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Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association
Spring 2022
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6 The Lifelong Benefits
of Equestrian Summer Camps Written By Shya Beth
8
eature F Summer Camps 2022 Camp Nashoba North Rockbrook Camp Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp
12 Legal focus
Common Characteristics of Equine Sale Disputes - And Ways to Avoid Them By Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law
14 Sport psychology
Stress is a Drain on Your Brain
Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach
16 Sponsor Spotlight 18 A Firefly Life By Lydia Fairchok 20 Cameo’s Cauldron
THE SEED THAT, WITH LOVE, BECOMES By Cameo Miller
22 Shelter in the Storm By Didi Arias 24 Ukrainian Easter Eggs
With An Age-Old Equine Twist Written By Shya Beth
27 The Torture-Free Sitting Trot
“Riders, please sit the trot.”
By ARIA Certified Instructor Sally Batton and Christina Keim
ARIA Official Suppliers and Sponsors Spring 2022 Published by: American Riding Instructors Association
These companies, whose commitment to quality reflects our own, are official suppliers and sponsors of the American Riding Instructors Association. We thank them for their support, which helps us to continue our work.
P.O. Box 366 Alton, NH 03809-0366 Tel: 603-605-5275 E-mail: aria@riding-instructor.com Website: www.riding-instructor.com Director: William Watson aria@riding-instructor.com Manager of Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising: Donna Hartshorn
www.wintec-saddles.com ARIA’s Official Saddle Supplier
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Tel 407-927-3578 Art Director: Ferenc Rozumberski franzz@gmail.com
Member
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UltraShield by Absorbine Official Fly Control Supplier
www.wellpride.com ARIA’s Official Fish Oil Supplier
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ARIA recognizes that equestrian headgear that does not meet the current ASTM standard is not safe, although certain equestrian activities pictured in this magazine may not adhere to these requirements. Riding Instructor is the Official Publication of the American Riding Instructors Association. For Advertising Rates & Data, please contact the publisher. The editor of Riding Instructor reserves the right to edit reasonably all copy submitted, and all contributions become the property of Riding Instructor. The Editor does not hold herself responsible for, nor does she necessarily agree with, the opinions expressed in Riding Instructor. Riding Instructor assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited by copyright laws. While endeavoring to accept only reliable advertising, Riding Instructor will not be responsible to the public for advertisements, and the right to decline or discontinue any advertisement is reserved. ARICP Advisory Board Debi DeTurk Peloso Denny Emerson Julie I. Fershtman, Esq. Charlotte Brailey Kneeland * Founder Gayle Lampe Sarah Sliva, MD Linda Tellington-Jones
To learn the benefits of becoming an ARIA Official Supplier or Sponsor, please contact ARIA at 603-605-5275 or aria@riding-instructor.com
YOU COULD WIN A TROXEL HELMET! We are partnering up with Troxel Helmets to giveaway to give two lucky ARIA members a new helmet! Enter to win by liking our contest post on the ARIA Instagram or Facebook page and tagging a friend in the comments! Two random winners will receive a Troxel helmet of their choice! See contest post on Facebook and Instagram for full giveaway details.
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
5
The Lifelong Benefits of Equestrian Summer Camps Written By: Shya Beth When thinking of summer camps, your
experience of life on farms and building
Saddle Up
mind might instantly conjure up memo-
fires while camping in the woods. With
For kids attending a horse or pony camp,
ries of hot summer days filled with friends,
around a hundred summer camps in
it can be a dream come true. From rising at
ponies and new experiences. While these
existence in 1900, just eight years later
dawn to spending all day at the barn, rid-
summers create memories that last for a
there were over a thousand. Now, over
ing different horses, making horsey friends
lifetime, they also give benefits that range
a hundred years later, there are over
and improving their in the ground skills
from riding skills and stable management
15,000 day and overnight camps attended
to getting their first experiences in the
to discipline and confidence, responsibility
by over 11 million children and adults
saddle, camps are largely the first step for
and so many other valuable assets.
annually, as reported by New York Times.
many future riders.
Summer camps have always been about
It’s no wonder that there are hundreds
learning and escaping day-to-day life,
of equestrian-themed camps, from trail
Starting in the morning, most camps teach
with the first summer camps in the late
riding to hunter/jumper, polo and pony
their students from the ground up: Kids first
1800s giving boys living in urban areas an
camps across America.
learn how to greet, brush, tack up and behave
6
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
around their horse, leading to knowledge
arms, shoulders, legs and hands. After a tir-
older version of how most kids would love
on responsibility before getting to the “fun
ing first day, kids can expect to build endur-
to see themselves — as skilled riders and
part” of actually riding. From there, the
ance, strength and flexibility during camp,
well-rounded people — they can be a re-
responsibility of not only taking care of an
and end up in a better place both physically
al-world inspiration and influence just as
animal, but working with them and giving
and mentally. Another section of equestrian
much as the camp activities and the horses
them signals to control them brings forward
skills that benefit regular life is the art of fo-
themselves.
a new level of responsibility that most
cusing - riding requires many commands and
children may not be accustomed to.
body movements that may feel challenging to remember all at once, but as the “muscle
An Added Benefit For Riding Instructors
Camps offer a concentrated learning envi-
memory” is built up, kids will find it easier
Summer Camps also can be beneficial for
ronment for children already familiar with
and easier until it is second nature.
riding instructors, as they offer a great
riding and the equestrian way of life. Here,
introduction of potential new students.
children can enhance their skills by riding
Speaking of nature, camp not only provides
Parents who are begged relentlessly by their
every day and learning more about horse
an outlet for being around animals, but
“horse crazy” kids could see a sign for a local
care than from a once or twice a week les-
for being submerged in the natural world
horse camp, and if their child enjoys their
son, as well as meeting potential friends
as well. Many camps not only teach inside
time at the stable, the instructor could end
whose interest in horses matches their
the riding ring, but go for trail rides in the
up with new students who want to continue
own. From singular lessons to group ac-
woods and ride throughout the rolling
their riding skills. Even if children only at-
tivities and working together in the barn,
fields, deserts or mountains, depending on
tend for summer, this avenue can provide an
teamwork is something that is paramount
where your camp is located.
extra source of income and give horses more
to life at a horse summer camp.
