Show Circuit Magazine - December 23 / January 24 by Show Circuit Magazine

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WELCOME

FROM MY DESK

In this issue, we're delighted to bring you a collection of insightful interviews that provide glimpses into the world of equestrian talent and dedication. As we momentarily return to our roots, we're particularly excited to showcase rising stars in the showing world, like Billie Hughes, whose journey embodies the spirit of our equestrian community. Billie's story is a testament to her unwavering dedication and impressive skills, earning her a qualification for the upcoming Australian Grand Nationals in Sydney. Her previous triumph at the Grand Nationals, securing the Molly Lord Memorial Award among 32 riders on a catch ride, is a shining example of her abilities. We eagerly await her performance with her own pony in the upcoming event. Billie's journey reminds us of the remarkable potential and passion that thrive within our equestrian community. Our visit with Lily Tootill, fresh from her European equestrian adventure, was truly captivating. Her stories of her adventures and the valuable lessons she brought back with her offer a unique perspective on the enriching opportunities within the New Zealand equestrian world. Additionally, we explore the journey of Amanda Goldsbury, a well-known figure in New Zealand's dressage and showing circles. Amanda's transition to eventing in Ireland adds an intriguing dimension to her equestrian story. Her accomplishments, including her victory in the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships Six-Year-Old Championship aboard Cooley On Ice, highlight her remarkable skill and determination. Before we bid farewell to this year, we'd like to remind you of the upcoming Land Rover Horse of the Year event. This event holds a special place in our hearts, and in this issue, we take a moment to reflect on its past achievements. It's a celebration of the dedication and passion that define the New Zealand equestrian community. We encourage you to consider supporting this significant event in our equestrian calendar by purchasing tickets or participating. With that, the team at Show Circuit signs off for the year. As we approach the festive season, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a prosperous 2024. We look forward to reconnecting with you on the other side!

Sheryll Davies - Publisher

COVER IMAGE:

Billie Hughes Image - Julia Murch Photography

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EDITOR Pip Hume editor@showcircuit.co.nz

DESIGN Sheryll Davies

CONTRIBUTORS y Ashleigh Kendall

Caitlin Benzie Photography Christine Cornege Photography Denise Flay Photography Julia Murch Photography Libby Law Photography Michelle Clarke Photography Rebecca Greaves

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ABOUT US Show Circuit magazine is published bi-monthly. The articles reflect the personal opinion of the author and not necessarily the view of Waiata Publishing Ltd. This publication cannot be reproduced in whole or in part in any way without the publisher’s express written permission. All contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk. Waiata Publishing Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss or damage.

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SUPA JOINT

IN THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 23 | JANUARY 2024

14 BILLIE HUGHES Showing Superstar

22 LILY TOOTILL A Portrait of Dedication

32 AMANDA GOLDSBURY Switching Codes

42 ROBERT KOFOED The Man Behind Zilco New Zealand

106

50 LAND ROVER HORSE OF THE YEAR The Apex of Equestrian Excellence

64 KELSEA O'CONNOR From Geelong to Global Success

72 THE NEW ZEALAND EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY Equestrian Careers

64 80 JACK McCORMACK Returning to the Show Ring

92 CLAUDIA FAULKNER Equestrian Extraordinaire

104 TRUDI MITCHELL and her Playground for Riders

122 RETAIL SHOPPING The Best of the Best

126 HEALTH Equine Nutrition - The Basics

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SHOWING spotlight MUM AND DAD W O U L D A L S O TA K E M E T O K I W I V A L L E Y, AND I WOULD NEVER WANT TO GET OFF THE PONIES.

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superstar SHOWI NG

WORDS - Caitlin Benzie IMAGES - Julia Murch Photography

A golden ticket from the New Zealand Show Horse Council allowed 13-year-old Billie Hughes the chance of a lifetime to compete in Australia at the Grand Nationals - an opportunity that saw her win big on the international stage.

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

Growing up in Waimauku in northwest

Auckland, Billie was pony-mad from a young age; as a three-year-old, she went to the fair and rode a little black Shetland, and she was hooked from that moment. Her first pony of her own was Babe, a chestnut Welsh pony she went to many a ribbon day on, and the journey continued from there. “Mum and Dad would also take me to Kiwi Valley, and I would never want to get off the ponies! I’d line up over and over again to have another ride - they figured out pretty quickly that I was pony-mad! I started riding properly at Burnside Equestrian with Sue Mansell when I was four. Sue gave me the confidence, skills and foundations that have led me down the path I’m currently on, and I’m very grateful to her. At that point, we leased a little pony called Bounty, the start of the ‘B Team’. “Babe was the first pony Mum and Dad bought me, and he was my absolute best friend. Before I got Babe, I was terrified to canter and would bawl my eyes out

Billie with ROSEMOOR EBONY, affectionately known as Benny. This six-year-old black Riding Pony, sired by Cheval Noir of Sefton, is displaying promising skills in both dressage and the show ring.

when anyone even suggested it. However, you could do anything and everything with him; we would dress him up with Christmas decorations hanging from his ears, jump small jumps, and play games. We won so many ribbons at ribbon days - he filled me with so much confidence. He also taught me not to give up and to keep going when things get hard. Last year, he unfortunately succumbed to complications from Cushings and had to be put to sleep. I still miss his loud nicker and wonderful snuggles.”

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Billie’s next pony, and her most successful to date, was

Nala Emblems Nichola. Butterfly, as she was known at home (keeping the B theme going, which has been a continuous running joke for Billie and her family), was a grey English Riding Pony who spent five years with Billie. Butterfly had been a successful show pony for many years but had only had a few low-level dressage starts when Billie began riding her. “Butterfly taught me to be tolerant, consistent in my riding, strong in my aids, and to always ask and never demand. She was definitely not a fan of jumping - to be fair, neither am I,” Billie laughs, “One of the many reasons I have chosen showing and dressage is because I am a bit of a chicken with jumping. I love the idea, but I have never really been confident enough. So together, Butterfly and I focused on dressage. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

B U T T E R F LY TA U G H T M E T O B E T O L E R A N T, C O N S I S T E N T IN MY RIDING, STRONG IN M Y A I D S , A N D T O A LWAY S ASK AND NEVER DEMAND. S H E W A S D E F I N I T E LY N O T A FAN OF JUMPING, WHICH, TO BE FAIR, NEITHER AM I.

Right - At the Grand Nationals in Australia, Billie is pictured alongside Fraser Deverill and his mother Jacqui, proud owners of HARPER PARK FIRST AGENT. They clinched victory and earned the prestigious Molly Lord Memorial Award. Image: Amy Sue Alston Photography.

“She and I just clicked from the moment I tried her in Wellington, and we won multiple championships, titles and classes throughout our time together. My biggest highlight with Fly was getting third in the country for the Equi Match Pony L2 2022-2023 Accumulator. In our final Novice test together, we scored 76.6% and took home our last of many champions. We were the best of buddies until my legs got too long. A lovely Waikato family who love her just as much as we did now own her.”

Based on their

‘little farm’ in Kumeu and in year nine at Massey High School, Billie has two ponies currently making

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up the B Team. Rosemoor Ebony (Benny) is a six-year-old black Riding Pony by Cheval Noir of Sefton, with whom Billie has competed in dressage and showing. KL Spring Beauty (Bella) is a project pony progressing wonderfully at home. “Benny (or Benjamin when he’s doing something he shouldn’t be) is competing in Level 1 and some Level 2. I am really proud of the percentages we’ve achieved so far, and we’re also receiving some lovely feedback. 2022 was a bit slow for him, as we spent a lot of time working on our straightness. In my first two tests with him, he popped his outside shoulder and stepped out of the gate – I

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SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

was eliminated twice! It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way together since then,” laughs Billie. “In Benny’s showing campaign, he has qualified for the Australasian Show Horse Council Grand Nationals in Sydney two years in a row and recently won four champions - Novice and Open, two Supremes and one Supreme of Supreme all in one day at this year’s Waikato A & P Show. “Also in the paddock, I have Bella (KL Spring Beauty). I bought her this winter as a project pony, but unfortunately, she was caught up in Cyclone Gabrielle coming up to Auckland from Queenstown and has had a bit of a rough start. She’s a real sweetheart and has the skills and scope to jump, so I look forward to seeing how she turns out.”

While her passion

may be for dressage, it hasn’t stopped Billie from being equally successful in the show ring. In 2022, she qualified in the Rider class at the New Zealand Show Horse Council Nationals for the Australasian Show Horse Council Grand Nationals, held in April this year at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. She was also lucky enough to qualify Rosemoor Ebony in the Child’s Show Galloway, but it was decided his plane ticket was a little too expensive to go. “Grand Nationals was an incredible opportunity. The facilities, the atmosphere, the horses, and the grandeur of the event were something I would never experience here in New Zealand. “We were connected with the Deverilll Family, Jacqui and Fraser, who made the 10-hour trip from Brisbane

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Left and above: The excitement of winning the Molly Lord Memorial Award Grand Nationals title in Australia with PARK FIRST AGENT was a thrilling moment, celebrated not just by Billie but also by our local showing community. The left image was captured by Amy Sue Alston Photography. Above - Billie with Linda Goldspink-Lord, Molly’s mother. Image courtesy of Lisa Gordon Photography

They invited me to compete at EKKA The Brisbane Royal Show in July of this year, where I rode Robbie in my rider class for 12-15 years and achieved a top 10 and also Paddy (Gatehampton Park Monte Carlo) in the Working Hunter Class where I got top five! This was also an experience like no other, and I do have to admit it made our A&P shows back home look extremely small!”

Surrounded by a wonderful team of people and with Robbie (Harper Park First Agent). On competition day, I was so nervous; in fact, I felt quite sick, and to add to it, due to some complications, I could only ride Robbie for 10 minutes the day before my rider class. The quality of ponies and riders in my class of 32 was overwhelming, and when my name was called as the winner of the Molly Lord Memorial Award, I cried. For me, being identified as having the best sportsmanship and being selected by several Australian judges, plus Molly’s mother, was the best prize of all. They commented on my rider capability, how positively I interacted with the other riders, celebrating their successes, and how I showed genuine connection and care for the pony I was riding. Having these values is something that our family celebrates, and they couldn’t have been more proud. To top it all off, I was also the first-ever New Zealand recipient of the award. “The best part of the competition, however, was the friendship and bond we have formed with Jacqui and Frase.

with some lovely equines, Billie’s final years on ponies look like they’ll be filled with plenty of success, no matter the discipline. “I have always loved the art of dressage due to the skill required, the partnership with your horse and the overall elegance of the discipline. As a jazz ballet dancer, I am quite a rhythmical person, and I feel that dressage is just an extension of jazz ballet on a horse. I do love showing, but mainly because I love getting dressed up and making the ponies look beautiful! I am very privileged to train with Greg Smith and Holly Leach, who both help me get the best out of my training and continue to grow my skills. However, my mum is most definitely my biggest influence. She does everything with me, drives me everywhere, helps me every day, coaches me through my challenging times and has been the person I look up to. My mum also used to be a dressage rider, way back in the olden days,” laughs Billie. “She had many wins and successes, and I strive to improve and better myself so I can be as good as her one day. She’s my inspiration in every way.” n

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SHOW JUMPING spotlight

A Portrait

OF DEDICATION

One of New Zealand’s foremost youth show jumpers of her era, Lily Tootill boasts an impressive list of achievements, including the prestigious Olympic Cup. Over the past five years, she has embarked on a remarkable journey through the intricate world of international show jumping, charting a course filled with challenges, triumphs, and unwavering dedication. WORDS - Caitlin Benzie IMAGES - Show Circuit Magazine

Without sounding like a fan

girl, Lily can be described using a multitude of words, such as hardworking, humble, intelligent, and talented. Conversing with her about her European experiences injects a refreshing sense of seriousness into the room. Coming from Ponsonby in Central Auckland City, it’s quite a departure from the international show jumping circuit she ultimately found herself in. Yet, even as a young child, her passion for ponies was unmistakable. “My mum, Cindy Mitchener, has always been into horses; she evented when she was a teenager and has owned racehorses on and off throughout her adult life. My birthday parties were a great excuse for my parents and their friends to get together on my behalf. We were at a restaurant for my 5th birthday party, with only two or three other kids, and Carolyn Todd and Mum decided I would start riding. Carolyn rang a friend of hers, Katja Kershaw, and organised for me to start having lessons on a borrowed pony. After a

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few months’ worth of lessons, Katja helped me find my first pony, Twinkle, a pinto Shetland, and the rest is history – I was hooked!”

After a decade of

enduring the daily grind of motorway traffic for over an hour each way to ride her horses in South Auckland, Lily persuaded her parents to move to Karaka in 2011 when she was 15 years old. “There was a lot of begging on my part, but it made life so much easier for everyone. I started in Pony Club, but when I was about eight or nine, I (apparently) declared that I would never go back because they wouldn’t let me jump at a rally,” Lily laughs. “That’s about when I started regularly competing on the ESNZ circuit. I did a steady mix of show hunter and

TELLING MY OWNERS AND S P O N S O R S T H AT I W A N T E D T O STEP BACK FROM COMPETITIVE S H O W J U M P I N G W A S S E R I O U S LY TOUGH. IT TOOK ME TWO OR THREE WEEKS TO DRAFT THE EMAIL. I WOULD CRY EVERY T I M E I T R I E D T O W R I T E I T, A N D THOSE WHO KNOW ME WILL C O N F I R M I A M N O T U S U A L LY A N O V E R LY E M O T I O N A L G A L !

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I H AV E R I D D E N A F E W T O P DRESSAGE HORSES, AND THE FEELING IS AMAZING; PLUS, THERE IS NO END TO HOW MUCH BENEFIT YOU GET WHILE J U M P I N G W H E N Y O U H AV E A B E A U T I F U L LY S C H O O L E D H O R S E O N T H E F L AT.

Lily Tootill and MILLBROOK in the Pony of the Year, Horse of the Year 2012. Lily says, “MILLBROOK was the kind of pony that didn’t tolerate interference. She had a clear way of doing things, and it was her way or no way at all.” Above, right top and below - Lily and ULYSSES NZPH during the Olivia Nova Mediterranean Equestrian Tour 3* 1.50 Ranking Class. Image - Equisportif.com

QUOTE

show jumping in those days, and I don’t remember making a single decision like, ‘Right, I’m going to show jump’, but it’s now such an integral part of my life I can’t imagine life without it. “As for the other disciplines, I’m told there were a few months when I was little that I was happily telling the world I would be a competitive dressage rider! I have ridden a few top dressage horses, and the feeling is amazing; plus, there is no end to how much benefit you get while jumping when you have a beautifully schooled horse on the flat. However, I would always have gone down the show jumping path. I’m an adrenaline junkie, but I’m also a bit of a princess, so I think show jumping is the perfect match. You need to be an adrenaline junkie in the jump off of a big Grand Prix, but you also need to be a meticulous princess when the poles are light and the cups are flat; there is no room for a small rub!”

Over the past five years, Lily’s life has revolved around various

European countries, including France, Germany, England, Holland, and Spain. While these experiences have been transformative and irreplaceable, it’s abundantly evident how challenging it can be to establish oneself in any aspect of the equestrian realm in Europe. Spending 1,643 days abroad, Lily estimates that she had fewer than 200 days off work, averaging less than one day a week of rest. “Even saying 200 now seems like heaps, and it doesn’t do justice

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Above left - Lily and ULYSSES NZPH during the Grand Prix CSI 1.50m, Mediterranean Equestrian Spring Tour. Image - Hervé Bonnaud Left - Lily’s dedication to her equestrian journey was evident even at the young age of four!

to just how hard you have to work in a situation where you can’t afford to pay the big bucks, or you’re not born into a scenario where the stable and business is already set up. I’m not throwing any shade on people with that opportunity, and I want to clarify that. I have some great friends who were born into show jumping dynasties or who are lucky enough to have all their financial support and can build their kingdom; they work just as hard, if not harder, than many people who weren’t born into it, and face their versions of adversities all along the path – it’s not easy for anyone. However, I want to stress that everyone I was based with in Europe was unbelievably kind to me, especially Katharina Offel and Helana Stormanns. I would probably have died in Spain one winter without Kathi and her partner, Jannicke. It was just after COVID-19 had hit, and everyone was being cautious about making any decisions; taking on a girl from New Zealand and her horse when we might all go back into lockdown was understandably just too much to ask. Kathi and Jannicke

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YOU NEED TO BE AN ADRENALINE JUNKIE IN THE JUMP OFF OF A BIG GRAND PRIX, BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO BE A METICULOUS PRINCESS WHEN THE POLES ARE LIGHT AND THE CUPS A R E F L AT; T H E R E I S NO ROOM FOR A SMALL RUB!

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LILY’S CV 2019 - 2021 - Long list Tokyo Olympics, NZ Nations Cup Squad, Europe

2017 - 2019 - Senior NZ teams Australia/NZ - Best Performed Rider

2017 - Winner of Olympic Cup, Land Rover Horse of the Year

2014 - 2018 - Junior Rider of the Year at Land Rover Horse of the Year, North Island Young Rider champion, multiple World Cup wins and placings

2014 - Oceania representative at FEI World Jumping Final, South Africa

2012- NZ representative at FEI Children’s Jumping Final, Hong Kong, 8th overall, awarded Best Rider prize

2009- NZ representative FEI Children’s competition New Caledonia. 1st individual / 1st teams

Above - Lily says one her proudest moments is winning the Olympic Cup with ULYSSES NZPH at the Horse of the Year event event, and that remains a significant highlight in her equestrian journey. Image - kampic.com. Left - Lily and ULYSSES NZPH during the CSI Mediterranean Equestrian Autumn Tour 2 Gold Tour. Image - Hervé Bonnaud Right hand page - Lily and ULYSSES NZPH during the Aquis Champions Tour 2017 Gold Final. Image - OZ Shotz.

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effectively adopted me; I think my favourite period of my trip would be while I was based with them in Maastricht. “Overall, I had an amazing time and wouldn’t change anything. The alternative would have been that I would have gone to university and had that experience. While I can guarantee the university thing would have been less stressful, I highly doubt it would have been more fun. Although I don’t have a degree to show what I learned and gained over time, I’m sure that life experience is infinitely more valuable than a degree will ever be to me. I don’t want to sound like I’m against education in any way. Still, I think if you have the ability and opportunity to go to the northern hemisphere, compete at a real international level, and qualify for the Olympics, then you should give it a go.” In addition to coping with COVID-19 lockdowns while she was in Europe, there were also the standard culture and language barriers for Lily to battle with, something she had to contend with very early in her overseas experience. “When I first moved over, I was based in England, and Ronald and I rented a horse van from a friend and headed off to our first-ever show in Belgium. It was a gorgeous sunny

day in England (believe it or not!), but going through France and Belgium, it was teeming with rain so hard I could barely see the road, and I could not for the life of me figure out how to turn the fog lights on. Flashing lights came up behind me, and naturally, one assumes they’re going to jail in this situation, no matter how small the indiscretion. I pulled over, and a cop came up to my window with his umbrella that he was barely holding onto and started berating me in Flemish. I don’t know how much Flemish you know, but there was hardly a consonant, let alone a word I recognised. I stared at him like a deer in headlights, thinking, “If you want to arrest me, you will have to bring the horse too because he needs looking after,” laughs Lily. “After a moment or two of silence, he leaned into the cab, flicked a switch and turned on the fog lights. E500 fine avoided, fog light crisis averted, and a new lesson learnt – before you take anyone else’s vehicle, ensure you know where all the buttons are!”

