INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Getting to Know… The Late Hollywood Dun It p. 12
Show & Tell THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
MAGAZINE Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
One Tough
COOKIE AMONG THE
STARS p. 18
PONY JUMPER
POWER p. 22
p.14
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OPENING 2011-12
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Raising $85 million to create a new standard of familyfocused maternity care, providing mothers and their babies with access to the world’s finest physicians and state-of-the-art facilities
Inpatient and emergency center facilities to open in Spring 2011
“At Texas Children’s, it’s more than our job to heal sick children; it’s our calling and the inspiration behind the largest expansion effort in our history.” — Mark A. Wallace President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital
Currie Equine Clinic Proudly Supports the Great Southwest Equestrian Center!
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Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
3
Ca hl a enngde a r o f E v e n t s
November GSEC Autumn Classic
USEF “AA” Show & Zone 7 Finals Nov. 9-13, Main and East Arenas
Events
Fall Harvest/Fall Finale GHHJA Show Nov. 26-27, Main Arena
The Final Chase
USEF “AA” rated Nov. 16-20, Main Arena
December Gulf Coast Arabian Christmas Show Dec. 2-4, Main Arena
Texas American Saddlehorse Show Dec. 3-4, East Arena
Britannia Farm AQHA Santa Claus Classic
Events
Houston Dressage Society Schooling Show Championships Dec. 17-18, Main Arena
GSEC Open Show Series Dec. 18, East Arena
Dec. 8-11, Main Arena
= Great Southwest Equestrian Center Event Photos by InGate Images (above), Kelly McChesney (below)
2012 Hunter/Jumper Britannia Farm Winter Classic USEF “A” Jan. 6-8, Main Arena
Great Southwest Winter Series I USEF “AA” Feb. 1-5, All Arenas
Mar. 15-18, Main Arena
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Mar. 21 - Apr. 1, All Arenas
Spring Gathering USEF “AA”
Great Southwest Winter Series III USEF “AA”
Fiesta Classic USEF “A”
GSEC Spring GHHJA Show
Lone Star Mayfest USEF “A”
Feb. 15-19, All Arenas
Mar. 10-11, Main Arena
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Great Southwest Spring Roundup USEF “A”
Great Southwest Winter Series II USEF “AA” Feb. 8-12, All Arenas
4
Events
Apr.3-7, All Arenas
May 3-6, Main Arena
May 10-13, Main Arena
Co hn an te gn et s
W i n t e r 2 0 11
Show & Tell MAGAZINE
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
14
Features 14 18 22
AMONG THE STARS
Dressage rider Whit Watkins sets her sights on London By Erica Larson
PONY JUMPER POWER
The Zone 7 pony jumper team strikes gold By Kelly McChesney
Columns
18
10 12 26 30 34 36 38
22
ONE TOUGH COOKIE
A peek into the life of Great Southwest’s Pauline Cook By Alexandra Beckstett
26
40
Real Estate Roundup
Restored 1900 Farm House By Deitra Robertson
Getting to know... The Late Hollywood Dun It
GSEC Presents:
East Meets West and the Platinum Classics Photo Gallery
Cause for Applause
LOPE Texas By Alexandra Beckstett
Healthy Horses
Barn Fire Prevention By Shannon Galvin
Money Matters
Simple Investment Solutions for a Complicated Market By John Ramirez
Equine Law
Horse Sense: The Basics of Equine Contracts By Jill Elsey
In the News
Jonathan Wentz Wins USEF ParaDressage National Championships, and more...
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
5
Show & Tell MAGAZINE
Volume 2
Issue 4
MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Beckstett a.beckstett@gmail.com, 281-543-6198
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexandra Beckstett, Kelly McChesney, Erica Larson, John Ramirez, Jill Elsey, Deitra Robertson, Helen Murray, Shannon Galvin
ART DIRECTION Equine Originals ART DIRECTOR Suzy Brown design@equineoriginals.com, 971-678-3694
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR • • • • •
Brokerage Services Capital Markets Corporate Services Global Consulting Valuation and Advisory Services
Kelly McChesney kelly@showandtellmagazine.com, 713-492-4459
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Reardon, Cheryl Margoteaux, Kelly McChesney, Shawn McMillen, InGate Images, Waltenberry Inc.
ADVERTISING
Moving with confidence….since 1971. Confidence is leading Houston for forty years with real estate solutions founded on experience and skill.
Great Southwest Equestrian Center 281-578-7669
PUBLISHED BY Great Southwest Equestrian Center 2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450 281-578-7669 www.gswec.com
Moving with confidence.
6
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
© Great Southwest Equestrian Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written consent of Great Southwest Equestrian Center. SHOW & TELL Magazine is published 4 times a year by the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77450. Opinions and editorial expressed herein in are those of the experts consulted and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors, advisory board or staff of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.
ADVISORY BOARD GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER STAFF GENERAL MANAGER Sean Brown SENIOR EQUINE CONSULTANT Pauline “Cookie” Cook
Nancy Cahill
•
Joan Cantrell
•
Chris George
Kate Gibson
•
Hollis Grace
•
Kathy Jones
Marilyn Kulifay Patty Roberts
• •
Colleen McQuay Deitra Robertson
2501 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77450
• •
281.578.7669
Peter Pletcher Christian Rogge www.gswec.com
EQUINE MANAGER Amy Uniss OFFICE MANAGER Sharon Rader ACCOUNTANT Jane Martinez MAINTENANCE MANAGER Ana Vargas
Photo by InGate Images
Early 2012 Events at GSEC Houston All Arabian Show
Houston Dressage Society Spring Show
Houston Dressage Society Winter Show
Gulf Coast Welsh Pony Show
HLS&R Go Texan Contests
Greater Houston Miniatures
Britannia Farm AQHA Winter Classic
Britannia Farm AQHA Spring Celebration
Feb. 24-26, Main Arena
May 12-13, Main Arena
Great Southwest Great Escape Winter Slide 2012
Texas American Saddle Horse Assoc.
Mar. 2-4, All Arenas
May 19-20, East Arena
Greater Houston Miniature Show
Spindletop Arabian Spring Show
Mar. 17-18, East Arena
May 25-27, Main Arena
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Great Southwest Dressage Diamond Classic I & II
Jan. 13-15, All Arenas
Apr. 27-29, All Arenas
Jan. 21-22, All Arenas
Jan. 27-28, Main Complex
Mar. 21 - Apr. 1, All Arenas
Cover Photo: Hollywood Dun It stands by owner Tim McQuay. Photo by Cheryl Magoteaux
Note: Hunter/Jumper Events listed on pg 4
May 5-6, Main Arena
May 12-13, East Arena
May 26-27, East Arena
National Reining Breeders Classic Apr. 16-22, All Arenas
= Great Southwest Equestrian Center Event
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
7
Unique sporting events with southern hospitality
8
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Great Southwest Equestrian Center proudly presents
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Presented by
pinoak.org
Benefits
& Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show Presented by
Benefits
March 21 - April 7, 2012 Over Half a Million Dollars in Prize Money $80,000 in Hunter Derby Money Five Grand Prixs All shows are USEF AA, THJA A, 4 Star Jumper, WCHR EVENT, NAL/WIHS
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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Ce R ha a ln g Ees t a t e R o u n d u p
R e s t o r e d 1 9 0 0 Fa r m WHO: Deitra Robertson Real Estate, Inc. 979-921-9470 IKnowRanches.com
WHAT: Mosey out of this beautifully restored 3-bedroom, 2-bath farm house onto your wrap-around porch with your morning coffee. Sit back and enjoy watching your horses graze in the pastures and the wildlife enjoying the ponds. Sit by the pool at night and marvel at the stars!
