ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING EQUESTRIAN INFORMATION WEBSITES, EQUINE TRADER, TO GIVE AWAY THE ULTIMATE RURAL LIFESTYLE

On November 1st 2009, Equine Trader will be giving away a rural lifestyle prize pack worth thousands of dollars.

One lucky winner will pick up $1000 worth of Horserail safety fencing, $5000 free equestrian insurance cover from Jardine Bloodstock Insurance, 12 months free satellite broadband (including installation) from Farmside, a year’s supply of feed from Annandale Feeds and a brand new 500 litre water tank from Aqua Tanks.

‘We know times are tough at the moment so we really wanted to go that extra mile and do something special with this competition,’ explains Equine Trader founder, Erin Miller. ‘We’re hoping that this prize will really make a difference to someone’s life.’

‘We’re really grateful to the companies that have supplied these amazing prizes,’ adds Erin. ‘Without their support, this competition would not have been a possibility. It’s humbling that even when the economy is struggling, some businesses are still prepared to step up and be part of something like this.’

Equine Trader was founded two years ago and has quickly established itself as one of New Zealand’s most popular equestrian websites. The site receives 2,000 unique hits a day and is attracting increasing attention from both online-savvy horse-lovers and the companies wishing to communicate with them through advertisements.

The website is a constant work in progress but currently includes: an online auction and classifieds section (which includes free video), a job finder, a stallion directory, a news page- featuring blogs and articles, a forum, an events and calendar page and a page full of competitions and games.

To be in with a chance to win the Equine Trader Ultimate Lifestyle Giveaway, and to view terms and conditions, simply visit http://www.equinetrader.co.nz/ to register. The winner must own or live on a lifestyle block (one acre or more) to be eligible.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT THIS SEASON

If you are anything like me, you will be getting ridiculously impatient right about now. I am dying for the show season to get going- even though I'm only taking my two young ones to a couple of competitions this year!

Planning for the season ahead will make you feel like things are finally getting started and will give you something tangible to look forward to.

Here are a few places you can go for information:

• The 2009 Helensville A&P schedule is now up- here


• The 2009 Kumeu A&P schedule is now up- here


• Bay of Islands schedule here


• Ashburton A&P schedule here


• Canterbury A&P schedule here


• Elizabeth Charleston has set up a Facebook group which lists a number of ribbon days/A&P shows


• Equine Trader has an events page, listing lots of the coming season's shows


• The RAS (Royal Agricultural Society) website also features a list of equestrian events

There are also regular topics about upcoming shows on both the Showring Online and Horsetalk forums.

Roll on the show season!

IS THERE A FUTURE HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW CHAMPION HIDING IN YOUR PADDOCK?

One talent that many of our top show horse and pony producers seem to possess is the ability to turn something seemingly average into the next show ring superstar. They are able to spot that 'diamond in the rough' and after months of correct conditioning, training, trimming and polishing, they manage to take it to the top of the line-up at some of the country's most prestigious shows.

Seeing a horse or pony's potential can be a tricky business when you're just starting out. When a horse is young, or is out of work, mooching around at the back of some field, it can be hard to imagine what they could look like one day. On top of that, you are often competing against other buyers- whether they are looking for themselves or are professional trainers searching on behalf of a client. Everyone is keen to find that 'undiscovered future champion.'

It can even be difficult to see the potential in your own horse if you are new to showing and are unaware of all the tricks and techniques you can use to get your animal looking his absolute best (not just good- we're talking HOYS standard, movie-star gorgeous!)

The first thing you need to do is make sure you know as much as possible about how a horse should be put together. No amount of mud or lack of condition can cover up correct conformation. Looking at lots and lots of different horses, preferably with someone experienced by your side will help with this. It's also worth investing in a good book on conformation (I recommend this one- I have a copy next to my bed and open it at a random page at least every other night! lol)

Secondly, you need to know your types inside out. If you want to do well in the ring, there is no point buying a horse that is not a specific 'type', no matter how good the conformation. Something that the judge looks at and can't really decide whether it is a hack or a hunter will never reach the dizzy heights of showing. Voluteering as a steward is a great way to learn what is required from each class.

Remember, when looking at a possible show horse, whether it is in your own paddock or you are thinking about buying, there are things that can be improved. Muscle can be built up in certain places with correct work, clever trimming can make a big difference (for example, if your horse is light of bone do NOT go crazy with the clippers down the backs of the legs!) and tack can also make a horse look much better (even the biggest, plainest head in the world can be made to look handsome with a good quality but substantial bridle with a flat, wide browband).

