Ebony Park Friesian Magazine - July 2013 Issue

JULY 2013

Tash’s Training Tip - Emotions ~ Kate’s Knowledge - Common Stereotypical Behaviours in Stabled Horses News From Holland ~ Loes’ Learnings - Goodbye Australia ~ Danielle’s Tales - Young Horse Progress

Ebony Park Friesian Magazine www.ebonyparkstud.com.au

Your Riding Success - Riding Program Do you know Natasha has a riding program dedicated to helping you get from Preliminary Dressage to Elementary Dressage in an easy to use, proven, step-by-step system!?!? It is a 12 month program that covers what you need to do as a rider, and what you need to do to train your horse, to progress easily and effortlessly through the grades!

Ok hands up if you think you understand, and more importantly find you are actually doing dressage well, and it is easy? If that’s you – don’t read on. You are not right for this program.

I’m talking to you if you get frustrated by all the different ‘ways’ to do dressage. If you get confused by training different movements. If you want to progress in your riding but you get stuck.

The Your Riding Success Riding Program is an online program designed to give you a step by step, easy-to-use formula to get from basics to elementary. This program is one part of the Dream Team Program, but due to overwhelming demand, we have decided to make this program available online as a separate program to the Dream Team. Each section has a workbook to work through and fill out, as well as a video split into manageable chunks.

The Riding Program has been sold to members in over 6 countries including USA, Germany, Hong Kong, UK, Australia, Netherlands, Canada and even Namibia!!

So if you are 'stuck' in a riding level and looking for answers, perhaps the Your Riding Success Riding Program is right for you! Click here for more information now! :)

Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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IN THIS ISSUE • PAGE 4-5: NEWS FROM HOLLAND DEALING WITH A FALLEN CREST • PAGE 6: NOTE FROM TASH AND 2012 DATES • PAGE 7: HORSELAND NARRE WARREN IS SPONSORING NATASHA! • PAGE 8-11: KIND KATE’S KNOWLEDGE COMMON STEREOTYPICAL BEHAVIOURS IN STABLED HORSES • PAGE 12-13: TASH’S TRAINING TIP EMOTIONS • PAGE 14-15: ABE’S PERSPECTIVE • PAGE 16-17: EBONY PARK ROCKSTAR OF THE MONTH - ONYX AND MICHELLE • PAGE 18-21: 2014 FOALS AVAILABLE ON PAYMENT PLANS • PAGE 22: EBONY PARK TV - TEAM HOLIDAY 2012

From the Editor Hi Fabulous Friesian Fanatics!! :) I hope you had a fantastic month last month!

Today is a bit of a sad one for us, as we are saying goodbye to the lovely Loes... we are sad to see her go, but excited to hear from her (and visit her in Holland of course) in the future!

Good luck with everything Loes!!

This months magazine is packed full of articles, photos and videos... how do you deal with a fallen crest in your Friesian?

What are common behaviours of horses that are stabled, and how do you prevent the undesirable ones? How do you deal with your emotions when you are riding? And an update on one of the Ebony Park horses under saddle!

Also... check out our Ebony Park rockstar of the month Onyx of Ebony Park... by Ebony Park Jorrit and a total spunk!

• PAGE 24: PHOTO GALLERY

We also have a number of mares available on our payment plans, so if you have been thinking that an Ebony Park friesian is right for you, make sure you check out pages 19-22 of the mag!! :)

• PAGE 25: BEST FRIEND PICTURE BOARD

Have a fabulous month!! :)

• PAGE 23: YOUR GIFTS ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

• PAGE 26: GOODBYE LOES!

To Your Dreams Becoming Reality,

• PAGE 27: DELIGHTFUL DANIELLE’S TALES • PAGE 28: 5 MINUTES WITH CHRISTOFF HESS • PAGE 29-34: BREEDING SEASON 2013 STALLION PROFILES

Kate Langdon

• PAGE 35: CONTACT INFORMATION

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News From Holland - Dealing with a Fallen Crest Recently, a guideline has been defined for KFPS judges on how to judge a fallen crest in Friesian horses. The fallen crest is considered to be an exterior blemish.

The definition of the guideline is a means to secure consistency in assessment procedures by judges. The new guideline recognises three degrees of a fallen or broken rest: the C-line, the S-line and the fallen crest - with the C-line being the mildest and the fallen or broken crest being the most serious degree.

evaluating the fallen crest. It does not mean that this matter will be judged differently or more severely.

Besides, this phenomenon is very uncommon in horses. The judges are usually dealing with young horses in which, if the horse has a tendency for it, the fallen crest has not yet

developed. I think that less than 1% of the horses seen at inspections have a fallen crest.

We tend to believe though, that a fallen crest has a higher occurrence in certain bloodlines which leads us to assume that there might be a genetic component to this characteristic.’

For each of these gradations criteria have been defined for awarding premiums in the registration of Foal Book mare/ geldings and of Star, Crown and Model mares.

The degree to which the characteristic ‘fallen crest’ is weighed in the evaluation depends on the extent of the characteristic and the age of the horse involved. In older mares this blemish weighs less heavily than in younger animals. In the event of a fallen crest, Foal Book stallions older than three years will not be admitted to the Studbook.

KFPS-inspector Jaap Boersma explains: ‘It was necessary to establish this guideline in order to clarify the matter of Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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News From Holland - Dealing with a Fallen Crest Yellow Fat Disease Waling Haytema, a veterinarian and associate of the ‘Dierenkliniek Wolvega’ (Animal clinic) and member of the KFPS Breeding Council: ‘With the advance of age some horses develop an unstable, sometimes fallen or broken crest. Up to now this problem has not been researched, therefore we cannot define the obvious causes.

