Horse & rider 7 17

Watering Tips To Keep Your Horse Safe

Today’s Western Horse Life

GET ROADREADY TOP 10 TRAILERING QUESTIONS NEW TRAILERS & ACCESSORIES BEST TRAILERING TIPS

Trail Riding!

STAY SAFE

IN WILD ENCOUNTERS TAKE CONTROL ON THE TRAIL Bye-Bye, Fly

NEW FLY GEAR

NEW LOOK! MORE PAGES

July 2017

Western Living

A MODERN COWGIRL’S DREAM LIFE

DON’T LET FIREWORKS FRIGHTEN YOUR HORSE

LEAD CHANGES ON A LINE

WE BELIEVE COMPLACENCY

D O E S N ’ T F U E L G R E AT N E S S , A N D

“GOOD ENOUGH” IS NOT AN OPTION.

FROM COMPETITION HORSES TO

T R A I L C O M PA N I O N S T O T H E P E O P L E

WHO CARE FOR THEM, EVERY

M O M E N T ’ S A N O P P O R T U N I T Y.

T H AT ’ S W H Y W E B R I N G O N LY T H E

B E S T I N E Q U I N E H E A LT H S O L U T I O N S

A N D S U P P O R T. B E C A U S E A H O R S E

DESERVES NOTHING LESS. WE DON’T

BELIEVE IN LIMITS. WE BELIEVE

I N E L I M I N AT I N G O B S TA C L E S , A N D

U N LO C K I N G P O T E N T I A L .

Prascend and Vetera are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH. Gastrogard and Ulcergard are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2017 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. EQU-0176-GEN0717

UNBRIDLE YOUR POTENTIAL

greatness

D O E S N’ T G E T D AY S O F F.

CRUSADER PREMIUM FLY MASK • Split top opening to keep the horse comfortable.

• Form fitting micro mesh cap is soft, breathable, and durable.

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• Optional ear covers and nose protection.

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Safer for all riders

Tethers rein to saddle !

No tangling in horses legs

No more lost reins!

A

ll riders fear losing the reins. Whether you drop them or they get yanked from you, if you lose the reins you lose control of your horse. Even worse, if you lose the reins, they may get tangled in your horse’s legs.

Made of a durable and waterproof polypropylene, BOOMA attaches with a carabiner O-ring (included) for trail riding, training or everyday riding or directly to the rein for calf roping, barrel racing and other high-intensity riding.

Tethers your reins to your saddle That’s why we created BOOMA, the flexible rein keeper. BOOMA tethers your reins to the pommel/ swell on the saddle, so no matter what, they’re always within reach. And, with BOOMA, the reins can’t slip over the head of the horse.

A safer, smarter way to ride No matter who you are or what type of riding you do, a BOOMA rein keeper will make your ride safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, and you’ll always have peace of mind knowing you can’t lose the reins!

BOOMA Rein is fully adjustable

Won’t restrict horse BOOMA is made of a flexible material, so the horse can lower its head to eat or drink without restriction.

“I LOVE my Booma Rein! I won’t let the kids or anyone ride without it. It is easy to use and keeps you from losing your reins. I feel so much safer riding with it.”

– Gwenn W. Aspen

And, BOOMA is adjustable, so it will fit any horse and accommodate any rider.

“Love it! Taking pictures, etc., I don’t have to worry about reins. Grandkids use mine and never have to worry about dropping reins.”

– Robin Camenzind

Available online at boomarein.com or your local tack store

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We call it the BOOMA “Ride Free” Guarantee – If BOOMA isn’t everything we promised, we’ll buy it back, no questions asked.

Reins are always accessible

851-238th Rd, Milford, NE 68405 molly@boomarein.com 402.440.5108

“As a cattleman moving cattle or fixing fence on horseback, there are several scenarios where I have to open gates on the run or dismount to catch a calf, and the Booma Rein becomes a lifesaver by keeping reins in the proper place.”

– Patrick L. Kroese

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07.17 CO N T E NTS

LAUREL DENTON LONG-TROTS GELDING LENAS LAST TIME ON THE HISTORIC BAR U BAR RANCH IN SKULL VALLEY, ARIZONA.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER PAULSON

Features

60

72

78

86

94

103

Thoroughly Modern Cowgirl Laurel Denton lives the ideal Western life while excelling in the sports she loves.

Boost Your Wildlife Savvy Keep yourself and your horse safe when you cross paths with wildlife on the trail.

Trailer Innovations Nine products that can make hauling horses more comfortable, stylish, and fun.

Get Through the Line Four lead changes in a row—master them and improve your Western riding score.

The Long Haul Answers to 10 of the most-oftenasked questions regarding trailering your horse a long distance.

Tight Turns, Big Benefits Try this quick exercise to boost control while encouraging forward motion.

BY JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

BY KATIE NAVARRA

BY LESLIE LANGE WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO

BY BARB CRABBE, DVM

BY ANN KATRIN QUERBACH

COVER PHOTO BY DAVID STOECKLEIN July 2017 / 9

07.17 CO N T E NTS

In Every Issue 14 From the Editor 17 Riding Outside the Circle 21 Saddle Chat 112 My Collection

10 / HorseandRider.com

HorseLife

Ride&Train

28 Travel Reining in the San Francisco Bay Area.

41 Private Lesson Step control for trail classes, ranch riding.

32 Health Hydration to safeguard your horse.

47 Winning Insights Tips for a safe and happy long haul.

34 Solutions Fly-fighting gear to battle the bugs.

51 Trail Insights Correct that ditchjumping behavior.

36 Style Artisan belts in leather, beadwork.

54 Confident Rider Jittery at the lope?

Try this easy fix.

38 Horsekeeping Fireworks anxiety.

57 Conformation Clinic Junior Arabian mares.

TOP PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

TO FEEL THIS RELAXED AND CONFIDENT AT THE LOPE, USE OUR EXPERT’S FUN-AND-EASY ‘RECITE OUT LOUD’ TRICK.

PERFORMANCE YOU CAN FEEL. NUTRITION YOU CAN SEE. Keep them growing strong. You want to give them every chance to succeed. To reach beyond expectations and endure. That’s why owners and horses alike love Calf-Manna Equine Supplement: it’s nutrition that’s proven to perform. And for generations, this incredible feed supplement has been specially formulated to give them a happy, healthy glow that lasts a lifetime and offers many benefits: Develop a shiny coat with linseed meal Boost energy and support weight gain with digestible carbohydrates Improve muscle growth and repair with lysine and methionine Enhance overall feed nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals For more information and money-saving offers, visit Calf-Manna.com/HR

FROM the EDITOR

WE’RE FINALLY HERE—the moment we get to share with you a bold, new Horse&Rider. You hold in your hands an exciting concept that brings together the audiences of H&R, American Cowboy, and The Trail Rider. Three groups of people who live and love Western life, including horse ownership, traveling with their horses, and experiencing scenic destinations and Western heritage.

We call this “Western Horse Life.”

It’s the focus of our new tag line— Today’s Western Horse Life. Owning horses isn’t your lifestyle; it shapes your entire Western life.

TAKING A BROADER SPACE You likely noticed there are more pages in this issue, giving us more space to include a variety of topics for every aspect of your horse life.

Each of the topics was tested against that new tagline. Is it modern and forward-thinking? Is it relevant to the Western world, whether for performance or trail riding or the Western way of life?

Will it enhance your horse life, be that by improving your horsemanship, providing better care for your horses, offering helpful information, or giving you an enjoyable read? You'll see that common thread as you take in this issue and those to come, or visit us on our digital and social-media outlets.

NEW FACES, STORIES Trusted H&R standbys—Bob Avila, Al Dunning, and Dr. Barb Crabbe; top competitive trainers, clinicians, and equine experts;

JOIN THE CONVERSATION We’re nothing without you, our reader. You’ll find more ways to get involved in the magazine, especially in the new Saddle Chat department, beginning on page 21. We can’t wait to share your Instagram photos tagged with #HorseLifeIRL (IRL = In Real Life in social speak).

And don’t worry—you can still see how your horses stack up against others’ in Conformation Clinic.

(Check out its new look on page 57.)

Our delivering what you want requires your participation, so please, join the conversation. You can email me at the address below or message Horse&Rider on Facebook. I read every note from every reader and carefully consider the comments and critiques. I look forward to hearing what you think about your new H&R!

You can reach Jennifer Paulson at jpaulson@aimmedia.com.

PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

New for You

and the H&R staff—are joined by new contributors to our team (but they’re probably familiar to you).

René Riley joins as Trail-Content Editor, ensuring that we share with you the best trails to explore and reliable trail-riding information.

Bob Welch provides an insightful column (Riding Outside the Circle, page 17) based on his Western horse life, and you’ll see his favorite gear in My Collection, page 112.

RIDING OUTSIDE the CIRCLE

by Bob Welch

Finding Your Lane ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT D. QUIMBY

IT SEEMS MANY of us—myself not-

withstanding—go through life trying to find our place. Career paths and family goals that once seemed so clear in the starry-eyed optimism of youth and young adulthood become opaque and confusing in the throes of middle-age in a postmodernist world.

I’ve personally faced these feelings in light of a recent professional disruption. (American Cowboy magazine— which I edited for the past 4-plus

years—was abruptly closed.)

And while the narrative that this change sent me into a tailspin might make for better storytelling, the truth is I never became despondent. But I’ve sure had a lot of questions. Of course, I’m terribly sad that what I once thought was my dream job no longer exists; however, my prevailing thought through the process has been, “What’s next?”

The feeling that I needed to—as the Millennial generation might say—

“find my lane,” had been pestering me.

What would fill the void of covering and contributing to a culture near and dear to me?

THE BURDEN OF those questions, in-

terestingly enough, began lifting from me at a horse show. Now, to be clear, I’m not much of a horse showman. I love to ride, I love looking after cattle, and I love the trappings of the cowpuncher lifestyle, but I don’t crave the show ring.

My wife, on the other hand, does.

She found a local ranch horse versatility association that offers cutting, fence work, reining, pattern, trail, and conformation classes for several different levels of ability and youth— particularly attractive, given our kids could use show experience in preparation for their 4-H pursuits. In the end, I agreed to enter because of the cattle classes—and reasonable entry fees. → July 2017 / 17

RIDING OUTSIDE the CIRCLE

Though I take care of some stocker cattle as a side-hustle and get to ride in that pursuit, being a desk jockey for almost two decades has stunted the growth of my horsemanship and showmanship. I have a nice young horse that I really like, but he’s not fancy. Trainer fees aren’t in the budget.

So, as the show date neared, I became increasingly uncomfortable.

Memorizing the pattern—trot at this cone, transition from a lope to a walk at this cone, pick up the right lead here—was especially vexing.

And every time my horse approached the practice bridge I had built at the house, he snorted and stepped sideways before I could convince him to take it. I was excited about the cutting and fence work classes and the roping element, but my horse’s stops for the reining pattern were coming undone

18 / HorseandRider.com

the more I worked on them. Dread for show day was building.

But, being frugal, I couldn’t walk away from the entry fees we’d plunked down. While I’ll spare you the details, the show actually didn’t go too badly.

Sure, I felt as though I could’ve done much better—I was especially frustrated to have missed both loops in the roping, and my horse did snort at the bridge in the trail class. But there were some bright spots, too. I hit all my lead changes and remembered what to do at each cone.

My wife had a wonderful day with a new friend and showed her horse really well. She beat me in the cutting, in fact. Our children continued to hone their horsemanship and learned some valuable life lessons.

And really, so did I. We as riders, as well our horses, have plenty of room

for improvement, but we weren’t completely outclassed, either. In a way, we’d found our lane in the horse show world—and we weren’t even looking.

That discovery gave me an incredible amount of confidence that finding my lane professionally wouldn’t be impossible, either. Before the show began, I was well aware that I was not, nor was ever going to be, a great horseman. But that organization allowed me to see there’s still an opportunity for me to become a better horseman in a competitive atmosphere.

My journey of discovery wasn’t over yet, though. As the comfort of knowing that I could find my lane sunk in, I began to realize just how much I’d been consumed by my own professional disruption.

A wise man once advised not to merely look out for our own personal

SADDLE CHAT

from you, the reader

YOUR STORY

GALLOP POLL

‘Don’t Give Up’

What size trailer do you haul?

20%

43%

37% 2-HORSE .............. 43% 3-HORSE .............. 37% 4 OR MORE ......... 20%

YOU SAID IT

Despite physical challenges, Arabian gelding Jackson lives a full life, delighting children and others with his many tricks.

Through it all, though, he’s greeted me every day with a loud, cheery whinny. Incredibly, he’s never shown signs of depression or anything other than sheer joy at being alive—plus a mischievous sense of equine humor. I myself was older and relatively new to the horse world when Jackson was foaled. Since that time, it’s as if I’ve been going to the Equine University of Jackson—with a side class in Clownology.

Thanks to equine insurance and my extremely understanding husband, Jackson has had a full and rewarding life. He can’t be ridden, but he pulls a cart and entertains children and grownups alike with his many tricks. He loves attention, and the delight he inspires is particularly noticeable in children dealing with challenges of their own.

I’m glad I never gave up on him. …Jacki Day, California

We love hearing from you! Send a Your Story submission (up to 160 words), a letter to the editor, or your brilliant ideas to live your best horse life to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com.

In the April issue of H&R, we asked which trailer innovations you’d find most helpful. We love Judy and Elise’s ideas, below. Go shopping with H&R for new trailers and accessories starting on page 78.

I’d love to have air-ride suspension for the horses.

It would be so nice to know they’re not getting every bump and bounce as we head out for our next adventure. It seems it would save wear and tear on the trailer, plus the horses wouldn’t tire out from being bounced around on the road.

Judy Beam, Michigan I’d add a padded floor for the horses, some kind of heating and cooling, plus seats and a radio in the tack-room section. Maybe I could get the horses into some of my music!

Elise Sarli-Freeman, Ohio July 2017 / 21

P H OTO BY D E B B I E F U R RY

­ From the moment Jackson hit the ground 15 years ago, he seemed to be asking me not to give up on him.

Born septic, my little Arabian foal went for his first trailer ride at just a few hours old, to the local equine clinic for blood transfusions.

That was just the beginning, however.

