Silkwood Stables and Stud

22/11/2024

Tuesday outrides with the ladies xx

20/11/2024

Come and join us!

04/11/2024

Silkwood will be at KZN Showing Champs!

There is so much that goes on in the background as we prepare both horses and riders for three days of competition!

1. Nutrition and Conditioning

We need our steeds looking and feeling amazing! Shiny coats, extra stamina, round bums for quarter markers, dapples (oh, please let him have big fat dapples!)

Checklist:
- Extra feed, maybe add a lunch
- Increase the level of training and exercise
- Remember the importance of rest and recovery in between

2. Grooming and Coat Care

A showing show is very focused on the horse, we need to ensure that our horses look amazing. Tidying up of manes, tails, coats, a bath or two (especially for our lighter ponies who love the "Silkwood Red" look, that's the dirt colour for those who don't know). Hoof trims and shoeing.
Then of course tack cleaning, no good having a beautifully turned out pony with dirty tack!

Lastly -

3. Practice and Test Training

Each rider has their own idea of how their show "test" must look, practicing your test in the arena with your pony to prepare you both for the big day. Working on posture and smooth transitions and building trust and confidence between rider and pony.

Wishing our riders and horses the best of luck!

It would be lovely if you could come and support us, we will be at Maxwells Equestrian, Mooi River from the 15th to the 17th of November!

28/10/2024

Our Silkwood foals Star and Silver are thriving! Growing by the day not just in size but their individual personalities starting to shine through.

Did you know that during the first few weeks of a foal's life it's nutrition is primarily dependent on it's mom's milk. Mare's milk, which provides essential nutrients for growth and immune protection is suckeled every 30 minutes to an hour, and foals may drink up to 15% of their body weight in a day!

Providing Dream and Honey, our amazing moms with proper nutrition, a supply of fresh water at all times and loving care is therefore our top priority! Smiths Animal Foods make this job easy, from foals (mom's) to competition horses it is without a doubt a horse feed you can trust! Smith_Animal_Feeds

13/10/2024

NATIONAL PET WELLNESS MONTH! Smith_Animal_Feeds
Is my horse considered a pet? Yes, I think so, but definitely viewed differently than smaller domestic animals like cats or dogs. While horses can form close bonds with humans, they typically require more space, care, and resources.
They are kept in stables and fields rather than inside homes. Many people keep horses for companionship, recreation, or sport (like riding or showing), horses are also still working animals as well, even livestock. Whichever category your horse falls into, make sure they are as loved and cared for as any pet should be! Thank you to Smiths Animal Feeds who provide a horse feed perfect for any adored pet!

10/10/2024

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our 2nd foal! A very big healthy c**t born at 5am this morning. Welcome Silkwood Starry Night. Out of Silkwood Honey Suckle (by Dimmock Dragonfly out of Silkwood Cranberry Sauce) and by Lang Karel Jopie (Boerperd) He is just remarkable!!! Lynne Owen a proud 4th generation Grande Dame to our Silkwood Superstars!

07/10/2024

Welcome to the world Silkwood Silver Birch. Dream has a very strong c**t. ( Lank Karel Jopie ot of a Dragonfly mare) He is already adored! Smith_Animal_Feeds He's here!

06/10/2024

Anna on Tilly having a big jump and bit of fun!! I'm so proud of how far these two have come. What a wonderful pair! Smith_Animal_Feeds

06/10/2024

Chatilly Girl. Tilly is a gorgeous chestnut mare by Almufti. She has gone from strength to strength on Smith_Animal_Feeds. From day 1 to four years later. Look at her and Anna fly! Anna and Tilly make a great team!

29/09/2024

I'm a firm believer that you win your rosettes at home. Time, dedication, patience. Then go show the world what you have been working on! Remember to always have fun and enjoy the process Smith_Animal_Feeds

16/09/2024

We had the most wonderful Spring show on Sunday with Silkwood Stables and Stud and Smith_Animal_Feeds from pole on the ground to 90cm. Everyone showing us just how far they have come. Thank you to all the riders, you all rode beautifully and the horses and ponies were amazing. Thank you to all the supporters who clapped, cheered and bought a wors roll or two! Thank you Lynne Owen, Gareth Alec Hughes the Lanzoni family and Jacky Van der Merwe and family for all your help of running a smooth show. Thank you Gabby from EMS paramedics for being there, lucky we didn't need you!

09/09/2024

Maddy and I keeping up with our 1st aid! Let's hope we don't have to use it!! Making sure everyone who rides with us is safe.

02/09/2024

Silkwood Hoity Toity. Our home bred pony out of Jigsaw, by Dimmock Dragonfly,owned and ridden by my son Caleb. Fed and grown up on Smith_Animal_Feeds. It's an amazing journey to watch Hoity from birth to now looking after Caleb so well at so may shows. And so many more shows to come. These two just adore each other! What a team xx

30/08/2024

Wonderful insight. We learned so much!

30/08/2024

Give it a go!! Best feed for horses ###

🌾 Nourish Your Livestock with Premium Quality Feed! 🌾

Your animals deserve the best, and our high-quality feed is crafted to ensure they get all the essential nutrients they need. From strong, healthy growth to boosting milk production, our feed is designed to meet the unique needs of each animal.

24/08/2024

Don't forget to hug your pony!!! As we finally come to the end of winter we welcome spring and wait for much needed rain. Thank you Smith_Animal_Feeds for helping us keep our horses and ponies so well fed through this winter as you have done for the last 20 winters. Truly amazing feed!

12/08/2024

Hoof care

There is an old saying 'no Hoof no horse '

Hoof care goes hand in hand with good feed. Bad feeding causes feet problems such as dry brittle hooves or too mich rich food may cause Laminitis.
Smith_Animal_Feeds have taken care to ensure their feed is well balanced for horses and ponies.
Our farrier Wayne Dick has been with us for almost 20 years now. Regular visits are important. Every 4 to 6 weeks! Who wouldn't want a pedicure that often!

06/08/2024

Amazing feed! We at Silkwood have been on Smith_Animal_Feeds for over 15 years and could not be happier!

🎉 Celebrating 18 Years of Smith Animal Feeds! 🎉

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate 18 incredible years of providing top-quality animal feeds to our amazing customers! 🐄🐑🐓

From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the industry, we couldn’t have done it without your support. Here’s to our journey together, and many more years of growth and success!