The Eloquent Equine | Special No. 3 - The Royal 2013

The

Royal

Agricultural Winter Fair

The Eloquent Equine

Special No. 3

CONTENTS 06 A Royal Legacy 07 Opening Night 10 The Hunter Derby 13 Driven 18 Remembering One of the Greats 20 Spotlight - Royal Horse Show

26 Royally Fabulous

22 Center Stage - Diane Creech

30 Hollyrock Hits the Royal

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The Eloquent Equine Special Edition No. 3 RAWF 2013 Editor-in-Chief | Krista Rivet Creative Director | Samantha Wild Social Media Manager | Allyson Lowe // Contributors // Amanda Mills, Celeste Genesse, Diane Creech, Krista Rivet

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The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four full issues a year plus a number of special editions.

Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part is strictly prohibited.

The Eloquent Equine welcomes all submissions and suggestions, feel free to email us.

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Editor’s Desk Another Royal season has come and gone. Sadly, like Christmas, the Royal Winter Fair comes but once a year, and often flies by faster than we expect. It’s a whirlwind week of exciting competition, thrilling demonstrations, and so much shopping. It’s also a culmination point for riders and their teams who have worked all season for that one special moment, that moment to shine in the show ring, to be part of the Royal tradition.

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It’s a tradition that is 91 years strong, and a testament to the power and determination of equestrians, and agriculture as a whole. Times, well they may be changing alright, but even now in this age of urban sprawl and excessive technology there is still a place for an agricultural fair in the core of a urban city. You don’t have to grow up in or around agriculture to love the fair, it’s simply a great family friendly environment where you can learn new things and be part of a tradition that has defined the lives of so many.

This year we had the honour of interviewing Diane Creech of Caistor Centre, ON, a renowned Grand Prix Dressage rider who took victory Thursday night in the Royal Dressage Cup aboard Devon L. She shares with us her thoughts on being part of the Royal tradition, what keeps her inspired day to day, and her advice for up and coming riders looking to make their mark in the sport.

We also have a great follow up article with Amanda Mills of Hollyrock Welsh Ponies. She shares her story of how hard work, determination, and a few sleepless nights helped her and her ponies make it to the Royal. She’s a true champion for inspiring her own students to work hard and have fun. Not to mention she took six of her ponies to the fair with her this year, a true feat in itself.

On the Cover

We had a great time at the Royal, and are thrilled to be able to bring you further coverage of the fair again this year. This issue is packed full of images showcasing some of the many highlights of the fair, and be sure to check out our website for more articles that were posted during our coverage the fair itself.

Featured on the cover of this 2013 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Special Edition, is Entry 47 in the $25,000 Greenhawk Canadian Cup Round 1, which took place opening night (November 01).

I hope you all enjoy this issue, and never fear, less than 365 days till RAWF 2014!

The rider is Kelly Robinson, aboard Enzo.

Thanks for reading!

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A ROYAL LEGACY

I

t’s one of, if not the largest, indoor agricultural expo in the world. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair brings hundreds of competitors from National and International rings all into one location, to showcase some of the very best that the sport has to offer. Riders work all season long to earn enough points to earn a coveted spot in a class at the Royal, and the potential to bring home a ribbon. The Royal Horse show gives audience a taste of all the disciplines, with features including Dressage, Show Jumping, Driving, Mounted Games, Trick Riding, Rodeo, and Eventing.

But great horses, riders, and demonstrations aren’t the only thing the fair boasts. From livestock classes and demonstrations to the super dogs and giant pumpkins, the Royal has something for everyone regardless of age or agricultural background. It’s the place where city meets country; you can try new things, and learn even more. Plus there’s even great shopping, all your favourite brands (and more) in one convenient location.

This year, 2013, marked the 91st annual Royal season, a triumph in itself. First opening its doors in 1922 within the Coliseum, over the years the Royal Winter Fair has grown in popularity and in size, now encompassing the Ricoh as well as the adjacent Direct Energy National Trade Centre. Since its inauguration the Fair has serves as a forum for farmers to showcase their stock and equipment, discuss new and changing trends amongst their peers, and demonstrate and sell their products and services.