A Detox From The Day-To-Day Life
love and attention by horse crazy kids.
Kids that get the opportunity to ride at
Now, perhaps more than in the 1900s when
All in all, going to an equestrian camp is a
horse shows also can get an added benefit
they first started, camps can provide a much-
life-changing experience that can be a fun
from a riding camp. Everyone who com-
needed escape from reality while still be-
memory to recall on, experiences to learn
petes would be lying if they said they didn’t
ing a place to learn. With over two years
and enhance children’s lives, and just maybe,
get a case of the jitters or “show nerves’’
of COVID-19, masks, social distancing and
the eye-opening moment that a child real-
during at least their first show, and riding
everything else we are all too familiar with,
izes that the horse world is the one they want
during camp is a similar experience. It can
camps can provide a healthy social environ-
to reside in.
be the perfect way to get the feeling of a
ment for children to enjoy and learn to thrive.
horse show - before actually attending one.
Not online, through an app or website - but by
Plus, some camps actually host their own
old-fashioned, physical play and communion.
shows, and it could be the perfect way for kids to earn their first ribbon!
If a child is feeling shy and timid, going to a horse camp can help them find confidence
Children will realize how to recognize each
within themselves. In addition to building
other’s differences, and how to adapt and
self-esteem and confidence, children can go
work together. Being around horses can
through the growth of building character by
teach children that not everything works
the hard work that comes with horses and
out the way they think, or the way things are
the stable yard. Beyond that, kids also get to
planned, and that an empathetic mindset
know their horses on a deeper level, learn-
coupled with resilience and hard work can
ing how to build a personal and empathic
make their goals a reality.
connection with horses that easily transforms into other areas of their life.
Something else that is often left out of camp benefits is the physical fitness aspect. From
The social aspect of summer camps doesn’t
mucking out stalls and groundwork to the
just begin and end with fellow campers.
actual riding itself, riding demands physical
Camp Counselors, usually in their twenties,
fitness that differs from other sports. Many
provide a wonderful role model for kids,
muscles are stretched and in action - the core,
both on and off the horse. Essentially an
About the author: Shya Beth is a rider, artist writer and all around horse lover based in New Jersey, USA. Whether creating horses in art, riding in the fields on her farm or writing about horses, horses are a huge aspect of her life and inspire her every day.
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
7
Feature
Summer Camps 2022
Do some of your students want to go to an “away” summer camp? These camps provide a variety of activities for your students. Many are also looking for instructors for their summer classes. Check out the ARIA E-news for more instructor opportunities!
Camp Nashoba North Information about your camp: Located in the Sebago Lake region of southern Maine since the mid 1920’s, Nashoba North is a warm and inviting place where kids get to be themselves and try new activities of their choice. We offer a hands-on approach to learning and enjoy having campers from all across the U.S. and abroad. At camp riders get to fulfill their dreams of riding every day AND get to participate in a wide host of activities on the water and on land. Some of the activities besides riding that are offered include watersports, soccer, tennis, farm animal care, creative arts (pottery, photography, weaving, cooking) and performing arts (theatre, dance, piano, singing.)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Sarah Seaward, Director/Owner Winter 978 486 8236 · Summer 207 655 7170 info@campnashoba.com · www.CampNashoba.com
Camp Nashoba North
Experience fun and adventure at a traditional sleep away camp in the Sebago Lake region of Southern Maine. Sailing• Windsurfing• Waterskiing• Wake Boarding• Basketball Soccer• Tennis• Pottery• Woodworking• Music• Drama• Dance Animal Care• Rock Climbing• Archery• Kayaking• Canoeing Horseback Riding• Golf Lessons 3:1 Camper to staff ratio Direct flight to Portland, Maine Boys & Girls 7-15• 3.5 & 7 week sessions 2 Week Discovery Program 1 week intensive riding
CampNashoba.com
978.486.8236• info@campnashoba.com
8
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
Rockbrook Camp Information about your camp:
rings and jump course, 30 horse stalls, 40
As part of its all-around summer camps,
acres of pasture, and a 90’x180’ covered
Rockbrook offers an extensive horseback
riding arena, complete with lights and en-
Helpful tip(s) to share with other instructors on running a successful camp:
riding program. It combines qualified staff,
gineered sand/fiber footing.
“Keep it fun.” That means first building stu-
experienced horses, and excellent facilities
dent-instructor relationships based on kind-
to create an atmosphere where campers
The Rockbrook summer camp horseback
ness, generosity of character, and compas-
can advance their riding skills, expand
riding program is based on the American
sion, and second mixing things up with the
their horsemanship knowledge, and enjoy
system of forward riding. When campers
general silliness of camp life. Sure, the riding
riding with friends.
select horseback riding as an activity at
can be serious, but celebrate a little more,
camp, the equestrian director considers
take a dip in the lake once a day, and pause
Our equestrian instructors, who are recruited
their skill, confidence, and size in assign-
for a good laugh now and then. Keep it safe;
from college equestrian programs, are qual-
ing appropriate mounts, riding groups, and
keep it fun, and the learning will follow.
ified to teach a wide range of riders. Young
instructors.
beginners play mounted games and get to learn all about their favorite horses, while
The overall priorities of the Rockbrook
others may learn to post the trot, or canter
riding program are safety, fun, and skill
or jump. More advanced riders jump through
advancement.
gymnastics or over natural obstacles. Other activities include Outdoor Adventure, Rockbrook’s horseback riding facilities
Arts and Crafts, Sports, and the Performing
include a state-of-the-art barn, outdoor
Arts.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
828-884-6151
office@rockbrookcamp.com www.rockbrookcamp.com https://www.rockbrookcamp.com/ horse-camp/
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
9
Feature
Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp Information about your camp:
of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western
are third generation horse lovers, camp ad-
Horse-lovers paradise! Since 1954, the
Stock Seat and Barrels (Gymkhana); Trails
ministrators, and equine educators making
purpose of Valley View Ranch has been
and Vaulting. CHA instructors teach be-
girls’ dreams come true!
to help each rancher have the full oppor-
ginner to advanced riders. Each girl can
tunity of horsemanship through instruc-
spend as much time as she likes with her
tion, time in the saddle on trails, and
favorite ranch horse during her stay, or she
the care and responsibility of having her
can bring her own. Ranchers will find the
own horse, a’top Lookout Mountain in
facility comfortable, safe, and spacious.