Pneumonia and colic soon followed. Later he had to have his stomach pumped, then had to wear a special muzzle to keep him from eating dirt.

Turns out he had, in addition to everything else, Arabian fading syndrome—or vitiligo, a progressive depigmentation of the skin.

As a yearling, he also developed wobblers syndrome. While convalescing after surgery for that, he contracted respiratory and bone infections.

Before he was 2, he required surgery on both front legs to correct contracted tendons.

Over the years, he’s also required an eye specialist, a respiratory specialist, and hospitalization for peritonitis.

Both his veterinarian and his farrier consider him to be an orthopedic nightmare.

TRAVEL / HEALTH SOLUTIONS / STYLE HORSEKEEPING

Frederick Christen and Ms Dreamy won the 2016 Reining by the Bay Prime Time NonPro Derby.

T RAVE L

Cali.

WHERE

Woodside, California

W H AT

Reining by the Bay WHEN

July 17–23

Reining by the Bay As if screaming spins, sliding stops, and snappy rollbacks weren’t enough, this reining event takes place in an outdoor arena that overlooks the San Francisco Bay and dramatic Redwood Forests of the California peninsula.

Event manager Amanda Brumley says it best: “It feels like you’re riding on top of the world! The fog rolls in over the hillside from the ocean in the evenings and burns off midmorning to unveil sunshine-filled arenas.”

29 PHOTO BY JOHN O’HARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Cali.

The view isn’t the only draw. Dollars bring in the top riders and horses from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to compete for purses exceeding $250,000 and another $50,000 in prizes. This makes it one of the top 10 National Reining Horse Association events annually. “Reining by the Bay is one of our favorite events,” says NRHA $4 Million Rider Andrea Fappani. “We enjoy the climate, huge show arena, and area attractions.”

Event organizers focus on fun, too. Post-show activities have included costume contests, catered meals, and “Trading Reins” where NRHA professionals trade horses with jumpers. “It was a crowd favorite,” shares Brumley.

230

Number of horses that trailer into the Horsepark at Woodside for this event.

4 3 1 2

Don't Miss This explore.

eat.

1. The Horsepark at Woodside is situated on 272 acres of oak-studded terrain and includes facilities for reining, dressage, hunters/jumpers, eventing, and polo. But be sure to obey the 10MPH speed limit!

Try 2. Parkside Grille in Portola Valley, 5 minutes from the Horsepark, for a locally sourced meal among the towering redwoods.

3. Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City, known for roasted turkey, is perfect for family- and

5

budget-friendly dining.

4. Grab a steak and sparkling cooler or cocktail at San Carlos’ Town steakhouse.

do.

Looking for an adventurous, challenging

trail ride? 5. Bay Area Ridge Riders offers fully accommodated rides on energetic, responsive mounts. Choose from two-hour jaunts to full-day excursions through the Bear Creek Redwoods, Wunderlich County Park, and Sierra Azul, just to name a few.

Competitive Cowboys Reining by the Bay launched in 1999 in an area that typically leans toward the West Coast cowboy sport of working cow horse. Spectators liked what they saw in the arena, and many started reining due to the high cost of owning and managing cattle in the Bay Area.

30 / HorseandRider.com

PHOTOS BY JOHN O’HARA PHOTOGRAPHY; MAP COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

TRAVEL

The Facts

Cinnamon Horse @cinnamon_horse • 21s

Why do I always get stuck with the trailer hog? #sticktoyoursideofthetrailer #moveyourrump

Don’t wait for your horses to tell you why they have gastric discomfort.

Animals speak louder than words.™ Trailer travel, long or short, can be tough on horses and may contribute to gastric discomfort. Outlast™ Supplement is the innovative supplement that supports gastric health and proper pH in stressful situations. Give Outlast™ Supplement to your horses and help them stomach the road trips.

Your local Purina retailer can tell you more than this ad ever could. Or visit feedoutlast.com

© 2017 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

HEA LTH

Keep him wellwatered

Your horse’s natural cooling system can be overwhelmed by heat and humidity, leading to dehydration and even heatstroke. When temps soar, moderate his work schedule and offer more frequent water breaks. Check hydration by pinching the skin on his neck or shoulder, then letting go—the skin should snap right back. Follow hydration basics (below), and ask your veterinarian about the advisability of electrolytes to replenish potassium and sodium. Ideally, keep your horse from reaching even 2 percent dehydration (left).

Summer Hydration

A 1,000-pound horse may drink as much as 10 gallons of water a day, and a great deal more when worked.

Degrees of Dehydration

% 0

4 6

]

8 10

­ elevated pulse ­ fails pinch test

Hydration Basics

Essential elements of your summertime plan to prevent dehydration in your horse.

1

2

3

]

­ sunken eyes ­ tucked-up appearance

12 32 / HorseandRider.com

fresh, clean water

plain white salt

your watchfulness

Clean tanks or buckets regularly to encourage drinking.

Provide a free-choice block or loose, coarse salt.

Keep an eye on temps, exertion levels, and vital signs.

LARGE PHOTO BY CHARLES BROOKS; THERMOSTAT PHOTO BY STEP2626/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

2

Fly Wear 101

S OLUTION S

Fly Wear

Fly-fighting gear for your horse.

1.

Summer Series Sheet

Protect from bugs, UV-rays, rain, and overheating. $209; horseware.com.

2.

ComFiTec Mesh Mask

TIP Before turning your horse out, apply a topical fly repellant under his fly wear for extra protection against bugs.

Shield eyes and ears with a polyester-mesh mask. $19.99; weatherbeeta.com.

Battle the Bugs Constant stomping caused by pesky flies can cause swelling in your horse’s legs or, even worse, injury. Eliminate fly sensitivity, stomping, and potential shoe throwing with Cashel's Crusader Leg Guards ($29.99; cashelcompany.com). The boots are lightweight, come in four different colors, and fit snug around your horse’s legs using hook-and-loop closures to keep the wraps in place. Soft, nylon lining prevents irritation and also helps keep irritating burrs away.

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Resists sweat and provides one month of bug protection. $16.99; alzoo-vet.com.

LARGE PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

3.

Fly Collar

Belts 3 Ways

STY LE

Leatherwork

Find a belt that fits your style.

1.

Exotic Leather

Make a statement with a hot-pink python belt.

Info: $199; handmadeexotics.com.

2.

Beadwork Belt

STYLE TIP For accurate length, measure your old belt from buckle fold to your belt hole. Then measure from there to belt tip.

Handmade by Michelle Tidwell and Quincy Cahill Allen.

Info: $525; (936) 348-0277.

Leather has always been part of Western culture, and custom leatherwork allows

you to have a unique piece that expresses individual style. Handcrafting leather is a long process that involves wetting, dying, tooling, oiling, and sealing the leather.

“Each custom piece takes well over a week to make, sometimes longer, if it involves elaborate detailing,” shares leathermaker Flavio Ribeiro, crafter of the belt, cuff, and halter seen here (facebook.com/flaviobribeiro).

36 / HorseandRider.com

3.

Classic Black

A staple piece that works well under show chaps.

Info: $119.95; theleatherguytx.com.

LARGE PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

Handcrafted Creations

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

GET READY TO WIN > Learn how to get the best performance out of your horse

Charles Des Angles and Maria Blaize of KC Stables in Kiln, Mississippi, can’t get over what’s happening with their rodeo horses lately.

Charles told us, “We have a nice mare we decided to start on a new supplement Three weeks later, she calmly walked up to compete and as she came down the alley and you would not believe. She just reached out like she never did before. I then took her

We started her back on it, and she won the Turkey Barrel Bash by two tenths. When you ask her to go, you’d better hold on.” bit nervous about the new calmness of our horse. But then we realized she was feeling better and conserving energy in a calm state. When Charles asked her to enter the alleyway, she woke up. She ran phenomenally well and recovered better than ever, with no signs of being body sore.”

EQ-Royal®, the supplement Charles and Maria use, is earning the trust of top trainers and riders of barrel racers and other rodeo athletes. After seeing their results, another champion barrel racer, Tiany Schuster, began giving EQ-Royal® to her horses and found the results amazing. She said “My horse had the best run ever. He was so relaxed and calm, his performance was outstanding and he gave me the best run of his life. I am now

using it for all my horses. They have never looked or performed better.”

to fortify the horse’s natural strength and support a healthier immune system.

Simply put, the horse feels better all over,

aren’t performing up to their potential. This all-natural supplement is demonstrating outstanding results in building blood, strengthening muscles, increasing energy and more.

But why is it important to “build blood,” and how does the EQ-Royal® formula work as a blood builder?

Just like in people, a horse’s muscles require oxygen. Red blood cells serve as a pathway for oxygen-carrying cells. A higher red blood cell count = more oxygen = more muscle energy. Elevated muscle energy helps the horse perform harder, faster and longer during endurance events.

In short, the ingredients in EQ-Royal® perform as a natural “blood-builder.”

Pharmacologists at Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL) discovered a proprietary, horse-friendly strain of echinacea angustifolia that’s astounding researchers and trainers due to its blood-building capabilities.

With this special echinacea strain at the helm, the uniquely potent, patentpending formula in EQ-Royal® contains

Horse owners not only trust and rely on EQ-Royal® also because of its strict quality control, extensive product testing and adherence to banned substance regulations that guarantee safety. grams) of EQ-Royal® to the horse’s daily feeding routine in the barn or on the road. use, you can expect to see increased natural blood levels.

That’s why trainers are trying EQRoyal® and telling their clients about it. the low price of just $59.95 per jar, especially considering the results they’re seeing.

FREE SHIPPING. That’s a savings of over

multiple horses or you’re ready to commit to a larger trial. EQ-Royal® can be ordered accelerate red blood cell production… for remarkable strength, stamina and control during training and competition. EQRoyal is not a stimulant. Instead it serves

money-back satisfaction guarantee for a

HORSEKEEP I N G

Fireworks

Not all horses are this relaxed around ďŹ reworks. If yours isn’t, get prepared before the Fourth.

38 / HorseandRider.com

Ease Fireworks Anxiety What to know and do to keep your horse from panicking and possibly hurting himself at the sound of Fourth of July celebrations.

Fourth of July fireworks can cause extreme anxiety in some horses, leading to panicked behavior and even injury. If your horse falls into this category, or if he’s new to an area where he’ll hear firecrackers this month and you’re not sure how he’ll react, take steps to make sure he stays safe.

Prep in Advance ­ Find out what you can about any upcoming, nearby fireworks displays. How distant are they? What’s the timeframe for them, and how loud will they be? ­ Safety-check your horse’s stall, run, paddock, or pasture for anything that might injure him should he panic. ­ If the extent of the fireworks and your horse’s likely reaction warrant it, think about moving him to another, quieter location for the duration of the display. ­ Consider sedation. “Talk to your vet, of course,” advises H&R’s consulting veterinarian, Dr. Barb Crabbe. “Acepromazine is a safe standby, and the newer under-thetongue gel is something you, as the owner, can easily administer yourself.” (See box.)

On Day of Fireworks ­ Put your horse in a familiar, safe place.

This might be his stall if he’s accustomed to that, or a turnout area with strong, safe fencing. “Be sure there’s no opening—a window, a half-door—your horse might be tempted to try jumping out of,” cautions Dr. Crabbe.

“As a prey animal, he’s prone to the ‘act first, think later’ routine when frightened.” ­ Insert ear plugs if your horse will tolerate them.

Sections of cotton wool or sponge can work for this, as can pieces of polo wrap.

There are also a range of commercial options on the market. ­ Administer sedation if you’ve determined this will be part of the plan for your horse. Your vet will have told you how far in advance of the fireworks to give it in order for the sedative to work best. ­ If practicable, leave music playing on a radio to serve as a calming influence and to help mask the fireworks noise. ­ Whatever happens, don’t put yourself in harm’s way; a panicked horse won’t hesitate to hurt himself—or you.

Sedation Best?

fortypercent Percentage of horses reported by their owners as “very anxious” around fireworks in a 2016 New Zealand study. Another 39 percent were “anxious,” and just 21 percent were rated “not anxious.” The same study indicated that sedating horses or moving them entirely off the property where fireworks occurred worked best to reduce anxiety.

LARGE PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

OwnerFriendly Sedative?

Ask your veterinarian about Dormosedan Gel, an FDA-approved mild oral sedative for when your horse becomes nervous or frightened (or uncooperative during routine health-care procedures). You can administer the gel yourself, placing the dewormer-type syringe under your horse’s tongue.

(The product must be absorbed through the mucous membranes, not swallowed.)

For best results, give the gel at least 40 minutes before the beginning of the stressful event; in general, the sedative effect lasts about 90 minutes to three hours. (For more information and a video: dormgel.com.)

July 2017 / 39

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PRIVATE LESSON / W IN N IN G IN SIGH TS / T R A I L I N S I G H TS / CO N F I D EN T RI D ER / CO N F O RMAT I O N C L I N I C

PRIVATE LESSON

Step Control

DO YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL over where every foot lands when riding your horse? Foot placement is crucial for

precise navigation of any obstacle, whether it be poles or logs in a trail or ranch riding pattern, working through tires in an obstacle course, or navigating unsure footing on a trail. Where your horse’s first foot lands right before you enter the obstacle can make or break your execution. Here I’ll give you tips to ace that placement every time.

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PRIVATE LESSON

BY LIZ PLACE, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER PAULSON

Step Control ­ When practicing foot placement at home, outfit your horse in a bit he responds to well. You can ride one- or two-handed during practice, with a rein drape that suits your horse’s training level. Set up your series of four poles or logs, placed 2 feet apart for walking or 3 feet apart for jogging. These narrow poles are elevated on one end to encourage the horse to pick up his feet higher as he navigates the obstacle.

Larger logs, as used in ranch riding, have a similar, higher-step effect.

One The rider approaches the poles looking ahead, and her horse is focused on the obstacle. She’s centered on the pole (one way the paint is helpful—it helps you find center), and her horse is moving at a cadenced, forward walk.

1

Two Here’s where the problem starts. The horse’s final step leading up to the obstacle landed too close to the first pole. We call this “getting under the pole.”

This tight foot placement will throw off the horse’s entire progression through the obstacle, leading him to push poles with his front feet or drag his hind feet over them.

