Above The Rail March 2016

MARCH 2016

Having a

VISION for your

HORSE HITS Triple

CROWN $1 MILLION Grand Prix

Pedigree & Conformation

EQUESTRIAN SPORT IS OUR PASSION

Hye Pointe EQUESTRIAN CENTER

In Kansas, Michele Lewis 785.341.1475 Michele@hypepointe.com Amy Lambert 785.341.1781 info@hyepointe.com

In California, Jenifer Deron 858.504.0050

10465 Eliza’s Road St. George, Kansas 66535

WWW.HYEPOINTE.COM

Maintaining an exquisite selection of premiere, world-class hunter/jumper show ponies available for purchase or contractual lease.

Contents MARCH 2016 ISSUE

Directory & Columns 10 12 20 24 30 34

Publishers Note: Rail Talk Horse News Snapped by the Rail Calendar of Marion County Events Salad in a Jar Good Eats, Drinks & Supplies

Features 18 23 27 32 40

Rainbow Meadows Equus Pedigree & Conformation Vision for Your Horse HITS Triple Crown Horses that Stop at Jumps PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Bonnie Thibodeau ART DIRECTOR Mary Racila WEB DESIGN Rebecca Fox CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Photoartbyjill.com ESI Photography

Cat Allen

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexis Karlson Jane Meggitt

Above the Rail magazine is Published 12 times a year by Equinox Media Group LLC, Š 2016. Above the Rail and its subcontractors do not endorse opinions or its writers and assume no liability for claims to advertise.

TO ADVERTISE Call 352-598-6668 or Email bonnie@abovetherailmag.com

Media kit can be found on www.abovetherailmag.com

Rail Talk

THOSE WHO KNOW ME KNOW I ALWAYS HAVE A WRITTEN PLAN. God knows it’s always changing and I am always tweaking it … but, it’s there to guide me, to keep me moving in a defined direction.

A few weeks ago, I was passing through Ocala on business. I came across a woman who wanted to know my Vision — she wanted me to paint a picture for her.

Well, to say the least, she opened my eyes. I have many goals and dreams … but have I ever drawn a picture of it and shared it with those close to me, those helping me reach my goals? It all made sense. If I painted a picture and shared my Vision with those close to me, those striving to get me there, they can see what I see. The road would seem to get straighter, all the bumps and curves would go away and the Vision would be there. The picture would be painted and we made each stroke of color appear as a team, working together on the same easel.

This month, take the time to define your vision, your dream … and draw a picture and share it with the world! It’s not possible to do BIG amazing things alone. It takes a team, it takes a mentor, it takes hard work.

Over my desk, I see my Vision … I pasted pictures of the items I will acquire and achieve, faces of those I will help, and the photos of my beautiful kids, whom I desire to live a happy and fulfilled life. In my mind, it is defined … and it is now framed and above me each and every day. I will spend a lifetime making my photo come alive … and sharing my Vision with those around me.

To success and happiness to all,

BONNIE THIBODEAU, PUBLISHER

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HORSE NEWS

United States Claims the Throne in the FURUSIYYA FEI NATIONS CUP CSI04* PRESENTED BY EDGE BREWING BARCELONA AT HITS OCALA

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the eight teams — Australia, Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States — would go home with a win. Competitors did not disappoint their fans as the showdown for international bragging rights ensued.

The stage was set at HITS Post Time Farm complete with two sold out VIP clubs, a bustling grandstand and thousands viewing a live FEI TV webcast, all waiting to see which of

A total of 31 riders from across the globe contested the FEI Nations Cup course set with 12 obstacles at 1.60m and designed

by Alan Wade of Ireland. The first three competitors, Luke Dee (NZL) and Aucland De I’enclos, Daniel Bluman (COL) and Conconcreto Sancha LS, and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) riding Eregast van’t Kiezelhof, all sped through the course with hopes of going clear, but fell victim to penalties during their attempts.