It is generally believed that there are two possible factors that seem to be involved in the development of a fallen crest.

The first cause for a fallen crest may be the occurrence of inflammation of fat tissues, steatitis, in young horses. The crest has a fair amount of fat deposits.

minerals.

Another contributing factor could be obesity in horses when too much fat tissue is stored in the crest. If the horse is subsequently put on a diet and the fat tissue is reduced, what remains is weak connective tissue.’

Sensitivity to specific disorders is genetically defined. A horse may have a hereditary disposition for developing a fallen crest. But as long as the horse doesn’t suffer from obesity or, due to good nutrition doesn’t develop fat disease, the problem will not occur. We have reason to believe that environmental factors may play a role since it has been established that there is a higher occurrence of fallen

crests in countries with warmer climates. It has not been determined in what way climatic or nutritional circumstances are involved.

That makes it difficult to include this characteristic in the selection of stallions, even more so because the phenomenon will show at an advanced age. A fallen crest is not a life-threatening disorder and doesn’t affect a horses performance.

If the occurrence of such a blemish would lead to the disapproval of a stallion, this particular stallion´s positive contribution to breeding would be lost.

Text: Prhyso June 2013 Photo: Jacob Melissen / Johan Achterhof Source: KFPS website

Inflammation in these fat deposits produces connective tissues. The tendency for a weak crest thereby is formed at a young age but will start to show at a later age when the connective tissues lose their elasticity.

Fat disease is considered to be an expression of deficiencies in antioxidants, especially vitamin E and selenium deficiency.

In this light it is crucial that young horses have a sufficient intake of vitamins and Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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DIARY DATES

Note from Tash

Hi Super Friesian lovers!!! :) Welcome to July!!!! :):):)

As you all know - as of yesterday I am now 15 weeks pregnant - only 25 more weeks to go! :) Thank you so much for all the well wishes and congratulations. It means the world to me and sending all that love back out to you! :) I am still riding Abe but won't be competing until early next year and we are both looking forward to that! :)

We have no competitions planned in July... due

to

SECRET HORSE

BUSINESS :) :)

The rest of the horses are having a bit of a break this month to recharge and get ready for another full year - Kate our new rider starts in August and I know she is pumped to get on the boys and start competing (yes I know... easy to remember - another Kate!)!!! :) With life, comes change and today we are saying goodbye to our much loved rider Loes. Loes has been part of the family for over 2 1/2 years and we have many many memories that I will always treasure. One of my happiest proudest memory is competing at Nationals last year together. To have both of us ride and enjoy the experience was magical... even though our results were not what either of us planned. To come back home and back it up with competing at the Vic Champs and both of us placing and getting to stand on the podium was a moment I will never forget, and I still don’t know which made me happier - me standing up there or her! :) I wish her the most amazing, extraordinary life giving her everything she wants and more.

So Kate and I in the office are buckling down - preparing for breeding season and some other new projects that you will find out about soon!

I wish you an amazing July and remember if there is anything we can do let us know! :) To Your Success,

Natasha Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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Abe was pretty pleased with himself after the Grand Prix test :)

Horseland Narre Warren is sponsoring Natasha!

Natasha has been shopping at Horseland for over 20 years - we just love the support that Phil and the team have given us over the years, and we are very happy to have them as a part of our sponsorship team!

Here’s what she had to say about the sponsorship... “I can still remember when I was 14 years old walking into a Horseland store and buying my first red halter and matching leadrope and red body brush. I walked around the store with my mouth open and I wanted everything in the store!

To me Horseland was a magical land of wonder and possibility and to this day still fills me with joy when I walk in there.

In 2001 my mother and I moved to Narre Warren and got to know Phil and his superstar team at Horseland Narre Warren. They always looked after us and helped us with anything we needed, going above and beyond to get us in stock on time.

I am thrilled to be sponsored by Horseland Narre Warren to help and support them as much as they have helped and supported me.

There is no horse store I trust more to help me out and give me and my horses products I know I can trust and will last.�

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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Common Stereotypical Behaviours in Stabled Horses I have had a number of people recently ask me the question... since the weather is so awful, why aren’t our stallions stabled for more of the day? People are also shocked when they see that our stallions are all stabled next to each other, where they can physically touch each other through bars that separate the stables from one another, and easily see each of the other 3 stallions.

horse is allowed to spend consuming food for energy. In a stabled environment, there lies a divergence from many of a horse’s natural instincts: vulnerability through isolation, prevention of escape, and restriction of foraging time. These conflictions seem to be linked to the prevalence of stable ‘vices’ or stereotypic behaviours in a significant proportion of the stabled horse population.

There is some research that has been done in the past about stallion dominance and libido when they are around other stallions... but we haven’t seen a problem and in fact they seem happier to be able to see what is going on around them, rather than being cooped up where they can only see the 4 walls surrounding them!

STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIOURS Stereotypic behaviours are those behaviours that some horses exhibit which are repetitive and serve no obvious function to the animal.

It has long been thought that stereotypic behaviours in horses such as cribbing and weaving were able to be ‘transferred’ from

So this month I thought I would go into some detail about some behaviours that occur in stabled horses, especially those that are bored and can’t see what is going on around them, or perhaps those that are stabled all the time and never get to go out into a paddock to graze for extended periods of time.

