This edition brings genuinely exciting news for South African sporthorse breeding from 334 Stud, celebrates exceptional partnership and performance with Shaun Neill and Kaprisch DBH Z, and offers practical guidance on everything from rider biomechanics to equine weight management.
Our lead feature spotlights the opening of 334 Sporthorse Stud's new Stallion Station - a game-changer for breeders who can now access worldclass genetics locally. We profile nine of their impressive stallions and explore what this opportunity means for South African breeding.
We also demystify 'blood percentages' in sporthorse breeding, explaining what terms like '60% blood' actually mean and why they matter.
From there, we turn to partnership and performance: we catch up with Shaun Neill and Kaprisch DBH Z on their Toyota Outdoor Grand Prix 2026 victory, and we explore the collaborative spirit of horsemanship at De Rust Equestrian.
Our practical features tackle rider asymmetry (spoiler: you're not crooked, you're human), equine weight management, and creating quality content for your local equine business in the digital age.
Plus, our AskHQ section answers your most pressing questions.
Thank you for being part of the HQ community. We’ll see you next time!
Dr Lizzie Harrison | Editor
334 stallion power
A new opportunity for South African sporthorse breeders
Understanding ‘blood percentages’ in sporthorse breeding What ‘60% blood’ actually means and why it matters
You’re not crooked – You’re human
Shaun Neill and Kaprisch DBH Z
Champions of the Toyota Outdoor Grand Prix 2026
Building partnerships
With De Rust Equestrian
Weight management
Is your horse in ideal condition?
How To Make
Quality Content
AskHQ
Your questions answered
GUT HEALTH
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334 STALLION POWER
A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTHORSE BREEDERS
South African sporthorse breeding is entering an exciting new chapter as 334 Sporthorse Stud opens the doors to its brand new Stallion Station for the 2026 breeding season, giving breeders across the country access to all of their top–class stallions.
WHAT IS A STALLION STATION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
For those new to the breeding world, a stallion station serves as a centralised facility where multiple approved stallions stand together, allowing breeders to choose from a wide range of genetics in a single location. Rather than having to source semen from multiple studs – often across different countries and time zones – a stallion station gives you one point of contact, consistent handling standards, and direct access to the stallions themselves.
For South Africa, this is genuinely significant. High–quality European stallion genetics have historically required navigating complex importation logistics, significant costs, and the uncertainty of working with frozen semen from studs that may have little knowledge of local conditions. A locally based stallion station changes that equation entirely. It means breeders can visit, assess
horses in person, consult directly with the team, and select semen that is collected fresh (in many cases), all within their own country.
The 334 Stallion Station is particularly exciting because it does not limit breeders to a curated shortlist. All 334 stallions in their collection are available for selection. Whether you are looking for a proven competitor, a young stallion with an elite pedigree, or a specific genetic cross to complement your mare, the depth of choice on offer is extraordinary by any standard, let alone South African ones.
334 Sporthorse Stud's own breeding philosophy adds another layer of confidence for breeders. It is a professional breeding programme with serious sporting ambitions, and the Stallion Station is the natural next step in that journey.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE STALLIONS
To mark the opening of the station, we’re shining the spotlight on nine of the 334 stallions – a cross–section of the collection that showcases both the breadth of bloodlines and the quality of individual horses on offer. Here is a closer look at each one.
334 ATTACK T
Born: 2023
Studbook: BWP – Licensed
Colour: Chestnut
Height: 171cm
Sire: Ermitage Kalone
Dam Sire: Elvis Ter Putte
The youngest stallion in this spotlight, 334 Attack T is a striking chestnut BWP colt born in 2023 and already making an impression with his presence and athleticism.
Sired by Ermitage Kalone, himself by Catoki and with the celebrated Kannan bloodline on the dam side, Attack T carries a serious jumping
pedigree. His dam, Maxima T, is by Elvis Ter Putte, who goes back to the iconic Diamant de Semilly and Quidam de Revel. For breeders looking to introduce fresh, young blood with a modern BWP profile and exceptional scope potential, this is one to watch closely as his career develops.
PEDIGREE
CATOKI
ERMITAGE KALONE
BELLAVENTURE KALONE
ELVIS TER PUTTE
MAXIMA T
NARCOTIQUE DE MUZE IV
CAMBRIDGE
BILDA
KANNAN GFE
BLAGUE DU MAURY X
DIAMANT DE SEMILLY
UKASE TER PUTTE
QUIDAM DE REVEL
QERLY CHIN
334 Baloubetto is a stallion who commands attention; he’s a powerful athlete with a modern frame, exceptional scope, and a pedigree rooted in elite performance. He combines explosive jumping ability with carefulness, elasticity, and an uphill way of going that makes him a natural for the top of the sport. At the age of nine, he has already qualified for the World Equestrian Games 2026. Placed in a World Cup, and in two out of his two appearances he has not touched a jump – at World Cup level!
334 BALOUBETTO
Born: 2017
Studbook: Holstein – Premium Licensed
Colour: Bay
Height: 170cm
Sire: Balou du Rouet
Dam Sire: Diarado
Sired by the great Balou, known for producing scopey, rideable, and ultra–modern jumpers, and out of a dam by Diarado, one of the most respected sires in contemporary breeding, Baloubetto brings together two of the most influential bloodlines in modern showjumping. But the strength of his pedigree runs deeper still; his
damline has produced the following black type progeny:
• Daquar CC (1.50m showjumper)
• Carlson Vom (1.60m showjumper)
• Crunchtastic (1.45m showjumper)
• Levisto Son – licensed stallion
• Liberator – licenced stallion
This proven lineage adds significant value to 334 Baloubetto’s future both in sport and breeding. Beyond his pedigree, Baloubetto shines with his modern conformation, intelligent attitude, and confident way of going. His canter is naturally balanced and ground–covering, and his technique over fences is sharp, scopey, and correct.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a future international athlete or a stallion with real generational value, 334 Baloubetto is a standout; he’s bred for performance, built for the future.
Photo: Moments by Mia Photography
PEDIGREE
BALOUBET DU ROUET
BALOU DU ROUET
GEORGIA
GALOUBET A
MESANGE DU ROUET
CONTINUE
GEORGETTE II
DIAMANT DE SEMILLY
ROXETTE I
LOVARI
WODKA I
BAILERINA
DIARADO ROSITA I
334 Baqueur is the embodiment of elite sporthorse genetics and performance. Currently competing at 1.55m World Cup level, this striking stallion is as proven in the ring as he is on paper. His performances are marked by scope, sharpness, and a competitive edge that make him a serious contender at the highest level of the sport.
Cassini I – rideability, carefulness, and classic German power. In fact, Baqueur descends from a dam line packed with licensed stallions and international performers, including:
• Zaccorado Blue – Licensed Stallion | 1.60m
• For Freedom EKT – Licensed Stallion | 1.60m
334 BAQUEUR
Born: 2016
Studbook: Holstein – Licensed
Colour: Chestnut
Height: 169cm
Sire: Brantzau VDL
Dam Sire: Cassin
334 Baqueur is by the powerful Brantzau, a son of Olympic legend Baloubet du Rouet and out of the esteemed Loretta mare line – also dam to Sandro Hit and Diamond Hit – making Baqueur part of one of the most influential dam lines in modern sporthorse breeding. His dam line adds the strength and technique of Cassin, who passes on the celebrated attributes of
• Cordello, Brillant du Reventon, Sir Crumble, Barinello, FE Crack the Code – all licensed stallions
Photo: Megan Wright Media
PEDIGREE
BALOUBET DU ROUET
BRANTZAU VDL
THORRADINA JPC
CASSIN SORINA H
GALOUBET A
MESANGE DU ROUET
CARTHAGO
JULIETTA
CASSINI I
M–CALVARA F
AMIRA IV
NEWTON
IRMA LA DOUCE
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
Baqueur is not only a competitor
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
334 BRANDEN
Born: 2016
Studbook: DSP – Licensed
Colour: Chestnut
Height: 167cm
Sire: Brantzau VDL
Dam Sire: Colman
Sharing a sire with Baqueur in Brantzau VDL, Branden offers a slightly different expression of those celebrated Olympic bloodlines. His dam is by Colman, who goes back to Carthago, a stallion whose influence on the Holstein studbook has been profound and lasting.
Compact and powerful at 167cm, Branden is a dark chestnut stallion with the bold, correct technique and elastic movement characteristic of the Brantzau line. For mares that would benefit from the powerful, correct jumping style of the Baloubet du Rouet line, Branden is a thoughtful and well–credentialled choice.
Photo: Megan Wright Media
PEDIGREE
BALOUBET DU ROUET
BRANTZAU VDL
JPC
GALOUBET A
MESANGE DU ROUET
CARTHAGO
JULIETTA
CARTHAGO
MENTOR
DALINA
STELLA VII
THORRADINA
COLMAN MALINA
ROSENQUARZ
Born: 2016
Studbook: Holstein – Premium Licensed
Colour: Chestnut
Height: 172cm
Sire: Cascadello I
Dam Sire: Askari
334 Cantari is a striking young stallion who embodies the essence of a modern sporthorse sire. He offers a unique combination of scope, technique, and blood, all wrapped in a package of undeniable charisma and rideability. With elegant movement, an uphill frame, and electric reflexes, Cantari is eye–catching in the ring and intelligent in his approach, showing all the signs of a serious competitor for the future. Backed by a performance–proven pedigree and equipped with the talent to match, 334 Cantari is a stallion with both presence and promise.
The strength of 334 Cantari’s pedigree is rooted in his dam, U–White Askari, who brings forward elite
genetics and a performance–driven legacy. A daughter of the legendary Askari, U–White Askari contributes the boldness, power, and athleticism for which the line is renowned. Askari himself is celebrated for siring international showjumping stars, most notably DSP Alice, winner of the 2018 World Equestrian Games with Simone Blum. His offspring consistently exhibit exceptional scope, stamina, and strength from behind – traits that are unmistakable in Cantari.