WOW: Your friends and family will delight in the Sunday House where they can stay while visiting.
WOW AGAIN: Two horse barns, tack room, turnout paddocks, and riding arena make this the perfect equestrian property.
10
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
House $895,000 49 acres Brenham – Austin County
Property Boundary Disputes: Is it Yours or Mine? By Deitra Robertson, ALC
Accredited Land Consultant Member: REALTORS® Land Institute
Y
ou have spent valuable time searching for that perfect farm or ranch. Now you have written a purchase offer, it’s been accepted, and you have just received a copy of the title commitment from the title company. How exciting! You have also ordered your survey and asked the surveyor to do more than a “boundary line survey”—to conduct a Category 1A survey showing all fence lines, easements, pipelines, buildings, etc. When you first looked at the property, the agent representing the seller commented that the ranch’s western boundary ran to the center line of a creek, but that the fence was on “your” side, fencing out the creek and allowing the neighboring rancher full use of it. However, the agent stated, the neighbor is aware the “real” boundary is the center line of the creek. Sure enough, when you receive the survey results the fence line is on “your” side but the property boundary is mid-creek, which you would like to control part of. Is this a problem? Possibly! Title companies demand settlement of boundary line discrepancies as a condition for closing. So how do you settle this? Certainly a call to the neighbor and mutually agreeing to draw up a “Convenience Fence Agreement” is a beginning. Hopefully you will settle which part of the creek each of you will control and fence (or re-fence) appropriately.
Adverse possession can resolve disputes when a particular fence has served as the property boundary for several years; however, fences, especially “fences of convenience,” do not necessarily establish property lines. Boundaries can be agreed upon via “Implied Boundary Line Agreement” or Formal Boundary Line Agreements determined either orally or in writing. This is absolutely the time to involve a good real estate attorney to help you draft the proper agreement. It is a win-win to attempt resolution of boundary disputes without litigation. Lost time, attorney fees, and ill will created by litigation does not make for good neighbors. We at Deitra Robertson Real Estate have guidelines for property boundary agreements that we will gladly share if you have any such boundary disputes. We also can refer you to excellent legal counsel. It is important that all boundary line agreements are in writing and that all landowners sign (notarized) and record deed records. By so doing, the boundary line agreement gives constructive, enduring notice to all future or subsequent buyers of the boundary location.
Bio:
Deitra Robertson is the president of Deitra Robertson Real Estate Inc., specializing in farms, ranches, and equestrian properties. Deitra showed horses (hunters) coast to coast for almost 20 years. She rides and trains using natural horsemanship principles with all her horses.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
11
Ch Q &a An g e
Getting to Know... Hollywood Dun It
R
ecently it was announced that Hollywood Dun It, the late legendary $6 million reining horse sire, will be inducted into the 2012 American Quarter Horse Hall (AQHA) of Fame—one of the highest honors in the American Quarter Horse industry. While the stunning buckskin stallion owned by Tim and Colleen McQuay of McQuay Stables in Tioga, Texas, and Jennifer Easton passed away in 2005 at age 22, his legacy continues to live on in his charismatic and talented offspring. Out of Blossom Berry, by the famed Hollywood Jac 86, who is listed as a legend in Outstanding Quarter Horse Stallions and Mares for his overall impact on working and reining horses, Hollywood Dun It’s lineage remains one of the top in the reining world. The McQuays bought “Dun It” as a 2-year-old, and during his brief show career with Tim McQuay from 1986-7, he
was National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Reserve Champion, NRHA Derby Champion, and Superstakes Champion—essentially taking home championships in each leg of the reining industry’s Triple Crown. The handsome stallion retired to stud in 1989, at age 16 became the youngest sire to reach the NRHA million-dollar mark, and eventually became the NRHA’s first $4 million sire. His legacy lives on, as last year he became the second sire in NRHA history to exceed $6 million. In 1998 Hollywood Dun It was selected as the model for the first Breyer Animal Creations reining horse. Sadly, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2004 and was euthanized due to complications from the disease in March 2005. The first stall in the McQuay’s main barn right across from their office was their champion’s quarters; it remains empty to this day.
Show & Tell magazine caught up with Colleen McQuay recently to reminisce about her family’s beloved Hollywood Dun It:
QUESTION:
Tell us about the mark Hollywood Dun It has made on the industry.
ANSWER:
Dun It’s show career was during a time when there were not as many opportunities to show for a lot of money. He really only showed three times in major events. His legend as a sire, however, continues really to this day with his colt that won over 6 million dollars. Daughters of Hollywood Dun It have also produced colts nearing $6 million. He’s had a tremendously remarkable impact on the reining world for sure.
Q:
What notable traits does Hollywood Dun It pass on to his offspring?
A: A big stop—Dun It was a big, strong stopper—and a lot of heart. A lot of his colts got his pretty face. He was an easy lead changer, he turned easy, stopped easy, and you certainly see those traits in a lot of his colts. Q:
Tell us about Hollywood Dun It’s personality and what he was like to be around:
A: He was a people horse and very sweet as a stallion. He was remarkably tame and sweet with people all the time. In fact, some of the pictures you will see during Hollywood Dun It’s last photo shoot will give you an idea of what kind of temperament he had. Our grandson (Cade) was probably 4 years old at the time, and he just walked right out in the middle of the paddock and started posing with Dun It, who was free with no halter, lead rope, or restraint whatsoever. 12
For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Q: Hollywood Dun It had quite the fan following. What made this horse so special? A:
For some reason Dun It’s face and personality made him sort of a celebrity in his own. He created his own fan club just based on people reading magazine articles, seeing his picture, and looking into his big brown eyes. People would come from all over to see him and visit at the farm. When a group of people came to his stall, he knew it was picture time. He knew how to bow for treats and would sometimes bow for them. He would just interact with them all the time. For some reason he created his own fan club beyond his productivity. When he passed away in 2005, we received emails and letters from all over the world.
