Die perdefluisteraar

Lorraine and Bridget Haddath from Henley-on-Klip write:

The moment the S.A. Boerperd, Vasvat Geduld, came into our lives we realised we had a very special horse. But never in our wildest dreams did we imagine he would become a top show horse both in GHS open showing as well as within his own breed. Through sheer hard work, perseverance, team work and genuine belief in Geduld as well as encouragement from local and international instructors alike, the remarkable journey began.

A magical journey filled with great achievements, precious moments and tremendous fun. That special and extraordinary bond between Bridget and Geduld did not happen immediately; it took a lot of patience and understanding on both parts to achieve the trust and respect they have today.

From day one we realised that the highly intelligent and strong-willed Geduld was not one for routine and repetition, so we introduced him to other disciplines. Show jumping in particular has become a real favourite for him and Bridget. Being chosen to represent the south regional team in dressage, equitation, showing and show jumping in successive years, has confirmed his versatility.

Some of his major achievements include the GHS Kirchoff trophy for the adult open working riding horse of the year in 2009, becoming the first gelding in history to win the coveted universal three-gaited championship at the S.A. Boerperd Nationals in 2010, the recent third place in this year's supreme horse of the year championship, as well as recently being awarded the GHS Swanbourne Lake trophy for the most improved/promising show horse of 2010.
We count ourselves extremely lucky to own Vasvat Geduld, who has given us years of pleasure and rewards with hopefully many more still to come.

Filling haynets: Is there a trick?

This (edited) discussion with some good practical tips comes from www.horsejunction.co.za. Alice started the discussion: "My absolute WORST job in the stables is filling haynets. I'd rather shovel a stable full of poo, honestly. If I have help, it's fairly easy to have someone hold it open, while you put the hay in, but on my own ... it takes forever.

By LL: At our stables they made a stand. Two metal rings, vertically joined by a couple of poles that stick up slightly above the level of the top ring. Hang the haynet in the frame, which keeps it open for you to fill up.

By bev1: The easiest way is to put the hay on the floor. Much more natural a stance for the horse.

By LL: All the other horses where mine lives eat from hayracks or nets; mine gets his food on the floor. Some horses waste so much hay/lucerne and make such a mess, that for them a net might be better.

By tiny: Per chance I found a nail hammered into the side of a table in the feedroom, which works brilliantly. I hook the haynet on the nail and then only have to hold one side open and fill. Much better if you can get some plastic drums cut in half, or tyres, and make feed cribs and feed them like this or even on the floor in the stable.

By Fenplace: I think haynets have no use anymore; even in a horsebox you can use of those new bags for hay with the hole in them. Anything is safer than a haynet nowdays.

By Chrisco: I use a haynet to keep Willem's attention when he has to have his feet trimmed, being boxed, etc. When there is a haynet filled with lucerne in front of him the world can end, he doesn't care.

By Elastic: I do not like the new hay bags, especially in the horsebox. They take up too much space and block out all the light. I prefer to put oathay on the floor or on a feed bag.

By Wendie: I have to use haynets. Mine urinate on the lucerne the minute I put it on the floor. I put my arm down the middle and put my hand on the ring inside. I put the ring over the slice and just pull the net over and tip it. Same as a pillowcase.