It’s a long standing tradition that many are thrilled to partake in, competitor or seasoned fair goer, the Royal quickly becomes a lifestyle staple that is anticipated every year. Not only does it give top riders and other competitors a chance to strut their stuff, but provides an opportunity for like-minded people to congregate, network, and just share their passion for their work and sport.

Ninety years and still going strong, it’s our hope that there are 90 more to come.

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T

hrills, Chills, and even the occasional Spill, at the Royal almost anything is possible. Every evening the Ricoh opens its doors and plays host the Royal Horse Show evening performance. It is in this ring champions are crowned, countless ribbons are distributed, and riders prove themselves against some of the best competitors in their discipline.

Opening night is no exception.

Friday night was host to the first round of the Greenhawk Canadian Cup and the initial phase of the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge. Especially poignant was the Royal’s Salute to those that Serve, honouring the Canadian Military and first responders.

The salute to serve featured riders from Toronto’s mounted unit, the RCMP, a member of the Toronto K9 unit, and the pipes and drums of the 48th highlanders.

It was a great night of top equestrian competition that set the stage for the week that followed.

OPENING NIGHT The Eloquent Equine 7

Greenhawk

Canadian Cup - Round 1

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Pictured (Facing top): Susan Horn aboard Her Courcheval

Pictured (Facing bottom): Kelly Robinson aboard Enzo

Pictured (Above): Jay Hayes aboard Riva

Pictured (Top Right): Ian Millar aboard Star Power

Pictured (Right): Yann Candele aboard Showgirl (Photos: K.Rivet)

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THE HUNTER DERBY

T

uesday night was host to the Canadian Hunter Derby Series National Championships, where the top horse and riders from across Canada came to compete in the $25,000 Hogan’s Inn Hunter derby and $25,000 Knightwood Hunter derby.

Hunter derbies differ from the standard hunter classes in one primary aspect, the courses designed for derby classes are created to resemble obstacles that would be found in the hunt field. Instead of your standard fences, derby courses may include jumps with natural obstacles (ex. ditches, gates, banks, hedges, and walls), and taller narrower fences that are often without ground lines. The course is designed with variable routes and approaches to each fence, differing height options, and winding tracks. Courses are often negotiable, allowing the rider some flexibility in their choice of fences, with the option to go for more points by choosing the higher fence options and more difficult routes.

Riders are scored based on three distinct components: the raw score from the round, handiness, and bonus points for taking the high option.

The course is meant to mimic conditions that horses and riders would come across when out in the hunt field, forcing the horse to think on his feet and be able to adapt to changing conditions. The handiness score, which can add up to 10 extra points to a rider’s score, is attributed to horses that are able to manoeuvre smoothly over the variable course.

The raw score, which serves as the base of the riders final score, is derived from how the horse jumps each fence. Ideally the horse should tuck his front legs evenly and arc symmetrically with the hind legs following. The rider with the highest score wins the class.

The Hunter Derby held at the Royal was instigated by Muffie Guthrie and Jeff Brandmaier. It sees 16 of the top horse and rider pairs in the 3’6” category invited to compete in the back to back derbies held on Tuesday night. Selection of the horse and rider competitors is based upon points earned throughout the show season in Canadian Hunter Derby series shows, and is split between the East (Quebec & Ontario) and West (Alberta & British Columbia).

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Results

Hogan’s Inn Hunter Derby Hugh Graham aboard Judgement Day 3E (Kingridge Stables) was first with a score of 105, Jeff Brandmaier aboard Magic Show (Knightwood Stables) came in a close second with a score of 104, and Ashley McInnis aboard Prudence (Carolynne Jardine) was third with 103.50.

Knightwood Hunter Derby Ashley McInnis aboard Prudence (Carolynne Jardinne) came back from her third place win in the Hogan’s Inn derby to claim the victory with score of 108, Muffie Guthrie aboard Lucky 2 Knight (Knightwood Stables) took second with 102, and Ryan Roy aboard Bayview (Doug Bannister) was third with 101.

