HEALTH
YOUR HORSE AND
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROLF DANNENBERG
B Vitamins
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oday’s horse owners are no doubt aware of the importance of vitamins in the diets of their horses, but many may not be aware of the role vitamins play in equine nutrition. Vitamins in their fresh natural form are organic substances found in grains and forages. They are important as cofactors, or facilitators, for different metabolic function, and deficiencies of them can cause disease conditions. Vitamins, unlike many of the nutrients we feed our horses, cannot be broken down for energy, and they provide no other nutrients to the horse. They have widely different structures and are soluble in either fat or water depending on their structure. Vitamins
Are you providing enough? By Shelagh Niblock, PAS
are classified according to their solubility. The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K, and the water-soluble vitamins include the large group of B vitamins and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The natural forms of most vitamins are present in plant material or the plant material contains the precursors necessary for the horse to manufacture them, either metabolically themselves or through a mutually beneficial association with gut microbes. The fat-soluble vitamins are stored primarily in the liver, and for that reason, it is possible to feed the horse more than required. On the other hand, the water-soluble vitamins of the B group and vitamin C are excreted in the urine or manure if fed in higher quantities than required; consequently, toxicities of these vitamins are rare.
PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/EDOMA
T
Fresh forage is the best way to provide your horse with B vitamins.
Fresh forage is the best source of vitamins
Fresh pasture is still the best source of vitamins and vitamin precursors for both the fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamin categories. Grains can be a good source of some vitamins as well. Differences in both processing and preserving forages and grains can affect the amount and viability of the vitamins present naturally. Similarly, storing forage as hay will result in a rapid decline of natural vitamins in forages. All complete feeds available for horses are supplemented with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. There is, however, no requirement under Canada’s Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations for horses to include water-soluble vitamins in complete feeds, primarily because it has been difficult to prove under research conditions that there is an improvement in equine health if they are added. B vitamins, even if they are supplemented, cannot be listed on the tag of the feed you buy if the feed is not registered with the Canadian Feed Inspection Agency (CFIA), but manufacturers of high quality equine feeds often do include at least B1 thiamine, B2 riboflavin, and B3 niacin in the formulation of their equine complete feeds. There is no requirement for vitamin C supplementation in equine feed in Canada because horses are capable of manufacturing their own.
Is my horse getting enough vitamin C?
Horses manufacture their own vitamin C in the liver, but because
vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it has been of interest to researchers as a potentially valuable addition to the diets of performance horses. What research has shown, though, is that it takes a lot of vitamin C (over three grams daily) to actually make a difference in serum levels of ascorbic acid, and as a result, it is difficult to provide it in amounts great enough to make a significant difference to the horse. In addition, there has been some suggestion in research that supplementing performance horses with vitamin C may actually down-regulate their own ability to manufacture it. For this reason, it is advisable to step-down gradually the inclusion of vitamin C in the diet of your horse if you have been supplementing it.
Is my horse getting enough B vitamins?
The group of B vitamins of interest in equine diets includes choline, B1 thiamine, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothenic acid, B6 pyroxidine, B7 biotin, B9 folic acid, and B12 cobalamin. All except B12 are provided in fresh forage or by the mutually beneficial metabolic processes of the gut microbes. Cobalamin B12 is manufactured by the microbes in the small and large intestine of the horse only and not found in forage. Horses need a source of cobalt in their diets to facilitate the manufacture of cobalamin SPRING 2021
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HEALTH
BREATHTAKING A Close Look at Equine
Respiratory Diseases
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/RITA KOCHMARJOVA
By Purdue Extension
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Recurrent Airway Obstruction Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) is a familiar disease that has changed names several times over the years. Also known as heaves or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the disease affects the horse’s lung. It is an inflammatory disease that causes constriction of the lower airways and accumulation of mucus. Human asthma has been used as a model for RAO research and can provide some insight as to what a horse might be experiencing.
PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/TSTOCKPHOTO
The equine respiratory tract is responsible for many different functions and is, on a basic level, quite similar to the human respiratory tract. One of its primary functions is the exchange of oxygen between the lungs and the red blood cells, which allows oxygen to be delivered to tissues throughout the body and becomes especially important during exercise when the oxygen consumption of the tissues increases. Another important function is the clearance of irritants such as dust, ammonia, and bacteria, from the respiratory tract. This is done by filtering large dust particles in the nose, coughing, sneezing, and trapping irritants in the airway mucus. However, excess nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, and mucus secretion are all signs that a horse may be suffering from respiratory problems. Respiratory diseases can result from or be exacerbated by exposure to dust and other airborne irritants. Dust as well as bacteria, mold, and ammonia levels can irritate the horse’s respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties. Dust particles come from a variety of sources including feed and bedding. Several studies have shown that wood shavings have a lower dust content than straw, and alternative forages such as hay cubes are less dusty than ordinary hay. The way in which equine facilities are managed and horses exercised can have significant effects on their exposure to respiratory irritants. This article will focus on respiratory diseases and conditions that often are seen during, or as a result of, exercise. The respiratory system is extensively studied because it is thought to be one of the main factors that limits a horse’s ability to perform at full potential.
Nasal discharge, laboured breathing, and cough are among the symptoms of recurrent airway obstruction.
RAO has signs similar to many other respiratory conditions, which can lead to difficulty in its diagnosis. A horse suffering from RAO may exhibit the following signs: • Cough • Nasal discharge • Laboured breathing • Reduced performance • Flared nostrils • Pronounced line along abdominal cavity RAO signs increase during exercise or when the horse is exposed to an especially dusty environment. Although specific respiratory tests can be performed, a veterinarian will usually make a diagnosis based upon clinical history, physical examination, and if the signs are reduced by administration of certain medications. Proper management of RAO can lead to a reduction in the clinical signs of the disease. One of the most important factors when considering management of a horse with RAO is reducing exposure to dust. Dust can be reduced by making changes to the stable environment and to the horse’s diet. Several studies have shown that even good quality hay has much higher dust content than other available forages, such as hay cubes. If replacing hay with another forage type is not an option, thoroughly soaking the horse’s hay with water prior to feeding has been shown to reduce the dust levels. A veterinarian can suggest ways to gradually change a horse’s diet and address RAO. Switching bedding is another way to reduce dust exposure in a stable
environment. Straw has been shown to have a higher level of dust than wood shavings, wood chips, and various alternative pellet forms of bedding. Dust levels can be 16 times higher while cleaning stalls and during other routine barn tasks, such as sweeping the aisles. It is advisable to move a horse out of the barn during these dust-generating tasks and for a few hours after completion. There are various drug-based therapeutic agents that can be used to manage RAO, although they are not substitutes for making environmental changes and not effective if the sole method of treatment. As long as a horse does not have summer pasture-associated RAO, turnout on pasture for as long as possible is strongly recommended. Summer pasture-associated RAO is a form of RAO that particularly affects horses in warmer climates such as Georgia and Florida, although cases can be seen anywhere. Signs are similar to RAO but usually don’t manifest themselves until the horse is grazing on pasture during the late summer. This signifies a lowered tolerance or allergic reaction to particular allergens and molds prevalent at that time of year. The treatment for summer pasture-associated RAO is identical to regular RAO, with the addition of not turning the horse out on pasture during that time of year.
Inflammatory Airway Disease Young Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses often present clinical signs of inflammatory airway disease (IAD), although it can affect a SPRING 2021
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Here Comes the
Rain
Again
WET WEATHER HORSE CARE
By Brittani Kirkland, Extension Educator
Persistent and large amounts of rainfall can create challenges for equine care and have negative effects on your horse’s overall health. With rainfall comes an abundance of puddles and mud. Highly trafficked and concentrated areas in pastures can rapidly become slippery and muddy, which can be a burden to both horse and horse owner. Horse caretakers may find it cumbersome to walk in areas with excessive mud, and normal care and feeding routines may need to be adjusted. In addition, horses standing or walking in wet areas can experience an increase in hoof, soft tissue, 24
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and skin related health conditions. Pooling water can also serve as an ideal breeding ground for insects that can be a nuisance to horses and horse owners alike. However, with proper management and care you can reduce the negative impacts of these rainy times on yourself, your horse, and your farm.
