and Jolanda Slootjes to preside over the show and judging day. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors Celeste and Schalk Steyn of Pela Graca Stud, Douglas.

the potential of a horse under saddle. Arne fan de Kadyk (Tsjalke 397) owned by Benmar Black Stud, had a good result with 77.5 points. Truke fan Lutke Peinjum ( Eibert 419) owned by Marius Calitz, with 79 points was awarded the Kroon mare status. Wil Thijssen commented:

Judging For the 1st time a judging day was incorporated with the National Show. Our judges saw 21 Friesians. 18 of them were presented for inclusion in the Studbook. 5 were awarded with the star predicate: Hayley van Perdeprag ( Erwin fan ‘t Reidfjild) owned by Perdeprag Stud received star with a 2nd premie. The other 4 horses awarded star, all owned by Doorndraai were, Indigo Girl of Millford (Reinoud fan ‘e Homar), Heinsy van Doorndraai Stud ( Tjalf 443 Sport) and Anneke van Doorndraai (Ritse 322) received star with a 2nd premie. At van Doorndraai (Ritse 322) was the only Friesian that received a 1st premie. Wil Thijssen’s comment on At van Doorndraai: “This is what dreams are made from”.

In Hand Showing For the breeders, the In Hand Showing competition was of a high standard with Studs like Doorndraai Stud (Pretoria), Millford Stud (Natal), Quantum Stud (Benoni), Perdeprag (Kinross) and Benmar Black (Magaliesburg) competing with the youngsters they have bred. But at the end of the day it was Doorndraai Stud that walked away with the Junior Champion colt, Orlando van Doorndraai (Tjalf 443 Sport) and Jolanda van Doorndraai (Tjalf 443 Sport) the Junior Champion Filly. Supreme Junior Champion In Hand, being awarded to Jolanda van Doorndraai (Tjalf 443 Sport) and Hayley van Perdeprag (Erwin fan’t Reidfjild) as the Supreme Reserve Junior Champion.

Also judged were 3 horses for the IBOP riding test, a test to see

The senior In Hand classes with both local and imported horses

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“Overall we had a good quality of horses that can be compared with the Friesians worldwide. Because all the horses, except four, were bred in South Africa, we can conclude that at this moment the breeding is at a good level in South Africa.”

Bakkies van Doorndraai owned by Jean Larsen

Jean van Deventer riding Truke fan Lutke Peinjum owned by Marius Calitz

Reinoud fan e’Homar owned by Millford Stud Jolanda van Doorndraai owned by Doorndraai Stud

Reinoud fan e’Homar owned by Millford Stud

competing, were also dominated by Doorndraai Stud with Senior Champion Mare In hand, Hiske fan Bokkum (Maurus 441), Champion Studbook Stallion – Tjalf 443 Sport (Heinse 354). Champion Foal book stallion with Breeding permission, Friso fan S Vb Star (Thomas 327), also a class that Friso fan S has won 7 times since he was imported in 2004. The Senior Champion Stallion went to Bart van Doorndraai owned by Zwarteprag Stud, bred and trained by Doorndraai Stud, Bart van Doorndraai went on to win the Reserve Supreme Senior Champion In Hand. Senior Champion Gelding went to Bakkies van Doorndraai (Ritse 322) who became Supreme Senior Champion In Hand. Bakkies van Doorndraai (Ritse 322) is owned by Jean Larsen and bred and trained by Doorndraai. These results are a testament to Marlise Botes and her team at Doorndraai. They have striven to improve the Friesian breed in South Africa through correct breeding and were the 3rd best breeders in the world for 2012 as well as the best breeders of Friesians outside of the Netherlands. Harness The harness classes saw new members Danina Stud (Nelspruit) win the Champion Mare in Single Harness with their imported mare Tjitske vd Slothoeve (Beart 411). Returning to the arena to defend last year’s title of Champion Stallion In Harness was Wietse de Leije Vb H (Tsjalke 397) owned by Aveleda Stud (Colenso) beautifully driven by his owner Wessel Basson, he took

this title for the 2nd year running. Friso fan S Vb Star (Thomas 327) won the Champion Stallion Single Harness with KFPS Breeding Permission, Driven by Nynke Bosma. Friso fan S has won this class 8 times since 2005. The unbeatable duo of Jolanda Schreuder and Tjalf 443 Sport (Heinse 354), owned by Doorndraai Stud won the title of Supreme Champion in Single Harness yet again, with Friso fan S the Reserve Supreme Champion Single Harness. Under Saddle Reinoud fan e’ Homar Vb Ster Sport (Beart 411 Stb Sport), dominated the under saddle classes becoming the Champion KFPS Foal book stallion with breeding permission for the 4th year running, Supreme Champion Under Saddle, Champion Medium Dressage ,Supreme Dressage Champion and Strictly come Showing Champion. This young stallion owned by Millford Stud is ridden and trained by Calet de Vos. Reinoud and Calet have had great success in the dressage arena this year where they are now placed 5th overall in Advance in Zone 1 FEI rankings. Benmar Black’s Arne fan de Kaddyk beautifully ridden by Jean van Deventer won Champion Stallion Under Saddle. At van Doorndraai only recently under saddle and ridden by Alida Copeland De Jager won the Champion Gelding. Wijkje Annebell owned and ridden by Selma van den Berg of Selco Stud winning the Champion Mare under Saddle . Truke fan Lutke Peinjum (Eibert 419) saw Jean van Deventer return to the saddle to win Champion Kroon Mare as well as the Reserve Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Supreme Champion under Saddle. Dressage It is very encouraging to see so many of our owners and breeders competing and promoting the Friesian breed in the Dressage arena. Judge, Trevor Burn commented “I cannot believe how the Friesians have improved so much in their Dressage over the past few years. Some outstanding tests seen in all the grades but was so encouraged by inspired performances in the Prelim and Novice classes, some real “stars in the making” within those grades. The highlight was judging Reinoud Fan’e Homar Vb Ster Sport. What a truly magnificent horse he is, beautifully ridden and presented by Calet de Vos” Congratulation to our Champions Reinoud fan e’Homar Vb Ster Sport Medium Champion and Supreme Dressage Champion ridden by Calet De Vos and owned by Millford Stud , Tolkin van Geyerspan Elementary Champion ridden and owned by Anita Mering, Trynke vd W Novice Champion ridden by Chrisime Venter and owned by Esfane Stud and Prelim Champion Akke van’t Wisselend Tji ridden by Shaun Eggersglusz and owned by Selco Stud. Classes for all With the versatility and temperament of the Friesian it is

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always lovely to watch our up and coming young riders in the In Hand Child rider under 10 and Rider under 18 classes. This class being won by Troye van Doorndraai, owned by Benmar Black and ridden by Tayla. Gaining popularity is our Utility classes, a true reflection of horse and rider working together. This class was won by Marianka C owned by Quantum Stud and ridden by Claire Steel. This winning combination took one’s breath away……what a superb utility test on a brilliant all-round horse, also excellently ridden and presented said Trevor Burn. As a society that is against any form of cruelty to animals, the FPSSA decided this year to support the HHCU. A percentage of all entries going to the HHCU along with individual donations the FPSSA were able to raise R 20 000.00 for the HHCU. This drive was headed up by Altie Clark who worked tirelessly to raise all this money as well as assisting organising the show. The FPSSA are very proud of the quality of Friesian horse that is now available in South Africa. Tim Baynes, Chairman of the FPSSA is encouraged by the breeders who are striving to improve the breed through correct breeding and encourages all potential Friesian owners to look at the excellent quality of Friesian being bred in South Africa.

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3 rd B d me a N

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20 12

Photo by charismaphotography.co.za

Owner: Marlise Botes 083 263 7800 Sales: Altie Clark 083 299 1356 PRETORIA - GAUTENG Stu di www.doorndraaistud.co.za

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Breeder of Champions for 16 Years Home of Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’ & Friso fan S. 64

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Friso fan S.

Friso fan S. (Thomas 327 x Nammen)

2013 DOORNDRAAI FPSSA NATIONAL SHOW RESULTS

Champion KFPS Vb Stallion with Breeding Permission Single Harness Reserve Supreme Champion Single Harness Champion KFPS Vb Stallion with Breeding Permission In-Hand Reserve Champion KFPS VB Stallion Under Saddle Reserve Champion Strictly Come Showing

Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’ (Heinse 354 x Tjimme 275)

Champion KFPS Approved Studbook Stallion In-Hand Champion KFPS Approved Studbook Stallion Single Harness Supreme Champion Single Harness

Jolanda van Doorndraai (D: Uma van Doorndraai Stb, S: Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’)

Champion Filly In-Hand Supreme Junior Champion In-Hand

Orlando van Doorndraai (D: Pandora van Doorndraai Bb1 Star Kroon, S: Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’)

Champion Colt In-Hand

Gustav van Doorndraai (D: Mieke van Doorndraai Bb1 Stb Star, S: Tjalf 443 ‘Sport’)

Reserve Champion Colt In Hand

At van Doorndraai (D: Neenke fan Bokkum Stb Star, S: Ritse 322) Reserve Champion Gelding In-Hand Champion Gelding Under Saddle

Gemma van Doorndraai (D: Emma van Doorndraai Bb1 Stb Star, S: Glenn ‘Sport’)

Reserve Champion Mare In-Hand

Hiske fan Bokkum (D: Swaantsje fan Bokkum Stb Kroon , S: Maurus 441)

Champion Mare In-Hand

Congratulations to Doorndraai-bred Champions owned by other studs Bakkies van Doorndraai (D: Loret van Doorndraai Bb1 Pref*6, S: Ritse 322)

Trained & Showed by Doorndraai Friesian Stud Owned by Jean Larsen Champion Gelding In-Hand Supreme Senior Champion In-Hand

Bart van Doorndraai (D: Mona Lisa van Doorndraai Bb1 Star, S: Ritse 322)

Trained & Showed by Doorndraai Friesian Stud Owned by Zwarteprag Friesian Stud Champion Stallion In-Hand Reserve Champion Stallion Under Saddle Reserve Supreme Senior Champion In-Hand

Troye van Doorndraai (D: Emma van Doorndraai Bb1 Stb Star, S: Friso fan S.)

Owned by Benmar Friesian Stud Champion Rider Under 18

Gregory van Doorndraai (D: Uma van Doorndraai Stb, S: Friso fan S.)

Owned by Alida Copeland De Jager 1st Stallions 3 but under 4 years

Felix van Doorndraai (D: Emma van Doorndraai Bb1 Stb Star, S: Ritse 322)

Owned by Marina Groenewald 1st Stallions 4 but under 5

Owner: Marlise Botes 083 263 7800 Sales: Altie Clark 083 299 1356 PRETORIA - GAUTENG - www.doorndraaistud.co.za Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE Viewing by appointment only

Horseprofile Rider profile Hayley & Pigrela Barocca Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alva, Ocala Horse Trials, USA April 2013

By Yvonne Bolton

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What were your younger years like and did you ride from an early age – at which Riding School did you start your riding at and who were your first Instructors? My riding career started strangely enough in the doctors’ room at the age of four! I was waiting with my mum to see the doctor and saw a girl in her riding clothes sitting across from me. After much nagging in the rooms, my mum told me if the little girl was still sitting there when we had finished our appointment, I could ask her where she rode. I think to my mum’s surprise, she was still there and put us on to Sun Valley Stables. Sun Valley Stables was then owned by Leigh Lippert but later sold to Kirsty Loots. I have such fond memories of pony camps, gymkhanas and fancy dress competitions with our ponies, which began to cement my love for horses at an early age. Kirsty and Leigh were instrumental in creating an environment in which riding was more than just hobby, it was my home away from home, and a place where the teaching spanned further than just in the arena. Tell us a little about the pony you rode in the Children’s classes – how you got her and what Disciplines you competed in then? Shadowfax Poppy was my only pony while I was competing in pony rider classes. She was a feisty, hot and scopy pony that taught me how to ride! I competed her up to the highest level in equitation, showing, eventing and show jumping. Her dressage was always interesting because as soon as you had cantered her, she wouldn’t go any slower! We bought her while I was still at Kirsty Loots, through Claire Webb. Poppy made the transition from ponies to horses incredibly easy as anything else felt really quiet to ride! I feel she has enabled me to ride a variety of horses, especially from an early age. When did you first become interested in Eventing and who encouraged the attraction to this particular Discipline? I started eventing when I moved to Claire Webb with Poppy (2002). She really sparked my interest in this discipline and taught me a lot about preparing for an event as well as how to take care of your pony after an event. Around 2004 you moved up into the Junior category – give us an insight into the horses you rode, the Coach you were with at this time and your achievements during these years? My first horse was Pohlands Whistle down the wind, whom we bought from Linda Ellerine. He unfortunately did not share the same passion I did for eventing so we sold him to a show jumper where he was better suited! I then got the ride on Alzu Alaska from Kathy Du Toit, through Paul Hart, my instructor at that time. I had a very lucky junior career with Alaska; he made junior teams for equitation, dressage and eventing on several occasions. We also won Junior eventing champs in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Alaska and I won 22 events in a row which included dressage, equitation and eventing shows. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Horseprofile Rider profile

Hayley & Alzu Alaska, Treverton FEI Cl 2’

He is the most incredible horse that has such a will to win and an incredible understanding of competition. He has a very unorthodox way of jumping, but had scope to offset it. He was an unbeatable partner. I remember one of my last FEI 2* show with him; we were leading going into the show jumping with no poles in hand and I knew he was tired from the previous day’s cross country. He was touching rails in the warm-up ring and I remember thinking, it’s ok, he has done so much for me already. As we walked into the arena, I leant down to his ear and whispered to him, “Lasky, this one is important, please do this for us.” Well, it was as if someone had given him springs in his hooves and he jumped the best round that I had ever ridden him around. In 2010 the SA Eventing Team and their horses moved to France to work under the tutelage of the FEI Coaches Coach, Jean Phillipe Camboulives, in preparation for WEG 2010 in Kentucky. Tell us a little about your time spent in France with the Team and Jean Phillipe? I took Mindi Hunt’s horse, Brandenburg Lysander over to France with the rest of the team to gain invaluable international experience. I rode him in a few FEI 2*’s there before he did a tendon at Saumur in May 2010. We had already begun to look at horses before this happened when Jean Phillippe showed us Pigrela Des Cabanes (Piggy). JP and his family were really good to us and enabled us to live and keep our horses in the most cost-effective way. Piggy and I then moved to Team Fredericks in August 2010 and began training with Clayton Fredericks when the team went over to WEG. Whilst in France you bought Pigrela Des Cabanes through Jean Phillipe. What made him special and how did he cope when you first tried him at some Cross Country schooling? HeineSport bought Piggy for me through the help of Jean Phillippe. Piggy was jumping the 1.40m classes as a seven year 68

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old at that time. He is by Loutano out of a Jus de Pomme mare. I remember going with my mum and JP to go and try him and jumping fences that were probably the biggest I have ever jumped! The next time I rode him we went crosscountry schooling. For a horse that had never seen a crosscountry fence, I was really surprised by his boldness and his ability to work out problems quickly. Shortly afterwards, Jean Phillipe fascilitated your move to the Australian Eventing Coach, Clayton Fredericks, who was based in the UK at the time. How long did you spend in the UK at this time and how did Pigrela progress in his Cross Country training there? I spent the rest of 2010 at Team Fredericks before I came back to South Africa. Clayton then took over the ride of Piggy while I was at university in Pretoria, starting in 2011. Clayton kept him ticking over when I was at varsity in South Africa and then I would compete him when I had holidays. He progressed through the grades with absolute ease; he went from novice to 2* in a matter of 18 months. Clayton then moved to the US after being appointed Canadian Team Coach and we made the decision to send Piggy with him last year October. From the end of 2012, when you had been commuting between the two countries - what was it like competing in the USA? Competing in the US is incredible. I much prefer riding there to Europe. Every event is completely over the top with fiber surfaces for the dressage and showjumping phases, with manicured going for the cross-country phase. The level of competition is equivalent to Europe but the US just doesn’t have the number of entries that Europe does. It is also a huge bonus that the weather is a lot better in the US! There is quite a lot of money in the sport and hence all the stable yards are pristine and horses are happy and well looked after.

