EQuine AMerica Summer 2020

EQuine magazine

COVID-19 EFFECTS IS TELEMEDICINE LEGAL? EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER KIMERLEE CURYL JOANNA FRANTZ, HUMAN SPORTS SCIENCE MEDICINE

INTERVIEW WITH JEFF GOGUL GOOD READS - STRIDE CONTROL DALMAN JUMPS HIS OWN JUMPS KERI POTTER DOMINATES DESERT CIRCUIT WEEK VI

SUMMER 2020 @EQAMMAG

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equine america MAGAZINE UNITED BY our PASSION FOR HORSES . VOLUME 14 . 2020.

publisher

CLR Media, LLC editor

Carina Roselli Editorial Assistants

Lays Coutinho - Afonso Westphal Contributing Writers

Dr. Bob Grisel, Lisa Hellmer, Olivia Lagoy-Weltz, Dr. Nettie Liburt, Carina Roselli, Charlene Strickland, Dr. Ashley Wagner, Carrie Washburn PROOFREADER

Meredith Williams graphic designer

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Chris Roselli COVER PHOTO

Kimerlee Curyl “Freedom Vanishing”

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| EQuine america magazine

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1

PROLOGUE

dear reader,

click to watch

6 | EQuine america magazine

LOVE THE HORSE FIRST BECOME A MEMBER SECOND

THREE PHASES, TWO PARTNERS, ONE GOAL #BetterTogether | www.useventing.com

equine america MAGAZINE UNITED BY our PASSION FOR HORSES . VOLUME 14 . 2020.

CONTRIBUTORS DR. ASHLEY WAGNER, PhD Ashley obtained her Doctorate in Equine Nutrition from the University of Kentucky and went on to work in new product development in the feed and supplement industry. She founded Equinutrix Nutrition Solutions to meet what she saw was an industry need for supplements with scientifically proven efficacy in horses. Her involvement in research has led to numerous co-authored scientific articles, abstracts, and speaking engagements.

dr. Bob Grisel, DVM Bob graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine with honors and having received multiple awards. Bob’s recent publications focus on lameness, especially the correlation between abnormal gait characteristics and specific sources of pain in the horse. His new book, “Equine Lameness for the Laymen” is excerpted in this issue.

Carrie washburn Carrie is an equine physiotherapist certified in equine sports massage, equine kinesiology taping, educated in cold laser therapy, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. She owns and operates Performance Equine – Integrated Therapies out of Carbondale, Colorado, which offers these services to clients and their equine partners along with a full line of all-natural, FEI/ USEF compliant supplements. Carrie has worked on some of the country’s top dressage, reining, and show jumping horses.

Catie Staszak Catie is a multimedia sports journalist, working primarily as the color commentator and journalist for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League (NAL). In 2019, she was named a Chief Liaison Officer for Olympic Broadcasting Services at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Catie is also a competitive equestrian of more than 25 years.

She won American Horse Publications awards in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018 for her journalistic work.

charlene strickland From Bosque Farms, New Mexico, Charlene is an equestrian journalist, writing about sport horse training, showing, and breeding. She’s earned awards for her magazine work from the US Equestrian Federation, The Chronicle of the Horse, and the Society for Technical Communication. In 2013, she won the Alltech A+ Award for Best Article. She is a member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. Charlene has ridden and shown Western, hunters, and dressage.

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Holly johnson Holly is the founder of Equinium Sports Marketing, an equine PR & marketing firm in Wellington, Florida. She has a Bachelor’s degree specializing in entrepreneurship and an MBA in Sports Management, as well as a strong FEI background. In her early 20s, Holly rode for the Lipizzaner Stallions; she performed in the Middle East, Canada, Alaska, at Madison Square Garden and other US destinations. Equinium currently represents clients in the US, Europe, Australia, and South America.

Lisa Hellmer Lisa is a USDF bronze and silver medalist on her Oldenburg, Aniko (“Sneaks”), currently competing at Intermediate I. She graduated summa cum laude from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in equine business management and riding. She is now a USEF Silver Para Dressage Coach and recently formed LCH Equestrian in Ocala, FL.

Dr. Nettie Liburt, PAS Dr. Nettie Liburt is the Senior Equine Nutrition Manager at Mars Horsecare US/BUCKEYE™️ Nutrition where she helps develop new products, trains associates in equine nutrition, and works with the company’s UK-based team at the WALTHAM®️ Centre for Pet Nutrition on developing and implementing research protocols. She holds Master’s and PhD degrees in Animal Science from Rutgers University. Dr. Liburt is a member of the Equine Science Society and a registered Professional Animal Scientist (PAS).

Olivia Lagoy-Weltz Olivia is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist. Her earlier experience includes working for and riding at several top barns in Holland and Germany. Olivia is currently competing her own Rassing’s Lonoir (“Lono”) on the CDI circuit in Wellington, Florida and throughout Europe. Most recently, USEF selected Olivia as Team USA’s traveling alternate for the World Equestrian Games, Tryon 2018.

Steve long Steve is an accomplished business intelligence consultant and published technical author with a creative side that includes a passion for producing beautiful images. A photographer since childhood, his love of horses has led him to pursue photographing top-level equine events.

COntributors

equine america MAGAZINE UNITED BY our PASSION FOR HORSES . VOLUME 14 . 2020.

68.

• Contents • Showjumping Specials: 72.

Silver Linings with Jeff Gogul

26.

Good Reads – Jen Marsden Hamilton’s Stride Control: Exercises to Improve Rideability, Adjustability and Performance

40.

Building Themselves Up: Dalman Jump Co. is the Ultimate All-American Success Story

88.

Desert Circuit 2020: Keri Potter Tops FEI Tour Other Disciplines:

10

46.

Dressage in a Pandemic

56.

Eventing in the “New Normal”

108.

Meet Dr. Joanna Frantz, USEF Para Physical Therapist

12.

Columns: 14.

Equine Arts – Kimerlee Curyl – Untouched Beauty

36.

Veterinary – Equine Telehealth: Making the Transition

52.

Our World – Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine Welcomes

62.

Physio – Magic (Equine) Tape

72.

Legal – Is Telemedicine Legal?

100.

Nutrition – Feeding Horses 101

118.

Our World – EQUUS Foundation – America’s Horses: Unsung Heroes

Editorials: 66.

Saddle to Keyboard: The Horse World Adapts to Social Distancing & the Rules of a Global Pandemic

124.

Yoga at Serenity Show Stable Really Delivers on the Serenity

Photo Spreads: 30.

The Last Palm Beach Masters

112.

Mars 2020 Eventing Showcase

contents

20.

Divine

equine

The finest American equestrian goods, curated for you by the Editor.

Bobby Pins & Shit Now that shows have started up again, you’ll need somewhere to store your essential accoutrement, like bobby pins and shit. The Stylish Equestrian has the perfect canvas pouch to keep you organized and hopefully not taking yourself too seriously on show day. 12” wide by 7” tall and full of personality. Gold top zip with leather tassel. Handmade in the USA. A Stylish Equestrian exclusive, only available at www.stylishequestrian.com, $48.

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The canvas is treated with waxes and oils from a multigenerational formula. This treatment affords the fabric resistance to inclement weather and everyday use. The canvas

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will age and function similarly to leather. Its waxes will move around the bag creating character. To clean, wipe the canvas with mild bar soap and a damp cloth.

In collaboration with Rich Fellers Stables, Reigns by Savannah Fellers perpetuates the legacy of a once in a lifetime horse, Flexible.

The bottom and handles are English bridle leather crafted

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winning the World Cup in 2012, representing Team USA at the

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| EQuine America Magazine

Kindred Black the Lucky Locket

Equifit AgSilver™ SportMask

The horseshoe has been a symbol of good luck for centuries

The AgSilver™ SportMask has a lightweight, anatomical

and is made especially powerful by the addition of agate,

fit with a streamlined look and feel. It’s made of 3 layers of

known to be a deflector of malice and bad luck. This is a one

cotton woven with anti-microbial silver, recycled fabric, and

of a kind piece with a heavy and thick, vintage 14k gold chain

air mesh making the SportMask lightweight and breathable.

with a Victorian agate and 15k gold horseshoe locket.

AgSilver™ is known to help guard against bacterial growth.

Kindred Black was founded in 2015 because its people were

The wider, double wire nose piece is hidden under foam

burnt out on the fashion industry. Feeling like they were drowning

to provide a comfortable and secure fit. The SportMask is

in a sea of plastic packaging waste, harsh fabric chemicals,

great for shows—the hook and loop closure around the

and endless travels through countries with little regulation

neck allows for easy on/off as you transition to and from

on manufacturing (and the air quality to prove it), they knew

the show ring. This mask offers great protection but should

it was time for a change. Kindred Black is an environmentally

not give you a false sense of security during these uncertain

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manufactured. Shop at www.kindredblack.com, $1,950.

Stay safe, get yours at www.equifit.net, $42.

American Equus “Elite” Tiffany Blue Stirrups Luxuriously crafted and engineered for performance, the American Equus Elite stirrups incorporate ergonomically designed branches that naturally contour your legs around the barrel of the horse, easing knee, ankle, and foot pressure. The patent-pending proprietary traction pin system secures your foot and provides for an unparalleled connection to the base of the stirrup. The wide base of the footbed helps you to achieve optimum balance while absorbing concussion to the ball of your foot. This redistribution of weight across the whole foot can also translate to a more correct seat position in the saddle. The solid 6061 Aircraft Aluminum construction provides an incredibly safe ride with a 3000 lb/sq.in. lateral crush strength protecting your feet against possible injury in the event of an accident.

Each stirrup is hand-polished to a mirror-like shine then triple coated and high-temperature baked for a durable lustrous finish. Coordinate your own combination with matching or contrasting footbeds, then finish off with your choice of traction pins to create stirrups that are unique to your needs and style. Always made in the USA. Follow them on Instagram @americanequus and order your stirrups at www.americanequus.com, $315.

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E q u i n e A rt s

Someone to Watch over me Utah Wild Mare and Stallion There is an undeniable rhythm to wildness. She is direct and firm in her position.

Unwavering and committed. She is my mentor, my Shero, my healer, and my friend. My gratitude is infinite for these long days spent out amongst the herds.

Smelling the sweetness of the earth, hearing the meadowlark’s song and feeling the warmth of wildness embrace your skin. Sometimes you have to close your eyes to see your soul.

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| EQuine America Magazine

Kimerlee Curyl

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY Loving everything “horse” from the moment she could breathe, the unfolding of Kimerlee Curyl’s life thus far makes perfect sense.

Having worked on both sides of the camera,

locations, earning her place as one of the leading

Kimerlee has the natural ability to capture emotion;

wild horse fine art photographers in the world.

she delivers imagery that is unique, dramatic, and

Her vision and work have become increasingly

evocative. Her work emphasizes graceful lines, rich

recognizable and celebrated by collectors around

textures, and a view of the horse not done before.

the globe. Today, Kimerlee lives in California’s

Her style is borne from countless hours spent

beautiful Santa Ynez valley with her adopted wild

observing and understanding the movements,

mustang, el Regalo (“the Gift”), out of the Great

thoughts, and shear will of the horse. The allure

Divide Basin in Wyoming. She is represented by

of raw, wild, untouched beauty is the driving force

fine art galleries across the nation, has shown in

behind these works and the oxygen to Kimerlee’s

multiple museums, and has acquired a national

soul. The intimate connection she captures leaves

and international collector base. Her work has

the viewer imagining their very breath on your face.

been used in product branding and numerous

Kimerlee’s work reflects passion and purpose

advertising campaigns, and permanent collections

and is fused with environmental consciousness.

reside in hotels, hospitals, and private homes.

She is committed to the protection of wildness.

Most importantly, her work has become a

Her ongoing efforts not only chronicle the freedom

voice for those who don’t have one—America’s

of our wild horses on their home territory, but

remaining wild horses. These horses are owned

more importantly help raise significant awareness

by no one; they are created by the very salt of

for the plight these American icons face year

the earth. Kimerlee’s images capture them in their

after year—round-up after round-up. Since 2004,

element and on their terms; absolutely nothing is

Kimerlee has dedicated herself to the cause of wild

contrived. These are accounts of their day-to-day

mustangs and she hopes to inspire others, not only

lives spent living on our vast yet dwindling public

to appreciate the beauty of these creatures, but

lands. Each collection is the story of a place where

to take an interest in helping preserve their place

wildness still exists... for now.

on this land. Her imagery has been donated many

To learn more about the plight of our wild

times over to organizations focusing on mustang

horses and to add your voice to the cause please

rescue and preservation efforts. She has raised

visit https://americanwildhorsecampaign.org.

thousands of dollars and used her time, talent, and ideas to influence others to care, to photograph, and to get involved with the issue.

Kimerlee has traveled to numerous remote

To see more of Kimerlee’s work, please visit https://www.kimerleecuryl.com.

Follow Kimerlee on Instagram at https://www. instagram.com/kimerleecurylphotography/.

15

E q u i n e A rt s

A Mother’s Love Utah Wild Horses The bond between a mare and her foal is fierce. To bear witness to this strong connection is Mother Nature in her finest form. They can be separated in a massive herd due to a foal wandering off to play in their innate curiosity; in an instant, that mare will call out and her foal knows the call is for them. The same goes for a foal who finds theirself astray from mom’s side, the little squeaks and whinnies they produce will alarm the mother from hundreds of feet away. They remind us to look at the world with wonder and to honor our precious life bonds.

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| EQuine America Magazine

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Nurture - Wyoming Stallions While watching them drink you can feel the essence of life being sustained.

These horses are literally woven into the fabric of the natural world. They are intended to be there, an integral part of our ecosystem. The horses not only nourish themselves with the water, but will take in the surrounding dirt and mud, absorbing rich minerals and nutrients the earth has provided them. We must nurture our integrity and ethics for them and the natural world, we have been made aware, by Mother Nature herself, that soon it could be too late.

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BedHead - Utah Stallion While out with the wild herds, no matter which area, I find myself surrounded by the herd leader or stronger stallions. I’d love to think its kismet, however as herd dynamics go, it’s the proud role of the leader, protecting his family. This exquisite stallion was near me almost every day of this trip. Spanish in his look and stature, he was living, breathing poetry as he courted the hearts of young fillies.

Direct Opposition - Utah Stallions In chess, direct opposition is the situation occurring when two kings face each other on a rank, with only one square in between them. These two were both Kings. They postured as if there was going to be an epic battle. Hooves striking the ground, nostrils flared, rearing before they even came together. Hellbent on showing who was stronger. This is the moment contact was made, they took their time assessing each other with intensity, and as good men do, they practically bowed to one another, ending with a nod of approval. Each one spinning on their haunches, a shake of the head, and back to their mares they went—recognizing and honoring the strength each possessed.

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E q u i n e A rt s

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| EQuine America Magazine

Wyoming Landscape Wyoming Wild Horses The Great Divide Basin in Wyoming encompasses

over

800,000

acres of raw and rugged territory.

It’s a place so vast—so empty— your eyes won’t believe what they are seeing. You can drive hours, or even days, off road and never come across another soul. It’s eerie. It’s perfection.

These are amongst some of the wildest of wild horses I have ever come across. And this family band gave me a clear sign that even the sight of my Jeep from miles away would not do. Within seconds they vanished into thin air.

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E q u i n e A rt s

Snow White - Wyoming Stallion and Mare We all need someone to lean on. This gorgeous snow-white mare, very heavy in foal, takes a nap on her handsome prince charming. She had been resting there for some time before a group of challenging bachelor stallions approached and he had his work cut out for him. This stallion single-handedly drove away five younger stallions to protect his family. His other mares were extremely upset running circles around this mare in an effort to keep everyone together.

She was close to foaling, uncomfortable, and could not defend herself. After a serious battle was won, he literally returned to her side so she could continue resting her tired head upon him. Chivalry is not dead.

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Rise Wild - Utah Stallions Rearing shots, stallions fighting, running, and large herds have normally never been my thing.

While they certainly enrich the story of the wild horse, as an artist they just never rocked my world. I’m usually inspired by negative space and tight shots that illuminate intimate moments, nuances, and a view of the horse not considered before.

What I’m finding interesting is the images I’m drawn to at this particular time in history. In today’s current global climate, I’m finding myself drawn to these powerful moments for the empowerment they gift us. It is the rearing shots, the strong herd, the safety in numbers—a view of the whole—that I’m drawn to. The need for community and the fact that we must work together to create the better is real; it is something that is just how it is in the wild. There is so much strength and freedom expressed in that moment of two stallions rising. They understand the strength it takes to keep their family band alive, but they also understand the importance of the herd. They know they are stronger together.

23

E q u i n e A rt s

Installation image in a custom home in Incline Village, Nevada

Kimerlee Curyl on her adopted Mustang from the Great Divide Basin, Wyoming

Kimerlee Curyl

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goo d rea d s

Stride Control:

Exercises to Improve Rideability, Adjustability and Performance

By Jen Marsden Hamilton Shared in partnership with Trafalgar Square Books www.horseandriderbooks.com

What Makes You a Winner?

Whenever I run clinics with competition show jumpers

• The course walk presents the options available.

• Training makes those options rideable.

or event riders, I always ask, “Are you any good as a rider?”

The usual response is a bit wishy-washy. I personally think a great answer is: “Yes, and I’m working to get better!”

Then I ask a second question: “What makes you and your horse ‘winners’?”

Developing Options All jumping courses have options. Here, I’m mainly focusing on the show jumping jump-off, where the rider can take a risk to make time against the clock. (Do note, thought, that principles learned here can be helpful in

The usual answer I receive from riders is all about what

other jumping disciplines—consider the need to make the

they can’t do—what they’re not very good at. I find it

time on a cross-country course.) In the jump-off, if there

interesting that riders know their weaknesses so well, and

is an equality of faults, the rider with the fastest time is

they want to tell me all about them. I always respond that

the winner.

there is no point in telling me what their weaknesses are because they advertise them!

The clock, however, doesn’t just record which horse and rider combination galloped the fastest between the

Most riders (apart from professional riders), really

start flag and finish flag. The winner is the horse that

only think and worry about their weaknesses, not their

takes the fewest number of strides between the start and

strengths. But how can you win if you don’t know what

finish flags—thus having a faster time.

your and your horse’s strengths are? You win because of your combined strengths—not because of either of your

Rideable Options for Taking Fewer Strides on Course

weaknesses! Training is about setting up exercises to turn

• Change the track.

weaknesses into strengths based on the principles of

• Slice the jump (jump on an angle).

balance, rhythm, straightness, and pace.

