Gaitpost Magazine - June 2015

JunE 2015

SHAWN HAMIlToN / clIX PHoToGRAPHY

CHarlottE duJardin CliniC · PoSt-FoalinG ExaMS · FarM & FiEld FEaturE

x e l o R p a c e R

MICHAEL JUNG’S VICTORY PAGE 41

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contents features

Departments 10 tidbits Farm Bits

18 tally ho! riverlands hunt week

14 Vet’s View Post-Foaling exams

20 looking for horse heaven? try the heart of sunny manitoba

32 industry news update From 2018 World equestrian Games Organizing Committee

by Barbara Rutherford

35 fei news Scott Brash Back At The Top

23 an engagement with Charlotte Dujardin

Of The Longines Rankings

by Eleanor Klawer

36 health file Sweet Itch & Insect Sensitivity

28 ride across Canada fundraiser by Eleanor Klawer

44 Discipline reports Andrew nicholson

38 wisdom and reid top the inaugural thunderbird CDi3*

74 equitation science Conflict

Keeps The Badminton Dream Alive

Behaviour: The Road To Learned Helplessness

41 rolex recap 2015!

52 ask the saddle Dr.

by Lesley McGill

60 farm & field feature

62

ON THE COVER: Michael Jung and the mighty mare, FisherRocana, won the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event.

13 17 33 53 57 60 76 77 78 78

headline news Jump alberta news horse Council bC news sales Catalogue equestrian properties horse trials bC news noticeboard advertisers’ index bChJa news Competition Calendar

“So I just went as fast as possible to the finish line, but unfortunately, there was a big fence in the way,” Steve Guerdat, the FEI World Cup Final Champion, humbly said with a smile. See page 48.

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June 2015

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Mccool PHoToGRAPHY

in this issue

Visit us at the Mane Event in Red Deer booth #112

Heads Up!

Volume 15 Issue 6

CANADA’S GREATEST LITTLE HORSE MAG

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july 2015 The Pan Am Games Preview

august 2015 Foal Feature Show off or advertise your cute ‘n’ fuzzies here!

Thunderbird Show Park’s competitions are in full swing.

The Pan Am Games report september 2015 FALL SPECIAL: 50% Off Photo Ads! Remember the Clipping Contest when the hair starts to return!

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June 2015

Contributing Writers Eleanor Klawer · editorial@gaitpost.com Dr. Michele Roseburg · Barbara Rutherford · Lesley McGill Susi Cienciala (D.V.M.) · Emily Corrie Editorial Submissions editorial@gaitpost.com Phone: 604-534-9665 Toll-Free: 1-855-534-9665 www.gaitpost.com Printed in Canada · Please Recycle!

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Disclaimer: Reproduction, printed or electronic, in whole or part of any material contained in this publication, without prior written permission of The Publisher is strictly prohibited. The information and services listed are intended to facilitate accessibility to the professionals, products and services of the horse industry. The GaitPost has been compiled with the greatest of care, however, the Publisher does not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or subsequent changes. Further, the Publisher does not imply endorsement of opinions, images or services, whether solicited or unsolicited. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by the Publisher, editor or contributors. Submissions: All photographs and submissions will be handled carefully. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any material not deemed appropriate. Submission does not guarantee publication.

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TIDbits

by Eleanor Klawer

ISTockPHoTo.coM

Far m Bits

ow, has this ever been a busy month or two! Clinics, shows, the Mane Event…this is a jam-packed issue! We have had shows of the highest calibre on the west coast (see page 38), and clinics in Eventing and a Dressage symposium with a world champion (pg 23). The horse world has certainly hit the ground running for 2015! While all these activities are going on, the behind the scenes routine carries on as ever. Life on the farm is the backbone for every horse and rider; their support team, their management, their health, all depend on the farm they call home. In this issue we asked for input from professionals in the industry with regards to farm maintenance, improvement, and lifestyle.

Things don’t seem to be slowing down much — we have several more events on the horizon…

Thunderbird is revving up, and show season is well under way…here we go!

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June 2015

SUSAN lUND

W

leila templin on Maple Bay with Ellen Brown, owner, and Bill ulmer, trainer.

Competition…

Bill Ulmer and Susie Lund, along with Ellen Brown and Leila Templin and their five horses, proved to be a small but mighty group at the 2015 HITS Desert Horse Show In Thermal California in weeks V, VI, and VII. Ellen Brown’s two new young horses, Churchill and Genoa Bay

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Companionship…

The Vintage Riders Equestrian Club of Langley has been busy as well! They just completed three clinics, the first being about trailering, held at Albury Farms, home of New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society. Trish Craig of Crofton Horse Transport made a presentation with a toy truck and trailer on angles and distances, and then everyone moved outside for practical experience. No cones were harmed in the process…

The second clinic was led by Debbie Molnar and was a Working Cow clinic at Fast Times Farm in Langley. There was a lot to learn one on one with a cow, and then working as a team! The third clinic was with Jessie Blackmon and her husband Adam, on their challenging Mountain Trail course. This clinic is filled immediately every time it is offered! There are more clinics, socials and field trips to come, as well as the monthly meetings with guest speakers.

Combat…

On June 6th, which happens to be National Horse Day, the Red Colt Equestrian Farm in Richmond, BC, is hosting a Mounted Combat Playday (sounds like the average warm-up ring!), and invites everyone to come and watch. There are mounted games, sparring, and archery on horsewww.gaitpost.com

red colt

made their show debut at this beautiful venue and placed consistently, and Leila rode Ellen’s Maple Bay to several victories, leading to Division champion, mid Circuit Champion and overall Circuit Champion! Susie had success in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, with highlights being winning the Hunter Stake and a Reserve Championship. The group enjoyed wonderful weather, great competition, and spending time together in the desert.

back! It is put on by academieduello.com. This photo shows Brittany and Kat participating in a round robin tournament with each match consisting of three 30-second bouts. Opponents attempt to score as many valid hits as possible with nylon training longswords, and the rider with the most valid hits after three bouts wins the match. A different twist on enjoying your horse…

Community…

QMS students have been busy as well — The Queen Margaret’s School Equestrian Team have been working hard this spring at competitions in Thermal, CA, and SSITS in Saanich, with strong results.

The first large show of 2015 saw members of the QMS Royals heading south of the border to Thermal, CA, USA. Kassidy Keith (Grade 11) rode Ella 104 to win Reserve Champion in the 1.2m Jumper and 1st Place in the Junior Jumper Low Classic. Ana Sofia Alban Madero (Grade 9) who recently won a bronze medal at the FEI Children’s International Classics in Mexico, rode Piccadilly to 1st Place in the 1.0m Jumper Division.

Other QMS riders who placed in the ribbons included Emily Cake (Grade 9), Eugenia Gutierrez Cantu (Grade 9) and Coach Cheryl Keith. Following a short rest after Thermal, a larger QMS team travelled to Victoria to compete in the Saanich Show in the Sun (SSITS). “The April SSITS went well,” shares Keith. “Our team once again made me very proud of their work ethic.” The team will now journey to BC’s interior for the Kelowna Riding Club Hunter Jumper Show April 23-26, and then prepare to compete on home soil

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

Tidbits continued on page 12 June 2015

11

SOUL TOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY

tions to all for a job well done! Speaking of ponies, there were some absolutely adorable ponies & young girls with braids and bows — sugary sweet! KRC wishes to thank all the sponsors and volunteers of our shows, without the sponsors and volunteers, there would be no show…

Combinations…

QMS rider Hailey Gascoigne and Liberty W.

Tidbits continued from page 11 at the QMS Spring Classic being hosted in May.

sarah hayes

Congratulations…

Payton Betker

The Kelowna Riding Club’s annual Spring Classic Hunter Jumper Show held April 2326, 2015 was fabulous as ever and graced with springtime sunshine. The View Winery Hunter Spectacular on Saturday evening was a huge hit once again! Thank you to the View Winery for their fabulous wine tastings, paired with cheese and crackers, great weather and fabulous riding, it truly was a spectacular way to end the day.

There were so many talented riders, horses and ponies, we cannot name them all but congratula-

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June 2015

Janice Spenst sent us this note about their two phase event: “The Mt. Cheam pony club held their 2 phase event over the weekend of April 25-26th at Island 22 Equestrian Park in Chilliwack. Mother Nature was nice to us and gave us sun for the duration of the competition all day long on Saturday and Sunday, but Friday was a different story as horses and riders were arriving in torrential downpours. We had 96 competitors riding the six levels offered. New this year for this spring event was the starter division that had over 20 riders. The winning combination of the “Goldie Goldsmith” trophy this year, which goes to the lowest scoring Mt. Cheam member, was Stephanie Struys and Echo. Mt. Cheam Pony Club and the Island 22 Society would like to thank all the riders, coaches, parents and volunteers for making the first event of the season such a wonderful, “super” weekend!”

Jami “Super” Struys riding Echo.

Conclusion…

The Gaitpost is very happy to have received so many reports from various events and clubs.

We would love to hear from some of our readers elsewhere in Canada as well — we know you are out there! If you would like to see your clubs and competitions acknowledged in the Gaitpost, please send us your reports — we would love to hear from more people across the country, and fill our pages with your stories. Please spread the word!

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headlinenews Bit by Bit Equine Canada Statement on Fall of Jessica Phoenix at Jersey Fresh International May 10, 2015: Canadian Eventing rider, Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, Ont. was injured on May 9, 2015 following a fall during the Cross-Country phase of the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in Allentown, N.J. Phoenix’s fall took place at jump six of the CCI 2* division, and resulted in multiple injuries. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., where she underwent surgery and is currently reported as resting and in stable condition.

Her mount was not injured in the fall.

Equine Canada extends best wishes to Phoenix on her recovery.

Leslie Reid Named APRIL’S Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month May 1, 2015: Leslie Reid of Langley, B.C. has been presented with the Dressage Canada Red Scarf Equestrian Athlete of the Month title for April, based on her consistent top results with Fine and Smart during the spring season.

Over the past month, Reid, a two-time Canadian Olympian, earned the necessary qualifying scores to be considered for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.

Riding Fine and Smart (Fuerst Piccolo x Worldman), an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Juliet Sears Ledorze, Reid has been highly successful in the Small Tour.

Reid and Fine and Smart posted remarkable scores at the Golden State Dressage Festival, held April 2-5 in California. In the CDI3* Prix St. Georges, the duo earned a score of 67.868% to take home third place.

They did even better in the CDI3* Intermediate I, scoring 69.974% for second place.

The very next week, Reid was back in her hometown of Langley, B.C. to compete in the province’s firstever CDI3* level competition, held at the Thunderbird Show Park. Here, Reid dominated the Small Tour, riding Fine and Smart to back-to-back victories in the CDI3* Prix St. Georges (71.000%) and CDI3* Intermediate I (71.921%).

Equine Canada commends Reid on her success and is delighted to name her the Red Scarf Equestrian Headline News continued on page 17

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13

VET’SVIEW

by Dr. Michele Roseburg, dvm

istockphoto.com

post-foaling exams

F

oaling season is here again, along with all of the associated excitement, trepidation, and sleepless nights. Although many foalings go smoothly without assistance, it is vital to have your veterinarian’s number on hand because every minute counts during a difficult birth. It is important to talk to your vet ahead of time about your foaling plan, what to expect, and when you should call them because it could vary from one mare to the next. If your mare has a high risk pregnancy due to a history of dystocia (malposition of the foal), red bag, or placentitis, your veterinarian may want to be present for the entire foaling process, in which case you would need to call as soon as you suspect your horse is in labor. Your vet may also be able to suggest facilities which offer foaling services to ensure 14

June 2015

that birthing is witnessed and assisted if necessary. If your mare is not high risk and the foaling proceeds without any complications, you might not have your veterinarian out until 8-24 hours post-foaling for an initial mare and foal exam.

Remember the 1-2-3 rule; at one hour post foaling the foal should be standing, nursing at two hours, and placenta passed at three hours. If any of these marks are missed or the pair displays any signs of discomfort or weakness you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Initial mare and foal exams allow your veterinarian to conduct a thorough physical of the two, identifying risks and problems at an early stage. During these exams the foal is checked for overall health, developmental progress, and birth defects. It is also common practice to draw blood

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from the foal 8-12 hours post-foaling, which can then be checked for adequate passive transfer of antibodies from the mare to the foal through the colostrum (first milk). Antibodies are proteins in the blood stream which identify and assist in neutralizing harmful invaders such as bacteria.

If the foal has failure or partial failure of passive transfer of antibodies from the mare, your veterinarian can help you decide if the foal should be supplemented with colostrum or plasma based on individual risk factors and the age of the foal.

The levels may be low either because the foal did not ingest enough colostrum at an early enough stage or because the mare’s colostrum was not of high enough quality. Although low levels of antibodies in the blood do not guarantee problems, just as high antibody levels do not guarantee protection, it does put them at a higher risk of infection and subsequent septicemia.

Septicemia is the medical term for bacteria or bacterial toxins in the blood stream, and is the leading cause of death in newborn foals. Septicemia in foals can manifest as diarrhea, joint or umbilical infections, meningitis, or pneumonia.

As you can see there are a wide variety of potential complications due to septicemia, so prevention and or early treatment are essential to nipping these problems in the bud. Newborn foals are particularly prone to these infections because their intestines have the unique ability to absorb large molecules in the first day of life. This “open gut” is how foals absorb antibodies from colostrum, but it unfortunately also allows bacteria and other pathogens to be absorbed and enter the blood stream.

Another common topic addressed in initial foal exams is flexural or angular limb deformities that the foal may have. Flexural deformities refer to problems with the soft tissues of the limbs (especially tendons and ligaments) which lead to the limb being either overly flexed or too lax. Angular limb deformities have to do with the straightness of the limb when viewed from the front and are described by the direction and degree to which it is angled abnormally. It is a good time to identify potential problems and come www.gaitpost.com

up with a plan of action, if needed. Some limb deformities can be managed with minimal intervention and will resolve on their own in the first few days of life, while others may require exercise protocols, splinting, corrective farrier work, drug therapy, or even surgery. It is important to remember that early intervention is key, as the foal’s limbs can change dramatically for better or worse depending on treatment or lack thereof.

Even if the foal’s limbs are normal in the first few days, keep a close eye on their development since some abnormalities are acquired rather than congenital (existing at birth). Although it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of congenital limb deformities, acquired deformities are attributed to factors which may cause an unbalanced rate of growth including nutritional imbalances, trauma, infection, or exercise.

The mare exam is just as important as the foal exam after birth. Don’t forget to save her placenta when she passes it so that it can be examined for completeness and any signs of abnormal pregnancy. Keeping the placenta in a cool environment will help preserve the tissues for the vet exam. If any part of the placenta is retained within the mare’s uterus for more than three to four hours, she is at great risk for infection since bacteria colonize quickly on the placental membranes and thrive in the post-foaling uterine environment which may then lead to systemic infection and complications such as laminitis.

Your veterinarian will be able to come up with a treatment protocol based on examination of the mare and placenta which might include hormone therapy to stimulate uterine contractions to pass the placenta, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and uterine lavage to stimulate placental release and dilute potential bacteria present.

Mares are also examined for overall wellbeing and any excessive trauma that may have occurred during birthing. Some complications include uterine artery hemorrhage, colic, or tears in the cervix, vagina, or vulva related to birthing trauma. During pregnancy the uterus receives

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Vet’s View continued on page 16 June 2015

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Vet’s View continued from page 15 increased blood flow to support the growing foal, putting greater strain on the uterine arteries so that the stress and strain of foaling may lead to rupture of the artery and subsequent hemorrhage. Since the artery ruptures inside of the mare, the only external signs of bleeding are increasing level of shock or colicky symptoms.

In severe cases a mare will lose a large amount of blood very quickly, leading to death within minutes. In many cases, however, the bleeding is slower or partially contained by the tissues around the artery which allows time for recognition and treatment of the problem. The mare may require intravenous fluid therapy, confinement to a quit, calm area to avoid increases in blood pressure, or even blood transfusions.

After foaling, mares are also more prone to colic from colon torsion, when the gut twists in the abdomen which now has much more room for movement after the foal is born. A veterinarian can help recognize early signs of colic and

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June 2015

help determine early on if your mare requires hospitalization or even colic surgery.

