SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

DIGITAL ISSUE 173B | 2026

Welcome

The new season is getting underway, and this issue reflects the conversations we’re hearing across the industry: thoughtful, focused work that prioritises long-term development over quick wins.

In this edition, we look at Chad Cunningham and Hamza Minty’s systematic approach to competition success, examine the FEI rule changes now affecting international sport, and explore current thinking on biomechanics, rider influence, and welfare-centred training with Anne Muller. We also speak with Mariann du Plessis of Ruconu Appaloosa Stud who is building her programme with intention and consistency and chat to Lara Ellwood of Insight Equine about setting goals the right way. We also have the start of an exciting new series for local businesses, brought to you by Unbridled Marketing, and much much more. There really is something for everyone here!

We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to having you with us for a jam-packed 2026.

Lizzie and
the HQ team xxx

Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor

Designer | Mauray Wolff

DIGITAL ISSUE 173B | 2025

The making of a champion

With Hamza Minty and Chad Cunningham

FEI Rule Changes 2026

Effective from January 1

Meet Anne Müller

Bridging rider biomechanics and equine welfare

Setting the direction for 2026

The power or purposeful goals

Ruconu Appaloosa Stud

Beyond the spots

Introducing The ‘Local Business Launchpad Series’

by Unbridled Marketing

ASK HQ

Your questions answered

The
making of
a champion

With Hamza Minty and Chad Cunningham

At 17, Hamza Minty has dominated South African showjumping with a remarkable string of victories. Behind the success lies a systematic approach developed by coach Chad Cunningham – a method built on decades of study, classical principles, and an unwavering commitment to both horse and rider development.

Seventeen–year–old Hamza Minty is having the kind of year most riders only dream about. From winning the Philip Smith Memorial Trophy at the start of 2024 to closing out the season with a Gold Tour Grand Prix victory at Steyn City, Minty has proven he's not just another talented junior; he's a force reshaping the landscape of South African showjumping.

His trophy cabinet from this year alone tells an extraordinary story: first in the Under 25 South African Championship, first and second in the President's Cup (after coming first and third last year), number one in the SASJ Junior High Performance Rankings, and winner of the Under 25 Rising Stars Series. He missed qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games by mere months due to a change in the age requirement.

What makes this success even more remarkable is that it's not built on one exceptional horse, but rather on a systematic approach developed with his coach, Chad Cunningham, that brings the best out of each horse in his string.

THE SIX C's: FIVE HORSES, ONE SYSTEM
Ask Cunningham and Hamza about the secret to Hamza's success, and he'll tell you about the six C's: Conray, Conti, Calito, Corida, Classy, and Chad. It's a lighthearted reference to the five horses in Minty's string and his coach, but it underscores something crucial; this is a systematic operation where every element works together, yet each horse is treated as an individual.

CALLAHO CONRAY
At 14 years old, Conray was Minty's first open horse, purchased when the horse was 11. "He came as a schoolmaster already," Minty explains. "He's really easy, and he pretty much does it all. He's Mr Consistency." It's this reliability that has made Conray a cornerstone of Minty's success and a trusted partner in the ring.

CALLAHO CORIDA DE REBELLE
At seven years old, Corida tells a different story. Originally difficult and intended for Hamza's brother, she found her person when Minty took over the ride. "She came for a bit of boot camp, but as soon as I started riding her, she was different," he says. This year, she won both the President's Cup and the Under 25 South African Championship with Minty.

"She's probably one of my best horses," he admits. "She's a fiery chestnut; she knows when the pressure's on and just rises to the occasion." But Corida is also a testament to Cunningham's individualised approach. "Even though she's settled down and she's naturally loose in her body, you can't ask her to do any lateral work, or she'll just stand there," Minty explains. "She will not let you teach her anything."

So they've adapted, trusting that at competitions she knows what she's doing; "When she knows the pressure's on, she's different. She's got it."

CONTINENTAL DRIFT
At eight years old, Conti has been Minty's most challenging ride since she was three. "She's been crazy ever since she was young," he says honestly. "I do go through phases where I think, do I really want to keep her? Sometimes I don't enjoy riding her. But I know at the end of the day, she's going to be really good. She's got huge ability."At just eight years old, Conti is already jumping at 1.40m.

CALLAHO CON CALITO
Purchased at last year's auction specifically because he's Conray's full brother, Con Calito has exceeded all expectations. "I only bought him because he was Conray's brother," Minty admits. "I just really wanted him." The gamble paid off. Minty took him from his first show straight up into the 1.20ms and placed second in the championships at Steyn City.

"He goes in a similar way to Conray but different," Minty explains. "Conray feels amazing when he goes, but Con Calito just has this presence to him. He knows he's good." Cunningham believes Con Calito might even surpass his famous brother: "I do love what I’m seeing in these early days; I think Con Calito is going to be a top horse."

CLASSY BOY
The newest addition, Classy, has proven to be a match made in heaven. Minty had only been on the horse for a week or 10 days before their first class at the KPC League show. He then had one jump at home before going to Steyn City despite an unfortunate rail, posting the fastest four–fault round in the first round and the fastest clear in the jump–off – two and a half seconds faster than the winner. "If he didn't have the rail, he would have won the Silver Grand Prix as well," Cunningham notes. "He's so lovely to ride and very sweet in the stable," Minty shares.

UNDER PRESSURE
While Minty admits to getting "very nervous" before competing, you'd never know it from watching him. "Cutthroat, ice cold, focused," is how Cunningham describes his student's competition demeanour. "He has an unbelievable way of staying zoned.”

For his part, Minty keeps his pre–competition routine simple. "I don't like overthinking," he says. "I find it easier just to watch people ride and kind of go over the course as they ride it." Rather than running the course repeatedly in his mind, he stays in the zone by observing other riders and maintaining his focus.

His father has learned to respect this process. "I know his dad worries because Hamza seems so chilled at shows," Cunningham shares. "But I know that by the time Hamza is on his horse, he is zoned. He knows what the assignment is."

DISCIPLINE
When asked about the source of his discipline, Minty is modest. "I actually don't know where it comes from," he admits. "It comes from my mum, I think." Now homeschooled to accommodate his riding schedule, he manages academics, riding five horses and gym sessions with methodical precision. He’s now included padel and golf for some fun!

His daily routine is regimented: wake at 5–6am, check horses, play with puppies, shower, schoolwork in the morning, riding in the afternoon, time with horses, gym, then home for dinner. "I spend a lot of time on the ground with my horses," he says. "I know my horses really well."

This discipline extends to every aspect of his riding. He knows each horse's quirks intimately – which bits work when, how each horse responds to pressure, when to push and when to back off. It's a level of attention to detail that sets him apart from many riders twice his age.

THE ROAD AHEAD
With matric on the horizon and competition plans for Europe and America in development, Minty is at an exciting crossroads. When asked about his preference, he's clear: "I'd like to go to America." He's drawn to the American system's culture of young riders competing at the highest levels.

"The difference between America and Europe that I've seen is that there are a lot of young riders jumping the top classes there," Minty explains. "In Europe, there's more like the well–known greats jumping the top classes." He cites riders like Darragh Kenny and Richard Vogel as examples of European riders who've succeeded through the American system.

The international interest is already building. Hamza received a message from one of the recent Steyn City Nations’ Cup riders after a recent performance: "He said, 'You ride beautifully, the invite's open, you can come train with me, come ride with me.'" David Simpson extended a similar offer.

But before any international moves, there are still domestic goals to achieve. Three titles remain on their wish list: the Junior Derby, the South African Outdoor Grand Prix and the Junior South African Championships. We've won the U25 Championship (so 1.40m) but not the Junior. Hamza is clear, about the restriction on jumping 1.50m classes – if I jump a 1.50m I can’t go back to the Junior level so I have to wait if I want to win any more Junior titles.

"Our next six months, until Junior SA Champs, we want to explore those options," Cunningham says. "I do believe that the writing's on the wall there for Hamza. I really do."

THE SYSTEM
To understand Hamza's success, you need to understand the system that produced it – a method years in the making, built on classical foundations and refined through Chad Cunningham's decades of study with some of the world's best coaches.

THE FOUNDATION
With FEI accreditation, qualification through the South African National Instructors Plan (EQASA) which is linked to the IGEQ giving him a passport to teach in over 70 countries, and extensive experience across multiple systems, Cunningham has spent his career studying how the best in the world develop horses and riders.

"I've always been fascinated by education," Cunningham explains. His resumé reads like a who's who of showjumping: trained with George Morris, worked extensively with Gonda Betrix, ridden with Tim Stockdale, and continues to study through training videos and podcasts actively. Recently, he was approached by a major academy to conduct a masterclass – a testament to the system he's developed.

But perhaps the most influential lesson came early in his career from George Morris: "George said to me something very early on 'Chad, whatever you and your horse take out of yourselves, because you have to give as much as you can to win a Grand Prix, whatever you take out, you've got to put back in'."

This philosophy of preservation – understanding that horses need time to recover physically and mentally after big efforts – became a cornerstone of Cunningham's approach. Combined with the extreme discipline he learned from Gonda, who was "meticulous about those things," Cunningham developed a system that balances high performance with longevity.

FINDING THE APPROACH
For years, Cunningham searched for what he calls a more 'universal system.' When he started taking students on international tours, he faced a challenge: each riding system had its strengths, but they were often incompatible.

"It was difficult to take my students to one place as they’d be stuck in one nation’s training," he explains. "There was the French, British, English, German, Dutch, and American systems. But with all this travelling we have now, there's been a merge. The Germans have taken from the Americans how to go fast, and the Americans have taken from the Germans how to school their horses. It’s been great"

This universal system became Cunningham's foundation. But he had two other requirements for his tours: finding horses that students could actually learn on (not just dealing yards with tough horses), and creating an environment where students could experience the holistic side of the sport – the stable management, the preparation, the culture.

Today, Cunningham's reach is extensive. He teaches clinics in Port Elizabeth, KZN, Kenya (a first this year), and Mauritius. Tours are planned for the UAE, Wellington, and possibly the Global Champions Tour.

