Show Circuit Magazine - October / November 2019 by Show Circuit Magazine

HOW TO BUILD CONDITION ON THIN HORSES | DRESSAGE TRAINING WITH SHEENA ROSS

SHOWCIRCUIT

NEW ZEALAND’S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

101 Competing

LUCY JACKSON’S SWEET SUCCESS IS YOUR HORSE

TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS

FIT FOR PURPOSE

TH E RIGHT BIT

HEATHER WILSON EQUINE ARTIST

FROM THE JUDGES’ BOX

DREW & ALLY CARSON THE THRILL OF THE RIDE

MADDY CROWE PURSUING HER DREAMS

24 HOURS IN THE LIFE OF DANNIE LODDER

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WELCOME

FROM MY DESK

There is a saying "if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail". The good news is, no matter what level you ride at, everyone can plan and prepare to succeed. As we go to print, the new season is well underway, and we wish all our readers all the best in their endeavours and success this year, no matter what your goals may be. A major theme of this issue is preparing yourself and your horse for competition, whether that be stepping up to Grand Prix level or taking part in your first ribbon day. Our Competing 101 special feature has plenty of tips and great advice from top trainers and riders on how to best prepare for the show ring, meaning you can turn up on show day with confidence and put your best foot, or hoof, forward. We talked to four leading judges in our feature From the Judges' Box, to lift the lid on what it's like to be a judge, and get tips for success in the ring. We also pulled together five experts in the field of equine nutrition to learn more about building weight and condition on a horse, and in Fit for Purpose we asked three top riders across the disciplines for their advice on getting horses fit, choosing surfaces to ride on, strengthening legs and keeping mounts fit and healthy throughout the season. If it's inspiration you're looking for, this issue is packed full of enthralling reads, from eventer Lucy Jackson's breakthrough win at Millstreet International Horse Trials in the Event Rider Masters after 11 years of grafting away in the UK, to talented equine artist Heather Wilson's motivation to pick up a paintbrush again after a lengthy break from art. We talked to rising star Maddy Crowe, who completed a dream season with her lovely mare Waitangi Pinterest and is now being talked about as a real possibility for the Kiwi eventing team to go to Tokyo Olympics in 2020. And we profile FEI 3* and Young Horse dressage judge Linda Warren-Davey, who is continually seeking educational opportunities to bring knowledge back and grow the sport in New Zealand. With such passion and enthusiasm for furthering the sport she loves, we can only consider ourselves lucky to have people like Linda involved in our sport. On the front cover, you'll have seen promising young rider Brina Carpenter and her striking horse Plutonium Lady, who feature in our training profile with Sheena Ross. The goal of this training feature is building harmony, as Sheena guides Brina through training her mare in flying changes. I'm sure you'll all agree they make a harmonious picture, and Sheena's encouraging and thoughtful training methods make for an inspiring read. So, as we all look forward to this season, it is a timely reminder to reflect on why we do the sport. Be kind to your fellow competitors, appreciate the efforts of the judges, stewards, volunteers, and the official bodies who make events happen, enjoy your horse and – most importantly – have fun!

Sheryll Davies, Publisher COVER IMAGE

STUDS & STALLIONS COVER

Brina Carpenter riding PLUTONIUM LADY IMAGE Show Circuit Magazine

FLINT CSNZ - An outstanding foal bred by Cheleken Equestrian IMAGE Cheleken Photography

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EDITOR

Rebecca Harper editor@showcircuit.co.nz

SENIOR WRITER Cheyenne Nicholson

WRITERS

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SUB EDITING Kerry Sutherland

DESIGN

Sheryll Davies

PHOTOGRAPHERS Cheleken Photography Cornege Photography Dark Horse Photography Event Riders Masters Eye Witness Photography Libby Law Photography Michelle Clarke Photography Kampic.com

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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.

Make foal and mare health a priority this breeding season.

PROTECT FOALS NOW TO SECURE THEIR FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Ascarid worms/large roundworms, (Parascaris species) can cause severe and permanent lung and liver damage in foals. Research by Dr David Leathwick et al.1 recommends that the best treatment regime for Parascaris species is two doses of an effective wormer: one at two months and one at five months of age. A New Zealand study by Dr Lee Morris et al.2 found that the resistance of Parascaris to mectin based wormers is now so prevalent that the most effective treatment for use in foals is now a BZ / Pyrantel combination. Currently, the only product formulated with this combination is Strategy-T®. Strategy-T® is a broad spectrum, palatable wormer that is safe for use in pregnant mares and one tube has enough paste to treat up to 700 kg.

PURCHASE NOW FROM YOUR VET OR EQUINE STOCKIST. nz.virbac.com 1. Leathwick, D. M., Sauermann, C. W., Geurden, T., & Nielsen, M. K. (2017). Managing anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp.: A modelling exercise. Veterinary parasitology, 240, 75-81. 2. Morris, L. H., Colgan, S., Leathwick, D. M., & Nielsen, M. K. (2019). Anthelmintic efficacy of single active and combination products against commonly occurring parasites in foals. Veterinary parasitology, 268, 46-52. Strategy-T® is Registered Pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. ACVM No. A10923.

IN THIS ISSUE OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

FEATURES

40 52 80 88 96

From the Judges' Box Competition 101

14 20 26 34 46 58 64

TRAINING 72 78

Sheena Ross | Building Harmony The Outside Rein

Fit for Purpose

IN EACH ISSUE

Condition the Thin Horse

103 Subscribe 104 Insider's Shopping Guide

Find the Right Bit

88 96

OUR PEOPLE

INTERVIEW WORDS Rebecca Harper MAIN IMAGE Event Rider Masters RIGHT HAND PAGE IMAGE Libby Law Photography

LucyJackson SWEET SUCCESS Her first international career win was 11 years in the making, topping the podium in Leg 5 of the Event Rider Masters at Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland with Superstition II. Now sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping to ride the wave of success to the Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s my first international win. It’s not a long format or the Olympics, but this gives me the belief that I can beat the best in the world, and hopefully, I can do it again.”

Lucy Jackson rates Superstition II as one of the nicest horses in the world – that’s how highly she regards him. And she hopes he’s the horse who will help her achieve her goals of winning a 5* event and an Olympic medal. It hasn’t been an easy road for the Brit turned Kiwi, who has grafted away for 11 years in the UK before notching a significant result. But it’s come on the back of a string of top placings, including a podium finish in the ERM at Chatsworth and a fifth in the 4* long format at Bramham and Lucy feels her formula is working. “It was a big deal, hugely exciting (to win)! I had to do the prediction show podcast, and there were four of the world’s top five riders at Millstreet. We were spoilt for choice as to who would win, and I would have been ecstatic with a top-five finish in that company.” Lying in fourth place after dressage, the combination moved into third after a clear showjumping round. Overnight leader Oliver Townend then withdrew Ballaghmor Class before cross country. “He was miles in the lead – I would have been hard pushed to beat him,” she admits. But take nothing away from her win. It was tight to the finish and, with the competition running in reverse order, Lucy had no idea whether her closest rivals had made the time when she set out on cross country. In the end, her two seconds over the optimum time proved enough – taking the win by .3 of a penalty from Ireland’s Sam Watson. “You just have to go as fast as you can in these classes. I’m not known for my speed, but this little horse has so many gears, even I can go fast on him! “It’s my first international win. It’s not a long format or the Olympics, but this gives me the belief that I can beat the best in the world, and hopefully, I can do it again.” The win was also rewarding for the horse’s owners, the Greenlees family, who have been unstinting supporters of Lucy’s for 11 years now, and her dad, who has been battling cancer for the last 19 months and is just starting to see some improvement. “The Greenlees were there and had an epic week being part of it, they very much value the owners in ERM, and that’s so right.” After the win, she quoted British Olympic rower Steve Redgrave, who said ‘you can aspire alone, but it takes a team to achieve’, in paying tribute to the team behind her. “He went to something like five consecutive Olympics, it’s his quote, and it’s stuck with me. I don’t think it could be truer than in the horse industry.” For Lucy, there are many people in her ‘team’, but those warranting special mention include sponsor Dengie Horse Feeds, groom Emelia Hazell and her trainers, Andrew Fletcher and Carl Hester.

SERIES THE FUTURE OF EVENTING

The Event Rider Masters series has been a shot in the arm for eventing all round. An exciting CCI 4*S series with record prize money, ERM aims to showcase the sport of eventing to global audiences. In 2019 the six legs incorporate iconic British and European events, where riders battle it out for the coveted Event Rider Masters title and a £30,000 series first prize. All three phases are livestreamed around the world and riders accumulate points across the series, with their five best performances counting towards the overall series result. “They are such cool classes, and they even put pressure on the experienced riders because there’s so much at stake and they run in reverse order,” Lucy explains. “It’s been dubbed as ‘the future of our sport’ - that’s what might keep it in the headlines. It’s action-packed and done with viewers in mind. For me, it’s incredible to ride for that sort of money. I don’t want to be dramatic and say it’s life-changing, but it’s a big deal. We don’t make a lot of money and, as a result, they have turned into hugely competitive classes that all the cool kids want to win.” Her dad was able to watch the event from home and keep up with the action. “It was great, and the messages I got from people, I didn’t realise how many people watch it! I think it (ERM) is as big a deal as we ever hoped it would be. I understand they’re looking for more sponsors to come on board,” she says. “The legs, series, points, stats – the whole thing is pretty slick. From a rider’s point of view, it’s what we’ve needed for a long time. There are only so many 5* events you can run a horse at. Big events, the Badmintons and Burghleys, are few and far between. This has added a whole new dimension, and it’s epic to be part of.”

“When it comes to cross country he’s little and quick thinking, he understands all the questions, and I can ride him quicker because he needs less organising.”

Lucy and SUPERSTITION II during the cross-country for the CCI4*-S - Event Rider Masters, Millstreet International Horse Trials 2019. IMAGE Libby Law Photography

FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

She’s excited about Superstition II, or Stinky as he’s been known since he was a foal, and things are also falling into place on the personal and family front. It seems like the stars are aligning for Lucy. “Dad’s had a horrible run with cancer, and it’s taken a while to find the right level of treatment. We’re nearly 19 months down the track, and I’m fortunate, we’re a very close family with me, my sister and brother. My parents have a gold standard marriage – their relationship is inspiring. “It floored us completely that our patriarch was man down and, even though I was 39 at the time of his diagnosis, it’s taken two years to figure out being a grown-up. I had my daughter at the same time, too, so I was new to being a mother and also to managing aspects of my business and life without dad being right there. Mum rode to Advanced herself and has been a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the horses, as well as so bravely caring for dad recently.” Lucy says the experience has made all three siblings grow up and become more independent. “We’ve all got stronger, and now we’re super grateful that dad’s got a bit better. He’s even talking about coming to Blenheim, which would be off the scale brilliant.” At the same time as daughter Evie (now two) was born, and her dad got sick, Lucy also moved yard to Gloucester, near Andoversford. As well, her other half Harry Wallace, who is in the army, got a demanding new job in London as Commanding Officer of the King’s Troop.

“Despite this, Harry has managed to remain patient and supportive of my crazy home life some four hours away from his job! His horsemanship is invaluable, but also his detachment from eventing specifically has made him a great balance for my ups and downs. “I couldn’t do it without him, especially with our daughter being so young. Another weekend, another 2 am start for another bunch of novices, and he rolls his eyes to the sky and wishes me luck. And he’s very calm in the face of a bad eventing day – if you’ve got two arms, two legs and a horse to put back in the lorry, you’re a lot luckier than some of the British soldiers he worked with on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s insanely levelling and gives me a totally real perspective,” she says. “They say when you are in a better place in your head, you can do your job better. It feels like the fog has lifted, and things are slotting into place. Evie’s a bit older now, and I’m enjoying the horses and dad being well. “It’s good when you look back and reflect on those tough moments when you think what am I doing, why am I doing this? It’s a strangely addictive sport, and I have things I want to achieve that I haven’t achieved yet. Things are sent to try you, but you have to pick yourself up and dust yourself off. And that’s why it feels so good when you get a result like Millstreet. It makes it all worthwhile.” Those goals are big ones – to win a 5* event and an Olympic medal. “There’s nothing like aiming high!” And she thinks Stinky is the horse that can help her dreams become a reality. “I’m trying to be strict with myself. Next year is a big deal, and I’ve got one of the nicest horses in the world, I believe. He’s hitting form and so am I, but I’m trying to do it one step at a time. “I’ve got the Olympics in the back of my mind, of course I have, I’d be mad not to, but I still want to do the right thing by the horse. I don’t want to get so distracted and stuck on chasing that dream that I miss a step in the horse’s development.” Stinky is still only ten and has already qualified for Tokyo Olympics and Badminton, but she’s aware he’s a bit behind on mileage, and that’s why he’ll be doing 4* this autumn, not 5*. “With any luck, he’ll be 11 for the Olympics, and he still won’t be old at 13 for the following Worlds, and even the next Olympics. Hopefully, he’s one of those freak horses that’s around for a while! He’s pretty special, and I’m well aware horses like him don’t grow on trees, and I want more than just the here and now.” A German Thoroughbred, Stinky was imported from Germany to the UK in utero, and born on UK soil. He was sent to Lucy’s sister, Sophie Lane, to back. She believed he was something special, and phoned Lucy. “She said I have a really, really smart one. He’s little, only 16.1hh, but I bought him. I felt the pressure of owning such a nice horse, the owner culture over here is quite different.” Fortuitously, the Greenlees were looking to buy a young horse to back up Willy Do (who they also owned) while he was competing at 5* level, and they purchased Stinky off Lucy as a six-year-old.

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“At the end of the day, he loves it. You can’t ride an eventer that doesn’t want to be an eventer – they have to be triathletes. You only have to look at his expression, his little ears are pricked, and he can’t wait to find out what’s next.”

“Sophie had produced him so well, he did the Burghley Young Event Horse with her and placed fifth in the five-year-old. The Greenlees have been very patient and never put any pressure on us. He was fourth in the six-year-old at Millstreet four years ago and placed in a 2* (now 3*) as a seven-year-old.” Stinky’s eight and nine-year-old years were relatively quiet for both he and Lucy, with her pregnancy and other family circumstances. “He did his first Advanced, but it’s taken until this spring to be ready for a long format 4*. You have to believe in fate. For some reason, he wasn’t meant to upgrade until now, and it was worth the wait.” It’s a combination of things that give him the x-factor, particularly his excellent jump technique and brain. “He’s put together very well and naturally designed to be an athlete, which I think is a huge advantage. He’s very expressive in the dressage but has a calm brain, which is a huge treat! Even when he’s super-fit, he thinks the whole thing is great fun and an opportunity to show off. “When it comes to cross country he’s little and quick thinking, he understands all the questions, and I can ride him quicker because he needs less organising.” And he was bred for show jumping, so that ought to be his strongest phase, Lucy says. “At the end of the day, he loves it. You can’t ride an eventer that doesn’t want to be an eventer – they have to be triathletes. You only have to look at his expression, his little ears are pricked, and he can’t wait to find out what’s next.”

KIWI AND PROUD Lucy’s accent might be British, but her passport says New Zealand and she has no plans to change it. “I came over and lived in New Zealand for ten years. I worked as a physio and worked in Waikato Hospital for three years; that’s how I got my passport. I was married to Kiwi Tom Jackson and, at the time, planned to be out there forever. “Very sadly, that side of my life didn’t go according to plan, we went our separate ways, and I came back to England with a pipe dream of going to the Beijing Olympics. I was not ready, and I know that now!” Lucy will be forever grateful to Tinks Pottinger, who got her involved with the New Zealand squad system while she was living in New Zealand. “You can’t say how valuable it is to train with people like Jonelle and Tim (Price) and Mark (Todd). The Kiwi mindset and their training methods, they’re black and white, and it’s a really good mentality – it suits my way of thinking.

Lucy and SUPERSTITION II during the show jumping for the CCI4*-S Event Rider Masters, Millstreet International Horse Trials 2019. IMAGE Event Rider Masters “It’s a real advantage to train alongside people who think that way. They are brilliant at what they do, brilliant horsemen and I’d never want to be part of any other system.” She refers to her fantastic eventing family and, after a threeyear break, was delighted to be included back on the ESNZ High Performance Futures Squad after her result at Bramham. “It’s great being back in the fold, and hopefully, I can contribute to Kiwi success.” When it comes to aspiring eventers back in New Zealand, Lucy advocates taking a leap of faith and moving to the UK. “I was super lucky because I have my English family and used to ride over here, which was very helpful to me when I first got back. But it’s a slog, it’s heart breaking, it’s exhausting, and you will go broke more times than you can imagine. But you can make it happen. “Kiwis are resilient, and maybe that’s why they’re so good at this sport. I’m not saying I’ve arrived, but something good has happened, and hopefully, I can make it happen again. I think I’m 11 years back in the UK and my point is, don’t worry if you come over and it doesn’t go swimmingly straight away. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I’d encourage people to make the journey.” C

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INTERVIEW WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Eye Witness Photography

Maddy CROWE

Six months ago the talented young event rider would never have imagined sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be talked about as a prospect for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but if the last season has taught her anything, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to dream big.

IMAGE Kampic.com

n exceptional season here in New Zealand has many talking about Maddy Crowe’s prospects of making the team for next year’s Olympics with her ultra-consistent mare, Waitangi Pinterest. “I thought I could be a long shot for the World Equestrian Games in 2022 and had that in mind as a long term goal. Six months ago, my biggest goal was to get on the Senior Trans-Tasman team, so to get selected for the High Performance Futures Squad was amazing. “It’s crazy and shocking to me that I’m being talked about in that light.” It wasn’t long ago that the 26-year-old was working full-time as an accountant and feeling that she wasn’t doing her horses justice. She quit her job in April last year, spent some time overseas checking out different yards, and returned to New Zealand in August to take up a position as head groom for Olympian Clarke Johnstone that proved to be the right choice. Since then, she hasn’t looked back, and things couldn’t have gone much better if she’d scripted it herself. Maddy and her special mare Waitangi Pinterest (Cassiano x Aberlou mare), or Lush as she’s known at home, stepped up to 4* long format this season, placing second in their first start in the Puhinui Three-Day and backing that up with another second place in the 4* at Horse of the Year. But it was their second-place finish, by just .4 of a penalty, at the One-Day Championships at Kihikihi that hurt most. Their string of bridesmaid finishes came to an end with a win in CCI4*-L at the New Zealand Three-Day Event Championships at Taupo in May 2019. The result also meant the combination took out the ESNZ Eventing Super League series, as well as being awarded an eventing achievement award by ESNZ. “It was the cherry on top. She’s been so close all year, and she deserved it (Taupo). It’s been a different combination that’s beaten us every time. Kihikihi has been on my bucket list forever, and to come second by .4 – that’s one pull too many on the cross country. Knowing it was one-day champs, it really hurt.

“Coming into Taupo, I wanted it so badly. There was added pressure with the Aussies being there and being on the New Zealand team, which did make it trickier to focus. She’s consistent in all three phases, and I knew if I put her in the right situation to win, she could.”

“When you do win an event, you’ve worked hard for it; it’s not by chance or luck.”

Starting out

Maddy grew up on a dairy farm at Rakaia, near Christchurch, where her dad had horses. Ironically, it was her non-horsey mum who pushed for her to have riding lessons. “Dad wasn’t so keen. I think he knows the stress and how difficult horses can be; it’s not your typical sport. Horses can be heart-breaking. But once I had riding lessons and he saw how keen I was, he was 100% on board.” She got her first pony at the age of seven and went through Pony Club, competing at Springston Trophy, show jumping and eventing champs. “I had a really neat pony, a 13.1hh eventing machine. He sparked the eventing side of things, and I never looked back. I really love eventing. “I think it’s having to train a horse for so many different aspects, and then there’s the cross country – what most eventers live for! It’s sometimes terrifying, a big challenge and the adrenaline is something else. When you do win an event, you’ve worked hard for it; it’s not by chance or luck.”

A special relationship

Maddy currently still works for, and lives with, Clarke at Matangi, near Hamilton, and he’s played a huge part in her rise to the top. Their relationship is a long-standing, and special, one and the pair will head offshore together in March. After finishing school, Maddy headed to Lincoln University to do a commerce degree, while continuing to ride. She set her heart on making a young rider team to go to Australia and needed a plan to get there. “I was in the South Island and wasn’t getting the results to be considered. I got a fire in my belly and really wanted to make the team – but how to do it? I decided the best way was to move to the Waikato and base myself with someone I could learn from.” She rang Clarke and asked if he needed a working pupil. “I said, please take me on and teach me everything you know. I want to make this young rider team, and I’m completely out of contention!”

Fortuitously, Clarke said yes, and five days later Maddy and two horses had moved north – and yes, she made the team. “I worked for Clarke for a year and finished my degree while there. I got a job as an accountant and did that full-time for three and a half years. I still trained with Clarke, and we are good friends. But when I was working, I knew I wasn’t putting enough time into the horses. I knew Lush could be something special; I decided I needed more.”

The rest is history

Maddy says Clarke has been absolutely crucial to her success. “He’s so generous with his time and so patient. He’s taught me everything I know and is so on board with me and my journey. When I win, it’s almost like he wins too.” The biggest thing she’s learned from Clarke is the importance of being prepared and having a cool head. “Clarke is very meticulous with his planning and preparation. When he goes to a show, all the ducks are in a row. The fitness and scheduling for that horse has been perfect, so there’s no reason he can’t go into the ring and win. “Now I know that if I tick all my boxes, I can go into a show confident with what I have, which helps to manage your cool head – and you have to have a good attitude, always.”

Madison Crowe - WAITANGI PINTEREST during the Land Rover CCI4* cross-country at Land Rover Horse of the Year 2019 Clarke Johnstone giving Maddy a congratulatory hug after winning the New Zealand Three Day Event Championships at Taupo CCI 4* -L National Championship on WAITANGI PINTEREST Hugs with mum were in order after a signficant win at the New Zealand Three Day Event Championships at Taupo 2019 Maddy - WAITANGI PINTEREST were already showing enormous talent by placing 2nd in the Waipa Home of Champions CCI4*-S Forest Gate Trophy Championship Kikihihi International Horse Trial 2019.

“I’m excited. I think this year has taught me to dream big.” Horse Power

At the moment, Lush is her only horse, but she’s very excited about a recent purchase – a new horse coming from Australia. “I had a couple of others, but my other good horse is having a change of discipline and going to a girl who will straight show jump him. I show jumped him in the ProAmateurs, and to 1.35m. “I’m looking to next year and the big picture plan, and it needed to be a horse that would suit with heading overseas.” All going to plan, Lush will definitely be on the plane. The 16.1hh, 11-year-old is by Cassiano, out of an Aberlou mare. Maddy got her three years ago after she spied the mare competing at 2* level with Juliet Wood. “Chloe Phillips-Harris had produced her before that. I saw her with Juliet and thought ‘I need that horse’. There was something about the way she carried herself, and she’s very workmanlike, very willing and very careful. She caught my eye. “Then I watched her at Horse of the Year, and she’s just a trier who loves her job. She was only seven and you could see there was so much there that they hadn’t found yet. I thought she’d be amazing, so I chased her down,” Maddy says. “She’s a funny little thing, very independent. She’s not very cuddly, just very workmanlike. It doesn’t matter if there’s a lot going on or she’s fresh; she likes to behave. You can end up in a bit of a pickle, and she digs deep and gives you her all. She’s got the biggest heart, and I think that’s what makes her so consistent. “I love that little horse; she’s done so much for me, much more than I initially thought she would. She owes me nothing.”

Overseas beckons

The plan is to take Lush to Adelaide 4* in November, followed by the 4* at Wallaby Hill two weeks later, as Maddy wants to consolidate at that level. “She’s a mare that I’m very careful with. She trusts me so much, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself just because we’ve had a dream season.” They will return to New Zealand and contest Horse of the Year again, before heading to the UK in March. “I’m excited. I think this year has taught me to dream big. You always have goals and to have a year that’s been so amazing, it’s so exciting (to be heading overseas) and taking a horse like her, as she’s so calm and collected.” She will travel to the UK with Clarke and continue in her current role, as a rider. “I was his head groom last season, but now he’s taken on a new head girl, and I will focus more on riding.” Maddy says she’s lucky to have an incredibly supportive family, including her sister Chloe, and paid tribute to the Eventing New Zealand performance programme, particularly Penny Castle, Jock Paget, Lizzie Green, Jeff McVean and Tracy Smith, for their help and support. She is also grateful to be sponsored by Prestige Equestrian.

