HQ Pony Magazine Issue 35

Teen Skin Essentials.

welcome

Hello, and welcome to our latest edition of HQ Pony Mag!

We’ve got heaps of cool content for you this month, with a big focus on the Philip Smith Memorial Trophy, which took place at the Toyota Easter Festival, and the upcoming Tri-Nations Cup, which will see our Young Riders compete against teams from Ireland and Portugal.

We then look at the best way to get started with a new pony, whether he be a new ride at your riding school, a leased pony or even your very own steed!

We also give you some tips to ensure your pony is as happy as possible in the paddock. Paddock time is his time, and we want to make sure he gets the most out of it!

Finally, we finish up, as always, with Q&As and some puzzle fun!

Basically, there’s a LOT in here. We hope you enjoy and we'll see you back here next month for more Pony fun!

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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The SA Showjumping FEI CSIY Tri-Nations

What you need to know

For the first time in 17 years South Africa will be hosting an International TriNations Team event with countries from outside the African Continent invited to compete. The two nations sending Young Rider Teams to compete against our talented South African youngsters are Ireland and Portugal.

The event will be taking place during the 334 Midrand World Cup Qualifier which is hosted by Kyalami Park Club in Johannesburg from the 30th April to the 4th May 2024. The competition is set to feature a dedicated category of young riders which are riders between the ages of 16 to 21 years of age.

The Team event will take place on borrowed horses. These horses must be six years or older, capable, fit and have competed at 1.20m or higher. All riders selected for the Team must allow one of their horses to be used in the Team draw for the event, and the remainder of horses will be loaned (for a fee, and with all expenses covered for the duration of the show) from around the country and selected by the National Federation based on their performance, rideability, size, soundness and general suitability. Text | Amelia Campbell-Horne Photography | Merlynn Trichardt Photography

Georgia Scribante

Horse and rider

Provisional Tri-Nations Schedule

Tuesday 30th April 2024 - Training session with drawn horses

• Each athlete will be given between 45 minutes minimum and 60 minutes maximum in total (including warm-up and cool down) to ride the drawn horse.

• Each combination gets a training period in the main arena with a course consisting of eight obstacles including a combination. Each athlete is permitted a maximum of 90 seconds with the course.

Wednesday 1st May 2024 - Welcome A2 Competition

Thursday 2nd May 2024 – Competition in Two Phases

Friday 3rd May 2024 – Rest Day

Saturday 4th May 2024 – Young Rider Tri-Nations Team Competition - FEI CSIY

• The competition takes place over two rounds, over the same course and is judged under Table A, with both rounds against the clock.

Thomas van Rijckevorsel

SA Young Rider Team selection

SELECTION CRITERIA

In order to be selected, the riders needed to be the right age and be currently competing at 1.30m or above. Riders then had to submit an expression of interest and compete at the three qualification events: the 334 Grand Prix, the Tack n’ Togs President’s Cup and the Toyota Easter Festival, where the selectors kept a close eye on their performances.

At these events the selectors observed the riders’ performances; their placings (not that this had a direct link to selection); their consistency; the quality of riding by the athlete; and the technicality of the competitions and conditions (footing/weather etc) under which they performed. The selectors were also looking for athletes that could contribute towards a positive team environment and also athletes that performed well on different horses and under pressure and stress.

Following Easter Festival a ‘Top 8’ was published, and those riders attended a training day with the selectors at which they were required to ride two randomly drawn horses over a course of eight jumps. A day later, following a final meeting with the Team selectors, Lisa Williams, Tracey Carney and Brendan McNevin, the following team was announced:

Ashlee Taylor (Coach: Barry and Lorette Taylor)

Giorgia Scribante (Coach: Grant Langley)

Hamza Minty (Coach: Chad Cunningham)

Thomas van Rijckevorsel (Coach: Dominey Alexander)

Reserve: Janine Coetzee (Coach: Charley Crockart)

Giorgia Scribante

Ashlee Taylor - 2023 Champion

Thomas van Rijckevorsel - 2021 Reserve Champion.

