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Your ponies RIDER and PONY of the month Your letters, pics and art

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POLEWORK AND TROTTING EXERCISES FOR YOUR

YOUNG THOROUGHBRED

How to use your

YOUNG RIDER SERIES ...

#5

#2 BACK TO SCHOOL

KIRSTEN WINGSA SHOWING ANDDRESSAGE CHAMPION!

FRENCH CONNECTIONSSANESARIDERS

GO TO FRANCE

4 FABPOSTERS

Are YOUinside?

INSIDE LEG

RIDER PROFILE

If you can’t find the magazine at your local bookstore or

supermarket, visit this link: www.panoramamedia.net/

cannot-find-favourite-magazine/ or scan this QR code

HQPONY ISSUE 68 AUGUST 2015

PUBLISHER Urs HoneggerEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gerard PeterEDITOR Brigitte BillingsMANAGING EDITOR Deanne DudleySENIOR SUB EDITORS Vanessa Koekemoer, Noleen FourieSUB EDITOR Nicolette ElsEDITORIAL INTERN Charlotte Bastiaanse

OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION MANAGER Paul KotzeDTP STUDIO MANAGER Cronjé du ToitSENIOR DESIGNER Natalia HoltshausenJUNIOR DESIGNER Asnath Nchabeleng

TRAFFIC AND PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Deidre Bredenhann

GROUP ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Urs HoneggerADVERTISING advertising@panorama.co.za 011 468 2090

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@panorama.co.za Tel: 011 468 2090 Fax: 011 468 2091FINANCE accounts@panorama.co.za

DISTRIBUTION Republican News AgencyISSN 2075-5651PRINTERS BusinessPrint

DisclaimerHQPony is published monthly (12 issues per annum) and is available by subscription nationally as well as at retail outlets countrywide. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission of Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2015 Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed in HQPony are not necessarily those of Panorama Media Corp and the acceptance and publication of editorial and advertising matter in HQPony does not imply any endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described, whether by HQPony or the publishers. HQPony will not be held responsible for the safe return of unsolicited editorial contributions. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and in appropriate cases to translate into another language. HQPony reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material, which may not suit the standard of the publication, without reason given.

Published By Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd.Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684, South Africa. 92 Campolino Road, Kyalami.Tel: 011 468 2090 Fax: 011 468 2091

ON THE COVERBeautiful Shetland PonyPhotography: Zuzule

In this issue

YOU be the expert

panoramamediaCORP

Shuga says ...

4 RIDER PROFILE – KIRSTEN WING

Jan - March 2015 3 753 certified

We had a lovely surprise this issue when HQPony reader,

Hanna Parfett, sent in a story she had written about staying safe while riding on the road (page 7). It’s so exciting to see how smart and sensible our readers are – especially when it comes to horse welfare. One of the best things about working on this magazine is the amount of feedback we get from you – letters, photos of your ponies, artwork ... it all makes this job such a pleasure. Thank you!

Of course, that doesn’t mean the team is going to take it easy. This month is full of cool training tips – the second part in Charlotte’s series on working with young Thoroughbreds is on page 18, where we look at poles and trotwork. There’s also the next part in our Tricky Conformation series – if your horse has a sway back, you’ll definitely want to turn to page 22. It’s so great to see how many ways we can work with our horses to help them use their bodies correctly.

Let us know if you have any other topics you’d like us to cover for you. And happy riding.

On the topic of training, don’t miss the next article in our Young Rider Series (page 10) in which we look at using the inside leg.

I’ve been around horse riders FOREVER and I still find some of this stuff confusing, so I hope we’ve been

able to make some of these technical terms more understandable for you. We’ve also included a ‘Help’

feature this month. Turn to page 26 and see if you can learn something from other readers’ questions.

Love, Shuga

Shuga says ...

YOU be the expert

FEATURES4 Horses with Wings … A conversation with Kirsten Wing

7 Equestrian safety on the road ... Advice from HQPony reader, Hanna Parfett

8 French connections … SANESA endurance riders go to France

10 Young Rider Series ... Using the inside leg

18 Back to school – working with your OTTB (2) … Polework and developing the trot

22 Training and tricky conformation … How to train a horse with a sway back

REGULARS2 Events calendar What’s coming up in the horse world

3 Your letters We want to hear from you!

6, 12, 14, 29 Posters Gorgeous pull-out posters!

25 Your art Fab art from talented readers

28 Next month What to expect in September

YOU AND YOUR PONY20 Your ponies Our fave peeps … that means YOU!

