From the Horse's Mouth: Recent Episodes
South African Equestrian Federation
With its roots deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of South African history, this remarkable breed embodies the spirit of the nation in its hardiness, versatility, and indomitable character.Whether you're a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or a curious newcomer to the world of horses, the Boerperd's unique heritage and exceptional qualities are bound to captivate your imagination.Join us on Wednesday night to discover the captivating story and enduring legacy of these extraordinary horses, and prepare to be enchanted by the "proudly South African" Boerperd breed and all that they can offer riders as we are joined by Vice-President of the SA Boerperd Horse Breeders Society, Jan Joubert.
Regenerative medicine is booming as an active area of research focused on developing and applying new cell and tissue therapies for equine optimisation, recovery, and performance. Regenerative veterinary medicine involves collecting a horse's naturally occurring, healing cells and growth factors, concentrating them, then returning them to the damaged tissue where they are needed most to accelerate repair.This week we speak to Alexandra Miszweski, founder and CEO of Novita Biotechnology and Regenesis Vet, about the different regenerative therapies on offer, the benefits they can offer us and our horses, as well as what is in store for veterinary medicine to come...
Neurofeedback takes advantage of the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to its environment, known as Neuroplasticity. By repeatedly training the brain towards more balanced patterns, Neurofeedback promotes healthy neural connections, neural flexibility and overall brain function. This leads to improved mood, reduced anxiety and enhanced competitive performance whilst eliminating riding fear in equestrians.
This week we speak to neuroscience executive coach Natalie Fourie, who holds a BA Honours in Psychology, majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience and Sports Psychology, as well as currently completing her Masters in Neuropsychology on her thesis "The Effect of Neurofeedback on the Cognitive Rehabilitation of Equestrians Following Concussion in Horse Riding". Discover how this science can improve your riding, competing, and stress!
Show jumping is an incredible sport for riders and spectators looking for an exciting, yet accuracy-driven sport. It requires skill from both horse and rider and shows off some of the best athleticism in the horse community as riders must balance speed, precision, and control while jumping over a variety of obstacles, often against the clock.We welcome competitor, coach, and president of Gauteng Showjumping Belinda Martin in studio this week to explain this sport in more detail to us, some basic rules and regulations, and how you can join the biggest discipline in South African equestrian sport.
Arena Stewards & Competitive Tack Invigilation - What YOU Need To Know!
In this episode we dial in to the South African National Showjumping Championships, being held this week at the Stokkiesdraai Equestrian Centre in Brits.
Arena steward Barbara Lovell takes time out from overseeing this massive show to speak to us about not only what goes into the incredibly tough but essential job of stewarding, but also takes us into the legalities of what stewards are checking in and out of the arenas, and what is allowed to keep our sport safe, fun, and horse-centric!
DISCIPLINE SPOTLIGHT: SHOWING
This week we speak to national judge, competitor, president of Western Cape Showing and all-round equestrian enthusiast Taryn Stebbing about the beautiful discipline of showing, and what it stands to offer all horses and riders.
Showing is an equestrian discipline which strives to exhibit perfect examples of particular types or breeds of horses and ponies. It encourages attention to detail and pride of presentation, and offers a wonderful opportunity to develop a good grounding in horsemanship, sportsmanship and a love and appreciation for horses from an early age into adulthood.
We talk about the basic classes and rules, how you can get started, and what skills you and your horse need to enter the gritty and glamorous world of showing!
Find out more at Showing South Africa - https://showingsa.co.za
ProBreed Interview with Equine Reproduction Specialist Dr Anna Grabowska
We will be discussing comprehensive, advanced, diagnostic and therapeutic methods for efficient and safe horse breeding, and looking into what goes into this incredible process for an ideal outcome for all.
Equine reproduction particularly refers to the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed to produce specifically desired characteristics, but we will be discussing so much more including mare selection, potential problems, and niche details like frozen embryos!
Email Friederike Koep for more information on the ProBreed seminars at friederike@proseriesevents.com or to book your spot!