Cloudland, Georgia.
Located on 600 acres of lush pastures, wooded trails, and panoramic views. Girls
We offer several riding programs and en-
from 8-17 years of age are eligible and en-
courage each camper to participate in all
rollment is limited to 50. The Jones family
10
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nancy Jones 706/862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com
SUMMER FUN THIS GOOD
Visit our website to Learn more about our Riding and Instructor Opportunities.
Brevard, NC | www.rockbrookcamp.com | 828-884-6151 Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
11
Legal focus
Common Characteristics of Equine Sale Disputes - And Ways to Avoid Them By Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net Equine sales are on the upswing these days,
with one. Based on these inquiries, here are
to reach buyers – social media, online
and many believe we’re now in a seller’s
five common characteristics of equine sale
auctions, horse purchase/sale web-
market, with high prices and eager buyers.
disputes:
sites, and others. The problem is, buyers sometimes fall in love with photos
As a busy lawyer with over 35 years of expeBuyers purchase horses sight unseen.
and videos, without inquiring about
from horse buyers or sellers who are consid-
Thanks to a robust online marketplace,
important details. For all you know, the
ering a lawsuit or who have been threatened
sellers have numerous opportunities
beautifully trained and well-mannered
rience, my phone rings frequently with calls
12
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
1.
2.
horse on the video might actually have
can be important, as well. If you can’t
as well. Before you sign, make sure you’re
been worked for hours or even drugged
attend the veterinary exam in person,
comfortable with all clauses, including
to appear that way. Also, there may be
look into having somebody video it as
those specifying where legal disputes must
a reason the buyer has situated other
it occurs, allowing you to watch in real
be brought and whose state law applies.
horses near the horse on the sale video
time or later. Also, consider hiring your
Your lawyer can help you draft disclaim-
– the horse might have major separa-
local veterinarian to review the ra-
ers of warranties conforming to the ap-
tion anxiety.
diographs and even the pre-purchase
plicable state law. Installment sale agree-
exam video for a second opinion.
ments can be very risky, particularly if you know nothing about the buyers and their
Buyers don’t demand evidence of past veterinary attention. Buyers, especially
4.
Buyers assume the horse has transfer-
creditworthiness.
those on a limited budget, have every
able registration papers. When sellers
incentive to demand the horse’s vet-
promise to transfer registration papers,
This article does not constitute legal advice.
erinary history. The horse within your
buyers would be wise to confirm that in
When questions arise based on specific situa-
budget that appears sound today may
writing and demand to see a copy of the
tions, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.
have received a series of expensive and
papers to make sure they exist.
extensive joint injections a couple of weeks ago – all of which need to be re-
5.
No written contract. Unfortunately, le-
peated regularly. Buyers can ask for the
gal fees in verbal contract disputes can
horse’s veterinary history, request to
be particularly expensive because each
receive records directly from the sell-
party to the sale transaction usually
er’s veterinarians, and/or confirm the
has a totally different understanding of
history directly in the contract.
what it involved. The cost of a lawyer to draft or review a sale contract could
3.
Buyers waive pre-purchase veterinary
be a small fraction of the cost to take a
evaluations and seek no drug screens,
verbal sale dispute to court.
only to discover serious health issues later. Your investment in a pre-purchase veterinary examination from an independent veterinarian (not one
Avoiding Disputes
hand-picked by the seller) could help
Many equine sale disputes are avoidable,
avoid a legal dispute. A drug screen
and contracts can help.
For Buyers: A well-worded sale contract can help avoid costly disputes. Form contracts available online might, at best, provide a starting point. Your investment in legal expense to protect your interests in a contract might save substantially more money down the line. Make sure your written contract includes all items that were important to you in the purchase decision, such as promises the seller gave you about the horse’s health and history; the seller’s refusal to sign your sale contract could reflect the seller’s unwillingness to back those verbal statements in writing.
For Sellers: Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law
A well-written contract can protect you,
About the author: Julie Fershtman, is one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners. A lawyer for 35 years, she is a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan. She has successfully litigated cases in 20 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried cases in 4 states. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and received the American Bar Association (ABA) “Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award.” Her speaking engagements span 29 states. Her latest book is the 372-page book published in 2019 by the ABA called “Equine Law & Horse Sense.” This book has won four national awards. Find it on Amazon, and look for the horse on the cover. For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
13
Sport psychology
Stress is a Drain on Your Brain Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach
The job of a riding instructor comes with
lion is threatening you. During a stressful
other part of your body, causing that area
a wheelbarrow full of stress. Dealing with
event, an increase in cortisol can provide the
to atrophy. When your brain keeps acti-
clients, monitoring horse health, the long,
energy required to deal with prolonged or
vating stress responses, it may strengthen
physically demanding workday, and mak-
extreme challenges.
the amygdala, the roughly almond-shaped
ing ends meet can take a heavy toll on your
mass of gray matter inside each hemisphere
physical and mental health. It’s well-docu-
Brain Drain
mented that stress can affect blood pressure,
Cortisol helps your mind and body handle
heart rate and the immune system, but did
stress in the short term, but the chronic re-
you know it can have both short- and long-
lease of the hormone can physically change
This strengthening of the amygdalae may, in
term effects on your brain?
your brain including affecting brain size and
turn, make the size of the prefrontal cortex
its genetic makeup.
smaller. I’m pretty sure that as a riding in-
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
of your brain that’s involved with the experiencing of emotions.
structor, a decrease in the part of your brain
When you perceive a situation to be chal-
According to a 2008 “Indian Journal of
that deals with planning and decision-mak-
lenging, threatening, or uncontrollable, your
Psychiatry” article, long-term exposure to
ing is not an ideal situation!
brain initiates a series of processes that ulti-
cortisol can shrink the prefrontal cortex, the
mately results in an increase in the produc-
area of your brain involved with planning and
But wait, there’s more. Long-term stress is
tion of steroid hormones called glucocorti-
making decisions. Another study outlined
also linked to a smaller hippocampus, the
coids, including cortisol, often referred to as
in a 2016 issue of the “European Society of
part of the brain responsible for emotional
the “stress hormone.”