Holly Smith, Jason Slade and Victoria Greyvensteyn also made the Top 8 Shortlist, while several other highly successful Young Riders from across South Africa made the longlist. The other riders who made the long list were Alexandra Ric Hansen, Aoife White, Divan Bosman, Hannah Gerber, Helen Criticos, Jade Coetzee, Jenna Eager, Jorja Rohrich, Julia Bald, Kiara Burn, Marne Lombaard, Mikaela Martin, Nicholas Du Plooy, Olivia Roberts, Paige Nunan, Rebekah Klintworth, Robyn Salter, Salome Nel, Sarah Rose Friend, Shannay Marais, Tyla Parmenter Bridger, Uthmaan Minty, Zandi Alcock and Ziska Nel. With 32 top young riders vying for the four team spots, the selectors had a tough task in choosing just four.

TEAM RSA

CHEF D’EQUIPE: BRENDAN MCNEVIN

Horses are not only my sport and business, but they are my entire life. I have been fortunate enough to have been trained by some of the best riders in the country, and have competed at various levels, but I have definitely found a passion in training horses and riders to be prepared for our dynamic sport.

A highlight of my career was, in 2019, taking Team South Africa to China for a Nations Cup. It was truly inspiring, and such valuable team experience for our young riders. I am so proud to be a part of the development of our magical sport, and incredibly proud to be a part of this exciting young team of very talented riders.

Medals on Championship Day would be amazing… I don’t want to add any pressure, but do I think we have a gold medal team? Absolutely!

I had an amazing children’s Career on Quiletta; we won multiple titles. The highlight was when I qualified at 14 years old for the top 16 group for Aachen. Quiletta who is barely 15hh jumped around a 1.35m track for me!

Horse and rider

TEAM IRELAND

IRISH TEAM MANAGER: JAMES KERNAN

James, is recognised both nationally and internationally as one of the best trainers of showjumpers in the country. He has competed at the highest international level on an individual basis and as part of the famous three in a row Irish Showjumping team of 1977, 1978 and 1979 which won the Agha Khan cup at the Royal Dublin Show for three consecutive years. This famous team also included Captain Con Power, Paul Darragh and Eddie Macken. James has a wealth of experience in international competition having competed at the highest level himself, and he imparts his considerable experience to aspiring showjumpers. He has trained some of the current top showjumpers.

I have represented Ireland in many Nations Cups Teams and was sixth individually in the European Championships in Children on Horses

Horse and rider

TEAM PORTUGAL

LUIS NEGRAO (POR) TEAM MANAGER

Luis Negro competed in the three Olympic disciplines -

showjumping and eventing - at an international level. At present he devotes most of his time to the training and competing of young horses. Regarding his personal training he has the qualification of Equestrian Master assigned by the Portuguese Equestrian Federation and recognised by the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications. He has a diploma for coaching the Olympic disciplines of dressage, showjumping and eventing. He is also a member of the Higher Pedagogical Council of the National School of Horsemanship - a certified organisation which is responsible for the training of trainers in Portugal.

He has formed and contributed to the formation of innumerable professional and amateur riders in the above-mentioned disciplines. He has participated as a coach in several CSIO-Y and European Championships over the last 10 years, having taken on the role of National Youth Coach around three years ago.

We also had a quick chat with three members of the RSA Tri-Nations team, and here is what they had to say:

Taylor: It feels like a privilege to have been selected for this Team out of such a big group of amazing young riders. I don't think I felt much pressure about the selection shows because it was just a normal show to me, but of course, when it came to the training day, it was a little bit more pressure knowing that the selectors were watching us!

I think I'm most excited to meet new people from different countries, to ride in such a big competition among teammates, and, of course, to represent my country. I would say I am most nervous about doing well in the competition and not letting my teammates down.

I think having done the Philip Smith Equitation Championships will definitely help me to ride under pressure because we had to ride unknown horses in a very prestigious competition. Having said that, I don't think I can control the nerves that I will feel since nerves always come when you are under pressure and when it counts the most!