• Shorten the turns in and away from jumps.

At a competition, the course designer sets the track and type of jumps to ask horse-and-rider combinations

• Use the different stride lengths efficiently and effectively.

specific questions, such as how to ride a line, how to turn,

• Increase the speed.

and so on.

• The strategy of the ride is based on the course walk.

26

• Ride a bending line straight.

| Equine america magazine

Let’s take a look at a terrific exercise that will up your game on slicing a jump.

When jumping on an angle, there is a wide-angle side and there is a narrow-angle side. The chance of the horse running out on the wide angle (in this case, running out to the left) is a possibility. Hold the track with a soft bearing rein on the wide-angle side and an open rein on the narrow-angle side to hold the horse straight. When jumping on an angle, remember the track in gives the track away. Use your eyes to establish and hold the track. The final conviction that you want to jump the jump comes from your eyes. Use them.

EXERCISE 11

position and eyes with conviction will get you to the

SLICING THE JUMP (JUMPING ON AN ANGLE)

other side.

“Slicing” the jump is an appropriate option if

Practice riding the straight track away from the

and when the track away is taking the rider in the

jump. Why take the risk of jumping the front side of

desired direction.

the jump on an angle if you don’t ride the desired track

When jumping a jump on a slice or angle, remember the track in gives the track away. Use your

away? Also jump the exercise in both directions—left to right over the jump and right to left.

eyes to establish and hold the track. Use your eyes!

Note that when slicing a jump, there is a wide-

Further Education

angle side and a narrow-angle side. The possibility

Practice the same exercise over verticals and oxers.

of the horse running out on the wide-angle side

Start low, and gradually make the jumps bigger and

is there. To prevent this, use an open rein on the

wider. You will probably find that the higher and

narrow-angle side. On the wide-angle side, the leg

wider the jump, the less of an angle you can take.

and a slight bearing rein will block any side motion

Be sensible and find out how much of a slice your

or drifting and keep the horse straight. Have enough

horse will accept. How much of a slice can you take

leg to maintain the desired impulsion. Correct

at the height you will be competing at?

2727

goo d rea d s

“

The horse is the best

“

judge of a rider.

Jen Marsden Hamilton

Practice the same exercise off different stride

straightness in all your flatwork; improving the

lengths and at different paces (speed). Learn how

way your horse responds to your turning rein aids

much pace you can have on the slice. You need

(open rein and bearing rein).

to know this if you want to be a winner! Always remember: This exercise is about teaching horse

Points to consider:

and rider to jump angles with confidence. If you

• Progressive skill development—good training—

ask too much, you’ll scare your horse and teach

turns a weakness into a strength, which opens

your horse to run out or refuse.

up the options available to horse and rider on a course.

KEY POINTS

• The course walk presents the options available.

- When jumping an obstacle on a slice or angle,

Training makes the options rideable.

remember the track in gives the track away. Why

• Speed is always the last element put into the

take the risk of jumping the front side of the jump

jump-off equation—not the first!

on an angle if you don’t also ride the desired track

• The benchmark is always calm, forward, and

away?

straight.

- Any straightness problems on the flat will haunt

• Course strategy is based on horse-and-rider

you when jumping on an angle. Keep working on

strengths. Pace, tracks to and away from jumps, strides between jumps, corners to be cut, and angles to be jumped are based on horse-and-rider skill level.

• You win because of your combined strengths— know your strengths and when to use them.

• Use your strengths to take fewer strides between the start and finish flags, and be a winner!

Bearing left rein: close the rein toward the neck and open the right rein.

28

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US Olympian Laura Kraut rides 13yo Holsteiner gelding 30 30

Confu as he pulls hooves to chin in the Jumping World Cup

p h o t o s prea d All photos by Carina Roselli

Palm Beach Masters

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Wellington The $72,900 Candy Tribble Qualifier

to

contest

the

$213,300

CSI4*-W

CSI4*-W held on January 31, 2020 was

Longines

named in honor of Candy Tribble, a

Wellington,

longtime supporter and dear friend of

Pacific and held on February 2, 2020

the Palm Beach Masters Series®.

under idyllic conditions in the beautiful

FEI

Jumping Presented

World by

Cup™

Canadian

Candy was the proud owner of a

Deeridge Farm grass arena. Ireland’s

number of top showjumping horses and

Darragh Kenny topped the penultimate

often sat at Deeridge Farm from sunup to

east coast qualifier for the Longines FEI

sunset, watching every class of the Palm

Jumping World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas

Beach Masters.

(canceled due to COVID-19).

Alvarez Moya (ESP) topped a star-

Last to go on course for the day’s jump-

studded eight-horse jump-off that included

off,

two Olympic gold medalists in Laura Kraut

round on Classic Dream followed a flat-out

(USA) and Beezie Madden (USA), along

run by Cassio Rivetti (BRA) aboard Bacara

with defending Champion, Alex Granato

d’Archonfosse that stopped the clock at

(USA). The top pair posted a winning time

38.29 seconds and a pathfinding Devin

of 37.23 seconds. Adrienne Sternlicht

Ryan (USA) on Eddie Blue who finished in

(USA) and Bennys Legacy finished second

39.00 seconds. FEI Course Designer Alan

with a time of 37.82 seconds, while

Wade really challenged the riders that day.

Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello finished

Devin, having been the first competitor

third on a 38.08-second time.

to solve Wade’s first round puzzle, said,

The top 40 riders of the $72,900 CSI4*-W Candy Tribble Qualifier returned

Kenny’s

impressive

36.70-second

“The course designer did his job—he created faults everywhere.”

31

Devin Ryan and 11yo KWPN gelding Eddie Blue made the USA proud placig third in the Palm Beach Masters Jumping World Cup Adrienne Sternlicht and 12yo Oldenburg gelding Bennys Legacy made the USA proud finishing second in the $72,900 Candy Tribble Qualifier CSI4*-W

FEI Course Designer, Alan Wade, looks on as riders attempt to solve his puzzle

Devin Ryan and 11yo KWPN gelding Eddie Blue made the USA proud placing third in the Palm Beach Masters Jumping World Cup 32

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US Olympian McLain Ward looks straight ahead at his next obstacle on 14yo SBS mare HH Azur in the Jumping World Cup

Jessica Springsteen looks for her next line in the Jumping World Cup on 13yo Holsteiner mare RMF Zecilie

Schuyler Riley scopes out the next jump (with her signature glasses) aboard 15yo Selle Franรงais gelding Robin de Ponthual in the Jumping World Cup 34

Photo AdobeStock/NIKCOA

Equine Telehealth:

Making the Transition We currently find ourselves in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic is not only challenging our way of life, it is forcing us to transform the way in which we care for our horses. As equestrians, it is up to us to protect our animals and ourselves during this deeply unsettling time. We must transcend the uncertainty around us and continue to provide superior care to our horses, all while safeguarding the integrity of our beloved industry.

Our series of articles has been aimed at getting equestrians acquainted with equine telehealth, a modality

Equine telemedicine is out there and has already established itself as a powerful tool.

which has been steadily gaining popularity among horse

Where we’re currently faltering is not in available

owners and veterinarians alike. In response to the sudden

technology, but rather in the mindset of equine veterinarians

need for social distancing, however, the entrance of

and horse owners with respect to integrating this modality

telemedicine into our everyday life has been hastened

into everyday use. Indeed, embracing formal telemedicine

dramatically. As I write this article, equine veterinarians are

is not instinctive for all equestrians, presumably due

scrambling to find a way to stay connected to their patients

to a number of common misperceptions related to its

and clients in a secure, productive, and safe environment.

application:

The good news is that for the first time in an exceptionally long time (maybe the first time in history),

MYTH

veterinary medicine actually finds itself ahead of the

relationships between horse owners and their

technological curve. Telemedical solutions currently exist,

professional team.

even those designed exclusively for the equine industry.

36

| EQuine America Magazine

#1:

Telemedicine

deleteriously

affects

False. Many of us may think that collaboration with our

V E T E R IN A R Y

Photo AdobeStock/135pixels

veterinarians and farriers will become less personal,

telemedical assessment does not replace hands-on

and therefore less constructive. In reality, the

examination. Rather, it is performed in place of doing

establishment of a stable, digital partnership between

nothing (i.e. no examination at all). Your veterinary

the equine care team members facilitates greater

professional will still need to see your horse in person

dialogue and improves productivity. By promoting

whenever appropriate. This action is required in

teamwork among professionals, we can also amplify

order to maintain a viable Veterinary-Client-Patient-

the brain power working on behalf of our horses.

Relationship (VCPR), which is required under our profession’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics

MYTH #2: A formal process is not required to

(PVME).

procure a veterinarian’s opinion.

False. Anytime a veterinarian provides an opinion regarding a specific animal (no matter how casual

MYTH #4: Telemedicine is expensive.

False.

Telemedical

services

are

not

only

that opinion may be) he/she is practicing medicine.

inexpensive, they permit the preemptive and proactive

Providing such an opinion from a remote location

assessment of your horse with the primary objective

is the practice of telemedicine. Appropriately,

of identifying problems at or before their onset. Early

the rules and regulations that govern veterinary

identification of an issue translates into expeditious

medicine also govern veterinary telemedicine. The

diagnosis and treatment, which not only improves

application of formal telemedicine not only grants

your horse’s prognosis, it also saves you considerable

your horses superior veterinary attention, it also

time and money in the end.

enables the professional to practice within the ethical and legal confines of the industry. Other forms of

MYTH

#5:

Telemedicine

compromises

communication such as phone calls, texting, email,

medical care we deliver to our horses.

the

etc. do not afford the necessary levels of security and

False. Telemedicine furthers our ability to identify

storage, and their implementation is consequently

and treat pathology promptly, during the period

discouraged by federal and state regulatory boards.

when treatment is still curative or at least highly effective. Remember, you will be able to instantly

MYTH #3: Telemedicine replaces the on-site visit.

False.

It

is

important

to

remember

that

solicit professional assessment whenever you want— right from your smartphone. Appropriately, your 37

ve t er i n ary

Photo AdobeStock/tetxu

Diagnostic

veterinarian will be able to evaluate your horse on a

•

continuous (rather than an episodic) basis.

Your

Equine telehealth, when properly administered, connects the dots (or fills-in the gaps) with respect to the

practitioner

Image can

review

Interpretation: radiographic,

ultrasonographic, scintigraphic, thermographic, CT, and MR images from anywhere.

veterinary care our horses receive. Within the context

• General Problem Quick Check: Some equestrians

of a global pandemic, veterinarians can stay connected

are not sure if they need to call the vet out to the

to their clients and patients while continuing to comply

barn. With this tool, the veterinarian can help you

with the World Health Organization’s recommendation

make that judgement.

for social distancing. At present, telemedicine can

• Insurance Review: Check with your insurance

be readily employed to provide the following remote

company; onsite examination may not be required

services:

in all cases.

• Lameness Recognition: Your veterinarian can

• Colleague-to-Colleague Referral: This feature

confirm or deny a suspected problem prior to setting

provides your veterinarian with direct teleconsulting

up an on-site visit. Many cases of lameness, such as

access to other equine professionals—anywhere.

those resulting from mild trauma, may be successfully managed through remote means.

38

The regular implementation of equine telemedicine

• Pre-Appointment Preview: Preemptive evaluation

is approaching fast and will undoubtedly be here

serves to shorten your appointment time dramatically. It

to stay. It is an effective instrument that allows us

also better prepares your veterinarian for the evaluation

to keep our horses healthy while preventing the

and/or treatment process.

spread of COVID-19. With a preestablished VCPR and

• Post-Appointment Review: This permits your veterinary

appropriate licensing, your veterinarian can triage

professional to perform regular recheck evaluations

patients to ensure that only those requiring immediate

without the time, expense, and risk currently associated

hands-on attention are scheduled for on-site visits.

with on-site visitation.

As a direct consequence, your vet will very likely be

• Pre-purchase Screening: Your vet can preemptively

offering telemedical services in the immediate future.

screen a horse to determine if full on-site examination is

I strongly suggest that you are receptive to the idea.

worthwhile. This practice not only keeps relevant parties

Given our current technological capabilities and the

socially distant, it also enables you to scrutinize more

uncertainty of COVID-19, a secure equine telemedical

prospects within a designated budget and timeframe.

solution has never made more sense.

saddlery

BECAUSE EVERY SADDLE SHOULD FIT RIDER: STEFFEN PETERS MYSADDLE.COM

39

Photo by Kaitlyn Karssen Photography

40

SH O W J U M P IN G Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Dalman Jump Co.’s sponsor jump for CaptiveOne Advisors has become a staple on course at competitions around the country.

Building Themselves Up:

Dalman Jump Co. is the Ultimate All-American Success Story

By Catie Staszak of Catie Staszak Media

Javan Dalman sits at his desk, pencil in hand, deep

Exponential Growth

in thought. Tucked away in his office at his workshop in

Javan was in high school when he first met his now-

Loxahatchee, Florida, Javan is in his element. Before him,

wife Sandra who, having competed in her first grand

a thick sketchbook provides both a blank canvas and years

prix at 16, was already on the fast-track to a career in

of inspiration. He reaches for a different colored pencil and

the sport of show jumping. Javan, whose equestrian

begins to sketch the beginnings of a new masterpiece.

roots were in rodeo, was a carpenter by trade with a

Javan Dalman is the equestrian industry’s Donatello,

family background in custom home building. His career

except this art is designed to be knocked down and rebuilt.

path didn’t necessarily lend itself to the lifestyle of the

The founder and owner of the highly successful Dalman

traveling show circuit, but he quickly adapted. Today,

Jump Co., Javan brings to life imaginative visions—built

Dalman Jump Co. operates parallel to Sandra’s training,

to FEI specs—that dot the arenas at some of the country’s

equine development, and sales business, Dalman Show

most prestigious competitions, from the Winter Equestrian

Jumping, based out of Wellington, Florida and Ridgefield,

Festival to the Split Rock Jumping Tour and the Longines

Connecticut.

FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ USA, the only Nations Cup qualifier in the United States.

“Our businesses really complement each other, and it allows us to work in the same industry and be in the

His jumps are nothing short of iconic, designed and

same places more often than not. It’s really fun,” Javan

built for some of the sport’s biggest names and sponsors:

said. “Both businesses are really a team effort. Neither

CaptiveOne Advisors, Dutta Corp., Fidelity Investments,

business could run without both of us, and we are both

and Palm Beach Equine Clinic are just a few of the brands

doing what we were born to do.”

brought to life on courses throughout the show circuit.

Dalman Jump Co. began as more of a one-man

It’s a far cry from where he started eight years ago. “I

handyman shop. Javan built just about anything that

set up a 12’ x 12’ tent and a 4’ x 8’ workbench,” Javan

could benefit Sandra’s operation, but before long, word

recalled, “and I started Dalman Jump Co.”

of his talents got out. “I invariably built things wherever 41

s h owjump i n g

“

My favorite thing is to walk into a show ring full of my jumps and just be with

“

them. I listen to people discuss how they will ride up to them and how their horses will jump them—and how beautiful they are. Javan Dalman

we were—cavaletti in the aisleway, bridle racks, saddle

lifetime construction warranties, with shipping available

racks, standards for the ring. Then people started to order

worldwide. The customer service is second-to-none; you

what I was building,” Javan said. “They would ask for

can find Javan at the in-gate of many of the arenas where

cavaletti and standards and before you knew it, I was so

his jumps are on display, and his company takes trade-

busy I couldn’t even believe it.”

ins, provides course rentals, and offers jump restoration

The Dalman brand grew, almost exponentially, and

services. Javan lives by the mantra, “If you can dream it,

largely by word-of-mouth. Javan’s tiny tent shop was

we can build it,” but the scope of Dalman Jump Co. spans

quickly outgrown and replaced with a brick-and-mortar

far beyond design and build, though that has become its

facility—and then a larger one. Dalman Jump Co. now

trademark.

calls Loxahatchee home; the five-acre property houses

“It’s just a huge blessing to have this much work. I

Javan’s office, a paint shop, carpentry shop, and storage

think it’s emblematic of the work that we do and the type

for several of Dalman Jump Co.-designed sponsor jumps.

of word of mouth references that exist,” Javan said. “I love

The product catalog is immense, with more than 100

working with everyone in the show jumping community,

jumps, jump accessories, barn accessories, and services

and all the work I’ve done with them is the foundation

listed on their website. Everything is made in the USA of

that’s built everything that you see today.”

the finest quality marine grade materials and comes with Imaginative Vision While scanning the course in a grand prix arena, it’s easy to spot a Dalman Jump Co. fence.

While

meeting

the

regulations

set

forth

for

international show jumping, Dalman Jump Co. creations

Photo courtesy of Sandra Dalman

have broken every other barrier, bringing to life the wildest of visions. The company’s Signature “T” Wall, first spotted on the Split Rock Jumping Tour, set a new standard— without actually using standards. The “Spirit of Traverse City” designed for the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival had horses jumping over a 3-D sailboat, with a real teak deck. Marlins explode out from the wings of CaptiveOne Advisors’ custom sponsor jump, while Freddie Mercury stands tall, in full crescendo, beside an autographed guitar on the standards of Missy Clark’s custom fence for North Run South. Erik, the iconic phantom of “Phantom of the Opera,” stares at you through hand-painted fog on a

Javan and Sandra in Traverse City.

42

Photo: Kaitlyn Karssen Photography

Javan with his Dalman Jump Co. Signature T-Wall.

jump headed to the west coast, complete with masked

for her in her youth). In addition to a fun marketing tool,

fillers and handcrafted roses.

the jumps undoubtedly translate to improved confidence

“My favorite thing is to walk into a show ring full of

on course for both horse and rider.

my jumps and just be with them,” Javan said. “I listen

“The value in having show jumps at home is that you

to people discuss how they will ride up to them and

can prepare your horse for the show ring,” Javan said.

how their horses will jump them—and how beautiful

“Believe me it’s fun to have all these cool show jumps

they are.”

at home, and it’s fun to build them, but then when you

Javan’s custom jumps have only gotten more creative,

go to the show, your horse is prepared, you’re prepared,

as he continues to expand his repertoire in the custom

and you can say, ‘I’ve jumped this before. This is not a

space. He begins his designs as sketches on paper before

big deal. I have a spooky wall at home. I have a wall with

computer-aided design software digitizes the artwork

no pillars on the side. I can do this.’ And you win more

and cuts out the design to exact size. From there, Javan’s

ribbons and you win more [prize] money.”

team of carpenters, painters, and artists get to work turning 2-D into 3-D.

