NEW ZEALAND’S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE
SHOWCIRCUIT AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2021
MOTIVATING INTERVIEWS
REBECCA DOLLIMORE SOPHIE GRIFFITH MAIJA VANCE ANNE-MARIE STYLES RENEE ETHERINGTON BRENT JURY & KAREEN KLINAC SANDI HOWETT & DEAN CAMPBELL
HOURS
24
WITH VANESSA WAY
STALLIONS SHOWCASE PART ONE
YOUNG HORSE DRESSAGE TRAINING
e k r a l C & Maddy WE CATCH UP WITH
AHEAD OF THEIR NEXT EXCITING ADVENTURE
Be as one
...the secret to ignite your dressage performance
batessaddles.com Available at AMS Saddlery 82A Spartan Road Takanini 2105 Auckland Phone: 09 298 7094
Fountain City Saddlery 15A Lincoln Street Hamilton Waikato Phone: 0508 SADDLE
Visit: www.amssaddlery.co.nz
Visit: www.saddleryshop.co.nz
Prebble Equestrian 422 Gillespies Line Palmerston North Phone: 06 353 8822
Canterbury Saddlery Cnr Racecourse and Yaldhurst Roads Riccarton Christchurch Phone: 03 342 9260 Visit: www.canterburysaddlery.co.nz
HELMET RANGE FEATURING MIPS TECHNOLOGY
Champion’s range of Revolve Helmets feature the MIPS Brain Protection System, a low friction layer which allows 10-15mm movement in all directions designed to redirect rotational forces. Rotational brain trauma can occur during any impact and falls can happen to anyone at any time. The MIPS Brain Protection System can reduce the rotational motion and reduce the risk of brain damage.
BODY PROTECTOR THE MOST COMFORTABLE PROTECTOR ON THE MARKET Unisex flexible segmented style body protector. Heavy duty YKK zips, military grade outer mesh, ultra-lightweight foam and cool feel titanium coloured inner lining. Cutting edge comfort & flexibility achieved through revolutionary SegTek construction. Channelled airflow hole heat release system. Slip it on, zip it up and fit for ease of use.
Exclusive to Zilco NZ Ltd.
IF IT’S BRANDED ZILCO, IT’S BRANDED QUALITY.
Zilco NZ Ltd: [t] +64 3 381 0270 | [e] sales@zilco.co.nz | [w] www.zilco.net Available from participating saddlery outlets in New Zealand. Exclusive to Zilco NZ Ltd.
zilco.net
For Health & Performance Feed
Equilibrium & Turmericle: • Broad spectrum all-in-one vitamin and mineral supplement • Includes salt and electrolytes, no additional salt required • Helps maintain horse’s optimal health and condition • Suitable for horses with Cushing’s, Laminitis, EMS, PSSM, etc. • B1 Cool Mix for nervous or excitable equines
• Turmeric, black pepper & coconut oil powder supplement • May assist joint and skin health • Supports recovery from work • Ideal to supplement with Equilibrium or feed on its own • For horses and dogs
“We’re loving Turmericle! It keeps the dressage and showjumping horses freer and looser in their movement, with less fill in their legs after travel and being stabled.” Rebecca, McKee Equestrian
Follow us on Facebook for product updates, handy information + more! @StanceEquilibrium View the whole range at www.stanceequitec.com.au and www.equiaustralia.com.au Stance Equitec & Equilibrium supplements are scientifically formulated, natural and ethical products.
THE HAIRY PONY PLAITING KIT
INCLUDES: 1 x Plaiting Apron 1 x Ta m i n g W a x 1 x Small Flat Waxed Thread (78m) 1 x Non-Snap Elastics 1 x Stainless Steel Plaiting Needles 1 x Straight Scissors 1 x Thinning Scissors 1 x Fastening Scissors 1 x Mane Sectioning Comb 1 x Hairy Pony Gift Bag
SHOP ONLINE
NATIONWIDE DELIVERY
w w w . s c s a d d l e r y . c o . n z
South Canterbury Saddlery | 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke Timaru | E: sales@scsaddlery.co.nz | P: 03 688 2555
Turnout Covers
Designed in New Zealand for New Zealand Conditions
BADMINTON Stay-Dry Freedom Gussets 1200D waterproof breathable outer. Fill weights: No fill, 100gm, 220gm, 300gm Sizes: 4’ – 5’9” (NZ sizing). **Only available in combo option**
BURGHLEY
Extreme Strength & Protection 1680D Waterproof Breathable Outer Fill weights: 220gm & 300gm Sizes: 3’6” – 5’6” (NZ sizing) **Only available in combo option**
NORTHAMPTON
Traditional Style with Classic Cavallino Fit 1200D Waterproof Breathable Outer Fill weights: No fill, 100gm, 220gm, 300gm Sizes: 3’6” – 5’6 (NZ sizing). **Only available in combo option**
ALWAYS FASHIONABLE AND FIT COMFORTABLY Arion EFV Ltd
P 0800 65 9900 E sales@arionefv.co.nz W www.arionefv.co.nz
View the full Range here:
weatherbeeta.co.nz
WEATHER. BEATEN.
NEW SEASON COMFITEC. THE PERFECT BLEND OF SCIENCE AND LOVE. Our revolutionary new season ComFiTec turnout rug collection is designed to conquer the elements... and your worries. As you’d expect from us, every aspect of our most advanced range ever - from materials to fastenings - has been developed with comfort and fit in mind. So whatever the weather throws at your horse, you can be sure their rug will hug them as snugly and lovingly as you do. DURABLE MADE FROM DURABLE FABRICS WITH WEAVES DESIGNED FOR THE ULTIMATE TEAR RESISTANCE AND SUPREME TOUGHNESS.
INSULATING NUMBER OF WARMTH OPTIONS TO SUIT YOUR HORSE AND CLIMATE AND PROVIDE THE VERY BEST LEVEL OF INSULATION.
WATERPROOF 100% WATERPROOF OUTER SHELL FABRIC WITH TAPED SEAMS CREATES A FLEXIBLE YET IMPENETRABLE BARRIER.
SELF-CLEANSING TEFLON/REPEL COATED OUTER SHELL RESISTS DIRT PENETRATION AND ENCOURAGES MOISTURE TO BEAD AND RUN AWAY.
BREATHABLE ‘INTELLIGENT’ INNER MEMBRANE CHANNELS SWEAT AWAY FROM YOUR HORSE AND HELPS REGULATE TEMPERATURE.
CARING OUR UNIQUE AFFINITY WITH HORSES RESULTS IN A FIT AND PERFORMANCE THAT’S SECOND-TO-NONE. WE CALL IT HUGOLOGY.
WELCOME
WAIATA PUBLISHING LTD
FROM MY DESK #EXCITED After looking through the many beautiful images for this issue, I decided that the design work should encompass the warm tones captured by the photographers - especially because we are approaching what is usually the coldest part of our winter. And I want to thank all the riders and photographers who braved the winter weather to capture the images for this issue, especially Belinda Pratt, who travelled for hours to photograph Vanessa Way and Renee Etherington, only for the heavens to open and deliver torrential rain! As this issue hits the shelves, we will have witnessed the first week of the Olympic Games coverage. It's undoubtedly going to be strange with no spectators. It was an obvious choice for the power couple, Tim and Jonelle Price to spearhead the Eventing team. Between them, they have been on the podiums of the Northern Hemisphere's top 5* events and sit at two and seven respectively on the world rankings. Good on Jesse Campbell and Bundy Philpott for their inclusion. I have long admired Bundy's talent for making cross-country and show jumping look so damn easy! Just being there, even as Reserve, will be tremendous experience for the future. And what about the exciting show jumping team! Bruce Goodin, aboard Backatorps Danny V, will ride in his fifth Olympic Games, alongside team member Daniel Meech (Cinca 3) and Uma O’Neill (Clockwise of Greenhill Z), and of course Tom Tarver (Popeye) the travelling reserve. They will be New Zealand's first show jumping team at an Olympics since Beijing in 2008. I'm also looking forward to watching the dressage with Charlotte du Jardin riding Gio, jointly owned with Aucklander Renai Hart. What a thrill. Then, of course, we have Katie Laurie, who now competes for Australia (can we still claim her? Of course we can!). She will ride the ever-exuberant Casebrook Lomond (by Lansing out of Lara, an imported USA mare), co-owned with Sheena Ross and bred by Bert Elstob and GNZ. I need to remain calm and get back to this issue! We once again had the pleasure of speaking with so many diverse riders, including Maija Vance. After recovering from a horrific fall a few years ago, Maija is able to walk and ride again, but attributes this to sheer luck rather than to her steadfast determination and undefeated spirit. An inspirational read about someone who humbly rejects any such definition! On our cover we are honoured to have Maddy Crowe and Clarke Johnstone, who spared us time in their busy schedule before they both leave for Europe. We had such fun with a trip down memory lane with the two of them. In wrapping up this issue, I hope you enjoy meeting the people who love their horses, their sport and the camaraderie found amongst horse people of all persuasions. Until next time, happy reading everyone and most importantly, stay warm.
Sheryll Davies - Publisher
111 Stan Wright Road, RD1, Papakura, Auckland 2580
EDITOR
Pip Hume editor@showcircuit.co.nz
DESIGN Sheryll Davies
CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Collinson Ashleigh Kendall Belinda Pratt Photography Caitlin Benzie Photography Christine Cornege Photography Eye Witness Photography Han Photography Tomas Holbecher Libby Law Photography kampic.com Michelle Clarke Photography Pegasus Communications Rebecca Greaves Sarah Caldwell Photography Take the Moment Photography Williams Photography
ADVERTISING
Sheryll Davies sheryll@showcircuit.co.nz
MAGAZINE ENQUIRIES enquiries@showcircuit.co.nz
FRONT COVER - Clarke Johnstone and Maddy Crowe. Image - Christine Cornege Photography BACK COVER - Bellaflora K (Bellario x PSL Pepper Potts). Image - Han Photography
WEBSITE
www.showcircuitmagazine.com
ABOUT SHOWCIRCUIT Our magazine is published bi-monthly. Articles reflect the personal opinion of the author and not necessarily the view of Waiata Publishing Ltd. This publication cannot be reproduced in whole or in part in any way without the publisher’s express written permission. All contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk. Waiata Publishing Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. © SHOWCIRCUIT Magazine 2021
All rights reserved.
10 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
THE ELITE EQUINE WINNING EDGE ™
NUTRITION
“Our promise to you is that our
supplements will make a noticeable difference to your horse.
”
GIVE YOUR HORSE THE SUPPLEMENTS THEY NEED TO PERFORM • A total nutritional system with supplements designed to work together or on their own
• Promotes healthy muscle development and function in all horses
• The only company to use 100% organic minerals in their foundation mineral formulations
• Incredible and competitive value. Every-Day Elite Minerals are only $24.00-$39.00 a month!
• Technically advanced formulation for maximum nutrient availability
• No fillers or sugars and no artificial colours
THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS COMPETE GASTRO GO ORGANIC PLUS MEGA BUILD
CHILL ME
EVERY-DAY LITE SMOOTH MOVER
GRAZE
BREED
ı
SUBMIT
ULTRA MAG
P: 0272 827 944 online information & web store:
w w w . el i t eeq ui ne.c o .nz
SUPA JOINT
IN THIS ISSUE AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021
14
26
OUR PEOPLE 14
Questions and Answers with Clarke Johnstone and Maddy Crowe
26 34
24 Hours with | Vanessa Way Brent Jury and Kareen Klinac | Chasing Tails and Telling Tales
42 Rebecca Dollimore | Living the Dream 50 Maija Vance | Beating the Odds 58 Renee Etherington | Making the Connection 66 Dean Campbell and Sandi Howett | Everything
34
42
in Balance
74 82
Anne-Marie Styles | Family Life and Horses Sophie Griffiths | Pursing her Dressage Passion
66
86
Musings from Abroad with Amy Collinson
92
Level 1-3 Dressage Training with Lauren Haig
50
58
82 74
12 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
DESIGNED TO MATCH THE HIGHEST STANDARD IN BREEDING! The lactating mare has
growing horses. High in
the highest nutrient
essential amino acids,
requirements of any
promoting fertility,
horse. HYGAIN® TRU
maximized milk quality
BREED® is an extruded
and optimal growth
feed, designed to match
HYGAIN® TRU BREED®
these requirements for
is designed to match
pregnant and lactating
the highest standard
mares, stallions and
for Breeding.
TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT HYGAIN.COM.AU OR SEARCH FOR US ON SOCIAL.
ON THE COVER WORDS - Rebecca Greaves IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography
&
with Clarke Johnstone & Maddy Crowe Olympian Clarke Johnstone (34) and rising star Maddy Crowe (28) are two eventers who share a special bond. They live together, Clarke trains Maddy, and they have each other’s backs one hundred percent of the time. The two are headed to Europe and England this month, with Maddy set to line up at Pau, and together they have big goals and ambitions on the world eventing stage. Where did your love of horses come from?
Tell us about the first memory you have with horses?
kicked off from there. I went through the Pony Club system and fell in love with them as animals and what they can teach you.
He was a tiny little chestnut, and I was just over the moon. I don't think I left his paddock until I was forced to go to bed – I was in love.
Maddy: When I was a kid, Mum got us into riding lessons, and it Clarke: My sister rode before me, and there were horses around,
but it didn't really appeal, to begin with. One time my sister was competing at a local gymkhana, and afterwards, they were riding the ponies down to the river for a swim and then home to our farm. I was convinced to go along and loved it. I thought it was brilliant and started riding every day from then on.
14 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Maddy: I remember the day I got my first pony; I was six or seven. Clarke: My dad played polo before I was born and kept his favourite pony, Bonnie, who lived at the farm. My first riding memory is that we had a little Shetland pony called Champ. I wasn't particularly interested, but I remember Mum running up a hill leading us to get him to canter. That was the only way you could get him to canter, and we wanted to canter. Poor Mum!
1515
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
What are your 2021 goals? “Cancelled. Every single one (laughs). For the rest of 2021, my focus is on Pau in Europe - getting Waitangi Pinterest (Lush) landed in the UK and prepared for that.” - Maddy
Were you a good kid?
Maddy: Mostly. I knew I needed to behave to be able to go to
shows and Pony Club and do things with my ponies. I was a bit of a daredevil and probably tested my parents by doing activities I wasn't supposed to!
Clarke: Yeah, I was a good boy. I was pretty well-behaved, on the whole. Apparently, I was even a very good sleeper as a baby!
When you were younger, what rider were you inspired by?
Maddy: This makes me laugh now because I know her really well, but when the 2004 Athens Olympics was on (I was about nine or 10), I had to do a study on a rider, and I chose Heelan Tompkins. I thought she was amazing!
Clarke: Many, I would say. My first riding idol was Jackie Hughson (now Cohen). I grew up at the bottom of the South Island, and she was the best in the southern region. New Zealand has been blessed with many top riders, like Mark Todd and Blyth Tait, but I'd say Vaughn Jefferis was the one I tried to emulate. He became my coach, and he has shaped me the most as a rider and horseman.
How would you describe is your riding style?
Maddy: I don't actually know. I've never thought about it, so that's a hard question! I would say kind, and I try to have a strong lower leg.
Clarke: I think I'm quite smooth - strong but smooth. And I try to be kind on the horses.
How has your riding style developed/changed over your time as a rider?
Maddy: I've become smoother, which has been a big focus, much more accurate, and less stressed going into the ring.
Clarke: I think as you get more experience, you get better. Certainly, I think I'm a better rider than I was ten years ago, but I don't think my riding style has changed much.
Worst experience as a rider?
Maddy: This year. I had a run-out at Sydney, and that was costly for me in terms of prep for the Tokyo Olympics. We haven't had many mistakes in our career, and that one cost me more than you can imagine. We've only had one 20 fault penalty in 12 international runs, so it was terrible timing.
16 16 -- SHO SHOW WCIRCUIT CIRCUIT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
maybe dog or similar
What are your 2021 goals? “The first half was a bit of a disaster, but the plan is to take Domasco (Baby J), a nice 2* horse and my main man, to the UK. Our goals are not so lofty but are to get as many Novice or 2* runs as we can in the UK when we finally get there.” - Clarke
What are some of the biggest challenges of being a rider based in New Zealand?
Maddy: Being taken seriously and having your results taken as comparable to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Clarke: I agree with Maddy, and I think it's getting worse, not
better. I struggled with having my results taken seriously early on, but having competed overseas with some success does give you credibility. New Zealand is such a nice place to live, which is why I've been back since 2013 when Maddy started working and training with me. Travel to get to the big competitions is a challenge, but it's the fun part as well. Since COVID-19, it's become even more difficult. We're in a bit of a holding pattern and would like to be in Europe - the horses' flights have been His 2010 World Equestrain Games medal reminds Clarke of how special ORIENT EXPRESS was, not only in his heart but also the expreiences they had together.
Clarke: I had a cross-country fall with my horse, Orient Express, in 2015, and he died. It was absolutely horrendous. It's the worst thing that can happen when you ride and love horses. He was very special to me; we'd been to the World Equestrian Games and travelled the world together.
Not only have Maddy and Lush (WAITANGI PINTEREST) won a prestigious 4* event, but also they took out the ESNZ Eventing Super League Series in 2019.
Proudest accomplishment during your equestrian career?
Maddy: Winning the Taupo Three-Day 4* in 2019 with Waitangi Pinterest. There were two Australian TransTasman teams over, and we were on the New Zealand Senior team, so it was amazing.
Clarke: My sixth place at the Rio Olympics with Balmoral Sensation (Ritchie). I am very proud of that result.
What do you see as important qualities to have as a successful rider?
Maddy: Perseverance and determination. You have to be determined to get back up when you get knocked down because it's a tough, tough sport. You have to be prepared to slog it out sometimes.
Clarke: Resilience, an affinity with horses, competitiveness and a bit of bravery. SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
17
“I hate watching people warming up for the dressage when they’re really getting after the horse, pulling the head left and right. Dressage is supposed to be about harmony, and that should be the goal.”
Clarke
What do you see as the best attributes in a horse?
Maddy: Brave, trainable, and they have to have a really good brain. Clarke: Talent. There's nothing worse than a horse that's brave
but talentless! But seriously, I always think if you are trying a horse, the most important thing is that you love it and can imagine yourself doing something amazing with it, whether that's going down the centre line at Badminton or going to Pony Club Champs. Clarke says DOMASCO has what it takes to be a world champion eventing horse. postponed three times now. We lack the top competition here, and to get that we have to travel, which is expensive and not easy.
How do you relax and recharge your batteries? Maddy: Over the summer months, we spend a lot of time at Lake Karapiro. Clarke has a jet ski, and if it's a nice afternoon, we sometimes finish early and go there. It's a great place to get away and clear your head.
The best training advice you've ever receive?
Maddy: Heading into Taupo, when I won, I had the most
perfect preparation; the week leading up couldn't have gone better. I got to Taupo, and Clarke said, 'you've ticked all the boxes, you have the best horse, there's no reason you can't win'. Clarke has also said to me, 'would you pull yourself together' many a time!
Clarke: I remember Vaughn saying to me, 'I don't know why you get so nervous about the dressage; it's just a few circles'.
When did you realise you had a gift for riding?
Maddy: I’ve never thought of myself like that. I’ve had to work incredibly hard to get to where I am.
Clarke: Similar to Maddy, but I also have a big group of non-horsey friends, mainly in Auckland, where my partner lives. I try to spend as much time as I can up there, and it's quite refreshing to spend time with people outside of my normal day-to-day life.
Clarke: I had tried almost every sport before riding – I had a very sporty family – and I hadn’t really found my sport. When I started riding I was like, ‘this is me’. When I did my first Pony Club Gymkhana, I was gutted because I didn’t win Best Boy Rider (laughs).
Clarke and Maddy’s gorgeous GSP; Oscar, who joined the family clan 15 months ago.
Is there one coach in particular who has moulded your riding career?
Maddy: Clarke for me, obviously. I came up here as a Young
Rider, and I've had to work on every single aspect of my riding. He has changed that entirely. We've got each other's backs, outside of horses and inside. We understand each other very well in the way we work; we just gel. He's a friend, mentor, coach, trainer and boss.
Clarke: Vaughn has been the most significant influence on my riding career, and through Vaughn, I was introduced to Vanessa Way, who has been my Dressage trainer for many years and also hugely influential on my career. I think there are many roads
1818- SHO - SHO WW CIRCUIT CIRCUIT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
“We’ve got each other’s backs, outside of horses and inside. We understand each other very well in the way we work; we just gel. He’s a friend, mentor, coach, trainer and boss.”
Maddy
to Rome, and it's important to find a coach that works for you. Right from the start, that happened with Vaughn. I admire his riding and horsemanship and wanted to emulate him. He has imparted so much knowledge to me, and I've soaked it all up. We are great friends. You couldn't get a better coach – classical and correct training and kind to the horses.
At what age did you begin competing? Maddy: I started at Pony Club and smaller
shows at seven and then got a ripper of an eventing pony, which kicked off my eventing.
Clarke: Twelve. I was a bit of a late starter, but Mum thought that was great because, by that
age, I could put my own saddle and bridle on!
What is your biggest fear?
Maddy: Failure is a big one; not achieving enough.
Clarke: Failure. And wasps. Any flying insects. I just hate them.
What event was your first serious competition?
Maddy: Springston Trophy 2003. I was ten,
and it was my first time being in a team and going to a big event. I was the baby of the team by far. I thought it was incredible, and I was so nervous.
Clarke said, ‘you’ve ticked all the boxes, you have the best horse, there’s no reason you can’t win’. Clarke has also said to me, ‘would you pull yourself together’ many a time! C Maddy
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
19
Clarke: Southern Teams, Lower South Island Eventing Champs sticks in my mind. I'd been riding less than six months, and I pinched my sister's nice pony. I came second, and I was so proud because I was 60 seconds inside the time on crosscountry, and the pony wasn't even puffed! I loved watching the senior riders going; that was pretty mind-blowing at the time.
Tell us about the horse you first found success on?