THE MENTAL EDGE
Long before sports psychology became mainstream in equestrian sport, Cunningham was exploring its potential. His journey into the mental side of riding began with Annette Patarakis, who was just starting her work with riders when Cunningham discovered her.

"She hadn't written her first book yet," Cunningham recalls. "She hadn't worked with a lot of riders. She was just venturing out with this idea." Patarakis, herself a rider who had walked away from the sport due to the old "you're not tough enough mentally" philosophy, saw an opportunity to give back and help riders develop mental resilience.

"We were lucky enough to be early adopters of her approach," Cunningham says. "She worked individually with all my athletes on tour, gave us group talks." The investment paid off – Patarakis has since written her second book, and many of Cunningham's students have completed her online courses before moving to personal one–on–one sessions.

The mental training progressed through work with Annette Patarakis before arriving at the current collaboration with Natalie Fourie and her neurofeedback training. Fourie's assessment of Hamza revealed something remarkable: "She did say to me he gets into the high beta range and can stay in it much more than an average person," Cunningham explains. This ability to reach and maintain intense focus is a rare gift, but one that's being honed and developed through systematic training.

"There's a lot out there that we are still discovering," Cunningham reflects on the mental game. Both he and Hamza work with Fourie, and while Cunningham admits he doesn't always feel the immediate effects, "the people that know you well enough around you, they start to see the change."

THE CAKE AND THE ICING
Cunningham has a philosophy he shares with all his students: "The shows are just the icing. The cake is your management, your lessons, looking after your horses, loving them, spending time, forming a rapport with them, knowing when to jump them or not to jump them, when to back off them, when to push them. That's the cake. That's the big stuff, that's the boring stuff that people don't want to do."

This philosophy manifests in meticulous preparation. "My philosophy with my students is you're not going to try and turn tight to that big oxer or turn inside to that fence or go to that angle if we haven't practised it," Cunningham explains. "If your horse is not good at angles, we're not doing it in the ring until we know that horse is 100 percent at home. If they're not 100 percent at the thing, we don't do it."

This preparation extends to every detail. Cunningham has what he calls "a memory like an elephant" for each horse's quirks and history. "I will be able to say, that horse did this on the right–hand turn," he explains. It's this level of detailed preparation that allows him to send students into the ring with confidence.

"I feel so confident in my students when they go to a show," he says. "Most of the time, I feel confident when I say, ‘Let's go and do this, we've got this’, because it feels like we've prepared well enough, and it wasn't like we prepared on Wednesday for the show on Saturday. It's been a long time coming."

The detail extends to course planning. "We are very detailed in the way we make a plan," Cunningham explains. He knows each horse's strengths intimately. For example, Conray and several others have "huge scope, but they're modern sporthorses – little horses with big power. The more momentum they have, the more scope, the more careful they get. We build this into our plans for how to jump the course"

POLES NOT JUMPS
Perhaps the most counterintuitive aspect of Cunningham's system is how little many of his students actually jump. "Most of the time, we barely jump," he reveals. "A lot of other people jump every lesson. My horses don't jump often."

Instead, the work focuses on poles and flatwork. "A lot of the work we do with poles; you can simulate everything except the jump," Cunningham explains. "You're simulating the track, the accuracy of seeing the distance, the adjustability of the stride, the regularity of the stride. You can fix quite a few things without the jump."

This doesn't mean no jumping at all. "At the same time, someone who is nervous about jumping, does need to jump. They need to simulate that feeling of getting comfortable with the jump," he acknowledges. "But they don't have to overjump the horse."

The gymnastics work is equally strategic. "We do gymnastics, but we don't do gymnastics every week either. We do gymnastics every now and again when it's needed."

The system is built on classical foundations. Hamza has done extensive no–stirrup work – something Cunningham is passionate about. "If you do a little bit all the time, not every day, but if twice a week, you do five minutes, you will become a better rider," he insists. "If you want to have better feel, better connection with your horse, better independence you need to do it; you're not going to have an independent seat with your stirrups and your legs stuck forward."

EQUITATION
One aspect of Hamza's development that Cunningham is particularly proud of is the foundation built through equitation competition. "I'm really proud that he did go through the whole equitation thing," Cunningham says. "I still feel like that is such a great discipline for people learning and developing. I feel like it should be almost mandatory for young riders."

It wasn't always easy. "It's not always the easiest, and it's actually subjective at points," Cunningham acknowledges. But the benefits are undeniable. "You can tell the people that do equitation and you can tell the people that did it properly."

Hamza's extensive no–stirrup work and classical flatwork training give him tools that many riders lack. "He can definitely school the horses, and he's had all this grounding working without stirrups, doing all those flatwork movements," Cunningham explains. This foundation means that when things go wrong in the ring, Hamza has the physical tools to recover.

"If their basics and foundations are not good and they get into trouble or the horse gets into trouble, they can't get out of it as quickly as possible," Cunningham explains. "But if the seat is strong, the leg is strong, they've got things – they'll just go to it naturally. They've got a good solid leg position because all their balance is there. If things go wrong, they can find their leg, put the leg on, and get themselves organised."

A TEACHER FIRST
Beyond his work with Hamza, Cunningham maintains a demanding teaching schedule. "I teach nine hours a day," he says simply. He wakes early, does his own horses first, then teaches throughout the day. "I come home at lunch so Skyla (his French Bulldog) can have a bit of a break as well. I know she hasn't got the same stamina as me. I go to the gym, then have something to eat, and then I'm back in the afternoons teaching."

His commitment extends beyond regular lessons. "I travel to go teach in Port Elizabeth and KZN and still fit in quite a few clinics." This year marked his first teaching trip to Kenya, and he continues regular work in Mauritius.

He's also involved with the SAEF Coach the Coaches programme and has another programme launching in 2026 that he's not yet at liberty to discuss.

"I love teaching," he says. "I'm not in the same office all the time with the same people. So it's different people, different places, and if I can help people ride better, then I'm doing my job well."

But there's a deeper obligation he feels. "It is my obligation when I go and teach or do a clinic – it feels like I owe it to the horse to help the person be more educated. Are they sitting on the horse correctly? Does the tack fit? Are they riding through the shoulder correctly?"

Unlike some coaches who specialise in one age group, Cunningham works successfully across all levels. "I've had a lot of success over the years with ponies, juniors, young riders, adults," he says. "To me, it's the same; if it's someone who is very keen to jump in the metres or 1.10ms but wants to learn to do it correctly, I'm all in."

DISCIPLINE
Cunningham is known for his exacting standards – clean boots and short reins are non–negotiable. "I always say if they don't remember me one day, they'll remember clean boots and short reins," he jokes. But there's a serious philosophy behind it.

"If you're on time, you're late," Cunningham tells his students. "My students know on our tours that if I say seven o'clock, they've got to be at the bus at 6:45, or they're going to get left behind." This isn't arbitrary strictness – it's about creating habits of excellence.

"I've always been very, very structured and disciplined," Cunningham says. "The second I climb out of bed, I make my bed. Even if I come home from a trip at two in the morning, I will unpack my entire suitcase, put all my toiletries away, and then I'll get to bed."

This discipline extends to his teaching. "I often see people taking shortcuts," he explains. "I won't take shortcuts. I won't go past something until it's done correctly. I'd rather spend a month or two months teaching it correctly. You can't just overlook something because that's what will come back to bite you one day."

For Cunningham, discipline isn't about harsh rules – it's about standards. "Listen, we don't feel motivated every morning," he acknowledges. "We do not wake up every morning going, 'I feel motivated.' But waking up at the time you said, doing it, getting through it, getting it done – that's discipline."

THE PARTNERSHIP
When asked about the secret to their success, Cunningham is quick to point out that while talent matters, it only takes you so far. "First of all, Hamza is a very talented guy. But talent is only good to a point," he explains. "At the same time, he is extremely disciplined, extremely focused."

"If I correct Hamza, I very seldom say the same thing again. I can explain something to him, correct it, and it's not like it goes on for three months. That's the difference – the level of your listening determines your level of success."

This ability to absorb instruction and implement it immediately is rare, even among top riders. But more remarkably, Minty often makes intuitive decisions that prove to be exactly right. "Sometimes he'll just change a bit, and it's the right time and the right place," Cunningham notes. "A month before, the horse wouldn't have been ready for something like that."

BEYOND COACHING
For Cunningham, Hamza represents what he calls "the model student." Their relationship has evolved beyond traditional coaching. "It feels like I'm very much in a training mode with Hamza; we’re in a mentoring stage," Cunningham explains. "Usually with juniors and young riders, you're instructing because you're teaching them to do something. With Hamza, it's different. We're on a training and mentoring path."

At shows, this partnership becomes even more apparent. "I can be busy with many students, but if I just look over, Hamza's going to his horse, and I literally, most of the time, just use hand signals to communicate in the warm-up." Cunningham says. "It's an amazing experience. There's this synergy, or whatever you want to call it.”

Interestingly, Cunningham's anxiety is higher when his students compete than when he rides himself. "I would rather go and jump around myself," he admits. "The calmer I am, the calmer they are, so I stay cool on the outside but of course I really want them to do well."

CHANGING THE GAME
What makes Minty's success particularly significant is its potential to elevate South African showjumping as a whole. His speed and efficiency are forcing other riders to adapt and improve. The traditional pace of South African showjumping is being challenged by a teenager who rides with European–level intensity.

"We've always had a lot of talent over the generations in South Africa," Cunningham reflects. "There's been great riders. Our biggest disadvantage is always where we are in terms of both geography and African Horse Sickness." But he believes Minty represents something different, something that hasn't been seen in South African showjumping for a long time.

"I do believe that there is going to be a path that Hamza is going to open," Cunningham says. "We've seen it a bit, but we haven't seen this level for a long time. And across multiple horses – not one exceptional horse that's made him. He is consistent, which is actually a remarkable thing."

This consistency across multiple horses is perhaps the strongest validation of Cunningham's systematic approach. It's not about finding one special horse; it's about developing a method that brings out the best in every horse and rider combination.

The recognition is growing beyond South Africa. A top coach recently remarked to Cunningham, "It's unbelievable how much Hamza wins. He wins huge amounts." But for Cunningham, this success is simply the result of proper preparation meeting opportunity.

