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newsletter Four June 2013

Upcoming Events:

16 June - Dressage at Firlands 17 June - Jumping at Broadlands 22-26th June – Pony Camp (see advert inside)

by Virginia Garnham Over the weekend of April 20th and 21st, 9 school riders and horses took part in the SANESA Core League Qualifier 2, in Robertson. After a couple of weeks of uncertainty, with a few horses down with a virus and Connor's lameness due to a bit of rough frolicking in the field, the horses were trucked up in one large carrier on the Friday afternoon. As all impeccably-schooled horses should, they easily loaded, although it was up to Tavvy to tell Bean that it was all ok and to just get into the truck already! Just a mention here that, as Connor was out of action for a further 2 weeks, the wonderful Sandra generously lent Bean to Joseph. (True dat. – Editor) On Friday, late afternoon, the riders caught up with the horses, all safely delivered to their temporary, extremely dark stables, for feeding and grooming and then off to our various guesthouses/backpackers, back up again early the next morning to feed, groom and prepare for the day’s events – on a personal note, not having any daughter's to practice on, my plaiting skills surprised even myself – Bean, you looked SO handsome! (to page 2)

SHOW TIME!

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(from page 1) Saturday was Equitation, Working Hunter, Working Riding and Performance Riding: Tavvy made a few getaways, looking for Bean, racing over the grounds and stopping "dead in her tracks" when she found him, such crowd entertainment! (Their’s is a forbidden love, rivaled only by Romeo and Juliet and, possibly, Crosse and Blackwell. – Editor) On the Saturday evening we gathered at the Robertson Backpackers for a braai and it was wonderful to get to know the parents behind the riders and to the girls, thanks for the gymnastics display - the boys were intrigued! Sunday dawned, fresh and early again, although blessed with superb weather, the mornings and evenings were very autumnal, to feed and prepare for the second day's competition. Both days went well without any dramas, we had one rider come off just before the finish after a superb clear round jumping and dearest Bean, decided that he didn't like the look of the judges next to the first jump, 3 times(Blush! –Editor.), causing an elimination! Results: Ingrid Le Roux/Maties Jack Daniels : 2 x 3rd Jumping; 4th Equitation Carla Theron/ Maties Captain’s Treasure: 3rd Jumping, 4th Working Riding Michelle Gouws/Maties Dapper : 3 x 1st (Dressage x 2 and Performance Riding) Joseph Garnham/Maties Magic Bean: 3rd Equitation, 4th Working Hunter, 4th Show Jumping, 2nd Prix Caprilli, 3rd Prix Caprilli test 2 Mari Scheepers/Maties Little France: 4th Equitation, 2 x 3rd Jumping, 2nd Prix Caprilli, 3rd Prix Caprilli Elke Hesterman/ Maties Ballesteros: 2nd Working Riding; 2nd Dressage, 3rd Dressage Lou-Andri Naude/Maties Red Tavern: 1st Equitation; 1st Performance Riding; 2nd Working Hunter; 2nd Dressage; 3rd Dressage test 2; 2nd Show Jumping We were there to the very end, loading horses into the truck – the owner of the truck, broke down 20 kilometres outside of Robertson, a big thank you to Simon, for going to fetch him – ready to go, but there was one more trailer with a very stubborn horse – it took Julie and the girls 1 minute to get him into his box, once we were loaded!

A huge big thank you to the awesome Julie, Melanie, Chereeeee and Aimeeee, for all the organising, support, instruction, care and all their laughter! To our supporters who made the day trip to Robertson - Andrea and Sandra. To all the parents who give of their time and money for the opportunities our children have and to the riders themselves for their professionalism, horsemanship and good manners. To the horses too! You do Maties Equestrian proud.

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Dear All Re: fund-raising Maties Equestrian committee has many projects on the go – lots of fund-raising initiatives (like Amazing Race and Champagne breakfast): to improve the jumping and dressage arenas, build a wash-bay [for our horses], install a shower [for humans!], pave an area between the containers, help the broader community, train the club ponies… We have a very hard-working, entirely volunteer committee who are deeply committed but …. they can’t do it alone. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please let us know HOW you would like to get involved! If you’re keen but not sure, please just ask Andrea. Also, contact Andrea if you have any fund-raising ideas…. andrea_kruger47@yahoo.com Yours dyspeptically, Sandra

LETTERS AND NOTICES (send letters for publication to sss@sun.ac.za)

PLEASE WELCOME!