The depth of U–White Askari’s maternal line further enriches this pedigree. It is a line built on durability, rideability, and modern sporthorse type – qualities clearly
334 CANTARI
Photo: Megan Wright Media
PEDIGREE
CASCADELLO I
U–WHITE ASKARI
CASALL
VIVIANA
ASKARI N–JOY
CARETINO
KIRA XVII
CLEARWAY
IRANA
ACCORD
ELYPSE I
CALIDO I
HALESIA I
stamped on 334 Cantari, who reflects the elasticity, carefulness, and smart attitude that define this female family. With such a strong maternal foundation, 334 Cantari carries serious weight as both a future competitor and breeding prospect. His dam line not only enhances his physical and mental strengths, but connects him directly to generations of international performers. Notable black–type performers in the maternail line include:
• Hotshot – 1.60m
• Cantari – 1.50m
• Capillon – 1.45m
• Beaulieu’s Heartbreaker –Licensed Stallion
• Beaulieu’s Quissini – Licensed Stallion
• Kensington T – 1.50m
• Helium DS – 1.50m
• Cassia DS – 1.45m
• Couros – 1.50m
• Lady Cassi D’Erlonfouet – 1.45m
• New Curtis – 1.60m
• Corazone 2 – 1.45m
Still young, 334 Cantari has already impressed with his attitude, development, and performance trajectory. With his combination of world–class genetics, top–level athletic traits, and exceptional temperament, he is positioned to become a sire of international–calibre sporthorses.
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
Photo: Pix by Alex
Born: 2018
Studbook: Holstein – Licensed
Colour: Black Bay
Height: 169cm
Sire: Diamant de Semilly
Dam Sire: Caretino
Semilly, Donrato inherits an exceptional pedigree of proven power, soundness, and winning instinct. On the dam side, Clear Round brings refinement, carefulness, and rideability, sired by the great Caretino – a stallion known for producing athletes with tremendous scope, quick reflexes, and natural ability.
Donrato descends from a dam line that consistently produces sporthorses of the highest calibre. Black–type progeny from this exceptional female family include:
• Conrato – Premium Licensed Stallion, 1.60m
Other notable descendants include:
• Zuerich 4 – 1.50m
• Comme Le Feut – Licensed Stallion
• Canon – Licensed Stallion
• Pikeur Carre – Licensed Stallion, 1.50m
• Cassquico – 1.45m
• Quito 58 – 1.45m
• Sala – 1.45m
334 DONRATO
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
PEDIGREE
LE TOT DE SEMILLY
DIAMANT DE SEMILLY
VENISE DES CRESLES
CLEAR ROUND
CARETINO ONLINE IX
GRAND VENEUR
VENUE DU TOT
ELF III
MISS DES CRESLES
CALETTO II
ISIDOR
QUINAR
JUGAVE
Donrato himself is a striking and confident young stallion, combining bold presence with elastic movement, a strong uphill canter, and natural balance. His textbook technique over a fence – marked by a powerful hind end and an efficient, clean front – speaks to his international potential. With his limitless scope and competitive mindset, he is all business in the ring.
With the names behind him and his own performance already on the rise, 334 Donrato is a rare opportunity for breeders seeking a stallion with both a proven pedigree and modern quality.
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
334 IMPOSSIBLE
Born: 2013
Studbook: KWPN
Colour: Bay
Height: 169cm
Sire: Verdi TN
Dam Sire: Voltaire
The senior statesman of this group, 334 Impossible, brings the gravitas of age and experience to the station. A bay KWPN stallion born in 2013, Impossible is sired by Verdi TN, himself by the legendary Quidam de Revel and Landgraf I, while his dam line carries the blood of Voltaire, one of the most influential KWPN sires in the history of the studbook. The combination of Quidam de Revel
and Voltaire blood produces the classic Dutch Warmblood jumping type: scopey, careful, athletic, and rideable. For breeders working with mares of Holsteiner or German breeding who wish to introduce Dutch Warmblood blood, or for those seeking to reinforce those classic KWPN jumping traits, Impossible is a well–considered and proven choice.
Photo: Megan Wright Media
PEDIGREE
QUIDAM DE REVEL
VERDI TN
CLARISSA
KICKYQUEEN
VOLTAIRE FIRSTLADY
JALISCO B
DIRKA
LANDGRAF I
RENAISSANCE
FURIOSO II
GOGO MOEVE
WISCONSIN
WIETEKE
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
334 TRINIDAD
Born: 2020
Studbook: OS – Licensed
Colour: Chestnut
Height: 163cm
Sire: Tobago Z
Dam Sire: Casall
One of the younger stallions in the station, Trinidad is a chestnut Holstein born in 2020 and bred on an outstanding pedigree. Sired by Tobago Z, who carries the blood of Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve and Mr Blue, two names synonymous with modern jumping breeding, his dam is by the legendary Casall, who, through Caretino and Kira XVII, has produced generations of
careful, powerful jumpers. At 163cm Trinidad is a more compact model, but his breeding is first–class, and horses of this type often stamp their offspring with exceptional technique and carefulness. He represents an intriguing option for breeders seeking a younger sire with world–class genetics on both sides.
Photo: Moments by Mia Photography
PEDIGREE
TANGELO VAN DE ZUUTHOEVE
TOBAGO Z
WHOOPIE C
NARCOS II
OLYMPIA VAN DE KREKEBEKE
MR. BLUE
RAPSODIE C
KIRA XVII
CARTHAGO
CALETTA VIII
GRACE KELLY
CASALL L–CINDERELLA
CARETINO
334 ZUCKERBLUE
Born: 2022
Studbook: Holstein – Premium Licensed
Colour: Bay
Height: 167cm
Sire: Zirocco Blue VDL
Dam Sire: Cascadello I
Rounding out the spotlight is 334 Zuckerblue, a bay Holstein colt born in 2022 and bred on one of the most exciting modern crossing combinations available. Sired by Zirocco Blue VDL, who, through Mr Blue and Voltaire, carries some of the most celebrated blood in contemporary sporthorse breeding, his dam is by Cascadello I, one of the most consistently successful
sires of the current generation. The Zirocco Blue x Cascadello I combination brings together scope, correctness, and a modern jumping style. At just four years old, Zuckerblue is the station's most forward–looking prospect: a horse being offered to breeders who want to be at the forefront of tomorrow's bloodlines.
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
PEDIGREE
MR. BLUE
ZIROCCO BLUE VDL
INTSCHUSCHUNA
LICORNE DES FORETS
COUPERUS
ACARLA
VOLTAIRE
GEKAS DES FORETS
CASALL
VIVIANA
CONTENDER
CASCADELLO I
LOUVRE II
BORANA
Photo: Merlynn Trichardt
WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE BRED, AND LEGENDS ARE MADE.
A NEW STANDARD FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BREEDING
The opening of the 334 Stallion Station marks a genuine milestone for sporthorse breeding in South Africa. For breeders who have long had to look offshore for access to world–class genetics, the chance to work with licensed, proven, and internationally competitive stallions – right here on home soil is transformative.
To find out more about the 334 Stallion Station and the full collection of stallions available for the 2026 breeding season, visit 334sporthorsestud.com or contact the team via email at info@334sporthorsestud.com or WhatsApp on +27 76 877 0399.
334 Sporthorse Stud Fort Nottingham, KwaZulu–Natal
It’s not a bakkie, it’s the new .
There’s a new Legend in the Hilux family. For 55 years the Hilux has been conquering SA’s toughest terrains and now, to celebrate the legacy of Hilux in this country, we bring you the special edition Hilux Legend 55.
Make a statement in this distinctively-styled Legend 55, with a branded styling bar, Legend 55 illuminated welcome lights*, exclusive Legend 55 badging and a roller shutter.
The new Hilux Legend 55 is here and it’s ready for action.
*Available on selected models.
UNDERSTANDING
‘BLOOD PERCENTAGES’
IN
SPORTHORSE BREEDING
WHAT ‘60% BLOOD’ ACTUALLY MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS
Browse HorseTelex or any European
Warmblood breeding site, and you will encounter descriptions like ‘this mare is 55% blood’ or ‘this stallion brings 42% blood to the cross.’
For many of us, these percentages seem mysterious – arbitrary numbers attached to expensive horses, but blood percentage tells a specific story about a horse's genetic makeup, influences breeding decisions worth hundreds of thousands of Rands, and helps breeders predict stamina, athleticism, and temperament.
Understanding blood percentages does not require becoming a breeder or memorising complex pedigrees (thank goodness!), but knowing what these numbers mean helps make sense of breeding discussions, stallion advertisements, and the values attached to different bloodlines in the sporthorse world, particularly when browsing sites like HorseTelex that calculate and display these percentages prominently.
WHAT BLOOD PERCENTAGE ACTUALLY MEANS
Blood percentage, as calculated by HorseTelex and similar pedigree databases, measures the proportion of ‘hotblood’ ancestry in a horse's pedigree – specifically Thoroughbred (designated xx) and Arabian (designated ox). These two breeds are combined into a single blood percentage because both are considered refining influences that contribute speed, stamina, athleticism, and sensitivity. A horse described as ‘58% blood’ means 58% of its genetic heritage over nine generations comes from Thoroughbred and Arabian ancestors combined, with the remaining 42% coming from ‘coldblood’ or Warmblood foundation stock.
The calculation is based on a cumulative analysis of the pedigree. Each generation contributes diminishing value to the total percentage – the first generation (parents) contributes 50% each, the second generation (grandparents) contributes 25% total, the third generation contributes 12.5%, and so on through nine generations. If a horse has a Thoroughbred grandfather on the sire side, that contributes 12.5% to the blood percentage. If the same horse also has an Arabian great–great–grandmother on the dam side, that adds another percentage based on how many generations back she appears.
