Florida Sporthorse Magazine Summer 2013

Sporthorse FLORIDA

SUMMER 2013

Family Matters: Stacy & Olof Larsson V ol . 4, N o .4

Sporthorse FLORIDA

SUMMER 2013

Blue Centaur

Inside Florida Sporthorse 4 Editor’s Note Remember our amateurs

12 Heather Black

6 Family Matters Meet Stacy and Olof Larsson 8 Passing Down the Ranch The history of Rocking Horse 12 Emphasis on Equitation A look at USDF’s new rider tests

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15 Rein Dancing Long lining with Clay Maier 19 Just Right The importance of clear aids 20 Encouraging a Healthy Appetite Keep your horse eating well

22 Christie Gold Misty Nichols

22 Inside the Box A review of A Horse Box

4 From the editor

Karen Kennedy/Icon Studios

Christie Gold In the mid 80s, when I moved to Tampa to start college, combined training opportunities were limited and the dressage scene was in its infancy.

Fortunately, I found a local riding club with like-minded people and similar riding goals. Almost 30 years later, the club has evolved from hosting few schooling shows and combined tests to a dressageonly organization that runs two large recognized shows a year.

In those days, my friends in Suncoast Dressage rode a hodgepodge of horses: Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Draft Crosses--we never knew what might come down the centerline at our local shows.

A few of us ventured to larger competitions and found success in Amateur/Owner classes. I eventually earned my USDF Bronze Medal on a rather fancy, though tight-backed Appendix Quarter

Remember our amateurs Horse.

Warmblood breeding facilities were still not common and those available were costprohibitive for most amateurs.

None of us seemed particularly bothered by this, though. We rode what we had, we had a great time and made life-long friends.

Local clubs like mine provided awards, and USDF offered rider, horse and breed awards, which still exist. Those incentives helped us set goals and feel the rewards of our hard work.

Equestrian sports have grown tremendously since I was in college. During the winter season, I am rarely more than an hour from a quality USEF-rated competition, and the quality of horses in those competitions is dramatically different.

...it is essential that we do not forget amateur riders who are the backbone of equestrian sport...

In dressage, warmbloods are more the rule than the exception, more professionals have made Florida their permanent home rather than a seasonal destination and opportunities for juniors and young riders abound.

On many levels, it’s an exciting time for equestrians.

However, for amateurs who never graduated to the “invest in a fancy warmblood” ranks, many

goals may seem out of reach.

Although it is important to create programs that vault talented young riders through the ranks and support elite athletes on the national and international levels, it is essential that we do no forget amateur riders who are the backbone of equestrian sport.

Regardless of the discipline-eventing, hunter/jumpers, driving or dressage, it’s important that local clubs continue to provide opportunities and recognition for the amateur base--particularly those who cannot invest a year’s salary in their hobby.

Riders should also take advantage of new programs that welcome dedicated riders who may not necessarily have FEI ambitions.

This month, Judy Downer writes on the new USDF Rider Tests, which should appeal to riders who are dedicated to honing their skills but who may not have a horse with dazzling movement.

In the Spring issue, Deborah Herbert shared her experiences with Western Dressage, whose governing organization is now affiliated with USDF. Working Equitation is another sport just taking root in Florida that offers a different route for riders.

Educational opportunities, schooling shows, year-end awards and new programs tailored for amateurs are essential. In the body of equestrian sport, there’s plenty of room for anyone who shares a passion for riding.

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Stacy Larsson and Benidetto at the 2010 National Championship for six year-olds where they were reserve champions. Stacy and Olof Larsson work out of Hidden Acres in Ocala.

Photo by Amalia Castro, BlueCentaur.com

dressage+hunters+jumpers+eventing+combined driving+sporthorse breeding

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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.

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The Faces of Florida Sporthorse 1

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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. Judy Downer is a USEF “r” dressage judge, coaches the intercollegiate dressage team at the College of Central Florida and an active competitor in dressage. She earned her USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medal and has several regional championships with multiple horses. Her “day”

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1. Carol Bulmer Since graduating Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Animal Science Carol has pursued a career in the dressage world. First with a 5 year apprenticeship with Dorita Konyot learning to ride and train dressage then with her own training stable. Along the way Carol has earned her United States Dressage Federation Silver Medal by competing successfully through the Intermediare I, achieved her United States Equestrian Federation “R” Technical Delegate license, has been granted a Federation Equestrian International Level 1 Stewards license and is a U.S.D.F. Certified Instructor (Training through Second level) as well a graduate with Distinction from the U.S.E.F. Learner Judges program.

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job is as Professor, Equine Studies at the College of Central Florida in Ocala. She earned a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition and prior to moving to Florida in 2001, worked in research and development for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.

4. Karen Abbattista is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, a recipient of the Silver Musical Freestyle Bars, and an USEF Learner Judges Program Graduate with Distinction.

Restructured in 2012 from a successful corporate career, Karen decided to follow her heart, choosing a new life helping horses and humans believe in themselves and each other. Based out of RJC Equestrian Centre, she now teaches both Classical and Western Dressage throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. She continues to compete both at national and FEI level dressage.

5. Dr Nerida Richards is Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Equilize Horse Nutrition Pty Ltd, a company that specializes in providing independent, professional advice in all areas of equine nutrition. Within her role, Dr Richards provides high-level technical support to numerous national and international feed and supplement companies, as well as on the ground advice and technical support to breeding and training establishments. Dr. Richards also designed, developed and commercialized the Equilize Feeding Management Software which has been more recently upgraded to the FeedXL nutrition software that is now used by breeders, trainers and fellow nutritionists around the world.

6 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Family Matters Olof and Stacy Larsson find success at home and in the show ring

Above: Trainer Greta Wrigley focuses her attention on a student’s ride. Right: Wrigley enters the ring. Known for her work with Arabians, she has brought a variety of horses up through the levels. Photo by Liana Bloodworth.

Blue Centaur

The Larsson family: Stacy, Ashton, Benidetto and Olof. Stacy and Olof balance family time with two busy equestrian careers.

Christie Gold

put her on the map.

Enter Benidetto, a young Hanoverian stallion by very working couple struggles with the same Belissimo M. Owner Linda Woltz believed that he and problem: How to balance work and family.

Stacy would be the perfect match.

Factor in two high-performing competitive Once in her barn, Stacy found stallion pleasant equestrians, an Ocala training facility, an active and trainable. The active and focused competitor breeding and competition stallion and an inquisitive found success with Benidetto on the Florida circuit, toddler, and the equation becomes more complex. so she set her sights on the FEI national six-year-old Olof Larsson championship. is an international THE HORSE BUSINESS IS TOUGH AND PEOPLE LOSE THEIR INTEGRITY, There was combined driving only one potential BUT STACY PROVES THAT YOU CAN RETAIN CUSTOMERS AND MAINTAIN INTEGRITY. competitor.

A roadblock: she graduate of the was pregnant.

University of Equine Studies in Flyinge, Sweden, Olof titles, USDF bronze, silver and gold medals and top “I had mixed feelings. Obviously, I was happy, but worked for over a decade as part of Chester Weber’s placings at prestigious competitions.

I was also worried that Linda might take Benidetto Live Oak team. He still assists top-level competitors, “I love to show. I’m so driven and competitive,” away from me, but she’s a mom, and she said, ‘If your teaches driving lessons and works for Ocala-based Stacy said. “My dream is to go to Europe and doctor says it’s okay, go for it.’”

Verhan Saddlery. campaign there.”

Six months’ pregnant, Stacy arrived at the Stacy Larsson is an FEI dressage trainer and Stacy’s international ambitions were fueled by championships in Chicago an underdog in a highly competitor. Her current mount, Benidetto, placed clients who had tremendous faith in her and felt that talented field of competitors. Out of 15 horse and second at the 2010 Markel/USEF National FEI Sixas a talented rider, she needed a horse that would rider combinations, they were ranked 13. They

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Year-Old Championship, and is now schooling Grand Prix while maintaining an active breeding schedule.

The couple met at Hilltop Farm in 1998 and now work out of Hidden Acres Farm in Ocala. Stacy trained there for five years during the summers and then as a full time working student under Scott Hassler for two years. She has trained in Germany and has a resume filled with regional and national

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 7

Blue Centaur

Olof is an international combined driving competitor who was part of Chester Weber’s team for many years. departed the competition as reserve champions.

“It was exciting being pregnant and getting the job done,” she said.