MADDY’S TOP GROOMING TIPS

1 2 3 4 5

Be organised. Having a diary and a planner and making sure Clarke and I were always on the same page was key.

Baby wipes and baby oil need to go absolutely everywhere.

I like Supreme Products; their plaiting spray makes my plaiting look incredible!

A good quarter marker brush is a must. Feed the horses well. If your horse is getting the right nutrition, is healthy and has a good coat, it’s so much easier to turn it out. I feed Mitavite, and I find their range of horse feed incredible. C

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INTERVIEW

THRILL of the RIDE

WORDS Rebecca Harper COMPETITION IMAGES Kampic.com AT HOME IMAGES Cornege Photography

The

The Carsons are a tight-knit family and travelling to shows is a family affair, with the two girls competing and mum and dad often helping out with organising, as well as having their two dogs along for the ride.

rowing up in a non-horsey family did nothing to stop Drew and Ally Carson from getting the horse bug at a young age. Both have recorded some impressive results on the showjumping circuit in recent years, and plan to continue stepping up the heights. Drew, 21 (pictured left), and Ally, 18 (pictured below), grew up on the family dairy farm at Lichfield, near Putaruru, where they still live and keep their horses. Drew is in her third year at Waikato University, studying towards a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biotechnology and Sports Health and Human Performance, while Ally has been at home working on the farm since finishing school last year. “Through school, I was really into science, and I love sport as well. This combines the two things I’m really into,” Drew explains. Next, she plans to complete a Masters in Human Physiology, which combines her two passions – science and human performance – and work on how to improve athlete performance. A typical day for Ally usually involves working on the farm, feeding calves during calving, helping her dad with any jobs that need doing and riding her horses

somewhere in between. This winter she gained further experience by travelling to Australia to work for Tom Tarver at Aquis and spending time with Daniel and Chrissy Webb in Hunterville. “I don’t have a plan as such, and I take it as it comes and make up a plan as I go along. Hopefully, in the offseason next year I can go overseas again and gain more experience working with horses.” Growing up, their dad was into horsepower of a different kind, riding Motorcross, and it was through neighbours they got introduced to ponies. “They were into rodeo, and they had a daughter who was my age so that we would ride her ponies. She did barrel racing, and they were a full-on rodeo family, but she also went to Pony Club and did a bit of eventing and show jumping too – she got us into pony club,” Drew says. It wasn’t long before both sisters had a pony of their own, and they tried all the typical Pony Club activities. In the beginning, it was eventing Drew focused on, but an accident on cross country during the Pony Club Eventing Championships knocked her confidence. “I had a rotational fall, and both me and my pony were knocked out. It was pretty chaotic. I got landed on by the pony but was lucky I didn’t break anything. After that, I

“I’m not sure if we’ll make the six-year-olds, but I’m aiming for 1.15m-1.20m. I have to get his legs and co-ordination working and strengthen him up.”

moved on to showjumping. I had a few confidence issues, and it (the fall) scared me a bit.” Around the same time, she got a horse called Double Shott (Alfie) a chunky Clydie cross, who she still has today and isn’t your typical eventer, but loves to jump. “He wasn’t too fond of dressage, so we decided on show jumping because he loves to jump, and then we just got more show jumpers from there.”

The attraction of show jumping

Ally enjoys the fact that show jumping is black and white. “How you go determines the result. I like the jumpoffs and working on things, like how to be quicker and jump clean rounds and beat everyone else. I also like having a teammate working with you that has its own mind, the horse.” For Drew - it’s the challenge, of developing and stepping up the heights when ready. “I have big goals. And I like the fact the rails come down if you mess up too! I like training it and how it can be quite technical. You have to have the skill to navigate you and your horse around, and once you’ve got around, you feel like you’ve accomplished something great.” Ally’s highlights include winning the three big pony

Drew Carson with the very talented WINSTON V DRIENE

titles on offer in New Zealand in one season on the fabulous Tony the Pony – the National Pony Grand Prix Championship, Pony of the Year at Horse of the Year and the Pony Grand Prix Series title. “My other accomplishment would be winning the North Island Junior Rider class on Whiorau Ritchie, and also coming first equal in the Junior Rider Series on him.” Winning the Young Rider of the Year title at Horse of the Year in 2017 with Winston V Driene (Bruce) was a memorable moment for Drew. “My highlight last season was stepping up to the Premier League and coming third in the North Island and also starting in my first Olympic Cup, making it to the second round and placing 10th. “Bruce had sinus surgery in late 2018, and he was out for a bit of the season. I was going to try to step up to World Cup, but that put me out. I didn’t have a great run-up to HOY, Bruce and I had a few miscommunications, but we sorted ourselves out…he tried his heart out, and I was super ecstatic to place 10th in my first ever Olympic Cup.”

Ally Carson and WHIORAU RITCHIE

“You have to have the skill to navigate you and your horse around, and once you’ve got around, you feel like you’ve accomplished something great.” The coming season

All their horses have just come back in to work, a bit later than usual as the family went on holiday to America in June, but the sisters hope they will be fit and ready for the coming season. Drew has the Dutch warmblood Bruce, who is 16 years old, and by Ovidius out of a mare called Odette. He was born in Holland and imported from England by the people the Carsons purchased him from. The goal this season is to step up to World Cup level, providing Bruce is happy and healthy. “His surgery went well. He’s a bit of a special case, usually with a sinus infection there’s an explanation, but they couldn’t find a reason his sinuses were so bad. Hopefully, we’ve got rid of that now. He’s a bit of a problem child, he’s injury prone and has a dust allergy, but he’s super special to me. “Previously he was a bit naughty, and he did try me on a little bit, but we’ve created a really good bond now…I got him when he was 13 and the first couple of seasons he

had so many health issues I didn’t get him out much. He got a virus at HOY and almost passed away. But he’s worth it, he tries hard for me, and he’s a super jumper, so we deal with his issues!” Also in her team is 17.1hh Harlem Swing (Jango), known at home as baby dinosaur due to his size. A big lanky New Zealand warmblood by GT Jake out of a Corlando mare, he is the first young horse Drew bought on herself, something she says has been a big learning curve but has improved her riding. “I’m not sure if we’ll make the six-year-olds, but I’m aiming for 1.15m-1.20m. I have to get his legs and co-ordination working and strengthen him up.” Finally, she still has Alfie, who was initially her Junior Rider horse and she hasn’t been able to part with – yet. “He might become my Young Rider horse, but we are thinking about selling him. I don’t want to, but he would be the coolest Junior Rider horse for some kid to have fun and boost around on.” In Ally’s team are Letano (Rocky)

“To be able to form a partnership with a living animal that tries for you is special. Our horses are like our family.” and Whiorau Ritchie (Ritchie). Rocky is rising nine and is by Lenarc, who is by Lansing, out of Pegasus Joy. Maurice Beatson bred him, and though he has a few quirks, Ally says he tries hard for her, and they both stepped up the heights last season, jumping their first Lady Rider of the Year track at HOY. “This year I’m hoping to jump in the Young Riders again. Now I’ve had a season of Young Riders under my belt and have a bit more experience, so I’d like to do well and also do the 1.40m CSI 1* classes and maybe jump a Grand Prix, if things go well and the timing is right.” Whiorau Ritchie is rising 10, and of unknown breeding, apart from that, he is by a Whiorau Station colt. “He was originally sent to me to sell on behalf, but we went well together, so we bought him. We had a super season in the Junior Riders, but now I’m too old for Junior Riders, so we’ll step up to Young Rider and see how he goes.”

Family ties

Drew and Ally have a close bond and have always worked together on their horses with the support from their parents who, although non-horsey, have become involved in the showjumping scene too. “I have been fortunate to go to Waikato Uni and have Ally at home, she helps out with my horse; it is super helpful and lucky to have both of us doing it. “Ally knows how I ride and think; I can talk to her after a round and she understands. We help each other when we’re jumping at home, feed the horses together – we pretty much do everything together!” Ally says they have always done all the work themselves. “Mum and Dad are there backing us all the way, but we keep it as our sport and don’t rely on other people to do our horses for us.”

Above: Ally Carson after being presented with the Dunstan Horsefeeds and Equifibre Series winner for 2018-2019 Below: Both girls love to hack the horses out in between schooling.

“Riding has taught us a heck of a lot about patience and resilience and working hard, even when the going gets tough. It’s taught us a lot of life lessons,” Drew says. “If you have a bad day outside horses, you can’t neglect them. You are responsible for a living animal. It is hard at times, but if you think of the bigger picture you have goals, and we genuinely love our horses. To be able to form a partnership with a living animal that tries for you is special. Our horses are like our family.” Both have trained with Helen McNaught and Duncan McFarlane since the couple returned to New Zealand and credit them with being hugely influential on their riding. “We wouldn’t have had the results without our coaches. They are super and help us a lot, the way we think and preparing us.” Their parents, Kris and Vance, have also become involved in the sport. “They know a lot now, just from watching. We travel as a family unit and shows are our family weekends.” Drew and Kris are both on the committee for Show Jumping Waikato, and Kris is the secretary. Vance helps out with the groundwork and was an arena groomer at HOY this year, and Kris also likes to help on the gate stewarding. “Ally and I are lucky to have such a close family, and we spend a lot of time together. The two other members of our family are Marley the labrador and Scooby the border collie. They come to shows with us, and they love it because there are so many people to pat them!” Team Carson is grateful to be sponsored by Big Red Stable Snacks, Cornege Photography, UltraMox by Bayer, Canter for Cancer NZ, Equilibrium Australia and as well as their biggest sponsors, their parents. C

FEED TO SUCCEED

21 - 24 NOVEMBER 2019

IF THERE IS ONE PLACE TO BE THIS NOVEMBER, IT’S EQUITANA AUCKLAND. This massive international event is returning to the City of Sails for the second time so expect things to hit new levels. From the icon Sir Mark Todd to world class horsemanship, engaging educators from across the globe, exciting competition, and a chance to shop til’ you drop for everything from a horse rugs or jewellery to your next superstar equine partner.

HERE’S OUR LIST OF THE TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT EQUITANA AUCKLAND 1. SIR MARK TODD 2019 will always be remembered as the year Sir Mark Todd decided to retire from competitive eventing. EQUITANA Auckland is the first chance Kiwis will have the opportunity to salute this back-to-back Olympic gold medallist on New Zealand soil. There are plenty of opportunities to see Sir Mark over the four days, with masterclasses, demonstrations and presentations, but Thursday’s A Night to Remember will be the one not to miss as we reminisce about the life, times and achievements of one of New Zealand’s greatest ever sportsmen.

2. EQUITANA AUCKLAND’S STAR PRESENTERS We’re known for seeking the best of the best when it comes to our Star Presenters and this year is no different. As well as our eventing star presenter Sir Mark Todd, we’ve got multi Olympic showjumper Bruce Goodin, dressage supremo Tristan Ticker and Al Dunning, a true leader of the western horse industry who is a rider, competitor, trainer and mentor. Each of our stars will be at EQUITANA every day, so don’t miss the opportunity to be inspired by the best.

3. OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMME

4. EQUITANA AUCKLAND COMPETITION PROGRAMME

This is at the very heart of EQUITANA Auckland. Our Education Programme is the backbone of our event, bringing more than 35 educators who will present more than 25 education sessions each day covering everything from horse health to rider wellbeing, lifestyle to mindset, competition tips to horsemanship – it is all covered in depth across the four days.

Be amazed at the talent and bravery of the competitors who go head to head across a raft of disciplines as part of our Competition Programme. With EQUITANA New Zealand open crowns on the line for showjumping, dressage, express eventing and reining there’s plenty to play for. Our competition surfaces will be better than ever with extra rubber matting below the sand and fiber mix in the Hansen Products Indoor Arena.

5. EVENING SHOWS You want entertainment? We have it in spades! It kicks off on Thursday night with A Night to Remember with Sir Mark Todd; Friday night is the Dressage Extravaganza which will be opened by para-dressage and followed by the Inter 1 and the magical Grand Prix freestyle to music; Saturday’s Mercedes-Benz Auckland Full Flight Frenzy is all about showjumping and features the Harrison Lane Grand Prix; which brings us to Sunday and the IRT The Way of The Horse grand finale. It is four nights of the most fabulous equine entertainment you could wish for.

6. SHOPPING AT EQUITANA AUCKLAND EQUITANA Auckland is the biggest indoor equine trade show in New Zealand. With 150 trade stands covering all the biggest and best brands from both sides of the Tasman, you’d be mad to miss it. If you are in the market for a gorgeous new horse truck, you can count on the very best being at EQUITANA. Or if you need to restock your grooming kit – it will all be there. And somewhere in the middle there are floats, clothing by the mile, jewellery, health products for both horse and rider, books, magazines and so much more. Christmas shopping has never been easier.

7. OUR YOUTH PROGRAMME We’re all about the next generation and as an event, we work hard to consider them in everything we do at EQUITANA. All of our competitions at the event have a youth section. We have partnered up with the New Zealand Pony Club Association and put together some incredible things for our stars of tomorrow. Sunday is Pony Club Day, with members able to attend for free. Our Pony Club programme includes all sorts of competitions including the NZPCA EQUITANA Team Club Challenge, the NZPCA EQUITANA 1.1m Jumping Challenge and the chance for a junior jump riders to participate in an exclusive Sir Mark Todd Pony Club training clinic. Can it get any better?

8. IRT THE WAY OF THE HORSE – THE ULTIMATE HORSEMANSHIP CHALLENGE Prepare to be amazed as Amanda Wilson (NZ), Andrew Jamison (NZ), Georgia Kolovos (AUS) and Donal Hancock (AUS) go head to head to take an unhandled horse from wild to willing over four hours across the four days. This is a unique opportunity to watch these incredible horse men and women in action as they work their magic with the three-year-olds from the Delta Holsteiner Stud. TWOTH is the ultimate horsemanship challenge with the trainers judged by our star presenters Sir Mark Todd, Tristan Tucker, Bruce Goodin and Al Dunning.

9. OUR LOCATION EQUITANA Auckland is right in the heart of the City of Sails at the ASB Showgrounds. There’ll be four amazing action-packed days right on your doorstep. It’s a chance to see the best of the best across multiple disciplines through education, entertainment or competition. The EQUITANA team has worked hard to ensure there’s plenty of parking in 2019 at the Showgrounds and in the adjacent Alexandra Park Racecourse with a short walk straight into the venue. On Saturday there will also be parking available at the cricket ground opposite the Showgrounds.

10. EQUITANA PERFORMANCE HORSE AUCTION This exciting new addition to our Saturday programme is being presented by the New Zealand Warmblood Association and will include 15 carefully selected performance bred horses. It’s a coming of age for how sport horses are sold in New Zealand. This inaugural event is already capturing the interest of buyers from China and Australia as well as New Zealand. A key focus in putting together the list for the auction has been including only the very best of proven bloodlines, all of whom will have been preassessed, fully registered and DNA tested.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO GET YOURS, VISIT WWW.EQUITANAKL.CO.NZ

INTERVIEW

Tessa

King

Royalty BY DESIGN

WORDS Ashleigh Kendall AT HOME IMAGES Cornege Photography

Tessa King and her husband Fraser bring a fresh perspective to breeding and producing talented New Zealand bred horses, suitable for all disciplines. Based in Matangi in the Waikato, they are looking forward to the future with their string of young horses coming on.

ing Sporthorses New Zealand (KSNZ) was started initially by Fraser and his mother, Yvonne, in Taranaki. It began with the purchase of Campion from Paul Foulkes at Golden Grove Stud as a three old and has grown steadily from there. “Fraser has done everything with Noo, his home name, which is not very manly!” She laughs. “He broke him in and evented him with success to 1* level including being reserve National 1 Day Champion in 2012.” A versatile and talented stallion, Tessa took over the ride on Noo in 2013, and she has competed him to 1.30m show jumping and Inter 1 dressage. “We have bred Campion to a select number of high quality, mainly Thoroughbred mares, over the last few years. We are a boutique stud, and we don’t breed much, usually one or two foals a year.” The focus for Tessa and Fraser is on breeding quality event horses that they think could be successful at the top level of the sport internationally. Campion is only offered to a small number of outside mares every season due to his busy competition commitments. “He is only available via AI, and we cap his book as breeding can be quite disruptive to his training schedule. Breeding also increases the risk of injuries and the like,” she explains. With some quality mares on the ground sired by Campion, the team are looking forward to breeding the next generation in years to come. “Our vision is to continue to breed eventing horses with 60 - 80% high-quality Thoroughbred blood and the remainder the best European jumping blood. We believe this gives them the scope and dressage ability to compete against the best in the world,” Tessa says. “We noticed when we were in Europe that these were the horses that were the most successful at the top level. Campion offers rare versatility in his breeding. Coming from one of the world’s best showjumping lines, being by Caretino, and his dam line contains some of the best staying Thoroughbred lines. Crossed with mares that have a lot of high-quality Thoroughbred blood enables us to achieve our vision.”

“We work well together as a team. I am a perfectionist and Fraser has a fantastic natural way with the horses.”

Built on success

“We have always evented, both going to Pony Club Champs and producing horses in New Zealand up to 3*. “We went overseas in 2015 with two horses; Nadal KSNZ and Quantum Warrior,” Tessa says. “We based with Elaine and Helene Penn. Fraser evented, achieving some top 10 results in Europe and I got to do some dressage training with Helene, which was an amazing experience. We returned to New Zealand in 2016, basing ourselves at our farm in Matangi ever since. We worked on building up our team of young horses that we have bred and continued training and competing our stallion Campion KSNZ.” Fraser competed at Luhmühlen 4* in 2015 which was a highlight for the husband and wife team. “The whole European adventure was fantastic for us actually,” Tessa reflects. “Despite the fact we would do a lot of things differently if we ever go again.” Unfortunately, Fraser’s horse, Nadal didn’t travel well and never really found his feet in Europe. Fraser’s young horse Quantum Warrior had some great runs at 2* level before being sold. “Fraser also won the 3* One Day Championships in 2015 as well as coming 2nd at Puhinui 3* (now 4*) that same year, all on Nadal,” she says. “For me, a highlight was winning the 3* at Woodhill Sands in 2013 with my gorgeous Crackerjack Candy who I produced from a training horse. Another highlight was with Campion, winning the L6 Championship at Waikato Dressage Champs in 2017,” she recalls.

Campion leading the team

This season is looking to be an exciting one for Tessa and Campion who are hoping to step up to Level 8/Medium tour and later onto Grand Prix - the ultimate goal. “Campion is 14 now and a very sound horse so I am hopeful that I will have another three or four seasons on him at the top level.” Multi-talented, Tessa also plans to compete the versatile stallion in Pro Am level show jumping. “He loves the variety, and it makes him a much happier horse to

Tessa and CAMPION KSNZ pictured here during the Wide Span Sheds Waikato Premier League Festival 2018. IMAGE Take the Moment BELOW IMAGES: CAMPION KSNZ stands proud at 14 years old. Fraser has fond memories of his eventing days in Luhmühlen 4* 2015. IMAGE Libby Law And family make three, pictured here with their daughter, Amelia. get out of the dressage arena and compete in show jumping!” In addition to exciting plans forward with Campion, Tessa also has some lovely young horses coming through. One, a very exciting five-year-old mare, Cover Girl KSNZ and a lovely little four-yearold, Cadbury KSNZ that she will be getting out and about for experience this season. Fraser is building up his team of eventers, which Tessa says has been a slow process as on return to New Zealand they were left with a farm full of young horses. “We have the plan to produce them to the top levels here and then depending on how things go, we would like to head overseas again with some horses. It’s really exciting for us to be running a team of all Campion babies. We have bred and broken in most of them ourselves, so it’s gratifying to be able to take them out and start competing them. “We work well together as a team. I am a perfectionist and Fraser has a fantastic natural way with the horses,” she says. “We help each other a lot with the training of our horses, and are often each other’s eyes on the ground, which is super helpful.”

“Our vision is to continue to breed eventing horses with 60 - 80% highquality Thoroughbred blood and the remainder the best European jumping blood. We believe this gives them the scope and dressage ability to compete against the best in the world”

Tessa is reflective of their time overseas and how it has shaped how they produce their horses now. “Having had intensive highlevel coaching throughout the two seasons we were there had given us more tools when it comes to producing young horses. This has enhanced the great training we continue to receive here by our coaches.”

Horse of a lifetime opportunity

Contributing to the progress of equestrian sports is highly important for Tessa and Fraser. This motivated them to run an inspiring promotion on social media recently. KSNZ invited aspiring riders to apply to receive a half share in one of their young horses. “We did this as we wanted to see some of the deserving and talented young riders in New Zealand on some quality horsepower,” she explains. “We were blown away by the response, and the quality of applicants that we had. We are now in the process of placing two of our horses with top riders, and another two with outstanding young riders that we are very excited to support.”

Family and horses

With a lot of organisation and some excellent help, the couple juggles horses with family. Fraser is a director of a law firm in Hamilton (Grantham Law) so has a busy and full time work-life. “I also work as an accountant three days a week, plus we have a oneyear-old daughter, so time is tight!” she says. “We couldn’t do the horses without great help. We are very lucky to have had our wonderful working student Alex, from Quebec,

LEFT: Fraser and CASHEW KSNZ at Riverdale Horse Trials in 2018 IMAGE Take the Moment Photography return for the season. She is fantastic at what she does and is a great little rider too so will be competing some of our young horses this season.” The mornings typically involve chores and Alex works her horse as well as hacking or lunging one or two of the KSNZ team. “In the afternoons we ride and alternate who looks after Amelia (our daughter) although we are fortunate that she loves being out at the barn and around the horses,” she says. “We try to ride together at least twice a week so we can help each other out on the ground with the horses. We get out and about with the horses a lot as we think it keeps them the happiest, so we go hacking at nearby farms, to the beach or hills and other arenas often. We aim to be back inside by 5.30pm for Amelia’s dinner and bath. Busy days but totally worth it!” C

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SPECIAL FEATURE WORDS Cheyenne Nicholson MAIN IMAGE Dark Horse Photography

From

the Judge’s

Box

As you enter the ring, their eyes are on you. They observe you, making notes here and there. But what exactly are they thinking? And what are they looking for? We spoke to four of our leading New Zealand judges to lift the lid on what it’s like being a judge, bust some myths about judges and get some top tips to keep in mind for the new season.

“Work hard in silence; let your success be your noise.” -Frank Ocean-

Showing IMAGE Show Circuit Magazine

Showing is arguably the most subjective of the equestrian disciplines. Often explained as ‘a beauty pageant for horses’, showing classes focus on the horses’ conformation and movement. Judges all have different ideas of what makes a champion. We caught up with showing judge Natalie Toeke who is a Grade Two Judge for the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. We get a closer look at the world of showing and find out what showing judges expect to see. What led you into judging?

I love watching the elegant quality show horses gracing our show rings. It has always been an enormous honour to judge, and I can appreciate the effort and hard work that goes into getting these horses prepared so meticulously.

What are you looking for in a horse and rider?

I always look for a quality animal that has correct conformation, a beautiful or handsome face, and that undeniable ‘x-factor’. Show horses are the models of the equestrian world and should exude presence. They should be well-schooled and able to execute simple workouts. A quality show horse will always turn heads, even the non-horsey. A good show rider will have correct lines, elegance and have a presence in their own right, will be dressed suitably for their section, and able to competently ride the horse, not just perch on top!

How can riders make a great first impression?

Ringcraft is so vital to give the judge the best impression of you and your horse. Know your horse’s strong points and show them off where you can. The turn-out of a show horse is a big part of showing but wowing the judge with presentation AND performance will usually get you in the line-up.

What are your pet hates when you are judging?

Riders need to be attentive when in the ring - to the judge, stewards and other competitors. Look at what is going on around you; don’t sit there and talk loudly, not paying attention to workouts — it’s bad sportsmanship.

What are the best and worst parts of the job?

Obviously, the best part is sashing a beautiful horse with a welldeserved Supreme ribbon and garland! The worst part of judging is the politics within the governing body.

How has the discipline changed and evolved over the years you’ve been involved?

There is a decline in participation at all levels of showing. Internal politics and governance issues are dividing organisations and competitors, creating a negative culture in the sport. Working collaboratively and transparently to help promote and most importantly grow the sport, in my opinion, is definitely needed.

It’s often said, “Oh, that judge doesn’t like me (or my horse). That’s why I didn’t do well.” Is it true that judges have biases?

Judges will have their preferences in terms of type and what they will or will not forgive in conformation and performance. The best horse in that judge’s eyes will win on the day.