Maddy: Sir Callaghan, who was a 13.1hh pony. If he were a
Clarke and ORIENT EXPRESS, at the World Equestrian Games (L). Image Tomas Holbecher. Barbury Castle 2012 (R). Photo - Libby Law Photography
horse, he would have been a world champ – he was too brave at times and slightly mad. He took me to Springston Trophy and South Island Pony Club Show Jumping Champs multiple times. He took me from never having really evented to open Pony Club level. He was tiny but incredible. He just loved his job, knew it and loved jumping. He looked after me, even though he was a bit crazy. He has self-preservation and, by the end, he would do anything for me. Clarke: I had two ponies, full brother and sister. Synergy (George) was a dun, and we borrowed his sister, Ellangowan Dustys Dream (Beetle). They were very different; he was calm and steady, and she was pretty feisty. They were great jumpers, and I jumped my first Novice (2*) on Beetle. George was younger and coming through, and we were second at Pony Club Champs when he was six. They both won six bars and RTR; they were quality, stylish jumpers and beautiful movers. I had a lot of success on those ponies, and they gave me my kick start into eventing.
The park bench at the farm that pays tribute to ORIENT EXPRESS.
How many horses do you currently have?
Maddy: One – Lush. I do have one other who is with an amateur rider in Blenheim while I’m overseas.
Clarke: In work, I have Domasco and two four-year-olds, both of which we have bred. I think a lot of them. I've also got Aces High rehabbing from an injury and Ritchie, who is retired but still a very important member of the family.
Of all the horses you have had, which one touches your soul?
Maddy: Lush. Even if I had more than one, it would be her. She's incredible, and she's a star in every way.
Clarke: This is a tricky question for me. It's between Orient Express and Ritchie. I feel like a bit of a traitor to Ritchie, and I love them both, but I would have to say Orient Express. I've had lots of good horses, but he was my first really good one. We went to England and WEG; he was such a solid guy, the most genuine horse - so, so sweet with a beautiful personality. He was gorgeous in every way.
How competitive are you?
Maddy: Very. I'm incredibly competitive. Clarke adds, 'nauseatingly so!'
One of Clarke’s proudest moments was to represent New Zealand with BALMORAL SENSATION at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Trot-up image - Tomas Holbecher.
20 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Clarke: Very. The first time Maddy and I competed against each other on Ritchie and Lush was at Taupo, early in the season. I thought I did a really good test. I didn't see Maddy go, but I asked her how it went, and she said 'terrible' and stormed off. Then I only beat her by half a point! We're both very competitive – I think Maddy has spent too much time around me!
“The first time Maddy and I competed against each other on Ritchie and Lush was at Taupo, early in the season. I thought I did a really good test. I didn’t see Maddy go, but I asked her how it went, and she said ‘terrible’ and stormed off. Then I only beat her by half a point! We’re both very competitive – I think Maddy has spent too much time around me!” Clarke
Have there ever been times you wanted to quit?
Maddy: No, not for me. I think the times I've been knocked down have just made me five times more determined and have made me work even harder. It has never crossed my mind to quit – I just get more motivated!
Clarke: I seriously considered it after Orient Express died. That absolutely killed my passion for the sport for a while. However, both of my horses were qualified for the Rio Olympics, so I carried on with Ritchie because I had a great horse and a great chance. But I couldn't reconcile the risk with the rewards any more. I intended to give up after the Olympics, but I loved the experience so much I decided to keep going. I thought very, very seriously about giving up, but I'm pleased I didn't.
What does success look like to you?
Maddy: I have a few different levels of success. I'm a very goal
orientated person. I have small goals to tick off each day or week, then the big ones. Getting better each day, working harder and doing better is the definition of success for me, even if it's a small win.
Clarke: Like Maddy and most people in our sport, I'm very goal
orientated. To win a medal at the Olympics is number one and a major definition of success. But I have smaller goals too. I've found it very rewarding producing Baby J - the first time I rode him, I thought, 'this horse is phenomenal', and I could imagine riding him down the centreline at Badminton.
Do you buckle under pressure?
Maddy: It makes me more focused; pressure is always good for me. Clarke adds, ‘I think Maddy never rides better than when it's really important; she's very, very good at riding under pressure’.
Clarke: I think I’m pretty good under pressure. There’s no more
pressured environment than the Olympics, and I loved it.
What is your most coveted trophy, and why?
Maddy: An Olympic medal or a World Equestrian Games medal that's something I'd really like to tick off in my lifetime.
Clarke: Same as Maddy (Olympic and WEG medals).
21 21
SHOW W CIRCUITMAGAZINE MAGAZINE- SHO CIRCUIT
courses I have ever seen. Ritchie was just phenomenal – he was literally raring to go in the start box and didn't miss a beat; he was just superb. I always find teams events quite stressful as there's so much pressure to come home clear. I was desperate to jump clear for the team, and I had a dream ride. We jumped clear in the show jumping, which put us in team gold medal position. That was literally the best feeling ever, and I was so proud. I loved the Olympic Village and being around the other athletes too.
Where do you see yourself 15 years from now?
Maddy: Back in New Zealand, hopefully with an Olympic gold medal and some nice horses. Hopefully still on track with what I’m doing because I really enjoy it, but with a few more accolades under my belt.
Clarke giving Maddy a congratulatory hug after she won the 2019 CCI 4* -L National Championship at New Zealand Three Day Event Championships (Taupo) on WAITANGI PINTEREST. Image - Eye Witness Photography
What do you want to be remembered for?
Maddy: An Olympic medal. But, randomly, being a
good competitor and being good to the horses I ride is important to me - that my horses are well looked after, and I'm fair to them – they are number one. Ultimately I would like that to be known - that I put them first, regardless of what I'm trying to achieve. That's important to me, probably more so than results.
Clarke: Ideally, an Olympic gold medal. That's
something that transcends our sport. And for being a good person.
Tell us about the first major event you ever won?
Maddy: The Young Rider One-Day Championships
in 2014 on a horse called Brogan. I remember clearly that I desperately wanted to make the Young Rider team to go to Melbourne, and Clarke told me that if I wanted to get on the team, I would need to win at Horse of the Year, Kihikihi or Young Rider Champs. I'd only been working for Clarke for a month before the YR Championships, and I was inexperienced. On the cross-country, no one was coming home, and I got held at fence 5, where my horse almost stopped. I was terrified, and Clarke came over and told me that I needed to ride 'a hell of a lot stronger' if I wanted to finish! We made it home, and we won. I was just so proud because it was a very competitive Young Rider field and my first big win.
Tell us about your first Olympics? Were you ever nervous?
Clarke: I remembered Vaughn's advice about the dressage - it's just a few circles! When we first arrived, Ritchie tied up badly, and I could hardly work him. It wasn't ideal, but we had a plan, and we stuck to it. He was a little flat in the dressage, but I think we performed as well as we could under the circumstances. I was really nervous before the crosscountry; it was definitely one of the most challenging
22 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Clarke: I'd be almost 50! Toddy was 60 at Rio, but I don't see myself doing it for that long. I think I'll be riding, as long as I'm still enjoying it. I'm not sure if I'll be here or in England. Maybe I'll have moved to the south of France, who knows?
Tell us who your sponsor are?
Maddy: 4Cyte, Oakridge Equestrian and Prestige Equestrian. Clarke: Mitavite, Prestige Equestrian, Equissage, Equine-America, Parlanti Roma,
Kask, Waikato Equine Vets, Oakridge Equestrian, Neue Schule New Zealand and Farrier-shop.com
What life goals remain?
Maddy: Have a family and a gold medal. Clarke: To be happy and to achieve success in my sport.
Finally, what advice would you give to up and coming riders?
Maddy: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a coach and/or mentor and try and absorb as much information as you can. Knowledge is everything!
Clarke: To be a sponge for knowledge. Really watch riders that you admire and
try to copy their style. I used to watch hours of videos of the top riders when I was starting out, and learn as much as I could from them. C Maddy and Clarke are both extremely competitive, but above all they are the best of friends.
Tickets on sale August 1st
Improving your performance off the saddle at Equifest JOIN THE CLUB! Tickets will be available 1st August at 12pm, however, there are several ways to get your hands on tickets early. Sign up to receive our email newsletters and be the first to receive access to the VIP and Supporters Weekend Passes before they are available online to everyone at www.equifest.co.nz
There is no other event quite like the three-day equine festival that is Equifest. Returning to the National Equestrian Centre this October, the event celebrates equine-themed education, shopping, entertainment and competition. With access to some of the country’s most well-known and knowledgeable educators sharing their skills and expertise through clinics and demonstrations, you can take your riding to the next level. Riders are able to improve their performance in the saddle by working on their physical, mental and knowledge capacity outside of their sport just as any professional athlete does. During Equifest a combination of seminars, clinics and demonstrations will feature, covering a wide range of topics and disciplines relating to riding. You don’t have to be limited to clinics either, as Equifest educators will cover mindset coaching, biomechanics, horse health and care, positive reinforcement and so much more.
Plus, visitors can shop till they drop down the avenues of exhibitors selling everything from horse tack and horse floats to lifestyle products. To top it off two nights of evening entertainment will make sure your weekend at Equifest really is a celebration of all things equine. Regardless of the discipline you ride or your preferred breed, Equifest has something for everyone.
Be part of the competition line-up With great prize money up for grabs and an exciting schedule of ESNZ Series and support classes including a Horse Grand Prix and the Pony Speed and Horse Speed classes in Friday’s Fixine for Equine Nightshow. There are plenty of reasons to enter and be part of the Equifest action. Other competition highlights include - Beyond the Barriers, Kaimanawa Heritage Stallion Challenge, Show Hunter, Mounted Games and Working Equitation.
The most anticipated equine event of the year returns
24 HOURS WITH
VANESSA WAY
WORDS - Caitlin Benzie AT HOME IMAGES - Belinda Pratt Photography COMPETITON IMAGES - Show Circuit Magazine
Indisputably one of New Zealand’s most successful riders, Vanessa Way lives and breathes dressage. Her typical day entirely revolves around horses, forging a path to head back onto the international stage.
26 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
MORNING 5.30 AM My alarm goes off, and it’s straight out to feed the horses, always starting with the stabled horses. They’re the first ones worked, so it’s good to have their feeds digested before they get going - this usually takes around 45 minutes. We then head inside to have breakfast and plan the day ahead. Most days generally run along the same lines, except when I’m away teaching. Breakfast is a poached egg on toast with a black coffee and my Gabriel Colley multivitamin supplements. I then spend 20 minutes doing my Dressage Rider Training program before heading out to get on the first horse.
7.30 AM I’m generally on my first horse around 7.15-7.30am, although this can be earlier on the days I’m away teaching
VANESSA
24
the
NUMBERS
WON
Above - Five-year old, NSC Jolie DW (Johnson/Quattro B) dances in the rain. She is bred by David Woolley.
TITLE CLASSES NEW ZEALAND
by
COMPETED AT
CDI***’s in four different countries
#1
AT THE MOMENT IS NSC ANDREAS
RIDES
HORSES PER DAY IS MY PERSONAL BEST RESULT ON NSC JOLIE DW SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
27
I ALSO OFTEN WILL HAVE A HOMEMADE
S AV O U R Y M U F F I N OF SOME SORT WHILE I TEACH THE GIRLS,
M A I N LY T O K E E P MY ENERGY LEVELS UP!
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday every fortnight. This programme used to be weekly, but due to the COVID-19 climate, we’ve had to switch things around a bit. I always ride Andreas first. I have two Blue Heelers, and the dogs come along up the road with the first horse for their morning walk. They’re a bit excitable (and noisy!), and I’m not sure that the team of younger horses would be such big fans of the two boys running through the bushes on their wild rabbit chases! NSC Andreas is my 13-year-old, black Hanoverian by Anamour and out of Blue Willow (Dynamit), bred by Brenda Bishop. We’ve been competing at Grand Prix together since 2018, and with his old soul, he isn’t fazed most of the time, so he’s the first pick to deal with the dogs! All of the horses walk up and down the road both before and after they’re ridden.
THINGS VANESSA CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT: 28 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
• My husband, Brooke - he’s been my • My dogs - Freddy and Murphy. Woman’s best friends! most significant supporter for a very long time. I couldn’t do what I • My horses - they’re my driving do without him. force and make me want to be better every day. • The girls - Renee, Abbie and Lucy. I wouldn’t be able to get through • My home - I’m so blessed to be everything I manage in a day based on a beautiful property, without their help. Surrey Hill, in Oakura.
Taupo.
EQUINE MARKET
11 & 12 SEPTEMBER 2021
Above - Vanessa and NSC FURST ROCK DW during a Level 4 test at Oro Dressage by the Lake, they won all their tests. Image - Debbie Stevens Photography
SHOP WITH TOP EQUINE RETAILERS, RELAX & PLAY IN NZ’S TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATION - TAUPO SHOPPING VILLAGE FREE ENTRY w: totallyhorsestaupo.com e: info@classicequestrian.co.nz @totallyhorsestaupo
NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 114 Rapids Road, Rotokawa Taupo
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
29
The pre-ride road work takes about 15 minutes, and then it’s usually schooling time. I ride all six of my horses, with my working pupil Lucy Cochrane doing the road warm-up and warm-down while I do the schooling. I’m also fortunate to have Abbie Deken living next door and Renee Etherington living just up the road (although she grazes her horse Oscar at Abbie’s), who are a huge help every day as well. They’re generally on Equissage and grooming duties, while Lucy and I get the horses ridden. Abbie is also my eyes on the ground and has been instrumental in helping me raise the bar on my riding. While I ride, I make sure to drink lots of electrolytes so I don’t get dehydrated. The six horses that I have going at the moment are NSC Andreas, NSC Furst Rock DW, NSC Jolie DW, NSC Timbermill Prequel, Bentley MH and Bugatti MH.
I L O V E C A T C H I N G U P S O C I A L LY W I T H MY F E L L OW R I D E R S AND E S P EC I A L LY WAT C H I N G T H E M R I D E . THE CAMARADERIE IS A WONDERFUL!
Vanessa and NSC ANDREAS, 70.036%, 2nd in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Clinic FEI Grand Prix at Oro Dressage by the Lake at Takapoto Estate.
30 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
RURAL AND EQUESTRIAN CONSTRUCTION Design, build and develop your rural or lifestyle property with Harrison Lane, for a seamless construction experience.
Above - Vanessa and NSC TIMBERMILL PREQUEL during the Zilco Intermediate 1 Freestlye at Oro Dressage by the Lake at Takapoto Estate. Image - Christine Cornege Photography NSC Furst Rock DW is a six-year-old, almost 18hh Rheinlander by Furst Romancier OLD and out of Rockchiq DW, a Royston Rockstar mare. He was bred by David Woolley and has been competing at Medium level this season, with scores reaching 82.9%. He’s very exciting for the future and has only been beaten once in his competition career. NSC Jolie DW is a five-year-old Hanoverian mare by Johnson KWPN and out of Qurious DW (Quattro BSF), also bred by David. She only went to three shows last season, with a highlight of 86.9% in Novice 2B, and she’s showing lots of talent for the collected work in our winter training. NSC Timbermill Prequel is an eight-yearold Hanoverian by Prestige VDL and out of Crystal, a Dream Boy mare. He was bred by Kerry Sanders from Timbermill Sporthorses and competed at Small Tour level last season, typically scoring around the 70% mark. Bentley MH is a three-year-old by Benicio and out of Gemma MH (Gymnastik Star). He was bred by Judith and Peter Matthews of Matthews Hanoverians and is just the sweetest guy ever.
Above - Vanessa’s black beauty - NSC ANDREAS. THe 13-year-old, black Hanoverian by Anamour and out of Blue Willow (Dynamit), had wonderful results at Oro Dressage by the Lake at Takapoto Estate 2021. Last but not least is Bugatti MH, a fouryear-old who’s a full brother to Bentley MH, also bred by Judith and Peter. The two brothers put a smile on my dial every day that I ride them; they’re just beautiful. Once the horses have been ridden, they head out to the paddocks, and the stables are mucked out. I then teach Abbie and her team, Renee and Oscar and Lucy and Splash, while drinking my next black coffee – how else would I survive! I often will have a homemade savoury muffin of some sort while I teach the girls, mainly to keep my energy levels up and my stomach feeling full.
COUNTRY HOMES
BARNS
STA B LE S & A RE N AS
AFTERNOON 1 PM I sprint from the horses to the house to start my online teaching - another switch up because of COVID-19. Normally, I would be away teaching, but online is a much safer option now, not only because of Covid but also financially. It means that no one ends up out of pocket or missing out if lockdown levels change. I’m able to do more lessons each week in different parts of
09 947 9178 021 722 578 laurad@harrisonlane.co.nz www.harrisonlane.co.nz
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
31
RAIN, HAIL OR SHINE THE HORSES GET WORKED!
YOU NEVER KNOW W H AT A S H O W D AY M I G H T
PRESENT WITH T H E W E AT H E R !
I’M WORLD FAMOUS
IN OAKURA the country, too, because of course there’s no travelling time involved except for my speedy dash to the house! I’ve begun some online teaching to riders in Australia and Finland as well. Lunch is a swift protein shake (my in-a-hurry food) between lessons - although on the days I’m away teaching, I’m often provided beautiful lunches by my hosts! Nine years ago, I had my first international experience over in England with Carl Hester, and he’s since had an enormous influence on my riding and teaching. I came home from Carl’s to strengthen my team of horses and work towards becoming the best rider and trainer I could be. When I came back, I was disheartened that I struggled to achieve high percentages (80%+) in the lower grades, when I knew that the international greats were scoring in the 80s all the way up to Grand Prix. However, I’m candid with myself about my ability, and I realised I just had not to give up, trust the process and keep working harder. 2021 saw this relentless hard work pay off, with my pupils rising to achieve results that at one time I could only dream of. To have such incredible, dedicated friends and pupils that have trusted me over the years to help them ride to the top of our sport or better themselves on their own personal journeys makes me so happy and just as proud as I am of any personal triumph.
3 PM The horses are brought in from the paddock and put back into the stables by the girls around 3 pm, where they are fed again. All of this goes on while I’m still teaching. I usually teach through until 6-6.30pm, and then it’s time to spend the evening hanging out with my husband, Brooke. We have a spa, and afterwards, I cook dinner. I’m usually the
32 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
F O R M Y C H I C K E N S A L A D S.
chief dinner cook in our house, as I love eating it! It’s usually my only significant meal of the day, too, so I like making it super-enjoyable. Brooke attempted to cook a tongue instead of corned beef in the crockpot one day, so he has been generally fired from cooking duties. What we eat varies a lot, but I’m world famous in Oakura for my chicken salads, and I also make a mean chicken filo pastry pie. After dinner and a mini-series on Netflix, Brooke and I go out and do the nighttime feeds, hay and stable clean for the horses around 8 pm. Then it’s time for a quick read and bed. C
The Venice Double Bridle • • • • •
Anatomic crown and noseband Soft, thick padding Rolled cheekpieces and throatlatch Anatomic crystal browband Double adjustable throatlatch.
See our full range of products online or in-store.
82a Spartan Road, Takanini, Auckland l P: (09) 298 7094 l E: sales@amssaddlery.co.nz
www.amssaddlery.co.nz
RIDER spotlight
34 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Chasing TAILS &
telling tales Brent Jury and Kareen Klinac WORDS - Rebecca Greaves IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography
While Brent rode from a young age, Kareen was a relatively late starter, learning to ride and discovering a love of hunting eight years ago. And since meeting Brent, she’s been converted to the thrill of eventing too. The couple lives at Cust, North Canterbury, on their 70-acre property, along with Kareen's 10-year-old daughter. A small portion of the farm is set up for horses, while the rest is used for farming beef cattle. “And we have five sheep because everyone knows you need pet lambs to get through life,” Kareen laughs. Brent has been a farrier 35 years, 30 of them fulltime, and jokes he shows signs of wear and tear. With an impressive CV, including Farrier for the New Zealand Eventing and Endurance teams at two World Equestrian Games and an Endurance World Championships in Dubai, Brent has had a glimpse inside the world of equestrian competition at the very top level. He also did a stint in America, which brought him the opportunity to be the American team farrier at Burghley and Blenheim.
"I used to compete against Toddy and Blyth at Pony Club Champs, so I go back a bit," Brent explains. "Eventing has always been my passion, and shoeing at the big events was a great opportunity to see what was required at the top level. I had a fairly big gap (25 years) in my riding while I had a family and got on my feet, and I came back to riding later. I never really driven to compete overseas – I was driven to shoe horses," Brent says. "He's like a walking encyclopaedia of what used to happen," Kareen adds. The beauty of shoeing is it's never-ending. Technology means there are always new things being discovered about legs, feet and horses in general. As Brent points out, everything a horse does, he does on his feet. "It's a trade that can be very rewarding, sorting foot
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
35
The 70-acre Canternbury farm is mostly set up for farming beef, but naturally there is provision for their love of horses. Below right - Brent and Kareen’s love of hunting keeps them occupied in winter. problems and sometimes lameness. It can be so frustrating for horse owners not being able to get a good farrier, as having one can often save them a lot of down-time and also money, in the long run." Kareen recalls being told that Brent was the MacGyver of shoeing, using things like bubble gum and bits of leather. "That was a big thing about shoeing for eventing. It's not just being able to put a shoe on when it comes off - it's getting them through the trot-up. So it can be very unconventional sometimes, as long as it works. That's where the MacGyver stuff comes in," Brent explains.
