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4 editor’s note
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Building confidence & character Christie Gold
In 1995, Nike released a commercial called “Let Me Play,” where children of various cultural backgrounds cite statements about the positive power of sports: “If you let me play sports, I’ll have more self confidence.” “I’ll be less likely to be influenced by gang members.” “If you let me play sports, I will know what it means to be strong.” Beyond inspiring us to buy athletic shoes, the commercial used research-based claims that still hold true today. Young people who are involved in sports often earn higher grades, have stronger peer relationships, experience greater family attachment and support from adults and demonstrate more restraint in avoiding risky behaviors common during adolescence. As a classroom teacher for nearly two decades, I saw the difference that involvement in sports (and certainly other activities such as band, journalism, theater, etc.) made in students’ lives. I know the positive influence riding had on my own upbringing and am delighted that my best childhood friend’s daughter is involved in Pony Club. I recently attended a rally where I saw many of the positives of athletic involvement-and the core values of Pony Club--in action. Moreover, her daughter is learning many of the horsemanship skills lacking in stables and show rings. She is responsible for her horse’s care; she is learning about teamwork and sportsmanship; her parents are involved in her
equestrian life but in a way that is encouraging rather than enabling. The Nike commercial is almost 20 years old, and the challenges young people faced two decades ago are amplified in a world where bullies and predators penetrate social media, where every moment of our lives is documented online like a version of the 1998 film “The Truman Show,” and where the number of clicks on a mouse determines personal and commercial success. All athletics offer skills that help children navigate through our increasingly complex world, but riding, specifically, provides them with the simple solace afforded by interaction with another species. Working with horses teaches responsibility and respect. In caring for horses, children learn the importance of attention to detail and the discipline of following rules and routines. When young riders find success, they understand the true meaning of patience, teamwork and trust. When they hit the dirt--as every rider does-they learn humility and forgiveness. There is a meme that has made its way onto my Facebook page numerous times with a quote from Lauren Davis Baker that says, “A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life’s true priorities are clear. When you take a step back, it’s not just about horses — its about love, life, and learning.” In the noisy modern world, children need that sanctuary more than ever.
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about the cover
Professional polo player Paige Boone on her homebred gelding Fly. Based in The Villages, Boone competes in open matches at the nation’s top polo venues. Photo by Dave Boege
the faces of Florida Sporthorse 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. Amber Kimball Amber 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 Nairn-Wertman until the spring of 2010. Amber has successfully 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. Karen Abbattista Karen 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. Karen teaches both Classical and Western Dressage throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. She continues to compete both at national and FEI level dressage. Her website is www. karenabbattistadressage.com. Janeane Reagan, PhD Janeane acquired her love of horses and equestrian sport while watching her father show American Saddlebreds, Hackneys and jumpers. As an adult, she focused on the Morgan breed and competed with her horses in saddle seat, western pleasure, hunter pleasure, dressage, carriage driving and competitive trail riding. After completing her doctorate in clinical psychology, Janeane developed an interest in sport psychology. In addition to her work with individual riders and drivers, she has presented workshops on stress management during competition and on the mental aspects of equestrian sport to state and local clubs and at national and international equestrian conferences. Laurie Ann Salmi Laurie is a lifelong equestrian with national competition experience in several disciplines. For the past decade, dressage has been the passion, and she currently competes 3rd level. After spending many years teaching in the classroom, she now spends her time raising three energetic boys and coaching other riders part time. Jeremiah Edwards Jeremiah Edwards grew up riding cows not horses. Living next to dairy farms as a tyke, he learned to love animals of all sizes. While he doesn’t currently own a horse, he always looks forward to his next ride, not to mention his next vacation. He has spent two decades living in the Florida sun and loves both bed and breakfast.
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Sporthorse FLORIDA
SUMMER 2014
7 D. Boege
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Inside Florida Sporthorse 4 Confidence and Character Children benefit from equestrian sports 7 Paige Boone Central Florida polo player takes on the boys in open competition
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9 Home Grown Fodder provides hydroponic alternative to traditional feed 12 Solo Stabling Adult amateurs discuss challenges of having horses at home
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14 Get it in Writing Practical legal advice for any equestrian 15 Neighcation Destinations Florida offers numerous options for taking your horse on vacation 18 Timeline Traps Stick to your training plan to avoid pre-show anxiety 19 If at First You Don’t Succeed Reduce show ring doubt and insecurity with careful preparation
12 Palmer Photography
21 Inside Out Arriving to a show prepared helps reduce nerves
Setting goals
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 7
Paige Boone shatters stereotypes in open competition Janeane Reagan
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t Florida’s notable polo venues such as Sarasota, Wellington, Ocala and The Villages, female players, while still very much in the minority, are becoming a more common sight. The lady players of today have arrived in this sport on the backs of not only their ponies (who are of course not ponies but full-sized horses) but also through the efforts of courageous and nonconforming women dating back to the 1800’s in Europe and the early 1900’s in the US. The history of the sport suggests that centuries ago when polo was still associated with military training and “war games,” women players were not uncommon amongst the participating royalty. When they reappeared in the sport in the late 1800’s, they were soundly banned from men’s polo much like they were from golf and many other sports. Initially they were required to ride side saddle in their own matches. In 1901, Louise Hitchcock of Aiken, SC, often referred to as the “Mother of Women’s Polo” was the first to offer training to girls and women. One of its leaders of this uphill battle for a spot in this male dominated sport was Sue Sally Hale. Sally competed for nearly 20 years disguised as a male and attained a handicap rating of 5 which is considered a professional level of skill in polo. While Sally began playing openly as a woman in 1950, she was not admitted as a member of the United States Polo Association (USPA) until 1972. In 1979 official recognition of women’s polo took place with the creation of the U.S. Women’s Handicap and the first national tournament. Since then, women’s polo has steadily grown both in the women’s tournaments and the participation of women in open competition. Women now make up one third of the membership of USPA. One of Central Florida’s rising stars in women’s polo is Paige Boone, a composed young women in her mid 20’s who talked with me of her love for horses and the game of polo when I visited her at The Villages Polo Club. (Paige is not the only rising star in her family. Her older sister, Megan Boone has been hitting a few “goals” of her own as the co-star of the dramatic TV series “The Black List.”) FSH: How and when did you get into polo? PB: I grew up around polo since age three when my mother married my stepfather who was an active player in the Oxford Polo Club. Mom was pretty apprehensive about my playing after seeing how beat up my stepfather had gotten. She tried to get me interested in other types of riding but when I was eight she gave in and let me have a mallet to practice with. By the time I was 12 I was playing with a group of kids my age. We played “kid chukkers” for 10-12 minutes during the half time at regular games. We had so much fun. FSH: How does a young girl develop her game in polo? PB: I played every chance I could get. For several summers I went to polo camp at the University of
D. Boege
Paige Boone of The Villages grew up around polo. Today, she plays professionally in open tournaments with both men and women. Virginia to train with Reggie Ludwig, one of the high goal players. When I was home I rode with some of the best local players like Brad Limehouse and Lord Lylle. I played my first official four-goal game when I was only 14.
