Sun Valley Stables
June 2012
Important dates
Date
8th July
Show
Sun Valley Stables Show
21st – 22nd July
Show preparation clinic combined with a Sunlands Training
Show
August Pony Camp at Sun Valley Stables
18th ,19th & 20th
August
Cost
R320
JJ R200
R1300
R1200
SUN VALLEY SHOW 8TH JULY
We will be having an in house show on the 8th of July at Sun Valley Stables. Riders should arrive at
8:00am to walk courses. Our shows are suitable for all levels of riders with different classes & levels
being offered on the day. Instructors are available to help pupils at all times. Shows at Sun Valley are a
wonderful opportunity to start competing and learning how shows work in a fun filled and friendly way.
Pupils pay a composite entry fee to enter the classes offered in the appropriate level, usually 4 classes.
Please inform Sarah in the office if you would like to enter as well as your choice of 3 ponies that you
would like to ride. The cost for the show is R320 per pony and Junior Jockeys is R200 each.
The classes for the show will be:




Utility
2 Phase show Jumping (Games for younger riders)
Jump for Joy
Dressage Lolipop Test 1, Prelim test 1 or Novice Test 1
SUN VALLEY STABLES PONY CAMP 18TH – 20TH AUGUST
These are very popular pony camps with lots of riding and lots of time to learn to care for your favourite
pony. There will also be games and fun out rides with your ponies, horse shoe decorating and lots
more!! Everyone welcome.
Children stay over in Kirsty’s house and Junior riders stay in the Junior tea room. Please remember any
specific extras such as allergy medication. Please do not bring cell phones or money as they are not
necessary and can get lost. The cost will be R950.
Please bring the following items:
- Mattress
- Towel
- Sleeping Bag
- Casual clothes
- Pillow
- Casual shoes
- Riding clothes
- Old clothes
- Sun hat
- Sun Block
- Toiletries
DOGS
Please do not bring your dogs to horse riding; there are 8 resident dogs at Sun Valley as well as many horses and
we do not wish for any harm to come to your pets or ours.
GOOD LUCK FOR PONY RIDER CHAMPS
Children’s Champs 2012 will be held in Shongweni, Natal. Five riders and eleven ponies will be
travelling to Natal to represent the Gauteng Horse Society at this prestigious event. We wish them all the
best of luck.
-
Sylvia Dixon
Waterside Sensation
Waterside Welsh Luanna
Waterside Gold Rush
Waterside Nile Wizard
Waterside Nile Wizard
-
Shannon Dawson
Waterside Twickers
Waterside Cleodwr
-
Caitlin Wheeler
Waterside Elmo’s Flame
Waterside Lady Franchesca
-
Lia Wheeler
Dimmock Diamonds R Forever
-
Stephanie Hiltermann
Waterside Society Scandal
WELL DONE TO ALL WHO COMPETED IN INTER-SCHOOLS
The fourth Inter-Schools Qualifier has been completed. We would like to congratulate all riders who
have competed this far and look forward to many of them going on to the Finals. The Finals will be held
at Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm on the 9th to the 12th of August.
KITTY
Kitty is a wonderful grey Lipizzaner mare. She is kind and gentle which is
typical of this wonderful breed. After finishing school I rode for the
Lipizzaner team in Kyalami for a number of years. I thoroughly enjoyed my
time with the team and developed a love for these royal horses. Lipizzaner’s
are the oldest human engineered breed of horse. They were originally bred in
Europe as cavalry horses. These horses were bred to be strong, courageous,
gentle and trainable, all characteristics
which are present in Kitty.
While part of the Lipizzaner Team I
purchased 3 mares and used one of the
stallions – Maestoso Erdem to breed Kitty.
Maesto Erdem was the grandson of the original Maesto Erdem who
belonged to Major Ivonoski. Major Ivonoski founded the Lipizzaner
centre in Kyalami. Kitty was the first foal I bred and she was an extra
special present as she was born on my birthday. Kitty is a traditional
Lipizzaner mare name although not from her line. Kitty is now 14
years old and we are very privileged to have such a super pony at Sun
Valley.
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF RIDING
Horse riding is a wonderful sport. It is
excellent for development of physical skills
such as balance, co-ordination and core
strength. Cognitive skills are also developed
through riding. Quick thinking and forward
planning are crucial to the successful control
of a pony. The more the rider learns to focus
their intention and attention the better the
pony will respond. Ponies do not respond
well to a distracted mind or to negative
emotions. Spatial development is also
enhanced through riding and performing
tasks on the pony.
I believe however that the most important contribution that riding makes is to the psychological and
emotional development of children. Children have to learn to be kind, gentle and empathetic to their
ponies whilst at the same time they have to learn to be strong and to take a leadership role to get the
pony to follow instructions.
Horses are extremely sensitive animals and they respond to the thoughts and emotions of the rider. If the
rider is fearful, anxious, nervous or too submissive the pony will take advantage and not co-operate. A
quiet and gentle focused domination of the pony is what is required.
To successfully control a pony these physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional skills have to be
integrated and implemented simultaneously. The ability to do this takes time and practice. The famous
quote, “The more I practice the luckier I get”, is very true. Riding successfully is a journey full of joy.
But there are ups and downs which teach resilience and perseverance. There are anxious and fearful
moments which teach courage.
When a child has a fall or a setback it is important to
give them the encouragement and support to keep on
going.
Ponies are angels sent to prepare us for the challenges of
life. I will always be grateful for the contribution they
have made to my life and the joy they have given me.
Sun Valley Stables is my platform to share this
experience with you.