As Minty continues to rack up victories and push the boundaries of what's possible for a teenage rider, one thing is clear: this isn't just about natural talent meeting opportunity. It's about a comprehensive system built on classical foundations, refined through decades of study, and executed with extraordinary discipline by both coach and student.

From the mental game – pioneered through work with sports psychologists when it was still uncommon in the sport – to the no–stirrup work and pole exercises that build unshakeable foundations, to the careful preservation of horses between big efforts, every element of the system is intentional. Nothing is left to chance.

"I've always been fascinated by education," Cunningham reflects. His fascination has created something remarkable: a reproducible system that develops horses and riders to their full potential while preserving their long–term soundness and joy in the work.

For Hamza Minty, seventeen years old with a year of unprecedented success behind him, this is just the beginning. With a systematic approach, unwavering discipline, and a coach who understands how to bring out the best in both horse and rider, he isn't just having an extraordinary year; he's building a foundation for a career that could redefine South African showjumping for generations to come.

And perhaps most importantly, he's showing that success at the highest levels isn't just about talent; it's about discipline, preparation, and a systematic approach that treats every horse as an individual while building on classical foundations. It's about making your bed every morning, arriving fifteen minutes early, and understanding that the shows are just the icing. The cake is everything that comes before.

FEI Rule
Changes
2026

Effective from January 1

The international equestrian community enters 2026 with sweeping rule changes that promise to reshape competition standards and strengthen horse welfare protections. Approved by the FEI General Assembly in November 2025, these updates represent the most comprehensive revision to FEI regulations in years, with the Jumping Rules undergoing complete restructuring and modernisation.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez emphasised the organisation's commitment to clarity and accessibility: "We have developed simple and practical tools to support understanding and ensure correct implementation. We encourage everyone involved in FEI events to make use of these resources and to share them widely."

SHOWJUMPING: MAJOR RESTRUCTURE AND NEW BLOOD RULE
The FEI Jumping Rules received the most significant overhaul, with a complete restructuring of the rulebook to improve clarity and user-friendliness. The General Assembly approved these changes with 96% support, though one element proved particularly contentious.

ARTICLE 259: JUMPING RECORDED WARNINGS
The new Article 259 introduces a graduated system for blood detected on horses, replacing the previous automatic elimination policy for certain cases. Under the new system, blood caused by tack, equipment, or athlete action will result in Jumping Recorded Warnings rather than immediate elimination.

Key provisions include:

First and second offences will result in Recorded Warnings.
Two or more warnings within 12 months will trigger an automatic CHF 1,000 fine and a one-month suspension.
Mandatory fitness-to-compete checks will be performed by the Ground Jury in consultation with the Veterinary Delegate for all cases of blood.
Horses may only continue competing if deemed fit after a veterinary assessment.
All Jumping Recorded Warnings will be published by the FEI for transparency.
National Federations will be automatically notified of warnings concerning their athletes.

Importantly, blood from natural causes, such as a horse biting its tongue or nose bleeding, may be wiped away without penalty, provided the horse is fit to compete. Additionally, mandatory disqualification for excessive use of spurs remains unchanged.

While the rule passed with strong support, some national federations expressed reservations. British Showjumping announced it will not adopt these changes at the national level, with CEO Iain Graham stating the organisation remains "committed to evidence-based decisions."

MAXIMUM JUMPING HEIGHTS AS PER ANNEX II
5-year-old horses: Maximum height is 1.20m (120 cm).
Competitions for this age group must be conducted as Table A Not Against the Clock.
6-year-old horses: Maximum height is 1.30m (130 cm).
7-year-old horses: Maximum height is 1.40m (140 cm).

MOBILE DEVICE BAN AND ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Several other significant changes take effect in jumping:

Mobile phones, electronic devices, and earphones are now prohibited while mounted in the warm-up arena during competition.
Competitions for five-year-old horses may no longer be run against the clock.
Maximum heights have been established for 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old horses
(detailed in Annex II).
Only the top three placed riders are required to attend prize-giving ceremonies mounted.
Championship and Games formats have been integrated into the main rulebook for better organisation.

EVENTING: FULL REVISION FOR CLARITY
The Eventing Rules underwent comprehensive revision with the primary goal of improving clarity and ensuring consistent understanding across all stakeholders. The revisions focus on four key areas: Championships and Games, Officials, the Eventing Sanctions System, and Scoring.

The changes aim to eliminate ambiguity in rule interpretation and application, providing clearer guidance for officials, athletes, and organising committees. Competitors can expect more consistent judging and clearer communication of expectations at international events.

DRESSAGE: HARMONY OVER GENERAL IMPRESSION
Dressage sees more modest updates in 2026, as the next full revision is scheduled for 2026 with implementation in 2027. The current changes primarily address inconsistencies and welfare-related issues.

The most notable change comes to Article 423.9, where the collective mark term ‘General Impression’ will be replaced by ‘Harmony.’ This shift reflects a broader evaluation criteria that encompasses harmony, cooperation, lightness, effectiveness and sensitivity of the aids, as well as adherence to the Training Scale. The change signals a deeper commitment to classical principles and the quality of the partnership between horse and rider.

DRIVING: MILESTONE REVISION AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSIDERATION
The FEI described 2025 as "a milestone year for Driving," marked by extensive stakeholder consultation across all levels of the sport. This collaborative approach resulted in a full rules revision that emphasises fairness and transparency.

Articles 919 to 925, covering Entries for Championships, have been completely revised to improve clarity and align with the FEI General Regulations. The updated process ensures a fair and transparent system for championship entries, addressing concerns raised by the international driving community.

Para Driving rules have also been updated in parallel with the main Driving regulations.

GENERAL REGULATIONS: WELFARE AND COMPLIANCE
Several important updates affect all disciplines:

Protective headgear violations now result in a CHF 1,000 fine rather than a yellow warning card (Article 140).
The FEI's scope for opening disciplinary cases has been expanded, with broader discretion to investigate alleged breaches (Article 163.1).
Access to FEI stable areas is now restricted to equidae, dogs, and humans only for biosecurity and safety reasons.

TACK AND EQUIPMENT: NEW CENTRALISED SYSTEM
In a significant organisational change, tack and equipment requirements have been removed from individual sport rules and consolidated into dedicated FEI Tack & Equipment Requirements documents, the FEI Tack, Equipment and Dress Database, and the new FEI TackApp.

This centralisation makes it easier for athletes, officials, and grooms to access current tack specifications across all disciplines. However, jumping has been granted a one-year transition period, with the new system applying to that discipline from January 1, 2027.

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT
Recognising the scale of these changes, the FEI has developed comprehensive support materials, including summary documents highlighting key amendments, instructional videos with charts and illustrations available on FEI Campus, and both clean and mark-up versions of all rulebooks showing exactly what has changed.

The FEI HorseApp will also provide easy access to summaries and videos, ensuring athletes and officials can quickly reference new rules on the go. All materials are available on Inside.FEI.org.

LOOKING AHEAD
These 2026 rule changes reflect the FEI's ongoing commitment to horse welfare, sport integrity, and accessibility. While some provisions sparked debate, particularly Article 259 in jumping, the overwhelming support from national federations demonstrates confidence in the direction of international equestrian sport.

As competitions begin under the new regulations, the FEI has committed to monitoring implementation closely and gathering feedback for future refinements. Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez noted that the organisation will "take a structured, evidence-based approach grounded in thorough consultation and driven by data" as they continue advancing safety and welfare standards.

For athletes competing internationally, the message is clear: familiarise yourself with these changes now. The rules are in effect, and understanding them thoroughly will be essential for success in the 2026 season and beyond.

RESOURCES FOR ATHLETES AND OFFICIALS

Full rulebooks (clean and mark-up versions): Inside.FEI.org
Summary documents by discipline: Available on Inside.FEI.org
Instructional videos: FEI Campus
Mobile access: FEI HorseApp
Tack and equipment specs: FEI TackApp and FEI Tack, Equipment and Dress Database
Questions: Contact discipline-specific departments at jumping@fei.org, eventing@fei.org, dressage@fei.org, or driving@fei.org

Meet
Anne Müller

Bridging rider biomechanics and equine welfare

Anne Müller is an international trainer, teacher, and founder of Akasha College in the Netherlands. Specialising in rider biomechanics and equine learning theory, Anne's work addresses the root causes of tension and miscommunication between horse and rider, helping both move with clarity, ease, and understanding.

With decades of experience and a welfare-based approach, Anne focuses on organising the rider's seat, releasing tension, and creating clear, predictable aids that horses can understand. Her methods are ethical, practical, and immediately applicable.

At this year's International Biomechanics Symposium in South Africa, Anne will offer one-to-one ridden sessions, daily rider body-awareness workshops, a demonstration on low-stress handling, and a presentation of her Pro Horse Performance Protocol for riders and judges.

If you've ever felt stuck in training patterns, struggled with tension, or wished your horse could simply understand you better, Anne's sessions are not to be missed.

HQ: Let’s start at the beginning. How did your journey with horses begin, and what first drew you to teaching rather than competing or training full–time?
Anne: Horses have been all over my bedroom walls from the day I could walk. But due to the fact that I left a broken home when I was only thirteen, I did not get a ‘proper’ horse education until I was granted a job at a well-known, very classic carriage stable. I worked incredibly hard as a co-driver and groom. Working with horses coached me to become more self-secure and find my place in life.

In the years that followed, in pursuit of personal growth, I became involved in several New Age activities and studies. I was determined to contribute some ‘real value’ to the world. I founded a medium-sized meditation centre. We facilitated room for activities like Tai Chi, rebirthing, co-counselling, rebalancing, African dance, all kinds of therapies, meditations, regression sessions and much more. I became a Shiatsu therapist and an NLP coach.

Though I picked up some very worthwhile skills in these years, I felt strongly that I wanted to find my way back to the horses.

The first glimpse of a changing horse culture had reached the big arenas. I bought a ticket to watch Klaus Hempling at work in no way prepared for what was to be shown. I found myself crying, tears just running, ashamed, and shocked. There was so much I did not know about horses, about communicating WITH them, and about asking them how they feel. Many doubts and questions were answered that night; it all fell in place.

