Gaitpost Magazine - Jan. 2015

JanuaRy 2015 hayley STRadling 路 BRonTe CReeK 路 david maRCuS

Congratulations

Ben raDvanYi

THE

ISSUE

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January 2015

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JanuaRy 2015

contents 22 depArTmenTS

7 TidBits royal Bits 17 Industry news Wesley Clover Parks Hosts HrH The Princess royal

19 Vet’s View understanding renal Disease

31 feI news HM Queen Elizabeth II 26 36

receives Inaugural FEI Lifetime achievement award conformation clinic Dressage vs Cutting discipline reports Tinne Tops reem acra Leg at Stockholm

feATureS 12 Behind Barn doors: Bronte creek by Jessica Lefroy 22 A dressage Queen walks on the wild Side by E. Klawer 27 hayley Stradling winning across the country

by Jessica Lefroy

44 one on one with david marcus

by Jane Mcleod

47 A wing and a prayer

35 exercise of the month Planks 42 on coaching The Human Element

by Kim McDougall

63 mane mare by J.W. Equine

58 equitation Science Introduction To Equitation Science

In ThIS ISSue

ON THE COVER: haley Stradling of aldergrove, BC, had a show season like no other, winning the CET national Medal Finals and the Jump Canada Medal Finals. See page 27

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10 18 48 53 59 56 59 62 61 62

headline news horse council Bc news Sales catalogue equestrian properties Jump Alberta news horse Trials Bc news BchJA news competition calendar noticeboard Advertisers’ Index

“With horses it’s another world in that it reduces you to just the person in relation to the animal, and you’re not a Queen, you’re just a human being.” The Queen’s cousin, Margaret Rhodes, on the importance of horses in The Queen’s life. See Page 32 January 2015

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Julia Tops Brazeau ZF 2011 Mare by Atlantic VDL & Maya International Breeding Operation ZeidlerFarm.com

Volume 15 Issue 1

CanaDa’S GREATEST lITTlE hORSE MaG

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TIDBITS

istockphoto/oversnap

by Eleanor Klawer

Royal Bits

T

his month’s Gaitpost is full of impressive achievements and heartfelt thanks, and the ‘Royal’ theme seemed to pop up a lot. From Langley’s Haley Stradling winning at the Royal West and the Royal Winter Fair, to Queen Elizabeth receiving a lifetime award from the FEI (page 31), royalty obviously holds a much-loved place in the horse world. The Dressage Queen went western, and Princess Anne dedicated a park in the heart of Ottawa! (page 17) We treat our horses like royalty, their wishes are our commands (most of the time!), and we roll out the red carpet to some of the best clinicians in the world! This ‘Congratulations’ issue is a tradition with the Gaitpost, to give readers an opportunity to acknowledge awesomeness in their world. I

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believe this sport can grow without limits, and it needs to start with grass roots support and appreciation for everyone that volunteers their time or works tirelessly for little reward to further the love of the sport, as well as recognition to the athletes that put their all into it, every ride.

There are so many of these amazing people…. well done!

Maureen Walters told us congratulations are in order for three ladies that completed her coaching course last spring and achieved their EC coaching certification in 2014. Elaine Marsen received her Instructor of Beginners certification,

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Tidbits continued on page 8 January 2015

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kit thomas

CHERYL KEITH

Kassidy and Will I Am, Reserve at the Royal West.

John with Kit Thomas and Sarah Champoux in the cold!

Tidbits continued from page 7 Donna Wnuk her Competition Coach, and Elizabeth Brown has just one more task to complete for her Competition Coach Specialist. Maureen wishes them the best as they continue to learn and develop in their chosen careers. go, girl!

Queen Margaret’s School sent word that Cheryl Keith, the Head Equestrian Coach at QMS, just returned with student/daughter Kassidy Keith from the Royal West in Calgary, where Kassidy and Will I Am earned Reserve Champion in Junior Hunters, first place in the Junior Equitation class, and 5th overall in the CET Finals. Well done! thumbs up!

Kit Thomas of Cobblestone Farm gave us this review of the recent John Turner clinic they held: “Wow, I learned so much during this clinic!” “John is such a fantastic teacher!” “I never believed I could improve my riding this much in just three days!” “It is sooo cold!” Those are just some of the more emphatic comments made by participants after the first ever three-day “John Turner Clinic” at Cobblestone Farm. John, who operates Thumbs Up Farm near Seattle, Wash. together with his partner Jack Hammond, is a veteran of the show ring for over 35 years and well known for his no-nonsense yet entertaining approach to teaching riders. Held on November 14th to 16th at Cobblestone Farm’s beautiful facilities near Fort Langley, the clinic was attended by 13 riders of all ages and skill levels. Clinic groups were limited to 4 participants per session and based on height of jump and manner of going for Hunter, Equitation and Jumper rid8

January 2015

ers. Despite the cold weather and temperatures well below freezing, all riders learned a lot and enjoyed the clinic. Auditors were welcome to observe the lessons free of charge. John Turner returned to Langley to facilitate the “Cobblestone Christmas Clinic” on December 12th and 13th.

The next clinic has tentatively been scheduled for January 2015. Please visit www.cobblestonefarm. ca for more information.” This quality of clinic and facility is what is going to keep developing our sport and industry.

Best of Luck!

Gaitpost attended the Vanderveen Hay Sales Night of Appreciation a few weeks ago, and had a great dinner and a great time. It was a big crowd gathered to recognize John Vanderveen for his many years of devotion to the hay business that his family has owned for decades. John’s sons are taking over the business, having been a part of it all their lives, and had some very funny stories to tell about working for their father. They also recognized long-time employees, spouses, and clients, with lots of photos of the evolution of Vanderveen Hay Sales. We wish the ‘boys’ all the best, and John, we hope your new farm is everything you dream it will be. Not too many people retire and take up farming to ‘slow down’!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome Samba Hit V! The 6 year old licenced Brandenburg Stallion sired by Sandro Hit out of Brentano II, proudly owned by Ben and Leidy Vermeulen, to be trained by Rochelle Kilberg, has arrived in North America. They are very excited about the future of the horse. “He has such

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headlinenews Bit by Bit

Tidbits continued from page 8 a kind and willing character,” says Rochelle Kilberg. Fun fact, Samba Hit V is a full brother to the late double world champion Poetin that sold at the 2003 P.S.I. for 2.5 million Euro. Plans are in the works that he is available for breeding in 2016 when not competing in Dressage. ...and thanks!

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank people that have made a difference for me this past year. This is one of those things that once you start, you can’t stop, and I only have so much space to fill, but I will give it a try! This has been a tumultuous year for my family, to say the least, so I really need to thank them first. They circled the wagons to support me in sad times, they encouraged and prodded in doubtful times, and they were cheerleaders in the happy times — everything a family should be. To my students, some of whom have been with me 25 (!!) years, congratulations on your achievements this year, your happy horses, and your ability to find the balance of horses and life.

Thank you for sharing me with Gaitpost — I appreciate your understanding! To the people that tirelessly put on clinics and learning opportunities for everyone — Wendy Christoff and Ali Buchanan come first to my mind, but again, there are so many — thank you! I think your hard work is showing in the improvement in the quality of riding and horses we are seeing in the ring. I continued lessons with Leslie Reid and Ellen Bontje, both of whom are spectacular in their ability to pinpoint the root issue with my horses and clarify solutions. I hope everyone that has a coach that inspires and enlightens takes the time to tell them that they appreciate their skill and insight. And lastly, I have to thank the Red Menace, Bling. You keep me humble, you keep me striving, you dangle brilliance in front of me to keep me trying, you misbehave just enough to make me appreciate the good days, and when your Stupid Human gets it right, you give me the best feeling in the world — thoroughness, willingness, happiness and endless potential. Dude.

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Jump Canada Announces Bursary Recipients for 2014 November 28, 2014: Jump Canada is pleased to announce the young athletes who have been named recipients of the Jump Canada Bursary for 2014.

In recognition of the difficulty that young riders face as they strive to continue their education while also competing at high levels of equestrian sport, Jump Canada developed the Bursary program for athletes aged 14-21 in the Hunter, Jumper and Equitation divisions.

Since its inception in 2002, the Jump Canada Bursary Program has been made possible by a leadership donation of $5,000 from the Samuel Group of Companies.

Jump Canada matches that donation to offer a total of $10,000 in bursary monies.

“I feel that supporting and empowering our youth is one of the most important things that Jump Canada can do,” said Mark Samuel, who helped found the Jump Canada Bursary Program and is a member of the Committee. “I am proud of the role that the bursary program plays in achieving that goal, and I congratulate this year’s worthy recipients.”

The following young athletes were awarded Jump Canada Bursaries in the amount of $2,000 each.

Kathryn Beunder, 14, of Calgary, AB, first started riding at the age of eight. Competing in both the Hunter and Jumper divisions, Beunder has demonstrated her versatility as a rider by winning in both rings. With the long-term goal of participating in the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Beunder also has plans to pursue a university degree once she completes high school.

Richmond, PEI resident Lexy Paynter, 16, capped off a very exciting season this year by finishing in seventh place overall in the Jump Canada Medal Finals at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON, riding Famous, Jennifer Sarsfield’s 12-year-old Warmblood gelding. Paynter plans on attaining a university science degree as soon as she completes high school. As far as her riding plans go, Paynter would like to keep progressing up the Junior/ Amateur Jumper levels.

At home in Halifax, NS, Evan Phinney, 20, joined the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers at the age of seven.

Through the Lancers riding school program, Phinney became a very well rounded horseperson who is knowl-

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edgeable about all aspects of horse care, maintenance and riding. currently enrolled in acadia university, phinney is in her third year studying business. already a veteran of international competition at 15 years of age, samantha starratt of calgary, aB, represented canada at the 2013 Fei children’s international classic Final in Brazil, where she finished in 11th place individual and was a member of the gold medal winning team all while riding a borrowed horse. With the goal of becoming an equine or human chiropractor, starratt’s riding goals include the north american Junior and Young rider championships and, maybe one day, becoming a member of canada’s olympic show Jumping team.

Justine tainsh, 22, of calgary, aB, first started riding on her grandparents’ breeding and training farm. With the goal of competing at a 1.40m, tainsh also plans on becoming an environmental and energy lawyer once she completes her bachelor’s degree in psychology. and The nomineeS foR The fei aWaRdS 2014 aRe… equestrian heroes will soon be ditching their breeches and boots to don tuxedos, ball gowns and high

heels for a glittering competition of another kind. they will fly to Baku (aZe) to be whisked onto the red carpet of the Fei awards on December 14th. the “oscars of the equestrian world” have been organized by the Fédération equestre internationale (Fei) since 2009. eighteen candidates have been shortlisted for this year’s awards, and one from each of five categories will be selected as the winners by a jury of international experts chaired by Fei president hrh princess haya.

Longines rising star - Dedicated to equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent: • irma karlsson (sWe) • Lambert Leclezio (mri) • David Ziegler (can) reem acra Best athlete - athletes who have demonstrated exceptional equestrian skills and have taken the sport to a new level over the last 12 months: • Boyd exell (aus) • Daniel Deusser (Ger) • Jeroen Dubbeldam (neD) • Joanne eccles (GBr) Best Groom Headline News continued on page 16 Headline News continued on page 16

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Behind Barn Doors with Bronte Creek

all photos: POST Farm Structures Inc

by Jessica Lefroy

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T

hough her most recent venture, Bronte Creek, only opened its doors in 2012, owner Judith Bisiker is no stranger to the management practices found in the stables at the top level of the sport. Judith was born in Ontario and grew up in British Columbia, but she also had spent over 30 years based in the UK before returning to Ontario in 2011. A successful competitor herself, she has represented Canada at the Windsor, Badminton, and Burghley Horse Trials, and was in 1984 listed for the Canadian Three Day Event Team. Having spent the better part of her life under the tutelage of the likes of Jack LeGoff, Michael Herbert, Cathy Wedge, and Pamela Arthur, Judith envisioned developing a training facility that targeted a similar foundation for all ages and abilities.

Behind Barn Doors continued on page 14

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astriD appeLs

“The indoor arena has sliding windows on both sides, so while we work the horses we can enjoy lots of natural sunlight and a fresh breeze. The footing is excellent.”

Behind Barn Doors continued from page 13 The initial planning of the facility began in earnest in 2010, while Judith was still living with her two daughters and parents in Glastonbury, UK. She was at the time running a holiday cottage business, having taken almost seven years off from the horse industry. With her daughters about to change schools, the family prepared for a big leap and began planning for the start of a new chapter back in Canada. “It was not my initial intention to build anything grand or over-the-top, but somehow things just evolved,” she explains. “I grew up around horses and have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to top level facilities in BC, where I spent the bulk of my childhood, and in the UK, where I lived my whole adult life. I had a sound knowledge of how a good barn should run.

