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

Horse and Rider

KEEP YOUR TEETH TO YOURSELF!

A guide to stopping biting in horses Biting is a common issue many horse owners encounter (especially those of us who own geldings!) Whilst nipping and biting is sure to raise our blood pressure a little bit and can, of course, be dangerous, we do need to realise that actually, this is quite a natural…

BylizzieNovember 12, 20250Comments

An image of a saddle rack with a black jumping saddle in the background out of focus with a brown jumping saddle in the front in focus - HQ Magazine

Horse and Rider Horse Channel

RIDER ANATOMY

How it affects your position Text: Christie Wolhuter Images: Supplied Saddles come in various shapes and sizes, and humans come in even more! When it comes to saddle fitting, much attention is paid to how a saddle fits a horse, and whilst this is certainly the most important factor, it is still beneficial to take the rider’s anatomical…

BylizzieNovember 10, 20250Comments

Horse and Rider

STRESS

And its effect on your riding performance Text: Ryan Tehini Stress and anxiety are innate aspects of athletic competition and often inhibit performance and ultimately contribute to an unfavourable competition outcome. Many athletes report difficulty concentrating, inefficient decision-making, hazy thought, and reduced energy as a result of competition stress. However, despite the negative discourse surrounding stress…

BylizzieNovember 8, 20250Comments

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Horse and Rider

THE FINE ART OF CONTACT

A SPOT OF ELEGANCE STUD

OPENING DOORS TO EUROPE

THE HANGING CHEEK SNAFFLE DEBATE

KEEP YOUR TEETH TO YOURSELF!

RIDER ANATOMY

STRESS

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