Ashlee Taylor

Ashlee

Giorgia Scribante: This is such an incredible opportunity, and I will be forever grateful to everyone who has helped play a role in getting me to where I am today - especially my incredible horses, as without them, this would not have been possible. Coming into an event such as the Tri-Nations Cup, I feel a bit nervous as I will be competing against really strong and talented riders, and I hope to do my absolute best for South Africa. However, I am super excited that I have been given this opportunity to ride for South Africa. I cannot wait for the competition, and I am really looking forward to riding alongside the rest of my Team!

Giorgia Scribante

Horse and rider

Hamza Minty: I am so happy that I made the Team; it just pulled everything together. First winning Junior President’s Cup, then coming second in the Toyota Easter Festival Outdoor Grand Prix and then making the Team just made me so happy. The selection process was quite stressful, as being the youngest rider, I watched carefully what the older riders did and how they rode their horses. Riding in the Philip Smith definitely gave me a bit of an advantage because I rode eight different horses during the show, so I got to ride many different horses in preparation. I'm a bit nervous about the competition in general. I have seen how some of the other riders from Portugal and Ireland ride and they are really good! Having said that, I am super excited to ride alongside one of my idols Thomas VR and my other fellow team members, and also hope to make SA proud.

Hamza Minty

The scientific name for a horse is Equus ferus caballus. did you know?

THE 2024

Horse and rider

This year’s competition had everyone on the edge of their seats! According to the judges, organisers and coaches, this year’s group of riders was the strongest they had ever seen, with four formidable contenders, each of whom could easily have clinched victory.

How it works

The top four placed riders from the South African Youth Championship Equitation Open Class from the previous year are invited to compete in the Philip Smith Memorial (PSM) Championships. If a rider cannot accept the invitation, their invite passes on to the next highest-placed rider. This year, the four riders competing for the prestigious title were Katie Franck and Juliana Haden-Smith from Gauteng, Daniel Beddow from the Western Cape, and Hamza Minty from KZN.

did you know?

Ruben Le Roux from Limpopo tied for third at the PSM qualifying event: the SA Open Equitation Champs in 2023. However, he was unable to compete, so the spot passed onto reserve rider Juliana. If he had competed, it would have been the first time that three boys were in the final, and that each rider was from a different province!

PSM 2024 RUN-DOWN

Phase 1- Flatwork

The first phase of flatwork saw such exceptional riding from all four competitors that the three judges were still unsure who had come out on top in the points ranking at the end of the day. The judges, Gregory Goss, Vay Snyman and Marianne Conlyn, were surprised by the overall standard of riding, and not one judge had a sure favourite or winner at the end of the flatwork phase! Interestingly, they did note that the riders rode the other horses better than their own, and the riders who took more risks profited from them. So, if you are ever in the competition, take the risk to reap the reward!

Fast fact

With the PSM, the scores after the flatwork phase are not released, which leaves the riders, their families and coaches (and this year, the judges) in suspense from Thursday lunchtime until Saturday afternoon.

The PSM flatwork test changes slightly every year and is kept a big secret! The riders only receive their test a few weeks before the event and have to memorise it, as they are allowed no outside assistance during the whole event; this means no help in the warmup in any of the phases and no caller for the test! The test itself is quite demanding, with elements that can be found at Medium Dressage, and some parts have to be ridden with no stirrups! Some movements that could be found in the test include lengthening and collecting paces, loops, flying changes, leg yields and reinbacks. According to the judges, the most challenging movements for the riders were the rein back of four steps, where they noted issues with accuracy, and the flying changes, where they noted problems with straightness and horses changing late behind.

Horse and rider

Hamza Minty

Daniel Beddow

Katie Franck

Juliana Haden-Smith

Phase 2- The jumping phase

The jumping phase was held on Saturday in the Bob Charter arena and saw the four riders jump a grid exercise with one hand and no stirrups. They then have to quickly regain their stirrups and jump a course of eight jumps, including a triple combination on each of the four horses. A few of the riders struggled to get their stirrups back in time for number one but persevered, as in the case of Daniel’s one ride, where he only managed to recover his stirrups after fence number three! Bokertov Kiss n’ Tell, kindly loaned to Daniel by Catherine Neill, was the fan favourite and produced clear rounds with three of the four riders.

