Horse and Rider

FLATWORK FOUNDATIONS – BUILDING BETTER TRANSITIONS

Smooth, balanced transitions are the hallmark of a well-trained horse and rider partnership. Whether you're preparing for your first dressage test or refining your technique for advanced competition, mastering the art of transitioning between gaits is fundamental to good riding. Yet for many riders (us included!), transitions remain one of the most challenging aspects of…

BylizzieApril 9, 20260Comments

Horse and Rider Horse and Yard

CARING FOR YOUR SADDLE

Inspired by the Western Shoppe Saddle Care Challenge, we decided to delve deep into saddle care, maintenance, and storage. Why saddle care matters? A well-maintained saddle is crucial for your horse’s comfort and the longevity of your saddle. Here are our top tips for keeping your saddle in tip-top shape. 1. Maintenance Giving your saddle a quick…

BylizzieMarch 24, 20260Comments

Horse and Rider Horse Channel

BATTLE OF THE SEXES AT WEF

Girls end three-year drought in thrilling Battle of the Sexes at WEF In the closest finish in 16 years, the girls' team claimed victory in a dramatic match race finale before 3000 spectators. The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival opened with a redemption story as the girls' team broke a three-year winning streak for the boys in…

BylizzieJanuary 6, 20260Comments

Horse and Rider

CHASING DRESSAGE EXCELLENCE

Daliah Thill's journey from Jo’burg to Europe At just 15 years old, Daliah Thill is living a reality that most young riders only dream about. Splitting her time between South Africa and Germany, competing internationally for Luxembourg, and training with top European and South African coaches while maintaining her schoolwork and musical pursuits, Daliah represents…

BylizzieDecember 29, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

YOUR FIRST AUCTION HORSE

What to do when you bring them home Expert guidance from Luke Compaan of De Rust Equestrian Buying your first horse at auction is both exciting and daunting. You've successfully navigated the bidding process, and now you're standing in your yard with a young horse who's just had their entire world turned upside down. What…

BylizzieDecember 28, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

POLYVAGAL THEORY

The science of safety in horse training Understanding how the nervous system works isn’t just a human psychology topic; it’s central to horsemanship, rider development, and equine welfare. Polyvagal theory, developed by Professor Stephen Porges, offers one of the clearest scientific frameworks for why horses learn on some days, shut down on others, and thrive…

BylizzieDecember 22, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

THE FINE ART OF CONTACT

Understanding the biomechanics behind connection Contact is often described as a soft, elastic feel on the reins, but in practice, it’s the visible reflection of what’s happening through the horse’s whole body. True connection doesn’t begin in the hands; it starts in the hindquarters and travels forward through the spine, back, neck, and poll before…

BylizzieDecember 15, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

A SPOT OF ELEGANCE STUD

Breeding brilliance: The rise of the Knabstrupper in South Africa With their striking coats, intelligent temperaments, and surprising versatility, the Knabstrupper has long turned heads—but in South Africa, they’ve remained a rare sight. That’s changing rapidly thanks to A Spot of Elegance Stud, whose dedication to quality breeding, education, and visibility has helped this unique…

BylizzieDecember 6, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

OPENING DOORS TO EUROPE

An interview on exports with Candice Hobday With South African equestrian talent on the rise, more riders are looking beyond our borders to test themselves on the international stage. But competing in Europe is not as simple as booking a flight - it requires careful planning, logistics, and expert knowledge to ensure horses arrive safely,…

BylizzieNovember 27, 20250Comments

A bay horse on a black background wearing a simple bride with a hanging cheek bit - HQ Magazine

Horse and Rider

THE HANGING CHEEK SNAFFLE DEBATE

Solved Text: Christie Wolhuter The Baucher or hanging cheek snaffle is a popular bit but has classically divided opinions on its action. Correctly fitted, the cheekpiece attaches to the small rings, and the reins attach to the larger rings. Action There has been a long-held belief that the hanging cheek snaffle, or Baucher bit, exerts poll pressure,…

BylizzieNovember 20, 20250Comments

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