Florida Sporthorse Magazine Fall 2011

Sporthorse Florida

FALL 2011

The art of riding

In the studio with Beverley Bryant V ol . 3, N o .1

What a stud!

Keep him busy this season. Advertise in the Florida Sporthorse Stallion issue.

Reserve your space

by Jan. 20 Christie Gold, Editor/Publisher (813) 973-3770 floridasporthorseads@gmail.com

Sara Scozzafava, Advertising Manager (352) 585-6143 floridasporthorse@gmail.com

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Sporthorse Florida

fall 2011

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8 Bill Wertman

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16 Shoes that heal

6 Beverley Bryant

18 Green is good

8 Humble champion

20 Special needs feeds

11 JC offers incentive

22 better balance

4 Editor’s note Without Stirrups

Artist’s canvases jump to life

Belinda Nairn-Wertman’s quiet life

Jockey club recognizes sporthorses

Working with the farrier to support tendon and ligament injuries Dispelling the myths behind alfalfa hay

Metabolic problems require careful attention to feeding Use yoga to improve balance

12 Dealing with Downtime 25 flexibility for balance 20 12

Help your horse cope with stall rest

Mobility begins with strength and flexion

14 Performance points

26 Pain free hips

Acupuncture points that aid performance

28 iRide

Must-have apps for connected equestrians

Exercises to increase flexibility

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4 Inside Florida Sporthorse

Without Stirrups

Karen Kennedy/Icon Studios

Christie Gold

P

art of the fun of running a magazine shaped almost entirely by the work of freelance writers is that I never know what I’m going to get. Every issue is a bit like Christmas morning. I open files with a childlike eagerness: What’s inside?

Big budget magazines have editorial meetings where story ideas are bantered about, accepted and rejected with the flick of a pen or the nod of a head. Editors drive the content. Here, it’s all about the generosity of equine enthusiasts who are willing to share their experiences and expertise in 1500 words or less.

I like the range that this approach affords our readers, and often it seems as if we are all on the same cosmic plane. For example, if this issue had a theme it would be this: BALANCE.

Sometimes as a noun and sometimes as a verb, it began with Bryony Anderson’s regular yoga feature, but as story after story appeared in my inbox, the theme was repeated.

From Lynn Palm and Debbie Rodriguez’s pieces on rider fitness to the subtle undertones of Jane Whitehurst’s story on two-time Olympian Belinda Nairn-Wertman, the message began to resonate with increasing clarity.

Writer Amber Kimball and I have spent time commiserating the past few months about our horses’ injuries, which seemed to knock both of us out of balance.

For me, down time brought the comfortable familiarity of my daily routine (barn-work-barn-sleep) to a dramatic halt.

I spent most of the summer

given me a renewed interest in music, movies and literature, that I pushed into the background in order to devote more time to dressage training.

Friends from work gave me a new challenge, too: run in a 5k before the holidays. Now as my mare has come back to work, I feel refreshed.

The passion for riding never ceased; nevertheless, I’ve realized that my my all-consuming passion had tilted my life too heavily to one side.

I thought that once I returned to riding, I would have to abandon my friends and new interests; instead, I find myself successfully weaving everything together into a vibrant new life fabric.

I am more efficient with my daily regimen because I don’t want to give up $5 burger night with co-workers or pre-dawn Sunday runs.

As Bryony says in her article,

The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are truly wise. ~Euripides in a funk until friends of the nonhorsey sort urged me to join them in activities that did not require boots and breeches, tractors or muck rakes.

It had been years since I regularly enjoyed the ease of conversation that comes when time is not so clearly marked. The past few months have

Sporthorse Florida

FALL 2011

“Balance, like a pendulum, is in a constant state of flux between two extremes.”

Sometimes, we all need to be knocked off kilter in order to recognize what’s important, renew our focus and stand firmly planted at a balanced center.

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About the cover

Subscription information Archived Issues~Ad rates Submission information

Editor and Publisher Christie R. Gold

Senior Contributor Jane Whitehurst

Advertising Manager Sara Scozzafava (352) 352-585-6143 floridasporthorseads@gmail.com

Editorial Office 8205 Quail Run Dr. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 973-3770

email: floridasporthorse@gmail.com

website: floridasporthorsemagazine.com

Florida Sporthorse Magazine is committed to providing a quarterly publication that presents content encompassing a broad range of topics of interest to Florida’s dressage, eventing, combined driving, hunter/jumper and sport horse breeding communities.

It includes profiles of riders, trainers and breeders who are influential around the state and beyond, as well as product reviews of items of particular interest to Florida equestrians.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine accepts freelance material on subjects that support our mission.

Submission information is available at www. floridasporthorsemagazine.com or by calling or writing the editorial office.

The art of riding

In the studio with Beverley Bryant V ol . 3, N o .1

Artist Beverley Bryant’s oil on canvas of Grand Prix rider Benjamin Meredith and Calmar 3. Bryant works out of Wellington and has painted both champion race and show horses.

Photo courtesy of the artist

Sporthorse Florida

FLASporthorse

Florida Sporthorse Magazine

“Come along for the ride!”

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The Faces of Florida Sporthorse 1 5

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2. Amber Kimball is an FEI dressage trainer based in Ocala.

In 1997 she began her dressage career as a working student in the stable of Olympic Bronze medalist Gina Smith. In 2001 she travelled to Belgium to hold a working student position in the stable of Grand Prix trainers, Penny and Johan Rockx.

In 2002, she returned to the US to ride for Belinda NairnWertman until the spring of 2010. Amber has sucessfully trained and shown horses from Training level through Intermediare II and has earned her USDF Silver medal. She now operates Southern Lights Dressage in Ocala, FL. 3. Debra Redmond, ND has trained and shown through the FEI levels of dressage and has garnered over 20 regional and national awards. A riding injury led her to seek pain management through Eastern medicine. After experiencing relief first hand, she decided to study the modalities so that she could treat animals. She completed several programs and eventually earned a doctorate. She loves being able to assist owners and animals in restoring health and movement through the modalities of body work, spinal balancing, acupuncture, laser, and homeopathy.

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1. Jane Whitehurst is a 1982 University of Florida graduate from the College of Agriculture where she majored in Animal Science. In 1985, she earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University. For 20 years she taught high school science. Along with their husband, she recently purchased Nosara Farms in Odessa where she provides boarding, training and lessons. Since 1985 Jane has been an active competitor in the dressage ring and has recently earned her USDF Gold Medal.

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4. Debbie Rodriguez, creator of the Success in the Saddle equestrian fitness DVD series, is a United States Dressage Federation Gold Medalist, USEF ‘S’ Dressage Judge, USEF ‘r’ Dressage Technical Delegate, USEF ‘r’ Eventing Judge and USEF ‘r’ Eventing Technical Delegate and International Sports Sciences Association certified personal fitness coach.

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5. Ruth-Anne Richter, BSc (hon), DVM, MS, received her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada in 1995 after finishing a Bachelor of Science (Hon) degree. Dr. Richter did an equine internship at Mississippi State University, and following a year in private practice began a surgical residency at the University of Illinois.

She completed her surgical residency and concurrent Master of Science degree in 2000. Since then, Dr. Richter has worked as a staff surgeon at Reid and Associates in West Palm Beach, the Equine Specialty Hospital in Ohio and East End Equine in Long Island, New York. Dr. Richter joined Surgi-Care Center for Horses in 2005 as a staff surgeon. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Richter was farm manager for Christilot HansonBoylen, a member of Canada’s Dressage Team.

6. Lynn Palm holds 34 Reserve and World Championships and four “Superhorse” Championships. Impressive as her performance record is, Palm says that her primary goal is to educate others on forming correct riding skills and building knowledge to increase the riding longevity of their horses.

Lynn and her husband, Cyril Pittion-Rossillon, have created Palm Partnership Training with the mission of improving the rider first and foremost. The pair conducts clinics at Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, FL, and at Royal Palm Ranch in Bessemer, MI, in addition to Ride Well clinics across the country.

7. Bryony Anderson, RYT, LMT has been riding horses since childhood. She has been practicing yoga for over 24 years, and began teaching in 1997. In addition to teaching yoga for equestrians, Bryony offers massage, Reiki, and Ortho-Bionomy for both horse and rider. She teaches yoga classes privately by appointment. Her Yoga for Equestrians audio CDs are available at Ocala tack stores and at www.movingintobalance.com.

Guest contributors:

>>Feed XL Nutritionist Nerida Richards, PhD, New Zealand >>Purina Nutritionist Kelly Vineyard, PhD, Florida

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6 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

From show ring to studio...

Christie Gold

T

he cave paintings at Lascaux, the marble frieze from the Parthenon, the iconic works of John Stubbs and the sublime racing scenes of impressionist Edgar Degas: The beauty of horses has long inspired artists, and Beverely Bryant is no exception. Once noted for her powerful racing scenes, the Wellington resident now transfers the excitement of the Grand Prix jumping ring onto vibrant canvases.

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FSM: How did you become interested in art?

BB: Family lore has it that my mother got off a horse to go to the hospital and have me. As early as I can remember, I would wake in the middle of the night, see a light under my door and peak in at my mother painting away on a new canvas of a horse. Either that or I’d awaken to the tap-taptap of an old upright typewriter (she wrote quite a few novels).

Naturally, my first painting was of a horse ( I think 10 years old). I can’t separate my interest in art from my interest in horses.

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FSM: Describe your training—both formal and informal.