Learn more: Canadian Hunter Derby Series

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“

The course is meant to mimic conditions that horses and riders would come across when out in the hunt field.

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DRIVEN T

hey come from across North American to the Royal every year, thousands of pounds of horse flesh and thousands of pounds of equipment shined to perfection …

These are the heavy horses.

Showcased throughout the entirety of the fair, the heavy horse hitch classes are always a crowd pleaser as well as a stunning example of pure horsepower.

Their hooves can be heard echoing off the concrete as they prepare to entire the Ricoh Coliseum each night, a spectacle that draws crowds to the chute, eager to get close to these gentle giants. Ranging from single harness to six horse hitches, and spanning multiple breeds, the heavy horse classes are truly a must see attraction at the fair.

In addition to the heavy horse hitches, spectators have the opportunity to step back in time with the Royal’s illustrious Green Meadows class. These teams travel from great distances to showcase their stunning, and historically accurate, road coaches alongside their equally stunning horses. Like the heavy horse classes, the teams of horses that comprise the Green Meadows also span a variety of breeds.

One also can’t fail to mention the numerous other driving classes held at the Royal each year, including Hackney horse classes, roadster pony classes, and Welsh driving classes.

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Pictured (Facing): The Heavy Horse classes are always a crowd pleaser

Pictured (Above): Hackney Road Cart class

Pictured (Top Left): Clydesdale Mare single horse hitch

Pictured (below): Equipment is always sparkling, a process that takes hours of preparation (Photos: K.Rivet)

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“

Their hooves can be heard echoing off the concrete as they prepare to entire the Ricoh Coliseum each night ...

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Remembering

One of the Greats

It

was a day I’m sure many an equestrian will remember, the day the little stallion that had captured Canadian hearts (not unlike Big Ben did many years before) passed away. Hickstead, the horse who had carried Eric Lamaze to great heights and great victories suffered a fatal aortic rupture while on course at the FEI Rolex World Cup in Verona, Italy.

The equestrian nation, the world over, mourned his tragic loss.

Wednesday November 6th marked the second anniversary of his death, and the second annual running of the Hickstead FEI world cup held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

While we here at The Eloquent Equine are not able to attend tonight’s events at the Royal, we thought we’d honour Hickstead in our own way by sharing some of his history and legacy.

Hickstead was a Dutch Warmblood stallion, born in Belgium in 1996, who won over $4 million (CAD) during his competition years. He was known for his especially fiery disposition and short stature for a show

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jumper, he stood only 16 hands high. Though his size never stopped him, he was a big horse in a little body, and everybody knew it.

He was a horse with presence.

Hickstead carried Lamaze to victory multiple times in 2007 when he won not only the much coveted $1 million CN International at the Spruce Meadows Masters, but also one individual bronze and team silver at the Pan Am games in Rio de Janeiro. In Beijing the following year (2008) Hickstead carried Lamaze back in to the medals with an individual gold and team silver at the summer Olympics.

Pictured (above): Hickstead Lapel Ribbons Dominion Regalia, Royal 2011

In 2011 the pair won the coveted CN International for a second time, and that same year placed second in Germany at the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals.

These are but a few of the multiple victories Hickstead and Lamaze achieved during their years in the competition ring. Hickstead and Lamaze set the bar high for their competitors, placing in the top in pretty much every competition they competed in, no matter where they were.

“

He was a horse with presence.

Hickstead carried his rider to the top of the sport, performing to his fullest capacity every time he entered the competition ring, even up to the moment of his death.

Like the champion horses that came before him, Hickstead will enter the annals of history as the little horse that carried a Canadian rider, and the nation itself, to numerous victories nationally and internationally.

He was, and still is, a testament to the power of the partnership that forms between horse and rider.

These are the horses that are with us through the highs and lows, and carry us to the greatest pillars of our hopes, dreams, and ambitions.

He will be sorely missed, but surely never forgotten.

We salute that little horse and all he accomplished, as well as all the other horses (famous or not) who carried their riders to victory and inspired equestrians to never give up and never give in.

Here’s to

Hickstead.