2

Three Liz Place, Del Mar, California, trains Western all-around horses for open, amateur, and youth competition from Sunset Horse Ranch. She’s a lifetime horsewoman, with AQHA world and reserve championships. Learn more at lizplaceperformance horses.com.

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The horse’s first step into the obstacle lands dangerously close to the second pole. His hoof is literally under the edge of it. His hind legs must reach farther to clear the poles.

Both of his front feet are in danger of hitting the poles when he lifts them to advance his stride.

3

Four And there it is: The first foot-to-pole contact of this obstacle, made with

his left front foot. It’ll continue as the horse works through the walk-overs.

The horse’s cadenced, even stride means his feet will land under the

Ride&Train

PRIVATE LESSON You don’t need fancy painted poles to practice this at home. Simple landscaping poles bought at your garden-supply store work perfectly.

Budget-friendly tip

4

7 pole with each forward stride, forcing his subsequent footfalls to tick or hit a pole. This can all be prevented with the rider paying attention to her horse’s stride when they approach the obstacle.

Five When the rider noticed her horse’s stride wasn’t properly paced to enter the obstacle in Photo 1, she should’ve stopped and backed her horse, as she

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6

5

8 does here. She shortens her reins by pulling slack with her right (non-rein) hand and quickly backs her horse a few steps to teach him to stay back from the first pole. With repetition, he learns that stepping too close means more work in stopping and backing quickly.

Six This first step before the obstacle is farther off the first pole than in Photo 2.

There’s distance to allow the horse to step between the poles to successfully execute this obstacle.

Note that the horse lowers his head to look at the poles in his path.

Seven Bam! The first foot in the obstacle lands squarely between the first two poles. The horse should maintain this footfall placement, so he won’t tick or hit any of the poles.

Eight There’s a foot placed equally between each pole in the obstacle.

The horse’s symmetrical stride pays off when he approaches the obstacle correctly. The rider must remember to stay with her horse’s movements all the way through the set of four poles—until the last foot crosses the last one— before she starts thinking about the next obstacle or quits riding.

Ride&Train

WINNING INSIGHTS

BY BOB AVILA, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON

PHOTOS BY MARC LAXINETA, DVM

Road-Ready Tips Put my best hauling hints to work to keep your horse safe, healthy, and happy on the road.

­ My horses spend a lot of time in the trailer, so their comfort and safety as we travel to and from events is a top priority. I carefully consider every element to minimize the opportunity for problems to arise.

Your horses might not be road warriors like mine, but you probably still haul them on trips of varying distances to shows, trail rides, and other events.

Here I’ll describe the features of my trailer that keep my horses happy on the road, and then offer tips for long and short trailer rides.

Put them to use this summer, and remember them when hauling in winter months, too.

No matter the length of your trip, be prepared for a roadside emergency with first-aid kits for horses and humans. You also need tools to change tires, reflectors to divert traffic away from your rig, contact information for any roadside assistance program you pay for, and a general idea of what you might do in an emergency on the road.

Trailer Comforts I focus on two main areas to keep my horses sound, healthy, and happy on the road: footing and temperature-controlling insulation.

My trailer has a gel floor, topped with rubber mats, followed by sawdust on top. Those three layers combined provide excellent cushion and shock absorption. The bumps and rattles of road travel can cause foot soreness, obviously, but they also fatigue soft tissues in your horse’s lower legs. Your horse must brace against each stop of the truck and rut in the road, which makes those soft tissues susceptible to serious injuries. Additionally, this footing combination helps dissipate the heat that rises from the road, especially on hot summer trips, and keeps warmth inside the trailer on colder excursions.

Insulation plays a big role in keeping my trailer cool in the summer and warm in winter. The roof and walls of my trailer are

I keep my horses comfortable with three layers of cushion in my trailer's floor: gel flooring topped with rubber mats and shavings.

insulated to help control the temperature, no matter the season. This helps my horses arrive fresh and ready when we get to a show. Think about making a road trip without air conditioning in the summer—when you get to your destination, you’re tired and lagging; your horse feels the same way after riding in a hot, humid trailer. Traveling in a car without heat in winter means you must contract your muscles and shiver to stay warmer, which uses up energy; the same holds true for your horse.

We try not to travel during the heat of the day, instead opting for early-morning departures

or late-night drives when temperatures are cooler.

Long-Haul Lessons High-mileage trips are part of the deal in my profession. We regularly haul to Northern California, Arizona, and Nevada for big events. When we compete at championship shows, that means trips farther east to Oklahoma and Texas. No matter the destination, the horses don’t spend more than 12 to 14 hours a day in the trailer.

Even on a 14-hour hauling day, we don’t unload often. Some people disagree, but to me, unload-

July 2017 / 47

Ride&Train

WINNING INSIGHTS Little-known fact...

Bob Avila estimates he hauls his horses 25,000 miles annually to shows and events around the country.

LEFT: I don't often offer water to my horses on the road. They're more likely to make a mess than to take a drink. But I do check on them at stops.

RIGHT: Don't be tempted to leave dropdown windows open, even on short trips. Flying road debris can lead to eye injuries.

ing on the road can open the door for injuries and problems, especially if you unload in places with lessthan-ideal circumstances, such as busy gas stations.

When we do stop for gas or a quick meal, I sometimes offer water to my horses, but they seldom drink—they’re more likely to just make a mess.

Any stop we make is quick. We don’t take time for long meals or leisurely strolls while our horses are in the trailer. We get in, get out, and get back on the road.

No matter the speed limit, I don’t travel faster than 70 or 72 miles per hour with my trailer. You can only stop so quick,

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especially with a large rig. Common sense about speed—to accommodate the trailer and the road conditions—is essential.

We deep-clean our trailer every two or three trips for our horses’ health and to extend our trailer’s serviceability.

Short-Trip Tips Even brief trips to the vet clinic or a nearby arena require common sense.

Don’t be tempted to leave your drop-down windows open, even if you’re going a few miles, to prevent debris from flying into your horse's eyes.

Short trips tend to involve more traffic than longer, interstate trips.

Choose to travel at times of day when you can avoid stop-and-go traffic. Keep tabs on construction that could lengthen your trip or be difficult to navigate with a trailer. These scenarios make travel harder on your horse because he's jostled around the trailer and spends more time confined on the road.

That's especially problematic in summer heat.

Your cell phone can be helpful to find alternate routes or identify construction and traffic before you depart, but don’t fiddle with your phone on the road.

Bob Avila, Temecula, California, is an AQHA world champion, three-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity winner, NRHA Futurity champ, and two-time World’s Greatest Horseman. He's been named the AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year. Learn more at bobavila.net.

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How Formula4 Feet Transformed Sam This 23 year old Thoroughbred has had “bad feet” since he began training as a 2 year old. His horn quality was so poor that he only went to the races once and finished tailed off. He was then expelled as unfit for training, and for the next 8 years was used as a hack. He couldn’t even cope with that, as his time in training had left the pedal bones of both his front feet with peripheral demineralization, called pedal osteitis. He then suffered an extensive horn infection which required a large area of both front hoof capsules to be resected. Thereafter, he has remained fairly sound with careful, regular farriery attention. However, his hooves were never strong and his feet have always had a tendency to splay or flare over his shoes. His heels remained collapsed, despite being fed the then-leading hoof supplement every day for 13 years.

This product was replaced by Formula4 Feet in 2004; no other management or feeding changes were made.

After only two months of receiving Formula4 Feet, the farrier commented, “What have you done to this horse’s feet, they are much stronger to nail to and more “uptogether”. Farriers are not always easy to convince of the benefits of hoof supplements. Sam’s farrier made his complimentary remarks unaware of the recent change to Formula4 Feet.

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He is fed no cereals, only feeds recommended by the Laminitis Trust, which he loves.

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Ride&Train

TRAIL INSIGHTS

BY JULIE GOODNIGHT, WITH HEIDI MELOCCO

PHOTOS BY HEIDI MELOCCO

Take Charge Here’s how to take charge and build a better, more responsive trail partner for safety and control.

­ It’s easy to relax on trail rides and allow your horse to make his own decisions.

But every time you let him make a decision, you tell him he’s the leader in your herd of two.

When your trail horse takes the initiative, making decisions on direction or speed, he exhibits disobedient behavior. Your horse’s disobedience may start small—he may walk off right as you mount up, before you give him a go-forward cue or trot down a steep hill without a trot cue.

By overlooking these signs of disobedience, you teach your horse that he’s allowed to make decisions.

When your horse makes an extreme decision about where to go and how to get there—such as jumping over a ditch he could’ve slowly picked through—it’s a wake-up call. He’s not on the path you’ve chosen to travel.

He’s not listening to you; he’s making his own decisions.

Here’s why your horse probably jumps over ditches and how to fix your ditch-jumper.

A Fear Response Your horse might rush or jump a ditch when he’s afraid. His flight response kicks in when he doesn’t feel safe.

Jumping over a ditch gets him over the scary obstacle quickly—he’s not sure what might be at the bottom. As a prey animal, he constantly watches for dangerous predators. In a fearful state, your horse can’t think through what might be the best way to cross the ditch that lies before him. He may not know if it’s safe to step into the ditch and walk calmly to the other side.

It’s up to you, as his leader, to dictate the path and speed you travel together.

Ditch-Crossing Training To correct your horse’s ditch-jumping behavior, teach him that the best thing he can do is slow down and listen to you.

Here’s how.

Cue your horse to go forward and then stop with your seat and rein aids just before you reach the area that triggers him to jump.

1. Find a good location.

Choose a spot where you can school your horse safely that’s close to your barn so that you can work him several days in a row.

2. Go forward. Cue your horse to walk forward.

Pick up your reins, tap with your legs, and ask him to walk forward toward the ditch.

3. Stop. Cue your horse to stop just before you reach the area that triggers him to jump. You may feel his body tense or feel him suck back in preparation.

Say whoa, and restrict his forward motion with your

rein aids as you rock back in your seat.

4. Stand still. As soon as your horse stops, allow him to stand in place for 30 seconds. Praise him, pet him, and encourage him to relax and take a few deep breaths.

5. Go forward one step.

Cue your horse to walk forward just one step.

6. Stop, walk, repeat. Ask your horse to stop for 30 seconds, and praise him.

Then go forward one step and stop until he slowly steps across the ditch.

7. Quit for the day. As soon as your horse takes a step into or across the

July 2017 / 51

Ride&Train

TRAIL INSIGHTS If you want to learn more...

Watch Julie demonstrate how to shorten and lengthen split reins at HorseandRider.com.

LEFT: Once your horse is calm and willing to go slow, give a deliberate “move forward” cue, one step at a time. RIGHT: With repetition, you’ll teach your horse to slowly, carefully, and safely walk across the ditch without jumping.

ditch without rushing, stop the training session for the day. Repeat the exercise the following day.

8. Increase the steps.

Once you have complete control of how many steps your horse takes at a time, ask him to take a few more slow steps before stopping. Eventually, you’ll build up to him slowly and carefully walking across the ditch without stopping or jumping.

9. Set up an obstacle.

In a safe area with good footing, set up a low cross-rail jump, cavalletti, or raised poles. Ask your horse to step over the rails

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with one foot and stand there. After 30 seconds or so, ask him to step over with his other front foot.

Wait 30 seconds, then ask him to move his back feet over. It might take you 100 repetitions, but you’ll teach him to move calmly and step across any obstacle he previously wanted to leap across.

Troubleshooting Tip If your horse fidgets when you ask him to stop at a ditch, teach him it’s OK to stand still. At the barn,

ask him to stop and stand, giving consistent cues.

At the ditch, don’t hold the reins too tightly; your horse may think you’re collecting him to go faster. If the terrain allows, dismount and perform ground work, so your horse knows this is a location where he has to listen rather than decide on his own to rush forward. Let him rest when he’s focused and paying attention; put him back to work when his attention wanders.

This establishes you as the leader and reminds your horse that he must wait for your directives.

Trainer and clinician Julie Goodnight, Poncha Springs, Colorado, hosts RFD-TV's, Horse Master. Her book Goodnight’s Guide to Great Trail Riding is available at EquineNet workStore.com. Learn more about Julie's program and training methods at juliegoodnight.com.

Ride&Train

CONFIDENT RIDER

BY DANIEL DAUPHIN, WITH J. FORSBERG MEYER

Loping ‘Out Loud’ If you get breathless and jittery at the lope, try this to substitute enjoyment for anxiety.

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Why It Works First, I’ll assume your horse is safe to ride at a lope.

(If not, your anxiety is warranted and you should address your horse’s need for training with a qualified professional.) Knowing you’re safe and feeling safe don’t necessarily go together, however. And because nervousness causes you to tense up—even curl into a “fetal crouch”—it creates a feedback loop.

The physiology reinforces the nervousness, which reinforces the physiology…all leading to the “omigosh!” chant in your head.

How does reciting from memory correct this? By requiring you to concentrate on something other than your nerves. As you work to remember the words to your favorite Robert Blake poem or Winston Churchill quotation (more on that in a moment), you’re distracted from your tension.

Instead of succumbing to mild panic, you begin to notice that everything is

Loping anxiety can cause a “fetal crouch”: hunched forward, shoulders rounded, muscles tensed, legs gripping and creeping up, breath held.

going along just fine, and you can relax.

Reciting out loud also makes it impossible for you to hold your breath— something a surprising number of riders do at the lope without even realizing it. And because you can’t “hold forth” while holding your breath, reciting from memory solves that problem, too.

How to Do It First, choose your recitation. It might be your favorite Bible verse, Kipling passage, Frost poem, commercial jingle—what-

ever you like. (My personal favorites are the Pledge of Allegiance and anything Dr. Seuss.) All that matters is that you know the passage by heart.

Next, warm your horse up properly so he’s physically and mentally ready to give you a nice, cadenced lope. As you ask him to strike off, begin reciting your piece out loud. And when I say out loud, I mean loud, as if you’re addressing a group of 500 people without a microphone.

Project your voice! (As an alternative, you can also sing a favorite song, but if you do, belt it out like an opera singer.) If you aren’t getting weird looks from

BIOGRAPHY PHOTO BY TARA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

­ “Omi-gosh! Omi-gosh!

Omi-gosh!”