Before the horse was domesticated, it was an animal that spent a large proportion of its time grazing, eating for up to 18 hours per day. Since then the horse has been used to assist humans in many activities, including war, agriculture, and more recently for entertainment and sport. Although most horses are able to adapt readily to their environment, domestication has caused a restriction in movement and a minimisation of the time a

one animal to another, as horses are social animals, and react as a herd together through so-called group-related behaviour. In recent years, the debate as to the cause of stereotypic behaviours has continued with the general agreement that it is the prevention of a horse’s inbuilt natural urge to behave a certain way (i.e. restriction of the normal time budget) that leads to the development of abnormal behaviours, and that these behaviours are not able to be learnt from other horses – rather it is the management practices for horses in the same facility that leads to a higher rate of stereotypic behaviour.

Stable vices or stereotypies can be separated into two broad categories: oral (involving the mouth) and locomotor (involving the legs).

The main types of vices in both categories are described and discussed below.

LOCOMOTOR Weaving Problem Weaving involves the horse standing in one place and rocking from side to side, shifting weight from one forefoot to the other and back again, sometimes involving the hindquarters as well as the swaying of the head.

This habit is thought of as a vice. Aside from its unappealing aesthetics, it expends a great deal of energy; the horse can become lame due to the extra pressure on the forelegs causing muscle damage and abnormal bone strain.

Weaving. Source: http://www.equinechronicle.com

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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Common Stereotypical Behaviours in Stabled Horses Causes There are many factors to be considered when discussing the causes of weaving (or any other stereotypies for that matter).

Some experts believe that weaving is a product of too much food (or energy in the food) and insufficient regular exercise; whereas others say weaving is as a result of a bored horse waiting for food - there appears to be an increase in the prevalence of weaving in anticipation of feed time. In all cases, this behaviour seems to be as a result of poor management practices, coupled with the fact that a stable is not the natural environment of the horse; it has no close company, feeding is restricted and the horse

is in a confined space where there is a reduced opportunity to expend energy.

Suggested Solutions Domestic horses are provided with more easily consumable, high energy feeds, hence spending less time feeding than in a natural environment. Therefore stabled horses need to occupy the remaining time in each day. It has been suggested that presenting food in such as way as to make feeding time longer could help. For example, feeding hay from nets with small holes, making the horse work harder to obtain food, or feeding concentrates mixed with chaff, giving the horse lower energy feeds that take longer to consume. A simple solution is allowing the horse to spend more time in the paddock.

Weaving is usually observed to occur while the horse has its head over the stall door, although this can also occur inside the stall as well as in small yards.

With a horse that is a well established weaver, a weaving grill on the top half of the stable door is often fitted, or two half-filled plastic bottles hanging from the top of the stable door to prevent the lateral movement of weaving.

A suggested solution for box walking. Source: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/

The success of this method is limited, as it only prevents the horse from weaving when it has its head

over the stable door, and not while it is moving around in the stall. Weaving grills are also only a means of prevention, and have been raised as a welfare issue, as they do not target the underlying cause of the problem.

A study aimed at combating the cause of weaving considered increasing the visual horizons of the horse by opening up the sides of the stable boxes, as well as having windows at the back of the boxes. It was suggested that the windows allowed the horse to engage in more environmental activities, such as interaction with companions, resulting in a reduction of the available time for weaving behaviour.

Another method that has been recently tested successfully is the use of a mirror to control weaving behaviour. The theory is that a mirror allows the horse to spend time engaging in activity with the image as opposed to spending time weaving. This study was based on the suggestion that weaving may be an outlet for frustration from a failed attempt to gain contact with other horses, while confined in a stable.

The advantage of this method over altering the stables to increase the horse’s visual horizons is that it is cheaper and helps in the prevention of the spread of infection.

Box Walking Problem This nervous behaviour is considered a vice as it consumes a great deal of energy. The horse paces around the box as if in a trance, and will often be oblivious to people, making box walking a potentially dangerous behaviour.

Often horses exhibiting this behaviour will also display a loss

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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Common Stereotypical Behaviours in Stabled Horses of condition, and are more susceptible to parasites such as worms as they spread manure around the box.

Causes Generally box walking is displayed when a horse is fed a highly concentrated diet, but is not exercised enough to burn off the excess energy, eventually becoming ‘addicted’ to the behaviour. This behaviour may also be an indication that the horse is unhappy or unduly stressed.

Suggested Solutions The cause of the problem needs to be addressed before a solution can be found, but there are a number of ways that box walking can be contained in the mean time. Car tires can be placed at intervals around the floor of the stall; this slows down the movement of the horse, encouraging it to stand still in the box. An alternative method is to suspend feedbags or bottles from

the ceiling bringing about a similar result.

H o w e v e r, a l t h o u g h t h e s e methods make it awkward for the horse to pace, box walking may be a method of coping with another problem, and hence the cause of the behaviour needs to be addressed.

Feeding more roughage with less energy, or allowing the horse to spend more time in a paddock may be more long-term solutions to this behavioural problem.

ORAL Cribbing and Windsucking Problem Cribbing involves a horse biting its upper incisor teeth against an object, arching its neck, pulling backwards and audibly sucking/ gulping in air. Windsucking only differs in that the horse does not hold onto any surface with its teeth. These behaviours are thought to lead to colic and other digestive problems.

Cribbing and windsucking become obsessive, and in severe cases the horse may prefer to crib rather than eat, although cribbing often occurs around the time of a concentrate meal.

Cribbing and windsucking are less than desirable behaviours, as they may not only lead to a loss of condition, but also the hypertrophy of the strap muscles in the neck, and abnormal wear of the upper incisors in the case of cribbing.

Causes Again, there is no simple explanation as to why some horses develop these behaviours, whereas others do not.