This means the blood percentage is an estimate based on pedigree documentation spanning multiple generations, not on direct DNA analysis. HorseTelex and similar databases track pedigrees meticulously, identifying every Thoroughbred and Arabian ancestor
within nine generations and calculating their cumulative contribution to create the total blood percentage. The nine–generation calculation captures enough genetic depth to meaningfully assess breeding without tracking so far back that individual ancestors contribute negligible percentages.
WHY BLOOD PERCENTAGE MATTERS
The blood percentage indicates likely characteristics because Thoroughbreds and Arabians – the ‘hotbloods’ –seem to contribute specific traits to sporthorse breeding. Thoroughbreds often bring speed, scope over fences, competitive fire, and refinement. Arabians, on the other hand, are felt to contribute endurance, hardiness, intelligence, and soundness. The ‘coldblood’ or heavier Warmblood foundation breeds usually contributed size, strength, steady temperament, and trainability. Finding the optimal balance between these influences has driven European Warmblood breeding for over a century.
Different blood percentage ranges suggest different horse types. High blood percentage (60% and above) indicates a horse very close to purebred Thoroughbred or Arabian in genetic makeup – likely very energetic, sensitive, refined, hot to ride, and requiring skilled handling. These
horses often excel in disciplines requiring speed and boldness but can overwhelm amateur riders. Moderate blood percentage (40–60%) represents typical modern performance Warmbloods – athletic and competitive without being excessively hot, trainable but with sufficient fire for upper–level sport. Low blood percentage (below 40%) suggests more coldblood influence – steadier temperament, more strength, potentially less scope or speed, but often more rideable for amateurs.
Eventing particularly values blood percentage because the discipline demands both stamina and speed. Eventers commonly carry 50–70% blood – enough hotblood influence for cross–country speed and jumping scope without being too hot for dressage work. Showjumping breeding often targets 40–55% blood, seeking enough athleticism and carefulness without excessive sensitivity, and many successful modern dressage horses carry 35–50% blood.
HORSETELEX AND BLOOD PERCENTAGE CALCULATION
HorseTelex provides blood percentage calculations as a standard feature for registered horses in their database. This allows breeders to quickly assess genetic makeup without manually tracing through nine generations of pedigree.
The virtual mating tool on HorseTelex is particularly valuable for breeding decisions. Breeders can simulate matings between any mare and stallion in the database, and HorseTelex calculates the predicted blood percentage for potential offspring before breeding occurs. If a mare carries 45% blood and you are considering breeding her to a stallion with 62% blood, the virtual mating shows the foal would have approximately 53.5% blood (the average
of the parents). This helps breeders make informed decisions about whether a particular cross will produce the blood percentage range they seek for their breeding programme goals.
The calculation also helps explain pricing and breeding value. A mare with 52% blood and excellent conformation might be valued more highly for breeding than a similar mare with 38% blood, because she can produce higher blood percentage offspring when bred to moderate or lower blood stallions. Conversely, a stallion with 65% blood might be specifically sought by breeders with lower blood mares who want to increase the blood percentage in their programme.
BLOOD PERCENTAGE IN SOUTH AFRICAN BREEDING
South African sporthorse breeders increasingly utilise European bloodlines and breeding strategies, making blood percentage relevant locally. When importing mares or using imported stallions, understanding blood percentage helps predict offspring characteristics and suitability for South African rider preferences.
The South African market shows varied preferences. Some breeders and buyers specifically seek higher blood percentages (50–65%) for producing competitive eventers and showjumpers, valuing the athleticism and scope hotblood influence provides. Others prefer moderate blood percentages (40–50%) that produce athletic horses suitable for serious amateurs rather than only professionals.
BLOOD PERCENTAGE VS BREED PERCENTAGE
Blood percentage (the combined Thoroughbred and Arabian influence) is different from breed percentage, though the two are related. A horse might be 75% Hanoverian by breed but 48% blood. This means three–quarters of the horse's ancestry is registered Hanoverian, but within that Hanoverian pedigree, enough Thoroughbred and Arabian ancestors appear across nine generations to create 48% hotblood influence.
Breed percentages matter for registration purposes. Warmblood registries have rules about what breed percentages allow full studbook registration – for instance, a horse might need to be at least 50% ‘x’ to
register as ‘x’ breeding stock. Blood percentage, by contrast, matters for performance prediction and breeding strategy. A 60% Hanoverian, 40% KWPN horse might be 52% blood if both the Hanoverian and KWPN ancestors carried significant Thoroughbred and Arabian influence.
This distinction explains why you might see a horse advertised as ‘68% Holsteiner, 32% Hanoverian, 55% blood.’ The first two numbers describe breed heritage for registration purposes. The blood percentage describes genetic makeup regarding hotblood versus coldblood influence, which predicts temperament and athletic characteristics more reliably than breed percentages alone.
WHAT BLOOD PERCENTAGE CANNOT TELL YOU
Blood percentage predicts probabilities across populations but cannot guarantee individual outcomes. A horse with 58% blood might behave nothing like you would expect if genetic inheritance favoured Warmblood temperament genes. Conversely, a horse with 42% blood might be extremely hot and sensitive if they inherited predominantly ‘hotblood’ characteristics despite the moderate percentage. The percentage indicates what is likely, not what is certain.
Two full siblings – same sire, same dam, identical blood percentages –can be dramatically different horses, despite having the same blood percentage, because they share the same ancestry, but which specific genes were inherited differ. In simple terms, blood percentage tells you the ingredients in the recipe; it does not guarantee the finished product.
Performance depends on factors that blood percentage cannot capture. Training quality matters enormously. Rider skill, management, luck, individual personality, and specific training all affect outcomes as much as or more than genetic percentages. Use blood percentage as one tool among many for evaluation, not as a definitive predictor.
Conformation quality exists independently of blood percentage. A horse might have an ideal blood percentage for its intended discipline but possess conformational faults limiting performance – poor hind leg angles, an excessively long back, a straight shoulder. Breeders select for both genotype (genetic make–up which looks at pedigree including blood percentage) and phenotype (actual physical quality), because the most perfectly bred horse is worthless if conformational flaws prevent work.
USING BLOOD PERCENTAGE WHEN BUYING HORSES
Even if you never breed, understanding blood percentage helps evaluate horses you might buy. A four–year–old Warmblood advertised as 62% blood will likely require different riding skills and management than a similar horse at 44% blood. The higher blood horse might be brilliant but hot, needing confident, skilled riding. The moderate blood horse might be far more suitable for an adult amateur. Blood percentage provides clues about what you are dealing with.
For young horses with unproven performance, blood percentage is more useful than for older horses with established records. That stunning three–year–old with 68% blood and an exceptional pedigree might become an
upper–level competitor – or might be too hot for anyone except professionals to ride successfully. The three–year–old with 38% blood might become a steady, competitive amateur horse. Setting expectations based partly on blood percentage helps match horses to appropriate riders and disciplines.
Understanding blood percentage also explains the pricing of young stock. A yearling with 58% blood from proven performance lines commands premium prices because breeding indicates high probability of athletic ability and competitive temperament – even before any training or performance proves anything. Whether that probability justifies the premium depends on your circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance, but at least you understand why the pricing exists.
READING BLOOD PERCENTAGES IN CONTEXT
When browsing HorseTelex or similar databases, read blood percentages alongside other information. A stallion advertised at 56% blood with a pedigree full of proven jumpers brings different strengths than a 56% blood stallion from dressage lines, even though the percentage is identical. The percentage indicates temperament and athletic tendency; the specific ancestry indicates which sport that athleticism likely suits.
Similarly, blood percentage interacts with age and training. A 64% blood five–year–old just starting work might be quite hot and challenging. The same horse at ten years old with five years of consistent training might have settled
into a reliable partnership despite the high blood percentage. Younger horses show blood percentage characteristics more dramatically than older, educated horses.
For mare owners considering breeding, blood percentage helps evaluate stallion selection. If your mare is 42% blood and you want offspring suitable for amateur showjumping, choosing a 52% blood stallion produces approximately 47% blood foals, which ‘should be’ athletic but not excessively hot. If you bred the same mare to a 68% blood stallion seeking upper–level performance, the resulting 55% blood foals would be predicted to be more athletic but also more demanding to ride.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Blood percentage is a straightforward concept with complex implications. It measures combined Thoroughbred and Arabian genetic influence across nine generations, indicating likely temperament, athleticism, and suitability for different disciplines. Higher percentages suggest hotter, more sensitive, and more athletic horses that require skilled riding. Lower percentages suggest steadier, more amateur–friendly horses with greater tractability.
HorseTelex and similar databases calculate these percentages automatically from documented pedigrees, providing breeding tools that help breeders make informed decisions about genetic diversity and predicted offspring characteristics. The
virtual mating feature allows testing breeding scenarios before they occur, calculating blood percentages for potential foals and helping breeders target specific ranges for their programme goals.
But blood percentage is an estimate and probability, not a guarantee. Individual horses vary enormously, and ultimately, the horse tells the story. Training, handling, conformation, and personality matter as much as genetics. The 48% blood horse that is bold, scopey, and trainable is worth far more than the 58% blood horse that is timid and difficult, regardless of what percentages suggest should be true. This makes blood percentages a useful figure to understand, but, in reality, the horse in front of you is what you need to be looking at.
TEXT: ALEJANDRA GONZALEZ
YOU’RE NOT CROOKED – YOU’RE HUMAN
Have you ever looked at a photo or video of yourself riding and thought…
WHY AM I ALWAYS SITTING JUST A LITTLE TO THE LEFT?