“You may not be responsible for getting knocked down. But you’re certainly responsible for getting back up.” -Wally AmosAre scars and blemishes or imperfections really a deal-breaker?

No – many of the show horses competing in our show rings are exracehorses that have lived another life. You can’t hold it against them if they have some bumps and scars. Provided the imperfection is not due to a conformation defect, then I wouldn’t mark a horse down because of it.

What are some common mistakes you see riders make?

Some riders simply don’t train enough but still expect great things in the ring. They get their horses fat and gleaming yet can’t handle the fire-breathing dragons they have created. Train first, establish the basics, then refine the conditioning afterwards - and find a good instructor to get lessons. We can always learn something new.

What’s one thing you would like to convey to competitors?

Showing as a discipline can be beneficial for most horse riders. Establishing that eye for detail, refining presentation skills and ring craft can lead you to success.

Advice for competitors for the coming show season?

Train hard and get you and your horse competent with simple workouts. Ask top show riders what they do to improve but also have some fun, too. Go in with a positive attitude and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Keep asking and learning, and you will get there.

What are your top tips for turn-out?

Take the time to stand back and assess your horse’s good and bad points. Make sure that the way you present him on show day accentuates his good points and not the bad. Not all horses suit the same “look”.

Dressage IMAGE Libby Law Photogrpahy

Dressage is the art of harmonious riding and training to form a trusting partnership between horse and rider. The sport dates back to classical Greek horsemanship and the military who trained their horses to perform movements intended to evade or attack the enemy in battle. Before 1952 only commissioned military officers were eligible to compete. FEI 4* judge Sue Hobson gives us the inside scoop on judging one of the oldest equestrian disciplines. What led you into judging?

I was encouraged to start judging by Joan Matheson, who was Judges’ Officer at the time. I was a competitive rider and wanted to put something back into the sport; it also gave me a huge benefit with my riding to know more about judging. It keeps things in perspective and is definitely something I would recommend to all riders.

What are you looking for in a rider and horse?

Rhythm and harmony, working together as a team. I want to see a good partnership enjoying the sport.

How can riders make a great first impression?

Being positive and confident when they enter the arena. Be bold and self-assured and know your test!

What are your pet hates when it comes to horses and riders you are judging?

I don’t like incorrect riding or lack of preparation by the rider. It’s unnecessary and doesn’t bring out the best in the horse.

What are the best and worst parts of being a judge?

The best part is being involved in the sport itself; I’ve been privileged to judge some super combinations and see some brilliant riding. The worst part for all judges is the intense pressure. Our objective is to be fair and honest at all times, and the mental strain is enormous as we try to give the highest marks we can for each test.

How has dressage changed and evolved over the years you’ve been involved?

Hugely!!!!! NZ is breeding some super-specialist horses, and we also have some very good home-bred horses with clear, correct paces. We have many good trainers residing in New Zealand and many who regularly visit from overseas. More and more of our top riders travel internationally to gain experience and come back and assist others. For where we are positioned geographically on the world stage, we do exceptionally well in our sport.

It’s often said, “Oh, that judge doesn’t like me (or my horse); that’s why I got bad marks.” Is it true that judges have biases?

Absolutely not! Judges are taught to judge what they see, from where they sit, on the day. A horse has no history, only a future, and our judges in NZ are very professional in this regard. It is obvious that some horses have different ways of going, but as a judge, we judge what we see according to the Scale of Training.

Why aren’t voice commands allowed in dressage?

By following the Scale of Training, a horse learns to go forward from the slightest, most discrete aids of seat and leg into a soft forward contact. Voice aids can assist when starting young horses and

“Dressage is about repetition, repeating exercises over and over again until it becomes part of the horse’s way of going. It takes dedication, but is simply about producing a well-schooled horse – something we’d all like to have!” -Carl Hesterencourage them in the early training, but by the time riders enter the arena, no voice is allowed, and the performance should look effortless and in harmony.

What are some common mistakes you see riders make? Lack of preparation and bend.

What is a little-known fact about judging dressage? It is not easy, and you are learning all the time.

What is one thing you would like to convey to competitors? The judges are on their side. We have all been riders and know the stresses of competition, and we try all the time to give you the best scores we can.

Advice for competitors for the coming show season?

Make sure you have done your homework to compete at a higher level. Prepare, prepare, prepare and ride your transitions to balance your horses so we can give the high marks. We are just ordinary people, giving our opinions - make us find those high marks!!

What are your top tips for turn-out?

Tidy and professional. You should be proud to compete and show off your horse to the judge.

IMAGE Dark Horse Photography

Pleasure Horse

Pleasure riding is a discipline that encompasses many forms of recreational riding for personal enjoyment — pleasure riding classes that are based on the performance of the horse rather than his conformation. The horse should be, as the name suggests, a pleasure to ride. We spoke to judge and rider Tamara Savage to find out more about the discipline. What led you into judging?

In 2012 after I won the Horse of the Year Pleasure Horse title for the second time in a row I decided it was time to stop showing in the section myself and put something back into the discipline I loved and that I was passionate about. There was inconsistency in the rules for the section from show to show, which was frustrating for riders. So I started judging and then put my hand up to run the section at Horse of the Year, which led to me setting up the Pleasure Society.

What are you looking for in a rider and horse?

The first rule of Pleasure Horse is that the horse must be exceptionally well-mannered, and the type of horse I would love to jump on myself - or have my grandma ride! A lovely soft combination, who make any task look effortless. Also, he needs to be a great all-rounder - a horse that can go from the show ring to the cross-country to the beach to the hunt field to the dressage arena and be competitive in all.

How can riders make a great first impression?

SMILE!! Pleasure Horse is all about having fun, and enjoying your day and your horse, no matter who gets the ribbons.

What are your pet hates when it comes to horses and riders you are judging?

Riders not following instructions when they are given a workout. A workout is not freestyle unless the judge specifically says it is.

What are the best and worst parts of being a judge?

The best part is definitely making someone cry through happiness after winning a ribbon. Worst part can be the weather!

How has pleasure changed and evolved over the years you’ve been involved?

Pleasure has totally changed from what it was ten years ago. We now have a set of rules, judging criteria and a set schedule of classes, which has led to consistency. The section itself is increasing in rider numbers yearly, and shows all around the country are picking it up. We have riders from the deep south to the far north competing at Horse of the Year.

It’s often said, “Oh, that judge doesn’t like me (or my horse). that’s why I got bad marks.” Is it true that judges have biases?

No! A horse can be an absolute angel at one show and win champion and throw its toys at the next and not be placed at all. As long as the judging criteria for pleasure are followed, it is hard to be biased as our section is based on manners on the day.

What are some common mistakes you see riders make? 44

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” -ConfuciusMaking their horse look hard to ride. Even if your horse is being naughty, try to soften yourself and your reactions. Also, riders who zoom around the inside of everyone else, continually trying to put themselves in the judge’s line of sight.

What is a little-known fact about judging pleasure?

It is probably the hardest section to judge - as conformation is not considered at all. When you have 20 horses which are foot-perfect and all behaving impeccably on a circle in front of a judge, and you would love to take them all home and put them in your paddock, it can be tough to choose placings! Also, we have such a wide range of horses and ponies. It’s hard to compare a Clydesdale with an Arab pony with a Thoroughbred in the same class. It can all come down to something seemingly insignificant such as a pull on the reins.

What is one thing you would like to convey to competitors?

Be supportive of the other riders. At the end of the day, you are all taking your best horse home. And always thank your judge, steward and the show organisers - they are giving up their time for you!

Advice for competitors for the coming show season?

Just have fun. Treat ribbons as a bonus. Be proud of yourself and your horse.

What are your top tips for turn out?

Cleanliness and fit are key. It doesn’t matter how old your gear is, or if you have a synthetic saddle. (I went to Horse of the Year twice in my synthetic saddle and got placed in turn-out both years!) You do not need to have the most flash gear or the newest. Just make sure it fits and is super clean. And don’t forget to have your boots wiped once you are on.

Show Hunter has increased in popularity over the years and continues to grow. It is the technical art of jumping that’s not just about keeping the rails up but doing so with style, rhythm and class. Senior National Show Hunter Judge and Judges‘ Adviser Sue Whiddet explains her journey into judging. What led you into judging?

An unfortunate fall in 2002, which resulted in a severe back injury was the turning point which led me into judging. I was first introduced to Show Hunter through an adult riding club clinic, and immediately, I knew I had found a discipline that I truly connected with. So with the knowledge I had gained through training and competing, coupled with a strong passion, my transition to the judges’ box was a fairly relatively one.

What are you looking for in a rider and horse?

A hunter round is judged on overall performance with an emphasis on the quality of the horse’s form over each fence. We want to see an even rhythm, a balanced frame, soft in the bridle and a pace that will allow the horse to find the correct striding between fences and the correct take-off spot. The quality of the canter has a significant impact on the way that a horse jumps. Equitation classes are judged on the rider. We are looking for a well-prepared rider who knows exactly how she is going to ride the course to perform the tests required. The rider should be balanced and secure with a good lower leg and be in proper control of her horse.

How can riders make a great first impression?

The first impression begins from the moment the combination enters the ring. A clean, well-presented mount will undoubtedly catch the judge’s eye. The rider should be well organised and show a positive demeanour, showing us their horse’s movement before picking up the correct canter lead.

What are your pet hates when it comes to horses and riders you are judging?

Riders who take too much time walking in the arena before picking up trot or canter. It’s frustrating to have to sit and wait for them to get started, especially as most shows have large entries. The next rider is also ready and waiting at the gate. Seeing riders repeatedly using the whip rather than using effective aids. This mostly happens in the pony ring with more inexperienced riders, who in time and with coaching will improve.

What are the best and worst parts of being a judge?

There are lots of best parts, but I’ve especially enjoyed and benefited by getting to know other judges around the country. I spent a lot of time in my early years as a judge sitting in with more experienced judges, always eager to learn and further develop my judge’s eye. In my role as Judges’ Officer, I am regularly in touch with judges, keeping them informed of judges’ clinics and relaying information and newsletters from our team of Judges Advisers. There is no worst part, but judging does take up a lot of time, especially as many shows are over an entire weekend and you have to drive or fly there first. Like most show seasons, I have already accepted many invitations to judge and am excited to be returning to the South Island in February.

IMAGE Mike Whiddett

Show Hunter

How has Show Hunter changed and evolved over the years you’ve been involved?

I’ve noticed a considerable increase in pony riders getting into Show Hunter. At the most recent Horse of the Year Show, I judged a 12-and-Under Equitation class with over 40 riders! For the past 12 years, I’ve judged in Foxton at the Manawatu Pony Club Show Hunter Championship, and this annual teams event gives many riders great insight into the discipline. The standard of riding has also improved over the years.

It’s often said, “Oh, that judge doesn’t like me (or my horse); that’s why I got bad marks.” Is it true that judges have biases?

No, not at all. While judging Show Hunter is subjective, we have set criteria which determines the scoring of each round. If a rider has scored a low mark this will be reflected on the judge’s sheet, where each jump is drawn with a symbol and comments are noted. The horse may have made a precarious jump or left out a stride. It is the judge that gets to see the entire round, from the same vantage point. While many rounds may look similar, the score will reflect the quality of the jump. This is considered the essential part, the way the horse moves, its manners and softness in the bridle.

What are some common mistakes you see riders make?

It’s always a great disappointment to see a horse or pony losing marks when the rider doesn’t ride straight and cuts corners, rather than using the arena well and riding through the turns. Also, the rider pulling the horse or pony’s head to the outside through the turns. We are looking for a correct line nicely bent to the inside.

What’s a little known fact about judging Show Hunter?

As the number of judges continues to decline, we are mindful of building on our pool of judges. We are always looking for interested people to become judges and offer a pathway, including mentoring and ongoing support by senior judges and advisers.

What is one thing you would like to convey to competitors?

When you analyse and reflect on your round, think about how you can ride it better rather than blaming your horse for any mistakes.

Advice for competitors for the coming show season?

Think about how many classes you should enter on a given day, keep in mind your horse’s fitness and wellbeing, so you and your horse can best be prepared to perform well in each class.

What are your top tips for turn-out?

Plain well-fitted tack. Jodphur boots look better on pony riders than long boots or chaps and remove martingale stoppers from reins if you don’t need them. C

INTERVIEW

4 2

WORDS Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES Cornege Photography

IN THE

HOURS LIFE OF

Dannie Lodder Humble and accomplished eventer Dannie Lodder has always lived and breathed horses. Throughout her career she has endured the highest highs and the lowest lows. Striving in the face of adversity has been a theme throughout her life and 2019 has been one of the most challenging for the Auckland mum as she learns to navigate life after some serious health battles. 46

DANNIE

THE

REPRESENTED

TOO 3 YEARS OLD

NEW ZEALAND

TIMES IN AUSTRALIA

MANY NATIONAL TITLES TO REMEMBER

horses in training currently

BIGGEST CAREER

NUMBER

WAS KIHIKIHI 3*

MOOCHI

HIGHLIGHT MORNING 7 AM Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all go in the morning in our household, I get up at seven and get straight into getting our two kids Scout (12) and Piper (10) ready for school and then it is time to drop them off. Typically my mum, Bea, or I will do the school run while whoever stays at home starts with the mucking out of our horses but recently I have had some health issues which means I am unable to drive so mum is doing the school run more often than not! We have a real team thing going on here, mum and dad, Maurice, both have a little house we built for them in the stables, and we are all involved with the goings-on! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a little different here over the past six months, our

routine has changed, and things have slowed down a bit. I had a spinal reconstruction (discectomy), spinal fusion and hip bone graft six months ago, and it knocked me for six. I thought it would be a quick recovery, but it was anything but that! On top of my back rehabilitation, when they were intubating me, they snapped a front tooth which was horrific in its own way! When people hear I have had spinal surgery, they automatically think it was from a horse, an accident, but it was just general wear and tear from the years, and it needed to repaired. Over the years, the pain got worse and worse, and it was very debilitating. They realigned my spine by 2mm. The pain I had before was unbearable, and the nerve pain was relentless, it was very draining. The kids were even helping me get dressed in the morning, so the surgery needed to be done. My spine was a lot

YOU GUESSED IT; A P R OTE IN BAR I S MY LU NCH AFTER HAVING HAD A BIG BREAK FAST COOKED B Y MY WO NDE RFU L MOTHER!

Top image: The horses take up a whole day, from grooming, feeding and working horses followed by giving few lessons. Right: Dannie would not be without her sunglasses and hat as bright light affects her severely. Incrediwear back brace protects her back and prevents headaches, and she even wears it to bed. Right below: The collection of historical images adorn the mantelpiece in the house.

“M y p a rents h el p h ugely ; I couldn’ t d o it w it h o ut th em. I feel for tuna te to h a ve t h e ir s uppo r t. N i ck is also sup er s up po r t ive , and he bu ilt the s ta bles a n d r uns th e far m a t the weekend”

DANNIE’S

must-haves 48

•

Sunglasses, I don’t do well in bright lights, so I have to have my sunnies always!

worse than the surgeon initially thought when they did the MRI, so it is safe to say now my back is feeling a lot better than it has in a long time! Then in July, I suffered a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage. I was walking along and started to get a headache which quickly got worse and worse, then I passed out and began having seizures on the floor. When I woke up, the surgeon said ‘Welcome back, you are one of the lucky ones’, things felt very real, very serious. I realised how lucky I was right then. I can remember everything up to it, mum called the ambulance, a good friend Sarah O’Leary was with me and went in the ambulance to the hospital. Unfortunately for the kids, they were there, and they saw the whole thing. It is not nice being so vulnerable and sick with your kids watching on. I can remember having some lucid moments, looking in at myself thinking I don’t want to die, I have too much to do and say. It has really changed my outlook on life now. I had ten days in ICU on morphine, and I had to lie flat on my back, it was a horrible time. It was hard for me, but I just had to do what I needed to do, it was hard for my husband, Nick and the people around me watching it, looking in. Things are the same in many ways, kids still fight and the days always go, but we have all realised and appreciate more than ever now how short life is. It is so important to do what you want and don’t sweat the

•

Stirling Collection sponsors me and I fully endorse Incrediwear. I just couldn’t be without it. I wear the back brace 24/7,

“ THE OLDER I HAVE BECOME, THE LESS

STRESSED I AM ABOUT COMPETING. IT’S NOT AS IMPOR TANT AS WE CAN BE PUSHED INTO THINKING AND IT DOESN’T MEAN ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

“

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Moochi has (to date) been one of Dannie’s favourite 3* horses. Pictured during the CIC*** Cross Country, Kihikihi International Horse Trial, Kihikihi, 2013 to take the overall win. small stuff. It was a wake-up call, and it has changed everybody ultimately. I have gotten back on a couple of chilled, quiet horses, just for me to make sure that I could do it more than anything. Before my brain haemorrhage, I had been easing myself back into riding slowly, and my back was feeling so much better than before, which was exciting! After my haemorrhage, it is a totally different ball game. I have blurred vision and headaches often, so I have to be careful, I definitely don’t want to be falling off! I have walked around and plodded, Scout and my family have been very protective! I had a small jump on a young horse recently, but the horse was too good, and I realised I am not quite ready for that just yet! My balance has been

even when I sleep and it has been a massive relief for my back. They always go above and beyond, even made

affected, so I remember to take small steps, and I’m listening to my body. If I ease into it then I’m okay, I don’t feel like I have to do it, I love it, and I want to do it. When you go on a holiday, you might not miss the horses so much, but when you are made not to ride you do miss it, but I am not going to be dumb about it or take unnecessary risks. 8AM Work starts! I finish mucking out; I don’t have a groom, so I do it all, I really like it this way. We have eight horses and four stables, so I rotate the horses through. The four that were in overnight go out in the paddocks and the other four come in for the day. I do a lot of lunging at the moment, and I also make sure

me a beanie after my brain haemorrhage which is making a huge difference to how many headaches I suffer

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the horses are ready for Scout to ride when she gets home from school. The horses take up the whole day! There is only so much a 12-year-old kid can do, and I am mindful of that. She loves young horses, a lot like I do and the thrill of them. Young horses are so different to established higher level horses who have a fixed working routine. You can mix it up a lot more for the babies. Scout just loves it, she’s got the knack, but if she ever doesn’t love it, then we won’t do it, and that’s fine. My other daughter Piper has one pony, but she is totally different, she will take it or leave it and leaves it more than she takes it! Her pony is there so if she does want to do it or go to a show she can. I worry a little about my time being monopolised by Scout, so it’s great to have the option there for Piper to enjoy a pony without any pressure. She is getting into her running now and is good at it, which is fantastic!

LUNCH

Lunch is usually a protein bar! My mum cooks us all a big breakfast in the morning, so I don’t stop for lunch. I have a snack on the go! After lunch, I finish working any horses, and then I fill in the afternoons with maintenance jobs that might need doing around the farm, and I often have one or two lessons to give. We have around 25 acres here in Ararimu, so there are always things to be done. I do stuff like harrowing the arena, spraying the weeds, fixing fences, that sort of thing. All those little farm things add up and take a lot of time, so I have reduced the number of horses we have to account for this. We don’t have a groom or outside help when you ride for a living you kind of end up being a bit of a hermit, and I enjoy spending time just the horses and me with no one else. I am also continually sweeping, I am sure it drives the kids nuts, and it is a bit of an obsession for me! My dad helps too, and he is often out in the paddocks picking up poo! He is just awesome; he really shares duties! My parents help hugely; I couldn’t do it without them. I feel fortunate to have their support. Nick is also super supportive, and he built the stables and runs the farm at the weekend, he’s a lawyer in Auckland City, although I am sure he would rather be with us here on the farm most of the time. He is a dream, he’s handy, and he’s a good builder - a perfect man!

Above: Dannie with two of the three dogs, Blu and Trip (standing). Below & right-hand page: After Scout returns home from school, they both concentrate on the horses.

We are award winning Master Builders, specialising in Rural & Equestrian Construction

3.30PM Kids come home on the bus or mum picks them up from school, and I like to have one or two horses ready for Scout to ride. The older I have become, the less stressed I am about competing. It’s not as important as we can be pushed into thinking and it doesn’t mean absolutely everything. I’m trying to install that mindset in Scout. I remember being a young rider and always thinking and obsessing about getting on squads and it’s just not the be-all and end-all. There is more to life, this sport and horses don’t have to be all or nothing; it is totally doable to have balance and other things going on in your life. You can be good at riding, but you have to have different interests too, you don’t have to burn yourself out.

I have had some huge highlights, but it is much cooler for me now watching my kid do it! This is a long game, and you don’t have to peak young. A lot of young kids end up burnt out because they are not emotionally equipped to deal with the pressure, it is a really tough sport with horses, and if you aren’t loving what you are doing, then you aren’t actually winning. What is the point in just doing horses all day and burning out? 5.30PM No matter what the season, I always aim to have the horses wrapped up by 5.30pm. The kids still have homework to do, and they need time to chill out and be kids too. I will cook dinner, and we relax in the evenings and catch up on our days together. C

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

SPECIAL FEATURE WORDS Cheyenne Nicholson MAIN IMAGE Kampic.com

COMPETITION

101

Whether it was decades ago, last year or coming up this season, any equestrian who competes has had to enter the ring for the first time. It can be a roller coaster of emotions with so many things to prepare for and remember. We spoke to some competition veterans and experts to pull together their top tips before you hit the show ring.

Make a LIST of ALL the things that you need to get don e before actually riding your hors e and then allot time to this.

Our riders/trainers Elle Ifill:

Elle has been involved in horses most of her life. Trained in dressage, she has competed in both eventing and show jumping in the UK and NZ and produces many of her horses.

Nicky Daulton:

Grand Prix dressage rider Nicky Daulton is no stranger to the competition circuit and has taught some of New Zealand’s most up and coming dressage riders.

Kirstin Kelly:

Kirstin has represented New Zealand several times on the eventing circuit. Although she’s hung up her eventing boots, she still produces horses and uses her social media platforms to inspire riders from all over the world.

Prepare your horse

In the lead up to an event, you’ve no doubt been working on fitness, having lessons and spending many hours in the saddle practising. The days before your first event are your last chance to do some fine-tuning and make sure both horse and rider are feeling confident.

Elle’s pre-event tips

Elle says she likes to make sure her students’ horses are focused in their work and responsive to the aids while making sure they get variety in their work, so they have fresh minds before heading to a show. “One of my favourite exercises is working on lots of transitions to help keep the horse responsive and light in the aids,” For less responsive horses, think forwardbased exercises, for example, trot-walktrot starting with a few walk strides and adding more in as the horse becomes more responsive. Repeat the same exercise with canter-trot-canter and applying the same theory with adding the strides in the middle. “This helps the horse to continue thinking forward, rather than collapsing and being lazy in the downwards transitions.” For a hotter, more forward-thinking horse, the same exercise in opposite with the aim of relaxation and rhythm. “I would look at doing walk-trot-walk and trotcanter-trot transitions. This helps them think about their feet and slowing them down, which in turn starts to help with rhythm.” When it comes to getting her horses show ready, Elle likes to wash her horses throughout the week and pull and tidy up manes a week before a show to make plaiting easier. “The perfect plaits come from the perfect prep! If we have a really early start, I might plait the night before and secure them with a lycra hood. If it’s a local show, then I’ll leave plaiting for the morning.” In regards to gear preparation, take everything home to give it a good clean and oil the night before a show. “I like to soak the bit and stirrup irons, helping to remove any stubborn dirt and have an old toothbrush to get into those stubborn places!!”

Kirstin’s pre-event tips

Building both horse and rider confidence is a key part of what Kirstin teaches and applies to herself before a show. This means going through everything from cross-country schooling, learning dressage test movements and practising jump-off lines and strategies. “If your horse is sticky on anything, then this is the time to practise it again before the event. Mentally feeling like you are prepared by putting in the practice will help you ride more positively. You’ve got to have trust in your horse and its schooling.” Working a horse the day before an event comes down to the horse’s nature. Hotter horses may need to burn off some energy the day before, whereas more laid back and lazier horses might need the day off to rest before their event. “I never go hard out the day before a competition as you want the muscles of the horse to be relaxed and strong, not fatigued from a heavy work out. Remember it takes three days for the horse’s system to recover from a fitness workout, so no galloping or intense hill work the day before.” Having a smartly turned out horse on show day starts in the weeks leading up to the show. Kirstin says adding Flaxseed oil to feed helps to relieve inflammation as well as giving your horse’s coat a beautiful shine. “Pulling the mane, so it is tidy and lies properly, banging the tail so it looks full and getting rid of all the tangles are all things to do in the lead up to and not a last-minute rush.”