During a post-foaling exam a mare can be examined for excessive trauma to her cervix, vagina, or vulva related to the foaling. Complications might include bruising, lacerations, or tears to these areas caused by the pressure and strain of stretching over a foal or even caused by the foal’s feet puncturing through the tissues if he is positioned inappropriately during birth. After a difficult foaling a mare may continue to strain, resulting in uterine or rectal prolapse (the tissue is pushed through the respective vaginal or rectal opening by the force of the mare’s straining). A prolapse is a medical emergency and needs to be treated by a veterinarian immediately, since the tissues will not remain healthy for long when exposed to the environment. Lacerations and tears, on the other hand, are usually dealt with after the tissues in the area have had a few days to recover from swelling and bruising due to foaling so that any sutures placed have a better chance of holding.

There is not enough space in this article to elaborate all the details of potential complications associated with foaling, but it covers many of the ones most commonly seen to give an idea of why it is important to identify risks to the mare and foal as early as possible. Although many foalings occur without intervention necessary, it is valuable to identify risks at an early stage so that potential problems are recognized and treated before becoming too serious.

Dr. Michele Roseburg is a graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Go Cougs! She is spending half of the year with us and half at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Southern Australia, hitting both the northern and southern hemisphere busy seasons. Dr. Roseburg is especially interested in equine reproduction and ambulatory practice. Michele grew up on a farm in central Washington where her family produces hay and Hanoverian horses.

She participated in Pony Club and still loves to ride when she can find the time.

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Headline News continued from page 13

best of luck in future events.

Athlete of the Month for April.

“I am thankful for the recognition of Athlete of the Month,” said Reid. “I am really pleased with the results for Fine and Smart in his CDI tour this spring. Thank you to his owner, Juliet, for her support throughout this journey. We look forward to seeing everyone in Toronto soon for the CDI tour there in May.” Many Rolex Riders Have Pony Club Connection May 6, 2015: At this year’s Rolex Three-Day Event, The United States Pony Clubs had many top-level riders compete and finish in the ribbons. Out of a total of 72 entries, 40 horse and rider pairs completed the event.

USPC is proud to announce that 75% of those pairs that completed the event are Pony Club Alumni from all over the world. The highest placing Pony Club Alumni was Tim Price, who placed second, representing the New Zealand Pony Clubs. Phillip Dutton placed in fifth as the highest scoring U.S. rider, representing The Pony Club Association of New South Wales. USPC is very proud of all alumni that competed this year, and wish them the

FEI Sports Forum 2015 opens with discussion on future of FEI World Equestrian Games The FEI President Ingmar De Vos welcomed 270 delegates representing the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Federations (NFs), riders’, trainers’, and organizers’ clubs, sponsors, experts, media, guests and FEI staff to the fourth FEI Sports Forum which opened this morning at the prestigious business school IMD in Lausanne (SUI).

“We are all here because we care about our sport,” De Vos said in his opening address. “We need to be open and honest about the challenges we are facing as a sport but more than that we need to be proactive and brave enough to consider changes that will address these challenges. I remember a quote from IOC President Thomas Bach who said ‘change or be changed,’” he said.

The FEI Sports Forum’s first session was dedicated to the FEI World Equestrian Games, with the objective of turning the microscope on the FEI’s flagship event and outlining potential changes to the FEI disciplines and Headline News continued on page 19

Newsletter | June 2015 Jump Alberta Society is a grassroots not-for-profit charitable Alberta corporation.

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• Calgary, AB - Team Cup at Spruce Meadows, June 24-25 • Lexington KY - FEI North American Junior and

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Young Rider Championships, July 14-19 • Sacramento, CA - Sacramento International Horse Show, September 22-27 • Ottawa, ON Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships, September 25-27 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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coURTeSY RIVeRlANDS eqUeSTRIAN FAcIlITY

Tally Ho! Riverlands Hunt Week

R

iverlands Equestrian Facility and Farm would like to thank the following Event Sponsors and Partners for their support over Riverlands Hunt Week in association with the Fraser Valley Hunt Society: Pique Magazine, Sabre Rentals, Valley Chainsaw, Animal Barn, Dave Gilmour Farrier, Plough Equine Veterinary Services, The Log House B&B, and Drumkeeran House.

Completely humane, the Hunt trains its hounds to follow a laid scent as opposed to chasing a live animal. Locals, visiting riders, and spectators were treated to a week of activities includ-

ing a Hunting Newcomers’ Clinic, a talk on the History and Traditions of Hunting, a Fun Ride around the property, and a mock Fox Hunt. The week’s activities culminated in a Hunt Ball Fundraiser with dinner and live music from D’ale & The Coolers, which raised over $2,000 for the Hunt Kennels.

The Hunt has been meeting annually at Riverlands every fall for the past 5 years, however this is the first time the Hunt has visited in the Spring. The good weather ensured a great turnout with up to 73 participants and remarkably nobody fell off!

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Headline News continued from page 17 competition formats in order to increase the interest of future bid cities, the public, media and broadcasters.

Tim Hadaway, FeI Director of Games and championships, highlighted the magnitude of the Alltech FeI World equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy which were the biggest in the event’s 25-year history, with 74 nations represented, a record 28% increase on previous editions. over 25,000 individuals including 900-plus athletes, 3,000 volunteers, 1,750 media and 250 officials were accredited and more than 1,000 horses competed at five venues spread across the Normandy region of France.

Highlighting the economic impact on the region, Hadaway detailed that 46,300 hotel nights had been booked through the organizing committee and 103,500 meals were served to the accredited population. The event had also enjoyed record ticket sales with almost 575,000 tickets sold.

The event had also achieved substantial media coverage with more than 24,000 media mentions in France, 3,173 hours of global broadcast coverage, a total television audience of 330 million, and 5.5 million views on the FeI YouTube channel reached during the Games. The

Games were also hugely successful on social media.

The total budget for the Games was b79.6 million, with an economic impact in Normandy estimated at b190 million and b368 million for France. The organizing committee is expected to announce what Hadaway termed “a significant surplus” shortly.

Despite these positive developments, which had made the Games successful overall, the FeI acknowledged that some aspects of the event did not go well.

A thorough debriefing process involving numerous stakeholders had identified that holding the Games over multiple venues had resulted in complex logistics and had led to increased cost. other problems included delays in publication of key information and issues with IT systems, transport, security, and delays in issuing of ministry paperwork on departure of horses. Insufficient amenities and services, along with cross country day traffic problems, had resulted in a level of frustration for some spectators.

The FeI has acknowledged that the FeI World equestrian Games had evolved into a huge logistical and financial challenge and that, despite the many positives, the Headline News continued on page 22

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Looking for aven?

Horse He

PoSTcARD IMAGeS coURTeS

Y TRAVel MANIToBA

f o t r a e H e h t y r T

er ford

by Barbara Ruth

K

nown around the world for being involved in two Pan Am Games, the Rural Municipality of Springfield is also one of the largest horse communities in Canada. Springfield is the largest and most picturesque municipality adjacent to Winnipeg. No wonder so many horse enthusiasts live here!

The jewel of our community is Birds Hill Provincial Park, an eight thousand acre park northwest of the municipality. Housed inside this beautiful park is a unique equestrian facility erected and maintained by the Manitoba Horse

Council. The facility is used by many of the horse associations for horse shows and events including Show Jumping, Dressage, Cutting, Driving, Polo, Endurance and 3 Day Events. In fact, in Springfield, every equestrian sport or activity is represented. Many area residents are either involved in more than one equestrian association or are friends with residents who enjoy other equestrian activities. At the yearly “Bud and Spud Dinner” fundraising event for the Driving Club of Manitoba, one will find every type of “horse person” from backyard riders to reiners and show jumpers.

It really is “Horse Heaven” in the heart of sunny Manitoba.

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darice whyte and her arab mare, tia, working towards entering the tevis Cup.

DARIce WHYTe

This close-knit horse community supports each other whenever possible.

There are many arenas in the area that are either private or have horse boarding available.

In the 3 mile radius around Birds Hill Park there are over 20 arenas and 120 properties set up for horses. One example is Pine Ridge Equestrian Park. It is located on a quarter section of land and includes a large main barn, 118 stall show barn, an indoor arena (110 x 220) and an outdoor arena (220 x 440) all of which are used for Show Jumping, Dressage, and Western events.

We have a number of premiere regional events going on each year that bring horses from surrounding provinces and the United States. Many of these events are held in Birds Hill Park. The following are a few associations hosting events: • Springfield Polo Club – International Invitational Tournament, • Manitoba Barrel Racing Association – Spring Fling in the Park, and • Manitoba Combined Driving Association – Birds Hill International Driving Event.

Many local riders exercise their horses in Birds Hill Park. Some haul their horses into the Park and leave their horse trailers at the horse stables within the Park. Others choose to ride to the Park along roadways, hydro lines and paths.

There are five horse entrances to Birds Hill Park.

Locally, the Springfield Horse Community Horse Trails Committee has been working with the municipality to establish recognized roads and paths as official horse trails. It is the intent of this committee to put up signage to identify the trails, celebrate the equestrian nature of our community and ensure the safety of all using the trail system to the park.

Historically the Rural Municipality of Springfield was called the garden of Manitoba. The area was pioneered by farmers. Horses played an important part in the daily living of these pioneers.

Horses were a mainstay in the community, being used by farmers to break ground and bring in the harvest, go to the fair and have picnics. On a Sunday morning in the ’80s, it was not unusual

driver katherine Sinclair and navigator terry Mckee, with Buckwheat doing the heavy work.

to find members of the Springfield Hunt riding in the area. After a “stirrup cup (glass) of sherry,” the horses and riders followed a pack of hounds that raced along roads, ditches and over acreages where a scent had been laid earlier in the day.

Following the Hunt, riders would meet back at the home of one of the members who lived in the area for the hunt breakfast. All of these activities have cemented horses as an integral part of the fabric of the community. The legacy continues as many horse enthusiasts live and ride in this rural community.

So, if you are contemplating a move and are looking for local amenities to mesh with your equine lifestyle, then we invite you to consider the Rural Municipality of Springfield. It really is “Horse Heaven” in the heart of sunny Manitoba.

For more information about Manitoba clubs & associations, visit manitobaequinedirectory.com/index.php?page=clubs-andassociations

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Headline News continued from page 19 excellent sport and enjoyable atmosphere, the multiple venues had amplified complexity and stretched financial and human resources, occasionally resulting in the loss

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of the original concept of uniting the equestrian family.

The following key conclusions from the TSC study were highlighted: • Reduction in the size of the competitor field; • Reduction in length of the event, nine to 10 days including two weekends was deemed the optimal length. The current format was deemed too long to sustain media and spectator interest.

• Re-design of the competition formats and schedule to encourage a more compact foot print; • Development and implementation of industry leading sport presentation concepts that deliver to the non-equestrian fan needs.

Wilson concluded by outlining the clear strategic objectives the FEI should use as guidance through the proposed changes. The Games must remain differentiated from other FEI events and remain a pinnacle of the equestrian calendar; it must help grow the sport and assist with delivering the global appeal required for Olympic status; the budget for hosting the Games needs to be as attractive as possible to hosts and carry a lower financial and delivery risk; the public sector investment must be achievable for a greater number of prospective hosts through delivery of a significantly improved return on investment; the Games must be commercially effective for the FEI; and the Games must be accessible for and attractive to spectators both on venue and via broadcast to increase the stakeholder experience.

FEI Director of Games and Championships Tim Hadaway concluded the session by explaining that the fruitful discussion had set the scene for the remainder of the Forum. All the proposal made at the Forum would be looked at closely, further consultation work would be conducted and the finalized proposals would be submitted to the vote of the General Assembly in November.

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ashley elstone

by Eleanor Klawer

CLINICREVIEW

Echalon R, or Flash, and Sean Rae, getting a pat for a job well done.

AN ENGAGEMENT WITH CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

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n May 1st to 3rd, hundreds of Dressage enthusiasts came together at the Cloverdale Agriplex in Surrey, BC, to watch the reigning Dressage world champion and Olympic gold medalist teach and ride, in the hope of gaining some insight into what brought Charlotte Dujardin to the top of the Dressage world with record-breaking scores in all the Grand Prix tests.

They certainly weren’t disappointed, as Charlotte revealed herself to be a remarkably able clinician for both the riders and the auditors.

Scott Hayes Productions worked very hard to bring Charlotte to BC, and the venue looked amazing, considering it started with a concrete floor and bleachers, and that was it. Footing First brought in the base and footing and spent several late nights getting it perfect, and it showed.

Horses were able to blast around the ring with no fear of slipping, and yet it was a soft, dust free, www.gaitpost.com

consistent footing for the more collected work.

All the riders were decked out in lovely clothing

by Noel Asmar Equestrian. There were more than 30 tables around the Dressage ring, filled with over three hundred enthusiasts, and the bleachers held hundreds more. A clinician like this deserved a setting and audience like this. The vendors appeared to be doing a roaring business all day, every day, and there was a definite party atmosphere!

What we learned about Dressage…

The ability to engage a large audience and still teach effectively is a rare one. To be able to ride a strange horse well and still engage the audience shows a remarkable ability to focus on the horse, one that comes so naturally to Charlotte that the running comments she made as she rode

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effort” in the course of a lesson, in most cases, they would be demoralized, reduced to tears, and questioning their abilities in a big way. Charlotte had the ability to identify things that were wrong using these terms, but with such a consistent sense of humour that riders simply smiled ruefully and tried harder the next time. One has to know what was wrong to make it right! That is not to say Charlotte was a negative coach — she was just as open with her praise: “brilliant”, “a fantastic horse for the future”, “You make my job easy!” It wasn’t always a case of “slap the rider, pat the horse!”

Scott Hayes Productions managed to put many riders in front of Charlotte over the three days, and while some of the best were away to continue competing for the Pan Am Games spots or recovering from the long hauls from California and Wellington, it was a good group for auditors to watch. Lots of talented young horses in various stages of training gave everyone a good idea of where the horse needed to be in terms of paces and frame. Several higher level riders benefitted from Charlotte’s ability to relate their performance in a movement to a score, and why. Charlotte’s repeated words “They learn what you teach them” had many riders repeating their exercises many times until it was acceptable, and rewardable.

Everyone was able to see the difference in the rideability of the horses after benefitting from “Going for a yee-haw”, getting in front of the leg and awake to the aids. Charlotte was quick to add that she hoped she wouldn’t be responsible for a whole lot of people going home and getting bucked off! That being said, there was no doubt most riders needed to go home and get their horses going out of first gear. No “riding with the handbrake on!” If forward doesn’t come easily and voluntarily from the horse, then the

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Dominique Buckland on Rockwell.

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Roanne Tyson and the Grand Prix Andalusian stallion Isleno XXXVII. Alyssa Pitts from Snohomish, WA had an excellent clinic with two young horses.

Charlotte Dujardin continued from page 23 did not affect her ability to ride the horse with incredible timing and effectiveness. As a coach, she effected changes in every pair that rode in front of her, while keeping to a fairly simple and straightforward process: ride them forward. REALLY forward! Get a reaction! Ride a million transitions, GOOD ones, in and out of the gaits, in every pattern and movement. Keep them happy. Sounds simple, right?

If most riders were to hear the words “pathetic”, “disgusting”, “pretty useless”, or “a poor 24

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Charlotte kept a smile on her face for a long line of autograph and photo seekers.

rider is working way too hard for that fundamental part, and all the movements become considerably more difficult for them as a result.

Charlotte is a strong advocate of 20-30 minutes of stretching the horse before and after working in the arena. She never rides with a whip unless it is needed for a particular movement or pattern, because she wants the corrections to come from the leg. Too many horses know that the moment the whip is dropped, going in to the ring, they can quit on their riders. All the lower level lessons were related to the horse’s reaction to leg and contact — it had to be prompt and willing. The most important thing with horses is to have a routine and a plan with each horse, and considering their weaknesses and strengths.

The higher levels received good technical information from Charlotte: Zig Zags — start on the wall to establish left/right balance. Ride forward up the ring, not across — a simple change in visualization like that can make a big difference. Count “1-2-3-4-straight-change” to keep on your count correctly.

Piaffe — Lazy horses need to be quick and forward, and not slow and on the spot or they get behind you. Keep them moving forward.