Common Health Issues Exacerbated by Rainfall Many horse owners become frustrated during wet weather when their horse enjoys a roll in the mud and extra grooming is required. A horse may roll to cover their body in mud to discourage biting insects, but more often, rolling is intended to assist the horse in scratching
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/BRYANT AARDEMA
HEALTH
itchy areas. However, coats that are caked in mud can be troublesome as mud may compromise the horse’s skin, promoting a common irritation known as rain rot. Rain rot is a skin infection that often occurs during times of extended rainfall. It causes hair loss and can become a threat to the horse’s health, limiting work and riding. Keeping the horse’s coat clean and dry will deter rain rot. (See How to Diagnose, Treat & Prevent Rain Rot in Horses, page 22.) When standing in muddy areas, horses can develop scratches, also called greasy heel. This condition is similar to rain rot on the body of the horse, but is concentrated to the lower leg area. If a horse develops this condition, treatment can be difficult as it is hard to eliminate contact with wet mud or grass. Removing mud on the lower legs and allowing the leg areas to dry daily will minimize issues. Severe cases of scratches can cause lameness, therefore immediate treatment is imperative. While rain rot and scratches affect the
Pastern dermatitis, also called scratches, mud fever, and greasy heel, is caused by bacteria and fungus invading the skin due to prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions. It is characterized by crusted scabs on the lower legs, where longer hair can trap moisture and dirt against the skin. Treat by clipping the hair and removing the dirt, then gently remove the crusts with warm water and antibacterial soap. Dry by blotting with a clean towel, and avoid rubbing which may further damage the skin. Apply antibacterial ointment or cream at least once a day. Severe cases may require treatment from a veterinarian. horse’s skin, heavy rain can also impact the horse’s hooves. Thrush, hoof cracks, white line disease, and hoof abscesses are a few hoof conditions that become prominent in times of wet weather. To reduce occurrence, ensure that your horse can stand in a clean, dry environment. Also, pick out the hooves regularly and stay on a consistent trimming schedule (every six weeks is optimal, or based on your farrier’s advice) to promote overall hoof health. Be aware of the signs of hoof problems, such as foul smell and lameness, and reach out to your veterinarian and farrier if an issue is suspected. Treatment can vary depending on the condition. Horses standing, walking, or running in mud are susceptible to tendon and ligament injuries. These injuries are often identified by localized swelling, heat, and/ or lameness. If you think your horse has a tendon or ligament injury, seek care from your veterinarian. Limit the amount of the horse’s activity in muddy areas to help prevent these injuries. SPRING 2021
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Better Breathing in the
BARN
Dust Management in Horse Facilities By Purdue Extension
W
hy should horse owners be worried about the air quality in their equine facilities? Is there really anything that can be done to improve the quality once the barn is built? This article addresses these questions by providing management practices that can promote ideal air quality. The quality of air in barns and stables is important because high levels of dust, mold, and other airborne irritants often occur in horse environments. In particular, dust can lead to or aggravate respiratory health issues (see page 16, Breathtaking: A Close Look at Equine Respiratory Diseases). Both recurrent airway obstruction and inflammatory airway disease are examples of common diseases that can increase in severity upon exposure to dusty environments. 28
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The clinical signs of respiratory disease include cough, nasal discharge, wheezing, flared nostrils and laboured breathing, reduced performance, and exercise intolerance. Often overlooked is the fact that many of our equine companions spend at least half their day confined to the stable. As horse owners come and go throughout the day, they don’t always think about how a little bit of dust in the corner or a hint of ammonia in the air can have a profound affect on the health of their horses and stable employees. Steps can be taken to reduce prolonged exposure to those irritants.
Factors of Air Quality In the barn, airborne dust is composed of particulates from various sources, including soil, mold, bacteria, insects and mite fragments, hair, manure, and plant material, to name a few. Dusts and molds can be recognized by the naked eye and by smell, but most airborne particulates, even aerosolized molds, are microscopic (less than 10 microns) and cannot be seen. Dust particles are classified based upon size and expected penetration into the human airways: • Total dust • Inhalable dust • Thoracic dust
• Respirable dust • Fine particles • Ultrafine particles
Total dust represents all dust particles and is mostly composed of dust that can be
Many horses spend at least half their day inside the barn, where poor air quality can significantly impact their health.
physically cleaned from barns. Thoracic dust is a slightly smaller particle size than total dust, able to reach only the upper portion of a human’s airways. Respirable dust can reach the deepest airways and is so small in diameter that often it is not trapped by natural clearance mechanisms, such as mucus. This particle is of particular interest because it is thought to be important in the common lower airway diseases in horses. Ultrafine dust has yet to be thoroughly researched, but is so small it is thought to be able to slip into the bloodstream and lead to problems elsewhere in the body. While these size classifications are based upon the ability of particles to reach each portion of the human airway, we apply these conventions to evaluation of equine environs.