You adjust. You centre yourself. You think you’ve fixed it.
Then five minutes later, there you are again. Slightly off-centre.
IT’S FRUSTRATING, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE DOING YOUR BEST TO ‘SIT EVENLY’ IN THE SADDLE. BUT HERE’S SOMETHING MOST RIDERS HAVEN’T BEEN TOLD:
• THIS ISN’T JUST A RIDING HABIT.
• IT’S A HUMAN PATTERN, AND IT’S COMPLETELY NATURAL.
We’re not meant to be perfectly symmetrical
Movement professionals now recognise that human asymmetry is part of how we’re built, not a flaw.
• Your liver sits on the right side of your body.
• Your diaphragm is stronger on the right and has a different shape.
• Your heart is slightly offset to the left.
• Your lungs aren’t the same size.
• And your muscles, especially around the hips and ribs, naturally develop imbalances over time.
This creates a default postural pattern in most of us:
We tend to shift left in the pelvis and rib cage while holding tension in the right hip and shoulder.
SO THAT SLIGHTLY OFF-CENTRE SEAT?
It’s not a failure; it’s a reflection of how we’re built.
WHAT THAT MEANS IN THE SADDLE
This natural asymmetry doesn’t stay hidden when you ride.
In fact, your horse probably feels it more than you do.
It can show up as:
• Always collapsing to the left or falling out on the right rein.
• A stronger leg on one side, a ‘mushy’ aid on the other.
• Weight tipping more into one seat bone.
• Difficulty turning or bending in one direction.
• Your horse consistently drifts to one side or resists certain movements.
The important thing to understand is:
YOUR HORSE ISN’T RESISTING YOU; THEY’RE RESPONDING TO YOUR BODY.
You don’t need to be perfect –just present
One of the most liberating things you can realise as a rider is this:
• You don’t have to ‘fix’ your asymmetry to be effective in the saddle.
• You just have to become aware of it.
WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY’S NATURAL TENDENCIES, IT BECOMES EASIER TO RIDE WITH CLARITY, SOFTNESS, AND INTENTION. THAT’S WHEN YOUR HORSE STARTS TO FEEL MORE SUPPORTED, AND MORE WILLING TO MEET YOU HALFWAY. UNDERSTANDING YOUR NATURAL ASYMMETRY IS THE FIRST STEP, BUT NOT THE LAST.
By gently improving your proprioception - your ability to feel where your body is in space - you can begin to ride with more awareness, balance, and connection. Whether it’s through quiet breathwork, movement exploration, or simply noticing how you sit in the saddle, these small moments of attention make a big difference.
YOUR HORSE DOESN’T NEED YOU TO BE
They just need you to be present and in conversation with your own body. Start by listening to your body, because your horse already is. With love and awareness, Ale
It doesn’t have to be like this.
Think SMART
SHAUN NEILL AND KAPRISCH DBH Z
CHAMPIONS OF THE TOYOTA OUTDOOR GRAND PRIX 2026
Shaun Neill is one of South Africa's most celebrated showjumpers, but he’s a rider whose career has been defined not just by his (many) victories, but by his resilience. After a herniated disc threatened to end his time at the top level of the sport, Shaun has fought his way back over years with remarkable determination.
This month, riding the talented mare Kaprisch DBH, he claimed victory at the Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix at Easter Festival; the same show he last won 14 years ago with the legendary Clyde Z. HQ caught up with Shaun to hear about his remarkable comeback, the mare that has made it possible, and the advice he has for any rider facing their own journey back.
HQ: After coming second in the Jeep Grand Prix in December, you've now won the first big showjumping title of the year, the Toyota SA Outdoor Grand Prix. How does it feel to be standing on the top step of the podium again after such a long journey back?
Shaun: It feels amazing! There was a time when I didn’t know if I would ride at the top level again, and to have a horse like Kaprisch and to
be back up there really makes it feel even better than before.
HQ: You last won Easter Festival in 2012 with the legendary Clyde Z. What was going through your mind as you realised you’d won it again 14 years later?
Shaun: I was just so happy with my mare; she is young and inexperienced at that level, and she gave me everything she had that day.
HQ: You’ve said before that your absence from the very top of the sport for a few years, due to a herniated disc, means that you now have to choose horses based on comfort for your back, and that you need a specific saddle. How has Kaprisch DBH been the perfect partner for your comeback? What makes her so special? And which saddle?!
Shaun: Kaprisch is a trier; she is definitely an A-type personality and tries her guts out for me every time we go into the ring. She is super careful and brave, and I think in today’s ultra-competitive sport, that is what makes her a good horse to have.
I can only ride in Devoucoux saddles now ; they seem to keep my pelvis tilted at the right angle so that
my lower back doesn’t take too much strain.
HQ: You bought Kaprisch in Belgium in 2020, during your recovery. Can you tell us about finding her and building this winning partnership over the past six years?
Shaun: I bought Kaprisch from our old friend, Lieven van Decraen, who also sold me Gold Rush and Clyde Z (via Wayne van Der Burgh). We took our time to find her. I did three trips to Europe before we came across her and I almost didn’t try her as I hadn’t ever had a mare at top level before so I was looking more for a stallion or a gelding, but once I jumped her over a few bigger fences, my wife, Cath and I both looked at each other and said ‘she jumps like Clyde off the ground’ and that was the deal done.
HQ: Between working full days at Delmon Mining and riding in the afternoons, how did you prepare for the Toyota Easter Festival? Has your training routine changed since your injury?
Shaun: I work a full day in our construction business, so I ride in the evenings after work. I try to work hard on my position, my balance and on my mare’s suppleness and adjustability. As she is so careful, we do a lot of pole work that I learnt from Gerry Flynn, who comes out and gives us clinics, and then my coach, Barry Taylor, comes once a week, and we have a good jump with Barry, who is a master at working on exactly what the horse needs.
I have had to focus on my body a lot more than when I was younger; I’ve also had to relearn to ride this more blood, careful type of horse like Kaprisch.
HQ: You’ve now been back in the big classes for a few months. Have you noticed changes in the sport? If so, have you had to adapt your riding style, and in what ways?
Shaun: Definitely! The sport has become so fast, and the horses need to be super careful. I’ve had to learn to ride more forward and be softer in my riding style than when I rode Gold Rush and Clyde.
HQ : What were the biggest challenges over the qualifiers and, obviously, the final class of the Outdoor Grand Prix?
Shaun: The format of the Grand Prix class is a big challenge. It takes a lot of fitness and stamina to jump three rounds at that level.
HQ : What's next for you and Kaprisch DBH? Are there specific goals for the rest of 2026?
Shaun: Kaprisch is new to the level, so I need to try and keep consistent now in the 1.50m classes and maybe try a World Cup with her when she feels ready later this year.
HQ : Can you tell us about the other horses in your string? What can we expect from them in the future?
Shaun: I am extremely grateful to be a part of the 334 Team, and I ride their super mare, 334 Klara, who is about to jump her first 1.20m show in a few weeks’ time. Klara was started late, so despite being nine, she is quite green, but I love riding her; she is so keen to
learn, and I’m very excited to keep producing her up the grades.
HQ : Looking back at the journey from your herniated disc in 2014 to standing on top of the podium at Easter Festival 2026 , what do you want people to take away from your experience?
Shaun: Never give up. It was a long, hard road… There were times when I truly didn’t think I would ever be able to ride at that level again, but I have quite a cool head, and I just kept my head down and worked my way slowly back up. Having two super mares like Kaprisch and Klara makes it a lot easier as well!
HQ : What advice would you give to any rider facing injury or setback who wonders if they can get back to where they were?
Shaun: Focus on what you CAN still do, and work slowly on what you can’t. Don’t force things, and try to make your life easier by changing something that hurts or limits you (like I did by finding the right saddle that doesn’t hurt my back).
HQ: What does it mean to have Oliver win the Toyota Pony Rider SA Outdoor Grand Prix and Sarah win the Toyota 1m Pony Rider Championships at the same show?
Shaun: As a father, I was incredibly proud of them. It was something we could never have dreamed of happening, and we are very lucky to all share the same passion and to see their hard work pay off as well.
HQ: Do you coach Oliver and Sarah at all? What advice do you give them with their riding?
Shaun: No, Joanne van Achterbergh is their jumping coach, but I help them in the warm-up at the shows just to give them confidence, and I always say to them that they must make a plan with Jo for the class and then stick to that plan.
HQ: Have either of them ever had a ride on Kaprisch, and do you think they’ve got an eye on her for when they come out of Pony Riders?
Shaun: Oliver has had a jump on her, and it would be my honour for him to ride her in a few years’ time.
HQ: Is there anyone you would like us to thank you for in the magazine?
Shaun: I would like to thank Toyota for their fantastic backing of our sport; they have really elevated our sport and all the riders are very grateful to them. I’d also like to thank Barry Taylor, my coach for the past 20 plus years; 334 Stud for the ride on Klara; and also my team at home - managers, riders, grooms, vets, farriers, physios. It takes a village and I’m very grateful to everyone behind the scenes who helps Kaprisch feel as good as she did that day.
Shaun Neill's story is one of the most compelling in South African equestrian sport; it’s a real masterclass in patience and perseverance. Fourteen years after his last Easter Festival victory, he has returned to the top step of the podium, through his quiet, dedicated work across more than a decade. With Kaprisch DBH still growing into the sport and 334 Klara coming through the ranks, the future looks
bright for Shaun and his team. And with his children, Oliver and Sarah, both winning titles at the very same show, it is clear that the Neill family's love for horses runs very deep indeed.
We look forward to seeing much from Shaun and his family in the coming months and years. It’s good to have him back, where he belongs, at the very top of our sport!