To make a long story short, I sold the meditation centre and bought a riding school on the other side of the country. The idea was to organise communication and competence training for teams and individuals, which was a new craze at that time. While the riding school instructors offered lessons only in the afternoons and evenings, I planned to work with the same twenty- eight horses and ponies in the daytime.

How naïve was I… I took over a very average riding school with a lot of the ponies and horses with a lot of baggage. It was going to be quite easy to provide cleaner housing, better feeding and more social contact for the animals, that much was clear, but there were more challenges than this, many more!

HQ: Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realise traditional teaching methods weren’t answering all the questions you had?
Anne: About one month after I took over the management of the riding school, while eating dinner at the kitchen table, I was looking out of the window. In the outside arena, some twelve combinations of ponies and young girls were riding dressage. A male instructor was yelling at them to put in “more effort, do better, kick more, be the leader… pull the reins!” I remember myself thinking, ‘Is this my school? I do not want to facilitate this way of teaching! How can I even think of helping people to change the way they perceive and handle situations with the help of these stunning animals, while the same animals are told to “shut up and obey” every afternoon?’ I couldn’t swallow that one; my dinner went cold.

Then out of the blue… The scene outside dramatically changed when our chestnut pony, called Nucari, decided he had had enough for the day. He went at full speed with his rider clearly hoping to make a left turn at the end of the arena, but Nucari made a very sudden sharp turn to the right. The girl fell, and the teacher shouted at her and the pony. The man was getting ready to mount the pony and “teach the animal who was boss.”

Something snapped inside of me. I rushed out and into the arena, took the pony from his hands and fired him. He left stamping, calling me a ‘witch’ and a great many more compliments, but at that stage, I couldn't care less.

I looked at the pony, the whip marks on his butt and shoulders and felt a twinge in my heart: “Never again, little fellow! I promise I will find better ways… ”.

Now, thirty years later, I can say I was able to keep my promise, though I could not have imagined at that time where these words, silently spoken to a panting pony, would take me and how much they would cost. But a promise is a promise, no matter what…

That day I became a full-time riding instructor, and that night I started to dig deep into the theory. With a background in acupressure, fascia-stretching, bodywork, and communication training, I knew I should be able to make a step-by-step programme to for young and/or novice riders.

In 2004, my book about the objectives of the rider’s seat, with loads of very simple (objective) visuals and illustrations, was published in the Netherlands (15,000 copies sold today). I couldn’t have written it without the help of the horses and riders of our school.

HQ: Your work focuses heavily on the rider’s body and internal awareness. How did your interest in biomechanics and movement develop?
Anne: The more I taught the riders about offering balance, changing their attitudes, from ‘make the horse listen’, towards ‘what can you do to contribute to the situation’ the more the horses started to ‘talk’. I was making suggestions to the riders, and the horses were allowed (and very able) to ‘tell’ right from wrong. It immensely changed the horses’ attitudes. They were not punished anymore when leaving the track or speeding up or slowing down because I made the assumption that the horses were only doing what the rider consciously or unconsciously was asking. So, instead of telling the animals to “shut up and behave”, problems were solved by changing the riders’ balance, attitude, seat and aids. That's the point where we, the horses and I, became ‘partners’.

This all led to the development of Akasha techniques. Akasha techniques work to optimise the biomechanics of the riders’ seat and are based on simple physics. Working with nature’s laws of gravity, speed, mass, impact, ballistics and so on, we try to explain how body parts could work together.

HQ: And then how did you come to incorporate the learning theory and ‘feel’ elements of your work. How do these elements complement one another in practice?
Anne: It must have been around 2007 when I first heard learning theory discussed as a scientific discipline. With the Akasha techniques, we were already able to seat riders properly on their horses. Even so, many questions remained. How does a horse think? How can I explain something to a horse in the simplest possible way? How does shaping and conditioning work?

In 2011, the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) organised a conference in the Netherlands. There, I was introduced to the First Principles of ISES and met Machteld van Dierendonck, a Dutch clinical ethologist and one of the founders of this institution. She took me under her wing and continues to support my work with her knowledge and guidance to this day.

Alongside the biomechanical aspect, we were able to seamlessly integrate learning theory into our lessons. The two can no longer exist without one another. Correct posture is step one, but working toward minimal aids, riding through reward, with precise timing and no more effort than strictly necessary to create a happy healthy horse beneath a happy rider is the true goal.

Akasha’s law for trainers:
If the rider does not understand your teaching, it is your teaching that must evolve.

HQ: You went on to found Akasha College in the Netherlands. What was the motivation behind creating a dedicated place for this kind of education, and what gap did you feel needed to be filled? Can you tell us a bit about the college today?
Anne: I noticed that the situation at many schools and stables was just as poor as it had been when we first started. Training relied heavily on pressure, punishment, and coercion, and it was always the horses who were expected to improve. The fact that riders themselves were stiff or insecure, unclear in their communication, or even working against the horse, was rarely part of the story. This is the gap I felt needed to be filled.

Now, Akasha has grown into a well-known and recognised training institute for ‘the horse minded instructor.’ Since 2009, we have organised a training programme covering subjects such as biomechanics, learning theory, didactics, communication techniques, and much more.

Akasha trainers are especially creative in explaining, using images, metaphors, analogies and smart exercises. It does not matter how you explain things, as long as you get the message across.

HQ: Many riders come to you feeling stuck – not because they don’t try hard enough, but because their bodies are working against them, or at least not working ‘with them’. What are some of the most common patterns you see?
Anne: As soon as we are born, we develop movement patterns. To move around, to stay alive. Many of these patterns are formed unconsciously. Many of those patterns are ‘doing the best they can’. They are ‘sufficient’ but not always as efficient and healthy as we wish them to be. By not moving, walking or lifting in an optimal way, we create injuries. Backpain, worn knees and hip joints, osteoarthritis and related degenerative conditions.

There is not one explanation that fits all; we all move as individuals. Riders are endlessly creative in making diverse solutions to ‘stay on the horse’. Akasha’s foundation training for riders always starts with making your bones work together. Putting ‘one above the other’ gives muscles the opportunity to relax when possible and optimise their actions only when asked.

More people than you might think secretly feel like they are ‘stiff as a board.’ Can you touch your toes with straight legs? Or sit in a full squat with your heels flat on the ground? You should see the riders’ faces when they try it!! Usually, it is just a ‘mechanical’ issue. If you, for example, do not know how to fold your hip joint ‘to the max’ ALL your movements on the horse will be restricted, and you will definitely not be able to touch your toes effortlessly. That doesn’t mean you're stiff! It just means we have to educate you in using all the qualities and opportunities of your body.

HQ: You often speak about how horses respond to clarity rather than pressure. Can you explain how a rider’s internal state affects a horse’s way of going?
Anne: If I were a horse, I wouldn’t be happy either if someone kept forcing me to do one thing or another. For me, and for the horses as well, it is far more pleasant to work when you are kindly asked to do something. A rider who takes a firm hold of the reins and, through forceful influence, gets the horse to go left or right may get quite far, but will not experience the harmonious partnership we are all truly looking for. The rider who has learned how to ask a question has also learned that when the answer does not turn out as intended, it is the riders question that needs to be asked differently. The horses become mentally more relaxed to begin with. As soon as the rider starts rewarding good behaviour instead of demanding it, there is a big shift. If you give the horse a voice, paying respect to its signals and way of moving, the horse will teach you all about himself.

HQ: Many riders believe they need to be stronger or more athletic to improve. In your experience, what actually makes the biggest difference to effective riding?
Anne: For a period, we heard a lot about core stability training. It gave me the shivers, to be honest. A stronger rider, but still making the same mistakes in his movement patterns? What’s the use of that?

Akasha techniques focus on core coordination: training the riders’ core to feel or adjust balance and restore straightness, for example, to help the horse that’s a bit stiff on one rein. The biggest difference can be made when riders learn to be ‘silent’ in their body language. We ‘talk’ too much, repeating aids often unconsciously without waiting for the answer. Strength is not the key, but conscious movement.

HQ: In your experience, why is it so difficult for riders to feel what they are actually doing in the saddle, and how can they begin to develop better awareness?
Anne: For one, if we do not teach them how to feel, how would they improve to begin with? It starts with getting aware of what you are currently doing and making decisions about what you would like to do instead. Step by step, body part by body part. Then the real work starts. We all want insights to occur instantly, and yes, that sometimes happens, but rarely. For the bigger part, we must mould our usually very stubborn movement patterns to new ones, and that takes time and effort. Countless repetitions, never reluctant, never giving up. With your body, as ironic as it sounds, you can tell it ‘to shut up and do as told’.

HQ: What changes do riders usually notice first when they begin to understand their own movement patterns more clearly?
Anne: First thing is they stop blaming the horse. That’s huge! Second is confusion and some frustration. They often get the feeling of starting all over again. Then, if we can inspire them to keep going, they will experience how the horses react to this approach, the different aids and smooth movements. When that interaction is started, we know the rider is ‘hooked’.

HQ: You work with riders across disciplines and levels, from grassroots to professionals. Are there challenges that seem to appear regardless of discipline or experience?
Anne: It is common knowledge that if anything gets stuck on any level, it usually lacks in the foundation. There might be a challenge in the rider’s mechanics, but problems can also originate in the foundation training of the horse. The use of bad timing, rewarding unwanted behaviour, and trying to force the horse are problems that arise all the time and at all levels. A bad leg yield will evolve into a bad half pass. The same goes for the other way around.

HQ: For riders who feel frustrated or stuck right now, what is one small shift they could make immediately that would create more harmony with their horse?
Anne: Loosen up and look at your horse! If the head and unrestrained neck can move in a downward tendency, you are on the right track! All other stuff comes after that!

HQ: Your teaching places strong emphasis on ethics, low–stress and long–term soundness. How do you define ethical riding in today’s competitive environment and what does ethical training look like in day–to–day practice?
Anne: Ethical riding, for me, starts with a very simple, but demanding premise: the horse is not a tool for our ambitions, but a living, thinking, and feeling partner with limits, preferences, and a long physical life ahead of him. In today’s competitive environment, that is not a soft position: it is a disciplined one.

