Saddle-horse Experts Share Know-How

FROM OUR ARCHIVES - DEVOTED TO SA FARMING SINCE 1911.

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40 years ago About 60 horse lovers from across the country gathered at the Colesberg showgrounds to attend the first intensive two-day course held in South Africa by the professional American Saddle Horse Trainers’ Association.

“Like their counterparts in the United States, the association is ‘dedicated to promote and improve the show-horse business by co-operation with anybody interested in or affiliated with show horses. The spirit shall be one of co-operation rather than demand.’

“One of the founder members of the society in America, Bill Rowan, helped establish the local association. Participants came from all over the country. Dr R. L. Rabie and P. J. Venter came from Windhoek, Nantus de Bruyn (Upington), J.D. Maree (Vaalharts) and from down south Don Elliot of Bredasdorp. Petro Botha, a second-year university student, travelled from Stellenbosch to assist Dalene Rowan of Rainbow’s End Farm (Steynsburg) and Uys Swart of B.P. Barn (Swellendam) with the practical demonstration equitation. They showed how a child is taught from the very beginning, leading up to the expert techniques required in the show ring.

“Throughout the course, the various trainers continuously stressed the importance of equitation – the fundamental understanding learnt in equitation are the basic