Show Circuit Magazine - August / September 2020 by Show Circuit Magazine

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SHOWCIRCUIT AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2020

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FROM MY DESK #GRATITUDE Gratitude is something we have been practising lately here at Show Circuit magazine. As we all learned to live in lockdown and find our new normal during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which still runs rampant in many other parts of the world, we were grateful to have the companionship of our four-legged friends. Thankfully, touch wood, New Zealand banded together, and we have been able to reach Level 1, meaning our horsey activities – lessons, riding with friends, and even competitions have been able to resume. Now many people have their horses back in work and are eagerly anticipating the coming season. Fingers crossed, it will be able to go ahead as usual. So, in this latest issue of the magazine, as we return to ‘normal’, we decided to touch on areas of New Zealand we don’t always get to, due to their more remote locations. We sent photographer Michelle Clarke on a road trip, and she visited some stunning locations in and around Queenstown. You’ll see her images of dressage and showing rider Suzanna Martin, taken at her breath-taking Lake Hayes property. Suzanna’s zest for life and the pure enjoyment she gains from her horses is extremely refreshing. Michelle also visited young show jumper Grace Percy, who lives on the remote high country Routeburn Station in Glenorchy. Grace’s nearest show is a five and half hour drive away, but she hasn’t let isolation be a barrier to success. She was rewarded with the biggest win of her riding career to date at Horse of the Year, taking out the Premier Stakes class in flying fashion. Finally, Michelle visited Queenstown show jumper Olivia Robertson, who is in the midst of setting up the livery and ajistment side of her business, Southern Lakes Equestrian. Other great reads include profiles on up-and-coming dressage riders, Lucarne Dolley and Emily Townsend, and HOY Saddle Hunter title winner, Cherie Weck. Our cover-girl is rising star, Emma Watson. At the age of just 16, Emma has already represented New Zealand five times and is potentially eyeing up her first World Cup start this coming season. You can read about Emma’s dedication to her sport and her plans for this coming season. As well as our rider profiles, you’ll find insightful reads on laminitis, how to become an official, and easing into spring. We have a training clinic on utilising cavaletti in your schooling - no matter what discipline you compete in, incorporating cavaletti into your training has many benefits. As we head into a non-COVID phase (hopefully) we want to extend a special thanks to everyone who contributed to help us gather the interviews and photographs for this issue, to our supportive readers, and to the wonderful equestrian brands who advertise within our magazine. We give our heartfelt thanks to all of you for supporting Show Circuit magazine in its 11th year – we are truly grateful.

Sheryll Davies, Publisher

COVER IMAGE EMMA WATSON & MADDOX LETINO IMAGE Christine Cornege

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EDITOR

Rebecca Harper editor@showcircuit.co.nz

SENIOR WRITER Cheyenne Nicholson

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Avedon Animal Portraits Caitlin Benzie Photography Cornege Photography Libby Law Photography kampic.com Michelle Clarke Photography Stuff / Southland Times Take the Moment Photography Trish Dunell

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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 All rights reserved.

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IN THIS ISSUE AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020

OUR PEOPLE 16 24 30 38 46 56 64 70

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78 How to Become an Official 94 It's the Season for Laminitis 102 Ease into Spring

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ON THE COVER

WORDS - Rebecca Harper IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography

Determination to win and talent to burn, at 16-years-old this young rider has already represented New Zealand five times, and her star is on the rise.

orses have always been part of life for Morrinsville teenager, Emma Watson, who had a pony before she was even born. The talented young show jumper, who is in Year 12 at Morrinsville College, already has many titles to her name, including the ESNZ Pony Grand Prix series three years running, and the Junior Rider series. She was recently named on the ESNZ Young Rider Squad and also stars alongside other upand-coming riders in the ‘Young Riders’ television series, with season one currently airing on TVNZ On Demand. The documentary-style show follows the fortunes of the group, at home and on the jumping circuit. For Emma, the focus is on jumping bigger fences, and she has her sights set firmly on jumping a World Cup round, possibly as soon as the coming season.

She’ll become eligible in her 18th year, which clocks over in January 2021, and she hopes she has the partner to do it in top mount Maddox Letino. Emma’s parents both rode, her dad and brother still play polo, while her mum show jumped. “I’ve ridden my whole life, and I pretty much had a pony before I was born. I was never a fan of the lead rein and started pony club at three and a half. My brother and I shared a pony.” Emma got her first Show Hunter pony at the age of about six and began competing seriously at shows, while her mum show jumped. “Eventually I took over, and mum sold her horse so I could get into it.” Her talent must have been evident at a young age – she’s had sponsors since she was eight. “I’ve always wanted to ride and jump, and the bigger, the better. I’ve always been around horses, and they’ve been a big part of my life, I never knew anything else.”

“I find the more I trust my horses, the more they give me.” Once the basics were well installed, Emma moved from Show Hunter to show jumping. Galaxy Equine was influential in her formative years, and she rode several ponies for them, including the stallion Galaxy Spring Fever. It was the purchase of the distinctive pony Fun House or Pink, that really cemented her dominance at the top of the pony ranks. The combination won the Pony Grand Prix series three years on the trot. Emma believes they are the only pony and rider combination to achieve this feat. “My main focus is wanting to jump bigger fences, and I like that show jumping is not judged. How you go is how you go, it’s up to you and your horse. I also have an awesome group of friends that are so supportive. We’re always there for each other, whether we have good or bad rounds. “I’ve ridden with a similar group of people my whole life, and we’ve made such a solid group of friends – it makes you feel really lucky.” Emma loves the aspect of working with an animal. “It’s a huge trust thing, and I find the more I trust my horses, the more they give me. When it works out, it’s just such a good feeling. I think a horse will only give you as much as you give them – it goes both ways.”

“I’ve always wanted to ride and jump, and the bigger, the better. I’ve always been around horses, and they’ve been a big part of my life, I never knew anything else.”

The team

Emma has three horses in her team, which came back into light work in early June. Her top mount is Maddox Letino, known as Lime, a 10-year-old gelding who she got the ride on at the end of the 2018/19 season. Bred by Laura Knight, Lime is by Littorio, out of Thoroughbred mare Allgems. The combination finished that season with their first Grand Prix start and carried that into last season, winning their first Grand Prix together at Woodhill Sands and having their first Premier League start. “Lime is really special because I got him when Grey got hurt. I’d just started doing Young Riders and was doing well, so it was a big disappointment. Mum’s friend Stephen Nickalls heard and kindly offered me Lime for the rest of the season.” They quickly struck up a great partnership, and after series finals, the Watsons decided they couldn’t part with him. “We had just sold Pink. We worked something out with Stephen and Laura and were able to buy Lime.” This coming season, Emma’s goal with Lime is to stay competitive at Grand Prix and Young Rider level and be more consistent. “Hopefully I can jump my first World Cup, when I’m ready – and when I’m old enough!” Also in the team is Junior Rider horse Maddox Silverkee (Grey), who was unfortunately kicked halfway through the 2018/19 season, though perhaps there was a silver lining, as it did lead her to Lime – and is now back to full health. “He’s quite a quirky horse, and we just took him quietly last season, but he came back really well and finished winning a competitive 1.20m class at HOY.” Thirteen-year-old Grey, bred by Fernhill Stud, is by Kiwi Emilion and the pair won the Junior Rider series in 2017/18. This season the goal is to be competitive in the Junior Rider classes again. Finally, Emma has the spunky five-year-old Maddox Kingston GNZ or Kevin at home. Kevin is by Lordano out of a Grand Prix mare, Shania WTS.

“Hopefully I can jump my first World Cup, when I’m ready – and when I’m old enough!”

Above - Emma and MADDOX LETINO at Takapoto Show Jumping during the Young Rider class Middle - MADDOX SILVERKEE during the Junior Rider Final at Horse of the Year 2020 Below - MADDOX LETINO during the Bayleys Young Rider Final at Horse of the Year 2020

“I got him a couple of years ago and am taking him slowly. He’s quite green, and I’m hoping to get him out competing more this season and maybe do some six-year-olds. He’s scopey and exciting, so we’re not rushing him.”

The highlight reel

At just 16, Emma has too many riding highlights to single out one. She’s ridden for New Zealand five times already; the first was in a CSIP Pony competition in South Korea when she was 12. “Pink gave me so many amazing opportunities, and I don’t think I would be where I am now without her. She taught me so much, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities she’s given me. She taught me to be really competitive in a jump-off – she probably spoilt me a bit!” Although Pink has been sold, the Watsons do have a foal to carry on her legacy, Jameson, aka James. They decided to try for an embryo transfer foal and got a bay colt, who looks nothing like his mother, but more like his father, Carrera VDL. At seven-months-old, he’s already shown he’s happy to jump – putting himself over jumps in the arena. “If he doesn’t end up jumping we have one expensive polo pony,” mum Melissa jokes. The Watsons purchased Pink from the Irvine family, whose son Matt rode her. They named Pink after one of their favourite singers and the Watsons always planned to name to foal after one of the pop singer’s children – Willow and Jameson. Fittingly, when the colt was born, he was duly named Jameson. The name is extra special as Matt’s father was also called James. James and his wife Steph are good family friends, and James sadly passed away from cancer

“She just seems to have a natural feel with horses” - Melissa Watson

No easy road just over a year ago. “So he is special wee guy for many reasons,” Melissa explains. “Pink was sold to Lily Moore in Hawke’s Bay, who won six Grand Prixs on her last season – she (Pink) is just a freak. It’s cool to see her out doing her thing with a different rider,” Emma says. As well as South Korea, Emma rode in the FEI Children’s Finals two years in a row, in Mexico and China, and was a member of two FEI Children’s teams, representing New Zealand. In China, her mixed team won gold. As the saying goes, horses can be great levellers, and Emma already knows this too well. As well as the highs there have been some bitter lows. Aside from Grey’s injury, the most heart-breaking set-back was losing her Junior Rider horse, Oscar Star, after an unnecessary accident. “I had to sell a nice young horse to pay for his vet bills. They left a pretty big hole in the team, but I was lucky to still have Pink then, and you just keep pushing on.” Melissa adds that the day after Oscar Star was put to sleep, Emma jumped Pink in a Grand Prix class at Waikato, and won it, a testament to her ability to focus even in the face of adversity. Emma is realistic about her future with horses and knows it can be a hard road, though she believes horses will always be part of her life. “Even if I go overseas for a year I’ll come back and get a uni qualification before I decide whether to give professional riding a go. I think it’s essential to have something to fall back on, and you can’t rely on horses. It’s a tough game, especially money-wise.”

No easy road

Emma learned from a young age that horses don’t come cheap and takes on schoolers to pay for her team. Melissa says what makes her daughter so successful is the determination and will to win. “It’s just there. She has to work pretty hard to be able to do the sport – it’s rather an expensive one! For years she’s taken on schoolers to pay her way. “She has to want to do it to put in the extra hours working for other people as well, and it all goes back into running her horses.

Sometimes I think it would be nice to have it the easy way and just focus on our team, but it is neat meeting and riding for different owners. She’s had to be professional from a young age, and I think it helps with life skills.” During the season, a typical day will see Emma up at 6.30 am and working three horses before school, then outside working horses again after school until 9 pm. “She just seems to have a natural feel with horses,” Melissa says. It is a juggle to fit in the horses and school, and Emma makes an effort to spend time with her school friends too. “I’ve got a great group of friends at school. I usually play school sports, but I was sick of getting injured right before the season!” In terms of training, her mum has always been her biggest help, but Jeff McVean has also been very influential. “This past season, I was grateful to have help from Stephen and David Nickalls with Lime. Because Lime is like a family horse, it’s cool to have them still involved with him.” Emma is grateful to be sponsored and supported by Maddox Equestrian, NRM Feeds, Equine America, Big Red Stable Snacks, Cambridge Collection Jewellery, Equissage, the Webby family, and Jo and Jacky Romanes. C

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RIDER spotlight

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was a horse-mad kid with non-horsey parents. I got my first pony at 11 after begging and begging.â&#x20AC;?

rie CheWeck

Achieving dreams WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Cornege Photography COMPTEITION IMAGES Avedon Photography

When the Tauranga rider looked for a horse to buy after 18 years out of the saddle, she initially wanted a ‘happy hacker’, what she got was Surspence, the horse who carried her to both the Rising Star and Open Saddle Hunter titles at Horse of the Year in March.

The one

Cherie Weck went to Horse of the Year 2020 with a plan. The class she wanted to win was the Rising Star

Saddle Hunter title, and she never dreamed she would take the double and ride off with the Open title too. She knew there was something special about Surspence, known as Spencer at home, the day she clapped eyes on him. He is her once in a lifetime horse. Showing is her discipline of choice, and she loves travelling away to shows, equally for the opportunity to catch up with friends and compete her horse. “It’s fun, I love it – when I get in that show ring, I have a big smile on my face. I love to show my horse, he’s a crowd-pleaser and knows when he’s at a show. He’s got a huge fan club and is loved by many.”

Cherie soon realised she missed having a horse of her own. “I decided to buy myself a happy hacker so I could go hacking with friends and have a play in the arena. Spencer came along, and I went to try him. I knew he could be a superstar, even though I didn’t intend to compete, but I thought if I changed my mind on that, I would have the horse that could do it. He was probably the nicest horse I had ever sat on.” Spencer is by Warmblood stallion Salient, out of a tiny Arab cross-bred mare. He was bred and broken in by Kay Vercoe in Morrinsville. “He was five-years-old and was very low mileage, but Kay had done a very nice job of starting him. I liked him and thought ‘I could do something with this horse if I wanted to’.” The purchase completed, and Spencer arrived home in September 2017. “I started cruising around, took him to the beach and did a bit of schooling because I enjoy schooling horses. He just gave me so much confidence and made my return to riding so enjoyable.” Cherie decided to take Spencer to their local, Tauranga A & P Show, in January 2018. “I had to rush out and buy a jacket and gear.” She was blown away to take Champion Novice Saddle Hunter and Reserve Champion in the open ring. “I was a bag of nerves. I get quite nervous when I compete. I’ve done two full seasons now, and I’m more confident, but I still get nervous, I’m not going to lie!” The following season she decided to give it a real crack. They started at Waikato, taking out Supreme Novice, and have gone from strength to strength since. “He’s a lovely boy, really workman-like, he loves to work and never really puts a foot wrong.” In 2019 he was runner-up in the Rising Star title class at Horse

Horse mad

Cherie and her husband Richard run their ajistment business, Springridge Boutique Ajistment, from their 50-acre Tauranga property, where Cherie also runs her hairdressing salon, Hair 4 U. “We came back to Tauranga from Matamata six years ago, built a house and set up the business ajisting horses for other people. We feed them, muck out paddocks and do rug changes. The owners come to ride here and can use the facilities. We have an arena, round pen and stables.” Life is typically busy, with Cherie and Richard doing client’s horses in the mornings and afternoons, and Cherie also working in her home-based hair salon most days, as well as fitting in her horse. “I was a horse-mad kid with non-horsey parents. I got my first pony at 11 after begging and begging. I rode until I had my daughter, Jorjia. I never showed I did a bit of everything – Pony Club and NZEF show jumping in later years.” Cherie gave up riding when Jorjia came along, but horses were still a huge part of her life, as Jorjia got her first pony at age one and progressed through the show ring, enjoying tremendous success, before switching to showjumping. “I was basically mummy groom. When she left home, I said to my husband ‘we’re not going to have any horses of our own’. I’d been out of riding for 18 years and never imagined myself riding at this level that’s for sure! “The expense of it, the commitment and dedication to produce a horse to show ring level is huge and very time-consuming. I thought we’d have time together, maybe buy a boat or something. We never bought the boat – we’re still aiming for that!”

Images previous page - Cherie and SURSPENCE after being crowned Rising Star Saddle Hunter Horse of the Year and went on to take the Open Saddle Hunter of the Year win. L-R Jo Jefferson, Alan Windle (judges) and Betty Lennard presenting the Glentullock Memorial Trophy

“I knew he could be a superstar, even though I didn’t intend to compete...”

of the Year and third in the Open title class, which Cherie was rapt with. “I would have liked the Rising Star, that’s what we went for, and there was one point in it. But that’s how it goes.” All the stars aligned for the 2019-20 season and Cherie doesn’t think there was a show he went without a sash, giving them the perfect lead-up to Horse of the Year. “Everyone who competes at that level knows the time and effort, running two businesses, the early mornings riding before my day started, but that’s what you do. I wanted that Rising Star, as for the Open, it was a solid field. All the best hunters were there, in my mind. “I never doubted my horse, he’s as nice as

any and works amazingly, but did I think I would win? Probably not. But it was his day.” So what gives Spencer the x-factor? “He’s striking and very nicely put together, but I would say what catches the judge’s eye through and through is his movement. He’s got the most beautiful movement and an excellent gallop. I’m a slight lady, and I can go from a full gallop to a collected canter in a few strides. He’s so responsive, and a lot of judges have said to me, ‘I would love to sit on that horse’.” The Horse of the Year result this year was a dream come true. “There are no words to describe it, and I was almost stunned. When he won the Rising Star, I had a little tear in

“I think horses are the most beautiful animals and I like the fact you can ride them and train them, and at the same time, he’s my mate. We go hacking, and I talk to him.”

my eye, and when I got called forward for the Open title, I felt overjoyed. I knew he was as good as any horse out there, but the reality of knowing I had just taken out the Open title was the most amazing feeling.”