Mental preparation

Preparing your mind for competition is just as important as riding, and over time every rider will develop their own things that help get their head in the game. "Using positive visualisation where you see yourself riding your test, a round etc. is a proven technique to making an athlete's performances more confident, more focussed and therefore more successful," says Kirstin. Elle's event planning background means making lists (and checking them twice!) and schedules help put her in the right mind-set. "I like to run through exactly what will happen on the day in my head. I write a list for everything I need to travel with for myself and my horse and plan a schedule for the day. It's my way of destressing in the lead up to an event. There's nothing worse than turning up late or being in a rush or finding out you've forgotten something! It stresses you out which will translate to your horse." Readiness in all aspects is Nicky's go-to for mental preparation as well. "In all parts of life, I like to be organised and have things done just right; from a correctly packed float to knowing my tests inside and out. If all that stuff is organised, then I can organise my thoughts.” Make the most of the people around you; talk to your coach about things to work on and think about, and lean on friends for support and help when you need it.

Use a routine

Humans (and horses!) tend to be creatures of habit and gain security from repetitive actions and thoughts. Routines can be a great tool to prepare yourself mentally. Routines can involve anything from the type of music you listen to on your way to your show, the way you tack up your horse or even what you have for breakfast the morning of the show. A routine helps you keep control of the controllable, making the uncontrollable seem a bit more manageable.

dressage. In summer you’re often allowed to ride with jackets off, but that means you should be wearing a shirt with long sleeves or short, one basic colour and with a tied down stock or tie.” Pop along to a few shows and take note of what people are wearing in the classes you would like to compete in. If it’s showing, look at the top three in the open turnout (not equitation) classes. Sandi says if you’re going to invest in an expensive item of clothing, make sure it has some longevity to last the distance. “The best you can afford at the time – you don’t want to be distracted by equipment failure or pain. The rest of what you wear can be added to as you progress or as budget allows.” With an increasing number of options of rider wear available now, from different styles through to an array of colours, Sandi says riders should remember it has to work as something to ride in as well as looking good. To start with, keep things simple with a dark jacket. Navy is a popular colour choice, paired with light, cream or white breeches – simple, yet effective. When it comes to adding a bit of ‘bling’ be aware of what’s appropriate and what’s not. “Dressage horses are the bling, and by that, I mean their movement and how they perform. That’s far more important than being turned out to the nines. Neat, tidy dress is best and nothing too distracting!” adding “You can be an individual but work within your budget and rules. When you are starting out you don’t need to spend heaps of money. Get the basics and go from there.” Joy of Aunty Joys Showing Accessories says first, and foremost rider attire should be clean, well-fitting and a suitable style to fit your figure. “For showing and hunter classes I like to see a well-fitted jacket with vest, shirt and tie. Hunter jackets tend to be a little longer and less fitting. The colour of the jacket is very dependent on the colour of your horse and riding hat. I always think strong checks look smart on the hunter.”

Showtime

You've spent days leading up to the show cleaning your horse, your tack, packing your bags and the float, making checklists and checking them off. You've set off with plenty of time up your sleeve, and you are rearing to go. Upon arrival, your first priority is getting your horse set up and settled with hay and water and giving them a chance to take in the atmosphere. "While the horses are getting use to their temporary accommodations, I like to go and suss out where everything is. Usually, I'll head to the show office to register and ask any questions – a priority being bathrooms! Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't know. A lot of people get worried that they'll look silly, but I've learnt with horse shows the more you know, the more you realise you don't know!" says Elle. Most events will have a map of the grounds, with all the ring numbers, locations and other information you'll need to know. Snapping a picture of this on your phone for reference can be handy for any last-minute ring changes. Make sure you familiarise yourself with where you need to be and when.

Know the dress code

Sandi Johnston, the owner of Classic Equestrian, suggests riders become familiar with what is acceptable and what isn’t in terms of rider attire for their chosen discipline, as well as legal and illegal bits of tack. “It is easy to be caught out by not wearing gloves, for instance in

Dealing with nerves

Show day nerves can get the better of even the best riders, and anyone who has experienced them will know just how debilitating they can be. Learning how to manage nerves can help make your show day experience a positive one. Elle says she’s dealt with her share of nerves during her career and more recently managing the nerves of her students. Along with making sure she’s as prepared as she can be for all aspects of a show, Elle relies on a simple technique to calm them. Breathe! “It sounds simple, but it’s so much harder when your anxiety levels are through the roof! I like to try and get my breathing in tune with my horse’s hoofbeats. For example, in trot, I like to breathe in for six beats and then out for six beats.” As you start to concentrate on this, you both start to become more rhythmical, lowering your heart rate and adrenaline levels. She adds “when you’re warming up and entering the ring, you need to forget about everything else and focus on the task at hand. If you and your horse are both ‘in the moment’ that is when magical things can happen!” Nicky says that although everyone is different when it comes to nerves, she finds that once she’s in the arena and in the moment, the nerves disappear. “You have to trust yourself and your horse and ride it like you are riding at home, focus on your breathing and take it one movement at a time.”

The warm-up

Like any athlete, horses need to be properly warmed up before they hit the show ring, and everyone’s warmup routine will differ. No matter what discipline you’re

riding in, the key to any proper warm-up is giving yourself plenty of time and not skimping on the walk work! “One important thing that I’ve noticed a lot out here is that people rush the warm-up. I like to make sure I’ve walked for a good 15 minutes or so before starting any other work. It gives their joints time to get fluid moving and helps loosen then up. I also like to make sure they have a good stretch in the warm-up to make sure they are working through their back correctly before I start asking for some more collected work,” says Elle. Working on suppleness work in the walk such as leg yielding, shoulder yielding and transitions within the pace is effective at both warming up the horse’s muscles and testing how responsive your horse is to your seat. “I always like to give them a long walk to start with before picking up a trot and working through some of the movements and get them on my aids. I don’t like to practice my full work out as I don’t want them pre-empting what I’m about to do, however, I will break it down and do some elements of it,” says Nicky. When warming up for a jumping class, Kirstin warns not to overdo it and be sure to save your horse’s jump for the show ring. “Sometimes jumping a tall skinny oxer then a lower wide oxer before going into the ring helps mentally wake your horse up, so he’s sharp and ready to jump.” She adds “always focus on what you want to achieve in your warm-up. If you focus on the quality of your canter and rhythm, everything else falls into place.” If you’re stuck for how to structure your warm-up, watch and talk to other riders at similar or higher levels to get some new ideas and chat with your coach beforehand about a warm-up plan.

WARM-UP RING TOP TIPS • Keep at least a horses width between you when passing side by side • Keep two horses space when following • Be considerate and empathetic towards each other! • Pass left side by left side if going in opposite directions (like traffic on the road) • Keep your eyes up and stay alert • Call for your warm-up jump and check the path is clear as you approach • Fast horses on the outside, slow horses on the inside • If passing a slow horse call out to the rider • No lunging • No coaches in the middle of the warm-up ring • Stewards are in charge– listen to them • Make sure you pick up after your horse

Know the rules

Rules help in providing a fair competition for everyone, so it is essential to know them! Each discipline will have a different set of rules from what pieces of tack you can and can’t use through to conduct. The rulebook for each discipline can be found on the ESNZ website and RAS website, as well as any updates and changes.

Be Considerate

Show appreciation to your fellow competitors, stewards and judges at all times. Remember, they are taking time out of their day, usually receiving little more than the cost of petrol and a few cups of tea. Without these volunteers, the competitions you enjoy wouldn’t go ahead. “A lot goes into putting these shows on so always be polite and thankful to the people helping make the show run. When you enter the ring, I like to say a quick hello and smile to my fellow competitors and judges. And be fully attentive at all times and listen to judges and stewards rather than making them shout or repeat themselves,” says Elle.

Outside of the ring

Remember you never know who is watching. Your conduct outside of the show ring is just as important as your conduct inside it. “Don’t get grumpy or moody with your pony if it’s not performing; just take a breath and carry on. The more you get wound up, the more the pony does. If you can ignore the behaviour and carry on, they soon settle and start to tune into you,” says Elle There will always be days when things just refuse to come together. It’s not your fault. Its nobody’s fault. Highs and lows are part of horse sports! So don’t get angry at your horse, yourself, your parents, your coach, the judge or other exhibitors. The scene that you create has a lasting impression on those around you, not the mention how you feel after it is over. Your horse may wonder why he should try so hard to get it right or please you the next time if you get mad at him at the show. Win or lose, congratulate all the other exhibitors. Remember, these are the same friends that you made while working side by side on your horse project.

Ask questions!

Horse events are a hive of activity, and it can be easy to feel a bit lost and overwhelmed when you first arrive, especially if you are new to competing. The equestrian community is full of supportive and encouraging people who are there for the same reason you are – to have fun with their horses! Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there are always lots of helpful people around that are happy to give guidance. Don’t be afraid to speak to the judges once the round has finished and ask for feedback on what you can improve on,” says Elle. Accept that you don’t know what you don’t know and utilise the knowledge of your fellow competitors, your coach, support crew and event staff– competing is a real team effort. “I love people asking questions as it shows me they have a hunger to learn and grow within the sport. We’re always learning when it comes to horses and shows!”

Look after yourself & have fun!

Show days can be hectic, and it can be easy to forget to look after yourself in all the chaos. Get a good breakfast the morning and pre-prepare some easy snacks that are easy to grab on the go during the day along with plenty of water. You wouldn’t take your horse to a show without giving him a bit of extra energy to get through the day, and the same applies to the rider! You’ve trained, prepared, spent a lot of time and money to get to the competition , soak it all up, meet new people, learn lots and most of all, enjoy the day!

HELPFUL TIPS

from the TOP

Bruce Goodin says:

“Work out what success means for you. If it’s only about winning in the ring then you’re going to end up being pretty unhappy because it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to lose more than you’re going to win. Winning is not everything and nor should it be.”

Kristin Kelly says: Walk the course and then quietly visualise yourself riding it, right down to what colour each jump is. It makes you feel like you’ve already ridden it. Focus on what you want from each class, not on winning.

on Nicky Dault

says:

st, ve a bad te a h u o y r o many wrong d to me on If things go e n e p p a h I went on it. It’s , see where don’t dwell it t u o b on a k I thin ing to work th e m o occasions. s s a wn go. jot that do le and let it b b u b wrong and a in e. Put it for next tim

Eric Lamaze says: You must stay humble regardless of your good results, and you must stay positive regardless of your bad results.

Jo Craddo

ck says:

“Form a str ong conne ction and kind p artnership w it h your horse. Tak ing the tim e to really get to know your horse establish tr and ust will pay o ff time when big you get ou t th ere in the com petition rin g and makes the sport that much more rewa rding.”

Christine Weal says: “Be prepared to be adaptable as things change with fitness, health, and weather conditions. Get your horse to the shows in peak condition so they can compete comfortably.”

Dana Kirkpatrick from ESNZ says:

If you have any do ubt about registration or rule s inquiries, call the office on 04 499 89 94, and find out first hand. Don’t re ly on someone else’s interpretatio n.

Natasha Althoff says:

Lucy Olphert says: Canter poles are my go to for striding practice and working on the adjustability Do the best that between the fences. It helps riders you can do and develop a better eye without jumping their horse’s legs off! that your horse can do in the Hannah Frost says: moment and “Clean lines and keep it simple. on that day. My The days of busy bling and loads competition of colour are gone in showing. and results do Clean lines accentuate the horse and rider. Less is more. not define me, I do it for fun!

Leesa Banicevich says: “Keep assessing your pony or horse’s condition throughout the season. I usually work a horse in the arena and I like to stand back and take a good look at them to see how they are progressing with condition. Young horses especially change month-to-month throughout the season. I like to alter my show horse’s feed suit their workload to ensure they meet a high-standard.”

Piggy French says: It’s vital to learn the test you’re going to be riding well in advance of your competition. You need to know it inside out and back to front, so don’t leave it until you’re travelling to the event to learn it – that’s too late and a surefire way to let you and your horse down.”

Kirsty Sharapoff says: “Do your homework! From schooling, tack allowances to rider fitness. Know your horse inside and out. Make sure you are both prepared and capable of producing the performances you are aiming for, to avoid disappointments. Be flexible in your season plans.”

Jody Hartstone says: Make friends with the people parked around you at show and an effort to get to know them and offer to help if they need anything at all. We are all at a show for the same reason, our love of horses, so remember to be humble and kind to everyone you meet regardless of their level, or flashiness of horse truck or float!

SPECIAL FEATURE WORDS Rebecca Harper IMAGES Mona de Villiers Portraiture & Kelly Wilson

Life

AFTER KIDS

REIGNITING HER LOVE OF PAINTING

After a lengthy hiatus from painting, this talented artist was inspired to pick up a paintbrush again when she spotted a photograph of a wild Canadian stallion. Now she’s busy preparing for exhibitions at Equidays and Equitana. For much of her life, Heather Wilson has poured her heart and soul into raising her three horse-loving daughters Vicki, Kelly and Amanda. As a mum to the Wilson sisters, a lot of Heather’s time has been spent driving to horse shows, grooming, saddling and studding their team of showjumpers

competitions,

trimming

their

young stock’s hooves, and also being ‘camp mum’ to thousands of riders who attend their popular CopRice Showtym Camps. In recent years, this full-time role has evolved to include babysitting up to 50 horses each winter, often for months at a time, when her daughters travel overseas to pursue their passion for wild horses or to compete offshore. Then in 2018, when her eldest daughter Vicki moved her team of horses to Hastings, the family dynamics changed once again, and Heather was left wondering what life would look like now her kids were all grown up. Having spent all her time supporting her children as they pursued their passions, Heather realised she’d set aside many of her own interests to be a stay-athome mum. Not sure where to start, but knowing she needed to find a new direction, she spent the last couple of years trying to envision what life would be like after kids.

“For the longest time it scared me, wondering what I’d do once my daughters grew up and moved on,” she says. “But it’s been like a rebirth for me and allowed me to focus on what I want to do in my life. As a parent, it’s easy to forget who you are, and it’s been great rediscovering myself.” As part of the Showtym Adult Retreats she hosts alongside her daughters, Heather often asks the attendees what they would be doing if they didn’t have horses or kids to consume their time. For many, this question stumps them, and for the longest time, Heather also struggled to identify the things she was truly passionate about, or prioritise time for herself. But soon the answer came to her; if she had the time, she’d love to pursue her long-forgotten love of painting. “Being asked what their hobbies and interests are stumps a lot of mums. The last few years, I’ve had a bit of an identity crisis, wondering what I’ll do once my kids left home, and what my latter years would look like. Art has stepped back into my life when I needed it most, and it’s forging me in a direction that I’m enjoying.” Initially, the idea of reigniting her career as an artist was an unlikely dream, but now, three years later, she’s painting full time and about to exhibit her artwork at both Equidays and Equitana. “For the longest time it scared me, wondering what I’d do once my daughters grew up and moved on,” she says. “But it’s been like a rebirth for me and allowed me to focus on what I want to do in my life. As a parent, it’s easy to forget who you are, and it’s been great rediscovering myself.”

REIGNITING THE PASSION

It’s been three years since Heather first voiced her desire to pick up a paintbrush again, after two decades away from painting. While being an artist used to be something that came quite naturally to her, having exhibited her paintings with lots of success when she was based in Whangamata in the 1990s, trying to pick up where she left off took a lot more time and energy than she expected. “It’s been a long process regaining the skills I used to take for granted,” she admits. “But fortunately, with practice and perseverance, it’s all come back to me.” In 2017, with encouragement from her middle daughter Kelly, Heather began doing the illustrations for the books in Kelly’s junior fiction series, Showtym Adventures. Since then she also painted a few of the girl’s favourite horses, including a pastel portrait of Showtym Girl, and oil paintings of Showtym Viking, Argo and Elder. It wasn’t until she discovered painting with acrylics on large format canvases (75 x 100cm) in late 2018 that she truly found her niche. “I found some old acrylic paints that Kelly had from her university days and found they suited me well. It works with my lifestyle – you can put down your paintbrush and come back again. Oils are more difficult with the drying time; they’re messier, and there’s a lot more time involved.” The first of the 14 paintings she has since completed was of Showtym Spotlight, Vicki’s famed Pegasus horse and, although it took six months to complete the painting, Heather was pleased with the result.

“I had surgery on my foot in May and couldn’t do much. The girls were in Canada photographing wild horses, and one of their guides posted a beautiful photo of a Canadian Wildie online. It was a stunning photo, it took my breath away, and I wanted to paint it. It came out really well.”

It wasn’t until May 2019, however, that painting became a burning passion and consumed all of Heather’s thoughts. The catalyst was seeing a photograph of a Canadian wild horse online, a subject matter she felt compelled to bring to life with her art. “I had surgery on my foot in May and couldn’t do much. The girls were in Canada photographing wild horses, and one of their guides posted a beautiful photo of a Canadian Wildie online. It was a stunning photo, it took my breath away, and I wanted to paint it. It came out really well.” When the girls returned home, they were astounded to see the completed painting, as they’d seen that particular stallion in the wild, and encouraged their mum to do more. From there she hasn’t stopped, painting an array of stunning equine portraits using abstract composition, bold colours and experimenting with metallic paint. “Back in the day it was seascapes and animals, anything really, but now I have a passion for painting horses.” Heather is now busy preparing for her upcoming exhibition at Equidays and Equitana and has joined Facebook and Instagram to share progress photos of each painting as they develop. Heather has been blown away by the feedback she’s received on her work so far. “It’s been an amazing response; I’ve sold some before I’ve even finished them. Some of the ones that have sold I’ll still exhibit at Equidays though as there will be limited edition prints available of them. I’m aiming to have eight to 12 original paintings available as well.” She’s already getting requests from customers for certain colours, and commission enquiries. “I’m going to be busy for a wee while I think.”

AN ARTISTIC LEGACY

Throughout Heather’s extended family history, artist talent is a common thread. “My great grandfather was a great painter in England, doing things like cherubim angels and stained glass windows. His daughter, Beatrice Crosby, was a brilliant oil and watercolour artist in South Africa, and all her children are arty. There are a lot of architects in the family too.” Heather’s mother and sister are both artists and attended art school. As a child, she was lucky enough to tag along with her mum on painting excursions. “I loved drawing as a child and, being horsey, I used to doodle horses on all my books.” Though she has no formal training, art was something that came naturally to Heather. “I just do it. I love light and colour and those years in Whangamata painting, when the children were little, was really good training time,” she says. “I was part of an art group, painting many beach and seascapes, and successfully exhibiting and selling my paintings.” Now her love of art is carrying on through the generations, with her recent paintings having inspired Kelly to return to art after a decade.

“Kelly enjoys painting, but doesn’t have much time with all her book deadlines, so we decided to collaborate. It’s been fun sharing ideas.” “Kelly was always very gifted but hasn’t painted since she was at university. My last exhibit in the late 1990s featured a watercolour she’d done of a vase of flowers, so it seems fitting that my upcoming exhibit will also feature a painting she’s recently done of Concord, one of the most influential Kaimanawa stallions she’s ever tamed.” Their paintings will also feature in a 2020 calendar, which includes nine paintings by Heather, two by Kelly, and another two (Spotlight in Gold and Ol’ Blue Eyes) they collaborated on. “Kelly enjoys painting, but doesn’t have much time with all her book deadlines, so we decided to collaborate. It’s been fun sharing ideas.” While painting has been her sole priority over winter, Heather admits she is still, first and foremost, a mother who loves to join in on her daughter’s horsey adventures. “Yesterday I drove Kelly and Amanda to their first show of the season, and today I’m heading down to Hastings to help Vicki trim her young stock’s hooves, then on my way back, I’m collecting a wild Kaimanawa for Kelly to tame, who’s still untouched 18 months after the muster. “In between, I’ll paint, but I also want to watch my daughters navigate adulthood and be alongside them for major milestones throughout their lives.” C

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INTERVIEW

forging the future WORDS Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES Michelle Clarke

FEI 3* and Young Horse judge

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LINDA WARREN- DAVEY

is a passionate driving force in dressage in New Zealand. Committed to progress, Linda frequently travels to Europe and Australia to judge and continually seeks educational opportunities to bring knowledge back to New Zealand.

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THE DRESSAGE DANCE

It was this experience that motivated Linda to begin her journey of riding and training several of her horses. She even tried her hand at breeding dressage horses but after a couple of attempts realised that wasn’t for her. “My first breeding attempt was a horse that was a good height but was better suited to jumping far more than dressage. My second try produced a horse that had great paces, but too small for me, so that was my foray into breeding,” she recalls. Joining the Canterbury Dressage Group was Linda’s introduction to organisational involvement as she took on various committee roles within the group. “While my three children were under school age, my competitive riding took a back seat for a while. I avidly read as many books as I could on dressage judging and training and started my judging journey. From the very start I loved the challenge, the education and learning opportunities,” she says. When the children started school, Linda completed a Diploma in Horse Management so she could begin an agistment business on her lifestyle block specialising in dressage horses. “I hosted dressage courses and met and learned from many wonderful riders and trainers,” she says. “I was a demonstration rider for overseas trainers and trained with

several national and overseas coaches. I was always quite tough on myself as a rider, and now I look back, I was always reviewing myself with a judge’s eye! In my last six to eight years of riding I eventually ended up with two super horses. One I purchased as a Grand Prix schoolmaster so I could learn the movements to help me with my training and judging. The other was a lovely Oldenburg cross mare whom I purchased from the North Island as a six-year-old. She had correct paces, was super looking, with a matterof-fact temperament and I learned much taking her from Novice through to Open Medium.” Linda recalls the thrill that was competing her Grand Prix schoolmaster in his twilight years. Some of her favourite memories of this time involved travelling around the South Island with her mother as her groom. It was a massive decision for Linda to stop riding as it had defined her life for nearly 30 years. “Both of my horses had to retire at about the same time, and I couldn’t bring myself to purchase a horse from a random stranger. Horses were more expensive, and after much debate after looking at super horses online, my mother said in her straight forward style “honestly my dear, you probably have more of a future judging in this sport, than riding.” I realised she was probably right. I was a National Grand Prix judge at this stage, and deep down knew I was not going to be able to do my best combining my family, judging, competing, and a career,” she explains. “As a judge there have been many highlights, especially rewarding good work with good marks. Some of my stand-out memories so far have been judging for the first time in Europe representing New Zealand. Travelling to the first outdoor show of the season in the Netherlands and judging some big names including Charlotte Dujardin, and some top riders in the Dutch squad” she

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14 STORES NATIONWIDE 65

says. “Another highlight was going to Moscow and passing my International Young Horse exam. Spending four days observing, judging and having theoretical discussions with forward-thinking international colleagues, led by two of the most knowledgeable judges in the world was a fabulous experience. I came away with so much knowledge and a more thorough understanding of our sport. Taking part in paper-less judging at the Sydney CDI this year was also great! I just loved the electronic introduction into our sport, and it is the way of the future!” Amongst many other things, Linda loves watching our combinations grow and develop, improving from season to season. “When you have judged a combination and identified an issue or something that requires correcting, and next time you see them, there is a real difference. You think to yourself, ‘I played a small part in that’. It’s very rewarding.”

