HQ Magazine Issue 158C by hqmagazine

DIGITAL ISSUE 158C | 2022

SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

ONLINE AUCTION WINTER EDITION

FULL COLLECTION NOW LIVE 10 TH - 18 TH MAY 2022 www.callaho.auction

Hello! And welcome to our May edition of HQ Magazine! The horsey world is BUZZING right now, and we’re running around trying to keep up. From new venues to new showjumping leagues and new auction collections, there is just so much to get excited about. As always, we’ll keep covering as much as possible, but if there’s anything we’ve missed or you’d like to see in the next edition, please get in touch, or, better yet, send us your write-up to get it featured in the magazine! We once again need to extend a massive thank you to our advertisers, who continue to support us in making all of this content available to you. We couldn’t do what we do without them, so please support them wherever possible. It’s an exciting time to be an equestrian, so read HQ, hug your horses, and we’ll see you next month!

Lizzie and xxx the HQ team Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor

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Cover: Hilary O'Leary, Summerhill Estate Designer: Mauray Wolff

DIGITAL ISSUE 158C | 2022

IN THIS ISSUE 06

Capital Stud’s inaugural Broodmare Auction

UAG is taking showjumping to the next level

United League of Champion

Gelding of the month

Mare of the month

Stallion of the month

Cavaletti training With Rotoflo

Anatomy Part 9 The lymphatic system

Justus de Jeu

Hay! Have you heard?

Call Me Crazy

Managing dog bites What you need to know

Rivervale’s Bon Vie

A holistic approach to equine rehabilitation The role of acupuncture

Team Callaho

For the coaches Psychological attributes of coaches that ensure athlete success

The United League of Champions

Show report Western Cape Young Horse Performance Series

Delivering the best

EquiProVet With Johan Lotter

100 AskHQ 104 Products we love Shopping fun

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Left: Capital Vegas Right: Capital V-Power Photography: Hilary O’Leary

Capital Stud’s inaugural Broodmare Auction

DELIVERING THE BEST Capital Stud have invested in ‘growing their own’ champions for many years, and know the dividends this process pays. It therefore gives them great pleasure to introduce you to their first ever Broodmare Auction, where they offer their clients the opportunity to purchase their own mares in foal to Capital’s world-class stallions, and access all of the exclusive opportunities available at Summerhill. 6

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This opportunity seeks to allow owners to experience the process, whilst also providing a more affordable way of creating your own sporthorse champion from the world’s best bloodlines. Whilst these mares are hugely valuable to Capital Stud, they believe that the growth of the sport depends on quality sporthorses being made accessible to those with the talent to produce them. These mares, in foal to selected world-class stallions, are set to deliver the very best progeny. From worldranked number one stallion Chacco Blue to Baloubet du Rouet and Heartbreaker, and out of the proven and sought-after marelines such as the lines of Usha van’t Roosaker, Qerly Chin and more, the world’s best bloodlines are all showcased here, and Capital Stud are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to buy into these bloodlines and experience the thrill of cultivating your own Capital sporthorse. As an added advantage, upon purchasing your broodmare from the Auction, Capital Stud are offering for owners to keep their mares and foals at Summerhill Equestrian where they will be raised ‘the Capital way’ until you are ready to start your competition journey. From foaling down, to weaning and backing, the whole process can be managed for you by the expert team at Summerhill Equestrian. After foaling, all mares remaining at Summerhill Equestrian will then be eligible for future coverings from Capital stallions, another exclusive opportunity available to those wanting to invest in their future in the sport. Capital Stud are proud to present this collection, and hope you will join them on the 23rd and 24th of June as they ‘deliver’ their next chapter in bringing the world’s best bloodlines to Southern Africa.

In the June edition of HQ Magazine we will be delving in detail into the broodmares on offer on this unique auction, and their future foals. For this issue, we wanted to introduce you to the brand-new Capital stallions ‘responsible’ for many of the foals on offer. Of course, the collection also features the proven Capital Kronos, Capital Cornet Blue, Capital My Friend and others, but these four new stallions are fresh to South Africa and the bloodlines they bring into the mix makes them deserving of a special introduction.

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CAPITAL LEGACY A NAME HE’LL LIVE UP TO Capital Legacy’s parents are both popular figures in the South African showjumping hall of fame. His sire, Capital Levubu, needs little introduction and his mother, Capital My Lady, needs even less. This pairing combines Cassini I on both sides of the pedigree, Capital Levubu has competed up to the 1.50m level with Bronwyn Dos Santos. Capital Levubu is sired by the Caretino son Cachas, who sadly died at the young age of 10. When Cachas completed his 30-day test in 2012 he scored a 10.0 for jumping ability, 9.25 for character and 9.00 for his canter. As shown with Levubu, Cachas produces modern type offspring.

Levubu’s mother, Zinnia I, has produced many top horses for Capital Stud such as Capital Levubu, Capital New Star, Capital Pretorius, Capital Qorland, Capital Unicorn and recently the imported foal Capital V-Power. She has also produced top broodmares, for example, Capital Melissa who produced Capital Ayden, Capital Stud’s top seller. Zinnia I is by one of the most successful Holstein stallions Cassini I. Cassini I’s most successful offspring are the very well-known stallions Cumano and Berlin. This year is the first year that Levubu has offspring being sold on Auction. Capital My Lady, fresh from winning her rider Thomas van Rijckevorsel a place at the Youth Equestrian Games in Aachen, is already a ‘household’ name. Small, fast, scopey, careful and ultra-modern, she proves an intimidating opponent in any class. Her father, Untouchable 27, has a very impressive damline. His dam is a daughter of Heartbreaker and an ‘elite sport mare’ named Promesse, who is also the mother of Escape Z. Untouchable 27 has competed at the top level with multiple different riders; he is known for his conformation, strong back and powerful hindquarters. He passes on scope and elegance. Capital Legacy thus combines Capital Levubu, the tall horse with enormous scope and bravery, with Capital My Lady who is extremely agile, careful and, again, brave. Combining these two creates the ultimate modern sporthorse with scope, technique, carefulness and courage.

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CAPITAL’S TODOS DE REGOR (CHACCO BLUE X CENTA DE MUZE (CENTO))

OUT OF A ‘SUPERMARE

Capital’s Todos de Regor was sold on the Flanders Auction. His sire, Chacco Blue, needs no introduction, still ranking as the number one stallion in the world. Similarly, Centa de Muze has a reputation for quality that precedes her, despite her young age. Described by the Flanders Foal Auction team as a ‘supermare’ Centa de Muze’s offspring are almost guaranteed to be potential international competitors. By way of illustration, her offspring including Freestyle de Muze, Horizon de Regor, Inri de Regor, Kerly de Regor and Melia de Regor all compete in the 1.50 – 1.60 level. Centa’s dam, Walloon de Muze is the second dam of the very impressive approved stallion Million Dollar. Walloon de Muze is out of the remarkable Qerly Chin who is probably one of the most well-known dams for breeding success, not only in terms of competition horses but also in terms of breeding exquisite broodmares, like Narcotique de Muze. Some examples of the offspring of the broodmares of Qerly Chin include I’m Special de Muze, Walnut De Muze, as well as many other 1.50 and 1.60 competitors.

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CAPITAL’S HERMES POMMEX Z (HALIFAX X NUSHA (EMERALD VAN’T RUYTERSHOF)

PERFECTLY BRED AND BORN Capital’s Hermes Pommex Z was sold on the Stephex Stables Auction, where he was described as being ‘perfectly bred and born’. By Halifax van het Kluizebox, who himself is by Heartbreaker, the blood running in this young stallion is laced with greatness. And yet, this stallion’s prowess in many ways lies in his damline; Nusha is out of the very best damline featuring Usha van’t Roosakker as her dam, who was not only a competitive 1.60m horse but has produced quality offspring and broodmares. Usha was widely acknowledged for being an outstanding open competitor, with a 10/10 jump and an endless willingness to perform. She has produced mares of whom five have already produced 1.50 competitors and also exciting stallions, like Kassandra van’t Roosakker. Nusha is sired by the top competitor and breeding stallion Emerald van’t Ruytershof. Emerald has competed at the top level including in the Rio Olympics in 2016. One of his most impressive offspring, Igor, qualified for the Tokyo Olympics but was unfortunately unable to compete.

DID YOU KNOW?

Recently an embryo out of Nusha by My Lord Carthago sold for 28,000 Euros. HQ|158C

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CAPITAL’S HARTON VAN DE BERGHOEVE Z IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS Capital’s Harton van de Berghoeve Z was the top seller at the 2019 Zangersheide Auction, going for 76 000 Euros. His bloodlines see a combination of the top foundation stallions, Heartbreaker and Diamant de Semilly.

Hiamant van’t Roosakker’s damline goes back to the formidable mother of Grand Prix competitors Usha van’t Roosakker via Atoucha van’t Roosakker. Hiamant van’t Roosakker is also the full sister to 1.50m showjumper Gatoucha van’t Roosakker and half-sister to 1.60m jumper Electra van’t Roosakker. Being the daughter of the recently deceased elite foundation stallion Diamant de Semilly, who was the leader of the WBFSH in both 2015 and 2016, her inherited talent is immense. Diamant de Semilly has produced many excellent stallions like Emerald van’t Ruytershof, Quickly de Kreisker, Don VHP Z, Dominator 2000 Z and Mumbai, as well as broodmares. He is known for giving his offspring a huge amount of scope and they are widely described as being ‘natural born winners’.