The Fruits of His Labor

“I think Dalman Jump Co. is different because you

In March, Javan jumped his own jumps for the first

can come to us with a concept or an idea and we can

time. On a course laid out by Olympic course designer,

parlay that into an actual fence that people can jump

Guilherme Jorge, on the derby field at Bourns Sport Horses

and enjoy,” Javan said. “Whether it’s a flamingo, Freddie

in Wellington, Florida, Javan had one fence selected as

Mercury, a Viking boat, Aztec pyramids—we bring real

his favorite—his “Picasso”—an abstractly designed jump

things to the show jump arena.”

with matching filler that just so happened to be the last

The trend for bolder and spookier jumps in competition

jump of the long and winding 13-fence track. On his way

has also increased the demand for horse show-quality

there, he navigated a myriad of tests: filler of all shapes

jumps for home arenas. Javan designed an elaborate

and colors, neon striped rails, a triple combination with

Viking boat fence for Hyperion stud, a watermelon wall

polo mallet standards, liverpools, and a hand-painted

for Double H Farm, and a hand-painted zebra wall for

wall resembling the Arc de Triomphe, among others. As his

Schuyler Riley (a recreation of a panel that was painted

mount touched down from Picasso—a direct illustration of 43

s h owjump i n g Photo Andrew Ryback Photography

Javan and A-Frieda-O soar over Dalman Jump Co.’s custom GGT wall in Traverse City.

to the different jump elements. Javan Dalman

his artistic endeavors—Javan’s smile showed that his work

Dalman Jump Co. launched a new partnership with

had truly come full circle.

the national governing body of equestrian sport as the

“It’s a blast to jump my own jumps. I love to feel the

Official Jump Company of US Equestrian, which will

reaction of the horse to the different jump elements.

bring Dalman Jump Co. designs into more arenas around

It’s quite helpful for designing proper filler, walls, and

the country than ever before.

wings,” Javan said.

Understanding the scope of Dalman Jump Co., as

After a 10-year hiatus from the show ring, Javan

tractor-trailers carefully packed to capacity with freshly

is back, competing with his wife’s former grand prix

painted jumps depart from Loxahatchee for competitions

mount, the now 15-year-old A-Frieda-O. In June, the

around the country, it’s hard to imagine the business ever

couple shared a special moment in Traverse City when

fit under a 12’ x 12’ tent. But Javan Dalman still works

Javan finished third in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers

with the same enthusiasm as when he started, with goals

and Sandra was ninth in the CSI2* Turtle Creek Casino

to see his jumps on course at every major championship,

Grand Prix. “Frieda is the horse of a lifetime—an amazing

along with as many North American farms and venues

mare—and Sandra gets the most out of both of us. She

he can reach.

knows what we need to be successful,” Javan said.

“I’ve snowboarded off cliffs out west, sailed across

“It never gets old seeing my jumps in the ring,” Javan said. “I absolutely obsess over it. I love seeing them in

the ocean, and pulled backflips on my wakeboard, but

action. I love seeing people enjoy the jumps. To be at

showjumping is the top. There is no substitute.” The

Nations Cup and see the countries represented with the

same outgoing, game-for-anything mentality, coupled

jumps that we built—it’s incredible.”

with a natural fire to be the best at his craft, is carrying him to new heights both on and off a horse. In June,

44

“

“

It’s a blast to jump my own jumps. I love to feel the reaction of the horse

To learn more about Dalman Jump Co., visit DalmanJumpCo.com.

d re s s age

By Olivia Lagoy-Weltz

Photo AdobeStock/taylon

Dressage in a Pandemic I think it’s safe to say that this year has not gone according to plan. Had you told me last year (or even at the beginning of this show season) that everything would come to a screeching halt due to a global pandemic, I would have thought you had read one too many sci-fi novels and were being a fatalist.

46

When my husband told me that his company

are all having to adapt and think on our feet, but in

grounded work travel and that they would probably

many ways, I think those of us in the horse industry are

cancel the World Cup, I was thoroughly annoyed

overall very lucky.

because I thought he was being dramatic and raining

While there is no doubt that the Coronavirus

on my parade. Alas, his information was ahead of the

pandemic has had a profound impact on our industry,

media. He was right, and I was wrong.

the day to day needs of our horses always remain the

I’m generally not someone who has to be right, but

same. Riders, grooms, manure removal companies, hay

just this once, I wish he had been wrong. My husband,

and grain providers, truckers, farriers, and vets all find

on the other hand, loves to be correct and had a full

themselves as unlikely essential service providers in

gleeful roll in the “I told you so” before he thought to

these strange times. It’s amazing that the microcosm

say, “Gee, I’m sorry about the World Cup—I know this

that is the horse industry, and particularly the elite

must be disappointing.” Ahh, marital bliss. It’s ok, now

horse industry, found itself by in large insulated from

that he’s stuck at home with me all the time, I’m still

the more economically devastating casualties of

punishing him by hitting snooze on my alarm at least

the pandemic. While sales have slowed, shows have

twice before I get up every morning. Joking aside, we

been canceled, and all of our goals have required

our hill game. Olivia Lagoy-Weltz

reevaluation, I find myself being eternally grateful.

“

“

Thankfully the weather improved so we could work on

my clients were incredibly understanding. Facemasks

When the World Health Organization declared

quickly became the norm for visitors, and the bottle

a global pandemic, and the USEF and FEI canceled

of hand sanitizer by the door was a frequent stop.

all horse shows, we were still in Florida trying to

Busy days continued in this strange new way.

work our way through the show season. For me

Amidst the overwhelming smell of disinfectant,

personally, we had one final World Cup qualifier to

life providing for the horses never stopped. Nickers

complete before heading to Las Vegas. Things went

still demanded breakfast every morning, stalls still

from, “there’s this thing in China” to “there’s this

required mucking, and although future competitions

thing in Washington state” to the whole country

seemed far off and unknowable, training continued.

coming to a screeching halt in relatively short order.

In dressage, I feel like we always need more training,

With everything canceled, we had a choice to

we can always be better—after all, dressage does

make between staying in Florida through mid-April

mean “training” in French. So, we put the time to

(as we usually do) or escaping back to Virginia before

good use.

things got worse. We headed home as Coronavirus cases started showing up in Florida.

We also used this time to have all the horses gone over by our vet and dentist, and then tuned

It was nice to be home where all our staff lives

them up for their owners. We are fortunate that

on-site and our barn is only 200 feet from our back

we run a relatively modest program of typically 15

door, but it was also freezing (by my standards). We

horses and have enough staff to transition to this

went from temperatures in the 90s to temps in the

format without a lot of disruption

40s, which was a shock to the system, for me and the horses, I think.

Unexpectedly, however, the number of equine residents at the farm increased this year as a result

Once home, we had to make a call about closing

of the Coronavirus-induced economic downturn.

the farm to clients. We decided to err on the side of

Sales on horses that were about to change hands

caution and close the facility to all but essential care-

fell through as people suddenly found themselves

providers during the initial lockdown. Thankfully, all

with less disposable income, and potential buyers

d re s s age

postponed trials to avoid travel and wait for the markets

our program, so I don’t think that the lack of available

to stabilize. As a result, we returned from Florida with an

competitions during this part of lockdown had a massive

extra horse to sell when I agreed to help a friend out of a

impact on our clients. But, as things began to open up

tight spot at the last minute.

in June, many of the facilities around us started offering

I had been banking on another sale that ended up falling through at the last minute over bloodwork results

48

“

“

It’s awful quiet around here with out lessons. Olivia Lagoy-Weltz

some excellent schooling shows on good footing to fill the gap left by the cancellations of recognized events.

that didn’t return fast enough. The horse missed hitching

We’ve taken full advantage of these shows. I’ve found

a ride home with a friend of the buyer, and by the time

them very beneficial for getting our young horses out and

the bloodwork was back (with no issues), the buyer got

getting our riders some miles in the white rectangle of

cold feet. So, rather than having a decrease in activity, we

judgment, all for the very low cost of $35. Although the

found ourselves being just as busy as we were in Florida. A

vibe is low key and friendly, I make a point of having my

blessing and curse.

riders go through the full motions of showing: bathing,

We ultimately had to put an extra sale horse up the road

braiding, white breeches—I did cave on the coat, but a

at a friend’s barn in Middleburg, requiring me to leave the

show shirt or nice polo was nonnegotiable. Afterall, the

farm daily to train it. The roads were eerily quiet; it wasn’t

horses don’t know the difference between a schooling

uncommon for me to pass no one on that 30-minute drive

show and an open show as long they get fussed over and

from Haymarket to Middleburg. I felt like a fugitive when

braided in the same way, it’s the same experience for them.

I stopped to support the Middleburg Common Grounds

The rider’s experience is of course a bit different at

coffee shop with my daily purchase of an Earl Grey tea and

these events where face masks outnumber ribbons, test

pastry.

results are emailed (we should keep this practice, it’s very

In May, we opened the barn back up to clients and

convenient!), and limited interaction between barns and

daily lessons resumed. We worked with everyone to set

people keeps us socially distanced at all times. Organizers

goals for the summer and fall and steadily started to work

work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all involved and

in that direction. We usually don’t show just to show in

everything is very well choreographed.

| EQuine America Magazine

Photo Carina Roselli

“

Afterall, the horses don’t know the difference between a schooling show

“

and an open show as long they get fussed over and braided in the same way, it’s the same experience for them. Olivia Lagoy-Weltz

At the last show we went to, there were chalk

The shows in Europe have opened, and while

arrows pointing you around the facility, a bit like

they are not allowing spectators, they are running

the arrows you’ll now find on the floor of the

the big events. This means the Europeans will

grocery store trying to encourage people to only go one way down each aisle. It doesn’t really seem to work at the grocery store, but it worked well at this show, especially with the help of guides who led you around the barn from the warmup to the show arena and then from the show arena back to the trailers so that you basically did a big circle and didn’t pass anyone not from your own group.

All in all, it’s been really good to get the miles and enjoyable to spend time with my riders helping them perfect their showing—making lemonade out of pandemic lemons.

My Grand Prix horse, Lono, on the other hand, is not going to the schooling shows. We’ve upped his game on hills, as well as started playing with some groundwork, but it’s difficult not knowing when our next recognized event is going to be. The World Cup was our next target, and possibly the Olympics after that, but alas, Lono is at home enjoying his hay and generally looking bored. I was joking today that I should set up a TV in our stable so he can watch the CDI’s in Europe for entertainment.

Everyone is napping a lot.

d re s s age

50

equestrians, so that we can all ride through this pandemic together. Olivia Lagoy-Weltz

“

“

We must continue to unite and prioritize the health of our fellow

continue to develop their up-and-coming horses and

the horse in person? Or just mean that the market in

riders, and hone their skills in the major show arenas,

Europe will suffer while ours stays the same? Or will the

while we cannot. Instead, most of us find ourselves at

market stabilize as this becomes the “new normal” for

home going in circles—literally.

our industry? And what about FEI shows? Will there be

This puts the US at a competitive disadvantage,

a winter season in Florida this year? And what if we’re

which is really unfortunate because our federation has

not invited back to compete in Europe by next summer?

worked hard in the past to put our horses and athletes

How will we qualify for the Olympics? Will there even

on Europe’s global stage to compete head-to-head with

be an Olympics? So many unanswered questions can

the best in the world. Competing there really pushes

become very overwhelming.

us to be better because we can spend time watching

Having an eye focused on the future is especially

the top level of the sport, which helps us learn what it

important, but so is staying in the present. There is so

takes to win. While you can watch it on Clip My Horse

much we don’t know right now, and the best thing

(as Lono will be soon), it isn’t the same as getting to

we can do is make the best of it and stay on our toes.

watch the warmup and be behind the scenes.

Be thankful we are in an industry that’s been able to

Where things go from here is unknowable. I wonder

continue with relatively limited interruption. Find the

what’s going to happen to our industry if travel to

humor where you can. Be grateful for what you have

Europe remains impossible. As I’m starting to get

and love your horse(s). Now more than ever, horses

inquiries on sales horses, I’m watching more small,

provide a welcome escape from the chaos of the world

online auctions pop up for horses in Europe, and I can’t

around us. We must continue to unite and prioritize the

help but wonder if that’s going to become the only

health of our fellow equestrians, so that we can all ride

way to buy a horse overseas. Will this give our US sales

through this pandemic together—at a horse’s length of

market a boost because you’ll actually be able to see

social distance, of course.

| EQuine America Magazine

our worl d

52

| EQuine America Magazine

Long Island University Welcomes Its First Class of Veterinary Students this Fall to Its New College of Veterinary Medicine Long Island University will welcome its inaugural class to the LIU College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. The LIU College of Veterinary Medicine is the first in the New York metropolitan area and the fourth in the Northeast, joining the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University and Tufts University.

“We

are

extremely

proud

secured partnerships with more

that LIU’s College of Veterinary

than

Medicine

has

met

high

primary care and specialty clinics,

standards

of

the

American

zoos, research laboratories, and

Veterinary Medical Association’s

shelters, where students will gain

Council on Education,” said LIU

real-world experience in surgery,

President Kimberly Cline.

diagnostic

the

“The LIU College of Veterinary Medicine will fill a void in Nassau County and our region, while promoting world-class

animal

health

research,”

and

Nassau

50

affiliates,

support,

including

intensive

care, and other areas critical for successful veterinary practice.

Enrollment for the class of 2024 is 100 students, who will begin classes in August.

At full

County Executive Laura Curran

enrollment, the LIU College of

said.

Veterinary Medicine will serve

LIU

College

of

Veterinary

Medicine’s

world-class

will

hands-on

offer

faculty learning

400 students, with 100 in each graduating class.

“LIU

College

of

Veterinary

through a distributed education

Medicine faculty, selected based

model

on their strong reputation as

featuring

supervised

clinical experiences throughout

scholars

the

prepared to offer the highest

four

education.

years The

of

veterinary

college

has

and

educators,

are

quality education to the next

53

our worl d

generation of globally competent,

and animal-related activities, making

practice-ready, and entrepreneurial

the new College of Veterinary Medicine

veterinarians,”

Carmen

an ideal addition to this animal-loving

Fuentealba, Dean of LIU’s College of

community. Continuing in this tradition,

Veterinary Medicine.

community outreach services for animal

The

LIU

said

College

Dr.

of

Veterinary

health and wellness will also be part of

Medicine adds to the already impressive

the curriculum at the new LIU College of

and unique history of animal and

Veterinary Medicine.

equine-related studies and activities at

Interested in knowing more about LIU

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and its animal-related studies? Contact:

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one of a few programs in the country

edu.

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A071-20

For more information, please visit liu.edu/vetmed 55

e d i t or i al

Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

Contactless bit check was one of the many new protocols in place due to COVID-19.

The New Normal:

Eventing in the Age of COVID-19

By Jessica Duffy

56

It’s been nearly three months since USEA recognized

to drive-thru fence judge orientation, there were plenty

competitions were suspended in light of the COVID-19

of changes to be seen around the event designed to keep

pandemic, but this past weekend saw competitors

competitors, staff, and volunteers safe.

returning to the field of play at three events across the

“We knew we had to get this right and we had to do

country: River Glen in New Market, Tennessee; Feather

it in a way that people outside the eventing world could

Creek in Norman, Oklahoma; and Plantation Field in

see that this is a no-contact sport where we can maintain

Unionville, Pennsylvania. The USEA was on the ground

social distance,” said Mary Coldren, Plantation Field’s

at Plantation Field on Friday to observe the joy and

event organizer. “It was important to us to show that this

excitement of the first day back competing since mid-

can be done in a way that follows CDC guidelines and

March.

hopefully it will benefit other events for the rest of the

Plantation Field offered Beginner Novice through

season. I sent an email to the competitors last week that

Intermediate levels with Intermediate, Preliminary, and

said, ‘All eyes are on us. This will not look like pictures you

Open Training all running as one-day events on Friday and

see at the beach. We are going to wear masks and we are

the remaining Training divisions, Novice, and Beginner

going to social distance. We’re going to do this right.’”

Novice following suit on Saturday. From contactless

Coldren said it came down to the wire as far as

packet pick-up and temperature checks at the entrance

gaining approval to run, as Pennsylvania only entered

Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

Medical staff were on site to perform contactless temperature checks at the single entrance to the show ground

“Phase Yellow” on Friday – the stay-at-home orders

didn’t have to deal with any administrative stuff. It

for Chester County extended through Thursday night.

was a huge culture change, but in a lot of ways it

“We didn’t get permission until 8:45 p.m. on Monday

made the day of a lot easier.”

night,” she said. “All along, no one would say, ‘yes,’

The silver lining of the new restrictions, Coldren

but no one said, ‘no’ either. That was one of the hard

said, has been entry into the age of what she calls

parts – are we or aren’t we, maybe we can, maybe we

“contactless eventing.” Entries, which she said

can’t? Two weeks ago, I thought we had no chance.

are typically less than 50 percent complete come

We rolled the dice and got set up and got lucky that

the morning of the competition, were 99 percent

it worked out!”

complete prior to the start of the event because of

Coldren noted that special thanks was due

the need to avoid the contact associated with last-

to Denis Glaccum, President of Plantation Field

minute paperwork in the secretary’s office. “I’ve been

Equestrian Events, Inc., for making sure the event got

trying to get riders to send me complete entries for

the go-ahead to take place. “He really deserves the credit for having a positive attitude and making the presentation that got us the permission to run. I was doubtful, but he never gave up!”

“The whole concept of trying to put on an event with no face-to-face interaction with people has been challenging,” Coldren admitted. Instead of allowing Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

competitors into the secretary’s office on the day of the event, competitors were encouraged to email ahead of time with questions. For day-of issues, important phone numbers were posted around the event so competitors could call instead of going to the secretary’s office. “Trying to get everything set and settled prior to arrival was key, so then when competitors arrived they could just compete and

Packet pickup was self-service and available following temperature checks

57

d re s s age

Face masks and social distance gave the event a different look and feel.