PHOTO: LEE CANNON/FLICKR
PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/TERRI CAGE
PHOTO: ISTOCK/CASTEOID
Messy barns are dusty! Improve air quality by cleaning up the barn and removing clutter that collects dust. SPRING 2021
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IN
BRAIN POWER How horses and humans learn, adapt, and grow. By Alexa Linton, Equine Sports Therapist Adaptability is an essential quality we think of in many contexts, and one synonymous with flexibility, learning, and growth. Yet, do we always overlay this quality on our horses and our training, or even more importantly, on the very thing that allows us to be adaptable in the first place — our nervous system? Have you ever met a horse or human who had a hard time learning or retaining a new skill, exhibited “bad” behaviour when under pressure, was challenged by changes such as moving, new environments, or with their schedule, companions, or training routine? I know I have, and I have also been that human, and had that horse. Often, we get labelled as overly sensitive, flighty, or even slow or challenged learners, but the reality is that each horse and human has a unique nervous system that functions, thrives, and learns in different ways and under different conditions. When I was a teen, I played soccer in a high-pressure and achievement-oriented 40
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league. I look back now and cringe, as I remember being skilled and successful in practice only to absolutely bomb in games. My coach, team, family, and myself had no clue how to deal with what was happening. I understand now, 20 years later, that my nervous system thrives in situations that are fun, varied, positive, and low pressure, like in practice. As soon as the game arrived and the external pressure (crowd, teammates, coach, expectations) and internal pressure (inner criticism, judgement) were on, I (my nervous system) collapsed into a puddle of goo. More accurately, I entered a space of parasympathetic collapse and sympathetic hyperactivation, leading to a system shutdown where optimal performance and retention of learned skills were nearly impossible. Hindsight has taught me a lot about this experience and how my unique system adapts (or doesn’t) and has made me very curious about how humans and horses
learn, adapt, and grow. I have also come to understand learning in terms of three zones. Imagine a bullseye — in the middle, the comfort zone; outside of this, the adaptability zone; and beyond that, the freak-out zone, where the nervous system is pushed well beyond its capacity, like Alexa in high-pressure soccer games. For a long time, training my horses did not equate to thinking about their learning styles, their personal freak-out zones (which are individual for each horse), or unique nervous systems. Instead, I applied what I had been taught by my coach/trainer, and if it really didn’t work (essentially if my horse became noticeably unhappy and resistant), I would try something different, but I would still not think specifically about learning styles. Because I was employing mainly negative reinforcement training, I could usually bully my way into being fairly effective and would see something that looked a whole lot
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROLF DANNENERG
like learning in my now 21-year-old mare, Diva. Looking back, I realize much of this “learning” was done by pushing her into the freak-out zone — through her fears, through her concerns — to desensitize her and “make” her okay with things. Now in hindsight, as I shift my focus and understanding of learning, I see that in many situations Diva did what she was told, often out of fear, but was not learning and adapting in a significant way. For example, with a basic skill like mounting, I can see that she was not fully comfortable with the process and did not fully understand what was being asked or how she needed to show up. This would present as her wanting to walk off immediately after I mounted, a behaviour that I would either laugh off or address after the fact. Instead, I should have broken the skill down and been clear about what I wanted, assessing what she was comfortable and ready for, and understanding how to prepare her system well for what was being asked. SPRING 2021
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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROLF DANNENBERG
Single Pole Exercises
One pole? There is still plenty to do. By Jec A. Ballou Simple exercises can sometimes be the most effective because riders are apt to practice them more consistently. And when it comes to movement and fitness, consistency matters above all. I often use the following single pole exercises in clinics because they offer an easy way to derive the postural benefits of pole work without the logistics and effort involved in setting up more complex routines. When you are short on time or dealing with poor weather, these exercises offer a convenient way of ensuring you do not miss the calisthenics your horse needs. Riders are occasionally surprised how a little rearranging of the horse’s posture, as required with single pole maneuvers, can create notable improvements. These postural adjustments include activating and lifting the base of the neck, greater rotation in the trunk and back, and stimulation of sensory nerves in feet and forelimbs. Obviously, these exercises alone will not make a horse fit. But when practiced 44
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for five or ten minutes before your ride, they help activate nerve pathways and deep postural muscles that might otherwise hibernate during periods of less overall exercise. Practiced with intention and focus, they can function similarly to the type of form drills performed by a dancer or sprinter prior to performing a routine. These exercises can be done from the saddle as well, although I generally encourage riders to do them from the ground so they develop a daily habit of observing their horse’s posture and alignment. Making them part of your pre-ride groundwork is a useful part of your warm-up. For set-up, you can use fence posts, jump poles, or whatever pole you have available that measures at least two metres long. By no means do you need to set these up in an arena. Since you only need a small amount of space, I encourage you to use an area outside your arena somewhere.
