HQ Pony Magazine Issue 33

EDITION 33 | FEBRUARY 2024

welcome Welcome!

It gives us great pleasure to introduce you to a somewhat special edition this month.

With Horse of the Year 2024 just a couple of weeks away, the excitement is building in the HQ Pony office about all the fancy breeds we’ll be seeing at Kyalami Park Club. To celebrate this, we’ve put together a bit of a breed quiz for you all to enjoy. We hope you get lots of them right!

You’ll also notice that our Spot the Difference puzzles as well as our Wordsearch are all focused on all things showing, so get your showing geek on and let us know how you do!

But, of course, we can’t ignore that February is also the month of love, so we’ve got a love letter from Sydney to her pony Squirrel, as well as feature where we meet the twins and get their Valentine’s messages for their special ponies.

We hope you’ll be spoiling your special pony this month and would love to see your letters or pictures. As always, please share your content with us by emailing lizzie@ hqmagazine.com or reaching out on Instagram, and we’ll do our best to feature your pics and stories in the magazine.

Until next time, happy horsing!

Lizzie and the HQ Pony Team GET IN TOUCH We’d love to hear from you and receive your photos, drawings or pony-related thoughts.

To get in touch send an email to lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and we’ll get back to you!

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CONTENTS Showing 101 HQ Pony chats to Tarryn Stebbing

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What breed am I? Guess the breed

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A love letter From Sydney to Squirrel

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Double the joy!

Meet the twins and their ponies!

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Puzzle fun Wordsearch

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Spot the difference

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Products we love Shopping fun

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Horse and rider

Showing 101 HQ Pony chats to Tarryn Stebbing We enlisted the help of National Candidate Showing Judge Tarryn Stebbing to get an overview of the whats, wheres, hows and whys of showing to give you a quick introduction to this fascinating discipline.

HQPONY: Can you start at the beginning for us and talk us through the main showing classes?

Tarryn: Of course. The first thing to know is that our showing in South Africa is heavily based on the British Showing system and as such the classes have their origins in the British traditions.

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Horse and rider

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Horse and rider

In terms of classes, the best place to start is with the three ‘show’ classes: Show Hack, Show Riding and Show Hunter.

Show Hack originated in Britain from the tradition of the gentleman of the aristocracy riding through the parks on beautiful horses to impress the ladies. The horses in this class tend to be a little smaller, have a lighter frame, a refined head, lighter bone and good movement.

They make an easy and elegant ride. In the test, you will demonstrate walk, trot, a lengthen trot, canter, lengthen canter and a halt.

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Show Riding focuses a lot on the horse’s manners and schooling. The horse is quite similar to the Show Hack horse but with a little more bone, and a less-refined head is acceptable. In this class, you will demonstrate your horse's schooling, and a lot of the skill comes in playing to your horse’s strengths and highlighting these while minimising the attention on their faults. For example, if your horse has a poor walk, you will need to show some walk, but you could decide to only show three steps so as to spend more time highlighting a stronger gait.

Horse and rider

Show Hunter again has its origins in Britain and is built around the fact that many amateurs and non-riders used to go on a ‘hunt’ as a weekend activity.

As these hunt riders were often inexperienced, the horses needed to be safe and have excellent manners so that literally anybody could sit on the horse and enjoy their ride. A good Show Hunter has solid bone and is comfortable to ride, well-mannered and ultimately safe. The other important element of this class is a good gallop, demonstrating that the horse can open his gait and flatten his frame. You want to see the horse sink towards the ground and really open up.

After the gallop, the horse is halted in front of the judge to allow the judge to assess the soundness of breathing.

Next, we have the working classes: Working Riding and Working Hunter.

Working Riding employs the use of ‘objects of a practical nature’ to demonstrate the obedience, temperament and rideability of the horse. This class derives from the need to work horses on the farm and jump little hedges, open gates and walk over bridges. Working Riding thus tests the horse’s ability to meet these challenges without getting spooky.

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Horse and rider

Working Hunter involves jumping a course and a good gallop. Interestingly the style of jumping is quite different to standard showjumping in that the horse needs to be at a hunter pace, and accuracy on the part of the rider is a little less important.

As these horses need to be safe, seeing that a horse can make a plan in the case of rider error is a positive attribute rather than a negative. For this reason, stand-offs are accepted, provided the horse shows he is bold and safe. You will lose marks for refusals, errors and failures, but it is worth noting that you can still win the class even with the odd error, unlike in showjumping.

