Meet Zaskia Byrne of Equistar Second Stride Thoroughbreds. The horse-crazy Mom of one has rehomed 37 racehorses and is looking to place many more.
Zaskia has teamed up with well-known racing personality Frikkie Greyling who helps scout and acquire thoroughbreds needing TLC so they can be assessed, reschooled and sold to approved homes.
Zaskia with Emunique
A phone call from the charismatic Frikkie saw the Sporting Post chatting to Zaskia.
“Zaskia is professional, committed and loves all her horses. She is the perfect person to find a forever home for any horse,” quips Frikkie as he introduces us.
From age seven Zaskia started riding ponies bareback and then later progressed to showjumping competitions.
At the age of 11 came her first association and falling in love with a thoroughbred, bought by her Mom.
“He was a ‘rescue case -being just skin and bone’ that needed food and much TLC. With that also came learning many of my life skills – true love, trust, patience and more – that thoroughbreds can teach us,” says Zaskia.
Who remembers Frikkie Greyling? Seen here with De Bull
Unfortunately she had a serious horse riding accident at 14, which placed limitations on her showjumping aspirations.
But that didn’t stop the determined young lady and horses have been an integral part of her life ever since.
Since 2009, she has been homing and selling thoroughbreds off the tracks.
In 2018 Equistar Second Stride Thoroughbreds was registered. They are based in Randjesfontein, just behind Northrand training centre.
More than eleven trainers, including the likes of Mike Azzie and Gareth van Zyl have supported Equistar.
Using Equistar means that one benefits from a professional team which includes a vet, chiropractor, farrier, grooms, work riders, transport and photographer.
Equistar focuses mainly on what is best for the horse.
“The horse needs to be schooled and desensitized for their new career in showjumping, dressage and/or eventing. This being quite an adjustment, the transition to some can be easy and quick, while others take longer to settle in. Depending on the age and maturity basic ground manners, flatwork and jumping are taught and tried. With the assessment we find what the horse really enjoys and shows talent in. Then we work on the best attributes to give best results. Our horses also love going out on walks and having a change of scenery,” says a clearly proud Zaskia.
She also assure her customers that when prospective visitors and buyers view the thoroughbreds great care is taken to match the correct type of horse to the potential new owner.
“Here it is not only the riding skills and experience that are taken into account but also their personality and expectation of the horse. Thereafter background checks and references are also required to prevent our horses ending up in the wrong hands.”
Zaskia Byrne leads Diamonds ‘N Dust in with part owner Wessel Moolmen
Zaskia explains that should a home for the thoroughbred not work out for some reason then they offer to help place them to ensure a correct and safe home is sourced.
“All sales are done on a strict sales agreement which is kept on file and monthly follow ups are also done.”
Having studied psychology and experiencing how therapeutic horses can be in treatment, Zaskia intends practicing Equine therapy after completing her Masters in Psychology.
The Services offered:
- buying horses from trainers/owners to be schooled and homed/sold on contract.
- schooling of young thoroughbreds off the tracks for new owners.
- stabling
- lease of thoroughbreds
- riding lessons
Visit Equistar Second Stride Thoroughbreds via:
Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/EquistarThoroughbreds)
Instagram(Equistarhorses) pages
Contact details:
Zaskia Byrne-0827168455/ [email protected]
Frikkie Greyling- 0818274982