Currently residing in

her hometown of Karaka on her parent’s property, Lily has chosen to step away from the demanding world of competitive show jumping, relishing a more relaxed pace of life. She only has one horse, as her Olympic Cupwinning star, Ulysses NZPH, was semi-retired in the UK. Cedric, a three-year-old out of one of Lily’s Young Rider mares, will soon be broken in and start his career with the help of Lily’s New Zealand trainers, Jacque McKinley, Blyth Tait and Vaughn Jefferis. The decision to return to New Zealand wasn’t easy for Lily, but it was a decision that she ultimately knew was the right one. “Telling my owners and sponsors that I wanted to step back from competitive show jumping was seriously tough. It took me two or three weeks to draft the email. I would cry every time I tried to write it, and those who know me will confirm I am not usually an

LILY’S FIVE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE... 1. I’m not sure anyone needs to be reminded of this, but horses come first. The series, the championship, whatever it is, doesn’t matter. Your horse has to come first. 2. NEVER dim your light because it’s making someone squint. Tell them to buy some sunglasses and carry on your way. 3. Before taking an unfamiliar vehicle anywhere, ensure you know where ALL the buttons are. 4. The most valuable thing in the world is the ability to be independent. I’m not saying it’s the best or most enjoyable thing, but I think it’s the most lifesaving thing to have in your back pocket. 5. It’s essential to remember that most people don’t think about you nearly as much as you might believe, except for, of course, your parents! SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

THE TYPE A INSIDE OF ME IS IMAGINING IN MY DREAM WORLD RUNNING HUGE C O M PA N I E S O V E R S E A S W H I L E S I M U LTA N E O U S LY S H O W J U M P I N G C O M P E T I T I V E LY.

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Lily and ULYSSES NZPH showing their victorious lap at the 2017 Land Rover Horse of the Year following their win in the Olympic Cup in very muddy conditions! Image- kampic.com. Right - Showcasing their remarkable talent by winning the ESNZ World Cup Qualifier – Round 1 at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Show in 2018. Image - Christine Cornege Photography.

overly emotional gal! I felt so guilty that so many people had put so much time, effort and support behind me, and I felt like I was throwing it all away and that I would be disappointing them. However, I am so lucky to have had a team of so many wonderful, supportive people behind me. They were encouraging and very clear that they didn’t feel like anything had been wasted and kept reminding me what an incredible journey we had all been on together. I also spent a lot of time questioning whether stepping back was a waste of the two decades I had spent throwing myself into the sport – this is something I still question, to be fair. “So, at the moment, I’m looking at it like this: show jumping, and equestrian sports in general, is a weird sport where you are normally at your peak around your 40s and 50s. It’s much easier to step out into the ‘real’ world, give other things a go, and pick it back up in your 30s than to step out later. A Danish show jumping rider, Cecile Tofte, stepped back from the sport at 25. She did a degree in science, then seven years later decided show jumping was for her and within two years was jumping Nations Cups for Team Denmark as a stable jockey for Ashford Farm.” The future is wide open and somewhat uncertain for Lily at the moment. However, given her unwavering determination, it’s evident that she will undoubtedly strive for excellence, no matter the path she chooses. “The type A inside of me is imagining in my dream world running huge companies overseas while simultaneously show jumping competitively,” she laughs. “I enjoy working on projects outside of horses that have me using my brain, so, as much as I love it, I’m not sure a life of singlelane show jumping is for me. I’m enjoying working in the advertising industry, but I feel a part of me is missing when I am not involved in show jumping. Even watching the Rugby World Cup, I realised that being a true competitor is not something you can put aside; it’s simply part of you. For now, I am trying to relax and lean into being young while I don’t have any horses or people depending on me.” n

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EVENTING spotlight

SWITCHING

Codes

With a long list of glittering achievements to her name, Amanda Goldsbury will be well-known to Kiwi dressage enthusiasts. Based in Ireland, this talented rider has switched disciplines and is now making her mark on the international eventing scene, riding for Cooley Farm WORDS - Rebecca Greaves AT HOME IMAGES - Ella Mulvey COMPETITION IMAGES - Libby Law Photography

Since leaving New Zealand at 19, Amanda has spent almost as many years

riding offshore as she did in her homeland, and she’s got the accent to prove it. Speaking to Show Circuit from her home in Ireland, where she has been a rider for Cooley Farm since June last year, Amanda is clocking up some impressive results on the eventing circuit, highlighted by her recent bronze medal in the six-year-old World Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion with Cooley on Ice. Amanda had two rides in the six-year-old class - Cooley on Ice, a mare by Cicero Z out of Dirwies, and Coolnoran Cooley, a gelding by Im Special de Muze out of Coolnoran Liberty, who finished 16th. She was thrilled with the performance of both horses. The lead-up to Lion was not what Amanda would have hoped for. A back injury that sidelined her from riding, coupled with unfavourable ground conditions, meant both horses had limited runs heading into the prestigious event. Their results highlight the class of both horses with less-than-ideal preparation. Now 35, Amanda has called Ireland home for many years. She’s happy and settled there, with no plans to return to New Zealand, and hopes to buy a house soon. Working for Richard and Georgie Sheane at Cooley Farm, which has a reputation for producing fantastic event horses, Amanda relishes the opportunity to produce and compete quality young horses. When Amanda took on the role, they set a goal to keep and aim several horses at the World Breeding Championships each year, and this is her number one

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Amanda presenting FERNHILL INSPECTOR (TINARANA’S INSPECTOR ) during the First Horse Inspection for the CCI3*-L at Millstreet International Horse Trials 2022.

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focus competition-wise for the foreseeable future. Cooley Farm also allows Amanda to purchase a half share in one horse annually.

It was a horsey

upbringing for Amanda, who was riding well before she could walk. She grew up on a farm just outside Waipukurau in Central Hawke’s Bay, and her parents both rode. Her dad evented up to the old 3* level and was still competing when she was small, and her mum competed in show jumping and showing. Her parents always supported her riding, and Amanda says her mum devoted hours to helping her in the early days. “It probably started, in all honesty, with the pony tied to the back of the quad on the farm.” Amanda debuted in the show ring in Lead Rein classes at about four years old and progressed through the pony heights in showing, taking up dressage at age 10. She teamed with a wonderful little 13.2hh pony, Greenlee Chipmunk, to win Show Pony of the Year three times and Dressage Pony of the Year once before he was sold to Germany. “Mum wanted me to not just trot around in circles, so she took me to Kallista Field. I thought I had a great little pony and trotted in quite confident; he spooked at a puddle on the ground, spun around, and I fell off! That was the end of my confident day – I did everything Kallista said from there on,” she laughs, adding that it was quite out of character for her usually exceptionally well-behaved pony. Amanda credits Kallista, the first dressage rider to represent New Zealand at an Olympic Games, with giving her the dressage bug. Amanda trained with Kallista from age 10 until she left New Zealand at 19. “She was the one who set me up for dressage. I spent a lot of summers and school holidays there. She let me ride one of

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her Grand Prix horses to get a feel of all the movements. To feel all that power and collection was what got me hooked.” Jumping never really entered Amanda’s head, although her father did buy her a good A-grade jumping pony when she was young. “Dad had great intentions, and the pony was a great jumper -probably just not a great first jumping pony! I definitely didn’t think jumping was for me.” Glenturret, a little horse purchased from Julie Brougham, was the horse who cemented it all. Amanda and her sister, Rebecca, took out the National Young Rider championship five times with him, and Amanda won the Young Rider of the Year title on him several times. “He was maybe not really built to be a dressage horse, but he had an amazing brain and temperament. He had the best retirement at home and only died a few years ago. When Mum and Dad moved to Palmerston North, they were only five minutes down the road from Julie. She was able to come and visit him a few times, which was nice, especially as she bred him, too.” In 2005, Amanda was part of the New Zealand team that won the gold medal at the Youth Olympics.

German trainer Hubertus Hufendick used to visit New

Zealand to train riders, and he offered Amanda a place to work and learn with him, which she accepted. The New Zealand season finished, and she packed her bags. A few months later, she was offered a place to ride in the Young Rider World Cup Final at Frankfurt. The horse she took was Julius, who they had purchased from Kallista. “Mum was really good; she lunged the horse and prepared him as best she could. I came home for a couple of months to ride and prepare.” The way the event was sponsored, they paid for the horses

Amanda relocated to Cooley Farm in June 2022, and with a workload of up to 30 horses, her days are exceptionally busy. Typically, Amanda rides as many as 11 horses daily.

to fly over but not home, so Amanda knew they were on a one-way ticket. As an older horse, Julius didn’t fly well, and despite her best efforts, Amanda knew he wasn’t 100% and opted not to start him. She was having a difficult time with the horse, who didn’t love the stable life in Germany. The vet recommended that he be turned out in a field – no mean feat in Germany in the middle of winter. At Christmas time in 2007, Amanda and Julius moved to Ireland, and she’s been there ever since. “He was fine - he just wanted to go in a paddock all along! I ended up taking him to England a few times to do Young Rider internationals.” Amanda continued to ride dressage horses up to Prix St George level, winning an Inter 1 National Championship with an Irish horse called Troytin, who belonged to her partner’s father. “One summer, I must have had too much time on my hands. I went out to the hunter paddock and chased them all around, and there was this big, good-looking, lovely moving horse. So I dragged him in from there!” A proper Irish-bred horse, Troytin was by Master Imp and had been picked up at a large horse fair. He progressed up the grades quickly, going to Prix St George within two years. “He was very easy to train and a great scoring horse at Inter 1, up to 70%, but he wasn’t really a Grand Prix horse, and I sold him to England.” Amanda also rode a little black stallion for Karl Reipen of SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

Awakino Estate and a lovely Dutch-bred horse owned by Jenny Yule. “She kindly bought him for me, and we later sold him to Singapore.” Around the time she sold Troytin in 2016, Amanda switched codes. “The yard where I was based did a lot of eventing, and my partner Michael was a 4* eventer. I was riding a lot of event horses; I just wasn’t jumping any fences on them. I decided if you can’t beat them, join them. I wish I’d started sooner. I guess it’s never too late. “I like the variety of eventing. It’s a little different from dressage or jumping. Definitely, they need talent, but if you have a good training system in place, you can bring most horses to a certain level. I like how the three phases have to marry together and obviously the cross-country – that’s the best part.” Amanda has also coached many eventers on the flat, particularly on ponies and at the Junior and Young Rider levels. “I was quite involved with kids going off to European Champs and was lucky to be part of teams that won medals, which probably swayed me a bit too.” A little pony came onto the yard to be sold, and Amanda started to jump it – she was hooked. So, back to the field of hunters she went, picking out another horse. “I picked a young mare my partner had evented the season before, but she wasn’t quite the golden ticket. She was quite sensible - an old head on young shoulders. After a season, I sold her and bought my first proper event horse.” Amanda’s dressage background proved helpful, and Michael was influential in her move to eventing, spending hours teaching her to jump. “I wanted to fast-track it because I’m older. I was lucky

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Left - Amanda looking very elegant during the first day of dressage for the CCI3*-L, Millstreet International Horse Trials in 2022. Above left is COOLNORRAN COOLEY (I’M SPECIAL DE MUZE / EMERALD) who Amanda also competed at Le lion and of course, the favourite COOLEY ON ICE, CICERO Z / CARTHAGO Z. Pictured below is rising star, five-year-old COOLEY DEJAVU who is by INSIDER VDL / ETOULON VDL.

captions

T H E YA R D W H E R E I W A S BASED DID A LOT OF EVENTING, AND MY PA R T N E R M I C H A E L W A S A 4* EVENTER. I WAS RIDING A LOT OF EVENT HORSES; I JUST WASN’T JUMPING ANY FENCES ON THEM. I DECIDED IF YOU C A N ’ T B E AT T H E M , J O I N T H E M . I W I S H I ’ D S TA R T E D SOONER. I GUESS IT’S N E V E R T O O L AT E .

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I RODE A LOT OF HORSES AND GOT A LOT OF COMPETITION MILEAGE IN A S H O R T S PA C E O F T I M E . I W A S COMPETING EVERY WEEKEND W I T H M AY B E F I V E H O R S E S AT E A C H E V E N T. I W A S L U C K Y HIS OWNERS WERE VERY GOOD TO ME, WHICH WAS A L E A P O F FA I T H F O R T H E M .

Above - Amanda riding FERNHILL INSPECTOR during the CCI4*-L cross-country at Millstreet International Horse Trials in 2022. On the right, the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships 2023 proved to be a wonderful event for Amanda and Cooley Farm, as she and COOLEY ON ICE secured the Six-YearOld Championship.

there were a lot of horses in the yard, and I got a huge amount of help from him every day.” After a few seasons at the 100 (Pre-Novice) level, Amanda moved to 2* rapidly. “My partner broke his leg, which was unfortunate for him but a great opportunity for me! If you look at Equiratings, I had 65-70 starts that season. I rode a lot of horses and got a lot of competition mileage in a short space of time. I was competing every weekend with maybe five horses at each event. I was lucky his owners were very good to me, which was a leap of faith for them.” She progressed up to 3* level, recording several international wins in Ireland at the 2* level.

Amanda moved to Cooley Farm in June 2022 to take up

a position as a rider. With up to 30 horses in work, days are busy and varied, and Amanda typically rides up to 11 horses a day. “They are a very well-known brand, and I think it’s a unique place to work. We are lucky to start amazing horses and follow them through their careers. It’s exciting to play a small part in their early life.” The core business is selling young event horses and some

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jumpers. In a new move this year, they kept two six-year-olds to aim at the Lion World Breeding Championships. “It was a goal we talked about when I started here. There are a lot of horses being sold; as a rider, it’s nice to have a goal like that. We will continue to do that as a yearly goal.” As well as competing at Lion, Amanda jumped Coolnoran Cooley (Special) in the 1.30m Six-Year-Old show jumping final at Balmoral. In eventing, he was unbeaten as a six-year-old, winning five out of five starts nationally in Ireland. He was

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also third at Mill Street International. “He’s careful, brave, a good galloper, and easy on the flat. He ticks a lot of boxes, and he knows it!” But Cooley on Ice (Stacey) is Amanda’s favourite. She only came to the yard in June and had just four eventing starts before her bronze medal at Lion. “I was just back from Mill Street when she came to the yard. I hopped on, trotted about two laps, and said, ‘Oh, this is the one for Lion, I love her’. The dressage rider in me was convinced I could see myself trotting down the centre line at Lion.” As part of the job, Amanda has the chance to buy a halfshare in one horse each year. “I said, I want this to be my horse. Richard said, ‘Fine, but you better jump a fence’. I did, and I went, ‘Yes, yes, yes, this is definitely the one!” She already had a share in a French horse, which Richard knew she loved, but he told her the French horse would have to be sold. Without hesitation, she agreed, and he was sold to Australian eventer Shane Rose the next day. Stacey repaid Amanda’s faith in her with a podium finish at Lion. “She’d only completed four events in her whole life. It’s quite an ask for any horse, let alone a six-year-old. She has an unbelievable brain and temperament; she didn’t put a foot wrong. Anything you ask of her, her answer is always yes.” Unfortunately, Stacey will be sold, which was always the plan. “She’s my favourite horse in the whole world; everyone gets sick of hearing about her. I love Stacey, but I’d also love to buy a house, and hopefully, she will help me achieve that.” Having devoted her life to horses, Amanda says it’s the competition that drives her to succeed. “I’m a hugely competitive person. It could be horses or

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Above - It’s clear why COOLEY ON ICE is Amanda’s favourite, as we can see in the victory lap photo taken after securing the Six-YearOld Championship at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships 2023.

bowling; I’m a bit of a nightmare! I’m very meticulous in my preparation, even for the smallest dressage competition, and I think that’s what keeps me going. When we were at Lion the vet we had said to his girlfriend, ‘If she has time faults, you can take the heart rate!’ “I think horses are non-judgemental. Every day is a new day for them, a new day of learning. They don’t speak the same language as us, and yet we can manage to train them to do what we’re asking and to enjoy the sport. They don’t wake up in the morning and think, ‘I’d love to gallop around a cross-country course today’. But it amazes me how they take it on board and start to enjoy the sport as much as we do.” n

Oxford

Windsor www.arionefv.co.nz

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BUSINESS spotlight

THE MAN BEHIND ZILCO NEW ZEALAND WORDS - Pip Hume IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography

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I’VE BEEN WITH ZILCO FOR AROUND 20 YEARS,” ROBERT REPORTS. “I LOVE THE ROLE - IT’S FOCUSED ON HORSES AND I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY T O T R A V E L , W H I C H I R E A L LY E N J O Y, I M E E T A L O T O F PEOPLE AND MANY OF MY C O N TA C T S H AV E D E V E L O P E D INTO CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS.

From his early days on a pony riding around the family farm to his dedicated efforts in the dressage arena, Canterbury’s Robert Kofoed has devoted countless hours to his equestrian passion. However, he is perhaps best known in his role at Zilco, where he has been instrumental in promoting musical freestyle competition in dressage through that brand’s sponsorship of the annual Zilco Musical Freestyle series.

In his role as

New Zealand Sales & Marketing Manager at Zilco New Zealand, Robert has a broad range of responsibilities. He leads a small team focused on customer relationships and the timely delivery of products. Containers arrive monthly from the ‘mother’ warehouse in Sydney, there are periodic arrivals of summer or winter covers from offshore manufacturers located in China, India and Vietnam, and then there are the speciality lines which arrive from Europe and the UK and saddles from Italy. Robert looks after the New Zealand operation, plus key customers in Victoria and Western Australia. Before Covid, he also travelled to North America (USA and Canada). He still liaises with harness racing and carriage-driving customers there and hopes to be able to travel there again once the costs become more reasonable. “I’ve been with Zilco for around 20 years,” Robert reports. “I love the role - it’s focused on horses, and I have the opportunity to travel, which I really enjoy. I meet a lot of people, and many of my contacts have developed into close friendships. I love the people contact - I see myself as a people person.”

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In the dressage community, the Zilco brand has

The Kofoed’s property is truly breathtaking, adorned with established trees and beautiful gardens.

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become synonymous with the Zilco Musical Freestyle Series. The two series (North Island and South Island) are contested annually for each of the eight grades from Novice to Grand Prix, with competitors scoring points for placings at the Premier League events in each Island. Since Zilco took over sponsorship of the series 15 years ago, it has grown exponentially, and the Zilco musical freestyles are the highlight of any event, not only for the competitors but also for spectators. “The series provides Zilco with an excellent brand awareness opportunity. We take great pride that Zilco is now synonymous with dressage to music in New Zealand. The winners and place-getters at each of the Island finals receive vouchers which they exchange for Zilco products, so competitors choose the equine products they desire; this also encourages them to check out our extensive range, increasing brand awareness even further,” Robert comments.

