A champion needs a good saddle
FOURWAYS – Equestrian House collaborates with the Silver Lining initiative to support the Highveld Horse Care Unit's Colonel Rockjaw and his new rider.
The Silver Lining initiative of the Highveld Horse Care Unit takes care of thoroughbred horses after their racing careers have come to an end.
In collaboration with Equestrian House, this initiative will give the horse Colonel Rockjaw and his rider Danielle West a fitted Henri de Rivel saddle.
“All young horses – not just thoroughbreds – will change shape throughout their lives, which makes it critical that they are fitted with the right saddle right from the beginning,” said Joanne Pursey from the care unit.
“The Equestrian House team has been fantastic, advising us about the right saddle for Colonel Rockjaw, taking into account that he needs a saddle that will provide him with the freedom he needs to develop and grow properly,” she added.
Greg Wharram, director at Equestrian House said, “I can’t emphasise enough how important a good saddle is. It can make or break a young horse and directly impacts their attitude to work as well.”
He added that it is critical to ensure that a young horse gets an adjustable saddle and that regular saddle fittings are done as the horse matures.
Horses help to heal Diepsloot children through the Shumbashaba Community Trust
The Silver Lining Initiative was designed with the express aim to give back to thoroughbreds after their racing career is over. Because the horses have no schooling other than racing, the programme offers training and pairs the track horses with knowledgeable riders and yards that can give them the best schooling possible.
“The Equestrian House team is exceptionally proud of its relationship with the Highveld Horse Care Unit and its Silver Lining Initiative. The unit plays an important role in educating South African riders to consider the ‘whole horse’ in everything they do. A comfortable saddle [equates to] a happy, well-balanced horse that won’t develop any hang-ups about work – it just makes sense,” said Wharram.
“We wish Danielle West and her pride and joy, Colonel Rockjaw, as well as the amazing team at Farnham Riding School and Livery Yard all the best with their Henri de Rivel saddle. We will be checking in on their progress when we see them in the show ring in the future.”
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