A new member of MEC… our head groom

Simba’s beautiful baby Amanda!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

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Malika

By Aimee Russouw

Malika is a beautiful flaxen chestnut mare with a gorgeous

white blaze running down her face. She is currently on trial to

replace (the beloved but departed) Artex as a new club pony.

Malika is 11 years old and an Arab, Saddler, Boerperd cross.

She has been living in a field for the last two years on a farm

in Wellington. She is believed to have done a few commandos

and endurance rides, landbou shows, outrides and some school

master training. Malika has an amazing personality and

exceptional ground manners, letting us faff over her endlessly.

She is a „hot‟ mare but we hoping as time goes by, she will

begin to relax in the arena and hopefully be able to stay with

us permanently and become a much loved favourite amongst

the riders and club members!

Recent Fundraising Events Maties Equestrian recently hosted a Champagne breakfast, at the dam, to fund-raise. HUGE success – thanks Cheree et al, for a wonderful brunch. Amazing Race Maties Equestrian recently put the fun back into fund-raiser with an equestrian competition designed to test hand-eye coordination, flexibility and guts, based on TV’s Amazing Race. Again, thanks to Cheree and the tireless committee! Winners of the children event were Joseph on Conner and the smallest Garnham on foot. The adult winners were Ursina Rusch on Artex and her pedestrian-partner, Anna Baauw (see below).

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A Word from our Stable Manager…

Hi all! Winter is definitely here!!! So please ensure that you keep your four legged friend warm and dry. Make

sure that before you pack them away that they are as dry and cooled down as you can get them before putting

them in the stable and putting their blankets on.

Please don‟t hose them down just give their bodies a good brush with the dandy brush to get all the mud off and

hose down just from the knee down to get the worst of the mud off.

Some advice from the farrier for winter is to keep the frog area as clean as possible. Wash the foot off and make

sure that there is no mud or sawdust etc in the grooves. Towel-dry the foot to make sure you get all the moisture

off. Apply a generous amount of Stockholm tar. Make sure that you wipe the Stockholm tar off every couple of

days to make sure that no thrush is growing in the dark.

Every few days put some iodine solution onto your horses frogs to keep them hard as this will help keep

anything from getting in the crevices and causing thrush.

Some advice to be able to navigate the stables successfully this winter is invest in some good wellies (or as

Simba says: gumshoes) a decent raincoat, some good coffee, hot chocolate or gluwein/red wine for the adults

and always bring a sense of humour!!!

Happy riding!

Julie

Community Project 2.0

By Lauren Boyd (currently busy with her MA in Psychology at Maties)

On 20 April 2013, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in South Africa (EAPISA) did a practical demonstration at

the Maties Equestrian stables. Kim Kidson, chairlady of EAPISA and a registered psychologist, as well as two

of her colleagues (one psychologist and one horse expert) led this demonstration.

The two Maties horses that were used in the demonstration were Pegasus and Holden. After introducing the two

horses to one another in the jumping arena, observers of the demonstration were allowed into the arena with Peg

and Holden (about 15 observers, with 15 choosing to remain outside the arena). They were first instructed to get

acquainted with the horse in their own time, however Peg and Holden had their own agenda of getting

acquainted with the horses on the outside of the arena! After this introduction, the participants were called back

to Kim and her team and asked to speak about their approaches and experiences with the respective horses as

well as their experience of the task.

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It was at this time

in particular that

two amazing scenes

occurred,

demonstrating the

power of horses

and their intuition.

Two participants

had stated their fear

of touching the

horses and related it

to their personal lives; when the first participant was speaking about her fear, Pegasus came up to her (out of 15

other possible attention-givers!) and dropped his head in front of her, asking her to give him some love. This

participant was so touched that she started crying, and the moment led to a personal realisation for herself. 5

minutes later the exact same thing happened to the second participant! It was just amazing how Pegasus chose

these two people specifically, and these moments gave everybody goose bumps.