Harton is sired by Heartbreaker, who passed away last year, after competing at the very top level of the sport, and producing many offspring who continue to do the same. In the 2014 World Equestrian Games there were three sons and 15 grandsons of Heartbreaker, all demonstrating his trademark blood and agility. One of Heartbreaker’s very well-known sons, Halifax van Kluizebos is the father of Capital’s Hermes.

FINAL THOUGHTS Henning’s vision to breed world class horses and his commitment to the sport is seen through his great investment in the world’s best and current bloodlines. His attention to detail, commitment to using the best and the way he raises youngsters ensure that Capital Stud produces top-quality horses. Capital Stud are excited to deliver this Exclusive Broodmare Auction, to provide Southern Africans with the opportunity to invest in their future in this sport. Thank you for being part of the Capital Stud story.

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UAG

IS TAKING SHOWJUMPING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

TEXT: PHILIPPA ROSE-TITE

THE UNITED LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS!

ctober 2021 saw the successful execution of the United Aviation Group Derby. This premier event, always a staple of the SA showjumping calendar, was United Aviation Group’s first foray into sponsoring South African equine sporting events. In the build-up to the event, the United Aviation Group marketing team executed a precision planned campaign with one objective – to showcase the event to as many local and international audience members as possible. The aim was to show the world that a South African run showjumping event would compete with any on the international stage, and this is exactly what they did. On the back of this success, and in an effort to continue aiding in the growth of the sport in South Africa, United Aviation Group has sponsored a competitive showjumping league named the League of Champions. Run in conjunction with the World Cup Qualifying Shows, this team-based event will run from May to November 2022 and will include five qualifying shows and showjumping teams from around South Africa. Each team comprises up to 8 riders, including a U25 rider, and each team will be required to include a 1.20m, 1.30m, 1.35m, and 1.40m horse. With R250,000 in prize money, this is one of the biggest, most hotly contested stakes in South African showjumping history!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! · There are five qualifying team events being held between May and November 2022 at the World Cup Qualifying shows. · The final will be held at Summit Ridge Equestrian in November 2022. · All events will be live-streamed. · Tickets for the final event will be available soon. This final event will be a festival of fun, elegant soirees, VIP tents and unequalled entertainment! ABOUT UNITED AVIATION GROUP United Aviation Group is South Africa’s premier aviation services company, offering a range of services to private individuals, governments around the world and corporate companies. These aviation services include private air charter, aircraft maintenance and hangaring, moving of specialist cargo, FBO services, aircraft sales and brokerage, and air ambulance services. With a passion for aviation, a love of people and a single-minded dedication to the customer experience, Jonathan Wolpe manages United Aviation Group with a proactive and hands-on approach the very same approach he is bringing to the showjumping world and the events he is sponsoring. With multiple riders now falling under the United Aviation Group banner, as well as the United Derby, the Show Jumping Grand Prix and now the United Champions League, we can only expect the same touch of excellence from the showjumping division of UAG as we have seen from their aviation team. HQ|158C

United Aviation Group, in conjunction with South African Show Jumping is excited to announce the launch of the 2022

PRIZE MONEY ON OFFER FOR THE FINAL

R250 000

TEAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

ONLY 16 TEAMS TO BE ACCEPTED FOR REGISTRATION! For all the information, rules and registration form contact the League Manager Mandy Johnstone – Cell: 082 853 4909 Email: mandy@unitedaviation.co.za

Putting together a world class equestrian auction requires enormous dedication, attention to detail, industry know-how and time. After a full month of try-outs and just two weeks to go until the auction is underway, the Callaho Team have been very busy. With this workload in mind, it beggars belief that the stud has still managed to put out an absolute killer line-up for the United League of Champions that kicks off in just a few days at the 1st leg of the Reonet World Cup Qualifier. This is an ALL Callaho team, comprising only Callaho auction and professional team horses and before the auction begins on the 10th of May, they’ll be demonstrating just why we all need a Callaho in our lives. As shown by the quality of the horses in this team, the calibre of horse on the Callaho auctions is outstanding. Callaho only make these top athletes available to South Africans looking for success in the show ring twice a year so don’t miss out on the Winter Online Auction. Team Callaho, we wish you the absolute best of luck in the brand-new United League of Champions. We have a sneaking suspicion you’ll do VERY well indeed with these horses and riders on board. Without further ado, let’s meet TEAM CALLAHO!

Facebook: Callaho Warmblood Sporthorses

www.callaho.auction

Callaho Warmblood Sporthorse Auction | Winter 2022

To get your own future Team winner check out the Callaho Winter Online Auction running from the 10th to the 14th of May. Team HQ have their eye on a couple of the youngsters for our future (winning) league team – so just make sure you leave those ones for us…

Gareth Neill - Team Manager

CLICK HERE to browse the catalogue ONLINE AUCTION | WINTER EDITION 10 - 14 M AY 2022

Horse:

Callaho Consuri

Breeding:

Con Coriano x Simply x Ussuri

League Division:

1.40m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 20 | Callaho Stand By Me

About their partnership:

Lara took Callaho Consuri fresh from the Stud and has produced her all the way up to the 1m40 level. The pair will soon debut in the 1m50 classes and there’s no doubt that there are big wins in store for this partnership. Consuri is very scopey, quick and careful and when the bell goes off in the show ring, it’s difficult to tell who wants to win more Lara or Consuri!

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Horse:

Callaho’s Cartier

Breeding:

Casall x Corrado x Fernando

League Division:

1.30/1.35m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 9 | Callaho Roulet du Ayenne

About their partnership:

Ray has produced the young stallion Callaho’s Cartier from the tender age of four and the pair are currently in the 1.35m classes. He may not be the tallest, but his huge heart and fiery disposition make him a force to be reckoned with in the showjumping ring. The move into the open classes is revealing the promise alluded to by Cartier’s illustrious pedigree, and his first progeny under saddle have set high expectations for his future breeding prowess.

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Horse:

Callaho Lexington

Breeding:

Lissabon x Raphael x Watzmann

League Division:

1.40m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 9 | Callaho Roulet du Ayenne & Lot 14 | Callaho Con Catch Me

About their partnership:

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Callaho Lexington has a beatufiul soul and thrives on being perfect - even going on the bit when on a loose rein!! He is every girl’s dream horse with his bravery, scope and ridiculous good looks. Jeanne bought Lexington on the 2015 Callaho Auction after having ridden his mother successfully in the 1.50m classes. Jeanne and Lexington have now had a wonderful partnership for seven years, with the pair already in the 1.50m classes. In Jeanne’s own words, “He is just pure magic!”

Horses:

1. Callaho’s Larison 2. Callaho Con Dior

Breeding:

1. Larimar x Calido I x Calypso II 2. Con Coriano x Quick Star x Jalisco B

League Division:

1.35m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 14 | Callaho Con Catch Me

About their partnership:

Callaho’s Larison Larison is a top breeding stallion with a temperament to die for. Chatan has produced him from a young age and has high hopes of him becoming a World Cup horse in the not-too-distant future. In Chatan’s own words, “I would feel confident taking him anywhere in the world to jump some of the biggest tracks. I always feel extremely proud to be his rider.” Con Dior Chatan has had the privilege of riding this sensitive but fiery chestnut mare since she was purchased off the 2017 auction. Con Dior is currently surprising many in the 1.35m classes with her lightness off the ground and the ease with which she tackles the course. With an inability to say ‘no’, she is proving a formidable talent, and Chatan describes the feeling of confidence she gives him in the saddle. As he says, “I just LOVE this mare.”

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Horse:

Callaho Chupalight

Breeding:

Catoki x Calato x Landlord

League Division:

1.30/1.35m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 2 | Callaho Emelia

About their partnership:

Bred by Callaho in Germany and imported to South Africa as a five year old in 2019 to fulfil his duty as a prized stud stallion, Chupalight and Ivana have recently debuted in the 1.35m classes together. Chupalight is quirky, ultra-athletic and always ready to “strut his stuff”. A true gentleman under saddle, Chupalight is Ivana’s dream come true!

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Horse:

Callaho’s Liantos

Breeding:

Lissabon x Heartbreaker x Indoctro

League Division:

1.40m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 22 | Callaho Lariano

About their partnership:

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On the 2016 Callaho auction, Tamara was lucky enough to find the horse of her dreams. Liantos has needed very little teaching, as his athleticism, bravery and competitive spirit has guided the way. Tamara explains “Competing on a horse like him is both a privilege and a joy, as he is as careful, as he is quick. I am looking forward to competing Liantos in the 1.50m classes in the near future!”

Horse:

1. Callaho Talana & 2. Callaho Pica’s Boy

Breeding:

1. Tolano van’t Riethof x Argentinus x Drosselbart 2. Con Coriano x Pablo’s As x Nimmerdor

League Division:

1.20m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 14 | Callaho Con Catch Me

About their partnership:

Talana Talana has generously been loaned to Vanessa for the United League of Champions and the pair have begun their partnership in fine style. Talana is a beautiful, kind mare acquired from the 2020 Callaho Auction. She loves her job and rises to the occasion when it counts! With a strong influence from her dam-sire, Argentinus, Talana jumps in patent style with an expressive hind-end and textbook technique. Pica’s Boy Dynamite comes in small packages and Pica’s Boy is the perfect paradigm. With a larger than life, exuberant personality, his spunk and attitude certainly does step in to compensate for size. From his owner, Jeanne Körber, “He is so much like his mother, Picadilly Z, with the same competitive edge and will to go above and beyond for his rider.”