While I had developed my own ideas in my head as to the layout and design I wanted, I did tour some extremely high-end facilities in Ontario, which I suppose is how my modest plans developed into something a little more elaborate than perhaps I needed. Unlike a lot of the facilities I had the privilege of checking out, I was working to a tight budget and found a builder in Post Farm Structures who catered to my every need and did well to stay within my means.”

Judith had a well-established list of musthaves in the initial plans for Bronte Creek, hav14

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ing also drawn a rough sketch detailing the layout she desired, when she handed over the reins to Neil Post, who was in charge of putting it together into a cohesive design. She laughs that it was at this point things began to get out of hand.

Bronte Creek quickly grew from a modest barn to an expansive facility, the images of the fancy barns she had toured upon arrival in Canada having done little to curb her appetite for the best-of-the-best. “I felt it was easier and more cost effective to build everything I really wanted in the initial stages, as it is generally harder to add on at a later date,” she says. “Having the image of the large fancy barns imbedded in my head did not do much for curbing my appetite for the bigger and better scenario. I battled within myself, so that is how the larger version of Bronte Creek Equestrian Sport Ltd. came to life.”

Construction began on the facility in April of 2011, and Judith says that Post, ‘worked miracles’, to have the horses moved in by January 1st, 2012. She envisioned a facility that was user friendly for staff and peaceful for the horses, in the end designing a unique layout that puts the individual needs of each horse above all. High ceilings throughout give the barn excellent ventilation, and many of the 12x12 stalls, built by System Fencing, have their own windows. “The stalls are built in sections or pods so we can cater

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to the needs of the individual horse and in some cases, its owner,” explains Judith. “Most of the stalls are divided with open bars that were specially made for safety at 2.5", wide rather than the standard 3". For the less sociable, or a horse requiring more privacy, we have full wall partitions and quiet areas in the barn where some horses will settle more quickly. The barn works well and horses who arrive with issues generally are very chilled in a matter of days.”

Four of the 21 stalls can be converted into foaling boxes, and each stall has rubber mats and water buckets that are individually filled to help monitor the water intake. All of the wood used in the construction of the stalls is Ash, carefully chosen as it tends to wear better over time than the softer wood. One of Judith’s favourite practical features are the drains in each aisle of the barn, which help in the event of a burst pipe or when the need to power wash arises. The attached 200' x 90' arena has a large viewing lounge which houses a kitchen, washroom with shower, rug drying room, and individual tack lockers for each horse. There is also a balconied loft area for extra storage, a sitting area for relaxing and “an office which I am too busy to use,” laughs Judith.

There are two wash stalls, a tool area, a hay soak, and several studio spaces that work well for show offices or the occasional overnight sleeping quarwww.gaitpost.com

ters. Central to all activity is a tack and laundry room. Both the barn and arena are lit with lowenergy lighting. “With the barn being divided into sections, we have several access points into the barn and separate corridors for grooming and clipping, which seems to work well when the barn is busy,” says Judith. Attached to the main barn is the property’s original bank barn, which as a part of the second phase of construction has undergone a complete makeover on the lower level, with ten stalls added. Bronte Creek produces its own hay on the property, which is stored in the loft of the bank barn. The two original farm houses on site ensure there are always care-takers available at all hours to keep an eye on things.

Judith is particularly happy with the expansive training opportunities on the property, which are varied and meticulously maintained.

“The indoor arena has sliding windows on both sides, so while we work the horses we can enjoy lots of natural sunlight and a fresh breeze. The footing is excellent. Just a simple fine sand with a man-made fibre from ‘Footing First’ mixed in.

We water and chain harrow daily in the summer and use Mag Chloride during the winter months; it rides beautifully. Hacking on the farm is lovely.

We have 115 acres of undulating land that we have painstakingly restored to its original glory

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Barn Doors continued from page 15 of grass and hay fields. It is an ideal site for producing event horses and riders, which brings us on to the next phase of the Bronte Project.”

Judith has joined forces with two-time Olympian and Chairman of the Canadian Eventing Committee, Peter Gray, who will act as organizer for the Bronte Creek Horse Trials. Debuting in July 2015, they plan to offer Entry to Prelim the first summer and will add an Intermediate course for 2016. “Who knows where we will go after that!”

“Every morning when I walk through my main barn doors and I am greeted by welcoming nickers from my four legged friends and the banter of happy barn workers, I know I am one of the luckiest people on the planet. I have worked hard to get to this point in my life but I am living out a dream which fills me with enormous gratitude. My goal was to set up a training and boarding facility that would offer a high standard of care and exceptional foundation training for the equestrian enthusiast, regardless their

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desired discipline. I am always mindful of the horses’ needs and limitations, and Bronte Creek can cater to anyone who is open minded and willing to learn. I hope we are able to do our bit to raise awareness for the sport and that we can one day boast about our own Eventing stars of the future.”

Headline News continued from page 10 This award is reserved for those all-important, behind-the-scenes team members who work around the clock to ensure that horses get the best possible care and attention: • Alan Davies (GBR) • Jackie Potts (GBR) • Jessica Benbow (GBR) Against All Odds - People who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances: • Roxanne Trunnell (USA) • Sofie Lexner (SWE) • Sudipti Hajela (IND) • Sydney Collier (USA)

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Business Matters

FEI photos

INDUSTRYnews

WESLEY CLOVER PARKS HOSTS HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

H

er Royal Highness The Princess Royal included in her tour of Canada’s Capital Region a visit to Wesley Clover Parks. The Princess Royal walked through the upgraded facilities and met young students and their parents from the Ian Millar School of Horsemanship and from the Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa Carleton (TROtt). Her Royal Highness then dedicated the facility’s new ring for therapeutic riding and other equestrian activities. It is now called The Princess Royal Riding Ring.

“We are thrilled to have Her Royal Highness on hand personally to dedicate this new aspect of our facility,” said Karen Sparks, Executive Director of Wesley Clover Parks. “Her Royal Highness has long been committed to equestrian pursuits and children’s charities and causes. The fact that we bring those passions together as part of our operation made it both opportune and a natural fit to name this ring in her honour.”

The Princess Royal was greeted by Wesley Clover Parks’ Karen Sparks, along with members of the Board of the Wesley Clover Foundation, which funds the Parks. Riding demonstrations www.gaitpost.com

were performed by students of TROtt, and officials provided an overview of their program and its benefits to the Princess Royal.

Dr. Mark Kristmanson, CEO of the National Capital Commission (NCC), which maintains ownership of Ottawa’s Greenbelt lands on which the Parks sit, thanked Her Royal Highness for spending time at the site, and invited her to formally unveil the new Princess Royal Riding Ring — a request she was happy to accommodate.

Wesley Clover Parks is an outdoor recreation and learning hub that promotes health and education through connections with nature and the outdoors, within Canada’s National Capital Greenbelt. The facility was established in 2014 when the Wesley Clover Foundation took over operations of the former Nepean National Equestrian Park and the adjacent Ottawa Municipal Campground.

‘A Royal Canadian Evening’ Raises Over $20,000 for C-DAAP The final numbers are in, and the inaugural

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HORSE COUNCIL BC NEWS hCBC Sport Symposium – January 31 & february 1, 2015 Biomechanics & correctness in Developing horses in sport horse council British columbia brings together olympic silver medallist ellen Bontje and veterinarian and author Dr. Gerd heuschmann. they will be coaching riders through the levels and answering the question, “can the way a horse is trained and ridden translate to unsoundness and a shortened athletic career?” Watch them work together with Bc riders and horses in this unique symposium setting! it does not matter what discipline you ride – correct training keeps your horse mentally and physically able to do the job well. For further details and hotel accommodations please go to: www.hcbc.ca/competition/clinics/seminars registration at the Door 8am to 5pm cost: $100/Day Location: thunderbird show park – 24550 72nd ave. Langley, Bc We look forward to seeing you there! the Bc equine education summit speaker Feature 2015 speakers each month leading up to the summit in march we will be introducing two equine professionals that will be speaking at the 2015 Bc equine education summit and their topics of expertise.

Dr. stephen Duren msc phD topic: What is the best hay for your horse? hay!? What exactly are you feeding that horse? First cut local, second cut local, alfalfa mix from north south east or West; it does makes a difference. come to listen and bring your questions to Dr. Duren for this informative session that will help you choose the best hay for your horse. about Dr. Duren: Dr. stephen e. Duren msc phD - completed his Bachelor of science in animal sciences at the university of idaho. he then went on and earned a master of science and Doctor of philosophy in equine nutrition and exercise physiology from the university of kentucky. Dr. Duren, a former consulting equine nutritionist for kentucky equine research, versailles, kentucky, has formed his own company, performance horse nutrition, LLc. and consults with feed manufacturers and horse owners throughout the world.

Dr. Duren is also the co-author of the sold-out book the concise Guide to nutrition in the horse, and the 101 most Frequently asked horse nutrition questions.

Dr. rebecca Gimenez phD of tLaer, inc. topic:emergency preparedness for horse owners Fire, Flood or .... - are you ready? technical Large animal emergency rescue, inc. offers training nationally and internationally for emergency response services, such as fire departments, rescue squads, law enforcement agencies, emergency management, county and state emergency response teams and animal control officers.

You will learn valuable skills to help prevent emergency situations from occurring on your property or while hauling horses. horse owners will learn the best course of action to take if an emergency does happen and will be given an overview of techniques involved in large animal rescue. this seminar will cover basic horse behaviour, hazards on your property, fire prevention and trailer safety. about Dr. Gimenez: an internationally known speaker and instructor on large animal emergency rescue techniques, Gimenez has a phD in animal physiology and is a decorated officer in the u.s. army reserves. rebecca co- authored and edited the only textbook available to the fire service and veterinarians on technical rescue of large animals. in 2000, she became a primary instructor with tLaer and has continued to grow the research and development of new equipment and techniques internationally. she is a past member and Logistics officer for veterinary medical assistance team (vmat -2), and currently serves as a major in the us army reserves. rebecca’s current scientific research interests include a national survey of trailer accident causality, and a study of physiological responses to technical rescue procedures and equipment.

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by Dr. Lauren Richardson, dvm courtesy paton & martin

VET’SVIEW

understanding renal disease T

he kidneys are the filters of the body, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to clean your horse’s blood. Now imagine that something has clogged the filter, or punched a large hole in it. Compounds that are supposed to be filtered out of the blood get trapped in, and substances that are supposed to stay in the blood may leak out. For this reason, damage to the kidneys has ramifications for your horse’s entire body.

The kidney’s main functions include removing waste products from the bloodstream, maintaining proper water balance, and regulating

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electrolyte concentrations. In fact, despite their relatively small size, the kidneys receive 20% of the total bloodflow in the body – the greatest amount of bloodflow per gram of tissue. If the kidney is not functioning properly, azotemia, an increase in nitrogen-containing compounds that are normally filtered by the kidneys, develops.

Azotemia can be due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, or may be due to primary kidney damage, or may be a result of obstruction of the ureters, bladder, or urethra. Your veterinarian

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Vet’s View continued on page 20 January 2015

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Vet’s View continued from page 19 can differentiate between these causes by performing some simple diagnostics.

Clinical Signs and History: The clinical signs associated with renal disease are often nonspecific and can be quite varied, predominantly depending on the underlying cause of the condition. The most common clinical sign for horses with urinary tract disease, including kidney disease, are weight loss and abnormal urination. Although the kidneys are located above the horse’s flanks, lumbar/back pain and hindlimb lameness are rarely attributable to renal disease.

As part of his or her exam, your veterinarian will obtain a thorough history about your horse and the course of the clinical signs you have observed, including duration and type of clinical signs, number of horses affected, diet, medications administered, and response to treatment.

Diagnostic Tests: In addition to obtaining a detailed history, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, which may include a rectal palpation to feel for abnormalities related to the kidneys, bladder, or ureters.

The most important diagnostic test that your veterinarian can perform in a suspect case of azotemia is a urinalysis, especially assessing the urine specific gravity (USG). A USG that has the same concentration as blood serum is indicative of renal insufficiency. Interestingly, approximately 75% of renal function must be lost before renal disease is recognized clinically. Additional information gained from a urinalysis includes the urine pH, protein and glucose content of the urine, and if blood, inflammatory cells, or bacteria are present. This test is most commonly performed in combination with a systemic blood panel to evaluate blood cells and chemistry parameters. Creatinine and urea (BUN) are both compounds excreted by the kidneys, and can therefore be measured in the blood as a test of kidney function. If the concentration of both of 20

January 2015

these compounds is elevated, then overall renal function may be compromised. Elevated creatinine and BUN in combination with an abnormal urine specific gravity is usually diagnostic for kidney dysfunction. Abnormalities in electrolyte values further support a diagnosis of urinary tract disease.

Ultrasound is the most common imaging tool utilized to visualize the urinary tract. Size, shape, and echogenicity of the kidneys is evaluated transabdominally. Transrectal ultrasound is useful to evaluate the bladder and ureters, and can help identify obstructions such as bladder stones.

