Text: Tana Scott The word ‘equitation’ was originally used to refer to the overall position or style of the rider when in the saddle. The original meaning of this word was then taken to create the discipline called (you guessed it) Equitation. Equitation, which can be ridden by riders of any age and ability, can be ridden…
The first session of Callaho’s Summer Auction 2021 was certainly memorable. With eleven future superstars going under the virtual hammer, bidding was fierce and the excitement palpable. With so much local and international competition, bidding on most lots was routinely extended to allow punters to fight it out. Just following the auction was breathtaking. Every…
The suppling abilities of lateral work are essential for horses in any discipline and therefore should play a major role in your horse’s training programme. Introducing lateral work early gives you time to establish it in the horse’s repertoire and allows you to move onto more advanced work with more confidence. A really useful exercise for…
The closing night of the Callaho 2021 Winter Auction was another exciting affair. The proven ability of Callaho to breed consistently for the top levels of the sport was acknowledged through the enormous support from the equestrian community across Southern Africa. The impeccably bred Callaho Larido (Larison/Quidam De Revel/Pilot), who promises to take the local showjumping…
Text: Shari Michaelis While showjumping might seem like a ‘point and shoot’ discipline to some spectators, a good showjumping round requires much more from the horse than just clearing the jumps. Showjumping demands that the horse is adjustable, flexible, in balance, has straightness in his body and has a good and powerful canter. Working the horse…
Photography: Merlynn Trichardt Q: My old trainer taught me to half halt with the outside rein. However, my trainer now teaches me to half halt with the inside rein. She says that half halting with the outside rein is completely incorrect and makes me half halt on the inside rein. As I understand it, the…
Q: How do I introduce a double bridle to my horse? A: The double bridle allows you to refine your aids, working off two bits – the bridoon and the Weymouth – which can be used independently with two reins. While double bridles aren’t a requirement until Prix St. Georges (PSG), many riders choose to bring…
Q: How can I stay motivated when working with young horses? A: Working with young or green horses can be an incredibly challenging experience and it is easy to become demotivated or despondent. Personally, I love working with the youngsters – I see them as a clean slate; a blank canvas ready to be painted! However,…
Q: Is it worth buying an older horse? Answered by Farryn Day A: Over the years, I have heard many people discounting the value of an older horse for themselves or their children. Older horses are labelled as ‘difficult keepers’, ‘lazy’, or ‘over-the-hill’ and the question is often asked “Isn’t it better for my son/daughter to learn…
By Bronwen Meredith Many of us have been told that the walk is an ‘unfixable’ gait and that it is therefore best to leave it untouched. Personally, I don’t believe this and have had success with several horses in at least improving their way of going in the walk. It is true that it is one…