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH DE RUST EQUESTRIAN
In the world of equestrian training, there's a growing recognition that the foundation we lay with young horses determines everything that follows. At De Rust Equestrian, located in the serene setting of Hartbeespoort at the foot of the Magalies mountain range, Luke Compaan has built his reputation on one core principle: horses trained with patience, clarity, and understanding become partners, not just performers.
A JOURNEY ROOTED IN PASSION
HQ : Tell us about your equestrian career to date.
"I started riding as a kid, but unlike other children I was introduced to horses in an unusual fashion. If it was not for the need to schedule an emergency dentist appointment, things might have turned out differently. You see, it was our family Dentist who introduced me to horses and ponies. At first I didn’t really feel the need to ride, but the overwhelming urge to just be near them was all consuming. I was really content to just sit with a pony on the lead whilst the others happily trotted about. Eventually, I overcame my initial reluctance to hop on board, and began riding with the rest of the children. It was after the experience of my very first canter, that I knew that this would be my destiny."
Over the years, Luke has been fortunate to work with a variety of horses and trainers who shaped his understanding of what good horsemanship really means. From working at prestigious facilities like Callaho and Capital Stud to training under experienced professionals
across South Africa, each experience added another layer to his education.
"The highlights for me haven't been the accolades or the wins. It's those small breakthroughs – the moment a horse relaxes, trusts, or truly starts to enjoy their work. That's what keeps me hooked."
Those formative years at top studs were particularly influential, exposing Luke to diverse bloodlines, temperaments, and training challenges that would prove invaluable when he eventually established his own facility.
The transition from working within established operations to creating his own training philosophy wasn't instantaneous. Luke spent years absorbing different methodologies, questioning conventional approaches, and most importantly, listening to what the horses were telling him.
"Every horse I've worked with has taught me something new. The horses that struggled or reacted badly taught me the most; they forced me to slow down and rethink my approach."
THE BIRTH OF DE RUST EQUESTRIAN
HQ: When did you start De Rust Equestrian, and what led you to create your own facility?
De Rust Equestrian opened its gates in 2016 as a natural progression of Luke's work with young horses.
"I wanted a space where training could be done properly, quietly, thoughtfully, and at the horse's pace."
Having witnessed too many young horses rushed through their training or mishandled due to external pressures to produce quick results, Luke envisioned something different – a facility that would prioritise the horse's
long-term well-being over short-term outcomes.
"De Rust was built to be the opposite of a lot of what I had seen; it’s a calm, structured environment where horses can learn with confidence."
The decision to establish an independent facility also gave Luke the freedom to implement his training philosophy without compromise. "When you're working within someone else's operation, you're often bound by their timelines," he notes. "I needed the autonomy to give each horse exactly what they needed, even if that meant taking longer than conventional programmes might allow."
A FACILITY DESIGNED FOR LEARNING
HQ: Can you tell us a bit about the facilities at De Rust?
"We're based in a peaceful setting with all the essentials a horseman could need."
The location itself was carefully chosen for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty – factors that contribute significantly to creating relaxed, confident horses. Luke lives on site, enabling him to care for the horses 24/7.
The facility includes safe stabling, large paddocks for turnout, a large round pen for focussed ground- work and backing, a good-sized sand arena, grass flatwork areas, and plenty of space for hacking out.
"It's not about fancy infrastructure here. It's about creating a consistent, low-stress environment where the horses can thrive mentally and physically."
This philosophy extends to every aspect of the facility's design. The paddocks are spacious enough for horses to move freely and socialise, with plans to expand and improve the paddocks to eventually accommodate small herds, recognising that turnout is crucial for mental health and physical development. The varied terrain available for hacking provides natural challenges that build strength,
balance, and confidence. Even the arena footing is carefully maintained to support proper biomechanics without causing strain.
"Everything here is set up to support the training process," Luke explains. "A horse that's comfortable in their environment, that feels safe and has their basic needs met, is a horse that can focus on learning."
AN INDIVIDUALISED APPROACH TO TRAINING
HQ: How are horses managed at De Rust?
At De Rust, there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
"Every horse is regarded as a unique individual. The management follows a structured approach with defined steps that every horse will be taken through. However, the horse will dictate the pace of the training scale, ensuring a balance of structure and freedom so they can learn while having the freedom to be themselves."
Turnout is prioritised, recognising that horses are social animals that need
movement and interaction. Proper nutrition is tailored to each horse's needs and workload. Most importantly, thoughtful handling permeates every interaction.
"Each horse's programme is tailored to their needs, whether they're a young horse just starting out or an older one needing gentling."
This individualised approach extends beyond training sessions into every aspect of care. Luke pays close attention to subtle changes in behaviour, appetite, or attitude that might indicate physical discomfort or mental stress.
"It's extremely important that the horses' needs are met before training commences to ensure that they have the best chance of becoming reliable and safe riding horses."
The daily routine at De Rust is structured yet flexible. Young horses
might have shorter, more frequent sessions focusing on basic handling and desensitisation. Troubled horses might need more time simply learning to trust and relax before any mounted work begins. "I don't work to a fixed timeline," Luke says. "The horse tells me when they're ready to move forward."
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR ALL NEEDS
HQ: What services do you offer?
De Rust Equestrian specialises in several key areas, all centred around developing confident, willing partners.
"At De Rust, we focus on young horse training, backing, post-auction polishing, and ongoing schooling."
But the services extend well beyond basic training.
STARTING YOUNG HORSES
The backing process at De Rust is thorough and unhurried. Young horses are introduced to equipment, mounting, and rider weight gradually, ensuring each step is solid before progressing.
"The foundation stage is absolutely critical. My past experiences at Callaho Stud still guides a lot of what I do during the backing phase of training. Much of my thinking around training young horses aligns with the examples set by traditional western techniques employed by horsemen such as Buck
Brannaman, where timing, feel, and fairness take priority over force.”
POST-AUCTION PREPARATION
Many horses come to De Rust fresh from auction. "These horses need the foundations checked," Luke explains. "I want to make sure they know about the world and can handle any potential experiences or challenges with confidence. Then we can begin with furthering their ridden education and prepare them for their future careers, whether that's showing, eventing, dressage, or pleasure riding."
GENTLING AND RETRAINING
Perhaps some of De Rust's most rewarding work comes with horses that have encountered problems.
"I also take on select horses for retraining where groundwork and re-formative handling are key, especially in cases where a horse may have become soured in their work."
These cases require patience, intuitive work to identify the root causes of behaviour, and a willingness to backtrack when necessary.
CLINICS AND SUPPORTIVE COACHING
Outside of the facility, Luke offers supportive coaching to the riders of the young horses he has worked with
and trained, often competing those horses himself until the horses are ready and their owners can take the reins themselves.
"I enjoy helping riders understand their horses better and develop the feel needed to build a real partnership.”
This service allows clients to benefit from Luke's expertise while keeping their horses at home after their training has been completed at De Rust, and provides valuable support at shows, where an experienced and understanding eye can make all the difference.
Luke also hopes to be hosting more clinics in and around South Africa in the very near future.
SPECIALISING IN THE CRITICAL EARLY STAGES
HQ: What do you specialise in?
"My main focus is young horses. Producing them correctly and ethically so they can go on to any discipline with confidence."
While De Rust works with horses of all ages and experience levels, it's the young horse work that Luke finds most fulfilling.
"I'm particularly drawn to that early stage where foundation and trust are built. If that stage is done right, everything else becomes easier later on."
This specialisation has allowed Luke to refine his approach to the backing process, developing a systematic yet flexible methodology that sets young horses up for success regardless of their eventual discipline.
The young horse programme at De Rust typically spans several months, though the exact timeline varies based on the individual. "Some horses need more time for physical development, others need more time to mature mentally," Luke explains. "I'd rather take an extra month and produce a confident, relaxed horse than rush and create anxiety or resistance."
A PHILOSOPHY BUILT ON UNDERSTANDING
HQ: How would you describe your training philosophy?
Luke's training philosophy can be summed up in three words: "Patience, clarity, and consistency." But as with most meaningful concepts, there's much more beneath the surface.
"I believe a horse should always understand why you're asking for something. If they're confused, it's our job to explain it better, not to apply more pressure."
This principle guides every training decision at De Rust. Rather than escalating pressure when a horse doesn't respond, Luke takes a step back to assess whether the request was clear, whether the horse is physically capable of complying, and whether there might be pain or fear preventing the desired response.
"I aim to produce horses that are responsive but relaxed, obedient but confident. Training isn't just about producing results; it's about providing the horse with the support that he needs to thrive in an environment that was forced upon him."
This perspective – that we've asked horses to adapt to our world and therefore owe them patient, empathetic training – informs the entire De Rust approach.
"Training with kindness and love so that he feels confident in his work."
This isn't just a pleasant sentiment at De Rust; it's a practical training strategy. Horses that feel safe and supported learn faster, retain information better, and develop into more reliable partners than those trained through pressure and intimidation.
LESSONS FROM THE HORSES
HQ: What led you to this philosophy?
"A mix of experience and mistakes. I've learned from a variety of trainers, and over time I picked out what made sense for the horse, not just what seemed effective in the moment."
This process of refinement has been ongoing throughout Luke's career. Early influences provided valuable technical skills and horsemanship knowledge. But it was the horses themselves – particularly the challenging ones – that taught the most important lessons.
"Every horse I’ve interacted with has imparted valuable lessons. The ones that faced challenges or displayed negative reactions taught me the most; they compelled me to pause and reevaluate my methods."
These weren't failures, Luke explains, but opportunities to better understand equine learning theory, the effects of pressure and release, and the importance of reading subtle communication from the horse.
“The true magic occurs when you can achieve effectiveness while being fully respectful of the horse. It’s about discerning between what is effective and what is ethical.”