A Few Causes: Acute kidney injury most commonly occurs in horses secondary to another disease process or due to certain medications, including some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

The most common causes of acute renal failure in horses are decreased blood supply to the kidney and substances that cause direct damage to the kidneys. Decreased blood supply can be due to certain disease processes such as persistent dehydration, shock, or acute blood loss. Important medications that can damage the kidneys are aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Gentamicin and Amikacin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Bute and Banamine.

It is important to note that these medications used at the appropriate dosage in a systemically healthy horse are unlikely to cause renal damage, but may cause damage if used at inappropriate doses or in horses with other systemic disease or dehydration.

Treatment/Therapy and Prognosis: Treatment for horses with acute renal failure initially should focus on reversing the underlying cause and correcting fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. This requires hospitalization, as intravenous fluids are a mainstay of therapy. In addition, further medications such as diuretics and compounds to correct electrolyte imbalances may be required. The most important factor in determining prognosis is the duration of

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acute renal failure before initiation of therapy – the sooner therapy begins after onset of disease, the better the prognosis. It is important to note also that a successful outcome is not necessarily associated with complete return of normal kidney function. Horses that clinically recover from acute renal failure may never fully regain the ability to concentrate urine as well as before the onset of disease, but this does not necessarily prevent them from performing at their current level of work. Long-term monitoring with bloodwork after recovery is important for any horse that has experienced acute kidney injury to avoid further damage. In general, keeping your horse well-hydrated and following veterinarian guidelines when administering medications can go a long way in preventing this disease process.

Originally from College Station, Texas, Dr. Lauren Richardson has been riding horses since she was 7, and has known she would grow up to be a horse vet since about the same time! After high school Lauren moved to California to attend the University of California – Davis, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, and then staying on to achieve her Doctorate at the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Lauren has a particular interest in equine lameness, surgery, and critical care. When she is not at the clinic, Lauren enjoys exploring the beautiful (if not somewhat too cold and rainy) British Columbia, baking, and snuggling with her Australian Shepherd mix, Sadie.

Industry News continued from page 17 ‘A Royal Canadian Evening’, held November 6 at the historic Casa Loma in the heart of Toronto, proved to be an extremely successful fundraising event, raising more than $20,000 for the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP).

Founded by Deborah Kinzinger Miculinic, C-DAAP was developed as a means of assisting Canadian Dressage athletes at the junior, young rider and high performance levels with the training, competitive and educational expenses incurred during their quest to represent Canada on the world stage. To date, seven high performances athletes — Jacqueline Brooks, Brittany Fraser, Jaimey Irwin, Megan Lane, Karen Pavicic, Belinda Trussell and Chris Von Martels, have received C-DAAP grants totaling more than www.gaitpost.com

$130,000, and now have their sights set on the 2015 Pan American Games to be held on home ground in Toronto, ON. In addition, C-DAAP has contributed over $30,000 to various rider support programs.

‘A Royal Canadian Evening’ brought friends of Canadian Dressage together, with all of the net proceeds going to support C-DAAP. Canadian astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield entertained the audience as the keynote speaker at the black-tie affair, auctioning off the Canadianmade Norman guitar he played at the end of the evening. The Countess Bathurst was the Patron of ‘A Royal Canadian Evening’ while Canadian comedian Neil Aitchison acted as Master of Ceremonies. Butternut Ridge was the presenting sponsor, joined by supporting sponsors Omega Alpha and Groundswell.

With a variety of tempting items up for auction, the elegant dark bay filly, Bojidar, donated

by Butternut Ridge, attracted the highest bid of the night. A bidding war erupted over a travel package to England that included a one-week stay at The Earl and Countess Bathurst’s estate in the Cotswolds, two nights at the Hampshire Four Seasons Hotel and Equestrian Centre, and a $2,000 Air Canada gift voucher to travel in style.

Also proving extremely popular was the opportunity to customize a package with six-time Canadian Olympian, Christilot Boylen. As a memento of the experience, Boylen also gifted her 1971 Pan American Games Gold Medal won in Cali, Colombia, to the winning bidder.

“With each dollar donated and each fundraiser we hold, C-DAAP will help our riders with funding to train and compete against the best in the world,” concluded Kinzinger Miculinic. “Following this event, Canada is one step closer to reaching the podium in international Dressage.”

Registrations Now Open for the Second Annual Dressage Canada Florida Fortnight Dressage Canada is again pleased to have the opportunity to present and host the Florida Fortnight event which will celebrate, develop and

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anDrea BeauLieu

A Dressage Queen Wa

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Walks On The Wild Side Reined Cow Horse!

By E. Klawer

W

ell, in my continuing quest to sample the different disciplines and discover the similarities in all the equestrian sports, this Dressage Queen went and tried Reined Cow Horse, at TR Performance Horses in Abbotsford, BC. I was extremely fortunate to be introduced to Travis Rempel, and Signed Prescription (Sadie), owned by Deborah Anderson.

Deborah and Travis were very gracious in allowing me to ride this mare, an accomplished Working (or Reined) Cow Horse that won the 2014 NRCHA Northwest, West, and Canadian Regional Championship in the Limited Open Bridle and is leading the world standings heading into the world show this coming February. I don’t know many owners that would let a stranger ride their top performance horse in any discipline, and the opportunity was greatly appreciated. (Perhaps not so much by Sadie, but I loved it!).

To quote the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s website, “In the competitive Reined Cow Horse arena, the finesse of modern horsemanship blends seamlessly with time-tested training methods. The show horses of today trace their performance roots to the meticulous, centuries-old process used by the California vaquero to create his most valuable working partner: a horse that could be controlled by a whisper-light touch on the reins, yet still possess the speed and grit to master the rankest cattle. The culture of the vaquero springs from the early Spanish and Mexican horseman of California who managed rangebred livestock on the vast ‘Californio’ ranches

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during the 18th and part of the 19th centuries.

Many historical accounts describe the rank and wild nature of these cattle. The vaqueros needed a quick-footed, intelligent horse with nerves of steel to assist them with daily chores like branding, sorting and doctoring. A trusted cow horse was a necessity, not an option, and over time, the vaquero developed a training system still revered for its elegance and precision.”

This is a really interesting sport to me — I like that most equestrian disciplines are rooted in practicality and history, and this one is particularly so. It is a very functional combination of Reining and Cutting, and requires extensive training and talent on the part of both the rider and the horse. When I rode Sadie, I did one of each of the maneuvers required by a working cow horse and rider. It starts with a reining pattern, requiring accuracy and balance not at all unlike Dressage. Transitions had to be accurate and on the centre line at X, and the horse had to be prompt, engaged, and willing.

First I loped a large fast circle and a small slow circle on one rein. Sadie was tolerant, and did only exactly as I asked — she definitely knew she had a newbie on board. Then there was a change of leads, the circles the other way, and another change of leads. Considering we were probably speaking a completely different language (or at least dealing with a very heavy accent), the changes happened, nothing to be proud of, but Sadie did her job.

Then the spins. Ok, so this was really cool.

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Reined Cow Horse continued from page 3

Boxing the buffalo

how’s ThaT for a crossover!

photos this paGe: anDrea BeauLieu

a less-thanimpressed Sadie

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The fundamentals of a spin and a Dressage canter pirouette are the same — the horse turns around the inside hind, which stays pretty much on the same spot. She moves off the outside aids, and maintains a rhythm. But that is where the difference lies. What a rhythm! “Bat out of hell” comes to mind. It is 2 and a 1/2 times around, on the centre line, at warp speed. Sadie was so quick off the outside leg, and so balanced that she stayed relatively in place, considering she had little or no help from me! And the moment I put the inside leg on and said whoa, she was in a dead halt. If I could get a whoa on Bling, my Dressage horse, anything like this, I would be so impressed! All while light in the bridle, hardly touching the contact…

And speaking of whoa, next came the sliding stops. I once sat on the back of a 1200 cc motorcycle as the driver matted it down the street, and it was so exhilarating, I remember squealing with excitement. This was along the same lines.

As soon as I lined Sadie up at one end of the centre line, she knew exactly what was coming next, and made zero-to-sixty with acceleration I have never, ever felt before. Poor girl, it totally took me by surprise, and I started to stop her, and then reorganized and carried on, but it was enough to annoy her, and she bucked. On the Bling scale of eruptions, it was a minor 1 out of 10, but it took everyone by surprise. “She bucked!” Travis exclaimed. “She never bucks!” Welcome to my world, Travis… When I said whoa, and pressed against the stirrups, she hit the brakes and slid to a stop. So cool….

The next part of the ride includes “boxing a cow”, or rather, in this case, a buffalo. I asked specifically for a really old, slow, sight-impaired one, and Travis said this was the one, and that it had only hooked one horse and it was months ago. Great. I was actually more concerned that Sadie’s reactions were going to be way quicker than mine, and I would get left out to dry, but it went fairly well, I think. No one pointed and laughed, so that is always a good day. I had a problem multi-tasking — I could stay with the

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nataLie Jackman

Travis and Sadie at the alberta Snaffle Bit futurity and derby.

buffalo back and forth across the end of the ring, if I wasn’t being told to move up closer to it as well. As soon as I tried to do that, I let it by me. It took a few tries before I figured it out. I went cutting some time ago, and had the basic concept, but had only been on a flag, not a live animal. I can totally see the attraction in learning to read the cow, and your horse, and to be so quick in reaction times.

The next part of a competition would have been to “go down the fence”, and had I been more than a rank beginner, I might have done that, but Travis took mercy on me (and Sadie), and didn’t let me try this section. There is a class that the National Reined Cow Horse introduced as a beginner class for people new to the sport and hesitant about running down the fence at full speed with a cow. That would be for me.

Going down the fence involves letting the cow down the rail from the short side of the arena after boxing it, chasing it, sprinting ahead of it past the midpoint of the long wall, turning into the wall causing the cow to reverse down the rail, whereupon you chase it again, and turn it again.

It has to be turned a minimum of once each way, and then it has to be circled as tightly as possible www.gaitpost.com

both ways. Contact with the cow is encouraged.

I watched a video of Travis and Sadie at a competition where they scored very high, and it was beautiful to watch. Like a good Dressage test, it was smooth and seamless, and looked almost effortless, and also like a good Dressage test, it hid the fact that it took an enormous amount of training and effort to look that good.

I watched Travis ride a few horses, and help a few clients, and was struck once again how riding a horse built for the job makes that job so much easier. Watching as he engaged horses, getting the hindleg so far under the body of the horse, it was obvious that these horses were welldesigned. Very strong hindquarters, low in front, good neck and shoulders, and a temperament to take the pressure required to train and perform to this level. I don’t see Bling changing careers any time soon…

Thanks again to Travis, Deborah, and Sadie for this great experience. It is a lovely set-up at TR Performance Horses, with an 80 x 220 foot indoor, a nice bright barn, and a good atmosphere.

I encourage anyone interested in expanding their riding horizons in this direction to contact Travis at rempel.travis@gmail.com.

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conformationclinic by JW Equine

courtesy jw equine

Dressage vs Cutting

A

lthough we tend to think that the disciplines of Dressage and Cutting differ considerably, are they really as different as we think from a mechanical perspective?

When we compare the functional aspects of conformation for successful horses from each sport we find some similarities. Some of the similarities relate to athleticism in general, but some relate to the mechanical requirements of each discipline.

If we start with each horse’s transmission, we can see that each is built to be strong in this area.

Both have a lumbosacral gap (a palpable gap where the vertebral articulation changes just in front of the high point of croup) that is bisected by a line drawn from the point of one hip to the point of the opposite hip. This is in keeping with superior athleticism.

Placement of the stifle protrusion is also similar on each mare. If they were males, the stifle protrusion would be at a level just below the sheath. This is in keeping with the mechanical demands for compression of the hindquarters.

However, the horses differ in the configuration of the rear triangle. The grey mare (a silver medallist at WEG 2006 in Dressage) has an ilium side (point of hip to point of buttock) that is shorter than the femur side (point of buttock to stifle protrusion), which is keeping with the

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range of motion or swing required in upper level Dressage. The sorrel mare is essentially equal on those two sides, which is in keeping with sustained compression of the hind quarters and either a quick release or a sudden change of direction.

If we extend a line up and down through the naturally occurring groove in the forearm, we find that the top emerges well in front of the withers on both mares. This adds to lightness as well as the rise of humerus from elbow to point of shoulder on each mare.

If the bottom of the line representing the pillar of support emerges into the rear quarter of the heel, that is ideal for longevity. The bottom of the chestnut mare’s pillar does that. She is pictured at age 20 at an open Cutting competition where she placed second with an amateur rider.

The grey mare’s emerges at the back of the hoof, which puts additional stresses on the suspensory apparatus of the foreleg. She actually suffered a career-ending injury to her left foreleg, followed three years later by a life-ending break of the right foreleg.

