Show Circuit Magazine - October/November 2020 by Show Circuit Magazine

NEW ZEALANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

SHOWCIRCUIT

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2020

TOP FEEDING TIPS TO HELP YOUR HORSE AT COMPETITIONS

SCHOOLING WITH

SOLUTIONS

JACQUE MCKINLEY

WE VISIT

LIBBY JAMES AMANDA BARLOW CHELE CLARKIN BILL NOBLE ALEX LEANDER MANDY LITTLEJOHN KATIE MEREDITH THE TOWNSEND SISTERS

Eloise Stevenson All that Glam

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WELCOME Publishing during uncertainty

What a roller coaster ride 2020 has been so far, and we have had many questions swimming around in our heads, like how do we publish a magazine about horse shows and riders when the winter season was primarily missed? We sat out our June/July issue as a result, because we did not want to compromise our standards, or pressure our advertisers to commit to the contracts when we were unsure how the distribution would look. We see them as our partners, and their financial success is just as important to us as our own. While we have managed to get photographers out around the country with the new levels introduced, we struggled with our interesting feature on Eloise Stevenson and Artisan horses. As luck would have it, we discovered the very talented photographers; Sophia Bayly as a new contributor to Show Circuit. I would also like to welcome the very talented Denise Flay to our team of photographers. What a find! After returning home from Australia, we are lucky to have her beautiful photos grace our pages. Check out Mandy Littlejohn’s article to see her work. For me personally, I have loved many aspects of lockdown (apart from missing my cuddles with my new grandson). It pushed me into rethinking the design of the magazine and tweaking it. I am never really happy (OCD to the max!), and you will see a continuation of changes as we roll out the next two issues. I genuinely hope you like what we have done so far. Despite the challenges, we are proud of this latest issue and are sure you’ll find some great reads between the pages. Young Cambridge show jumper Libby James shares her experiences working for top show jumper McLain Ward, a fantastic opportunity for any rider. We also profile Canterbury sisters Courtney, Sophie and Jessica Townsend, and discover how their shared love of horses and sisterly bond helps them to succeed in the ring. Showing rider Amanda Barlow talks about her passion for producing novice show ponies and successful season on her hack, Hot Diggity. The name Noble is well known in dressage circles. Bill Noble and his daughter, Anya, have an undeniable love of dressage and it shows in their delightful interview with Caitlin Benzie. Show jumper Dani Maurer shares her top feeding tips, to help keep horses in a routine and on top of their game, both at home and away at shows. In the training section, we cover schooling solutions for show jumping with Jacque McKinley and rider Kylee McCambridge, and you can read about how to train like dressage superstar Charlotte Dujardin. And gain a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of life as a veterinarian in our Q&A with Alex Leander. Who knows what the coming season will bring? Things are very much up in the air, but we continue to strive to bring you the best of our sport across the disciplines and to inspire you to train and enjoy your equine friends, competition or not.

Sheryll Davies, Publisher

COVER IMAGE ELOISE STEVENSON & PERCY IMAGE Caitlin Benzie Photography

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WAIATA PUBLISHING LTD PO Box 1245, Pukekohe, Auckland 2340

EDITOR

Rebecca Harper editor@showcircuit.co.nz

SENIOR WRITER Cheyenne Nicholson

SUB EDITING Lisa Potter

DESIGN

Sheryll Davies

CONTRIBUTORS Ashleigh Kendall Avedon Animal Portraits Caitlin Benzie Photography Cornege Photography Denise Flay Photography Libby Law Photography Gabi Knipe kampic.com Megan Gundesen Michelle Clarke Photography Sophia Bayly

ADVERTISING

Sheryll Davies sheryll@showcircuit.co.nz

MAGAZINE ENQUIRIES enquiries@showcircuit.co.nz

WEBSITE

www.showcircuitmagazine.com

ABOUT SHOWCIRCUIT Our magazine is published bi-monthly. 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. © SHOWCIRCUIT Magazine 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2020

OUR PEOPLE 16 24 32 38 42 46 52 58 66 72

FEATURES

46 84

TRAINING

98 Top Feeding Tips at an Event 100 Eat - Sleep - Ride

82 90

IN EACH ISSUE

Charlotte Dujardin | A Clear Path

94 Our Shopping Guide 102 Legal advice

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Jacque McKinley | Schooling Solutions

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All that LAM... Eloise Stevenson

WORDS & TOP RIGHT IMAGE - Caitlin Benzie IMAGES - Sophia Bayly

With 10,000 followers on her Instagram account, celebrating the average, slightly aspirational horse and rider, and a beautiful property and home to boot, Eloise Stevenson is showing how hard work and determination can lead to a real fairy tale life for her and her family.

Growing up in West Sussex in the United

Kingdom, Eloise began her love of horses at the local riding school when she was six. “I started riding lessons at the age of six, but in the United Kingdom recession, my father was made redundant, so the lessons, unfortunately, had to stop.” However, early in life, Eloise showed the dedication and commitment that have gone on to make her successful and went out of her way to do anything she could to keep riding.

16 16- -SHO SHOW W CIRCUIT CIRCUITMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

“For the next ten years, I rode any ponies I could find; I would ride my bike within a ten-mile radius of the village, knocking on the door of any house that had stables or paddocks, offering to help with mucking out and chores in exchange for rides. There were a couple of standout ponies amongst some naughty ones, and I remember biking to the stables in the snow before school – I was relentless with my pony dream, never quite managing to make it a fulfilling reality.”

Needs to be shot landscape with lots of room

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

“

REFRESHING A N D BEAUTIFUL. NEW ZEALAND IS

After years of a West Sussex to

London daily work commute, Eloise decided that a flight to New Zealand was the next goal on her cards. “New Zealand is refreshing and beautiful. After arriving here, I breathed a huge physical and mental sigh of relief, and as my awareness of this nation’s outdoor freedoms grew, I knew that if you guys would have me, I could never leave.” A few months after settling in New Zealand, she met her Kiwi husband, Adam. They set about building their dream life together, and of course, horses would be involved. “Othello was our first horse. We purchased him when we were dating. Adam footed the last $500 that I needed to secure him on the basis that I would teach him to ride; what a keeper!” From modest beginnings, this cremello ex pig-hunting horse from Tirau has been the most unflappable male model who has gone on to appear in campaigns for Ecoya, Remix Magazine, Fashion Quarterly, and most recently posing with pop superstar Benee. “Othello is rather ancient now, you can see him in the paddock, but he is absolutely vacant – although still a much loved and

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respected member of the family. He always stands square; he is solid! “Rua is now 19, we saved up and purchased him from the Devers in Gisborne for my 30th birthday. He has seriously been my absolute horse of a lifetime, bringing us so much joy and confidence, plus a great social life,” she laughs. “Rua’s a super reliable and safe hunter. We’ve done a bit of everything; we competed at Pre-Novice Horse Trials before I had to front up and have babies! Even during semi-retirement, he still earns his keep through his Instagram prowess which is incredible, really. I’d give anything to have him as a 10-year-old again. “Percy is six and our new boy. He’s just come back from Georgia Lawrie, where he was being schooled and doing some sacroiliac rehabilitation work. He is feeling excellent, and I’m very excited to progress through the summer on some fun outings with him. Hopefully, he’ll be getting stronger with every ride.”

Now married to Adam for ten years,

they have two daughters together, Esmé, who is six, and Georgette, who is three. Based in Taupaki, near Kumeu in Auckland, the couple has a beautiful ten acres surrounded by forests with west coast beaches 30 minutes away.

Always generous, Eloise and Adam have opened up their property to allow neighbours to ride in a safe environment in an “open gate initiative.” “A sequence of gates connect our final paddock with a group of neighbours. This keeps our horses off the roads but also gives families of horse girls living behind us a safe way to ride to our new arena.”

Eloise began her

Instagram venture five years ago. While it had little to do with horses in the beginning, it has now transformed into an absolute horse lovers’ paradise.

“I began my page when Esmé was one. A close hunting friend, Alison Fellman, initiated a vocational babywear company and, as a stay at home mum, I was eager to collaborate – the Instagram page was delegated to me. Devastatingly, Alison passed away, yet during my days with Esmé at home, I continued to document the striking seasonal changes, the beauty of the girls growing up around gentle, ethereal horses. As interest and encouragement grew, it morphed into what it is today.” Originally called artisanbaby.nz, the page has grown with Eloise and now taken on the name artisanhorses.nz, a change that she says “is still recognisably me, and I think I prefer horses to babies!” SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

“

I’M TRYING TO FOCUS ON THE FINER

WELL-EXECUTED EQUESTRIAN STYLE... D E TA I L S O F

At over 10,000 followers,

it would be easy to think that Eloise would begin struggling for content or feel a lot of pressure to be continually posting, but this is something that, with experience, she has come to manage well. “I aim to celebrate the average, slightly aspirational horse and rider. Most of my riding is simply hacking with friends, as this seems to be the stage that my horses and I are at right now. My phone lives in my pocket, and when working with a brand, I build their product or message very naturally into what I am already doing. When riding, I always shoot gear details from the saddle that I know will send my followers gaga against the beautiful New Zealand views! “There is pressure to be constantly active; the opportunity for content is ever-changing, abundant. Yet every so often I

step away for a few days. Mainly because I get too busy with home duties and focusing on family time – picking up my girls from kindy and school every day, walking home together and being present with them is essential to me.” Not only is being given the time to work her magic important to Eloise, but she is also particular when choosing which brands with whom she will work. “The most fulfilling thing about this media presence is the working relationships I share with great brands – including some of my local partners; Spurs of Counties, Jump4Joy, 4Cyte and Dunstan. I wholeheartedly believe in these businesses, and ethically they sit comfortably with me. “While I work on an influencer level with certain partners, more and more, I find that I’m delving deeper to create custom

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“

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“

R E L AT I O N S H I P S I SHARE WITH

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photoshoots that capture products with my equestrian aesthetic. “I feel incredibly lucky to work with some sensational brands like Alexa Fairchild and Aztec Diamond. A beautiful film we (Sophie Bayly) created for Rönner Design appeared at equestrian tradeshows all around the world. “If I’m commissioned to execute a photoshoot that involves hiring a photographer, there will always be careful planning. I may even budget for a babysitter to take that pressure away while I’m trying to focus on the finer details of well-executed equestrian

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“

THE CONNECTIONS I HAVE

MADE ARE SOME OF MY MOST

TREASURED...

22 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE

style. I will always make sure everything is prepared flawlessly for my clients.” Eloise’s down-to-earth attitude is a refreshing change from other Instagram accounts that often present unachievable lives for the average person. “As far as the equestrian Instagram community goes, my account is relatively small, yet my following is highly engaged, and I actively promote healthy values and an encouraging message of hard work and commitment in exchange for good lifestyle results. I’ve never resented it nor felt it a chore. I stay in my own lane, keep my horses healthy with no need to measure myself against others or make comparisons. Everyone’s

journey is unique. “On my page, you will find a supportive community of riders keen to celebrate the small wins of equestrianism. Whether that be some pretty dapples on a healthy summer coat, a first-time show or a great pair of boots, for some even just making it to the barn to visit their horse in today’s uncertain climate raises applause from friends. “Our usual mounts can still be celebrated for their presence and poise. Maybe their conformation isn’t textbook, or they will never become a noted athlete, but they are still as loved as any other. The connections I have made are some of my most treasured, and when the kids are older, we can’t wait to take off on a worldwide riding tour!” C

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L s utur F e

RIDER spotlight

Libby James

ook

to the

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES -Christine Cornege

It was a pinch me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dreaming moment for the young show jumper when she found out she had a job opportunity with American show jumping legend McLain Ward.

When Libby James makes plans, something

always seems to throw a spanner in the works. If there's one thing she's learned, it's to grab opportunities with both hands and make the most of them. Based at her parent's property in Cambridge, she's riding fulltime at the moment and completing her real estate papers. "My parents have 15 acres of equestrian property with an arena, and I live at home with them. It's

24 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE

super ideal; I'm very lucky." Riding is a way to earn money at the moment, with some catch rides and schoolers in the mix, and she hopes to have her real estate papers done in a couple of months. She's following in the footsteps of her father, who started in real estate and is now a property developer in Cambridge. "My long term goal is to get into property and see where it takes me. I think I'll start in residential and go from there."

“

I think he was bred to be a dressage horse, but he has become my one in a million, he's jumped anything I put in WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Christine Cornege front of him!”

SHOW WCIRCUIT CIRCUIT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE -SHO

Competiton image above and following page - Libby and CODICEA in the Young Rider, Land Rover Horse of the Year 2019. Images- kampic.com Below - CODICEA is happy to be hacked out around the farm. Opposite page - The other animal that has stolen Libbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart is her three year old dog; Kobe.

26 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE

She has two of her own horses and typically rides four horses a day, for herself and other people. Her father was the catalyst for Libby and her sister Madie, 17, to get into horses. He evented and played polo. "Mum met dad, and he got her into horses too. My sister and I took over, and we've done it our whole lives." Both sisters show jump competitively and are passionate about the sport. "I did some Show Hunter when I was younger, it's great for getting started and learning the ins and outs, but show jumping I love the thrill of, and getting in the jump-off is a lot of fun. I've never thought about eventing; we've always show jumped."

Libby has two

of her own horses ready for the coming season, Comanche Chief (Charlie) and Codicea (Sketch). Charlie is a 10-year-old gelding the family has owned for three years, having jumped in the sevenyear-old series with his previous owner, Daniel Webb. Daniel bred Charlie, who is by Centavos. Initially bought for Madie, she had a little trouble with him, and Libby took over the ride. "I just love him. He's a big, strong horse, definitely my type of ride."

Charlie is competing at 1.25m, and Libby hopes to step him up to Young Rider classes this season. "He's got all the scope and potential to jump higher; I'm pretty excited about him." Her special horse Sketch, a 14-year-old gelding by Dutch dressage stallion Ramazotti, was bred by Jody Hartstone. "I think he was bred to be a dressage horse, but he has become my one in a million, he's jumped anything I put in front of him!" They purchased Sketch in 2018 and Libby took him to Australia, where they spent the season based with Ross Smith at Rangeview Farm Equestrian. "We did Young Rider classes, and I did my first Grand Prix over there on Sketch. It was about moving and seeing something different. I was based and training 24/7 under Ross and rode a lot of different horses. It was about building experience for myself. Each to their own, but I learned so much and bettered myself; I think I gained from going away somewhere different." After the season in Australia, Sketch was flown back to New Zealand, along with another young horse Libby bought over there. They completed the 2018/19 season here, competing in Young Rider and Grand Prix classes. As well,

Libby bought some young horses on through the age group classes.

The opportunity to work

for three-time Olympic medallist, McLain Ward, is the stuff dreams are made of, and it happened for Libby just after Horse of the Year Show in 2019. She hadn't been planning to go overseas, but little did she know her parents and trainer, Luke Dee, were plotting behind the scenes. "I knew something was going on; they seemed suspicious. They knew but didn't want to put pressure on me at Horse of the Year. They didn't tell me until afterwards, so I could focus on the show. I think Luke organised the whole thing; he's good friends with Lillie

Keenan, one of McLain's students. "My parents told me, there's a job for you in New York, and I was like oh my God, my jaw dropped, are you serious? How does that job get put in front of me? I was shocked, but there was no way I was turning it down, get me on that plane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how soon can I go?" Two weeks later, at the start of April last year, she was on her way. Initially, she was going for three months, but she loved it so much she stayed on. "I was based at the barn in New York as a home rider and groom. Then I got to go to my first show in Virginia, McLain won the big Grand Prix, and I just wanted to stay longer." The catch was she didn't want to sell Sketch. She chanced her arm

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

Libby returned to New

Zealand in December 2019 and was making plans to go back to the States to the Wards. Her Visa took a long time to come through, and then COVID-19 put the brakes on things indefinitely. "I can't put it into words; it was the best experience of my life. I feel honoured to have done it. It was insane. They are the kindest people I have ever met, so generous and lovely." While she was waiting for her Visa to come through, she started the 2019/20 season here with Charlie and enjoyed catching up with friends and family.

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"The Visa took ages, it was so frustrating, and then COVID hit. We had to decide what was best for me in terms of my safety. The opportunity will hopefully still be there for me in the future, but we decided it was best if I stayed home." The hardest thing was thinking she wouldn't see Sketch again, having flown him to the US with the knowledge she would probably have to sell him. "It's a lot of money to fly him home. But my parents surprised me and brought him home. I'm so lucky my parents are amazing. Mum told me at HOY, and I bawled my eyes out. Now, I don't think I could see him go; he's going to stay with me forever." Long term, Libby would love to represent New Zealand or ride overseas in a Nations Cup, but she knows it's a hard road. "I think horses will be part of my life forever; I don't see myself giving up. If I keep working as hard as I can and being as passionate as I am, who knows? I just have to see where it takes me. "I see both sides. You can be

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It's easy to work hard when you love who you are working for and what you are riding.

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and asked if she could fly him over to join her. "You don't know until you ask. They said, of course, they thought it was a great idea!" Sketch joined Libby in June, and she began training with McLain. "I'm very passionate about my horses. It's easy to work hard when you love who you are working for and what you are riding. Everyone was so generous and kind. I learned it's about who you surround yourself with. You can be the best and still be kind and caring." Riding-wise, Libby says she could make a list of what she learned. "He didn't have to do this for me; he's literally the best rider in the world. The biggest thing I took away from McLain himself is how focused and driven he is. Being in the barn around that every day was amazing, right down to the small details, like what spur or bit he will use on a horse. He wants to make sure everything is the best it can be for that horse." Libby and Sketch jumped in a limited number of Amateur classes in America before her Visa ran out, and she had to come home. The highlight was winning the $10,000 Adult Classic Final at the American Gold Cup. "That was an amazing feeling. Getting to warm-up with McLain, going into the ring having such a structured plan and being so focused, the adrenaline rush was pretty insane."

absolutely on Cloud 9 with horses on the one hand and then literally in the dirt. Horses know how to level you out!" One thing she is grateful for is the support of her mum and younger sister. "Madie and I have done this together our whole lives. She's incredible and helps me out so much with my horses. I don't think I could do

it without her. Madie is like my best friend. She's a sweet, hardworking girl too." Libby also wanted to thank her adopted 'family' at Castle Hill (McLain's farm), particularly McLain's manager, Erica McKeever and her husband Lee, for taking her in and making her American experience so memorable. C

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Be part of the Equifest excitement! Are you up for the Equifest challenge? With great prize money up for grabs and an exciting schedule of jumping classes – including ESNZ series classes, Beyond the Barriers, dressage and more – there are plenty of good reasons to be part of the Equifest action in 2020!