13 RIDER of the month

16 PONY of the month

26 Help! Your questions answered

In this issue8

14

1622

Brigitte

© Ashleigh K Photography

HQPONY 1

2 HQPONY

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DRYLANDHi HQPony, I just want to say that your mag totally rocks! I have read HQPony for more than a year and have not missed an issue ever since. I don't have a horse of my own but I keep on hoping. ;-) I love the posters and each time I get an issue I always look at the posters first. The article about Shires in the June issue and the one in the July issue about Miniature Horses were really great, especially as they are both horses I like very much.Lots of love and carrots, from Danielle Duigan (11), PretoriaPS. Hey Shuga, I think it’s a great idea to start a fan club!Definitely time to get a fan club going, Danielle! In the meantime, you can join our Facebook page, where there are lots of room to talk to horsey peeps about horsey stuff! Love, Shuga

FANCLUB

First thing: BEST MAG EVER!!!!!We have an old friend at our yard. Strawberry arrived at our yard a year ago (I wasn't riding there yet) and then my instructor sold him. Unfortunately things didn’t go as planned and now he’s back home and has been nursed back to health. For now he’s staying here. He’s a big boy but his heart is even bigger – he is brave and will do anything for you. Love, Zilderie and a carrot kiss from Strawberry (Hennopsrivier)PS. Will you do something on cross country?Send Strawberry a kiss from us too, Zilderie, it sounds like he deserves lots of them. We’re going to chat to awesome SA eventer, Hayley Parker, to find out if she can offer some cross country advice. Ed

STRONGSOUL

Hi everybody, I love your magazine so much, especially for all the information and fun I share with my pony, Zoe. I almost have all the posters in my room. I have dreamed my horse will be in your magazine but not yet. We stay on a farm in the Kalahari, in the driest place in South Africa. I have so much fun with my horse on this dry land. Love, Chamonix van der Merwe and ZoeHey Chamonix! We’ll be happy to share pics of your pony in the mag – I will look out for more mails and pics from you! Ed

We want to hear from you! Send your letters via email to hqpony@panorama.co.za with HQPony Letters in the subject line or post them to HQPony Letters, Private Bag X4,

Kyalami, 1684. Remember to include your name, age and telephone number. This month's winner receives a copy of The Water

Horse by Holly Webb - happy reading!

LUCKYLETTER!

HQPONY 3

yourletters

Text: Michele WingPhotography: H2 Photography

A CONVERSATION WITH KIRSTEN WING

HORSESWINGS

WITH

ABOUT KIRSTEN

How old are you? 19 years old.

What school did you matriculate from? St Anne’s

Diocesan College, Hilton, KZN.

Do you have any siblings and do they ride as well?

I have a younger brother, Jonathan, who is more interested

in petrol-generated horsepower!

What is your favourite food? Chocolate almonds …

boxes of them.

Do you have a favourite TV programme? The Big

Bang Theory

Has anyone changed your life in one moment? Yes.

Martine Lambert and her son Max. They gave me the ride

on their schoolmaster, Angus Og.

If you could have a superpower what would it be?

Invisibility

What do you do in your free time? Free time is a rarity

so I put my feet up for a second while it lasts.

Bungee jumping or ballet? Bungee jumping. Definitely.

Peas or carrots? Carrots. My horses won't share a

pea with me!

Angus Og’s swansong at Junior SA Championships 2012

South African Dressage and Showing Champion, Kirsten Wing, has been accepted to study a BSc Sports Therapy

degree at the internationally acclaimed sports university, Hartpury College, in Gloucester in the UK. With its world renowned equestrian academy coached by Olympian Carl Hester, Kirsten is set to combine a dressage career with her studies. HQPony caught up with her before she left South Africa.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT HARTPURY ? St Anne’s College sent me on a school exchange to Badminton College in Bristol while I was in year 11. During my stay, students were looking at colleges and universities and I came across Hartpury. One thing led to another and I have had a lot to do with Hartpury since – attending competitions, touring the campus and fantasising about it for the past 3 years.

4 HQPONY

riderprofile

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ALL ASPIRANT PONY RIDERS?Ask, ask, ask and when you are done asking questions, ask some more. Understanding what you are doing, whether it's dressage, jumping or simply stretching a horse, is just as important as doing it correctly. Accepting that everyone knows something you don’t, is the key to becoming an educated rider. An educated rider is a rider who can produce success over and over again.

Toronto Bitterbos, winner of the

Gauteng Eventing Championships

2008

Fortune Finder,

Supreme Champion

Showing Pony at

Horse of the Year

2010

South African riders

already competing

overseas: Jean van

Deventer and Catherine

Berning with Kirsten

at Nissan Easter

Festival

Angus Og and Kirsten

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO HARTPURY? Hartpury offers something completely unique and they know it. It is one of the only universities in the world where you can study an internationally-accepted scientific degree (geeky I know) and be a professional athlete at the same time. You don’t have to give up anything! That, and who wouldn't want a 360ha campus as your horsey playground?

YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINING BETWEEN THE UK AND SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE PAST YEAR. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE UK.Training in the UK has completely changed my whole mindset as a rider. I have my coach, Amy Stovold and her Grand Prix professor, MacBrian, to thank for that. The UK dressage world is so established and professional in comparison to ours. There are so many talented young riders there that you have to up your level and roll up your sleeves (literally), to even keep up.

YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SPONSORED BY KUDA SPORT HORSE INSURANCE ON YOUR SOUTH AFRICAN RIDE, DRESDEN ON GUARD, WHO IS OWNED BY CHRISTINE SBOROS. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS WITH HIM?On Guard, or ‘Buddy’, is staying right where he is: number one in my string. Christine sent me her ‘Fanta orange pony’ when I needed a horse like him most. I guess we actually needed each other. He gave me the chance to compete in Prix St George again and I gave him a fresh start with no expectations. I will

continue to compete with him while I’m at home and miss him while I’m in the UK.

YOU HAVE ALSO WON PROVINCIAL TITLES IN EVENTING AND EQUITATION AS A PONY RIDER AND JUNIOR. HOW IMPORTANT WAS RIDING ACROSS THE DISCIPLINES IN YOUR YOUNGER YEARS?For me, pony riders and juniors was all about being as versatile as possible at a high level, because it’s all part of developing as an educated rider. Simplifying it: what use is a Ferrari if you can't drive it properly? It is the same with horses. You never know when your Ferrari will show up and you need to be ready when it does. “Quality in a rider isn’t limited to one discipline,” as judge Gill Pater would say.

HQPONY 5

The magazine with @titudeSOUTH AFRICA’S BEST SELLING EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

The magazine for pets and their people

Shake it up, baby! Photography: Julia Remezova

The next best thing to riding

on the roadon the roadEquestrian safety

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR HORSE

Text: Hanna ParfettPhotography: Shutterstock

Road safety is a topic that we cover quite regularly in HQPony because it’s so very important. Many of our readers hack out often and it’s vital that they be aware of how to avoid

accidents on the road. This month we received a great article from HQPony fan Hanna Parfett, who shares what she has learned about road safety.

First things firstBefore taking a horse onto the road, riders should make sure that they can control their horse, and also have a good amount of knowledge on road signals and regulations. Horses who are inexperienced on the road should be ridden by a more experienced rider, and should be accompanied by a few less nervous horses. Riders are expected to obey all road signs, road markings (for example, ‘DO NOT ENTER’) and traffic lights if in more busy areas.

Wherever possible, avoid riding on very busy, high-speed roads and difficult junctions such as roundabouts. Remember to be courteous to other road users, and thank drivers who have kindly slowed down for you.

Hand signalsAdditional hand signals may sometimes be required, particularly if the rider is experiencing a problem with the horse. Holding out your right arm and slowly waving it up and down indicates to an approaching driver to slow down. Holding the arm out with fingers pointing up showing the palm of the hand to the car driver shows that the rider requires the driver to stop.

Be politeAcknowledge good driving. A friendly smile or a wave is a good way to thank drivers who have kindly slowed down for horses, and will continue to slow down knowing their good driving is being acknowledged. You should try as much as possible to thank drivers who have obeyed road rules and driven safely around horses, as this will encourage them to continue to behave with care around horses on the road.

Tips5 Try wearing a

reflective vest because it increases visibility while still

making you look cool.

5 If riding in a group, make sure that when crossing a road you all cross together

and don’t leave anyone behind.

5 Carry a phone in case of an emergency.

5 NEVER signal a driver using your crop.

5 If horses are not shod, be cautious about the riding surface you choose to avoid slipping or

damage to hooves.

HQPONY 7

safety

Text: Marian WilkensPhotography: Courtesy of SANESA

HIGH SCHOOL ENDURANCE TEAM GOES TO FRANCE

FRENCHCONNECTIONS!

At the annual National Endurance Ride in Bethlehem in October 2014, a national high school team was selected to tour to France. During the event, the first 6

riders presented their horses for the Best Conditioned Horse placing. These results were combined with riders’ scores from the Performance Riding Test the previous day to determine which riders would make the team. Tara-Lea van Zyl, Ludolph Neetling (captain), Mintie-Louise Botha and Ralien de Beer were the lucky finalists!

WARM WELCOMEWith the help of team manager Jimmy Neetling, who arranged horses for the team, they departed on 24 March 2015 for France. According to Jimmy our team were provided with good horses and they were welcomed by the organisers. The ride took place on 27 March through the beautiful French forest at Fontainebleau over 90km. Competitors from all over Europe, Japan, Thailand, Qatar and Oman took part in the difficult race.

The team at the pre-vet in very cold weather

The team waiting for the last rider to finish

Tara-Lea van Zyl, Ludolph Neetling (captain), Mintie-Louise

Botha and Ralien de Beer

8 HQPONY

SANESA

CONNECTIONS!

PITCHING INEveryone had an important role to play, and the support team had to drive to each of the groom points as there was no water on the track. Due to the harsh weather conditions and the difficult terrain, only 2 of the riders were able to finish the race. In spite of this the South African team came 5th. France came 1st and 2nd, and Spain came 3rd. Our SANESA riders displayed good character and exceptional sportsmanship – well done!