15 years!” she laughed. “We’re in the digital age now –

and officials and everyone else,” Coldren said. “I think

we have online payments and everything can be submitted

not having burgers on the grill or cinnamon buns for the

electronically.”

volunteers in the morning and everyone hanging out having

As one of the first events “out of the gate,” so to speak,

lunch together, that part of it I miss. But we just couldn’t

with the new COVID-19 regulations, Coldren said there’s

do it this time. And to see the side of the hill here with

still going to be trial and error as they work out how to

no spectators on it – normally we have a good group of

do things as safely and efficiently as possible. For example,

neighbors who come out and sit on the hill to watch the

Coldren made sure disinfecting wipes were available in

event and having had to say ‘no spectators’ was tough to

show jumping warm-up to wipe down the poles and jump

do, but everyone understood.”

cups but forgot to make sure there were trash cans available

Officials and volunteers alike had to adjust to new

for people to throw away their used wipes. “Luckily we had

procedures designed to help them maintain social distance

everything we needed here but trying to think of everything

in the area of the sport where people have the most face-

ahead of time was tricky.”

to-face contact outside the secretary’s office. Plantation

“The competitors have been spectacular,” Coldren

tackled the issue of social distancing for the dressage judges

praised. “They’ve been completely patient with the delays in

by having the judge and the scribe park their cars next to

scoring, avoiding face-to-face contact, doing things digitally

each other and speak through the open window (or by

and electronically. I think they were all just so happy to be

walkie talkie if the weather required them to roll up their

out here and they realize the struggles that we’re having to

windows.)

meet all these new guidelines and procedures.”

58

Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

“Judging with a scribe has been a bit of a challenge,”

“I think the thing that I miss the most is that Plantation

said Anne Moss, one of Plantation’s dressage judges, “but

usually has quite a hospitality aspect for all our volunteers

it’s actually worked surprisingly well. My scribe has been

| EQuine America Magazine

taking the scores on one sheet, and I have a separate

wasn’t riding this weekend but was happy she could

score sheet where I do the collective marks, and then

come out and lend a hand as a fence judge for the

they get stapled together. We’ve been putting our

afternoon. Fence judges were asked to watch the

papers in plastic folders that have been sanitized,

USEA Jump Judge Instructional Videos ahead of time

my bell was sanitized, we’re all wearing masks when

and then were given a short orientation from the

we’re within six feet of each other. It’s definitely a

Technical Delegate over the radio once they were in

little different, but Mary Coldren has done a fantastic

place at their fences. “I’m so excited,” she said of

job organizing all this and thinking about the safest

being out at a horse show for the first time in months.

ways to move forward.”

“The weather is beautiful, the ground looks amazing

Moss commented that she was impressed by the quality of the work she saw horses and riders putting

– everything is wonderful. I wish I was riding, but I’m also happy to be volunteering.”

forward in the sandbox and that the extra time people

Steve Berkowitz was the on-site veterinarian from

had to do their homework really seemed to have paid

Unionville Equine Associates at Plantation on Friday

off. “It’s been an interesting spring for all of us, and

and observed that, with respect to the new COVID-19

it was nice to see that everyone has had extra time to

restrictions, most everyone was respecting the new

practice their dressage!” she said. “I saw some really

guidelines. “Everyone is doing everything we’ve been

lovely tests. I was judging Intermediate this morning

told to do and we’re very aware of the responsibility

and sometimes for those horses, maybe it’s their first

we have to follow the rules and set a good example

season and they’re still struggling, but I saw a lot of

for everybody else,” he said. “So far, today’s been

strengths out there today which was great to see.”

very good. Usually it goes very well here – Plantation

Kristin Schlachter, an eventer who operates

Field has a great team. The footing’s always good,

Silverhorn Equestrian just down the road from

they have the best people, we’ve been helping out

Plantation Field, said she was a little bummed she

here for years, and everyone knows what to do.”

Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

It was exciting to see horses and riders out on course!

Jennie Brannigan was all smiles to be back in the ring.

60

Photo USEA/Jessica Duffy

Cross-country course designer Jeff Kibbie pointed out

Brannigan explained that, with the exception of a

that, because of the competition suspension, Plantation

couple weeks off at the beginning of quarantine, she’s

Field was actually the first event on the Area II competition

been keeping her horses going throughout the suspension.

calendar to take place in 2020. Because it was effectively the

“I think quarantine’s been good because we’ve trained

beginning of the season for many riders, he said, “I tried to

our horses well – I’ve had a ton of lessons with my show

keep the courses nice and open so everyone could get out

jumping trainer Scott Keach and my dressage trainer James

there and have a good gallop and a good ride. Hopefully

Burtwell, and then of course working with Erik Duvander,”

everyone’s horses are coming across the line more confident

she said. “And my whole staff is feeling revived because

and happy.”

we’ve been getting done at a good time and we’ve gotten

Jennie Brannigan, who had five horses to compete on

a lot of things cleaned so that’s been good.” Today was a

Friday – three in the Intermediate, one in the Preliminary,

chance for some of her horses to get out and stretch their

and one in the Training – said that she was pleased to see

legs in preparation for the fall season.

how easy it was for everyone to social distance. “I think

“I’m happy with the way things came out,” Coldren

Plantation did a great job of keeping everyone far away

concluded. “Are there some things that we could have done

from each other and keeping the entry numbers low, so that

better or differently or more efficiently? Yes. But there has

was really good,” she said. “I think it felt very safe because

been no place that you see a gathering of people, and to me

everyone was really far away from each other. It made me

that was an important goal to have and we achieved it. Even

realize that eventing is actually able to do this and still be

in the parking area and up on the hill people were really

socially distant. I feel confident that it was a good day for

respecting the guidelines. If you see three people standing

the sport and everyone was safe.”

together, they’re all from the same household.”

INN O V A TI O N

Magic (Equine) Tape

By Carrie Washburn Performance Equine – Integrated Therapies

Many of us over the years have experienced, or at least seen, kinesiology tape in action. It’s colorful, sporty, bright, and it just plain looks cool. Athletes across the board, from high school to Olympic, have been using it with great success. Heck, Kerri Walsh wore it back in 2008 and won a beach volleyball Olympic gold medal!

It must work, right?

Work it does! But, have you ever thought of using it on your equine athlete?

kinesiology tape is elastic, breathable, and water

Our equine partners are athletes, and as such, can

resistant, meaning it can add support without

benefit immensely from kinesiology tape. From edema

restricting movement, and with its elastic properties,

to sore muscles and tight fascia, kinesiology tape

it can reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and help

can get your equine partner to the head of the class.

with lymphatic drainage.

It’s noninvasive, drug free, and USEF/FEI approved*

62

2008 Summer Olympics. Unlike other athletic tape,

The tape itself is commonly made from cotton,

making it the perfect modality to help your equine

spandex,

athlete feel their best at home and away. *Horses

different percentages of stretch and “stickiness” of

are not allowed to compete with it on but can use it

the adhesive. For use on horses, the human water

before and after competition at USEF/FEI events.

resistant kind tends to work best. Most brands offer

and

adhesive.

Different

brands

offer

Dr. Kenzo Kase of Japan invented kinesiology

a water resistant tape with the extra sticky adhesive.

tape during the 1970s while searching for a way to

Some brands do carry an “equine” line, too. Whether

help the body facilitate its natural healing process.

you choose to use the human version or equine-

Its popularity increased when Walsh wore it in the

specific tape, your horse will benefit.

| EQuine America Magazine

Photo Carrie Washburn

Full longissimus dorsi gluteal biceps femoris taping with a lumbosacral junction decompression star

Photo Carrie Washburn

Edema taping placed on the upper front leg lower carpus to help reduce swelling

The science behind kinesiology tape is actually quite

There is also a belief that having the tape applied

simple. With its elastic properties, in its most basic use, it

stimulates mechanoreceptors within the skin that play

decompresses the skin from the soft tissue underneath.

a part in movement awareness. Therapists call this

With this decompression, a lifting effect is created. In turn,

proprioception. These proprioceptors provide information

the convolutions created in the skin (wrinkles that increase

to the brain along the equine nervous system. Although

surface area) open up the natural gliding action between

we aren’t applying the tape directly to the skin for our

skin, muscle, and fascia. The thin sheet of connective tissue

equine partners, the effectiveness is still the same. When

that encloses, separates, and stabilizes muscles is “fascia.”

applied to their hair, the same lifting affect is created and

This decompressed space also creates less pressure on nerve

decompression happens. The mechanoreceptors in the skin

endings, lymphatic vessels, and blood vessels, allowing for

are stimulated, and movement awareness is created.

reduced or completely negated pain, increased lymphatic drainage, and increased blood flow and circulation.

Of course, there is a technique to applying kinesiology tape. It is not a simple slap-on and voila your horse is

To help get an idea of the effect, picture a hair tie pulled

magically better. To create the magic, the tape needs to

tight. If you keep pulling, and keep tension on it, eventually

be applied correctly. It is all about the stretch! Too much is

it will break. Obviously, not a good outcome when we are

not good because the tape will not hold for long and too

talking about human or equine fascia and muscle. Think of it

little limits its effectiveness altogether. With that, about 2”

like this: the outside sheath of the elastic (your horse’s fascia)

on each end will have zero stretch. This allows the tape to

is tighter than the rubber band on the inside (your horse’s

stick to your horse consistently. The alternative would be

muscle). Because of the tight outside creating restriction, the

too much stress on the ends with the tape losing contact.

inside cannot stretch any further. Once you release your pull

Another important factor is whether to apply the tape

on the outside, the inside relaxes and stretches as well. The

to a flexed or relaxed muscle. For most equine applications,

relationship between fascia and muscle is similar in concept

I prefer a stretched muscle. This helps create the all-

and kinesiology tape releases that pull. Imagine how much

important convolutions in the skin when the muscle is

better your equine partner could feel with that kind of release.

released out of the stretched position.

63

Photo Carrie Washburn

Hind end decompression star and taping treating the gluteal muscles and the biceps femoris

The direction of the stretch also plays an important role,

64

Photo Carrie Washburn

Lumbosacral junction decompression star with gluteal taping

How can “Magic Tape” help your equine athlete?

especially when working on foals with limb deformities or

•

Improve blood flow and circulation

adult horses needing help with flight patterns and gate

•

Increase lymphatic circulation

issues. Studies have shown that proper application of

•

Reduce inflammation

kinesiology tape can assist with correcting crooked legs

•

Improve gate abnormalities

in foals and adult horses with flight patterns or mild limb

•

Reduce or completely negated pain

deformities. Some argue that interfering with the natural

•

Promote healing

flight pattern in an established, adult horse’s limb is risky.

•

Relieve muscle stiffness, soreness, and fatigue

Once an adult horse has established its natural way of

•

Increase the effects of bodywork

moving, it may not be the best thing for the horse to try

When applied in a unique lattice wave pattern, kinesiology

to correct that issue. My opinion on this varies on a case-

tape can greatly help with swelling and edema. This makes

by-case basis and I would work heavily with the horse’s

it an ideal modality for minor leg injuries and body swelling

veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

from minor kicks or abrasions; it should however, never be

A basic example of how kinesiology tape can influence

applied directly over an open wound or to any infected area.

gate abnormalities through increased proprioception.

Because of its ability to increase circulation, applying to an

For instance, if a horse is dragging their hind hooves,

active infection could cause the infection to spread. On the

applying tape down the dorsal line of the hind legs can

other hand, applying an edema taping to minor leg swelling,

stimulate mechanoreceptors in the skin, which in turn

such as wind puffs, can have fabulous results because of its

stimulates them to lift their legs higher and step farther

ability to increase blood flow and circulation.

under themselves. This can help “retrain” their brain and

The length of time the tape can/should be applied varies

strengthen their muscles to help correct a gate abnormality.

by use. Ideally, I prefer to leave it on for about 48 hours,

INN O V A TI O N

but when taping highly mobile and flexible areas such

hind ends. Adding a longissimus dorsi taping along the

as the neck, I aim for 8-12 hours. The more the better, if

back onto the gluteal muscle before loading on to the

it will stay attached! The horse should not be ridden the

transport can help reduce or totally mitigate that stress.

first 12 hours the tape is applied, but otherwise there is

Keep in mind, our equine partners are athletes no

no concern about saddling directly over the tape as long

matter what their level. They work hard so we can reach

as it is still attached and smooth. No waiting period is

our goals and achieve things that we thought weren’t

necessary once the tape is removed.

possible. Kinesiology tape is a fantastic, natural, non-

Often, I hear riders expressing that their horse

invasive way for us to help them feel their best!

does not feel quite right; not lame, just not fully like

(As always, kinesiology taping is not a substitute for

themselves. This is where an Equine Bodyworker or

veterinary care. If your horse is experiencing lameness or

Physio Therapist who specializes in Equine Kinesiology

soreness, please consult your veterinarian.)

Taping can help. Typically, after hearing a rider or trainer explain what they’re feeling, and a full body examination, they will be able to apply the tape to relieve that discomfort.

Photo Carrie Washburn

Most times, when a horse isn’t feeling “quite right,” riders and trainers are forgetting that their horses are truly equine athletes, and as such, require help to relieve body aches and pains from training and showing just like we do. It is very commonplace for equine athletes to be sore bilaterally on their hind end including their gluteal muscles, biceps femoris, and lumbosacral junction. These areas are often the cause of the “not quite right” feeling but are unfortunately overlooked daily. If this area is determined to be the source of the problem, once tape is applied and the horse is rested overnight, most riders will experience “WOW” on their next ride!

Because it is USEF/FEI approved, kinesiology tape is wonderful to use to treat minor issues that may arise while you’re competing. While, in most instances you cannot use it while directly competing, you can use kinesiology tape before, during warmup, and after showing. I’ve seen firsthand its ability to help a horse feel their best in a competition situation, often going from “not quite right” to “WOW” in one overnight application.

Kinesiology tape can also help during transport and traveling. Our equine partners often travel long hours in straight or small box stalls to get to their destination.

This can leave them with sore and tired legs, backs, and

Edema taping placed on a lower hind leg to assist with swelling

65

eDIT O R I A L

Photo: Equinium

The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury, New Jersey

Saddle to Keyboard: The Horse World Adapts to Social Distancing & the Rules of a Global Pandemic

By Holly Johnson, Equinium Equine Marketing

As the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival entered its second to last week, a new reality came to be, ironically arriving in our email inboxes in the form of a press release from the USEF. All competitions, including our show, were canceled for the remainder of the season and until an undetermined future date.

66

I think this was the first real moment that those of us

follows is a short tribute to the behind the scenes actions

who work in the relatively isolated horse world realized

taken by a group of equestrian businesses who not only

this pandemic would affect our equestrian careers and

help keep the equestrian world moving, but do so safely

experiences, abruptly shattering the glass bubble most

while pushing boundaries we didn’t know existed and

equestrians exist in. As a PR and marketing firm, I wasn’t

operating without the daily blessings we previously took

sure how my clients would fare. No shows mean no

for granted.

results, no sales, no press. But I went on optimistically

The cancellation of the 2020 Wellington equestrian

and I’m lucky that most marketing today is done digitally

season threw many things into question. One of the

(I live with my laptop and phone on me constantly); to my

first was, should other private events be canceled? Soon

surprise, demand grew.

it became clear the answer was yes, but it was a tough

In these unprecedented times, what’s really impressed

pill to swallow because so much work had gone into

me is our ability as an industry to adapt, change course,

planning a few end-of-season events, including the 2020

and overcome. Seeing equine brands and businesses

Santana Stables Horse Auction. Set for March 23, Paulo

(even those that aren’t my clients) pivot gracefully to

Santana and his entire team had been importing, training,

meet this new reality has been truly amazing. What

showing, and promoting 15 1.40M+ show jumpers,

Courtesy of Equinium

The updated 2020 Santana Horse Auction Advertisement

including a prior Team Argentina Nations Cup mount, to

Bids for the 2020 Santana horses originated from

go up for auction with no reserve. The auction itself was

the USA, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Greece, Italy,

to be set at an upscale but sporty event held at Santana’s

Argentina, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, to name

own Wellington farm. Sponsors included Sundeck Yachts,

a few, and approximately 75% of the horses sold. While

Motor Cars of the Mainline, and high-end art dealers,

not an ideal result, salvaging the auction at all amid an

with a portion of the profits going to the local Kids Cancer

international emergency was a fete in itself. For their

Foundation of South Florida.

While Santana’s previous 2019 auction and the 2020 auction showcase in January both had virtual elements (live streaming and WhatsApp bidding), part of the allure of an auction is in-person bidding and socializing. The 2019 auction sold over $1 million dollars’ worth of young show jumpers, establishing the Santana Auction as one circumstances at us all, Mr. Santana was forced to change his business model.

Changing in the eleventh hour to a strictly virtual

Photo: Equinium

not to be missed, but as COVID-19 hurled a storm of

auction would be risky at best and potentially devastating at worst. However, Santana and his team showed no hesitation in quickly revising their format to a livestream horse presentation and bidding 100% via WhatsApp. All the Lots were presented and jumped to the auction audience via livestream, and the WhatsApp bidding group became quite heated at times: “Can someone tell us the age of Lot 5?” texted one bidder. “Stay away from Lot 5,” replied the mare’s current high bidder.

One of the horses on auction at the 2020 Santana Horse Auction

67

eDIT O R I A L

Fabbri Boots, which is based out of Italy, swapped their production to focus on masks and shields before they were forced to shut down, but then reopened with masks as their primary product.

next fete, Team Santana’s already preparing for their

rides. For those of us lucky enough to go to the barn

Wellington 2021 event.

during lockdown, getting advice from Olympic talent

The 2020 Wellington Turf Tour and its organizers at The Ridge Farm also showed exceptional resiliency

for a very low entry fee might be one of the few positives that came from the pandemic.

going into a world without horse shows, which is a

Fabbri Boots, which is based out of Italy, swapped

world without their bread and butter. US Olympian

their production to focus on masks and shields before

Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio quickly decided

they were forced to shut down, but then reopened with

to cancel the final week of the Wednesday and Friday

masks as their primary product. With Italy being one

show jumping series, which is usually held at various

of the hardest hit in the first months of the pandemic,

locations and farms around Wellington. The decision

Fabbri felt a duty to contribute to their local and

to cancel their Finale, usually the highest attended of

national community as well as their riders.

the winter season and offering the highest prize money

Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, which is the largest

of the series, was not taken lightly. While their show

breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world

is quite ideally constructed for social distancing, the

(especially to America), recently presented two horses

uncertain times took their toll.

to US agents via live video chat, with the goal of

The Ridge also holds multiple USEF sanctioned

delivering both horses this week. Interagro has long

shows per month in the spring, summer, and fall at

been familiar with selling horses online, so this forced

their New Jersey venue, and in early 2020 acquired the

“new normal” was not as new to them, but the current

prestigious Garden State Horse Show, which typically

travel and safety regulations in Brazil have ushered in a

occurs in May. As we know, the lockdown held through

whole new level of virtual horse sales for the stud and

June for most states, but Nona and George quickly

training center, which is currently home to more than

launched the very first Garden State Stay at Home

500 purebred Lusitano sport horses.