Endocrinology” also found that elevated lev-
processing and memory. In addition, stress
els of cortisol were linked to a decreased vol-
can affect your brain’s DNA.
Cortisol,
which
is
normally
produced
ume of the prefrontal cortex.
throughout the day, helps provide a cycle of
Stress Wreaks Havoc on Emotions
energy and during periods of stress, cortisol
One theory to explain this distressing re-
Stress also reduces the brain’s ability to
can help you deal with extreme challenges.
duction of brain size likens it to when you
change and adapt or its plasticity. When
This is the flight, fight or freeze response
exercise one part of your body and increase
the brain has less flexibility to change you
designed to keep you safe if, say, a mountain
that area’s muscle size while neglecting an-
may have a harder time managing your
14
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
emotions and you are more likely to en-
Use the power of positive speech to erase
Instead, be sure and get lots of protein and
gage in self-criticism and worry. Reasoning
negative stressors in your vocabulary. At
hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
and problem-solving skills as well as learn-
first, it won’t be easy but the only way to
ing ability and memory are also affected by
achieve it is with persistence. Make nega-
Control your environment
high stress levels and chronic stress levels.
tive thought stopping part of your routine.
You can’t control everything, but you can
Does this stress you even more? No worries. I got you.
Just breathe Do you wish you had a dollar for every
your life who “pushes all your buttons”?
It’s obvious you need to get a lid on your
time you told a student to just breathe
Either don’t spend time with that person
stress to prevent those negative effects
when riding? Take a cue from your own
or change the way you relate to them.
from happening but don’t worry, I have
playbook and breathe. Slow breathing has
some ideas to help you manage. You need a
been shown to reduce negative emotions,
Don’t focus on the past
collection of tools to help you deal with the
so take a moment to close your eyes and
When you focus on one moment or a se-
stressors in your life.
assess how you are feeling. This perception
ries of events in the past, you are allowing
of inner bodily sensations such as heartbeat,
that to control your life. My favorite quote
respiration, or satiety as well as perception
about this is from Louise Hay: “Would
of the autonomic nervous system activity
you really dig in to yesterday’s garbage
involved in emotions is called interoception.
to make tonight’s meal? Do you dig into
The first step is to identify the limiting
Then, focus on your breath to stimulate your
old mental garbage to create tomorrow’s
beliefs you have, such as fear of failure or
vagus nerve to transmit visceral signals to the
experiences?”
fear of success. You should also evaluate
brain which will get you back into a calmer
your judgments about yourself and others.
state, while increasing your compassion and
Banish the old mental garbage. The past is
When you stop being so judgmental, you
kindness.
done.
1. Plant your feet on the ground or floor
Free Self-Hypnosis MP3
Stress Tamers Don’t Be Judgmental
will start to feel fewer negative emotions like jealousy or anger that will add to your stress levels.
Stop Negative Thoughts Stress is a major component in most of our lives and can become a persistent, negative
and intentionally settle yourself 2. Inhale deeply to the count of four while inflating your belly 3. Linger at the end of the inhale for two seconds
control who you spend your time with and how to react to them. Is there someone in
Life moves fast and finding time to relax often falls to the bottom of our to-do list. My free MP3 allows a chance for you to regroup and relax at home or even in the tack room. I created the self-hypnosis
factor that leads to disease. The more stress
4. Exhale completely to the count of eight
session “Basic Relaxation for Life” to help
you experience, the more you tend to focus
5. Pause for the count of two
you learn to relax no matter where you are
on it; you give it life, energy and language.
6. Repeat
or what is happening, so you can maintain
You say, “I am so stressed out,” “Life is very
your tranquility and safeguard your health.
stressful for me right now,” and/or “I’m un-
Play Time
der a lot of stress.” And once you do that,
Make time to nourish your spirit with fun.
Go to http://www.laurakinghypnosis.
you tell your subconscious what to produce
Connect with a friend, laugh, draw, play
com/product/free-basic-relaxation-for-
in your life: more stress.
games, dance, throw a ball with your dog.
life to access my free MP3 titled “Basic Relaxation for Life.”
Remember that your thoughts create your
Shut-Eye is Key
reality. This following seemingly simple
Fatigue is a powerful stressor and it’s es-
Need help addressing your challenges or
exercise consists of four steps to help you
sential to commit to getting enough sleep.
achieving your goals? Sessions available
banish negative self-talk:
Good nutrition
in-person, virtually, or phone.
1. Become aware of the negative self-talk
We all know that dealing with stress can
2. Stop it as soon as it occurs
lead to downing a pint of ice cream or a
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3. Replace the negative talk with positive talk
super-sized order of French fries, but if you
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Email: SummitHypnosis@gmail.com
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thoughts pop into your head
junk to return to its optimum balance.