FSH: Let’s give our readers a vocabulary lesson because some of them may not be familiar with polo terms. First, what is a chukker? PB: A chukker is a seven and a half minute period of play in which action stops only if the referee blows a whistle, usually for a fowl. There are six chukkers
with a 10 minute half time break and breaks of four minute between the other periods.
FSH: When you say you rode your first four-goal game, what does that mean? PB: The “goal” designation for a game indicates the total rating or handicap of the players on a team. Ratings range from -2 (barely able to stay in the saddle, a novice) to +10 (the top players in the sport). A game or match is described as “4-goal, 6-goal, or 12-goal up to 40-goal (rare) based on the teams total. This way the skill level of each team in a match is roughly equal.
D. Boege
A player’s goal rating or handicap is established by experts in the sport who observe the player’s skills. I started as a -2 and have worked my way up to a +1 player.
FSH: How did you decide to make polo your career? PB: During high school I thought I wanted to become a vet, so I started the pre-vet program at Colorado State and played on their arena polo team. Our team did well but I really preferred outdoor polo to collegiate indoor or arena polo and I decided that vet work was not really for me. So I came back to Florida and finished a bachelor’s degree at Stetson University in Deland. That allowed me to stay active with The Villages Polo program even if it meant a lot of driving back and forth. When I graduated I took a year off to decide if I wanted to go to law school. I ended up taking a job here at The Villages Polo Club. That was three years ago. I guess polo just keeps drawing me back. FSH: What do you find most appealing about polo? PB: It’s the horses. I’m fascinated by what goes into getting them to their best. The sport is fast and challenging. I have always been competitive in other things and I love the partnership that all comes together at 30 miles an hour out there on the field. I have a small breeding program and my first babies are starting to play. It has been so exciting to see them develop. FSH: How do you develop a young polo pony? How is it different from horses in other equestrian disciplines? PB: First we start with imprinting them as foals and then we do the basic ground work like grooming and hauling at two. We don’t saddle them until they are three.They play a little at three or four and then we give them a year off to just be ponies. When we bring them back at five, we see what they remember. The ones that do not come from breeding programs come off the track at three and start the process.
FSH: Your ponies are pretty well developed physically
and mentally by the time they are actually in competition. PB: Yes, that’s why you see polo ponies playing well into their 20’s. They last a lot longer when you take that much time.
FSH: In a recent article by the US Polo Association it was stated that “As the fastest growing division of polo, women are taking charge and becoming queens in this ‘Game of Kings” and that women are not only competing in their own tournaments, but also in more high-goal events with the high test rated male players.” Have you been part of this trend? PB: In 2009 at the first women’s tournament here in The Villages I got to play with Sunny Hale who created the Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT) in 2005. It was so exciting and I learned so much from her. In 2011 and 2012 I qualified and played in the World International Tournament held in Wellington, Florida.
FSH: Besides the increasing involvement of women players, what other trends do you see happening in polo today? PB: What I think is most exciting is that the USPA is making a real effort to find ways of attracting young American riders to polo. Polo has always been an expensive sport because of the number of horses and the equipment required. There are now sponsored internship/ apprenticeship programs that pair talented young polo players with high goal professionals who will mentor them. These positions are being offered to both young men and young women. FSH: What advice do you have for riders getting into polo? PB: Ask a lot of questions of the professionals you meet. Work closely with your farrier and vet to avoid problems. Most of all, know your horses. Listen to them. They will tell you what they need and want whether it’s shoeing, bitting, the right saddle or whatever.
Home Grown
Fodder systems offer feed alternative Carol Bulmer
W
ith hay and grain prices soaring into the stratosphere, horse owners have been investigating alternative feed sources. Perhaps references to a “Fodder System” have caught you interest? Well, here is the Fodder System 411. Google “Equine Fodder Systems” and listings for several commercial websites come up along with some YouTube videos of people who put together their own homemade versions. They all have this in common: the systems hydroponically sprout various grains or seeds. These can be legumes (alfalfa or clover), cereal grains (barley, oats, triticale, red wheat) or grasses (brome, fescue, timothy). The process of sprouting is also basically the same. Start with buying your choice of grain or seed. Place the already soaked seed in a tray or container. Then add water at regular intervals (every four hours or so). Provide light (enough to read by from either natural or grow lights) and control the temperature in the range of 65 degrees to 75 degrees with 40 percent– 80 percent (ideal
Dreamstime
conditions). Keep this up for six days. By the sixth day the grain has sprouted with a nice green leafy area springing up on top and a matted root system in the tray. Feed immediately. (One company says you can refrigerate for a week or so if necessary but it is not optimal). The first thing to realize is that “fodder” is not a replacement for hay. Fodder is a replacement for grain and supplements. The companies selling pre fabricated systems suggest that you feed fodder between two percent and three percent of live body weight per day along with one percent roughage (hay or pasture). Colorado State University Extension Service recommends that one percent of body weight is the minimum amount of roughage suggested to maintain gut health. Ideally, horses should receive 1.5 to 2.0 percent of their body weight per day as roughage. Colorado State also points out that the grain meal should not exceed 0.5 percent of the horse’s body weight. The use, needs and condition of the specific horse dictate specific nutritional requirements.