Then get forward and faster in the test; be brave, and get the higher hindleg. A double beat in the piaffe means the horse needs to be forward, not behind the leg or tense. They can also be too hot or too tight, in which case the piaffe needs to www.gaitpost.com

The signed Tshirts were a big hit!

travel more so they don’t get stuck.

Passage — A lot of rhythm difficulties can be solved with some leg yielding while passaging .

Take the lift into the other trot work.

Tempis — Start ones by doing one/one and out. Move/swing your legs, not your body, and always wait for them. It isn’t a competition to see how many you can do. They have to be on your aids, under your control.

Pirouettes — “Small start, big finish, always”.

Move the shoulders around, not so much leg or they go sideways. Maintain your speed, and keep the neck down. It is important to really be “getting it” mentally in your head.

What we learned about Valegro (aka Blueberry)…

His barn name, Blueberry, came from when he was first brought to Carl Hester’s yard in a group of other young horses. They were all named after fruit and vegetables, as in “Radish”, “Tomato” and “Blueberry”. Valegro used to be a headshaker, which was interesting to hear. There is certainly no sign of it now. Because of his violent shaking and striking at his nose, Carl unsuccessfully tried to sell him, and so gave the ride to Charlotte, and the rest is history! He is super-sensitive around his nose, and he can’t have metal touching his

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Rebecca Garrard and Con Brio did a little in hand with Charlotte

The vendors did a roaring business all weekend.

Charlotte Dujardin continued from page 25 skin, or halters too low, and hates flies and sweat on his nose. He “grew out of it” and seems to be better in a double for some reason. No magic cure, unfortunately!

Valegro is worked by Charlotte four days a week, and hacked two days a week by a 77 year old lady, who loves him totally. She drags him over to the tallest mounting block around, climbs on, and then ambles off down the lane.

“You wouldn’t look twice at him if you were driving by — he looks like a fat cob out for a hack, in a grazing rein, so he doesn’t have his head in the hedge all the time!” Charlotte’s dream plan is to break him to drive when he is retired from Dressage, and have him pull her cart to her marriage! It was nice to hear he wasn’t always perfect — when he was four or five, Charlotte’s left arm would be numb, he was so stiff on that side.

When he learned to sit, he got much lighter.

Stephen Clarke, at a young horse competition, didn’t think Valegro would make it all the way since his canter was so huge: collection was going to be a problem. Charlotte takes great delight in making liars out of judges, it appears.

What we learned about Charlotte: Charlotte really dislikes the Young Horse competitions — she feels it is too early to judge 26

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a horse properly, and the big flashy trots get too much reward, when these horses rarely make it to the top due to soundness issues or weakness in other areas. Too many horses are still too immature to truly judge their talent and rideability, especially large horses. She likes to leave the walk alone as long as possible, and while training all three gaits, she looks for a horse with a walk and canter, with the temperament to do the job, first.

The trot is trainable and easily improved. She teaches them to go forward, have fun, be a young horse — there is their whole life ahead of them to collect and learn the tricks. She was invited to be the demo rider at the Danish selection, and said it was crazy — Sixteen to ride, all barely broke three year olds! You can bet her insurance company was quaking in its boots…

Charlotte starts her own horses. She and Carl like to buy them around age 2 or 3, and rarely like to spend more than 12,000 Euros. Blueberry was 5,000 Euros! She has no size preference, although feels the smaller ones are easier for the most part. She is a little envious of people with long legs, and refuses to listen to someone blaming their lack of leg length for their ride – she is the perfect example of how a shorter leg can do the job. She says, tongue in cheek, “it’s not how long they are — it’s what you do with them!”

Charlotte’s sense of humour and down-to-

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earth attitude showed when she was discussing her life since the Olympics. After London 2012, all the British athletes were invited to Buckingham Palace, and she had to return later when she received her OBE (Order of the British Empire).

She said it was the scariest thing ever, because she had to wear a long dress and high heels, walk up, curtsy, and walk backwards, and she was sure she was going to fall! “I was sweating, freaking out, a complete mess!” Sometime later she had to go through it all again, when she received a call from Buckingham Palace, requesting her presence at lunch with the Queen on May 8th. She was startled, and said she had to check her diary — and then realized who she was speaking to!

She backtracked quickly and said she would be there, not knowing if she was even in the country at that time. She went to the lunch, managed to get the usually stone-faced guards to laugh, and sat but one from the Queen. She had a moment of panic regarding the array of cutlery in front of her, and exactly what dish was what, and was quietly told by a servant who obviously recognized “the look”, to just watch what the Queen does and follow suit. Charlotte was refreshingly normal about her visits to Buckingham Palace, and finished saying “Queenie and me, now we’re like *this*!”

What Charlotte thought of the West Coast…

Charlotte loved her stay in Vancouver, and had a few days to do touristy things like bike around Stanley Park. “I had an amazing time!”

She won’t be moving any time soon, when asked, but will be back again to teach, she promised. “I have tried to give them everything I know, and if they can come away with one or two good tips, then I know I have done my job right.”

Charlotte feels that we “don’t have as much training here, so it is hard to get beyond that without going to Europe. We are so lucky, in the UK, seeing so many trainers and riders, and you are always picking up things and learning.”

She was happy with the quality of horses and riders she saw on this trip. There were a couple of horses she obviously loved, including Alyssa www.gaitpost.com

Pitt’s Quintessential Hit by Quaterback, Red Wagon Farm’s Echalon, and Rochelle Kilberg’s stallion, Samba Hit V. When asked what British Dressage did to become so successful in recent years, and what their key to success was, she answered “the lottery funding and the support they give us when we travel. Anyone scoring over 70% twice at the international level gets the full team when travelling. Physiotherapy for the horse and rider, sports psychologist, farrier, vet… we were so lucky we had them all with us at Vegas, especially the vet, when Blueberry had such a long journey, from home to Amsterdam, and then to Vegas — the first two days he was fine, and then he hit a low. I have never seen him like that, and it scared me to death. Thankfully we had our team vet, and he was able to treat him and help him, in the sense of giving him the vitamin boosts, blood tests to be sure there was no virus going on, etc.

As much as I worried about it, I knew the vet was there, and he knew Blueberry, and he was doing the best he could. If he hadn’t been there, it would have been a lot of stress that I would have had to deal with, and Alan (her groom) would have had to deal with. These people work with us all year round so they know our horses well.

It helps immensely with the performance we can give. Dressage has changed so much in the last four years, and Brits were nowhere and now we are at the top, and people want our help now, not just from the Dutch and Germans.”

She has a great family at home to support her, and while “you don’t want your Mum travelling around everywhere with you, as much as my mum loves me, she is one of those mums that loves to tell everyone what I have done, and asks everyone “so do you know who my daughter is?”, and Oh God, I want the ground to open and let me in! So she can’t come with me.” Charlotte laughs.

When asked if she had working students, she said not at the moment as she doesn’t have her own yard, “But that is something I am going to start looking into.” So there you are — Charlotte

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The Ride Acr

Gaitpost Hosts Fundraiser for the Co

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the eye and asked me what it was going to take for me to fly. I had hesitated to tell him about the new farm thinking that it might upset him but said right then, “Get in the car, we are going for a drive!” and brought him here for the first time. As we drove in the driveway, I said ‘This is me learning to fly’. He was involved in everything that happened here until the day he passed. I know how much pleasure it gave him to see things evolve, and how much it meant to me to share it with him. It was a gift. For those of you that are in my daily life, you know how long that I have been trying to find a horse that would be able to take me to the next level. After 2 years of searching, I found him — Tucker’s registered name is Time To Fly…” A nice story, and an example of how near and dear the veterans are to many people’s hearts.

Thank you so much to the companies and individuals that gave us the prizes for the silent auction, and we hope everyone will reciprocate and use

jael lodge

n April 17th, the Gaitpost hosted a fundraiser at the Artful Dodger in Langley, BC. Over $3,000 was raised for the Community For Veterans Foundation, an organization raising awareness in communities across Canada for Canadian military veterans. Organized by Terry and Paul Nichols, and being brought to life by a host of volunteers, this ride started in April in Victoria, and will reach its final destination on the east coast around November. It is a huge undertaking, and the Gaitpost was happy to help such a worthy cause.

Shelley Cogger very generously donated a saddle to the auction, and had this to say: “After the emotional impact of donating my Dad’s saddle (he was a veteran and a rider) to the Vets’ fundraiser, the memories of him have been close. His initials were carved into the stirrup leather and I could feel him doing that. One of the last conversations that I had with him was one day, out of the blue, we had been talking about the farm and the associated workload etc. He stopped and very seriously looked me in

On the trail.

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ross Canada

ommunity For Veterans Foundation

cHRIS BeAUlIeU

cHRIS BeAUlIeU

their services. Thank you as well to all the people that bid on the items! We also appreciated the help, patience, and service of the Artful Dodger, all of which made the evening a great success.

Please go to the website www.communities forveterans.com to see when they are coming to your community!

cHRIS BeAUlIeU

Some of the lovely ladies at the fundraiser….

dave Mcallister and Paul nichols.

JAel loDGe

terry nichols, andrea Beaulieu, Eleanor klawer, and Paul nichols.

on short notice, a host of donors and sponsors came forward to help make the evening such a success. These include, in alphabetical order:

cHRIS BeAUlIeU

dave Mcallister, a langley veteran, and Paul nichols ride into the artful dodger for the evening.

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Bates Tack Shop BMW langley Bosley’s cheryl Dewson, Realtor cloverdale Pharmacy Debbie Hughes Domaine de chaberton Winery Glenn Valley Trail Rides Greenhawk langley Paton and Martin Vet Services Rocky Mountain Botanicals Sally Rees, Photographer Shannon Witt-Janzen - Massage Therapy Shelley cogger The Dog and Pony Tack Shop Township 7 Winery Vanderveen Hay Sales, cloverdale

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rob stratton images

What Communities for Veterans is All About Everyone has a story. We are all a product of our experiences and are influenced by all that we meet and all that we do. by Terry Nichols

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y personal story, like the stories of most people, contains much joy, some sadness, some tragedy, and a realization that the chapters in my story that were the most difficult to endure are the chapters that created the most strength and depth in my character. I see this in myself.

I see this in my husband. I see this in the veterans that are joining us in our campaign with the Communities For Veterans Foundation-The Ride Across Canada.

My husband, Paul, is a veteran. He is 46 years old. There have been many times when he has worn his medals and he is asked if the medals are his. He is not the face that most Canadians think of when they imagine a “veteran.” Paul was a Calgary Highlander and served with 2PPCLI on a UN Mission in the former Yugoslavia. This

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was a time of war and ethnic cleansing and much destruction. Paul says this was “a busy time for Canadian troops.”

Paul and I have started a foundation to bring awareness to the experiences and the needs of our contemporary veterans. These men and women become invisible once they transition out of the military and back into civilian life ... and sometimes they lose their way. Our job is to include as many of these veterans with us on horseback and shine a light on them and their stories as they ride with Paul through their own communities. We are also sharing our story and the stories of these contemporary veterans with communities. It is community that can provide support, gratitude, acceptance and healing for our veterans.

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Paul and I have both been significantly influenced by the power that is in horses to create awareness and healing in people. At the time when Paul was experiencing the most doubt and struggle and had stopped sharing his stories, he luckily had his horse and his dog. Paul says that this ride is not about one man riding across the country on horseback, but I do think that the story of this one man is a representation of a lot of stories from many veterans who have transitioned back into communities all across Canada.

We cannot think of a more powerful way to showcase our veterans. Horses’ ability to draw attention, their need for strong, fair leadership, their physical and mental strength to help us carry riders across the country, their gentle healing nature, and the bond that can give the riders strength and awareness for the time they are together. The horses have given us an environment where it becomes easy to share stories and insecurities. They have connected to our riders and have given them an awareness for the needs of the horses ... sensitivity, assertiveness, planning, trust. They do this just by being...

We are already seeing a difference. We are on a mission to “Change the Face of Canadian Vet-

erans.” We are showcasing these men and women. We are hearing their stories. We are bringing communities together to share in our mission.

And our hearts are full from the response that we are getting from our veterans and also from our communities that are noticing them ... and recognizing that our stories, the stories that take place here in Canada, have this peaceful setting because of the hard work and sacrifice that is done on our behalf. For that, I am grateful.

Next Issue

DeADLINe: june 5th, 2015 for the july 2015 issue

To advertise, call 1.855.534.9665 or 604.534.9665

Charlotte Dujardin continued from page 27 is looking for her own barn!

The best part of the clinic was how everyone felt Charlotte really is a ‘regular person’, someone everyone can relate to, and that in turn made what she has accomplished already in her life seems just that little bit more attainable for others. The enthusiastic chatter in the barn about the clinic was a pleasure to hear — Charlotte’s strength is in inspiration, not through grandiose behaviour but by being very grounded and keeping a sense of humour and balance about her experiences. Focus, humour, humility, and dedication obviously add up to a world class individual.

So remember….

“You’re going to thank me forever when you get an 80%!”

We will, Charlotte, we will!

www.gaitpost.com

Abby Saddle Shop has been under new ownership for one year and to celebrate we are having a

HUGE SALE!

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 3 SADDLE PADS!

SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH

10-50% OFF THE ENTIRE STORE!*

*Excludes consignment items

FREE HORSE COOKIES WITH EVERY PURCHASE!

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INDUSTRYnews Business Matters Update from 2018 World Equestrian Games Organizing Committee

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stablishing a non-profit organization (NPO) is often a difficult task, especially in relation to financing. A small team of 9 professionals having different skill sets has been working for over 6 months to find solutions and to raise the funds required to continue building a strong team which will make Bromont 2018 a success.

Planning and Logistics Management COJEM2018 has submitted a Request for Proposal quote on Merx for the setup of a project office for the planning and management of its activities.

Accommodations Many actions have been undertaken to identify the needs and priorities during the Games.

Mike Gallagher has also surveyed various national federations. COJEM2018 has had meetings with the Tourism Offices of Montreal, the Eastern Townships and some hotels in the area.

Bromont is in a beautiful rural setting but is not surrounded by large hotels. In cooperation with the Tourism Offices, our plan is to insure that all Team members are housed within 30 minutes of the venue. It is expected that most spectators will book hotels in the City of Montreal and that a transportation system will be arranged. We will be working with a DMC (Destination Management Consultant) who has experience in organizing world events. This should be finalized by the end of June. Some procedures will be communicated at a later date.

Transportation The Bromont Venue will not have any vehicles allowed on the site during the Games (with the exception of Team vehicles and essential services). All parking will be 5 to 15 minutes away 32

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from the site with regular shuttle buses operating at all times.

Security With the assistance of an independent security specialist, COJEM2018 will soon issue a Request for Proposal for the selection of a private security company. Meetings with the local police force have taken place; to be followed by meetings with provincial and federal police forces.

The security plan will be tested and approved in 2017; adjustments will be made as needed.

Sports and Amenities Some changes will need to be made to the current site in order to upgrade the existing facilities. The construction of an indoor arena to host the Reining and Vaulting competitions should start shortly since we have now received the green light from the City of Bromont. The WEG2018 site will be expanded from the current site to include facilities on both sides of the Gaspe Street. Many projects are expected to commence shortly including construction of 8 outdoor arenas on the site of the Equestrian Park near Lac Gale Road; construction of 4 arenas for para-dressage and driving on the site located on the other side of Gaspé street, construction of 3 permanent stables on the Equestrian Park site.

Finance and administration In recent months, numerous policies and procedures have been prepared: an organizational chart, a code of ethics, administration procedures, budget projections, procurement and purchasing policies, confidentiality agreements, expense account policies, human resources management policies.

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Marketing, Sales and Sponsorships The Request for Proposal issued by COJEM2018 for the selection of a partner responsible for marketing, sales and sponsorships has been awarded to Groupe DB last December. The FEI has approved the nomination of Guillaume Béland (member of the DB Consortium) as Marketing Manager and a meeting was held in order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party in the search for sponsorships.

Communications COJEM2018 has been working with external consultants to establish a preliminary communication plan pending the hiring of a Communication Officer.

Liaison Office COJEM2018 is developing a volunteer program. The organization of the World Equestrian

Games will need the help of some 2500 volunteers. More than 500 people have already given their contact information during the World Equestrian Games of Normandy.