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These then are the five basic ridden showing classes, and they are then divided into three levels: Newcomers – this level is open to children, juniors and adults, and all compete against each other. These classes provide a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the requirements of the classes.

Novice Open – Once you have reached this level, it is tricky to go back, so spend your time getting the experience in Newcomers and Novice before moving up.

Horse and rider

HQPONY: So what would you say are the advantages of showing for the horse?

Outside of this, there are then also Breed Classes and in-hand classes.

HQPONY: So what makes an ideal show horse?

Tarryn: One thing that is really important to emphasise is that all horses can show. There is a class for every horse, and I believe the experience of showing is so valuable that everyone should enter their horse into a few showing shows.

In terms of ideals, these vary according to class and breed. You want a horse to be as conformationally correct as possible, but again, this should not put you off competing your horse in the show ring. Quality paces are also important, and horses that are true to type will do better than those who are not. Soundness is obviously vital.

Tarryn: My list could get very long for this! First and foremost, every horse that is sound can, and in my opinion, should do some showing.

All of my young horses start with showing, as it is much more relaxed and less rigid that dressage or showjumping as a starting point.

You don’t need to ‘halt at C’ or put three strides in between this fence and that and can instead decide how best to play to your horse’s strengths and only do as much as you are able to on the day. The other major advantage, particularly for young horses who are just starting out in competition, is that they are not alone in the arena. This security in numbers helps youngsters feel a little more confident in the first shows. Of course, the other advantage is simply being at a show venue and getting this exposure, but in a more forgiving and comfortable environment. Finally, show horses are generally kept in great condition, and this is always something that is worth prioritising.

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Horse and rider

HQPONY: And in terms of the rider – what advantages do you see there?

Tarryn: I believe that for riders showing has a lot to teach us. Showing is a lot about ‘showmanship’ and the ability to best show off the horse you ride on the day. There is also a class for every rider, so if you’re not a jumper, there’s still plenty you can do! Showing also teaches you refinement and finesse in your riding and highlights your horse's weaknesses

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and strengths so that you know what you need to work on. It’s also a great lesson in losing gracefully, and whilst humbling, this can make you more robust in the future. Finally, in most disciplines, I believe good turnout is an advantage. A well-presented horse just creates a better impression, and learning to turn out to accentuate the best features of your horse, as you need to in showing, can only be beneficial.

Oh, and I must also say that showing really does have the best prizes!

Thro w to H back o of t rse Year he 202 3

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: My name is pronounced ‘shuh-VAL-skee’.

My name is the surname of the man who discovered my breed.

My breed is believed to have roamed the grasslands and deserts of the Central Asian steppes for more than 160,000 years.

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My breed is considered dun in colour.

We have no forelock and our mane stands up like the mane of a zebra.

The first known cave paintings of my ancestors have been found in Spain and France and are approximately 20 000 years old!

ANSWER: Przewalski’s horse

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed is quite rare and originated in Northumberland and Cumbria in the UK. I am named after a high and barren landscape feature, such as a mountain or moor-covered hill.

My breed bears a remarkable resemblance to Friesians.

My breed became known for our ability to carry heavy loads over long distances.

The late Queen of England was seen riding one of my breed, Farleton Fern, at the age of 94, showing just how safe a ride we really are!

ANSWER: The Fell Pony

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: I can be up to 10.2hh.

For my size, I am the strongest of all the horse and pony breeds.

My breed has roamed the moors of my islands, which lie to the north of Scotland, since the Bronze Age.

I can be any colour, apart from spotted.

My breed was used a lot in the coal mines, but this was miserable and hard work.

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ANSWER: The Shetland Pony

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed originates in Lesotho.

My breed is very good at navigating mountains and we are extremely surefooted. For this reason, we are often used for transporting people and goods around Lesotho.

We are said to have great temperaments.

We are sometimes seen at shows in South Africa.

We have a National Stud.

ANSWER: The Basotho Pony

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: Many of my breed still roam in a forest in Hampshire, UK, and lots of tourists stop to visit us.

Many stallions have been released into the herd in the forest over the years to try and refine our breeding.

Twice a year, all of my breed in the forest are rounded up by agisters and helpers on horseback and are counted, dewormed and checked for health problems.

In the 1940s we were considered endangered but conservation efforts saved us!

We are known for our fantastic temperaments and intelligence.

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ANSWER: The New Forest Pony

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: We are Ireland’s only native breed.