Brent got his first pony at the age of seven, and it wasn’t long
before he was riding to school. His father was a keen horseman and a hard taskmaster. "We were told that if we had a pony, we had to ride it every day, and he meant it. I bailed later in my teens and played a bit of rugby. I was milking cows with my father, and the horses all became a bit much." Further down the track, Brent decided to pursue farriery as a career. He was already self-taught but became qualified through the NZ Farriers' Association. He went on to have significant involvement with the Canterbury Farriers Associations, teaching and helping develop unit standards. On the other hand, Kareen’s interest in horses started more recently. She lived in the Bay of Islands with her daughter and husband and looked for something to do in winter. "Living there is amazing in summer, but boring as batshit in winter. A mate said, 'come hunting, we'll find you a horse and teach you to ride." Undeterred by the fact she'd never sat on a horse, Kareen gave it a crack. "They found me this horse. It was a paint, ugly as sin, but he would go to the end of the earth for me. He gave me all the confidence in the world. That was eight years ago. I didn't even know what putting your leg on meant; I was that green." Her husband was relocated to Canterbury for work, and the family
36 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
moved. When that relationship ended, Kareen fortuitously moved 3km down the road from Brent. “One day, a friend and I rode around there and asked him to shoe my horse. That was the start of a very strong friendship. Then I moved in and never left!” Kareen was still hunting but had the opposite problem to before. “I wondered what you did in summer – it’s not the Bay of Islands; you don’t go boating.” Brent chips in that Kareen likes a challenge - and so she duly took up eventing too. "I remember that feeling when you fly over your first full fence. Nothing will ever compare with when you're on the run, following the hounds, jumping whatever comes up. Brent used to say, 'wait until you get a good
I R E M E M B E R T H AT
FEELING WHEN YOU FLY OVER YOUR FIRST FULL FENCE. NOTHING WILL
EVER COMPARE
WITH WHEN YOU’RE ON THE RUN,
FOLLOWING THE HOUNDS, J U M P I N G W H AT E V E R C O M E S U P.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
37
cross-country'. Well, I finally got that at Taupo (New Zealand Three Day Event Championships) in May. It was a big, bold track for me, and I realised that maybe there is life after hunting!" Placing ninth in the CCN105-L Open class at Taupo on eight-year-old Thoroughbred Krugerrand (by Cecconi out of Straight Strike), who she has produced from a three-yearold, was a special moment for Kareen. When Krugerrand (Gluch (USA) x Nasers Pride (USA), known as LB at home, stepped off the truck as a skinny youngster Kareen was not impressed. "Richard Otto had a little bay Thoroughbred he said I could have, and when he came off the truck, I was like 'what is that?' I was looking for a unicorn." Despite the dubious start, LB has proved to be a little star. “You see a young Warmblood and have a grandiose idea of what a young horse should look like. I’m now a Thoroughbred lover, I’d take one any day, but being relatively
Above - There is always lots of laughter when Kareen is around. Below left - SE GORKY PARK is primarily an eventer but is of course equally comfortable on the hunt field. new to the game, it was hard to look at LB and see his potential.” Brent is also a fan of the Thoroughbred for eventing. "Whether a Thoroughbred or Warmblood, it has to be a special horse and have a good rider to go to the top. People often try to buy the horse they think will get them or their kids the red ribbon, but most of the time, it's the rider's ability that has the biggest influence. And therein lays the challenge for most of us, and it's pretty much a never-ending one."
Brent has produced two Thoroughbreds, SE Big and SE Hedging
(who Kareen now rides at 105 level) to 3* level, and his current horse, SE Gorky Park (Montjeu (IRE) x Steluta), is not far off 3*. Prefixed with SE, which stands for Striding Edge (the name of his farriery business), his first top horse was SE Big, by Grosvenor. After a 25 year hiatus from riding, it was a surprise to many of Brent’s clients when he turned up at Taupo Three-Day one year with his horse. “Their jaws dropped; I was always underneath a horse, not on top.” A highlight was winning the 3* Forest Gate Trophy at the National One Day Eventing Championships in 2010 on Big. "I never saw that horse run, but most people say it was pure heaven to watch on cross-country. Brent said you could have put two flags on the side of a cliff, and he would have jumped through them," Kareen says. But Brent's most significant result was placing fifth in the World Cup Qualifier at Kihikihi. Australian Olympians Chris Burton and Shane Rose came over. "John Nicholson built a strong track. Those guys walked the course and said, geez, there are 4* questions; they thought it was bloody tough." Brent finished in fifth, behind Clarke Johnstone on his two mounts, Rose and Burton. “All those guys are Olympians, and the little old farrier from Cust was fifth.” Brent bred SE Gorky Park, his current horse, a rising ten-year-old ¾ Hanoverian, by Gym Bello out of a Genius mare. "He's tough and quite opinionated, but he's the full deal."
38 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
THEY FOUND ME THIS HORSE.
IT WAS A PAINT, U G LY A S S I N , B U T H E WOULD GO TO THE
END OF THE EARTH F O R M E . H E G AV E M E A L L
THE CONFIDENCE IN THE WORLD.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
39
Horses are central to Brent and Kareen’s passion.
THROW IN A BIT
OF DEPRESSION, PERSONAL STUFF IN MY LIFE
GOING ON AND
THEN IT WAS ANXIETY OUT
THE OTHER END.
Kareen explains that it is challenging to have top-level horses in the South Island due to the lack of events, particularly the cross-country phase. "We're losing top course designers. Eventing Canterbury is great and runs six events annually, but the horses kind of stagnate at McLeans Island. It would be nice to have the money to whip up to the North Island three or four times a year, but between kids, the farm and jobs, it's bloody hard." Despite the fact Brent has jumped around some imposing tracks, it might come as a surprise to learn he has suffered from crippling anxiety. Since opening up about his struggles, Brent and Kareen have been amazed to hear how many other riders face similar battles. The anxiety stemmed from the SE Hedging days, once Brent decided to put the horse on the market. "It became a lot of pressure. I wanted to get the results, to sell. Throw in a bit of depression, personal stuff in my life going on and then it was anxiety out the other end. Sometimes I'd be walking the crosscountry with tears streaming down my face," he says. “When we started talking to other people, it’s crazy how many suffer anxiety too. It’s the lengths you go to, the expense of it all. I think it’s learning to balance the highs and the lows,” Kareen adds. "There are kids who have given up or can't compete because of anxiety. I think that to hear Brent suffers from the same thing shows that just because you are higher level doesn't mean you're bulletproof." It might seem crazy to continue with something that makes you feel like this, but once Brent gets on the horse, the anxiety disappears, and he's away. It's the build-up that sets him off. "I've never been brought up to give up. You don't chuck in the towel. Back when I built up my shoeing run, I'd shoe around 60 horses during the week. On the weekend, I worked developing the 60 acres of land we bought – fencing, building sheds, house alterations, landscaping - all on the weekends. I do now realise that there comes a time when the body has had enough, and you have to listen to it."
At 61, Brent has slowed
down with the shoeing. He has just one competition horse and often a breaker on the go. With the clarity of hindsight, he can pinpoint where things started to unravel. Now, the couple enjoys their sport without putting too much pressure on themselves to run a big team or get results. You get the impression they don't take themselves too seriously, and that's just how they like it. C
40 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
The Wintec saddles you know and love...
JUST GOT BETTER! comfort d e v o r p m i d n a new saddleurs trusted favourites! on yo
model shown
Wintec 500 All Purpose
Combining hard-wearing materials with best-in-class technology, the new range of Wintec saddles has something for every discipline, conformation and budget. Try a saddle today and put Wintec to the test… The saddle is pictured with the Wintec Changeable Stirrup Keeper in Blue for illustrative purposes only, available to purchase separately.
FindFind youryour nextnext Wintec saddle at wintec-saddles.com Wintec saddle at wintec-saddles.com Share Shareyour your story story
@wintecsaddles @wintecsaddles
@wintec.saddles @wintec.saddles
e h t n i Jo ! n o i t u l revo
RIDER spotlight
42 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
LIVING the
dream WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall AT HOME IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography
Growing up, Rebecca Dollimore had one thing on her mind, and that was horses, right up until her university studies took over. While working hard towards her business degree majoring in accounting at Waikato University, Rebecca realised she had to remain focused on building a career to allow her to get back in the saddle. Her dream of once again having horses in her life came in a way she never imagined.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
43
Rebecca’s mum Tracey
had a background with horses, so naturally, Rebecca started riding before she can even remember. “When I was about five years old, I remember running down to the end of the road to beg the girl that lived there to ride her ponies. It was always just this huge thing for me,” she reminisces. When she turned seven, Rebecca finally got to lease a pony called Cappy from Linda Jones, with whom she enjoyed Pony Club, lessons and ribbon days. “I was obsessed with horses. All of my school projects were about horses, and I would be out with them at every opportunity. Mum would have to yell at me to get me to come in at night,” she laughs. Sadly, when Rebecca was 10, Cappy died of colic, shattering Rebecca’s entire world. Her parents realised that her horse obsession was not a phase, so her father, Gary, bought her first ‘owned’ pony, a 17-yearold chestnut with four white socks called Trafalgar, a seasoned Show Hunter pony. “He had won Pony of the Year three times with the Lawrenson family before I got him.” He had a hilarious personality and loved hunting and jumping, but he also had a naughty streak and would get a little too excited on the hunt field and would buck me off,” Rebecaa says with a laugh. Having discovered her love for Show Hunter by now, Rebecca started training with Des Lowe and Leigh Taylor. “I loved Show Hunter because I had a wonderful pony who was established, He taught me a lot, and we had an incredible bond. It was a time in my life that I look back on with great fondness. My mum and dad would come to all my shows; Mum drove me up and down the country, and it was a lot of fun.” Rebecca learnt about the importance of straight lines, style, the rhythm of the canter and being accurate. “I grew a deep passion for Show Hunter, and I think I became quite good at it and realised that show jumping and cross-country were never really my thing, I am not an overly quick thinker, so show jumping was quite a challenge for me and cross-country was always daunting. I was never that bold,” Rebecca explains. Together, the pair had many victories, including their most notable win - Show Hunter Pony of the Year.
Sadly, Rebecca suffered another huge blow when
Trafalgar pulled a tendon, forcing his unexpected early retirement. “We simply could not afford anything readymade, so my mum shopped around the country for about six months, and we eventually found my next pony up north. We ended up naming her Dolly (Pendell Silver Secret) because she’s exactly that, a complete doll,” she reflects. “She was just fabulous. She had been a pig hunting pony and had difficulty cantering correctly, so my journey to produce her myself began with retraining.” Rebecca started having more lessons and began focusing more on dressage under the wonderful guidance of Caroline
Above - Rebecca catching up with Dolly who is retired at Suzzana Martin’s property in Queenstown. Image - Williams Photography Left - Rebecca and Dolly during their competing days at Horse of the Year in 2011. Image - kampic.com Bottom image - Rebecca & Max during the 95cm class at Spring Bush Horse Trial. Image - Sarah Caldwell Photography
44 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
45
I LOVED THE
GLITZ & GLAMOUR O F T H E S H O W R I N G F L AT CLASSES AND DREAMED OF
BEING COMPETITIVE.
Hooper. “I loved the glitz and glamour of the show ring flat classes and dreamed of being competitive,” she explains. The partnership enjoyed many wins, including Newcomer Saddle Hunter of the Year, but also did loads of hacking and beach riding to make it fun as well. “My mum and my stepdad, Colin, encouraged me, and Colin made me a stable and a round pen, I thought. I was the luckiest girl ever,” she remembers. She then stepped Dolly up into the Show Hunter ring and started having lessons with her now long-time friend Jo Rothery. “I was dedicated, I didn’t go to lots of parties, and I got a part-time job to help pay for it all. My horses were everything to me.” Travelling to shows nearly every weekend, Rebecca was responsible for everything; plaiting, washing, applying the makeup, and packing the float. Her mum was the
Right - The combination enjoying the 95cm cross-country at Spring Bush Horse Trail. Image - Pegasus Photography driver. “Mum and I have a bit of a laugh about it now because I would get up early to get ready, start the car, load the pony and then I would go and gently wake her up with a warm cup of tea and get her up to drive me to the show. She would look at me and say, ‘so where are we going today?’ We both loved it and had such a great time. My father, Gary, joined us at every show and always turned up with food and ice cream, and I would say he was my number one fan. He held my ponies whilst I walked the Show Hunter course and was an amazing support.” Despite her immense early success, Rebecca doesn’t like to dwell on what she has won. “It is more about the journey, having fun and the people I have met along the way.” She also treasured her relationship with Dolly. “She became my best friend. I would spend all my spare hours with her. I would jump on her in the paddock, and she would wander around with me on her back.”
When Rebecca was 18,
she finished school and sadly, it was time to sell Dolly. The next step in her journey was to attend Waikato University and complete her business degree to become a commercial banker. “I remember it being quite obvious when I chose my degree. For me, it was about stability and how I could
46 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
“chase your dreams”
support my horses and get back into riding.” It was at university that she met her now-husband, Matt. What began as a friendship eventually blossomed into something more, and as it happened, Matt was also from a horsey family. “He invited me around to his parents’place to ride his mum, Catherine’s horse, and it went from there,” she says. “I dreamed of being back in the saddle the whole time. I missed it, but I knew I needed to establish a career to support my dream of riding again.” After graduation, Rebecca started a job at ANZ Bank and then pursued her Chartered Accountancy qualification, a three year postgraduate qualification. “I wanted to be accomplished at my job and become a Chartered Accountant. I was saving a lot and steadily progressing my career.” Then, in 2017, the unimaginable happened- Rebecca had the opportunity to purchase Dolly back. “There were lots of pieces of the puzzle that needed to come together,” she reflects. “Matt was incredibly supportive, and I remember ringing my mum in tears; she was also delighted at the prospect of Dolly returning to me.” The last piece of the puzzle was when she rang Catherine to ask if Dolly could
live at their place. “I felt so lucky when the transaction went through, and the payment was made.” Together, they enjoyed three months of bliss, and it was during this time, that Catherine and Rebecca became close friends. “We would go riding together, and it was just such an enjoyable time in my life rekindling my love for horses.” In June 2018, however, Rebecca received a job offer that she just knew she couldn’t refuse,. in the corporate office. That meant she had to move from the Waikato to Auckland. “I was having such a nice time with Dolly, but was extremely focused on my career and continuing that, so I had to make a tough decision”, she explains. “I got in touch with Suzanna Martin in Queenstown, and even though it was hard to part with Dolly, I knew she would have the most amazing ‘princess’ life with Suzanna while I continued with my career path.”
In 2019, Rebecca and Matt
tied the knot, and she also completed her Chartered Accountant qualification, and in 2020, she was promoted to manager and changed teams. With that came more flexibility with work, and she started riding Matt’s horse. It SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
47
quickly became front of mind just how much she missed horses and riding, “It was such an outlet for me, particularly through the COVID-19 lockdown too,” she comments. When lockdown ended and she went back to the office, Rebecca told her senior manager how much she enjoyed riding again, and he encouraged her to continue.. “He said to me, ‘chase your dreams - don’t get to my age and have any regrets,’ and I took that advice on board.” Rebecca decided to get back in touch with Jo Rothery to put the feelers out to get a horse of her own. “I felt like I’d had so much time out of the saddle that I couldn’t remember to do so many things,” she says. “It was a joke, and we had a hilarious time.” Jo put her onto Lizzie Moore, who got her on board 17-year-old Happy Feet. Max had been a 3* eventer and with personality plus,
I LOVE
EVERYTHING A B O U T I T, J U S T
BEING WITH MAX AND EVEN DOING
THE CHORES HAS BECOME
ENJOYABLE. Above - Rebecca’s love for Max is endless. Below - During a fun round at Taupo. Image - Take the Moment Photography Rebecca says that he is like a person. “I have never met a horse like him. He was named Happy Feet because he used to dance around in the tie-ups when he was a racehorse. When I went and met him, he started cuddling me straight away. He is a real smooch, and naturally, me being me, I fell in love instantly.” When she hopped on, he was very forward and very keen. When he jumped, he was so excited, and Rebecca could feel the love he had for jumping. “It was bizarre for me because I categorised myself as a showie and not bold,” she explains of her newfound love. The intention was that they would go hacking and have fun. Since then, they have had the most amazing journey together. “Catherine and I started having joint lessons with Jo, and I started to discover more of his personality and what he was like to jump. “If Max could talk, I think he would say, ‘come on, kid, sit there, I’ve got this’, or ‘let’s go’, he is so keen. We often describe
48 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
IT IS MORE ABOUT
THE JOURNEY, H AV I N G F U N A N D T H E P E O P L E I H AV E M E T A L O N G T H E W AY.
him as like a kid on candy. He has this sugar high for jumping, and it’s like he thinks he has jumped every jump in the world; he is an absolute dude.” After some time, Rebecca and Catherine decided they would try eventing Rebecca’s first eventing competition was the 80cm.at Flaxmere. “We got there, and we were like, what are we doing here?” she laughs. “We completed the dressage phase, which was interesting because Max was so excited to be at an event that I could barely get him into the dressage arena. When we arrived at the arena, he saw it all and went ‘wow’ and put his tail in the air and snorted! We were last in the dressage, which didn’t bother me at all. We were there to have fun, and we did. We breezed around the show jumping, and then as we went into the start box to begin the cross-country, Max began trembling with excitement! I could feel his heart pumping, and he went around like he was doing 3* again; I came through the finish flags crying with joy; I couldn’t believe we did it. I admit that since then, I might have become addicted to cross-country.” Rebecca and Catherine joke together about how to go eventing with your mother-in-law. “We pack the truck for weekends away with the horses to the shows. Our husbands call it ‘the Dollimore girls on tour’. We leave the boys at home with the chores and packed dinners in the fridge. Walk the course five times and have pink gins at night. There is a lot of hand-holding as we encourage each other - ‘you got this’ - before starting the cross-country. We go for a good time away with our horses and each other’s company.” They travel up and down the country together. “Not all mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law could do this like Catherine and me. We are besties! It’s great to be
competing again, but this time it’s different because it is a hobby, and I love it. It’s become the absolute highlight of my life.” Rebecca feels she has gained more zest and passion for life through this experience with Max and is so thankful for all the people who have supported her throughout her horsey pursuits.
Rebecca and Matt live in their Ponsonby flat in Auckland,
and she works in the corporate office in Auckland from Monday through to Wednesday. Then every Wednesday after work, Rebecca drives down to Catherine and Wayne’s home in Cambridge for the rest of the week, where she and Matt are lucky enough to have their own wing in the house. “Catherine and Wayne feed and lunge Max for me. I couldn’t do it without them looking after him,” she explains. As much as she loves her partnership with Max, she also enjoys the social aspect of riding too. “I love all the people and old friends I am now back in touch with,, and I am just so happy to be back enjoying one of my first passions.” She explains that her love of horses extends past riding. “I love everything about it, just being with Max and even doing the chores has become enjoyable. For example, when I am mucking out Max’s paddock, he follows me around and gives me little kisses on my ear.” And happily, the rub-off of Rebecca’s reinvigorated passion is how everyone around her has noticed just how much happier she is - even how much better she is at her job. She is incredibly grateful for how amazing ANZ have been in their support of her life outside of her career. “I really couldn’t have been able to realise my horse dreams without the amazing people who have helped me along the way.” C SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
49
RIDER spotlight
BEATI NG
the odds
Growing up, Maija Vance always knew she was destined to be a jockey, spending her spare time when she wasn’t at school at her family’s Takanini racing stable. Her parents, Bob and Jenny Vance, had paved their way in the racing industry, with Bob leading the New Zealand Jockey Premiership for the 1978/1979 season. He rode a whopping 583 winners, including the 1993 Cox Plate on The Phantom Chance. Jenny was also a fantastic jockey.
WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES Christine Cornege
“All my babysitters cancelled looking after me
because I was such a brat, so I spent a lot of time at the stables,” Maija laughs. “Mum and Dad had a caravan there, so when they got up at 4.30 in the morning to start work, they would put me in there to sleep. I would wake up around six and then go out and fill up buckets until I was old enough to handle the horses.” “I’m really close with my mum, but my dad has mentored me through my riding career,” she says with appreciation. “When he was a jockey, he was the best in the country. He loves helping apprentices, and he is an excellent teacher. I had to go to a stable with more horses for my apprenticeship, but I still rode all their horses too. So, the whole time I’ve been riding, I’ve had the first option to ride them if I’ve wanted. Sometimes I have ridden not that well, but they have kept me on, which I really appreciate.” When Maija was twelve, her parents finally let her ride some of the quiet horses across the road to the track. Not long after, she started trotting alongside her dad around the track. She wasn’t allowed to work a horse on the track itself until she was 15, but she remembers that first day clearly. “It was a Saturday morning, my friend had slept over, and as usual, I rode one to the track. Then, when we got there, Dad said I could ride it on the track, which was
50 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
really exciting for me,” she recalls. Maija didn’t have her own ponies to ride, so she learnt on the racehorses. While she eventually got her parents to agree to buy her a pony, Maija ultimately found her first success Show Jumping on one of her family’s retired and very special racehorses. Mr Bond had won nine races from 27 starts. “He was my uncle’s horse, and we got him as a yearling after my uncle sadly passed away. We had no idea of his potential or anything until he started racing. We would have kept him no matter what because of what he meant to our family, but he ended up being one of our best horses,” Maija recalls. “I took him to Horse of the Year and jumped 1.35m on him - he is tiny, but he would just ping over everything. He is still going strong and is 29 now. We are the same age, and we grew up together. He babysits horses to the races and is awesome.” Upon completing her NCEA Level 2, Maija left school to get straight into her apprenticeship, moving to Gareth McCrae’s larger stable in Pukekohe to ride more horses. Getting up at 3 am every morning was tough, but Maija was determined to push through. “I started riding jumpouts, then trials, and then had my first race day when I was 17. I think I ran last,” she laughs. “My first winning ride was my 12th ride, and it was so cool because it was a carnival day, and I was on the rank outsider, Black
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
51
Fox, who was paying $64 to win, so that was very exciting.” She stayed on at McCrae’s before deciding to move to Cambridge. “The racing is better down here with more trainers and more opportunities. If you can ride track-work, then you are more likely to get race day rides,” she explains. She also spent some time in Australia riding at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. She won her first race there and became the leading female rider in the Brisbane metropolitan area in her first season.
After ten successful years riding on the flat with 94 wins
in New Zealand and another 80 in Australia, Maija decided to begin hurdle and steeple races. “My weight was always an issue as I am a bit taller than the other girls and not as light. However, in hurdles and steeples, the weight limits are higher, and once you have ridden over jumps, you can also ride in the higher category flat races,” she explains. On 16 September 2018, everything changed for Maija in the penultimate race at Rotorua. She was riding a horse she absolutely loved called Zedsational, who was a fantastic jumper and had raced in 15 hurdle races prior.
Below - Maija Vance and her dad Bob after her first win. Image -Cambridge Jockey Club
Opposite page - Three years on from the accident that changed Maija’s life, she considers herself very lucky to have the mobility she does. “I had ridden him twice before, and he was jumping beautifully, but another horse came up half a length in front of me, which is really dangerous. That caused Zedsational to take off a stride too early. He realised he wasn’t going to make the jump, but when you are going that fast, there is nothing you can do to fix that.” On landing, the horse flipped, and Maija was entangled, tumbling with him. She hit the ground hard, breaking her neck and suffering additional horrific injuries. After surgery and a ten-day stay at Middlemore Hospital in Intensive Care, Maija was transferred to the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit in Otara, where she remained for another three months. Maija’s catalogue of injuries included: two punctured lungs that needed blood drained out of them; damage to five vertebrae and her spinal cord; broken ribs; six broken teeth; a badly severed tongue and bruises and abrasions to much of her body. Thankfully, there was a silver lining in that Zedsational was shaken but otherwise fine after the horrific accident.
