HH Ahmed Bin Bishr The Equestrian Influencer
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The Show HuB Equestrian Issue 13 - july/August 2018
Shamsa Al Muheri Sunshine Rider
Gallardo J - Tripple Crown Champion Presented to the Chinese President
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Front cover image by Tariq Ayoub. A thank you to all our freelance writers in this addition and to the images supplied by some of the top photographers in the region. Gallardo J image by Gregor Aymar on front cover.
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6 - 7 Results 8 -11 Venue choice Sentower Park 12 - 14 UAE Team riders in Europe update 16 - 20 H.E Ahmed Bin Bishr - Equestrian Influencer 22 - 23 Sandie Robertson in house mind coach 24 - 25 Godolphin Flying Start Update 26 - 27 UAE's Tripple Crown gift to the Chinese President 28 - 31 The Yard 32 - 35 Managing dehydration with Judith Maxwell MRCVS BVSc BSc (hons) 36 - 38 The Tack Shop 40 - 45 Ben Franklin's Dressage - Contact and Impulsion 46 - 49 Shamsa Al Muheri Sunshine Rider UAE 50 - 55 Bahrain's Tauseef Qadri 56 -58 Retirement in Europe 60 - 61 Transport to Europe 61 - 63 Arab League Dates Calendar
est October 2014
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Welcome to The Show Hub - Equestrian. The Middle East's first fully digital interactive equestrian magazine which shines a light on the community of Equestrianism in the UAE! We cover Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage, Polo and Arabian Showing and larger events in Racing & Endurance. The Show Hub was created back in October 2014; born from a passion and dedication for the equestrian sports. We provide punctual information to those that seek it whilst providing information to the avid rider looking for competitions and family equestrian days out. We look forward to building on our experience over the years by adding other GCC countries and events to our coverage. The new website is due to be launched over the next couple of months www.uaeshowhub.com. We look forward to sharing the experiences we encounter on our journey to helping build and promote the equestrian sports in the region. Abby Blom Founder & Director
Producer and Content Director The Show Hub Founder and Director Abby started the UAE Show Hub in October 2014, and it has been built from passion and dedication to the equestrian sport in the Middle East. Enhancing the sport and bringing it to the global audience is her end goal. Abby has ridden show ponies nationally as a young girl in England and trained at Advanced Medium Dressage level. She competed up to Foxhunter back in the UK and has performed for H.H Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the private opening ceremony of Meydan WC 2011 and at the Education for Borders conference at the Burj Khalifa. Her equestrian passion has been ingrained since birth. Contact: abbyblom@uaeshowhub.com
Contents:
Editor Cursty Hoppe's journalism career spans over 15 years and three continents and includes; European lifestyle magazines, various UAE parenting and lifestyle publications and websites, and in-house reporter for the United Nations. Yet, since the age of four, horses have been her first love. As a horse-mad teen, she competed regularly in her native Scotland, before going on to spend several years as a groom, a carriage driver and Equine Science student. Today, she's primarily a horsey-mum and pleasure rider, whose weekends are spent towing trailers and finding plaiting bands.
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www.uaeshowhub.com
Play me
Having recently moved to Bahrain from Dubai and seen how well the Show Hub worked there for the equestrian community, I was keen to start something for riders in Bahrain. With a special interest in equestrian photography, I used this skill to photograph riders at some of the local shows to get people interested in the Show Hub. It’s been a really interesting few months. Bahrain is very different from anywhere I have lived. People are very kind and helpful and have been so welcoming. It’s a breath of fresh air. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the equestrian community through the Show Hub and hope that it will help to bring riders from all disciplines together in one place. I’m very grateful to have been given the support of Abby through the Show Hub, it’s been a lot of fun and a reason to get out there and get to know people. Any requirements for Bahrain please contact Angela directly @ showhubbahrain@gmail.com
The Show Hub Bahrain Angela Barlow - Operations Director BAH
The Show Hub Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mansour Al Saud - Operations Director KSA
Son of HRH Prince Khalid Bin Mishaal Al Saud, Grandson of King Saud. His visions of competing and getting to the Olympics are a very real prospect for this talented young rider. His passion started at the 5 years of age. Mansour has never looked back and now competes globally on the Arab League Tour in countries such as Belguim, Germany, France, Holland, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia. He has trained with Olympic Medalists and the top trainers in the sport; Ramzy Al Duhami, Khalid Al Eid, Ibraheem Bisharaat, Jerome Guery to name few. Mansour is currently in University doing a Bachelors Degree in Business and Finance. Any requirements for KSA please contact Mansour directly at showhub_ksa@hotmail.com
Endurance
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Click the buttons for more information
Eventing
Show Jumping
Seasons Results UAE
Dressage
Flat Racing
OPGLABBEEK, BELGIUM
Events 2018
4 July - Outdoor Training 7 July - Outdoor Training 11 July - Outdoor 18th July - 20 - 22 July - CSI2* CSI1* & Young Horses 28 July - Outdoor Training 1 Aug - Outdoor Training 3 - 5 Aug - Gold League - National Show 9 - 12 Aug CSI3* & CSI1* Sentower Park 10 - 12 Aug - Land and Horticultural Fair Limagro 22 Aug - Outdoor Training 29 Aug - Outdoor Training 31 Aug - 2 Sept CSI2*, CSI1* & Young Horses. 5 Sept - Outdoor Training 6 - 9 Sept = CSIO Youth Finals 12 Sept - Outdoor Training 13 Sept - Flanders Foal Auction 19 Sept Outdoor training + Indoor training 22 - 23 Sept Silver League + Gouden Laar 26 Sept Indoor training 28 Sept Indoor training 29 Sept Indoor training 03 Oct Indoor training 04 Oct - 07 Oct CSI2* + Young Horse (YH) Tour 1 10 Oct - Indoor training 11 - 14 Oct CSI 2* + Young Horse (YH) Tour 2 17 Oct Indoor training 19 - 21 Oct Animo Cup 1 24 Oct Indoor training 25 - 28 Oct CSI2* + Young Horse (YH) 31 Oct - 04 Nov H&F Euregio 07 Nov Indoor training 08 Nov - 11 Nov CSI 3* + CSI1* 14 Nov Indoor training 15 Nov -18 Nov CSI Youth 21 Nov Indoor training 23 - 25 Nov Indoorwedstrijd - Future Stars Academy 28 Nov Indoor training 30 Nov - 02 Dec Animo Cup 2 05 Dec Indoor training 06 - 09 Dec CSI 2* + Young Horse (YH) 12 Dec Indoor training 14 - 16 Dec Indoorwedstrijd - Future Stars Academy 19 Dec Indoor training 26 Dec Indoor training 29 Dec Indoor training
Sentower Park is located in Opglabbeek, Belgium centrally situated in the province of Limburg. It is designed as a multi-purpose park of about 10 hectares, including a state-of-the-art equestrian centre like no other. It hosts a Riding School, Hotel/Restaurant and Business Units. It is a multi-functional convention center welcoming recreational visitors such as walkers, tourists, cyclists and the professional. For the Equestrian the venue hosts National and International competition in its Olympic size outdoor arena and a spectacular indoor that can seat up-to 2500 guests. Covering events such as the CSI1* with a total prize purse of 80’000 Euro's to the CSI3* held in August at 125’0000 Euro's this event is the biggest of the year which includes 4 Longines ranking point classes combining showjumping with the Limagro agriculture fair! Limagro Agriculture fair with over 100 agriculture-related stands farm-animals, livestock, agricultural machinery, foodtrucks and more provides a lot to entertain! The venue has an amazing atmosphere at the events with great food and social life including renowned after parties at the on site bars. It’s not only a competition venue but gives you a great opportunity to be social with the competitors. All this is enhanced by a fine hotel and an excellent restaurant where the relaxed atmosphere makes you feel immediately at home. Hiking trails and the extensive cycle route network connecting the park with its surroundings in an elegant way. Sentower Park offers the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and events in a beautiful and natural setting.
European venue choice Location/Competitions/Hotels & Restaurants
A favourite with the GCC Riders!! with World Class arena's & facilities
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION Cars, Planes, Hotels & Things to do
Maastricht, Netherlands at 20.23 km. 29 flights Eindhoven, Netherlands at 46.84 km. 97 flights Liège at 46.99 km. 29 flights Weeze (Düsseldorf), Germany at 72.66 km. 47 flights Brussels at 77.77 km. 1159 flights Antwerp at 80.52 km. 15 flights
Damstraat 1 | GPS: Bilzerweg, As, Genk 3600, Belgium Tel: +32 89 65 81 82
Evence Coppeelaan 91, Genk 3600, Belgium Tel - +32 89 65 44 90 Website
Deusterstraat 74 E, Peer 3990, Belgium Tel - +32 11 61 14 90 Website
De Warre
Snow Valley
Website
Ketelstraat 77, Neeroeteren 3680, Belgium Tel - +32 89 85 23 16
C-Mine
Karting in Genk
Where should we stay?
