Jayne Thurber-Smith, Equestrian & Freelance Writer

Belle and Jayne

 

Residing in Norwalk, Virginia, USA, Jayne Thurber-Smith is an award-winning freelance writer for various publications including Faith & Friends, Sports Spectrum magazine, cbn.com, and more.

 

As a sportswriter, Jayne has had the opportunity to interview various celebrities from MLB Player Josh Hamilton to Olympian Scottie Hamilton, to Surfer Bethany Hamilton.  

 

Besides her visionary journalism, Jayne is an avid equestrian and riding instructor. She is a weekend rider and is in love with her horse Moonrise.
Jayne is thankful for all the horses she's had the opportunity to partner with throughout her lifetime to make her the person she is today. 

 

Welcome Jayne!

 

When was your first encounter with a horse?

My sister's boyfriend had a gorgeous dark bay named Ivy Rose which he really didn't have the time for. When I was 13 I began taking care of her in return for riding privileges. It was the same year my dad and mom separated so Ivy caught a lot of my tears. She was a retired harness-racing horse and she could GO. To just let her run across our field after a relaxing trail ride was when I felt my freest. I have always thought the term riding "stable" was so fitting; I never feel more emotionally grounded and "stable" than during my horse time.

 

Jayne and Moonrise

What is your riding discipline?

I ride Western and bareback.

 

Where do you like to ride?

I love a trail ride with some nice wide, smooth stretches for a good canter.

 

What horses do you currently stable?

I have never been able to afford to keep my own horse. One of my favorite writers,

Nancy Shulins, wrote in "Falling for Eli" that a horse lover never has an excuse for not being with a horse. If you cannot afford your own, there is always some stable looking for workers. I have always worked for riding privileges and have had the joy of getting to know over a hundred different horses. Now that we have finally put our kids through college my husband says we can afford to board a horse but I told him if I had a horse of my very own I would be at the stables with her every night, and then where would that leave him? My dream is to one day move out of suburbia to a small house with a big barn.

What is Triple R Ranch and what do you do there?

Triple R Ranch is a youth ranch southwest of Virginia Beach, Virginia. They have a beautiful herd of around fifty horses and they run summer riding camps, girl scout camps, family retreats, along with hosting lessons and various special needs equine therapy programs. Some of their sweetest horses are rescues from terrible backgrounds. I always say a rescue never forgets what he's been rescued from. The more resilient they are the more heartbreakingly grateful they become. They will do anything for you. I help out with anything horse-related: feeding, grooming, tacking, mucking, throwing hay, teaching, leading pony rides, riding shotgun on hay-wagon rides. Other than raising my four children, it's the most fulfilling and satisfying work I've ever done.

 

As a riding instructor, what training methods do you use?

I want lessons to be more play than work. I love setting up various obstacle courses through which my students have to take their horses at various gaits. That's when you truly see the connection between the horse and rider and how they handle situations that can become frustrating if that necessary unspoken communication isn't there. Also musical hay bales is fun, instead of musical chairs-- it's good for practicing emergency dismounts.

 

Do you have a favorite anecdote to share in regards to your time with horses/students?

I'll never forget assisting my first equine therapy session. The teacher's name was Katie and she is one of the most competent horsewomen I have ever met. I was in awe of her and her favorite horse, which was an Appaloosa named Lucky. We put 7-year-old Seth up on Lucky and I was the side-walker. Seth had autism and was non-verbal. As we led Seth around, Katie said with a big smile, "Do you want to trot, Seth? Say it and Lucky will trot for you. Trot. Say it, Seth." You could tell he wanted to, so badly! His head bobbed up and down but Katie wouldn't give in. She kept saying, "Trot. Say it, Seth." We walked around the arena a few times with Katie gently urging him and suddenly we heard "T-t-t-t-t-t-t-t!" and Katie excitedly exclaimed "Trot! Yes, Seth, great job!" and Lucky immediately trotted. I was so impressed with all three that day -- with Katie's patience, Seth's effort, and mostly the fact that Lucky, after hearing the word "trot" over and over again from Katie's urgings to Seth, finally knew when she said it like she meant it that it was OK to trot. My favorite memory is Seth's glowing face at the end. That's why I do equine therapy: the smiles of these kids who get to be "normal" for at least an hour a week is better than any payday.



