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Hoofbeats

Waitemata Riding Club

Inside this issue

Upcoming Events ........................ 3

Kaimanawa story ....................... 4

Member Profile .......................... 7

Veterinary article ........................ 8

Seminar recap ............................ 11

Member Questionnaire ............. 13

Sponsors Directory .................... 17

October 2014

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Prez Sez

Hi Members and welcome to our first quarterly newsletter for this year. It’s hard to believe that it is already October – not only is the competitive season about to get underway with a hiss and a roar but Christmas isn’t that far away either! The changeover of daylight savings is fantastic as there is now so much more time in the day to actually get a ride in…even if we are still a bit wet underfoot. With the competition season starting in earnest, I hope you have set your goals for the year (I talked about these in my last column), and you have started looking at the show schedules for the disciplines you enjoy to set yourself up a plan for the sea-son. As I mainly compete in dressage, I printed off the Dressage NZ schedule and have mapped out the shows I think I’d like to go to on my wall calendar, as well as the WRC events – looks like there is a dressage event on almost every weekend for me from mid-October right through to mid-December. I may have to rationalise which ones I attend so that my horse and I don’t get burnt out in the first part of the season! It was a shame to have to cancel the Dres-sage Training Day that we had planned last month, due to lack of numbers. I wonder whether our members are interested in dressage training or if, because you all have lessons, you aren’t interested in this type of event. We ran an article in the last newsletter on dressage Arena Craft which we hope was helpful, and will look to run more of these types of articles if you are interested in them. As we are keen to run events that YOU are interested in, we are including with this newsletter a questionnaire to find out a little bit more about you and what you’d like the club to be offering. Please take the time to fill this in and send us your feedback.

The ‘Mastering the Mindgame of Riding’ seminar was a great evening and I hope that those who attended got a lot out of it, and that you can apply what you learnt to the upcoming season. For those that couldn’t make it, we have an article on Suze on p11; and she can also provide you with a link to a video of the seminar. We have some great events coming up –the SH clinic with Tracey Page, and our first Dressage day of the season in late October. Keep your eye on our website and the Facebook page; and get your entries in early so you don’t miss out. As always, if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback we’d love to hear from you – either via the questionnaire, to our email addresses, or via Facebook. We hope to see you all out at some of our events this season. Happy riding. Amber

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Please support our Sponsors

Abercothi Equestrian

Abode of Beauty

Beachcroft Equestrian

Big Red’s Stable Snacks

Coprice

Dunstan

Dunn Contracting

Imogen Johnson

Garrard’s Horse and Hound

Kiwi Equine (Equissage)

La Cantina Wines

Melissa Steed—Pemberley Stables

Peryman Motors

Premier Equestrian

Saddle 4 You

Sue Pennington

Thoroughbred Floats

Vernon Logistics

Vivid Hair Design

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SHOWHUNTER CLINIC: Saturday 18th October, with Tracey Paige at Raider Lodge, Kumeu

SPRING DRESSAGE DAY 1: Saturday 25th October, at Woodhill Sands

PHIL MADDOX NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC: Sunday 16th November, in Kumeu (details to come)

COMBINED SHOWHUNTER/SHOWJUMPING: Saturday 22nd November, at Woodhill Sands

SPRING DRESSAGE DAY 2: Saturday 6th December, venue tba

* For all upcoming events, check out the website Events calendar, or follow us on Facebook.

UPCOMING EVENTS

DRESSAGE SERIES

Training Cup: Winner: Christine Andrews Runner-up: Miranda Watson

Level 1: Winner: Sandy Rowe Runner-up: Sandra Noakes

Level 2: Winner: Amber Disley Runner-up: Michelle Reidy

Level 3: Winner: Vicki Hamilton Runner-up: Desiree Russell

Level 4: Winners: Tracey Holden, Runner-up: Donnelle Bowden

SHOW HUNTER

Winner: Sandy Rowe Runner-up: Rachel Kearney

HIGH POINTS:

Section 1 - Flat High Points Awarded to competitors who did flatwork only

Winner: Vicki Hamilton Runner-up: Tracy Holden

Section 2 - Flat and Jumping High Points Awarded to competitors who did flatwork and jumping