Six MorE FEi aPProVEd CoMPEtition datES For tryon intErnational EQuEStrian CEntEr April 22, 2015: Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is proud to announce the addition of six FEI sanctioned competition dates to the 2015 TIEC schedule, bringing the total number of FEI competitions to eight dates throughout the year. Offering equestrian competitors an array of opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport, exhibitors can enjoy a worldclass venue throughout the year at TIEC. “The goal in offering these lower cost FEI competitions is to bring greater access of these classes to riders in the United States,” said Mark Industry News continued on page 34

HORSE COUNCIL BC NEWS Come & Join us at the 2015 55+ BC Games!

The 55+ Bc Games (formerly the Bc Senior Games) takes place on August 25 – 29, 2015 in North Vancouver, Bc. The games are open to all equestrians aged 55+!

Register to compete in one or all of the disciplines offered: • Dressage, • Western Dressage, • Limited Distance 35km Endurance Rider, • 15km Endurance “fun ride”.

All equestrian events will take place at the North Shore equestrian centre.

55+ BC Games Background The 55+ Bc Games is an annual multisport competition celebrating active healthy seniors and 55+ citizens. The North Vancouver 2015 55+ Bc Games Society is the Host Society responsible for planning and delivering the Games. website www.55plusgames.ca all registrations must be in to the north Vancouver 2015 55+ BC Games Society no later than June 25th! www.gaitpost.com

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Industry News continued from page 33 Bellissimo of Tryon Equestrian Partners. “We want to promote great competition and allow riders that compete here to gain valuable ranking points while staying in the United States.”

The Tryon Spring 7 CSI 3* (May 27-31) and Tryon Spring 8 CSI 4* (June 3-7) are now accepting entries through the FEI online entry system.

Both shows, which will run back-to-back weeks at TIEC, conclude the 2015 Tryon Spring Series before the beginning of the highly anticipated Tryon Summer Series on June 24.

TIEC will continue to bring competitors in North America opportunities to pursue the highest levels of international competition with several additional FEI dates immersed throughout the calendar year.

KWPN Keuring Approved for Langley, BC: Sunday, September 13, 2015 The KWPN has approved Langley as a new location on the Keuring (inspection) tour for 2015.

Inspectors from Holland and North America will

be in Langley to see our KWPN-bred foals, yearlings, 2 year olds and older horses, including any stallion prospects. If you have a horse that you would like inspected or approved and are not sure if your foal/horse is eligible, please contact Jane McLeod at finnfarm@shaw.ca. Details on the keuring process may be found at kwpn-na. org under the banner heading “Keurings”.

Every September the KWPN-NA organizes and holds its inspections throughout the U.S. and Canada. Young and mature horses are evaluated by a judging committee led by a KWPN inspector. The jury looks at foals, yearlings and two-year-olds for premium grading, as well as horses three and older for acceptance into the studbook. There are also performance classes such as the IBOP, the DG Bar Cup for young Dressage horses and the Claybrook Farms Cup free jumping competition for young jumpers and hunters, in addition to the Riding type horses, To award breeders of horses bred and born in North America, Iron Spring Farm sponsors the Keuring Championship Awards, These awards will distribute prize money and recognize the Champion and Reserve Champion Foal and Mature Horses (3-7 year-old stallion, mare or gelding) in each of the breeding direction: dressage, jumper, hunter, harness and Gelders.

The KWPN-NA office, Jury and Board of Directors decide the dates and locations of the inspections across the states and provinces of the U.S. and Canada, and we are very excited to have our host application approved for this year. Inspections are open to eligible KWPN horses and those registered with an ‘Erkend’ studbook, that are owned by current KWPN-NA members.

Spectators are encouraged and welcomed.

Barn Pros Offers New Line Barn Pros, of Washington State, has partnered with Eldorado Stone to offer a new line of barns, shops, and apartments with beautiful architectural stone siding options. The new barns with the stone have a unique and timeless design, like nothing else you can purchase as a kit. Go to barnpros.com for more information on these new options.

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fei/amy dragoo-arnd.nl

FEINEWS

Scott Brash back at the top of the Longines Rankings

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cott Brash (GBR) is now back at the top of the Longines Rankings as world Jumping number one. Brash, 29, the youngest member of the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medal winning British team, jumped into the lead of the Longines Rankings for the first time in his career in December 2013, and held on for an impressive 16 months.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser then managed to break this run last month, and headed to the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Las Vegas (USA) to defend his title wearing the coveted Longines Rankings leader armband.

Brash now has a 143-point lead on secondplaced Deusser, and the reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) has now been catapulted into third place from ninth in the Longines Rankings after winning the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Las Vegas.

Brash, from Peebles in Scotland, is no stranger to success. After his Olympic debut at London www.gaitpost.com

2012, he went on to win team gold and individual bronze at the ECCO FEI European Jumping Championships in 2013. In the same year, he became the youngest athlete to win the Longines Global Champions Tour, winning it again in 2014, and is currently top of the leaderboard for this year’s series.

Longines Rankings Top 10: 1 Scott Brash (GBR) 2,834; 2 Daniel Deusser (GER) 2,691; 3 Steve Guerdat (SUI) 2,585; 4 Kent Farrington (USA) 2,570; 5 McClain Ward (USA) 2,480; 6 Elizabeth Madden (USA) 2,465; 7 Ludger Beerbaum (GER) 2,425; 8 Maikel Van Der Vleuten (NED) 2,421; 9 Kevin Staut (FRA) 2,400; 10 Rolf-Göran Bengstsson (SWE) 2,369.

FEI Tribunal issues final decision on Maxime Livio (FRA) case The FEI Tribunal has issued its final decision in the case involving the athlete Maxime Livio (FRA) and horse Qalao des Mers at the Eventing competition of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, following a positive finding for a Controlled Medication Substance.

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HEALTHfile

sweet itCh & inseCt sensitiVity

“S

weet Itch” is also often referred to as “summer eczema” and is caused by a hypersensitivity to insect bites — usually flies, mosquitoes and especially biting midges (“nosee-ums”). Horses become intensely irritated and itchy and will look for almost anything solid to scratch on. Insects prefer to bite skin where it is thin and sensitive: mane and tail hair gets itched out; the underbelly, sheath and udder gets bitten; and bald spots can appear elsewhere on the body.

It’s interesting to note that it is only a specific horse in a herd that attracts biting insects to the point of discomfort. These horses not only attract more bites but have actual allergic reactions to the bites which is why they experience increased pain and itching. Dark coloured horses are often more sensitive but aside from colour, insects are drawn to animals that have a compromised immune system. The skin has a protective layer known as the acid mantle, a layer of lactic acid that protects the skin from bacteria, parasites, insects and infections. The acid mantle

can be damaged by diet, poor nutrition, stress, poor immunity, blood toxins and food allergies. The most effective approach therefore is one that builds up the immune system and restores the acidity of the mantle. Riva’s Remedies has formulated an extremely effective herbal tincture to address these primary underlying problems. In addition, sweet itch horses should not be given any high sugar feeds or grain, nor added fats as these foods will intoxicate the liver, compromise the immune system and aggravate allergy reactions.

FEI News continued from page 35

a level playing field.

The FEI Tribunal last month disqualified Livio and the French Eventing team from their placings at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014. Livio finished fifth in the individual competition and was also a member of the fourthplaced French team. As a result of the team disqualification, France has lost its Rio 2016 Olympic slot.

The FEI Tribunal ruled on the disqualification of Livio and the French Eventing team in last month’s partial decision following a request from the FEI that the Tribunal rule separately on this element of the case due to the consequences regarding Olympic qualification.

Following the disqualification of the French team, the Canadian Eventing team, which finished seventh at the FEI World Equestrian

The FEI Tribunal has imposed a six-month suspension on Livio, effective immediately from May 7th, 2015, in accordance with Article 169 of the FEI’s General Regulations and Article 10.2 of the Equine Controlled Medication Rules.

Livio has also been fined CHF 2,500, and will have to cover the B Sample analysis costs and contribute towards the costs of the judicial procedure.

Samples taken on August 29, 2014 from the horse Qalao des Mers (FEI ID 103MQ19) returned positive for Hydroxyethylpromazine sulfoxide, a metabolite of the sedative Acepromazine. Acepromazine is a Controlled Medication Substance on the FEI Prohibited Substances List. Controlled Medications are substances that are regularly used to treat horses, but which are not allowed in competition in order to maintain 36

June 2015

Marijke van de Water holds a B.Sc. in clinical Nutrition and a Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Science. www.rivas remedies.com, www.rivasremediesfordogsandcats.com

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Games 2014, has moved up one place and is now qualified for Rio 2016.

FEi triBunal diSMiSSES uaE rEQuESt to liFt SuSPEnSion The FEI Tribunal has dismissed a request from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Federation for an interim lifting of its suspension from the FEI. The Tribunal’s decision means that the suspension remains in force pending the final outcome of the formal appeal by the UAE National Federation against the suspension.

The FEI Bureau provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation on March 12, 2015 for an indeterminate period following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in the discipline of Endurance.

The request for interim relief prior to a full hearing was considered by a three-member FEI Tribunal panel made up of Henrik Arle (FIN), who chaired the panel, Erik Elstad (NOR) and Pierre Ketterer (FRA). The full merits of the

case will be heard by the same Tribunal panel at a later date.

In its decision, the FEI Tribunal stated that it had “taken note of the FEI’s argument that the FEI Bureau Decision had been taken primarily on horse welfare grounds, due to consistent rule breaching by the Appellant, the effects of which was jeopardizing horse welfare… The Tribunal therefore finds that the Appellant’s interest in having the suspension lifted does not outweigh the FEI’s interest in protecting horse welfare.”

The FEI Tribunal also ruled that the FEI Headquarters should continue to issue passports for non-Endurance horses from the UAE. This followed a request from the UAE National Federation to be allowed to issue horse passports for non-Endurance horses.

FEi rulEaPP launCHEd on aPPlE StorE and GooGlE Play The FEI has launched the free FEI RuleApp, which gives access to the full official FEI rules FEI News continued on page 40

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showreport

totem photographics

WISDOM AND REID TOP THE INAUGURAL THUNDERBIRD CDI3* Leslie Reid and Fine and Smart, winners of the CDI3* Prix St. Georges.

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he first CDI3* in British Columbia opened with exciting competition on the lovely grounds of Thunderbird Show Park. This competition was the meeting ground for all the West Coast Pan Am Games hopefuls, with an opportunity to gain qualifying scores on home turf in front of the esteemed ground jury of Lois Yukins (FEI 4*, USA), Marian Cunningham (4*, PER), Gabriel Armando (4*, ARG), Michael Osinski (3*, USA), and Sandra Hotz (3*, USA). Jessica Wisdom and North Forks Cardi placed first in the Grand Prix test, with 67.440% with a solid and charismatic test. The Welsh Cob stallion, who won the U.S. Grand Prix Freestyle Championships last year, came into the ring with a lookat-me attitude, and he was certainly a pleasure to watch.

Jessica commented, “I am excited for my ride today — it was our first CDI Grand Prix win! We were able to hold on to the power and energy throughout the ride. A few mistakes happened

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because he was so “on”, but overall we reached our goals. This is our first time showing out of the States, and it has been incredible. Management has been very friendly and helpful, and the facility is outstanding…a big thanks to all!”

In second place with 66.420% was Wendy Christoff, of Ladner BC, on the KWPN gelding, Treffer. Wendy and Treffer were, like many of the competitors, virtually straight off the trailer from California where they started their season early in the warmer climes. Treffer showed quite a solid piaffe and passage, though some mistakes in the one tempis were no doubt costly. Wendy felt that the test was more indicative of the intense training she received in California than her tests down south were. Wendy and several others benefitted from the help of Jo Hinneman, Leslie Reid, and Axel Steiner between shows while in California.

In third place in the Grand Prix was Roanne Tyson on Isleno XXXVII with 61.840%, followed

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Leslie Reid Tops The Leaderboard in the CDI3* Intermediate 1 on Day Two at Thunderbird With a repeat placing of the first day’s Prix St Georges top three competitors, Day 2 began with the Intermediate 1 and a large class of 18 horses.

With a convincing score of 72.000%, Leslie Reid won the CDI3* Intermediate I at Thunderbird Show Park. The lovely chestnut gelding by Fuerst www.gaitpost.com

totem photographics

by Marci Doyle and Ariadne at 61.120%.

Leslie Reid was another local rider that competed in the U.S and trained with Jo Hinneman and Axel Steiner as well while there. Leslie and Fine and Smart, a Westfalian gelding owned by Juliet Ledorze, won the Prix St. Georges convincingly, with a 71%.

“I was very pleased with the test today,” Leslie said. “The trot work is solidly confirmed, and everything else just continues to get better and better.” Leslie, a multiple-Olympic team member, is a contender for the Canadian Pan Am team with Fine and Smart, but if he does not make the team, she is looking forward to moving him up to Grand Prix next year. “We were able to school a lot of the Grand Prix with Jo (Hinneman) while there, and I am excited about his future, and excited for his owner, Juliet Ledorze, who has been great to work with. She deserves to see her horse doing so well!”

In second place was Wendy Christoff on Di Scansano, a Hannoverian gelding owned by Wendy. “Disco” scored a very respectable 68.789% in a very attractive test. Third place went to Sandra Verda on Wilhelm, hot on Wendy’s heels with a 68.526% for a dynamic and powerful test.

The winner of the FEI Junior Team test was Emma Heusser on Lyra, with 63.378%.

Watching the competition with Media Live Streaming was made possible by Fox Village and Thunderbird, who worked very hard to display live instant scores and have live video feed. Commentary was by FEI judge, Lorraine MacDonald, and was very informative. No other CDI has produced this quality of live streaming /scoring simultaneously, allowing thousands of viewers to follow the competition from home, live.

Jessica Wisdom and North Forks Cardi, winners of the CDI3* Grand Prix, with Jane Tidball.

Piccolo, Fine and Smart, performed a smooth test, looking elegant and composed. Leslie Reid rode her signature test, not giving away any marks in a technically accurate ride. All five judges scored her over 70%, and were unanimous in placing the pair first.

“I was happy with the test, though he perhaps was not as fluid as yesterday,” Leslie said. “He always come out happy to do the job, though, and it shows.”

In second place was Wendy Christoff and her gelding Di Scansano, after a very nice test scoring 69.474%. Of particular quality was the extended trot which scored very well across the board, including a 9. Uncharacteristic slightly sticky pirouettes prevented the pair from breaking 70% in a very attractive performance.

“At home, the pirouettes are never a problem!

But that’s horses, isn’t it?” Wendy laughed.

Sandra Verda and Wilhelm, a handsome black Dutch-cross gelding owned by Sandra, put in a steady accurate test to score 68.211%. A small error in the two tempis and the right pirouette were the only bobbles in an otherwise elegant, uphill test. Alysha Sauve and Special Effect were right on Sandra and Wilhelm’s heels, placing fourth with a 68.132%.

Jessica Wisdom and North Forks Cardi win the Grand Prix Freestyle With a large crowd watching from the beautifully set tables and stands, Jessica Wisdom brought Cardi in to the ring with his Celtic music, and rocked it to win with 71.375%. “Wow! Our first double win at a CDI ever — so proud! So

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FEI News continued from page 37

Thunderbird CDI continued from page 39

and regulations. The app, available now on the Apple Store and Google Play, allows users to easily view the latest FEI rules and regulations in a “virtual bookshelf ” approach, both online and offline, on mobile devices.

With the simple instant search feature embedded in the FEI RuleApp, users can immediately find exactly what they need by typing a few key words.

The FEI RuleApp has a host of additional features, including a share function for social applications, and the option to print pages for reference.

The app also has a handy bookmark feature, allowing users the opportunity to go back to specific parts of the FEI rules and regulations for quick reference.

FEI RuleApp users will be kept up-to-date with any changes to the FEI rules and regulations with instant notifications, and thanks to automatic updates by the FEI, access to the very latest rules and regulations is guaranteed.

exciting!” exclaimed Jessica. Good scores for choreography and music bumped Cardi in front of Wendy Christoff ’s Treffer, who performed a fabulous freestyle in front of their home crowd, using his music to the maximum. Wendy and Treffer scored 69.7000% to place second. Third was Roanne Tyson and Isleno XXXVII with 63.825%, and Marcie Doyle with Ariadne in fourth with 62.750%.