The nutritional profile (%protein, % gat, digestible energy etc.) of fodder changes with the type of grain/legume you sprout. These nutritional profiles are available for each grain ie. barley, oats, alfalfa etc. on the websites of the companies listed below. In general the nutritional profile of each grain changes very little except for dry matter. The University of California Extension Service in 2013 published findings by Putnum, Robinson & Lin that warned, “It’s main problem is that it exhibits a net loss in terms of Dry Matter yield of 24 to 30 percent after six to seven days of growth. The DM yields of hydroponic systems are actually negative, compared with the initial seed input. Additionally, there is likely to be a loss in feeding value of sprouted grain compared with raw grain, on a dry weight basis. This result makes sense when considering that the seed must utilize stored carbohydrates in order to drive growth of the seedling.”
PROS So what are the advantages to sprouting grains and feeding the sprouts? • High moisture content • High in digestible fiber • High palatability • High yield forage in a small footprint (when local forage options are limited) • Attractive to self sufficient farmers • Fodder sales companies claim a higher digestibility and availability of nutrients* • No pesticides, fertilizers or herbicide while growing • Control over feed quality CONS What are the disadvantages to sprouting grains and feeding the sprouts? • More expensive when comparing Dry Matter sprouts versus unsprouted grain • Controlled environment within a limited range of temperature and humidity is a must have. • More costly ie initial outlay for “growing pods” • More work (compared to picking up feed bag at local store) • Uncertain nutritional advantages* • Not recommended for Insulin Resistant Horses • Mold can be a problem if not consistent with recommended bleach protocols between crops. Is an Equine Fodder System right for you? You will have to do more research and reading to decide wisely. This could be a problem because there is very little scientific research published about feeding sprouted grains to equines. Calculating the price of producing your own sprouts (supplies, start up costs and daily labor) and comparing it to the price of the grain(remembering to adjust for the decreased dry matter content of sprouts) you are feeding now should help you decide. Simply Google “Equine Fodder or Sprouting Grains” will show you multiple companies selling fodder systems. Or go to YouTube put “Equine Fodder Systems” in the search bar and you can see a long list of tutorials on fodder production (some are quite creative and rustic DYI versions) Also refer to the accompanying sidebar conversation with Dr. Lori K. Warren, Ph.D., PAS, associate professor,Department of Animal Sciences University of Florida. This article is not intended to endorse or substantiate any specific type of feeding plan. This article is for information only and includes only a partial amount of the available literature on this subject. Horse owners should do their own research, consult with knowledgeable equine nutritionist and come to their own conclusions as to the best feeding plan for their horse. *University of California 2013 report in Alfalfa and Forage News reports: “we do not have data to suggest that barley ‘forage’ is superior to feeding other forages with similar analyses, or even better than feeding barley directly. The feeding value of the shoot/seed/root mixture may not be better than the initial barley seeds.”
Q & A: Is fodder a worthwhile feeding solution? A conversation with Dr. Lori Warren, University of Florida
Dreamstime
While quick growing and fresh, sprouted grains may not be as nutritionally balanced as commercial grains and traditional hay sources. FSH: Is a fodder system successful in Florida? Economical? Labor saving?
Of concern, however, is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in grain sprouts, which is often inverted (ie, more phosphorus than calcium) making it similar LW: I am aware of at least one large fodder-growing to a raw, unfortified seed grain (such as a bag of corn, system located in south Florida that is currently or plain oats). Growers of sprouts can manipulate the experimenting with sprouted grains and forages protein and mineral content (to some extent) with intended for use in horses. the fertilizer they use in their hydroponic solution. Because these systems involve controlledIf forage seeds (eg, alfalfa or clover) are growing conditions, they should be capable of sprouted instead of grain, the inversion of calcium to operation in Florida. phosphorus is less likely. I have not seen information Unfortunately, I on the vitamin cannot comment on content of sprouts, so whether or not they I’m not sure how they ...THE HORSE OWNER MAY STILL are economical or compare to traditional HAVE TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR labor saving, as I’m feedstuffs for horses. more familiar with S p r o u t e d HORSE’S DIETS WITH THESE their nutritional grains may not be MISSING COMPONENTS IF THEY content than their nutritionally balanced USE SPROUTS TO REPLACE inputs. (eg, lacking in comparable levels of SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF FSH: Are there any minerals and vitamins EITHER HAY OR COMMERCIAL nutritional benefits that you would see in FEED. over and above non a bag of commercial sprouted grain? feed has been fortified with these nutrients). LW: NutritionallyThis means the speaking, there are both pros and cons to sprouted horse owner may still have to supplement their grains. Typically the sprouted grains contain a lower horse’s diets with these missing components if they starch content than seed grains. use sprouts to replace significant amounts of either However, the sprouted grains can be higher in hay or commercial feed. sugar, because they are often harvested when leafy Although it’s not been studied, I suspect the rate and lush; further, if the roots of the sprouted grains of consumption of sprouted grains is slower (and are also consumed by the horse, there can be some thus feeding time extended) compared to normal significant starch intake from the roots. grain seeds, which can be healthier for the horse’s The calorie content of sprouted grains is digestive system (eg, potentially lower risk of gastric generally less than the seed grain (due to having less ulcers, although this has yet to be studied). starch, but more fiber than the original grain), but Sprouts also offer the horse a fresh, natural feed higher than the typical hay (sprouts have less fiber & source that may have some psychological benefits, more sugar than hay). particularly if they don’t have access to green pasture The protein content of sprouted grains can be grass. much higher than the original grain seeds, but this is heavily influenced by the fertilizer used, the type of FSH: Does it really cut back the amount of all of other grain (or forage) that is sprouted, and at what stage forage i.e., hay consumed? the sprouts are harvested. Similarly, the mineral content of the sprouted LW: Sprouted grains are about 75-90% water (like grains is heavily influenced by the fertilizer, the type pasture grass), which makes it nearly impossible of grain (or forage) sprouted, and stage of harvest. for horses to be able to eat the amount necessary
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to replace *all* of the hay or traditional feed they receive in their diet. For comparison, hay and traditional feed are about 10 percent water. If a horse is usually fed 25 pounds of hay, it would take about 150 pounds of sprouts to replace this completely (this assumes the nutrient profile would be an equal exchange too, which is probably not the case). The sprouted grains (or sprouted forages) also don’t have the same high fiber content as hay or the average pasture grass. Fiber is needed to maintain gut health and motility; so this is another reason to not use it for complete replacement of the forage fed to the horse. The sprouts, however, can be used to replace a “portion” of either the forage or grain the horse
receives. It’s hard to provide a guideline on the amount of grain or forage that can be replaced with sprouts, because it would depend on the type of sprouts and their nutrient profile, as well as the horse owners’ goals. FSH: What are the drawbacks that this is not a popular system?