SPONSORSCompeting abroad is very costly and the SANESA Council extends thanks to all who made the trip possible, including Second Skins for clothing, Boehringer Ingelheim for bags and Hilltop Saddlery for the trophies.

The endurance ride covered over 90km through a beautiful forest in Fontainebleau

Mintie-Louise and Tara-Lea were awarded a plaque from Grand Parquet Endurance for completing the very difficult amateur ride

HQPONY 9

Text: Mandy SchröderPhotography: Shutterstock

THE INSIDE STORY

In dressage we hear over and over again about the importance of the rider’s inside leg, riding the horse into the outside rein.

As with anything in riding, it isn’t any one factor in isolation, but more the correct use of the aids in conjunction with each other that makes a rider good.

ENGAGEMENT The inside leg has influence over the energy and flexion of the inside hind leg when used at the correct time. A pony should respond to the inside leg by engaging the inside hind leg more, rather than rushing forward. This is important for better transitions, a better jump, good lateral work and overall balance in the work.The rider’s inside leg influences: Engagement of the pony’s inside hind leg Bending of the bodyIt also affects: Position of the rider in the saddle

SO HOW DO YOU USE THE INSIDE LEG? Most riders think of only the lower leg when we talk about the leg in riding. The following elements also play a very important role: THE SEAT BONE. When you are sitting in the saddle your inside seat bone should be connected to the saddle with your pelvis kept vertical. Riders must learn to control the movement and pressure of the seat bones.

The importance of the inside leg in the canter pirouette – keeping the inside leg jumping and ‘thinking’ forward 10 HQPONY

youngriderseries

This rider's inside leg is too far back

for safet y 's saKe, always wear a secured,

3-point harness helmet when mounted!

USING THE INSIDE LEG

BENDIINGThe inside leg is usually positioned at the girth and increases the bend of the body on circles, during lateral work and while riding corners. Given a choice, all ponies would lean to the inside going around corners. By using your inside leg with them responding properly, it allows them to push through corners staying well balanced and upright and uphill in whatever pace you have them in.

Remember though that using the inside leg doesn’t necessarily mean using it longer or harder, it is the communication between you and your pony. You ‘ask a question’ with your leg and he should answer!

THE THIGH. This is an extension of the seat bone; it lies flat and close to the saddle, with all the thigh muscles working when the rider is in the saddle. Your knee should never grip; rather you should have a gentle, snug feeling that starts at your seat bone and travels down your thigh. THE KNEE. This stays close to the saddle and points just slightly outward. This finishes the thigh connection and allows you to keep your calf close to the horse when your knee is bent. THE CALF. The lower leg is stretched and around the pony’s side, often referred to as a ‘breathing leg’. The contact is quiet and it does not disturb the horse’s movement. If more engagement of your horse’s inside leg is required, then this part of your leg becomes active and asks for it.THE HEEL. This is very important. If your heel is forced too far down you are probably pushing into your stirrups too much and as a result your seat bone is not properly in the saddle and you will end up ‘behind’ your pony’s movement. If your heel is pulled up, then your leg has lost its tone and has probably moved too far backwards, which tilts you forward in the saddle.

Even with shorter stirrups, this rider's inside leg is close to the girth

HQPONY 11

The next best thing to riding

The magazine with @titudeSOUTH AFRICA’S BEST SELLING EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

The magazine for pets and their people

A study in blue. Photography: Laila Kazakevica

My name is Hannah van Niekerk. I got my very first pony for my

ninth birthday in January 2014. Her name was Empress. Empress and I

were inseparable. Every free minute I had, I spent at the stable yard,

horsing around. From that very first day there

was no stopping us from flying – or should I rather say jumping. But what

I’m doing at the moment sure feels like flying! My goal is to jump, and jump

high. My first show was a training show in February 2014, with poles on the

ground. Empress and I ended up doing the 2014 SANESA, 40cm jumps. This was

a good learning experience for me. We won the 40cm Ideal Time and Competition

Victrix Ludorum. I also took part in dressage, taking home another Victrix Ludorum.

Because I liked a bit of speed, my dad (who is the best dad in the entire world) bought me Tiara, a grey. Just like in the fairytales, every princess needs a Tiara. We moved to Sunny Park Stables later that same year and

my coach was going to be Nicola Sime (oh my word! I want to jump just like her).

Tiara and I were doing well, improving on our skills and techniques. But like for most girls my age, 1 horse is never enough. Scooby-Doo and I had an introduction one day at the stable yard, and I just had to have him. If there ever was a pony who made me feel like I was flying, then that is definitely Scooby-Doo.

I recently competed in my first SA Pony Rider Derby at Kyalami Equestrian Park, jumping 1.10m. Now that is what you call fun. Jumping over water, going through a dike and down a huge hill. I was so excited when I qualified 2nd and 3rd to do the finale at the Derby. We worked very hard and my ponies did an amazing job.