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SPOTLIGHT

Royal Horse Show

Celeste Genesse Photography

Pictured (Below): Evi Strasser aboard Action Tyme (Photo: Celeste Genesse)

Pictured (Right): Show jumping at the ROYAL (Photo: Celeste Genesse)

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Pictured (Top left): Six horse hitch (Photo: Celeste Genesse)

Pictured (Bottom left): Show jumping at the ROYAL (Photo: Celeste Genesse)

Pictured (below): Jacqueline Brooks aboard D Niro (Photo: Celeste Genesse)

Center Stage with Diane

Creech

Elite Canadian Dressage Rider

D

iane Creech of Caistor Centre, ON wowed audiences aboard her long-time partner Devon L during the freestyle round of the Dressage cup Thursday night at the Royal. Their wellexecuted performance earned the pair top marks (75.417 %), and ultimately victory in the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup. She was kind enough to allow us the opportunity to pose a few questions to her, to find out about how she started her career, what inspires her to continue riding, as well as her advice for aspiring riders.

What did you enjoy most about competing at the Royal this year?

DC: It’s a big honour to be invited to the Royal, and to show there is to be part of a long tradition. The crowd is great and actually for the most part very educated dressage fans.

The Royal is one of, if not the, biggest indoor show. Its very electrifying and a great opportunity to introduce your horse to a big atmosphere . Being able to show focus in such an electric atmosphere is a great way to test your horse. It shows off the bond between horse and rider, and the great trust you have as pair. Devon did a really great job of that, he just went out and performed.

I really hope that the Royal continues to keep dressage alive at the fair. There is so much going on and I feel, dressage belongs there as well. The demonstrations before the actual rides are great.

They help to show people the sport of dressage and the different movements. It is very educational for the public and they get to understand some of what we do. It would be great to have the chance to have a CDI there in the future. Dressage is a big deal at the fair, there are a lot of fans and people, who like to watch it.

Being invited and being able to join in that tradition is absolutely wonderful.

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What is your earliest riding memory?

DC: When I was young, my aunt and uncle had a small farm, and on that farm they had two horses, a chestnut mare “Heike” and a gray gelding named “Sascha”. At the time I didn’t know much about horses or riding, but wanted to learn and get to know them. I really loved the horses. On weekends we went to visit my aunt and uncle’s farm, we got to groom the horses and then tack them up, and my aunt would lead us around. I still remember getting to ride around in the fields on hot summer days, lead around by my aunt. I even remember raking in the hay by hand, the old fashioned way.

These were the first opportunities I had to sit and ride a horse, on these weekend visits to my relatives.

Have you always ridden Dressage? When did you decide to make Dressage your professional career?

DC: I grew up in Germany and always wanted

to ride. I used to help care for the horses of a veterinarian I knew, and often would take them out for hacks when I got the chance. Eventually he [the veterinarian] wanted to teach me how to ride, “ the hard way”... on a lunge line with no stirrups.

He taught me how to sit on a horse properly or how to hang on for dear life.

I became fascinated with the training, used to work with the horses. I loved trying to figure out the invisible aids and cues necessary, to form their body and mind. I had a passion for the training, for building them [the horses] up and making them stronger, gymnasticizing them, trying to develop them and teach them the movements. I always

found this training aspect more interesting then show jumping or the other disciplines.

I went through a three year apprenticeship and in that time was required to participate in other disciplines, like show jumping, but I was never as fascinated by it, as I was by the training aspects that are at the root of dressage.

What is the driving factor behind your continuing role in this sport as a competitor and as a trainer/clinician/coach?

DC: I get my motivation from my horses and my

love for the horse. Even after all these years I am in love with my horses. It’s always about them. This is not simply something I just do; I look forward to getting up every day and going to the barn in the morning to see them [my horses]. I have a strong connection and bond with each and every one of them. This bond is what motivates me, it makes me want to come and see them.

I love building that bond between horse and rider, whether it’s with my own horses, or helping one of my students build that bond with one of their horses. Everyone should be happy and I enjoy being able to help foster and develop that horse/rider relationship. I believe that if the horse is trained the right way it becomes even more beautiful and happy.