The key to success

Cherie says she has always been huge on presentation and prides herself on the immaculate turnout of her horses. But she believes it is the overall picture that makes the winning turnout. “Most of all, you put your head down and bum up, and you do you. Focus on your schooling and horse. Hard work, repetition, every day working on how your horse goes – his posture, rhythm, transitions and everything that goes with perfecting a workout. Also, having a good set of training eyes on the ground and support of family and friends.” The overall picture, a nicely conformed horse that moves well, with a nice rider who sits up and looks graceful and elegant in the show ring, is what catches the eye. At only eight, Spencer has plenty of years left in him, and Cherie will stick to showing. She would like to do some low-level dressage, though plans to do that this winter has so far been thwarted by COVID-19. “He is super talented and extremely trainable. I’ve had lessons with top dressage coaches who have said he has unstoppable ability, but I don’t have that ambition. The training is always good, and low-level dressage

would be beneficial.” The Wecks have planned a family cruise for just before HOY 2021, and Cherie is already thinking about how she can manage both. “I feel the need to make an effort to get to HOY and allow him to defend his title.” Showing is the most appealing discipline to her, and she doesn’t see that changing. “I just like turning horses out, making them look beautiful with their makeup and having them well-conditioned for the show ring. Spencer isn’t the easiest horse at times to prepare on the ground – I call him Mr Fidget Bum because he doesn’t like to stand still!” With Jorjia having competed in showing for 14 years, Cherie has many friends in showing circles, and that’s a huge attraction. “I enjoy going away and catching up with friends and the socialising as much as competing. I don’t want to jump any more, I’ve lost my nerve to jump, and that only leaves dressage and showing. Showing is what I prefer,” she explains. “I think horses are the most beautiful animals and I like the fact you can ride them and train them, and at the same time, he’s my mate. We go hacking, and I talk to him. He’s not an overly smoochy horse, but I think you can never take that love away. Once you’re a horse lover, you’re always a horse lover. “I will never part with him, and he will retire with us. For me to own a horse like Spencer, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

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RIDER spotlight

A bright forecast WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Michelle Clarke

Creating a viable equine business long term means the big goal this year is not a competition one – rather a business one. Setting up the ajistment and livery side of Southern Lakes Equestrian is the focus for the coming season.

aving experienced plenty of success in the show jumping ring, Olivia Robertson is a realist when it comes to horses – everything is for sale – and the goal is to produce horses able to be ridden by amateurs, not just professionals. While it can be tough to part with the special ones, horses don’t come cheap, and selling has always been part of Olivia’s career, right from her pony days. Several stints in Europe proved a steep learning curve for the Queenstown 25-year-old but taught her valuable life lessons, as well as how to produce horses to top-level, not just ride at that level. Living in Queenstown presents logistical challenges when it comes to competition, but Olivia says the equine scene is growing. “Yes, it does take longer to get to shows and is harder, but we live in the most beautiful place on earth, I reckon, so you can’t really complain!” The property, where she is currently setting up the new ajistment and livery business, has been in the family a long time, though she hasn’t always lived there. Her father Duncan purchased the property 50 years ago, and Olivia spent her early years there before they moved to Auckland when she was three, for her mum’s work. She has also lived in Christchurch and spent time in Europe, but her parents always kept the property. “Now we’re all back here on the farm I grew up on. It’s an amazing place to live, and everybody that grows up here seems to go off and see the world, and somehow we all end up back in Queenstown!”

The equine business also involves giving lessons, taking schoolers and her horses. For winter, she had a job lined up in the Koru Lounge, but COVID-19 put paid to that. “It’s been a tough time here in Queenstown for everyone really, being so heavily reliant on tourism.” The idea of the ajistment and livery side of the business is to create an operation that makes money every day. “Horse sales are great, but it’s not something you can make a great living from. Horse sales are like a top-up.”

Horses from day dot

Top - Olivia and GRANDAIRE at the Otago Show Jumping Summer Championships, in the Grand Prix class

Olivia’s mum, Jan Hunt, has always been her biggest supporter – though she initially did all she could to discourage her daughter’s budding horse obsession. “Mum grew up on Mt Nicholas Station riding ponies and horses out mustering. She gave it away when she travelled the world and got back into it with friends when she returned. Then she had me, and I loved horses from day dot.” When they moved to Auckland, Jan refused to buy Olivia a pony until she could do everything herself. “She’d send me to all the

pony school holiday camps and ask them to give me the worst jobs, like picking up poo. She knew how much they cost, and she was determined she didn’t want me to ride. It made it worse, I think!” Rather than having the desired effect, Olivia’s love of horses only grew. “I like that every day is different with horses. You’re always trying to achieve something different, or the horse feels different, and you’re always looking for improvement and trying to be better than the day before.” Olivia also loves competing, confessing she is a competitive person by nature. “I love getting out to shows and getting in the ring. It drives you on to the next weekend.” Her first pony was extremely naughty, as was the second – not so affectionately nicknamed ‘the land shark’ due to its propensity to bite and kick. She dabbled in a bit of everything, pony club, dressage and eventing, before focusing on show jumping at 14. “I love the precision of it. I like that it all happens very quickly. You’re in the ring for such a short amount of time, and you have to be so on to it, it’s just a thrill.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scope, talent and quick reflexes are also extremely important, but they must have a good brain.â&#x20AC;?

The pony that cemented her love of show jumping was Sweet Addition, purchased from the Bentall family in Hawke’s Bay. “I got him when I was 12, and he was my real stepping stone into the real show jumping world.” Mr Black Magic was another one she rode at pony Grand Prix level. “I had quite a lot of success with show jumping, and that pushed me that way. More than anything, I had taken three ponies, and horses to (old) 1* eventing and they all sold before I could take them 2*, which stopped that dream.” Those eventers were sold to finance the horses – that’s how it works. “Every horse has always been for sale. It’s an expensive sport, and when they’re going well, and things are looking good, that’s the time to sell.” Does she find that side of the sport hard? “No, not now. It’s what I grew up with, the knowledge everything I ride is for sale. Don’t get me wrong, I do get very emotionally attached to the horses, but then the money arrives in the bank account, and you look for the next opportunity.”

European lessons

After ponies, Olivia went on to the very special Ngahiwi Cisco, who she won the Young Rider of the Year title and Norwood Gold Cup on at Horse of the Year. “He’s a dude, and he’s my one in a million.” At the same time, Olivia also had a successful mare, DHS Ceniki, imported from De Dinkelhoeve Stal in Holland, where she had spent time working. “I went over there when I was 18 for just over three months. I rode her while I was there and we decided to bring her back. She was pretty cool, and we had a lot of success at Young Rider level. I produced her up to World Cup, and she did well at Grand Prix and World Cup level.” Olivia returned to Europe when she was 20 for five months, leaving the horses behind, then went back a third time at age 21, taking Cisco and Ceniki with her. She admits Europe was a humbling experience and taught her ‘everything’. “I went with huge expectations, and it was an extremely humbling experience. It was a realisation that I had been a

big fish in a small pond. New Zealand is a great place to get on a horse, be brave and get to the fence. In Europe, I learned to produce a horse to that level, not just ride at that level. “At the end of the day, the jumps are bigger, the courses are tougher, and you can’t get away with just winging it. That was tough to learn. I had to step down the grades to be able to step back up again. There was a bit of soul searching, and I guess I grew up. It was tough, living over there by yourself. It’s not always easy, but I did have a great group of friends around me.” Olivia had planned to go back to Europe again this winter to train. But, again, COVID-19 stopped that. “Not one part of me regrets going over there. It was huge; I learned so much about horses, about myself, and about the horse world and how to market horses in a much more professional way.” By the end of her last European stint, she had four horses. Ceniki was sold, as was one other. Olivia bought back Grandaire, a rising 10-year-old chestnut gelding by Zambesi. He is currently jumping at Grand Prix level. The special one, Cisco, is in Australia with Clem Smith’s

“Every horse has always been for sale. It’s an expensive sport, and when they’re going well, and things are looking good, that’s the time to sell.”

daughter Jessie. The Smiths approached the Robertsons and asked if they would be willing to lease Cisco to them if they imported him back to Australia. When he’s finished there, he will come home and retire with Olivia. “It was too expensive to get two horses back to New Zealand. Even though he’s my one in a million, it didn’t make sense to bring back an older horse and pay for the flight. It was a blessing Clem came along.” Olivia also has Casino GNZ, a rising seven-year-old by Cassini II out of a Corlando mare. “He’s looking quite flash, I’m quite excited about that one.” Finally, the baby of the team is a four-year-old gelding she got just before lockdown from Fernhill Stud, Kiwi Nickel. “I’ll just quietly produce him and probably look to sell him.” There are also plenty of babies hanging around in the paddocks, and Olivia has taken time this winter to look at horses and try to build team numbers up again.

Olivia and GRANDAIRE at the Otago Show Jumping Summer Championships, during the Grand Prix class

Rideable horses

Olivia credits her overseas experience with helping set up her riding and ability to produce horses others can ride. She aims to create horses that are saleable.

Above - The cottage that Olivia & Jonny rent, which is a handy 2 minutes from the family farm Below left - Olivia with partner; Jonny Jones Below right - Olivia’s little companion throughout the day; Bosty. Opposite page Top - The scenery provides an amazing backdrop to the farm

This aim shapes what she looks for in a horse, namely, a good brain. “Scope, talent and quick reflexes are also extremely important, but it’s got to have a good brain. “That’s one of the biggest things I learned in Europe. If you are looking for yourself, that’s different, but I’m always looking to sell. If a horse has a tonne of talent, but no brain, the only person you can sell to is a professional. It needs to be a freak, and it must be top level.” Before heading to Europe Olivia’s, long term coach was John Cottle and, while in Europe, she had two influential trainers. “Hendrik-Jan Schuttert taught me a lot about how to

“I love the precision of it. I like that it all happens very quickly. You’re in the ring for such a short amount of time, and you have to be so on to it, it’s just a thrill.” produce horses, sell horses and what clients look for in a horse – the business side. “As for my riding, at the end of my time in Europe, I went down to Miranda Harrington. I would say she’s had the biggest influence on my riding career. She instilled in me good habits about working with and riding horses. I really respect Miranda, what she’s done and how hard she’s worked.” Long term, finances will determine a lot, but the dream would be to represent New Zealand at Nations Cup or the Olympics. She’s already represented the country several times at Young Rider and Junior level. “That would be the ultimate goal, but you have to be realistic, it costs a lot of money. We’ll have to wait and see!” Olivia is grateful to be sponsored by Cavalleria Toscana, BetaVet, Hinterland, Dunstan Horsefeeds, Nicolett Geldermann and Witches Brew Hoof Oil. “The person who really needs to be thanked is my mum. She’s always supported me and believed in me 110% - sometimes more than I believed in myself!”

RIDER spotlight

WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Cornege Photography

The black type says Thoroughbred racing is in the blood, but Cambridge teenager Brooke Hawthorne is equally passionate about show jumping. Whatever the industry, she knows horses are the career for her.

hen Brooke Hawthorne left school at the end of last year, she knew for certain she wanted to pursue horses. She follows in the footsteps of her father and grandfather in her day job on the Thoroughbred stud, Wentwood Grange, and in the evening works her team of show jumpers. She and her mum Vicki live on a five-acre block in Cambridge, where Brooke has her horses. Brooke, 18, was destined to love horses. Her father, Dean Hawthorne, is a bloodstock agent, and her grandfather, Norm owned Paramount Stud, for a time, one of the largest studs in New Zealand, in Hawkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay.

Above - Brooke & ZIGGY STARDUST GNZ during the Young Rider class at Takapoto Show Jumping. Below - The rosettes say it all. Right hand page - Brooke & LATONA after winning the 4-Year-Old Final 1m at Takapoto Show Jumping.

“Dad also evented and went to England and rode with the likes of Mark Todd when he was younger. Before I was born, mum show jumped to Grand Prix and did classes like Lady Rider.” She admits it is quite the pedigree page, saying she was basically born in the saddle. It was never going to be anything else. In her job at Wentwood Grange, Brooke is a stud hand. At the moment things are busy coming into foaling season, and over winter she spent a lot of time handling weanlings. Before leaving school and starting work at the stud in October last year, she had done three seasons of yearling prep for them. During lockdown, she and the horse truck went to live on the stud for five weeks, so she was able to continue working.

Always horses

Brooke grew up with an idyllic kiwi kid pony experience, blatting around the hunt field and attending pony club. “My parents split up when I was about four. Mum got together with the huntsman at Waikato Hunt, and I grew up at the Waikato kennels. I’ve hunted since I was five, there are photos of me on a 12hh pony jumping spars!

I’ve hunted all my life.” It was attending the NZPC show jumping champs at the age of eight – she believes she’s still one of the youngest riders ever to compete – that kick-started her love of show jumping. “I’ve always loved it, and I was quite a competitive little kid. I just like the fact show jumping isn’t judged on someone’s opinion and the excitement of getting in the jumpoff and trying to bring home a ribbon. It’s fair game really.” Brooke had three top ponies she enjoyed a lot of success on, all bought as youngsters and produced herself. The first, Too Easy (Barbie) was purchased when Brooke was just five, and Barbie was four. “We never bought top ponies, we always bought four-year-olds and produced them. Barbie was probably the pony that started it all for me; we learned together. She was a little bush pony we got from up North and I had her for nine years.” The second influential pony was Easy As, a bay pony Brooke jumped at Pony Grand Prix level, placing in the Grand Prix series and Pony of the Year. “We won a couple of Grand Prix classes. She was a really cool pony. All

“I’ve always loved it, and I was quite a competitive little kid. I just like the fact show jumping isn’t judged on someone’s opinion...” 41

my ponies hunted and did everything. “I had another good pony early on I did Grand Prix on too, but we sold her to pay for everything and to keep going to shows.” The young ponies, all green and inexperienced, were not easy and shaped Brooke into the rider she is today. “Those three ponies, all mares, were very tricky and helped me be able to figure out tougher horses. If I get a horse, it’s often tricky because they’re not expensive, but most of the time I can get on with them. Having those young ponies with their quirks meant I tried different things to get around them and avoid problems.” Brooke left school last year at the end of Year 12. “Horses is what I want to do. It’s the path I want to go down – I haven’t found anything else that interests me. “I think, growing up with them all my life, being able to work with an animal and grow a connection is special. Horses are so intelligent for not being able to speak the same language as us!” In 2018 and 2019 Brooke travelled to Australia to compete at the Aquis Champions Tour as part of the New Zealand Junior Rider team. Both times she picked up individual placings in Junior Rider classes. Last year, she went over for a month and spent three weeks before Aquis training with Ross Smith. “It’s a world-class show, and I was really lucky to go. I would love to go back again. “I went back to school after Aquis last year and picked up some rides for Claire Friedlander of All NZ Sport Horses. She had a fiveyear-old stallion I competed for her last year. I rode a couple of others and also sold one on behalf for her.” When Brooke left school in October last year, she started work at Wentwood Grange the very next day.

The show jumpers

Brooke currently has two main horses in her team, Ziggy Stardust GNZ (Barney) and Latona (Isaac). Barney is a 10-year-old gelding she got a year ago. Last season they competed to 1.40m and in the Young Rider classes, placing 5th in the Young Rider of the Year title class at HOY. “He’s a really cool horse. I always say I’ve never sat on a horse that loves its job like him – he’s very special but very difficult at the same time. He loves his job a little too much! We often find him jumping out of his paddock. Tonight when I got home someone was putting him back in his paddock because he’d jumped out on to the road. “He’s so naughty and so energetic – it’s a lot to contain!” Barney is Brooke’s top horse for this coming season, and she hopes to step him up to Grand Prix, as well as being competitive in the Young Rider series. Four-year-old Isaac is one to watch, winning the four-year-old class at Takapoto and the four-year-old class at North Island champs in Pukekohe last season. Not a bad track record considering he only did four shows. Latona is by Lordeutz, who was campaigned by Samantha Peters and is now with Karis Spurway and was bred by Samantha. His dam is by Mighty Heights, out of a Westminster mare. “I said from the minute I sat on him; he’s special. I dragged mum along to look at him, she didn’t think we needed another young horse, but as soon as she saw him, she was converted.” The goal for Isaac this season is to do the five-year-old classes, targeting Takapoto and the Young Horse Show title classes. “He’s really brave and so on to it. He’s very balanced for a fouryear-old. He’s a big, big boy and very well built. He’s extremely

Image - Trish Dunell careful and gives you an amazing feeling over a fence. I think he definitely has the scope for the future. I hope he’s my horse for the future, but time will tell.” Brooke also has a couple of project horses she hopes will help pay for the running of the main team for the season. She’s grateful to have the unwavering support of her mum, who also doubles as a fairly handy jockey if needed. “She’s an amazing rider. This year when I did both Karaka and Sydney yearling sales, she kept my horses in work before Takapoto – that obviously paid off well! I can’t drive a truck yet, and I’m lucky to have her at shows. She’s also an experienced pair of eyes on the ground at home.”