Windsucking and cribbing may be as a reaction to a stressor, or due to insufficient roughage or bulk food being provided in the diet.

Food restriction has been found to be a major cause of stereotypic behaviour in sows that are kept in confined spaces. It has also been suggested that cribbing and windsucking could be under the influence of heritable factors, explaining in part why there are horses that do not display these behaviours even when another horse under the same conditions does.

In its natural environment, the horse grazes for much of the day and saliva is produced all the time. As is the case for many performance horses, concentrates are the main source of food, being high in energy as well as quick and easy for the horse to consume. However, these concentrates allow only a short period of time for the horse to produce saliva (which is alkaline), hence causing the stomach to become more acidic.

Cribbing. Source: http://www.yourhorse.co.uk

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Kind Kate’s Knowledge - Common Stereotypical Behaviours in Stabled Horses Cribbing is thought to be a substitute, as this behaviour causes the horse to produce saliva.

Suggested Solutions A windsucking strap is often fitted (this also prevents cribbing), fastened around the neck up under the throat, preventing the strap muscles from contracting and hence preventing the behaviour.

Bitter aloes and other chemicals are sometimes painted onto all horizontal surfaces to prevent the horse from cribbing, although this often results in the horse windsucking instead.

High fibre feeds are thought to reduce the incidence of cribbing and other oral stereotypies by reducing the time available to conduct this behaviour and increasing the time available to forage. In light of the proposal that cribbing and windsucking may be as a result of acidity in the stomach, there is some evidence that treatment with antacids may cause a reduction in these behaviours.

Another option is to use a foraging device such as the

‘Foodball’, which is a cylinder shaped casing containing an internal food source that can be accessed through a fooddispensing hole. This was found to take up more of the animals time in ‘foraging’ to obtain the high fibre, pelleted food in the device, reducing the time spent cribbing or windsucking.

Wood-Chewing Problem As well as being a destructive behaviour in that a horse chews on horizontal wooden surfaces, this habit can be dangerous as the horse can swallow splinters of wood that it has chewed off. As in cribbing, wood-chewing results in the abnormal wear of the incisor teeth, and in the long term may prevent the horse from feeding properly.

Causes It has been suggested that woodchewing could have origins from when a horse was wild, browsing on the bark of trees and shrubs as well as grass, as a means of increasing the fibre intake of the horse.

This behaviour is common in horses that are under five years of age because new teeth are cutting through, but may develop into a habit for the horse is proper management is not exercised.

Suggested Solutions As with cribbing, chemicals can be used on all wooden horizontal surfaces to try and prevent the wood chewing from occurring.

A l t e r n a t i v e l y, m e t a l coverings could be used to cover these surfaces.

Often electric fences are

used in paddocks where the horses are wood chewing, to prevent the horse from even approaching the fence.

However, these are preventative measures that do not look at the cause of the problem. Increasing the fibre intake of the horse by providing less concentrated foods and more roughage is a better long-term solution, as is hanging a mineral block from the roof as something to play with.

CONCLUSION Although stereotypic behaviours in horses come in all different forms, they all appear to be indicative of the same cause: poor stable management. In order to prevent the occurrence of these undesirable behaviours, the natural environment of the horse needs to be mimicked as much as is possible, to reduce the stress and frustration that may lead to abnormal behaviour. An increase in the time available for foraging needs to be implemented, along with as much social contact and exercise as possible. If any of these problems are already present, an accurate assessment of the factors contributing to the behaviour needs to be taken into consideration before a treatment plan can be established.

To Yo u r D r e a m s B e c o m i n g Reality,

Kate Langdon Source: contact Ebony Park for a full list

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Tash’s Training Tip - Emotions The Four Most Powerful Emotions that you can use to create change!

I always talk about emotions, and how we must channel them and make sure they don't affect us and our riding. But there is also a very cool way to use emotions to create change.

The special thing about us humans is that we have emotions, and the key is not to suppress or hide these emotions, just use them to create the results we want.

away from' motivation. But it is very powerful. My job as a coach is to stack the pain.

When I am coaching, I use everything I can to show my client how much pain they are in, and how by making this choice, they are causing pain for themselves, and perhaps their family.

Tash and Abe. Photo credit: Horseland

Some powerful emotions of change are: 1. Disgust I know! Doesn't sound like a very powerful emotion!

Definitely not a positive one.

But this is a very powerful emotion to cause us to take action, and go towards success.

Perhaps you have known yourself or someone you know - when you hit 'rock bottom' when something happens that is the straw that breaks the camels back, and you say ENOUGH - this has to stop. This has to change. When a person gets to that point, there is nothing you can to stop that person. It is a very pain-motivated decision. As humans we do either one of two things - move toward pleasure, or away from pain. This is a huge 'moving

are disgusted with anything less than this high standard you have set for yourself. And use that energy and motivation to create change!

2. Decision Have you ever agonised over a decision? Pondered the positive and the negative, wondered what the right choice is? Asked all your friends and neighbours what they would do.

Arrrgggghhhhh! I HATE that because however long it takes to make the decision, means you won't do anything until you make the decision.

Question - there are 6 frogs on a lily pad. One thinks about jumping off. How many frogs are on the lily pad?

If you answered 6, then well done! If you answered 5, you need to realise the frog only 'thought' about jumping ... he didn't actually jump!

So what do you need to become really disgusted about? Maybe you have just had enough of not having good canter transitions and it MUST change. Maybe you have had enough of being fearful jumping, and must change it. Whatever it is RAISE your standards so you

Thinking doesn't count! I mean yes, you need to think and design a strategy for success, but then you need to make a decision and take action on that decision!

