And photographs, if you have any.
Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Alex Peternell
South African event rider, Alex Peternell, talks about his top horses for 2012
I am excited to welcome our latest addition, Asih and his owner Victoire von Schoen to the AP Eventing Team. Asih will be aimed at London 2012.
I am also ready to increase my string for the forthcoming season, having sold All Ears and Sunday over the winter, I am now on the lookout for new owners and horses.
My other horses, AP Not Landing, AP Topstar and Vogue are all back into work and training for the forthcoming season.
All the horses recently competed in BE's JAS competition at Hartpury, which is a great start to winter training and the horses were impressive, with Vogue winning the Novice section, AP Not Landing being 3rd and AP Topstar and Asih were consistent and bold.
This time of year is especially important for the nutrition and wellbeing of our horses. Conditions aren't ideal, being damp and cold and with dust spores in the hay and straw, I really try to ensure my horses are in the best possible condition. The Haygain hay steamers ensure I can manage a dust free environment for all my horses when stabled over winter.
Are you excited about London 2012?
I am extremely excited about London 2012, although I try not to get too over-excited as we are still a long way off, and with horses nothing is ever guaranteed!
How do you train and prepare to be part of London 2012?
At the moment, the aim is to get Asih qualified as he is my choice horse to take to London 2012. AP Uprising and Tigers Eye II are qualified so the concentration is now on Asih.
Asih is now in training and preparation for his first event of the season, the CIC 3* at Ballindenisk in Ireland at the end of February.
My own training and preparation is generally automated by the training and competing of my other horses. I also focus a lot on the physiological side to ensure I am mentally prepared.
What is your aim for 2012?
My main aim for this year is to compete and complete at London 2012!
The aim for my other horses is to establish AP Not Landing and AP Topstar at Intermediate and to qualify Vogue for the Gatcombe Novice Championships.
I also aim to increase my string, raise my profile and bring new owners on board.