The horses were all remarkably unfazed by the huge crowd, brought together by Thunderbird Show Park for an evening of entertainment, fashion, fine dining, and freestyles. Asmar Equestrian presented a fun fashion show, with riders modelling the company’s impressive show and casual apparel. A Pooch Parade followed, with an enormous number of dogs! Very entertaining to watch, most of the dogs went home with some sort of prize, of course. There was a grand entry with flags before the Freestyle, and the US and Canadian anthems were sung by a talented opera singer with a stunning voice. In the break before the awards, a Vaulting group did a demonstration, with riders from the tiniest to tallest showing their skills on horseback.

The general consensus was that, for the first CDI3* in BC, Thunderbird’s Jane Tidball and Ali Buchanan knocked it out of the park. It was a great evening for Dressage in British Columbia, and hopefully a precedent for many more to follow.

It’s time once again for our

Fun, Fuzzy, Foal Feature! we want to see your foal photos!

Send us your photos, along with the foal’s name & breeding, and your fuzzy baby could be in our Foal Feature in the august issue!

Email to: andrea@gaitpost.com Deadline: July 10th, 2015

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BeN RADVANYI

Michael Jung and FisherRocana FSt, winners of the 2015 rolex kentucky three-day Event, presented by land rover.

Rolex Recap 2015!

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ichael Jung (GER) returned to the scene of his first championship victory when he contested the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) (April 23-26), the third leg of the FEI Classics 2014/2015. In 2010, Jung, the reigning Olympic and European champion, began a record four-year run of individual gold medals when he took the world title at Kentucky on La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Five years later and firmly established in the world’s eyes as the consummate horseman, Jung again thrilled American and global Eventing fans, as he tackled the CCI4* for the first time with Sam, now a 15-year-old, plus FisherRocana FST, the game 10-year-old mare on which he won world team gold and individual silver medals last year.

Kentucky is a popular destination for New Zealand riders as well, but the country’s rep-

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resentative this time was a new face, Tim Price, who scored his first CCI4* win last year, at Luhmühlen CCI4* on the Dutch-bred Wesko. toP naMES JoStlE For PolE PoSition A fascinating competition was assured at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, with three of the biggest names in the sport heading the leaderboard after the Dressage phase. New Zealander Tim Price, riding Wesko, and Germany’s Michael Jung on the 15-year-old La Biosthetique Sam FBW were tied in first place on a score of 36.3. Last year’s winning combination, a beaming William Fox-Pitt (GBR) on the handsome Cult Hero gelding Bay My Hero, was less than two penalties away in third on 38.5.

Jung was also in fourth place on the 10-year-

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anthony trollope/fei Tim Price (NZL) and Wesko, held the advantage after a thrilling Cross Country.

Rolex Recap 2015 continued from page 41 old mare FisherRocana FST, on which he was second at Luhmühlen CCI4* last year and won world team gold and individual medals. The pair set the standard on the first day and the German maestro predicted that Sam might find it difficult to beat her excellent mark of 39.3. But the 15-year-old bay gelding presented a delightful picture of lightness and softness to thrill a capacity audience.

Price just holds the advantage after Cross Country thriller New Zealander Tim Price just managed to hold off the challenge of his joint Dressage leader Michael Jung (GER) by a mere 0.4 of a penalty after a challenging day of Cross Country.

Price’s round on Wesko was a masterpiece of accuracy and fluency, but he was held on course for about nine minutes while a fence was repaired.

Although he had to stand around getting soaked in the pouring rain, the delay ultimately played to his advantage as he finished four seconds inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 6 seconds with a fresh horse that is known to shine in the Jumping stadium.

Jung’s Cross Country riding on his old friend La Biosthetique Sam FBW, the horse that gave him European, World and Olympic titles, was breathtaking for its boldness and commitment. He finished just one second over time, but, so harmonious is this partnership, it’s hard to see where he could have saved it. The 32-year-old German was also in third place, within a Jumping fence of the leader, on his first horse, FisherRocana FST, 42

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having finished free of time penalties when the ground was at its best at the start of the day.

Will Coleman (USA), riding Obos O’Reilly, leapt from 31st to eighth with a clean sheet and earned himself the use of a Land Rover for a year as the American rider finishing nearest the optimum time. There were 46 finishers from the 71 Cross Country starters; they produced 33 clear rounds and some brave displays of riding in the testing conditions.

Five of the top 10 after Dressage departed from the scoreboard. Mackenna Shea (USA), sixth, had a fall with Landioso at the double of corners (fence 21) and Laine Ashker (USA), seventh, had a refusal with Anthony Patch at the angled brush at Fence 9b. Lauren Kieffer (USA), eighth, retired Veronica after a glance-off in the Head of the Lake and Marilyn Little (USA), ninth, retired after an early stop at fence 5 on RF Demeter. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) withdrew LLC Pavarotti.

Will Faudree (USA), who was in 20th place on Andromaque, hit the open corners at fence 21 and became the first CCI4* rider to incur 11 penalties for breaking a frangible pin under the new rule.

Britain’s Francis Whittington (GBR), currently 16th, was lucky to avoid the same fate when Easy Target slid across the corner at the Land Rover Hollow and comprehensively demolished it. Fortunately for his score, it was not a pinned fence; the pair continued quite unscathed and the fence-repair team did an admirable job to rebuild it so quickly.

Michael Jung conquers Kentucky The phenomenal Michael Jung (GER) can now add victory at the Rolex Kentucky ThreeDay Event to his ever growing list of major accolades. Riding the courageous little mare FisherRocana FST, he was the only rider to finish on his Dressage score.

The competition went right to the wire in front of a packed crowd enjoying some welcome sunshine in the Kentucky Horse Park. Although Jung hit two fences on La Biosthetique Sam FBW, his Cross Country runner-up, his earlier clear round on Rocana, third at that stage, left overnight lead-

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shannon brinkman photography

er Tim Price (NZL) on Wesko no leeway for error.

Price had to be perfect to win the $100,000 winner’s prize. Then Wesko lowered fence 10, and he settled for second place and $44,000. Jung also earned $36,000 for third place.

The combined team of Germany, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland won the Dubarry Nations Team Challenge, scoring 145.6 penalties.

The USA was second (250.2), with Great Britain third (1,103.7) and Canada fourth (2,131.9).

Canada’s Cody Sturgess, 26, of Port Perry, Ont. was one of only 40 riders from a starting field of 74 to complete all three phases of the CCI 4*. After completing Dressage, Cody stood in 49th place aboard his 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Imperial Melody (sired by Imperial Slew).

Sturgess put in an admirable Cross Country performance despite the wet conditions, and completed the course with 20 jumping and 19.6 time faults to move up nine spots to 28th. He moved up yet again the following day after completing show jumping to end this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 34th place.

Cody Sturgess of Port Perry, Ont. and Imperial Melody.

Final results 1 Michael Jung/FisherRocana FST (GER) 39.3 + 0 + 0 = 39.3; 2 Tim Price/Wesko (NZL) 36.3 + 0 + 4 = 40.3; 3 Michael Jung/La Biosthetique Sam FBW (GER) 36.3 + 0.4 + 8 = 44.7; 4 William Fox-Pitt/Bay My Hero (GBR) 38.5 + 8.4 + 0 = 46.9; 5 Phillip Dutton/Fernhill Cubalawn (USA) 50.9 + 3.2 + 4 = 54.1; 6 Will Coleman/Obos O’Reilly (USA) 52.6 + 0 + 4 = 56.6; 7 Boyd Martin/Master Frisky (USA) 47.0 + 1.6 + 8 = 56.6; 8 Nicola Wilson/Annie Clover (GBR) 45.6 + 11.2 + 0 = 56.8; 9 Phillip Dutton/Fernhill Fugitive (USA) 47.3 + 12 + 0 = 59.3; 10 Bill Levett/Improvise (AUS) 48.6 + 0 + 12 = 60.6.

Sources: FEI and Equine Canada

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DISCIPLINEREPORTS What’s Happening in all the Disciplines Jon Stroud/FEI

Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Nereo retain their lead after a perfectly judged Cross Country round at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Andrew Nicholson Keeps The Badminton Dream Alive

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ndrew Nicholson (NZL) joked that he was “still living the dream” after judging his Cross-Country round on Nereo to perfection at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, fourth leg of the FEI Classics 2014/2015.

The brilliant New Zealand rider finished one second inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 27 seconds to remain on his leading Dressage score of 37.8. But the six-time Olympian has no room for error to realize a great ambition nurtured since he first competed here in 1984. He had no margin for error in Jumping phase over four riders who, like Nicholson, all know what it takes to win a CCI4*.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR), who beat Nicholson into second place at Badminton in 2004, was in

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the runner-up spot after a thrilling round on the stallion Chilli Morning. Oliver Townend, the last British rider to win Badminton, in 2009, was third on Nicholson’s former ride, Armada, a fullbrother to Nereo.

Ingrid Klimke (GER), was fourth on her 2014 Pau winner Horseware Hale Bob and the 2013 Badminton winner Jock Paget (NZL) was fifth on Clifton Lush. None of them could afford the tiniest mistake in what promised to be a thrilling Jumping finale. “The crowd will love it,” said Fox-Pitt.

With only one ride, Fox-Pitt endured an anxious wait for his turn towards the end of the day, and revealed that he’d been, “playing in the Wendy house and on the bouncy castle,” with

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his young sons. “With the course riding so well, I knew that just a few seconds wasted would mean it was all over.”

The performance of Fox-Pitt’s mount, Chilli Morning, was the best by a stallion in the history of Badminton. “When he argues, it gives me confidence that he’s up for it,” said Fox-Pitt, a reference to the time the chestnut stopped at a ditch at Kentucky in 2013. “It’s not poetry in motion, but he’s very genuine, a super horse.”

Course Designer Giuseppe della Chiesa (ITA) had reduced the intensity of his track, but it still exerted an appropriate influence and, despite the perfect weather and footing conditions, riders had to be completely focused to achieve the optimum time. There were 52 clear rounds, 13 of which were inside the time.

The huge crowds waiting to see thrills and spills at the Lake were not disappointed. Three veteran riders, Kristina Cook (GBR), 11th after Dressage on De Novo News, fellow Briton Gary Parsonage (Sligo Luckyvalier), who last rode at Badminton in the days of long format, and triple Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy (AUS) on Rutherglen all got a soaking when their horses pitched over the curved willow “wave” fence into the water.

The step out of the Lake also proved influential and ended the challenge of young German rider Niklas Bschorer who had been eighth after Dressage. He performed heroics to stay on when Tom Tom Go 3 stumbled up the step, but had to retire when his air jacket inflated.

When asked how he was going to keep calm

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and the stallion Chilli Morning make history by winning the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

overnight, the leader Andrew Nicholson replied that he was going to return to his home near Marlborough, Wiltshire. “My youngest two children, Lily and Zach, will being me back to reality, and we’ve also got a few problems with our chickens,” he said.

Fox-Pitt rides Chilli Morning into the record books at Badminton William Fox-Pitt (GBR) re-wrote the record books when he became the first rider in history to win a CCI4* on a stallion, to capture the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, The popular German rider Ingrid Klimke finished runner-up by just 1.2 penalties on her new star Horseware Hale Bob, and New Zealander Jock Paget was third on Clifton Lush, a great achievement on a horse coming back after a year’s lay-off for injury.

The finale could not have been more tense, with three penalties — less than the cost of a rail down - covering the first five riders, and all attention on the great Kiwi rider Andrew Nicholson Discipline Reports continued on page 46

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Discipline Reports continued from page 45 aiming to win Badminton for the first time in 31 years of trying.

Paget, lying fifth after Cross Country, eased the pressure on his rivals when Clifton Lush hit the 11th fence to pick up four faults. Klimke, next into the arena, was immaculately prepared, having been competing her German Thoroughbred gelding in Jumping classes over the winter, and they produced a confident clear.

Next to go were the 2014 runners-up, Oliver Townend (GBR) and Armada, but the Yorkshireman had humorously predicted that he wouldn’t be taking home any trophies as the 16-year-old gelding is notoriously difficult in this phase.

Four fences down dropped the pair to 11th.

Fox-Pitt is known for his ability to deal with extreme pressure and the generous Chilli Morning more than rose to the occasion, jumping as if on springs to record a clear and switch the burden onto the shoulders of his New Zealand rival.

As the crowd erupted, Nicholson entered on an unsettled Nereo, the 15-year-old chestnut

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clearly unnerved by the electric atmosphere, and when he hit the second fence it was all over. Two more rails went as well and the pair dropped to sixth place, but the New Zealander somehow managed to find a smile. “I’ll live to fight another day,” he promised.

Fox-Pitt, the first British rider to win Badminton for six years, last triumphed here in 2004 on Tamarillo. “That was a long time ago, and it makes you realise how hard it is,” he said. “It was very easy to think it was all over with a rider like Andrew in front. He doesn’t make many mistakes.”

Chilli Morning will now return to stud duties and will not compete again this year. “He’s a fantastic horse with a brilliant brain and he wants to work.” Fox-Pitt was quick to heap praise on Nick Gauntlett, the rider who produced the stallion up to four-star level.

Ingrid Klimke said Horseware Hale Bob had given her a great ride in all three phases and she was keen to pay tribute to Chris Bartle, the German team trainer “because he always had faith in us”.

Jock Paget, who withdrew his 2013 winner Clifton Promise (10th after Cross Country) before Jumping, said he’d had “a good feeling” about Clifton Lush, a ride he took over from fellow Kiwi Joe Meyer. “He did his maximum in every phase,” said Paget. “I knew that even if he jumped clear, I wouldn’t catch the other two.” eventing results Final Results for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 1 William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR) 39.0 + 0 + 0 = 39.0; 2 Ingrid Klimke/Horseware Hale Bob (GER) 40.2 + 0 + 0 = 40.2; 3 Jock Paget/Clifton Lush (NZL) 40.8 + 0 + 4 = 44.8; 4 Mark Todd/Leonidas ll (NZL) 45.8 + 1.2 + 1 = 48.0; 5 Bettina Hoy/ Designer 10 (GER) 42.8 + 1.6 + 4 = 48.4; 6 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 37.8 + 0 + 12 = 49.8; 7 Nicola Wilson/One Two Many (GBR) 47.0 + 4 + 0 = 51.0; 8 Aoife Clark/Vaguely North (IRL) 42.9 + 4.8 + 4 = 51.7; 9 Michael Ryan/Ballylynch Adventure (IRL) 52.1 + 1.2 + 0 = 53.3; 10 Sam Griffiths/Paulank Brockagh (AUS) 48.2 + 1.6 + 4 = 53.8.

hunter/jumper report The 2015 LONGINES FEI World Cup Jumping Final Goes to Guerdat April 19, 2015: Three days of intense competition and four demanding rounds, in a tight indoor arena with enthusiastic crowds — these are the elements that make for superb sport. After forty-

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nine rounds over Anthony D’Ambrosio’s courses in the FEI World Cup Jumping Final III, only six were without fault. Riding a mare that he’s competed on for less than a year, Swiss rider Steve Guerdat earned the LONGINES FEI World Cup Jumping Final title of Champion.

Guerdat, the leader going into the last round, knew all too well what demands he faced as he trotted into the arena. No stranger to this level of competition, the decorated show jumper had come close to winning this coveted title each of the last three years. As one of the six that went clean in the first round today, and maintaining a zero score, he had a commanding lead with room for error.

“In the last nine or ten years, I was on the podium three times, twice in the jump-off. Every year I was in the top ten,” said Guerdat. “Yes, on one side, you always want more, but you also have to be realistic about how good the other riders and the other horses are, so I actually feel really good about all these results. Today I just tried to take it like always. Of course I was nervous, but I’m lucky to have great people around me, to keep me calm and confident.”

The final day began with a tie between Rich Discipline Reports continued on page 48 www.gaitpost.com

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47

equine canada The Canadian flag waved above all three spots on the podium on April 26 after Canadians, Elizabeth Gingras, Kara Chad, and Erynn Ballard swept the $2,250,000 MXN Veracruz Grand Prix on the final day of the CSIO 4* Coapexpan in Mexico.

Discipline Reports continued from page 47 Fellers aboard the fabulous Irish Sport Horse Flexible and Steve Guerdat on the fierce Selle Français mare Albfuehren’s Paille. After Guerdat’s clean round, Fellers and Flexible had two late rails for an unusual eight fault round. Guerdat took over the lead.