What does horsemanship mean to you?

I love being around horse people. I can be a real talker and I think the first thing that hit me during my first lunch at the ranch's lodge was how quiet the "barn table" could be. We would joke and tease like the other tables but there were often long lulls in the conversation that for the first time in my life didn't feel like awkward silence. I think that speaks to the depth of being a horseman, that so much of your time with horses is spent in non-verbal communication that you are that much more of a thinker, and you become so competent at working out situations internally that words aren't always necessary. I love that.


You are an accomplished writer and editor. What has been your most exciting project to date?

First I need to say that I have never walked away from conducting an article interview that I thought, 'Wow that was a waste of time.' Whether they last 15 or 40 minutes I always learn something valuable from someone's story. That being said, my favorite of favorites was writing about author Kim Meeder, owner of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Oregon. I love horse-related books and had picked up her first book "Hope Rising" and read through it, literally sobbing, in a day. I went back and got the sequel, "Bridge Called Hope"; tears come to my eyes just writing this: tears of sadness over what people and animals suffer through, and tears of wonder at the miracles of recovery. She calls her ranch "The Ranch of Rescued Dreams" and each chapter tells a story of an abandoned or abused horse who meets an emotionally lost girl/boy and they find each other. I was so thrilled when she agreed to do a phone interview with me for my Christian magazine. Halfway through our talk I had to stop her. "Kim, I often type through tears while taking down a beautiful story, but I'm bawling here. Sorry but I need to take a second to calm down!" Her heart is as big as the sky and the work she is doing just takes my breath away. I loved the resulting article so much that I booked her a couple of years later to do a story for a secular magazine. She had another 1200 words' worth of miracles to share with me. Another dream of mine is to fly out there to work with her for a summer.

 

What are you currently writing?

I told my editor the end of May that I was taking a month off for my only daughter's June 21 wedding and he wrote back that he would love to see me write a story about it. I told him I would have to stop crying about it first; I know it sounds like I cry a lot but only when it really matters :) It was one of the most bittersweet days of my entire life. I lost my daughter but gained a best friend, she's truly amazing in every way. Thankfully she's only a 30-minute drive away and we're crazy about her new husband.

 

Do you have advice for beginning writers?

You can never take enough notes. I am forever writing on a note pad or typing on my IPad unique and purposeful phrases that stick in my head, either ones that I admire and want to emulate or that I will use in my future writings, duly credited of course :).

 

List 5 things that your fans may not know about you...

1-I have 7 siblings and 9 step-siblings.

2-My oldest sister is a much better writer than I, but has yet to release any of her craft to the fearful critique of an editor.

3-My husband's refusal to have more than one cat at a time is the only thing that keeps me from becoming a crazy cat lady.

4-One of the horses I help look after is the great-grandson of Secretariat.

5-I am distantly related to the late and great James Thurber and his writing makes me laugh like no one else's.

Connect with Jayne…

www.linkedin.com/in/jthurbersmith/
https://suite.io/jayne-thurber-smith

Dee Munna, World Lion Day

In celebration of World Lion Day, August 10, 2014, I had the great opportunity to interview photographer Dee Munna.

Using his Nikon D7000, Dee Munna captures incredible images of Asiatic lions at night. Highly protected and considered endangered, the Lions of Gir Forest welcome Dee Munna into their sanctuary.

Residing in India in the Village of Sasan Gir, also known as the Village of the Lions, Dee photographs without a zoom lens; he enjoys the adventure of being close to the lions. He honors and respects their habitat, and the fact that they are extremely dangerous. The exotic cats are protected by the Indian government and The Lions of Gir Foundation.

Dee’s photographs are too close for comfort for me; he is courageous, confident, and unafraid. For me, seeing lions at the Columbus Zoo is close enough. I am in total awe of anyone who is brave enough to go into the lion's den. Dee gives a short interview about his photography and shares a couple of his photographs.

Welcome Dee!

How do you capture lions up close?

I search for lions in the revenue area and I find those that stay there for hours. With the help of my professional camera I try to capture nice clicks.

Are you afraid of the lions?

Photography is my passion, although I have small lens I take photos with this much clarity, because I know lion’s behavior and go as near as possible without any fear. I am not selling photos which I have taken.