DEDICATED TO HER ROLE

This is Linda’s second year on the Dressage New Zealand board with her portfolio Performance and Development. “It’s a huge portfolio. Requiring careful thought and planning to properly set the direction of the sport, taking into consideration the needs of our youth right through to our High-Performance riders. I am committed to trying to get this ‘right’ for the future of our sport, so I have done a lot of research into other sports around their Performance Pathways and how they support their athletes with their development. New Zealand horses and riders have so much ability, but we are also in a small bubble, being so far away from Europe. Therefore I believe we must be mindful and open to taking on and accepting new information and ideas to assist us with our progress.” Several years ago, in Germany, Linda had the opportunity to sit in on an international Young Horse competition. The whole concept absolutely resonated with her, as the judging methodology is different from judging standard tests. She could see how this concept could really benefit the development of our young horses. “The test offers five collective marks where the paces are judged individually so riders can identify which pace needs more development. The submission mark gives riders feedback on their training of the horse. Then a mark is awarded for overall perspective, the status of the horse’s current training and how it will bode for the future,” Linda explains. “This way is far more helpful for the development of a young horse, than receiving marks for how particular movements are being ridden. It’s just a different concept that I strongly believe riders can benefit so much from with their young horses.” A fabulous concept but sadly it has been a bone of contention and Linda explains that it has not yet been widely accepted nor understood fully in New Zealand. “I can understand, as the Young Horse marking and tests are very different to how our sport has been developed in our country over the past 50 odd years, but I also find it a little disappointing at the same time. In saying that, it took about ten years for the whole concept, I believe, to be fully supported and accepted in Australia, so there is time for us yet.” Seeing the Scale of Training truly put into practice is one of the things that has resonated most with Linda when she reflects on her trips to Europe. “While judging of course, and while observing the top riders in the warm-up arena. If any rider or trainer is truly serious about being at the top level, I think it’s essential they go to Europe to observe. On my first few trips to Europe I truly saw and understood engagement and collection. Elements that I see as not quite fully understood nor fully produced in our competition arenas,” she encourages. “More of our riders are attaining the Advanced levels and doing quite a good job, but to achieve good marks, there needs to be a clearer understanding of impulsion, engagement and

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collection,” she notes. “In general, there appears to be a lack of understanding of the correct development and creation of these components, and I hope our riders seek more education about this part of the training scale.” “I always come home so enthused after I have been in Europe, as I have seen and judged some fantastic combinations. We have the potential sitting here in New Zealand to do very well on the world stage, it’s just about the understanding of, and commitment to, good quality training,” she encourages. “I am excited about the horses we have here, we have some fantastic breeders that have taken a careful long-term approach and are producing some fabulous horsepower. With correct training they will hold their own very easily internationally.”

WHAT IT TAKES

At the lower levels, Linda explains judges want to see a horse that is being ridden in a clear rhythm, in a tempo that is natural to the horse, and in a frame that is being created correctly. “It is only once the rhythm and tempo is established that suppleness and elasticity and paces can really be developed – I’m big on horses being truly through and over the back,” she says. “In the mid-levels I am looking for the development of and understanding of impulsion, engagement and collection and the focus on uphill balance. In the higher levels, I love to see an uphill and correct frame, a good contact being produced from a super hind leg that is active and stepping under the body, with good articulation of the joints. All in all, a supple, elastic, harmonious combination. I reward correct training and will give good and very good marks to the combinations that understand and produce good work as per the training scale. “I love to see harmony in dressage, of course. I also love to see the development of horses that have correct paces, but not

movie star paces, and observing those paces being improved by genuine training,” she explains. “I also look to see the horse’s facial expression in a test – alert, willing and relaxed eye and overall expression. They are the attributes I value most.” Anyone who is running a team of dressage horses and pushing to be their best will know just how tough the sport can be. Linda reflects that to be successful, she believes riders need a few attributes. “Self-confidence and reflection, higher expectations of themselves, theoretical knowledge, being open to fresh ideas, determination, an honest coach and believing that a horse can only go as well as its rider are all important factors that determine the success of a combination.”

LIVING THE THRILL

Aside from her roles in Dressage New Zealand and her judging commitments, Linda’s day job as a real estate agent and an auctioneer is equally thrilling. Every day

in her life is different. “A busy day for me at work means I am not behind a desk, but meeting buyers, sellers, and spending time evaluating, listing and selling property. It’s a great job because you meet such a variety of people from all walks of life. You get to see a variety of properties from luxurious lifestyle and residential residences, to rural bare land blocks. I have just started my auctioneering career this year. Again it’s about meeting people, assessing the situation very quickly and getting the best result for them. There’s a lot of pressure as it is a very fast-paced environment. “In my other job, a typical day at a show is an early start, a small breakfast- we have the same nerves as riders! We all want to perform to the very best of our ability and knowing a long day of concentration is about to start. Once I meet with my scribe, we have a chat, and I explain my method of judging. My scribe is an important part of my judging job, as it’s important to work together as a team, to ensure the day goes smoothly,” she explains. “There can be a lot of pressure, particularly when you are the C judge, as you are responsible for keeping to time, and sorting out any issues or problems if they arise throughout the day in your arena. “I enjoy when riders come and talk to you at the end of the day, either thanking you for helpful comments and/or wanting to understand more – that’s positive for our sport. I always enjoy the round-up at the end of the day with my colleagues over a glass of wine and a meal. We discuss our marks, and the combinations we have judged. It’s the best way to learn and hear other ideas and points of view. I really enjoy the team aspect of judging.” All in all, despite some challenges involved in New Zealand dressage, Linda is optimistic about the future of the sport. She is excited to continue looking for opportunities to further the development - a true asset to dressage in New Zealand. C

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TRAINING

BUILDING HARMONY Harmony is a fundamental goal for all dressage riders and something that Auckland trainer Sheena Ross values in training her horses and students. In this lesson, Sheena guides young rider Brina Carpenter through training her mare, Plutonium Lady in the flying changes. Teaching flying changes in particular can be really daunting for many riders, making them afraid to try for fear of ruining them but read on as Sheena explains the changes don’t need to be such a worry with the right guidance. Her encouraging and thoughtful training makes for an inspiring read.

THE RIDER - BRINA CARPENTER THE HORSE - PLUTONIUM LADY THE TRAINER - SHEENA ROSS

Sheena is a rider, breeder and coach in South Auckland. She enjoys coaching and has some very keen young rider clients. Her dressage breeding business Sterling Warmbloods Ltd stood Fugato SW at stud until recently. She has ridden and produced warmblood horses for show and sale and has ridden to Grand Prix level. Sheena is particularly interested in breeding warmbloods and looks forward to the new arrivals every spring.

Brina is 19 and is in her first year at Auckland University studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce. She has been riding since she was nine and has only been doing dressage for three years. Plutonium Lady, or Lily as she is known to friends, is Brina’s first hack and they have been a partnership for the last three years. Brina’s family purchased her when she was Elementary and now they are ready to compete at Advanced Medium. Lily is not your typical dressage horse in that she is only 15.2hh and she is of Thoroughbred, American Saddlebred and warmblood breeding by Denmarks Platinum Playboy. Most recently they have enjoyed success winning the Young Rider title at North Island Champs, 4th overall Level 4 Horse of the Year and were Level 4 Small Stars champions at Nationals.

WARM HER UP!

Brina stays in rising trot in the warm up, a good thing to do for a horse of any level while their backs and bodies warm up properly. She works her in a lower outline than she would in competition. Focusing on stretching her over the top line and achieving relaxation in the muscles before moving onto the harder work. Sheena emphasises the importance to get Lily swinging a little bit more through her back and encourages Brina to seek a nice, easy trot for her to start with and really concentrate on getting her to have a nice, even rhythm, trying to improve the suppleness over her top line and through the body and working forward into a steadier, softer contact. It is important in the stretch and the warm up that the rider doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the horse become too long and wooden in the body, that they ensure the horse is using the back correctly and lifting it. If this happens, you can use the walk/ trot transitions to encourage them to step through from behind and come together more. Also be mindful of the horse responding quickly to the walk and trot aids, use the transitions to check the horse is listening and working on the aids. She should be enthusiastic to move forward and not collapse and fall into the downward transition.

In the warm up Brina is focused on a clear rhythm, even steps and the hind leg pushing forward.

THAT SIDEWAYS FEELING LEG YIELD FOR SUPPLENESS

Once Lily is forward and responding nicely to Brinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aids, then she moves on to working her through a leg yield on both directions to supple and loosen her body through the rib cage in the lateral movement. The leg yield is beneficial for horses of any level and introduces them to lateral movement and collection as well as improves suppleness, straightness and connection. Additionally for a more advanced horse, it is a super warm up exercise and checks they are listening, on the aids and working through the body. The pair execute the movement with ease, demonstrating clearly what a correct leg yield should look like to the onlooker.

MISTAKES TO AVOID:

OVERBENDING WITH THE INSIDE REIN

To ride a correct leg yield, the inside leg asks the horse to move to the side, into the outside rein as the outside leg directs the horse to continue moving forward. Use some flexion to the opposite direction of travel and then quietly balance the horse with half halts on the outside rein. It helps to carry the rein ever so slightly to the outside, guiding the horse over without pulling back and stifling the movement forward.

The leg yield is a fantastic exercise for warming all levels of horses up, helping with straightness, suppleness and elasticity

This is probably the most common mistake of all. Many riders tend to exaggerate the bend in general and overuse the inside rein. The bend should feel and look like a continuous shallow curve that runs through the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body. There should be no kink at the base of

the neck. Overbending blocks the inside hind leg and almost forces the horse to drift with his outside shoulder. This way, the outside shoulder is faster in moving sideways than the inside hind leg, so the inside hind leg never manages to catch up and cross.

FLYING CHANGES

Like many horses and riders learning flying changes together, Sheena explains that Brina and Lily have had their fair share of challenges establishing the changes. “It has been hard for Brina because when she started the changes with Lily, she hadn’t ridden changes before and on top of that Lily can get quite hot and reactive so keeping her relaxed is our biggest focus.”

AIDS FOR THE FLYING CHANGE

Lily can get hot in the flying changes so Brina focuses on maintaining softness and relaxation

Before moving onto the exercises and getting to work, Sheena details the correct aids to ensure clean flying changes. “To prepare for the change, the rider needs to have the horse round and soft to the current lead, keeping the horse forward with the jump in the canter, keeping the neck round. They need to keep a firm, steady contact on the current outside rein, straighten the neck, make the horse a little bit hollow to the new canter lead. You then make a half halt on the new outside rein and give the inside rein as you ask for the change with your leg aids. So your new outside leg moves back, as your new inside leg comes forward.” she explains. “The half halt is what stops the outside hind leg on the old outside of the horse and the give allows the new inside leg to come through. When this happens, the changes become clean and straight.”

Before attempting flying changes, ensure your horse is well established and confident with the simple changes through walk and trot

SIMPLE CHANGES

In order to progress to flying changes, horse and rider should be well established in simple changes through trot, then walk and also counter canter. Even once you have started working on flying changes, it is still good to warm up through a few simple changes. This exercise will help the horse rock back and sit on the hind leg which is helpful to making a good change, as well as check she is listening and on the aids and is also in balance. Brina demonstrates this as she rides through the diagonal and makes the simple change through walk as she crosses over the centreline. To prepare she maintains a forward and balanced canter, before sitting a little deeper and making a half halt and making the clean transition to walk. She ensures the walk is soft and marching and then she makes the canter aid to the new lead, continuing to ride the balanced canter out.

TOP TIP: REMEMBER NOT TO DRILL ANY EXERCISE TO THE POINT OF BOREDOM. AFTER A FEW REPETITIONS, TAKE A BREAK OR WORK ON SOMETHING ELSE FOR A WHILE, AND THEN COME BACK TO DO THE EXERCISE JUST A FEW MORE TIMES.

MISTAKES TO AVOID:

“When you attempt to throw your body to one side to get a flying change then I am afraid that it is not a good way to teach the changes,” she cautions. “Sometimes you do have to shift your weight to get the horse to start with the changes, but then don’t do it anymore. When you throw your body weight you end up with crooked changes that swing from side to side and horses need to learn to do them straight as possible.”

EXERCISE 1: COUNTER CANTER ON 20M CIRCLE “There are a few exercises which we use in preparation for the flying change when we are first introducing them that have been very useful.” The first one involves picking up the counter canter on a 20 metre circle, making sure the counter canter is forward, she is jumping through from behind and is round enough and nicely into the outside rein. “You don’t want excessive bending to the outside to stay in the counter canter but you want to feel like your left leg (outside leg in this instance) is pushing

her to the right rein,” she explains. “Sitting on your left seat is very important in the counter canter so it is very clear what you are asking the horse and you want to have your left leg forward ensuring a good jump in the canter.” As she approaches M on the circle line Sheena prepares Brina to make the change. “All I want you to do is make a half halt on your new outside rein, ask for a change and as you feel the change give your new inside rein, which will be your right one in this instance.”

Brina works on balancing Lily on the counter canter circle before setting up the change Brina makes the change and Lily throws in a bit of extra exuberance with a buck. “This horse gets quite hot and excited especially about her changes which she is just establishing, so when things don’t go to plan we make sure we bring her back, pat her and then start again so she doesn’t perpetuate anxiety around the work and get more and more tense.” “She did the change and yes she did it through a tiny buck but that’s okay, the most important part is she tried and was willing,” Sheena encourages. “In the changes it is very important that the canter is active and jumping forward, that way the change becomes a lot easier for her to be able to execute.”

THINGS TO REMEMBER First time Lily put in some extra effort with a little buck through the change but Sheena reminds Brina to keep calm and carry on

TOP TIP:

“AS LILY IS HOT AND SHE CAN BE REACTIVE, WHAT WE DON’T WANT TO DO IS ALWAYS DO CHANGES IN THE SAME SPOT, SO WE WANT TO MIX IT UP A BIT SO SHE DOESN’T LEARN TO ANTICIPATE.”

After completing your counter-canter assess how the exercise went; • Was the rhythm maintained throughout? • Did the canter continue to move forward or did it get a little sticky in places? • Was your horse straight through the shoulders and hind quarters? • Did he respond to your aids and then wait your further instruction?

EXERCISE 2: 10M CIRCLE FLYING CHANGE - 10M CIRCLE

Another exercise which is good for beginning is to ride a 10m circle in true canter, then ride straight on the centre line, ask for the change and then ride a 10m circle in the new direction. “It is important you ask for the change only when she is straight,” Sheena instructs. “Around the circle, make sure you are using the outside rein to turn and control the shoulder. Ride her with your seat really asking those hind legs to jump through. Make a clean change by holding the new outside rein, firm half halt and then straight away after push and soften the rein.” When she gets tense and starts thinking too much about doing a change Sheena tells Brina to ride her around a bit until she stops thinking about the changes and relaxes and then she can return to the exercise. “Have her round and into the bridle, with an even contact so that she is jumping through and when she is not anticipating the change in the canter then you can ask her again. We want to be training relaxation in the work. When you feel she is soft, forward and jumping then you can return to the exercise again. You can even leg yield her on the circle, make it smaller and then bigger and get her moving and supple so she can relax.” Brina makes a nice clean change and Sheena encourages her to walk and give her a pat for her effort.

Ride straight through the middle of the circles before making the change

TROUBLESHOOTING LATE BEHIND

Sometimes Lily can be a little late behind in her changes, Sheena encourages Brina to make a loop in the new inside rein as she pushes the change. “If she is late you are most likely slightly holding onto the new inside rein.” When a horse is late behind, it is not always that the horse is being unresponsive to the rider’s leg; sometimes it is a question of the horse’s coordination or confidence.

THANKS BUT NO THANKS

Keep the canter jumping and positive before asking for the change

Just when you think the changes are properly installed in your horse a new problem will emerge. Your horse will put the changes in on his own. Sheena explains while this can be extremely frustrating. Relax, this is also normal. “Never punish for an unasked for change. You have spent months training the changes and it is not cool to become frustrated or angry when your horse throws them in,” she says. “Just straight away go to walk and ask for the original lead. Now you have to be super duper clear in your body aids that you don’t want a change. Sit more on your inside seat, have more flexion and bending than is really necessary and be very careful that your outside leg is placed back and stays back at all times, even on a straight line. Clarity not punishment is the solution and congratulate your self that the changes are there. Eventually they will become orderly and obedient I promise.”

IT CAN BE TRICKY EVEN FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCED RIDER TO KNOW IF THE CHANGE IS CLEAN SO UNTIL YOUR HORSE IS REALLY ESTABLISHED, IT IS BEST TO TRAIN WITH EITHER MIRRORS OR SOMEONE ON THE GROUND WHO CAN TELL YOU WHEN THEY ARE CLEAN. 74

EXERCISE 3: HALF PASS TO FLYING CHANGE This exercise is similar to a movement you would be performing in an Advanced Medium and above level test. The rider establishes a good canter with rhythm and balance before turning down the centre line and beginning a half pass to the outside rail, ride straight and then make the change. “Really make sure you make her body longer on the new outside and shorter on the new inside before you make the change,” she says.

“Don’t get stuck riding the exercise right away each time because she will just be anticipating the change. Send her forward and back on the circle, play with the flexion, ride her into shoulder fore, move her around. The most important thing is when you come on the rail, before you make the change even though she is on the left canter you make her body longer on the left side and shorter on the right and give the new inside rein in the change.”

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Brina rides a very nice half pass in canter from the centre line to the track before straightening and asking for the change on the long side.

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MAKE A LOOP Sometimes when training the flying changes it is necessary to really give the rein forward so that the horse has total freedom and the rider doesn’t hang on or block the horse in front too much. “When learning, the giving of the rein will be more obvious to anyone watching but as the horse and rider become more experienced it becomes less noticeable until you can’t even tell,” Sheena explains. “The horse needs to have complete freedom with the inside rein to be able to bring the new inside hind leg through. You have to make a loop in the beginning because the rider is not used to doing it.”

TOP TIP TO SUCCEED IN TRAINING CHANGES THAT HAVE CLARITY AND RELAXATION, THE HORSE MUST BE SUPPLE—ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE BACK—ABLE When beginning the changes, you might need to exaggerate the give with the rein

TO COLLECT AND RESPONSIVE TO THE LEG AID, WITHOUT BEING OVERLY SENSITIVE.

WORDS OF ADVICE Riders can become quite daunted when it comes to beginning the changes for fear of getting them wrong and not being able to make the necessary corrections. “It is always important to note when teaching the changes that it can go very wrong at times, it can go so badly wrong that you might start to think that it’s a disaster, but it is never a disaster, it is always recoverable,” Sheena encourages. “When it comes time to make the changes the rider has to be able to do beautiful straight simple changes through trot, and then walk, always round and soft, and they need to be able to do it anywhere in the arena. From true canter and counter canter.” They need to be adjustable, easy to go forward and back on the riders’ seat with softness and without the neck coming up. Sheena explains “when the horse and rider are confident with these movements then they are ready to begin with the flying changes.” She also notes that in the simple changes the horse needs to be really straight, if the quarters are swinging then it’s not good enough as this makes it difficult to At the beginning of the lateral movement, Brina has Lily overbent

complete the flying change. “The rider needs to be patient and ensure she has all the ingredients in her recipe before they start the flying changes,” she says. It is also important to note that when teaching the changes it will definitely be difficult, she says. “The horse might get it the first few times and then it seems to fall apart but that’s just part of the process and you can expect it with every horse. What is important is every single thing that can go wrong with the flying changes, has a solution. Make sure you have a coach that knows these things and is good at riding and training the changes, if they aren’t, I am not suggesting you change the coach but bring another coach in to help the both of you,” she advises. “With the flying changes everyone needs to be on the same page and someone in that team needs to really know what they are doing to get the changes working. There is absolutely no shame if your coach doesn’t have a lot of experience in the changes to bring in one that does, and the three of you work together.”

Once Lily is corrected she becomes steady and moves freely

REFINING THE SEAT AND WEIGHT AIDS Sheena explains that this mare can get a little tricky in the mouth in the trot work, “she is quite sensitive and one of the things Brina has been working really hard on is getting her round enough, steady enough in the rein and then making her half passes, shoulder ins, turns etc really coming from the seat not the rein/mouth.” In the first half pass, there was too much bend and too much rein aid which blocked the horse, so she needs to abort mission and come around and start again.“ Do it on your body aids, shoulder and hips to the marker and guide her over. Riding her forward almost thinking medium trot so you don’t end up blocking her subconsciously.

HALF STEPS “Because she is hot and forward we haven’t used the whip at all so we are just creating a situation where we ask the trot bigger and smaller from the rider’s body. Through her body aids, she can just half-halt through the core and bring the trot smaller so there is no big deal in the horse’s mind, she is just trotting on a smaller stride and bigger stride, keeping a rhythm but not making a big deal out of it. We aren’t saying we are doing half steps we are just seeing that the trot can contract through the body and then go out again. It must be done in trot and it is just getting bigger and smaller. This mare is a superstar and she isn’t a fancy bred horse. She just has a super work ethic and hind leg and she wants to work hard.”

TOP TIP REMEMBER THAT CADENCE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SPEED, OR EVEN MANY PEOPLE’S IDEA OF ‘FORWARDNESS’. IF YOU ARE JUST CREATING A BIGGER TROT THROUGH MOMENTUM IT’S NO GOOD TO YOU. THE HORSE MUST BE TRULY CONNECTED BETWEEN HAND AND LEG IN ORDER TO PRODUCE MORE AIRTIME IN THE TROT.

EXTENDED TROT “Swing big in your seat and lead her. What we are really working on is to do everything shoulders and seat because when you start to turn her from the inside rein unless you are really clever she will get super fussy in her mouth. She needs to go in a steady contact but she doesn’t want to, so once you get that nice contact then let her glide around the arena with your body aids.” C

TRAINING WORDS Pip Hume IMAGE Show Circuit Magazine

THE OUTSIDE

REIN To turn the horse correctly, we must adhere to this golden rule: our hands must always be level. The hands must never be behind one another. Our contact will also be even. Turning the horse must go as follows: Let us say that we want to turn right. With the hands level, we take the right ‘inside’ hand away from the central position to the right. This, in turn, will take the head and neck a little to the right. The horse will follow his nose and turn with such a simple request. Our hands are level; therefore, the left (outside) rein becomes a little too short as it were, and becomes firmer on the neck and starts to push.

RULE OF THUMB

A common rule of thumb is that the inside leg creates the energy and the outside rein regulates it. Another adage that is very useful is that the outside rein controls speed and direction while the inside rein affects suppleness and bend.

REINS

The outside rein is the limiting rein, but it can also push the horse sideways. Anything that gets pushed won’t slow down. Now we look at how it is possible to ride a circle without the use of the inside rein, but mainly on the ‘pushing-power’ of the outside rein. Close the outside elbow onto the body, keep the hands low as we want to push the horse’s body over. With a low hand, the rein affects the shoulder. Ideally, we want our horses equally balanced between both reins and both legs. You will always be told to ride your horse from the inside leg to the outside rein. This is because the inside leg creates the power and push from the inside hind leg (and therefore from both hind legs), and the outside rein catches that energy and makes it available to the rider for lateral work, transitions and changes of direction. We should also make it clear that the simple explanation is that the outside (outside rein) of the horse is usually the side closest to the outside of the arena. In lateral work, it is the side away from which the horse is bent; for example, if you are leg yielding across the arena to the right, the horse will be bent left, so the right rein is the outside rein.

THE FEEL

When your horse is balanced, vertically straight under you and accepting working from your inside leg into your outside rein, then turns, lateral work and transitions become easy. The outside rein – as with any contact with the mouth – should feel elastic. Imagine the security you feel when someone holds your hand; not too tight, just enough that you know they are there.

CORRECT SEAT

When the rider sits correctly, the horse will position himself under the rider correctly. Once more, we look at our goal: the horse must be bent according to the arc of the circle from his tail to the poll. If the horse is bending correctly, we will be able to draw a line throughout his hips and shoulders, and they will converge in the centre of the circle. The inside hip of the horse is forward, and the inside shoulder is back. Our body must follow the body of the horse! Our inside hip should be forward. If we sit correctly, the horse will try to find harmony with us. He will also take his inside hip forward. When the rider puts his inside hip forward correctly, he will increase the weight on his inside seat bone. This increased weight will also encourage the inside leg to step more under and take the hip forward. The rider’s shoulders must follow the shoulders of the horse. The rider does that when he looks in the direction of the turn, no more is needed. By looking, he will know if he is going in the right direction, and, it will also place him correctly in the saddle. This again will make the task of turning easier. The activity of our legs in their correct position, our weight distribution, the

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The outside rein is vital in all lateral work as it prevents your horse from bending too much to the inside or falling out over the outside shoulder. Exercises such as leg yield,

The outside rein is also really important in being able to ride ‘straight’. A horse’s hindquarters are wider than his shoulders, so all horses and ponies have a habit of ‘leaning’ on the edge of the arena which makes them travel with their quarters in. Correct use of the outside rein helps to reposition the shoulders in front of the quarters. The minute our horses are straight, they can move in better balance, and this makes them easier to ride.

LATERAL WORK

STRAIGHTNESS

If you think that you have the correct contact and feel on the outside rein, then give your inside rein away for a few strides on a circle or shoulder-in. If your horse maintains the correct lateral flexion and bend and continues on the correct line of the circle, then he is working correctly from your inside leg into the outside rein.

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CHECKPOINT

shoulder-in, and spiralling out on a circle all help a rider to get the correct feel for the balance of how much outside rein is enough.

sets

position of our hips and looking in the right direction (which affects our shoulders), the pushing effect of the outside rein, all help to turn the horse.