Hayley & Pigrela Barocca D’Alva, Portugal 2011

Hayley & Alzu Alaska, Treverton FEO Cl 2’

The downside to competing in the US is that the flight over is so long (16 hours), and it has made it more difficult to take more time off university to ride this year. During all this riding and competing Overseas, for the last several years you have also been studying at the University of Pretoria. I gather you complete your Degree at the end of the year – what are your plans for next year? I finish my degree in Bcom Econometrics at the end of the year. My plan is to ride full time next year. I am so looking forward to have both my horses living on the same continent as me for a change. I am so looking forward to having CFA while competing next year. I am obviously going to try get both horses qualified for WEG next year, but if this doesn’t happen, my plan would be to do another 4* later on in the year. What is your greatest achievement so far and what made it so special? I think winning the Polo International Horse Trials. This was only my 2nd ever 3* with Cuppuchino. It was a great test of focus, big match temperament and trust. I think it was the closest experience at home that all us riders will get to compete overseas; the crowd on Derby Day was typical of events overseas. Cuppi knew this was an important event and rose to the occasion. You mentioned that you have been working with a Core Strength and Conditioning Coach, Naat Loubser, what impact has he made on your career? Naat has been the turning point in my riding career. He has enabled me to ride horses that have been tagged as ‘‘men’s horses’’. I train with Naat three times a week in Pretoria. Naat has improved my core strength, endurance and strengthened muscles needed in making me a more effective rider. He has

Special Moment between Hayley & Alzu Alaska, Inanda Country Estate

not only physically trained me, but also, mentally taught me to be incredibly tough; those moments in training when you feel as though you have nothing left, but you push yourself just a little harder to do things that really felt impossible… this is what I take into competition, your mind is the greatest asset in riding. To achieve all the above one requires huge financial and emotional support – have your parents always promoted your equestrian interests and have there been other Sponsors who have assisted you on your journey? I think the smartest thing I have heard in riding is that if you want to be a millionaire with horses, you need to start off as a billionaire! I have incredible support from my family. They have been the ones that have nurtured my love for the sport and have enabled me to do things far beyond the scope of any other sport. If I think of the countries that my riding career has taken my family and I; Mauritius, France, UK, USA, Portugal, to name a few, I always joke with my family and think what we would be doing if there weren’t horses, and one must remember, not a single family member of mine rides! My family has been there for the highs but more importantly for the lows. My mum has been hugely generous in supporting me both financially and emotionally. She has funded my riding right from the very start and I am forever grateful for this. I also have incredible sponsors that have enabled this journey. My biggest sponsor is HeineSport, which bought both my top horses for me, Piggy and Cuppi. My uncle, Bryan Heine, is the owner of HeineSport. He has been so supportive in my journey and has really enabled me to have huge opportunities that I previously wouldn’t have even dreamed about. I am also sponsored by Hit-Air South Africa / Tipperary, which have supplied me with the most innovative safety gear as well as beautiful helmets. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Horse profile HORSE By Yvonne Bolton / Photos by Lelanie Naude and T&B Images

Where did you first see Pohland’s Cuppuchino competing and what made him memorable? I saw Cuppuchino at an event Karkloof in 2009 and was in awe of his athleticism, presence and attitude. His cross-country phase was incredible and I could not stop watching this big, beautiful grey horse. He has such presence. Where was he bred and produced? Pat Pohl bred Cuppi at the Pohlands stud. Mandy Mason produced him through the grades in both Eventing and Show Jumping. What had Cuppuchino achieved with his previous owner, Mandy Mason, prior to your purchasing him? Cuppi and Mandy did very well together; they won SA Champs 2010 and many FEI events. I remember competing at SA Champs on Alaska in 2010 and being placed second - my groom, Trust, told me he thought I should buy Cuppi right then and there! I believe the Russian Eventing Team tried him early in 2012, when they were in South Africa sourcing talented Cross Country horses. What prevented the sale from going ahead? The Russian Eventing Team wanted him for a team member for Olympics 2012. They tried him, got him vetted and the purchase was going ahead when that tragic outbreak of horse sickness occurred and heavy restrictions were implemented to stop movement. This obviously put the sale on hold and they eventually decided not to buy him. Later in 2012 you tried him out, as you needed a higher grade Eventer to compete on here in South Africa to keep your ‘eye’ in between competing locally and internationally. Did you purchase him immediately? Tell us what transpired after that – did you look at other horses in the USA? Late last year I tried Cuppi in Cape Town after I had been working for my mom at an event. I didn’t have any riding gear with me, so I tried him in takkies, jeans and a borrowed helmet! Everything I had previously thought about him was true and I just fell in love with him! That was the one and only time I tried him, much to everyone’s horror! We did not buy him immediately as I was

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Hayley & Cuppuchino at Polo water complex, Polo International Horse Trials, Inanda October 2013 Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Horse profile HORSE

Hayley & Cuppuchino at Inanda Country Base where Hayley is a member

going to the USA for three months and wanted to see what was available in the US. Well, after the about the third horse I tried, I just knew that nothing came close to Cuppi. So I called my mom from the States in February this year and began persuading! He got a 5* vetting and arrived at our home in Kyalami in April this year. Two days after we had bought Cuppi, Mandy got a phone call from the Russians saying that they wanted to buy Cuppuchino! It’s was all about timing. When did you finally decide that you should go ahead with the vetting and purchase of Cuppuchino and who assisted you with this decision? My uncle was again influential in the purchase of Cuppi; he believed in my decision in that Cuppi was the right horse for my future. Without the emotional and financial support from Bryan, I think things would be very different today! My mum was also instrumental here in having full confidence in my judgment as well as supporting my decision to buy him. What sort of personality does Cuppuchino have and what is he like in a competition environment? All top horses have some quirks – what are Cappuchino’s and what is he like at home amongst your other horses? Cuppi is the boss of himself and everyone around him! He is cheeky, quirky, and inquisitive but is incredibly smart. He knows what is going on all the time and reacts to situations accordingly. He also has a sense of humor; he jumps out his paddock on a daily basis and when he is put back, he will wait until everyone is away and will jump out again! Cuppi rules the roost at our stable yard, except for Poppy that puts him in his place if he tries to jump into her field! He and my 72

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groom Trust, have a very special bond, which makes it very sad for him to be going overseas. When Cuppi goes to a show, he is a machine. He has a relentless will to win and loves to show off. He also has quite an arrogance about him which I really believe makes him a champion. What events have you competed in together over the past few months leading up to your spectacular win in the recent Polo International Horse Trials 3 star Event? Our first event was at Treverton in May this year. We won the CIC2*. We came second at Northern Farms in the CC2* class. SA Champs was next, which was our first CIC3* together. He was a little tense in his dressage, which meant we ended third. Polo International Horse Trials was good for us and we won the FEI CIC 3* class. My aim at this show was simply to get a qualifying result, but Cuppi being the champion that he is, pulled out all the stops! Now he is already in Quarantine in Cape Town en route to the UK – have you decided where you will be based in the UK when he arrives there? There are a few options at the moment so we are just figuring out the best option for Cuppi, Piggy and I. What is your long term plan and goal for the coming months and have you qualified, as yet, for WEG 2014? My goal for both my horses this next year is primarily to qualify for WEG, but they are animals at the end of the day and I will listen to what they need. If WEG doesn’t happen, I would like both horses to have completed a 4* by the end of next year.

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Polo hospitality lounge at the Peter Minnie Arena

4TH, 5TH & 6TH October 2013

Graham Winn compettitor in the FEI CIC 3* class

Inanda Country Base & Kyalami Equestrian Park By Linda Philo / Photos by T&B Images and Shane Rorke

ith the challenge of hosting a world class International FEI eventing show from concept to reality, the time frame of a one month lead time, seemed impossible. But this didn’t deter project visionaries, Pat Parker and Linda Philo. Driven by passion for the sport, Pat Parker & Associates (PPA) secured the prestigious partnership of Polo South Africa. Laura Stewart, Marketing Manager Polo said “Hosting The Polo International Horse Trials is a great brand alignment for us and we are very excited about this initiative.” Show sanction was granted by the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) with the provision that international FEI officials, Andrew Bowles (NZ) and Harry Payne (UK) be included in the team. Course designer and builder Tim Payne assisted by James Larkin were under pressure from FEI to produce world class tracks in record time. The challenge was taken up by Tim and he was quoted as saying “I put up the biggest, most technical cross country course I have ever designed.” Andrew and Harry joined forces and showed absolute commitment with very positive input. They ensured the courses were strong and of international standard as this was a qualifying show for WEG 2014. Celia Bayley, Communications Manager of SAPPI, put to her expertise to work and motivated support within the business. SAPPI has had a long and memorable history with Eventing in South Africa but had no involvement in equestrian sport over the past decade. Celia came through victoriously and on the afternoon of Thursday, 12 September, two SAPPI interlink trucks drove through the gates of Inanda Country Base with a load of 220 perfect poles. For Tim Payne, Christmas had arrived early. He balanced animatedly in the bucket of the front-end loader whilst managing the off-loading of the logs. The operation carried on well into the night illuminated only by the stars and vehicle lights. Tim, James and the ICB crew, all knew this marked the end of their social calendar for the next few weeks. New Turf came on board as the official horse carriers for the event

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and moved competition horses to and from the Cape in support of the both the Polo International Horse and the Eventing Provincial Championships at Sandringham. Roxanne Massaro from the Gauteng Provincial Squad was full praises for Michael Sham and his team from New Turf for the safe carry of their team horses. After a stopover in Colesburg, the horses arrived refreshed and ready for competition – a mean feat after such a long journey. The Polo International Horse Trials hosted National classes from EV. 70 - 100 and top FEI CIC 2 star and FEI CIC 3 star classes. History was made when a deal was struck between the SA Derby Management and PPA to hold the top dressage classes and final show jumping phases at Kyalami Equestrian Park during the SA Derby. This created a wonderful platform for premium hospitality opportunities and spectator support. Three days of competition and three days of premium hospitality in three different locations! The PPA team worked 24/7 moving the hospitality activations from one location to another, overnight. Australian Olympic Silver medallist Clayton Fredericks and New Zealander, Andy Bowles (cross country technical delegate) enthused that they had never attended a show anywhere in the world with was so much elegance and glamour! A highlight was the Polo Pink Pony luncheon hosted at the Peter Minnie Arena during the FEI dressage phases. Polo launched their Spring/Summer range with a Gatsby influence to South Africa’s fashionistas, media and socialites alike, in a beautifully appointed Polo Hospitality Lounge. The Pink Pony luncheon is hosted annually by Polo in support breast cancer awareness and guests were met on arrival by the Polo Pink Pony clad Jeep. Guest speaker and cancer survivor, Samantha Brown, was brilliant in sharing her journey and the challenges she faced in the corporate environment. Samantha was truly inspirational to both guests and competitors particularly as Leanne Manas earlier highlighted that Equestrian sport is the only Olympic sport where women and men compete on a equal basis.

Hayley Parker & Pohlands Cuppuchino in the FEI CIC 3* Dressage

Hayley Parker & Pohlands Cuppuchino at the Polo water complex

Ground jury with Clayton Fredericks, Andy Bowles and Harry Payne

Claire Martin & Mark In Time

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Riyadh Peer & Laura Stewart of Polo, Nicole Wolman of Tipperary & Clayton Fredericks congratulate Hayley Parker & Cuppuchino & Trust Moyo on winning the team of FEI 3* class

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during lunch when guests were treated to a beautiful musical kur by Sylvia Dixon. The emotive music of Josh Groban’s, You Raise Me Up, rang out from the arena whilst masses of pink balloons rose into the clear blue skies. Rivalry was rife in the FEI classes where top Riders from all over South Africa travelled to be part of this inaugural, Polo International Horse Trials. The FEI CIC two star class included riders Katherine Keller, Douglas Welsh, Colin Hallaby, Erinn Dempsey, Claire Martin, Francois Viljoen and Heidi Wood. Heidi and Douglas have both competed at top International level and were part of the South African Team who competed at WEG, Kentucky, USA in 2010. Douglas Welsh, Murray Pote, Quinton George, Linda Squair, Kelly Searle, Graham Winn and Hayley Parker, treated everyone to spectacular competitive riding over the three days. Hayley Parker lead from the outset and managed to maintain her lead over the challenging 3* cross country course. But this was not all about the cross country, guests were treated to delicious mouth watering lunch and ice cold beverages in the Polo Hospitality Chill Lounge overlooking the spectacular water complex – which provided plenty of excitement for the day. Both FEI 2* and 3* tracks followed similar lines and ideas. The 3* course was considerably bigger and more technical as this was a WEG 2014 qualifier. The testing fences on course were at 4ab, two very skinny brush fences on a curve; 8ab French Angles, double of offset brushes; 10, 11abc & 12 at the Polo Water Complex - a skinny drop into the water, three big steps up and one stride to a log kennel with a substantial drop behind. 14ab The Broken Bridge to 15, the triple brush, took some accurate riding skills as always. 19ab was the Double of Corners which needed plenty of accuracy but rode very well. 21ab the Suspicious Curves, two round portables also asked for accuracy after the long gallop. 76

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23ab Normandy Bank Complex, with a maximum drop into the water two strides to a ridiculous skinny coming out. Very positive insight came from the three WEG 2014 SA Team selectors who attended all three days. They were impressed with the progress and standard of cross country riding in this country and how it had developed over the past few years as a result of our riders being exposed to International competition. This bodes well for a South African entry into WEG in France next year. Early Sunday morning, FEI competitors dressed by Polo SA presented a magnificent picture of well turned out riders and horses at the Trot Up. Under the scrutiny of the FEI Ground Jury and Vets, all horses trotted up well and qualified for the final phase of show jumping. Polo’s marquee was in prime position overlooking the Bob Charter arena and next to a grandstand with probably the best viewing point. The show jumping final phase was a debut experience for the Eventing riders in the Bob Charter Derby arena. Course builder, Kate Launders did an impressive build around the imposing Derby feature jumps remembering that these competitors had done their banks, ditches, water and corners - all solid fences, the day before. All competitors completed the track in style and congratulations go to Claire Martin on ‘Mark In Time’ winning the FEI CIC 2 star class and Hayley Parker on ‘Pohlands Cuppuchino’ for winning the FEI CIC 3 star class. Tribute must be bestowed in the highest form to Polo South Africa for being the most incredible partner in this event. The brand fit was astounding and full credit to Polo for their above the line media support in publicising this event in record time - to the generous riders’ gifting of the coveted Pink Pony Polo shirts, special edition Polo caps and lounge shirts. Our top FEI 3 star winners all won fine leather Polo luggage which will be treasured forever. The Polo International Horse Trials has paved the way for the sport of Eventing in South Africa. This world class event has made a memorable impact on both the social and equestrian calendar.