So make your decision - there is power in decisions. Think back to the last time you made a decision. Do you remember

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Tash’s Training Tip - Emotions the peace, and then the power that came with following through on that decision. Even if it was the wrong one, it doesn't matter - because you had actually made it! And you just make another one if it is wrong. But staying in indecision... Argh no power or change there!

I see riders suffering from indecision more than anything else. I think the top riders are the ones that make decisions quickly and more often. They just decide and get on with it, there is no second guessing or worrying about it.

3. Desire What a powerful emotion!

Anyone who knows the desire for a chocolate cake with fudge icing - when you are dieting - knows the power of desire! What I love about desire, is that it comes from internal but is triggered by external. You may be not even thinking about food, and you walk past a bakery, and all you can obsess about is the pink donut! Or a song triggers a memory and you desire something. Meeting up with an old friends, and hearing about their success can trigger your desire.

You are looking for something to trigger your "I want it now" switch. Not the "that would be nice" switch - but the "I must have it NOW" switch. Because

then you will do whatever it takes to get it! :) So what do you desire in your riding? What do you want more than ANYTHING? I desire that gold medal so much I will go through all sorts of pain and heartache to get it! Why? Again, the idea of the pleasure gained, is worth to me the pain I go through. So what do you want? Is it a burning desire?

Tash and Abe. Photo credit: Horseland

is, I don't care how treacherous it is, I don't care what I encounter, what weather turns against me, and what obstacles stand in my way... I will conquer that mountain or die trying.

Who stands in the way of that?

There is so much power from having such a resolve. When I do a pre-interview to see if I will work with a client. One of my questions is - how much do you want to create change around this challenge? If they say... a bit. I don't work with them. If they say... I must change this or my life is not worth living, I say rock on let's get to work!

So now I ask you - how willing are you and how far will you go to work towards your dreams? What is your resolve for getting your results? What is your "I will" in your riding?

For me it is and always will be "I will win Gold at the Olympics". What is yours?

To creating the life and riding of your dreams and on your terms!

To Your Success, 4. Resolve.

Have you ever met someone who says I will. Not I will try, I will give it my best shot... just pure and simple I WILL. The mountain climber who says I don't care how steep it

Natasha

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Abe’s Perspective Hey super riders! My name is Abe and I am Natasha’s superstar Friesian stallion and her one and only horse she likes to ride.

I told her I thought it was very unfair that she was the only one to share how to ride - as lets’ face it... I’m the one that really makes it all happen - so this is my chance to teach you how to really ride a horse... with advice straight from the horses mouth! *Taken from June 2013 Your Riding Success Monthly. If you would like to view Your Riding Success March Monthly click here

Hello there riders! How are you?!?! I am more than well .... did you hear the news?!?!? ....

I'm going to be an Uncle!!!!!! Tash is in foal!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) So this month has been fun! Tash has been told not to ride so I'm the only one she trusts enough to get on and feel 100% safe.

Of course I feel even more important than ever... but the other horses just laugh at me and say we are the ones having a holiday - you are the one that still needs to work!

so we can come out next year and blitz it!

It’s tough though. I feel there is a lot of pressure on me to look after Tash and her baby! If anything happens Phil and a whole lot of crazy Grandparents might not be happy.

I know Tash's dad pays our food bill and the last thing I want is him cutting off the oat supply because he got angry at me!

I'm ok with that though. I love my work and I don't want to lose my sexy big muscles - I have some big Grand Prix competitions to win so Tash better keep riding

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Abe’s Perspective I don't know if you have ever been in that position where everyone is counting on you and relying on you to do something. Normally when Tash rides if she does something stupid I give a little kick out or pigroot, now I feel bad - almost that I should behave opposite to what I feel is me just to make everyone happy.

She said I take full responsibility that my actions have consequences and I agree to face whatever comes my way as a result.

The problem with acting in a way that isn't you is you get tired putting on the act. You spend your whole day trying to please everyone and in the end you feel bad because you didn't please yourself.

That’s why I love her so much and know what a great mum she will make teaching these lessons to her children.

I had a chat to Tash about this and she asked me this one question: Abe in 7 years of me riding you - have I ever fallen off when you have misbehaved?

I said no.

I won't blame you, or the weather or anything else. She sounded just like at a competition when I don't listen and I miss a change or something - she doesn't blame me - she blames herself for not getting my attention.

So in your riding this month I hope you are helping your horses out and taking responsibility for whatever the horse does we are trying our best and we are who we are.

To Your Success,

She said as uncoordinated as she is she isn't about to go falling off now and if she did there would be only one person to blame!

I was like yes! Me! She said no Abe it wouldn't be your fault, it would be mine.

Abe

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Ebony Park Rockstar of the Month Onyx of Ebony Park and Michelle Gill I’m blessed to be the owner of the gorgeous Onyx of Ebony Park.

He is currently 16 months old, 15hh and is by the wonderful Jorrit out of Victoria whom is by Abe. So I’m very lucky to have Abe and Jorrit in one divine package, how cool is that!! :) :) When Ebony Park asked me "what would you like in your dream horse?" i remember saying some key things, "intelligent, built uphill and a bit of spark" well, that’s exactly what i got!

Goes to show they know their stuff when helping breed and design dream horses - I couldn't be happier.

I remember the day he was born (Jan 2012) and the text from Kate in the wee hours of the morning, “it’s a boy, congratulations!!!”

I brought Onyx home around Sept 2012... best feeling ever when the truck pulled up in front of my house and this brave little yearling stepped down, I was so overwhelmed and tears of joy ran freely (well it’s not everyday a friesian turns up on your doorstep!).