While both disciplines require lightness of the forehand, they are both judged for a different neck set; therefore the grey mare has a higher base of neck than the chestnut — and that is probably the main difference.

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BEN RADVANYI

HALEY STRADLING: WINNING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

By Jessica Lefroy

H

aley Stradling of Aldergrove, BC, had a fall indoor circuit she’s not likely to soon forget. A win in the Running Fox CET National Medal Finals at the inaugural Royal West in Calgary, AB, kicked off the end-of-season success for Stradling, 17, who rode her friend Jenna Powell’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Stanley SM, for the occasion. She had only ridden the horse sporadically in preparation for the finals.

She then made her third trip to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON, when she rode Thunderbird Show Stable’s 12-year-old Altanero to Reserve Championship honours in www.gaitpost.com

the Junior Hunter division, and came home with a win in the Jump Canada Medal Finals aboard the catch ride, Ceylon. With a 2nd and a 5th over fences, and a win in the Junior Hunter Stake en route to their Reserve Championship honours, Stradling and Altanero capped off an impressive year; the pair were also BCHJA Reserve Champions in the Junior Hunter divisions. “I had really good rides on Altanero at both the Royal West and The Royal,” she says. “I absolutely love him to pieces. Every time we walked into the ring he just kept giving me more and more. He definitely

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Haley Stradling continued from page 27

Industry News continued from page 21

jumped his heart out.” Her win in the Jump Canada Finals came aboard Ceylon, a horse trained by Chris Sorensen and Darcy Hayes and owned by Toni Hickox. She had only ridden the horse three times before stepping in the ring for the national finals. “Ceylon gave me great rides and helped me answer all the questions that were asked of the course,” she says. “I can’t thank him enough, and I was blessed to have been able to show him at nationals.”

Stradling grew up around horses and has been competing at the national level in both Cutting, Hunter, Jumper and Equitation divisions from the age of 13. 2014 was a good year for her in the cutting arena as well; coached by Denton Moffat and riding her mom’s horse, Nurse Holly Rey, she finished as the Amateur BC Cutting Horse Association and Senior Youth BC Cutting Horse Association’s Year-End Champion. She qualified for both equitation finals by being one of the top four riders in her respective region, from the Atlantic, Ontario, Prairie, and British Columbia. “I think the equitation has been a huge stepping stone for me to prepare me for my career in the sport. It is truly amazing and a dream come true to have won both finals,” she says. “I love all of the disciplines and am in it for the love of the horse.”

support our talented Canadian athletes, while also providing education and networking opportunities for officials, owners, sponsors and Dressage enthusiasts. Back by popular demand, the second annual Florida Fortnight in Wellington will run from January 25 through to Feb 3, 2015.

The Fortnight is open to anyone. Come down to Florida, and bring your friends. There is lots to see in addition to the sunshine and fabulous shopping. No matter how large or how small your budget, the Fortnight will have something for everyone.

We have many return presenters for the 2015 Fortnight, and also some new faces and experts joining our team.

Sessions will again be held on fitness, nutrition, equine health and maintenance, mental coaching, analyzing performance, supplements for performance, media training and much more.

Added to our Fortnight this year is a clinic for certified coaches and officials with Dr. Volker Moritz. Gather personal insight on the sport

Riders helping Riders enjoy Horses, Sport and Life.

NOVEMBER 2007 SPRUCE MEADOWS • RISING STARS • SAMANTHA TAYLOR

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THE GREATEST LITTLE HORSE MAG • WWW.GAITPOST.COM

ST JUICBIEITS TIDOF THR!E THE

#102-20759 40 Ave. 604-532-2060

YEA

Editor’s note: Haley was a Gaitpost cover girl once before, early in her career! Here she is winning the Tamarack Medal Finals at the BCHJA Fall Show at Thunderbird, 2007.

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Industry News continued from page 28 from one of the most experienced judges. Dr. Moritz has judged at national, European, World Equestrian Games, World Cups and the Olympic Games, and he is truly a sport icon.

Back by popular demand is the headset commentary. Sit and watch some of the top athletes in the world compete at the CDI5* Wellington (February 4-8, 2015) in a relaxed setting while listening to one of the top FEI Dressage judges explain the tests for each athlete from a judge’s point of view.

For more information, contact Dressage Canada at inquiries@equinecanada.ca 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Becomes the world’s Richest Dressage Circuit Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) looks forward to hosting its fourth annual Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in 2015 with ten weeks of fantastic equestrian sport at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. This year’s AGDF

will host three national and seven international weeks of competition running from January 8 through March 29, 2015. The total prize money has increased to more than $650,000, making AGDF the richest Dressage circuit in the world.

“I am incredibly proud to see how the Adequan Global Dressage Festival has grown since its inception and I look forward to its continued success this season,” stated ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo. “With the support of Adequan and the many other dedicated sponsors at AGDF, we have worked from the beginning to inspire the sport of Dressage in America and take it to the next level.

Each year brings further evolution, and we look forward to watching the incredible competition that unfolds during this year’s event.”

The winter season is quickly approaching as AGDF prepares to welcome many of the world’s top horses and riders to the beautiful Dressage facility at The Stadium at PBIEC. International competition includes four CDI-W rated shows, a CDI 4*, a CDI 5*, and the Western Hemisphere’s Industry News continued on page 30

      

 

                     www.gaitpost.com

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Industry News continued from page 29 only non-championship CDIO, which is also part of the FEI Nations Cup series.

A star-studded line-up of competitors is set to show this winter in Wellington. Top U.S. riders, including shooting star Laura Graves and Verdades as well as Steffen Peters and Legolas are scheduled to compete along with top Canadian riders, including the full World Equestrian Games Team and Ashley Holzer. Top European riders such as Laura Tomlinson of Great Britain, Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP), Christoph Koschel (GER) and Michael Klimke (GER), son of the late Dr. Reiner Klimke, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), and Lars Petersen and Mikala Gundersen, both of Denmark, are expected to attend, among many others.

mps Canada for your GE ! nd a christmas course

2015 Cdi SeRieS & KWpn-na annual meeTing Coming on the heels of a wildly-successful inaugural season in 2014, California Dreaming Productions has now announced its 2015 CDI schedule, which includes the renewal of three

international Dressage competitions. The MidWinter Dressage Fair CDI-W/Y/J/U-25 will be held February 20–22 in Burbank, as well as backto-back shows in San Juan Capistrano with the Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W/Y/ J/U-25 on March 20–22 and the Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J/U-25, March 26–28. For the first time, the Festival of the Horse and corresponding Blenheim Spring Classic I & II Hunter/ Jumper show will also host the KWPN-NA Annual Meeting, an event popular with breeders, riders, trainers, and sport horse enthusiasts.

These 2015 competitions will be intense as the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W and Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W are the only two West Coast qualifiers for the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, which returns in spectacular fashion to Las Vegas, Nev. on April 15–19 with the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final. Some of the country’s best Grand Prix horses and riders are expected to compete at these events in an effort to earn a coveted invitation to the Finals.

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FEINEWS

press association

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became the first recipient of the FEI Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch. The award was presented to Her Majesty

by FEI President HRH Princess Haya.

HM Queen Elizabeth II receives inaugural FEI Lifetime Achievement award

H

er Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became the first recipient of the FEI Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch.

The award was presented to Her Majesty by FEI President HRH Princess Haya at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in the presence of former FEI President the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip, and Keith Taylor, Chairman of the British Equestrian Federation.

Horses featured in The Queen’s life from a very young age. She had her first riding lesson in the private riding school at Buckingham Palace Mews in January 1930, when she was just three years old and was given her first pony, the Shetland mare Peggy, by her grandfather King George V on her fourth birthday.

One of The Queen’s favourite horses was the mare Burmese, a present from the Royal Canawww.gaitpost.com

dian Mounted Police in 1969 when they came to perform at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The Queen rode Burmese side-saddle for 18 years at the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which celebrates the Sovereign’s birthday. The President’s Trophy, presented by Prince Philip for many years to the winning country in the FEI Nations Cup series, was a bronze of the Queen and Burmese.

In the Thoroughbred world, horses bred by The Queen have won more than 1,600 races and, of the British Classics, only the Epsom Derby still eludes Her Majesty. She also breeds Shetland, Highland, and Fell ponies to ensure the traditional bloodlines in these native breeds are preserved and enhanced.

The Queen’s cousin, Margaret Rhodes, interviewed last year for a BBC documentary, The

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Fei photos

in 2009 to reward excellence, commitment, dedication and courage. Other global equestrian heroes will be honoured at a glittering Gala Dinner during the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan on December 14th.

FEI News continued from page 31 Queen: A Passion For Horses, believes that the importance of horses in The Queen’s life cannot be overestimated. “When she became Queen, she had to sacrifice an awful lot of emotions and thoughts of the future, but with horses it’s another world in that it reduces you to just the person in relation to the animal, and you’re not a Queen, you’re just a human being.’’

The award is a stunning white gold and diamond brooch of nine interlinked horseshoes, created especially for the presentation, and mirroring the insignia of the FEI Awards.

The FEI Lifetime Achievement Award is part of this prestigious scheme, which was launched

equeSTRianS dominaTe naTional all-SpoRTS aWaRdS nominaTionS in yeaR of The hoRSe Equestrian champions are taking on athletes across all sports in the Year of the Horse in bids to claim top national sports awards in the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland.

The Netherlands’ traditional Sport Gala 2014 announced its nominees, with equestrian heroes featuring in four of the six categories.

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin has already claimed one award and is nominated for two others, while Ireland’s teenage sensation Bertram Allen has been nominated for the Irish Independent Young Sports Star of the Year award.

Jeroen Dubbeldam, double gold medallist at the Alltech World Equestrian Games 2014 and FEI News continued on page 34

Congratulations to all the Rochelle Kilberg Dressage Students in 2014 It’s not the will to win that matters ~ everyone has that.

It’s the will to prepare to win that matters! – Paul (Bear) Bryant Courtney Palleson • 4 Gold Medals BC Summer Games • 3 Silver Medals at the Canadian • Interprovincial Equestrian Championship, Quebec • Overall Dressage and Hack • Champion Rising Star Youth Show and Multiple Championships Mary-Ann Muscat • Gold Medal at the BC Senior Games

Multiple Championships this year for: Ashley Moore • Jane Moore • Amy Cook Femke Onderdelinden-de Bruijn • Darian Beaumier • Cathy Carl

Congratulations to all my students that have reached their personal goals this year!

Rochelle Kilberg -

EC Certified High Performance Coach

HAZELMERE EQUESTRIAN CENTER 604-202-4869 | 215 - 184 Street, Surrey, BC www.HazelmereEquestrianCenter.com 32

January 2015

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FEI News continued from page 32 the Netherlands’ first ever Jumping world title holder, has been nominated for the Best Male Athlete award. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Jumping champion will battle it out against football legend Arjen Robben, world champion in gymnastics Epke Zonderland and four Olympic Winter Games gold medallists in speed skating.

Dubbeldam and his teammates have also been nominated in the Best Team category. The orange quartet of Dubbeldam, Jur Vrieling, Maikel van der Vleuten and Gerco Schröder claimed gold in Normandy and booked a slot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and then went on to score a sensational victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona (ESP) just over five weeks later.

Chef d’equipe Rob Ehrens, responsible for so many “orange-gold” medals, has also been recognized and is nominated in the Best Coach category.

The former rider has steered the Dutch Jumping to multiple successes, and also helped the Eventing team secure its qualification for Rio 2016.

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Another equestrian hero has been nominated for these famous awards, with Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Rixt van der Horst, double world champion, featuring in the Best Paralympic Athlete category along with three other nominees. She collected two individual gold medals and a silver team medal in Normandy on her international debut.

Winners in each of the six categories will be selected by a jury of former Olympic athletes, coaches and sports journalists. The Sport Gala 2014 ceremony took place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on December 16.

Dubbeldam has another nomination, as the emotional moment when his daughter Nina jumped into his arms crying after seeing her father crowned World Champion is one of 10 selected for the Sport in Beeld award. This television award for the best sporting pictures of the year is chosen by public vote and will be presented at the Sport Gala 2014.

Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), last year’s Reem Acra Best Athlete in the FEI Awards has already scooped the Sunday Times & Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year award for 2014, and is now nominated for two other all-sports awards: the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) and the BT Sport’s Action Woman of the Year award.

The London 2012 double Olympic champion has had an incredible year, winning two individual gold medals and team silver at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Lyon (FRA), where Dujardin and her dancing horse Valegro enchanted the public once again.

The 19-year-old Jumping athlete Bertram Allen (IRL), who has been taking the Jumping world by storm with phenomenal successes this year with the mare Molly Malone, was nominated for the Irish Independent Young Sports Star of the Year award, along with four other nominees.

“Bertram is, unquestionably, the biggest sensation in international jumping right now,” the Irish Independent newspaper said about his nomination.