52 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Re-learning to move and walk again became Maija’s full-time pursuit. As her spinal injury was incomplete rather than severed, she held onto the hope that she might one day walk again; however, the doctors couldn’t be sure. Her little long-haired sausage dog, Toro, was a massive light in her life while she was in the Spinal Unit. “At first, they didn’t let me have him in the hospital, but my parents went and spoke with the head nurse, and they bought him in. When everyone realised how amazing he was, they let me keep him. He would just stay on my bed all day, and when I went to the gym for rehab, he would wait for me. He loved being on the wheelchair too, so I think he was a bit gutted when I started using it less,” she laughs. “It was so weird to learn to walk again”, Maija explains. “Your spinal cord controls your blood pressure, so the blood would rush out of my head if I was upright. I could only stand for a few seconds before I would pass out. When my body started to heal and re-learn how
IT’S HARD BECAUSE
YOUR BRAIN IS TRYING TO TELL YOUR TOES TO MOVE,
AND IT JUST DOESN’T WORK; THE MESSAGE I S C O R R U P T.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
53
to regulate itself, it got better.” She remembers lying in the hospital bed with no feeling, thinking about moving her toes. “It’s hard because your brain is trying to tell your toes to move, and it just doesn’t work; the message is corrupt.” From about two months on, she began to move her toes a tiny amount. “It was so slow; one day I could flick my toe, and then a week later I could move it up and down,” she explains. “They didn’t think I would walk again or get any feeling and movement back, so when my toe moved, it was just amazing. I thought that if I could get my toe to move, then there was something there, and I could make the connection stronger.” Her legs would spasm, which comes from the spinal cord, not the brain, meaning it is not a controlled movement. “It was so cool when I realised I was moving on purpose!” She would get people to tickle her feet as the more sensation you put into the affected area, the more likely you will find movement. “I worked that out, so every time someone came in my room, I would ask them to tickle my feet. Then it got to the point where I could do it myself.” Despite all she has been through, Maija considers herself one of the lucky ones. “I feel like people always want me to say that I had a great attitude and I worked hard to recover, but I find that really hard to say because I have friends who have had falls and they have worked hard too, and their body hasn’t been able to let them improve”, she explains. “I don’t like to feel I am invalidating others who are also working hard. People think it is all about attitude, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the opportunity that my body could heal
Above - Her little long-haired sausage dog, Toro, was a massive light in her life while Maija was in the Spinal Unit Below left - Maija had a close bond with ZEDSATIONAL despite the fall. Below right - Maija soon after surgery.
from whatever damage was done to it.” She explains that although her surroundings were bleak, she found immense comfort during her stay at the Spinal Unit. “I was so stoked every day. I never felt down, just so happy that each day I could move my toe more than the day before,” she recalls. “My dad’s best friend, Tony Williams, was in a wheelchair for 25 years before he died at 54 from complications with his condition, so I used him to inspire me, thinking about how happy he would be to move his toe.” Most people in the Spinal Unit were there to learn to live their lives in a wheelchair rather than rehab. “I was surrounded by people who were spending their lives in a wheelchair, and it was so humbling. It makes you feel lucky.”
Maija has a pair of palomino gelding brothers she adores. Panda is a six-year-old that she purchased as a yearling. She started him and rode him for about a year before her accident. “He was the horse I
54 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
learnt to ride again on,” she says. “When I first sat on him and even now, it doesn’t feel normal to me because I can’t feel my legs properly.” She first rode him in the round yard at her mum and dad’s stable in walk and trot, learning how to get her balance back and where she had to put her weight. “He was so good,” she reflects. “I would put too much weight on one side, and the saddle would slide over, and he would stop and wait for me to fix it.” Surprisingly, Panda isn’t her favourite. Slim Shady, his younger brother, is. “I love him so much even though I haven’t broken him in yet, but he is just so quiet. He has even walked into the house!” She laughs. “He has so much personality. Panda will come up to me in the paddock if he thinks I have food, but Slim Shady will stay with me. He longs for my company. I wouldn’t care even if I never rode him. I just love him that much.” Maija has had to change her gear a little since the accident. She now uses magnetic stirrups because she can’t feel the stirrups under her feet
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
55
I DON’T THINK ABOUT
THE FALL LIKE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
I PROBABLY JUST WON’T DO
HURDLES AGAIN. and has straps from the girth to the stirrups to stop them from slipping back, as she doesn’t have total leg strength. “I feel more natural riding track work than jumping. I would love to race again, even if it was one race, just to show I can do it,” she says. “I’m working on getting my stirrups shorter - about an inch every couple of weeks. I need to be able to put my weight behind when the horse is pulling, so it’s just a matter of how short I can ride. No one knows exactly how much you can improve because you can’t look into the spinal cord and see the damage, so what might be in store is exciting. I’m not particularly eager to put a limitation on myself. The doctors say that you eventually stop improving, but that hasn’t happened yet for me.” Maija hasn’t lost her confidence after her ordeal. “All my life, my confidence has been greater than my ability,” she jokes. “I don’t think about the fall like it will happen again. I probably just won’t do hurdles again.” She is also fiercely resilient. Even before her accident, Maija learned the hard way how to survive criticism and rise above it as a jockey. “Everyone is going to cop criticism, so it’s important not to be offended by it and take it to heart. Racing is a really tough game, and there are a lot of people out there who can be super mean,” she explains. “In this social media age, people can pick up their phone, find you on Facebook and abuse you, and it happens to us all. We even have a group where all the jockeys support each other because it can feel isolating if you think you are the only one. We all end up laughing about it, and that really helps. Then there are anti-racing groups who also are harsh,” she continues. “When I had my accident, people were messaging me saying ‘good job. I hope you never walk again.” Maija is excited by the possibility of show jumping being included in the Paralympics. There have been hints of its inclusion as early as Paris 2024. “I would probably need to invest in a different horse if I was going to go for it, as my horse isn’t very competitive by nature, but I am,” she laughs. “I did do some dressage when I was younger as part of eventing, and it is so hard! It is harder than riding racehorses; I wouldn’t be able to walk after a one-hour lesson, and the way my legs are going at the moment would make it even harder. Show jumping is much more my thing!”
Aside from her
pursuits in the saddle, Maija is very popular on social media, particularly TikTok (a video-sharing focused social networking service) with over 325,000 followers. “I post about half racing content and half equestrian,” she says. “I try to educate people about what goes on in a racing stable. With the equestrian side, I try to add some humour and influence the community to be more accepting and less toxic. I also post rehab videos which has been cool because, in the beginning, I never realised how many people would message me saying I had helped to inspire them through their own struggles.”
56 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Above -Maija with Panda who is a six-year-old that she purchased as a yearling before her accident.
She has also spoken at a couple of events, including a Riding for the Disabled fundraiser to help buy more land. She also walked up Mount Maunganui and raised $6,000 for CatWalk Trust. “It is hard for me because I feel like people want me to deliver a super-inspirational message, but I don’t feel that inspirational. Many people who are working hard on their rehab never get the opportunity to recover because of their injuries. I find it hard to balance between simply saying that I’m just lucky, and working hard. I think the message with paralysis should be doing the best you can.” It is natural for a fierce competitor like Maija always to have a goal - and she does - but equally, she feels like she has gained immense success being where she is now. “I would love more than anything to ride on race day again. That is probably not realistic, but I have to try, or I will be so mad at myself. I think especially because I didn’t choose to stop - I was forced to. I would be fine if it had been my choice,” she reflects. “People ask me if I will sell my race day gear as it is valuable, but I am not mentally ready for that.” She also reflects that even if she can reach her dream of riding on race day again, it wouldn’t be the same as before and would not be her full-time job. But even being able to ride one race day would appease that fire she has to return to the track. “No one thought I would walk again, let alone ride, so to then ride track work and hopefully race work would be the icing on the cake. I love to prove people wrong,” she laughs. C
PRICE BREAKTHROUGH! EUROPEAN BRAND - SADDLES UNDER $3K
Now we offer the brilliant new leather Kieffer Essentials range at only $2999. The first time a European Brand leather saddle with replaceable gullet is less than $3000. Featuring: – Kieffer Change System with replaceable gullet plate – Kieffer Combi Panel (foam panel, malleable with wool, 2/3 Latex underlayed with 1/3 wool) – Black. Sizes 17” and 18” – Made in China
NEW
NEW Dressage The Kieffer Essential Dressage Saddle features a deep covered leather seat and panels, removeable Velcro knee rolls and a flexible V-shaped girthing system. Sizes 17” or 18”
General Purpose The Kieffer Essential General Purpose Saddle features an anatomically deep seat with covered leather upper and leather panels, removeable Velcro knee rolls and short girth straps. Sizes 17” or 18”
2,999.00
$
2,999.00
$
EACH
Gullet Plates
NEW
Close Contact The Kieffer Essential Jump Saddle features an anatomically deep seat with covered leather upper and leather panels, removeable Velcro knee rolls and calf blocks and short girth straps. Sizes 17” or 18”
2,999
$
.00 EACH
EACH
Kieffer Tool *Comes in all saddles
Due to the intelligent Kieffer Change Replaceable Gullet Plate System, the tree width can be adjusted easily and quickly. Five different gullet plate sizes are available to fit the saddle correctly in place. Every saddle comes with the green gullet plate W (WIDE) by default. Sizes Narrow, Medium, Medium Wide, Wide or Extra Wide
59.99
$
EACH
TRIAL SADDLES AVAILABLE. FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE.
Normal Terms and Conditions apply. Refer to Saddlery Warehouse website. https://www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
WHANGAREI 31 HEREKINO ST 09 430 0061 | ALBANY 7B AIRBORNE RD 09 970 1062 | KUMEU 156C MAIN ROAD 09 412 2476 | PUKEKOHE 7B GLASGOW RD 09 239 0170 CAMBRIDGE 1 OLIVER ST 07 823 9436 | HASTINGS 308 EASTBOURNE ST WEST 06 870 8142 | NEW PLYMOUTH 82 HURLSTONE DR 06 769 5198 | TAURANGA 80 GARGAN RD, TAURIKO 07 281 0741 PALMERSTON NORTH 24 ANDREW YOUNG ST 06 353 7827 | WELLINGTON 3A CEDRIC PL 04 233 0729 | NELSON CNR PASCOE ST & MERTON PL 03 548 6939 CHRISTCHURCH 68 HAYTON RD 03 343 1175 | DUNEDIN 7A GLADSTONE RD SOUTH 03 489 0164 | INVERCARGILL 228 DEE STREET 03 218 6558
FREEPHONE 0508 467 734 | www.saddlerywarehouse.co.nz
RIDER spotlight
Making THE CONNECTION
WORDS - Caitlin Benzie IMAGES - Belinda Pratt Photography COMPETITION IMAGES - Show Circuit Magazine
An injury to her beloved BL All By Chance threatened to end their competitive career together, but the team around Renee, including dressage great Vanessa Way, rallied together. And now Renee and her stunning grey Oscar are back, and they’re better than ever.
58 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
I’VE BEEN OBSESSED
WITH HORSES FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER; I’M
PRETTY SURE I OWNED EVERY PLASTIC HORSE
KNOWN TO MAN, GROWING UP!
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
59
The rain came down during the Show Circuit photoshoot but Oscar was a trooper! Renee with her pooch, Jeffery.
Born and bred in Taranaki, Renee spent her early years living
on a dairy farm in Aurora. After a few more moves around the coast, the Etheringtons settled in Oakura, where Renee has been based for the past 20 years. “I’ve been based in Oakura for over half my life now. My horse, Oscar, is based at Abbie Deken’s property, and Vanessa Way is right next door to her, so I’m very lucky to have him at such a super location! I live two kilometres up the road from their properties, so it’s nice and easy to go to and from home. Oscar is a stabled horse on three feeds a day, which would not be possible in my job without the amazing help and support from the team based there; I’m incredibly grateful for them!”
Renee’s path into riding wasn’t exactly the easiest, and she
certainly faced her fair share of trials while attempting to enter the sport. Her family were in no way horsey, although her Dad had ridden for transportation as a child due to living in the King Country. In the end, though, there was nothing that could stop Renee, and her love for horses shone through. “I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember; I’m pretty sure I owned every plastic horse known to man, growing up! Our neighbours had a horse, and I’d sit on the fence for hours just staring at Jelly. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed a horse on the dairy farm, so I had to befriend everyone at school who had a pony to get my riding fix. After we left the farm, I made a friend who had access to a pony where she lived, and when that pony came up for sale, I begged Dad to let me buy him. Eventually, I became so annoying he gave in,” she laughs. “I withdrew my entire life savings of $300
60 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
and purchased an ancient Welsh pony with one eye. His name was Cobber, and he came with a bridle and a bucket of brushes - I was set! “Cobber was a very safe pony to ride, but used to charge me in the paddock, so until I got close enough to catch him, I was quite petrified of him. I had only owned him for about three months when one morning I went to check him before school, and he was lying down. I crept over to him in case he jumped up and charged me, but I was devastated to find he had passed away. It was probably from old age, to be fair, but I was one very upset girl; I now had no money and no pony. Dad realised how serious I was about having a horse, and because we were unable financially to buy another one, he approached my PE teacher at school, who owned a few ponies and organised for me to lease one of hers. Eventually, the teacher kindly gifted me the pony, and when I grew out of her, I was able to sell her to fund the next one.”
Throughout the next
few years, Renee continued to compete in a bit of everything with her ponies. Even though she’s the first to admit she wasn’t the bravest jumper, she competed happily up to around 1.05m. When she was 17, Renee had a gorgeous ex-racehorse called Nellie, who she evented and show
Renee and BL ALL BY CHANCE during the Zilco Advanced Freestyle at Oro Dressage by the Lake 2021.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
61
This image and below centre Renee and BL ALL BY CHANCE during the Zilco Advanced Freestyle Oro Dressage by the Lake 2021 at Takapoto Estate.
62 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
T H AT WA S H O W H E GOT HIS NAME
ALL BY CHANCE, A S I F E LT L I K E I T W A S
FATE THAT EVERYTHING ALIGNED FOR HIM
TO BE MINE.
jumped. However, her eventing days were soon to be behind her, as the catalyst for her dressage career was about to appear; Vanessa Way. “I met Vanessa through a friend who was grazing at Abbie Deken’s property. Once I met her and learnt more about dressage, I was slowly converted, and the rest is history! Nellie was never going to be a dressage star, but I still got the bug, and my next horse, another Thoroughbred, moved a lot nicer and found the work a lot easier. Eventually, I stopped jumping altogether and moved into straight dressage. “Apart from the occasional lesson through Pony Club, Vanessa has been my only coach for my entire riding career. Although I’ve had the odd lesson from coaches that we’ve had at home through Vanessa, there’s just nothing like having someone who knows you and your horse inside out and back to front. She’s one of the best in the business, so I’m very grateful to be in the position I am in and train with her most days. Without Vanessa, I’d still be flopping around, hoping to do a 20m circle vaguely on the bit. Her constant support, training of my horses and encouragement for the past twenty years of my life with horses has been invaluable. She also got me into my career – she’s really shaped my life to be as awesome as it is today!”
Renee’s pure dressage journey began with the purchase of Avani (Mia), a newly broken three-year-old Hanoverian mare by Anamour and out of Nibbles. Renee and Mia trained right through to Prix St George under Vanessa’s guidance, culminating in winning the St George’s trophy as the top first-year Prix St George combination in 2015. Mia has since gone on to be a wonderful schoolmistress for many riders and is currently competing at Advanced Medium with Alicia
Cameron. In 2013, Vanessa suggested that Renee start looking for a replacement horse to come up behind Mia, and Renee was then introduced to the horsey love of her life, Oscar. “Gary and Wendy Freeman, who stood Anamour at Bilbar Lodge, had a two-year-old for sale that was a full sibling to a friend’s horse I loved. Vanessa told me about him, so I quickly rang the Freeman’s that afternoon; as luck would have it, Gary answered the phone. He said they had someone who had viewed him a couple of times and that they wanted to come back again the following weekend for another look. I was gutted, but Gary told me if I could get there to see him before the weekend, I could have him as he felt the people looking at him had had ample time to decide. Wendy wasn’t quite sure about that plan, but they had always been very kind to me, and she went along with Gary’s idea. “I drove three and a half hours to Sanson to see Oscar the day after I talked to Gary, but unfortunately, he was dead lame - he had a burst abscess. It didn’t matter, though, as it was love at first sight! I rang Vanessa on the way home, and she said, go for it. I then had to dash off to work that afternoon, so on my break, I rang the bank to secure his purchase money and then bought him that night, subject to him coming sound again. That’s how he got his name, All By Chance, as I felt it was fate that everything aligned for him to be mine.”
The past 13 years of Renee’s working life have been spent
as a regional flight attendant for Air New Zealand, a job that gives her the lifestyle to have a horse and keep it in work all year round. Oscar, who is by Anamour and out of Benefit Babe, is now ten, and the partnership has consistently worked up the grades. However, the past six months have certainly not been smooth sailing, and there have been times when it looked like Oscar’s
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
63
competition career may be over forever. “Oscar had a mystery lameness which we just couldn’t get to the bottom of. There were many vet visits, scans and X-rays, but we couldn’t find an answer. He would be sound, then out of the blue dead lame on his right fore the next day, and then come right again after a day or two. When he first went lame, we thought it was an abscess or stone bruise, but once we realised it wasn’t something quite so simple, I spent a lot of time crying, thinking this could be the end for us as a team. My whole life revolves around Oscar, and he means everything to me, so to not know what was wrong and how to fix him was soul-destroying. “No matter how unlikely it seemed that we would find a solution, Alec Jorgenson from Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre kept on searching for answers. Eventually, Oscar was
TA K A P O T O I S A N
INCREDIBLE VENUE WITH AMAZING SURFACES AND
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
FOR HORSES AND RIDERS ALIKE. THE
ATMOSPHERE W A S
U N R E A L , E V E N I F AT T I M E S I T MEANT
THAT THINGS D I D N ’ T
GO QUITE TO PLAN IN THE RING!
Oscar is Renee’s unicorn and she wouldn’t trade him for anything. diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his neck, which has completely come right with treatment. I’m eternally grateful to Alec for never giving up on him.”
Having not
competed since October the previous year, Oscar and Renee made their competition debut back together at the freestyle finals at Oro Dressage by the Lake, held at the beautiful Takapoto Estate in May, a fitting swansong to the season for this wonderful partnership. “Takapoto is an incredible venue with amazing surfaces and fantastic facilities for horses and riders alike. The atmosphere was unreal, even if at times it meant that things didn’t go quite to plan in the ring! Nevertheless, it was the best feeling being back on board my best friend and out there doing our thing. Oscar is my one-in-amillion, and to be riding down the centre line with him again meant the absolute world to me.” C
64 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
THIS IS DUBLIN New Country Boot collection out now dublinclothing.co.nz
RIDER spotlight
EVERYTHING in balance Sandi Howett and Dean Campbell
WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography
Cambridge based amateur show jumpers Dean Campbell and Sandi Howett have built a life around their passion. Together they train and compete in their chosen sport, enjoying the journey along the way.
66 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
67
Dean was a bit
Below - Dean competing LAVONTE GNZ during the Takapoto Winter Series, Takapoto Estate
68 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
of a late starter getting into horses. When he was eight years old at the Masterton A & P Show with his parents and their collies, he noticed the horses jumping in the hunter ring. It was then that his passion began to burn, and he harped on to his parents about getting his pony from that day. Within a year, the family went from living in town showing dogs, to moving to the country and the whole family riding and enjoying their horses. It wasn’t just Dean who went into it with full force. His father also began owning and training racehorses. “I used to steal my Dad’s racehorse and take him show jumping and eventing at the weekends,” Dean recalls. “In my teenage years, I had regular lessons from Penny Stevenson and Colin Macintosh, and I have fond memories of watching Vaughan Jefferis, Penny Stevenson, Allan Goodall, John Cottle, David Goodin and the likes competing against each other.” Dean’s first success was on a pony called The Sheikh, winning the Pony Six-bar with a record height at the time. “The Sheikh was gutsy and had a big jump in him, climbing up to compete in A-grade pretty quickly,” he remembers. Sandi first discovered her love when she went for a horse trek on a family holiday when she was seven years old. From there, she attended some horse camps in Rotorua in her school holidays and got her first pony, called Brandy, when she was nine. “I was a member of the Oteha Pony Club in Auckland. My mentor at the time was Elizabeth Jack, who was a bit older than me and making her mark in the Show Jumping world,” Sandi explains. “She used to help me and teach me some tips and tricks, and I also had the watchful eye of my coach Mary Dawkins
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
69
who gave me regular lessons.” Sandi fondly remembers her first taste of success on her pony Sapphire, winning all her rounds at Rosedale Pony Club Show Jumping and the Royal Easter Show C-Grade Championship in the main arena. “It was a pretty special moment for me. Sapphire was everything you could want in a good jumping pony, very brave; she had plenty of scope and could spin on a dime,” she says.
Together, Dean and Sandi
share ownership of Kirk, a nine-year-old 17.2hh gelding by Corofino II out of a Liberty Hill mare. “His nickname is Grumpy,” Sandi laughs. “Dean gave me the ride on him a couple of years ago as they had a clash of egos, and Grumpy kept dumping him! But really, he is a big softy. He has plenty of blood and has a super jump on him. When I took him on, he was missing a few buttons, so we went back to basics, and now we are slowly gaining confidence over some bigger fences.” Elmo, Dean’s mount, is also nine years old and is by Lordano out of a Lucozade Thoroughbred mare. “He has an exceptional
70 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
front end and is very brave,” Sandi describes. “Dean’s had him for nearly a year and a half now. He’s helped Dean out many a time when placed a bit wrong. As a good friend once said to Dean, you can buy a good horse, but you can’t buy an eye.” Dean hopes to compete in the Amateur Series this season, “they are coming on together and looking to be a great combination,” Sandi praises. Sandi has a real soft spot for her 15-year-old Clyde X gelding, Sailor. “I have had him for nearly eight years now, and when I found him, I knew he was absolutely perfect!” she says. “He is my best friend. He is very vocal and always waits at the gate whenever he sees us pull into the driveway. He has so many quirks. He doesn’t like anyone else riding him. If I dare let anyone else on him, he will hold it against me for months!” His biggest quirk is his inclination to jump out of his paddocks. “I’ll never forget the day I got a call from the property owner where I was grazing at the time saying, ‘Sandi, we have a problem! Your horse Sailor has jumped into my vegetable garden and eaten all my vegetables!’ I raced to the grazing, and Sailor was standing
HE IS COURAGEOUS AND WILL GIVE ME
HIS ABSOLUTE ALL IN THE RING. YOU K N O W T H AT,
NO MATTER WHAT, YOU’RE GOING OVER
THAT FENCE.