LW: Although I’m not familiar with the costs of these systems or the labor requirements, I suspect the initial investment can be quite high. I also suspect it requires more labor/time to grow and harvest sprouted grains than it does to visit a feed store and purchase a bag of feed. You also need to consider the timing of your
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 11
production and harvest to generate the amount of sprouts needed so that they remain fresh and unwilted - wilted sprouts can grow mold, which can produce mycotoxins that can be harmful (admittedly, we see the same thing with hay production if harvesting conditions are not good). And because the hydroponic (fertilizer) solutions can vary widely, there would be an investment of education on the horse owner’s part so that they know what to fertilize with (& how it impacts the nutrient content of the sprouts), and when to harvest (and how that affects the nutrient content). Finally, unless the horse owner has their sprouts tested, you are never sure of their nutrient content, which makes balancing the horse’s diet guesswork.
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12 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
Solo stabling
Keeping horses at home offers rewards, poses challenges Christie Gold
D
riving home from your afternoon ride, you mull over the latest barn drama: your horse’s turnout time has been reduced, you are being asked to use the owner’s farrier instead of your own and monthly board has increased another $50. Your thoughts move to the ad you saw for an idylliclooking five acres just over the county line. Although property values have begun to rebound, there are still deals to be had. Before completely succumbing to the romantic idea of sipping coffee while watching your horses graze in their pasture each morning, however, it’s wise to consider all aspects of maintaining a small farm while working full time. Is it possible to juggle a career, an active training and competition calendar as an adult amateur and clean stalls, schedule vet visits and repair fencelines? Dressage rider Anna Urquhart and eventer Karen Joyal say yes but quickly acknowledge the sacrifices that make their dreams possible. Urquhart grew up keeping horses at her mother’s leased farm in Pinellas County. In 1999, she gave up apartment living and realized her dream of keeping her horses at home where she admits that “nothing is better than being able to walk out back and just sit in the barn and talk to the horses or hear their nickers in the morning when I come out to feed.” Joyal’s quest to buy a small farm and move her horses home stemmed largely from her horse’s needs. “I boarded my oldest horse for many years before we purchased a farm,” Joyal said. “Bailey is a boarding barn’s nightmare. She made it a habit to jump out of any pasture you put her in for turnout. She ended up on stall confinement for years while boarded at several farms in the area. Her situation began my decision to purchase my own property. Bailey can now spend 24/7 out in a pasture with no issues. This particular horse does better in a quieter setting and boarding facilities did not work for her personality.” Being able to control all aspects of your horses’ care is the greatest benefit of farm ownership. However, with limited help and busy work schedules, both Joyal and Urquhart say life on the farm has its challenges. Urquhart works for an aerospace and defense contractor in Clearwater, a 45-minute commute from her home in Parrish. Joyal is the vice president of a real estate and property development company in Tampa, about 20 miles from her Spring Hill farm. Both work long hours during the week as well as some weekends, which can make upkeep of their facilities difficult. Joyal credits her husband for keeping pastures mowed and fences repaired. “He is the backbone for manual labor around the farm,” she said. Urquhart says the upkeep of her farm poses
K. Joyal
K. Joyal
K. Joyal
Karen Joyal’s Spring Hill farm is built with convenience in mind. Horse have access to their stalls and acres of pasture 24/7. a significant challenge. “I live by myself and do it all by myself,” she said. Most of her weekends are spent on farm chores, but this is complicated in the summer when the rains making regular mowing her five acres of rapidlygrowing Bahia a complicated endeavor. To help with
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...IF YOU JUST WANT TO DRIVE OUT TO VISIT YOUR HORSE AND THEN GET BACK IN YOUR CAR TO DRIVE HOME, THEN FARM OWNERSHIP IS NOT FOR YOU. THAT BEING SAID, I COULD NOT EVER IMAGINE GIVING UP MY FARM AND MOVING BACK TO THE SUBURBS.
bigger projects, she often enlists co-workers whom she pays with beer and pizza. Her mother sometimes housesits when she attends horse shows, and during the school year has a neighbor feed in the afternoons on his way home from his bus stop. Joyal also emphasizes the importance of having a facility designed for minimal maintenance. “I have a five stall center aisle barn with a tack and feed room. All stalls have interior and exterior doors. The exterior doors lead into a large five acre pasture, so my horses have access to the improved pasture grass and their stalls at all times. They come into their stalls for feeding and they do not require hay during most of the year. Therefore, feeding is a simple process. I feed them in the morning and then prepare their meal for the next feeding as well. My daughter or husband can go out to the barn and give them their food with no
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 13
Joyal competes several times a year at combined training events in addition to caring for her farm and working full time in real estate. issues. Each horse has a separate color scoop and a tag label. You just need to match the label with the correct horse—super easy.” Scheduling vets, farriers and other equine professionals also requires careful planning. Both women have farriers who are willing to work on their horses when they are not home. Urquhart says she tries to schedule vet appointments early in the morning or late in the afternoon, but she uses vacation days to meet other service providers such as saddle fitters. What about training? Joyal’s farm boasts a jump field and dressage ring. She schools cross country at her trainer’s facility. Urquhart has a dressage court, and her trainer’s farm is next door to her own. Both ladies admit that vacations are elusive endeavors. “Finding someone to take care of the barn, horses, house and dogs can be a real challenge. We have a fantastic neighbor who takes care of our charges when we leave. However, I can’t imagine trying to find someone to replace her in the future.” Urquhart echoes this and says that anyone considering farm ownership must realize the commitment involved. “If you don’t have the money for a paid staff, realize the time it will entail and that your social life may be impacted.” Joyal urges potential buyers to think carefully. “This is not a decision you make on a whim. Keep in mind that you will be in charge of everything. Horses do not understand your wedding trip to Rome,
Christmas in Colorado or a cruise to the Bahamas. They need to be fed and cared for daily—every day— 365 days a year. The rewards are endless, but you must be willing to take care of everything that comes
Points to Consider
Location, location, location: Two of the best scenarios are living in a horse community (you have like-minded neighbors for help and support) and/or working at or close to home. Affordable acreage often lies beyond the city limits. Consider how far you are willing to commute. How flexible is your schedule? Will extra drive time allow you to ride and to accommodate your horses’ needs? Zoning and Codes: Carefully check the zoning for the county where you want to purchase your new home. Don’t assume that just because horses currently reside on the property, yours will be allowed as well. As communities develop, zoning sometimes changes. If you are counting on being able to greenbelt in order to reduce your tax bill, be sure you know exactly what this requires as each county has its own standards. Before building, carefully research codes and deed restrictions. How big of a barn will you have to build and of what type? How far must it sit from the property line? What type of fencing is allowed? Waste: While the idea of offering free manure to neighbors for their gardens may sound good, the reality is that horses create more than you can give away. Whether its renting a dumpster, spreading it on an unused field or piling it until it can be hauled away, be sure to have a plan.