BB: My brilliant mother was my teacher. Formally, after boarding school in Washington, DC (where I frequented the National Gallery) and college, I went to Paris to study at the Academie Julian. Having had 4 years of gramatical French and no colloquial, I didn’t gain much except unforgettable experiences including tours of galleries in Paris (The Louvre) and Florence, Italy.

Back in the States, I attended the Corcoran School of Art (at the Corcoran Art Gallery) in Washington, DC, and studied anatomy and oil painting with Richard Lahey.

Later, I attended the Art Student’s League in Manhattan and studied oil portraiture with Richard Sanders. I also studied fashion design at the Traphagen School in Manhattan and designed collections for Oleg Cassini.

FSM: How old were you when you sold your first painting?

What was the subject?

BB: I don’t remember exactly, as I sold some earlier pieces in Middleburg where I grew up, but in my early 20’s I sold a painting of Seattle Slew to Karen Taylor (his owner). It was after he won the Kentucky Derby, and I was exhibiting at Aqueduct Racetrack. The sale was a tremendously exciting coup.

That was followed by the sale of my Secretariat painting, my first ever racing painting, and three drawings on oil wash of classic racetrack jockeys and trainers to Mickey Rooney...all at the same exhibition. One of those classics, a charcoal portrait of Jimmy Murphy, the great African-American rider who won five Derbies, hangs in the Racing Museum in Saratoga, New York.

FSM: Although you now reside in Wellington, you grew up in another horse mecca—Middleburg, VA. How did your childhood experiences help shape your artwork?

Win We sep bac Spe BB: My mother, Beverley Sanford Bryant McConnell, and I had horses and ponies in Middleburg and we rode and showed constantly.

Growing up in Middleburg, I was emersed in horses, hunting, showing and racing. The community was and still is dedicated to the horse. I eventually galloped racehorses which led to my racehorse painting career. I specifically quit galloping as everyone I knew who did it was injured,a nd I wanted to save my hands for painting.

FSM: What artists (historical or contemporary) have inspired you?

BB: My primary inspiration was not a horse painter, but Michelangelo. My interest in anatomy was foremost at that time. I had seen his marble sculptures of“David” and the “Pieta” in Florence which filled me with wonder. The beauty was/is indescribable and the achievement amazing. It was a life-changing experience to stand in their presence.

My paintings are very “anatomical”, especially the jumping ones, a combination of Michelangelo’s influence, knowledge of horse anatomy by sheer osmosis and the feel

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renderings for approval from the patron?

BB: I draw right on the canvas, technically a “no-no”, but I spray the finished drawing so the pencil won’t bleed into the paint. I just want everything perfect before I begin to paint. Changes in oil later can be a disaster. At this point I send a photo by email to the client for approval and make any changes they want. Better now than later. About halfway through, I’ll send another photo or more. I love to have the client involved in the creative process. I have little ego about this. I want to make sure they’re happy.

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FSM: What have been your favorite projects?

At left: Artist Beverley Bryant in the hunter ring on I Love Lucy. Below left and above: Bryant’s oil portraits reflect her love of horses. The Wellington-based artist originally focused on race horses. of the exhilaration of jumping from my own experience.

When I do a jumping painting, I am jumping.

FSM: You found great success painting race horses. Why did you switch to show horses, specifically show jumpers?

BB: After the publication of my book, “Portraits in Roses,” 109 drawings and paintings of all the Kentucky Derby winners from 1875 to 1984 with stories of each, which was a challenge I had accepted after completing 96 illustrations for The Bloodhorse Magazine called the “Swift and the Valiant,” which was never published, I would say I was pretty burned out. So I bought some horses and started showing, everywhere, pretty much non-stop for ten years campaigning my beautiful Native Dancer mare, I Love Lucy, in the amateur owners and my jumpers, Springbok and Onyx.

I bought a huge van and drove to Florida for the Winter Equestrian Festival where I bought a small farm.

We did very well on the Florida Circuit until a stockbroker separated me from my funds and I had no choice but to go back to painting. And of course, what else, show horses!

Specifically jumpers? I prefer the drama and excitement.

FSM: Are there different challenges in painting show jumpers than race horses?

BB: When I painted racehorses, my concept was to portray the horse and jockey’s likenesses and anatomy perfectly, but put them against a background that said “speed”: a thin wash, a swish of pale colors, a feeling of air racing past them just as your eye would see them in real life.

I’ve never had any interest in backgrounds except in standing portraits. In a running or jumping portrait, a detailed background only serves to stop the action and put as much attention on the let’s say trees and fences as on the main subject. The horse and rider are the main event!

The only difference now between painting racehorses and show jumpers is that I’m more focused. The detail is much better. The reality more real.

FSM: How long does it take to complete a piece?

BB: Usually a month to two months, depending on the size and content. Drawings are very quick.

FSM: Describe your creative process. Do you submit

BB: I started out painting strictly from inspiration, so I would have to say my Secretariat painting. That was my first racing painting. I had been sent as a writer to cover the Marlboro Cup for Spur Magazine and rode out to the starting gate in the press car with all the famous sportswriters of the day, among them Heywood Hale Broun in his signature madras coat. Secretariat had the inside post position so I was basically standing right next to him when he left the gate.....late, I might add.

Everyone else was gone by the time he began to gather momentum, like a steam engine. I asked the starter if I could climb up to the top of his tower to see the whole race.

From my perch, I could see Secretariat on the backstretch picking off horses one by one from the rear. He had gobbled them all up by the final turn, including his barn mate, Riva Ridge, and stormed on to win by 17 lengths, at least, with Riva making a game effort 10 lengths back. Seeing those blue and white blocks from so far away first and second and then Secretariat open up such a huge lead? Had to paint him! And I painted him charging full face on, just like in the recent Secretariat movie when suddenly he appears out of the last turn, out of the dust and mist, and there’s no one behind him.

Now I find that excitement in Grand Prix jumpers. I love to paint the great jumpers of the day: Gem Twist, Alvaretto, Eros, Sapphire.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 7 FSM: What distinguishes your work from other equestrian portrait artists?

BB: Although I do a lot of heads and double portraits (riders next to their horses), dogs (which I love doing), my niche is the Grand Prix jumpers. There are plenty of artists who do the former. My speciality is the big guys, the jumping stars.

The ones who you just can’t believe how good they are, and I try to make each painting the best I’ve ever done.

FSM: How does your own riding influence your work?

BB: I had to stop showing and start painting so this answers itself. I’m still showing, but on canvas. I do have a lovely Hanoverian mare I compete as much as I can.

FSM: You work primarily in oils. What do you enjoy most about this medium?

BB: Ah! Oils! There’s something about oil that creates reality, a depth, it surprises me all the time. Acrylics just don’t do it. They’re chemical, not natural. Acrylics dry on the palette before you can use the mixture again. Oils can be rubbed off and repainted. They’re very forgiving. And you can adjust colors on the canvas with oil. Impossible with acrylic. It’s already dry.

FSM: What awards/recognition have you received?

BB: I suppose the two Kentucky Derby books are the most recognition I’ve received. For “Portraits in Roses” I had a display of originals behind the governor’s box at Churchill Downs and gave a book to Olivia Newton John. Three Chronicle covers and articles and covers in The Bloodhorse, Spur and Sidelines and a photo spread in the Palm Beach Daily News (Shiny Sheet) followed. But I think the greatest recognition has come from the owners and riders of some of the best jumpers this country has produced over the last 20 years who have asked me to paint them: Eros (Anne Kursinski/Carlene Blount), Alvaretto (Margie Goldstein Engle), Sapphire (McLain Ward), Gem Twist (Leslie Howard/ Michael Golden), Derek (Nona Garson/George d’Ambrosio), Cim Christo (Georgina Bloomberg) to name a few.

FSM: What projects are you working on now?

BB: I just finished Benjamin Meredith on Calmar 3 and McLain Ward on Sapphire. I’m working on a calendar for 2012 with Just World and a jumping portrait of Cedric with Laura Kraut, our Gold Medal Team Members in Beijing.

Beverley Bryant can be reached at beverleybryant40@gmail.com or (561) 736-8928

A humble champion

Olympian and Ocala resident Belinda Nairn-Wertman on what matters most

B. Wertman

Above: Belinda at home with her miniature donkeys. Far right: Belinda on the Dutch stallion Sir Sinclair, the 2005 National FEI 6 Year Old Champion and USDF FEI 6 Year Old Horse of the Year. Right: Rider Anna Marek, Bill Wertman and Belinda at the USDF Region 3 Championships in October.

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Jane Whitehurst “Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire.” ~William Penn First impression? Belinda Nairn -Wertman does not dress like the typical dressage horsewomen.

She did not greet us at the door wearing a Joules numbered polo shirt, overpriced breeches and Ariat clogs. Dressedin “civilian” clothes, she could have easily passed as a piano teacher.

Her business card does not list her notable achievements: USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, national champion or two-time Olympic team member. In a world where most people list every accomplishment, her understated business card displays a picture of an abstract horse on one side and the name of her farm and contact information on the other.

“Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new.” ~Steven Tyler.

Second impression?

We’re interviewing a dressage rock star who is both humble and funny.

Belinda’s husband Bill joins her in the

interview; Belinda jokes that it is in order to get all the dates and facts straight. The couple met in 1990 and married seven years later. They’re comfortable together and comfortable to be around. Business wise they are a great combination. He just wishes she would let him promote her more.

“Do you know where I found all of her medals from the national and international events she has competed in?” Bill said, “In a box tucked away in the closet.”

Belinda shrugs.

“Who cares, it doesn’t matter,” she said.

What does matter to Belinda these days is breeding and buying quality horses, especially Dutch horses.