Winner: Sandy Rowe Runner-up: Miranda Watson

Section 3 - Jumping High Points Winner: Sandy Rowe Runner-up: Miranda Watson

Young Horse Cup: Heza Clyde owned by Miranda Watson

Amateur Rider: Hayley Jopling

NOMINATED AWARDS

President’s Cup: Alex Dunne

Bannerman Memorial: Midnight Express owned by Bryan Walker

Tamara Sportsmanship Award: Jody Paddy

LATEST RESULTS

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“Crazy about Kaimanawas”: Simone’s inspiring journey

Jody Paddy talked to Simone Frewin about what inspired her passion for Kaimanawas, what makes the breed so unique...and Mana, the very special man in her life.

Q. How did you get involved with the Kaimanawas in the first place? What sparked your passion? “I was working at Fieldays at Mystery Creek in 1996, and found some Kaimanawa ponies on another stand during my lunchbreak. They reminded me so much of my first horse I’d had as a child (and still had). I just loved their char-acter and personalities. By the end of Fieldays, I’d signed up to take two colts from the 1997 muster.” Q. Tell us a bit about the history of the breed, and what makes them unique.

“Kaimanawa are the last remnant herd of the large herds that once roamed the entire North Island in the mid to

late 1800s. There has been some top breeding stock, imported Exmoor & Welsh ponies, as the foundation of the

breed; with the addition of Arabian, Thoroughbred & Clydesdale as well as mixed breed and Cavalry horses. These

have all contributed to bands in various areas of the Ranges. Kaimanaawa have roamed those hills for so many

years that they’re not like any other feral or station-bred horses in NZ. They haven’t been domesticated for around

160 years and have been so isolated from the outside world...some would be lucky to see humans more than a

handful of times in their lifetime. These horses have no dependency on humans and thrive in a very inhospitable

environment. They’re as close to pure ‘horse’ as you’ll find anywhere in the world! Those who have worked with

many unhandled or feral horses from other recognised herds around the country, all say the same thing;

Kaimanawas are COMPLETELY different!”

Contd overleaf...

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Q. Have they ever scared you?

“The only time they’ve really scared me is when they’ve got into a situation where they look like they’re going to

get injured. But no, I’m not scared of the horses themselves. If you don’t have a healthy respect for them and an

ability to predict what they might do, then you stand a very good chance of getting hurt...but understanding

them takes away any fear. I’ve been charged in yards by everything from mature stallions to tiny wee foals and

you have to instinctively hold your ground when that happens. “

“That behaviour is purely fear driven, so the logical thing is to try and keep all dealings as calm as possible so the

horse isn’t pushed to that. If people are getting charged or hurt it’s because they’re putting far too much pres-

sure on the horse.”

Q. Tell us about your most inspiring moment with a Kaimanawa.

“Gosh, there have been SO many! I’ve had some incredible moments just tramping through wild herds and I’ve

had some amazing things happen when working with them. The most recent moment was with Mana. Just two

days after he arrived at my place, he carefully backed up to a TV3 camera and began scratching his bum on it. I

have NEVER seen a wild stallion do that before! Within minutes, he was rubbing his backside on me too, like

some spoilt family pony. Just amazing! He’s the first Kaimanawa horse I’ve ever come across who had no fear of

humans.”

Q. You’re currently involved in the “Stallion Challenge” - tell us a bit

about your horse Mana, what’s he really like?

“Aaah, my magical, marvellous, magnificent Mana! How long have you

got?! I have NEVER met another horse like him. He just astounds me

every day. Right from day one, I threw away all plans I had of how his

training would go and have been immersed in our journey ‘Mana style’.

He has turned everything I thought I knew about horses, and Kaimana-

was in particular, on its head! He’s one of the most gentle horses I’ve

ever met and is certainly brave, thoughtful and extremely intelligent.

He may not be the best looking horse but his personality is just over-

whelming. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him! Seriously, if I

was offered the choice between a Lotto win & Mana, I’d take Mana

without hesitation. I know I’m going to learn so much from him and it

excites me beyond belief to think that we’re just at the very start of

that journey.