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Horse:

1. Callaho Lucetto & 2. Callaho Corleone

Breeding:

1. Lissabon x Cassini I x Caletto II 2. Corinth x Lissabon x Cassini I

League Division:

1.30 / 1.35m

Pick of the Auction:

Lot 14 | Callaho Con Catch Me

About their partnership:

Lucetto Paige had her heart set on Lucetto from the moment she saw his photograph in the 2016 Callaho Auction catalogue. Her first young horse, Paige has produced Lucetto to the 1.35m classes saying, “He is the bravest horse I’ve ever ridden and I know that with him, I can dream big – no matter what, he will never give up!” Corleone Paige acquired Corleone just over two years ago with the pair now firmly established in the open classes together. Leo, as he is affectionately known, is the biggest gentleman, who just loves cuddles. He is a very careful, yet brave horse, who jumps with exuberance and enjoys every minute of it. Paige has always unquestionably believed in this horse and is excited to see what their future holds.

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FOCUS

I’D LIKE TO DO A 1.30M CLASS WITH WOODY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR BUT FOR NOW I’M JUST HAVING FUN AND ENJOYING MY TIME IN THE RING. CONSISTENCY IS ALWAYS MY MAIN FOCUS WITH MY HORSES!” – ROBYN EHLERS.

DRIFTWOOD LC AND ROBYN EHLERS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE 1.20M CLASSES. PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT 26

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HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

Gelding of the Month RIVERVALE BON VIE

ur gelding of the month is the ten-year-old chestnut, Rivervale Bon Vie, currently owned and ridden by Paige Nunan. Paige had searched for her ‘perfect’ match for a long time when Bon Vie finally found her in September 2019. Before finding Bon Vie, Paige had hit a bit of a low with her riding confidence, and she felt that she was on a plateau. She reports feeling that her riding goals seemed a long way

out of reach. Finding Bon Vie changed all of this, and their partnership has grown into something extraordinary. In just the last year, the pair have placed third in the Junior President’s Cup Championship Class and qualified in the top five for the Junior SA Outdoor Grand Prix. In under two years, this team has gone from competing at 90cm up to the 1.35m level, and as Paige says herself, ‘Bon Vie has held my hand the entire way’.

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His heart is what makes him so special.

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HORSE AND RIDER

He has exceeded all my expectations and I am forever indebted to him for all that he has done for me.

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HORSE AND RIDER

ABOUT Bon Vie is extremely athletic and competitive but also has a playful side and a cheeky streak, which Paige enjoys. On top of this, he’s reliable, forgiving, sensitive, patient and kind, and all of these qualities serve to build Paige’s confidence and make him a trustworthy partner.

BREEDING Bon Vie is the son of Bono Van De Kiekenhoef, who was imported from Belgium and stood at Rivervale Stud in KZN. Bono Van De Kiekenhoef has Galoubet A, Grannus, Skippy II and others in his pedigree, all of whom are well known to the world of showjumping.

I absolutely adore this horse.

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HORSE AND RIDER

Bono Van De Kiekenhoef produces offspring who are athletic and scopey but with a good mindset. This is clearly seen in Bon Vie. In South Africa, Bono Van De Kiekenhoef has offspring who have competed up to 1.50m in showjumping and are also doing well on the eventing circuit. Bon Vie’s damline is not quite so well known. His mother High Birnham Houdina, is the daughter of High Birnham Hatari.

This pairing was a very popular one for Rivervale stud, with Bon Vie having four full siblings.

FINAL WORDS When speaking to Paige about her special ‘Bon Bon’ it is evident how grateful she is for all he has taught her and the growth and achievements he has made possible. We’re excited to see what is still to come from this pair!

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HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY

Mare of the month CALL ME CRAZY

ith so many lovely Thoroughbreds on South Africa’s showjumping circuit, we felt it was about time to feature one. And who better to have as the first than Call Me Crazy, affectionately known as Cally, who is owned and ridden by Kenza Turner? Like most Thoroughbreds, who are now successful showjumpers, Cally was once a racehorse, although not a successful one, running only two races and failing to place in either. Thankfully the mare has shown her real talent to be in the showjumping ring, and her racing days are well behind her. The first time Kenza tried Cally was when she was still owned and competing with Matthew Morrison, who took her up to the 1.35m level. It was not a love at first sight

or match made in heaven experience, according to Kenza. Kenza quickly realised that ‘Call Me Crazy’ was a very good name for the mare, and she had to learn to adjust to Cally’s sensitivity and blood. Yet, she says that there was something she loved about the mare even then. This partnership took time and patience to develop but has now definitely found its groove. During lockdown, Kenza moved to the yard, which gave her valuable time to spend with Cally and build their bond and trust. Then in 2021, Kenza and Cally moved to Ray Korber’s yard due to time challenges posed by Kenza completing her matric year. Having Cally at Korber Equestrian allowed Cally to be worked by work riders at the yard when Kenza could not attend due to school commitments.

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HORSE AND RIDER

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HORSE AND RIDER

ABOUT After losing confidence with her previous horse, Kenza was looking for a horse who would, bit by bit, build and nurture her confidence back up. Despite first impressions, Cally was just the right horse for the job with a love for jumping, a forgiving attitude and immense bravery. Within the few years Kenza and Cally have been a partnership their confidence has grown, and the team are competing in the 1.30m classes with ambitions of moving up to the 1.35m in the not-too-distant future. BREEDING Call Me Crazy is the daughter of the Thoroughbred stallion Eye of The Tiger. HQ|158C

Cally’s mother, Little Stunner, is the daughter of influential stallion Al Mufti. Al Mufti was a good racehorse, a great sire to racehorses and a great dam sire, and has offspring who have gone on after a career in racing to one in showjumping and have done so successfully. Al Mufti was the full package. Al Mufti passed away just short of his 26th birthday at Ascot Stud outside Port Elizabeth.

FINAL THOUGHTS There is no doubt that a good Thoroughbred can be an exceptional partner in any equestrian discipline, and we feel confident that big things are to come for Kenza and Call Me Crazy as the partnership continues to cement itself.

HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: GEORGIA HARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: JACO WIID

Stallion of the month JUSTUS DE JEU

fter showcasing a dressage mare and gelding, we felt it was time to introduce a dressage stallion – and what a magnificent stallion we have to feature! Nicolle Van der Greft is the owner and rider of the KWPN stallion Justus de Jeu. The South African Warmblood Association has recently approved this 2014 born stallion.

THE BACK STORY Nicolle originally went to the Netherlands to try a specific horse - a gelding named Hamer de Jeu. Whilst there, she saw Justus de Jeu lunging and fell in love instantly. Nicolle immediately purchased Justus and he came back with her to South Africa, and Hamer (his best equine friend) joined him! Nicolle now rides both Justus and Hamer.

Whilst in the Netherlands, Justus passed his first round of stallion licensing. As a fully-licensed three-year-old, he was then backed.

BREEDING When Nicolle purchased Justus, she had no intention of breeding with him. However, upon getting to know him and realising just how amazing his temperament was, she decided to give breeding a go. Nicolle insists that everyone who wants to breed with him come and meet him in person so they can fully experience his excellent temperament in person. Justus' foals have all inherited his temperament, and he stamps them with his looks. In fact, a filly by Justus HQ|158C

When I saw him, I fell in love.

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HORSE AND RIDER

recently won a two-year-old in-hand showing class in the Western Cape.

COMPETITION Nicolle and Justus are currently competing at Elementary Medium but training the 'big stuff' at home. Justus shows enormous potential for his future in dressage. Nicolle hopes to train him to the highest level, but she is unequivocal that her foremost priority is to keep him healthy, happy and sound. In the last 12 months, Justus has also been taken for a spin in the show ring with JJ Kemp by his side. At Horse of the Year, Justus won all the Warmblood classes he entered and was titled the Supreme Warmblood Champion. BLOODLINES Justus has very impressive bloodlines, both on the sire and damline sides. The success of these bloodlines is clear through the number of times this match has been repeated, with Justus having several full siblings, including a full brother Firestone and a full sister Elfi B. Firestone

stood out at his performance test, scoring 82.5 for his conformation and movement. He was also the Reserve Champion at his Stallion Show. He sired the Champion of the 2017 Belgian Warmblood Licensing, Ons Noud. Firestone's offspring are said to have charm, charisma, and movement. Similarly, Elfi B scored an impressive 81.5 in the KWPN mare test and a 95 for her trot at the KWPN mare inspection. Justus is sired by the runner up on the WBFSH for 2021, Johnson. This impressive son of Jazz has followed in his father's hoofprints, becoming one of the world's most impressive, well-known, and successful breeding stallions. Johnson was placed 8th individually at the Rio Olympics and received a bronze at the European Championships in Aachen together with Hans Peter Minderhoud, who has ridden Johnson since he was just four years old. In Hans Peter Minderhoud's words, "When Johnson enters the ring, all people will sit up. He is truly a king." When Johnson was a young stallion, he was the overall champion at the 2005 KWPN Stallion Show and the top-ranked stallion in the 2006 Stallion Show Series. Johnson's offspring are known for their easy-going and willing attitudes towards work, and this is extremely clear with his son Justus. Johnson is said to be the best son of Jazz. Justus comes from a famous damline, the Bella damline. This damline has produced not only successful dressage horses but also showjumpers. The Keur stallion Florencio I is Justus's damsire. His offspring regularly achieve above 70% for Grand Prix tests, and he has 40 approved sons. Like Johnson, he was ridden by Hans Peter. Florencio I was the World Champion for Young Dressage Horses in both 2004 and 2005.