The stable complex is testiment to Dean & Sandi’s attention to detail.
back in his paddock. Jerry came up to me and said, ‘your horse must have known I called you because once he finished, he jumped back in his paddock!!’ It cost me a fortune to replace all his vege plants!” she laughs. Aside from his shenanigans, Sandi has immense gratitude to Sailor, crediting him with teaching her how to ride. “You never quite know what you’re going to get with him. He can be a sleepy old man one day that you’ve got to kick along, and the next, you feel like you’re sitting on a racehorse. He is courageous and will give me his absolute all in the ring. You know that, no matter what, you’re going over that fence.” Unfortunately, Sailor tore his tendon three years ago, but when he did return to the ring last season, he had a little fan club who were all excited to see him back in the ring. “I would like to compete in the Pro-Am Series on Sailor and jump some 1.10-1.20m rounds on Kirk in the coming season,” Sandi says. In addition, they also have Sailor’s best friend, Harry, who is 25 years old and belongs to Sandi’s father, and their 8hh mini called
Leo. “He is by far the naughtiest we have,” Dean laughs. “He loves to pick on the big horses and runs around trying to kick them when we are riding before taking off again.” While they love competing, Sandi explains that competition isn’t everything for them. “We enjoy the shows and the social side, but we equally love going for a farm ride or having a joint lesson. For us, success is to be respected by our mentors and using skills we have learnt, allowing our horses to jump to the best of their abilities.” The past three years have been pretty full-on for the couple as they developed their properties and grown their businesses. They also have a goal to travel overseas when the borders open but, in the meantime, would like to explore more of New Zealand. “It doesn’t really matter what we are doing. We could be galloping up a hill on a farm ride, supporting each other at a show, skiing down the slopes in the mountains or sharing a bottle of vino - we just love being together,” Sandi says. “We are super lucky we get to share our passion.” SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
71
Below - Dean & Sandi ringside at Takapoto Winter Series
The couple each have hectic careers owning their
businesses. Sandi’s Seven Oaks Skin Therapy offers various beauty services. Dean has his transport and logistics company, Dean Campbell Transport, specialising in transporting long-run roofing iron and road products. So they carefully balance their riding with their busy working lives. They try to start the day at the gym to keep fit and support previous injuries, trying to strengthen their weaknesses with targeted exercises. Dean was involved in a motorbike accident when he was 20-years-old, damaging his left shoulder and arm, restricting his ability to have full extension and making it difficult to soften the reins at critical moments. He was off for a year for rehabilitation. Sandi has several disc bulges through her back from horse accidents, the worst involving being when she was 18-years-old, She was double-barrelled in the stomach, breaking three ribs, puncturing a lung, dislocating her shoulder and rupturing her spleen. “I was flown to hospital and rushed into surgery as I was bleeding internally,” she reflects. “My chances of survival were touch-and-go for a while there. Mum was working in Australia at the time, so she rushed home as soon as she could.” Sandi suffered some complications after, forcing her to take a break from riding for a period. “All of the horses were sold, apart from one, and Mum and Dad sold the property. I lost everything overnight,” she says. “It was a pretty tough time. My horses had all been jumping super and climbing through the ranks. It was hard to watch my peers go on to be very successful in their riding careers. It was great to see them succeed, but it always made me think, what if?” Aside from starting at the gym, their days can vary significantly. Deans plans can change at the drop of a hat. “Sometimes I will need to change my plans to relieve for any of my guys or to do extra
72 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
specials,” Dean says. “Lots of the time, I not only run my truck business, but I also drive, which makes it very difficult to commit to lessons or shows and work on the fitness of my horse. Some days I can be up at four in the morning and not finish until midnight.” For Sandi, it’s the gym, work, ride ponies and then the general admin of having her own business. She then fits the household chores around that. “There’s always a heap to achieve daily,” Sandi says. “Some weeks, we can cross over and not see each other for days at a time - like ships passing in the night.” They both are very resilient through the ups and downs of life and believe that no matter what life throws at you, you stay true to yourself and keep putting one foot in front of the other, endeavouring to achieve your goals. “We really love what we do together, and we don’t buy into negativity. Life is too short!” C
THE MOST
CHALLENGING
“
“
I T H A S G E N U I N E LY B E E N
INJURY TO COME BACK FROM A N D W A S S O I N C R E D I B LY S C A R Y AT T H E T I M E .
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
73
RIDER spotlight
&horses
FAMILY LIFE a love of WORDS & IMAGES - Cailtin Benzie
A quiet over-achiever, Anne-Marie had once had the five-star horse trials of the world in her sights. However, a series of unfortunate events and then welcoming her beautiful children into the world saw her step back from competing for close to a decade. Now she’s back and repeating history all over again by stamping her mark on the eventing scene.
Horses have almost
always been a part of life for eventer Anne-Marie Styles, who got her first pony when she was six years old. These days it’s hard to imagine that growing up in Manukau City in Auckland would provide the opportunity to have ponies. Still, while Anne-Marie and her sister Eliza were growing up, the area had a vastly different footprint, being covered in predominantly lifestyle blocks. “My first memory of having our own pony was when Mum was driving Eliza and me home from school and drove straight past our house. It turned out that we were off to try out a pony called Dolly, who we bought for $200. Mum pretty quickly
74 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
realised that sharing a pony wasn’t a viable option, as we were both horse-mad. So Eliza got to keep Dolly, and I had a short succession of very naughty ponies before getting an awesome little mare called Lila. We lived on a small lifestyle section but were fortunate to have friendly neighbours, and also, my grandparents only two properties away so that we could use all of their paddocks for our ponies. We also backed onto Totara Park, which was hundreds of acres. Eliza and I were able to ride for miles, jumping anything and everything we could find; spars, large round hay bales, dodgy wire fences, multiple gorse bushes (the more in a row, the better), water troughs from one side of
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
75
the stream to the other – you name it we jumped it! It was the perfect training ground for a budding event rider.”
As a kid, Annie,
as she’s known to her friends, did a bit of everything with her ponies, including Inca Cup, Pony Club Dressage and show jumping championships multiple times and five Pony Club Eventing championships. She also competed in showing, round-thering, show hunter, and show jumped up to Pony Grand Prix level. “After competing at the NZPCA Eventing Champs in 1991 and being part of the winning Auckland Area team, I decided to focus
Left - Anne-Marie and TAMBURO during the Anne Symes Memorial Derby at Takapoto. Image - Christine Cornege Photography. Above - Alex with Scarlett (left) and Savanna (right).
76 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Above - The stables are set up for a small livery yard, incorporating schooling and sales preparation at Anne-Marie’s mother’s property in Clevedon, Auckland. Right - Anne-Marie and TOSCANA during the cross-country for the CCI1*-S at Puhinui International Three Day Event in 2020. primarily on eventing. As a teenager, I was very motivated by my friends and rivals, Heelan Tompkins and Karla Jamieson. When I was finishing seventh form, I took a few months off riding to concentrate on studying for exams but still went out to watch the Puhinui Three Day Event. Karla was riding Glengarrick in the two-star (ol’ format) for her first start at that level, which she won. I remember sitting on the bank watching and deciding then and there that I would win the two-star at Puhinui the following year. So I went away, worked hard all year and did just that in 1997, aboard my wonderful horse Templeton, who was the first horse I produced myself, from scratch. It was a competitive class with Mark Todd and a few other international riders in the field, so it was a pretty big deal, and it was the first win that put me on the map.”
In one of those
fairy tale type stories, Annie met her nowhusband Alex when she was “10 or 11” at a St Heliers Pony Club One Day Event. Alex is the son of Judy Styles, who needs no introduction within equestrian circles in the upper North Island. Over their teen years, Alex and Annie got to know each other better through riding camps with Jacque Williams (now McKinlay) and competing in area trials together. Still, it wasn’t until Annie was 22 that they began dating. She had finished university and had moved to base at Vaughn Jefferis’ property, where Alex was also working. In 2007, the pair married and now have two beautiful daughters, Savanna and Scarlett, who have definitely inherited the horsey bug from their parents.
The past nine years
or so have seen Annie take a bit of a step back from the competitive side of eventing after having to leave her top horse in England. ‘As You Like It’ was a quirky Thoroughbred, who raced until he was a six-year-old and was “very hot, and more than a touch crazy initially”. Together Annie and Pete won the CCI** at Puhinui, came second and third in the CCI*** at Horse of the Year, SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
77
UNTIL THE LAST 1 8 M O N T H S , I H AV E N ’ T
KEPT ANY HORSES LONG ENOUGH TO DO
MUCH COMPETING; I H A D N ’ T A C T U A L LY
COMPETED AT A L O N G F O R M AT
THREE-DAY S I N C E H AV I N G
THE GIRLS!
Above - Anne-Marie holding two of the eventing horses, TAMBURO, and LV IMPRINT (owned by Emelia Forsyth). and placed at Kihikihi and Taupo in the CCI***. “Pete always tried very hard to please but was extremely horse shy, and I would often find that we had executed a 180 and were mid-gallop in the other direction before I had any idea what was going on! He was notoriously bad in the jumping warmups. One year at Taupo, I had to warm him up for the CCI*** cross-country by walking and trotting around the truck park and bypassing any warm-up jump - thankfully, he was a phenomenal jumper I had every confidence in. I took him over to Melbourne CCI*** in 2010, which was a fantastic experience with the whole family coming over to watch. We jumped double clear to finish tenth in a competitive field.”
In 2011, Annie
headed over to the UK with Pete, and while some riders manage to have everything fall into place when they take horses overseas, this wasn’t to be the case for this team. “We had hopes of competing at Luhmühlen and Burghley, and while the experience was amazing, it was sadly not the stuff of dreams. Pete had a niggly leg injury, and because of this, we didn’t get to the start of either event - one of my biggest regrets as he was a horse born for it. We competed at some cool events, and I gained a lot from the experience, but it still annoys me today that I never got the chance to take Pete five star. The most heartbreaking moment of it all was leaving Pete in the UK when I came back to New Zealand; it ripped me apart. He was injured and out of action for some time, and I had always known there wasn’t the finance to bring him home, but when I set off to the
78 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Both Savanna (above) and Scarlett (left hand page) have a keen interest in riding and both have ponies out competing.
UK, I had nothing but certainty and optimism that it would all work out as I had envisaged. Naive in hindsight, but this was definitely not part of the plan.”
While Pete eventually
recovered from his injuries and went back eventing, teaching an up-and-coming rider the ropes, Annie had come home to a paddock of four and five-year-old horses that had done very little, a considerable change of pace and direction for her. “I fell pregnant with our first child Savanna not long after coming home, and Scarlett came along two years later. That was when I started focusing more on coaching and producing horses and less on competing, which worked well with a young family. I have always loved coaching, and it has given me great pleasure in helping people of all ages and abilities to achieve their riding goals. “I now run a small livery yard, incorporating schooling and sales preparation at my mother’s property in Clevedon, just a minute up the road from our property. In addition, I do quite a bit of private coaching, including being the coach for ACG Strathallan College for the past seven years. Sav is eight now, and Scarlett six, and they are well into their riding. Because of this, I’ve also become a bona fide pony club mum, which is a new experience! I’m fortunate to have such great support from Alex, my mum Monica, and the rest of my family to be able to juggle everything.”
Annie currently has
a strong team of horses coming through the ranks, and with the girls now out and about with SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
79
Above - The girls’ love of ponies is a family commitment. Below - Anne-Marie and TAMBURO during the Anne Symes Memorial Derby at Takapoto. Image - Christine Cornege Photography.
their ponies, competing has become a real family affair. Even though Alex is no longer competing, he can often be seen zooming around at shows as head groom, and with Sav and Scarlett proving to be very talented little riders, it looks like the Styles’ lives will only be getting busier. “My team this season was headed by Tamburo, a seven-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Smart Missile out of a Zabeel mare. Gerald is a very exciting horse who has been competing in the Pro-Am show jumping series and recently finished third in the CCI* at the Taupo Three-Day. I also have had the ride on Mitty and Emelia Forsyth’s gorgeous six-year-old LV Imprint since March. Impy had been show
80 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
jumped by Emelia before coming to me and has taken to eventing really well, placing in all his starts this season and finishing third in the CNC95 at the Three-Day. The newest member of the team is Danielle Wheeler’s lovely five-year-old Get Go. I took over the ride on Chad two weeks before the Three-Day, so it was quite a rush getting to know each other. He stepped up at Taupo, finishing fifth in the National Young Event Horse class on the Wednesday and then taking the win in the CNC95. “Until the last 18 months, I haven’t kept any horses long enough to do much competing; I hadn’t actually competed at a long format Three-Day since having the girls! So it had been a long time, nine years I think, but I absolutely loved Taupo and am keen to carry on now that I’m back in the game. We’ll take the future as it comes, but I imagine it will definitely involve more juggling of the girls’ riding with my own. They are certainly becoming keen competitors - it’s so enjoyable watching them develop as riders and share the same passion as both Alex and myself. I love it!” C
MODERN HAY FEEDER Keep hay contained and tidy with a BeauBin It’s quick and simple to fill and promotes good grazing behaviour! FROM HAPPY CUSTOM E RS: “They’re the best thing since sliced bread!!! A mate who grazes at my place didn’t think they’d be so good. I’m really happy and would love them in every paddock!” Beccy, Wellington
WINNER OF INNOVATE COMPETITION 2016 LATEST VERSION RELEASED NOVEMBER 2020 NZ DESIGNED AND MADE PRODUCT WARRANTIES INCLUDED INTERCHANGEABLE HAY NETS ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE IN SIX COLOURS AFTERPAY ON WEBSITE
“I swear my BeauBins save me so much hay they must pay for themselves in a season. Bloody windy Welly.” Julia, Wellington
“The BeauBin certainly slowed down their ability to eat the hay. I think they are safer than hay nets and probably hold a wee bit more as well. You can soak and feed the hay all in one receptacle - genius.” Elisabeth, Christchurch
Peurgon Showroom BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 229A Main Street | Palmerston North
022 432 1149 info@peurgon.com peurgon.com peurgon
RIDER spotlight
PURSUING her dressage Passion WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall AT HOME IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography COMPETITION IMAGES - Dark Horse Photography At 24-years-old, Sophie Griffiths has been steadily making her mark on the New Zealand Dressage scene, navigating the ups and downs that come with chasing her dream of one day competing at the very top of international sport.
Born in England, Sophie moved to New
Zealand with her family when she was seven years old. She had already started riding before moving here, so naturally, she continued in her new home. “My parents, John and Linda, have always been my biggest supporters, always doing everything they can to help me reach my goals. I started riding when I was four years old - I was amazingly persistent in asking my parents to take me riding and did
82 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
not let up until they took me to the local riding school. My parents describe me as being full of character,” she laughs. Throughout her whole life, Sophie’s love for horses has been a significant driver. Even though she wanted to pursue riding as a career, her parents encouraged her to go to university. She gained a Bachelor of Science majoring in Conservation and Ecology at Lincoln University on a Sports Scholarship for Equestrian.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
83
True to her competitive spirit, Sophie arrived in the competition arena when she was around seven years old, competing in Showing before moving onto Eventing and then eventually switching to Dressage. “I competed in my first Springston Trophy when I was ten. I evented for a few years after that and right up to 2* before I moved my focus to pure dressage,” she explains. “I moved from eventing when I brought Frangelico F. I just loved the feeling she gave me. I never got the same buzz eventing.” Brugs Nicholls took Sophie under her wing when she was 14. She continued working for Brugs until she was 20 riding an extensive range of horses and training her own under the guidance and watchful eye of the Canterbury Dressage trainer. “I have always had this ability to soak up information and apply it to my horses. Sometimes I have to sleep on it and mull it over in my head, but normally, by the next day, we can do it - 99% of the time!”
I DON’T THINK THERE HAS BEEN A TIME I’VE EVER
SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED QUITTING.
Monica and CAROUSEL
84 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Right - JACKIE O DW is another promising horse in Sophie’s team. Top left hand page and below right - Sophie riding ZODIAC DW at the South Island Festival of Dressage 2021, during the Zilco Elementary MFS class.
Sophie initially found success in the dressage arena aboard
her impressive mare Frangelico F (Fran to her friends), her first dressage horse. She acquired Fran as a three-year-old, and together, they went through the levels, enjoyed three seasons competing at Young Rider level. Sophie soaked up everything she could as they went. “Fran taught me so much that I have taken on to my other horses. She was opinionated, and I loved her for it,” she laughs. “She tried her heart out for me but did find life pretty stressful, so relied on me a lot for reassurance. She hated travelling, so I used to sit with her in the horse area to keep her happy. The trip north is seriously long when you’re sitting on a steel box!” Unfortunately, soundness issues forced Frangelico F’s premature retirement. She is now a broodmare and expecting Sophie’s high anticipated foal by Olympic stallion Destano this year. While she is excited for her foal, dealing with soundness issues took its toll on Sophie. “After my Young Rider years, I felt that I got left behind after a run of bad luck with a few young horses,” she reflects. “It’s hard starting from scratch again; however, the horses are growing up now, and I will continue to fill the team from the bottom in the hopes it doesn’t happen again.” While there have been some tough times to overcome, Sophie has always tried to remain focused on moving forward. “I don’t think there has been a time I’ve seriously considered quitting. I’ve said it a couple of times after losing a horse or having one go lame, but I wouldn’t ever be able to do it,” she says. “I love my job. There are hard days and days where everything goes wrong. But then you go to the paddock, and they come to say hi or look in your pocket for treats, and those feelings go away. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Currently, Sophie’s team
consists of four up and coming young horses. Zodiac DW is a rising seven-year-old by Glocks Zonik and is competing at Medium level. “He has an awesome canter and great hind leg. He also has a huge neck which he uses against me most days,” she confesses. “He’s the most rewarding SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
85
horse I have trained so far. Every ride, he improves. He gives me an amazing feeling, and I think he will be exceptional later on.” Jackie O DW is extremely promising, a rising six-year-old by Johnson who is schooling at Medium level. “She is super athletic, sometimes too much so. She loves to work and is showing great talent, so we are very excited for her future.” Another rising six-year-old, Lox Romeo by Furst Romancier, is schooling at Elementary level. Sophie describes him as having the cheekiest personality - and getting away with it because he is so handsome! The oldest of her horses, Jacobi DW, is a rising eight-year-old by GT Jake and is ready to step into competition at Advanced Medium. “He tries his heart out every day. He is just so loveable and the nice guy in the yard,” she says. “I do have a plan of what I want to achieve each day I work the horses; however, that plan is often adapted to how they feel on the day and what they are learning in that stage,” she explains of her routine. “I try and change up what we work on and the exercises each day, so they stay fresh and supple.” She has been training remotely with Vanessa Way twice a
86 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
This page - ZODIAC DW by GLOCKS ZONIK has an incredible attitude to his work .
week, who she says has been hugely influential. While her goals for the coming season are to travel to more of the North Island shows and step each of her horses up a level after winter training, Sophie’s dream is to one day be good enough to ride at the Olympics or the World Equestrian Games. “I like to think I am super chilled leading up to a competition, but I think my family would tell a different story,” she jokes. “I make sure I ride my tests in the weeks leading up to the big shows, get out hacking, and most importantly, keep them loose and supple before travelling.” While she does describe herself as being
HE IS THE MOST
REWARDING HORSE I H A V E T R A I N E D S O F A R.
EVERY RIDE HE I M P R O V E S. H E G I V E S M E A N
AMAZING FEELING, AND I THINK HE WILL
BE EXCEPTIONAL L AT E R O N .
Above and top right - Sophie and ZODIAC DW. Below right - JACKIE O DW who was also bred by David Woolley, is by JOHNSON, and how athletic she is comes as no surprise. ultra-competitive, Sophie also finds success in something more than winning. “I am always happy if the young horses have a good experience and learn something from an outing,” she explains. “I love the feeling of coming out from a test and just knowing that the horse stayed with you the whole time, listened to the questions and understood what I was asking. I love the feeling of harmony between horse and rider.” Most of all, Sophie believes, “If you love what you do, it will bring you success.” C SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
87
MUSINGS from aboard Amy and Julie Ulrich training in Normandy
Amy Collinson is originally from Auckland, has spent the last seven years in Europe, chasing the show jumping dream.
BANANA CAKE My big realisation in 2021
- I got lost in result-based goals and fell into the big trap of wanting more and more. This attitude caused a loss in the correct understanding of the basics and the ‘cake’ of my riding journey.
I had a bad riding
accident in June 2019. My horse, Rocky, basically tripped over a small jump and had a rotational fall, landing on my face. Luckily Rocky was okay and recovered well; however, for me, it was like I had been knocked out by Rocky Balboa. I was helicoptered to a hospital in Paris in France, where I woke up very confused. I had no idea what had happened, and I could see two of everything. The impact from the fall and the 600 kg Rocky had smashed my eye socket bone - this is what caused the double vision. I was told they were not sure if my vision would return to normal. They sent me home, where I slept for a few days, but my vision did not improve, so I was referred to an eye specialist who made a plan to fix the broken connection. They had to cut open my ear and under my eyelid, and I woke up with my right eye stitched shut. It was very uncomfortable. When I watched the video, it made me see how lucky I was and amazed I didn’t break my neck. My recovery and overcoming the new fears created from the fall took a long time.