It wasn’t until Matt Williams (AUS), aboard Valinski S, entered the ring did onlookers see a clear round. Williams was just over

cala, Florida (February 20, 2016): The U.S. dream team including Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Todd Minikus, Lauren Hough, and led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, claimed a memorable victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSI04*, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, at HITS Post Time Farm on Friday, February 19.

Not only winning the class and a piece of the $112,900 prize purse, but the U.S. team also secured a spot at the top of the 2016 FEI Nations Cup rankings for the Furusiyya Final in Barcelona later this year.

[L to R] Christian and Kim Oliver, Edge Brewing Barcelona; McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Robert Ridland, Lauren Hough and Todd Minikus, U.S. Show Jumping Team; Dalene Paine, Foreign Judge; and Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. (C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY

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the time allowed leaving him with one time fault and Australia for the lead.

The crowd went silent as the fifth rider in the order, McLain Ward (USA) and the iconic Rothchild, appeared at the ingate. In true Ward fashion, he gave spectators just what they wanted — a clean round.

“Alan did a spectacular job as usual. We were actually speaking at dinner last night about what a fan we all are of his courses. When I walked the course I thought it was quite big, but straightforward enough. I was a little concerned,” said McLain. “We have a strong team here and we wanted it to be difficult but I was thinking it might ride a little too easy.”

Second to ride for the Team U.S.A. was 2015 Nations Cup Ocala alumni, Lauren Hough (USA) piloting Cornet.

Careful in their step, they cruised over the obstacles but trouble at the triple would cost them four faults.

cleared the final jump as the crowd erupted in cheers. After the FEI Nations Cup™ scoring format was applied, dropping the highest penalty from each team, the standings going into the second round had the U.S.A. in first, Colombia in second with Mexico trailing by one point in third, Australia in fourth, Ireland in fifth, New Zealand in sixth, Canada in seventh and El Salvador in eighth.

Round two commenced as ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ filled the air for the first six riders who all had rails in their paths leading to penalties against their teams. Seventh in the round two order was Daniel Bluman (COL) who was ready for redemption and rode his 13 year old bay to a zero fault finish. Ward, who was the next trip of the day, hoped for a repeat performance from his round one success but a rail at the second obstacle of the combination would result in four faults, leaving it up to his teammates to pull through for a win.

“I think riding for your country is the ultimate goal or dream, and when you get the opportunity you certainly want to do Competition grew fierce, and the audience more Beezie Madden and Breitling LS on their way to a Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, a good job,” said Ward.

“These three riders here engaged, waiting to see presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, win at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida. and the Chef d’Equipe — who, if anyone, could best (C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY I have the utmost respect for them and I consider them my McLain. Third to ride for Colombia, Fernando Cardenas (COL) friends. I didn’t want to let them down.” and Quincy Car, whipped through the turns of the course, going clear and confirming that a race to first place was on.

Troubled trips leading to scoresheet faults continued for the second wave of riders with only one, Cian O’Connor (IRL) Pressure was building for Pan American Games Bronze Medalist and Sam du Challois, going clear. As Hough prepared to ride and 2014 HITS Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix winner, Todd second for her team she was determined to put it all on the line Minikus (USA) and Babalou, who were on deck for the States. and trust in her gifted, four-legged partner. Unfortunately, she Keeping his cool and living up to a winning reputation, Minikus would have two rails in the triple combination for eight faults went fault free to continue his team’s success. but that didn’t mean the U.S. was out of the game just yet.

The next few trips ended with penalties for downed rails but that “The first round he withheld himself a bit at the triple and I came to a halt when Scott Keach (AUS) and Fedor, rode fourth knew I had to really ride him strong in the second round, where representing the Land Down Under. Keach led his bay mount to he held himself even more. I was lucky to actually get out of a clean finish for Australia’s only zero fault score in round one. the triple with only two down,” said Hough of her 12 year old grey mount. “I still had a long way to go and I fought really The chase continued for the final U.S. rider of the round, Beezie hard to make it home. Thank goodness I have three strong Madden (USA) and Breitling LS, who once again proved that teammates here.” she is the ultimate horsewoman. Careful and efficient, Madden 14

Third to ride for their country, Amy Millar (CAN) and Heros, Claudia Hay (NZL) and Euro Sport Centavos, Richie Moloney (IRL) and Ypaja Yando, Thomas McDermott (AUS) and Quick Petite Folie, Federico Fernandez (MEX) and Guru, Fernando Cardenas (COL) and Quincy Car, as well as Todd Minikus (USA) and Babalou all left the ring with faults, leaving the crowd questioning who would pull through as the champion. Would the anchor riders clean up? Could a sleeper pull ahead and place in the top three? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain — powerhouse Beezie Madden (USA) was the final trip of the day.