27–29 November 2020 | National Equestrian Centre, Taupo

Enter online today at www.equifest.co.nz

The highlight of the summer calendar is undoubtedly Equifest Equifest will draw equine enthusiasts from all over the country this November 27-29 when the inaugural event is held at the National Equestrian Centre in Taupo. The new event will provide your end-of- year ‘horse-fix’ just before Christmas and pull together nearly every equestrian sector in the country. Three days of fierce competition With many of our top riders returning from overseas the competition stage is set to be one that you will not want to miss. Highlights include the Pony Speed 1.15m and the Horse Speed 1.25m in Friday’s Fixine for Equine Nightshow. Other highlights include the Pony Grand Prix and the ESNZ Series Classes, which include classes for young horses, small horses, ponies, amateurs, juniors and young riders.

The best educators in New Zealand From taking your first lesson to training to Olympic-level, education is the key to success. Prominent jumper Amanda Wilson will help you translate new skills to competition performance improvements. Well-known horsemanship trainers Russell Higgins and Ben Longwell are joined by the Wilson Sisters, Bex Tasker, Ellie Harrison and Bryan McVicar to share their methods and experience, answering your questions to solve real-life problems. Jody Hartstone, Holly Leach and Julie Malcolm will share their passion for their methods and Murray Riches will take you through starting a green horse. Not to mention the educators they are still announcing!

Shopping for horse and rider needs If walking into a tack shop is hard enough, imagine walking into Equifest where an outdoor shopping village, marquees and an indoor shopping arena awaits you. More than 120 exhibitors will fill the exhibition spaces, with everything imaginable for you and your horse. Equifest exhibitors invite you to see, touch

and try on the latest equine products. Where else can you compare products and ask knowledgeable product experts questions in one convenient place?

The perfect ending It wouldn’t be a festival without spending your evenings attending Friday and Saturday’s entertainment nightshows. Friday’s Fixine for Equine Nightshow will feature speed, competition and of course the best oncourse rivalry. Highlights include pony and horse speed classes and an indoor game of polo that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Then the Equitak Excel Saturday Nightshow will bring the indoor arena alight quite literally with memorizing horse and trainer performances, fire, music and acrobatics. Performances include liberty, trick rider, horsemanship barrel racing and even a showcase of miniature and man’s best friend – a dog!

Amanda Wilson Equifest ambassador and educator Amanda is one of New Zealand’s leading coaches and showjumpers, having competed to World Cup level. She has a passion for starting and producing young horses up the levels and has earned a reputation for her keen eye for a good horse and her gentle yet effective approach in developing horses for top level competition.

Tickets on sale now Visit www.equifest.co.nz to start planning your weekend now. Find competition schedules and timetables, read more about the educators and their training philosophies, check out the exhibitors and buy your tickets today. General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children and are on sale from October 1st. Whilst enjoying everything that Equifest has to offer, keep in mind the wonderful sponsors that have made this event possible. Equifest wishes to thank The English Saddle Company, Fieldline Floats, Equissage, Fixine for Equine, Equitak Excel, Ultra-Mox and Equestrian Central.

Holly Leach FEI rider and Waikato-based dressage coach Holly Leach features as part of the educator line-up at Equifest. Holly will be talking through her system, how she sees the horses in training, making a clear dialogue between both horse and rider and creating a happy dressage horse.

RIDER spotlight

“I just love watching them go from a blank canvas to finding their confidence in their job.”

Katie pictured with Baz (WESTGROVE GNZ)

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H& eart oul

Katie Meredith

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography

Producing quality young horses is the Canterbury show jumper’s passion, but she’s mindful of keeping the balance between enjoyment and work when it comes to her riding.

hree years ago, Katie Meredith was ready to throw in the towel on horses. But a foray on to the hunt field reignited her love of riding and made her realise the importance of having fun with her horses. Based at her parent’s Ohoka property in North Canterbury, Katie works full-time in her business, Katie Meredith Equestrian, and part-time helping her mum, who has a vet clinic on the property.

“I do a bit of after-hours work as her vet nurse. I’ve grown up around it, so I’m used to filling in.” Katie, 27, did think about following in her mum’s footsteps as a veterinarian, but horses won out. “I was going to be a vet through school. I was sitting and watching mum do surgeries from age two, and I thought she was amazing. At about Year 12, I realised there was no way you could have both a career as a vet and with horses, they’re too intense.”

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Katie and (Perry) THE PROSECUTOR GNZ, (LORDANO / GROSVENOR) competing at the South Island Championships in Marlborough.

Katie’s mum had

ridden all her life, and her dad hunted a bit as a kid, but they weren’t that keen on their daughter taking up the reins, initially. “Mum reckoned I was such an impossible toddler; it wasn’t until she got me on a horse I calmed down and used my brain. I was just addicted. My parents are very supportive, and after that, they jumped in headfirst, and here we are.” She started out at Pony Club, where her mum was the head coach, and gained all her certificates, competing at Springston Trophy and in Inter-Pacific exchanges. “Lots of people in my horsey circle are not big on Pony Club, but it did a lot for me, and I’m an advocate for it, particularly going through the certificates. It gave me a really good base, especially going and working overseas later.” Up until she was 10, Katie was going to be the next Mark Todd and go to the Olympics - she saw him as the pinnacle of success. “Then, I remember going to the Christchurch Show and winning a few ribbons at 90cm and 1m. I thought going fast was pretty cool and decided overnight I was going show jumping, and that was it. Now you couldn’t pay me to go out on a cross country course – it’s terrifying!” The family has 7.5 acres at Ohoka, and Katie is lucky her parents are happy to let her work from there. She lives in a little flat down the back of the property. As well as her horses, she takes schoolers, does a few sales and a bit of breaking in. “I break in all my own, but it’s not a part of the business I push. Mum and dad are breeding a

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few horses, and I do them. I’m also lucky to have fantastic owners I produce horses with and sell.” Her main passion is producing young show jumpers. “I just love watching them go from a blank canvas to finding their confidence in their job. I never have any issues seeing them out with someone else, as it’s cool to see them progress, having been part of it from the word go.” She takes her time with the young horses and allows them to develop at their own pace. “I don’t like the thought of rushing them as babies. I know my weaknesses, and I’m certainly not perfect all the time, but we live fast-paced lives, and with young horses, we all want to chase the series. “I try to treat them as individuals and give them the time they need to come along at their own pace. I trust my gut as to what they’re ready for and give them time, rather than trying to chase goals as young horses and have them all at the same level at the same time,” says Katie.

When her good mare was injured in her last year

of Young Riders, she was left without a top horse, and the timing seemed right to head offshore. “I retired my mare, put her in foal and went to England for a year.” She spent six months with James Fisher before starting work for John and Laura Renwick. She then returned for three winters with the Renwicks, producing young horses. “They always gave me a lot, and made sure I had a 1.30m

Katie and Jake (VULCAN GNZ) a beautiful five-year-old are a stunning combination.

Katie has had great success on (Fletch) NGAHIWI DOUBLE CROSS, (CORLANDO VDL X INDOCTRO VDL MARE)

“He won every five-year-old class he started in last season, including the National and

South Island titles.” horse, and I got so much ring experience. John gave me a lot of time, and I was very lucky.” Working in the overseas yards, the most significant thing Katie learned was that you get out what you put in. “I was a kiwi kid prepared to get in and get it done, so I found myself getting a lot of opportunities. I’m not the most talented, and I don’t have the best eye, but I was prepared to give it a go. Just listening, learning and taking in as much as you can is the big thing.” She rates one of her biggest career highlights as winning the B and C Grade Championship at the Windsor Show in England. “It was fairly unexpected but very cool.”

The main man in the stables, is Westgrove GNZ (Baz).

Now 12-years-old, Katie has had the gelding since he was three. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing with Baz, and he was a rather wayward youngster with a lot of quirks, but

perseverance paid off, and he now wins classes frequently. “He’s very special, he’s my baby,” she explains. “He’s given me a lot of confidence to produce something that’s not super easy. We thought about selling him last season, but then he won the 1.30-1.40m championship at Nationals, and we decided we needed him for another season! His owners, Pauline and Barry Quigley, are very supportive and have owned horses with me since I was 15.” Her other top horse is 10-year-old Ngahiwi Double Cross (Fletch), the only horse she solely owns herself. Fletch had wins at Mini Prix level last season, and Katie says he’s super consistent at the Mini Prix and Pro-Amateur level. “He’s a very consistent clear round kind of horse. He can go out and jump big fences on the weekend, then be on the hunt field in the off-season – he’s the safest hunter I could wish for.” She also has a number of young horses, the most exciting of which is a beautiful five-year-old, Vulcan GNZ (Jake), also owned with the Quigleys. “He’s incredibly easy and trainable, and he ticks a lot of boxes. He won every five-year-old class he started in last season, including the National and South Island titles. “He’s a lovely horse, just a lovely person, and beautiful to train. He’s going to be a lovely horse regardless of what he does, and that’s the kind of why I do my job, to ride horses like him.”

It was Fletch who helped Katie get her groove back

three years ago when she went through a rough patch. “I had Fletch, he’s mine so I could break him,” she jokes. “Off we went hunting, and we had the best season. I got hooked again, and he absolutely kept me in the game. “He was a big, awkward young horse, and I actually never liked him that much, I threatened to sell him. But then we went hunting, and we just clicked.” Now Fletch turns his hand to anything, he show jumps, hunts, has won champion Round the Ring and loves a beach outing. “He’s my mate, he keeps me sane.” While she admits she would probably never have been able to walk away from horses, a series of setbacks and injuries to her top mounts did make her question what she was doing it all for. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

“I was a kiwi kid

prepared to get in and get it done, so I found myself getting a lot of opportunities.”

Above and opposite page - Katie and Jake (VULCAN GNZ), who she rates as a lovely young horse.

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“I just felt I was falling out of love with the sport a bit, but I think we all go through that. You have to find a balance where you still enjoy it, even though you work in it. Now, I love it. “I don’t think I could ever have given up, I’m far too addicted. If I’m feeling stressed, I chuck Fletch on the truck and go to the beach. I make sure I do things with the horses that are for me – not just work.” Long term, she would love to keep growing her business and produce quality horses to a top-level. “I do it for the horses at the end of the day, but I love the challenge of running a business and figuring out how to run it better. I don’t have huge funds behind me, and I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m a bit limited in that sense. “Producing horses is my number one passion, and if I can produce horses to a top-level, that is very satisfying. Mum and dad are breeding some beautiful young horses, and I’m really excited to see what I can do with them and where they can go in

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their lives.” She is quick to point out that she hasn’t got to where she is today alone; it’s a team effort. “I have a massive support team around me. Mum and dad, my groom Sarah, who won New Zealand Groom of the Year last season, and my fantastic owners – the Quigleys, Kay Buckley, Jennie Pike and Kate Miller. It’s an expensive sport, and I couldn’t do it without them. And my supportive partner Ian, who is not horsey at all. He’s a proper city boy learning to live to in the country, and he loves it, well, I think he does anyway!” Katie is grateful to be sponsored by 4CYTE and Moores Riding Wear. C

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14 STORES NATIONWIDE SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

SPECIAL feature

CHELE CLARKIN

“Whenever there has been a hiccup in my life, I have been lucky enough to have family and friends come to my rescue.”

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Like a magpie, Chele Clarkin is drawn to shiny things. However, it’s not collecting that gives her joy; what brings her happiness is crafting pieces of jewellery to be worn, admired and loved by others. WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Christine Cornege With her nappy pin, Chele once rescued the broken fly from Prince Charles’s breeches during a polo match in Scotland. It’s just one of many tales in the colourful life of the effervescent Chele, who travelled and lived in many far-flung places with her polo-playing husband Paul, whom she describes as adventurous and never dull, and their three children: John-Paul (JP), Emma and Matthew. Life was always interesting. It was on her travels that Chele first hit on the idea of creating equestrian-themed jewellery, and she’s turned it into a successful career. With her best friend and partner in crime, Vicki McVean, Chele (short for Michelle) lives in her appropriately named home, the Happy Hare, at Mystery Creek near Hamilton.

because they were quite expensive!” On a trip home, Chele met Geoff Taylor and proudly told him about her gold polo stick. She asked if he could make something similar, as well as other polo pieces, to take back to the UK to sell. “I did that for a few years before I moved home and went to work fulltime with Geoff to help him with his business and to grow The Cambridge Collection. Our jewellery was all over the world way before it became fashionable here.” Chele believes they are one of the only manufacturing jewellers left in New Zealand to do everything, from engagement rings and wedding rings to their equestrian, rowing and bee ranges. They also do remodelling – the works. “We do anything and everything, and I think we’re

She had no plans to move, but when a fire razed her home (just around the corner) several years ago, she was forced to rethink. “I wanted to rebuild, and we were about to start. Both the boys were home, and they locked me in a room and said we need to talk. You don’t need 65 acres, you only have one horse now, sell this property and move around the corner.” She hated the house around the corner on sight but eventually realised it was for the best. Three months of renovations later, she moved in, and now she couldn’t be happier.

pretty good at it, we’ve had a bit of practice! Geoff is the master craftsman. If I want to create a new piece, I go to him and ask him ‘how do we turn this idea into a piece of jewellery?’” Chele’s role is primarily as a consultant and designer. A people person, she’s an expert in helping clients imagine and bring their ideas to life. She loves getting to know people and says they rarely advertise; most of their business is word of mouth. The jewellery speaks for itself. “It’s fantastic, though it can be stressful. Often, people will bring me a bag of old jewellery and say, “Can you do something with this? Whatever you make, I’ll like it”. “We do a lot of engagement rings, and sometimes I have to keep a secret for a very long time!” Some of the most popular items are those made with horsehair from a client’s special equine. It can be very emotional, as often the hair is from horses that have died. “Women particularly will come in, and sometimes they can hardly part with the hair; they’re so distraught. I’ve been there myself, and it’s heartbreaking. But it’s special and lovely when they come to pick up their horsehair piece. It’s emotional but also very rewarding as they have a little piece of their special horse, they can keep close to their heart, or arm, or keyring”.

The Cambridge Collection was conceived

over 30 years ago when Chele went to work with Geoff Taylor Goldsmith and Jeweller. “I introduced the equestrian range, and we called it The Cambridge Collection to differentiate it from Geoff ’s work. Over time, the two just became entwined, and we have a small but mighty team.” The idea for the equestrian-themed jewellery came about while she and Paul were overseas. “Sarah Ferguson’s mother Suzie ran off with Hector Barrantes, a 10-goal Argentinian polo player. While she was over there, she had these little gold polo stick pendants made up. I made Paul buy me one and then we had to eat sausages and mince for a month

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“There was nowhere we hadn’t been, there was always an adventure to be had.”

Chele’s amazing jewellery collection

Horses were ingrained in Chele’s

DNA from the very start. Although she’s never been interested in competing herself, she’s always loved the hunting field and continues to hunt every winter. She and Vicki and their good friends, Sally Strang and Megan Ranger, travel together to every hunt. They hunt with Waikato and Taupo, often travelling up to two hours to attend a meet but always having a ball. “I’ve always hunted and loved it, still love it. My grandfather got me into it, and as kids, we all hunted. Then my three hunted when they were little. Paul whipped for Waikato and then Taupo and loved it too.” While she was growing up in a family of six children, horses were part of life. Her dad was clerk of the course for 25 years, helped by Chele’s brother and grandfather. Her father also broke in trotters, and there were always horses on the farm. Her four brothers all played polo and are still involved in the industry, and her sister married a polo player. Chele’s brother Tim recently passed away. Sadly, she was unable to attend the funeral in England due to COVID-19, but sitting down to write the eulogy recently gave her time to reflect on their upbringing. “Our lives were crazy, with six kids in a small house on a farm. It was always Tim who used to con my sister and me into thinking it was an honour to clean his tack, roll his bandages and groom for him at polo.” Then, Chele met Paul Clarkin at polo, of course. Although a late starter, Paul was a natural horseman, and, once he started riding, he was hooked. The rest is history. “Life was always interesting and amazing with Paul. There was never a dull moment, and you never knew what was around the corner.”

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Early on in their marriage, when Paul was managing a farm and Chele was working in Hamilton at the AA, she came home to discover that he’d bought them a burger bar – never mind that they knew nothing about burgers. “It was between two pubs. We worked seven days a week until midnight on weeknights, and two am on Friday and Saturday nights. Man, did we make some money because there was no one else open!” After a few years, the travelling for polo began, initially to England and then the Middle East. The couple’s three children soon came along. JP was born in New Zealand, but when he was 18 months old, they moved to England for a season before Paul was headhunted to go to Oman. Chele was pregnant with both Emma and Matt in Oman, but she went back to England for their births. “In the summer it was too hot for polo, so we’d go back to England to play there. By then, I was a mother of three kids, so I didn’t do much thinking. I just packed the bags and the nappies and followed along, selling a little jewellery everywhere we went”. When Emma was ten days old, they were off to Spain, typical of their crazy rollercoaster life. “That was amazing. There was nowhere we hadn’t been; there was always an adventure to be had”. Chele’s youngest brother David took over their job in Oman before moving on to Malaysia, where he still works for the Sultan and Crown Prince. “I’ve made jewellery for the Sultan and personally delivered it. You can’t tell too many people things like that. They think you’re showing off, but it’s just the way it was”. JP followed in his father’s footsteps and is New Zealand’s highest-ranked polo

player. His wife Nina is the highest-ranked female player in the world, and the couple has three young children. The youngest, Florence, was born in New Zealand during the lockdown. The couple split their time between New Zealand and England, playing polo here in the summer and returning to the UK in our winter. “New Zealand, for them, is about producing polo ponies. They have about 50 horses here and, hopefully, two to three a year are good enough for them to take back to the UK”. Chele is extremely proud of Matthew, who moved to France to play rugby when he was 18 and is still there. After a hugely successful career playing in Bordeaux and then Montabaun, where he played first division, he returned to Bordeaux. He captained every team he played for and is now the director of rugby in Biarritz. He and his wife Larissa have four children. “The kids, all born in France, are fluent in French. They own the land where my house is now and have plans to build down the back paddock. I do worry the kids are more French than kiwi now so the sooner they come home, the better!” Chele’s grandchildren mean the world to her, and this year has been tough. COVID-19 means she has been unable to undertake her annual trip to visit them in England and France.

