Ilanga Equestrian Club

02/02/2025

We are excited to announce that Jacqueline Peskens, one of South Africa’s highest qualified Cross Country Course Designers, will be designing the 3* track for the South African Eventing Championships 2025!

Jacki traveled from Port Elizabeth to ICB this past weekend to kickstart the planning process for the 3* Championship Course. We can't wait to see her vision take shape!

A big thank you to Liam Emmett, who will be Course Builder for SA Champs alongside the ICB Team and Course Designer for the 65cm - 1* Tracks.

Do you want to be part of this prestigious Equestrian Event? For information, contact: [email protected]

27/01/2025

DID YOU KNOW?

All horses and ponies competing in a SANESA show need to have a valid passport or complete the SANESA Horse ID chart, which is available at www.sanesa.co.za.

The passport or ID chart must be present at every show with the horse or pony in case of inspections.

27/01/2025

SANESA RULES - PONY NAME

Registering the same horse or pony with SANESA under different names or with different passport numbers will be seen as a serious offence and may result in the disqualification of the rider and/or school for the season.

22/01/2025

FEI SHOWJUMPING RULES - SPUR AND WHIP MARKS ON THE HORSE

The FEI is starting to take a much stronger stance against abuse of any kind.

One of the ways they are implementing this is by stating that any marks on the horse caused by the whip or spurs or the rider will result in an immediate disqualification.

The rule refers to any marks on the body caused by excessive usage. The marks do not need to have drawn blood.

21/01/2025

20/01/2025

20/01/2025

Welcome Back Riders 🐴

We are so excited to kick off our riding school lessons this week. 🤩 Whether you are a familiar face or new to our UEC riding family, our team cannot wait to see you in the saddle!

If you'd like to sign up to our riding school, please reach out to Celia at [email protected] to book your free trial lesson. 🎉

Here's to a fantastic 2025, filled with progress, endless fun and amazing memories with our riders and their incredible horses. 🐴

19/01/2025

A ‘massive step’ as new whip and spur rules are making a difference

Read more via link below

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

THE MEXICAN REIN

The Mexican Rein is being used more frequently in the show arena with many top riders making use of it. Recently, Peder Fredricson explained why he chooses to use this method when riding certain horses, inspiring us to take a deep dive into understanding its purpose.

The Mexican Rein, also known as the Driving Rein, is an alternative method of holding the reins that can significantly enhance communication between rider and horse.

In the technique, the rein is passed over the top of the hand and exits between the thumb and forefinger, encouraging a softer and more forward contact, reducing the likelihood of pulling back.

This technique is particularly beneficial for:

- Sensitive horses, as it promotes a more supportive and less restrictive hand.
- Horses that lean on the bit or rush jumps by encouraging better balance and relaxation.
- Riders with stiff hands, offering improved elasticity and suppleness in the connection.

The Mexican Rein is an excellent tool for refining rider biomechanics. It minimises reliance on the reins for balance, reinforcing an independent seat and effective use of the legs and core. This technique is especially useful for riders aiming to retrain muscle memory and establish a more consistent, giving contact.

When first implementing this technique, begin on the flat to familiarise yourself with the feel and effect. Progress gradually to pole work or small fences to assess its impact on your horse’s responsiveness and rhythm.

The Mexican Rein serves as a valuable tool for improving both rider and horse dynamics, making it a great addition to any equestrian training toolkit.

19/01/2025

PRIZE GIVING

Athletes being called up to attend an official prize giving should do so mounted and correctly dressed. Failure to comply with this rule, other than with permission from the Ground Jury, means that the Athlete automatically forfeits all prizes, prize money, trophies and/or grading points for the Competition.

This rule is often implemented according to the discretion of the Organising Committee who may decide to still award Athletes not present in a prize giving with their prizes.

Did you know about this rule from SAEF?

16/01/2025

We are so thrilled to announce that our very own Gregory Goss, has been invited back to judge at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, for the 3rd time!!

Greg will be judging Ridden Show Ponies and Amateur & Novice Cobs.

It’s an incredibly prestigious show to be judging at, and we wish Greg all the very best. 🎊🎉🎊

14/01/2025

NOSEBAND TIGHTNESS

As of the 1st of January 2025, the FEI has implemented new regulations regarding the allowed tightness of nosebands.

The FEI is rolling out a measuring device which is meant to be inserted in the noseband to determine whether or not the noseband is overly tight.

As per the FEI General Rules, the following is applicable regarding overly tightened nosebands:

"Excessively tightened noseband(s), as determined by an FEI approved Measuring
Device, shall incur the following consequences:

Pre-Competition: The Horse and the Athlete combination is not allowed to start unless
the noseband is re-adjusted to allow enough laxity.

During the Competition: The Horse and Athlete combination is eliminated from the
Competition in question and the Athlete is issued with a Yellow Warning Card."

11/01/2025

SENSORY HAIRS

The FEI has determined that any measures to trim or shave off a horse's sensory hairs, including whiskers, eyelashes and the hairs of the inner ear, is not permitted and shall lead to an elimination of the combination for the competition's duration.

Sensory hairs are of extreme importance for proprioception for the horse. They aid the horse's ability to judge distance and navigate in the dark. It has been shown that trimming or shaving these hairs leads to increased susceptibility to injury.

10/01/2025

ABUSE OF THE HORSE

The FEI is placing increased emphasis on minimising the abuse of horses in all facets of equestrian sport. They have outlined a very specific protocol of what they determine abuse to constitute and include.

Any individual found to be contravening these rules will be subjected to serious disciplinary action, including sanctions, fines and bans from competition.