In the jumping phase, each of the three judges, Anna-Marie Esslinger, Rogan Asken and Rainer Korber, judged the riders on their jumping efforts, style, effectiveness, rhythm and versatility, amongst other things. Two points were deducted for a knock and five for a refusal. If the rider was eliminated by taking the wrong course, having three refusals or falling, they received zero points for the round but were not eliminated from the whole competition.

Much like the flatwork phase, the jumping phase proved the quality of riders vying for the title, as all four riders produced classy rounds with only tiny mistakes here and there. This meant that any of the riders could have been walking away with the trophy, so there was a very tense waiting period while the scores were calculated! With less than 95 points separating 1st and 4th, and only 11.5 points separating 1st and 2nd, it was a very tight finale! For the first time since 2012, and only the second time in the history of the PSM, a male rider won the title.

4th - Juliana Haden-Smith - coached by Joanne Van Achterberg and Kelly Slater (Gauteng) - 3482 points

3rd - Katie Franck - coached by Joanne Van Achterberg and Kelly Slater (Gauteng) – 3508 points

2nd - Hamza Minty - coached Chad Cunningham (Kwa-Zulu Natal) – 3565 points

1st - Daniel Beddow - coached by Jess Fourie (Western Cape) - 3576.5 points

Horse and rider

We had a quick chat with the winner and other contenders after the event

Daniel Beddow

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to ride in the Philip Smith.”

2024 PSM CHAMPION

Daniel Beddow:

HQP: How does it feel to have won the PSM?

Daniel: It has been a dream of mine for a long time to qualify for the Philip Smith, so it feels very surreal to have actually won it.

HQP: Any advice for future PSM riders?

Daniel: My advice to any future riders is to take your time and enjoy every moment because before you know it, it’s all over. It’s also very important to be able to put any mistakes behind

you and move on because you won’t know how many points each rider has until the end.

HQP: Anything you would have done differently?

Daniel: If I could go back and do it again, I would’ve taken more time to be in the moment as well as to have been more precise with my distances in the jumping phase.

HQP: What are your future riding goals?

Daniel: I am not too sure what riding I’ll be

to succeed in such a competition on a borrowed horse, which is ultimately what made the Philip Smith possible for me.

Horse and rider

Hamza Minty

“I am honoured to participate in the Philip Smith Memorial Championships.”

Runners up

Thankfully, all of these riders have a few more chances to qualify for the Philip Smith, so we may well see them again in the future!

HQP: What advice do you have for future PSM contenders?

Hamza: I think the best advice I could give is to go into the competition with a winning attitude. It's a very long process during the

show, but at the end of the day, you qualified for it, so you're one of the best and deserve to be there. Also, you should always watch the other horses and riders in the show ring or the warm-up.

Juliana: My advice would be to enjoy it and stay as level-headed as possible to think clearly. Riding different horses beforehand also definitely helped me a lot, especially in the flatwork area.

Katie: Remember to be effective. Keep in mind that every judge is looking for different things, but don't just sit there and look pretty – you need to showcase how good of a rider you are. Another thing is to watch how the other riders ride their own horse… This can really help you when you have to ride the horse yourself.

“Being included in the Philip Smith Memorial is by far my greatest riding achievement. It has been a dream of mine for so long! I am so honoured and excited to be riding I such a prestigious competition against such strong riders.”

HQ: If you could have done anything differently, what would it be and why?

Hamza: I don't think there is anything I would have done differently other than think quicker. Also, when warming up the horses, I should have tested my buttons a bit more to see their weak spots and how I could make it easier for them.

Juliana: I would hang my hand loose by my side when jumping the grid one-handed. I carried it on my hip, which cost quite a few points, and that was unnecessary.

Juliana Haden-Smith

“Philip Smith has always been a dream of mine, and I am very grateful and excited to have been invited to compete this year. The opportunity to experience a competition of this nature is not only a privilege as a rider, but also an opportunity for me to challenge and expand my riding.”