Ethical riding means that performance is never separated from soundness, mental well-being, and sustainability over time. A result that compromises the horse’s body or emotional state is not a success; it is deferred damage. Competition should test education and harmony, not how much pressure a horse can tolerate.

In day-to-day practice, ethical training looks very concrete. It starts with the rider. The first place I look for a solution is always in the rider’s seat, balance, timing, and clarity of influence - never in ‘fixing’ the horse. Training is based on understanding how horses learn, how stress accumulates, and how movement chains function biomechanically. Low stress does not mean low standards; it means clear questions, consistent signals, and sufficient recovery.

Ethical training also accepts limits. Not every horse is built for every discipline, and not every day is a training day. Rest, variation, correct management, and honest observation are part of the work. When the answer we get from the horse is not what we expected, ethical riding requires us to change the question, not increase the pressure.

Ultimately, ethical riding is future-oriented. It asks not only ‘Can we do this today?’ but ‘Will this horse still move willingly, soundly, and with confidence in five or ten years?’ If the answer to that question is unclear, then the training needs to change.

HQ: At the International Biomechanics Symposium, what can participants expect from your sessions?
Anne: At the International Biomechanics Symposium, participants can expect sessions that are practical, precise, and immediately applicable, rather than abstract theory.

My work focuses on the rider as a biomechanical factor. I translate functional biomechanics into clear, observable principles that riders can feel in their own bodies and recognise in the horse’s way of moving. The emphasis is on the rider’s seat, balance, timing, and influence, and on how small changes in posture and coordination can significantly reduce tension, improve movement chains, and lower physical stress for both horse and rider.

The sessions are grounded in learning theory and ethics but always connected to day-to-day practice.

Rather than offering a single ‘correct position,’ I work with individual differences. Riders will leave with a clearer understanding of how their own biomechanics interact with the horse’s body, and with practical tools to train in a way that supports long-term soundness, low stress, and sustainable performance.

HQ: What continues to inspire you about this work, and what do you hope riders take with them after training with you?
Anne: Mulisch, the famous Dutch author once said, “I have no goal, I have a cause”. As long as there are horses who are in trouble because of humans, I will continue to do my best to help those horses and their owners as elegantly as I can.

I hope participants will reflect on what has been said and shown as they enter their arenas the day after. It is nearly impossible to make huge lasting changes overnight. I will already be very happy when a small seed is planted. When small pieces of my teachings start echoing in your ears to support you through the countless repetitions which are necessary to change movement and behavioural patterns.

HQ: Do you have any future plans you’d be happy to share with us?
Anne: My latest project is the ProHorse Performance Protocol. It is meant to guide the eyes of he or she who is judging to what it all comes down to - true harmony between horse and rider. Based on objective visuals this Performance Protocol will bring an end to a lot of confusion. A picture explains more than a thousand words. During the International Biomechanics Symposium, I will explain how the protocol works for all levels and disciplines.

INTERNATIONAL BIOMECHANICS SYMPOSIUM
8th – 13th May 2026
Kyalami Equestrian Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Visit www.centrelinecollective.co.za to book.

TEXT: Lara Ellwood of Insight Equine

Setting the direction
for 2026

The power or purposeful goals

New year, big energy… 2026 energy looks good on you!

Let’s be honest, by February, half our goals are hiding in a dusty corner next to the unused gym gear. We start with wild motivation, bold resolutions, and a ‘this is my year’ mindset, only for real life to come trotting in and knock us a little off balance.

But here’s the good news: a fresh year isn’t about perfection or overnight transformation – it’s about showing up, adjusting as you go, and choosing progress over pressure. Setting goals is a skill that we can use not only in our riding but in life. You don’t need a total reinvention… just a little intention, a lot of consistency, and maybe a dash of grit.

GOAL SETTING
Setting goals is about more than checking boxes. It is about creating a clear direction for your life and defining what you truly want to achieve. Goals give focus, structure, and purpose, guiding your actions step by step. Just as riding requires balance, focus, and steady rhythm, so too does the journey toward meaningful achievement. Breaking big goals into manageable actions keeps progress consistent, helps maintain motivation, and makes the journey both achievable and rewarding. Goals are not simply about reaching an endpoint; they are about growth, learning, and enjoying the process along the way. They become a part of our lifestyle and the way we live our lives.

The most important element of goal setting is understanding why you want them. Simon Sinek famously said, “Start with why.” When you are clear about what truly drives you, goals become more than a to–do list; they reflect who you are and what you value. Motivation that comes only from external pressure or fleeting inspiration is rarely sustainable. To continue when challenges arise, motivation must be intrinsic (it must come from within), aligned with your values, vision, and the version of yourself you want to become.

Your ‘why’ may be complex. Sometimes it comes from the desire to prove something, other times from a wish to help others, or perhaps a need to grow beyond past challenges. Acknowledging this complexity is part of being honest with yourself. Understanding ‘your why’ makes your goals personal, powerful, and lasting. When actions are rooted in something meaningful, each small step builds momentum and confidence, turning effort into progress and progress into lasting achievement.

MEASURING SUCCESS
While outcomes are often used to measure success, focusing solely on the end result can create unnecessary pressure. Outcomes provide direction, showing what you are aiming for, but when the outcome is all that matters, every misstep can feel like failure. Obsessing over results can lead to stress, self–doubt, and decreased motivation. Instead, the focus should be on the process. By celebrating effort, learning, and small wins along the way, motivation is maintained, resilience is strengthened, and progress is sustainable. We need to set an intention, that guides our direction and our actions. The process itself becomes the reward, and results naturally follow.

THE CAMERA LENS ANALOGY
A helpful approach to goal setting is to view your progress from multiple perspectives, much like adjusting a camera lens. The big–picture lens connects you to your vision and values, keeping your purpose clear and reminding you why your goals matter. The medium lens focuses on strategy, helping you plan a realistic pathway without overcomplicating or daydreaming. The zoomed–in lens highlights daily actions and habits, the small steps that transform plans into results. Learning to shift between these perspectives ensures balance: vision keeps you inspired, strategy keeps you grounded, and daily action keeps progress consistent.

WIDE–ANGLE
The big–picture perspective encourages reflection on long–term purpose. Ask yourself if your goals align with your values and contribute to your broader life vision. Whether your aim is to reach the top level of your chosen discipline, achieve professional growth, or cultivate personal development, clarity on the bigger picture ensures each step has meaning.

MEDIUM
The medium lens focuses on strategy, identifying milestones, priorities, and approaches that make your goals achievable. Breaking goals into manageable steps reduces overwhelm, helps maintain organisation, and provides a realistic roadmap for progress. Each step along the way is a goal in itself, focusing on growth, learning, and deliberate action rather than only on the final result.

CLOSE–UP
The zoomed–in perspective emphasises consistency and attention to detail. Small, deliberate actions each day compound over time into significant results. Whether practising a specific skill, following a routine, or tracking progress, these intentional habits build momentum, confidence, and resilience. The aim is not perfection, but continuous improvement. Incremental, meaningful actions may feel small in the moment, but over time they lead to remarkable achievement.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, goal setting is a journey of focus, purpose, and persistence. Understanding your motivation, prioritising the process, and maintaining perspective across long–term vision, strategy, and daily habits ensures sustainable progress. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings growth, confidence, and the satisfaction of moving toward what truly matters. By approaching goals with clarity and intention, the journey becomes as rewarding as the destination itself.

RUCONU
APPALOOSA
STUD

Beyond the spots

It has been a genuine privilege for us at HQ Magazine to get to know and work with Ruconu Appaloosa Stud, and, in particular, to spend time with its founder, Mariann.

As a breeding operation, Ruconu really stands apart for its quiet intentionality. At Ruconu, temperament is not an afterthought, development is never rushed, and the horse is viewed first and foremost as a long-term partner rather than a product.

We caught up with Mariann to learn more about the origins of Ruconu Appaloosa Stud, the philosophy that underpins every breeding and training decision, and her clear, considered vision for the future of the Appaloosa sporthorse in South Africa.

HQ: Ruconu is described as embodying ‘a rich family heritage’– can you tell us about the origins of the stud and what inspired you to focus on Appaloosas specifically?
Mariann: My story with horses started long before Ruconu existed, on our farm, riding beside my father, who had an intuitive grasp of animal behaviour and a deep love for breeding. Those early years shaped everything I understand about conformation, temperament, and what makes a truly exceptional horse.

When my husband, Eduard, and I bought our farm in Clarens, all those lessons found a home. It became the perfect place to lay the foundation for a stud we officially registered in 2017.

But the real catalyst arrived a decade earlier, in 2007: a black blanket Appaloosa stallion named Zulu. My father discovered him on a stud farm that was closing down in the Amajuba Mountains, and the moment Zulu stepped off the horsebox, he changed our trajectory forever. His temperament, athleticism, and nobility were irresistible.

Ruconu Metroman

Ruconu Luke’s Peaches

Ruconu Metroman

Two Moons Peru’s Sinatra

We bred a few mares to him and were astounded by the quality of his foals. That success led us to acquire mares from the same esteemed (and really old) Toby 1 bloodline, and from there, the vision for Ruconu Appaloosa Stud took root.

And why Appaloosas? Because they are everything an equine partner should be – intelligent, willing, versatile, and deeply connected to their people.

HQ: What makes an Appaloosa particularly suited to the South African equestrian landscape and riders' needs?
Mariann: Many riders come to me searching for a way to rediscover their confidence and joy in the saddle. Often, they’ve owned powerful and talented Warmbloods that simply felt overwhelming for them.

The Appaloosa sporthorse we breed bridges that gap beautifully. They are brave, adaptable, sensible, and athletic – ideal for riders wanting talent without volatility. They bring the sport back into reach, as well as the enjoyment along the way.

HQ: What does creating ‘a treasured partner for the modern equestrian’ mean to you, and how does this philosophy guide your breeding decisions?
Mariann: To us, a treasured partner is a horse who is human–focused, capable, curious, willing and easy to train. That definition guides us in everything that we do at the stud.