Two loves

Brooke has a passion for both show jumping and stud work and is undecided which will be her main career. “I love the Thoroughbreds, and it’s where my family has come from. I’m really into it and try to learn as much as I can about bloodlines and breeding. Obviously, show jumping would be the dream, but it comes with a price tag. “It’s making it work. Both show jumping and Thoroughbreds are industries I would love to be in.” This is her first season working full time on a stud, and she’s enjoying seeing the progression from foals born to yearling prep and attending the sales, then following their fortunes on the track. “I like following the different bloodlines and working out the breeding behind it all, looking into how conformation and bloodlines go into getting horses to the racetrack and being able to follow a horse through its career. Seeing the difference from foal through to racehorse is so interesting. I still try to follow and watch the horses from my first prep when I was 15 when they run.” During the lockdown, she had a chance to try her hand at pretraining. “The yearling manager at Wentwood had his own twoyear-old race filly, and I did six weeks of pre-training her during the lockdown. It was the first time I’d ridden in an exercise saddle, which was a bit different but really cool. Now she’s gone to a trainer, and it will be super exciting to see her out.” One future goal would be to live in Australia and see if she can make a go of both industries. “Both disciplines are bigger and stronger over there. I’d like to see if I can make it work.” Brooke is grateful to be sponsored by Canter 4 Cancer, The Cambridge Collection and Animal Feed Solutions. C

Opposite page - Brooke and LATONA during stable time. Above left - Brooke working at the 2019 NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sales at Karaka, for Wentwood Grange. Above - LATONA having some fun time at the farm. Below - The bounty of prizes including the last Equidays that includes the rug and rosettes after winning the Horse Derby.

Grow Your Potential

FAR_09488

With the considerable amount of breeding feeds available in NZ, selecting the correct one for your broodmare or growing horse can be a challenge. Here are some important aspects to look for in any breeding feed, which can all be found in NRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high quality breeding nut Evolve.

High quality protein Protein is one of the most important nutrients for both breeding and growing horses. During pregnancy, broodmares use large amounts of protein for foetal development, especially in the third trimester when the majority of foetal growth occurs. Protein requirements for broodmares increases significantly during lactation, as it is essential for milk production. Growing horses need a consistent supply of quality protein daily to ensure the best development. At 14% protein, Evolve contains optimum protein levels for broodmares and growing horses when fed at the recommended levels. The protein in Evolve is

Kentucky Equine Research has demonstrated significant benefits to providing growing horses with a supplementary feed that is low G.I.

from highly digestible, quality sources and contains a great ratio of the essential amino acids lysine, methionine and threonine. Balanced Trace Minerals Each trace mineral plays a different role in the health and development of breeding and growing horses. The most important for the third trimester are zinc, manganese, iron, selenium and copper. The foetus needs to store these in the liver in the last three months of pregnancy to compensate for the low levels they receive in the mareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk once they are born. Evolve contains optimum trace mineral levels as well as chromium to enhance glucose and insulin metabolism.

Evolve supports the early stages of a horse’s life to help them reach their full potential. NRM Evolve is specifically formulated to: • • • •

Encourage sound skeletal development Provide low glycaemic energy to encourage steady growth Support immunity Improve digestion and maximise hindgut function

Proudly developed in partnership with Kentucky Equine Research

Live Yeast Culture Evolve contains the natural yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to increase nutrient availability and maximise hindgut function. These yeast strains play an important role in digestion, as they assist with maximising feed utilisation and can help to improve coat quality, body condition and optimum development in young horses. Low Glycaemic Formulation Evolve is formulated to contain energy sources that release slowly and avoid causing peaks in blood glucose, meaning it is a low glycemic

feed that encourages sound skeletal development in growing horses. Kentucky Equine Research has demonstrated significant benefits to providing growing horses with a supplementary feed that is low G.I. This provides energy through fibre and fat rather than starch from conventional grain mixes. Natural Vitamin E Natural Vitamin E has superior bioavailability compared to synthetic sources and is proven to support immunity in foals.

Convenient Nut Form Evolve comes in a ‘nut’ which is 10mm wide and therefore slightly larger and chunkier than a pellet. Nut form means Evolve is ideal to prevent wastage when feeding from bins or on the ground. The larger pellet size also contributes to low G.I. properties as it takes longer for the horse to chew. For more information on broodmare and growing horse nutrition, as well as specific diet advice for your horse, contact a qualified equine nutritionist.

FEED TO SUCCEED

RIDER spotlight

L U CA R N E DOLLEY GIVING IT MY ALL

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

With a fairytale Young Rider career behind her, Lucarne Dolley is proving sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one-trick pony, with a successful step up to Grand Prix on Ardmore, who is a quirky ex-eventer.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started riding when I was six years old, I had one riding lesson in the UK before we moved to New Zealand...â&#x20AC;?

“Horse of the Year 2020 was a massive learning curve for us, it was our first CDI3* and I was the youngest rider in the field by nearly ten years!”

riginally from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, Lucarne’s equine interest took off like wildfire, and once she started, there was no stopping her. “I started riding when I was six years old, I had one riding lesson in the UK before we moved to New Zealand and that was well and truly enough to have me hooked,” she laughs. “I had weekly lessons with Penny Dunthorne, and her amazing ponies, until I was lucky enough to get my pony - Penny then continued to help me right through my pony club years.” Lucarne’s time competing in young rider classes was the stuff dreams are made of – National Young Rider Champion in 2018, Dressage Young Rider of the Year in 2016 and 2018, and National Grand Prix Youth Champion in 2019. However, even with all of this success, she was a relatively late starter to pure dressage, only beginning to specialise in 2013 with the purchase of the wonderful Grand Prix schoolmaster ‘Mzungu’ from Debbie Barke. “I hadn’t ridden above level 3 when I got Tom, he was the first horse I ever rode the higher-level movements on, and I’m forever thankful for everything he taught me. Having a schoolmaster was an invaluable experience that I will most definitely cherish forever!

Previous page - DANZA MH is a six-year-old Dancier gelding bred by Judith Mathews of Mathews Hanoverians Above and this image - The property in Cambridge was started from scratch.

“Tom is turning 24 in August and is now happily retired in a giant paddock with his best friend Billy – a goat!” After Mzungu’s retirement, the hunt was on for Lucarne’s next mount, and the decision was made to purchase ‘Devil’s Chocolate’, a good old New Zealand Stationbred mare who was started and competed up to Prix St George level by Holly Leach. “I was very lucky when I got Tilly, and I owe a lot to her as she taught me how to ride! There was definitely no-nonsense, she was quite difficult at the start and had a few interesting tricks up her sleeve, but she always gave 110% in absolutely everything she did.” Although Tilly was only 11 at the time of her purchase and Lucarne 17, their youthful ages didn’t hold them back from flying onto the New Zealand dressage scene. “I won each of the young rider titles on her; Nationals, Horse of the Year and Young Rider Champs. Our biggest win though was at our last Horse of the Year in 2018 competing in the Advanced class. I hadn’t been well, and my music also skipped several times during my Freestyle class, but we still managed to come out on top overall, which I didn’t think could happen – there were so many good horses!”

Opposite page Left- Lucarne and Ardmore during their CDI*** Grand Prix Freestyle test at Horse of the Year 2020 Right- Warming up at Horse of the Year 2020 under the watchful eye of Vanessa Way Image- Denise Flay Photography

Only a few months after their stellar win at Horse of the Year, Tilly was on a plane heading over to her new home in Australia with Para-Equestrian rider Matilda Carnegie. “It was the most heart breaking moment loading her onto the plane, I knew it was time for her to teach another person as much as she had me, but it was still so difficult nonetheless! It’s been so rewarding to watch her and Tilda build an amazing partnership, and it’s super special to see her look after someone so well while still performing at the top.”

The New Zealand influence

A name that many in the equestrian community will know, Vanessa Way has long provided incredible opportunities for young riders to learn from her (and as an extension, Vanessa’s mentor Carl Hester) as working pupils. “I started having regular lessons with Vanessa when we purchased Tilly, and I was then lucky to be able to become a part of her incredible team as a working pupil for two years. The support and friendships that were created are truly so special. No matter what, everyone had each other’s backs, a massive thank you has to

go out to Abbie Deken and Renee Etherington who helped make being part of Team Way so awesome! “We had so many memorable times together, one that would have to stand out the most though was when Vanessa’s horse Arion was having his saddle fitted. For some reason, we decided that it would be a good idea to try and ride him bareback! We videoed me doing some trot work and Vanessa doing sequence changes, and it ended up going viral with over 8000 views between us and becoming a challenge on Facebook! “There’s nothing I would change about my time at Vanessa’s. I would not be the rider I am today without her, and I still don’t know where I would be without her constant guidance to this day. She is an incredible mentor, and the most hardworking person I have ever met – I feel so privileged to have been allowed to be a part of her team in the Naki!” It’s not only Lucarne who has amazing things to say about Vanessa; the admiration between these two is mutual. “Lucarne is hardworking, honest and has an incredibly kind nature and I think her gift as a rider is her even temperament and beautiful feel. We have become terrific friends, and I absolutely

Left above - The ribbons and garlands are a reminder of the constant commitment it takes to achieve her dreams

Above - Lucarne and ARDMORE during their CDI*** Grand Prix Freestyle test at Horse of the Year 2020

love to mentor her”, says Vanessa. All good things must come to an end, and it was soon time for Lucarne to head back up the North Island to the new family property in Cambridge.

digest certain foods like a normal horse, so we have to be super careful with his diet – especially when we’re away at shows, and he can steal someone else’s feed! “We’re incredibly lucky that we have an amazing team behind us from Waikato Equine Vets who help to make sure Arnie is at his happiest and healthiest 24/7, we definitely couldn’t do what we do without them! I am also incredibly grateful to be able to run my team of horses with the sponsorship and support of NSC – The English Saddle Company, Lisa Dunbar – Equine Saddle Fitting, and the team from The Stirling Collection.” While they had a fantastic start to their Grand Prix career, Horse of the Year this year was a whole new step up for Lucarne and Arnie with a move out of young rider competition and their first major event at senior international level. Fifth in the Grand Prix, sixth in the Grand Prix Special and seventh in the Freestyle left them sitting pretty to finish sixth; overall, an incredibly impressive feat at their first international, and a result which left them sitting in the top 600 of the FEI World Rankings. “Horse of the Year 2020 was a massive learning curve for us, it was our first CDI3* and I was the youngest rider in the field by nearly ten years! Arnie always finds it a little overwhelming. However, each time we gain more and more experience, and I can’t ask for much more! “Arnie is extremely quirky, there are almost too many things to list, but he has always had an absolute heart of gold, and is just the most polite guy to have around - his only bad habit is pulling shoes off the morning of shows, so the farrier is most definitely at the top of my speed dial list!” Looking to the future for Lucarne shows a wonderful pool of young horse talent that would have many dressage riders drooling. “I have three up and coming young horses who make up the rest of my team. Danza MH is a six-year-old Dancier gelding bred by Judith Mathews of Mathews Hanoverians. He has only had one season of competing at Level One and has always shown incredible promise for the future. My second young horse is HPH Sir Wolkentanz, otherwise known as Spencer. He’s a 5-yearold gelding by Sir Donnerhall who was bred by Stacey Mccoy (nee Hartshorne). We love his workmanlike behaviour and can’t wait to step up the levels after only competing at a few Level One shows last season. My final young one is a gorgeous yearling bred by David Wooley, he is by Formidable, and I am counting down the days until I can jump on him!” C

The move north

“We moved to Cambridge as my parents just loved the area, and we wanted to set up a property that worked for us, while still being central for both my parents work and my horses. The property we bought was a complete blank canvas, and it gave us the perfect amount of time to get everything set up exactly how we wanted it! Being a working pupil for Vanessa was the most valuable and incredible experience, I learned more than I could ever have imagined, and I’m lucky enough to be able to continue doing so now in Cambridge due to her generosity.” The move to Cambridge also provided Lucarne with the perfect opportunity to start her Bachelor of Physiotherapy. “I’m super lucky my course fits in well with me and riding the three horses, it consists of two-week block courses a couple of times per semester - the rest is completely online through Zoom lectures. I have to remind myself that the busy schedule will be worth it in the end as I hope to branch into Equine physiotherapy asap!”

The big step up

Lucarne’s Grand Prix horse Ardmore is an Anamour/Dynamit gelding who was bred by Justine Hodson. Arnie is an absolute flying star of the horse world, and although he was a late starter to dressage, he well and truly rocketed up the levels, going from his first Level 3 in 2016 to his first Grand Prix in 2019. “I have only really known Arnie since he was around seven years old with his previous owners; he wasn’t the most conventional dressage buy. When he arrived he had only done a handful of level two shows, we purchased him off of a beginner rider, and before that, he had been an eventer! “He was 11 years old, and I was 20 when we did our first Grand Prix, it’s pretty incredible to think we managed to do it in only our third season together!” Their speedy journey up the levels hasn’t been without its setbacks though. The biggest was when Arnie suffered from a stomach condition so odd that vets haven’t even developed a name for it yet. “He has a rare stomach condition which still baffles many vets to this day! They’re not quite sure how or why it happens, but he can’t

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arnie is extremely quirky, there are almost too many things to list, but he has always had an absolute heart of gold...â&#x20AC;?

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Terms & Conditions: 1. Prices excluding specials indicated in this publication are recommended retail stock held by us on order at time of going to print. 2. Prices shown are recommended retail only. 3. Every item listed may not be available in all stores and stock is available only while stock lasts. 4. All items have been included in good faith on the basis that products, as described, will be available from our suppliers at the time of sale. Failure by our suppliers to deliver in accordance with sample or description or at all, or unintended delay with the supply to us of stock may result in some lines being unavailable or delay in availability or delivery. 5. Display accessories and props shown are not included in the price shown unless specified. 6. Prices on our saddles do not include mounts unless specified. 7. Prices on our bridles do not include bits unless specified. 8. Prices effective until 31st August 2020. Equestrian Connection reserves the right to alter or correct pricing or printing errors.

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SEnjoying uzanna Martin life

RIDER spotlight

WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Michelle Clarke COMPETITION IMAGE Stuff / Southland Times

Things have changed vastly since the days of saving money from babysitting and waitressing in order to visit the riding school in Ohariu Valley and gallop Standardbreds around the hills, but what has remained constant is the joy horses bring to her life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw this absolutely exquisite horse that was outmoving anything I had seen.â&#x20AC;?

howing and dressage rider Suzanna Martin is refreshingly frank about her riding ambitions. “I don’t have Olympic aspirations, I just really like my horses,” she explains. “I tried to have young horses, but I’ve realised I’m more of a cup of tea rider, I like little breaks and a chat.” She also admits she’s been incredibly lucky to be in the position to own some wonderful schoolmasters, in both the dressage and showing arenas. She values a safe, well-trained horse she can enjoy and have fun. “I’ve been lucky and privileged to be able to fund and buy some amazing horses.”

Picture perfect

Suzanna and her husband live in the breathtaking area of Lake Hayes, Queenstown, with their 13-year-old twins, Zara and Tom. Their 40-acre property is the stuff horsey dreams are made of, with the beautiful stables built from stone quarried on site. “They were architecturally designed, and I wanted it to look befitting of the time, in keeping with the original homestead, which was built in the 1880s. I wanted it to look like it had been built in a typical Central Otago way and I love it, absolutely love it.” Stunning as it is, Suzanna says it’s now more of a glorified haybarn. A fire in the stable about eight years ago was enough to terrify her, and she no longer stables her horses. “Luckily there were no horses in it at the time. It shot up like a chimney and was absolutely horrific, but because the horses were safe, it was easy to walk away from. I realised then I didn’t want to stable the horses anymore, so it’s a beautiful haybarn now.”

“...I wanted it to look like it had been built in a typical Central Otago way and I love it, absolutely love it.”