“I love horse shopping”, she said, “and I love matching up horse and rider. Too many horses are ridden by the trainers and not the owners.”

The Wertman’s are recent Floridian transplants.

In March 2010 they sold INSPO,their Pennsylvania farm, and moved to Ocala. Both agree they could not be happier. It was getting increasingly difficult to maintain INSPO North when they were in Florida competing for five to six months. On their Ocala farm, (INSPO South), there are currently six mares, two yearlings, four foals and two miniature donkeys.

INSPO is strictly the breeding portion of the operation; training takes place down the road at AJ Stapleton’s farm Top Brass.

“AJ is an old friend and client who had just sold his business in Ohio and had been waiting to ‘retire” to the Ocala area for some time. It was a lucky coincidence that the farm down the street came up for sale and we are able to keep our training horses there,” Bill said.

When you come into Belinda’s life plan on staying awhile--many do. Her right-hand women, her groom and friend of approximately 25 years, Jeanne Pakes lives with them. Pakes has the reputation as one of the country’s best grooms and certainly would not stay unemployed long if she chose to leave. Her working students don’t seem eager to leave either. Amber Kimball, a contributor for Florida Sporthorse Magazine, worked for Belinda for eight years.

Current rider, Anna Marek, originally came to her for a season until she decided to pull up roots and become a permanent resident.

Belinda’s owes her involvement with horses to her paternal grandmother. Belinda was born in New Zealand where her grandmother owned working Clydesdales who became decorated show horses at weekend fairs. Approximately 10 years

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 9 Belinda Nairn-Wertman operates a small Dutch breeding program at her Ocala farm. This mare and foal illustrate her breeding philosophy. “[The mare] is half driving blood (Tuigpaard), and while she is not the most modern type, she has endless power and balance, and every one of her foals is stamped with just that, regardless of the sire. And crossed with a modern stallion, she produces a beautiful type as well. This foal is by UB40.”

B. Wertman

later Belinda got her first pony, 7-UP, who she admits was a saint to put up with her antics.

“I like to ride behind the saddle because it was bumpier then I would kick him and make him go fast until he got tired of me and would buck me off,” she said.

After moving to the United States as a child, she competed in trail riding and eventing in Arizona with a quarter horse named Buzzard under the watchful eye of Linda Tellington Jones, long before the trainer gained recognition for the Tellington Ttouch Training program.

As a teenager, however, Belinda had her sights on the bigger picture and was certain that the Talland School of Equitation in England was the place she needed to be. She begged her parents to let her attend and they agreed -if she finished high school early. She completed her high school education at 16 ready to go. Unbeknownst to her the school would not take students until they were 17 so while she waited she went to California and rode hunters.

In 1972 she began her equitation studies at Talland, and that is where she truly discovered dressage. In the early morning while she and the other students completed barn chores, there was one rider who took advantage of the quiet arena.

Belinda became enamored. It was the first time she had ever witnessed anyone schooling Grand Prix movements. She had been looking for something more in her riding, knowing deep in her core the idea of training a horse by “changing the bit and kicking harder” wasn’t the right way.

When she returned to Prescott, Arizona, she started her own farm with a variety of breeds. She was reunited with Buzzard, who she trained to Prix St George.

When Belinda got the chance to work with Karl Mikolka, she packed up and headed East. When she returned to Arizona, she partnered with Dave Johns, a real estate tycoon. Johns was getting in the business of importing European warmbloods and sent young Belinda to the auctions in Germany.

Dealing with expensive horses in fast-moving auctions when you don’t even speak the language might seem intimidating, especially for someone in

their early twenties.

“It’s horses, it’s all the same language; you learn enough to get by,” she said casually.

Bill laughs.

“You obviously don’t know my wife very well.

Nothing bothers her. Her motto is ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’; the second part of the motto is ‘it’s all small stuff.’”

Those years were an exciting time for Belinda.

She succeeded in meeting nearly every trainer and breeder in Germany, and she learned volumes about European warmbloods, especially Hanoverians.

In the 80s, the real estate market in the southwest took a dive. Knowing that Johns would probably sell the farm and the horses, Belinda had to figure out how to buy her favorite mare, a talented but difficult chestnut named Alegria.

She decided “Nothing bothers to go to her [Belinda]. Her motto father.

Much of is ‘don’t sweat the Belinda’s drive small stuff’; the and tenacity from second part of the comes her father, Dr. motto is ‘it’s all small Ronald Nairn.

At 39, he retired stuff.’” as a Wing ~Bill Wertman Commander in the New Zealand Air Force, quite a feat for such a young age. Because Belinda is a military brat she has a hard time answering the question, where are you from? When she was one, her father was transferred to Thailand where they lived for the next five years. There, Nairn self-taught himself Japanese and Chinese. After retiring, he moved to the United States to attend Yale.

The Ivy League university offered him a full scholarship to finish his masters and doctorate, which he did in just over two years. After graduating, he taught at Santa Barbara (UC) and was then was hired to help start Prescott College in Arizona where he was president for many years.

Nairn agreed to help his daughter purchase the mare. In 1982 they both sat down with Johns to discuss price. When they came out of the meeting,

they did so with Alegria, plus 19 horses, two trailers and all the tack and tack trunks to go with them.

“This was for less money than I had figured Alegria was going to cost,” Belinda said.

Belinda and her father decided to keep the name Inspo, which is short for Interantional Sporthorse Center, but Belinda didn’t need 19 horses. What she needed was more education.

She sold all but two horses, Alegria and a young gelding named Winslow, then left for Germany to train with George Theodorescu. In 1984, she and Alegria competed in the Olympics in Los Angeles.

Later, Belinda received a grant to train in Germany; this time she took Winslow. She decided to ship the young horse, who was competing at Prix St. George over a couple of months before she would arrive. Once in Germany she got a call that someone wanted to show him in Berlin. She gave the go ahead, the horse did exceptionally well and she received an offer that she could not refuse. With the money from the sale she put a down payment on a farm in Pennsylvania.

It was around this time that Belinda started becoming interested in Dutch Warmbloods. She liked how the Dutch association was pickier in their selection of approved stallions. The first Dutch Warmblood she purchased, Christopher, took her to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

Her buying trips to Europe changed from Germany to Holland. One of her earliest clients was Mary Alice Malone. Years later, Malone’s Iron Spring Farm became one of the most recognized Dutch breeding facilities in the United States.

Over the years there have been plenty of national shows and plenty of great horses that have come through Belinda’s life. Some have been hers and some have belonged to others. She has ridden many horses for Malone, but she says has always been a free agent.

Some horses stand out more than others such as Iron Springs Goffert 369, a Friesian stallion who was instrumental in making the breed popular in the US. “Friesians are especially great horses for amateurs. I mean, they are practically born on the bit and have such great temperaments,” Belinda said.

In the competition ring, it’s hard to believe that Belinda would be anything other than coolheaded.

“I was never a nervous competitor, but I would get excited and had to be real careful not to override the horses. Besides there is never anything to be nervous about. Jeanne is always with me and she makes sure everything is perfect. I don’t have to worry,” she said.

Bill encourages us to remember his wife’s motto.

Belinda has not ridden for a year due to a knee injury. Last year in Wellington, she and Marek were stripping their stalls at a show when they decided

10 Florida Sporthorse Magazine to have a race. Who could get to the manure pile quicker?

“I was competing against a younger model with legs up to her armpits. In order to win I had to cut across. I had to cut Ann off and that’s when it happened,” Belinda said.

Belinda is not sure of when she will ride again.

Between frequent horse shopping trips to Holland, her horses in training and her small breeding operation, her life is full.

It’s breeding that now brings her the most joy.

INSPO’s breeding program is a product of years of studying Dutch lines. Back in 1983, Theodorescue, cautioned Belinda about buying Dutch horses for dressage because they were strictly bred for jumping. Ignoring his advice, Belinda bought Christopher, the horse who took her to the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, and Unanimous, who was later bought by Betsy Steiner who rode him in the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm.

“When I met Iron Spring Farm in 1984, they did not own a Dutch horse. We were at the forefront of importing Dutch horses to the USA, and what I strongly believe made these horses so popular was the influence of the “old blood” on the mare lines, meaning the Driving or Gelders blood. These horses had balance, strong hind legs, and strong backs by nature, and consequently were better/ easier riding horses for a wider market of riders (i.e amateurs),” Belinda said.

In the 90’s the KWPN took a turn to produce a more “modern” type of horse.

“While they continue to produce some amazing athletes, I still find having a percentage of “old

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blood” appealing. There are hundreds of modern stallions to choose from, so we have given a lot of thought to the mares, and almost all our mares carry a high percentage of old blood,” she said.

Belinda’s goals as a breeder are a direct reflection of her years in the saddle.

“Our goal is not really to produce champion foals at the Keurings and breed shows, but to produce quality horses for sport, and I trust these mares to do just that. And because we know these mares will produce a good hind leg, power, and balance, it gives us more options with the stallions we use,” she said.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis Third and lasting impression? When you meet Belinda and Bill, prepare to kick back and laugh.

The funny stories are the ones they love sharing the most, But if you push hard enough, perhaps you can find out what it was like to ride with some of the greatest trainers, or how it felt to ride some of the talented horses she has been blessed with.

Just a word of caution- make sure you have enough time to visit- because you probably won’t want to leave.

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Jockey Club announces sporthorse incentive Awards to encourage retraining of race horses Press Release The Jockey Club has announced the launch of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which will recognize and reward the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at locally, nationally or internationally sanctioned horse shows. The Jockey Club has committed $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Incentive Program for a pilot program in 2012.