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supporting

Sappiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber helps raise the bar for South African talent Pulp and paper products are not the only uses for Sappiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber. Local course designer and builder Tim Payne, and his assistant James Larkin, used 220 six-metre gum tree poles to rebuild, in just three weeks, the cross-country course at Inanda Country Base in Gauteng. The new course now meets international standards and has impressed senior technical delegates from Great Britain and New Zealand with its height, technical complexity and safety. Sappi is proud to have been part of this ambitious project. www.sappi.com

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gait analysis By Stafford Robinson

Gait analysis has a long history. The most obvious record in modern times is that of the photographic sequence of Eadweard Muybridge where he set out to see if horses â&#x20AC;&#x153;flewâ&#x20AC;?. Indeed he found a moment in the stride where all four feet were off the ground. Actually the story behind it is quite interesting and a wonderful way to start our discussion. And as with a lot of great scientific breakthroughs, it all started with a bet. 78

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Stafford Robinson. Geneticist - Berghof Sporthorses Stafford is a qualified New Zealand Racehorse trainer, a Film director of 20 years, freelance writer and owner of Berghof Sporthorses. He has a degree in Genetics, a postgraduate degree in Zoology and is now completing his Masters in European Sporthorse breeding - more specifically the relationship between inbreeding and performance. Stafford, through his stud Berghof, was the first South African to purchase an unlicensed 2 year old German Warmblood Colt and put it through the licensing and performance testing in Germany, to then import a fully licensed Stallion. Stafford has been riding since he was 7 years old and has ridden most disciplines, then at the age of 20 qualified for the infamous Taupo Three Day Event, New Zealand’s premier event on the eventing calender. Now training his dressage stallion Sonnentänzer, Stafford recently won the young horse dressage class at the 2013 Horse of the Year show. His aim is to take the horse to Grand Prix.

eland Stanford, a wealthy industrialist, was extremely vocal about his belief that horses at one stage in their stride completely left the ground… or as he put it: flew! Of course this was completely against the views of the time; indeed artist’s renditions always included a foot on the ground and in fact many depictions at the time had the sequence of movement completely wrong. But then again it wasn’t that far back that we thought the world was flat. Leland obviously didn’t think much of the

art of the time and set out to prove everyone wrong. But how could he do it? For this was before the time of moving images and cameras of the day had such a long exposure that unless you stayed very still in the photograph, it would most certainly have come out blurred. There was no way of “freezing in time” an image. That is until Stanford met the English photographer Eadweard Muybridge and convinced Muybridge to take up the challenge. Muybridge had been experimenting with the mechanism of a mechanical shutter Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

at the time, photographers would simply open a cover over the “pinhole” exposing the film, count for the required time and replace it, hoping the exposure would be correct. Muybridge however was a visionary and knew there had to be a better way.

However, this divide between scientific reasoning and the application for the trainer or breeder is slowly lessening. Most analysis to date has been kinematic analysis utilizing videography, which has allowed for the geometry of movement but had little consideration for the forces that influence that movement. However scientists have recently moved into So how did he do it? After perfecting the shutter mechanism, the field of Kinetics, which is the study of the forces that are Muybridge set up 12 cameras connected to trip wires that responsible for the movement. This reflects more on not crossed the horse’s path. When the horse hit the line, the what is happening, but rather why it’s happening. The most shutter of the camera was activated. Well that was the common approach is the use of transducers to develop force theory… but it took Muybridge five years however to get it plates, or force shoes, to measure the Ground Reaction Force right. Finally after a marathon of testing, they called the press (GRF). Electromyography then relates to the detection of and the demonstration was held at Stanford’s Palo Alto Stock electrical activity and the related activation patterns associated farm in Palo Alto, California. It was a trotter hitched to a cart with the muscular contractions. But this is all still very scientific that made the history turning image and proved that horses and stimulates images of men and women in white lab did indeed “fly”. Later Muybridge did the galloping horses coats, prancing around working horses, clipboards in hand. series that rocketed him into the public spotlight for all time. And rightfully so as up till recently this has been a process undertaken in controlled scientific laboratory conditions with It was this bet and Stanford’s drive to challenge the accepted extremely expensive equipment. But recently, rather exciting understanding of the day that led to the development of the advancements have been made to bring this process closer to motion picture camera and eventually the Film Industry. the trainer or breeder. In August of 2013 in a collaboration between the University of And where did all this take Copenhagen and the Royal scientists have recently moved place: Palo Alto California – Veterinary College in the the modern Silicon valley… United Kingdom, Scientists into the field of Kinetics, which so the area’s claim to fame is led by Dr Emil Olen and is the study of the forces not Steve Jobs, but rather the Dr Thilo Pfau developed start of the film industry and a system utilizing inertial that are responsible for the the final analysis of the correct sensors placed just above movement. This reflects more sequence of movements for the fetlock to measure the horse… or as Leland the horse’s movement of on not what is happening, but Stanford would have said; displacement as well as the “proving a bet so artists could timing of the ground contact. rather why it’s happening finally get it right”. Inertial sensors are small sensors such as is found in From those early days of modern smartphones and locomotion analysis, science as such has led to a very and our understanding of the cost effective approach of horse’s movement has come motion locomotive sensor a long way – or has it? research. On the forefront of researchers in the area of equine biomechanics is the supervisor for my post-graduate research into the Warmblood, Dr Chris Rogers of Massey University, New Zealand. Chris spent a lot of his PhD time examining the kinematics of the trot in 3 day event horses. He used the 1995 national New Zealand Three Day event at Taupo and used a video camera to film each of the event horses trotting in a specific calibrated zone. The footage was digitized and linear and temporal measurement made. Stride length, duration and velocity were compared. The difference in stance and retraction time as a percentage of stride were identified that contributed to each horse displaying a unique gait or kinematic fingerprint. The horses were compared during the three distinct inspection periods over the three days and though statistically significant differences were found between inspections for most variables, the differences were not large, indicating that the effect of the exertion over the competition on the kinematics of the horses was subtle. So basically the results didn’t really say a lot to the average man! This sort of gait analysis has been an important tool for scientists, but it has not been packaged in an implementable way for the average trainer of breeder to utilize, nor has the analysis been presented in a way for practical interpretation for the layman. 80

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The practical application of their research was for the analysis of lame horses and more specifically for horses with Wobblers disease (Ataxia). But the research team focused not simply on the pure scientific application but also on providing and improving a method for gait analysis that was better, cheaper and more easily applicable to real life situations. “Our goal with this new system is to achieve a broader screening of the horse’s coordination, and through that, to be able to discover diseases and problems earlier. It will also be possible to monitor diagnostics and rehabilitation outside the gait lab with equipment economically within reach for most vets,” Dr Olsen said. Dr Emil stated “we’re a big step closer to being able to measure movement during training of a horse under reallife conditions, because we have also managed to validate the method against the reference standard motion capture.” Indeed Dr Olsen’s PhD supervisor Dr Pfau has already released to the market a usable system called Equigait utilized by breeders and trainers to analyze and diagnose changes in the gait of the horse. It all sounds great, but then for us traditionalists nothing will ever replace a good eye in a horseman that without the use of modern paraphernalia can look at a horse and understand its gait.

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Outeniqua Moon Artemis and the head grooms daughter, Carmen

“Hello World” from the brand, spanking new, Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia.

he Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia are the new “old” kids on the block. That is to say “old”, because four of their founder members have been with the SA Percheron Breeders Society for donkey’s years. The Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia, is up and running and registered with the Namibian Stud Book who is accredited internationally and locally. They are upholding the international standard and more….. It is a society with a vision of the future without borders for all Southern Africans to feel at home in. It doesn’t matter whether your stud is located in Namibia or South Africa or anywhere else in Southern Africa, you will be able to register your horses with them. The Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia was born when Nick Maritz, a passionate horseman from Namibia, went to stay at Outeniqua Moon Percheron Stud and Guest Farm with his family. The whole Maritz family fell in love with the Percheron Horses and bought two gorgeous young mares from Outeniqua Moon, Rhiannon (16.2hh) and young Gaia who is going to catch up to her sister in height ,and a lovely colt, Leo, from Almarada Stud. The Maritz stud is near Usakos in Namibia where the lucky horses have five thousand hectares of sweet veldt grass. They found that they shared the same view points and values of integrity regarding

horses and horse breeding; the rest is smiley history…. The new Society has broken away from the SA Percheron Breeders Society because their policies are not identical, but they bare no ill will towards the SA Percheron Breeders Society and they feel that in the best interests of the breed that the two societies should work together. ‘Iconoclastic behaviour cannot benefit the breed in any way and will lead to the total downfall of the Percheron Breed in Africa which is the last thing the breeders want.’ Thus the society’s leaders should be wise, generous and holistic in their vision and leadership. In a situation where the gene pool is tight one cannot afford to exclude the other societies or be monopolistic in any way. It would be extreme folly of the leaders of the respective societies not to work together in the future and personal egos should be put aside for the benefit of the horses. The Percheron horses were brought into South Africa as the working horses of choice because of their fabulous temperaments and their huge pulling power. They originate in the district of Le Perche in France and hence the name Percheron. From there they have found their way around the entire world. Heavy Draft Percherons are born black and most of them go grey as they get older generally stand between 16hh and 17.2hh. They weigh between 850kgs and 1000kgs and have huge showy crests. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

There are the lighter hunter and carriage types also being bred who weigh between 650kgs and 850kgs.

Below: Jamie with Titania at one week old

If Percherons are handled correctly from birth they are the most loving and delightful animals to work with. The Percheron Horses are not numerous in Southern Africa, particularly the real Heavy Draft Percherons with the correct weight, height, bone and massive muscling. Indeed around the world these horses are being bred lighter for riding horses which is a tragedy. It is the Society’s goal to promote and protect these big horses and they are off to a really good start having some of the best mares and stallions historically in the country. The founder members are Mr Nick Maritz of Namibia, Mr Gerrie van Zyl (Acting President), Mr Bennie Marais, Mrs Marcelle de Wet Roos and Mr Peter and Mrs Christine Watt. All of these people are bona fide horsemen and horsewomen united by values of absolute integrity and tremendous passion for the horses. Gerrie van Zyl of Almarada Stud in Rawsonville, Western Cape is the Society’s acting president. He has been working with the Percheron Horses in South Africa for the last sixty years and has been a member of the South African Percheron Breeders Society for forty years during which time he has been both President and Vice President of the Society. Mr van Zyl’s knowledge about Percheron Horses in South Africa is extensive and his integrity unquestionable. His stud is made up of the great old SA bloodlines, massive horses all over 16hh. His favourite mare is a 17hh black mare with huge bone and a lovely large rump. The black Percherons are very sought after. His stallion, Leroy is perfect with regards to conformation and is of the old South African bloodlines from the Histon Hallmark line. He has imported two stallions; one the British Heavy Draft Champion Comberton Thomas, and the other an American horse Blue Ribbon Prince who won the 2006 World Champion title at the 2006 Percheron World Congress. Mr Bennie Marais of Klipdrif Stud is also Stud Master and owner of the huge Klipdrif Thoroughbred operation. The late, great, Thoroughbred stallion Jet Master stood for many years at Klipdrif. Mr Marais’ reputation for integrity and professionalism in the Thoroughbred industry is indisputable and that same level of professionalism is carried through to the Percheron horses at Klipdrif, which are Bennie’s personal horses and his passion. He started breeding Percherons 17 years ago has some stunning Percherons true to type with big bone and massive muscling. His main stallion, Lindore is out of French imported semen. All Bennie’s horses are correctly fed ensuring that they reach the correct weight and height for the breed; they are also handled well guaranteeing that they have the good temperament that the breed is known for. Bennie uses the horses to pull carts and do work on the stud farm. Mrs Marcelle De Wet Roos of Purple Sky Stud joined the SA Percheron Breeders Society in 2008. She is a superlative horsewoman and very into showing with an excellent reputation in the Western Cape showing world, where she is constantly promoting classes for the Heavy Draft Horses. She has a small successful stud with an excellent stallion Elsenburg Lipo out of Elsenburg Lumbay and Elsenburg Lizette (dam). Marcelle has 84

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Above: Elsenberg Lindore, the stallion from Mr. Bennie Marais’s Klipdrif Stud

two really good brood mares and three young fillies and has bred and sold several colts for riding and carriage purposes. She has tremendous knowledge, impeccable integrity and a huge love for the Percheron horses which she cares for with great pride and generosity. All her foals are handled from birth and by the time they are backed they are smiling and so is anybody who buys a horse from her. Mr Peter and Mrs Christine Watt of Outeniqua Moon Percheron Stud have been with the SA Percheron Breeders Society since 2002 and have a substantial stud headed up by their big stallion, Greystoke. They are equally passionate about truth and horses. All their foals are handled from birth and because Outeniqua Moon is also a guest farm all the horses are brought up being loved by strangers all the time and very used to people. The foals delight people by lying with their heads on laps and they carry on doing this blissfully right into adulthood. The only problem is that when they are big, one needs a very strong lap. The horses do tend to understand this though, and allow people to sit down next to them and hug them whilst they are lying down. Outeniqua Moon is starting to farm using their horses and have for years done scenic carriage drives around the farm (the carriage being pulled by the very famous and much loved gelding, Bobby.) They give carriage driving workshops and other workshops to do with Feeding and Caring for Heavy Draft Horses. Outeniqua Moon has bred Crystal out of Greystoke and Venda. Outeniqua Moon Crystal is owned by Mr Hannes van der Walt and she won the 2012 Horse of the Year- Percheron Class- Mares – Champion and 2012 Horse of the Year- Percheron Class- Supreme Breed Champion.

Below: Mrs. Mandy Siderfin-Swart of Big Dream Stud with Lord Troy

Among the other members are Mr Bruce Joubert of Somgxada Stud and South African Network of Animal Traction (SANAT) at Fort Hare University. Bruce has been a member of the SA Percheron Breeders Society since 1994 and is hugely knowledgeable about animal traction and working with Percheron horses. He has run dozens of workshops on farming using animal traction as opposed to using tractors with emphasis on the green benefits to the earth. He is a man of impeccable integrity who has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the horses and keeping the planet a green and friendly place to be. His research has over the years made an immense impression on the Eastern Cape farming community and on the Percheron Breeders in Southern Africa. Mr Bennie and Mrs Mande Siderfin Swart of Dream Big Percheron Stud in Gauteng Province joined the SA Percheron Breeders Society in2004. Mrs Mande Siderfin Swart is a very well respected horsewoman in the Gauteng province with a tremendous reputation in the showing circles and in dressage and jumping. Owing to a difference of opinion in 2010 Mande resigned from the SA Percheron Breeders Society where she was on the council. Mandeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horses have earned more ribbons than any other Percherons in Southern Africa. Unfortunately owing to circumstances she has had to sell all of her horses but is still a member of the Namibian Percheron Breeders Society and will hopefully in the future start over again. Mr Pieter and Mrs Annelies de Wet of Moretru Stud in the Western Cape have a small but superb stud consisting of three mares, a gelding and a young stallion. Pieter de Wet, an avid horse lover, bought his first Percherons in 2005 and joined the SA

Percheron Breeders Society in 2010. His mares and stallion are true to the massive type of Percherons bred in the Western Cape. Pieter and Annelies use the horses for work on the farm and for pleasure drives with family and friends. They share the same values of integrity and love of the horses with the rest of the breeders in the Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia. There has been speculation about the size of the SA bred Percherons. The Society would like to state unequivocally that all their horses are over 16hh and most are over 16.2hh and many are over 17hh. There is a young colt, Outeniqua Moon Shadowfax who is registered with the Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia who is going to be two years old on the 3rd January 2014. He is already 17.2hh. He will be fully grown when he is seven years old. He will definitely make 18.2hh and maybe 19hh which will put him in the running for one of the biggest Percherons in the world. Shadowfax is a South African bred horse and his bloodlines go all the way back to Regulateur, a French import into SA in 1965. He has a lovely conformation, a wonderful temperament, massive bone and 4 black hooves. The Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia is the first society to have protection clauses for the horses in its Constitution. They feel that these horses deserve world heritage recognition because of their unstinting service to humans. All horses deserve this recognition because the human spirit and the spirit of the horse have been bound together for ten thousand years. Without the horse, humans would not have been civilized, they invented the wheel because they had a horse to pull it. The industrial revolution would not have happened without the Heavy Draft Horse. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Below: Big Dream Lord Troy ridden by Mandy Siderfin-Swart

Below: Mr. Tobs pulling a hay-rake

Below: The stallion, Elsenberg Leroy, belonging to Mr. Gerrie van Zyl of Almerada Stud

It is only in the last hundred years that humans have lost touch with horses.