FINAL THOUGHTS Justus de Jeu's breeding leaves us in no doubt about his abilities, and with Nicolle, as his owner, we know he will be well looked after and sympathetically trained for the top. Having stallions such as Justus in South Africa is a real gift for all of us.

He has become my best friend.

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FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

I’D LIKE TO ESTABLISH LOKES IN THE 1.30MS THIS YEAR, AND HOPEFULLY JUMP A FEW 1.35M CLASSES TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. LOKI IS THE FULL BROTHER TO CALLAHO LEXINGTON, WHO COMPETES IN THE 1.50M CLASSES WITH JEANNE KÖRBER. ULTIMATELY I’D LOVE FOR LOKI TO FEATURE IN THOSE CLASSES TOO.” – SABRINA BARBAGLIA

HERE WE MEET CALLAHO LOKI AND SABRINA BARBAGLIA. THE PAIR ARE CURRENTLY JUMPING 1.20M AND MOVING UP TO THE 1.30M CLASSES AT THE REONET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER THIS MONTH. 42

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FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

I’M HOPING TO JUMP BELLINI BACK INTO THE OPEN GRADES BY THE END OF 2022.” – YOLANDE CLAASSENS

CORNERSTONE’S BRANIC BELLINI D’OR AND YOLANDE CLAASSENS ARE CURRENTLY JUMPING IN THE 1.10M CLASSES. 44

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HORSE AND RIDER

CAVALETTI TRAINING WITH ROTOFLO

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avaletti exercises are an excellent opportunity for horses of all ages and levels to perform some gymnastic work. These exercises strengthen a horse’s muscles and help develop rhythm and suppleness. Regardless of the discipline you ride, cavaletti exercises should be a part of your horse’s training programme.

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD YOU WORK WITH CAVALETTIS? Cavaletti training should be carried out at regular intervals for optimum training success. Exercising only sporadically with cavalettis will increase the risk of sore muscles in your horse, and the positive effects of the work will remain minimal. Once a week is a good frequency for cavaletti exercises; at this frequency, you’ll see results without overworking your horse. HQ|158C

Each horse’s qualities and individual characteristics will also play a role in the frequency and length of session decisions. Some horses enjoy cavaletti work, whereas others find it hard due to the concentration and physical effort required. For these latter horses, the exercise session should be kept short in line with their abilities. It may also be a good idea to do cavalettis for five minutes at the beginning of every session in the arena, rather than dedicating a longer period to them once a week. ROTOVETTI Rotovettis, designed and manufactured by Rotoflo, are the ideal, affordable cavaletti blocks for pole placement. With variable heights and safe pole cups, they really are made for the job!

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BASIC RULES FOR CAVALETTI EXERCISES 1. Good quality poles and a suitable site Check your cavaletti regularly – broken poles can cause injury and should be replaced. Similarly, the surface on which you exercise must be even and without depressions or holes. Hard surfaces should be avoided. 2. Ride like a dressage rider As in dressage, the goal with cavaletti exercises is a relaxed horse that responds to aids, transmits energy from the back to the front and uses his hindlegs underneath his body - only then will your horse’s gymnastic skills and gait improve. Therefore, don’t approach cavalettis as small jumps but rather as tools to enhance your horse’s way of going. 3. Ride according to your horse’s capabilities As with any work with horses, you should never push them too hard. Cavaletti training is particularly tricky both in terms of the physical effort and the level of concentration required. Increase your work with cavalettis gradually from a low baseline and always err on the side of caution – less is often more! You will quickly be able to advance to more complex exerises, but in the beginning, patience is key to keep the cavaletti experience positive!

TROT

THE EXERCISE – CAVALETTI ON CURVED LINES Working on a curved pattern is especially good for all horses as it helps to engage the hind legs, particularly the inside hind leg, and increases suppleness. SET-UP • Divide the arena into two circles, leaving some space between them if you have room to do so. • On the outside of the left-hand circle, place four cavaletti on a curved line to walk over. The distance between the midpoints of each cavaletti to its neighbours should be 80-90cm for larger horses. • On the right-hand circle, place four cavaletti to trot over on the outside of the curved line, with a distance of 1.2 to 1.3m between the midpoints. THE PURPOSE This exercise allows you to move between the circles and improve suppleness in both walking and trotting. VARIATIONS • You can place a circle without cavaletti in the middle (i.e. create three circles), for collecting or rest intervals. • You can ride the exercise as a large figure of eight. At the transition point you can slow down from a trot to a walk to ride the cavaletti in walk, or begin to trot at the transition point to ride the cavaletti in trot. HQ|158C

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AGE IS A BIT AGAINST HIM, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE IN THE 1.35M BY NEXT YEAR. THIS YEAR THE GOAL IS TO COMPETE IN THE 1.20M SA DERBY.” – ROXANNE VAN WYK

ROXANNE VAN WYK AND MAKE MY MARK ARE CURRENTLY COMPETING IN THE 1.10M AND WILL BE MOVING UP TO 1.20M AFTER GAUTENG CHAMPS. PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT 52

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FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

ASSEGAI SILVER FIR AND KAYLA DE WET ARE CURRENTLY IN THE 1.20M, BUT WOULD LIKE TO GO AS FAR AS THEY CAN!

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HORSE AND RIDER

TEXT: TARRYN STEBBING PHOTOGRAPHY: MELISSA MEADER, LARIZE DE WET, CAROLINE HARTLEY AND HAROLD HILL

Show report WESTERN CAPE YOUNG HORSE PERFORMANCE SERIES

he Western Cape Young Horse Performance Series caters for horses under the age of 7 (or 9 years of age for previously raced Thoroughbreds). This year due to popularity and demand for the event, the Western Cape divided the series into three legs which are taking place throughout the year. In the Series, the horses compete in their relevant age groups to qualify for the Supreme Championship, in which Champion and Reserve Champion horses across all age groups and disciplines then compete for the title of Supreme Young Horse Champion.

The first leg of the Western Cape Young Horse Series got off to a great start with more than 238 entries! It was very encouraging as an enthusiastic and competitive rider to witness the incredible class of young horses beginning their careers in the Western Cape. Spectators were entertained with three arenas running consecutively over two days, a wide variety of breeds on show, and local horses and imports performing at their best. Featured here are some of the Champions and Supreme Champions from the first leg:

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XXX Compton House Folkdance was handled by Simone Thijssen. They won the Supreme In-hand Championship.

Ruconu Stud’s Two Moons Lukes Joshua and Tarryn Stebbing. Joshua is a 5 year old Appaloosa Stallion and won the In-hand Reserve Supreme. He also qualified for the ridden Supreme in Showing as well as Showjumping and Equitation.

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Mampro Frischgewaagd Silver Moon and Robyn Salter. Mampro Frischgewaagd Silver Moon is a 7 year old Namibian Warmblood Champion in the 1.10m Showjumping and Equitation.

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Saratoga San Andreo is a 5 year old Warmblood gelding by Synergy. He is owned by Gisèle de Villiers, and ridden by Michelle de VilliersMoreira. He was the Reserve 5 year old Dressage Potential Champion on a score of 80%.

Montre-Etre van Kairos with Carsten Peterrs. Montre-Etre van Kairos is a Dutch (KWPN) Warmblood by Uphill and won the 5 year old Dressage Championship with a score of 85%. He also won the Victor Ludorum for the (overall) highest score of the day.

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SPONSORS A huge thank you to all the amazing sponsors of the event. Our sport simply would not be possible without your support!

Vaderlandsche Hoseah and Nichola Mohr. Hoseah is a 4 year old Warmblood and won the Overall Ridden Supreme and qualified in the Dressage. Judges: Gregory Goss, Laura Kotze, Larissa Williams and Shayna Cowley with Western Cape Showing Chairlady Renata Van Rijswijk and sponsors.

Tack Shacks Rivendell Zoid was the Reserve Champion 7 year old in the 1.10m Showjumping and Equitation.

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WE WILL TAKE IT ONE LEVEL AT A TIME AND SEE HOW HE DOES. I’M FOCUSING ON CORRECT TRAINING SO HE CAN COPE GOING UP THE GRADES. HE IS THE SWEETEST KINDEST BOY AND TRIES INCREDIBLY HARD. MY HEART IS ALL BUNDLED INTO THIS ONE BIG FLUFFY PONY.”