I got so lost that
I came close to giving up. Initially, I thought this fall was totally just a freak accident, but I know now that part of the reason was that I had started guessing. I had fallen far too far into the guessing trap. Yes, it was very extreme, but I think it gave me the wake-up call I needed. It took me a good 18 months to start to see this side of it. In the beginning, I did not understand the trap I had fallen into, so I continued guessing! I rushed back into riding for fear of falling behind my results-based goals. This is a perfect example of the theme from the tortoise and the hare - ‘slow and steady wins the race’. I was not slow or steady while coming back, so yes, I did not win any races. After three weeks back riding again, I decided to go to a show. Not a training day but the CSI 2* international show in Jardy in France. The day I was leaving, I decided to jump one of my horses (not competing) to prepare her for the CSI in Saint Tropez the following week. During this training, I had my first fall ever off my best horse Laganda. She can be fresh when she has not jumped much and threw a few bucks on landing after the jump. Since I was still weak and off balance, I crashed. Laganda accidentally kicked my leg, and I landed very hard on my back. I was in a lot of pain, and those two injuries actually took about six months to heal. But
88 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
I just cracked on – I was high on this guessing game thing. I went to the show with my other two horses. Day one, I made circles on both, causing two eliminations. Day two, another circling elimination, and then sadly finished the show on a clear round! I say sadly, as this made me feel like a warrior who is entitled to crack on to Saint Tropez. Which, as you can imagine, was a disaster, including many eliminations and another fall from Laganda. I started to get better again, but there was still a lot missing. I began to think I was back on track when I connected with 80-yearold Julie Ulrich. Julie has had years of experience, and she has trained alongside some of the best trainers in the world. Julie’s approach is very cut-and-dry. She is not after anything to do with the surface and certainly no guessing. Julie did not try to get me any quick results, nor did she try to sell me anything. She was honest and, well, a little rude. This was exactly what I needed!
It was during the
process with her I hit rock bottom in my mind, thinking ‘this sport is not for me - I will never be good enough’. She told me I was out of shape – too fat, and I had horrible hands, no empathy for the horse and my ego was too big. Everything she said was actually true, and I think this is one of the biggest problems with people today. They want to be told they are great, and they make excuses for why it is not working. Julie was like my karate kid master who showed up at just the right time. Julie also inspired all the connections between what I have learned from riding, sports psychology and my crazy adventure in Europe.
I learned it is essential to understand what kind of
rider you want to become and why you want to keep going. The top riders did not wake up great - they have many different skills. You need to find a way to break these skills down and decide what points you need to work on. The same idea goes for your horse. I am starting to see how Julie’s lessons piece together like a puzzle. The simple exercises and patterns on the flat start to create
Amy Collinson - CAPELLO G at Bonheiden CSI1*/CSI3* in 2014
a stronger horse and rider, who can then attempt more complex movements together. The same goes with repeating the same simple pole exercises, creating a more confident horse and rider. Therefore, you need to do a lot of homework to undercover which ingredients are required for the ‘cake’ before you start baking. Buying a new horse, positive thinking, or a new bridle are not enough on their own. They are just the surface matters. You need to dig deeper to truly uncover what is missing.
A metaphor I have for this idea is ‘baking without a recipe’.
My mum used to make banana cakes when I was young. I have watched and helped her since I was five years old. When I moved to Europe, I had moments when I felt homesick, so I decided to try to make a banana cake. I asked my mum to send me her recipe and started to make them whenever I needed that comfort. After a while, I began to add in different things and make them without the recipe. Now I know it so well that I can make it from feeling - I literally tip the flour into the bowl directly from the bag. Add in extra bananas or eggs. Change the type of flour, add a little salt. Throw in some chocolate or a dash of cinnamon. My banana cakes
are always popular and can be finished within ten minutes. It looks like I am guessing; however, with all my experience, it’s not really guessing. I am never worried about the cake not turning out right because I trust my feeling. It appears to be natural, but really it comes from lots of practice. Whenever I try this freestyle way of baking with other cakes, it is very hit and miss whether they will turn out right – because I am guessing!
My little story relates to riding. When you watch the top
riders, they make it look so easy. It seems like they are naturally talented with some kind of magic feeling – like me making a banana cake - but in fact, they had been around that cake for years; it is not random. All the small elements are within them from their experience. That to me is ‘feeling’ – You need the structure and all the basics, but once they are solid, you can let go in the ring. It is not in a ‘close your eyes, hit and miss’ way – it’s trusting all the work you have already done. “Create structure so you can have freedom, map your direction so you can swerve the lanes because, without them, there is no form, no art, only chaos.” Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey. C SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
89
SALE
ENDS TUESDAY 31 ST AUGUST
19999
WHILE STOCKS LAST
13999
$
$
SAVE $140
WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC PREMIER FREE DETACH-A-NECK HEAVY Grey Plaid | 4'3 - 5'6 | WAS $339.99
SAVE $50
WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC PLUS DYNAMIC STANDARD NECK MEDIUM/LITE Purple/Black | 3'9 - 4'9 | WAS $189.99
6999
5499
$
$
SAVE $20
SAVE $20
SAXON CHANNEL QUILT STABLE STANDARD NECK MEDIUM Navy/White | 2'9 - 5'9 | WAS $89.99
WEATHERBEETA GREEN-TEC 900D DOG COAT MEDIUM Black/Bottle Green | 25cm - 80cm | WAS $74.99
4999
WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC PARKA 1200D DOG COAT Navy/Grey/White | 25cm - 80cm | WAS $64.99
5499
$
$
SAVE $15
SAVE $10
WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC PREMIER FREE PARKA DOG COAT MEDIUM Dark Blue Plaid | 25cm - 80cm | WAS $64.99
Visit WWW.EQUESTRIANCONNECTION.CO.NZ
49
$
2999
$ 99 SAVE 110
WEATHERBEETA MEMORY FOAM COMFORT HALF PAD White | Small & Large | WAS $159.99
2499
$
$
SAVE $10
SAVE $10
SAXON ELEMENT QUILTED ALL PURPOSE SADDLE PAD Navy/Blue, Navy/Pink & Purple/Navy Cob & Full | WAS $34.99
WEATHERBEETA DELUXE SHOULDER GUARD Black | Cob - Warmblood | WAS $39.99
$
3999
$
7499
$
1999
$ 99
9
SAVE $15
SAVE $15
SAVE $20
SAVE $8
HALF PRICE!
COLLEGIATE STRAIGHT LONG ELASTIC GIRTH Black | 110cm - 135cm | WAS $54.99
COLLEGIATE MEMORY FOAM DRESSAGE GIRTH Black | 70cm - 85cm | WAS $89.99
6495
ROMA NEOPRENE BRUSHING BOOTS Black/Pink & Black/Purple Pony - Full | WAS $39.99
12999
$
$
SAVE $20
SAVE $15
SAVE $10
$
KINCADE COMFORT ANATOMICAL FLASH BRIDLE | Black Pony - Warmblood | WAS $149.99
KINCADE TWO TONE LUNGE LINE WITH CIRCLE MARKERS Black/Grey, Blue/Navy & Purple/Black 11m | WAS $39.99
KINCADE LUNGING TRAINING SYSTEM WAS $79.95
1999
1699
$
$
SAVE 20
SAVE 10
$
2999
$
SAXON RIBBED TOUCH TAPE BELL BOOTS Orange | Pony - Full | WAS $17.99
1799
$
SAVE $7
KINCADE POLY ANTI-GRAZING STRAP Black | WAS $24.99
2995
$ 99
SAVE 10
SAVE $3
$
$
6
HALF PRICE!
WEATHERBEETA PRIME EAR BONNET Amethyst, Emerald, Sand & Topaz Full | WAS $39.99
ROMA RAINBOW LEAD 2m | WAS $26.99
ROMA RAINBOW HEADCOLLAR Shetland - Cob | WAS $39.95
SAXON COTTON NICKEL PLATED SNAP LEAD Assorted colours | 2m | WAS $9.99
79
$
DUBLIN PERFORMANCE THERMAL ACTIVE TIGHT Beige | Ladies 10 - 16 | WAS $119.99
59
$
84
$ 99 SAVE 40
$
DUBLIN SILVERLINE DIAMOND PIPED HELMET Black/Silver | 55cm - 59cm | WAS $129.99 Navy/Red | 53cm - 60cm | WAS $129.99
29
$ 99 SAVE 20
$
DUBLIN LEATHER POLO BELT Cowdray Brown/Black/Red/White & Cowdray Brown/Pink/Blue/Yellow 75cm & 95cm | WAS $79.99
6499
$
SAVE 15
DUBLIN STRETCH FIT HALF CHAPS Black | Adults WAS $79.99
$
DUBLIN UNIVERSAL JODHPUR BOOTS Black & Brown | Ladies | WAS $64.99
2499
1895
$
$
SAVE $5
KORSTEEL POLYMER TOE CAGES Black | Small & Large WAS $29.99
6499
1999
$ 99
5
SAVE 5
SAVE $3
$
DUBLIN LEATHER TOUCH CROP Black & Brown | 65cm WAS $24.99
2995
$
SAVE $6
ROMA PLASTIC FEED BIN Black WAS $24.95
1999
$
SAVE 10
$
$ 99 SAVE 15
DUBLIN ALL SEASONS RIDING GLOVES Purple | Small - XLarge | WAS $44.99
5499
$
$ 99 SAVE 45
ROMA PLASTIC MEDICAL ARM BAND Black | WAS $8.99
1299
$
SAVE $5
ROMA APPLE PICKER STABLE RAKE Blue WAS $34.95
4995
SAVE $5
KINCADE HAYNET Purple | 42" WAS $17.99
1249
$
$
$
$
SAVE $15
SAVE $10
SAVE $10
SAVE $350
250g WAS $39.95 NOW $29.95 SAVE $10 ROMA STEP UP GROOMING BOX Assorted colours WAS $79.99
SOLOBRUSH WAS $29.99
ALL BLACK N BLUE 475g WAS $59.95
EQUIWASH SHAMPOO 1L WAS $15.99
SAVE 500
SAVE 30
ON COLLEGIATE SCHOLAR ALL PURPOSE SADDLE
ON WINTEC KIDS SADDLE
$
$
1499
$
269
SAVE $500
SAVE $30
ROUND CANTLE Black | 16.5" - 17.5" Brown | 17" & 17.5" WAS $1,999
WINTEC KIDS SADDLE Black WAS $299
$
SQUARE CANTLE Black | 17" & 17.5" Brown | 17.5" WAS $1,999
FIND YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST NORTH ISLAND STORES AMS SADDLERY 82A Spartan Road, Takanini, 2105 Phone: 09 298 7094 Visit: www.amssaddlery.co.nz CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN AUCKLAND 49 Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland Phone: 022 585 1144 Visit: www.canterburyequestrian.co.nz
CHAMPIONS EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES 18 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua Phone: 07 349 3530 Visit: www.championsequestrian.co.nz
HR FISKEN & SONS 295 Tuakau Road, Pukekohe Phone: 09 238 9414 Visit: www.hrfisken.co.nz
PREBBLE EQUESTRIAN 422 Gillespies Line, Palmerston North Phone: 06 353 8822
HORSELANDS DRURY 236 Great South Road (300m from Drury off ramp) Drury, South Auckland Phone: 09 294 6391
SUMMIT GRAINS & SADDLERY 16 Oliver Street, Cambridge Phone: 07 827 6091 Fax: 07 827 3881 Visit: www.summitsaddlery.co.nz
HORSELANDS HAMILTON 789 Te Rapa Straight (one block south of the base), Hamilton Phone: 07 849 5266
TE AWAMUTU SADDLERY 170 Bruce Berquist Dr, Te Awamutu Phone: 07 871 4982 Visit: www.teawamutusaddlery.co.nz
HORSELANDS KUMEU GRAIN 933 Waitakere Road (opposite the showgrounds), Kumeu, West Auckland Phone: 09 412 7400
THE TACK SHACK 2 Breakwater Road Moturoa, New Plymouth Phone: 06 751 2225 Visit: www.thetackshack.co.nz SOUTH ISLAND STORES
EAST’S OUTDOOR WORK & LEISURE 109 Main Road, Makaraka Gisborne, 4010 Phone: 06 868 8479 Visit: www.eastoutdoors.co.nz
HORSESPORTS SADDLERY Unit 2/84 Spartan Road, Takanini, Auckland Phone: 09 269 6518 Visit: www.horsesports.co.nz
CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN (CHRISTCHURCH) 823 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch Phone: 03 349 6241 Visit: www.canterburyequestrian.co.nz
EQUESTRIAN CENTRAL 74 High Street, Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay Phone: 0800 EQ CENT (372 368) Visit: www.equestriancentral.co.nz
HORSEWYSE SADDLERY 4A Cloverlea Road Palmerston North Phone: 06 354 7787 Visit: www.horsewyse.co.nz
CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN (NORTH CANTERBURY – WOODEND) 50 Main North Rd, Woodend Phone: 03 310 0570 Visit: www.canterburyequestrian.co.nz
FOUNTAIN CITY SADDLERY 15A Lincoln Street, Hamilton Phone: 0508 SADDLE Visit: www.saddleryshop.co.nz
TACK SHOP 2037 Pakowhai Road, Pakowhai, Hastings Phone: 06 870 7256 Visit: www.tackshop.co.nz
CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN (DUNEDIN) 92 Gordon Road, Mosgiel, Dunedin Phone: 03 489 2299 Visit: www.canterburyequestrian.co.nz
CANTERBURY SADDLERY Cnr Racecourse & Yaldhurst Road, Riccarton, Christchurch Phone: 03 342 9260 Visit: www.canterburysaddlery.co.nz MARLBOROUGH EQUESTRIAN BARN 95 Battys Road, Blenheim Phone: 03 578 8914 Visit: www.marlboroughequestrianbarn.com RANGIORA EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES 623 Lineside Road, Rangiora, Christchurch Phone: 03 313 1674 Visit: www.rangioraequestrian.co.nz RICHMOND SADDLERY 430 Paton Road, Hope, 7081 Phone: 03 544 4177 Visit: www.richmondsaddlery.co.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY SADDLERY LTD Shop 2, 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru Phone: 03 688 2555 Visit: www.scsaddlery.co.nz
Terms & Conditions: 1. Prices excluding specials indicated in this publication are recommended retail stock held by us on order at time of going to print. 2. Prices shown are recommended retail only. 3. Every item listed may not be available in all stores and stock is available only while stock lasts. 4. All items have been included in good faith on the basis that products, as described, will be available from our suppliers at the time of sale. Failure by our suppliers to deliver in accordance with sample or description or at all, or unintended delay with the supply to us of stock may result in some lines being unavailable or delay in availability or delivery. 5. Display accessories and props shown are not included in the price shown unless specified. 6. Prices on our saddles do not include mounts unless specified. 7. Prices on our bridles do not include bits unless specified. 8. Prices effective until 31st August 2021. Equestrian Connection reserves the right to alter or correct pricing or printing errors.
WWW.EQUESTRIANCONNECTION.CO.NZ
TRAINING clinic
Building Positive Foundations WORDS - Ashleigh Kendall IMAGES - Michelle Clarke Photography In this article, Lauren Haig coaches us through the basics and provides some valuable exercises and tips to set you up for success on your young dressage horse. Building solid foundations at the lower levels will help you excel when you move on to the higher levels. Lauren is a 26-year-old full time dressage rider and has produced several young horses including her own current Grand Prix horse from scratch. Lauren at any one time has 8-10 horses in work across a range of levels, including schoolers and sales horses sent to her by her clients. Lauren also spends a large proportion of her time teaching, both in Canterbury and further afield. Cabo Verde is an eight-year-old 17hh gelding by Centavos, owned by Danielle Wallace. Lauren and Red have only been a team for a few months, with Red arriving to Lauren with a few quirks and opinions that needed working through. Previously produced as a show jumper/eventer, Red is relatively new to the dressage game but has come ahead in leaps and bounds. While still very green and a lot of strength yet to gain, the long-term goal is for Red to work his way up to the FEI levels.
Start with stretching It is essential to start a schooling session by loosening your horse through his back, along his topline, working on bringing the wither up in front and engaging his core. Even in the stretch and the lower frame, you want to aim to have the wither higher than the croup, with his hind legs actively stepping through and travelling well forward under his body.
94 - SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Going through the movements In the beginning, Lauren likes to check that she can stretch her horse and he moves both forward and sideways in response to her aids. She works to ensure the horse has a good rhythm and is working through his back in all passes to prepare for the training ahead.
SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
95
more about the stretch...
the stretching guide
✗ ✗ ✗
So many riders think putting the horse’s ears below the withers puts the horse on the forehand, but that is only the case if it’s done incorrectly, as the first three diagrams show. The fourth picture shows a correctly ridden stretch where the horse continues to reach out to the end of the reins, instead of dropping behind the contact When you start training a young horse, the emphasis should be on the horse accepting the contact and moving into the bridle rather than being in a frame. Remember that while your horse is building the strength to carry himself, his contact and frame will be more inconsistent. Just stick with supporting him with repetitive aids until he is strong enough and understands enough to do it independently. Combine short spells of working into the contact with frequent stretches forwards and downwards. Ensure that even while allowing the stretch forward and down, you maintain a soft connection with the rein, encouraging him to seek a soft contact in the bridle. You should aim to achieve an even contact in both reins.
TOP TIP
✓ 96 - SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Even when stretching, your horse’s wither should remain higher than his back end, and his hind legs should continue to travel well forward under his body.
Lengthening the stride Next, work on asking the horse to take a longer stride in the trot. Check that he is listening to your aids. If you ask him forward, then he should respond from a light leg aid. If he doesn’t, then sharpen his reactions with a quick and definite leg aid. Then check again for the correct response. The horse must be the one doing most of the work. Give him an aid, then sit in balance in the middle of the saddle and keep a steady feel on the reins to help him engage. Before any transition, either downward or upward, put your legs on and remind him to engage his hindquarters. Your legs give him the support he requires.
TOP TIP
Ask for just a few strides at first, gradually building up the number of steps as your horse becomes more balanced.
Once they have warmed up properly, and the horse is moving forward in a nice rhythm, lifting and swinging through his back, they have a short break before moving on.
SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
97
Leg yield Leg yield is an invaluable exercise to help horses of all levels with suppleness over the back and rib, and engagement. At the beginning of introducing leg yield, it is helpful to begin on a smaller circle and leg yield the horse out onto a larger circle. As you progress, you can build the leg yield by moving across the diagonal. Don’t be afraid to work outside of what is required in tests. There are many ways to train using different movements to improve the overall quality of the horse. Every movement is a valuable training exercise, not just a trick to be performed in a test.
What is it:
Leg yield is a movement where the horse moves forwards and sideways at the same time while keeping straight throughout his body. However, he is slightly flexed away from the direction of travel. The movement is a novice lateral exercise performed at the trot in competition tests and can also help train the other gaits. It can be ridden in various ways, including on a circle, along the long side of the arena or across the diagonal. When changing the rein on the diagonal, leg yield helps to get the horse onto the new outside rein and inside leg and keeps him thinking.
TOP TIP
When you practice riding leg yield, you must give yourself a definite start and finish point. If you don’t have a target, you’ll end up struggling to maintain the correct angle. He will either fall out the shoulder and drift across, or not move over enough.
Try it for a stiff horse: If your horse is stuck on the inside leg or not bending correctly through the rib cage, use leg yield on a smaller circle pushing him out onto a larger circle, to get him bending and stepping away from your inside leg correctly. This is also a fantastic exercise to introduce the leg yield before moving onto leg yield on straight lines. When leg yielding out, ensure that your horse is moving sideways, away from your leg. His body should follow the curve of the circle, with slight flexion at the poll away from the direction in which he is moving, and you should just be able to see his inside eye and nostril. Remember, you are pushing your horse off your inside leg into your outside rein. The outside rein helps to guide the shoulders and maintain suppleness
98 - SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
within the movement, and works together with your inside leg. Being soft and supple through the body and neck allows your horse to bend without stiffness and work freely without excess tension. This will help him perform movements and transitions smoothly in good balance. Remember that the horse needs time to work into each exercise, so don’t expect it to be perfect straight away. Allow him time to work into it and stick with the exercise until you have some good improvement before moving on. With any exercise, you should be working for quality over quantity. Aim for a few reasonable steps and then ride out of it before asking again. As your horse progresses, you can move on to expecting more steps.
Transitions create balance Not only are transitions very valuable in your training to strengthen your horse, but they are also marked in tests, sometimes with a co-efficient mark. You want to ensure you are achieving these movements and not throwing away marks unnecessarily. There are many ways to improve the transitions in your schooling sessions. You can opt for transitions between gaits - walk-trot, trot-canter, etc., and you can also ride them within a pace. For example, ask for a bigger canter and then come back to smaller steps before going forward again. Everything we do in dressage is to strengthen, supple and improve adjustability in the horse, so don’t limit yourself to only what is in the tests. Transitions can help keep the horse be responsive to your aids and are valuable to encourage bend, engagement and selfcarriage. M
Try it
n
n
n n
n
Begin cantering on the diagonal. Prepare for the downward transition to trot before X. As you transition to the trot, plan a 10-meter circle to the outside (the opposite direction of the original lead). Balance the circle and the trot. As the horse returns to the diagonal prepare for an upward transition to canter on the new lead. Continue cantering on the new lead across the diagonal.
> ter
> Can H
ter
>
> Can
X > ot > Tr
E
A
C
Utilising a circle after the transition to trot will teach the horse to wait for the aid from the rider before transitioning to the new lead.
Trot
n
F
>
This exercise is aimed at improving the transitions in the change of lead through the trot. It will begin to teach the horse to use his hind end to balance back for both the downward and the upward transitions. This exercise also improves the horse’s obedience and attention to the rider’s aids because it prevents him from anticipating what comes next. It will also give the horse and rider more time to prepare for the canter.
B
K
How to fix it
Be sure to have a balanced canter when starting down the diagonal. This will help to set up a better downward transition to trot. When asking for the downward transition to trot, prepare for the circle to the outside after the horse has started trotting. It is important in this moment to quickly half halt with the new outside rein as you begin the circle in the direction of the new lead. This will help to balance the horse in the new direction and keep the 10-meter circle accurate. The 10-meter circle should be used to help the horse bend in the direction of the new lead and allow more time for a balanced transition to canter. If your horse stiffens in the downward transition to trot, it is the 10-meter circle ridden in the direction of the new lead that helps the horse stay within the circle of aids while remaining supple. If the horse remains stiff as he returns to the diagonal after the trot circle, the rider may choose to repeat the circle before asking for the new canter lead. If the horse stiffens into the transition for the new canter lead, the rider should immediately perform a 10- or 15-meter circle with the first steps of the canter. If the horse has softened after the canter circle, the rider should continue back to the diagonal. SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE -
99
The centreline & halt In dressage, the halt is one movement where you can achieve a high score, no matter whether or not your horse is fancy. A good halt is one where the horse is straight and square. It comes from riding a straight, positive centreline. Common reasons for lower scores in the halt include; the horse being unbalanced, falling onto his forehand, or moving a leg to step out of the halt. A less submissive horse might throw his head up and resist the contact, or be slow to move off after the entry halt. To ride a good halt, the rider must remain positive and think forward. Many riders make the mistake of thinking backward because it is a downward transition, but the horse must be ridden forward for all transitions, no matter whether they are up or down. As you approach the halt, close the reins and cuddle the horse with your leg to keep him engaged as he steps into the halt. An excellent way to train the halt is to begin by riding a few shorter and more collected steps to teach the horse to keep bringing his hind legs forward and under, helping him maintain balance. Once he has made a reasonable effort and has halted, make sure you give him plenty of love, so he knows that is the answer you are looking for. It is good practice to make sure each halt and transition is a good one, so it becomes automatic for both you and the horse.