• Stand your horse parallel to a pole. Ask him to stand as close as possible to the pole, the closer the better. • Now ask him to keep his hind feet planted beside the pole while making a half turn on the haunches.
ILLUSTRATIONS: CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL
• He should end up facing the new direction but still parallel to the pole.
• Now halt and repeat a half turn on the haunches to change direction again. Some horses are very mindful of the pole’s presence, in which case there is no need to raise it off the ground. If, however, your horse repeatedly trips or swings in to the pole, it can help to raise the pole on risers.
THERAPEUTIC PADS
To aid in preventing and relieving many of your hoof care problems
CUSHION FROG PADS
Transitions Beside a Pole
In this exercise, the pole serves as an alignment tool. The horse is aware both visually and physically of the pole’s position and he therefore makes small postural adjustments to account for his own positioning beside it. In this way, his sensory nerves are stimulated with very little interference on your part. Remember, sensory nerves communicate with motor nerves. The more we support this communication, the more refined a horse’s movement can become.
Turns Beside a Pole s
Your horse’s positioning beside the pole is what helps resolve imbalances and postural anomalies in this exercise. It is imperative that you keep his hind feet as close as possible to the pole. If or when he tries to stiffen through his body, loses his balance, or falls forward on the forehand, his positioning will be compromised, and you will suddenly find yourself quite far away from the pole. If this happens, regroup and reposition, and then carry on.
• Ask him to step forward a couple of steps, remaining closely positioned next to the pole.
Aerial View
s
Turns Beside a Pole
Starting Position
SMALL: 6 1/2” x 5 7/8” x 1/16” LARGE: 8” x 7 1/2” x 1/8” TWO DEGREE: 6 1/2” x 5 7/8” x 5/16” TWO DEGREE LARGE: 8” x 8” x 5/16”
EGG BAR PADS
SMALL: 6” x 6 1/2” x 1/8” LARGE: 7 3/8” x 7 7/8” x 1/8” TWO DEGREE: 6” x 6 1/2” x 5/16”
PERFORMANCE PADS
#4: 6 3/8” x 5 3/4” x 3/16” #5: 7 1/4” x 6 5/8” x 3/16” #4: 6 3/8” x 5 3/4” x 1/4” #5: 7 1/4” x 6 5/8” x 1/4”
IMPAK PADS
#8 IMPAK ABSORBER: 5 1/8” x 4 3/4” x 3/16” #8L IMPAK LARGE ABSORBER: 6 5/8” x 6” x 3/16” (For Prolapsed Frog)
CASTLE PLASTICS
1-800-9-CASTLE castleplastics.com 11 Francis Street, Leominster, MA, USA 01453
castle@net1plus.com • Fax: 978-534-9915
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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/FOTOKOSTIC
Equestrian Guilt
AND HOW TO MANAGE IT
By Annika McGivern, BA Psychology, MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology
In my work as an equestrian sport psychology coach, I spend a lot of time talking with riders about guilt. It seems that we riders experience a lot of guilt in response to an amazing variety of circumstances. No one reading this article is unacquainted with this feeling, but let’s look at the actual definition. Guilt is defined as a sense of unease, regret, and responsibility in connection with our actions. Usually, our experience of guilt can be traced back to a sense of having not lived up to expectations in some way. The expectations in our lives can be shaped by our circumstances, our families, and our jobs. However, more commonly than we realise, the 48
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expectations that cause us the most trouble come from ourselves. As a negative emotion, guilt will always reduce our ability to focus and perform. When we are caught up and distracted by feelings of guilt, anger, shame, or frustration, we become less likely to push ourselves, unable to focus, and less able to recover quickly when something goes wrong. Learning to manage our guilt limits this influence, allows us to reach our goals faster, and allows us to experience less emotional turmoil along the way.
Two types of guilt
There are two types of guilt: helpful and unhelpful. We experience helpful guilt when we have behaved inappropriately.