The rest of the demonstration involved an example of a task that takes place during a therapy session. The task

involved going to halter a horse as a group, with every person in the group having a disability (such as being

blindfolded, not being allowed to talk, or not being allowed to use your hands). While the task was being

performed Kim and the horse expert explained the horses‟ behaviours as well as the participants‟ behaviours to

the observers. Once the horses had been haltered and the task completed, the participants were asked to talk

about the task and how they had experienced it. Where possible/allowed, Kim would go deeper with the

participants to relate their present experience

to past experiences or personal characteristics-

it was interesting to see how spot-on she was

with many things!

All in all it was an extremely interesting and

reinforcing experiencing; we are so lucky to

have daily interactions with these amazing

animals and their use for therapy has endless

benefits, as was clearly demonstrated on this

day!

*A big thank you the Helena Lategan and

Julie Lustgarten for the use of their horses!

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31 May 2013

Dear Maties

I thought I would write you guys a letter from my new home. I have settled into my new place and made some

new friends (those polo ponies sure are an odd bunch through!). I do miss Kaptein a lot though, and flirting with

the new girls here just isn‟t quite the same as flirting with Jazzy and Falda.

I have to say that I enjoy not having to do the kids‟ riding lessons anymore. Don‟t get me wrong, I like kids, but

the hour-upon-hour of walking and trotting in a circle, and getting accidentally yanked in the mouth and kicked

wasn‟t quite my forte. That‟s why it was just easiest to plod after one of my fellow school horses and day dream

instead. Of course I miss the schooling sessions with Ursina, even though we were not always of the same

opinion. That‟s ok though, I learned a lot and I loved to go jumping in the end! Hopefully my new owners will

take me as well!

Things are good here – I get to go into a big grass paddock every day and eat as much as I want! I also have a

really nice, big stable at night and fancy new blankets. My new family comes to visit me whenever they can and

the kids always have lots of treats for me. Life is good!

I just wanted to say that I‟m doing well and I miss you all a lot! Thank you for everything you have done for me

since I got to Maties. I could not be living where I am today if it wasn‟t for all of you!

Big, slobbery pony kiss,

Arty

Human Messenger’s note: Artex, our ex-school pony was put up for sale mid-May 2013 with the mission of

finding him a loving new home, as he was not happy in the riding school. The first family who came to try him

out bought him, and he moved to Val de Vie Polo Estate in Paarl on 29 May 2013. Unfortunately, the family‟s

one daughter has asthma attacks around horses and so Artex is now looking for another home after a mere 72

hours at Val de Vie. Maties Equestrian is assisting the family with finding a new home for Artex.

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Different breeds for different needs By the fabulous Cheree Canny What is all this horsey fuss about? Horse-this, horse-that; crazy horse people...a horse is a horse!

Can’t be that difficult, just jump on and ride.

Maties equestrian; these stables are

our second home, and these are our

children! My article is simply about how

wonderful and how interesting our sport is!

Not only do we have a wonderful history,

but each individual and horse also has

their very own personality, each horse a

different breed with their own individual

needs. So this is to explain to you how

things work around here, and what each

partnership is all about.

It’s funny how people gravitate towards

other people with who they share affinity,

so naturally it follows that riders will

choose horses with whom they feel some

kind of connection. “Sometimes the choice is very conscious and deliberate, sometimes

subconscious, but often people seek out pets who bear some resemblance to themselves, since

physical likeness breeds a natural sense of familiarity.” (Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D.)

Eric and Ginty

This month we’ll be focusing on a very

close and dear friend, Eric. He has been

part of our stable community for as long as

anyone can remember, and so best suited

that I should kick off this series of articles

with this partnership.

Dark in colour, graceful and nimble in size,

and considered rather a ladies’ horse

simply known as our very own Ginty. The

Did you know?

Hungarian King Louis II used a Friesian stallion on the battlefield

on June 15, 1526. The Friesian was used as a war-horse by Friesian

soldiers fighting with the Roman Armies, and later was used by

knights and travelled all the way to the Middle East with the

Crusaders.

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Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland, Netherlands.

Everyone who has been entranced by a Friesian has a story, and Eric is you can say, Friesian-

crazy. Some of these stories will make you laugh, some might make you cry but Eric and Ginty

will simply make you smile.