I am still in shock at how well my ponies jumped for me. I love them to bits and yes, they got a lot of carrots.

I can’t wait to see where the 3 of us are going to next.

RIDE

R OF

THE M

ONTH

Are you a rider who is worthy of the RIDER Of The Month title? Tell us why in 300 words. Be sure to include a large, high resolution (no less than 1,000kb) photo of your pony and one of you (cellphone pictures not accepted), as well as your vital stats. Send your story to: hqpony@panorama.co.za.

Or post it to: Rider Of The Month, HQ Pony, Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684.

Vital statsName: Hannah van Niekerk Age: 10 years oldRiding for: 18 monthsLives in: BoksburgHorses: Tiara and Scooby-Doo

. .

Every princess needs a Tiara

HQPONY 13

The next best thing to riding

The magazine with @titudeSOUTH AFRICA’S BEST SELLING EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

The magazine for pets and their people

Sunset, sand and beauty. Photography: Willyam Bradberry

.

Is your pony worthy of the PONY Of The Month title? Tell us why in 300 words. Be sure to include a large, high resolution (no less than 1,000kb)photo of your pony and one of you (cellphone pictures not accepted), as well as your vital stats. Send your story to: hqpony@panorama.co.za.

Or post it to: Pony Of The Month, HQ Pony, Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684. .

My name is Victoria Cantalapiedra and I ride at Zwavelpoort Equestrian

Centre, where I have been riding for over 3 years. For the first 2 years I rode

a different pony every day. Some were stubborn and grumpy. Others were

slow and lazy, and some were naughty and cheeky. Then finally I came across

Tokolosh, a chestnut pony who nobody really rode.

The first day I rode him was a terrible experience. He is very hard to stop so we

were cantering around the arena for ages. The incredible part is that he is 24 years old! Then when it came to jumping I couldn’t control him and I had a very bad time. Although my lesson had been terrible, I felt a very special feeling when I rode him and I

knew that I wanted to continue riding him. As the days passed we began to get better

and I started developing a bond with him. Now we are jumping up to 80cm most days and on rare occasions maybe even a 90cm jump. When we jump a course, instead of me having to ask him for leg, I have to hold him back because he is very energetic and loves to jump. He never gets tired despite his age and we compete in many shows together. We have also achieved our Gauteng North colours for showjumping, and I am very proud!

Tokolosh is from Zimbabwe and when he was younger he used to jump up to 1.10m and would always win the competitions. I am very privileged to be able to ride such an amazing pony, and I hope that I will be able to ride him for a very long time. I am very proud of my pony and with him anything is possible!

Vital statsName: Tokolosh Age: ±24Breed: Welsh Cob Height: 14.2hhColour: Liver chestnut Rider: Victoria CantalapiedraOwner: Inneke ThirionHometown: Pretoria

PONY

OF T

HE M

ONTH

Age is justa number

16 HQPONY

Text and Photography: Charlotte Bastiaanse

BACK TO SCHOOLWORKING

YOUR

OTTB WIT

HBalancing actThoroughbreds who come off the track will be unbalanced because of the way they have been trained. Most OTTBs are also quite young so their natural sense of balance will not be developed yet. Because they cannot carry themselves perfectly, it’s important to take it slow and help them as much as you can to develop balance. Lunging is a great way to do this! Free-lunging your horse will help him build muscle, blow off steam and learn to carry himself.

It’s a good idea to lunge your horse once or twice a week. Rather lunge with nothing on, except a cavesson and lunge line if you want. Horses who are recently off the track cannot work in a frame yet so don’t put on any lunging equipment. Wait until their muscles have developed enough so that their bodies don’t take strain.

Trot on Once your horse has learned the transitions between halt, walk and trot, you can start focusing more on developing a quality and rhythmic trot. Give your Thoroughbred a good warm-up by walking the full arena in a forward walk on a long rein. This will help your horse loosen up and work in a long and low frame.

Start with trotwork on a big circle or around the whole arena. If you feel like your horse is rushing the trot, it’s not because he is trying to run away with you! Once again it is a balancing problem because when they are struggling to carry themselves, they tend to move faster and faster. If this happens, try to make your circles a bit smaller and ask for

Remember that they ha

ve

to balance the

mselves

as well as you!

It will take time for your OTTB to accept the contact and come onto the bit. Be patient but keep asking! Reward immediately if your horse

accepts the contact.

L ast month we looked at managing your OTTB on the ground, and the first steps

to schooling. We covered teaching manners, choosing tack and starting with transition work. It is so important that you and your Thoroughbred learn to trust and respect each other so that you can form a great partnership together. This month we take a look at polework and developing the trot.

Polework will improve

the quality of the trot

a downward transition into walk. Every time your horse’s trot feels too fast, bring him back to a walk to help him find his balance again.