Chele’s dog, Dory was given to her by her grandchildren for Christmas.

Left- Vicki McVean & Chele have been great friends for many years. Sadly, Emma was killed in a car accident near their home when she was just 19. She had been studying law at Waikato University, and she is never far from Chele’s thoughts. “I often wonder, I think she would have been the homebody. She had a lot of really good friends, and I’m still in touch with all of them. I’m lucky they still include me in their lives. “The boys are quieter, like their dad, Emma was more like me, out-going and quite clumsy! She was head girl at high school, so popular. She was a really great kid.” In 2004, Paul died following a polo accident in England, where he sustained massive head injuries. When JP told the doctor his mum was on her way, he said Paul would not survive that long. JP assured him Paul wouldn’t dare go without permission, and, defying the doctor’s predictions, he hung on until Chele arrived from New Zealand. He passed away 20 minutes after she reached his side.

Despite the heartbreak she has

endured—surely more than anyone’s fair share in a lifetime—Chele maintains a positive outlook on life, saying she is lucky. “I can’t tell you how important friends and family are to me. It was honestly phenomenal what people did [when Paul died]. Whenever there has been a hiccup in my life, I have been lucky enough to have family and friends come to my rescue. “What on earth could you ever complain about? I had a great upbringing, great family life. We never had a lot of money, and yes, it’s nice to have nice things sometimes, but it’s not what is important. “I value my friends, and I value my family.

I’m genuinely grateful for what I’ve got. I am lucky. Emma was a great kid, and Paul was an adventurous husband. He is irreplaceable.” For now, Chele has pegged back on work down to three days a week and is relishing it. “I hope to continue to hunt if my body will allow me and to spend more time with my grandkids before they get too much bigger and don’t need Chelemere anymore! Also, to spend more time with my friends and family.” Ironically, Chele professes she doesn’t have a lot of jewellery herself. She wears a gold foxtail necklace every day, but her most treasured piece are a pendant she had made for JP and Nina’s wedding not long after Paul died with a polo stick on top, and a cube. “One side has a polo stick and diamond for Paul, one has a Tweetie bird and part of my grandmother’s ring Emma used to wear, JP and Nina’s side has a horseshoe and a fox head – Nina’s family farm is called Foxcote – and the fourth side is a rugby ball for Matthew. It’s my whanau piece, and every time I put it on, I look in the mirror to see who is looking at me. That piece is really special. “When I’m talking about Paul, I often say how lucky we were to meet such a diverse amount of people, including some of the wealthiest men in the world. But it never occurred to Paul to talk to someone with not a bean to his name any differently than he would to a member of the royal family. “He taught me a lot. He taught me to be me. He taught me never to be surprised when he came up with a new adventure and always to have the bags close by, ready to follow him on his next adventure. He taught me to be independent.” C

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RIDER spotlight

assionate about

howing Amanda Barlow

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Avedon Photography

The glitz and glamour of the showing always appealed to Amanda Barlow, and her forte is producing novice show ponies. But her first venture into the hack ring last season proved a highly successful one.

Amanda would ride ponies forever, given half

the chance. But she does have a soft spot for her first hack, Hot Diggity, who took out the Rising Star Hack and Open Paced and Mannered Hack titles at this year’s Horse of the Year Show. Hot Diggity (Oz) lives up to his name. “He fancies himself, he thinks he’s God’s gift, and that’s what I love about him.” Owned by family friend Warwick Douglas, the Thoroughbred gelding raced as Feroz until he was nine. He did one season of eventing with Warwick but was “far too pretty” to be an eventer. “He wanted to be a show pony, and he has proved his worth.”

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Having ridden small ponies all her life, Amanda initially struggled with riding a big horse. “I felt like everything was a bit disengaged, but he just went ‘whatever lady’ and went out and did it. He thinks the world revolves around him, and he’s like that in day-to-day life, but he’s very sweet as well. He’s a little bit like the perfect man!” It was Oz’s first season of showing and he took to it like a duck to water. “Warwick gave him a great foundation; it was just a matter of getting him into that show look.” Having won the Rising Star Hack title, Amanda almost pulled out of the Open Paced and Mannered title class. “He had won the Rising Star, and I thought he was a bit tired, it was a long hot week on hard ground. But a

“He’s a little bit like the perfect man”

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“I love the glitz and glam of showing, not a hair out of place – it’s a beauty pageant for the horse world.” friend saw me getting off and said don’t you dare! I didn’t see that title coming from a country mile. For a first season novice horse to win that class was just amazing.” As well, Amanda and Oz won the New Zealand Show Horse High Points for the 2019/2020 season.

Having ridden full-time for many

years, Amanda, 30, had a sea-change several years ago. She moved to Melbourne, quit riding, and embraced city life. “I had a non-animal related lifestyle for a few years and came back to New Zealand adamant I wouldn’t buy another horse.” Her resolve lasted all of three days before she bought a pony and rediscovered the riding bug. “I’m quite short and I’d always ridden novice ponies and brought them on for young kids to go on to, which has been my forte. I was back in the country, and a lot of my friends are still riding. I was teaching some young girls too, and they got me back into it.” She hadn’t planned on having her first ‘big’ horse, but because New Zealand doesn’t allow adults on ponies, she can only take the ponies so far. She decided to ride for herself. Enter 16.2hh Oz. They quickly formed a bond and enjoyed a very successful 2019/20 season. Amanda lives in Karaka, Auckland, and owns her business Express Pet Transport, transporting people’s precious pets around the North Island. The company is in its infancy, conceived and launched during the first COVID-19 lockdown, but her phone is ringing red hot. “I used to work for Auckland Airport, and the price for travelling pets on planes now is

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through the roof. I wanted to have my own business, and I had a background with pets. I decided to start the company during the lockdown, and my phone has been red hot since.” She plans to grow the business, and her goal is to expand to the South Island. “It is hard with the horses, at the moment I travel two days every eight to ten days, depending on demand.” The best part of the job is delivering puppies to children who have no idea they are getting a pet. “It’s worth a 15-hour drive just to see that, that’s the best.” The majority of her deliveries are puppies and kittens, but she also deals in mice, rats and even birds – despite her irrational phobia of them. As well, she transports a lot of rescue animals and says it is a hugely rewarding part of the job, seeing an animal whose fate was probably to be put down go to a loving new home.

Showing has always been it for

Amanda, who confesses any other horse sport discipline holds no interest for her. She was riding before she could walk, and her mum Virginia Barlow was very keen on horses. “Mum wasn’t from a horsey background, but she had the bug from a young age. “Before I was born, she saw this pony at a show and earmarked it as the pony her daughter would ride, should she ever have a little girl. Amazingly, I did end up with her when I was seven. She was my first proper show pony and the making of me as a showing rider.” That pony, Craig Roysten Pavlova (Pav),

was a 12.2hh palomino, the ultimate Barbie pony for any little girl. Pav was the only ‘made’ pony Amanda ever had. “For me, I’ve tried, but I’ve got zero interest in jumping whatsoever, any other horse sports I don’t care for. “I love the glitz and glam of showing, not a hair out of place – it’s a beauty pageant for the horse world.” Seeing people come into the showing world, and watching the children she has taught progress up the ranks, gives her a buzz. “Showing provides a good base foundation to go elsewhere in the horse world. It teaches people, young and old, ring craft. Ringcraft is so important, whatever you do with horses. It’s about being smart with how you use the arena, like do you know your horse will shy at the plastic bag in that corner? You have to be on your game all the time.” Apart from Pav, Amanda produced all her ponies. “Pav absolutely taught me to ride. From there, I have ridden many ponies, hundreds even, schooled them and competed them to go on to other kids.” She loves the schooling side of riding and, eventually, had so many ponies she couldn’t compete them all herself. She started to teach children, who rode and competed her ponies too. “It was loads of fun, and I made lots of friends having other people riding for me.” The people have been the other great joy of showing for Amanda, and she’s made lifelong friends. A group of them travel together to shows. “It’s quite social, and we all help each other out. We travel together, stay together and do everything together. Having a good support network at shows, that’s what makes it.”

“I just wish they had adults on ponies in New Zealand. If they did, I would never have a hack.” Along with her numerous titles, one of her biggest riding highlights to date was riding in Sydney at Grand Nationals in the 21 to 30-year-old rider class in 2018. She credits her mum as being the most influential person in her riding career. Although Virginia never showed herself, Amanda says she has an incredible eye. “She was a qualified riding instructor in her day, so I never really had a lot of lessons with a specific person. Mum just has an eye, she can see a good horse or a good rider, and she knows how to teach. “She’s always been my eyes on the ground. I’m very lucky; she’s my rock,” Amanda says. “I just wish they had adults on ponies in New Zealand. If they did, I would never have a hack. Oz had a cracker season, most shows he didn’t leave without a champion or reserve, but if I had my way I would ride ponies forever.”

Image - kampic.com

With the new season hanging in

the balance due to COVID-19 and Oz already qualified for Horse of the Year 2021, Amanda’s plans for this season involve stepping up her judging commitments for a little while, rather than lofty riding goals. She is also on the committee for the North Island Premier Showing Champs. “At the moment, I plan to attend what I can, what shows are running and support the smaller shows. I think this season it’s hard to know what the go is. I’m a RAS judge and will be trying to do more of that.” With the borders closed, that will mean no international judges will be able to travel here so shows will have to rely on New Zealand judges. “Oz and I had a great season, and he doesn’t need to go out and have a huge season. I’ll be putting a few shows on the back burner so that I can judge. We all have to give back, and this is my little way of giving back.” C SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

RIDER spotlight

when

pportunity

nocks

.................................

Paxton Conder

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Christine Cornege

Giving back to the sport that has offered her so many opportunities is important for young show jumper Paxton Conder. Told she would never ride again after a fall while schooling a steeplechaser, she proved them wrong and has never let the accident define her.

axton and her one in a million horse, La Fonteyn, have been tearing up the show jumping ring for the last two seasons, with a string of successes to their names, including the Amateur Rider Series and runner-up in the Pro-Amateur Series. The super consistent mare rarely leaves a show without having a ribbon tied around her neck, and Paxton says her hot, fiery nature suits her to a tee.

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Based in Whatawhata, near Hamilton, on her partner’s family dairy farm, Paxton’s role as the marketing manager for Dunstan and Fiber Fresh provides the perfect way to blend her career and hobby. Horses are in the blood for Paxton, 25, who says she has been riding from the get-go. “Mum and dad always had horses, mum used to ride trackwork when she was younger, and I took over the reins. I rode sooner than I could walk probably.”

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“I just knew she

was

the horse. She had phenomenal ping over that crossbar!

She’s a hot, mare and

fiery

I’ve always loved hot, fiery mares so I thought

she’d suit me perfectly, and she has.”

She started in the typical Pony Club fashion, progressing to the Show Hunter and show jumping rings, and riding trackwork as soon as she got her license at the age of 15. “I started out with Show Hunter, winning the Category B Show Hunter title at Horse of the Year, and show jumping to Pony Grand Prix level. I travelled with the New Zealand under 15 and under 16 show jumping teams to New Caledonia and South Africa.” Paxton never stopped competing, but it took a backseat for about six years as she fully immersed herself in track work and the racing scene during university.

Deciding she wanted to have one

more go at competitive show jumping, she got her current star mare, La Fonteyn (Elsie), and never looked back. Eleven-year-old Elsie is by Littorio out of a Thoroughbred Grand Prix show jumper, Tree Spider. She was bred by Olivia Crozier (nee Orange) in the South Island and had previously jumped up to 1.20m, though Paxton describes Elsie as relatively green when she got her. “I was looking for a horse. I had a Thoroughbred at the time and was doing a bit of Show Hunter. I was just dabbling really, I had finished university and my

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focus was on my career. But I decided I wanted to have another serious crack at show jumping.” Paxton saw Elsie at HOY in 2018, rode her and jumped just one crossbar – it was enough to know she was the one. “I just knew she was the horse. She had phenomenal ping over that crossbar! She’s a hot, fiery mare and I’ve always loved hot, fiery mares so I thought she’d suit me perfectly, and she has.” The combination has notched up over 20 wins in two seasons, so many that Paxton has lost count. Their notable results include winning the 2018/19 North Island Amateur Champs and taking out the series that season. Last season they were second in the Pro-Amateur Series, won the 1.30m Championship at the Taupo Christmas Classic and were second in the Super Series Grand Prix Final at Woodhill Sands. “She’s really clean and quite speedy. I’m not sure if she’s ever gone out and not had a ribbon. She’s that one in a million horse that you never thought you’d have.” This season the ultimate goal for Elsie is Lady Rider of the Year, as well as contesting the FEI 1.40m classes. “I would love to have a couple of Grand Prix starts, after Christmas. When I got her my plan was I would love to

Above left and top right hand page - Paxton and LA FONTEYN, at Takapoto Show Jumping in the Copper Tour 2019. Above - During the Pro-Am at Horse of the Year 2020.

“I was told I wouldn’t ride again, but I was always going to get back on a horse.”

jump 1.20m – I do horses for a hobby, not a career, and I have to pinch myself sometimes as to where we’ve ended up.” Paxton’s other mount is Dos-cervezas (Eddie), a seven-year-old Thoroughbred by No Excuse Needed, who she is bringing on. His goal for the coming season is to step up to 1.20m classes. “I got him off the track six weeks before Beyond the Barriers at Equidays last year, taught him to jump in six weeks, and he competed in that.” Dos-cervezas is Spanish for two beers. “I named him just after I got back from show jumping in Mexico, and we had spent a lot of time saying dos-cervezas!” The opportunity to compete in Mexico came about through the Global Amateur Tour. Paxton qualified at Takapoto in May 2019 and found it an incredible experience. “The culture and equestrian community over there were great. They loved the Kiwis, and their hospitality was overwhelming. It was an amazing opportunity, and I’d go back in a heartbeat. Lucy Olphert does such a fabulous job of coordinating everything too.”

The fact

Paxton is even riding again is a testament to her positive outlook and determination. In August 2014 she broke the C1 vertebra in her neck after a fall while schooling a steeplechaser. She was in a brace for six months and told she would never ride again, but that was never an option. The horse she had at the time was kept in work by someone else and, miraculously, Paxton rode at Horse of the Year Show the following year. At the time of the accident, she was in her second year at Waikato University studying towards a Bachelor of Hospitality Management. She never considered giving up horses. “That was never the case. I have never let it define me. I was told I wouldn’t ride again, but I was always going to get back on a horse. That was a phase in my life, now I’ve put it behind me and moved on. “It was a traumatic time, and it definitely puts life into perspective. It made me realise life is short, and to get out there and do it, don’t hold back.” SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

give back and make one kid’s path a bit easier, that’s cool.” “If I can

Giving back to the sport is something

Paxton makes a high priority. She does a lot of coaching, including the Hamilton Pony Club Show Hunter Champs team, and is on four committees. She chairs the Waikato Show Hunter Group, is on the Waikato Show Jumping committee, the Matamata Equestrian Group, and the Future of Racing committee. “I think it’s really important to sustain the future for our young riders. I’m really passionate about it. “I’ve had some great opportunities as a youngster, and I feel everyone should have that opportunity. If I can give back and make one kid’s path a bit easier, that’s cool. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had to get to where I am, so it seems only natural to give back.” In her role as marketing manager at Dunstan and Fiber Fresh she also initiated their young rider camp programme, which has been well received. “I really love my job. I used to work at a racing club as marketing manager, which worked in with my racing background. I’m incredibly lucky now, I go to shows on the weekends and tie in work as well. It’s amazing to be able to cross my career with my passion for horses. Dunstan is incredible to work for and have a great culture.” Recently, Paxton was named as the ESNZ ambassador for Event Ready Bodies. “ESNZ was promoting it, and I still have a few issues with my neck, I thought it would be perfect to reach out and see if they could help me – and I was the lucky recipient.” The programme involves looking at her body as a whole, the biomechanics of it, healthy eating and how her body works in its sport. It’s early days, but already they have identified areas of weakness to work on, like a tight right shoulder. “They also do goal setting and looking to the future, so it’s physical and mental wellbeing. As a rider, you are focused so much on your horse, its fitness,

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nutrition and wellbeing, you never focus on yourself. This has been educational for me, and I think it will reflect in my performance, especially if I step up to bigger tracks this season.” Paxton trains with Tors Rattray and says both she and her sister, Ana, have been influential in her progress with Elsie. “I’m also lucky to be based at Lizzie Green’s place, and she’s been great, especially with my flatwork. I do sometimes take Eddie for a hack on the dairy farm at home, but Elsie loves her arena – she’s a diva, and that’s that, she doesn’t want a bar of farm life!” Paxton is very grateful to be sponsored by Hinterland, UberSnug Horsewear and BetaVet. C

I’m so grateful for

the support I’ve had to get to where I am, so it seems only natural to

give back.”

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RIDER spotlight

“I’d had the opportunity to ride some trained horses, which was great, but it was undeniable early on that the only way to really know the subject was to train my own.”

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A of D

WORDS & COMPETITION IMAGES - Caitlin Benzie AT HOME IMAGES - Christine Cornege

LOVE

RESSAGE Bill Noble

The surname Noble is potentially one of the most well known in New Zealand dressage, but behind the grandeur of the name lives a hardworking and unassuming family with talent to burn.