Star quality

Her number one mount is the gorgeous Saddle Hunter, Southwell Rondezvous, known as Mouse. The 12-year-old mare is by Ramirez, out of a Thoroughbred mare. As well as being a star in the showing arena, she is graded Level 5 in dressage. “She (Mouse) has done everything, and she is the consummate show horse. I was lucky to purchase her off her owner Loretta Tait. She was ridden by Rebecca McKee (nee Rowlands), who has become a good friend. Rebecca decided to take on a young horse, and I was able to buy Mouse.” Suzanna had loved Mouse since she first laid eyes on her in her four-year-old season when she and Rebecca swept all before them. “She’s just outstanding. I was helping a friend at a show; this is before I knew anything about showing. When people said a horse was in show condition, I used to think it was fat! I saw this absolutely exquisite horse that was out-moving anything I had seen. I just thought ‘that is a magnificent horse’.” When Mouse came up for sale two years ago Suzanna didn’t even ride her – she just knew she was the one. In their first season together they did about ten shows and were sashed Supreme at every event, bar one. “It’s hard to take your eyes off her. I bought her to do dressage, but showing has rugs and garlands and better prize money, it’s a super bloody sport! “All I know is there’s something about her that judges love. Her conformation is superb, her head is beautiful, and she has attitude.” Despite not planning to show, owning a horse with such talent in that discipline, Suzanna thought why not? “I’d done bits and pieces for fun, but it certainly wasn’t my passion. I thought I would use Mouse to do dressage on, but she loves the show ring. She comes alive and adores it. I thought let’s do a season showing and just fell in love with it.” They might travel long distances to shows, but Suzanna says the people in the deep South are what make it worthwhile. “It’s an absolute nightmare, only Lake Hayes and Wanaka shows are within an hour and a half drive, but the compensation is we live in Queenstown, so you suck it up. We get lots of great trainers down here too, Queenstown is a bit of a destination. “It’s just fun down here, it truly is. The group of people are outstanding. I never went to a show where I didn’t have fun. I did it with my good friend Penelope Johnson, and we had a ball, it really was glorious fun.” She hopes her most recent purchase, Remi Frangelico, will be the next to follow in Mouse’s hoof prints. The mare was purchased from Australia, where she had been in training with Nina Boyd, and is by Fishermans Friends, out of Remi Wyndham. The plan is for Remi to be her dressage horse, while Mouse does what she loves best – showing. Mouse sat out last season to grow out one hoof with seedy toe, but she’s ready for action again, and Suzanna will target Horse of the Year Show, provided it goes ahead in this uncertain environment. “We’ll be targeting all the big shows, and I’ll keep doing it as long as it’s fun. Mouse can be a bloody tart too, but she runs on the truck to go to shows. When she gets to a show, she’s a complete professional. Rebecca trained her so well; it is a bit of a point and shoot experience, and provides great joy.”

“I tried to have young horses, but I’ve realised I’m more of a cup of tea rider, I like little breaks and a chat.”

Safe and well trained

Suzanna learned the hard way she wasn’t cut out for producing and bring on young horses, and she’s completely at peace with that. “I used to think I was gung-ho and would bring young horses on, but I’ve realised I’m more of a hobby rider and I don’t need to prove myself on young horses. I want to ride safe, well-trained horses and have fun. I don’t want to be scared or nervous or wonder what they’ll do next – I’m really a nana rider!” Growing up in Wellington city, Suzanna used to babysit and waitress to afford to go riding at the Ohariu Valley riding school, where she had a ball galloping Standardbreds around the hills. She never competed or owned a horse until later in life. “I would do anything to ride, and I just loved it.” Competing started in her late 20s when she purchased a lovely dressage schoolmaster, Just George. Through competing at local shows, she became friends with Lisa Blackbourn, the catalyst for many of her future horse purchases. “Through her, my quality of horses has gone up and up.” Her love of dressage was ignited when she purchased another schoolmaster, Greengates Ambrose, from Anna Bramley. It came as rather a shock to the system when Suzanna realised the horses had been showing her the ropes, not the other way round. “I had no idea until I got on an untrained horse that I didn’t know how to ride flying changes or canter pirouettes. I went ‘oh dear’, I had been spoilt by incredible animals that were so well trained. I didn’t realise I wasn’t well trained. It was bloody funny. That’s when I started getting a lot of lessons!”

“She’s inspiring. I think she is phenomenal.”

She trained with Coralie Williams for many years and, more recently, has started training with Abbie Deken, who she can’t say enough about. “She’s inspiring. I think she is phenomenal.” Suzanna says she’s been blessed with the extraordinary horses she’s had. “My husband is incredibly kind, and Lisa has guided me so well. People are really generous and have been very good to me. “To be honest, I just love the horses, and I’m fortunate to have had the quality and calibre I’ve had. The riding is not so much about competition for me, and it’s about community. “I’ve made so many fantastic friends that it’s a very satisfying thing to do. I find it very fulfilling, and I’ve barely had a bad horsey experience. Mind you, if I do encounter a bad one, I just forget their name and move on! There’s no need to dwell on it because there are so many great people.”

Between maintaining their extensive property, her horses and the twins, Suzanna is never idle for long. She did try to encourage Zara into sharing her hobby, but it wasn’t to be. “I bought Zara every fabulous show pony known to mankind, and she only did a little bit of lead rein because I basically forced her to! She’s into netball and skiing. The horses are there, but they’re no more relevant to the kids than the ducks or chickens.” Suzanna coaches netball and hockey for the children, which takes up a lot of time, as well as ferrying them to and from the mountain in ski season. “The kids ski for sport at school, the mountains are part of every day for us, that’s their life and lifestyle, they’re very blessed to be Queenstown children.” Suzanna is grateful to be sponsored by Whiterocks Stud & Feed, who are responsible for Mouse’s generous booty, and also Jessie McMaster at Uberhorse. C

CONNECTION YOU CAN FEEL The Collegiate Close Contact Saddle range is terrific value and crafted from the finest leather, that’s soft and supple for comfort from the very first ride. Unparalleled attention to detail with shaped knee rolls or triangle grained blocks for a secure position. Narrow twist for stability with flocked or foam panel options for the ultimate close contact fit. With our quick changeable gullet to custom-fit to your horse – all add up to the perfect riding position. Plus, for peace of mind, the range also comes with a 2-year saddle guarantee and 10-year tree warranty. It’s more than a better ride. It’s a greater bond.

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RIDER spotlight

Emily

Townsend “Skye’s my best friend, and I’m just so proud of her.”

Small horses,

big victories WORDS & IMAGES Caitlin Benzie

After a freak fall just days before her eleventh birthday, anyone could forgive Emily Townsend for never wanting to sit on another pony again. This talented teen doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anything hold her back though, and now sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a Horse of the Year title to show for it.

ven though Emily didn’t grow up around horses, there was nothing that could stop her from being bitten by the horsey bug early on in life. “My friends at school all had ponies, and I loved riding them, one of their mums offered to teach me to ride, and it all started from there,” she remembers. “We leased a pony from a friend for six months when I was eight, and then I got my pony when I was nine.” The outgoing 13-year-old from Auckland is the only member of her family with a strong passion for riding horses. “Dad (Gary) had never been around horses, my older sister Charlotte never showed any interest, and my younger brother Luke owned a bush pony and had regular lessons for a year but then lost interest.” Luckily Emily has her mum (Jacinta) on hand to help her with all things horse-related. “Mum had been around horses a little bit growing up but had never ridden properly. She has pretty much had to learn everything with me!”

A taste of dressage

Emily’s dressage journey began when she was nine with her first pony, and a 13hh Welsh English Riding Pony called Bobby. “He used to follow me around like a puppy, but he also could buck and bolt that was second to none! He was super naughty, but I loved him with all of my heart.” Her first dressage coach was Chanelle Reid, who was based just down the road from the family. “She spent so much time teaching me to sit up and put my heels down. She probably said it at least 20 times in a lesson, and it must’ve been so frustrating,” she laughs. “I would like to think I’ve come a long way since then!” Emily had her first taste of dressage success on Bobby, winning the Auckland Newcomer Dressage series, but unfortunately became too tall for him, so he was sold, and she moved onto a larger pony. With good scores at three championship shows in the 2016/17 season, it was looking like Emily and her new pony were preparing to have a strong partnership and that they would have a successful 2018/19 season. Five days before Emily’s eleventh birthday in 2017, a freak accident occurred during a training session that no one could have seen coming. “I gave him a tap behind to go forward, and he let rip a buck, all I remember is falling over his shoulder and then lying on the ground, and I was freezing cold.” Jacinta is able to fill in the gaps and says that when Emily fell her foot had become caught in the reins and, as she watched on in horror, the pony panicked and ran blindly around the arena dragging Emily until her leg came free. Emily was on the ground for 90 minutes before an ambulance arrived, who immediately called the Westpac helicopter as they suspected a spinal injury. Luckily for Emily, this wasn’t the case, and as she puts it, she ‘only’ ended up with tibia and fibula growth plate fractures, three broken ribs and whiplash. Surgery wasn’t an option for Emily, as operating on growth plates will cause the leg to stop growing, so after a short stay in hospital and with a very fashionable moon boot in tow, Emily was allowed home.

The road to recovery (and Skye)

With four months of no riding on the horizon, and the competition season now out of her reach, Emily got stuck into her rehabilitation and recovery. Four months later, she was ready to get back on board; however, things didn’t go to plan for

“All I remember is falling over his shoulder and then lying on the ground, and I was freezing cold.” Emily when she returned to riding, and she struggled mentally with the trauma from the fall. In the end, a decision was made that a new pony might be the answer to her regaining her confidence, and so the search began. “We spent seven months with no pony, it took a long time to find Skye,” says Jacinta. “We went and looked at eight other ponies before we settled on her – it had to be a confidence builder and safe after what had happened.” Moonlight Skye, or Skye as she’s known at home, is a 16-year-old (“16 years young!” chimes in Emily) Clydesdale x Kaimanawa mare. She was purchased from a family who had owned her for four years and had competed in Show Hunter, show jumping, eventing and Pony Club Games. “Before being with that family she had been teaching children at a riding school, so she was a late bloomer for competitions,” Emily says. “She didn’t have much dressage experience, but she was the safe pony that we were looking for.” Emily is the first to admit that it was a slow process to become confident in riding again. “I spent a lot of time learning to trust again by doing lowkey riding and also riding on the lunge. It took a year to gain confidence in the saddle again, and I’m still hesitant even to carry a whip. It took me a long time to move forward mentally and my trust only really improved once I got Skye. She has helped me gain confidence in every aspect of riding, she’s just so kind and willing, and I have so much trust in her and us as a team. Skye’s made riding fun and enjoyable again. I also think it’s essential to have a strong relationship with your coach so that you can talk freely about your worries and know that you’re safe and supported – I think it would’ve been a lot harder to move forward if I hadn’t had that.” While working through the mental side of beginning to ride again, Emily also had to deal with the physical side as well. After a year of physiotherapy at Physio Mechanics, who covered all of the initial rehabilitation, they decided to try something new.

Image - Take the Moment

“It’s essential to have a strong relationship with your coach so that you can talk freely about your worries and know that you’re safe and supported – I think it would’ve been a lot harder to move forward if I hadn’t had that.”

“I felt like Skye and I stood out like a sore thumb as she isn’t a typical dressage pony. I just had to keep reminding myself that I was good enough to be there and to enjoy the experience and do my best.” “After a year of physio, I still had no major improvement in my ankle strength and overall balance, so we decided to go to Jason Hill from Equestrifit who specialises in rider rehabilitation, he helped me enormously with my seat and balance.” Emily also has ongoing x-rays regularly to make sure that the growth plates are growing correctly and has special orthotics that have been made for her riding boots. “I still get ankle pain and have restricted movement, so I find it hard to keep that heel down, and foot turned in - especially if I’m in the saddle for long periods like during a cross country clinic.” Emily also has ongoing x-rays regularly to make sure that the growth plates are growing correctly and has special orthotics that have been developed for her riding boots. “I still get ankle pain and have restricted movement, so I find it hard to keep that heel down, and foot turned in - especially if I’m in the saddle for long periods like during a cross country clinic.”

A Horse of the Year dream

With an inconsistent beginning to the season, but a strong lead up to Horse of the Year by winning the Level 1 Pony Championship at Waikato Dressage, Emily had no expectations for what the show would hold. “The first half of the season, we were still learning consistency. Skye would make her opinion known and argue quite a lot!” Emily laughs. “The second half of the season, we were getting better as a team, and she was beginning to learn the concept of self-carriage. As it was Skye’s and my first time at Horse of the Year we weren’t sure how we would go, so I just wanted to get out there and enjoy it.” Due to Skye not being the most conventionally bred dressage pony, and therefore not having phenomenal movement, Emily knew that they’d have to have incredibly accurate tests to prove to be competitive. “I felt like Skye and I stood out like a sore thumb as she isn’t a typical dressage pony. I just had to keep reminding myself that I was good enough to be there and to enjoy the experience and do my best. Skye found it quite stressful, it was a charged atmosphere, and it was hard to get her through all the noise and activity - once she made it to the polo grounds she always relaxed though. I was nervous before getting ready to ride, but once I had warmed up and entered the arena, I was able to focus on Skye. It helped mentally to have my coach Jeanette Benzie, who I started having lessons with when we purchased Skye, there to support me.” With three wins from three tests, Skye and Emily more than proved that they were good enough to be there and walked away with the Level 1 Dressage Pony of the Year title, no small feat after only having been a partnership for nine months. “It was super surreal to win, and I would never have believed in a million years that we could. I had a goal that one day I would win HOY, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, and I’m so thankful to my coach, Jeanette, as I don’t think that it would’ve happened without her. The absolute best thing though was that Skye gave me her all, even though she was a little off her feed and found the environment stressful. Skye’s my best friend, and I’m just so proud of her.” C

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RIDER spotlight

Making an impact Living on the beautiful, but remote Routeburn Station makes getting to competitions challenging but has done nothing to dampen this young show jumperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm for the sport. Perseverance paid off this year, with victory in the Premier Stakes at Horse of the Year Show.

“I had faith in him, but when I realised I had done it, it was a surreal feeling. I was shocked, but I have huge praise for that horse. I couldn’t love him any more if I tried.”

WORDS Rebecca Harper AT HOME IMAGES Michelle Clarke COMPETITION IMAGES Christine Cornege

race Percy’s nearest show is five and a half hours away. Riding at the top level requires determination and commitment, but the 23-yearold has never wavered from her chosen sport. She and her quirky chestnut gelding, Kiwi Spirit, rode off with their biggest title yet at HOY, winning the Premier Stakes in fine form. At the ripe old age of 17, Spirit, as he’s known, still feels like a spring chicken. As well, Grace took out the Nationwide Trophy for the most points gained in open jumping competitions at the show. Grace’s father Stu manages Routeburn Station, a vast 25,000-hectare high country property in picturesque Glenorchy, for owners Ngai Tahu. Grace grew up on the station and has never lived anywhere else - it is home. Fortunately for Grace, the station offers plenty of casual employment opportunities, meaning she can focus on her team of showjumpers while supplementing her income with farm work. She has also spent time living in Australia over winter, working in the mines as a workplace health coach (personal trainer). “In summer, I focus on the horses in the morning and help on the farm in the afternoon. I do a few schoolers over winter, but I prefer to do my horses and work on the farm – it keeps the horses as the positive, fun side.”

My main man Above - KIWI SPIRIT is Grace’s one in a million Right - The photo collage says it all, with event after event, showing KIWI SPIRIT’S talent Right hand page - Grace and KIWI SPIRIT during the Norwood Gold Cup class at Horse of the Year

Stunning but isolated

While Grace says it’s a stunning part of the world to live in, the isolation presents two significant barriers when it comes to her riding career – travel to shows and access to coaches. “We have the hills and space and so many places to hack around, but it’s limited in terms of places to jump and coaches. I don’t have a coach. It would be great to have someone on hand for warm-ups and walking courses, but mum and dad help me. “The travel is huge, and our nearest show is five and a half hours away. We go to a lot of shows, but we do have breaks, for ourselves and for the horses, to keep them fresh. I’m pretty committed to it. I’m lucky with the farm, and it would be hard to hold down a full-time job when I’m away so much.” It’s a real team effort for the Percys, and family support means everything. At least one parent, if not both, travels to every show with Grace, and her brother Scott has leant his support in terms of owning horses. Mum Anne also helps at home with things like catching horses and feeding up. Stu and Anne both grew up with horses as part of life, Standardbreds for Anne and farm hacks for Stu, but they weren’t into competitive riding. Grace started at Pony Club, competing in the Springston Trophy, before gravitating to showjumping early on and

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progressing to pony Grand Prix level. “I focused on show jumping from about 12. I like that it’s black and white, if you take a rail, and time wins. It was what it was. I like the excitement and thrill of the jump-off, and having to handle the pressure at the higher heights. When you do well, it’s so thrilling.” The absence of a coach is hard, but Grace usually focuses on flatwork in her training. “I do a lot on the flat, give them a hack for a break and maybe give them a jump school with mum on the ground. “At shows, I do get in the zone and focus on myself and know how I would ride it (the course). Mum and I have a routine for a warmup, and it’s a real team effort.”