For more information visit...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asiatic-Lion/231425303562692?fref=photo
http://worldlionday.com/
http://www.lionsofgir.com/the-gir-forest/



2014 World Lion Day

Copyrighted DJ MunnA and may not be used in any form;
website or print media without written permission of the Photographer

Copyrighted DJ MunnA and may not be used in any form;
website or print media without written permission of the Photographer

Copyrighted DJ MunnA and may not be used in any form;
website or print media without written permission of the Photographer

 

Irene Stevenson, Equine Photographer

Irene Stevenson, Equine Photographer
Gallery Exhibition April 1, 2014
 

Originally from High Prairie, Alberta, Canada, Irene Stevenson began her career as a professional photographer in 2009. She started out in portrait photography but found it didn't fulfill her artistic vision as a photographer. So Irene began pointing her camera at the one thing she loves most: horses.

After doing so, it wasn’t long before she discovered the creativity in her vision of the horse and the ranch life of the west.  With a strong background in the ranching lifestyle, Irene is able to anticipate things in the field before they happen.  Capturing the grace and movement of her equine subjects, Irene strives for excellence in every image she creates.

Irene has had her work on the cover of a magazine, on display internationally, as well as within the province in which she is proud to be from and resides. 

Irene is based in Central Alberta, Canada, and continues to focus her photography on equine portraiture, western art, and lifestyle photography. She is married with two small children, one very large dog and her family’s horses.

Welcome Irene!

When was your first encounter with a horse?

 

My first encounter with a horse was at the age of 2. Ever since then I was hooked on horses.

 

Do you have a favorite photograph of your own creation?

 

My favorite equine photograph is of one of my own horses, Nicky...

 

'Nicky'
Owner/Photograph by Irene Stevenson (c)

 

Where is your favorite place to take pictures?

 

My favorite place to photograph a horse is in his natural element - out in the pasture. Although I do enjoy creating and capturing images of horses out on the western range.

 

Do you prefer to photograph a certain breed over another?

 

I am not particular to certain breeds. I enjoy all horses - and it's their personalities or natural beauty that I strive to capture.

 

What is the key element in capturing the essence of a horse?

 

The key element for me in capturing the essence of the horse - is just watching them. Watching them move, learning about their personalities, watching them interact with other horses. I feel privileged to get to know them, to really capture them.

 

Where are you currently exhibiting?

 

I don't currently have any works on display, but in the last year I've had 5 different images blind juried into 3 different art shows. One was in Ohio for the Equine Jubilee for three months; the second was through the Alberta Society of Artists and had two separate gallery locations - each at different times - the first being in Calgary, and the second in Edmonton. And the third was through the Calgary Stampede's Western Showcase which ran for the duration of the Stampede itself.

 

Do you have advice for novice photographers?

 

The advice I offer to novice photographers is just keep working at your craft and don't stop learning. Always be open to new information. Be passionate about your art because that's what's going to make it truly yours. It'll take time, but celebrate each little win. And keep going for it even when you've done well. And market, market, market!

 

What/where are you currently creating/photographing?

 

My current creative project is still only in my mind. But in September I will get to make it real. I'm really very excited about it. It's a creative shoot with a trick horse and his very talented owner and trainer. Otherwise I am just creating things as they come or as I see them unfold in front of me.

 

What is the best way to schedule a photo shoot?

 

To contact me, you can visit my website at http://homesteadphoto.ca, by email at irene@homesteadphoto.ca, or contacting via my facebook page at www.facebook.com/HPhotoByIreneStevenson.

 

 

Karen Melroy, Equine Blogger

Equine Blogger Karen Melroy
All American Quarter Horse Congress, Ohio

Karen Melroy was born in Galion, Ohio, USA, raised in Newark, Ohio, and has lived in Canal Winchester, Ohio for the last few years, with her boyfriend and his children.  Despite Karen’s best efforts, she didn't get her first horse until she was in junior high school.  She won Quarter Horse Reya in a raffle at a horse show.  Karen stabled Reya from 1991 until 1994, and then she purchased another horse, Buddy, and sold Reya.  In between, she leased a Paint gelding for a year. 