Opglabbeek is accessible via several motorways, both from the north and the south. The A2/E25 Eindhoven-Liege passes to the east of Opglabbeek. The E314/A76 runs south of the site and provides the connection between the Netherlands and Germany and the rest of Belgium.
Leemkuilstraat 21, 3660 Opglabbeek, Belgium +32 89 20 18 00
Things to do in and around the area of Opglabbeek
Orshof
Heymansweg 2, Neerglabbeek 3670, Belgium Tel - +32 89 81 08 00 Website
Diestersteenweg 393, Maaseik 3680, Belgium Tel - +32 89 24 39 58 Website
La Botte
Europalaan 99, Genk 3600, Belgium Tel - +32 89 36 25 45 Website
Ratatouille
List of nearest airports to the venue
Location
3 .Villa Raynaert 4*
2 . Hotel Mardaga 4*
1. X-Bionic Hotel
How to get there?
Top eateries in the area and recommendations
Mohammed Shafi Al Romethi & Denitha
Our Latest WEG Qualifiers congratulations!!
Hamad Al Kirbi & Quel Cadans Z
Abdulla Al Marri & Uto Kervec 4th Samorin CSI4* 1.40
Following an amazing start to the summer season in Europe, the UAE Team sponsored by Al Shiraa’a Stables continue to bring in some great results for the Emirates. We had the superb news this month that Mohammed Shafi Al Romethi has qualified for the World Equestrian Games on board Al Shiraa'a's own Denitha, a chestnut 2008 KWPN (Vingino x Goodwill). Joining the Team only this year, Mohammed, a consistent winner on the UAE circuit with his own mare Doxanne B, took his qualifying round at the prestigious 5* Nations Cup in Falsterbo. A long-standing team member from Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, Hamad Al Kirby, also took 2nd place and the qualification at the same event. Hamad Al Kirbi is an inspiration to the next generation of riders particularly the Kirbi family prodigy who are well known in the UAE for regularly earning championship titles. Son, Ali Hamad Al Kirbi and Nephew, Moufi Al Kirbi are also currently competing in Europe under the watchful eye of the Junior Team trainer Devon Besette. Other team members are also flying the flag with placings in Knokke in the GP Qualifiers, Falsterbo and last weekend in Samorin. We can only wish the teams the very best and much deserved success on their journey to the WEG and the Asian Games in Jakarta - Palembang in the coming months.
Nadia Taryam & Askaria
Team UAE in Europe sponsored by Al Shiraa'a
Nadia Abdul Aziz Taryam: Samorin CSI2* Table A - Askaria 4th Samorin CSI2* Table A - Askaria 3rd Samorin CSI4* Table A - Cortado - 6th Samorin CSI2* Table A - Askaria 2nd Mons Ghlin CSI2* Two phase - Askaria 3rd Roeser CSI2* Table A - Cortado 3rd Abdullah Al Marri: Samorin CSI4* Table A CHIYH1* Carizma AM 1st (2 days running) Samorin CSI4* Table A - Uto Kervec - 4th Samorin CSI4* Table A - Amareusa S - 2nd Samorin CSI2* Grand Prix - Uto Kervec - 6th Knokke CSI2* Table A - Amareusa S - 4th Mohammed Shafi Al Remeithi Samorin CSI4* Table A - Belcanto Z - 3rd Knokke CSI2* Table A - Belcanto Z - 4th Knokke CSI2* Table A - Belcanto Z - 5th Knokke CSI2* Grand Prix - Denitha - 8th Knokke CSI2* Table A - Belcanto Z - 7th Abdullah Al Muhairi Samorin CSI4* Table A - Cha Cha Cha 7 - 6th knokke CSI2* - Cha Cha Cha 7 - 2nd Knokke CSI1* Grand Prix - Coraggiosa - 8th Mohammed Ghanem Al Hajri Samorin CSI2* Table A - Doklahoma VDL - 4th Samorin CSI2* Table A - Hermes De Mariposa - 2nd Samorin CSI2* Table A - Doklahoma VDL - 3rd Hamad Ali Al Kirbi Falsterbo CSI05* - Uxmal D'ysieux - 2nd Eisa Omran Al Owais Samorin CSI1* Table A -Code of Honor - 1st Samorin CSI1* Table A - Avelon - 1st Samorin CSI1* Table A - Avelon - 4th Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi Samorin CSI1* Table A - Coral Beach Z - 1st Samorin CSI1* Table A - Coral Beach Z - 3rd Samorin CSI1* Table A - Al Bariz - 7th Ali Hamad Al Kirbi Samorin CSI1* Table A - Catch the Wind - 6th Samorin CSI1* Table A - Catch the Wind - 1st Moufi Al Kirbi Samorin CSI1* Grand Prix Qualifier - Pogba - 5th Samorin CSI1* Grand Prix - Pogba - 6th Samorin CSI1* Table A - Capella - 5th Mayed Ahli Samorin CSI1* - Iceberg - 6th Samorin CSI1* - Iceberg - 4th Mohammed Omarn Al Owais Samorin CSI1* - Enough- 1st Samorin CSI1* - Enough- 3rd Samorin CSI1* GP Qualifier- Bastiaan- 3rd Samorin CSI1* - Carevelli - 5th Samorin CSI1* - Carevelli - 2nd
Team Al Shiraa's Top Results
The Arabian horse, which signifies grace, freedom, nobility, and strength.
H.E Ahmed Bin Bishr
The Equestrian Influencer
Although he has over 1.2 Million Instagram followers, at home H.E Ahmed Bin Bishr is a man passionate about his horses, the power of great communication and life on his Al-Khawaneej farm. The Show Hub went along to find out more... Here on home turf, His Excellency Ahmed Bin Bishr, is best known as the son of His Excellency Butti Humaid bin Bishr, personal secretary to Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, however, to a staggering 1.2 million Instagram fans around the globe he is simply shb7. His mega-account incorporates his passion for technology and his skill in the art of falconry, it also profiles local humanitarian initiatives and showcases the UAE’s biggest events. His Instagram is not only highlighting the very best the UAE has to offer, but also gives fans around the world a glimpse into Emirati culture through the eyes of a truly global citizen. What many fans don’t know however, is Ahmed’s love for the Arabian horse, which he says signifies grace, freedom, nobility, and strength. He currently has three mares stabled at his farm, in the Al-Khawaneej, area of Dubai; two beautifully-bred show Arabians (by Gazal Al Shigab/Marajj out of Marwan) and his riding horse- a bay ex flat race mare, who he says can be tricky, “she threw me recently, she’s not so easy a horse to ride,” he laughs. There’s a further five show Arabians waiting out the summer heat at Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, which he says will come home when his new stable block is completed. He then plans live cover breeding with his black stallion (NAME HERE) who is out of Mansour/ son of Shadow of Ashir. Ahmed’s love of traditional Arabian animals doesn’t stop with horses, the farm is also home to an extensive falconry house, with Peregrine, Sakar and Hybrid falcons. Although there are no camels at the farm, he says his father was a keen breeder and owner in the past, however, Ahmed himself chose not to continue this particular family tradition, he says he felt the competition was to ‘regional’ for his tastes and instead prefers the truly international nature of Arabian showing. “My horses always come in the top ten, in any line-up,” he says.
Cont:
“Horses,” he says, “consume people, it’s not a hobby, anyone who enters the horse world finds it difficult to escape. Falcons, you could walk away from, if you had to, but there’s a relationship between the horse and rider, its beyond loyalty, it’s like royalty.” Keeping and breeding top show horses in a desert environment is tough. Previously the family had arable farms across the UAE growing green fodder. “We soil tested the areas and discovered where the minerals were best for what we needed,” he says. Today, much of the Khawaneej farm is dedicated to feed crops, with both Alfalfa and a robust Sri Lankan grass under cultivation. “We’ve found this to be best,” Ahmed says of the tropical tall foliage, “and it requires significantly less water.” The farm has an oasis feel, set just off the main Khawaneej road, behind a vast wall, it’s the setting for mango and sweet almond lined driveways, a large grass arena, vast tracts of crops and numerous greenhouses for year-round fresh vegetables. Ahmed’s dogs also live here, a Great Dane and two Slovakian Wolves. “When the weather is cooler, I take them down to Jumeirah and walk them,” he says. Ahmed has taken a somewhat unconventional career route to where he is today. He initially entered the police force, before studying mechatronic engineering at Dubai Men’s College. He then moved into IT for a short time before completing his bachelors in PR at the Canadian University of Dubai. Today he is also Chairman of the family’s Bin Bishr General Trading, and preparing to start his Masters in PR. Ahmed says his natural ability and passion for PR comes directly from watching his father at work. “The way he dealt with people, he was an entrepreneur, he spent his time influencing people, using just words, he created things.” He is clearly excited by the application of PR and can see its benefits in everything he does, from his work, through his passions and interests to his social media presence. “Instagram is simply PR,” he says, before cautioning, “just remember to serve it well.” He explains, “there can be a stone, sitting in clear view for centuries, passed by and overlooked by generations, but it just takes one man to see it differently, see it as a masterpiece, shaped by wind, and climate and nature, and if he is good with words- he can elevate it to a masterpiece in everyone’s mind and eye.”