“He’s had a tremendously remarkable impact on the reining world for sure.” Hollywood Dun It
–Colleen McQuay Photos courtesy of Cheryl Magoteaux
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 42 Winter Spring 2011
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one tough cookie Pauline Cook has been a Great Southwest fixture for decades by Alexandra Beckstett
14
W
hether your saddle’s English or Western, if you have been to a Great Southwest Equestrian Center horse show you’ve likely heard that British accent and seen horse show manager and equine consultant Pauline “Cookie” Cook marching around the grounds, making sure all is ship shape.
For 15 years Cookie has been the hard-working woman behind the curtain at Great Southwest, but for decades longer she has been a force to be reckoned with in the horse industry.
From Fishing Village to Farm Manager Originally from England, Cookie was born in a little fishing village called Tollesbury, Essex. She and her parents lived in Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain. There she attended school, worked as an assistant in a doctor’s office, and rode in the British pony club, horse showing on weekends and hauling friends’ horses to events. At 21, a friend received a job
offer in Kansas City, Mo., and said to Cookie, “I don’t want to go alone—if I get you a job will you come with me?” As fate would have it, a family there with a large day camp and riding program needed a part-time
“I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” said Cookie. “Whatever they wanted me to do I did, whether it was working in the office, looking after the kids, or mowing the yard.” After two years as the go-to girl at “Allen Dale,” which was equipped with
”Without Cookie’s involvement overover thethe past 14 14 ”Without Cookie’s involvement past years, thethe Great Southwest Equestrian Center years, Great Southwest Equestrian Center would never have survived.”— SeanSean Brown would never have survived.”— Brown secretary and someone to look after their kids—3 and 5 years old at the time—and Cookie soon relocated to the States.
tennis courts, swimming pools, riflery range, and an 80-horse boarding Continued on Page 16
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Building on her years of experience managing facilities in Missouri and Texas, Cookie’s duties at the Katy equestrian center have included leasing stalls to area trainers, hiring hands, and promoting and running horse shows. “I’ve done everything you have to do to make it as successful as you can,” Cookie stated. “Without Cookie’s involvement over the past 14 years, the center would have been shut down without a doubt,” said Sean Brown, Great Southwest Equestrian Center general manager. “Without her help all these years and walking us through this entire process, this place would be a neighborhood.” Now semiretired as an equine consultant, Cookie goes to the Center once a week and continues to run the hunter/ jumper events.
Making Her Mark
and lesson stable, Cookie was teaching riding lessons and ultimately running the entire riding school. It wasn’t until 12 years later that she went out on her own and founded a riding facility in Kansas City called Hunter’s Vale. Her students traveled the country and
the oil crunch, Texas beckoned. Cookie had visited the Houston area a handful of times to sell horses, but when a colleague praised the booming horse business in the Lone Star State, Cookie made her move. She established her Britannia Farm at Bear Creek Stables
Aside from her role at Great Southwest, Cookie has been a trainer, an owner, a breeder, a business woman, a judge, and a show steward. She also has developed a reputation as a sometimes feisty, say-it-how-it-is, yet incredibly caring individual. “You will not meet anyone else like Cookie,” said Maurene Moffett, friend and partner of more than 20 years. “She will always tell you the truth (even if you don’t want to hear it). She will stand beside you through thick and thin. She will share with you her heart and soul. She is one-of-a kind.”
”You will not meet anyone else like Cookie. She will always tell you the truth (even if you don’t want to hear it). She will stand beside you through thick and thin. She will share with you her heart and soul.” — Maurene Moffett shipped to the East Coast for many of the big hunter/jumper shows throughout the years. In 1981, however, shortly before
16
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
near Houston until the facility closed its doors in 1996. In 1997 Great Southwest Equestrian Center hired her parttime, and she joined the staff full-time as equine manager a year later.
Cookie’s standout personality has helped her make her mark on the Texas horse industry.
“I think Cookie is an intricate part of the horse world in Texas,” said Patty Roberts, owner of Memorial Park Hunters in Houston, who has known and worked with Cookie in many facets for 25 years.
Quarter Horse Association and has enjoyed officiating such events as the Quarter Horse Congress, World Show, and Youth World Championship. More a hobby than for profit, Cookie also stands her Welsh Pony stallion Britannia’s Legacy at stud, producing future pony hunter champions the likes of Texas pony division veteran Britannia’s Little Prince. “I’ve bred ponies over the years just as a part-time thing, a fun thing to do,” Cookie explained. Roberts, whose daughter Emma campaigned “Prince” years ago, describes Cookie as a great owner.
“She has really done a lot to improve it and improve how we’re thought of in Texas. I love working with her and I’m always learning something from her. And nine times out of 10 shes 100% spot on,” she said with a laugh. In her current role Cookie serves as a steward for several hunter/jumper shows a year and judges a handful of events as well. Most recently she received her Specialty Judges Hunter/ Jumper License from the American
“She was always so proud of that pony and of Emma. It was a really nice experience for everyone involved,” she said. Alongside Cookie’s pony stallion and broodmare on her 15-acre Waller, Texas, farm reside five donkeys, three Miniature Horses, and a herd of retired mounts. “I don’t do much (with the horses) other than watch them eat,” she said with her trademark laugh. “Half my animals are wild here anyway; it’s kind of like a circus.”
The Next Chapter While Cookie claims to be happily retired, she’s not one to sit idle for long. She plans to spend some more time traveling and seeing a few more places in the world (the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Canadian Rockies top her list) that until now she’s been too busy to visit. But, always keeping a hand in the horse industry, Cookie admits she will still steward or run a few events a year and keep an eye on Great Southwest to make sure it never does end up a neighborhood. After all, she now has a concession stand at the Center— Cookie’s Café—in her name. “The horse world in itself is its own world,” Cookie concluded. “There are a lot of great people in it and that’s what I enjoy—being around them all and knowing that you have so many friends in the horse business.”
Bio:
Alexandra Beckstett, originally from Magnolia, Texas, grew up riding hunter/jumpers and competing at Great Southwest Equestrian Center. A Duke University graduate, she now lives, works, and rides in Lexington, Ky.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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This Olympic dressage hopeful pursues her dream in Germany
Stars Among The
By Erica Larson
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
F
or Whit Watkins, a dressage rider from Fort Davis, Texas, few statements could be more fitting. The life-long equestrian has recently set her sights on the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and is shooting for the moon. Currently training in Germany amongst the stars of the dressage world, Watkins’ dream is becoming a reality as she works her way toward one of the biggest competitive stages in the world.
In The Beginning Watkins’ love for horses began at the age of three when her father took her to ride the ponies at the local zoo. Not long thereafter she was riding any horse she could get her hands on. “As a small child I would ride anything, in any fashion available,” she recalled. “By the time I was in the fifth grade I had been introduced to hunt seat and was starting to jump and compete in hunters.”
She began taking lessons from Col. Donald Nance, a retired Air Force serviceman who had learned dressage during his deployment in Germany. Nance taught Watkins the basics of hunt seat on the flat and over fences.