With so much myth and madness circulating about pony heights and the impacts thereof, we are engaging national and FEI veterinarian Dr Sheelagh Higgerty, along with SAEF judicial representative Peter Swanepoel to help us understand it all.
Please join us Wednesday at 7pm with all your questions, and be sure you get it From The Horse's Mouth!
Working Equitation is a thrilling new international discipline currently sweeping across the equestrian world, and it was so wonderful to be able to interview international coach, trainer & judge Jorge Parreira, all the way from Portugal where this sport has its elegant and exciting roots.
South African Working Equitation (ZAWE) president Jonothan Harrison explains how this fills a gap in equestrian sport by providing a challenge at which a variety of breeds, with backgrounds from many disciplines can compete while promoting classical training principles, all under the umbrella of FUN!We discuss the phases, levels, requirements, the benefits of team competition on morale, and how YOU can partake in this exciting new addition from the South African Equestrian Federation. https://www.zawe.org.za/- "The fun way to train seriously!"
Shows are a highlight for many equestrians, but in order for the competitive amongst us to enjoy this element of our sport it requires a team of tenacious, experienced, and insightful administrators to facilitate this experience. We don't often realise the effort and demands that go into this... until things go wrong, that is!
So tonight it makes sense that we speak to the backbone of one of the biggest showholding bodies and competition venues in South Africa, Heather Mpofu from Kyalami Equestrian Park, about what goes into the organisation, promotion, management, and structure of big equestrian events.
Be sure to tune in at 7pm to hear what Heather has to say about not only streamlining but optimising the competition environment to ensure a happy, successful, and SAFE experience for all horses, riders, and spectators!
Wednesday night we chat to Douglas Welsh, the current president of Eventing South Africa, FEI Level II course designer, World Equestrian Games competitor, and general eventing enthusiast to discuss
Eventing, sometimes referred to as 'horse trials', is a unique combination of three phases – dressage, cross-country over fixed fences, and show-jumping, similar to triathlons for equestrians but with a whole lot more thrill.
Each of the three phases is designed to test the horse's - and rider's - comprehensive ability in what was originally a cavalry exercise aimed at producing obedient, brave, and capable partnerships.
Douglas gives us insights as to what makes eventing one of the most exciting sports to not only participate in but watch, and explains how very easy it is to get involved in this sport that promises to offer the best of all possible worlds to enthusiastic equestrians.
Are they fun, just plain crazy, or a perfect mixture of both?! Tune in to find out...
Visit the Eventing SA website here: https://web.eventingsa.co.za/esa/
Podcast: Winter Management of Your Equines
This week we have Dr Rissa Parker back in the studio to discuss how nutritional requirements can change with the colder months and quality of grass, as well as other pertinent issues for all equestrians:
- How do you ensure your horse stays hydrated?
- When is it time to clip?
- What weather is blanket weather?
- What does the change in wet mean for hooves?
Dial in and ask all YOUR questions of our expert this Wednesday at 7pm!
This week we look towards the institution, growth and (ahem) development of the SAEF's development portfolio under the newly-appointed National Development Officer, Mariette van Jaarsveld.
Sports development initiatives may include creating or strengthening: opportunities to participate in sport, volunteering and administration, coaching and coach education frameworks, community engagement programmes, projects targeting specific demographics within a sport, fundraising strategies, entry level to elite performance pathways, as well as optimising the sport for all members - including our horses and notably our employees.
SAEF is committed to these and is looking towards constantly instituting programmes that support this, so joining us in studio will be Dr Sheelagh Higgerty, our National Head Veterinarian, to give us insights on the welfare officer programme that is in action, as well as the head of the groom's education programme, Renae Erasmus.
Be sure to listen in for what their aims are, how they plan on getting there, and how YOU can get involved!
We love sharing online! Many equestrians around the world have embraced social media channels to promote themselves, stay in touch with friends, and raise important issues. Done right, social media can be a great tool for connecting, communicating, and educating. On the flip side, it can be a toxic space for misinformation and bullying, and potentially land parties in legal hot water.