If you invest the time in training your horse the right way it will become happier, more expressive, just more beautiful. I love seeing that transformation. You try to ride the tension out and train your horse in a way, that it will become a supple and strong horse. I believe that horses like to have a job and that they enjoy their interactions with people.

“

Its a big honour to be invited to the Royal, and to show there is to be part of a long tradition Everyone needs to enjoy the work they do, even the horse. You want especially them to enjoy working for you. Riding needs to be more than just going in the ring and making circles and figures. You can force your horse to do a trick, but you can’t force him to be happy and relaxed. Dressage is not “trick riding”, it is working your horse’s body and mind to become a happy participant and a healthy athlete.

What is your advice to aspiring dressage riders, or riders in general, who have dreams of making it in the equestrian world?

DC: It’s not about the ribbons, it can’t be all about the ribbons. You put winning first, you and your horse won’t be happy at the end of the day.

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Even when you ride your test and come out with a low score, you look at the development your horse made since the last show. The judge can only judge what they see at that moment. But you can tell if you’ve improved, what worked, what didn’t, etc. The judge can only see that moment, but you can track your own development and how your training has progressed. My advice is to look for the positives and not only the negatives.

Developing a dressage horse takes a very long time, you can’t simply work or ride for one specific weekend. You have to ride for the big picture, for the next five to ten years; you need to be willing to develop your horses and not just train the movements. Try not to focus just on one show, one bad class but look at the whole process over years.

Enjoy the sport, keep the love for the horse alive. Put your horse first, keep your training real and not just for the moment.

Be proud of your development, of the progression of your training and also make your horse to be proud of it.

You want to be able to look back on the victories you did achieve and be proud of those moments and the training that got you there. By focusing on the big picture, not the little moments, you can be successful.

When performing a freestyle dressage test how do you pick the appropriate music for your horse’s movement?

DC: The first thing I do, is look at the character of the horse. Some of them like

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trumpets and big bangs, and some of them don’t.

I also look at the movement of the horse and the training; you need to identify what your horse’s strong points are and what you want to show off.

You want to introduce your horse with the strong points and hide some of the weaker points, and then finish with strong points. You want a good first impression, and a good last impression, for the judge.

You also want to hire someone with a good ear for music; Karen Robinson does all my competition music for me. Once you have someone to develop the music, you record your performance and she builds my music to match.

I like to try to incorporate music that I like. I want to ride to music that I enjoy listen to. I enjoy more upbeat and expressive music. You also want to try to pick music that your horse will like.

How do you work with your horse to resolve and/or build upon any weakness or challenges he faces?

DC: Horses need to be confident to go into a big environment or a Grand Prix test. Confident in the rider and in himself. A horse can be confident in themselves, if they don’t find the job too hard. If it is too hard, they will lose confidence. This will cause them to shy away from trying something new. If you find your horse is weak in a certain area, you need to train it in small sections, making it easier to understand and allowing to help build his confidence. You can throw in something harder, but then be sure to throw in something easier again after. You need to make your horse believe in himself, his work and most of all in you the rider. Make him confident in what he is strong in and make him believe, he is the best he can be every day and he will do exactly that and be every day, the best he can be.

“

You want to be able to look back on the victories you achieve and be proud of those moments, and the training that got you there.

All training must build confidence in the mind and getting the body stronger and stronger to do the physical work. The horse shouldn’t know that the Grand Prix test is hard, he should think, his job is easy. The important part is not to show the horse its own weakness. You need to build upon the strong points and throw the weak points in, and over time the weak points will get stronger, they may never be perfect but they will get better.

What warm up activities do you perform with your horse prior to ensure you are properly prepared for when you enter the ring?

DC: I don’t do any training in the warm up ring.

You need to make sure your horse is relaxed and his muscles are warmed up. It’s about trying to keep the horse’s confident. You may do some little movements like changes and half passes, but you never want to work the horse too hard, so it is tired going into the ring. At this point it’s too late for training; he [your horse] knows what he knows.