Amazingly, action can also be improved upon. A horse or pony that is untrained, unbalanced or is being presented on deep, unsuitable going will often look like it can't move properly. Legs will be going in all directions and the overall picture will be horrendous. This is why you must always have a horse trotted up in front of you and also observe it moving at liberty in the field.

There are probably dozens of could-be show horses and ponies languishing in paddocks around the country. So, go have another look at your hairy thoroughbred outside or take a second look at that scruffy, doesn't-look-like-anything pony on TradeMe. You never know....underneath all that fluff, it could be the next HOYS champion!

Take a good look at the pictures throughout this post. Could any of these be your next ribbon-winning show horse or pony....................?

WIN A FREE LESSON WITH A LEADING NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTOR!

Once a month, I jump in my boyfriend's trusty red Landrover Discovery (which I adore, even though it is dribbling oil all over the place and needs a tyre replaced...) and head off to report on an Equine Trader Power Hour Lesson, which is sponsored by Cortaflex.

My latest write-up has just been posted, complete with photos- you can read it here. The latest winner, Jody Paddy, enjoyed a show jumping lesson with experienced rider and trainer, Edward Bullock, aboard her lovely bay mare, Prada.

The instructors are switched around every few weeks. This month, winners will be riding under the experienced eye of Jody Hartstone, one of New Zealand's leading dressage riders. I'm really looking forward to hearing what Jody has to say- do you think that if I stand close enough to her, I will magically develop some of her skills? Kind of like dressage osmosis?

If you are wanting to hone your riding skills, head over to Equine Trader and enter the Cortaflex New Zealand Power Hour Lesson competition (click here to go directly to the competition page). It only takes a few minutes to sign-up and fill in your details and let's face it, when times are tough like they are at the moment, we would all appreciate a free lesson- especially with someone at the top of their game!

SADDLE HUNTERS- KINGS OF THE SHOW RING

I love most- if not all- types of show horses and ponies. However, an excellent Saddle Hunter (Show Hunter in the UK and Australia) has to be one of my favourites.

Is this the class for you?

If your horse is a handsome, substantial type then this could be the show class for you. Saddle Hunters are big, strong and good looking with plenty of sparkle and a cracking gallop. They originate from the long-standing sport of fox-hunting so they have to look like they could cope with a tough day out with the hounds. The heavier type of thoroughbred, Irish Draughts (both part and purebred) and horses with Cleveland Bay blood have always excelled in Hunter classes.
If you only intend on going to small, local shows then the Saddle Hunter horses will probably all be lumped into a single class. At the larger shows, the Saddle Hunters may well be divided into three classes: Lightweight Hunters, Middleweight Hunters and Heavyweight Hunters.

Weights:

The one thing that distinguishes the different Saddle Hunter types is how much physical weight they can carry. A good Lightweight should be able to carry up to 12 stone 7lb (about 80kg); Middleweights should be able to cope with up to 14 stone (88kg) and Heavyweights should be able to carry well over 14 stone (88kg+) without any problems.

Judges will assess how much weight a horse can carry by looking at the amount of bone below the knee. You can measure your own horse’s bone by placing a tape measure around the part of the leg that is just below the knee. As a rule, Lightweight Hunters should have 8.5” (roughly 22cm) of bone below the knee, Middleweights should have 8.5” to 9” (22cm to about 23cm) and the Heavyweights should have 9” (23cm+) and over.

Presentation:

The Sadde Hunter type of equine should be presented in a much more understated and subtle way than the Hacks and Riding Horses of the showing world. Equipment should be well looked after, and good quality if you can afford it, but there is no need for the flashy trappings that are expected with other types of show animals.

The Bridle

The bridle will usually be made out of brown leather, although black is perfectly acceptable if you own a black or grey horse. Hunter bridles are usually heavier than the ones worn by Hacks and Riding Ponies (3/4” (1.9cm) cheek pieces rather than the 1/2” (1.3cm) cheek pieces worn by hacks). This is because the head of the Saddle Hunter is generally larger and nobler looking than the elegant and dainty little heads of the Show Hack. If you are confused about different bridle weights then simply ask your friendly local saddlery store who will, no doubt, be happy to point you in the right direction. A double bridle or a pelham bit is suitable for most Hunter classes but a snaffle is correct for the four year old or novice classes.

The Saddle

The ideal saddle for the Hunter classes should be straight cut, to show off your horse’s shoulder.