While Robert has competed in the dressage arena for

many years, as a child and teenager he enjoyed riding over the family farm and then hunting with the Christchurch Hunt Club with his younger sister. Later, he delved into show jumping, ‘because that’s about all there was back then,’ which led on to eventing. “I had an eventer that wasn’t very bold over cross-country but did quite well in the dressage phase,” he recalls. “So I decided to specialise in dressage, and soon after, my wife Gael followed.” Robert and Gael recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Their relationship started with horses - they initially met at the Brackenfield Hunter Trials, which led to regular riding lessons at a riding school in Oxford - an encounter that eventually led to their longstanding marriage. “We are one of the few couples involved in dressage,” Robert muses. “It’s a real strength. We always try to watch and help each other; we are each other’s ‘eyes on the ground’. Gael’s SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

a dressage judge, has a pretty good eye for detail and has been a wonderful help to me over the years.” Before joining Zilco, Robert was a travel agent. He comments that when he and Gael hosted a tour to the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm in 1990, watching the Grand Prix dressage was an eye-opener. “It was the first time we had seen top-level international dressage, and we were hooked! The top horses and riders of that era are history now, but at the time, they were phenomenal. When we came home, Marlene Parkinson’s family stud, Te Peka Stud, had a young 17hh Genius for sale. He was my first Warmblood and a lovely-natured horse I took through to Open Medium. Unfortunately, he developed hock troubles, and although we tried, we couldn’t keep him sound. “When purchasing a new horse, we like them to have a little bit of training - basic walk, trot, canter, stop, start. Bringing on a new horse requires perseverance, confidence and patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Robert finds excitement and satisfaction in

taking them beyond that, as they develop and strengthen, become more supple and train towards movements of increasing difficulty. “You need to have confidence in your own ability but also realise that you never know everything. There’s not just one way. Every horse is slightly different, and there are adaptions that need to be made along the way. That’s where eyes on the ground and a good, qualified coach with the experience and resources to help you train are crucial. “Andrea Raves has been our coach and very dear friend for over 30 years; she gives monthly clinics at our Weedons property, and I don’t know where we would be without her!”

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Q’S THE BEST HORSE I’VE HAD, WITH THE MOST A B I L I T Y. H E ’ S S T U N N I N G ; HE HAS AMAZING PRESENCE BECAUSE OF HIS SIZE. I FIRST SAW HIM AS A Y O U N G S T E R AT P E T E R A N D DEBBIE BARKE’S, WHERE THEY DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF PRODUCING HIM THROUGH TO A PROMISING F I V E - Y E A R - O L D . I A LW AY S FOLLOWED HIS PROGRESS A N D F E LT H E W A S D E S T I N E D TO BE MINE!

“These days, you really need the facilities, too, such as an arena. The sport is becoming a lot more professional, and it’s certainly not getting any cheaper, so finance is also a factor,” he adds.

Robert has had some special horses along the way. An

early favourite was Frosty, while still living at home on the farm with his parents. “Frosty was an excellent Round the Ring horse and a C-grade show jumper,” Robert recalls.” I was 18 or 19 when I had him on the family sheep farm, which had mostly barbed wire fences. He was great to go around the farm on because he would jump the barbed wire or the gates, so I didn’t have to get off!” “Jesse (First Choice) was a Stationbred I had prior to my current horse, Q. We competed to Open Medium, and although he ticked so many boxes for me, I felt he didn’t have the athletic ability to progress too much further. He was sold to a lovely rider in the Wairarapa who is having a great time with him, and the combination has had more success than we did. Robert’s all-time favourite is his current mount, Q (Astek Queens Counsel), an 18hh Warmblood gelding by Quatermaster, out of the well-performed broodmare Range View Natasha. “Q’s the best horse I’ve had, with the most ability. He’s stunning; he has amazing presence because of his size. I SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

W E A LW AY S T R Y T O W AT C H AND HELP EACH OTHER; WE ARE EACH OTHER’S ‘EYES ON THE GROUND’. G A E L’ S A D R E S S A G E J U D G E , HAS A PRETTY GOOD EYE F O R D E TA I L A N D H A S B E E N A WONDERFUL HELP TO ME OVER THE YEARS.

On the right - Robert and Gael’s shared passion for horses is a cornerstone of their enduring marriage. first saw him as a youngster at Peter and Debbie Barke’s, where they did a wonderful job of producing him through to a promising five-yearold. I always followed his progress and felt he was destined to be mine! “When you get to my age, some men dump the wife for a flashy new girlfriend; others buy a flash sports car or a motorbike. Well, for me, it was Q, and luckily, Gael was very supportive.”

With the demands of his role at Zilco,

temperament is important for Robert. “With the amount of travelling I do, I need a horse I can pull out of the paddock, but I still want to be competitive at whatever level. I believe temperament and trainability are partly inherited, but there’s also the impact of input from the trainer. Q is quite trainable, although, like all Warmbloods, he has his moments. “He’s a big horse on the ground. I hadn’t had a lot to do with natural horsemanship until Andrea suggested some groundwork training with him, which has been very helpful. I often use some of the techniques I’ve learned at competitions. When I first bought Q, I was a bit daunted by this huge 18hh horse that arrived off the transporter. At 63, with double hip replacements, I was almost at the edge of my comfort zone. Still, after three years, I’ve become more confident and recognise him as the gentle giant he has become, and he is becoming the horse I want him to be. “He’s now rising 9, and the training is currently quite exciting. I’ve temporarily pulled out of competition while he establishes flying changes. In training, my biggest focus is shortening and collecting his frame but keeping the forward energy.”

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Away from his equestrian interests, Robert enjoys fine dining and good red wine. “I like Italian, seafood, and a good steak. We are quite social and enjoy visiting friends and travelling. Gael has developed a magnificent garden, and I like to help her when I can; I grow a few orchids, too.” Robert’s moral code applies equally in his professional and private life.

ROBERT’S WORDS TO LIVE BY: l

Honesty in all things

Treat people as you would like to be treated

Deliver on your promisesW

Be the person who brightens the room by entering, not by leaving! n

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LAND ROVER HORSE OF THE YEAR spotlight

THE APEX OF EQUESTRIAN

EXCELLENCE WORDS - Diana Dobson MAIN IMAGE - Richard Brimer Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, including the absence of the iconic Horse of the Year Show from the annual competition calendar for three consecutive years, the equestrian community has remained resilient. The absence of this beloved event has indeed been a source of frustration and disappointment, but it has also underscored the importance and value this competition holds for participants and spectators alike. There is a strong sense of anticipation and hope as we look forward to the return of this cherished event, which has always been a highlight of the equestrian calendar. The past few years have been quite challenging. Unfortunately, the iconic Horse of the Year Show dropped off the annual competition calendar three consecutive times, causing frustration and disappointment. Everyone involved has felt the challenges, including riders, sponsors, vendors, organisers, volunteers, spectators, and many others. However, perhaps no one has felt the impact more than the dedicated team that works tirelessly to make it all happen. The 2021 show faced cancellation just a week before it was scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also led to the cancellation of the 2022 edition. Then, with hopes high for a successful 2023 event, Cyclone Gabrielle struck, causing

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extensive damage in Hawke’s Bay and forcing the show’s cancellation once again. Looking forward to 2024, the event manager, Sophie Blake, emphasises her team’s commitment, and that of the Horse of the Year (HB) Ltd board, to offer an unparalleled experience for riders and the entire community. Their collective drive is to orchestrate an event that stands out. “Everyone deserves this,” she asserts. “We aim to recreate those cherished moments people remember from past shows.” However, achieving this is no small feat. Sophie acknowledges the necessity for the show to prove its merit and once again secure its place on the equestrian calendar. “We have to stand tall and

I L I V E A N D B R E AT H E I T. W H I L E I I N I T I A L LY TOOK THE JOB BECAUSE IT WAS A PERFECT F I T F O R M Y C A R E E R , I T H A S E V O LV E D I N T O SOMETHING MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANT AND MEANINGFUL. SOPHIE BLAKE- EVENT MANAGER

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The cross-country event has always been a major attraction for spectators at Land Rover Horse of the Year. The thrilling action and skills displayed by both horse and rider as they navigate through various obstacles make it a favourite among fans. revive the event, primarily for the betterment of the riders. There’s a sense of unfinished business, and it feels like we’re beginning to rewrite our narrative from scratch. Now is the moment for celebration,” she asserts. Sophie’s connection with the show spans a decade, not only as part of the organising team but also as one of the thousands of spectators captivated by the event. “I have vivid memories of watching the Shetland ponies during the Friday night extravaganza. I was just a hobby rider then, and it was my professional background in financial administration and hospitality that brought me to the show. And, if I’m completely honest, the shopping was a big draw too!” she recalls with a smile. Sophie initially joined the HOYL board as the in-house finance manager, collaborating closely with the EventPro team. Later, she was part of the team when SMC took over the Show’s management in 2016. Following the 2020 event, SMC stepped back, and the responsibility of managing the show was brought in-house, leading

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to Sophie’s appointment as the event manager. Although the COVID-related cancellations were beyond her control, Sophie acknowledges the profound and negative effect that weather-related incidents in 2023 had on her. “The past three years have been an incredibly humbling experience,” she reflects. “It has been an emotional roller coaster, but despite the challenges, I feel honoured to be part of this community.” Sophie refers to the sponsors and riders who left their funds in the show despite the challenges faced in the past three years. “Their 100% commitment, when most non-industry commercial entities might have chosen to step back, truly shows that people have our back - and that is the essence of our event. It defines who we are - an inclusive and aspirational gathering that people truly understand and appreciate,” she explains. Sophie expresses immense gratitude towards this support from the board, acknowledging that moving forward would have been significantly more challenging without it. Remarkably, they have only lost two

HORSE OF THE YEAR HAS BEEN AN ICONIC HASTINGS EVENT F O R T H E PA S T 2 5 Y E A R S . I T I S WONDERFUL TO WELCOME OUR EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY TO THE DISTRICT EACH YEAR. S A N D R A H A Z L E H U R S T, H A S T I N G S M AY O R

Above - Tim Price attended Land Rover Horse of the Year in 2019. Pictured here riding Samantha Lissington’s RICKER RIDGE ESCADA. sponsors over the past three years. “They have been absolutely incredible. While they haven’t left their full funds in place, their commitment and belief in the event have been unwavering,” she says of the sponsors and riders. However, expenses for the Horse of the Year (HOY) event have risen significantly, with an average increase of 25% across the board. This, combined with a massive labour shortage, has strained resources. “We are making every effort to avoid increasing riders’ fees. They have stood by us, and we believe it’s crucial to recognise and thank them for their support. This year is all about expressing our gratitude to everyone involved,” she adds. The total cost of organising the show is approximately $2.5 million. The budget breakdown is as follows: 30% comes from sponsorship, 37% is covered by riders’ entry fees, levies, and camping, 29% is generated from trade, and the remaining 4% comes from bar sales, gate entry, and other miscellaneous sources. When asked what she loves about the Horse of the Year (HOY) show, Sophie compares it to asking what she loves about her husband. “It has just become a part of me,” she explains. “I live and breathe it. While I initially took the job because it was a perfect fit for my career, it has evolved into something much more significant and meaningful.” Working alongside Sophie with the day-to-day operations is a small but efficient team. Deb Biggs is the event administrator, handling finances, trade, and equestrian support. Bec Hunter is the event liaison, focusing on marketing and sponsorship support. Lastly, Trish Webb, operations manager, ensures all operations and logistics run smoothly and efficiently. Sophie and her team are deeply committed to ensuring everyone who attends the show leaves with a sense of satisfaction. “We have to strike a balance between providing a top-notch experience for our attendees and maintaining the financial sustainability of the show,” she explains. “Our goal is to prove to everyone that we are capable

Below - Dressage is expected to be a fiercely competitive event in 2024. Pictured here is reigning champion Melissa Galloway and her horse WINDERMERE J’OBÈI W, who took home the title of Dressage Horse of the Year in 2020. Image - Caitlin Benzie Photography

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can turn our attention towards planning for the future.” This year marked a significant change for the Tōmoana Showgrounds, as they were purchased by the Hastings District Council. Sophie is already noticing positive changes as a result of this acquisition. “The temporary fixes are being replaced with longterm solutions, and necessary maintenance is being addressed,” she observes. “The competition surfaces are being enhanced, and the overall appearance of the grounds has improved tremendously. They have a cared-for and well-loved look to them now.” Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says the purchase of the showgrounds came after community consultation. “Working with the community, we will develop a Reserve Management Plan setting out the establishment of a trust and how we look after the showgrounds, creating opportunities for more events and improving facilities,” she says. “We are very excited for our community knowing that events like Horse of the Year and others can continue for decades to come.” Meanwhile, she can’t wait for showtime. “Horse of the Year has been an iconic Hastings event for 25 years. Heretaunga Hastings has a strong equestrian tradition and has hosted this elite competition at Tōmoana Showgrounds, attracting people from all over the country and the world. It is wonderful to welcome our equestrian community to the district each year.” Sandra is no stranger to the show and says she knows only too well HOY is so much more than equestrian competition. “There are many facets to enjoy. We have missed this, and we are excited to host next year’s show.” The work continues to prepare for the big March event. A group of volunteers at the grounds – The Men’s Shed – have started doing up the covered yards. The whole showgrounds have been assessed, and it is now clear what needs to be done on every single inch. “The spruce up is more than just a lick of paint.” Volunteers like those doing some of the work at the grounds make Hawke’s Bay the right home for HOY. “Our volunteer base here is incredible,” says Sophie. “If there is one thing that Hawke’s Bay does really well, it’s hospitality – we have all those necessary ingredients that make it the perfect host region for an event like this.”

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Above left - The Showing section never fails to epitomise all things sparkly and elegant. Harriet Redmond skilfully rode NGAHIWI FROSTIE to the title of Saddle Hunter Horse of the Year in 2019. Above - The feeling of lifting the Olympic Cup is unparalleled. In 2020, Brooke Edgecombe experienced that triumph, winning on her horse LT HOLST ANDREA. Image - kampic.com

EVENT MANAGER SOPHIE BLAKE’S TOP 5 THINGS TO DO! • Shop until you drop. • Soak in the equestrian experience and feel the thrill of horses jumping 1.6m just metres from you or flying through the Waikoko Gardens lake during the cross-country. • Reconnect with old friends you haven’t seen since the last Horse of the Year. • Support your fellow equestrians with cheers from the sidelines. • Step away from the show and explore Hawke’s Bay’s fantastic wineries, scenic walking trails, exhilarating bike rides, and exquisite restaurants.

Equestrians and spectators gather at the Land Rover Horse of the Year to witness all the exciting action live.

The smiles say it all! Abby Robinson triumphed in the Show Hunter Horse of the Year category in 2020, riding HILLMAN HUNTER. She tips her hat to those who paved the way, seeing the value in making the Bay the home of HOY. “The likes of Kevin (Hansen) and others put in the hard yards to make it the celebration it is and created a single gathering place for the best of the best in our nation’s equestrians.”

Oceania Eventing Back in Spotlight

Above - The anticipation is always palpable as we wait to see who will triumphantly ascend to the dressage podium. Image - Caitlin Benzie Photography. Below - The stunning Supermoth Trophy for Junior Rider of the Year. Image - Christine Cornege Photography.

This event would not be complete without a classic trans-Tasman showdown, and the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show is set to deliver just that in 2024. The Oceania Eventing Challenge will feature Young Rider and Senior teams from New Zealand and Australia, who will go head-to-head in pursuit of those all-important bragging rights. The Senior team will be contested at CCI4*-S level with the three best scores from the four combinations to count. The Young Riders will compete in CCI3*-S with the best three scores to count. While 2023 was cancelled, Australia will be keen to hold on to the title they won at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event in 2022 and reclaim the Young Rider crown that went the way of the Kiwis. The trans-Tasman competition boasts a rich history that dates back to 1985 when the inaugural event was held at Gawler. On that occasion, the New Zealand Senior team—comprising Tinks Pottinger riding Volunteer, Trudy Boyce and Mossman, Karen Tweedie aboard Sandalwood, and Judith Charleston on High Rate—secured the titles. Over the years, New Zealand has clinched the Senior crown 11 times, while Australia has emerged victorious seven times. In the Young Rider category, where the competition has been held less frequently, the two nations are evenly matched, each claiming victory five times. ESNZ eventing sport manager Hayley Pickmere says it is a thrill for New Zealand to again host the popular bi-annual competition. “The excitement and atmosphere for which HOY is renowned will ensure a healthy dose of competition with our trans-Tasman rivals,”

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Below - Tim Aitken, Board Chair, consistently monitors al facets of Land Rover Horse of the Year, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to plan.

Above - Who will contest Lady Rider of the Year? Rachel Malcom and MONTE CARLO MVNZ won it in 2020 which was such a popular victory with the crowds. Image - Christine Cornege Photography. says Hayley. “This competition is essential for both New Zealand and Australia combinations, bringing experience in competing as a team. For some riders, this will be their first taster of that.” Australia will travel with their own horses. Neither team has yet been announced.

The Rich History

What started from humble beginnings has blossomed into an event that holds immense national pride. While the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show remains the epicentre for horse enthusiasts throughout the country, it has also evolved into a prominent international show, attracting visitors who acknowledge its top-tier status. The inaugural Horse of the Year Show took place in Palmerston North back in 1953. In that year, Peter Holden and Starlight achieved the remarkable feat of winning the prestigious Olympic Cup. He likely would not have imagined that over 60 years later, he would still be attending Horse of the Year Shows, witnessing some of the globe’s most renowned names compete for that very same cup and the esteemed title of New Zealand Showjumper of the Year. In its initial five years, the show found its home in Palmerston

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North, chosen for its perceived central accessibility. Over the subsequent four decades or so, the show embarked on a journey across the countryside, making stops in various locations, including Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Auckland, Levin, Christchurch, Ashburton, Otago, Southland, and many others. In 1991, the show settled at Karaka in Auckland and remained there until 1998. At that point, a group from Hawke’s Bay believed they could manage it more effectively and took on the responsibility. The decision to relocate the show to Karaka in 1991 was made to attract a more stable corporate sponsorship base. However, despite being a sound idea, that didn’t materialise as expected. So the boys from Hawke’s Bay got talking. Kevin Hansen, Dudley Hammond, Graeme Hart and Stewart Tucker did more than talk; they put in a bid, won it, and set about creating a little history of their own. The show had previously been to Hawke’s Bay in 1971 and 1984, returning in 1999, where it has remained since. History tells us they’ve turned the top show in New Zealand into something talked about on the other side of the globe, attracting equestrian legends and prize money that most never

WE HAVE T H AT V I S I O N , AND THERE IS NO REASON WHY WE CAN’T HOLD A WORLDCLASS SHOW RIGHT HERE T H AT I S W H E R E I N T E R N AT I O N A L RIDERS WANT TO COME TO COMPETE AND BE SEEN AND ONE T H AT B E C O M E S AN EVEN BIGGER G AT H E R I N G O N THE ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDAR. In 2013, Briar Burnett-Grant, aboard MILLBROOK, claimed the Farmlands Pony of the Year title at the Horse of the Year. This image, captured by Sarah Lord from kampic.com, commemorates the achievement. Fast forward five years to Briar becoming the youngest ever winner of the Olympic Cup at the Land Rover Horse of the Year in 2018, where she rode FIBER FRESH VEROANA to victory. Image - Christine Cornege Photography

considered possible. In 1999, top rider Ann Wilson, who went on to win the Olympic Cup in 2001, took the microphone during the presentation to Merran Hain and Tregonning and said she felt the show was the best in the world and needed to be protected. While the show is under the umbrella of Equestrian Sports New Zealand, it is run and organised by Horse of the Year (HB) Ltd. In recent years, the show has ridden out the challenges of a global pandemic and some tricky weather, and after a three-year hiatus, the show is back. It’s fair to say everyone is chomping at the bit. The Horse of the Year Show has become more than a show – it is a coming together of friends, new and old, all keen to share their love of equestrian. Over the years, a handful of riders have left a lasting imprint on the show’s history.