Classic Virtual Horse Show, offering to give informed

Having done it this way for years, Interagro has built

opinions and judge rounds via photo and video for a

a standard of trust, integrity, and quality that allows

low entry fee, and even awarded ribbons for the best

for buyers to view horse’s by video and be confident

Courtesy of Interagro

Zepelim Interagro

that the horse they paid for is the horse that

Sources:

arrives in Miami or New York a few weeks later.

Equinium.com @equinium

Many purchases in their over 40-year history were

SantanaStables.com / @santanastables

completed over the phone or online, which means

RidgeShowJumping.com / @ridgeshowjumping

many buyers had never seen their new horse in-

stivalifabbri.it/eng/Default.aspx / @fabbriboots

person before owning—at least 300 of which are

Lusitano-Interagro.com / @interagrolusitanos

grazing in pastures across the US. I think we can all agree that 2020 has not lived up to our expectations, but that it has no doubt tested the human spirit and its ability to adapt.

For those of us that love horses, we know there is no way any virus, hurricane, earthquake, alien invasion, or other act of God (or lack thereof) will keep us out of the barn for long, and 2020 is proof positive.

e d i t or i al

Results of the first virtual Garden State Stay at Home Horse Show hosted by The Ridge (Courtesy of The Ridge) 70

e q u i n e law

Telemedicine

Is It Legal? Yes. Can it be Illegal? Yes.

By Carina Roselli, JD, MEM

First, what is veterinary telemedicine exactly? If

in. A valid VCPR is also required by the American

you’ve been following Dr. Bob Grisel’s column in this

Veterinary Medicine Association’s (AVMA) Principles of

magazine, then you likely know a bit about it already.

Veterinary Medical Ethics, and every vet must abide by

If not, here is a short primer:

these ethics or risk sanctions like losing their license to

Telemedicine is specific patient care delivered

practice veterinary medicine.

remotely via some form of technology. This can

The AVMA explains that a valid VCPR exists when:

only legally occur if a Veterinarian-Client-Patient-

1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility

Relationship (VCPR) already exists from an in-person

for making clinical judgments regarding the health of

examination of the animal, generally within the last

the patient and the client has agreed to follow the

year. Telemedicine is most often practiced through

veterinarians’ instructions.

your cellphone, which is a powerful telemedicine tool

2) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of

when used appropriately (more on that later), to talk,

the patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary

text, send photos and videos, and video chat using an

diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient. This

app like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom.

means that the veterinarian is personally acquainted

Telemedicine is not to be confused with Teleadvice,

with the keeping and care of the patient by virtue

which can occur without a valid VCPR and is limited to

of a “timely” examination of the patient by the

the provision of generalized guidance not specific to

veterinarian, or medically appropriate and “timely”

your particular horse or their particular illness or injury.

visits by the veterinarian to the operation where the

For example, when a vet recommends you conduct semi-

patient is managed.

annual fecal exams as a prudent barn health practice, if delivered remotely via technology, that was teleadvice.

3) The veterinarian is readily available for followup evaluation or has arranged for the following: veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care

Is Telemedicine legal? Yes. When you have a valid VCPR. The most important aspect of legal telemedicine is having a valid VCPR

4) The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome.

in place with the particular client and the particular

5) Patient records are maintained.

horse. The details of what qualifies as a valid VCPR

Note:

are regulated by each state’s Veterinary Practice Act,

A

“timely”

examination

is

generally

considered to be at least annual.

so vets must ensure they operate within the specific

The federal VCPR definition specifically requires

rules for each state they are licensed and practicing

that veterinarians physically examine animal patients

1

See AVMA, Principles of veterinary medical ethics of the AVMA, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/

principles-veterinary-medical-ethics-avma.

72

and treatment.

| EQuine America Magazine

Photo AdobeStock/AA+W

and/or make medically appropriate and timely visits to the

sent by the owner. The vet recommended cleaning and

location where the animal(s) are kept. The federal VCPR

wrapping the wound and having it looked at soon by a

definition cannot be met through telemedicine alone.

veterinarian. The later, in-person exam revealed it was actually a penetrating wound with fragments of the stall

When your vet is licensed to practice in the state

door trapped inside the tissue, and there was another

your horse is standing in. Although it’s not stated in

wound on the other leg the owner hadn’t mentioned (or

the AVMA’s definition of a valid VCPR, it is understood

perhaps hadn’t noticed). Wound evaluation might not

that the valid practice of veterinary medicine in general

be a prudent use of telemedicine.

can only occur if the vet is licensed to practice in the state your horse is standing in at the time of the

When your communications are confidential, and

medical communication. This does not apply to out-of-

your records are secure. There’s an app for that!

state veterinarians consulting for your in-state vet, so

Getsound® (cofounded by our own Dr. Bob Grisel) is

long as their practice of veterinary medicine is limited

the only equine telemedicine app on the market, so

to that consultation.

far. It’s a subscription-based platform that allows you to talk, text, and video chat with your properly VCPR’d

When

telemedicine

is

prudent.

Additionally,

veterinarian (it actually helps make sure of that), and it

the AVMA expects the veterinarian to use prudent

organizes and stores those communications securely on

judgment when determining if a situation is appropriate

an encrypted, third-party server. Your horse’s medical

for telemedicine or whether an in-person examination is

records are also stored here, so everything is compiled

warranted. For example, in a webinar I watched recently,

and centralized. For security, it requires both the client

an equine veterinarian told an anecdote about a cut

and the vet to log into the platform, which means your

he evaluated via telemedicine. The cut was just above

vet can stop carrying around confidential information

the horse’s hock and appeared superficial in the photos

in viewable files and emails on their cellphone or iPad.

2

AVMA, The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/

petcare/veterinarian-client-patient-relationship-vcpr.

3

American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), AAVSB Recommended Guidelines for the Appropriate Use

of Telehealth Technologies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine, September 2018.

e q u i n e law

Can telemedicine be illegal? Yes.

standing on your farm, but telemedicine allows vets from

When you don’t have a valid VCPR. You don’t have

virtually anywhere to reach you and your horse(s), illegally.

a valid VCPR if you and your veterinary haven’t met the

In a 2013 federal court case, a Texas-licensed

requirements of the AVMA, federal, and state-mandated

veterinarian gave advice to hundreds of pet owners

rules for a valid VCPR (referenced above). An example of

located around the world for over a decade. The Court

where this can go wrong is when you wrongly believe you

enforced his reprimand, fines, and having his veterinary

have a valid VCPR in place because your vet checked out

license suspended. He was performing telemedicine with

a tick bite on your horse’s pastern as they were walking

out-of-state and international clients/animals without

out the door to head to their next call. This passing, last

ever laying a hand on his patients—no jurisdiction + no

minute look at just a tick bite is not the “examination”

VCPR = illegal.

PS: You shouldn’t have to dig around to find out where

the AVMA had in mind.

your vet is licensed. The vet must ensure you are aware When your vet is in the wrong state. It’s not new

of their identity, physical location, jurisdiction, license

that practicing veterinary medicine in a place where

number, and licensure status. If there is any question as

the practitioner is not licensed is illegal and can result

to these, just ask.

in sanctions in the place where the unlicensed practice occurs and often in the state where the veterinarian is

When your vet’s recordkeeping is lacking, and you’re

licensed. This is a little less of a problem when your vet is

not helping. You’ve texted. You’ve emailed. You’ve sent videos and video chatted. You’ve even used your phone for its original purpose. There are so many mediums in play, how are all these communications captured? Where and how are they stored?

Vets who are overwhelmed might not store these telecommunications at all, which is illegal. Committed vets often spend countless amounts of time (and therefore money) transcribing your phone calls, text messages, and Zoom conversations into MS Word documents to place in your horse’s patient record, which might even be printed out and put in a real paper file folder, the old-fashioned way. Others will use their office staff to do the transcription, which still technically costs them money. And most vets don’t charge for this admin time spent organizing your shotgun approach to communication. Meanwhile, photos and videos are appended to your horses file as best as possible, which might mean an external hard drive that’s not actually connected to your horse’s file at all, other than by name.

4

Hines v. Alldredge, 783 F.3d 197 (5th Cir. 2015).

5

American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB),

AAVSB Recommended Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Telehealth Technologies in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine, September 2018.

74

Photo AdobeStock/Dusko

Additionally, your telemedicine communications

puts your vet at risk if you don’t have a current, valid

are confidential, and it is the vet’s responsibility to

VCPR in place. Your vet’s instinct is to help you, and

safeguard them. This isn’t new by any means, but it

they might unintentionally jeopardize their license in

used to mean holding phone conversations in private

the process.

and printing out records to put in a file folder in an

The AVMA defines advice as providing “any health

office that’s locked at the end of the day. It’s no longer

information, opinion, guidance, or recommendation

that simple.

concerning prudent future actions that are not specific

The advent of technology has made it exponentially harder

to

control

recordkeeping

because

to a particular patient’s health, illness, or injury. This

your

is general advice that is not intended to diagnose,

information is no longer uniformly created and

prognose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent

centralized. Now, if your vet loses their phone and

animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury,

your text messages, emails, and videos are on it,

or other physical, dental, or mental conditions.” It’s

they’re in trouble. This kind of exposure might seem

hard to imagine a question so non-specific and so

trivial to the average horse owner, but it can get your

time-sensitive at the same time. Don’t put your vet

vet in hot water, and if your horse is going for the

in a potentially illegal situation, especially since in

Olympic team, it might not be so trivial.

some states (like Minnesota), provision of advice is the practice of veterinary medicine and therefore requires

When you’re “just asking for advice.” Another

a valid VCPR.

major problem is when you think your just asking for teleadvice, but in fact your question is specific to your

The COVID Effect

horse and is actually asking your vet a question that’s

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, states may

answered by the practice of veterinary medicine. That

have temporarily altered their telemedicine/VCPR

6

AVMA, Veterinary telehealth: The Basics, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/practice-management/telehealth-

telemedicine-veterinary-practice/veterinary-telehealth-basics.

7

AVMA, Using telemedicine to help care for veterinary patients during COVID-19, https://www.avma.org/resources-

tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/using-telemedicine-help-care-veterinary-patients-covid-19.

Graphic AdobeStock/Jackie Niam

State laws are in flux and telemedicine is rapidly evolving as the need grows in both human and animal medicine.

provisions. State laws are in flux and telemedicine

who can’t advocate for themselves. That’s what we all

is rapidly evolving as the need grows in both human

want right? This is the part of the VCPR designed

and animal medicine. Some states—not all—have

to keep improperly trained, unlicensed, or predatory

applied regulatory discretion to temporarily relax

vets from making a terrible medical mistake on your

the requirement of an in-person examination to

horse. In that respect, you should want to gain and

establish a VCPR.

maintain a valid VCPR. The other side of this coin is

On the other side of the spectrum, some states,

your being a good client. To protect your veterinarian,

like North Carolina for example, made clear their

do your best to keep your VCPR current, streamline

decision not to relax requirements via a state

telecommunications (consider using a telemedicine

notice to practitioners: “The practice of veterinary

app), and don’t ask for more than advice without a

medicine in the state of North Carolina requires

VCPR in place.

the establishment of a VCPR. This can only take place with a physical examination of the animal in

Carina Roselli, JD, MEM is the owner of EQuine

question. It cannot be established over the phone,

AMerica Magazine and an equine lawyer in

Skype, or other online source.” If you don’t have

northern Virginia. She owns her own solo firm and

a current, valid VCPR, check with your vet (who

also practices legacy planning and land use law. If

should check with their state) as to which side of

you have any legal questions or need assistance,

the spectrum you’re on.

please contact Carina at carina@clrlaw.pro or 202599-5960. If you’re in Virginia, she can help you

Who’s liable?

The VCPR law was written to protect animal patients

directly, and if you’re not, she will connect you to someone who can.

h u n t er

Photo AdobeStock/Rob hyrons

Silver Linings:

An Interview with Jeff Gogul EQuine AMerica: Before COVID-19, we talked

ponies. I was pretty timid in the beginning actually.

briefly about how I wanted to interview you

I was so intimidated by the whole situation. Leslie

and focus on your resilience and your positive

was pretty aggressive and that was, I think, crucial

mental attitude and things like that. As “luck”

for me because she pushed me through my fear. Her

would have it, Coronavirus came and made that

personality helped me progress pretty rapidly.

even more relevant. Sorry, I have to find silver

I was lucky to have my first horse pretty quick. It

linings in this or I’ll go crazy.

was a lease that came from a business acquaintance of

Jeff Gogul: That’s true.

my dad’s who was having a baby. Basically, I cantered one time and then I got my first horse. I think that

78

First, tell us who you are, what you do, and what

really sent me on a fast trajectory. Once I had a horse,

you’re about.

I could ride every day and get comfortable, and I was

I ride professionally for Roberts Stables in

one billion percent a barn rat from the beginning. I

Wilmington, Ohio. I had previously owned and

wanted to learn everything. That’s something I think

operated my own horse business, Flagship, for 20-

is different about the sport now that I wish was back

some years. I started riding when I was in 5th grade

the way it was. Everything in life is so fast paced at

and I turned professional after my junior years, when

this point and nobody takes the time to learn all the

I was 18.

foundational stuff anymore.

I didn’t really have any interest in other sports. My

Everybody wants to get to the good part on

parents were begging me to figure out what I wanted

everything. Yeah. Now that I’m primarily a rider and

to do and now they’re probably wishing they never

trainer, I miss grooming and grazing and doing all

asked that question! I had a friend across the street

that stuff myself. I think that so many people don’t

that had a horse and I had always been animal crazy. I

even know how to do basic things on the ground with

asked to try riding and my first day I had to go on the

their horse. They’re maybe even at a higher level than

lunge line outside when it was really, really cold. My

I am, and they don’t know this stuff. It’s unfortunate.

first trainer, Leslie [Monaghan], told me that I needed

It seems like kind of a lost art in the show world.

to post that day and I didn’t even know what posting

Yeah. I think it might completely go away if we don’t

was. She didn’t have time for this, and it was too cold

become more aware of it. That’s not a personal

to be outside.

criticism; it’s the system. It’s not because there aren’t

I had one lesson on the lunge line, and then I was

people who crave the knowledge, it’s just that the

thrown right into the group lessons. I was already

system doesn’t really allow for it so much anymore.

pretty tall at that point, so I had to start on horses, not

It’s not built into the training anymore. Correct.

Photo Sportfot courtesy of WEC

Jeff Gogul at WEF 2019 79

Photo 3rd Shutter courtesy of WEC

h u n t er

Jeff Gogul on Face Value One of my favorite things in the Kentucky Horse Park

laundry,” or, “Oh, I need to turn the grill on,” or, “Oh

was just to take a horse out by myself in the evening

geez, I’ve got to get this out and get dinner started,”

and walk out in the field to graze and just have that

or whatever. You’re out there, away from everything

quiet time. And there’s something about seeing the

else, running down a road or wherever you’re running,

horses munching. Sometimes that was my favorite time

and you can really work through problems and maybe

of the day, to be the last person at the barn and the

gain some clearer thinking about something. It lets

last person to shut the lights off, and there’s no radios

you focus. Yeah. I find it valuable to create clear

playing, and you just hear 20 horses munching on hay.

headspace.

That’s something that’s so good for you mentally. I love the sport for those moments. I definitely appreciate the value of that, I guess is what I’m trying to say.

Leslie Monaghan was my first instructor at Holly

There are other things that I do. I like to garden.

Hill, which is now sadly a housing development. A lot

Me too. And I’m into fitness. I didn’t ever think that

of people on the west side of Cleveland grew up riding

I would enjoy running, but part of what I like about

there. I have really great memories from being there

running is the same thing I like about riding: I don’t

for hours and hours and hours. There was a tried and

usually listen to music when I run because I like to hear

true band of barn rats and we all still keep in touch

the rhythm of my feet and my body working. I find that

with each other.

when you push past the, “Oh my God, I don’t really

Then I rode a little bit with Jeff Taylor, who’s still up in

want to do this,” part then it’s not bad at all. I find it

that area and primarily does eventing. I took lessons with

a tool to strengthen myself mentally. I don’t get to do

Meredith Giery and rode her horses. She was a very good

it enough.

all-around horse person and I learned a lot from her just

I probably have to be careful that I don’t do it too

through conversations and hanging out in her barn.

much and wreck my body. I don’t get to do it enough

I loved my first horse that I actually owned. I wasn’t

to stay quite good enough at it. But when I can string

going to part with him and we could not afford to

a bunch of runs together, I feel the improvement as

keep two horses at a stable with an arena and full

I get strong enough to push through or do the extra

care. So, when I got the next horse to advance with,

mile, but I also think it’s a time when you can really

I had my horses at two different partial care facilities

clear your brain and think about things. That’s better

where they just dumped food twice a day and I had

than anything else.

to do everything else. I wasn’t driving yet, so I was

You’re not sitting in your house like, “Oh shit, I need to do that.” Or, “I need to go change a load of

80

Anyway, back to your beginnings.

maybe 13 or 14 years old, and I did that until about my last junior year.

I wasn’t taking lessons; I was really just riding by myself.

opportunity to have the same training but keep their horses

At one place I was the only person that rode. More people

closer to home. Then the business just grew and grew, and I

rode at the other barn, but I was still usually riding by myself.

eventually became the head trainer at Maypine.

I loved that place, but because it was self-care and I was

I worked for the Bass’s at Maypine for 10 years. They had

proficient and always there, I was constantly taking care of

some very special horses and we did a lot of winning, not only

everybody’s horses. My really good friend would go to her

with their horses, but some of the client horses, too. It was a

parents’ lake house on the weekend and another friend was

pretty phenomenal start to my career. Those opportunities…

a nurse and she got mono, so she was out for three months.