If this is your internal conversation when you’re loping your horse, you’re not alone. For many of us, the lope is the point at which our courage can begin to flag. All sphincters, pupils, and even pores contract as we lean forward, tense our muscles, and hold our breath. We do all these things because we’re trying to control what feels like a saddled trampoline building velocity like Willy Wonka’s speedboat.

Let’s change that conversation, shall we? Over the years, I’ve worked with many adult students suffering from loping anxiety, and there’s one simple strategy I’ve learned can make an enormous difference. It’s reciting out loud, at high volume, from memory.

It sounds crazy, I know.

But I guarantee it’ll enable you to relax and let go of those nerves, which in turn will allow you to sit properly and ride with more confidence.

PHOTOS BY MALLORY BEINBORN

The average speed of a horse’s lope (10–17 mph) is much slower than that of his gallop (25–35 mph).

Did you know?

Reciting from memory will distract you from your nerves so you can sit relaxed and erect, with your shoulders squared and your weight in your heels. Bonus: You can’t hold your breath!

unwitting spectators around your arena, you’re not doing it right.

But if you are, you’ll feel the tension melt away, replaced with the simple pleasure of enjoying a lope.

As silly as this sounds, I routinely see a significant difference in people’s posture, relaxation, and expression after just a few circles’ worth of reciting something out loud.

Keep It Up For the time being, start each loping session like this.

Over time, a new emotional pattern of comfort and confidence will have replaced the old pattern of tension and anxiety. At that point, you can stop. But if the anxiety comes back, use the tool again.

Be loud. Breathe.

Have fun!

Daniel Dauphin, Rayne, Louisiana, offers lessons, clinics, demonstrations, training, and consulting.

His catchphrase, “Effective, amusing, genuine,” reflects his belief that learning should be fun (dauphin horsemanship.com).

SWEAT

RESISTANT

REPELS

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Ride&Train

CONFORMATION CLINIC

Junior Arabian Mares Evaluate and place these junior Arabian mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s. ­ WHEN EVALUATING Arabian horses, I look first for overall balance. A smooth topline and long neck are breed characteristics that must be considered. Then I look for strength through the hindquarters, freedom through the shoulder, and strong bone with clean limbs. A pretty horse with poor legs will have difficulty staying sound and may carry traits that wouldn’t be ideal to pass on to future generations—something to consider in a class of mares.

Arabian type is also important, which allows this breed to be identified as unique from others. The dished face, large eyes, and higher tail set are all characteristics important to the identity of the Arabian breed and add to the overall beauty of the Arabian horse.

Movement is also critical, especially in the sport horse, in-hand, and performance halter divisions. These horses are asked to perform working jobs and must be sound and strong to do that work with any longevity. →

AMY CAUSEY Amy Causey is a USEF-licensed judge in the Arabian, hunter, jumper, and hunt seat equitation divisions. She frequently judges Arabian horses in halter, performance halter, and sport horse divisions. Amy has trained and shown Arabians as well as other breeds in numerous divisions including conformation classes, performance, and over fences. She resides in Texas where she operates a lesson program and continues to train and show Arabian and half-Arabian horses.

A

B

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CLINIC

1st

2nd

3rd

Mare C

Mare B

Mare A

­ This mare shows the most Arabian type and best overall balance, with her body dividing nicely into even thirds.

Her large nostrils and well-set eyes allow good air capacity and eyesight while enhancing her Arabian breedtype appearance. Her neck ties in well to her withers but is slightly short and a little heavy on the underside and through her throatlatch.

This could make it harder for her to flex in the bridle, but she has a functional neck.

Her shoulders are well-sloped, and her front legs are set forward on her body, which helps with length of stride and swing through her shoulders. She stands slightly camped-under in her front legs, which could stress her knees and fetlocks. Her back and hip have good length, and her solid hindquarters provides power from behind. Her hocks are well-angled so she can track up from behind and carry herself. Her wellsloped pasterns should provide a sound base of support.

­ This mare isn’t quite as well balanced overall as Mare C, but she has the best neck of the three mares here. It has good length and a nice, clean throatlatch for easier flexion through the poll, and it ties in to her chest high and to her withers smoothly.

She has a large eye, but her face is less dished and plainer than Mare C’s.

Her shoulder is slightly steeper, and she has a longer back and shorter hip, meaning she doesn’t divide into thirds as evenly. She appears high in the hips, probably due to growth; her topline could level out as she ages.

She’s not quite as deep through the heartgirth as Mare C. Her front legs are positioned forward on her body, allowing for a reaching stride, and they have substantial bone, flat knees, and nicely sloped pasterns for good shock absorption. Her hind legs have slightly high stifles and straight hocks, which could make it difficult for her to track up underneath and drive from behind.

­ This mare is in good condition and appears to be in a growth stage. Her head shows some dish, but her eyes are smaller than Mare C’s. Her neck ties in to her chest low and is lightly muscled. Her front legs are set back slightly. Combined with a lack of ability to balance with her neck, she could be heavy on her forehand.

Her steep shoulders cause her to have a long back, and she has a shorter hip. She lacks the smooth toplines of Mares C and B. Her steep shoulders also limit her length of stride in front, while her short hips coupled with her high stifles will make it difficult for her to track up and push from behind. Her hocks are steep, leading to a short hind stride with less suspension.

Her front feet are steeper than her pasterns, which can strain her knees. This mare probably has a shorter stride more suitable for Western pleasure or recreational riding. She may have a smooth stride due to her long back and extra loin absorbing concussion.

To submit a photo of your horse to be evaluated in Conformation Clinic, send us a left-side profile photo of your horse (for digital photos: high-resolution, 300 dpi, in at least 3" x 5") to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com with your contact info and your horse’s breed, age, gender, and height. (We welcome all breeds!) Visit HorseandRider.com for additional instructions.

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PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

THOROUGHLY. MODERN. COWGIRL. She grew up on Arizona’s famous Bar U Bar Ranch and has been riding and showing great horses ever since. Today, Laurel Denton lives the ultimate Western life while excelling in the sports she loves.

BY JENNIFER FORSBERG MEYER

Laurel Denton works hard to stay at the top of her game, here facing off against a cow at the Bar U Bar Ranch in Skull Valley, Arizona.

July 2017 / 61

LAUREL DENTON FROWNED. Her horse wasn’t stopping as well as he ordinarily did. In the warm-up pen that day, along with other competitors, was the trainer who typically won this working cow horse class. Laurel rode over to him and asked what he thought. He made a suggestion or two, then left for the main arena, where he laid down a reining pattern and fence run that earned cheers from the crowd—and a big score.

“Then it was her turn,” recalls Tom Kirastoulis, owner of Chocolate Chic N Nic, the horse Laurel was riding that day at the Arizona National Quarter Horse Show in Scottsdale. “She was nervous and went in with a ‘Well, we’ll see how it goes’ attitude.

Then everything she and the horse did was like a dream, the run of a lifetime, and she came out with this huge smile. She beat that guy, too—plus everyone else in the class. It was incredible. I tell you, that woman can ride with anyone.”

And so she can. Laurel Denton, a modern-day cowgirl who still lives on the sprawling ranch she grew up on, has been competing successfully for 50 years. The life she shares with her husband, farrier and photographer Barry Denton, blends the best of traditional Western ways and contemporary competitive spirit. One of the industry’s most respected horsewomen, Laurel is a multi-carded judge and a longtime volunteer on American Quarter Horse Association committees. Those who know her best, though, speak of the passion she has for what she does, and her kindness to all people and animals, especially horses.

And that’s where our story begins.

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‘I Want a Horse With Laurel’ Brinley Thomas grew up on a ranch not far from the famous Bar U Bar owned by Laurel’s parents, Sonny and Sissie Walker, in Yavapai County, Arizona (see “About the Bar U Bar,” page 66).

Brinley went on to become a school principal, but longed to reconnect with horses in her retirement. A bad back kept her out of the saddle, but as a volunteer with the Arizona Quarter Horse Association’s 10-day Sun Circuit in Scottsdale in January of 2015, she found herself in a motorhome parked next to the warm-up ring.

“I watched a lot of trainers out the

window of that motorhome, including Laurel,” she recalls, noting that not everything that happens in a warmup pen is pleasing to see. “Then one night I had an ‘aha!’ realization: I’d love to have a horse with Laurel. She had all the qualities I was looking for—a lifetime of horse experience, superb riding skills, and unlimited patience and compassion for the horses she was riding. If someone was going to campaign a horse that I owned, I wanted it to be Laurel.”

PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

Genuine love for the horses in her life is one of Laurel’s noted characteristics. Here, she communes with retired Quarter Horse gelding Little Black Shiner, a top money earner in both reining and reined cow horse competition. “He was diffcult but the smartest horse ever,” she says.

Today Laurel calls Lenas Last Time, the horse she and Barry found for Brinley, “the greatest I’ve ever ridden.

He can run a cow horse pattern and turn around and win a ranch riding class.” A finalist with trainer Corey Cushing in the open division of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s 2012 Snaffle Bit Futurity, “Smithers” is the latest in a long string of successful show horses under Laurel’s guidance. Though now she specializes in cow horse, reining, and ranch riding

events, she grew up doing it all, including halter, Western horsemanship and equitation, hunters, barrel racing, pole bending, you name it.

You might say she had the ideal oldschool foundation.

Teachers, Mentors “We called her the White Knight,” says world champion trainer Al Dunning, who as a young man in the 1950s

rode with Arizona legend Jim Paul Sr. “Lolli—that’s what everyone called her—came and worked with us, and she was outstanding as a youth in both halter and all different performance events. Which is how you become a real horseman,” he adds.

But…White Knight? “Yes. She wore all white.”

Laurel confirms this. “My first big-time show horse, the gelding Irish Buzz, had roan in his flanks and high white on his legs. Some judges back

July 2017 / 63

Laurel and Lenas Last Time nail their fence work at the Sun Circuit earlier this year. She calls the gelding, a 2012 Snaffle Bit Futurity open finalist with Corey Cushing, “the best I’ve ever ridden.”

then didn’t like all that white, so we tried to come up with an equitation suit for me that would complement him. My mother chose white. And I mean everything was white—halter, hat, boots. A shortcut was a can of spray paint instead of leather dye. My mother knew all the tricks.”

Laurel says Jim Paul, who was inducted into the NRCHA’s Hall of Fame in 2007, “opened up a whole new world for me in the foundation of my knowledge.” Other important influences included the iconic John Hoyt, Tony

64 / HorseandRider.com

Amaral, and Don Dodge. Still, Laurel says her most important teachers were her parents, “both of whom were horsemen and cattlemen.”

Today, she adds, “my mentor is my husband. He’s my best friend and biggest fan.”

True enough, but it wasn’t always that way.

Meeting Not-Cute “We didn’t like each other,” Barry

Denton says flatly, recalling the day he and Laurel met. Summoned to the Bar U Bar in 1991 to consult on hoof-crack problems, he found himself rolling his eyes. “Laurel asked what I thought about the horse in question, and I said, ‘You’re supposed to be the most famous horsewoman in Arizona, and you had to call me in?’” Barry fixed the hoof issue and went on to handle others over the next four or five years, “but we still just barely tolerated each other,” he adds, only half joking.

At one point, Laurel’s mom started

P H OTO BY JEFF KI R KBR I D E

ABOUT THE BAR U BAR In 2009, when the Bar U Bar Ranch received AQHA’s coveted 50-Year Breeder award, a colt foaled on the Skull Valley, Arizona, spread that year was christened accordingly.

“We registered him as Fine N Fifty,” says Laurel Denton, who with husband Barry now owns and operates the ranch.

“He’s by Light N Fine, the stallion Bob Avila won the NRCHA’s World’s Greatest Horseman title with in 2007.”

As for the ranch’s earlier years producing stock, friend and fellow horseman Al Dunning remembers them well.

“Laurel’s folks, Sonny and Sissie Walker, raised running horses that also haltered and performed,” he says. “I was just a kid then, but when Sonny came to the show with a stud horse, you could be sure it was a good one.”

Swift meat-packing family,

over more than 50,000 acres

Today Barry and Laurel

world-class heavyweight

Sissie could ride with the best,

in west-central Arizona from

Denton carry on the Bar U

boxer and World War II

once performing as part of a

Yava to Skull Valley. Sonny and

Bar’s heritage in Quarter

Marine Corp major, purchased

girl-team-roping act during

Sissie bred Hereford cattle

Horse breeding, focusing on

the ranch in 1946 with his

the 1938 Prescott Frontier

as well as Quarter Horses,

champion cow horse lines.

wife, Sissie Minotto Walker.

Days Rodeo.

plus raised two horse-crazy

They also breed cattle to work

daughters, Laurel and older

their horses on, as well as a few

sister Carol.

Texas Longhorns.

Sonny Walker, a former

Daughter of an Italian count and a member of the famous

At the time the Walkers acquired the Bar U Bar, it ranged

coming out when he arrived instead of Laurel, and one day she asked why the farriery cost less when she handled it than when Laurel did.

“Because I charge according to attitude, and Laurel aggravates me,” he told her. Finally, he asked Laurel out to dinner just to see what she was really like. And, he adds, “once we got talking seriously, we found it was pretty easy to be around each other.”

Laurel says this is true. “At the end of the dinner, neither of us was done

66 / HorseandRider.com

talking, sharing,” she says thoughtfully. “We were both on an emotional high for being able to share so many things we both were passionate about.”

They’ve now been married 20 years, a period Barry calls “our blessed and goofy life.” He appreciates that she’s as hard-working and fun-loving as he is, yet every inch a lady.

“She can be doing ranch chores and covered in mud or manure, but if we have to go somewhere that night, she’ll be the most beautiful girl in the room,”

he says, adding she’s also a fantastic cook. “We have our main meal at lunch—chicken or beef or pork, with potatoes, vegetables, a salad, dessert, the works.”

Laurel says she learned how to balance work and “real” cooking by watching her mother, who prepared meals for an entire roundup crew— cowboys, cattle-truck drivers—all while working herself.

“I prep the day before,” Laurel explains, “so when I come in at noon,

PHOTOS BY MALLORY BEINBORN

Now married 20 years, Barry and Laurel Denton overcame a rocky start to discover their shared passion for a Western lifestyle. “Our entire lives are geared to horses,” says Barry. “We do it every day, no matter the aches and pains.” INSET: Laurel says Lenas Last Time (“Smithers”) can win in both cow horse and ranch riding competition. “He has a heart the size of a freight train.”

everything’s ready and I just throw it on the grill.”