Growing up in Herefordshire, Bill can recall that there

“was always a pony to ride”. His mother rode socially, mainly hunting and hacking, and Bill was quick to join the local Pony Club. “Pony Club was wonderful. We were all more interested in jumping and eventing, as kids should be, but probably had a bit more awareness of dressage because of the proximity of the queen of British dressage, Lorna Johnstone. She used to teach and judge us occasionally and would always give far more marks than any other judge - this, of course, always made us feel great!” While studying physics at university, Bill continued to ride and also “managed to win the dressage at our national championships” which was enough to be selected for the British team for the European Student Championships. This event would prove to be the beginning of Bill’s dressage dream. “The Championships were a combined training competition;

the British and Irish students would always fight it out for jumping honours – the continentals couldn’t jump to save their lives! Dressage, however, was a different matter and the final was between two German and two Swiss riders riding Swiss international horses at Prix St George level. When they came out of their tests, legendary Olympic and World gold medallist Henri Chammartin helped them with some Grand Prix work. For me watching students of my age performing work better than anything I’d seen in Britain, at a time when I thought advanced dressage meant sitting trot, was mindblowing. Dressage became the dream.” After graduating from university with distinction, Bill stayed on to complete some research but knew that a decision was looming ahead for him and his riding career. “To fulfil my dressage dream meant going one of two ways; take a job, and have horses as a hobby, or find a way of working full time with horses. The first was the logical SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

decision; the second is for the passionate. Theoretical physics I found easy, I’d always been a lousy experimentalist - still am, ask the family about my DIY,” he laughs. “So, I had to do the complete drop out from science to start a life with horses; it was not well received.” Bill was lucky enough to start his journey with Tricia Gardiner, more well-known now for her close friendship with Carl Hester and hacking of Valegro, but in her time, a member of the Olympic British dressage team and also a List 1 judge. “I was extremely fortunate in working for Tricia. She had an unbelievable desire for horses to feel soft through the rein and their bodies. She ended up taking my mad Thoroughbred Wily Imp, who I bought for meat money, to the 1988 Olympics, where he came 23rd out of 53 combinations. “At the time Tricia was training with Robert Hall, an extraordinarily gifted pupil of the Spanish Riding School. I worked for him for a couple of years initially as a rider, but I started to teach and was surprised to find that I enjoyed it. I would love to have stayed longer, but his life was starting to oscillate between England and America and my workload was becoming ridiculous - at one stage I had 12 horses to work plus eight hours teaching each day. I then worked in Bavaria, and after that spent some time with the most beautiful trainer I’ve ever come across, Herbert Rehbein – the guy was a genius and rode with almost child-like joy.”

journey as much as I did.” Bill began helping Mark with his dressage in the early 80s while he was preparing Charisma for his first Olympics (and gold medal). The partnership meant Bill became the official dressage coach of the New Zealand event team at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. During this time, Bill also began travelling to New Zealand four times a year to coach riders. After a decade, Bill and his Kiwi wife Felicity decided that they would rather bring their children up in New Zealand, so with two dogs, Bill’s Grand Prix horse Icarus Allsorts and three-year-old Anya in tow, they made the long trip down under.

“My first dressage competition was when I was seven. Ping Pong, an ex-pig hunting pony, jumped out of the arena during the test. I was so angry that I jumped him back in, finished the test, and still got 67% – at the time I thought it went very successfully!” - Anya

On his return to

England, Bill began a partnership with Tricia where he continued to develop his process of training. Over this period, he came into contact with Mark Todd - the beginning of a very long relationship with New Zealand. “I’d had the opportunity to ride some trained horses, which was great, but it was undeniable early on that the only way to really know the subject was to train my own. Without finance that meant training anything I could, the first I took to Grand Prix was a Swedish reject from a driving team. After that followed Dutch, German, and Danish warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, a Cleveland Bay, a part Morgan and more recently a part Clydie and a couple of Stationbreds. They all had their separate challenges; they all, I hope, enjoyed the

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With both parents being such talented riders, it was no surprise that Anya would be onto a horse as soon as possible. “I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember, but around five, I got my first pony. One of my favourite games was follow the leader. Mum or dad would be appointed the leader while training their horses and, completely unbeknownst to them, I would follow on my ponies trying to copy their lines – rather haphazardly of course,” she laughs. “My first dressage competition was when I was seven. Ping Pong, an ex-pig hunting pony, jumped out of the arena during the test. I was so angry that I jumped him back in, finished the test, and still got 67% – at the time I thought it went very successfully!” At the age of 13, Anya moved on to her first hack, a “spicy little horse called Buddy” who she trained through to Grand Prix. “Buddy was special and taught me so much. Although he was an ordinary, 15hh, incredibly sensitive and cold backed little horse, together we reached Advanced when I was 15 and Grand Prix at 17. He absolutely loved jumping, so we competed in all the

Show Hunter and show jumping schools events and also at the Christmas Classic. Due to his sensitive nature, I didn’t compete him hugely at Grand Prix; I didn’t think it was fair to put him under that level of stress. He now has a schoolmaster role, and I am loving watching him teach a young rider the tricks. “While I was competing Buddy, I also stole the ride on mum’s Kinnordy Gera, and we trained to Advanced. Dad at that time was riding Airthrey Highlander (Bowie) and his owner Linda Moughan kindly offered me the ride at the 2013 Auckland Dressage Champs – an amazing experience where we came away as the Grand Prix Champion.” Anya took a break from riding when she moved to Dunedin for university and “prioritised my time on other life experiences”. “Towards the end of my second year at university, I really missed the horses. By this point, dad had won Horse of the Year on Bowie, and I was offered the reins on a permanent basis. “The season became a little more challenging when the university semester began and meant I had to fly back up for Nationals, Horse of the Year and during the year to keep riding. I spent two seasons competing at Grand Prix on Bowie, and in that time I started Geronimo Star, who is by dad’s Grand Prix horse Icarus Allsorts and out of Kinnordy Gera”, says Anya After finishing at Otago with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Neuroscience, Anya decided to continue with her university education, this time at Waikato in a Master of Science, which she completed with firstclass honours. “I’m thankful for the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, which provided me with the support to compete while undertaking my masters. It, unfortunately, came to the point where I had to prioritise my increasing university workload and training Star, so the tough decision was made to step off Bowie. Having the opportunity to ride Bowie was an invaluable experience; I’m very thankful to both dad and Linda for that phenomenal opportunity. “I’ve spent the last few years training Star and also travelling a bit more. I then commenced my PhD in Environmental Microbiology. I’m very fortunate to be a recipient of the University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship and have my work funded by the NZ Honey Trust Scholarship.”

“I’m thankful for the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, which provided me with the support to compete while undertaking my masters.”- Anya

Right - Bill and Felicity’s son, Sebastian’s talents are with racing car driving. Far right - Anya and AIRTHREY HIGHLANDER at Horse of the Year. Image - Dark Horse Photography

Below - Anya riding GERONIMO STAR at Bates Dressage Nationals 2019, Level 6.

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Dressage in this household

is well and truly a team effort, everyone is involved in one way or another – even Anya’s brother Sebastian. He has no involvement with horses but provides a sometimes needed break away from dressage with his talent as a racing car driver. Felicity began her riding career at the local riding school before being bought her first pony when she was seven. “I grew up with Vaughn Jefferis and had a fantastic childhood on ponies,” she says. “I then went to university and had a gap year, but came back home and bought Flint off of Samantha Winn at Vaughn and Blyth Tait’s insistence. He was an amazing quirky little horse that I took with me to England and went through to Intermediate level eventing on. I retired him for fear of injuring himself, and he competed to PSG and trained to Grand Prix at home”. “I’ve been so fortunate to have parents that are both incredibly knowledgeable and also so supportive of my endeavours,” says Anya. “Having Bill Noble as my dad has been invaluable. He has so much knowledge and experience and, although he is not always at home as he is often away teaching, is excellent to harass with a million and one questions. “However, neither my dad nor I would be where we are without the behind the scenes support of mum. She is an integral, and often unacknowledged, part of the team. Mum is also a super experienced rider herself, eventing to a high level and training a large number of horses to Grand Prix.”

Throughout the last ten years,

the Noble’s have also been lucky enough to have the support of Bates Saddles. “I’ve been asked over the years to endorse a few things for potential sponsors, but I’ve never put my name to something I haven’t truly believed in,” says Bill. “Vincent St James won a Bates saddle at Nationals in 2008; he absolutely loved it. It started a warm relationship with Bates and New Zealand representative, David Jones-Parry. He has been incredibly kind to our family and Dressage New Zealand through the support of Nationals. Thanks to David I’m currently riding in the latest Bates saddle, the Artiste, which is just brilliant in fit and texture.” The core values that can be felt throughout the Noble household in the training of their horses is a genuinely refreshing experience; the respect for their horses can only serve to inspire all. “Although I’ve been schooling dressage for many years now, I’ll be learning for the rest of my life,” says Anya. “There is so much to learn, which is the beautiful and fascinating thing about dressage. I believe the journey with each horse is unique, and I don’t think it is fair to compare them. I value the moments when I know I went into the competition arena and, regardless of the outcome, rode the best I possibly could have at that time.” “Competitions have always been a part of training life, not to compete is to avoid a challenge,” says Bill. “Competitions keep us grounded; keep us humble. However, to chase competition success can be destructive to both horse and rider. If I’d just wanted competition success, I would have stayed in England. For me, success means feeling a horse grow in confidence of its own body and developing pride as well as cadence. The first two horses that won Horse of the Year, Icarus Allsorts and Vincent St James, were incredibly tense – I’m not sure they enjoyed the experience. However, the Clydie stallion Airthrey Highlander was proud and wonderful to ride, and for him to win a title, he wasn’t expected to, beating some smart warmbloods, was magnificent to feel. “Everyone has to decide what success means to them, whether a ribbon or whether something more substantive. I will continue trying to train horses; not only because I want to learn more, every day is a new challenge, and I’m not clever enough to coach without the input from training, but also because I love it. I have two lovely horses I’m playing with at present, and I plan to keep plodding for as long as I’m able to.” C

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Above - Bill, Anya and Felicity on the family farm. Below - Bill Noble & AIRTHREY HIGHLANDER at Horse of the Year 2013. Image - Dark Horse Photography

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RIDER spotlight

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Michelle Clarke

The bonds that tie the Townsend sisters – Courtney, Sophie and Jessica – are tight. They are each other’s biggest supporters, coaches and cheerleaders all rolled into one, and it’s a formula that’s working for them in the show jumping and Show Hunter arenas. Horses have always been part of life for the Townsends. Their mum rode, and there were always horses around growing up.

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All the girls started out at Pony Club, dabbling in most things, but these days Courtney and Sophie are focused on show jumping, while Jessica prefers the Show Hunter ring. The siblings live at home on the family lifestyle block at Darfield, near Christchurch, where they keep their horses. It’s never a dull moment, with all three studying, working to help fund their horses, and playing netball.

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Courtney A

cool head has helped Courtney to success in the ring, with her studies in psychology playing their part in the mental aspect of equestrian sport. The oldest of the three, Courtney, 21, is studying at Canterbury University and currently undertaking her Masters of Science in Applied Psychology. She hopes to become an industrial/organisational psychologist, which can cover anything from health and wellbeing in the workplace to recruitment. “There are a lot of options. I hope to do that as my career and horses as my second thing. “The psychology background helps with riding, especially show jumping, which is such a mental sport with nerves and pressure. I try to block that out and focus on me, not worry about anyone else. I’ve been able to bring that side of my life and study into my riding.” Her sisters agree that Courtney’s level head is a huge strength in the ring. Time management is critical for Courtney, and she usually attends lectures in the morning and works her horses in the afternoon. Her top horse for this season is Corofina ECPH (Ellie, pictured), an eightyear-old mare by Corofino II out of a Voltaire II mare. Purchased in September last year, the pair had success in Young Rider and seven-year-old classes, and the goal this season is to step up to Mini Prix level, hopefully after Christmas. The combination was third in the New Zealand University Series last season and won the Canterbury seven-year-old series. “We just clicked straight away. She’s got a fun personality, and we got along right from the start. At our first show we jumped 1m, so she went up the heights in a short amount of time.” Courtney also has five-year-old Cassandra GNZ (Cassie), who will be out competing for the first time this season. Initially, eventing was Courtney’s thing, but she confesses cross country got a bit scary as she progressed up the grades, and her focus turned to show jumping. “You sort of give everything a go when you’re younger. I like the competition of show jumping, not having someone judge you on style.” She rates winning the South Island six-year-old series on her self-produced horse, Adele, as one of her biggest riding highlights. Sadly, Adele was retired after an injury put an end to her jumping career, but she’s now in foal to Eurosport Kalaska. “That was the reason I got Ellie. Adele had surgery, but it didn’t work out, which was very gutting and a big setback. But I’m looking forward to the foal, and it’s our first time breeding.” Courtney says it’s hugely valuable having her sisters share her passion for horses and attend shows too. “We all really help each other – we’re each other’s coaches, help each other on the ground and at shows gearing up, in the warm-up, walking courses – everything. I think it’s an advantage having that support. We’re best friends just as much as sisters.” Sophie echoes this sentiment, adding that she and Courtney often compete in the same classes, yet there’s no competition between them – they always want each other to do well. “We’re 100% supportive of one another. With her university study, I respect her so much. She gets A pluses, comes home and rides and spends so long with each horse, then goes to work in the café. She has a great work ethic.”

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We all really help each other – we’re each other’s coaches, help each other on the ground and at shows gearing up, in the warm-up, walking courses – everything.”

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Sophie

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Competiton image Kampic.com

fierce competitive streak has propelled middle sister, Sophie, 18, to wear the Silver Fern twice already, representing New Zealand in Mexico and Bangkok. Now in her final year at Darfield High, she plans to study a Bachelor of Sport Coaching with a double major in Sport Science and Performance Analysis at Canterbury University next year. She hopes this career and her passion for horse sports can interlink. At the moment, she works her horses after school. But in the warmer summer months with more daylight hours, she will work horses before school as well. Sophie’s top horse for this season is Kingslea Kiwi (Marlo, pictured), a 10-year-old gelding by Strumpet out of Awatea Splashback, who she has had for three years. The combination has previously competed at Junior Rider level, and this season the plan is to step him up to Young Rider classes. Last season they were third in the New Zealand Junior Rider Series and won the Canterbury Junior Rider Series. Her other mount is Wild Heart (Barry), a six-year-old gelding by Eurosport Heartbreaker out of Melody. Barry was purchased last year as a four-year-old from Kate Cavanagh, and the pair competed in the Five Year Old Series, finishing fifth in both the National Five Year Old and South Island Five Year Old classes. Barry will contest the Six Year Old Series this year. A new ride for Sophie is seven-year-old Kingslea Belle-ame, who is owned by Claudia Parker. “He hasn’t been to a show yet, and the plan is to grow his confidence in the ring and see how he goes.” Sophie admits she’s a competitive person by nature, and show jumping appeals to that. “At the end of the day, it’s up to how you ride.” Career-wise, she’d like to see where horses can take her but points out that riding can be unpredictable, and she feels undertaking study gives her a good backup option. She’s already represented New Zealand twice, in Mexico at the FEI Children’s Challenge, and in Bangkok on a Junior Rider team. She also represented the South Island on a Young Rider team in Australia last year, where the team won and brought home the trophy. Having her sisters at shows is a plus for Sophie. “I wouldn’t change it at all. Having them both there supporting me and knowing someone is always on the side-line cheering you on is so valuable.” Courtney and Jessica say Sophie is an extremely determined rider and always gives her best. “Sophie is a very determined and dedicated rider. Even though I’m the oldest, I really look up to what she has achieved, riding for New Zealand. I had the privilege of going with her to Bangkok, and it was amazing watching her cope and adapt to a new horse and its quirks, and seeing her success in the ring,” Courtney says.

Having them both there supporting me and knowing someone is always on the side-line cheering you on is so valuable.â&#x20AC;?

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Jessica T

he perfection of the Show Hunter ring is the draw for youngest sister, Jessica, 15, and she has just moved on to her first hack after a hugely successful 2019/20 season with the super pony Tallyho Neptune (pictured). Jessica is in Year 11 at Darfield High and also plans to go to university after school, though she’s not yet sure exactly what she’ll study. Like Sophie, she rides her horse after school, and both sisters have a part-time job at a restaurant four to five evenings a week to help fund their horses. As if things weren’t busy enough, all three siblings also manage to fit in playing netball in winter. Last season was a dream one for Jessica, enjoying huge success in the Category B classes with the lovely Tallyho Neptune (Nemo). Together they won the Category B New Zealand Series, the Children’s Equitation New Zealand Series, the Category B National title, the Category B South Island title and the Canterbury Pony Points Prize (over all categories). Nemo was previously campaigned in the show jumping ring for three years by Sophie, with a lot of success at Mini Prix level. He has now gone to his new home in Auckland, a sad day for the family. “He was really cool, and it was hard to say goodbye. He was part of the family – part of the furniture.” When Jessica initially took over the ride from Sophie, she tried show jumping, but found she preferred Show Hunter. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I like doing a round and looking at what I can improve on. I like the calmness of it. I’m not that good with keeping my nerve, and I find it (Show Hunter) is a bit more chilled.” Jessica recently got her first hack, Pinstripe (Telly), a six-year-old gelding, which she plans to campaign in the Show Hunter ring this season. “We bought him sight unseen four months ago, during the lockdown. We saw his video and liked his rhythm. I will do the Junior Rider series on him and aim to have good consistent rounds, and keep him happy.” Courtney agrees Jessica is definitely a perfectionist and says she creates a good rhythmical canter and looks very polished in the ring. Jessica says she looks up to her big sisters and appreciates that they are always there to help her. “It’s great to watch them and how they deal with things because not everything goes to plan with horses! How they ride is quite inspirational.” The sisters say they are lucky to have such supportive parents. Their mum is an invaluable set of eyes on the ground, while their talented dad built their horse truck. Courtney, Sophie and Jessica are grateful to be sponsored by Coprice, Equine-America NZ, Canter for Cancer and Peak Performance Equine. Jessica is also sponsored by The Art of Michelle Clarke. C

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“I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I like doing a round and looking at what I can improve on. I like the calmness of it. I’m not that good with keeping my nerve, and I find it (Show Hunter) is a bit more chilled.”

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SPECIAL feature

& with Alexandra Leander - BVSc, MPhil Like doctors to humans, veterinarians are exceptional human beings who dedicate much of their lives to the health, welfare and care of our equine friends. We caught up with associate veterinarian at Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, Alex Leander to find out a bit more about the person behind the stethoscope. WORDS - Cheyenne Nicholson IMAGES - Christine Cornege

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What attracted you to equine veterinary medicine over other professional careers? I was determined to become an equine veterinarian my whole life. Growing up in Sweden and accompanying my grandmother on her work trips as an AI technician for cattle, I was fascinated by the liquid nitrogen and how she could make calves from those tiny little straws of frozen semen. I also spent any free moment outside school on a standardbred stud farm close to my grandparents. They had a great veterinarian attending who patiently answered all my questions and encouraged my interest in equine reproduction.