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
15
Sponsor Spotlight
Wintec Saddles Wide horse? No worries! Wintec 2000 Wide All Purpose The Wintec 2000 Wide All Purpose saddle offers your students exceptional comfort with a refined design that allows an effortless leg position and perfect balance. Wide horses will enjoy the super-soft panels which mold in and around their muscles, for a closer and more stable fit. This is a saddle specially designed to provide that close contact feeling for riders with wide horses. Help your students and their horses find their perfect saddle at www.wintec-saddles.com
16
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
ructor.com www.riding-inst
tion Official Publican Riding of The America Association Instructors
Spring 2022
Moving? Don’t miss a single issue… Phone or e-mail us with your new email address. 603-605-5275 aria@riding-instructor.com
American Riding Instructor Certification Program Nationally recognized certification for 38 years ____________ National standards of excellence and integrity
American Riding Instructors Association P.O. Box 366 Alton, NH 03809-0366 Phone 603-605-5275 e-mail aria@riding-instructor.com web www.riding-instructor.com
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
17
A Firefly Life By Lydia Fairchok
Is there anything in the Midwest quite so
likely noticed that the chemical reaction
Fortunately, we don’t have to hit a
beautiful as fireflies on a summer evening?
continues even after the firefly has a fatal
windshield to leave an afterglow. Teaching
When I see them sparkling by the hundreds
encounter with your windshield. What was
is an ongoing opportunity to shine into
over my pasture or making constellations
once an insect is suddenly a smear on the
the lives of your students because it allows
across a soybean field, I cannot help but
glass — but the flicker of light remains until
us the chance to influence how someone
pause and appreciate the gift of this magnif-
the luciferin is spent.
sees themselves, their horses, and their problems. Riders develop confidence and
icent display. Sometimes I stop my car and roll down the window to better enjoy the
I can’t say that I envy the firefly’s abrupt
self-esteem by having someone express
sight before continuing on my way.
death, but I am impressed by its ability to
belief in their abilities and invest in their
produce an afterglow: fireflies are so full of
well-being. They are shaped by how we
Fireflies produce light to ward off preda-
the ingredients for light that a continuing
behave towards horses and other humans,
tors and communicate amongst each other
glow is their natural outcome. It makes
how we meet challenges, and how we
throughout their brief adult lives.
This
me wonder if my life will be like a firefly.
manage our own time and resources.
unique ability is the result of a chemical re-
Will my family, friends, and students
When we change a person’s perspective on
action between oxygen, calcium, enzymes,
experience light from the way I lived? Am I
these things, we change their perspective
and an organic compound called luciferin
so full of the right things that I cannot help
on life — which means the potential for
in their abdomens. If you have ever driven
but leave a lasting impact?
ripple effects are endless.
down a country road at twilight, you have
18
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
All ripples start with qualities that people have been appreciating in one another for as long as civilization has existed. As early as 48 AD, pastoral teachers have recorded love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control as ideal character traits. Compare this to an excerpt from a list of positive character elements in a 2021 public school curriculum: honesty, integrity, respect, loyalty, self-control, fairness, kindness, compassion, patience, and generosity. Despite almost two thousand years of separation,
Teaching is an ongoing opportunity “to shine into the lives of your students
because it allows us the chance to influence how someone sees themselves, their horses, and their problems.
”
these lists really aren’t so different—and they all contribute to excellent horsemanship in their own way. By demonstrating each of these qualities to our students, we can have far-reaching effects on
Com p Onl lete Se y $2 t 95
how they interact with humans and horses alike. In order to impart positive things to our students, we must already possess them within ourselves. If you’re not sure which way your character is trending, examine how you treat the people closest to you. Our families are usually the first to suffer from our faults, and they are often the most qualified to speak truth into our lives. Next
Revolutionary Coach to Rider Communication
check your media, your social circle, your habits, and how you use your down time. Are these external factors contributing to your internal wholeness, or are you inadvertently allowing negative influences to take root? Much like we bring our students and horses back to basics in order to build advanced skills, all character development should start with the groundwork of a long, hard look at ourselves. This is how we create and maintain the inner components for a light-giving life. Fireflies don’t choose whether or not to be full of the ingredients for light, but we do. We don’t have to wonder whether or not we will make an impact – we can ensure it. A life rightly lived never goes unnoticed. Leaving an afterglow is the conscious outcome of filling ourselves with good character and exhibiting it on a daily basis. It means taking time to care deeply about our students and horses, treating everyone with respect, and never wavering from doing the right thing. It means staying the course even when the windshield of life hits us harder than we ever thought possible. Living a firefly life certainly isn’t easy, but when you see the beauty of a thousand luminescent flashes over a summer
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soybean field, keep your own glow going and remember that it is worth it. About the author: Lydia Fairchok is certified in Recreational Riding Level 1, and lives and teaches with her three horses in Central Indiana. Lydia segued from a full time instruction career to the field of public safety in 2014 and continues to teach a small number of students while working as a police officer and 9-1-1 dispatcher.
Your E-Mail Address is important - for us and for you! ARIA communicates primarily by e-mail with its members. Please make sure we have a working e-mail address for you. If you’re not sure, write to us at aria@riding-instructor.com and let us know your current e-mail address. Lydia and Orion. Photo by Hope Anne Photography
Thanks!
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
19
Cameo’s Cauldron see grow over the summer to bloom brightly … in which Cameo Miller stirs her thoughts and ideas to see what rises to the top.
and bring forth fruit this fall or in years to come. There are so many wonderful varieties to our profession, are you going to try a new one or two this year? Are you going to introduce some new ones to your students? Maybe you need to find new ways to fertilize the ideas you already have planted in previous years, or new cultivation methods to encourage better growth. Maybe bring in guest teachers or clinicians now that the world is opening up again. Maybe use gymkana or exercises with poles and/or cones to make learning skills more fun as well as helping students get a clearer idea of what to do and how to do it. Maybe have
THE SEED THAT, WITH LOVE, BECOMES By Cameo Miller
Illustration by Bethany Caskey
“
What seeds are planted in you that have not yet felt the sun and been allowed to grow?