How to fix it
Not square/not straight: If the horse hasn’t achieved a square halt, it is likely he wasn’t straight and engaged before the halt. Go back and make sure that he is straight by riding some centrelines and three-quarter lines. You can even begin by practising the halt from the walk away from the track. Make it easy and break it down for him until he begins to feel confident. Then move on to the halt from trot. If the horse swings his quarters out, correct him by moving his shoulders, so he is straight. If need be, you can practice using the wall to help you or even halt between two poles. Remember, progress, not perfection. This may take time, and you will need to remember to be disciplined and make sure that every time you ask him to halt that you are asking him properly. Doesn’t stand still: This will lose you many marks in the test, so it is vital to work on it to avoid throwing away easy marks. This is a matter of practice asking him to stand still and wait. You might need to sacrifice straightness initially, but prioritise standing still and then work on correcting the rest. Steps backwards: Ride him forward out of the halt before asking to halt again. Be positive with your legs and think forward even while you are in the halt. C
100 - SHO WCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
Always reward your horse for performing a movement successfully
• THE SAFER ALTERNATIVE • FlexiFence NZ are pleased to make this flexible vinyl horse fencing available at a cost effective price for all your equine needs. Sourced from overseas and now stocked in NZ. Flexifence NZ is made from a large manufacturer whom exports to the USA, France, Europe and Australia. Now, it is available here in NZ.
Proven in NZ conditions that can also be viewed. We are only selling what we have used ourselves. We searched the world for a better cost effective fencing solution that would be safe for horses while being affordable and lasting a long time.
• Cost effective as less posts are needed • Easy to install - can be done yourself • Reduced maintenance cost over a life time due to not needing to paint • Much safer around horses - greater surface area compared to wire, No rough edges unlike wood and will flex if kicked. • Simple tension system • Fences can be electrified easily • Strong with 3 high tensile wires for extra strength • Long life - UV tested in NZ Laboratory • Can be joined if needed without replacing whole fence and to minimise wastage of short pieces • All fittings and insulators are supplied complete with mounting screws and bolts. No need to purchase additional hardware
0274 768 214
www.flexifencenz.co.nz
STALLION SHOWCASE - BREED THE BEST THIS SEASON
SHOWCIRCUIT
NEW ZEALAND’S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE
STUDS &
STALLIONS ISSUE ONE | 2021
FEATURING AMBERLEY HOUSE ASTEK STUD BALMORAL EQUESTRIAN CHEVAUX DANSANTS STABLES CRYSTAL MT STUD ELITE DRESSAGE HORSES ELITE FROZEN FOALS NZ EQUIBREED NZ EURO SPORT HORSES
GRASSYARDS FARM KELARAY STUD MATAWHIO SPORT HORSES MAUNGATUA EQUESTRIAN NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY NZWB ASSOCIATION SG STUD TREVALDA IRISH SPORTHORSES WHIORAU STATION
CHACCO SILVER’S SIRE (CHACCO BLUE) IS RANKED
NUMBER 1
IN THE WBFSH RANKING FOR JUMPING BREEDING STALLIONS!!
Matawhio Sport Horses proudly presents
Chacco Silver Chacco Blue x Cellestial x Sir Caletto 2008, 177cm, Oldenburg Jumping Stallion
AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN THE 2018 NZWB CLASSIFICATION TOUR AND ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST EVER AWARDED MARK FOR A STALLION!
Chacco Silver is line bred to the influential Caletto 1 and carries some of the most critical blood in modern jumping. His sire Chacco Blue has held the No 1 position for jumping breeding stallions in the WBFSH rankings for the past four years. His progeny continue to top European foal and young horse auctions. Chacco Silver remains the only serving NZ based son of Chacco Blue, and he is now breeding in Australia by frozen semen. Chacco Silver progeny all jump. They excite
great interest and attention both here and in Australia. He strongly stamps them; he improves the mare and provides very athletic, electric, scopey, well-moving horses of wonderful temperament, such as BMW Chaccolilli (who at one show last season won 3 important classes), and Chio MS, who is jumping so successfully in Australia. Chacco Silver creates horses that can be competed by amateurs or professionals! Now aged 13 years, Chacco Silver is still young
CHILLED SEMEN AVAILABLE AT YOUR MARE’S CONVENIENCE. SERVICE FEE $2100.00 + GST. LIVE FOAL GUARANTEE AND FIRST COLLECTION IS FREE.
in breeding terms. Most of his progeny are still maturing, but we confidently expect to see them dominating, jumping here in years to come. Ask anyone who’s bred a Chacco Silver foal - they are phenomenal - he wasn’t sire of the 2017 NZWA Classification Tour Champion foal and dam sire of the 2019 Champion foal for no reason! If you want to breed a jumping champion, Chacco Silver has proven himself to be a pre-eminent sire.
Address: 56B Bryant Road, Karaka, Auckland 2580 - Phone: 021 154 2311 - Email: matawhio@xtra.co.nz
w w w. m a t a w h i o . c o . n z
www.eurosporthorses.co.nz www.eurosporthorses.co.nz VISIT VISITTHE THEWEBSITE WEBSITEFOR FORMORE MOREINFORMATION, INFORMATION,PHOTOS PHOTOSAND ANDVIDEOS VIDEOS
EURO EUROSPORT SPORT
DARCO DARCOOBOLENSKY OBOLENSKY Darco Darco x Cornet x Cornet Obolensky Obolensky x Grannus x Grannus
2016 2016168cm 168cmBLACK BLACKSTALLION STALLION One Oneofofthe thelast lastsons sonsofoflegendary legendaryDARCO, DARCO,ranked rankedno.1 no.1Sire Sireininthe the World Worldfive fiveyears yearsinina row a rowfrom from2007 2007toto2011. 2011.ToTothis thisday dayDarco Darco has hasthe thesired siredthe themost most1.60 1.60horses horsesofofany anystallion! stallion! “DARCO “DARCOOBOLENSKY OBOLENSKYshows showsalot alotofofpower. power.HeHeis isa strong a strongstallion stallion who whois isexpected expectedtotofollow followininthe thefootsteps footstepsofofhishisfather fatherDARCO.” DARCO.” BWP BWPStallion StallionApproval ApprovalCommittee Committee Performance Performance tested tested && approved approved for for BWP BWP Studbook Studbook Service Service fee fee $2000 $2000 ++ GST GST - LFG - LFG
EURO EUROSPORT SPORT
DIMERO DIMERONN NNZZ
Diamant Diamant dede Semilly Semilly x Casper x Casper van van Erpekom Erpekom x Querlybet x Querlybet Hero Hero
2016 2016170cm 170cmSKEWBALD SKEWBALDZANGERSHEIDE ZANGERSHEIDESTALLION STALLION • • Sire SireDIAMANT DIAMANTDEDESEMILLY SEMILLYwas wasranked rankedNo.1 No.1ininthe theWBFSH WBFSH World WorldSJ SJSire SireRankings Rankingsinin2015/16, 2015/16,and andis iscurrently currentlyranked ranked No.2 No.2 • • From Fromdirect directdam damline lineofofCSICSISJers SJersKRISKRAS KRISKRASDVDV5*5*1.60m, 1.60m, GUCCI GUCCIDVDV1.50m 1.50m& &HEROS HEROSDVDV1.40m 1.40m • • Cannot Cannotproduce producechestnut chestnutoffspring offspring Service Service fee fee $2000 $2000 ++ GST GST - LFG - LFG
EURO EUROSPORT SPORT
KALASKA KALASKA
Kalaska Kalaska dede Semilly Semilly x Centadel x Centadel x Quilot x Quilot ZZ
2015 2015169cm 169cmBAY BAY STALLION STALLION “This “Thishorse horseis isvery verymodern, modern,uses usesitsitsbody bodyinina good a goodway, way, a lot a lotofofaction actionand andstrength strengthininthe thehind hindlegs, legs,great greattechnique technique ininthe thefront frontlegs, legs,uses usesitsitsback backproperly, properly,a beautiful a beautiful and andchic chicstallion.” stallion.” Grand Grand PrixPrix rider rider of Jalisco of Jalisco B and B and - XAVIER - XAVIERLEREDDE LEREDDE- International - International Papillon Papillon Rouge, Rouge, andand breeder breeder of superstars of superstars Quidam Quidam de de Revel Revel andand Papillon Papillon Rouge. Rouge.
Licensed Licensed for for Hanoverian, Hanoverian, AES AES && NZWB NZWB Studbooks Studbooks Service Service fee fee $2000 $2000 ++ GST GST - LFG - LFG
Carries Carries 50% 50% Thoroughbred Thoroughbred blood blood
ALL ALLSTALLIONS STALLIONSARE AREAVAILABLE AVAILABLEVIA VIAFRESH/CHILLED FRESH/CHILLEDSEMEN SEMENAND ANDARE AREWFFS WFFSFREE FREE
EURO EUROSPORT SPORTHORSES HORSES
eurosporthorses@hotmail.com eurosporthorses@hotmail.com| 021 | 021907 907227 227oror027 027223 2234818 4818
EURO EUROSPORT SPORTCENTAVOS CENTAVOS Approved Approved for for Hanoverian, Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Oldenburg, SBS SBS && NZWB NZWB Studbooks Studbooks Service Service fee fee $2000 $2000 ++ GST GST - -LFG LFG Cannot Cannot produce produce chestnut chestnut offspring. offspring.
2004 2004172cm 172cmBLACK/BROWN BLACK/BROWNSTALLION STALLION Escudo Escudo I xI Argentinus x Argentinus x Bariton x Bariton
ESESCENTAVOS CENTAVOSis isananInternational International1.60m 1.60mShow Show Jumper, Jumper,representing representingNew NewZealand Zealandininthe theFurusiyya Furusiyya Nation’s Nation’sCup CupininOcala, Ocala,FLFL2016. 2016.2015 2015Silver SilverFern Fern Stakes Stakes& &NZNZHorse Horseofofthe theYear YearChampion Championand andwinner winner ofofcountless countlessGrand GrandPrix. Prix.
“Euro “EuroSport SportCentavos Centavosis isextremely extremely scopey scopey(powerful) (powerful)and andcareful, careful,intelligent intelligent& & lovely lovelytotoride! ride!Traits Traitsweweallallhope hopefor.” for.” - Multiple - MultipleOlympic Olympic& &World WorldChampionship ChampionshipSJ SJMedalist Medalist- BEEZIE BEEZIEMADDEN MADDEN
EURO EUROSPORT SPORT
DIAMANT DIAMANTBB Diacontinus Diacontinus x Calido x Calido I xI Calypso x Calypso II II
2014 2014178cm 178cmGREY GREY STALLION STALLION • • Sire SireDIACONTINUS DIACONTINUSis isranked rankedNo.1 No.1ononthe theGerman GermanFNFNSJ SJ Young YoungHorse HorseSire SireRankings Rankings • • AtAtthe theHanoverian Hanoverianlicensing licensingauction auctionthe theunder underbidder bidderforfor Diamant DiamantB Bwas wasOlympic OlympicGold GoldMedalist MedalistLudger LudgerBeerbaum Beerbaum Licensed Licensed for for Hanoverian Hanoverian && NZWB NZWB Studbooks Studbooks Service Service fee fee $2000 $2000 ++ GST GST - LFG - LFG
ALL ALLSTALLIONS STALLIONSARE AREAVAILABLE AVAILABLEVIA VIAFRESH/CHILLED FRESH/CHILLEDSEMEN SEMENAND ANDARE AREWFFS WFFSFREE FREE
EquiBreed EquiBreed
FROZEN FROZENSEMEN SEMENFROM FROMEUROPE’S EUROPE’S BEST BESTBLOODLINES BLOODLINES Equ Equ
iBr iBr eedeeNdZ NLtZd Ltd
Excellence Excellence in in Equine Equine Reproduction Reproduction
SHOWJUMPERS SHOWJUMPERS
ZIROCCO BLUE VDL ZIROCCO BLUE VDL
ZIROCCO ZIROCCOBLUE BLUEVDL VDL
(MR. (MR. BLUE BLUE X LINCORNE X LINCORNE DES DES FORETS) FORETS) 1.70m, 1.70m, Grey, Grey, KWPN. KWPN. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier Approved Approved forfor KWPN, KWPN, SF,SF, Holst, Holst, Unire, Unire, Hann, Hann, Old/OS, Old/OS, BHBH Wherever Wherever Zirocco Zirocco Blue Blue competes competes all all eyes eyes areare upon upon himhim with with hishis scope, scope, jumping jumping style style andand efficiency. efficiency. Under Under JurJur Vrieling Vrieling he he hashas achieved achieved several several veryvery impressive impressive international international results results
CARRERA CARRERAVDL VDL
(CARDENTO (CARDENTO X VANTIELS X VANTIELS ESPRIT) ESPRIT) 170cm, 170cm, Bay, Bay, KWPN. KWPN. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier Approved Approved forfor KWPN, KWPN, Zangersheide, Zangersheide, Old/OS, Old/OS, Hann., Hann., BHBH Carrera Carrera is aisstriking a striking andand interestingly interestingly bred bred horse horse from from a combination a combination of two of two Olympic Olympic stallions. stallions. Sire,Sire, Cardento, Cardento, won won three three silver silver medals medals under under Peter Peter Eriksson Eriksson at the at the Olympics, Olympics, thethe World World Championship Championship andand thethe European European Championship. Championship.
GLASGOW GLASGOWVAN’T VAN’TMERELSNEST MERELSNESTVDL VDL
(NABAB (NABAB DEDE RÊVE RÊVE X WENDELINE X WENDELINE VAN VAN ‘T MERELSNEST) ‘T MERELSNEST) 174cm, 174cm, Black/Bay. Black/Bay. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier Approved Approved forfor NRPS, NRPS, AES, AES, BH,BH, Hann., Hann., SF,SF, Holst. Holst. Glasgow Glasgow vanvan ’t Merelsnest ’t Merelsnest is an is an exceptional exceptional andand interestingly interestingly bred bred stallion. stallion. SireSire Nabab Nabab de de Rêve Rêve andand grand grand siresire Darco Darco have have both both hadhad successful successful careers careers in Grand in Grand PrixPrix competitions competitions to include to include World World Cups Cups andand World World Championships. Championships.
COMTHAGO VDL COMTHAGO VDL
GLASGOW VAN’T MERELSNEST VDL GLASGOW VAN’T MERELSNEST VDL
CARRERA VDL CARRERA VDL
COMTHAGO COMTHAGOVDL VDL
(COMME (COMME IL FAUT IL FAUT X NASTASIA X NASTASIA V) V) 170cm, 170cm, Bay, Bay, Holstein. Holstein. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier Approved Approved forfor AES AES Comthago Comthago unites unites thethe genes genes of show of show jumping jumping phenomenon phenomenon Comme Comme Il Faut Il Faut with with a performance a performance dam dam lineline from from Holstein. Holstein. With With Comme Comme Il Faut, Il Faut, Carthago, Carthago, Caretino, Caretino, Constant Constant andand Roman Roman all all in ainline, a line, Comthago Comthago hashas thethe complete complete package package of genes of genes to to succeed succeed in both in both sport sport andand breeding. breeding.
EquiBreed EquiBreedNZNZis isyour yourbest bestchoice choiceforforallallyour yourAIAIand andembryo embryotransfer transferneeds needsorormare mareand andstallion stallionfertility fertilitytreatments. treatments.
RESULTS RESULTSMATTER! MATTER!FROZEN FROZENSEMEN SEMENAVAILABLE AVAILABLEON ONAAPREGNANCY PREGNANCYBASIS BASISAT ATEQUIBREED EQUIBREEDNZ! NZ!
EVENTING EVENTING
UNTOUCHABLE UNTOUCHABLE- GFE - GFE
NEGRO - VAN OLST HORSES NEGRO - VAN OLST HORSES
GLAMOURDALE - VAN OLST HORSES GLAMOURDALE - VAN OLST HORSES
(HORS (HORS LALA LOILOI II xIIPROMESSE) x PROMESSE) KWPN, KWPN, Grey, Grey, 168cm. 168cm. . WFFS . WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier TheThe success success of his of his offspring offspring both both in the in the arena arena andand on on thethe commercial commercial scene scene make make it one it one of the of the most most sought-after sought-after stallions stallions in Europe in Europe in 2018. in 2018. HeHe brings brings strength, strength, an an outstanding outstanding canter canter andand a winning a winning mindset. mindset. Crowned Crowned Elite Elite Stallion Stallion forfor BWP. BWP.
CONTENDRO I*GFE CONTENDRO I*GFE
(CONTENDER (CONTENDER X BRAVO) X BRAVO) Holsteiner, Holsteiner, Dark Dark bay, bay, 168cm. 168cm. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier carrier ForFor thethe fourth fourth yearyear in ainrow, a row, he he is the is the world’s world’s No.No. 1 sire 1 sire of winners of winners in Eventing in Eventing andand hashas ranked ranked among among thethe world’s world’s toptop 2525 sires sires in show-jumping in show-jumping forfor thethe past past 7 years! 7 years!
UNTOUCHABLE GFE UNTOUCHABLE GFE
CONTENDRO CONTENDROI*-I*-GFE GFE
DRESSAGE DRESSAGE (LORD (LORD LEATHERDALE LEATHERDALE X THUJA) X THUJA) 170cm, 170cm, Black, Black, Hannover, Hannover, KWPN, KWPN, Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Westfalen Westfalen / RPSI / RPSI WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier. carrier. 2018 2018 FEIFEI World World Champion Champion 7-year-old 7-year-old dressage dressage horses. horses. Glamourdale Glamourdale is the is the undisputed undisputed champion champion of the of the 2014 2014 Stallion Stallion Inspection, Inspection, thethe Reserve Reserve Champion Champion of the of the 2014 2014 KWPN KWPN performance performance testtest andand thethe 2018 2018 “sovereign” “sovereign” FEIFEI World World Champion Champion of 7-year-old of 7-year-old dressage dressage horses. horses.
NEGRO NEGRO- Van - VanOlst OlstHorses Horses
(FERRO (FERRO X FEWRIE) X FEWRIE) 170cm, 170cm, Black, Black, KWPN, KWPN, Hannover, Hannover, Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Selle Selle Francais, Francais, Rheinlander, Rheinlander, SWB, SWB, DWB, DWB, Bavar. Bavar. WFFS WFFS - Non - Non carrier. carrier. SireSire of Olympic, of Olympic, World World Equestrian Equestrian Games, Games, andand World World CupCup winner winner Valegro, Valegro, Negro Negro hashas certainly certainly confirmed confirmed hishis value value as as a sire a sire of top of top dressage dressage talent. talent. Negro Negro offspring offspring have have proven proven tiretire andand again again thatthat they they have have thethe talent talent forfor thethe FEIFEI work work andand he he is currently is currently ranked ranked 8th8th on on thethe WBFSH WBFSH Dressage Dressage SireSire Rankings. Rankings. Negro Negro hashas been been awarded awarded thethe coveted coveted Preferant Preferant status status by by thethe KWPN KWPN andand waswas thethe 2017 2017 KWPN KWPN Stallion Stallion of the of the Year. Year.
SOLIMAN SOLIMANDE DEHUS HUS- GFE - GFE
(SANDRO (SANDRO HITHIT X DANEA) X DANEA) 169cm, 169cm, Black. Black. Hanoverian, Hanoverian, SF,SF, Hann, Hann, OLD, OLD, BAV, BAV, RHEIN. RHEIN. WFFS WFFS - carrier. - carrier. ThisThis stallion stallion is considered is considered as as thethe bestbest sonson of the of the world world famous famous dressage dressage legend legend SANDRO SANDRO HITHIT by by German German breeders breeders andand hashas seven seven licensed licensed sons. sons. Winner Winner in 2007 in 2007 of the of the famous famous 2-year 2-year oldold Hanoverian Hanoverian approval approval in Verden in Verden andand within within thethe TopTop TenTen of the of the German German 6-year-old 6-year-old Bundeschampionatefinals, Bundeschampionatefinals, thisthis jet jet black black licensed licensed stallion stallion is, at is, age at age 11,11, thethe proud proud father father of over of over 400400 foals. foals.