You’re originally from Sweden; what age did you move to New Zealand and why? I was only 21 years old when I came to New Zealand in 2001. I was travelling and working for a while then I decided to start veterinary school at Massey University in Palmerston North. I’ve been here in New Zealand ever since. I’ve got two beautiful Kiwi kids; Anja (12) and Henrik (9), so I consider myself a ‘Swiwi’ now. I get the best of both countries. I hope it won’t be too much longer before we can revisit our Swedish family. We miss them!

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What’s the most significant advancement for veterinary science in recent years? When you were young, what did you aspire to be when you grew up? An equine veterinarian, of course!! I also had a period where I wanted to become a nuclear physicist and work with atoms at the Cern laboratory in Switzerland. I think though if I weren’t a veterinarian, I would be an architect. I love architecture and buildings and dabble in home renovations and upcycling and mixing my Scandinavian style with vintage finds.

Tell me about your first memory of being around horses? One of the farm girls next to my grandparents’ house had a big chestnut mare called Julia and one sunny day she chucked me up on her back in the middle of the paddock, and I just sat there for what felt like hours, in the sun on a broad, warm back sniffing that amazing horse smell. She was grazing and didn’t put a foot wrong, and I felt on top of the world. I think I was four or five years old.

Veterinary medicine is such a neat field of research because of the variety of species and peculiarities of different animals. For research advancement in equine reproduction in recent years, it is now common to do advanced reproductive techniques like embryo transfers and ICSI (equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which is in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and creating of the embryo in the dish. This technique has proven to be a very useful tool when trying to save rare equine breeds and whole species of animals like the white rhino facing extinction.

What are the best parts of attending veterinary school?

Massey University has excellent facilities and it becomes like a second home. There is also a great camaraderie within your class. Some of my best friends I met during my years at Massey. Teachers are generally incredibly supportive, and some of them are quite inspirational! And others are, well, not so much. But it is what you make of it, take all opportunities to learn and engage in student activities and sports and life in general. Your farm and practice placements are an excellent chance to meet new people and extend your network and veterinary knowledge.

What is the most challenging part about attending veterinary school?

There is a lot to learn, and you have to be focused and work hard to get there. Because of the selection criteria, only the best students with a balanced view of work and life will get in.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Massey University has excellent facilities and it becomes like a second home. There is also a great camaraderie within your class.â&#x20AC;?

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Can it be emotionally draining being a veterinarian sometimes?

We deal with life and death daily; it’s a big responsibility. I get very attached to both patients and clients, and it can be very hard if you lose a patient despite doing your absolute best to fix it. I will think it over and over and over again, what was going on, could I have done something differently? We have an excellent team of veterinarians at the clinic, and we discuss cases together and help each other where we can. It’s a natural instinct, but sometimes it is too much as clients and friends or acquaintances don’t respect the time off, and it does impact on the “normal” life. I’m also fortunate because I get to create life and one of my absolute best moments at work is when I get to look at a perfect and beautiful seven-day-old embryo and think that this little dot, will be a foal in just over 11 months. I’m totally amazed over this “miracle” every time.

How do you relax and recharge?

To feel relaxed, I need a change in location, and to get off the farm. Being Swedish I absolutely love the snow, so we go skiing as often as we can during the winter season. My absolute highlight of 2020 was to go to Japan skiing with some girlfriends. Amazing powder, culture, food and friends, Japow!!

“We deal with life and death

How do you deal with those emotionally challenging times?

I deal with it by talking (too much!) with friends and mainly with my partner Nick. He understands the demands of my job, and he just gets it. He owns a Thoroughbred stud farm and having that support and backup from him means a lot to me. Sometimes, I see other veterinarians struggle because they bottle it all up and don’t talk about things, and that worries me. As a profession, we have poor retention rates and sadly, a high rate of suicide. No problem is ever that big, and by sharing it and being supportive to colleagues, I hope we can change this in the future.

daily; it’s a big responsibility.” Do you manage to find time to ride yourself?

Sometimes I do, and I enjoy and treasure the times when my friend Lee and I manage to go to Waihi Beach for a ride. I get my adrenalin fix by hunting with the Waikato Hunt and am so lucky to have two great hunters: my big boy Zeus and Hush. I just love that we get to ride on these farms and see some beautiful New Zealand country and I’m hugely grateful to the landowners for giving us that experience.

You completed an MPhil degree investigating different sources of stem cells as a treatment for lameness conditions in horses, what about this line of research appealed to you?

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I’ve always had a curious mind, so research is a way to express that and also a part of veterinary continuing education. Cell culture is a mixture of biology and chemistry, and it always sparked an interest to work with living things, be it stem cells or embryos or live animals. Lameness issues are such a big part of performance horse work and to improve healing of these injuries is such an advantage for the patient and trainers and owners.

Who’s been the most significant mentor in your career?

Several vets have been supportive and believed in me during my career, but I can’t pick a specific mentor. I try to give back to the profession by being the Secretary of New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association and lobbying and doing work for our members. I also support the equine industry by being on the committee for the Waikato branch of Thoroughbred breeders. Breeding horses is truly a passion of mine, my work, and my hobby.

Rural and Equestrian Construction

What is the most bizarre thing you have seen in your practice?

I attended an emergency one evening where a horse float with two horses on had been stolen and there was a police chase through town. One of the horses was down and stuck at the front of the float. When I arrived on the scene, there were several policemen with large guns and the fire brigade on standby with power tools to cut the float into pieces. It was just surreal, and none of those big boys knew how to calm or handle the horses. So, there was little me telling them all what to do and how to keep everyone safe. We got one horse off safely but the other horse that was down, unfortunately, didn’t make it, which was very sad for everyone.

“ Sometimes I see other

Like most things in life, it’s the last 5% that makes all the difference; we push ourselves to achieve those final details and aim to exceed expectations.

veterinarians struggle because they bottle it all up and don’t talk about things,

Country homes

and that worries me.” Barns

You’ve got a lot on the go, how to find a balance between all parts of life?

I’m lucky that my job at the clinic is sometimes flexible and on occasion, I can duck out to watch the kids run cross-country or even squeeze in an interview with Show Circuit! I try always to do my best. I do feel a great sense of achievement by keeping on top of it all. But sometimes my washing pile is enormous, I wear mismatched socks, and I will often forget that the kids had a shared lunch at school. But I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff anymore and that those things don’t matter. What does matter is to have time to be there for children, friends, and family. I sleep very well too. Good sleeping is so important for how much you can achieve the next day. C

Stables

09 947 9178 021 722 578 laurad@harrisonlane.co.nz www.harrisonlane.co.nz

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RIDER spotlight

D O WN From an early age, Mandy Littlejohn knew that horses were the way to go for her. After leaving school at 16 she proceeded to make a career for herself that has successfully covered multiple disciplines and countries.

WORDS & COMPETITION IMAGES - Caitlin Benzie AT HOME IMAGES - Denise Flay Photography

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orses have always been a massive part of Mandy’s life, right from the very beginning of her story. “My mum ran a riding school in the UK before immigrating to New Zealand,” she says. “I was obsessed from a very early age and was riding mum’s little horse around the paddock off the lead at age three. At that point mum thought she had better get me a pony more my size. The purchase turned out to be a Shetland who was a cheeky little character, and he bucked me clean off on more than one occasion.” From this cheeky little pony, Mandy progressed up the sizes to end up with Eclipse, a rather remarkable pony who she went on to win the New Zealand Pony Club Association Eventing Championships DC Trophy in 1983. “I absolutely loved jumping and eventing, I competed at the NZPCA Eventing Championships three years in a row and also represented New Zealand in Adelaide with the NZPCA Eventing team – this was a massive standout experience in my career.” The decision to leave school at 16 was a relatively easy one for Mandy, with a pretraining business already in the wings and a strong idea of where she wanted to go in life, there was definitely no room for school.

“I started my business pre-training racehorses so they would be ready for the trainers. I would get up and ride a few before school, and then do the same again when I got home – basically, I had to leave school so I could get all the horses worked,” she laughs. “I had about eight racehorses in at the time, plus my eventers, that’s when I decided I no longer had time for school. “I continued with the eventing theme through the grades on several different horses up to Intermediate (current 3* level), but it was there I reached my limit of bravery.”

Super-mum, Pam Roberts has been

influential not only in Mandy’s equestrian journey but also in the creation of young dressage and eventing horse competitions in New Zealand. “Mum founded the ‘Young Event Horse’ class which she ran for ten years at the Bell Tea Taupo Three Day Event, and she also did the same with the ‘Young Dressage Horse’ competition, which she ran at the Karaka Horse of the Year show. With being originally from the United Kingdom, her and Dad (Steve) used to return every couple of years – this is where she saw the competitions and thought what a great idea for New Zealand. She then took it upon herself to gather all of the information

needed to bring them back home and got them up and running with several big sponsors. Through all of this, she was also heavily involved in running dressage competitions at a national level.” With a move to Whanganui from Wellington at the age of 11, Mandy has been incredibly lucky to set up her equestrian base with her husband Richard on her parent’s property. “We’ve just kept adding to it as needed, more yards and so on, now we need more arena mirrors, which is my next project. “We have a small but extremely supportive team, my parents are amazing, their support over all these years has been incredible, and my friends Janette and Kim are always there to help me out. We all have our part to play in running the yard, and we’ve got it down to a pretty smooth operation.”

Richard and Mandy’s love story could come from the pages of

a romance novel, with Richard quite literally being the boy next door. “We caught the same school bus all through high school, and after leaving school, we went travelling to Europe and ended up getting married in London.” During her and Richard’s time in Europe is when Mandy began to specialise in dressage, training with Olympians; Jennie Loriston-Clarke who achieved a bronze medal at the 1978 World Championships riding for Great Britain (as well as competing at 1972, 76, 84 and 88 Olympics), and Sandy Phillips. who represented the United States of America at two World Championships and one Olympics before becoming a British citizen and representing Great Britain at the 1998 World Championships. “I spent 18 months training with the two of them, both yards were very professional, and it was a huge learning curve for me at only 21

We caught the same school bus all through high school, and after leaving school, we went travelling to Europe and ended up getting married in London. years old. There was a famous Romanian/German dressage trainer called George Theodorescu who came to the UK to train Sandy, and I was fortunate enough to ride her young horses in front of him and also get lessons. He was so different from our New Zealand trainers, the discipline of the Germans is amazing; a whole new world was opened up to me. When we came home to New Zealand, I purchased my first Hanoverian, and the dressage journey continued.”

“I purchased Charlton High Brow as a two-year-old, and with

him, I went on to win the PSI World Challenge in 2003, I also won in 2004 with Jahan – both years meaning I got to travel to the PSI Stables in Germany to compete at the finals as a derby rider. It was a massive experience and one I’ll never forget. Clemens Dierks was my trainer at the time, and he came over with me to Germany, which was fantastic as he knew everyone at PSI and it was great to have his support.” While Charlton High Brow may have made it through to Grand Prix, Mandy is still steadfast in her belief that Jahan has been her most successful horse to date. Above left and this image - Mandy and DOLCE VITA RB competing in Level 5 at Horse of the Year 2020.

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to be a part of the Carl Hester Masterclass held at the final Equidays in 2019. “It was such an honour to work with Carl at Equidays, and very nerve-racking. The atmosphere and the crowd were a lot for the young horses to cope with, but Dolce Vita was a star. Carl has a way of making you feel at ease in these situations, so I absolutely loved it. We worked on transitions for the young horse, and I came away with plenty of valuable advice, the number one was to raise your standards. “I absolutely love Carl’s teaching style; his system has the perfect balance of structure and discipline, and he has an incredible eye for detail – it’s like no other. For me, he is the ultimate professional, but at the same time is a genuinely nice guy with a great sense of humour.” Throughout the years ML Equestrian has morphed from

“My lovely gentle giant Jahan (Jaguar/Witzbold) was purchased from Eric Ropiha as a yearling, and I trained him all of the way through the grades. He went on to win the Burkner Medal and was the Grand Prix Champion at the New Zealand Bates Nationals in 2005, and he was also selected onto the New Zealand High Performance Squad – none of which I ever saw coming as a gangly yearling.”

Mandy’s current team can in no way be put aside by her previous

achievements, and they show her as an incredibly strong prospect for inclusion on a future High Performance Squad. “I have four horses making up my current team, one out and about competing and three up and coming young horses. Dolce Vita RB is an 8-year-old mare bred by Rocky Bay Stud. She is by Doringcourt and out of Spunky Chic (Thoroughbred). I purchased her as an unbroken 3-year-old and have trained her through the grades. So far we have competed up to Advanced Medium (Level 5) and are now looking to have our first start at Advanced (Level 6) in October. “The first of the young stock is Valentino O who is a rising three-yearold gelding bred by Ohautahi Stud. He is by Vitalis KWPN and out of Bluefields Lady in Red (Swarovski) and is to be started in October – he’ll be the newbie learning the ropes this season. “The next two young horses are super special to me as they were both bred by myself at ML Equestrian. Franklin ML is a rising two-year-old by Fugato and out of my Elite Grand Prix mare Angeleen (Anamour), he has incredible talent and temperament so will be a lot of fun. Finally, we have Fortino ML, who is eight months old and a full brother to Franklin.” As is the case with quite a few of our top dressage riders in New Zealand, Mandy has been under the guidance of Vanessa Way for many years. “My very good friend and coach is Vanessa Way. She has developed a great system over the years, and I find it very clear for the horse, with no confusion they’re able to learn in a stress-free environment. Vanessa very kindly invited me to share lessons at her lovely property in Taranaki with her mentor Carl Hester – and also Charlotte Dujardin, Katie Bailey and Dan Greenwood, to name a few. Vanessa is a very supportive, motivational coach and gives me plenty of inspiration to keep improving as a rider – we all need a Vanessa in our lives.” Mandy was also lucky enough to be selected through video application

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pre-training racehorses to coaching and training dressage horses and riders. “I love coaching and doing clinics, and I also do plenty of lessons here at home. I take horses in for training, and I enjoy breeding and handling the babies. I can’t call it work; I feel so fortunate to be able to follow my passion every day and gain the knowledge and experience to help others on their journey. During the lockdown, I completed my NZEF Performance Coaching Certificate, and it was perfect timing as I couldn’t go anywhere, so I just studied every afternoon and got it done. It was great to reflect on all the theory, I’ve found it has helped my riding and coaching in many ways. “Dressage is such a technical sport and has many challenges, but for me, it’s the most rewarding. When you breed your own horse and train it to the highest level, there’s quite a sense of achievement - and then you just want to do it all again and make it better. Even after taking four horses to the top level, I still have so much more to learn, it’s never-ending, that’s why I love it so much.” C

It was such an honour to work with Carl at Equidays, and very nerveracking! The atmosphere and the crowd were a lot for the young horses to cope with, but Dolce Vita was a star! Carl has a way of making you feel at ease in these situations, so I absolutely loved it.

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NOW

1999

TRAINING clinic

SCHOOLING

WORDS Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES Show Circuit Magazine

SOLUTIONS for show jumping The Trainer:

Jacque McKinley is a full-time coach based in Auckland. While she has coached all over the world, she is happy to be based at home and has a talented and loyal group of pupils. Jacque is the official Equestrian Coach for St Cuthbertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College and is a National NZPCA coach.

The Rider:

Kylee McCambridge bought Oscar, a 12-yearold Thoroughbred gelding when he came off the track, together they won or came second in most of their horse trials. The pair won their last start at two-star level. Kylee had a short break after she had her first child, since then, she has turned her focus to show jumping. Kylee and Oscar compete in the Pro Am classes and have competed to 1.40m.

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“Preparation is half the battle. This also applies to jumping exercises for horses – ‘just do it’ is not the right strategy here.”

“Self-confidence – both the horse’s and the rider’s – is something not to be underestimated in show jumping.”

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BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED - FLATWORK FIRST EXERCISE ONE:

Stretch it out In the warm-up, Jacque encourages Kylee to stretch Oscar down, active and pushing from behind and loosening his back. “If the horse comes out and is a little spooky at the beginning, then you might not be able to stretch so much, but it is what we want to be aiming for in the warmup”, Jacque explains. “I love to see their ears go floppy, that’s when I can tell they are relaxed, soft and forward. “You can use flexions inside and outside to soften and connect him more too, just getting his body nice and supple”, she says. “We just really want to find and feel the rhythm that’s correct to allow him to stretch, feel him coming through from behind and the flexion helps him move, open and soften through the shoulder, the flexion will help that.” When he is in the stretch and working in nicely, he takes a larger step with his forearm too. “That’s looking gorgeous, very smart”, she praises.

Reminder:

Keep your back soft, your elbows elastic, and that will promote the elasticity of the contact. Make all your flexion aids and movements smooth.

EXERCISE TWO:

Transitions, transitions, transitions Once Oscar has worked through the stretch, Jacque instructs Kylee to ride some trot canter - trot transitions down the long side. You could also ride this exercise on a circle. Transitions help the horse loosen the back and ensures he is on the aids and listening. Before asking for the canter transition, make sure you have a good active and balanced trot. You must take care of the trot first and set your horse up to succeed. If the trot is too slow, he will find the transition

TROT

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hard; if it is too quick, then the transition will be unbalanced and rushed. Once in canter, ensure it is balanced and active and make a trot transition. For greater difficulty, you could do this down the long side or off the track and ride a transition up into counter canter, or for a more straightforward exercise ask for the same canter lead again. Ride a few strides and then ask for another transition. You can never do too many transitions, so don’t

CANTER

rush through this exercise! Do it right and see it through. For a harder exercise, you can ride transitions within the canter. Bring him back into a more collected stride for a few steps before opening the horse up and forward again. This exercise builds strength and power behind which is only going to be beneficial when you move onto your jumping.

TROT

EXERCISE THREE:

Lateral work helps straightness "An excellent exercise to help his straightness in the canter is to ride shoulder-in and the leg yield. An added beneficial exercise is to adjust the angle in both movements which will help his suppleness", Jacque explains. To begin Kylee rides in canter down the three-quarter line and asks Oscar to leg-yield back to the track. When teaching your horse leg-yield, it is always much more comfortable to ask them towards the track as they will naturally want to go back to the wall. As the training progresses, then you can ask them to move away from the track and in time, across the whole diagonal. Kylee makes sure she is riding a diagonal line positioning his shoulders slightly over to the direction of travel. She pushes her inside leg on the girth to guide him over. Resist trying to make the angle too steep; the main goal is that your horse steps across and under with his inside hindleg, which encourages him to take more weight behind and helps his balance. Like the transitions, this is a fantastic strengthening exercise which is only going to help your jumping. "Oscar has a fantastic attitude to his work", Jacque says.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your horse speeds up rather than go sideways, use your outside rein to half-halt and re-balance him.