The couple vacations each year at the National Finals Rodeo, and even daily life is the stuff of a horse lover’s dream, a combination of real working cattle ranch and a horse-show training operation.

And Laurel is definitely in it to win.

On the Cutting Edge “She’s constantly learning,” observes Al Dunning. “When I’m around her, she wants to do reined cow horse stuff and learn more about cutting. She’s a sponge, soaking everything up, with such a good attitude. I saw her the other day at a show—her horses are always well-cared-for, and she’s right

68 / HorseandRider.com

in there with the men on, say, a downthe-fence challenge.”

Corey Cushing, an NRCHA million-dollar rider, says Laurel pays attention to trends. “She’s smart in noticing how styles change. There are all sorts of ways to go through a pattern or do a maneuver, and she’s always looking for the better way. She really brings out the best in each horse. My hat’s off to her.”

Laurel admits she does work at staying up to date. “Barry’s and my philosophy is that as you get older, you have to stay current and rub elbows with young people, or else you can lose your zest for life. Young people are the future—you must embrace their learning and level of competition. This doesn’t mean I’ll abandon my deep-seated horsemanship values or how I think a horse should be

housed and handled and treated. But you have to put yourself out there to learn the latest, otherwise the world will pass you by.”

She’s adept not only at learning but at sharing her knowledge, too.

“She doesn’t just teach or show you,” says Tom Kirastoulis. “She explains the why behind what you’re doing, something a lot of trainers don’t do.

She teaches from A to Z—the basics, then the advanced. It’s like a science for her—why you have his head this way, why he steps that way. I could teach someone right now based on what I’ve learned from her over the last dozen years.” →

TOP PHOTO BY JENNIFER PAULSON; BOTTOM PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

Instinct makes them react.

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*ZYLKENE® CONTAINS NO PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

1.800.267.5707 vetoquinolusa.com July 2017 / 69

Laurel’s precision extends to her efforts as a judge, as well.

“She wants to do the best possible job in the judge’s box, which is something I also care greatly about,” says world champion trainer Bob Avila. “She’s called me up and grilled me on certain questions. She wants to get it right, and it’s not just about the paycheck.”

STAYING IN SHAPE One of the secrets of Laurel’s successful, active lifestyle is staying physically fit.

“It’s ironic to me that even though we spend all day on the back of a

horse doing strenuous things, parts of our body

The Person She Is In 2009, Laurel received AQHA’s Merle Wood Humanitarian Award, which recognizes “meritorious kindness and benevolence” in providing opportunities for young people to be involved with the Quarter Horse. The Bar U Bar has hosted a number of young people, who spend a summer learning about a working ranch. The ranch’s first guest was a girl Laurel and Barry met in Scotland 20 years ago; today she’s a veterinarian.

“It’s not about the horses, per se,” Laurel explains. “Being on a ranch teaches a young person how to work, how to be responsible, and how to become self-sufficient—all the things you need to succeed in life. Each of these youngsters leaves a mark on our lives, and we hope the experience leaves a positive mark on them, too.”

Laurel definitely leaves positive marks on her customers, who can’t seem to say enough about her.

“She’s a lovely person, with only kind words for everyone,” affirms Brinley Thomas. “She has respect for her horses, her clients, and herself.

She’s poised and confident, but not at all cocky, and you’ll never see a knowit-all attitude.”

Tom Kirastoulis concurs, adding, “She’s as honest as the day is long. She won’t sell you a horse unless you’re right for that horse. And she wouldn’t ever alter tails, drug horses, any of that stuff.”

Even the horses seem to sense this essential core of goodness.

“One time, down at the Sun Circuit, Smithers was surrounded by a bunch of ladies—his fan club—and he was listening to them,” recalls Brinley.

70 / HorseandRider.com

still aren’t strong enough to hold our skeletons correctly,” she says. “That’s been a revelation to me, that we need supplementary workouts. I’m trying to avoid a knee replacement, plus I had back surgery in 1990.

“It makes me think of our horses,” she goes on, “and how injuries affect them. If I have a sore knee, then pretty soon it’s my hip hurting, too. That’s why maintenance and staying in shape are so important.”

Her routine, done faithfully every morning,

As dedicated as she is to

has been professionally

fitness, she still has to push

mapped out.

herself at times.

“A physical therapist

tooth and nail! But I do want to stay at the top of my game—and able to go

“It’s difficult, because

down the fence—so I just do it.”

showed me how to work

you know what you have

on core strength, which

in front of you for the day,

helps both my knees and

so the last thing you want

my back. I also do squats

to do is more exercise. And

and side planks on balance

yet, as we age, our muscles

of what the good Lord gave you. Working out

She sums it up philosophically.

“You have to take care

pods, those squishy rubber

become less strong. Barry

discs that are so great for

and I laugh about this—I’m

may seem boring, but the

enhancing a move.”

fighting the aging process

rewards are great.”

“Then Laurel stepped away, and immediately his ears went up and his eyes followed her until she was out of sight, then he was anxious, waiting for her to return. When she did, he whinnied, then finally relaxed again. I’ve seen that sort of bond between her and her other horses, too.”

“She’s self-actualizing,” sums up Al Dunning. “Laurel is the perfect example of someone who, throughout her life, continues to grow as a person, not just a horseperson.”

And, you might say, someone who sets a standard for living the Western horse life in the best possible way.

PHOTOS BY MALLORY BEINBORN

On-trail wildlife, from ground-dwelling birds to large predators, can pose hazards to you and your horse.

Use these guidelines to decrease the risk of injury—and enhance your trail-riding enjoyment.

July 2017 / 73

You’ll learn the animals’ habits, the potential dangers they can pose to you and your horse on the trail, what to do if you encounter them, what not to do, and how to prepare for (or avoid) an encounter.

Ground-Dwelling Birds Habits: Ground-dwelling birds (such as grouse, quail, partridge, and wild turkey) tend to crouch down and hide in tall grass or low shrubs. As you approach on horseback, they can panic and fly away. Most birds roost at night and are active during the day.

Trail dangers: Ground-dwelling birds are more of a nuisance than a danger, but they can startle your horse, creating a spook. A single bird is scary enough, but the explosive movement and noise of a covey may rattle even an experienced horse.

What to do: Stay calm, and keep your seat; your horse will likely settle down as soon as the birds fly away. If he spooks and tries to bolt, circle him until you can halt, then calm him with a soothing voice and rubs.

What not to do: If you spot a bird or covey, avoid tensing and holding the reins tightly; you’ll transmit your fear to your horse, making him even more likely to spook.

Preparation tips: Put more trail miles on your horse. The more experiences you have together, the more bonding and trust you’ll build with him. This trust will help your horse calm down and listen to you in scary situations.

Improve your horsemanship so you have a solid seat. For help, consult a certified riding instructor or reputable clinician.

WILD TURKEY

Small Mammals Habits: Many small mammals are somewhat nocturnal, so you’re most apt to see them at dawn or dusk.

Unlike large animals, a small animal can suddenly scurry right under your horse’s feet.

Trail dangers: Small mammals—such as squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, raccoons, badgers, and foxes—can frighten your horse if you come upon them unexpectedly or if they run out 74 / HorseandRider.com

BADGER

in front of your horse. Your horse may spook, spin, or bolt, which can lead to injury of both you and your horse.

Small animals rarely pose a direct danger, but some carry rabies. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents carry

TURKE Y P HOTO BY KRISTIAN BEL L /I STO C KP H OTO.CO M; BA DGER P H OTO BY DA M I A N KUZ DA K/I STO C KP H OTO.COM

tom your horse to an array of unusual and sudden sights, sounds, and movements. Work with him on the ground and under saddle.

Rattlesnakes Habits: Most rattlesnakes flee when startled, but when they’re shedding or mating (springtime for the Western diamondback; late summer and early fall for the Eastern diamondback) they may strike out at anything that approaches. If they feel cornered, they coil and prepare to strike. They also may strike if startled when sleeping. Rattlesnakes are most aggressive when emerging from their dens in early spring, as well as during their mating season.

Rattlesnakes are most active in warm

RED FOX bubonic plague in some parts of the country.

What to do: If your horse spooks, relax. If you’re relaxed, your horse will be more apt to relax. He takes his cues from you just as he would any herdmate. Speak soothingly to him, rub his neck, and assure him there’s nothing to fear. If the animal doesn’t flee when it sees you, go around it, giving it a wide berth. On a narrow trail, follow slowly behind the animal, or stop until the animal returns to the brush. Keep your distance if you see an animal with signs of rabies (wandering in the open during the day, staggering, and moving erratically).

What not to do: Don’t chase or corner the animal. Don’t try to get a closer look. Even a small creature may attack if it feels threatened.

Preparation tips: At the barn, accus-

FOX P H OTO BY G LOBA LP/I STOCKP HOTO.COM

weather. Being cold-blooded, their body metabolism slows in cool weather, preventing fast movement. On hot days, they’re more likely to seek shade in tall grasses. After sundown, they may lie on dirt and paved roadways, soaking in ground warmth.

Trail dangers: Rattlesnakes can startle your horse, leading to a spook. The snake’s rattling may also scare your horse. Rattlesnake bites inject venom into a victim’s bloodstream, which can be life-threatening to you. Most rattlesnake species don’t have enough venom to seriously affect your horse, unless he’s bitten on the face. (A bite on a horse’s nose can occur as he reaches down his head to investigate.)

The resulting swelling can close off air passages, causing suffocation. A bite on your horse’s leg may create

swelling and possible infection, but isn’t life-threatening.

What to do: Stop and wait for the rattlesnake to move away. You can ride around it, but be aware that there may be other snakes nearby, especially during mating season. If the trail is narrow and the snake doesn’t move away, dismount, and prod it with a long stick, or throw small rocks at it.

Stay out of striking distance.

If your horse is bitten on the face, run cool water over the bite site, and apply DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to help prevent excessive swelling and tissue damage. If he’s having trouble breathing, insert a 4- to 6-inch length of garden hose into each nostril.

Slowly proceed home or to your trailer, then call your doctor or veterinarian.

Call 911 if it’s a life-threatening human emergency.

What not to do: Don’t attempt to pursue and kill a fleeing snake; a cornered snake may become aggressive. If you or your horse is bitten, don’t rush home; the increased blood circulation will pump more venom through the body. Don’t slash the bite area with your knife and suck out the venom; this may lead to further tissue trauma or excessive bleeding. And don’t ice the bite site; ice can also cause further tissue damage.

Preparation tips: In rattlesnake country, pack water, lengths of garden hose, and DMSO gel. Ask your veterinarian for use guidelines.

Deer Habits: You’ll likely see members of the deer family—deer, elk, and moose—in wide-open spaces. Mule deer generally inhabit foothill and mountain areas, while white-tailed deer tend to frequent valleys, waterways, and brushy regions. You might even encounter white-tailed deer while riding in the suburbs. Elk are more elusive, but readily lose their fear of humans and horses in non-hunting areas. Moose frequent stands of willows, marshlands, and lakes.

Trail dangers: Deer aren’t very agJuly 2017 / 75

gressive, although a white-tailed doe may occasionally come toward you to protect her fawn. The biggest threat to you and your horse would be a spook, spin, and/or bolt. An elk will stand its ground and even come toward you.

Most aggressive are bull elk during fall’s mating season and cow elk with young. Moose can be dangerous; they act before they think, and they’re not afraid of anything.

What to do: Back off, especially if you encounter an elk or moose. Retreat until you can safely go around the animal. On a narrow trail, slowly turn around, and move off to the side. If an animal follows you, get off the trail to give it room to get by.

What not to do: If faced with an animal that doesn’t leave, don’t panic. If the animal challenges you, don’t turn and gallop off; your horse can’t outrun these animals.

Preparation tips: Be alert, so you can control your horse if he’s startled. Ride

a green or spooky horse with a friend on a calm, experienced horse to settle your mount. Watch for moose, and try to avoid them. Steer clear of dense stands of willows.

Predators Habits: Most large predators (bears, mountain lions, and wolves) are most active at night; while riding, you’re more apt to encounter them hunting at dawn and dusk than during the day. Coyotes will hunt anytime.

A black bear usually won’t attack a horse, but a grizzly is more unpredictable. Bears are most aggressive when emerging from hibernation in the spring or protecting their cubs. In spring and summer, you’ll encounter bear in berry fields and along the river corridors. As the snow melts, they move up in elevation, following vegetation growth. In late summer and fall, they frequent creeks where chokecherries are ripening. In late fall, they

RATTLESNAKE

BULL ELK

76 / HorseandRider.com

RATTLESNAKE PHOTO BY EDWARD SNOW/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; BULL ELK PHOTO BY GERANIJA/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

GROUP-SAFETY TIP When riding in a group, place the most experienced horse-and-rider team in the lead. The other horses will take their cues from the lead horse; if he stays calm, the others will be less likely to panic when encountering wildlife.

If your group is on a narrow trail, single file, and encounters an animal that stands its ground, the lead rider should halt and keep her horse calm, while the others turn around slowly and retreat, one at a time. Finally, the lead team should leave. By leaving in a quiet, orderly fashion, you’ll reduce the risk that you’ll alarm the animal, trigger a chase, or cause it to attack you.

WOLF

forage all day to put on fat for winter.

Mountain lions (also called cougars and pumas) have a fairly tight home territory they defend against other mountain lions, although they make large hunting circles. They often keep to rugged areas and steep slopes; you’re not likely to run into them on most trails.

Wolves can be more fearless, especially in a pack. They hunt in pairs or packs, often leaving their pups in a meadow while they hunt. If you encounter wolves in a meadow and

WO L F PH OTO BY A N A N KKML/ISTOCKP HOTO.COM

they don’t run from you, they likely have pups there, which can trigger aggression.

Coyotes are most aggressive during their mating season in late February and in summer, when they have pups.

At other times, they’ll generally flee.

Trail dangers: Often, the biggest danger to you is a panicky, uncontrollable horse that may fall down a steep mountainside or bolt, buck, or go over backward in his attempt to get away from the scary predator. Rarely will a predator actually attack a horseback rider.