The fourth rider for each team gave it everything they had, but once again fallen rails would keep them all from the top spot. A legendary anchor, Madden was on her A-game to close out the day. With precision and caution she navigated Breitling LS to a clear round and although taking her time would cost her one time fault, she sealed the deal for a Team U.S.A. win.

it a little bit differently than in the last few years. We had a habit of easing off in the first round, unintentionally, and come back in the second …We did come with our best and we were fortunate to come away with the win. We are fortunate to be where we are today.”

Ridland continued, acknowledging HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri for a superior event in the heart of horse country, “Tom, you and your staff at HITS, and of course the sponsors, did a tremendous job in putting this on. A beautiful course and an incredible crowd on a Friday afternoon, it couldn’t have been better.”

A common theme of patriotism and honor continued during the post-event press conference, with Course Designer Alan Wade adding, “It is a great honor to be chosen as the course designer for the Nations Cup. Everyone that competed in that class today - you cannot take that away from them. They were chosen as the best in their country in the sport and whether you had a rail down or three down that is something you cannot take away from them. They represented their country on that stage.”

“I had a nice position because I could afford to Todd Minikus and Babalou cruise through the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, have two rails down and presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona course at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida. “When we hired Alan for this class it was unlike most still win, so as an anchor (C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY hires. It was moving to hear rider that is one of the him talk about it. It is really important to him and it’s even more best positions you can be in. Thanks to these guys [pointing to important to me to hear his sentiments,” said HITS President and her teammates] we were in that position,” said Madden.

CEO Tom Struzzieri. “It was great to have this team that Robert brought here. I can’t imagine how it must be to ride for the U.S. Humble in her win, Madden gave credit to her partner, adding, Team because I was moved to hear the anthem at the end, and that “I took a little extra time with the second round. He is just now made it worthwhile for me.” starting to get pretty dependable at this level and we couldn’t be more excited about him.”

FEI ranked competition at HITS Ocala continues on Saturday, February 20 with the $34,600 HITS Jumper Classic and on Sunday, Dressed to the nines in Furusiyya coolers and sashes, with smiles February 21 with the $100,000 City of Ocala Grand Prix. larger than life, the home team took a well-deserved victory lap in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium as the National Anthem Todd Minikus for one is already looking ahead to the weekend, carried throughout the stands. adding, “Babalou jumped fantastic in the first round. And to tell you the truth she’s been off her game a little bit this week and I think Beaming with pride, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland praised his she just got a little down in the second round. She’s going to make a teams’ performance, “We knew coming in that the competition heck of a comeback in the Grand Prix.” was going to be tough. We had to bring our best team to be able n to have a chance to win. It was definitely stressful and we did 15

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RAINBOW MEADOWS EQUUS

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inter’s chill is still in the air, but sporthorse breeders are thinking ahead to spring 2017, and planning their mares’ matings for this year. Rainbow Equus Meadows in Lincoln, California, owned by Edgar and Susan Schutte, can help owners make the best decision for their mares.

The farm stands the Hanoverian stallions Pablito, Wild Dance, Landkonig and Graf Top II, along with the Oldenburg stallion Rubignon. While none of the stallions are currently competing, all have impressive show records. Breeders can also purchase frozen semen from Escudo II, who formerly stood at Rainbow Equus Meadows, and the late Westfalen stallion Pablo.