We speak to fellow equestrian and SA's leading social media law expert, Emma Sadleir, about the intersection of these spaces, what you need to be aware of, how you can protect yourself online, and what to do when posting gets painful.
Emma is the owner of The Digital Law Company, as well as the co-author of Selfies, Sexts and Smartphones: A Teenager’s Online Survival Guide.
It's not a bird but it is a plane, and your horse is inside. Before 1972 horses were transported internationally by ship, which was a long and difficult journey. Then it all changed, and now thousands of horses every year are ferried on cargo planes between competitions, owners relocating, and even stud duties. We speak to one of the Supermen of the equestrian aviation industry, owner of Steed Equine Express, James White. James has flown some 300 horses around the world over the 12 last years and will tell us about everything from the boring administration that has to happen to cross borders, to the physical nitty gritty of keeping horses safe in the air. Tune in, listen up, and get ready to ask questions in one of our most interesting talks to date!
SANESA is the South African National Equestrian Schools Association and is a vibrant and dynamic structure, acknowledged by the South African Equestrian Federation and SASCOC. It was established to promote all forms of equestrian sport within South Africa’s schools’ community, and as such falls under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education. We speak to Jan Joubert, president of SANESA and a passionate equestrian and breeder himself, about the mission and function of this structure within our industry.DID YOU KNOW...The Members of SANESA (Schools) are represented by their Learners, and its aim is to make equestrian sport more accessible with factors like affordability and that riders do not need to belong to any other Equestrian Association/Club in order to participate at any SANESA event, nor do they need to own their own horse or pony. In an effort to be inclusive they also offer 15 diverse disciplines where learners can earn recognition for their sport across all provinces in South Africa. "The most important thing a learner can bring to SANESA is a passion for horses and ponies, and just have FUN!"https://www.sanesa.co.za
This week Kyalami Park hosts what many see as the highlight of the annual Toyota Easter Festival: the top four juniors vying for one of the richest prizes in youth sport, the Philip Smith Memorial Equitation Championship.We speak to co-organiser and committee member Jenni Wyllie along with national judge Gregory Goss about this prestigious event, as well as how equitation helps to shape the youth and sport. We also have a previous winner and special guest Alexa Stais dialing in from Europe to talk about their win and what it means.
"Coaching is the universal language of change and learning." Bob Nardelli said that without coaching, people can never reach their maximum capabilities, which makes this week's topic a fundamental foundation to our entire sport, from grassroots to high performance.We speak to the SAEF Lead Coach of the national coaching commission, Regula Niehaus, about her last two years spearheading South Africa's first coach development programme through Dressage South Africa, what the coaching commission will offer to not only the coaches but the riders and the sport, how the disciplines will all be involved, and how YOU can both participate and benefit within this SAEF initiative.
A healthy happy horse from the inside outThis week you get to ask veterinarian and nutrition enthusiast Dr Rissa Parker of Glen Austin Veterinary Clinic everything you've ever wanted to know about feeding your horse!We have a look at some of the common myths and misconceptions about equine nutrition, and what choices you as an owner can make to keep your horse happy and healthy from the inside out.We'll be discussing things like ideal roughage to concentrate ratios, what ingredients you should look out for, what protein percentages mean, and things to bear in mind when feeding for condition or energy.
Joint health, care, & treatment in the equine athleteThis week we are joined by Tracey Finch, owner of EquiproVet, and Dr Patrick Martin (BvSc) as we discuss one of the hottest topics across all equestrian disciplines.Tune in and ask the experts while we simplify what supplements are the best for each specific need, what new treatments are available, and how we can all do the best for the longevity and soundness of our equine athletes and best friends.
DISCIPLINE SPOTLIGHT: ENDURANCE
On its simplest level, endurance riding is a sport whereby the horse and rider take on a long-distance ride at a set speed, often in the grips of a highly competitive environment. In this respect, endurance riding requires mere stamina and the drive to push both yourself and your horse through the distances to come out victorious.
