DECEMBER 2012 THE RIDER /19


nature intended without constant interruptions from “civilization”.


Continued from page 20.


with the horses can defi- nitely be felt in the barn. The horses are much loved and well taken care off.”


Not having been in the sad- dle for some time myself, I was anxious to learn about the level of expertise need- ed to participate in a safari and Riana was quick to point out that due to the


nature of the camp, they are not equipped to accom- modate amateur riders. “All riders need to be expe- rienced in order to ride in a wildlife area with rough terrain and unpredictable animal behavior. We do, however, offer all the nor- mal safari activities for non-riders including game drives, boat trips, Mokoro (dug out canoe) trips, island walks and fishing.”


African Horseback Safaris offers excitement and relaxation with only limit- ed internet connectivity in the camp (reserved for operational use only) and no cell phone service what- soever. In case of emer- gency, there is satellite phone radio but part of the magic of being in the African bush is being able commune with nature as


But should any accident befall you, guests are treat- ed to the highest level of care. “The safety of our guests is something we take very seriously.” Riana assured me. “Each ride goes out with both a lead and back-up guide and all the guides are trained in first aid. Both guides will have radio, GPS and a first aid kit with them. The lead guide also carries a rifle on all the rides. We have very clear emergency proce- dures in place and can easi- ly arrange a medical evacu- ation by helicopter to our closest hospital. In serious cases, the patient could also be moved to top medi- cal facilities in South Africa.”


Of special note to North American guests is that African Horseback Safaris ride mostly in an English style but do have some western saddles, if pre- ferred. Riding helmets are not compulsory but if you prefer to wear them, you need to bring your own. It’s important to bring con- servative khaki colored rid- ing clothes in order to blend in as much as possi- ble, so preferably no bright reds, pinks or purples, for instance. There is also a luggage limit of 20kg per person packed in soft sided bags and this should include your hand luggage. Large hard-sided suitcases won’t fit on the small plane from Johannesburg out to Maun, the closest town to Macatoo Camp. .


Getting to Macatoo camp is either a 30 minute scenic flight from Maun or 1_


Chesler Cuts and Sorts Through the Competition


BACK TO BACK COMPETITIONS


CUTTING: Set on the spacious Adams family ranch in Okee- chobee, Florida for the NCHA sanctioned Gold Coast Cutters met and separated cattle all day. The cattle ranch established in 1937 is now fourth generation that has evolved into a DNA breeding pro- gram with an annual cattle sale that brings prospective buyers intent on adding to or beginning their herds. In addition, the father and son Alto Sr. and Jr. cross bred Brahman and Hereford cattle which are now known as Braford which are especially well-suited to live in the Florida climate having short hair, oily hides, pigmented eyes, high fertility and impressive longevity. Competition for the day was judged by Bushrod Dun- can who times racing against the clock, getting quicker and quicker. The ‘cows’ were savvy but very workable.


The October competition went from dawn to dusk with the first buzzer promptly starting at 7:00 a.m. and going strong all day. The numbers were high in atten-


Hand on Leelee-partnered with Larei Grier. The teams were tight on cues as the results speak for themselves. It was a great day of team riding, results, big beautiful buckles and of course the cash! Frankie commented, “I am so proud of how my horses have leaned to be great competitors that you can count on wherever they go and whatever they are asked to do. They are attentive, resilient and always dependable. While I am proud the results, I am prouder of their willingness to learn and their strong work ethic.”


dance with plenty of action from cattle to horses. Plenty of pink was sported in support of the annual October breast cancer awareness. Frankie Chesler of Trinity Farm, Okeechobee entered two mounts in $10,000. Novice Horse cutting through the competi- tion with a third was up and comer Trinity Farm’s Sugarbadger Two, who has proven to be quite the versatile horse. Then bested her- self with the win in the same class on Handle of Faith, that has become extremely dependable set- ting fast times with a goodly count of cattle.


SORTING: The next week found Frankie at Linked D Ranch/Debbie McFarland, Palm City for the RCNC sanctioned competition full of two person teams sorting throughout day. Owner/operator Debbie McFar- land consistently puts on a show worthy day. Although, this was Frankie’s first time out sorting since April, she was right on the mark, entering three classes and winning three classes the; All Lev- els on Chase My Tab-partnered with Danny McFarland, #10 Class on Leelee-partnered with Kelsey Statsney and lastly #14 Ranch


With construction ongoing at her farm, training horses and rid- ers, giving clinics, finding horses for customers as well as sharing some quality time with her son Juaquin, a busy summer was had by Frankie. While the farm is still being developed, the two nearby one day competitions were a great opportunity to test their skills and begin to prepare for the new sea- son. A clinic in the Bahamas is on the calendar as well as more com- petition and a soon to be deter- mined opening date to be announced any day. In the mean- time, remember ‘Let Your Seat Feel the Beat’.


ORC Human Drug testing now conducted by Gamma-Dynacare Medical Labs


Notice to the Industry November 28, 2012


The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) advis- es all licensees that effec- tive November 1, 2012, testing of human drug sam- ples is now handled by Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories. Gamma- Dynacare announced in August that it had acquired the human drug testing business of Maxxam Ana- lytics, the previous suppli- er.


ing. With input and consul- tation with industry associ- ations and addiction pro- fessionals, the ORC Gov- erning Board approved the Alcohol and Drug Policy Directive, which came into effect January 1, 2008. More information on Alco- hol and Drug Policy


hours from Kasane, located on the Botswana side of Victoria Falls, followed by a game drive or boat trip, depending on water levels. Due to the Kasane flight being longer guests who use this option would not be able to ride on their day of departure.


So if you fancy a real adventure vacation next year, check out


www.africanhorseback.co m for all the travel details, amazing videos and photos plus great testimonials from previous guests such as:


“Genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve had on horseback… riding in the Okavango Delta is phe- nomenal!” – Tina Cook, Double Gold European Champion Olympic Rider


“For those who are reading this and wondering whether to try this holi- day...DO IT!!! It’s worth every penny and then some. Take out a mortgage if you have to! “ – Rachel


“Best holiday of 62 years … In every sense of the word it was truly memo- rable.” – Jeremy


Gamma-Dynacare is certified by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and offers sub- stance abuse testing for a variety of organizations. Licensees working in defined safety sensitive positions are subject to ran- dom alcohol and drug test-


The ORC and the racing community recog- nize that the use of illicit drugs and the inappropriate use of alcohol and medica- tions can adversely affect an individual’s health, safe- ty and job performance, and can also affect or endanger other individuals at the tracks, customers or members of the public.


Steve Lehman Executive Director


Ontario Racing Commis- sion


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