In the Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Constitution it states unequivocally that:

The advent of the internal combustion engine led directly to the slaughter of these fabulous Heavy Draft Horses that transported humans and their goods around for over two thousand years. The heavy horse changed the world and the way people survived in it. Pulling loads, coaches, buses and ploughs where power was needed and hence the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;horse powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by which the output of the internal combustion engine (which replaced the horse) was and still is measured.

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HORSES 1. None of the Percheron horses may be used for urine collection for medicinal uses (i.e. HRT) or colostrum collection to the detriment of its foal. Colostrum collection may only be performed when the foal has had sufficient colostrum to ensure its wellbeing. Amount to be stipulated according to scientific facts. 2. No Percheron horse owned by a registered breeder may be sold as a meat animal or exported for that purpose. 3. Shock sticks are not allowed. 4. No Percheron horses may be forced into unnatural gaits by using any mechanical means. 5. Horses must be properly fed and cared for. 6. De-worming regularly 7. No hot branding. 8. AHS vaccinations must be administered once a year in all areas stipulated by the government.

A good trainer can teach a horse about 450 commands; a dog 50 and an ox 8. One only has to watch the Lipizzaner dance to realize just how intelligent they are. The Percheron horse has a quiet, thoughtful intelligence which shines in them. All of the heavy draft breeds are rare, and many of the breeds are listed as critical and yet people make far more fuss over the wild Rhino than they do over these magnificent giant horses who have served mankind selflessly for centuries. For their labour, humans have repaid them with the abattoir and massacred them wholesale after the tractor and trucks were invented; a slaughter on a larger scale than the American Bison or the African Elephant. Today in Europe the Percherons are bred as meat animals and the meat is said to be better than beef. The members of the Namibian Percheron Breeders Society think that this is a travesty and a terrible breach of faith. No horse should ever be eaten; people should have the same reverence for their horses as they do themselves. 86

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To all you horse lovers out there the members of the Percheron Horse Breeders Society of Namibia hope that you will send them your good will and take an interest in the Percheron Horses and support them in their cause to have the Percheron Horses declared World Heritage Animals. They deserve this recognition because they are human beings last link to a world that depended on horse power and not machines to feed people. Their survival is more important to our collective consciousness than we realise. When we lose them we are in danger of losing our humanity and becoming machines like the ones we use.

Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

Garcia Mena

Global Dressage Forum 2013 By Diana Bloemendal

The Netherlands, Hooge Mierde, Academy Bartels. October 28-29

The official opening of the new facilities where the Forum was held, was done by HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark, President of the Global Dressage Foundation. The Forum has been housed and organised by Dutch Joep Bartels and Esther Tacken and their team at Academy Bartels for thirteen years. This event has grown from a few participants to 400 attending dressage professionals from all over the world. By organising the Global Dressage Forum, the foundation wants to promote the communication in the equestrian world and to intensify the study of training techniques and equestrian education, based on the newest experiences. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Rules and judging

Norwegian Trond Asmyr, FEI director, was the first speaker to address the audience with the plans of the FEI (FÉDÉRATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE) for 2014. He stated that the dressage, and especially the Freestyle, at the Olympics in London had been an eye opener for the media. The popular Freestyle was a broadcasting success and the FEI should build further on that. Dressage should no longer be a sport for insiders, but it should be made more transparent for the media and the public and... sponsors. Of course this implies a good judging system. The professionalization of the judges will continue in 2014 and their fees will be further discussed. “Judges are the last amateurs in the sport, if you see what they get paid.” The welfare of the horse should be number one. The FEI will further look into improving the safety and wellbeing of the horse during horse inspections and prize givings. He also stated that the trainers and riders have a responsibility towards the image of the sport. One of the most important changes for the Olympics in 2016 is that the teams will consist of 4 combinations again and that 10 (instead of 11) teams will be selected directly through international championships. Furthermore 128 pages of FEI rules have been revised and are up for approval. The FEI is working hard on improving the quality of dressage by setting minimum demands to participation in several championships. Flyhoods, which we see more and more, are strictly admitted to protect the horse from flies, not from sound. The set-up of the arena during training should resemble the actual arena as much as possible and stewards should be present at all times during warming-up and training.

Selling factor nr 1: Freestyle

Judging the Freestyle may be considered the hardest to judge. “The freestyle is characterized by the most subjective judging elements among all dressage tests and thus continuous efforts should be made to further increase its objectivity.” The German 5* Judge Katrina Wüst and a IT-specialist/ grand prix rider have developed a sophisticated software program to make the judging more objective and more transparent to the public and media. It was tested in Warendorf (Germany) in September this year. On the Global Dressage Forum this program was demonstrated to the public for the first time. For riders it is very easy to compose a freestyle by simply dragging and dropping the several parts into the screen. Start off by dragging and dropping the halt, then followed by any transition, half-passes left or right, canter etc. How many halfpasses? Six? Ok. The saved test can then be mailed to or put on a USB stick and given to the organisation of a championship. Parts can be combined to enhance the degree of difficulty of the test and the jury will have the possibility to ‘tick’ each part when it is performed correctly. The program will add the scores automatically. The advantage of the system is that the jury knows exactly what is coming. And furthermore, so do the spectators and the media. Live results will be made possible, which has never been the case for the freestyle. Of course the program has to be perfected and it only applies to the technical parts of the test but it certainly will make Freestyle judging more transparent. 90

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Bordeaux x Ferro

Do not think of a pink elephant! Imagery is stronger than will power.

“Sport psychology is scientific research of thoughts, feelings and behaviour of people in a sports environment.” When the audience first entered the hall, they found some strange objects lying on their seats. A balloon? A bolt on a thread? Only when Belgian sport psychologist Jan Dierens, started to speak did they understand why. First he had the audience perform two different exercises with both hands. “I bet you did not think of anything else but how to do that, did you? That is concentration, that is what a sport psychologist would like you to achieve. There is no past, no future, only the now. Training mental skills is an ongoing project, you must keep training them or they will disappear. As a wise guy once said “We are what we repeatedly do.” (Aristotle)

Muscle tension

“In training I always ride better than in a test, I want to improve my concentration, I have fear of failure, I always worry the night before or right before the test. I have a lack of self confidence.” These are some common anxieties amongst dressage riders. If a person is anxious the heart rate goes up and muscle tension increases also. This has an influence on the fine motor skills, which influence the aids that are given to the horse. Self confidence can be gained by training mental skills through imagery and relaxation. Relaxation can be obtained by breathing techniques and progressive muscle training. Progressive muscle training makes a rider aware of tension and relaxation. Jan

“Sportpsychology is scientific research of thoughts, feelings and behaviour of people in a sports environment.”

Sportpyschology

Dierens asks the audience to blow up the balloon and to sit on it very gently. “Close your eyes and focus on my voice, scan your body from head to toe and when you feel tension anywhere, let it go.” As the people in the audience are releasing the tension in their bodies, more and more balloons start to pop, which causes a lot of laughter. This scanning process should be performed on the horse to release tension. The body scan should be performed when needed to get in the perfect performing state.

Imagery

Now the audience is asked to pick up the bolt on a thread as a pendulum,” take it in your hand between your index finger and thumb and pull your elbow close to your body to keep it stable. Look at the bolt. Do nothing, listen to me. Now you will see the bolt start to move from the left to the right. Imagine it going from left to right, imagine it to make circles next. ”Your Sporting Horse photographer is trying this and the pendulum really starts to move in tiny circles. ”This is no magic, this is physiology. If you imagine it to happen your brain will send messages to the tiny muscles in your hand. Your brain does not know the difference between imagination and the real thing.” Imagery can also be used for relaxation. If you imagine yourself to be in a place where you feel calm and relaxed, feel it, smell it, your body will start to react to this. If you practice this often the effect will grow stronger and stronger.

Willpower

Dierens asks the audience to NOT think of a pink elephant which everybody does think of anyway, of course. “Even if you

do not WANT to see it, you still do. Imagery is stronger than willpower.” A film is shown of a speed skater who is asked to ride one of his best races in his mind. He closes his eyes and his body sways as he skates in his mind. He finishes at the same time as he has done in real life. He uses his imagery to ride the best race ever. Using imagery in this way installs a memory for things to come. If a rider starts a test, he/she may use the memory of that perfect test to perform better. Anky van Grunsven once said that before she goes to the warming up arena she sits in her trailer and closes her eyes. In her mind she rides the test, no omissions, no fast forwards and in her mind she rides the best test ever. That is how imagery can help riders to improve their performance, concludes Jan Dierens, and he hopes that he has planted a seed in the minds of the audience for future growth. After lunch, where we meet up with some ladies from the Western Cape (small world), the audience is introduced to a ‘Legend’ , German dressage rider Isabell Werth. At first she demonstrates her training methods with two of her stable partners, Beatrice Buchwald and Niklaas Feilze . She admitted smilingly that the piaffe was never her strongest point but instead of meddling through she sought help from abroad. She got in contact with José Antonio Garcia Mena who has been helping her to teach the horses to piaffe. He demonstrated that he starts out by walking next to the horse and rider. He says he does that for several days when he gets a new horse, so that the horse gets to know him and to gain its trust. Often he also walks backwards and every now and then he gently Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

touches the horses’ behind with a long whip. Immediately the horse starts to piaffe with the hind legs. Only a few seconds and then it moves forward again, Garcia Mena rewarding the horse with his hand and voice. Relaxation is the key word, the horse must get to enjoy the work. The second horse, a mare (Weihegold x. Don Schufro) at Prix St. George level shows more progress and has become much stronger. Isabell lets the rider Beatrice Buchwald ride shoulder in repeatedly. She says that the shoulder in training helps to regain the connection. After the clinic the host of the GDF, Richard Davidson, asks her to sit down with him. He wants to know what lies behind ‘the winning machine.’ She speaks openly about her lifelong passion for horses, how she started working for Docter Braun-Schulz and how she moved on. She also speaks openly about her ban from the sport in 2009 due to the fact that a vet had given her horse a prohibited medication. “Yes, it was hard, you know you have a Ferrari at home and you are not allowed to drive it.” She also speaks about her second doping trial when her horse Santo was tested positive on the prohibitied medicine cimetidine that is used for ulcers. She claimed that Santo was contaminated through the water system in her barn. (edit: on November 5 she was banned from competition for six months, again, by the first chamber of the disciplinary committee of the German Equestrian Federation as the chamber sees this as a failure in proper barn management, for which Werth is responsible.) Werth has conquered many setbacks: “I believe in the horses I have now, in Bella Rose, and one or two other Ferrari’s that 92

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I have. Madeleine Winter-Schulze is the owner of her horses and is also present at the Forum. She is asked to join the two for the interview. She describes their relationship as family. As it comes to horses she has great confidence in Werth, although she sometimes wonders why Isabell should choose such young and inexperienced horses, but: “She chooses the horses and I agree.” Then it is time for Werth to ride Don Johnson (Don Frederico x Warkant), who is quite fresh and bucks around the arena, which makes Werth laugh, she does not mind if a horse wants to play as long as it does not get too dangerous. Trainer Monica Theadorescu introduces the two while Isabell lets the self confident Don Johnson play around a bit. She explains that Werth has ridden more championships than she has but even an experienced rider like Werth needs someone to tell her how it looks every once in a while. Werth then explains that Don Johson is a very sensitive horse that has made a lot of progress over the last year. While she is talking she is regaining connection to the horse’s mouth by riding shoulder in. Werth uses her voice constantly, clicking, talking, praising. When the connection gets better and better she shows what she is best in, the half pass. The collection in the canter is breathtaking and Don Johnson shows off his excellent gaits. At the end of the clinic she has shown the spectators that she is an extremely talented rider that by no means has come to the end of her career yet.

From foal to Grand Prix Horse

On the last day of the Forum Wim Ernes, Olympic Judge,

Below: Isabell Werth has her heart on her sleeve during the interview

German Dressage coach Monica Theodorescu

national trainer and breeding expert introduces Dutch breeding “royalty” Nico Witte (Apache, Charmeur), Joop van Uytert (Gribaldi), stallion owner, Tim Coomans (Ravel, Lancet) and Danish Esben Møller from Blue Hors. What are the secrets of selecting a foal that will make it to grand prix? Nico Witte: “There are no secrets, it involves a lot of driving around and looking at foals.” Breeding starts with choosing the bloodlines. Witte says the most important thing is a strong dam line. Witte, who discovered the famous Jazz (Cocktail x Ulster) at a very young age, says that he would like to see three good gaits, uphill movement, an energetic and correct walk, conformation in the back, a sloped shoulder (which is important for piaffe) and functionality of movement, so how the foals use their legs. First two foals are shown as an example of the above qualities and then a two year old colt from Apache (UB40 X Krack C) out of a Jazz mare is brought in. Witte: “I bought this horse as a foal from the breeder. He has long legs that fit his body, has suppleness, an uphill tendency and is to be presented to the stallion committee this year. I think this is a typical modern dressage horse.” Joop van Uytert also shows a two year old colt, a Zhivago x Ferro. This colt is a bit heavier and has a lot of power in the hind legs. He thinks that this type has potential to become a good dressage horse as it is a good mover. After six or seven years he will show his full potential. Van Uytert introduces a three year old Bordeaux x Ferro stallion, ridden by John Thyssen. He points out how

Dream Boy

concentrated the stallion is on the rider, praises the rideability and character of the young horse. At only three years old, he still has to find his balance and get more connection. His canter in natural balance is shown as Van Uytert asks the rider to let him stretch his neck. Moller also notices the way he carries his tail, there is no tension in the tail which means he uses his back in a natural and good way. After having seen these stallions, a 3 year old Elite mare (Zhivago x Tango) enters the arena, ridden by Jessica Buying. The mare is owned by Tim Coomans. In this year’s mare test she received a percentage of 85 for her extremely good gaits, natural balance and stable character. The jury report noted a very good active walk with a lot of overtracking and a good shoulder freedom which is important for dressage. This is a horse that may be trained for dressage successfully in the future. Wim Ernes lets the rider stretch the horse again, and states that a young horse like that should seek the forward downward movement. He stresses that a young horse like this should not be asked to do any more at this stage, although she looks strong, she really is still a baby. Tim Coomans adds that character and temperament and go are also very important for grand prix horse. As an example he mentions his horse Ravel (Contango x Democraat) who performed very well at the Olympic Games in 2008 under Steffen Peters. He had a very good character and a great dedication to work for his rider. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Isabell Werth and Don Johnson