We select mares and stallions with good minds and sporthorse qualities, but genetics are only the beginning. From birth onward, our horses go through a carefully structured development programme where we keep track of everything – notes on temperament, strengths, challenges, and progress markers.

Our training programme builds trust and resilience. By the time they leave Ruconu, they are young horses ready for their new adventure, not braced against it.

HQ: How has your vision for Ruconu evolved since you first established the Stud?
Mariann: I realised that to truly honour our Appaloosa sporthorses, they need to be seen – tested, competed amongst other breeds and showcased.

Now, competing horses from our different bloodlines is a priority, and our young horses from our three primary bloodlines have proven themselves by performing successfully against top young horses of other breeds.

Looking ahead, we plan to participate in the Young Horse Performance Series in 2026. And then we’re incorporating specific Warmblood lines known for temperament, talent and rideability – always enhancing what makes the Appaloosa remarkable.

BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
HQ: You place tremendous emphasis on temperament, which is something we love about your Stud. What specific qualities are you looking for when selecting breeding stock and making pairings?
Mariann: Our core temperament traits are:
• Bravery
• Trainability
• Level–headedness
• Keenness
• Intelligence

Without these, no amount of talent or colour counts.

HQ: How do you assess temperament in potential breeding horses, and at what point can you identify these traits in foals?
Mariann: You can learn a great deal about a horse from a short interaction – how they respond to small requests, how they engage with its current handlers, what reactions are instinctive versus learned.

Foals begin revealing their personalities very early. We watch how they respond to new things, how they navigate their environment, and us as their handlers.

We tailor each foal’s early handling so they feel as little overwhelmed as possible. This produces horses who grow up feeling supported, secure, and curious rather than cautious.

And of course – a well–mannered mare produces a well–mannered foal and an insecure mare produces an insecure foal.

HQ: Can you explain your breeding programme and what makes the Ruconu Appaloosa bloodlines unique?
Mariann: Intentionality.
We start with excellent mares, select complementary stallions, and strategically introduce specific traits. From that foundation, we breed modern sport Appaloosas with depth of pedigree.

I believe it’s the combinations that set the Ruconu stamp

HQ: Beyond temperament, what other characteristics are priorities in your breeding programme?
Mariann: A Ruconu horse must embody:
• Soundness
• Correct conformation
• Quality
• Athleticism
• Modern type
• Natural scope
• Functional movement

HQ: Your hands–on development programme is clearly a cornerstone of Ruconu's success. Can you walk us through what this daily routine looks like for young horses?
Mariann: At Ruconu, our young–horse programme unfolds in phases, each designed to be a building block for confidence, trust, and understanding. We believe that how a horse is raised matters just as much as how it is trained.

Before weaning, foals grow up naturally within the breeding herd, learning social skills, confidence, and curiosity from their mothers and environment. Gentle daily handling begins here, supported by consistency, patience, and the early introduction of a calm nanny mare to establish security and healthy boundaries.

During weaning, the foals remain in a familiar setting with their nanny while the mares move on. This phase becomes more hands–on. We find weanlings are naturally curious and easily bored, so we channel that energy constructively with short, engaging sessions that reinforce early lessons such as leading, hoof handling for farrier visits, standing quietly, and they are led over, under and through obstacles. Gentle desensitisation to running water and fabric cloths is introduced, always with the goal of building trust rather than compliance.

At two years old, the youngsters begin learning a bit more independence. They are introduced to boots, surcingle and a numnah, in–hand work and loading, which prepares them for in–hand shows. They are also exposed to flags, bags, ropes, loud music, and a bit of staged chaos. Sessions remain brief and relaxed, focusing on understanding rather than repetition.

During the pre–backing phase, at three, we introduce a more regular work routine and groundwork becomes central alongside continued exposure. Rather than traditional lunging at this point, we introduce the concept and eventually at a short distance away, some long–lining, rein and leg aids in–hand. To keep their minds engaged, we introduce pole work, in–hand jumping and an obstacle course. We gradually introduce new environments, and light weight on the back, so it doesn't feel so alarming later on. Interestingly, many of our Appaloosas resist lunging in the early stages. I suspect it’s because the bond matters so deeply; sending them away conflicts with the closeness we’ve built. It’s a reminder that they value partnership as much as we do.

Backing begins around three and a half years, once the horse is physically and mentally ready. By this stage, the horse is confident, bonded with its trainer, and eager to work. Early riding starts with very short sessions under saddle, short outrides become longer ones and progress naturally from walk to trot to canter. All at the horse’s pace! The obstacle work continues to play a role, helping horses process complex questions and refining understanding and responses.

The bit is introduced thoughtfully in–hand at first, with reins initially attached to the halter rather than the bit when backing takes place. As strength, balance and confidence improve, reins are gradually connected to the bit, alongside a neck rope. This allows us to reinforce aids without needing to apply pressure in the mouth too early.

This slow, structured approach produces horses that are calm, willing, and emotionally secure – partners who step into their ridden careers with confidence rather than resistance.

HQ: How does your approach to raising foals differ from more conventional methods, and why do you believe this creates such reliable partners?
Mariann: Many horses arrive at training yards as blank canvases and are expected to go from zero to hero in a matter of weeks. That intensity often produces horses who shut down emotionally and mentally or develop unpredictable behaviours.
Our approach is gradual. We build understanding and confidence one layer at a time. We address small issues early, rather than trying to fix big ones later.

Ruconu Sir Harvey

Ruconu Sinatra’s Barbour

HQ: What role does the natural environment at Ruconu play in developing confident, surefooted horses?
Mariann: A profound one.
Our foals grow up in a natural herd. They learn to navigate uneven terrain, water, hills, and natural obstacles long before they ever see an arena.

They gallop, climb, swim – all while developing exceptional proprioception and athletic intelligence.

Under saddle, youngsters go on outrides early in their training. They meet wildlife, vehicles, livestock, wind and water so the world becomes familiar instead of frightening. Emmelize, our trainer, shared an exciting story about encountering a large male baboon while out riding Ruconu Rocking Isadora. They were on the other side of a game fence, already in a slow canter, when the baboon started running alongside them at the same speed for several hundred metres. Surprisingly, Isadora didn’t show any fear; it was quite exhilarating for both parties!

THE RUCONU DIFFERENCE
HQ: Your clients describe Ruconu horses as being dependable and reliable to the utmost degree. What do you attribute this consistency to?
Mariann: Because reliability is the cumulative result of the choices we make - from the dam and sire we select to the way we raise and handle our foals. We work as a united team with a very clear vision.

HQ: One testimonial mentions that your horses are ‘people’s horses’ – how do you foster this connection between horse and human from such a young age?
Mariann: With genuine affection.
Our grooms and trainers are patient, steady people who truly enjoy horses. We balance purposeful training with unhurried time – scratches, grooming, quiet moments. Horses thrive on both structure and softness.

A Ruconu horse grows up believing that humans are trustworthy. That belief becomes the foundation for everything else.

SUCCESS STORIES AND THE FUTURE
HQ: What types of disciplines or activities do Ruconu horses typically excel in? Can you tell us about any particular success stories?
Mariann: Our early foals were mostly kept for breeding or sold, so our first registered homebred competition horses are only now emerging.

One of my proudest moments came when Ruconu Sir Harvey stepped into his very first ridden showing show. A senior showing judge later told us (out of the blue) that if she could’ve taken any horse home from the entire show, it would have been him. Five months under saddle, and he’s already leaving an impression!

Our horses excel in various disciplines:

Showing due to their quality, conformation and movement.
Dressage with their balance, trainability and natural uphill build.
Jumping with scope, bravery, athleticism and speed.
Eventing where bravery is a big factor as well as, versatility, stamina, speed, and love of variety. Appaloosas love variety and mental stimulation – eventing suits their cleverness perfectly.

HQ: What are your goals for the future of Ruconu Appaloosas, and what legacy do you hope to leave in South African Appaloosa breeding?
Mariann: Simply put: I want to help make the Appaloosa great again.

The breed has always been versatile and athletic, but Appaloosas are competed mostly in breed shows. That needs to change.

The Appaloosa Sporthorse registry allows the registration of Appaloosa × Warmblood breeding, opening exciting doors for producing elite, modern athletes with the durability and temperament the breed is famous for.

Our goal is to champion the Appaloosa in mainstream sport too!

FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS
HQ: What advice would you give to someone looking for their first Appaloosa or considering a Ruconu horse?
Mariann: Come try out a Ruconu Appaloosa!

And be cautious of ‘bargain Appaloosas.’ Colour alone means nothing, and poorly bred, poorly handled horses often come with behavioural baggage. A good Appaloosa is extraordinary.

Choose for mind, movement, and breeding, not just spots.

HQ: What ongoing support do you provide to buyers after they take their horse home?
Mariann: We love staying connected with our horses and their people. We offer spelling and breeding support, and our region’s low disease risk makes it ideal for horses needing rest or training.

And perhaps, in years to come, we’ll welcome Ruconu horses back to retire with us, returning to the place they were born.

TEXT: Kim Dale, Founder of Unbridled Marketing

Introducing The

‘Local Business Launchpad Series’

by Unbridled Marketing

If you run a horse business in South Africa, chances are you did not start it because you are an expert entrepreneur or an expert marketer. You started it because you love horses and saw a gap. The marketing and business savvy usually comes later, somewhere between juggling your day job, riding, ordering product samples, answering emails at all hours, and wondering if anyone actually reads your Instagram captions.

I get it. I built Unbridled Marketing because I saw how many good local equestrian businesses were being held back not by their products or services, but by lack of visibility, poor positioning and uncertainty. And through working with these brands, I’ve learnt what works, what definitely doesn’t work, what to spend on and where you can save cash and do it yourself.

WHO I AM
Horses have been part of my life, personally and professionally, for as long as I can remember. I studied Stud Management, then Animal Science, and then PR. I know, it sounds like I could not quite decide. And truth be told, I couldn’t. Only now do I see that I was building a unique set of skills that would be instrumental later in my career.

I went on to work in commercial brand strategy, both locally and internationally, and eventually found myself looking for a position that blended horses, marketing strategy and communication into one. That role did not exist. So I built my business around that unique set of skills I had pieced together.