Some horses taught him about the long-lasting effects of rough handling. Others demonstrated the power of patient, systematic desensitisation. Still others showed him that what appears to be resistance is often confusion or physical discomfort. "I've learned to ask 'why' before assuming a horse is being difficult," Luke says. "Nine times out of ten, there's a legitimate reason for the behaviour."
THE POWER OF CONSISTENCY
HQ: How do you build strong bonds with the horses you work with? For Luke, relationship-building isn't mysterious or complicated – it's the natural result of consistent, fair treatment.
"Time and consistency. Horses don't trust you because you feed them. They trust you because your behaviour is predictable and fair."
"I try to be the same person every day around them: calm, direct, and patient."
This consistency creates a sense of safety for the horses. They learn that Luke won't suddenly become angry or erratic, that he won't ask for things they aren't prepared to give, and that when they try, they'll be rewarded with release and praise.
"The horse truly begins to trust when it understands that you won't confuse or harm him, and that you, as the rider and handler, recognise and acknowledge its attempts to respond to cues. Ignoring their attempts to communicate can leave them feeling unsafe and unheard. It's essential to recognise the efforts they make to foster mutual understanding and to ensure a willingness to engage with the work. That is how you truly make them feel safe."
It's visible in subtle ways – the horse that walks calmly to Luke in the paddock, the youngster that stands quietly for mounting, the previously troubled horse that begins to seek out interaction rather than avoiding it.
This bond isn't built through special techniques or tricks. It's the cumulative effect of hundreds of small interactions where Luke proves himself trustworthy, patient, and clear in his communication. "Horses are honest," he observes. "They respond to who you really are, not who you pretend to be. If you're genuine in wanting to understand and help them, they figure that out pretty quickly."
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
HQ: Can you share some success stories you're proud of?
When asked about his proudest moments, Luke doesn't immediately cite competition results, sale prices, or to even name the top horses on the circuit who he has had a hand in. Instead, he speaks of transformation and continued growth: horses that discovered confidence they didn't know they had.
"There have been a few young horses who came in completely shut down or defensive and left confident and
happy in their work; those are the real wins. But I struggle to pinpoint any examples from the past because it’s the fulfilment of the work, and the deep love that I have for the horse, that gives me the greatest feeling of success. I can’t single one out, not just because there has been so many over the years, but because each one is special to me in its own way. Seeing a horse that used to be tense under saddle start to move freely again, or watching a nervous youngster take their first canter with trust, those moments mean more to me than anything in the show ring."
involved a horse that had become dangerous to handle after a series of negative experiences. "The owners were considering giving up on him entirely," Luke remembers. "It took months of patient groundwork, but watching him eventually stand quietly for mounting, then carry a rider calmly –that transformation was incredible."
to perform specific tasks, but helping them become confident, willing partners who genuinely enjoy their work. "When a horse leaves here and I hear from the owner that they're happy, adjustable, and a pleasure to work with, that's when I know we've done our job properly."
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
HQ: Where do you want to take De Rust in the future?
Luke's vision for De Rust isn't about expansion for its own sake.
"I'd like De Rust to remain what it's meant to be – a place where horses are produced quietly and correctly. Growth will come naturally if the work stays honest. I will never expand at the expense of the core philosophy of my work."
Rather than increasing volume, Luke's goal is to continue deepening his expertise and refining his approach.
"My long-term goal is to keep developing thoughtful young horses and help riders understand that good horsemanship isn't about shortcuts; it's about communication and patience. The best way to achieve that is by doing it one-on-one, just myself and the horse. I won’t pass the job on to a team of work riders, a stable hand,
or a groom. These horses are my responsibility, and I take that very seriously."
He's passionate about education, both for horses and their riders. "Too many people are looking for quick fixes or magic solutions, or to pass the buck on to a groom during a quick lunge session" he observes. "I'd like to help shift that mindset, to help more people understand that investing time in proper foundation work pays dividends throughout the horse's entire career."
This educational mission extends beyond just the clients who send horses to De Rust. Through coaching and workshops, Luke aims to share the principles that guide his work. "In time, if I can help even a few riders develop better timing, clearer communication, and more patience with their horses, that ripples out to benefit many more horses than I could ever train personally."
THE DE RUST DIFFERENCE
What sets De Rust Equestrian apart in an industry crowded with training facilities isn't flashy marketing or impressive infrastructure; it's Luke Compaan's unwavering commitment to doing right by each horse that comes through his gates, and as HQ can attest, this is something you feel when you watch Luke work with a horse.
In an age where speed and efficiency are often prioritised, De Rust offers something increasingly rare: time. Time for horses to mature physically and mentally. Time to build genuine understanding rather than just conditioned responses. Time to address
problems at their root rather than simply managing symptoms.
"We're not interested in shortcuts. We're interested in creating horses that are genuinely happy in their work, that understand their jobs, and that will be reliable, enjoyable partners for years to come."
For horse owners seeking a trainer who views their animal as an individual rather than just another project, who prioritises long-term soundness over quick results, and who brings both technical expertise and genuine empathy to every training session, De Rust Equestrian offers a refreshing alternative.
GETTING IN TOUCH
Whether you have a young horse ready for backing, an auction purchase needing more training, or an older horse requiring gentling, De Rust Equestrian can help. Luke Compaan welcomes enquiries from owners who value patient, ethical training and are willing to invest the time necessary to build a solid foundation, and De Rust provides a peaceful setting where horses can learn without pressure, developing into the confident, capable partners every rider dreams of.
The journey to good horsemanship isn't always quick or straightforward, but with patience, clarity, and consistency – the cornerstones of the De Rust approach – it's a journey that transforms not just horses, but the people who work with them as well.
DE RUST EQUESTRIAN HARTBEESPOORT, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA
For more information about services, availability, or to discuss your horse's training needs, contact Luke Compaan directly.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
IS YOUR HORSE IN IDEAL CONDITION?
Stand at any South African livery yard in late October and you will see the same pattern repeating: horses who looked reasonable in July are suddenly developing cresty necks and filling out behind the shoulders. The spring grass has arrived, and with it, the annual battle against equine obesity begins. By February, some of these horses will be dangerously overweight. Others, by contrast, will struggle through winter looking ribby and drawn despite their owners' best efforts.
If it was just about appearance, it wouldn’t be such a worry, but sadly weight management affects health in a very real way, and getting it wrong can lead to laminitis, infertility in
breeding stock, joint issues and a cascade of other health problems.
Unlike dogs or humans who can step on scales, horses require systematic visual and hands–on assessment. The Henneke body condition scoring system provides this framework, evaluating fat coverage at six key anatomical points on a scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (extremely fat). But knowing the system is one thing, and actually implementing it is another!
Understanding what appropriate condition looks like for your specific horse, in your specific circumstances, with South Africa's dramatic seasonal grass variation –that is where most owners struggle.
WHY THIS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
Drive past paddocks in Johannesburg's northern suburbs in summer and you will see cresty–necked ponies with apple–shaped rumps grazing on kikuyu that grows faster than it can be eaten. These are not happy, healthy horses enjoying good grazing. These are horses walking the metabolic tightrope toward laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome – a condition characterised by insulin dysregulation, abnormal fat distribution, and increased laminitis risk that has become alarmingly common in South African pleasure horses.
The fat itself is not inert storage. Adipose tissue produces inflammatory mediators that make laminitis more likely. The abnormal fat deposits –particularly that hard, cresty neck and fat pockets behind the shoulders – indicate insulin dysregulation that changes how the horse processes sugars and starches. Once this metabolic damage sets in, managing these horses becomes a lifelong challenge. Prevention is infinitely easier than management after the fact.
But obesity is not the only concern. Visit a spelling farm in the Cape in August, and you might see Thoroughbreds fresh off the track, ribs visible, toplines hollow, struggling to maintain condition through winter despite good feeding. Being underweight compromises immune function, making horses more susceptible to the respiratory diseases that sweep through yards
during cold snaps. Thin mares fail to cycle normally, and performance horses lack the energy reserves for sustained work. And even with the right food, an inability to maintain weight often indicates other underlying problems including dental disease, parasites, Cushing's disease in older horses, or metabolic conditions that need veterinary attention.
LEARNING TO SEE WHAT IS ACTUALLY THERE
Most horse owners (us included!) are terrible at assessing their own horses' body condition. We see them daily, so gradual changes become invisible. We compare them to other horses at our yard rather than to objective standards. We convince ourselves that a cresty neck is 'just how he is built' or that visible ribs mean our horse is fit rather than thin. This is where body condition scoring becomes essential – it forces objectivity.
The Henneke 9–point scale ranges from 1 (emaciated, with bone structures extremely prominent and no palpable fat) through 5 (moderate – ideal for most horses, with ribs felt with light pressure but not easily visible) to 9 (extremely obese, with ribs impossible to feel beneath fat and bulging deposits along neck, withers, and tailhead). Most horses should sit at 5, though this varies somewhat by use – eventers and endurance horses often perform best slightly leaner at 4–5, while broodmares might carry 5–6 for optimal fertility.
Six anatomical areas tell the story. Run your hands along your horse's neck – is the crest firm muscle or jiggly fat? Can you feel ribs with light pressure, or do you need to push firmly through fat to locate them? Is the spine level, or is there a crease developing along the back? When you press your thumb into the area behind the shoulder, do you feel bone and muscle, or does your thumb sink into a spongy fat pocket? Stand behind your horse –is the rump rounded and muscular, or apple–shaped with fat deposits? Feel the tailhead – prominent bones indicate
thinness, spongy fat indicates excess.
Here is what makes this challenging: a pony at BCS 5 looks very different from a Thoroughbred at BCS 5. The pony appears rounder and fuller due to breed conformation, while the Thoroughbred looks leaner despite both having appropriate fat coverage. This is why hands–on palpation matters more than visual assessment in these cases. Your hands feel what your eyes might misinterpret.