Breed influences:

1. Friesians are one of the most ancient European breeds of horse. Modern Friesians are

direct descendants of the horses that medieval knights used to ride into battle.

2. Friesian horses come from the same area of the Netherlands as the more familiar Friesian

(Holstein) dairy cattle.

3. Friesians are a rare breed; there are fewer than 1000 Friesian Horses in the U.S. and

Canada.

4. The Friesian Registry, which is still based in the Netherlands, maintains very strict

standards for registering stallions. To become approved, stallions are judged on

conformation, way of going and quality of progeny. There are fewer than 50 approved

Friesian stallions in the entire world.

My war horse

Modern day Friesian horses are growing in numbers and popularity, used both

in harness and under saddle. More recently, the breed is being introduced to the field

of dressage.

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Did you know?

Another fun fact! Due to its flashy appearance, the Friesian has become

popular in the film industry. Films such as The Mask of Zorro, Alexander,

The Chronicles of Narnia and 300 have all featured Friesian horses.

Interview: Eric’s influences

How long have you been at the stables? Since August 2011. How tall are you? 1.87

And Ginty? 157cm from the ground to the wither.

Why do you like Frisian horses? Is it to impress the ladies? Or is it simply the breed? No! Because he’s not a thoroughbred, he’s a real horse!

Do you have specific needs when it comes to horse riding? Yes!

What are those needs? Love of my horse

To meet nice girls

To exercise

What makes Ginty so special, and would you trade him in for something better? Never he is my 4th child in years but number one in terms of affection and mainly because he

never talks back!

Are horse people; A) poor, B )Crazy, C) full of shit? In terms of MEC full of shit and crazy!!!!!

How old were you when you started riding? 2001, always been a late starter, started riding

my motorbike at 55.

Who Sings Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy? Sandra Swart (I do! In the shower – Editor.)

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Anything else you’d like to add Mr Eric? I love the stables for three simple reasons; The Vibe, the people and – of course – my horse!

Did you know?

Friesian horses are now mostly black but they originally used to be

chestnut and grey as well.

When the Friesian Registry was founded in 1879 there was only one purebred

stallion remaining. All of today's Friesians can trace their ancestry back

to that one stallion.

I would just like to thank Eric for his willingness to participate in this article, as well as the

major role he plays at the stables. Eric and Ginty are by far the favourite and most popular

amongst outsiders as well as friends. We are lucky to have the pair as part of the MEC.

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Maties Show results March-April 2013 SANESA – SDRC (16 March) Show Jumping: Joseph Garnham & Maties Conner Bay (2 times 1st place and 1 time 2nd place), Mari Scheepers & Maties Little France 2 times 2nd place, Carla Theron & Maties Captain’s Treasure 2nd place SHOWING: Michelle Gouws/Maties Dapper- 2nd place (Performance Riding class) REINSMAN LEAGUE (SADDLER) (29 March) Lisa Gouws/Maties Miami Drift: 2nd in the Western Province Reinsman League (under 10 yrs division - cumulative scores from February 2012 to February 2013) SJ CONSTANTIA RIDING CLUB (6 April) Julie Lustgarten/Maties Holden: one pole in 80cm, clear 90cm Andrea Trollip/Maties La Falda: one pole 80cm, one pole 90cm SJ Stellenbosch District Riding Club (27 April) 80cm Welcome Stakes 2nd Danielle Cronje/Maties Hiawatha 3rd Julie Lustgarten/Maties Holden 80cm Competition: 5th Julie Lustgarten/Maties Holden 90cm Welcome Stakes Cheree Canny/Maties Ballesteros Competed 5th Andrea Trollip/Maties La Falda Stellenbosch District Riding Club Winelands Derby (28 April) 80cm Derby 3rd Julie Lustgarten/Maties Holden 90cm Derby Cheree Canny/Maties Ballesteros Competed 6th Andrea Trollip/Maties La Falda Cape Hunt Polo Club (28 April) 3rd Melanie Lustgarten/Maties Little France SDRC (18 May) 1st Mari Scheepers Little France (70cm showjumping) Joseph Garnham and Maties Conner bay also took place 70cm show jumping. SDRC (25 May)- Graded Dressage Julie Lustgarten and Maties Holden took place Julie Lustgarten and Stratford’s Orlando took place Melanie Lustgarten and Maties little France took place

Newsflash

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MEET A NEW CLUB MEMBER: Danielle Cronje

I started riding about a year and a half ago at Spier with Thomas.