“The Thoroughbred Incentive Program is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts in Thoroughbred aftercare,” said James L. Gagliano, The Jockey Club’s president and chief operating officer. “We encourage other groups to join us as we assist with the transition of Thoroughbreds into second careers.”

“Thoroughbreds are versatile athletes, which makes them ideally suited for any number of disciplines beyond the racetrack,” said Dell Hancock, a steward of The Jockey Club, a longtime Thoroughbred owner/breeder and a former horse show competitor.

“The Thoroughbred Incentive Program will help showcase and reward the breed’s many talents at all levels of competition and will encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds once they have finished their racing or breeding career.”

Horse show organizers that would like to

offer a T.I.P. Thoroughbred class and/ or high point award at their show in 2012 should complete the T.I.P. application available at tjctip.com.

T.I.P. sponsorships are available for a variety of disciplines, including eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers and western and English pleasure, and will include ribbons, prizes and in some cases, purse money. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2011.

In addition to class and award sponsorships at shows, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program will also offer two annual awards in 2012: The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award will recognize a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work.

The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award will recognize a young rider, 18 or under, who owns or leases a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 annually that can be applied to the college of their choice or to their participation in an event that furthers their involvement with horses.

Applications for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award and T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award will be made available at tjctip.com in 2012.

C. Gold/Florida Sporthorse

Thoroughbreds registered with The Jockey Club will be eligible for participation in all T.I.P. classes and awards. Horse owners interested in participating in T.I.P. can find more information regarding eligibility and assistance with identification of Thoroughbreds at tjctip.com.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds.

Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

12 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Dealing with Downtime Amber Kimball

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tall rest. The words every horse owner dreads. A lameness requiring long term stall rest can be a nightmare for both the horse and rider. While there’s no way to avoid stall rest once a serious injury has occurred, you can make it a little more bearable for both yourself and you horse.

Keep an open line of communication with your veterinarian. Following the vet’s instructions to the letter will give your horse the best chance to make a full recovery. Make sure that you check with your vet before making any changes to the horses set routine.

If your horse doesn’t already have a window, move him to a room with a view. An open window provides much needed fresh air for his lungs, light and entertainment. Some sensitive horses need the security of their home stall or are not allowed to walk the distance of the barn aisle due to the extent of their injuries.

For those who are braver or are allowed to do some walking, change stalls for a while during the day to give the horse a different view. It’s a little like changing the television channel so he has something new to watch.

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To avoid developing vices such as chewing, kicking or stall walking horses need some entertainment. They are designed to be on the move and eating for a good portion of the day.

When a horse is confined he still has the desire to move around and munch. Keeping a good supply of hay in front of him can help. For a horse who has a tendency to be overweight, a hanging mesh hay feeder with very small holes can make a flake of hay last a long time.

Take this opportunity to fine tune your horse’s ground manners.

Hanging a ball, milk jug or lickable treat from the ceiling can also provide some amusement.

Some horses enjoy having a rutabaga in their feed tub to chew on.

Take this opportunity to fine tune his ground manners. If you have a lot of hand walking in your future use the time to do more than lap the arena.

Get picky about how your horse leads. Adding in some halts and direction changes will keep his mind on you. You can also vary your walking speed and have him match your pace without lagging behind or charging ahead of you.

These little training sessions will pay off not

Follow these tips to help your horse handle stall rest only while your horse is in recovery but also later when your horse is well again.

If your horse’s energy level cannot be subdued by toys, hay and a room with a view and you are worried that he might hurt himself or his handlers, talk to your vet about some chemical assistance.

Long and short term sedatives are available but they must always be used under strict supervision of your veterinarian.

To keep your horse limber, add some carrot stretches into your daily grooming routine.

Ask your horse to bring his nose around toward his girth area, hip and hock and down between his front legs by his chest, knees and fetlocks. Each stretch gets a yummy bite of carrot. Make sure to check with your vet before doing any stretches that may affect your horse’s recovery.

For yourself, take the chance to ride some different horses. Friends and fellow boarders are often happy to share. A few different rides might give you a new perspective when you are able to ride your own horse again.

Also, watch as many lessons and clinics as you can and take notes for when your horse is under saddle again.

Stall rest can be distressing for both horse and rider but with a little luck and some careful management your horse can get back in the ring and be better than ever.

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 13

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Zamboni demonstrates carrot stretches. These simple exercises help keep a horse on stall rest supple. Be sure to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that exercises do not interfere with the horse’s recovery.

All photos by Amber Kimball

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14 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Acupuncture for Peak Performance

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Pro-active measures help equine athletes excel Debra Redmond

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e all want our horses to perform at their peak. Our equine athlete should jump in perfect form, stay soft and elastic through their topline, and maintain the perfect balance and frame while competing. Our horses are expected to trailer to a new location with numerous other horses on site, stay focused and relaxed, excel at whatever discipline we chose, stable in an unfamiliar area with limited opportunity to relax and move around and adhere to a schedule that is usually very different from their daily routine. Some horses are expected to excel and compete for multiple weekends in a month.

Many of our equine athletes have a competitive career that spans decades.

Horses are remarkably adaptive creatures and usually adjust to comply with the demands placed on them. Some of the most successful competitors actually seem to thrive in the hectic atmosphere of life “on the circuit.”

Many caring owners realize that it “takes a village” to keep their equine athlete happy, healthy, and performing at their best. The equine support team includes the horse’s primary care veterinarian, the farrier, the equine dentist, the barn manager, the trainer/ instructor and increasingly the acupuncturist.

Pre-show acupuncture can enhance the performance of the aging competitor, the nervous newcomer, and the horses in between. Whether your horse is a seasoned competitor that enjoys showing off his stuff or a reliable partner that’s attempting to offer his amateur owner confidence and experience, a pre-show session of acupuncture can enhance your pre-show preparations. Acupuncture can relax over-used muscles, strengthen the constitution, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, calm the mind and enhance energy in the weary competitor.

Pro-active treatments help bring out the best in a horse on competition day.

with training or acclimation to the atmosphere at a show.

Perhaps it’s a horse that’s been seen by the attending veterinarian, who is apparently sound with normal respiration, temperature and heart rate but who isn’t performing as he’s capable of performing.

Some horses experience muscular issues from the stress of hauling long distances. Even horses that hop into the trailer willingly and travel quietly can experience muscular/skeletal issues when travelling to and from competitions. The Florida climate can add additional stress to travel. Several horses in a trailer generate a lot of heat and during the summer months caution should be exercised

“Horses are remarkably adaptive creatures that usually adjust to comply with the demands placed on them.”

Most pre-competition acupuncture sessions are performed within a few days of the competition.

Acupuncture treatments can be very effective singly or cumulatively. Regular sessions of acupuncture increase its effectiveness, particularly in pain management.

Many horses that compete on a regular basis benefit from receiving acupuncture on a regular basis. The frequency of acupuncture is usually determined by the horse’s age, his level of fitness for the task he’s being asked to perform, his prior history and his constitutional type. Many competitors feel as I do, that health is far easier to maintain than it is to restore.

When I’m attending a competition I’m often asked to perform acupuncture on a horse that is experiencing issues that haven’t been resolved

when travelling. Regardless of the temperature many horses experience digestive issues from the excitement of the show atmosphere, travel and competition.

The incidence of gastric ulcers, dehydration, and colic is common among competitors. Consultation with your equine Veterinarian, careful preparation, common sense and acupuncture can aid your horse while travelling and showing.

When I’m working on a competitor’s horse prior to a show I normally rely on the horse’s history, his reported issues at previous competitions, concerns expressed by his trainer, a five element constitutional assessment and a diagnostic acupuncture exam.

The diagnostic acupuncture exam is an amazing tool for determining ashi pts. Ashi pts are areas of tissue reactivity located on specific

meridians which indicate pain, muscular tension, meridian deficiencies, joint pain, gastrointestinal disturbances and system deficits and excesses.

By applying even pressure over these pts the acupuncturist can scan large areas of the horse’s body looking for reactions in the tissue.

Please note that there are some points on the horse that are reflexive and these points should always elicit a response. (just as a person will react if a doctor strikes a point just below the knee cap with a rubber mallet). After listening to the owner’s history of the horse at competitions, evaluating the Chinese Element type of the horse and performing a diagnostic acupuncture examination, the acupuncturist will chose acupuncture points to sedate and to tonify.

Tonifying points will enhance the energy flow to the individual point and to the meridian pathway that the point is located on. Sedating a point will reduce the chi (energy flow) to the point and the meridian pathway the point is located on.

If a horse has been actively competing for any length of time I try to support their muscles, tendons and ligaments, gastrointestinal system, stress levels (whether fatigued muscularly or emotionally unsettled), and any individual issues they might be experiencing.

Some of the most commonly used acupuncture points pre-competition include Bai Hui (which was also used in the common acupuncture points for immune stimulation) is located on the dorsal midline in the lumbosacral space. Bai Hui is truly one of the most useful points for animals and aids in gastrointestinal problems, muscular skeletal issues as well as reproductive issues and immune stimulation.

BL40 which enhances meridian flow to the back, hip, stifle, genital area and abdomen is

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 15

Performance Enhancers

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SI9, PC6, TH5

Here are some commonly used acupuncture points for pre-competition treatment.

Acupressure can be preformed at any time with your horse.

Simply locate the acupuncture point and apply a steady pressure to the point for about 20 seconds.

It helps to imagine energy flowing from the center of your body, down your arm and exiting through your fingertip.

SI18

SI9

Bai Hui (Heaven’s Gate)

All photos courtesy of Debra Redmond

located at the midpoint of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa.