BODY CONDITION QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE THE HENNEKE SCALE
Young growing horses: BCS 4–5 (controlled growth).
Seniors: BCS 5–6 (monitor closely).
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HORSE?
The showing world has distorted perceptions of appropriate weight. Winning showing horses often carry BCS 6–7, creating the impression that a 'good–looking' horse is a fat horse. But ask any sporthorse vet or experienced eventing yard manager what constitutes appropriate condition, and the answer is very different. The Thoroughbred eventer competing in Kyalami needs to be lean – BCS 4–5 – carrying just enough condition for sustained effort without excess weight slowing speed or putting extra strain on joints. That same body condition score
on a broodmare at a Thoroughbred Stud in the Karoo would be concerning, as mares too thin show reduced conception rates.
Context matters enormously. A children's pony doing regular lessons and SANESA competitions might look perfect at BCS 5, but if that same pony lives on spring kikuyu with minimal work, maintaining BCS 5 requires active management – grazing muzzles, restricted turnout, or dry lot with measured hay. The retired showjumper enjoying semi–retirement in the Cape winelands can probably maintain appropriate condition on moderate
grazing with light hacking. The Welsh Pony on the same property will become obese without intervention, because hardy native breeds evolved to extract maximum nutrition from minimal feed.
Young horses create their own challenges. That gangly two–year–old Warmblood starting under saddle should sit around BCS 4–5, lean but not thin, with controlled growth that
protects developing joints rather than rapid growth at high condition that increases the risk of developmental orthopaedic disease. Your breeding operation's pregnant mares need BCS 5–6 through pregnancy, but contrary to old beliefs, they should not gain significant weight in late pregnancy –excess condition at foaling increases dystocia risk and makes post–foaling weight loss harder.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
South Africa's grass creates a particular problem. Spring kikuyu in Gauteng grows explosively, creating lush grazing that puts weight on horses faster than many of us realise. By November, horses who looked reasonable in August are developing those telltale fat pockets behind shoulders, and the cresty necks are firming up. Easy keepers – and this includes most ponies, many cobs, Arabians, and any horse with native breeding – go from appropriate to obese in a matter of weeks.
Then there is the social pressure. Put a grazing muzzle on an obese pony to allow him to still get turn–out with his friends, and someone will label you as cruel. The reality, which metabolic horse specialists will tell you, is that unrestricted spring grass access for an easy keeper is not kindness – it is a direct route to metabolic syndrome and laminitis. The muzzle is not punishment but rather health management, allowing the horse safe turnout with conspecifics while limiting intake by 70–80%.
Winter creates different problems. Highveld winters are cold, and cold burns calories. Horses who maintained condition easily through summer suddenly start losing weight in June despite the same feeding regime. Wet and cold weather together are particularly demanding – a horse standing in cold rain requires significantly more energy than a horse in dry cold of the same temperature. This is when you see the hard
keepers struggle. The off–the–track Thoroughbred who looked reasonable in summer develops visible ribs by August. Seniors, particularly those with early Cushing's disease, may lose weight despite increased feeding.
Seasonal management means anticipating these patterns rather than reacting after condition has changed, which can be tricky with our somewhat erratic weather patterns.
WHEN YOUR HORSE DOES NOT FIT THE TEMPLATE
Every yard has that pony. You know the one – lives on air, gets fat watching other horses eat... These easy keepers, often native breeds or anything with pony blood, have efficient metabolisms that extracted maximum nutrition from sparse moorland grazing for centuries. On South African spring grass, this evolutionary advantage becomes a health liability.
Managing these horses means accepting that what looks like restriction is actually appropriate feeding. A 14–hand Shetland cross might maintain condition on one–third of what a similar–sized Thoroughbred needs. This feels wrong until you understand that metabolic efficiency varies as much between horses as between breeds. Some horses truly do stay fat on minimal feed. Denying this
reality and feeding them 'normally' creates obesity, laminitis risk, and potential metabolic disease.
The opposite problem – horses who struggle to maintain weight despite good feeding – often indicates underlying issues rather than simply needing more food. A horse losing condition despite adequate feeding needs a dental examination, a faecal egg count to check parasite burden, and possibly blood work ruling out Cushing's disease or other metabolic conditions. Sometimes the answer is straightforward – the 23–year–old gelding's teeth are worn to the point that he cannot chew hay effectively and needs soaked feeds. Other times it is more complex –the eight–year–old mare has ulcers creating pain and reducing appetite, or the competition horse's workload genuinely exceeds energy intake.
MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN
Weight loss takes time, which frustrates owners facing an obese horse in October who want them appropriate by Christmas, but rushing creates even more problems. Safe weight loss sits at 0.5–1% body weight weekly maximum. For a 500kg horse carrying BCS 7–8, this means 2.5–5kg per week, suggesting six to twelve months to reach BCS 5. Faster weight loss risks hyperlipemia – a life–threatening metabolic complication where mobilised fat overwhelms the liver.
Practical weight loss for that obese pony means several interventions simultaneously. A grazing muzzle allows turnout while limiting intake. If the pony is anxious in the muzzle, restricted turnout hours can be an option – four hours daily on good grass rather than sixteen can work, but the pony will need plenty of hand walking alongside this to get adequate movement. Some owners use dry lot or sacrifice areas, small paddocks with no grass, where measured hay is provided in slow–
rather than minutes. Exercise helps too, though do not expect exercise alone to solve obesity – you cannot outrun a bad diet, and this applies to horses as much as humans.
Building condition on an underweight horse follows different rules. First, address the cause. Sort the teeth. Treat the parasites. Diagnose and manage the Cushing's disease. Then increase feed gradually – dramatic sudden increases can trigger digestive upset. Feed high–quality forage ad lib and add concentrated feeds slowly, choosing high–fat options like rice bran or oils rather than high–starch grains that create insulin spikes. Providing multiple smaller meals rather than two large ones if your management system allows can be a game changer.
What you cannot do – for either weight loss or gain – is guess and hope (even
thought we’ve all tried it). Systematic weekly assessment tells you if your programme works. Photograph your horse from the same angles every two weeks. Record body condition scores and note feed changes. This creates evidence that you can rely on and look back at allowing you to catch problems early and confirming success when it happens.
WEIGHT LOSS FOR OBESE HORSES:
• Target 0.5-1% body weight weekly (6-12 months realistic).
• Feed minimum 1.5% body weight as forage (never less!).
• Increase exercise gradually as fitness improves.
• Weekly BCS checks, photos every two to four weeks.
THE COMPLICATED CASES
Metabolic horses create their own challenges. These are the horses with abnormal fat distribution – cresty necks that feel hard rather than jiggly, fat pockets behind shoulders, fat rumps despite often showing ribs. This regional adiposity signals insulin dysregulation, meaning the horse processes sugars and starches abnormally. Left unmanaged, these
horses face high laminitis risk. This condition sadly requires veterinary involvement, not just weight management. Low sugar and starch hay (ideally tested, or soaked if testing is unavailable), no grain, minimal grazing during high–risk periods, and sometimes medication supporting insulin sensitivity are all required.
GAINING WEIGHT FOR UNDERWEIGHT HORSES
• Medical check FIRST: teeth, parasites, blood work.
• High-quality forage ad lib, multiple small meals.
• Add concentrates gradually (highfat better than high-starch).
• If no improvement after four weeks of proper feeding get a veterinary assessment.
Senior horses (over fifteen to twenty years) need different assessment. That twenty–five–year–old gelding who has always been an easy keeper suddenly starts losing weight despite maintaining feed. The muscle along his topline wastes away, but he develops a pot belly and his neck stays cresty. This classic picture suggests Cushing's
disease – common in seniors, causing muscle wasting despite sometimes paradoxical fat deposits. These horses need veterinary diagnosis and treatment, plus easier–to–chew feeds supporting muscle maintenance.
Breed matters more than people realise. Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods often carry less visual fat at appropriate condition than native breeds, making them look thin to eyes accustomed to rounder types. Draft breeds can be easy or hard keepers, but their size means obesity creates serious joint stress. Someone new to horses might think a correct BCS 5 Thoroughbred looks too thin while accepting an overweight BCS 7 Welsh Pony as normal, purely based on breed–typical visual appearance rather than actual fat coverage.
CALL THE VET IF:
• Rapid unexplained weight loss.
• No weight gain after four weeks appropriate feeding.
• No weight loss after 8-12 weeks appropriate programme.
• Cresty neck and abnormal fat deposits (metabolic concern).
• Laminitis history and obesity.
STARTING WHERE YOU ACTUALLY ARE
The winter is coming, or already here depending on when you read this. Your hard keeper will test your management. Your easy keeper will lull you into a false sense of security. Your senior will need closer attention than last year, but appropriate body condition underlies everything else –performance, longevity, quality of life, reduced veterinary bills.
Tomorrow morning, before feeding, we’ll be taking ten minutes to properly assess our horses. We’re going to do a systematic evaluation of all six areas
IMPORTANT
Even in obese horses and ponies, round-the-clock access to forage is essential for gut health. Choosing poorer quality forage, soaking forage to reduce sugar levels, and the use of slow-feeder nets are all good options for these horses. It is not an option to cut forage levels back in ANY horse.
– neck, withers, shoulder, ribs, back, tailhead – and take photos to see what we find and what changes we might need to make. We hope you’ll join us!
TEXT: KIM DALE, FOUNDER OF UNBRIDLED MARKETING
HOW TO MAKE QUALITY CONTENT
Good content can change everything for a business.
The way your brand looks online, the quality of your photos, the feel of your videos. These are often the first touchpoints someone has with your business, and they shape how your brand is perceived long before a purchase is made. Especially in a world run by increasingly picture and video based social media.