Half halt on outside rein to keep shoulders straight Leg aid behind the girth

TOP TIP Before starting these exercises, your horse must be reactive to your seat and leg aids â&#x20AC;&#x201D; these are vital for balancing your horse. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

EXERCISE FOUR:

Pole work on at 20m circle Next Jacque has Kylee move onto riding Oscar over some canter poles set up on a 20-metre circle. The poles are set up three strides apart at each point of the circle (12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock). However, it is possible to make this exercise more comfortable to begin by starting with two poles (12 o’clock and 6 o’clock), then three and then adding a fourth. You could also set them up on a bigger circle. Don’t be fooled- this exercise is harder than it looks! It requires the rider to keep good control of the horse’s shoulders to maintain the correct line, and it is fantastic to practise for the turns and necessary shoulder control that come with jumping a course. “You should aim to be riding this exercise smoothly with an even number of strides between the poles”, Jacque guides. “You need the control of the horse’s shoulder using the outside rein and leg when

he drifts out and use the inside leg if he drifts in. Avoid steering and pulling your horse around the circle with your reins; use your seat and body.” She also cautions to ensure the horse is on the correct lead, with the correct inside flexion and that he is supported and well balanced by the rider. To ride an even three strides it really is essential to take care of these basics, if he is drifting out then the number of strides will be higher, drifting in and you will lose strides between the fences.

thr ee s

thr ee

s ide str

es rt id

th r e es t

es rid

des ts ri e

Pole work on a 20m circle

thr e

To increase the difficulty of this exercise, you could work on adjusting the number of strides between poles, for example, you could ride four strides for more collection.

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Working on any curved pattern is especially good for a horse with some cavaletti experience. This will give your horse a stronger workout: use the cavaletti to improve your bend and encourage your horse to step under better with the inside hind leg.

EXERCISE FIVE: tram tracks Jacque has set up two oxers, four strides apart with two poles placed in the middle for the horse to canter through. The poles placed in this way ensures the horse stays straight through the combination to the second fence. “Centring and straightening the horse between fences makes sure they are more regular with their distances, and we have built this combination so it can be jumped from either way”, Jacque explains. “Many riders have lovely accuracy to the fence, riding a nice straight line, jump the fence and then canter off without a thought, losing the line”, says Jacque. “If your horse can land and automatically think ‘straight,’ especially in a combination; it is one less thing for you to worry about when competing.”

Tram Tracks

four strides between

Oxer with ground poles & fill under the fence. This can be ridden each way

Tram Tracks

Oxer with gound poles each side, can be ridden each way

To increase the difficulty of this exercise, you could also combine it with exercise one. Ride straight away from the fence before asking for a quarter pirouette and then riding straight again. If you or your horse have not ridden through poles on the ground before, Jacque suggests placing the poles and then walking through the exercise a few times until your horse understands. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

EXERCISE SIX:

Cones for accuracy It is essential to practise and perfect the basics at home so that when you come to jump a course of fences at a competition, you are well prepared with your horse listening to your aids. Some horses will anticipate the fences by cutting corners or going too wide. If your horse drifts, it affects both his balance and the line to the fence, changing your stride pattern and your approach to the jump. If he drifts in, it means you have less space and may have to put in shorter strides to make the fence. Alternatively, if he drifts out, you’ll have too much space and will need bigger strides to make it to the fence. Either way, when your horse is unbalanced, you’re more likely to have the fence down. Jacque has an excellent exercise with the cones to assist with these issues. Jacque prepares an ‘S-line’ exercise which involves jumping three fences in an ‘S’ shape, incorporating two dog legs. It is essential to set the fence height appropriate to the horse and rider. Using the same skills practiced in the pole exercise, Kylee needs to ride the correct line through the combination, ensuring that you get the first fence right; otherwise, the second and third parts will be affected.

1. Fill 2. Vertical 3. Fill

Falling in shortens distance

Drifting out lengthens distance

Correct line

TOP TIP It is essential to ride the correct line from the ﬁrst fence in the ‘S-line’ exercise; otherwise, the following jumps will be affected.

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How to ride it: Start by jumping the first fence on a straight line — ensure that the last two or three strides are straight into the middle of the fence and that your horse is balanced. As soon as you land, look up to the next fence and make the turn through the cones to the middle element using your legs to keep your horse on the right line. On landing, look up to the third element, once again using the cones to guide you through the turn. The key to mastering this exercise is to stay centre to centre of each fence and break the turn down into two straight lines — so, for example, three strides in a straight line away from the first fence, then a turn, and then three straight strides to the next. Once again, it’s vital to turn your horse from your leg, not your hand. It’s also crucial that he’s listening to you — you are changing direction after each fence, so he must be in tune with your seat, all things we practised in the pole exercise. “He needs to stay in balance, correctly change his leading leg each time and stay locked on to the next fence”, she says. “Kylee remains balanced and still so that Oscar doesn’t anticipate the next fence and change the line.

EXERCISE SEVEN: Jumping a course Jacque has a course prepared for Kylee to test the skills they have just practised. She encourages her to look for her jumping line and focus on rhythm and line flow to give Oscar a great ride through.

Advice for riding a course: Take up the canter and look for your jumping line. On landing, be looking for the next fence early. It’s not a race at this stage, so take your time. Use the whole arena and concentrate on your horse’s strides. How does he feel? Is he rushing? Is he lazy? Focus on your rhythm, keeping it as consistent as you can. Once you’ve completed the course, try it again on the other rein if you feel ready. This exercise can be ridden in different sequences

2 To increase the difficulty of this exercise, have a go at altering your strides, just as you did in the previous exercise, figuring out how you can make the course work best for your horse.

TOP TIP 1. Vertical 2. Oxer 3. Fill 4 Vertical

There are some things that are constant. The balance of your canter and the forwardness of your canter.

Cooling down is as important We often don’t give our horses enough time to recover after their work routine. Before you walk back to the stables remember to make sure your horse’s breathing and heart rate are fully back to normal and he has been allowed to stretch his neck and back. This phase will allow the muscles to cool down gradually to prevent the build up of lactic acid that will cause sore muscles and stiffness. C

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TRAINING clinic

Train like

Charlotte

Having a clear plan will ensure that you keep your horse’s training on track, but it can be easier said than done. If you’ve fallen into the trap of riding the same exercises time and again, dressage superstar Charlotte Dujardin will help you to regain your focus.

IMAGES - Matthew Roberts

“All horses can do tricks,” says Charlotte. “They’re easy, but you have to have the basics in place.” The key is to keep your horse straight, supple and responsive. Once these basics are in place, you can do almost anything.

In front of the leg

One of the first things you need to work on is having your horse in front of your leg, otherwise it makes it difficult to perform the harder movements. “He must go on a light, soft touch — you don’t want to work too hard,” explains Charlotte. “If I have a horse who isn’t reacting to the leg I use click, kick and go! Gallop around the arena — it’s not dressage, but your horse must react to the aid.” Charlotte goes on to explain that when you do this it’s important not to hold on and block your horse’s forward movement with your hand. He has to learn that leg means go. Using transitions will also improve your horse’s obedience to your leg aids.

Practise good transitions “The golden rule of training is transitions, transitions and more transitions,” stresses Charlotte. “During a schooling session you should be riding a lot of transitions.” In order to do a good transition, your horse needs to sit on his hocks and step under with his hindleg — it’s this that makes it feel like you’re going uphill. The transition is done from your seat, not your hand. Prepare your horse with a half-halt and then ask for the transition. Charlotte explains that you must be strict with yourself and ride every transition at home as you would in a test. Never accept a bad transition — if you’re not happy with it, do it again. Transitions are fundamental to teach your horse to react to your leg, but they also help to develop suppleness.

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Moving up and down the gears will improve your horse’s reaction to your leg aids

“All horses can do tricks,” says Charlotte. “They’re easy, but you have to have the basics in place.”

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Straighten up

Straightness is another important area to work on — this is when your horse carries his head and neck in front of his chest. This may sound easy, but it’s not that simple, and much of your training should be focusing on your horse’s straightness. For example, when you ride down the centre line, that’s the first thing a judge will see when you’re riding a dressage test. “It’s important to remember that you need to focus on the straightness of the whole of your horse’s body and not just what’s in front of you (his head and neck),” says Charlotte.

Teach self-carriage

What happens when you give and retake your reins? Your horse should stay in the same rhythm and frame — this is what’s known as self-carriage.

“You need to feel that you can give the rein away and nothing should change,” explains Charlotte. “Your horse will only be able to do this if he’s in balance.” As a rider, you need to concentrate on maintaining an elastic contact — not gripping the reins or hanging on to them. Carry your hands towards your horse’s mouth, not back towards your body. Your horse has to learn to carry himself and not rely on you to prop him up. Massage the bit in his mouth and check that you don’t have a fixed feel down the reins.

Work both sides

Like us, horses are naturally one-sided, but correct training will help to make them as even as possible into both reins. This is why it’s so important to work both sides of your horse. Don’t just stay on the good rein because it feels nicer. You need to work on the hard side more than the good to even up your horse. “Most horses are curled up to the left and stiff to the right,” says Charlotte. This means that your horse will struggle to bend to the right and fall in, so you need to teach him to be submissive to the bend from your inside (right) leg. On the easier side, your horse will tend to over-bend and fall out onto his outside shoulder. Here you need to ride him straighter in the head and neck and turn him from your outside leg. He has to learn to follow his own body around a corner or curve of a circle and not swing his quarters out. Ride from your outside leg and bring the shoulder around. It’s also worth remembering to check your own position too. You need to be balanced and sitting in the middle of your horse.

“You need to feel that you can give the rein away and nothing should change,” explains Charlotte. “Your horse will only be able to do this if he’s in balance.”

Push your hands forwards to check that your horse is carrying himself and not using your hands as support

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Boosting suppleness

Developing suppleness in your horse is vital, but it doesn’t happen all by itself; it takes years of correct and consistent training to teach your horse to be supple to both left and right. To do this, Charlotte uses lateral work, starting with leg-yield.

Lateral work, such as travers, will boost suppleness

Love leg-yield

“Leg-yield is the first lateral movement I teach. This is where your horse moves forwards and sideways from your leg. “I often see riders riding this movement with bend in the neck, but all that happens is that your horse falls out through his shoulder. That isn’t leg-yield. What you’re looking for is flexion through the poll away from the direction of movement, and your horse moving from your leg, up and over. Try to keep him straight and ride with two reins and two legs. Keep thinking forwards.”

Try travers

Once your horse is comfortable doing leg-yield, Charlotte teaches travers, which improves suppleness and creates bend. In travers, your horse’s shoulders stay on the track while his quarters move in off the track. There’s also a slight bend to the inside in the direction of travel. To ride travers down the long side of your arena, use your inside leg to create the bend as you ride the corner off the short side. At the same time, ask for a little flexion from the poll, so you can just see your horse’s inside eye. As you come down the long side, push his hip in with your outside leg, keeping the rest of him straight on the track. Make sure that your weight is to the inside so you’re not sitting against your horse. “If you can ride travers on a straight line, you can ride half-pass,” says Charlotte. “Half-pass is just travers on a diagonal line.”

A good end to a training session involves allowing your horse to stretch

Time to stretch

It’s always good to end your training session with a stretch, but it can be good to begin with one too. However, this may be difficult to achieve as some horses don’t understand how to stretch at the start of a session. Also, if your horse sometimes comes out of his stable feeling fresh, or not very relaxed, it may not always be a good idea to ask him to stretch — remember to put your safety first. “You will always get the best stretch at the end of your training session,” says Charlotte. “Keep your hands very still and allow your horse to take the contact down and forwards.” C

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

Shopping guide Our

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show ring shine. 500ml $59.00. www.scsaddlery.co.nz 3. Dublin Cool It Everyday Riding Tights -Comfort dry, breathable, compression, 4-way stretch and gell full seat. Mid rise fit. Sculpts in the right places for the perfect riding silhouette. RRP $89.99. www.dublinclothing.co.nz

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New

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Waterproof Jacket - Lightweight waterproof jacket perfect for unpredictable weather and wet conditions. RRP $119.99. www.dublinclothing.co.nz

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

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care, anti-microbial leather lining. Black. Made in Italy. $285.00. Email: sales@prestigeequestrian.co.nz 6. Prestige Bridle - This superb fitting bridle is made with finest European leather. The headpiece is anatomically shaped for a better fit so the pressure applied to the most sensitive area of the poll is distributed over a wider area. Made in Italy. Black/tobacco. $350.00 (reins not included).Email: sales@prestigeequestrian.co.nz

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SEASON advice

TOP FEEDING TIPS from Dani Maurer WORDS - Cheyenne Nicholson IMAGE - kampic.com

Correct feeding of the competition horse is a crucial element in your success in the show ring. It’s not just about finding the right feed for your horse but also finding a feeding routine to get him feeling and performing his best. When horses are away at a show, this can often disrupt their usual routine, but there are several tips and tricks you can try to ensure a happy, healthy horse on show day. Show jump rider Danielle ‘Dani’ Maurer shares her top tips for feeding horses at a competition. Show jumping rider Dani Maurer burst onto the competitive stage from an early age first representing New Zealand on ponies in 2004 and progressing through the Pony Grand Prix ranks to Horse Grand Prix and World Cup level. Having trained and competed under some world-class coaches, Dani has a wealth of knowledge that she shares at her jumping clinics and lessons all around the country.

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Conditioning I like to keep the horses on a stable based routine, especially coming into the show season. They’re in the paddock for a couple of hours in the morning before coming in to be worked. Then they stay in their covered yards for the rest of the day. This routine controls not only their diet but also allows them to feel far more comfortable with being boxed at shows. For our team, it’s normal. They are relaxed and happy to sleep and rest throughout the weekend without being restless to get out. Horses who mainly live out can benefit from spending some time being boxed in the lead up to a show. It makes the changes on show weekend a bit less dramatic.

Consistency & routine Horses thrive on routine and consistency; this also includes making sure you stick to a routine at a show. We give breakfast (hard feed and hay) a minimum of two hours before I plan to get on. I like my team to be fed and settled early throughout the show and stick to the same routine every day. If my round starts at 8 am I need to be on by 7.30 am, so 5.30 am would be the absolute latest they would be fed. If we have a later start on day two, they will still get fed at 5.30 am. Routine and regularity is everything! Feeding a small meal before exercise, especially if they haven’t had access to feed for a few hours, will stimulate saliva production and provide fill in the stomach to protect from gastric ulcers.

Encourage water intake Getting horses to drink at shows can sometimes be tricky with differing water sources and quality than they are used to at home. Our horses get electrolytes daily in their dinner feed at shows to encourage them to drink. They have access to a clean supply of water throughout the day. We’ve never had issues with horses not wanting to drink. I think this is because they are so used to that stable environment. For horses that are a bit pickier about their water, adding some molasses or sugarbeet flakes to water can help disguise ‘strange’ water and assist with water consumption.

Feed quality & quantity I like the horses to have a constant supply of hay for them to pick at while they’re in the box. We will top up their hay nets late at night to last them through till morning. It often pays to be mindful of ordering hay and haylage at shows. It could be a different quality than what you feed at home. Take a few bales of hay that you’re already feeding at home to mix in the new hay if you do need to order at shows. For their hard feed, because we take such a large

No sudden changes Don’t make sudden changes! I always hear of people wanting to drastically change their feed, especially leading up to big shows. Horses thrive on consistency. I try to stick to the same feeding plan on competition days as what I would feed on the days they are worked at home. The only changes we do make are adding in or increasing certain supplements over the show, especially electrolytes and Dynavyte, which I’ve found to be great for keeping their stomachs more settled with change of environments and travel.

team, I’ll pack new bags of feed with us, and they are fed just like they would be at home. If they have a day off, then they get fed slightly less. We’ve always fed BetaBeet which I make slightly wetter at shows to mix in the extra electrolytes. If you feel like you need to give a horse more hard feed at a show than normal because they lose weight or need more energy for example, sometimes you’re better to split the feeds up throughout the day, so three smaller feeds instead of two.

Travel days On travel days the horses get less hard feed because they don’t get worked on travel days. Usually, we travel early (before traffic) to the shows and need to be up by 3.30 am so I’ll give them a small feed and extra hay to pick at while we are mucking out before loading up. We don’t believe in offering hay while in the truck as they can’t get their head down or access water. When we get to the show, they must have access to clean water as soon as they come off the truck, and we give them small amounts of hay to start with so they don’t gorge themselves on arrival, which we keep topping up. C

SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -

repeat

SEASON preparation

EAT - SLEEP - RIDE

WORDS - Cheyenne Nicholson

Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without some training, checks, and preparation, you shouldn’t come into the new event season without a plan. From health checks to setting goals here are some tips and advice to help you prepare for the season ahead and make it your best season yet.

WARRANT OF FITNESS A lot can happen out in the paddock that we don’t know about! Consider getting an annual health check with your vet or doing some simple tests yourself to gauge if your horse has any sore spots or niggles that could affect his health and performance. While you’re grooming your horse, please pay close attention to their body, and check for any changes like cuts, lumps, or warms areas. When you’re brushing their back, notice whether they react to pressure, if they dip away there might be some soreness or tightness that needs attention. Hoofcare should be assessed regularly. Horses that have been turned out barefoot can sometimes develop hoof distortions or may have weakened hooves due to excess moisture on pasture. Ensure your saddle and other tack are fitting correctly and check the overall condition of your gear paying attention to stitching and buckles, etc. From hoof to the tooth; making sure your horse’s dental work is up to date is essential to avoid issues with biting, their willingness under saddle, and general health. Some tell-tale signs your horse needs his gnashers seen to are; losing weight, resisting the bit or bridle, dropping feed, head tossing or tilting, and changes in chewing habits. Top tip: While you’re at it, make sure to get your tow vehicles, floats and trucks up to date on WOF, registration, servicing and road user charges so you can hit the ground running without a flat tyre or busted engine slowing you down.