After the championships, Stacy and Olof began rearranging their priorities to prepare for their son, Ashton, now two.

“I didn’t want to change my life but to fit Ashton into it. During the show season, I travel with a client who loves to compete. I pull the horse trailer and she follows with a travel trailer. She loves Ashton and helps me with him. So far, it’s worked out great.”

In the off-season, Stacy trains during the day and in the afternoon enjoys more traditional mother-son activities such as taking Ashton to the pool.

Olof says that one of the reasons that he left Live Oak was to spend more time with his family. He works for Bernardo Vergara of Verhan Saddlery as a saddle fitter, teaches driving lessons and coaches toplevel driving competitors. This summer, he helped Wrigley-Miller in Europe as she prepared for the world championships.

The couple has modeled the operation of Hidden Acres after Hilltop when it was under Hassler’s guidance. Olof insists that the farm is Stacy’s enterprise; she emphasizes the importance of his expertise and level-headedness.

“I’m not much into driving, but I respect him as

a horseman. He is always a voice of reason. When something happens to one of the horses, I call Olof before I call the vet. He’s that good,” Stacy said.

Their horse business has remained strong even through the recession. Olof credits Stacy’s character for its stability. First and foremost, she wants the horses she trains and sells to find the right career, even if it’s outside of the dressage arena.

“I want horses to do what they want to do— dressage, hunters, eventing.”

In turn, matching a client with the right horse is vital.

“It’s important that I have happy horses and happy clients.”

Olof says this is a quality that sets Stacy apart from others.

“I admire that about Stacy. The horse business is tough, and people lose their integrity, but she proves that you can retain customers and maintain integrity,” he said.

Stacy has long trained with Vergaro but recently started working with Olympian Steffan Peters.

“Working with Steffan has been a dream.

Though he’s German, he’s quiet—down-to-Earth and very humble. He gets a lot out of me; he is very detail oriented. There are things you just don’t think about every day when you are schooling, and he

zeroes in on those details.”

Peters’ faith in Stacy and Benidetto is evident.

“At the [World Dressage] Masters, he came early in the morning to help Stacy,” Olof said.

“He was there for his horse, and he took the time to help me,” Stacy said. “That meant so much to me.

If I had the money, I’d train with him in Europe or California.”

Stacy also works with international dressage judge Linda Zang.

“It’s important when you train to have a judge’s point of view…and what better judge?” Stacy said.

Zang spent the winter in Ocala helping event riders and came to the Larsson’s farm to work with Stacy and some of her clients.

“Linda is outgoing and boisterous. She gets the point across very quickly. She is picky and a stickler for rider seat and position. I like that she thinks a bit outside of the box,” Stacy said.

The goal with Benidetto is, of course, Grand Prix, which is in sight for the horse and rider.

“Steffan says that he will not only have a piaffe, but a very good one. I just got 15 one tempis on my birthday. Benidetto just loves to work.”

Despite her competitive nature, Stacy is not rushing the stallion.

“He’s done well at Prix St. George and Intermediare, but we always seem to be the youngest in our classes. I’m taking my time. I want an old Grand Prix horse,” she said.

With time at Hilltop in the Larssons’ past, a stallion seemed like a natural choice, but Stacy admits that she wasn’t looking for a stallion when she started riding Benidetto.

“Bernardo has long said that I need a stallion, and I had experience with them at Hilltop, but Benidetto has been the perfect first stallion,” Stacy said. “He is no different after breeding. He knows when it’s time to show and when it’s time to breed.”

As a result, the young stallion maintains an active breeding schedule, and Stacy will start Benidetto’s first American offspring next year.

Another stallion in the Hidden Acres barn is Pik L, an experienced FEI competitor owned by Ann Sparks of Horses Unlimited.

Although breeding is not Stacy’s primary focus, she admits it is interesting to see how offspring resemble their sires in temperament and rideability.

“Every horse I climb on teaches me something.

It was an eye-opener when I went to Germany. I had created a bio and said that I liked hot horses. That was my comfort zone, so when I got there, they made me ride a lazy horse. That was good for me. Every horse has something to offer,” Stacy said.

As busy as the Larssons are, they seem to have found a solution for balancing work and family.

“Olof and I used to joke that we only saw each other on the interstate as I was leaving for a show and he was coming back,” Stacy said.

“It’s not about putting your career on hold. You just start making changes—positive changes,” Olof added.

Those positive changes are evident in Stacy’s attitude toward training, showing and success.

“Having Ashton was a reality check for me,” she said. “I put so much pressure on myself and the horses that I was bound to make mistakes. I still put pressure on myself, but now it’s more about how I feel.”

Looking at Ashton, she said, “At the end of the day, it’s all about him and my family.”

8 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Current Rocking Horse manager Leyna Merrill who co-manages the facility with her mother. Photo courtesy of Leyna Merrill.

Passing Down the Ranch

Even through ownership changes, Rocking Horse Ranch remains a choice destination for event riders Carol Bulmer Nestled in the southern most edge of the Ocala National Forest is the horseman’s paradise known as Rocking Horse Ranch. 256 acres of pasture radiate out from a stately main barn and twin show barns; pastures populated by massive live oaks wear streamers of Spanish moss. Picturesque. Peaceful.

Idyllic. These are a few of the adjectives uttered when people attempt to describe the property.

Rocking Horse Ranch is a name respected nationally as well as internationally, a name that local horse people are proud to call their own.

For long-time Florida residents, it seems like Rocking Horse has always been there, but the fact remains if it were not for the vision and dedication of Marion “Mel” Viles, Rocking Horse could well have languished in obscurity as the sprawling “Sewell’s Ranch” that it started out as in the 1960s.

The stately main barn that faces SR 19 in Altoona, FL was under construction when Viles purchased the 500-acre ranch in 1968. Viles had a passion for horses, and she was determined to enjoy all the aspects of horsemanship. She engaged in breeding, raising, training and owning horses as well as lesson programs, shows, events and clinics.

In short order, Viles completed the main barn that included an upstairs two-bedroom apartment and four bunkrooms with a kitchen and bathrooms.

Eventually, two show barns were added to accommodate more than 100 horses at a time along with the prized amenities of permanent bathrooms, showers and a pavilion with a kitchen for events as well as RV hookups.

By 1986, Rocking Horse Ranch was in full swing and hosting the Mid Florida Pony Club spring Horse Trials.

Luminaries such as Karen Lende, Ann Sutton,

Jane Sleeper and David O’Connor attended the event.

The success of this event led to designating Rocking Horse Ranch as the site of the 1987 Pan Am Games selection trials. This attracted the attention of the United States Equestrian Team who sent Roger Haller to design and oversee development of a world- class Advanced Cross-Country Course.

The Orlando Sentinel quoted Viles. ‘’I don’t know if you’d call it excited. More like shock. Now we’ve got a lot of work and money to put in before we’re ready.”

With a river of hard work, sweat and tears (and a significant cash infusion from the USET and Viles) Rocking Horse Ranch hosted the 1988 Rolex Mid Florida Pony Club Spring Horse Trials and Olympic Selection Trials.

Kerry Milliken, Mathew Firestone and Torrence Watkins-Fleishman all took Advanced Division titles under the eye of the Olympic Selection Committee.

The event drew 2500 spectators with 1500

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 9

Shelly Howerton aboard The Magic Dragon, a horse raised by Marion Viles. The appaloosa competed through the Advanced Division in combined training. Photo courtesy of Shelly Howerton. people viewing the cross-country. Viles noted the only problem was the alarm caused when novice spectators unknowingly walked into the restricted areas around the cross-country jumps.

Rocking Horse stayed in the national limelight hosting USET observation trials and USET training camps in 1989 and has continued to do so every year since for the United States Eventing Association.

Amid this eventing splendor, Rocking Horse

Forest.

Viles died unexpectedly from complications due to surgery in February 1990. Rocking Horse Ranch sat unused for a year while, and the Estate Trust put the Ranch up for sale for $2.2 million (a figure reported by the Orlando Sentinel in an article in1991).

In the depressed market there were no buyers.

Miraculously, two dynamic partners, Shelly Lambert (Howerton) and Rebecca Sharp, set out to

ROCKING HORSE STAYED IN THE NATIONAL LIMELIGHT HOSTING

USET OBSERVATION TRIALS AND USET TRAINING CAMPS IN 1989 AND HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO EVERY YEAR SINCE FOR THE USEA

Ranch busily hosted shows and events put on by the Florida Horseman’s Association, Central Florida Dressage Association, the Altoona Trail Riders Association, as well as numerous other local clubs.