Social Media His knack with social media and specifically Instagram. He started in mid-2012 (only two years after Instagram launched), yet until 2014 the account was garnering little interest outside of friends and family. However, by 2014 he had attracted around 20k followers and by late 2015 this had risen to over half a million. Today, over 1.2 million people follow his high-profile life and thoughts on everything from the UAE to poetry. What began as a typical youthful account peppered with selfies and four-wheel drives, has evolved into something offering its followers so much more. “For me, it’s much more than projecting an aspirational lifestyle,” says Ahmed, “my account is about informing and educating followers.” “Just remember, it’s really important to consider HOW you influence,” he says.
A Day in the life of SHB7 5am: I arrive at the farm and check everything. I ride my horse, although I don’t go outside the farm these days as there are so many unpredictable drivers. I then play with the dogs, check the falcons and greenhouses before going to my mother’s farm to check on the animals there. 7am: I have breakfast, usually scrambled eggs, beef bacon and asparagus. 8.30am to 10am: I catch up with developments in technology, I watch, read and research new ideas and like especially Volver to keep myself educated. Late Morning: I go to the family Bin Bishr offices, where I’m chairman. My sister is the office manager, so I don’t get away with much. However, we do have a deal that business issues do not spill over after work hours and must wait for the following day. Social Media Checks: I check maybe three-times-per day, morning, afternoon and evening. Evening: I’m in love with Japanese food, so a great evening would include my current favourite place- Katsuya, at Al Naseem Hotel in the Madinat Jumeirah. I believe in early sleeping, so most nights I’m in bed by 10pm
“Just remember, it’s really important to consider HOW you influence,”
Break it down. Use this time of year to really reflect and review last year's performances try and do this through practical not emotional glasses. Note what was strong consistently in your performance and where you could also improve. Then break those answers down again, for example: my canter needs to be better. How? Does it need to be straighter, does it need to be bigger, does it lack impulsion or perhaps the horses collapses on one rein. Then work out why that happens. Is it a schooling issue? Is it a mechanical issue? a soundness issue? strength or maturity or confidence issue? When you have done that for each and everything that you have on your improvement list sit down with your trainer or your coach (or whoever it is that you work with and trust) and work out a 6 week plan to improve each and every issue. Don't rush this plan or cut corners. This way you will leap into the season feeling fresh and prepared. Which is the perfect mix for a confidence cocktail
How do we find a way to keep on track without killing ourselves in the process of spinning 100 plates, or indeed downing tools completely? For those clients I have in the UAE who don't spend the summer in Europe and feel it's hard to stay motivated in the long hot quiet summer, I have come up with some cool tips that will keep you progressing through the summer and ready to dominate the leaderboard when competition season kicks in, allowing you to prepare for your best season yet!
How To Keep It Up When Everyone Else Is Winding Down
Look out for my next feature in the show hub, where I will share with you how to create your perfect strategy for success in and out of the saddle. The very one that riders across the globe have been using All Summer Long to achieve fantastic results. And I'm delighted to announce that I will be back in Dubai this September for a live event! For more information contact Sandie@SandieRobertson.com
Sandie Robertson Global Equestrian Mind Coach #1Bestselling author, columnist
It's that time of year that some of us live for and for others it can't be over quickly enough! Even as I sit here in a stunning secluded Spanish villa nestled high in the mountains, typing on my keyboard in time to the waves lapping on the freshwater pool. I am pulled in many directions; speed up / slow down; do less / do more; You've done enough / keep practicing; try harder / don't try so hard! Sound familiar?
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Press release July 2018 By Godolphin
Godolphin Flying Start Graduation 2018 The 2018 Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the beautiful Cape Cross centre at Kildangan Stud in Ireland on the afternoon of Friday, July 6th. Invited guests included the parents of the graduating class, Godolphin management and thoroughbred industry leaders who have supported the Flying Start trainees throughout their two years on the programme. 100 people gathered for the formal ceremony. Godolphin Flying Start alumni Bloodstock Agent Barry Lynch, Consignor Michael Buckley and Great British Racing Internationals Amanda Prior, industry leaders including Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh, Goffs CEO Henry Beeby, Christy Grassick, Coolmore, Leo Powell, The Irish Field, Sarah McNicholas, CEO Irish Equine Centre and trainer John Oxx. MC and Godolphin Flying Start graduate of 2017 Alayna Cullen opened proceedings by warmly welcoming guests and trainees’ families from as far away as Arizona and New Zealand. She looked back on her own experiences of the program given she had only graduated 12 months previously on the very same stage. Alayna then called on Godolphin Ireland Managing Director, Joe Osborne, to speak. He described how each graduate should always try their very best given the education received and his message to the trainees for the future was to “work like bees to support the hive”. Clodagh Kavanagh was then called to the stage for an interview with Alayna. She spoke about how Sheikh Mohammed had the vision to create Flying Start and the fact that there were now 165 graduates of the program. She complimented her team of coordinators who work to implement Flying Start. She described the increased emphasis on innovation, technology and creativity as part of the course content in the past year. Clodagh also spoke about gender diversity and inclusion in the industry, explaining that it makes good business sense to have women represented at board and management level, and that 30% representation is needed for them to have an impact. She explained that Flying Start will continue to run Professional Development conferences for the alumni network all over the world with the next event planned for Sydney on September 28th. Clodagh congratulated the class of trainees on some of their sporting, community and thoroughbred initiatives achieved during the two year program. Professor Raomal Perera of University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, then spoke about the academic standard of the program, and the standing that UCD and its’ graduates had achieved. The UCD Michael Smurfit Business School holds accreditations from the three leading accreditation authorities and they are only one of approximately 100 business schools worldwide to hold the triple crown of accreditation. Moreover, the School’s programmes are consistently ranked highly, as they are the only Business School in Ireland ranked in the Financial Times rankings of Business Schools. She said the most critical signal of quality is the quality of the graduates, the nature of the impact they make on the organisations they work for, the organisations they create and the wider world around them. He encouraged the graduating class to develop a passion for contribution, for hard work and for life-long learning and development. Raomal thanked Clodagh Kavanagh for her commitment to the program and to working with UCD. Godolphin Ireland and Godolphin Flying Start Director Joe Osborne was then called back to the stage to present the Diplomas to the 13 trainees. Six of the graduating class received a Distinction award and Jack Carlino from Phoenix, Arizona received a huge round of applause as the top trainee of 2018. New graduates Christopher Farrell and Megan Hebbert then thanked the guests, Godolphin Flying Start management and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed of behalf of their class mates before calling Clodagh Kavanagh, Joe Osborne and Martin Larkin to the stage to receive gifts from the class. Will Freedman surprised and delighted the assembled crowd with a song penned in recognition of the course and his classmates which led to a standing ovation. Guests were then invited to Kildangan House for a celebration lunch. For further information on the Godolphin Flying Start Programme visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com GODOLPHIN FLYING START JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS The thirteen trainees who graduated on July 6th commence roles with the following employers this month: William Freedman Freedman Racing, Australia Amie Karlsson Svensk Galopp, Sweden Joe Callan WinStar Farm, USA Todd Pollard Stephen Marsh, New Zealand Luke Morgan Tally-Ho Stud, Ireland Michael Yi TBC Tim Donworth TBC Christopher Farrell Magic Millions, Australia Laura Robertson Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, UK Megan Hebbert Godolphin, UK Jack Carlino Hill 'n' Dale Farm, USA Madison Scott Solis/Litt Bloodstock, USA Jessica Berry Team Valor International, USA
Godolphin Flying Start Announces Trainees for 2018–2020 Godolphin Flying Start is proud to announce the latest intake of scholarship recipients for it’s prestigious two-year Thoroughbred Industry Management and Leadership Programme. The class of 2018 – 2020 is comprised of five men and seven women from Ireland, Australia, USA, France and the United Kingdom. This outstanding scholarship facilitates trainees to learn and experience management operations and leadership in the global Thoroughbred industry with phases in County Kildare, Ireland, Newmarket, UK, Kentucky, USA, Sydney, Australia and Dubai. The course is accredited by the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School. 50% of Godolphin Flying Start graduates are managers or CEO’s and they are based across the five continents working in media, racing, breeding, bloodstock, sales, consultancy, veterinary and marketing. These include Arqana Auctioneer Ludovic Cornuel, Newmarket Bloodstock Agent Matt Coleman, Glen Hill Farm Manager Lindsay Shultz, Highclere Australia Racing Manager Dane Robinson and recent Irish Godolphin Stud Stable Staff Leadership Award winner Stephen Thorne who is Assistant Trainer to Adrian McGuinness Racing. The 2018-2020 trainees are: Nicholas Archdale (UK) Lucy Blake (Ireland) Corbin Blumberg (USA) John Bourke (Ireland) Samantha Cripps (USA) Luke Evans (UK) Liza Hendriks (USA) Amélie Lemercier (France) Annise Montplaisir (USA) Niall O’Connor (UK) Isabella Paul (UK) Anna Power (Australia) The 12 will commence their training at Kildangan Stud in Ireland on the 13th of August 2018. To learn more about Godolphin Flying Start visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com, contact Clodagh Kavanagh at ckavanagh@godolphinflyingstart.com or Martin Larkin at mlarkin@godolphinflyingstart.com . Connect, follow and have a conversation with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Image Credit Jan Kan