A special horse

Grace refers to her main man, Spirit, affectionately as a weirdo. He was her first hack and together they have progressed up the grades, making their big win all the sweeter. Bred by Fernhill Stud in Hawke’s Bay Spirit is by Kiwi Dance, out of a mare called Kiwi Magic. The pair started out six years ago at Junior Rider level, moving up to Young Rider and, eventually, Grand Prix. “He’ll never get sold, and we’ll retire him when he’s finished his career. It was just crazy (to win Premier Stakes), I always thought he

was a horse that deserved to win a big class. He was a real weirdo when I got him, but he relaxed and grew into himself. He’s grown in confidence, and he trusts me – we make a really good team. “After Premier Stakes I said to mum and dad, he is my one in a million. It was amazing he got that class under his belt. “I had faith in him, but when I realised I had done it, it was a surreal feeling. I was shocked, but I have huge praise for that horse. I couldn’t love him any more if I tried.” At 17, Grace is aware Spirit is an elder statesman, and it’s a matter of managing him carefully, though she says he still feels like a spring chicken to ride. She plans to keep him at Grand Prix level this coming season but will take it as it comes and pick and choose where he starts. “He always does a warm-up class at a lower height and then is targeted at a big class. As long as he’s happy, I’ll keep him going.” In terms of what she looks for in a horse, Grace says she’s always sought out horses that will suit her and goes for heart over talent. Also in her team is Numero Uno Nellie (Nellie), a seven-year-old, the family, imported from Perth as a five-year-old. Nellie is by Numero Uno, out of a Picobello mare, Pico Blue. She jumped in the seven-year-old classes

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Stunning but isolated

“I saw her at a show and had horse envy. She’s really scopey over a fence, and I liked her way of going. I had a ride and loved her, and we made it happen as a family, which was really cool.”

last season and next season Grace hopes to step her up to 1.40m and jump a more significant class at HOY, maybe the Lady Rider. “I don’t make too many plans for my season because I like to see how the horses are jumping. If Nellie steps up to bigger classes that will take some of the pressure off Spirit.” Then there is 12-year-old mare Fohn Friday (Friday), who Grace got in January. By Centavos out of a mare called River Rain, Friday is a real family horse, mainly owned by Grace’s brother, with Grace, her sister, her mum and dad, grandmother, and an ex-worker all having shares in her. Friday was second in the 1.25m championship at HOY, and Grace hopes she will step up to 1.40m by the end of the season too, possibly to be aimed at the Norwood Gold Cup at HOY. “I saw her at a show and had horse envy. She’s really scopey over a fence, and I liked her way of going. I had a ride and loved her, and we made it happen as a family, which was really cool. “I have huge support from my family and definitely my brother. This is the second horse he’s bought. He knows nothing about horses – he prefers to own them and have nothing to do with them, the ideal owner really!” Finally, rounding out the team is Sunny Disposition, a 9-year-old homebred mare they broke in themselves. “She’s my fun horse on the team. She jumps 1.20m and is the speed queen in a jump-off.”

Out there doing it

Long term, Grace isn’t sure what the future holds. For now, she has a great team of horses and enjoys her showjumping. “I still have to make a living, so farming is good for now. It would be fun to take a couple of horses to Australia, but I realise I need a lot more support and money behind me to make that happen. For now, the focus is on the New Zealand circuit.”

Above - Grace and Kiwi Spirit (L) during the 1.40 class at Horse of the Year. (R) On their way to win the Premier Stakes class at Horse of the Year This image - The farm has wooded areas that provide interest other than just hacking the farming areas

Top - Grace has an amazing bond with KIWI SPIRIT and she considers him her main man Above - Grace and KIWI SPIRIT durIng the IRT Horse 1.40m class at Horse of the Year Right - Grace is hoping to step up NUMERO UNO NELLIE (by NUMERO UNO, out of a Picobello mare, PICO BLUE) to 1.40m classes next season

While Grace loves the sport, she has encountered the negative side and tall poppy syndrome. “Dad always says, just keep proving them wrong. There were times it was tough, we travel so far, and even when you do well, you face criticism. There were times it put me off, but I know if I gave up, I would miss it. “I love it. I really love all my horses. Spirit is my main man, but I couldn’t pick a favourite – I genuinely love them all, and their personalities.” The thing that drives her most is the power she feels when jumping. “For me, it’s knowing how much hard work and commitment go into having a moment like the Premier Stakes. It’s a great feeling. “I’m just a little farm girl. I don’t have a coach, and I’m just out there doing it.” Grace is grateful to be sponsored by two of her essential brands; Warren Farrier Services and Hinterland.

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SPECIAL feature

Becoming a

LICENSED

OFFICIAL INTERVIEW BY Cheyenne Nicholson IMAGES Libby Law Photography

Are you ready to give back to the sport you love in a way that might also make you a better, more informed competitor? Then you might want to consider becoming an official. Officials have a vital role to play in all equestrian competitions – from grassroots through to international level. “There are so many benefits to being an official, but without a doubt, one of the best is the friendships you make. You also get to see parts of the country and world that you might not otherwise see,” says FEI endurance official Heidi Bulfin, who started officiating after her local Endurance club required more officials. There are currently over 600 individuals serving in equestrian sport as officials across Equestrian Sports NZ (ESNZ) and Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) with many officials working multiple positions for both institutions. These hardworking people are making competitions happen all across the

country, and there is always room for more people to provide this vital on-the-ground support. Equestrian Sport NZ Chief Executive, Dana Kirkpatrick says the sport owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the hundreds of officials and volunteers who turn out weekend after weekend to ensure riders can do what they love. “Without the dedicated people who fulfil these roles the sport could not operate across the country. They give their time and expertise, with very little recompense, to be involved in competitive sport. These roles are really important and are just perfect for all those people who have

moved on from actively riding or find themselves tagging along with the family but want something to do at the shows.” Dana says the officials she talks to love their roles and enjoy getting out and about at the weekends with a purpose, they also love the camaraderie and there are always plenty of laughs along the way. The experienced officials we have are great at sharing their expertise and supporting each other so no-one feels anxious about making decisions. Successful former show jumper, FEI jumping judge and RAS showing judge Kaye Williams says that during her 35 years as a judge and steward, a lot has changed in the officiating world that has helped make equestrian a safer and more enjoyable sport. “The welfare of the horse and health and safety of the riders is a huge focus, with the president of the ground jury, technical delegates, and stewards there to make sure everything is safe regarding the fences, warm-up areas, and ground conditions. We all work as part of a big team, and it is great to have these amazing officials with a wealth of knowledge,” says Kaye. “I started show jump judging when I was pregnant with our eldest son. I couldn’t ride, and I hated going to shows with nothing to do. The late Hugh Morice encouraged me to judge; that’s how it all started.”

WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL? Each discipline may have different ways of classifying various roles, and there is often quite a bit of crossover between them. All officials work together closely to ensure the smooth and safe running of each event.

THE PRIMARY CATEGORIES ARE: Ground Jury (Judges): Judges have overall control of the event from actual judging of classes through to making sure that all arrangements for competition have been made in consultation with other officials like technical delegates. There is usually a President who the rest of the ground jury sits under. The Ground Jury has the ability to accept a horse into the competition and to eliminate a horse or rider from the competition. Stewards: Stewards are responsible for the general welfare of horses. Their role is to help, prevent, and intervene. They have the most contact with riders at an event and work closely with other officials. Usually working in teams or pairs their key activities include identification of permitted and unpermitted tack, supervision of practice, warm-up and exercise areas, and supervision of stables, yards, and truck parks. There should be a Chief Steward along with however many assistants are needed. Technical Delegates: Technical delegates look after the technical aspect of the competition. This includes things like checking the surface of a dressage arena, checking crosscountry and show jumping tracks in eventing, or checking endurance tracks. Technical delegates will approve things like administrative arrangements for the conduct of the event through to the technical arrangements to conduct the event before they hand over authority to the Ground Jury. The latter take on the responsibility for judging the event. After this, they continue assisting and supporting many facets of the event. Course Designers: As the name suggests they are in charge of designing and building (or making) a course – either crosscountry, show jumping, or endurance tracks. Course designers work closely with technical delegates and Ground Jury to ensure courses have good flow and balance, use a variety of fences, and above all meet safety standards.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? To be an official, technical knowledge alone is not enough. Along with having all the right equipment like measuring wheels, notebooks and the like, officials need to be logical thinkers who perform well under pressure, are a team player, and have excellent people skills to deal with and defuse confrontation and other issues that may pop up during an event. As an official, you will be working as part of a large team, so the ability to communicate well is vital to ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal, as officials often make decisions in conjunction with other officials. Having natural empathy and being approachable is another essential trait to have, along with a good knowledge of the sport and know your way around the rule books. Heidi says that a sound understanding of the rules and how to apply them is always critical as well as being diplomatic and professional. “You need to be a team player, but you also need to be able to see things from a rider’s perspective, as well as being a friendly face for them.” Being open and approachable is another essential trait for officials, competitions will be full of a range of riders from the first-timer to the seasoned professional, ensuring people are happy to approach you with questions that will make for an enjoyable experience for all. “You need to make decisions quickly and work efficiently. Communication is key,

“WITHOUT THE DEDICATED PEOPLE WHO FULFIL THESE ROLES THE SPORT COULD NOT OPERATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THEY GIVE THEIR TIME AND EXPERTISE, WITH VERY LITTLE RECOMPENSE, TO BE INVOLVED IN COMPETITIVE SPORT.”

- Dana Kirkpatrick

you’re working with other officials, writers, timekeepers, and riders. A sense of humour doesn’t go amiss either!” says Kaye.

PATHWAY The process of becoming an official takes time but is well worth the investment. The precise requirements to become an official will depend on which institution you want to be an official for and may differ between disciplines. In general, they all follow a similar pathway of education, practical experience, and testing. ESNZ and RAS are the central national institutions under which you can operate as an official, depending on which discipline you’re interested in working in. There will be costs associated with becoming an official in the form of purchasing rule books and, for ESNZ, being a financial member along with other costs as you upskill and move up the ranks. It’s a good idea to get in touch with the ESNZ sports managers, judges, officers or your RAS District Judge Convenor to get the most up to date information on the requirements for becoming an official.

EDUCATION Each discipline will have slightly different pathways or multiple pathways to becoming a qualified official and progressing through the levels. First and foremost it’s a good idea to start getting involved in non-official roles at events; things like writing for judges or vets, picking up poles in the ring, XC jump judging, etc. to gain insight into what part officials play at events and learn more about how the sport operates overall. It also gives you a chance to chat with other officials about their pathways into their roles and network with other officials. For most roles within ESNZ, you will be required to attend one of the National Officials courses which each discipline runs each year. Here you will learn more about the rules, how they apply, and what role officials have in the sport. National Officials courses or seminars aren’t run every year in each area so it would pay to find out when your next local one may be. As part of the process, aspiring RAS judges must complete a nomination form, which will outline the educational and practical experience requirements needed. Part of these requirements is to attend one of the seminars or workshops. Here they go through judges’ ethics, the rule book, procedures, and responsibilities. These workshops are typically bustling and user friendly with lots of time for discussion on anything from the rule book to the logistics of show day.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Once you’ve got familiar with the rule book and have a better idea of what role officials play at events it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Like education, the specific practical requirements will differ between discipline and institution. Still, it usually involves ‘apprenticing’ or being a trainee with a more seasoned official for a certain number of events. RAS judges are also required to spend some time stewarding at events as well as being a trainee judge. “I have been fortunate to have had many great mentors in

my career judging, including the late Peter Morris and Audrey Cameron. Having ridden certainly made it easier for me to become a judge. It gives you a good understanding of the sport,” says Kaye. Working alongside established officials provides trainees with guidance, critiques, and a close up look at how the world of officiating works. Taking advantage of this feedback from mentors and working on any specified areas is essential not just for future testing but also for making sure you’re a reasonable and fair official that event organisers will want to have on their teams at future events. “The pathway can be difficult, but you have to put yourself out there and be prepared to judge for hours on end in the lesser rings (which I love) you can have some big days with 110 horses in a one-metre class which requires a lot of concentration. I always feel it is great for budding judges to learn to write for the judges, you then get to understand how it works without the pressure of actually making a decision,” says Kaye.

TESTING PROCESS Most disciplines within ESNZ will require you to sit and pass an ESNZ rules test before you become a full official and are given more responsibility. Although no official is expected to have every single answer to a given question in their head at all times, you must know your way around the rule book well enough to find it quickly and apply the rule appropriately. Because the rules of each discipline can change a lot, you’ll have to re-sit this test as you move up the levels of officiating. For RAS judges, they must pass a total of three written and practical assessments before they can judge on their own. The written portion consists of questions on the rule book, etiquette, riding, turn out, conformation and movement, and more. After passing the first, they are given the role of ‘trainee’ and are able to judge alongside a tutor or senior judge. As part of the application process for RAS Judges, you also have to provide a brief CV and explanation of why you want to be a RAS judge. RAS judges must sit and pass an assessment every two years. For both ESNZ and RAS, there are minimum periods you must spend at each level or ‘list’ before you can progress as a higher-level official. For judges, you will often need a certain level of riding experience to be a judge for the top-level classes.

FEI OFFICIAL The pathway to being an FEI official usually requires experience at a National Level in the country of origin. NZ officials have been and continue to be selected to officiate overseas at significant events including the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics. ESNZ officials will start at ‘List 3’, it’s not until you reach ‘List 1’ that you may be eligible to start the FEI official pathway. There are different education systems for each official function and will often require significant time and money investment in officiating at many national events and up-skilling. Heidi Bulfin, FEI Endurance official (level 3 judge and TD, and Level 2 steward) became an FEI official in 2014 after seven years of officiating. “In endurance, you need to do the national officials course first, then have a certain number of roles as a trainee official before you become a national official. FEI courses for endurance are run every three to four years, and by 2014 I had a strong interest in FEI competition, so I was keen to do the course. After that course, I was promoted to 2* judge and 2*TD and so began officiating at CEI events within NZ. I started gaining some overseas roles which got me enough experience to become a 4* judge and TD.”

NZPCA All eventing competitions are run under ESNZ rules and must have officials who are ESNZ qualified. In general, it is encouraged that Pony Clubs use ESNZ qualified officials for all their competitions. “The ESNZ competition officials pathway is a complete and progressive pathway for officials and is the best practice pathway for anyone wanting to become an official at

Pony Club. Having a single pathway for officials in NZ makes it easy for everyone to understand and move up the levels if they so desire.” NZPCA works in with ESNZ in the training of eventing officials by contributing financially and logistically to their official’s pathways. Eventing seminars are often run in conjunction with Pony Club events and delivered by the ESNZ team. NZPCA Chief Executive Samantha Jones says that they are also exploring ways that they can encourage more people who are interested in becoming dressage judges through Dressage NZ as well. “To continue to run events for our riders, we need officials. It’s an excellent way for parents to become involved and for senior riders to be able to give back”, says Samantha.

OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT Depending on how motivated and willing to put yourself out there you are, the opportunities for competent officials are endless. From working at your local Pony Club events and A&P shows through to working national events like Horse of the Year and even international events, the sky is the limit for those who are willing to put in the hours of education and experience. Kaye Williams says that the many hours she spent cutting her teeth as an official at her local and national events not only made her a better official but have also opened doors for some amazing experiences in the international arena as judge and chef d’equipe. “Last year, the absolute highlight was the Royal Windsor Horse Show. I was so lucky to be part of the FEI exchange programme which was set up to give judges from smaller nations an opportunity to judge and experience a 5* event. I judged in the main arena for four days and was a steward for one day. Being part of this team of officials was the most incredible and scary experience! It was such a learning curve. To be judging in the box with the likes of Jon Doney Esq (MBE) who sadly passed away recently, plus other judges from around the world. The horses were, of course, exceptional, 16 of the top 20 combinations in the world!” says Kaye. Heidi says there are excellent support and resources for officials at all levels in NZ. “The disciplines all understand the importance of having good officials, so a lot of effort is put into education and experience. If you are easy to work with and make an effort to understand the rules, you’ll go far. You make some amazing friendships and meet some great people along the way too!” says Heidi.