I was so lucky to be part of that.

Then I had adult friends who worked for McDonald’s

During the Maypine years, we won some pretty

corporation and it’s apparently really stressful, so they had to

phenomenal things. Lauren Bass won the Maclay her second

take a long sabbatical to Europe for months. Another adult

to last junior year, which doesn’t seem to happen very often.

friend went away for business trips. And I helped the people

Then she won the Medal in ‘97. I also had a young boy that

that owned the farm take care of their own two horses, plus

rode really well; he won the Children’s Medal Final at Capital

13 sheep, peacocks, chicken, and geese, too. They even gave

Challenge. I had a pony rider, Samantha Kramer, that cleaned

me a baby goat for my 15th birthday.

house for an entire year on her medium pony. She won every

That barn was 25 minutes away from my house, so I literally ran from the second I got home from school. I

Classic. I think she was champion pretty much every horse show for a year.

was turning all those horses out, mucking all those stalls,

It makes me laugh talking to you right now… Samantha

grooming them, and setting up feed. It was so much work

was so funny. I caught a little bit of flack when she was

that I almost lost interest in riding for weeks on end because

interviewed after winning the World Champion Hunter Rider

I was too tired to ride my one horse that I was supposed to

Pony Challenge at Capital Challenge. It was taken out of

be competing with.

context, and she had never been interviewed before. She

I lost heart for the riding part of it and I decided, if I was

was just a scrappy little kid who was ready to go have an

going to keep riding and keep that horse, I needed to change

ice cream cone or something. The press was asking her

something and do it more seriously. That’s when I found Beth

questions, and she didn’t mean to come across this way,

Nielsen who had a farm called North Coast on the same side

but they asked her, “How does it feel to win the Classic here

of town as me. I rode with her my last year as a junior, and

at Capital Challenge?” She thought that was the oddest

after that, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. I had really gotten back into riding, and I realized, with the right

Photo by Annan courtesy of WEC

horses, I was good enough. I started working for Beth as soon as I graduated high school.

A lot of that was grooming in the beginning, and at some point, she started having me teach lessons. When Beth was unavailable to attend a horse show, I had to show for her. We had nice 4’ horses, and I had never even jumped four feet, but I got dressed and showed all these horses. There were some that weren’t very easy—it was trial by fire—I just had to get it done.

I worked for her for a couple of years, then North Coast merged with the Bass family’s Maypine Farm on the other side of town and Beth and I alternated days at the barn. One day she was at her place and I was at Maypine and then we’d switch, so we never really saw one another except at horse shows.

This was good for most of our customers because they were actually from the opposite side of town and drove a good hour or so to get to North Coast. It gave them the

Jeff Gogul takes a victory lap on Cortese 81

h u n t er

question. She looked at them and she said, “I don’t know.

are a lot of people that are very defensive and will not wear

It was just like any other horse show. I always win the

a mask. We haven’t had many cases in our county, so it’s a

Classic.” Oh God.

little lackadaisical maybe. There were 10 reported cases, I

She didn’t mean it to be pretentious, but to her it was

think. But all those numbers changed when more testing

just the same as any other horse show. It didn’t register.

became available. It’s all very confusing. The numbers have

Yeah, it didn’t really dawn on her that it was any different

been going up rapidly now. Even with our governor’s

than the local show at home. For her, it was all the

mandate, we have people who won’t wear a mask.

same. She came and she showed her pony, and she was

Yeah, there’s some people that are really hot about it. I

champion again. She won the Classic 18 times already at

don’t know. I just feel like it’s an easy thing to do if it’s

other shows. She won every Classic she entered.

going to make a difference; do it so we don’t all have to

That makes me chuckle to think about that. I have

be locked in our houses again.

a picture of her that I’m going to keep forever. Her

Anyway, with the horses... When all this first started,

mother gave it to me. It’s a picture of me and Samantha

nobody really knew what was going to happen, so we kept

at Kentucky. I’m talking to her about the course and I’m

everything on track thinking that showing in Kentucky was

pointing at something in the ring, explaining something to

still a possibility. Then that was looking less and less likely.

her, and Samantha was looking the other way, not paying

We let some of the horses have a little down time and

any attention to anything I was saying. She was watching

we’ve really concentrated on training some of the younger

everyone in the schooling ring behind us. Her mom said I

ones.

was going to look back at it one day and have the greatest

When it was really sketchy, the hospital was not a place

laugh. That picture is always out at my house. She was a

you wanted to go so we didn’t jump for about a month.

little spitfire that took on the world for one year and won it

When that risk became less, we started jumping again and

all and had no idea it was a big deal.

then we held a little horse show every Sunday, but just for our barn. We did a hunter round, a handy hunter round,

What do you think about the COVID situation now?

and then an equitation test, and then a jump round with a jump-off for rideability, not speed. Fortunately, one of our barn managers, Anne Thornbury, is married to a judge,

the people around me here in Wilmington, Ohio, but there

“Skip,” and he was available so he would come every

Photo Sportfot courtesy of WEC

It’s very bizarre. I thought it was getting a little better, but a lot of people... I mean, I only have the knowledge of

Jeff Gogul on Graciano 82

Sunday to judge our little show. It was usually only five

It is a great movie to watch right now; it

or six people including the girls that work for us and my

definitely gives you some perspective. I love my job,

daughter, Reilly, but it was nice for everybody and putting

and it doesn’t matter how much money you have—you

it together gave everyone something to work towards

have to work hard to be good at it. But there’s not too

during the week.

many people in the horse world that don’t know where

And that was held on the Roberts’ farm? Yeah.

their next meal is coming from. Right. One thing that

We just did it at home. We’re really lucky because our

really stood out for me was how lucky and fortunate

indoor is really big, and when the weather’s good, it has

I am that at no point during lockdown was I worried

32 garage doors that all go up. You still have the kick

I was going to lose my house or run out of food. It

boards, but it’s basically like a covered ring. That’s how

just really made it clear how grateful I should be for

the indoor is at my barn. We have garage doors just

everything that I have. I fell in love with my house

like that, but not 32 of them…That must be a rather

during lockdown.

large indoor. Yeah, it’s 100 by 275 or 125 by 275, or

Early on during lockdown, my daughter Reilly and I

something. It’s big. We’re lucky to have that space. We

started making a list of things we are grateful for. Oh,

can gallop around it and we don’t have to set anything

that’s a great idea! Every day, we wrote something

too tight, so we can really use their strides. It really doesn’t

down; it could be completely trivial. How old is Reilly

seem to make any difference for the horses and their way

again? She is going to be 15 next month.

of going because it’s enough space to ride the same as you do outside.

Lockdown was hard for her. She couldn’t see her mom and she couldn’t see her friends. I tried to explain

Our outdoor is huge, too, but it’s just so much cooler

to her that we’re in a very fortunate position. I said, “You

to be under cover. The outdoor has trees near it, but it’s

have to understand. This situation would be completely

hard to teach without ending up in the sun. I had a couple

different if we were not where we are now. We have to

funny looking spots on my lip last year and my dental

be grateful, even though this doesn’t seem like it’s the

hygienist kept saying, “You should get that looked at, you

most fun.” Then, we got into a rhythm and developed

should get that looked at.” So, I went to the doctor and it

new routines. You adapt out of necessity. Yeah, but on

wasn’t anything serious, but they did have to burn them

month three, with no showing and no anything, and the

off. Ouch! And I’ll be honest with you… The whole mask

same thing happening day after day… I’m not going to

thing for COVID lets me cover my face and my neck and I

lie, the Groundhog Day aspect of it started to wear on us.

don’t mind it when I have to be outside in the sun because

It did for everybody.

it protects me from any more sun damage. It’s socially

We’re doing a few horse shows now, and it’s been

acceptable to be all covered up now—COVID silver

pretty good. Even with social distancing, it still seems

lining.

somewhat enjoyable. The way the World Equestrian Center (WEC) is set-up, it’s a little easier to not be on top

Speaking of silver linings, per your recommendation,

of each other.

I watched the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. So, if you want to talk about that, I’m ready!

How else has COVID-19 affected your work?

It’s pretty unbelievable for that to be a true story; it

Everything in life at this moment is hard to plan for, so

was incredible! The main character’s determination and

I feel like you have to just go with the flow and know that

the will to not give up—because the cards were constantly

some things might change and some decisions might not

stacked against him—and he never, ever faltered.

be the best decisions when you look back on them. As a

I kid you not, I literally took notes and wrote

group, we decided we’d wait to find out what indoors

down every time the chips fell against him and I ran

will look like as they get closer and then decide if they are

out of room on my paper. It was ridiculous!

of interest or a possibility for us. Most of our horses are

That movie was really impactful for me. If I ever won the lottery or found another way, I’d open a center for

going to be reinstated for next year, so there is no pressure to compete.

families who are in a tough place to provide all of the

I think there is even some sort of luxury in a sense that

day-to-day necessities so they can focus on getting back

now we have the chance to start our horses over again.

on their feet.

And like I said earlier, for the ones that usually get more

83

Photo 3rd Shutter courtesy of WEC

Photo by Sportfot courtesy of WEC i n t erv i ew

Jeff on Snowbird after winning the WEC Series USHJA National Hunter Derby mileage, we’ve been able to assess those horses and

lining (as that is the theme for me right now)

just let them have mental downtime for a span they

and it’s a choice you made to use this time that

would normally never get. Now we concentrate on

way. That brings me back to something you said

the greener horses. There were a few horses in the

last time we talked, which was how you believe

mix that didn’t do very much showing this winter,

that you get to decide how you want to react

so we were able to concentrate on building the

to negative situations and you get to choose to

partnerships with them. It’s great because there’s

have a positive attitude. It seems like everything

no pressure. It’s sort of nice to know that you’re not

you just said was a string of positive choices in a

under the gun because you’re not worrying about

negative situation.

showing.

Over the next month, we’re just going to see

Correct. I say this to Reilly all the time, “You have a choice as to how you react.”

what happens with COVID and the shows starting up again. I keep hearing mixed things about Capital

Second, I think it was a show jumper who said to

Challenge, Harrisburg, Washington, and all those

me, “If you’re going to be in this sport, you have

shows. I’ve heard nothing concrete from anybody,

to be okay with the fact that you’re going to

but it’s been nice to get the cobwebs off here at

lose a lot more than you’re going to win.” I think

WEC these last few weeks. It’s good to have the

that’s true for hunters as well. And to your point

challenge. I’ve always said a horse show is like

about shows being sort of a quiz, I mean, if you

taking a quiz, you practice, and you try to perfect

really boil it down, that’s what every aspect of

your skills, and you are as prepared as you can be.

every horse show is. It’s why in dressage they

And then when it’s over you say, “Okay. Now we

call it a “test.” The entire point is to take your

go back to work. This was great, but this still needs

results, go home, and improve your horse.

polishing.” It’s been nice to have these three weeks

At the end of the day, I’m lucky to make a living

here at WEC, which is all we’re planning on doing,

doing the sport that I find fun and intriguing—you

but it gives us enough information to know how early

can’t lose track of the fun part. Everybody wants to

we want to start up before next season.

win, but you have to enjoy the learning along the way and have the right mental perspective to analyze and

84

You just said a lot, so let me break up my response

know how you’re positively going to change the next

a bit. First, I think that using this situation as an

time around. Don’t dwell. Use it as information. It’s

opportunity for a “do over” for your horses is a

information, not judgment. Right. That’s a good

great way to look at it. And I think that’s a silver

way to put it.

With all of that in mind, what are you thinking and

They have quarter horse shows here at WEC, and I’m

feeling and doing in the 10 minutes before you head

that person that rides around seeing all the rhinestones on

into a class?

the ground. I’m riding around thinking, ‘There is a big ass

Here’s the thing about me... I don’t like to over-school

diamond over there. It’s not real; it’s just a giant gem that

and Patty Rogers, who I work with, I think is very much the

fell off somebody’s western costume.’ I’ve said forever that I

same. We’re very quick in the schooling ring, and we don’t

would be the worst hunter horse. If I come back as a horse,

like to complicate things. But in general, I feel like we arrive

they’re going to have to lunge me to death and keep my ears

prepared and we’re smart enough to know that if we’re

covered.

caught with our pants down, we should wait until next week when we can pull our pants up and secure them with a tighter belt.

How do you feel after a round?

That’s a good question. I can answer that a couple

I don’t like to overprepare in the schooling ring and I also

different ways. Sometimes you have a round that you just

don’t like to wait. I can’t stand waiting at the in-gate because

loved, and you ended up with a great result. There are certain

I usually ride from feel. I’ve had great instruction here and

rounds and certain things that I will never forget—rounds

there, but I never had consistent training growing up, not

that just felt amazing, and we won. Other rounds we didn’t

until my last year and a half as a junior. Without eyes on the

win, but I have certain horses I can still remember a jump

ground to offer me feedback, I really learned to ride through

or a line from years ago that just felt so great that I won’t

feel. I also learned by reading magazines like Practical

ever forget it. Those are above average moments. I can still

Horseman and EQUUS from front to back. I would go to the

remember a single oxer with “Just Harry” at the Pennsylvania

big Chagrin Valley Horse Show all day, every day even though

National Horse Show; that was a magical moment.

it was about an hour from my house. I found a way to get

An example from last year that I’ll never forget:

there and got dropped off in the morning and I just watched

“Graciano” and I were almost on top in the Green Hunter

everything in the barn and in the schooling ring, whatever

Incentive Final at Kentucky. He had the second highest score

I could see to try to learn. You created a lot of informal

combined of the two rounds going into the final. There was

training for yourself. Yes.

one jump that a lot of horses were spooking and stopping at.

When I’m in the schooling ring, I’m just trying to get in

It was a wall and it had a lot of glare on it depending on the

the zone and feel like the horse is really staying with me.

angle of the sun. It was a little overcast when I went in the

When I’m gelling with the horse, I just want to quickly get

ring, but as I turned the corner to that jump, which was the

in the ring to take that feeling I’ve created in the schooling

second or third jump, all of a sudden the clouds moved and

ring into the round in the arena. As I’m getting older, I find

the sun shone right down on it.

it a little harder because I’m not a nervous competitor. I

The sun was behind us, “Graciano” saw his shadow

block certain things out. It’s harder because you’re not a

and he stopped. I didn’t get after him, I just pet him, circled

nervous competitor? Say more.

around, and we jumped it fine. The rest of the course was

Yes, I’m not a nervous competitor so sometimes I find

magical. We went from the top to out, and it is what it is, but

it hard to block out distractions. One time, Patty was

I still reflect on that ride in a very positive way because, other

having a conversation with Mr. Roberts outside of the ring

than that one moment, he was as good as he’s ever been. I

and I could completely hear it the whole way down the

still think I would have won that final if that hadn’t happened,

long side. I really ride with a sense of rhythm, and I hear

but things do happen—they have a heartbeat. You can only

the horse’s breathing and their footfalls. So, everything

read their minds to a certain extent. You never know, and you

is very distracting? Yes. If the music is completely wrong

have to be willing to deal with the not knowing. I was happy

for my horse, I’ll be thinking, ‘Oh my God, I was going

because we were that on it and he was that ready.

through the corner and this weird lyric came on and the beat changed.’ You know what I mean? I suck at stuff like

With as many horses as you’re entering, it sounds like

that. As I’m getting older, I find that I really have to put

you have to get off, wipe the brain board clean, get on

myself mentally in a box and see if I can keep myself there.

another one, and go in with a clear head again.

Some of the kids ask, “How do you hear that? I don’t

Yes. I’m not going to lie; Roberts Stables affords me the

hear anything when I’m going around.” But I am relaxed

opportunity to compete a lot of horses. If one is not having

enough and not nervous about going in there. I hear and

the greatest day at a show, there is usually another one that

notice everything around the ring.

is really on their game. They are great owners; they get it.

85

h u n t er

They’ve been doing this a long time. Nobody that I ride

the Roberts started looking to the future and preparing

for lives or dies by the results. I’m always going to do

for Sofia’s transition to horses. Around the same time,

the best I can in that moment, and therefore I’m usually

Roberts arena began its expansion to what is now the

content with the result.

World Equestrian Center.

I’ve been in both places where I’ve had a ton to

Back then, I started showing at WEC a lot. I was

ride or I’ve been the guy with only the one horse. I just

riding for Scott Taylor from Cincinnati. He’s no longer

really need to be in the zone to get on and keep going.

here, he went back to California, but he had several

I’m always aware of this when I’m coaching, too. Your

horses for me to show. I didn’t have a ton of horses

amateur customer that only has one horse, their entire

in my own business that I showed professionally. That

week is built up to just four jumping rounds—eight

was good because it kept me busy during the week and

minutes in the ring, total. I need to be there for them,

available for my clients on the weekends.

too.

When I was not in Wellington and shows started

I try to coach them to just relax and do what they

to grow here at WEC, so did the number of horses in

know how to do rather than get wrapped up in how

Patty’s stable. I started showing her horses and the one

important these next two minutes might be. You have

young horse the Roberts owned at the time. Then the

to stay relaxed and remember you practiced this a

Roberts got another one, and another one, and then it

million times. That’s when most people, if they could

evolved to where meeting them at shows was starting

take a step back and look at themselves and what

to not quite be enough. They needed somebody that

they’re doing, they would realize it’s not their first time.

could ride, school, and train their horses consistently.

They’ve done a million hunter courses. As long as you

Conversations started to happen, and it was just a

are rehearsed and it’s in your toolbox, all you have to do

timing thing. Now it’s been four years and we have

is be proactive and pull the right tool out at the right

almost 60 horses.

time to answer those questions.

All of this—Maybe the reason we never settled down in a barn in Cleveland was so we could end up

How did you end up working with the Roberts?

with the Roberts. I mean, somebody in the universe has

How did you guys get connected?

a plan for me, I hope. More silver linings.

As Lauren Bass aged out in ’98, I started my business Flagship. We had an opportunity to move to a different facility, Andrews Academy, which was a private school in Northern Ohio where I became their A-Level trainer.

Flagship produced consistent results, but we were never brave enough or in the right place at the right time to own our own facility in Cleveland. We moved around to four or five different places over the years. We rented Maypine from the Bass’s for the last five years, but again, we never found ourselves in a financial position where purchasing that facility could be a reality. It just was never meant to be for us.