Karen had Buddy until September 2009, when she finally had to let him go home to God's barn, after living with an injury for a couple of years.  The loss of Buddy was devastating; in ways that she never imagined, and for a long time, she could not even consider the idea of another horse.  The void Buddy left still needed to be filled with something else, so Karen was rescued by a Beagle - Sami.  Now, Karen feels like she has healed enough to be ready for another horse, but the timing is not right just yet.  Her animals have always found her, rather than Karen finding them, so Karen figures it is just a matter of time until another horse lumbers into her life.

In her equine career, Karen began showing in 4-H, then moving on to open shows, and the Quarter Horse Circuit.  In her final year hauling for a Point Title, 2000, Buddy and Karen claimed two top five awards in Novice Amateur Horsemanship and Equitation, and in the top ten, all-around Novice Amateurs in the state of Ohio.  Not bad for being "unknowns" on the circuit!

Now, Karen writes about horses in her blog Equine in Mind, which has readership in five countries and continues to grow.  Karen is hoping to parlay it into a book at some point.  Karen and her boyfriend own an old pontoon boat that they use quite a lot in the warm months; he has a 35 Chevy Master that they enjoy taking to car shows and for long drives on nice days, and they like to travel when they can.

An expert in the show ring, Karen knows that a winning combination of a well-groomed horse and proper riding attire are important. However, Karen will tell you that the most important accessory to wear in the show ring is confidence. Read more of Karen's riding advice in Just Getting Started. 

Welcome Karen!

When was your first encounter with a horse?

I don't remember a specific event, but the earliest memories I have, are with my neighbors.  They had a couple horses I'd spent time with over the years, Blaze, a big chestnut gelding (with a blaze, surprise!) of unknown origin, and a leopard Appaloosa named Wakonda.  I'd wanted a horse for as long as I could get the words out, but my family didn't have the room, or the know-how, and thankfully, (though as a kid, I thought it was horrible!) knew enough to not just get me a horse and let me figure it out!

What is your riding discipline?

By AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) definition, I'm an All-Around rider.  When I show, it's usually in a five-event group of Showmanship, Equitation, and Hunter under Saddle, Horsemanship, and Pleasure.  I've always enjoyed trail riding as well, and even driving when I've had the chance.

Where do you like to ride?

I like riding wherever I can.  At the last barn I boarded at, they had several nice trails, and during our last years there, it was fun to ride with friends in the relaxed surroundings.

What horses do you currently stable?

My last horse went home to God's barn in the fall of 2009, and I haven't had my own since.  It was too heartbreaking to even consider for quite a while, but I feel I'm ready again now, so just working on timing and finances.  I've always boarded, and been fortunate in the places I've found, always privately-owned, homey-feeling places.

What does horsemanship mean to you?

To me, it has a couple of meanings.  One more direct, as in, the Western Horsemanship classes we used to compete in, where the judging is based on the rider’s performance, often with a pattern to perform, and rail work.  The other, more general, meaning a person's overall equine skill set.  If someone displays good horsemanship, they handle horses well, and themselves well around horses.

I enjoy your blog. What else have you written?

I'm in the very early stages of working on a book, but writing is something I've always enjoyed, and been good at, so writing about horses feels natural to me.  Stay tuned!

Where do you like to write?

We have a nice office at home, that gets used for laundry overstock, gift wrapping, my personal nail salon, and a number of non-office things, in addition to actual work, but not nearly as much!  Thanks to the convenience of the tablet, I write wherever the mood strikes, which is often at my boyfriends’ son’s baseball practice, or while I'm fixing dinner.  I haven't really found my "spot" yet.  I do fantasize though, about having a little lake house, or some other kind of getaway cozy space for writing.

How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?

I have self-diagnosed ADOS (attention deficit ohhh, SHINY!).  I keep a little notebook on me at all times, and whenever an idea pops into my head, I write it down so I don't forget.  Learning to be a "sparent" I think takes up more memory than I expected, but I'm learning to balance my life, and trust that the important stuff will stick.

What are you currently writing? 

Currently, I'm focused on my blog, while mentally drafting ideas for my first book (suggestions?  anyone?).  I've enjoyed very positive feedback so far, and lots of encouragement, so I'm trying to stay upright on that wave, and use it to my advantage.

What are you currently reading?

I've just finished a series by another blogger, Romi Moondi, called Year of the Chick, in which she turns a casual blog into a self-published book series.  I wasn't seeking out something like this, but it came to my inbox at a great time, and I enjoy her writing style, it feels similar to mine.