Nipping at the leader’s heels was the other Irish superstar, nineteen-year-old Bertram Allen and the Anglo-European-bred wonder mare Molly Malone V. After Thursday, he led the pack.

With a rail in each of the ensuing rounds, the youngster finished with an impressive nine penalty points, and a well-earned third place.

Executing exquisite equitation while show jumping at 1.60 meters with spreads up to 1.70 meters, Penelope Leprevost of France rode the gorgeous ten-year-old Belgian stallion Vagabond

de la Pomme with aplomb. The pair also finished with just nine penalty points, and a slightly faster time in the final round, for second place.

American Beezie Madden masterfully rode the KWPN gelding Simon to a clean first round and had one late rail in round two to finish with ten penalty points and fourth place. In came Steve with a lead equal to two rails, plus one time fault. With an unexpected rail at fence 5a, Guerdat came around to the final large oxer. Feeling the pressure of the tight time allowed, he came off the short corner away from the in-gate and left the ground a bit too long, crashing through the final fence. But his lead coming in was wide enough that the Swiss rider could still claim the victory.

“So coming to the last jump, I heard Martin Fuchs on the side, saying, ‘Go, go, go!’ because I was a little short on the time. I knew I could have the last fence down as long as I didn’t have time faults. So I just went as fast as possible to the finish line, but unfortunately, there was a big fence in the way,” the FEI World Cup Final Champion humbly said with a smile.

Canadians Dominate Veracruz Grand Prix at CSIO 4* Coapexpan April 26, 2015: Canadian Show Jumping riders made a clean sweep of the podium in the $2,250,000 MXN Veracruz Grand Prix during the final day of the CSIO 4* Coapexpan on April 26 in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.

Elizabeth Gingras of Edmonton, Alta. earned a decisive win against a starting field of 40 rid-

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Rich Fellers and Flexible Continue to Impress in the $60,000 Grand Prix of California May 9, 2015: Fan favorites and famously talented www.gaitpost.com

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ers from eight different countries aboard Zilversprings, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by B Gingras Equestrian Ltd. After a faultless performance over Brazilian FEI level 4 course designer, Guilherme Jorge’s first round track, which included 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, Gingras was invited back as one of the top 10 riders to move on to the second round.

Gingras secured her win after being the only competitor to jump both rounds clear.

Finishing in second place was Kara Chad of Calgary, Alta., who also put in a clear effort in the first round, earning a spot back into the ring for the second round with Alberto II, a 12-yearold Holsteiner gelding owned by Stone Ridge Farms LLC. Although they had a single rail down for four faults in round two, Chad and Alberto II crossed the timers in 54.91 seconds, making them the fastest of the four fault performances.

Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, Ont. took third place riding Appy Cara, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Angelstone Partners. After posting a clear performance in the first round, Ballard incurred four faults in round two in a time of 54.89 seconds.

Impressively, Canada had two more riders finish in the top 10, with Jonathon Millar of Perth, Ont. taking sixth place riding Millar Brooke Farm’s 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, Calvin Klein, and Jaclyn Duff (Edmonton, Alta.) earning ninth place paired with her 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Pater Noster.

In addition, Keean White of Acton, Ont. had a third place finish earlier in the week on April 25 in the $525,000 MXN COPA FEM 1.50m with For Freedom Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Angelstone Partners.

The Canadian riders were led throughout the week at the CSIO 4* Coapexpan by Equine Canada Manager of Jumping, Karen HendryOuellette, chef d’équipe, Mark Laskin and stable manager, Darren Roberts.

Rich Fellers and Flexible

duo Flexible and Rich Fellers thrilled a crowd of spectators, taking the victory in the highlight event of the week, the $60,000 Grand Prix of California, presented by Equ Lifestyle Boutique.

Back for the third time as master builder for the Ranch & Coast Classic, Texan course designer Oscar Soberon is quite familiar with the challenges of building for this class. After Thursday’s tight and technical Markel Insurance Grand Prix track, Soberon planned today’s course with less technical emphasis.

The 16-element course with a time allowed of 84 seconds presented plenty of tests for the experienced field. “It’s a $60,000 class, so it’s tougher than Thursday because of the height, but it’s not as tricky. I do think there are questions everywhere; from fence one, which is a wall, to a lot of fences with solid rails, which are always difficult to jump,” he explained. “The combination of white and black rails is also tough. I hope we get to see between four and six clear. “ Soberon was right on — just like Thursday’s class, once again five entries earned a spot in the jump-off. From the promising skills of young Discipline Reports continued on page 50

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Mccool PHoToGRAPHY

2015 reem acra FEi world Cup dressage Champions Charlotte dujardin of Great Britain and Valegro.

Discipline Reports continued from page 49 Hannah Heidegger to World Cup Champion Rich Fellers, the five riders were no strangers to questions of speed and scope. The jump-off track incorporated new fences interwoven with tricky components from the first round to truly test the competitors’ finesse.

Seasoned partners Josephina Nor Lantzman

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and Chello Z (owned by Josephina Nor Stables, LLC) returned first, stopping the timers in 40.97 seconds, but with a rail at fence 8 for four faults.

Hannah Heidegger and Axl Rose (Monarch International, owner) had 12 faults in 45.99 seconds, leaving the field open for veterans Fellers and Flexible (owned by Harry & Mollie Chapman).

Shaving over half a second off Lantzman’s leading time in 40.27, Fellers also had an unlucky rail but took over the lead.

Eric Navet aboard Signe Ostby’s Jonkheer Z also had a rail at fence 8 in 43.72 seconds. Allyssa Hecht and Neaulani Farms’ Calero, who recently finished second in the Spring Classic II Grand Prix in April, had an unfortunate circle at 8 and ended with 24 faults in 64.67 seconds. Fellers and Flexible took their victory gallop to enthusiastic fan applause, with Nor Lantzman in second and Navet rounding out the top three.

HunTeR/JuMpeR ResuLTs $60,000 GRand PRiX oF CaliFoRnia, PResented bY eQu liFestYle boutiQue 241 - Flexible - Rich Fellers - Harry & Mollie Chapman - 0/4/40.276; 2. 583 - Chello Z - Josephina Nor Lantzman - Josephina Nor Stables, LLC - 0/4/40.976; 3. 367 - Jonkheer Z - Eric Navet - Signe Ostby - 0/4/43.729; 4. 649 - Axl Rose Hannah Heidegger - Monarch International - 0/12/45.993; 5. 714 - Calero - Allyssa Hecht - Neaulani Farms - 0/24/64.676; 6. 319 - Coral Reef Carmel Z - Ann Knight Karrasch - Coral Reef Ranch - 1/84.362; 7. 323 - Coral Reef Follow Me II - Vinton Karrasch - Coral Reef Ranch - 4/80.142; 8. 807 - Cristallo - Richard Spooner - Show Jumping Syndications Int’l - 4/81.028; 9. 599 - E Muze Yek - Simon Nizri - SN Stables, LLC - 4/81.128; 10. 338 - Agamemnon - Alec Lawler - Alec Lawler - 4/82.514; 11. 363 - Basimodo - Karl Cook - Signe Ostby - 4/83.445; 12. 368 - Tembla - Karl Cook - Signe Ostby - 5/84.118.

Dressage report CHarlottE duJardin CrownEd CHaMPion at 2015 rEEM aCra FEi world CuP drESSaGE Final April 18, 2015: The atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center was electric as eighteen of the world’s best horses and riders took to the arena Saturday to compete in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle, the concluding competition of the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final.

Last year’s winner, Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain and her wonder horse Valegro successfully defended their title, scoring a 94.196% for their performance to clinch the win.

This is the first time that the FEI World Cup Finals have been held in the U.S. since 2009, and the fourth time that Las Vegas as hosted the Final for Dressage. 10,920 enthusiastic specta-

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tors filled the stadium to watch Saturday’s starstudded Final, with many clapping along to the music of the performances.

Fifteenth to go in the starting order, Dujardin and the 13 year-old Valegro danced their way across the arena to their music from “How To Train A Dragon”, executing seamless transitions between movements and amazing extensions, drawing applause from the crowd. They are the only duo in the history of the sport to hold Olympic, World, European and World Cup titles simultaneously, as well as all three world records.

This was their second visit to the winner’s circle during the Final, as they also won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix on Thursday.

“I had a really good ride and it’s an incredible feeling!” said Dujardin. “Having a horse like Valegro is just amazing. He goes into that arena to perform — all I have to do is steer,” she said with a laugh. “I wasn’t sure how he would cope with all those people, but I think he loved the American crowd!”

When asked about how she coped with the pressure knowing she was defending her title, Dujardin commented, “I don’t think of the pressure because then I wouldn’t enjoy it. I would get nervous and worry about it. So I just go in there to do my best and that’s all that I can do.”

Former World Champion Edward Gal of the Netherlands, the FEI World Cup Champion in 2010, took second place aboard Glock’s Undercover N.O.P. after a super performance, scoring 84.696%. This is Gal’s ninth FEI World Cup Final appearance, and his third aboard the 14 year-old gelding Glock’s Undercover, whom Gal competed at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The pair also took the runner-up spot in Thursday’s FEI Grand Prix competition.

“I had a great ride and I’m really happy with how my horse went today,” said Gal. “He was more relaxed today than Thursday so I could ride him a bit more.”

Last to go in the competition, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl stayed cool under pressure, and produced an expressive test aboard the 14 year-old stallion Unee BB to earn a score of

Edward Gal of The Netherlands and Glock’s Undercover N.O.P.

80.464% and take third place. This is the pair’s second trip to the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals, having placed seventh at last year’s Finals in Lyon, France.

“Unee BB always tries to do his very best, and he likes to show off a little because he’s a stallion,” said von Bredow-Werndl. “I’m really happy with his performance today.”

U.S. rider Laura Graves, a 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games veteran, took fourth place in her first-ever FEI World Cup Final aboard her own 13 year-old gelding Verdades with

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

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51

Ask The Saddle Doctor

GAITPoST

by Lesley McGill

dEar SaddlE doCtor, My saddle always slips off to one side when I am riding my horse, is it me, my horse or the saddle? Is this something my saddle fitter could help me with? If so what can they do?

Thank you, Heather

straighter with work. It is best if you ride your

dEar HEatHEr, This is one of the biggest issues we have in saddle fitting because there are so many variables (you, the horse, and the saddle) to address. It will be hard to determine what originally caused the problem. Having a good dialogue with your fitter will help establish a history and pattern that could help them find a solution. It is in your best interest to be open and honest about you and your horse’s asymmetrical issues. All horses are asymmetrical to some degree; this can be a basic left /right handedness, or from a past injury or the most common is a lameness/unevenness in the hindlimbs. This has been proven by Dr. Sue Dyson in her study on the relationship of hindlimb lameness and saddle slip (www.saddleresearchtrust.com).

There are many routes the fitter can take. Ideally we do not want to make the saddle too asymmetrical, as that can cause more problems later on. Flocking the saddle (if it allows) to centre it on the horse is the safest method as it will allow the horse to mould the flocking down as they become

this is great on young horses or horses recovering

52

June 2015

horse while the fitter watches. During this process they could use shims to figure out the best way to balance the saddle before they actually do changes to it. Another safe, less permanent method to use is a saddle pad or half pad that can be shimmed; from injury. A more permanent method could be used to correct the saddle slipping - this could include making the tree points asymmetrical, sewing the panels on offset, or changing around the billet system on your saddle (to name a few). Your saddle fitter can only do so much and in some cases may not be able to get the saddle to sit centred no matter what method is used. I would suggest that if this has been an ongoing issue and all saddles slip on your horse, you invest your time and money into a lameness exam with your vet.

Lesley McGill is the only Society Of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter in BC. She is also a Saddler by trade. She has been in the business since 1999, and has worked with and for many saddle companies over the years. She is an independent saddle fitter who likes to keep ahead by attending many educational conferences and courses in the UK and Europe annually.

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all arounD

Kisha: 7 yo 16.1 hh Holsteiner mare. Very nice, going well under saddle, kind temperament, started jumping, nice mover. Also good on roads and trails, easy to load, stands for farrier, likes to please. $15,000. Contact 250-8327959 or holsteinersporthorse.ca.

2007 16.1 hh CWB mare by Formation. Kind temp., exc. work ethic, solid 1st Lev Dressage, lightly started over fences. Willing & scopey, no vices, great on trails, main mare book, has had one foal with textbook foaling. $15,000. Contact 778-257-5385 or spsuerink@hotmail.ca.

Dressage

eVenting

Mario: 2006 17.2 hh bay DWB gelding. Charismatic personality to match his size. 3 big expressive gaits. Showing 2nd Lev, training 3rd. Great potential for higher levels. Jumping bloodlines. $38,000 Cdn. Contact Sheri 403358-6605. Sherwood Park, AB. www.gaitpost.com

Lexington: 2005 16.2 hh DWB x TWH mare.

Simple & confident with a big stride! Experience in Eventing, H/J. 2011 BC Pre-Training Senior champ. Showed the H/J circuit in 201314. No vices. Text for video. $20,000. Contact 778-999-2692 or bekevarfarms@gmail.com.

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hunter Cashew: 2007 17.1 hh chestnut KWPN mare. Excellent bloodlines for breeding.

Hunter/Jumper/Equitation prospect (pre Green). Tied for 4th place for Dressage in the KWPN North America keurings as a 3 year old. Big, bold and beautiful.

Started her career in early 2011 in Dressage. Shown in Indio and Del Mar in 2014, placing in the ribbons. A beautiful, rolling, even-paced canter, and absolute willingness to jump. A quality mare, very athletic and sound. She would be best suited for a strong but sensitive and confident rider. $25,000. Contact Alison Hagen 403-803-7345 or mail@laprairie aire.com. Victoria, BC.

Jumper

Felix: 2004 16.2 hh DWB gelding. Ikoon x Sante. 1.30m+. Easy, clean & fast jumper.

Huge scope. Clean legs. No vices. Xrays for 5 yrs, 2 yrs ago avail. Fantastic Jr/Am horse! Text for video. $80,000. Contact 778-999-2692 or bekevarfarms@gmail.com. Langley, BC.

Destination: 2008 16.1 hh bay DWB/Hungarian gelding. Dez is a brave horse with a lot of talent and scope. Big and balanced canter stride, very good form over fences. Excellent prospect for a competitive rider. Contact 250-878-6309 or elitesporthorses.ca.

2006 16.3 hh CWB gelding. Very fun jumper.

Schooling courses 3'6" - 3'9", grids to 4'3".

Shown in 1.0m, ready for 1.10m and then some. Fancy and athletic. Asking $45,000 + GST. Contact 250-318-0332, info@tlcequest rian.ca or tlcequestrian.ca. Kamloops, BC.

Justannie D: 2008 16.1 hh WB X TB mare.

3 years of training. Watch the video to see her bloodlines, movement and shows. Currently schooling at 1.3, she'll go higher. Perfect for Jumper/ Event/Hunter/ Am. $18,000 OBO. Contact 403-601-2526.

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Jumper

ponies

2005 15.3 hh Holsteiner mare. Show miles in the Hunters. Suit Jr/Am rider looking to compete in the Jumper or Equitation ring. Very brave and careful over fences with solid flat work. Asking $20,000. Contact 604-619-2233 or sarah.loehndorf@outlook.com.

Reggie: 10 yo 16.3 hh chestnut CWB gelding by Regardez.

This gentle giant was prof. started, currently in full time work. Jumping 3'6" under saddle, with scope to do higher. $16,500 OBO. Contact jguhle@syban. net. Alberta.

prospeCts Lightly started under saddle with 30 days of prof. last summer. Easy to start, willing to do anything, much potential to go any disc.

Should mature to about 16.2 hh. No buck, bolt or rear. $7,500. Contact 604-562-7656 or ssmellie@ gltinc.com. www.gaitpost.com

2005 14.1 hh New Forest Pony mare. Started U/S. Easy to work with. Would make a super Dressage pony, but potential for jumping as well. Beautiful mover. very steady temp. Asking $4,000 + GST. Contact 250-318-0332, info@ tlcequestrian.ca or tlcequestrian.ca.

2009 13.3 hh New Forest Pony gelding. Cute as a button. He is happy to work, uncomplicated ride. Solid flat work, with flying changes.

Excellent jump. He has horse show and clinic outings. Asking $7,500 + GST. Contact 250318-0332, info@tlcequestrian.ca.