Rainbow Equus Meadows boasts a state-of-the-art lab, and stallions are collected daily. The farm ships semen all over the United States and Canada. As for the choice between fresh or frozen semen, Edgar Schutte said it all depends on the mare’s location and the vet’s expertise. Schutte said he wouldn’t recommend a first-time breeder using frozen semen. That’s because when using frozen semen, it’s crucial to inseminate the mare at the time of ovulation — which may occur in the middle of the night. Fresh semen may be inseminated two days ahead of ovulation and still result in a pregnancy. Breeders using fresh semen also receive Rainbow Equus Meadows’ 30-day live foal guarantee. “I hate to punish someone for having an accident,” says Schutte, adding that long guarantee is good advertising for his business.

Some stallion owners are very picky, and only want certain mares bred to their animals. “I’m not that way,” says Schutte. He points out it is hard to make a judgment call on a good picture of a bad horse or a bad photo of a good horse. If he has questions, he calls the breeder to discuss the photo angles. Schutte also delves into the mare’s pedigree, and may suggest a stallion that will result in a better cross. Owners are asked the mare’s purpose, talent, and what they want to produce. “You should pick a stallion to enhance that,” he says. Schutte cautions mare owners that they are not getting the stallion — they are getting his babies.

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offers top stallions and best LFG in the business

BY JANE MEGGITT In Europe, people breed mostly for dressage, jumpers or eventers.

In the U.S., many breeders want hunters. The late stallion Pablo sired many Grand Prix jumpers and dressage horses, but he also produced top show hunters. For hunters, mixing jumper and dressage pedigrees can work well to get the desired movement and jumping style, according to Schutte.

The overwhelming majority of colts are going to make good geldings. Schutte said he can tell whether a colt has stallion potential by the spring of his first year.

“They need a stallion quality about them, with conformational excellence, movement and jumping ability,” he says. The overall stallion aura must be impressive. “Americans don’t always understand that you should never mistake a stallion for a gelding when looking at them,” says Schutte. All but a few colts are literally going to get the cut. “There’s no market for stallions, and the road to approval is long, expensive and risky,” he says.

For the past four years, Schutte has been president of the American Hanoverian Society, and served as a board member for approximately 20 years. He believes the quality of horses bred in the United States is equal to that of Europe, although the quantity is much lower. Schutte notes that German inspectors approve of all North American horses, and that scores have risen considerably in the past 15 years. There are 84 AHS stallions currently in the U.S., while Europe may have ten times that number. Annual foal registrations in the U.S. are about 500.

In this country, he finds more clients breeding for dressage than for jumping. “A lot of people think it is easier to sell a goodmoving foal,” says Schutte. However, it was once harder to sell a potential jumper when young, because youngsters from jumper lines were not as attractive as those with dressage breeding.

“We’ve made a strong change in that,” says Schutte. “We have some really attractive jumper lines with good movement.” n

In & Around HITS SHOWS

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Snapped by

the

RAIL Images captured by PhotoArt by Jill

Pedigree & Conformation are what you pay for at the sales

BY JANE MEGGITT

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ovelist John Galsworthy famously said, “I am still under the impression there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as the thoroughbred horse.” When it comes to purchasing 2 year olds in training, that beauty — in the form of top conformation — and the animal’s pedigree are what commands high prices at the sales.

Florida’s prestigious Ocala Breeders Sales for two year olds in training takes place March 15 and 16, with more than 600 youngsters in the catalog. They’re the get of top sires, including Tapit, Bernardini and Giant’s Causeway, and the last sons and daughters of Unbridled’s Song, who died in 2013. Interested parties can view prospects at the under tack show on March 9, 10 and 11. Once you’ve purchased that young horse, pursue a training method that helps him build bone and stay sound.

Gary Contessa, the New York Racing Association’s Trainer of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008, offers advice to anyone bidding on a two year old in training. “Looking at young horses, it is somewhat of a give and take of personal preference,” according to Contessa.

“Personally, I stay away from badly offset knees because we all know the knees bear the most weight. But that same horse that I passed for those bad knees will go through the ring for huge money to a very good horseman, so obviously this entire process has many opinions.”