Grateful for Ongoing Support

The Land Rover Horse of the Year Show is now at a crucial juncture. Board chair Tim Aitken emphasises that the teams working on the 2024 event are leaving no detail unattended in their preparations and delivery. However, a crucial factor will be the alignment

TIM AITKEN, BOARD CHAIR

of circumstances beyond their control, as the previous three cancellations all resulted from unforeseen external factors. “The most important thing for our Board is to hold the 2024 event,” says Tim, who has an eight-year official association with the Show, but with keen equestriennes in his household has been attending for many years. He understands all too well that desire by riders to make it to the Horse of the Year Show and remembers walking through the gates years ago with a horse in tow and thinking, ‘I’d like to be a part of this’. “It is such an aspirational event,” says Tim. “We’re incredibly proud of 25 years in Hastings. This is truly an amazing event.” Tim believes there’s no reason why the Bay event can’t be on par with the very best, such as Aachen and Spruce Meadows. With an estimated economic impact of $10-$12 million for Hawke’s Bay annually, it holds a prominent regional ranking. “We have that vision, and there’s no reason why we can’t hold a world-class show right here - one where international riders want to come to compete and be seen - and one that becomes an even bigger gathering on the annual social calendar.” The stoic march through the past three years has been countered

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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS •

Peter Holden and Starlight won the first Olympic Cup in 1953.

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John Cottle has won the Olympic Cup the most times – six times (1973, 1981, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2005), with Katie Laurie (nee McVean) having claimed it five times (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014).

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Katie Laurie (2008) won the cup 30 years after her father, Jeff McVean (1978), bringing her total wins of the Olympic Cup to five times.

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Maurice Beatson has also won the Olympic Cup five times (1983, 1984, 1986, 1991, 2013), with his nephew Oliver Edgecombe taking it in 2007.

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Three lots of husbands and wives have each won the Olympic Cup – Harvey (1977) and Ann (2001) Wilson; Claire (2006) and Simon (2004) Wilson – Harvey is Simon’s uncle; and Oliver (2007) and Brooke (2020) Edgecombe.

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The Aussies have won the cup seven times (1962, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2002, 2009).

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Merran Hain has won nearly every main horse trophy at the show, including the Olympic Cup, Norwood Gold Cup, Supreme Hunter of the Year, the Pilmer Plate (as an owner), Rigoletto Trophy, Lowry Medallion for rider of the year – seven times in all and six consecutively, Merrylegs Cup, Supreme Champion Hack of the Year, Supreme Champion Park Hack of the Year and the A St. H Vallance trophy.

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Anna Trent is the only rider to have won the Big Red Cup three times in a row (2004, 2005, 2006).

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Jim McIldowie and Avalanche won The House of Blackmore Cup three times on the trot (1958, 1959, 1960), with Nicole White (2014, 2015, 2019) and Katie Laurie (nee McVean) (2003, 2013, 2016) also claiming it three times apiece.

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Vicki Wilson has won the Nationwide Trophy seven times as the showjumper with the most points at the show (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014).

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Gaylene Lennard and El Sid won the Supreme Champion Hack of the Year six times, including five times in a row from 2002-2006.

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Bill Noble and Vincent St James won the Rigoletto Trophy for freestyle dressage four times, including three times in a row from 2005-2007.

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Katie Laurie is pictured clinching the Olympic Cup at the Horse of the Year in 2014, riding DUNSTAN KIWI IRON MARK. Image: kampic.com Below - The annually contested Olympic Cup elecits intense competition from the best show jumpers in the country. Image - Christine Cornege Photography

Left - Vicki Wilson rides SHOWTYM GIRL in the Premier Stakes at Horse of the Year in 2010. Image kampic.com Above - Maurice Beatson has won the Olypmic Cup five times! Pictured here riding MY GOLLYWOG in 2013 Image - Kampic.com Below - The camaraderie between Briar Burnett-Grant and Leeshelle Small was a heartwarming sight as they shared a hug after placing first and second, respectively, in the Bayleys Young Rider Final in 2019. Image Cornege Photography.

Below - Merran Hain once again showcased her formidable skills, riding UNTOUCHABLE to victory in the Show Hunter of the Year event at the Horse of the Year 2017. Image: kampic.com

by support that leaves them all struggling for words. “The support from riders and sponsors has been amazing. What other event would hold onto that sort of social equity? That underlines to us just how important HOY is to the riders and all involved.” But there is a balance to be found, and post the 2024 show, the Board will be taking a good hard look at precisely what the future of the much-loved event looks like. “Are we targeting the right sponsors, and how can we deliver more to them? Is the make-up of how we get our money right? What other opportunities are there out there?” Relying on trust funding continues to get harder. “We can’t

keep putting the cost on our riders. It is financially tough out there for everyone, but the costs just keep rising.” He and his board are eternally grateful to the 400-odd volunteers who put their hands up to help each show. “This is crunch time – we have to put on a good event that people are proud of and excited to come to,” says Tim. And he and his board – Di Humphries (independent), Graeme Isaacson (Northern Hawke’s Bay Jumping), Ike Baker (Northern Hawke’s Bay Jumping), Craig Waterhouse (Hastings District Council), James Nilsson (independent), Julian Bowden (ESNZ) and Vicki Glynn (ESNZ) – plan to continue to do everything in their powers to make sure that happens. n SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

ADVERTORIAL

ELECTROLYTES: THE BASICS Horses rely on sweating to regulate body temperature, and equine sweat is more concentrated with salt (sodium and chloride) than other body fluids. As a result, horses can lose many of these electrolytes quickly when they sweat. Insufficient electrolytes contribute to dehydration, impairing performance and inhibiting proper cooling mechanisms. Therefore, maintaining electrolyte balance is critical.

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TOP TIP WHEN TRAVELLING: KER Drink-Up™ is a highly palatable blend designed to encourage horses to drink water. Drink-Up is a scientifically formulated, complex combination of ingredients which work together to increase a horse’s willingness to drink. Encouraging your horse to drink when travelling, competing, or during an illness is crucial in preventing dehydration and associated problems. DRINK-UP is an essential tool for encouraging your horse to drink to the bottom of the bucket.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes help the body regulate water levels to maintain a balance between dilution and dehydration. The major electrolytes are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Sodium and chloride: Essential for

maintaining blood volume. These electrolytes are lost in sweat. Water follows sodium, so if sodium leaves the body in sweat, so does water. On the other hand, salt consumption encourages drinking.

Potassium: Healthy horses require potassium for

muscle contraction and relaxation. Horses with a specific genetic defect, called hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, may require a diet with limited potassium.

Calcium: Essential for normal muscle function. Magnesium: Vital component of body fluids. Water follows sodium, and sodium is critical for maintaining hydration and fluid volume within the body.

Here’s where it can get tricky:

TESTING FOR DEHYDRATION IS SIMPLE: Pinch a fold of skin over the shoulder and observe how slowly it returns into place. If the skin does not snap back quickly, measures should be taken to rehydrate the horse.

Giving concentrated electrolytes to a dehydrated horse can worsen dehydration. Hypertonic solutions (solutions with a higher concentration of electrolytes than within the body) consumed orally will cause water to be drawn into the stomach and intestine until a balance of electrolyte concentration between the gut and the fluid outside the digestive tract is achieved. Therefore, the fluid remains in the stomach and intestine rather than in circulation. On the contrary, hypotonic solutions (those with a lower concentration of electrolytes than what is within the body fluid, such as water) can dilute body fluids, diluting the concentration of sodium and switching off the signal to drink. A middle ground can be achieved, though. Isotonic solutions consist of electrolyte concentrations that are ideal for the body. Providing an isotonic solution is the most effective option for helping a horse replenish electrolytes and water in the body. Horses lose approximately 10 grams of electrolytes per litre of sweat. Under ambient circumstances (not excessively hot, humid or cold), a horse weighing 1,100 lb (500 kg) may lose 5-7 litres of sweat (and 50-70 grams of electrolytes) per hour with steady trotting and cantering, but this can increase to 10-12 litres per hour of sweat loss in high heat and humidity. If enough electrolytes are lost, performance will begin to suffer. Exercise tolerance will decline, and conditions such as tying-up may result. Electrolytes play a crucial role in muscle function and tying-up.

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How do you supplement electrolytes? While there is a great deal of individual variation among horses, some general guidelines exist. n

All horses should have free access to loose salt or a salt block. Good quality forage should provide adequate potassium. Commercial grain concentrates generally do not provide enough sodium and chloride to meet the needs of a working horse, although there is typically sufficient potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Together, these feedstuffs should provide enough electrolytes for the average horse. For horses training and sweating a lot, or if one is preparing for a long trailer ride or competition on a hot or humid day, an electrolyte with sodium and chloride as the main ingredients should be introduced into the diet slowly. Electrolytes for heavily sweating horses can be administered 1-2 hours before work begins and 60-90 minutes after. Remember that ample, free-choice water should be available for horses to consume, as electrolytes stimulate thirst.

Electrolytes is Vital for Performance Horses!

More than one horse owner has asked, “Why don’t feed manufacturers put electrolytes in feed specifically designed for performance horses?” According to Joe Pagan, Ph.D., Founder and owner of Kentucky Equine Research (KER), this is a reasonable but quickly answered question. “A horse’s energy requirement stays the same during consistent work,” explains Pagan, “but sweat losses change with weather, work intensity, and other factors. Horse owners need to be able to easily adjust the amount of electrolyte given based on sweat production.” The two most common questions Pagan addresses about electrolyte supplements include which product is best and how much electrolyte should be fed. In selecting a product, Pagan advocates simplicity. “Pick an electrolyte that is salty. A lot of electrolytes are full of sugar. The horse may love it, but it doesn’t have a lot of electrolytes,” he said. “Look at the label; find one with sodium, chloride, and potassium as the primary ingredients.” Once a high-quality electrolyte is chosen, it must be fed at a level appropriate for the sweat produced. “If you have a horse that you’re working—and it’s hot and sweat’s dripping off it—then you need a lot of electrolytes. If a horse is not sweating that much, maybe just a little damp when it returns from the ride, a lower level of electrolyte is appropriate,” he said. Because sweating isn’t the same day in and day out, Pagan explained, workload and weather conditions dictate the amount of electrolyte used. This variance keeps electrolytes out of the feed bag, yet they remain an essential supplement for performance horses. Equine athletes such as show jumpers and dressage horses will benefit from Race Recovery from Kentucky Equine Research, which provides targeted electrolyte supplementation for intensely worked equine athletes given furosemide, supporting a quick rebound from hard work.

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3 TOP TIPS FROM

1. What do I look for in an electrolyte?

Many horses have access to a daily salt supplement, usually in the form of sodium chloride top-dressed onto feed or a free-choice salt block. This should not be considered an electrolyte supplement per se but rather part of a daily ration to meet basic nutritional needs. “Electrolyte supplements are commercial products; the powders are mixed into feed or water, and the pastes are given orally. Homemade pastes can be created by mixing a powdered supplement with a carrier, such as apple sauce or yoghurt. Alternatively, some powders can be added to water for the horse to drink as it desires,” explains Crandell. The most important component of any quality electrolyte supplement is that the first ingredients are sodium chloride and potassium chloride. Sugar should not be a primary ingredient.

2. How much electrolyte should I offer?

“Horses lose approximately 10 grams of electrolytes per litre of sweat. Under ambient circumstances (not excessively hot, humid, or cold), an average 500-kg horse can lose 5-7 litres of sweat, including 50-70 grams of electrolytes per hour of steady trotting and cantering. As heat and humidity increase, horses can lose up to 10-12 litres per hour of sweat. If enough electrolytes are lost, performance will begin to suffer.” In general, the idea is not to replace all of the electrolytes lost in sweat; about 50% will be adequate, as the rest can be derived from the diet. The more the horse sweats, the more electrolytes can be offered. As a general rule of thumb, offer 29 grams of electrolytes after an hour of steady sweating.

3. When do I give electrolyte supplements?

Ideally, horses would begin receiving an electrolyte supplement before exercise. This ensures that horses are well-hydrated and have adequate, balanced electrolytes for optimal bodily function. When offering after exercise, consider that not all horses will readily consume electrolyte-laden water. Paste products would be advantageous in these situations to ensure the product is delivered, but be sure to offer free-choice water with them. n

Research Proven to Replenish and Rehydrate Horses can lose several litres of sweat per hour in a hot, humid environment. The loss of electrolytes in sweat can cause fatigue and muscle weakness along with decreasing the thirst response, which can lead to colic. Proper electrolyte supplementation is essential. Restore™ is a scientifically formulated, powdered electrolyte supplement designed to match the composition of a horse’s sweat to effectively replenish electrolytes and stimulate the thirst response. Restore contains no sugar or alkalinising agents. Choose Restore™ Paste to support gastrointestinal comfort during travel or work, or when there is minimal feed in the stomach, to encourage drinking.

Discover science-based supplements or your local stockist at ker.com.

Distributed and marketed in New Zealand by EA Veterinary Marketing Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 624 Email: info@ethicalagents.co.nz www.eavm.nz or www.ker.com Exempt from registration under the ACVM Act 2001

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BUSINESS spotlight

to global success WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography

From learning to ride in Geelong, Australia, to the Longines Global Champions Tour, to running her own successful international marketing consultancy, Kelsea O’Connor has packed a lot of living into her 26 years.

was horsey in her earlier w ring in New Zealand. “Mum sho the , alia str Au g, lon eady decided I would early years in Gee en she had me, she had alr wh and rs, yea en wh ld she first learned to ride, and of me on horses before I cou with fondness. It was where rt riding. There are photos sta d use ref t -ou flat to Westport, she her parents decided to move walk,” Kelsea laughs. ping. Gossamar Beet, behind. So ha Alp y, pon g journey to get to show jum low yel le litt to leave her “I went through an interestin had r pai e Th sea ch. dit Kel or 17,” trip across the into it until I was about 16 naturally, the pony made the at their I didn’t really get r Yea the of rse Ho dressage with oc and ast ia Bar showing already won a title at Victor lains. “I was only focused on exp in l sfu ces suc y er, they became ver first-ever show, and togeth

Kelsea remembers her

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I WAS RIDING IN EUROPE F O R A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L B R I T I S H S TA B L E A N D T R AV E L L I N G O N T H E L O N G I N E S GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR WHEN I WAS KICKED IN THE H E A D A N D S U S TA I N E D A B R A I N I N J U R Y. I W A S S O L U C K Y T O B E W E A R I N G A H E L M E T AT THE TIME, BUT THE DOCTORS CALLED IT QUITS ON HORSES A L M O S T I M M E D I AT E LY.

the ponies, but towards the end, I was getting a bit bored and wanting to take on a new challenge with the horses.” She started out jumping with a self-produced crossbred in the show hunter ring; that experience offered her a lot of learning in the transition from showing and a solid foundation. Eventually, she wanted to jump bigger, so it was a natural progression into show jumping. She went on to compete through the Age series and Young Rider with her self-produced Centiare. Kelsea built her life around her horses, even choosing her university studies and future jobs around where she could keep riding. However, this all came crashing down while in Europe when she had an accident and brain injury, forcing her into an early retirement. “I was riding in Europe for an international British stable and travelling on the Longines Global Champions Tour when I was kicked in the head and sustained a brain injury. I was so lucky to be wearing a helmet at the time, but the doctors called it quits on horses almost immediately. As much as I tried to come back a few months later, it wasn’t meant to be,” she says. “I think everything happens for a reason. At the time and for a couple of years after, I was really angry about what happened, but now I realise it put me on a different path that is exactly where I am supposed to be.” Kelsea recalls having a ‘full-blown identity crisis’ over it, which was hard to cope with along with recovery. “We build our entire lives around horses, so when it’s suddenly taken away, losing that part of yourself is such a grieving process. It has been a conflicting situation, but I am grateful for the change and the opportunities that have come from it. Then, other days, I am still absolutely devastated about how it all played out, and I just want to be back with my horses.” Kelsea studied International Agri-Business at Massey

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THE BUSINESS IS JUST ME AND A HANDFUL OF C O N T R A C T O R S I T R U S T. W H I L E I T H A S B E E N A C H A N G E F R O M T H E D AY S O F W O R K I N G I N B I G T E A M S , Y O U H AV E T O R E L E N T L E S S LY B A C K Y O U R S E L F I N W H AT Y O U A R E D O I N G . S T I L L , I H AV E B E E N F O R T U N AT E T O H AV E A L O T OF AMAZING PEOPLE AROUND ME.

University, where she discovered her passion for marketing. “I realised that I wasn’t so good in the agricultural space, but I loved the business strategy and marketing side of it, so I pursued that by freelancing in the real world to get experience while also studying,” she explains. “Then, when I was in Europe during my gap year, I was approached by good friends to come on board in the early stages of luxury equestrian businesses, Equus Lifestyle and One Black Horse, so that was my ticket home,” she says. “When I started, it was all about getting my feet on the ground to build a brand portfolio and approaching some of the biggest brands to get distribution deals to sell in New Zealand. We got multiple exclusive deals with some of Europe’s largest luxury equestrian brands and many others we worked with.” From there, Kelsea went into marketing, attending events, and managing social media and the website

She launched her business, KO Marketing

ANZ, during COVID. Shortly after, Equus Lifestyle and One Black Horse were sold. “I still had my day job at FMG, which I loved, but I realised I missed working in marketing every day. It would have been so easy to stay with them, but comfort never leads to growth, so I knew it was time to go,” she says. “My business started as a generalist marketing agency where we did everything and worked with everyone. As I worked with more and more business owners, I realised a lot of them were willing to invest in marketing but didn’t know the best way to go about it or what their strategy was, often getting frustrated with the outcomes because no one had ever got down to the foundations and understood what they actually wanted and needed to get out of it. It spurred me to evolve the business to specialise in helping other businesses put strategies into place to get amazing results.” COVID was a turbulent time for many, and Kelsea has noticed the changes in people’s attitudes and behaviour. “The long-term effects from COVID and how the market has reacted are really catching up with us. Things have been getting tighter. You see how people are making their buying decisions and weighing up whether they truly need to transact. You have to realise that it’s essential to figure out how to differentiate yourself and position yourself as someone worthwhile doing business with. My main work with clients is on strategy, but I also outsource virtual marketing teams, working as a part of their business to get it done. They often don’t want to think about it too much. They want someone to come in and take care of the marketing and make all the parts work together to get results.” She credits the people who support her as a significant factor in her success. “The business is just me and a handful of contractors I trust. While it has

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Amidst a busy schedule, Kelsea finds solace in the paddock surrounded by horses, never missing a chance for cherished horse time even if she has her laptop and heels!

been a change from the days of working in big teams, you have to relentlessly back yourself in what you are doing. Still, I have been fortunate to have a lot of amazing people around me. Coming from an environment where you are consistently surrounded by experts at what they do so that you can do your best job, I’ve always been so invested in continuing it.” “I have been so lucky to have had some incredible mentors from such a young age,” she explains. “I was fortunate to work for Julie Brougham during university. She was one of the most incredible people I have ever met, and she taught me so much about horses and who I could be as a person.” On the business side, she feels she owes much of her success and getting her foot in the door to Taryn Beattie. “She made me realise that owning my own business in my 20s was something I could do.” While getting into business earlier has been excellent because she feels she has less fear of failure, Kelsea also finds that she struggles at times with imposter syndrome, even with the success she gets for her clients, so the people she surrounds herself with are essential. Kelsea is particular about her ideal client. “I love to work with people who have a growth mindset and are committed to improving their business,” she explains. “People committed to growth are

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IT DOESN’T M AT T E R W H AT INDUSTRY YOU ARE IN; 90% OF THE TIME, PEOPLE GET INTO IT BECAUSE THEY LOVE THEIR CRAFT A N D F O R G E T T H AT MARKETING IS SUCH A CRUCIAL ASPECT OF SUCCESS.

willing to put themselves in uncomfortable places to leverage themselves into the right position to grow. New Zealand suffers from tall poppy syndrome, making it hard for people to put themselves out there and go after what they really want.” She also thinks working with people looking for sustainable growth is crucial, not some get-rich-quick scheme. “It doesn’t matter what industry you are in; 90% of the time, people get into it because they love their craft and forget that marketing is such a crucial aspect of success.”