HERE WE SEE TAMMY CLAIRE WITHERS RIDING THE FIVE YEAR OLD LOZZERIO ERABUS. THE PAIR ARE CURRENTLY COMPETING IN PRELIM, BUT TAMMY IS HOPING TO TAKE HIM TO ADVANCED.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT HQ|158C

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OUR EXPERT Ryan Tehini (BA, BSocSci (Hons) Psych, MA Research Psychology (cum laude)(UP)). For Psychological Skills Training for sports’ competitions, please get in touch with me: ryantehini@gmail.com or 073 567 7387

TEXT: RYAN TEHINI

FOR THE COACHES PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF COACHES THAT ENSURE ATHLETE SUCCESS

aving the right coach is an integral part of achieving athletic success; proper coaching ensures that the correct aspects of the sport are trained, and also instils confidence in the athlete – enhancing their overall performance. While the importance of coaching has never been in debate, it is an aspect of psychological research that has largely been overlooked – until recent years. Recent research has indicated that mental toughness in a coach directly impacts the success of their career and that of their athletes, and this is true for youth coaches as well as professional-level and adult coaches. Mental toughness is a term commonly used in sports psychology settings but often wears different masks – in that it will look different in a football player to what it will look like in an equestrian coach. The main reason for this is that mental toughness can simply be defined as a psychological resource that helps athletes manage difficult circumstances. This means that the exact presentation of said 'mental toughness' would vary depending on the circumstance, and the circumstances in each sport are

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different. The question therefore remains, what does mental toughness look like in a coach, and what are the implications of this quality for the athlete? These are the questions that this article endeavours to answer using recent research.

MENTALLY TOUGH COACHES The attributes of mentally tough coaches have been a field of research recently within the field of sports psychology, and interestingly enough, while there are definable overlaps, a mentally tough coach looks different for youth athletes than for professional athletes. The presiding reason for this difference is that youth athletes require different things from a coach than

professional athletes. For example, a youth athlete may need more encouragement and development outside of the athletic realm than would a professional athlete. To this end, a successful youth coach would also have the ability to adapt to the athlete and fulfil the role needed in order to succeed.

COACHES OF PROFESSIONAL/ADULT ATHLETES Coaching professional and adult athletes is often incorrectly thought to be entirely about skill development/ refinement, and as such, the psychology of the coach has been deemed somewhat irrelevant. This is a big mistake, as the high level of competition demands that HQ|158C

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the coaches possess psychological attributes that are not necessarily common, only develop over time, and require a degree of balance. Recent research has identified certain characteristics that mentally tough professional/adult coaches have that assist in the success of their athletes. These include:

EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND ENDURANCE The most common attribute displayed amongst successful professional and adult coaches was the ability to control their emotions in difficult circumstances. This skill often requires years of experience, as the ability to exert control over your emotional state takes practice. However, it has been shown that coaches who can show restraint and not immediately react to the circumstances they find themselves in instil confidence in their athletes and reduce their overall stress and anxiety. Similarly, coaches who show emotional fortitude in the face of challenging circumstances breed athletes capable of the same and who thrive in stressful settings. This was one of the most

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prominent themes in identifying successful coaches across various sporting disciplines, as often the coach is looked upon by the athlete as the voice of reason and a calming presence in the face of adversity.

EMBRACE A PARTICULAR PHILOSOPHY/WAY OF THINKING Research indicated that coaches who embrace a set of specific thinking patterns tended to have more success as a coach; these types of thinking included: 1. Having consistency in what they expected of their athletes 2. Setting high standards and chasing after them 3. Showing a strong commitment to the development of their athletes 4. Adopting a growth mindset, wherein they recognise that their athlete is improving and they aren't treated like the athlete that the coach first met 5. Being genuine with the athlete, and demanding a high level of performance.

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These attributes were a recurring theme in determining a coach's success with an athlete. The more of these attributes a single coach displayed, the more likely they were to have a positive relationship with and impact on their athlete.

COACHES OF YOUTH ATHLETES The exact recipe of a successful youth coach is slightly different than the one presented above for a professional athlete, although almost all of the above ingredients feature in some way or another here as well. There were five main attributes identified by research that defined a mentally tough coach in the context of youth sport and these were: 1. The continued ability to overcome adversity and calmly assist the athlete in doing the same 2. The ability to control their emotions in all circumstances 3. Maintaining high standards for themselves and the athletes they train 4. Effective communication with their athletes in an unpatronising and collaborative manner 5. The development of their athletes beyond the sport setting regardless of the pressure to perform.

In addition to mental toughness, coaches of youth athletes also need to display a level of emotional intelligence. In youth sports, setting an example of emotional intelligence is of the essence, as displaying empathy and setting a positive emotional tone around sport will shape not only the kind of athlete that the youth grows up to be but also the kind of person.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Now more than ever, the importance of an effective coach cannot be overstated. The advanced understanding of coaching now provided by research identifies the importance for the player to develop psychologically, as well as the coach. A mentally tough coach delivers unmatched value to their athletes on and off the field, and the wonderful thing about mental toughness (as with most psychological attributes) is that it can be trained. Just as the athletes strive to improve mentally for performance enhancement purposes, so should the coaches to improve the performance of their athletes.

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FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

I WANT TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPETE IN THE 1M20 CLASSES ON LOCARNO MAKALANI AND PRODUCE HIM TO THE 1M30 CLASSES BY THE END OF THE YEAR. I ALSO WANT TO GO UP THE GRADES WITH MY OTHER HORSES. I ASPIRE TO JUMP IN THE OPEN CLASSES ONE DAY; HOPEFULLY ON ONE OF THE HORSES I AM PRODUCING.”

HERE WE SEE KELLY MELVILLE RIDING LOCARNO MAKALANI. 70

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TEXT: DR MARISA SLABBER BVSC, CVA, MSC, CVTP OF HOLISTICARE REHAB PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EQUINE REHABILITATION THE ROLE OF ACUPUNCTURE

f you've ever experienced the thrill of being at one with your horse and feeling you both perform at your best, you can understand the devastation a rider feels when a horse is injured or not feeling great. These days, horses are expensive to have and keep, and when their performance or health is suffering, the costs increase. All of this makes the prospect of injury very scary for the owner. The good news is that a holistic approach to rehabilitation can go a long way to treat and help prevent issues with your equine partner.

WHAT IS REHABILITATION? Rehabilitation of an animal is the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. This is a complex process of bringing certain parts of the body back to or close to normal function, as well as increasing physical fitness and enhancing performance. This is not just applicable to post-surgical conditions like a ligament tear or bone chips but also includes medical problems like gastrointestinal problems (chronic colic), COPD (Chronic Obstructive

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Pulmonary Disease), foot problems/ lameness and cardiovascular disease, to name but a few.

THE STEPS OF REHABILITATION In rehabilitation, the following steps are followed after a thorough investigation and diagnosis by your veterinarian: • Control pain, inflammation and swelling, increase circulation and healing time • Improve range of motion (suppleness/flexibility) • Improve strength, symmetry and proprioception • Start function-specific training • Return to normal function and full activity as function and fitness increase Thus, after one recognises the problem (diagnosis and prognosis to manage expectations), you should discuss with your vet how the issue should be approached and the secondary complications or compensatory mechanisms that may influence your horse's recovery. However, it is worth noting that rehabilitation is not just something to be used after injury. Instead, 'rehabilitation techniques for prevention and performance HQ|158C

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enhancement' can help all horses avoid issues and function at their best. For example, even in healthy athletes, straightness is an issue which can lead to problems later on. We all know that our bodies are very often lopsided (as in having a specific side that we prefer to use) and that this may lead to decreased performance, increased rate of injury etc., once these patterns become established. This is because straightness affects function and this is even more the case in horses. One example of the benefits of working on these issues comes from showjumping, where a wellfunctioning symmetrical thoracic sling can take a significant amount of weight off the front legs upon landing. This, in turn, decreases the wear and tear of all the joints located below the sling over the lifespan of your horse. If these kinds of compensatory mechanisms, asymmetries or old injuries are counteracted one may improve health and reach an advanced state of performance sooner than expected, leading to a happy horse and happy owner.

HERBS Herbs are powerful and can be very successfully applied as an adjunct to regular veterinary care, but this should be done in conjunction with an appropriately qualified person or your veterinarian. Homoeopathy, essential- and botanical oils can also be added to this kind of regime, and in my experience, horses have most certainly reacted very well to this kind of adjunctive therapy. FOOD Food is just as important, and we are only starting to realise now how important it is to have a happy gut. The salience of "Let food be thy medicine" cannot be overstated. Please note that all dietary changes should be made in conjunction with an appropriately qualified person.