Thursday the 24th of July 2018 marked a special moment in Abu Dhabi. The Chinese President XI Jinping accompanied by his wife Peng was on one of the first state visits to an Arab country in 29 years. As a gift to mark this occasion of friendship HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, presented the Chinese President with the Purebred Triple Crown Arabian Gallardo J. Who won the title under the flag of Ajman Stud in the ownership of HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Cown Prince of Ajman. The presentation took place at the Presidential Palace on Friday the 25th July. Gallardo J was showcased by Kelly Delen and Christina Schapfler. Christina handled Gallardo J with perfection during the presentation and Kelly represented the Arabian to the presidential party. Kelly said " am happy that we looked poised because it was such an exciting mind - blowing experience, it felt hard to grasp at the moment itself and even harder to explain the feeling to be there". Gallarrdo J was bred by Christine Jamar of Jadern Arabians in Belgium, who also bred Gallardo's mother Gomera J and Father Emerald J who is one of the most influential sires of this time. (in video below) Gallardo J was based at the Ajman Stud owned by Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi the Crown Prince of Ajman. We asked Kelly what makes the stallion so special " to be a tripple crown winner is a huge honour that not many horse receive. They need to win not only the European Championships but the All Nations cup in Achen and the World Championships in Paris. Do be a Gold Champion in one of any of these shows is amazing, but to be Gold Champion in all three is truly remarkable. His beauty, his exotic face, the arch of his neck captures you the second you set eyes on the Stallion. But his show attitude and presence in the arena is what makes him a true Champion in the ring. With the Arabian sport growing in China, Gallardo J will be a great asset to a new breeding program to establish the future for China in the Arabian Beauty industry. Kelly Delen owns the Elba Training Center for Arabians in the heart of Belgium with her Fiance Tony Bauwens a safe haven for many clients dealing with Show Horses and Performance horses. From when I was young I wanted to work with these gorgeous animals, to do what we are doing at such a young age is truly remarkable and makes us feel grateful for every moment. We wish the President and teams the very best for the future with their new Arabian and very much look forward to seeing him in the Show Arena under the Chinese Flag. Elba training center can be contacted via their social media channels click for more info
Emerald J
UAE's token of appreciation to Chinese President Xi, Jinping
The Presentation
elbatrainingcenter
Gallardo J EMERALD J x GOMERA J 2013 Stallion |Purebred Arabian 2015 Dubai Gold Champion Jr. Colt 2015 Sharjah Gold Champion Jr. Colt 2014 European Gold Champion Yearling Colt 2015 Menton Gold Champion Jr. Colt 2015 All Nations Cup Silver Champion Jr. Colt 2015 European Gold Champion Jr. Colt 2015 World Bronze Champion Jr. Colt 2016 Qatar Int. Silver Champion Jr. Colt 2016 TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPION European - All Nations Cup - World Gold Champion Jr. Colt
Ghaleb Stud update! We are proud to announce that one of the Studs chosen by the Show Hub to follow this year’s Ghaleb Arabian Horse Stud, had some fantastic results in Europe. The Stallion Prometeusz, (FA Al Shawan x Pianissima) owned by H.H Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain took the Stallion Gold Champion title at the Vichy International Arabian Horse Show presented by his handler Tom Oben. Also, Amira JF (S.M.A Magic One x FX Dixie Rose) took the Gold Champion Filly class which is an amazing achievement for the stud. The VICHY International Arabian Horse Show is a Class B show that took place on July 25th and 26th in Vichy, France. This show is a popular qualifying show for Class A shows, hosting an average of 50 to 80 horses. Daniel Souppat was the organizer of the event and Sharjah UAE’s Albidayer Stud served as the main sponsor. We look forward to having the team back in UAE following their progress throughout the season.
“We can see alot of pianssima in you “ Quote by Sheikh Mohamed
Name: Al Ruwayyah Stable Owner: Sultan Al Qemzi Manager: Jaime Lemmer Location: Al Ruwayyah cnr E611/Al Ain Road towards Sharjah Telephone: 050 857 4411 Approximate land area: 4.2 acres Capacity: 34 horses Outside instructors: Are allowed pending management approval Unique Selling Point: Paddock paradise track-system, natural horse care methods, as well as predominately barefoot and bitless Personnel: Services available: dressage instructor, jumping instructor, the only qualified and experienced barefoot trimmer in the UAE, equine dentist, equine touch practitioner, manager and seven grooms. Livery cost per month: 2000 to 3000 AED Events: Barefoot Trimming /Paddock Paradise and the Art of Centered Riding Current Availability: None and waiting list
Al Ruwayah is really rather unique as livery stable options go here in the UAE. Offering the latest developments in natural horse-care, bitless riding and barefoot hoof management, the stables and its competition riders are blazing a barefoot trail across the UAE.
Blazing A Barefoot Trail: Al Ruwayah Stables
Social activities: Group arranged desert hacks with picnics, stable bbq’s, beach trips, in-house showjumping competitions, in-house dressage events, in-house gymkhanas, group gatherings for International Equestrian Events TV viewings and outdoor movie nights (horse themed of course!)
The Yard
Pleasure Riding at Al Ruwayah: “For those less keen on competitions,” says Jamie, “I arrange desert rides exploring the gorgeous varied terrains with a half way tea-stop point providing shade, refreshments and good relaxed company for both the horses and their riders.”
The Facilities: In addition to the Paddock paradise track-system, livery clients at Al Ruwayah also have use of a 500m oval training track, 60 x 50 jumping area, 20 x 60 dressage area and 20 x 40 arena and horse-walker. There’s four fully enclosed boxes within the A/C barn plus an additional 30 Arabic style boxes with outdoor A/C. All stables are bedded with shavings.
The Last Word: “As a riding centre it is a model for future horse/human relationships,” says resident barefoot trimmer and livery client Jan Brooksbank. “We encourage clients to rethink the traditional horse/human relationship by learning of their species needs and attempting to provide the basics for a happy, healthy horse.” “A journey to California and time spent observing and training to trim horses using the Wild Horse Method with Jaime Jackson convinced me that we needed to rethink conventional horse keeping.” “By promoting the track system for keeping horses together as a herd, 24 hour access to hay, a more natural diet, barefoot, bitless horses and natural training methods we hope that our relaxed, happy horses and owners will encourage others to adopt a more natural approach to horse keeping.” “We also understand that for most people, horses are their passion and (expensive) hobby. They are our 'down time' and escape from City life. We each have different expectations and abilities but share a common bond - a love of horses.”
Life At Al Ruwayah Life at Al Ruwayah is centred around the barefoot philosophy. In addition to no shoes, the horses are encouraged to mimic life in the wild, with more movement, constant small amounts of hay and hard feeding of only low sugar/unprocessed feeds when required. Al Ruwayah uses ‘barefoot friendly’ Simple Systems feed, plus linseed, chaff, oil, electrolytes/salt, and 24 hour slowfed Omani hay. During the winter, horses are turned out 24 hours per day, while in the hot summer months they remain stabled by day and out throughout the night. In keeping with the ‘natural’ system, even the trainers at Al Ruwayah have a more holistic and natural way of training. Competition trainer Holly Coetzee, says, “I find that by teaching more novice riders how to jump using a bitless bridle, our horses are much more relaxed and happy during training and at training shows because even if the rider makes a mistake and accidentally pulls on the reins over a fence, it does not hurt the horse, thus creating a much happier and more willing partner to learn with.” “I wish someone would have told me about a bitless bridle when I was 12 and struggling with my horse who was resisting the bit,” says trainer Christine Leemans. “With so many things I wish I would have known then, what I know now. My relationship with my horses would have been very different. I am blessed though, to now teach so many others about riding bitless and show them positive impact of our paddock paradise system, and how it makes such a big impact on the horses lives from a social aspect as well as physical.” Competition trainer Holly Coetzee, says, “I find that by teaching more novice riders how to jump using a bitless bridle, our horses are much more relaxed and happy during training and at training shows because even if the rider makes a mistake and accidentally pulls on the reins over a fence, it does not hurt the horse, thus creating a much happier and more willing partner to learn with.” “I wish someone would have told me about a bitless bridle when I was 12 and struggling with my horse who was resisting the bit,” says trainer Christine Leemans. “With so many things I wish I would have known then, what I know now. My relationship with my horses would have been very different. I am blessed though, to now teach so many others about riding bitless and show them positive impact of our paddock paradise system, and how it makes such a big impact on the horses lives from a social aspect as well as physical.” Competition trainer Holly Coetzee, says, “I find that by teaching more novice riders how to jump using a bitless bridle, our horses are much more relaxed and happy during training and at training shows because even if the rider makes a mistake and accidentally pulls on the reins over a fence, it does not hurt the horse, thus creating a much happier and more willing partner to learn with.” “I wish someone would have told me about a bitless bridle when I was 12 and struggling with my horse who was resisting the bit,” says trainer Christine Leemans. “With so many things I wish I would have known then, what I know now. My relationship with my horses would have been very different. I am blessed though, to now teach so many others about riding bitless and show them positive impact of our paddock paradise system, and how it makes such a big impact on the horses lives from a social aspect as well as physical.”