You want to warm your horse up mentally and physically, you want to build their confidence so that they are ready to perform and then you go in. They need to be happy with themselves and enter the ring warmed up and focused.

How do you address any behavioural issues that your horse may have in the arena? Do you have any strategies for trying to prevent and/or prepare for misbehaviour in the competition ring?

DC: Naturally, before you go to a big place like the Royal you will have competed at some

smaller shows and venues. You don’t want to overwhelm your horse, you want to build them up, get their confidence up. This is especially true with young horses; you want to expose them slowly. In the ring, if issues happen, you move past them and don’t make a big deal of it. If it happens it happens. Smile and move on. Then go home and work on it at home.

Usually by the time you get to bigger shows you know what to do to help your horse relax, you know the signals that trigger his stress and fear, allowing you to anticipate issues and manage them. You need to build upon the relationship you already have with your horse. You should be able to feel the signs in advance, and you can try to calm them [your horse] down with signals you know will work, like patting, scratching, bending, etc. This signal is different for every horse, but you should know what calms your horse down and have already established this.

If you feel your horse tensing up, you need to stay relaxed and focused, let your horse know that everything is okay. You as a rider need to instill confidence, if something happens you need to ride through it and keep going. If you horse spooks at a specific spot, the next time you come to that spot don’t dwell on it, just ride by and try to stay calm.

Staying relaxed and calm is all you can really do.

“

I get my motivation from my horses and my love for the horse.

Even after all these years I am in love with my horses.

It’s always about them The Eloquent Equine 25

Royally Fabulous

Photos from around the fair

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Pictured (Above): The Royal Paddock, one stop shopping for great Royal Winter Fair merchandise.

Pictured (Left): The magnificent grey Arabians that make up a portion of Sylvia Zerbini’s Liberte.

Pictured (Facing): Horses aren’t the only great things to take in at the fair, their are tons of agricultural and educational activities and displays as well!

PHOTO(s): K. Rivet

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Pictured (this page): Guy McLean demonstrates his exquisite horsemanship skills during the Royal Horse Show.

Pictured (Facing): The Royal boasts a wide array of great educational displays, shopping, horse shows, as well as an opportunity to meet your favourite equestrians. Eventers Jessica Pheonix and Waylon Roberts (top right), as well as Dressage superstars Ashley Holzer and Evi Pracht (bottom left) were just a few of the equestrian atheletes signing autographs in the OEF Fan Zone.

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FOLLOW UP

Hollyrock

hits the Royal

Y

ou may remember these little champions from our last interview with the wonderful Amanda Mills, owner of Hollyrock Welsh Ponies, in Issue 4. These mighty little ponies proved themselves repeatedly in the show ring this summer and had the opportunity to partake yet again in thrill of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Ms. Mills was kind enough to share some of her thoughts on how to best prepare to take a barn full of ponies to the fair, the qualification process, and what a typical competition day looks like for Hollyrock Welsh Ponies.

How do you prepare for the Royal? Can you fully prepare for taking a barn full of ponies to competition? What are you strategies for successful preparation and shipping?

These ponies continue to prove that championship performance horses come in all shapes and sizes.

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AM: It’s a lot of work. There are lots of lists to make sure everything goes with everybody; though I do get a fair but of help with packing, as well as grooming and riding at the fair itself.

There is a lot of elbow grease that goes into getting prepared for the fair, we typically start preparing about two months ahead of time to make sure that we are where we need to be and prepared when the time comes.

What is the process you go through to qualify for the Royal?

AM: The qualification process depends on the class, as it’s different for each one. For the line classes you don’t need to qualify in advance, you can simply register to compete.

The exception is the champion of champion class. To qualify for that competition a judge has to pick you as top place during specific competitions.

For the riding class you have to have shown in at least two Welsh shows over the show season that year. For the sport pony class, to qualify you have to have achieved a first place award in one of the designated shows over the season.

How did the Royal go for you this year? Any highlights? Fun stories?

AM: My first foal of this year, Hollyrock’s Rose Water, won her class and received a lovely trophy. All six of the ponies placed in each and every class they participated in, and four of the riders who came with me had never shown at the Royal before. I had to work to keep everyone calm.