As for the 4 year olds, TC Eduard (Vivaldi x Contango) with Stephanie Kooyman enters the Arena. Tineke Bartels co-owns him with Tim Coomans. Tineke: “Imke (her daughter). Imke liked this horse very much from the start and really wanted to ride him. She likes him because of the go and his stable character. He makes a good picture and has a strong hind leg that will be really good for collection. We like him for the drive that he has.” The four year old chestnut Eye Catcher (Vivaldi x Partout) is ridden by Kirsten Brouwer. He is an approved stallion who has just come out of the breeding season. Kirsten has only been working him for a few weeks. He is described as a horse with a very good character. Ernes reiterates that these young horses must show their natural balance and follow the hand of the riders forward downward. Tineke mentions that horses should be allowed to trot in a ‘pony like’ way because this will help them to collect to make the short piaffe movements in the future. She is of the opinion that at this age it is not wise to put too much pressure on the big movements of the trot. Five year old Dream Boy (Vivaldi x Ferro) is ridden by Gerdine Maree, co-owned and bred by Tim Coomans. Tim Coomans says this horse is very special to him and he is, besides being a black beauty, the living example of today’s modern dressage horse. He is very willing to work for his rider. Training with Dream Boy must even be slowed down because sometimes he wants to work too hard which is not good for the development of his body. Secondly he has just come out of the breeding season which also costs a lot of energy. Tineke agrees that talented horses like these should be carefully trained without too much pressure. Dream Boy’s step was not so good when he was younger and the general opinion is 94

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that step cannot be improved. Coomans disagrees and states that the step has improved as he grows stronger and that his strong hind leg will help to improve it even more. But, concludes Wim Ernes by showing photos of the top 3 dressage riders at the Olympics in London, no horse becomes a grand prix horse without an excellent rider. Grand prix foals are not born but become grand prix horses, sometimes, through 1. pedigree 2. conformation, movement and soundness, 3. character and temperament, 4. education and training, 5. management and 6. preparation for competition. The forum was concluded by Kyra Kyrklunds special programme that she has set up in Sweden to ‘help riders help themselves’ which was an inspiration to the audience. The programme in which she has set up a special training program with Jan Brink and Liane Wachtmeister has resulted in a number of successes. Two days of Global Dressage Forum, a lot of information and lots of inspiration. At the end of the form important news was announced by HRH Benedikte. Next year’s Global Dressage Forum will be held at the location of Blue Hors in Denmark . After that the Forum will return to the Netherlands again in 2015 and consequently will be held in another country in 2016. The Global Dressage Forum goes global.

Secondaurora

When Dreams Come True

Zensunni Stud

inston Churchill once said that “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

This was certainly true when Tony and Caryn Pappalar do first saw Secondaurora di Villagana, (Accord II – Prince Igor) while on holiday in Tony’s hometown of Brescia in the north of Italy. It was love at first sight. Secondaurora is Zensunni stud’s main foundation mare. She had a filly foal at foot, Zaza di Villagana, by the wonderful stallion Canturo (Cantus – Lord Calando). Zaza has subsequently been purchased by the French rider, Michel Robert, for his stable. And so it began in 2008, Secondaurora

was purchased in foal to Canturo and Zensunni Corazon was born in May 2008. Not content with only buying one mare, Caryn went to Holstein, to the famous Stal Hell stable yard, and was introduced to the amazing stallions, Calido I, Accord II, Canturo, SingulordJoter, and Quite Capitol. After a visit to the Neumunster approvals in Holstein, her mind was made up, that Holsteiners were the horses to buy! The list of mares increased to 3, Cinnamon (Quite Capitol – Nimmerdor) and Vanitas di Villagana (Quite Capitol – Cor de la Bryere) joined the small herd of mares. A trip to the Verona World Cup show the following month Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

Corazon

led to more exciting discoveries. Many Italian ranges were showcased, and the Italian flair for equestrian fashion trending, keeping it current with immediate runway trends in fashion design. Combined with expert craftsmanship and technology, led to further investments in Equipe Saddles, Wildkart stirrups, Franco Tucci designer riding boots and LAS helmets. These ranges are regularly on the podium, as Charlotte du Jardin and Ben Meyer won gold at the London Olympics in Equipe saddles!! The next acquisition the following year was Celine who jumped internationally in Europe, but due to an unforeseen injury, she unfortunately never made it into the showjumping ring in South Africa. She is such a super mare, and Caryn had an immediate 96

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connection with her. Celine is by the fabulous stallion Carthago, and is hopefully going to have a foal by Cosmo this season. Due to the fact that Celine was never able to compete, the yard in Italy from where she was acquired, told Caryn to return to Italy and find a replacement horse. That trip over introduced Caryn to Armageddon (Acobat II â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Calido I) and Luxius (Lux â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Acobat II). Caryn fell in love with Armageddon, who at over 17 hands was pure power, and a real handful! But, there was something about him that made her feel that he was the one. Luxius was offered to Caryn as well. Never having owned a stallion before, it was an opportunity not to be missed and she jumped at the chance of owning a stallion of his caliber and

Cosmo

Luxius

breeding. He is approved and licensed in Oldenburg, Holstein and Westphalia. He had been successfully ridden by Gilbert Bockmann and finished 3rd in the German Bundeschampionate. So, a fairytale had become a reality. Suddenly the Pappalardo’s had a stud! Secondaurora and Vanitas were put in foal to Luxius. Luxius passes on his scope and athleticism to all his foals. His first crop of foals in South Africa are rising 3. Zensunni Luxor (Luxius – Accord II) won his class at Horse of the Year 2012 as a 3 month old colt. He has however got large shoes to fill, as his half brother, Zensunni Corazon (Canturo –Accord II) is showing great talent and scope. He is being produced by Olympic rider Paul Hart. Zensunni Corazon is from the same very good dam line as Uncanto di Villagana (Canturo – Accord II). Uncanto has recently been purchased for Swedish rider Jens Fredricson, with the 2016 Rio Olympics as the ultimate goal. The studs mare herd has steadily increased in size. It now has Vix (SingulordJoter –Corrado I) and Caleesi (Calido I – Landgraf). These two young mares will be competing next year. Zensunni’s Cosmo arrived at Zensunni Stud in December 2012.

He is by Caretino, the same sire as Rolf Goran-Bengston’s super stallion Casall Ask. He is every breeders dream stallion, with a super temperament, jumping technique and conformation. Cosmo has been licensed and approved in Holstein and UNIRE (Italy). Cosmo has competed very successfully this year with Paul Hart in the Open Classes. Zensunni Stud is fortunate to have Paul Hart as the rider for Cosmo, Luxius and Corazon. Paul also competes on Armageddon (Acobat II – Calido I) in the open classes and is having very good results with this very talented gelding. Paul is a compassionate and sensitive rider and has a really amazing connection with the horses. 2014 is going to be a challenging year as Paul is aiming to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in France, on the horse Carlow Miller. Tony and Caryn Pappalardo, along with Mike and Wendy Marsden are the very excited owners of Carlow Miller and are really hoping that all Paul’s hard work and dedication pays off! The stallions are available for the 2013/2014 breeding season. For further information please contact Caryn Pappalardo. M-atwork@ telkomsa.net or 083 6336169 Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

GERMAN FRIENDSHIPS

By Chad Cunningham

his was the eighth edition of the German Friendships. For the eighth time the organisers invited many young people (riders) from all over the world, connected by the fascination for horses, to experience a large gathering of friendship and understanding in the town of Herford - Germany. The idea inspires: to instil friendships and connect cultures by using a common interest, in this case horse sport. It’s not an individual’s ambition to win and place that stands in first place but a joining of young people of different nationalities and cultural background. All competitors are equal and united by their love of horses. Over the years this event has experienced and developed a very special atmosphere, different from any other horse show: For the competitors it is a chance to prove their abilities and be inspired by the spectators’ applause. The accommodation and support of the host families, training together with native youngsters, international flair and the fair sportsmanship of young riders amongst themselves is what makes this renowned event so attractive. All five continents are represented during these games. In the last 14 years more than 360 young riders from 55 Nations have participated in the Team jumping at the Friendships.

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The idea behind the German Friendships is fascinating. One German and one young rider from abroad each form a team and compete in pairs. Jamaica meets Lunenburg Heath, South Africa gets to know Bavaria and Russia builds a dream team with Westphalia. Sharing each other’s cultures gives depth to this international exchange. This is how many international and long lasting friendships have formed out of this event during the previous 14 years. Over the years this event has also seen riders compete later at International Championships and Olympic Games. The man behind the concept and event director is Ulrich Meyer zu Bexten. The International event is hosted at his farm where he and his family reside. His son, Lars Meyer zu Bexten runs the busy stable yard and does a lot of teaching, he is also a FEI tutor and Team Manager to several German Teams. There is an official Nations parade that all the riders take part in and are welcomed by the Mayor of Herford: Bruno Wollbrink and the Patron of the German friendships Dr Ursula von der Leyen –Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Each athlete was asked to bring a gift along and join in the celebrations of Hans Gunter Winkler’s 87th birthday. This was a very special moment, as Hans Gunter Winkler is the most celebrated Olympic rider of all times with five Olympic

From left to right is Tatum Olivier, Tayla Colley, Zahn Bosman and Michelle Zwonnikoff

German Friendship Opening ceremony from left to right : Michelle Zwonnikoff, Tatum Olivier, Tayla Colley, Zahn Bosman, Chad Cunningham

gold medals, twice World Champion and three times German National champion. Once the draw of horses has taken place for both age groups namely the children ages 12 to 15 years and the juniors 16 to 18 years, the riders get to train on their horses and work out if everything is comfortable and will work for the week of competition. The next stage is that the riders are put into groups and they get to be coached by legendary riders and coaches. Some of the World champions and Olympic riders that have coached over the years are Ludger Beerbaum, Merideth Michaels Beerbaum, Rodrigo Pessoa, Markus Ehning, Otta Bekker to name a few. The South African riders that took part this year were Michelle Zwonnikoff (Johannesburg based), Tayla Colley (Johannesburg based), Tatum Olivier (Kwa-Zulu Natal based) and Zahn Bosman (Western Province based). Chad Cunningham, coach from Johannesburg who has had the privilege of going to previous German Friendship Games and has taught and worked with all these riders, guided, managed and coached them throughout the competition. Michelle Zwonnikoff and Tayla Colley took part in the junior category. Michelle drew Nicoline Mund’s horse, Unbelievable and Tayla drew Maximilian Meier’s horse, N-Zwo. Tatum Olivier

Parade of countries. From left Zahn Bosman, Michelle Zwonnikoff and Tatum Olivier

and Zahn Bosman took part in the children category and Tatum drew Felix-Maximilian Braun’s pony, Lady Sunshine and Zahn drew Charlotte Walter’s horse, Popstar. All the South African riders received compliments on their riding ability and horsemanship. They were fantastic ambassadors for our country at this International event and did themselves and their country proud! Each of these South African riders made friends that will last a life time, shared experiences, had huge amounts of fun, and supported one another through good rounds and not such good rounds of competition. But above all kept with the theme of the International event and made Friends! Chad had the great pleasure of helping and assisting the Australian rider Jamie Priestley whom he had met previously in Colombia and the sole representative from Malaysia, Daniel Chen as well as Janine Khoo from Singapore, whom he met in Venezuela at the recent World jumping finals. It is with these opportunities that we pave the way for future International participation for our country and future young Olympians! “The German Friendship Games – that is sportsmanship, international encounters and friendships. Nobody stands alone.” Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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Martin Collins By Emma Garson / Photos by T&B Images

World Cup Qualifier

ocated in the Cradle of Humankind, Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm flaunts a backdrop that makes it a unique destination on the Equestrian map. The relaxing and peaceful atmosphere is a paradox to the competitive nature of the sport of show jumping and is a remarkable venue and experience for both athlete and spectator alike.

It was an honour to have the man responsible for some of the finest show jumping surfaces in South Africa - Martin Collins out from the UK to present our World Cup riders with their prizes.

“I enjoy building courses for all levels of competition. Building for the bigger classes allows one to be more creative with distances, lines and the construction of fences. I was pleased how the riders and horses performed over the duration of the show, the excellent footing also contributed to this” – Kevin Spratley

On Sunday, 25 starters entered the ring for the 4th leg of the World Cup Qualifier Series and a total of ten riders cantered through the finish-line with a faultless score after the first round.

The Hilmar Meyer Series was introduced this year for the Young Rider division and this show marked the second leg of Aligning with the theme of ‘Local is lekker’, the Martin Collins the series. A successful show jumper in Germany, Hilmar has World Cup Qualifier brought Cape Town course designer, Kevin established a large client base in South Africa resulting in over 80 Spratley on board. With two arenas running simultaneously, horses to date being imported into the country. Young Rider, AJ the show invited competitors of all grades and from all divisions Radermacher on Alzu Ovation flew into first place after a very fast jump-off that just pipped Lexi Stais to the post. (adults, young riders, juniors, pony riders).

Emma Garson

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“I tried to design a course that would be testing enough for the

Shaun Neill

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AJ Radermacher

Lorette Knowles Taylor

experienced horse rider combinations without being too difficult for the newer horse at the World Cup Level. I was expecting 5 to 6 clears and was surprised when I landed up with 10. The fact that I had 10 clears is an indication that the standard at this level has improved over the last few years”– Kevin Spratley Round two, Jonathan Clarke set the pace on Rina 77 in what appeared to be an unbeatable time of 37.9 seconds, until Shaun Neill and Clyde Z entered the ring. The pair managed to cut two seconds off Jonathan’s time, thus claiming them the World Cup Qualifier win. (Shaun was also the winner of the CK AERIAL SURVEY’S Riders Grand Prix two days prior to the WCQ). So the final outcome of the class left Jonathan in second place and Liam Stevens on Investec Wanda placing third. “My year started out a bit slow as I was overseas campaigning for the World Cup Final and when I returned to SA, Clyde needed a short rest from work as he had a shoeing problem that needed

Tarryn-Anne Combrink

to be sorted out. Because of this, I did not compete in the first 2 World Cup Qualifiers, but since he has been back in full work, Clyde has yet again shown me what a champion he is. He was 4th in the SA Champs, 2nd in the SA Derby and then won the Rider’s Grand Prix AND the World Cup Qualifier at Maple Ridge. I am so fortunate and so grateful to own a horse like him! I think that Kevin built good courses the whole weekend at Maple Ridge, and the World Cup produced a really good result with a hot jump off between SA’s best horses. My goal is to finish the year at CT World Cup and hopefully continue to be on form with Clyde. He is feeling good, and CT is always a great show, so we are really looking forward to it!” – Shaun Neill Thank you to the following title sponsors for making this show an outstanding success: Martin Collins - CK Aerial Surveys - Vitaline -Equestrian Affair - Nina from Florida Superspar - Jeep Clothing - Derek Greyling from Tiger Brands - and every other sponsor that made it possible. RESULTS: 1.50M MARTIN COLLINS WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 1st- Shaun Neill on Clyde Z 2nd- Jonathan Clarke on Rina 77 3rd- Liam Stevens on Investec Wanda 1.40M VITALINE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1st- Tarryn-Anne Combrink on Brandenburg Crimson Tide 2nd- Barry Taylor on Nissan Callaho Freedom 3rd- Ian Van Schallkwyk on Valanta 1.35M WESTERN SHOPPE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1st- Emma Garson on Nissan Nabab Forever 2nd- Bronwyn Short on Fountain of Love 3rd- Tamar Bernstein Glicksman on Toko 1.30M EQUESTRIAN AFFAIR Championship: 1st- Lorette Knowles Taylor on NISSAN Epsom’s Emma 2nd- Tracy Davids on Blakeney Boy 3rd- Michelle Zwonnikoff on Ulana 2nd LEG OF THE TURNIERSTALL MEYER YOUNG RIDERS COMPETITION: 1st- AJ Radermacher on Alzu Ovation 2nd- LexiStais on Chessy Cass 3rd- CinziaPasteris on Cleopatra

1.50M Martin Collins World Cup Qualifier Prizegiving

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Everyday Heroes

By Barry Armitage / Photos by Louis Heemstra

I braced myself in the passenger seat of the lurching, fast moving bakkie trying to get a steady shot. The vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s siren was blaring and cars around us were stopping abruptly or pulling over as we careered through busy intersections. The lights on the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof were flashing staccato in support of the ear splitting siren. It was the real deal, I was in a high-speed car chase on the Cape Flats in pursuit of bad guys and I was determined to get it all on camera!