“I love the training process—the journey of the rider and the horse through different communication elements to a point of new understandings.” — Whit Watkins “About the seventh grade, I discovered fox hunting and talked my parents into joining the local hunt club, which was most fabulous fun,” Watkins explained.
“I thoroughly enjoyed riding with the hunt and sometimes competing in hunter classes at local shows, through my college years.”
Dressage Dreams Watkins discovered her eventual passion—dressage—shortly after she graduated from college in Boulder, Colo. “I was immediately a convert,” Watkins said. “I started lessons with Donna Baker at the barn (near Boulder) where I was riding at the time. I did a bit of competing as well before moving to a nearby stable with better facilities to pursue my burgeoning dressage interests. It was there that I began lessons with Janet Brown Foy and eventually Janet “Dolly” Hannon and Debbie Riehl Rodriguez as well.” Hooked on the precision, dedication, and hard work that encompass the art of dressage, Watkins knew she wanted
to make the sport her life. She began competing with the help of several trainers and several special horses. “Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s I also rode in clinics with trainers visiting Colorado, including Maj. Anders Lindgren, Sally Swift, Leslie Webb, Christine Stuckelberger, Jan Ebeling, Axel Steiner, Lilo Fore, and Kyra Kyrklund, and once, at (trainer) Hilda Gurney’s farm, the chance to ride with Gabriela Grillo, who greatly influenced the way I visualize and ride the half pass at canter,” she said.
an art is elemental in competition or demonstrations.”
relayed that he’s handled exciting situations well thus far.
Some years later, Watkins’ passion for the sport would lead her to her two current upper level horses.
“He can be concerned about new environments, and when he gets a little worried he can get a little tight in his back, so I concentrate on assuring that he is truly stretching through his whole body and moving forward easily off my leg,” she explained. “His strongest point is that the work is easy for him; the challenge is keeping his focus on me and my directions.”
Horses of the Moment Watkins’ current Grand Prix mounts are Cipriani and Oublette. She purchased Cipriani, a 9-year-old German-bred Westfalen, a month after he was imported into the United States 2005.
Since 2000 Watkins has continued her dressage training by working with such trainers as Hannes Mueller, Eckart Meyners, Volker Brommann, Heike Kemmer, Shelly Francis, and Hubertus Schmidt. She also recalled two horses from her past that hold a special place on her path to dressage glory. Clear Sailing was an AngloTrakehner homebred whom Watkins competed in both threeday eventing and through 3rd Level dressage. Not long after, in the mid ’90s, Chado—a homebred Holsteiner—became her first Grand Prix mount, helping her collect the scores necessary to earn her United States Dressage Federation (USDF) gold medal. Training Clear Sailing and Chado provided Watkins with the drive she needed to dive in headfirst into the sport and make it her life. “I love the training process—the journey of the rider and the horse through different communication elements to a point of new understandings,” she said. “And I love being able to go out in the world of competition to demonstrate the new and evolving understandings in communication between horse and rider. “That demonstration of trust and communication between horse and rider that brings our sport closer to
“I am amazed on a daily basis how much there is still to be learned.” — Whit Watkins
“I liked his movment from the first moment I saw him,” she said. “He is a character in the barn. He likes attention, and he loves his food. He also really appreciates a newly tidied and fluffed stall, and whatever bedding is available that is fluffy is the perfect invitation to get right down and roll vigorously. A soft, sandy spot in the paddock will also do the trick.” In the arena, Watkins said Cipriani is an athlete, but also relatively laid back. He is still getting used to large crowds and electric atmospheres, but Watkins
Watkins said she enjoys taking Cipriani on trail rides and training over trotting poles to keep work interesting for him. “He doesn’t have a consistent response yet, as we have only been in a few highly charged competitions,” she explained. “He is very good in the warm up areas and sometimes is a tiny bit hesitant in the actual competition venue initially, and has been regaining his composure fairly quickly to put in very respectable performances.” Oublette came into Watkins’ life when she traveled to Germany in November 2009. Upon arrival, she began looking for a horse to help fine-tune the skills that had “gotten a bit rusty” during a 10-year break she took from the upper levels. The pair began competing together in March 2010. Unfortunately, “Obi” sustained an injury in a horse trailer soon thereafter and just returned to the show ring in January 2011. “(Trainer Hubertus Schmidt) is as thrilled as I am that Obi has returned to work with such enthusiasm and style and is pleased that all of our work increasingly demonstrates our growing partnership,” Watkins relayed. “Our scores continue to improve as we progress in our work with Hubertus, I am becoming quicker with
my aids and more clear in what I need to ask for from Obi, and he is developing more throughness and suppleness.
The German Experience
“It is a wonderful learning experience. I am amazed on a daily basis how much there is still to be learned, I obviously will not live long enough to get it all this time around,” she smiled.
Watkins has traveled to Germany several times over the years to train in one of the historical dressage powerhouse nations. One of her main trainers in that country, who has been helping her toward her Olympic dream, is Olympic gold medalist Schmidt.
The Decision “I have dreamed of representing my country since I realized it was a possibility some years ago,” Watkins explained. In Cipriani, she found the opportunity she’d been waiting for. “As Cipriani was growing up and demonstrating increasing ability for the work, I began to think that London might be the right time for us to go for it,” she said. “When I look at the time and effort required to make an international horse, I realize that very few horses have the talent, the ability, and the mind to be truly competitive at the top of the international scene. I am always trying to find the best job for any particular horse, and the horse will tell you what he enjoys doing.” All signals point to Cipriani—and Whit—enjoying every minute of their journey up the levels and hopefully to the Olympics. Although both Cipriani and Oublette are competing successfully at the Grand Prix level, Watkins believes that Cipriani is most likely to help her reach her Olympic dreams. Since arriving in Germany earlier this year, Watkins and Cipriani have proven they can both hold their own in international competition. This past summer Cipriani received high scores in Grand Prix competition in Haftenkamp, Rastede, and Hof Bettenrode. Not to be outdone, Oublette has also proven a worthy international competitor. Since arriving in Germany Watkins has piloted him to a 67.6% and 68.425% in two international Grand Prix Kurs.
“Hubertus Schmidt’s help with our training has really been an eye-opener for me, particularly regarding the amount of focus required and the necessary quickness of reaction for appropriate application of the aids,” Watkins explained. “His attention to detail, eye for correctness in the horse and rider, and clarity of instruction have challenged all three of us—me, Cipriani, and Oublette—to go beyond our perceived levels of ability.
“I love the training process—the journey of the rider and the horse through different communication elements to a point of new understandings.”
— Whit Watkins
“When he sees a glimmer of potential to improve or develop a skill beyond its current expression, he creates the opportunity for the rider to take the horse to the next level of development. It has been an amazing process,” she concluded.