SOLIMAN DE HUS - GFE SOLIMAN DE HUS - GFE
GLAMOURDALE GLAMOURDALE- Van - VanOlst OlstHorses Horses
WE WEHAVE HAVEMANY MANYOTHER OTHERSTALLIONS STALLIONSON ONOFFER OFFER Talk Talktotoour ouramazing amazingteam teamororwith withour ourregistered registeredspecialist, specialist,DrDrLee LeeMorris Morris07078701845 8701845ororemail emailinfo@equibreed.co.nz info@equibreed.co.nz
www.equibreed.co.nz www.equibreed.co.nz
S S tallion tallion Line Line Up Up ofof2020/2021 2020/2021
Concherto ConchertoFF FF (Burren-Dah (Burren-Dah The The Wizard Wizard (exp) (exp) xx Aloha Aloha Symphony) Symphony)
Brown Brown 15.2hh 15.2hh Anglo Anglo Arabian Arabian stallion stallion
Breeding Breedingspecial special $500.00 $500.00 per per breeding breeding (2 (2 doses), doses), (limited (limited doses doses available) available) Multi Multi Australian Australian Champion Champion in in multiple multiple disciplines disciplines
Triple TripleTrees Trees Prince PrincePerfect Perfect (Veenstras (Veenstras Promise Promise xx Helsehoeves Helsehoeves Henriete) Henriete)
Elite Elite Dutch Dutch Riding Riding Pony Pony / Warmblood / Warmblood Pony Pony $700.00 $700.00 breeding breeding dose dose (very (very limited limited doses doses remaining) remaining) Approved Approved NZNZ Warmblood Warmblood Association, Association, NZAHS NZAHS
Kelaray KelarayStud Studisisproudly proudlysponsored sponsoredby: by: Cedar CedarLodge LodgeEquine EquineProducts Products
280A 280AHeath HeathRoad, Road,RD1, RD1,Awanui, Awanui,Kaitaia Kaitaia0486 0486 Email: Email:kelly@kelaray.com kelly@kelaray.com- -Phone: Phone:021 021582 582070 070
Kelaray KelarayStud Stud
Breeding BreedingChampions Champions
Solaris SolarisBuenno Buenno
InInaddition additiontotohishisproven provenperformance performancebloodlines, bloodlines,Buenno Buennoisis Homozygous Homozygousforforthe theTobiano Tobianogene, gene,thus thusproviding providingbreeders breeders with withthe thecertainty certaintythat thathishisprogeny progenywill willbebecoloured colouredwith with Tobiano Tobianomarkings. markings. (Umenno (Umenno x Edwina) x Edwina) Homozygous Homozygous Tobiano Tobiano Warmblood Warmblood stallion stallion Standing Standing 15.3hh. 15.3hh. Buenno Buenno is is SSH SSH Licensed Licensed with with the the AES, AES, Registered Registered KWPN KWPN & WBFSH, & WBFSH, Approved Approved NZWA NZWA His His bloodlines bloodlines are are a combination a combination ofof both both jumping jumping and and dressage dressage genes genes from from the the world’s world’s leading leading stud stud books books including including the the Grand Grand Prix Prix show show jumping jumping stallion stallion Wellington Wellington byby stallion stallion ofof the the century century Nimmerdor. Nimmerdor. OnOn hishis damline damline wewe find find the the bloodlines bloodlines ofof Ekstein, Ekstein, Lucky Lucky Boy Boy Joost Joost and and Damenstolz. Damenstolz. His His pedigree pedigree is is also also made made upup ofof nearly nearly 50% 50% Thoroughbred Thoroughbred bloodlines. bloodlines. Available Available forfor the the very very first first time time toto NZNZ breeders breeders
STUD STUDFEE: FEE: Limited Limitedbreeding breeding doses dosesfor forthe the2021/2022 2021/2022season. season. $1600.00 $1600.00NZD NZD per perbreeding breedingdose dose For Formore moreinformation informationand andphotos, photos,including includingprogeny, progeny, please pleasevisit visitour ourwebsite websiteororcontact contactususdirectly. directly.
www.kelaray.com www.kelaray.com
Kelaray Stud
Breeding Champions Graemar Showtime (Magnum El Chall x Jindalla Diamonds and Pearls) Palomino part-bred Arabian stallion (DEC) 15.1hh Multi Supreme Champion Led & Ridden Reg: NZAHS / NZGHS Very limited doses remaining of frozen semen currently available. $550.00 per dose
Makisa Adaggio Purebred Arabian stallion Sired by Vervaldee x Maradisha
Sire of European Gold Champion Progeny! Standing an impressive 15.3hh. One of the very few sons of Vervaldee available for public stud in the world. SCID/CA\LFS clear.
Breeding special Discounts for multiple breedings € 1500.00 LFG (agent fee applies)
Kelaray Stud is proudly sponsored by: Australia & Cedar Lodge Equine Products
280A Heath Road, RD1, Awanui, Kaitaia 0486 Email: kelly@kelaray.com - Phone: 021 582 070
Equ
iBr eed NZ Ltd
EquiBreed
Excellence in Equine Reproduction
Our team specialises in producing foals!
EQUIBREED NZ LEADERS IN: FROZEN SEMEN LOW DOSE INSEMINATION EMBRYO TRANSFER, SHIPPING AND FREEZING EMBRYO RECIPIENT HERD STALLION SERVICES FERTILITY TREATMENTS SEX-SORTED SEMEN ICSI EMBRYOS
Talk to our Specialist – Dr Lee Morris 07 870 1845 or email: info@equibreed.co.nz www.equibreed.co.nz | EquiBreed NZ Ltd, 399 Parklands Rd, RD 1, Te Awamutu
Proudly presents
FURST HIT EDH
LICENSED RHEINLAND 2016 - 16.3hh - Black
A gorgeous modern & elegant stallion, Friday has 6 international dressage super sires in his first 3 generations! Furstenball is a modern, and now preferant Hanoverian stallion with a reputation for producing ladies horses with exceptional rideability and temperaments. His dam, Neversvelde Jazz Hit is an imported Rheinland mare by Sandro Hit and her dam sire is Jazz. Both these stallions are in the top 5 in the World Dressage Breeding Stallion Index and are exceptional producers of Grand Prix and Young Dressage horses.
?? Year ?? colour
FURST HIT EDH
As you would expect from his sire, Friday’s temperament is exceptional. He has an exceptional hind-leg and 3 very correct gaits. He is a beautiful mover, powerful and loose with great hock articulation. We feel confident he will produce horses suitable for both amateur and professional riders, depending on the mare used.
FUEST HEINRICH FURSTENBALL MARADONNA
FLORESTAN I DARWINA DONNERHALL MARELLA SANDRO SONG
SANDRO HIT NEVERSFELDE JAZZ HIT NEVERSFELDE JULIA
Stud fee - $2000.00 + GST Plus collections - LFG - WFFS Free
LORETTA JAZZ KPWN NEVERSFELDE FARIKA
FURST HIT EDH THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND BRED STALLION TO BE LICENSED INTO A EUROPEAN STUDBOOK!
Elite Dressage Horses Ltd l Victoria Wall p: 0272827944 l e: xhaltnz@xtra.co.nz l Whatawhata, Waikato Join us on on our Facebook pages - Furst Hit EDH & Elite Dressage Horses www.elitedressagehorsesnz.com
BALMORAL. presents
CHACCO SILVER’S SIRE (CHACCO BLUE) IS RANKED
NUMBER 1
IN THE WBFSH RANKING FOR JUMPING BREEDING STALLIONS!!
Matawhio Sport Horses proudly presents
Chacco Silver Chacco Blue x Cellestial x Sir Caletto 2008, 177cm, Oldenburg Jumping Stallion
AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN THE 2018 NZWB CLASSIFICATION TOUR AND ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST EVER AWARDED MARK FOR A STALLION!
Voltaire
Furioso II Gogo Moeve
GLENARA KANNAN BALL
Full European Bloodlines! AWHA, 2017
CHILLED SEMEN AVAILABLE AT YOUR MARE’S CONVENIENCE. SERVICE FEE $2100.00 + GST. LIVE FOAL GUARANTEE AND FIRST COLLECTION IS FREE.
KANNAN
Nimmerdor Glenara Kannan Ball is an exceptional young Cemeta stallion who combines the very best of modern Wozieta breeding. His pedigree descends from superstar credentials. Fuego Du Prelet He is by Kannan, who has phenomenal bloodlines Vivant and is a proven producer of Grand Prix horses, but hisDeprogeny both here and in breeding terms. Most Chacco Silver is line bred to the influential great interest and attention Scaliniof Van Heffinck are GLENARA also his dam’s side includes Vivant, who has equally Caletto 1 and carries some of the most critical in Australia. He strongly stamps them; still maturing, but we confidently expect to QUESTION bred an abundance of 1.60 show jumpers. This blood in modern jumping. His sire Chacco he improves the mare and provides very see them dominating, jumping here in years MARK Heartbreaker exciting cross has created a strong athletic jump to come. Van Ask anyone who’s bred a Chacco Blue has held the No 1 position for jumping athletic, electric, scopey, well-moving horses Quintana and demonstrates superb movement on the flat. Silver foal they are phenomenal - he wasn’t breeding stallions in the WBFSH rankings for of wonderful temperament, such as BMW Den Bosrand FatimaClassification Van De Heffinck Tour Chaccolilli (who at one show last season won sire of the 2017 NZWA the Not pastonly four years. His progeny continue does Glenara Kannan Balltocarry 3 important top European foal and young auctions. exceptional genetics, buthorse most importantly, he has classes), and Chio MS, who is Champion foal and dam sire of the 2019 so successfully in Australia. Chacco Champion foal for no reason! Chacco Silver remains the only serving NZ jumping an outstanding temperament to match. He would Silver creates horses that can be competed If you want to breed a jumping champion, based son of Chacco Blue, and he is now be an ideal stallion choice whether you want to Chacco Silver has proven himself to be a by amateurs or professionals! breeding in Australia by frozen semen. breed show jumpers, dressage horses or eventers. LFG - Collection Fee: $350.00 + GST
STUD FEE - $1800.00 + GST
Chacco Silver progeny all jump. They excite
Now aged 13 years, Chacco Silver is still young
pre-eminent sire.
Frozen semen available on request.
Address: 56B Bryant Road, Karaka, Auckland 2580 - Phone: 021 154 2311 - Email: matawhio@xtra.co.nz
BALMORAL EQUESTRIAN w w w .|mAnna a t aStokes w h i o|.E:c balmoral05@gmail.com o.nz
Breed for Success with the
NZ Hanoverian Society
Rheinland - SWE Dempsey
Rheinland - Bravado Ego Z
Rheinland - Furst Hit EDH
S u ccess Breed s S u cces s ! Choose Hanoverian or Rheinland Stallions FRESH OR FROZEN FROM IN NZ OR WORLDWIDE
- L i c e n s e d a n d P e r fo r m a n c e Te s te d -
Oldenburg - Swarovski
Hanoverian - Euro Sport Centavos
Rheinland - Lingh II
Hanoverian -Euro Sport Kalaska
Hanoverian -Euro Sport Diamant B
Hanoverian -Daminos TWS
info@nzhanoverian.com
nzhanoverian
www.nzhanoverian.com
DC A National Champion himself, now Donnerubin is the sire of the greatest number of NZ Dressage Champions in the lower levels (his progeny are still young) since 2016 onwards! That is the power of using a stallion with the highly inheritable bloodlines of Donnerhall (Donnerubin is a double cross) and Rubinstein. 14 years old - 16.1hh. Donnerubin produces champions under saddle where it counts.
NZWA PERFORMANCE LICENCED STALLION
Donnerubin started at his first season Grand Prix dressage in 2017-2018. Donnerubin is the first stallion in NZ’s history to be trained from foal to Grand Prix by one person, and better yet, I had never ridden level 5 before him, he was my first stallion and my first young horse! That is a beauty of these bloodlines, talented and still trainable. • WFFS gene free and NZWA Licenced Stallion. • Donnerubin’s bloodlines in particular the Donnerhall bloodline continue to be highest represented in the world dressage rankings. Donnerhall and now his son’s and grandson’s for the past over 10 years have held the highest number of top 10 spots on the WBFSH Sire Rankings for dressage. It is this kind of reliability that we as breeders look for when choosing a stallion that is going to produce an outstanding foal. • This is why Donnerubin progeny continue to dominate in the dressage arenas. They are both talented, stunning to look at, but more importantly are incredibly trainable. These traits are inherited from the strong Donnerhall genes. Donnerubin being a double cross of the Donnerhall bloodline,
means he stamps his progeny extremely strongly. • Donnerubin is the sire with the highest number of progeny who were National and Regional dressage champions since 2016. • At the 2021 Takapoto Dressage by the Lake the 5 year old class was dominated by Donnerubin progeny. The 5 year old title was won by CDS Donstar our young stallion we bred (Donnerubin x Gymnastic Star) with 83.6% and second was Dolcetto II (Donnerubin x Distelfink) with a young rider Samantha Belsham (just 16years old) on 81.6%! This is a just a small sample of the Donnerubin progeny success. Please view his Facebook Page for more mentions of recent National Champions and series Champions. • Donnerubin progeny are proving versatile. He
is the sire of the 2017 Young Eventing Horse Champion Ricker Ridge Riley who has gone onto competing at a 3 day at 2* and 3*. He has HOYS Champion Show Hunters like Montbelle Donahue with Laura Van Velthooven winning the Amateur Showhunter Title in 2020. He is the sire of many Champion Showing horses like Rubinesque with Vanessa Pickens. • Donnerubin’s progeny have such magic temperaments, this has meant that even freshly broken in Donnerubins are being ridden by young riders. • The most exciting part is that these champion Donnerubin youngstock come from such a wide range of mares, TB, warmbloods, anglo arabs or clydesdale mares. He stamps his progeny that strongly.
“Everyone deserves a beautiful horse!”
Our motto is So come and join the Donnerubin family. Donnerubin is highly fertile which makes breeding a breeze.
Donnerubin
Donnerhall Donautraum (German Import) (Oldenburg)
(Oldenburg)
Waischja
(Hanoverian)
De Niro
(Hanoverian) Delilah (German Import) (Oldenburg)
Aronja
(Oldenburg)
Donnerwetter (Hanoverian) Ninette (Oldenburg) Lortzing (Hanoverian) Winzerin (Hanoverian) Donnerhall (Oldenburg) Alicante (Hanoverian) Rubinstein I (Westphalian) Amsel (Oldenburg)
We here at CDS congratulate all riders, breeders, and all the support crew who contribute to these beautiful Donnerubin babies’ successes. We are proud to be a part of that and your journey. Service Fee: $1800 + GST
+ Collection Costs Includes Live Foal Guarantee. AI nationwide. 10% discount for return mares or owners with multiple mares.
CDS - CHEVAUX DANSANTS STABLES Feilding, New Zealand. • jacindayounger@xtra.co.nz • Mobile (027) 220 4257 Check out Donnerubin’s Facebook page for the latest updates
PROMOTING NZ’S BEST BRED HORSES ON THE WORLD STAGE
WINDERMERE J’OBEI W JOHNSON / POMPEII COURT XX / AMYNTOR XX
BEST WINDERMERE CAPPUCCINO COROFINO II / VOLTAIRE II / WESTERN BAY XX
BREEDS BALMORAL SENSATION SENATOR VDL / ABERLOU XX / UNKNOWN
Libby Law Photography
BEST FIBRE FRESH POPEYE CARDENTO / LIOCALYON / HAAJII XX
Add value to your Warmblood foal by registering with the NZWA! Foal registrations $70 from studbook mares, $80 from non-studbook mares and $100 for yearlings and older stock.
NZ WARMBLOOD ASSOCIATION OFFERS: •
FEI APPROVED INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS • FOR ALL HORSES
PROTECTION FOR BREEDERS AND OWNERS ALIKE
•
PROOF OF PEDIGREE INCLUDING DNA TESTING
•
CLASSIFICATION TOURS, STALLION LICENCING, MARE STUDBOOKS
•
AGE VERIFICATION
•
HORSE OF THE YEAR BONANZA
PROUD MEMBERS OF THE WORLD BREEDERS FEDERATION FOR SPORT HORSES
w w w. n z w a r m b l o o d s . c o m
A very elegant and modern type with extraordinary movement, athleticism, scope and a sweet, gentle personality. Licensed NZWA. Lion King has an impressive pedigree and offers breeders versatility to produce top quality horses for any discipline. Progeny are showing real class and share his great temperament. Lion King has been an exceptional performer in Show Jumping competing to Grand Prix. With natural ability in dressage and enormous jumping scope, Lion King has been described by acclaimed Hanoverian Judge and Classifier Jens Meyer as a modern versatile sport horse stallion, ideal to breed world Class eventers. He also believes that a horse of his calibre would add value to European breeding programmes to create a more multi-talented Sports horse.
ASTEK QUARTERMASTER HIGHES T CLASSIF IED CHAMP ION STALLIO N NZWBA 2016 TOUR
Images - NZ Equine
STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES Oldenburg stallion by Quaterback / Flemmingh/Weltmeyer/Grannus Astek Quatermaster is one of those stallions that impresses all who tour the stud. His majestic presence and beautifully balanced correct conformation are noticed instantly alongside his kind eye and wonderful temperament. He holds enormous power in his straight, balanced, elevated movement and it creates a total package that is hard to ignore. Astek Quatermaster is breeding exceptional horses for both dressage and jumping homes.
E info@astek.co.nz | P Sue Fowler 027 222 5037
www.astek.co.nz
SWE DEMPSEY ED PRODUC FOUR M PREMIU IED CLASSIF FOALS!
STUD FEE $2000.00 + GST LFG APPLIES Rhineland Stallion by Damsey FRH x Dressage Royal/Sir Donnerhall/Rubenstein Negative for WFFS. Cannot produce a chestnut foal. SWE Dempsey is now classified and registered with the Rhineland and NZ Warmblood Associations so his foals can now be registered with these bodies. A very correct horse showing tremendous trainability and scope under saddle. Dempsey turns heads wherever he goes. Dempsey’s sire Damsey ridden by Helen Langehanenberg now named the highest ranked dressage stallion in the world!!!
E info@astek.co.nz | P Sue Fowler 027 222 5037
www.astek.co.nz
RIVOLI MAGNUS
THE PERCHE R IS AMON ON G THE GENTLE GIANTS OF THE HORSE WORLD
STUD FEE $1500.00 INCL GST 16hh - Percheron Imported from Queensland. Born December 2017, Rivoli Magnus (turning grey) Percheron stallion by Cobigan Orlando (grey) x Roslow Dee Amara (black). Descending from Cobigan Trappeur (France), Common Ground Major Degas (USA), Prince Patrick Du Mordhief (Canada), Lime Headline (UK), Magnus has some of the best lines the Percheron breed has to offer. He is the old fashioned build- short cannons, good bone and solid stature with the typical unflappable Percheron nature and that distinctive apple butt. His first foals are expected this season to a Friesian x mare and a Cleveland Bay mare.
E riverbrookmfarm@gmail.com | P Lee Bason - 027 251 9019
www.astek.co.nz
TUIS MAJESTICAL STUD FEE $1500.00 (INCL GST) AI ONLY - LFG 14.2hh - Purebred American Morgan Horse
Astek Stud is proud to stand Tuis Majestical at stud for the 2021/2022 season.
STYLISH AND VERSAT I PERFOR LE MANCE HORSE
We invite you to discover this people-loving breed. The Morgan breed is recognised by its proud carriage, elastic gait, upright graceful neck, distinctive head and expressive eyes. They are intelligent and gentle-natured with exceptional conformation and strength. Their bodies are deeply muscled and have straight legs. A Morgan is distinctive for it’s versatility, trainability, stamina, vigour, personality, eagerness and strong natural way of moving. The breed has a reputation for intelligence, courage and a good disposition. This breed is known to be extraordinarily talented. The conformation lends itself well to a vast range of disciplines including Dressage, Showing, Eventing, Hunting, Jumping, Endurance and Western riding. The Morgan horse is adaptable and typically able to be handled by amateurs, professionals and even children. If you would like to add style, grace and performance to your foal, Tuis Majestical embodies all this and so much more.
Image - Debbie Stevens Photography
“THE HORSE THAT CHOOSES YOU.”
E nzblackhorse@gmail.com | P Jenny Mitchem 021 215 7874
www.astek.co.nz
BOUTIQUE EQUINE BREEDING SERVICES
TEMPERAMENT - TRAINABILITY - VERSATILITY
Presents
TREVALDA MOUNTAIN EIRE 16.1hh - 2015 Category 1 Purebred IRISH DRAUGHT STALLION Trevalda Mountain Eire 1070-M1/15
{
Ballineen Blue Mountain RID 1185/M0011
Kilharken Heather K0032/95 AUS
{ {
Bealagh Blue RID 078/M/0009 Ballineen Glen Abess RID 1185/F/0006 Kiltoghert CaseySB 005/ID/RID IRE Sumas Harkaway RID 11418
Live cover / fresh semen available Couriered nationwide Stud Fee $900 plus GST includes LFG
Whiorau Station - 3668 State Highway 2, Nuhaka 4165 info@whioraustation.co.nz - Phone - 021 464 965
(IMP GB)
BALLINEEN BLUE MOUNTAIN 16.2hh, 2006 Class 1 Purebred Irish Draught Stallion BBM - Multiple Champion Saddle Hunter. Supreme Paced & Mannered and Rider mount.
BBM progeny - (Oldest is 7yrs) 3rd Novice Dressage Horse of the Year, Placings at SI Champs, 4yr Future Stars & National Under 25 Champs.
BBM - Champion Working Hunter and full wire field hunter.
Add some TEMPERAMENT, TRAINABILITY & SOUNDNESS into your Sport Horse breeding programme. BBM Progeny Gee Whizz Winner, Paced & Mannered Saddle Hunter HOY, Runner-up Side Saddle HOY 2020, Rising Star Saddle Hunter HOY, Runner-up Open SH HOY 2018, All Breeds Supreme In-Hand.
BBM - All Breeds Supreme Champion In-hand
Photo Brittany Fowler Photography
Stud Fee $1500 incl GST
First collection & no foal free return. Fresh semen shipped nationwide.
Trevalda Irish Sporthorses P: 03 444 9309 M: 027 310 6858 E: g.crossan@xtra.co.nz
www.trevalda.co.nz
BALMORAL. presents
BIZZIE CANOODLING 148cm, Tobiano - PGP show jumper, 1* eventer, Pony Club mount
Full EuropeanCat Bloodlines! & Champion C Show Hunter AWHA, 2017
Voltaire
GRASSYARDS FARM
GLENARA KANNAN BALL
$1100.00 incl GST - LFG
Glenara Kannan Ball is an exceptional young stallion who combines the very best of modern breeding. His pedigree descends from superstar credentials. He is by Kannan, who has phenomenal bloodlines and is a proven producer of Grand Prix horses, but also his dam’s side includes Vivant, who has equally bred an abundance of 1.60 show jumpers. This exciting cross has created a strong athletic jump and demonstrates superb movement on the flat. Not only does Glenara Kannan Ball carry exceptional genetics, but most importantly, he has an outstanding temperament to match. He would be an ideal stallion choice whether you want to breed show jumpers, dressage horses or eventers.
Furioso II
Gogo Moeve
KANNAN Nimmerdor
Cemeta
Vivant
GLENARA QUESTION MARK
Wozieta Fuego Du Prelet Scalini Van De Heffinck
Contact Charlotte - 027Heartbreaker 241 8860 Quintana Van Den Bosrand and Find us on Facebook Instagram Fatima Van De Heffinck
or email: grassyards1@gmail.com STUD FEE - $1800.00 + GST LFG - Collection Fee: $350.00 + GST
Youngstock available for purchase Frozen by this outstanding stallion. semen available on request. BALMORAL EQUESTRIAN | Anna Stokes | E: balmoral05@gmail.com
Libby Law