Onyx is currently just chilling and growing at home, and should be heading out for a spell at the start of spring.

He is also having an angle float made to suit him, and it will be in black and gold... his planned show colours, finally we will have wheels, exciting stuff!

We are hoping his float to be finished in a week or two and we are so excited to get out and about to clinics!

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Ebony Park Rockstar of the Month Onyx of Ebony Park and Michelle Gill

buddies just to come and hang out and see what I’m doing... he is kind, trusting and is constantly nickering and talking to me, love him!!

Onyx also has his own FB page, EP Onyx!!

I’m finding the journey thus far incredible, I'm learning so much from him and he is making me grow so i can become everything he needs me to be to ensure he grows up a well mannered young man.

He is starting to realise he is a boy... so this in itself ensures I rise to the challenge - I'm constantly learning that’s for sure.

As for now, we go for walks to the park and as out and about as we can get on foot.

I am forever grateful to Ebony Park for the opportunity to own Onyx and find that they are always there, from day one, to help and guide me on my first friesian journey.

We also practice running in hand and standing square in prep for some shows one day.

I must add, I'm finding friesians are like chocolate, you can never have just one.... ;)

He is learning some tricks and has aced "fetching" things. Next he will learn to bow and lay down, so stay tuned for that one! (there’s a video on his Facebook page!)

I’m very excited about our future together, and our plan is to ride Grand Prix one day, so stay tuned.... :)

Onyx is currently sporting a lovely winter beard but is still a handsome young man (of course!)

He has truly captured my heart, he wants nothing more than to be near me and will leave food and

*Make sure you email us whenever you take an Ebony Park horse out and get some pics or footage, so that we can include it in the next magazine! We want to hear form you and share in your successes!!! :)

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MAKE YOUR WE WANT TO UE!!

AM COME TR E R D N IA S IE FR

Victo!a of Ebony Park 2014 Foal

e to r e h Click out the k chec nt plan e paym on our page site! web Progeny:

Victoria has an amazing story – she was the first foal of Ebony Park Famke, one of our foundation mares, and the first purebred foal born here at Ebony Park. She was born 6 weeks early, and she was not expected to make it through her first 24 hours of life. However, as you can now see, she is a lovely 7yo mare, she is strong and healthy, and has the pride and carriage of her sire, Ebony Park Abe, coupled with the gentle nature of her dam, Ebony Park Famke. We are very proud to have her as part of our stud, as she is the only purebred progeny of Ebony Park Abe so far (we have more due this year!)

She has had one amazing foal so far to Ebony Park Jorrit - Onyx of Ebony Park (see pics below) and we are waiting impatiently for her second to arrive in September this year – this foal will be a full brother or sister to Onyx!

Her foal this year has been sold already… but next years foal is available on one of our in utero payment plans!

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MAKE YOUR O T T N A W E W E!!

M COME TRU A E R D N IA S FRIE

Ebony Park Kir"en 2014 Foal

Ebony Park Kirsten was imported from Holland in foal to Brandus 345 in 2007. In addition to being a sweet mare with a gorgeous temperament and lovely movement, Kirsten has proven to be an asset to the breeding program at Ebony Park, producing two lovely colts and two fillies, all with stunning movement, and in foal again this year to the magnificent Ebony Park Jorrit.

Progeny:

r e to e h k Clic out the k chec nt plan e paym on our page site! web

Her foal for 2013 has already been sold, and we are certain it will be as lovely as her previous progeny (Her 2014 foal is available on our in utero payment plans).

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MAKE YOUR WE WANT TO OME TRUE!!

C M A E R D N FRIESIA

Deja Vu of Ebony Park 2014 Foal

e to r e h Click out the k chec nt plan e paym on our page site! web Photos:

Deja Vu of Ebony Park is one of our purebred Friesian broodmares, born right here at Ebony Park at the end of 2009. She is by 17.1HH stallion Ebony Park Elko, out of one of Natasha’s competition broodmares, Ebony Park Gjanna, who is around 15.3HH‌ but somehow the height genes have passed this gorgeous mare by! She is our little pocket rocket, and is super easy to handle, taking everything in her stride just like her parents.

Deja Vu has her first foal due in August 2013 to Ebony Park Jorrit which has been sold (Her 2014 foal is available on one of our payment plans).

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AKE YOUR M O T T N A W WE COME TRUE!!

M A E R D N IA FRIES

Illusion of Ebony Park 2014 Foal

Illusion of Ebony Park is one of our up and coming broodmares that we have bred right here at Ebony Park. Illusion has inherited her sire Elko’s magnificent trot, and her dam’s sweet nature… and we can’t wait to see what her foals look like!! :)

e to r e h Click k out chec e on ag her p bsite! e our w

Illusion will be bred for the first time in 2013 – this foal is available on one of our payment plans - click here for more information now!

Photos:

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Ebony Park TV Team Holiday 2012!

As we are about to head of on our next team holiday soon, we thought we would share some of the photos from our last team holiday - June last year, on the Gold Coast!!

Click on the video above to play the movie - you will be taken to the YouTube link so you must have an internet connection.

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Your Gifts Are Waiting For You Now! Are you enjoying this months issue of the Ebony Park Magazine?

Did you know we also send out weekly blogs and we have even more Friesian resources for you?

Click on the picture below to go to our website and fill out your name and email to subscribe now and receive your FREE Friesian resource pack!

Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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EBONY PARK PHOTO GALLERY!

Tash and Abe did a photoshoot in June to announce Tash’s pregnancy!! :)

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BEST FRIEND PICTURE BOARD!