Turnout Tips

Plaits should be less dainty than those worn by the Show Hack or Riding Pony but should still be neat and sewn with thread which is the same colour as the mane.
On arrival at the showground, give him another quick brush over and apply a shine-enhancing spray, a variety of which can be purchased at most saddlery stores. Make-up, although popular in many show classes, should be kept to a minimum with Hunters. If you can’t resist the urge to apply some products then make sure you don’t add more than a touch of petroleum jelly to the muzzle, legs and dock (behind the tail.) The idea is to present your horse as an attractive working animal, not as an overly made-up floozy!

What You Should Wear:

Most Saddle Hunter riders, both male and female, choose to wear yellow or beige coloured breeches, a plain shirt, a stock and stock pin in a colour that matches the rest of the outfit and a tweed hacking jacket, topped off with a navy, velvet riding hat, long black boots and fawn coloured, leather gloves. Spurs can also be worn, to add authenticity. ‘Dummy’ spurs can be purchased from most equine stores, should you not wish to wear real ones.

What to Expect from the Class:

The one, vital thing that really sets the Hunter class apart from the other disciplines is the gallop. The Saddle Hunter is expected to show that it can perform a proper gallop, at full pelt, both in company and within its own individual presentation. If your horse really comes into his own at this pace then make the most out of it, get up out of the saddle, and show the judge what your horse can do. However, do remember that you must be able to pull your horse up easily and smoothly as well....!

Check out this Australian article for more tips and advice

There are also a few videos of British Show/Saddle Hunters at the Horse of the Year Show on YouTube: Heavyweight Hunters HOYS 2008, Lightweight Hunters HOYS 2008, Hunter of the Year HOYS 2007 and Intermediate Small Hunter HOYS 2008. Happy viewing!

NEW BLOG AND WEBSITE FROM RICHARD RAMSEY

I discovered this new website when I was writing my last post. It's a pretty impressive site for someone who has been showing since well before I was born (methinks he might have had some help putting it together though....hehe)

It's a good place to visit if you want to learn a bit more about professional show production (not so common in New Zealand where everyone is a lot more 'do-it-yourself', an attitude I much prefer to be frank)

It also provides a good opportunity to drool over some photos of pretty, glossy show ponies and horses

There's even a picture of Richard judging in New Zealand here! Wonder if that means we were his favourite destination.....

SHOULD BRITISH JUDGES BE INVITED TO HORSE OF THE YEAR NZ?

I follow the Showring Online forum, a message board which gives New Zealanders the opportunity to discuss everything from upcoming shows to which jacket to wear in a particular class.

Anyway, I was reading a thread about the new Show Riding Horse section and an interesting point was raised. Should British judges be invited to assess horses at the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show? According to the poster:

'It is funny that we want to model our showing classes on what UK does, as there are many people out there that don't want UK judges to judge here!! They feel that we base ourselves on what happens in Australia, not the UK, so we should be getting Australian judges to judge at HOYS here. Interesting concept, when the English can judge conformation as good as anyone else and have less idea about any of our competitors.'

An interesting opinion isn't it? I can kind of see where they are coming from as there are certain key differences between the UK and NZ when it comes to the show ring. For example, turnout of both horse and rider is very different so I would certainly not expect a British judge to be able to properly judge a turnout class in New Zealand.

I am also of the opinion that hacks in Australia and New Zealand are streets ahead of the UK, as far as quality, type, conformation and performace go. So perhaps it wouldn't be particularly useful to fly a British judge in for those classes

However, I do think it would be a mistake to exclude British judges from the Show Pony classes. The classes are judged exactly the same in both countries (60% suitablity and safeness, 40% conformation and paces- check the British Show Pony Society rules out here). The only difference is that, in the UK, riders are asked for a freestyle individual performance whereas NZ judges usually insist on a set workout. Plus, although Show Pony breeding, presentation and performace in both NZ and Australia has come along in leaps and bounds, with ponies now even being exported from this side of the world to England (e.g. Willowcroft Regal Bronze), I still think an awful lot can be learned from the British judges. It would be a shame to shut NZ off from that valuable chance to further improve and learn.

I think that the hunter classes still have a looooong way to go in the Southern Hemisphere as well. I think the occasional visit from an iconic British hunter judge, such as Richard Ramsey, could be really useful in further improving the quality and performance of saddle hunters in this country.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the mattter. I do believe that we can learn from any other country that is breeding, producing and competing show horses and ponies, be it the UK, Australia, South Africa or any others that I have missed out! No country is going to show their horses in exactly the same way- just as no country is going to train/produce/present their dressage or eventing horses in the same way. But it doesn't mean that we can't pick up some valuable tips and advice from them to further improve the sport in our own country