This type of guilt has the potential to help by serving as a signal that there is something we need to pay attention to and improve about ourselves. If we lash out unfairly at a friend and feel guilty afterwards, that guilt raises our awareness that something needs to change. Perhaps we need to practice regulating our emotions and reactions. However, this guilt is only truly helpful if we use it as inspiration to take action and make real changes around our behaviour. Nurturing your guilt while taking no steps to rectify the situation and improve your emotional regulation helps nobody, and it can also cause you to miss an important opportunity for personal learning and growth.
Unhelpful guilt is usually experienced in a way that doesn’t make a lot of sense. For example, we may feel guilty when our friend’s horse is repeatedly lame, and our horse is consistently sound. Although the situation with our friend’s horse is completely beyond our control, the guilt appears anyway. Similarly, riders commonly feel guilty every time they make a mistake that impacts their horse. However, there is no way to prevent ourselves from making mistakes. Mistakes are beyond our control, and so guilt is not a useful reaction. Unhelpful guilt is dangerous, because it impacts our well-being negatively, holds no real opportunity for personal growth, and impairs our performance. Let’s look at some common sources of unhelpful guilt and what we can do to challenge this limiting emotion. Something I see time and time again (and have personally experienced) is riders suffering from guilt because of unrealistic, self-imposed expectations. These expectations are often linked to our belief systems around what it means to be a good rider. Because these belief systems and self-imposed expectations are usually subconscious, we first must make them conscious by paying more attention to them. Listen to what your internal voice is saying.
Your internal voice might be saying something like this:
The unrealistic expectations you are setting for yourself are:
1. I should always want to go to the barn and ride my horse.
1. I should always be motivated to ride — and if I’m not, it means I don’t care enough or don’t deserve success.
2. I should be improving faster.
2. I should progress smoothly and continuously and hit no real challenges along the way — and if I do, it means I don’t have the necessary talent to be a good rider.
3. This shouldn’t be so difficult.
3. I should not experience any emotional struggle in the pursuit of my goals — and if I do, it means I’m not capable of handling the pressure involved.
4. My horse deserves a better rider than me.
4. My horse should never have to deal with me making a mistake — and will face permanent consequences if I make any mistakes.
5. My horse needs 100 percent of my energy and focus.
5. I should commit all my time and energy to my horse and my riding — and if I don’t, that means I’m not dedicated enough.
6. My family needs 100 percent of my energy and focus.
6. I should not take time away from my family to focus on myself — and if I do, that means I’m not a good enough parent/partner/child.
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HOLIDAYS ON HORSEBACK
SOLO HORSE PACKING ADVENTURES in Canada’s Southern Rocky Mountains By Tania Millen
Sven, the Haflinger pack pony, jerked his head up and snorted. I looked uphill towards our camp and caught a humpy flash of beige ducking behind a stunted fir tree. Grizzly, I thought. I was hand-grazing Sven and my paint mare, Jewel, on a frosty July morning in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia during a solo pack trip. When Sven jerked his head up again, a beige grizzly bear shambled downhill PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/PROTASOV AN
towards us. Just 20 metres uphill from the first bear, a second bear rose
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up on its hind legs out of the brush before dropping down onto all fours and following the frontrunner. As the two bears lumbered towards us, Sven danced around on his lead line while Jewel kept grazing, and my heart beat a little quicker. As I considered what to do, a third bear trundled out of the trees and followed the first two. They were all grizzlies, all full size, and all coming straight at us. I started to sweat.
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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR
t c e f r e PRIDING z
VACATION
Story and photos by Shawn Hamilton
A river crossing on the day ride from Boundary Hut, New Zealand, on The Land of the Long White Cloud Ride with Wild Women Expeditions. 64
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F
or the first time in a long time, I did not leave my home country, or even my province, at all this past year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last time I packed my helmet and chaps to fly to a new place for an equine adventure was in November 2019, when I travelled to New Zealand for The Land of the Long White Cloud Ride with Wild Women Expeditions. Reflecting on all of the wonderful opportunities I have had in my career as a photojournalist specializing in horseback riding vacation articles, I treasure the memories and am thankful for the opportunities. Experiencing little pockets of the world that the typical tourist never sees and meeting wonderful people from all over the planet with one thing in common — the horse — has been an exciting
Unwinding at The Paradise Spa in Costa Rica. Tents all in a row — glamping in India.
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PHOTO: ISTOCK/JOHNNY GREIG