What to do: If you suddenly meet a predator face-to-face on the trail, and it doesn’t flee, halt your horse, and try to keep him calm and still. If he’s panicky and you think you’ll lose control—especially on unsafe footing— dismount, and continue to calm him.

If there’s room, move to the side of the trail to allow the animal to move away. Most of the time, predators will leave, if given a chance. If you’re on a narrow trail where there’s no room to maneuver, back out slowly. If the animal holds its ground, make noise

to encourage it to leave you alone.

Talk loudly, yell, and clap. Avoid riding between a mother and her offspring.

If you encounter a bear, make yourself look big by turning your horse sideways. If you encounter a grizzly, you’re safer on horseback, as you’ll appear larger. Horses generally aren’t afraid of wolves, considering them to be dogs. But your horse may become nervous if wolves follow or circle you.

If you stand your ground, most wolves will leave a horseback rider alone.

What not to do: Avoid eye contact with the predator, which can trigger an aggressive response. Don’t leave hastily, or the predator may chase you; your horse can’t outrun large predators.

Preparation tips: Most predators come back to their kill; watch for scavenger birds and mammals. Make noise as you ride to give the less-aggressive predators a chance to leave. Attach a bear bell to your cinch. (Accustom your horse to the bell’s sound before you leave home.) Learn how to use pepper spray formulated for bears, and carry it on your belt in bear country.

July 2017 / 77

We all know safety on the road—such as only dropping windows when stopped—is important.

But there's a fun side to trailering, too! Read on for what's new in trailers and accessories.

78 / HorseandRider.com

PHOTO BY ERIC FERGUSON/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Trailer Innovations In the market for a new trailer and accessories?

Here are nine products that can make hauling horses more comfortable, stylish, and fun.

BY KATIE NAVARRA

We’re guessing you’ve already spent many hours hooking up the trailer and hauling to shows, lessons, and trailheads this spring and summer. If you’re ready to upgrade your current hauler or buy a brand-new trailer, we have nine products to consider. →

July 2017 / 79

Lakota Colt Edition Living-Quarters Trailer The idea: The Colt Edition is a bud-

living-quarters area. Interior-design

get-friendly living-quarters trailer.

options for cabinetry and upholstery

How it works: If a tight budget has

colors are more limited than in other

precluded you from purchasing a trailer

models but provide the luxury of a

with living quarters, the Lakota Colt

home on wheels. The all-aluminum

Edition might be right for you. Choose

living-quarters trailer features a treated

from several floor plans designed

wood floor exclusively in the horse area.

with 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot widths

Learn more: Price varies by model;

and 7-, 9-, 11-, or 15-foot lengths in the

lakotatrailers.com/colt.

Bulldog Velocity Jack The idea: Save time with a rugged jack that’s unaffected by cold-weather conditions.

Includes wired remote; an optional wireless

PowerChannel Awning and Hardware Rail

remote is available.

How it works: The Bulldog Velocity Jack offers

The idea: New this year, you can

ment area anywhere you go. The

12,000 pounds capacity per leg. Powered by a

convert the space under your

versatile PowerChannel powers

12-volt DC power source, such as an automotive

awning into a mobile-home

up to five accessories and

battery, the jack raises and lowers the trailer

patio for outdoor enjoyment.

eliminates the need for messy

a total of 24 inches. The jack travels at about

How it works: Choose from the

extension cords. It’s convenient

20 inches per minute compared to competitor

all-in-one PowerChannel Awning

and easy-to-use—just twist

models at 16 inches per minute. The jack mounts

(where the hardware is built into

the accessory into the channel,

without welding and requires no hydraulic oil,

the power tube) or the Power-

and it locks in place. Optional

hoses, or pumps. “Those in agriculture need

Channel Awning Hardware Rail

accessories include a Blue-

equipment that’s rugged and will perform like it’s

(designed to mount on a trailer

tooth speaker, fan, and an LED

supposed to, every time,” says product manager

where the awning tube is out of

spotlight.

Mike Murphy. “It works as hard as you do because

reach, for ease of access). Once

Learn more: Accessories sold

nobody has time to waste.”

installed, add accessories to

separately and start at $50

Learn more: $1,375; bulldogproducts.net.

create a comfortable entertain-

each; dometic.com. →

80 / HorseandRider.com

Yours

for Life

Featherlite horse trailers are fit for your life – and your horse. On the road, your horse’s safety is our top priority.

Standard safety features include ¾” cushioned rubber floor mats, Light Flo feed doors and spring-loaded slam latch dividers with a quick lock, protecting the horses you hold dear.

Model 8542 Legend Horse Trailer

Model 9409 Slant Load Horse Trailer *Trailers may be shown with options.

Find a Featherlite Fit for You!

fthr.com/hr | 800-800-1230

Sooner Premier Living-Quarters The idea: After a long haul or a

a wide range of floor plans, and

full day in the saddle, Sooner’s

any upgradable options you

Premier Living Quarters can

can imagine are available with

help you relax and rejuvenate in

this model. This 8-foot-wide

lavish accommodations.

living-quarters-area trailer

How it works: The Premier

comes in three- and four-horse

Living-Quarters features a

models.

plush interior that can be

Learn more: Prices vary based

customized fit to your style and

on size and options selected;

budget. Solid-wood cabinetry,

soonertrailers.com.

Easy Care Flooring by Featherlite

Draw-Tite Rear-Mounted Hitch

The idea: The Easy Care Flooring system eliminates the need

The idea: Not a fan of traditional

ceiver tube is visible. “Trends point

for bedding and mats, making cleaning a snap.

rear hitches? This custom-fit hitch

to more concealed hitch designs

How it works: The Easy Care Flooring has a porous surface that

won’t draw attention from your truck

as opposed to exposed,” shares

allows fluids to move through it. Microban Antimicrobial Tech-

and is designed specifically for 2015

Brian Peterson with Horizon Global

nology helps prevent the growth of bacteria, and the ¾-inch

through 2017 Ford F-150 trucks.

Americas. “This trend has stemmed

thickness offers ultimate comfort and safety for the horses

How it works: This hitch was

from the increased value in vehicles

you haul. The Easy Care Flooring is available on most new and

created based on the demand

and customers not wanting to see

existing Featherlite models.

for a less-noticeable hitch. Once

the cross-tube of their hitch.”

Learn more: $55 to $60 per square foot, depending on trailer

installed, the cross-tube lies behind

Learn more: $216.77;

width; fthr.com.

the rear bumper so that only the re-

drawtite.com. →

82 / HorseandRider.com

Exiss Side-Load Models The idea: This year, Exiss is

ment. In addition to several

introducing a new line of side-

side-load models, Exiss also

load models that feature greater

introduced a livestock trailer

flexibility for loading and

with a 54-inch side-access

unloading.

door constructed with a longer

How it works: The side-load

8-foot nose, a lower air gap, and

models feature larger rear tack

V-nose options.

compartments for easy access

Learn more: Price varies by

and storage of tack and equip-

model; exiss.com.

Flettner Ventilator The idea: Reduce hauling stress

Smart Arm Awning

from overheating with a vent that can be installed on any trailer model.

The idea: The Solera Smart Arm 12-volt power awning in-

How it works: The Flettner

corporates intelligent features built right into the awning

Ventilator is a European

arm for convenient access.

product that mounts on top of

How it works: Feel secure and be prepared for adverse

the trailer to vent air out. “We

weather conditions with this built-in control unit. The

tested it on our trailer during a hot

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July 2017 / 85

Get Through the Line Executing four consistent lead changes in a row is challenging. Here I’ll offer advice on how to improve your changes down the line and score when it comes time to show.

BY LESLIE LANGE, WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO

C

PHOTOS BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

COMPLETING FOUR LEAD CHANGES IN A ROW can be a challenge at first, and takes hours of practice at home to achieve. To improve your ride and increase your Western riding score, you must have a plan to successfully get through the line portion of your pattern, which consists of four lead changes. Level 1 (green/ novice) competitors use patterns that require only two lead changes down a line of cones. To increase your score and “plus” each maneuver, no matter your level, you must steer your horse through multiple cones while changing leads at the exact center point between markers with rhythm and cadence, from start to finish. Your horse should wait for your command to change leads, rather than go through the cones and change on his own.

Here I’ll discuss ways to help improve your Western riding performance in the show pen, and also offer advice to build your confidence and increase your maneuver scores by practicing at home. →

86 / HorseandRider.com

Acing your lead change starts with your approach. Stay straight and close to the cones for every change when you’re riding the line portion of Western riding.

July 2017 / 87

Find Your Middles Whether you’re new to Western riding or a seasoned competitor, warm up for your ride by trotting through the cones—especially when you’re at a competition. Your pattern changes depending on the size of the arena, so trotting through the series of cones helps you get a feel for where you’re supposed to change leads in relation to the placement of each cone. It also gives you the chance to plan your approach; give yourself plenty of room to get straight.

Have someone watch you trot through the line. Call out to your friend where you’re going to change leads between markers to get a feel for how many strides are between each cone and start to get comfortable with where center is.

After you get a feel for the pattern at a trot, increase the difficulty by loping through it without changing leads.

Instead, count your strides and focus on where you’ll need to change between each marker. If you count seven strides between cones, you know you need to change after three or four strides. If you count five strides, lope two or three strides before changing.

This exercise helps you find your

REIN LENGTH Maintaining control through a Western riding line starts with you. If your horse is more comfortable with a tighter rein, ride him with a little bit of contact in your hand. Riding with a draped rein increases your degree of difficulty, but if you can’t control your horse’s speed and lead changes on a draped rein, you’ll lose more points than you gain.

From a judge’s view, I want to see you come into the arena with complete control; similar to a horsemanship pattern. You’re going to get a better score from me if your horse willingly stays in the bridle and keeps a level topline and steady rhythm with a tighter rein, versus a draped rein but no control or steering

TOP: Pattern size depends on arena size. Plan your approach to the line by trotting through it a few

ability through your pattern.

times during your warm up to help get a feel for where you’re supposed to change between each cone. BOTTOM: Here I'm too far off my marker, which will make it harder for me to change on time and straighten out my approach for the remainder of the line.

88 / HorseandRider.com

middles, so you don’t accumulate penalties for changing too early or late in the show pen.

Straight Approach Your approach to the line determines if you’ll be straight through the cones or out of position. I suggest traveling at least three strides with your horse’s body straight before you get to your first cone. This gives you time to get straight and prepare him to change leads. Stay straight when you’re going down the line, and use small, lateral motions to position your horse’s shoulders for each change.

Picture someone running a pole-bending pattern. The horse stays straight, making small movements in his shoulders as he weaves through the poles. Keep that same straightness as you ride down the line, slightly moving your horse laterally to prep for each change.

A straight approach sets you up for success for the entirety of your line. It’s much easier to keep your horse straight through the line if you approach it straight. If you come in tight and hug the cone, you’ll force your horse to bend his body, which puts him out of position. It’s also much harder to get back on a straight path and avoid being weavy for the rest of your line. Finally, it can lead to late changes because you must overcorrect your horse to get his body in the proper position before you change leads.

The same applies to exiting the line.

Stay straight for a couple of strides once you pass the last cone to give yourself plenty of room to complete the rest of your pattern. Not only does this help with overall presentation, and show the judge that you have total control over your horse and that you’re not letting him go on auto-pilot, it also places your horse on the correct path for the remainder of your pattern.

Break It Down Four lead changes in a row can be intimidating if you’re new to this class. It’s easy to accumulates penalties for early or late changes because you haven’t planned far enough in advance. → 90 / HorseandRider.com

TOP: Use your legs to move your horse’s body laterally for a smooth lead change. If you feel your horse lean into your leg, stop and sidepass him away from the pressure. BOTTOM: If your horse begins to build speed through the line, immediately take him off of it and circle the cone, or leave the line entirely until his attention is back on you. Once he’s focused, take him down it again.

Break down each change into three parts so you focus on the changes individually rather than as a group of four.

The first part is the approach to your change. As you near the approach of your line, give yourself three strides to get straight before you get to the first cone. Keep your eyes up, and pay attention to where you are to make sure you’re not too far from or close to the cone. Count your strides so you can easily find the center of your two markers.

The second part is the actual change itself. Stay straight when you change to ensure that you stay on your original path.

The last part is the exit of your change. Don’t think about the next change too far in advance, or else your horse might anticipate it. Instead, focus on your exit strategy. Keep your stride count going to help maintain a steady rhythm and avoid any surging or slowing down between changes. Once again, make sure you’re looking up to help you stay near the cones (without hitting them) and on your path.

School Your Line Avoid the penalty box by schooling your horse at home and before you compete at horse shows. Ride two-handed in a bridle your horse is comfortable in. Take a hold of your horse, and put his body in the correct spot as you go down the line without intimidating him. Remember to use your legs when you’re schooling and showing. You can’t rely solely on your hands; you must have connection through your seat and legs at all times and use your hands more as a natural extension.

Speed control. If your horse likes to surge after a change or constantly build speed through the line, take him off of it, and get his attention focused on you rather than the change.

Make a medium-size circle around the cone, and keep circling it until your horse wants to relax his neck and have cadence in his lope. (See photo on page 90.) Once he's relaxed, and you can use your legs without him trying to speed up or change leads, put your horse back 92 / HorseandRider.com

Leslie Lange, Greeley, Colorado, owns and operates T&L Quarter Horses with her husband, Tom, and associate trainer Jeff Mellott. She’s an AQHA and NSBA judge, and was the 2015 AQHA’s Most Valuable Professional, and is being inducted into the NSBA Hall of Fame.

on the line. If he wants to continue to build speed after your next change, circle the next cone. You can also change it up by counter cantering around a cone.

This takes your horse’s focus off the line so you can be constructive in your schooling, and teaches your horse to listen to you. Eventually he’ll become more aware of when you’re asking him to change, rather than building speed down the line.

If your horse continues to gain speed, gently stop him when you feel him build. You don’t want the stop to scare him; you just want to stop the forward motion and let him know you don’t want him speeding up. If your horse stops on his front end—or doesn’t stop well—softly back him a few steps, settle, then walk out of the line before you ask for another lope departure.

If you don’t want to completely stop your forward motion—but slow it down—break to a trot the minute you feel your horse surge forward. You can either trot through the cones for the remainder of your line and pick up your lope elsewhere in the arena, or stay on your line and ask for a lope once you feel your horse soften in your hand and relax in his gait.