”
some of your more advanced students do a
flowers and vegetables possible. We need all of
few lessons with the less advanced ones (un-
your wonderful new ideas to open and flour-
der your supervision, of course). You can’t help
ish in the world. Are there seeds that others
but learn a great deal when you try to teach
planted in you long ago that have lain dor-
something—it must be very clear to you to
mant but now need to be allowed into the sun
teach it, and the questions you get make you
to bear fruit? What could help you to revitalize
think in ways you never do when you are only
yourself as well as your teaching program?
doing something. Do you have timid students or those who are having trouble finding their
I think all of this is especially important
balance? Have you ever watched vaulting?
now. We have endured two long years of
Perhaps having someone experienced with
having to be hidden away in our homes.
vaulting come to teach a few lessons would
Of being buried under privation, stress,
help. Could you exchange lessons with some
and distress. Of dealing with personal and
of their students who might like to expand out
professional loss. But it is Spring and there
into other areas?
are signs that the sun may again shine and the climate around us may bring new hope
There’s another important question. What
for the future. Is it Fall where you are? That
seeds are planted in you that have not yet felt
means relief from unbearable heat, life giv-
A favorite song of mine is The Rose, and my
the sun and been allowed to grow? There are
ing rains on some continents, and the abil-
favorite part is the end: ‘Just remember, far
so many reasons our own seeds—our dreams,
ity to go outside again more comfortably.
beneath the bitter snow, lies the seed that
the things we hope to do one day—are left to
We have survived the bitterness and the
with the sun’s love, in the spring, becomes The
languish without being nurtured into fruition.
deprivation. We have found a way through
Rose.’ I think this is an especially relevant sen-
Sometimes our seeds of dreams are left in the
the worst of the weather. Now is the time to
timent right now. For some of us in the north,
packet so long that they wither. We have to go
allow all the seeds in and around us to flour-
we have endured a lot of snow and ice. For
through the seed packets sometimes—some
ish. As Bette Midler wrote and sang: When
those in the south, you also have seeds that
need to go back on the shelf for awhile until
the night has been too lonely/and the road
need attending to at this time of year. Which
other things are taken care of first. Sometimes
has been too long…/Just remember in the
started me thinking about the seeds we need
we need to discard ones which are no longer
winter/far beneath the bitter snow/lies the
to begin planting, and the ones which still lie
valid and replace them with ones which suit
seed that with the sun’s love/in the spring,
buried deep.
our current and future situations better. But
becomes The Rose.
sometimes we need to plant a few to see what Obviously, I am not talking about plant seeds,
sprouts. Perhaps this is the year to finally
although many of us have fields to reseed or
pay attention to the seeds within you. They
gardens to tend. But ones like ideas, new skills,
will never sprout while in the packet, and the
or things to attempt. Seeds you would like to
world needs all of the beautiful and bountiful
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Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
About the author: Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psychologist and a Level IV ARIA Certified Instructor based in Michigan. She is a member of the ARIA Evaluation Panel and an ARIA National Test Center Administrator.
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ARICP—PO Box: 366 Alton, NH 03809 Tel 603-605-5275 • e-mail aria@riding-instructor.com • Web www.riding-instructor.com Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
21
Shelter in the Storm By Didi Arias
Leaving the room where the family has
bus should a blizzard whip up. I had grown
membership in something truly special. As
the television on, I retreat to my office to
up in a place that had harsh winters but had
blizzards aren´t the only storms we face in
avoid the breaking news flashes and non-
never heard of such a setup before, and while
life, an escape to the barn can give comfort
stop talking head chatter. It is the last
it sounded like a good idea I wasn´t sure if
like no place else during bad, sad or just-
days of February and just as things were
they were pulling my leg or not. However,
needing-a-break times. I have a friend
starting to feel more hopeful in the world,
my doubts were put aside once I heard
who rightly treats her facility like a sacred
it looked like they were headed to Hell in a
author and humourist Garrison Keillor tell
space. She asks her clients to respect that
handbasket instead. Though I would rather
a tale of this exact same arrangement when
as well as each other in the common desire
be in the barn right now, burying my face
he was a child. I was pleased to know that it
to be there with, and for, the horses. The
in a still-fluffy winter coat, duty calls and I
was a real and kind thing and not just a story
topics of world affairs, politics and such
must crack on with this article. But man, as
that Minnesotans tell gullible outsiders!
matters are best left outside the door and
soon as it’s finished, I´m going to seek out
shouldn´t enter her equine sanctuary. Her
that sweet equine refuge and let my mind
In our profession we work to teach safe
clients appreciate her refreshing approach
drift away from war and illness, suffering
riding skills in a well-suited environment:
and one gets a feeling that there is a sigh of
and tragedy as I breath in all that horsey
a physical safety. Yet there is the other type
relief hanging over the place.
goodness. The barn is my shelter in the
of safety that our surrounds provide too, an
storm and when times get trying, I know
emotional one. Just as I want and need the
It feels so good to be able to say “sure!” to
exactly where I´m headed.
relief an escape to the barn can provide,
a student who rings and asks if they can
our students do too (one of the reasons
come down to the barn “because they miss
I remember once being told by a family
we all like hanging out there so much). It
it”, or when they ask if they may just sit
in the Midwest about how their child had
is like it is a storm home for the emotions
and watch a lesson or groom a horse. One
been assigned a “Storm Home” at school.
where we can momentarily hide out from
of my shelter seekers was the lady who just
They explained that it was a system where
the outside issues that rage at us. Of course
liked to come down and sweep – anything!
a helping family would offer their home to a
the horses are the top draw, as well as
How can one deny a sweeper? Providing an
child unable to get back home on the school
the fact that being a part of barn life is a
ambiance of “good feels” is part of the job
22
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
description, I feel, and the fact that I am in
unpleasant locations while still being
her answer: she went on a ride with her
a position where I can offer that to people
there. One evening she inadvertently
horse. Of course she did.
is hugely satisfying.
found herself alone in a dingy bar, having confused the meetup point with her
When a trip to the barn isn´t possible but
husband. As the sole female surrounded by
a fix for inner quiet is definitely needed,
beer chugging, cigarette smoking, pool and
suggest to those in need that they mull
dart playing strangers, she primly sat down
over some particularly pleasant barn time.
and ordered a rosé. She was served a beer.