Once your horse has stopped rushing, you can start focusing on working in a steady rhythm. Try to keep the trot the same throughout your training session. Whenever your horse is moving too slowly, squeeze gently with your legs to encourage a forward and active trot. If you feel like he is moving too quickly, slow the rising and use a half-halt to ask for a slower trot. Once your horse has got the hang of things, you can start taking up more contact and asking him to come onto the bit. Work on a nice large circle and concentrate on keeping your horse’s head straight.

Part 2

18 HQPONY

training

You can start with 1 pole on the ground and let your horse walk over it so that he understands the activity. Once he’s got the hang of things, you can add more poles. Start with a few poles on a straight line and trot your horse over them. Depending on what kind of pace your horse trots at, you can change the distances. The spaces between a normal

trot stride for a horse is approximately 1m – your instructor can advise on the ideal spacing. If you want your horse to extend a bit, make the gaps bigger.

You can put 3 to 5 poles on the ground

and work your horse through them to start off. If you want to focus on keeping your circles even and round, add 4 trotting poles to your circle and space them out evenly. This way, you have some guidance as to where you need to ride to keep your circle perfect. If your horse struggles to go into his corners, add some poles to the corner of the arena and space them out in a fan shape. There are lots of ways that you can use poles to change up your routine and get your horse to work correctly.

Remember to take it easy with your horse. Your Thoroughbred is still learning and he will appreciate the patience and effort that you put into schooling him. Next month, in part 3, we take a look at working in a frame and starting canter work.

If your horse is working well in the walk

and trot, then it’s time to start introducing

polework! Polework is a great way to teach

your horse to pick up his legs and look

where he’s going. If you are battling with a

horse who rushes, then polework can also

help with slowing him down. Schooling

over poles is also another way to give your

horse something interesting to do.

Polework Look for your

poles as you

approach and

keep your leg on

Much better effort from the horse over the poles

Your first attempt may not be perfect. This horse is falling short. Aim for the horse’s foot to land in the

middle of the poles.

Remember to keep straight

Young horses are easily distracted and their attention spans are

short, so giving them a

variety of activities to

do will really help keep them focused.

HQPONY 19

Liesa and Aquarius competing at SANESA. Aquarius looks stunning in blue. From Liesa

Teale, Lipizza, Langebaan

Megan Lourens and Falcon

jumping up a storm at the

SANESA 1st qualifier held at

Pienaardam, Mpumalanga

Let’s go to the beach, girls!Eve Jerram, Hout Bay

First eventing clinic with Patrick Brown for Caraand Spirit. Cara van Wyk, Port Elizabeth

Lolly having snacks after he and Arabella had

their first SANESA show (Arabella was just

five at the time and took great care of

Lolly). Sent in by Breggie Lewis, Shelly Beach

The boys ... Anja Hougaard, Langebaan

Zietske Swiegers (three years old) with Cindy always by her side j. Sent in by mom Mareli, from Douglas

Two beloved schoolmasters – Uncle

Tielman van den Berg and Pukka-Slew.

Iza Otto, Quebella Equine Centre, Louis

Trichardt. There’s just no age limit to

being a horse lover! Ed

Best friends! Laspos and Hazel. Owned and loved by Valerie Joubert, Ladismith

Tavia Jade Wilson and Prince. Sent in

by Montanique Wilson, Henley-on-Klip.

Photo by Krizelda Carelse Photography

Your poniesVisit HORSE.CO.ZA and check out the GALLOPING GALLERY

for more pics of Your Ponies!

And the winner

is ...

for safet y 's saKe, always wear a secured,

3-point harness helmet when mounted!

20 HQPONY

Frosty Legend and Sudre

getting ready for winter. Sent

in by ‘mommy’ Thiana, via email

Yasmin and Billy after an endurance race. Sent in by Alistair Watt, via emailA big kiss to say “good morning” to my darling

pony, Pan. Tayla Ramsay, Cambridge

“No heaven can be, if my horse is not welcome

with me” J. Shiné Brits, Lydenburg

My horse, Harrods, sticking his head through the bedroom

window to get a kiss. Laurelan Venables, Komga

Gorgeous, beautiful, amazing Bruce-Lee, loved by Angela Spencely. Sent in by Jordan Keene, Johannesburg

Playing Sheriff and Crooks at Mooikrans Pony Camp. Ti-mé Lundall,

Derdepoortpark

and WIN!

Hannah loves Tiara!

Hannah van Niekerk, Boksburg

Danel van Heerden with Flicka. Wanda van Heerden, Witbank

Blue-Ice trying to sneak

a sip of my mom’s coffee!

Pauline Swart, via emailWhat’s that in the distance? Madison

Luckman, Gordon’s Bay

Kisses for an amazing round. Rinita van Rooyen and Kwela, George

Send in your fave pics for Your Ponies

and our Galloping Gallery

@ horse.co.za

Send your pictures to HQPony’s Your Ponies pages and stand a chance of winning a 6-month subscription to HQPony! If you are already a subscriber we will extend your subscription by 6 months! To win, include your name, postal address and telephone number with each entry, along with a caption. Email: hqpony@panorama.co.za with Your Ponies in the subject line. Post your photographs to: HQPony Your Ponies, Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684Rules: Only LARGE, CLEAR photographs over 1,000kb in size will be published. No colour photocopies will be accepted. If you would like your photographs returned to you, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your entry.

for safet y 's saKe,

always wear a secured,

3-point harness helmet

when mounted!