Making a difference in

the lives of the people Kelsea works with shapes her definition of success in her business. “So many people come to me to grow their business and themselves. It is hugely rewarding to provide business-changing value and change their mindset around what is possible. Making an impact in their lives due to their business is gratifying. I really love seeing the people around me growing.” Last year, Kelsea, Taryn and Jaime Campbell joined forces to run a charity gala for I Am Hope in Nelson. “I have always considered Nelson to be home, and we managed to put on this incredible event where we got over 80 businesses together, provided amazing entertainment and created a huge spectacle!” She says. “We raised over $90,000, which equated to around 750 counselling sessions, and all of that stayed in Nelson. The

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gala was delayed so many times due to COVID and flooding. It was a real personal and professional achievement.” Anyone in business knows it can be difficult, and Kelsea is not immune to the tough times. Still, she says she has the great gift of being incredibly stubborn and hard-headed in overcoming adversity. “I have a big vision of what I would like life and the business to look like, and it is about staying connected to the vision and sometimes using some reverse engineering to get where we have to go.” Navigating the transition from horses to the business was an extremely challenging time in her life. “Only a small handful of people know how hard that was for me. The mental health side of things and getting out of bed each day and turning it around was huge. Making it to four years in business feels like a great achievement because many people don’t make it this far, especially in recent years.” While she reflects on some of the lessons she has learned throughout the years, Kelsea emphasises that she can’t change the past, and so it is not something she likes to focus her life around. “You make choices; sometimes it doesn’t work out quite like you thought it would, and sometimes it’s better than you ever could have imagined. Big risks/big rewards is how I like to live my life, and sometimes people probably wonder, ‘What are you thinking?’ But it pays off in the end.” n

I H AV E A B I G V I S I O N O F W H AT I WOULD LIKE LIFE AND THE BUSINESS TO LOOK LIKE, AND I T I S A B O U T S TAY I N G CONNECTED TO THE VISION AND SOMETIMES USING SOME REVERSE ENGINEERING TO GET WHERE WE H AV E T O G O .

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ADVERTORIAL

An Equestrian Career Beyond Olympic Aspirations:

The New Zealand Equine Academy WORDS - Jamie Haplin IMAGES - Show Circuit Magazine

ot everyone has Olympic or professional rider aspirations. However, pathways into the equine industry can seem elusive for horse lovers not born into the equestrian world. The culture of the equestrian world alludes to professional riding as the superior career path, creating a stereotype of exclusivity under the perception that being born into a wealthy equestrian family or being a talented

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rider are the only ways to get your foot in the door. If we pare back the equestrian identity, it all stems from one place: an intrinsic love for horses and a yearning to be in their presence from a young age. Contrary to popular belief, not all equestrians desire to ride competitively. For the vast majority of people, it comes down to the simple goal of being surrounded by horses daily and, more specifically, to finding

fulfilment in the everyday care and management of horses. Luckily for us, the New Zealand Equine Academy was born with this in mind. The equestrian industry is extensive. It generates over $300 billion per year, supplying full-time jobs to over 1.6 million workers across the globe. The New Zealand Equine Academy is your gateway to an extensive range of career opportunities in

the racing industry. In collaboration with Byerley Park and Skill New Zealand, the NZEA is your opportunity to turn your passion for horses into a career. The highly accredited New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Levels 2 & 3), strategically designed by Skill NZ, creates proficient equine academy graduates. Many have transitioned into successful careers across New Zealand as stable hands, stud assistants, track work riders, jockey apprentices, race

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day strappers, bloodstock marketing assistants, and yearling handlers. The New Zealand Equine Academy exposes students to all facets of the industry, providing opportunities to gain paid experience at some of the finest equestrian establishments in the world. Graduates leave not only with an enriched passion for the equine industry but also lifelong skills, friendships, and an experience of the true camaraderie of the equestrian world. The New Zealand Equine Academy is based at the picturesque Byerley Park in the heart of Kingseat, New Zealand. Strategically centred between the two epicentres of New Zealand racing, Karaka and the Waikato, Byerley Park creates the perfect home base for equestrian education. It is fitted out with bespoke amenities: a gym, accommodation, equine learning centre, Australasia’s only Mk10 racehorse simulator, and academy stables, purposefully custom-built to

enhance the learning experiences of NZEA students. Acknowledging the need for further educational epicentres, the NZEA has recently set up additional premises in Cambridge, with plans for further expansion across the country. New Zealand Equine Academy students complete the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2 and 3) under the expert tutelage of championship-winning jockey Donavan Mansour, 5* Eventer Renee Faulkner, and racehorse trainer and marketing expert Amber Sims with support from an extensive range of industry leaders.

Top left - Donavan Mansour brings a wealth of knowledge from the racing industry, and the candidates are fortunate to have the advantage of his expertise. Left - Byerley Park is situated in Kingseat, a rural area in the Auckland Region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is approximately 30 kilometers south of Auckland City. Right below - The classrooms are fully equipped for tuition and there is also Australasia’s only Mk10 racehorse simulator to test students racing skills.

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Tuition at the New Zealand Equine Academy is ‘fees-free’ for NZ citizens and residents through StudyLink.

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• NZ CERTIFICATE IN EQUINE SKILLS - LEVEL 2 • NZ CERTIFICATE IN EQUINE SKILLS - LEVEL 3 • APPRENTICE JOCKEY • RACEDAY STRAPPER Left - The NZ Equine Academy provides comprehensive training in jumping techniques for riders at various levels, complementing the other available training programs. Below left - Renee Faulkner is a familiar figure in equestrian sport. She boasts a track record of successful international competition and has been selected for Eventing Squads to proudly represent New Zealand. She is a coach and mentor for NZ Equine Academy. The camaraderie among the students is excellent, fostering lifelong connections.

TESTIMONIALS: “It was so much fun working and learning with such a great group of people and now I have the reward of working with young, inexperienced horses, taking them through their paces, watching them grow and eventually become winners!”- Elyn. “There are so many career opportunities out there. I felt that joining NZ Equine Academy was a cool way to explore all the different areas without too much pressure or commitment to a certain role until I was sure. “ - Zara. “I enjoy how rewarding it is working with the horses - there are constantly new things to learn about them. I also love how this is an industry that can literally take you places, whether that’s within New Zealand or around the world.” – Sophia

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The Academy hosts a range of specialist guest speakers and provides opportunities to observe vets, farriers, and equine dentists at work, with numerous educational excursions to New Zealand’s elite stud farms, racing stables, feed companies, and the races, along with the Karaka Sales at NZ Bloodstock. The NZ Equine Academy is an ever-evolving realm of opportunity for all horse lovers aged 16 and above.

Intake for the introductory NZ Certificate in Equine Skills Level 2 commences in February 2024, followed by the intake for the NZ Certificate in Equine Skills Level 3 in August 2024. With the development of a Level 4 qualification underway, pathways into the equestrian industry for NZ Equine Academy graduates are set to be endless.

There are fully equipped accommodation portals including the main house, strategically placed around the property for students’ convenience. Byerley Park is a picturesque landscape featuring established waterways, charming post and rail fencing, and a complete equestrian paradise.

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MEET THE NZEA TEAM DANIEL NAKHLE (BCOM/LLB) Founder and owner of Byerley Park, Daniel Nakhle, is a director of the various companies which make up The Nakhle Group and a board member of Fairway Resolution Ltd, Whitecliffe Education Ltd and New Zealand Fashion Week Ltd. Dedicated and passionate with a real zeal for both business and people, Daniel’s interests include a wide range of industry and community initiatives encompassing early childhood and tertiary education; Thoroughbred horse racing, breeding and training; property development and investment; hospitality; accommodation; dispute resolution; water supply; charter boat hire, and quarrying, as well as active involvement in social and affordable housing. Daniel’s love of all facets of horse racing and breeding, coupled with his ongoing passion for developing innovative educational pathways, led to a collaboration between Byerley Park and Skill NZ and, with solid support from esteemed equine industry professionals, the New Zealand Equine Academy Ltd was born. The NZEA is approaching its third birthday and is extending its stride. Daniel looks forward to the continued expansion of what the New Zealand Equine Academy offers, and to introducing lifetime careers to anyone passionate about horses!

DONAVAN MANSOUR For this South African-born championship jockey, his number one passion is his family - his wife Roxane and three sons Moskow (9), Mikhail (7) and Malakai (2). From a young age, Donavan always wanted to be a professional football player. At the same time, his family encouraged him to venture into the Thoroughbred industry. His grandfather and father were racehorse owners, and his uncle was a Champion Jockey, so it was in his blood; however, it wasn’t until he was 20 that he first sat on a horse. His career started at the tracks, riding trackwork each morning; then, at 21, he moved to New Zealand and started his jockey apprenticeship with household racing name Lance Noble. After a year of gaining experience in New Zealand, Donavan returned to South Africa to finish his apprenticeship at the South African Jockey Academy. After relocating to Mauritius with Roxane, Donavan won the Championship in 2016 - he proudly reflects on this as a career highlight. As Donavan’s family grew, he and Rox decided to relocate again, this time to New Zealand for the wholesome upbringing it offered for their children. However, shortly after, Donavan experienced a career-ending fall. “It was really at the worst time as I was associated with so many good horses and my career was about to take off. I am a man who does not dwell on things, and I needed to do something to support my family. I was very lucky in the short time I was here in New Zealand to meet Daniel Nakhle, who was just unbelievable to me and my family when I had my fall. He had the same vision as

me and wanted to help upskill today’s youth and recruit new young blood into the Thoroughbred industry; this is how the New Zealand Equine Academy was formed. Along with Skill NZ and Byerley Park, we created this Academy.” Donavan takes great pride in his students; he enjoys their updates on where they are and how they are progressing. The New Zealand Equine Academy has grown with every intake, and the best is still yet to come.

RENEE FAULKNER Eventer Renee Faulkner is no stranger to the sport horse industry. Her riding career has seen her progress through the Pony Club ranks to representing New Zealand in Young Rider and Senior Eventing teams, culminating in a top ten finish at 5* level at the Australian Three-Day Event, Adelaide, aboard her beloved Rubin Star HH. Renee’s passions extend beyond her competition career into coaching, fishing and diving. She is no stranger to the classroom either, having completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation majoring in Coaching in addition to a Diploma in Vet Nursing. Her vast array of experiences offers great educational insights for our NZEA students.

AMBER SIMS For racehorse trainer, music teacher, and former jockey Amber Sims, Thoroughbreds are in her blood. So, it was no surprise that halfway through high school, she decided to pursue a jockey apprenticeship. Having learnt from the best racehorse trainers across Australasia, Amber completed her jockey apprenticeship through Racing Victoria’s Melbourne-based Apprentice Programme. After much success in the saddle and a few injuries, she swapped her silks for some hi-vis and a stopwatch, and then her racehorse training career began. Amber’s career is invaluable to the NZEA students, offering a realistic glimpse into life in the racing industry. Students also get the opportunity to work with her beloved racehorse, Coruba Jak.

To secure your spot contact us: P I Donavan 021 078 8355 E I donavan@skillnz.ac.nz or info@skillnz.ac.nz W I newzealandequineacademy.co.nz SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

SHOWING spotlight

RETURNING TO THE

show ring WORDS - Caitlin Benzie IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography

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Despite his distant upbringing from it, Jack Cormack’s introduction to the world of horses sparked his genuine curiosity and passion. It was a less conventional choice within his family, but once that passion was ignited, there was no turning back.

A non-horsey family couldn’t stop Jack from finding

I GREW UP IN A NONH O R S E Y FA M I LY, B U T T H AT D I D N ’ T S T O P M E FA L L I N G I N L O V E W I T H HORSES; ALL I EVER W A N T E D W A S A P O N Y, A N D I W A S D E S P E R AT E TO GET ONE IN ANY W AY I C O U L D .

his love of horses at a young age. He grew up around Ranfurly, Manitoto, with his three siblings, Blake, Marc and Hannah. Hannah was also keen on horses, and together, she and Jack travelled around the lower South Island with Central Otago Hunt and also competed at the local A&P shows. “I grew up in a non-horsey family, but that didn’t stop me falling in love with horses; all I ever wanted was a pony, and I was desperate to get one in any way I could. Luckily for me, my uncle and cousin had horses, so I would be over there like a shot every school holidays to get my horsey fix. When I was 13, my parents decided that it probably wasn’t a phase - or they just got sick of me asking all the time - who knows?” Jack laughs. “So they finally caved and got me my first horse, a 20-year-old Standardbred called Lady. She couldn’t do much, but it was great to be able to just jump on her and go for a mosey around the farm. “It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I got more seriously into riding when a friend of my uncle offered me one of his hunters for the season. The horse was pretty mental, to be honest, but certainly got the job done; he would jump any fence you put him at. I was fortunate to then get to continue riding him, and we went on to do a bit of show jumping and have some cross-country lessons. That’s where I met Donna Edwards-Smith and how I came to be in the North Island.”

At the end of 2019, Jack decided to take a break from

dairy farming and moved to the North Island to base with Donna and Elise and further his equestrian experience. “I came up as a working pupil for DSE Eventing as part of their groom intern program. At that point, I was looking for a change in pace from dairy farming and to have a shot at working full-time with horses. It was a great experience to see how a professional yard was run, and it gave me the chance to ride a huge variety of horses - something I hadn’t had the opportunity to do before. I learned a lot of new skills and also continued to up my already slightly OCD turnout game. I was based there for three months, but then, in March 2020, COVID-19 hit, and I made the call to go back to dairy farming.

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E V E N T I N G W A S G R E AT F U N , B U T A F T E R A S E A S O N O F I T, I D E C I D E D T H AT I T P R O B A B LY W A S N ’ T W H E R E M Y PA S S I O N I N T H E E Q U E S T R I A N W O R L D L AY. I S T I L L CONSIDER ONE OF MY BIGGEST ‘WINS’ IN MY RIDING CAREER TO BE MAKING I T A R O U N D T H E 1 * AT T H E P U H I N U I I N T E R N AT I O N A L T H R E E D AY A L I V E .

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However, I’d made some amazing new friends, so I decided to stay up in the North Island, basing on a farm in Te Kauwhata in the Waikato.”

Being based at Donna’s led Jack down a pathway as

an eventer, a career that, after a season or so, he realised probably wasn’t for him. His partner for eventing was Mum’s Cashflow, a 16hh grey Warmblood-cross gelding by Charlton Javelin and out of a Bobby Coon (the foundation stallion at Ratamill Stud) mare. Jack and Kink, as he was known at home, competed from Training level to 1* in their first season together, topping it off with a top-ten finish at the Puhinui Three Day in 2020. “Eventing was great fun, but after a season, I decided it probably wasn’t where my passion in the equestrian world lay. I still consider one of my biggest ‘wins’ in my riding career

to be making it around the 1* at the Puhinui International Three Day alive,” Jack laughs. “I’d also had a rotational fall while hunting in 2019 and had the horse come down on me, so while I don’t mind the occasional bit of jumping for fun, I think I’m pretty happy with keeping our feet on the ground at this stage.” Jack has dabbled in several disciplines throughout the past ten years of his riding career. Apart from eventing, he’s also competed in low-level dressage and show jumped to 1.10m but has found that his true passion lies in the show ring. “I started showing when I was 18. Everything was pretty rough looks-wise back then - no matching tack, jacket too big, the list goes on – I look back at photos now and absolutely cringe, but I guess you have to start somewhere! I was very lucky at the time to have Jane Girvan’s help; she got me to my first dressage lessons and shows and helped and taught SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

AFTER THE SEASON OF EVENTING, I T B E C A M E O B V I O U S M Y PA S S I O N W A S F O R T H E S H O W R I N G . I L O V E T H E S AT I S FA C T I O N O F T U R N I N G A H O R S E O U T A N D C R E AT I N G NEW BROWBANDS AND LOOKS.

Jack’s latest addition to his stable is COLE, a grey Thoroughbred sired by the Irish Group One winner, DALAKHANI. Jack firmly believes that Cole shows tonnes of potential. On the far right: OBSESSIVE, Jack’s exceptional horse who he considered a oncein-a-lifetime show horse. Tragically, Obsessive passed away in a paddock accident. Image - Caitlin Benzie Photography. Below right - Jack and MUMS CASHFLOW, a 16hh grey warmblood-cross gelding competing at Puhinui Three Day in 2020. Image: Sarah Caldwell Photography.

me plaiting, tails and makeup, so at least I knew those looked good! Just before my 20th birthday in 2018, I got Baton Conquest, an Irish Draught X Warmblood cross, who was just the best horse. He was completely Mr Reliable and gave me a taste of going to and riding at the bigger A&P shows. He was no show-stopper, but he was super genuine and held his own, doing best in the Paced and Mannered sections. “After the season of eventing, it became obvious my passion was for the show ring. I love the satisfaction of turning a horse out and creating new browbands and looks. I could happily spend hours preparing my horses for a show, whether plaiting, dyeing, or just general tidy-ups. I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to how my horses and I look in the show ring - or, to be fair, whenever we go out in public.

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I’m not embarrassed to say I’ve had many a flat work lesson with a false tail in!” Jack’s most successful show horse to date has been Obsessive, an off-the-track Thoroughbred he purchased from Donna. Dillon was by Darci Brahma and had evented up to Training level, but like Jack, decided that it probably wasn’t for him. Devastatingly, they were destined only to have one season together before disaster struck. “My most successful horse was Obsessive, who I got from Donna. He had decided he didn’t want to be an eventer but made the perfect show horse instead; he had stunning big movement and all the looks required to be at the top – he was certainly one for the future. It was heartbreaking to lose him in a paddock accident in July. He had finally started filling

out and was just about ready to go out and properly campaign this season after a relatively quiet season last year. Finding something to replace him was a tough job, and sometimes I wondered if I could or even should replace him.”

Now based in Cambridge

on an 82ha dairy farm running sole charge with 270 cows, Jack has found a new partner for his showing career: Cole, a grey Thoroughbred by Irish Group 1 winner Dalakhani. With the fantastic team around him and Jack to guide him up the ranks, Cole’s future looks very exciting, and there are hopefully many wide ribbons on the horizon. “Just when I was about to give up on finding another horse that could potentially rival Dillon, last month Cole came along, and I couldn’t look past the opportunity to buy him. I’m excited to hopefully get him out to a couple of shows in the New Year once we SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

I’VE BEEN F O R T U N AT E T O H AV E A L O T O F AWESOME PEOPLE IN MY CORNER OVER THE LAST COUPLE O F Y E A R S . H AV I N G THE SUPPORT OF T H E FA R M O W N E R S I’VE WORKED FOR HAS BEEN HUGE FOR ME...