At the same time, a very clear pattern started to emerge in the South African equestrian industry. I kept meeting business owners with viable products and services who were struggling to gain traction. Not because what they offered was lacking, but because marketing felt disconnected, overwhelming, and a bit soul crushing. Branding felt like something reserved for big companies with big budgets. Strategy felt intimidating and marketing decisions were often made reactively, without a clear plan or direction.

Unbridled Marketing was created to sit exactly at that intersection. To bring together industry knowledge, commercial strategy and practical marketing in a way that actually makes sense for homegrown horse businesses.

Over the years, I have worked with tack brands, online training platforms, equine service providers and personal brands. Different disciplines, different budgets, same recurring challenges. Watching, learning and actively helping these brands has taught me many things, and now it’s time to share this knowledge.

WHAT LOCAL BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD IS ABOUT
This article series is a practical, honest look at what it really takes to build and grow a horse business in South Africa. I want to help you, dear budding business owner, to understand where to focus your money and energy in order to maximise your brand’s impact.

Each article will focus on one of two things.
The first is practical marketing and business insight. Not theory. Not buzzwords. Real world guidance on branding, pricing, strategy, social media and growth, written specifically for the horse industry. The kind of advice I give clients every day, without the fluff. Frankly, the kind of advice I wish I had when I kicked off Unbridled Marketing.

The second is spotlighting local brands and businesses that are doing things well. These features are about learning from each other and celebrating the businesses that are backing themselves and making waves locally.

WHO THIS SERIES IS FOR
If you already run a horse business, this series is for you. If you are quietly planning one, this is for you too. And if you are somewhere in between, side hustling between rides and wondering if you should take the leap, you are exactly who I had in mind when I pitched this column.

You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to start making more intentional decisions. You also just need a realistic understanding of what it’s going to take.

WHAT’S NEXT?
In the coming months, we will be taking a look at some lekker local brands as well as taking a look at how to tell if your business idea is viable, tips for making good content, and why strategy (above all else) matters.

If there is one thing I hope you take from this series, it is this. You are not behind. You are not doing it wrong. You are just a few tips and one helluva strategy away from making your business work harder for you.

WELCOME TO LOCAL BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Insuring your horse early
If you are breeding your own foal, it is highly recommended to secure insurance coverage as early as your provider allows, often even during pregnancy with foetus cover. This ensures protection during the most vulnerable stages of development and birth. Likewise, for those purchasing a new horse, arranging insurance immediately upon completing the purchase transaction is crucial. Delaying coverage can leave you exposed to unexpected risks. Always aim to insure your horse while they are healthy and free from pre-existing conditions, as this maximises your coverage options and minimises exclusions.

Financial implications of horse ownership
Owning a horse comes with substantial financial risks. These risks are not just related to performance outcomes or the emotional bond with the horse, but also the responsibility of taking care of your beloved investment. Horse veterinary expenses can exceed human medical expenses. In addition to colic surgery costs, critical care cases often involve extended hospital stays, with 25% of cases requiring nine or more days in a clinic and some lasting up to 20 days or more. Like you would purchase policies to cover yourself for life, liability and medical expenses, the responsibility is equally important when owning a horse.

Rising costs and the need for comprehensive coverage
Horse values have increased over the years, driven by competitiveness in sports, school activities, equine-related businesses and stud farms. Veterinary expenses have also risen due to advancements in medical care, including access to sophisticated diagnostic tools. This means the financial risk is higher than ever, making comprehensive cover essential. Protecting your investment with the best possible insurance policies is something that should not be taken lightly. Cheaper options are not always the best, especially in the insurance industry, where quality coverage can make all the difference.

What should you look for in an insurer?
When choosing an insurer, focus on trust and service:

A strong reputation in equine insurance
Clear, comprehensive cover options
Transparent policies with no hidden exclusions
24/7 claims support so vets can act without delay

Making informed decisions
Making an uninformed decision with a complex risk like a horse, where so much time and money are invested, is not advisable. Why? Because switching insurers after your horse develops a medical condition can be difficult. New policies often include exclusions for pre-existing conditions, leaving you stuck with cover you do not feel comfortable with. Review your options early - before you need them.

Understanding your policy
When choosing your insurer, make sure you fully understand your policy:

Check limits: Pay attention to both value and time limits
Read your policy: Know what’s covered, and what’s not
Understand claims: Key documents and what happens after a claim
Emergencies: Who to call and when
Ask questions: No question is too small – clarify with your consultant

By insuring your horse early and selecting a trusted insurance provider, you can ensure your valuable investment is well-protected. This not only provides peace of mind but also allows you to focus on what matters most: enjoying your time with your horse.

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Show season nerves

Competition nerves are nearly universal among riders. Whether you're entering your first show or your hundredth, that flutter of anxiety before entering the arena is familiar. While some nerves can sharpen performance, excessive anxiety undermines your riding and prevents you from enjoying the sport. This month, we answer your questions about managing competition anxiety, building confidence, and performing at your best when it matters most.

Understanding what's happening helps you address it. When anxious, your body prepares for threat through the fight-or-flight response. This causes physical changes that directly impact riding: muscle tension affects your seat and following aids; rapid breathing reduces oxygen delivery to working muscles; narrowed focus (tunnel vision) makes it harder to plan ahead; and fine motor control deteriorates, making subtle aids less effective.

STRATEGIES THAT HELP:
Practice pressure at home: Create show-like conditions during training. Set up mock tests. Invite friends to watch. Practice entering at A, halting at X, and saluting. The more you simulate show conditions at home, the less foreign they feel at actual competitions.

Develop pre-performance routines: Consistent warm-up routines help your brain recognise 'this is familiar' even in unfamiliar environments. Your routine becomes an anchor - something reliable when everything else feels uncertain. This might include a specific sequence of exercises you do with your horse, breathing patterns you practice, or mental cues you use every time before performing.

Start with low-stakes shows: Don't make your first outing a major competition. Enter local, friendly shows where results matter less. Give yourself permission to treat these as learning experiences. Each show you attend builds confidence for the next one.

Focus on process, not outcome: Instead of thinking 'I need to win' or 'I can't make mistakes,' focus on specific riding goals: 'I'll maintain steady contact,' or 'I'll ride every corner.' Process goals are within your control; outcomes often aren't.

Start building the habit at home. During every ride, periodically check: am I breathing? Some riders find it helpful to breathe audibly, not huge gasps, but gentle exhales that you can hear. This conscious exhalation prevents breath holding. Others use specific breathing patterns: inhale for three strides, exhale for three strides. The pattern gives your mind something to focus on while ensuring breath continues.

Link breathing to specific moments. Before every transition, take a deliberate breath. Before every corner, breathe out. This creates triggers - movement X means breathe. Eventually, these become automatic. During stressful moments at shows, exaggerate your breathing slightly. Conscious, deeper breaths activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the stress response.

Practice breathing exercises off the horse too. Spend five minutes daily doing deep breathing: inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, exhale through your mouth for six. The longer exhale activates relaxation responses. Regular practice makes controlled breathing more accessible when you need it under pressure.

Practical management strategies:
Timing your arrival: Arrive with enough time to settle but not so early that you have hours to ruminate. For most riders, arriving 90 minutes before your class provides adequate preparation time without excessive waiting.

Stay busy: Idle time amplifies anxiety. Keep yourself occupied with useful tasks - grooming, tack cleaning, walking the course. Physical activity also helps burn off excess adrenaline.

Eat strategically: Avoid heavy meals before competing, but don't show up on an empty stomach either, as low blood sugar worsens anxiety. Light, easily digestible snacks work well: bananas, crackers, energy bars. Stay hydrated but don't overdo fluids if you're prone to needing the bathroom when nervous.

Physical grounding techniques: When you feel panic rising, try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste. This grounds you in the present moment rather than catastrophising about the future.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Systematically tense and release muscle groups. Clench your fists tight for 5 seconds, release. Tense your shoulders, release. This reduces overall muscle tension that accompanies anxiety.

Accept the nerves: Paradoxically, trying to eliminate nerves often makes them worse. Instead, acknowledge them: 'I'm feeling nervous, and that's okay. These feelings won't stop me from riding.' Acceptance reduces the secondary anxiety about being anxious.

Start by addressing any legitimate issues. If your horse was anxious, work with your trainer to understand why and implement solutions. If you fell, ensure any physical injuries are healed and consider whether equipment or fitness contributed. If eliminated due to a training gap, work on that specific skill. Taking concrete steps to prevent recurrence builds genuine confidence.

Then, gradually reintroduce show environments. Your first step might simply be to go to a showground and walk around without competing. Next, perhaps warm up, but don't enter a class. Then enter a very low-stakes class, maybe even hors concours where your result doesn't count. Each successful experience proves to your brain that shows don't always end badly.

Visualisation can also help tremendously. Regularly visualise yourself successfully navigating the situation that went wrong. See yourself riding confidently, making good decisions, and completing your class successfully. Your brain can't fully distinguish between vivid visualisation and actual experience, so positive mental rehearsal helps overwrite the negative memory.

Consider working with a sports psychologist if the fear is significantly impacting your riding. There's no shame in getting professional help and elite athletes routinely work with mental skills coaches. Techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy can be remarkably effective for performance anxiety rooted in specific incidents.

Build competence: Genuine confidence comes from knowing you have the skills to handle what you'll face. If you're anxious about a particular movement or level, perhaps you're not quite ready. There's no shame in this; it means you need more preparation, not that you're inadequate. Work on the skills until they're truly solid, then compete at that level.

Prepare thoroughly: Confidence grows from preparation. Know your test inside out. Understand the course. Have your equipment organised. Practice your warm-up routine. Each element you've prepared is one less thing to worry about.

Gain experience: There's no substitute for mileage. Each show you attend, regardless of result, adds to your experience bank. The 50th show is less intimidating than the 5th because you've proven to yourself repeatedly that you can handle this.

Set realistic expectations: Confidence doesn't mean believing you'll win every time. It means trusting you'll cope with whatever happens. Some of the most confident riders are those who've learned to handle mistakes gracefully.