Contd overleaf...

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Q. How do you think he will cope at Equidays – what can you do to prepare them for that?

“I have no idea! Mana doesn’t like crowds (in his world, that’s more than 3 people). I live in the wops where it’s

incredibly quiet so it’s going to be even more of a shock for the poor guy. We’re having a trial run this weekend at

Kelly Wilson’s book launch at Matakana. We’ll also be heading down to Equidays a couple of days early so he can

get used to the atmosphere before the public crowds arrive. He’s so far proven that when he gets worried, he

trusts me to help him through a situation but this is completely new territory! Mana’s wellbeing comes first

though. If he’s really overwhelmed, I’ll withdraw him from the ‘Major Milestone’ and we’ll just work towards the

‘Stallion Makeover’ Challenges at HOY in March.”

Q. Are there any differences between starting a Kaimanwa

compared to any other breed of unhandled horse?

“Yes. Every other horse has some understanding of humans

and human environments (even if that’s just paddocks with

fences and troughs). These guys are in survival mode from

the second they come into contact with you, so every move

you make has a profound influence on them. The difference

between failure and success in a situation can sometimes

be as little as the timing of your breath. These guys have no

need of humans for survival and they know it!”

Q. Finally, what advice would you give to any WRC members who are considering adopting one?

“This is like childbirth. You can read all the books and talk to people as much as you like but you never REALLY

comprehend what you’re in for until it arrives! Be prepared that you’re very unlikely to have a ‘Wilson sisters’ ex-

perience and be riding your horse along beaches within a week. You might get a very easy, confident horse who is

tame in no time; or you might get a horse who is totally traumatised and could take months to settle before you

can even begin to work with it. Most fall somewhere between those two extremes, but you have to be prepared

to commit, no matter what you get, as they ALL come around eventually. Be prepared to forget everything you

know about horses, and be guided by the horse. That’s what will keep you out of trouble but will also teach you

more about horses than you ever thought possible. I guarantee you’ll never look at your domestic horse in the

same way again! Also be prepared to take on more, as they’re highly addictive!”

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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Member Profile: meet Kim & Breeze.

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Waitemata Riding Club Winter ORD

Open Jumping Class—Tip and Out

Photo Courtesy of Christina Bird

Photography

Te Atata Pony Club—ORD

Afternoon Open Jumping Results

Name: Kim Leckner

Occupation: Contact Centre Manager

Family life: Single with critters

Horse/s: Revilo Breeze, a 12-year-old Gisborne bred mare; and Leroy, a 12-

year-old miniature pinto gelding.

I’d describe our partnerships as: pretty cruisey these days, but it wasn’t

always the case. Breeze was 5 when I got her and had only hunted, so coming

to the big smoke was quite an eye-opener for her. There were plenty of tears

and tantrums in the early days, not to mention some pretty shocking behaviour

on her part! After much trial and error we finally worked out it was due to a

grass intolerance, and now we’re on top of it things are great. Breeze is a happy

little horse that loves to go out, and she’s happiest when hunt season rolls

around. To sum her up, she is a bit of a piggy; is cheeky, playful and inquisitive;

tough as guts, but is giving and honest.

Who we train with: Last year I started having lessons with Dani Maurer when

I decided I’d like to have a crack at show jumping. I really like the way she

teaches – she has a great eye for detail, and is quick to pick up and point out

ways to improve both your position, and the way the horse is going. I’m certain

my position and responsiveness have improved, which has helped our jumping,

both in the ring and on the hunt field. Dani has a great way of explaining

things, and takes the time to break something down so that both you and the

horse can get your head around it.

Our most memorable experience in the past season: Whilst we did have

some great days as local shows, the highlight of last season would have to be

the amazing time we had hunting over winter. Every day hunting is great, so

it’s hard to pin it down to just one but the thread that ties them together is al-

ways the same: the amazing countryside we are so privileged to ride over; the

thrill of the chase; the sense of achievement of tackling some crazy fences; the

camaraderie amongst fellow hunters, and the special bond you have with your

horse. If you’ve not ever tried hunting, I would highly recommend it!