Katie: I would have pushed the boundaries a bit more in the flatwork phase in terms of not being afraid to get stuck in and effective. I think I could have pushed the horses and gotten a little bit more out of a few of the horses I rode, which could have given me better marks. In general, I would say I wish I'd enjoyed it a bit more and not been so stressed, which is easier said than done! But you put hours into your preparation, and it goes by so quickly, so If I were to go back, I would take more time to cherish the unique experience.

HQ: Are you going to try to get another shot at the PSM?

Hamza: Since I am only 15, I still have a few more years to try to win the PSM. I am still thinking about it, but I know it would make Chad super happy if I won it, so I think I will try to qualify again this year.

Juliana: I loved the competition and learnt so much from those two days—I'm definitely keen to try to qualify again and give it another shot!

Katie: I am definitely going to try and qualify again.

Katie Franck

A new beginning

Tips for getting started with a new pony

Welcoming a new pony into your life is an exciting journey filled with possibilities. Whether you're riding a new pony at your yard, leasing a pony or have just become a pony owner, starting off on the right hoof is crucial for building a strong, lasting bond with your equine companion.

Here are our top tips for getting started:

NEW PONY

If your pony is new in your yard, it is a good idea to add these two steps into the process:

Health and safety

If your pony is new, schedule a veterinary check-up to ensure he is healthy. Discuss vaccination, deworming, and dental care. Having your farrier evaluate your new pony's hooves and discuss a hoof care plan is also a good idea.

It is also vital to ensure your pony's living area is safe and comfortable. Check for hazards, ensure proper fencing, and provide adequate shelter. A clean, well-maintained environment is essential for his well-being.

Establish a routine

Ponies thrive on routine, so if your pony is new to your yard, establish a consistent schedule for feeding, grooming, and exercise. This predictability helps your pony feel secure and builds trust.

Gradually introduce any changes to your pony's diet to avoid issues.digestive note

Horse and rider

Take your time

To begin with, it is really all about getting to know each other. Spend time with your pony without any pressure to perform - take him for a hand walk, groom him in the stable, sit with him in the paddock or just stand with him in his stable. Observe his behaviour, likes, and dislikes. This will help you understand his personality and how he communicates.

Gentle handling

Build a positive relationship through gentle handling and positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to reward good behaviour. This will help your pony associate you with positive experiences.

Start with groundwork

Before you start riding, focus on groundwork exercises. This helps establish respect and communication between you and your horse. It also provides a foundation for under-saddle work.

Go at his pace

Every pony is different. Some may adjust quickly, while others need more time. Be patient and responsive to your pony's needs, as well as your own! Don't rush the process, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Don't hesitate to seek advice from Seek help

Enjoy the journey

Building a bond with a new pony is a rewarding experience. Take the time to enjoy the moments you spend together, and look forward to the adventures ahead.

Take home message

Starting off with a new pony is an exciting chapter in your equestrian journey. By approaching it with patience, care, and a positive attitude, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong and rewarding partnership. Remember, the key to success is understanding your pony's needs and building trust every step of the way.

PADDOCK PLAY

Keep your pony happy in his paddock

Spending time in the paddock should be the best part of our pony’s daily routine. But what can we do to ensure he is safe, happy, and able to enjoy his time outside? Here are our top tips.

Friends = fun!

Most ponies love being with their friends, especially in the field, where they can play and groom each other. So, to keep your pony happy, try to make sure he’s in a paddock with his friends. If that isn’t possible in your yard, at least make sure he’s never left alone and always has a friend nearby.

Ready for the weather

You must protect your pony from the weather when he’s out in the paddock. Ensure he has shelter from extreme heat, heavy rain, and storms.

Note

Just like humans, some ponies get along better with each other than others. Make sure your pony is out with horses or ponies he gets along with. If you are worried other ponies are bullying your pony in his paddock, immediately chat with your yard manager.

Insect control

Fly spray and fly sheets are the best way to keep your precious pony unbothered by insects when in the paddock. You don’t want a pesky fly to spoil his fun!