He adds that while he can forgive many conformational faults in the right leg which bears much less weight than the left — because of tight turns — when he sees a major fault in the right leg he wants to see how that horse walks through that fault. “Some horses have a major fault and a beautiful walk. This is a positive. Some have a major fault and they highlight it when they walk and this would be a negative,” he says.

In the left leg, which is the weight bearing leg, Contessa wants a nice, straight, clean leg with a solid walk. “Anything not perfect in that left leg will be tested as soon as that horse is putting all its weight on it going around a turn,” according to Contessa. He notes that there is an exception to every rule. “I have seen horses I passed on go on to greatness and seen many more that I was glad I did not buy,” says Contessa.

Pedigree and good conformation give a young horse better odds of becoming a winner, but they aren’t a guarantee. Some of the great racehorses, such as John Henry, had no impressive lineage, while Seabiscuit wasn’t well put together. Luck is always a factor, and that’s what makes horse racing. n 23

MARCH 2016 Calendar MARCH 4 FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

MARCH 6 STRIDE DRESSAGE

Artists will exhibit their work on March 4 throughout Ocala’s central business district and will feature performances in the downtown square.

The Ocala STRIDE club is hosting a dressage show open to English, Western and Driving enthusiasts on March 6. The equine sport of Dressage can be traced back to ancient times when warfare on horseback was considered an art.

Horse and rider teams will be judged on their ability to perform together. Public welcome.

Downtown Ocala & Citizens’ Circle (151 SE Osceola Ave.) 352.629.8447 | feeldowntownocala.com

Florida Horse Park (11008 S. Hwy 475) Ocala, FL 352.307.6699 | flhorsepark.com

MARCH 8 JIM BREUER: LIVE AT THE REILLY

MARCH 5 TASTE OF OCALA

MARCH 5 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. will put on their 3rd Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival on March 5. Features include the Miss Strawberry Beauty Pageant, car show and a manufactured resale.

McPherson Complex (601 SE 25th Ave.) Ocala, FL 352.351.4663 | www.habitatocala.org

MARCH 5 JAWS On March 5, Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller “JAWS,” will be shown for the first time ever with an all original shadowcast performance live on stage while the movie plays.

Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street | Ocala, FL 352.351.1606 | reillyartscenter.com

The College of Central Florida Foundation will host its 27th annual Taste of Ocala event on March 5. The event will feature food and wine pairings from local restaurants. Funds raised this year will benefit a new scholarship program for promising fifth-grade participants in the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County.

With a hit career on SNL, hit movies like “Half Baked “and over 20 years of stand-up comedy experience, Jim Breuer remains one of today’s top entertainers and continues to win over audiences with his off-the-wall humor and lovable personality. Named one of Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time,” Breuer will perform at the Reilly on March 8.

Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street | Ocala, FL 352.351.1606 | reillyartscenter.com

Ewers Century Center at the CF Ocala Campus (3001 S.W. College Road) 352.873.5808 | www.cf.edu

MARCH 5 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed on March 5 at the Curtis Center for the Performing Arts. This irresistible family musical is about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.

Curtis Center (3201 Hull Rd) | Gainesville, FL performingarts.ufl.edu

MARCH 11-13 FAT TIRE FESTIVAL Come to the Santos Trailhead for over 50 miles of the sweetest, award-winning, single track as the Fat Tire Festival celebrates 10 years of award winning trails from March 11-13. This fully supported, self-guided ride has sag stops, bathrooms, lunch, safety patrollers, and a custom map. Registration gets you the event shirt and pint glass. The expo will feature demos, clinics, the latest bikes, gadgets and gear.

Santos Trailhead (3080 SE 80th St) | Ocala, FL www.santosfattirefestival.com

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HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT

MARCH 12 & 13 SILVER YOUTH Youth and artistry will be on display March 12 and 13. The winners of the OSO’s silver anniversary Young Artist Competition take the stage with your orchestra in this thrilling concert.

Concluding this brilliant and shiny concert will be 18-year-old Dimitri Shostakovich’s propulsive “Symphony No. 1.”

Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street | Ocala, FL 352.351.1606 | reillyartscenter.com

MARCH 20 THE ROYAL OPERA’S “LA TRAVIATA”

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is a USEFrated show that offers exhibitors an extensive range of hunter/jumper classes and over $3 million in prize money. The series continues this March with the Ocala Tournament VII from March 1 to 6; Ocala Winter Finals VIII from March 8 to 13; Ocala Winter Celebration IX featuring the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix; and the Ocala Championship X featuring the HITS equitation Championship Great American $1 Million Grand Prix from March 22 to 27.

845.246.8833 | www.hitsshows.com HITS Post Time Farm | 13710 US Hwy 27 | Ocala, FL Photo by PhotoArt by Jill

“La Traviata” is regarded as one of Verdi’s finest operas, and Richard Eyre’s traditional staging, is one of The Royal Opera’s most popular productions. The Reilly Arts Center will show this performance on March 20.

Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street | Ocala, FL 352.351.1606 | reillyartscenter.com

MARCH 20, 27 & SEPT 11 HITS TRIPLE CROWN OF SHOW JUMPING MARCH 12 TUSCAWILLA SCULPTURE STROLL Sculptors competing in the Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition will show off their artwork on March 12 in the Tuscawilla Park. The community will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Enjoy live entertainment, food, beverages and more.

HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping: AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, Thermal on March 20; Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, Ocala, on March 27; and Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix, Saugerties, on September 11.

845.246.8833 | www.hitsshows.com

Tuscawilla Park | Ocala, FL 352.629.8447 | feeldowntownocala.com

MARCH 18 THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES An Obie Award-winning whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone, “The Vagina Monoglogues” will be on stage at the Reilly on March 18. Benefiting PACE Center for Girls the performance showcases a wildly divergent gathering of female voices, including a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnesses the birth of her granddaughter, a Bosnian survivor of rape, and more tales of the female experience.

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th Street Ocala, FL 352.351.1606 reillyartscenter.com

OCALA FARM MARKET

Abundance! Visit the Ocala market every Saturday to reap locally grown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, delicious kettle corn, boiled peanuts, homemade crafts, and plants.

Downtown Ocala | 352.426.8244 feeldowntownocala.com

JIM BREUER: LIVE AT THE REILLY ON MARCH 8

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HAVING

A VISION FOR YOUR HORSE

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If you compete with your horse on any level, you likely have some sort of vision for the two of you. A vision isn’t the same thing as a dream, although a vision can make a dream come true. A vision demands clarity — what you want to accomplish with your horse, and a plan to go about it.

BY JANE MEGGITT

DEAL WITH FACTS Your vision for your horse must have a basis in reality. The two of you can both work to improve, but it’s unlikely an appendix quarter horse, for example, is going to become an Olympiclevel mount. That same horse may do very well on the local hunter/jumper circuit, or take his rider through Marshall and Sterling and similar competitions. If you have unlimited funds and unlimited time, that’s one thing, but if you must balance work, family and other obligations with your riding, how do you achieve that vision?

What sacrifices are you willing to make? Once you make those decisions, your vision moves forward.

SET GOALS Turning a vision into reality involves setting goals and working hard to reach them. What should you and your horse be doing this year, and the year after? Goal-setting is often straightforward in the equestrian world. If you’re schooling at

training level this year and doing well, the next obvious step is moving up to First Level. If your goal is to someday ride at Grand Prix, go for it, but remember that it will take a long time, a lot of work, and probably a different horse.

HAVE A PLAN Once you’ve set your goals, plan your strategy.

Write it down, so it becomes concrete. How many lessons must you schedule, how often do you ride, and which shows/events do you attend? Can your current trainer take you where you want to go, or must you find someone who can better help your vision progress?

In the horse world, things can and do go awry.

Even a minor injury can lay your horse up for a while. Achieving your vision might mean taking two steps forward and one step back at times, but don’t despair. Work hard and keep moving in a positive direction. It will happen. n 27

Salad in a Jar

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f you are anything like me, LIFE always seems as if it’s running ahead of me. I am always trying to keep up.