SI9 which will aid in any front end issues is a master point for the shoulder and forelimb pain.

SI9 is located in the depression created by the caudal border of the deltoid, and the lateral and long heads of the triceps muscle.

SI18 which is often used when the stress of travel and competition causes fatigue or emotional upset as well as jaw or tmj pain. It’s located below the lateral canthus of the eye on the ventral border of the facial crest in line with the caudal aspect of the nostril.

SP6 which will help with lymphatic system and circulation for the horse that’s prone to stocking up especially when the horse is accustomed to turnout while not competing. It’s located on the medial side of the hindlimb approximately 3 cun proximal

to the medial malleolus. TH5 which is often used to enhance the “yang” balance of a horse experiencing muscular fatigue, and especially useful for forelimb pain. TH5 is located 2 cun above the proximal aspect of the carpus on the lateral side of the forelimb. PC6 is used to restore the “yin” balance of a horse that isn’t eating and drinking well or has become mentally or emotionally stressed.

PC6 is a master point for the chest and abdomen and is also useful as a calming point. PC6 is located directly above the chestnut on the medial side of the forelimb.

There are many other acupuncture points that may be used to tailor a treatment for an individual horse prior to competition.

Many competitors have found acupuncture to be an indispensable aid to their horse show preparations.

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16 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Extra Support

Therapeutic shoeing to treat tendon and ligament injuries

Ruth-Anne Richter

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nce a diagnosis of a specific tendon or ligament injury is made, a therapeutic plan must be formulated. Discussion about treatment options should include the regenerative therapies, shockwave therapy, surgery or conservative methods.

For the treatment to have a successful outcome, a team approach and dedication to the case is extremely important.

The goals of therapy for tendon or ligament injury are: (1) To reduce acute pain and inflammation; (2) Optimize repair of the injured structure; (3) Reduce any adverse biomechanical forces; and (4) Rehabilitation and return to athletic performance.

The third goal: “Reduction of adverse biomechanical forces� is the key to a successful outcome. This is where teamwork between the veterinarian and the farrier is crucial, and can significantly affect the outcome of the case.

Open communication is critical and knowledge of the potential negative and positive effects of certain types of shoes or trimming techniques is necessary.

The goal is to reduce any adverse forces that might contribute to stressing or overloading the injured structure by altering the ground reaction forces on that structure, and is accomplished through therapeutic shoeing.

Biomechanically, the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and the suspensory ligament do not respond well to being wedged up. Whereas the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and distal check ligament (DSL) prefer to be wedged up when they are injured.

That is with injuries to those structures related to the SDFT or suspensory ligament, the goal is to reduce stresses on those structures during the rehabilitation phase so the heels are actually lowered, thus reducing ground reaction forces at the heel and increasing them at the toe.

Conversely, elevating or protecting the heel with injury to structures that are biomechanically related to the DDFT and DSL increases the ground reaction forces and reduces stress on those structures.

Using this information, shoes can be made to alter those forces that cause stresses on some of these structures in the distal limb, thereby unloading and protecting the injury.

Severe injury to the DDFT, can be treated in the acute phase with a shoe with an elevated heel.

A shoe with removable bars is useful initially, removing bars intermittently to gradually return the affected limb to the normal alignment.

When there is injury to the distal aspect of the DDFT, particularly at the insertion onto the coffin bone, additional support is often necessary.

A heart bar shoe is very useful for many of these horses. However, some horses that have injury at or near the insertion of the DDFT onto the

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Successful recovery from tendon or ligament injuries requires a team approach involving the vet, the farrier and the rider.

solar surface of the coffin bone, do not tolerate the focal pressure placed by the heart bar shoe. In these cases, a modified plate with dental impression has been very useful.

The bar of this shoe is very wide covering the caudal 1/3 of the foot, and can be placed either between the branches of the shoe if the hoof-pastern axis is normal, or on the ground surface of the shoe to add a little height to the heel as needed.

Caution must be used with this type of shoe; it is best when the horse is confined. In work, the horse

gets little traction, and can slip causing secondary injury. The goal is to gradually reduce the width of the bar and the amount of dental impression until the horse is finally in a straight bar shoe for a short period of time, or permanently.

This type of shoe is also very useful for horses with injury to the small ligaments associated with the navicular region such as the distal sesamoidean impar ligament of the navicular bone.

Shoes useful for horses that have desmitis of the suspensory ligament (SL) include those that

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 17

Asymmetric Shoe

Suspensory Shoe with Bevelled Branches Heel or “Morrison” Plate

All photos courtesy of Ruth-Anne Richter

encourage the heel to sink into the ground a little.

Beveled or penciled branches fit short/to the perimeter with a wide toe are used for these cases.

The increase in toe width ‘elevates’ the toe, the heel drops slightly and there is less stress applied to the SDFT and SL. The challenge comes with horses that have asymmetric lesions, such as those with a medial or lateral collateral/suspensory ligament injury.

In general, an asymmetric shoe is used with the width applied to the branch of the shoe on the injured side. The opposite branch is then beveled to permit that side of the foot to sink into the ground.

Additional challenges arise when there is more than one injury in the same limb.

The more significant of the problems should be addressed first, but listen to the horse; communication between owner, farrier and veterinarian will help determine how the horse is tolerating a particular shoe.

None of these shoes will be successful in facilitating repair if the foot has not been trimmed and balanced appropriately.

While this may be something that should go without mention, it often contributes to reinjury and loss of usefulness of the horse.

The ultimate goal of therapeutic shoes is to facilitate rehabilitation of the injury and to eventually return the horse to functional use, and to be back in ‘regular shoes’.

For more information contact Dr. Richter at: rrichter@ surgi-carecenter.com

18 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

When Green is Good

In the right amounts, alfalfa proves a valuable forage Nerida Richards

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lfalfa hay enjoys a varied reputation amongst horse people, with some using it as a highly valued component of their horse’s diet and others avoiding it with almost religious fervor. So, who is right? Is alfalfa hay a suitable forage for horses? Or are there other more suitable forages?

The answer is yes, and yes.

Alfalfa hay is a valuable forage for horses when fed to the right classes of horses and in the correct amounts for its full benefit to be realized. Let’s look at the nutrients contained in alfalfa hay and its many and varied uses in the horse industry.

Nutrient profile Good quality alfalfa hay contains more protein and energy than grass or cereal hays and chaffs.

Alfalfa also contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, and when fresh, the vitamins A and E. It is typically low in phosphorous and depending on where it was grown, contains varying concentrations of other micro and macro minerals. The protein in alfalfa hay is of high quality and contains appreciable amounts of the essential amino acid lysine.

When to feed alfalfa?

To answer that question, we must consider the strengths and weaknesses of alfalfa hay. Firstly, note that there are no known anti-nutritive factors in alfalfa hay. It is a very high quality, safe feed.

However, the higher energy and protein in can result in too much energy and/or too much protein in the horse’s diet if you feed too much, so it is important to keep these nutrients in the diet within the recommended daily intake limits (RDI’s).

Too much protein and/or energy can result in some problems for horses which are discussed below. As with all hays, some nutrients are lacking, particularly some of the trace minerals, so when feeding alfalfa hay, it is important to ensure you are meeting the RDI’s when balancing your horse’s diet.

The use of alfalfa hay in the diet of various classes of horses is discussed below: 1. Performance horses in training and competition Alfalfa hay can be used to provide energy, good quality protein and a source of fibre to the diet of a performance horse; however, it must be used in moderation. Excess protein in the diet of working

horses and particularly those that are stabled can be detrimental to their health and performance.

Excess protein intake will increase urinary ammonia production, which may then result in respiratory problems for horses confined to a stable.

Excess protein can also contribute to dehydration due to water loss through increased urine production and excretion and increases the amount of heat produced during the digestion and utilisation of feedstuffs.

Therefore, a diet containing protein in excess of the horse’s requirement can increase the horse’s water and electrolyte loss through sweating and can contribute to hyperthermia, and decreased performance or endurance capacity.

It is important to understand that these effects are not as a direct result of feeding alfalfa, but rather from feeding too much alfalfa. Avoid them by keeping protein within the RDI limits. Use a grass or cereal hay to supply some of the horse’s roughage/fiber requirement.

2. Idle horses Alfalfa hay can play a role in the idle horse’s diet, and will provide these horses with good

quality protein and calcium. If you keep energy and protein within your horse’s RDI, you can safely feed alfalfa without having excess weight gain due primarily to too much energy.

3. Ponies Ponies may be safely fed alfalfa hay, but again it must be fed in moderation. Alfalfa hay, because of its highly digestible nature, is capable of encouraging significant weight gain in ponies, particularly those that are easy keepers. Feeding too much alfalfa hay may therefore predispose ponies to laminitis, as the risk of laminitis increases when ponies become overweight (again, this is not as a result of feeding alfalfa, but as a result of feeding too much energy and protein which in turn leads to excess weight gain). Keep energy and protein within the recommended daily limits when using lucerne in the diets of ponies.

Alfalfa hay is very useful in the diet of aged ponies. As horses and ponies age, they lose some ability to digest fiber and protein. Feeding them an easily digested fibre and high quality protein source in the form of alfalfa hay will help them maintain body weight, particularly in winter.

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4. HYPP and laminitic horses Alfalfa hay may not be suitable for horses suffering with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) as its concentration of potassium is often quite high (14 – 25+ g/kg).

Make sure you keep potassium in particular at the 100% RDI in these horses, regardless of the feeds you use.