Hydration station

Whether your pony is out for a few hours or has 24/7 turnout, he must always have access to fresh, clean water. Check that his bucket and trough are clean and don’t have any leaks, and make sure they are topped up every day and cleaned regularly to remove any debris, dirt or build up.

Playtime Horse

Being out in the paddock is a great way to keep your pony moving, but if he’s turned out individually, he might enjoy some extra stimulation. Why not give him a treat ball with a few of his favourite (fibre-heavy!) treats in it? Or put some hay in his slow feeder? Anything that keeps his brain busy is a real bonus!

Some ponies can be tricky to catch and bring in if they know that coming in means hard work. So, try to mix it up and bring him in for a pamper session or feed every now and again. Alternatively, you can just pop in and visit him in the paddock to give him a treat and chill with him. Surprise him

Horse and rider

Pasture perfection

Fields that have been grazed down to the roots aren’t good for a pony’s digestive system or the overall grass quality in the long run. Ensure your pony has enough grass to munch on while hanging out in the field. You can always top him up with some hay if not! If your pony is super-greedy, consider creating a track system or strip grazing to prevent him from guzzling all the grass or hay in one go.

Safety first

Check the fencing around your pony’s field daily for dangerous spots. For example, if your pony plays with his friends and a bit of the fence is broken, it might cause an injury. It’s also a good idea to walk around his field every week or so to look for any poisonous plants that might be growing. If you find any, speak to your yard manager about removing them.

Final thoughts Horse

With all this in place, you can pat yourself on the back; you’ve made sure your pony is going to LOVE his paddock time!

PUZZLE FUN

IN THE MAGAZINE

CHARTER | BRENDAN MCNIVEN | CHEF D’EQUIPE | DANIEL BEDDOW | EQUITATION | FINAL | FLATWORK | IRELAND | KISS N’ TELL | KYALAMI PARK CLUB | PHILIP SMITH MEMORIAL | PORTUGAL | SHOWJUMPING | SOUTH AFRICA | TRI-NATIONS CUP

NOTE: Spaces and any punctuation marks have been removed G

PUZZLE FUN

Can you spot all 10 differences?

When I feed my pony, he spills a lot of food out of the sides of his mouth. It’s such a waste, so what can I do?

This is known as quidding, and the most common cause is your pony having issues with his teeth, which makes it more difficult for him to chew his food.

It is important to deal with this problem quickly and get your vet or dentist to come

out as soon as possible to look for and treat any dental issues your pony might be experiencing.

If your pony’s teeth are not causing the problem, your vet is the best person to check your pony and get to the root of the problem.

All ponies should have their teeth checked at least once a year, but young or old ponies should ideally have them checked every six months.

I recently visited a yard with a solarium. What is the purpose, and should my yard have one?

Lots of competition yards have solariums, and they have LOTS of uses.

Firstly, solariums are great for drying horses off after a bath or when they’ve been hosed down after a training session or show. Secondly, due to the infrared heat they produce, they can also help to warm up and relax a horse’s muscles before and after exercise. This warm-up aspect is believed

to reduce the risk of injuries in horses. Some of the more technical solariums even have separate fans that can work to cool the horses down when the weather is hot. Finally, they are also believed to be a nice ‘spa treatment’ for horses, particularly those with back issues.

That said, solariums are expensive to buy and run, so you don’t see them at every yard. They might be nice to have, but if you warm up and cool down your pony properly after exercise and dry him off after a bath or hose down, your pony will be fine!

How high should I tie my pony’s haynet in the stable?

This is important to get right because your pony could get a leg caught in the net if

it’s too low and may strain his neck or get seeds in his eyes if it’s too high.

As a general rule, you want to tie the haynet so that the bottom of it is level with the top of your pony’s shoulder. Yet, even if you do this, it is a good idea to watch your pony eating to make sure he’s not straining to reach the hay and that the net is well clear of leg height.

However, did you know that it’s much more natural for ponies to eat from the ground? Therefore, you could consider not using a haynet at all and placing his hay on a clean floor area.

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