Kids to school in morning, quick workout of some sort, some stable time …

Than I’m already thinking about dinner and picking up kids.

Where do you balance Family, “you” time, horses, exercise, healthy eating? I am always working on the balancing act, but I did find it helpful when I came across “Salad in a jar”.

Takes a few minutes to put together … and great lunch to throw in my purse and pull out when I get hungry.

Instructions

1. Salad dressing: Pour 1 to 4 tablespoons of your favorite salad dressing in the bottom of the jar. Adjust the amount of dressing depending on the size of the salad you are making and your personal preference.

2. Hard vegetables: Next, add any hard chopped vegetables you’re including in your salad, like carrots, cucumbers, red and green peppers, cooked beets, and fennel.

3. Beans, grains, and pasta: Next, add any beans, grains, and/or pasta, like chickpeas, black beans, cooked barley, cooked rice, and pasta corkscrews.

salads ahead to eat throughout the week, wait to add these ingredients until the day you’re planning to eat the salad and add them to the top of the jar.

6. Nuts, seeds, and lighter grains: Next, add any nuts or seeds, like almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. If you’re making a salad with lighter, more absorbent grains like quinoa or millet, add them in this layer instead of with the beans.

7. Salad greens: Last but not least, fill the rest of the jar with salad greens. Use your hands to tear them into bite-sized pieces. It’s fine to pack them into the jar fairly compactly.

8. Storing the salad: Screw the lid on the jar and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you’re including any cheese, proteins, or soft fruits and vegetables, add these to the top of the jar the morning you plan to eat your salad.

9. Tossing and eating the salad: When ready to eat, unscrew the lid and shake the salad into the bowl.

The action of shaking the salad into the bowl is usually enough to mix the salad with the dressing. If not, toss gently with a fork until coated.

4. Cheese and proteins (optional): If you’ll be eating the salad within the day, add a layer of diced or crumbled cheese and proteins like tuna fish, diced (cooked) chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or cubed tofu. If you’re making salads ahead to eat throughout the week, wait to add these ingredients until the day you’re planning to eat the salad and add them on top of the jar.

5. Softer vegetables and fruits (optional): Next, add any soft vegetables or fruits, like avocados, tomatoes, diced strawberries, or dried apricots. If you’re making

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You can find great recipes at letslassothemoon.com/2014/12/20/mason-jar-recipes/

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HITS Triple Crown T

here’s a reason show jumping is the most exciting discipline in the world of horse shows. It’s judged objectively, it’s easy for non-riders to follow, and it offers plenty of spectator thrills. The excitement and thrill factors are even higher when riders are competing for stratospheric prize money, as is the case with the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping.

The HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping consists of the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, held this year on March 20 in Thermal, California; the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, held a week later, March 27, in Ocala Florida, and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix CSI5*, scheduled for September 11 in Saugerties, New York. Riders must qualify for each Grand Prix, with rules differing somewhat for each event. The winner of each class takes home $350,000, with the rest of the million dollars distributed among next 19 competitors.

Last year, Jaime Azcarraga, riding Anton Radio Formula, won the AIG Grand Prix, and Charlie Jayne won the Great American Grand Prix on Chill RZ. Beezie Madden and Simon were the winners of the Saugerties Grand Prix CSI5*.

• AZCARRAGA, 56, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, has represented his country five times in the Olympics, and his son Gonzalo has also represented his country in show jumping.

Anton Radio Formula, an Anglo-European warmblood, belongs to his rider.

• JAYNE, 30, ELGIN, ILLINOIS, comes from a long line of horsemen. At the age of 13, he was the youngest rider ever to compete in an American Grand Prix Association Grand Prix.

Chill RZ is a brown Zangerscheide stallion owned by Pony Lane Farm, Riverton, Utah. The pair were alternates for the U.S. Team at the 2012 London Olympics. Jayne is aiming for a spot on this year’s team for the Rio games.