YOUR FITNESS Bringing a horse back into work after a break needs to be done gradually, starting back at a lower level and increase the length

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and intensity of workouts over the course of eight to 10 weeks (or more!). This gives them time to build muscle, cardiovascular fitness, and reduce wear and tear of their joints and ligaments. It can be tempting to quickly up the workload of a horse who’s keen as a bean, but they should be correctly conditioned so as not to risk sore muscles and potential injury. “Rushing the process or cutting corners will make them more prone to breaking down later in the season and potentially causing long-term damage to their structures and mental wellbeing. Start slow and don’t try to increase both the intensity and duration of your training sessions at the same time,” says show jumping rider Lucy Olphert. Starting with two weeks of walking and trotting alternating between riding and lunging for 15-25 minutes is a great way to establish a base level of fitness. From there, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions. LUNGING OR LONG-REIGNING Lunging can be a great exercise tool to use if you’re short on time or need to add some variety into your horse’s schedule. When done correctly, it can be useful for developing the muscles that go under the saddle without the weight of a rider and helps improve balance and rhythm. Add poles and transitions to up the fitness factor. For horses coming back into work, build up slowly and start by working in large circles, having plenty of walk breaks, and keeping sessions to 10-15 minutes. HACKING This can keep your horse’s mind mentally fresh and help give him confidence as he faces a variety of situations all while building fitness. You can also incorporate hill work into your hacking which helps develop muscle and fitness. Remember to stay light and balanced in your seat and allow the horse to reach into the contact during hill work to improve topline. GYMNASTICS AND POLES Pole work and gymnastic exercises are beneficial for all disciplines. they increase your horse’s strength, flexibility, improve their ability to engage their hindquarters, making their paces more expressive and adjustable. One of Lucy’s go-to striding exercises is two poles on the ground six strides apart. Practise coming down in the normal six strides, then collecting the horse to add in an extra stride for seven, and lengthening to take a stride out for five “These sorts of exercises, along with lots of transitions, are extremely effective in helping the horse regain their strength and

to adapt and change, so you need to allow for this when training. Start with 10,000 steps every day and build from there.” power. Strength is the ability to exert force. Power is the ability to exert that force quickly. The latter cannot be developed without an adequate strength base.” SCHOOLING AND LESSONS Think about your goals for the season. Whether it be having slicker walk-to-canter transitions or a more balanced and rhythmical canter to a jump, you can work on these with specific exercises in the arena or even out hacking. Have some lessons with a trainer to help learn and refine aspects of your riding and help push you that little bit further. RIDER FITNESS AND NUTRITION Too often riders are very on the ball when it comes to their horse’s fitness and nutrition but aren’t when it comes to their own. Show Circuit health and fitness columnist Nicola Smith says a lot of rider fitness is about prevention. “Improving your alignment and posture so that you prevent wear and tear when you ride and so that you can continue to ride for many years to come. “Think of the wheel alignment on a car, if it is out, you get wear on the tires and bearings that are unbalanced, and your mechanic will rebalance your vehicle again to prevent it becoming a more significant issue. It’s the same for us, “says Nicola. Improving balance and using joints correctly will also translate positively in your riding by helping your horse find a better way of going through correct aids and balance. Nutrition is the foundation of any fitness plan, so eating real food and avoiding processed, packaged foods are a good place to start. Meal planning and meal prepping can be a great time saver as the season kicks off and help deter you from reaching for that packet of chips. When it comes to your fitness, riding itself is a form of exercise all on its own. Still, additional exercise is also essential to build muscle and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Top tip: Meal prepping can save you valuable time during the week so you can spend more time in the saddle and help keep you on track with eating nutrient-dense foods.

“Too often riders will try and go too fast too soon with fitness programmes. It takes ligaments seven times longer than muscle

NUTRITION To help your horse work at his optimum as he gains in fitness, the energy he uses in exercise needs to be replaced with dietary fuel to maintain the desired body condition. Your horse’s feeding regime will depend on several factors, including body condition, available pasture, and will, of course, change and develop as your horse’s workload changes. Just like with fitness, any dietary changes should be made gradually. “For the majority of horses as they are coming back into work and feeling good, the ‘cooler’ type feeds are suitable in the spring (the low in starch, high fibre feeds), as well as the calorie-dense fibre sources like non-molassed beet and oils for those requiring weight gain,” says Dunstan nutritionist Gretel Webber. Match feeding to workload. When your horse has a day off, reduce the hard feed to correspond to the reduction in energy expenditure. “Often people will say ‘I need to feed more to give him more energy’, but you can definitely have an overweight, lazy horse that certainly doesn’t require more calories from their feed, just like you can have highly strung underweight horses.“ GOAL SETTING A common thread amongst successful people is goal setting. Without a goal, you can end up riding aimlessly day after day and feeling like your going nowhere. Accomplishing goals can help build confidence in yourself and your horse and are essential regardless of if you compete or not. Reflect on your progress during the last event season. What are you most proud of during the current season? What didn’t go so well? What are some things you want to improve on the following season? “When setting goals, you need to make sure they fit into the S.M.A.R.T fame work (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). For example, instead of saying ‘I want to get to X height by the end of the season’, specify what result you want in that height, and put a date on when you want to achieve it by.” Engage in a conversation with your trainer and other people around about your goals, and this helps create accountability and gives you a great support network. Top tip: Once you have figured out your goals, write them down and put them somewhere, you can see them each day, this helps to encourage you and keep you on track. C

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LEGAL advice

EQUINE LAW with Megan Gundesen

What is the difference between a free horse and a $1 horse? Horses being given away, or “free horses”, are common in New Zealand. But is it as easy as that? Are there any catches legally? How often do you see horse ads saying – “My personal circumstances have changed” to indicate the owner needs to move a horse on quickly? A free lease is a possibility, or the horse can be yours if you like it. How often have we heard that scenario? Or perhaps the horse has become too much for them? Or possibly it has developed a chronic health issue which means it can no longer perform at the required level – but the caring owner wants to see it continue to have a good life? These are the human and complex situations that horses are part of, and the reason for legal difficulties between horse people. Also, we mostly care deeply about our horses and find it easier to give them away to a good home than to sell or put them to sleep. The bonus then is you make someone else very happy to be given a new horse. They cannot believe their luck but how will they prove they are the new legal owner? Why would you care about a written agreement for a free horse? Bad things can and do happen, even when intentions seem good at the start. People change their minds when arrangements are not formalised. These are some typical scenarios. The free horse turns out to be a star and the new owner wants to sell it on for good money. Suddenly the old owner wants the horse back and says it was only ever on loan. Or the horse turns out to be a nightmare on different grass, or with the new rider, or with its’ chronic problem. So, the new owner wants to return it to you to sort out. But you don’t have the room, or the time, or the confidence. You do not want it back. Or the new owner neglects the horse which causes an SPCA complaint, and it’s registered in ESNZ under your name. [It is worth knowing that Equestrian Sport NZ registration is not proof of ownership, just as vehicle registration with the NZ Transport Agency is not necessarily proof you own the car. But it is where a horse welfare investigation might start.] Do you need that anxiety? Do you need the difficulty of disproving that the carer was not acting under your instructions when they try to blame you for the horse’s condition? Being clear about who owns the horse is important. On the flip side, the new rider needs to be able to prove to the best of their ability that they do own the horse; that all the $$$ and effort they have spent on it will not be wasted because the ‘owner’ turns up and takes it away. People say - does this sort of thing really happen? Absolutely it does. My perspective is – why expose yourself to that sort of risk, hassle, and uncertainty?

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My story A woman phoned me recently and told me that eight years ago she had loaned her valuable young horse to some friends (let’s call them the Smiths) because her children were young at the time and she didn’t have time to bring it on. She said the arrangement with the Smiths was that they would either give her the horse back when she was ready, or they would replace it with another suitable horse. The horse became a competent showjumper and trebled in value. Four weeks prior to our call, she said her old horse had died and she had called the Smiths to ask for her horse back. I should add that she had had an annual phone call with the Smiths to check on its development during the eight years. She felt this was important, but I advised it could just be interpreted as her inquiring after a horse she was very fond of. The Smiths’ response was that she had given them the horse and that if she insisted on saying it was only loaned, that they would say she was lying. There was not a shred of useful evidence about the original free lease arrangement. In my assessment, it appeared unlikely she would be able to prove she still owned the horse. But almost more worrying was the possibility that she could have a broken-down and value-less horse returned to her one day if they changed their tune again– if that was what suited the Smiths in the event of a serious injury to the horse. I advised her how to remedy that situation. But how could this be avoided? The Smiths, if they truly believed they had been given the horse, should have purchased a sale agreement and asked the owner to sign it. My caller, if she really was only leasing the horse out, should have had a lease agreement signed up. Owning it – but is it really your horse? Whether you are selling, or giving away, or receiving a free horse – the problems are the same. Until you address the ‘ownership’ issue, you have not laid a strong foundation for a clear and longlasting arrangement. Even worse, you have potentially exposed your horse to a harrowing future, being passed from person to person with no one really looking out for her best interests. So how can you transition from a handshake (or shall I say a ‘shaky’) arrangement to one which offers the best possible way to proving who exactly owns or leases your horse? My blueprint for successful horse deals When I speak with equestrians, I take them through some of the stories I have been told as an equine lawyer. Often these unpleasant and awkward disputes are not widely spoken of because both sides are

embarrassed they weren’t better organised to begin with. But most people tell their ‘warts and all’ tale to their lawyer in the desperate hope that there will be a solution in their favour.

The following three steps will guide you in the ‘ownership’ process: • Decide your deal If you are offered a horse for free, you need to work out exactly what you are taking on. Do you have an option to return it? Does the owner expect it back? If you were to on-sell it later, would there be bad feeling between you? If this is woolly, then ask more questions. If you can’t return the horse, you need to be sure you have long-term grazing and the finances to pay for the horse’s care. And you need a sale agreement for $1 to prove your ownership. If you decide to give away your horse permanently, the same applies. Do not hint that at some stage you may want the horse back. That could land you with a horse on your doorstep without warning or time to prepare. And you need a $1 sale agreement. • Prepare your paperwork An agreement in writing galvanises both parties to have those deeper conversations. I recommend that horse people front-foot the negotiations by exchanging email addresses. Then go and find a quality legal agreement. Unfortunately, these are rare. Several I have seen are dreadful and cause more problems than they solve. An option is to go onto my website and purchase an Agreement at; www.horseagreements.co.nz/horseagreements.html . Most likely the ‘Simple’ agreement is best if you are giving the horse away. It will cost the same as buying a horse rug, but it means you avoid a whole lot of problems. In most cases it is fair that the recipient of the horse pays for the agreement because they are receiving a free horse.

THE ULTIMATE LEGAL PROTECTION All for the price of your horse’s next winter rug! The FairPlay equine sale & purchase system… • Designed for the first pony buyer to the top sporting competitor • From simple sales to sales with vet checks and trial periods • Includes automated legal questions giving you a tailormade contract • A FREE fact sheet to make it easier

• Sign your signature Do not forget this last step. Make sure you receive their signature back on the agreement. That means the terms are clear and agreed!

• Gives you confidence you have the legalities covered

The importance of the $1 The $1 amount is a meaningful ‘token’ which proves legal ownership of the ‘give-away’ or ‘free horse’. That small amount of money changes everything. And if you decide to purchase one of my agreements, it’s the cost of a horse rug in exchange for a settled future for all concerned. In other words – money well spent. You can see there is a world of difference between a free horse and a $1.00 horse.

Horse sale & purchase agreements from $195

Please note that this article is intended as a general guide, and not specific legal advice. For advice relevant to your circumstances, you need to seek independent legal advice.

027 464 8859 www.horseagreements.co.nz

FairPlay Equine, led by Megan Gundesen, is the place for horsepeople. As a NZ lawyer and legal equestrian expert, Megan wants to help busy equestrians buy and sell horses using her straightforward hassle-free process. If you’re looking to buy a pony for your child or a horse for yourself, then FairPlay Equine’s help and advice has been specifically designed for you.

Agreements made for the busy NZ equestrian with no time for hassles.

equine@fairplay.co.nz

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STUDS & STALLIONS ISSUE TWO | 2020

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www.eurosporthorses.co.nz VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

EURO SPORT

DARCO OBOLENSKY Darco x Cornet Obolensky x Grannus

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

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

EURO SPORT

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.

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

Carries 50% Thoroughbred blood

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

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

CHECK IN 2

CORDALME Z X LORD PEZI

Semen now available for purchase in New Zealand.

Takapoto Equestrian’s, Check In 2, has proven his elite athleticism in many 5* classes, a World Cup and at the World Equestrian Games under the saddle of Samantha Mcintosh. They are incredibly excited to have some of his progeny already on the ground and to see what future superstars will be bred. “Check In has so many qualities needed for the top sport. Along with his top technique is his balanced movement, careful and easy jump and his will to do his best in the competition arena every time.” – Samantha Mcintosh

Equibreed NZ +64 7 870 1845 info@equibreed.co.nz

“Check In has been a fantastic partner for me. He has taken me back to top level shows and it is thanks to his fantastic character, athleticism, fierce determination and his big heart. It was a shame to retire him to stud in such great form but he has adjusted to the relaxed life well.” – Samantha Mcintosh Check In’s offspring competing at the highest level: Fischerchelsea (1.60m), Che Fantastica (1.60m), Cicero F (1.60m), Coraline 6 (1.55m), C.D. 2 (1.55m), Chico 892 (1.50m), Be Check It out (1.50m).

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ALMÉ ALMÉ Z Z COR COR DE DE LA LA BRYÉRE BRYÉRE LANDDORNE LANDDORNE Z Z ALESKA ALESKA Z Z CORDALMÉ CORDALMÉ Z Z LACROS LACROS ILONKA ILONKA

LORD LORD PEZI PEZI

MISS MISS PLAYBACK PLAYBACK

ILA ILA ILE ILE DE DE BOURBON BOURBON

OFF SPRING

GILANA GILANA

Che Fantastica 1.60m (Check In x Pablo)

Fischerchelsea 1.60m (Check In x Argent)

Colfosco 1.60m (Check In x Concetto I)

Cicero F 1.60m (Check In x Polling)

Be Check It Out 1.50m (Check In x Coup de Coeur)

Checkland - Premium Stallion (Check In x Landadel)

EquiBreed

FROZEN SEMEN FROM EUROPE’S BEST BLOODLINES Equ

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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.

RESULTS MATTER! FROZEN SEMEN AVAILABLE ON A PREGNANCY BASIS AT EQUIBREED NZ!

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 info@equibreed.co.nz

www.equibreed.co.nz

SWE DEMPSEY Rhineland Stallion by Damsey FRH X Dressage Royal/ Sir Donnerhall/Rubenstein Negative for WFFS. Cannot produce a chestnut foal. SWE Dempsey is now classified and registered with the Rhineland and NZ Warmblood Associations so his foals can now be registered with these bodies. A very correct horse showing tremendous trainability and scope under saddle, Dempsey turns heads wherever he goes. Dempseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sire Damsey ridden by Helen Langehanenberg now named the highest ranked dressage stallion in the world!!!

STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES

STUD FEE $1500.00 + GST, LFG APPLIES

KINNORDY GYM BELLO Hanoverian Stallion by Gymnastik Star / Graf Landau Sire of multiple champions over all disciplines Gym Bello progeny are known for their exceptional trainability, good movement, lovely heads and athletic bodies. With the passing of his sire GYMNASTIK STAR A1 classified stallion and Graf Landau / Gottard lines more difficult to find Gym Bello combines these bloodlines and has proven his worth throughout NZ with many now also exported as competition mounts.

STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES

ASTEK QUATERMASTER Oldenburg stallion by Quaterback / Flemmingh/ Weltmeyer/Grannus Highest classified Champion Stallion NZWBA Classification Tour 2016. Astek Quatermaster is one of those stallions that impresses all who tour the stud. His majestic presence and beautifully balanced correct conformation are noticed instantly alongside his kind eye and wonderful temperament. He holds enormous power in his straight, balanced, elevated movement and it creates a total package hard to ignore. Astek Quatermaster is breeding exceptional horses for both dressage and jumping homes.

E info@astek.co.nz | P Sue Fowler 027 222 5037

www.astek.co.nz

CORNET’S AIR

STUD FEE

$2,500 + GST, LFG APPLIES

Holsteiner stallion by Cornet Obolensky x Dark Air/Diarado Registered with “Oldenburg International“ the Showjumping breeding department of the Oldenburg Breeding Association. Genetically he is a Holsteiner from Holstein breeding line: Stamm 8888. Cornet’s Air is a the result of breeding a chain of the best quality showjumping stallions worldwide of their time: Cornet Obolensky, Diamant de Semilly (Diarado), Contender, Landade, Ramiro & Landgraf. All of them have achieved top marks in WBFSH ranking. On the dam’s side, there are four generations of elite mares in a row. This is extremely rare in European breeding lines. Cornet’s Air’s first foals are very correct and showing outstanding trainability with athleticism. He is unable to produce a chestnut foal.

JUMPING TEST UNDER SADDLE: Technique 8.5, Bascule 8.5, Scope 9, Overall 8.5, Rideability 9

Proudly presents

FURST HIT EDH

2016 - 16.3hh - Black A gorgeous modern & elegant stallion, Friday has 6 international dressage super sires in his first 3 generations! Furstenball is a modern, and now preferant Hanoverian stallion with a reputation for producing ladies horses with exceptional rideability and temperaments. His dam, Neversvelde Jazz Hit is an imported Rheinland mare by Sandro Hit and her dam sire is Jazz. Both these stallions are in the top 5 in the World Dressage Breeding Stallion Index and are exceptional producers of Grand Prix and Young Dressage horses. As you would expect from his sire, Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperament is exceptional. He has an exceptional hind leg and 3 very correct gaits. He is a beautiful mover, powerful and loose with great hock articulation. We feel confident he will produce horses suitable for both amateur and professional riders, depending on the mare used.

FURST HIT EDH

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Stud fee - $2000.00 GST inclusive Plus collections - LFG - WFFS Free

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FLORESTAN I DARWINA DONNERHALL MARELLA SANDRO SONG LORETTA JAZZ KPWN NEVERSFELDE FARIKA

FURST HIT EDH won the TOP Rhineland Foal award in NZ the year he was born and he has been assessed and approved for Rheinland licensing in 2020!