After they moved to Broadlands I started riding with Inge and

bought Hiawatha on the 7th of January 2012. :) I only had him for

a month when I had a horsebox accident and he tore off my left

pointy finger. (It was on the 8th of February after my first show.)

After the accident I was not allowed to ride for 5 weeks - doctor's

orders, so I started to lunge him 3 to 4 times a week. It really

helped to develop our relationship, because Hiawatha can be a

little bit stubborn. I still free lunge him once a week, to help with

his obedience.

My goal for this year is to try and get SANESA colours!

So far I love riding at Maties, everyone is so friendly and helpful.

MEET A NEW CLUB MEMBER:

Zo Schneeberger started her exciting journey of becoming an

equestrienne. Her parents sent in these lovely photographs and

noted that: “We are hoping and trusting that it will be a long

and successful journey and are very grateful to have Kayleigh

as her instructor! Maties riding club has been wonderful so far

and we are very excited about being a part of this community.

Kayleigh has impressed us tremendously, as she has in three

lessons managed to give Zoë so much confidence, something

that we did not expect so soon.”

SPECIAL MENTION

Lisa Gouws received 2nd Place in the WP Saddlehorse Reinsman League Junior u/10 (the

competition ran from Feb2012 - Feb2013) at a function in Paarl @ Boschenmeer Gholf Estate.

She also completed the 1st Qualifier of SANESA SADDLESEAT EQUITATION at De

Bosch. The 2nd Qualifier will be held on 13 June 2013 in Villiersdorp and the 3rd Qualifier on

8 August 2013 in George.

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH COMPETITION!

The winner of this edition’s photo competition was (again) our professional Elizabeth Turkstra. The judges (Sandra Swart and Graham Walker) liked the Tolkienesque atmosphere, the serenity and evident bond between horse and rider in this photograph of Cheree Canny and Bally. We liked the shared expressions of peacefulness on both members of the partnership. We also see it as a beautiful reminder of how lucky we are to have access to this magical forest. (to enter next month’s competition, please send pics to sss@sun.ac.za)

Elizabeth wins a prize of a bottle of wine!!

To ask Elizabeth about her photography or to engage her for an affordable and amazing shoot, contact

elizabeth.turkstra@live.co.za

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Cute Small Garnham (by Simon Garnham)

The judges loved this one of Martina Meincken‟s small ones: vibrant colours and small human energy. The RHS came

second overall.

Helena sent this rare action shot of

Pegasus. Judges loved his evident

screeeeeching brakes!

The judges adored this one of Helena‟s Julia and Lara,

particularly the male judge, who was delighted to see this

dignified little dog, Stoffie Du Plessis, in this position.

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The ‘dish’ on my current pupils By Kayleigh Moller Firstly I would like to say they are all really special and I am still thoroughly enjoying, being their instructor. And that we have two casualties who I hope are on the road to recovery so they can come and ride again. Anya and Raiatea you are sorely missed. Monday’s group: Sarah: Our super-model who loves to talk and ask questions, which is really great, has an undying affinity for one of the shortest ponies in the yard. Ironic, I think not. Sarah’s jumping and general riding posture has improved really well this term. Cayleigh: a natural rider who only started this term has improved in leaps and bounds, really impressed with her progress. Wednesdays: Mia: a university student who studies music, who rides with finesse and grace. A Natural ‘dressager’ to say the least and I appreciate her enthusiasm towards riding. Joseph: I had the privilege of being able to go to a show with Joe, where the two Biral tablets took their toll on him and we had this outcome… Not to worry we are on the up and up! He is riding and thinking about how and why he is doing what he is doing, which is so great to see. He has a tendency to be too hard on himself, but is always game for a higher jump. Connor “Equus ploddus alongus” certainly isn’t the easiest horse to keep going during an hour long flatwork lesson. Well done Joe. Lize: a fellow student and friend who has just started learning how to ride and has mastered “the Trot” well done Lize. Thank for your enthusiasm and patience. Lynette: Is a natural and her kind spirit does not always play in her favour when riding the ‘ equus non-cooperatvus”, However there has been a great improvement and there is huge potential for much more.