The Support Squad “As anyone who has attempted this type of project knows, it does take a team to tackle this enterprise with any success,” Watkins explained. Her support team, she happily explained, is comprised of her husband, her son, and her “fabulous” barn help. “My husband, Rocky, has gone unbelievably beyond the call of
duty in so many ways, I cannot thank him enough,” she said. “Our son, Travis, 22, has been unfailingly supportive, even through the months when I have been out of the country and hard to reach. “I cannot give enough credit to my incredibly hard-working barn staff,” she continued. “All of them are troopers and they have all gone many miles to competitions with me. They’ve always been positive and pleasant in spite of miserable heat and humidity, drenching rainstorms, and walking miles schlepping manure from stalls located as far as possible from the manure dump. I thank them not only for their daily ministrations, but also for the encouraging words and eyes-on-theground assistance when I am training in an isolated environment.”
The Next Step Watkins and Cipriani are planning a few more competitions in Germany before returning to the States the first week of December to continue training and competing on the Florida circuit through early 2012. Her goal is to qualify for the Olympic Selection Trials, also being held in Florida this spring. Although Watkins dreams of riding down the centerline in London next August, she feels the journey she’s been on for the past few years is a victory all in itself. “This project has been a life-changing experience and one that I would not change for anything,” Watkins said. “The people involved and the growth of my abilities and understanding have been fabulous and an enriching process that has not been equaled in my life.”
Bio: Erica Larson studied equine
science at Michigan State University and currently resides in Lexington, Ky., where she is a journalist, photographer, and news editor for The Horse. In her spare time she enjoys eventing her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Dorado.
Change
Pony Jumper By Kelly McChesney
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Zone 7 has been on the medal stand at pony finals year after year, and 2011 was no exception. Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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Sarah Walker aboard La-Ti-Da (top left) and Kaitlin MillerRoberts with Game On (above, right) comprised the Texan half of the gold medal-winning Zone 7 Pony Jumper team.
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
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fter settling for the silver medal in 2010, the 2011 Zone 7 Pony Jumper Team, comprised of riders from Texas, Kansas, and Louisiana, returned to Lexington, Ky., to win the gold medal at the Pony Jumper Championships held Aug. 9-14, under the guidance of Chef de Equipe Matt Cyphert, of Woodhill Farm in Argyle, Texas. While the riders were also accompanied to the finals by their own trainers, Cyphert explained that the “chef” basically organizes the team, sets the riding order, and is a motivator and coordinator. “Three of these girls had been on the 2010 pony jumper team that narrowly missed out on the gold medal and had to settle for silver,” he continued. “They were incredibly supportive of each other and were a real joy to work with.” This year’s winning team included two veteran Texas riders—Sarah Walker from Dallas on La-Ti-Da and Kaitlin Miller-Roberts from Dallas on Game On. Brianna Butler from Leawood, Kan., on Al Capony and Claire Salopek from Lafayette, La., on Sir Lance-A-Lot were also on the winning team.
La-Ti-Da (Mikki). “Everyone rode great and we ended up getting the gold,” she exclaimed. “I loved showing with all my friends and being there with them. My pony and I ended up getting the Bronze Medal individually which is more than I could have asked for.” According to trainer Celine Burch, Walker has always been a fun kid to teach. “Sarah has a lot of feel and really is a fighter. She always walks in the ring to win,” she said. “That girl understood long time ago that you do not win by just going fast but by riding with your head and sticking with the plan.”
To The Medal Stand
“I wanted to compete this year because this is the last year I will be able to compete as a junior, and we came so close to winning the gold last year,” said Kaitlin Miller-Roberts, 17, who was on the Zone 7 team for the second year in a row. Miller-Roberts’ bought Game On (his barn name is “Tiger”) a registered Arabian pony from her trainer, Tracey Badley, two years ago.
The United States Equestrian Federation Pony Jumper Finals consists of an individual jumping round followed by two rounds to determine the team champion. Each team completes the first course, and the top four teams in their entireties are called back to navigate the exact same course a second time. The team with the highest cumulative score (the least amount of faults after the dropping the highest-fault score) earns their place at the top of the medal stand.
Badley enjoys coaching the ponies and their riders and explained that training and riding ponies is a little different than training the larger horses. “The ponies vary in size and stride length, so each one presents a unique challenge and is ridden on the course a little differently,” she said.
“The second day we had two rounds,” Miller-Roberts said, recounting the nail-biting final. “We went clean in the first round and had a rail at the skinny (jump) our second round, putting Zone 7 in a tie with Zone 2 for total faults. Our team won the gold by four seconds.”
Texas teammate Sarah Walker also was thrilled with her performance aboard
Miller-Roberts and Tiger also placed well individually the night after the
team finals, winning two individual awards—the Emerson Burr award and the style award. “The last night was really intense,” she explained. “The jumps were big, and the course was very technical. I was so scared, but we had a great round with a rail making our individual total 8 faults (two rails total).
”I really enjoyed the camaraderie and getting to know the other riders.” — Kaitlin Miller-Roberts “I was so excited to place in the top 10 individually, and I couldn’t believe that I had won the style award again,” she said, recalling her 2010 award. “Tiger was such a good boy and jumped great all three days, I couldn’t have asked for a better last year at Pony Finals. I wish there were more opportunities to compete as part of a team,” she said. “I really enjoyed the camaraderie and getting to know the other riders.” As for what’s to come, Miller-Roberts emphasized that horses are her life. She plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, majoring in pre-vet and equine studies and hopefully go on to enjoy a career as an equine veterinarian. This year also marks Walker’s third and final year at Pony Finals, as she prepares to move on to larger horses and bigger jumps. She feels this was a great way to end her pony career.
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Great Southwest
Photos on Gallyer pages 1-3 By Kelly McChesney Photos on Gallyer page 4 By InGait Images
HOTO GALLERY
East
Reining
MEETS
West
Platinum Classic
Dressage
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
Cause for Applause
LOPE: After the Finish Line By Alexandra Beckstett Photos By Tom Reardon
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race horse’s career is shortlived. Starting gates, post parades, and winner’s circles become a part of these young athletes’ past around the time other sport horses are just finding their callings. This doesn’t mean, however, that an ex-racehorse need be retired to pasture if his racing days or over and he’s not fit for the breeding shed. Organizations such as LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racehorses) help provide these animals (whether Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, or Standardbred) with opportunities beyond the track.
Executive director Lynn Reardon founded LOPE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the Texas racing industry to help find racehorses new homes, in 2003, and to date the organization has helped transition more than 800 horses.
26-acre adoption ranch, which has taken in more than 160 retired racehorses since 2004. Through its Homestretch Heroes Rehabilitation Program, the ranch also receives a limited number of horses in need of more serious rehabilitation such as stall rest or surgery.
Says Reardon, “We believe ex-racehorses are winners even after their racing careers end. They have so much heart, athleticism and intelligence—all they need is a chance to find that second career and new life after the finish line.”