When done well, content builds trust. It elevates your brand. It can quite literally move your business to the next level.
This is why professional photographers,
videographers and content creators are so valuable, and why they can charge what they do. But the reality is, not every business has the budget to invest in that from day one.
The good news is that you do not have to wait. The better news is that I am going to show you how you can take better content all on your own.
Most of us are walking around with (very) smart phones in our hands. And with a few small adjustments, and some simple tools, your phone is more than enough to start creating content that looks good, feels authentic, and actually works for your business.
WHAT CONTENT ARE WE LEAVING BEHIND
Let’s start with what we are not doing anymore.
No more AI-generated images. Regardless of how impressive it looks, AI is just not authentic and your audience feels that. Audiences want to see content made by people and to trust that there is a real person behind the business.
Next, no more photos with text slapped on top straight from your
phone gallery.
And please, no more Comic Sans. Time is valuable, and most business owners are busy. That has always been true. But what has changed is the tools available to us. It is now just as quick and easy to produce good content as it is to produce bad content.
With the right apps, a few small tweaks, and a bit of awareness, there is no reason for your brand to look outdated, rushed or confusing.
SMALL TWEAKS THAT INSTANTLY IMPROVE YOUR CONTENT
Before you even hit the big red button, a few simple settings can make a big difference.
Maximise your video quality If your phone allows it, set your video to 4K at 60fps. This gives you sharper footage and smoother movement, which makes even simple clips feel more polished.
Turn on grid lines and levels Most phones allow you to add a grid overlay to your camera. This helps you line up your subject and keep things balanced. It is a small change, but it makes your shots look far more intentional. You can also turn on a level which will help you keep your camera straight while recording or taking pictures.
TAKING BETTER PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON YOUR PHONE
You do not need to become a photographer overnight, but a few small habits go a long way.
1. LIGHT IS EVERYTHING
Natural light will do more for your content than any filter ever will. Shoot with the light in front of you, not behind your subject. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal.
2. ORIENTATION
Before taking photos or videos, consider what they are being used for. If it's for a web page header, you’ll likely want to take a landscape photo. But for anything social media, I recommend shooting in portrait. This allows you to fill the space you’re given without having those horrible black bars on the top and bottom.
3. CLEAN UP THE BACKGROUND
Before you hit record, take two seconds to look around. Remove clutter and dirt, and make sure your background makes sense for the picture. If you are taking a photo of a riding helmet, you wouldn’t position it next to a swimming pool would you? Extreme example but you get my point.
4. KEEP IT STEADY AND SIMPLE
You do not need complicated camera movements. Hold your phone steady or prop it up against something solid. Let the subject do the work. If you need to move a lot, investing in an affordable gimbal can really help avoid the jerky motion created by footsteps.
5. THINK IN SHORT CLIPS
Film a few short clips instead of one long video. A rider mounting, a horse being tacked up, a quick exercise. These are much easier to work with later.
A QUICK WORD ON APERTURE
If your phone has portrait mode or allows you to adjust depth of field, you have already worked with aperture, even if you did not realise it.
Aperture controls how much of your image is in focus.
A wider aperture creates that soft, blurred background effect where your
subject stands out clearly. This is great for product shots or close-ups of tack, branding or a horse’s head.
A narrower aperture keeps more of the image in focus. This works better for yard scenes, group shots or anything where you want to show context.
You do not need to overthink it. Just use it to guide the viewer’s eye to what matters most.
SIMPLE TOOLS THAT DO THE HEAVY LIFTING
You do not need complicated software to turn raw clips into something usable.
CANVA
Perfect for static posts, simple graphics and carousels. It helps you keep things visually consistent without needing design skills. This is something I would advise spending money on. The pro subscription is not expensive and gives you access to some great stock images and features.
This all being said, there are some rules to using Canva:
• Watch the people around you and your competitors, there are so many stock photos and design templates already in use. Take note of that and be different.
• Don’t over design. You don’t need complicated design templates. Keep it simple!
• Take the time to apply your brand look and feel to your design. Use the same font, the right colours etc. Make it recognisably part of your brand.
CAPCUT
One of the easiest video editing tools out there. You can trim clips, add text and keep everything clean and watchable. Possibly its most useful feature for those of us less videographically gifted, is the ‘autocut’ function. Simply select your videos and
images you want to use and it will spit out a number of pre-cut and edited combinations. Pick your favourite and make any adjustments you like. Easy! Again, I would recommend the paid version as this allows you to remove the CapCut logo and to download the videos in the best possible quality.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Note how I’m using its government name? That’s because I want you to be very careful when leaning on AI. We’ve already spoken about the images it churns out, but the real problem is authenticity. Remember that word - it’s possibly the most important element to any brand.
If your audience doesn’t buy your content, why would you expect them to buy your products or services?
Incorrectly used, AI churns out generic copy that is now so easy to spot that data shows social media users preferring content with mistakes just because they know it’s real. An influencer fumbles their words or the cat is doing something embarrassing in the background of the photo - that’s what’s letting people know they are viewing something real.
DO NOT RUIN YOUR CONTENT AT THE FINAL STEP
You can shoot the best video, get the lighting right, nail the angles, and then completely undo all of that in one step.
Sending it over WhatsApp. WhatsApp compresses your photos and videos heavily. That crisp footage you just shot will lose quality very quickly. What lands on the other side is a softer, lower quality version that immediately looks less professional.
If you are working with a social media manager, designer, or even just a friend helping you edit, how you send your content matters.
Use AirDrop if you are on Apple devices. It is quick and keeps the original quality. Use Google Drive or Dropbox if you are sharing folders or larger batches of content. Use WeTransfer if you are sending files quickly without needing long-term storage.
You do not need to post every day. You do not need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently with content that reflects what you actually do in an authentic yet clean and professional way.
Clear. Authentic. Impactful.
USEFUL RESOURCES
I was not born with this knowledge, I learnt it through research and following some pros. Here are a some resources that can help you perfect using your phone to make content:
@ihannahwilson is the undisputed queen of phone content and produces loads of videos showing you how to capture great pictures and videos on iPhones.
@jebbwest has some great tips and tricks you need for taking product (in his case food) photos with your phone.
new issue live IS NOW
YOUR EQUESTRIAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How does non-disclosure affect horse welfare, legal liability and insurance?
Transparency is a critical part of any successful horse sale, insurance application, or ownership transfer. Yet many challenges arise when important medical, behavioural, or management
information is not openly shared. When key details are withheld, intentionally or unintentionally, the consequences can affect buyers, sellers, insurers, riders and of course the horse.
With horse prices rising, the competition environment already highly active, and upkeep becoming more expensive, the impact of non-disclosure is more significant than ever.
Non-disclosure influences:
• Insurance decisions and claims outcomes
• Legal liability
• Financial risk for buyers
• The well-being and safety of both horse and rider
Withholding information can have far-reaching consequences, particularly with high-value and highrisk animals, where both welfare and safety must be carefully managed.
WHAT IS NON-DISCLOSURE?
Non-disclosure occurs when a seller fails to share material information that could reasonably influence a buyer’s decision on whether to buy the horse or not, or the terms around the purchase.
A material fact is any detail that might cause a buyer to:
• Change their decision to follow through with the sale
• Adjust the price they are willing to pay
• Change other material terms of the contract
• Make different management choices
Examples of information that should be disclosed:
• Previous colic surgery or recurring colic episodes
• Chronic or recurring lameness
• Kissing spine
• Dental records
• Ongoing medication or joint treatments
• Past tendon or ligament injuries
• Ulcers
• Behavioural issues or dangerous tendencies
• Any other significant physical or behavioural problem
A horse is a complex animal to manage. When key information is withheld, the new owner may incur significant costs on diagnostic work to identify issues the seller was already aware of. This causes frustration, financial loss, and needless suffering for the horse.
WHAT SHOULD BUYERS DO?
Buyers have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to understand the horse they want to purchase. This includes:
• Arranging a prepurchase veterinary examination
• Asking for a full medical history
• Checking performance records
• Asking direct questions about past injuries, medication, and behaviour
However, buyers must understand that a vetting cannot always detect:
• Historical behavioural issues
• Old injuries
• Previous colic episodes
• Joint treatments
• Previous surgeries
Due diligence is important, but it can never replace honest disclosure from the seller.
THE VOETSTOOTS CLAUSE: WHAT IT DOES AND DOES NOT PROTECT
Many sellers rely on the ‘voetstoot’ (sold as is) clause, but it does not protect a seller who is dishonest. A seller cannot use voetstoots to escape responsibility if they:
• Knew about a material defect and intentionally failed to disclose it
• Knowingly left out critical medical or behavioural history
• Knowingly provided misleading information
• Knowingly sold a horse while it was medicated without declaring it
• Sedated the horse for viewing or for the vetting
Most insurers assess risk upfront, so difficult conversations should happen early.
Intentional dishonesty may lead to:
• Refunds
• Liability for injuries
• Veterinary expenses
• Training costs
• Legal fees
Ethical sellers disclose all relevant information, not only the positive aspects.
NON-DISCLOSURE AND INSURANCE
Insurance relies heavily on honesty and good faith. If you have just purchased a horse, make sure you do your due diligence and buy from reputable sellers. Make sure when you complete the insurance application form questions that you answer the required questions honestly.
Non-disclosure can lead to cancellation of policies, rejection of claims, higher premiums across the industry, and loss of trust.
TRANSPARENCY PROTECTS EVERYONEESPECIALLY THE HORSE
South Africa’s equine market is vibrant and deeply passionate, yet a lack of transparency continues to result in financial loss, emotional distress, and welfare concerns.
Full disclosure is everyone’s responsibility. It ensures buyers understand exactly what they are committing to, sellers act with integrity, insurers can assess risks fairly, and most importantly, horses receive appropriate care and management from day one.