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Portable Saddle Cloth Rack

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Antarès Galaxy Helmet

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Rapide Range From Saddlery Warehouse Rapide Spray Shampoo cleans and tends coat, mane and tail. 500mL $9.99 each. Rapide Shine Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Vitamin B cleans and tends coat, mane and tail. 500mL $9.99 each, 1L $16.99 each, 5L $69.99 each. Rapide Stain Remover Dry Shine Shampoo is a stain remover. Removes dirt and dust from the coat, manes and tail. 500mL $16.99 each. Rapide White Horse Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Vitamin B is developed especially for white horses with uniquely selected natural ingredients. It regains elasticity and glossy shine of skin, manes and tail. 500mL $15.99 each. Rapide Black Horse Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Vitamin B is developed especially for black or dark brown horses. It regains elasticity and glossy shine of skin, manes and tail. 500mL $15.99 each. Visit your local Saddlery Warehouse store or shop online: saddlerywarehouse.co.nz

PRESENTS

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TRAINING clinic

Full body

workout

Think training with cavaletti is just for showjumpers? Nope. Any horse and rider combination can benefit, so we’ve teamed up with eventer Richard Waygood to show you why these little jumps are schooling gems. Riders of a certain age will no doubt remember the hours spent trotting over heavy, wooden cavaletti while learning to ride. They were happy times. Out of fashion for a while, the humble cavaletti are now back in a more modern guise and proving as popular as they were back then. Invented by cavalry officer Federico Caprilli, cavaletti are designed to help with suppleness, balance, impulsion and stride adjustment and, used in your regular schooling regime, provide an effective and active workout for your horse. Richard Waygood, performance manager of the British eventing team, is a huge fan of cavaletti work and he believes that any horse can benefit from working over them. Here he shares his top six gymnastic exercises with us.

Cavaletti explained

Cavaletti poles (‘little horse’, from the Italian cavallo) are small jumps with the rail or pole fixed at each end to an X or block, so they can’t be knocked down. By rotating them onto different sides, the height can be adjusted from 4-24 inches. Originally made of wood, which you still see at some yards, modern cavaletti are made from strong, synthetic materials. They should be heavy enough so that they don’t roll easily if knocked, but still move out of the way if tripped over or hit with force. The newer types of cavaletti are easy to move and transport, making them an ideal training aid whatever you do with your horse.

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ADD A CURVE TO A STRAIGHT LINE

Make sure that your horse is properly warmed up before you start these exercises. Trot over a pole on the ground a few times too. “This first exercise is extremely useful,” says Richard. “It includes a curving line, so it effectively engages your horse’s

inside hind leg and develops elevation and impulsion; important for both dressage and show jumping.” Before you start, set up four cavaletti at a height to suit your horse (see diagram, left). Distance the cavaletti poles at 1.3 metres apart as a guide.

CAVALETTI l SUPPLENESS AND IMPULSION

“Place four cavaletti at trotting pole distance in your schooling area, then add two poles — one at each end of the line of cavaletti - at right angles to them, on the outside,” says Richard. “In trot, ride over the ground pole to reach the line of cavaletti, then keep straight all the way through. Think about your entry in advance as you’ll be turning as you go over the pole. “Your horse will bend through his body, increasing his suppleness. This exercise is a good introduction to tackling angles and tricky lines too.” Keep your horse moving forward, but without rushing him. Allow him to lower his neck to look at the cavaletti, which will also enable him to use his topline correctly. Half-halt as you ride the line to create more elasticity, staying relaxed and soft in your hands. Ride straight through the line and out. “Trotting over cavaletti at any height is a great exercise for developing cadence, impulsion and topline as your horse has to work on lifting his legs that bit higher,” adds Richard.

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CHANGE THE FOCUS

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“Repeat the exercise, but this time as you exit, ride a tear drop shape, coming around the back of and over the pole at that end of the line, then come back down over the cavaletti, repeating the teardrop at the other end,” says Richard. “This allows you to ride a number of repetitions and tackle suppleness and accuracy.” To perfect the exercise, as you ride over the pole on entry, see if you can get your turn perfectly balanced, with the angle small enough that your horse puts just one front foot into the corner between the pole and the first cavaletti. This makes you focus on controlling your horse’s outside shoulder.

CAVALETTI ON A CIRCLE “For this next exercise, set up four cavaletti, one at each point of a 20m circle,” says Richard. “Once set up, you can use the circle in lots of ways — just use your imagination. “For instance, in canter, ride an inside or an outside line over the cavaletti, which will require your horse to shorten or lengthen his stride accordingly. You could ride a different number of strides between the cavaletti on each repetition — deciding how many you’re going to get in before you start and then riding for them. “The key is to make sure you don’t let your horse fall out through his outside shoulder,” says Richard. “His back feet should always follow his front too, so he has a uniform bend through his body from nose to tail.” This exercise is really good for improving suppleness and accuracy.

BOUNCE, BOUNCE, BOUNCE For this next exercise, place three cavaletti at bounce distance along the long side of your arena, leave four or five non-jumping strides (depending on the size of the arena), then add another three cavaletti at bounce distance. “This is one of the best gymnastic exercises you can do — it’s great for strength and conditioning,” says Richard. “It’s ridden in canter and the rider’s job is to keep the rhythm and

balance through the line.” You can ride this exercise in collected or medium canter but, whichever you choose, you must keep the impulsion and keep your horse in front of your leg. “The distance of the bounces depends on what you’re trying to achieve,” says Richard. “For instance, if you’re working on activating your horse’s hind leg, you might want the distances shorter, so your horse works over his back. To

STOP HIM RUSHING Richard often uses raised cavaletti as placing poles before and after a fence. The extra height helps to focus your horse’s attention. “Place one raised cavaletti three to four strides in front of the fence,” says Richard. “Then place another on the landing side — for safety’s sake at a slightly more generous

develop his medium canter, the cavaletti will need to be a little further apart.” Ride through the whole line, maintaining the forward momentum, but make sure that you don’t confuse speed with impulsion.

distance. This helps your horse to stay straight and keep the same rhythm before and after the fence, which is important when jumping a course. It also stops him from opening up his frame and getting too long as he canters away.” This exercise is also excellent for regulating your horse’s speed. “If you’re working with a 12ft canter stride,

which for argument’s sake we’ll call 12mph, this is the speed you should keep throughout. The placing poles help to stop your horse getting faster and flatter, which isn’t a great combination when you’re jumping.” Even if your horse isn’t a show jumper, this exercise teamed with a small cross-pole is a useful way to teach him how to regulate his paces and develop impulsion.

RAMP UP THE CHALLENGE Expanded Original

• For safety reasons, cavaletti should never be used stacked on top of each other.

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• The poles used should be heavy enough that they don’t get kicked along.

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Richard’s final cavaletti exercise is more advanced, but it’s one of the best for teaching your horse self-carriage. “Create an X shape with four cavaletti, each one touching at the centre of the X,” says Richard. “Ride a large circle around the outside of the four cavaletti, then move on to a smaller circle within one of the boxes of the X (see diagram, right). “Continue on the circle until your horse is balanced and in self-carriage as much as he’s capable of, then jump over a cavaletti into the next box and circle again, on the same rein. Repeat until you’ve circled in all four of the boxes, then have a breather. “The more challenging you want to make this exercise, the smaller you can make your circles,” adds Richard. With practice and repetition, your horse will learn to go into self-carriage earlier and earlier each time he lands over the cavaletti, which will translate into more consistency when jumping a course. It’s the circles that put the balance back into the canter — he’ll land and immediately find his self-carriage.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING CAVALETTI

“To advance this exercise, ask your horse for a change of leg when you go over the cavaletti, and then circle on the other rein,” suggests Richard. If this exercise proves too difficult for your horse, enter the box in canter, ride a couple of circles, then exit again. Practise until you feel your horse is ready for the full challenge.

• Use cavaletti only for the purpose they were designed for. • If your horse gets bored, he may start to trip, so go away and do something different, such as jumping a small fence, then come back to them. • Think outside the box and you’ll be able to adapt these exercises to suit your needs and goals. • Remember that cavaletti are only a useful piece of training equipment when used correctly. C

Riding a small circle after each cavaletti helps develop self-carriage

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EQUINE health

WORDS - Cheyenne Nicholson

The stance is unmistakable. Forelimbs awkwardly positioned under the chest, and hind limbs planted firmly under the abdomen in an attempt to support the heft of the horse’s weight on its back legs. This classic ‘sawhorse’ stance is a tell-tale sign of laminitis.

lthough laminitis is common, it’s still not a completely understood condition. Often thought of as a hoof disease, the events that culminate in the inflammation of the laminae (that ultimately causes laminitis), usually begin somewhere else in the body. The condition causes varying degrees of foot pain from the slightly pottery pony to severe life-threatening lameness. Owners often underestimate its potential to create long term soundness issues and more often than not miss the more subtle, early signs that laminitis can present. Dr Ellison Aldrich, Veterinarian and Senior lecturer in Equine Surgery at Massey University, talks us through the mechanics of laminitis, what can be done and some of the causes and risk factors. “Laminitis is such an important topic for horse owners to understand. Although there are many causes we see a lot of cases in the springtime due to the pasture changes, so we must spread awareness and educate owners on what to look for.”

WHAT IS LAMINITIS? The term laminitis literally means ‘inflammation of the laminae’ of the horse’s foot. Although many people think of a horse as walking around in their hoof like a pair of shoes, the pedal bone is suspended in the hoof by an intricate network of tiny finger-like structures called laminae. Laminae interlock and secure the pedal bone to the hoof wall, keeping the bone in place and suspending the whole horse. They also act as shock absorbers during movement. “They lace together a bit like Velcro. The laminae resist the force given by the deep flexor tendon which runs down the back of the leg. It is attached to the bottom of the pedal bone and is always pulling the bone backwards. When everything is as it should be, the force between the flexor tendon and the strength of the laminae are equal and opposite, suspending the bone in place,” said Dr Aldrich. When the laminae become inflamed, that velcro-like mechanism starts to loosen and loses its ability to resist the force of the deep-flexor tendon. This allows the bone to begin to rotate and in severe cases, cause the bone to sink and penetrate the sole. The degree of damage to the lamina can vary, meaning you can have laminitis without rotation, but without quick intervention, rotation will often occur. Foundering refers to the physical manifestation. For example; when the pedal bone has rotated.

The equine disease that strikes fear into every horse owner

NUTRITION DEPENDENT LAMINITIS In New Zealand, the most familiar form of laminitis is the sore-footed aftermath of lush spring grass. Spring grass has a high-carbohydrate content, and when fed in excess can cause a carbohydrate overload. Horses are designed to digest carbohydrates, starches and sugars in the small intestine, and fibre in the hindgut. If the capacity in the small intestine is exceeded, the digestion and metabolism of these sugars and starches malfunctions. They overflow into the hindgut where they upset the microflora, which in turn increases the acidity of the hindgut. The bacteria designed to utilise lactic acid cannot keep up with those producing it, they die, and create a toxic environment and are released into the bloodstream via an apparently leaky hindgut epithelium. Once in the bloodstream, the toxins appear to either directly or indirectly stimulate increased production and activity of certain enzymes which destroys the laminae, resulting in the onset of laminitis. Sugar content is highest when grass is in the vegetative state (early spring and during re-growth), during periods of cool nights and warm sunny days, after a hard frost, and during drought conditions. Careful pasture management by horse owners with sensitive horses is essential.

SUSCEPTIBLE HORMONAL DISORDERS Horses with a hormone imbalance such as Cushings or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be more susceptible to laminitis due to that underlying condition. For Cushings, the pituitary gland in the brain becomes overactive, producing a surplus of the hormone ACTH, which has a downward effect on the laminae. EMS is comparable to diabetes type II in humans. The body no longer handles sugars appropriately leading to laminitis. “There is evidence to suggest certain breeds have a predisposition to laminitis; ponies and draft horses in particular. It is usually the horses that live off the smell of an oily rag and are on the heavier side that are most prone. That is not to say that Thoroughbreds are immune.”

TOP TIP In a severe case of laminitis, an excellent 4-way team that consists of; veterinarian, farrier, nutritionist and owner may make the difference between success and failure.

Above - Keep an eye on your horse’s weight, and look for signs of equine metabolic syndrome. Fat deposits and a hard crest of the neck are a massive clue and what is commonly referred to as ‘the golden arches’ on the rump. Below - The inflammation of the lamina causes a decrease in blood supply, which can lead to hoof rings. Once hoof rings are visible, the horse has been stressed for quite some time already. Left - When taking pulses, you are feeling the blood flowing through the artery going into the hooves. If there is inflammation in the hoof, then the blood flow is restricted and backs up in the artery. The more inflammation there is in the hoof; the stronger the pulse. A throbbing pulse is one of concern, and a veterinarian should be called urgently.

Managing the Risk factors The underlying cause of laminitis is interference with the blood supply to the laminae, causing inflammation. There are many causes of inflammation, the most common being excessive intake of carbohydrates and is very common in spring and autumn due to changes in pasture. Below are some of the critical things to think about to mitigate the risk of laminitis.

1. Check

2. Risk

3. Exercise

4. Weight

5. Expert Advice

6. Carbohydrates

7. Protein

8. Nutrition

9. Fibre

10. Pasture

11. Hooves

12. Farrier

Laminitis develops in several phases. Symptoms such as hot hooves, physical damage such as white line damage and bruising can appear at any time. Monitor the digital pulse daily to give you an early indication of imminent lameness. Feet that remain hot over 48 hours may also be a warning, but shortterm hot feet are not and can indicate the onset of laminitis.

Avoid letting horses and ponies become obese. Obesity can contribute to EMS, which is implicated in laminitis. Overweight horses put added pressure on the hoof while overfeeding disrupts the delicate hind-gut function, a primary cause of laminitis. If your horse is overweight, a reduction in feed intake is essential to achieve a body score of 3-4.

Horses that are obese, insulin-resistant, or prone to laminitis should not be fed a high protein diet. The more fibre, the less impact the grain protein content has on the total diet. Overfeeding protein can be as damaging as overfeeding carbohydrates. Undigested protein will be fermented by some hind-gut bacteria, releasing endotoxins and vasoconstrictors, both components in laminitis.

Horses that develop laminitis should be removed from pasture or try to turn out when sugar levels in grass are at their lowest. Try and make sure that horses only graze when sugar levels in the grass are low, often overnight (late evening until early morning) is the best time. Use a grazing muzzle to decrease your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grass intake while still allowing them grazing time.

Equine Cushings disease - Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)-Excessive eating of carbohydrates are some of the common risk factors for laminitis. Other risks include toxaemia associated with severe infections if your horse has had an episode of colic and adverse reactions to certain drugs. Systemic inflammatory responses can also trigger laminitis which can occur because of enzyme reactions in the feet due to the inflammatory response.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled! Laminitis is not just a condition affecting overweight ponies or horses that are turned out in lush paddocks or fed buckets full of concentrates. Laminitis can progress at different speeds. Hence, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice something out of the ordinary with your horse so any remedial action can be taken immediately and improve chances of success.

Feed a product recommended for laminitic horses/ponies. These have been researched to encompass a balanced feed regime and will usually be based on low energy, low sugar/starch high fibre forage with nutrients targeted to meet deficiencies from restricted forage. It will help maintain a healthy hind-gut environment, ensuring those bacteria that can cause harm will not flourish.

It takes two to three months until hoof rings are visible. The inflammation of the lamina causes a decrease in blood supply, which can lead to hoof rings. There is a visual difference between normal hoof rings and those due to founder. As opposed to being evenly spaced around the hoof wall, the rings of a lamintic horse will slant upward slightly.

One of the components of laminitis is vasoconstriction, caused by the absorption of endotoxins from the gut. It causes pooling of blood in the extremities and stops inflammatory factors being flushed away. Gentle exercise can improve the circulation of the hoof. Be careful of excessive concussion due to exercise on hard ground and overweight horses putting excess pressure on laminae.

Over consumption of carbohydrates are not always completely broken down in the small intestine. Undigested starch getting to the hind gut may cause rapid fermentation by the microbes that live in the cecum and large intestine, which results lactic acid buildup. The lactic acid accumulation drops the pH of the gut, starting a chain of events that may compromise the blood supply to the hoof, resulting in laminitis.

Research is ongoing regarding equine nutrition, but in recent years a diet low in fibre is linked to many diseases including laminitis. Fibre is the primary energy source for horses. Hindgut fermentation of fibre maintains the correct environment for the microbial fermentation and integrity of the gut wall. The low starch and quality fibre like sugar beet will assist in minimising the negative effect of insulin.

Cooperation between your veterinarian and the farrier will use techniques that may be helpful and include corrective trimming, support and therapeutic shoes or pads that may be required. Stabling the horse on soft ground, such as in sand or shavings may encourage the horse to lie down to reduce pressure on the weakened laminae.

CLINICAL SIGNS & DIAGNOSIS Laminitis can often have a slow onset with more subtle signs before the more typical symptoms occur. It could be as simple as your horse being less active out in the paddock, reluctant to change leads without tossing its head or shortening of their stride. Once a veterinarian has been called, they will go through the diagnostic process which will usually start by evaluating the horse’s ability to walk and do sharp turns as well as assessing the digital

pulse and using hoof testers. Horses with laminitis will often have pain in the toe region. “One of the biggest things we want to know is the horse’s environment, what’s changed in its life; what’s the weather been like, diet changes- the lot. Depending on what presents we may take x-rays to see if there has been rotation, but it is always our hope that we get there before that happens.” Laminitis is a medical emergency, so it is vital to seek help from a veterinarian when you notice changes in your horse.