HQPONY 21

Text: Mandy SchröderPhotography: DressageAfrica.com, Shutterstock

SWINGS AND SWAYSHOW TO TRAIN A HORSE WITH A SWAY BACK

CONFORMATIONTRICKYFOR

This horse is working well

over his back on the lunge

A horse with a sway back, where the topline sags deeply. Some horses are

born with this conformation while others develop it as

they grow older

What to doIf you have a pony with a sway

back and your saddle is correctly fitted, then there are exercises that you can do to help maintain the tone of

your pony’s back. In some milder cases you can even improve the appearance of the sway.

Research has been done into sway backs and horses, and showed that horses are one of the few animals in which the sway doesn’t cause pain or serious problems such as paralysis.

It is particularly important that ponies with a sway back work correctly round and over the back. This

is to make sure that they use their backs correctly to prevent loss of muscle

on the back.

TRAINING

W hat is a sway back? Is it bad and can we help it?Not all horses acquire a sway back with time, some are born with it. Also called lordosis, a sway back does not necessarily

stop affected horses from being ridden, although saddle fit can sometimes be incredibly difficult.

Congenital swaybacks are usually noticeable at birth, and it generally worsens with age. Pregnancy, back injuries and conformation can all add to the risk of your pony developing a sway back.

22 HQPONY

training

By developing the correct muscles a

horse is better able to support a rider

Exercises to keep the back strong and mobileCARROT STRETCHESCarrot stretches are a wonderful way of making sure

that your pony is supple, and convincing him to use muscles where he might normally be lazy. The stretches

should be performed after work to prevent injuring cold muscles by over-stretching them. Stretches should be held for a minimum of 15 seconds to be of benefit. Your pony’s physiotherapist, chiropractor or veterinarian can recommend specific stretches for your pony.PILATES FOR PONIESYou can also encourage your pony to pick his back up by engaging his tummy muscles. Tummy lifts tone a horse’s abdominal muscles. And toned abs promote a stronger back. There are a couple of methods of doing abdominal or tummy lifts. Speak to your vet or physiotherapist for advice.TAPING FOR TUMMIESWe have all seen athletes with coloured kinesio tape on them. Not only does it help with injuries, but it can remind the body to use certain joints or muscles properly. Speak to a specialist who can show you how to apply the tape for your pony to wake up his ‘weak’ muscles.SCHOOLING FOR SWAYSAny ridden work that increases engagement (core work) will

benefit swaybacked ponies. Shoulder-in, pole work, gymnastics, hill work and lunging are all really beneficial,

as long as the pony works in the correct way: rounded back, relaxed neck and

engaged hindleg.

HQPONY 23

THE ARE GOING TO THEThis year HQ magazine published its 100th edition and to mark the occasion we launched a 100-day celebration, looking at past highlights and addressing changes in the industry over the years.

This celebration will culminate in a spectacular golf day where we will invite key industry players to meet, interact and enjoy each other’s company – while raising funds for welfare and the development of this sport we all love.

To book your four-ball or get involved and play a part in making a difference Email: amanda@panorama.co.za or visit horse.co.za.

JOIN THE HQ CHARITY GOLF DAY ON 21 OCTOBER AT KYALAMI COUNTRY

CLUB

HORSESHORSESHORSESGREENGREENGREEN

Your Art

THE ARE GOING TO THEThis year HQ magazine published its 100th edition and to mark the occasion we launched a 100-day celebration, looking at past highlights and addressing changes in the industry over the years.

This celebration will culminate in a spectacular golf day where we will invite key industry players to meet, interact and enjoy each other’s company – while raising funds for welfare and the development of this sport we all love.

To book your four-ball or get involved and play a part in making a difference Email: amanda@panorama.co.za or visit horse.co.za.

JOIN THE HQ CHARITY GOLF DAY ON 21 OCTOBER AT KYALAMI COUNTRY

CLUB

HORSESHORSESHORSESGREENGREENGREEN

▲ Cute pony by Ninke Myburgh (10) from Ladismith, WC

▼ Bridget drew this picture of herself with her best pony in the world,

Mowgli. Bridget Venables (9), Komga

Send us your artand poetry! HQPONY,

Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684 or

hqpony@panorama.co.za.Please remember to include

your name, age and home town.