Palmer Photography
with a horse at home. If you just want to drive out to visit your horse and then get back in your car to drive home, then farm ownership is not for you. That being said, I could not ever imagine giving up my farm and moving back to the suburbs.” Training: For an active competitor, this is an important issue. The building and upkeep of suitable practice facilities is expensive; however, trailering to a another barn in order to school over fences or practice a dressage test costs both money and time. The Help: Some vets and farriers dislike calling on barns with only a few horses. The same is true for trainers. Does your favorite feed store deliver? What about shavings? And, as mentioned in the article, who will care for your farm and animals when you work late, when you have a family obligation, when you travel to a show or clinic or need to take a vacation? Socializing: Despite the expense and drama, boarding barns offer social benefits for riders. Whether its chatting about the contestants on American Idol while cleaning tack, planning which shows to attend or providing a riding buddy, barns are active environments. For less confident riders, they also include the comfort of knowing there will be someone there if you get kicked or take an unexpected leap from the saddle. If you are nervous about riding alone or if your barn friends comprise most of your social circle, owning a farm may not be right for you.
14 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
Get it in writing
Avoid legal issues with detailed contracts Kenny R. Cantrell is an associate in the Orlando office of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Mr. Cantrell focuses his practice in the areas of equine law, commercial transactions, commercial litigation, medical malpractice defense, product liability, and real estate transactions. Mr. Cantrell is licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia and is a member of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Georgia. He recently gave a series of lectures related to equine law to members of Central Florida Dressage Association. Here he shares information with FSM’s Carol Bulmer on the importance of detailed contracts. ### Probably the most important point to consider for people involved with horses is to get everything in writing. Traditionally, for example, a horse sale could be guaranteed with a handshake, but in today’s world that is simply not good enough. And even when you get it in writing, it is important to pay attention to contract details to ensure that you’re protected. So in that regard, I would like to share top representations and warranties that should be included in every written equine sales contract to provide the parties to the sale protection. 1. A clear representation describing the general health and soundness of the horse. This will establish a concrete statement of fact
at that moment of time that was intended to induce reliance and persuade the buyer to purchase the horse. 2. A statement attesting to the soundness and suitability for a particular purpose, such as racing, competition, or breeding, if applicable. This promise if important, particularly to a horse buyer, because it will result in the promise maker being liable for damages if the statement is false at the time of purchase, when the promise was made. It does not matter if the promise maker knew of the statement was false at the time it was made. 3. Any other warranties or disclaimers by the seller. This is of particular importance to sellers, especially those attempting to disclaim all warranties. Every seller should be aware that, if you commonly engage in equine commerce and activity, the law will imply certain warranties by operation of law to your contract unless properly waived. The goal with these representations and warranties is risk allocation. Each representation and warranty established a standard of liability. Therefore, if the statement is false-whether the known to be false or not- then the standard has not been met and the party making the statement is subject to liability. In this way, both parties can allocate risk between each other in a manner that
5th ANNUAL HORSE FESTIVAL
Kenny Cantrell III esq with Keiko a 14 yr old TB gelding shown in Dressage by Adam Motyczka. best suits their purposes and resources. The take away is simply this- The degree of risk that each party assumes with respect to a sales contract varies depending on how broadly or narrowly the statements in the contract are drafted. A handshake agreement, as a base line, however, does not provide much, if any protection for either party. A handshake deals leaves the parties involved with tremendous risk of completely losing control of the agreement they entered in the first place. Thus, the Law Savvy Equestrian should take heed and, no matter how familiar they are with the other party or how inexpensive the horse may be, first things first—Get it in Writing.
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Neighcation destinations
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 15
From beach rides to camping, Central Florida offers an array of equestrian adventures
Dreamstime
Jeremiah Edwards Everyone is familiar with a stay-cation: taking some time off work to just hang out at the house. Sometimes there’s nothing better than to relax and spend some time with your favorite four shoed friend, polish a saddle and clean out the barn. But what if you want to get out of the house, and put some road between your sunrise and your sunset? Sometimes life calls for a Neigh-cation, and Ocala is just the place to take it. Nationally recognized as horse country, Ocala stands out as a great place to ride partly because of the Green Way trail system, which just happened to be sort of an accident. Peggy Litt from the Golden Acres Foxtrotter Farm, a fully operational farm and equestrian destination, explains how the trail, a perfect place for an equestrian getaway, came to be. “The whole trails system was originally supposed to be a canal straight through the middle of the state so that ships could go from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico with out having to go around Florida, but it never happened and now there are over 110 miles of trails.” With the heat here in Florida being comparable to perhaps the planet Venus, it’s no wonder that any activity that involves the outdoors, which
includes horseback riding, takes place in the winter months. “Because of the heat here in Florida I call riding season from around Oct. to about June and this is our 6th season, starting our 7th this Oct. “ Peggy said. However while there tend to be more events in the winter months, Foxtrotter never shuts down. It’s a fully operational ranch. “Yes we breed, we sell, we train we do everything!” With the very name Ocala, (which translates to “Big Hammock”) it’s hard to imagine a place that screams vacation more. But it’s not just a great place to relax, there are several places to stay and
‘‘
...THERE’S A CERTAIN TYPE OF EXHILARATION THAT FEELS LIKE IT HAS BEEN PLUCKED RIGHT FROM THE SILVER SCREEN, AND THAT COMES FROM RIDING IN THE CRASHING WAVES OF THE BEACH.
