As the horse moves, the sand or dirt creates friction and rubbing [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen our horses start acting up when being ridden, our minds quickly think it’s some kind of internal pain or mental block that the horse is experiencing, resulting in out-of-the-norm behaviour. While it’s important not to ignore the possibility that that could very well…
The frame in front should reflect the engagement and thoroughness from behind. [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iders in today’s age have lost sight of what it means for a horse to be ‘on the bit’. The expression has become associated with submission and obedience of the horse, and the aesthetic look of the horse with his head down and ‘in…
Contact should be seen as a symptom of what is happening behind [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iding can sometimes be an overwhelming minefield of both terminology and analogy, leaving the rider not entirely sure of what they are meant to be striving for. Here we demystify one of the most basic and yet complex concepts: the contact. We discuss what it…
You will be expected to ride a variety of horses, so being a capable rider in your own right is important [dropcap]M[/dropcap]ost young and upcoming riders will take on work riding as a part- or full-time job as a means to gain experience and earn a little extra cash. Working a variety of horses can do…
Crowd favourites, Nicole Horwood and Mark White Nissan Capital Don Cumarco [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 52nd edition of the SA Derby is officially SOLD OUT come 2pm on 1 October 2017 at the Kyalami Equestrian Park. The Cell C South African Derby is the toughest showjumping challenge: the 18 obstacle, 1200m course that is a one of a kind with obstacles…
Teach him to work around other horses at home so that he stays at ease in the warm up A first show is a very new and different experience for any young horse. It’s important to make his first show a pleasant one so that he does not associate a future competition environment with a negative…
Lisa Williams and Discovery Campbell [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 8th edition of the Nissan Easter Festival is set to be the best yet – not only for horseriders and horse lovers, but for friends and families from far and wide. Equestrian athletes from countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Namibia will be joining the hundreds of South African riders who…
Carolien at work inspecting a horse at a competition in the Netherlands [dropcap]W[/dropcap]e all know that a horse must be in good condition if you want to perform well at competitions. But what is considered good condition? How can we define this, and what does it mean for your daily training practice? Mostly, we evaluate the intensity…
Collection encourages the horse to shift his weight to his hind end [dropcap]W[/dropcap]e all seem to agree that training must first and foremost contribute to the physical development of the horse. Ultimate collection does not only ask a great deal of straightness, flexibility and co-ordination, it also asks tremendous mental concentration and contribution from your horse. What…
Bridget O’Neill on Glorietta [dropcap]T[/dropcap]wo Dressage Shows were held at Pangolin Farm, Notwane over the weekend of 5-7 August, 2016 by kind permission of Sue Bookbinder. Show One was on Friday and Saturday. Show Two was on Sunday. In both shows tests for Pony Riders, Junior Riders and Adult Riders were ridden. The judge was Mr Justin O’Reilly…