SOME OF THE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: Healthy horses can have hot hooves, but not for long periods of time. An abnormal heat at the hoof wall. A continuous high temperature is the hoof’s response to the trauma within the laminar tissues.

Being uncomfortable on hard surfaces. Suspect laminitis if the horse is lame on harder ground but appears sound when on soft, sandy footing.

A strong digital pulse can indicate other foot pain, as well, but a bounding digital pulse in both feet is a major clue that laminitis is to blame.

Reluctance to turn. Not many other conditions will make a horse lame on a circle or hard ground at the walk .

Mild clinical laminitis where the horse shows a slight shortening of stride.

Horses normally shift their weight between their feet two to three times per minute. Where a horse is developing laminitis, its been noticed this increases to three to five times per minute.

A horse that stands rooted to the spot, refusing to move and is in severe pain becomes reluctant to move and if he does it looks like he is walking on eggshells.

Reluctance/refusal to pick up feet or unable to hold them up for long, also stiffness when picking out hooves.

RED FLAGS FROM THE HOOF Horses who have recovered from laminitis or chronic cases often have an altered hoof shape. Damage to laminae can lead to abnormal hoof growth with distinct ‘growth rings’, long toes, flat soles and separation of the sole from the hoof wall at the white lines. “The hoof is fascinating. The coronary band is like the cuticle of our nails. The horn of the hoof grows out of that coronary band, the angle that the hoof grows towards the ground, by necessity follows the angle of the pedal bone. “So, if the pedal bone rotates, then new hoof growth is going to follow that new angle of the pedal bone relative to the ground. Thus, the new ring always looks like an indentation. That’s not to say though that every ring you see on a horse’s hoof is from a laminitic episode.”

WHAT CAN BE DONE? It is essential to realise that laminitis can progress from mild to severe, even if early treatment is instigated. Early warning signs must be heeded, and action taken immediately. Much of the success of the treatment will rely on a good partnership between veterinarian, farrier, nutritionist and owner to come up with solutions for treatment.

Above - The separation or failure of laminae, which connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone within - can cause permanent structural changes in a horse’s hoof, leading to repeated bouts of disease and lasting lameness.

NOT A TIME TO BE COMPLACENT If laminitis is suspected, horses should be put on box rest, the aim of this is to avoid movement of the pedal bone by restricting movement. The next step is to figure out the underlying cause of the laminitis and address this, which, along with a thorough history of a horse may require blood tests. Mild cases often respond to box rest, a restricted diet, anti-inflammatory medication and the removal of the cause. For pasture associated laminitis this is getting the horse off pasture immediately and formulating a low starch, high fibre diet. Then it is a matter of doing some remedial shoeing work to help prevent rotation. The first step to recovery starts when a farrier shoes the affected hoof/hooves. The shoe will displace the horse’s weight onto the hoof wall. When the horse moves with undistributed weight, the pedal bone and sole moves downward toward the ground and creates more stress on the already inflamed lamina. “The only way to prevent rotation is to wedge the foot. We lift the heel in a pretty aggressive way to reduce the pull of the deep flexor tendon. The damaged laminae can’t resist its pull, so you have to relieve the tension. It’s imperative to wedge early, all too often we are called too late because the signs were written off as something else.”

SEVERE CASES & WHAT TO EXPECT

Above - A grazing muzzle. One quandary many of us face in spring is balancing the physical and mental benefits of turnout with the need to control a horse’s intake of lush grass. A grazing muzzle offers a good solution and a better preventative tool before laminitis strikes.

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For instances where rotation has already occurred, the course of action will depend on the severity with the top priority being to make the horse as comfortable as possible. A range of pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication and medication to reduce blood pressure may be required for extended periods along with regular remedial shoeing and box rest. “If we can’t get them comfortable, then we are limited in what we can do. Horses with severe cases will almost always end up in the hospital. This way, we can administer intravenous medication to help with the pain.” For chronic rotation, progressive remedial trimming to shorten the toe and elevate the heel will gradually help to return the hoof to a more comfortable conformation in relation to the pedal bone. Providing sole support is also essential and something good farriers can address. In some cases, surgery may be required to cut the deep flexor tendon to prevent further rotation. In cases where the pedal bone has penetrated the sole, euthanasia is usually the only option. “There are more drastic cast or pin procedures that can be used in these situations but very rarely do we do this due to cost and welfare concerns; we have to feel like we are controlling the pain.

While horses that are prone to nutrition induced laminitis should be carefully managed, it is crucial to ensure their dietary requirements are being met. Having the appropriate maintenance energy together with; essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals assist in repairing damage caused by laminitis. At a bare minimum, a horse requires 1.5-2% of its body weight as roughage. If feeding hay, soaking it for 30 minutes before feeding can help draw out sugars. It is also a good idea to work with your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist to ensure your horse is meeting its dietary requirements.

Above - Laminitis shoeing are as individual as the patients they’re designed to treat. A significant number of laminitic horses do benefit from some therapeutic shoeing during recovery. The shoes at your farrier’s disposal are staggering in their variety. Still, all have similar aims–to support the heels, relieve pressure at the toe (where the tip of the pedal bone might be pointing and creating pain and inflammation), and support the sole and deep flexor tendon. However it is technically possible to have a horse slough the entire hoof and regrow it, it just requires very intense management.” There has been much debate around the benefits of icing hooves in recent years as a tool to help alleviate the immediate symptoms of acute laminitis. While ice is well known to help some symptoms, it only works if the icing is continuous. “You have to keep adding new ice every hour in the warmer months or every couple of hours in the colder months. Essentially this means it is only beneficial in a hospital setting as there’s also evidence to suggest that intermittent icing can be more detrimental. So, while it can be an effective way to help prevent rotation, logistically it has to be done in a hospital setting.”

FEEDING MANAGEMENT & PREVENTION Understanding the risk factors and mitigating these is the best form of prevention. Don’t ignore illnesses associated with infections, especially colic and diarrhoea or uterine infections as these can present a high risk for producing laminitis. Picking up the signs of hormone imbalances and getting on top of these conditions through medication, weight control, and restricted feeding will help reduce the chances of a laminitic episode. For horses with Cushings, sugar and starch intake should be kept to a minimum, and it is recommended to work closely with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate feeding regime. Although overfeeding carbohydrates is the most common cause of laminitis, overfeeding protein can also be damaging. Undigested protein will be fermented by some hindgut bacteria releasing endotoxins and vasoconstrictors; both can damage the laminae. Most feed manufacturers cook the cereal content of their lamintic feeds to increase the digestibility of the starch content and maximise the chances of it being digested where it should be, in the small intestine. Understanding risk periods for grass and altering management accordingly is a must for horses with nutrition or pasture induced laminitis. In spring, when grass growth is lush, grazing should be restricted by either stabling for part of the day and exercise increased to regulate body weight. (See our article ‘Easing into spring’ for more information on spring grass and how to manage it.) Sudden increases in concentrate feed intake should be avoided and the two-week rule abided by. For those naughty horses who break into feed sheds and enjoy an all you can eat buffet, it’s important to note that laminitis can happen several hours to a couple of days after the feast and should be monitored closely.

Above - Although potentially more effective at reducing the water soluble carbohydrate (sugar) content, soaking hay for long periods causes a rise in bacteria which may be exacerbated in hot weather. Soak for 30 minutes or alternatively consider steaming which is more effective at improving hygienic quality.

A RADICAL DEPARTURE Quite opposed to the “traditional” approach to laminitis, with its emphasis on high-tech appliances, is the school of thought championed by German veterinarian, Hiltrud Strasser. She claims to have had astonishing success with seemingly hopeless chronic laminitis cases simply by pulling their shoes, putting them on 24-hour turnout (to encourage circulation). Performing frequent light trims (two to three times a month) to lower the heels and encourage a foot that more closely resembles those of wild horses. Hoof care specialist Sabine Kells, of Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, trained with Strasser, acted as translator for Strasser’s book, A Lifetime of Soundness, and now teaches the techniques to owners of laminitic horses. Kells admits, “It’s 100% opposed to traditional methods of treatment, but I’ve seen so many hoof problem, not just laminitis, but also quarter cracks and navicular, all alleviated just by more closely mimicking the horse’s natural lifestyle. I generally don’t see horses until the owners have tried everything else. “Healing takes circulation,” Kells notes, “and if a horse is on box rest, the hoof circulation is not being stimulated. The horse may not be sound when you first turnout the horse out, but his motion will gradually improve. Owners can get very concerned because further rotation often happens when you first remove the shoes. But in my experience, it usually corrects, by itself, within six months of 24hour turnout. Movement is key to good hoof growth; that’s just natural to a horse.” C

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EQUINE health

spring Ease into WORDS - Cheyenne Nicholson

The days are stretching out a little bit longer and the chill of winter starting to leave. For many of us, it means show season is approaching, and it’s time to set those training targets and plan some fun outings with your equines. In addition to planning all the fun things, it is essential to think ahead and consider a few things that will make the transition into spring easier for both you and your horse.

FRESH GRASS

Horse owners should be mindful of the nutrientdense, carbohydrate loaded spring grass and its potential effects on their horse. In spring grass growth becomes more active. During the day, the grass uses sunlight to make sugars via photosynthesis. The sugar content in grass rises during the day and is stored for growth which happens at night. Grass growth only occurs in temperatures from 4 degrees. Because spring often has chilly nights and sunny days the plant often won’t be able to utilise sugar for growth so it will convert into fructan and store in the stem. The plant will keep producing and storing sugars leading to high sugar content all day rather than peaking in the afternoon and being low in the mornings. Fructans are a type of simple sugar and are different from other forms of sugar in that the

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horse can’t digest them as well. The hindgut isn’t designed to digest fructans either, so they disrupt the sugar-sensitive bacteria causing digestive problems that cause discomfort and certain behavioural issues. Harmful substances are made and released into the bloodstream which can damage the laminae in a horse’s foot leading to laminitis (read about laminitis on page 94). Young, lush spring grass contains more protein and less fibre, which speeds up digestion and transit time which can cause diarrhoea and colic. Mineral imbalances can also be prevalent during this time so watch out for signs of deficiencies, in particular selenium and magnesium. High levels of potassium can also be problematic, especially when coupled with low magnesium and will result in spooky, nervous behaviours, and colic like symptoms. It’s a good idea to get your pasture and soils tested and address any imbalances through supplements and consider applying a suitable mix of fertiliser to balance out nutrients. When in doubt, speak to your vet or nutritionist.

FEEDING AND DIETARY CHANGES For horses who are affected by spring grass restricting access to fresh spring grass while supplementing fibre intake with alternative sources like hay to maintain body condition and hindgut health is essential. Those horses with known metabolic disorders like equine metabolic syndrome and Cushings or who are prone to laminitis should be taken off grass altogether. They will need fibre provided from alternative sources like hay and quality ensiled products. Spring often means an increase in workload for

INSECTS COAT

HOOVES

many horses. 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 desired body condition. Your horse’s feeding regime will depend on factors like current body condition, available pasture. It will, of course, change as their workload changes and as the grass changes in composition going into summer. A good quality fibre should be the foundation for every equine diet; not only does this provide a good calorie source but also helps keep the hindgut healthy. For horses who wintered well, a balancer pellet might be enough to see them through the spring months with plenty of pasture or hay to maintain body condition. Many horses as they come back into work and feeling good will do well on ‘cooler’ type feeds like low starch, and high fibre feeds. For horses needing

condition, adding in calorie-dense fibre sources like beet and oil along with higher energy feeds will be required also. Remember to make changes to your horse’’ diet gradually to avoid upsetting the hindgut. Feeding of concentrates should be done little and often, not exceeding 2kg of concentrate per feed. Salt is often added to premixed feeds and is excellent to help counter sweat loss through exercise; additional salt may be required as work increases.

HOOF CARE

There are three critical factors for healthy hooves; regular trimming by a farrier, proper nutrition, and daily hoof picking. Coming out of winter, where hooves generally grow less, and you may have gone for longer stretches in between farrier visits, it’s a good idea to have a good look at your

103

• As training intensity increases, so does the demand on the horse’s diet to meet increased energy needs. • An essential cornerstone for good performance is correct and balanced nutrition

Coat condition can be a good indicator of overall health. • Cleaning out hooves daily not only keeps debris out, but it also gives you an idea of how your horse’s hooves look every day. • In addition, checking your horse’s shoes daily helps them stay sound if one comes off or begins to loosen.

horse’s hooves and check for any changes in conformation and hoof structure. The warmer days coupled with the often-wet ground in spring is a prime time for bacterial infections and diseases of the white line and thrush. Using a good quality hoof oil can also be useful to form a barrier to prevent bugs from creating a home for themselves. Thrush is related to standing in wet, muddy paddocks and is quickly noticed by its foul-smell and dark coloured discharge from around the frog. It can travel deep into the sensitive tissue, causing pain and even lameness. Pick feet out daily to help prevent infection and recognise the early stages and look into using a topical treatment like iodine or copper sulphate-based solutions once a week as a preventative for horses prone to these issues. If your horse does get a bout of thrush, clean the hoof thoroughly and apply an antiseptic product like iodine, in some cases removal of the affected tissue will be required and is best done by your farrier or vet. Abscesses are another common spring hoof issue. The alternating spells of wet and dry weather can cause the hoof wall to expand and contract, allowing bacteria to get into the capsule, multiply and cause a painful abscess. Sudden onset of lameness, increased heat in the affected hoof and increased digital pulse are signs of a potential abscess. Call your farrier or vet to pinpoint the site and if possible, drain the abscess. Poulitcing the hoof will help prevent bacteria from getting into the newly made hole and draw out the bacteria. Hoof cracks can be minor to severe. Their cause, depth, length, and location can vary and can become infected or cause lameness, so it is essential to identify the cause of the cracks. Cracks are most common in the toe and commonly caused by over-long hooves, hoof imbalance, lack of support in the toe region, or injury. Always let your farrier guide your treatment of cracks; this could be in the form of applying a wax filler or working with a vet or nutritionist to look at alterations to their nutrition to increase hoof health from the inside. Nutrition: Biotin is a major component of good hoof

104

health and is naturally produced in the horse’s hindgut. Any disruption of the hindgut microflora will affect the biotin available to the horse. Methionine, vitamin A, essential amino acids, and calcium are also important to promote hoof growth. A well-balanced diet should provide the horse with everything it needs for healthy hooves, but if in doubt, consult your vet or nutritionist and look at a hoof-specific supplement.

COAT CARE

Coat condition can be a good indicator of overall health. If your horse’s coat is looking dull, consider his diet. Most people know about the importance of biotin for hoof health but it’s equally important for coat health. Insufficient biotin can lead to thin and brittle hair. Vitamin B, zinc, polyunsaturated fats, protein, and copper are all important for hair growth and integrity as well. Please speak to your vet or nutritionist about how to improve his coat from the inside out. As the daylight hours get longer, their winter coats will shed. Horses who take longer to shed their coats may have underlying health issues like Equine Cushings disease. Giving your horse a deep cleansing bath can help to lift the dirt, dust, and

georgia worth

equine dental care

hair, but make sure to use an appropriate shampoo. Kitchen dish soap can strip your horse’s coat of its natural oil, making the coat dry and taking away its natural shine, instead use an animal-specific shampoo. Bathing is also an excellent time to check for any issues like fungal or bacterial skin infections, which can pop up easily, especially on rugged horses. Rain scald is a common issue in winter and early spring and is characterised by scabs on the skin, often over the back area. Lesions begin as weep sores which become crust and in severe cases can become swollen and contain pus. Treat by using an antibacterial wash like iodine and keep the horse dry inbetween times. The bacteria spread to things the horse touches so his rugs, brushes, and other equipment should be washed. To help shift your horse’s winter coat, groom, regularly with a curry comb or moulting brush. If you are bringing your horse back into work and they work up a sweat, sponge off the sweat with a sponge, and let hair dry thoroughly before putting covers back on. Give his covers an excellent brush to get rid of hair and dirt that may cause irritation and make the most of the nicer weather by having more ‘cover off’ time.