Jack’s primary passion lies with show horses, but managing the demanding task of overseeing a 82-hectare dairy farm and taking sole responsibility for 270 cows is no small feat.

get some more schooling under his belt, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses over the next couple of months. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of awesome people in my corner over the past couple of years. Having the support of the farm owners I’ve worked for has been huge for me; as everyone knows, dairy farmers aren’t a big fan of horses,” Jack laughs. “So for them to allow me to have my horse on the farm so I can carry on with both my passions is something I’m incredibly grateful for. My biggest supporter in everything is my mum; even though she isn’t horsey and is absolutely

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petrified of them, she still tried her best and would get Hannah and me to shows – she even held the horses a couple of times! “More recently, training-wise, Greg Smith has played a big part in my riding; he is so full of knowledge and has greatly impacted my skills on the flat. I’m looking forward to getting Cole out to him so we can get into the show ring sooner rather than later – I’ve won quite a few wides over the years, but I’m still chasing that elusive supreme. Hopefully, Cole will be the one!” n

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2016 168cm BLACK STALLION One of the last sons of legendary DARCO, ranked no.1 Sire in the World five years in a row from 2007 to 2011. To this day Darco has the sired the most 1.60 horses of any stallion! “DARCO OBOLENSKY shows alot of power. He is a strong stallion who is expected to follow in the footsteps of his father DARCO.” BWP Stallion Approval Committee Performance tested & approved for BWP Studbook Service fee $2000 + GST - LFG

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KALASKA

Kalaska de Semilly x Centadel x Quilot Z

2015 169cm BAY STALLION “This horse is very modern, uses its body in a good way, a lot of action and strength in the hind legs, great technique in the front legs, uses its back properly, a beautiful and chic stallion.” - XAVIER LEREDDE - International Grand Prix rider of Jalisco B and Papillon Rouge, and breeder of superstars Quidam de Revel and Papillon Rouge.

Carries 50% Thoroughbred blood

Licensed for Hanoverian, AES & NZWB Studbooks Service fee $2000 + GST - LFG

EURO SPORT

DIMERO NN Z

Diamant de Semilly x Casper van Erpekom x Querlybet Hero

2016 170cm SKEWBALD ZANGERSHEIDE STALLION • • •

Sire DIAMANT DE SEMILLY was ranked No.1 in the WBFSH World SJ Sire Rankings in 2015/16, and is currently ranked No.2 From direct dam line of CSI SJers KRISKRAS DV 5* 1.60m, GUCCI DV 1.50m & HEROS DV 1.40m Cannot produce chestnut offspring Service fee $2000 + GST - LFG

ALL STALLIONS ARE AVAILABLE VIA FRESH/CHILLED SEMEN AND ARE WFFS FREE

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EURO SPORT CENTAVOS Approved for Hanoverian, Oldenburg, SBS & NZWB Studbooks Service fee $2000 + GST - LFG Cannot produce chestnut offspring.

2004 172cm BLACK/BROWN STALLION Escudo I x Argentinus x Bariton

ES CENTAVOS is an International 1.60m Show Jumper, representing New Zealand in the Furusiyya Nation’s Cup in Ocala, FL 2016. 2015 Silver Fern Stakes & NZ Horse of the Year Champion and winner of countless Grand Prix.

“Euro Sport Centavos is extremely scopey (powerful) and careful, intelligent & lovely to ride! Traits we all hope for.” - Multiple Olympic & World Championship SJ Medalist BEEZIE MADDEN

EURO SPORT

DIAMANT B Diacontinus x Calido I x Calypso II

2014 178cm GREY STALLION • •

Sire DIACONTINUS is ranked No.1 on the German FN SJ Young Horse Sire Rankings At the Hanoverian licensing auction the under bidder for Diamant B was Olympic Gold Medalist Ludger Beerbaum Licensed for Hanoverian & NZWB Studbooks Service fee $2000 + GST - LFG

ALL STALLIONS ARE AVAILABLE VIA FRESH/CHILLED SEMEN AND ARE WFFS FREE

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Introducing - EURO SPORT DOMINATOR STERREBORNEHOF Z 2023/24 SERVICE FEE: $2000.00 + GST LFG

AES LICENSED 2019 - 172cm - Piebald Zangersheide stallion DOMINATOR 2000 Z x CAMARO x QUERLYBET HERO •

Sire - DOMINATOR 2000 Z is currently one of the best show jumpers in the world, with several wins in 5* Grand Prix. He is now climbing the stallion rankings, represented by very exciting and typey progeny.

•

Dam - PEROLA COLORIDA placed 5th in the 2017 BWP National 2yr old Free Jumping Championship. BWP is currently the no. 1 ranked studbook worldwide for show jumping. PEROLA has been used solely for breeding, and DOMINATOR STERREBORNEHOF Z is her first. She descends from a small but highperforming direct dam line, including the star 5* 1.65m jumper KRISKRAS DV.

•

In addition, progeny from this line continue to top auctions with horses like CHELSEA DV Z (foal) €68’000, SUSKE VAN DE BOORTOREN (2yr) €48’000, COLORADO DV Z (foal) €46’000, CHIQUE WILLI VAN ERPEKOM Z (foal) €28’000. Below: DOMINATOR 2000 Z (sire) DIAMANT DE SEMILLY (CASSINI I) 2022 season was a great year for this black stallion with two 5* wins on the Global Champions circuit.

Approved stallions in this direct line are EDDY WALLY (CCI4* eventer, at stud with the famous STAL DE MUZE), COLORADO DV Z, SOCRATES, FARCO VAN VRIESPUT, OBI WAN, SINAN STERREBORNEHOF, DORADO STERREBORNEHOF Z, ES DIMERO NN Z, and British 5yr old SJ finalist NUTELLA DUO NN Z.

ALL STALLIONS ARE AVAILABLE VIA FRESH/CHILLED SEMEN AND ARE WFFS FREE

EURO SPORT HORSES

eurosporthorses@hotmail.com | 021 907 227 or 027 223 4818

Introducing - EURO SPORT CHACCO DI VILLAGANA Z 2023/24 SERVICE FEE: $2000.00 + GST LFG

2019 - 165cm - Grey Zangersheide stallion CHACCO BLUE x VIGO D’ARSOUILLES x CHIN CHIN CHACCO DI VILLAGANA'S dam VIBELLE Z, is owned by the famed ‘Mares of Macha’ group, whose small mare band is comprised solely of 5* performing mares and the world's leading show jumping families. VIBELLE Z is by 2010 World SJ Champion VIGO D’ARSOUILLES out of Jos Lansink’s 1.60m GP mare TA BELLE VAN SOMBEKE (CHIN CHIN). TA BELLE VAN SOMBEKE is one of the World’s best broodmares despite her competition schedule and then breeding career cut short by her death in 2012 at just 16. Left: CHACCO BLUE has been ranked number 1 on the World SJ rankings for the past six years!

VIBELLE Z is a full sister to the 1.60m 5* winning GP horse GOLDEN HAWK and a half-sister to: • 1.60m - GLOCK’S LONDON double Olympic silver medallist 2012 • 1.60m - A PIKACHU DE MUZE • 1.60m - TARAN DE LA POMME • 1.60m - CASIMIR DE LA POMME • 1.60m - DABELLE • 1.50m - WABELLE DE MUZE • 1.50m - CAMILLO Z • 1.45m - FARAO DE LA POMME • QUASIBELLE DU SEIGNEUR Z damn of: 1.60m GP OAK GROVE’S HEARTFELT damn of six out of six 1.45m - 1.60m jumpers). • 1.60m ARAC DU SEIGNEUR Z • 1.50m VIVALD’ICK

Numerous other superstar jumping horses come from this line; too many to list here!

ALL STALLIONS ARE AVAILABLE VIA FRESH/CHILLED SEMEN AND ARE WFFS FREE

EVENTING spotlight

equestrian EXTRAORDINAIRE!

WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography

A woman of many and diverse talents, Claudia Faulkner leads a full-on life. She’s Mum to one-year-old Payten, a full-time Phys Ed teacher, events at 2* level, and if all of that isn’t enough, to top it all off she’s event secretary for Eventing Canterbury.

Claudia caught the bug early on,

inheriting her love for horses from her mother, Helen. “I started riding my mum’s Standardbred on the lunge at first, and then a while later, I got my first pony, Minty, a Welsh palomino,” she says. “He was beautiful, but he wasn’t the easiest. He was naughty to float; he would drag us around, but he got me going at Pony Club, and it all started with him!” She joined Ferrymead Pony Club, and although she found her love of eventing early on, Claudia dabbled in a bit of everything. From Minty, she had a few other ponies she rode and brought on, none of them particularly easy, but all of them teaching her a lot about the ups and downs of horses. Claudia experienced her first heartbreak after the purchase of the beautiful Eagles Gemini Jazz. “He was about 13.2, and we bought him off the Cox family, but unfortunately, less than six months later, he was kicked in the shoulder in the paddock and broke his leg. I was at primary school then, and I remember Mum coming to get me out of school assembly to take me home. I was heartbroken,” she reflects. The next big step was onto the full-height pony Astro they purchased for eventing. “He wasn’t easy either! He would always put in that one stop but in time became the

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ultimate all-rounder.” Together, they did a bit of everything and even competed in a few Springston Trophies. When Claudia was about 10, her mum bought a horse for herself, but somehow, Claudia ended up acquiring him. “He was a Stationbred x called George and was a bit much for Mum,” she says. “He ended up being a successful saddle hunter and working hunter, but in eventing, he was another one who would always have the one stop.”

Eventing has always

been Claudia’s main passion from the beginning, but she has also consistently found herself drifting into various disciplines. “100% I have always made the best of every horse I have had. Even with ponies we bought for eventing, I made it onto the area dressage team, which was cool and a great experience,” she reflects. Since George, Claudia has had several horses, mainly Thoroughbred eventers. “All my current horses are Thoroughbreds. I absolutely love them,” she explains. The Thoroughbred era began with Shapeshifter (Harry) in what started as a lease. “Harry took me through to 105 level eventing, Springston Trophy. We moved up to 2* at Puhinui and then won our first 3* start at Aparima. He really got me going eventing,” she says.

GETTING BACK UP AND TRYING AGAIN I S S O I M P O R TA N T. T H AT ’ S W H AT W E T E A C H T H E K I D S AT S C H O O L - W H E N S O M E T H I N G I S N ’ T G O I N G R I G H T, Y O U G E T B A C K U P A N D H AV E A N O T H E R G O . I T I S A B O U T W A N T I N G TO BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.

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Above - Claudia and DIPLOMATIC SHOT (Paddy) taking on the South Island ODE Champs in the 105 class, 2023. Left and right lower image - TRIPEL SHOT (Elvis) is Claudia’s current top horse and is showing potential for 3* events.

Sadly, as horses do, Harry sustained an injury, so Claudia found herself looking for a new horse. That led her to purchase Citadelle (Billy) from the Montgomery family. “He had already done 2* when I got him, but he has had just as much success in dressage. We still have the boys, and they are semi-retired. They make guest star appearances every now and then, like last year I rode Billy in the 95cm when I was 7.5 months pregnant!” Tripel Shot (Elvis) is Claudia’s current top horse. “He has done a few solid seasons at 2*, but the 3* hasn’t happened yet because whenever we go to make plans, something ends up happening and pushing it back,” she explains. “I jumped my first Pro-Am tracks with him, and it has been great to be going around the bigger heights. He has also been successful in the show hunter ring.” Claudia acquired her second iron in the fire,

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Diplomatic Shot (Paddy), from Barbara Blackie Racing. “He was in race training at Riccarton Park, and my dressage trainer Jenny Scotter rang me and told me about him. He’s been competing 105 nicely and will move up to 1* next year.” She also has a couple of fiery young gingers coming through and another special horse called Kai - an exciting purchase as he is half Billy’s breeding and half of Elvis. “He is a mix of my two special boys, and we have really clicked. I feel so excited about him,” she reflects. “He’s been jumping awesome, doing well in dressage, and he is only seven, so it is exciting to see what’s possible. Mum spotted him two years ago, and we were closely following him, so when he popped up for sale, we went and looked at him straight away and realised he had the good bits that reminded us of Billy and Harry, so we had to have him!”

Claudia reflects on her journey to date. She has never had

anything ready-made - her parents didn’t go out and buy her the best pony, so she had to really work and learn to ride. “None of my horses have been easy. They are all quirky and test you, so it has taken a lot of perseverance and time. Sometimes you question why you do it because they take you on such a rollercoaster ride,” she says. Winning the senior individual dressage section at NZPCA champs on Billy was one of Claudia’s highlights, especially because competing with a Thoroughbred against dressage horses and still winning was huge. The pair went on to win the first TiES (Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sport) award, which was another great moment.

NONE OF MY HORSES H AV E B E E N E A S Y. THEY ARE ALL QUIRKY AND TEST YOU, SO IT H A S TA K E N A L O T O F PERSEVERANCE AND TIME. SOMETIMES YOU QUESTION WHY YOU DO I T B E C A U S E T H E Y TA K E YOU ON SUCH A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE.

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On top of her full-on equestrian schedule,

Claudia is a Phys Ed teacher at Papanui High School. She works full-time, so it takes a bit of juggling with horses and family life, but she credits the help she has from her mum and husband, Alex, in making it all work. “Having Payten has been a challenging and interesting time. Developing routines has been a major, and we’re still getting into the swing of it all, but I am fortunate because Mum is always there to look after her while I do the horses, and Alex looks after her at the weekend,” she says. If that wasn’t enough, she has been heavily involved in the running of various Pony Club and Eventing Canterbury competitions since she was about 12 years old. “I was always encouraged to be a coach at Pony Club, and as ironic as it sounds being a PE teacher, it just wasn’t my thing, but I did start helping out as event secretary for the shows,” she says. She moved on from Pony Club, but in 2013, while she was a student at the University of Canterbury, she wanted to give back to the sport. At the time, Eventing Canterbury was looking for a new event secretary, so it made sense for Claudia to put her hand up and give it a go. “I think initially they were a bit sceptical about a uni student, but since then, I have run about 60 events and have been doing it for ten years! I have learnt

Left - Claudia and SINUEUX SHOT (Twisty) competing at McCleans Island. Above - (L-R) DSH KERALA PARADISE (Kai), SINUEUX SHOT (Twisty) and TRIPEL SHOT (Elvis) are the current line-up of Thoroughbreds.

heaps along the way, met many people and had so many incredible opportunities because of my involvement.” Fitting in time for lessons can be tricky, but when she can, she trains with Jenny Scotter for dressage and with Emily Cammock. “Jenny has taught me heaps, especially in my early days with Billy and Elvis. Emily is great because she sees us out and about at shows, so she knows what’s going on and what we need to be working on,” she reflects. “Listening to your horse is one of the most important things I think you can do as a rider. Changing it up with variety in their work is also important,” she says. “We must constantly adapt, be flexible, and be patient with them. Things don’t happen overnight; sometimes, you feel like you go 100 steps forward and then 1000 backwards, but you must keep stepping back up when things aren’t going well. Getting back up and trying again is so important. That’s what we teach the kids at school - when something isn’t going right, you get back up and have another go.

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LISTENING TO YOUR HORSE IS ONE OF THE M O S T I M P O R TA N T T H I N G S I THINK YOU CAN DO AS A RIDER. CHANGING IT U P W I T H VA R I E T Y I N T H E I R W O R K I S A L S O I M P O R TA N T.

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Claudia’s life at the stables is a balancing act. She not only singlehandedly trains and competes the horses but also juggles the roles of a dedicated mother (with help from her mum and her husband, Alex) and an efficient event secretary. Despite the challenges, she wouldn’t have it any other way! Competition image - Left - Claudia and SINUEUX SHOT (Twisty) showing off his style!

It’s about wanting to be the best you can be.” Claudia explains she takes a similar approach to training her horses regardless of their natural talent and ability. “I would have trained them all much of a muchness. Billy is not built the best, but it’s about working with and training him. He is quite long and not as together, but he performs really well. It is about building them up and working with their strengths and weaknesses, giving them time to come together nicely. No horse is perfect, and it is amazing how they can adapt and thrive despite their weaknesses.”

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Claudia evaluates their previous competition performances and

then applies that to her training. “I love eventing because it’s such a huge challenge to do the three phases well. I take the feedback from the dressage, what we are working on in lessons and how they are jumping and then train them accordingly,” she says. “We are lucky here to have Eyreton Pony Club just down the road where we can go for cross-country schooling. We also have great road riding around here, and I have an arena at home, but their work is not confined to that.” Retiring Billy from top-level eventing was one of the toughest points in Claudia’s career so far. “It signalled a time for rebuilding, and Elvis was close but not quite at the same level as Billy,” she says. “I think it was the hardest time rebuilding the team and to be honest, we are still in that phase. I think I am super lucky to still have Billy, and it’s nice to get on and have a ride. It reminds me of what a good horse feels like and pushes me to achieve that with the other boys.” While she has had some tough times, she has never felt like she’s wanted to quit. “The horses have always kept me going, even when it has been hard. We lost George in July this year in the terrible rain, and I lost another horse due to conformation. We did surgery, but he never came right, and we had to make the hard call, so it has been a rough few months. My daughter has also been really unwell, so juggling it all has been a lot! She was born two months early, so her start wasn’t easy either, but the horses have kept me going.”

IT IS ABOUT ACHIEVING THE GOALS YOU SET OUT AND THE JOURNEY A N D T H E PAT H W AY. EVERYONE’S SUCCESS L O O K S D I F F E R E N T, AND HORSES ARE A ROLLERCOASTER, SO C E L E B R AT I N G T H O S E SMALL WINS I S I M P O R TA N T.

Claudia’s view of success

is independent of winning. “It is about achieving the goals you set, the journey and the pathway. Everyone’s success looks different, and horses are a rollercoaster, so celebrating those small wins is important,” she encourages. “It doesn’t always have to be about a win; it can be something small, but no matter what, it’s important to celebrate those moments. Eventing is hard because you have to do three out of three phases well to succeed; sometimes, it’s a dressage competition, and sometimes it’s not. You have to be able to do it all well to give yourself a good chance.” Her big goal is to go 4* on Elvis. “We have to go 3* first, which will hopefully happen in the New Year. Aside from that, getting these young ones going along is my next goal. Getting them to be the best they can be and to go as far as they want to go,” she says. “Having fun, doing what you love and enjoying it, cherishing all the memories and connections you make as you go that is what is really important.” Claudia is grateful for the support of her family and her partnership with Tuff Rock NZ throughout her journey. n

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F I N D YOU R LO C A L ST O C K I ST NORTH ISLAND STORES AMS SADDLERY 82A Spartan Road, Takanini, 2105 Phone: 09 298 7094 Visit: amssaddlery.co.nz

CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN AUCKLAND 49 Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland Phone: 022 585 1144 Visit: canterburyequestrian.co.nz

EAST’S OUTDOOR WORK & LEISURE 109 Main Road, Makaraka Gisborne, 4010 Phone: 06 868 8479 Visit: eastoutdoors.co.nz

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FOUNTAIN CITY SADDLERY 15A Lincoln Street, Hamilton Phone: 0508 SADDLE Visit: fountaincitysaddlery.co.nz

HR FISKEN & SONS 295 Tuakau Road, Pukekohe Phone: 09 238 9414 Visit: hrfisken.co.nz

HIGHFIELDS EQUESTRIAN 25 Hurlstone Drive, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth Phone: 06 751 2225 Visit: highfieldsequestrian.co.nz

SUMMIT GRAINS & SADDLERY 16 Oliver Street, Cambridge Phone: 07 827 6091 Visit: summitsaddlery.co.nz

HORSESPORTS SADDLERY Unit 2/84 Spartan Road, Takanini, Auckland Phone: 09 269 6518 Visit: horsesports.co.nz

TAUPO EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES 55 Titan Way, Taupo 3378 Phone: 07 377 8370 Visit: taupoequestriansupplies.co.nz

RANGIORA EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES 623 Lineside Road, Rangiora, Christchurch Phone: 03 313 1674 Visit: rangioraequestrian.co.nz

RICHMOND SADDLERY 430 Paton Road, Hope, 7081 Phone: 03 544 4177 Visit: richmondsaddlery.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND STORES HORSEWYSE SADDLERY 4A Cloverlea Road Palmerston North Phone: 06 354 7787 Visit: horsewyse.co.nz

HORSELANDS HAMILTON 789 Te Rapa Straight (one block south of the base), Hamilton Phone: 07 849 5266 Visit: horselands.co.nz

CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN (CHRISTCHURCH) 823 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch Phone: 03 349 6241 Visit: canterburyequestrian.co.nz

CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN (NORTH CANTERBURY – WOODEND) 50 Main North Rd, Woodend Phone: 03 310 0570 Visit: canterburyequestrian.co.nz

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Terms & Conditions: 1. Prices excluding specials indicated in this publication are recommended retail stock held by us on order at time of going to print. 2. Prices shown are recommended retail only. 3. Every item listed may not be available in all stores and stock is available only while stock lasts. 4. All items have been included in good faith on the basis that products, as described, will be available from our suppliers at the time of sale. Failure by our suppliers to deliver in accordance with sample or description or at all, or unintended delay with the supply to us of stock may result in some lines being unavailable or delay in availability or delivery. 5. Display accessories and props shown are not included in the price shown unless specified. 6. Prices on our saddles do not include mounts unless specified. 7. Prices on our bridles do not include bits unless specified. 8. Prices effective until 31st December 2023. Equestrian Connection reserves the right to alter or correct pricing or printing errors.