What we most enjoy about WRC events: WRC events are great firstly

because they are so well run, and they cater for every discipline and lev-

el. There’s a great team of organisers and helpers that make the day flow, and

it’s always good to see the competitors/supporters help pick up rails, write for

dressage or pack up after the event. The atmosphere at the days is really sup-

portive and encouraging, which you don’t always see when you go to big

shows.

Our goals this season: I’d really like to tackle a show jumping round at 1.10,

but will be happy to start the season with some nice rounds at 1.00. As I do

every year, I’ll use the shows and summer to get Breeze fit for hunting so we

are ready to have another great season. If I’m lucky I will get to wear the red

coat as Deputy Master of our hunt again – it is such a thrill and an honour to

lead the field.

When I’m not riding, I like to: Sweat it out at Bikram yoga, travel to the

four corners of the world, eat and cook great vegetarian food, read anything

and everything – the more random the better!

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“For those having problems with ticks I would suggest a multimodal ap-proach, and probably combine deer tags with regular Permoxin washes.”

They’re itchy, icky and irritating—to both horse and owner. Dr Dave van Zwanenberg of Vets

North (previously Kumeu and Helensville Veterinary Services) gives us the low-down on deal-

ing with ticks.

Ticks provide a headache for many horse owners in the

warmer months, especially those in the more northern

areas of New Zealand where conditions are ideal for

longer periods of tick proliferation.

Permoxin, deer tags, Ripcord and Frontline spray are

useful tools to aid in the control of ticks. As well as

these products work, unfortunately, they need frequent

re-application to have a good effect if there is a high

tick burden in the environment.

None of these treatments are 100% effective, however

they will all markedly limit the number of ticks attaching

to your horse. They will also kill the tick before it has a

chance to reproduce, which in theory should reduce the

pasture burden of ticks.

Deer tags will only work when they are in constant

direct contact with the skin. The chemicals in the tag

are transported through the oily layer of sebum that

covers the skin.

I often find that to have the best effect, at least two

tags per horse are required, and even three for larger

horses. To allow for their removal during work, tying

the tags into a plait of mane or tail works well. Obvi-

ously these tags are made for use in cattle and deer, so

their use is off-label, but are worthwhile persisting with

as they have good results. As the active ingredient

does not actually enter the body, they are also safe to

use on younger horses.

Frontline (Fipronil) spray works in a similar manner

to that of the deer tags, by spreading through the oil

layer on the skin. Typically it is used as a spot treat-

ment to target the most affected areas. Ticks gain

access to the by climbing up the legs to access the

softer skin in the armpit or groin region.

“TICKED OFF?” Tips on how to deal

Or they move up the face during grazing, and

settle around the thinner skin around the eyes.

Again, this product is not licensed for use in hors-

es, but is recognised as being safe for use in hors-

es of all ages.

Permoxin can be made up into an all-over body

wash/shampoo, or sprayed on once diluted; as

well as being used as a spot on treatment. Alt-

hough the label claims around six weeks in help-

ing to prevent tick bites, in areas of high tick con-

centration, realistically washes probably need to

be done every 2-4 weeks. Permoxin is licensed for

use in horses and is fine to use in foals over 3

months old. Ripcord has also been used in a

similar fashion to Permoxin.

For those having problems with ticks, I would

suggest a multimodal approach, and probably

combine deer tags with regular Permoxin washes.

Frequent spot treatments over the leg and face

should also be performed.

The irritation caused by ticks is usually due to the

anti-coagulant that they inject when they bite

(which assists the blood flow towards the tick).

Unfortunately the body will react to it, as it is a

non-host antigen. This reaction varies between

horses, with some horses showing a full-on aller-

gic response.

* For specific veterinary advice, contact the

equine team at Vets North Kumeu on 0800

887 684, or vets@vetsnorth.co.nz.

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“Whose mind is it anyway…?”

Mastering the Mind Game of Riding Seminar

In a popular seminar last month, professional Mind Set Coach and Animal

Communicator Suze Kenington gave 26 participants a fascinating insight into

their relationship with their horse – and how our minds affect our riding.