INSECTS

Horses can develop allergies, infections, and other skin conditions at any time of year, but many are more common during spring as insects come out from their winter dormancy. Ticks: Are prevalent from early spring through to late autumn and usually appear on horse’s legs, belly, sheath, and face as well as the base of the mane and tail. You’ll often find them attached – looking and

equine dental care

feeling a bit like a skin tag. Some horses will get a raised area of reaction around the bite site. They can be manually removed with a quick, straight pull to remove the whole tick. There are several topical treatments and repellents like Permoxin. Lice: A common issue throughout winter and early spring, lice will often be found at the base of the mane and tail and spread from these sites over the body. Horses will be itchy, often rubbing patches off their fur. Lice can be seen moving through the coat. Most species are susceptible to topical treatments along with grooming of the coat to remove eggs. Washing all rugs, saddle pads, and other equipment is a must to prevent re-infestation. Significant burdens of lice can be a sign of weak immunity from other diseases so should be checked by a vet to rule out other issues. Flies and midges: As the weather gets warmer, the fly population increases, especially on warm days following rainfall. A good fly spray can help keep them at bay along with a clean, well-fitted fly mask to protect your horse’s face. Sweet itch is caused by the bite from culicodes midge and is the most common allergic skin disease in horses. Intense itching, hypersensitive skin, are all telltale signs. Horses will often rub off their manes and tails, which can lead to bacterial infections. Liberal and frequent application of fly spray can prevent the midges from accessing the skin and avoiding turn out in the early morning and late evening, when the midges are more active, can help as well. If an allergic reaction has occurred, there are several topical treatments to help with the symptoms rather than treat. If severe, consult your vet who may prescribe corticosteroids or antibiotics if necessary. C

Qualified Equine Dental Technician & Member of the IAED Available in the wider Waikato & Auckland Region’s. Other areas by arrangement.

021 152 9044 georgia@equinedentalcare.co.nz equinedentalcare.co.nz

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THIS IS DUBLIN

New Winter collection out now dublinclothing.co.nz

STALLION SHOWCASE - BREED THE BEST THIS SEASON

SHOWCIRCUIT

NEW ZEALAND’S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

STUDS &

STALLIONS

ISSUE ONE | 2020

FEATURING AMBERLEY HOUSE ASTEK STUD CHEVAUX DANSANTS STABLES CRYNZ CRYSTAL MT FRIESIANS & FRIESIAN SPORTHORSES ELITE FROZEN FOALS NZ EQUIBREED - VDL EURO SPORT HORSES

KELARAY STUD MATAWHIO SPORTHORSES MAUNGATUA EQUESTRIAN NZWB ASSOCIATION PL PERFORMANCE HORSES PURE EQUESTRIAN SG STUD TREVALDA IRISH SPORTHORSES WHIORAU STATION

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 “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. 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

CARTIER GNZ Fresh Semen Available for AI Stud Fee $1200 + GST - LFG

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Cartier GNZ is five years old, 16.3hh and an extremely exciting young stallion who carries some of the best international bloodlines including Lansing, Casall, Caretino, Contango II and Lander. He has a fantastic presence and endless amounts of presence, power and scope. Paired with his exceptional temperament and rideability will make him the ideal choice for breeding your next jumping prospect.

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CARTELL GNZ HOLSTEINER

CARTIER GNZ 2014 HOLSTEINER

NEARCO BLACK GNZ 2005 HOLSTEINER

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CASALL* b 167 cm 1999 HOLSTEINER YETAR SPRINGS JAYNE HOLSTEINER LANSING* gr 165 cm 1995 HOLSTEINER BERTHA GNZ 2000 HOLSTEINER

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Equestrian Centre

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For more information please contact Pure Equestrian Centre Phone 021 2537662 - Email pureequestrian@hotmail.com

CARETINO* KIRA XVI JADALCO* CORAL LANDGRAF I* MONOLINE CORLANDO* NEARCO NESS

CALICO GNZ Fresh Semen Available for AI Stud Fee $1700 + GST - LFG

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Calico GNZ is five years old and stands at 16.2hh. He is an international quality young stallion who demands attention. He is modern and elegant with great bone, excellent conformation, fantastic paces and admirable technique over a fence. He is by International sire Calato who is one of the best sons of the legendary Captiol 1. Calato is the sire of many international Grand Prix jumpers, and Calico GNZ allows the New Zealand market access to these fabulous bloodlines with the ease of chilled semen.

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CALATO* gr 169 cm 1987 HOLSTEINER

FLEETS TREAT JNR GNZ HOLSTEINER

CALICO GNZ 2014 HOLSTEINER

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CAPITOL I* 169 cm HOLSTEINER VANESSA III* 165 cm HOLSTEINER CORLANDO* 1996 HOLSTEINER FLEETS TREAT 1990 THOROUGHBRED

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Equestrian Centre

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CAPITANO* FOLIA* LANDGRAF I* RENAISSANCE CONTANGO II* LAMONA SIR FLEET EASTERN SILVER

For more information please contact Pure Equestrian Centre Phone 021 2537662 - Email pureequestrian@hotmail.com

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

CONTENDRO - GFE

NEGRO - 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

STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES

SWE DEMPSEY

Pictured: Duncan Norrie riding 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 $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

Cornet’s Air is a direct son of Cornet Obolensky who brings blood, explosiveness and enormous respect to the pedigree, all of which being essential qualities for becoming a champion. It therefore comes as no surprise that he is among the world’s Top 5 stallions for the 5th year in a row. Never before has a stallion been so successful. Never before have we seen a stallion dominating all the international events with his first crop. This golden combination Clinton x Heartbreaker just seemed to flirt with the jumps. In the 30-day test this phenomenal athlete received a 9.24 score for jumping aspects and a 10 for free jumping. Cornet’s Air is a magnificent type strongly stamped by his pedigree and with wonderful character, his first crop of foals are treasured by breeders and we eagerly await his 2nd crop this spring. This horse brings to Australasia an exciting chance to breed world class progeny. Fresh travelled semen NZ wide.

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

www.astek.co.nz

S tallion Line Up of 2020/2021

Concherto FF (Burren-Dah The Wizard (exp) x Aloha Symphony)

Brown 15.2hh Anglo Arabian stallion

Breeding special $500.00 per breeding (2 doses), (limited doses available) Multi Australian Champion in multiple disciplines

Triple Trees Prince Perfect (Veenstras Promise x Helsehoeves Henriete)

Elite Dutch Riding Pony / Warmblood Pony $700.00 breeding dose (very limited doses remaining) Approved NZ Warmblood Association, NZAHS

Kelaray Stud is proudly sponsored by: Equilibrium Australia & Cedar Lodge Equine Products

280A Heath Road, RD1, Awanui, Kaitaia 0486 Email: kelly@kelaray.com - Phone: (64) 09 408 7935

Kelaray Stud

Breeding Champions

Solaris Buenno

In addition to his proven performance bloodlines, Buenno is Homozygous for the Tobiano gene, thus providing breeders with the certainty that his progeny will be coloured with Tobiano markings. (Umenno x Edwina) Homozygous Tobiano Warmblood stallion Standing 15.3hh. Buenno is SSH Licensed with the AES, Registered KWPN & WBFSH, Approved NZWA His bloodlines are a combination of both jumping and dressage genes from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading stud books including the Grand Prix show jumping stallion Wellington by stallion of the century Nimmerdor. On his damline we find the bloodlines of Ekstein, Lucky Boy Joost and Damenstolz. His pedigree is also made up of nearly 50% Thoroughbred bloodlines. Available for the very first time to NZ breeders

STUD FEE: Limited breeding doses for the 2020/2021 season. $1600.00 NZD per breeding dose For more information and photos, including progeny, please visit our website or contact us directly.

www.kelaray.com

Equ

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Excellence in Equine Reproduction

Our team specialises in producing foals!

EQUIBREED NZ LEADERS IN: FROZEN SEMEN LOW DOSE INSEMINATION EMBRYO TRANSFER, SHIPPING AND FREEZING EMBRYO RECIPIENT HERD STALLION SERVICES FERTILITY TREATMENTS SEX-SORTED SEMEN ICSI EMBRYOS

Talk to our Specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Lee Morris 07 870 1845 or email: info@equibreed.co.nz www.equibreed.co.nz | EquiBreed NZ Ltd, 399 Parklands Rd, RD 1, Te Awamutu

CRYSTAL MT

XODÓ

(KFPS Sport Elite & FSA Gold Elite)

Purebred Friesian

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

$1,500 + Booking Fee

Amy Buncuga

Teunis 332 Tsjallinkje Doeke 287 Altruida

DOB. 2007

16.1hh

The proof is in the Progeny

Libby Law

Pip Humes Photography

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

Crystal Mt Catalina (FSA Dressage Bronze Elite) (x TB)

Crystal Mt Rafaela Purebred Friesian Dressage Level 2

Xica . Tanzanita . Crusada . Rafaela

Crystal Mt Quadrille Equidays 2019

sandy@crystalmountain.co.nz l +64 (0)21755592 l crystalmtstud.co.nz l FB: Crystal Mt Stud

DC A National Champion himself, now Donnerubin is the sire of the greatest number of NZ Dressage Champions in the lower levels (his progeny are still young) since 2016 onwards! That is the power of using a stallion with the highly inheritable bloodlines of Donnerhall (Donnerubin is a double cross) and Rubinstein. 12 years old - 16.1hh. Donnerubin produces champions under saddle where it counts.

NZWA PERFORMANCE LICENCED STALLION

Donnerubin started at his first season Grand Prix dressage in 2017-2018. Donnerubin is the first stallion in NZ’s history to be trained from foal to Grand Prix by one person, and better yet, I had never ridden level 5 before him, he was my first stallion and my first young horse! That is a beauty of these bloodlines, talented and still trainable. the WBFSH Sire Rankings for dressage. It is this kind of reliability that we as breeders look for when choosing a stallion that is going to produce an outstanding foal. • This is why Donnerubin progeny continue to dominate in the dressage arenas. They are both talented, stunning to look at, but more importantly are incredibly trainable. These traits are inherited from the strong Donnerhall genes. Donnerubin being a double cross of the Donnerhall bloodline, means he stamps his progeny extremely strongly. • Donnerubin is the sire with the highest number of progeny who were National and Regional dressage champions since 2016. • Donnerubin is also the sire of the 2017 National

• Donnerubin continues to gain strength and confidence in his Grand Prix competition career and training. It is a really exciting and proud time for us both! • Donnerubin has been tested as being free of the WFFS gene. • We are proud to announce that in 2017 the NZ Warmblood Association has licenced Donnerubin off his performance results. His progeny can now be included in the main studbook. • Donnerubin’s bloodlines in particular the Donnerhall bloodline continue to be highest represented in the world dressage rankings. Donnerhall and now his son’s and grandson’s for the past over 10 years have held the highest number of top 10 spots on

Young Eventing Horse champion - Ricker Ridge Riley who has gone on to now compete at 3 day events with considerable success at 3* level upwards • Donnerubin progeny are also champions in showing and show hunter. They show a natural ability to jump and are making their mark in most realms of equestrian sports. • Donnerubin’s progeny have such magic temperaments, this has meant that even freshly broken in Donnerubins are being ridden by young riders. • The most exciting part is that these Champion Donnerubin youngstock come from such a wide range of mares, TB, warmbloods, anglo arabs or clydesdale mares. He stamps his progeny that strongly.

“Everyone deserves a beautiful horse!”

Our motto is So come and join the Donnerubin family. Donnerubin is highly fertile which makes breeding a breeze.

Donnerubin

Donnerhall Donautraum (German Import) (Oldenburg)

(Oldenburg)

Waischja

(Hanoverian)

De Niro

(Hanoverian) Delilah (German Import) (Oldenburg)

Aronja

(Oldenburg)

Donnerwetter (Hanoverian) Ninette (Oldenburg) Lortzing (Hanoverian) Winzerin (Hanoverian) Donnerhall (Oldenburg) Alicante (Hanoverian) Rubinstein I (Westphalian) Amsel (Oldenburg)

We here at CDS congratulate all riders, breeders, and all the support crew who contribute to these beautiful Donnerubin babies’ successes. We are proud to be a part of that and your journey. Service Fee: $1800 + GST

+ Collection Costs Includes Live Foal Guarantee. AI nationwide. 10% discount for return mares or owners with multiple mares.

CDS - CHEVAUX DANSANTS STABLES Feilding, New Zealand. • jacindayounger@xtra.co.nz • Mobile (027) 220 4257 Check out Donnerubin’s Facebook page for the latest updates

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.

(IMP GB)

BALLINEEN BLUE MOUNTAIN 16.2hh, 2006 Class 1 Purebred Irish Draught Stallion BBM - Multiple Champion Saddle Hunter. Supreme Paced & Mannered and Rider mount.

BBM progeny - (Oldest is 6yrs) 3rd Novice Dressage Horse of the Year, Placings at SI Champs, 4yr Future Stars & National Under 25 Champs.

BBM - Champion Working Hunter and full wire field hunter.

Add some TEMPERAMENT, TRAINABILITY & SOUNDNESS into your Sport Horse breeding programme. BBM Progeny Gee Whizz Winner, Paced & Mannered Saddle Hunter HOY, Runner-up Side Saddle HOY 2020, Rising Star Saddle Hunter HOY, Runner-up Open SH HOY 2018, All Breeds Supreme In-Hand.

BBM - All Breeds Supreme Champion In-hand

Photo Brittany Fowler Photography

Stud Fee $1500 incl GST

First collection & no foal free return. Fresh semen shipped nationwide.

Trevalda Irish Sporthorses P: 03 444 9309 M: 027 310 6858 E: g.crossan@xtra.co.nz

www.trevalda.co.nz

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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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 BWP, 1992, 168 cm

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

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

Grafenstolz

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

∙ 3rd CSI3* Warsaw, Vestfold ∙ 7th CSI5* Liepzig ∙ WINNER CSI3* Leszno (Christian Hess)

Trakehner, 1998, 167 cm

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

∙ Number 1 british eventing stallion ranking • Number 2 world breeding ranking

PAY AT FOALING!

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

Clinton II

Leprince Des Bois Selle Français, 1999, 171 cm

Holsteiner, 1994, 171 cm

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

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

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

€900 + shipping

€1200 + shipping

∙ Participation 8 CIC4* Events: Burghley, Luhmuhlen, Badminton, Pau ∙ 4th CIC4* Pau (Kai Ruder) ∙ WINNER German Junior Eventing Championships 2014 (Kristin Rickert)

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

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

Triomphe De Muze

Cristo

Cormint

BWP, 1996, 169 cm

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

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

ISH

Holsteiner, 2001, 169 cm

Holsteiner, 2002, 169 cm

€900 + shipping

€800 + shipping

∙ Premium Stallion, Holsteiner Körung (Approval) 2003 • Number 2 world breeding ranking ∙ Stallion Testing (HLP): Total 140,19 points (Jump:137,70, Dr: 120,78) ∙ Cristo is ranked 12th best stallion of his age group in terms of offspring performances.

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

Approved for: Holst, Z, AES

Bentley van de Heffink BWP, 2001, 172cm

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

∙ Silver and bronze medal WINNER ∙ Young horse championships 5 year old & 6 year old • Top 100 world breeding ranking

Royaldik Oldenburger, 1999, 171cm

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

∙ WINNER Stallion Test, Index: 144,9 (Jumping: 126,6, Dr:149,8) ∙ Finalist Bundeschampionat 5 yearold Jumping & Dressage

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

TEMPERAMENT - TRAINABILITY - VERSATILITY

Presents

TREVALDA MOUNTAIN EIRE 16.1hh - 2015 Category 1 Purebred IRISH DRAUGHT STALLION Trevalda Mountain Eire 1070-M1/15

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Ballineen Blue Mountain RID 1185/M0011

Kilharken Heather K0032/95 AUS

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Bealagh Blue RID 078/M/0009 Ballineen Glen Abess RID 1185/F/0006 Kiltoghert CaseySB 005/ID/RID IRE Sumas Harkaway RID 11418

Live cover / fresh semen available Couriered nationwide Stud Fee $900 plus GST includes LFG

Whiorau Station - 3668 State Highway 2, Nuhaka 4165 info@whioraustation.co.nz - Phone - 021 464 965

NZ WARMBLOOD ASSOCIATION OFFERS: • CLASSIFICATION TOURS

• MARE STUD BOOKS

• INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS

• STALLION LICENCING

• DNA AND AGE VERIFICATION

• OVER 40 YEARS OF BREEDING NEW ZEALAND’S BEST COMPETITION HORSES

• COMPETITIONS

THE NZ WARMBLOOD ASSN CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING STALLIONS FOR PASSING THEIR LICENCING DURING THE 2020 CLASSIFICATION TOUR.

C A P T I VAT E V W N Z

(CACHASSINI II / PRESTIGE VDL / LANDIOSO)

Bred and owned by Vicki Wilson

S O L I TA I R E H L (IKARUS GF / VIVID OL / VOLTAIRE II)

Owned by Paula Riepen

S TA L LO N E K

(KANNAN / LORDANO / SENATOR VDL)

Bred and owned by Vicki Prendergast

M I R A C R O W N R OYA L

(MIRABEAU / RFF KING’S RANSOM XX / GLITTER PLEASE XX) - IMP CANADA

Owned by Fanfaire Equestrian

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE WORLD BREEDERS FEDERATION FOR SPORT HORSES w w w. n z w a r m b l o o d s . c o m