AIG $1 Million Grand Prix | Ocala, FL - Jaime Azcarraga & Anton Radio Formula • Great American $1 Million Grand Prix | Thermal, CA -

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$1 Million Grand Prix • MADDEN, 52, CAZENOVIA, NEW YORK, competed in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, winning the individual bronze medal in show jumping in the 2008 Beijing games. In 2013, she and Simon, a Dutch warmblood owned by Abigail Wexner, won the World Cup of Show Jumping in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Qualifying for Saugerties is different, as this is a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) event. Fifty riders qualify for the Saugerties Million, based on FEI qualifying criteria, FEI Art.261.4. Certain riders automatically qualify. These include the:

Forty riders qualify for the AIG Million based on rider rankings — the amount of money won by the horse and rider combination — with five additional riders chosen at management’s discretion.

All qualifying riders – on any horse — must compete in at least one open jumper class worth $25,000 or more at the HITS Desert Circuit Shows in the four weeks prior to the AIG Million. The Great American Million has similar criteria, with qualifying riders competing in at least one of the Sunday Grand Prix held during the three weeks of HITS Ocala Winter Circuit prior to the Great American Million.

• Individual medal winners of the last Olympic and Pan-American Games

• Current U.S. National Champion

• Individual medal winners of the last FEI World and FEI Continental Championships • Winner of the last FEI World Cup Final. Remaining riders qualify from qualifying competitions held earlier in the week.

Good luck to the competitors in this year’s HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping! n

Charlie Jayne & Chill R Z • Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix | Saugerties, NY - Beezie Madden & Simon • All images by ©ESI Photography.

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OCALA GUIDE

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OCALA GUIDE

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Dealing with a Horse WHO STOPS AT JUMPS

T

he horse who previously jumped well but has started stopping and refusing is telling you that something is wrong. Trainer Crystal Young, owner of Forever Young Stables in Jackson, New Jersey, takes a holistic approach. First, a vet and chiropractor check the horse for any soundness or chiropractic issue that needs fixing. She then looks into the horse’s feeding program. “Quite often, I find that the horse is suffering from ulcers. So I will treat them with a series of ulcer guard / gastro guard,” she says. After that, she follows up with a maintenance program of Smart Gut to prevent recurrence.

Once those issues are resolved, Young moves on to the horse’s program.

“Program and consistency are extremely important when retraining a horse that has started stopping,” according to Young. Such horses need a good turnout routine, preferably four to six hours daily.

They also require daily — not necessarily hard — work.

“Start by flatting the horse and encouraging him forward from the leg. Be sure to keep this horse in front of your leg on the flat.

Gradually increase his workload daily.

Once you have the horse walking, trotting and cantering in front of your leg and responsive to your aids, it’s time to start adding poles and cavallettis to your daily routine,” she says, adding that she likes to work on gymnastics because this sets the horse up for success.

“Since all the distances are related, the rider does not have to worry about getting the horse to a particular distance or worry

about putting the horse in the wrong spot,” according to Young.

She recommends working every day over trot rails set 4 to 5 feet apart, and cantering raised cavallettis set unrelated on a line.

“I practice putting as many steps in at the canter as I can. This teaches horse to step over and stay on the hind end. It shows them there’s no rush and it’s no big deal while building them up physically.” She says. After working over small gymnastics two to three days a week for a month, she introduces single jumps.

Young sets up a line about 70-72 feet with a small vertical with flowers at the in and a small oxer with a box or wall on the out. “I also like to set a trot rail about 8-9 feet away from the vertical to give the horse the freedom to figure it out himself. Since this is familiar from all the gymnastic work he finds confidence in this,” she says. Young trots in and canters out in seven strides initially, then six strides. Over the next several days, she moves up to cantering in and doing six strides, then five.

“It’s always important to be patient and take your time. Horses are creatures of habit and need good experiences each and every time to get rid of the habit of stopping,” she says. While discipline is important, Young doesn’t recommend an amateur rider disciplining a horse. “If the horse needs to be disciplined I recommend putting the horse in training with a good professional for a few months or however long the horse needs to pull through. Always remember nothing happens over night. Time heals all,” according to Young. n

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