In the reverse, and contrary to popular opinion, alfalfa hay is a very suitable feedstuff for horses that have suffered a bout of laminitis. The high quality protein in lucerne hay will help the horse to repair its damaged laminae while the energy derived from the alfalfa will prevent these horses from entering a negative energy balance which slows or prevents the hoof’s healing process taking place. In comparison to some grass hays, alfalfa also contains a lower level of starches and sugars.

Again, make sure you feed alfalfa hay in moderation to prevent excess weight gain; don’t exceed the energy and protein RDI’s.

5. Growing Horses Alfalfa is a valuable forage in the diet of growing horses. Alfalfa provides growing horses with a digestible source of energy as well as a source of high quality protein and the essential amino acid lysine. Alfalfa’s calcium-rich characteristic is also beneficial for growing horses that typically have high calcium requirements.

However, when feeding alfalfa to growing horses, the amount fed should not exceed the growing horse’s energy requirements. Growing horses fed energy in excess of their RDI’s have a much higher chance of suffering from developmental orthopaedic diseases including osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Feeding protein in excess of the growing horse’s protein requirements does not appear to be detrimental as the protein can be utilized as a source of energy. However, protein is an expensive source of energy and to quote Susan Garlinghouse “it is sort of like using bundles of dollar bills to start a barbeque. It’ll get the job done, but there are much cheaper, easier and more efficient ways of doing it.”

Dreamstime

Therefore, instead of using alfalfa hay to meet 100% of a growing horse’s energy requirements (which will far exceed their protein requirements) it would (depending on pasture conditions) be more economical to use some form of cereal grain or high energy fibre like sugarbeet pulp or soybean hulls to provide additional energy in the diet when needed.

Another point to be aware of when feeding lucerne hay to growing horses is their intake of phosphorous. While feeding alfalfa hay to meet a growing horse’s protein requirements will also in most cases meet their calcium requirements, their phosphorous requirements will not be met.

Feeding cereal grains will help to increase a growing horse’s intake of phosphorous, however, in many cases, phosphorous supplementation may be required (remembering that the calcium to phosphorous ratio in the diet of a growing horse should be maintained within the range of 1: 1 to 3:1).

Dicalcium The protein in phosphate is a alfalfa hay is of high suitable source quality and contains of phosphorous appreciable amounts for growing horses.

Also of the essential keep in mind that alfalfa amino acid lysine. hay is not a complete feed and will more often than not contain insufficient concentrations of trace minerals, in particular copper and zinc, to support sound musculoskeletal development.

Thus, diets utilizing alfalfa hay as a protein and energy source must be balanced using an appropriate trace mineral supplement for the best results.

Once again, getting the diet balanced for the nutrient RDI’s is vital to making the best use of alfalfa.

6. Pregnant and Lactating Mares Alfalfa hay is an exceptional source of energy and good quality protein for pregnant and lactating

Alfalfa hay is a good source of quality protein for pregnant and lactating mares depending on the mare’s physical condition and the quality of available pasture.

mares. Alfalfa hay will also help to support these mares’ elevated requirements for calcium and the essential amino acid lysine.

When feeding the pregnant mare alfalfa hay, take care not to exceed her energy requirements since this can cause her to become overweight.

Pregnant mares should remain within a body condition score of 5 to 7 (using the Henneke scale of condition scoring) to prevent reduced milk production during the lactation period.

The lactatating mare’s energy requirements however are higher, and alfalfa hay alone will not be capable of meeting these and may, depending on pasture conditions, need to be fed in conjunction with cereal grains or high energy fibres to maintain body condition throughout lactation. Likewise, the lactating mare’s phosphorous and trace mineral requirements will not be met by a diet of alfalfa hay, thus these must also be supplemented accordingly.

As with growing horses, excess protein in the diet of pregnant and lactating mares does not appear to be harmful; however, it is an unnecessary waste of this relatively expensive feed component and should be avoided if possible.

Alfalfa is a valuable feedstuff for horses and is capable of providing them with energy, high quality protein, lysine, calcium and varying levels of other vitamins and minerals.

However, alfalfa hay must be used correctly in the diets of all horses to realize its full benefits.

Problems with the feeding of excess energy and protein are possible when feeding alfalfa hay so keep a close watch on those energy and protein RDI’s.

Use grass/meadow hays in conjunction with alfalfa hay to fulfil a horse’s roughage requirement and well-chosen supplements to fulfil mineral requirements.

This will help you balance the diet and avoid some of the problems that can be associated with overfeeding alfalfa hay.

Nerida Richards, PhD, is co-founder of FeedXL. She is an equine nutrition specialist with a degree in Rural Science, a doctorate degree in equine nutrition

20 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Feeding the special needs horse Metabolic conditions require dietary changes Kelly Vineyard All performance horses require essentially the same dietary components to thrive: energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. However, we are sometimes faced with a performance horse that has “special needs”; therefore, the feeding program must be approached a little differently.

The term “special needs” refers to horses with a medical condition requiring a diet with low soluble carbohydrate content, and this article focuses on horses suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID; also known as Cushing’s disease), and insulin resistance (IR).

Regardless if your horse is “normal” or has special needs, the basics of equine nutrition will always apply. What may change is the manner in which you go about meeting that horse’s individual nutrient requirements.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a term that describes a condition characterized by several components, including obesity, abnormal fat deposition, insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing laminitis.

Although symptoms can be very similar, EMS is different from, and should not be confused with, PPID. The major difference between these two conditions is that EMS typically develops in young to middle-aged horses, while PPID usually occurs later in life. PPID involves a pituitary gland dysfunction (i.e. tumor) resulting in excessive cortisol production, while EMS does not involve

Graves and posted on the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ website (http://www.aaep. org/health_articles_view.php?id=316).

The fit horse in training will rarely be characterized as suffering from EMS. However, obesity in dressage horses is unfortunately a common scenario and may predispose a horse to develop EMS. Regardless of the horse’s specific diagnosis, feeding recommendations for horses with EMS, PPID, and IR are the same. The first goal for these horses should be to induce weight loss if the horse is obese (defined as >7 on the Henneke body condition scale).

This can be accomplished through a combination of increased exercise (a minimum of 180 minutes of trotting per week is recommended)

“Regardless if your horse is “normal” or has special needs, the basics of equine nutrition will always apply” the pituitary gland.

Horses suffering from PPID are also highly susceptible to laminitis. Insulin resistance simply refers to the inability of tissues in the horse’s body to appropriately respond to rising insulin levels in the bloodstream, so horses with both EMS and PPID can have IR. A horse can also have IR but not EMS or PPID. Don’t let that confuse you, though. Just realize that EMS, PPID, and IR are defined differently and are not one in the same.

There are specific medications available, such as Pergolide for PPID, that can benefit these “metabolic” horses, but first obtaining an accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine appropriate medical treatment.

There are a variety of diagnostic tests available through a veterinarian that can determine specifically what condition a horse is suffering from. For a more comprehensive review on of EMS, PPID, and IR, see the article “Equine Endocrine Diseases: The Basics” written by Dr. Emily A.

and decreased caloric intake. When decreasing calories in the performance horse’s diet, care must be taken to not decrease nutrients below the horse’s daily requirements. This can be tricky for an easy keeper that maintains adequate body condition on a diet of grass forage and little to no additional grain.

Most forages are lacking in lysine and other amino acids necessary for maintenance of muscle tissue and often contain insufficient levels of several vitamins and minerals.

For these types of horses, the use of a ration balancer supplement formulated to be fed at a rate of 1 – 2 pounds per day will ensure that the horse receives all of the required nutrients without any unnecessary calories.

Ration balancers are more fortified than typical grain mixes because they are intended to be fed at a lower rate, and they also have a lower soluble carbohydrate content because they typically contain little to no grain.

Sometimes, the total amount of grain mix being

offered simply needs to be decreased to a more appropriate level. Any time that a horse’s daily ration is being reduced, it should be done slowly and at a rate of no more than 1 pound per day. The contribution of forages to the horse’s overall caloric intake also should not be ignored, and limiting grass hay to 1 – 1.5% of the horses bodyweight and/or limiting pasture intake through the use of a dry lot or grazing muzzle may be necessary to induce desired weight loss in the obese horse.

Another equally important goal when feeding the metabolic horse is to minimize soluble carbohydrate (sugars and starches) intake. This creates somewhat of a challenge for the exercising horse that needs energy for work. Muscle glycogen is an important source of fuel for the performance horse but can only be replenished through dietary soluble carbohydrate.

Therefore, we must find the correct combination of ingredients with a low glycemic index that still provides energy, supplies nutrients, and replenishes glycogen. The glycemic index of a feed is simply the measurement of the rise in glucose, and subsequently insulin, following a meal.

Fortunately, ingredients such as beet pulp, alfalfa, soy hulls, and oil have a relatively low glycemic index and are good sources of nutrients and energy. When fed individually, these ingredients are not nutritionally balanced and need additional fortification.

For hard-working performance horses that need more calories, vegetable oil (up to 4 cups per day) can be supplemented. Soybean and canola oil are good choices because they contain a good blend of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. For the less sensitive metabolic horse, a feed high in fat and digestible fiber can work very well.

Commercial grain mixes are typically formulated to be fed at a rate of 4 – 5 pounds per day to meet a horse’s daily protein/vitamin/ mineral requirements (read the manufacture’s feeding instructions for minimum feeding rates).

If a horse maintains its weight on less than the minimum feeding rate, then that horse will need

Fi

Fit or Fat? The Henneke Scale Don Henneke, PhD, developed the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System during his graduate study at Texas A & M University .