None of the kids that came with me this year slept in the days leading up to the Royal, they were all so excited. After their classes were done every single one of them (aged 10 – 24) crashed, and it was only 8 pm. They all came back to the stalls, sat down in their chairs and were fast asleep.

It’s really a great experience being at the fair, everyone has a lot of fun. It can be hard to know what the judge is going to say in each class, and sometimes its hit and miss, but the important part is that everyone was happy and unhurt.

We all really enjoy going to the Royal, and this year was our fifth year there. We’re making dreams come true; we all work hard to get here, and in the end we got to do something great and all the kids got to take home some ribbons.

What’s a typical competition day at the fair like for you?

AM: It’s an intensive process. The night before competition day we bathe the ponies and get them all ‘sparkly’ and ready for the next day’s classes. This is the time for braiding tails, putting the shine on, etc. The next morning we typically get up at 5 am to feed the ponies, clean stalls, and start preparing for the day.

Depending on their excitement levels the ponies will generally get walked or lunged.

From there the day can get a bit hectic, as you never know just how fast the judge will go, so you have to pay attention and keep track of when each pony needs to be ready and in the ring.

After the day of competition is done, we bed the ponies down for the night and then take

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some time for ourselves. We often go relax and unwind by watching the Royal horse show in the Ricoh.

You and your ponies partake in such a wide range of classes at the fair, do you have a favourite?

AM: I love the driving classes the most. In these classes it doesn’t matter who you are or how well you ride, you still get a chance to participate. For me it’s also more comfortable, and I get a chance to compete. I can be with my own horses and show them, where as in the other classes I have others to help ride the ponies.

After attending the Royal, have you seen an increased interest in the Welsh breed? What do you believe the Royal could do to help increase interest in the breed?

AM: The last few years I have seen more interest in the breed and an increase in individuals approaching me. I think this is partly because I have a reputation for being willing to help individuals who are new to the sport, to showing Welsh ponies. I am willing and happy to share my knowledge and expertise with those who want to learn, and people know this, so they will often seek me out to learn more.

I think that if the Royal dropped their prices for entry fees there would be a greater interest, and greater number of individuals willing to show. When you consider the class costs, administrative fees, and stall fees, gas, transportation, etc., the prizes don’t really cover the money you’ve invested to show.

Of course there is always the chance to qualify for a higher level, and thus more money, but the chances aren’t high.

Competing at the fair is great, but I think the costs can be a bit off putting for some people.

Do you plan on returning to compete next year?

AM: I am hoping to, and I plan on bringing the whole group again next year. The ponies and the kids who accompany me show all summer, I don’t want to leave anyone behind.

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Learn More about Amanda and the ponies of Hollyrock Welsh Ponies by visiting their page on Facebook, or by visiting their website.

Below: Horsing around at the Royal (Photo: supplied by A. Mills) Previous Page Top: Byrchwood Rockola (Photo: supplied by A. Mills) Bottom Left: Shell Crest Dusty Gold competing in hand (Photo: supplied by A. Mills)

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It’s really a great experience being at the fair, everyone has a lot of fun.

Top: A red ribbon for Hollyrock’s Rosewater and her handler (Photo: supplied by A. Mills) Bottom: Hollyrock’s Rosewater takes top honours in her class (Photo: supplied by A. Mills)

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DON’T MISS ...

Our Next Issue! Due out December 2013 Just in time for Christmas, we’ve got our Fashion and Festive Spectacular.

Packed to the brim with stunning images, great equestrian brands, and a few festive ideas to spice up your holiday season ... its an issue you don’t want to miss.

Stay Tuned!

34 The Eloquent Equine

Congratulations To all the horses, riders, grooms, helpers, and owners who made it to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair this year. You help make the Royal great. It is your passion for the sport, and your drive to excel that inspires riders to strive to be the best that they can be, in hopes that they too may have their chance to compete and be part of such a long standing tradition.

Thanks for reading!

Only one year to go till RAWF 2014

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