2009 13.3 hh New Forest Pony gelding. Has solid ground work and lunging, just backed. Ready to go in whichever discipline you want. Great mover and lovely expression. Asking $3,000 + GST. Contact 250-318-0332, info@tlcequest rian.ca or tlcequestrian.ca. Kamloops, BC.

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prospeCts

Rembrandt: 2008 16.1 hh Arab/Old. geld. Reg. CWB & CPAR. Prof. started Dressage prospect.

Good on trails, clips, bathes, hauls, good for farrier. Sound, healthy, no vices. Asking $7,500 OBO. Contact 250-537-7798 or catfraser99 @yahoo.ca. Salt Spring Island, BC.

2014 colt by Banderas. Gorgeous, exc. temp., superb conf., easy to handle. Athletic and promising jumping prospect. Black, should mature 16.2 hh +. All the handling is done, halter broke, picks up feet and trailers. $8,500. Contact 778-257-5385 or spsuerink@hotmail.ca.

Stewie: 4 yo 15.2 hh QH geld. 60 days prof. training last summer w/Ron Pilat in a round pen, indoor, on trails. Had the winter off, being started up again now. No buck, no bolt. Great personality and easy to work with. $5,500. Contact 604-562-7656 or ssmellie@gltinc.com.

4 yo 15 hh German Riding Pony cross gelding.

Flashy markings, lovely movement, wonderful mind. Jumping & Dressage bloodlines through his sire Voyager. Super horse for smaller rider or child. $8,000. Contact 780-913-2648 or hiddenridge@xplornet.ca. Edmonton, AB.

Beautiful 6 yo 16 hh branded Hanoverian mare by El Bundy. Very correct mover, very scopey, super attitude. Goes trail riding and leads on the buckle. Eligible Baby Green. Simple enough for a Junior.

Make her up as you like. Contact Andrea 778-977-5549 or danceswithhorsesjones@yahoo.ca.

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Discipline Reports continued from page 51 a score of 79.125%. The pair moved up a spot in the final placings as countryman Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 were eliminated due to a small amount of blood found on the horse’s side after the completion of their test, which is a cause for elimination according to FEI rules.

In addition to watching the heated competition of the world-renown horses and riders vying for the FEI World Cup title, spectators were treated to an amazing opening ceremony, the kind of which can only be found in Las Vegas.

Elisa Furr, who is performing as Celine Dion in Legends in Concert at Flamingo Las Vegas, sang the National Anthem. Lexi Walker, just 12 yearsold and already a contender on America’s Got Talent, sang the crowd favorite “Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen” while two female aerial acrobats performed on silk ropes. Next up was a superb pyrotechnics and laser light show set to Bruno Mars’s top hit ‘Uptown Funk.’ Viva Las Vegas!

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August 21-23

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Farm & F ten ways to ConVert your Country home to a horse property Custom-built manure composting facility.

S

o you have your home in the country but… something is missing…your horses!

How can you adapt your property to co-habit with horses? The reality is it bears serious consideration of safety, efficiency, enjoyment and enhancing your property so it does not become damaged from horse traffic, and only improves year after year. While these points help you best adapt your property to horses, you will not regret getting a knowledgeable equestrian facility designer or builder to give you an hour or two of their time. Their trained eye can help you identify potential hazards and help you coordinate the various elements needed for a horse farm in an innovative and efficient manner.

What would it really take to convert your country property to be a simple horse farm? Be it basic or bling, there are fundamental points to consider when doing this conversion.

elled pathways and should be short and direct from one another, minimizing the number of kilometers you and your staff cover.

How do you oPEratE? your EFFiCiEnCy ratinG The distances between paddocks, barns, feed areas, and bedding storage areas are high-trav-

MiCroCliMatES and toPoGraPHy It is a good idea to know your entire property as well as you know the inside of your house.

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turnEd out HorSES — now you SEE’EM, now you don’t… arGH! Sight lines for paddocks — you should be able to see your horses in their turnout paddocks from the barn, the house and the riding ring. road SaFEty In laying out the various elements of your horse property, barn, paddocks, ring, manure storage area, drive shed etc., consider the worst case scenario of a loose horse that is tough to catch. Where are your biggest safety concerns?

Always have a perimeter fence (use board, not wire!) as well as the paddock fence and have a CLOSED gate at the driveway.

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Field Feature Walk your property often, in all types of weather.

With some forethought, your turnout paddocks can be made very comfortable for your horses.

Consider planting mature trees to create shade in summer and windbreaks in winter if need be!

Two buildings close together will forever create a wind tunnel…unpleasant for all, especially the person cleaning around the stables! Finally, paddock gates, high traffic areas, and barn entrances should be kept away from the bottoms of hills, or you will be looking at mud management in the near future and it will always be a problem. all wEatHEr SurFaCES: kEEP it FirM, not Hard, kEEP it PErMEaBlE Consider the ground first in your site planning. As they are outdoor animals, keep all nonriding areas permeable and sure-footed. Invest in QUALITY ground — and not just the riding ring!

The best surfaces anywhere are free-draining surfaces that do not erode. There are soil stabilizer grids that are very easily installed between the base layers and the tread surface. They serve to keep surfaces in place while allowing water to drain, preventing erosion. One product worth noting is Ecoraster, valuable for horse people as it is warranted for 20 years and is made almost entirely from recycled plastic bags. wallS, FEnCES and GatES After addressing the ground, go to the vertical structures: walls and paddock fences. SAFETY would be the number one factor here. A well built barn need not be insulated, but when closed up it should be free of drafts and dust. indoor air Vertical air circulation is critical to horse health. There should be a cupola, roof ridge vent or somewhere to let the fresh air in and stale air out in a controlled fashion. www.gaitpost.com

ECoraStEr

ecoraster is a quality German made product. extremely durable, it eliminates wet areas so you can use your ring in all weathers. The simple re-cycled plastic grid system clicks together without fasteners or edging SePARATeS THe SURFAce MATeRIAlS FRoM THe BASe. This maintains the correct grading and water drains straight down instead of sitting atop a semi-frozen base. Setting ecoraster apart is ease of installation, incredible tested strength specific to the equestrian industry, and a 20 year warranty.

Your horses will thank you!

Hay StoraGE While most older bank barns have the hay loft upstairs, serving an insulating purpose in winter, it also poses a potentially large fire hazard. Keep hay storage areas clean, free of mold, and ensure that fresh air can pass through the space.

ManurE StoraGE This can go either way — beautifully, where you do not see the manure pile but is easily accessible in all weathers OR it can be too close for comfort! Minimum distance separation calculations obtained from your local planning office

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Farm & Field Feature continued from page 61 will help you determine the distance it needs to be from your and neighboring dwellings. Custom built manure composting facility littlE aCCEntS Go a lonG way Cleanliness is paramount. You will enjoy your horse farm, free of clutter, full of elbow grease. This leaves room for simple accents, a few hanging baskets of flowers in summer, a collection of birch trunks with a coniferous bouquet in winter.

These are simple pointers of what to watch out for in making your country home a horse property. The best advice will come from spending a few consulting hours in having a professional come on site that can read the lay of the land and help you identify the first things you should address.

This is long and rewarding work. The safer and more efficient your farm is, the more time you have in the saddle!

by Souhaila Sarkis · www.sarkisequine.com

feD up with flies!

Not only can flies be annoying, but they can also bite and spread diseases. Fly-bite allergies are the most common skin disease found in horses, and stomping and kicking at flies can cause shoe boils on the elbow, belly sores and abscesses. Non-biting flies irritate horses’ eyes’ often causing serious eye infections, and they are

loVE HorSES But HatE FliES? Fly Predators are nature’s way of eradicating those pesky flies. A tiny, but beneficial insect sprinkled near manure areas every 4 weeks during the warm weather months, Fly Predators kill flies BeFoRe they emerge. They are the safe, easy to use, NATURAl alternative to spraying gallons of pesticides or hanging endless traps, only to have the flies keep coming back. For 39 years, Spalding fly predators have helped hundreds of thousands of livestock owners control flies the smart, safe, and easy way.

Spalding Fly Predators are available all across canada through Star Gro Products Inc. To place your order call 1-800-7989204 or go to www.stargroproducts.ca 62

June 2015

attracted to wounds and will contaminate them.

These insect pests also carry contagious diseases from one animal to another. For example, if a fly is attracted to the nasal discharge of a horse with a cold or flu, it can easily transmit the disease to the next horse it lands on. Biting stable flies can also transmit other blood borne diseases.

You may wonder, aside from using toxic and harmful pesticides, what are some other ways of keeping these pesky little creatures in check?

Well let’s go over a few Fly Control Fundamentals that are going to help reduce the fly numbers this coming summer. First we need to understand that the purpose of the fly is to decompose rotting organic matter such as manure, dead plants and animals. If you have a lot of material

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needing decomposition, you are going to draw an abundance of flies. A manure pile is a potential Fly Factory. General sanitation around the farm is an important and effective way to keep things in check. Use garbage cans with tight lids lined with plastic bags. Keep the cans far away from the house and barns. Remove garbage and manure at a minimum of every week. Sending the fly problem to the back of the property is far better than keeping it at the barn. Remember, in the summer, flies only need 8 days to emerge.

Collect fresh manure daily and spread it out every few days. If this isn’t feasible, consider tarping the pile which will create heat making it im-

possible for the fly eggs to survive.

Using attractant traps, sticky fly traps, tapes, and fly predators are also essential in fly control.

There are many different types of traps, but there is no one catch all trap. Identify your fly species and get the appropriate fly traps. Introducing Fly Predators will also break the life cycle of the population.

By doing a few small changes, you can reduce the fly population substantially, making life on the farm during the summer months, much more enjoyable.

Andrew Flokstra · www.star-gro-products.ca

finDing your footing — with arena aDDitiVes

Over the last decade the equestrian world has seen an influx of arena footing additives created with a similar goal: to improve the ground beneath our feet or hooves. With a large array of

additives currently available on the market, selecting an additive for your arena can be a daunting task. It’s important to note that while many additives appear similar, not all are created equal. An additive should be derived from environmentally safe elements, creating a non-toxic environment for both horse and rider. Consistent, high-quality materials will offer a more durable result with a secure footing you can count on from one ride to the next. Other attributes such as water management, dust control, and sand stability are Farm & Field Feature continued on page 64

FroStinG By rEitEnriGHt EQuEStrian Frosting is an exciting new arena footing additive. Manufactured in Delta Bc, our premium footing is comprised of hand-selected, high-quality natural and synthetic rubbers. Frosting helps breathe new life into sand arenas and compliments most riding disciplines with performance in mind. With superior cushioning/energy-return, excellent water management properties, and non-toxic durable materials, Frosting is setting a new bar for equestrian footing additives. www.gaitpost.com

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Farm & Field Feature continued from page 63 all things to consider when comparing additive types. However important all these features are, a superior additive should play a role in supporting long-term soundness, by absorbing impact and providing excellent energy return. The maximum load on a front leg during the support phase at a gallop has been estimated at 2.5 times the horse’s body weight. The interaction is physiologically complex and over time, this repeated, high impact concussion can negatively affect the soundness of a horse. Though there are many different ways to treat a horse following an in-

jury, the investment in sound footing fosters a proactive approach to prevent musculoskeletal degradation and injury. An arena footing additive with the right properties can contribute to doing just that. The optimum surface has been described as needing to minimize concussion through energy absorption, while still returning suitable power to aid performance. Although a significant investment, when looking at the long term benefit of overall wellness and performance, the value of investing in a quality arena footing system is quickly realized.

ReitenRight equestrian · www.reitenright.com

fenCing ConsiDerations

Some key things to consider when choosing your new equine fence are safety of your animals, strength, life expectancy, annual maintenance costs, and appearance. Electric fencing tends to be used in combination with other styles of fencing as a deterrent from chewing or rubbing on the fence. Weather would be the biggest stress on a fence followed by animal wear and tear. Animals leaning on the fence to grab that best mouthful of grass put a tremendous strain on fencing. This can lead to stretched wires that 64

June 2015

sag or even broken wires in extreme cases. While weather can also lead to decay of wooden fence posts over time, this is not an issue with Woodguard.

Because of the natural flight response of horses, they tend to injure themselves in fences more than most other livestock. There are some things to consider when thinking about safely confining horses. In your selection process you need to pick a fence that is safe, fits your budget

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Farm & Field Feature continued on page 66 www.gaitpost.com

With quality sawdust, shavings, & hog fuel from Valley Carriers

We’ve been in the agricultural business for over 50 years, and we carry red, yellow, and fir cedar hog fuel. Special pricing from late Spring to early Fall!

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Farm & Field Feature continued from page 64 and is low maintenance. How much importance is placed on each function depends on the owner’s budget, the value of the animals, and your priorities. A number of alternatives are available for consideration. Look for a fence that has some give (flexibility) - this will minimize injury when a horse accidentally runs into it. If it is high visibility and as tall as a horse, the animal will usually avoid running into the fence. Fencing needs to be durable and strong to hold up when leaned on. woodGuard rail FEnCinG addrESSES all kEy PointS. • Safe — the wood is treated with an organic certified borate treatment and the polymer is non-toxic. Since all Woodguard™ polymer coated lumber products will not fade, chip, peel, crack or splinter they dramatically reduce the need to repair and replace damaged

parts thus eliminating the need to use stains, paints or sealers which could possibly be harmful to the environment.

• Strong — with the solid wood core the product is 100% structural and no reinforcements are needed for support.

• Life expectancy — it’s backed by a 20 year warranty and has been around for over 35 years.

• Annual maintenance costs — there aren’t any!

You never have to paint and the post and rail don’t rot. The occasional hosing off keeps it clean.

• Appearance — rail fencing is one of the most desired fencing styles available. With Woodguard being available in several colors, it will not only improve the look of your property but increase the value.

Whatever fence system you choose, check it regularly as no fence is maintenance free and acts of God can happen to the best of fences!

Visscher lumber · woodguard.ca

woodGuard FEnCinG

VallEy CarriErS

With over 30 years in the market Woodguard has proven to be the #1 choice for low maintenance fencing. Unlike other “low-maintenance” products available , only Woodguard can be used like wood…because it is wood. When using Woodguard products there are no special tools required.

Woodguard ensures that you only have to build your horse fence once. This coated lumber product is durable, weatherproof and strong. When used for horse fencing you can be certain that the strength of our product will not let you down. compared to all your other horse fencing options, we set ourselves apart by providing a longer lasting fence board. For the month of June receive 10% off.

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We carry Hog Fuel for riding arenas, paddocks and round pens in fine, medium and coarse. Most of our customers prefer red cedar Hog Fuel, but we also carry yellow cedar and even fir. We’ve been working with the equestrian community for over fifty years and have developed an understanding of what works and what doesn’t. our best pricing for Hog Fuel is available during late spring, summer and early fall.

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maintain your horse’s water sourCe with ease

Clean water is essential to your horse’s health. Are you tired of scrubbing persistent algae out of your water trough? Need to control the bacteria and odour in your stalls and trailer?

Want to use a product that creates a healthier

environment for yourself and your horses? The AEGIS Microbe Shield could be the answer you are looking for. AEGIS is a patented, innovative product that has been used as a surface and fabFarm & Field Feature continued on page 68

SiroCCo Sirocco is a bedding conditioner specially formulated from a combination of Montmorillonite clay with seaweed concentrates, vegetal absorbents, alginates and essential oils. Suitable for treating straw, wood shavings and pellet bedding, it freshens stalls, trailers, kitty litter trays, dog runs, bunny hutches, chicken coops. Try small amounts in kitchen compost pails, or even smelly sport shoes! Sirocco absorbs fluids and moisture from bedding and hinders conversion of urine to ammonia gases. It reduces fermentation, heat release and development of unpleasant and irritating odors, and repels and controls insect production. Sirocco is an eco-sanitizer. effective, convenient to use, economical. Distributed by Strathcona Ventures.

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Flies Driving You Crazy?

Farm & Field Feature continued from page 67 ric protectant for decades in many countries, and in 2013, it was approved as a surface protectant

by Health Canada. AEGIS represents a new concept in antimicrobial protection.

The Antibacterial/Mold (AEGIS) product is effective on nearly any surface, including wood, rubber, metal, plastic, masonry, drywall, glass and more. The product can be used almost anywhere to kill or control mold, fungus, algae, bacteria, odour, and staining, including the following applications: Farm & Field Feature continued on page 70

FlEx FEnCE

The Good Buy That Stops Flies!