Collect evidence: Keep a success journal. After every ride - training or competition - write down three things you did well. When doubt creeps in, review this evidence. Your brain tends to remember failures vividly and dismiss successes; deliberately documenting successes counters this bias.

Use confident body language: Research shows that physical posture influences mental state. Sit tall, pull your shoulders back, and hold your head up. This 'power posing' genuinely makes you feel more confident - it's not just appearance; it affects your internal state.

First, recognise that you're almost certainly wrong about how well others are coping. That rider who looks calm and confident? They might be having a private panic attack. The person who just rode beautifully? They're probably thinking about the three mistakes they made that you didn't even notice. Everyone struggles; not everyone shows it.

Shift from comparative thinking to self-referential thinking. Instead of 'I'm not as good as her,' ask 'Am I better than I was three months ago?' Your only meaningful comparison is with your own past performance. Progress is what matters, not your ranking relative to others.

When you catch yourself comparing, actively redirect. Thought: 'She's so much better than me.' Redirect: 'She's ridden that movement really well. What can I learn from watching her?' Transform comparison into a learning opportunity rather than self-criticism.

Remember that everyone is on their own journey, at their own pace, with different advantages and challenges. Someone who looks like a natural might have been riding since age three with unlimited access to training and schoolmasters. Someone struggling might be working with limited resources, a difficult horse, or physical challenges you can't see. You don't know their full story, so comparison is meaningless.

Focus on your 'why.' Why do you ride? For most people, it's not to be better than others—it's for the joy of partnership with horses, the satisfaction of improvement, the challenge of mastering a difficult skill. When you connect with your personal motivation, other people's performance becomes irrelevant.

STRATEGIES TO COPE:
Have a plan: Know exactly what you need to accomplish. Write it down if helpful: '10 minutes walk, 5 minutes working trot, 5 minutes canter, 5 minutes specific movements.' Following a plan keeps your mind occupied with tasks rather than spiralling into anxiety.

Focus inward: Deliberately narrow your attention to just you and your horse. What does your horse feel like beneath you? Is their rhythm steady? Are they accepting the contact? Micro-focus on riding well in this moment, not on what anyone might be thinking.

Use the environment: If your horse tends to be spooky in new places, use the warm-up to desensitise them. Walk past the scary corner, acknowledge the flapping banner, investigate the car. This gives you a productive focus and helps your horse settle.

Be kind to others: Anxiety makes people self-focused. Counteract this by offering a genuine smile or word of encouragement to another rider. This breaks the cycle of anxious self-absorption and reminds you that you're all in this together.

Accept imperfection: Your warm-up doesn't need to be perfect. If your horse is a bit tense or you miss a distance to a practice jump, so what? Warm-up is preparation, not performance. Let go of trying to impress anyone (who isn't watching anyway).

End positively: Whatever you're working on, finish with something your horse does well. This sends you into the arena feeling successful rather than frustrated. Even if the warm-up was challenging overall, ending on a good note matters psychologically.

COUNTERSTRATEGIES:
Get calm before the class: Before going into your round, try to get yourself as relaxed as possible using the techniques above, like breathing techniques, tensing and relaxing muscles, and the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.

Practice under distraction: At home, occasionally practice with deliberate distractions like music playing, people walking by, whatever. This trains your brain to maintain focus despite interruptions, which helps when show environment distractions occur.

Develop recovery strategies: Plan what you'll do if you lose your place. For dressage, know which movements you can skip to get back on track. For showjumping, understand which fences you can circle to regroup. Having a recovery plan paradoxically makes you less likely to need it - the security of knowing you can handle mistakes reduces anxiety.

Stay in the present: Focus on the jump you're doing now, not the jump you just did. Looking back on past errors increases the likelihood of mistakes. Forget the jump once you’ve ridden it.

That said, there's a difference between acknowledging nerves and dwelling on them. Saying 'I'm a bit nervous but I've prepared well' is honest without being self-defeating. Repeatedly announcing 'I'm going to mess up, I'm so anxious, I can't do this' reinforces negative expectations.

It’s also worth considering your audience. Telling your supportive trainer or a fellow competitor might bring comfort. Telling your highly critical barn mate, who thrives on others' discomfort, might not. Choose people who respond to vulnerability with kindness.

Sometimes naming your anxiety reduces its power. Speaking it aloud can make it feel less overwhelming. Other times, keeping it private and dealing with it internally works better. Do what feels right for you; there's no single correct approach.

Remember that experienced competitors understand nerves completely. Any rider who claims they never feel nervous is either lying or has a very unusual nervous system. Nervousness is the norm, not the exception.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL:
Breathing: Slow, deep breathing calms you physiologically and gives your horse a calmer rider to respond to. Before mounting, during the warm-up, and between exercises, breathe deliberately. Long exhales particularly activate relaxation responses.

Soft eyes: Anxiety creates tunnel vision with a hard, staring focus. Deliberately soften your gaze, allowing your peripheral vision to expand. This physiologically shifts you toward a more relaxed state and gives better awareness of your environment.

Elastic contact: Nervous riders tend to grip the reins. Check your hands repeatedly - are you allowing following contact or are you holding fixed? Elastic, following hands communicate calm; rigid hands communicate tension.

Rhythm riding: Focus obsessively on maintaining a steady rhythm. Count strides, hum quietly, or think in rhythm with your horse's footfalls. Rhythm requires regular breathing and reduces tension. It also gives your mind something productive to focus on.

Trust your horse: Sometimes our anxiety stems from not trusting our horse to handle the situation. Remind yourself of all the times they've come through for you. Give them credit for their experience and capability. Your confidence in them helps them feel confident.

Interestingly, some horses actually become more sensible when they sense their rider needs support. Not all tension transfer is negative - some horses rise to the occasion and take care of nervous riders. Know your horse's tendencies and work with them.

Productive review follows a structure: What went well? What needs improvement? What specific steps will I take to improve those elements? This takes perhaps 15 minutes, ideally done with your trainer, and results in an action plan. You acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.

Destructive rumination looks different: endlessly replaying errors, berating yourself, catastrophising about future performances, comparing yourself unfavourably to others. This provides no new information after the first review; you're just reinforcing negative feelings without generating solutions.

When you catch yourself ruminating, interrupt the cycle. Literally say (out loud if necessary), 'Stop. I've already learned from this. Moving on.' Then deliberately shift attention to something else. This isn't suppression; you've acknowledged the mistake and identified lessons. Now you're choosing not to wallow.

Create a 24-hour rule: you're allowed to feel disappointed for 24 hours after a bad performance. Feel the feelings, have a cry if needed, vent to a supportive friend. Then, deliberately move forward. Set a timer if helpful - when it goes off, that phase is done.

Remember that mistakes at shows are data, not evidence of your inadequacy. Every rider, at every level, makes mistakes. They're how we learn. The best competitors aren't those who never err, they're those who recover quickly and extract lessons efficiently.

Is competing something you genuinely want to do, or are you doing it because you feel you should, or because others expect it? Many riders are happier and more fulfilled when they give themselves permission to just enjoy riding without the competition element. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing not to show.

Have you genuinely tried anxiety management strategies, or are you assuming nothing will help? If you haven't worked systematically on mental skills, tried sports psychology support, or given strategies time to work, you might be giving up prematurely.

What would you gain by stepping back? More enjoyment of riding? Less pressure? Better relationship with your horse? These are valid reasons to reduce or eliminate competing.

What would you lose? The satisfaction of overcoming challenges? Motivation for training? A social community? Goals that drive improvement? Consider both sides honestly.

Could you modify rather than eliminate competing? Perhaps fewer shows, or only local friendly events, or different disciplines that create less pressure? Complete elimination isn't the only option.

Remember that taking a break isn't permanent failure. You could step back from competing for six months or a year, work on skills and confidence at home, and return when you feel ready. Or you might discover you're happier not competing and make that permanent - both are fine outcomes.

The most important thing is honest self-reflection. Don't let others' expectations drive your decision. Your riding should enhance your life, not diminish it. If competing causes suffering that outweighs any enjoyment, changing course is wisdom, not weakness.

SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

DIGITAL ISSUE 173B | 2026

Lizzie and the HQ team xxx

DIGITAL ISSUE 173B | 2025

CONTENTS

The making of a champion

With Hamza Minty and Chad Cunningham

FEI Rule Changes 2026

Effective from January 1

Meet Anne Müller

Bridging rider biomechanics and equine welfare

Akasha’s law for trainers:If the rider does not understand your teaching, it is your teaching that must evolve.

TEXT: Lara Ellwood of Insight Equine

Setting the direction for 2026

The power or purposeful goals

RUCONU APPALOOSA STUD

Beyond the spots

TEXT: Kim Dale, Founder of Unbridled Marketing

Introducing The

‘Local Business Launchpad Series’

by Unbridled Marketing

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

When is the right time to insure your horse, and what is the best approach?

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Show season nerves

I ride well at home but fall apart at shows. Why does this happen and what can I do about it?

My nerves make me breathe shallowly and hold my breath. How do I remember to breathe properly while riding?

I get so nervous before my class that I feel sick. How do other riders manage this physical anxiety?

I had a bad experience at a show, and now I'm terrified to go back. How do I rebuild confidence?

My trainer says I need to 'just be confident,' but I don't know how to make myself feel confident. Can confidence be learned?

I watch other riders and think everyone else is so much better than me. How do I stop comparing myself and feeling inadequate?

What should I do in the warm-up area to manage my nerves? I feel like everyone is watching me.

I make stupid mistakes in shows that I never make at home - forgetting the course and going the wrong way. Why does my brain stop working under pressure?

Should I tell people I'm nervous, or will that make me look weak?

My horse picks up on my nerves and gets tense. How do I stay calm for his sake?

How do I stop replaying my mistakes after a show? I obsess over everything I did wrong.

I'm considering giving up competing because the anxiety isn't worth it. How do I decide if I should push through or quit?

HQ Newsletter

Lizzie and
the HQ team xxx

The
making of
a champion

FEI Rule
Changes
2026

Meet
Anne Müller

Akasha’s law for trainers:
If the rider does not understand your teaching, it is your teaching that must evolve.

Setting the direction
for 2026

RUCONU
APPALOOSA
STUD