Equally welcomed were the informal groups of riders who would come for a day of schooling, those who came to camp and ride for a week and those riders who simply enjoyed exploring the trails that meander for miles into the adjacent Ocala National

resurrect Rocking Horse Ranch.

To understand what happened let’s go back to 1980 when a 13-year-old horse crazy youth from Kissimmee, Shelly Howerton, attended a two-week summer camp at Rocking Horse Ranch.

“I went off to camp and just stayed,” Howerton said. “Riding was all I wanted to do and my family was supportive.”

Lambert lived with Viles and Vile’s daughter,

Silvia. She attended Umatilla High School, but all her free time was spent at Rocking Horse Ranch.

Howerton rode Viles’ horses, worked the stables, learned how to organize shows, learned how to run the Ranch, and eventually become Barn Manager.

Howerton became so skilled at event riding that she competed “The Magic Dragon,” an appaloosa gelding (raised by Viles on Rocking Horse Ranch), all the way to the Advanced Division and captured the USEA Horse of the Year in 1983.

In 1991 Howerton, then 24 years old and Sharp (25) found backers and convinced the Boston- based trust managing the Viles estate to lease the Ranch to them for a year. Through hard work, a thorough knowledge of the equestrian business and the legacy of the solid infrastructure developed by Viles, Howerton and Sharp picked up the languishing business and ran with it.

Sharp of Windermere, FL at that time was a top ranked rider in her own right.

“Rebecca and Shelley complemented each other very well,” Alice Andrews said.

“Shelley was very good at organizing and inside work while Rebecca was excellent at outside work.”

Under the partners’ management Sharpton Stable (Rocking Horse Ranch) continued to attract top riders for the winter season of Events, USET and USEA training sessions and clinic opportunities.

Olympic level riders such as David and Karen O’Connor would bring their horses and a raft of their students to the Ranch for the winter. The demand for winter stabling outgrew the 140 permanent stalls, so temporary stabling for 100 more horses was brought in for the winter.

In addition to working full tilt developing Rocking Horse Ranch, Sharp competed her mount “Power Play” to the top ranks for the eventing results from 1992 – 1995. It was at this time that the Ranch became known as Sharpton Stables.

Howerton not only devoted herself to organizing the events, she rode up to to five horses a day, conducted horse sales and she found time to marry and raise two children.

“I raised them on the property, they would play in the water jumps,” Howerton said.

Around 1994, the Sharp family purchased the property from the estate trust.

After almost a decade of business and career success, Sharp experienced a traumatic fall.

Eventually, she decided to leave the ranch in order to pursue other goals.

In September 2000 Howerton approached Alice Andrews to see if she would be interested in filling Sharp’s position.

Andrews had brought her event horse “Robbie” to Sharpton Stables for more experience at crosscountry skills. She started working off her board bill in the stables. By 2000 Andrews had worked her way to Barn Manager, so she was fully aware of the complexities and demands of running the facility.

Andrews held a B.S. in Biology and had developed a career at Sea World San Diego and then Sea World Orlando. She had recently completed her MBA in Marketing. “From the beginning I took over the books for the company and concentrated on the organizing while Shelly did the more of the outside work. It was wonderful. Shelly and I would go ride first thing in the morning then I would spend the rest of the day on paperwork.”

It was at this time that the name of the Ranch

10 Florida Sporthorse Magazine reverted to Rocking Horse Stables. Howerton and Andrews continued to host the full roster of winter events; year-round schooling shows and was host to many diverse events including competitive trail rides and obstacle challenge rides.

In 2005, Howerton left Rocking Horse to help develop the newly formed Florida Horse Park in Ocala.

Andrews spent the next seven years at the helm of Rocking Horse Stables where she kept up with all the demands single-handedly.

“It was difficult to ride when I was the only organizer. It was not fair to the horse to have your attention divided like that,” she said.

Andrews has a litany of improvements to the facility to her credit. The jump ring footing was totally redone as well as the the dressage arena (with an addition of fiber). She improved agricultural practices that enhanced the footing on the crosscountry course and the wellness of the pastures.

Andrews is especially proud of the additions and improvements to the cross-country jumps.

“I loved developing the course, I put in a lot of new jumps. The original water jump was revamped.

We redid the sides of the original and put another one next to it so you can go through the water two ways,” she said.

Last year Andrews passed the Rocking Horse torch to a new team.

“After 12 years I knew that I had a good reputation in the horse community for running safe, fun and enjoyable events. I am 55 yrs. old now and I wanted to concentrate on riding my horses more. I needed to retire from Rocking Horse to do that. I have a goal to bring my new young horse into eventing and see how far we can go. It was a great business to come in on. It had great infrastructure. I hope Leyna and Jeanne are getting the same opportunity; coming in on a good layout. I hope they run with it,” Andrews said.

On Rocking Horse “Buck” Davidson

International Competitor “I was 18 years old the first time I went to Rocking Horse. 19 years later I am based in Ocala for the winter and continue to compete at Rocking Horse. I can honestly say every year Rocking Horse seems to get better. They are constantly working to give us the best footing cross-country and in the arenas. They always have good judges and with lots of land and the top ranked riders there it gives you a good start to the season.”

Marilyn Payne

Eventing Judge and Technical Delegate “I have been coming down to Rocking Horse since the early 1990’s either as and Eventing Technical Delegate or President of the Ground jury. I love Rocking Horse.”

The new Rocking Horse Stable managers are Leyna and Jeanne Merrill. They are a mother – daughter management team that is well steeped in the attitudes and culture that have allowed Rocking Horse to survive and thrive for more than 40 years.

In 2006 when Leyna Merrill was 23 she decided that eventing was the sport for her, and Rocking Horse Stables was the place to learn it.

Leyna began working in the barn to subsidize her horse’s board and lessons. In the grand tradition of Rocking Horse Stables quickly climbed the ranks to Barn Manager by 2008.

“I always wanted to have a career with horses.

When I got a chance to come here, it felt so right,” she said.

Leyna competed in her first Horse trials at Rocking Horse.

“In 2011 Alice came to me” Leyna recounts “She said she was thinking about retiring. Would I be interested in taking over? She began giving me more responsibilities with the cross-country course and the winter boarders.”

But Leyna wanted to ride; there was so much work and not enough time in the day.

“So I thought what better partner than my mom.

She would be good for the office work, and I could still ride,” Leyna said.

Jeanne was thrilled when Leyna suggested the partnership.

“When I first came out here with Leyna I said ‘Boy! Would I love to work here!’ I loved the serenity of the large pastures, the huge trees and the lovely horses! Leyna and I always had a close mother/ daughter relationship. To be working here alongside her is perfect,” she said.

There was a year-long transition during which Alice mentored the pair. Jeanne shadowed Andrews during the 2011 Horse Trials and learned to organize horse trials. Leyna took care of the barn and continued riding. Alice handed them a turnkey operation.

“This past year our schooling shows did very well with entries that were as numerous as the entries at some recognized horse trials up north. Next winter we will run five recognized events and keep working with the Pony Clubs as well as the Obstacle Challenges Altoona Trail Riders Associations and any other group that would like to lease our facilities for their event,” Jeanne said.

Jeanne and Leyna Merrill feel that they (and their husbands and family) are a part of the Rocking Horse family. They know that Skip Walker (grounds manager), all the volunteers and all the people who do the work at events are the reason that Rocking Horse runs like a well-oiled machine.

“We are lucky and fortunate,” said Jeanne. “It has been a well-run friendly place and we wish to keep it going at the level quality that has been established” Over the years Rocking Horse has evolved and thrived. The physical layout has not changed since Mel established Rocking Horse Ranch. Each successive manager/team has built on that foundation and has enriched the offerings.

The welcoming and friendly atmosphere at Rocking Horse is integral to its’ longevity and success. If you ask any competitor, official, worker or volunteer how they feel about Rocking Horse, they will tell you “I feel like I have come home every time I come to Rocking Horse.”

Andrews recounts that ”Shelly would say, ‘I feel like Mel is always looking over us, looking after the Ranch.’ I got that feeling myself that the Ranch had Mel looking after the place, protecting it from

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calamity. It’s a charmed piece of property in its own bubble. So many people know and love Rocking Horse. It really belongs to everybody. When you are managing the property it is not really yours; you are just running it for now. It belongs to the people that came before you and your job is to be able to hand it on to the next one.”