Do you have advice for beginning bloggers/writers? 

I would tell a beginning blogger, to speak without fear or filters.  It's your personal story; tell it in your own voice.  I think the world is lacking in authenticity.  With all the "reality" shows, which couldn't be farther from reality (though admittedly, I'm still a fan!), I think people really appreciate someone being honest.  For example, we have a personal trainer that comes into the office, who had a bad day, and ranted for a few minutes about something, then apologized profusely for allowing us to see the "unprofessional" side of her.  I stopped her and said "no, if anything, I have more respect for you now, knowing that you have crappy days and eat ice cream too!"

List 10 things that your fans may not know about you...

1- Apparently, I look younger than I actually am (37) to most people.  I like that!  Thanks Mom, for the good genes!

2- I took guitar lessons for about a year, in my earlier 30's, after wanting to my whole life, but being afraid of failing.  Time and personal circumstances made it too hard to keep it up, but when I hear a cool guitar melody or harmony it makes me miss playing.  Maybe someday I'll pick it up again.

3- I'm a Bravo TV addict.  If it weren't for all their shows, my laundry would never get folded!  I'm still waiting on that call, for casting the "Real Horsewives..."

4- My "lottery" dreams are pretty boring.  Ask my Dad, he has all his new cars and vacation homes picked out already!  Me, I can't imagine having more money than I know what to do with. I'm sure I'd figure it out eventually, but it wouldn't be easy for me.

5- I LOVE MINIONS.  There's a small collection of them on my office desk, they're adorable, and I'd love to have my own personal army of them.  Gru gets all the good stuff!

6- People, friends and strangers alike, have always felt comfortable confiding in me.  I have no idea why, but when I go to my grave, I'll need extra space for all the secrets I'll take with me, and most of them aren't even mine!

7- I dream of traveling the world, I just hope I'm not getting too late of a start, I don't even have a passport yet!

8- My boyfriend and I both love playing the game where you pick which celebrity people look like, while you're out in public.  We spent a Valentine's Day dinner, watching all the other patrons and whispering, "look, its Theo Huxtable and Lil Kim!"  I've even got my boss and other managers doing it.  When one of your managers calls you down to his department, because there's a customer who looks and sounds just like a guy in a TV show you both watch, you know you've left your mark!

9- If I could do anything else in the world, I would probably enjoy being a Genealogist.  I'm fascinated by my own family ancestry, and would love to research it more, if I had the time and resources.

10- I could live on pizza and milk chocolate.  Well, I probably wouldn't live very long, but I would be so happy!

Connect with Karen...
http://equineinmind.wordpress.com/

2014 County Fair

A former Mare at my stables, who will always be my princess, Bonanzas Ivy Jewel aka Ivy in her element at the Athens County Fair today!

Ivy placed 2nd in the Mare/Foal Horse Show this morning with her colt Rocky.

Love you, Ivy! <3

http://www.athensohio.com/614/festivals/athens-county-fair



Ivy and Rocky

Press Release

 



AHP Newsgroup: Author, Freelance Writer and Equestrian, Gina McKnight, shares her current interview series of Equestrians From Around the World.

http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/news_updates/12021.asp

From USA, The Bionic BullRider, Author Barry Brown.
Barry got his start when an older brother put him on his first bull at a Wild West show in Saginaw. He was 15 years old. Later, in his professional rodeo career, Barry met and married a barrel racer from Alabama. Due to a rodeo mishap in December 1970, Barry had surgery to his chest that made medical history. Eight months later he was named the first recipient of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Comeback Cowboy of the year award…. http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-bionic-bullrider.html 

British-born Author, Hannah Hooton was brought up in Zimbabwe where she was fortunate enough to indulge in her passion for horses and show jumping. On returning to UK in her early twenties, Hannah discovered the thrills of horse racing and developed a penchant for Irish jump jockey, Ruby Walsh (which, 13 years on, still hasn't completely abated). But at 5 foot 11 inches, competing was never an option (and she loves food too much to even try).
Enjoy Hannah’s interview about her writing, horses, and more. http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2014/07/hannah-hooton-equine-author.html
 