“We believe ex-racehorses
These well-bred animals can and do go on to be trail mounts and show horses, pets and pasturemates. “Every horse is special to us,” says Reardon. “And we believe that every horse needs a job, a special vocation, in order to be happy and true to its nature.” So how exactly does the process work? LOPE runs an online service that offers free listings to racehorse trainers, breeders, and owners looking to re-home a horse. Equestrians of all disciplines can search these listings for future riding prospects. A more urgent service (via email list) also exists to help place at-risk horses in need of immediate homes. But LOPE runs more than an online match-making program. Cedar Creek, Texas, is home to LOPE’s
are winners even after their racing careers end.” –Lynn Reardon The program’s ultimate goal is to run two ranches: one adoption facility with sound horses ready for new careers, and another strictly rehab facility to focus on treating injured ex-racehorses and providing public education (LOPE is passionate about educating horse owners and the public about the foundations of horse husbandry and how to best retrain an ex-racehorse through clinics, seminars, and Reardon’s “Beyond the Homestretch” book). Other organization goals include: • Promoting the potential these animals have and establishing a better market for ex-racehorses; • Offering more horsemanship and racehorse retraining clinics;
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• Developing a high-point award program for ex-racers at competitions; • Continuing to upgrade its facilities; and • Of course, helping more ex-racehorses find great homes. “If we are successful in our goals,” Reardon says, “we hope that LOPE will one day become an obsolete service– that Texas ex-racehorses will be so valued and admired, there will always be a long line of people ready to give them homes straight from the racetracks.” For more information, success stories, adoption listings, or to make a financial donation, please visit www.lopetx.org.
New Beginnings V irga was a cute filly when she came
to the LOPE Ranch as a three year old. When Terron adopted her to be a pleasure riding mount, she had no idea just how much Virga would excel. Terron reports:
“I hope more people will give these amazing Thoroughbreds a chance, because if you do they will give you their all” • NEW - 3rd Week Added!
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
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–Terron, LOPE horse adopter “I just wanted to give you an update on Virga. She and I went to a show in June, and over the two-day period she was entered in five classes, both under saddle and halter classes, and we took home five blue ribbons! Then to add icing to the cake, she took home the overall Halter Championship against geldings, stallions, fillies, and mares. I am so proud of her! I hope that more people will give these amazing Thoroughbreds a chance, because if you do they will give you their all. You guys do an awesome job, keep up the good work.”
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Ch H eal ntghey H o r s e s
Barn Fire Prevention By Shannon Galvin
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s this dry year continues, how are you and all your animals coping with the unusual heat wave and exceptional drought? I’m sure we are all aware that this drought has brought the fire risk to our doorstep, but have we taken the necessary steps to prepare and prevent an incident? In 2007 direct property loss in the United States due to fire was estimated at $14.6 billion (US Fire Administration/FEMA). Fires in barns and other farm buildings can be devastating in terms of loss of property, livestock, and sometimes lives. The farm, by nature, is a naturally abundant fuel source. Tall grass, hay, straw, and other foliage are excellent sources for an unexpected fire. Follow this checklist to help identify dangers today to prevent possible fire losses tomorrow.
• Keep debris, brush, shavings, and manure piles at least 50 feet away from the barn.
• Keep electrical outlets, receptacles, and panel boxes free of rust and corrosion. Make sure wires do not have fraying and that lights have proper covers. A periodic electrical inspection of a building is a good practice.
• Have fire extinguishers in all buildings and near your vehicle or equipment at all times. Fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish small fires by remembering this phrase PASS: Pull the pin from the extinguisher. Aim the fire extinguisher low toward the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever handle slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side toward the base of the fire. Have your local fire department inspect your fire extinguisher annually to ensure it is in proper working order.
Preventing Barn and Structure Fires
• Refuel equipment and vehicles outside of buildings—again, at least 50
• Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire alarms in your barns.
• Keeping barn interiors clean and free of debris is essential. Debris in a building can be both the cause and fuel of fire. Follow all local and state regulations to properly dispose of any pesticides or other chemicals not being used that could be fire accelerants. Minimize cob web and dust buildup that can allow a fire to spread quickly throughout a barn.
Photos by Penelope Cain Williams
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
• Keep areas around buildings mowed, especially if the buildings are less than 50 feet from each other. Tall grass can aid the fire in jumping to the next building and cause a larger loss of property. • Ban all smoking in and around the building. Post “No Smoking” signs as reminders to visitors.
feet away. Allow all equipment and vehicles to cool down before storing them in a building. Keep all equipment and vehicles well-maintained, because with this drought one spark can start a fire in the pasture.
• When constructing or remodeling barns and farm structures use ignition resistant and non-combustible materials. Locate new structures a safe distance away from other structures to minimize large losses in case of a fire. • Train and conduct fire drills for employees and family members to know what to do in the event of a fire. Preventing Hay Fires • Mow and bale hay at optimum low moisture levels, and follow all proper baling, storing, and temperature monitoring practices to help prevent spontaneous combustion. Recommended moisture content for large stacks or round bales is 15-18% and for conventional square bales is 20-25%. • Do not store bales tightly against each other, but instead place them where air can circulate freely. If you have questions about hay storage, moisture testing, or temperature test-
ing, contact your local agriculture extension.
as a plowed or heavily grazed pasture with water and shade.
“Do not store hay bales tightly against each other, but instead place them where air can circulate freely.”
Ultimately, in the event of a fire the most important thing is to remain safe and call the fire department immediately. Thanks for reading and please keep our local agency in mind for all your farm/ranch, equine, home, auto, and other needs. We love working with horse people like you and enjoy dealing with its challenges every day. See why our clients love doing business with us!
Preventing Loss of Livestock • Construct an evacuation plan for livestock if threatened by fire. This includes planning for transportation and feeding arrangements in advance. If you are unable to remove livestock from the premises, maintain an area where livestock can be moved, such
Bio:
Shannon Galvin Insurance Agency, an American National Property and Casualty company, specializes in insurance services for the farming and equine community. Call (713) 857-5554 for a no-cost comparison and review, with a personal visit and no paperwork. We love working with horse people and enjoy dealing with the industry’s challenges!
Protecting What You Value Most If you own, board, breed, train or race horses, we need to talk! I take a personal interest in protecting what you value most. For information on equine insurance solutions, call me today!
Shannon Galvin (713) 857-5554 Serving the state of Texas sgalvin3@gmail.com www.shannongalvinagency.com
Shannon Galvin
Products and services may not be available in all states and eligibility requirements will apply. Personal and commercial lines insurance is issued by American National Property And Casualty Company (ANPAC®), Springfield, Missouri.