Cross Country: The Backbone of Rocking Horse

Roger Haller Carol Bulmer Over the years, the cross country course at Rocking Horse has been shaped by a variety of distinguished course designers and dedicated groundspeople.

Roger Haller of Oxford, GA is to be credited with bringing Rocking Horse Ranch’s fledgling cross-country course up to international standards in 1987-1988. Haller was the course designer for the Kentucky World Championships the year prior.

Haller holds many licenses including R/ Eventing judge, R/Eventing Course Design, R/ Eventing Technical Delegate, 3*/4*/FEI Eventing Course Design, 3*/4*/FEI Eventing Technical Delegate.

Haller on Rocking Horse:

“The challenge at the beginning was to bring more contour to a flat terrain. We took sand from digging the water jump and put it to use building interesting terrain. Also the sand footing got too deep on the landing and takeoff sides of jumps and we needed to mix in materials to stabilize the footing. I have been back to Rocking Horse many time since the initial course design. Almost from the beginning the people were conscientious and welcoming with an attention to detail and an eye on the needs of the competitor. It is wonderful that they have kept the flavor of Florida with the huge Live Oaks and moss as you gallop the crosscountry course. It is great that Rocking Horse has continued to evolve and improve every year.”

Haller on Mel Viles:

“Mel was wonderful. She had a great interest in young people and was generous with her support of them. She became associated with the local Pony Club and their common interest in horses and youth set Rocking Horse in the direction that it still is traveling.”

Haller on Shelly Howerton:

“I met Shelly at an Essex event in New Jersey in 1983. She was a rider that just caught your eye.

She was lively and energetic. That year she was competing “The Magic Dragon” and in fact won

Morgan Rowsell the Memorial Trophy named after my father with that horse.”

The illustrious John Williams (R/Eventing Course Design, R/JCD, R/Eventing Technical Delegate) was the next consultant brought in to continue the work of keeping the course fresh and the jumps novel and interesting. Williams continued to do so for many years. When Williams wanted to concentrate more on designing Morgan Rowsell came on board to do the building of jumps that William designed.

Morgan Rowsell (R/Eventing Course Designer) eventually took overall responsibilities for designing and building jumps for Howerton and Andrews. He continues to keep the Rocking Horse cross-country course in top shape for latest managers Leyna and Jeanne Merrill

Rowsell on Rocking Horse:

I came to Rocking Horse in 1998 as a competitor.

In 2004 I helped build jumps designed by Williams and in 2008 I designed and built some lower level jumps then did some Advanced jumps in 2010.

“Rocking Horse property has a little bit of a roll to it. It is picturesque with the Live Oaks and the moss.

The thing about Rocking Horse is that the course has flexibility to it and you can change the course a little for every event. It keeps the course fresh and different for every event; the competitors are kept interested with the changeable approaches to the different jumps.

People keep coming back to Rocking Horse because they have good stabling, camper hookups, quality judging and Rick is a great ride scheduler. It is central to other venues and (non horse)attractions.

Most important is that it is very apparent that the managers at Rocking Horse have a passion for the sport of Eventing.”

Skip Walker: A Steady Hand Anyone who has been to Rocking Horse knows “Skip” Walker is the glue that holds Rocking Horse together. He is the “go to guy.” He knows where everything is, what it does and how to fix it. At 83 years young “Skip” can and does work any younger man into the ground. “He is up and bringing in the pasture horses when I get here at 8 a.m. and he does not go back to his apartment (upstairs in the main barn) until we all leave at night, “ Jeanne Merrill said.

Skip Walker “Skip would fix things before I even knew they were broken.” said Alice Andrews. “He has eyes in the back of his head and he isn’t afraid to tell someone when they are doing something they shouldn’t.”

Walker was raised around horses. His grandfather had a livery stables in Newport R.I. Skip played polo.

“Just me and a bunch of guys. Just for fun.

Never made a dime on it.” Walker said.

He had a livery stable but “The Navy guys just wanted to show off and didn’t want to pay their bills.”

Walker gave all 35 horses and all the tack to his sister and got out of the business.

In 1993 Walker’s son and wife borrowed his motor home and came down to Rocking Horse one winter. “They didn’t want to drive it back so I came down to get it,” he said.

The next September Walker and his wife came down and stayed until April then went back up north.

“September 1995 my wife and I came down again and I looked around and I said ‘this looks like a good spot to retire.’ I called my job at American Flexible Conduit Wire (of 19 yrs.) up and told them that I retired.”

Retirement didn’t mean remaining idle, though. He became an integral part of the operation. Since 1995, he has been Grounds Manager and has lasted through three sets of bosses.

Walker never misses a day of work at Rocking Horse. Although he plans on taking two weeks up north for a vacation everyone knows that by the third day he’ll be looking for a job to do and wanting to come back to Rocking Horse.

When asked what has changed at Rocking Horse over the past 18 years, Walker said, “Land wise it’s gotten smaller (when they sold off lakefront property) but the jumps have gotten bigger.”

When asked what is the secret to happy long life Skip replied “The most fun part of my job is everything and to keep everyone smiling.

See! Look! You’re smiling! I keep an eye on everything and stay busy. That’s the secret to health and longevity.”

12 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Emphasis on equitation USDF launches rider tests Judy Downer The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved three rider tests for dressage late in 2012 for implementation in the 2013 show year.

These tests were not intended to replace Dressage Seat Equitation, but emphasize the importance of equitation for all riders, including adult amateurs and professionals. Tests were written for Training, First, and Second levels.

If the tests are popular, additional tests may be developed in the future. Each test is designed to evaluate the rider’s effectiveness and position throughout movements required at each level. This three-part article will address the new tests from three perspectives: the judge, the coach and the rider.

JUDGE PERSPECTIVE

The tests are intended to be slightly difficult; in other words, they incorporate more frequent transitions or combine movements in a manner similar to or slightly harder than the highest test of that level.

However, test writers realize that equitation in flat work on the rail is quite different from maintaining good equitation through the requirements of a dressage test. For that reason, the test writers provided judges with a “rubric” or criteria for assigning scores.

In this article, I will define the rubric for a score of 7 or “fairly good”. Readers should recognize that a fairly good rider still has some room for improvement!

The tests are judged quite differently from traditional dressage tests. The judge does not give a score and comment for each movement. Instead scores are given in only five categories and each has a coefficient of two.

The judge watches the entire test and at the end, assigns a score for each category. In these tests, judges can use decimal points in tenths (i.e. 7.3 or 6.8).

The categories are Rider’s Position, Rider’s Correct and Effective Use of Aids, Horse’s Response and Performance, Accuracy of the Exercises and Harmony between Horse and Rider.

The horse’s gaits are not evaluated in this test, making the rider’s performance paramount in the determination of the score.

Errors are also handled differently, where 0.5 points are deducted for the initial error and a further 1.0 points deducted after the second error. Three errors result in elimination.

Rider’s Position

The rider should sit in vertical alignment, with head, shoulders, hips and heels in a straight line or slightly tilted forward in rising trot. The rider should sit in harmony with gait biomechanics, including a supple seat and hands that allow the neck oscillations in walk and canter.

The rider should not depend on the hands for balance and a straight line should exist from bit

Heather Black

Dressage judge, trainer and competitor Judy Downer outlines her experiences with the new rider tests which put greater emphasis on rider effectiveness than traditional tests. through the hands to the elbow. Riders with short upper arms might need to carry hands slightly higher than riders with longer upper arms.

A score of 7 can be given to a rider who has a correct basic position but may not maintain that position consistently, a rider who has minor issues maintaining the correct biomechanic with the horse’s gaits, or a rider that has not fully attained a consistently independent seat.

Rider’s Correct and Effective Use of Aids This category evaluates the ability of the rider to influence the horse, in terms of energy, balance, and connection, in order to execute smooth transitions and responsive lateral movements (at First and Second level). Special attention is paid to the rider’s preparation for transitions and movements. A score of 7 can be given to a rider who directs the horse with subtle, but often visible aids, for a rider that permits a variable tempo or changing balance, or a rider that prepares for transitions inconsistently.

Horse’s Response and Performance This category can easily be confused with the

previous category, but is intended to be the only category that the horse contributes to the score in terms of his reaction to the rider. Submission and impulsion are evaluated here, as well as balance appropriate to the level. The horse should respond correctly and immediately to the rider’s aids, demonstrating activity, connection through the topline, straightness and bend where appropriate.