Competing At Al Ruwayah: Stable Manager Jamie says, “as a team, Al Ruwayyah competes throughout the season in showjumping, dressage and eventing. Our riders attend a showjumping training show monthly throughout the season accompanied by our instructors and myself. We provide transportation of the horses and either Holly, Christine or myself support all riders during their warm up and in the ring. We’ve had a lot of success this past season with many wins and top three placings. We also have an eventing team that competes throughout the season at hunter trials and one day events. The stable provides safe, careful transportation and support for these shows. This past season we had top three finishes at every single event we attended and finished the season with a 1st and 3rd place in the Spinneys Cup Open class and 3rd and 6th places in the Intermediate class.”
HOW DO I GET ELECTROYLTES IN? We have all heard the saying, you can take a horse to water but you cannot make it drink? This can be true from pretty much every electrolyte you can try to feed you horse. There are many sources of electrolyte that are enriched with flavouring, cherry, apple, orange and lemon. All horses are individual and therefore some will prefer the flavour of one over another, which is just like people. I have to say I think the cherry flavouring is more widely accepted that the others out here form what I have seen, and apple is also taking reasonably easily. The main aim is to encourage the horse to eat or drink it without restriction of any other water source, and the biggest mistake I will see is the main bucket being used for electrolytes and then the horse may refuse to drink anything which will make the whole situation worse. So try to remember to give it separately. What works for me is to mix up the electrolytes in water and then add Kwikbeet sugar beet to the water to soak and feed this to the horse after ten minutes. This will be seen as a ‘feed’ for the horse and there will be very little resistance from the horse not to drink it. Salt licks need to be discussed as I have seen an increase in the Himalayan salt in the stables around here. They can be useful for giving the horse free access to salt, but remember this is no substitute for electrolytes and will only provide the salt (sodium) part of the diet not the full range of electrolytes.
ELECTROLYTES Many people in the Middle East use electrolytes to rebalance the horse during the hotter months of the year. With good reason, as there is no feed in the world that would contain the right amount of electrolytes for a horse out here in this heat. So adding extra to the feed or water is essential for trying to maintain the health of your horse. The majority of electrolytes available here are working on the same principle and balance ratio, however, like everything with horses, you get what you pay for! Ingredients like salt (sodium) are routinely included and the quality and source is rarely a problem, however, the further up the price list you get, the bigger variance you get in quantity and quality of ingredients. The most critical one you will receive is Calcium and Magnesium, which are the most expensive and ironically what the horse is going to be most deficient in. The source of calcium and magnesium is essential as there are a lot of chemical forms of these products that are added to feed and electrolytes that are not absorbed very well and can require twice the amount to maintain the absorption at the right level to maintain homeostasis.
By Dr Judith Maxwell MRCVS BVSc BSc (hons)
Managing dehydration in the normal horse
In warmer climates, horses lose a lot more salt through evaporation off the skin and also the moisture loses through breathing. When a horse exercises the losses increase exponentially and therefore, being mindful of the losses and trying to set up a daily resource for the horse to prevent long term deficiency. HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IF THE HORSE IS LONG TERM DEFICENT? There are four main salts that make up the basic profile that horses use to balance the water in their bodies. There is Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Chloride. Together they work to form a condition called ‘homeostasis’ which is where the cells in the body are perfectly full of water and the blood stream has the perfect amount of water in it to keep the pressure right and the concentration of red blood cell (which carry your oxygen around your body) at a constant amount throughout the blood. If you are deficient in these key electrolyte salts then you start to notice a lack of performance and the horse will lose its ‘sparkle’. The worse the situation gets the more noticeable this will become, so the horse may start to really resist work, show signs of muscles soreness and then eventually true ‘tying up’ of the muscles and the trembling of muscles may become evident. The skin will lose its elasticity and looked stretched across the whole body, and the urine (pee) will become very dark, and concentrated which will also have a very strong smell associated with it. Yawning can be another sign that the horse is not feeling on top form and that the energy balance/hydration status is not correct. Again if this is the case the horse will feel tired and lacking energy and the general movement of the horse will appear weak and wobbly, possibly even tripping and stumbling.
HOW DO WE CORRECT DEHYDRATION? Primarily if the dehydration is not too bad, then we have to make sure that the horse has plenty of access to clean water, I tend to try to give the horse several different selections of water to help them choose, as the type of bucket / drinker, the material it is made from, the temperature and the source is all very important and horses are more sensitive to flavours than we originally thought. The addition of water to everything the horse has available to them is also helpful, so making sure there is enough water in the feed (either by wetting your nuts or mix, or by adding in some sugar beet to really increase the water content) you can also soak / steam / dampen the hay to add some extra water to it, and handily reduce the dust in it. Finally adding an apple or flavouring to the water bucket, can really help with encouraging the horse to play / investigate the water and therefore make them more likely to drink. One side note would be that date syrup is routinely added and the use of it to get a horse drinking is helpful, but be aware that it is full of sugar, so using large quantities of it will only make the horse fat.
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Additives Information Cupric chelate of amino acid glycine 1,390mg/kg 2 Manganous chelate of amino acid glycine 380mg/kg 1 Zinc chelate of amino acid glycine 920mg/kg Additional Information Pack sizes 2kg, 5kg, 15kg Presentation Powder Shelf life 24 months For a 400kg horse fed at the recommended daily amount: A 2kg tub will provide 41 days' supply A 5kg tub will provide 104 days' supply A 15kg bucket will provide 312 days' supply
Mixed in water: 1 scoop of Electrolytes mixed in 2.5 litres of water produces an isotonic oral rehydration solution. This can be offered during competition (e.g. endurance rides) and after work. At no stage should the horse be discouraged from drinking, and fresh, clean water should be available at all times. In order to replenish electrolyte loss when in hard work, this product should be fed for up to 3 days post-work. It is recommended that a specialist's opinion be sought before use. Do not exceed the recommended feeding guide without consulting Dodson & Horrell or your veterinarian.
ELECTROLYTES Replaces those essential nutrients lost through sweating and work Analytical Constituents Calcium 1.7% Sodium 16.7% Potassium 5.0% Magnesium 1.7% Chlorides 30.7% Glucose 13.0% Copper 333 mg/kg Composition Sodium Chloride, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Sulphate, Dextrose, Potassium Chloride Feeding Guide This product is recommended: - If horses are sweating heavily - If the weather is very hot - For horses competing on low levels of feed - If horses are poor travellers - During and after endurance rides If horses sweat lightly but regularly when competing and are being fed a 'non-competition' mix Feed 12g/100kg bodyweight per day. For example: 200-400kg pony approx 0.5-1 scoop 400-600kg horse approx 1-1.5 scoops Scoop enclosed = 50ml This product can either be added to a feed or can be mixed in water. Added to the feed: Mix well in slightly dampened feed, with clean, fresh water available in suitable quantities. Hot, sweaty horses should be offered small quantities of water frequently as required until the horse has cooled and recovered, before feeding Electrolytes.
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The NEW Mademoiselle sport saddle is specifically designed for women’s morphology. Its lightweight slimline for measures maximum comfort and precision when working your horse. Innovation and performance are totally feminine here.
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Recovery Liquid Supplement Contains high quality mineral salts and valuable trance elements. Supports the compensation for mineral losses at elevated sweating. Also comes in booster paste with faster effect. Recovery liquid is available in 1000ml Bottle 150 Dhs and 5000ml Bottle 450 Dhs .
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In the second part of our pole work training series with UK based dressage rider and trainer Ben Franklin, we explore the third and fourth scales of training; Contact and Impulsion. Ben is a British Dressage rider and trainer based in the South East of England who specialises in the production of young horses and currently trains with Carl Hester.