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fei STaTemenT on inveSTigaTion inTo 2012 fei WoRld enduRanCe ChampionShipS The FEI has announced that, following completion of an in-depth investigation into allegations of a switch of horses for the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championships in Euston Park (GBR), no legal action can be taken for procedural reasons and due to a lack of conclusive evidence.

Following receipt of the findings of the investigation last month, the FEI has now evaluated the legal and procedural aspects of the case and it has become clear that, under the rules applicable at the time of the incident in 2012, essential deadlines were missed. Without legal proceedings being initiated within the specified timelines and through the correct channels, the FEI is unable to proceed with the case.

“It is very disappointing that it took such a long time to come to this conclusion,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said, “but this thorough investigation has allowed us to identify some loopholes in our own procedures with regard to the identification of horses through microchips and documents such as FEI passports, recognition cards and duplicates. I have asked our legal department to look at our procedures to identify how we can avoid similar issues occurring in the future.”

Prior to receiving the final report, the FEI had already initiated a detailed review of its administrative processes, putting mechanisms in place that now provide much greater control over the registration and identification of horses. Further proposed changes to the Veterinary Regulations

to improve traceability and accurate verification of horses’ identity will be voted on at next month’s FEI General Assembly.

The FEI is to conduct a full review of its legal system in 2015, including its rules and sanctions.

Proposals for change will go to the FEI Bureau for consideration prior to being voted on by the National Federations at the 2015 FEI General Assembly.

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What’s Happening in all the Disciplines

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DISCIPLINEREPORTS

Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello stepping it out in style on their way to victory in the fourth leg of the Reem Acra Fei World Cup Dressage.

Tinne tops Reem Acra leg at Stockholm T inne Vilhelmson-Silfven steered Don Auriello to victory in the fourth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League at Stockholm in Sweden. In the Grand Prix it was Hans Peter Minderhoud who came out on top with Glock’s First when posting a personal best score. In the Freestyle, however, the Dutchman had to settle for runner-up spot while Sweden’s Minna Telde and Santana sealed third spot.

“I’m really pleased,” said six-time Olympian Vilhelmson-Silfven. “He (Don Auriello) was in over-drive yesterday in the Grand Prix because this is our first show since the World Championships and he was a feeling a bit too happy! Today I was maybe a little bit careful, but anyway I’m delighted with our result!” she said.

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The fixture was staged at a new venue, the Friends Arena which is the Swedish national football stadium located just north of the city of Stockholm. With its retractable roof and vast amount of space it converted into an excellent equestrian sports arena that accommodated a wide range of activity throughout this week’s Swedish International Horse Show, including a thrilling indoor Cross Country competition.

The atmosphere for Dressage is always expected to be considerably more reserved, but the home crowd couldn’t contain their delight with Minna Telde’s performance from the great Santana who really turned on the style. The 13-yearold horse is always a favourite for the courage he has shown since losing an eye following an accident some years ago. And with a Christmas-

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Fei/herve BonnauD

themed musical score and a real spring in his step he strutted his way through a lovely test that finished with his rider doing one-handed passage up the centre line to the rhythm of spectator’s applause. When the judge’s score of 75.550 went up on the board there was an even bigger explosion of excitement, but there was plenty more to come.

Fourth-last to go was Vilhelmson-Silfven, and the elegant Don Auriello raised the bar by a long margin when earning a mark of 80.875 as three of the four Ground Jury members put the pair in pole position. And Grand Prix winners, Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt, couldn’t out-do them this time, posting 79.250 for runner-up spot.

Second-placed Minderhoud said he was very pleased with his ride. “I knew it would be difficult to beat Tinne if she was on form, even though I made no mistakes,” he pointed out.

Talking about Glock’s Flirt he continued, “he is very easy to train and not spooky so that always makes them easier to deal with,” and he’s hoping to make it to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2014/2015 in Las Vegas, USA next April. “I’d really like to get there, but only three riders from each nation can compete and we have quite a few good ones!” he said.

Colombia’s Carlos lopez, winner of the sixth leg of the longines fei World Cup Jumping 2014/2015 Western european league.

tanelle, slotted into third with Prime Time des Vagues, while Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and Admara 2 lined up fourth.

Belgium’s Judy-Ann Melchior led the way with a clear but cautious run with As Cold as Ice Z to set the early target at 41.80 seconds. With just three left to go, Italy’s Gaudiano set off at a terrific pace with his nine-year-old Admara who crossed the line in 39.14 seconds. But as Britain’s Discipline Reports continued on page 38

JumpIng reporT ColomBia’S lopez WinS longineS leg in madRid Colombia’s Carlos Lopez and Prince de la Mare seized victory in the sixth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League in Madrid, Spain.

The 49-year-old rider who took team bronze at the FEI Central American and Caribbean Games on home turf in Bogota in 2006, and who finished 18th individually at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, was fourth to go in the electrifying 11-horse jump-off.

And despite their most gallant attempts, the rest just couldn’t catch him, with Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander coming closest with a last-to-go run partnering Lintea Tequila. Talented young Frenchman, 23-year-old Alexandre Fonwww.gaitpost.com

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Discipline Reports continued from page 37 Robert Whitaker set sail, he looked even more of a threat. Turning the 11-year-old Catwalk IV down the final line he appeared to be up on the clock, but the stallion grabbed the bridle and hung to the right, leaving his rider desperately fighting for control, and when they arrived at the final oxer Whitaker couldn’t straighten him up enough, so the horse ran through the gap between the right-hand upright and the edge of the arena while the crowd gasped in disbelief.

Only Tops-Alexander stood between Lopez and victory now, and the 40-year-old Australian gave it her best shot with Lintea Tequila who broke the beam 0.01 seconds quicker than Fontanelle to claim runner-up spot but leaving Lopez in pole position.

It was a glorious result for the Colombian whose partnership with the horse previously competed by Italy’s Juan Carlos Garcia is clearly in the ascent. Successful earlier in this career, Lopez was missing from the top end of the sport for 12 years when based back in Colombia, but

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two years ago decided to make a come-back and it seems it is working out pretty well.

Laura Kraut and Cedric Win $50,000 Holiday & Horses Grand Prix CSI-W 2* The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) hosted its $50,000 Holiday & Horses Grand Prix CSI-W 2* on Saturday night with an electrifying winning performance from Show Jumping stars Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric. A FEI World Cup qualifying event, the competition saw 55 starters with ten clear rounds to advance over the Catsy Cruz (MEX) designed course. Kraut and Cedric topped Hardin Towell (USA) and Silence and Leslie Howard (USA) aboard Utah in a very fast jump-off with eight double clear rounds.

Darragh Kerins (IRL) and Jan Van Tricht’s D Elia van het Molenhof put the pressure on, beginning the jump-off with a very fast clear round in 38.68 seconds, but eventually finished fourth.

Hardin Towell and Jennifer Gates’ Silence upped the ante with their blazing fast round in 38 seconds flat that many thought would be unbeatable, but the longtime partnership of Laura Kraut and Cedric found a way to go even faster.

Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric raced through the course in 36.48 seconds for the win.

Leslie Howard and The Utah Group’s Utah finished out the night to take third place honors with a clear round in 38.11 seconds.

Cedric, the 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Chambertin x Carolus Z, had six months off this season and has slowly been coming back to competition in the last two months. Saturday night’s class was his first grand prix back and an exciting win for both horse and rider. In addition to the top prize, Kraut was also presented with the Leading Lady Rider Award for the week’s competition, an award presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

Cedric has been Kraut’s top horse for many years now, and she was careful to bring him back gradually after having time off this year. She knows that he is now back in winning form. “It felt great,” Kraut smiled. “I read this thing the

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William WhiTaKeR iS The ConqueRoR aT STuTTgaRT William Whitaker stepped right into the limelight with a brilliant win with Fandango at the fifth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series in Stuttgart, Germany today. The 25-yearold nephew of British legends, John and Michael Whitaker, out-classed many of the best in the world in a thrilling 10-horse jump-off in which he set an impossible target-time when second to go.

America’s Lucy Davis was runner-up with Barron, while Steve Guerdat from Switzerland finished third with his Olympic gold medal winning ride, Nino des Buissonnets.

It was a career-defining moment for the young Englishman who lives at the Yorkshire farm where his father, Ian, grew up alongside two of the the greatest names in the modern sport.

And Uncle Michael played a role in today’s latest Whitaker success-story. He missed out on a place in the jump-off himself, due to a single first-round error with Viking, but he watched

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Fei/karL-heinZ FreiLer

other day, years ago when McLain Ward was talking about him in a press conference and he said, ‘Knowing this horse, when he’s 16 years old, he’s still going to be a pain in the ass.’ Now he is 16 years old and he was just a pain in the ass tonight for everybody, so that made me happy. He likes the lights, and he really loves showing. He was pretty depressed all summer when the truck kept driving out without him. He likes being at the show and being paid attention to.” great Britain’s William Whitaker and Christiane Becherer after his victory in the longines fei World Cup Jumping.

Davis set the pace against the clock and advised his nephew that “she was fast, so put your foot to the floor from the start!”

Davis led the way against the clock, and again the 22-year-old who was a member of the bronzemedal-winning American team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, demonstrated her consummate professionalism with another brilliant run that stopped the clock on 49.84 seconds.

Discipline Reports continued on page 40

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reigning Olympic champion wasn’t giving it everything he had when second-last into the ring.

Belgium’s nicola philippaerts took top honours in tonight’s $75,000 groupBy Big Ben Challenge to close out the CSi4*-W Royal horse Show in Toronto.

Discipline Reports continued from page 39 Whitaker was next. “I didn’t see Lucy go, but Michael said she was quick. I had my plan already made for what I had to do anyway, and my horse tried his best — I knew I was going fast!” the British rider said after breaking the beam in a staggering 47.27 seconds that proved just way too good, even for Guerdat whose reputation for sometimes scary acrobatics with his superspeedy horse makes him one of the most feared competitors on the circuit. And it wasn’t like the

Belgium’S niCola philippaeRTS TaKeS The final ClaSS of The CS14*-W Royal hoRSe ShoW The International Division at the CSI4*W Royal Horse Show ended with a sevenway foot-race tonight, and it was Belgian Nicola Philippaerts who emerged victorious.

The initial track of 16 jumping efforts set at 1.60m by course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, was set with a tight time allowed of 79 seconds. The first two riders in the ring (Canada’s Ian Millar and Quentin Judge for the United States) both jumped clean, but for one single time fault.

Fortunately American Todd Minikus was able to show everyone how to do it, leading a select group of riders to a second round tie breaker.

Unfortunately the double-clean proved elusive, for Minikus and nearly everyone else in the jumpoff - the angles, wide-open gallop and even a little bad luck worked against many. Although Minikus had the fastest time of the second round, he also pulled a rail in the process.

For Philippaerts there was never an option going third in the order he knew he had to go fast and leave the jumps up if he was to have a shot with Challenge Vd Begijnakker (or Challenge, for short.)

Switzerland’s Beat Mandli, competing at The Royal for the first time, opted for the conservative clear for Za Za Harvey in the jump-off, which served them well, slotting into the runner-up position.

Jonathon Millar of Perth, Ontario, received the Lt. Col. Stuart C. Bate Memorial Trophy and was

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named the Leading Canadian Rider of the competition.

The All Canadian Cup presented to the leading Canadian-owned horse went to Game Ready, owned by Susan Grange and ridden by Ireland’s Conor Swail. $70,000 GroupBy Big Ben Challenge Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults : Time 1. Nicola Philippaerts / Belgium / Challenge Vd Begijnakker/0 : 36.90 2. Beat Mandli / Switzerland / ZaZa Harvey/ 0 : 42.76 3. Todd Minikus / Loxahatchee, FL / Quality Girl / 4 : 34.80 4. Daniel Bluman / Columbia / Apardi / 4 : 35.16 5. McLain Ward / Brewster, NY / HH Carlos Z / 4 : 35.72

EVENTING report Adelaide: Third time lucky for Manson Twenty-two-year-old Jessica Manson withstood the pressure applied by Olympian and former Adelaide champion Megan Jones, posting a super clear round aboard her 13-year-old Australian Stock Horse, Legal Star, to win the second leg of the FEI Classics at the Australian International 3 Day Event.

Manson set up her victory by producing the best cross country run, adding just 2.8 time penalties. That, coupled with a seemingly easily executed clear today, clinched the victory with just over six penalties ahead of Jones.

It is not just a matter of putting your best foot forward, but putting all your feet forward the best, and the sure footed grey, which stands at 15.3 hands high, demonstrated no ill effects from his near mishap departing from the second water on course yesterday. “I was a bit shocked really,” declared a delighted Manson, “I had three down last year and that was on my mind when I walked the course, but when I rode in I just focused on the job I had to do”.

Megan had a tough ride across country yesterday, but the big Thoroughbred gelding Kirby Park Allofasudden produced his characteristic good jumping round in this influential final phase. This was the third occasion that he has taken second place in the Adelaide four-star. “I will not start him at Adelaide next year”, said Megan, who is delighted with his fitness, “and I will prepare him with Rio in mind”.