A score of 7 shows a clear attempt to follow the pyramid of training. Lengthenings or medium gaits may be weak but on the correct path. The horse reacts correctly to aids, but may need a stronger aid at times.

Accuracy of the Exercises This category comes forward from the Introductory tests and is an important addition to the rider tests. The rider’s ability to accurately ride circles, serpentines, corners and place transitions correctly is a vital part of our sport.

As stated earlier, these tests place movements where judges can evaluate the rider’s effectiveness and preparation. Test patterns require quick reflexes

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 13

Heather Black

At the Suncoast Sunburn Classic at the Tampa Fairgrounds in June, the author tried the second level test with Nimbus, her Swedish gelding. by riders and quick responses by the horse.

A score of 7 can be given when the figures show fairly good shape and size, with some inconsistencies.

Transitions are nearly accurate. The rider attempts to use corners to balance and prepare for the next movement, with some success. Start and finish of some exercises could be more precise.

A highly accurate test due to lower impulsion can earn this score, but not higher.

Harmony between Horse and Rider The goal of all dressage training is a harmonious performance, but harmony requires the horse meet the requirements of the level.

Harmony should indicate correct training and rider competence, showing cheerful cooperation and teamwork.

The horse that is happy because nothing was asked does not meet this definition of harmony. A score of 7 is given when the horse is attentive, responding quickly to nearly invisible aids. Some tension may show occasionally, but the overall test is performed without difficulty.

Like the traditional dressage tests, the judge will include some specific comments in each category and a general comment at the end, but all comments should pertain to the rider, not the horse.

Riders can use these comments to identify problem areas and develop strategies to correct weaknesses. Most of the time, the score from a rider test will be the same as or slightly higher than the pair’s score from a test of the same level.

before entering the rider tests. Let’s look at the difficulties presented at each level.

Training Level All trot work in this test is performed rising, except for movements #2 and 9, a transition from trot to walk and back to trot over the centerline. The rider should sit just before the transition and may sit for a few steps in the up transition. This movement puts the rider’s side view toward the judge, allowing nowhere to hide!

The judge will look for a clear walk, no resistance

exercise on a circle to develop independent leg aids to control the shape and size of circles. In the test, riders can spiral out on the open part of the circle approaching the centerline and the canter depart.

This will help ensure a correct lead.

First Level This test requires both rising and sitting trot, so coaches and riders need to study the test carefully to not receive an error. The trot-walk-trot transition described above also appears in this test.

A completely new test movement is included in this test; the turn on the forehand.

Riders begin on the track in sitting trot, but ride an angled line heading toward the quarter line, halting about 1 meter and parallel to the long side.

The turn on the forehand moves the horse’s hips away from the track.

The horse should have a very slight flexion in the opposite direction his hips turn. The horse moves around the front leg closest to the track and the hind legs move on a curved line with the hind leg closest to the track stepping in front of the other hind leg. The horse will complete the 180 degree turn a bit closer to the rail and return to the track on a diagonal line (not in leg yield) in sitting trot or medium walk.

Coaches need to first ensure the rider and horse understands the leg aids for sideways movement. I like to start with full pass (side pass) using a solid wall perpendicular to the horse.

From there, leg yields and turns on the forehand are easily accomplished and good introduction to turns on the haunches for Second Level.

Canter lengthenings are performed on a circle, adding the difficulty of maintaining shape of the circle in a longer frame without losing alignment.

Most horses show haunches-in in this movement unless the rider carefully aligns the horse before lengthening the frame. Another difficult movement is a three-loop serpentine the length of the arena, with change of lead through the trot.

This movement is not part of traditional First Level tests, but is a good preparation for the movement at Second level when simple changes on a serpentine are required. This is a long test (20 movements) and many components are delivered in rapid fire.

Second Level All trot work is performed sitting. Shoulderin and travers are performed on the center line, so particular attention needs to be paid to consistency of angle and control of the hindquarters.

One of the two medium trots requires a few steps of collection over X (a Fourth level movement).

The test also includes turns on the haunches, simple changes and counter canter, all components of traditional Second Level tests.

Coaches should focus not only on the correct training of the horse, but encourage riders to develop correct posture and centered balance, to aid the horse.

All too frequently, we see horses struggling to achieve sufficient displacement in the lateral work at this level, only to realize the rider is sitting on the incorrect side of the horse, limiting the horse’s ability to respond correctly to the aids.

As coaches, we usually spend lots of time focusing on the horse, but a careful assessment of the rider may lead to a new approach to improve performance of the team.

EACH TEST IS DESIGNED TO EVALUATE THE

RIDER’S EFFECTIVENESS AND POSITION THROUGHOUT MOVEMENTS AT EACH LEVEL.

COACH’S PERSPECTIVE

All of these tests are great training tools for students, but not every student will do well in a show. Young horses with large, expressive gaits will have difficulty performing the frequent transitions and more precise figures. Riders should be fairly comfortable showing the highest test of their level

to the down or up transition, and the rider’s balance through the transition. Coaches should emphasize the concept that down transitions need to be ridden forward and uphill, not abrupt with the horse dropping the thoracic sling. The rider can activate their shoulder and back muscles (mostly trapezius and triceps) to create a resistance, closing their legs and hands to push the horse forward and uphill into the down transition. This helps the horse to transition through their back and hindquarters, eventually yielding a square halt.

The horse should maintain an elastic contact and return to the trot with only a slight elevation of the head and neck. Horses that have learned to transition up by tossing their head can be ridden with an inside flexion to control the neck until they learn to use their topline for the up transitions.

The transition from trot to canter is also performed near the centerline, on a 20 m circle. This adds a degree of difficulty to obtain the correct lead if the horse does not have correct bend.

Coaches can teach the “spiral in and spiral out”

14 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

RIDER’S PERSPECTIVE

I decided to show the Second Level test on my 12 year old, Swedish Warmblood gelding, Nimbus. He is schooling Fourth Level and showing Third Level.

He is not an ideal choice for the rider tests, as he tends to be stiff laterally and is not naturally uphill. In addition, since the test is at Second Level, I can only ride him in a snaffle bit, instead of our usual double bridle. I imagine my hand aids will be more visible in order to keep him sufficiently supple. He has a huge, bouncy trot but a lovely canter. Luckily he performs simple changes with ease and also shows ground covering medium gaits. His lateral tendency at the walk should not be penalized as hard as it would be in a traditional test.

To prepare for the show, I ride both the First Level and Second Level rider tests a few times, not only to practice the pattern, but to understand the test writer’s thoughts about the progression between these levels.

As I practiced the Second Level test, I found most of the test very rideable, although movements came up quick.

Because I am experienced at FEI tests, the rapid presentation was not troublesome for me, but riders without this experience will have some difficulty.

To my surprise, movements #21 and 22 were the most difficult for me. After the first medium canter across the diagonal H to P, the rider continues to A in counter canter. A simple change is performed at A, followed immediately by another medium canter K to R. So the rider has only a few strides to prepare the horse for the second medium canter.

At the show, Nimbus performed an obedient test, but lacked longitudinal suppleness. He showed some irregularity in the lateral work at trot, due to some tension in his topline.

Because of Nimbus’s smooth simple changes, the canter work flowed nicely. The test was accurately ridden but somewhat conservative, since I knew I

was the focus of the judge’s attention! I felt more stiff than normal, but that was partly due to riding a new test.

My scores were 7.0 for rider position, 6.5 for rider’s correct and effective use of the aids, 6.0 for horse’s response and performance, 7.0 for accuracy and 6.5 for harmony, for an overall score of 66%.

The judge’s comments correctly identified that the horse was not reliably connected.

Many of my friends at the show complimented me on my bravery to “dip a toe in the water” with the rider tests. I feel strongly that they are valuable for amateurs, juniors and professionals.

I challenge other professionals to try the tests, to help their clients see the connection between correct position and effective aids. Go ahead and give the rider tests a try!

Rein Dancing

Learning to Long Line with Clay Maier

Clay Maier demonstrates proper long lining technique with Pik, owned by Pam Houck of Ft. Myers.

Karen Abbatista Warning: The following article contains information that may be habit forming and addictive.

Read at your own risk.

L

ong reining, long lining, and ground driving are all names for a training technique that’s been around for centuries. Teaching certain lessons from the ground, establishing trust and clear communication before ever getting in the saddle, make it much easier on both horse and rider.