I knew [trainers] Patty and Richard [Rogers] for a long time. Patty was training Sofia [Roberts], who was still mostly riding ponies at the time. Eventually Patty and

Roberts Stables

86

Photo courtesy of Jeff Gogul

Jeff Gogul at

Phyllis Mills Wyeth: A Celebration

Jamie Wyeth (American, b. 1946), Connemara (detail), 1987, oil on canvas, 37 x 73 inches, on loan from The Phyllis and Jamie Wyeth Collection

February 8, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Visit NationalSporting.org and reserve a timed ticket to experience this incredibly moving exhibition.

Also available online as a virtual tour.

87

Photo Charlene Strickland

Keri Potter on Jiminy Cricket 88 88

s h owjump i n g

Desert Circuit 2020:

Keri Potter Tops FEI Tour

By Charlene Strickland

Two horses, two days, and two big wins put Californian Keri Potter as the foremost jumper rider on the Week VI leaderboard of the 2020 Desert Circuit held at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.

Besting riders from seven other nations, she

the Classic set at 1.5 meters Keri said, “It was a fair,

rode two Westphalians to top honors: Hannah Loly’s

friendly course. We go for it in the jumpoff. Her stride

11-year-old mare Ariell la Sirene (Arioso du Theillet

is not the biggest, and that helps me get her to keep

x Silvio I 1), AKA “Ella,” who won the Diamond

going forward. She’s so fast, putting on the gas.”

Tour $40,000 Classic Speed Stake on February 28th,

They finished the jumpoff just 0.05 seconds faster

and Melanie Brooks’ nine-year-old gelding Jiminy

than Nicholas Dello Joio.

Cricket (Colestus x Cornet Obolensky), who won the

“I love that over this last year we have built such

Diamond Tour $150,000 Grand Prix on March 1st.

an amazing relationship that I know what she’s

Weeks V and VI featured FEI competitions grouped

thinking, and she knows what I’m thinking,” said

into three tours: Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby. Keri’s

Keri. “When I first got her, she was not trusting at

two horses were in the Diamond Tour, the highest

all. She would spin a lot and be very defensive. All of

level of the three tours.

that has disappeared. Now she’s 100% and we are a

Keri was saying she’d been second too many

team. That feels really good, to know that your horse

times with these two jumpers. “I was second on

is really behind you and that she trusts you so much.”

[Ariell] in the $200,000 Grand Prix a couple of weeks

She’s also developed a partnership with Jiminy

ago” in Week IV. After her win on February 28th,

Cricket, who had a single time fault in the Classic

Keri said, “I’ve been second four times!” She was

before winning the Grand Prix two days later. They’ve

including the November Longines FEI Jumping World

been a team for over five years, she explained. “I broke

Cup qualifier at Thermal, where the mare, “Ella,”

him as a three-year-old. I’m the only one who’s ever

was second. Jiminy Cricket earned two seconds in

ridden him.” Keri describes Jiminy Cricket as a “very

Grands Prix Weeks I and II. Then he triumphed March

special” horse. “I have to say, it’s probably like riding

1st against 43 other competitors. “Today I had a

a lightning bolt. He’s so oversensitive to everything—

little fire under my pants because I didn’t want to be

it’s like riding something that’s electrified. I’ve learned

second anymore.”

to sit very quiet and not do a lot.”

Keri calls Ella “awesome and consistent. We get

She continued, “He is sensitive and very shy of

along well. She is 100% behind me.” Talking about

people. He only lets me and my groom catch him in 89

p h o t o s prea d s h owjump i n g

All photos by Carina Roselli Photo Charlene Strickland

Keri Potter on Jiminity Cricket (1st place, $150,000 Grand Prix)

Keri Potter on Ariell la Sirene (1st place, $40,000 Classic)

the paddock. He only trusts certain people. You have

course.’ I got spun off once on course.” But not in

to go really slow with him. It’s been challenging.”

this Grand Prix—she said, “He just shined today.”

As an example, Keri was spun off three times in

American riders finished in the top four in both

the schooling area last year because Jiminy Cricket

the final Diamond Tour classes. In the $40,000

doesn’t like other horses invading his personal space.

Classic Speed Stake, Keri Potter won the extremely

She explained, “I couldn’t jump the fences in the

close jump-off with 33.45 seconds, Nicholas Dello

middle. I had to jump the outside fences.”

Joio came in second with 33.50, and Karl Cook third

But things have improved. “He’s grown up a lot

with 33.74. In the $150,000 Grand Prix, Keri Potter

this year, but it’s been a very special, slow process.”

won with 39.13 seconds, Erin Davis-Heineking was

Mostly, she’s learned not to overreact. “Just ignore

second with 39.61, and Hannah Loly placed fourth

the weird things they do and eventually, they will

with 38.56 seconds and four faults.

ignore them too. You don’t want to address the

Hannah owns Ella (Ariell la Sirene) and rode

problem head-on, you want to approach it from the

another mare, Ayma de la Demi Lune in the big

side. Don’t make it a big deal or they will become

Grand Prix. “Hannah is my student, and she was

more afraid of it. If they’re afraid of something at

the highlight of my day today,” said Keri. “She

the end of the ring, don’t go there right away. Work

really held it together. She thought about what we’d

your way to it . . . As you work, you can get a little

talked about this week, and she put everything into

closer. They’re animals and they do [what they do]

place today. I was so, so proud of her.” Hannah, then

for a reason.” Keri understands her horse, “He’s

17 now 18-years-old, competed four jumpers in the

really scared. You can feel he’s scared, so why make

Desert Circuit Junior, Under 25, and Open classes.

him more scared?”

This year, big prize money was spread over the

She went on, “When I’m going fast, he’s very

eight-week Desert Circuit, instead of the previous $1

good about going forward. But when I’m walking

Million Grand Prix that ended the circuit last year. Keri

into the ring, he’ll spook seeing the water.”(A water

was first on the list of riders qualified for the Week

jump was in the arena, but not used in Round 1 or

VIII $250,000 Invitational Grand Prix, although the

the jump-off.) “Once I get to pick up the canter,

circuit ended Week VII due to COVID-19. Through

there’s a good chance he won’t spook at the jumps,”

the weeks of shows, her closest competitors were

she explained. “It’s more the outside stuff. I tell the

two Canadians, Lisa Carlsen and Ali Ramsay.

guys in the ring, ‘Please don’t move when I’m on 90 90

Photo Charlene Strickland

#deserthorsepark, #ridethermal

Photo Charlene Strickland

Erin Davis-Heineking on Leonie (2nd place $150,000 Grand Prix) 91

s h owjump i n g Photo Charlene Strickland

Nicholas Dello Joio on Columbcille de Reve (2nd place $40,000 Classic)

92

s h owjump i n g Photo courtesy of USEF

Karl Cook on Fecybelle (3rd place, $40,000 Classic)

94

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s h owjump i n g Photo Charlene Strickland

Hannah Loly on Ayma de la Demi Lune (4th place $150,000 Grand Prix)

96

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equine nutrition

Photo: Adobe Stock

Feeding Horses 101: What’s best, and how much of it?

By Dr. Ashley Wagner & Dr. Nettie Liburt, Ph.D. A common question most horse owners ask is, “How much should my horse eat, and what are the best things to feed?”

Horses are herbivores that evolved eating many

and the higher end for horses in moderate to heavy

small meals of forage all day long, with a good

work. Say, for example, you have a horse that weighs

bit of movement in between. Even though today’s

1,000 pounds. To estimate how much the horse should

domesticated horses have their dietary needs provided

eat daily, the calculation is simple:

for them, their physiology still dictates the need for

•

1000 x 1.5% = 15lbs food/day

a forage-based diet that ensures there is always

•

1000 x 2.0% = 20lbs food/day

something to graze on. Most modern horses aren’t

•

1000 x 2.5% = 25lbs food/day

roaming the range, and turnout situations vary. Thus,

Remember to feed the horse based on the weight

it’s important to understand what each individual

you want him to be. Horses with trouble maintaining

horse’s needs are and go from there.

weight may need to be closer to 2.5% of their bodyweight in food per day, whereas easy keepers

How much to feed?

100

(and usually most ponies) will probably fare well

The average horse consumes about 1.5-2.5% of

with 1.5-2% of their bodyweight in food per day. In

its bodyweight in food (consisting of forage plus any

either case, most, if not all, of the diet should come

additional concentrates or supplements) per day, with

from forage. Forage may consist of pasture or hay

the lower end of the scale for horses at maintenance

and may even include digestible fiber sources such as

hay cubes, chopped hay or beet pulp. For hard

an extruded feed typically weighs less than that

keepers and horses in work, forage alone may

same one quart of textured feed. For this reason,

not provide enough calories to maintain weight,

it is critical to feed by weight of the product, NOT

which is when grain concentrates come in handy,

by volume. For example—think of a coffee can—

discussed below.

if you fill that coffee can with feathers, it will not

When it comes to calories, an individual

weigh the same as if you fill it with rocks.

horse’s needs vary widely. Think again about the

Feeding directions on a bag of concentrate are

1,000-pound horse in light work, ridden 3-4 times

crafted based on the concentration of nutrients

per week for a total of about 3 hours. This horse

and calories of each product, so you can rest

likely needs approximately 20,000 kilocalories

assured that the manufacturer has done the

(what we think of as calories) per day! Compare

hard work for you. Qualified equine nutritionists,

that to a 440-pound pony in light work who needs

employed by reputable feed companies, can help

closer to 8000 kilocalories (National Research

guide you through feeding recommendations

Council, 2007*). Most horse owners don’t count

based on your horse’s needs at no charge, so ask

calories in equine diets, and for the most part

questions if you have them.

don’t have to, if good quality forage (hay and/or grass) and concentrate feed (when necessary) is fed properly.

Forage First, Then Concentrates (If Necessary) Always begin with forage when evaluating a horse’s diet or designing a diet for a new horse

Weigh the Feed!

whose diet history you may be unfamiliar with.

If possible, try to get some of the hay the horse has been eating before transitioning to new hay.

the feed so you know exactly how much you are

Remember, all hay is not the same, even if you

feeding. We can’t emphasize this point enough,

buy from the same supplier all the time. Just

so we’ll say it again—weigh your horse’s feed!

like when changing concentrates, bringing new

Pelletized, textured, and extruded feeds all have

hay into the diet should also be done gradually

different densities. For example, one quart of

(yes, even when you order your next load of hay

Photo AdobeStock/Edoma

Not only should you feed a horse based on his ideal bodyweight, but it is essential to weigh

101

equine nutrition

Photo AdobeStock/Rokfeler

lot about what you should or should not be adding to your horse’s diet. dr. ashley Wagner & DR. NETTIE LIBURT

“

“

Consider testing your hay as it’s an easy and low-cost way to learn a

or travel to a horse show). This may seem like an

when conditions for growing and harvesting hay

odd suggestion to those who always order hay

are less than ideal or when pasture quality is

from the same supplier, but due to environmental

insufficient to meet a horse’s needs. Horses that

variability, grass or legume type, cutting of the hay,

can’t maintain weight on hay alone often need a

and storage, each load of hay is likely to have a

grain concentrate to help supply enough calories.

different nutrient profile. Consider testing your hay

Guidelines on how much concentrate to feed are

as it’s an easy and low-cost way to learn a lot about

provided by the manufacturer, based on the horse’s

what you should or should not be adding to your

ideal bodyweight (you should have a goal in mind—

horse’s diet. A local extension agent can help you

lose, gain, or maintain).

with this.

An easy way to add calories to the diet is to look for concentrates with moderate to high fat

Nutrient Balance If the horse maintains weight easily, use the

in the range of 10-14% will have more calories per

previously discussed bodyweight guide to weigh

pound than one that contains 3-6% crude fat. Fat

out an appropriate amount of hay and provide

supplements can also be useful for this purpose.

a ration balancer. Ration balancers will ensure

Lower fat feeds often suit the needs of horses who

nutrient needs are met, regardless of what may

are easier keepers or who are at maintenance.

be missing in the hay, without providing extra

Pasture Variability

calories. Ration balancers are particularly important

102

concentration. A concentrate with crude fat that is

For most of this article, we have only hinted at

equine nutrition

the pasture component due to the variability of

turnout and little-to-no grass. In an ideal world,

it. The amount of forage that can be consumed

horses are continuously grazing, but this is not

while grazing and its impact on the total diet

an option for some easy keepers due to caloric

vary due to management practices, season,

intake from the pasture, or for horses who simply

geographic location, horse’s age and breed, and

don’t have available good-quality pastures.

the list goes on. Because the total diet is based

Seasonality of pasture availability is something

around forage, this is a huge factor that needs to

that must be considered when balancing a diet.

be assessed on an individual horse and farm basis.

Not only does the availability change, but as

For example, a horse with 24-hour pasture access

mentioned in greater depth in EQuine AMerica’s

spends 10-17 hours per day grazing, but some

fall 2019 issue, the grass structure changes in

horses require more than 17 hours of grazing

the spring and fall in many areas of the country,

to meet their nutritional needs. Since we can’t

supplying more sugar and starch. This must be

force a horse to increase grazing time, the diet

accounted for, especially for the easy keepers and

must be supplemented with additional forage

horses with metabolic concerns (Equine Metabolic

and concentrate. For an average 1000lb horse

Syndrome, a.k.a. EMS and/or Equine Cushings

with 24-hour pasture access, daily pasture intake

Syndrome, a.k.a. PPID).

could account for 20lbs of forage, but less than 8

On the other hand, the hard keepers need

hours of turnout may not be enough grazing time

more attention in the winter. Why is that? In a

to consume a horse’s necessary daily intake.

lot of cases, horses aren’t in heavy training in the winter months (with the exception perhaps of

Photo AdobeStock/Sergey Lavrentev

Impact of the Season

horses in warmer climates) so you would anticipate

Now let us complicate this further… It is

their caloric needs going down. But, extra forage

spring on the East Coast and grass is growing.

intake is essential for horses to generate enough

What time of day were the horses grazing? It has

heat to maintain both body temperature and

been demonstrated that sugar and starch content

condition during the cold winter months when

in grasses increase throughout the day, so the

temperatures dip below freezing and wind chills

caloric intake is higher. Compare that to many

make it feel even colder. Under those conditions,

areas in California where there is often limited

a horse’s energy needs may increase by 25%

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equine nutrition

Photo credit AdobeStock/michelangeloop

“

“

In a barn full of horses, no two are exactly alike. This is true for personality, stressors, athletic ability, and of course dietary needs. .. dr. ashley Wagner & DR. NETTIE LIBURT

where additional forage will be fermented in the

plenty of fresh, clean water and a salt block. The

hindgut, creating heat and helping the horse stay

more forage a horse consumes, the more water he

warm. The extra hay should provide sufficient

needs to help digest it, so don’t forget to top off

calories such that the horse doesn’t have to deplete

those buckets.

existing body stores of energy to maintain body temperature.

*National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 6th Edition. National

Summary

Academies Press, Washington, DC.

In a barn full of horses, no two are exactly alike. This is true for personality, stressors, athletic

104

Dr. Nettie Liburt is the Senior Equine Nutrition

ability, and of course dietary needs. Remember

Manager

for

MARS

that forage should be the foundation of every

Nutrition,

horse’s diet, and a ration balancer will provide

developing new products, research and education

essential nutrients that may be missing from the

of the sales team, our dealers and our customers.

responsible

Horsecare for

US/BUCKEYE™

formulating

and

forage source. Grain concentrates can be added as

Dr. Ashley Wagner is the Founder and Equine

necessary based on each individual horse’s needs.

Nutritionist for Equinutrix Nutrition, responsible

Remember that pasture counts, and not all grasses

for veterinary consulting, product formulation,

are created equal. Of course, always provide

research and development.

105

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Meet Joanna Frantz, PT, MSPT, DPT

High-Performance Human Sports Science & Medicine Practitioner at US Equestrian Interview by Lisa Hellmer, USEF Para Silver Coach

Dr. Joanna Frantz is currently a contracted Physical Therapist for the US Para-Equestrian Dressage Team. She

What were you first, an equestrian or a physical therapist?

is part of a small group of equestrian physical therapists

Equestrian first, physical therapist second. I started riding

who have earned an advanced level certification as a USEF

at a small local pony barn in Greenwich, Connecticut at about

Human Sports Science & Medicine (HSSM) Practitioner.

6 years old. It was a barn that was strong in Pony Club and

She performs rider assessments and develops therapy

service to the community. I really grew with the barn and

programs specifically designed to help the rider correct

learned all about proper horse and pony care from start to

common faulty movement patterns, prevent injury,

finish. We also volunteered with the local Pegasus Therapeutic

and understand how their bodies affect their horse’s

Riding program. I knew I wanted to be in the medical and

performance. Joanna also founded and owns Refine

sports field, but It wasn’t until college that I learned more

Your Ride, an equestrian performance enhancement

about Physical Therapy specifically.

assessment, therapy, and coaching firm; and Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers of Jacksonville, an outpatient

What is your favorite part about combining your passion

physical therapy clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

for equestrian sport and physical therapy?

Since I work and understand from the perspective of a rider

Give us a brief introduction - where are you from,

and a physical therapist, the best part is the “aha” moment the

where is your practice, etc.

riders get when it all comes together for them. The realization

I’m Joanna Frantz and I’m originally from Old

that we are as much a part of this horse AND rider team as

Greenwich, Connecticut. I earned both my master’s and

the horse is. Without our support and balance, how could we

doctorate degrees in physical therapy from Washington

expect the horse to be balanced?

University in St Louis, School of Medicine. I moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in 2004 and I started my

108

How did your program come together?

private physical therapy practice in Jacksonville, Florida

The USEF HSSM Program started several years ago following

in 2008. In my free time, I ride and show locally in

the success that other countries were seeing with similar

Jacksonville, FL.

programs in other sports. In these sports, however, the athlete

P A R A D R E SS A G E

A rider performing physical therapy-note the special jacket

has a full team to support them. In the equestrian sport,

June 2019, and it has been a great fit. I’ve been working

the horse has a full team, and the horse and rider might

with the team as they prepare for the Japan Olympics,

have their coach, but very few riders have someone solely

now 2021. I also continue to work locally and throughout

responsible for their strength, balance, and overall physical

Florida and the southeast US with both able-bodied and

improvement. And above that, it’s important the therapist

para riders.

also be an equestrian, because as we all know, our horses and ponies are special and we don’t like just anyone around

What are some of the most common things you have

them!

to work on with riders during a therapy session? Both for able and disabled bodies?