Here are just some of the seminar take-outs:

‘How’re you feeling?’

To start things on a positive note, Suze began by asking the group to recall “three moments of joy”

they’ve experienced with their horse in the past. This was followed by an exploration of the feelings we

usually experience when riding, compared to how we’d like to feel.

“We shared a lot of discussion around this,” says Suze. “It helps to know that other riders experience

the same things, rather than thinking you’re the only one who gets frustrated or anxious.”

‘Home and away’

Most of us would probably have to admit to this one - that we ride differently when we’re at home com-

pared to out at competition.

Says Suze: “We may be Grand Prix heroes at our home arena, but when we go out, we tend to have a

loss of skill. That’s not necessarily coming from the horse.”

Suze provides a number of techniques for overcoming this problem. These include: riding in your bubble,

breathing correctly, riding with ‘feel’ rather than in your head, and visualisation/mental practice.

‘Communication break-down’

Suze explained one of the critical differences in communication between horses and humans. We rely

primarily on verbal communication, while they rely on non-verbal cues. So we humans need a little less

talk, and a little more listening with our heart and gut.

“It’s interesting to watch kids with horses, because they use more non-verbal cues than adults. They

wear their heart on their sleeve; and to a horse, that feels very real.”

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‘Don’t be a phoney’

Horses are sensitive barometers to human emotions, explains Suze. If you’re feeling negative, putting

on a happy face won’t fool your horse – but it might upset them.

“The horse is so much more sensitive to picking up our behaviour. Horses don’t need you to be hap-

py all the time, but they do need you to be honest. If your body language is saying one thing, but

you’re acting another way, they will be very confused.”

‘Ride with FEEL’

This is a useful acronym to help riders master their own personal mind game.

F is for focus: This is about riding inside your own bubble, and zoning out any distractions. “A

scattered mind is very de-stabilising to a horse,” says Suze. At a competition, for instance, don’t

waste your focus on spectators, other competitors, or that bogey fence in the showjumping ring.

E is for emotionally agile: Focusing on the past is a waste of energy – the only place you can create

change is in the present. If you do a poor transition in a dressage test, for instance, don’t let negative

feelings ruin the whole test. Just feel it, learn from the feeling - then move on and forget about it.

“That’s what horses do,” adds Suze.

E is for energetic awareness: Never forget: you’re a nervous system, riding another nervous system!

Or as Suze says, there’s no learning without calm. “Put a sign on the side of your arena that simply

says “breathe”. And if you find yourself losing your rag while riding, just get off – neither of you are

learning anything useful by this point.”

L is for listening: Your head cannot make you a good rider, says Suze. “Listen with your whole body,

to yourself, and your horse – with love. That’s your ultimate feedback mechanism.”

Want to learn more? To view a video of the seminar visit Suze’s website http://ridersmind.com/ where you can get both a

link to the seminar and a copy of the workbook provided on the night.

If you’d like to explore how it works in practice, Suze is available for consultations.

She works one-on-one with riders, either ridden or unridden; as well as small groups of 4-8 people.

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WRC Member Questionnaire 2014

WRC is your club – and we want to make sure we’re delivering more of what you want.

Please take a few moments to complete this questionnaire, and tell us what you think.

All answer are completely confidential - no names will be used when results are collated. (We use the names only to gauge who

has completed it).

Please visit our website to complete the Survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UflEDvZDFcCoRxWSFkTYHF8He548g-2d8S7D24T6v58/viewform?

c=0&w=1

Prize draw: Every WRC Member who completes the questionnaire by November the 1st will go into the

draw to win a $100 Abode of Beauty voucher OR 2 Equissage session from Kiwi Equine in Dairy Flat (Must

go to Premier Equestrian to redeem the voucher unless prior arrangement is made).

Classified: Sporthorse project, 7yo, 15.3 - 16hh unmeasured, TB mare. Showy chestnut with

great movement. Very green but would make great project for a kind and experienced rider/

handler. Reasonable offers considered and lease negotiable. Monica 0210748938.

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Please support those wonderful people and businesses

who support our Club! (To go to their website, CTRL + click on the logos below).