We want to celebrate with you, any photos of you and your horse - they don’t have to be dressage photos, and they don’t have to be Friesian photos - just a photo of you with your best friend! Just email your photo to info@ebonyparkstud.com.au and we will share it on this wall next month!

Jessica and Peter the Wolf

Wendy with Montana and Atarangi emerging from the depths

Katie Kinson and her best mate Thunder

Lavonne and Beau

Krystal and her Friesian xTB Thor

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Lovely Loes’ Learnings!!

Hey guys!

As you know, June was my last month in Australia... on the 2nd July I am heading back home to a whole new adventure!

My time here has been absolutely fantastic I will never forget each and every one of you that I have met along the way!

This month, to say goodbye, I thought I would share with you my favourite Ebony Park moments that were captured in photos... so here they are! Enjoy!! :) Make sure you keep in touch with me through Ebony Park!

Loes

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Delightful Danielle’s Tales For the last month or so, I have been riding some of the young horses that have just recently been broken in... this means that they get a couple of different riders, and Loes is able to watch from the ground what is going on with the horse and correct it while I am riding! :)

muscles they never knew they had, and working out how to balance themselves as well as a rider on their backs.

This month I wanted to show you the progress we have made with EP Meteor, who has been broken in for about 3 months, who I have been riding for the last 4 weeks. Check out the video below!

So sometimes Meteor has a tendency to take a couple of really quick steps, and then slow down in the same gait... which throws me off balance as a rider, and therefore also throws him off balance. You can see by the end of the video he is getting the hang of it, working longer and lower and more balanced, listening more to what I am asking him to do from light aids.

We have been working on the basics such as getting his head down and into the contact.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if there is something you would like me to cover in next months magazine!

I have also been working on his balance, and getting him nice and forward and responsive when I ride.

Happy Riding!! :)

The other really important part of his current training, since his transitions are coming along fairly nicely, is to make sure he has the same rhythm all the time. With young horses, it’s all a totally new learning experience for them, they are developing

Danielle

Until next month,

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5 Minutes with Christoff Hess

Natasha and Ebony Park Abe had the privilege of participating in the Melbourne 3 Day Event Masterclass last month, and Christoff Hess took the class, so we thought it would be good to tell you a bit more about who he is!

Christoph Hess is an FEI Judge in both Dressage and Eventing, and the German National Federation, awarded him the title of Professional Riding Instructor. A title that labels him as an international expert and educator of professionals.

Hess currently holds the positions of Head of Instruction and Head of the Personal Members Department at the DOKR, where he’s been employed since 1978.

Hess is actively involved in the education of judges and instructors both within Germany and around the world. He conducts clinics, workshops, forums, and symposiums for judges, trainers, and riders throughout the international dressage and eventing communities.

Hess has an easy-going, positive nature that quickly puts students at ease.

But don’t be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere he creates. For when you step into the ring, precision and attention to detail and the basics hold center stage. Hess is able to quickly and accurately assess both strengths and weaknesses in horses and riders (and within their training).

“Having a horse with talent is the beginning of the motivation to begin the journey to Grand Prix,” stated Hess at a 2007 symposium held at Michael Poulin’s Dressage Center in Deleon Springs, Florida. “You must have an idea, a vision, when begin [riding and training], and then it takes as long as it takes to get there [Grand Prix]. Patience is the key.”

Hess is an examiner of judges and trainers at the highest levels of our sport of dressage, including seminars and testing sanctioned and sponsored by the FEI. He has written and co-authored several books, videos, and articles.

In the sometimes stuffy world of dressage, Christoph Hess is a breath, no, a whirlwind of fresh air. He is very enthusiastic about what he does, and luckily for the world’s dressage horses, a large portion of that enthusiasm is directed at improving their lot, not just the way they are ridden but also how they are breed, raised and housed. And lucky for the horses, Christoph is a very influential man. In Germany he is the head of the Education section at Warendorf but he is also in constant demand as a judge, and more often, commentator, at the big German shows. Here he takes every opportunity to promote a horse friendly system of training – a dressage system that does what dressage is supposed to do, really promote the mental and physical well-being of the horse.

Christoph recently completed a barn storming tour of Australia, starting in the West, stopping off in South Australia and Victoria, before finishing up in New South Wales, and everywhere he had the same message: dressage should be logical, dressage should promote a happy horse: “This is our highest goal, a happy horse, a happy athlete…” he told the audience at the Dressage Judge, Coaches and Riders clinic at Werribee Equestrian Centre.

“Many riders today have no contact with animals. It is important to realize that the horse is not born for the stable, the horse wants to be cantering in the fields.”

Christoph emphasizes over and over again, that we should work with the horse Source: http://wbstallions.net/cc/ChristophHess.html, http://www.horsemagazine.com

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Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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Ebony Park Jor!t Jorrit is an exceptional dressage stallion that made it through to the very prestigious 70 day performance test for approved stallions. In the performance test in Holland, Jorrit was within days of being approved as a stallion but a muscle strain hindered his movement and was unfortunately eliminated late in the test.