The final jumping phase can cause a great deal of movement in the placings and with just three clear rounds from the eleven strong field, Victorian professional Katja Weimann moved from eleventh to ninth, then up to fourth thanks to jumping talent from her home bred BP Cosmopolitan.

FEI Classics 2014/15 Adelaide, results after Jumping 1 Jessica Manson/Legal Star (64.60) 2 Megan Jones/Kirby Park Allofasudden (70.70) 3 Soigne Jackson/Gold (95.90) 4 Katja Weimann/BP Cosmopolitan (96.40) 5 Elizabeth Lowery/ KL Kismet (97.90) 6 Tegan Lush/Tempus Fugit (98.20) 7 Keira Byrnes/ Fox Hill (104.60) 8 Isabel English/Feldale Mouse (113.50) 9 Seumas Marwood/Wild Oats (123.20) 10 Charlotte Price/Kinnordy Gambia (131.70)

VAULTING report Eccles sisters celebrate double victory in Paris World champion Joanne Eccles (GBR) captivated crowds at the FEI World Cup Vaulting 2014/15 second qualifier at the Salon du Cheval in Paris winning the female individual competition, followed swiftly by the Pas-de-Deux with her younger sister Hannah (GBR).

Defending FEI World Cup Vaulting and former world champion Nicolas Andreani (FRA),

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by Maureen Walters ISTOCK

oncoaching

THE HUMAN ELEMENT B

y now everyone knows about Rubrics and the benefit which they offer the coaching candidate, but what about the “intangibles”?

What I mean by this are all the things that address the human side of an evaluation — things which put the candidate in a good light with the evaluators. The rubrics refer to some of these as “Professional Conduct”.

Such might include: DRESS: It should be correct, traditional, neat, clean and polished. Candidates need to put effort into how they present themselves to an evaluation.

Things like tidy hair (maybe a hair net?) and polished boots make a good first impression. Avoid excessively long sleeves, large jewelry or any dress which appears unprofessional.

TIME: Be on time! This means be early, especially if you are bringing a horse.

FLEXIBILITY: Be flexible with the schedule.

Evaluators appreciate candidates who know that when dealing with people and horses, flexibility is a must. Keep in mind that in the horse business

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you will need this skill on a daily basis. Do not panic about changes.

LESSON PLANS: Bring at least one copy (preferably two) and have each LP contained in a binder or folder. Have your name and your topic (taken word for word) clearly visible on each LP. Besides having correct information, make the LP aesthetically pleasing with diagrams, if appropriate.

BE HELPFUL: It will be a long day. Help each other set up the arena for the lessons — especially the jumping lessons. Offer to put away jumps when done. Tidy up all props after your lesson.

BE ORGANIZED: Think ahead and prepare.

Bring your lunch. Do not complain about the cold. You will have lots of cold days as a coach!

Teach within the “context” — do not try to impress evaluators with everything that you might know — especially for Instructor of Beginners. More is not better.

BE POLITE: Make sure that you are not too casual. Even though evaluators hope that you are as relaxed as possible, do not be too familiar — even

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Discipline Reports continued from page 41 known as “Nico” to his many fans, also stormed to male individual victory in Paris, where a total of 18 athletes from seven countries battled it out.

Joanne Eccles displayed her full range of style and skill on WH Bentley, lunged by her father John Eccles, earning an outstanding 8,828 points, which gave her 15 World Cup points as she targets the Final next year.

This was her first international competition since securing her second consecutive world title at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 this summer. Before heading to Paris, Eccles had said she wanted to show “how amazing vaulting is,” explaining, “when spectators enjoy my www.gaitpost.com

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if you happen to know them personally — but also be friendly and confident.

HORSE OR STUDENT: If you bring a horse to the evaluation remember that it reflects on you.

It should be clean and tidy and most importantly it should be suitable for the job. Tack needs to be clean and well fitting — simple, traditional and conservative.

If you bring a student, they also reflect on you.

They should be clean and workmanlike, confident and showing trust with a positive attitude.

RESPECT: This applies across the board - to the students, horses, evaluators and the coaching system itself. Show respect to the provincial organization and EC. Evaluators will respect you for presenting yourself to an evaluation.

BE CONFIDENT AND INDEPENDENT: Do not expect to bring helpers, parents, friends — you are being evaluated as a professional on your own merit. On that note, refrain from telling evaluators what your coach says and thinks. They want to know what YOU say and think.

And finally, make sure that all your paperwork and prerequisites are in order and completed in a timely manner, well in advance. At the end of the day you will have a chance to meet with the evaluators to discuss how the day went. Be open, honest and realistic. Accept what they have to say with grace. Pay particular attention to the Action Plan; it tells you where to go from this point.

World champion Joanne eccles (GBr) in paris.

performances I enjoy them even more.” In Paris, she definitely reached her goal, impressing the audience with two clear and extremely difficult freestyles, including performing her unique onehanded handstand, which has become her trademark this season.

Individual Vaulters now have an additional 20 seconds to impress the judges following a recent rule change to extend the one-minute routines. Eccles, the 25-year-old dentist from Scotland, said: “It allows more time to really engage the audience and to truly feel the performance.

The arena and organization were brilliant for us and the horses.”

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ONE on ONE with

David Marcus Canadian Olympic and WEG Team member David Marcus has now made six very successful trips to the West Coast to hold clinics at Sven Smienk’s training facility, and these clinics will continue in 2015.

ELIZABETH TOTH

by Jane McLeod Finn Farm, Aldergrove, BC

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“

Work hard but make your own path. You’ll be noticed!

D

avid’s clear and concise teaching style, plus his desire to bring out the best in every horse/rider combination, makes him a popular clinician with both riders and auditors. And he is an organizer’s dream — flexible and humorous, with a great ability to connect to his audience. I sat down with David to dig a little deeper.

At a very young age, David watched some of the top international riders and decided he wanted to do what they are doing. “The surreal thing is that I am now friends with many of them, and get to compete against them in the same international arenas,” he says.

We wondered how David overcame the difficult experience he had at the 2012 London Olympics when his horse didn’t cope well with the very difficult conditions in the stadium, and he is quite pragmatic about it. “Anyone who’s had a life with horses has had difficult experiences. Mine just happened to be in the biggest competition of my life. I gave myself 24 hours to go through all of the emotions that one goes through in a situation like this and the next day I began training for the future.... I think it worked!!” In Europe this year, leading up to the World Equestrian Games, David and Capital really seemed to find their stride, scoring their personal best together.

“I don’t think my success this summer was from one clear change. I’ve had Capital since he was 10. He turns 15 next year. Every year he gets a bit better. Every year he’s getting stronger, more confirmed in his training, more experienced and we are growing constantly as a team. I definitely have my trainers, grooms and support to thank but it’s not been an overnight success; it’s been day in and day out of dedicated training.”

David met his sponsor, Deborah KinzingerMiculinic, when he was looking for a horse, and their relationship has developed ever since.

“Deborah is a wonderful owner. She is incredibly supportive of me and I could not be where I am today in my career if it weren’t for her support.”

David says the key to a good relationship with a sponsor is to have constant, honest com-

“

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astrid appels

David Marcus continued from page 45 munication, and the best way for an up and coming rider to attract a sponsor is to work hard and accept that it’s going to take a long time. He says there are many examples in this sport of people who’ve gotten where they are by putting in the extra effort that makes people want to bend over backwards to help them out. “Work hard but make your own path. You’ll be noticed! From what I have seen in BC there is a lot of talent. I am excited to hear of the BC CDI in April 2015.

I know competing internationally is harder for riders in the west, but from what I see, there is real talent here that, once cultivated, could be 46

the future of our sport. These CDIs not only give the already international riders a place to showcase themselves, but also to inspire less experienced riders. I think it’s important for the future of our sport in this country.”

So how did David end up doing regular clinics in BC in the first place? “Social media.... isn’t it a great thing!!

Through social media, six degrees of separation becomes one degree of separation. We all become closer together and it’s through these connections that I was invited to BC.” “I am happy to come support the riders here in BC. I feel that everyone I have taught is very eager to learn and for me that is the most fun, at any level. I am lucky to have a great support team at home that makes it possible for me to be away, so I look forward to coming back,” he says. “I hope to inspire riders of all levels to see the big picture and really understand the basic fundamental principles of our sport. Come audit or ride and you can find out for yourself!”

So what’s next on his agenda after the Florida winter season? The World Cup in Las Vegas is definitely on their radar, followed by the PanAm Games. “Capital and I will make a bid for the upcoming Pan Am Games here in Toronto, which will be very exciting.”

And David’s next international horse? “Capital is 15 in 2015 so it would make sense that I have to start thinking about another international horse. I’m always looking....”

David and Chrevi’s Capital, Aachen, 2014.

January 2015

David Marcus will return in April 2015 for the next clinic in Langley. Date TBA.

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

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A Wing Wing in her new cozy blanket, thanks to Greenhawk Langley.

and a Prayer Story & Photos by Kim McDougall

A

fter thirty-four years in the airline industry, I have seen a lot of wings, and even a few prayers. I used to own a farm, a barn and a threehorse trailer. However, children grow up, and one day my husband and I left the farm life and moved to a newer house in a beautiful subdivision in Langley, BC. Through friends, internet, and social media, I kept somewhat in touch with the equine world.

One day, scanning some Facebook posts, I came across some information about the unfortunate horses waiting in kill pens before they are shipped to slaughter. These are the places the unwanted horses are gathered before they take their “final trip”. Several individuals, organizations and co-operative feedlot owners have made a huge effort trying to place these horses before it’s too late. Looking at pictures of these horses

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is heartbreaking. Some were young and appeared well cared for. So many riding horses, yearlings, schoolmasters...

Weeks went by and every once in awhile a new post would pop up, driving me back again and again to the pictures. I sighed over and over, wishing that I still had my farm and my trailer so I could save at least one of them.

On one of the pages was a small bay mare with a filly at foot. She was listed as being about five years old and the filly appeared to be a draft cross. Their last available date was Remembrance Day, November the eleventh. They were listed as “A Wing and a Prayer”.

I found myself checking back regularly.

It was so wonderful to see that some of the horses were sold privately before they could be

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A Wing and a Prayer continued on page 59 January 2015

47

phoTo AdS next issue: february 2015 issue Deadline: January 9th, 2015 submit photo ads on-Line: www.gaitpost.com or photoads@gaitpost.com

a regular photo ad is only $59.95. a deluxe 2-photo ad is $119.95. add a video link for only $20.00. all adS aRe alSo online aT gaiTpoST.Com!

All Around S. Rees

Jasmine: Elegant 2003 15.2 hh blue roan AQHA mare. Quiet, nice mover and a proven brood mare. Sweet mare, would make a great English, Western Dressage or Ranch pleasure horse. Well started in Reining. $7,500. Contact 604-462-9179 or email holland2@telus.net.

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January 2015

Stokesley: 4 yo 16.1 hh registered Canadian Warmblood mare. Gentle and talented. In training with experienced Western trainer. Walk, trot, canter, counter canter, flying changes. $35,000. Contact Angela 250-967-4472 or gtayfm@telus.net. Prince George, BC.

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All Around

Baruch: 10 yo 16.3 hh Reg. 1/2 Arabian geld. (Arab sire x Belgian dam); Reg. Name: Baruch (Arab for ‘blessing’) or Barn Name: Rex. 2014 BC Dressage Champion (Level 1). Equine Canada Passport; Performance potential for Dressage or Hunter Jumper. Videos available, Google search: “Baruch”. Contact 604-220-3246 or lindamoore@shaw.ca. Located in Southlands, Vancouver, BC.

Sedona: 8 yo 16.2 hh reg. CWHBA Warmblood mare by Silberfeil out of Brassy Treasure. Fabulous Hunter/Jumper prospect. Eligible baby green. Lots of high scoring Dressage miles. Sweet, sweet mare. Priced to sell to fabulous home only. Contact Shelly Walker at 250-896-8871.

Bennington: 2009 16.3 hh dark bay CWB gelding by Barricello, out of a very successful Thoroughbred mare. Simple, willing, brave over fences. Shown to 3'3". Jumped up to 3'9" at home. Lots of scope, lots of courage. Could go in any direction at this point. Eventer, Hunter, or Jumper. $17,500 OBO. Contact 250-301-1281 or lana-smith@live.ca. Prince George, BC.

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49

foAlS

Unbelievable Photo Ads plus HST ONLY

Prayer: Beautiful half Belgian weanling filly.

Lots of chrome and ready to train your way.

Endless possibilities for this lovely cross. Approved home. $1,000 OBO. Contact Kim 604427-2680 or tailwindfarm@shaw.ca. Langley, BC.

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hunTer Sinatra: 11 yo registered/branded Old. gelding. Consistent Child/Adult Derby winner.