take advantage of the hiking and riding trails, not to mention the nearby Rainbow River according to Peggy. “A lot of people that come in the summer will ride in the early morning to avoid the heat and then go swimming or tubing down the Rainbow River,” she said. Just to the west of Ocala proper is The Gingerbread Hill Farm, which borders the Goethe forest and the Ocala National forest and boasts easy access to over 500 miles of trails many of which are in direct access to the property. The Gingerbread Hill Farm features six, 12 x 12 stalls for horse lodging as well as seven private paddocks that fit up to three horses. As far as the humans are concerned there are four RV Hook ups with water and electric. However, if you don’t feel like roughing it, they have several rooms with kitchen access and Wi-Fi. They also rent adventure in the form of a couple of kayaks. A little south in Bushnell is the Cypress House Ranch, which offers riding lessons for kiddies and even has a summer camp for girls. Don’t worry, for only 20 dollars per night, they can accommodate your horse for you, and they also have horses on premises in case you want
to travel with a horseless friend. However the bed and breakfast is closed from June 1st until Aug 15th in
Equestrian Campsites
The following state parks allow campers to bring their horses. Find more information at floridastateparks.org
order to host the girls’ summer camp. The rest of the year the ranch offers six different rooms to rent all of varying price to meet different budgets. If you want to keep your riding to the Greenway trails then there’s no place more smack in the center than the Golden Acres Foxtrotter Ranch. A fully functioning ranch has a cabin to rent, or you can rent a 30 amp RV or camper spots for $20 a night, and your horse can stay for $15. The Greenway trails are a haven from the modern world. “There are no motor vehicles and each of the trails is marked for hikers or for riders, “ Peggy said. But there’s still some civilization close by for a night out on the town. “There are restaurants, stores even movie theaters between 5 and 10 miles away depending on
which way you turn” While sticking to the trails can provide a wonderful ride, there’s a certain type of exhilaration that feels like it’s been plucked right from the silver screen, and that comes from riding in the crashing waves of the beach. Just a couple hours drive from Ocala is Bradenton Beach, and while horses are not allowed on the Gulf beach proper, they are allowed and common on the causeway. Clearly the options in and around Central Florida are wide. Whether you want a proper bed and breakfast, or a more natural camping trip, there’s sure to be a horse friendly venue for you and your equine friend.
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16 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
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Dreamstime
With winter circuit shows just around the corner, the summer is the perfect time to prepare for the rigors of competition. From tackling training glitches to handling show nerves to packing the perfect trunk, three FSM contributors offer insights on how to approach competitions feeling prepared and confident.
Martha Grace
Misty Nichols
Amber Kimball
18 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
Timeline Traps
Show preparation begins with adhering to a realistic training schedule Amber Kimball
S
howing usually seems like a great idea at first. In the beginning, you’re all smiles. You gather all of the paper work and membership numbers for yourself and your horse and chose a show, or maybe a series of shows, to enter. On the way to the mailbox, with the entry forms and a hefty check stuffed into the envelope you grin and think, “This is great! We are going to have so much fun. Dobbin and I are really ready for this show.” Suddenly, you’ve created a training timeline for yourself and your horse to follow. Anyone who has spent more than a minute around a horse will know that the only schedule a horse cares about is the one that pertains to the delivery of his grain bucket. Humans, however, care greatly about deadlines, especially when there are blue ribbons are involved. Once the show entry envelope disappears into the mailbox, the human is on a mission to make the horse into a champion. The horse, unaware of his human’s plans, is left wondering what the heck happened to his formerly happy, relaxed, rider? The best way to make sure you don’t become your horse’s worst nightmare in the weeks leading up to a show is to only enter classes that are already well within the abilities of yourself and your horse. It’s tempting to push ourselves and our horses to move up a level, but good training rarely happens in a time crunch. As someone who has taught a horse to rein back the day before he had to do it in a dressage test, I can attest that it sometimes works out just fine. More often though, it’s a sure way to make a stressed-out rider and a grumpy, confused horse. If you stick to working on what you and your horse already know in the weeks before the show, your horse may still be happy to see you when it’s time to load up for the competition. Even if you are competing at a comfortable level, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. High expectations are always good but remember the old horseman’s saying: ask much, expect little, reward often. Your horse won’t understand why you’ve suddenly become a drill sergeant and may find ways to convey his displeasure toward your rigorous exercises and nitpicking. Occasionally, the horse will develop minor training issues in the days or weeks before a show or old training troubles might reappear. Uncanny coincidence? Probably not. It’s very easy to forget about training for the long term goals and focus on the horse show looming in the near future. This leads to frazzled riders and stressed out horses. Instead of drilling the requirements of the show ahead, be sure to focus on the basics first, creating a correct, balanced and relaxed horse and then add the skills required for the show. With a show ahead, riders often concentrate on the aspects of the show that are most challenging for
Martha Grace
Amber Kimball prepares Zamboni for the ring. A successful show can be sabotaged by the rider suddenly changing her training plan prior to the event. themselves or their horse. Preparation is always important but schooling a movement too much can lead to tension in the horse and frustration for the rider.