We are remarkable showjumpers with several of our breed being recorded to jump over 2.19 m in puissance competitions.

Stroller, a member of my breed, started out his world-famous journey by winning the 1967 Hickstead Derby with his 20-year-old rider Marion Coakes. The following year they won Individual Silver in the Olympic Games in Mexico We stand between 13hh and 15hh.

We are now found in many countries, including South Africa.

ANSWER: The Connemara Pony

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed originated in Norfolk, UK and is descended from the now-extinct, Norfolk Trotter.

My breed has highly distinctive shoulder action with very high knee action. Our hocks also come up under out body with each stride.

My breed recognises both ponies and horses.

My breed nearly became extinct due to the development of the railway, but today our main role in the show ring.

We are very popular under harness horses, most commonly performing as singles, pairs and fours.

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ANSWER: The Hackney

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed originated on a small Japanese island called Hokkaido.

We are mostly roan coloured.

We mostly feed on the bamboo grass in the mountain regions.

My breed is thought to be a descendant of the Nanbu horse, a breed that resided in the Tohoku region of Honshu.

There are around 2000 of my breed left on Hokkaido Island, and conservation projects are underway to save my breed.

ANSWER: The Dosanko Pony

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: We are descended from Spanish horses brought to the USA by European settlers in the 16th century.

We are typically smaller horses standing between 14 and 15 hands high.

Today, we mostly live in feral herds in the United States.

Despite their now being laws in place to help protect our breed from being harmed by those who want to move us off their land, we are still threatened and many of us lose our lives every single year.

There is a program about us called ‘The Makeover’.

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ANSWER: The Mustang

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues:

We perform this ambling gait at three speeds: Classic Fino, Pasa Corto and Paso Largo.

We are naturally gaited light horses developed from Spanish ancestors.

Landowners in Puerto Rico and Columbia used to ride my breed on their plantations because our gait was so comfortable.

We are prized for our smooth, natural, four-beat ambling gait, which makes us popular for endurance and trail riding.

We are small but powerful horses, with thick manes and tails.

ANSWER: The Paso Fino

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues:

My breed is a distinctly American breed having been bred by the Nez Perce people.

My breed has their own group of classes at Horse of the Year 2024.

Outside of spots and coat patterns, most of my breed also has at least two of the following: mottled skin around the muzzle, eyes and genitalia; striped hooves; and eyes with white sclera.

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ANSWER: Appaloosa horse

We were originally called the ‘Palouse’ horses after the Palouse River that ran through Nez Perce land.

One of our coat patterns is named after one of the big five.

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed cannot be bigger than 9.5hh tall.

My breed is far more like a horse than a pony in terms of our proportions.

My breed’s height is not measured at the withers, but instead at the last hair of the mane.

My breed has their own set of classes at Horse of the Year 2024.

We are generally not considered suitable for riding, unless you are a very, very tiny human!

ANSWER: The Miniature Horse

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: Most racehorses in South Africa are of this breed.

My breed dates back to three key sires: Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian and Byerly Turk.

My breed has their own class at Horse of the Year 2024.

My breed can only be bred naturally if the horse is to be registered i.e.

Artificial Insemination cannot be used in the breeding process.

One of my famous ancestors is Secretariat.

ANSWER: The Thoroughbred

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WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues:

We originated in the UK.

My breed is considered a draft horse.

Many of us weigh over 1000kg.

We have feathered feet.

We are incredibly strong and can pull very heavy loads.

ANSWER: The Shire Horse

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WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed is considered a draft horse.

Most of my breed are either black or grey, but other colours do exist.

We can be between 15-19 hands high.

Several of us are used as riding horses in South Africa, but we are also very useful for working on farms.

My breed originated in France, in part of the former Perche province.

ANSWER: The Percheron

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WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed usually only has 23 vertebrae, not 24.

We are usually around 15hh.

We are very popular for endurance.

We have dished faces and high set tails.

My breed is the oldest purebred horse breed in the world.

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: More of my breed live in Texas than anywhere else in the world.

After north America (the US and Canada), Germany has the most registered horses of my breed.

My breed was used as a sprinter, running races that were a quarter of a mile in length.

The most common colours for my breed are sorrel and chestnut.

Peter McCue, a member of my breed, born in 1895 has bloodlines that appear in almost all of my breed today.

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ANSWER: The American Quarter Horse

WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues:

We must be named according to a traditional pattern. All stallions have two names: the first for his sire, the second for his dam.