Attractive, safe and honest, with an impressive show record. His many championships include multiple Hunter Derby wins at Thunderbird and Milner, BCHJA Adult Amateur Hunter Champion and Pre-Childrens’ Hunter Champion. Loaded with personality, sound, and brave. A barn favourite, he is easy to clip, bath, and trailer. This is a top competitive horse for Hunters, Derbies, and could also cross over into the Jumper and Equitation rings. Price available upon request. Contact Bill Ulmer 250-317-1911 or foxwood2002@shaw.ca.

Rumour: 2001 16.2 hh WB X gelding. Great 1st horse, super sweet, auto changes. Shown H/J from Short Stirrup to 3'. Dependable, looking for his next new owner to show the ropes to. A great deal at $7,000. Contact Laura 604-5517768 or laura@wecreateriders.com.

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January 2015

Onyx: 13 yo 16.3 hh WB gelding. Experienced H/J. Multiple ribbons at Spruce Meadows, Rocky Mtn, Caledonia, & Milner Downs. Travels well, handles easily, no vices. Lives & trains at Teesdale. Asking $13,000. Contact Christine 403-620-1957 or mrconnors@shaw.ca.

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Jumper

ponIeS

Bianka: 2008 16.2 hh CWB mare. Sire: Barricello. Dam: TB. Competed to 1.10m Jumpers at Tbird. Very forward. Jumps anything from anywhere, heart of gold. $13,500 neg. for the right rider. Contact 250-301-1281 or lana-smith@ live.ca. Prince George, BC.

Cappuccino: 10 yo 13.2 hh Welsh/Arab geld.

Evented Pre-Entry, Jumpers 2'9" with more scope bold to his fences. Always in the ribbons.

Sweet, cuddly guy. Baths, clips, trailers, good with farrier, up to date. $7,900 OBO. Contact 778-886-2122 or equine_xox@hotmail.com.

Chips: 13 yo 15.3 hh Anglo Arab gelding.

Spunky, zippy, bombs around the 1.0-1.2m courses. Courses at home to 4'6", straightforward and fast. Auto changes, scope to burn, will be perfect for a fun-loving go-getter ride. $15,000. Contact Hannah 206-715-1068.

Boy Canada: 2005 12.1 hh Welsh Pony gelding. Successfully competed in Pony Hunters, 2'6" Jumpers, Training Level Dressage. Sadly outgrown. Great ground manners. Sound, no vices. $12,000 neg. Contact 780-293-7710 or s.kristel@live.ca. Edmonton, AB.

Optimist Prime: 2011 16.3 hh grey gelding.

Pedigree: Orlando (Hearbreaker/Darco) o/o For Pleasure mare. Horse of the future. Best bloodlines. Amazing temperament. Going well u/s, jumping well. Contact 519-938-1193 or info@grandefarms.com. King City, ON.

Suee: Potbellied Pony, 8 hh, 5 yo, very short stirrup mount. Lovely topline (and bottomline), smooth easy gaits. Can be very forward when heading to trough. Friendly, easy to handle, easy keeper, good mudder. Contact photoads@gaitpost.com

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Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

January 2015

51

ponIeS

Rhiannon’s Velvet: 7 yo 13.1 hh registered half Welsh mare. Very pretty chestnut mare with a star and connected stripe. Going well under saddle, has been started over poles and cross rails. Has been trail ridden. Shown in 2013 in flat classes as well as cross rails, placing 1st and 2nd at her first show. Pretty enough for Hunter, with time should become a great little Jumper. Loads well, good with feed, bathes, clips. Health UTD. $4,500. Contact sgp5morgans@hotmail.com. Grande Prairie, AB.

proSpecTS

Crignant Solomon: 8 yo 12.1 hh reg. Welsh gelding. Trailers, bathes, clips, etc. Great on trails, used in camps and riding lessons, started over cross rails and low jumps. $5,000. Contact sgp5morgans@hotmail.com or 587-343-1603.

Grande Prairie, AB.

TrAIlerS

Seekin Golden Flirt: 2013 Cremello QH filly.

Sweet temp. & willing attitude. Suit any discipline with her versatile pedigree. Champion bloodlines include Skipper W, Poco Bueno, Doc O Lena, Doc Bar, to name a few. $2,000.

Contact Eva 403-933-5503 or 403-874-5724.

Could your

‘ buyer’ be bogus?

Be wary if:

• The buyer is overseas, wishing to buy sight unseen • The English in the email is poor • Is the phrase last price or best price included?

• Is the buyer proposing to send you MORE than the cost of purchase & shipping?

1999 Sundowner 2-Horse Straight load bumper pull. 7'6" tall, 6'9" wide. All aluminum body on steel frame. Padded divider, chest & butt bars. One owner, great condition, used very little. Asking $7,000. Contact 604-794-3697.

Chilliwack, BC. 52

January 2015

Better to:

• Insist on exact payment only • Request a phone number & address • Under no circumstances part with goods until payment has completely cleared • Alert the internet service provider (ISP) from which the email was sent

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Specializing in Equestrian Properties throughout the Lower Mainland

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KAREN January 2015

eXercISeOFTheMOnTh

by Sandra Verda-Zanatta

Fit to riDe

plAnk you can do this modified version on your knees instead of your feet until core strength improves.

plank #1

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth holding the position for 10–15 seconds, as your strength improves hold longer.

Focus on maintaining the correct position and repeat based individual strength and fitness level.

plank #2 with leg lift

planK #1 This isometric core exercise promotes total body strength and core stability, improving upper body alignment and control while riding.

The primary muscles used are: erector spinae, rectus abdominus and transversus abdominus.

Secondary are trapezius, rhomboids, rotator cuff, deltoids, pectorals, serratus anterior, gluteus maximus, quadriceps, gastrocnemius.

Support your body on your elbows keeping a long line with hips slightly lifted. Draw your belly button towards your spine to maintain a neutral position and shoulder blades flat on your back.

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planK #2 WiTh leg lifT This exercise adds an increased element of strength as well as coordination and balance components.

As above, hold plank position and exhale to lift one foot slightly off floor – maintain level pelvis – lower and switch legs. Repeat.

Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program Sandra is a nationally Certified high Performance (level 3) Dressage Coach with Equine Canada, CanTra Instructor and PaTh Int’l Master Instructor and Evaluator. She competes at the FEI levels in Dressage and is a declared rider for the Pan american Games.

She is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructor and has developed the Fit To Ride Pilates for Equestrians cross training program. For more information, please visit www.fit2ride.ca.

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

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55

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

W

ow, what a year 2014 has been for Eventing in BC! We were pleased to see Mustang Powder and Avalon hold events this year after a hiatus. It was also heartwarming to have Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre, Topline Stables, Campbell Valley and Island 22 continue to support our Eventing community.

November 14th was the Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet. I was proud to see the award banquet completely sell out and that so many came to support our fabulous riders.

This year the Horse Trials BC Tray of Honour was presented to Jack Polo and Lee Walraven — the MREC guys! Two very deserving individuals! I have to thank my Board of Directors once again for all their hard work this year — without their endless volunteer hours we would not be able to support the Eventing community as we

do — thank you everyone! I would also like to send a special thank you to the wonderful lady that puts all of our Gaitpost submissions together and looks after our HTBC Memberships — Marilyn Gregory — many thanks!

Planning for the 2015 Event season has begun and the tentative schedule is available on the Horse Trials BC website. Due to some conflicts with Events in Washington, some Events have had to move their dates so make sure you check out the schedule!

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our HTBC members and their families a very Merry Christmas and the most fabulous of New Years! I look forward to seeing you all in 2015!

Happy Holidays! — Julie Johannson, President, Horse Trials BC

2014 HORSE TRIALS BC YEAR END AWARDS OPEN INTERMEDIATE Sabrina Glaser ......................... Aid And Abet Nikki Ayers......................................Rubicon Kathryn Morgan ................................ Vishnu PRELIMINARY YOUNG RIDER Tosca Holmes-Smith..................... Paddington Hannah Freathy .......................... Element 47 Sophie Kirk ....................................Shaemus PRELIMINARY SENIOR Nick Kleider ............................. Garrow’s Law Tiffany Littman ....................... Sloan Mcquick Sara Sellmer .............................. For Pleasure TRAINING YOUNG RIDER Marlies Kerkhoven ............................... Grace Sophie Kirk ....................................Shaemus Carmen Holmes-Smith ..........................Digby Sarah Gilmour ........ Where The Wild Things Are

TRAINING SENIOR Darcie Kerkhoven ................................. Rose Sabrina Glaser ............................. Rembrandt Sabrina Glaser .................. Hypona To Be True Maeve Drew .....................................Capriola PRE-TRAINING YOUNG RIDER Olivia Young ..................................Wild Card Cassidy Kerfoot ..........................Custom Eyes Lindsay Whitehead ............... Dkh Double Take Dayna Kelly .................. Tinkle Tinkle Lil Star PRE-TRAINING SENIOR Lynne Larsen ....................... Lady Antebellum Kelly Bose ..................................Oliver Twist Gerda Glaser ..................... Hypona To Be True Jens Larsen ................................... Fantastik ENTRY YOUNG RIDER Nicole Kovacik ............................... Fernando Natasha Holscher ....................... Stuart Little Abby Wittenberg ......................... Golden Boy Jessica Froese....................... Blue Persuasion ENTRY SENIOR Sabrina Glaser .................................... Dolce Vicki Davies .........................................Diva Taylor Syrowy ..........................Muddy Waters Katie Leitch ........................... Grade A Prime

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January 2015

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PRE-ENTRY SENIOR Merrilyn Mason .................................. Viking Lori Moffat ..................................... Stellaire Margot Watson........... Ballencrief’s White Lace Heddwen Braun ..................................Ginger

HTBC TRAY OF HONOUR Jack Polo & Lee Walraven “The MREC Guys” J. Johannson

PRE-ENTRY YOUNG RIDER Abigail Dirom-Cline ................Touch Of Dutch Chloe Sturgess ....................... Rising Phoenix Emily Shaver ...........................Marc My Word Nicole Kovacik ............................... Fernando

marissa Joy heppner, winner of the hTBC mary Swanson memorial Scholarship.

HTBC MARY SWANSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Marrissa Joy Heppner HTBC HI-POINT RIDER TROPHY Sabrina Glaser-Levere HTBC YOUNG RIDER OF DISTINCTION Olivia Young Julie Johannson, lynne larsen, and debbie dorosh.

nick Kleider, preliminary Senior Champion.

HTBC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014

ISLAND 22 · AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 1 2014

PRELIMINARY CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Nick Kleider ...........................Garrows Law

ENTRY SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Sabrina Glaser ................................. Dolce Reserve: Vicki Davies .............................Diva

TRAINING CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Darcie Kerkhoven .............................. Rose Reserve: Sabrina Glaser ................. Rembrandt

ENTRY YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Natasha Holscher.................... Stuart Little Reserve: Nicole Kovacik ................... Fernando

PRE-TRAINING SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Lynne Larsen ................... Lady Antebellum Reserve: Olivia Young Yr Sr ..............Wild Card

PRE-ENTRY SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Merrilyn Mason............................... Viking Reserve: Jess Turner ...................Impulse Bay

PRE-TRAINING YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Dayna Kelly ............... Tinkle Tinkle Lil Star Reserve: Cassidy Kerfoot ..............Custom Eyes

PRE-ENTRY YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS 1. Chloe Sturgess ................... Rising Phoenix Reserve: Abby Dirom-Cline .......Touch Of Dutch Reserve: Emily Shaver ...............Marc My Word

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57

EQUITaTIOnScIence by Susi Cienciala (D.V.M.) and Emily Corrie, Deep Creek Veterinary Services ltd.

courtesY Deep creek vet services

An InTroducTIon To eQuITATIon ScIence

D

on’t be put off by the title! Though the word conjures images of a particular style of judged riding, “equitation” is simply the art—or practice—of horse riding, and science, defined simply, is knowledge that is in a testable format. Equitation Science is therefore a means of measuring and interpreting interactions between horse and rider without the influence of mythology, tradition, supposition or cliché; it is research based on evidence. hoW equiTaTion SCienCe applieS To you Motivating our horses to be forward and responsive to our aids is often challenging and frustrating. More often than not, we label the horse as “lazy” or “resistant” and resort to applying longer spurs to his sides. Slowing down a rushing horse is equally frustrating (and sometimes terrifying too) and, much like motivating the “lazy” horse to move, we generally try to 58

January 2015

fix the problem by relying on stronger bits and other gadgetry to keep him light to our rein aids.

What Equitation Science aims to do is makes us aware, as riders and trainers, of the particular way a horse learns so that we can adapt our training of him to become more effective, safe, and fair. It empowers us to understand our horses better and motivates us to strive towards more flawless communication and self-carriage.

Time foR Change The fact that the study of horse training stretches as far back into history as Xenophon (430–354 BC) reveals why so many of our techniques are based on tradition and myth. Given the vast technological advancements humanity has seen in the past century, it seems natural that horse training techniques should also adapt and change to reflect our recent scientific progress.