✗

✓ STRAIGHT HORSE

CORRECT BEND

UNBALANCED AND RESISTANT

A straight, motionless horse, framed by both legs and energy directed to both hands. The outside rein influence is better understood if the rider follows the outer circumference of the circle and only uses a soft vibrating inside rein to lighten the horse and indicate direction and bend. The outside rein also helps to keep the horse upright and straight.

Uniform bend supported by the combination of aids with the line of travel set by the outer circumference of the circle, controlled by the outside rein. An example of the outside rein influence can be found in bicycle riding. If only the inside handlebar is pulled to make a turn, the bike will overrotate, and the rider will need to stop or fall. To control the degree of turn, the inside hand indicates direction, and the outside hand controls the degree of turn and keeps the bike stable and upright. A horse requires the same support from the outside hand to control the bend and influence the roundness and engagement.

The outside rein is lost, along with the directional control and balance. The horse falls in or out, drops onto the inside shoulder and twists head to try and avoid discomfort. The correct use of the outside rein allows the horse to work in self-carriage in a state we call “gymnastically correct” and free of the paralysing effects of fear and resistance.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Fit for

PURPOSE As we race towards the new season, Rebecca Harper spoke to three top riders from across the disciplines have given us their top tips for getting horses fit, strengthening legs, choosing good surfaces, and ensuring horses stay sound and happy throughout the season.

OUR EXPERTS EVENTING

DRESSAGE

SHOW JUMPING

AMANDA POTTINGER

CHRISTINE WEAL

LUCY FELL

Amanda is a born and bred three-day event rider. Although she spent a lot of her teenage years competing show jumping ponies, she went back to chase the eventing dream and has produced eventing horses to compete successfully at the highest level of the sport. She has won the National Three Day Eventing Championships twice, represented her country and most recently placed second in the Adelaide 5* Three Day Event, and won the Eventing Horse of the Year title.

Christine has represented New Zealand numerous times, has been National Advanced level champion twice and has either won or placed in the NZ Young Dressage Horse Championship whenever she has had a horse compete. She has trained advanced level riders, national champions, international representatives, and has invested in her professional coaching and riding skills by spending 10 New Zealand winters obtaining international experience and knowledge.

Lucy describes herself as a full-time mum, part-time rider who does minimal work on the farm, where she lives with husband Duncan and daughter Molly. Lucy has competed at the highest level in New Zealand, winning two World Cup rounds, Lady Rider of the Year twice, and the Grand Prix Series, as well as representing New Zealand at senior level against Australia. She has also competed in Australia, Europe and North America.

Eventing

IMAGE Eyewitness Photography

AMANDA POTTINGER

BRINGING HORSES BACK INTO WORK

“Most horses these days I will put on the lunge on the first day, just because I’m not as game as I used to be! I do lots of transitions on the lunge; I don’t do long spells of trot or canter, to get the muscles working but not consistently hammer the same muscles.” The first few months of work consist of a lot of hill work and hacking to build base fitness. “My top eventers would trot up hills three days a week to get condition and strength back, and the other days I start to build in flatwork. I start to jump them after week three, and the first three

particularly while they’re still learning, but one day would be a jump exercise rather than a course.” For a top-level eventer preparing for a big event, for example, Adelaide Three-Day, Amanda does some gallop, or high heart rate, training every four to five days. “Then during that week, they would have one day of flatwork, one day of proper dressage training and one jump day. The other day would be a light flat hack or stretch, and one day off.” Amanda tries to cater to a horse’s strength or weakness. A horse that is weaker in the dressage phase would do more flatwork or

weeks of jumping are exercises rather than jumping courses.”

vice versa for a horse that needs to work on jumping.

FITNESS REGIME

level (seven to eight years old) they would do every second gallop

horse’s level of competition and age.

would be hill work.”

The fitness regime for Amanda’s horses is varied depending on the “I try to get the young horses, the four, five and six-year-olds, up the hills at least once a week, to build muscle. When they’re young,

“The work for a 4 or 5* horse doesn’t change a lot. For the 2 to 3* – so a hard gallop once every ten days – and the other fitness day Depending on the horse, Amanda also incorporates a lot of beach gallops, particularly at the start of the season, for conditioning.

you have to be careful, if you give them a day up the hills that

“For certain horses, I use the beach to lose a bit of weight.

the next day is lighter or a day off, as they can get fatigued. For

Ferg, my top horse, is constantly too fat! I love the beach in terms

older horses, the hills are not so hard, and it doesn’t matter

of its surface because it’s even, with no lumps and bumps. It’s

as much. The younger horses I usually jump twice a week,

consistent for the horses.”

“

There’s no point in blatting a horse in terrible conditions to get under the time if it means you won’t have a horse to show jump the next day. AMANDA’S TOP TIPS FOR:

THE IMPORTANCE OF SURFACE

BUILDING FITNESS & MAINTAINING IT THROUGH A SEASON

“On the beach, I’m picky in that I only gallop at low tide. I don’t want to be hitting any soft spots. The main thing I avoid is soft areas - and that goes for every surface I ride on. I would rather a little bit firm than a bit soft.” When doing particularly hard work, like gallop or strenuous dressage or jump training, Amanda always uses an even surface. “That’s important, so the horse knows what to expect on take-off, landing and every step. It’s important that the surface is the same.” However, if she’s hacking on a long rein or trotting, she doesn’t mind if the surface is rolling, but even “They have to find their balance and know where they’re putting their feet. Without having holes, obviously, I don’t mind rolling ground because it’s good for their co-ordination.” In terms of competition, sometimes the footing might not be ideal when eventing, and that is part of the sport. Amanda says it’s a matter of being sensible. “You have to ask yourself, is this competition the be-all and endall, or do I need to look after my horse for the future? Either a) don’t start, or b) be strategic about speed and the areas you ride on. For example, can you go a longer way on cross country but have a better surface? If I do need to run, how can I best look after my horse’s legs to prepare for a big event? “There are certain days I haven’t run because of the ground, or I’ve come back with 30-time faults because I don’t want to risk an injury by going too fast. It’s like driving to the conditions – you have to ride to the conditions, don’t turn a sharp corner on a greasy day. It’s about being smart. There’s no point in blatting a horse in terrible conditions to get under the time if it means you won’t have a horse to show jump the next day.”

STRENGTHENING LEGS

The main thing Amanda does to help strengthen her horse’s legs is hill work. “When I’m doing high heart rate gallops, it’s also better to have a slight incline – so less distance, but he’s doing more fitness. It’s a matter of getting his heart rate up and building fitness but not putting pressure on his legs every day. A gradual incline means I don’t have to go as far.” In terms of care of legs, icing is an important part of her routine, especially for the top horses. “If they have a big gallop I will ice legs or use cooling boots on their legs. It’s about looking after them at home just as much as when they’re at a competition.”

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HILL WORK No matter what discipline you compete in, Amanda says trotting up hills is very important for fitness, strength and conditioning.

CORRECT FEEDING REGIME Make sure you feed your horse appropriately for the level of work it is doing – this includes not over-feeding. “I experience, in coaching and teaching, over-fed horses often. An overweight horse will find things a lot harder, and it puts unnecessary pressure on their legs if they’re carrying too much weight.”

DONT OVER DO IT On the flip side, making sure your horse is getting enough feed and nutrients to cater to their workload is equally important. “I feed all of my horses NRM Low GI and aim to work them at a high-intensity level and keep putting pressure on without the risk of losing weight. Ninety per cent of my team are Thoroughbreds, and I don’t struggle to put weight on them.”

PLAN YOUR SEASON For upper-level eventers, start your gallop work 12 weeks before your target competition. “I mean 12 weeks out from your key event, not your first competition. But before you start gallop work at all, make sure they have been properly conditioned and strengthened, and have a good base fitness.”

AGE APPROPRIATE TRAINING During the season the majority of Amanda’s horse aged six or older will be worked six times a week, with one day off. Her rough rule of thumb is four-year-olds get worked four times a week, five-year-olds are worked five days a week, and six-years plus get six days.

Show Jumping

IMAGE Cheleken Photography

LUCY FELL

Lucy has a standard routine she repeats each year to bring her horses back into work and get them fit, which is tweaked to suit each horse depending on things like breed (Thoroughbred versus warmblood), physical condition – are they overweight or underweight – and age of the horse. “The two horses I have now, my mare does a lot of fence walking, so she always comes in fairly toned and in good condition, ready to go. Whereas Richie lets himself go and comes in a bit overweight.”

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

Good nutrition over winter is key to ensure the horses come back in as good a condition as possible, ready for work. “I make sure their winter nutrition is kept at a high standard and they have the Pryde’s EasiFeed 150 pellet, supplemented with the Cortaflex HA for joints. My guys are just turned out in paddocks over winter; there’s no stabling or yarding. I don’t mind if they come in with a little extra condition because we bring them in at a cold, horrible time of year and a bit of work soon knocks the extra weight off.” She aims to bring the horses in eight to 10 weeks before the first

show of the season, which will be Central Districts in October for her this year. This allows for the odd day off, should the weather prove really inclement. “The first few days they go on the lunge at walk and trot, just loose lunging, I don’t tie their heads down. It’s more for safety purposes, for the fresh horses! The only disadvantage with lunging is it does put extra strain on them, due to being on a small circle and that’s why I keep it to gentle walking and trotting.” From there, Lucy gets on, and the horses walk and trot for the first week, without much pressure. In weeks two and three she introduces some canter work, in week four pole work is introduced, and in week five small jumps are added.

FITNESS OVER THE SEASON

“Fitness is very, very important. Horses lacking cardiovascular fitness and strength have an increased risk of injury because of fatigue. On the other hand, fit horses are in better body condition, which also reduces the risk of injury. “Fitness is also important for results. You can’t have a horse

“

Fitness is also important for results. You can’t have a horse coming back for a second round and having rails down because it’s tired.

coming back for a second round and having rails down because it’s tired.” Also bear in mind that as work increases, a horse’s nutritional requirements change. “I’m lucky that I have two good “doers” that maintain weight easily and don’t require much energy from their feed. They move from the Pryde’s EasiFeed 150 Pellet onto the Pryde’s EasiRide.”

RIDING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES

Lucy tries to avoid soft, inconsistent, hard or uneven surfaces and is careful about what surfaces she works and jumps her horses on. “But I’m not over the top, because in New Zealand we don’t have perfect footing every week. In the Manawatu our winters and springs are awful, and you can’t ride on grass, so I’m restricted to the arena, farm tracks or the beach.” She works on a variety of surfaces to condition the horses to our changeable show surfaces. “It’s good for their legs and also for their mind, to get them out of the arena.” The reason for avoiding particularly soft, uneven, inconsistent or hard ground is to reduce the risk of injury. “With soft surfaces, it’s the soft tissue that can be damaged, and the hard ground is hard on the joints. Inconsistent is probably the worst because the horse doesn’t know what it’s going to get, and it’s dangerous for their legs.”

STRENGTHENING LEGS

Lucy helps strengthen her horse’s leg by working on a variety of surfaces and incorporating pole work, cavaletti, small jumps and gymnastic work. Don’t make the common mistake of only riding on ‘perfect’ footing or in ‘perfect’ weather as this may limit your horse’s ability to perform in wet or muddy conditions, commonly experienced during the competition season in New Zealand. Road work is also good for increasing bone density, but can be hard on joints, so it’s a balancing act. “My road work is slow and not for too long a duration. For me, road work is done on our farm tracks, which are compacted metal. When working on hard ground, be careful to introduce only short periods of trot initially, increasing duration over time. This will allow the legs time to adjust to the concussive forces experienced. It is essential to keep in mind the delicate balance between stimulating bone and tendon strength, and over doing it, risking injury. “Hill work would also be ideal, but it’s not something I have easy access to, but I would recommend it” But before you go galloping off into the hills, it’s important to make sure that you and your horse have reached a certain level of training, otherwise you won’t be able to ride hills correctly and could even do more damage than good. Check that you are able to ride your horse in a steady rhythm in all three paces and your horse has some fitness.

LUCY’S TOP TIPS FOR:

BUILDING FITNESS & MAINTAINING IT THROUGH A SEASON

1 2 3 4 5 6

VARIETY OF WORK For show jumping it’s hard to get a horse super fit in an arena, and that’s where road work, beach gallops, hill work, frequent small jumping sessions and swimming (if you have access to a pool or water treadmill) come in. Swimming is excellent as it has no impact on joints.

CONSISTENT WORK Pre-season, Lucy aims to work the horses six days a week, weather dependent.

HACKING OUT Going for long hacks can be useful for increasing a horse’s fitness, without drilling it in the arena. It’s also good for his mental well-being because it keeps him mentally fresh. Plus, by exposing your horse to different stimulation when you hack out he’ll quickly get used to more things.

TIME OFF Make sure you’re giving your horse adequate rest to allow for recovery and repair, so following a hard workout with an easy day or a day off.

NUTRITION If you have a good system, good nutrition, a bit of luck, and build up fitness over time, then you have a good foundation for keeping your horse sound and fit throughout the season.

GOOD HORSEMANSHIP In your build up to competition include some walking and trotting work on less than perfect footing and ride in all weather conditions. Trekking through forests, farm land and on beaches introduces your horse to an array of ground surfaces that will not only help him to physically adapt but will mentally prepare him for less than ideal competition situations.

Dressage

IMAGE Libby Law Photography

CHRISTINE WEAL

SEASON/FITNESS REGIME

Christine says the most important thing is to be consistent in your work, starting with a lesser workload and gradually building the horse up to full fitness. Preparing performance horses for competition involves a planned and systematic approach to training that enables the horse to adapt to the demands placed on its body. “We do quite a bit of walking at the start. With dressage horses, a lot don’t get turned out as such during the winter and, if they do, often it’s only for a couple of weeks at a time. But the work is lessened, so they aren’t working at 100% at all times of the year. “They have to have a lot of strength to do the movements and get

“For example, we have a young horse who’s getting up to 18hh and has just turned six. He’s growing a lot, so he’s been in and out all the way through. He’s been out to a few shows, but basically, I’m playing with him, so I’m not putting too much pressure on his joints. “He has to train so that he learns to stay together and supple while learning the movements and, because I’m mindful of his size, if he becomes long and difficult to ride then he will be too strong for me. But also, I have to give him time to mature and grow. I’m lucky he is really trainable.” Working on a good surface is key, and Christine does a variety of different exercises with her horses to keep the work interesting and the horses supple.

the power needed, so we don’t want to lose muscle that you get

“An older horse might do canter pirouettes one day, and collected

when turned out for long periods and then the time taken to regain

work, which is quite hard work, and the next day will be a suppling

it again,” she explains.

day, so you’re not using the same muscles day after day.

The fitness regime varies, depending on the horse, as they are

“We do a bit with trotting poles, and free jump them now and

all different in their personalities and things they need to work on

again. This gives them some variety both mentally and physically,

to become stronger. Christine takes into account things like age,

so that they are using different muscles and being quick and

conformation, what level they are competing at any given time.

athletic on their feet”.

“

Even if you are working in a paddock, make sure it’s not too hard and also not muddy and slippery, as you don’t want the horse to lose confidence or injure itself.

CHRISTINE’S TOP TIPS FOR:

THE IMPORTANCE OF SURFACE

BUILDING FITNESS & MAINTAINING IT THROUGH A SEASON

It is vital to work dressage horses on good surfaces, she says. “The hard thing with dressage horses can be keeping them sound long term.” A good surface would be something that’s not too deep, but also not too hard, has a small amount of spring and one that doesn’t have any ‘shift’. “That’s because we want them to move bigger, as well as collect and be more supple, so the surface can’t be too jarring.” Ideally, a fibre and sand surface is best - like what they have in Europe but if this is not always possible, then learn to bandage to support your horse’s tendons and ligaments. “The problem we have is, except for Taupo indoor, some of the

show’s surfaces are inconsistent, so you’ve got to make sure their legs are hardened to other surfaces. We are lucky to have an outdoor sand arena, a farm, and farm races to ride our horses on, so can we do a bit of hacking or a bit of pace work in the paddock. “For dressage horses, grass arenas are not ideal because they can’t get a grip on it to push bigger in their movement and then collect and sit more. Also, if the ground is hard and there’s dew, it can get quite slippery, and then they lose confidence. It’s a bit of a talking point for riders, as we are asking more of our horses and wanting them to move bigger and collect more, which is hard when surfaces are changeable. But better surfaces cost money and New Zealand is a work in progress in that area.” If you have an arena at home, it’s important to look after it and maintain the same deepness – not too hard and not over-deep – keep it consistent and ensure there are no patches of . “Even if you are working in a paddock, make sure it’s not too hard and also not muddy and slippery, as you don’t want the horse to lose confidence or injure itself.”

STRENGTHENING LEGS

In New Zealand we do not always have the benefit of competing on beautifully groomed show arenas, with our horses often having to compete on less than perfect surfaces. Ground conditions vary from show to show throughout the country and it is important that schooling at home gradually incorporates work on different surfaces, including soft and hard ground, to condition the horse’s legs for all eventualities. If a horse has worked hard, its legs will be iced. If a horse is at a competition and becomes a bit jarred up, massage or physio will also be used. They use a Pulse blanket or Arc Equine machine for maintenance. “We try to look after them like they are an athlete. They get whatever they need, and every horse’s management is different we ensure they get better looked after than us!”

2 3 4

CONSISTENT WORK Be consistent with your workload. “Our horses are brought up and down through the season; they’re not at 100% all the time, we work around the big shows. We don’t push the horses 100% every day, and we do a lot of suppling work.” By consistent, Christine means don’t work the horse hard one day and then give it four days off. “A lot of our horses are boxed full-time or in at night and are managed around their personalities and what suits them. This takes more time and work, but I believe you need to spend time with your horses to know them. If they’re boxed, they have to come out every day, either to be walked or lightly worked if it is wet, or in the large sand yards if they have grass issues, or paddock for a couple of hours. It’s better to be consistent and work them for 20 minutes every day than to not ride for four days and then work a horse for 45 minutes under pressure.”

FARRIER WORK For strengthening legs, it’s really important to have a good farrier who understands balance and movement and is invested and consistent in how he shoes the horses each time.

COOLING DOWN Make sure horses are cooled off properly after work, keeping the back warm during warm up and cool down by using quarter sheets. They should be walked and dried off after work, particularly if it’s a colder day, and they’re not clipped, before being put away.

FEEDING FOR PURPOSE “Always ensure that the horses get their required nutritional needs met, and be aware that these may vary throughout the year and competition season. We feed Dunstan Feeds to keep our horses at the top of their game." C

SPECIAL FEATURE

Condition

WORDS Cheyenne Nicholson MAIN IMAGE Hannah O’Brien

the thin

horse

Building weight and condition on a horse is like building a house. A house with a poor foundation will never be able to realise its full potential. Horses are just the same. Without the fundamental aspects of feeding in place, it’s impossible to have a healthy, well-rounded animal. We spoke with five experts in the field of equine nutrition and health to find out how to build a healthy horse.

OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS: GRETEL WEBBER Equine Nutritionist at Dunstan Horse Feeds

DR ALEX LEANDER Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre

ANDREW WILLS Director of Equilibrium Australia

VICTORIA WALL Elite Equine Performance Nutrition

NIKITA STOWERS Equine Nutritionist at Vani

A poor diet and a worm burden often presents itself in horses as a lack of ability to put on weight, dull coat, reduced appetite.

The why of weight loss

Before you can start to assess your horse’s diet and make improvements, owners must first rule out underlying conditions that might be preventing them from gaining weight. Horses can lose condition for several reasons; dental issues, gastric ulcers, worms, deficiencies and other more severe health issues. Nikita says a good starting point is to get blood tested, faecal egg counts and an assessment by your veterinarian if you are concerned, to rule out anything too nasty. “Often, issues such as gastric ulcers can prevent a horse from gaining weight despite enough feed and calories going in. Once problems like these are resolved, you might find it is easier for your horse to gain weight.” A worm burden often presents itself in horses as a lack of ability to put on weight, dull coat, reduced appetite and even mild colic. Make sure you are up to date with your worming programme. Faecal egg counts (FEC) are a useful tool to confirm the type of worm and ensure you can treat accordingly. “Not all wormers work on all worms. FEC are a good tool for keeping on top of worms and enables us to see if there may be a resistance issue there,” says Alex. As well as worming, having sound management practices can help in the fight against worms. Things like the collection of droppings, low stocking rates and paddock rotation can help. “We all know the issues we are having with resistance, and as horse owners, we need to learn a lot about how to manage worms better,” adds Gretel.

Teeth

Uneven wear can cause hooks, waves and other malformations that inhibit chewing. Cracked, broken or infected teeth can be painful enough to prevent a horse from chewing his food properly. In addition to weight loss, signs that a horse is experiencing dental problems might include dropping partially chewed feed from the mouth, bad breath, fussiness with the bit and unchewed grains and bits of hay in the manure. “If a horse has bad teeth and they aren’t able to chew their food properly, then they may have compromised starch digestion which can lead to poor hind-gut health,” says Gretel Horses have a highly specialised large intestine (caecum and colon) commonly known as the hind-gut. It is essential to the function of the horse’s overall digestive system and it is essential for bacterial content. When feed is processed in the digestive system, it is fermented and digested by bacteria in the hind-gut, which then provides the horse with energy, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. “This (hind-gut health) is one thing I do think is an issue. We always assume that the more calories in, the fatter you get. In the Having sound management practices can help in the fight against worms. Things like the collection of droppings, low stocking rates and paddock rotation can help.

A faecal egg count measures the number of strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of his manure. last few years, it’s become apparent that for some horses that’s not the case, and that’s because the hind-gut is becoming inefficient,” says Gretel. The hind-gut is ultimately designed to digest fibre. When increasing calories, often grain feed is increased, which contains a high starch content, which the hind-gut isn’t able to process. Excess starch creates an undesirable environment for the good bacteria that digest fibre. “The microbial environment changes, so suddenly, fibre digestion becomes inefficient. If they have good hind-gut health, they produce their B-vitamins, and as soon we muck that up it can lead to issues like colic, biotin deficiency, vitamin B1 deficiency, reduced fibre fermentation and even laminitis.” The key to maintaining a health hind-gut is ensuring a good population of beneficial bacteria by feeding plenty of forage like hay, haylage and pasture. “Probiotics can sometimes help to encourage the good bacteria, but if you don’t have a good basic diet in place which is high in fibre, then it’s not going to do much good.” Often, the main culprit behind low bodyweight is lack of calorie intake and proper feed management. “Often if someone’s owned a horse for a long time and weight loss has happened over time, I’ll get owners to start weighing their feed. Nine times out of 10, they aren’t feeding them enough,” says Gretel. She adds, “it’s incredible how much they get out of grazing pasture and how well they can do on it if there is enough quantity and quality.“ Stress, pain, age and other health issues can also impact horse condition. Something as simple as a change in location or the addition of a paddock mate can be enough to cause stress. Deficiency of some minerals can also lead to weight loss (like selenium). Some feeding practices can also adversely affect a healthy gut biome resulting in a decrease in the production of vitamins like Biotin and Vitamin K. “If owners supplement these and see improvement in horses coat, condition and hooves, then it’s a sign that the feeding regime needs to be looked at,” says Andrew.

Sudden and rapid weight loss in horses is never normal, and you should always contact your vet straight away. For severely underweight horses, it is always best to consult with your vet for feeding recommendations and practices. 90

Feeding for weight gain

Once you have ruled out other causes of weight loss and a horse is free from worms, its teeth are in good shape, and there are no underlying health issues, then putting weight on a horse is a simple matter of them consuming more calories and expending less. When a horse does not have enough calories or protein in its diet, the body will break down the muscle tissue and deplete much of the adipose tissue or fat. Energy comes from three main sources; fibre, fat and protein. Before embarking on any changes to your current feed programme, Gretel suggests assessing the horse’s current diet to see where there are gaps and where changes can be made. Weighing out a horse’s current supplementary feed and carrying out a pasture analysis, randomly select 12 to 20 sites where horses have been grazing and clip a handful of forage at grazing height, can be useful to get a baseline of current nutrition.