But in reality, endurance riding is this and so much more. Endurance riding allows you, the rider, the opportunity to experience beautiful new countryside, different terrains and major distances. You emerge victorious whether or not you beat down the competition, having conquered incredible distances with your horse and knowing that you have experienced an adventure together.
Of course, endurance riding is not without its challenges. Relying so heavily on the stamina of your horse and his ability to keep a steady pace means that you as the rider are subject to countless things that could go wrong, and so enters the concept of endurance training.
In this podcast we discuss the basics of endurance riding in South Africa, what competitions are available, what horses do best, and how you can get involved!
Visit Endurance Riding Association of South Africa: https://www.erasa.co.za
The SAEF podcast talks to a South African success story! Tune in and have your questions ready for this Protea competitor, trainer, and general crowd pleaser... Nothing could be tougher than his track record! International showjumper Oliver Lazarus is based in Valkenswaard, Holland, where he trains and competes from, but he still finds time to come back home and be involved with development and welfare. A two time WEG competitor, we are so excited for him to share some insights of what it takes to be based and competitive in Europe, who his top horses are, future aspirations, and his advice to equestrians and the sport in general as we all look towards a bright future. https://oliverlazarus.com/
SAEFGUARDING ROLLOUT: What you need to know
"You make sure your horse is safe... What about your child?"
Safeguarding is a term used to denote measures taken to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people, especially children and vulnerable adults, to live free from harassment, abuse and exploitation.
We speak to SAEF National Safeguarding Officer Tanya van Meelis about this important initiative, how it will help the sport, and how YOU can get involved.
Equine Dentistry 101 with Dr Hildegard Setzkorn Equine dentistry is the practice of dentistry in horses, involving the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area as well as the adjacent and associated structures. Dentistry has seen massive developments over the last decade, and we are fortunate to have guest Dr Hildegard Setzkorn of Chartwell Equine Clinic in the studio to share her extensive knowledge and passion on the subject. DID YOU KNOW...? Dental pathologies and problems can manifest in a multitude of ways, from behavioural problems to weight loss
The SAEF had the opportunity to speak to Professor Natalie Waran, chairperson of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, at the FEI General Assembly in November.
The FEI believes that all who are involved with horses should be aware of the responsibility they have for horse welfare, as well as the impact that equestrian activities and horses have on the environment.
In June 2022, in response to growing public concern over global challenges such as climate change, resource use and animal welfare, the FEI instigated a new independent ‘Social Licence’ Commission to address societal concerns related to the use of horses in sport.
At the inaugural meeting, members decided that the name, Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, better reflects the aims and mission of the group’s work.
As FEI President Ingmar De Vos said:
“Equestrian sport and the FEI’s activities are more than ever under public scrutiny and through the Commission we want to embrace that scrutiny to drive change and shine the spotlight on our number one stakeholder – the horse.
There are comprehensive systems and mechanisms in place to protect the welfare of the horse, but there is more that can be done, and more that must be done. And in an ever-changing society, where perceptions shift and norms evolve at an increasingly fast pace, the FEI must address these concerns and criticisms from society and within equestrian circles in a clear and transparent manner. This is our duty as the governing body, and this is why we have set up this important and independent Commission to allow us to move forward with a course of action that will strengthen equestrian’s place in society.”
Professor Dr. Natalie Waran (NZL) is an internationally respected equine behaviour and welfare expert who is Professor of One Welfare and Executive Dean at the Eastern Institute of Technology (Te Pūkenga) in New Zealand.
Read more here: https://equinewellbeing.fei.org/
The SAEF podcast series ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ is a series of podcasts (live or recorded) providing SAEF members with accurate information on relevant issues within our industry.
Topics such as but not limited to AHS, Safeguarding, Human and Equine Doping, Colic, High Performance, Passports and SAEF Rules and Regulations will be discussed.
FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECAP
Jean-Philippe Camboulives, the director of the FEI Solidarity department since 2021, talks to the SAEF about their vision and mission for equestrian sport.
ABOUT FEI SOLIDARITY
Launched in 2011, FEI Solidarity promotes and develops equestrian culture and sport worldwide with sustainable and structured outreaches, such as the DSA Solidarity Stars, which won the award for this project at the General Assembly in November.