Those memories can be very settling. I like
Eventually her husband walked in, relieved
to involve my senses to get me through to
to finally find her. She kept her eyes closed
the next visit, so may enjoy viewing photos
as he asked if she was alright.
We never let her live that story down.
or videos of the horses and some good rides. For those that are more hands-on, get
“Yes” she replied.
those boots polished to a sparkle; not only does it accomplish a task but also gives a
“But what is wrong? Why are your eyes
nice sense of anticipation and readiness for
closed?” he asked.
the next trip to the barn. Something that got me through a horseless desert of a time
“I am pretending I am somewhere else”,
when I moved away were my humble riding
was her serene response.
gloves. An instructor at the time advised I take them with me.
When alone I asked her where her “somewhere else” was. I should have anticipated
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Didi Arias is a Level 3 ARIA Certified Instructor and national dressage judge and teacher, who resides in Almeria, Spain.
“But I won´t be riding” I moaned. But apparently, that wasn´t the point. It seems that whenever I had The Longing, I was to close my eyes and take in their heavenly, horse-sweaty scent. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Repeat. I am sure that it is of no
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surprise to anyone here that this actually works. In fact, I have a friend who packs her riding gloves whenever she has to go away on executive business trips. “Seriously, you take your gloves with you?” I asked her.
Purchase liability insurance online today! “Yup. They remind me of what I have to look forward to when I return. I wouldn´t leave home without them.” she winked. I guess it is a matter of each of us finding our own personal calm and safe place. Not
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Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
23
Ukrainian Easter Eggs With An Age-Old Equine Twist Written by Shya Beth You may have seen real chicken eggs decorated with bright colors, in-
In the weeks preceding Easter, women and girls would gather at
tricate designs and symbols around Easter time, but did you know this
night and start working on creating pysanky that would be given
ancient craft is intertwined with horses and is practiced around the
to family, friends, priests, left at loved ones’ graves and even given
world? Now thought more of a decorative art form, historically these
to the farm animals for protection. There is a ritualistic, perhaps,
eggs were thought to be incredibly powerful in Ukrainian tradition.
mystic element involved, a calling out to the gods and goddesses for health, fertility, love, and wealth. There is a yearning for eternity, for
The first thing to know about Pysanky, also spelled Pysanka, is that it
the sun and stars and a mysterious element, transcending through
is an ancient Ukrainian art form that translates to “to write” or “to in-
time.
scribe”, as the colorful and often complex designs are not painted, but drawn on, using beeswax as ink. The egg is the canvas, and the message
Each region, town and family had their own designs, symbols and
is hidden in a language all of its own through the colors and symbols
meanings that were passed down from mother to daughter for gen-
that are dyed and written on the egg’s shell. The art form is practiced
erations. Although some meanings and designs have been lost to
throughout central European countries, but Ukraine is the epicenter of
time, there have been many books, website groups, and festivals
the craft, and its history runs deep within Ukrainian culture.
dedicated to preserving its history.
24
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
Writing Eggs
Other designs, like spirals or curls, were meant to capture demons
Let’s go over colors and symbols, as they are incredibly important.
within the lines and offer protection, while wheat meant wishes
First, the design is created. With well over 100 symbolic patterns and
for good health and harvest. Pine needles were for eternal youth,
symbols, there is quite a variety of possibilities. Plant and geometric
Poppies for great joy and beauty, along with triangles meaning the
motifs are the most popular, but animals are commonly found as
four elements of heaven, hell and earth.
well. The Hutsuls, located in the mountainous western region, commonly use animals in their designs, and horse designs, often called
Once a design has been chosen, a stylus-like pen, called a kistka,
“Hutsul horses” are one of the most famous equine designs that is
that holds wax would be used to “write” the designs on the shells,
known to come from that region.
creating a wax resist. Colors are not painted (Though there is a separate art form for that, as well as at least nine other traditional
Two of the most powerful and significant animals are the horse
styles!), but rather each egg is dyed from natural or chemical dyes.
and the stag. Horses are a very popular motif in pysanky, because
Starting with the natural color of the shell, usually white, the kistka
they symbolize strength and endurance, as well as wealth and
is used to cover the selected white areas. Then, the lightest color is
prosperity. Both horses and stags are sun symbols, with the legend
dyed onto the shell, and the wax resist is applied to the areas that
being that the steeds of the sun god, Dazhboh, carried the sun
need that particular color. It continues on, step by step, covering the
from underground to the skies every morning and across the sky
areas of color, dying the egg, and waxing it again until reaching the
towards the west, to the land of death. As time went on, these beliefs
darkest color, typically black.
were carried over to stags as well. Rams represent leadership and strength, and other animal designs were often linked to their real-
Another aspect is to note that, until recently, all pysanky eggs were
life animal counterparts, wishing them good health and fertility
left whole. The gooey insides would dry over time, and would some-
for the coming year.
times form into a hard ball or dry onto the inner sides of the egg.
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
25
Nowadays, most pysanky artists blow out the egg whites and yoke,
shells to continue on - especially during this dark time for Ukraine.
using a special tool or air compressor.
Photos provided by mistybrookmeadows.com
Different horse designs are found on eggs throughout the ages and regions, and now throughout the world. Although it is thought that pysanky eggs date back well before pre-Christian times– perhaps
90 YEARS OF EQUESTRIAN LEADERSHIP
even to early Slavic cultures, and some even think back to paleolithic times. Due to the fragile nature of the eggshell, the oldest pysanky found in Ukraine dates back to the 15th or 16th centuries, but the myths and legends have withstood the test of time.