Author, equestrian, my friend and colleague, Roland Clarke, recently had the great opportunity to interview Sam Griffiths and Team Griffiths. Thanks, Roland, for sharing this amazing interview; Congratulations Sam and Team Griffiths on your amazing performance! 
http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2014/07/sam-griffiths-world-equestrian.html 

America's sensational Jockey Rosie Napravnik and MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® are teaming up for another effort to help Old Friends! Introducing the new Rosie Signature Hat Collection -with a portion of the sales going to the retired racehorses of Old Friends!
http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2014/07/rosie-napravnik-signature-hat-collection.html 

Dany Hancock has lived in Botswana and worked in the horse safari industry, one way or another, for 17 years.  She lives in Maun on a smallholding with her boyfriend Ernie, a pilot who also works with her on the technical and social media side of her company, with their dogs, horses and hens.  Originally from the UK, though not from a horsey family background, her wanderlust and passion for horses led her to the Mecca of horseback safaris: the Okavango Delta.  Working with the horses and leading safaris on horseback progressed into sales and marketing, creating her own specialized and personalized horseback safari and adventure travel company: Rides On The Wild Side.  http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2014/07/dany-hancock-rides-on-wild-side.html

All articles copyright protected. No duplication without permission.

Gina McKnight, Author & Freelance Writer
Member: Ohio Arts Council & Outdoor Writers of Ohio
http://gmcknight.com

 

 

Dany Hancock, Rides on the Wild Side

Miss Dany Hancock has lived in Botswana and worked in the horse safari industry, one way or another, for 17 years.  She lives in Maun on a smallholding with her boyfriend Ernie, a pilot who also works with her on the technical and social media side of her company, with their dogs, horses and hens. 

 

Originally from the UK, though not from a horsey family background, her wanderlust and passion for horses led her to the Mecca of horseback safaris: the Okavango Delta.  Working with the horses and leading safaris on horseback progressed into sales and marketing, creating her own specialized and personalized horseback safari and adventure travel company: Rides On The Wild Side. 

 

In conjunction with the promotion and sales of professional and exciting horse holiday destinations, Dany is also involved in the popular safari industry at the very heart of southern Africa’s top safari destinations including: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia – and is delighted to create special, personalized safari industries for those who prefer to be in a jeep rather than on a horse.  Her philosophy is to match the destination to the client from an independent and  unbiased standpoint, which she believes is as important as matching the rider to the correct horse on a ride. 

 

Dany often accompanies safaris and travels extensively worldwide to promote the rides and safaris.  She and Ernie will be at Equitana Melbourne, Australia 20th-23rd November, Stand Number: 525, so do feel free to drop by the stand. Contact Dany rides@ridesonthewildside.com for more info!

 

Welcome Dany!

 

When was your first encounter with a horse?

I can’t remember my first encounter exactly, but I’ve  always been “horse mad” !  I started riding when I was 6.

Do you have a favorite horse breed?

This is a very tricky one but if I had to narrow it down to one breed it would have to be the Thoroughbred.  They are incredibly versatile and often underestimated, in my opinion.  They are bright, brave and when given the right kind of training and input, offer the most incredible ride in terms of character, comfort as well as a bit of pace.  My favorite story to tell is about 2 THB’s – in 2  different Okavango camps – at 2 different times....  (Please bear in mind the area of the Okavango Delta is the size of Switzerland or the US state of Massachusetts!).

Safari horses in the Delta are free to graze during “siesta” time – usually within the constraints of an electric fence.  Very occasionally the herd gets spooked –by passing animals such as zebra, giraffe and elephant – and in excitement and with the flight instinct kicking in, they break through the fence.  The challenge, of course, is to then get the horses back and after a few hours most are found or make their own way home.  However, if the excitement is great, then it can mean the horses go further and 2 THBs in separate incidents, found their way back 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively!  Apart from being a bit lean they both were in good form and walked straight up to safari-workers (not even their grooms) and settled back into their work without any trouble.  Both of them were, however, well-handled and cared for from a very early age and just took the adventure in their stride as if it were an extraordinarily long safari! 

Since then, my motto is “Never underestimate a Thoroughbred” !

How many horses do you currently stable?

I personally own 3 horses in a small yard of 6 which I run.  The safari horse herds vary from 20-60+ depending on their location and the type of ride and experience they offer.

Describe the perfect horse...