The Solidarity department works directly with the FEI’s member National Federations - such as SAEF - and recognised Continental Associations by providing the tools, the knowledge and the infrastructure required to develop the sport and nurture talent from grassroots to the world stage.
Their support is focused on four key pillars of within equestrian sport:
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National Federation
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Athletes
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Coaches
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Values
Specific programmes are available in each of the pillars to best target and fulfil specific development needs through financial support, consultancy services and technical programmes to oversee the global development of the sport.
Since 2012, they have supported 284 projects and programmes in all four corners of the globe!
THE SOLIDARITY DEPARTMENT AIMS TO:
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PROMOTE the fundamental principles of equestrian sport.
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ASSIST National Federations in the preparation of their Athletes and Teams for international-level competitions.
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DEVELOP the technical sports knowledge and the technical level of Athletes and Coaches in cooperation with NFs.
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TRAIN sports administrators.
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COLLABORATE with related organisations and entities.
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CREATE simple, functional and economical equestrian sports facilities in cooperation with national or international bodies.
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SUPPORT the organisation of competitions at national, regional and continental level under the authority or patronage of the National Federations and to assist the NFs in the organisation, preparation and participation of their delegations in regional and continental Games.
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ENCOURAGE joint bilateral or multilateral cooperation programmes among NFs.
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LOBBY governments and international organisations to include equestrian sport in official development assistance.
The SAEF podcast series ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ is a series of podcasts (live or recorded) providing SAEF members with accurate information on relevant issues within our industry.
Creating Dream Teams: The In's & Out's of Grooms Employment
In this episode we look at the backbone of any stableyard, our grooms, with ARCO360 director Candice Hobday, and legal counsel Tracey Lomax, Nixon LLB. What are fair employment terms, how are employers protected, what are considered some of the development options we should be instituting, and what does the law say about the people who look after our equine athletes and friends?
Basic conditions of employment: https://www.saica.org.za/resources/legislation-and-governance/basic-conditions-of-employment-act#:~:text=The%20Basic%20Conditions%20of%20Employment,Republic%20as%20a%20member%20state
The SAEF podcast series ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ is a series of podcasts (live or recorded) providing SAEF members with accurate information on relevant issues within our industry.
Topics such as but not limited to AHS, Safeguarding, Human and Equine Doping, Colic, High Performance, Passports and SAEF Rules and Regulations will be discussed.
Horses that aren’t quite performing as they should be is a common issue and can leave you questioning your training and general management to find the answers. One fundamental skill we should all have is the ability to recognise when these issues are pain-related. We speak to leading international soundness expert Dr Sue Dyson about the viral 24 behaviours of pain in equine athletes.
We speak to Dr Wayne van Niekerk, international driving competitor and acting president of CDSA - carriage driving South Africa - about this exciting sport, and how you can get involved in it!
Are you stuck in a worming routine that you think is helping your horse... but is actually harmful? This week the SAEF speaks to Dr Karl van Laeren from Worm-Ex and Dr Alison Dallas from Glen Austin Veterinary Clinic about what you need to know about parasites, what management protocols there are, and how to make sure your horses stay healthy and happy.
Does your saddle help or hinder you... not to mention your horse? We speak to our experts this week about the basics of saddle fitting, pads, flocking, girths, numnahs, and other factors you haven't even CONSIDERED that will affect not only your saddle, but how comfortable your horse is in it! Your host, Georgie Roberts, is joined by independent master saddle fitter Siobhan Records.
SAY BYE TO FLIES... Bad for the physical health of equines and the mental health of owners, flies and other biting insects are a notorious summer downside in South Africa. Flies are a massive issue affecting the physical health of horses and the mental health of riders! We speak to two experts, Dr Ross Hendry and Intensive Farm Specialist and Registered Pest Control Officer Neil Laubscher to understand the risks, the options, and what you can do to save your sanity!