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Kirstin: a pupil who truly brightens anyone’s day with all her sweet roses, has also mastered ‘the Trot’ and keeps everyone in the lesson entertained. Jordyn: another new pupil who is doing really well and is super determined despite the good and bad days, she keeps trying to do better, a great characteristic which will keep her in good stead. Fridays: Tallia( little one): is a chatterbox of note and is a reminder of why we teach riding. She can trot without holding onto the reins or the saddle and loves the joy riding has to offer, great girl. Kirstin (Tallia’s mom): is a brave lady and has done so well in the past few weeks, her progress is admirable and the fact that she rides with her daughter is extra special. Devon: a new student studying anthropology, who is a natural lead rider and has a tender heart as well as being very understanding towards the horses who play up. Her riding comes naturally. Sabella: has really improved in her riding posture and the way she handles the ponies I am really impressed with her improvement and her willingness to learn. Dan: ‘Dan the man’ is fearless and has a serious need for speed, a cross- country rider in the making, especially with his natural riding ability. Sabrina: Sabrina deserves a medal for the bravest rider of the term. She is doing really well and is a pleasure to instruct. Fingers crossed for cantering next term.

Upcoming shows in detail:

JUNE

DATE VENUE DISCIPLINE GRADED

8 June SDRC Show jumping Yes

15 June NRA Show jumping Both

16 June Firlands Dressage No

17 June Broadlands Show jumping No

17 June MRC Express eventing No

22 June SDRC Dressage Yes

22/23 June Dageraad Show jumping Both

JULY

DATE VENUE DISCIPLINE GRADED

13 July Dageraad Show jumping Both

21July SDRC Dressage Yes

20/21 July NRA Show jumping Both

21 July MRC Express eventing No

27 July SDRC Show jumping no

27/28 July Ostrich ranch N7 Eventing Yes

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Ursina sent us a wonderful cyber-critique circulating on the web…

A Letter from Your Horse (Original version) When you are tense, let me teach you to relax. When you are short-tempered, let me teach you to be patient. When you are short-sighted, let me teach you to see. When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be patient. When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene. When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful. When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things. When you are lonely, let me be your companion. When you need to learn, let me teach you. After all, I am your horse.

And now, the REAL DEAL...

When you are tense, let me teach you that there are lions in them woods and we need to leave NOW! When you are short-tempered, let me teach you to slog around the pasture for an hour before you can catch me. When you are short-sighted, let me teach you to figure out where, exactly, in the 40 acres I am hiding. When you are quick to react, let me teach you that herbivores kick much faster and harder than omnivores. When you are angry, let me teach you how well I can stand on my hind feet because I don't feel like cantering on my right lead today. When you are worried, let me entertain you with my mystery lameness. When you feel superior, let me teach you that, mostly, you are the maid service. When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to PAY ATTENTION. Remember how I told you about those lions in them woods? When you are lonely, let me be your companion. Let's do lunch. Also, breakfast, snack and dinner. When you are feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of "Veterinary Services". When you want to learn, hang around, bud. I'll learn ya.

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Maties equestrian does it all! We accommodate your nearest,

dearest and – frankly – weirdest! Cowgirls and cowboys, forest

picnics, vine-yard al fresco, pony parties and more, come celebrate

your birthday with us....

For very special, organised kids (and grown-up) parties please

contact

Cheree Canny 0823757070 or cannycheree@gmail.com

ADVERTS

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Please send me your news! We would be delighted to receive articles, adverts and ideas! If I have to nag anyone for the next edition, it will simply be devoted to Team Bean. That’ll learn ya. Send them to me at sss@sun.ac.za Be safe on your horse – watch out for low-flying pterodactyls, Sandra Swart

From the Editor

We’re on the Web! Visit us at: http://blogs.sun.ac.za/matiesequestrian/activities/

Well, our stables are full but put your name on our waiting list for livery space at Maties!

Phone stable manager Julie Lustgarten at 083 3910566