Ben Franklin
CONTACT; Q. We hear the term contact a lot but can you explain exactly what is meant by the term? A. Contact is defined within the scales of training as a light, even, electric feel down both reins which is achieved as a result of the combination of aids from the leg and seat but not the hands. Q. That sounds a little contradictory- surely we have to use our hands to produce the right contact? A. That’s a good question and it is really important to understand that the hands do not create the contact. When the leg is applied and the horse steps under more, he is able to work through the muscles within the top line, once these are engaged he is able to work over the back, through the neck and poll. The rider then feels the energy which is created in the reins, in the hands. Q. So is this the same as achieving a “connection”? A. Yes - it allows the outline to become round and prevents hollowing. More power is created and the rider will feel this in the hands. As the horses hindquarters and forehand are connected, it produces a forward tendency within the reins and this is what we know as ‘connection’. Q. Is obtaining the right contact a common problem for dressage riders? A. Contact is certainly one of the most widely discussed subjects with both flatwork and jumping riders alike and there are a number of problems which can arise eg; Lack of consistency in the connection The feel within the contact (e.g. too light/soft, too hard/pulling) Bridle lameness due to lack of submission Uneven contact/pressure nversion of the neck and/or back to ‘block’ the contact Q. What are the most common causes of issues with the contact? A. Firstly it is very important to note that any physical problems/issues should be ruled out, especially within the mouth such as poorly fitting bits, dental issues and/or sores. Contact issues most commonly stem from the horse blocking the riders leg aid and/or offering something different in response to what the rider is asking, e.g. the rider would like the horse to move forward into the connection in a soft and submissive equal fashion down both reins, however the horse moves forward as requested with enthusiasm, loses balance and ends up towing down the rein and onto the riders hand. Q. Isn’t this just a form of evasion? A. This can easily be seen as the horse ‘evading’ the riders request, however is a very innocent reaction due to a mere lack of balance for the horse’s current stage of training. Therefore we as riders must focus on how to improve the horse’s balance when he reacts to the riders leg aid in order to improve the connection that the rider is trying to develop. Q. So is it possible to use pole work to improve the connection? A. Definitely. We can do this by creating a ‘tunnelling’ effect as explained in Exercise 1.
Summary; As the horse and rider become more balanced, an even contact is developed therefore improving straightness and reaction to the riders leg aid, this in turn creates a more harmonious way of going in self carriage and enables the rider to ride more effectively and the horse in turn to react accordingly.
To further test the reliability of the horses connection, once again develop the exercise to include a 10m circle at alternate poles as seen in diagram 1D.
6
5
Once the horse and rider are both familiar and confident with these exercises the number of poles can be increased from 4 to 7 as seen in diagram 1C.
Place 4 poles on a serpentine within your arena (20 x 40m) as seen in diagram 1A. In walk start the serpentine on the left rein from A and encourage the horse to march forwards in the walk into an even feel down As the rider encourages the horse to move positively forwards towards the pole, this places an emphasis on creating a ’tunnel’ effect from the riders leg to their rein connection thus improving the contact. Commonly riders tend to ride corners/turns with a heavier feeling down the inside rein, thus creating an uneven connection and problems with the contact both reins.
1
Exercise 1 - CONTACT
4
When your horse is established in this exercise and is working in balance with an even connection, repeat using trot, see diagram 1B. When the horse loses balance apply a walk transition to replace the ‘halt’ transition previously utilised during the ‘walk serpentine’.
2
It is likely that the horse will try to fall in/out as the rider applies the leg aid to move ‘forwards’. Should the horse fall into the hand too heavily then ask for a halt transition and adjust the horses balance.
Once again ask the horse to move forwards into walk and repeat the halt exercise as many times as required. The most likely place that the horse will lose balance and therefore ‘drop’ the contact or go heavy on the connection is on a turn/corner. To prevent this apply your inside leg and then make a gentle half halt with your outside rein to rebalance the horse.
3
Repeat the exercise in canter, replacing the 3 strides of walk with trot, diagram 2C. By this point in the exercise you should really start to feel your horse stepping under and the impulsion building.
If you horse is balanced enough, repeat the exercise with a canter/walk/canter transition so that your 3 strides of trot are replaced by walk.
Repeat the exercise in trot but now use a walk transition after each pole for 3 strides rather than halting, diagram 2B. Proceed in trot, repeat as necessary until your horse is using his body properly and you can start to feel a more engaged ‘pushing’ feeling within the upwards transitions.
Place 1 pole at A, E, B and C around the arena. On the left rein walk large over the A pole, then halt for 3-5 seconds, then proceed in walk towards the B pole, see diagram 2A. Repeat as many times as necessary until your horse is responsive to the aids.
Exercise 2 - IMPULSION
IMPULSION; Q. So having looked at “Contact”- can we apply the same principles to the fourth scale of training- and can you first of all define Impulsion and explain how it relates to Contact? A. Impulsion within the scales of training is described as movement within the horse when it is going forward and the power is controlled. This power is created within the hindquarters by taking more energetic steps which allow him to place his hind legs further underneath him, the rein contact contains this power by not allowing the horse to move faster. Q. So it’s not the same as increasing speed? A. No- not at all. The horse must be supple, straight and connected in order for impulsion to develop. He must also be relaxed as tightening through the body within the muscles, ligaments and joints will hinder this. Q. Once the horse is “supple, straight and connected” how does the rider create more Impulsion? A. By using the correct driving aids, but containing the energy created by the engaged hind legs - transitions are key to this and are used in the exercises described in Exercise 2. Q. Why is Impulsion so important? A. Impulsion is fundamental to all equestrian disciplines because it allows the horse to use the power in its hindquarters effectively. This is illustrated well in show jumping where it is the power of the horse not the speed of the approach which enables the horse to clear the fence correctly. Q. How do we know that we have created enough Impulsion? A. When impulsion is present, it allows the horse’s gait to become lighter and more energetic, therefore giving the horse additional power. If we use show jumping as our example again - lack of impulsion is often linked to horse’s failing to clear obstacles. Q. So how is improving Impulsion going to help my dressage test? A. Increasing impulsion should really improve your horse’s natural paces particularly the trot and canter. With better impulsion the horse’s gait becomes more elastic, light and expressive. Ultimately it will also enable the horse to complete more complicated schooling movements such as the piaffe, passage and pirouettes where collection is required. Q. Can there be too much Impulsion? A. There is a fine balance between creating impulsion to display the horse’s athleticism and developing too much impulsion so that the control of the horse deteriorates! Q. So can the pole work exercises aid Impulsion? A. They can. In all situations transitions are key to improving impulsion. So we are now going to incorporate transitions into our pole work exercises. See Exercise 2 for some ideas and remember it is important to repeat each exercise equally on each rein to prevent your horse becoming one sided.
You might not have heard her name before, but we think it’s only a matter of time before eight-year-old up and coming Emirati dressage rider, Shamsa Al Mheiri hits the equestrian headlines… While Shamsa might be all about dressage, she does go on to say that when she grows up she also plans to be an eventer, who “sticks mainly with dressage, but can do everything; from a bit of trick-riding to some show jumping.” Like most pony-mad kids, Shamsa loves the excitement of jumping and even has regular trick-riding lessons with locally-based Lauren Allport. However, the similarities with most eight-year-old riders stops there, as little Shamsa devotes hours per week to the art of dressage. While most young children run for the hills at the mere mention of schooling and 20 metre circles Shamsa clearly loves it. She currently spends six-days per week at EEC and her entire summer holidays in Spain working on her classical riding and at pony camp. “I don’t really know where it comes from,” says mum Sandra, “we’re not very horsey at all, I’m a happy hacker at best, and her Emirati dad didn’t even know what dressage was when she started!” “I had to explain to him that is was that it was that, ‘dancing with horses,’ before he understood it at all,” she laughs.
It all began back when Shamsa was just three-years-old. She started at Dubai City Stables, “it was the only place that would accept her at three,” says mum Sandra, “and for that I will always be eternally grateful to owner Jamal.” “I was three-years-old and watching my trainer,” says Shamsa, “she was doing beautiful things with her horse and I asked her what it was, she told me it’s ‘Dressage… do you want to try?’” As she fell in love with the sport, things quickly began falling into place. Sandra’s British parents own a house near Malaga in Spain, where the family spends the summer. “Five years ago, we found a PRE Andalusian stallion called Domino,” says Sandra, “he was a quick-sale and cheap as chips, so we bought him as our family pony.” Classically trained Domino and Shamsa now work towards her dream, and in the last few years she has affiliated and even successfully competed in Spain. “I’ve done my first prelim test on him,” she says proudly. Back in Dubai, Shamsa rides most days but Friday and trains with Tracy Wyngard-Gill at EEC two or three times a week. Trainer Tracy has been in the UAE for over 17 years and her career has spanned numerous disciplines from racing and jumping to dressage. Last year Sandra and Tracy decided the time was right and set about finding the perfect pony-partner for Shamsa. She found her in Holland, a 14hh, five-year-old sports pony called Electra. She arrived in the UAE at the end of last summer, and the team have been working hard ever since.“I set out to get the best pony I could find for Shamsa,” says Tracey, “I found Electra through some of my close contacts over there… I tried quite a few ponies, and although she was younger than planned she was by far the best and with such a sweet temperament and great attitude to work, I thought this could be a great match.” “As we purchased her in April, she initially stayed in Holland for the first summer, training with a friend before we could ship her to UAE. It’s often a compromise buying horses, you have to balance what you can afford with what you want and what your goal is,” says Tracy. “We said if we got a younger pony, then we understood from the beginning that there would have to be a certain amount of training that I myself will have to do to bring her on.” “But you know what? She’s already exceeded my expectations, she’s a really smart and talented little pony with a super attitude. I adore her.”