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VENUE spotlight

A PLAYGROUND

s r e d i for R WORDS - Rebecca Greaves IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography

Trudi Mitchell’s life took a dramatic turn as she left behind the serene landscapes of Wairoa and embraced a new adventure in the vibrant heart of the Waikato region. Her destination? Ohaupo Equestrian Centre. With boundless determination and a relentless drive for excellence, Trudi has transformed the Centre into a thriving oasis, tailored to the desires of horse lovers across all levels of skill and experience.

Every waking hour is dedicated

to developing the Centre, which has been single-handedly manicured and landscaped within an inch of its life under the new ownership of Trudi Mitchell, who took over the property in June last year. She uses the analogy of it being an amusement park for riders, only you bring your ride, and the level of thrill depends on you and your mount. “I want to create a really feel-good, happy place. A place with a positive vibe. I want to provide a venue for everyone to enjoy – it’s great for the soul and especially great for the sport,” she explains. Typically understated about her own achievements, Trudi prefers to work away quietly and let the horses speak for themselves. Her passion has always been

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producing and selling young horses, and while she thinks it’s probably about time she kept a nice one, the reality is that they always get sold. “I sold a nice horse, Epic NZPH, to Australia last year. I didn’t want to sell him, but I bought a tractor and extended the truck park. That’s how passionate I am about this place - I sold a very cool horse knocking on the door of 1.40m to make it happen.” Initially purchased as an investment property, Trudi admits it probably was always her dream to create something for riders. One of the biggest drawcards at Ohaupo is the 65x24m indoor arena. She’s pretty sure it’s the only one in the country with the international ‘ebb and flow’ fibre surface, which means it’s watered from the bottom up. This eliminates dust

WHY NOT OFFER SOMETHING QUOTE

FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY TREKKING, HUNTING OR PLEASURE RIDING?

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Above - Trudi and HIGHLANDER NZPH at Show Jumping Waikato held at Takapoto Estate. Below right - Ohaupo Equestrian Centre: Where riders can refine their skills in a world-class indoor arena with top-notch jumps.

and the need to worry about watering, and the surface is perfect. Always. She says that training in an indoor environment is vital if we’re to foot it on the world stage. As she points out, the World Cup final is always held indoors. She sees Ohaupo as a great central location and the indoor as the opportunity to produce horses and riders equipped to excel on an international stage. “It’s a beautiful surface with perfect footing. Think of Phillip (Steiner). If you go overseas - if you’re lucky enough to do it it’s always indoors. We need more experience indoors. “In an indoor, the horse has to go off the leg. It has to learn to sit and wait. You need to recover well after the fence – you don’t have 20 strides between fences; you have six. The rider and horse have to be educated. Any training flaws will be magnified indoors, so why not train horses indoors from a young age? Of course, if you can do it indoors, that makes it easier outdoors, too.” But even if you don’t plan to contest the World Cup final, there’s something at Ohaupo for you, too. The indoor has proved useful for kids just starting off the lead rein, as you

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EVERYTHING IS MOWN AND MANICURED. IT’S B A S I C A L LY A T R A I N I N G C E N T R E A N D I ’ M A LWAY S IMPROVING, IMPROVING.

can close the door, and it’s safe to turn them loose. As an ex-eventer, Trudi also has plenty of cross-country knowledge. The cross-country course with new mobile jumps is now fully mown and landscaped. A new grass arena is in the works, and she plans to move the water jump to facilitate this, which will eventually give three jumping options – the outdoor arena, a lovely fenced grass arena, and the indoor. “Everything is mown and manicured. It’s basically a training centre, and I’m always improving, improving.” Trudi is buzzing with ideas for the Centre: stay and play on a girls’ weekend away with your horses (the shopping in Cambridge is pretty good, and there are wineries on the doorstep), family holidays, or Pony Club camps are just a

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Trudi and Highlander NZPH steal the spotlight at Show Jumping Waikato, held at Takapoto Estate. Keep an eye on these two!

couple she rattles off. With 60 acres to explore, the arena options, and the crosscountry course, there’s plenty to do. The modern five-bedroom home in which Trudi lives doubles as an Air BnB, and there are also a three-bedroom cottage, an apartment and three horse barns on the property. “Groups can come and have a horsey holiday. Not everyone wants to compete, but they want that ‘going away with horses’ feeling. Why not offer something for people who enjoy trekking, hunting or pleasure riding?” She’s also got an idea that there’s a market for specialised Sporthorse spelling, and she has the perfect set-up with undulating hills and various paddocking options to offer such a service. Trudi has help from former Olympian and world champion Vaughn Jefferis, and Colin and Toni McIntosh hold their jump clubs at the Centre.

Trudi has ridden all her life and loves

producing a beautifully schooled young horse. Her grandmother rode and bought Trudi her first pony. She came up through the Pony Club system, went to Pony Club Champs and was trained by former Olympian Mary Darby in her early years. Trudi evented to Advanced level, was on the New Zealand Development Squad for horse

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trials, and did ‘quite a lot’ of dressage under the late Tiny White, winning a national title at Preliminary level. Ironically, when she took a year off eventing to work on her show jumping, which was her weakest phase, she never went back. “It was a challenge; I wanted to perfect it. If I’d had any brains, I would have been a dressage rider because I found that phase the easiest. It was my best phase, but there was no thrill for me. Now, I love show jumping. “Every horse I have produced, I have sold. I get them to 1.35m and sell. I like to produce a nice, beautifully schooled horse for the next person to take on. That’s what I like to do, and now I have the property to do it.” The sale of Epic NZPH left Trudi with just one horse of her own this season, Highlander NZPH (Stephen), a seven-yearold gelding by Barbarian out of Dove NZPH (Kannan/Mr Blue). “I sold Epic and didn’t replace him. Normally, I sell one and buy a few more. But I wanted to put everything I could into this place.” Trudi often rides for NZPH and says they always have something exciting for her to bring on. Justified NZPH is a five-year-old she has the ride on this season. He’s just coming back into work but won the FiveYear-Old class at Rotorua earlier in the season. “He’s a gorgeous horse and a real hard case,” she says. “When I buy from NZPH out in the paddock, I look at how they stand, with a leg in each corner. That old saying that it’s

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a balanced horse – it’s true. Everything seems to be in place if they stand square naturally. And you can’t go past a good type and a good nature - you can always work with that.” For Trudi, horses are therapeutic and have a calming effect. “There’s something about being close to a horse that’s calming. I have a five-year-old NZPH horse here who pushes into you and cuddles you, and you just feel this calm.” Her approach to producing young horses is that she’s never in a hurry. Like children, horses all need different timeframes and develop at different rates. “You have to go with your intuition; you have to have feel - to know when to push and when to back off. To produce horses, it does help if you have that instinctual feel. Does this horse need more time? It’s like you’re a psychologist.” Despite the fact she always sells, she still finds it hard, saying the horses are like foster children. “I’ve got one now (Highlander NZPH) I don’t want to sell. I picked him out of the paddock on type as a two-year-old, and I’ve got his mother, Dove NZPH; she just had a foal by Up To You. “I just think it’s time for me to be able to keep one. He’s lovely, and I want to jump bigger than 1.30m. For once, I want to be in the position to say, ‘No, I will keep this one’. But at the end of the day, they usually go.” Trudi is a realist; she knows anything can happen with horses, and she prefers not to dream too big but rather to take it as it comes and see where the ride ends up.

The grounds and cross-country course at Ohaupo Equestrian Centre are a testament to Trudi’s dedication and hard work.

An accomplished artist too, Trudi’s well-loved pet and horse portraits grace the walls in many horsey homes around the country. However, art has taken a back seat these days as she focuses on the Equestrian Centre. For now, she’s set on creating a stunning facility for all riders to enjoy. “It’s just me - I do everything, but hard work never killed anyone. It has been a huge life change, but I have so much passion for it. It’s going to work.” Trudi is grateful for the sponsorship of Dynavyte and Fiber Fresh Equine. The horses she rides for NZPH are also sponsored by Dunstan. n SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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SHOWJUMPING/SHOW HUNTER spotlight

A MULTIFACETED

approach WORDS - Rebecca Greaves IMAGES - Julia Murch Photography

Show Hunter and show jumping go hand-in-hand for Georgia Alexander. This talented Aucklandbased young rider loves the challenge of perfecting a show hunter round, using it as a training ground to establish sound foundations with her horses.

Animal-obsessed as a kid, 21-year-old Georgia (Geo) always

knew she wanted to work with them. Her full-time job at The Bizzie Stables on Chatham, run by Liz Vokes, allows her to blend work with her love of animals and her team of competition horses. “I’ve been there about two years; I help Liz exercise the horses at the stables and compete them for her. I love it, there are lots of dogs and farm animals too, it’s a real variety. I love being outside all the time. All the horses have different strengths and talents, and it’s a big 50acre property to ride around.” Geo is based on a lifestyle block at Kumeu; however, she keeps two of her horses with Liz, who is also her coach. “Liz is English, and everything is very structured. The horses all come in at lunchtime and are stabled, going out again at 6am the next day. It’s a good routine, and it’s been interesting to see how the horses thrive on that.”

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Far right, Geo holding CAPTAIN COSMO GM, CASHIN’S CORDOVA GM and RAGNAR RH. On the lower left - Geo feels fortunate to have BIZZIE CELEBRATIONS, owned by Liz Vokes, as one of the horses she rides. In the upper right corner - a glimpse of one small section within the impressive stable complex known as Bizzie Stables, owned by Liz Vokes.

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Liz has been hugely influential on Geo’s riding, especially teaching her how much the rider impacts how a horse goes. “It’s about fixing the riding - having a good position and connecting with the horse. She can see from the ground what needs to be done to get the horses going their best.” The importance of horse management and conditioning are other vital aspects she has learned from Liz. “I think all horses are different and have their own personalities – you can’t put them in a box. You have to work with their strengths. I also believe you can’t force a horse; they have a mind of their own, and they have to choose as well. “I love getting the young ones going and seeing the improvement. I don’t think any horse is a difficult horse; they just don’t understand and need it explained to them differently.”

Geo inherited her love of horses from her mum, who bought her her first pony

when she was eight. “Mum wasn’t horsey growing up, but she always wanted to ride. She got into it before she had me, and she had a horse when I was growing up. I always wanted to ride her horse, begging for a pony. Animals are my thing; I love them, and I’m so glad I get to work with them because that’s my passion.” Coming up through the Pony Club ranks, Geo was introduced to show hunter by her first coach, Tracey Page, and it remains her primary discipline. She has achieved plenty of success, too. Special memories include placing fifth in the Category A title class at Horse of the Year in 2014 and winning several classes at Horse SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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Geo’s daily routine encompasses riding and caring for up to 15 horses. In the upper right corner - Geo riding CASHIN’S CORDOVA GM, a horse with remarkable jumping talent.

of the Year with her first hack, Adante. “I like the idea of perfecting a round and getting the best out of a horse. It’s not about speed. You’ve got to have a wellschooled horse to get good bend and shape over the jumps.” All of Geo’s horses have their start in the show hunter ring, and she believes it’s a great training ground for the young horses to figure out their jump, stride, and rhythm. “They get to learn where their feet go before putting any pressure on them.” However, while her focus is show hunter, over the past two seasons, Geo has made the move into the show jumping arena. Still, she has no plans to give show hunter away, believing that the two disciplines complement each other. “I think show hunter helps you learn how to ride a course,

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teaches the horses to balance and builds confidence. Knowing their natural rhythm and stride length translates well to show jumping. I think the two go hand-in-hand. Most of my horses prove that you can do both and succeed at both.”

Geo has discovered an interest in retraining Thoroughbreds and giving them a shot at Sporthorse life after racing. Her young Thoroughbred, Captain Cosmo GM (Cosmo), is a six-year-old grey gelding by Reliable Man. He recently qualified for the TiES Jumping Futurity Series North Island final at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show. The series is a new initiative for the 2023/24 season for registered Thoroughbreds in their first or second season of competition with ESNZ.

I THINK SHOW HUNTER HELPS YOU LEARN HOW TO RIDE A COURSE, TEACHES THE HORSES TO BALANCE AND BUILDS CONFIDENCE. KNOWING THEIR N AT U R A L R H Y T H M AND STRIDE LENGTH T R A N S L AT E S W E L L T O SHOW JUMPING.

“You do a show jumping round at 1m and, once qualified, you do a 1.10m final at Horse of the Year,” Geo explains. Cosmo was a lockdown purchase, bought sight unseen as a project to bring on and sell. But she fell in love with him, describing him as clever and talented, and he’s still with her. Cosmo thrives in the show hunter ring, and the pair have qualified for show hunter at Horse of the Year. “He’s just stepping up to 1.10-1.15m, and I think he’s a great example of what Thoroughbreds can do after their racing life. I think they’re very misunderstood – they’re so versatile, I love the Thoroughbred.” Also on the team is Cashin’s Cordova GM (Carlos), a seven-year-old by Centavos, who she has owned since he was six weeks old. He’s also proving versatile across both SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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Above - Geo having a blast at the Burmester Realty GP Spring Show Jumping event at Woodhill Sands, riding CAPTAIN COSMO GM. That smile says it all. Image: Lindy W Photography.

disciplines. His full sister, a yearling, is waiting in the wings in the paddock. “My goal for Carlos this season is to do 1.20m-1.25m and next year to step up to Pro-Am. He’s one of the most talented horses I’ve ever sat on; he just loves to jump and has a big jump in him. Ragnar RH (Raggy) is a pretty palomino with four white socks and a blaze, purchased as a show hunter and showing horse. “He’s my main show hunter horse and did well last season, qualifying for Horse of the Year. Unfortunately, he had an injury on my birthday and degloved his whole leg, so he’s out for the season now. Horses like to keep you humble!” Geo also hopes to qualify two horses she competes for Liz for show hunter at Horse of the Year - Bizzie Lemon Sherbet & Bizzie Celebrations. Finally, she has the ride on her friend Nicole Lelean’s Valetto. “I rode him last season, and we did 1.20m over winter. I’ve just got him back, aiming at show hunter and show jumping as well.” Looking ahead, Geo has goals, including contesting the Lady Rider on Carlos, and she believes he has the potential for a big class. “I would love to continue with show hunter and maybe chase some of the Series classes when the horses are older and more consistent. As the horses get older, the focus will shift to show jumping. “I definitely see horses as a long-term thing for me. That’s why I have Carlos’s sister to come up behind him and progress with – time will tell.” Geo is grateful to be sponsored by Shots Photography and Willowbrook Farm Equestrian. She also paid tribute to dedicated farrier Lewis Sharp and Lindy Waijenberg of LW Equine Therapy, who help her horses perform at their best.

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FROZEN SEMEN FROM EUROPE’S BEST BLOODLINES SHOWJUMPERS

ZIROCCO BLUE VDL

(MR. BLUE X LINCORNE DES FORETS) 1.70m, Grey, KWPN. WFFS - Non carrier Approved for KWPN, SF, Holst, Unire, Hann, Old/OS, BH Wherever Zirocco Blue competes all eyes are upon him with his scope, jumping style and efficiency. Under Jur Vrieling he has achieved several very impressive international results

CARRERA VDL

(CARDENTO X VANTIELS ESPRIT) 170cm, Bay, KWPN. WFFS - Non carrier Approved for KWPN, Zangersheide, Old/OS, Hann., BH Carrera is a striking and interestingly bred horse from a combination of two Olympic stallions. Sire, Cardento, won three silver medals under Peter Eriksson at the Olympics, the World Championship and the European Championship.

GLASGOW VAN’T MERELSNEST VDL

(NABAB DE RÊVE X WENDELINE VAN ‘T MERELSNEST) 174cm, Black/Bay. WFFS - Non carrier Approved for NRPS, AES, BH, Hann., SF, Holst. Glasgow van ’t Merelsnest is an exceptional and interestingly bred stallion. Sire Nabab de Rêve and grand sire Darco have both had successful careers in Grand Prix competitions to include World Cups and World Championships.

COMTHAGO VDL

GLASGOW VAN’T MERELSNEST VDL

CARRERA VDL

COMTHAGO VDL

(COMME IL FAUT X NASTASIA V) 170cm, Bay, Holstein. WFFS - Non carrier Approved for AES Comthago unites the genes of show jumping phenomenon Comme Il Faut with a performance dam line from Holstein. With Comme Il Faut, Carthago, Caretino, Constant and Roman all in a line, Comthago has the complete package of genes to succeed in both sport and breeding.

EquiBreed NZ is your best choice for all your AI and embryo transfer needs or mare and stallion fertility treatments.

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EVENTING

UNTOUCHABLE - GFE

NEGRO - VAN OLST HORSES

GLAMOURDALE - VAN OLST HORSES

(HORS LA LOI II x PROMESSE) KWPN, Grey, 168cm. . WFFS - Non carrier The success of his offspring both in the arena and on the commercial scene make it one of the most sought-after stallions in Europe in 2018. He brings strength, an outstanding canter and a winning mindset. Crowned Elite Stallion for BWP.

CONTENDRO I*GFE

(CONTENDER X BRAVO) Holsteiner, Dark bay, 168cm. WFFS - Non carrier For the fourth year in a row, he is the world’s No. 1 sire of winners in Eventing and has ranked among the world’s top 25 sires in show-jumping for the past 7 years!

UNTOUCHABLE GFE

CONTENDRO I*- GFE

DRESSAGE (LORD LEATHERDALE X THUJA) 170cm, Black, Hannover, KWPN, Oldenburg, Westfalen / RPSI WFFS - Non carrier. 2018 FEI World Champion 7-year-old dressage horses. Glamourdale is the undisputed champion of the 2014 Stallion Inspection, the Reserve Champion of the 2014 KWPN performance test and the 2018 “sovereign” FEI World Champion of 7-year-old dressage horses.