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I was filming on that afternoon for a short video about a typical day on patrol with the CHPA - aiming to drum up awareness for this fantastic charitable organization, and hopefully, in some small way, help them raise the funds they need to keep operating. From the start I got far more than I had bargained for! Our first stop was a visit to a woman who had previously owned a number of horses. One horse was shot and killed by gang members and after she lost a leg due to a gang related shooting she was unable 108

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ou would be forgiven for imagining that I was in a police vehicle in pursuit of drug dealers or hot on the tail of gang members wanted for some apparently random act of violence, but I wasn’t, I was in the patrol vehicle of the Cart Horse Protection Association with inspector Diana Truter at the wheel and a horse-box in tow. A call had come through that a missing horse had been spotted pulling a laden cart outside a scrap metal dealership. The horse’s owner, a cartie by the name of Mr Peterson, had rented out his horse to another cartie who had failed to return him the previous evening as arranged. Diana had put the word out that the horse was missing earlier in the day, and was now determined to get to the scrap dealer as fast as possible, find the horse which had probably worked for two consecutive days without much to eat overnight, and return him to his owner.

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The carting industry has a proud heritage rooted in District Six where horses and carts were used to “smous” (hawk) fish, fruit, vegetables, bottles and bones.

to look after the others. In the course of our conversation she mentioned that she had four sons but that the eldest had been killed in yet another gang shooting. I naively offered the lame consolation that at least she had her other three children to look after her, only to be told that all three were in prison! As we left her property, me somewhat stunned at the hardship that this woman had endured, I noticed a number of bullet holes in the corrugated iron gate. Diana saw me peering at the bullet holes and flippantly mentioned that we were on the turf of the infamous gang “The Americans”and that shootings were quite common in the area. I was by now feeling decidedly conspicuous; a nervous white boy flashing an expensive video camera in the heart of the ganglands of the Cape Flats! I was very pleased to have Diana as my chaperone, who oozes confidence and is clearly at home and respected in these neighbourhoods! It is in the harsh environment of these notorious ganglands that the CHPA inspectors work every day, armed only with their hard earned reputation amongst the community and the loud speaker mounted on the roof of the patrol vehicle. Diana used both of these to best advantage, calling out amplified greetings to various people we encountered on our route, or warning speeding carties that we passed to slow down in a tone that made me sit up straight and mind my p’s and q’s!

The carting industry has a proud heritage rooted in District Six where horses and carts were used to “smous” (hawk) fish, fruit, vegetables, bottles and bones. Horses were kept in community stables, travelled short distances and loads were relatively light. After the forced removals to the Cape Flats the lives of the carties and their horses took a turn for the worse as, being far from their markets, hawking was no longer a viable option and they turned to collecting scrap metal in order to generate an income. This new carting industry led to the renting out of horses and carts, and an increase in carthorse operators who had limited knowledge of how to properly care for a working horse. Consequently, badly shod, thin and overloaded, overworked and abused carthorses became a common sight on Cape Town’s roads. The CHPA has strived since its inception in 1995 to regulate the carting industry, aiming to ensure that all working carthorses are fit, healthy and comfortable in their work. Their mission is to protect the over 400 working cart horses in Cape Town from abuse while contributing to the social upliftment of the carting community. In addition to their patrolling and response services the CHPA provides farrier, clinic, veterinary and rehabilitation services for cart horses and offer education and training to cart horse owners and drivers. For many families carting is the only source of income with the

tradition and tools of the trade handed down through generations, and for some the memories of life in District Six still linger. On our arrival outside the scrap metal dealership the scene was somewhat apocalyptic; the adjacent vacant plot was a wasteland dotted with smoldering heaps and smothered by acrid smoke as metals were separated from rubber and plastic by the crude application of fire. I shuddered to think of the life expectancy of these scrap metal collectors breathing this poor excuse for air on a daily basis. Diana and her colleague Karin, who had also arrived on the scene, set to work questioning carties for the whereabouts of the culprit known by the name of “Duimpie”. Both horse and culprit were swiftly found, there was a tussle or two, a few threats and some choice unprintable language exchanged but the indomitable CHPA inspectors prevailed even claiming Duimpie’s load of scrap to offset lost rental for Mr Peterson. The horse had his harness removed and despite a rub on his back due to the cart being overloaded he was in reasonable condition. He was immediately given lucerne before being loaded into the horsebox for a deserved ride home. A little further down the road the CHPA farriers had set up a mobile clinic in a quiet spot shaded by trees and were calmly Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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shoeing the horses of carties who had finished their day’s work. These farriers, men from the community who have been trained by the CHPA, seemed oblivious to the chaos a short distance away, desensitized by daily exposure to the rough and tumble life of the scrap collectors. As each newly shod horse headed home, bales of lucerne and hay were tossed onto the cart for the horse’s supper; the carthorse equivalent of a take-away drive-through I guess! My day with my new hero Diana ended on a very different note to that which had dominated the afternoon. I witnessed the joy of the family on the return of their horse where he was booked off work by Diana until his wound had healed. These horses live in very close proximity to their families and in some cases the only route to the stable in the back yard is through the house. As a result these animals are very much a part of the family, not just a means to generate an income but beloved companions too. A neighbour of the Petersen’s, Mr Jonas, whom I had met earlier in the day, arrived in a cart with his daughter. He was exercising his show horse, a beautiful superbly trained creature and he offered me a ride around the block on his cart. I asked his daughter what she was going to do when she finished her schooling career. She wanted to study physiotherapy at university and I reflected that if she realized her dream, she would be the first person in her family for generations not to take over the reins of the family business!

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To view the video that I made that day, please follow this video link https://vimeo.com/26795892 The CHPA is constantly looking for ways to raise money and last year, we at The Ride, along with our production partners Cooked in Africa films, initiated and contributed to making the first CHPA calendar a reality for 2013 with beautiful pictures by Louis Heemstra, the resident Cooked in Africa Films photographer. Other organizations, designers, printers came on board and gave their time or expertise to make it happen. This year, it is good to know that others have taken up the baton and the CHPA and their collaborators have produced a calendar for 2014 with photographs by Regine Lord and sponsored by My School My Village My Planet. Please support the CHPA by purchasing a calendar by going to http://carthorse.org.za/product/cart-horsecalendar-2014/ or by calling Andrea on 021 5353435. myschool_logo_paths.pdf 1 2013/07/08 10:24:31 AM

For more information about the activities and initiatives of the CHPA or to simply donate to this deserving charity and help support this dedicated team of people striving to improve the lives of the working horses of the Cape Flats, go to www.carthorse.org.za C

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WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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Photos by T&B Images

RIDERS GEAR UP FOR NISSAN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER PORT ELIZABETH - South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equestrian and show-jumping fraternities are gearing up for the eagerly-anticipated Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2013, which will take place in Port Elizabeth between 13 and 17 November 2013. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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osted at the Port Elizabeth Riding Club - an exquisite equestrian venue, with superior arenas and facilities - the Nissan World Cup Qualifier has attracted top riders from across the country. They will be put through their paces on a course which is designed to international standards by renowned French course designer, Frederic Cottier. Mr Cottier is the head Course Designer for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy 2014 and has made time in his busy schedule to pop over to South Africa to build the tracks for the Nissan World Cup Qualifier in PE. A very exciting addition to the team for this event, as it gives South African riders the opportunity to see how they compare against the very highest international standards. Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan SA, said: “With its excellent courses, Nissan is proud to sponsor the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2013, an equestrian event that is recognised as one of the premier events on South Africa’s equestrian calendar. We are also delighted to be associated with the Port Elizabeth Riding Club, whose partnership allows us to host a festival of the highest standard.” Participants will compete in a number of categories ranging from 1.0m up to the prestigious 1.50m FEI World Cup Qualifier, scheduled for Sunday 17 November. Riders 112

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who qualify are eligible to participate in the FEI World Cup to take place in Europe next year. Event organiser Tanja Radke said, “The Eastern Cape is very proud to once again host the Nissan World Cup Qualifier 2013, which has become a flagship Port Elizabeth event. We hope the family-oriented event will encourage the Port Elizabeth public to come along and watch our top equestrian athletes in action as they vie for the prestigious title.” History of the World Cup Passion and excitement are synonymous with the FEI World Cup series, which began in Europe with Jumping in 1978, extending to Dressage in 1985, Driving in 2001 and Eventing in 2003. This series is active on a global scale through a system of continental leagues, each run under the FEI rules, testing the determination and skill of the best riders in the world and culminates in a yearly final, where the top rider of the season is crowned. There are 15 different leagues around the world and South Africa is holding 6 qualifiers this year, of which 4 will count for the overall standings. The final is held in a different country each year. The winner of our South African series will receive an invitation to participate.

The Ground Jury

PERC have hosted a FEI World Cup qualifier for the past 7 years. We have had exciting competitions in all sorts of weather and look forward to hosting this years’ leg. There are a number of well known names joining us from Gauteng, Natal and Western Province and of course, we are excited to see our riders compete against them. Officials We are very lucky to have Val Beuster as our Chief Steward. Her job will be primarily to look after the welfare of the horse. She will ensure that the horses are being well cared for from checking the stables to ensuring they are given water on a regular basis and being fed. She will supervise all warm up areas to ensure that no unfair practices are happening and that all riders comply with the rules and regulations. She will also be responsible for all drug testing of the horses and riders during the course of the competition. Horses are selected using a random selection process and the urine samples are sent overseas for testing. FEI Veterinary delegate, Dr Charles Hayward graduated as a Vet in June 1981. He did his National Service in the Ciskei as a State Vet and then started his own practice in Port Elizabeth in 1985. Dr Hayward enjoys the mixed practice challenge of variety of species and has always had the welfare of all species at heart and hence his term of of office with the AWS and NSPCA serving on the horse

The Ground Jury sit in the judges box and they watch each and every movement of the horse and rider combinations and according to the rules, they will give penalties, clear rounds and disqualify if necessary. They also monitor the time taken in the jump off which could be the deciding factor of a winner or not. We are very proud to have the following highly respected officials on our Ground Jury

Jean-Michel Turlot

Foreign Jumping Judge ( Belgium)

Frédéric Cottier

4 * International Course Designer (France)

Val Beuster

Chief Steward - (Gauteng)

Sandy Cox

President of the Ground Jury (Kwazulu Natal)

Pippa Swift

Member of the Ground Jury (Eastern Cape)

Cindy Hall

Member of the Ground Jury (Gauteng)

The Foreign Judge Jean-Michel Turlot

We are very excited to be able to welcome Jean-Michel Turlot to be the FEI International Show Jumping Judge for our Port Elizabeth event. • Jean-Michel was born in Bujumbura (Burundi), on 18 December 1949. • Attorney at Law (Bar of Kinshasa- DRC) since 1974 • Secretary General of the Congolese National Equestrian Federation since 1987. • Chairman of the Kinshasa Equestrian Club (19932007) • National Judge of SJ in DRC since 1979 • Now FEI SJ international Judge Level 3 During the last years, he has also judged many international shows in DRC, Zimbabwe, Senegal and South Africa. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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care unit portfolio and wildlife portfolio’s. He strongly believes by being involved he can make a difference in the welfare of animals and ensure a fair and clean sport. All horses competing in the World Cup Qualifier class have to present themselves in front of Dr Hayward on the Wednesday prior to the competition starting. He will check the horses and if he should pick up signs of unsoundness he will exclude the horse from competing. Equestrian sports derives it credibility and public acceptance from the concept of Fair Play, the idea that the best athlete should win fairly and squarely, having competed under equitable conditions and under rules that are fair and applied equally with true competence. Doping and the inappropriate use of normal medications present a serious threat to the integrity and reputation of our sport, because they give athletes an unfair advantage and threaten the welfare of horses. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the entire equine community: athletes, veterinarians, grooms, managers, coaches, owners, officials, and our National Federations to join together to help combat doping and the inappropriate use of medications through better education and increased vigilance, which is why we have such a strong team of officials at the event. Competitions Explained Welcome Stakes

A minimum of 10 jumps and if the horse and rider go clear in the first round, they come back into the arena for a jump off over a shortened course which is raised about 10cm. The jump off is against the clock so the fastest time wins.

A2 Competition

One round over 10 jumps minimum on time – the fastest combination To jump all the jumps without knocking any poles down is the winner.

Competition in 2 phases The Course Designer Frédéric Cottier

Former top show jumper Frédéric Cottier has also been appointed as the jumping course designer for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Cottier, who was an Olympic Equestrian Show Jumping team bronze medallist for France in Seoul in 1988, was also in France’s World Championship team in 1982. He is a level 4 course designer and one of a select few of highly qualified course designers worldwide. We are very fortunate to have this World class Course Designer designing the courses for the Nissan Qualifier in Port Elizabeth this year. Before Cottier even arrives in Port Elizabeth he will have spent many days designing the tracks for the show. He will be asking questions of the horse and rider combinations and using technicality to try and find the correct winner of the various classes. The World Cup Qualifier class has to have at least two jumps of 1.60m each , the rest at 1.50m and include the water jump to be considered a qualifier for the Olympic team.

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There will be 12 to 14 jumps in the arena. If the combination jumpsThe first 8 jumps clear they will go through the finish flags for that Section and immediately jump the last 4 to 6 jumps against the Clock. The fastest clear time is the winner.

Championship

The same rules apply as for the Welcome Stakes although the courseWill be much more technical and difficult to jump.

Nissan 6 Bar

A very exciting competition- only horses which are entered at the show and are jumping in the 1.20m class and above are allowed to enter.The horses are only allowed to jump a maximum of 5 rounds. The whole idea is to see who can jump the highest and still be clear. The record at the moment in South Africa is for the last jump to be 2m. The competition starts with 6 jumps in a row and after the first two rounds two jumps are then taken out.It is a charity event and the riders pay R100 to enter. If they knock a pole in the first two rounds, they are allowed to buy back into the event for R500 cash.