The beauty of horse and child Introducing Shamsa Al Muheri Sunshine Rider UAE
As the summer starts Shamsa’s now preparing for Spain where she will join her regular pony camp, plus additional lessons with Domino. “It’s camp in the morning, which covers various disciplines plus management and mucking out, real world horsey stuff” laughs Sandra, then in the evenings she has her classical dressage lessons.” It seems like a punishing schedule for anyone, never mind an eight-year-old, but it’s clear Shamsa has set her heart on what she wants to do and will let nothing get in her way of achieving it. In many ways, Shamsa’s already an Emirati pioneer simply by choosing an equestrian discipline that very few here participate or are even interested in. Yet people are already beginning to take notice. Currently, she’s brand ambassador for both Aztec Diamond equestrian wear and has a sizable Instagram fan-base of over 5,000. Here at Show Hub, we’re just waiting for the new season to start to see this pint-sized team in action!
To join Shamsa and Elektra's journey follow @sunshinerideruae on Instagram and for more information on support opportunities for the upcoming season and beyond please email: Sandraabdulla@gmail.com.
Tracy is an accomplished horsewoman and experienced trainer; yet taking on a very determined little girl and her green pony can’t be easy. “Training Electra is the simple part,” she laughs. “Training such a young rider, as opposed to the mature riders I usually teach, means approaching the training with a whole different mentality, I’m also learning a lot! Shamsa is mature for her age, but of course it’s hard for an eight-year-old to focus on a dressage lesson, but, because that’s what Shamsa really wants to do, she has really no problems with focusing.” “I don’t think you can push a child to do anything, unless they want to do it,” says mum Sandra. Of course, she loves jumping and she’s already jumped 1.10cm, but she loves dressage, I think she finds it more challenging.” With so much work for the pair to do, it must be tough at times for Tracy to know just where to focus. She says of the coming season’s plans, “we have a choice; do we focus on getting the pony out and gaining competition experience or do we focus on Shamsa?” “The season just passed, we had no expectations, the plan was only ever for Shamsa to get to know her and to see how the relationship developed, with absolutely no pressure. Yet, Shamsa ended up competing in the intro classes and she did really well.” “We then took a step back to focus on the training to go to the next step with cantering tests we really want to focus on getting the basics established before proceeding.” Both women are adamant they want Shamsa to learn and develop through the process of bringing Elektra on, in fact, they feel so strongly about this, one of Shamsa’s favourite Instagram hashtags is #notsatonreadymade. Sandra says, “so many kids get ponies ready-made, they just jump on, do all the high classes, but really, what have you achieved from that?” “Of course, it must be frustrating for Shamsa,” says Tracy, “she wants to do the fancy things, but with a six-year-old pony, even if Electra is learning it, in many ways we’re still waiting for Shamsa’s legs to come past the saddle flaps.” For Shamsa though, it’s all in a day’s work. She says she manages her dressage schedule in conjunction with additional trick riding lessons, rounders and gymnastics lessons, with “lots of naps.”
PROFILE
Tauseef Qadri brings a richly diverse background and a unique set of perspectives to management consulting, strategy and organizational development. Tauseef is passionate about building people capability. He has worked in start ups and Fortune 250 Multinationals in senior leadership roles, most recently with Yum! Brands. With a life long association with horses, and an unrelenting passion, he has trained in high level Natural Horsemanship, training directly under Ingela Larsson, Peter Madisson Greenwell, Karen Rohlf, Eileen Verdieck and Richard Lyne – all horsepeople of considerable international repute. He is a Certified Equine Facilitated Trainer from the European Association of Horse Assisted Education (EAHAE). Tauseef has lead large, global equestrian real estate projects from concept to operations. He has also helped develop the Al Saheel Equestrian Show. He is a thought leader on the topic of how horses help develop leadership skill and he has presented the topic in conferences in Poland, UAE, Egypt, KSA and the UK. He has facilitated leadership programs with horses for global multinational clients such as Mercedes Benz and Yum! Brands.
Tauseef Qadri Certified Equine Facilitated Trainer from the European Association of Horse Assisted Education (EAHAE).
“Taz provided me not only with a greater understanding of the horse’s behavior but also of our own behavior and how in turn it influences that of the horse. Enacting certain scenarios with people, before attempting it on the horse, gave interesting insights into how we can improve our communication with the horse.”
What was your involvement with horses in Dubai? By the time I moved to Dubai, in 2007, I was less involved with horses. Initially with an investment firm – working in private equity. Later by chance, I was asked to join Equine Management Services, with the legendary Eileen Verdieck, a world renowned Arabian horse expert. She had a mandate to create equine based real estate projects, in the UAE and some other markets. I was the first one hired in a company for what was an fantastic time in my life. We created the brand, Hoofbeatz. Through the Hoofbeatz brand, we developed equestrian real estate projects such as Escape and Al Kaheel as well as produced an equestrian show – along the lines of Cavalia based at the Dubai Polo Club. It was incredible, I was surrounded by some extraordinary horse people from around the world, coupled with incredible horses, also from around the world! Andalusian horses from Spain, magnificent Friesian horses bought from Germany, spinning quarter horses from the USA, elegant Arabian show horses and the list goes on.
How did your interest in horses begin? My formative years were in a small city called Tabuk, situated in North West, Saudi Arabia, near the Jordan border. For as early as I could remember, I loved horses. My parents nurtured my passion for horses and encouraged me commencing riding lessons by the age of 4. I rode at the National Guard Military stables which had almost 250 horses. It was pristine. And pretty soon, I was “part of the furniture” over there. I would spend hours there. I still remember my experiences there and the names and characters of several horses I loved, Anifa, Samhan, Burke, and Saud. I proceeded to go to boarding school in Warwick, England. Over there, I continued my passion for horses and enrolled at the Warwick International School of Riding. That was a good environment to progress my interests as an equestrian. I also enrolled in some courses at Moreton Morrell, which is a well reputed equestrian college. I met Ingela Larsson who, in so many ways, changed my life and perspective of horses. She taught me how to really connect with horses at a deeper level. She was someone who could perform the most exquisite piaffe on a Lipizzaner bareback and bridleless. She had rescued Salty, because he was apparently too aggressive for his former owners. There I was who couldn’t hold back a little Arabian from taking off with a bridle and a bit! So I lived on Ingela’s farm just outside of Birmingham, England. A serene place that rescues horses, understands them and retrains them, spread over 50 Acres. I devoured everything I was taught and exposed to. Learning about how horses are prey animals and that their brains are wired so differently to ours. I would sit quietly under a large oak tree gazing at the herd as they played and jostled for their places in their respective social order. I would scribble down notes and drawings. Ingela is a special human being. A swiss international grand prix rider turned horsemanship specialist. She was one of the founding equestrians who set up Pat and Linda Parelli. So her friends would visit often, Karen Rohlf and Honza Blaha, world famous horsepeople in their own right. Needless to say, the exposure transformed my skills and insight into horses. I got to work with some very agile thoroughbreds that would refuse to go into starting gates, or other horses that wouldn’t comfortable load into a trailer.
Future plans We have some bold and exciting plans for the future. For starters, visit my lovely students in Bahrain again! My colleague, who is one of the most qualified equestrian coaches in the region, Annie Haresign and I are making plans for some step-change initiatives in the region. It might be premature to discuss all our plans just yet before we actually make it happen. However, we are actively pursuing the development of an equine academy. A sanctuary of learning for all things equine. It is targeted at elevating the equestrian communities skills and knowledge. All I will say for now is… watch this space!
You recently visited Bahrain to run a clinic on horsemanship. What was your experience like there? Angela Barlow, one of my horsemanship students in Dubai had moved to Bahrain. She recalled the work we had done with her horse, Sultan, a beautiful chestnut Arabian. Angela suggested I visit Bahrain to continue our work with Sultan as well as teach several of her friends who were situated at the facility. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Bahrain has a very rich horse culture and the passion of the horse owners is contagious! I think the desire to learn and grow was the highlight of the trip. We talked about horses as prey animals in nature and how humans can be interpreted as predatory creatures because of what our biology suggests. We have eyes at the center to focus, meat eating teeth, ears situated at the sides. How does that translate to working with the horse, well, we need to build trust and not act in a predatory way! Easier said that done, especially if we aren’t fully present or aware of the messages our body language signals. Students found the experience thought provoking. Birthe, with her recently retired ex racehorse Keepax gave her thoughts about the clinic “Taz provided me not only with a greater understanding of the horse’s behavior but also of our own behavior and how in turn it influences that of the horse. Enacting certain scenarios with people, before attempting it on the horse, gave interesting insights into how we can improve our communication with the horse.” My students absorbed many of my suggestions like sponges! It was great to see them make breakthroughs with their horses, big and small. I feel with my background, I am able to ask the questions and promote a thought process that is insightful for the student. Real learning doesn’t happen because someone tells you what to do, it happens because the individual is able to internalize their experience and grow from it. I would like to think of myself more as a facilitator for that learning process, be it human or horse! That is truly satisfying and I love what I do. Bahrain has some lovely horses too!