Remember, although there is a show in the immediate future, we need to train our horses for success
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 19
If at first you don’t succeed... Don’t allow doubts to destroy show-ring goals Karen Abbattista
W
e all have them, nagging insecurities that keep us from accomplishing all we would like to do. We have secret fears that limit us, whispered doubts that creep in and chip away at our confidence. Anxiety prevents us from making progress, from attempting challenges, from moving on. Even for seasoned professionals, horse showing can be a nerve- racking expedition. There are so many variables. There is so much that can go wrong; it’s not just about you, but also the horse. There are endless “what ifs” and multiple scenarios all ending in disappointment, embarrassment and disaster. Rewind to the 2009 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as Jan Eberling entered the ring on his horse, Rafalca. Perhaps it was the lighting, the smoke, or the crowd, but Rafalca became frightened and every time she neared the judge, she refused to go forward. Eberling describes that moment as one of the biggest disappointments of his career. Indeed, we all felt for him as he did his best to finish his ride. For me, it was a liberating moment. Even at the highest level of the sport, things don’t always go as planned. Why worry? Accept it, prepare for it, embrace it! In an interview for Dressage Today, Eberling said, “I received a lot of positive press for finishing my ride and smiling. That’s part of who I am. I don’t quit. I got a lot of support afterward from rider friends like Robert Dover, who was there when I came out of the arena. He said, ‘Do you remember at the Los Angeles Olympics when I could not get my horse out of the piaffe? Stuff like that happens to all of us. Be done with it, and get on with life.’ My coach, Wolfram Wittig, told me, ‘That’s horses. Today there was nothing you could do.’ The most common fear is not of illness or accident but of public speaking; showing is the equestrian equivalent of that. What we fear is not showing, but trying and failing. Mistakenly, we tie our self worth directly to our performance on one certain day. We dream big, lose perspective and invest everything emotionally in the outcome. We set ourselves up for a disappointment that lingers for days. There is nothing wrong with setting goals and having high expectations. Winning the blue at Nationals is indeed something to dream about. If you or your horse have limited experience, it’s unlikely to happen your first year. It’s possible, not probable, which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Rather than becoming laser focused on where you want to go, a better plan is to chart your progress with smaller, more manageable benchmarks. Build a chain of realistic successes to help you climb toward your ultimate destination. For example, your goal might be Nationals, but your action plan may go something like this:
Misty Nichols
Karen Abbattista on Divi. From dealing with spooky show situations to handling disobedient horses to going off course, every rider has faced the same show ring demons. 1. Do your homework! The USEF rule book contains all the answers. Read the section on your discipline. 2. Create a training program. Don’t expect to be a weekend warrior, riding once or twice a week, and compete successfully at a high level. That takes dedication, you and your horse need to be mentally and physically conditioned. If you want to be casual about your training, you cannot expect professional results. Work with a trainer on a regular basis. 3. Plan a show schedule. Show frequently enough to learn how your horse reacts in different environments. After each performance, review what went right, and areas of opportunity for improvement. 4. Identify and tackle issues. Look at your test sheets. Where do you consistently score five or below? Make a list and a plan to address them. Training is tedious at times, there are no short cuts. Weaknesses ignored today reappear magnified tomorrow. Sooner or later you are forced to acknowledge them. It’s not a matter of if, but of when. Caution! Be forewarned, as with any journey,
there are often roadblocks and detours along the way. Horses seem to have their own agenda. You almost always end up taking the scenic route, filled with many twists and turns and several unplanned rest stops. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need,” The Rolling Stones When I got Rebel Kartoon, it was for a purpose. He was the horse that was going to help me earn scores I needed for the USEF ‘R’ Judge’s license. I was super focused on what I wanted to accomplish, and with military precision had organized everything toward that goal. As with the best laid plans, my first show with Kartoon was a disaster. He shut down; he simply froze. He was an unwilling dance partner who had no desire to be in the ring. It was absolutely awful! I had a choice. I could get a different horse, one without the mental baggage, and quickly earn my scores. Or, I could see what I could do with Kartoon. All of a sudden, my scores didn’t seem so important. For me, no goal is greater than earning
20 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
the heart of a horse. I chose to go back to the basics with Kartoon. He taught me patience, and refined my skills as a rider and trainer. Slowly, carefully, I worked with him, earning his respect, winning his trust. Our scores climbed from a ‘wish I could erase it, have to do my homework’ 52% to 80.667%! The original destination became irrelevant. What was more rewarding was the journey. What else cripples us? We fear humiliation and embarrassment. We fear being laughed at or ridiculed by others. News update! The example of Jan Eberling at the World Cup being the exception, most of us do not have an audience fixated on our ride. We are lucky if our family and friends even come to the show. If they do, they are likely to be distracted by conversation and paying little attention. And, if something does go wrong, guess what? You are not alone. We have all been there at one time or another. My husband laughs and describes my first “dressage” horse as the ultimate show nerve schoolmaster. Bo ran through a litany of misbehaviors at his one and only show. Rearing, bucking, bolting, stopping, not wanting to enter the ring….if belt buckles were awarded in dressage, I certainly would have won one. They say ignorance is bliss and in my case, that is very true. It didn’t occur to me to be embarrassed or nervous; it was a major accomplishment just to finish the test mounted! Not the triumphant foray into the world of dressage that I had envisioned.
Did I give up and quit riding? Absolutely not! I figured there was little that could be done to humiliate me after that. Then I showed Ringo. Dear Ringo was a beautiful chestnut Arabian with a flaxen mane and tail, all fire and flash. On more than one test sheet was written “very opinionated horse.” At one of his first schooling shows, tracking left, he jumped right, dragging the chain arena with him. Stakes flew out of the ground, further spooking him. He whirled around, wrapping the chain around his legs and halted petrified. We were eliminated for leaving the arena. The ring was unwrapped from Ringo’s legs, reassembled, and the show continued on. I contemplated contesting on the grounds that technically, we never actually ‘left’ the ring. If you are going to ride and show horses, you most definitely need to have a sense of humor! What else might scare you? Going off course? Been there done that! No big deal, don’t let it rattle you. There was also a time when I was on course, but the bell rang. Confused, I halted and looked to the judge for guidance. She apologized; she was incorrect. I had to gather my wits back together and continue with the test. Mistakes happen. On one test sheet, I received both a 2 and a 9. A clever rider recovers quickly and refocuses, not allowing one mistake to mar the entire ride. A spook, a shy, is but a moment. Take a deep breath and carry on.