Nissan has sponsored R15000 which is a winner takes all prize.

FNB Equestrian Eventing Championships Resounding Success

he RVS (ReiterVerein Swakopmund) achieved a milestone in Namibia’s equestrian history with the first Eventing Championships held on the weekend of 26th and 27th October. This discipline is known by the mature generation as a three phase event and was held on the new RVS Eventing Park grounds. Proudly sponsored by First National Bank, this event exceeded all expectations, not only in number of participants but also in the number of spectators, supporters and helpers. For the last 8 months, members of the Swakopmund Riding Club have been putting together the uniquely Namibian Cross Country obstacles for the visiting FEI (the international equestrian body) delegates to strategically place in the Eventing Park. Mrs Patricia Clifton, Mr David Evans and Mr Darryl Scaife, all from England, arrived to facilitate and officiate at Namibia’s very first event. This was also the dress rehearsal for the official FEI CIC* tournament which will be held in October 2014 on the RVS Eventing Park. After a week of coaching of delegates, helpers, course builders,

By Holger Kleyenstueber / Photos by Kobus Visser

judges and of course participants, the tournament began on Friday afternoon with the official veterinary check by Swakopmund’s own Dr Hartmut Winterbach. All 22 horses were cleared to start. Dr Winterbach not only checked the health of the horse, but, as with all international events, the presentation of horse and rider was also considered. This prize was won by the Event Director, Holger Kleyenstuber and Rathmor Sapphire. The first of the three phases, the dressage, began on Saturday morning. Riders compete in the category of the cross country and not in their usual dressage rankings. This gave the pre-novice (80 cm) event an interesting twist with Alexandra Röhl on her stallion Alpha So Cool leading the way, but shortly behind her was Ingrid Kotze on her horse Claratal Sherpa. In the Novice category (90 cm) Organizing Member, Silvia Kleyenstuber on her stallion Baron von Sphinxblick showed her mettle by shining in the dressage, taking the lead with minus 49,5 points. The prenovice event had the most diverse participants, the youngest still being a child, Sheena Dürr on Mahati competing against Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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FINAL RESULTS: Childrens (70cm) Champion:Tara Hein on Max Havelaar (Gymkhana Klub Windhoek) Result: -132 Points Junior / Adult Pre-Novice (80cm) Champion:Alexandra Roehl on Alpha So Cool (Gymkhana Klub Windhoek) Result: -33 points Reserve Champion: Ingried Kotze onClaratal Sherpa (Reiter Verein Swakopmund) Result: -38 Points 3rd Place Pre-Novice (80cm): Sheena Durr on Mahati (Reiter Verein Swakopmund) Result: -56 Points Junior Adult Novice (90cm) Champion: Michelle Kunzle on King Lu (OmaruruReitVerein) Result: -57 Points Reserve Champion: Kira Rohloff on Kahlua (Okakambe Riding Centre) Result: -58 Points Junior / Adult Intermediate (100m / 110m) Champion: Svenja Spaeth on Davetsaub Amor (Reiter Verein Swakopmund) Result: -101 Punkte Best presented horse at Vet Check: Holger Kleyenstueber & Rathmor Sapphire (Reiter Verein Swakopmund)

Namibia’s top dressage adult pair, Alex and Alpha So Cool. The dressage points are added to the show jumping points of the afternoon. These outcomes changed the rankings of the pre-novice event and put Ingrid Kotze, Nicole Nederlof and Annette Freyer well up on the scoreboard. But nothing decided yet, as Sunday morning dawned and the great excitement began - the cross country phase. An overwhelming number of spectators came to watch a luckily uneventful, but highly exciting cross country course. The first pair to baptise the 2.4 km long course was the Intermediate (1.10 m) participant, Svenja Spaeth on Davetsaub Amor. A very exciting, fast and successful round ensured the 15 year old an overall victory in this class. The novice class was opened by Tanya Uys on her horse Millennium. Michelle Kunzle rode her horse King Lu to victory, followed by Kira Rohloff as reserve Champion on her horse Kahlua. The spectators enjoyed each and every participant and cheered or sympathised as they went through the 12 meter wide 116

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water pond – something very foreign to our desert horses. Alexandra Roehl took an early lead in the pre-novice class with a clear round. Sheena Dürr managed to clear with only 1 time penalty, withbrought her from nearly the bottom of the rankings to an overall third place behind Alex Röhl on Alpha So Cool and Ingrid Kotze on Claratal Sherpa. In the children’s class, Tara Hein on her horse Max Hevelaar took the overall victory with minus 132 points. Proud riders and organisers took part in the final parade with prize giving and much appreciation to all the sponsors, notably First National Bank, Salz Gossow, Premier Construction, Hotel Schweizerhaus, GenMax Fishing, W/Bay Plant & Tool Hire, Dirk Aschenborn, Rowan Mils, Julian Jansen, Eric Reinhardt, FCS& Bodenhausen. Appreciation needed to go to Namibia’s Equestrian Federation, NAMEF as well as to the international federation, FEI and also to various individuals who worked tirelessly for weeks on end. The next Eventing Show will take place in February 2014 on the RVS Eventing Park.

By Emma Garson / Photos by H2 Photography

2013 SA Riders

Championships

osted by Burlington Stables, the 2013 SA Riders Championship ran from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November with the showcase classes being the SA Riders Championship, the Burlington Cup, The Turnierstal Hilmar Meyer Young Rider Series and the CMH Carshop Amateur Series.

Always an exciting event to watch is the CMH Carshop Amateur Series where riders in the 1.00m, 1.10m and 1.20m class fight for the Volvo c30. This year Iris Lambert doubled up on her horse-power by winning the series and getting to drive off in the sporty hatchback coupe, which she is allowed to keep for one year.

Having taken a short break after course building at Derby, Kate Launder was back in action designing a succession of strong tracks throughout the week in order to cut down the large number of entries per class. (Burlington Stables has become one of the most sought-after show venues to attend due to its’ great organisation, excellent footing and child-friendly environment).

Finally, the class everyone had been waiting for; The 2013 SA Riders Championship. After three qualifying rounds, the four competitors to make it through were Anne-Marie Esslinger on Alessio, Rainer Korber on Leandros De Semilly, Johan Kachelhoffer on Capital Castigo and Govett Triggol on Louisa.

On Saturday, the 1.45m Burlington Cup had over fifty horserider combinations in the class- the largest number of entries since its’ foundation. In the end, it was young rider, Chris Van Der Merwe on Domino Van Der Bowswinning who cruised through the finish-line in the fastest time making them the Burlington Cup Champions.

This year, Burlington Stables upped the stakes by declaring a R100 000 cash prize to the rider who managed to jump four faultless rounds on each of the horses. Unfortunately, this wasn’t achieved but Rainer Korber won the class after finishing the competition with only four penalties.AnneMarie’s gelding, Alessio was awarded ‘best horse of the class’, having had the least amount of faults over the four rounds.

“I had high expectations because of my experience on different horses. I ride professionally and get to ride many different horses sometimes. I found Castigo the easiest to ride. He wasn’t too technical and I just needed to keep the canter up and punch him at the base. However, I lost my stirrup on him....Not clever!My own horse Leandros was “Winning the series has been a goal of mine for a long time, the most difficult. He was very strong and gets quite anxious so I was beyond happy and excited about winning it this year! in little arena’s like that. I loved the Riders Champs! It was a Vanya gave me her everything in all 3 legs of the series which different type of pressure and I think Burlington Stables was made this goal of mine possible. I’m very lucky to have such the perfect venue for it!” – Rainer Korber an awesome horse! I haven’t decided the exact time I will be going to Germany to ride with Hilmar, but it will be within the Thank you to the following sponsors: Martin Collins SA; first few months of 2014. A huge thank to Hilmar Meyer for Landrover; Spec-Con; Cavalinho; Cross Fire; Equipage; his generous sponsorship of this series for the young riders” Equestrian Affair; Western Shoppe; Midfeeds; Country Life Properties; Insurisk; CMH Carshop and the Pasteris family. –Shannon Smith The third and final leg of the Turnierstal Hilmar Meyer Young Rider Series took place on Sunday and was won by Shannon Smith on Vanya W. This win also secured them the title of the overall series and part of the prize includes a two week riding experience at Hilmar Meyer’s yard in Germany.

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Rainer Korber on Capital Castigo

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Chris Van Der Merwe on Domino

THE 2013 RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP Winner- Rainer Korber

George Phillipedes on Alchemy’s Rademus

Iris Lambert

1.50m MARTIN COLLINS SA GRAND PRIX 1st- George Philippides on Alchemy’s Rademus 2nd- Rainer Korber on Leandros De Semilly 3rd- Samantha McIntosh on Lets Win 1.45m Burlington Cup: 1st- Chris Van Der Merwe on Domino Van Der Bowswinning 2nd- Samantha McIntosh on Lets Win 3rd- Marlene Sinclair on Amaretto 1.30m MIDFEEDS Championship: 1st- Barry Taylor on Lady Gaga 2nd- Jonathan Clarke on Southern Comfort 3rd- Grant Langley on Brandenberg Cedarwood 1.35m INSURISK Championship 1st- Gareth Neill on Dolce Vita Van De Molendreef 2nd- Cathryn Neill on Crystalise 3rd- Jeanne Korber on Simonsig’s Picadilly THE TURNIERSTAL HILMAR MEYER Young Rider Championship: 1st- Shannon Smith on Vanya W 2nd- Chelsey Gertenbach on Al Rosario 3rd- Laurence Mowatt on Hillview Paddy Overall results of the TURNIERSTAL HILMAR MEYER Young Rider Series. 1st- Shannon Smith on Vanya W 2nd- Lexi Stais on Chessy Cass 3rd- Cinzia Pasteris on Cleopatra

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20 October 2013

HELSINKI DELAVEAU DELIVERS SUPER SECOND-LEG VICTORY AT LONGINES QUALIFIER IN HELSINKI

By Louise Parkes

with her lovable grey stallion Winningmood, and the Portuguese rider now lies second on the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League leaderboard at this early stage of the 11-leg series, while Steve Guerdat is well out in front having already collected 34 points to date.

Ireland’s Shane Breen steered his talented 10-year-old stallion, Balloon, into third ahead of Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Tornesch in fourth. This was a most impressive result for the Swedish rider’s horse, as he had an eye surgically removed only a few short months ago, but seems to have lost nothing of his talent or of his zest for his job on his return to top-class competition. Fifth place went to Luciana Diniz who enjoyed another spectacular day

Particularly Tough Challenge The ice-hockey ring at the Hartwall Arena at Helsinki always presents a particularly tough challenge for the world’s best Jumping horses and riders, and an equally-difficult task for the course designer. Before the competition began, Baryard-Johnsson said the “tiny arena” comes as “a bit of a shock” after a summer of jumping outdoors, “and the first few indoor shows are always quite hard anyway” she added. It didn’t stop herself and her big, brave stallion from posting the first clear of the day however when second into the ring.

atrice Delaveau produced a stunning victory with Orient Express HDC at the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series in Helsinki, Finland this afternoon. Second-last to go in the eight-horse jump-off against the clock, the French partnership snatched victory from London 2012 Olympic champions Steve Guerdat and Nino des Buissonnets from Switzerland.

Patrice Delaveau riding Orient Express FRA wins the Longines FEI World Cup™ Helsinki, FIN 2013 Photo: Tapio Maenpaa/FEI

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Anna-Julia Kontio riding Fardon FIN in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Helsinki, FIN 2013. Photo: Satu Pirinen/FEI

Aki Ylanne sent them off over a twisting track that included a double - vertical to oxer - and a treble - oxer, vertical, oxer - at fences four and 11 which both proved particularly influential. The height of the poles and the stretches over the big, wide oxers were challenging enough, but it was the relentless pace at which the fences came up, often off corners and without any possibility of a last-minute adjustment of any kind, that really racked up the pressure. It was a quick-fire affair from the outset, and poles dropped at various points around the arena, but while four riders opted to retire, a total of 12 made it home leaving just one fence on the floor, while eight went forward to the timed round. A notable four-faulting duo were three-time FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum from Germany and her fabulous mare, Bella Donna, who put in a copybook performance only to hit the very last. Lovely Second Clear Baryard-Johnsson led the way in the jump-off with a lovely second clear from the 13-year-old H&M Tornesch whose recovery from his operation in July has been quite spectacular. The stallion had been battling with an eye issue for the last eight years and when it became more problematic this summer it was decided to remove it, so the top Swedish lady rider had to step down from her national side for the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships at Herning, Denmark in August. She said before today’s competition that she wasn’t sure what to expect this afternoon, but she was in for a very pleasant surprise as her horse showed all of his usual flair

and power as he crossed through the finish line in 38.03 seconds to set the early target. The new course began over the oxer at fence nine and swept left-handed to the water-tray vertical at five and water-tray oxer at six before swinging right-handed to the vertical at three. The speed with which riders could make the roll-back to the second two elements of the former triple combination was critical, and from there it was on to the penultimate oxer at fence 12 and a long gallop to the final vertical, the former fence 10 jumped in the opposite direction. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia lowered the water-tray oxer at fence six to return with four faults in 40.95 seconds, but Spain’s Julio Arias and Quinai des Chayottes were clear and super-fast until hitting the very last. Their time of 36.11 seconds showed there it was more than possible to improve on Baryard-Johnsson’s target, and Steve Guerdat backed that up when scorching into the lead in 35.99 seconds. Valuable Seconds It seemed that Luciana Diniz might give the Swiss rider a run for his money until an awkward jump over the second of the remaining two elements of the triple combination saw her scrambling for her reins on the landing side which cost valuable seconds. Her brilliant stallion, Winningmood, however, wants nothing more than to please his rider as he demonstrated with conviction in the opening round, and despite the momentary confusion he just galloped on to leave all the fences intact and to break the beam in 38.20 Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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Shane Breen riding Balloon in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Helsinki, FIN 2013. Photo: Satu Pirinen/FEI

seconds which was always guaranteed to pick up valuable points. With just three now left to go, it seemed possible that Guerdat would go one better than he did at Oslo last weekend where he had to settle for runner-up spot, and would take the maximum 20 points on offer this time around. Ireland’s Shane Breen produced a fantastic run from his ever-improving stallion Balloon to stop the clock on 37.14 seconds which posed no threat to the leader, but Delaveau was always a danger. This is a man with an inbuilt speedometer, and with his stallion, Orient Express HDC, living up to his name and going like a train they shaved 1.5 seconds off the leaders thanks to amazing cornering skills and the ability to run and jump without the slightest hesitation. The scoreboard showed the French partnership in the lead in the time of 34.23 seconds as Britain’s Michael Whitaker set off with Amai, and when the final element of the former triple combination hit the floor it was all over, and Delaveau had indeed delivered. Difficult to Overcome He said afterwards “I saw Steve take the lead two horses before (in the jump-off), and I knew he would be quick and very difficult to overcome.” The French rider added “I really had to perform at my best to beat him today, and I’m delighted I did!” Second-placed Guerdat said “ I have one of the few horses that is airborne! To be honest, I should have taken more risks today. I rode a very safe jump-off without taking any risks. I didn’t know whether I was going to ride today until the very last moment, and in the end, I am very happy with the result”. 122

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Shane Breen was more than happy with third place partnering his promising stallion. “Balloon was terrific this weekend” said the Irishman who lives at the Hickstead showgrounds in Great Britain. “I saw Steve go and I know how quick he is – it was going to take something special to beat him today. I was a bit wide at the double (the remaining two elements of the triple combination in the jump-off) but I’m delighted with my clear. Patrice was always going to be really fast, and I am thrilled to have come third!” he pointed out. Breen also finished third in yesterday’s Grand Prix at the Finnish fixture. “It is my first time here in Helsinki and I am really happy with my placing in both competitions. The courses were quite tricky and the lines were severe – you had to be accurate and on the ball, while your horses really needed to stretch and make an effort on the course. My horse is getting better and better. I am delighted with him. He is 10 years old and every year is improving – if he can improve 10 per cent again next year, then we’re going to do great things!” he added. But today belonged to Delaveau who talked about the horse that also carried him to victory as part of the winning French team at the thrilling inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain last month. “Orient Express is an exceptional horse with great quality and a massive heart. He is undoubtedly one of the best horses in Europe – he’s a real gem!” he said proudly.