AN9 0211
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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Money Matters
Investment Solutions in a Complicated Environment By John A Ramirez
I
nvesting in the stock market can be a difficult and daunting task for individual investors. Since the credit crisis of 2008, investors have watched their portfolios decline in value, and many are unsure how to reverse this trend. Investing has become more challenging than ever, and it takes a more refined investment advisor to guide you through the traps, twists, and turns of the financial markets. However, with sound fundamentals and a disciplined approach to the markets your portfolio can be navigated with the finesse of a Grand Prix show jumper or dressage rider. So, let’s begin with some simple strategies: 1. Know What You Can Save and Invest: This is the key to living comfortably through the accumulation of savings. Knowing how much you can consistently save each month, without fail, is paramount to becoming a smarter investor. 2. Have A Goal: Knowing your goal, or your expectation for the return on
investments, makes it possible to create a strategy to help you achieve that goal. The two keys to any longterm investment goal are the amount of money being contributed each month and the length of time to obtain the goal. Once you determine these
“Before deciding what types of investments are appropriate from a risk perspective, you should evaluate your savings goals.” —John A Ramirez two key factors, we can move to the third and most crucial part of the equation: the required annual return, or the
amount of money necessary to achieve your annual goal. 3. Develop A Strategy: The required annual return is where most long-term investors fail. Not knowing the required annual return to meet your investment objectives can cause you to choose unwise investments that, most likely, will not perform as expected. Again, by not knowing the required return needed, investors end up taking on too much risk, leading to bad investment decisions caused by emotional investing due to market volatility. Diversification: The Foundation of Asset Allocation Diversification is the method used to help reduce risk on your portfolio by investing in several different types of investments, or simply put, not putting all your eggs in one basket. When you diversify your investments over more than one investment, you help reduce the risk of holding only one single investment. Individual investments have a certain amount of inherent volatility and can fluctuate broadly in value. In addition, diversifying over several asset classes might offer returns that are not perfectly correlated and help reduce overall risk for your expected return. Dollar Cost Averaging This means buying a fixed dollar amount of an investment on a regular schedule. By adhering to a schedule, your cost per share will be reduced over time, thus reducing market timing risk. Match Your Investments to Your Goals Before deciding what types of investments are appropriate from a risk perspective, you should evaluate your savings goals. Is your goal to preserve your principal or perhaps generate
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
income for your current expenses? Maybe you want to grow the value of your principal to outpace inflation. Whatever your answer, you should find an appropriate balance between the rate of return you hope to achieve and the risk you are willing to assume. Woodlands Portfolio Management focuses on portfolio management centered on a risk/reward relationship. There are many risks associated with investing. One way to achieve an absolute return is to identify and mitigate those risks through asset allocation, hedging, and active portfolio management. We believe a portfolio should be designed for more than just capital appreciation. Often markets do not rise. In such times we want to see income from dividends and interest to support a portfolio. We focus on absolute versus relative returns. We believe that investing is a long-term process built around a solid savings plan.
Bio:
John A Ramirez has more than 12 years of extensive investment experience as an Investment Advisor. His experience includes portfolio management, securities markets, debt securities, equities, options and alternative investments. He is responsible for financial analysis, research, and business development and works to implement broad multi-asset class investment opportunities for clients.
Conserving principle and creating a total return on your investments often happens through a combination of income, capital appreciation, and interest income. This formula can help achieve success in investing. Let’s Sum It Up Investing can be a difficult task, but with the right investment advisor as your guide, the right plan, and a disciplined approach, the prudent investor can increase his or her chances of successful investing. Remember through Asset Allocation we can create an investment portfolio strategy that seeks to balance risk versus reward according to the investor’s risk tolerance, goals, and investment time horizon. At Woodlands Portfolio management we believe in being conservative, disciplined and different. For a complimentary portfolio analysis or free 401k rebalancing, contact us at (832) 647-9590 or via email: johnr@wpminvest.com. Advisory Services provided through PKS Advisory Services LLC. Firm is an SEC registered investment advisor headquartered at 18 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211. Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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Cq E hu a inngee L a w
Horse Sense: The Basics of Equine Contracts By Jill R. Elsey
H
ow easily we forget that horses should be handled with business sense. An equine contract is a legally binding agreement between parties to do or not do something. People enter into contracts for many reasons, including purchasing equipment, taking lessons, insuring horses, or entering into buy/sell agreements. A horseperson should have a good understanding of contract law, therefore, to succeed in any transaction. As an initial matter, there are several factors to consider to determine whether a contract has been made. Each contract must include an offer, an acceptance, and consideration for the contract. Once a contract has been created, it must be determined if there are any issues that call into question its validity. Finally, if there has been a breach of the contract, there is a question of whether damages have occurred. Important details Related Contracts:
for
Equine-
1. Name the right parties. You need to confirm that the parties listed have authority to sign the contract. If you are dealing with an agent, speak with the owner directly or ask for something in writing from the owner stating that the agent has authority. If a trainer is a sole-proprietor or part of an entity, it should be noted in the signature block. Some examples might include: a) John Trainer, d/b/a Stoneridge Farm; b) Jane Trainer, General Partner of Texas Show Horses, a Texas General Partnership, On Behalf of the Partnership; c) Jane Trainer, President, Texas Show Horses LLC. 2. Name and describe the horse involved. A name is not enough, because horses’ names change. The description should include a physical description, age, sex, and breed or association registration numbers. 3. Include the Texas Equine Liability Act language. Obviously this language
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
should be typed into your liability waivers, but include it in your sales contract as well. 4. Inform yourself about other nonequine laws that effect the transaction. To name just a couple that might affect horse transactions: a) Texas lien laws (e.g., the agister’s/stableman’s lien); b) Sales Tax. We do not pay sales tax on horses in the state of Texas, but other states have different requirements. For instance, California generally does require sales tax to be paid on horses, but not on racehorses used as breeding stock; and c) Repossession and trespassing laws in case you need to get your horse back. 5. Specify how the contract can be changed in the future. You do not want the other side claiming that the contract was somehow verbally changed or cancelled. If the contract states that amendments must be in writing, then make sure they are in writing.
