Trust, training & tricks with horses
If you’ve ever owned a horse that can open a locked stable door you’ll know how quickly they pick up a new trick! Horses love to learn tricks and there’s...
Pigeon parasites & malaria
Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha gives advice on prevention and treatment of pigeon diseases.
Show judging criteria for pigeons
What do you look for? And should you apply the textbook requirements of the show to select pigeons for race lofts? These are questions I'm asked frequently by beginners, and...
The Dexter: Dynamite in a small package
Don't be fooled by the Dexter's size - this dual-purpose breed carries a higher proportion of its body weight as saleable meat than most beef breeds, and offers sterling weight...
Protocol at pigeon auctions
Thomas Smit explains how auctions differ, and offers some words of caution.
Bryan Marshall’s Super Racing Pigeons
It’s been a long journey since Bryan Marshall’s first pigeon races in 1967, writes Thomas Smit.
Indigenous Mbuzis: veld-efficient survivors
In 2009 Lionel Whittal became the first registered Mbuzi goat breeder in South Africa. Mike Burgess recently visited him on his 400ha farm Sandilli, in the Bolo area of the...
Pre-event calm for horse riders
With event pressure weighing heavy on many riders, Kim Dyson suggests some relaxation techniques.
Game farming: Are conservation principles at risk?
The fierce debate around alien and invasive species regulations highlights the conflict between long-term sustainability, sought by conservation authorities, and short-term financial gain, important to game ranchers. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Drought-proof Ngunis
You have to confront sentiment about your livestock head-on when faced with drought, says Trenly Spence, a Nguni stud breeder and holistic cattleman who has weathered 25 months of drought...
All that is green may not be healthy grazing
The seeds of Datura species can cause fatal impaction colic, warns Dr Mac.
Nice horse, pity about the rider
Competitive behaviour is human nature. Deep inside all riders, there is a desire to compete in shows. You polish yourself and your horse, you practise until you’re sure that you’re...