▲ Two gorgeous ponies by Cherise Kern (11) from

Kempton Park

▲ Beautiful wild horses by Taylor Bowles (11) from

East London

▲ Another awesome painting by Erin Smith (9). Erin is a student at Pecanwood Prep School and rides for SANESA North West

HORSESI love horses

The thunder of hoovesThe crunch of carrots

The jingle of bitsThe screech of grassThe splash of water

I love horses

By Christine Smith (10),East London, Eastern Cape

Yourpoetry

Join the dots

▲ Monique du Plessis (11) from Pretoria drew this pic of Strider

Your Art

HQPONY 25

Q Hi HQPony. My name is Caitlin and I own a Welshie cross Arab pony. He is very sweet but is kind of afraid of water.

My stables are close to dams so we go swimming on outrides, but when we go on the paths he goes around the puddles and the one time we nearly fell into the dam! I’ve tried to walk him through puddles but it doesn’t work. My mom and I wash him 3 times for shows (he’s a dirty grey) but we need a groom to help wash his face and ears. Please help!Caitlin

A Hi Caitlin. Don’t feel alone, there are lots of ponies who will swim in dams but won’t step into puddles. I think that they see

puddles as holes rather than a body of water like a dam. I would make it a game. Go out leading your pony (please wear gumboots, a hard hat and gloves) and use a long lead (preferably have an adult with you). Take some treats and make a game of it by playing with your pony in the puddles. Reward him every time he sniffs or tests the puddle and slowly build up to a foot in the water and eventually walking through. Another pony who loves water may help as well.

Q I am busy with my third year of riding, but I still have the same problem: confidence when we start

jumping in the arena. I always get this shaky feeling and it doesn’t just affect my lesson, it affects my riding competitions too! I am too scared to jump a bit higher in competitions even if I can and have done it before. And it frustrates me if I don’t do it in the end. I am planning to do SANESA this year so I really need some confidence for jumping. Please help!Annette

A Hi Annette, confidence is something that has to be worked on over time with people who you trust to help

you. One of the ways of dealing with nerves is to desensitise yourself to the thing you’re afraid of. Jump or work over poles as much as possible until it becomes more normal for your body. Start at a level where you are comfortable – even if it’s just poles on the ground – and build slowly from there.

You can also try things that make you feel safer such as having a neck strap to hold on to, counting your strides into fences so that you can feel the rhythm, and making your seat and balance better by schooling on the flat without stirrups. The better your riding is on the flat, the easier it is to jump well. Also spend as much time as you can at shows and lessons watching people jump – the more you see it, the more comfortable and ordinary it becomes for you. Have a trainer you trust who can help you and work at a pace that you are comfortable with. Remember that this should be fun and there’s no rush to get it right. Pressure will just make you feel worse.

Water woes Fear factor

Send us your horse-related questions and we’ll get you the

answers… This month we get help from Mandy Schröder,

who has worked with many different horses.

Email hqpony@panorama.co.za with ‘Help’ in the subject line.

Your questions answeredEverybody struggles with things from time to time

and it’s great to have some pointers from people who work with horses every day.

Mandy Schröder started riding at the age of 6 and never outgrew her passion for horses. She has a National Diploma in Equine Studies, Stud Management and Breeding, she qualified as an Assistant Racehorse Trainer, and was a qualified showing judge for a number of years. She is particularly passionate about dressage and her beautiful Dutch stallion. Here are her answers to your questions.

26 HQPONY

help

*Images are for illustration purposes and are not of the actual horses mentioned in the questions.

Q Hi. My pony has a funny habit: camel movements. It is like for example, when he trots he walks with

his back legs and trots with his front legs. Same with the canter – back legs trot while front legs canter. I am really worried that I can’t get help as this gets in the way of our jumping. Do you think it’s a medical issue or a bad habit? What should I do? Dané

A Hi Dané, I would get him checked out by a vet and/or physiotherapist to get a professional opinion and to

make sure that there isn’t a medical or physical problem. There are options available that a physio can advise you of to make your pony more aware of his hind legs and how to use them correctly, such as K-taping for limb awareness and exercises that can be performed to make him more aware of his hind legs and their placement. T-touch is also very useful, but please get a professional assessment first as it involves you and your pony’s safety.

Q Hi there, when I’m riding my horse and we start trotting, he starts flicking his head. What can I do to help him stop

doing that? Is it a habit or is it his health? Meghan

A Hi Meghan, first off have his teeth, back and saddle checked to make sure that there is no pain associated with working. After

that, if there’s nothing wrong, it boils down to schooling. Some breeds, such as Arabs, love to toss their heads as a way of showing off, but it is perfectly possible to train them not to. Some horses also do it through tension. Make sure that your horse understands the connection between your hand and seat and that he also understands the softness and relaxation required in his poll and lower jaw. If he doesn’t understand these aids then having lessons with a qualified instructor will help you to teach him the correct response to the aids, and improve your riding experience.

My friend the flicker Not a camel!

HQPONY 27

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Re-schooling your young Thoroughbred

Part 3 – Starting canter work

Boxing day Travelling tips for

show day

Nom nom nom!Tasty treats for

your pony Health alert! What’s safe for your

pony to eat?

28 HQPONY

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