Feeding little and often is sometimes the best way for an underweight horse

What to feed

Adequate fibre is essential for optimum digestive health as a horse’s system is designed to be processing feed all the time. Pasture is the main and most readily available source of fibre; however, it can vary a lot in quality and quantity throughout the year. When pasture is limited, a good supply of hay or haylage to supplement this shortfall is important. Horses require a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in fibre (on a dry matter basis). For a 500kg horse, this is equivalent to 7.5kg of fibre. “This can be made up of pasture, hay and other forage sources but should always be met to ensure their gut is functioning properly. Before looking at hard feeds make sure you are meeting their requirement for fibre and forage, after all, they are a grazing animal that requires constant access to food, unlike humans who are designed to eat meals,” says Nikita. Some forage sources may be better than others for underweight horses. Clover and lucerne-based hays and forages are higher in calories and protein than other options, but the amount of fibre is critical. “It’s not just fibre for gut health; you do get calories from hay, grass and other fibre sources (like beet). They are valuable calories that help maintain hind-gut health and keep the digestive system going. The only reason we feed other sources of energy is because Adequate fibre is fundamentally essential for optimum digestive health as a horse’s system cannot function sufficiently without it

that most fibres are not as calorie-dense as we need them to be for horses in work or horses who need extra weight,” says Gretel. Super fibres are just that, as they provide a more calorie-dense fibre option. Things like sugar beet pulp products contain a similar calorie level to some grains, as a fibre source they optimise equine digestive health as well as calories intake. Out in the paddock, it’s important to remember that horses can be picky eaters and when in group situations, the hierarchy can mean the horse at the bottom of the pecking order may get less nutritional value out of pasture than dominant horses. “It’s easy to look at a paddock and go yep I’ve got plenty of grass. If you look at it and analyse it, it’s often grasses horses don’t eat until they have to or the grass is in unpalatable areas. Educating yourself on pastures and management can be handy to get the most out of your paddocks,” says Alex. Along with nutritional benefits, fibre also creates a ‘fibrous raft’ in the stomach which can help prevent acidic splash that comes with gastric ulcers, adds Alex. Hard feed once you are confident that you’ve met your horse’s forage requirements, you can then start to look at ways of increasing the number of calories in your horse’s diet. “This is primarily done through starch based feeds (more commonly referred to as hard feeds) and fat supplements. Try not to feed your horse too much starch in one meal. As a general rule, don’t exceed 1.5-2g starch per kg of body weight per meal. Again, for a 500kg horse this would be no more than 750g-1000g of starch per meal,” says Nikita. If you need help with figuring this out for your horse, it is best to consult with a feed professional or nutritionist. “Some horses such as those with laminitis require even lower levels of starch,” she adds. Oils are just pure calories and great for putting on condition and coat health. Horses have a great ability to digest reasonable amounts of fat in their diets. They can also contribute good omega depending on which oils are fed. “Fat based supplements and oils can make up to 15-20% of the horse’s diet, usually without any negative effects provided they are

introduced gradually. Oils are very energy/calorie-dense, and in one cup of oil there is roughly the same amount of calories as one regular scoop of hard feed so it can be a good way of increasing calories without increasing their meal size too much.” Fat is also more slow-release then starch, and a ‘safe’ form of energy so provides the calories without the unwanted ‘fizzy’ behaviour that is sometimes seen with hard feeds. When choosing oils, some consideration of the omega profile should be given. Pasture is typically high in omega-3, which has anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, horses that have limited pasture intake require more consideration to the omega-3 profile in their diet. “Using oils with a good Omega 3 profile is important, oils such as flaxseed, canola oil and blended oils are excellent to add calories and promote a healthy omega profile,” says Gretel Like any change to a horse’s diet, the introduction of oil should be gradual to allow the system time to adjust. Starting at around 20-50ml a day and working up to one cup, twice a day maximum. Every horse will have a different ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to the amount of oil they can tolerate. “One important thing to point out is the quality control of oils. Oils can go off, but you can’t tell that by looking at them or smelling them. Oils that have gone rancid form free radicals that can damage cells. Don’t bulk buy oil unless you’re going to use it quickly. Always keep it in a cool dark place and turn over quickly,” says Alex. Protein is vital for growing horses and muscle development. It is particularly important in older horses who don’t synthesise protein as well as younger horses. Cereal grains and pre-mixed feeds are other options to add to a horse’s diet to boost energy content and therefore, calories. Horses should not be fed more than 2kg of hard feed (excluding chaff and beet) in one sitting. If the recommended feeding rate for your horse is 6kg a day, this would mean splitting the feed across three meals. Grain to fibre ratio should not exceed 50:50. “Opting for a complete feed that is suitable for your horse, its temperament and workload at the recommended intake is a good starting point. Adding in extra calories doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Gretel who adds “get yourself a set of scales and weigh your feed! I often speak with people who guestimate their feed and are unknowingly underfeeding their horse so seeing no effect.” Hay is equally a great source of fibre when grass is low in summer

A versatile, slow-release energy, forage fibre suitable for all horses is known to facilitate better digestion, gut function and overall digestive health in horses.

Beet feeds have valuable calories that help maintain hind-gut health and keep the digestive system going.

Minerals

Minerals are essential for all bodily functions from enzyme reactions through to cell function. Horses evolved roaming across thousands of square kilometres where they would balance out their nutritional needs by grazing different pasture species and legumes in different locations. Modern-day horses don’t always have that luxury. Along with the seasonal changes in pasture composition and the known mineral deficiencies in much of our farmland, mineral supplementation is often needed to ensure our horses can run efficiently and get the most out of their feed. “We always advise owners to simplify feeding regimes as much as possible. The top priorities are fresh water and plentiful amounts of fibre. Nutritional variation is just a part of life so a well-balanced, high-quality supplement designed for horses will help minimise the chances of malnutrition brought on by deficiency or imbalances in feed sources,” says Andrew. A mineral supplement isn’t just supplementing the horse, but it can also provide nutrient to the gut microbiome. “We have had anecdotal feedback over the years that supports the idea that horses which are nutritionally supplemented with vitamins and minerals tend to utilize their feed better than when they weren’t, many have reported seeing improvement in their horse’s weight and condition despite not feeding any extra feed.” Victoria says that along with getting the basics right, including looking after hind-gut health, mineral supplementation is essential to ensure horses to be more than just healthy but to thrive. Minerals come in two forms; organic or inorganic. Organic refers to the structure, stability, and how absorbable a mineral is to a horse. The highest level of stability and absorption is a chelated proteinate mineral. These minerals have atoms linked with protein which is very stable in gut acid and are fully absorbed. “High-quality organic minerals are selectively taken up by the body, are completely bio-available, stable in the gastric system and the tub, and are almost completely non-toxic. Any excesses are easily excreted. Synthetic minerals are absorbed by osmosis, meaning the principle of equalisation. They are taken in by the body indiscriminately, are far less stable under changes of pH, therefore are far less bio-available,” says Victoria. Organic and inorganic minerals have different absorption

levels. So, if you feed a supplement with varying forms of minerals, the horse absorbs different amounts of each one, causing imbalances. “The benefit of feeding a supplement over a pre-mixed feed is that the nutrients your horse is getting are not dependant on feed quantity. Horses will only get the full dose of minerals if they feed at the recommended feeding rate, which if you have a go doer, they might not be getting enough. “If feeding a pre-mixed feed at the recommended intake for your horse then additional vitamin and mineral supplementation should only be undertaken if advised by your vet or equine nutritionist, other than basic’s like salt,” adds Gretel.

GUIDELINES FOR WEIGHT GAIN Nikita says that when trying to increase a horse’s weight, owners often make some fundamental mistakes that can prevent their horses from gaining weight and often make their horses even skinnier. If your horse needs to gain weight here are a few pointers, so you don’t fall into this trap: FEED LITTLE AND OFTEN This is especially important where you are feeding large amounts of hard feeds as these cannot be fed in a single meal due to the risk of starch spill over to the hind-gut and the relatively small size of a horse’s stomach. Splitting feed into several small meals a day without increasing the feed amount will mean you get much more from your horse’s diet. WEIGH YOUR HORSE’S FEEDS This way, you know how much they are getting of each feed and try and increase this amount slowly up to the safe feeding level. Check the packaging for recommended feeding rates. DON’T CHANGE YOUR FEED REGIME AROUND TOO MUCH Be patient! Weight gain should be a slow and steady process, and won’t happen overnight. Be prepared to achieve this over a few months rather than weeks. TRACK YOUR HORSE’S PROGRESS Using photos, a weight tape and body condition scoring is a useful tool to track your horse’s changes. Doing this will help you see the small gains that we may miss with our eye, especially if we see them every day. This can help you stay motivated and know you are making progress!

BODY SCORE CHART

Call your veterinarian urgently!

Sunken rump and deep cavity under tail. For example; older horse not eating or starvation. NECK: Bone structure felt easily, no muscle shelf where neck meets shoulder area. WITHER: Bone structure easily felt and visible. BACK & LOIN: 3 points of vertebrae easily felt. RIBS: Ribs felt easily, skin tight. HINDQUARTERS: Tail head and hip bones will be projecting.

Very thin with prominent pelvis and croup, ribs are visible. NECK & WITHER: Can feel & see bone structure. RIBS: Easily visible. BACK & LOIN: Spinous process can be easily felt, transverse processes have slight fat covering. HINDQUARTERS: Prominence of hip bones, overall appearance is pointy.

Thin with flat rump, croup well defined, some fat. For example; a fit eventing horse, polo pony or endurance horse. NECK: Fat covering over bone structure. WITHER: Fat deposits over withers, dependent on conformation. BACK & LOIN: Fat over spinous processes. RIBS: Can’t see ribs, but ribs can still be felt. HINDQUARTERS: Hip bones covered with light layer of fat.

Ribs and pelvis covered with fat and rounded. For example; a horse in show condition. NECK: Neck flows smoothly into shoulder. WITHER: Neck rounds out wither area. BACK & LOIN: Back is level. RIBS: Covered ribs. HINDQUARTERS: Can’t feel hip bones.

Excessive fat covering ribs and pelvis; e.g. a mature horse with too much feed and not enough work. CREST: Slight crest, wide and firm. NECK: Fat deposited along the crest. WITHER: Fat padded around withers, giving a flat appearance. BACK & LOIN: Crease along back. RIBS: Spongy over and between ribs. HINDQUARTERS: Can’t feel hip bones

Severe over-condition with ribs and pelvis that cannot be felt, deep gutter in back; e.g. a fat pony prone to Laminitis. NECK: Bulging fat. CREST: Wide and hard. WITHER: Bulging fat. BACK & LOIN: Deep crease. RIBS: Pockets of fat and difficult to feel or see. HINDQUARTERS: Pockets of fat deposits with lumpy appearance. C

SPECIAL FEATURE WORDS Cheyenne Nicholson MAIN IMAGE Cornege Photography

Get the RIGHT BIT Mullen mouth, double-jointed, straight bar, leverage or snaffle? There are options within options when it comes to finding the right bit for you, and your horse and many people find themselves a bit overwhelmed at the choices on offer. We caught up with Charmae Bell owner and bitting specialist at Bit Bank Australia to find out the ins and outs of finding the right bit.

The purpose of bits is to create another communication channel between horse and rider. Different styles of bits can be used to refine or enhance communication in order to perform different movements and influence different reactions from the horse. It is important to remember that finding the ‘perfect bit’ can never compensate for a lack of rider ability.

“One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is thinking that rideability problems can be solved with a new or ‘special’ bit,” says Charmae. 96

STAINLESS STEEL EGGBUTT SNAFFLE BIT BY SPRENGER

TYPES OF BITS Snaffle bits

The snaffle is the largest biting group and often said to be the kindest. The snaffle is a ‘direct action’ bit with no curb or poll pressure applied. The bit acts firstly on the horses’ lips in an upward action, as the horse flexes more at the poll as he works more correctly, the pressure on the tongue and bars is increased.

LOOSE RING SNAFFLE BIT BY MYLER

Curb or leverage bits

These bits employ pressure across the lower jaw and tongue, the poll and, if a curb chain or strap is fitted, also applies pressure to the curb groove. They give riders additional power through the rein aids in much the same way a tyre-iron helps you to undo nuts on a car tyre. These bits are often useful to ask horses to lower their head.

Mouthpieces

There are three basic mouthpiece styles; single jointed, double jointed and mullen. There are many variations within these as well; curves, ports, angles, different jointed shapes and sizes.

SLIDING CHEEK WEYMOUTH BY ZILCO

“In essence, they all work to communicate with the horse by using different pressure points in the mouth.”

Single jointed:

A traditional single jointed works on tongue and bar pressure. It often gets a bad rap for its ‘nutcracker’ effect. “People often believe that these bits hit the horse in the palate where in actual fact the joint pushes down on the tongue. The ‘nutcracker’ effect is actually used to describe the action of the bit closing up under contact and squeezing the lower jaw – like a nutcracker on a walnut.” A more modern single joint has been designed with a locking action or a pronounced curve to reduce ‘nutcracker ‘action.

TITANIUM SINGLE JOINTED LOOSE RING SNAFFLE BY BOMBERS

Double jointed:

These bits use a more gentle, even, whole mouth pressure with the main focus being on the tongue. “Traditionally they work directly on the horse’s tongue with some bar and lip pressure. Some fantastic innovations in bitting technology have seen a huge increase in the popularity of doublejointed bits that offer tongue relief.”

DOUBLE JOINTED TRAINING EGGBUTT BY ZILCO

Mullen mouth:

WEYMOUTH HAPPY TONGUE TITANIUM BY BOMBERS

Mullen is the term used to describe a straight bar with no join or movement. It can be straight across, ported, curved or ported and curved. These bits are great for really over-reactive mouths as there is no movement.

Material of mouthpiece:

These are all about bit acceptance. Sweet iron and copper alloy type materials are developed to be warm and sweet in the mouth to encourage salivation. “Synthetic materials are fabulous for really sensitive horses who object to metal or just have no confidence in the bit.”

SWEET IRON EGGBUT BRADOON BY TRUST BITS

Cheekpieces:

These vary just as much as mouthpieces. “Fixed cheek bits tend to be better for young, green or inconsistent horses as they are much stiller in the mouth than say a loose ring, which is great for an established horse who has reached a point in his education where the communication through the reins is very light.”

WINNING TONGUE PLATE LIGHTWEIGHT FULL CHEEK BY WTP

BRIDLE AND BITS In some cases, the type of bridle used may impact the effectiveness of the bit you use. The traditional English bridle is much more effective for the leverage bit family as there is a direct on-piece strap from bit to poll, which enables effective poll pressure. “The Collegiate Comfitec bridle is an excellent piece of equipment that helps hold the bit stiller and higher in the mouth and off the tongue without having the bit cranked up tight in the horse’s mouth.”

DOES MY HORSE NEED A DIFFERENT BIT?

It is important to remember that a new bit is never a quick fix and training should be utilised alongside any new piece of tack. However, there are a few key things to keep an eye out for that might signal your horse isn’t happy with their current bit.

Common signs of bit discomfort • • • • • • • • • • •

Opening mouth under contact Pulling Aggressive chewing Leaning on the rider’s hands Head carriage above, behind or below the bit Putting the tongue over the bit or sucking it back in the mouth Resistance in the jaw and lack of lateral flexion Head shaking Reefing the reins out of rider’s hands Reluctance to go forwards Over-tight noseband

Left: A correctly fitted noseband and a well fitted bit shows the horse’s comfort in the contact. Below: Poor fitted or over tight nosebands are a contributor to horses being uncomfortable.

✓ SIZE MATTERS

“Bits that are too big and/or too thick are the most common issue I come across. With the advances in modern bitting technology, we simply don’t fit bits the same as we did 20 years ago.” For example, the new double-jointed bit in loose ring form only needs 2-5mm gap maximum between the lip and the ring as these bits come further out of the mouth under contact. In fixed side form (eggbutt, dee, full cheesk etc.) the bit needs to be sitting right up against the lips with no gap at all. A bit that is too big will slide in the mouth and potentially pinch the outer edges of the tongue as well as create friction and rubs the outer lips.

Thicker bits?

“Bits that are thicker are perceived to be kinder; this is not entirely the case. A bit that is too thick will not enable the horse to comfortably close their mouth around the bit, creating discomfort and potential contact and tongue issues. The maximum thickness I recommend for any horse is 16mm in diameter.” Put your finger in your horse’s mouth between the top and bottom jaw over the top of the tongue and you’ll quickly realise that they don’t have a lot of room between the top and bottom jaw to accommodate a big thick bit. Mouths with a small gap between the upper and lower jawbone will exert strong pressure on the fingers and will require a bit with a narrower mouthpiece in order to fit comfortably. Horses are also considered ‘obligate nasal breathers’ - their

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✗ physical anatomy means they cannot breathe orally. The epiglottis sits above the soft palate while the animal is not swallowing, which forms a seal. A thick bit affects the action of swallowing and nasal breathing and often causes a horse to suck its tongue back in an attempt to make the airtight seal leading to: • • •

Tension in the jaw and neck Displacement of the soft palate Tongue over the bit

•

Horse can get seemingly ‘hot’ or ‘panicked’ unexpectedly

So this lovely thick bit spreads pressure over a larger surface area but the horse can’t close his mouth comfortably around it leading to: • • • • • •

Fussing with the bit Inconsistency in the contact Non-acceptance of the bit Grinding the bit Opening the mouth Breathing inconsistencies

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HORSE’S MOUTH

Finding the right bit for a horse’s mouth is a bit like finding the perfect-fitting pair of shoes- there are a lot of variables. One of the most important is the size and shape of a horse’s jaw, which can vary horse to horse. Any bit you choose should fit comfortably in the space between the upper and lower jaws (the interdental space), which may impact the type of mouthpiece that will suit your horse best. “A horse with a narrow lower jaw cannot tolerate a three-piece bit with a larger centre link as it will impact on the outer edges of the tongue as well as the bars of the mouth. A horse with a small interdental space should have a bit of the appropriate thickness as to not crowd the mouth.” Carefully insert two fingers in the horse’s mouth at the point where the bit usually lies. Mouths with a small gap between

the upper and lower jawbone will exert strong pressure on the fingers and will require a bit with a narrower mouthpiece in order to fit comfortably. “A bit that is too big will slide in the mouth, causing injury to the outer edges of the tongue and create rubs on the side of the face as when they slide in the mouth they create friction and cause folds of skin to rub together. A bit that is too small will squash the horses’ inner cheeks into the teeth, causing the horse to bite the inside of his mouth. Newer modern loose rings don’t need any more than 2-5mm gap between the hole and lip, any bigger and they will actually rub.” When it comes to the “one wrinkle rule” Charmae says it is outdated and riders should be opening their horse’s mouth to check for bit position. “The bit should lay equally between the upper molar and lower canine (or in the event of a mare, the spot where the lower canine should be, you can usually feel a bump in the jawbone if you run your finger along the bar.) A horse with a short lip line is going to be much more comfortable with a bit sitting a little tighter and not falling into their teeth and respectively for a horse with stretchy lips – they will be much more comfortable with the bit dropped lower as not to hit on the molars under contact. “The only way to know for sure is to try it, qualified bit fitters often have a good range of bits to try out, and Bit Banks are a great way to buy on 30 day trial without the financial risk of buying several bits that won’t work.” It is also important to remember that bits behave differently under contact, and it’s really important to understand how your bit works when pressure is applied – a qualified bit fitter can help you through this process. “Finding the right bit isn’t an exact science. What works for one horse may not work for another. Often we have two similar horses with similar symptoms that end up in two completely different bits. Your horse will tell you what it does and doesn’t like.”

STRONG HORSE EQUALS STRONG BIT?

“The ‘red mist’ horse. Typically a horse who goes beautifully on the flat, but as soon as they see a crosscountry or show jumping course with its big open fields and jumps, they want to go hell for leather.”

“Many ‘strong’ horses can be corrected with the right training. A different bit can be used to accelerate this training and give the horse and rider a safer, more harmonious ride,” says Charmae. She adds that there are two scenarios that to her, warrant a stronger bit. The ‘red mist’ horse. Typically a horse who goes beautifully on the flat, but as soon as they see a crosscountry course with its big open fields and jumps, they want to go hell for leather. “They stop listening to the snaffle which served them fine on the flat and the safety of the rider becomes compromised. People often perceive gags and the like to be stronger or harsher, I’d much rather see a rider over cross-country safely using as little force as possible on the rein and allowing release in the gag than hanging on for dear life with a snaffle for the sake of being ‘kind’.” Charmae says that many of the bits she recommends when a horse gets strong are still kind within the mouth but add another area of pressure. Going from a snaffle which uses mouth only, to a leverage bit that uses poll pressure as well is usually enough. Big horse, little rider. A stronger bit can often be needed here to allow the rider to communicate effectively with the horse. A bit that uses different pressure can give the smaller rider the mechanical advantage needed to perform. “And of course any situation where the safety of the rider becomes an issue may call for a more suitable bit.”

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BITS ARE NOT A FIX ALL

georgia worth

equine dental care

The reasons for your horse leaning or pulling when jumping can be many and varied, so you need to take into account things like: • Have you recently increased the workload or difficulty of work? • Is he fit and strong enough for the work being asked? • Is your horse pain free in both mouth and back? • Is your horse educated enough to understand your rein aids? • Are you allowing your horse to travel at an adequate speed for him to have the power to jump in a balanced way, or is he pulling to try and get more power? Sometimes though, a change of bit can help you through a training bump. If you are using a fixed cheek snaffle, such as an eggbutt or full cheek, then the first thing for you to try is to change to a loose ring. If you have tried that, and it’s not quite enough, here are a few specific styles of bits that I recommend to help the rider with a horse that can be strong when jumping, either cross country or showjumping. As with any training issue, be sure to seek the advice of your coach when changing your bit to tackle a “control” issue: • Pelham • Neue Schule Verbindend • Running Gag

LIFESPAN OF BITS Qualified Equine Dental Technician & Member of the IAED

Contrary to popular belief, modern bits are not lifelong items. “Stainless steel will last mostly forever, the copper alloys such as Sprenger Sensogan and Neue Schule Salox Gold are copper alloy materials designed to increase bit acceptance, these materials will wear through over time and should be inspected regularly. Plastic and synthetic rubber bits do degrade over time and become brittle – keep them out of the sun and well washed for the longest performance.

Available in the wider Waikato & Auckland Region’s. Other areas by arrangement.

Six monthly to annual checks are very important for all horses.

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

DENTISTRY

A common sign that a horses teeth need tending to is bit reluctance and discomfort, the first thing to do is get your horse’s mouth and teeth checked. Ideally, your horse’s teeth should be checked by a professional at least once a year. Learn the signs that it is time to call an equine dentist or veterinarian to check your horse’s teeth even if it has been less than a year. A horse that fusses with the bit may be reacting to discomfort caused solely by the bit, or as with head tossing, dental problems that make holding the bit uncomfortable. Sometimes extra teeth could be the problem and your horse might need a bit seat or teeth removed. “A horse with a severe structural issue such as parrot mouth may need some specialist bitting considerations and again that’s where a qualified dentist or bit fitter can assist in making the right choice from the beginning to prevent any issues down the track,” says Charmae. C

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INSIDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S shopping guide New

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By Elite Equine Nutrition Compete is total system support for hard-working horses, or for horses that need a bit more condition, strength, or help recovering from illness or winter aliments like mud fever. $85.90 for 1.5kg (one month supply) www.eliteequine.co.nz

Ice Hock Boots

From Zilco Shaped to wrap around the hock with three elastic straps so as to remain in place. Store in freezer ready to use. Sold as a pair. RRP $94.90. From your local Zilco stockist. www.zilco.co.nz

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Dublin Kylee Short Sleeve Shirt

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Veredus Young Jump Vento Hind Boots

From South Canterbury Saddlery Fetlock protector with size and weights complying with the International Rules for “Young Horses” categories. $195.00. www.scsaddlery.co.nz

Collegiate Esteem Dressage Saddle

Black in 16.5”-18”. RRP $2499.00. Available from all good retailers. www.collegiatesaddlery.co.nz

Harcour Cella Womens Show Jacket

From South Canterbury Saddlery Water Repellent Stretch Show Jacket, with a hidden zipper. www.scsaddlery.co.nz

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From Zilco Space for two large bridles, sturdy carry and shoulder straps. A bottom pocket to store essentials. RRP $99.90. Matching helmet and boot bags are also available. From your local Zilco stockist. www.zilco.co.nz

Healing Spray & Broad Sprectrum Wash

By Farmassist Effective against bacteria, virus and fungi. Fast acting, safe and non-toxic not only for your horses skin but for their environment too. Coupled together with Farmassist Healing Spray these two products will have you covered for many equine complaints! Now sold in 5L. From $39.95. www.farmasissist.co.nz

Butet ERG Training Girth

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Gold Crown Transport Halter

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Mountain Horse Boots

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STUDS & STALLIONS ISSUE TWO | 2019

CANDYMAN GNZ

HOLSTEIN

CANDYMAN GNZ IS A SENSATIONAL YOUNG STALLION WITH THE LOOKS, MOVEMENT AND PEDIGREE OF A SUPERSTAR AND ALMOST UNLIMITED ABILITIES WITH A REFINED TECHNIQUE.