Elite Dressage Horses Ltd l Victoria Wall p: 0272827944 l e: xhaltnz@xtra.co.nz l Whatawhata, Waikato Join us on on our Facebook pages - Furst Hit EDH & Elite Dressage Horses www.elitedressagehorsesnz.com

Casall is ranked #3 in the world for producing International Show Jumpers WBSFH He needs no introduction, but here is the one and only

Casall Carentino - Lavall 1

Direct from the Holsteiner Verband for 2020/21 breeding season: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Crack Goldball Million Dollar Dinken Uriko United Way Unlimited Castle Creek Catch Clarimo Casini 11 Clearway Quantum Lasino

Booking fees start at €350 & pregnancy fee at €450

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Register your NZ Holsteiner Mare in the Holsteiner Global Stud Book and you’ll receive great breeding discounts, benefits, and your Holsteiner foal will be eligible for a Holsteiner passport. DNA profiles for all stallions are available for our breeders. Check out our website for more details & the full list of stallions.

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CryNZ are proud to be the stockist for the Holsteiner Verband stallions in NZ. Go to www.allnzsporthorses.co.nz to place your order. Head over to www.holsteiner-verband.de to to find more information about the stallions, or call or email Sophia Gostelow on +61 408 862 264 or verbandstallions@gmail.com to discuss your options.

Parco Parco BWP, BWP, 1992, 1992, 168 168 cm cm

Approved Approved for: for: SF, SF, BWP, BWP, Z,KWPN, Z,KWPN, SbS, SbS, AES, AES, ISH ISH €1000 €1000 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ 4th 4th Olympic Olympic Games Games Athens Athens 2004 2004 (Ludo (Ludo Philippaerts) Philippaerts) ∙∙ 4th 4th European European Championships Championships Donauschingen Donauschingen 2003 2003

Grafenstolz Grafenstolz

Canturado Canturado Holsteiner, Holsteiner, 2003, 2003, 172 172 cm cm Approved Approved for: for: AES AES (elite) (elite) €650 €650 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ 33rdrd CSI3* CSI3* Warsaw, Warsaw, Vestfold Vestfold ∙∙ 77thth CSI5* CSI5* Liepzig Liepzig ∙∙ WINNER WINNER CSI3* CSI3* Leszno Leszno (Christian (Christian Hess) Hess)

Trakehner, Trakehner, 1998, 1998, 167 167 cm cm

Approved Approved for: for: Trak, Trak, SF, SF, AES, AES, AA, AA, Hann, Hann, BaWü BaWü €900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ Number Number 11 british british eventing eventing stallion stallion ranking ranking •• Number Number 22 world world breeding breeding ranking ranking

PAY AT FOALING!

Thats Thats right! right! The The service service fee fee is is due due after after the the foal foal is is born. born. Book Book your your mare mare today! today! Head Head over over to to www.thestallioncompany.com www.thestallioncompany.com or or phone phone +33 +33 7 7 895 895 53341 53341 to to place place your your order. order.

Clinton Clinton II II

Leprince Leprince Des Des Bois Bois Selle Selle Français, Français, 1999, 1999, 171 171 cm cm

Holsteiner, Holsteiner, 1994, 1994, 171 171 cm cm

Quintero Quintero La La Silla Silla Holsteiner, Holsteiner, 1998, 1998, 171 171 cm cm A Approved pproved for: for: SF, SF, Holst, Holst, Z, Z, AES, AES, Old, Old,

Approved Approved for: for: SF, SF, AA, AA, AES, AES, Hann, Hann, BaWü, BaWü, OLD OLD

Approved Approved for: for: SF, SF, Old, Old, Hann, Hann, KWPN, KWPN, Rheinl, Rheinl, Bayern, Bayern, BaWü, BaWü, Holst, Holst, AES, AES, Z Z

€900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

€1200 €1200 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ Participation Participation 88 CIC4* CIC4* Events: Events: BurghBurghley, ley, Luhmuhlen, Luhmuhlen, Badminton, Badminton, Pau Pau ∙∙ 4th 4th CIC4* CIC4* Pau Pau (Kai (Kai Ruder) Ruder) ∙∙ WINNER WINNER German German Junior Junior EventEventing ing Championships Championships 2014 2014 (Kristin (Kristin Rickert) Rickert)

∙∙ SILVER SILVER MEDAL, MEDAL, Asian Asian Games Games 2006 2006 (Song (Song Sang-Wuk) Sang-Wuk) ∙∙ BRONZE BRONZE MEDAL, MEDAL, Sires Sires of of the the World-Jumping, World-Jumping, Lanaken Lanaken 2008 2008 (Alois (Alois Pollmann-Schweckhorst) Pollmann-Schweckhorst)

•• Number Number 32 32 world world breeding breeding ranking ranking •• WINNER WINNER CSI5* CSI5* Paris Paris Gucci Gucci Challenge Challenge (x3), (x3), Zurich Zurich & & Geneva Geneva (Rolf-Goran (Rolf-Goran Bengtsson) Bengtsson) ∙∙ WINNER WINNER CSI5* CSI5* Nations Nations Cup Cup Final Final Barcelona Barcelona

Triomphe Triomphe De De Muze Muze

Cristo Cristo

Cormint Cormint

BWP, BWP, 1996, 1996, 169 169 cm cm

Approved Approved for: for: KWPN, KWPN, BWP, BWP, SF, SF, Z, Z, AES, AES, ISH ISH €900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ WINNER WINNER CSI5* CSI5* Hickstead Hickstead (Christine (Christine McCrea) McCrea) ∙∙ WINNER WINNER CSI3* CSI3* Bourg-en-Bresse Bourg-en-Bresse & & Lons-le-Saunier Lons-le-Saunier ∙∙ WINNER WINNER Puissance Puissance (Six (Six Barres) Barres) Bourg-en-Bresse Bourg-en-Bresse •• Top Top 100 100 world world breeding breeding ranking ranking

ISH ISH

Holsteiner, Holsteiner, 2001, 2001, 169 169 cm cm

Holsteiner, Holsteiner, 2002, 2002, 169 169 cm cm

€900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

€800 €800 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ Premium Premium Stallion, Stallion, Holsteiner Holsteiner Körung Körung (Approval) (Approval) 2003 2003 •• Number Number 22 world world breeding breeding ranking ranking ∙∙ Stallion Stallion Testing Testing (HLP): (HLP): Total Total 140,19 140,19 points points (Jump:137,70, (Jump:137,70, Dr: Dr: 120,78) 120,78) ∙∙ Cristo Cristo is is ranked ranked 12 12thth best best stallion stallion of of his his age age group group in in terms terms of of offspring offspring performances. performances.

∙∙ Reserve Reserve Champion, Champion, Holsteiner Holsteiner KoKorung rung (Approval) (Approval) 2002 2002 ∙∙ Stallion Stallion Testing Testing (HLP): (HLP): 7,55/10 7,55/10 (Jump: (Jump: 8,25, 8,25, Dr: Dr: 6.63) 6.63) ∙∙ Ranking Ranking Jumping Jumping Klasse Klasse M M (1m30 (1m30 –– 1m40) 1m40) (Philipp (Philipp Schulze) Schulze)

Approved Approved for: for: Holst, Holst, Z, Z, AES AES

Bentley Bentley van van de de Heffink Heffink BWP, BWP, 2001, 2001, 172cm 172cm

Approved Approved for: for: SF, SF, BWP, BWP, Z,SbS, Z,SbS, AES, AES, ISH ISH €900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ Silver Silver and and bronze bronze medal medal WINNER WINNER ∙∙ Young Young horse horse championships championships 55 year year old old & & 66 year year old old •• Top Top 100 100 world world breeding breeding ranking ranking

Royaldik Royaldik Oldenburger, Oldenburger, 1999, 1999, 171cm 171cm

Approved Approved for: for: Hann, Hann, AA, AA, Old, Old, AES, AES, BaWü, BaWü, BWP, BWP, ISH, ISH, SbS SbS €900 €900 ++ shipping shipping

∙∙ WINNER WINNER Stallion Stallion Test, Test, Index: Index: 144,9 144,9 (Jumping: (Jumping: 126,6, 126,6, Dr:149,8) Dr:149,8) ∙∙ Finalist Finalist Bundeschampionat Bundeschampionat 55 yearyearold old Jumping Jumping & & Dressage Dressage

CRYNZ CRYNZ are are proud proud stockists stockists of of The The Stallion Stallion Company, Company, working working with with stallion stallion owners owners committed committed to to supporting supporting the the breeding breeding industry industry in in NZ. NZ. Get Get in in touch touch for for our our full full range! range! 027 027 241 241 4566 4566 || info@allnzsporthorses.co.nz info@allnzsporthorses.co.nz || crynz.co.nz crynz.co.nz

Top European performance stallions Frozen semen from top-performing Dutch jumping and dressage stallions is available again this season. The older stallions have competed successfully at Grand Prix level, and there are

also some promising well-bred young ones. All stallions are approved by European studbooks including KWPN, Hannover, Oldenburg and Holstein, and offered with a live foal guarantee.

DRESSAGE Johnson

Johnson (Jazz/Flemingh) KEUR had the highest scores for Team NL at the Rio Olympics, and contributed to Team Bronze in the London Olympics, and Team Gold at the European Championships in Aachen. He was voted KWPN Horse of the Year in 2020. Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offspring are competing at the highest levels: in NZ with Melissa Galloway (Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Obei) and Gaylene Lennard (Jax Johnson). He has a superb temperament and passes his beauty and movement on to his offspring. He is approved for KWPN, Oldenburg, Westfalen and Hannover.

Fontaine

Fontaine TN (Finest/Samarant) is still a young stallion (b. 2015) and was second in his performance test (Adeldheidsdorf 2018). He gained the following points: character/temperament: 9,00; willingness to work: 9,50; trot: 8,50; canter: 9,50; walk: 9,50; rideability: 9,00. Sire Finest was declared premium stallion and has already claimed remarkable results in the young horse competitions. Approved for Westfalen, Hannover and Oldenburg.

Firestone

Firestone (Johnson/Florencio) was reserve champion as a threeyear-old at the KWPN stallion competition, earning 82.5 points in his performance test. Firestone was bred out of the famous Bella-damline, and his damsire, Florencio, was awarded Keur status by the KWPN. His full sister Elfi scored 95 points for her trot at the KWPN Mare Inspections. Approved for KWPN and Oldenburg.

Spielberg

Spielberg (Sunny Boy/Rosier) has outstanding breeding and conformation, and movement with a lot of rhythm and balance. He won his performance test on the dressage elements, and has competed successfully to a high level under Joyce Lenaerts. His grandsires include Sandro Song, Donnerhall and Rubenstein. Approvals include Westphalen and Oldenburg, and he is a true breeding bay.

Other dressage stallions offered are Formidable (Fidertanz/ De Niro), and Sandreo (Sandro Hit/Flemmingh).

from Team Nijhof ShowJuMPING

Verdi Superstar Superstar jumping jumping stallion stallion Verdi Verdi (Quidam (Quidam de de Revel/Landgraf Revel/Landgraf 1) 1) KEUR KEUR was was in in the the Dutch Dutch team team for for the the Rio Rio Olympics, Olympics, won won team team gold gold at at Aachen, Aachen, and and WEG WEG in in Caen, Caen, and and team team silver silver and and individual individual bronze bronze at at the the London London Olympics, Olympics, and and at at 17, 17, continues continues to to compete compete at at the the highest highest levels. levels. Verdi Verdi is is aa son son of of the the legendary legendary sire sire Quidam Quidam de de Revel. Revel. He He has has more more than than 50 50 offspring offspring competing competing internationally. internationally. Verdi Verdi is is approved approved for for KWPN, KWPN, Holstein, Holstein, Hannover, Hannover, OS/OL, OS/OL, Unire, Unire, ZZ and and Selle Selle Français. Français.

Eldorado van de Zeshoek Eldorado Eldorado van van de de Zeshoek Zeshoek (Clinton/Toulon) (Clinton/Toulon) is is hugely hugely successful successful in in both both high-level high-level competition competition and and as as aa breeding breeding stallion. stallion. In In 2015 2015 he he won won the the Grand Grand Prix Prix of of Roosendaal Roosendaal and and was was successful successful in in several several Nations Nations Cup Cup appearances. appearances. He He was was awarded awarded PREFERENT PREFERENT status status –– the the highest highest possible possible award award in in KWPN KWPN breeding, breeding, with with three three of of his his sons sons coming coming first, first, second second and and third third in in the the stallion stallion class class (1.40m (1.40m -1.50m) -1.50m) at at the the 2020 2020 KWPN KWPN stallion stallion show. show. Rider Rider Willem Willem Greve Greve says says he he “has “has unlimited unlimited scope scope and and with with his his power power he he can can jump jump all all the the classes classes in in the the world.” world.” Approved Approved for for KWPN, KWPN, Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Hannover Hannover and and Selle Selle Français. Français.

Other high-performing jumping stallions offered are Poker de Mariposa (Nabab de Reve/Berlin); El Clarimo (Clarimo/ Limbus); Floris (Quality Time/Vancouver); Spartacus (Stakkato/ Grannus); Starpower (Stakkato/Escudo 1); Calvados (Uriel/ Ibrahim); Concorde (Voltaire/Marco Polo); Larino (Concorde/ Armstrong); and Quattro B (Qredo de Paulstra/Phandore du Thet).

I’m Special de Muze I’m I’m Special Special de de Muze Muze (Emerald/Nabab (Emerald/Nabab de de Reve) Reve) won won the the GMB GMB competition competition for for sixsix- and and seven-year-olds seven-year-olds in in Drachten Drachten in in 2015 2015 and and is is competing competing successfully successfully at at GP GP level. level. Sire Sire Emerald Emerald was was in in the the Dutch Dutch team team at at the the Rio Rio Olympics. Olympics. Dam Dam Walnut Walnut de de Muze Muze also also competed competed with with great great success success at at GP GP level. level. I’m I’m Special Special de de Muze’s Muze’s rider rider Zoï Zoï Snels Snels confirms confirms the the great great qualities qualities of of the the stallion. stallion. “I “I think think he he has has aa 100% 100% score score on on every every aspect: aspect: he he is is top top careful, careful, has has scope, scope, has has aa great great rideability rideability and and has has aa super super attitude.” attitude.”

Grandorado Grandorado Grandorado (Eldorado (Eldorado xx Carolus Carolus xx Baloubet Baloubet du du Rouet) Rouet) is is an an exciting exciting young young stallion stallion who who won won his his KWPN KWPN performance performance test test in in 2014, 2014, and and in in 2015, 2015, he he won won the the four-year-old four-year-old class class at at Tubbergen Tubbergen with with scores scores of of 8,9 8,9 and and 9,0 9,0 for for jumping. jumping. Grandorado Grandorado is is approved approved for for KWPN KWPN and and Oldenburg. Oldenburg. He He came came first first at at the the 2020 2020 KWPN KWPN stallion stallion show show jumping jumping competition. competition.

Prices are very competitive and details about the stallions, including price, can be viewed at teamnijhof.nz For orders and further information, please email Candace Bagnall at candacebagnall@gmail.com (022 031 1849), or Jeanette Benedict-Nijhof at info@team-nijhof.com. Semen is stored at Matamata Veterinary Services on 07 888 8197.

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A very elegant and modern type with extraordinary movement, athleticism, scope and a sweet, gentle personality. Licensed NZWA. Lion King has an impressive pedigree and offers breeders versatility to produce top quality horses for any discipline. Progeny are showing real class and share his great temperament. Lion King has been a great performer in Show Jumping with places up to 1.35m. He was expected to compete at Grand Prix SJ this season but with his natural talent in Dressage, we felt it was time for him to shine in another arena.

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16.3 WARMBLOOD COLT - FULL EUROPEAN BLOOD KANNAN was World #1 jumping sire and World #5 Eventing sire. He is the sire of Olympic individual gold medalist Nino Des Buissonnets plus numerous 5* winners including Molly Malone V + Rio Olympics star Quabri de Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lsle. Also very successful dam lines. His mother Glenara Question Mark is by Vivant 1.60m and out of Quintana van den Bosrand who produced ASB Conquistador 1.60m (half brother to Vivant) and Utrillo Van De Heffinck also 1.60m horse.

Furioso II

Voltaire Gogo Moeve

KANNAN Nimmerdor

Cemeta Wozieta Fuego Du Prelet

Vivant

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Scalini Van De Heffinck

Quintana Van Den Bosrand

Heartbreaker Fatima Van De Heffinck

STUD FEE: $1500.00 + GST CHILLED/FROZEN SEMEN - LFG WFFS TESTED NEGATIVE

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XODÓ

(KFPS Sport Elite & FSA Gold Elite)

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Grand Prix Dressage Champion Xodó is producing stunning foals with lovely heads, fabulous conformation, great temperament and trainability DNA tested clear of Hydrocephalus & Dwarﬁsm genes Live foal guarantee I’driel TK Wabe Pip Humes Photography

Fresh, chilled & frozen semen

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Amy Buncuga

Teunis 332 Tsjallinkje Doeke 287 Altruida

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Crystal Mt Cruzeiro Level 5 Dressage (FSA Silver Elite) (x TB)

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CHACCO SILVER’S SIRE (CHACCO BLUE) IS RANKED

NUMBER 1

JUMPING BREEDING STALLION IN THE WORLD!!

Matawhio Sport Horses proudly presents

Chacco Silver Chacco Blue x Cellestial x Sir Caletto 2008, 177cm, Oldenburg Jumping Stallion

AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN THE 2018 NZWB CLASSIFICATION TOUR AND ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST EVER AWARDED MARK IN THE NZWB STUDBOOK HISTORY

Chacco Silver is line bred to the influential Caletto 1 and carries some of the most critical blood in modern jumping. His sire Chacco Blue has been number 1 in the world for the past 3 years. His progeny continue to top European foal and young horse auctions.

Chacco Silver has been breeding in NZ for eight years now. His 1st progeny are rising eight and exceptional. He strongly stamps them; generally improves the mare and provides very athletic, electric, scopy well moving horses. His oldest son Chio MS has generated much excitement

CHILLED SEMEN AVAILABLE AT YOUR MARE’S CONVENIENCE. SERVICE FEE $2000.00 + GST. LIVE FOAL GUARANTEE AND FIRST COLLECTION IS FREE.

in Australia. We expect to see some other super young progeny out and about this season. Ask anyone who’s bred a Chaacco Silver foal - they are phenomenal - he wasn’t sire of the 2017 NZWA Classification Tour Champion foal and Dam sire of the 2019 Champion foal for no reason!

Address: 56B Bryant Road, Karaka, Auckland 2580 - Phone: 021 154 2311 - Email: matawhio@xtra.co.nz

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