Tell me about your involvement with USEF and USA Para Dressage?

Hips, Hips, Hips!!! As we know, this 1000lb animal can feel the slightest touch. As riders, we are very good

It was really amazing how it all started! About 4

at compensating to look our best in competition. I put

years ago, a friend of mine saw a course on Facebook

riders through different movements, looking at them from

for the USEF Human Sports Science Medicine Practitioner

different angles in different directions and filter out the

Certification. It’s a lot of words, but I was interested! Now,

imbalances. Most riders show an imbalance in their hips,

there are only a few of us in the US certified through the

which can lead to issues anywhere from the neck to the

USEF to perform physical therapy on riders for improved

ankles. Usually, I see compensations with a trunk lean, a

rider performance. This program is headed up by Andy

shoulder drop, or the foot turns out. This then materializes

Thomas, the long-time physiotherapist for the US and

in the horse as a hind leg not swinging through, a poor

British Olympic Equestrian Teams. I met with him several

bend in one direction, or for the jumpers, a run-out to one

times over the years and started working on the program

side. Honestly, there is little difference in my treatment for

with my local riders. Then, just last year, the US Para

able-bodied and disabled riders. I start by balancing and

Dressage Olympic team wanted to add a physiotherapist to

activating the hips. Its all about creating as much symmetry

their team and Andy recommended me. I started working

for the rider as possible so they can perform balanced cues

with the team at Tryon International Equestrian Center in

on the horse.

109

A rider receiving manual physical therapy

aims to identify your riding weaknesses and imbalances. Why should we do this? Consider your performance, do you...

click to watch

•

Collapse on one side?

•

Feel better on one rein compared to the other?

•

Fix with one arm?

•

Prefer to turn to one side?

•

Have too much weight on one part of the saddle?

•

Always run out to the same side?

•

Fall behind the movement?

•

Have back, hip, or other joint pain?

What came first? The asymmetry of the horse or the rider?

If any of these examples apply to you, then a personal

Ah, the age-old chicken or the egg question… What I can

plan will help you correct your rider muscle imbalances.

tell you is that most riders (up to 90% who have no prior injuries)

Refine Your Ride provides personalized manual therapy and

show more weakness on their right side than their left side, despite

exercise training with hands-on manual treatment by Joanna

dominant handedness, and as riders become more balanced, the

(if on-site) followed by an individualized exercise program that

horses respond better and faster to a more subtle cue.

progresses according to the rider’s needs (on-site or online).

What is one piece of advice for all of us riders out there

About USEF’s Human Sports Science & Medicine Program:

struggling with asymmetry, range of motion, stiffness,

With the goal of furthering U.S. athletes’ competitive

and the rest of the fun stuff that comes with years of

performance, it is US Equestrian’s vision to connect all human

wrangling 1000lb animals?

healthcare professionals together in a way that benefits U.S.

Don’t give up! Open your mind to trying something new.

athletes and their ability to compete to the best of their physical

The main thing I tell my riders is don’t forget that you are

ability. Linking physicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sports

the athlete too, not just the horse, so you must practice for

psychologists, physical trainers, and other practitioners who

yourself too.

play a role in the health and performance of U.S. athletes is beneficial to encouraging their advancement in the sport. U.S.

About Refine Your Ride Refine Your Ride offers assessments—centered on you—and 110

Equestrian has developed a network of therapists, which will be a resource to both U.S. athletes and therapists.

111

Bruce Davidson Jr. on Carlevo

c ro s s c ou n t ry All photos by Steven Long SL EQ Sport Photography

This article was adapted with permission from a previous article written by USEA/Samantha Clark

Bruce Davidson Jr. on Carlevo

photospread

$50,000 Mars Eventing Showcase The $50,000 Mars Eventing Showcase took place

down in the showjumping phase. Impressively, she had

February 8 – 9, 2020 in Wellington, Florida. A substantial

a big enough cushion that their 4 faults weren’t enough

and enthusiastic crowd assembled at the Palm Beach

to topple them from the top. Both capitalizing on their

International Equestrian Center to enjoy the action on

clear rounds, Buck Davidson and Carlevo finished second

this perfectly sunny weekend. Commentator John Kyle

and Phillip Dutton and Z followed up third.

kept everyone engaged until the very last second of the

Little credited her longstanding partnership with

nail-biting cross-country phase—there were plenty of

“Kitty” as one of the keys to their success, “I have had

thrills around Capt. Mark Phillips’s course.

a relationship with her for a very long time, so we trade

Dressage leader, Marilyn Little, finished first aboard longtime partner RF Scandalous despite having put a rail

on that quite heavily, and we’ve obviously got a great support team around us, which helps a lot.“

113

Marilyn Little on RF Scandalous

c ro s s c ou n t ry

Marilyn Little on RF Scandalous

Phillip Dutton on Z 115

Phillip Dutton on Z

By the time Little went as the final cross-country rider,

competition, but I think that for most of the horses here

there had been 10 clear rounds inside the time, two falls, one

that have the experience, they understood the job. Mark

retirement, and a technical elimination. Little and “Kitty” used

[Phillips] is certainly a genius at putting these things on;

up a few of their nine lives, surviving a few hairy moments at

he has a way of making you think it’s not going to work,

the second Buckeye Nutrition skinny brush and the Horseboxes

but it works! Full credit to him and to everybody here that

USA corner. Even after having to take the time to regain her

put on a great show—the footing was perfect, and it was

seat and her composure, Little and “Kitty” still came home

a fun week.”

with the slimmest of margins to keep the lead, winning

The grooms of the top three horses, Ellie Hill, Kathleen

from wire-to-wire by just 0.4 penalties—so slim in fact that

Murray, and Emma Ford were all honored and awarded

timing confusion announced Davidson as the winner, but he

cash prizes during the prize-giving ceremony, courtesy of

graciously conceded once the mistake was discovered.

Caroline Moran for Goshen Hill. All the riders were virtually

Davidson later said, “It’s certainly a unique event, it feels a bit more like a cross-country school than it does a big

unanimous in their praise for the venue, the format, the organization, and of course the sponsors.

a better world for horses, pets and people.

www.marsequestrian.com

our worl d

By Erika Sherman, Intern, EQUUS Foundation

The horse-human bond.

America’s Horses:

Unsung Heroes The human-equine relationship is one that is threaded throughout the fabric of our history. Humanity has been able to spread far and wide, conquering the wilderness, rough terrain, and other civilizations on the backs of horses.

One can perhaps argue that the domestication of

main ingredient in canned dog food? How is it that

the wild horse was one of the single most important

an estimated eight million equines (horses, mules,

events in the development of civilization because

and donkeys) died during WWI and only an estimated

horses have greatly shaped and influenced the

200 returned home to the US? The carnage of horses

trajectory of humans. Despite the horse being an

at the hands of humans throughout history is well

influential catalyst that aided in the success of our

documented and should be acknowledged.

ancestors, however, the history of the human-equine

Sadly, horses are still faced with the same

relationship has been both beautiful and tragic, and

challenges, continuing to put their future welfare

history has not always been kind.

in jeopardy. Over 65,000 horses were transported

Harnessing

118

their

utility

and

power

and

across our borders for slaughter in 2019. The

subsequently categorizing horses as a commodity

majority were young, healthy, and had untapped

led to their mistreatment and commonplace cruel

potential. Tens of thousands more are abused and

practices. How is it that the horse, with all of its

neglected and in need of rescue, rehabilitation, and

contributions and gentle nature, ended up being the

re-homing each year.

World War I

Because horses are viewed as a commodity,

of horses heading to the slaughter pipeline will

they have been collateral damage in the pursuit

increase,� said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation

of economic growth instead of being honored

President.

as sentient beings with their own unique

The EQUUS Foundation is committed to

needs and desires, capable of forming deep,

investing in the most impactful equine charities

meaningful, and healing relationships with

across the United States, which include programs

humans.

that not only increase adoptions of at-risk horses

As the only national animal welfare charity

and provide a safe-haven for aged ones, but also

focused 100% on the welfare of America’s

increase opportunities for all people to engage

horses and honoring the horse-human bond,

and partner with horses in new and innovative

the EQUUS Foundation has been presented with

ways.

a special challenge in helping keep horses safe

At the heart of its mission is the EQUUS

during these unprecedented times. “With so

Foundation

many people facing hardships, we fear that many

requires charities to undergo a rigorous annual

more of our four-legged equine friends may be

vetting process to demonstrate that they are

subjected to abuse and neglect, and the number

committed to the highest standards of horse

Guardians

program,

which

119

our worl d

Photo courtesy of EQUUS Foundation Guardian Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding Center

care and are transparent and accountable by

attitude towards horses, which shifts our focus from

making their horse care practices and operations

the horse as a commodity to the horse as a hero

available

EQUUS

and healer. We need to invest in finding homes for

Foundation Guardian charities are eligible to receive

America’s horses where they can flourish as athletes,

financial support from the EQUUS Foundation.

companions, teachers, and especially healers. By

“There is no better way to give with confidence

alleviating the suffering of horses, we are actively

than to give to the EQUUS Foundation to benefit

creating a kinder world because like us, they are

our Guardian charities. At-risk horses across the

also deserving of optimal health and a peaceful,

country need our help today more than ever. We

rewarding existence.

to

public

examination.

Only

are so thankful to horse lovers and the equestrian

120

community for their compassion and generosity in

Erika Sherman is a pre-veterinary student and an

helping us with our mission to protect the horses

intern with the EQUUS Foundation. She is a graduate

we love,” said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP

from New York University and is in the process of

of Engagement.

completing her post-baccalaureate at Farmingdale

For horses to remain an important part of

State College. She has a special interest in animal

American life and have a viable future, we need to

welfare and conservation medicine. Erika plans to

embrace a fundamentally different paradigm in our

attend veterinary school in the fall of 2021.

Where they go next is up to us All horses, even champions of the racetrack and the show ring, may only be one unlucky sale away from abuse, neglect and slaughter. Tens of thousands of horses become at-risk each year. Over 65,000 horses were shipped across our borders to be slaughtered last year. Most were young, healthy and had untapped potential.

For horses to remain an important part of American life and have a viable future, we need to ensure that donor dollars are being spent on programs with the greatest impact – programs that not only increase adoptions of at-risk horses and provide a safe haven for aged horses, but also increase opportunities for all people to engage and partner with horses in new innovative ways.

At the heart of the EQUUS Foundation’s mission is our Guardians program. EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities undergo a rigorous vetting process annually to demonstrate that they are committed to the highest standards for horse care and are transparent and accountable to the public. Only EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities are eligible to receive financial support from the EQUUS Foundation.

There’s no better way to give with confidence than to give to the EQUUS Foundation -- and there’s no better time to give than RIGHT NOW! Contact Us

203-259-1550 | mail@equusfoundation.org Learn More

www.equusfoundation.org

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Yoga session at Serenity Show Stable

Yoga at Serenity Show Stable

Really Delivers on the Serenity Yoga has long been known to help ease the mind from external stressors, relieve anxiety and depression, increase strength and flexibility, and so much more. This incredible practice has now been added to Serenity Show Stable’s list of barn amenities.

124

Located in JT Farms in South Salem, New York,

Even better, yoga offers many physical benefits perfect

Serenity Show Stable has partnered with EquestriOM to

for riders. It emphasizes focal conditioning, which improves

offer clients, staff members, students, and their families

core strength, symmetry in the sides of the torso, builds

the opportunity to enhance their physical and mental

a long straight spine, and increases stability, flexibility,

health through yoga during (and hopefully after) the

balance, and control. These are all essential tools for

COVID-19 pandemic.

effective riding.

According to the CDC, home isolation due to the

COVID-19 motivated Serenity Show Stable’s owner,

coronavirus can create mixed emotions such as sadness,

Ruth Nicodemus, to find something that brought safe

anger, or frustration due to fear of getting the virus

socialization back into her clients’ lives and yoga seemed

or passing it on to a loved one. The sudden change

like the perfect answer. “We couldn’t go to horse shows,

to our “new normal” lifestyle can be hard to get used

so I thought to myself, ‘What can we do? What activity

to at first and can create feelings of distress. The CDC

would allow everyone to safely engage socially yet still

recommends people find ways to relax such as deep

be compliant with the guidelines set in place to stop the

breathing, stretching, meditating, or picking-up an

spread of the virus?’ Yoga is a great way for us to be

activity that helps you take care of your physical and

around each other,” (without being too around each other)

mental health. Sounds like yoga to me.

and Serenity Show Stable offers an outdoor farm setting

e d i t or i al

that’s peaceful and relaxing, with open fields perfect

because they’re on social media and constantly

for yoga sessions.

consuming information. It’s resulting in feelings of

To do it right, Ruth called in the help of

numbness for them,” explains Jess. “These yoga

EquestriOM, an equestrian-focused yoga studio that

classes give them the opportunity to be outside and

aims to elevate riding skills through yoga, breathing

have helped them understand that we can navigate

techniques,

through this together.”

and

mindfulness-based

meditation.

Together, they have been able to provide a truly life-

Jess, who rides several horses a day, often gets

changing experience for Ruth’s students, their family

tight muscles because of the strain on her body. She

members, and her staff.

looks forward to yoga sessions at the barn. After she’s

Due to social distancing guidelines, Ruth ensures

finished teaching for the day, Jess runs to change into

that all participants stay six feet away from one

her yoga clothes and is ready to unwind. “We are

another and that masks are on unless you’re on a

social distancing as much as we can. I wear my mask

horse or a yoga mat. Additionally, everyone brings his

and I carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting spray.”

or her own mat. Should someone forget or not have

She admits that, after a long day of hard work under

access to a yoga mat, the Serenity Show Stable team

stressful conditions, it would be difficult for her to

will provide one that is properly sanitized before and

carry on with her “new normal” daily routine without

after use. Classes typically range from five to twelve

yoga. “I’m doing what I can, and that includes yoga.

students and last about 45 minutes to an hour three

I feel much better now.”

to four times per week. Ruth encourages her team to

Ruth shares that her students are enjoying the

join in hoping that they will feel more relaxed at work

yoga classes, too. “A [rider’s] mom told me this is what

when tension might be high due to what’s going on

she looks forward to and it’s the highlight of her week.

in the world, and she makes a point to cover their

It’s a great feeling knowing that Serenity Show Stable

costs to participate.

can help make a difference in someone’s mood!”

Jess Collins, Serenity Show Stable’s assistant

Yoga has allowed equestrians to come together,

trainer and professional rider, enjoys the safe space

but it has also allowed for family members who once

that yoga has brought to everyone at the barn.

stood at the sidelines to join their rider on the mat

“COVID-19 has really impacted teenagers, especially

next to them. This activity is something that all family

Yoga session at Serenity Show Stable

125

the staff and I often joke that we are a little too mellowed out.”

Once the class ends, participants usually lay for a little longer on their mats and just enjoy the peaceful moment in a time of chaos. “This year is so different from others. I wanted to do something helpful and positive for people,” says Ruth. And it couldn’t be more so for riders, both mentally and physically. “Because of these classes, I can see a

Ruth Nicodemus with one of her students, Ryan Seth

change in myself. I am more aware of my posture, alignment, and breathing.” So, there’s really no reason to stop post-pandemic. Ruth feels strongly

members can participate in and, ultimately, they walk

that, even after COVID-19 ends, yoga will continue

away with the added benefit of more tranquility and

to be a part of her barn’s program.

If you’re interested in starting your own yoga

comradery.

“I feel like everyone has a chance to relax and

practice, EQuine AMerica Magazine has teamed up

kind of center themselves, and that is the whole

with Angela Nuñez, owner of Solaris Horsemanship

point behind it,” says Jess. “We find a nice spot in

and Yoga in Flint Hill, Virginia, to bring you some free

the shade; it often overlooks the farm and we can

yoga guidance and inspiration on our website. Check

hear the horses. It’s such a peaceful setting that

it out on our Rider Wellness page at www.eq-am.com.

Jess Collins

126

127

ep i logue

Thank you!

COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the

By teaming up with several friends from the

American equine industry. Show cancellations

American equine industry, we are sending this

brought our community to a screeching halt.

magazine out to more than 108,000 people. Don’t

While it’s wonderful that shows are beginning to

worry, these companies didn’t share your email

recommence, vendors and spectators still aren’t

address. Instead, we shared the magazine with

able to attend, and we don’t know when that will

these companies so they could send it directly to

change. Many vendors depend on the show seen to

you. We hope you were happy to see us in your

market their wares, so this has hindered their ability

inbox!

to reach customers like you. My goal for this special

Thank you to all of the companies who

digital edition was to put vendor ads in front of as

teamed up with us to make this outreach

many readers as possible, to remind you that these

possible. Remember, we are stronger when we

companies are out there waiting to see you again.

are united.

hfg Every advertisement in this issue represents someone who supported EQuine AMerica over the past two years of our development, and as a thank you for that support, we happily placed all advertisements in this issue for free.

See You in 2021!

Sept 28 - Oct 3, 2021

Although we have had to cancel Dressage at Devon 2020, we are busy planning and working on the 2021 show, which will host: The largest open breed show in the world featuring Pony Only classes and the Presentation of Sale Horses Top performance classes from 4th level to Grand Prix Musical Freestyle Fabulous shopping • Great food Educational seminars for all levels • Dressage with the Exerts Ladies Hat Day • Parade of Breeds Kid’s Day on Sunday with Dressage Explorers Support Dressage at Devon, a non-profit organization, as we prepare for the future. Please join us as we Passage Into the Future dressageatdevon.org/passage-into-the-future

Dressage at Devon will be opening its on-line store where you can purchase gifts, souvenirs and more. Watch the newsletter and Facebook for updates!

©Stacy Lynne Photography

©Hoofprints Images (4)

Exciting Exhibitions

Ladies Hat Day

Food & Shopping

Breed Show

Sponsored in part by Barnes and Beck Financial Consulting Group • Broadfields 121 • Iron Spring Farm • ProElite • ShowSheen®

P l ea se v i si t o u r we bs i te w w w. d re s s a ge atd evo n . o rg si g n u p fo r o u r N ews l ette r a n d fo l l ow u s o n Fa c e b o o k .