It’s an excellent way to start young horses, carriage horses, and develop basic horsemanship skills.

It’s safe, the horse does not have the distraction of a rider’s body weight, and the handler is in a position to see exactly how the horse is performing each movement, receiving immediate visual feedback. It’s a great way to teach your horse about connection, encouraging the horse to relax and stretch his whole body into the contact. True connection is more than just our hands connected to the bit. Connection describes a channel of energy

that travels from the horse’s mouth to our hands, interpreted by our minds, and communicated back to the horse again. That connection is mental as well as physical, a blending of wills. That connection can be learned and refined on the long lines.

The basic techniques described in this article are not the only way to long line; they are the ones taught by Clay Maier. Clay Maier teaches clinics on long reining and driving throughout the country. As with riding, there are many variations.

Whatever method you use, when training horses, consistency is the key to success. You must be consistent and clear with your aids so the horse understands what you want.

To start, you will need a halter, a 12 ft lead rope, and a 6 ft lunge whip.

To note, a smaller arena, or a round pen, is better than a large open area to begin. If needed, you can use PVC poles to mark boundaries in a larger space. Clay Maier recommends beginning in an enclosed area 120 ft by 80 ft, with the gate closed. It’s important to have good fencing.

Use a horse you can handle. It’s difficult to learn

Misty Nichols

to long line with a horse that is difficult to manage.

Begin by desensitizing your horse to the feeling of the rope around him. Place the halter on him, with the 12 ft lead rope attached.

Drape the rope across his back and neck and watch his reactions. When he is relaxed and comfortable with the feeling of the rope on his body, flip the rope over his back and neck, moving it around, working from both sides. Roll it around his legs. Move it behind his haunches. Remind him that everything is fine.

Do the same thing with the whip. Rub the whip over the horse’s neck, his back, his haunches, move the lash around his legs. Your horse must remain relaxed and calm with both the whip and the rope going over his back and down his sides, with the rope low on his hips and around his haunches.

Take your time with this step, allowing the horse to accept these experiences at his own speed with no pressure. Continue to reassure him and build his confidence and trust in you. This may take a few minutes, a few days, or a few weeks. Take the time it takes before you progress to the next step.

16 Florida Sporthorse Magazine The Introduction to the Aids: Hands, Voice, Whip

In this step, you may be reviewing things your horse already knows, but you want them to be perfectly clear. Your horse should know how to walk on command, trot on command, and halt. Test his responses, in hand, on a circle, until there is no misunderstanding. He should be able to move on a large circle, at first with you, and later around you.

Use your voice and the whip to encourage him to move forward. Use your voice and pressure on the lead rope, if needed, to halt.

The horse needs to be accustomed to you working on both sides of him, so lead him from the right as well as the left. Make sure to reward and praise him frequently for correct responses.

In this training, we are simply layering one skill, one technique, on top of another, gradually increasing your horse’s body of knowledge in a comfortable, non-threatening manner, setting him up for success.

Now is the time you might ask your horse to take on a challenge he might not be sure about.

At some point in your training, you will encounter a situation where the horse must trust you to do something he is not comfortable with. Using a piece of plywood or a tarp, ask your horse to walk over this hazard. Continue to lead him back and forth over the hazard until he doesn’t pay any attention to it at all.

This is also the time to work on patience. Ask your horse to stand quietly for longer periods of time.

Help your horse to develop the discipline to stand still.

Introduce the rein back in the halter, asking him to take a few steps backward, and praise him. Always do everything from both sides.

When you are finished, your horse should clearly understand the aids for walk, trot, and halt. He should be comfortable being coaxed onto a hazard, proof of his confidence and trust in you. He should demonstrate discipline, being able to stand quietly, and he should rein back on demand.

Adding On

It’s now time to introduce your horse to the surcingle. Clay’s preference is a surcingle that buckles from both sides, with a number of different rings. You will use the lower rings for younger horses, working up the rings as the training progresses.

You will also introduce the bridle, with a regular loose ring jointed snaffle.

Continue to do the same things in the same places until your horse gets comfortable with his new equipment.

When he is completely comfortable with the surcingle and the bridle, add on side reins. You want to use side reins that have some stretch to them. This will introduce your horse to the feeling of contact on his mouth. You want to keep the side reins loose to allow your horse to stretch and reach with his head and neck. (Figure 1) With this new feeling of contact, put your horse right back into the same program, doing the same things in the same places. Keep him between your aids. Your whip drives him forward, your voice encourages. He moves into the contact of your hand through the lead rope. Expand the size of your circle, lunging him in both directions, over the hazard, practicing the responses to walk, trot, and stop.

The Long Reins

Clay prefers 3/3 inch long reins made from

Misty Nichols

Karen Abbattista takes the reins with Pik. marine or climbing rope; you can also use 1 inch flat cotton webbing or leather. He does not care for snap closures, for safety reasons, recommending leather buckles instead. A 30 ft length works well for a 16 h horse, while 24 ft is fine for a smaller horse.

In this step, we take away the halter and lead rope. We will begin by using just one of the long reins, threading the long rein through the inside snaffle ring, up over the poll, and fasten it to the opposite snaffle ring. (Figure 2) This will enable us to have direct hand contact with the horse, balancing him between the side reins and the long rein. And, yes, it’s right back to the same program, the same things in the same places, working from both directions.

Take this opportunity to get used to adjusting the length of your long rein, walking up the rein and then allowing it to slide through your hand, shortening and lengthening the rein. You want to have soft hands and a light touch.

Let your horse out on the circle, bring him in, increase and decrease the circle. Use a lot of your arena, circling in different places, always moving forward, developing cadence and communication.

By being consistent with your program every time you add something new, your horse continues to build his trust and confidence.

Next, you will change the positioning of your long rein. You will remove the inside side rein, and replace it with the long rein. Thread the long rein through the ring of the snaffle and attach it to one of the lower surcingle rings so that a horizontal line is created from bit to surcingle. (Figure 3) This long and low configuration will teach your horse to relax, to stretch his topline, and helps to create bend to the inside.

Always allow time between configurations to have your horse stand quietly, working on patience and discipline. Test the rein back, praise him and reassure him.

Work from both sides, on the same program, circling throughout your arena, over the hazard, focusing on creating a steady rhythm and tempo.

Your horse should relax into the work. He is being introduced to connection.

For those of you familiar with The Training Scale, you will note that we are now working on the first phase, the Development of Understanding and Confidence, focusing on Rhythm, Relaxation, and Connection.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3 Work from a position near the horse’s hip, and strive for as light of touch as possible, while still maintaining contact.

When this becomes effortless and easy, add in your second long rein. Replace your outside side rein with the other long rein. Attach the second long rein to the ring of the snaffle, then through the ring

of the surcingle and over your horse’s back. The rein on the outside directs the horse out, controlling the size of the circle and the degree of bend. With this configuration, practice handling two reins. Put the reins side by side in one hand, back to two hands, keeping your hands in front of you and always thinking about a light touch.

Begin a new exercise. On the circle, maintaining contact with the outside rein, move behind your horse. Keep him on the circle, allow the outside rein to fall off your horses back to the outside, and then flip the rein back over his back again.

Get your horse accustomed to the feeling, in motion, of the outside rein over his back, down on his side, around his back.

Practice walk, trot, and halt in both directions.

The Dance

We are now ready to attach each long rein directly to the rings of the bit and through the lower rings of the surcingle. With the reins on either side of the horse’s body we are able to do things such as changes of direction and figure eights. We can now do exercises to increase our “reinsmanship” skills, with infinite possibilities. “Ride” a serpentine through your arena, aiming for fluid changes of direction and equal loops. Spiral in and out, change direction.

Halt, rein back, trot on. Strive for cadence, relaxation, stretch of the topline, and an elastic connection.

Play with the marriage of the forward driving aids and the restraining aids with immediate visual reinforcement.

“Ride” your dressage test, your equitation pattern, or create your own choreography.

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Florida Sporthorse Magazine 22 You are only limited by you own creativity.

Lateral movement, teaching your horse to move forwards and sideways, can be done on the long reins. Your inside rein acts as a direct rein to bend the horse. The outside rein is a supporting rein and defines how much bend you are given. The whip replaces the rider’s seat and leg aids.

Walking down a fence line, you can ask your horse for three track positioning with the bend in the direction of the fence.