NEGRO - Van Olst Horses

(FERRO X FEWRIE) 170cm, Black, KWPN, Hannover, Oldenburg, Selle Francais, Rheinlander, SWB, DWB, Bavar. WFFS - Non carrier. Sire of Olympic, World Equestrian Games, and World Cup winner Valegro, Negro has certainly confirmed his value as a sire of top dressage talent. Negro offspring have proven tire and again that they have the talent for the FEI work and he is currently ranked 8th on the WBFSH Dressage Sire Rankings. Negro has been awarded the coveted Preferant status by the KWPN and was the 2017 KWPN Stallion of the Year.

SOLIMAN DE HUS - GFE

(SANDRO HIT X DANEA) 169cm, Black. Hanoverian, SF, Hann, OLD, BAV, RHEIN. WFFS - carrier. This stallion is considered as the best son of the world famous dressage legend SANDRO HIT by German breeders and has seven licensed sons. Winner in 2007 of the famous 2-year old Hanoverian approval in Verden and within the Top Ten of the German 6-year-old Bundeschampionatefinals, this jet black licensed stallion is, at age 11, the proud father of over 400 foals.

SOLIMAN DE HUS - GFE

GLAMOURDALE - Van Olst Horses

WE HAVE MANY OTHER STALLIONS ON OFFER Talk to our amazing team or with our registered specialist, Dr Lee Morris 07 8701845 or email lee@equibreedart.com

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Shopping guide Our

MONTREUX LADIES SHOW JACKET - The Montreux ladies’ jacket by Cavallo offers a timeless, sophisticated design. Made from comfortable bi-elastic material with a breathable mesh lining for optimal air circulation, this jacket is both stylish and functional. It features two small flap pockets and is designed to repel water and dirt. Crafted from a blend of 70% polyamide, 23% elastane, and 7% polyurethane, it offers both flexibility and durability. Available in ladies’ sizes ranging from 8 to 20, in colour options of Black, Navy, or Grey. $625.00 and comes complete with a garment bag. www.classicequestrian.co.nz

PLATINUM SIGNATURE CLASSIC BRIDLE Experience affordable luxury with the Platinum Signature Classic Bridle. Handcrafted from fine leather, it offers unmatched comfort with its anatomic headpiece and adjustable fit. Available in black and brown for Warmblood, Hack, and Cob sizes. RRP $162.00. Available at all good equestrian retailers www.arionefv.co.nz

CAVALLO SELMA BOOT SOCKS, an ideal choice for wearing under long boots or chaps. These boot socks are designed with a comfortable footbed and a thin shaft for a sleek fit. The Selma variant features a sparkling Cavallo logo on the outside, adding a touch of glamour to your day. These socks are made from a blend of 80% cotton, 18% polyamide, and 2% elastane, ensuring a soft and stretchy feel. They are available in a range of colors including dark blue, plum, midnight blue, black, and sea green. Sizes are offered in 35/38 and 39/42. $25.00 a pair. www.classicequestrian.co.nz

HORSE CROSS BODY WITH PHONE POCKET NEW addition to our popular horse print bags range, makes the perfect gift for Christmas! Faux leather with horse head detailing on front, and handy phone pocket in back. Available in 5 colours; caramel, blue, sage green, beige and black. $29.99 Available in 14 stores nationwide and online at: www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz

STERLING SILVER HORSE SNAFFLE RING - Add some equestrian charm to your everyday look. Sterling silver ring crafted with snaffle bit detail. Available in sizes 6 and 7. $39.99. Available in 14 stores nationwide and online at: www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz

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Heat b

uster

WEATHERBEETA BREEZE COMBO SCRUNCH NECK II Breathable and cool 270g outer that has a 60% cotton upper with polyester mesh panels for the ultimate in airflow, perfect for warmer months and conditions. Features a Scrunch Neck design to hold the combo neck comfortably in place with over 90% UV protection (not including mesh areas). RRP $159.99 and available in White/Blue/Lemon in 3’9 – 5’6. www.weatherbeeta.co.nz

DOUBLE HILL COLORADO LEATHER HAT Step into summer with style and comfort with the Double Hill Sun Hat. Designed to shield you in the scorching heat, this hat features a durable top grain leather brim and a cool, airy mesh top. Available in colours: Brown & White. Sizes: S - XL. RRP $118.00. Available at all good equestrian retailers www.arionefv.co.nz

al i t n e Ess

STANCE EQUILIBRIUM B1 COOL MIX This supplement is an all in one vitamin and mineral supplement for horses that contains balanced ratios of vitamins, macro and trace minerals and salts (electrolytes). It is designed to correct nutritional imbalances and deficiencies that occur in your horses diet by complementing their current feeding program. Equilibrium B1 Cool Mix contains high levels of magnesium and vitamin B1 to support the central nervous system and may aid in calming nervous or excitable equines. Available in 5kg, 12k and 22kg sizes. Available at Animal Health Direct. www.animalhealthdirect.co.nz. For more information; www.stanceequitec.co.nz

DUBLIN EVOLUTION ZIP FRONT WATERPROOF BOOTS A waterproof full grain European leather boot with leather lining and a RCS memory foam and PU footbed for ultimate comfort. RRP $219.99. Available in Black & Brown in Ladies 6 to 10. www.dublinclothing.co.nz

WOOF WEAR RIDE-ON FLY MASK Easy to fit either under or over your bridle. Also blocks up to 60% of harmful UVA & UVB rays Available in small, medium and large. RRP $64.90. www.zilco.co.nz or from your local Zilco retail stockist.

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Must have

plu t r o f m o C

COLLEGIATE COMFITEC DAINA BRIDLE Made from high quality European leather. The anatomical headpiece features super soft padding throughout and is wider shaped between the horses’ ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. Carefully constructed to avoid critical pressure points and is shaped around the sensitive parts of a horse’s face to provide optimal comfort and protection. RRP $249.99. Available in Black & Brown in Cob to Warmblood. www.collegiatesaddlery.co.nz

Discover SAFETY and STYLE with the CAVALLINO VALEGRO HELMET. Featuring a shock-absorbent hard-shell and Coolmax lining for breathability, this helmet ensures comfort and protection. Adjustable for a perfect fit and meeting the latest safety standards, it's available in black and navy in sizes: 48-61. RRP $195.00. Available at all good equestrian retailers. www.arionefv.co.nz

GRAZE - BY ELITE EQUINE NUTRITION This supplement specially formulated to address the challenges of grass sensitivity in horses. This exceptional supplement boasts a potent blend of active ingredients that have proven highly effective in managing and alleviating symptoms associated with grass sensitivity. For a comprehensive full range of Elite Equine’s products, please visit their website at: www.eliteequine.co.nz

PADDOCK FEEDER BY DUNCAN EQUINE This popular tip-resistant, extra deep, large paddock feeder is designed to reduce waste. 94cm x 94cm x 27cm high. Long lasting, reduced feed wastage. Made of High molecular weight polyethylene. $80.00 + GST. See the full range at: www.duncanequine.co.nz

Awesome

GOLD HORSE STATUE - With its gleaming copper finish, careful detailing, and expressive eyes, this horse statue adds natural beauty and charm that complements any style. Made of 100% polyresin. Size (LxWxH) 21 x 6 x 18cm. $39.99. Available in all 14 stores nationwide and on the website: www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz

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Product

Summer Essential! RESTORE BY KER TARGETED NUTRITION A scientifically formulated electrolyte supplement designed to match the composition of horse sweat. Restore™ is designed to replenish electrolytes in any situation where sweat, particularly after training, travel, racing, competition or during hot weather. Replenish electrolytes lost in sweat for working and performance horses prior to and during travel, throughout competition and after the event Assists in stimulation of thirst response and rehydration. Contains no sugar or alkalinising agents. Visit www.ker.com for the full range.

LAM-CELL TITANIUM HOODS To enhance focus and increase performance while aiding concentration, reducing fatigue and soreness, relieving tension, and improving energy. Available in medium or large. Without Ears RRP $119.90 With Ears RRP $149.90. www.zilco.co.nz or from your local Zilco retail stockist.

N EW ZEAL AN D OWN ED A ND MAD E FOR OU R CON DITO N S!

AMERIGO LEATHER CARE RANGE Ideal for anything leather, including the car and home. Soft Oil maintains the suppleness of the leather. RRP $54.90. Soft Grease protects the leather and adds grip. RRP $57.90. Soft Clean is a non-soapy cleaner that removes dirt without drying the leather. RRP $39.90. Soft Care is a detergent with a moisturising formula for daily use. RRP $61.90.www.zilco.co.nz or from your local Zilco retail stockist.

The EQUINE EYE horse camera has become the top selling float camera in Australia and New Zealand and with good reason! It is your ‘eyes and ears’ while transporting your horse providing improved safety and peace of mind. $319.00. www.southridgeequine.co.nz

MAXIA BALANCE combines vitamins and minerals in their most bio-available form to deliver a balanced formulation of micro-nutrients essential for your horse’s good health. Suitable for horses to address shortfalls in daily essential vitamins and minerals, which have many important roles to play in the body, from maintaining metabolism to building tissues and functions such as muscle contraction. To see the range, click on the link: www.seahorsesupplements.co.nz

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HEALTH feature

MASTERING

EQUINE NUTRITION

In horse care, equine nutrition stands as a cornerstone, influencing the health and performance of these magnificent animals. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the essential facets of horse nutrition, including dietary composition, forage and pasture management, digestive health, specialised diets, and the role of nutritional supplements.

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1. DIETARY COMPOSITION Understanding the specific components of a horse’s diet is crucial for meeting their nutritional requirements and ensuring overall health and performance. Key components and considerations in dietary composition include:

Carbohydrates: These serve as the primary energy source for horses. It’s vital to discern between different carbohydrates, such as starches and fibres, and their impact on energy levels, digestion, and blood sugar regulation.

Proteins: Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and are vital for overall bodily functions. We focus on where horses get their protein and how much they require.

Fats: Dietary fats are concentrated energy sources and are pivotal in activities for performance horses.

While not a nutrient, water is an indispensable element of a horse’s diet. We emphasise the importance of adequate water intake for digestion, thermoregulation, and overall well-being, and especially its significance during hot weather.

Reproductive Health: Vitamins are also vital for reproductive health. Pregnant and lactating mares and stallions require adequate vitamin intake to support the development of the fetus, milk production, and overall reproductive success.

Vision and Skin Health: Vitamin A, in particular, is crucial Many horse owners use commercially formulated horse feeds that contain a mix of grains, forages, and other nutrients to meet their horses’ specific dietary needs.

2. MICRONUTRIENTS Essential micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are critically crucial to horses for several reasons: Essential Nutrients: Vitamins are organic compounds that horses cannot produce in sufficient quantities. Therefore, they must obtain these vital nutrients from their diet.

Metabolic Functions: Vitamins are vital in various metabolic processes within the horse’s body. They act as cofactors or coenzymes, facilitating reactions necessary for converting food into energy and the proper functioning of bodily systems.

for maintaining good eyes and healthy skin. Horses rely on their eyesight for navigation, and healthy skin is essential for protection against infections and environmental factors.

Energy Production: B vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), are essential for energy production. They help convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and exercise. Blood Clotting: Vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting, which prevents excessive bleeding from wounds or injuries.

Neurological Function: Certain vitamins, like vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin), are vital for neurological function. They support nerve health and ensure the proper functioning of the nervous system.

growth and development of horses, particularly young ones. They support the formation of bones, muscles, and other tissues, ensuring that young horses grow into healthy adults.

Overall Health and Performance: Vitamins contribute to horses’ health and performance. Deficiencies can lead to various health issues, including poor growth, reduced immunity, skin problems, and decreased energy levels. Conversely, ensuring adequate vitamin intake can help horses thrive and perform at their best.

Immune System Support: Certain vitamins, such as

Minerals: Minerals like calcium and magnesium are

Growth and Development: Vitamins are essential for the

vitamins C and E, are antioxidants that help protect the horse’s body from harmful free radicals and support a robust immune system. This is crucial for overall health and disease resistance.

fundamental for bone health, muscle function, and other physiological processes. We seek to establish the ideal mineral ratios in horse diets and methods to avert imbalances. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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You can test your hay before it is baled to assess its nutritional quality. This is commonly done to determine the hay’s nutrient content, including protein, energy, fiber, and mineral levels.

3. FORAGE MANAGEMENT A crucial facet of equine nutrition lies in managing the quality and quantity of forage, including grass and hay, in a horse’s diet. Key considerations encompass:

Primary Source of Nutrition: Forage, which includes hay and pasture, is the foundation of a horse’s diet. It provides essential nutrients, including fibre, energy, vitamins, and minerals. In many cases, forage makes up most of a horse’s daily intake, so its quality directly impacts overall nutrition.

Fibre Content: High-quality forage is rich in digestible fibre, crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fibre helps regulate gut motility, preventing digestive issues such as colic and impaction. It also provides a source of slow-release energy, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Nutrient Content: Forage quality affects the levels of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals in a horse’s diet. High-quality forage provides a more balanced nutrient profile, reducing the need for additional supplements or concentrates. Adequate nutrient intake is essential for overall health and performance.

Dental Health: Chewing and grinding on high-quality forage, especially pasture grasses, can help maintain healthy dental wear. Proper dental health is essential for adequate chewing and digestion of food. Weight Management: Forage can be valuable in managing a horse’s weight. Higher-quality forage is often more nutrientdense and can help horses maintain a healthy body condition without excessive concentrate feeds, which can be high in calories.

Gut Health: High-quality forage supports a healthy microbial population in the horse’s hindgut. These microbes

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are responsible for fermenting fibre and producing beneficial substances that aid digestion and overall gut health.

Reduced Risk of Impaction Colic: Low-quality or overly mature forage can contain excessive lignin, making it harder to digest and increasing the risk of impaction colic. High-quality forage is more easily digestible and less likely to cause blockages in the digestive tract.

Variety and Palatability: Horses can be picky eaters, and the quality and variety of forage can affect their appetite and overall willingness to eat. High-quality forage is more palatable, encouraging horses to consume adequate nutrients.

Economical and Sustainable: Providing high-quality forage can be more cost-effective than relying heavily on concentrates and supplements. It also aligns with sustainable feeding practices, as forage is renewable.

4. DIGESTIVE HEALTH The intricacies of a horse’s digestive system are pivotal in ensuring their overall well-being:

Nutrient Digestion and Absorption: The horse’s digestive system is a complex process that involves breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilised by the body. This process primarily occurs in the equine gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and cecum. Understanding how these organs work together to digest and absorb nutrients is essential for ensuring a horse’s overall well-being. Fibre Fermentation: The hindgut of a horse, specifically the cecum and colon, plays a crucial role in fibre fermentation. Microbial populations in the hindgut are responsible for breaking down fibrous plant material, such as hay and grass, into substances the horse can absorb and use for energy. Maintaining a healthy microbial balance in the hindgut is vital for efficient fibre utilisation and overall gut health.

Digestive Disorders: Digestive disorders, such as colic and gastric ulcers, are common issues in horses that can have profound health implications. Research and studies on these disorders aim to identify risk factors, causes, and effective prevention or treatment strategies. Colic, for example, can result from various factors, including diet, hydration, and stress, and understanding these factors is crucial for prevention.

Portion control for horses is a critical aspect of equine nutrition and overall health management. Properly controlling the amount of food a horse consumes is essential to maintain a healthy body condition, prevent obesity, and ensure that the horse receives the right balance of nutrients.

Feeding Management: How horses are fed, including meal size and feeding time, can influence their digestive health. For example, feeding large meals infrequently can increase the risk of colic, while providing smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain a stable digestive environment.

Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for promoting healthy digestion in horses. Exercise helps maintain proper gut motility and prevent issues like colic and obesity. It also encourages the horse to drink more water, which is crucial for digestive health.

Gastric ulcers can have a significant impact on the overall health and condition of horses. Recognising the signs and taking appropriate action, such as getting your horse scoped for diagnosis or pursuing treatment, is crucial for their well-being.

Dietary Factors: Various nutritional factors can significantly impact a horse’s digestive health. The type and quality of forage, as well as the feeding frequency and portion sizes, all ensure proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Balancing a horse’s diet to meet their needs is essential for digestive health.

Minimising Stress: Stress factors in a horse’s environment, such as changes in routine, housing, or social interactions, can negatively affect digestive health. Managing and minimising stressors is crucial to preserving the health of the digestive system. Proper nutrition, feeding practices, exercise, and stress management contribute to a healthy digestive system, supporting the horse’s overall health and longevity. Consulting with equine veterinarians and nutritionists can help horse owners develop effective strategies for promoting digestive health and preventing issues. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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5. SPECIALISED DIETS Allergies and Sensitivities: Some horses may have food allergies or sensitivities, which can manifest as skin issues, digestive problems, or other health concerns. Specialised diets exclude specific allergenic ingredients and focus on alternative protein and carbohydrate sources. Dental Issues: Horses with dental problems, such as missing or damaged teeth, may struggle to chew and digest hay or grain. Their diets often consist of softer foods like soaked or complete feeds that are easier to chew and digest. Neurological Disorders: Horses with neurological conditions may require diets that support nerve health. These diets may include supplements like antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help maintain nerve function and reduce oxidative stress. Weight Management: Horses that are overweight or Performance horses expend a significant amount of energy during intense physical activities, such as racing, eventing, or show jumping. Their diets must provide the necessary calories to fuel these efforts and sustain their energy levels throughout the competition or training session.

underweight need specialised diets to achieve a healthy body condition. Weight management diets involve carefully controlling calorie intake, including increased exercise for overweight horses or higher-calorie feeds for underweight ones.

Specialised diets play a pivotal role in the health and well-being of various animals, including humans and our equine companions. These tailored dietary plans are meticulously crafted to address specific nutritional requirements, health conditions, and individual needs. In the world of equine nutrition, specialised diets cater to a range of factors, from managing metabolic disorders to promoting optimal performance.

Performance Horses: High-performing horses, such as dressage horses or show jumpers, have increased energy and nutrient requirements due to their demanding activities. Specialised diets for performance horses aim to provide the necessary energy through quality forage, grains, and supplements to support muscle recovery and overall health.

Metabolic Disorders: Horses with metabolic disorders like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s disease (PPID) are sensitive to carbohydrates and sugars. Their diets must be low in these components to manage their health effectively. Feeding strategies often involve providing high-fibre, low-sugar, and low-starch feeds to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Senior Horses: As horses age, they may experience reduced dental function, slower metabolism, and changes in nutrient absorption. Senior horse diets are tailored to support their ageing bodies. These diets typically include easily digestible fibre sources, increased protein to maintain muscle mass and supplements for joint health and digestion.

Growing Foals and Young Horses: Young horses require diets that promote healthy growth and minimise the risk of developmental issues like Developmental Orthopaedic disease (DOD). These diets provide balanced nutrition with controlled mineral intake to support bone and muscle development.

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Regular monitoring with a weight tape helps prevent obesity, a condition that can lead to various health issues in horses, including metabolic disorders, laminitis, and joint problems. Using a weight tape is a practical and valuable tool to monitor your horse’s weight if you are worried to ensure they are not rapidly gaining or losing weight. Weight changes in horses can sometimes sneak up on us, especially if we don’t have a regular means of measurement. Laminitis Prevention: Laminitis is a painful condition that affects a horse’s hooves and can be triggered or exacerbated by high-carbohydrate diets. Diets designed to prevent laminitis focus on limiting carbohydrate intake, especially from lush pasture grasses and high-starch grains. Each specialised diet requires a careful balance of nutrients to meet the horse’s specific needs while addressing their health concerns. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist is essential to create an appropriate diet plan tailored to an individual horse’s condition and requirements. n

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