Choosing the Right Retirement Home While there are options around the globe, the majority of horses make their way to Europe, where livery options are most popular in the UK, France, Belgium and Germany. Paola Maggiori says of her search for the perfect retirement for Noble Alien her 10-year-old Thoroughbred, “I used the Internet, I shortlisted a few places that looked good and exchanged many emails with the owners of each place. I visited a farm in Tuscany, Italy, but just didn't feel that was the right place. Then I came to know that one or the riders at EEC had already retired a horse in one of the places I liked more. We exchanged emails and he said that he was very happy with the yard and the care given… that was good enough for me.” Sally Hamilton-French owner of Fresh Fields Retirement Home says, “if you’re thinking of retiring a horse, always go with your gut feeling. Think about, what you can cope with, the distance etc. “ “Of course, it’s hard for owners, and guilt does play a part,” she says. “Are they forsaking their responsibility? I say not at all, horses run as herds, and once they have done their job for you, let them and retire and have some fun in open fields with friends.” “As long as you as an owner can visit whenever you wish, no appointment, no regimen, no timings, simply walk in and see your horse, then what more would you require from a retirement home? “ Tracey says, “before I sent Rare-Heights I searched around and Fresh Fields was recommended. For me, it’s important people are experienced knowledgeable, and the horses get the attention they need.”
Out To Grass Equine Retirement Overseas
When to make the decision? “Everyone does their best in the Middle East,” says Sheila, “and for sure I’m not knocking that, it’s just that it is a very ‘artificial’ life here especially for horses. The realities of the climate, lack of real ground forage etc. makes for a very limited experience, I still think it’s the best money I spent, sending him home.” UAE based Tracey Perkins, says of Rare-Heights, the horse she retired to the UK back in 2017, “he was already retired for many years here but was bored and a little depressed, so I decided to send him to the UK. He taught me so much love and appreciation… he was my show jumper an ex-race horse with a big heart who jumped 1.40m classes.” “It was my responsibility, yet there is really no retirement here in UAE and life gets very boring,” she says. “Horses need freedom and he deserves this time with his buddies and grass. Honestly what are the options? Watching them decline with boredom and restricted exercise in small paddocks with too many hours in a stable or even euthanasia?” She says.
It’s every Gulf based riders worst nightmare- what to do when you know your equine friend is ready to slow down or even stop work altogether? With no real retirement options here in the UAE, the heat, prolonged stabling and expensive livery rates; it can be tricky to find a solution to suit both your horse and pocket.
Back in 2016, Muscat based Sheila Archdeacon sent her 18hh Westfalian gelding Finn to retire in South Africa. Finn had been in the Gulf for most of his life and Sheila says, “it was actually desperately sad, he didn’t really know how to graze, and immediately panicked and grew an emergency coat.” “But, it’s a totally fantastic feeling knowing his life is so much better now,” she says. “For sure there’s a really big hole in life here, but when you see those pictures you know it’s the right decision.”
The Retirement Experience Fresh Fields is a unique retirement home for horses based in 58 acres of rural Shropshire in the UK. Right now, the yard is home to 17 ‘retirees.’ With only two available spots right now, clearly Fresh Fields is doing something right. Owner and founder Sally Hamilton-French says, “we offer a tranquil calm environment where owners can have peace of mind in knowing that we care for their horses as we would our own. “Each horse and pony is an individual and they all have different characters and needs. My house sits right in the heart of Fresh Fields so at any time I can see the horses and keep a close watch over them.” “When they arrive, they’re kept close to us for around a week, so we can work out their characters etc. They are always near to another horse never on their own.” “I like to believe that Fresh Fields is one big family not just for the horses but for the owners to be part of too. We do NOT do livery where outsiders come and go. Fresh Fields is very tightly run by a fabulous team with a successful routine to fit that particular time of year.” “We always keep the owners informed of what is going on, and that’s really important.” “The main priority is the care and understanding of each and every one of them. If the horses are not happy and content then I’m sure we wouldn’t be as successful as we have become,” she says. “Tracy Perkins decided to retire her beloved Tommy here. She lives is Abu Dhabi. A very big decision to fly him all the way here at the age of 29 years old, and it was a big decision for us too.” “To have a horse come here from such a hot climate to England. Although he did arrive in August, there’s still a vast difference in temperature. I must say I was anxious, Tommy had not seen such lovely grass for a long time, and was unable to eat grain, it was certainly a learning curve!” “With the help of our vets I learnt about different feeds, and Tommy soon settled in, I monitored his grass for a few days and remember it was so funny to watch him only eating around the edges, until he realised that all this green stuff went across the fields too!” Sally says the first few winters can be tough for UAE horses. “in honesty, Tommy did go down a bit, but he was put straight onto full livery and fed him four times a day. He wore about three rugs, and now has come into summer looking fabulous. I love him he is such a gentleman and a character.” “I always kept in touch with Tracy to let her know what is going on. For the horse, the separation for Tracy, we are honoured that Tracy trusts us to have her life long companion come and retire here at Fresh Fields… we’re very honoured.”
The Final Word… “Sheila says of Finn, “he’s 19 now and acts like he is five, his tendon problems have disappeared, you cannot even see there were any issues…He used to cough a bit as well when you started to ride - that’s gone also. He was also a bit quirky at times, but he’s nothing like that at all now.” “I used to watch Tommy in his UAE sand paddock and wonder what he dreamed of,” says Tracey, “he was from Australia originally… and horses don’t forget… if you could ask them, you know in your heart of hearts that they want companions and safe place to graze, shelter from weather and flies, fresh water… and you know what? That is what they deserve…” “Would I do it again?” says Paola, “yes, if I had the money, I would do it for every single horse that comes into my life.”
Onward travel within Europe varies depending on the destination and is dependent on how many horses are travelling to the same country. Load sharing is an option, and the Amstel Horse Hotel charges 25 Euro (108 AED) per night, with everything Included. “It’s about choice says Tracey, “I drive a 12-year-old car, but life is more important than things My choice… but then I’ve always been in love with my animals.” “Winter expenses shocked me though” she says, “I wasn’t expecting so much but a Thoroughbred at 30 needs care and he got it. The price varies due to turn out days, so If the weather is bad and he’s in its more. I pay, around 50 pounds (245 AED) per week plus feed, farrier etc. in the summer, and 90 pounds (442 AED) in the winter.” Cheaper options are available, Equine Pensions in France for example, offers a warmer climate and monthly grass livery for €156 (676 AED) which includes all taxes, hay, feed, wormer and hoof trimming.
Info-Box Equine Pensions France: http://www.equinepensions.com/ Fresh Fields Farm: http://www.freshfieldsequineretirement.co.uk/ Equitrans: http://equitranslogistics.com/ Amstel Horse Hotel and Transport: http://amstelhorsehotel.nl/EN/
The Costs While the shipping can seem a hefty one-off amount, for many, it’s still less than they pay for a year’s livery in the Gulf. From stable pick-up in the UAE to Amsterdam (the most popular European destination), prices generally range from 20,000 AED to 30,000 AED.
Maria Szerpak at Amstel Horse Hotel says, “communication is definitely fifty-percent of my job, the other fifty-percent is the stabling, shipping, transporting, etc.” “Retirement horses are unique, they are older and often have really specific care needs, their value might be less than some of the really big-name horses we also transport, but to their owners they are true family members.”
Shipping & Transportation Dubai based Equitrans have been the Middle East’s premier horse transporters for over a decade. Operations Coordinator, Natasha Tarapor says although retirement is only about 2-3 percent of the annual number of horses the numbers have remained consistent. “It’s mostly riding, polo and endurance horses, we see retiring,” she says, “which primarily travel to the UK, Belgium and Germany.” She says shipping retirement horses can get much more ‘personal,’ “most clients looking to retire their horse give more detail and have a greater bond with their horses.” “Some prefer a door-to-door service and prefer that we choose who we work with in Europe as we have trusted partners all over the world. However, others may choose to sort out their own trucking if the destination stable is willing and happy to pick up the horse from the airport in order to reduce costs.” Once in Europe, the Amstel Horse Hotel offers both top facilities and services and a personalised service. The company offers airport pick-ups, applies for certificates, and offers good quality and affordable stabling, quarantine and transport throughout Europe and beyond.
Arab League Calendar 2018 - 2019
Venue
Country
Date
Event
Ground
Amman
JOR
30th August - 1st September 2018
CSI2*-W
Outdoor
6th - 8th September 2018
CSI3*-W
Al Rayyan
QAT
15th - 17th November 2018
CSI4*-W
Doha
22nd - 24th November 2018
Riyadh
KSA
29th November - 1st December 2018
Al Ain
UAE
27th - 30th December 2018
Abu Dhabi
3rd - 5th January 2019
Dubai
17th - 19th January 2019
CSI5*-W
Sharjah
31st January - 2nd February 2019
indoor
FEI Jumping World Cup Arab League Middle East Sub - League
(7 Qualifiers, 4 to count to overall standings)
FEI Jumping World Cup North African Sub-League
Tetouan
MAR
4th - 7th October 2018
Rabat
11th - 14th October 2018
CSI04*-W
El Jadida
18th - 21st October 2018
Indoor
Mostaganem
ALG
24th - 27th October 2018
31st October - 3rd November 2018
Cairo
EGY
(9 Qualifiers, 5 to count to overall standings)