Flex Fence was specifically designed and engineered for the horse and livestock industry. It is a high quality, safer, and stronger alternative to board fence or traditional fencing. Flex Fencing is designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments and is impervious to the sun’s damaging UV rays.

If you’re looking for a fence system that requires very little maintenance, is safer for your horses and livestock, and is easy to install, Flex Fencing is for you. For more information on how you can integrate Flex Fencing into your operation give us a call at 1-800-842-6314 or visit us on-line at SystemFence.com

Distributed by:

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SARKIS EQUINE create your horseland‌ DESIGN

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We have proudly provided design, master planning, project management, and consultation services for an international client base with projects spanning private horse farms to large scale horse parks.

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Farm & Fields Feature continued from page 68 •

Expires June 30, 2015

Stalls, stall mats and stall mattress systems, aisles, washracks, tie stalls and other barn surfaces; • Tack, saddles, pads, bits, leather goods and blankets; • Boots, clothing, helmets, socks, polo wraps, bandages; • Buckets, feed bins, troughs, auto waters; and • Trailers, trucks, cars, farm equipment When applied, the product bonds to surfaces resulting in a strong, durable, invisible, effective and extremely safe barrier that kills microorganisms on contact, and provides ongoing protection against their growth between cleanings and disinfection. It kills and prevents the growth of a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, yeasts, mold, mildew, and viruses for six months or longer depending on the surface treated and its exposure to wear and tear.

Aegis is available from Strathcona Ventures.

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SF

Your Complete SourCe for equine SolutionS

Flex Fencing offers your horse a safer environment with much less maintenance and easier installation.

SystemFence.com 14321 5th Line Nassagaweya Rockwood ON

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519-856-9959 1-800-842-6075 sales@systemfence.com

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We build beautiful things

HORSE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS SINCE 1990.

604-533-2801 traillindustries@shaw.ca www.gaitpost.com

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HTBC SPRING CLINICS: JOHVALE

60 Eventers from all over BC and Alberta joined Clinicians, Jil Walton, Nick Holmes Smith, Maeve Drew, Brandy Saunders, Sara Sellmer and Sarah Bradley, for a fun filled weekend from Intro to Eventing up to Preliminary. Participants spent three days riding all over the lovely grounds at Johvale High Country in Pritchard, BC fine tuning their skills. Riders were reminded: • “Don’t take a tug” • “Ride against the fence not against your hand” • “Let it come to you” • “It’s all about your canter” • “Keep your chest up” • “Ride with your legs not your seat” Riders not only had Cross Country lessons daily but they were also able to participate in a Pace lesson each day as well. Here Riders were encouraged “don’t use your watch, learn the feel of your horse’s pace.” All came away with a greater knowledge, a little homework for the future and a smile.

A huge thank you to HTBC for organizing such a wonderful weekend and to Heather Blomgren for letting us invade her amazing property. Thank you to our Clinicians for travelling all the way and sharing their

riders at the lovely Johvale course.

Cross Country at Johvale.

invaluable knowledge with us. Thank you to Eats Amore (Mobile Italian Cuisine) for keeping our tummies full with their delicious food! And thank you to all the volunteers that helped Heather host us —without you clinics like these wouldn’t happen.

— Ashley Sudds

HTBC SPRING CLINICS: ISLAND 22 April 4th & 5th was spent by some local eventers starting their season early at Island 22 Equestrian Park, participating in the first HTBC Spring Clinic of the year. Groups were taught by Lynne Larsen offering all levels including Introduction

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to Eventing, and Kristi Nunnink who came all the way from Auburn, California to teach groups from Starter to Preliminary.

On day one with Kristi, the Training/Prelim group started off in the sand arena with warm up jumps and a course to get the horses rolling. With many things for both the horse and rider to focus on, Kristi urged the riders to simply ride the course with a balanced horse, maintaining rhythm to the base of each fence, and allow the horse to jump. On the Cross Country field, the water jump was too deep to be used.

However, a large convenient puddle was www.gaitpost.com

ToDD NoRTHeY

RAcHAel SPeNceR

ToDD NoRTHeY

Shayla Minosky riding Colour Me Classy.

Mareesa kelly riding dapple Jack.

Shayla Minosky riding Colour Me Classy.

used instead. The group worked on a triple combination that involved a table, a corner positioned with the puddle on landing, to a large log. To finish off day one the group worked with “Glen’s Gulp,” the large Training and Prelim Drops. Starting with the training level, approaching in trot, riders were encouraged to maintain the horses step on approach, staying back with their upper bodies and then slipping their reins. It rode well and we quickly moved onto the Prelim drop, which was a part of a combination with a log to the drop and another log after the bank up.

This made the riders finish the day with a focused ride as some quickly found out the challenge of having to quickly shorten reins after the drop to be able to steer for the last log.

Day two started out in the Cross Country field right off the bat. Riders www.gaitpost.com

started off with what seemed would be an easy exercise, trot uphill to a small coop. Trotting the hill proved to be more challenging than first thought as horses quickly broke to canter long before reaching the coop at the top of the hill.

Kristi summed this up as it takes more effort to trot the hill rather than canter.

To finish off the weekend the riders rode a course that allowed riders to get out of the tack in between the fences and show their ability to rebalance before each fence. The course finished with a large Prelim corner that proved to be a challenge for some riders. With huge thanks to Lynne Larsen, Kristi Nunnink, and HTBC, our local riders learned a lot and came away from this clinic feeling for prepared and ready to take on our eventing season of 2015! — Shayla Minosky June 2015

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EQUITATIONSCIENCE

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

conflict behaviour:

istockphoto.com

The Road To Learned Helplessness

H

orses are hard-wired to flee from aversive stimuli. Because of the horse’s sensitivity and high flight drive, it is easy to inadvertently train the horse to display hyper-reactive conflict behaviours if we are not consistent with our expectations.

What is a Conflict Behaviour?

A conflict behaviour is an unwanted expression of flight including bucking, rearing, bolting, spinning, shying, biting, and kicking. Horses that display such behaviours are often described in anthropomorphic terms such as “mean” and “naughty,” and the tendency is to assume the horse intends to be bad out of vindictiveness, 74

June 2015

stubbornness, or laziness. Of course, we must remember that in the horse’s world, these words and feelings do not exist, and the behaviours the horse exhibits are simply a combination of its natural tendencies and the responses we have trained it to do. Understanding why a horse might display conflict behaviours can help us not only address the issues our horses already exhibit but also avoid creating new problems in the future. Our goal, after all, should always be to produce straightforward and uncomplicated equine partners.

What Causes Conflict?

There are four basic responses that horses

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Equitation Science continued from page 74 must learn well on the ground and under saddle: go, stop, turn, and yield. All of the movements that we train horses to do under saddle are a function of these basic responses; even complicated movements like half pass are simply a combination of these responses strung together. If the horse is trained to correctly respond immediately to light, brief, leg and rein aids for go, stop, turn, and yield, then there will rarely be cause for conflict. If, however, the horse does not have a clear understanding of these basic responses, and the rider uses strong pressures, unclear aids, or punishment to try to achieve the results he/ she desires, then the horse may exhibit hyper reactive flight behaviours to escape the confusion and the clashing aids.

How Can We Fix Conflict?

Because horses learn through operant conditioning (trial and error through reward/ punishment), when a horse displays conflict behavior the rider’s reactions and responses will affect whether or not the horse persists in that behaviour or stops displaying it. For example, if a rider asks a young horse for canter and the horse bucks instead of cantering, the rider’s reaction will impact whether the horse persists with bucking into canter or learns the correct response. If the rider is unseated, the leg aid stops asking for canter and the pressure is thus removed—but for the incorrect response!

A novice rider may also be scared and not ask for canter again. The horse will thus learn to buck instead of cantering because that is the behaviour it has been (inadvertently) rewarded for. A more experienced rider would continue to keep the canter aid on (despite the buck) until the horse responds correctly by cantering and therefore reward the horse by releasing the pressure for the right response so it can learn new habits.

Punishment as a training tool only works when it is applied accurately in a way that relates to the behaviour being punished and it is therefore difficult to do in a way that is efwww.gaitpost.com

fective. More often than not, our punishments simply serve to confuse the horse more, and raise his anxiety levels and flight drive to such an extent that he is no longer able to focus on learning. We must remember that horses do not think as humans do and cannot connect complex, unrelated ideas together. Too often we assume the horse inherently knows what we want. Equine behaviour issues need to be taken seriously not only to improve performance and safety but most of all to improve the horse’s welfare.

Long Term Consequences and Learned Helplessness If the rider/handler attempts to use two opposing signals at once (such as telling the horse to “go” with the legs and “stop” with the reins at the same time) or if our signals are not consistent and the horse cannot predict what the outcome of a response will be, horses will often respond in hyper reactive ways (by rearing, bucking, bolting, etc.) to escape the confusion. Their confusion may also become manifest in seemingly unrelated vices such as weaving, pacing, cribbing, and head shaking. Sometimes, however, if the confusion and/or pain are inescapable, such as relentless pressure from a harsh bit that does not ease up from any response the horse gives, a condition known as “learned helplessness” may set in. The horse with a “hard mouth” has learned to “switch off ” to bit pressure and no longer appears to care even if it is painful.

Over time, horses with conflict behaviours and learned helplessness experience chronic stress which may compromise their health and lead to common but serious physical ailments such as gastric ulceration, colic, and suppressed immune systems.

In August 2015, Vancouver will host the 11th annual International Society for Equitation Science conference at UBC and Southlands Riding Club. Jody Hartstone, a NZ Grand Prix dressage rider and proponent of Equitation Science who specializes in re-training horses who have developed conflict behaviours, will be just one of many talented international trainers giving demonstrations at the conference. Jody has also given clinics in BC in July 2014 and April 2015. Visit www.hartstoneequestian. com for more information on Jody and www.ises2015vancouver. com for more information on the conference.

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next Deadline: June 5th for the July 2015 issue

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The successful candidate will train and coach all levels of dressage to horses and riders. The candidate will be an integral member of an innovative and inspired team of equine and leadership education providers. Job duties: Horse Training, Rider Coach, Horse Husbandry, Competing, Buying and Selling, International Travel. $52,000.00 per year plus commissions, includes benefits.

Req: Minimum 3 yrs post-secondary Equine Science & Training, minimum of 10 yrs in an Int’l level training stables in Holland, Germany or Portugal.

Maple Leaf Meadows, International, 20821-9th Ave. SW Edmonton, Alberta, T6M 2N9. 780.668.4677 or wylda@mapleleafmeadows.com Visit: www.mapleleafmeadows.com www.gaitpost.com

Best Possible Nutrition For your growing & performance horse feed TOTAL EQUINE

animal structural Kinesiology equine lessons/Training

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

IND E X O F AD V E RTI S E R S Abby Saddle Shop.............................................................................. 31 Absorbine...................................................................................... 8, 80 Allan Dale Trailers.............................................................................. 70 Alysha Suave Dressage....................................................................... 49 Ashby, Karen & Christina.................................................................... 57 Bates Tack......................................................................................... 13 Biomedica........................................................................................... 3 Cloverdale Pharmasave...................................................................... 37 Coastal Equestrian............................................................................. 71 Dewson, Cheryl.................................................................................. 58 Dexter Associates.........................................................................57, 58 Dog & Pony Shop............................................................................... 16 Elevate Equestrian............................................................................. 48 Equestrian Factory Outlet................................................................... 18 Greenhawk........................................................................................... 9 Heartland Saddlery............................................................................ 45 Horse Council BC............................................................................... 34 Integrated Bio Systems...................................................................... 22 Life Data Labs................................................................................... 51 McGill, Lesley..................................................................................... 19 McIntyre, Sidonia............................................................................... 48 Noble Outfitters................................................................................... 2 PAALH................................................................................................ 59 The Paddock Tack.............................................................................. 40 PNE................................................................................................... 43 ReitenRight........................................................................................ 69 Ride ‘n’ Drive Horse Supplies............................................................. 47 Saddle Solutions................................................................................ 22 Sarkis Equine..................................................................................... 69 Science Pure Nutraceuticals................................................................ 5 Shaw Insurance................................................................................. 12 Star-Gro Products.............................................................................. 68 Strathcona Ventures............................................................................ 7 Stubben............................................................................................. 79 System Fencing.................................................................................. 70 Traill Industries.................................................................................. 71 Ulterra Ranches................................................................................. 47 Valley Carriers.................................................................................... 65 Woodguard Canada............................................................................ 59 Wrayton Transport.............................................................................. 46

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

June 2015

77

COMPETITIONCALENDAR

Jun 21

Competitions • Clinics • Special Events

Jun 24 - 28

British Columbia

Jun 27

May 23

May 24 May 27 - 31

May 31 - 30

Jun 6

Jun 12 - 14 Jun 14 Jun 20

Jun 20

CRC Eng/West Show, Chilliwack, BC Sarah: chilliwackridingclub@gmail.com www.chilliwackridingclub.com/ Willoughby Saddle Club, Langley, BC Sandy: (604) 375-6340, sandyherring289@hotmail.com CSI2* British Columbia Open at TBird, Langley, BC Closing Date: April 29th, 2015 Chris: (604) 888-5585, www.tbird.ca Boundary Horse Association Annual Spring Show (Heritage Qualifier), Grand Forks, BC. Madalene: (250) 443-3191 kmespenhain@telus.net Mounted Combat Playday on National Horse Day 2015 Vancouver, BC. Jennifer: info@academieduello.com www.academieduello.com A Touch of Class Dressage, Langley, BC Ali: (778) 928-5300, ali@tbird.ca, www.tbird.ca Windsor Stables Hack and Hunter Shows, Aldergrove, BC Sarah: sadws@shaw.ca, www.windsorstables.net Cross Country Schooling Day #1, Langley, BC Annet: (604 )504-3125, jos-annet@shaw.ca www.cves.ca CVES Dressage Schooling Day #3, Langley, BC Janeen: (604) 855-1152, fogwot@telus.net www.cves.ca

Jul 1 - Jul 5,

Jul 5 - 6 Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 18 - 21 Jul 18

Sept 13

Willoughby Saddle Club, Langley, BC Sandy: (604) 375-6340, sandyherring289@hotmail.com West Coast Classic - Thunderbird Show Park, Langley, BC Chris: (604) 888-5585, www.tbird.ca CRC Eng/West Show, Chilliwack, BC Sarah: chilliwackridingclub@gmail.com www.chilliwackridingclub.com/ Western Family, Thunderbird Show Park, Langley, BC Chris: (604) 888-5585, www.tbird.ca Jul 2 CVES Cross Country Schooling Day #2, Langley, BC Annet: (604) 504-3125, jos-annet@shaw.ca, www.cves.ca David Marcus Dressage Clinic – 2015 Series, Langley, BC Jane: (604) 219-7681, finnfarm@shaw.ca CVES Cross Country Schooling Day #3, Langley, BC Annet: (604) 504-3125, jos-annet@shaw.ca, www.cves.ca Windsor Stables Hack and Hunter Shows, Aldergrove, BC Sarah: sadws@shaw.ca, www.windsorstables.net School of Legerete at ForTheHorse, Chase, BC Chris: chris@forthehorse.com, www.forthehorse.com CVES Cross Country Schooling Day #4, Langley, BC Annet: (604) 504-3125, jos-annet@shaw.ca www.cves.ca KWPN-NA Keuring, Langley, BC Jane McLeod: (604) 219-7681, finnfarm@shaw.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.

BCHJA News

Newsletter of the BC Hunter Jumper Association

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the BCHJA members that participated in our first ever concussion testing on Sunday, April 26th at Thunderbird Show Park. We will offer further clinics to get tested, as well as a seminar about the testing, and the benefits of having a baseline test on your medical records for future reference if any of our athletes sustain a concussion. Thank you to Life Mark Medical Services for performing the testing. We look forward to working more closely with them in the coming months. Good luck to all our BCHJA competitors this summer and stay safe!

REMINDER! Check your membership status under “2015 members” link on the BCHJA website. If rider, owner or trainer is not on this list, they are not a member and should contact Membershipservices@bchja.com immediately if they have questions. 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 78

June 2015

Canada’s Greatest Little Horse Mag

www.gaitpost.com

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