His inside (relative to the bend) hind leg steps in to the outside front hoof print.

When you can move your horse forward on three tracks in both directions without the fence, you simply open up the supporting rein and turn the movement into a leg yield or sidepass.

No two horses are alike, some are naturally more forward, some need more encouragement. However, if you take your time, are clear and consistent and patient, they can all benefit from the addition of long line work to their regular training program, regardless of their primary discipline. *** I had the opportunity to learn from Clay Maier at one of his Rein Dancing Clinics, held the the first weekend in June, at InStride Therapy Center in Nokomis.

My dance partner for the weekend was Pik, an 18+ hand Hanoverian gelding owned and loved by Pam Houck of Ft Myers. Pik is big. I mean really BIG. Big gaits with big movement, and an equally big heart. While a perfect gentleman both on the ground and under saddle, his size makes riding intimidating for most.

My goal for the clinic was to improve MY long lining skills so that I could pass on that knowledge to Pam, as a way for her to continue to develop her partnership with her horse.

Pik was already comfortable with the long reins, as we had been working with him for several weeks prior to the clinic. We were comfortable with changes of gait and direction, and could easily navigate obstacles and hazards. What Clay taught me was finesse.

Just as in riding, how a movement is performed is just as important as if the movement was performed.

A bracing, restricted circle may indicate an ability to steer, but a circle performed with suppleness, bend, and stretch through the topline is infinitely more beneficial.

In long lining, as in riding, you must think back to front. Clay worked with me on allowing the stretch into the transitions, both up and down. The neck must stay long, reaching toward the bit. He had me tighten up the rectangle created by the outside long line around the back of the horse and the inside long line to encourage lift. The gaits improved, relaxation increased, and elasticity and suppleness were encouraged.

Clay admonished me not to brace. Any tension in my arms and shoulders were communicated directly to the mouth of the horse. I had to think about relaxing. I could take momentarily, but then give. All familiar to me on the back of the horse, now applied in a slightly different context.

It became like riding. Half halt, release, supple, bend. I could feel my thoughts flowing through the reins and channeling directly to my horse. It became beautiful, it became art. It became Rein Dancing with my horse!

WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC If you love to ride western and want to develop a better partnership with your horse COME TO THIS CLINIC!

Sunday, September 1, 2013 What is Western Dressage?

Visit www.westerndressageassociation.org for more information.

Clinic Details

Space limited to 8 riders $50 for an hour session Free to auditors Contact Jane Whitehurst 727-254-3554 Nosara Farms

12714 Tyler Run Ave. Odessa FL 33556

Karen Abbittista has been competing in dressage for over 25 years. She has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals along with a Silver bar for her musical freestyles. Recently she has graduated with distinction from the USEF Learning Judging Program. She is an active member of WDAA and writes a training blog for the USEF network on Western Dressage called “Sharing Strides.� Karen has been instrumental in helping WDAA develop their western dressage tests and is working closely with Lynn Palm and others as they grow this exciting new sport.

Just right

Clear, logical aids yield positive results Amber Kimball “Just sit there and ride!” I shouted across a large indoor arena to a frustrated student who had become exhausted from riding her very large and sometimes very dull gelding.

“Why is that such a difficult request?” I thought to myself.

The rider, exasperated, transitioned from a tense posture of strong hands and driving legs to doing nothing, slumped in the saddle and wilting before my eyes.

“Well, you can’t just sit there and do nothing, you still have to ride.” I bellowed as the dispirited pair lumbered around the arena.

The rider, now irritated, snapped back to attention and resumed the rigid posture and aids.

The horse, equally irritated, mirrored his riders pose by weighting his forehand and locking his jaw.

The lesson occurred early in my teaching career.

Eventually, though I don’t think it was in that lesson, the horse and rider pair eventually succeeded in developing a harmonious union.

For me, that lesson really illustrated the importance of using a clear, simple aiding system.

More so, that lesson taught me how difficult learning the aiding system can be for the rider if they don’t realize how light and responsive their own, seemingly dull, horse really is under that pokerfaced exterior.

All horses should be ridden with clear, logical aids. The riders of horses who possess very willing, moderate temperaments can get away with muddling their aids for a while, as the horse will do his best to respond to the rider at all costs.

For the riders of horses on each end of the temperament spectrum, hot and sensitive or cold and lazy, clear, intermittent aids become extra important.

On a very sensitive horse, strong, unyielding aids can obviously create an immediately explosive mount. But, it takes more than just lightening the aids to ride a hot horse well.

COMPARE THE WEIGHT AIDS TO ANCHOVY PASTE. IF USED CAREFULLY, IT ENHANCES THE DISH....USE TOO MUCH AND YOUR DINNER WILL TASTE ONLY OF SALTY FISH. Light aids if unrelenting, on a sensitive, very forward horse simply create a very strong horse who feels dull to the aids and difficult to steer and stop.

Over-riding the dull horse sometimes seems like the only way to make him move. Mostly though, it will just make the rider tired. Over the long term, the rider will become very fit and the horse will still be a couch potato.

“But I’m supposed to ride with a lot of leg” many students say when I start to explain how to ride with

lighter more effective leg aids.

Sometimes, riders have the misconception that the more leg pressure they push against the horse, the more he will respond. The fact is, the more constant pressure squeezed against the horses side, the more the leg feels like a second girth. Girths don’t give aids at all.

Seat and weight aids are vital to good human to horse communication from the saddle. Just like leg aids, the weight aids can be over-done or misunderstood by the rider.

Compare the weight aids to anchovy paste.

Used carefully, it enhances the dish. No one will know it’s there and everyone will praise your skills. Use too much and your dinner will taste only of salty fish. Over emphasizing the weight aid, grinding the seat into the saddle or sitting powerfully into the saddle, only serves to create the opposite effect one would desire. Instead of a lifted swinging back, the horse with the saddleshoving rider becomes hollow and defensive over his top line.

It can be tempting to try to hold a horse in a head and neck position with the hand. The rein aids are the most difficult to master as humans, by nature, are manual creatures.

For centuries, we have fixed things with our hands. Unfortunately, though it might make horse training easier, we cannot hold a horse’s head down or fix anything at all with strong or static rein pressure.

To make the point to the horse that the lightest aids deserve a response, always start a request with a singular light aid. Should the horse not pay attention, the rider backs the first aid up with a stronger aid. If needed, the rider may add spur, voice or stick accordingly.

When the horse responds, the aids should be immediately released. The release of the aid is a very small reward to the horse for doing what the rider asked.

When the horse starts to understand that he can make the pressure go away by responding to the aid he most often will quickly try to play the game.

Releasing the aids doesn’t mean that the rider totally removes the leg or hand from contact of

Dreamstime

the horse. It’s simply a cessation of the tension or pressure created by the aid. A bystander might not even see the release of the aid but the horse will feel it and be grateful.

Tension issues such as tail swishing, teeth grinding, kicking out and head tilting can often be alleviated, if not ceased altogether by the rider letting go a little more and squeezing a little less. Soon after the rider begins to let go of the aids, rides become more about the horse getting a workout and less about rider getting tired. The horse will begin to feel as though he can do the work on his own and the rider can just sit there and ride.

Sometimes the road to letting go can be a little rocky. If the horse is used to being over-ridden or held together by the rider, his first days of lighter riding may have him looking like a wobbly youngster.

Soon though, with careful riding the horse will learn to rely on himself for balance instead of the riders hands and legs.

Riding an unresponsive horse with stronger and stronger aids will only teach the horse to tolerate the riders prodding. Ride the horse as if he is light and responsive, then vary your aids accordingly. We want the horse to listen to our requests and respond generously.

If we only constantly demand, the horse quickly loses his spirit of generosity.

20 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Encouraging a Healthy Appetite Zero in on why a horse is off his feed

Dreamstime

Nerida Richards

(mold) and given the right conditions these fungi can produce mycotoxins. here is nothing more frustrating or worrying One of the early symptoms of mycotoxin than a horse that won’t eat. Horses go off poisoning in horses is loss of appetite. I often suspect their feed for a variety of reasons which can mycotoxins when a change in source of hay, chaff or include illness, unpalatable feeds or gastrointestinal grain suddenly causes a horse to go off its feed. disturbances such as hindgut acidosis.