Abercothi Equestrian Dunstan Dunn Contracting

Abode of Beauty Imogen Johnson Equine Dentistry

Beachcroft Equestrian Garrard’s Horse and Hound

Big Red Stable Snacks Kiwi Equine (Equissage)

Coprice La Cantina Wines

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Sponsors continued…

Peryman Motors Sue Pennington

Melissa Steed—Pemberley Stables Saddle 4 You

Thoroughbred Floats Vernon Logistics

Vivid Hair Design Premier Equine Services

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Dressage, Show Jumping &

Cross Country lessons

Contact Chanel Campbell

027 306 1848

chanelcnz@hotmail.com

Ride on Waitoki

A social & learning occasion for

adults on a Tuesday.

Private Lessons with Chris

Beach.

For enquiries & bookings contact:

09 420 5376, 021 1680 021 or

beachcroft@xtra.co.nz

Coaching, training, sales,

facilities for hire.

Coupe Equestrian

254 Matua Rd, RD1 Kumeu

Auckland

New Zealand, 0891

Lisa Coupe

021 544 042

http://www.coupeequestrian.com

Jody Hartstone Lessons

Available in North Auckland for

lessons periodically. Contact her for

more information.

Phone: 027 28023369

Email:

jody@hartstoneequestrian.com

Raider Lodge

Tracey Page

Showjumping/showhunter

lessons

Resident trainer of Raider Lodge

181 Riverhead Road, Riverhead

Ph: (09) 412 9015

Dressage Coaching

with Caroline Twomey

$90 for 45 minute lesson + $12.50

arena hire.

Contact: Sara Hand

P: 021 222 0600 / E:

sara@bbrdesign.co.nz

Trainers & instructors: all disciplines

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Bill Noble

Available for dressage lessons in

Coatesville. He travels up

fortnightly on Wednesdays. All levels

welcome.

Please contact Melanie for

more information or to book a

lesson:

021 220 1115

melanie.dougan@gmail.com

Classified Adverts

FREE to members (non-business

related)

Business Card Size $5

1/4 page $10

1/2 page $15

Full Page $25

If you would like to place an

advert in

hoofbeats please contact:

jenny@wrc.org.nz

Dorne Nelson (Grime) BHSAI

Many years experience both

nationally and internationally.

Dressage and Showjumping

Comp/Non Comp riders welcome.

Coming to Auckland fortnightly

Contact for dates:

Phone: 07 8235928

Phone: 09 4129590

Sandra Soons

Dressage and jumping instruction for all levels.

$50/45min private or $40ea/1hr pairs.

No arena fee.

sandra@soons.co.nz 021 742121

Dani Maurer

www.maurerequestrian.com

$60 individual for 1 hour

$40 pairs for 1 hour

Phone +64 275 975 773

Dressage Coaching

with Caroline Twomey

$90 for 45 minute lesson + $12.50 arena

hire.

Contact: Sara Hand

P: 021 222 0600 / E: sara@bbrdesign.co.nz

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The Committee Waitemata Riding Club (WRC)

PO Box 156

Kumeu

info@wrc.org.nz

www.wrc.org.nz

General Committee:

Tracy Holden: tracy@wrc.org.nz

Karine Strickland: karine@wrc.org.nz

Sarah Vernon: sarah@wrc.org.nz

Sandra Noakes: sandra@wrc.org.nz

Jenny de Bazin: jenny@wrc.org.nz

Suze Kenington suze@wrc.org.nz

Libby Schultz: libby@wrc.org.nz

Sandy Rowe: sandy@wrc.org.nz

Tiffany Mullany: tiffany@wrc.org.nz

Hayley Jopling: hayley@wrc.org.nz

President: Amber Disley

amber@wrc.org.nz

Vice President: Jody Paddy

jody@wrc.org.nz

Secretary: Jessie Montgomery

jessie@wrc.org.nz

Treasurer: Michelle Reidy

michelle@wrc.org.nz

Membership Database: Tania Vennell

tania@wrc.org.nz

Hoofbeats newsletter: Libby Schultz &

Jenny de Bazin