CANDYMAN GNZ

This magnificent 16.1hh young stallion exhibits athleticism, scope, and correct conformation suitable for breeding a modern type of showjumping or eventing athlete. His ancestry is not only loaded with extraordinary mare families, but also stallions who are well recognised for their ‘history-making’ influence. His progeny are outstanding, see image below.

Dam Lily GNZ (Holsteiner)

Carentino Casall

(Holsteiner)

Caletto II (Holsteiner)

Isidor

(Holsteiner)

Kira XVII (Holsteiner)

Lavall I

(Holsteiner)

Maltia

(Holsteiner)

Corrado 1 Lily GNZ (Holsteiner)

(Holsteiner)

(Selle Français HLP)

Soleil

(Holsteiner)

Fleets Treat Jnr GNZ (Holsteiner)

Cor de la Bryère

Corlando (Holsteiner)

Fleets Treat (Thoroughbred)

Like all CASALL (pictured) sons, CANDYMAN GNZ has enormous scope, power and agility.

CANDYMAN GNZ is an outstanding stallion, with his good looks, excellent conformation and modern type.

STUD FEE: $2500 + GST - LFG FRESH SEMEN AVAILABLE

Progeny - FLINT CSNZ - scored 84.75% in the recent NZWB Approval Tour. Bred by Cheleken Equestrian

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL STALLIONS

www.goldengrovenz.com

EUROCOMMERCE PENNSYLVANIA

HOLSTEIN

ONE OF TWO STALLIONS IN NEW ZEALAND THAT HAS COMPETED AT 5* LEVEL AND IS FULLY APPROVED BY HANOVERIAN, OLDENBURG AND THE BAVARIAN WARMBLOOD STUDBOOKS

RHINELAND

Pennsylvania is 16.3hh and is the only stallion to come to the Southern Hemisphere that has competed in Nations Cup events for the Netherlands and the Global Champions Tour and World Cup Final. Despite having had limited mares due to his competition career, he has progeny currently jumping at 5*. His pedigree is one of royalty in show jumping that includes some of the best bloodlines available.

PENNSYLVANIA

Grannus

(Hanoverian) KWPN, OLDBG, HANN

Gambrinus (BAVAR)

Perle

(BAVAR)

Pilot Goldfee

(WESTF)

(BAVAR)

Goldperle (Hanoverian)

Progeny: BRINDIS BOGIBO, Grand Prix 5*. Pictured at Governor’s Cup, Tryon International Equestrian Center ridden by Andrew Welles (USA)

HANOVERIAN

OLDENBURG

Graphit

(Hanoverian)

Odessa

(Hanoverian)

Karim

(BADWU)

Panja

(BAVAR)

53rd IN FEI WBFSH WORLD RANKINGS

Pilatus (WESTF)

Gratia

(WESTF)

Goldstern (Hanoverian)

Glorie

(Hanoverian)

EUROCOMMERCE PENNSYLVANIA stands at 16.3hh, is a modern type with an outstanding technique.

STUD FEE: $3000.00 + GST - LFG

EUROCOMMERCE PENNSYLVANIA pictured in the Nations Cup, for Team Netherlands, ridden by Gerco Schröder

Email: p.ffoulkes@xtra.co.nz Ph: 03 318 7337 - Mobile: 021 919 262 FB page: Goldengrove Stud Farm

www.goldengrovenz.com

QUINEUS GNZ

HOLSTEIN

16.3HH, BAY, AGE: 5 THIS STALLION HAS IT ALL, AND HE IS AN EYECATCHING STALLION. HE IS A POWERFUL, PUNCHY STALLION, WHO IS QUICK OVER THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR, WITH A PHENOMENAL HIND END AND BOUNDLESS SCOPE.

Quineus GNZ is very uphill, leggy with a great shoulder and shape to the neck. He has three outstanding gaits; lengthy walk, expressive trot with excellent mechanics, and an uphill, active canter which is very balanced. He displays this super movement both at liberty and under saddle with an exceptional character, and a very willing and happy attitude towards work.

Dam Lily GNZ (Holsteiner)

QUINEUS GNZ shows power, scope and technique. He is a powerful, careful stallion with outstanding rideability.

Quidam de Revel

QUINEUS GNZ

Quineus GNZ is the embodiment of the diversity in our breeding goals. He is an exciting prospect for show jumping in New Zealand. He has limitless scope, an excellent technique and a wonderful temperament.

Quantum

(Selle Français)

Jalisco B

(Selle Français)

Dirka

(Selle Français)

Cor de la Bryère

Ulla V

(Selle Français HLP)

(Holsteiner)

Ella

(Holsteiner)

Gambaldi

Genius

(Hanoverian)

With excellent conformation, he has a good foundation and outstanding basic gaits, coming from strong hindquarters with high elasticity and always in rhythm.

STUD FEE: $2500 + GST - LFG FRESH SEMEN AVAILABLE

Dreamy

(Hanoverian)

Te Peka Galeno (Hanoverian)

(Hanoverian)

Raenga

Postillion

(Thoroughbred)

Puherangi

(Thoroughbred)

Holstein stallion, QUANTUM (SIRE) produced numerous international showjumpers.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL STALLIONS

www.goldengrovenz.com

HOLIDAY V/D N. RANCH

HOLSTEIN

16.2 1/2 HH, DARK BAY, AGE: 11 HOLIDAY HAS IT ALL! HE IS A SUPER MODERN TYPE OF HORSE IDEALLY SUITED FOR NZ CONDITIONS WITH A PHENOMENAL TEMPERAMENT AND EXQUISITE QUALITY THAT TICKS THE THREE PS: PEDIGREE, PERFORMANCE AND PRESENCE

HOLIDAY V/D N.RANCH

This superbly bred 3* stallion is by Massimo (Cassini 1/Reichsgraf/Cor De La Bryere Stamm 4815). He has an outstanding stallion family with the likes of Silvester one of the most influential stallions of Holsteiner breeding and a significant influence in the production of broodmare and top-level sporting horses.

Cassini I

(Holst, Rhein, SF)

Massimo (Holst)

Dona V (Holst)

Capitol I (Holst)

Wisma (Holst)

Reichsgraf (Holst)

Sormana (Holst)

Furioso II Orange B

SF, Oldbg, Hann

(SBS)

Janouk Du Preys (SBS)

HOLIDAY V/D jumped to 3* until his retirement and has very influential bloodlines

Holiday’s dam (Orage B) was a career broodmare. She is by one of the most influential stallions of the 21st Century in jumping breeding who is Furioso II. Furioso II sired stallions “For Pleasure” at 1.60m that include - Faroek, Heisman, Mirakel, First Gotthard, Furioso Z, Ferrari and Faust. And too many other 1.60 show jumpers to mention!

Furioso xx Dame De Ranville (SF)

Avontuur (KWPN )

Anouk Du Bosqueau (SBS)

HOLIDAY V/D N RANCH is a particularly attractive stallion, with a temperament that is second to none.

STUD FEE: $2500.00 + GST - LFG FRESH SEMEN AVAILABLE

CASSINI I (GRAND SIRE) is one of the most successful Holstein stallions of all time

Email: p.ffoulkes@xtra.co.nz Ph: 03 318 7337 - Mobile: 021 919 262 FB page: Goldengrove Stud Farm

www.goldengrovenz.com

NĂ&#x161;MERO UNO XTREME By Numero Uno (pref) out of Cassaro Xtreme (Cassini II)

This exciting young stallion has a very athletic and scopey jump with a wonderful technique. His progeny are exquisite, they are very modern and possess incredible movement plus amazing temperaments. Numero Uno Xtreme is by the very famous international show jumping stallion Numero Uno (Libero H x Lord Calando). Following a very successful show jumping career with European Champion Marco Kutsher, Numero Uno today has proven himself to be one of the leading sires in the world. Numero Uno (Sire)

Sport HoRsEs

16.1hh 8-yr-old Grey Stallion

STUD FEE: $2000 + GST Sharleen Workman - T: 021 380 943 E: shar-xtremesporthorses@mail.com

COROFINO II Corrado x Fernando x Lord

Sport HoRsEs

Corofino II boasts one of the most successful jumping families to come out of the Holsteiner Verband. During his 30 day stallion test he received a 10 for character, 9 for temperament and 10 for jumping. Accordingly, he significantly stamps his offspring with his impressive scope, carefulness and temperament, which provide the highly sought after â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rideabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factor. Progeny - Windermere Cappuccino

Progeny - Corodette Xtreme

17hh Licensed Holsteiner and Hanoverian Approved Stallion

STUD FEE: $2700 + GST Sharleen Workman - T: 021 380 943 E: shar-xtremesporthorses@mail.com

www.corofino.co.nz

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.

{

CARTELL GNZ HOLSTEINER

CARTIER GNZ 2014 HOLSTEINER

NEARCO BLACK GNZ 2005 HOLSTEINER

{ {

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

{

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.

{

CALATO* gr 169 cm 1987 HOLSTEINER

FLEETS TREAT JNR GNZ HOLSTEINER

CALICO GNZ 2014 HOLSTEINER

{ {

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

STRIKE GOLD Fresh Semen Available for AI Stud Fee $1000 + GST - LFG

{

Strike Gold is a 98.5% Thoroughbred Palomino stallion. He is a beautiful, athletic stallion with a relaxed nature. He has gorgeous paces and a lovely uphill canter. Being 98.5% Thoroughbred, Strike Gold will nicely refine any breed he is put to, adding quality and athleticism.

{

DIAMOND PARK SINATRA* crem 16H; +CrCr AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE

{ {

STRIKE CLOVER THOROUGHBRED

STRIKE GOLD 2013 AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE

DIAMOND PARK MIKASA* crem 15.3H 2003 AUSTRALIAN SPORT HORSE DIAMOND PARK ROYAL WHISPER* pal 16.2H 1996 AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE STRAIGHT STRIKE b 1977 THOROUGHBRED (USA) REGAL PERFUME 1985 THOROUGHBRED

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Equestrian Centre

{ { { {

DIAMOND PARK GOLD OBSESSION* DIAMOND PARK SOLITAIRE* GOLDMINE ASHANTI GOLD* ARUDA MR PROSPECTOR* BEND NOT VICE REGAL LANCOME

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

Complete feed for breeding mares and foals Evolve offers • High-quality nuts suitable for pregnant or lactating mares and young horses from 3 months of age. • Low GI formulation by Kentucky Equine Research to encourage sound skeletal development in young growing horses. • Natural Vitamin E for superior bioavailability, proven to support immunity in foals.

0800 800 380 www.nrm.co.nz

FEED TO SUCCEED

BIZZIE CANOODLING 148cm, 12-years-old, Tobiano - PGP Showjumper, 1* Eventer, Pony Club Mount $1035 incl LFG

GRASSYARDS FARM

Find us on Facebook and Instagram

or email: grassyards1@gmail.com

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE NATIONAL CAT B HIGH POINTS SERIERS 2019-20

SWE DEMPSEY

STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES

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!!!

KINNORDY GYM BELLO

SPECIAL PRICE

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

STUD FEE $1250.00 + 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

By the mighty Cornet Obolensky (Clinton X Heartbreaker) rated as #4 in the world and represented by a growing number of champions. His Dam Dark Air – by Diarado (obvious winner in his 2007 licensing) alongside her motherline hold extraordinary connections of winners and approved stallions in their pedigree. In partnership with Gerd Küst’s Stamm 8888 Holsteiner Stud which now has four generations of elite mares and 12 licensed stallions Astek sees the arrival of Cornet’s Air as the epitome of its breeding career. “Breeding just doesn’t get any more exciting than this! to have a stallion of this calibre available as fresh semen in NZ heralds the beginning of the countries downunder becoming Internationally VERY competitive” We are very excited to see his first foals due late 2019.

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

www.astek.co.nz

S tallion Line Up of 2019/2020

Kambarbay

Looking for something different? Athleticism, elasticity, stamina, speed, agility, scope over a fence, excellent movement. Kambarbay possesses all of the desirable characteristics of the modern event horse. In addition he has a beautiful head, well defined limbs, a well-proportioned length of body and neck along with the metallic golden sheen to his coat for which the breed are also renown. The Akhal Teke as a breed are famous for their great stamina, intelligence, speed, agility and bravery, the characteristics very much sought after for the eventing, endurance and all round sport horse. Homozygous agouti and cream he will always produce palomino and buckskin foals from solid mares. He carries both the red and black factor and is homozygous agouti. He cannot produce smokey blacks.

Kambarbay has competition results in the disciplines: British Dressage, eventing and show jumping.

STUD FEE: Limited breeding doses for the 2019/2020 season. $1800.00 NZD per breeding dose 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 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 2019/2020 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

Kelaray Stud

Breeding Champions

Horizon

Amoureux (Saros Van`t Gestelhof) x Distella (Domino Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Heike) Registered KWPN, fully Licensed AES (Anglo European Studbook) 2012, 16hh DNA tested EEAaZz Homozygous black and heterozygous silver dilute so will pass black 100% of the time and pass silver 50% of the time to his foals although so far over 80% of his foals are silver. Negative for WFFS Not available to silver mares Frozen semen available STUD FEE: BREEDING SPECIAL $1000 NZD per dose, limited to the first 3 single doses sold. Thereafter: $1250.00 NZD per breeding dose

Umenno (Wellington x Evelien)

Standing 16.1hh Sire of Solaris Buenno KWPN Registered SSH Licensed Coloured Chestnut Tobiano Warmblood Stallion Umenno has consistently sired SSH, BEF & KWPN Premium, Champion and Prize winning foals. A number of his daughters have gained Ster status for both quality of movement and jumping. His oldest progeny are now under saddle competing in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping and eventing and are also faring well in ridden showing classes. STUD FEE: $950.00 NZD per breeding dose Only 5 breeding doses are available for 2019 in New Zealand

For more information and photos, including progeny, please visit our website or contact us directly.

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

www.kelaray.com

Equ

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d ed NZ Lt

EquiBreed

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

EquiBreed

FROZEN SEMEN FROM EUROPE’S BEST BLOODLINES Equ

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d ed NZ Lt

Excellence in Equine Reproduction

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 STUD

(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 Stud

(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 - Non 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 Stud

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

CHACCO SILVER’S SIRE 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 seven years now. His 1st progeny are rising 7 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

w w w. m a t a w h i o . c o . n z

STUD FEE $750.00 incl GST, LFG & First Collection Discou n apply ts for board ing mares

SIRE OF HOTY CHAMPIONS

BURRENDAH The Wizard Photo Show Circuit

Above

RP Providence

2019 Champion Led Youngstock Horse of the Year Owned by the Miller Family - Photo Show Circuit Left

Rosehill Park Sapphire

2019 Champion Park Hack of the Year 2019 Champion Paced & Mannered Park Hack of the Year 2019 RU Led Show Horse of the Year Owned by the Cadwallader Family - Photo Show Circuit

REGENT PARK For Sale

For Sale

RP Roxette

RP Dreamtime

5 year 144cm Champion Led Pony Going kindly, currently in work and ready to start newcomers

Yearling gelding Champion Led Horse & Champion Led Show Hack first time out as a foal. Mature Park Hack/ Galloway

For Sale

RP Nirvana

6yr old Gelding Full brother to BurrenDah Narnia & RP Supersrytion Supreme Champion Led Ready to start his newcomer season

Leesa Banicevich Ph +64 21 674 686

5889 SH29 Karapiro, Cambridge Design Sandy Morphett

regentpark@mail.com

GALAXY EQUINE

PUT A STAR IN YOUR STABLE! Performance, trainability and temperament are foremost and colour is a bonus

- GALAXY SPRING FEVER 147cm - Galaxy Pourewa x Springbrooke (ex GP mare) Spring Fever is available this season by AI only. He crosses well overall types and size ponies and horses. His progeny are well known and proven superstars overall jumping disciplines. He produces colour approx 80% of the time with plain stunning dark bays being his other colour of choice. He has correct conformation wise having won every in-hand Pinto title available in NZ including crowned twice Champion Pinto Pony at Horse of the Year. Multi Champion Show Hunter and Working Hunter. Very capable show jumper although his lack of speed and laid Includes collection and shipping of semen - $300.00 back attitude saw us not pursue this to any significant level. Produces lovely correct foals with plenty of attitude and throws non-refundable booking fee applies. Progeny comes with LFG and our ten-year life guarantee. predominantly to the mares height.

STUD FEE $1500.00

- TRIPLE STAR GALAXY 4-year-old. 14.2hh - available by hand service only. We are honoured to be able to offer this exceptional young Galaxy stallion to the breeding market. He is by Triple Star Equestrians stallion â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;? who is by our very own Galaxy Pourewa (now retired). Like Pourewa, Nebraska has sired some quality jumping ponies over the years, including Grand Prix pony; Bizzie Canoodling. His dam has bloodlines going back to Weti Mandingo so excellent jumping bloodlines all round. This young stallion possesses the outstanding nature of his sire and grandsire and is an absolute gentleman to handle. His first crop of foals are due this season, including a foal by Galaxy Spring Fevers Dam Spring Brooke.

SERVICE FEE $1000.00 $300.00 non-refundable booking fee applies. Progeny comes with LFG and our ten-year life guarantee. Spaces will be limited this season and natural service only.

Both stallions standing at Galaxy Equine NZ, Maxwell Wanganui. Facebook - Galaxy Equine NZ - Email : galaxyequine@gmail.com

Top European performance stallions Frozen semen from top-performing Team Nijhof jumping and dressage stallions is available in New Zealand again this season. Many have been competing internationally at Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping, and there are also some well-bred young ones showing great promise.

All the stallions are approved by European studbooks including KWPN, Hannover, Westfalen, Oldenburg and Holstein, and are offered with a live foal guarantee. You can check out the breeding and performance of these stallions by visiting teamnijhof.nz or watch them on Youtube.

DRESSAGE Johnson

Johnson (Jazz/Flemmingh) KEUR had the highest scores for Team NL at the Rio Olympics, and contributed to Team Bronze in the London Olympics, and Team Gold at the European Championships in Aachen. Rider Hans Peter Minderhoud says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;his outstanding attitude has made the greatest difference at the highest level. Even if he is almost unable to do something, Johnson will do it for you anyhow.â&#x20AC;? His offspring are competing at the highest levels, including in NZ with Melissa Galloway. He has a superb temperament, and passes his beauty and movement on to his offspring. He is approved for KWPN, Oldenburg, Westfalen and Hannover.

Fontaine

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

Firestone

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

Spielberg

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

Other dressage stallions offered are Formidable (Fidertanz/ De Niro), Sandreo (Sandro Hit/Flemmingh) and All at Once (Ampere/Gribaldi).

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Verdi Verdi Superstar jumping stallion Verdi (Quidam de Revel/Landgraf 1) was Superstar jumping stallion Verdi (Quidam de Revel/Landgraf 1) was in in Dutch team Olympics, team at Aachen, thethe Dutch team for for thethe RioRio Olympics, wonwon team goldgold at Aachen, andand WEG in Caen, team silver individual bronze at the London WEG in Caen, andand team silver andand individual bronze at the London Olympics. Rider Maikel van der Vleuten says of him “When I ride Olympics. Rider Maikel van der Vleuten says of him “When I ride himhim ring, he always gives feeling he will do utmost his utmost intointo thethe ring, he always gives me me thethe feeling he will do his best… Afterwards, he walks if that course … has best… Afterwards, he walks outout as ifasthat course … has costcost himhim no no effort whatsoever.” Verdi a son of the legendary Quidam de Revel. effort whatsoever.” Verdi is aisson of the legendary siresire Quidam de Revel. awarded Keur status by the KWPN more He He waswas awarded Keur status by the KWPN andand hashas more thanthan 50 50 offspring competing internationally, many at level. GP level. Verdi is approved offspring competing internationally, many at GP Verdi is approved KWPN, Holstein, Hannover, OS/OL, Unire, Z and Selle Français. for for KWPN, Holstein, Hannover, OS/OL, Unire, Z and Selle Français.

Quality Time Quality Time Quality Time (Quantum/Cantus) exceptionally successful Quality Time (Quantum/Cantus) has has beenbeen exceptionally successful in showjumping Jeroen Dubbeldam, becoming Dutch in showjumping withwith riderrider Jeroen Dubbeldam, becoming Dutch champion in 2011 having many placings top level, champion in 2011 andand having many winswins and and placings at a at topa level, including winning the Grand Prix of San Patrignano. His offspring including winning the Grand Prix of San Patrignano. His offspring competing is passing on blood, sharpness are are alsoalso competing well,well, andand he ishepassing on blood, sharpness and and carefulness. Quality Time is approved for KWPN, Holstein, Hannover, carefulness. Quality Time is approved for KWPN, Holstein, Hannover, Français. andand SelleSelle Français.

Eldorado de Zeshoek Eldorado vanvan de Zeshoek Grandorado Grandorado Grandorado (Eldorado x Carolus x Baloubet du Rouet) an exciting Grandorado (Eldorado x Carolus x Baloubet du Rouet) is anis exciting young stallion who KWPN performance in 2014, young stallion who wonwon his his KWPN performance testtest in 2014, andand in 2015, won four-year-old class at Tubbergen scores in 2015, he he won thethe four-year-old class at Tubbergen withwith scores of 8,9 jumping. Grandorado is approved KWPN of 8,9 andand 9,09,0 for for jumping. Grandorado is approved for for KWPN Oldenburg. andand Oldenburg.

New young jumping stallions offered season Classico New young jumping stallions offered thisthis season areare Classico (Cornet Obelinsky/Burggraaf); Poker Mariposa (Nabab (Cornet Obelinsky/Burggraaf); Poker de de Mariposa (Nabab Reve/Berlin); Cantona (Codex One/Caretano). Highde de Reve/Berlin); andand Cantona (Codex One/Caretano). Highperforming older stallions El Clarimo (Clarimo/Limbus); performing older stallions areare El Clarimo (Clarimo/Limbus); Floris (Quality Time/ Vancouver); Zacharov (Clinton/Lord Z); Z); Floris (Quality Time/ Vancouver); Zacharov (Clinton/Lord I’mI’m Special de de Muze (Emerald/Nabab de de Reve), Spartacus Special Muze (Emerald/Nabab Reve), Spartacus (Stakkato/Grannus); Starpower (Stakkato/Escudo 1); 1); Calvados (Stakkato/Grannus); Starpower (Stakkato/Escudo Calvados (Uriel/Ibrahim); Concorde (Voltaire/Marco Polo); Larino (Uriel/Ibrahim); Concorde (Voltaire/Marco Polo); Larino (Concorde/Armstrong); andand Quattro B (Qredo de de Paulstra/ (Concorde/Armstrong); Quattro B (Qredo Paulstra/ Phandore du du Thet), who also performed to GP in dressage. Phandore Thet), who also performed to GP in dressage.

Eldorado de Zeshoek (Clinton/Toulon) jumping Eldorado vanvan de Zeshoek (Clinton/Toulon) has has beenbeen jumping successfully at level, GP level, including finished in Big the Tour Big Tour successfully at GP including finished 2nd2nd in the at at Ommen. In 2015 he won Grand of Roosendaal Ommen. In 2015 he won the the Grand Prix Prix of Roosendaal and and was was successful in several Nations appearances. He has the makings successful in several Nations CupCup appearances. He has the makings a foundation three KWPN approved already. of aof foundation sire,sire, withwith three KWPN approved sonssons already. RiderRider Willem Greve he “has unlimited scope his power Willem Greve sayssays thatthat he “has unlimited scope and and withwith his power he can jump all the classes in the world.” Approved for KWPN, he can jump all the classes in the world.” Approved for KWPN, Oldenburg, Hannover Français. Oldenburg, Hannover andand SelleSelle Français.

Prices very competitive details about Prices areare very competitive andand details about thethe stallions, including price, be viewed at teamnijhof.nz stallions, including price, cancan be viewed at teamnijhof.nz orders further information, please email ForFor orders andand further information, please email Candace Bagnall at candacebagnall@gmail.com or or Candace Bagnall at candacebagnall@gmail.com Jeanette Benedict-Nijhof at info@team-nijhof.com Jeanette Benedict-Nijhof at info@team-nijhof.com – semen is stored at Matamata Veterinary Services – semen is stored at Matamata Veterinary Services on on 07 07 888888 8197. 8197.