Steve Guerdat riding Nino des Buissonnets SUI, 2nd place in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Helsinki, FIN 2013 Photo: Tapio Maenpaa/FEI

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League - Standings after Round 2 at Helsinki (FIN): 1. Steve Guerdat SUI - 34 2. Luciana Diniz POR - 25 3. Scott Brash GBR - 24 4. Patrice Delaveau FRA - 20 5. Marcus Ehning GER - 15 5. Shane Breen IRL - 15 7. Malin Baryard-Johnsson SWE - 13 8. Geir Gulliksen NOR - 12 9. Julio Arias ESP - 11 9. Edwina Tops-Alexander AUS - 11 11. Kevin Staut FRA - 11 12. Athina Onassis de Miranda GRE - 10 12. Michael Whitaker GBR - 10 14. Simon Delestre FRA - 10 15. Marlon Zanotelli BRA - 9 15. Martin Fuchs SUI - 9 17. Maikel van der Vleuten NED - 9 18. Frank Schuttert NED - 8 19. Angelica Augustsson SWE - 7 20. Hans-Dieter Dreher GER - 6 20. Pius Schwizer SUI - 6

Quotes: Tom Gordin, Helsinki Show Director: “ It is amazing for us that the best riders in the world come to Helsinki. It is very challenging for the horses geographically speaking, so we have to ensure we produce something that is up to par for the occasion. The riders here are all role models, and we had the biggest world cup audience ever today – 8,000 spectators in total. We have had 951,000 visitors since the inception of the show and we hope to break the 1 million mark in 2014. The competition will be taking place next year from 23rd – 26th October 2014.”

Facts and Figures:

Aki Ylanne, Course Designer: “We need to have lighter material for the next years. The arena is a bit small for this level of competition. This is one of the biggest courses we have built because of the level of the competition this year. We had a good number of horses qualify for the jump-off which is always a positive thing – the level of show jumping today was top class.”

•

Steve Guerdat (SUI): It is an amazing show and one that improves year after year. The arena is beautiful, the addition of a new warm-up arena is fantastic and the prize money is great. A massive well done to the organizers.

• • •

Anna-Julia Kontio (FIN) who collected just four faults with Fardon to finish in 19th place: “I actually made the same mistake today as I did yesterday. I knew the triple combination was going to be the trickiest part of the course. The horse was a bit too fast and went a bit too forward unfortunately. I am planning to ride the Zurich World Cup but we’ll see, I don’t know yet.”

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39 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in today’s second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League at Helsinki, Finland. 18 nations were represented. 8 riders qualified for the second-round jump-off against the clock. 12 horse-and-rider combinations collected just four faults in the first round. 4 retirements in the first round. Course designer was Finland’s Aki Ylanni. Winning rider, Patrice Delaveau from France, is 48 years old and lives in the small village of Le Pin, Calvados in the Basse Normandie region of France. Olympic champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, finished second and leads the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European League table going into the third leg of the series at Verona, Italy on 10 November. This competition took place at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, which is an ice-hockey ring. Issue 17 SPORTING HORSE

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Grant Langley

DISCOVERY By Emma Garson / Photos by T&B Images

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in the shape of a horse’s head. The following day was the Grand Prix and this class boasted one of the hottest jump-offs of the season. With each new rider into the ring, the seconds shaved off and the spectators got louder. In the end it was Govett Triggol and his mare, Elektra who jumped to top spot.

From the 28th of August to the 1st of September Revil Stables hosted the World Cup Qualifier in Polokwane, generously Despite Revil Stables being renowned for its evening festivities, sponsored by Discovery. Saturday’s World Cup Class was a sobering affair! The standard of the track and height of the jumps required every inch of both International course designer, Bob Ellis paid his annual visit to our horse and rider’s focus and capability. clopf fibre sands and assisting him was regular Portuguese visitor, Bernardo Costa Cabral. The duo kept true to form by building It was a day for the mares as KZN rider, Grant Langley and his large, technical tracks over the five days leaving some of the horses horse Sissi van de Helle bagged first place, Jeanne Engela on her and riders with eyes larger than the shot glasses served at the bar. mare, Chanel van de Zeshoek came second and third place went to Jonathan Clarke on his mare, Rina 77. “We wanted to put Polokwane on the equestrian map. In the beginning the idea was just to get the place graded to the point “Going into the World Cup I was really focused on trying to jump where we could host decent shows. The idea of the World Cup a clear round. It was the most amazing feeling to win, a real dream Qualifier was planted by Barry Taylor and was the next logical step come true as most of my training is done on my own. to take. Of course none of this is possible without my fantastic mare Sissi To be able to host these high-expense shows needs big sponsors who is very eccentric in her way of training and jumping at shows. and Hilton Hausberger helped us in a big way” – Rene Fourie, Revil Stables A huge thanks to all the fantastic sponsors who without them these super shows would not be possible. Rene and Conrad of Those who attended this year’s show were fortunate enough to Revil Stables, Discovery Health - a loyal supporter of this show, partake in a very special occasion - the 70th birthday celebration Quinton Jansen who brings a whole new aspect of sponsored gifts of living legend, Gonda Beatrix. The former Olympian saw her to SA Show jumping, Makes cellular, The Ranch and any others I evening in with a chorus of equestrians chanting happy birthday may not have mentioned. Well done team!” – Grant Langley. whilst her close friends presented her with a beautiful cake crafted 124

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Jeanne Korber

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Gonda Beatrix celebrating her 70th Birthday 1.50m World Cup Qualifier: 1st- Grant Langley on Sissi van de Helle 2nd- Jeanne Engela on Chanel v d Zeshoek 3rd- Jonathan Clarke on Rina 77 4th- Michelle Stafford on Franlaren Lord Larrymore 5th- Peter Morrison on MCSA Luanda 6th- Anne-Marie Esslinger on Alessio 7th- Shaun Neill on Clyde Z 8th- Lauren Smorenburg on Royal Zloggi 9th- Nicole Horwood on Capital Don Cumarco 10th- Rainer Korber on Leandros de Semilly 11th- GovettTriggol on Elektra 12th- Liam Stevens on Wanda 1.50m Riders Grand Prix: 1st- GovettTriggol on Elektra 2nd- Johan Kachelhoffer on Capital Look At Me 3rd- Jonathan Clarke on Rina 77 4th- Nicole Horwood on Capital Colnardo 5th- Jeanne Engela on Chanel v d Zeshoek 6th- Nicola Sime on Sunny Park Stables Elpaso 7th- Lorette Knowles Taylor on Nissan Watch Me 8th- Grant Langley on Sissi van de Helle 9th- Dion Boardman on TanikHune 10th- Dominey Alexander on Enjoy 68 11th- Shaun Neill on Clyde Z 12th- Ashlee Hausberger on Corea Flight

Greg Scott

1.40m Championship: 1st- Greg Scott on PohlandsWestpoint 2nd- CinziaPasteris on Lakea 3rd- Jonathan Clarke on Felix 1.35m Championship: 1st- Jeanne Korber on Simonsigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sPicadilly Z 2nd- Lorette Knowles Taylor on Nissan Double Vision 3rd- Emma Garson on Nissan Nabab Forever 1.30m Championship: 1st- Tessa van Duuren on Romantic Axe 2nd- Bruce Dewar on DavetsaubElnino 3rd- Melinda Roos on RoletzaLegolas 1.20 Championship 1st- Nina Stephano on Contest 2nd- Michelle Joubert on Ride 4 Jesus Vanree Olympus VE 3rd- Rainer Korber on Lavandou

Govett Triggol

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ODENSE

21 October 2013

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™, Odense DEN Anna Kasprzak riding Donnperignon DEN wins the Freestyle at Odense Photo: Annette Boe Østergaard

DENMARK’S KASPRZAK WINS OPENING REEM ACRA ROUND ON HOME GROUND AT ODENSE By Louise Parkes

anish rider, Anna Kasprzak, secured her first-ever Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle victory on home ground at Odense in Denmark today where the 2013/2014 Western European League got underway. Already strongly tipped for a top placing following their convincing win in yesterday’s Grand Prix in which they pipped Germany’s Isabell Werth and Don Johnson, the dynamic Danish duo returned to make it a back-to-back double of successes when pinning Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello into runner-up spot this afternoon. Werth lined up third this time out while the host country’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald made a big impression when finishing fourth with her 11-year-old gelding, Millibar. The 15 competing riders represented seven nations at the season-opener. Riders from Austria, Denmark, Germany, 128

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Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and USA were in action, and it was an impressive show of strength by the home side. Kasprzak has been producing increasingly strong results since taking up the ride on Donnperignon two years ago. “We competed in our first international competition together in February 2012 and it has been an amazing story ever since” said the 23-year-old rider today. “It’s hard to believe what we have achieved in our short time together!” she added after placing herself at the head of the world-class field. Expectation In the tense atmosphere of the Fyn Arena, Kasprzak was third-last to go, and the stadium was filled with anticipation as she entered the arena. Vilhelmson-Silfven had set the target at 80.075 with a lovely performance from Don Auriello, but Kasprzak squeezed

ahead when scoring 80.575 to the strains of her Phil Collins musical score. “Our trot-work was good, and the passage and piaffe were better and more powerful today” the Danish rider said afterwards. “In the passage I could just sit there and ride with him, it felt really great!” she added. She felt the transitions from passage to piaffe were also improved, “but I made a big mistake in the 2-tempis!” she admitted, “he got a little behind me, but that was the only thing”.

Understandably Buoyant Kasprzak was understandably buoyant following her watershed victory today. “I hadn’t expected this result at all before heading to Odense!” she said. “It has been the best weekend, and yesterday I rode my best Grand Prix to date. Today I had some errors in the flying changes, but my ride followed the music very well. Donnperignon was very energetic today, although not as much as yesterday where it was almost too much!” she added.

The home crowd let her know just how much they appreciated her effort with rapturous applause before Werth and Don Johnson took their turn. And when the multi-medalled German rider, who took team gold riding Don Johnson at this summer’s Blu Hors FEI European Dressage Championships at Herning (DEN) notched up a score of 79.400 when second-last into the ring, it was clear that victory would remain on home soil.

Asked about her goals for the near future she replied “my goal is just to better myself from here”. And asked about her plans for Donnperignon she pointed out “he needs a little break now. He is 14 years old, and I have to be careful with him even though now, at the moment, I have a really good feeling with him. We will take him home and then decide” she said. Her climb to prominence has been meteoric. Only six months after their international competition debut she found herself on the fourth-placed Danish There was still more excitement to come for the home spectators team at last summer’s London 2012 Olympic Games where she however when, last to go, 19-year-old Nanna Skodborg Merrald also placed 18th individually. posted a mark of 78.325 to relegate Sweden’s Minna Telde and Santana to fifth place. This young Danish rider, who took gold This summer, Kasprzak and Donnperignon finished sixth in the at Junior European level and then this summer won both the Grand Prix and seventh in both the Grand Prix Special and Under-25 non-Championship Intermediare ll and Grand Prix Grand Prix Freestyle at the Blue Hors FEI European Dressage classes during the ECCO FEI European Championships at Herning, Championships at Herning in August, having lined up fourth in looks destined for big things with her 11-year-old Danish gelding, the hotly-contested Freestyle at Aachen, Germany two months Millibar. earlier. Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™, Odense DEN Isabell Werth riding Don Johnson FRH takes 3rd place in the Freestyle at Odense. Photo: Annette Boe Østergaard/FEI

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Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™, Odense DEN Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven riding Don Auriello DEN wins the Freestyle at Odense. Photo: Annette Boe Østergaard

Very Pleased Vilhelmson-Silfven was also very pleased with her result this afternoon. “Don Auriello was a bit tense yesterday, but did much better today. Right now I’m working to adjust the small things during training. My plan for the World Cup is to ride in Stuttgart (GER) and Stockholm (SWE)” she explained.

Riders will be working hard over the coming months in an effort to qualify for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final which will take place in Lyon, France next April. The next step along the road is the second leg of the series at Stuttgart, Germany in four weeks’ time. Result:

Werth said she was “really satisfied” with Don Johnson. “He has improved so much in the last 10 months and has a lot more power and concentration. He worked really well to the music. He was almost as good as he was in Aachen, and I actually think he deserves a better image than the one he has right now!” she added. The next leg of the series at Stuttgart in Germany in November has been included in her planning for the season. “I want to try to qualify two horses, Don Johnson and El Santo. I hope El Santo comes back to international sport as well” she pointed out.

1, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 80.575; 2, Don Auriello (Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven) SWE 80.075; 3, Don Johnson FRH (Isabell Werth) GER 79.400; 4, Millibar (Nanna Skodberg Merrald) DEN 78.325; 5, Santana (Minna Telde) SWE 75.750; 6, Glock’s Romanov (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 74.350; 7, Kingsley Siro (Danielle Heijkoop) NED 74.350; 8, Unee BB (Jessica von Bredow-Werndl) GER 74.325; 9, Qui Vincit Dynamis (Fabienne Lutkemeier) GER 72.275; 10, Uzzo (Patrick van der Meer) NED 71.175; 11, Acapello Foldager (Malene Folmer Jensen) DEN 70.675; 12, Tailormade Akon Askelund (Ellen Birgitte Farbrot) NOR 68.200; 13, Ulysses la Haya (Laurens van Lieren) NED 67.450; 14, Fabienne (Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein) DEN 66.400; 15, Denzello (Lisa Wilcox) USA 64.350.

Facts and Figures: • • • • • • 130

Odense in Denmark presented the first leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2013/2014 Western European League series. Denmark’s Anna Kasprzak and Donnperignon won both the Grand Prix and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle at Odense. 15 riders from seven nations - Austria, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and USA - lined out in the competition. The youngest horse in the class was the last to go - the 10-year-old Hannoverian, Danzello, ridden by America’s Lisa Wilcox. The winning rider, Anna Kasprzak, is 23 years old. Together with Donnperignon, Kasprzak finished sixth in the Grand Prix and seventh in both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix SPORTING HORSE Issue 17

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Freestyle at the Blue Horse FEI European Dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark in August. They finished fourth in the Freestyle at Aachen, Germany in June. The Ground Jury for the competition was: At E, Hans Christian Matthiesen (DEN); at H, Annette Fransen-Jacobaeus (SWE); at C, Susanne Baarup (DEN); at M, Raphael Saleh (FRA) and at B, Isobel Wessels (GBR).

Quotes: Susanne Baarup (DEN), Judge at C: “the riders showed us high quality work and it was really enjoyable to judge. The top three were really high quality, small things made the difference.”

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