Modern Day Pysanky Today the practice of pysanky is alive and well not only in Ukraine, but across the world, and Pysanky isn’t the only way artists decorate eggs. There is also egg etching, where a natural color egg or dyed egg is literally scratched until the lighter color beneath is revealed in an intricate pattern or design, and another popular egg art style is that of carved eggshells. Intricate designs are carved using a high speed drill into the shell, and sometimes shells are even layered. One art studio creates eggs that have a carved border, with another half of an egg with a carved horse head motif is placed on top of it, giving a two-tone, three-dimensional effect. This craft has been preserved for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years, and continues to be honored and preserved around the world. It proves that no matter how small or seemingly meaningless an object can be turned into something of beauty, wonder, and joy. During difficult times, these eggs give off a powerful, timeless feel of hope and inspiration, a moment of resistance within these fragile
26
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
On-campus equestrian center
Center for Equine Medicine
Careerfocused curriculum
williamwoods.edu/EQS
573-592-4221 | admissions@williamwoods.edu
1. Olivia C’s supple, balanced sitting trot shows the development of both her equitation skills and her relationship with the horse. {Dartmouth Athletics}
The Torture-Free Sitting Trot
This excerpt from “The Athletic Equestrian,” by ARIA Certified Instructor Sally Batton and Christina Keim, helps intercollegiate riders improve their skills “Riders, please sit the trot.”
fect” sitting trot may never happen. But that doesn’t mean a rider shouldn’t work little by little to make her sitting trot the best it can
Few words can more effectively elicit an involuntary groan from a rider
be on that day, with that horse, to the best of her ability.
than these. For many riders, training their seat to follow the bounce of the horse’s back in the sitting trot can seem to be an insurmountable
Some instructors struggle to describe to students exactly how to sit
task. But despite the challenge, there are several reasons why all riders
the trot. Instead, they offer platitudes like, “You need to relax,” or
should set a goal of improving their ability to sit the trot.
“You just need to follow the horse.” While both of these statements are true, it has been my experience that most students need more
First, riders with a supple, balanced seat in the sitting trot are better
guidance than this to actually sit the trot effectively. Riders need
able to use this tool to refine the shape, length, balance, and power
to understand the mechanics of what actually happens with their
of their horse’s trot. Second, for riders who compete, the sitting trot
bodies during a balanced sitting trot.
is a popular test used by judges to separate a competitive equitation class, both on the flat and over fences. But perhaps most importantly,
To sit the trot effectively, the rider uses her gluteal muscles and the
when a rider can harmoniously sit the trot, she is truly working with
muscles of her abdominal core to stay connected with the saddle
her horse as a partner. A supple, balanced sitting trot is a badge of
during the moment of suspension—the same muscles that control
honor, one that shows the rider’s commitment to developing both her
rider balance and the following movement of the pelvis in the walk.
equitation skills and her relationship with her horse (Photo 1).
These same muscles support the torso and pelvis through the transition from the walk to the sitting trot and help to maintain contact
Developing the sitting trot is a process that takes time, and rid-
with the saddle throughout the trot stride.
ers must be patient. The process can be challenging, and it can be frustrating, and the truth is that for some rider-athletes, the “per-
Ready to try? Let’s get started.
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
27
through the transition and find your sitting trot (Photo 3). It doesn’t matter if the horse is not going very fast in the trot at this stage. As soon as you start to bounce, come back to the walk and try again. It doesn’t matter if you only sit trot for one or two steps. What you are trying to do is retrain your brain so that the body mechanics of the walk to sitting trot transition become following rather than stiffening. This process will take time. For some riders, the idea of following through the transition with their seat is a lightbulb moment and is all the info they need to begin more effectively sitting the trot.
2. Jinae shows that feeling you get when you try to sit the trot and it is just not happening. Check out her horse’s feelings about it! {Ashley Yeaton}
Follow Through the Transition
Excerpted from the new book The Athletic Equestrian: Over 40 Exercises for Good Hands, Power Legs, and Superior Seat Awareness by Sally Batton and Christina Keim. Published by Trafalgar Square Books horseandriderbooks.com/store/the-athletic-equestrian.html.
When attempting sitting trot, most riders will establish the posting trot first, then transition from posting to sitting and try to find the following rhythm with their seat from there. But frequently, when a novice rider uses her leg aid to tell the horse to “go,” she stiffens in other areas of her body—especially the hips and core. Now we have a situation in which the rider has squeezed or kicked her horse into the trot (and perhaps is still kicking to maintain the trot) and as she posts along, she has stiffened in every joint that needs to be supple in order to effectively sit to this bouncy gait (Photo 2). How well do you think the transition from posting to sitting trot will go?
Exercise: Walk-to-Sitting-Trot Transition
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Sally Batton was the head coach of the Dartmouth College Division I Varsity Equestrian Team for 30 years. She is the past Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Steward and in 2013 was presented with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions and leadership within the organization. In 2020, Coach Batton was inducted into the inaugural class of the IHSA Hall of Fame. Batton is a certified instructor with both the United States Hunter Jumper Association and the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA); in 2008, she was named ARIA Instructor of the Year. She is the founder and president of the Athletic Equestrian League. Christina Keim, M. Ed., M.F.A., is an award-winning narrative journalist with nearly 1,000 published articles to her credit. She is a senior lecturer in the Equine Studies Program at the University of New Hampshire, where she has also been the head coach of their Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association hunt seat team since 2004.
Try this instead. Establish an active, positive, forward, working walk with a swinging, following seat. Take a few strides with your eyes closed (if it is safe to do so) and focus on the following movement of your pelvis and seat, making the “U” shape through each stride.
SIT ON MEMORY FOAM
Now, gently cue the horse to pick up the trot, but instead of posting, focus on maintaining the following “U” shape with the seat. Follow
To determine if there is enough weight in your seat in the sitting trot, imagine that you are sitting on a piece of memory foam. As your seat follows the horse’s back by making a “U” shape in each stride, picture the foam compressing beneath you just enough to leave an impression. When your weight 3. Amanda closed her legs for a sitting trot while keeping her seat soft and following, leading to a harmonious sitting trot. {Ashley Yeaton} 28
Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
switches to the other side, the impression will disappear.
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Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, N.Y. 13035 www.cazenovia.edu 1.800.654.3210 Spring 2022 | Riding Instructor
29