FEI & DRESSAGE SOUTH AFRICA REPORT: SOLIDARITY STARS SHINE An incredible transformation programme operated through the partnership of both FEI and DSA, Solidarity Stars gave nominated disadvantaged riders the opportunity to receive not only coaching, but entries to the South African National Dressage Championships held last week at Fourways Centre. Our host , Georgie Roberts, is joined by Shepard Zira, one of the riders who came a sensational second in the Championship class, and Montanique Wilson, the driving force behind this transformation and development profile.
"Dressage" is not just "horse ballet" as Eddie Izzard famously professes; dressage achieves balance, suppleness, and obedience with the purpose of improving and facilitating the horse's performance of normal tasks. This makes it the most basic fundamental of riding for everyone, with people saying that showjumping is just "dressage between fences" (showjumpers, don't come for us!). If the advanced training stage is reached, dressage may become an objective in itself, in which case competition seems to become very serious and scary - it really isn't, and the point of today's podcast is to dispel that and make it more inviting and accessible! Starting the conversation we have Dressage South Africa president Dianne Smith in studio with us, explaining what dressage is, some of the fundamental rules, what is needed to run the discipline association, and how people can get involved as judges, coaches, riders, owners and competitors, as well as touch base on some of the excellent programmes that DSA is running. Continuing to high performance we have Gretha Hausmann dialling in from Germany, South African WEG competitor who recently completed in Herning and scored both a national and personal best of 70%! We speak to Gretha about her journey to the international competition arena, and what is needed to develop the sport.
A "BIT" OF INSIGHT INTO BITS AND BITING What we put into our horses' mouths is a perpetually interesting debate, not only from a discipline perspective, but also for the perfect overlap of effectiveness and welfare. With literally thousands of options available, we speak to Equine Science lecturer and Pro-Biting expert Dawn Mansfield to dispel some of the myths, find that perfect fit, and what to consider to help you and your horse "feel the connection". Our host Georgie Roberts is joined by Dawn Mansfield, MTech Agric Equine Science, who is a lecturer at the University of Technology in Tshwane and is a Biting Consultant.
Our national equine anti-doping programme seeks to protect the welfare of horses competing in our sport. It is also intended to maintain the integrity of our sport by protecting the right of all athletes to participate in fair competition on a level playing field. Our host, Georgie Roberts is joined by Janine Turner & Dr Sheelagh Higgerty to discuss anti-doping and controlled medication information in our latest ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ Podcast. This episode is aimed to equip everyone involved with competition horses with all of the information they need to ensure that they and their horses remain within the rules. If you are a member of the SAEF, you have a responsibility to know, understand and follow our equine anti-doping rules. READ MORE HERE: https://saef.org.za/clean-sport/
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR BULLYING IN THE EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY DISCUSSED
Have you ever felt that your coach or instructor is behaving inappropriately? Or another rider? Saying things that make you feel uncomfortable or standing way too close and making physical contact? Or, are you experiencing bullying by another rider, at your stable yard or at a show? Is somebody hurling abuse at you at a show?
A line is crossed when social culture becomes sexual harassment or assault, and when bullying and intimidation set a dangerous precedent. It is present in all industries and the equestrian industry is no exception.
Many horse people agree that it is almost unbelievable what perpetrators have been able to get away with for so long.
In this episode SAEF's Georgie Roberts speaks to Dr Patrick Martin, B.V.Sc, B.Sc.Agric., MRCVS from the Baker & McVeigh Equine Clinic and legal expert, Janine Turner, LLB to discuss the buying and selling of horses. We will be covering the rights, responsibilities and recommendations. Buying and selling horses is something that happens daily in our industry, but just like any business investment things can go wrong before or after the sale. By getting the right advice from the start, you can make sure you avoid problems in the future.
In the inaugural episode of the all new South African Equestrian Federation podcast 'From the Horse's Mouth,' SAEF's Georgie Roberts speaks to SAEF President, Professor Ian Sanne and SAEF Head Veterinarian, Doctor Sheelagh Higgerty about the critical shortage of the essential African Horse Sickness vaccine in South Africa.