THE ROLE OF CHINESE MEDICINE Chinese Medicine is a key part of rehabilitation in my practice. This is in rehabilitation for injuries or illness and also in the use of rehabilitation techniques for prevention of injury and performance enhancement. There are five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine as adjuncts to rehabilitation: 1. Herbs 2. Food therapy 3. Tui-na (a Chinese form of healing massage techniques) 4. Qigong (exercises for humans utilising rhythmical breathing and specific body movements) 5. Acupuncture

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QIGONG Although Qigong cannot be taught to animals, other techniques like groundwork, cavaletti and stretches can be used for the same effect. I feel that the importance of groundwork (not lunging) is understated today in the development of young equine athletes and even in improving the older horse's quality of life. ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is a form of stimulation of an acupuncture point with a precise anatomical location. It differs from 'trigger point' or functional 'dry needling' because, very often, the points used are not necessarily located at the localised area of pain. The diagnostic principles and treatment options are laid down according to the five elements theory developed by the Chinese many thousands of years ago. It works on the principle that body parts are connected and influence each other, rather than looking at body systems separately. In Chinese medicine, "Qi" or "Chi" is an energy that needs to flow constantly, jut like food has to flow in the front of the body and out the back. If the flow of Qi is blocked or stagnating, pain and or discomfort follows, which affects other parts of the body. Acupuncture can be administered in several ways, including by puncturing the skin with a needle, aqua puncture (injecting the acupuncture point with a substance), and electro-acupuncture (stimulating the acupuncture points with needles that enhance stimulation), to name a few. The same effect can also be achieved without puncturing the skin with moxabustion (using an Artemisia stick to warm points), laser stimulation, Tui-na (massaging meridians and acupuncture points with specific techniques) or acupressure. HQ|158C

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The advantages of acupuncture are many: 1. Increased circulation (and reduced healing time) 2. Increased release of serotonin and endorphins (natural painkilling substances in the blood) 3. Increased release of stem cells 4. Increased performance (e.g. stride length, speed etc.) 5. Increased parasympathetic nervous system stimulation ('rest and digest' function and hormones) 6. Improved mental calmness and acuity 7. Decreased pain 8. Increased organ function. Acupuncture should be performed by an appropriately qualified person, as the safety and efficacy of the treatment are dependent on the practitioner. In short, rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine go hand-in-hand and lead to better and quicker results in the long term.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Dr Marisa Slabber BVSc, CVA, MSc, CVTP at HolistiCare Rehab on 071 370 6668 or visit her website at www.holisticare.co.za

FINAL THOUGHTS Rehabilitation is a complex and involved process that will require lots of commitment from you and plenty of expert assistance from your vet. Whether your horse is currently injured or not feeling his best, or you are just looking to improve performance and prevent future injury, this approach and these techniques can be of great benefit.

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Physiotherapy Underwater Treadmill Soft tissue techniques (myofascial release, massage, stretching) Therapeutic exercises Kinesiotaping Laser EMS/TENS, Stimpod Acupuncture Holistic consultations Food therapy Herbals & Homeopathy Tui-na Respiratory Physio Home exercise programs Dr Marisa Slabber BVSc, CVA, MSc, CVTP Kayla du Toit Veterinary Physiotherapist (SAVC)

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FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT

HERE WE MEET GABRIELLA LUBNER AND EAGLES LIQUEUR (GREY) AND CAPITAL CASTELLO (BAY). LIQUEUR HAS COMPETED IN THE 1.30M CLASSES AND CASTELLO IN THE 1.35M CLASSES.

MY DREAMS, AS ANY RIDER WOULD SAY, ARE TO ONE DAY BE COMPETITIVE IN THE 1.50 CLASSES, BUT FOR NOW I’M JUST AIMING AT GETTING CONSISTENT AND MOVING UP THE GRADES COMFORTABLY. I’M HOPING TO INCREASE MY STRING OF HORSES AND HOPEFULLY ONE DAY MOVE OVERSEAS AND COMPETE ON THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT." 78

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MANAGING DOG BITES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

og bites are fortunately quite rare in horses, but it is still essential to know how to deal with one if your horse is unlucky enough to get bitten. Sadly dog bites in horses can have devastating consequences, so taking the right steps when finding a bite can prove life-saving.

THE ATTACK In some cases, owners will see the attack, and in others, they may have to guess at the cause of puncture wounds found on their horse. Although any part of the horse’s body can be bitten, especially if the horse falls or is recumbent, bites are most commonly found on the limbs and face.

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A NOTE ON TETANUS Ensuring your horse’s tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date is vital in the event of a dog bite attack or any other wound. The bacterium which causes tetanus is found in soil, and contamination of a wound with this bacterium can lead to tetanus in non-vaccinated patients. The vast majority of horses infected with tetanus have a fatal outcome. Horses that sustain a wound and are not fully immunised against tetanus or whose vaccinations have lapsed may receive tetanus anti-toxin, which will provide immediate protection against tetanus for up to 21 days. This can be life-saving, so make sure you discuss your horse’s vaccination status with your vet at the time of initial examination.

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MANAGEMENT There are a number of important steps to take if your horse has been the subject of a dog attack. Firstly, you will need to restrain your horse, reassure them and bring them to safety. Once they are sufficiently calm, you should inspect the injuries sustained (provided it is safe to do so). Your vet should be contacted so that they can examine your horse and administer the appropriate treatment. In some instances, sedation may be required to allow for examination due to the stress caused by the attack. If the injury is bleeding profusely due to the involvement of a large blood vessel, pressure should be applied to the affected area while waiting for the vet. You can apply this pressure with anything close to hand, like a scarf or towel. Ideally, you want this item to be clean, but using used clothing or rugs is acceptable in an emergency. Most bites are puncture wound injuries, which can look relatively innocuous, but it is important to remember that the puncture can extend deep into the tissue and what we see externally is only a hint at the injury underneath. This is particularly important where the wound is located near a synovial structure, like a joint or tendon sheath, as an intrusion into this sterile environment will precipitate septic arthritis or synovitis if not identified and treated promptly and appropriately. The results of these injuries to synovial structures can be devastating if not fatal.

THE WHOLE PICTURE It is also worth remembering that the horse may have been chased during the attack and have sustained additional injuries in trying to escape. Therefore, you need to look at the horse as a whole – not just the site of the bite wound. Many horses in this scenario will also suffer a degree of shock that requires treatment. In mild cases, putting on a rug, ensuring a plentiful supply of water is on offer and giving some appetising feed may be sufficient. However, your vet may need to administer IV fluids in severe cases.

If synovial involvement is excluded, a common aftereffect of dog bite wounds is cellulitis, which is an infection of the subcutaneous tissues. This results in heat, swelling and pain in the affected area and requires treatment in the form of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Cellulitis is particularly common following bite wounds as teeth are heavily laden with bacteria, meaning that infection of the bitten tissue is highly likely.

FINAL THOUGHTS We hope you will never encounter a dog bite situation with your horse, but should you do so, being prepared is vital in ensuring the best outcome for your precious steed! HQ|158C

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HAY! HAVE YOU HEARD?

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orses should have a diet based around forage, and while some will need more than others, this essential part of the diet is critical and should never be overlooked. Forage includes sources such as hay, grazing, high fibre cubes, chaffs, and even super fibres such as soya hulls and beet products. Without fibre, which is the main nutritional element in any form of forage, the horse's digestive system will not function optimally. Fibre meets the horse's need for bulk and is broken down in the hindgut via fermentation. Billions of microorganisms in the hindgut, including protozoa, fungi, and bacteria, perform this fermentation to convert carbohydratebased contents, essentially plant-based fibre (structural carbohydrates), into volatile fatty acids (VFA), which provide energy to the horse. For this reason, among others, it is critical to keep those microorganisms happy and functioning properly.

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NOTE: To avoid digestive disturbances, it is important to gradually introduce or modify the horse's diet so that the microorganism population has time to adapt to be as efficient as possible. This applies even to changes to grazing and hay.

MEAL SIZE AND SPACING Another aspect to consider in ensuring good digestive health is meal size and spacing. While horses generally receive meals twice a day because it is convenient, research has shown that consuming multiple meals is ideal for maximum feed efficiency and utilisation. This is especially true for senior and underweight horses. In terms of meal size, no more than 2kg should be given per meal. Going back to basics and simplifying meals to include as much forage as possible is the best approach for maintaining a healthy hindgut.

H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

BETWEEN MEALS Aside from mealtimes, horses are grazers that rely on continual forage intake, with fresh grass and high-quality hay being the best places to start to ensure a healthy equine hindgut. In many cases altering the amount or type of roughage can be enough to change the horse's condition. CHEWING Another great benefit of forage, particularly to stabled horses, is the length of time and the number of chews it takes to eat both long-stemmed (hay) and short-stemmed forages (chaffs, cubes). This not only helps to mirror natural grazing behaviours and satisfy their physiological need to chew, but it can also help to reduce stereotypical behaviours, such as cribbing. Saliva, which is a natural gastric acid buffer, is only produced when horses chew. So, the longer they are kept chewing, the more buffering capacity they generate. This is especially important in horses struggling with gastric ulcers. WHY HAY CUBES? The quality of grazing in South Africa can fluctuate wildly, and at certain times of the year, grazing within paddocks may be reduced and/or it may be hard to find good quality hay. Therefore, incorporating a consistent, highly digestible forage alternative (also known as forage extenders) such as hay cubes or chaff to support the horse's amount and quality of forage may be worthwhile. Hay cubes are an ideal alternative for many horses as they can be used in situations where large amounts of longstemmed hay is not ideal. For example: • They can be used for horses with respiratory issues as they limit the horse's exposure to inhalation of dust and spores. • They are ideal for horses struggling with inflammatory disorders of the bowel, as long-stemmed hay can irritate the gut. • They are great for older horses or those struggling with dental issues. These horses benefit from hay cubes as they often struggle to chew and fully digest long-stemmed hay and chaffs.