In his work beginning in the late 1930s, the psy-

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chologist BF Skinner theorizes that behaviours in humans and animals are more likely to occur again if they are reinforced. This idea is now the keystone of behaviourism: we must begin to recognize that psychology and learning theory relate as much to the way we raise our children as to how we train our companion animals.

Learning Theory and Horse Training Have you ever had trouble deworming a horse? Examining its mouth? Administering a vaccine? Taking a temperature? All of these behaviours can be modified without using tranquilizers, twitches or restraining devices; we simply need to understand where the miscommunication lies and then re-train the behaviour that we desire. When we each first learned how to ride a horse, we were taught how to sit in the tack securely and safely, how to cue the canter and count our strides, how to absorb the motion of the trot and smile at the judge, but we were probably not taught how to train our horse; we were not taught to think of ourselves as animal trainers. Yet every time we interact with our horses, we are training them. Understanding how horses learn is therefore fundamental to horse training and becoming a successful handler, rider, coach, veterinarian, and farrier.

This article is the first of a seven-part series.

Check back each month for more information about Equitation Science and visit the International Society for Equitation Science website at www.equitationscience.com In August 2015, the International Society for Equitation Science will be holding its 11th annual conference in Vancouver, BC. This conference will consist of two days of fascinating research papers presented by scientists from around the world, and one day of practical demonstrations

by FEI Dressage And Western Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing coaches and riders at Southlands Riding Club in Vancouver. This event will appeal to people involved in all corners of the horse industry. For more information, visit www.ises2015vancouver.com or contact deepcreekvet@gmail.com. www.gaitpost.com

A Wing and a Prayer continued from page 47 “shipped”. But time went by, and no one came to save the little mare and her foal. Three days before Remembrance Day, my daughter came home for a short visit. She had ridden and shown for many years but now was away at school. I couldn’t help but show her the pictures of ‘A Wing and a Prayer’.

“Oh how sad,” she said. “Look at that filly.

She has her whole life ahead of her.” She asked me how many days they had left. I told her ‘three’. After she left, I tended to my garden but I just couldn’t get the picture of that little filly out of my head. I hashed the crazy idea over and over in my head. Finally, I texted the Rescue Angels.

They were still available.

Several hours later, after negotiating stabling, shipping, and a holdover facility, I sent the payment. Instead of being loaded up for their “last ride”, “A Wing and a Prayer” have been sent to another Rescue Angels’ farm for rest and recuperation. I will have to find a way to pick them up in Washington in December, but I’m sure I will.

I have no idea where all this will end up! Hopefully they will find themselves leading long and productive lives with people that will love them.

My job has been to create “the beginning”.

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

Prayer is for sale in this issue of Gaitpost!

January 2015

59

Newsletter | January 2015 With 2014 coming quickly to a close, Jump Alberta would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our members and their respective equine partners on an incredible show season! Alberta has an extremely talented base of equestrians and we are most fortunate to have wonderful provincial venues offering exciting competitions and continuing to develop and promote the sport of show jumping.

In celebration of this past season, the Jump Alberta Gala will be hosted at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino Saturday, January 10th, 2015. The link to ticket details and sales can be found via the Event Brite link: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jump-alberta-year-end-gala-tickets-14827709077?aff=es2&rank=1 Be sure to get your tickets!

A REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS:

JUMPER COMPETITOR – COLTON POWELL

The Jump Alberta Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 5th, 2015 at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. This is an opportunity for all members to attend to learn more about the society, the governance protocols, and the programs offered to our membership base. Nominations for Board Members are currently being accepted. Nomination forms for Board Member positions, the AGM meeting agenda and Bylaw Amendment details can be found on the Jump Alberta website: www.jumpalberta.com A reminder to all members to update/renew their membership(s) prior to the 2015 show season – online renewal for Jump Alberta membership is available on the website.

The Jump Alberta Board of Directors congratulates our Athletes of the Month for October/November:

Congratulations on your spectacular 2014 show season Colton and your great success at the inaugural Royal West competition – well done!

HUNTER COMPETITOR – DEBBIE BOYLE A very successful 2014 show season capped off with a brilliant performance in the Jr/Am Derby 3'0" Championships hosted at the Royal West for the win – congratulations!

Best wishes to all for a safe & happy holiday season!

See you ringside in 2015!

Jump Alberta Society is a grassroots not-for-profit charitable Alberta corporation. For membership information, contact: JUMP ALBERTA | 197, 132-250 Shawville Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2Y-2Y7 | jumpalberta@gmail.com

www.JumpAlberta.com

BCHJA News

Newsletter of the BC Hunter Jumper Association

CONGRATS!

AGM & NEW EXECUTIVE

Congratulations to our own Fran McAvity on being recognized as Jump Canada’s Volunteer of the year!

Congratulations also going out to Haley Stradling, this year’s Jump Canada Medal winner and winner of the CET at The Royal West!

BCHJA’s AGM was held December 8 at Blenheim Stables in Langley. Your Executive for 2015 is

President: Justine Annandale Secretary: Jenna Ritchie Treasurer: Robyn Arkwright Zone Reps: GET YOUR GALA TICKETS! Zone 1: Julia Bostock Our spectacular Gala happens January 17 at the Grand Zone 2: Bill Ulmer Check the website Villa Hotel & Convention Centre, 4331 Dominion Street, Zone 3: Shauna Adamson for details and Zone 4: Rhonda Aird Burnaby. Tickets are $65 and are available online at the upcoming events!

Zone 5: Pippa Emerick BCHJA.com.

BCHJA website.

Zone 6: Norah Ross MEMBERSHIP UPDATES Zone 7: Julia Bostock Memberships are now due. Register on line.

Zone 8: Julia Bostock VP Athlete Development: Patti Coldicut Remember that the rider, owner and trainer all must VP Membership Services: Deb Gue be members to amass points. Early bird rate is $35, VP Competitions: Georgann Gregory which goes up to $45 on February 1, 2015!

VP Funding: Laura Balisky Jump Canada: Fran McAvity

www.bchja.com | 25232 - 80th Avenue, Check the BCHJA website for membership details, Langley, BC V1M 3M9 | Fax: 604-882-0154 show calendar and more: www.bchja.com 60

January 2015

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next Deadline: January 9th for the February 2015 issue

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Thank you for your patronage throughout 2014”

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The Perfect Saddle Fit Mariette Klemm Certified Saddle Ergonomist 36 Point Diagnostic Saddle Fit Evaluation to Horse and Rider!

Authorized Independent Schleese and Zaldi Representative www.theperfectsaddlefit.com

Do you have solid riding skills and want to become an EC Competition Coach or Instructor of Beginners? Register now to be mentored by Maureen Walters, Master Evaluator. Information on Rider Levels and guidance on how to achieve certification will be covered during 20 hours of classroom time. To be held Mondays, 6-8 pm starting in mid February at a Langley location.

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Cell: 604-793-5252 email: harco9@telus.net

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NEWBERT EQUINE ENTERPRISES “Everything For Driving”

(403) 946-5194

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Phone: 604-309-4616 • Email: mylesherman29@gmail.com

dR. Reed’S

Forever In Peace

SupplemenTS foR hoRSeS dr. dave and Wendy Wish for us all peace and health in 2015 neW! www.drReeds.com

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COMPETITIOncAlendAr Competitions • Clinics • Special Events BRiTiSh ColumBia Jan 16 - 18

new Year’s Welcome Indoor Gateway Show #1, Thunderbird Show Park, langley, BC. Contact Chris: (604) 888-4585

Jan 18,

MREC Schooling Show, Maple Ridge, BC Contact Jack: (604) 467-5616, mrec@shaw.ca, www.mrec.ca

Jan 25

MREC 2 Phase and Dressage Schooling Show, Maple Ridge, BC, Contact Jack: (604) 467-5616, mrec@shaw.ca · www.mrec.ca

Jan 30 - Feb 1

hCBC Sport Symposium, Indoor at Thunderbird Show Park, langley, BC. Contact hCBC: (604) 856-4304

Feb 7 - Feb 8

Gateway Dressage Schooling Show #1, Indoor at Thunderbird Show Park, langley, BC. Contact Chris: (604) 888-4585

Feb 13 - Feb 15 Park Select Indoor Gateway Show #2, Indoor at Thunderbird Show Park, langley, BC. Contact Chris: (604) 888-4585 Feb 15

MREC Schooling Show, Maple Ridge, BC Contact Jack: (604) 467-5616, mrec@shaw.ca, www.mrec.ca

Please confirm with event organizers before attending any events.

Some events are changed or cancelled without our knowledge. Submit calendar events at www.gaitpost.com/calendar. Calendar events must be submitted by the print deadline, in order to be considered for inclusion in the next issue. The Gaitpost Calendar is a free service.

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MYLES HERMAN

Animal Structural Kinesiology Equine Lessons/Training

January 2015

Pet Cremation Services

Dedicated to pets from Hamsters to Horses *Private Cremations for Horses now available* Gain Peace of mind and avoid the alternatives Unit: #2 – 33149 London Avenue, Mission, B.C. V2V 4P9

Phone: 604-820-3418 / 1-800-934-3418 Fax: 604-820-6557 · Cell: 604-761-8345 E-Mail: foreverinpeace@wcteltech.net

index of adveRTiSeRS abby Saddle Shop ...................................................................... 43 allan Dale Trailer Sales .............................................................. 37 alu Jumps .................................................................................. 30 ashby, Karen & Christina ............................................................ 54 auburn laboratories ................................................................... 16 Barn Pros ................................................................................... 64 Bates Tack Shop ........................................................................ 29 Biomedica ....................................................................................3 CaaDa ........................................................................................ 35 Cloverdale Pharmasave .............................................................. 38 Country Manufacturing ............................................................... 41 Dewson, Cheryl........................................................................... 54 Dexter associates................................................................. 53, 54 The Dog & Pony Shop................................................................. 28 Elevate Equestrian ..................................................................... 39 hazelmere Equestrian ................................................................ 32 horse Council BC ..........................................................................2 K & S Elite Sport horse .............................................................. 33 McGill, lesley............................................................................. 11 McIntyre, Sidonia ....................................................................... 40 The Paddock Tack ...................................................................... 34 Ride ‘n’ Drive horse Supplies ........................................................6 Shaw Insurance.......................................................................... 40 Ulterra Ranches ......................................................................... 35 Woodguard Canada.................................................................... 39 Wrayton Transport .........................................................................6 Zeidler Farm .................................................................................5

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

www.gaitpost.com

with

DEaRmaneMaRE

Mane Mare

Q A

dear mane mare: no matter how much public acclaim and notoriety i gain, my rider insists on being in all the photos taken of me. he is becoming such a camera hog. — Star dear Star: some people are like that. they see themselves as the true stars and refuse to admit that they could not excel in any equestrian sport without a talented and tolerant horse. if i were you, i would chase him off at the photo shoots. so what if there are photos of you with your ears pinned and teeth bared at him? maybe others will wonder why you hate him.

But be nice to the photographers, of course.

Q

dear mane mare: Grass is my favourite food. it is so juicy and tasty. But, i am kept indoors and fed dehydrated grass all winter. i’ve found that dunking the hay in my water bucket helps make it juicier, but the humans keep dumping it out and giving me a fresh bucket of water. how can i get them to stop ruining my routine? — Masticator dear masticator: somehow, you have to convince them to let you have two buckets, one for dunking and one for drinking. But, i’ve said it before: people are slow learners.

A Q A

dear mane mare: i was born a horse of a different colour. i am almost white now, but i want to be brown again. any ideas? — Fading Fast dear fading fast: i actually envy your choices. With an application of mud via a good roll, you are brown. however, you may also look good in green...or maybe even a tri-colour pinto? www.gaitpost.com

Q A

dear mane mare: What are the rules regarding sharing the trails with humans on bicycles? — Trail Maven dear Trail maven: rules? people don’t follow rules, so i have my own guidelines based on the assumption that if horse people seldom understand horses, bicycle people cannot be expected to understand horses. on top of that, people are not good at sharing anything, including trails. therefore i have turned it into a sport. on the days when i want to go back to the barn sooner, i pretend i am scared to death when a bicycle approaches, and if i can’t unseat my rider, i just bolt home. other days i jump into the path of the cyclist and jump out of the way at the last minute. i think it is a lovely sight when the cycle is on top of the cyclist with the wheels still spinning. i’m hoping that, with practice, i will be able to plant the rider on top of the cyclist and the bicycle. Wish me luck.

Q

dear mane mare: i’ve talked to some of the retired horses and they said that they used to get the winters off from competition. nowadays we go south for the winter and have to compete all year long. how can i get a break from my killer schedule? — Pooped dear pooped: i’ll suggest two options. one: the vague lameness that comes on before a competition and goes away when the vet arrives. two: the seasonal bouts of colic that start in october and don’t go away until april.

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Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

January 2015

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