It is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse that are most responsive to changes in body fat.

Six parts of a horse are checked in this system—the neck, withers (where the neck ends and the back begins), shoulder, ribs, loin, and tailhead.

When using the Henneke system, you should always make physical contact with these parts, and the kind of touch you use is important. Simply stroking the animal lightly won’t provide an accurate idea of the horse’s

condition; you have to apply pressure to each part in turn.

After pressing each part of the horse with your hands to feel for body fat.

You then assign each area of the body the numerical score that corresponds with the horse’s condition.

The scores from each area are then totaled and divided by 6. The resulting number is the horse’s rating on the Henneke Body Scoring Condition Chart.

The Chart rates the horses on a scale of 1 to 9. A score of 1 is considered poor or emaciated with no body fat. A 9 is extremely fat or obese. Horse veterinarians consider a body score of between 4 and 7 as acceptable. A 5 is considered ideal.

1 - Poor: Emaciated. Prominent spinous processes, ribs, tailhead and hooks and pins. Noticeable bone structure on withers, shoulders and neck. No fatty tissues can be palpated.

2 - Very Thin: Emaciated. Slight fat covering over base of spinous processes. Transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded. Prominent spinous processes, ribs, tailhead and hooks and pins. Withers, shoulders and neck structures faintly discernible.

3 - Thin: Fat built up about halfway on spinous processes, transverse processes cannot be felt. Slight fat cover over ribs. Spinous processes and ribs easily discernible. Tailhead prominent, but individual vertebrae cannot be visually identified. Hook bones appear rounded, but easily discernible. Pin bones not distinguishable. Withers, shoulders and neck accentuated.

4 -Moderately Thin: Negative crease along back. Faint outline of ribs discernible. Tailhead prominence depends on conformation, fat can be felt around it. Hook bones not discernible. Withers, shoulders and neck not obviously thin.

5 - Moderate: Back is level. Ribs cannot be visually distinguished, but can be easily felt. Fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy. Withers appear rounded over spinous processes. Shoulders and neck blend smoothly..

6 - Moderate to Fleshy: May have slight crease down back. Fat over ribs feels spongy. Fat around tailhead feels soft. Fat beginning to be deposited along the sides of the withers, behind the shoulders and along the sides of the neck.

7 - Fleshy: May have crease down back. Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat. Fat around tailhead is soft. Fat deposits along withers, behind shoulders and along the neck.

8 - Fat: Crease down back. Difficult to palpate ribs. Fat around tailhead very soft. Area behind shoulder filled in flush. Noticeable thickening of neck. Fat deposited along inner buttocks.

9- Extremely Fat: Obvious crease down back. Patchy fat appearing over ribs. Bulging fat around tailhead, along withers, behind shoulders and along neck. Fat along inner buttocks may rub together. Flank filled in flush.

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 21 some type of additional supplementation.

Regardless of the type of concentrate that is fed to the metabolic horse, research has shown that feeding multiple small meals results in a lower glycemic response. Dividing the daily ration into 3 or more meals per day if possible is a good management strategy to implement for these horses.

Just as, if not more, important than the type of concentrate fed is the forage portion of the diet.

Consider this: forages consist of well over half the horse’s diet, yet many people completely ignore the nutritional contribution of hay and pasture.

For the metabolic horse, long periods of fasting can result in wide fluctuations in blood glucose/insulin levels, so keeping a source of forage available is recommended. However, you must be aware of the soluble carbohydrate content of that forage. The best way to know is to have the forage tested by a commercial laboratory, such as Equi-Analytical (http://www.equi-analytical.com/).

Soaking hay for 30 minutes in warm water or 60 minutes in cool water can remove up to 30% or more of sugar and starch, but be sure to drain the water off before offering it to the horse!

In general, cool season grasses (timothy, orchard, etc.) will potentially contain more soluble carbohydrate than warm season grasses (bermuda, etc.), the spring and summer growing season will produce grass with higher soluble carbohydrate, and grass contains higher soluble carbohydrate in the evening than in the morning.

Horses vary widely in their response to pasture, and some can be successfully maintained on fulltime pasture turnout while others cannot tolerate more than one hour of grazing per day. Management strategies such as using a grazing muzzle to reduce pasture intake, confining a horse to a dry lot, and limiting grazing during the evening hours can be of benefit to those horses that are highly sensitive to excess carbohydrate in fresh grass.

The tendency for owners to “self-diagnose” medical conditions such as IR in their own horses without the input of a veterinarian is unfortunately a common scenario. Not all horses require a lowcarbohydrate diet, and performance horses will actually benefit from the inclusion of soluble carbohydrates in their daily ration.

If you suspect that your performance horse is suffering from metabolic dysfunction, please contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to verify (or disprove) your suspicions. This will also give you the peace of mind that you are not overlooking another serious medical problem that may have similar symptoms but requires different treatment. Once you and your veterinarian have arrived at a definitive diagnosis, you can then begin to plan an appropriate feeding and management regimen.

With the increased energy and nutrient requirements of performance horses, it is especially important that close attention is paid to how those needs are met. If you have one of these horses, do not lose hope or feel like your potential to experience success in the show ring is diminished.

Many “special needs” horses are currently competing successfully and you would never know it, because their owners have taken the time to educate themselves on how to manage their horse’s condition appropriately.

22 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Better Balance Proper body alignment improves performance

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ention the word balance, and the first thing that comes to mind for some is standing on one leg or walking a high wire. But those of us who ride know that balance can be a challenge even while seated. With proper body alignment and some self-awareness, however, balance need not elude you.

One of the first key elements to balance in the saddle is stacking the body. The body should be aligned vertically with the shoulders over the hips and the ears over the shoulders.

of the neck so that your ears are aligned over your shoulders, your eyes will naturally focus directly ahead of you on the horizon line.

Many riders fail to do this and instead look down when they ride; they are either focused intently on trying to do something to the horse or they need to see what the horse is doing because they lack the ability to feel.

Unfortunately, looking down makes the rider top-heavy, bringing the center of gravity up into the chest and causing loss of balance; the horse becomes heavy on the forehand or has to work harder than necessary behind in order to balance

rest of our bodies properly, improves our balance, lowers our center of gravity, and makes it easier for us to feel the horse.

A third important element of balance is the action of the upper back. Riding instructors will often tell their students to “lift the chest”; this is only partially correct.

When given this instruction, most people will make an exaggerated lifting motion, hollowing out the lower back and pressing the low ribs forward.

In a horse, this would translate into a terribly contracted frame.

To lift the chest correctly, the movement needs

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“Balance, like a pendulum, is a state of constant flux between two extremes.”

In doing this, your center of gravity naturally becomes lower; you will feel connected to the horse and find it easier to “stick to the saddle” without gripping or tensing in the body. You will sit lighter on the horse and will be less of a hindrance to him doing his job.

Proper vertical alignment also causes you to tilt your pelvis under slightly and engage your abdominal muscles, assisting you in achieving a neutral pelvic position.

A second important element for balance is the eyes. When your head is stacked correctly on top

the rider. Studies show that when we look down with our eyes, our bodies go into contraction/ flexion (i.e. the fetal position); in fact, when test subjects were asked to engage muscles on the backs of their bodies to take the body into extension, those muscles were unable to “fire” when the person was looking down.

Additionally, when we look down while riding, our gaze generally becomes “hard”; this narrows our field of vision and also makes us less able to feel what our horse is doing beneath us. Looking straight ahead with soft eyes helps us to stack the

to originate in the upper back. (See article in the last issue of Florida Sporthorse for more information on this subject.)

The lower ribs must remain back, and the upper back needs to be brought towards the sternum (breastbone) while the collarbones rise slightly; this is a subtle inner action, much more felt than seen, but your horse will feel it and will let you know when you’ve got it right.

Imagine a circle of energy beginning from the base of the shoulder blades and upper back, coming forward through the body to the sternum,

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up into the collarbones, then over the tops of the shoulders and back down to the base of the shoulder blades.

When you master this inner action of engaging the upper back, your balance will improve and you will also gain a valuable side effect: you’ll begin to be able to control your horse’s speed (even without reins) by fine-tuning this action.

To experience the importance and effect of proper body alignment, do this standing awareness exercise from yoga, Mountain Pose: Stand with your feet together or hips-width apart.

Stack your body as described above and notice how this puts your weight towards your heels; notice also that your eyes automatically look straight ahead.

Slowly begin to tip your head forward, looking down just slightly, and notice the effect on your center of gravity and the weight in your feet. Did you feel how even a little movement of the head brought your weight onto the balls of the feet and your center of gravity into your upper body?

Feel how when you are aligned properly, the body stacked and eyes straight ahead, there is also no need to grip with the toes and they can remain relaxed (important in riding, as gripping with the toes causes all the joints of the legs to lock up, unable to absorb the movement of the horse.)

Now, engage the upper back- the final piece for better balance: keeping the lower ribs back, draw the base of the shoulder blades into the back and the upper back towards your breast bone…let this movement initiate a lifting of the collarbones, but be careful not to make the movement so big that you hollow the low back and press the lower ribs forward.

It is important to note that balance--in our bodies, on our horses, or in our lives--is not a fixed, static state that we conquer and then never have to work at again. Balance, like a pendulum, is a state of constant flux between two extremes. All things have their opposites- activity and rest, give and take, effort and surrender; it is the relationship between the two that determines whether things are balanced or not, and that can mean different things to different individuals.

Even with our horses, we must strive to achieve a balance between asking and allowing, discipline and affection, approach and retreat.