• T hey can be useful for hard-working horses who occasionally lose their appetite during competition, leading to reduced forage intake. This reduced intake of forage may expose horses to digestive upsets and lead to underperformance and loss of condition. Hay cubes can be ideal under these circumstances as they can provide additional fibre support for all-round digestive health. • They are easy to store and transport, making them a great option for performance horses. Chaffs are particularly useful for adding bulk and thus chew time to a horse's diet. Chaffs can be particularly useful in several circumstances, including: • For feeding horses that rush to eat their concentrate feed, as it means more chews per bite which ultimately slows them down. • They are also helpful for good doers as the bulk from chaff provides something for the bucket, which satisfies the horse's chewing need without adding large amounts of calories. • For the high-performance horse, chaff can be a useful way of adding a little extra fibre to each meal. Reducing the concentrate amount per meal and adding a small amount of chaff allows the non-structural carbohydrate (starch and sugar) portion to be reduced per meal, which helps avoid an overload of starch into the hindgut. Too much starch in the hindgut alters the pH, and the microorganisms can die off. This, in turn, can cause colic and hindgut acidosis. It has also been demonstrated that fibre within the diet encourages better utilisation of any concentrate feed that may be fed as the gut is helped to remain stable and healthy.

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

EPOL HORSE FEEDS It's a big year for Epol horse feeds as we expand our range with the migration of key Equus (previously acquired by Epol) rations and the launch of our roughage range. Our roughage range includes Lucerne Cubes, Premium Roughage Cubes, Essential Roughage Cubes, Lucerne Chaff and Mixed Chaff. These new offerings complement our existing range and ensure we offer a comprehensive and complete range of feeds. • Lucerne Cubes: Contain A Grade lucerne to produce a roughage alternative higher in protein and energy suitable for a wide variety of needs. • Essential Roughage Cubes: Utilise high-quality roughage in order to produce a product suitable for all types of horses. These high fibre cubes are ideal for stretching available hay in times of hay scarcity or poor-quality roughage. • Premium Roughage Cubes: Utilise 66% top quality hays in order to produce a product suitable for all horses with the additional benefit of added fat for slow release energy and to contribute towards a glossy, shiny coat.

• Lucerne chaff: A high-quality blend of lucerne and teff with added oils and a fine molasses coating to provide a highly palatable top-quality roughage alternative for the performance horse. • Mixed chaff: A high-quality blend of grasses, including lucerne and teff, to achieve high fibre chaff with reduced starch levels, making it suitable for those needing a NonStructural Carbohydrate controlled diet. A fine coating of additional oil is added to assist with coat and skin conditions.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Check out the latest roughage range from Epol to keep your horse’s gut functioning at its best. To find out more contact the Epol Team. HQ|158C

Epol is a leading horse feed brand in South Africa with a great deal of heritage and expertise, and a particular strength in its grain based feed solutions. It is, however, well known that forage should be the foundation of any equine diet and so we are excited to be launching a range of roughage products, including Essential Roughage Cubes, Premium Roughage Cubes, Lucerne Cubes, Lucerne Chaff and Mixed Chaff. These new offers complement our existing range and ensure we offer a comprehensive and complete range of feeds.

For feeding advice and technical support contact: Leigh Adams 083 998 6824 | Hannah Botha 073 423 5491 | Debbie Dick 076 755 5164 www.epolequine.co.za

Part 9

Anatomy

The Lymphatic System T

he lymphatic system acts in conjunction with the circulatory system. Its main functions are: • To drain fluid from the tissues • To fight infection • To transport nutrients • To remove waste

THE SYSTEM Lymphatics are found in most areas of the body and generally follow the same routes as blood vessels. They originate as tiny lymphatic vessels in the spaces between cells. The lymphatic vessels exchange substances both inwards (removing excess fluid from the tissues) and outwards (transferring nutrients to the tissues). LYMPH Lymph is an almost colourless, watery fluid carried around the body by the thin-walled vessels called lymphatic vessels. Lymph originates from the blood and must ultimately be returned to the circulatory system. When the plasma (the clear yellowish fluid in which blood cells are suspended) is filtered out of the capillaries of the circulatory system,

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

it enters the spaces between cells. From here it passes into the lymph vessels and moves along the lymphatic system until it is returned to the blood circulation via the vena cava, near the heart, to begin the process all over again.

FIGHTING INFECTION AND CANCER Lymph nodes lie in close proximity to the circulatory system.

As lymph passes along the lymphatic vessels, it passes through lymph nodes (glands), which are sited at various points along their length. The lymph nodes produce lymphocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies, which will destroy bacteria, viruses or cancer cells which are present in the lymph. Therefore, the lymph nodes act as filters, ridding the body of harmful organisms and cells. If the lymph nodes are fighting infection, they will become enlarged; in the case of a horse with an infection, the nodes at the junction of the neck and jaw will swell enough to become visible. NOTE: The lymphocytes and antibodies produced by the lymph nodes will also be carried to the site of infection by the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

DRAINING FLUID AND REMOVING WASTE The lymphatic system helps drain excess fluid and waste products from the horse's body. Lymph moves due to pressure created by the movement of muscles, and while HQ|158C

H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

The spleen

with the lymphatic tissue to destroy any harmful bacteria and viruses and so protect the horse from infection. The spleen also contributes to the horse's immunity to disease by producing B-lymphocytes, which develop into antibodyproducing plasma cells. Further, as blood flows through the spleen, macrophages (a type of white blood cell) ingest worn-out red and white blood cells. Finally, the large volume of blood in the spleen acts as a reservoir, and the spleen contracts to release blood into the circulation if needed – for example, in a case of massive bleeding. The thymus is a gland situated between the lungs, next to the trachea. It produces T-cells (lymphocytes that destroy invading microbes) which help the horse's immune system. The thymus is at its largest in the foal but becomes smaller as the horse ages. As bone marrow produces lymphocytes, it is also considered to be part of the lymphatic system. there are one-way valves to help it to flow back to the heart, movement is required to move this drained fluid. This is why the lower legs can swell in immobile horses, as the gravity effect is greatest here, so lymph pools here until the horse moves again. This lymph will disperse when the horse moves and get moved back to the vena cava.

NUTRIENT TRANSPORT Lymph transports nutrients to the cells of the body. Fat cells are too large to be carried by the blood capillaries, so they are taken from the gastrointestinal tract by lymph vessels, which are large enough to accommodate them. OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Other components of the lymphatic system are the spleen and thymus gland, both of which contain lymphatic tissue. The spleen is the largest mass of lymphatic tissue in the horse's body. It is found in the abdominal cavity between the 10th and 18th ribs, just in front of the left kidney. It is made up of two types of tissue – the red pulp and the white pulp. The white pump is lymphatic tissue that produces lymphocytes, while the red pump is engorged with blood in venous sinuses. These two types of tissue lying in close proximity allow the spleen to perform one of its main functions, which is to bring the blood in contact

Types of lymphocytes. The lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen and thymus all produce lymphocytes.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE The lymphatic system is a critical element of a horse's circulation, which helps to fight infection, provide nutrients to the tissues, remove waste and drain excess fluid. It is made up of the lymphatic vessels, the lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus and the bone marrow. Despite its crucial nature, we are often unaware of the lymphatic system's role until visible issues are present such as swollen lymph nodes, filling of the legs, or lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system). HQ|158C

FOCUS

DID YOU KNOW? If you breed a chestnut mare with a chestnut stallion, you’ll always produce a chestnut foal. And – interestingly - if you breed two black horses together you can also get a chestnut foal!

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H O R S E A N D H E A LT H

PHOTOGRAPHY: DENFORD STUDIOS

EquiProVet WITH JOHANN LÖTTER

ohann Lötter needs no introduction for most South African equine enthusiasts. A professional showjumper, top coach and head of Steyn City Equestrian Centre, there’s very little he hasn’t seen and done in the sport. He even competed at the World Equestrian Games with the stallion Rendement and continues to perform at the top of the sport with his horse Pour Moi. As a brand ambassador for EquiProVet SA, we chatted to him to find out why he uses these products and what benefits he has seen with his horses.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR 2022? I want to go to the shows and perform at my best. There are so many variables involved, but I would like to establish Pour Moi, my top horse at the moment, in the World Cup classes in 2022. WHO WILL YOU BE COMPETING ON IN THE OPEN CLASSES THIS YEAR? I'll have Pour Moi, who is a Belgian bred and Belgian Warmblood Society Approved Stallion jumping in the

Open Classes. I'll also have For Ever de la Roque Z in the Open Classes. He's done a 1.40m classes, and I think I'll keep him there while I try and put Pour Moi into the World Cup Classes. I'd rather have one horse in each class rather than try and put both horses in one. This gives me more time to focus on each horse individually. Then I've also got Best Compagnie Z coming up, who will hopefully be in the 1.30m classes soon. I'm also riding a stallion called C-Star for a client of mine, Gemma Nel, and hoping to get him up into the 1.30m classes.

WHICH OF YOUR HORSES ARE CURRENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH EQUIPROVET SA? All of our competition horses are associated with Equiprovet SA; Pour Moi, and For Ever de la Roque Z are owned by Lynn Rowand from Nova Zonnestraal, and then Best Compagnie is my horse, and C-Star belongs to Gemma Nel. Gemma's other horses CMH Eisaria and Belvedere are also associated. We've got our whole string of competition horses on the products! HQ|158C

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WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE EQUAAN 1000 SUPPOSITORIES? I like Equaan 1000 suppositories very much. They are easy to use, and I really feel there is a benefit to the horses. The horses feel springy and fresh with the product. I like that you can administer them as often as you want, and it's not invasive – it's not injecting. I know a lot of products are good to inject, but I try to limit injections as much as possible. In summary, I think the suppositories work like a charm, and I'm very happy to be using them. I give the suppositories once a week but will also give additional ones after a jumping session or after a show. WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO YOUNG RIDERS AND COMPETITIVE RIDERS THAT ARE CONSIDERING JOINT MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES? I would advise all riders to start with maintenance as soon as possible. We know that once cartilage has been damaged, you can't replace it, so you need to try and maintain it as much as possible. Prevention is better than cure, so the earlier you start, the longer your rewards will be at the end – that's my opinion. I've always taken very good care of my horses with joint medication, and we feel that's an absolute necessity.