6. Specify options for ways to resolve disputes. Arbitration and mediation are two ways of resolving disputes that can be cheaper and quicker than taking a lawsuit to trial. 7. Make insurance part of the contract. Insurance policies exist for leases, travel (one-trip policies), boarding, breeding, etc. Insurance also exists to cover liability. Talk with an experienced equine insurance agent about gaining the right type of coverage. Discuss what policies exist for your transaction. Does the trainer have coverage? Does the horse have coverage? Does the rider have his or her own medical coverage? 8. Consider who will pay attorney fees if a dispute arises. The United States does not have an automatic “loser pays” policy for legal disputes. However, you can add this to your contract. 9. Read your contacts carefully. If you
do not understand a provision or a provision does not apply to your situation, then change it or cross it out with your initials. Make sure that the
1. A written contract can be a reminder for what the parties each need to get done—just like a to-do list. 2. The mere process of drafting, reading, and agreeing to the contract can promote communication and honesty. Maybe the seller or buyer had not thought of a particular situation or topic until they decided to draft a contract. 3. The contract reminds both parties of what they intended in the deal. (Of course, you need to make sure that the contract is what you intend. As mentioned, if it is incorrect, you need to change it.) 4. The price of drafting a contract is much less than the price of a lawsuit. Are verbal agreements enforceable in the state of Texas? Yes. However, it will be expensive and time-consuming for you give your story in court and to drag all of your witnesses in front of the judge or jury to give their stories. This matter becomes a “he said/she said” dispute in court, and the question becomes who to believe.
contract on paper correctly represents the transaction. Common Mistakes that lead to Disputes Mistake 1: Doing business on a handshake, with nothing in writing The top four reasons people give for not having a contract: 1. He/she is a good friend. 2. He/she is experienced and has been in the business a long time. 3. Contracts drafted by lawyers are too expensive. 4. We talked about the deal. A contract would just complicate it. Avoid problems by using a well-written contract. Here are just a few reasons for having a written contract:
Mistake 2: Not having the right adult signature. Avoid this by obtaining the signature from the right adult. Contracts signed by minors (anyone under 18 years of age) are not valid unless they involve necessities of life. Even if the teenager drives him/herself to the barn, is close to legal age, and is mostly independent, you must still have at least one of his or her parents’ or legal guardians’ signature. Furthermore, the signature of a baby-sitter, neighbor, friend, or other relative is not legally adequate. Mistake 3: Using Forms. Avoid this by using forms only as a starting-point. Ready-to-use forms can be found free and quick. Unfortunately, they are risky. Forms can be a good start, if they are read and changed appropriately. The “one-size-fits-all” theory does not apply to contracts because each horse deal is specific to the people, the horse, the timing, the
location, etc. Forms should be used as examples of what factors to consider. Make sure that you read every contract, and that each sentence makes sense to you and applies to your transaction. If a breach occurs, the type and amount of damages due to a party when there is a contract breach depend on many factors, including which party breached the contract, what damages were incurred, what the contract states with re-
“A written contract can be a reminder for what the parties each need to get done.” gard to damages, whether the breach was material, and the subject matter of the contract. When a person is harmed by a breach, courts usually award only foreseeable damages. Foreseeable damages are those damages that the parties anticipated or should have anticipated at the time the contract was formed. Details really can make all the difference between a contract’s success or failure. Your friends and your horse trainer can give useful advice. Make sure that you ask questions or seek legal advice if you do not understand something. Once you are sure the contract is ready, have your legal aid read over the document before signing just to tie up all loose ends. If everything is very concise, then the contract should be beneficial for all involved.
Bio:
Attorney Jill R. Elsey, is a life-long equestrian and equine lawyer. For more information, call (713) 974-9376 or visit www. elseyequinelaw.com. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview and should not be taken as legal advice. Every factual situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your matters in detail.
Show & Tell Magazine | Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2011
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ICnh t ah neg eN e w s
Wentz Wins USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships By Helen Murray, edited USEF Press Release
T
he top Para-Equestrian Dressage competitors in the U.S. produced quality performances on the third and final day of the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Na-
an Dressage National Championships in Saugerties, N.Y., after executing a smooth test in Grade 1b competition. Wentz (Richardson, TX) and Kai Handt’s consistent gelding demon-
London Paralympics since he was 12 years old. He believes this weekend’s performance has set him up perfectly to achieve this goal. “This weekend was great in preparing me for the pressure of next year,” Wentz said. For Wentz, being crowned 2011 National Champion was especially meaningful as he has watched Rebecca Hart, third place finisher and his teammate on the Kentucky Equine Research U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, collect the honor on numerous occasions. “This is great. I grew up watching Becca, so this is really amazing,” he said.
Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall 2011/USPEA photo
Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale emerged with the top-placing score in Saugerties, N.Y. tional Championships. With the standings incredibly close after the first two days of competition, the top spot was up for the taking as riders across the five different grades vied to be crowned the National Champion. All riders performed the Individual Championship Test in their respective grade (athletes are graded based on the severity of their disability). These scores counted for the remaining 40% of the Championship score (Friday’s Team Test counted for 40%; the Freestyle performed Saturday was worth 20% of the cumulative score). Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale emerged with the top-placing score in the 2011 USEF Para-Equestri-
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
strated a powerful medium trot and solid transitions to earn a 71.812% in the Individual Championship Test. Wentz knew he would need to produce a flawless test to claim the National Championship.
The future of Para-Equestrian Dressage looks bright as both Hart and Wentz are under 28 years old and already have vast Championship experience. The U.S. took a step forward in qualifying for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London by collecting the winners spoils in the FEI Team Competition at the Saugerties CPEDI3*. The U.S. team composed of Wentz, Hart, Mary Jordan riding Sebastian, and Wendy Fryke and Lateran, topped Canada.
Reining Show Added to Great Southwest Roster By Sean Brown
“Going into to today we knew one mistake would cost us the competition,” he said. “So the goal was no mistakes.” The 20-year-old was able to do just that as he finished with a Championship score of 71.531. Wentz, who has been riding NTEC Richter Scale for two years, including representing the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, has had his sights set on representing the U.S. at the
G
reat Southwest Equestrian Center recently received approval for the Great Southwest Summer Slide reining competition, to be held June 1-3, 2012. Four reining events are now slated for 2012, including the Great Southwest Great Escape Winter Slide in March, the National Reining Breeders’ Classic in April, and the Great Southwest East Meets West Fall Slide in October.
NATIONAL REINING BREEDERS CLASSIC APRIL 16-27, 2012 GREAT SOUTHWEST SUMMER SLIDE JUNE 1-3, 2012 GREAT SOUTHWEST EAST MEETS WEST FALL SLIDE OCTOBER 5-7, 2012
w w w .GSWEC. co m
REINING 2012
GREAT SOUTHWEST GREAT ESCAPE WINTER SLIDE MARCH 2-4, 2012
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Ch M ra . n Eg d e’ s L i s t
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
INSURANCE
We are proud to be part of the design team working to enhance the Great Southwest Equestrian Center
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For Those Who Live and Ride Well
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo by Kelly McChesney
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281-346-2667 Fax 281-533-9116 P.O Box 520 Simonton, Texas 77476
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We are proud to announce OTTO Sport International
THE OFFICIAL ARENA FOOTING PROVIDER For Great Southwest Equestrian Center
Otto Sport- und Reitplatz GmbH of Germany will be the official footing supplier of Great Southwest’s arenas. The patented OTTO Perforated Mats and meticulously blended footing mixture boast high water permeability, outstanding concussion absorption, and non-slip properties to protect horses to the fullest. Otto Sport is a family-run company with more than 25 years experience in arena construction. The company has provided more than 5,000 installations in arenas throughout the world, including the stadiums and arenas at the Kentucky Horse Park, host of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. 43
For Those Who Live and Ride Well