Five Minutes With... Mark Kenzig

Supernatural - National and Grand National Show Horse winner and 2010 EA Domestic Horse of the Year - trained and shown by Mark Kenzig. Photo by Alicia Birch

Mark with the trophy and Supernatural's owners at the time of his 2010 EA Domestic Horse of the Year win - Sarah Connell and Harriett Wadsworth - Mark now owns this beautiful horse.

Mark (seated) at the EA Awards presentation night celebrating with L-R: Matthew Snell (ND stable groom and rider), Sarah Connell, Harriet Wadsworth, Sarah Wadsworth, Jennifer Connell, Mr Paul and Joe Charnock

Mark riding Grandeur at Sydney Royal Show. Photo by Delwyn Moss

The gorgeous Mascara  - on the way to winning Champion Hack at 2011 Sydney Equitana

Mark is proud of team ND stable groom and rider, Matthew Snell, who won the 2010 Champion Rider at Adelaide Royal Show - and many others - riding Alkira Elegance-Photo by Julie Wilson

 

Mark Kenzig is currently one of Australia’s leading show horse trainers and riders, however, few people know that he began his career with horses as a jockey!

After leaving school, Mark did a four year apprenticeship as a jockey and then continued for another two as a professional, before in 1991 his height and weight prevented a further career in racing.   During this time he also took on a two year, part-time Vet course at TAFE College.

Mark then went on to ride for a leading show horse stable located in Sydney’s west for four years. He managed the stables and all horse procedures and activities and was the primary rider and educator of selected show horses as well as being a coach for the riders.

Following on from this position, Mark began his own business, Northampton Dale Equestrian Training and Agistment Centre in Bowral, providing show preparation and training for horses and riders as well as spelling and agistment for over 40 horses.

Seeing Mark’s show team in action is like watching a well-oiled machine! Every horse is presented to the highest level.  Every plait, colour, check and sock is perfect. This is only possible with the most dedicated and experienced show team. The ND Australia show team is seriously impressive.

Mark was one of ten Australian professional show riders to be invited to an Experienced Coaches Workshop where he was assessed to achieve the EFA NCAS Level 1 accreditation. He is a Royal Listed SHC Judge and EA National Saddle Horse Judge and has taught Advanced Riding and Horse Husbandry at Sydney University, plus he holds a NSW Department of Education Certificate in Training and Assessment.

What is special about Mark is his gentle honesty. His charm does not prevent his objective assessment of both horse and rider. He has a contagious enthusiasm to exploit strengths, make corrections and improve each and every one presented to him.

He loves to see his students go on to win - and that’s just what they do!

Jo Johnson caught up with Mark to find out more about this multi-talented horseman…

 

What do you enjoy most about showing?

Showing horses is like ballroom dancing for me, it’s about the partnership and the showmanship.

 

Is there another competitor that you really admire?

Carl Hester – I remember meeting him back 1997, in the UK at the Royal Windsor Show, where he was competing and later when I spent some time at Femmington Farm in the UK. I admire him for his knowledge and riding ability and for his most recent success.

 

Do you have favourite horses that you've shown?

In the past – Grandeur (Pope Cup winner) Absolut (State and National Show Hunter Winner) Supernatural (National and Grand National Show Horse Winner)  

And currently – Mascara, Calvin Park Dark Knight, Willowcroft Chance Encounter, Willowcroft Coco Chanel – Just to mention a few

 

Name a horse that you’d most like to ride…

Woooooooo, where do I begin?

 

Which achievements in your career have given you the most satisfaction?

Winning 2010 EA Domestic Horse of The Year with Supernatural. He was among a fantastic list of horses from dressage, eventing and showjumping from throughout the Australian Equine industry

Do you have a big show team competing at Sydney Royal and Grand Nationals?

At this stage there are five horses for Grand Nationals and eight for Sydney Royal.

 

Goals for the future?

To continue to produce young and talented show horses.

 

Is there a tip you can offer riders who are keen to be more successful in the show ring?

Yes – enter the show ring with confidence!

 

Is there a horse sport you would like to try?

Eventing – I admire their courage.

 

What item in your grooming box can you not live without?

Hairspray.

 

What would you most like to do if you weren't training/showing horses?

Not really given it too much thought??

If you have spare time, how do you like to relax?

With friends and my BEST mate ROVE, my kitty cat… (pictured - what a cutie!)

 

Name a country that you’d love to visit but haven’t yet?

South Korea, particularly Seoul the capital city.

 

Thank you so much for your time Mark! We wish you all the best with your teams of horses at the upcoming Grand National and Sydney Royal Show.

Quick Link

• Visit Northampton Dale Australia website to find out more about Mark and his horses.

 

  

www.equineprofessional.com.au