The older the horses get, the more valuable they become – not just in terms of sale but also for their experience. Experienced horses win classes, and we're all doing this because we want to try and win classes!

HORSES ARE LIKELY TO DEVELOP JOINT PROBLEMS OVER THEIR LIFETIME. HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE RIDERS AND OWNERS WHEN CHOOSING THE CORRECT TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR THEIR HORSE? I would advise anyone wanting to use the products to speak to Kerry at EquiProVet. She's done all the research, and worked with vets here and overseas and can create a tailored protocol for your horse. WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE NEXT YEAR? A lot can happen between now and next year, so I basically take it show by show. I want to keep my horses sound and in good nick and keep myself sound with my back issue. I make my decision on what the following show will be according to the results of the previous one. I'm not really one to try and think too far ahead. Obviously, one wants to have a good average, so that will always be the plan. HQ|158C

EQUAAN 1000 - The one to BEAT!

“Keeping performance horses sound, happy and injury free, is a skill on its own. Sport horses are expensive to keep and take years to school and build relationships with. That is why it is so important to preserve them for as long as possible. EQUAAN has been a game changer for me. The horses feel great on it and knowing that I do what I can to preserve their careers, is a comfort for me as a rider. GIVING BACK TO MY HORSES IS IMPORTANT TO ME” - Belinda Martin

NO MESS, NO FUSS, NO WASTAGE - Assists in the prevention of osteoarthritis - Acts as an anti-inflammatory - Protects cartilage - Increases joint metabolism and fluid - Increases quality and viscosity of joint fluid - Only one ovule a week for maintenance - 3 ovules is a pre show boost - 1 ovule aids post show recovery - Safe for ulcer prone horses - Assists with the integrity, nutrition and health of soft tissue and fascia

YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What do I need to know about my yearling?

A yearling is a colt or filly between the ages of one and two years old. These horses aren’t foals anymore, but they also haven’t quite reached adolescence yet.

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CHARACTERISTICS Yearlings are most likely fully weaned and independent of their mothers. They sleep less and spend more of their rest time standing rather than lying down. Play is essential at this time, as is interaction with other horses. Youngsters are inquisitive and enjoy mouthing anything they can find in their pastures or stables. Balls HQ|158C

DID YOU KNOW?

As your yearling comes close to his second birthday, you may hear people refer to him as a ‘long yearling’.

is possible to overfeed a young horse, so care must be taken not to encourage too rapid growth, which can lead to joint problems. A youngster should be on the lean side rather than carrying a lot of weight. NOTE: Care needs to be taken to keep colts separate from mares in heat. Some colts start showing an interest in mares at a very young age, and some particularly precocious colts may be able to impregnate a mare successfully.

and other safe horse toys can satisfy their curiosity. These young horses need room to move so they can exercise and grow up strong. This period is also a time of rapid growth, so appropriate nutrition is important. It

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TRAINING During this time, the young horse should continue learning to be handled, lead quietly and stand for the vet and farrier. Short training periods to teach good ground manners while a horse is young will make your life easier later on. NOTE: A horse under two years old is too young to start ‘work’, and any ‘work’ done at this time risks causing serious damage to the developing body.

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Q&A

Frozen semen is a popular choice in South Africa, as frozen semen allows us to import semen from international stallions.

How is semen supplied for covering mares?

How the semen is provided affects how the mare is bred, so understanding the different methods is very important: • Natural cover is when a mare is turned out with the stallion or covered in hand. The mare either shows that she is in season through her behaviour, or the vet scans her uterus and ovaries to confirm this is the case. The mare is then covered – often on alternate days – until she no longer stands for the stallion, which indicates she’s no longer in season. • Fresh semen is collected and placed directly into the mare. This only works if the mare is on-site and can be inseminated immediately after collection. This technique is less commonly used than natural covering or insemination with fresh, chilled semen.

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DID YOU KNOW? Legally, all imported semen must be accompanied by appropriate health certificates, which must be checked prior to insemination. • Fresh, chilled semen is collected, processed and chilled, ready for transport. Once collected, the semen can live for between 48 and 72 hours. This allows time for the semen to be shipped across the country or potentially internationally before being given to the recipient mare. • Frozen semen is collected, processed and stored in small straws that are then frozen in liquid nitrogen. Using this method, the semen can last for many years, often long after the stallion has died. When the recipient mare comes into season, her cycle is monitored, and the semen defrosted and administered as close to ovulation as possible.

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Products we love Shopping fun

beginning the creation process. Each saddle is handstitched by Prestige craftsmen, making each saddle truly unique and customisable.

The fine art of Prestige Italia Prestige Italia, a heritage of equestrian excellence. Founded in 1974, Prestige has vast experience in making saddles in a totally unique way. The name Prestige evokes innovation. Prestige challenges the already consolidated manufacturing techniques to make saddles that have an innovative core and hand-crafted soul. Combining tradition with modern technology, each creation enhances the well-being of both the horse and rider.

The ultimate in horse & rider technology. Prestige’s saddle trees are composed of a pioneering mix of synthetic fibres which are lightweight and more resistant to change over time. With three different types of trees, the CPS, X-Technology and X-Breath, one can always find a saddle that is the perfect fit for horse and rider. Always striving for excellence, Prestige Italia are constantly improving and innovating their working method to give you saddles that can only be described as fine art. After all, a perfect fit is a thing of beauty. Discover your perfect fit with Prestige. Contact your nearest Western Shoppe branch for a consult with a Saddle Fitting Specialist. Learn more at www.westernshoppe.com

For that made in Italy feeling and aesthetic. Prestige carefully and meticulously selects their leather from the most renowned tannery districts before

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RIMINI SHOW JACKET Seeing is believing… The Rimini Show Jacket has been created to combine optimal comfort with superior elegance. Its flattering cut ensures a perfect fit, elegance and riding comfort. The Rimini Show Jacket is made from a highly breathable technical fabric and lined with a contrasting orange stretch material to provide flexibility and style. The jacket features a practical zip and button fastening with two Cieli branded pockets in the front. The seam lines at the back flatter your figure and bring elegance, femininity and distinction to the jacket. Details include: • Black suede collar and lined seams at the back • Black suede panel at the back • Cieli branded front pockets • Orange stretch lining • Zip and button press stud fastening • Orange button detailing on the arms Colours: Navy, Black Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL

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URBAN RAIN

Urban Rain natural rubber boots are perfect for all day comfort with removable orthopaedic inner soles and elasticated-gussets. The pull tabs make stepping into the boot easy. In classic colours and creative prints these boots make for an essential wardrobe item. URBAN RAIN INFO • Quality Guaranteed • Free & Easy Exchange • Secure Payments • Free Delivery • Proudly South African • Hand Made URBAN RAIN BOOTS INFO • 100% Waterproof • 100% Natural Rubber • 100% Vegan • Handcrafted • Polyester lining • Rubber outsole with tread pattern • Elastic side gussets and nylon pull-tab • Crafted from natural vulcanised rubber with a matte finish • Orthopaedic inner sole with arch support

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PRESTEQ ANATOMICAL BRIDLE

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and more products we love Shopping fun

Epol horse feeds

It's a big year for Epol horse feeds as we expand our range with the migration of key Equus (previously acquired by Epol) rations and the launch of our roughage range. Our roughage range includes Lucerne Cubes, Premium Roughage Cubes, Essential Roughage Cubes, Lucerne Chaff and Mixed Chaff. These new offerings complement our existing range and ensure we offer a comprehensive and complete range of feeds. • Lucerne Cubes: Contain A Grade lucerne to produce a roughage alternative higher in protein and energy suitable for a wide variety of needs. • Essential Roughage Cubes: Utilise high-quality roughage in order to produce a product suitable for all types of horses. These high fibre cubes are ideal for stretching available hay in times of hay scarcity or poor-quality roughage. • Premium Roughage Cubes: Utilise 66% top quality hays in order to produce a product suitable for all horses with the additional benefit of added fat for slow release energy and to contribute towards a glossy, shiny coat. • Lucerne chaff: A high-quality blend of lucerne and teff with added oils and a fine molasses coating to provide a highly palatable top-quality roughage alternative for the performance horse. • Mixed chaff: A high-quality blend of grasses, including lucerne and teff, to achieve high fibre chaff with reduced starch levels, making it suitable for those needing a Non-Structural Carbohydrate controlled diet. A fine coating of additional oil is added to assist with coat and skin conditions.

TICKLESS® Horse

TICKLESS® Horse effectively keeps ticks and fleas away without the use of dangerous chemicals. By fastening the easy-to-use tiny device onto the horse’s tack, parasites can be kept away for 6-12 months, leaving you and your horse free to enjoy nature. The device emits ultrasonic pulses that are imperceptible to humans and horses but interfere with the ability of ticks and fleas to orient themselves, keeping them away. For further information, visit our website at: www.mcmac.co.za

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