Is your horse business idea actually viable? Kim Dale, Founder of Unbridled Marketing If you have spent any time around horses, you have probably had a business idea at some point. A product you wish existed. A service you think could be done better. A small side project that keeps popping into your head between rides. Most…
Neck straps are often associated with young or tricky horses. However, many riders use them, and all have their reasons for doing so – even five-star and Olympic eventer William Fox-Pitt always uses one, even in the highest level of competition. Why neck straps? Neck straps are great for giving riders confidence in the saddle,…
Photography: Merlynn Trichardt Photography One of the highlights of the Easter Festival hosted at Kyalami Equestrian Park each year is the Philip Smith Memorial Equitation Championships (PSM). This unique event is one that every aspiring young rider dreams to compete in, never mind win! History It is an event steeped in rich history, going back over 50…
Problem: I need to move livery yards, but don’t really know what I’m looking for. Solution: There are several things to consider when choosing a livery yard that suits you and your horse. Below are a few of the major considerations that you need to bear in mind. Money matters Budgeting should always be your first step…
My horse has been diagnosed with bone spavin. I’m concerned that this is the end of our competitive career and she is only nine. Answered by Sarah Wanless Bone spavin is a scary term for anybody in the horsey world, and many associate it with having to put their beloved competition horse out to pasture. The good…
Q: What are the benefits of working on different surfaces? Answered by Jan Tucker A: Soundness is a key issue for all equine athletes, and the trainer's ability to keep the horse in peak condition while working at the required level depends on a complex interaction between horse and environment. The surfaces a horse trains and competes…
Q: What is Cowboy Dressage®? A: The discipline of Cowboy Dressage® was born in 2013. For a short period of time, Western Dressage and Cowboy Dressage® shared a common foundation. When Western Dressage decided to join the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), Eitan and Debbie decided to go their own way, and to follow the dreams…
Q: What are the characteristics of the Nooitgedacht? A: The Nooitgedacht has gained popularity due to his train-ability, and amendable temperament, but at the same time has developed into a competition horse to be reckoned with. Affectionately known as Nooities, they have earned their place in the competition and social equestrian world. These days they range…
By Caroline Malan Caroline Malan catches up with Anne-Marie Esslinger ahead of the 2019 SA Derby. What makes Derby so amazing for you? I love the element of natural obstacles and the feel of galloping up and down across country – it’s also a test of focus and fitness. Your thoughts on this years Derby? I’m very enthusiastic…
[Q] What is the maximum weight a leisure horse should carry (horses who go on lots of hacks up mountains and through water) and how much should a competition horse carry? Asked by Bernadette Marx [A] This is a difficult question. Horses can carry between 12% and 20% of their body weight, but body weight…