Yield off your leg. You won’t have a smooth lead change if you can’t get your horse to yield off your leg and move over in preparation for a change.

When you put your leg on your horse,

he should stay square and straight while moving his body laterally to help position himself in the correct spot to change leads.

If you’re loping on the right lead and want to change to the left, move your horse slightly to the right—keeping his body straight—to help him stand up in his shoulders up and have a smooth transition. If you push your left leg into your horse and he leans on that leg rather than getting over, stop and sidepass to the right (pushing with your left leg; see photo on page 90). Once you feel your horse get off your leg and sidepass without any resistance, let him settle before walking away from the line.

Avoid picking a fight when you ask for a sidepass. You don’t want him to associate this as punishment and turn it into a negative experience. This is simply to show him that he needs to move his body over when you apply leg pressure.

Make him wait. Depending on the association you show under, Western riding has certain patterns used at each show. This pattern repetition can lead to anticipation. Early lead changes result in penalties, so it’s important that he waits for your cue, rather than change when he wants to.

When you’re riding at home leave your cones in your arena during schooling sessions until your horse stops paying attention to where the cones are in relation to where he is. He shouldn't associate cones with lead changes, and you want him to stay relaxed when you’re riding near any.

As you’re warming up at a show, lope through the line without changing any leads. You know your horse likes to change leads in those spots, so don’t over-practice. If you need to practice a couple changes to be fully warmed up before your class, take your horse away from the pattern completely.

Go to HorseandRider.com to learn more about lead-change anticipation from Leslie in “Correct Lead-Change Anticipation.”

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S T O R E 50 Best Arena Exercises and Patterns: Essential Schooling for English and Western Riders Riders, trainers, and instructors of all disciplines are always looking for ways to keep boredom at bay—and that’s where this handy guide can save the day. 50 Best Arena Exercises and Patterns provides a terrific collection of upbeat ideas for essential schooling, adding variety and challenge to everyday workouts.

Exercises are organized in easy-to-reference sections, including: improving the rider’s seat, increasing mobility with gymnastics, finding rhythm, getting supple and relaxed, activating the hindquarters, traveling straight, and achieving collection.

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LONG HAUL Before you hit the road for a lengthy trip, get answers to the 10 questions I’m most often asked about trailering horses long distances.

BY BARB CRABBE, DVM

ILLUSTRATION BY JUNE BRIGMAN

Y

ou just learned about your big promotion—greater responsibility, more money…and

a move across the country. Or maybe you learned that you qualified for your first championship show…which requires a cross-country haul. Perhaps you’ve been invited on a once-in-a-lifetime trail ride…that’s a few thousand miles from home.

If you’re like most horse owners, these kinds of excursions are no big deal by airplane with-

out your horse. But hauling your horse that many miles? Now that’s another story.

Even if your horse is a seasoned traveler, there’s a big difference between trailering to shows and rides in the neighboring town and traveling across the country—or to another country. In this article, I’ll explain how a long trip impacts your horse’s health and the risks he’ll face. Then I’ll answer the 10 most common questions I hear from my clients about long-distance hauling to help you minimize risk when planning your trip.

Transport Stress: What Happens?

Most studies confirm that the longer your horse spends on the road, the greater the threat to his well-being.

Trips less than three hours in duration are unlikely to cause transport-related diseases. At the 12-hour mark, risks increase dramatically. So what exactly happens in your horse’s body to create that risk?

From the moment you load your horse in the trailer, his body responds by releasing the stress hormone cortisol into his blood stream. Cortisol levels continue to increase for the duration of travel, and may take 24 hours or longer to return to normal once he arrives at his destination. Cortisol has multiple effects on 94 / HorseandRider.com

your horse’s body that can increase his risk for transport-related diseases. In general, it stimulates “act now” emergency mechanisms and shuts down less-immediately-critical functions of the body.

One of the most significant impacts of cortisol is its impact on your horse’s immune system. Specifically, the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (two different types of white blood cells circulating in your horse’s system) increases in response to cortisol. This leaves your horse less able to fight infection and at risk of developing shipping fever, a potentially life-threatening respiratory infection that progresses rapidly once it starts. Signs of shipping fever can appear soon as four to six hours after

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July 2017 / 95

If you're traveling to an important competition, one option to consider is to fly your horse to the competition to ensure he’ll be in the best possible condition when he arrives, then ship him home when he can have plenty of recovery time following the trip.

QUESTION #3 What kind of paperwork do I need?

Paperwork requirements vary widely depending on your destination. As a general rule, you’ll need proof of a negative Coggin’s test that checks for antibodies for equine infectious anemia and a health certificate issued by your veterinarian within a specified amount of time (depending on the state). If you’re traveling out of the country, paperwork requirements become more complicated. Check with your veterinarian at least a month prior to your anticipated travel date so you can schedule tests and obtain the paperwork you need.

While you’re at it, make sure your horse’s vaccinations are up-todate—particularly against respiratory viruses such as influenza or rhinopneumonitis. It generally takes two to three weeks for vaccinations to be effective, so vaccinating at the time your vet comes out to do travel papers is likely to be perfect timing.

You might wonder: Do I really need these papers? If you’re traveling out of the country, you won’t get across a border without required papers. Period. If you’re traveling within the United States, you might make it across state lines, but law-enforcement officers look for vehicles with out-of-state license plates pulling horse trailers. There’s a good chance you’ll be pulled over at some point in your journey and asked for documentation. Fines are steep if you can’t produce required paperwork, so it really isn’t worth the risk. →

QUESTION #4 I’m hauling to a competition. How much time does my horse need to recover from the trip?

Plan at least one day of rest for a six- to 12-hour haul, and two to three days of rest for a trip that lasts longer than 12 hours. The average horse loses five to six percent of his body weight during a 24-hour trip due to a combination of dehydration and reduced feed intake. Although half of that weight loss is recovered within the first 24 hours of transit, it can take as long as seven days for your horse to fully recover. So if he's facing a particularly long or difficult trip, plan at least a week before your horse will be completely back to normal.

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QUESTION #5 I’m traveling from an area where it’s cold to somewhere very hot.

Should I body-clip my horse before we leave?

This might not be a concern in the summer months, but winter and spring shows can force horses to encounter major climate changes. Because of your horse’s large body size, he’s much more likely to be too hot than too cold.

For that reason, body clipping prior to a journey that’ll take him from a cold climate to a warmer one is always a good idea.

Additionally, avoid blanketing during long-distance travel, especially if your horse will travel with other horses whose body heat will warm the trailer.

Blankets not only run the risk of causing your horse to overheat, they can cause serious injuries if they slip or your horse becomes tangled in a strap. A well-insulated trailer will help protect your horse against outside temperature extremes (both hot and cold), and proper ventilation is a must.

Consider installing fans if you’ll

Top Safety Tip What’s the No. 1 thing you can do to ensure that your horse stays healthy and happy during a long haul?

The same thing that’ll

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protect him from injury any time you travel: Training.

Spend time before your trip teaching him to load and unload, and make sure he’s comfortable in the trailer. Familiarize your horse with trailering in general to reduce his stress levels and his risk for injury.

No amount of prepara-

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be traveling when it is very hot.

(See “Trailer Innovations” on page 78 for the latest in trailer innovations for ventilation and cooling.)

If you’re hauling yourself, a strategic travel route and schedule can go a long way toward managing temperature concerns. Avoid southern routes during summer months, and try to travel during early-morning or evening hours—avoiding the extreme heat of afternoon.

QUESTION #6 My vet told me it’s a bad idea to put bedding in my trailer, but all my friends insist I should. What’s the right answer?

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Whether to bed your trailer is a tricky question—and the correct answer varies with your circumstances. Bedding is a potential source of respiratory irritants and can increase the risk for shipping fever—one of the deadliest potential complications of a long-distance haul. That’s why your vet recommends that you avoid bedding if you can. →

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Bedding does, however, provide traction if your trailer floors are slippery and might make your horse more comfortable (especially if he’s one who refuses to urinate on a hard surface).

One thing is certain: If you do bed your trailer, use the leastdusty bedding material you can find, and consider spraying it lightly with water before you load up to help keep dust to a minimum.

QUESTION #7 Should I wrap/use shipping boots on my horse’s legs for trailer trips?

Wraps or shipping boots can help protect your horse from injuries during loading and unloading, or from trauma during hauling. However, for a long-distance haul, boots and wraps can cause more problems than they solve if they loosen or fall off en route. The only time to bandage for a long-distance trip is if you’re hauling your horse yourself, stopping overnight, and planning to change bandages daily. You should also only apply boots or wraps if your horse is comfortable wearing them. If you’re traveling with a commercial hauler, leave boots and bandages at home.

QUESTION #8 Should I tie my horse in the trailer?

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One of the best ways to protect your horse’s respiratory tract during a long-distance haul is to allow him to put his head down while he’s traveling. This means leaving him untied if your trailer will safely allow it. Ideally, he’ll have a box stall to travel in rather than a single compartment where he can move about at will and easily put his head down to eat. The availability of box stalls is one of the reasons why sending your horse with a commercial shipper might be better for his health than hauling

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This exercise is an excerpt from 50 Best Arena Exercises and Patterns, by Ann Katrin Querbach. The instructional book offers drills that bust boredom and boost riding skill. Find it at EquineNetworkStore .com for $22.95.

Tight Turns, Big Benefits Try this quick exercise to boost your control while encouraging forward motion.

BY ANN KATRIN QUERBACH

July 2017 / 103

W

ith this exercise, found in 50 Arena Exercises and Patterns, you can school tight turns. The goal is to ride a small volte inside a square. (A volte is a dressage maneuver in which a horse executes a small circle.) Your horse learns to move diligently for-

ward while making tight turns, and to step up with his hindquarters. For Western riders, this exercise is an integral part of trail courses. You’ll need several ground poles to create the square, plus one cone or other similar marker.

Setting Up Position the ground poles to create a three-sided box, with each side 18 feet long (see diagram 1). Place a cone in the middle of the box.

DIAGRAM 1

DIAGRAM 3

DIAGRAM 2

DIAGRAM 4

How Does This Exercise Work?

(1) At a forward-moving walk, ride straight into the three-sided box and attempt a partial circle to the right, turning evenly around the cone (diagram 1). Wait to begin your turn until your horse’s last hind foot crosses the open side. Ride with minimal bend, and exit the square at the open side as shown.

104 / HorseandRider.com

Heads Up! Move straight ahead as you enter the open side of the square. Only begin to position your horse when you begin your turn. Ride straight ahead as you exit the square on the open side.

(2) Once you’re solid with three poles, add the fourth pole and remove the cone. Riding straight ahead, enter the square by riding over a ground pole. Turn and ride straight out over the same ground pole (diagram 2).

Heads Up! Don’t fold at your hips. Instead, lift high through your breastbone.

What to Do If…?

Your horse hits the ground poles: As you cross the ground poles, keep your hands almost lying on your horse’s withers. Your reins stay long, so you don’t disturb the horse with them. Lift your breastbone, and follow through with your hips to avoid blocking your horse. Drive him over the poles with a quiet stride. If he trips anyway, practice walking over the poles separately from this exercise. Praise your horse when he doesn’t trip. If your horse catches his last hind foot on the pole, count his steps as he crosses, so you know all four feet are within the square before you begin your turn.

Your horse gets slow during the turn, or completely stops: Drive with your legs.

If this doesn’t do the trick, go back to (1) and the first stage of the exercise. If need be, enlarge the partial square to create a larger circle, then make the turn smaller, bit by bit.

Forward impulsion is critical to keep your horse from stalling out in this drill.

(3) Then, still tracking right, ride straight into the square, and begin turning as before. Turn as in diagram 3. After one full circle, exit the square on the opposite side (diagram 3).

(4) Or ride one-and-a-half circles, then exit over the same pole over which you entered (diagram 4). Once you’ve mastered this exercise in one direction, reverse all cues to practice it in the opposite direction.

Heads Up! Make sure your horse never loses his forward movement—his impulsion will get him through the drill—and be sure to follow the turn with your upper body.

What Is the Horse Learning?

Coordination.

To step up with his hindquarters.

How to complete tight turns with correct positioning.

What Is the Rider Learning?

Proactive, forward-thinking riding.

Directional planning.

How to ride tight turns.

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(307) 587-9761 F Saturd riday-6pm: ay-1 Ran Sunda , 6pm: The ch Rodeo y-3pm : The SStampede Ro tampe de Roddeo 7 1 st A N N U A L eo

CALL N for ReservatOW 719-371-25ions!

719-371-38 03 53

WESTCLIFFE STAMPEDE RODEO

COME CAMP WITH US!

J U LY 1 4 - 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

S E A S O N O P E N M AY 2 9 - S E P T. 3 0

Broncs & Bulls • Mutton Bustin’ • Jr. Steer Riding • Team Roping Barrel Racing • Calf Scramble • MORE!

DRY CAMPING • 5 RV SITES • TENT CAMPING Enjoy your stay close to riding trails, the wilderness area, or the Sange de Cristo Mountain Range.

BIG PAYOUTS!!

106 / HorseandRider.com

Florance Ann Calkin Wyoming High Country Rides, LLC 36 Sunburst Drive Cody, Wyoming 82414 wytrailride@gmail.com

South/Southeast Region

South/Southeast Region

W

CK Y H O L LO O R Mt.

Rog e r

s Rec rea t i on A

rea

HORSE CAMP • CABINS • STABLES Miles of Trails for Your Riding Pleasure

• • • • • •

Wi-Fi Available Large Trailer Access Group Lot w/Shelter 4 Lots w/Full Hookup 40 Campsites w/Power & Water 36 Stall Barn - Dump Station

• Unique Cabins for Rent • Free Trail Maps • Privately Situated RV with Stalls for Rent • His & Hers Bath House with Showers

40 Camp Dr | Troutdale, VA 24378 (Do not follow GPS* Follow directions on website or call )

888-644-0014 rockyhollowhorsecamp@gmail.com | www.ridemtrogers.com Midwest Region

South/Southeast Region

Eveniing g Shade Farrm

ILLINOIS

Naturally gaited, smooth, gentle, easy to ride.