Unpalatable feeds: feeds and Thankfully though, there are some forages that are mouldy, stale, rancid things you can do to get a horse eating or too salty will stop a horse from THE FIRST STEP TO GETTING A HORSE TO EAT AGAIN IS TO again. Here are some useful tips for eating. Some feed ingredients like IDENTIFY WHAT CAUSED THE LACK OF APPETITE... maintaining appetite. soybean meal can also be not very tasty and may make the more finicky Step 1: Identify the Cause A deficiency of B1 is well recognized as causing loss eaters lose their appetite.

The first step to getting a horse to eat again is to of appetite in many animal species including horses.

Over-supplementing: feeding supplements in identify what caused the lack of appetite in the first Also, if your horse is being fed uncooked grains excess of your horse’s requirements can also make a place. Some possibilities include: like corn or barley there is a good chance the lack feed unpalatable and stop a horse from eating.

Disease: if the horse is sick or has a problem like of appetite is due to grain fermentation and the This is particularly the case with concentrated gastric ulcers it is likely that its appetite will be poor. resulting acidosis in the hindgut. vitamin/mineral preparations and electrolyte Pain: if a horse is in pain it can dramatically During hindgut acidosis, thiaminase is produced supplements. reduce its appetite. Pain can include lameness, by the hindgut bacteria and can lead to a vitamin B1 Medications: putting medications like Bute into general muscle soreness from a hard workout and deficiency and the resulting loss of appetite. a feed can make it unpalatable and put a horse off its mild forms of colic.

Mycotoxin poisoning: many feeds including hay, feed.

Vitamin B1 deficiency: some plant species chaff and grains can be contaminated with fungi Stress: if a horse is stressed by a change in

T

including bracken fern, nardoo, rock ferns and horsetails all contain an enzyme called thiaminase which destroys vitamin B1 (also called Thiamine) in the gastrointestinal tract before it can be absorbed by the horse.

This, over time will cause a vitamin B1 deficiency.

routine, or the loss of a pasture buddy can lead to reduction of appetite.

Step 2: Remove or Treat the Cause

Once you have identified the cause of loss of appetite, remove the cause or work with your veterinarian to treat the cause.

Disease: work with your veterinarian to treat any illness that may be putting your horse off its feed.

Pain: again, work with your veterinarian to identify and treat any pain that may be preventing the horse from eating.

It may also be wise to have a dentist thoroughly examine your horse’s teeth and mouth for any issues that may be causing pain.

Vitamin B1 deficiency: if your horse is eating plants that contain thiaminase, remove the horse from the pasture and supplement the horse with oral vitamin B1 and provide plenty of good quality hay.

If your horse was being fed whole or uncooked grains, remove them from the diet and replace them with cooked grains (i.e. grains that have been micronized, extruded, steam flaked or thoroughly boiled) or high energy fibres like sugarbeet pulp or soybean hulls.

Also provide the horse as much hay as it wants to eat. When loss of appetite is caused by hindgut acidosis the horse will often maintain its appetite for forage. An oral vitamin B1 supplement will also help to replenish depleted vitamin B1 supplies and return appetite to normal.

Mycotoxin poisoning: if you suspect mycotoxins, try to locate the source of mycotoxin contamination.

You can look for visible signs of mould (which doesn’t always indicate the presence of mycotoxin) or send

the feeds off for a mycotoxin analysis.

Once you have located the source, remove it from your horse’s diet and replace it with a clean alternative. If mycotoxins are an ongoing concern you can look at using products like Mycosorb® that trap the mycotoxins and prevent them from being absorbed by your horse. Keep in mind that hay and chaff are common sources of mycotoxin poisoning.

Unpalatable feeds: locate which feed is unplatable for your horse and replace it with a palatable alternative.

If you are unsure what is unpalatable, simplify your diet back to one or two ingredients that you think your horse will eat and then as his appetite returns gradually add any additional ingredients one at a time (leaving a few days between the addition of each new ingredient).

If the addition of one particular ingredient stops your horse from eating again, remove it immediately and find a suitable alternative, or in the case of it being salt, provide the horse with a salt lick and don’t add salt to its feed.

If you are adding salt to your horse’s feed you can also just try removing the salt, as salt is one ingredient that will turn a horse off its feed very quickly.

Over-supplementing: use FeedXL to carefully adjust your horse’s diet so that its requirements are being met without being exceeded. Pay extra attention to the amount of sodium in your horse’s diet as oversupplying sodium (a component of salt) will make a horse’s feed very unpalatable.

Medications: don’t put medication in a fussy horse’s feed. If you need to administer medication, try mixing it up with apple sauce in a large syringe

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 21 or clean worm paste tube and administering it directly into your horse’s mouth after he/she has eaten their feed. Don’t do it before you feed as this will also stop them from eating in many cases.

If you suspect a vitamin B1 deficiency is causing the loss of appetite you should administer the vitamin B1 in this way until your horse’s appetite has returned.

Stress: if your horse gets upset by changes in routine try to keep things as consistent as possible and always have a buddy close by your horse. They are herd animals and don’t feel comfortable or safe when alone in most cases.

Step 3: Simplify the Diet

If your horse has stopped eating its normal ration for a period of time, even after you remove or treat the cause of loss of appetite, it is likely your horse will take some time for its appetite to return to normal.

During this period of time feed as simple a diet as possible, starting with access to as much good quality hay or pasture the horse wants to eat. Then gradually add ingredients one at a time, starting with the ones your horse likes the most. Remember to leave at least two days between adding new ingredients.

With the exception of providing vitamin B1 where a B1 deficiency is suspected as the cause of loss of appetite, remove all supplements from the diet until the horse has a healthy appetite again.

When you do reintroduce supplements, do so one at a time so you know if your horse doesn’t like the taste of one.

Step 4: Make Their Feed Taste Good

If removing or treating the cause of your horse’s loss of appetite and simplifying the diet hasn’t worked to return appetite to normal you could try adding ingredients that generally smell and taste good to a horse to help get them eating normally again. A few ingredients you can try include: Bran Honey Molasses Applesauce Grated carrot or apple Brewers yeast Alfalfa chaffe Final Thoughts Hopefully the tips above will help you to identify and remove or treat whatever it is causing your horse to go off its feed. A few other things that you should also keep in mind are: Make sure the horse’s feed bin is in a comfortable position. For example, if your horse is lame in one of its forelegs, put the feed bin at chest height to allow the horse to eat without putting a lot of pressure on its front legs.

A horse will almost always eat fresh pasture, so if you have it available, let the horse graze and don’t try to force it to eat hay or hard feed.

Feed in frequent small meals and remove uneaten feed every two hours to keep it fresh and palatable.

Keep a close eye on how much feed and water your horse is eating and drinking. If it is eating or drinking very little the risk of colic is high.

If you are getting concerned about your horse, call your vet immediately to discuss a suitable management plan to keep the horse hydrated and nourished until its appetite returns.

22 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Thinking inside the box

Wellington-based company provides monthly service to horse lovers Christie Gold

G

ift-of-the-month clubs are hardly new. From books to flowers to gourmet items, subscription services have long offered consumers access to new products on a monthly basis.

The old format has changed recently from single items to boxes filled with samples of items catering to a variety of interests or hobbies. Social media is riddled with ads for products such as Bark Box, a service that delivers canine products on a monthly basis and Nutribox, a company that provides the health-conscious consumer with a variety of nutritious snacks.

A relative newcomer to the “box” fad is Wellington-based A Horse Box, the first monthly subscription service of this type for horse lovers.

For as low as $25 a month, subscribers can test a variety of products from hoof conditioners to fly sprays and horse treats from both top-tier equestrian suppliers such as Absorbine, Bickmore and Source to lesser known companies.

The June box arrived attractively packed and full of trial-sized summer essentials such as flyspray and ointments to relieve itching as well as liniment, shampoo, gourmet horse treats and tack conditioner.

Other summer-essentials included a fan, drink koozie and plastic cup with the A Horse Box logo.

One glance in any barn washrack or inside a tack room cabinet reveals the true value of the service.

Finding the perfect products for our beloved equines is often through trial and error, and all of us have half-used bottles of products that were ineffective for our needs. A Horse Box allows subscribers to test numerous products without a huge investment. A name brand bottle of flyspray or liniment alone costs upwards to $25.

In addition, the travel sizes are handy for throwing in the trailer on the way to a clinic or show, saving space for larger items.

Boxes can be purchased on a month-to-month basis for $30 or for six months for $150.

For more information, visit ahorsebox.com.

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Sporthorse Florida

Christie Gold

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summer 2012

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