Scared of the judge? Contrary to popular belief, the judge would like nothing better than to reward you with a high score. There is nothing more delightful than watching a wonderful ride. However, they are stewards of the sport and committed to upholding the standards. If today, your ride came up lacking, they must regretfully score and comment on what they see. Their hope is that you learn from their report card. They want you to improve. At the end of the day, how you compare to anyone else is irrelevant. I’ve come in last place with a score over 70%. I’ll take that any day. I’m competing against myself, charting my progress with my horse. Am I improving, is my horse? If the answer is yes, I am happy. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. A good friend has a great saying. She is one of my students, and can be quite intense about her riding. She is also quite self aware, and knows when she’s getting too serious. “Can’t win yoga!” is the phrase, which diffuses tension and immediately causes her to relax and smile. It’s the same with riding, if it’s all about winning, you’ve already lost. If it’s about partnership and harmony, and having fun with your horse, you will win more than ribbons. You will find joy in small victories, and learn life lessons about trust and communication and about yourself. And, if you are lucky, at the end of the day, you may even find you have won something far more precious. You may even win the heart of a horse!
Janeane Reagan, PhD Sports Psychologist ~ Author ~ Speaker
Let Janeane help you maximize the use of your mind when you ride or drive and have fun doing it! Available for club presentations, workshops and individual sports performance consultation. 352-643-0126 janeanereagan@netscape.net www.yourmindmatters.net
Rein in Your Brain
Janeane Reagan, PhD A practical guide to harnessing the power of the mind in order to make every aspect of equestrian life more enjoyable and more successful. Available from... www.friesenpress.com/bookstore and Amazon.com
Florida Sporthorse Magazine 21
Inside Out
Thinking ‘inside the box’ helps polish show ring performance
Kathy Cline
Professionals understand that packing for a show involves preparing for every possible scenario from dusty boots to torn jackets.
Laurie Ann Salmi
B
eing a successful horseperson- whether in the show arena or on a leisurely trail- is built upon steady development of knowledge. Tor those riders fortunate enough to have access to professional guidance, opportunities to learn are readily available. For others, chances to learn something new can be allusive. One of the best ways to gain new knowledge is to benefit from the experience of others. I’ve found it very interesting and educational to peek inside professional’s trunks or grooming bags to see what items they can’t live without! So, for Trunk check #1, we look inside Lisa Forman’s trunk! Lisa Forman, USEF R Hunter/Jumper judge, resident trainer at Windmill Stables in Weston, FL and owner of Signaturespurs.com, certainly understands what it takes to be successful in the show arena. Forman considers first and foremost, the horse’s welfare. Inside her immaculate trunk (and barn) - one would find very traditional and classic
items: clean brushes, towels, well-fitting clean tack, a boot polishing kit and of course peppermints. Lisa admits that she breaks her own No Treat rule regularly! She quite dislikes dirty boots- A little hint she offers is to make sure you wipe the bottom of your boots after mounting…remember judges can see the soles of your feet! Lisa- both a trainer and judgegreatly appreciates a well-turned out horse and rider. She is quick to add that fancy equipment mean
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GETTING THROUGH THE DRESSAGE TEST IS LIKE EATING YOUR BROCCOLI SO YOU CAN GET TO THE CHOCOLATE CAKE. SOME PEOPLE LIKE BROCCOLI, SOME DON’T, BUT EVERYONE AGREES THAT IT’S GOOD FOR YOU.
nothing if the rider doesn’t put in a good ride. “A horse performs the way it’s ridden.” Again she reiterates that for a horse to perform well, its needs must be paramount! Having equipment organized and ready, makes it much easier for the rider to prepare the horse. I asked Forman what her clients would say about her if asked- “Picky, but in a good way,” she chuckled. This goes right back to her mantra to put the horse first! Our second Trunk Check comes from Ellie Scofield, owner and trainer of Galloways Farm in Parkland, FL. Scofield runs a successful dressage training facility which boasts a strong amateur clientele. All Pros know that getting themselves ready for competition is hard enough but to educate and prepare amateur clients takes even more dedication and creativity. I asked Ellie about her program and how she gets horses and riders ready. “I am typically old fashioned when it comes to preparing our horses for the show ring but we are regularly complimented on their gleaming coats!”
22 Florida Sporthorse Magazine
Inside her trunk, one would find a great curry comb, clean rags and lots of them (sounding familiar???). “I wasn’t kidding when I said a curry, a clean curry will get even the worst stains out along with a very slightly barely damp clean rag,” said Scofield. “This works best on a horse with a terrific gleaming coat. Whenever I can I try my best not to have to bathe and wash the oils out of a stained area even on a grey coat or a white sock.” One would also find T-Gel Shampoo (generic or name brand). Scofield feels this product is great for horses that rub their braids. “Only use this on manes and tails,” she said. Another item is baby oil. Scofield uses this for rough elbows or scars, dry spots the night before showing so they get soft and pliable and helps get rid of any flaking skin. A few personal items not necessarily related to the grooming box for horses but just as important are: Rescue Remedy - Bach Flower Remedy, great for upset stomach and show nerves! Extra sets of stud earrings – Scofield likes to be prepared herself and also makes sure her clients have what they need. “Someone always forgets their earrings, and we like to look pretty after all!” Black electrical tape is also found in Scofield’s trunk (and probably 90% of every other pro’s) – it can repair riding boots, shoes, coat hems, and any number of things, but doesn’t leave the permanent goo of duct tape. Besides having tack trunks for equipment, some trainers have grooming bags or storage bags. “I have a big canvas bag, it was a gift from Carol Cohen years ago with my horse’s name embroidered on it,” Scofield said. “It has been christened the “show bag” by her clients and whatever might be needed - it is probably in that bag. “Missing a spur strap? Look in the bag. Need a curb chain cover? Look in the bag. Sun screen? Different bradoon? All in the bag! Cannot live without that Show Bag!!” I also asked Scofield something unique her clients would say about her. “I am always ready to go with whatever comes at us. Weather disasters, crazy show changes, you name it, I can make it happen in a good way for everyone people & horses included!” Just like Forman, Scofield’s preparation sets clients up for success. Successful trainers not only care for horses, they must also show exceptional service to their human
Kathy Cline
Dressage trainer Ellie Scofield on Indy. clients. Both Scofield and Forman demonstrate that the horse’s care is the priority…and without the horse being at the top of their game, the clients would not be successful. Having spent time with both of these trainers, I can say that they are women of integrity and talent. They both share the same commitment to doing things right the first time and as Scofield said, “Sweat Equity is valuable - we don’t bathe our horses for horse shows, we groom!” I think that both Forman’s and Scofield’s clients are also getting ‘groomed’…groomed for success from a well-stocked, organized Trunk of Knowledge!
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