TRAIL RIDE

FOXTROTTER RANCH

Trail and Pleasure horses for sale

OCTOBER 1-7, 2017 CEDAR LAKE HORSE CAMP

Tennessee Walking Horses Spotted Saddle Horses

Deadline: September 1, 2017 Cost of ride: $325 (with meals) Late fee: $365

ApHC Approved

Rental Horses Available Contact Greg Evans at 575-740-1778

CONTACT

Shelbyville, TN (931) 639-3229

Roland or Mary Tom Haun 872 Nacke Pike • Cecilia, KY 42724 (270) 862-9357 rchaun@yahoo.com www.sheltoweetrailride.homestead.com

www.eveningshadefarm.com

Come Rest ’N’ Ride with your horse in horse country Stay with your horse on the beautiful greenway trails in Ocala, FL. We are located at the land bridge off of I-75.

Ride right off the property and enjoy the miles of wonderful trail choices or ride to the 500 acre horse park!

3/2 western cabin w/deck & grill Living Quarter/RV hook ups-30 amp 4 board fenced turnouts w/auto water & shade trees or 12 x 12 stalls Barn access w/matted wash racks, h/c water, cross ties or hitching posts Tack room w/fridge, shower, sink & toilet

www.goldenacresfoxtrotterranch.com restnride@gmail.com or littmarlin@aol.com Call for pricing and availability!

(352) 817-2862 Midwest Region

Midwest Region

Midwest Region

out Ask us ab HCR-AZ Our newnear mp Horseca

Sharon K. Buchanan

An unspoiled adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

ONE HORSE GAP Trail R ide

in

OCTOBER 7-13, 2017 Come ride in the beautiful Shawnee Forrest, Illinois!

Guided rides & entertainment Call now to make reservations:

618-713-0888 July 2017 / 107

W H E R E -T O - R I D E G U I D E

SHELTOWEE

South/Southeast Region

HE W AS AL AS A LH RA EA THEN CE RT HE HO W AS RS HE H AD N C E AL OF .

LE OO SO W D D, E GA A NO VE BU SH HI R FOU M E LT ND A ER HIM SE , C A NO O WA WH N RM D E’S ,L CA O AN L LE VI DH D N IS PA HE N AR TI S .

EN D E. .

OP H CE O N AN

CH

Every horse has a story.

Read more at AHomeForEveryHorse.com E. M O H G E. H C A .

LL FU

Advertiser’s Index APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Muddy Creek Rain Gear www.muddycreek.net ................................................ 109 Resistol...www.resistolhat.com .................................... 4 ASSOCIATIONS American Quarter Horse Association www.aqha.com................................................................ 3

Bute-Less (W.F.Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ....................................................... 5

Saddle Up, LLC www.treelesssaddle.com ........................................... 109

Equithrive.....www.equithrive.com ............................ 67

Schutz Brothers www.schutzbrothers.com............................................. 97

Finish Line, Inc. www.finishlinehorse.com ............................................. 33 Formula 707...www.formula707.com.......................... 99 Foxden Equine...www.FoxdenEquine.com ............... 23

Shorty’s Saddles & Tack www.timberlinesaddlecompany.com ........................ 109 Specialized Saddles www.specializedsaddles.com ...................................... 46

Bureau of Land Management www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov ............................... 18

Kentucky Performance Products www.KPPusa.com ......................................................... 19

Equine Land Conservation Resource www.elcr.org ................................................................. 24

White Haven Farm www.whitehavenfarm.com .......................................... 50

Flying Oaks Ranch www.flyingoaksranch.com ........................................... 27

Zylkene Equine (Vetoquinol USA) www.vetoquinolusa.com .............................................. 69

The Right Horse Initiative www.therighthorse.org ................................................ 85

Zymox (PKB Animal Health) www.zymox.com ........................................................... 11

US Equestrian...www.usef.org ................................... 71

HOOF CARE

TRAINING

Walkaloosa Registry www.walkaloosaregistry.com ...................................... 85

Hoof Flex (W.F. Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 35

Julie Goodnight www.juliegoodnight.com ............................................. 26

BARNS, STALLS & FOOTINGS

Life Data Labs, Inc. www.lifedatalabs.com ................................................ 101

TRANSPORTATION

Carri-Lite Corrals www.carrilitecorrals.com............................................ 109 MD Barnmaster www.mdbarnmaster.com ............................................. 23 EVENTS Midwest Trail Ride www.midwesttrailride.com .......................................... 16

Sports Saddle Incorporated www.sportssaddle.com ................................................ 89 Synergist Saddles www.synergistsaddles.com ......................................... 91 Weaver Leather www.weaverleather.com ............................................. 43 Zymol...www.zymol.com ........................................... 109

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. www.cequentgroup.com ................................................ 8

Magic Cushion (W.F.Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 59

CM Trailers...www.cmtrailers.com ............................... 7

Vettec...www.vettec.com............................................. 89

Featherlite Trailers...www.fthr.com/hr ..................... 81

INSECT CONTROL Alzoo Equine...www.alzooequine.com ...................... 65

GMC...www.gmc.com ................................................CV4

Bonide...www.bonide.com ........................................... 83

Hellwig Products Co. Inc. www.hellwigproducts.com .......................................... 97

The Music Fest...www.themusicfest.com.................. 55

Manna Pro Corp...www.mannapro.com .................... 56

TRAVEL

FARM & STABLE EQUIPMENT DR Power Equipment www.drpower.com........................................................ 91

Pyranha, Inc....www.pyranhainc.com ........................ 40

Circle E Guest Ranch www.circleeguestranch.com ........................................ 99

FEED Manna Pro Corp...www.mannapro.com .................... 13 Purina Mills...www.horse.purinamills.com ............... 31 FENCING ElectroBraid Fence (Woodstream) www.electrobraid.com.................................................. 45 GIFTS, ART & COLLECTIBLES Buckaroo Chunk Wood Grills www.buckaroogrills.com ............................................ 100 GROOMING Cowboy Magic...www.cowboymagic.com ................ 24 Laser Sheen (Farnam) www.farnam.com .......................................................CV3 Shapley, Ltd....www.shapleys.com ............................ 22 Showsheen (W.F. Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 20

Shoofly Leggins www.shooflyleggins.com ........................................... 101

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch www.geronimoranch.com ............................................ 98

Summit Chemical www.summitchemical.com .......................................... 14

Ruby’s Inn...www.rubysinn.com ................................ 83

UltraShield EX (WF Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 15

Shalimar Farm www.shalimarfarm.com................................................ 93

UltraShield Mask (WF Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 49

WHERE TO RIDE GUIDE

PUBLICATIONS, VIDEO, WEBSITES & AUDIO A Home For Every Horse www.AHomeForEveryHorse.com .............................. 108 Champ Youth...www.champyouth.com..................... 98 Equine Network Store www.EquineNetworkStore.com .................................. 93 Hope In The Saddle www.HopeInTheSaddle.com...................................... 102 TACK & EQUIPMENT Booma Rein...www.boomarein.com ............................. 6

Enchantment Equitreks www.enchantmentequitreks.com.............................. 106 Evening Shade Farm www.eveningshadefarm.com .................................... 107 Golden Acres Foxtrotter Ranch www.goldenacresfoxtrotterranch.com ...................... 107 Happy Trails...www.kehorses.homestead.com....... 107 Hay Creek Ranch...www.haycreekranch.net .......... 107 Horse Heaven Ranch www.horseheavenranchresort.com........................... 106 One Horse Gap Trail Ride......................................... 107

Cashel Company www.cashelcompany.com .............................................. 2

Rocky Hollow Horse Camp www.ridemtrogers.com .............................................. 107

HEALTH CARE

Dixie Midnight www.dixiemidnight.com ............................................ 100

Absorbine (W.F.Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 27

Sheltowee Trail Ride www.sheltoweetrailride.homestead.com ................. 107

El Compañero...www.elcompanero.com................... 109

Absorbine Veterinary Liniment (W.F.Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 53

Valley Springs Foxtrotters/Brushy Creek Lodge www.brushycreeklodge.com...................................... 107

Fiebing Co. Inc....www.fiebing.com..................... 12, 96

Bimeda Animal Health Inc. www.bimedaequine.com.............................................. 25

K&B Saddlery...www.kbsaddlery.com ..................... 109

Straight Arrow Products, Inc. www.manentail.com ..................................................... 26

Biomedical Research Laboratories, Inc. www.eqroyal.com ......................................................... 37 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. www.bi-vetmedica.com .............................................CV2

Fabtron...www.fabtron.com ...................................... 105 JT International...www.jtdist.com .............................. 1 Leather Therapy (WF Young, Inc.) www.absorbine.com ..................................................... 67

Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club www.wmvsc.com ........................................................ 106 Winding River Resort www.windingriverresort.com .................................... 106 Wyoming High Country Trail Rides, LLC.............. 106

Phoenix Rising Saddles www.phoenixrisingsaddles.com.................................. 69

HORSE & RIDER VOLUME LVI, NUMBER 7 (ISSN 0018-5159/USPS 523-410) COPYRIGHT 2017, CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC., AN ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA COMPANY. THE KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION IS AT 5720 FLATIRON PARKWAY, BOULDER, CO 80301. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BOULDER, CO. AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO HORSE & RIDER, SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE DEPT., P.O. BOX 420235, PALM COAST, FL 32142-0235. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40612608, CANADIAN GST NUMBER 12345 2781 RT0001. CANADA RETURNS TO BE SENT TO BLEUCHIP INTERNATIONAL, P.O. BOX 25542, LONDON, ON N6C 6B2 CANADA. ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $24 UNITED STATES. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE EXPERTS CONSULTED, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE EDITORS OR POLICY OF HORSE & RIDER MAGAZINE. UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ACCOMPANIED BY RETURN POSTAGE WILL BE HANDLED WITH CARE, BUT PUBLISHER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY. PLEASE ALLOW 3 MONTHS FOR REPLY. REPRINTS: CONTACT WRIGHTS REPRINTS TO PURCHASE QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS OR E-PRINTS OF ARTICLES APPEARING IN THIS PUBLICATION AT (877)652-5295 (281/419-5725 OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA) 110 / HorseandRider.com

Classifieds APPAREL/ACCESSORIES

HORSE CAMPS

Free catalog! Hobby Horse has ready-to-win western show apparel, tack, saddles, and accessories. (800) 569-5885 or www.hobbyhorseinc.com.

Shawnee National Forest Hayes Canyon Campground & Cabins

Mitchell’s www.one-stop-horse-shop.com for show apparel at great prices! Jewelry, hair bows, show tack, show blankets, accessories. Great customer service.

TACK/SADDLES/LEATHER GOODS

As featured on RFD-TV’s Best of America by Horseback…

ASSOCIATIONS/REGISTRIES

Discover Endurance Riding Photo © Becky Pearman

The H “TO FINIS ” IN W TO IS sport!

aerc.org/ Free info packet: InfoRequest American Endurance Ride Conference

aerc.org 866-271-2372

www.HayesCanyon.com 618-672-4751 HORSES/STALLIONS/PONIES EXPERIENCE SMOOTH TRAIL RIDING & SPEED! www.SpeedRackingHorse.org, (256) 303-0603

REAL ESTATE/LAND Looking for horse property around Dallas - Fort Worth?

Visit: www.texasliving.com. We’re an elite group of horse property specialists with Keller Williams Realty. (940) 3654687, ext.1, info@texasliving.com Southern Illinois horse properties, located adjacent to and near the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Midwest Real Estate - Larry Woodney (618) 658-2006 and (618) 9672106, www.MidwestReaIEstate.com Big South Fork National Park (East TN). 12.07 acres joining BSF Natl Park in Jamestown, TN. Joins Honey Creek horse and hiking trails. Canoeing and kayaking nearby.

Horse Trailer Hookup, graveled trailer pad, electric, city water on property. Wooded. Secluded. $3,500 per acre. faye.neel@tcsedu.net (931)273-9036

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Tombstone Livery Stable, 111 acres, Training Facility, Trails, Mounted Shooting, SASS Shooting Range, RV/Camping, $695,000. (520) 457-3559 www.tombstonelivery.com

CLINICS/ EDUCATION/ SCHOOLS

Tired of trailering? Properties with trails, $11,000.

Jill Houston, (931) 879-7911, Riders Realty, LLC. jillhouston@hotmail.com

All Horse & Rider classified and classified display ads appear FREE on TRAIL RIDES

Study horse courses at home. Earn grades and Certificates. www. NewHorizonsEquine.com

SUPPLIES EVENTS NFR and PBR Rodeo, Las Vegas. www.NFR-Rodeo.com or (888) NFR-RODEO, (888) 637-7633 and www.PBRTickets. com. A+ rated member of Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Don Vinson Monument Valley Trail Rides, Call (805) 7045778 or www.monumentvalleytrailrides.com

TRAILERS 2012 Lakota 3H LQ - Super clean, custom coach. http://bit. ly/DebTrailer $45,500. (719) 748-3830

TRAINING

Now in print and online.

For classified rates and information, please contact us at: (760) 546-1192 hr@aimclassifieds.com

BEST PROGRAM in the industry. GUARANTEED MONEY BACK. Financing. MNHorseTrainingAcademy.com (320) 272-4199

TRAVEL/TOURS/VACATION Double Rafter Cattle Drive. 115 years of family tradition.

Week-long, 50-mile trip. Compared to us City Slickers is a pony ride. See us at: www.doublerafter.com (800) 704-9268.

The

The

Collector:

Collection:

Bob Welch Franktown, Colorado

Artistry in silver, steel, rawhide, and horsehair adorn the walls of Bob Welch’s Colorado saddle house. Though not a professional horseman, Welch has a strong affinity for cowboy trappings.

112 / HorseandRider.com

“Craftsmanship and practicality come together in tack like nowhere else in cowboydom,” he says.

The bosal is a Bill Black. The spurs at the top of the photograph were made by

Pee Wee Peebles—and are Welch’s everyday hooks. Billy Klapper built the other spurs.

The bit in the center of the photograph was made by the late Jerry Cates, while the one pictured below it is a

Tommy Sprayberry.

“I don’t know what makes it so, but the Sprayberry is most versatile and useful bit I own,” he says. “My wife and I are always fighting over who gets to use it.”

P HOTO BY N I CH OL E CHI R I CO

My Collection

SHARE YOUR COLLECTION! Send a high-resolution photo of your favorite Western items to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com.