He was also awarded a breeding permit from the KFPS when they came out for the 2013 Keuring. This is only awarded to very select Friesian stallions who possess the desired characteristics of the breed. There are only a few Friesian stallions in Australia that hold a current KFPS permit, and Ebony Park is very proud to offer Ebony Park Jorrit to the discerning Friesian breeder. This permit is limited to only 20 mares so please book quickly and as Born 12/05/2003, 16.2hh, Jet Black early as possible to avoid disappointment! imported Friesian ster stallion By the Grand Prix Dutch Approved Dressage Friesian Jasper 366 Scored 82% for the IBOP (2009 Keuring) Foalbook ster stallion with a Current KFPS Breeding Permit for 2013-2014 Registration Number: 5280 0420 0305 315

for ere rit! h k r Clic of Jo o vide

Photo by Nadeen Davis

Click here toFriesian visit Jorrit’s our Ebony Park Magazine July 2013 page on 30 website

Ebony Park Elko

Unfortunately, due to a paddock injury to his knee, Elko is no longer able to be ridden, and has been retired from the competition arena.

Ebony Park is extremely disappointed and upset by this incident, however we are very happy that he is still able to be bred, and has still retained his breeding permit (not something to be taken lightly, as the KFPS are very strict about awarding breeding permits!). When Elko was able to be ridden he was destined to be Natasha’s Olympic Grand Prix horse.

He had everything! Three amazing paces, the desire and trainable temperament, and was quick to learn and improve. In his short career he scored up to 72% in preliminary and gained 44 grading points qualifying him for the 2006 Australian Dressage Championships in Novice in only 2 months of competition.

Born 21/04/2001, 17.1hh, jet black imported Friesian ster stallion By the Champion Approved licensed Dutch Friesian Stallion Teunis 332 Foalbook ster stallion with a Current KFPS Breeding Permit for 2013-2014 Registration Number: 5280 0420 0120 011

Click here for video of Elko!

Click here to visit Elko’s page on our Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013 31 website

Ebony Park Abe

Abe has had consistent results of over 62% at the Inter I level, and currently competing and winning at the Grand Prix level in 2012 with scores over 60%, improving with each competition! Early in his career Abe was the horse to beat in Novice bringing home 3 Novice Championships with scores up to 71%. He also took home an Advanced Championship in 2008 and competed and qualified for the prestigious Dressage with the stars in the PSG and Inter I Kur in March 2010.

Abe is now establishing himself in Grand Prix and he hasn’t disappointed. His piaffe/passage is amazing and we are now waiting for him to develop the strength to catch up. This horse is destined for a legendary Grand Prix career. Ebony Park Abe is an exceptional stallion to ride. He is powerful and responsive and carries you through any situation with pride and attitude.

Born 29/03/2000, 16.2hh, jet black imported Friesian ster stallion.

To ride him is pure joy! He is solid, strong and powerful! First Friesian stallion in Australasia to Abe takes you into a test almost like a war horse taking compete and win at Grand Prix level in you into battle. He is proud, noble and loves to show off dressage. and be the centre of attention.

Abe has been awarded the sports predicate from the KFPS. He is the first stallion in Australia to achieve the award due to his outstanding results in the dressage arena.

By the Champion Approved licensed Dutch Friesian Stallion Anne 340 Registration Number: 5280 0420 0010

Click here for video of Abe!

Click here to visit Abe’s Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013 32 page on our website

Zeus of Ebony Park Zeus is Elko’s first son that we have bred, and we have eagerly been waiting the years until he was old enough to work. At 5 1/2 he is already competing in Elementary level dressage, with scores over 68% and a Medium start expected late 2013!

Zeus is a delight to work with, having an exceptional canter just like his father, and a swinging, easy trot. He is still taking time to mature with some growing to do, but in another year we are so excited to see where this boy is at! He has inherited the beautiful, willing Friesian temperament from both sire and dam.

This will be Zeus’s third season standing at stud, with his first lot of gorgeous babies born last year, and a wonderful opportunity for people to get access to Elko’s bloodlines!

Born 22/11/2007, 16hh, jet black Friesian BBook1 stallion.

By our imported Friesian stallion (who has a breeding permit) Elko van der Woalderhoeve Registration Number: AU0360 0420 0706 076

Click here to visit Zeus’ page on our Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013 website

Click here for video of Zeus!

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Ebony Park Dante Dante is by Champion dutch stallion Norbert 444, who has won the prestigious Friesian Stallion Show in Holland for the last 2 years in a row – 2012 and 2013. We imported his gorgeous mother, Ebony Park Jantje from Holland, and within 2 months of his birth, Jantje was competed by Natasha, with three floating paces and one of the easiest horses to ride! Dante looks to be a superb mixture of sire and dam – he is solid, strong and powerful, at the same time being easy and willing to train.

Natasha says this stallion is the definition of ‘easy’ – you get on and do nothing, and the horse performs exactly how you want underneath you. To handle he is quiet and obliging. He has great bloodlines and breed potential, and we can’t wait to breed him for the first time this year for some gorgeous foals in 2014!

Dante was competed for the first time in February 2013 in Preliminary dressage – and what a superstar! It was his first time out ever, and he took it all in his stride, coming home with over 62%! We can’t wait to see what he does in the future on the dressage arena!

Born 21/04/2008, 16hh (still some growing left), Jet Black imported Friesian stallion (in utero) By the Champion Approved licensed Dutch Dressage Friesian Stallion Norbert 444 Foalbook stallion Registration Number: 0360 0420 0905 604

r e fo ! r e kh nte Clic of Da o vide

Click here to visit Dante’s page on 34 our Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013 website

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Ebony Park does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omissions in this magazine, or from the use of information contained herein, and we make no warranties, express or applied with respect to any of the material contained herein.

CONTACT US

Address: 611 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren East VIC 3804 Website: www.ebonyparkstud.com.au Email: info@ebonyparkstud.com.au Phone: 0422 227 364 or 03 9796 8690 Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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www.ebonyparkstud.com.au Ebony Park Friesian Magazine July 2013

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