We are often most famous for our haute ecole - classical dressage moves such as the lavade, capriole and courbette.

All purebred Lipizzaners can trace back their lineage to one of these stallion dynasties – Pluto, Conversano, Favory, Neopolitano, Siglavy, and Maestoso.

Most of us are grey in colour.

We are the stars of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

ANSWER: The Lipizzaner

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WHAT BREED AM I?

Guess my breed from these five clues: My breed was formerly created in the 1920s, after generations of crossing Thoroughbreds with Irish Draught Horses.

We are renowned for being brave, eager to please and quick learners.

My breed excels in dressage, jumping and eventing.

As a breed we have won several Olympic medals.

We stand between 15hh and 17hh.

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WHAT BREED AM I? Guess my breed from these five clues:

We have feathers around our hooves.

My breed are mostly black in colour, but in rare instances can be chesnut.

We are often seen in the dressage ring, with several good Studs in South Africa.

We originated in Friesland, a northern province in the Netherlands.

My breed has been used to add desirable traits to many other breeds around the world.

ANSWER: The Friesian

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love letters

A love letter FROM SYDNEY TO SQUIRREL

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love letters

Dear Squirrel, You are the best pony ever!

Thank you for teaching me about love and kindness.

I y, k e e h c re a u yo n e h w n Eve still love you and I always will.

My best boy xxx Love Sydney

Do you have a pony you really love?

Send us your love letter to him or her (by emailing lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za) and we’ll feature it here.

Handle Christi Holden (Mother): @christi.holden.7

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Photography | Amy White Media

Double the joy!

Meet the twins and their ponies! y Emily and Sherr

Jord yn and n Hunter’s Moo

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Horse and rider

Emily and Sherry

HQ PONY: What is your pony’s name, age and height?

HQ PONY: Describe your pony’s colour?

Emily: My pony’s name is Sherry but she is otherwise known as Pocket Rocket, as she is really fast. Sherry is almost 20 I think, but behaves like she is six years old and she is 14.1hh high.

Emily: Sherry is a bay and her marking on her head is the shape of Africa.

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Horse and rider

HQ PONY:What is your favourite thing about your pony?

HQ PONY: When do you have the most fun with your pony?

Emily: When I started riding Sherry, she was not very easy, but we have managed to become best friends. I love that she is so forward going and has become very easy for me to ride. I had to earn her respect. She isn't called Pocket Rocket for nothing.

Emily: Sherry and I love outrides and to have a nice long canter together. She is amazing on outrides and is not scared of anything.

HQ PONY: What is your Valentine’s message to your Pony?

Emily: You are the most amazing pony.

Thank you for trusting me to be your rider.

I love you very much.

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Horse and rider

Jordyn and Hunter’s Moon

HQ PONY: What is your pony’s name, age and height?

HQ PONY: Describe your pony’s colour?

Jordyn: My pony’s name is Hunter's Moon but he is otherwise known as ‘Hunter’ or ‘Hunty’.

He is six years old and I think he is seven metres tall but my mom says he is 14.3hh.

Jordyn: Hunter has the most beautiful gold body, a black mane with silver highlights and a pure black tail.

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Horse and rider

HQ PONY:What is your favourite thing about your pony?

HQ PONY: What is your Valentine’s message to your Pony?

Jordyn: He has such a funny personality. Hunter likes to 'vacuum' the car and look for any carrots or treats he may have missed. I love it when he gives me hugs and licks my hands.

Jordyn: That he is the most beautiful pony in the world and that I love him very much and I am so grateful for how happy he makes me.

HQ PONY: When do you have the most fun with your pony?

Jordyn: I love taking Hunter on outrides and going for long trots together. I love how gentle Hunter is and how he is so patient with me.

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Handle Sarah Brauns (Mother): @kznclippingequinestyleguru

Thro w to H back orse of t Year he 202 3

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PUZZLE FUN SHOWING THEMES IN HONOUR OF HOYS BREED CLASSES | WORKING HUNTER | WORKING RIDING | SHOW HUNTER | SHOW RIDING | SHOW HACK | PLAITS | SHOWING CANE | JUDGE | SUPREMES NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed

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PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

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PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

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PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

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PRODUCTS WE LOVE New Samshield 2.0 Helmet

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OUR NEXT EDITION OF HQ PONY MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ON 5 MARCH. SEE YOU THEN!