Another difficult one to answer!  In truth there really isn’t such a thing as a perfect horse – much as there isn’t a perfect person or car!!!  However, a horse that appeals to me is one which has some character, is keen to learn and enjoys his/her work.  Conformation, looks, and breeding are quite low on the list for me!

Where is your favorite place on Earth to ride?

 

I honestly believe that there is nothing quite like riding in the Okavango Delta and for me, personally, it will always be “number one” for the variety of horses to ride, the incredible phenomenon of the Okavango, the excitement and anticipation of riding in the remote wilderness where all manner of exotic African animals habituate.  From splashing through flooded plains alongside a herd of red lechwe antelope or Jurassic-like giraffe, to quietly threading through palm islands silently tracking elephant and buffalo, the thrill is immense!
 

Have you ridden the Marwari horses in India?

 

Yes, I have!  I was struck by their majesty and great temperament and how surprisingly different they are from other breeds that inhabit desert and arid regions – such as the Arab.  They are stockier and whilst they do have a look at things and are alert, they are very sensible and there is no spookiness and, of course, their lyre-shaped ears are magic!  India is a special destination: as much about the culture of the people, their love of horses and how the balance of colonialism and traditionalism through both the British and Indians’ love of horses, makes certain regions of the country, such as Rajasthan, so very interesting and special.  I am riding to the Pushkar Fair in November 2015 with a group if you’re interested!!!

[Yes, I want to go… J].

How do you pick riding trails/destinations?

The most important factor is professionalism, I believe, and whilst there are many options available - fortunately, most of them very good, there are, unfortunately, some that really should not be in operation.  Priority is that the horses are well cared for and are well mannered and that clients are looked after.  Matching the right rider to a ride is as important as matching a rider to a horse and impartiality is important when recommending a ride to a client.  Every ride will tell you that they are “the best” but that is subjective, of course!  The personalities that run, look after, and guide the rides will make or break a safari experience or riding adventure.  As such, I spend a lot of time visiting rides and getting testimonials from clients to ensure that they operate within reasonable constraints and to ensure that we exceed our clients’ expectations.

What should I pack when on horseback safari?

It depends a little on the time of year, but most important to remember are: khaki/neutral colors (you don’t want to “stand out” when you’re on safari), a little camera, binoculars, your favorite riding kit and a hat with shade.  If it’s a cooler time of year then thermals are a great way to keep warm as dressing in layers is recommended and if it’s during rainy season, a good light-weight waterproof!

Do you have a favorite riding anecdote to share?

There are many!  The safaris are always great fun as well as interesting, with the potential of an “up-close” encounter with wild game.  I was camp manager at the time we had a lovely wedding in camp and for the days before the ceremony (yes, the bride and groom got married on horseback!). We had been searching everywhere for the elusive pack of wild dogs that we knew were in the area.  We had tracked and tracked on horseback, then got in vehicles but had no luck and with the excitement of the wedding, the wild dog side of things became less of a priority.  But not to them, it seems, as when the ceremony had finished and I was bringing (more) champagne from the kitchen area to the party by the mess tent, I was almost knocked down by an impala being chased down by 3 wild dogs.  Needless to say, we all forgot about the champagne and in our fancy non-safari gear, jumped into the vehicle to follow them!  We found them and that sighting was the highlight of the safari!

Do you have advice for novice riders?

Yes, absolutely!  Being a novice rider is only a stage and we all start off as novices.  There are many riders who have taken training to specifically meet the standards required to ride on safari.  We are not looking for technical finesse but riders who are competent and confident enough to ride a well-mannered horse at all paces. By this we mean: balanced enough not to fall off easily and understanding enough of a sensible horse to allow him to do his job in partnership with you.  Recommended are lessons in an arena, combined with out-rides including canters, perhaps some jumping/games to really ensure that you are used to the feel of a horse moving beneath you and maintaining your own balance in harmony.  As much time in the saddle will only benefit. This also applies to competent or experienced riders – do take time to get riding fit before your adventure.  It will be so much more fun.

What does horsemanship mean to you?

Harmony with the horse: that is to say: Having the humility to know that as a rider or horse owner you don’t know it all, whilst working on broadening your equestrian knowledge from all available sources to increase your experience and maximize on the relationship you have with your horse or horse in the most positive and fun way possible.

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