With practice, we can bring the opposing forces in our lives into harmony, so that we experience fewer extremes in our ups and downs, and can remain more balanced within ourselves- for our own health and well-being, and for the betterment of our relationship with our horses.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 23

Practice

The following yoga poses will improve your balance and, except for Mountain Pose, mobility in your hips. In each of the poses, focus on the elements of balance: stack ears over shoulders over hips; eyes rest softly on a point directly in front of you; upper back moves towards sternum while collar bones lift.

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1 1. Mountain Pose- Stand with feet together. Broaden across the

bottoms of the feet; spread and relax the toes. This basic standing pose is the foundation for all poses and for establishing proper alignment in the body in all our daily activities. Repeat this pose between each of the other poses to reinforce your vertical alignment and create new muscle memory so that it is easier for you to achieve on horseback.

2. Stirrup Stretch- Stand on one foot and bring the other knee towards

chest. If you are more flexible, you can bring your hands to your foot instead; though this will cause you to tip forward (as in jumping position), you can find your balance by focusing your eyes straight ahead and engaging the upper back. Hold 10-30 seconds and repeat on other side.

3. Tree- Stand on one foot and bring the other foot to inner thigh of

standing leg. Move bent knee towards wall behind you, and drop tailbone towards floor. You can rest your hands on your hips, or interlace fingers and extend your palms towards the ceiling. Hold 10-30 seconds; repeat on other side.

4. Dancer- Stand on one foot and hold the other foot behind you, near

4 All photos by Caralee Gould

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the buttocks. (If you are unable to reach your foot, modify the pose by looping a yoga strap or lead line around your ankle and holding onto that instead). Send bent knee towards floor to lengthen hip flexors, then press the foot into hand and move it towards wall behind you. Reach up with opposite hand to help you find engagement of the upper back. Hold 10-30 seconds; repeat on other side.

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 25

Increase flexibility, relaxation to improve form, balance Lynn Palm

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n this series of articles we are discussing how to become balanced riders so that we can help and refine our horse’s balance without interfering with it.

In this article, I want to teach you some simple stretching and flexibility exercises to help you relax and build proper form and balance. For these exercises you will need a consistent, well-schooled horse that is tacked up with a saddle, bridle, and leg protection.

To give you and your horse more security, practice these exercises in a large enclosed area like a paddock, corral, or arena..

As with all physical activity, if you experience any pain or have medical conditions that could be complicated by doing any of these exercises, STOP, and seek advice from a health care professional before continuing.

All of these exercises should be done very slowly. Be sure to breathe when doing them. This is important because it encourages relaxation. If you find yourself holding your breath, you could try talking or singing to encourage regular breathing.

As you do theses exercises, I want you to think CENTER-SQUARE-BALANCED. Continually analyze your position using these three key words to maintain proper rider position while you are working to improve your flexibility.

Upper Body Tension Relievers

Remember to do all these exercises very slowly.

The purpose of this exercise is to stretch your neck and should muscles and to relieve tension.

Breathing correctly is an important part of any exercise so make sure you follow the breathing instructions.

To begin the exercise, look straight ahead, and lower your chin to your chest as far as you can. You should exhale through your mouth while you lower your chin, and hold the exhale as long as you can.

Hold this position for a few seconds. Inhale through your nose for as long as you can as you bring your head back to the straight ahead position.

Next, drop your head backward as far as you can as you exhale, hold, and then return to straight ahead position as you inhale. Gently drop your right ear towards your right shoulder, as you exhale, keeping the left shoulder down and relaxed.

Hold this for a few seconds, and then return to the straight ahead position as you inhale. Repeat the same stretch with the opposite shoulder.

Continue these stretches until your neck and shoulders feel relaxed. I like to close my eyes when doing this exercise because it helps me to relax and move slowly.

Shoulder Shrugs

With the reins in either or both hands, inhale and bring both shoulders straight up as if you are

trying to touch your earlobes. Hold for a few seconds, and then exhale and relax the shoulders down. Do several repetitions.

Upper Body Exercises With your horse at the trot, put the reins in your left hand. Extend your right arm in front of you with the palm down. While keeping your eyes on your hand, rotate the arm in a full 360-degree arc—up overhead, behind you, down alongside your leg, and then back to the starting position. Always face the palm towards the ground.

The challenge with this exercise is to maintain proper lower body position and not twist your body as the arm is rotated. Do several repetitions, change the reins to the right hand, and repeat with the left arm.

You can do a variation of this exercise by bending the elbow at a 90-degree angle and closing the hand. Now, the elbow and not the palm will be “drawing” the arc.

Bring the elbow up in front of you, rotating it overhead, back behind you, and returning to the starting position. Instead of looking at your hand, look at your elbow while doing this exercise. Repeat using the other arm.

Arm to the Side

Holding the reins in your left hand, bring the right arm straight in front of you with the palm down.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Palm Keeping your eyes on this hand and Stretching exercises are a great way to loosen muscles and to the arm straight, rotate it out to your relieve tension prior to or during any ride. side, and then extend it behind you. change sides.

Slowly bring it back to the starting position.

These exercises are great to use in your warmDo several repetitions and switch arms. The up to loosen up your muscles and ligaments and challenge is to keep your lower body from twisting relieve tension. They also are very good to use out of proper position as you follow the motion of when you take a break after doing something your hand with your eyes. Try the same exercise difficult with your horse like canter work. Do a few without looking at your hand. Switch between tension relievers and then go back to work. looking at your hand and not looking.

Remember, your upper body must be relaxed to Shoulder Rotations keep your body balanced. Stiffness will compromise With the reins in your left hand, place the your balance. fingertips of your right hand on top of your right Even if you begin your riding session balanced, shoulder, keeping your elbow at shoulder height. stiffness will make it easy for you to lose your Rotate your shoulder in a 360-degree arc from balance by tilting you forwards or, more commonly, front to back and vice versa. Imagine drawing a sideways. Have someone video you to make sure circle in the air with your elbow! you are not tilting from stiffness.

Overhead Single Arm Stretch In the next article, I will give you some lower With the reins in your left hand, extend the body exercises to help you achieve the goal of right arm straight overhead, palm facing forward. being a balanced rider and a good partner with Next, bring you arm back into your body and your horse. extend it straight down to your side, palm facing In the meantime, my book, Head to Toe backwards.

Horsemanship, and my visual series, Exercises for Concentrate on stretching the shoulder joint Equestrians, Parts 1-3 (available in VHS and DVD), up and down. Keep looking straight ahead during will give you many more exercises to help you this exercise. Do several repetitions and then reach the goal of being a balanced rider.

26 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Pain-free hips

t i s T r

Mobility and strength training create less stress in the saddle Debbie Rodriguez with Natalie DeFee Mendik

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any riders know first-hand the wear and tear horses can exert on your body. For many, the constant motion of time in the saddle causes sore hips and lower back. For others, a past injury may come into play.

Even something as common as an imbalance between tight and weak muscles can leave joints aching after a ride.

Strength and Mobility While you may opt to tolerate discomfort in exchange for precious time in the saddle, it may actually be a trade off you are not forced to make.

With exercises designed to increase flexibility and strength through the hips, hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings, you should quickly feel more comfortable both in an out of the saddle. A nice bonus is the added ability to better control your seat.

Mobility and strength work together to reduce the wear and tear riding places on your hips. The quadriceps and hamstrings work as an equal team.

Stretching the hip flexors keeps the knee down and weight in the stirrups. Engaging the glutes stabilizes the hips and allows you to follow the motion.

Flexibility in the hips controls the rotation of the hips in the saddle. When the muscles that surround the hips are strong and actively engaged, less stress is placed on the actual joints. That translates into less pain in the hips.

E R e a O y h s t a w Exercise 1: Marching On: On a reliable horse, bring one knee up and away from the saddle; then carefully place back down. Repeat on the opposite side. If you are unsure of your balance, put one hand on the pommel.

The Exercises Hip exercises that work each side in isolation will give you the best results for balanced strength and flexibility.

If you always work both hips together, like you would in a standard squat, the stronger hip will naturally do most of the work. While your hips will get stronger, there will continue to be an imbalance.

Exercises such as one-legged squats and single leg hip lifts work one hip at a time; this forces the weaker hip to work equally and come into balance.

A few simple exercises done regularly will increase your comfort as the muscles develop to support the hips.

While you’re walking your horse in your warmup, try marching and two point. Marching activates your glutes and quads while improving your range of motion. It also encourages correct balance and centering your seat.

The two point position allows riders of all disciplines to stretch the leg through the hip flexors and hamstrings.

On the ground, practice simple exercises to add strength. These can easily be done in workout wear or riding clothes.

Exercise 2: Two Point No matter what discipline you ride, two point is a great warm-up exercise for stretching the legs and finding balance

Off the horse there are many exercises that strengthen the muscles that support the hips. Often exercises can work double duty by increasing the range of motion as well as strength. You may recognize some of the exercises as prescriptions for reducing lower back pain.

The comfort of the lower back and the health of the hips are closely related.

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Exercise 3: Psoas Stretch This rider-friendly stretch starts in a forward lunge position, lower the back knee to the ground. Raise the arm on the same side as the lowered knee. Push your hips squarely forward until you feel the stretch.

Repeat on opposite side.

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Exercise 4: Single Hip Raise This is a great exercise for core stability and glute activation.

On your back with your knees bent and hips raised, lift one leg straight in the air. Drop the hip to the ground and raise the hip. Repeat with opposite leg raised.

Amber Kimball (717) 682-9839 (352) 527-2415 dressagediscoveries.blogspot.com amberkimball@southernlightsdressage.com

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28 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

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