Polo & More, Singapore 2017 Polo & More, Singapore 2017 | Page 111

What did you personally learn from working with your horses? IH: Each horse has its own character and their preference for a job, whether the job is ‘just’ the safari rides or endurance or being in the show ring. And more often than not, these three jobs go hand in hand. Being an introvert by nature the horses taught me to be more extrovert (definitely helpful in my profession). Furthermore, I learned to relax to get the best performance out of the horses, I learned to trust them and to compromise and be less dominant. Do you have a special relationship with one of your horses? IH: Even though I love all my horses dearly, there is one who has stolen my heart; Nabilah The Makers Masterpiece (The Makers Mark x Nabilah Shazeda). From the moment I saw him in South Africa I knew there was something about him, but he was not on the list to travel to Namibia. Once all horses were bought in South Africa and cross border paper work was being prepared I couldn’t get him out of my head. So without the knowledge of my - at the time - now ex-partner - I decided that Masterpiece had to join the transport. I called the owner to have them prepare his paper work and transferred his purchase price. The deal was done! Once all the horses arrived and were stabled we went through the stables looking at them and admiring them. My ex-partner stopped at Masterpiece and asked me who this horse was as he couldn’t remember. So, I introduced them whereupon he replied: “But we didn’t buy him!” and I said: “You’re right! We didn’t, but I did”. It took quite a while for Masterpiece to be brought under saddle as he was not an easy horse. I remember my first ride on him and thought I was on top of the world! Over time our bond grew and we knew exactly what the other was thinking. We trusted each other especially in difficult situations; we were partners, partners in crime. He was the love of my life. As stated earlier, Ingeborg’s gorgeous Arabian horses have proven themselves not only to be excellent horses on the safari rides, but also in the show ring (halter and riding classes) and on the (international) endurance circuit. As she is a keen endurance rider Okapuka Horse Safaris gives endurance and non-endurance riders the opportunity to not only go on safari but if they wish and have the riding experience to join her in one of Namibia’s endurance competitions. ■ For further information on Okapuka Horse Safaris, contact Ingeborg Hernes at [email protected] or visit www.okapuka.com 111